PC Extraction Research Articles

Periostracum Cicadae exhibits immunosuppressive effects on dendritic cells and contact hypersensitivity responses

Ethnopharmacological relevancePeriostracum Cicadae (PC), the molted exoskeleton of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, is frequently employed in Chinese herbal medicine. Based on traditional therapies and pharmacological studies, PC appears to have immunomodulatory activity. However, the specific impact of PC on immunomodulation, particularly its effect on dendritic cells (DCs), remains unknown. DCs act professionally as antigen-presenting cells that trigger adaptive immune responses, making them critical for immunomodulation. Materials and methodsThe DCs derived from mouse bone marrow were used to examine the suppressive effect of PC extract on DC activation and maturation. The in vivo suppressive effect was evaluated using a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity (CHS) responses. The determination of the substances in the sample was performed by Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. ResultsThe ethyl acetate extract of PC (PCEA) significantly decreased the expressions of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-12, interleukin [IL]-6, as well as tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and surface markers CD80 and CD86 in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated DCs. In the 2,4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene-induced CHS mouse model, PCEA treatment dramatically attenuated the severity of symptoms. This was evidenced by the alleviation of ear swelling and a reduction in the count of infiltrating CD3+ T cells in the tested ears. In addition, N-acetyldopamine dimer and trimer were identified as major components. ConclusionThis study is the first to show that components derived from PCEA inhibit the activation and maturation of DCs as well as CHS responses, indicating they have the potential for treating delayed-type hypersensitivity or DC-related immune disorders.

Evaluation of antioxidant prophylactic effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on sepsis following cecal ligation and puncture

Objective: Sepsis causes the release of free oxygen radicals that disrupt membrane integrity, and damage to Mitochondria due to the production of free oxygen radicals and oxidation leads to exacerbation of sepsis, Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in rats mimics the characteristics and course of clinical sepsis (Hubbard et al., 2005). Methods: We evaluated the antioxidant effects of Petroselinum crispum (Pc) in a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced rat sepsis model, in a rat model of sepsis caused by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Wistar albino rats were separated into four groups of eight groups: a sham group with incised and sutured abdomens; a Pc extract (PcE) group, which was given 2 g/kg parsley extract for 14 days by gastric gavage; a CLP group, which was subjected to sepsis caused by CLP; and a PcE + CLP group, which was given parsley extract for 14 days. PcE was given for 14 days, after which sepsis was induced via the CLP procedure. The groups were compared in terms of hemogram, biochemical and histological characteristics. Results: The administration of PcE before CLP-induced sepsis increases neutrophil counts, PLTs and TASs, which decrease with sepsis, and decreases biochemical changes (BUN, AST, ALT, LDH, TOS, and OSI), which increase with sepsis, to protect against sepsis. Compared with that in the CLP group, the severity of intestinal infiltration was significantly lower in the PcE + CLP group; however, the degree of epithelial damage in the PcE + CLP group was similar to that in the CLP group. In the PcE + CLP group, the crypt and villus lengths were greater, and the decrease in Paneth cell degranulation intensity was greater than that in the CLP group. Conclusion: Additionally, the morphology of the cells in the PcE + CLP group was similar to that in the sham group. PcE has potential as a prophylactic agent for sepsis.

Dietary fibre concentrates from avocado and mango by‐products; antioxidant capacity and polyphenols evaluation by HPLC‐IDA‐EPI‐MS

SummaryPhenolics bound to dietary fibres (DF‐PCs) represent a valuable source of antioxidants that are often wasted. DF‐PCs can be obtained as residues from conventional extraction processes of PCs derived from agro‐industrial by‐products. This study aimed to characterise DF‐PCs generated after the PC extraction process from the avocado peel (AP), mango peel (MP) and husk mango seed (testa) (MT), with a focus on solid residue or concentrated fibre (APFT: avocado peel fibre; MPFT: mango peel fibre; MTFT: mango testa fibre). The by‐products were evaluated under both non‐defatted and defatted conditions before simulating the PC extraction process. PCs were quantified (TPC) and identified (HPLC‐IDA‐EPI‐MS). Their antioxidant activity (AA) was determined (ABTS+, DPPH* and FRAP). Among the evaluated fibres, non‐defatted AP and defatted MP and MT exhibited the highest TPC content (22.64 ± 0.3, 37.31 ± 1.78 and 6.07 ± 0.08 mg GAE/g), respectively. Using the DPPH* assay, all fibre concentrates showed lower AA compared to the by‐products. Using FRAP assay, defatting gave the largest activity for mango samples. HPLC‐IDA‐EPI‐MS analysis of PC profiles resulted in the presence of 62 PC compounds in the fibre concentrates. These DF‐PCs, with a significant content of PCs, may be relevant as functional ingredients for food production.

Physalis alkekengi L. Calyx Extract Alleviates Glycolipid Metabolic Disturbance and Inflammation by Modulating Gut Microbiota, Fecal Metabolites, and Glycolipid Metabolism Gene Expression in Obese Mice.

Physalis alkekengi L. calyx (PC) extract can relieve insulin resistance and has glycemic and anti-inflammatory effects; however, the potential mechanisms related to gut microbiota and metabolites remain elusive. This study aimed to understand how PC regulates gut microbiota and metabolites to exert anti-obesogenic effects and relieve insulin resistance. In this study, a high-fat high-fructose (HFHF)-diet-induced obesity C57BL/6J male mice model with glycolipid metabolism dysfunction was established, which was supplemented with the aqueous extract of PC daily for 10 weeks. The results showed that the PC supplementation could effectively cure the abnormal lipid metabolism and maintain glucose metabolism homeostasis by regulating the expression of adipose metabolic genes and glucose metabolism genes in the liver, thereby effectively alleviating the inflammatory response. PC treatment also increased the contents of fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), especially butyric acid. PC extract could restore the HFHF-disrupted diversity of gut microbiota by significantly increasing the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and decreasing those of Romboutsia, Candidatus_Saccharimonas, and Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1. The negative effects of the HFHF diet were ameliorated by PC by regulating multiple metabolic pathways, such as lipid metabolism (linoleic acid metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, and sphingolipid metabolism) and amino acid metabolism (histidine and tryptophan metabolism). Correlation analysis showed that among the obesity parameters, gut microbiota and metabolites are directly and closely related. To sum up, this study suggested that PC treatment exhibited therapeutic effects by regulating the gut microbiota, fecal metabolites, and gene expression in the liver to improve glucose metabolism, modulate adiposity, and reduce inflammation.

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Parinari curatellifolia Methanol Stem Bark Extract and Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

Parinari curatellifolia Planch ex. Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) has been used traditionally for the treatment of cancer, pneumonia, fever, dressing of wounds and fractures. The green synthesized nanoparticles from phytochemicals have been utilized as effective antimicrobial and anticancer agents. The research was designed to synthesize nanoparticles from methanol stem bark extract of P. curatellifolia and to investigate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The stem bark was powdered and then extracted by maceration. Silver nanoparticles were synthesised using 5 mM AgNO3 solution. DPPH free radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays were employed to determine the antioxidant activity. The antibacterial activity was determined using agar disk diffusion method on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. The phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids and tannins. XRD analysis of the synthesized silver nanoparticles revealed a crystalline structure with face cantered cubic orientation. The SEM revealed particle size of 1 nm and consisted of highly agglomerated particles which formed large aggregates. The IC50 of DPPH free scavenging activity of the extract, silver nanoparticles and ascorbic acid (standard) were 2.804 mg/mL, 2.367 mg/mL and 2.065 mg/mL respectively. Also, that of H2O2 against the extract, silver nanoparticles and ascorbic acid (standard) were 4.986 mg/mL, 36.56 mg/mL and 6.414 mg/mL respectively. The nanoparticles inhibited the growth of the organisms with zone of inhibition between 8-12 mm whereas that of standard antibiotic (gentamicin) ranged from18-26 mm. This therefore implies that PC extract can be used in the synthesis of nanoparticles for its use against bacteria strains and as antioxidants.

Pharmacokinetic study about compatibility of Eucommia ulmoides and Psoralea corylifolia

ObjectiveThe compatibility of Eucommia ulmoides (Eu) and Psoralea corylifolia (Pc) on the pharmacokinetic (PK) properties in the rat was explored in this study. MethodsEu extract, Pc extract and the combined extracts (crude drug ratio was 2:1) was administered by gavage, respectively. Two PK experiments were conducted. In first one, the blood samples were collected via the occuli chorioideae vein to get the PK properties of the components. In second one, the blood samples were simultaneously collected via the internal jugular vein or portal vein at different time points and the concentrations of target ingredients were detected by LC/MS/MS to clear the location where the interaction of Eu and Pc took place in vivo. ResultsEight of 11 ingredients in Eu and Pc extract were determined in rat plasma. The exposure levels of geniposidic acid (GPA), aucubin (AU), geniposide (GP), pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG), psoralen glycosides (PLG) and isopsoralen glycosides (IPLG) were decreased 1/5–2/3 after administration of combined extracts. Comparing to the combined administration, the exposure of GPA and AU in plasma of single Eu administration collected via the portal vein were decreased 1/3–2/3, and the values of AUC0-24h and AUC0-∞ of GP collected from the portal vein or internal jugular vein were double increased. The other components’ parameters were not significantly changed. ConclusionIn summary, the Pc and Eu combined administration could affect the exposure of the main components of Eu extract in rats due to the changed intestinal absorption. The research on the compatibility of Pc and Eu was helpful to guide the clinical administration of Eu and Pc simultaneously.

PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS OF KAIL SHEEP BASED ON BODY MEASUREMENTS

The information on principal component analysis (PCA) of kail sheep was generated using 16 different morphomteriacal traits. A total of 368 Kail sheep individuals were selected from different ecological zone of Azad Jammu Kahmir during the summer of 2020. The coefficient of correlation between these traits were found highly correlate with other morphometric traits of this breed. The PC extract two components and explaning total variance of 67 % and 60% respectively. PC1 has high variance while PC2 high association eith these traits. The application of PC analysis in kail sheep reduce the number of factor and variable a draw a more informative information about morphometric traits. These component can be used in breeding and conservation programme of this breed.

Patterns of Phenolic Compounds in Betula and Pinus Pollen.

In this study, phenolic compounds and their antioxidant activity in the pollen of anemophilous Betula and Pinus were determined. Spectrophotometric, high-performance thin-layer and liquid chromatography methods were applied. Free phenolic compounds (free PC) and phenolic compounds bound to the cell wall (bound PC) were analysed in the pollen extracts. Regardless of the pollen species, their content was 20% higher than that in bound PC extracts. Pinus pollen extracts contained 2.5 times less phenolic compounds compared to Betula. Free PC extraction from the deeper layers of Pinus pollen was minimal; the same content of phenolic compounds was obtained in both types of extracts. The bioactivity of pollen (p < 0.05) is related to the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in Betula free PC and in bound PC, and only in free PC extracts of Pinus. Rutin, chlorogenic and trans-ferulic acids were characterised by antioxidant activity. Phenolic acids accounted for 70-94%, while rutin constituted 2-3% of the total amount in the extracts. One of the dominant phenolic acids was trans-ferulic acid in all the Betula and Pinus samples. The specific compounds were vanillic and chlorogenic acids of Betula pollen extracts, while Pinus extracts contained gallic acid. The data obtained for the phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity of Betula and Pinus pollen can be useful for modelling food chains in ecosystems.

Hepatoprotective effects of parsley (Petroselinum Crispum) extract in rats with bile duct ligation

Background and study aimsThis study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of parsley extract (Petroselinum Crispum; PC) against oxidative liver damage caused by bile obstruction in rats. Material and methodsBile duct ligation (BDL) method was used to induce liver injury in rats. The rats were divided into the three groups each consisting of 8 rats; Sham-operated control (C), bile duct ligated + saline treated (BDL), and BDL + PC treated groups. PC extract was given at a dose of 2 g/kg orally for 28 days. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanin amino transferase (ALT), and bilirubin levels were analyzed in sera. In order to determine free radicals in liver injury, luminol and lucigenin chemiluminescence tests used. Oxidative stress was evaluated through superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, Na+/K+-ATPase and 8-hydroxy guanosine levels. Furthermore, inflammation marker myeloperoxidase, apoptosis marker caspase-3, and fibrosis markers TGF- β and hydoxyproline were investigated. The liver tissues were also examined for histological evaluations. ResultsWhile PC treatment decreased AST and ALT levels which increased with BDL, oxidant damage parameters also decreased with this treatment. ConclusionThe present study, which is the first research for PC extract on cholestasis induced liver damage, demonstrated that PC extract could be a potential therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis and need further studies.

Using Laminar Nanoclays for Phycocyanin and Phycoerythrin Stabilization as New Natural Hybrid Pigments from Microalgae Extraction

C-Phycocyanin (PC) and B-phycoerythrin (PE) are light-harvesting water-soluble phycobiliproteins from microalgae that belong mainly to the cyanobaceria and rhodhophytes families. Different methods have been developed for PC and PE extraction and purification from microalgae, and offer a high potential for their use as additives in sectors such as food and cosmetics. However, the main limitations of using these dyes are the sensitivity of their environmental factors, such as light fastness, temperature, and pH. We successfully employed safe lamellar nanoclays such as montmorillonite (M) and Laponite (L) for phycobiliproteins stabilization, as we did before with other natural dyes. We obtained a wide color gamut from blues to pink by combining four different factors under synthesis conditions: three dye concentrations; two laminar nanoclay sizes; a two nanoclay surface modifiers combination with cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB) and a coupling agent (3-Aminopropyl) triethoxysilane. The experimental conditions were defined according to a multilevel factorial design of experiment (DOE) to study the factors interacting in the final hybrid pigment characteristics. In both M and L, the d001 distance (nm) increased due to PC and PE adsorption. The best conditions to increase the basal space depend on the nanoclay structure, and it is better to use the surfactant for M, and silane modification for L. In addition, optical and thermal PE and PC properties significantly improved. We show the optimal synthesis conditions to increase PC and PE adsorption using the high dye concentration, with surfactant and silane depending on the nanoclay. The hybrid pigments from these phycobiliproteins offer the opportunity to perform several industrial applications, including in polymer additives, cosmetics, and packaging.

Tuning the Structure and Performance of Bulk and Porous Vapor Sensors Based on Co-continuous Carbon Nanotube-Filled Blends of Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Polycarbonates by Varying Melt Viscosity.

This work describes a new concept of porous vapor sensor materials based on co-continuous polycarbonate/poly(vinylidene fluoride)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PC/PVDF/MWCNT) blend composites. The blend composites were fabricated by melt mixing in a one-step mixing process, and the MWCNT containing component (here PC) was extracted, leaving a MWCNT network on the continuous surface of the remaining component (here PVDF). First, by selecting three PCs with different molecular weights, the blend viscosity ratio and blend fineness and interfacial area were varied. At the chosen blend composition of 40/60 wt %, the desired co-continuous structure was achieved with MWCNTs selectively localized in PC. The conductive polymer composites (CPCs) with low-viscosity PC had the highest conductivity due to a combination of the best MWCNT dispersion and the coarsest blend morphology. The vapor sensing of CPC sensor materials with 1 wt % MWCNT was tested using saturated vapors of dichloromethane, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, and ethyl acetate, showing good interaction with PC. The compact compression molded CPC materials with low-viscosity PC showed the lowest relative resistance changes (Rrel) during the cyclic sensing tests, but a better recovery compared to corresponding CPCs with medium and high viscosity PC. The porous CPC sensors showed remarkable vapor sensing performance compared to the corresponding compact sensors with better sensing stability, reproducibility, and reversibility. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that a fraction of the nanotubes remained on the surface of the continuous, nonsoluble PVDF after PC extraction. The porous sensor material from which the low-viscosity PC was extracted showed the highest Rrel (e.g., around 1300% after 100 s immersion in acetone vapor) compared to all other organic vapors investigated. The difference in vapor measurement between compact and porous sensor materials was attributed to the different sensing mechanisms of polymer swelling for the compact and vapor absorption on the free CNT networks for the porous samples.

Oral treatment with a chemically characterized parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum Danert) aqueous extract reduces thrombi formation in rats

Petroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum Danert (Apiaceae) (PC), popularly known as parsley, is an herb native to the Mediterranean region widely cultivated around the world for culinary and ethnomedicinal purposes. The herb is traditionally used in various parts of the world to treat arterial hypertension, hemorrhoid, nose bleeding, hyperlipidemia, and pain, among other indications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antithrombotic activity of an aqueous extract PC in rats. Aerial parts of a flat-leaf variety of parsley were extracted by decoction. In vivo thrombosis in rat models as well as ex vivo assays were used in the evaluation of PC antithrombotic effects. Intravenous administration of PC (25 mg/kg.b.w), 5 min before thrombosis induction, reduced the venous thrombus formation by 98.2%, while oral administration (125 mg/kg.b.w) impaired it by 76.2%. In the arterial thrombosis model, the oral administration of PC at 15 or 25 mg/kg.b.w, 60 min before thrombosis induction, increased the carotid artery occlusion time by 150% (37.0 ± 6.44 min) and 240% (more than 60 min), respectively. A HPLC-DAD-MS/MS profile of PC extract used in this study was provided. Apiin showed to be the most abundant phenolic compound in the extract. It also revealed the presence of many coumaric acid derivatives. Our results indicate that PC is a potential candidate for the development of a phytotherapeutic drug in the treatment of thromboembolic diseases and provide a detailed chemical profile useful for controlling PC extract production in view of phytotherapy.

Transformation of Psoralen and Isopsoralen by Human Intestinal Microbial In Vitro, and the Biological Activities of Its Metabolites.

Psoralen (P) and isopsoralen (IP) are the main active ingredients in the dried fruit of Psoralen corylifolia L. (PC), with a wide range of pharmacology activities. The intestinal bacteria biotransformation plays a central role in the metabolism of the complex ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Our study aimed to investigated the metabolic profile of P and IP in the intestinal condition, co-cultured with human fecal bacteria anaerobically. Four bio-transforming products were obtained, including 6,7-furano-hydrocoumaric acid (P-1) and 6,7-furano-hydro- coumaric acid methyl ester (P-2), which transformed from P, and 5,6-furano-hydrocoumaric acid (IP-1) and 5,6-furano-hydrocoumaric acid methyl ester (IP-2), which were transformed from IP. It is worth mentioning that IP-2 is a new compound that has not been published. Their structures were analyzed based on their spectroscopic data. Moreover, a highly sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was used to characterize the metabolic pathways of P, IP, and their bio-transforming products in the reaction samples. In addition, the dampening effects against the oxidative stress of P, IP, and their bio-transforming products by human intestinal flora were estimated in vitro via the human colorectal cells (HCT116) and heterogeneous human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) cell lines. The results showed that the metabolites have stronger activity than P and IP, which possibly provides a basis for elucidating the treating mechanisms of PC extract against inflammatory bowel disease.

Microparticle preparation by a propylene carbonate emulsification-extraction method

The use of various harmful organic solvents for microparticle formulations is still widespread. Here, an alternative low toxicity solvent (propylene carbonate; PC) is proposed for the preparation of poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid) (PLGA) microparticles. Based on the classical emulsification-solvent extraction methodology, the use of PC offers the unique advantage of an additional solvent extraction step using hydrolytic solvent cleavage during microparticle preparation. Spherical, rough-surfaced microparticles were obtained with a volume median diameter range from 20 to 60 µm. The residual PC content has been identified to be the major factor for the solidification hindrance, leading to polymeric Tg shifting due to a plasticizing effect. When applying the enhanced PC extraction step, the residual PC content was lowered from 8.8% to 2.7% and subsequently Tg values shifted from 8.2 to 37.7 °C. Additionally, the hydrolytic solvent cleavage confirmed to have no impact on the PLGA stability. This method presents a significant advancement towards replacing of conventional solvents in the microparticle preparation due to more efficient solvent extraction.

Comparison of the effect of Pleurotus citrinopileatus extract and vitamin E on the stabilization properties of camellia oil

We selected Camellia tenuifolia (Hayata) seed oil to compare the effects of mushroom extract and vitamin E on its stabilization properties. Camellia tenuifolia was selected for its higher oil content, but its proportions of unsaturated fatty acids and natural antioxidants as well as its oxidation stability are lower than those of Camellia oleifera oil. Our aim was to improve the oxidation stability, thermal stability, and photodegradation of C. tenuifolia seed oil and then compare the advantages of mixing traditional antioxidant (vitamin E) and mushroom natural antioxidant components (mushroom extract) in the oil. The focus was on the analysis of the effects of Pleurotus citrinopileatus (Singer) extract and vitamin E on the stabilization properties of C. tenuifolia seed oil, which involved some degradation research, such as evaluating the thermal, oxidation, and antioxidant effects as well as the irradiative (pulsed light) stability of the original oil and oil mixed with additives for comparing the differences by differential scanning calorimetry tests and isothermal microcalorimeter (TAM Air) analyses. We determined the effects of stabilization additives vitamin E and various PC extract doses by using pulsed light irradiation (0, 30, and 60 pulses) and found that the 3 mass% PC extract had the best antiphotodegradation characteristics, and the 0.1 mass% vitamin E indicated the outstanding oxidation stability for among all of the additives in this study. Overall, we obtained the following suitable conditions to stabilize camellia oil: addition of vitamin E, addition of 3 mass% PC extract, and a nitrogen atmosphere.

Inhibitory effect of the extract of Phellodendron amurense ruprecht root on collagen-induced arthritis in mice.

To investigate whether the dried root of Phellodendron amurense Ruprecht (Phellodendri cortex; PC) extract improves arthritic symptoms through anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects in collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunization with type II collagen (ColII). CIA mice were divided into 5 groups (n=10 per a group) with normal, CIA control, PC extract (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg)-treated, and meloxicam (50 mg/kg)-treated as the reference drug. The PC extract or meloxicam were administered orally in CIA mice once a day for 14 days after arthritis induction. Arthritic score, levels of anti-ColII IgG2a antibody, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-17 in the sera of CIA mice were measured. Histopathological changes in the ankle joints of CIA mice were also analyzed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H and E), safranin-O and immunohistochemistry using anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-17 antibodies. The arthritic score was increased in CIA mice in a time-dependent manner, as were the serum levels of anti-ColII IgG2a antibody, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-17. However, the oral administration of PC extract at 50 and 100 mg/kg in CIA mice significantly decreased the arthritic scores, and the serum levels of anti-ColII IgG2a, PGE2, TNF-α, and IL-17 compared with those in the CIA group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, histopathological improvement of the joint architecture in CIA mice was observed after administration of PC extract. PC extract also significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α and IL-17 in the joints of CIA mice by suppressing the expression of their mRNA and proteins. PC extract may improve the pathological progression of RA through the inhibition of joint destruction by synovial inflammation and immune-stimulation, therefore, it would be a potential anti-arthritic agent in RA.

Evaluation of cyanobacteria biomass derived from upgrade of phycocyanin fluorescence estimation

The number of harmful cyanobacterial blooms has increased significantly at the global level in recent years. One of the characteristics of cyanobacteria that gives them advantage over other phytoplankton organisms are auxiliary photosyntheticpigments, such as phycocyanin. This fluorescent pigment emits light at a different wavelength as chlorophyll and can therefore be used for detection of cyanobacteria in situ. In this study we used submersible phycocyanin fluorescence sensors and compare their voltage output to concentration of extracted phycocyanin, cell counts and biovolume. The relation was linear in all three cases; however, the variability of regression line slopes between different cyanobacteria strains was high in the case of PC extract concentration and cell count. The highest uniformity in the linear fits was between fluorescence signal and biovolume therefore making it the best candidate for fluorescence sensor voltage output conversion. In the context of this work we also compared different methods for PC extraction. Modifying the equations by subtracting the absorption at 750 nm almost entirely reduces the false PC concentration estimation due to sample turbidity.

Mechanism of cytotoxicity by Psoralea corylifolia extract in human breast carcinoma cells.

Psoralea corylifolia has been widely used in herbal medicine, and a few studies show its anticancer activity. However, the detailed mechanism of the anticancer activity of P. corylifolia seed extract (PC extract) was not studied. This study evaluates the anticancer activity and underlying mechanism of PC extract in a human breast cancer cell line (MCF7). PC extract caused a concentration-dependent decrease in the proliferation of MCF7 cells and an increase in apoptotic death as measured by annexin-V-FITC and TUNEL assays. Increased cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase in cells treated with PC extract further confirmed the apoptotic mode of cell death. There was a decrease (~2-fold) of mitochondrial membrane potential in cells treated with PC extract. In cells treated with PC extract, an increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a decrease in mitochondrial ROS was observed. A significant decrease in ATP (~1.8-fold) was observed in extract-treated cells. Moreover, MCF7 cells treated with extract showed cleavage of caspase-9 and caspase-7, upregulation of Bax, release of cytochrome-c, and loss of mitochondrial integrity. Taken together, these results suggest the involvement of the mitochondrial pathway in PC extract-induced apoptosis in MCF7 cells.

Optimizing Design of LEDs with Photonic Crystal and Planer Micro Cavity for High Extraction Efficiency

LED structures with the introducing of surface PC and planer micro cavity was described to improve the light extraction efficiency of LEDs. The distributions of guided modes propagated in LED were analyzed, and the modal extraction lengths were determined using high-resolution angle-resolved measurements in order to research the interaction of each guided mode with PCs. The impact of structure parameters design on modal extraction length was learned. Result shows that PC extraction will not interfere with micro cavity effects, and can be used together to enhance LEE.

Embryotoxicity of Psoralea corylifolia L.: In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Psoralea corylifolia L. (PC) was commonly used to treat miscarriages clinically. The aim of this study was to examine its embryotoxicity in mice and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Quality control of PC extract including reference marker compounds, pesticide residues, and heavy metals was authenticated with HPLC, Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. Pregnant mice were randomly assigned into five groups and dosed with distilled water (G1), PC extract of 2 (G2), 4 (G3), or 8 g/kg/day (G4), and vitamin A (G5). Meanwhile, half maximal inhibitory concentration values for ESCs and 3T3 cells were identified in a cytotoxicity assay, and apoptosis in neuroepithelium was assessed by transmission electron microscopy. In the G4 group, a statistically significant decrease in the total fetus, live fetus, and gravid uterine weight, and increase in the resorbed fetus, postimplantation loss, and neuroepithelial apoptosis as well as maternal liver-weight were found (p < 0.05). PC extracts at 8 g/kg/day might cause fetal toxicity and maternal liver damage in mice, although it did not cause typical malformation and ESC's cytotoxicity in this experiment. Our data suggested that high dosage and long-term administration of PC preparations may not be safe for pregnant women.