Methanol Water Research Articles

Direct determination of glyphosate and its metabolite in the plant raw material and environmental objects by chromatography-mass spectrometry

Glyphosate is a popular herbicide often used for desiccation of crops. The use of glyphosate-based chemicals leads to the contamination of agricultural products, soils, surface and groundwater. For safety control of raw materials of the plant origin and environmental objects, a technique based on the tandem chromato-mass-spectrometry was developed to provide for the quantitative determination of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) without prior derivatization. The technique is characterized by a relatively simple and cost-effective sample preparation procedure. The compounds are extracted from plant raw materials with an acetic acid solution of methanol in water, in the presence of 2-aqueous disodium salt of ethylenediamine-N,N,N’,N’-tetraacetic acid (EDTA-Na2) and dichloromethane. Extraction of analytes from water samples is carried out in the presence of EDTA-Na2 and acetic acid; whereas their extraction from soil samples is carried out with a weak solution of ammonia. The extracts are purified by solid phase extraction (SPE), and proteins are precipitated with acetonitrile. Linear-dynamic ranges of glyphosate and AMPA determination are characterized by calibration curves with correlation coefficients (R) ≥0.99. The working range of glyphosate and AMPA determination in raw materials of plant origin was from 0.1 to 5.0 mg/kg; in surface and ground water from 0.001 to 0.05 mg/liter (glyphosate) and from 0.002 to 0.05 mg/liter (AMPA); in soils from 0.02 to 0.8 mg/kg (glyphosate) and from 0.04 to 0.8 mg/kg (AMPA). The values of the relative standard deviation range from 1.8 to 19.5%, with recovery levels ranging from 80.5 to 108.1%. The achieved values of the determination limits are consistent with the maximum permissible levels indicated in TR CU 015/2011 and SanPiN 1.2.3685–21.

Design and multi-objective optimization of reactive pressure-swing distillation process for separating tetrahydrofuran-methanol-water

The low-energy and low-cost process development and design has always been a hot topic and challenge in separating azeotropic systems in the world. In this paper, a novel, energy-saving reactive pressure-swing distillation (RPSD) was, for the first time, designed for separating the ternary mixture of tetrahydrofuran (THF)-methanol–water. In the reactive distillation column, the process of reacting water with ethylene oxide to produce ethylene glycol for the first time was used to separate THF-methanol–water mixture, then the residual mixtures were separated by two pressure-swing distillation columns. Two feasible RPSD separation processes were investigated in terms of thermodynamic modeling and T-xy phase diagram analysis to achieve optimal separation sequence. The two designed separation processes were optimized by a multi-objective genetic algorithm and heat integration to maximize economic benefit. Results demonstrated that, compared to the conventional pressure-swing distillation process, the total annual cost of the designed two heat-integrated processes based on the RPSD-B process were greatly reduced, i.e., 45.9% and 52.2%, respectively. This paper has important guiding significance for the separation and purification of multicomponent azeotropes.

Active copper structures in ZnO-Cu interfacial catalysis: CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and reverse water-gas shift reactions

Active copper structures in ZnO-Cu interfacial catalysis: CO2 hydrogenation to methanol and reverse water-gas shift reactions

Determination of tetrodotoxin in bivalve mollusks by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry with internal standard calibration and its contamination in Zhejiang province, China

A method was established for determining tetrodotoxin (TTX) in bivalve mollusks by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (HILIC-MS/MS) using kasugamycin as the internal standard for quantification. Samples were subjected to ultrasonic extraction with methanol–water (1:1, v/v) containing 0.5% acetic acid, protein precipitation with acetonitrile, clean-up using a cation exchange solid phase extraction cartridge, elution with acetonitrile:water (1:1, v/v) containing 0.3% hydrochloric acid, neutralization with ammonia before HILIC-MS/MS analysis. The average recovery of the samples spiked at 3 levels ranged in 84.6%-98.1% with the relative standard deviation less than 7.2%. Using this method, the contamination of TTX in 429 bivalve mollusk samples collected in the local markets during 2018 and 2020 was investigated. The detection rates were 12.0–18.8%, following the order of oyster > mussel > clam > scallop. High contaminated oysters and mussels with TTX were found in July to August. Moreover, TTX analogs found in bivalve mollusks included 4-epiTTX, 5,6,11-trideoxyTTX, 4,9-anhydroTTX, and 5-deoxyTTX/11-deoxyTTX.

Non-conventional, burnt Shorea robusta leaf extract mediated green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles and facile removal of eriochrome black T dye from water

The present study evaluates the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using water extract of Sal leaves (Shorea Robusta) for efficient removal of Eriochrome black-T from the water and wastewater. The material is characterized using FESEM, FTIR, EDX, pHzpc, XRD, BET, and TGA analysis. XRD confirmed the synthesis of ZnO with an average crystallite size of 35.24 nm a surface area of 95.939 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.280 cm3/g. The pHzpc of the material is 7.45. The study evaluates the effects of contact time (0–100 min), pH (3–10), concentration (10–50 mg/L), and temperature (298–328K). The Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 0.993) and pseudo-second-order kinetic model (R2 = 0.998) were found to be the best-fit models. The maximum uptake capacity is 265.554 mg/g. The interaction is spontaneous (ΔG° −12.889 to–14.898 kJ/mol), endothermic ΔH° (4.290–14.216 kJ/mol) with an increase in spontaneity at the solid-liquid junction. The dye-loaded ZnO NPs were successfully regenerated in dilute NaOH solution and 1:1 methanol water, achieving regeneration efficiencies of 78% and 60%, respectively. The reusability of the ZnO NPs was ascertained for up to three consecutive cycles.

PHYTOCHEMISTRY OF THE EXTRACTED PECTIN FROM CITRUS SINENSIS FRUIT PEELS

Aim and objective: Pectin, a natural polymer, is often extracted from Citrus sinensis fruit peels under slightly acidic circumstances. It is a multipurpose pharmaceutical excipient that has been researched for its possible use in oral solid dosage forms. The study's goal was to describe the pectin that was extracted from Citrus sinensis fruit peels. Methods: Pectin was produced using acidified water and a Soxhlet apparatus. Following phytochemical screening, the extracted pectin was calculated for its micromeritics properties, flow behavior, viscosity, and swelling index, utilize an acidified water-based extraction technique. Results: Total 8.00% yield was achieved when producing pectin. The phytoconstituents of the extracted pectin include carbohydrate, protein, alkaloids, and mucilage. The organoleptic properties of the extracted pectin include; brownish, odorless, orange juice taste, amorphous powder with melting point of 151ºC. The extracted pectin from C. sinensis fruit peel showed good flow properties (angle of repose: 29±02), an ash value of 2.03 percent by weight, and a loss on drying of 0.70 percent was discovered. The pH was found to be 3.5, suggesting that it may be consumed orally without any irritation. Extracted pectin was soluble in methanol, hydrochloric acid, and warm water. It formed lumps in cold water and was insoluble in certain organic solvents including ethanol, acetone, and alkali. Conclusion: The outcomes of the evaluated parameters showed that pectin from the C. sinensis plant's peel might be used as a pharmaceutical excipient to make solid oral dosage forms such tablets and powder for oral suspension. Peer Review History: Received: 19 June 2023; Revised: 17 July; Accepted: 29 August, Available online: 15 September 2023 Academic Editor: Prof. Cyprian Ogbonna ONYEJI, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, conyeji@oauife.edu.ng Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 5.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Ali Jaber, Laboratory for Research and Development of Medicines and Natural Products, RDMPN, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon, ali.jaber.2@ul.edu.lb Prof. Hüsniye Kayalar, Ege University, Turkey, husniyekayalar@gmail.com

Improved UV-Visible Spectrophotometric Analytical Method Development and Validation for Precise, Efficient and Selective Quantification of Atorvastatin Calcium in Bulk Form

Introduction: The quantification of atorvastatin calcium in bulk form has been created using an Ultra Violet (UV) Spectrophotometric technique. Objective: In the present study, a novel UV-spectroscopic method for calcium quantification of atorvastatin in bulk form was developed and validated. Method: Various ratios of methanol and distilled water were investigated during the development of the analytical procedure; nevertheless it was found that the drug/actives was soluble in methanol: water (50:50). Scanning in the 200-400 nm range revealed that the detection wavelength (max) with 10 μg/ml was 246 nm. Result: According to the validation results, excipients in the pharmaceutical dosage form had no impact on the analysis. The average content percentages were 97.95±1.66 per cent and 98.42±0.91 per cent, respectively. The percentage Assay determination of the marketed pill was 99.340.3361%. The recovery percentages were 99.94±0.076 per cent and 99.98±0.079 per cent, respectively. Furthermore, robustness was discovered to be 99.76±0.367 per cent to 98.88±0.305 per cent. Conclusion: The method was evaluated for analytical solution stability, specificity, linearity, accuracy, range, precision, repeatability, and robustness. Statistics and specificity studies were used to validate the investigation's findings. This investigation demonstrated the method's applicability for routine atorvastatin calcium estimation in tablet and bulk dosage forms.

The Competitive Adsorption of Water and Methanol on a Hybrid Silica Stationary Phase in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

This study investigates the adsorption of methanol, water, and their mixture in a hybrid silica stationary phase with supercritical carbon dioxide as a mobile phase in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). The adsorption isotherms of methanol and water were determined by two dynamic methods: the elution by characteristic point (ECP) method and the inverse method (IM). Both the single-component and competitive bi-Langmuir models were pre-selected for the inverse method. The initial parameters of the single-component isotherm for both methanol and water were estimated with the ECP method by fitting the experimental data to the bi-Langmuir isotherm model. Then, using the inverse method, we refined the single-component isotherm parameter values, which were then further used for determining the competitive isotherm of the methanol–water mixture. The elution profile of the (methanol–water) mixture sample was calculated by the equilibrium-dispersive (ED) model. The results indicated that there is a good agreement between the experimental band profile and the calculated band profile, which was obtained from the parameters of the competitive bi-Langmuir isotherm model, revealing a competition between methanol and water to reach the adsorption sites. Furthermore, the saturation capacity of the adsorption sites in the stationary phase decreased in the case of the mixture sample compared to those for the single-component sample.

Mycosporine-like Amino Acids from Red Alga Dulse (Devaleraea inkyuleei): Monthly Variation and Improvement in Extraction

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are natural UV-absorbing compounds found in microalgae and macroalgae. The content of MAAs in algae varies with the seasons and environmental factors. Red alga dulse in Usujiri (Hokkaido, Japan) is an underutilized resource. Therefore, we investigated the amount of MAAs in Usujiri dulse in 2022 to clarify the suitable months for MAA extraction. In addition, we also evaluated the extraction method focusing on the extraction volume. MAAs were prepared via the 20 volumes of 25% ethanol extraction method and detected via HPLC. The results showed that the amount of MAAs on 25 March 2022 showed the highest value (40.4 μmol/g DW) among the samples from 24 January to 13 May. The tendency of suitable samples for MAA preparation corresponded to the term from mid-February to early April, which was the same as the previous three years. Although the surveys from 2019–2021 were performed by using the successive water–methanol method, it was found that the improved method also reflected the monthly variation in MAAs. The extraction of MAAs was performed via 20 or 40 volumes of 25% ethanol at 4 °C for 24 h. The amount of MAAs with 40 volumes of 25% ethanol extraction increased 1.3-fold compared to that with 20 volumes of 25% ethanol extraction. These data are useful information for valuable compound extraction from Usujiri dulse.

Recovering Polyphenols in Aqueous Solutions from Olive Mill Wastewater and Olive Leaf for Biological Applications

Olive leaf and olive mill wastewater are wastes which are produced in olive industry and can be used to obtain value-added products such as polyphenols. In this work, extracts of polyphenols from olive mill wastewater and olive leaf in an aqueous medium are obtained and their composition in polyphenols were determined and compared with those obtained using the conventional extract agent (methanol–water). The antioxidant capacity of the aqueous extracts of olive mill wastewater and olive leaf were also analysed. It was observed that the olive mill wastewater extracted in water provides a similar content of phenolic compounds in the final extract compared to extraction with methanol–water, with the main polyphenols being hydrotyrosol and tyrosol (20.1 and 6.61 mg gdw−1). In the case of leaf extraction, the methanol-free extract (recovery in water after extraction with methanol–water) had a lower total phenol content compared to the methanolic extract, with the main polyphenol being oleuropein (22.73 and 9.05 mg gdw−1, for the methanol and methanol-free extract, respectively). However, both extracts obtained in aqueous solution present a similar antioxidant capacity at very diluted concentrations of the original extract, with IC50 values (half-maximal antioxidant concentration) of about 20 mg TS L−1. The antioxidant capacity of the extract in aqueous solution facilitates its application as an antioxidant in biological systems, like animal food, where the use of extracts based on organic solvents, like methanol, are not suitable.

Parameter processes and their impact on Tinospora cordifolia stem extracts for antibacterial and antioxidant materials

This work extracted the Tinospora cordifolia stem for antibacterial and antioxidant materials. The stems of T. cordifolia were extracted by using a simple maceration method. The effect of three independent variables (solvent ratios, temperature, and extraction time) was investigated to obtain optimal conditions. Ten grams of T. cordifolia were extracted using a mixture of methanol–water ratios 00:100, 15:85, 30:70, and 45:55 (% v/v) at 50–95 °C for 0.5 to 3 h. The total phenolic and flavonoid content in the T. cordifolia extracts was analyzed by Folin-Ciocalteu and Colorimetric-AlCl3 methods. The antibacterial activities against Pseudomonas aeruginosa were assessed by serial dilution methods, and antioxidant properties were performed by DPPH methods. The optimum condition was achieved at methanol–water ratios of 00:100 % (v/v) at 95 °C for 2 h. The yield extraction for this condition is around 13.97%. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents for these conditions are about 6.85% and 7.07%, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration value against P. aeruginosa is 1024 µg/mL, and the minimum bacterial concentration is above 2048 µg/mL. Meanwhile, the antioxidant obtained is 217.55 µg/mL at a ratio of 00:100 methanol–water. The extraction process parameters significantly influenced the phytochemical (TPC and TFC), antibacterial activity, and antioxidant properties of T. cordifolia stem extracts. This work clearly shows the antibacterial potential of T. cordifolia stem extracts, suggesting that more investigation is required to isolate the bioactive compounds in this extract.

Diuretic activity evaluation and chemical composition analysis of Hedyotis scandens extract from Mizoram, India, in rat models

Ethnopharmacological relevanceDiuretics play a crucial role in addressing various medical conditions such as hypertension and edema. Across numerous communities, plants have served as diuretic agents, leveraging their abundant phytochemical composition. In certain instances, plant-based remedies have gained preference over synthetic drugs due to their affordability and ready availability. Hedyotis scandens Roxb., commonly recognized as Laikingtuibur/Kelhnamtur in Mizoram, belongs to the Rubiaceae family. This plant has been harnessed worldwide within diverse societies as a medicinal resource to combat a spectrum of ailments. Notably, in Mizoram, the leaves are employed in creating a decoction with diuretic properties. The ethnopharmacological exploration of plant diuretics not only preserves cultural traditions but also contribute to the potential discovery of novel therapeutic agents. Aim of the studyOur study endeavours to explore the traditional employment of this plant as a diuretic in Mizoram. Furthermore, we seek to elucidate the plant's chemical composition through the utilization of GC-MS analysis. Materials and methodsIn this investigation, we conducted plant extraction using methanol and distilled water as solvents within a soxhlet apparatus. Prior to commencing the main experiment, we conducted an acute toxicity test to ensure the safety of the plant extract. For the assessment of diuretic activity, we adopted the methodology outlined by Lipschitz et al. (1943). All in vivo experiments were conducted in strict accordance with the guidelines set forth by the OECD. Based on the outcomes of the acute toxicity evaluation, we opted for three dosage levels: a high dose (1000 mg/kg), a medium dose (500 mg/kg), and a low dose (250 mg/kg). Furosemide, recognized as a loop diuretic, was employed as the standard reference, while the control group received distilled water. ResultsOur investigation unveiled the presence of several uncharacterized bioactive compounds within the plant. Of particular interest, the GC-MS analysis identified a specific compound named 'phytol,' which has previously been associated with diuretic properties. Notably, the acute toxicity assessment demonstrated the plant extract's safety even at a high dose of 5000 mg/kg, as no toxic effects were observed. The diuretic evaluation of the H. scandens extract exhibited a dose-dependent increase in diuresis, with the methanolic extract yielding notably superior outcomes compared to the aqueous extract. Moreover, the treated animals displayed an elevated output of electrolytes and an enhanced glomerular filtration rate in comparison to the control group. Notably, the histological examination of the kidneys from the treated animals depicted a normal structural configuration, devoid of any cellular-level modifications attributed to the plant extract across all tested doses. ConclusionThe Hedyotis scandens extract demonstrated a pronounced diuretic effect in contrast to the control group. As such, our study substantiates the traditional employment of this plant as a diuretic within the Mizoram region.

The Influence of the Reaction Conditions on the Photocatalytic Gas‐Phase Conversion of Methanol with Water Vapor over Pt/SrTiO3 in a Continuously Operated Flow Reactor

AbstractContinuous methanol photooxidation in the gas phase is a promising method to produce valuable chemicals like formaldehyde or methyl formate in addition to hydrogen under mild conditions. The influence of the reaction conditions on the selectivity of methanol oxidation to formaldehyde is studied using a heated flat‐plate flow photoreactor illuminated by an LED array (λmax = 368 nm) and Pt‐modified SrTiO3. A combination of online analytical methods allowed to quantify all gaseous products during extended time‐on‐stream (> 48 h TOS). The selectivity to formaldehyde is found to be primarily determined by the residence time and the process temperature. At a low methanol to water ratio, methanol conversion and evolution of CO2 are favored, whereas the light intensity primarily influenced the apparent quantum yield from 5.1 to 1.8% at 9.36 to 52.93 mW cm−2, respectively, and the methanol conversion thus determining the economic efficiency of the process. Operation temperatures higher than 110 °C resulted in a strong deactivation of the catalyst while simultaneously the formation of CO at the expense of formaldehyde selectivity is favored. This study demonstrates the importance of understanding the influence of relevant reaction conditions and the potential of selective photocatalytic gas‐phase oxidation of small molecules.

Activity of Argemone Ochroleuca Extract On the in Vitro Viability of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Promastigotes Comparison to Sodium Stibogluconate Drug

This study investigates the inhibitory activity of Argemone ochroleuca leaf plant extracts which was so prepared by using different solvents (ethanol, methanol, and distilled water) on the in vitro viability of cutaneous leishmaniasis promastigotes, in comparison with the established drug sodium stibogluconate.Cutaneous leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania parasites, poses significant health challenges globally. Conventional treatments, like sodium stibogluconate, have limitations such as toxicity and drug resistance. Plant extracts, owing to their diverse bioactive constituents, present a potential alternative for disease management.Argemone ochroleuca plant extracts were prepared using ethanol, methanol, and distilled water as solvents. The inhibitory effect on promastigote viability was assessed using a time-based approach, measuring the duration in seconds that is required for inhibition to occur. Interestingly, at certain concentrations, the extract exhibited comparable or even superior efficacy to sodium stibogluconate. Results were compared with the inhibitory effect of sodium stibogluconate. The findings demonstrate the following inhibitory times for Argemone ochroleuca plant extracts: Ethanol: Inhibition occurred at 400 mg/ml in 9 seconds, at 200 mg/ml in 26 seconds, at 100 mg/ml in 60 seconds, and at 50 mg/ml in 128 seconds, Methanol: Inhibition occurred at 400 mg/ml in 13 seconds, at 200 mg/ml in 39 seconds, at 100 mg/ml in 91 seconds, and at 50 mg/ml in 210 seconds and Aquatic extract: Inhibition occurred at 400 mg/ml in 94 seconds, at 200 mg/ml in 150 seconds, at 100 mg/ml in 258 seconds, and at 50 mg/ml in 474 seconds. Comparatively, sodium stibogluconate showed its inhibitory effect at a specific concentration 100 mg/ml in 10 second.These results indicate that the Argemone ochroleuca leaves plant extracts, particularly those prepared using ethanol and methanol, exhibit substantial inhibitory effects on the viability of cutaneous leishmaniasis promastigotes. The variations in inhibitory times among the solvents suggest differences in the bioactive compound extraction and interactions. Ethanol and methanol extracts present potential alternatives to conventional treatments, with faster and efficient inhibitory action.Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these inhibitory effects and to explore the underlying.

Comparative Analysis of Maceration and Soxhlation for the Extraction and Preliminary Phytochemical Screening of the Roots of Cassia fistula L.

Cassia fistula L., also known as ‘Golden shower tree’ or ‘Indian laburnum’ of the Fabaceae family, is a common ornamental tree with various medicinal uses. It is a medium or large-sized deciduous tree found in Asian countries, especially in India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, etc. This species has cultural importance as it is the national tree of Thailand and the flower is considered as the state flower of Kerala. Various medicinal activities are identified on basis of traditional knowledge. This research article enlightens the physicochemical characters, comparative successive solvent extraction, and qualitative phytochemical screening of various extracts of Cassia fistula L. roots. The present study aims to compare successive solvent extraction (maceration and soxhlation) for the estimation of yield and qualitative phytochemical screening of extracts obtained through both extractions. Two methods of successive solvent extraction were done, i.e., maceration and soxhlation using solvents of increasing polarity such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol, and distilled water. The phytochemical tests were carried out for each extract using standard methods of analysis and these investigations. The yields of extract were calculated as %w/w in all five solvents. Comparison of extraction methods helps to determine which method gives the maximum yield of extraction and preliminary phytochemical studies help to find out the secondary metabolites present in the extracts from both methods and compare the results.

Detection of biofuel adulterants using an optical fiber-based refractive index sensor

This study presents a Lossy Mode Resonance (LMR) based on fiber optic sensor for detecting biofuel adulteration. Tin Oxide (SnO2), coated over the clad removed portion of the optical fiber using the Radio Frequency Magnetron sputtering technique, was utilized as the sensing layer. The fabricated sensor probe was analyzed with various concentrations of the analytes that include methanol in ethanol, ethanol in methanol, methanol in water, ethanol in water, water in methanol, and water in ethanol. The absorption spectra of the fabricated sensor probe revealed two LMR peaks namely, LMR1 and LMR2 that exhibited wavelength shift under varying concentration of the analytes. The maximum sensor responses for the above combinations of the analytes were 4.95%, 3.30%, 3.00%, 3.56%, 2.91% and 3.57%, respectively. The sensitivities of the sensor probe towards these analytes were 0.46 nm/vol%, 0.17 nm/vol%, 0.49 nm/vol%, 0.58 nm/vol%, 0.08 nm/vol%, and 0.4 nm/vol%, respectively. The real time sample were examined using metal oxides coated sensors. The result exhibits SnO2 coated probe is sensitive than other probes.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Compounds in Senna siamea stembark Powders for Insect Pest Control

A laboratory screening was conducted to evaluate the phytochemical compounds in Senna siamea stembark powders and their insecticidal activity on Callosobruchus subinnotatus PIC on stored Bambara groundnut through untargeted Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC- MS) using three different extraction solvents (ethanol, methanol and distilled water). To mention but few, the ethanol extracts revealed Octanoic acid, 4,6-dimethyl-, methyl ester, (4S,6S)-(+)- (C11H22O2); cis-Vaccenic acid (C19H36O2); Z,Z-10,12-Hexadecadien-1-ol acetate (C18H32O2); 2-Methyl-Z,Z-3,13-octadecadienol (C19H36O). Methanol extracts showed Oleic Acid (C18H34O2); Cyclononasiloxane, octadecamethyl- (C18H54O9Si9); Cyclodecasiloxane, eicosamethyl- (C20H60O10Si10); 2-Methyl-Z,Z-3,13-octadecadienol (C19H36O). Distilled water extraction revealed cis-Vaccenic acid (C19H36O2); 1,2-Benzisothiazole,3-(hexahydro- 1H-azepin-1-yl)-, 1,1-dioxide (C13H16N2O2S); Oleic Acid (C18H34O2); 11-Octadecenoic acid, methyl ester (C19H36O2)as compounds with the highest percentage area. Phytochemicals have been used for many years to control insect pest damage in agricultural crops. Pyretre, Nicotine, Rotenone and tobacco have long been used as control agents against insects in some regions of sub-Saharan Africa. Unlike synthetic chemical insecticides that kill both pests and non-target organisms, botanicals pesticides are relatively target specific. They are also biodegradable, environmentally friendly, and can also be used in insecticide resistance management programs. Hence, could serve as good alternatives to chemical insecticides. Further research on the bio insecticidal activity of these compounds is highly advocated.

Clay/Fly Ash Bricks Evaluated in Terms of Kaolin and Vermiculite Precursors of Mullite and Forsterite, and Photocatalytic Decomposition of the Methanol–Water Mixture

This study focused on mullite-based and forsterite-based ceramic bricks fired at 1000 °C from mixtures of fly ash (40 mass%) and kaolins or vermiculites (60 mass%). The structural, physical, and mechanical properties were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, nitrogen physisorption, mercury porosimetry, thermogravimetry, and compressive strength. In the development of green-material-derived photocatalysts, we evaluated fly ash ceramic bricks based on kaolins and vermiculites, which deserve deeper research. Alkali potassium in the mixtures positively influenced the reduction of the firing temperature, shrinkage, small porosity, and high compressive strength of ceramic bricks. The crystallization of mullite in fly ash was observed on exotherm maxima from 813 to 1025 °C. Muscovite/illite admixture in kaolins precursor of mullite-based ceramics reduced the crystallization temperature of mullite by up to 70 °C. Vermiculite–hydrobiotite–phlogopite in mixed layers of a raw vermiculite precursor of forsterite-based ceramics controlled the formation of enstatite and forsterite in the temperature range from 736 ± 6 °C to 827 ± 6 °C. Mullite- and forsterite-based ceramic bricks were also investigated for photocatalytic hydrogen production. The photocatalytic generation of hydrogen in the presence of mullite-based ceramic bricks was positively correlated with the percentages of Fe2O3 in the lattice of mullites and in the presence of forsterite-based ceramics with the presence of diopside. Mullite-based ceramic produced the highest yield of hydrogen (320 µmol/gcat after 4 h of irradiation) in the presence of mullite with the highest 10.4% substitution of Fe2O3 in the lattice. The forsterite-based ceramic produced the highest hydrogen yields (354 µmol/gcat after 4 h of irradiation) over more active diopside than forsterite.

Bioanalytical method development, validation and quantification of flutamide in spiked rat plasma by using high-performance liquid chromatography

BackgroundA quick, low cost and precise method was developed and validated for flutamide in the rat plasma using a high-performance liquid chromatography. Acetanilide was used as internal standard in the study. Flutamide was extracted from rat plasma using methanol. The chromatographic analysis was carried out on Cromasil C18 column at 227 nm using methanol–water mixture as the mobile phase and flow rate of 0.8 ml/min.ResultsThe developed method demonstrated good linearity over the 100–1000 ng/ml concentration range with a regression coefficient of 0.9947. The accuracy of the developed method was found to be 97–101%, while its precision was found to be less than 5%. Limits of detection and quantitation were determined to be 2.52 ng/ml and 7.66 ng/ml, respectively. Flutamide showed recovery of about 96–100% and the developed method was further used to investigate the pharmacokinetics of flutamide in the marketed formulation.ConclusionsFrom the results, it can be concluded that the developed method has the potential to successfully determine flutamide in rat plasma and establish the pharmacokinetic parameters of other flutamide-containing formulations.

Species-Selective Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds by Ionic Liquid-Based Electrolyte Using Electrochemical Methods.

The detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is an important topic for environmental safety and public health. However, the current commercial VOC detectors suffer from cross-sensitivity and low reproducibility. In this work, we present species-selective detection for VOCs using an electrochemical cell based on ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes with features of high selectivity and reliability. The voltammograms measured with the IL-based electrolyte absorbing different VOCs exhibited species-selective features that were extracted and classified by linear discriminant analysis (LDA). The detection system could identify as many as four types of VOCs, including methanol, ethanol, acetone, formaldehyde, and additional water. A mixture of methanol and formaldehyde was detected as well. The sample required for the VOCs classification system was 50 μL, or 1.164 mmol, on average. The response time for each VOC measurement is as fast as 24 s. The volume of VOCs such as formaldehyde in solution could also be quantified by LDA and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques, respectively. The system showed a tunable detection range for 1.6 and 16% (w/v) CH2O solution by adjusting the composition of the electrolyte. The limit of detection was as low as 1 μL. For the 1.6% CH2O solution, the linearity calibration range was determined to be from 5.30 to 53.00 μmol with a limit of detection at 0.53 μmol. The mechanisms for VOCs determination and quantification are also thoroughly discussed. It is expected that this work could provide a new insight into the concept of electrochemical detection of VOCs with machine learning analysis and be applied to both VOCs gas monitoring and fluid detection.