Lipophilic Compounds Research Articles

Efficient Removal of Lipophilic Compounds from Sewage Sludge: Comparative Evaluation of Solvent Extraction Techniques

Municipal sewage sludge, a by-product of wastewater treatment plants, presents environmental challenges due to its complex composition. Particular concern is the lipophilic and aliphatic compounds that pose risks to the environment and human health. This study focuses on the efficient removal of those compounds from sewage sludge using several organic solvents (hexane, toluene, chloroform, dichloromethane, acetone, hexane-methanol mixture, ethanol, and methanol) and ionic liquids (ILs) like tetrakis(hydroxymethyl)phosphonium chloride and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate by solvent extraction techniques. To determine optimal conditions, various factors such as solvent types, contact time, and temperature were examined. The results reveal that solvent polarity significantly impacts extract composition, with non-polar solvents like hexane and toluene yielding profiles characteristic of lipid-type compounds. An in-depth analysis of contaminants present in the sewage sludge was studied by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) was used to identify the extracted compounds, including triglycerides, aliphatic esters, aliphatic alcohols, and free carboxylic acids. NMR provides data on the composition of the sewage sludge and indicates that among all the solvents used, tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride was the most suitable solvent for removing lipophilic and aliphatic compounds. Regeneration potential and reusability of the IL were conducted and verified by NMR. The results showed that tetrakis(hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride ionic liquid could be used for several extraction cycles. Identifying these compounds in the extracted mixture demonstrates that it adds value and potential for various applications. Towards environmental sustainability and circular economy, this effort develops strategies for the safe management, disposal, and recyclability of sewage sludge and, the reduction in environmental and health hazards associated with organic compounds.

Secretory structures and histochemistry of roots, stem, and leaves of medicinal plant Fibraurea tinctoria Lour.

Fibraurea tinctoria Lour. (Menispermaceae) is a medicinal plant used by many local tribes in Indonesia and other countries. This species has pharmacological potential, such as antimalaria, antibacterial, antitumor, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepato-protector. However, the secretory structures and sites of secondary metabolite accumulation still need to be studied. This study aimed to explore the secretory structures and reveal the accumulation sites of the main classes of secondary metabolites in the root, stem, and leaves of F. tinctoria. Histochemical analysis using various specific reagents was performed on freehand sections of the fresh organs to detect alkaloids, phenolics, terpenoids, and lipophilic compounds. Observations of secretory structures were carried out using light microscopy. The result showed that idioblast was the predominant secretory structure in the plant organs and contained all the chemical groups investigated, while laticifer accumulated alkaloids were found only in the stem. Some secondary metabolites were localized in the xylem, intercellular space, and cuticle layer. Crystals were observed in the root, stem, and leaf of this species. These results might be helpful as guide information for extracting the particular plant parts to obtain the desired secondary metabolites. It suggested that leaves are a potential alternative source of medicinal raw material of this species, in addition to the stem. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: The first study on secretory structures of Fibraurea tinctoria. Secondary metabolites in F. tinctoria organs accumulate in specialized and unspecialized structures. The idioblast is the primary secretory structure in the organs of F. tinctoria spreading over the root, stem, and leaves.

Verbascum gimgimense an Endemic Turkish Plant: Evaluation of In Vitro Anticancer, Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory Activities, and Phytochemical Profile.

The Verbascum genus has gained significant attention in the pharmaceutical field, particularly in recent years, due to its valuable medicinal properties, which are well-recognized in complementary and alternative medicine. Certain species within this genus contain essential compounds and exhibit a wide range of therapeutic activities. In this study, the ethanolic extract of Verbascum gimgimense (VG) was analyzed for its cytotoxic, apoptotic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory properties, as well as its phenolic and lipophilic compounds. The phenolic compounds in the extract were identified using Exactive Plus Orbitrap HPLC-HRMS, while the lipophilic components were characterized by GC-MS analysis. The Neutral Red Uptake (NRU) cell viability assay and colony formation assay were performed to assess the antiproliferative and anti-colony survival effects of VG on the A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Additionally, a wound healing assay measured cell migration, and the apoptotic process was evaluated using Caspase-3 ELISA and acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Protein expression levels were determined by western blot analysis. DPPH, ABTS FRAP, and CUPRAC assays were used to determine free radical scavenging, reducing power, and metal chelating activities, respectively. VG was rich in dominant phenolic components, including benzoic acid (6.809 mg/g extract), phloretic acid (1.279 mg/g extract), luteolin 7-rutinoside (2.799 mg/g extract), luteoloside (3.300 mg/g extract), kuromanine (3.456 mg/g extract), and rutin hydrate (2.015 mg/g extract). Major fatty acids identified in VG included palmitic acid (17.3%), stearic acid (2.99%), linoleic acid (9.44%), and α-linolenic acid (26.48%). VG treatment significantly reduced colony formation ability, decreased wound closure, and increased both apoptotic cell count and caspase-3 activity compared to the control group. Protein levels of c-PARP, p53, and p21 were substantially elevated compared to controls. In addition to its strong free radical scavenging, reducing power and metal chelating activity, VG exhibited strong inhibitory effects on α-amylase, α-glucosidase, AChE, BChE, and tyrosinase. Our study demonstrates that VG possesses antiproliferative, apoptotic, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibitory properties. V. gimgimense emerges as a promising natural antioxidant source with potentially significant regulatory effects on key enzymes and proteins, which could contribute to managing various human diseases and inspire the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Target-oriented rational design of composite bio-derived solvents for the green extraction of salvianolic acid B and tanshinones from Salvia miltiorrhiza root

Finding sustainable and efficient ways to extract natural products is becoming increasingly important for both the pharmaceutical and food industries. In this study, we propose a target-oriented approach for the rational design of composite bio-derived solvents, specifically tailored for the simultaneous extraction of salvianolic acid B, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone and tanshinone IIA from Salvia miltiorrhiza root. We systematically evaluated the extraction efficiency of various bio-derived solvents, including glycerol carbonate, ethylene glycol, levulinic acid, glycerolformal, ethyl lactate and γ-valerolactone, both individually and in combination. Using a mixture design integrated with statistical modeling and optimization algorithms, we identified that the composite solvent system of GF/LA (57.8/42.2, v/v) greatly improved the extraction of both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. The extraction yields were significantly higher compared to those obtained using individual bio-derived or traditional solvents, while the overall solvent consumption was lower. Additionally, we explored the use of macroporous adsorption resins to recover the extracted compounds from GF/LA (57.8/42.2, v/v) extracts solution, achieving impressive recovery yields of over 80%. Our findings provide valuable insights into the sustainable extraction of bioactive compounds and suggest practical applications for both analytical and industrial-scale processes, aligning with green chemistry principles.

Comparative analysis of lipid profile, and nutritional quality of eight Moroccan varieties of Punica granatum

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nutritional value of eight varieties of Punica granatum seeds grown in Morocco (INRA station) as a source of vegetable oil. To this end we have investigated the impact of cultivars on lipophilic bioactive compounds, including Fatty acid (FA), phytosterol, and tocopherols, as well as the qualitative, nutritional and metabolic potential of the seeds of this varieties. The lipid profile analysis of pomegranate seed oils from the eight varieties revealed a predominance of unsaturated fatty acids, notably punicic acid (77.49–82.93 %). In terms of sterols, β-sitosterol scored the highest values among the sterols identified (520.31–726.82 mg/100 g). The chemical composition of tocopherols showed γ-tocopherol to be the major component (343.22–567.40 mg/100 g), with the red pomegranate showing the highest γ-tocopherol value, while the yellow pomegranate marked the highest concentration of total tocopherols. Nutritional indices calculated on the basis of fatty acid composition show favorable profiles for the Sefri and Mollar Ossin Hueso varieties.

PAH contamination in coastal surface sediments and associated bacterial communities

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are semi-volatile, lipophilic, and harmful compounds that can persist for decades in a range of marine environments. There are several marine and soil microorganisms that possess enzymes involved in arene degradation. Here, we analyzed the structure (16S rRNA amplicons) and metabolic potential (inferred using phylogenetic placement) of the bacterial community in surface marine sediments from coastal waters off Concepción, Chile, and describe how microbial community patterns are shaped and altered by PAH contamination. Two depositional zones were identified, a “High PAH” area containing a mix of high and low molecular weight PAH of up to 10,350 ng∑PAH gdw−1 and with high organic matter content; and a “Low PAH” zone mostly characterized by low molecular weight PAH of up to 1810 ng∑PAH gdw−1 and lower levels of organic matter. We identified 53 hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria genera, with eight showing relatively high abundances at High PAH sites, although known PAH degrader clades were also present at Low PAH sites. With potential enzymes inferred in almost all samples, we suggest that breakdown of PAH is widespread in this area, likely resulting from the long history of local PAH emissions that may have promoted a stored microbial capacity for these degradation processes.

Development and optimization of a two-step co-extraction process for the recovery of pumpkin seed oil and in-situ enrichment with β-carotene compounds from pumpkin peel

Vegetable oil industries are interested in producing healthy, high-quality, and cost-effective edible oils. This necessitates greener sources and effective oil enrichment strategies involving non-toxic and natural antioxidants. Thus, this study developed a novel one-pot vegetable oil natural pigmentation strategy to enable the in-situ cold press extraction and pigmentation of the vegetable oils while enhancing yields. The study co-pressed microwave pretreated pumpkin seeds and peels (PSP),33PSP: Pumpkin seeds and peel producing pumpkin seed oil (PSO)44PSO: Pumpkin seed oil which facilitated the co-extraction of lipophilic β-carotene compounds from the peels in a structured bed. The processing conditions were optimised for yields through Box-Behnken Design experiments, which varied seed-to-peel ratio (50 – 90 % w/w), microwave power (200 – 600 Watts), irradiation time (180 – 240 sec), and pressure (10 – 20 MPa). Optimal conditions (80 % w/w seeds,55% w/w seed: mass fraction of seeds (% w/w) in the seed-peel mixture (g) 600 Watts, 240 sec, 20 MPa) recovered 73.58 % oil and 5.48 ± 0.33 mg β-carotene /100 g biomass. PSP oils with natural β-carotene (0.75±0.02 mg β-carotene/100 g oil) pigmentation was more oxidative stable (based on unsaturated fatty acids content) at elevated temperatures (180 °C, 6 h), outperforming unpigmented seed oils (0.47±0.01 mg/100 g oil) despite the reduced yield. Therefore, microwave pretreatment and one-pot co-extraction have the potential to produce high-quality edible oil from vegetable residues with reduced processing steps. Thus, promoting material circularity in food processing. Industrial relevanceThe utilization of a microwave-assisted mechanical processing scheme comprising a mixture of pumpkin seeds and peel provides a potential multi-product pathway for obtaining maximum value from pumpkin residues. This approach offers notable industrial benefits and applications:I.Microwave heating shows promising potential in enhancing the extractability of pumpkin seed oil and β-carotene compounds from the peel. Thus, rendering it a viable pre-treatment method for vegetable oil production and in-situ recovery of natural antioxidants.II.The layered structured-bed presents a co-extraction technique (for pumpkin seed oil and β-carotene) with fewer extraction steps compared to the multi-step, energy-intensive conventional oil enrichment processes.

Investigation of a fully mechanistic physiologically based pharmacokinetics model of absorption to support predictions of milk concentrations in breastfeeding women and the exposure of infants: A case study for albendazole.

Due to limited non-clinical and clinical data, European guidance recommends to discontinue breastfeeding when taking albendazole. The aim of this study was to consider the use of PBPK modeling to support the expected exposure in breastfed infants. A fully mechanistic PBPK approach was used to provide quantitative predictions of albendazole and its main active metabolite, albendazole sulfoxide, concentrations in plasma and breast milk of lactating women. The model predicted the exposure in adults and the large food effect, however, it does not predict all the clinical data for the exposure in children. Milk/plasma ratio predictions were also largely over-predicted for this lipophilic compound, but not for the less lipophilic metabolite. Predictions using the observed ratio and a worse-case exposure based on Cmax predictions, suggest doses to children through milk will be low. However, more clinical data are required before full exposure predictions can be made to breastfed infants.

Extending the G1 phase improves the production of lipophilic compounds in yeast by boosting enzyme expression and increasing cell size

Cell phase engineering can significantly impact protein synthesis and cell size, potentially enhancing the production of lipophilic products. This study investigated the impact of G1 phase extension on resource allocation, metabolic functions, and the unfolded protein response (UPR) in yeast, along with the potential for enhancing the production of lipophilic compounds. In brief, the regulation of the G1 phase was achieved by deleting CLN3 (G1 cyclin) in various yeast strains. This modification resulted in a 83% increase in cell volume, a 76.9% increase in dry cell weight, a 82% increase in total protein content, a 41% increase in carotenoid production, and a 159% increase in fatty alcohol production. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant upregulation of multiple metabolic pathways involved in acetyl-CoA (acetyl coenzyme A) synthesis, ensuring an ample supply of precursors for the synthesis of lipophilic products. Furthermore, we observed improved protein synthesis, attributed to UPR activation during the prolonged G1 phase. These findings not only enhanced our understanding and application of yeast's capacity to synthesize lipophilic compounds in applied biotechnology but also offered unique insights into cellular behavior during the modified G1 phase, particularly regarding the UPR response, for basic research. This study demonstrates the potential of G1 phase intervention to increase the yield of hydrophobic compounds in yeast, providing a promising direction for further research.

Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals Encapsulating Cannabigerol: A Step Forward in Controlling Intestinal Inflammatory Disorders

Cannabigerol (CBG) from Cannabis sativa L. is known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, showing potential against intestinal inflammation. However, its lipophilic nature limits its absorption and stability. Researchers have explored cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to deliver lipophilic compounds and enhance their biological outcomes. This study investigated the capability of modified CNC with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to effectively deliver CBG. The encapsulation process’s impact on cytotoxicity, biological activity, and controlled release during digestion was assessed. Results indicated that CNC-CTAB encapsulation significantly reduced CBG’s cytotoxicity on intestinal cells, allowing safer administration of higher doses. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the encapsulated CBG were retained, resulting in a decrease in reactive oxygen species and cytokine levels in intestinal cells. Additionally, the system inhibited the growth of the intestinal pathogen Campylobacter jejuni. The study supports using CNC-CTAB as an efficient delivery system to enhance CBG’s potential against intestinal inflammation. Incorporating this system into food matrices could lead to novel functional foods for managing intestinal inflammation.

Enhanced anticancer effect of thymidylate synthase dimer disrupters by promoting intracellular accumulation.

Thymidylate synthase (TS) plays a crucial role in cellular growth, proliferation, DNA synthesis, and repair, thus gaining attention for targeted therapies in cancer. TS overexpression and the altered pharmacokinetics of anti-TS drugs are among the most prominent causes of cellular resistance. Decreased drug influx and/or efficient efflux result in reduced drug access to the intracellular targets. In this study, we have evaluated and demonstrated the increased cytotoxic efficacy of novel TS dimer disrupters (Ddis) in the presence of specific inhibitors of drug efflux protein pumps in ovarian and colon cancer cells, suggesting that these compounds are substrates of the cellular drug extruders. A second strategy adopted to favor intracellular accumulation was to employ, as a drug delivery system, a molecular tool able to help less lipophilic compounds to cross the cell membrane. The Ddis were delivered through the SAINT-Protein transfection agent. The observed cell-killing effects agreed with the reduction of TS protein level and cell cycle perturbation. Overall, this preclinical study suggests that the innovative TS dimer disrupters can be optimized by increasing their intracellular accumulation by both inhibiting their outflow and/or enhancing cellular uptake.

Efficient Loading into and Controlled Release of Lipophilic Compound from Liposomes by Using Cyclodextrin as Novel Trapping Agent.

Lipid bilayer vesicles, liposomes are representative drug delivery carriers. High encapsulation efficiency and release control of drugs are essential for clinical application of liposomes. For efficient drug loading into liposomes, remote loading method using driving force like transmembrane gradients of pH and ions are utilized. Ions are called as "trapping agents," which are also critical for the controlled release of drugs loaded into liposomes inside. It is difficult to apply ions as trapping agents to various drugs because of limited physicochemical compatibility between drugs and ions. Cyclodextrins (CDs) with hydrophobic cavity can make inclusion complexes with various hydrophobic compounds. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of CDs as a novel trapping agent using sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and ibuprofen (IB), a weak acid hydrophobic drug. Encapsulation efficiency of IB in liposomes with pH gradient was approximately 27%, and it was enhanced by intraliposomal SBE-β-CD inclusion in addition to pH gradient, which was SBE-β-CD concentration-dependent. In liposomes with pH gradient, a large fraction of IB was released in a short time. This early-stage rapid IB release was significantly suppressed by the inclusion of SBE-β-CD inside liposomes. Thus, novel remote loading technology by intraliposomal SBE-β-CD enabled the efficient encapsulation of the hydrophobic drug into the aqueous phase of liposomes as well as their controlled release. This technology should be applied to various drugs that can be included into CDs in order to enhance their therapeutic benefits.

Comparative Anatomical, Histochemical, and Phytochemical Characterization of Species of the Genus Cucumis L.

Cucumis anguria L. and Cucumis dipsaceus Ehrenb. ex Spach belong to the Cucurbitaceae family and are popularly known as "maxixe." In folk medicine, they are used to treat pneumonia, hyperglycemia, wounds, and malaria. This study aims to characterize the anatomy, histochemistry, and phytochemistry of C. anguria and C. dipsaceus. Conventional methods in plant anatomy and microscopy were used to prepare and analyze semi-permanent slides containing cross-sections of the stem, petiole, leaves, and paradermal sections of the leaf blade. For the histochemical analysis, different reagents were used according to the target metabolite. Phytochemical tests of methanolic extracts of leaves were performed by thin-layer chromatography. The microscopic analysis allowed obtaining the differentiation of plant cells, the presence of tector and glandular trichomes, in addition to showing anatomical traits such as stem shape, petiole shape, and organization of the mesophyll. Histochemistry showed the presence of alkaloids, starch, phenolic compounds, lipophilic compounds, lignin, and tannins. Phytochemical prospection identified monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, triterpenes, steroids, alkaloids, and reducing sugars. The obtained results provide important information for quality control and species differentiation since there are few studies in the literature on these species.

Advances in Grape Seed Oil Extraction Techniques and Their Applications in Food Products: A Comprehensive Review and Bibliometric Analysis.

Global wine production has grown, resulting in an increase in waste within the industry. This has raised concerns among producers and scientists worldwide, prompting them to seek solutions for its management. The aim is to explore the latest advancements in using grape seed oil as a byproduct and its applications within the food industry. To achieve this, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database covering the period from 1990 to 2023. Additionally, a comprehensive literature review was conducted on extraction techniques, compositions, properties, and innovative applications in food. A bibliometric analysis revealed that interest in grape seed oil has grown over the past fifteen years. The majority of research on this grape byproduct is concentrated in Asian countries. Grape seed oil is a rich source of lipophilic compounds, including fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamin E, which provide antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The literature indicates that only oil obtained through pressing is used in food products, such as meat products, dairy drinks, and chocolates, either directly or in emulsions. These findings suggest that further research and innovation are needed to explore how this waste can be used in new food sources, particularly in countries with high wine production.

Effect of ultrasonic treatment on the structure and emulsification properties of soybean isolate protein-hyaluronic acid complexes and the stability of their loaded astaxanthin emulsions

The purpose of this work was to prepare an astaxanthin emulsion stabilized by a soybean isolate protein (SPI)-hyaluronic acid (HA) complex and to investigate its protective effect on astaxanthin. In order to examine the impact of various ultrasonic energies (0 W–300 W) on the structural characteristics of the complex and the stability of the emulsion, the SPI-HA complex was created via ultrasonography. The findings demonstrated that ultrasonication may had an impact on the hydrophobic, electrostatic, and hydrogen bonding interactions between SPI and HA, which caused the protein structure to unfold and reveal the interior hydrophobic amino acid residues. Moreover, ultrasonication enhanced the emulsification qualities of SPI-HA complexes by lowering their average particle size. The rheological findings demonstrated that the emulsion's viscosity and energy storage modulus (G′) were considerably decreased by the ultrasonic treatment. The appearance of the emulsions and optical microscopy results further indicated that the emulsions prepared from SPI-HA had superior storage stability, pH stability, and light stability compared to pure SPI. SPI-HA exhibited superior emulsion stability and lower particle size at 150 W ultrasonic power. The AST incorporated in the emulsion was also well protected. The emulsion effectively slows down the degradation of AST. The findings of this study may help create more robust and natural emulsion delivery systems that guarantee the continuous or regulated release of lipophilic bioactive compounds.

Food-Grade Bigel Systems: Formulation, Characterization, and Applications for Novel Food Product Development.

Bigels are characterized as biphasic systems consisting of two structured phases of different polarity, namely the oleogel and hydrogel phases. These systems have been widely used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, owing to their enhanced physicochemical stability compared to other structured systems and their ability to simultaneously deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Considering the above advantages, bigels could have considerable potential for the food industry. This review aims to provide a detailed description of the edible components used for structuring the oleogel and hydrogel phases and the preparation methods applied for the formation of food-grade bigels with application-specific tailored properties. The impact of the processing parameters, such as the oleogel-to-hydrogel ratio, methodology used for component mixing, and cooling rates, is presented. Moreover, the most applicable bigel characterization techniques, such as rheology, DSC, texture analysis, etc., are critically discussed. Finally, different bigel applications in foods as animal fat substitutes or as complex delivery systems for both polar and non-polar bioactive compounds are examined.

(E, E)-farnesol and myristic acid-loaded lipid nanoparticles overcome colistin resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii

The rise of colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii has severely limited treatment options for infections caused by this pathogen. While terpene alcohols and fatty acids have shown potential to enhance colistin’s efficacy, but their high lipophilicity limits their clinical application. To address this, we developed water-dispersible lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) in two sizes (40 nm and 130 nm), loaded with these compounds to act as colistin adjuvants. Among eleven LNP formulations, six significantly reduced colistin’s minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by 16- to 64-fold. The most effective, featuring (E,E)-farnesol and myristic acid, were further examined for bactericidal activity, membrane disruption, cytotoxicity, and in vivo efficacy in Galleria mellonella larvae. Time-kill studies demonstrated that at an adjuvant concentration of 60 mg/L, these LNPs eradicated bacteria when combined with 4 mg/L free colistin for resistant isolates (MIC = 128 mg/L) and 0.06 mg/L for susceptible isolates (MIC = 0.5 mg/L), without regrowth. Myristic acid-loaded LNPs combined with free colistin at 1/8 MIC resulted in a 4.2-fold higher mortality rate than the combination with (E,E)-farnesol-loaded LNPs in resistant strains. This result was correlated with a 45-fold faster increase in inner membrane permeability, measured by propidium iodide (PI) uptake, in the presence of myristic acid-loaded LNPs compared with a 13-fold faster increase with (E,E)-farnesol-loaded LNPs. DiSC3(5) assays revealed that LNPs alone depolarised the bacterial inner membrane, with enhanced effects when combined with colistin at 1/8 MIC, a result not observed with colistin alone at this concentration. As with PI uptake, this inner membrane depolarising effect was more pronounced with myristic acid-loaded LNPs than with (E,E)-farnesol-loaded LNPs in resistant strains, suggesting that the colistin adjuvant effect of these lipophilic compounds is due to their ability to help colistin destabilise the bacterial inner membrane. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated no adverse effects on bone marrow macrophages after 6 h of exposure, although some toxicity was observed after 24 h. No mortality was observed in Galleria mellonella larvae over 7 days following three consecutive days of treatment with colistin and LNPs. Notably, the combination of (E,E)-farnesol-loaded LNPs and colistin significantly improved the survival of Galleria infected with A.baumannii. These results suggest that lipophilic-adjuvant-loaded LNPs may offer a promising strategy to enhance colistin efficacy and combat antibiotic-resistant A. baumannii infections.

Utilization of soybean protein isolate hydrolysates as carriers: Improved encapsulation efficiency and stability of curcumin

This study aimed to explore the potential of soybean protein isolate hydrolysates (SPIH) prepared via Alcalase as delivery carriers and develop novel SPIH-Cur nanoparticles. Hydrolysis caused the varying degrees degradation in the 7S and 11S subunits, significantly enhancing SPI's antioxidant activity. The reduction in particle size and the exposure of hydrophobic groups in SPIH contributed to the formation of stable SPIH-Cur nanoparticles, due to their well binding capacity to curcumin (Cur). The 30 min SPIH-Cur sample exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (83.09 %), owing to its high binding affinity (Ka = 9.56 × 103 M−1). Encapsulation by SPIH also significantly improved Cur's thermal and light stability. Moreover, FTIR, fluorescence spectra, and molecular docking analyses revealed that the formation of SPIH-Cur were primarily driven by hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds. Above results provide a foundation for fabricating nanoparticles that deliver lipophilic bioactive compounds with high encapsulation efficiency and stability derived from SPIH.

Effectiveness of natural antioxidants on oxidative stability of margarines

Lipid oxidation has been identified as the main deterioration process of margarines and in which the addition of antioxidants is necessary. Consumers are increasingly demanding that natural preservatives replace chemical antioxidants in foods. The main aim of this study was to improve the oxidative stability of eight commercial margarines without antioxidants, selected by Principal Component Analysis and grouped into three clusters by the addition of six natural ground herbs: Curcuma longa, Illicium verum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Taraxacum officinale, Thymus piperella and Thymus vulgaris. A preliminary assay showed that the margarines with higher total fat and saturated fatty acids presented higher Induction Periods. When adding spices and herbs to margarines, Rosmarinus officinalis increased the oxidative stability value by 73.17% with respect to its baseline values, Curcuma longa, Thymus vulgaris and Thymus piperella between 17 and 26% and Taraxacum officinale together with Illicium verum reduced it by 19% and 34% respectively. The most effective species shown by chemical and statistical analysis were those containing a high content of highly lipophilic apolar phenolic compounds. A multiple linear regression model showed that Induction Period has a positive correlation with saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, ω−3 acids, the monounsaturated/polyunsaturated fatty acid ratio and the antioxidant activity of the added herbs. The oxidative stability of margarines is influenced by various factors and compounds present in their formulation, but the use of plants and spices could be an alternative to improve this emulsion

Locally Produced Sustainable and Resilient Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper IPTC 24518, “Locally Produced Sustainable and Resilient Surfactants for Enhanced Oil Recovery,” by Syed Muhammad Shakil Hussain, SPE, Muhammad Shahzad Kamal, SPE, and Afeez Gbadamosi, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. Copyright 2024 International Petroleum Technology Conference. _ Chemical flooding is a major enhanced oil recovery (EOR) method for recovering residual oil within rock pores. Injected chemicals such as surfactant, however, must be soluble in low- and high-salinity brine, compatible with reservoir ions, and stable at elevated temperatures. The main objective of the study described in the complete paper is to explore the potential of locally produced surfactants for EOR in high-temperature and high-salinity reservoir environments. Design and synthesis of the new surfactants were achieved using green or no solvents. Importance of Chemical EOR Because only 15–20% of hydrocarbons can be extracted in the primary recovery stage, the waterflooding or gas-injection techniques usually are applied in the secondary recovery stage to extract 15–20% more oil and maintain the oilfield’s original pressure. After the application of these two techniques, however, a large amount of oil remains, the extraction of which requires the use of EOR, which can include thermal, gas, or chemical techniques. In thermal EOR, hot water or steamflooding are usually used to recover heavy oil. Currently, other thermal EOR methods such as in-situ combustion or steam-assisted gravity drainage receive considerable attention, especially in reservoirs containing heavy to extra-heavy crude oil. Gas methods normally are used in reservoirs featuring light and volatile oil. CO2 flooding is perhaps the most extensively applied gas EOR method for light oil extraction. Other gases such as nitrogen, hydrocarbon gas, acid gas, and air also are used for oil recovery. Chemical EOR involves the injection of chemicals including surfactants, polymers, alkali, and mixtures thereof. The polymer tends to increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase and lower the permeability of reservoir rocks. Surfactants minimize the interfacial tension (IFT), cause emulsification, and alter the wettability of the reservoir rocks. Alkali flooding generates in-situ surfactant by reacting with organic acid and ultimately reducing the IFT. Surfactants are organic compounds having both lipophilic and lipophobic parts. The lipophilic part is called a nonpolar compound and is soluble in the oil phase. The lipophobic part is termed a polar group and is soluble in the aqueous phase. Because of the availability of both lipophilic and lipophobic compounds in the same chemical structure, the surfactant stays on the interface ­of the water and oil phase and reduces the IFT. Based on the charge of the lipophobic head, the surfactants can be classified as nonionic, cationic, anionic, and zwitterionic (Fig. 1). Each class of surfactants possesses unique properties. For example, anionic surfactants are the material of choice in sandstone reservoirs because of their low adsorption into reservoir rocks. Similarly, the cationic surfactants exhibit minimum adsorption in carbonate rocks because of charge repulsion. Zwitterionic surfactants (ZS) show high heat-stability and salt-tolerance properties, and nonionic surfactants are known for their use as cosurfactants or solvents.