Myristate Research Articles

The role of fatty acids in patients with Behçet's disease and their association with thrombosis.

Behçet's disease (BD) is a systemic disease with unknown etiopathogenesis and varying disease presentations. Fatty acids (FA) are essential biological compounds that are involved in complex metabolic pathways. They may contribute to inflammation and endothelial dysfunction by participating in many signaling pathways. Increased FAs levels are associated with an increased risk for various diseases. This study aimed to determine the relationship between FA, BD, and thrombotic complications. A total of 97 patients were recruited from the rheumatology department of a single center as a case-control study. The participants were divided into three groups: 36 patients with BD with thrombosis (Group 1), 24 patients with BD without thrombosis (Group 2), and 37 age- and sex-matched controls (Group 3). The analysis of 37 different FA with carbon numbers in the range of (4:0) and (24:1) in the samples were analyzed and compared between groups. Myristic acid (MA), methyl eicosatrienoate, and stearic acid (STA) levels were found to be significantly higher in BD with thrombosis than in BD without thrombosis, and palmitic acid (PA) levels were significantly higher in BD with thrombosis than in healthy individuals. MA was found to be a significant marker for differentiating between thrombotic BD. PA and STA are important markers for detecting thrombotic BD. In BD, lipotoxicity created by FA, such as PA, STA, and MA, plays a role as an inducer of inflammation and thrombosis through various mechanisms.

Experiments and Molecular Simulations to Study the Effect of Surface-Active Compounds in Mixtures of Model Oils on CO2 Corrosion during Intermittent Oil-Water Wetting.

Intermittent oil-water wetting can have a significant effect on the internal corrosion of steel pipelines. This paper presents a combined experimental and molecular modeling study of several influential factors on the surface properties and corrosion behavior of mild steel in CO2 environments. The influence of different model oils (LVT-200 and Aromatic-200) and select surface-active compounds (myristic acid, cyclohexane butyric acid, and oleic acid) on the corrosion behavior of carbon steel during intermittent oil-water wetting was determined by measuring the corrosion rate after intermittent wetting cycles. The interfacial tension measurements were performed to study the incorporation of the oil phase along with surface-active molecules in the protective layer formed on the specimen surface. Results showed that the interfacial tension for an aromatic oil-water interface is lower than that for an aliphatic oil-water interface. To understand this result, molecular dynamics simulations of oil-water interfaces were performed in the presence of surface-active molecules and different oils to analyze the structure of the layer formed at the interface. The simulations supported the hypothesis that aromatic molecules are less structured at the interface, which results in the incorporation of more water molecules into the protective layer formed at the steel surface, causing a higher corrosion rate. On the other hand, the simulations revealed that myristic acid in an aliphatic oil forms a well-aligned structure at the interface, devoid of any water molecules. This is in agreement with the hypothesis that the linear molecular structure of myristic acid favors the alignment of molecules at an aliphatic oil-water interface, resulting in a lower interfacial tension and more effective corrosion mitigation as compared to the other two nonlinear compounds tested. It is concluded that an important factor controlling the corrosion behavior is the molecular structure of the oil-water interface, which is adopted by the steel surface layer through the Langmuir-Blodgett process.

Development and preparation of novel nano-enhanced organic eutectic phase change materials for low-temperature solar thermal applications

ABSTRACT Thermally reliable and stable eco-friendly Phase change materials are of significant aid in thermal energy storage technology, leading to improved energy utilization and reliability of the system. This study develops two novel organic eutectic PCM of Lauric acid – Margaric acid (LM) and Myristic acid – Margaric acid (MM), which are chemically stable and thermally compatible for latent heat energy storage. LM eutectic mixture had a melting temperature of 52.66°C with a latent heat of 163.68 J/g, and MM eutectic mixture had its melting temperature at 44.79°C and a latent heat of 197.31 J/g. The phase change temperatures were favorable for low temperature solar thermal applications with good latent heat capacity. The thermal characteristics of these eutectic mixtures are further enhanced with the dispersion of highly conductive Multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) at three different mass fractions (.5%, 1% and 1.5% by weight). Nano enhancement could achieve exceptional thermal conductivity enhancement in MM eutectic mixture by 110.6% and 83.73% in LM eutectic mixture. Thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis ensured the thermal and chemical stability of the eutectic mixtures. The optical absorption characteristics were extensively enhanced with nano particle addition, which is highly preferable in solar thermal applications.

Antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiviral investigations using egyptian phoenix dactylifera L. pits extract

Phoenix dactylifera L. and its wastes are known to be high in nutrients that are beneficial to human health. The study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and antiviral properties of Phoenix dactylifera L. pits extract (PDPE) in vitro. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis indicated phenol, 2,5-bis(1,1-dimethyl ethyl), tetradecanoic acid, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, á-D-glucopyranosiduronic acid, and heptaethylene glycol monododecyl ether existence. The PDPE influenced pathogenic microorganisms, with inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) ranging from 10.0 to 35.0 mm. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 5638 had the highest IZD, while Salmonella typhi DSM 17058 and Shigella sonnei DSM 5570 had the lowest. The antifungal effect observed only in spore failure or conidia formation. PDPE showed a 100% antibacterial spectrum against bacteria, with MIC values between 250 and 1000 µg/ml. MIC was only indicated with S. aureus of 500 µg/ml. MBC values ranged from 500 to 1000 g/ml, with MBC values of 500 g/ml for B. cereus, E. faecalis, S. typhi, and S. sonnei. The activity was 66.7% at 500 µg/ml, further concentrations of 125–250 g/ml had no antibacterial effect. PDPE biofilm inhibition % had the highest percentage of inhibition (98.59%) with S. aureus, B. cereus (94.12%), and E. coli (74.46%). With 50% (CC50) viral activity, the highest non-toxic PDPE dose was found to be at 123.0 µg/ml.

Optimization, Production, and characterization of cottonseed methyl ester based on Box-Behnken in response surface design and gas Chromatography-Mass spectrum analysis

Renewable energy sources have a significant approach to eco-friendly systems with economically cost-effective and efficient use of biodiesel. The creation of innovative catalysts is attracting the attention and concern of the chemical and manufacturing sectors to be used in the production of biodiesel. The main objective of this work is to produce the optimum biodiesel yield using BBD design and the base-catalyzed method. The production of biodiesel was achieved through experimental investigation (alkali-catalyzed transesterification) and optimized using the BBD design method.The most important parameters such as methanol to oil ratios, KOH as catalysts, and reaction times were provided with variable conditions. The variation of methanol to oil ratios has significant relationships and is highly correlated in findings. The physicochemical properties of cottonseed biodiesel were carried out according to ASTM and EN standards. The maximum yield was achieved at 96.708 at a molar ratio of 6:1, reaction time of 60 min, and catalyst concentration of 1 wt%. The strong correlation between actual and predicted values of COSME was analyzed using ANOVA variances. The F-value and P-value validated the outcomes of produced biodiesel having a model value of 43.68 and 0.00, respectively. The coefficient of determinations and adjusted R2 of CSOME were achieved at 98.7% and 98.6%, respectively. The gas chromatogram mass spectrum analysis was also obtained to identify the acid profile present in COSME. The major percentage of ester available in COSME has been determined using GC–MS analysis and presented by its weight percentages. The main esters have been including myristic acid methyl ester (1.7%), palmitic acid methyl ester (26.65%), methyl 9-cis,11-trans-octadecadienoate(44.05%), ethyl 9. Cis.11.trans octadecadienoate(9.67%), methyl 20-methyl-heneicosanoate(6.83%), 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)-, 2-hydroxy-1-(hydroxymethyl)ethyl ester(1.93%), and Pentacosanoic acid, methyl ester(7.14%).

Biosynthesis of Polyhydroxyalkanoates in Cupriavidus necator B-10646 on Saturated Fatty Acids.

It has been established that the wild-type Cupriavidus necator B-10646 strain uses saturated fatty acids (SFAs) for growth and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthesis. It uses lauric (12:0), myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) acids as carbon sources; moreover, the elongation of the C-chain negatively affects the biomass and PHA yields. When bacteria grow on C12 and C14 fatty acids, the total biomass and PHA yields are comparable up to 7.5 g/L and 75%, respectively, which twice exceed the values that occur on longer C16 and C18 acids. Regardless of the type of SFAs, bacteria synthesize poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), which have a reduced crystallinity (Cx from 40 to 57%) and a molecular weight typical for poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P(3HB)) (Mw from 289 to 465 kDa), and obtained polymer samples demonstrate melting and degradation temperatures with a gap of about 100 °C. The ability of bacteria to assimilate SFAs opens up the possibility of attracting the synthesis of PHAs on complex fat-containing substrates, including waste.

63 Impacts of dietary myristic acids on mucosa-associated microbiota in relation to intestinal health and growth parameters of nursery pigs

Abstract This study investigated the evaluate the role of dietary myristic acid on mucosa-associated microbiota for their relevance to intestinal health and growth performance of nursery pigs. A total of 36 newly weaned pigs [6.6 ± 0.4 kg body weight (BW)] were assigned to 3 treatments (n = 12/treatment) using a randomized complete block design with initial BW and sex as blocks. Pigs were fed for 35 d in 3 phases (10, 10, and 15 d, respectively). Treatments were 1) NC: basal diet; 2) PC: NC + 0.03% bacitracin in all phases; and 3) MA: NC + myristic acid complex at 0.20% in phases 1 and 2 and 0.12% in phase 3. Pigs were euthanized to collect jejunal mucosa and jejunal tissues for microbiome sequencing and measuring intestinal health parameters. Data were analyzed using preplanned contrasts (NC vs. PC and NC vs. MA) in the Proc MIXED procedure and correlation coefficients between microbiota and the intestinal health parameters were determined by the CORR procedure of SAS. The PC increased (P < 0.05) Lactobacillaceae (22.2 to 55.1%) compared with NC. The MA increased (P < 0.05) Veillonellaceae (1.7 to 5.2%), Lachnospiraceae (0.3 to 3.6%), Coriobacteriaceae (0.6 to 1.5%), and Ruminococcaceae (0.5 to 2.1%) and tended to increase (P = 0.072) Bifidobacteriaceae (6.9 to 18.2%) compared with NC. The PC increased (P < 0.05) Simpson (0.72 to 0.89) index and the MA increased (P < 0.05) Chao1 (124.3 to 221.0), Shannon (3.4 to 5.0), and Simpson (0.7 to 0.9) indexes compared with NC. The relative abundance (RA) of Helicobacteraceae was positively correlated with IL-8 (r = 0.63; P < 0.05) and protein carbonyl (r = 0.65; P < 0.05). The RA of Bifidobacteriaceae was negatively correlated with IgG (r = -0.51; P < 0.05), IL-8 (r = -0.58; P < 0.05), TNF-α (r = -0.46; P < 0.05), and protein carbonyl (r = -0.64; P < 0.05) whereas it was positively correlated with average daily gain (ADG; r = 0.51; P < 0.05) and average daily feed intake (ADFI; r = 0.49; P < 0.05). The RA of Lactobacillaceae negatively correlated with IL-8 (r = -0.59; P < 0.05) and protein carbonyl (r = -0.54; P < 0.05) whereas it was positively correlated with ADFI (r = 0.43; P < 0.05) and MDA (r = 0.44; P < 0.05). The RA of Veilonellaceae and Megasphaera sp were negatively correlated (r = -0.49; r = -0.61; P < 0.05) with IgG, respectively. In conclusion, MA mainly increased RA of Bifidobacterium and Megasphaera, whereas PC increased RA of Lactobacillus and Mitsuokella in the jejunal mucosa. The positive modulations of RA of mucosa-associated microbiota by PC and MA were strongly correlated with improved intestinal health and growth of nursery pigs.

Preparation and rheological properties of highly stable bidisperse magnetorheological fluids

The utilization of magnetic nanofluids as the base carrier liquid proves to be an effective strategy for enhancing the stability of magnetorheological fluids. However, the preparation method for bidispersed magnetorheological fluids still deserves further investigation. In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized through chemical co-precipitation, and aviation hydraulic oil-based magnetic nanofluids were prepared using myristic acid as a surfactant. Micron-sized particles, modified with the same surfactant, were dispersed into the magnetic nanofluids, resulting in a novel bidisperse magnetorheological fluid (C-MRFF). The coated particles underwent physical phase analysis and magnetic property testing through an x-ray diffractometer, Fourier infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, scanning electron microscope, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Due to the addition of nanoparticles, C-MRFFs exhibited superior stability to micron-sized particle-based magnetorheological fluids. They demonstrated the best sedimentation stability and redispersibility at a 9% mass fraction of nanoparticles. Thanks to the protection of the micron-sized particle surface coating, C-MRFFs displayed superior sedimentation stability to traditional bidisperse magnetorheological fluids over a wide temperature range. The magnetorheological properties of C-MRFFs were studied. The results indicated that the yield stress of C-MRFFs increased with increasing magnetic field strength or decreasing temperature. The increase in the mass fraction of nanoparticles was beneficial to the increase in yield stress until severe settling of C-MRFFs occurred. In comparison to micron-sized particle-based magnetorheological fluids, C-MRFFs exhibited higher yield stresses. Although the yield stress of C-MRFFs was slightly lower than that of traditional bidisperse magnetorheological fluids due to the surface coating of larger particles, they exhibited stronger shear resistance over a wide temperature range.

GC-MS analysis, pharmaceutical and industrial significance of phytochemicals present in Annona muricata from Eziobodo, Imo State, Nigeria

Background: The conduct of screenings for therapeutic alternatives derived from medicinal plants has emerged as a useful tool for drug discovery and valuable information for further phytotherapeutic studies. Objective: To carry out chemical characterization of ethanol leaf extract of Annona muricata using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Materials and method: Apparently healthy leaf samples were taxonomically identified, air-dried and subjected to maceration to obtain ethanol extract stock. GC-MS analysis was utilized to investigate phytochemical composition. Results: The GC-MS analysis spectra was characterized by a total of twenty-six constituents at different retention times which were all identified. Dominant components present included n-Hexadecanoic acid, Oleic Acid and γ-Sitosterol with peak areas 32.60%, 24.35% and 9.10% respectively. Additional constituents were Dodecanoic acid (peak area 4.31%), 13 Octadecenal, (Z) (peak area 2.83%), Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (peak area 2.31%), Tetradecanoic acid (peak area 2.34%), Trapidil (peak area 2.10%) while others occupied less than 2% peak area. Conclusion: This study suggests that the ethanol leaf extract of A. muricata could possess vital compounds of pharmaceutical and industrial relevance.

Chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of an apolar extract from Lactuca serriola L. leaves

Lactuca serriola L. is an annual herbaceous plant species belonging to the Asteraceae family, called Prickly lettuce, Wild lettuce, and Jagged lettuce. L. serriola grows on grassy and rocky slopes in many regions in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, and North, Central and South America. The plant is used as a natural pharmaceutical agent in primary health care due to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties, which are attributed to the compounds it contains. However, this is the first study demonstrating the antimicrobial activity of L. serriola essential oil. In this study, L. serriola essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation of plant leaves and analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GS-MS); subsequently, antimicrobial properties of the essential oil were evaluated using agar dilution and broth microdilution methods. As a result of the GS-MS analysis, hexadecanoic acid, oleic acid, myristic acid, hexahydrofarnesyl acetone, β-ionone, and n-tetradecyl butanoate were found as dominant components in the plant essential oil with the rate of 6.61%, 4.84%, 2.05, 1.55%, 1.3%, and 1.09% (v/v), respectively. The MIC value of L. serriola essential oil against Enterobacter aerogenes,Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis was found to be 0.94 μLmL−1, and MIC values were determined as 1.87 μLmL−1 and 0.47 μLmL−1 against Klebsiella pneumonia and Candidaparapsilosis, respectively. These results have opened a new horizon regarding the usability of L. serriola essential oil as a pharmacological therapeutic antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Elucidating the impact of sanitary waste on the formation of fat, oil and grease deposits in sewer systems

The accumulation of fat, oil and grease (FOG) deposits in sanitary sewer systems is a significant cause of sewer overflows, mainly due to their tendency to adhere to pipe walls. The aim of this study is to (i) develop laboratory-prepared FOG deposits using a mixture of iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) metal ions, fatty acids, saccharides and cooked oils, in addition to various sanitary waste materials such as paper towels, wipes and pads and (ii) examine the characteristics of these FOG deposits. The goals of this study were to (i) gain a deeper understanding of the impact of sanitary waste on the formation of FOG deposits and (ii) discuss the detailed physiochemical properties of these FOG deposits. The findings revealed that FOG deposits can vary in nature, appearing as either a smooth, paste-like substance or a coarse, semi-solid material, depending on the types of waste present in the sewer. Analysis of the fatty acid profile indicated that the FOG deposits with wipes have the highest viscosity (3.2 × 104 Pa s) and larger composition of smaller chain saturated fatty acids (caprylic acid 0.64%, undecanoic acid 5.61%, lauric acid 4.65%, myristic acid 3.21% and palmitic 8.38%). In contrast, FOG deposits with Fe and Al metal impurities have higher heat resistance and thermal stability (melting point of 125 °C) and have larger composition of long chain fatty acids. Furthermore, FTIR analysis confirmed that these FOG deposits are composed of metallic salts of fatty acids, aligning with samples from sewer lines. Our results suggest that FOG deposit formation involves the aggregation of excess calcium, which compresses free fatty acid micelles, and a saponification reaction between the calcium aggregates and free fatty acids. This research illuminates the complex processes behind FOG deposit formation and their varied characteristics, providing valuable insights into potential strategies for preventing FOG-related sewer blockages.

Combination of Chemical and Physical Cancer Therapeutics Developed with Microcapsules Made of κ-Casein and Gold Nanoparticles in the Presence of Drug-Loaded Phase Change Materials.

Tumor heterogeneity requires development of an anticancer system equipped with both chemical and physical therapeutics to eradicate cancer exhibiting drug resistance and clonal evolution into diverse tumor cells. Assortment of various toxic components into one platform without compromising their individual toxic activity remains a formidable task. Herein, a novel drug delivery system (DDS) exerting potent cytotoxicity toward cancer cells was fabricated with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) coated with an innocuous self-assembly protein of κ-casein (κC). Pickering emulsions of the κC-AuNP conjugates in the presence of chloroform inside led to the κC-AuNP microcapsules being stabilized via robust β-sheet formation between κC molecules located on the single-layered shell made of κC-AuNPs. Phase change material (PCM) comprising a eutectic mixture of lauric acid and myristic acid with the melting point of 43 °C was encapsulated in the presence of a hydrophilic anticancer drug of doxorubicin (Dox), in which the PCM has played multiple functions such as drug-holding matrix and thermoresponsive gating material for drug release. Once liberated with the heat generated by the AuNPs upon a near-infrared (NIR) irradiation at 808 nm, the PCM by itself exhibited not only chemical cytotoxicity but also physical toxic effects such as membrane destabilization of the cells and a possible cellular fixative effect toward cancer cells by the solidified PCM at body temperature. Moreover, the PCM was shown to facilitate the intranuclear localization of Dox. As a result, the DDS comprising κC-AuNP microcapsules containing Dox-loaded PCM was demonstrated to show a powerful anticancer effect upon the NIR irradiation, which unleashed several toxic agents such as Dox, PCM, heat-generating AuNPs, and tissue-immobilizing solidified PCM. Therefore, the κC-AuNP microcapsules would serve as an anticancer system into which diverse chemical and physical therapeutic agents could be combined to effectively remove the heterogeneous and drug resistant cancer cells.

Improved properties of potato starch/myristic acid composite films via high hydrostatic pressure: The role of pressure-induced intermolecular interaction

In this study, an innovative approach was proposed to prepare potato starch/myristic acid composite film using a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) process to improve its properties. The myristic acid/potato starch ratio in the composite films significantly increased after HHP treatment, resulting in substantial improvements in the physicochemical properties of the films. HHP-treated film presented a more uniform and smooth surface morphology, whereas the tensile strength was significantly improved. Meanwhile, water vapor permeability, water solubility, and moisture content decreased altogether. Most importantly, HHP treatments substantially enhanced the hydrophobicity of the composite film as the water contact angle increased from 33.2% to 46.2%. Raman spectroscopy and FT-IR results confirmed that HHP altered the intermolecular interaction between potato starch and myristic acid, forming more hydrogen bonds with shorter bond lengths. It led to the structural transformation from V6I complexes to V6II and V6III complexes, with relative crystallinity increased from 35.46% to 44.56%. This work provided a novel pressure-assisted method to fabricate starch/lipid biopolymer film with substantially improved hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties.

Effect of dietary protein source and Saccharina latissima on nutritional and safety characteristics of milk.

Wheat distillers' grains (WDG) and seaweeds are recommended as alternative protein sources and enteric methane mitigators in dairy cow diets, respectively, but little is known about their impact on milk quality and safety. In the present study, 16 cows in four 4 × 4 latin squares were fed iso-nitrogenous diets (50:50 forage: concentrate ratio), with rapeseed meal (RSM)-based or WDG-based concentrate (230 and 205 g kg-1 DM) and supplemented with or without Saccharina latissima. Replacement of RSM with WDG enhanced milk nutritional profile by decreasing milk atherogenicity (P = 0.002) and thrombogenicity (P = 0.019) indices and the concentrations of the nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids, specifically lauric (P = 0.045), myristic (P = 0.022) and palmitic (P = 0.007) acids. It also increased milk concentrations of the nutritionally beneficial vaccenic (P < 0.001), oleic (P = 0.030), linoleic (P < 0.001), rumenic (P < 0.001), α-linolenic (P = 0.012) acids and total monounsaturated (P = 0.044), polyunsaturated (P < 0.001), and n-6 (P < 0.001) fatty acids. Feeding Saccharina latissima at 35.7 g/cow/d did not affect the nutritionally relevant milk fatty acids or pose any risk on milk safety, as bromoform concentrations in milk were negligible and unaffected by the dietary treatments. It however slightly reduced milk concentrations of pantothenate. Feeding WDG to dairy cows improved the milk FA profiles, by increasing the concentrations of the nutritionally beneficial fatty acids and reducing the concentration of the nutritionally undesirable saturated fatty acids; while feeding seaweed slightly reduced pantothenate concentrations. However, when considering the current average milk intakes in the population, the milk compositional differences between treatments in this study appear relatively small to affect human health. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of silica-encapsulated myristic acid phase-change-assisted nanocapsules for thermal management applications

AbstractMyristic acid-based silica (MA/SiO2) nano-encapsulated phase change materials (NePCMs) were synthesized by the sol–gel process. Five different samples of the MA/SiO2 nanocapsules were prepared by varying the mass of the myristic acid. The nanocapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). These characterization techniques confirmed the successful encapsulation of the myristic acid inside the silica shell. The maximum latent heat was found to be 114.46 J/g for the sample which was prepared with 25 g myristic acid and 20 ml tetraethyl orthosilicate precursor material. The highest encapsulation ratio of approximately 62% was obtained in the same sample and the mean size of the nanocapsules was 597 nm. The thermal stability of these nanocapsules was assessed using the thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results exhibited that the thermophysical properties remained consistent after 50 heating/cooling thermal cycles indicating excellent durability of the NePCMs.

Gas-liquid chromatography analysis of phospholipids and triglycerides in Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) larvae: Effect of different diets

The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is an important insect pest on a wide range of stored food diets. This study employed gas-liquid chromatography to investigate the influence of different diets (pistachio, raisins, and walnuts) on the composition of phospholipids and triglycerides in fifth instar larvae of P. interpunctella. The fatty acid profiles of the larvae revealed seven essential fatty acids including myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids. The fatty acid composition of larvae-extracted phospholipids and triglycerides also varied according to the diet type. In terms of phospholipids, the highest concentration of myristic acid was observed in larvae fed walnut. Raisins exhibited the highest levels of palmitoleic and oleic acid, while pistachio demonstrated the highest concentration of linoleic acid. However, no significant differences were observed among the treatments concerning palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linolenic acid. Regarding triglycerides, no significant differences were found among the treatments in terms of myrisitc acid and oleic acid. However, the raisins treatment displayed the highest amount of palmitoleic acid, while both pistachio and walnut treatments exhibited the highest levels of linoleic acid. Additionally, the concentration of linolenic acid in larvae fed walnut was higher than other test diets. These findings provide valuable insights into the fatty acid composition of P. interpunctella fed different diets. Such knowledge can be utilized in developing pest management strategies, as the manipulation of fatty acid profiles in insects’ diet could potentially impact their growth, development, and fitness.

Fabrication of robust superhydrophobic myristic acid/ZrO2 coating with improved anti-icing and anti-corrosion for concrete via a two-step method

To address the safety concerns associated with icing and corrosion of concrete-based facilities, a facile two-step process of sandpaper covering and spraying for fabricating a robust superhydrophobic myristic acid/ZrO2 coating (MAZ-RSC) on concrete surface was proposed. Sandpaper covering and ZrO2 modified with myristic acid were used to fabricate the superhydrophobic structure. An analysis of the resultant superhydrophobic concrete's surface morphology and chemical structure was performed. The formation mechanism of the obtained MAZ-RSC was discussed. Results indicate that the MAZ-RSC coating exhibited superior superhydrophobic and self-cleaning properties with a contact angle of 161.3° and a sliding angle of 1.2°. The robust ability of the as-prepared MAZ-RSC coating was assessed through knife scratching, tape peeling, and sandpaper abrasion. The presence of ZrO2 enabled the MAZ-RSC to be a superhydrophobic hard coating. Meanwhile, the prepared coating was proven to possess a good active anti-icing ability and a strong anti-corrosion ability and to be easily de-iced. Further tests show that this coating can maintain excellent chemical resistance across a broad pH range because of its superior hydrophobicity and the chemical inertness of the ZrO2 particles. Thus, the as-prepared coating is expected to be adopted in practical areas such as roads, buildings and bridges.

Antimicrobial, antioxidant and essential oil studies on Veratrum album L. (Melanthiaceae)

In this study, essential oil components of the Veratrum album L. and the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of these components were determined. The chemical composition of the essential oils of dried aerial parts of V. album was analyzed using GC and GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was determined with the disk diffusion method. Total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS) and 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging capacity were detected for the antioxidant activity of the plant. According to the analysis results, the major essential oil components of the V. album were determined as hexacosane (39.5%), myristic (tetradecanoic) acid (22.8%), heptane (6.5%), anethole (4.9%) and 1,8- cineole (4.8%). The findings showed that the methanol extracts of the stem and leaf parts of the plant inhibited the growth of pathogenic microorganisms at different rates (14±0.1 - 34±0.3 mm). The TAS values of methanol extracts of stem and leaf parts of V. album were calculated as 3.75±0.07 and 3.91±0.01 mmol, while TOS values were calculated as 6.14±0.13 and 6.54±0.05 μmol. The scavenging activity of the DPPH radical increased depending on increasing concentrations of the plant extract.

Studying the possibility of using butter produced by the method of converting high fat cream in the production of puff products

The article presents comparative studies of the composition, physico-chemical and structural-mechanical characteristics of butter samples produced by the method of converting high-fat cream from domestic raw materials, and foreign-made but- ter by churning cream in continuous buttermakers, as well as their influence on the process of puff pastry formation and the organoleptic properties of finished products made from puff pastry. The purpose of the research is to assess the suitability of butter produced by the method of converting high-fat cream for the production of puff pastry and products made from it. New Zealand butter samples produced by the method of churning cream in continuous butter makers and often used in the manufacture of puff pastry products in cafes served as control samples. Typical samples of Russian-made butter produced by the method of converting high-fat cream were used as experimental samples. Based on the research results, differences in the fatty acid composition of the studied butter samples were established in terms of the content of lauric, myristic, palmitic and linoleic acids. It was revealed that in the range from 20 to 30 °, i. e., in conditions under which the dough rolling and proofing operations take place, the experimental butter samples were characterized by relatively higher levels of solid triglycerides and hardness. This caused a decrease in the plasticity of the butter and its ability to roll out. Based on comparative studies of the structural and mechanical properties of the butter, it was established that in order to improve its characteristics necessary for uniform rolling of the butter layer, it is advisable to lower the hardness value while simultaneously increasing the value of the butter structure recoverability. It has been concluded that such characteristics for butter produced by the method of convert- ing high-fat cream can be obtained by adjusting the composition of the butter and its production modes, and a decrease in the solid triglycerides can be achieved by active influence of the diet of animals in different periods of the year.

Nutritional composition of ghee of various animal origins produced in some silk road countries

This study aimed to investigate the fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals of ghee from various animal milk from different countries, such as India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, and Turkey. Ghee consists of 98.9% of fat, irrespective of the animal source. Among the short- and medium-chain saturated fatty acids, all samples contain butyric (C4:0), caproic (C6:0), caprylic (C8:0), and capric acid (C10:0). Mare and goat ghee additionally contain undecanoic acid (C11:0). Major fatty acids were myristic acid (C14:0), palmitic acid (C16:0), stearic acid (C18:0), and monounsaturated fatty acid was oleic acid (C18:1 cis 9). Notably, camel and mare ghee have the highest values of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Regarding minerals, the average levels were 5.48 mg/100 g for calcium, 5.04 mg/100 g for potassium, and 23.6 mg/100 g for phosphorus. Ghee also contains β-carotene at an average of 392 µg/100 g, vitamin A at 606 µg/100 g, and vitamin E at 1650 µg/100 g. The aforementioned results underscore the variation in the nutritional composition of ghee according to its geographical origin and source.