Methanol Solution Research Articles

Wound healing activity of green synthesized copper nanoparticles through cell proliferation-migration, antimicrobial effects, and nitric oxide triggering

The present experimental study was designed to evaluate the in vitro wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) green synthesized by the methanol extract Ferula macrecolea Boiss, as a plant with various pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects in traditional and modern medicine. The precipitation approach was used to green synthesis of CuNPs through mixing the methanol and copper sulfate solution. Cell viability and fibroblast proliferation assay were performed by MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide) assay. The migration abilities of fibroblasts cells were evaluated using a cell scratch in vitro wound healing assay. Effects of CuNPs on iNOS expression genes were also performed by Real-time PCR. In vitro antibacterial susceptibility test of CuNPs was carried out according to the standards protocol of the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS). The analysis of SEM revealed that the green synthesized CNP exhibited a globular shape with a size ranging from 15-90 nm; while their majority were at 40-60 nm. The results of the MTT assay showed that the calculated CC50 value of green synthesized CuNPs was 236.3 μg/mL. The optimum concentrations of the CuNPs which were selected based on the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) value; whereas dose-dependently increased the proliferation of fibroblast cells. The CuNPs dose-dependently increased the rate of wound closure after 16 and 24 h. The results of the Real-Time PCR showed that CuNPs causes an upregulation in expression level of gene of nitric oxide synthesis (iNOS) in RAW 264.7 cells. CuNPs showed the promising antimicrobial effects against S. aureus, S. epidermidis and Ps. aeruginosa. The present study showed the high potency of CuNPs green synthesized by F. macrecolea for wound healing through their antimicrobial, proliferation of fibroblast cells, and provoking iNOS.

A pilot study of newborn screening for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy based on liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for detection of C26:0- lysophosphatidylcholine in dried blood spots: results from 43,653 newborns in a southern Chinese population

BackgroundX-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a rare X-linked disease caused by mutations of the ABCD1 gene. C26:0-lysophosphatidylcholine (C26:0-LPC) has been proved to be an accurate biomarker for X-ALD. This study aims to propose an effective method for screening of X-ALD and to evaluate the performance of the newborn screening (NBS) assay for X-ALD in Guangzhou. MethodsC26:0-LPC in dried blood spots (DBS) was extracted by methanol solution containing isotope-labelled internal standard (C26:0-d4-LPC) and analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The sensitivity of the method was assessed in eight male X-ALD patients, two female carriers and 583 healthy controls. The method was conducted on 43,653 newborns. Next generation sequencing was performed on screen-positive samples. Plasma analysis of very long-chain fatty acids and genetic counselling were performed by way of follow-up. ResultsElevated C26:0-LPC were 100% sensitive for screening of X-ALD. Of 43,653 newborns, 32 (18 males, 14 females) screened positive. Of these, 14 (43.7%) were identified ABCD1 variants, including seven hemizygous males and seven heterozygous females, and two (6.3%) were diagnosed with other peroxisomal disorders. ConclusionThe LC-MS/MS method for screening of X-ALD can identify males, heterozygous females and other peroxisomal disorders. The incidence of X-ALD in Guangzhou is not low.

The Synthesis, Structure, and Dielectric Properties of a One-Dimensional Hydrogen-Bonded DL-α-Phenylglycine Supramolecular Crown-Ether-Based Inclusion Compound.

A novel hydrogen-bonded supramolecular crown-ether-based inclusion compound, [(DL-α-Phenylglycine)(18-crown-6)]+[(CoCl4)0.5]-(1), was obtained via evaporation in a methanolic solution at room temperature using DL-α-phenylglycine, 18-crown-6, cobalt chloride (CoCl2), and hydrochloric acid. Its structure, thermal properties, and electrical properties were characterized via elemental analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, variable-temperature infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and variable temperature-variable frequency dielectric constant testing. The compound was a monoclinic crystal system in the C2 space group at low temperature (100 K) and room temperature (293 K). Analysis of the single crystal structure showed that [(CoCl4)0.5]- presented an edge-sharing ditetrahedral structure in the disordered state, while the protonated DL-α-phenylglycine molecule in the disordered state and intramolecular hydroxyl group (-OH) underwent dynamic rocking, causing a significant stretching motion of the O-H···Cl-type one-dimensional hydrogen bond chain. This resulted in dielectric anomalies in the three axes of the crystal, thus showing significant dielectric anisotropy.

Novel synthesis of 11C-labeled imidazolines via Pd(0)-mediated 11C-carbomethoxylation using [11C]CO and arylborons.

A labeling technique was developed for the imidazoline I2 receptor ligand 2-(3-fluoro-tolyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H-imidazole (FTIMD) using Pd(0)-mediated 11C-carbomethoxylation with [11C]CO, followed by imidazoline ring formation with ethylenediamine-trimethylaluminium (EDA-AlMe3). To achieve this, [11C]CO was passed through a methanol (MeOH) solution containing 3-fluoro-4-methylphenylboronic acid (1), palladium (II) acetate (Pd [OAc]2), triphenylphosphine (PPh3), and p-benzoquinone (PBQ). The mixture was then heated at 65°C for 5min. EDA was introduced into the reaction mixture, and MeOH was completely evaporated at temperatures exceeding 100°C. The dried reaction mixture was combined with an EDA-AlMe (1:1) toluene solution and heated at 145°C for 10min. Portions of the reaction mixture were analyzed through high-performance liquid chromatography, resulting in [11C]FTIMD with 26% (n= 2) decay-corrected radiochemical yield (RCY). This method could be utilized for various arylborons to produce [2-11C]imidazolines 4a-h with RCYs ranging from low to moderate. Notably, [2-11C]benazoline was obtained with a moderate RCY of 65%. The proposed technique serves as an alternative to the Grignard method, which uses [11C]CO to generate a [2-11C]-labeled imidazoline ring.

Cobalt(III) complex with a redox non-innocent bis (o-aminophenol)

The redox non-innocent ligand bis(o-aminophenol) N,N′-bis(3,5-di-tertbutyl-2-hydroxy-phenyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine, H4L, reacts with CoCl2⋅6H2O in a methanol solution under aerobic conditions to form [Co(HL)2]. Both bis(o-aminophenol) ligands coordinate as tridentate and the ligand set can be described as a resonance structure of two partially oxidized ligands, while the formal oxidation state of the metal centre appears as + III. In this resonance structure, one ligand carries an odd electron, which makes the Co(III) complex paramagnetic.

Reductive nitrosylation of Iron(III) complexes of tetradentate ligands

Two iron (III) complexes, 1 and 2 with L1 and L2, [ L1 = N,N′-bis(2- hydroxybenzyl) - 1, 2- diaminobenzene; L2 = N, N′- bis(2- hydroxybenzyl) ethylenediamine], respectively, were synthesized and characterized. In methanol solution of the complexes, the Fe(III) centre was found to reduce in presence of NO gas. The formation of [FeIII-NO] intermediate prior to the reduction of Fe(III) center was evidenced by UV-visible, solution FT-IR, X-band EPR studies. The presence of excess NO gas leads to the reductive nitrosylation of the complexes leading to the formation of corresponding Fe(II)-nitrosyl complexes, 3 and 4, respectively. The Fe(II)-nitrosyls were isolated as solid and characterized spectroscopically. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were performed to optimize the structures of all the complexes. All the complexes are fully optimized using PBE functional and DNP basis set in the presence of methanol solvent. The Conductor-like Screening Model (COSMO) as incorporated into the DMol (Maron et al., 2013) [3] program with dielectric constant of 37.5 is adopted to study the solvent effect.

Experimental study on an active direct methanol fuel cell (ADMFC) performance with and without porous layer at the anode side

ABSTRACTWater and CO2 are by-products of an active direct methanol fuel cell (ADMFC) during its operation. In the present study, ADMFC is operated with an air-breathing technique. A cathode is open to the atmosphere and the anode side methanol solution is pumped using a peristaltic pump. A polytetrafluoroethylene-coated carbon porous layer is added in between the flow field plate and the current collector at the anode side of the fuel cell to determine the performance of the cell experimentally. A series of experiments were conducted for different thicknesses of porous layer ranging from 0.1 to 0.3 mm for different reactant mass flow rates and concentrations. Results show that a 0.2-mm-thick porous layer exhibits the best performance for a 3 ml/min mass flow rate of methanol at 2 M concentration.

Methods Development and Validation for the Estimation of Pioglitazone HCl in Bulk and Formulations by UV Spectroscopy and FTIR

The use of spectroscopic analysis, particularly UV spectrophotometer, is a simple and essential technique for bulk drug estimation, formulation studies, and compatibility assessments of drugs with various excipients. In the pharmaceutical industry, various analytical instruments, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), are employed for investigating drug-excipient interactions that can impact the stability of active pharmaceutical ingredients. This study aimed to develop a UV spectrophotometric method for the analysis of Pioglitazone hydrochloride in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and methanolic solution, assessing its linearity and compliance with Beer's Law. Furthermore, we aimed to use FTIR to characterize potential interactions between Pioglitazone and common pharmaceutical excipients, such as Guar Gum, Chitosan, and Sodium Alginate. Standard solutions of Pioglitazone were prepared in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) and methanol. UV spectrophotometer was conducted to determine the maximum absorption wavelength. Calibration curves were constructed to evaluate linearity and adherence to Beer's Law. FTIR analyses were performed to investigate drug-excipient interactions by examining the functional groups. In phosphate buffer (pH 7.4), the maximum absorption wavelength for Pioglitazone hydrochloride was 268 nm. The calibration curve for Pioglitazone in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) demonstrated linearity in the concentration range of 1–20 µg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.998. In methanol, the maximum absorption wavelength for Pioglitazone hydrochloride was found to be 272 nm. The calibration curve in methanol exhibited linearity in the range of 1–20 µg/ml, with a correlation coefficient of 0.999. FTIR analysis revealed potential drug-excipient interactions, particularly in the case of Guar Gum, Chitosan, and Sodium Alginate, suggesting the formation of stable hydrogen bonds. The developed UV spectrophotometric method for Pioglitazone analysis is a reliable, cost-effective, and reproducible approach, making it a valuable tool for drug development and quality control. Additionally, the FTIR characterization confirmed interactions between Pioglitazone and common pharmaceutical excipients, enhancing our understanding of formulation compatibility.

An effective method for the direct crystallization of xylonic acid from fermentation broth of agricultural residue hydrolysate

Xylose is the second most abundant sugar in nature and conversion of xylose to xylonic acid (XA) has become a research hotspot in recent years. Xylonic acid can be applied in the equivalent market niche of gluconic acid, due to their similar physical properties. XA bioproduction and application presents certainly a promising approach for xylose valorization in lignocellulose biorefinery, while the XA crystallization is so far still an unattainable goal. In this paper, an original method was proposed and experimentally investigated for the first time to get XA crystals from fermentation broth. In the XA crystallization, methanol was introduced as buffer-cum-solvent. The H2SO4 was dropwise added into the methanol solution dissolving potassium xylonate that is beforehand produced by fermentation. During H2SO4 blending with methanol, the strong and polar H2SO4 leads to XA diffusion and aggregation. Overall, 2.21 g of xylonic acid crystals was obtained per gram of 98% H2SO4 acidification. NMR detection showed that over 99% purity of XA crystals was finally obtained at the yields of 67.2% from xylonate. The integrated process could provide a practicable and effective technology for the high-qualify XA preparation from xylose derivations and lignocellulose biomass biorefinery.

Beef quality monitoring using immobilization lipase on modified polypropylene non-woven fabric based on time-temperature indicator

A lipase-based time-temperature indicator (TTI) was developed via the immobilization of lipase on polyethylene imine/glutaraldehyde/polypropylene non-woven fabric for the catalytic hydrolysis of glyceryl triacetate. pH of the reaction system gradually decreased and the color changed from green to orange or salmon pink. Four TTIs were selected by changing the concentration of glyceryl triacetate methanolic solution, the concentration of lipase-phosphate buffer solution, and the amount of phosphate buffer added, storing at 5–25 °C and measuring the coloration difference every 24 h. The Arrhenius activation energy (Ea) of obtained TTIs was calculated as 26.28, 47.98, 38.87, and 42.00 kJ/mol. For the application of TTIs to fresh beef monitoring, the kinetic properties of beef were studied and an Ea value of 37.60 kJ/mol was obtained. The similarity of these Ea shows accuracy in the prediction of beef quality with TTI color development.

Adsorption of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from water with porous organic polymers

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made environmental contaminants causing increasing global concern due to their adverse effect on environmental and human health. Conventional treatment methods are ineffective in removing short-chain PFAS because they are persistent and recalcitrant to treatment. This study evaluated the performance of a structurally-tunable and chemically-stable porous organic polymer (POP) for PFAS removal under realistic environmental conditions. The POP demonstrated an exceptionally high removal efficiency (>95%) within 15 min when the initial PFAS concentration was approximately 400 ng/L. The adsorption of PFAS on the POP was not significantly affected by changes in solution pH within the range of 5–9. The common co-contaminants in water competed with short-chain PFAS for active sites during the adsorption process following the order of natural organic matter (NOM), long-chain PFAS, and Cl−. The Freundlich-type model could predict the multicomponent interactions well with a R2 value above 0.91. The spent POP was effectively regenerated using a mixture of the 10% NaCl and 30% methanol solution and the PFAS removal maintained at 90% through five adsorption and desorption cycles. The characteristics of the designed POP make it a highly promising and stable absorbent. It enables fast and effective removal of short-chain PFAS.

Modification of QuPPe-PO-Method for the Determination of Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid using High Strength Silica Chromatographic Column

Glyphosate (Gly) is a popular herbicide often used for crop desiccation. The use of glyphosate leads to the contamination of the agricultural products as well as soil, surface and groundwater. For food safety control and environment monitoring, a method developed based on liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, which allows quantitative determination of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), without derivatization. The LOQ of Gly and AMPA in raw materials of plant origin is 0.1 mg/kg; LOQ of Gly in water is 0.001 mg/L, AMPA is 0.002 mg/L; LOQ of Gly in soil is 0.02 mg/kg, AMPA is 0.04 mg/kg. Extraction from raw materials of plant origin was performed by acetic acid solution of methanol in water, in the presence of EDTA-Na2 and dichloromethane. Extraction from water was carried out in the presence of EDTA-Na2 and acetic acid. From soil, Gly and AMPA were extracted with 0.1% of ammonia solution. The extracts are purified on OASIS HLB; proteins were precipitated with acetonitrile, an aliquot of the extract was concentrated. The resulting calibration dependence equations were linear and the correlation values (R) were ≥ 0.99. Relative standard deviation values were in the range of 1.77-19.5%, while the recoveries were from 80.5 to 108%.

SEPARATION OF ANTIOXIDANT COMPOUNDS FROM THE STEM BARK EXTRACTS OF HAEMATOSTAPHIS BARTERI HOOK F. (ANACARDIACEAE) USING CHROMATOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES

In the search for plants with antioxidant properties, Haematostaphis barteri Hook f. (Anacardiaceae) was found to be a plant often used in Nigeria and other nations for the management of cancer, anemia, haemorrhoid and many other ailments. The ethyl acetate and acetone extracts of the stem bark in previous research by the same author were assayed for phenolic compounds and the phenolic compounds were found to possess antioxidant properties when TLC chromatograms were stained with iodine vapour and several spots were revealed. The ethyl acetate and acetone fractions were further chromatographed on TLC with several solvent systems and the mixtures from toluene, ethyl acetate and formic acid (TEF) in the ratio of 4/2.5/3.5 and 3/5/2 and n-butanol, acetic acid and water (BAW) in the ratio of 12/4/6 gave better resolutions. When chromatograms were obtained and developed with a solution of p-anisaldehyde in concentrated sulphuric acid, different spots were visualizedwith different colours signifying the presence of different bioactive metabolites. The Presence of antioxidant compounds was determined by bioutography TLC chromatograms were stained with a solution of 0.2% DPPH (2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) solution in methanol and dried with heat gun and the appearance of yellow spots on purple background signifies the presence of antioxidants. A selected spot with an Rf value of 0.31 was monitored and isolated from column chromatography. The purified bioactive metabolite was crystallized, weighed and saved for further analysis.

Rapid Droplet Sampling Interface for Low-Volume, High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry Analysis.

Here, we present a rapid droplet sampling interface (RDSI) electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) system as a high-throughput, low-volume, noncontact, and minimal-carryover approach for characterization of liquids. Liquid characterization was achieved by combining droplet ejection with an open-face microflow capillary with a 2.5 μL/min continuous flow of carrier solvent. Through this implementation, single 0.3 nL droplets containing the analyte effectively mix with 4-8 nL of carrier solvent and create a combined electrospray plume. The carrier solvent continuously cleaned the system, eliminating carryover. A sampling rate of 5 Hz was achieved for droplets containing 1 μM propranolol or 5 μM leu-enkephalin with each droplet fully baseline-resolved (138 ± 32 ms baseline-to-baseline). Using a SCIEX API4000 mass spectrometer, a lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of propranolol was 15 nM, corresponding to 1.16 fg of propranolol in the droplet, and was linear across 3 orders of magnitude. Quantitation could be achieved by adding an isotopically labeled internal standard, as done in conventional ESI. Signal transients were faster than the acquisition speed of the mass spectrometer, resulting in artificially high reproducibility of 15-30% RSD droplet-to-droplet. Analyte-solvent mixing ratios could be controlled by adjusting droplet positioning along the open-face capillary with an optimal position about 0.4 mm from the tip end. The range of analyte coverage was exemplified by measures of peptides and drugs in methanol, water, and buffer solutions. In a comparison to the Open Port Sampling Interface (OPSI) implemented on the same system, the RDSI had 78× greater sensitivity, 6× greater throughput and used significantly less carrier solvent.

Antioxidant and anticandidal effects of Pedicularis comosa L. var. acmodonta Boiss.

Abstract
 The aim of this study is to measure the antioxidant and anticandidal efficiency of Pedicularis comosa var. acmodonta (Orobanchaceae). Using a spectrophotometric test on extracts from P.comosa var. acmodonta grown in Turkey, the antioxidant efficiency of the plant extracts was estimated by measuring the violet coloration in a methanol solution containing 1,1-diphenylpyryl hydrazil (DPPH·). In addition, the results of the anticandidal effect tests using the CLSI M27-A2 method are also included in this study. The 70% ethanol extract of P. comosa showed the highest antioxidant activity (0.143 mg/mL). According to the anticandidal activity test findings on five Candida species, it was determined that 70% ethanol extract of P. comosa inhibited C. utilis at a dose of 31.25 µg/mL (MIC).

Supercritical CO2 and ultrasound extraction and characterization of lipids and polyphenols from Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. pollen

The phytochemical profile of Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. pollen was characterized in terms of phenolic compounds and fatty acids. Fatty acids were extracted from pollen using supercritical CO2 and characterized by GC-FID. The main constituents found in the extract were palmitic and oleic acid accounting for 50% of all fatty acids. The polyphenols were extracted from exhausted material after CO2 extraction using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and aqueous methanol solution as solvent. The major compounds identified in the UAE extract by UHPLC-DAD-QqTOF-MS belonged to flavonoid glycosides (isorhamnetin O-rutinoside-rhamnoside) and phenolamides (di-p-coumaroylputrescine, N′,N''-di-p-coumaroyl-N'''-caffeoylspermidine, and N′,N'',N'''-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine isomers). The UAE extraction of flavonoids and phenolamides was optimized considering time, temperature, methanol percentage and solvent-solid ratio. The determined optimized conditions were: temperature of 66.1 °C, time of 44.9 min, solvent-solid ratio of 49.9 mL/g and 70.1% of aqueous methanol solution as a solvent. The statistically significant impact on the extraction of the analyzed compounds had the solvent-solid ratio and methanol percentage as well as interactions between those two parameters. The optimized conditions may be useful for efficient extraction of fractions rich in bioactive compounds e.g. N′,N'',N'''-tri-p-coumaroylspermidine with proven biological potential.

Best Practice for Identification of Classical 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency Should Include 21 Deoxycortisol Analysis with Appropriate Isomeric Steroid Separation.

There are mixed reports on the inclusion and use of 21 deoxycortisol (21DF) as the primary decision marker for classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We hypothesize that this may be due to insufficient recognition of the presence and chromatographic separation of isomeric steroids. The aim of this study was to determine the comparative utility of 21DF for screening and diagnosis of CAH due to classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency using a second-tier LC-MS/MS method that included the separation of isomeric steroids to 17OHP and 21DF. For each baby sample, one 3.2 mm dried blood spot was eluted in a methanolic solution containing isotopically matched internal standards. Data were interrogated by univariate and receiver operator characteristic analysis. Steroid profile results were generated for 924 non-CAH baby samples (median gestational age 37 weeks, range 22 to 43 weeks) and 17 babies with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The ROC curves demonstrated 21DF to have the best sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of classical 21-hydroxylase deficiency with an AUC = 1.0. The heatmap showed the very strong correlation (r = 0.83) between 17OHP and 21DF. Our data support 21DF as a robust marker for CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency. We recommend that 21DF be incorporated into routine newborn screening panels as part of the second-tier LC-MS/MS method, follow-up plasma steroid panels, and external quality assurance material.

Molecularly imprinted polymer membranes based on single template for recognition and extraction of carbamazepine and its structurally analogues

In this work, a novel molecularly imprinted polymer membrane (MIPM) using oxcarbazepine (OXC) as the single template and polyvinylidene difluoride membrane as the subtract was fabricated for recognition and extraction of carbamazepine (CBZ) and its analogues including OXC, carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide (CBZE), and monohydroxy derivative 10, 11-dihydro-10-hydroxy carbamazepine (MHD). The prepared MIPMs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Brunaner-emmet-teller measurements and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, showing the successful construction of uniform and porous polymers on the surface of membranes. A series of adsorption affinity tests were investigated, indicating the prepared materials had specific recognition capacity and excellent stability as novel sorbents. The maximum static adsorption capacities of MIPMs towards OXC, CBZ, MHD or CBZE was 4.246, 3.621, 2.316, or 4.877 mg·g−1, respectively. The MIPMs showed reusability and reproducibility. The usability of MIPMs was evaluated by combining MIPMs extraction and high performance liquid chromatography detection for the determination of CBZ, CBZE, OXC and MHD in different matrices including methanol, normal saline, phosphate buffer solution, and plasma. The mean recovery of four target compounds in methanol, normal saline and phosphate buffer solution was more than 75 %, while the mean recovery of CBZ and CBZE in plasma was more than 80 %. The results demonstrated that the proposed MIPMs is very suitable for the determination of OXC, CBZ, MHD and/or CBZE in different matrices.

Antifungal activities of leaf extracts from the Capsicum genus

The emergence of microorganisms resistant to antimicrobials has driven the search for new substances aimed at the control and prevention of pathogens. Plant antimicrobial peptides have biotechnological applications in the development of drugs and agricultural inputs for this purpose. The present work aims to evaluate the antifungal activity of extracts containing peptides obtained from the leaves of Capsicum plants. The accessions UENF 1626, 1632 and 1381 and the cultivar Carioquinha were used. The leaves were macerated, and then extraction was performed using a 60% methanol and dichloromethane solution in a 1:1 ratio. The hydromethanolic phase was separated and used for testing after evaporation of methanol. All extracts have a similar electrophoretic profile on tricine gel stained with Coomassie Blue, showing 2 bands of approximately 6.5 and 3.5 kDa. Inhibition of fungal growth with 24 h of culture was performed in liquid culture medium in 96-well plates with reading at 620 nm using extracts with a protein concentration of 200 mg mL-1. The filamentous fungi Fusarium solani, Fusarium lateritium, and Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and the yeasts Candida albicans, Candida buinensis, Candida tropicalis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia membranifaciens and Kluyveromyces marxianus were used. The extract with the greatest antifungal potential was the leaves of Capsicum annuum cv. Carioquinha, inhibiting the growth of F. solani by 29%, C. lindemuthianum by 15%, Candida buinensis by 22% and K. marxianus by 24%. Therefore, the extract has peptides with biotechnological potential.

An Oxysulfide Photocatalyst Evolving Hydrogen with an Apparent Quantum Efficiency of 30 % under Visible Light.

Photocatalytic water splitting is a simple means of converting solar energy into storable hydrogen energy. Narrow-band gap oxysulfide photocatalysts have attracted much attention in this regard owing to the significant visible-light absorption and relatively high stability of these compounds. However, existing materials suffer from low efficiencies due to difficulties in synthesizing these oxysulfides with suitable degrees of crystallinity and particle sizes, and in constructing effective reaction sites. The present work demonstrates the production of a Gd2 Ti2 O5 S2 (λ<650 nm) photocatalyst capable of efficiently driving photocatalytic reactions. Single-crystalline, plate-like Gd2 Ti2 O5 S2 particles with atomically ordered surfaces were synthesized by flux and chemical etching methods. Ultrafine Pt-IrO2 cocatalyst particles that promoted hydrogen (H2 ) and oxygen (O2 ) evolution reactions were subsequently loaded on the Gd2 Ti2 O5 S2 while ensuring an intimate contact by employing a microwave-heating technique. The optimized Gd2 Ti2 O5 S2 was found to evolve H2 from an aqueous methanol solution with a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency of 30 % at 420 nm. This material was also stable during O2 evolution in the presence of a sacrificial reagent. The results presented herein demonstrates a highly efficient narrow-band gap oxysulfide photocatalyst with potential applications in practical solar hydrogen production.