GC-MS Method Research Articles

Evaluation of the stability of hop pellets subjected to different storage conditions during three years

It is common knowledge that the composition of hops secondary metabolites depends on several factors, among which the storage conditions. In recent years, many studies have been conducted to evaluate changes in the chemical composition of hop products in response to different storage temperatures both in aerobic and anaerobic environments. However, little knowledge exists regarding the storage of hop pellets under modified atmosphere for a very long period of time. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect on hop quality parameters of different storage conditions on U.S. hop cultivar pellets (Chinook and Nugget) in a three-year trial. Storage in modified atmosphere (atmosphere saturated with 70% nitrogen (N2) and 30% carbon dioxide (CO2) and vacuum storage were tested at two different temperatures, 4 °C and 10 °C. In order to establish the best storage condition, the bitter acids content (HPLC-UV method), the essential oil content (steam distillation method) and the essential oil profile (GC-MS method) were determined and characterised at 0, 6, 12 and 36 months. No statistical differences were observed between samples stored under different atmospheres, while significant differences were highlighted as a result of the storage temperature, e.g. the alpha acids content at 4 °C was significantly higher (P = 0.002). The two hop cultivars showed different behaviours in the storage trial, suggesting that high alpha hop varieties, like Nugget, could be stored even at higher temperatures.

Algorithm for the development of a multicomponent pharmaceutical substance of plant origin with antimicrobial action: from science search to dosage form

Introduction. Despite the proven clinical efficacy of antifungal and anti-inflammatory drugs for the prevention and treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, the search for new targets and the development of new substances with a beneficial effect on the scalp microflora, with a low risk of antimicrobial resistance and adverse effects, are relevant.Aim. Development of the antimicrobial multicomponent pharmaceutical substance of plant origin in stages: from a literature search for promising substances, analysis of their composition by GC-MS, in silico evaluation of the affinity of individual components to pathogenetic targets, selection of the optimal composition of a multicomponent substance based on the results of in vitro research of antimicrobial action and the making of a medical dosage form based on it – a medicinal shampoo for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.Materials and methods. Objects of research: tea tree essential oil, 1,8-cineole, α-(-)-bisabolol and the multicomponent substance based on them. Methods: molecular docking (AutoDock version 4.2), prediction of pharmacological activity (Phyto4Health), TLC, GC-MS, study of antimicrobial activity in vitro.Results and discussion. Based on the results of a literature search, 3 promising substances were selected for the development of a multicomponent plant-based substance: tea tree essential oil, 1,8-cineole and α-(-)-bisabolol. Molecular docking predicted the targeted activity of the phytochemicals of tea tree essential oil, 1,8-cineole and α-(-)-bisabolol on the domains of ABC-transporters of microorganisms involved in the pathogenesis of seborrheic dermatitis and justified the possibility of use for therapy. The multicomponent substance has been developed based on tea tree essential oil, 1,8-cineole and α-(-)-bisabolol in a mass ratio of 1 : 1 : 1. The qualitative composition of the substance was assessed by TLC and GC-MS methods, and 15 terpenes were quantitatively identified in its composition with a predominance of terpinen-4-ol (16.98 %), 1,8-cineole (25.63 %) and α-(-)-bisabolol (27.67 %). The synergistic antimicrobial activity of the substance has been established against S. epidermidis, S. aureus, C. albicans and M. furfur in comparison with benzalkonium chloride, ketoconazole and climbazole. The composition of a new medical shampoo based on the investigated substance has been developed, which has a pronounced antifungal effect (more than 99.0 %) against M. furfur without visible suppression of normal microflora. For the novel substance of plant origin and medical shampoo, quality parameters were assessed in accordance with the Russian Pharmacopoeia of XIV edition.Conclusion. A substance of plant origin with synergistic and targeted antimicrobial activity has been developed. It has an interest for further study as a drug and API for new products for the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.

Potential Role of Bioactive Compounds: In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Fermented Milk Thistle

The group of innovative ingredients in cosmetic preparations includes bio-ferments (Bs), which are characterized by high bioactivity and biocompatibility, and one of the plants rich in bioactive compounds that has a beneficial effect on the skin and the body is Silybum marianum. Bio-ferments obtained from this plant are becoming increasingly useful as active ingredients in cosmetics. In the present study, four different bio-ferments were obtained by fermentation of pomace (B-P), extract (B-E), oil (B-O), and seeds (B-S) of milk thistle. Their biodegradability (%B), total polyphenols content (Folin–Ciocalteu method), and antimicrobial, antioxidant (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP methods), chelating (Fe2+ ions), and reduction (Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions) properties, as well as the acidity, were evaluated. The contact angle using the sessile drop method was assessed to investigate bio-ferments’ impact on skin wettability. Finally, the content of selected phenolic acids in the Bs was evaluated using the HPLC method, while the lactic acid (LA) content was assessed using the GC-MS method. All bio-ferments were characterized by high polyphenols content (13.56 ± 0.10–15.28 ± 0.12 mmol GA/L B), chelating (0.08 ± 0.01–0.17 ± 0.01 mmol Fe2+/L B) and antioxidant activity (DPPH method, 2.41 ± 0.01–3.53 ± 0.01 mmol Tx/L B), and reducing Cu2+ and Fe3+ ions. Gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, caffeic acid, neochlorogenic acid, coumaric acid, and LA were identified in Bs. The most increased antibacterial activity for B-P was observed for a strain of Staphylococcus aureus (MIC = 250 μL/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC = 250 μL/mL). Simultaneously, B-S demonstrated the highest inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli (MIC = 125 μL/mL), emphasizing the varied antimicrobial profiles of these bio-ferments against different bacterial strains. Research on aerobic biodegradation demonstrated a high level of degradation (%B= 60 ± 1–65 ± 3), and all Bs were categorized as readily degradable according to the OECD classification.

Resistance of Beeswax to Organic Solvents from a Conservator’s Perspective

ABSTRACT The use of organic solvents considerably widens the possibilities for the conservation treatment of historic beeswax artifacts, e.g. the choice of effective cleaning methods, adhesives, consolidants, and varnishes. However, their use should always be considered carefully, since most of them dissolve at least some components of the original material. In an attempt to help conservators make well-informed decisions in this respect, the interactions of selected organic solvents with beeswax under various conditions were studied. Besides the importance of solvent type, the most carefully studied aspects were the effect of temperature, exposure duration, and the relative amount of solvent used. The surface action of the solvents on beeswax was monitored by optical microscopy, and the dissolved fraction of the individual components of beeswax was measured both quantitatively, using gravimetry, and qualitatively, using the GC-MS method. It was confirmed that all of the selected organic solvents dissolve beeswax to a certain extent. The authors believe, however, that by optimizing working conditions, the use of some of these solvents can be relatively safe and justifiable in many situations.

LC-HRMS and GC-MS Profiling of Urine Free Cortisol, Cortisone, 6Β-, and 18-Hydroxycortisol for the Evaluation of Glucocorticoid and Mineralocorticoid Disorders.

Urine free cortisol measurements are routinely performed to evaluate hypercortisolism. Despite their analytical inaccuracy, immunoassay-based methods are frequently used. Advances in liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) facilitate the incorporation of powerful diagnostic tools into clinical laboratories. In addition to its high analytical specificity and simultaneous analysis of different metabolites, accurate mass measurement allows for untargeted compound identification, which may help to identify clinically relevant metabolites or drugs. The present study aimed to validate a simple routine LC-HRMS method to quantify cortisol, cortisone, 6β-hydroxycortisol, and 18-hydroxycortisol simultaneously in human urine. Additionally, the study also validated a GC-MS method for the same steroids, evaluated their cross-reactivity with commercial cortisol immunoassays, and quantified the 24 h urine excretion in patients under clinical suspicion or follow-up for hypercortisolism. The LC-HRMS method involved liquid-liquid extraction using dichloromethane, micro-LC for chromatographic separation and detection using the accurate masses of the steroids, and simultaneous high-resolution full scan acquisition. The method presented acceptable linearity, precision, and accuracy. Significant interference from 6β-hydroxycortisol and cortisone was demonstrated in the cortisol immunoassays, which impacted their reliability in the follow-up of patients with hypercortisolism and significant changes in these cortisol metabolites (i.e., due to drug-induced changes in CYP3A4 activity). A rapid and accurate routine LC-HRMS method was validated, which is useful for the evaluation of hypercortisolism and other disorders of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid metabolism.

GC-MS analysis of alkylpyrazines in the pyrolysis oils of silica-polyethylenimine CO2 sorbents

Solid sorbents based on silica and polyethyleneimine (PEI) are intensively investigated in the field of carbon capture and storage (CCS). Pyrolysis was proposed as a thermal process to recover the pure silica from exhausted sorbents and convert PEI into potentially useful products, such as alkylated pyrazines. A GC-MS method based on internal standardisation with 2-methoxypyrazine was developed and evaluated to determine the concentration of six pyrazines in the pyrolysis oils of exhausted silica-PEI sorbent pyrolysed at 400, 500, 600 and 650°C. The most abundant pyrazines were 2-ethyl and 2,3-dimethyl, occurring at concentrations of 5-28 mg g−1, followed by pyrazine, 2-methyl, 2-ethyl-3-methyl and 2-propylpyrazine. The GC-MS results were compared to those from a HPLC-DAD method using the Welch's test. The 37 % discrepancy of concentrations was attributed to spectral interference in LC-DAD. GC was slightly less precise than HPLC, calibration errors were lower and enabled the identification of highly alkylated pyrazines. Both methods provided comparable values of total pyrazine yields (around 4-7 % by weight).

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Activity of Volatile Compounds Genista carinalis Plant

Essential oils play a significant role in the plant chemistry. Natural products have been widely used in antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, antifungal, insecticidal, medicinal and cosmetic applications since the Middle Age. Our aim in this study was to investigate the volatile components of the Genista carinalis Griseb. (Fabaceae) plant grown in the Trakya region by GC-MS method and to determine the antibacterial activity of the raw extracts. Volatile components of n-hexane extract from the plant G. carinalis were investigated using the GC-MS method. As a result of our research on the volatile components of G. carinalis, fifty-two bioactive components were identified. The ethyl acetate extract of G. carinalis was the most effective on both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria tested, with higher antibacterial activity against Gram positive bacteria.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of essential oil from the Moroccan endemic Plant, Calendula maroccana (Ball) B. D. Jacks.

Chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of essential oil from the Moroccan endemic Plant, <i>Calendula maroccana</i> (Ball) B. D. Jacks.

Prebiotic characteristics of degraded polysaccharides from Acanthopanax senticosus polysaccharide on broilers gut microbiota based on in vitro digestion and fecal fermentation

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of low molecular weight Acanthopanax polysaccharides on simulated digestion, probiotics, and intestinal flora of broilers in vitro. The experiments were carried out by H2O2-Vc degradation of Acanthopanax polysaccharides, in vitro simulated digestion to evaluate the digestive performance of polysaccharides with different molecular weights, in vitro probiotic evaluation of the probiotic effect of polysaccharides on lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, in vitro anaerobic fermentation and high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA genes to study the impact of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the intestinal flora of broilers, and the effect of Acanthopanax polysaccharides on the short-chain fatty acids of intestines were determined by GC-MS method. The results showed that the molecular weight of Acanthopanax polysaccharide (ASPS) was 9,543 Da, and the molecular weights of polysaccharides ASPS-1 and ASPS-2 were reduced to 4,288 Da and 3,822 Da after degradation, and the particle sizes, PDIs, and viscosities were also significantly decreased. ASPS-1 has anti-digestive properties and better in vitro probiotic properties. The addition of ASPS-1 regulates the structure of intestinal microorganisms by regulating fecalibacterium to produce short-chain fatty acids, promoting the colonization of beneficial bacteria such as fecalibacterium, paraprevotella and diminishing the prevalence of detrimental bacteria such as Fusobacteria. Interestingly the ASPS-1 group found higher levels of Paraprevotella, which degraded trypsin in the gut, reducing inflammation, acted as a gut protector, and was influential in increasing the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, valeric acid, and total SCFAs in the fermented feces. Therefore, the degraded ASPS-1 can better regulate the structure of intestinal flora and promote the production of SCFAs, creating possibilities for its use as a potential prebiotic, which is conducive to the intestinal health of poultry.

Technical and health governance aspects of the external quality assessment system for classical and new psychoactive substances analysis testing in blood

New psychoactive substances (NPS) are uncontrolled analogues of existing drugs or newly synthesized chemicals that exhibit psychopharmacological effects. Due to their diverse nature, composition, and increasing prevalence, they present significant challenges to the healthcare system and drug control policies. In response, healthcare system laboratories have developed analytical methods to detect NPS in biological samples. As a Regional Reference Centre, the Sicilian CRQ Laboratory (Regional Laboratory for Quality Control) developed and conducted an External Quality Assessment (EQA) study to assess, in collaboration with the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), the ability of different Italian laboratories to identify NPS and traditional drugs of abuse (DOA) in biological matrices.Two blood samples were spiked with substances from various drug classes, including synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones, synthetic opiates, and benzodiazepines, at concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 ng/mL. The blood samples were freeze-dried to ensure the stability of DOA and NPS. Twenty-two laboratories from the Italian healthcare system participated in this assessment. The information provided by the laboratories during the registration in an in-house platform included a general description of the laboratory, analytical technique, and the chosen panels of analytes. The same platform was employed to collect and statistically analyze the data and record laboratory feedback and comments.The evaluation of the results revealed that the participating laboratories employed three different techniques for analyzing the samples: GC-MS, LC-MS, and immunoenzymatic methods. Approximately 90 % of the laboratories utilized LC-MS techniques. Around 40 % of false negative results were obtained, with the worst results in the identification of 5-chloro AB PINACA. The results showed that laboratories that used LC-MS methods obtained better specificity and sensitivity compared to the laboratories using other techniques.The results obtained from this first assessment underscore the importance of external quality control schemes in identifying the most effective analytical techniques for detecting trace molecules in biological matrices. Since the judicial authorities have not yet established cut-off values for NPS, this EQA will enable participating laboratories to share their analytical methods and expertise, aiming to establish common criteria for NPS identification.

Produksi Bahan Bakar dari Limbah Plastik HDPE dan LDPE Menggunakan Metode Pirolisis

The purpose of this study is to calculate the volume and composition of fuel produced from the production of fuel from polyethylene plastic waste per liter. Method: research using pyrolysis method with temperature 450-621°C without using catalyst, and quantitative analysis. Quantitative analysis using the GC-MS method. Result: Pyrolysis of 5 Kg HDPE waste produces 3.25 liters of naphtha, 0.85 liters of gasoline; diesel 0.325 liters; and activated carbon 18.06 grams. 5 Kg LDPE waste produces 500 mL naphtha, 2.9 liters of gasoline; diesel 0.1 liters; and 19 grams of activated carbon. Conclusion: Pyrolysis of 5 Kg HDPE waste produces 3.25 liters of naphtha; gasoline 0.85 liters; diesel 0.325 liters (88.86% total fuel), and activated carbon 18.06 grams; and 5 Kg LDPE waste produces 2.9 liters of gasoline; 0.1 liters of diesel (70.38% of total fuel), and 19 grams of activated carbon. The composition of fuel produced in pyrolysis of polyethylene plastic waste (HDPE and LDPE) in the form of naphtha, gasoline, and diesel and produces residues in the form of activated carbon.

Effect of Stool Sampling on a Routine Clinical Method for the Quantification of Six Short Chain Fatty Acids in Stool Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry.

Short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are primarily produced in the caecum and proximal colon via the bacterial fermentation of undigested carbohydrates that have avoided digestion in the small intestine. Increasing evidence supports the critical role that SCFAs play in health and homeostasis. Microbial SCFAs, namely butyric acid, serve as a principal energy source for colonocytes, and their production is essential for gut integrity. A direct link between SCFAs and some human pathological conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, and cancer, has been proposed. The direct measurement of SCFAs in feces provides a non-invasive approach to demonstrating connections between SCFAs, microbiota, and metabolic diseases to estimate their potential applicability as meaningful biomarkers of intestinal health. This study aimed to adapt a robust analytical method (liquid-liquid extraction, followed by isobutyl chloroformate derivatization and GC-MS analysis), with comparable performances to methods from the literature, and to use this tool to tackle the question of pre-analytical conditions, namely stool processing. We focused on the methodology of managing stool samples before the analysis (fresh stool or dilution in either ethanol/methanol, lyophilized stool, or RNAlater®), as this is a significant issue to consider for standardizing results between clinical laboratories. The objective was to standardize methods for future applications as diagnostic tools. In this paper, we propose a validated GC-MS method for SCFA quantification in stool samples, including pre- and post-analytical comparison studies that could be easily used for clinical laboratory purposes. Our results show that using lyophilization as a stool-processing method would be the best method to achieve this goal.

Nicotine detection in tobacco samples via a molecularly imprinted polymers sensing platform

A highly sensitive and selective molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensing platform was developed for the detection of nicotine in tobacco samples. The MIP sensor was fabricated by integrating a PtNPs/GO nanocomposite with an electropolymerized nicotine-imprinted film on a glassy carbon electrode. Under optimal conditions (pH 7.4, 50 mM pyrrole, and 30 min elution time), the MIP sensor exhibited a wide linear range (0.01–0.5 μM and 0.5–100 μM), low detection limit (0.015 μM), good reproducibility (RSD < 4.2 %), and long-term stability (93.2 % retention after 30 days). The MIP sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity towards nicotine, with selectivity coefficients ranging from 7.2 to 9.5 against interfering substances. The practical applicability of the MIP sensor was validated by analyzing nicotine content in cigarettes and chewing tobacco samples, with recoveries ranging from 97.5 % to 102.8 % and relative errors within ±5 % compared to the reference GC-MS method. The proposed MIP-based electrochemical sensing platform offers a rapid, simple, and cost-effective approach for sensitive and selective detection of nicotine in complex tobacco matrices, showing great potential for applications in the tobacco industry and public health sector.

The Physicochemical Basis for the Production of Rapeseed Oil Fatty Acid Esters in a Plug Flow Reactor

This article describes the results of a comprehensive comparative study of the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) for use as biodiesel in perfect mixing reactors (PMRs) and plug flow reactors (PFRs). The products obtained on a laboratory scale at all stages of the separation and purification of the FAEE phase were analyzed using the FTIR, XRF and GC-MS methods. We compared distillation methods for the separation of stoichiometrically excessive ethanol from the reaction mixture. Neutralization methods with H2SO4 solution and carbonation with CO2 were applied for FAEE phase purification from the catalyst. Emulsions formed during the water flushing stage were analyzed via the optical microscopy method. The optimal conditions of stirring speed and temperature were selected to maintain a high level of FAEE–water phase contact area with minimum phase separation time. The efficiency of the carbonation method for catalyst neutralization in the FAEE phase has been proven, allowing us to consider this method as an alternative to the traditional acid neutralization method. According to the results of experimental studies, we have developed a new high-performance technological scheme for the production of fatty acid esters in PFRs. The synthesis of FAEEs in a stoichiometric excess of ethanol of about 1:50 allowed us to increase the reaction rate and productivity of the synthesis unit after the transition from a PMR to a PFR. The yield of the product amounted to 86.7%. The purified FAEE fraction complied with most EN14214 specifications.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Chemical Profiling of Commiphora myrrha Resin Extracts and Evaluation of Larvicidal, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities.

Plant extracts and essential oils can be alternative environmentally friendly agents to combat pathogenic microbes and malaria vectors. Myrrh is an aromatic oligum resin that is extracted from the stem of Commiphora spp. It is used in medicine as an insecticide, cytotoxic, and aromatic. The current study assessed the effect of Commiphora myrrha resin extracts on the biological potency of the third larval stage of Aedes aegypti, as well as its antioxidant and cytotoxic properties against two types of tumor cells (HepG-2 and Hela cell lines). It also used GC-MS to determine the chemical composition of the C. myrrha resin extracts. Fifty components from the extracted plant were tentatively identified using the GC-MS method, with curzerene (33.57%) typically listed as the primary ingredient, but other compounds also make up a significant portion of the mixture, including 1-Methoxy-3,4,5,7-tetramethylnaphthalene (15.50%), β-Elemene (5.80%), 2-Methoxyfuranodiene (5.42%), 2-Isopropyl-4,7-Dimethyl-1-Naphthol (4.71%), and germacrene B (4.35%). The resin extracts obtained from C. myrrha exhibited significant efficacy in DPPH antioxidant activity, as evidenced by an IC50 value of 26.86 mg/L and a radical scavenging activity percentage of 75.06%. The 50% methanol extract derived from C. myrrha resins exhibited heightened potential for anticancer activity. It demonstrated substantial cytotoxicity against HepG-2 and Hela cells, with IC50 values of 39.73 and 29.41 µg mL-1, respectively. Notably, the extract showed non-cytotoxic activity against WI-38 normal cells, with an IC50 value exceeding 100 µg mL-1. Moreover, the selectivity index for HepG-2 cancer cells (2.52) was lower compared to Hela cancer cells (3.40). Additionally, MeOH resin extracts were more efficient against the different growth stages of the mosquito A. aegypti, with lower LC50, LC90, and LC95 values of 251.83, 923.76, and 1293.35 mg/L, respectively. In comparison to untreated groups (1454 eggs/10 females), the average daily number of eggs deposited (424 eggs/L) decreases at higher doses (1000 mg/L). Finally, we advise continued study into the possible use of C. myrrha resins against additional pests that have medical and veterinary value, and novel chemicals from this extract should be isolated and purified for use in medicines.

Interference of the gas chromatography- mass spectrometry instrumental background on the determination of trace cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes and exclusion of it by delayed injection

Cyclic volatile methylsiloxanes (cVMS) have been widely found in various types of environmental media and attracted increasing attention as new pollutants. However, there is still a great challenge in the accurate quantification of trace cVMS, due to their volatility, and the high background originating from GC/MS accessories and surroundings. In this work, the main sources of the high background were investigated in detail for octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decmethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) and dodecmethylcyclohexosiloxane (D6). Several effective measures were employed to minimize these backgrounds, including the delayed injection method to minimize the interference from the injection septum. Then, a GC–MS method was developed for the accurate determination of D4, D5 and D6, with a linear range of 2 - 200 μg/L. The coefficient of determination was 0.9982–0.9986, the limit of detection (LOD) was 0.40–0.52 μg/L, and the quantitative range was 1.88–190 μg/L. Good reproducibility and recovery were obtained, indicating the reliability of the established analytical method.

Antioxidant capacity sources of soils under different land uses

Antioxidants (AOX) in soils originate mainly from secondary plant metabolites and are pivotal in many redox processes in environment, maintaining soil quality. Still, little is known about the influence of land uses on their accumulation in soil. The aim of the paper was to determine the content of these redox-active compounds in the extracts of A horizons of abandoned fallows, arable and woodland soils. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of soils under various uses and vegetation was evaluated in different soil extracts using Folin-Ciocâlteu method. The contribution of humic acids to TAC was determined and antioxidant profiles estimated using the chromatographic GC–MS method. Forest soils exhibited the highest TAC (15.5 mg g−1) and AOX contents (4.34 mg g−1), which were positively correlated with soil organic carbon content. It was estimated that humic acids contribute to over 50% of TAC in soils. The main phenolics in woodland A horizons were isovanillic and p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HA), while esculetin and p-HA predominated in the abandoned fallows due to the prevalence of herbaceous vegetation. Cultivated soils were the most abundant in p-HA (56.42%). In the studied topsoils, there were considerable amounts of aliphatic organic matter, which role in redox processes should be further evaluated.

Adjustments of the Phytochemical Profile of Broccoli to Low and High Growing Temperatures: Implications for the Bioactivity of Its Extracts.

Climate change causes shifts in temperature patterns, and plants adapt their chemical content in order to survive. We compared the effect of low (LT) and high (HT) growing temperatures on the phytochemical content of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. convar. botrytis (L.) Alef. var. cymosa Duch.) microgreens and the bioactivity of their extracts. Using different spectrophotometric, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS, and statistical methods, we found that LT increased the total phenolics and tannins in broccoli. The total glucosinolates were also increased by LT; however, they were decreased by HT. Soluble sugars, known osmoprotectants, were increased by both types of stress, considerably more by HT than LT, suggesting that HT causes a more intense osmotic imbalance. Both temperatures were detrimental for chlorophyll, with HT being more impactful than LT. HT increased hormone indole-3-acetic acid, implying an important role in broccoli's defense. Ferulic and sinapic acid showed a trade-off scheme: HT increased ferulic while LT increased sinapic acid. Both stresses decreased the potential of broccoli to act against H2O2 damage in mouse embryonal fibroblasts (MEF), human keratinocytes, and liver cancer cells. Among the tested cell types treated by H2O2, the most significant reduction in ROS (36.61%) was recorded in MEF cells treated with RT extracts. The potential of broccoli extracts to inhibit α-amylase increased following both temperature stresses; however, the inhibition of pancreatic lipase was increased by LT only. From the perspective of nutritional value, and based on the obtained results, we conclude that LT conditions result in more nutritious broccoli microgreens than HT.

Development of a highly sensitive colloidal gold semiquantitative method for the determination of difenoconazole residues in citrus.

Difenoconazole (DIFE) is a common pesticide used in citrus cultivation; excessive intake can cause neurological damage to the organism, and the existing colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strips cannot meet the requirements for the detection of citrus samples. Difenoconazole test strip was prepared based on the colloidal gold immunochromatographic technique (GICT), and its application in citrus samples was investigated; with colloidal gold (CG) as the probe, the optimization of GICT parameters, and the determination of reaction method, the immunochromatographic test strips for the detection of DIFE in citrus was developed, and the limit of detection (LOD), specificity, accuracy, and stability of the test strips were verified. The results showed that the visual detection limit of the prepared colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strips was 0.2 mg/kg and the quantitative range was 0.06-0.6 mg/kg, and the test strips could specifically identify DIFE and have no cross-reaction with other common triazole pesticides. The detection method established in this study was verified by the GC-MS method, and the detection results achieved good consistency (R2 > 0.98). The test strips developed in this study have good performance and can be used for highly sensitive detection of citrus samples.

The pharmacological properties of Gypsophila eriocalyx: The endemic medicinal plant of northern central Turkey

The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the biological properties of different extracts (methanol, ethanol, and water) obtained from Gypsophila eriocalyx (G. eriocalyx), a medicinal plant traditionally used in Turkey. The components of different extracts were defined using the GC–MS method. The effects of G. eriocalyx extracts on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer as well as in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibition, and antimicrobial activities were investigated. In accordance with the results obtained, although ethanol and methanol extracts of G. eriocalyx show higher antioxidant activity than G. eriocalyx water extract, enzyme inhibition activities of the extracts were not found to be significant compared to the reference drug. The methanol and ethanol extract of G. eriocalyx exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and methanol extract showed significant antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus. In addition, both extracts significantly inhibited cell viability in a dose-dependent manner in breast cancer cells. The cell growth inhibition by methanol and ethanol extracts induced S phase cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in MDA-MB-231 cells. Lastly, in order to compare the activities of the chemicals found in Gypsophila eriocalyx plant extract, their activities against various proteins that are breast cancer protein (PDB ID:1A52 and 1JNX), antioxidant protein (PDB ID: 1HD2), AChE enzyme protein (PDB ID: 4M0E), BChE enzyme protein (PDB ID: 5NN0), and Escherichia coli protein (PDB ID: 4PRV)were compared. Then, ADME/T analysis calculations were made to examine the effects of molecules with high activity on human metabolism. Eventually, G. eriocalyx is thought to be a potent therapeutic herb that can be considered as an alternative and functional therapy for the management of diseases of a progressive nature related to oxidative damage such as infection, diabetes, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease.