Minor Compounds Research Articles

A citrus essential oil causes higher disturbance on the growth kinetics of Enterococcus faecalis than Lactobacillus rhamnosus

Essential oils (EOs) have turned a promising alternative to using antibiotics in poultry production due to their antimicrobial properties. EOs could effectively combat pathogenic bacteria affecting poultry. Particularly, Citrus EOs, a by-product of citrus processing industries, could be a feasible alternative to this end due to their vast availability in the global market. Enterococci are associated with intestinal and extra-intestinal infections in poultry, which can increase poultry mortality. On the other hand, Lactobacilli are beneficial bacteria inhabiting the poultry gut and have health-promoting effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a commercial citrus EO, Orange oil phase essence (OOPE), on Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus as well as to determine OOPE chemical composition. Results showed that OOPE inhibited E. faecalis and L. rhamnosus at 14.8 mg/mL. However, the evaluation of OOPE effects on the growth kinetics parameters of both bacteria reveled that OOPE caused higher disturbances on the growth kinetics of E. faecalis than L. rhamnosus. OOPE significantly reduced the maximal culture density (A) and growth rate (µmax) and extended the lag phase duration (λ) of E. faecalis in a dose-dependent manner, while OOPE slightly extended λ and affected µmax of L. rhamnosus. OOPE at 3.70 mg/mL reduced A and µmax in ~87.34 and 90.2%, respectively, while increased λ 3.8 times of E. faecalis. OOPE at this concentration reduced µmax in 11.8% and extended λ 1.38 times of L. rhamnosus. Therefore, OOPE had a selective antibacterial activity, presenting higher activity on E. faecalis. Despite, limonene was identified as the major compound (87.22%) of OOPE, minor compounds such as trans-carveol could be involved in conferring the selective antibacterial activity of OOPE.

A review: role of mass spectrometry in the quality and authenticity identification of olive oil

SummaryQuality and authenticity identification of olive oil is a vital issue for the olive oil industry on account of its great economic value, unique sensory characteristics, and rich nutritional value. Therefore, it is of great significance to effectively detect olive oil's quality and authenticity. Mass spectrometry, based on the advantages of specificity, sensitivity, and fast analysis speed, has played an increasingly important role in the identification of olive oil quality and authenticity in recent years. Chromatography tandem–mass spectrometry (LC–MS, GC–MS) and direct mass spectrometry (DIMS, DART, MALDI, and PTR‐MS) techniques provide rich detection information in the identification of main compounds (fatty acids, triacylglycerols, etc.) and minor compounds (phenols, sterols, tocopherols, diacylglycerols, etc.) in olive oil. And these techniques are widely applied in whole oils analysis and characteristic compounds identification in olive oil. The literature results show that the combination of mass spectrometry data and chemometrics has made a significant contribution to determining the geographical traceability, adulteration identification, and grade classification of olive oil. This review aims to provide a certain reference for mass spectrometry techniques in the identification of olive oil quality and authenticity, and forecasts the development prospects.

Chemical characterization of pomegranate and alfalfa seed oils obtained by a two-step sequential extraction procedure of expeller and supercritical CO2 technologies

A combination of two green extraction technologies, i.e., expeller and supercritical CO2, have been applied in a sequential two-step methodology for the extraction of pomegranate and alfalfa seed oils, considering material valorization and environmental sustainability. High yields of oil extraction have been obtained for pomegranate (77.2%) and alfalfa (94.6%) seeds, and press cakes and defatted flours have been produced. The procedures do not require refining and the properties of the oils are found to be superior in terms of valuable minor compounds. A thorough chemical characterization of the extracted oils has also been carried out to demonstrate the high quality of the extracted seed oils. Unexpected positional distributions of some fatty acids have been found in pomegranate seed oil, such as sn-1,3 position in punicic acid. New chemical findings have been described for alfalfa oil for the first time, such as considerable levels of squalene (1.03 g/100 g) and the sn-1,3 positional distribution in α-linolenic acid. Moreover, phosphatidylinositol is the main phospholipid found and the oxidative values are shown to be within the standard limits.

Comparison and Functional Analysis of Odorant-Binding Proteins and Chemosensory Proteins in Two Closely Related Thrips Species, Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella intonsa (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) Based on Antennal Transcriptome Analysis.

Two closely related thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis and Frankliniella intonsa, are important pests on agricultural and horticultural crops. They have several similarities, including occurrence patterns, host range, and aggregation pheromone compounds. However, there are very few reports about the chemosensory genes and olfactory mechanisms in these two species. To expand our knowledge of the thrips chemosensory system, we conducted antennal transcriptome analysis of two thrips species, and identified seven odorant-binding proteins (OBPs) and eight chemosensory proteins (CSPs) in F. occidentalis, as well as six OBPs and six CSPs in F. intonsa. OBPs and CSPs showed high sequence identity between the two thrips species. The RT-qPCR results showed that the orthologous genes FoccOBP1/3/4/5/6, FintOBP1/3/4/6, FoccCSP1/2/3, and FintCSP1/2 were highly expressed in male adults. Molecular docking results suggested that orthologous pairs FoccOBP4/FintOBP4, FoccOBP6/FintOBP6, and FoccCSP2/FintCSP2 might be involved in transporting the major aggregation pheromone compound neryl (S)-2-methylbutanoate, while orthologous pairs FoccOBP6/FintOBP6, FoccCSP2/FintCSP2, and FoccCSP3/FintCSP3 might be involved in transporting the minor aggregation pheromone compound (R)-lavandulyl acetate. These results will provide a fundamental basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of pheromone reception in the two thrips species.

Use of Coffee Bean Bagasse Extracts in the Brewing of Craft Beers: Optimization and Antioxidant Capacity.

Coffee bean bagasse is one of the main by-products generated by industrial coffee production. This by-product is rich in bioactive compounds such as caffeine, caffeic and chlorogenic acid, and other phenols. The aims of this work are to optimize the extraction conditions of phenolic compounds present in coffee bean bagasse and incorporate them into stout-style craft beers, as well as to determine their effect on the phenol content and antioxidant capacity. The optimal conditions for extraction were 30% ethanol, 30 °C temperature, 17.5 mL of solvent per gram of dry sample, and 30 min of sonication time. These conditions presented a total phenol content of 115.42 ± 1.04 mg GAE/g dry weight (DW), in addition to an antioxidant capacity of 39.64 ± 2.65 μMol TE/g DW in DPPH• and 55.51 ± 6.66 μMol TE/g DW for FRAP. Caffeine, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, and other minor compounds were quantified using HPLC-DAD. The coffee bean bagasse extracts were added to the stout craft beer and increased the concentration of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity of the beer. This work is the first report of the use of this by-product added to beers.

Multivariate analysis of chemical and genetic diversity of wild Humulus lupulus L. (hop) collected in situ in northern France

The hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.) has been exploited for a long time for both its brewing and medicinal uses, due in particular to its specific chemical composition. These last years, hop cultivation that was in decline has been experiencing a renewal for several reasons, such as a craze for strongly hopped aromatic beers. In this context, the present work aims at investigating the genetic and chemical diversity of fifty wild hops collected from different locations in Northern France. These wild hops were compared to ten commercial varieties and three heirloom varieties cultivated in the same sampled geographical area. Genetic analysis relying on genome fingerprinting using 11 microsatellite markers showed a high level of diversity. A total of 56 alleles were determined with an average of 10.9 alleles per locus and assessed a significant population structure (mean pairwise FST = 0.29). Phytochemical characterization of hops was based on volatile compound analysis by HS-SPME GC-MS, quantification of the main prenylated phenolic compounds by UHPLC-UV as well as untargeted metabolomics by UHPLC-HRMS and revealed a high level of chemical diversity among the assessed wild accessions. In particular, analysis of volatile compounds revealed the presence of some minor but original compounds, such as aromadendrene, allo-aromadendrene, isoledene, β-guaiene, α-ylangene and β-pinene in some wild accessions; while analysis of phenolic compounds showed high content of β-acids in these wild accessions, up to 2.37% of colupulone. Genetic diversity of wild hops previously observed was hence supported by their chemical diversity. Sample soil analysis was also performed to get a pedological classification of these different collection sites. Results of the multivariate statistical analysis suggest that wild hops constitute a huge pool of chemical and genetic diversity of this species.

Indigenous plant extracts and their role in pest management in tea ecosystem

India is the world's second largest producer of black tea. Insects, mites, nematodes, and plant pathogenic diseases all damage the tea plant which severely hampered tea production causing about 10-15% crop loss every year. It would be 100% in extreme circumstances. In India, many synthetic pesticides are commonly employed to control tea pests. The use of an excessive amount pesticides could lead to a number of issues, including the development of resistance, negative impacts on non-target species such as insect predators and parasitoids, disruption of the ecological balance, and the accumulation of pesticide residues on tea leaves. In the international market, there is an increasing demand for organic tea or tea that is pesticide residue free, which influences the export price. Plant extracts having insecticidal qualities contains secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, terpenoids, phenolics, and minor secondary compounds can be used as an alternative to synthetic insecticides and these are environmentally safe, selective, biodegradable, cost-effective, and renewable options for use in IPM programmes in this context. Biopesticides are natural plant products that can be grown at a minimal cost by planters and extracted using indigenous methods.

Identification of sex-specific compounds in the invasive four-eyed fir bark beetle Polygraphus proximus

Polygraphus proximus, a four-eyed fir bark beetle, is an invasive bark beetle species which has caused extensive damage to forests of Abies sibirica in southern and western Siberia and to Abies species in the European part of Russia. There is a high risk that the pest insect will spread to areas where it is currently not considered present, such as the European Union. In these areas, it threatens to attack conifer forests of various species which may result in major environmental and economic impact. The aim of this study was to identify pheromone components of P. proximus that can be used as pheromone baits. Males and females of P. proximus were allowed to bore into the bark of stem sections of Abies sibirica at the laboratory, and volatiles were collected with solid-phase microextraction (SPME). Analyses of these extracts with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed several sex-specific compounds. In total, twelve male-specific compounds and one female-specific compound were identified. The major male-specific compound determined by GC peak area was (Z)‐2‐(3,3‐dimethylcyclohexylidene)‐ethanol [(Z)-DMCHE] and the minor male-specific compounds were 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, 3-methyl-2-butenal, benzyl alcohol, fragranol, 7-methyl-3-methylene-6-octen-1-ol, (Z)- and (E)-2-(3,3-dimethylcyclohexylidene)-acetaldehyde, geraniol, geranial and papayanol. The only female-specific compound was identified as 1-hexanol. Two of the male-specific compounds, (Z)‐DMCHE and 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol were shown to attract males and females of P. proximus in field studies. Thus, we now for the first time can present the structures of two male-specific components that are biologically active parts of P. proximus aggregation pheromone. However, some chemical communication overlap between P. proximus and P. subopacus needs to be further investigated as (Z)‐DMCHE also attracted males and females of P. subopacus.

Phytochemical profile and toxicity of extracts from the leaf of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. collected in mangrove areas affected by port activities

• The toxicity of A. marina leaves was evaluated in ethyl acetate extract and methanol extract. • Ethyl acetate extract of A. marina which had potential toxicity, was analyzed for the phytochemical profile and total phenol. • Phytochemical profile were analyzed using preliminary phytochemical and GC–MS analysis which revealed presence major compounds, including fatty acids, phenols, terpenes, alkaloids, alcohols, hydrocarbons. • The first record of phytochemical and toxicity profiles of A. marina leaves collected from mangrove areas affected by port activity waste. Mangrove leaves are natural materials with various sources of toxic bioactive compounds that can be developed for the pharmaceutical field. Avicennia marina mangrove vegetation on the coast of South Sumatra is dense, and its location is unique because it is close to port activity waste. Environmental influences at the site are thought to have an impact on the diversity of bioactive compounds. The study was conducted to analyze the phytochemical profile of A. marina leaf extract using GC–MS analysis and its potential toxicity through Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay. Samples were taken from mangrove vegetation near Tanjung Api-Api Port, South Sumatra. Furthermore, the sample was conducted toxicity test on brine shrimp, total phenol analysis, preliminary phytochemical test, and GC–MS analysis. Based on the results of toxicity tests, the value of LC 50 ethyl acetate extract amounted to 454 μg/mL, and methanol extract amounted to 740 μg/mL. Furthermore, ethyl acetate extract contained 1.3205 mg GAE/g total phenol, and phytochemical test results contained saponins, flavonoids and steroids. GC–MS analysis detected major compounds, including groups of fatty acids, phenols, terpenes, alkaloids, alcohols, hydrocarbons and minor compounds of cannabinoids and amines. Ethyl acetate extract of A. marina leaves produced a structure of bioactive compounds that had been reported to have potential as anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-insecticide and antioxidant. The results of this study were expected to provide important information in finding sources of bioactive compounds, taking into account the more real influence of extrinsic environments.

Review on Compounds Isolated from Eriocaulaceae Family and Evaluation of Biological Activities by Machine Learning.

Eriocaulaceae is a pantropical family whose main center of biodiversity is in Brazil. In general, the family has about 1200 species, in which phytochemical and biological studies have shown a variety of structures and activities. The aim of this research is to compile the compounds isolated in the Eriocaulaceae family and carry out a computational study on their biological targets. The bibliographic research was carried out on six databases. Tables were built and organized according to the chemical class. In addition, a summary of the methods of isolating the compounds was also made. In the computational study were used ChEMBL platform, DRAGON 7.0, and the KNIME 4.4.0 software. Two hundred and twenty-two different compounds have been isolated in sixty-eight species, divided mainly into flavonoids and naphthopyranones, and minor compounds. The ligand-based virtual screening found promising molecules and molecules with multitarget potential, such as xanthones 194, 196, 200 and saponin 202, with xanthone 194 as the most promising. Several compounds with biological activities were isolated in the family, but the chemical profiles of many species are still unknown. The selected structures are a starting point for further studies to develop new antiparasitic and antiviral compounds based on natural products.

Acyl-Nω-methylserotonins and Branched-chain Acylserotonins in Lemon and Other Citrus Seeds-New Lipids with Antioxidant Properties and Potential Pharmacological Applications.

We have found 15 previously unknown compounds in seeds of lemon and other citrus species, such as tangerine, grapefruit and pomelo. The structure of these compounds was characterized by HR–MS spectrometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and chemical synthesis. These compounds were predominantly long-chain (C20–C25), saturated acyl-Nω-methylserotonins with the main contribution of C22 and C24 homologues, usually accounting for about 40% and 30% of all acylserotonins, respectively. The other, previously undescribed, minor compounds were branched-chain acylserotonins, as well as normal-chain acylserotonins, recently found in baobab seed oil. Within the seed, acylserotonins were found nearly exclusively in the inner seed coat, where probably their biosynthesis proceeds. On the other hand, lemon seedlings contained only trace amounts of these compounds that were not found in adult leaves. The compounds identified in the present studies were shown to have antioxidant properties in vitro, using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. In the investigated reaction in hexane, Me-C22 and Me-C24-serotonins were less active than n-C22 and n-C24-serotonins and δ-tocopherol, while branched-chain acylserotonins (iso-C21 and -C25) showed higher antioxidant activity than all the normal-chain compounds. On the other hand, all these compounds showed a similar but considerably lower antioxidant activity in acetonitrile than in hexane.

Alternatives to Pyrethroid Resistance: Combinations of Cymbopogon nardus and Ocimum americanum Essential Oils Improve the Bioefficiency Control Against the Adults' Populations of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).

Dengue vector control strategies are mostly based on chemicals use against Aedes aegypti populations. The current study aimed at investigating the insecticidal effects of essential oils (EOs) obtained from five plant species, Cymbopogon citrates (D. C.) Stapf. (Poaceae), Cymbopogon nardus (Linn.) Rendle (Poaceae), Eucalyptus camaldulensis Linn. (Myrtaceae), Lippia multiflora Moldenke (Verbenaceae), and Ocimum americanum Linn. Lamiaceae, and combinations of Cymbopogon nardus and Ocimum americanum on Ae. aegypti populations from Bobo-Dioulasso. For this purpose, adults of the susceptible and field strains of Ae. aegypti were tested in WHO tubes with EO alone and binary combinations of O. americanum (OA) and C. nardus (CN; scored from C1 to C9). The extraction of the essential oils was done by hydrodistillation, and their components were determined by GC/MS. Among the 5 EOs tested, L. multiflora essential oil was the most efficient, with KDT50 values below 60 min on all Ae. aegypti strains tested, and also with a rate of mortality up to 100 and 85% for Bora Bora and Bobo-Dioulasso strains, respectively. This efficacy may be due to its major compounds which are with major compounds as β-caryophyllene, p-cymene, thymol acetate, and 1.8 cineol. Interestingly, on all strains, C8 combination showed a synergistic effect, while C2 showed an additive effect. These combinations exhibit a rate of mortality varying from 80 to 100%. Their toxicity would be due to the major compounds and the putative combined effects of some major and minor compounds. More importanly, L. multiflora EO and combinations of C. nardus and O. americanum EO, may be used as alternatives against pyrethroid resistant of Ae. aegypti.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cardiovascular Protection in Chronic Kidney Disease.

The high mortality related to chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not only due to the disease itself; in fact, CKD also represents an important risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality. Among the functional foods that seems to have cardioprotective action, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) plays a pivotal health-promoting role. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible cardioprotective effects of an EVOO containing a very high content (>900 ppm) of minor phenolic compounds (MPCs). The selected EVOO was analyzed by HPLC-DAD-MS to establish the MPC content. The Olea extract obtained from the selected EVOO was tested against the RAW 264.7 cell line in order to investigate its anti-inflammatory activity. We enrolled 40 CKD patients under conservative therapy for in vivo clinical testing. All CKD patients consumed 40 mL/day of raw EVOO for 9 weeks (T1). At baseline (T0) and at T1, we monitored the patients’ blood and urinary parameters. The patients’ body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) using ultrasound imaging. At T1, we observed a decrease in inflammatory parameters, CIMT, and oxidative stress biomarkers. We also noticed improvements in lipid and purine metabolism, atherogenic indices, and body composition. Thus, this study highlighted the cardioprotective action of EVOO in nephropathic patients.

Furaneol Detection with Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP)-Based Polyaniline (PANI) Gas Sensor

Strawberry is one of the beloved fruits worldwide due to its exquisite flavor with highly nutritious compounds which give promising health benefits. [1] With dragging the great attention, efforts to monitor the quality of strawberries and strawberry derivatives are becoming significant to obtain better flavor and nutrition. 2,5-Dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone(furaneol) is one of the compounds which plays an important role in a flavor that can be naturally found in various fruits such as strawberry, pineapple, raspberry, and mango. Especially, furaneol composition is reported as a significant factor for maturity condition monitoring of strawberries due to the different amounts at the ripening stage. [2] Furaneol is also known to be an essential signature for controlling the food production process, verifying the food production origin, and regulating the quality of products.Currently, furaneol detection is conducted with time-consuming techniques, such as gas chromatography (GC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). For example, Yuan et al. [3] showed the identification of furaneol with HPLC. Also, Buttery et al. [4], and Lopez et al. [5], used GC for the determination of furaneol in foods. Developing a real-time gas sensor for fast, cheap, stable, sensitive detection of furaneol is a significant challenge in the area of the food industry.Chemo-resistive gas sensors can be an attractive approach due to their miniaturization, simple operation, ease of fabrication, and low production cost. For utilizing resistive gas sensors, polyaniline (PANI) got great attention because of its environmental stability, simple synthesis, and ease of tailoring the surface charge characteristics by changing the dopants. However, PANI-based gas sensors are reactive to numerous gases which limits the selective detection of target gas molecules. Many compounds in strawberries may restrict the use of PANI-based sensors. [6] Molecular imprinting technology (MIT), which can create molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) obtaining specific binding sites for target molecules, is utilized to achieve selective gas sensing similar to biological antibodies. [7] The improved affinity not only provides selective detection but also enhances response to target gas molecules.In this study, a resistive gas sensor based on synthesized molecularly imprinted polymer and polyaniline is demonstrated for the detection of furaneol gas molecules for its operation in food packaging. Herein, we developed a unique method to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer and polyaniline (MIP-PANI) nanocomposites with an interfacial polymerization technique. Aniline monomer is polymerized and oxidized simultaneously to tailor the surface charge characteristics forming polyaniline. Then, the molecularly imprinting process on polyaniline is conducted with methacrylic acid (MAA) as a functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as a crosslinker, furaneol as a template, and benzoyl peroxide as a radical initiator. After the furaneol template was constructed, MIP-PANI presented a high affinity to furaneol target molecules and showed a high sensing response. Their response signals are enhanced tens of times compared to the pure PANI. Furthermore, selective detection of the target furaneol molecules was observed. This study may broaden the application of resistive gas sensors for selective and sensitive detection of volatile organic compounds in food industries. Reference [1] S. Afrin, M. Gasparrini, T.Y. Forbes-Hernandez, P. Reboredo-Rodriguez, B. Mezzetti, A. Varela-Lopez, F. Giampieri, M. Battino, Promising Health Benefits of the Strawberry: A Focus on Clinical Studies, J Agric Food Chem 64 (2016) 4435-4449. [2] C. Aubert, S. Baumann, H. Arguel, Optimization of the analysis of flavor volatile compounds by liquid-liquid microextraction (LLME). Application to the aroma analysis of melons, peaches, grapes, strawberries, and tomatoes, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 53 (2005) 8881-8895. [3] J.P. Yuan, F. Chen, Separation and identification of furanic compounds in fruit juices and drinks by high-performance liquid chromatography photodiode array detection, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 46 (1998) 1286-1291. [4] R.G. Buttery, G.R. Takeoka, M. Naim, H. Rabinowitch, Y. Nam, Analysis of furaneol in tomato using dynamic headspace sampling with sodium sulfate, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 49 (2001) 4349-4351. [5] R. Lopez, M. Aznar, J. Cacho, V. Ferreira, Determination of minor and trace volatile compounds in wine by solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection, Journal of Chromatography A 966 (2002) 167-177. [6] A.T. Oz, G. Baktemur, S.P. Kargi, E. Kafkas, Volatile Compounds of Strawberry Varieties, Chemistry of Natural Compounds 52 (2016) 507-509. [7] L. Chen, X. Wang, W. Lu, X. Wu, J. Li, Molecular imprinting: perspectives and applications, Chem Soc Rev 45 (2016) 2137-2211.

Fatty acids and minor functional compounds of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) seeds and other Cannabaceae species

Nowadays, hemp (Cannabis sativa) seeds are receiving increased attention because of their high nutritional value. Among other nutrients, they contain a PUFA- and bioactive compounds-rich oil. Accordingly, this work was focused to establish the fatty acids (FA) content, the regiospecificity of triacylglycerols, and to quantify several bioactive compounds of relevant hemp seeds varieties and related taxa. Eight varieties of unhusked hemp seeds and eight samples of commercial husked hemp seeds were studied, and other Cannabaceae seeds: those from hop (Humulus lupulus) and European hackberry (Celtis australis). We found that all hemp seeds varieties constitute a rich source of essential PUFA as linoleic and α-linolenic acids, as well as oleic acid. PUFA were mostly distributed at the sn-2 position of triacylglycerols, thus, being highly bioaccessible, while SFA were mostly located at the sn-1,3 positions. The n–6/n–3 PUFA ratio was found to be nutritionally advantageous. Vitamin E compounds were noticeable, and γ-tocopherol was the major tocol found. Regarding phytosterols, campesterol and β-sitosterol were the most prominent compounds, while squalene content was also noticeable. Overall, the lipid fraction of hemp seeds can be considered as a source of essential and bioactive FA as well as an antioxidant- and cholesterol-lowering bioactive compounds-containing functional food.

Thermodynamic analysis of caustic–roasting of electric arc furnace dust

Electric Arc Furnace Dust (EAFD) is a byproduct of the steelmaking industry, which is one of the most significant and rapidly generated hazardous waste. This material includes recyclable elements such as zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe), exclusively in the form of zinc-ferrite (ZnFe2O4), zincite (ZnO), magnetite (Fe3O4) with some other minor compounds of Si, Mn, Mg, and Pb. A combination of pyro and hydrometallurgical route, also known as hybrid process, has acquired considerable attention to extract Fe and Zn from electric arc furnace dust (EAFD). In the current study, systematic thermodynamic assessments using thermochemical–software FactSage and targeted experimental investigations were carried out to assess the suitability of the caustic-roasting step of this important hybrid process. Thermodynamic calculation of the effect of different parameters on the conversion of EAFD to a suitable feedstock for the next separation stages showed that the major zinc-ferrite (ZnFe2O4) phase of EAFD can be potentially converted to ZnO and sodium-ferrite (NaFeO2) intermediate phase while reacting with NaOH (>2 mol) at temperatures equal or higher than 100 °C. The suitable condition was assessed to an EAFD to NaOH ratio of 1:3 M fraction and a temperature, T > 318 °C at the normal atmospheric condition. Moreover, the selected experimental investigation was also showing a good agreement with the current thermodynamic assessment.

Production of ethyl esters from forage radish seed: An integrated sequential route using pressurized ethanol and ethyl acetate

This work investigated the production of fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from forage radish seeds using a sequential process with pressurized ethanol and ethyl acetate as solvents and acyl acceptors. First, the effect of the solvent on the extraction was determined and subsequently, the sequential reaction was carried out with the material from the pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) where the effects of temperature, residence time and water concentration were investigated. Conventional extraction was carried out for comparative purposes with regards to the oil quality of the PLE and its efficiency in the reaction. The use of ethanol resulted in a high mass yield, which was attributed to the high non-lipid fraction in the extracted material, and ethyl acetate retained proteins, phenolic compounds and sugars in the defatted meal. The main fatty acids in the oil were oleic and erucic acids and high levels of minority compounds were observed in the PLE oil. In the sequential reaction, supercritical ethyl acetate at 300 °C provided the highest FAEE content (42 wt% in 25 min). The addition of water in the acyl acceptor increased the production of FAEE, reduced the thermal degradation of the esters and provided a product with low levels of acylglycerols. Oils from PLE and conventional extraction showed similar performance in the synthesis of esters. Ethyl linolenate and ethyl linoleate were the esters that showed the highest level of degradation. The highest content of FAEE (53 wt%) was reached at 300 °C with 20% (v/v) of water, resulting in a triacetin content of 0.92 wt%.

Olive and echium oil gelled emulsions: Simulated effect of processing temperature, gelling agent and in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on oxidation and bioactive compounds

The impact and relative relevance of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, processing temperature (room temperature or 180 °C), and gelling agent (GA) (carrageenan and alginate) on the bioactive compounds and oxidation status of olive and echium oils gelled formulations with 40% lipid incorporation was assessed. In vitro digestion was not affected by the GA, with >90% lipolysis in all formulations, but was the most relevant variable, promoting oxidation (MDA) regardless of the oil type, GA or temperature applied. Tocopherols and phenolic decreased with digestion, which could be interpreted as a protective response to pro-oxidative conditions during digestion. Temperature decreased olive oil phenolics. Gelification of echium oil using alginate reduced secondary oxidation products formation in comparison with carrageenan, with oxidation degrees after digestion equivalent to those shown with olive oil. The use of alginate with olive oil resulted in the most stable formulations, although not protecting its minor bioactive compounds from thermal degradation.

Production of Minor Ginsenoside CK from Major Ginsenosides by Biotransformation and Its Advances in Targeted Delivery to Tumor Tissues Using Nanoformulations.

For over 2000 years, ginseng (roots of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has been used as a traditional herbal medicine. Ginsenosides are bioactive compounds present in ginseng responsible for the pharmacological effects and curing various acute diseases as well as chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. Structurally, ginsenosides consist of a hydrophobic aglycone moiety fused with one to four hydrophilic glycoside moieties. Based on the position of sugar units and their abundance, ginsenosides are classified into major and minor ginsenosides. Despite the great potential of ginsenosides, major ginsenosides are poorly absorbed in the blood circulation, resulting in poor bioavailability. Interestingly, owing to their small molecular weight, minor ginsenosides exhibit good permeability across cell membranes and bioavailability. However, extremely small quantities of minor ginsenosides extracted from ginseng plants cannot fulfill the requirement of scientific and clinical studies. Therefore, the production of minor ginsenosides in mass production is a topic of interest. In addition, their poor solubility and lack of targetability to tumor tissues limits their application in cancer therapy. In this review, various methods used for the transformation of major ginsenosides to minor ginsenoside compound K (CK) are summarized. For the production of CK, various transformation methods apply to major ginsenosides. The challenges present in these transformations and future research directions for producing bulk quantities of minor ginsenosides are discussed. Furthermore, attention is also paid to the utilization of nanoformulation technology to improve the bioavailability of minor ginsenoside CK.

GC-MS Analysis of bioactive compounds in Ethanolic extract of Drymaria cordata (L.) Willd. ex Roem. and Schult.

The occurrence of diverse secondary metabolites have been reported from different species of Drymaria. The present study was carried out to identify the bio compounds that are present in the ethanolic extract of Drymaria cordata an ethno medicinal plant by GC-MS analysis and to ascertain its utility by the local tribes as a plant possessing medicinal properties. Nine bioactive compounds were identified. The major compounds are 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylicacid, diisooctylester (46.88%), 1,8-Octanediol (31.25%), Myo-Inosito1, 4-C-methy1- (7.81%) and 2-Octen-1-ol (7.81%) along with few minor compounds. These bioactive compounds are known to possess various properties that are of pharmacological significance and can be harnessed for human benefits.