Malate Research Articles

Salicylic acid and jasmonic acid-mediated different fate of nickel phytoremediation in two populations of Alyssum inflatum Nyár.

This study investigates Ni phytoremediation and accumulation potential in the presence of salicylic acid (SA) (0, 50 and 200 μM) and jasmonic acid (JA) (0, 5 and 10 μM) in two populations of Alyssum inflatum under various nickel (Ni) doses (0, 100 and 400 μM). By measuring Ni levels in the shoots and roots, values of bioaccumulation coefficient (BAC), biological concentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) were calculated to quantify Ni accumulation and translocation between plant organs. Additionally, the amounts of histidine (His), citric acid (CA) and malic acid (MA) were explored. The results showed that plant dry weight (DW) [in shoot (29.8%, 8.74%) and in root (21.6%, 24.4%)] and chlorophyll [a (17.1%, 32.5%), b (10.1%, 30.9%)] declined in M and NM populations respectively, when exposed to Ni (400 μM). Conversely, the levels of MA [in shoot (37.0%, 32.0%) and in root (25.5%, 21.2%)], CA [in shoot (17.0%, 10.0%) and in root (47.9%, 37.2%)] and His [in shoot (by 1.59- and 1.34-fold) and in root (by 1.24- and 1.18-fold)] increased. Also, in the presence 400 μM Ni, the highest accumulation of Ni was observed in shoots of M (1392 μg/g DW) and NM (1382 μg/g DW). However, the application of SA and JA (especially in Ni 400 μM + SA 200 μM + JA 5 and 10 μM treatments) mitigated the harmful impact of Ni on physiological parameters. Also, a decreasing trend was observed in the contents of MA, CA, and His. The reduction of these compounds as important chelators of Ni caused a decrease in root-to-shoot Ni transfer and reducing accumulation in the shoots of both populations. The values of phytoremediation indices in both populations exposed to Ni (400 μM) were above one. In presence of the SA and JA, these indices showed a decreasing trend, although the values remained above one (BAC, BCF and TF > 1). Overall, the results indicated that SA and JA can reduce phytoremediation potential of the two populations through different mechanisms.

New insights into the growth characteristics and crystal morphology of α-hemihydrate gypsum induced by organic acid crystallization agents during PG conversion

The stockpiling of phosphogypsum (PG) poses a substantial risk of environmental pollution.To reduce the stockpile of PG and enhance its value, this research utilized phosphogypsum to produce α-hemihydrate gypsum (a-HH).The study elucidates the crystallization process of α-HH, which involves Ca2+ helical growth and coordinated filling by SO42- and H2O. Succinic acid, malic acid, L-aspartic acid are used as agents to transform PG into α-HH. α-HH is developed using a modified vapor pressure method. XRD, XPS, FT-IR, SEM, zeta potential, intensity testing, and molecular dynamics simulations are some methods used to study its crystal growth characteristics, morphological structure, and mechanical strength. These analyses aim to explore the impact and mechanism of succinic acid, malic acid, L-aspartic acid on the properties of α-HH. The results indicate that α-HH assumes a monoclinic crystal form, appearing as needles. Upon the addition of succinic acid, malic acid, and L-aspartic acid, the aspect ratio of α-HH crystals decreases, and the crystal morphology transitions from a rod-like needle structure to a short and stout structure.Notably, Malic acid demonstrates the most effective results.The study further demonstrates that the flexural and compressive strengths of all α-HH specimens surpass 4.5 MPa and 30 MPa, respectively, meeting the requirements for high-strength gypsum, specifically α30.Simultaneously, this study reveals that succinic acid, malic acid, L-aspartic acid form cyclic chelates with Ca2+ on the prominent surface of α-HH through oxygen atoms in the carbon base of the molecules, thereby altering the crystalline morphology of α-HH. The regulation of α-HH crystalline morphology depends primarily on the spacing and electron-donating ability between carbon-based oxygen atoms in the molecules of succinic acid, malic acid, L-aspartic acid. Introducing conjugated electron-donating groups into the adjacent positions of organic acids can more effectively enhance their ability to regulate the crystalline morphology of α-HH. This study further demonstrates that the regulation ability is directly proportional to the polarity of the organic acid molecules.

Overexpression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase gene MsPPCK1 from Medicago sativa L. increased alkali tolerance of alfalfa by enhancing photosynthetic efficiency and promoting nodule development

The phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase kinase of Medicago sativa L. (MsPPCK1) modulates the phosphorylation status and activity of the C4 pathway phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase enzyme, which is pivotal for photosynthetic carbon assimilation in plants. This study investigated the role of MsPPCK1 in alfalfa by creating transgenic plants overexpressing MsPPCK1 under the control of the CaMV35S promoter. The enhanced alkali tolerance of transgenic plants indicated an important role of MsPPCK1 gene in regulating plant alkali tolerance. Transgenic plants exhibited heightened antioxidant activity (SOD, POD, and CAT), reduced MDA, H2O2, OFR and REC% content, increased activity of key photosynthetic enzymes (PEPC, PPDK, NADP-ME, and NADP-MDH), and enhanced photosynthetic parameters (Pn, E, Gs, and Ci). Moreover, MsPPCK1 overexpression increased the content of organic acids (oxaloacetic, malic, citric, and succinic acids) in the plants. The upregulation of MsPPCK1 under rhizobial inoculation showcased its other role in nodule development. In transgenic plants, MsDMI2, MsEnod12, and MsNODL4 expression increased, facilitating root nodule development and augmenting plant nodulation. Accelerated root nodule growth positively influences plant growth and yield and enhances alfalfa resistance to alkali stress. This study highlights the pivotal role of MsPPCK1 in fortifying plant alkali stress tolerance and improving yield, underscoring its potential as a key genetic target for developing alkali-tolerant and high-yielding alfalfa varieties.

Construction and application of H1R ligand screening materials based on SMA stabilization and his-tag covalent immobilization of membrane proteins

The histamine H1 receptor (H1R) plays a pivotal role in allergy initiation and undergoes the necessity of devising a high-throughput screening approach centered on H1R to screen novel ligands effectively. This study suggests a method employing styrene maleic acid (SMA) extraction and His-tag covalent bonding to immobilize H1R membrane proteins, minimizing the interference of nonspecific proteins interference while preserving native protein structure and maximizing target exposure. This approach was utilized to develop a novel material for high-throughput ligand screening and implemented in cell membrane chromatography (CMC). An H1R-His-SMALPs/CMC model was established and its chromatographic performance (selectivity, specificity and lifespan) validated, demonstrating a significant enhancement in lifespan compared to previous CMC models. Subsequently, this model facilitated high-throughput screening of H1R ligands in the compound library and preliminary activity verification of potential H1R antagonists. Identification of a novel H1R antagonist laid the foundation for further development in this area.

Chemical and sensory profile of nonconventional white wines from two different grape clones

AbstractThe present study aimed to characterize chemical and sensorial composition of Goethe wines from Goethe Grape's Valley Geographical Indication, Brazil. The wine samples were made from Goethe Clássica grape and its spontaneous clone, Goethe Primo, grown in two different micro‐regions located in the GI territory (2022 and 2023 vintages). Samples were produced by microvinification process and evaluated for classic oenological parameters, antioxidant activity, total polyphenol, organic acids, and sensory descriptive analysis. The results demonstrated that Goethe Clássica wines presented highest browning index, total acidity, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content in both consecutive vintages. Moreover, in both vintages, the major organic acid in all Goethe wines was malic acid. The wine sensory analysis allowed the accomplishment of the sensorial attributes and its intensities previously unknown in the literature. The overall data afford new insights related to the impact of grape's genetic differences on wine sensorial and chemical characteristics.Practical ApplicationsThis research supports evidence for the relationship between chemical and sensory properties of wine and the sensorial differences in wines due to grape clonal variation. Moreover, the present study detailed the chemical and sensory profiles of wines derived from two different Goethe grape clones, a variety considered nonconventional for winemakers. Overall, the results of this research might be beneficial not only for the producers who are exploring novel or less prevalent wine grape varieties but also to the beverage industry more comprehension through genetic differences influencing wine quality and sensory perceptions.

Carbon dioxide sensitization delays the postharvest ripening and fatty acids composition of Capsicum fruit by regulating ethylene biosynthesis, malic acid and reactive oxygen species metabolism.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-024-01471-4.

Micro-encapsulation of garlic oil using esterified-wheat porous starch and whey protein isolate: Physicochemical properties, release behavior during in vitro digestion

The study aimed to inhibit the stimulating impact of garlic oil (GO) on the stomach and attain high release in the intestine during digestion. So, wheat porous starch (WPS) was modified with octenyl succinic acid (OSA) and malic acid (MA) to obtain esterified WPS, OWPS and MWPS, respectively. The differences in physicochemical, encapsulation, and digestive properties of two GO microcapsules, WPI/OWPS/GO and WPI/MWPS/GO microcapsules produced by using OWPS and MWPS as variant carrier materials and whey protein isolate (WPI) as the same coating agent, were compared. The results found that OWPS had greater amphiphilicity, while MWPS had better hydrophobicity and anti-digestive ability than WPS. Encapsulation efficiency of WPI/OWPS/GO (94.67 %) was significantly greater than WPI/MWPS/GO (91.44 %). The digestion inhibition and low GO release (approximately 23 %) of WPI/OWPS/GO and WPI/MWPS/GO microcapsules in the gastric phase resulted from the protective effect of WPI combined with the good adsorption and lipophilicity of OWPS and MWPS. Especially, WPI/OWPS/GO microcapsule was relatively stable in the gastric phase and had sufficient GO release (67.24 %) in the intestinal phase, which was significantly higher than WPI/MWPS/GO microcapsule (56.03 %), benefiting from the adsorption and digestive properties of OWPS, and resulting in a total cumulative GO release rate of 90.86 %.

Impact of estrogen metabolites on MCF-7 breast cancer cells: Insights from metabolomics study

In addition to being highly stable, estrogen is widely available in the environment, food, and produce various metabolites such as 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OH-E1), 2-methoxyestrone (2-MeO-E1), etc., and they exert different hormonal effects in the human body. At present, estrone (E1) and estradiol (E2) have received more attention, but the role of estrogen metabolites has been neglected by the public. In this study, breast cancer cells were examined for their response to estrogen E1 and its metabolites using a cell model and metabolomics technology. Aims of the study included assessing the biological effects, studying structural effects on estrogen activity, analyzing metabolic changes in MCF-7 cells in response to estrogen exposure, and determining the correlation between estrogen effects and metabolic profiles. It was found that different structure of estrogen metabolites had different effects on MCF-7 cells. Treatment of cells with C-2 hydroxylated endogenous estrogen (2-OH-E1) resulted in a significant reduction of intracellular Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the viability of cancer cells was inhibited by nearly 50%. Metabolomics results indicated that the specific differential metabolites induced by 2-OH-E1 were cis-aconitic acid, malic acid, lactobionic and L-methionine S-oxide. It is hypothesized that 2-OH-E1 can target cancer cells, interfere with TCA cycling and protein metabolism, and ultimately inhibit MCF-7 cancer cells. This discovery provides a new approach to the treatment of malignant breast tumors, enhances the understanding of estrogen metabolites, and raises awareness of the importance of metabolites.

Evaluation of nutritional composition, biochemical, and quality attributes of different varieties of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Due to the wide variety and great quality differences, it is very confusing for consumers and growers to choose the best variety. For this purpose, we conducted a greenhouse test to focus on the nutrients and bioactive substances of diverse varieties of tomato. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we analyzed 28 quality traits across the nine tomato varieties. The results revealed significant variations in quality attributes of nine varieties, such as naringenin and cinnamic acid content, ranging from 0 to 2.02 and 0.97 μg/g, respectively. Similarly, sucrose, malic acid, lycopene, β-carotene, and gentisic acid exhibited high coefficients of variation of 31.60 %, 74.82 %, 30.94 %, 39.59 %, and 86.32 %, respectively. For the comprehensive evaluation of quality and difference among tomato varieties, we used Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) combined with membership function methods. Notably, strawberry tomato (S2) and Yuanwei No.1 (S1) exhibited the highest quality, and Pink Belle No.2 (S7) showed lowest. The above metabolites show different accumulations potential among different varieties. In addition, we explored the nutritional variations in tomatoes different parts at various growth stages of two varieties. Overall, study result investigated metabolic differences of nutrients at different growth stages, especially ripening stage affecting fruit quality. Thus, these useful findings will provide useful information for consumers and researchers.

The Use of Ultraviolet Irradiation to Improve the Efficacy of Acids That Are Generally Recognized as Safe for Disinfecting Fresh Produce in the Ready-to-Eat Stage.

Fresh-cut produce is usually produced under standardized disinfection processes, which are unavailable at the ready-to-eat stage. Currently, chemical sanitizers are used for washing, but their disinfection efficacy is limited. In this study, UV-C (1.03 kJ/m2) was combined with organic acids that are generally recognized as safe (GRAS), including citric, malic, acetic, and lactic acids (LAs), to wash lettuce and cherry tomatoes that are contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium. The results showed that LA was the most effective treatment among the single treatments, with a pathogen reduction and cross-contamination incidence of 2.0-2.3 log CFU/g and 28-35%, respectively. After combining with UV-C, the disinfection efficacy and cross-contamination prevention capacity of the four GRAS acids significantly improved. Among the combination treatments, the highest pathogen reduction (2.5-2.7 log CFU/g) and the lowest cross-contamination incidence (11-15%) were achieved by LA-UV. The analyses of ascorbic acid, chlorophyll, lycopene, antioxidant capacity, and ΔE indicated that neither the single nor combination treatments negatively affected the quality properties. These results provide a potential hurdle technology for fresh produce safety improvement at the ready-to-eat stage.

The use of organic peroxyacids for the inactivation of calcium-mediated biofilm formation by Bacillus licheniformis

Biofilms formed by Bacillus licheniformis usually serve as a continuous bacterial contamination in the dairy industry. The purpose of this study was to explore how 1% organic acids (citric acid, phenyllactic acid, malic acid, and butyric acid) and their 1% organic peroxyacids (peroxycitric acid, peroxyphenyllactic acid, peroxymalic acid, and peroxybutyric acid) can inactive the planktonic and biofilm cells of B. licheniformis. Results demonstrated that the number of B. licheniformis planktonic cells was increased from 4 to 6.46 Log CFU mL−1 when treated with water. Organic peroxyacids, especially peroxyphenyllactic acid (PPA), obviously inactivated planktonic cells of B. licheniformis by a range of 3.32–4.14 Log CFU mL−1. Moreover, organic peroxyacids could also decrease the cell surface hydrophobicity of bacteria, and effectively control the Ca2+-mediated biofilm formation by B. licheniformis in 96-well plates (reduction of OD values by 0.14–0.33) and on stainless steel (reduction of cell counts by 1.20–2.49 Log CFU cm−2). The low minimum biofilm eradication concentration of PPA (0.125%) also suggests its strong biofilm inactivation activity, which could serve as a novel and environmentally friendly biofilm control agent in the dairy industry.

Comparative Antioxidant Activity and Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses of Sour Cherry Cultivars Based on Ultra-Performance-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry.

This study was conducted for the comparative analysis of antioxidant activity and untargeted metabolomics of dark- and light-colored sour cherry cultivars grown in Canada. Based on our previous study, we selected four cultivars-'Heimann R', 'Gorsemska', V70142, and 'Montmorency'-to determine the untargeted metabolites and their role in antioxidant activities. A total of 473 metabolites were identified from four sour cherry genotypes using UPLC-ToF-MS. Untargeted metabolomics revealed the dominant chemical groups present in sour cherries. PCA showed that the diversity in sour cherry metabolites was due to the genotype differences indicating iditol, malic acid, chlorobenzene, 2-mercaptobenzothiazole, and pyroglutamic acid as the predominant contributors. The variable importance in the projection (VIP > 1.0) in partial least-squares-discriminant analysis described 20 biomarker metabolites representing the cherry metabolome profiles. A heatmap of Pearson's correlation analysis between the 20 biomarker metabolites and antioxidant activities identified seven antioxidant determinants that displayed the highest correlations with different types of antioxidant activities. TPC and TAC were evaluated using the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The total antioxidant activity was performed using three different assays (ABTS, FRAP, and DPPH). This study of correlating metabolomics and antioxidant activities elucidated that the higher nutritional value and biological functions of sour cherry genotypes can be useful for the development of nutraceutical and functional foods.

Physicochemical evaluation of polyvinyl alcohol films crosslinked with saturated and unsaturated dicarboxylic acids: A comparative study

AbstractIn this study, crosslinked films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were prepared using two dicarboxylic acids: saturated succinic acid (SA) and unsaturated maleic acid (MAL) as crosslinkers. The crosslinking capabilities of these acids were compared through physical, chemical, mechanical, morphological, thermal analysis, and swelling measurements to investigate their impact on the physicochemical properties of the resulting films. Attenuated total reflectance fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the occurrence of an esterification reaction between PVA and the dicarboxylic acids. Based on the degree of crosslinking and thermal properties, it was noted that the crosslinking achieved with maleic acid is more effective for PVA compared with succinic acid. The crosslinking degree of PVA‐MAL was determined to be 6.47 times higher than that of the PVA‐SA film. In terms of thermal stability, the decomposition temperature for crosslinked PVA‐MAL was measured at 365.57°C, whereas PVA‐SA exhibited a slightly lower decomposition temperature of 362.58°C. The findings indicate that the PVA‐MAL film displays lower crystallinity and a higher contact angle (80.60°) in contrast to PVA‐SA (76.0°) and PVA (30.4°). Atomic force microscopy analysis indicated that the PVA‐SA film exhibited more surface roughness compared with the smoother PVA‐MAL film. Also, crosslinked films displayed enhanced elasticity and resilience in comparison with neat PVA, which may be due to the difference in crosslinking density, disruption in intermolecular hydrogen bonding due to crosslinking, and incorporation of flexible crosslinkers.Highlights PVA was crosslinked using SA and MAL. Unsaturated MAL exhibited superior crosslinking density over saturated SA. PVA‐SA film exhibited a porous surface compared to PVA‐MAL film. PVA crosslinked with unsaturated MAL showed higher thermal stability than SA. Both the films showed enhanced elasticity and resilience compared with neat PVA.

CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS, TRADITIONAL USES AND PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF MADHUCA LONGIFOLIA: A REVIEW

Plant extracts and their derivatives are used by almost 80% of the world's population for the treatment of various infections and disorders. The current review was based on the chemical constituents, traditional uses and pharmacological properties of Madhuca longifolia. The Madhuca longifolia (Mahua) Symmachus indica is a huge deciduous tree native to Nepal, India, and Ceylon. It is also known as the Butter nut tree and is a member of the Sapotaceae family. The height of an M. longifolia tree can reach up to 70 feet. The fruiting period of the tree begins between the ages of 8 and 15, and can last up to 60 years. When ripe, the fruits have a greenish yellow colour and are oval in shape [4]. Sugars, vitamin A, ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, Ca, P, Fe, Mg, Cu, anthocyanins, betains, salts of malic and succinic acid, and many other vitamins and minerals can be found in flowers. It is the rich source of quercetin, 3-O-lrhamnosid, stigmasterol, n-hexacosanol, n-octacosanol, carotene, myricitin, erthrodiol, 3-caproxyolcan-12-en-28-ol, 3-galactoside and Xanthophylls. It was traditionally utilized in bronchitis, diabetes, rheumatism, haemorrhage, ulcer, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and spongy gums etc. In conclusion, Madhuca longifolia is reported to be effective as antioxidant, analgesic, anti-pyretic, anti-inflammatory, immunosuppression, anti-ulcer, anti-hyperglycaemic, anti-neoplastic and anthelmintic.

Seasonal variation of metabolites in Kimchi cabbage: utilizing metabolomics based machine learning for cultivation season and taste discrimination

AbstractKimchi cabbage, a staple in South Korean cuisine, exhibits taste variations depending on the season of cultivation, with significant implications for kimchi production quality. In this study, we conducted comprehensive metabolomic analyses of kimchi cabbage grown in diverse environments throughout the year. We identified 15 primary metabolites, 10 glucosinolates, and 12 hydrolysates, providing valuable insights into the metabolic composition of kimchi cabbage. Using this data, we developed predictive models for taste and quality differentiation in kimchi cabbage based on the season of cultivation. Three regression models, including Orthogonal Partial Least Squares regression (OPLS), Partial Least Squares (PLS) regression, and Random Forest regression, were employed to predict seasonal variation. The models exhibited high accuracy, with R2 values ranging from 0.77 to 0.95, indicating their potential for distinguishing seasonal differences. Notably, hydroxyglucobrassicin, 5-oxoproline, and inositol consistently emerged as significant metabolites across all models. Additionally, we developed regression models for predicting sweetness and bitterness in kimchi cabbage. Metabolites such as malic acid, fructose, and glucose were positively correlated with sweetness, while neoglucobrassicin and glucobrassicin were negatively correlated. Conversely, metabolites like glucoerucin and glucobrassicin were positively correlated with bitterness, while malic acid and sucrose were negatively correlated. These findings provide a valuable foundation for understanding the metabolic basis of taste variation in kimchi cabbage and offer practical applications for improving kimchi production quality. By incorporating more varieties and multi-year data, future research aims to develop even more accurate predictive models for kimchi cabbage taste and quality, ultimately contributing to the consistency of kimchi production. Graphical Abstract

Assessment of the Content of Glycoalkaloids in Potato Snacks Made from Colored Potatoes, Resulting from the Action of Organic Acids and Thermal Processing.

Glycoalkaloids (TGAs, total glycoalkaloids), toxic secondary metabolites, are found in potatoes (110-335 mg·kg-1 DW), mainly in the peel. Colorful, unpeeled potatoes are an innovative raw material for the production of snacks which are poorly tested in terms of their glycoalkaloid content. Third-generation snacks and French fries made from red-fleshed Mulberry Beauty (MB) and purple-fleshed Double Fun (DF) potatoes were produced with the use of 1% solutions of ascorbic, citric, lactic, malic, and tartaric acids to stabilize the structure of anthocyanins in the raw material and maintain their color in obtained products. The influence of the type of acid and thermal processes, like frying, microwaving, and baking, on the content of glycoalkaloids in ready-made products was examined. Only 0.45-1.26 mg·100 g-1 of TGA was found in pellet snacks and 1.32-1.71 mg·100 g-1 in French fries. Soaking blanched potatoes in organic acid solution reduced the α-chaconine content by 91-97% in snacks and by 57-93% in French fries in relation to the raw material to the greatest extent after the use of malic acid and the DF variety. The effect of lactic and citric acid was also beneficial, especially in the production of baked French fries from MB potatoes.

The influence of storage conditions on the quality of Schisandra chinensis fruits: A integrated investigation of constituent and antioxidant activity

Schisandra chinensis is a functional fruit with tonic effect and was widely used by traditional Chinese medicine for treatment and health care. The quality of Schisandra chinensis fruit may vary by different storage condition. In this study, the influence of ambient temperature, humidity, packaging materials and period of storage on the quality of Schisandra chinensis fruits were investigated. The contents of main active components lignans and organic acids were simultaneously determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole electrostatic field orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC Orbitrap HRMS). The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS+ inhibition rate and FRAP value. The correlation of multicomponent and antioxidant activity was analyzed by grey relevance analysis. Taking the changes of multicomponent and antioxidant activity as investigation index, Schisandra chinensis fruits under different storage conditions was comprehensively evaluated. Schisandrol A, malic acid, sorbic acid, schizandrin A, schizandrin B, and schisandrol B were the main effective components of antioxidant activity. Ambient temperature at 5 °C and humidity at 40 % were more suitable for Schisandra chinensis fruits and kraft paper bag was better packaging material. Do not exceed 1 year was the effective storage period. For the safety evaluation, no aflatoxin was detected within the storage period of 2 years, demonstrated the storage was satisfactory. This study provided a reference for the high-quality storage and standardized operating procedures for storage of Schisandra chinensis fruits.

Effects of soil bulk density on respiratory metabolism and medicinal quality of Rehmannia Glutinosa root

As one of the famous "four huai medicines", Rehmannia glutinosa has a longstanding usage history. This study aimed to determine how variations in soil bulk density impact the respiration metabolism of R. glutinosa root tubers and, consequently, the quality of its medicinal components. We evaluated the enzymatic activities and key metabolic compounds of R. glutinosa across a range of soil bulk densities, which included: pyruvate kinase (PK), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH), and the content of pyruvate, ethanol, lactic acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and quality indicators. High soil bulk density increased the activities of PK, PDC, ADH, and LDH, while decreasing SDH, MDH, and IDH in the roots. This shift in enzymatic activities corresponded to elevated levels of ethanol and lactic acid, and lowered levels of succinic and malic acids. In the additionally, the growth and development of aboveground parts of R. glutinosa were seriously hindered under high bulk weight treatment, and the number of root tubers decreased, root coarser and root length shortened, and the contents of catalpa alcohol and mullein were significantly reduced. Our findings suggest an optimal soil bulk density for R. glutinosa growth to be between 1.2 g/cm3 and 1.4 g/cm3. Based on changes in respiratory metabolism and medicinal quality indicators of R. glutinosa under different soil bulk densities, our findings suggest the optimal soil bulk density for R. glutinosa growth is 1.2 g/cm3 to 1.4 g/cm3. Excessively high soil bulk density will affect the growth and quality formation of R. glutinosa by influencing its metabolism. Recognizing this optimal range is crucial for maximizing the medicinal quality of R. glutinosa, offering valuable insights for cultivation practices.

Enantiospecific crystallisation behaviour of malic acid in mechanochemical reactions with vinpocetine

We report an intriguing example of enantioselectivity in the formation of new multicomponent crystalline solid containing vinpocetine and malic acid. Several experimental data sets confirmed that the multicomponent system presents a clear enantiospecific crystallisation behaviour both in the solid-state and in solution: only the system consisting of vinpocetine and L-malic acid produces a free-flowing solid consisting of a new crystalline form, while the experiments with D-malic acid produced an amorphous and often deliquescent material. The new vinpocetine-L-malic system crystallizes in the monoclinic space group of P21 and in a 1:1 molar ratio, where the two molecules are linked through intermolecular hydrogen bonds in the asymmetric unit. The vinpocetine-DL-malic system was partially crystalline (with also traces of unreacted vinpocetine) with diffraction peaks corresponding to those of vinpocetine-L-malic acid. Solid-state NMR experiments revealed strong ionic interactions in all the three systems. However, while vinpocetine-L-malic acid system was a pure and crystalline phase, the other two systems persistently showed the presence of unreacted vinpocetine. This resulted in a significant worsening of the dissolution profile with respect to the pure vinpocetine-L-malic crystalline salt, whose dissolution kinetics appeared superior.

Isolation of the inorganic phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria Lysinibacillus sphaericus and assessing its role in promoting rice growth.

Soluble phosphorus scarcity severely limits plant growth and crop yield. In this study, a strain of inorganic phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, Lysinibacillus sphaericus, was isolated from rice rhizosphere soil. The available phosphorus content in liquid inorganic phosphorus identification medium and in L. sphaericus-inoculated soil increased from 204.28mg/L to 1124.68mg/L and from 4.75mg/kg to 7.04mg/kg, respectively. The pH decreased significantly from 6.87 to 6.14. Incubation with L. sphaericus significantly increased malic and succinic acid content in the liquid inorganic phosphorus identification medium and increased acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity in the soil. Inoculation with L. sphaericus significantly increased rice growth, chlorophyll a/b content, and photosynthesis by increasing the soluble phosphorus content in the rice rhizosphere soil under phosphorus-deficient conditions. Further analysis revealed that L. sphaericus improved soil phosphorus release by decreasing soil pH and promoting acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity. This study supports the production of microbial fertilizers to improve rice yield in phosphorus-deficient conditions.