GC-MS Analysis Research Articles

The influence of operational factors on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye in aqueous Sr-Au-ZnO suspensions under UV-A light

Any of several processes that break down dyes, ideally into harmless chemicals, is referred to as industrial dye degradation. Water waste discharges various colors, particularly those used in the textile industry like methyl red and methylene blue, into ecosystems, leading to significant pollution of the water supply. Under UV-A irradiation, the photocatalytic degradation of a commercial heterocyclic aromatic chemical molecule called methylene blue (MB) has been investigated using an aqueous solution of Sr-Au-ZnO as a photocatalyst. Research has been done on how different process characteristics affect the degradation process. For the mineralization of MB dye under UV-A light, it was found that the optimized Sr-Au-ZnO was more effective than commercial catalysts (ZnO and benchmark photocatalyst Degussa P25), single metal dopants (Sr-ZnO, Au-ZnO), and prepared ZnO. The effects of operational parameters, such as the quantity of photocatalyst, dye concentration, and starting pH, on the photo-mineralization of MB are analyzed before optimal values are given. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) measurements have confirmed that MB is mineralized. Using GC–MS analysis, the intermediates produced during photodegradation were predicted, and an appropriate degradation pathway was suggested. This procedure can be used for treating wastewater from sewage since optimized Sr-Au-ZnO is reusable.

Fabrication and characteristics of new quaternized chitosan nanocapsules loaded with thymol or thyme essential oil as effective SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors.

This research explores the potential of encapsulating thyme essential oil (TEO) and thymol (TH) into quaternized chitosan nanocapsules to combat SARS-CoV-2. Initially, the bioactive materials, TH and TEO, were extracted from Thymus vulgaris and then structurally and phytochemically characterized by spectral and GC-MS analyses. Meanwhile, O-quaternized ultrasonic-mediated deacetylated chitosan (QUCS) was successfully synthesized and characterized. Lastly, nanobiocomposites (NBCs; NBC1 and NBC2) were fabricated using QUCS as a scaffold to encapsulate either TEO or TH, with the mediation of Tween 80. By encapsulating these bioactive materials, we aim to enhance their efficacy and targeted delivery, bioavailability, stability, and anti-COVID properties. The new NBCs were structurally, morphologically, and physically characterized. Incorporating TEO or TH into QUCS significantly increased ZP values to ±53.1 mV for NBC1 and ±48.2 mV for NBC2, indicating superior colloidal stability. Interestingly, Tween 80-QUCS provided outstanding packing and release performance, with entrapment efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) values of 98.2% and 3.7% for NBC1 and 83.7% and 1.9% for NBC2. The findings of in vitro antiviral studies not only highlight the potential of these nanobiocomposites as potential candidates for anti-COVID therapies but also underscore their selectivity in targeting SARS-CoV-2.

Phytochemical screening and quantitative analysis, FTIR and GC-MS analysis of Costus pictus D. Don ex Lindl. Leaf extracts – A potential therapeutic herb

Many medicinal plants play an essential role in medicine to prevent diseases due to the presence of several active chemicals. An effective strategy to combat non-communicable disease epidemics has been to introduce bioactive compounds from natural sources. Costus pictus is a versatile species which have exhibited beneficial properties against a variety of diseases. Multiple bioactive substances found in C. pictus have properties that are hypolipidemic, anti-hypertension, and anti-diabetic. GC-MS profiling revealed that the presence of (1alpha,2beta,5alpha)-2,6,6-trimethyl bicyclo [3.1.1] heptane, (Z)-9-Octadecenoic acid methyl ester, 1,2,4-Benzenetricarboxylic acid,-dodecyl dimethyl ester, 1-Hexanol, 2-ethyl-, 2,4-bis(1,1-dimethyl ethyl)-phenol, 2-Methoxy-4-vinylphenol, Benzeneethanamine, D-delta-tocopherol, Hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, Methyl stearate, Phytol, and Phytol, acetate, β-Lapachone, 1,2,3-Propanetriol, 1-acetate, 2,6-Dihydroxynaphthalene, Benzene, (1- methyldodecyl)-, Curan-17-oic acid, 2,16-didehydro-20-hydroxy-, methyl ester, Phytol, (R)-(−)-(Z)-14-Methyl-8-hexadecen-1-ol, and Docosatrienoic acid and FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of identified chemical compounds in C. pictus. The current findings support the necessity for further scientific studies that are beneficial to human health and therapeutic potential.

Pseudomonas protegens ML15 and Trichoderma koningiopsis Tr21 co-culture: A potent strategy for suppressing Fusarium cerealis infections in wheat through augmented antifungal metabolite production

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a staple grain consumed worldwide, is heavily affected by Fusarium species, which cause harmful diseases that threaten its production. The present study was conducted to investigate the biocontrol activity of monocultures of Pseudomonas protegens ML15 and Trichoderma koningiopsis Tr21 as well as their co-culture, as a sustainable strategy to combat Fusarium cerealis. The cell-free supernatant and cell-free extract of co-culture demonstrated increased inhibitory effects against F. cerealis, compared to the monocultures. GC-MS analysis revealed that cell-free extract of P. protegens ML15, T. koningiopsis Tr21, and co-culture contained different bioactive metabolites. Pyrrolo[1,2-a]pyrazine-1,4-dione derivatives were major compounds in the cell-free extract of co-culture. Further analysis using NMR and HPLC, revealed that co-culture produced higher concentrations of pyoluteorin, 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, compared to their respective monocultures. In vivo plant experiments indicated that co-culture treatment reduced F. cerealis infection and improved wheat development. Our findings highlight the exciting potential of co-culturing P. protegens ML15 and T. koningiopsis Tr21 as a formidable biocontrol duo, particularly effective against notorious fungal plant pathogens like Fusarium. This innovative approach holds promise for revolutionizing agricultural practices, offering sustainable solutions to combat crop diseases, and ensuring global food security.

Synthesis, characterization, and kinetic approach of a polyvinyl chloride embedded-thiosemicarbazide sequestering agent for efficient uranium adsorption from aqueous solution

A new promising polyvinyl chloride embedded-thiosemicarbazide sequestering agent (PVC-TSC), was exploited to separate U(VI) from its water solution. Specifications for PVC-TSC were carried out efficaciously using respective performances such as BET, TGA, 1H NMR, SEM-EDX, 13C NMR, FT-IR, XPS, and GC–MS analyses, which assure a satisfactory synthesis. Variables like initial pH, agitation duration, temperature, starting U(VI) concentration, PVC-TSC dosage, co-existing ions, and eluting agents have all been fine-tuned by experimental optimization. In conditions of 298 K, pH 4.5, 30 min of agitation, and 0.63 × 10−3 mol/L uranium ions, the maximal sorption competence of PVC-TSC is 30 mg/g. Based on the adsorption-distribution isotherm estimation, the experimental value of 30.12 mg/g is similar to the theoretical value that Freundlich came up with. However, Langmuir's value is higher and more in line with the practical data. Modeling of the U(VI) kinetics adsorption by PVC-TSC yielded a theoretical retaining capacity of 29.66 mg/g for first-order (PFO) modeling and 32.051 mg/g for second-order (PSO) modeling, as suggested by a hybrid PFO and PSO kinetic model. By taking into account the thermodynamical factors ΔS° (−0.063 kJ/mol.K), ΔH° (−16.2 kJ/mol), and ΔG°, the adsorption evolution was anticipated to be exothermic, spontaneous, and best performed at down temperatures. From a cost perspective, eluting the loaded PVC-TSC composite with 0.5 M H2SO4 yields a 90 % efficiency rate for U(VI) ions.

Impact of Bioaugmentation on Treatment of Oily Sludge and Insights Based on GC-MS Analysis

Impact of Bioaugmentation on Treatment of Oily Sludge and Insights Based on GC-MS Analysis

Optimization and evaluation of biologically active compound with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties from peony seed meal

Peony seed meal is produced annually on a large scale in China, resulting in considerable solid residue. Unfortunately, most of this residue is discarded, thereby creating environmental pressure. However, the untapped medicinal value of peony seed meal prompted us to establish an efficient methodology for optimizing the extraction and purification of total alkaloid, followed by a detailed analysis of its biological activities. A single-factor experiment and an orthogonal test were used to identify the optimal extraction parameters. Then, further optimization was performed using the response surface methodology. The extract was enriched using D-101 macroporous adsorption resin. Subsequently, silica gel column chromatography was used for separation, and high-performance liquid chromatography was used for further separation and quantification. Meanwhile, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify alkaloid components. Finally, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory were evaluated. The optimal extraction conditions substantially improved the yield of alkaloids. A total of 15 alkaloids were separated. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of Sophoridine, which accounted for 91.88 % of the total alkaloid content. The antibacterial activity of the total alkaloid was tested, and the lowest inhibitory concentrations of E. coli ATCC 25922 and S. aureus ATCC 29213 were 0.04516 and 0.05645 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, total alkaloid had an inhibitory effect on ear swelling induced by xylene and toe swelling induced by egg white, reducing by 80 % and 24 %, respectively. The current research discovered the antibacterial activity of PSM alkaloid, which has important practical significance for the research and development of new plant-derived antibacterial agents.

Metabolomics ravels flavor compound formation and metabolite transformation in rapid fermentation of salt-free fish sauce from catfish frames induced by mixed microbial cultures

This study demonstrates that the co-inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Pichia fermentans and Staphylococcus saprophyticus accelerates catfish frame fish sauce fermentation. Over a 3-day period, significant changes occurred in physicochemical properties, microbial profiles, flavor compounds, and metabolomic spectra. Notable increases in acidity coupled with decreases in glucose underscored the robust environmental adaptability of the employed microorganisms. A reduction in total amino acids, alongside a rise in umami amino acids, suggested flavor enhancement. GC–MS analysis identified 40 key volatile compounds, with esters and aldehydes crucial for aroma development. UPLC-QTOF-MS-based untargeted analysis identified 934 metabolites, with 377 differential metabolites being vital (VIP > 1.5, P < 0.05), including amino acids, peptides, organic acids, nucleic acids, and fatty acids. Metabolites linked to amino acid metabolism, particularly phenylalanine and arginine, were associated with fermentation duration. These findings offer a theoretical basis for optimizing flavor and quality in fish sauces from fish by-products through accelerated fermentation.

Sustained use of antimutagenic bioactives having affinity with DNA minor groove could prevent in vitro neoplastic induction

IntroductionStudies on the antimutagenic and anti-neoplastic effect of dietary ingredients can be useful in developing nutraceuticals for preventing neoplastic induction. In the current study the query whether food rich in antimutagenic potential equally suppress the neoplastic induction, was addressed, with potential mechanism of action. MethodsThe antimutagenic activity was evaluated using the TK6 gene mutation assay, assessing the reduction in ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced mutation in presence of vegetable extracts. The anti-⁠neoplastic activity was assessed using the C3H/⁠10T1/⁠2 cell transformation assay, quantifying the inhibition of anchorage-independent growth and type III foci formation. The prominent compounds in the vegetable extract were characterised using gas chromatography-⁠mass spectrometry (GC-⁠MS), and their interactions with DNA were predicted using molecular docking. ResultsAmong the vegetable extracts, garlic exhibited the most potent antimutagenic and anti-neoplastic effects, followed by spinach and beans. Garlic extract exhibited significantly high antimutagenic potential (59±3%), and anti-neoplastic activity in the terms of inhibition of anchorage independence (65±3%) and inhibition of type III foci formation (90±5%). GC-MS analysis of garlic extract identified abundant organosulphur compounds, terpenes, and terpenoids. Molecular docking studies suggested that these compounds bind to the DNA minor groove with binding energies ranging from −⁠4.3 to −⁠7.21 kcal mol-⁠1. DiscussionThe antimutagenic and antineoplastic activities showed a positive correlation (r=0.92–0.93), where garlic extract showed the highest potential. The DNA binding properties of the prominent compounds in garlic extract suggests a potential mechanism of action involving interference with carcinogen activity and subsequent prevention of gene dysregulation.

Use of machine learning methods in predicting the main components of essential oils: Laurus nobilis L.

Laurus nobilis L. is an export plant that contributes to the industry with its medicinal and aromatic properties, as well as the use of its leaves or fruits in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study aims to predict the first three main components of bay laurel essential oil with different machine learning methods as a result of GC-MS analysis, taking into account a wide range of parameters used before and after the analysis of the essential oil in pharmacognostic studies. In this study, the K-Means algorithm was used to detect unknown relationships (chemical or physical properties) between the data obtained as a result of the analysis, and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Decision Tree machine learning methods were used to perform prediction operations. Based on this, considering the R2 values obtained from ANN analyses, R2 values of 0.9992 for testing, 1 for training, 1 for validation value, and 0.99992 for all were obtained. The ANN model produced results close to the real values with an accuracy rate of 98.97% in predicting the three main components. The Decision Tree algorithm achieved classification with a 96.23% accuracy rate in predicting the three main components. K-Means clustering was performed with an accuracy rate of 97.83% and significant relationships between the features of the Laurus nobilis dataset were detected. This comprehensive study serves as a guide for machine learning research on other essential oils.

Discovering the anti-diabetic potential of pomegranate peel metabolites by examining molecular interplay with the thioredoxin-interacting protein.

Medicinal plants like Punica granatum (pomegranate) have traditional uses against diabetes, inflammation and other diseases. The study was initiated to get an insight into the interaction tendency of P. granatum derived compounds with diabetes associated human thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP). High glucose in diabetes induces production of TXNIP resulting in β-cells apoptosis. Its inhibition might reduce the diabetes incidence. To elucidate the therapeutic potential of P. granatum peel against diabetes through GC-MS based identification of extracted compounds followed by application of computational algorithms. P. granatum peel extracts were screened for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, antimicrobial and wound healing properties. Phytochemical and GC-MS based analysis were performed to identify the bioactive compounds. Molecular docking analysis was performed by Auto Dock Vina to predict the binding tendency of P. granatum derived compounds with TXNIP. The peel exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic activities, which were attributed to phytochemicals like phenols, tannins and steroids. GC-MS analysis identified 3,5-octadien-2-one, 1H-pyrrole -2,5-dione, Beta-D-lyxofuranoside, 5-O-(beta-D-lyxofuranosyl)-decyl, diethyl phthalate, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester, hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester, n-hexadecanoic acid, tetradecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl, bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, decane, 3,8-dimethyl, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, methyl ester and bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate in P. granatum peel extracts. Docking analysis revealed high binding affinities of bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and 9-octadecenoic acid with TXNIP i.e., -4.5 and -5.0 kcal/mol, respectively, reflecting these compounds as potent antidiabetic agents. This study validates the traditional uses of P. granatum peel and demonstrates how computational approaches can uncover pharmacologically active phytochemicals. The results suggest P. granatum peel is a promising source of novel therapeutics against diabetes, inflammation, and oxidation. Further studies on the optimization of identified ligands are warranted.

Characterization and analysis of a Commiphora species germinated from an ancient seed suggests a possible connection to a species mentioned in the Bible

A seed recovered during archaeological excavations of a cave in the Judean desert was germinated, with radiocarbon analysis indicating an age of 993 CE– 1202 calCE. DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified the seedling as belonging to the angiosperm genus Commiphora Jacq., sister to three Southern African Commiphora species, but unique from all other species sampled to date. The germinated seedling was not closely related to Commiphora species commonly harvested for their fragrant oleoresins including Commiphora gileadensis (L.) C.Chr., candidate for the locally extinct “Judean Balsam” or “Balm of Gilead” of antiquity. GC-MS analysis revealed minimal fragrant compounds but abundance of those associated with multi-target bioactivity and a previously undescribed glycolipid compound series. Several hypotheses are offered to explain the origins, implications and ethnobotanical significance of this unknown Commiphora sp., to the best of our knowledge the first identified from an archaeological site in this region, including identification with a resin producing tree mentioned in Biblical sources and possible agricultural relationship with the historic Judean Balsam.

The Role of Indigenous Yeasts in Shaping the Chemical and Sensory Profiles of Wine: Effects of Different Strains and Varieties.

The microbial terroir is an indispensable part of the terroir panorama, and can improve wine quality with special characteristics. In this study, eight autochthonous yeasts (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), selected in Huailai country, China, were trailed in small-scale and pilot fermentations for both white (Riesling and Sémillon) and red (Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah) wines and evaluated by GC-MS analysis and the rate-all-that-apply (RATA) method. Compared to commercial yeast strains, the indigenous yeasts were able to produce higher concentrations of ethyl esters and fatty acid ethyl esters, and higher alcohol, resulting in higher odor activity values of fruity, floral attributes. Marked varietal effects were observed in the pilot fermentation, but yeast strains exerted a noticeable impact in modulating wine aroma and sensory profile. Overall, indigenous yeast could produce more preferred aroma compounds and sensory characteristics for both white and red wines, demonstrating the potential for improving wine quality and regional characteristics.

Cross-Linked Polyvinylimidazole Complexed with Heteropolyacid Clusters for Deep Oxidative Desulfurization.

The combustion of fuel with high sulfur concentrations produces a large number of sulfur oxides (SOx), which have a range of negative effects on human health and life. The preparation of catalysts with excellent performance in the oxidative desulfurization (ODS) process is highly effective for reducing SOx production. In this paper, cross-linked polyvinylimidazole (VE) was successfully created using a simple ontology aggregation method, after which a catalyst of polyvinylimidazolyl heteropolyacid clusters (VE-HPA) was prepared by adding heteropolyacid clusters. Polyvinylimidazolyl-phosphotungstic acid (VE-HPW) showed an outstanding desulfurization performance, and the desulfurization efficiency reached 99.68% in 60 min at 50 °C with H2O2 as an oxidant. Additionally, the catalyst exhibited recyclability nine consecutive times and remained stable, with a removal rate of 98.60%. The reaction mechanism was eventually proposed with the assistance of the free radical capture experiment and GC-MS analysis.

Formaldehyde quantification using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry reveals high background environmental formaldehyde levels

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is a human toxin that is both a pollutant and endogenous metabolite. HCHO concentrations in human biological samples are reported in the micromolar range; however, accurate quantification is compromised by a paucity of sensitive analysis methods. To address this issue, we previously reported a novel SPME–GC–MS-based HCHO detection method using cysteamine as an HCHO scavenger. This method showed cysteamine to be a more efficient scavenger than the widely used O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine, and enabled detection of aqueous HCHO in the nanomolar range and quantification in the micromolar range. However, quantification in this range required immersive extraction of the HCHO-derived thiazolidine, while a high background signal was also observed. Following on from these studies, we now report an optimised head-space extraction SPME–GC–MS method using cysteamine, which provides similarly sensitive HCHO quantification to the immersive method but avoids extensive wash steps and is therefore more amenable to screening applications. However, high background HCHO levels were still observed A Complementary GC–MS analyses using a 2-aza-Cope-based HCHO scavenger also revealed high background HCHO levels; therefore, the combined results suggest that HCHO exists in high (i.e. micromolar) concentration in aqueous samples that precludes accurate quantification below the micromolar range. This observation has important implications for ongoing HCHO quantification studies in water, including in biological samples.

Treatment of bio-treated coking wastewater in a 3DEF system with Fe-loaded needle coke particle electrodes

As one of the most representative hard-to-biodegrade industrial wastewater, coking wastewater is poor in biodegradability and has a high concentration of organic matter. Consequently, even after treatment using biochemical technology, the discharge standards cannot be reached. We used the self-developed Fe-loaded needle coke electrodes (Fe-NCPEs) as particle electrodes and established a three-dimensional electro-Fenton (3DEF) system for the treatment of bio-treated coking wastewater (BTCW) in this study. The 3DEF system's conditions for treating BTCW were optimized using Response Surface Method (RSM). When the initial pH was 4.69, the applied voltage was 11.1 V, the Fe-NCPE dosage was 11.63 g L−1, and the COD was reduced from 387 to 57.3 mg L−1 and the colour removal rate reached 99 % after 3 h of reaction, meeting local coking wastewater discharge standards. The power consumption is only 15 kWh per ton of BTCW, indicating that this system can treat the BTCW with high efficiency and low energy consumption. UV-Vis, FTIR, and GC-MS analysis illustrated that cyclic aromatic compounds, esters, and ethers can be efficiently degraded to alkanes and olefins by the 3DEF system. The ·OH quenching experiments showed that in the 3DEF system, the ·OH is the main reactive group, which can oxidize the large hard-to-degrade organic compounds in BTCW to small organic compounds, and even to CO2 and H2O. Dynamic experiments showed that the 3DEF system can successfully remove pollutants from BTCW under continuous flow conditions with an HRT of 3 h, allowing it to meet emission standards.

Extraction of Origanum onites L. using an industrial-type microwave-assisted distillation (MWAD) system: Increasing energy saving and essential oil yield compared to conventional steam distillation

Oregano species are commonly utilized for different medical purposes as well as for other essential oil products. One of the oregano species, Origanum onites L. has a dense natural distribution in the Aegean and Mediterranean regions of Turkey and Greece and is cultivated mainly in Denizli province. Turkey meets 80 % of the world's oregano market. Since Origanum onites L., whose essential oils are of high quality, has a high economic value, assessing the quality and production of essential oils extracted using various methods is important. Microwave-assisted distillation (MWAD) processes are generally carried out under laboratory conditions using clevenger or small-scale specialized instruments made for research in the lab. Thus, designing industrial-scale distillation systems with microwave power is necessary. For this reason, an industrial-type MWAD system with 12 magnetrons (power output of 1 kW) was developed in this work, and both conventional steam distillation (SD) and MWAD of oregano plant were realized, as a novelty. This study experimentally investigated the effects of microwave power and applied time on both energy saving (%) and essential oil yield (%). System was designed to distill 9 kg of dried plants chopped at once and the results obtained were used to obtain reference data for MWAD systems that can be used in industrial systems. The obtained essential oil samples were subjected to GC-MS analysis for chemical analysis. A statistical analysis of the experimental data was performed via Design Expert software to elucidate the impact of microwave power and time on essential oil yield and energy savings. When the results were evaluated, the essential oil yield of oregano plant increased by 4–22 % with the MWAD system compared to SD. The highest increase in yield was achieved with the test (500 W + 40 min). Also, the distillation time with MWAD system was 50 % shorter than with SD system. The MWAD system consumed at least 25 % less energy. According to the GC-MS analysis results, carvacrol increased steadily depending on the time applied microwave power as well as oxygenated monoterpenes. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the proposed MWAD system did not show any incompatible value according to the ISO-7925 standard. As a result, this proposed method can be safely used in industrial systems.

Simultaneous quantification of the main components of Thymus vulgaris essential oil in edible coating formed from nanocapsules using HS-SPME-GC-FID

AbstractThe use of edible coatings (ECs) containing essential oils (EOs), such as that derived from the Thymus vulgaris plant (EO-Tv), offers a natural option for preserving and increasing the shelf life of fruit and vegetable products. However, considering their physicochemical properties, the incorporation of EOs into nanocapsules (NCs) represents an alternative to reduce their volatility and oxidation. In this way, quantitative determination of the EOs incorporated into NCs is necessary for simultaneous monitoring of their main components during the nanoencapsulation process, as well as for the future precise and accurate dosage of EO components in fruit and vegetable products. In this study, ECs were formed from NCs loaded with EO-Tv and sodium alginate (AL). The EO-Tv was characterized through GC-MS and GC-FID analysis, and it was found that the major component of EO-Tv was thymol, with an abundance of 30.91%. Subsequently, an analytical method based on HS-SPME-GC-FID was developed and validated for quantification of the EO-Tv encapsulated in NCs and incorporated into the EC. The method was found to be precise and accurate for quantification of the main components of EO-Tv in the formed EC. Once the analytical method was validated, it was established that the encapsulation efficiency was greater than 50% in the case of NC-EO-Tv purified via evaporation at reduced pressure. On the other hand, 35.78 μg cm−2 of thymol was quantified in the EC formed from the NCs and AL. The present work presents an analytical tool for simultaneous quantification of the main components of EO-Tv in NCs, as well as in the ECs formed with NCs, promoting its potential application in fruit and vegetable products.

Isolation of Monocrotophos degrading bacterial consortium from agricultural soil for in vivo analysis of pesticide degradation.

Extensive Monocrotophos (MCP) application in agricultural soils has led to its ubiquitous accumulation in the environment. Human health can be adversely affected by chronic exposure to produce and water from such areas, causing endocrine dysfunction, birth defects, blood and nervous disorders. This study investigated the possibility of detecting Monocrotophos-degrading bacteria in soil samples taken from a cotton cultivation field in a local area. We isolated a consortium that could tolerate and neutralize Monocrotophos upto a concentration of 2000 ppm. The consortium on 16S rRNA sequencing were identified as Micrococcus luteus SBR2, Rhodococcus SBR5, Bacillus aryabhattai SBR8, Ochrobactrum intermedium SBK2. Significant tolerance of individual strains in the range of 500-5000 ppm was observed when incubating them in vitro with Monocrotophos in minimal salt medium. An analysis of the degrading genes opdA, mpd, and opd revealed plasmid borne opdA and mpd in the O.intermedium strain and B.aryabhattai strain. All the strains indicated genomic opdA and mpd whereas opd was not detected in plasmid or genomic DNA. The HPLC showed no peak at 2.5min, when individual strains were incubated with Monocrotophos. The HPLC analysis of soil samples incubated with the consortium for two weeks showed complete degradation of Monocrotophos. GC-MS analysis confirmed that Monocrotophos and its solvent cyclohexamide were degraded into non-toxic compounds such as cyclotrisiloxane compounds, acetic acid, and others. This study indicates that the expression of organophosphate hydrolyzing enzymes in the consortium can greatly contribute to the neutralization of organophosphorus compounds and also serve as a bioremediation method for agricultural soils.

Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and Anticancerous Effects against Human Lung Cancer Cells of a Terpenoid-Rich Fraction of Inula viscosa.

Inula viscosa is a widely used plant in traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern medicine for various illnesses. I. viscosa has been shown to have anticancer effects against various cancers, but its effects against lung cancer have been under limited investigation. At the same time, I. viscosa is rich in terpenoids whose anti-lung cancer effects have been poorly investigated. This study aimed to examine the potential anticancer properties of methanolic and aqueous extracts of stems and leaves of I. viscosa and its terpenoid-rich fraction against human lung cancer A549 cells. Results showed that the methanolic extracts of I. viscosa had significantly higher polyphenol and flavonoid content and radical scavenging capacity than the aqueous extracts. In addition, leaves methanolic extracts (IVLM) caused the highest reduction in viability of A549 cells among all the extracts. IVLM also reduced the viability of human ovarian SK-OV-3, breast MCF-7, liver HepG2, and colorectal HCT116 cancer cells. A terpenoid-rich I. viscosa fraction (IVL DCM), prepared by liquid-liquid separation of IVLM in dichloromethane (DCM), displayed a substantial reduction in the viability of A549 cells (IC50 = 27.8 ± 1.5 µg/mL at 48 h) and the panel of tested cancerous cell lines but was not cytotoxic to normal human embryonic fibroblasts (HDFn). The assessment of IVL DCM phytochemical constituents using GC-MS analysis revealed 21 metabolites, highlighting an enrichment in terpenoids, such as lupeol and its derivatives, caryophyllene oxide, betulin, and isopulegol, known to exhibit proapoptotic and antimetastatic functions. IVL DCM also showed robust antioxidant capacity and decent polyphenol and flavonoid contents. Furthermore, Western blotting analysis indicated that IVL DCM reduced proliferation (reduction of proliferation marker Ki67 and induction of proliferation inhibitor proteins P21 and P27), contaminant with P38 MAP kinase activation, and induced the intrinsic apoptotic pathway (P53/BCL2/BAX/Caspase3/PARP) in A549 cells. IVL DCM also reduced the migration of A549 cells, potentially by reducing FAK activation. Future identification of anticancer metabolites of IVL DCM, especially terpenoids, is recommended. These data place I. viscosa as a new resource of herbal anticancer agents.