Gram Of Sample Research Articles

Development of a Green Methodology for the Determination of Artisanal Danbo Cheese Quality Parameters

A simple and fast method for the simultaneous determination of chloride and lactic acid in artisanal Danbo cheese was developed and validated. The proposed methodology combined a sample treatment using only ultrapure water as an extracting agent and ion chromatography with suppressed conductivity for the detection of the analytes. One gram of sample exactly weighted is added to 40.0 mL of ultrapure water at 55 ºC. The suspension was stirred for 5 minutes and after centrifugation the supernatant obtained is ready to be used for the determination of both analytes. The performance of this method was evaluated by comparing the results obtained with those acquired after the analysis of the cheese samples using the AOAC reference methods using a t-student test of mean concentration values. At a 95% significance level, the means obtained by the different methods were comparable. Analytical precision expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD %) was less than 6. Artisanal cheese samples were analyzed (n=12) using the validated methodology, obtaining chloride levels between 0.6 and 1.1% w w-1 expressed in sodium chloride and levels of lactic acid between 1.1 and 2.1% w w-1. Additionally, a greenness analysis was presented, using three different metric tools, concluding that the developed method is significantly in better agreement with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry than the official methods.

Antibiotic resistance genes in farm animal slaughterhouse wastes in Al-Dewanyiah province, Iraq

Environment represents as a reservoir for emerging and disseminating of antibiotic resistance genes. Slaughterhouse waste is one of the important sources of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) even after treatment processes. This study was conducted to evaluate role of farm animal slaughterhouse in dissemination of antibiotics resistance in Al-Dewanyiah, Iraq. A total of eighty samples were collected from the central farm animal slaughterhouse. The detection was based on three mobile genetic elements and nine antibiotic resistance genes. The results showed that tetO & tetK are common resistance genes in the tested samples with great relative abundance 60%. While, MGE transposon (Tn3) was detected in 80% of the tested samples. Gene encoding resistance to quinolone, methicillin, aminoglycoside and β-lactamases were also detected in the tested samples. Presence of three class of integrons as a mobile genetic were tested and the results of type 1 recorded high abundance (P>0.05) as a compare with type 2 and type 3 integrons. Furthermore, concentrations of ARGs and MGEs per gram of sample were tested using qPCR. The genes encoding for tetracycline resistance and transposon (Tn3) were found in higher concentration (P>0.05) (copy number) per gram of slaughterhouse sediments comparing with the selected genes. Quantification of ARGs and MGEs in the slaughterhouse wastes indicates that those wastes represent as a hotspot for dissemination of antibiotic resistance to the environment. Low darning and no treatment for slaughterhouse wastes might increase abundance of ARGs and resistant bacteria in the natural environment.

Optimization of a New Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Method of Caffeic Acid from the Aerial Parts of Coriandrum sativum by Using Experimental Design and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is among the most widely used medicinal and aromatic plants. It is well known for its multiple health benefits, most of which are correlated with its phenolic composition. Four phenolic compounds were identified in the extracts of aerial parts of coriander extracts, including caffeic acid, isoquercitrin, quercetin-3-O-glucuronide, and rutin. Caffeic acid was the major compound in the extracts. A Box–Behnken Design (BBD) was employed in conjunction with the response surface methodology (RSM) to develop an ultrasound-assisted extraction method for the determination of phenolic compounds in the aerial parts of coriander using the level of caffeic acid as the target response. The following working variables were evaluated: methanol level in the extraction solvent, temperature, sonication time, and liquid-to-solvent ratio. It was found that the methanol concentration is the most significant factor that influences the recovery of caffeic acid. The optimal extraction conditions were: 10 min as the extraction time, 70 °C as the temperature, 50% for methanol in water as the solvent, and 6.51 mL of solvent per gram of sample. The repeatability and reproducibility were calculated and RSD values below 6% were obtained in both cases. The new method was employed for the extraction of real coriander samples and it is suggested that this method could potentially be applied for quality control analyses.

Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in a Soil Sample by a Modified QuEChERS Approach Using Ammonium Formate

Currently, the QuEChERS method represents the most widely used sample preparation protocol worldwide for analyzing pesticide residues in a broad variety of matrices both in official and non-official laboratories. The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate has previously proven to be advantageous compared to the original and the two official versions. On the one hand, the simple addition of 0.5 g of ammonium formate per gram of sample is sufficient to induce phase separation and achieve good analytical performance. On the other hand, ammonium formate reduces the need for maintenance in routine analyses. Here, a modified QuEChERS method using ammonium formate was applied for the simultaneous analysis of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in agricultural soil. Specifically, 10 g of the sample was hydrated with 10 mL of water and then extracted with 10 mL of acetonitrile. Next, phase separation was carried out using 5 g of ammonium formate. After centrifugation, the supernatant was subjected to a dispersive solid-phase extraction clean-up step with anhydrous magnesium sulfate, primary-secondary amine, and octadecylsilane. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used as the analytical technique. The QuEChERS method using ammonium formate is demonstrated as a successful alternative for extracting OCP residues from a soil sample.

A Double Burial from Shahr-I Sokhta Necropolis (Iran). Bioarcheological Investigations and Non-Invasive Biotechnological Studies on Fragments of Human Remains

The archaeological site of Shahr-i Sokhta, in the Sistan region of south-eastern Iran, is noted for the exceptional preservation of human remains documented in its necropolis. This report describes the results of a non-destructive multidisciplinary investigation into a double burial excavated at Shahr-i Sokhta, preserving two skeletons of subadults. The first part of this study provides an archaeotanatological and bioarchaeological description of the burial. Next, we detail the results of the biotechnological techniques applied to bone fragments pertaining to the femurs of the buried children. Following a non-destructive process for studying these samples, we employ a micromolecular technique based on morphological observation using optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This molecular analysis of the bone fragments proves the presence of organic compounds such as tubulin. Through these investigations, we demonstrate that it is possible, utilizing only a few grams of sample, to obtain useful details for scientific research based on non-destructive interdisciplinary investigations.

Chicken Bones As Gelatin Source For Pharmaceutical Preparations

This study primarily aimed to extract gelatin from chicken bones which could be used as basic raw material for pharmaceutical capsule preparation. The processing of the raw, fresh bones into gelatin involved the following stages: degreasing/defatting, demineralization, conditioning and pretreatment, extraction, drying, grinding to the desired grain size, packing in airtight containers. The gelatin obtained is yellowish in color, has a slight but not disagreeable odor and is stable on dry air. It is insoluble in cold water, but dissolves readily in hot water. It is slightly soluble in acetic acid and alcohol but soluble in hot solution of glycerine and water. It is insoluble in organic solvents such us ether, chloroform and mineral oil. Its viscosity is 1.1816 poise. Based on the USP and Merck’s requirement for Identification Test for commercial gelatin, the gelatin obtained from chicken bones passed the standard set up. For the Microbial Limits Determination, the chicken bone gelatin did not exceed the total plate count of 1,000 microbes per gram of sample. The determination of gelatin-water concentration for capsule preparation showed that the 1:1.5 concentrations suited best which was supported from ITDI Pigskin/bones gelatin results. In conclusion, chicken bones are therefore good source of gelatin using petroleum ether as solvent.

Composite magnetic sheet as sorbent for oil spill Clean-up

Water is the most vital resource required for the survival. But the cleanliness of this resource has been compromised in the form of oil spills which occurs due to the tanker disaster, transportation and storage of oil. It is extremely urgent to find the effective counter measure for oil spill treatment which aims oil spill-recovery strategy. Out of all the measures, development of a good biodegradable sorbent for spillage has sustained interest. To solve this environmental problem of oil spill, magnetic Sheet was synthesised by using lumen loading procedure using alkali treated bamboo fibers and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe 2 O 4 ). Lumen loading permits the ferrite particles to be introduced solely into the lumens of bamboo fibres. For aiming this, CoFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles were first prepared by the sol–gel method and fibers were pre-treated with 6 % NaOH. Then synthesised ferrites were merged with the fibers. The samples were characterized by employing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD). SEM confirms the deposition of cobalt ferrites nano particles on the surface and into the macropores of fibers. The sorption capacity for raw bamboo fibers, alkali treated bamboo fibers and composite sheet was calculated for three different type of oil such as mustard oil, coconut oil and olive oil. The sorption capacity shown by the raw bamboo fiber, 6 % NaOH treated bamboo fiber and composite magnetic sheet was in the range 1.8–2.2 g, 16.2–18.8 g and 1.8–2.4 g of oil per gram of sample respectively. The outcomes propose that the prepared magnetic sheet can be used as absorbent for oil-spill clean-up.

Real Time Paper Based Detection of Streptococcus bovis using Chromogenic Substrate in Resource Constrained Environments

Healthcare management faces a variety of difficulties in Circumstances with limited resources. Accurate diagnosis is the first step in disease prevention and therapy that works However, the diagnostic tools that are available in the economically advanced world are frequently of little utility in underdeveloped nations including Pakistan. The gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus bovis is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause various infections from superficial skin infections to severe and potentially fatal invasive diseases. Objective: To design a platform in environments with limited resources for the quick detection of Streptococcus bovis. Methods: A paper based analytical device (PAD) has been created with enrichment in sterile PYP broth for 1.5 hours and used for the detection of alkaline phosphatase activity using the chromogenic substrate Para-Nitrophenyl Phosphate (PNPP), the specie could be found in clinical samples. A coagulase test and sample Gram staining was conducted with the test. Qualitative detection was evaluated by visual detection while quantitative analysis is carried out using Image J software. Results: Alkaline Phosphatase ( S. bovis) reacts with the PNPP substrate (5.7 mM) in the presence of PAD. Concentrations below 4.5x104 cfu mL resulted in the detection of a color change. The micro PADs were incubated at 37 °C for 3–4 hours before reaction. Colored product (yellow) indicated the presence of S.bovis. Conclusion: Within 2 hours including enrichment time the test may identify Streptococcus bovis up to 104 CFUmL-1

Validasi Metode Penetapan Kadar Logam Kadmium (Cd) dalam Sampel Tanah Menggunakan Spektrofotometer Serapan Atom (SSA)-Nyala

Soil has an important role in life on earth because it supports plant life by providing nutrients and water as well as supporting roots. One of the chemical elements that cause pollution is cadmium. The standard method for analyzing the content of cadmium metal in the soil is using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) referring to SNI 8910:2021. This method changes the weight content from one gram to five grams of sample to obtain cadmium metal levels that can be detected by the instrument. Therefore, this method needs to be validated before being used for routine analysis in the laboratory. The validation parameters are linearity, precision, accuracy, method detection limit, and robustness. The Validation results were obtained for the linearity parameter correlation coefficient value of r = 0.999, %RSD repeatability precision parameter of 1.51%, and the intermediate precision was obtained by %RSD analyst 1 : 1.51% and analyst 2 : 0.82%, accuracy parameter obtained the %recovery results were (88.73-97.01)%, the LDM parameter was obtained at 2.03 mg/kg, the robustness parameter was obtained by F-count of 1.25 and F-table of 3.40 which shows the average assay of metals Cd weighing 1, 3, 5, and 8 grams that were not significantly different. Overall, the results of the validation show that the method of assaying cadmium metal using Flame-AAS complies with the acceptance requirements, therefore it can be used for routine analysis in the laboratory.

Can TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibers Be Used as Additives in Bio-Based Building Materials? A Preliminary Study on Earth Plasters

Interest towards cellulose nanofibers obtained from virgin and waste sources has seen a significant growth, mainly thanks to the increasing sensitivity towards the concept of circular economy and the high levels of paper recycling achieved in recent years. Inspired by the guidelines of the green building industry, this study proposes the production and characterization of TEMPO-oxidized and homogenized cellulose nanofibers (TOHO CNF) from different sources and their use as additives for earth plasters on two different raw earth samples, characterized by geotechnical laboratory tests and mineralogical analysis: a high-plasticity clay (T2) and a medium-compressibility silt (ABS). Original sources, including those derived from waste (recycled cardboard and paper mill sludge), were characterized by determining chemical content (cellulose versus ashes and lignin) and fiber morphology. TOHO CNF derived from the different sources were compared in terms of nanofibers medium diameter, crystallinity degree, thermal decomposition and oxidation degree, that is the content of carboxylic groups per gram of sample. Then, a preliminary analysis of the influence of CNF on earth plasters is examined. Adhesion and capillary absorption tests highlighted the effect of such nanofibers on blends in function of two factors, namely the cellulose original source and the oxidation degree of the fibers. In particular, for both earth samples, T2 and ABS, a significant increase in adhesion strength was observed in the presence of some TOHO CNF additives. As far as capillary sorption tests, while an undesired increase in water adsorption was detected for T2 compared to the control, in the case of ABS, a significant reduction in water content was measured by adding TOHO CNF derived from recycled sources. These results pave the way for further in-depth investigation on the role of TOHO CNF as additives for earth plasters.

Optimized pressurized hot water extraction, HPLC/LC-MS characterization, and bioactivity of Tetrapleura tetraptera L. dry fruit polyphenols.

Despite the global preference for green extraction methods in the recovery of plant bioactives, Tetrapleura tetraptera fruit polyphenols (TTP) are yet to receive considerable attention. For the first time, pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) of TTP was optimized for total phenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AA) using the Box Behnken design of response surface methodology. Predictor variables were time, temperature, and liquid-to-solid ratio. An optimum solution with a desirability of 0.805 was selected and parameters were 43min, 220°C, and 60ml g-1 liquid-to-solid ratio, yielding TPC of 8.92mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of sample on dry weight basis (GAE g-1 dw-1 ) and AA of 70.35%. Purified, optimized TTP were characterized and quantified using HPLC/LC-MS. PHWE mainly extracted rutin (379.04µg g-1 ), cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (chloride) (299.55µg g-1 ), naringenin 7-O-glucoside (240.11µg g-1 ), p-coumaric acid (177.28µg g-1 ), isorientin (150.43µg g-1 ), and gallic acid (118.06µg g-1 ) whereas cyanidin-3-O-glucoside (chloride) (83.27µg g-1 ), protocatechuic acid (61.37µg g-1 ), rutin (28.03µg g-1 ), and gallic acid (22.62µg g-1 ) were mainly extracted by hot water extraction, which was a control. PHWE-obtained TTP showed higher cellular antioxidant activity, cytotoxicity in human liver cancer cell lines (HepG2), and antimicrobial property against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis than control. The potential mechanisms underlying the biological activities of some of the major polyphenols extracted were briefly discussed. Considering the wide use of the T. tetraptera (TT) fruit in Africa in foods and medicine, the use of more efficient green extraction methods such as PHWE is recommended. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: This study serves as a baseline for optimizing pressurized hot water extraction, purification, identification, and quantification of Tetrapleura tetraptera polyphenols (TTP) and their biological activities, being the first of its kind. The varied biological effects shown can be exploited further for applications of TTP as nutraceutical agents and preservatives in foods in different forms. Also, the high amounts of gallic acid and other phenolic acids and flavonoids confirmed in this study make TTP good candidates for the development of metal-phenol network nanoparticles to enhance adequate solubility and distribution in food systems in light of the above proposed applications.

Comparison of Chemical and Biological Methods of Filtering Cryptosporidia from Water.

Despite the fact that Cryptosporidium spp. is a parasite which commonly causes diarrhea, it still receives little attention. In our experiment, we focused on comparing the biological (N. davidi shrimp) and physical (zeolite with different thicknesses) possibility of filtering cryptosporidia from a small volume of water, which could contribute to increasing the catchability of this parasite. We monitored the ability to capture oocysts of the parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, genotype IIaA11G2R1, found in water samples. We infected drinking water with feces with a known number of cryptosporidial oocysts. One gram of sample contained ±28 oocysts. We filtered eight water samples with different concentrations of oocysts (0.1–2 g of infected stool per 15 L of water) using zeolite with a particle thickness of 0.2–0.6 mm and 0–0.3 mm. This was followed by purification, centrifugation and isolation utilizing the isolation kit AmpliSens® DNA-sorb-B, which is intended for stool. In total, 120 shrimp were divided into four aquariums (A, B, C, n = 30) including the control (K), while drinking water with the same parameters was infected with different concentrations of oocysts (A: 2.5 g, B: 2 g, C: 1 g of infected stool per 15 L of water). We took 10 individual shrimp and processed them in three time intervals (6 h, 12 h and 24 h). We processed them whole, and we isolated the DNA utilizing the isolation kit AmpliSens® DNA-sorb-AM, which is intended for tissues. Detection was carried out by molecular methods, namely the Nested PCR targeting of the region of the GP60 gene (60 kD glycoprotein). Gel electrophoresis showed the presence of C. parvum in seven zeolite-filtered water samples, and the parasite was not found in the water sample with the lowest number of oocysts filtered through the smaller-particle zeolite. There were 67 C. parvum-positive shrimp. Whereas the most positive shrimp were identified at 12 h of sampling, the least were identified at the 24 h mark. No shrimp positive for C. parvum was found in the control group. By sequencing, we confirmed the presence of C. parvum, genotype IIaA11G2R1, in all positive samples. We thus proved that the filtration capabilities of zeolite and N. davidi can be used for the rapid diagnosis of the presence of protozoa in a small amount of studied water.

End Group Analysis of Polyisobutylene Succinic Anhydride (PIBSA) Carried Out with Pyrene Excimer Fluorescence

A procedure is established to determine the molar fraction (fdoubly) of doubly-maleated polyisobutylene (PIBSA2) in a PIBSA sample mainly constituted of mono-maleated polyisobutylene (PIBSA1), where the succinic anhydride (SA) groups are located at the end of the PIB chain. To this end, a PIBSA sample was labeled with 1-pyrenemethylamine (PyMA) to generate PIB-PySI, where the 1-pyrenemethyl group was linked to the PIB chain via a succinimide group. Depending on the procedure applied to purify the PIB-PySI samples, different regions of the molecular weight distribution (MWD) representing the PIBSA samples could be isolated and characterized by a combination of GPC, FTIR, and UV–vis absorption analysis to yield its MWD, number of isobutylene units per succinic anhydride (NIB/NSA), and pyrene content (λPy, in μmol of pyrene per gram of sample). These analyses were consistent with the expected size and chemical composition of the different PIB-PySI samples. fdoubly was calculated from the molar fraction (fagg) of pyrene labels attached onto the PIBSA2 species. fagg was determined through the global model free analysis (MFA) of the fluorescence decays of the pyrene monomer and excimer acquired for solutions of the PIB-PySI samples in THF. The different fractions of the MWD of the PIBSA sample yielded similar fdoubly values across the MWD, implying an even distribution of PIBSA2 species across a PIBSA MWD. The constancy of fdoubly across the MWD enabled the determination of the number average molecular weight (Mn) of the PIB-PySI samples from λPy. An analysis combining the GPC traces obtained with a differential refractive index and UV–vis absorption detector yielded the MWD of the original PIBSA sample. These experiments demonstrated that the proposed PEF-based methodology can be applied to characterize the SA end groups of PIBSA samples and could be further extended to characterize the end groups of other end-functionalized polymers.

Optimization of an Enzyme-Assisted Extraction Method for the Anthocyanins Present in Açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.)

Several investigations have proven the presence of anthocyanins in different parts of açai plants. These compounds are responsible for the notable therapeutic properties of açai such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anticonvulsant. We have therefore optimized an enzyme-assisted extraction method for the anthocyanins found in açai, to be subsequently applied in many fields such as agrifood, medicine, or cosmetics. A Plackett–Burman design with seven variables (time of extraction, pH, temperature, agitation, percentage of ethanol in the solvent, amount of sample, and units of enzyme) was employed to determine the predominant extraction variables, of which four were categorized as influential. Subsequently, a Box–Behnken design–response surface methodology made it possible to determine the degree of influence from these variables and their optimal values. The optimal conditions were established as 0.1 g of açai heated up to 60 °C and extracted using 15 mL of solvent with pH 4 and 40% ethanol, 500 units of enzyme per gram of sample, and agitation at 150 rpm for 15 min. The repeatability and intermediate precision of the developed method were confirmed by variation coefficients below 5%. Finally, the developed method was compared against the extensively used maceration and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods.

Ranunculus gracilis Clarke Rizomunun In Vitro Biyolojik Aktiviteleri

R. gracilis rhizomes were picked from Yenice Forests Karabük province in Turkey. Ethanol was chosen for extraction solvent. Disc diffusion method including filamentous and non-filamentous Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and yeast strains was used to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the extract. DPPH free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power analysis were performed to determine antioxidant activity. The Folin-Ciocalteu method for determining the total phenolic amount and the AlCl3 method for the total flavonoid content of the extract was chosen. Mean diameters of inhibition zones (IZD) of the bacteria were found in the range of 8.2 mm to 24.45 mm. This value was measured as 17.82 mm and 18.69 mm for yeasts. The total antioxidant activity value of the extract was calculated as 7.08 mg AAE/g extract. The IC50 value was found as 9.097 mg/mL for DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The FRAP value indicated that the reducing power of 1 gram of sample was equivalent to 4.66 μmol of Trolox. The total phenolic content of ethanol extract of R. gracilis rhizomes was determined as 0.414 mg GAE/g, while the flavonoid content was calculated as 0.68 mgQE/g. The analyzed ethanolic extract of R. gracilis rhizomes demonstrated that the biological activity level could be considered significant according to the obtained results.

Technical note: Accelerator mass spectrometry of <sup>10</sup>Be and <sup>26</sup>Al at low nuclide concentrations

Abstract. Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is currently the standard technique to measure cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al concentrations, but the challenge with measuring low nuclide concentrations is to combine high AMS measurement efficiency with low backgrounds. The current standard measurement setup at ANSTO uses the 3+ charge state with Ar stripper gas at 6 MV for Be and 4 MV for Al, achieving ion transmission through the accelerator for 10Be3+ and 26Al3+ of around 35 % and 40 %, respectively. Traditionally, 26Al measurement uncertainties are larger than those for 10Be. Here, however, we show that 26Al can be measured to similar precision as 10Be even for samples with 26Al / 27Al ratios in the range of 10−15, provided that measurement times are sufficiently long. For example, we can achieve uncertainties of 5 % for 26Al / 27Al ratios around 1×10-14, typical for samples of late Holocene age or samples with long burial histories. We also provide empirical functions between the isotope ratio and achievable measurement precision, which allow predictive capabilities for future projects and serve as a benchmark for inter-laboratory comparisons. For the smallest signals, not only is understanding the source of 10Be or 26Al background events required to select the most appropriate blank correction method but also the impact of the data reduction algorithms on the obtained nuclide concentration becomes pronounced. Here we discuss approaches to background correction and recommend quality assurance practices that guide the most appropriate background correction method. Our sensitivity analysis demonstrates a 30 % difference between different background correction methods for samples with 26Al / 27Al ratios below 10−14. Finally, we show that when the measured signal is small and the number of rare isotope counts is also low, differing 26Al or 10Be concentrations may be obtained from the same data if alternate data reduction algorithms are used. Differences in the resulting isotope concentration can be 50 % or more if only very few (≲ 10) counts were recorded or about 30 % if single measurement is shorter than 10 min. Our study presents a comprehensive method for analysis of cosmogenic 10Be and 26Al samples down to isotope concentrations of a few thousand atoms per gram of sample, which opens the door to new and more varied applications of cosmogenic nuclide analysis.

A Study of Karabaghian Skullcap (Scutellaria platystegia Juz.): Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity Assays, Essential Oil Analysis, and Isolation of Its Phenolic Compounds

Background: Scutellaria platystegia Juz. is an herbaceous perennial, distributed in the northwest of Iran and southern Caucasian countries? Objectives: This study aimed to examine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of the aerial part of S. platystegia and to determine the phytochemical constituents of its extract and essential oil. Methods: The ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods were used to examine the antioxidant effects of fractions obtained from the hydroalcoholic extract of the aerial part of S. platystegia. The antibacterial activity screening was also performed using the disk diffusion and microdilution methods. The phytochemical constituents of the most active fractions were investigated using column chromatography. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging and UV-Vis spectral analysis were used to determine the chemical structure of the isolated compounds. The GC-MS technique was also employed to identify the essential oil composition of the plant. Results: In the antioxidant activity assay, the n-butanol fraction was the most potent fraction, with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 16.14 ± 0.8 µg/mL on the DPPH assay and 736.4 ± 4.6 mmol FeSO4.7H2O equivalent per gram of sample on the FRAP assay. The n-butanol fraction exhibited very strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Shigella dysenteriae (inhibition zone diameter: 20 - 25 mm, MIC: 125 - 250 µg/mL). The phytochemical analysis of the most active fractions resulted in the isolation of the following components from the chloroform fraction: 5,7,2’-trihydroxy-8,6’-dimethoxyflavone; 5-hydroxy-6,7,8,2’,6’-pentamethoxyflavone; 5,2’,6’-trihydroxy-7,8-dimethoxyflavone; 5,2’,6’-trihydroxy-6,7,8-trimethoxyflavone; and 5,4’-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavone. Besides, the following components were extracted from the n-butanol fraction: luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside; verbascoside; apigenin; kaempferol; caffeic acid; rosmarinic acid; apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside; apigenin-7-O-β-D-(-6’’-(E)-caffeoyl)-glucopyranoside; and luteolin. Fourteen compounds were also identified in the plant essential oil; terpinen-4-ol (44.41%), α-terpineol (10.75%), caryophyllene oxide (9.61%), and thymol (8.73%) were the main compounds. Conclusions: This study introduced S. platystegia as a plant rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, with considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, it can be suggested as a potential candidate to be evaluated in future biological studies.

RESEARCH OF TECHNOLOGICAL AND BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES OF CULTIVATION OF LACTIC ACID SYMBIONTS

The main technological and biotechnological features of symbiont cultivation based on microbial cultures Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus diacetylactis and various prebiotics have been studied in this work. Cultures of probiotic microorganisms were chosen. The main technological characteristics of several types of dietary fibers from pumpkin seeds produced by WTF “Farmakom”, “Richoil” and “Agroselprom” were studied, namely their fractional composition. In all studied samples, three fractions with the screenings of sieves 059, 044, and 037 were separated. In “Richoil” fibers, the content of screening fraction of 044 sieve was the highest and accounted for up to 80%. The yield of the fine fraction with the throughs of sieve 037 in all studied fiber samples was 3–10%. The adsorption capacity of pumpkin seed dietary fibers has been studied. The throughs fraction of the sieve 044 was found to actively adsorb the cells of the producer microorganism. For pumpkin seed dietary fibers, the water-retaining capacity was proven to be 2.5 g of water per gram of sample. The influence of mass fraction of pumpkin seed dietary fibers on cultivation of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus diacetylactis was studied. The mass fraction of 0.5 g of dietary fibers per 10 ml of culture medium was shown to be optimal. The dynamics of acid accumulation in the process of cultivation of symbiotic microorganisms Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactococcus diacetylactis in milk with different prebiotics (pumpkin seed dietary fibers, lactulose, and amaranth oil) was studied. The dietary fibers from pumpkin seeds was shown to have a significant effect on the β-galactosidase activity of symbiont microorganisms and to accelerate their acid production. A clot formed in the presence of fibers in 4.0–4.5 hours. Lactococcus diacetylactis was found to be the predominant culture in the symbiotic interactions in the presence of pumpkin seed dietary fibers. As a result of culturing the selected symbionts with pumpkin seed dietary fibers in the finished product, we obtain a predictable complex of metabolites, the majority of which would be produced by the predominant culture Lactococcus diacetylactis.

Bioactive compounds and leaf anatomy of yerba mate morphotypes

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the bioactive compounds and foliar anatomy of yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) morphotypes. The antioxidant capacity, total phenolic compounds, methylxanthines, and caffeoylquinic acids were determined from the aqueous extract of leaves of the following yerba mate morphotypes: “sassafras”, dark green, dull green, gray, and “peludinha”. Light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to observe the anatomical differentiations. The dark-green morphotype showed the highest contents of caffeine (20.4 mg g-1), differing significantly only from the “peludinha” morphotype (8.8 mg g-1). All morphotypes showed similar and high antioxidant activity (886.0 and 588.1 μmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity per gram of sample for ABTS and DPPH, respectively), as well as high total phenolic compounds content (73.9 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram of sample). Although the anatomy of the leaf mesophyll is similar, the wax deposition and cuticle striation configuration on the adaxial surface differ between all five morphotypes.

What role does carbonized tannic acid play in energy storage composites?

Transformation of tannic acid (TA), a cheap, abundant and environmentally friendly (by)product, upon carbonization at various temperatures was examined as it is extensively being used in energy storing devices. In addition of reviling what is happening with TA upon carbonization, a step further has been taken to scrutinize the role of carbonized TA (CTA) playing in energy storage composites. Increasing the carbonization temperature from 500 °C to 800 °C led to a nine orders of magnitude increase in conductivity, from 9·10–9 S cm−1 to 6 S cm−1, respectively. Concurrently, transformation from largely mesoporous and low surface area (≈10 m2 g−1, at 500 °C) to dominantly microporous materials with respectable surface area (≈292 m2 g−1, at 800 °C) is evidenced, while surface oxygen content dropped from 18.2 to 3.5 at.% in the same temperature range. Capacitance values are determined to see how it might contribute to the overall capacitance of composites. It was found that capacitance is greatly affected by these transformations and range from 18 F g−1 to 38 F g−1 when in pristine carbonized condition, to 75 F g−1 when mixed with conducting Vulcan XC72. Decoupling electric double layer and diffusion limited capacitance (Cdiff) indicated that later is predominant and can be associated with transformations of various surface oxygen groups with linear relationship found between Cdiff and surface area occupied by oxygen per gram of sample. Presented results suggest that carbonized TA can contribute significantly to capacitance and conductivity as a part of a composite electrode in energy storing devices and its contribution to overall capacitance cannot be neglected. Alternatively, carbonized TA, pristine or activated, can be viewed as a cheap and abundant material for green supercapacitors.