Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrum Research Articles

Optimization, Production, and characterization of cottonseed methyl ester based on Box-Behnken in response surface design and gas Chromatography-Mass spectrum analysis

Renewable energy sources have a significant approach to eco-friendly systems with economically cost-effective and efficient use of biodiesel. The creation of innovative catalysts is attracting the attention and concern of the chemical and manufacturing sectors to be used in the production of biodiesel. The main objective of this work is to produce the optimum biodiesel yield using BBD design and the base-catalyzed method. The production of biodiesel was achieved through experimental investigation (alkali-catalyzed transesterification) and optimized using the BBD design method.The most important parameters such as methanol to oil ratios, KOH as catalysts, and reaction times were provided with variable conditions. The variation of methanol to oil ratios has significant relationships and is highly correlated in findings. The physicochemical properties of cottonseed biodiesel were carried out according to ASTM and EN standards. The maximum yield was achieved at 96.708 at a molar ratio of 6:1, reaction time of 60 min, and catalyst concentration of 1 wt%. The strong correlation between actual and predicted values of COSME was analyzed using ANOVA variances. The F-value and P-value validated the outcomes of produced biodiesel having a model value of 43.68 and 0.00, respectively. The coefficient of determinations and adjusted R2 of CSOME were achieved at 98.7% and 98.6%, respectively. The gas chromatogram mass spectrum analysis was also obtained to identify the acid profile present in COSME. The major percentage of ester available in COSME has been determined using GC–MS analysis and presented by its weight percentages. The main esters have been including myristic acid methyl ester (1.7%), palmitic acid methyl ester (26.65%), methyl 9-cis,11-trans-octadecadienoate(44.05%), ethyl 9. Cis.11.trans octadecadienoate(9.67%), methyl 20-methyl-heneicosanoate(6.83%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester(1.93%), and Pentacosanoic acid, methyl ester(7.14%).

Effect of jujube powder addition on the aroma profile of quinoa snacks (QS)

AbstractQuinoa is a full‐nutrition food; however, its poor flavor and small size make it not the best food option for direct consumption. In this study, a quinoa snack (QS, a cake) was developed, and the aroma profile of the products was improved by adding jujube fruit powder (made from dried jujube fruits, from 5% to 30%). Gas chromatography mass spectrum (GC–MS) combined with electronic nose (e‐nose) was applied for characterizing the aroma profiles of QS samples. Results showed a total of 26 aroma compounds were identified in QS samples by GC–MS, and 3‐methylbutanol (from 1525 μg/kg in QS‐30 to 3487 μg/kg in QS‐0), ethanol (from 1126 μg/kg in QS‐0 to 3581 μg/kg in QS‐30), hexanal (from 125.6 μg/kg in QS‐30 to 984.1 μg/kg in QS‐0), and acetaldehyde (from 531.9 μg/kg in QS‐30 to 191.1 μg/kg in QS‐0) were common. The e‐nose response of W1S (sensitive to methane, from 17.50 of QS‐0 to 93.85 of QS‐30) and W1W (sensitive to sulfur‐organic compounds of e‐nose, from 15.57 of QS‐0 to 39.50 of QS‐30) were significantly higher, and significant differences were presented among QS samples. In conclusion, the aroma profile of the QS sample was significantly (p < .05) enhanced by the addition of jujube powder, and QS‐30 with the highest jujube content (30%) presented the strongest aroma profile. Moreover, QS samples with different additions of jujube powders could be well distinguished by principal component analysis (PCA), and the combination of e‐nose and GC–MS was effective in the volatile profile analysis of QS samples.

Assessment of the chemical profile and potential biocontrol of Amphora coffeaeformis against foodborne pathogens and Culex pipiens L. to ensure food safety

AbstractThe extensive use of synthetic antibiotics and insecticides in controlling microbes and insect spreads led to a build‐up of resistance strains and caused negative impacts on human health through bioaccumulation in food and the environment. The present study assessed the antimicrobial activity of Amphora coffeaeformis (A. coffeaeformis) ethanolic extract against foodborne pathogenic microbes as well as assessed its ability to control Culex pipiens L. (C. pipiens) larvae. The gas chromatography–mass spectrum (GC/MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that A. coffeaeformis extract was rich with phenolic compounds, organosulfur compounds, carboxylic acids, amino acids, organic quinoline, dipeptide and monosaccharide. The extract of A. coffeaeformis showed antibacterial capability against all tested bacteria, with minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) values ranging from 20.2 to 66.7 g/mL, as well as antifungal effects against all tested mycotoxigenic fungi, with MIC values ranging from 113.62, 68.95 and 49.37 μg/mL mg/mL. Furthermore, the extract showed high larvicidal activity against C. pipiens larvae at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. LC50 values decreased gradually with the treatment period. Likewise, the adult emergence and growth index were significantly negatively related to increasing extract concentrations. Moreover, the extract exhibited a noteworthy depletion in the reproductive potential and increased sterility index of C. pipiens females developed of treated larvae. Besides a reduction in egg hatching percent, increase pupal malformations, increase and adult abnormalities. C. pipiens biochemical markers; glutathione‐S‐transferase, carboxylesterase, acetylcholinesterase, α‐esterase and cytochrome P‐450 showed significant alteration after the extract exposure. Overall, these findings promise the application possibility of A. coffeaeformis extract as a biopreservator against foodborne pathogens and as bioinsecticides for mosquito control as well.

Extraction of <i>trans</i>-Anethole from Star Anise (<i>Illicium verum</i>) Using Combination of Microwave, Ultrasonic, and Enzyme Assisted Methods and Evaluation of Their Antibacterial Activity

This study examines the efficiency of non-conventional extraction methods to obtain trans-anethole from Illicium verum using single and combination extraction techniques: microwave assisted extraction (MAE), ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), and enzyme assisted extraction (EAE) employing lipase from Aspergillus oryzae. All extraction methods were conducted using 96% ethanol (1:5 w/v) with varying time durations. The resulting product was an oleoresin, subsequently analyzed and separated using thin liquid chromatography (TLC) and column chromatography employing a solvent mixture of toluene and ethyl acetate in a 9:1 ratio and identified via gas chromatography-mass spectra (GC-MS). The results revealed that trans-anethole yields from a single extraction method were 30.76% (MAE), 41.05% (UAE), and 40.90% (EAE). The combination of extraction methods, such as MAE-UAE, MAE-EAE, and UAE-EAE, produced trans-anethole yields of approximately 42.73%, 52.80%, and 45.02% respectively, surpassing the yields of the single extraction method. Notably, the triple extraction method of MAE-UAE-EAE yielded the highest trans-anethole content at 56.00%. Antibacterial testing against Staphylococcus aureus was performed on all samples. The trans-anethole demonstrating the highest inhibitory effect was obtained from the double extraction method, particularly the combination of UAE-EAE. These results underscore the synergistic efficiency of combining microwave, ultrasound, and enzymatic extraction methods, highlighting their superior efficacy in obtaining trans-anethole.

Caralluma pauciflora based Ag-NPs activate ROS - induced apoptosis through down-regulation of AKT, mTOR and pI3K signaling in human gastric cancer (AGS) cells

The phytochemicals found in Caralluma pauciflora were studied for their ability to reduce silver nitrate in order to synthesise silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and characterise their size and crystal structure. Thunbergol, 1,1,6-trimethyl-3-methylene-2-(3,6,9,13-tetram, Methyl nonadecanoate, Methyl cis-13,16-Docosadienate, and (1R,4aR,5S)-5-[(E)-5-Hydroxy-3-methylpent were the major compounds identified in the methanol extract by gas chromatography–mass spectrum analysis. UV/Vis spectra, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope with Energy Dispersive X‐ray Analysis (EDAX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) particle size analyser and atomic force microscope (AfM) were used to characterise the Caralluma pauciflora plant extract-based AgNPs. The crystal structure and estimated size of the AgNPs ranged from 20.2 to 43 nm, according to the characterization data. The anti-cancer activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesised from Caralluma pauciflora extract. The AgNPs inhibited more than 60% of the AGS cell lines and had an IC50 value of 10.9640.318 g, according to the findings. The cells were further examined using fluorescence microscopy, which revealed that the AgNPs triggered apoptosis in the cells. Furthermore, the researchers looked at the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells treated with AgNPs and discovered that the existence of ROS was indicated by green fluorescence. Finally, apoptotic gene mRNA expression analysis revealed that three target proteins (AKT, mTOR, and pI3K) were downregulated following AgNP therapy. Overall, the findings imply that AgNPs synthesised from Caralluma pauciflora extract could be used to treat human gastric cancer.

Biodiversity and suppression of wood-decaying fungi in marine environment, Alexandria, Egypt by selected natural products: Control the fungal growth/contamination

The current study investigated the biodiversity and control of wood-decaying fungi isolated from marine environment, at Alexandria, Egypt. The fungal growth was in vitro control via selected plant natural products (seaweeds and aromatic herbs). Among 45 marine fungal isolates from decaying-wood samples were detected. At 85% similarity level, 5 clusters (A, B, C, D, and E) were obtained. According to numerical classification, one strain from each cluster was identified based on the sequences of ITS-PCR. The species level because their best matched references from BLAST search were higher than 96% of similarities with ITS sequences obtained from GenBank (four Aspergillus and one Penicillium species as the most abundant isolates). Additionally, the enzymatic action of cellulase, amylase, protease, and lipase was detected by fungal isolates. The highest enzymatic degradation coefficient (EDC) was of 1.38 for lipase secreted by P. chrysogenum strain HGM3. Only three strains (A. sydowi strain HGM1, P. chrysogenum strain HGM3 and A. amstelodami strain HGM5) produced cellulase enzyme with EDC value (1.075, 1.27 and 1.08), respectively. Moreover, the methanolic extracts of Ulva lactuca and Corallina officinalis collected from the Egyptian coasts besides aromatic plant; Salvia. officinalis purchased from herbal market were qualitatively analyzed using Gas chromatographic mass spectra. Various organic crude extracts exhibited that there were different types of high and low molecular weight bioactive compounds. Most of them are basically biologically important. Thus the identification of a good number of compounds in various crude extracts of seaweeds and herbal plants might have potent ecological role.

Chemotaxonomy Significant in Delimitation of Six Taxa of Euphorbia L. in Iraq

Six taxa of Euphorbia L. (E. hirta L., E. milii var. milii, E. milii cv. White, E. prostrata Aiton, E. hypericifolia L. and E. serpens Kunth) collected from different location in Baghdad were extracted and the phytochemical screening of hexane crude extracts of six taxa of Euphorbia revealed that the most distributed phytochemical compounds were saponins in all taxa except E. prostrata, however, alkaloids have been reported in E. hypericifolia, E. milii cv. White and E. milii var. milii, on the other hand, glycosides have been stated in E. prostrata and E. serpens. Flavonoids and phenols have been noticed in E. serpens only, while terpenes and tannins found in E. prostata and E. hirta respectively. However, the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum of methanol extract of six taxa of Euphorbia analysis explained the presence of twenty seven different chemical compounds and two new terpenoids (trans-Geranylgeraniol and Squalene) from E. milii cv. White. Agglomerative Hierarchical cluster analysis (AHC) stated close chemical relations between all the studied species, the first group comprises E. hirta and E. hypericifolia showed close relationship due to the presence of natural compounds as fatty acids, esters and aromatic alcohols However, E. prostata and E. serpens were close correlated in one group together which characterized by presence of phenols, esters and fatty acids. The anthor group contains E. milli var. milli and E. milli cv. White characterized by the abundance of di- and tri-terpenoids in addition to other natural chemical products.

Lowering polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in vegetable oil deodorizer distillates and enhancing its utilization by graphene composites

Vegetable oil deodorizer distillates (VODDs), which are the main source of natural tocopherol, are easily contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and pose health threats to human beings. To remove 16 priority-control PAHs in VODD, three graphene (GR) composites, including TiO2-GR, sepiolite-GR and Fe3O4-GR, were prepared. PAH concentrations and removal rates were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS). Additionally, density functional theory (DFT) calculation was conducted to simulate and illustrate PAH adsorption on GR composites. The results indicated that the highest BaP removal rate was given to TiO2-GR with 90.37 ± 3.23 % after 2 h in standard solution. The adsorption followed the pseudo-first order kinetic, with the constant of −0.0141. In contrast, 61.62 ± 7.88 % total PAHs were removed in VODD using TiO2-GR. Moreover, DFT calculation verified that the strongest adsorption effect occurred between TiO2-GR and PAHs, with the adsorption energy of −2.69 eV. Additionally, GR composite morphology would be changed when LPAH concentrations are higher than 30 μg kg-1. The results also indicated the retention rates tocopherol ranged from 91.91 ± 1.92 % to 99.22 ± 0.88 %. This study firstly provides a useful tool for PAH removal in VODDs while retaining tocopherol. Moreover, it will increase the understanding of adsorption process between PAHs and GR composites.

Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibiofilm, and Antiquorum Sensing Potential of Methanol Extract and Essential Oil from Acanthus polystachyus Delile (Acanthaceae).

The evolution of microbes in response to conventional antimicrobials leads to antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug resistance (MDR), and it is a global threat to public health. Natural products are possible solutions to this massive challenge. In this study, the potential of Acanthus polystachyus extracts was investigated for phytochemical composition and biological properties as antimicrobials. Gas chromatography-mass spectra (GC-MS) analysis of methanol extract (ME) and essential oil (EO) detected 79 and 20 compounds, respectively. The major compounds identified in ME and their abundance were β-sitosterol acetate (16.06%), cholest-5-en-3-yl (9Z)-9-octadecenoate (9.54%), 1-dodecanol (7.57%), (S)-(E)-(-)-4-acetoxy-1-phenyl-2-dodecen-1-one (6.03%), neophytadiene (5.7%), (E)-2-nonadecene (3.9%), hexanol-4-D2 (2.92%), and decane (2.4%). Most compounds have known bioactive functions. In EO, the major compounds were stearyl alcohol (25.38%); cis-9-tetradecenoic acid, isobutyl ester (22.95%); butyl 9-tetradecenoate (10.62%); 11,13-dimethyl-12-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (10.14%); ginsenol (3.48%); and diisooctyl phthalate (2.54%). All compounds are known to be bioactive. The antioxidant activity of ME and EO ranged from 48.3 to 84.2% radical scavenging activity (RSA) and 45.6 to 82% RSA, respectively, with dose dependency. The disc diffusion assay for the antimicrobial activity of ME revealed high inhibition against Acenetobacter baumannii (130.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (100.3%), and Staphylococcus aureus (87.7%). The MIC, MBC/MFC, and MBIC values for ME were 0.5-1.0, 2-4, and 0.5-1.0 mg/mL and for EO were 0.31-0.62, 1.25-2.5, and 0.31-0.62 μL/mL, respectively, indicating inhibition potential as well as inhibition of biofilm formation. The tolerance test values indicated bactericidal activity against most strains and bacteriostatic/fungistatic activity against A. baumannii, E. faecalis, and C. albicans. The antiquorum sensing activity of ME achieved by pyocyanin inhibition assay on P. aeruginosa showed a 51.6% inhibition at 500 μg/mL. These results suggest that ME and EO derived from A. polystachyus leaves are potent, valuable, cost-effective antioxidants and antimicrobials. Both extracts may effectively combat pathogenic and resistant microbes.

Extraction of Natural Pigment Curcumin from Curcuma Longa: Spectral, DFT, Third-order Nonlinear Optical and Optical Limiting Study.

Herein, we report the extraction of natural pigment curcumin from curcuma longa and their linear and third-order nonlinear optical (NLO) characteristics. The characterization techniques viz., UV-Visible absorption, FT-IR, Micro Raman and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrum (GC-MS) are used to study the spectral characteristics of curcumin.Third-order NLO features of curcumin are studied using Z‒scan technique with a semiconductor diode laser working at 405nm wavelength. The natural pigment exhibits negative nonlinear index of refraction resulting from self-defocusing and positive coefficient of absorption is the consequence of reverse saturable absorption (RSA). The order of nonlinear index of refraction (n2) and nonlinear coefficient of absorption (β) is measured to be 10-7 cm2/W and 10-2cm/W, respectively. Third-order NLO susceptibility (χ(3)) and second-order hyperpolarizability (γ) of curcumin is measured to be 2.73 × 10‒7 esu and 1.67 × 10‒31 esu, respectively. A low optical limiting (OL) threshold of 0.71 mW is observed in the extracted pigment. The experimental results are supplemented by quantum mechanical calculations of the NLO parameters. The overall result finding is that curcumin extracted from curcuma longa has the potential to be novel optical candidates for photonics and optoelectronics applications.

Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Cucurbita Maxima Leaf Extract Against Streptococcus Mutans Isolated from Orthodontic Patients

Aim The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and anti-biofilm activity of Cucurbita Maxima leaf extract on Streptococcus mutans isolated from dental plaque of subjects undergoing orthodontic treatment. Methodology Dental plaque samples were collected from out patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. From the plaque samples Biochemical Characterisation of Streptococcus mutans then Collection of Medicinal Plants was done followed by Preparation of Solvent Extract and stock Solution. Evaluation of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the plant extract and Biofilm Inhibition Assay with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum Analysis (GCMS) was carried out. Results The MIC was identified to be 1.25mg/ml. The biofilm inhibition assay showed that the extract did not inhibit the formation of the biofilm. The GCMS analysis identified twenty five constituent compounds from the crude extract. Conclusion The C. maxima leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against S. mutans and the minimum inhibitory concentration was identified at 1.25mg/ml. The extract did not inhibit the formation of biofilm.

Chemical analysis of novel ginger and Hibiscus sabdariffa bio-preserved tomato powder

Background: Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.) are widely consumed vegetables globally, and are well known for their nutrients and economic value. This research aimed to create a tomato powder with improved nutraceutical benefits based on its ingredients. Methods: Fresh tomatoes, ginger, and dried hibiscus calyx were obtained and dehydrated at 45°C for 10 hours, 8 hours, and 1 hour and 30 minutes respectively. Proximate, elemental, phytochemical, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GCMS) analysis of the tomato powder mix were determined using standard methods.Results: The proximate analysis revealed constituents of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, ash, fiber, and moisture as 65, 5, 10, 1, 7, and 12 % respectively. The GCMS also revealed 36 classes of compounds with different retention times. The most prominent peak is oleic acid with an RT value of 20.9. The fiber content of the tomato powder mix was higher than what is obtainable in fresh tomatoes. Bioactive compounds like stigmasterol (5.25%), oleic acids (49.11%), n-hexadecenoic acid (26.58%), campesterol (2.72%), and octadecanoic acid (6.8%) are notably present with lycopene (135.745 mg/100 grams). Conclusion:The tomato powder mix is nutrient-packed and non-toxic. The bioactive components are known as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular health enhancers, etc showing the possible use of the powder as a functional food.Keywords: Tomatoes powder, bioactive compounds, functional foods, dehydration

Potential Antibacterial Activity of Milkfish (Chanos chanos) Bile Extract against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Fish is one of the popular health foods worldwide and has a huge medicinal importance. Several traditional medicinal practitioners claimed that bile content of fresh water fish may useful as antibiotic. Therefore, the present work was undertaken to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the bile content of Milkfish (Chanos chanos). The study manifested that the Milkfish bile extract was partially active against partially active on S. aureus and inactive on E. coli. There were no significant differences on the antibacterial activity among the three concentrations of Milkfish bile extract and the control drug against the two bacterial pathogens (E. coli and S. aureus). The results of this study have shown that bile contains some substances that can exert inhibitory effect on bacteria hence can be employed in the treatment of diseases caused by these groups of bacterial pathogens. To provide a more conclusive and convincing claim on the effect of Milkfish bile extract, it is recommended that Quantitative analysis be conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrum of the bile extract to accurately measure the different components; Further research studies can be continued to discover other wonder properties of this fish in promoting good health as an alternative medicine; and the use of other fishes may be investigated to determine the presence of bioactive components.

2D hydroxylated MXene (OH-MXene)/RGO composites modification toward superior electrocatalytic degradation of paracetamol

The MXene precursor was adjusted with a combination of –OH grafting and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) via alkalization and hydrothermal method to improve the electrocatalytic performance. The as-prepared hydroxylated MXene (OH-MXene)/RGO composites possess maximum 100 % paracetamol (APAP) degradation efficiency under an applied current of 15 mA, temperature of 25 °C, and electrolyte of 1 g/L NaCl. All characterization and experiment results showed that the grafting of –OH groups into MXene could access the active site of Ti-OH, strengthen the linking of OH-MXene and RGO layers (as C-Ti-Ox), accelerate the free electrons transfer from OH-MXene to RGO; thus, enhancing the catalytic activity of OH-MXene/RGO composites. Then, •OH, 1O2, O2•−, and active chlorine were determined as secondary active species in the solution, which dominated the APAP degradation. Three degradation pathways of APAP were further proven by gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC–MS) with cleavage of N-branched chain and benzene rings. In addition, the superior and stable performance of OH-MG-15h under various operation conditions confirmed the application perspective of self-prepared material. The research not only provides feasible methods for MXene adjustment and electrocatalytic activity improvement but also proves its possibility for environmental application.

Metabolomics-guided identification of compounds with antibacterial and antioxidant activities from Polygonatum sibiricum-derived endophytic fungi

BackgroundInfections caused by multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens have been recognized as major global healthcare threat to medicinal, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries by World Health Organization. In this regard, the present study was aimed to isolate endophytes from medicinal plant Polygonatum sibiricum (P. sibiricum) and to investigate their antibacterial efficacy, radical scavenging ability and chemical fingerprinting using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrum (GC–MS) analysis.ResultsTwo endophytic fungi Talaromyces assiutensis HJ.14 (T. assiutensis) and Fusarium oxysporum HJ.15 (F. oxysporum) were isolated and identified from the rhizomes of P. sibiricum. Among the extracts screened, ethyl acetate extract of F. oxysporum HJ.15 showed maximum antibacterial activity with the zones of inhibition ranging from 10.98 ± 0.19 to 15.66 ± 1.49 mm and the MIC values ranging from 0.24 to 1.88 µg/mL against the tested bacterial pathogens. In addition, it showed significant antioxidant activity with EC50 values of 6.21–17.97 µg/mL. Further, GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of propanoic acid ethyl ester, hexadecanoic acid methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid ethyl ester, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-methyl ester, 1-Octanol, 2-Undecenal, butanoic acid, 3-hydroxy- and hexanoic acid were the most abundant compounds in the active crude extract which was responsible for the significant antibacterial and antioxidant properties.ConclusionsIn summary, our results clearly suggest that the F. oxysporum HJ.15 will be a promising starting point for the isolation of active antibacterial compounds with antioxidant properties.

Biodiesel production from a novel renewable source through the ultrasound-assisted transesterification process, using energy efficient nanocatalyst developed from waste material

The depletion of fossil fuels created a thrust for an alternative renewable energy source, which could involve sustainable energy formation and cost-reducing catalysts. The catalyst derived from the waste material, specifically a heterogenous nanocatalyst, could economically add value to the process. In this study, a novel microbial strain, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa strain SML (RM-SML), was used as a source of oil for biodiesel production. The nanocatalyst developed from the Central Avian Research Institute – Broiler (CARIB) breed eggshell was used as a catalyst for transesterification, increasing the sustainability and economic viability of the process. RM-SML yielded 68.79 % of oil to its total dry cell biomass. The calcium carbonate-rich CARIB breed eggshell was calcinated in this study to synthesize a highly dynamic heterogeneous CARIB breed eggshell nanocatalyst (CBESNC). The calcination process parameters involved in the nanocatalyst synthesis were optimized using response surface methodology, yielding a maximum calcium oxide of 38.827 %. The synthesized CBESNC was characterized for its size by scanning electron microscopy imaging and its crystallographic nature by X-ray diffraction analysis. CBESNC was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the ultrasonic-assisted transesterification of RM-SML bio-oil. The effect of the CBESNC in RM-SML bio-oil transesterification was studied and optimized using the response surface methodology, which yielded a maximum biodiesel conversion of 98.33 %. The prediction model in optimization studies was found to fit with the process and was validated experimentally. RM-SML biodiesel was studied for its physicochemical properties and found to meet American Society for Testing and Materials biodiesel standards. It was further confirmed with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum analysis. The energy analysis results proved the commercialization feasibility of the study.

Unraveling the Variability of Essential Oil Composition in Different Accessions of Bunium persicum Collected from Different Temperate Micro-Climates

The present investigation was performed to evaluate the variability of the essential oil composition present in the seed extract of Kala zeera (Bunium persicum Bioss.) obtained from different geographical zones of Northwestern-Himalayan using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrum (GC-MS). The results of the GC-MS analysis revealed significant differences in the essential oil content. Significant variability was observed in the chemical constituents of the essential oils mainly for p-cymene, D-limonene, Gamma-terpinene, Cumic aldehyde and 1, 4-p-menthadien-7-al. Among these compounds, the highest average percentage across the locations was observed for gamma-terpinene (32.08%) which was followed by cumic aldehyde (25.07%), and 1, 4-p-menthadien-7-al (15.45%). Principal component analysis (PCA) also grouped the 4 highly significant compounds i.e., p-Cymene, Gamma-Terpinene, Cumic aldehyde, and 1,4-p-Menthadien-7-al into same cluster which are mainly distributed in Shalimar Kalazeera-1, and Atholi Kishtwar zones. The highest value of gamma-terpinene was recorded in Atholi accession (40.66%). However, among climatic zones Zabarwan Srinagar and Shalimar Kalazeera-1 was found to have highly positive significant correlation (0.99). The cophenetic correlation coefficient (c) was found to be 0.8334 during hierarchical clustering for 12 essential oil compounds showing that our results are highly correlated. Network analysis also showed the overlapping pattern and similar interaction between the 12 compounds as shown by hierarchical clustering analysis. From the results, it could be concluded that existence of variability among the various bioactive compounds of B. persicum which are probably to be incorporated to the potential list of drugs and may serve as good genetic source for various modern breeding programs.

Phytochemical composition, in vitro antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory properties of Celosia leptostachya

Plant based phytoconstituents of great importance in the development of drugs and treatment of several health diseases.In this study, the phytochemical constituents of ethanol extract of Celosia leptostachya leaves, invitro antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory properties were investigated. Gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis was used to identify varying percentage composition of phytochemical constituents in the extract. In vitro models were used to evaluate the ability of varying concentrations of the ethanol extracts to exhibit antioxidant activity by free radical scavenging using nitric oxide (NO) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. Major constituents are cis-3-Butyl-4-vinyl-cyclo pentene n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) , Bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, 7,7-dimethyl-2-methylene, octadecanoic acid (7.47%), arachidonic acid and 9-octadecenoic acid (E) (5.40%). Many of the constituents are also representative compounds belonging to fatty acid esters and volatile oils. Invitro antioxidant studies using DPPH and NO radical scavenging activity indicated that the extract exhibited > 50% inhibition at concentrations of 500 µg/ml and 600 µg/ml. IC50 values obtained for the extracts indicated strong antioxidant activity. Alpha amylase inhibition showed that increase in concentration of the extract exhibited a corresponding increase in percentage inhibition of the enzyme similar to acarbose used as standard. The kinetic studies under inhibitory conditions showed a decrease in Km and Vmax from slope and noncompetitive. Thus, it can be deduced that ethanol extract of Celosia leptostachya leaves contained essential phytochemical components that can be explored for broad spectrum bioactivity, pharmacological and nutritional applications. The inhibition mechanism is noncompetitive and can be utilized as strategy in control and treatment of hyperglycemia.

Behavioural Response of Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Towards Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted from Eggplant Leaves

The whitefly Bemisia tabaci is considered one of the most destructive insect pests that can attack several vegetable crops worldwide. The behavior of choosing a host plant by whitefly can be significantly influenced by volatile organic compounds. The aim of this investigation is to identify and bioassay the volatile organic compounds emitted from uninfested and infested eggplant leaves with B. tabaci. The current study focuses on the interaction between whitefly and eggplant with the identification of volatile organic compounds emitted from leaves that were collected by headspace solid phase microextraction fiber and gas chromatography mass spectrum analyzed. Both uninfested and infested eggplant leaves released a total of 11 compounds. The amount of volatile organic compounds emitted from affected eggplant leaves by whitefly was higher than from uninfested eggplant leaves. Using a Y-shaped olfactometer bioassay, whitefly preferred to attract toward volatile emitted by eggplant leaves in both uninfested and infested eggplant leaves. Our results suggest these chemical compounds can play a key mediator in host finding behavior. The exploitation of one or more of these compounds can apply in an integrated management program of this pest as a lure in the sticky trap or manipulating insect behavior.

Mechanism of Magnolia Volatile Oil in the Treatment of Acute Pancreatitis Based on GC-MS, Network Pharmacology, and Molecular Docking.

Magnoliae officinalis cortex (MOC) is one of the most frequently used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of acute pancreatitis (AP). Magnolia volatile oil (MVO) is considered to be one of the main active ingredients in MOC for AP treatment. However, the underlying mechanism of MVO in AP therapy is unknown. An integrated strategy of gas chromatography-mass spectrum (GC-MS), network pharmacology, and molecular docking simulation was employed to predict underlying mechanism of MVO in AP treatment. First, the compounds of MVO were identified by GC-MS, and the targets of the identified characteristic compounds were collected from several databases, as well as AP-related targets. Next, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis were carried out to obtain the mechanism. Moreover, the binding activity between core therapeutic targets and their corresponding compounds was evaluated by molecular docking simulation. GC-MS results showed a total of 35 compounds that appeared in at least 18 out of 20 chromatograms were considered as characteristic compounds of MVO, and 33 compounds of those were identified. Network analysis demonstrated that 33 compounds regulated 142 AP-related targets. Of those, 8 compounds (α-eudesmol, γ-eudesmol, (-)-terpinen-4-ol, terpineol, hinesol, linalool, borneol, and β-eudesmol) and 8 targets (TNF, IL-1β, PPARγ, PPARα, PTGS2, NCOA1, CNR1, and ESR1) have a close relationship with AP treatment and were recognized as the key active compounds and the core therapeutic targets, respectively. The 142 targets were involved in both inflammation and calcium overload-related biological pathways, such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, estrogen, MAPK, and calcium signaling pathway. Moreover, molecular docking simulation indicated that the 8 core therapeutic targets strongly interacted with their corresponding compounds. In summary, the present study elucidated that the efficacy of MVO in AP treatment might be attributed to anti-inflammation and inhibition of calcium overload through multicomponents and multitargets.