GC-MS Results Research Articles

Impact of Solidago virgaurea Extract on Biofilm Formation for ESBL-Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An In Vitro Model Study.

The increasing disparity between antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the development of new antimicrobials continues to pose a significant global health concern. However, plant extracts have shown promise in combating this issue either through their inherent antimicrobial activity or by serving as potential reservoirs of effective antimicrobial compounds. These compounds have the ability to target pathogenic biofilms and inhibit the production of extended-spectrum β -lactamases (ESBLs). However, there is limited research available on the antibacterial properties of goldenrod extract. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of S. virgaurea (SV) extract on the viability and ability to form biofilms of ESBL-Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). A cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to March 2023. The broth microdilution method was employed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the (SV) extract. Subsequently, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined based on the MIC values obtained. The antibiotic susceptibility of bacteria was evaluated using the Kirby disk diffusion assay and an Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (AST) card in conjunction with the Vitek-2 compact system. Biofilm formation was evaluated using Congo red and a 96-well Elisa plate, while the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs) was estimated by measuring the reduction of nitrocefin at a wavelength of 390 nm. In addition, treatment of biofilm and ESBL activity with SV extract using 96-well Elisa plate and nitrocefin hydrolyzing, respectively. The resistance rates of P. aeruginosa isolates to the tested antibiotics were as follows: Levofloxacin 33%, Ciprofloxacin 40%, Amikacin 49%, Meropenem 50%, Cefepime 70%, Ceftazidime 75%, Cefotaxime 85%, Piperacillin-Tazobactam 90%, Amoxiclav 97%, Ampicillin 99%, Ceftriaxone 100%. The prevalence of MDR-P. aeruginosa, XDR-P. aeruginosa, PDR-P. aeruginosa and non-MDR-PA were 40% (n = 40), 7% (n = 7), 3% (n = 3) and 50% (n = 50), respectively. From the GC-MS results, it was observed that the presence of Octadecane, Clioquinol, Glycerol tricaprylate, hexadecanoic acid, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, oleic acid and Propanamide were the major components in the Solidago extract. In the determination of plant crude extracts, the values ranged between 0.25 and 64 mg/mL against bacteria. The resulting activity of the extract showed a significant statistical relationship at a p-value ≤ 0.01 against ESBL production and biofilm formation in P. aeruginosa. The S. virgaurea extract exhibited effectiveness in inhibiting biofilm formation and combating P. aeruginosa strains that produce extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs).

Advancing biodiesel production from Pyrus glabra seed oil: Kinetic study and RSM optimization via microwave-assisted transesterification with biocompatible hydroxyapatite catalyst

In this study, a biocompatible hydroxyapatite (HAp) catalyst was synthesized using the chemical precipitation method to create biodiesel (FAME). The HAp was characterized for its structure (FT-IR and XRD), particle size, morphology (SEM and TEM), and surface area (BET). The obtained results indicated that HAp had a spherical shape ranging in size from 28.36 to 51.40 nm, a specific surface area of 21.90 m2/g, and a pore diameter of 15.36 nm. The aforementioned catalyst was employed in the transesterification of Pyrus glabra seed oil, with the assistance of microwaves, and the optimization of the biodiesel production process was achieved using RSM-CCD. The impact of the reaction parameters, including catalyst weight (0.5–1.5 wt%), temperature (60–80 °C), and time (10–30 min), was analyzed. The highest biodiesel yield of 89.21% was achieved in 30 min using a 0.5 wt% catalyst at 80 °C. Microwave-produced FAME was evaluated with FT-IR and GC-MS analysis. GC-MS results revealed 78.02% unsaturated and 13.16% saturated FAME content. The FTIR spectrum validated the presence of methyl and ester groups in the produced biodiesel. Both the FTIR and GC-MS results illustrated that the produced biodiesel had good quality. Transesterification of Pyrus glabra seed Oil followed first-order kinetics with an activation energy of 23.20 kJ/mol and an Arrhenius constant of 2.43 × 104 min−1. The catalyst remained active over six recycling cycles without notable decline. The optimal properties of Pyrus glabra biodiesel, meeting ASTM standards, highlight its potential as a catalyst for large-scale production, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Synergistic Co-liquefaction of waste plastic express bags and low-rank coal based on supercritical water-ethanol system: Waste treatment and resource upgrading

Recently, with the ongoing development of the express industry, the consumption of waste plastic express bags has been increasing year by year, which has brought considerable pressure on municipal waste management. At the same time, in China, where coal is the main energy resource, the upgrading of low-rank coal is a more reliable and prospective way. An effective method for waste treatment and resource upgrading by synergistic co-liquefaction of waste plastic express bags and low-rank coal in a supercritical water-ethanol system has been developed. The effects of different experimental factors (temperature, residence time, plastic-coal ratio, water-ethanol ratio) on the conversion ratio and synergistic effect of co-liquefaction were investigated. The results showed that elevated temperature, lower water-ethanol ratio as well as suitable residence time, and plastic-coal ratio of 1:1 were conducive to the conversion ratio. Temperature ≥375 °C and suitable plastic-coal ratio (1:1) had a significant positive synergistic effect on the conversion ratio, whereas the other conditions exhibited no or negative synergistic effect on the conversion ratio. The maximum conversion ratio and positive synergistic efficiency were 85.11% and 12.25% at 425 °C, 60 min, water-ethanol ratio of 1:1, and plastic-coal ratio of 1:1, respectively. It was observed after FT-IR and elemental analysis based on the solid residue that the oxygen-containing functional groups in the residue disappeared, the oxygen content decreased, the carbon content increased, and the higher heating value (HHV) increased significantly, and the residue could be further used (such as gasification or pyrolysis) without the need for landfill. The GC-MS results of the oil products suggested that the oil products contained high content of hydrocarbons and phenols, as well as esters, alcohols, and other compounds. The hydrocarbons and phenols mainly derived from the decomposition of long chains in plastics and the decomposition of aromatic structures in coal, and the hydrocarbon and phenolic contents produced at 400 °C were 27.74% and 32.62%, respectively. Thus, the oil product can be used further as a chemical raw material. It cannot be ignored that the ethanol medium after reaction can also be further recycled by rotary evaporation. The synergistic co-liquefaction of waste plastic express bags and low-rank coal based on supercritical water-ethanol system is a promising method for waste treatment and resource upgrading.

Metabolite Profiling and Bioactivity Assessment of Beet Juice fermented by Lactobacillus spp.

Probiotic drink from fermented beet juice (Beta vulgaris) using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus plantarum was studied for its bioactive properties. The samples were assessed after 24h and 48h of fermentation for their physico-chemical changes and cell viability. Fermented juice showed a significant antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes. Fermented beet juice exhibited a prominent anti-oxidant activity. When compared to fresh beet juice, more amount of total polyphenol content was detected in the fermented beet juice. The probiotic drink also exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-hemolytic activity which exposed the potential usage of this probiotic drink in the pharmaceutical industry. The antibacterial activity observed against Listeria monocytogenes demonstrated that the fermented beet juice can be used to treat Listeriosis. The FTIR analysis and GC-MS results confirmed the presence of bioactive compounds in the fermented beet juice.

Stability of bonds, kinetic stability, energy parameters, spectral characterization, GC–MS and molecular descriptors studies on coumarine, 3-[2-(1-methyl-2-imidazolylthio)-1-oxoethyl

In the current study, the CMIO molecules synthesised from carbinol crude of the Hybanthus Enneaspermus plant was identified in GC–MS results. The vibrational frequencies assigned through theoretical and experimental results are well correlated. The electronic transitions n→π*, n→σ* performed by the TD-DFT approach. The optimized geometry structure found stability for single bonds (S1C15), double bonds (C19C21) and was compared with XRD values. Donor-acceptor interaction and highest bond strength investigated by the NBO population. Energy gap, electrophilicity, nucleophilicity index, Mulliken population analysis, MEP plot analysis of reactive sites, and all the theoretical parameters interpreted by the B3LYP/6–311G(d,p) technique. Moreover, the various degree-based topological indices used to analyse the CMIO molecules and the docking studies show excellent binding energy between ligand and 2RFN protein against kidney cancer activity.

VAMP726 from maize and Arabidopsis confers pollen resistance to heat and UV radiation by influencing lignin content of sporopollenin

Sporopollenin in the pollen cell wall protects male gametophytes from stresses. Phenylpropanoid derivatives, including guaiacyl (G) lignin units, are known to be structural components of sporopollenin, but the exact composition of sporopollenin remains to be fully resolved. We analyzed the phenylpropanoid derivatives in sporopollenin from maize and Arabidopsis by thioacidolysis coupled with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The NMR and GC–MS results confirmed the presence of p-hydroxyphenyl (H), G, and syringyl (S) lignin units in sporopollenin from maize and Arabidopsis. Strikingly, H units account for the majority of lignin monomers in sporopollenin from these species. We next performed a genome-wide association study to explore the genetic basis of maize sporopollenin composition and identified a vesicle-associated membrane protein (ZmVAMP726) that is strongly associated with lignin monomer composition of maize sporopollenin. Genetic manipulation of VAMP726 affected not only lignin monomer composition in sporopollenin but also pollen resistance to heat and UV radiation in maize and Arabidopsis, indicating that VAMP726 is functionally conserved in monocot and dicot plants. Our work provides new insight into the lignin monomers that serve as structural components of sporopollenin and characterizes VAMP726, which affects sporopollenin composition and stress resistance in pollen.

EVALUATION ON ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY AND ACTIVE COMPONENTS OF TRIGONA ITAMA PROPOLIS EXTRACT AND ITS POTENTIAL AS SARS-CoV2 INFECTION INHIBITORS

Propolis Trigona itama has a blackish brown color and has a bitter taste. Propolis contains immunomodulator, antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Efforts made to determine the potential of propolis require an extraction process. The extraction process aims to obtain propolis ready for consumption. Propolis has thermostable properties with a melting point of 60oC – 65oC, so it does not require high temperatures in the extraction process. The extraction process using MAE requires a faster time because the pressure and temperature can be controlled. This study used a factorial completely randomized design with 2 factors with 9 treatments and 3 replications. The data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variant (ANOVA). If there is a difference, it is continued with the DUNCAN multiple distance test. The results of the extraction using the MAE method of propolis have antioxidant activity using the DPPH method of 1,460µg/ml to 1,413 µg/ml which is expressed in IC50. Trigona itama propolis extract had an average antioxidant value of 0.22 µg/ml to 0.57 µg/ml using the FRAP method.There is a unique component in the GCMS results of Trigona itama propolis extract called bisalcofen.Bisalcofen is an active component which has antioxidant properties. The results of the bisalcofen docking score of -7.6 on the ACE2 protein. Bisalcofen has a stronger potency than umifenovir which can be used as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV2 infection.

INSILICO DETERMINATION OF ANTI CANCER ACTIVITY OF PHYTOCHEMICAL FROM CLOVE (Syzygium aromaticum L) SEED

Syzygium aromaticum seed from the family of Myrtaceae is a highly priced natural spice used in preparation of food which have been acclaimed and reported by previous researchers to have anticancer activities potentials. Due to the rising burden of cancer worldwide its severity and fatality coupled with side effects of synthetic drugs calls for an alternative treatment solution. Hence the current research studied the phytocompounds from the seed by extracting and screening the compounds using solvent maceration method and gas chromatography coupled to mass selective detector respectively to extract, identify and quantify the component phytochemicals present in the seed. Site directed multi-ligand docking of the identified compounds was performance on progesterone receptor protein responsible for breast cancer development using the compounds from GCMS results and compared with four standard breast cancer drugs by molecular docking method. The result showed that the alpha cubebene (-7 kcal/mol), Velerena -4, 7- (II) diene (-7.1 kcal/mol), caryophyllene (-7.4 kcal/mol), caryophyllene oxide (-7.4 kcal/mol), dibutyl phthalate have binding affinity close to the standard breast cancer drugs Abemaciclib (-8.3), Anastrozole (-7.2 kcal/mol) and Paclitaxel (-8.8 kcal/mol) and they have better binding affinity than the drug Cyclophasphamide (-5.6 kcal/mol). The result also revealed that some compounds from the GC-MS were found to have a binding affinity closer tothat of thecocrystallized ligand (-10.7 kcal/mol). Other compounds from clove seed showed favourable docking scores in comparison with the drugs as many of the compounds have docking scores of more than (-6 kcal/mol) suggesting that the compounds have anti breast cancer activities since their amino acids showed hydrogen bonding corresponding to that on the binding site

The dynamic change of flavor characteristics in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) during depuration uncovered by mass spectrometry-based metabolomics combined with gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS)

The flavor of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) significantly changed during the depuration process. This work aimed to explore the mechanism of flavor changes during the 72 h depuration by metabolomics combined with gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (GC-IMS). The metabolomics analysis indicated that carbohydrate metabolism was more affected in the early stage of depuration, including the citrate cycle, glyoxylae and dicarboxylate metabolism, etc. After 72 h depuration, it affected mainly the metabolism of global and overview maps and nucleoside metabolism, etc. The equivalent umami concentration (EUC) value was calculated and exhibited a gradual increase following a 48 h depuration. The GC–MS results revealed that the content of furans was the highest, and the content of aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols was the lowest after 48 h depuration, while the content of aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols increased after 72 h depuration. All these results suggested the depuration period was recommended to be controlled within 48 h.

Characterization of Volatile Flavor Compounds in Dry-Rendered Beef Fat by Different Solvent-Assisted Flavor Evaporation (SAFE) Combined with GC-MS, GC-O, and OAV.

To comprehensively understand the volatile flavor composition of dry-rendered beef fat, solvent-assisted flavor evaporation (SAFE) with four extraction solvents (dichloromethane, pentane, ethyl ether, and methanol) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography-olfactormetry (GC-O) were performed. GC-MS analysis found 96 different volatile compounds in total using the four extraction solvents. According to the GC-MS results and the heat map and principal component analysis (PCA), most of the volatile compounds resulted from dichloromethane and pentane extraction, followed by ethyl ether. Methanol extraction found a few volatile compounds of higher polarity, which was supplementary to the analysis results. Moreover, GC-O analysis found 73 odor-active compounds in total using the four extraction solvents. The GC-O results found that pentane and dichloromethane extraction had a significantly larger number of odor-active compounds than ethyl ether and methanol extraction. This indicated that pentane and dichloromethane were more effective solvents for the extraction of odor-active compounds than the other two solvents. Finally, a total of 15 compounds of odor-active values (OAVs) ≥ 1 were determined to be the key aroma compounds in the dry-rendered beef fat, including 2-methyl-3-furanthiol, 3-methylthiopropanal, (E,E)-2,4-nonadienal, 12-methyltridecanal, and 1-octen-3-one.

Preparation of Green Anti-Staphylococcus aureus Inclusion Complexes Containing Hinoki Essential Oil.

This study aimed to prepare anti-Staphylococcus aureus inclusion complexes (ICs) of Hinoki essential oil (HEO) with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (2-HP-β-CD). An ultrasound-assisted kneading method was applied for the complexation for the first time. The recovery yield, embedding fraction and loading capacity of the HEO/β-CD ICs were 92.5%, 78.0% and 11.9%, respectively, while the corresponding values were 80.8%, 73.7% and 12.9% for the HEO/2-HP-β-CD ICs. As well, a comparative study confirmed the efficiency of the ultrasound-assisted kneading method was higher than the traditional kneading method. The results of SEM, XRD, GC-MS and FT-IR suggested the successful formation of ICs. A significant anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity of the fabricated ICs was demonstrated using a colony counting method. Notably, when the dose in liquid culture medium was 20 g L-1, inhibitory rates of 99.8% for HEO/β-CD ICs and 100% for HEO/2-HP-β-CD ICs were achieved. Furthermore, the hydrophilic property of the ICs was proved by water contact angle measurements, implying they have the potential to act as anti-Staphylococcus aureus agents for blending with hydrophilic biodegradable materials for diverse food packaging utilizations.

Catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose: Investigation on furans selectivity with different zeolite structures at microporous scale

Furans, as high-value chemicals, are very important target products for catalytic pyrolysis of biomass. In this work, the comparative performance of several different zeolites (SAPO18, SAPO11, SAPO34, and SSZ13 with different Si/Al ratios) for catalytic pyrolysis of cellulose and hemicellulose to generate furan compounds was investigated. SSZ13 was firstly found to improve the selectivity of the catalytic conversion of cellulose and hemicellulose to furans with up to 51.83% and 70.03%, respectively. The high selectivity of SSZ-13 was attributed to its smaller crystal size and higher total acid. SAPO11 was found for the first time to have a positive effect on the conversion of 5-HMF to 5-MFF. Correlation analysis suggested that isomerization was the limiting step in converting the cellulose to furans, while dehydration may be the determining step for hemicellulose. GC-MS results indicated the compound in the inner surface after pyrolysis was dominated by polycyclic aromatics and no furans were detected, supporting the hypothesis that the furans were formed on the external surface of zeolite. The difference in mass transfer rates formed on the inner and outer surfaces of the microporous zeolites contributed to the generation and transfer of furans. Compared to complex multifunctional catalysts, simple zeolite structures may have more application potential.

An efficient approach to obtain essential oil, oleanoic acid, 3-O-acetyloleanolic acid and betulinic acid from fresh leaves of Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell. 'Revolution Gold' using microwave and gravity-assisted solvent-free distillation followed by extraction

A green and efficient microwave and gravity-assisted solvent-free distillation followed by extraction (MGSFDE) approach was presented to extract essential oil, oleanoic acid, 3-O-acetyloleanolic acid and betulinic acid from Melaleuca bracteata F. Muell. 'Revolution Gold' leaves. In this process, essential oils were obtained by solvent-free distillation with the synergistic action of microwave and gravity using in situ water in fresh plant cells. Meanwhile, most of the water contained in fresh plants is removed, which simplifies the operation for the subsequent extraction of strongly alcohol-soluble triterpenic acids such as oleanoic acid, 3-O-acetyloleanolic acid and betulinic acid (avoiding the drying process of plant materials), increasing the yield of triterpenic acid. For the extraction process of essential oil, the second-order kinetic model showed a better fit than the first-order kinetic model. Through single-factor, face-centered central composite design and BoxBehnken design, the operational parameters affecting MGSFDE were systematically optimized. Under optimized parameters, the yield of M. bracteata leaf essential oil was 6.05 ± 0.17 mL/kg DW, and the yields of oleanoic acid, 3-O-acetyloleanolic acid and betulinic acid were 28.99 ± 1.45, 9.21 ± 0.46 and 0.91 ± 0.05 mg/g DW, respectively. The types of compounds in the essential oil extracted at 540 W were the ones that were most similar to those in the traditional hydrodistillation (HD), and the relative content was higher, according to the results of GCMS, principal component analysis, and heatmap analysis. Because of its greater yields, lower power consumption, lower CO2 emissions, and lower water wastage, MGSFDE is assumed to be an effective and ecologically friendly extraction process with the potential to replace traditional methods and provides a great reference for extraction studies of other aromatic plants containing volatile and nonvolatile active ingredients.

PHYTOCHEMICAL, MINERAL, PROXIMATE ANALYSIS AND COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FTIR AND GCMS OF DIFFERENT EXTRACTS (ETHANOL, ETHYL ACETATE AND HEXANE) OF WONDERFUL KOLA SEED (Buchholzia coriacea)

Wonderful kola (Buchholzia coriacea) is geographically distributed in some African countries. The seed of the kola contain phytochemical compounds, while the essential oil contains several chemical compounds that depict the medicinal properties of the plant. Several traditional claims and scientific validations have been made on the efficacy of the seeds of the wonderful kola plant. It is a plant with lot of benefits on human. Phytochemical constituents have been reported in seed of wonderful kola. It is reported that the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycoside, steroids, legal test, reducing agent, alkaline and phenol in the seed of wonderful kola is important in our lives. The proximate analysis of moisture content and ash content showed that the wonderful kola seed consists of 80% moisture content and 34% ash content. Some Minerals are also present such as copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, lead and calcium in wonderful kola seed which helps the body in providing proteins and energy. The GC-MS and FTIR results revealed some of the compounds of pharmacological importance.

Study on antioxidant activity of Jujube seed oil

Jujube seed oil is pressed by Ziziphi Spinosae Semen，and widely cultivated in China with healthful. Here, we focused on illustrating the components and antioxidant activity of Jujube seed oil. The pressed oil was analyzed by GC-MS. The in vitro antioxidant activity was tested by free radical scavenging. The in vivo antioxidant activity was tested by using Saccharomyces cerevisiae model. The results of GC-MS showed that alkenes (e.g., d-limonene and α-farnesene) were the richest components of jujube seed oil. The experiments of in vitro and in vivo suggested that jujube seed oil possessed good antioxidant capacity. Treatment with Jujube seed oil counteracted oxidative stress-induced by lipid peroxidation and intracellular oxidation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Furthermore, experiments performed on missing strains of redox molecules showed that jujube seed oil-induced prevention against lipid peroxidation might be related to catalase encoded by cytosolic catalase T ctt1 gene. Taken together, our current data highlighted the antioxidant capacity of jujube seed oil. Interestingly the Ctt1 activity is vital in the mechanism associated with lipid peroxidation prevention of jujube seed oil.

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometric analysis and antioxidant property of leaf extracts of Chamaecrista rotundifolia

Chamaerista rotundifolia is a medicinal plant whose leaves are useful for the treatment of many diseases including cancer, diarrohea and pain. This plant is underexploited in the area of extraction and bioassays that will establish its efficacy. The aim of the present study is to determine the antibacterial and antioxidant properties as well as to analyze the chemical compositions of the extracts from the plant leaves through the use of Gas chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC- MS) technique. The antibacterial activity of n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of the plant was tested against six (6) strains of bacteria named Pseudominas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aerus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterococcus faecalis, and Escherichia coli. The extracts of the plant exhibited no significant antibacterial property on the tested organisms. The result of antioxidant activity (using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging) revealed that Chamaecrista rotundifolia ethyl acetate extract has low antioxidant properties due to its high (>1164.878), and negative (< 0) Inhibition Concentration at 50% values for antioxidant. However, the methanol extract exhibited antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 5 μg/mL, which is comparable to that of ascorbic acid, 2.55 μg/mL. The GC-MS results of this extract showed that it contains some bioactive compounds. Meanwhile, the ethyl acetate extract of the plant contains 75 chemical compounds, 4 of which are principal constituents, 6 are minor and others are trace. The chloroform extract of C. rotundifolia leaf was, however, inactive in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria as the extract also had a high inhibition value when compared with the inhibition concentration at 50%, which shows its low level of antioxidant activity. Our results of antibacterial activity were found not promising while the antioxidant activity on its own showed an interesting result that could be useful in the prevention of oxidative stress side effects and cancer related diseases.

Adsorbing Volatile Organic Compounds within Bitumen Improves Colloidal Stability and Air Quality

The mass loss of bitumen due to volatilization is one of the deterioration mechanisms through which the chemical composition of bitumen deviates from its original condition, leading to change in the physical and rheological properties of bitumen. The emissions from bitumen not only accelerate its aging but also negatively impact air quality and consequently human health. Here, we characterized the molecular compositions of the volatiles emitted from bitumen in an isothermal aging process (150 °C for 24 h). We also investigated the impact of losing these compounds on the association behavior of asphaltene stacks. Based on the GC-MS results, the main mass loss of SARA (saturates, aromatics, resins, asphaltenes) fractions is attributed to the emission of lightweight nonpolar aromatic and aliphatic compounds. The most dominant volatiles are single-ring aromatics carrying short side chains, followed by saturated and unsaturated aliphatic compounds including short-chain n-alkanes, iso-alkanes, cyclic alkenes, alkenes, and dienes. Using molecular modeling in the framework of density functional theory (DFT), we showed how the reduction in aromatics and saturates can impact the colloidal stability of asphaltenes in the matrix of bitumen. Based on the DFT results, the surface adsorption of aromatics and saturates on asphaltene planes provides the steric repulsion required to maintain the asphaltene planes at a distance sufficient to inhibit their agglomeration. In addition, aromatic molecules with the least hindrance repulsion can disturb the π–π interfacial interactions between asphaltene planes, facilitating their deagglomeration. Therefore, a direct consequence of the mass loss of bitumen due to volatilization is disturbing the asphaltene distribution within the bitumen and stimulating the aggregation of asphaltenes. We also studied the merits of incorporating biochar into the bitumen surface to reduce bitumen’s mass loss. Modification of bitumen separately with each of six biochars derived from biomass feedstocks (walnut shell, peanut shell, Douglas fir, pine bark, birch, and algae) showed the efficacy of each biochar to reduce the volatiles emitted from bitumen, thereby reducing the changes in the composition of maltene with consequent colloidal stability losses. The study outcomes highlight the importance of reducing emissions from bitumen to delay its aging and minimize negative impacts on air quality and human health.

A Composite Whole-Biomass Tannin–Sucrose–Soy Protein Wood Adhesive with High Performance

Whole-biomass adhesives are the research hotspot of wood adhesives andcan improve the competitiveness of adhesives. The tannin–sucrose adhesive studied by our research group shows good bonding performance, but poor bonding stability induced by low viscosity. In this study, the tannin–sucrose adhesive was modified by isolated soybean protein (SPI), the effect of the SPI substitution ratio for tannin on the properties of the tannin–sucrose–SPI composite adhesive was investigated, and the bonding mechanism was explored using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetry (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (GC–MS). The results showed that: (1) when the SPI substitution ratio was above 40%, the viscosity of the composite adhesive increased significantly, which effectively avoided adhesive leakage. (2) The tannin–sucrose–SPI composite adhesive displayed high bonding performance and water resistance. (3) The FTIR and GC–MS results revealed that the curing mechanism of the tannin–sucrose–SPI adhesive was very complicated, but it was certain that the conversion of sucrose into furan compounds, especially 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), was the core of the cross-linking reaction of the adhesive when elevating temperature. (4) The macromolecules and high reactivity of SPI compensated for the shortage of high temperature required for the conversion of sucrose into furanic cross-linkers so that the tannin–sucrose–SPI adhesive experienced an efficient curing reaction at a low temperature, and the reaction degree and thermal stability of the curing product increased.

Efficient degradation of benzalkonium chloride by FeMn-CA300 catalyst activated persulfate process: Surface hydroxyl potentiation mechanism and degradation pathway

The consumption of disinfectants increased dramatically with the outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic. Benzalkonium chloride (DDBAC), a cationic surfactant disinfectant for import and export cargoes, is used for effective degradation method. For DDBAC effective degradation, polyhedral Fe–Mn bimetallic catalyst of Prussian blue analogue (FeMn-CA300) was novelty developed for rapid peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation. Results showed that the Fe/Mn redox and surface hydroxyl groups in the catalyst played an important role in the DDBAC-enhanced degradation. The removal effectiveness of 10 mg L−1 DDBAC was up to 99.4% in 80 min under the initial pH = 7, catalyst dosage of 0.4 g L−1, and PMS concentration of 15 mmol L−1. In addition, FeMn-CA300 had a wide pH applicability range. The results indicated that hydroxyls, sulfate radicals, and singlet oxygen could effectively improve the degradation efficiency, where sulfate radicals played a crucial role. Finally, the corresponding degradation path of DDBAC was further provided according to GC-MS results. The results of this study provide new insights into the degradation of DDBAC, thereby highlighting the great potential of FeMnca300/PMS to control refractory organic compounds in the aqueous phase.

The effect of Lavandula Coronopifolia essential oil on the biophysical properties of desensitization and deactivation gating currents in ionotropic receptors

The rising incidence of cancer and the lack of effective therapeutic interventions for many neurological illnesses like Alzheimer's and epilepsy has prompted us to investigate the composition and effects of the Lavandula coronopifolia oil from Palestine on cancer cells and AMPA receptor subunits in the brain due to the vast range of beneficial properties of Lavandula coronopifolia essential oil (EO). GC/MS was used to analyze L. coronopifolia's EO chemistry. EO's cytotoxicity and biophysical effects on AMPA receptors were investigated using MTS and electrophysiological techniques. The GC–MS results revealed that L. coronopifolia EO has a high content of eucalyptol (77.23%), β-pinene (6.93%), and α-pinene (4.95%). The EO showed more significant antiproliferative selectivity activities against HepG2 cancer cell lines than HEK293T cell lines with IC50 values of 58.51 and 133.22 µg/mL, respectively. The EO of L. coronopifolia affected AMPA receptor kinetics (desensitization and deactivation) and preferred homomeric GluA1 and heteromeric GluA1/A2 receptors. These findings indicate the potential therapeutic use of L. coronopifolia EO in the selective treatment of HepG2 cancer cell lines and neurodegenerative diseases.