Physical-chemical Characteristics Research Articles

Alterações morfológicas e bioquímicas em abóbora com frutificação induzida por citocinina e auxina

ABSTRACT The use growth regulators from the cytokinins and auxins group has been shown to increase the productivity of certain crops, as they may be involved in the expression of plant sex, although little is known about the action of auxin IBA and cytokinin CPPU on the fruiting of squash, as well as the interaction between both, which makes this field of study promising. Thus, the objective of this study was to induce the fruiting in Atlas squash, by means of different forms of application and proportions of cytokinin and auxin and to evaluate their effects on the physical-chemical characteristics of the fruits. The treatments were composed of six proportions associated with growth regulators and of two forms of application. The experimental design was a randomized block design with four replicates. At 72 days after transplanting, growth and fruit quality analyses were performed. The behavior of the hormones is modulated by their concentration and place of application, and the effect may be beneficial or not. The proportions 50/50% via leaf and 75/25% via ovary were the ones that increased the growth and parameters of fruit quality. The application of CPPU via leaf at higher concentration in proportion decreases quality characteristics such as vitamin C, carotenoids and starch.

Analysis of rhizosphere fungal diversity in lavender at different planting years based on high-throughput sequencing technology.

Continuous cropping is a common cultivation practice in lavender cultivation, and the structure of the soil microbial community is one of the main reasons affecting the continuous cropping disorder in lavender; however, the relationship between the number of years of cultivation and inter-root microbial composition has not yet been investigated; using Illumina high-throughput sequencing we detected fungal community structure of rhizosphere soil under 1 (L1), 3 (L3), 5 (L5) and 0 (L0) years' of lavender cultivation in Yili, Xinjiang China. The results showed that with the extension of planting years, the physical-chemical characteristics of the soil shifted, and the diversity of the fungal communities shrank, the abundance and richness of species decreased and then increased, and the phylogenetic diversity increased, The structure of the soil fungal communities varied greatly. At phylum level, dominant fungal phyla were Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, etc. At genus level, dominant genera were Gibberella, Mortierella, etc, whose absolute abundance all increased with increasing planting years (P < 0.05); redundancy analysis showed that thesoil physicochemical characteristics significantly correlated with dominant bacterial genera. The FUN Guild prediction showed that six groups of plant pathogens and plant saprotrophs changed significantly (P < 0.05), the amount of harmful bacteria in the soil increased while the amount of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungui (AMF) decreased, leading to a continuous cropping obstacle of lavender. The findings of this study provida theoretical foundation for the management of continuous cropping and the prevention fungus-related diseases in lavender.

Critical Analysis of Surfactant-Dye Interaction: A Review

The interaction between surfactants and dyes is fundamental in achieving the desired coloration and properties in various applications, shaping the functionality and effectiveness of dye-related processes across multiple industries. Further research and advancements in this field will continue contributing to innovative solutions and improved sustainability. While mixed surfactants offer these advantages, the choice between using a single surfactant or a mixture depends on the specific application, the desired properties, cost considerations, and compatibility with other formulation components. It's important to carefully evaluate the application requirements and conduct appropriate testing to determine the most effective approach. In this work, the physical-chemical characteristics and solubilization of reactive dyes in single and mixed micellar media are elaborated. Compared to the single-micellar medium, the mixed-micellar medium showed improved reactive dye trapping, which was attributed to the presence of both cationic and nonionic surfactants, namely cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and triton X-100. In this interactional study, two reactive dyes were used: Reactive Black 5 (RB) and Reactive Yellow 145 (RY). It is noteworthy to examine the modeling and micellization of mixed surfactant systems in an aqueous medium including dodecyl trimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The anionic-rich and cationic-rich interactions between methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in aqueous solutions were clearly shown in the diagram.

Physicochemical Quality of Total Mixed Ration Silages Based on Cynodon dactylon and Gliricidia sepium

A mixture of legumes with grasses has been shown to improve silage's physical and nutritional qualities. This study assessed the chemical composition and physical characteristics of Cynodon dactylon (CD) when mixed with different proportions of Gliricidia sepium (GS). Chopped and wilted leaves of CD and GS were mixed in the following combinations: P1: 0% GS + 78% CD; P2: 28% GS + 50% CD; P3: 39% GS + 39% CD; P4: 50% GS + 28% CD; P5: 78% GS + 0% CD. Each combination is enriched with 10% rice bran (RB), 10% Corn Feed (CF) and 2% molasses. A 750 g of the fresh materials were compressed into plastic jar silos and kept for 21 days. The physical characteristics and the loss of chemical composition of silage were analyzed descriptively. pH value and the chemical composition data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) in a randomized complete design with five replications. Considering all physical and chemical characteristics, GS and CD can be combined as silage material. However, the study recommends including 28-39% GS (P2 and P3) as the most suitable in response to pH value, color, aroma, texture, and presence of fungus.

Synthesis of 5-benzyl-5-((5-nitropyridin-3yl)methyl)-1,3,5-dithiazinan-5-ium through one-pot reactions, characterization and study as a corrosion retardant in high salinity oil fields.

This study included the preparation of a new heterocyclic compound namely 5-benzyl-5-((5-nitropyridin-3-yl) methyl)-1,3,5-dithiazinan-5-ium (BNPD) by a simple powerful method and an environmentally acceptable. The BNPD compound contains O, N, and S heteroatoms that have been inserted into the chemical structure by one step consisting of several transformations. The BNPD structure has been characterized using several techniques like FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and G-C mass. The prepared molecule has been studied as an inhibitor of carbon steel corrosion (N-80), which is generally used in oil fields. The BNPD effectiveness has been studied as an anti-corrosive material in saline water that accompanies the extraction of crude oil. Saline water contains dissolved solids estimated at 239581mg/l, conductivity 254.23 ms/cm, and pH 6.1. The retardant has been evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique (EIS), potentiodynamic polarization technique (PP), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), and weight loss method (WL) at 308K(±1). It was noted that inhibition efficiency increases with increasing BNPD concentration. The results of potentiodynamic polarization showed that the studied inhibitor molecules act as a mixed-type inhibitor, while the results of weight loss showed that these molecules adsorbed on the carbon steel surface through physical and chemical adsorption simultaneously. The results of the SEM/EDX indicated that slight corrosion occurred at the inhibitor was added, where the EDX spectrum of N-80 at 80 mg.dm-3 of inhibitor was noticed approximately similar to the polished carbon steel spectrum. Furthermore, the electronic and physic-chemical characteristics of BNPD have been calculated like EHOMO, ELUMO, energy gap, total energy, lipophilicity coefficient, molecule surface area, molecular volume, molecular polarizability, molar refractivity, dipole moment, solvation energy, theoretical inhibition efficiency, and electrostatic potential surfaces. The BNPD compound has shown wonderful results in corrosion inhibiting, where its efficiency optimum reached 91.14%, 93.60%, and 93.46% for WL, EIS, and PP techniques, respectively. Either theoretical efficiency reached 90.25%.

VALORIZATION OF DREDGED SEDIMENTS FROM DAMS IN PAVEMENT DESIGN

Introduction: This study is part of research aimed at valorizing dredged sediments through the development of formulations for use in road engineering. The purpose of the study was to determine if the materials selected for pavement layers comply with road design standards, in particular, with specific requirements for density, grain size, plastic properties, organic matter, and mechanical performance. Methods: To determine the physical-chemical and mechanical characteristics of the dredged sediments obtained from samples taken from the Bakhadda dam located in western Algeria’s semi-arid climate, the sediments were treated with binders in small amounts (3% lime (L), 6% cement (C)) for reuse in road construction. The study focused on the evolution of physical and mechanical characteristics of the treated sediments, including LL, PI, VBS, immediate bearing index (IBI%), UCS, tensile strength Ϭt, as well as small strain modulus ESS and large strain modulus E50. The results showed that adding lime and cement to the dredged sediments improved their strength, as evidenced by the increased compressive strength (UCS) over time for the samples containing different amounts of binders (3%L, 6%C, and 3%L + 6%C). Additionally, the effect of the water content on the mechanical properties of the formulations was demonstrated. The study showed that the strength increased when the water content decreased.

Reusing a residue from the juice industry: extraction of oil from passion fruit seeds and its incorporation into liposomes

AbstractBACKGROUNDPassion fruit seeds are a residue of the pulp and juice production industry and have the potential to be used for the extraction of vegetable oil contained in them, which is rich in bioactive compounds. This work evaluated the extraction of oil using organic solvents (mixtures of hexane–ethanol–water and hexane–methanol–water) and the use of ethanol as an alternative to methanol, which is used in traditional methodologies. Several solvent mixtures were investigated to determine the condition that provides the highest oil yield. Subsequently, liposomes were produced using the ethanol injection method and the influence of oil addition on the physical–chemical characteristics of the nanoparticulated system was evaluated.RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONThe results showed that the highest oil yield was obtained using the mixture of hexane, ethanol and water, indicating the possibility of replacing methanol with a less toxic solvent. In addition, good results were obtained for the incorporation of lipids with passion fruit oil into liposomes, with the best conditions obtained being for lipid concentrations of 4.64 and 6.96 mmol L−1 with 10% and 17% of oil content, respectively. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).

ANALYSIS OF THE PRODUCTION OF RARE-EARTH ISOTOPES AT THE WWR-K RESEARCH REACTOR: PROMISING THERAPEUTIC RADIONUCLIDES

Rare Earth Elements (REE) are a group of seventeen chemical elements in the periodic table, including lanthanides and scandium and yttrium. These elements have unique physical and chemical properties that make them valuable in various industries, including electronics, magnets, and catalysts. However, radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements also possess effective nuclear physical properties that make them promising for the development of new radiopharmaceuticals for therapeutic purposes. These radioactive isotopes have unstable atoms with excess nuclear energy, and they undergo radioactive decay, which can be utilized for medical applications.The nuclear physical properties of radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements make them suitable for therapeutic purposes in medicine. For example, technetium-99m, a radioactive isotope of technetium, is widely used in diagnostic nuclear medicine due to its outstanding physical-chemical characteristics. Other radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements, such as holmium-166, have been established for a broad spectrum of medical applications. These isotopes can be used in targeted radiation therapy to treat various diseases, including cancer. The unique properties of these radioactive isotopes allow for precise targeting and delivery of radiation to specific tissues or cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues.The potential of radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements for therapeutic purposes extends beyond the current applications. Ongoing research and innovations in the field of radiopharmaceuticals continue to explore the use of underutilized lanthanoid radionuclides for theranostic purposes. For example, astatine, a rare and highly radioactive element, exhibits multiple isotopes that can be potentially utilized in targeted therapy. The development of new radiopharmaceuticals using radioactive isotopes of rare earth elements holds promise for advancing medical treatments and improving patient outcomes. With further research and advancements, these isotopes may play a crucial role in the future of therapeutic medicine.This research work makes it possible to evaluate the possibility of obtaining REE such radioisotopes as: 90Y, 141Ce, 147Nd, 153Sm, 165Dy, 166Ho, 169Tm, 175Yb, 177Yb, 177Lu by reaction (n, γ) at the WWR-K reactor.

CO2-Responsive Water-Soluble Conjugated Polymers as a Multifunctional Fluorescent Probe for Bioimaging Applications.

We describe important progress in the synthesis and development of gas-responsive water-soluble conjugated polymers (WSCPs) with potential as multifunctional fluorescent materials for biomedical imaging and probes. A water-soluble WSCP (I-PT) composed of a hydrophobic fluorescent polythiophene backbone and a hydrophilic imidazole side chain was successfully prepared through a facile and efficient two-step synthetic route. Owing to the repulsive force between the hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments and the highly sensitive carbon dioxide (CO2)- and nitrogen (N2)-responsive imidazole groups in its structure, I-PT can spontaneously self-assemble into spherical-like nanoparticles in an aqueous environment, and thus exhibits unique light absorption and fluorescence properties as well as rapid responsiveness to CO2 and N2. In addition, its structure, optical absorption/fluorescence behavior, and surface potential can be quickly turned on and off through alternating cycles of CO2 and N2 bubbling and exhibit controllable cyclic switching stability, thereby allowing effective manipulation of its hierarchical structure and chemical-physical characteristics. More importantly, a series of in vitro cell experiments confirmed that, compared to the significant cytotoxicity of pristine and N2-treated I-PT nanoparticles, CO2-treated I-PT nanoparticles exhibit extremely low cytotoxicity in normal and cancer cells and undergo greatly accelerated cellular uptake, resulting in a significant increase in the intensity and stability of their fluorescence signal in the intracellular environment. Overall, this newly discovered CO2/N2-responsive system provides new insights to effectively enhance the biocompatibility, cellular internalization, and intracellular fluorescence characteristics of WSCPs and holds great potential for biomedical imaging/sensing applications.

A comprehensive evaluation of commercial activated carbon for key gasoline vapor removal based on the improved AHP method

Adsorption technology is considered one of the most effective methods for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs). However, it is difficult to select the optimal activated carbon (AC) for different VOCs industries due to its various categories. To develop a comprehensive assessment system for commercial AC in typical gasoline vapor removal, 12 commercial AC (coal, shell, and wood carbon) were selected. Their physical properties, chemical characteristics and target pollutant adsorption capacity were studied. A comprehensive evaluation system was established based on the improved Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The weighted of AHP method was determined by the correlation between adsorption capacity and each property indicator. The adsorption of i-pentane was influenced by the specific surface area （SSA） and alkaline functional groups of AC, with the former showing a significant positive correlation (correlation coefficient=0.853, P＜0.05) and the latter showing a negative correlation (correlation coefficient=−0.845, P＜0.05). Based on the average comprehensive scores, the wooden carbon performed the best, followed by the coal carbon and the shell carbon. Owing to the highest SSA (1851 m2/g) and the highest acidic functional groups (1.354 mmol/g) of the wooden carbon, the i-pentane adsorption performance (553.5 mg/g) was the best. The method we proposed can be used to rank the commercial AC based on the different aspects, which can be employed for the selection and recommendation of high-quality AC for various VOCs industries.

The Evolution of the Intrinsic Flexural Strength of Jute Strands after a Progressive Delignification Process and Their Contribution to the Flexural Strength of PLA-Based Biocomposites.

Biocomposites from poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) and jute strands were prepared, and their flexural strength was analyzed. Jute strands were submitted to a progressive delignification process and the resulting morphology, composition, and crystallinity index were evaluated. Then, PLA biocomposites comprising 30 wt% of jute strands were produced and characterized under flexural conditions. The delignification processes decreased the lignin content and progressively increased the cellulose content. All this resulted in an enhancement of the composite flexural strength. A modified rule of mixtures, and the relation between tensile and flexural properties were used to determine the intrinsic flexural strength (of the jute strands) and their correlation with their physic-chemical characteristics. Equations correlating the intrinsic flexural strength with the crystallinity index, the cellulose content, and the microfibril angle were proposed. These equations show the impact of these properties over the intrinsic properties of the fibers and can help researchers to select appropriate fibers to obtain accurate properties for the composites. Jute strands show their value as reinforcement by increasing the flexural strength of the matrix by 70% and being less expensive and more environmentally friendly than mineral reinforcements. Together with the profitability and the environmental advantages, the mechanical results suggest that these PLA biocomposites are suitable for specific products of different market sectors.

Microbiological, Physical, Chemical and Sensory Characteristics of Artisanal Georgian Tenili Cheese

Georgian artisanal tenili cheese belongs to pasta filatatype cheeses made by hand in the Samtskhe-Javakheti region of Southern Georgia. Microbiological, physicalchemical characteristics and acceptance of tenili cheese by the consumers in Georgia. Tenili cheese samples made with different technologies (traditional, non-traditional), ripened in different utensils (clay pot, glass jar) at different ripening periods (1/2/3/5 month) were analyzed on microbiological, chemical, texture, color and sensory characteristics. According to the results techniques applied during processing and utensils for ripening directly influence its microbiological, chemical, color, texture and sensory characteristics. Higher number of lactic acid- and propionic acid bacteria withal the chemical composition is a precondition for using tenili cheese as a functional food. Non-traditionally made tenili cheese received higher approval of Georgian population due to its characteristics (higher fat content, stronger fibrous structure and intense color) compared to traditionally made cheese.

IMPROVING MICROBIAL CONTROL IN PRODUCED WATER FROM OIL FIELDS: A 5-STEP APPROACH

Microbial control in oil fields can be considered a complex subject, since microbiome diversity and physical-chemical characteristics of produced water (PW) originate a unique profile in oil fields. Standard biocides are used as chemical treatment, but the toxicity and the high volumes can cause elevated environmental impacts. Treatment effectiveness and, consequently, reduction of environmental impact may be improved through an adequate planning. The present study examines the bacterial resistance mechanisms to biocides and suggests a 5-step approach for the treatment planning: 1) determination of objectives; 2) bioaudit; 3) selection of biocide(s) in laboratory; 4) selection of representative Key Performance Indicators (KPI); and 5) monitoring of the treatment. Finally, this article demonstrates an optimization of a biocide treatment using the 5-step approach. The results show a reduction of approximately 50% in the dosage of the biocide, as well as reduction in frequency of dosage.

Simultaneous assay of mousy off-flavor markers in wine

The compounds described as being responsible for mousy off-flavor in wine are 2-acetylpyrroline (APY), 2-acetyltetrahydropyridine (ATHP) and 2-ethyltetrahydropyridine (ETHP). However, assay of these compounds is difficult due to their physical-chemical characteristics. The aim of this study was to develop a simple and effective method for simultaneously determining the concentration of these three N-heterocyclic compounds in wine. This new method is a decisive tool for better defining this spoilage phenomenon in wine and guarding against it.

Ecotoxicological assessment of waste-derived organic fertilizers and long-term monitoring of fertilized soils using a multi-matrix and multi-species approach

The present study investigates the ecotoxicity of 7 biofertilizers, including biowaste-derived organic matrices. Real-field tests were conducted to assess the impacts of soil fertilization with sewage sludge digestate from high-solid thermophilic anaerobic digestion (HSTAD) compared to those obtained on non-amended and urea-fertilized soils. The physical-chemical and ecotoxic impact of HSTAD digestate on soil was monitored for 12 months, at 5 time points and 2 soil depths, on a maize field divided in 3 portions (non-treated, fertilized with urea, amended with digestate). The chemical and physical characteristics of the soil were previously analyzed for 3 years to provide a long-term outlook of the impacts of biofertilizer application. Seven bioindicators were utilized for direct (on whole soil) and indirect (on soil elutriates) ecotoxicological tests on fertilizers and amended soils, including plant seeds (Lepidium sativum, Sorghum saccharatum, and Sinapsis alba), the aquatic organism Daphnia magna, the alga Raphidocelis subcapitata, the luminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, and the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. No serious negative effects on soil fertilized with HSTAD digestate were evidenced. Conversely, bioassays rather showed positive effects, encouraging the utilization of HSTAD digestate in agriculture, considering the proper concentrations of use. The obtained data were interpolated and a test battery integrated index was generated, confirming the absence of ecotoxicological risk for the soils amended with the applied fertilizers. The long-term evolution of the physical-chemical soil characteristics (including the concentrations of potential contaminants) was similar for both HSTAD digestate and urea application as well as for non-fertilized soil, indicating no negative effects due to digestate application on land. On the contrary, digestate application improved the content of stabilized organic matter and nutrients in soil. This study proposes a more correct approach to ecotoxicity assessment of fertilized soils for biofertilizer evaluation and demonstrates the long-term safe application of HSTAD digestate on agricultural soil.

Honey Therapy in Diabetic Foot Ulcers: A Promising Strategy for Effective Wound Healing

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are considered a major problem for public health, leading to high rates of lower-limb amputations. Moreover, due to the high prevalence rate of predisposing factors, the incidence rate of DFU is still rising. Although DFUs are complex in nature, foot ulceration usually precedes diabetic foot amputations. These impaired chronic wounds usually promote a microbial biofilm, commonly characterized by the presence of multidrug-resistant microorganisms, hampering the efficacy of conventional antibiotic treatments. Honey has been shown to be an effective antibacterial component, including against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Honey’s physical–chemical characteristics, such as the presence of hydrogen peroxide, its low pH levels, and its high sugar and phenolic contents, promote anti-inflammatory and antioxidative activities, improving wound healing. This review aims to explore honey’s effects in wound healing, especially for DFUs, and to show how the different physical–chemical features among different honey types might influence the treatment’s effectiveness. For this, the mechanisms by which honey can promote wound healing and the potential use of honey dressings in diabetic wounds were investigated in animal models and humans. After revising the diabetic wound impairment mechanisms, we found that most of the clinical studies that treated DFUs with honey in animal models or humans reported accelerated wound healing, greater wound contraction, and lower amputation or hospitalization rates; however, few studies characterized the features of honeys used for wound treatment, hindering the possibility of extensively comparing the different types of honey and identifying characteristics that most successfully promote wound healing. According to this review, honey is a cost-effective and safe option for DFU management.

BRS Vitória grapes with natural surfactant pretreatment: evaluation of mineral composition, physical-chemical characteristics, and sensory characteristics after raisin production

Raisins have been gaining recognition for their nutrient and bioactive compound contents. Yet, pretreatments used for grape drying raise concerns regarding the economic viability and safety of the product. The objective of this proposal was to produce raisins from BRS Vitória grapes pretreated with a natural surfactant to accelerate the drying process. Subsequently, the influence of drying and pretreatment was evaluated for chemical composition (moisture, water activity (Aw), pH, total acidity (TA), reducing sugars (RS), and total sugars (TS)), total phenolic compounds (TPC), total anthocyanins, and qualitative and quantitative mineral composition. Finally, a sensory analysis of the raisins was conducted. By using the pretreatment, drying time decreased by approximately 38.5%. The raisins met the moisture requirements by the Brazilian and international regulations, and the pretreated raisins (PR) had a higher anthocyanin content, a high sugar concentration, acids, phenolic compounds (PC), and minerals (potassium (K), phosphorus (P), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and manganese (Mn)), and were well accepted by consumers, especially in terms of taste and appearance. Interestingly, the pretreatment also provided more brightness to the samples. In conclusion, BRS Vitória grapes yielded raisins with a complex composition, especially those that were subjected to the pretreatment, might be consumed as a healthier snack, adding PC and minerals to the diet.

Fruit characteristics and phenology Tahiti lime in two Colombian environments

The surge in Tahiti lime exports over the past year, combined with heightened quality standards of the international market, have made it necessary to improve production processes to obtain fruit with increasingly better organoleptic characteristics. Thus, the foundation lies in selecting a property with suitable edaphoclimatic conditions and possessing precise knowledge of the ecophysiological behavior of the tree in these specific conditions. This study aimed to document the flowering phenology and study the physicochemical characteristics of Tahiti lime fruits in two environments in the Andean region of Colombia. Evaluations were conducted on eight Tahiti lime trees (ten-year-old) per orchard grafted on Sunki x English. Observations were made for 12 months of the buds, flowers and fruits of the marked trees in each evaluated area (Manizales – 2280 m asl and Santagueda 1010 m asl). The flowering phenology according to the stages of the BBCH phenological scale, the physical-chemical characteristics of the fruit, and the climatic conditions of the two areas were evaluated. A completely randomized experimental design and Duncan's comparison of means were used. Significant differences were found in polar diameter, ascorbic acid, soluble solids, juice yield, shell mass, and titratable acidity according to locality. The Phenology of flowering took less time, and the accumulation of heat units was higher in the lower altitude zone. The physical and chemical characteristics of Tahiti lime fruits are influenced by the environment in which the trees develop.

Ruthenium(II)-Arene Curcuminoid Complexes as Photosensitizer Agents for Antineoplastic and Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy: In Vitro and In Vivo Insights.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer/antibacterial strategy in which photosensitizers (PSs), light, and molecular oxygen generate reactive oxygen species and induce cell death. PDT presents greater selectivity towards tumor cells than conventional chemotherapy; however, PSs have limitations that have prompted the search for new molecules featuring more favorable chemical-physical characteristics. Curcumin and its derivatives have been used in PDT. However, low water solubility, rapid metabolism, interference with other drugs, and low stability limit curcumin use. Chemical modifications have been proposed to improve curcumin activity, and metal-based PSs, especially ruthenium(II) complexes, have attracted considerable attention. This study aimed to characterize six Ru(II)-arene curcuminoids for anticancer and/or antibacterial PDT. The hydrophilicity, photodegradation rates, and singlet oxygen generation of the compounds were evaluated. The photodynamic effects on human colorectal cancer cell lines were also assessed, along with the ability of the compounds to induce ROS production, apoptotic, necrotic, and/or autophagic cell death. Overall, our encouraging results indicate that the Ru(II)-arene curcuminoid derivatives are worthy of further investigation and could represent an interesting option for cancer PDT. Additionally, the lack of significant in vivo toxicity on the larvae of Galleria mellonella is an important finding. Finally, the photoantimicrobial activity of HCurc I against Gram-positive bacteria is indeed promising.

Irrigation in Jatropha curcas L. cultivation and its effect on biomass for bioenergy generation

The use of biomass as a source of bioenergy has intensified in recent years and has gained strength in replacing fossil fuels and their derivatives. Jatropha curcas L. oil is currently used as a raw material for the production of biodiesel through the physical extraction of the fruit, generating a large amount of waste. The heterogeneity characteristics of these materials impose the need for thermal pre-treatments for their recovery, such as torrefaction. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the biomass of Jatropha curcas as affected by water availability and its response to the torrefaction process. This research analyzed the biomass physical, chemical, and energy characteristics. TGA/DTG evaluated the thermo-degradation profile, and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) determined the aromatic chemical structure. The fresh biomass of epicarp and cake presented different behaviors regarding water availability conditions, as variations in lignin contents from 29% to 2.7% and 30.9%–5.7%, respectively, and extractive range from 45.3% to 19.8% and 44.6%–21.6%, respectively. Torrefaction contributed to the increase in physical-chemical characteristics such as lignin and fixed carbon levels, from 29% to 82.4% and 19.8%–52.7%, respectively, and net calorific value of biomass, valuing them for energy use, as well as to decrease in the content of volatile materials from 80.7% to 71.8%. Using renewable biomass of Jatropha curcas cake and epicarp for energy purposes contributes to the reduction of environmental impacts by reducing the disposal of these residues in the environment, providing a sustainable and more efficient destination.