High Extraction Research Articles

Ultra-fast UPLC–MS/MS approach for estimating X-376 in human liver microsomes: Evaluation of metabolic stability via in silico software and in vitro analysis

X-376 is a novel anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitor that is capable of penetrating the blood brain barrier. This makes it suitable for use in patients with ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have metastases in the central nervous system. This study developed a highly sensitive, fast, eco-friendly, and reliable UPLC-MS/MS approach to quantify X-376 in human liver microsomes (HLMs). This approach was used to evaluate X-376's metabolic stability in HLMs in vitro. The UPLC-MS/MS analytical technique validation followed US-FDA bio-analytical method validation guidelines. StarDrop software, containing P450 metabolic and DEREK modules, was utilized to scan X-376's chemical structure for metabolic lability and hazardous warnings. X-376 and Encorafenib (ENF as internal standard) were resoluted on the Eclipse Plus C18 column utilizing an isocratic mobile phase method. The X-376 calibration curve was linear from 1 to 3000 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy of this study's UPLC-MS/MS approach were tested for intra- and inter-day measurements. Inter-day accuracy was −1.32% to 9.36% while intra-day accuracy was −1.5% to 10.00%. The intrinsic clearance (Clint) and in vitro half-life (t1/2) of X-376 were 59.77 mL/min/kg and 13.56 min. The high extraction ratio of X-376 supports the 50 mg twice-daily dose for ALK-positive NSCLC and CNS metastases patients. In silico software suggests that simple structural changes to the piperazine ring or group substitution in drug design may improve metabolic stability and safety compared to X-376.

Antioxidant, antiglycation, and antibacterial of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Caesalpinia Sappan extract.

Synthesis of metal nanoparticles using plant extracts is environmentally friendly and of increasing interest. However, not all plant extracts can meet successfully on the synthesis. Therefore, searching for the high potential extracts that can reduce the metal salt precursor in the synthesis reaction is essential. The present study explores the synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) using Caesalpinia sappan heartwood extract. Phytochemical analysis and determination of the total phenolic content of the extract were performed before use as a reducing agent. Under the suitable synthesized condition, a color change in the color of the solutions to brown confirmed the formation of CuONPs. The obtained CuONPs were confirmed using ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, photon correlation spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The synthesized CuONPs investigated for antioxidant, antiglycation, and antibacterial activities. CuONPs possessed antioxidant activities by quenching free radicals with an IC50 value of 63.35 µg/mL and reducing activity with an EC range of 3.19-10.27 mM/mg. CuONPs also inhibited the formation of advanced glycation end products in the bovine serum albumin/ribose model with an IC50 value of 17.05 µg/mL. In addition, CuONPs showed inhibition of human pathogens, including Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, and prevention of biofilm formation and biofilm eradication, with maximum inhibition of approx. 75%. Our findings suggest that C. sappan extract can be used to obtain highly bioactive CuONPs for the development of certain medical devices and therapeutic agents.

Honeycomb-like triazine-based conjugated microporous polymers exhibiting simultaneous and ultrasensitive detection of fifteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using solid-phase microextraction technique

BackgroundSince the severe hazard to the ecosystem and widespread distribution through biological and man-made ways of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), it is very urgent to establish the ultrasensitive analytical method to quantitatively and directly monitor PAHs in real samples. However, because of the complicated environmental matrix and their trace concentration, the pre-concentration process is a necessary step to analyze of these compounds. In this study, solid phase microextraction (SPME) technique was proposed to separate and enrich fifteen trace PAHs from environmental samples. ResultsIn this work, a honeycomb-like triazine-based conjugated microporous polymers (T-CMPs) were prepared by Yamamoto reaction and firstly used as SPME coating material for the ultrasensitive direct-immersion-SPME of PAHs prior to high performance liquid chromatography-fluorescence detector (HPLC-FLD). The synthesized T-CMPs was characterized using various spectroscopy and electron microscopy techniques. The unique porous network of T-CMPs might deliver abundant adsorption sites for PAHs. Orthogonal experimental design (OED) was used to investigate the influence of four experimental parameters on the enrichment ability. Under optimal situation, a wide linear range (which lasted from 0.003 to 1000 μg L−1) with the coefficients of determination (R2) varying 0.9981 to 0.9993 was obtained. The limits of detection (LODs) for the analytes varied from 0.001 to 1.650 μg L−1, and the limits of quantification (LOQs) were between 0.003 and 4.960 μg L−1. The proposed method was effectively employed to the simultaneous and ultrasensitive detection of fifteen PAHs in industrial wastewaters. The relative recoveries for PAHs analysis varied from 74.6 % to 105 % with the relative standard deviations (RSD) of 0.1 %–7.5 % in real water samples. SignificanceThe prepared SPME coating material exhibited a simultaneous, high extraction and adsorption capacity for fifteen PAHs due to its honeycomb-like porous structure, ultra-large specific surface area, strong π-π stacking, and hydrophobic interactions. The present research developed a novel strategy for the construction of SPME fiber coating composites and demonstrated great application potential in the field of sample pretreatment and environmental analytical chemistry.

Tetrazine-based dynamic covalent polymers as degradable extraction materials in sample preparation

BackgroundCurrent trends in Analytical Chemistry are highly focused on the introduction of new extraction materials with a high selectivity towards the target analytes, high extraction capacity as well as sustainable characteristics. In this context, the introduction of smart materials able to respond to an external stimulus constitutes a promising approach in the field. However, investigations regarding the development of such stimuli-responsive polymers have been basically centered on their synthesis and the control of their properties, and hardly on exploiting such properties to generate polymers that, once their extraction function is fulfilled, they can be degraded into fragments with little or negligible toxicity, or even into their constituent monomers for an efficient recycling. ResultsThe applicability of a degradable and recyclable dynamic covalent polymer based on the use of tetrazine as a linker was assessed as sorbent for the extraction of a group of 37 persistent organic pollutants, including 10 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, 11 organochlorine pesticides, 14 polychlorinated biphenyls, and 2 antibacterial agents, from water samples. A microdispersive solid-phase extraction procedure was developed for the selective extraction of the target analytes, while their separation, determination, and quantification were achieved by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The optimized procedure was validated for seawater and wastewater obtaining mean relative recovery values between 72 and 112 % for almost all the analytes, with satisfactory relative standard deviation values (<18 %). After extraction, the polymer could be degraded by adding the amino acid L-tyrosine, being possible a quantitative recovery of the initial functional monomer. SignificanceA responsive polymer based on the chemical versatility of the tetrazine ring was used as sorbent in sample preparation providing excellent results, showing good physicochemical properties and the ability to be degraded after use. This polymer constitutes an interesting alternative to reduce chemical waste through the recycling of monomers, contributing to the development of more sustainable analytical methodologies.

Study on the working characteristics of a double jet pump used for high sand content extraction in the oil and gas production

In order to fulfill the present need for downhole lifting pumps in various cutting-edge drilling techniques, a double jet pump is ingeniously devised. The internal three-dimensional characteristics of this pump are utilized to optimize its structural parameters through the flow field simulation method. Extensive evaluations are conducted to assess the alterations in jet performance under different parameters, including area ratios, throat lengths, nozzle exit positions, and nozzle area ratios. The pivotal structural parameters of the double jet pump are optimized as follows: area ratio ma=0.22, throat length Lh=84.5 mm, nozzle exit position Lc=6.76 mm, and nozzle area ratio mb=0.3. Furthermore, an experimental platform is meticulously erected to validate the principles of the double jet pump and to analyze its jet performance. This ascertains the feasibility of the double jet pump and validates the accuracy of the simulation and analysis results. This device can be effectively employed in the oil and gas production characterized by a high sand content extraction.

Evaluation of the Effect of Different Extraction Temperatures on the Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Ocimum basilicum (Basil) Plant

The eco-friendly green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ocimum basilicum (basil) extract at varying extraction temperatures (40°C, 60°C, 80°C, 100°C) was investigated to determine the optimal conditions for nanoparticle formation. Analysis methods such UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and TransmissionElectron Microscopy (TEM) confirmed the crystalline, spherical nature of AgNPs and identified phytochemicals acting as capping and reducing agents. Notably, the extraction temperature was found to influence both the DPPH radical scavenging activity and the structural properties of AgNPs. According to TEM analysis results, it was observed that high extraction temperatures increased the nanoparticle formation efficiency but created a wide size distribution. The crystallite sizes, calculated using the Scherrer equation, for AgNPs synthesized at different extraction temperatures, were determined to be 12.45 nm, 18.77 nm, 17.76 nm, and 16.03 nm, respectively. The hydrodynamic sizes of the AgNPs were found to range between 158.1 and 333.7 nm. The study highlights the critical role of extraction temperature in the synthesis process, suggesting 40°C as the optimal temperature for achieving efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis of AgNPs with enhanced biological activities.

Investigation of the effect of oxygen flow modulation on ITO film properties to improve the performance of SHJ solar cells

Photovoltaics offer a sustainable solution for the growing energy needs of the world, while reducing environmental impact. Transparent Conductive Oxides (TCOs), which are essential in photovoltaic technology, offer high light transmittance and effective charge carrier extraction. This research focuses on the impact of oxygen (O2) flow rates in the deposition of indium tin oxide (ITO) films on n-type crystalline silicon (c-Si) substrates by DC magnetron sputtering. The structural, optical, and electrical properties were analyzed. Based on the results, the optimal O2 ratio was determined and used in the fabrication of SHJ solar cells, achieving an efficiency of 18.6%.

A Supramolecular Organic Framework‐Mediated Electrochemical Strategy Achieves Highly Selective and Continuous Uranium Extraction

AbstractThe integration of selectivity and electron transfer ability remains a primary challenge in developing electrode materials for uranium electroextraction. Herein, a phenanthroline‐based supramolecular organic framework (MPSOF) is elaborately constructed as a pioneering cathode material through the hydrogen bond‐driven self‐assembly of melamine and 1,10‐phenanthroline 2,9‐dicarboxylic acid (PDA) for selective and continuous electrochemical uranium extraction (EUE). PDA moieties selectively capture UO22+, while the hydrogen bond‐supporting frameworks provide an efficient electron transfer channel for the redox of UO22+. These structural features enable the rapid formation and spontaneous shedding of uranium precipitate from MPSOF, allowing for the regeneration of the selective adsorption sites. As a result, MPSOF‐mediated EUE exhibits a high extraction capacity of 7311 mg U g−1 at a low voltage of −3.5 V but does not reach equilibrium. Cyclic EUE is employed to uranium extraction from simulated high‐salt radioactive effluents and attains high selectivity for uranium. The electroextraction mechanism is confirmed, wherein uranium species transform into (UO2)O2·4H2O. This work not only provides an efficient electrode material for uranium electroextraction, but also presents a novel electrochemical strategy for separation and adsorption of other radionuclides and contaminant ions.

Unraveling the structural aspects of microwave-assisted OrganoCat-based coconut shell lignins: An eco-friendly route for obtaining bio-based antioxidants

New routes for biomass valorization have been developing by the scientific community. The aim of this work was developing a novel OrganoCat-based protocol and deeply understand the structure of the obtained lignins. Microwave-assisted OrganoCat-based process was performed using a biphasic system (ethyl acetate and oxalic acid or HCl) at mild conditions. OrganoCat-based lignins (OCLs) were characterized by compositional analysis, FTIR, 1H, 13C, 1H13C HSQC, 31P NMR, TGA and GPC. The solubility of OCLs in different organic solvents and their antioxidant capacity against DPPH were investigated. The spectroscopic analyses showed that OCLs have high residual extractives and the lignin motifs were preserved. OCLs have presented lower thermal stability than MWL, but showed great antioxidant activities and high solubility in a wide range of organic solvents. A novel biorefinery protocol yielded coconut shell lignins with peculiar structural and compositional features and several technological applications through an eco-friendly, sustainable and relatively low-cost biphasic pulping process.

Structural properties and biological effects of pectic polysaccharides extracted from Tartary buckwheat sprouts by high pressure-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction

Tartary buckwheat sprout is commonly consumed as salads and healthy vegetables, which is rich in pectic polysaccharides. Nevertheless, the knowledge about pectic polysaccharides extracted from Tartary buckwheat sprouts (TBSP) are still limited. To facilitate the potential applications of TBSP as fortified ingredients or healthy foods, the impacts of conventional hot water extraction (CHW), deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction (DEE), and high pressure-assisted DES extraction (HPDEE) on their structural and biological properties were evaluated. Compared with the CHW method, our findings revealed that both DEE and HPDEE methods could obviously promoted the yields of TBSP and regulated their structural properties, resulting in the improvement of their biological functions. Especially, the HPDEE method could obviously decreased the molecular mass, apparent viscosity, and esterification degree of TBSP, while notably increased the uronic acids and bound flavonoids. Indeed, the HPDEE method could remarkedly enhance the antioxidant, anti-glycosylation, and immunostimulatory activities of TBSP probably via reducing its molecular mass and degree of esterification, and increasing its free uronic acids and bound flavonoids. These findings reveal that the HPDEE method has good potentials for selectively extracting distinctive TBSP with superior biological functions.

Floodplain morphology influences arsenic and antimony spatial distribution in a seasonal acid sulfate soil wetland

Arsenic (As) and antimony (Sb) often co-occur in floodplain depositional environments that are contaminated by legacy mining activities. However, the distribution of As and Sb throughout floodplains is not uniform, adding complexity and expense to management or remediation processes. Identifying floodplain morphology predictor variables that help quantify and explain As and Sb spatial distribution on floodplains is useful for management and remediation. We developed As and Sb risk maps estimating concentration and availability at a coastal floodplain wetland impacted by upper-catchment mining. Significant predictors of As and Sb concentrations included i) distance from distributary channel-wetland intersection and ii) elevation. Distance from channel explained 53 % (P < 0.01) and 28 % (P < 0.01), while elevation explained 42 % (P < 0.01) and 47 % (P < 0.01) of the variability in near-total Sb and As respectively. As had a higher extractability than Sb across all tested soil extractions, suggesting that As is more environmentally available. As and Sb dry mass estimates to a depth of 0.1 m scaled to the lower coastal Macleay floodplain ranged from 113–192 tonnes and 14–24 tonnes respectively. Landscape-scale modelling of metalloid distribution, informed by morphology variables, presented here may be a useful framework for the development of risk maps in other regions impacted by contaminated upper-catchment sediments.

Magnetic covalent organic framework for magnetic solid-phase extraction of carbamate pesticide residues

Herein, a new kind of magnetic covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs), named MCOF-DhaTab, using 1,3,5-tris (4-aminophenyl) benzene and 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-phenylenedialdehyde as functional monomers of COFs and Fe3O4-NH2 nanoparticles as magnetic carrier was synthesized at room temperature through Schiff base reaction. With a large specific surface area (409.5 m2/g) and rich in benzene rings and hydroxyl groups, the prepared MCOF-DhaTab exhibited high extraction efficiency (73.8 %–88.9 %) for five carbamate pesticides (CPs). Based on it, a new method of magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) with MCOF-DhaTab as the sorbents coupling to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) − ultraviolet visible (UV) detection was developed for trace analysis of carbaryl (CAR), fenobucarb (FEN), isoprocarb (ISO), diuron (DIU), mercaptodimethur (MER). The developed method had the advantages of low limits of detection (0.1–200 μg/L for CAR, 0.2–100 μg/L for ISO, 0.2–200 μg/L for DIU, and 0.5–200 μg/L for FEN and MER), high sensitivity, simplicity and rapidity. It was successfully used for the analysis of trace CPs in tomato, cucumber and cigar samples, showing a great application potential in pesticide residues analysis in agricultural samples.

Eliminating Hole Extraction Barrier in 1D/3D Perovskite Heterojunction for Efficient and Stable Carbon-Based CsPbI3 Solar Cells with a Record Efficiency.

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) have the advantages of low-cost and high-stability, but their photovoltaic performance is limited by severe defect-induced recombination and low hole extraction efficiency. 1D perovskite is proven to effectively passivate the defects on the perovskite surface, therefore reducing non-radiative recombination loss. However, the unsuitable energy level of most 1D perovskite renders an undesired downward band bending for 3D perovskite, resulting in a high hole extraction barrier and reduced hole extraction efficiency. Therefore, rational design and selection of 1D perovskites as the modifiers are essential in balancing defect passivation and hole extraction. In this work, based on simulation calculations, thiocholine iodide (TchI) is selected to prepare 1D perovskite with high work function and then constructs TchPbI3/CsPbI3 1D/3D perovskite heterojunction. Experimental results show that this strategy eliminates the hole extraction barrier at the perovskite/carbon interface, which improves the hole extraction efficiency of corresponding devices. Meanwhile, the strong interaction between the thiol group and Pb suppresses defect-induced recombination effectively and improves the stability of CsPbI3. The assembled C-PSCs exhibit a champion efficiency of 19.08% and a certified efficiency of 18.7%. To the best of the knowledge, this is a new efficiency record for inorganic C-PSCs.

Improved Extraction of Crocin and Comprehensive Evaluation of its Physicochemical, Biological, and Functional Properties

Crocin, as a valuable metabolite of saffron, encompasses numerous nutritional, pharmacological, and medicinal properties suitable for different applications. This study aimed to effectively extract crocin compounds with high yield and quality from saffron stigma and comprehensively investigate their various physicochemical and functional properties. To this end, the modified solvent extraction method was used for crocin extraction and its different functional and physicochemical properties were investigated using various characterization techniques. The functional and biological properties of the resultant crocins in terms of antioxidant activity, antibacterial potency, anti-tyrosinase property, and cytotoxicity were investigated. According to the results, a high extraction yield and purity for extracted samples (19.6% and 13.4% production yield and 78% and 98.4% purity in the first and second crystallization steps, respectively) were obtained using the green, environmentally friendly, and sustainable crystallization method. The coloring index, bitterness, and aromatic power of the extracted crocin were comparable with the standard crocin. Morphological, structural, and thermal properties of the extracted crocin from different analytical methods confirmed its preserved composition and structure through the solvent extraction process. Moreover, a desired antioxidant activity by the DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging, and reducing power assays were observed for resultant crocin products. In the antibacterial and cytotoxicity assays, a 5 mg/mL minimum inhibitory concentration (against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria) and more than 95% cell viability (toward the NIH 3T3 cell line) were recorded, respectively. A potent anti-tyrosinase activity (IC50 = 73.93 μg/mL) with a significant reduction in the melanin production of the B16F10 cell line also was noticed for the obtained crocin products.

Enhanced solvent extraction of rare earth elements in ultra-high phase ratio with pore-throat microchannels

To enrich and recover low-concentration (101–102 ppm) rare earth elements from ores and industrial wastes, high phase-ratio solvent extraction is favored. However, high phase-ratio solvent extraction is limited by low mass transfer efficiency in the continuous phase due to the insufficient contact between large volume continuous phase and sparse droplets. To realize efficient solvent extraction of rare earth ions from low concentrations (100 ppm) aqueous phase to oil phase with high phase ratio, we introduce a type of microchannel with sequential pore-throat geometry. This sequential pore-throat geometry creates capillary barriers and effectively retains dispersed droplets, leading to a reduction of apparent water–oil volume ratio and thereby major mass transfer enhancement in the continuous phase. We experimentally highlight its advantage over classic uniform microchannel for solvent extraction of rare earth ions under high phase ratios: in a double pore-throat microchannel, extraction equilibrium can be reached within 30 s under high phase ratios of 50–250; for an extreme phase ratio of 500:1, extraction efficiency can achieve 77 % within a quadruple pore-throat channel, while that within a uniform microchannel is only below 40 %. The superiority of sequential pore-throat microchannel for extraction at a high phase ratio is reproduced using different types of rare earth ions. We thus conclude that sequential pore-throat geometry can drastically promote the performance of microfluidic-based solvent extraction at extreme phase ratios, for rare earth enrichment and potentially for other relevant applications.

A scattered volume emitter micropixel architecture for ultra efficient light extraction from DUV LEDs

Deep ultraviolet light-emitting diodes (DUV LEDs) typically suffer from strong parasitic absorption in the p-epitaxial layer and rear metal contact/mirror. This problem is exacerbated by a substantial portion of the multiple quantum well (MQW) emissions having a strong out-of-plane dipole component, contributing to emission in widely oblique directions outside the exit cone of the front semiconductor emitting surface. To address this, we propose an architecture that leverages such a heavily oblique angular emission profile by utilizing spaced-apart or scattered volume emitter micropixels that are embedded in a low-index dielectric buffer film with a patterned top surface. This approach achieves high light extraction efficiency at the expense of enlarging the effective emission area, however, it does not require a high-index (e.g., sapphire) substrate or a lens or a nanotextured epi for outcoupling purposes. Hybrid wave and ray optical simulations demonstrated a remarkable larger than three to sixfold increase in light extraction efficiency as compared to that of a conventional planar LED design with a sapphire substrate depending on the assumed epi layer absorption, pixel size, and ratio of light emission area to the MQW active area. An extraction efficiency three times greater than that of a recent nanotextured DUV LED design was also demonstrated. This architecture paves the way for DUV LEDs to have a plug efficiency comparable to that of mercury lamps while being significantly smaller.

Intelligent extraction of reservoir dispatching information integrating large language model and structured prompts

Reservoir dispatching regulations are a crucial basis for reservoir operation, and using information extraction technology to extract entities and relationships from heterogeneous texts to form triples can provide structured knowledge support for professionals in making dispatch decisions and intelligent recommendations. Current information extraction technologies require manual data labeling, consuming a significant amount of time. As the number of dispatch rules increases, this method cannot meet the need for timely generation of dispatch plans during emergency flood control periods. Furthermore, utilizing natural language prompts to guide large language models in completing reservoir dispatch extraction tasks also presents challenges of cognitive load and instability in model output. Therefore, this paper proposes an entity and relationship extraction method for reservoir dispatch based on structured prompt language. Initially, a variety of labels are refined according to the extraction tasks, then organized and defined using the Backus–Naur Form (BNF) to create a structured format, thus better guiding large language models in the extraction work. Moreover, an AI agent based on this method has been developed to facilitate operation by dispatch professionals, allowing for the quick acquisition of structured data. Experimental verification has shown that, in the task of extracting entities and relationships for reservoir dispatch, this AI agent not only effectively reduces cognitive burden and the impact of instability in model output but also demonstrates high extraction performance (with F1 scores for extracting entities and relationships both above 80%), offering a new solution approach for knowledge extraction tasks in other water resource fields.

The Extraction Using Deep Eutectic Solvents and Evaluation of Tea Saponin.

Tea saponins have high surface-active and biological activities and are widely used in chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides. Tea saponins are usually extracted using ethanol or water, but both methods have their disadvantages, including a negative impact on the environment, high energy consumption, and low purity. In this study, we explored an effective process for extracting tea saponins from tea meal using deep eutectic solvents combined with ultrasonic extraction and enzymatic techniques. The experimental results showed that a high extraction efficiency of 20.93 ± 0.48% could be achieved in 20 min using an ultrasonic power of 40% and a binary DES consisting of betaine and ethylene glycol (with a molar ratio of 1:3) at a material-liquid ratio of 1:35 and that the purity of the tea saponins after purification by a large-pore adsorption resin reached 95.94%, which was higher than that of commercially available standard tea saponin samples. In addition, the extracted tea saponins were evaluated for their antioxidant and bacteriostatic activities using chemical and biological methods; the results showed that the tea saponins extracted using these methods possessed antioxidant properties and displayed significant antibacterial activity. Therefore, the present study developed a method for using deep eutectic solvents as an environmentally friendly technological solution for obtaining high-purity tea saponins from tea meal oil. This is expected to replace the current organic solvent and water extraction process and has great potential for industrial development and a number of possible applications.

Nano temperature-switchable supramolecular solvent: Preparation, characterization and application in efficient extraction and enrichment of phytochemicals

In this study, a nano temperature-switchable supramolecular solvent (NTS-SUPRAS) system was designed, prepared and characterized for efficient extraction and enrichment of phytochemicals, the extraction mechanism was also investigated. The NTS-SUPRAS was synthesized by natural deep eutectic (NADES), 1,2-Propanediol and water, then the ternary phase diagrams were plotted according to their mass fractions. Dynamic light scattering (DLS), conductivity and FT-IR were used to characterize the solvent, and an exciting discovery was the nanoscale of NTS-SUPRAS. The particle size of its reverse micelles self- aggregated was positively correlated to the water content, which was increased from 3.8 nm to 77.9 nm as the water content increased from 5 % to 20 %. Temperature-switchable of NTS-SUPRAS was proved by the appearance of phase separation when regulate temperature from 25 °C to 10 °C. Then, six phytochemicals in Cajanus cajan(Linn.) leaves were efficiently extracted and enriched by vortex-assisted extraction. The extraction factors such as solid–liquid ratio, vortex time, NADES content and water content were optimized using the one-factor optimization method and response surface analysis to obtain the optimal extraction conditions. The results showed that the extraction efficiency of NTS-SUPRAS was 1.18–2.32 folds higher than that of traditional solvents for different polar substances, and the total extraction yield could be reached 21.13 mg/g. The phytochemicals were highly recovered by temperature-switching and macroporous adsorption resin with a recovery rate up to 98.6 %, and the reusability of NTS-SUPRAS could still keep at 90.43 % of the initial one after three cycles. Finally, the extraction mechanism of NTS-SUPRAS was investigated using density functional theory (DFT), founding that the hydrogen bonding between NTS-SUPRAS and the phytochemicals was attributed to the high extraction rate. This nano temperature-switchable supramolecular solvent has the advantages of green, low cost, simple preparation, high extraction rate, easy recycling and good reusability, which is suitable for industrialized application and production. In addition, the nanoscale and the temperature-switchable characteristics also provide new prospects for high-value utilization of phytochemicals.

Insights into the usage of biobased organic acids for treating municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash towards metal removal and material recycling

The recycling of incineration bottom ash (IBA) is crucial for sustainable municipal solid waste (MSW) management and alleviating landfill burdens. However, limited environmentally friendly methods exist to effectively treat IBA for safe recycling. This study systematically examined the performance of biobased organic acids, namely citric acid (CA), oxalic acid (OA), lactic acid (LA), and levulinic acid (LEA), for IBA treatment. CA shows high extraction efficiency for most trace metals (e.g., Mn > 65 %, Pb > 50 %, Co approx.100 %, Cd > 85 %, Zn > 80 %, Ni > 80 %), while OA performs better for certain trace metals (e.g., Sn approx.99 %, Sb > 70 %, Mo > 70 %, Cr > 50 %). Multivariate statistical analysis and instrumental techniques were used to gain deeper insights into the critical mechanisms, including proton promoted dissolution, ligand related dissolution and precipitation/co-precipitation. The latter two mechanisms are distinctive metal extraction behaviours by organic acids compared to their inorganic counterparts. Both CA- and OA-treated alkaline-washed IBA residues demonstrate high leaching reduction efficiency (>99.9 %) of the critical heavy metals, making the treated IBA residues suitable for safe recycling as construction materials. This study highlights the potential of environmentally friendly organic acids which can be derived from bio-wastes for treating and repurposing IBA as resources for construction materials, promoting sustainable waste management for MSW incineration ash.