Properties Of Oil Research Articles

Optical Characteristics of the Black Seed Oil: Fluorescence and Adulteration Detection.

Understanding the optical characteristics, especially the fluorescence properties of vegetable oils, particularly black seed oil (BSO), is an essential prerequisite for the development of the future applications in both medicinal and nutritional fields. In this way, it is essential to identify the roles played by the components such as unsaturated fatty acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, vitamin E, and chlorophylls in the BSO fluorescence spectra. In the current landscape, challenges arise from the adulteration of BSO with impurities such as sunflower oil (SO), complicating efforts to obtain pure BSO. Here, dependence of the BSO fluorescence on excitation wavelength has been examined using UV- visible diode lasers (λ = 355, 405, 440, 532 and 660nm) as excitation sources. Though conjugated unsaturated fatty acids, flavonoids and chlorophylls are mainly contributed to the fluorescence due to UV excitation, wavelengths in the visible range specifically excite carotenoids, vitamin E, and chlorophylls. By utilizing the laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) technique, we explored the effects of inner filters and setup geometry to gain deeper insights into the BSO fluorescence dynamics. Differential spectral analysis (DSA) revealed that adulteration of BSO with SO alters its fluorescence features. As a result, a novel approach is proposed for adulteration detection, based on the simultaneous excitation of BSO and SO by a 405nm laser, benefit to indirect excitation of the carotenoids of BSO by fluorescence emission of SO within the spectral range of 400-500nm, which results in the enhancement of BSO fluorescence in the region of 500-600nm.

Antimicrobial Potential of Cedrus deodara Essential Oil to Preservative Effect for the Vegetables and Fruits

Abstract A unique species of pine, Cedrus deodara is known for its wood oil. Its traditional therapeutic use is mainly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of Cedrus deodara essential oil (CDEO) obtained from the crushed wood. The antimicrobial activity of CDEO was evaluated against Gram-negative (G-) bacteria which included Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCM 1595, Salmonella enterica subs. enterica CCM 3807 and Gram-positive (G+) bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671. Listeria monocytogenes CCM 4699, Staphylococcus aureus subs. aureus CCM 2461 and Streptococcus consellatus CCM 4043 in vitro and in situ. The best antimicrobial activity for the disc diffusion method ranged from 4.67 to 9.67 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 1.48 to 5.44 mg.mL-1. The most effective antimicrobial effect was found against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. The vapour phase used showed the best antimicrobial effect against P. aeruginosa in the kiwifruit model and L. monocytogenes in the banana model at a lower CDEO concentration of 62.5 µg.L-1 and against P. aeruginosa in the potato model and Y. enterocolitica in the cucumber model at a higher CDEO concentration of 500 µg.L-1. CDEO showed good antimicrobial activity against bacteria on vegetable and fruit model and may be a new preservative for storage of vegetables and fruits.

Quality assessment of artisanal palm oil from smallholders in the department of Man, western region of Côte d'Ivoire

In the western region of Côte d'Ivoire, more particularly from the department of Man, artisanal crude palm oil enjoys a reputation for quality among consumers and is the subject of a developed trade. To guarantee consumers quality palm oil, it is crucial to register this product as a Geographical Indication artisanal palm oil. This study aims to evaluate the physicochemical properties of this artisanal palm oil to better understand his quality. A descriptive survey of palm oil processing was conducted among 200 smallholders in 10 localities in the department of Man, Western region of Côte d'Ivoire. Then, samples were collected from the producers and were taken to the laboratory for analysis. The physicochemical properties of CPO samples were determined using standard analytical method. The results showed that manual processing and screw hand press methods were used for palm oil extraction. About 58% of the processors have 11-20 years’ experience in oil palm processing and have no formal education (48.2%). Concerning the physicochemical quality of artisanal palm oil producing, the lipid oxidation, carotenoids contents, DOBI, slip melting point, iodine and saponification indexes were relatively conformed to the standard while FFA, moisture and impurities content were different. These results demonstrate a need for monitoring of artisanal palm oil production by smallholders in the sector who should adopt good agricultural practices.

Enhancing the properties of high-density oil well cement with Qusaiba kaolinite

High-density cement slurries used in oil well cementing often face challenges such as particle settling, poor rheological properties, permeability, and compressive strength degradation, which can compromise zonal isolation and well integrity. This study focuses on using kaolinite, a clay mineral, as an additive due to its potential to improve the performance of high-density cement by modifying key properties. Several concentrations of kaolinite were examined to evaluate their influence on several cement properties such as rheology, thickening time, permeability, porosity, and compressive strength. Additionally, it assesses the impact of kaolinite on cement sheath solids settling using both conventional methods and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The results revealed that an optimal concentration of 1% kaolinite by weight of cement (BWOC) significantly reduced particle settling by 74.4%, enhanced compressive strength by 13%, and lowered permeability and porosity by 74% and 7%, respectively. Additionally, kaolinite improved rheological properties by an 8.4% reduction in plastic viscosity, a 19.4% increase in yield point, and a 30% increase in gel strength. Kaolinite also acted as a retarder, increasing thickening time. These improvements contribute to better cement sheath integrity and wellbore stability, highlighting kaolinite’s potential as an effective additive for high-density cement.

Fundamental study on dielectric oil viscosity for high-performance wire EDM

Dielectric oil has been recently used in wire electrical discharge machining (wire EDM) for achieving high-precision machining. However, the influence of dielectric oil properties on wire EDM characteristics has not been clarified sufficiently. This study fundamentally investigated the influence of dielectric oil viscosity on wire EDM characteristics. In this study, three types of dielectric oil differing only in viscosity were prepared and examined. Linear cutting experiment results showed that the removal rate and the machined surface roughness increase with dielectric oil viscosity. Then, the influence of viscosity on crater removal volume was investigated to discuss the cause of the change in removal rate, and it was found that crater removal volume increases with the viscosity. Furthermore, CFD (computational fluid dynamics) analysis results and discharge observation results showed that the debris exclusion becomes worse in higher viscosity oil, and the discharge concentration occurs frequently, resulting in the deterioration in machined surface roughness. Next, the difference in machining accuracy with dielectric oil viscosity was investigated. It was found that the corner shape accuracy deteriorates with the increase of viscosity while the machined surface waviness and straightness improve slightly. Structural analysis results showed that wire deflection increases with viscosity, resulting in the deterioration in corner shape accuracy. On the other hand, high-speed observation of wire vibration was carried out, and it was found that the wire vibration decreases in the case of higher viscosity, which leads to the improvement in machined surface waviness and straightness.

Optimizing in-situ upgrading of heavy crude oil via catalytic aquathermolysis using a novel graphene oxide-copper zinc ferrite nanocomposite as a catalyst

Unconventional resources, such as heavy oil, are increasingly being explored and exploited due to the declining availability of conventional petroleum resources. Heavy crude oil poses challenges in production, transportation, and refining, due to its high viscosity, low API gravity, and elevated sulfur and metal content. Improving the quality of heavy oil can be achieved through the application of steam injection, which lowers the oil’s viscosity and enhances its flow. However, steam injection alone falls short of meeting the growing demand for higher-quality petroleum products. Catalytic upgrading is therefore being investigated as a viable solution to improve heavy oil quality. This study experimentally investigates the application of two novel catalysts, namely copper-substituted zinc ferrite (ZCFO) synthesized via the sol–gel combustion method and a graphene oxide-based nanocomposite (GO-ZCFO) with different ratios, for catalyzing aquathermolysis reactions in the steam injection process, with the aim of enhancing the in-situ upgrading of heavy oil. These catalysts underwent characterization using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Their catalytic performance was assessed utilizing a high-pressure/high-temperature reactor (300 ml), with a comprehensive analysis of the changes in the physical and chemical properties of the heavy oil before and after upgrading. This analysis included measurements of sulfur content, SARA fractions, viscosity, API gravity, and Gas Chromatography (GC) of saturated hydrocarbons and evolved gases. All upgrading experiments, including both catalytic and non-catalytic aquathermolysis processes, were conducted under a reaction time of 6 h, a reaction temperature of 320 °C, and high pressure (86–112 bar). The results indicated that the introduction of the proposed catalysts as additives into the upgrading system resulted in a significant reduction in sulfur content. This, in turn, led to a decrease in resin and asphaltene content, an increase in the content of saturated hydrocarbon, particularly low-molecular-weight alkanes, and ultimately, a reduction in viscosity along with higher API gravity of the crude oil. GO-ZCFO with a weight ratio (50:50) exhibited the best catalytic performance. The heavy crude oil, upgraded with this 50:50 ratio, exhibited significant enhancements, including a 29.26% reduction in sulfur content, a 21.27% decrease in resin content, a 37.60% decrease in asphaltene content, a 46.92% increase in saturated hydrocarbon content, a 66.48% reduction in viscosity, and a 25.49% increase in API gravity. In comparison, the oil upgraded through non-catalytic aquathermolysis showed only marginal improvements, with slight reductions in sulfur content by 5.41%, resin content by 3.60%, asphaltene content by 11.36%, viscosity by 17.89%, and inconsiderable increases in saturated hydrocarbon content by 9.9% and API gravity by 3.02%. The GO-ZCFO, with its high catalytic activity, stands as a promising catalyst that contributes to improving the in-situ upgrading and thermal conversion of heavy crude oil.

Structural, rheological and thermal properties of crude palm oil obtained in pressed, sifted and clarification stages using ultrasound-assisted

Abstract Crude palm oil (CPO) is commonly used in the oil industry. This study presents a comparison of the structural, rheological, and thermal properties of clarified CPO (CCPO) sample obtained using the conventional method and ultrasound-assisted (UA)-treated samples. These samples were obtained in the pressed (press liquor, PL), sifted (sifted liquor, SL), and clarification (outlet sludge, OS) stages. The frequencies used for the UA-treated samples were 40 and 80 kHz for 30 min. The PL and SL samples exhibited higher resistance to oxidative deterioration and nutritional quality than the CCPO sample did. The maximum oil extractability percentage (OEP) of the UA-treated samples relative to that of CCPO was 7.4 %. The bleachability index (DOBI) values of the UA-treated samples were higher (between 2.06 and 2.58) than that of the CCPO sample (1.43). However, the viscosity (η) displayed opposite trend. The thermal stability did not exhibit consistent patterns with increasing frequency.

Exploring the Physicochemical, Antioxidant and Sensory Properties of the Flavoured Virgin Olive Oil With Chavir Extract During Storage

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to study the impact of Ferulago angulata (Schlecht) Boiss (known as an antioxidant known as Chavir) extract, obtained through ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE), on the physicochemical, antioxidant and sensory properties of virgin olive oil (VOO) during a 90‐day storage period at room temperature. For this purpose, different concentrations of Chavir extract (100, 200 and 300 ppm) were added to VOO. Key parameters, including total phenol content (TPC), extract composition by HPLC‐DAD and quality indicators like acidity value (AV), p‐anisidine value (p‐AV) and UV indices (parameters: K232, K270 and ΔK), were determined. AVs increased overall during the storage period, but adding Chavir extract at 300 ppm appeared to counteract the rise in free fatty acids, suggesting a potential role in reducing hydrolysis. p‐AVs decreased in unflavoured and flavoured samples, indicating reduced oxidation in Chavir‐flavoured VOO. K232 values exhibited a decline in the presence of flavouring agents and their concentrations. In contrast, the values of K270 showed an increase over the storage period, which indicated the formation of aldehyde and ketones in the second oxidation step. All samples maintained ΔK values below permissible limits (≥ 0.01), signifying good stability. The sensory evaluation emphasised positive attributes such as bitterness, fruitiness and pungency, indicating the high quality of VOO. The addition of Chavir extract further enhanced all of these positive characteristics, particularly at the 300 ppm concentration. However, a gradual decline was observed in all these attributes over time. Notably, the Chavir extract played a crucial role in delaying the formation of secondary oxidation products, which contribute to negative attributes like rancidity in VOO. Moreover, adding Chavir extract increases oxidative stability, infuses the positive qualities in VOO and provides valuable insights into its potential applications for enhancing the overall quality of VOO during storage. This enhancement not only helps maintain high quality and nutritional value but also makes the product more appealing to consumers.

Optimization of antimicrobial properties of essential oils under rotating magnetic field

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from Thymus vulgaris L. (TEO) and Rosmarinus officinalis L. (REO) have aroused interest in their application to food preservation or in alternative medicine or aroma-therapy. In this study, the chemical compositions of essential oils were determined and analyzed. The purpose of the investigation was to investigate in detail the activity of essential oils extracted from herbs (thyme and rosemary) and exposed to rotating magnetic filed (RMF) against the model Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli The bacterial removal has been optimized by a surface response methodology (RSM). It was shown that TEO in a concentration of 10 µL/50 mL of water resulted in a total bacterial number reduction after 40 min under the RMF. Rosemary's antibacterial effect was much weaker. Thus, we summarized that the rotating magnetic fields at a frequency of 27 Hz can increase the antimicrobial efficiency but the effect depends on the type of essential oil. High-rate bacteria removal was obtain for thyme oil in concentration of 30 µL of thyme oil to 50 mL of bacterial suspension, exposed to RMF at a frequency of 27 Hz for 40–60 min.

Comparative study for the nonlinear properties of edible vegetable oils by using Z-scan technique

Comparative study for the nonlinear properties of edible vegetable oils by using Z-scan technique

Hot embossed micropatterned slippery Al 5083 alloys in stagnant and laminar saltwater

Slippery AA 5083 alloy surfaces were fabricated by using ground (mean roughness-Ra = 45±2 µm), polished (Ra = 9±3 µm) and hot embossed micro-patterned specimens, and coating them with silicone oils of varying viscosities (1000−100000 cSt). The surface energy of aluminium alloy (AA) 5083 was estimated to be 850±210 mJ·m−2 using Schultz model. The ground/polished specimens were coated with 12±1 µm and 24±0.3 µm thick oil. They showcased slippery character, wherein apparent water static contact angles (SCAs) of 94±1° to 104±1°, slide-off angles (SAs) of 4±0° to 21±2° and contact angle hysteresis (CAH) of <10° were observed. Also, CAH and SAs revealed an increasing trend with an increase in the oil viscosity, irrespective of the coating thickness or the substrate roughness. In addition, the water droplets bounced-off the oil coated (24 µm thick) surfaces up to Weber no. (We) of 3.91. Furthermore, micro-patterned specimens were fabricated by hot embossing at 300 °C, 17+1 MPa, 5 min and comprise of hexagonally arranged pillars and holes with 6.5−7.1 µm diameter and 9.5−13.6 µm pitch. A key finding is that micro-pillars offered the highest tolerance to shear drainage of oil under saltwater (3.5 wt% NaCl) for up to 7 days, in both stagnant and flowing laminar (Reynolds no.‐Re =247) conditions, as compared to micro-holes and unpatterned surfaces. Interestingly, the slippery properties of oil coated unpatterned AA5083 have retained after 7 days of submersion, showing SCAs ≥ 97±3° and SAs ≤ 14°, despite the negative spreading coefficient of oil on AA5083 under water. Such slippery durable micro-pillared and micro-holed AA5083 surfaces could be highly beneficial for mitigating biological corrosion of ship hulls in marine environments.

Assessment of the Quality, Bioactive Compounds, and Antimicrobial Activity of Egyptian, Ethiopian, and Syrian Black Cumin Oils.

The oils obtained from the seeds of Nigella sativa, also named black cumin, are rich in bioactive compounds that strengthen immunity and support human health. This study aimed to compare Nigella sativa oils pressed from Egyptian (Eg-NSSO), Ethiopian (Et-NSSO), and Syrian (Sy-NSSO) seeds. The analyzed oils were obtained from a local company. The content of phenolic compounds, tocochromanols, phytosterols, volatile compounds, triglycerides, and fatty acids composition was determined using chromatographic methods. The oxidative stability was determined by Rancimat technique as well as the determination of DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. As an assessment of bioactivity, the antimicrobial and anti-aflatoxigenic properties of oils were evaluated. Ethiopian oil had highest content of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, phytosterols, and tocochromanols and was characterized by the longest induction period (IP = 7.89 h). The share of thymoquinone was the highest in Ethiopian oil (34.84%), followed by Egyptian (27.36%), then Syrian (22.59%). Ethiopian oil recorded a high antibacterial activity, while Egyptian oil showed a unique antifungal activity against toxigenic fungi. Aflatoxins' secretion into liquid medium containing NSSO was reduced, especially with Egyptian oil.

Molecular and carbon isotopic geochemistry of oils with different fluorescence color from the Upper Jurassic Qigu formation and oil accumulation process in Yongjin area, Junggar Basin in China

The Yongjin area, located in the middle of the Junggar Basin, is an important oil-producing region. Its major oil-producing formation is the Upper Jurassic Qigu Formation, which has experienced multiple oil-charging events that have resulted in oils with various fluorescent colors. However, the source of oils from the Qigu Formation is currently debated. As exploration and development progressed, the productivity of the Qigu Formation was observed to vary owing to oil viscosity differences. Conventional extraction methods can only be used to obtain a mixture of fluorescing oils of different colors, making it difficult to analyze the properties of oils that charge during different periods. Using microscopy to observe fluorescence the characteristics of oil in various samples were analyzed. Then, accelerated sequential extraction was used to separate the oils with different fluorescent colors (Groups I–IV). Through GC-MS (gas chromatography), GC-IRMS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), FT-IR (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), and fluid inclusion observations and measurements, in conjunction with the geological context, the sources of oils from different charge periods and genesis of heavy oil were determined and the process of oil accumulation was reconstructed. Three stages of oil charging were identified: (1) During the Middle to Late Jurassic, low-mature and mature oil from the Lower Permian Fengcheng Formation and a low quantity of low-mature oil from the Middle Permian Lower Wuerhe Formation charged the Qigu Formation. These oils underwent notable biodegradation and oxidation, with some captured by inclusions (Group III) for preservation. (2) During the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleogene, mature oil from the Wuerhe Formation charged the Qigu Formation. This oil mixed with early oil that was not captured by the inclusions, resulting in the formation of black-brown fluorescing oil (Group IV) and yellow fluorescing inclusion oil (Group II). (3) From the Late Paleogene to the present, highly mature condensates from the Lower Wuerhe Formation charged the Qigu Formation. The oil mixed with early oil to generate yellow-brown (Group II) and blue-white (Group I) fluorescing oils. Low-mature and mature oil from the Fengcheng Formation charged the Jurassic reservoirs and underwent secondary alteration, whereas high-mature oil and gas did not. These oils likely predominantly accumulated in reservoirs between the Fengcheng and Lower Wuerhe formations. Although the Jurassic source rocks began to generate oil, this oil did not migrate upward to the Qigu Formation, indicating that the conventional and unconventional reservoirs under the Jurassic Qigu Formation have exploration potential.

Effects of frying and food items on the physicochemical properties of palm oil obtained from Nigeria

The consumption of palm oil has particularly increased in Nigeria due to increased population, lifestyle changes, and its health benefits. The conversion and recycling of the ever-growing food waste from household and commercial is one of the known cost-effective and sustainable management strategies. This study investigates the effect of processing on the physicochemical properties of palm oil. Neat palm oil (NPO) and waste palm oil (WPO) samples, derived from frying four different Nigerian food items, were analyzed to determine changes in their physicochemical properties. The outcome of the investigation reveals that higher temperature during frying and contamination from different food items weakens the molecular structure of the palm oil thereby reducing the quality and stability of the samples which is expressed by the differences in their physicochemical properties. The density, peroxide value, and carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) values of NPO were 886 kg/m3, 9.473 meqO2/kg, and 39.233% while that of the WPO samples vary between 3.989–4.692 kg/m3, 10.858–15.362 meqO2/kg, and 52.346–58.468%, for density, peroxide value, and CHO, respectively. The result of the descriptive statistics shows that in the 1 series, the mean ± standard deviation (SD) [coefficient of variation (CV%)] is 119.76 ± 263.87 (220.33%). Both the SD and CV% are greater than the mean; this is due to the heterogeneous nature of the parameter values in the samples. When subjected to inferential statistical analysis, the results show that the error of prediction of relationship in NPO sample versus WPO samples is just 5.290% whereas the reduction in the error is 94.71%. More collaborative investigations are needed to determine the ease of conversion to biodiesel and the properties of biodiesel produced from WPO used to fry different Nigerian food items.

Chemical characterization, antimicrobial and mosquito larvicidal activities of the essential oil of Camellia pleurocarpa (Gagnep.) Sealy from Vietnam

Camellia pleurocarpa (Gagnep.) Sealy, a species of yellow camellia indigenous to Vietnam, was investigated for its essential oil properties in this study. Hydrodistillation of its leaves yielded a complex mixture rich in sesquiterpenes and diterpenes. Chemical analysis identified 50 constituents, with notable compounds including spathulenol (13.26%), phytol (9.94%), and α-selinene (5.34%). The essential oil exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against three Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus; one Gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa; and one yeast Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 16 to 32 μg/mL and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values ranging from 7.26 to 16.23 μg/mL. Furthermore, it demonstrated larvicidal potential against Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes, with LC50 values ranging from 13.49 to 28.95 μg/mL and LC90 values ranging from 28.29 to 53.24 μg/mL. These findings underscore the promising antimicrobial and mosquito larvicidal properties of C. pleurocarpa essential oil, suggesting its potential as a natural alternative in combating microbial infections and controlling mosquito-borne diseases. This study represents the first comprehensive report on the chemical compositions and bioactivities of C. pleurocarpa essential oil.

Biodegradation kinetics of petroleum hydrocarbons by composite microbial agents combined with slow release agents in groundwater

Bioremediation of oil-polluted groundwater is often limited by the properties of oil and oligotrophic conditions in the groundwater environment, sometimes causing long biodegradation times and low biodegradation efficiencies. To clarify this issue, dominant oil-degrading bacteria and slow release agents (SRAs) were prepared and mixed to enhance the biodegradation of different oil samples and hydrocarbons in the groundwater environment. The biodegradation efficiencies of diesel oil, Venezuelan crude oil, and Jibei heavy crude oil by the consortia of bacteria increased from 33.66 %–52.21 % to 34.90 %–63.43 % when optimal nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) nutrients were added with SRAs. The release kinetics of N and P SRAs (NP-SRAs) followed Fickian diffusion, and the biodegradation processes of the five petroleum hydrocarbons and three oil products were all well approximated by a second-order kinetic model. The half-lives of the five hydrocarbons in the groundwater were shortened from 0.01 to 7.46 d with the NP salt directly added to 0.002–6.67 d when the NP-SRAs and oxygen SRAs were added, and they decreased from 4.85 to 34.00 d to 2.80–28.90 d for the three oil samples. This study provides insights into the biodegradation kinetics of different hydrocarbons, facilitating the development of effective microbial remediation technologies for the oil contaminated groundwater environment.

Comparison of Essential Oils of Schinus molle L. Leaves Growing in Different Regions of Algeria in Terms of Their Chemical Compositions and Various Biological Activities

ABSTRACTThis preliminary study investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of essential oils derived from Schinus molle L. leaves obtained from three specific regions in Algeria: Algiers (SMA), Djelfa (SMD), and Mascara (SMM). Gas chromatography (GC) and Gas chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses confirmed the presence of 52 compounds (100.0%) in SMA essential oil, 50 compounds (100.0%) in SMD, and 72 compounds (100.0%) in SMM essential oils. The main components of SMA oil were camphene (31.82%), limonene (14.71%), and p‐cymene (9.25%). In SMD and SMM oils, α‐phellandrene (14.25% and 12.70%), limonene (13.02% and 11.90%), and germacrene D (10.62% and 10.15%) were the major components, respectively. The antioxidant characteristics were evaluated using five methods: β‐carotene‐linoleic acid, DPPH, ABTS+, CUPRAC, and Metal chelating assays. The results revealed a moderate to low anti‐oxidant effect, with SMA essential oils exhibiting the highest activity. A moderate inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), α‐glucosidase, α‐amylase, urease, and tyrosinase was observed, indicating anti‐enzymatic activity. Nevertheless, all samples had higher IC50 values for both antioxidant and anti‐enzymatic activities than 200 μg/mL. It was determined that regional differences in the locations where S. molle grows showed both qualitative and quantitative differences in essential oil components. This difference was also detected in the biological activities of the essential oils. The anti‐inflammatory capacities of the three samples were assessed using Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane stabilisation and egg albumin denaturation techniques. The results showed effective anti‐inflammatory activity in all three samples. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated using a range of tests, such as anti‐quorum sensing, violacein inhibition, anti‐swimming, and anti‐swarming assays, demonstrating moderate activity. No toxic effects were observed at the tested dosages when assessing cytotoxicity against a healthy cell line (CCD18‐Co). This thorough examination provides valuable insights into the chemical composition and bioactive properties of essential oils derived from S. molle. These findings indicate the possible use of these essential oils in the food, medicinal, and cosmetic industries.

Extraction of Soybean Oil with Pressurized Ethanol: Prospects for a New Processing Approach with an Analysis of the Physical Properties of Crude Oil and Implementation Costs through Scale-Up in an Intermittent Process

New environmentally friendly methods for extracting vegetable oils are in development, with a focus on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) in an intermittent process. Ethanol, a renewable and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) solvent, is gaining prominence in this process. It is crucial for these methods to maintain the physicochemical characteristics of the extracted oils and be economically viable on a large scale. Using SuperPro Design software v 8.5, a simulation of PLE scaled up to industrial levels was conducted. Measurements of oils extracted with pressurized hexane and ethanol showed minimal density variations, with slightly higher viscosity for ethanol-extracted oil. Accelerated oxidative degradation revealed a longer induction period for hexane-extracted oil, indicating that ethanol-extracted oil degrades more easily. The antioxidant activity of the oil extracted with hexane was lower than that with ethanol. In the differential scanning calorimetry analysis, the oils extracted with hexane and ethanol presented onset melting point temperatures of −43.2 and −36.1 °C, respectively. The economic assessment considered 16 scenarios, showing a return on investment ranging from 9.0 to 133.5% in the first year and payback times from 0.7 to 11.1 years. Scenario 8, involving two 5000 L extractors, ethanol recycling, and an annual production of 3,325,300 L of soybean oil at USD 1.25/L, demonstrated the best return on investment (133.5%) in less than one year. Overall, this study suggests that industrial-scale soybean oil extraction via PLE in an intermittent process can be more cost-effective than conventional methods, making implementation feasible.

In vitro antibacterial activity of essential oils from Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon winterianus

The objective of the study was to identify and quantify chemical compounds present in the essential oils of C. flexuosus and C. winterianus and evaluate their antibacterial action on Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. This is an in vitro experimental study using essential oils of Cymbopogon flexuosus and Cymbopogon winterianus. The gram-negative strains E. coli (ATCC 25922) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923) were used as a Gram-positive strain for the analysis of the antibacterial properties of essential oil. Oil analyzes were carried out using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The antibacterial activity of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and citronella (Cymbopogom winterianus) essential oils against bacteria of pathological relevance was confirmed, denoting the potential of using plant essential oils as antibacterial agents, an important alternative considering the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, and Physical Properties of the Fruit Essential Oil from Zanthoxylum lepidopteriphilum (Reynel) Rutaceae from Ecuador

Chemical Composition, Enantiomeric Distribution, and Physical Properties of the Fruit Essential Oil from Zanthoxylum lepidopteriphilum (Reynel) Rutaceae from Ecuador