Reducing Ability Research Articles

Phenolic acid-containing compounds enhanced Fe3+/peroxides processes for efficient removal of sulfamethoxazole in surface waters

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in surface waters has raised widespread concerns due to its potential environmental and biological hazards. In this study, the performance, mechanism, and environmental application of phenolic acid-containing compounds (PACCs) enhanced Fe3+/peroxides processes for SMX degradation were investigated. PACCs with two Ar-OH groups exhibited the lowest toxicity and the best enhancement performance (65%–66% of PDS, 47%–58% of PMS and 61%–63% of H2O2), which were attributed to the excellent chelating and reducing ability towards Fe3+. Free radicals played the predominant role in PDS (37% of SO4−·, 34% of ·OH), PMS (37% of SO4−·, 35% of ·OH) and H2O2 (61% of ·OH) oxidation processes. FeIVO2+ play a non-negligible role in PDS and PMS processes (ŋ[PMSO2] = 52%–80% and ŋ[PMSO2] = 59%–72%). PDS and PMS processes were suitable for a pH range of 3.0–9.0, while the H2O2 process was 3.0–10.0. PDS and PMS processes exhibited stronger resistance to the common anions in surface waters. PMS process exhibited higher adaptability to surface waters quality (92%–98%). This study provides a novel approach for enhancing the degradation of SMX in natural surface waters.

Changes in Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Status in Dogs Subjected to Celiotomy or Video-Assisted Ovariohysterectomy.

We evaluated the surgical stress response of dogs undergoing three ovariohysterectomy (OVH) techniques. Twenty-nine healthy females were allocated into groups: celiotomy and ligature (CelioSut), celiotomy and bipolar energy (CelioBip), and a video-assisted technique using two portals and bipolar energy (VidBip). Clinical evaluation was performed, and the following blood analyses were determined: acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein and haptoglobin), white blood cell counting (WBC), and biomarkers of oxidative status. The VidBip required more time despite a smaller incision, lower heart rate, and earlier feeding and urination. All groups had high white blood cells counts; the C-reactive protein (CRP) levels peaked at 6 and 12 h in all groups and was higher in the CelioBip and VidBip groups compared to CelioSut; haptoglobin concentrations peaked at 48 h in all groups and increased in dogs of the CelioSut group. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, ferric reducing ability of plasma, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity, and advanced oxidation protein were not significantly different among the groups or time points. Total thiol concentrations were lower in CelioBip and CelioSut groups. All surgical techniques induced an inflammatory and oxidative stress response, but the video-assisted technique produced early clinical recovery. The bipolar device produces fewer disturbances than suspensory ligament rupture and ligature.

Evaluating the antidiabetes and antioxidant activities of halogenated Schiff bases derived from 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde: in vitro antidiabetes, antioxidant and computational investigation

Six Schiff bases with general name 5-(diethylamino)-2-(((halophenyl)imino)methyl)phenol (where halo = 4-fluoro (H1), 2-fluoro (H2), 2-bromo (H3), 4-bromo (H4), 4-chloro (H5) and 3-chloro-4-fluoro (H6)) were prepared by the condensation reaction between 4-(diethylamino)salicylaldehyde and suitable halogenated aromatic amines. The six halogenated Schiff bases were elucidated using different spectroscopic techniques and the structure of H3 and H6 were confirmed using single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The bond lengths of C7–N1, C7–C8 and C8–C9 obtained from structural analysis for both compounds depicted their enol-tautomeric characteristic form. The Hirshfeld analysis revealed that H‧‧‧H intermolecular contacts contributed most towards the Hirshfeld surfaces of both H3 (47.6%) and H6 (39.9%). Quantum chemical calculation studies showed that H1 and H2 have the highest and lowest energy band gap (∆E = 3.80 eV for H1 and ∆E = 3.73 eV for H2), depicting H2 and H1 as the most and least chemically reactive respectively among all the compounds. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase assay were used to evaluate the antidiabetes prowess of the synthesized compounds. All the compounds exhibited lower IC50 values than acarbose (reference drug) in α-amylase assay experiments and H5 with lowest IC50 value of 63.54 μM could be suggested to have the highest α-amylase inhibitory potential among the test samples. For α-glucosidase assay, H1–H6 displayed good antidiabetic potential. However, none of the compounds outshined acarbose with H6 having highest α-glucosidase inhibitory potential when compared to others i.e., IC50 of H6 = 60.89 μM and IC50 of acarbose = 51.42 μM. We measured the antioxidant potential of H1–H6 exploring 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO) and ferric reducing ability power (FRAP) assays. The DPPH as well as NO radical scavenging assay showed that all the compounds exhibited excellent antioxidant results with some of the compounds surpassing catechin (reference drug). Compound H5 with IC50 values of 30.32 mM and 31.73 mM outshined catechin with IC50 values of 31.17 mM and 140.62 mM for DPPH and NO assays respectively. All the compounds fell within the threshold of Lipinski’s Ro5 projecting them as orally bioavailable and less toxic future therapeutics.

The protective effect and mechanism of selenium-rich rice-based selenoproteins and sodium selenite against D-galactose-induced aging mice

Rice is among the world's top three food crops and is a staple food for more than half of the world's population. The body cannot directly synthesize selenium, and its deficiency causes different diseases, so consuming selenium-rich rice can supplement the body's selenium requirements. People are paying more attention to food health, and selenium-rich rice is gradually becoming part of people's vision. In this experiment, selenium-rich microcapsules were prepared using selenoproteins extracted from selenium-rich brown rice. These selenoprotein microcapsules demonstrated higher reducing and free radical scavenging ability than bovine serum albumin. In vitro experiments, selenoproteins microcapsules demonstrated 0.93% reducing capacity, 95% DPPH free radical ability, and 58% hydroxyl scavenging ability. Different selenoprotein microcapsules and sodium selenite doses were used to investigate their impact on D-galactose-injected aging mice. Selenoprotein microcapsules helped maintain body weight and alleviated the abnormally elevated organ coefficients. At the same time, a high dose of sodium selenite caused selenosis, organ congestion, edema, and hypertrophic hyperplasia. It was observed that 60 μg kg−1 selenoproteins had a good repairing impact on oxidative damage in the liver and kidneys, improved T-AOC, SOD, and GPx activity, and reduced MDA contents in all organs. In comparison, 100 μg kg−1 selenoproteins led to selenosis, and 30 μg kg−1 was less effective and insufficient in relieving aging effects in mice. The results showed that the proper selenium intake relieves oxidative and biological stress.The study provides basic information about selenoproteins microcapsule preparation from selenium-enriched rice and its application in the health care system.

Changes in immuno-inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers in serum and cerebrospinal fluid of dogs with distemper

Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a multisystemic disease with central nervous system involvement in dogs. Little is known about the role of immuno-inflammatory and redox-state biomarkers in the pathogenesis and diagnosis of naturally occurring CDV infection. Thus, the objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the potential differences in a profile of cytokines/chemokines, and inflammatory and redox-status biomarkers in serum between dogs with CDV-infection and healthy dogs, and 2) possible correlations between serum/blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of these biomarkers in dogs with CDV-infection.Two groups of dogs were designed: 10 with CDV-infection, and 10 healthy. A total of 13 cytokines/chemokines, 3 inflammatory (C-reactive protein [CRP], haptoglobin [Hp], and butyrylcholinesterase [BChE]) and 3 antioxidants of redox status (cupric reducing antioxidant capacity [CUPRAC], Thiol, and ferric reducing ability of plasma [FRAP]) were analyzed in serum and CSF samples. Serum IL-7, IL-8, MCP-1, CRP, Hp, FRAP and Thiol levels were higher (P < 0.05) in dogs with CDV compared to controls. There were significant (P < 0.05) correlations only in IL-6 and MCP-1 between CSF and serum.In conclusion, deregulated immune response, raised inflammation, and imbalances of redox homeostasis and antioxidant defense status may play role in the pathophysiological mechanism of neurological form of CDV-infection. The combination of clinical features and cytokine biomarkers (IL-7, IL-8 and MCP-1) might facilitate clinical diagnosis for neural involvement in dogs with CDV. Some cytokine/chemokine (IL-6 and MCP-1) in CSF are highly correlated with those of serum, indicating that serum samples could reflect the possible changes of these analytes in CSF.

Chlorogenic Acid-Cucurbit[n]uril Nanocomplex Delivery System: Synthesis and Evaluations for Potential Applications in Osteoporosis Medication.

Based on nanomedicine strategies, this study employed cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) as the macromolecular carrier to synthesize nanocomplex drug delivery system for chlorogenic acid (CGA). The nanocomplex drug delivery system is intended to overcome the unsatisfactory biocompatibility and bioavailability of CGA and realizing its potential role in long-term osteoporosis (OP) medication. The nanocomplex was synthesized by the reflux stirring method. The chemical structure of the nanocomplex was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV-vis), zeta potential analysis and transmission electronic microscope (TEM). The Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, Live/Dead staining assay, and cytoskeleton staining were conducted to testify the biocompatibility of the nanocomplex. The release assay, Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma (Frap) assay and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining were implemented to evaluate the release profile of CGA as well as its remaining antioxidative levels. CGA and Q[7] formed hydrogen bonding through an exclusion interaction, with the binding ratio more than 1:1. The nanocomplex had a crystalline and spherical-like structure and improved thermal stability. The nanocomplex demonstrated better biocompatibility than free CGA. The release profile of CGA from the nanocomplex was much steadier, and 70% of CGA was released in 5 days. The CGA released from the nanocomplex maintained its antioxidative properties at high levels and effectively eliminated the accumulated ROS in MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress. Q[7] has been demonstrated to be an ideal nanocarrier for CGA and the nanocomplex delivery system holds the potential for the long-term medication strategy of OP.

Spectroscopic analysis of wild medicinal desert plants from wadi sanor (beni-suef), Egypt, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities

Desert plants possess untapped potential for medicinal applications due to their rich phytochemical profiles. However, they need to be more explored. Thus, this study integrates advanced analytical, biochemical, and molecular techniques to investigate the phytochemical composition and biological activities (antimicrobial and antioxidant) of four desert plants (Pergularia tomentosa, Zygophyllum coccineum, Pulicaria undulata, and Ochradenus baccatus), collected from Wadi Sannor, Beni-Suef Governorate, Egypt, in March 2021. The volatile chemicals in the 70 % ethanol extracts of the selected plants were also analyzed using GC-MS. The extract exhibited strong antioxidant properties, as demonstrated by its FRAP (Ferric reducing ability of plasma) values, anti-lipid peroxidation, superoxide anion scavenging activity, and DPPH scavenging activity. Additionally, plants extracts showed high antimicrobial activities against seven pathogens, including three Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli) and four Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus salivarius). Lastly, molecular docking was conducted for cis-vaccenic acid, (E)-9-octadecenoic acid, the cyclohepta[b]furan-2-one scaffold, and URS-20(30)-en-3-ol against both the thymidylate kinase enzyme and the active sites of E. coli DNA gyrase. The results from the molecular docking studies showed a strong correlation with the biological data. Moreover, these compounds exhibited good, proposed absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion–toxicity (ADMET) profiles. Our study highlights the potential of P. tomentosa, Z. coccineum, P. undulata, and O. baccatus for future medical applications and the development of new pharmaceuticals derived from desert flora.

Framboidal pyrite in Dongsheng sandstone-hosted uranium deposit, northern Ordos Basin: Implications for fluid evolution and uranium mineralization

Occurrence characteristics, internal morphology patterns, size variations and trace elements contents for framboidal pyrite in the sandstone of middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation hosting U deposit in the northern Ordos Basin collectively demonstrate three types of framboids: (i) Py1 is the synsedimentary origin, characterized by the close association with clay minerals, equal-sized microcrystals with globular or octahedral shape, the diameter of framboids and microcrystals ranging from 2.1 to 9.3 µm (mean = 5.9 µm) and from 0.1 to 1.4 µm (mean = 0.5 µm), respectively, and relatively low trace element contents (mean = 0.83 wt% of Co, Ni, As, Mo in total); (ii) Py2 is the early diagenetic origin, characterized by equal-sized pyritohedral microcrystals while other substance also occurs within the framboid, or non-uniform size and morphology of microcrystals with the diameter of framboids and microcrystals ranging from 7.3 to 26.3 µm (mean = 11.8 µm) and from 0.3 to 1.9 µm (mean = 0.8 µm), respectively, and similar trace element compositions with Py1; and (iii) Py3 is the U ore-stage origin, characterized by equal-sized cubic microcrystals in the loosely packed pattern with U-bearing minerals filling between microcrystals, the diameter of framboids and microcrystals ranging from 7.6 to 27.4 µm (mean = 15.9 µm) and from 0.7 to 3.2 µm (mean = 1.5 µm), respectively, and the highest trace element contents (mean = 1.07 wt% of Co, Ni, As, Mo and Se in total). During mineralization, Py1 and Py2 are dissolved by the interlayer oxidation fluid, providing S source and trace elements for the precipitation of Py3 with larger diameter. Its strong reducing ability, large specific surface area and abundant internal porosity facilitate the fixation of U in the interstices of Py3 through reduction or adsorption. Negative sulfur isotope compositions suggest biogenic redox processes for U mineralization. The formation and transformation relationship of different stages of framboidal pyrite indicates the complex evolution process of synsedimentary, early diagenetic and U ore-forming fluids.

Long-term effects of transition milk feeding on feed intake, growth performance, feeding behavior, and oxidative status of Holstein calves

This study investigated the long-term effects of feeding 5-d transition milk (TRANS) compared with milk replacer (MR) on parameters, including intake, growth, feeding behavior and oxidative stress. Fifty Holstein calves (30 females and 20 males) were fed either 12 L/day TRANS or MR for the first 5 d after an initial colostrum feeding of 3.5 L. Thereafter, all calves were fed with 12 L of MR/d (140 g/L) and were gradually weaned starting in wk 8 until wk 14. Throughout the 14 wk the calves had unrestricted access to concentrate (up to 9.8 kg/calf/day), hay, and water. After weaning all heifers were fed a total mixed ration for young cows. Oxidative status was assessed in blood samples from birth to first insemination. Parameters assessed included the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) for antioxidant capacity and the concentration of reactive oxygen metabolites by the dROM (detection of reactive oxygen metabolites) assay. In addition, the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), oxidative damage in the form of lipid peroxidation as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and as advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) were measured. An oxidative stress index (OSi) was calculated: dROM/FRAP x 100. Total protein (TP) concentration was also quantified via the Bradford assay. The only significant difference in feeding behavior between the 2 treatment groups was a higher concentrate intake by the TRANS calves during the weaning phase. Body weight and ADG did not differ significantly between the TRANS and MR groups. TRANS calves showed a trend for fewer cases of health disorders. Markers of oxidative status, including TBARS, AOPP, GSHPx, FRAP and ROM, showed no treatment effects but varied significantly over time. Of note, the oxidative stress index as ratio between pro- and antioxidants in both groups peaked during weaning and then returned to baseline, suggesting an effective response to this transition phase Overall, the results indicate that feeding TRANS during the first 5 d of life had no long-term effect on the parameters studied as compared with MR feeding under the present rearing conditions. These results provide insight into the changes of oxidative status with age and confirm that the relatively high milk feeding level, slow and late weaning enables calves to adapt well to solely solid feed.

Evaluation of antioxidant status of lens epithelial cells in cataract patients.

The main factor that causes cataracts is the increased oxidative stress and imbalance of an antioxidant defense mechanism, which leads to significant changes in the lens microarchitecture. Senile cataract is the most common type of acquired cataracts due to aging. We carried out a case-control study in the biochemistry department to examine the antioxidant status (catalase and total antioxidant capacity [TAC]) and lipid peroxidation marker, that is, malondialdehyde (MDA) in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) of different grades of senile cortical, nuclear, and posterior subcapsular cataracts. We collected 150 samples from patients aged 50-90 years. These included 50 samples of cortical cataracts, 50 of nuclear cataracts, and 50 samples of posterior subcapsular cataracts. We measured catalase activity by the Beer method, TAC by the Benzie and Strain method, and protein by the Bradford method. We also estimated TAC in the aqueous extract of HLECs by the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) method and MDA by the thiobarbituric acid assay method. The results of this study showed that the level of catalase enzyme was higher in the first grade of nuclear, posterior subcapsular, and cortical cataracts than in other grades. This suggests that the catalase enzyme activity drops sharply in the second and third grades of these types of cataracts. The same pattern was observed for TAC, which was higher in the first grade of nuclear, posterior subcapsular, and cortical cataracts than in other grades. There were significant differences between catalase and TAC in different grades of cataracts, indicating that as the grading increases, both catalase and TAC decrease. The results of this study showed that the levels of MDA were higher and the levels of catalase and TAC were lower in patients with more severe cataracts compared to the healthy controls.

Antioxidant Compounds and Activities of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Decoction Residues from Cordial and Juice Production

Roselle is a popular plant in Malaysia, especially for its use in food and beverage production. The calyces of the roselle plant are commonly decocted to make roselle juice and cordial, resulting in a significant amount of waste in the form of decocted calyces. Surprisingly, these decocted calyces retain their dark red colour and are still intact although soften. However, to date, there is no research on the antioxidant compounds and activities of roselle decoction residues from cordial and juice production have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the roselle decoction residues. The roselle decoction residues were evaluated for colour, Delta E (∆E), pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability assay (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC). All assays were also correlated and show positive effect among themselves. The decocted residues reported were still in acidic conditions ranged of pH 2 to 4. The decocted cordial residue (DCR) showed similar colour with control or fresh roselle calyx (FRC), and a bit duller in decocted juice residue (DJR). The DCR showed similar and slightly lower antioxidant content and activity of TAC, TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and FIC to FRC but much better than DJR. Therefore, the DCR were still rich in anthocyanin contents and had good antioxidant activity without having colour changes. These residues have the capacity to be converted to wealth and could be an alternative source for natural antioxidants. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the potential of roselle decoction residues, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food and beverage production.

Photocatalytic H2 evolution over CuCoSe2 nanoparticles decorated TiO2 nanosheets with S-scheme charge separation route

The construction of S-scheme heterojunctions via exploring semiconductors with suitable energy band structures can effectively improve the photocatalytic performance of TiO2. In this work, CuCoSe2/TiO2 heterojunction were prepared using solvent evaporation strategy by their different surface charge properties. The investigation indicates that rates of H2 evolution (rH2) of the system increases significantly from 138.1 (TiO2) to 3773.8 μmol·g−1·h−1 (CuCoSe2/TiO2). It is found that the incorporation of CuCoSe2 can extend the visible light absorption range of the system, increase the electrochemically active surface area, facilitate charge generation and decrease the transfer resistance, reduce the H2 production overpotential and the water contact angle. Further investigation reveals that a bimetallic selenide CuCoSe2 exhibit superior enhancement activity compared to their monometallic selenides (CuSe2, CoSe2) due to the synergistic effect of Co and Cu. Especially, the charge transfer between CuCoSe2 and TiO2 follows S-scheme charge separation route, which can effectively enhance charge separation/migration, reserve e− with strong reducing ability in TiO2, thereby promoting the H2 evolution kinetics. Moreover, the heterojunction also demonstrates exceptional stability throughout the cycle experiment. The present work establishes an experimental basis for the advancement of highly efficient and stable bimetallic selenides related heterojunctions in the field of photocatalytic H2 evolution.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Biphasic Aqueous Extraction of Polyphenols from Vaccinium Dunalianum Leaves: Optimization, Antioxidant, and Tyrosinase Inhibition Activities.

To optimize the ultrasonic-assisted biphasic aqueous extraction conditions for polyphenolic compounds from Vaccinium dunalianum Wight leaves and investigate their antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities, single-factor experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of ethanol volume fraction (%), ammonium sulfate mass fraction (%), solid-liquid ratio (g/mL), ultrasonic temperature (°C), and ultrasonic time (min) on polyphenolic content during extraction. Based on these experiments, three key factors influencing extraction were selected for response surface methodology (RSM) optimization. The results indicated that under conditions of 26 % ethanol, 20 % ammonium sulfate, a solid-liquid ratio of 1 : 30, and extraction for 35 minutes at 50 °C, the polyphenol content reached 61.62 mg/g. The relative contents of 6'-O-caffeoylarbutin, β-arbutin, and chlorogenic acid were 34.45 %, 4.56 %, and 31.06 %, respectively. The DPPH⋅ and ABTS+⋅ scavenging rates were above 95 % and 96 %, respectively, and the ferric reducing ability exhibited a significant dose-effect relationship. The inhibition rates of monophenolase and diphenolase activities of tyrosinase were 43.84 % and 35.73 %, respectively. The optimized process for ultrasonic-assisted biphasic aqueous extraction of polyphenols from Vaccinium dunalianum Wight leaves demonstrated significant antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibition activities.

Study on the effect of ascorbic acid on the biosynthesis of pigment and citrinin in red yeast rice based on comparative transcriptomics.

Pigment is one of the most important metabolites in red yeast rice. However, citrinin may accumulate and cause quality security issues. In the present study, the effect of ascorbic acid (EAA) on the pigment and citrinin was studied, and the metabolic mechanism was discussed using comparative transcriptomics. The introduction of EAA increased the pigment by 58.2% and decreased citrinin by 65.4%. The acid protease activity, DPPH scavenging rate, and total reducing ability also increased by 18.7, 9.0, and 26.7%, respectively. Additionally, a total of 791 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 79 metabolic pathways were annotated, among which carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism were closely related to the biosynthesis of pigment and citrinin. Ethanol dehydrogenase (M pigC), oxidoreductase (M pigE), reductase (M pigH), and monooxygenase (M pigN) may be related to the increase of pigment. ctnC and pksCT contributed to the decline of citrinin.

Ethanolic Cashew Leaf Extract Encapsulated in Tripolyphosphate–Chitosan Complexes: Characterization, Antimicrobial, and Antioxidant Activities

Ethanolic cashew leaf extract (ECL-E) is rich in phenolic compounds and shows remarkable antioxidative and antimicrobial activities. Encapsulation could stabilize ECL-E as the core. Tripolyphosphate (TPP)–chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were used to load ECL-E, and the resulting nanoparticles were characterized. The nanoparticles loaded with ECL-E at different levels showed differences in encapsulation efficiency (47.62–89.47%), mean particle diameters (47.30–314.60 nm), positive zeta potentials (40.37–44.24 mV), and polydispersity index values (0.20–0.56). According to scanning electron micrographs, the nanoparticles had a spherical or ellipsoidal shape, and a slight agglomeration was observed. The appropriate ratio of CS/ECL-E was 1:3, in which an EE of 89.47%, a particle size of 256.05 ± 7.70 nm, a zeta potential of 40.37 ± 0.66 mV, and a PDI of 0.22 ± 0.05 were obtained. The nanoparticles also exhibited high antioxidant activities, as assayed by DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing ability power (FRAP), and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Low minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration were observed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (9.38, 75.00 mg/mL) and Shewanella putrefaciens (4.69, 75.00 mg/mL). In addition, ECL-E loaded in nanoparticles could maintain its bioactivities under various light intensities (1000–4000 Lux) for 48 h. Some interactions among TPP, CS, and ECL-E took place, as confirmed by FTIR analysis. These nanoparticles had the increased storage stability and could be used for inactivating spoilage bacteria and retarding lipid oxidation in foods.

Cytotoxic, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Centaurea stapfiana extracts and their HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS profiles: Insights into an unexplored Centaurea species

The members of the genus Centaurea have a great interest in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields due to their biological potential. Based on this information, we aimed to evaluate the biological properties (antioxidant, enzyme inhibition and cytotoxicity) and chemical profile of the extract of Centaurea stapfiana, an unstudied species. The highest total phenolic content was found in the ethanol/water extract with 32.17 mg GAE/g. A total of 102 of them were identified by HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis. These compounds were mainly hydroxybenzoic acid and hydroxycinnamic acid as well as flavonoids. In the antioxidant tests, the ethanol/water extract had the best free radical scavenging and reducing ability. However, in the enzyme inhibition test, the ethanol extract was the most active. The extracts were also tested on two tumour cell lines (RAW 264.7 and HepG2) and one non-tumour cell line (S17). The ethanol extract showed the promising effect on HepG2 (cell viability: 28.6 % at 50 g/ml). Furthermore, we examined the interactions between the compounds and enzymatic and cellular targets. A good interaction was found between quercetin-3-xylosyl-(1- > 6)-glucoside and iNOS. In summary, our results suggest that C. stapfiana can be considered as a versatile raw material for the development of health-promoting applications in the pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical fields.

Chemically bonded to construct S-scheme CNQDs/Bi2WO6 heterostructure: The Bi-N bonds as interfacial electronic channel boosting the efficient photocatalytic CO2 reduction under simulated sunlight

Photoinduced carrier separation efficiency plays a crucial role in determining the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts, but it remains a challenge to accurately and efficiently control charge separation. Hence, we successfully prepared S-scheme CNQDs/Bi2WO6 heterostructure via a simple hydrothermal method. The theoretical calculations demonstrate that Bi-N bonds at the interface between CNQDs and Bi2WO6 serve as an electron transfer channel to facilitate charge transfer at the atomic level, which plays a vital role in driving the photoreduction of CO2 to CO. Interestingly, S-scheme heterostructure not only remains strong reducing ability of CNQDs, but also significantly reduces the energy barrier of *CO2 *COOH and release the product CO easily. The CO yield of the CNQDs/Bi2WO6 sample (26.24 µmol/g) was 11 times higher than that of the pure Bi2WO6 (2.43 µmol/g) without any sacrificial agents under 300 W xenon lamp. This work highlights the critical role of chemical bonding interfaces in the design of efficient S-scheme heterostructure photocatalysts.

Chemical Composition, Antifungal, Antioxidant, and Hemolytic Activities of Moroccan Thymus capitatus Essential Oil.

This study aimed to define the chemical composition of Moroccan Thymus capitatus essential oil, and to investigate its in vitro antioxidant and antifungal activities against human pathogenic fungi. Chemical analysis using GC-FID and GC-MS system revealed 28 constituents, representing 99 % of total compounds. Oxygenated monoterpenes represented the highest proportion (79.79 %), among which carvacrol (75.73 %) was the predominant compound, followed by linalol (2.26 %). Monoterpene hydrocarbons represented the second major fraction (16.29 %): within them, the predominant constituents were γ-terpinene (5,55 %), ρ-cymene (5,50 %), and β-caryophyllene (2.73 %). Antioxidant activity was performed by DPPH scavenging, β-carotene bleaching inhibition, and ferric reducing power. T. capitatus revealed pronounced DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50=110.53 μg mL-1), strong ferric reducing ability (EC50=644.4 μg mL-1), and a remarkable degree of protection against lipid peroxidation during β-carotene bleaching inhibition (IC50=251.76 μg mL-1). Antifungal activity was carried out against Candida, Aspergillus, and Rhizopus species by microdilution method. T. capitatus exhibited potent anticandidal activity (MIC=125-500 μg mL-1) and strong inhibition against filamentous fungi (MIC=250-500 μg mL-1). Its hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes had a low toxic effect at concentrations lower than 1250 μg mL-1. The useful antioxidant properties and broad antifungal effect of T. capitatus EO confirm its considerable potential for the food industry and for phytopharmaceutical production.

Investigation of the extraction efficiency and antioxidant capacity of deep eutectic solvent-enhanced Paeonia lactiflora

Study has demonstrated that Paeonia lactiflora contains a significant number of polyphenolic compounds; however, there is little research literature focus on phenolic acids in Paeonia lactiflora. In this study, an ultrasound-assisted extraction method based on ternary DESs was developed for the extraction of biologically active polyphenols in Paeonia lactiflora. The results indicated that the ternary solvent composed of choline chloride, DL-lactic acid, and 1,2-propanediol in a molar ratio of 1:4:2 achieved a superior extraction of polyphenols than that of conventional solvents and other ternary solvents. Subsequently, the response surface method was used to optimize the selected parameters of solid–liquid ratio, extraction time, and temperature for the extraction of phenolic by the DES, and the optimal extraction conditions were as follows: a solid–liquid ratio of 1:13.8 g/mL, an extraction time of 47.5 min, and an extraction temperature of 34.5 °C, with a total polyphenol yield of 79.77 mg/g, which is 1.09 times that of the traditional solvent. Furthermore, the extract of Paeonia lactiflora obtained through the DES method exhibited promising in vitro antioxidant activity and reducing ability. Studies have shown that DES is an efficient and environmentally friendly extraction solvent for extracting polyphenols from natural products, providing a new direction for the development and industrial production of Paeonia lactiflora.

Employing Cu@Fe3O4/SiO2@MWCNTs as New Catalyst for the Green Synthesis of New Pyridopyrroloindoles Using Multicomponent Reactions of Isatins

ABSTRACTBy using a multicomponent reaction involving isatins, diamines or aminoalcohols, activated acetylenic compounds, haloketones, and ammonium acetate in aqueous media in the presence of Cu@Fe3O4/SiO2@MWCNTs as new catalyst, the novel pyridopyrroloindole was produced in high yields. This catalyst was produced by employing Petasites hybridus rhizome water extract as a green media and moderate base. The pyridopyrroloindole derivatives were newly synthesized compounds, and their antioxidant properties were assessed using the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical trapping and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) experiments. The pyridopyrroloindole 6b showed higher performance than butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) better results. This method is used to make pyridopyrroloindole derivatives, and it has the advantages of a quick reaction, high yields, and the ability to separate the products easily.