Highest Extraction Yield Research Articles

Innovative Techniques for Pharmaceutical Waste Management: Enhancing Drug Recovery and Environmental Sustainability

The pharmaceutical sector is a major component of current healthcare, manufacturing and distributing drugs, biological substances, and medical equipment. Despite its advantages, the sector creates enormous waste, including materials for packaging, production by-products, expired or unused drugs, and other residues, creating health and environmental issues. Appropriate pharmaceutical waste handling and medication recovery strategies are vital for limiting these problems. This article aims to investigate and evaluate multiple techniques for recovering pharmaceuticals from pharmaceutical waste, highlighting the significance of sustainable waste management in the pharmaceutical sector. The paper emphasizes the need to use modern methods such as liquid-liquid extraction, membrane crystallization, solid-liquid extraction, and adsorption to recover drugs from pharmaceutical waste. Liquid-liquid extraction exhibits excellent adaptability and efficiency for varied Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), whereas membrane crystallization provides low-energy solutions for thermally sensitive compounds. Solid-liquid extraction is useful for recovering APIs from solid dosage forms, while adsorption approaches exploit substances like activated carbon for organic component recovery. Each process has particular benefits and disadvantages, with the selection of methodology based on waste properties and recovery objectives. It emphasizes the promise of these technologies for high extraction yields, purity, and environmental sustainability, supporting effective pharmaceutical waste management procedures. Additionally, difficulties such as cost-effectiveness, scalability, and regulatory compliance are addressed, pointing to opportunities for future research and development to improve the efficacy of drug recovery procedures. In conclusion, using advanced techniques to recover pharmaceuticals from pharmaceutical waste offers a viable way to implement sustainable waste recovery procedures and lessen the pharmaceutical industry's negative environmental effects.

D-Limonene extraction from Citrus reticulata Blanco wastes with compressed propane and supercritical CO2

In this study, the use of supercritical CO2 (scCO2), and compressed propane (CP) were applied to obtain a crude extract rich in d-limonene (DL) from Ponkan waste from the juice industry. The moisture content of the dried waste was 8.53% and a particle size of 28 mesh was determined for the extractions. Soxhlet extraction was performed with 5g of waste and 150mL of n-hexane and showed an extraction yield of 1.94% with a DL fraction of 44.83%. The experimental design was carried out for scCO2 and CP and the condition that resulted in the highest extraction yield (1.50%) and DL fraction (89.01%) using scCO2 was 80 °C and 20MPa, while when C3H8 was used, the highest extraction yield (2.35%) and DL fraction (89.38%) were obtained at 40 °C and 15MPa. The results show that scCO2 and C3H8 are selective solvents for DL extraction.

Cellulose, cellulose nanofibers, and cellulose acetate from Butia fruits (Butia odorata): Chemical, morphological, structural, and thermal properties

Cellulose possesses numerous advantageous properties and is a precursor to compounds and derivatives. The objective of this study was to isolate and characterize cellulose from Butia fruits and simultaneously produce cellulose nanofibers and cellulose acetate from the isolated cellulose. Cellulose extraction was performed using a combination of alkaline and bleaching treatments, while the production of cellulose nanofibers and cellulose acetate was achieved through acid hydrolysis and acetylation, respectively. The materials were characterized by their chemical composition, size distribution, zeta potential, morphology, relative crystallinity (XRD), functional groups (FTIR), molecular structure (NMR), and thermal stability (TGA). The Butia crude fibers presented 49.4 % cellulose, 4.5 % hemicellulose, 25.4 % lignin, and 1.3 % ash. The cellulose nanofibers presented an average diameter ranging from 13.7 to 93.1 nm and exhibited a high degree of crystallinity (63.3 %). FTIR, XRD, 13C, and 1H NMR analyses confirmed that the isolation processes effectively removed amorphous regions from the cellulose nanofibers and confirmed the cellulose acetylation process. As demonstrated, cellulosic materials derived from Butia fruit exhibit promise for various applications, including their potential use as reinforcing agents in polymer matrices, due to their high extraction yield, thermal properties, and crystallinity.

Life cycle assessment and yield to optimize extraction time and solvent: Comparing deep eutectic solvents vs conventional ones

Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are gaining interest as eco-friendly alternatives for extracting bioactive compounds, but their environmental benefits remain unclear and need further evaluation. In this work, a case study of total polyphenols (TPC) extraction from spent coffee grounds (SCG) was environmentally evaluated using life cycle assessment (LCA). First, the most convenient extraction time (1, 10, 20, or 40 min) for water and acetone 20 % from an environmental perspective was identified. Second, a comparison of different solvents—DES (choline chloride-1,6-hexanediol), water, and ethanol 20 %—under their optimal extraction yield conditions was performed using literature data. Results from the first study revealed that the environmentally optimal extraction time (10 min) was not the one leading to the highest yield. The main contributors to the impacts were the use of acetone and electricity consumption.For the second study, DES performed worse in all studied environmental impact categories compared to both ethanol 20 % and water. Ethanol 20 % was the better option compared to water due to its higher extraction yield (9.2 mg vs. 6.5 mg TPC/g SCG, respectively). The environmental impacts associated with the DES system were primarily attributed to the DES preparation step, which requires virgin raw materials (e.g., dimethyl hexanediol), and the adsorption stage involving the use of resins. A sensitivity analysis was also conducted by optimizing the DES system to the best possible described conditions (90 % reuse of DES and maximum reduction of the macroporous resin used to adsorb the TPC after extraction). Nevertheless, the DES system still performed worse than water or ethanol 20 % systems, in 11 out of 16 impact categories.The study highlights the importance to consider environmental impacts and yield when optimizing extraction processes, especially at the laboratory scale, as the insights gained are valuable for improving eco-efficiency on an industrial scale.

PH shift extraction technique for plant proteins: A promising technique for sustainable development

With the recognition of animal-derived foods as unhealthy and their association with climate change, researchers are increasingly focusing on plant-based protein as a sustainable alternative. Plant proteins offer versatile functional and dietary benefits, making them suitable for various food applications. This study investigates the influence of alkaline and acidic pH conditions on the extraction yield and the functional and nutritional properties of plant-based proteins. The primary sources of plant protein include cereals, legumes, and oilseeds, which can be used to address essential amino acid deficiencies through blending. Several methods have been employed for protein extraction from plant sources, such as salt extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and micellar precipitation. Among these techniques, the pH shift method stands out due to its non-thermal nature, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. In this method, proteins are solubilized at alkaline pH and then precipitated at their isoelectric point, resulting in a collection of protein precipitate. It is crucial to optimize extraction techniques based on qualitative and quantitative analysis to enhance protein yield, characteristics, and nutritional value. Most conventional protein extraction methods require a large quantity of chemicals, which imposes the issue of safe disposal, compromising environmental sustainability. Traditional methods also produce protein with non-proteinaceous constituents, adding another purification step and resulting in increased overall cost. However, the pH shift method utilizes comparatively less harsh chemicals and has a high protein extraction yield, which makes it comparatively more environmentally and economically sustainable. The sustainable extraction of plant-based proteins addresses the health and environmental concerns associated with animal-derived foods and offers a promising solution to promote sustainability in the food industry.

Extraction of Flavonoids from Parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction: An Optimization Approach

The parasitic plant Macrosolen cochinchinensis (Lour.) VAN Tiegh, commonly found parasitizing mango trees, contains flavonoid compounds with potential anticancer properties. This study aims to optimize the extraction of flavonoids from M. cochinchinensis using the Ultrasonic Assisted Extraction (UAE) method. Three extraction parameters were investigated to determine the best conditions for maximizing extract yield and flavonoid concentration. The parameters considered for the UAE technique were different ethanol concentrations (30%, 70%, and 96%), extraction times (15, 30, and 45 minutes), and solvent-to-sample ratios (1:10, 1:20, and 1:30). The study used Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to identify the optimal extraction conditions. The analysis using RSM indicated that the highest extraction yield (10%) was achieved with a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:30, 30% ethanol concentration, and an extraction time of 45 minutes. The highest flavonoid content (457.96 mg QE/g extract) was obtained with a solid-to-liquid ratio between 1:20 and 1:30, using 65 to 80% ethanol solvent and an extraction time of 45 minutes. These results suggest that these parameters extract flavonoid compounds from M. cochinchinensis leaves.

Effects of solvent extraction on the phytoconstituents and in vitro antioxidant activity properties of leaf extracts of the two selected medicinal plants from Malawi

This study evaluated and compared the phytochemical and antioxidant properties of the solvent extracts of Azadirachta indica A. Juss and Vernonia amygdalina Del leaves. Methanolic and aqueous extracts showed high (P ≤ 0.05) extract yields (in %), compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts from both V. amygdalina and A. indica leaves. The study exhibited high phytochemical content in methanol and aqueous extracts compared to chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts, confirming the potential for medicinal use. V. amygdalina methanol and aqueous extracts had higher (P ≤ 0.05) total phenolic content (TPC), in mg GAE/gDW, (158.810±0.846 and 217.883±0.265, respectively) than chloroform (37.574±0.118) and ethyl acetate (104.758±0.236) but higher ethyl acetate content in A. indica extracts. Low polar solvents extracted high (P ≤ 0.05) total flavonoids, in mgQE/gDW, (367.051±0.858 and 149.808±0.009) compared to high polar solvents (14.863±0.071 and 54.226±0.014 ) in V. amygdalina while as in A. indica leaf extracts, low polar solvents showed high TFC ( 658.469±3.451 and 275.288±10.490) compared to high polar solvents (26.312±0.063 and 48.858±0.063) respectively. In vitro total antioxidant capacity, in mg/g, was higher in polar solvents than in low-polar solvents, ranging from 34.300±1.784 to 121.015±6.839 for A. indica ethyl acetate and methanolic extracts. A strong correlation between TPC and tannic acid content was observed, except in A. indica methanolic extracts of A. indica. Ferric reducing power was high, except for V. amygdalina chloroform and methanol leaf extracts, which were lower (P≤ 0.05) than that of the standard ascorbic acid. The study revealed that high polar solvents, such as methanol and water, are more efficient in the extraction of antioxidants from A. indica but lower in V. amygdalina extracts. High phytochemical content and antioxidative capacity could be significant in treating various diseases in humans.

Solvent polarity effects on extraction yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant properties of Malvaceae family seeds: a comparative study

ABSTRACT The selection of appropriate solvents in the extraction process plays a crucial role in determining the nature and quantity of secondary metabolites extracted from medicinal plants. This study investigates the impact of solvent polarity on the extraction yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant properties of seeds from four plants belonging to the Malvaceae family: Abutilon fruticosum, Abutilon pannosum, Sida ovata and Malvastrum coromendelianum. The seed powder of each species was subjected to extraction using solvents with varying polarities, including acetone, chloroform, methanol, and water. Physicochemical analysis, extraction yield, quantitative phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were assessed. Total phenolic content (TPC) was determined using the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, and antioxidant activity was measured using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the choice of extracting solvents significantly influenced (p < 0.05) extraction yield, phenolic content, and antioxidant properties. In conclusion, water and methanol emerged as the most effective solvents for achieving high extraction yields, phenolic compound content, and free radical scavenging activities. The results demonstrated a robust correlation between total phenolic content (mg of Gallic acid equivalent/g of sample) and free radical scavenging activity (IC50). The study highlights the substantial impact of solvent type, suggesting the potential benefits of using a combination of polar and nonpolar solvents to enhance the extraction efficiency of phytochemicals, phenolic content and antioxidant quality from medicinal plant seeds. Future investigations should focus on isolating and identifying active secondary metabolites from these extracts.

Extraction of phenolic compounds from Juglans regia L. leaves using aqueous solutions of eutectic solvents

The leaves of Juglans regia L. (walnut tree) are a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can be used in cosmetic applications due to their antioxidant properties. Conventionally, these compounds are extracted using volatile organic solvents. This study focuses on a more sustainable approach by designing a heat-assisted extraction process using aqueous solutions of eutectic solvents (ES) composed of cosmetic-compatible ingredients aiming for direct incorporation into cream formulations. In this context, aqueous solutions of the ES betaine + urea and betaine + 1,3-propanediol (PPD) were selected, considering their potential as cosmetic ingredients. The screening process targeted the maximum extraction yield of phenolic compounds (phenolic acids and flavonoids), quantified by HPLC-DAD. The selected variables were water content (25, 50 and 75 % in weight) and the molar proportion of the ES components. For comparison purposes, pure water was used as a reference solvent.The total phenolic content ranged between 5.5 and 14.6 mg/g of dry plant. Betaine:urea (2:1), betaine:PPD (1:2), betaine, and PPD, all with 50 % water mass percentage, were among those resulting in higher extraction yields and were further selected for bioactivity analysis. The system containing betaine presented the best antioxidant capacity, analysed through ferric reducing power, DPPH radical scavenging, and TBARS assays. The extracts obtained with PPD presented the highest antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, and yeast. The results show the potential of using binary aqueous mixtures of betaine, or 1,3-propanediol, which are simple ingredients in cosmetics formulations, to efficiently extract phenolic compounds from a natural matrix. Moreover, the bioactivity results, particularly in the antioxidant dimension, support using J. regia leaves as a source of natural antioxidants.

Phytochemical Analysis and Biological Activities of Different Extracts of Walnut (Juglans regia Linn.) Kernels

The walnut tree (Juglans regia Linn.) is a valuable medicinal plant. Almost all parts of this plant have significant nutritional and curative properties. The walnut fruit has been claimed to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive, antimicrobial properties and high nutritional value. The present work is focused on the phytochemical screening and study of antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of Juglans regia kernels extracted from four different solvents; methanol, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane. The highest yield of extract was obtained with methanol. The phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolic compounds, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, reducing sugars, and saponins in methanol extract. The total phenolic content was higher in methanolic extract. Methanolic and chloroform extracts possessed more flavonoid content than ethyl acetate and hexane extracts. The DPPH radical scavenging assay showed that the IC50 value of methanolic extract was 78.77 μg/mL with TPC 67.65 mg GAE/g and TFC 391.00 mg QE/g. The IC50 value obtained for ethyl acetate extract was 135.28 μg/mL with TPC 36.56 mg GAE/g and TFC 212.00 mg QE/g. The IC50 value for chloroform extract was 313.72 μg/mL with TPC 13.08 mg GAE/g and TFC 393.73 mg QE/g. The IC50 value of hexane extract was 898.99 μg/mL with TPC 6.26 mg GAE/g and TFC 77.82 mg QE/g. Only methanolic extract showed the antimicrobial activity against Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus.

Aromatization of olive oil with ginger and turmeric powder or extracts by the co‐processing and maceration methods

AbstractAromatized olive oils were prepared by the addition of ginger and turmeric spices and their combination (ginger + turmeric) with two different forms: powder and extracts. The spices were incorporated to olive paste at kneading stage (co‐processing) or directly to olive oil as infusion (maceration) (5% for powder, 3% for extract; w/w). Aromatization provided a lower peroxide value accompanied by a longer induction period, increased total phenolic content, and enhanced antioxidant activity. The use of turmeric as a powder may be advantageous for use in vegetable oils, especially because the bioactive antioxidant compounds it contains are hydrophobic. In another way, it was also the reason why the alcoholic extract of ginger gave more effective results than turmeric, which had a higher extraction yield than ginger. For both the co‐processing and maceration methods, ginger powder and extract induced the strongest radical scavenging activity in oil. The pungent taste was more marked in turmeric‐aromatized oils and spicy taste in ginger‐aromatized oils. The use of these two spices together incorporated the bioactive components into the oil while balancing the burning effect of ginger, making it more possible to benefit from its high antioxidant effect.Practical Applications: Aromatization of olive oil by maceration and co‐processing not only enriched it with bioactive components but also improved oxidative stability with quality indices such as free acidity and peroxide. In terms of quality indices and oxidative stability, maceration had advantages over co‐processing. However, co‐processing was more effective in terms of total phenolic and radical scavenging activity. At the industrial level, the incorporation of an aromatic material at one step of the process, that is, co‐processing or co‐milling, can be advantageous in terms of application without requiring extra time for the aromatization.

Implementation of RSM and ANN Optimization Approach for Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents-Based Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Orange Peel.

The present investigation has focused on developing an eco-friendly method to extract bioactive compounds from orange peel using natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES). NADES-II composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and ethylene glycol (1:2) and 50% water shows the maximal extraction yield with higher antioxidant activity in terms of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity with a high total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and an artificial neural network (ANN). ANN showed a higher value of R 2 and lower values of other statistical parameters when compared to RSM. The ideal extraction conditions were optimized as a 13 min rising time, 52 °C temperature, a 21 min holding time, and a 20 mL/g liquid-to-solid ratio. MAE was compared with the conventional heating-stirring extraction (HSE) method using the NADES-II solvent under optimum conditions. The results show that higher extraction yield and antioxidant capacities (DPPH and ABTS), TPC, and TFC can be obtained from orange peel using the MAE process compared to the HSE process. Overall, this study shows an optimiztic approach for the extraction of bioactive compounds from an orange peel using eco-friendly solvents and microwave technology. It also highlights the potential of this approach for valorizing orange peel waste.

Response surface methodology guided approach for optimization of protein isolate from Faba bean. Part 1/2

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was evaluated as a green procedure to produce faba beans protein isolates from faba beans. Magnetic stirring was performed as conventional extraction. A three-level five-factor Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was applied to obtain the optimal UAE conditions to concurrently maximize extraction yield and protein content. The response surface methodology (RSM) showed a quadratic curvature for extraction yield and protein. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as: Power of 123 W, solute/solvent ratio of 0.06 (1:15 g/mL), sonication time of 41 min, and total volume of 623 mL with a desirability value of 0.82. Under these conditions, the extraction yield of 19. 75 ± 0.87 % (Protein yield of 67.84 %) and protein content of 92.87 ± 0.53 % were obtained for optimum ultrasound extraction. Control samples using magnetic stirring under similar conditions without ultrasound treatment showed an extraction yield of 16.41 ± 0.02 % (Protein yield of 54.65 %) and a protein content of 89. 88 ± 0.40 %. This shows that BBD can effectively be used to optimize the extraction of proteins from faba beans using optimal extraction conditions, resulting in a higher extraction yield and protein purity.

Application of Different Aqueous Ultrasound-assisted Extraction Process Parameters on the Quality of Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb) Leaves Extract

Pandan of Pandanaceae family, known for its aromatic foliage, vibrant green color, and rich in bioactive compounds, requires green extraction technology to stabilise compounds. Hence, this study aims to optimise process parameters of aqueous ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) on the color, yield, and antioxidant content of pandan extract using the Response Surface Method (RSM), and compare the volatile compounds present in optimised ultrasonicated pandan extract with macerated extract (control). The analysis includes DPPH and FRAP assays, total phenolic content (TPC), color, and yield. Optimally validated parameters (R2 ≥ 0.90, p-value lack-of-fit ≥ 0.05) were: 80°C extraction temperature, 90 min ultrasonic time, 2.60 % of solid in 20 mL distilled water yielded promising antioxidant activities: 277.64 mg/g AAE, 19.90 mg/g GAE, and 1.48 g/g AAE for DPPH, TPC, and FRAP assays, respectively). UAE technique has significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher yield of extract (86.24%) and DPPH scavenging activity (277.64 mg/g AAE) compared with control. The 3-methyl-2(5H)-furanone is the most abundant volatile compound found in both extracts. The cavitation in ultrasonication generates currents, increasing pandan's mass transfer rate into the solvent medium. The optimised ultrasonication condition contributes to the increased quality of the pandan extract.

Compressed n-propane extraction of umari pulp oil: A rich Amazon source of β-carotene and omega-9

Compressed n-propane extraction (CPE) was applied to umari fruit (Poraqueiba sericea Tul.) pulp to obtain an oil rich in high added-value components. CPE was performed at different temperatures and flow rate, which was compared to conventional extraction (Soxhlet). The oils were analyzed for global yields, fatty acid composition, β-carotene content, antioxidant activity, total phenolics content (TPC) total flavonoids (TF), and thermal behavior. The highest extraction yield (29.2 wt%) was obtained with CPE at 80 °C and 3 mL.min−1, being higher than that obtained by Soxhlet. The flow rate variation had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on the oil extraction yield, while the temperature had a negative effect. The umari oil obtained by CPE emerges as a rich source of oleic acid (omega-9) and β-carotene (vitamin A precursor), with potential to be applied in various industrial segments and inserted into the Amazon bioeconomy scenario.

Enhanced Extraction of Low-Molecular Weight DNA from Wastewater for Comprehensive Assessment of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Environmental surveillance is recognized as an important tool for assessing public health in the post-pandemic era. Water, in particular wastewater, has emerged as the source of choice to sample pathogen burdens in the environment. Wastewater from open drains and community water treatment plants is a reservoir of both pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes, and frequently comes in contact with humans. While there are many methods of tracking AMR from water,isolating good-quality DNA at high yields from heterogeneous samples remains a challenge. To compensate, sample volumes often need to be high, creating practical constraints. Additionally, environmental DNA is frequently fragmented, and the sources of AMR (plasmids, phages, linear DNA) consist of low-molecular-weight DNA. Yet, few extraction processes have focused on methods for high-yield extraction of linear and low-molecular-weight DNA. Here, a simple method for high-yield linear DNA extraction from small volumes of wastewater using the precipitation properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) is reported. This study makes a case for increasing overall DNA yields from water samples collected for metagenomic analyses by enriching the proportion of linear DNA. In addition, enhancing low-molecular-weight DNA overcomes the current problem of under-sampling environmental AMR due to a focus on high-molecular-weight and intracellular DNA. This method is expected to be particularly useful when extracellular DNA exists but at low concentrations, such as with effluents from treatment plants. It should also enhance the environmental sampling of AMR gene fragments that spread through horizontal gene transfer.

Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation of Extracts Obtained via Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Medicinal Plant Phedimus aizoon.

Phedimus aizoon has been utilized as a medicinal plant in Asia. However, the production of phytochemical-rich extracts from P. aizoon and the evaluation of their bioactivity are limited. Herein, phytochemical-rich extracts were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction of P. aizoon, with a high extraction yield of 16.56%. The extracts contained about 126 mg of phenolics and 31 mg of flavonoids per g of the extracts. The chromatographic analysis (GC-MS and HPLC analyses) identified 19 notable phytochemicals of the extracts from P. aizoon, including pentacosane, hexadecanoic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, and quercetin. The gallic acid content of the extracts was relatively high at 2.75 mg/g. The identified compounds are known to have various bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. In fact, the prepared extracts exhibited antioxidant activity at 24-28% of that of ascorbic acid. In addition, it showed antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria). This study highlights that P. aizoon deserves attention as a natural bioactive substance and emphasizes the need for applications of the extracts from P. aizoon.

Ultrasonic high-yield extraction of non-toxic fucose-containing Abroma augusta polysaccharide bearing emulsifying properties.

The stem of Abroma augusta contains mucilaginous polysaccharides having numerous ethnomedicinal properties. The present work aimed to develop a scalable ultrasonic-assisted aqueous Abroma augusta mucilage (AAM) extraction (UAE) method and further explores its emulsifying property and toxicity concern. The combination of ultrasonic power (750 W), solid-to-liquid ratio (1:15) and temperature (348 K) gave the highest extraction yield of 2.28% with a diffusivity value of 3.85 × 10-9 m2 s-1, which was higher than aqueous extraction method using a kinetic model based on Fick's second law of diffusion. The extracted polysaccharide showed no toxicity as measured through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay on RAW cell line. Additionally, the polysaccharide over its critical micelle concentration (400, 500, 600 and 700 μg mL-1) offered emulsifying properties with 0.5%, 1% and 5% oil (v/v). The emulsion with a polysaccharide concentration of 600 μg mL-1 with 5% oil (v/v) provides stability against coalescence for 3 days. The overall findings indicated that UAE of AAM polysaccharide can be used for an efficient extraction method, and the obtained polysaccharide is nontoxic in nature and bears emulsifying properties. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Study of the microRNA fraction in food waste and other biomasses. Assessment of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs with important biological functions. Their presence in food and their potential role as new bioactive molecules is generating great expectations. For the first time, the miRNA fraction within food waste and algae has been studied, highlighting their bioactivity and its potential upcycling. MiRNAs from barley malt rootles, brewer’s spent grains, Spirulina, Chlorella, orange peels, pomegranate and apricot seeds, and watermelon waste were extracted using two kits, one with chloroform and a more sustainable alternative. Higher extraction yields were obtained with the chloroform-containing kit. Purity of extracts was confirmed by UV spectroscopy and reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with UV detection. Further analysis by RP-HPLC and high-resolution mass spectrometry (MS) demonstrated the potential and feasibility of this technique for the analysis of miRNA although there are still some limitations to overcome before its routine application. Apricot seed miRNAs demonstrated remarkable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity.

Pharmacognostical characterization, GC-MS profiling, and elemental analysis of Curcuma caesia Roxb. rhizomes for public health

Abstract Objectives The study provides a thorough examination of the rhizomes of Curcuma caesia Roxb., which is a medicinal substance sometimes referred to as black turmeric and has not been well studied. Methods The study examines the pharmacognostical characteristics, GC-MS profiling, and elemental analysis of the substance to determine its potential for use in medicine. The presence of heavy metal contamination in herbal products is a significant issue, which necessitates the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry to quantitatively analyze eight elements. Results The investigation validates the existence of crucial trace elements while guaranteeing that the levels of heavy metals are within the toxicity limits set by the World Health Organization. This indicates that the rhizome is safe for medicinal purposes. The selection of a solvent has a substantial impact on the efficiency of extraction. Acetone has the highest extraction yield, followed by ethanol and ethyl acetate. The GC-MS analysis uncovers a wide range of phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, tannins, steroids, and proteins. Additionally, particular solvents exclusively detect specific molecules. Epicurzerenone and zederone are chemicals that show promise for use in reducing inflammation and fighting cancer. Conclusions On the basis of results it can be concluded that rhizome’s quality based on acceptable physicochemical characteristics and provides a strong basis for future pharmacological research. The research has potential for the development of novel organic drugs, utilizing the abundant phytochemical composition of C. caesia Roxb. rhizomes.