Single Extraction Research Articles

Recovery of rare earths from end-of-life NdFeB permanent magnets from wind turbines.

This work aims to recover rare earths from wind turbines NdFeB magnets through pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical techniques. First, a NdFeB hydride powder is obtained by decrepitation with hydrogen. Subsequently, this powder was subjected to a chlorination roasting process and successive leaching with water to bring the metals into solution. This was followed by a liquid-liquid extraction to remove the iron and purify the rare earth solution. For this purpose, Aliquat 336 diluted in Solvesso was selected as the iron selective extraction agent. As a single extraction was not enough for complete iron removal, a second Fe extraction step was carried out. This second extraction step was performed using the restored organic phase. This restoration was achieved by treating the organic phase with Na2SO3 and then washing it with a 3M HCl solution. In this way, the process was achieved more sustainably. Finally, the rare earths contained in the final solution were precipitated using oxalic acid to obtain mixed rare earth oxalates.

Boron Behaviors in Upland Humid Tropical Soils: A Case of Plant-Available Implication for Cassava

ABSTRACT Understanding the role of soil boron (B) through its reaction, mobility, and availability could provide effective B nutritional management for a cassava crop (Manihot esculenta crantz). This study investigated a soil B status suitable method for making B fertilizer recommendation through determining the B sorption index and the chemical fractionation of soil B and available B in soils, using single extractants in 11 benchmark soils intensively cultivated for cassava in northeast, Thailand. All soils studied were considered low B-sorbed soils that were equally well described using either Langmuir or Freundlich models, with respective adsorption capacities of 2.00–17.22 mg kg−1 and 0.91–4.31 L mg−1. The B desorption index exhibited hysteresis desorption behavior for all soils. Boron adsorption by the soils significantly showed a positive correlation (>0.75, p ≤ .01) with organic carbon, silt, amorphous aluminum, and silicon contents. Of the total B, the native B pool in the soils was mostly in the residual fraction, contributing 70–80%, while the readily soluble fraction contributed only 0.07–0.59%. Among the soil extractants tested, only hot CaCl2 and NH4OAc adequately assessed soil B availability for cassava, while they were less extractability to extract B from total B. Chemical fractions of B could all be used for available B assessment for cassava with a residual B fraction being superior, although this was unlikely to contribute significantly to plant-available B in the short term, but it was a potential B reserve that could maintain adequate B status in the long term throughout the cassava growing period.

Boosting Therapeutic Effect of Turmeric, Coffee, and Chili Extracts Through Experimental Design and Encapsulation as Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Novel Heath Supplements.

This study investigates the potential synergistic effects of extracts from Curcuma longa (turmeric), Coffea arabica (Arabica coffee beans), and Capsicum annuum (chili peppers) in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are associated with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Using a systematic design of experiment (DoE) optimization approach, an optimal extract ratio of 1:3:4 (turmeric: coffee: chili) was identified. The efficacy of the extract combination was assessed through various antioxidant assays, inhibition of inflammation-related gene expression, and safety testing via the 3-(4,5-dimethylthazolk-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The extract combination showed higher antioxidant activity and comparable anti-inflammatory effects relative to each single extract. Additionally, the extract combination demonstrated effective activity compared with turmeric extract while using a lower concentration, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity. The optimized extract combination was successfully incorporated into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with a hydrodynamic diameter of 258.0 ± 10.2 nm, which effectively redisperses after the spray-drying process with increased diameter to 349.8 ± 49.6 nm. Under stress conditions, the stability of curcumin and capsaicin in dried-NLCs was maintained. In summary, the optimized extract-loaded NLCs formulation, achieved through a multistage approach, shows promise in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a valuable daily dietary supplement.

New easy lab methods for the extraction of phycobiliproteins and pigments from cyanobacteria

Abstract Cyanobacteria are a source of a variety of valuable substances. These include extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and natural dyes. EPS are produced by cyanobacteria to protect themselves against environmental stresses, serve as a water reservoir, and play an essential role in the formation of biofilms. They can be used, for example, due to their antimicrobial properties. Cyanobacteria are phototrophic organisms and synthesize the pigments chlorophyll a and carotenoids for photosynthesis. However, they also possess other light-harvesting complexes in the form of phycobilisomes, which combine with proteins to form so-called phycobiliproteins (PBP). These enable cyanobacteria to utilize a larger light spectrum than plants. Both the pigments and the PBP can be used as natural colorants and offer antioxidant properties, among other things, which enables applications in medicine. Methods for the combined extraction of EPS, PBP, and pigments have already been described in the literature. Still, in this work, the methods were simplified and optimized to obtain the best possible method for use in the laboratory. The optimized downstream process is based on an extraction of the EPS with deionized water followed by an extraction of the PBP with potassium phosphate buffer and finally the extraction of the pigments with methanol. The PBP and pigments are extracted by adding fixed ratios of solvents followed by a single extraction for a certain period. The universal applicability was demonstrated over a broad biomass spectrum from 4 mg to 80 mg dry mass and the method was transferred to several cyanobacterial strains.

Single-Animal, Single-Tube RNA Extraction for Comparison of Relative Transcript Levels via qRT-PCR in the Tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris.

The tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris is an emerging model organism renowned for its ability to survive environmental extremes. To explore the molecular mechanisms and genetic basis of such extremotolerance, many studies rely on RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), which can be performed on populations ranging from large cohorts to individual animals. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNA interference (RNAi) are subsequently used to confirm RNA-seq findings and assess the genetic requirements for candidate genes, respectively. Such studies require an efficient, accurate, and affordable method for RNA extraction and measurement of relative transcript levels by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). This work presents an efficient single-tardigrade, single-tube RNA extraction method (STST) that not only reliably isolates RNA from individual tardigrades but also reduces the required time and cost for each extraction. This RNA extraction method yields quantities of cDNA that can be used to amplify and detect multiple transcripts by quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). The method is validated by analyzing dynamic changes in the expression of genes encoding two heat-shock-regulated proteins, Heat-Shock Protein 70 β2 (HSP70 β2) and Heat-Shock Protein 90α (HSP90α), making it possible to assess their relative expression levels in heat-exposed individuals using qRT-PCR. STST effectively complements existing bulk and single tardigrade RNA extraction methods, permitting rapid and affordable examination of individual tardigrade transcriptional levels by qRT-PCR.

Analysis of multi-class unregulated organic compounds in soil and biosolids using LC-MS/MS.

Numerous unregulated organic compounds (UOCs) including pharmaceuticals, opioids, and personal care products (PCPs) end up in wastewater. UOC presence in biosolids (a wastewater treatment byproduct), which are applied to soil for different reasons raises environmental and health risk concerns. In this study, two multi-class extraction methods were developed and validated to target 111 UOCs from 8 different major families simultaneously in biosolids and biosolids-impacted soil. One method (M-SPE) is a modified version of EPA 1694, that uses triple solid-liquid extraction and solid phase extraction (SPE). The second method (EMR) is a super-fast method consisting in a single solvent extraction and EMR (enhanced matrix removal)-Lipid dispersive SPE. M-SPE performed better overall with 72 and 54 UOCs extracted with 50-130% recovery for soil and biosolids, respectively, compared to EMR for which only 49 and 43 UOCs achieved within the same range, respectively. EMR performed particularly well for the extraction of low concentration opioids from biosolids. The use of ENVI-Carb as an additional cleanup step and its potential to sorb analytes was also evaluated. Although > 75% sorption of 27 UOCs occurred, ENVI-Carb (graphitized carbon) was needed to sufficiently clean extracts prior to injection to avoid precipitation and protect analytical systems. Application of these methods to environmental samples resulted in detection of some flame retardants, opioids, pharmaceuticals, PCPs and phthalates totaling 29 and 22 UOCs in biosolids and soil historically applied with biosolids, respectively. This methodology will be an asset to determining UOC concentrations in biosolids and biosolids-impacted soils.

Modulating Crystal Structure and Lithium-ion Storage Performance of High-Entropy Oxide (CrMnFeCoNiZn)3O4 by Single Element Extraction

Modulating Crystal Structure and Lithium-ion Storage Performance of High-Entropy Oxide (CrMnFeCoNiZn)3O4 by Single Element Extraction

Development and validation of a robust single extraction method for analysis of PAHs, HBCD, BDE, and PCBs in the coastal environment.

Monitoring persistent organic pollutants (POPs) with endocrine-disrupting properties poses significant analytical challenges due to labor-intensive, costly, and environmentally unsustainable procedures. This study developed an efficient and robust approach for the simultaneous detection of diverse groups of semi-volatile organics in water and sediment samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Two extraction methods were studied for determining POPs in water and sediments. For water samples, the solid phase extraction (SPE) method was followed, while for sediments the sonication method was followed by using different solvents. The methods showed good accuracy, with recoveries of 96.41-100% for water and 85.65-100% for sediments, and relative standard deviations under 20%. In greywater, recoveries were 99.14-100% with a relative standard deviation under 18%, and in wastewater, recoveries were 90.52-98.63% with a relative standard deviation under 14%. Detection limits for water samples ranged from 0.023 to 0.037 μg L-1, while for sediments the detection limit ranges from 0.021 to 0.057 μg kg-1. These extraction methods are used to confirm the presence of POPs in environmental samples from the Gulf of Khambat, thereby validating their effectiveness and robustness for analyzing diverse environmental matrices and demonstrating their applicability in comprehensive environmental monitoring programs.

Advancing anthocyanin extraction: Optimising solvent, preservation, and microwave techniques for enhanced recovery from merlot grape Marc.

Grape marc, a by-product of winemaking, is a rich source of bioactive compounds, yet efficient extraction methods suitable for industrial application remain underexplored. This study presents an integrated, three-stage approach to optimise the extraction of anthocyanins, phenolics, and tannins from Merlot grape marc. In the first stage, 12 solvents were evaluated using conventional solvent extraction, with 50% ethanol (EtOH) acidified with hydrochloric acid (HCl) achieving the highest anthocyanin recovery after eight extraction cycles (0.66g/kg of grape marc), followed by formic acid (0.59g/kg) and citric acid (0.58g/kg) treatments. The second stage assessed drying methods across eight temperatures combined with a single extraction cycle using 50% EtOH HCl, identifying 70°C as the optimal heat-drying condition (1.23g/kg total anthocyanins, 0.4g/kg monomeric anthocyanins). Freeze-drying at -105°C (TN105) with a prewash step (SRT105) further enhanced anthocyanin yields (2.24g/kg total anthocyanins, 0.69g/kg monomeric anthocyanins). In the final stage, microwave-assisted extraction significantly increased recovery, with SRT105-MW in 50% EtOH HCl yielding 8.07g/100g total phenolics, 5.76g/100g tannins, 3.7g/kg total anthocyanins, and 2.8g/kg monomeric anthocyanins. This optimised method preserved anthocyanin composition, including malvidin- and peonidin-3-glucosides (585 and 560mg/kg, respectively), along with cyanidin-, delphinidin-, and petunidin-3-glucosides (463, 360, and 257mg/kg, respectively), as well as 66-99mg/kg of acylated and 37-60mg/kg of coumaroylated anthocyanins. Citric acid (50% EtOH CA) demonstrated potential as a sustainable alternative, achieving ∼90% of the anthocyanin yield of HCl treatments. These findings offer a practical, scalable framework for industrial anthocyanin recovery, advancing sustainable utilisation of grape marc.

In Vitro Assessment of Antimicrobial Activity and Synergistic Effects of Ethanolic Extracts from Six Medicinal Plants

This in vitro experimental study examines and evaluates the antimicrobial and synergistic effects of the ethanolic extract of six plants: Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod, Bauhinia malabarica Roxb, Carthamus tinctorius L., Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth, Hibiscus sabdariffa L., and Piper nigrum L. against common microbial species representing gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi, consisting of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The plants were extracted using 90% ethanol. According to the standard method of agar diffusion assay, the micro-dilution method for minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. This study found that among the six plants, only B. sappan and B. malabarica exhibited moderate inhibitory effects against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. B. sappan had MIC values of 250 µg/ mL and 125 µg/ mL, respectively, and B. malabarica showed MIC values of 62.50 µg/ mL and 31.25 µg/ mL, respectively. The synergistic effects of a combination of B. sappan and B. malabarica extracts at a ratio of 25:75 were analyzed, and it was found that the combination inhibited S. aureus and S. epidermidis with MIC values of 250 µg/ mL and 125 µg/ mL, respectively. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) and the fractional bactericidal concentration index (FBCI) indicated antagonistic or synergistic effects of the combination, with FICI and FBCI values of 2.5–5.0 for both B. sappan and B. malabarica extracts in the 25:75 mixture. In conclusion, single plant ethanolic extracts of B. sappan and B. malabarica possess potent antimicrobial activity to varying degrees. However, the antimicrobial potency of the 25:75 ratio mixture of these extracts was shown to decrease against the same organisms, with in vitro antimicrobial activity and antagonistic effects observed only against the tested gram-positive bacteria.

Simulation of Triglyceride Purification from Crude Palm Oil using Single Solvent Continuous Counter Current Extraction

As the world’s largest crude palm oil (CPO) producer, Indonesia focuses on palm research, such as CPO-based cooking oil production. Generally, the widely applied production process in the industry is refining, which has several disadvantages, such as low energy efficiency and monochloropropane-1,2-diol (MCPD) formation. Under such conditions, CPO-based cooking oil production methods have been developed, with the continuous countercurrent extraction (CCE) method is considered the most effective for purifying triglyceride (TAG) as the main content of CPO-based cooking oil. The minimum content of TAG in cooking oil is 96% by mass according to SNI 7709:2019 (Indonesian cooking oil standard). Hence, to obtain the optimal production process that meets that standard, a simulation of TAG purification from CPO using the CCE method with a single solvent was conducted. This simulation obtained thermodynamic properties that correspond to the experimental extraction process, in which an industrial scale up can be acquired. The precise thermodynamic properties resulted from the precise selection of property package and Binary Interaction Parameter (BIP) estimation, and those are important because in this extraction process, liquid-liquid equilibrium works. This research used combinations of two property packages: Non-Random Two Liquid (NRTL) and Universal Quasi Chemical (UNIQUAC) and three BIP estimation methods: UNIQUAC functional activity coefficients (UNIFAC), UNIFAC-Lyngby, and UNIFAC-Dortmund. The simulation results were validated using existing experiments with statistical analysis such as relative error, R-Square, and p-value. The most valid simulation results were obtained by NRTL property package and UNIFAC-Lyngby BIP estimation and can be used to develop this TAG purification.

Combined Solid‐Phase Extraction of Organic, Organic Peroxide, and Inorganic Explosives for Post‐Blast Residue Analysis

ABSTRACTPost‐blast explosives residue may contain organic and/or inorganic explosives. Current methods employed involve splitting the sample swab in two for syringe extraction for each explosive type (acetone for organics, water for inorganics). A comprehensive solid‐phase extraction (SPE) trace sample clean‐up procedure for the combined recovery of 12 organic, 2 organic peroxide, and 15 inorganic analytes from explosives residue on cotton swabs is demonstrated and validated. By keeping the sample whole and using a single extraction process, the proposed method saves time, provides a more representative sample, and increases the possibility of detecting explosives that might be present on collection swabs. Thus, recoveries are improved for one class of explosives without sacrificing recoveries of another analyte or explosives class in the process. Extractions were demonstrated by syringe filtration and SPE from cotton balls (CBs) and cotton‐tipped applicators (CAs). For SPE of both matrices, organic explosives (nitramines, nitrate esters, nitroalkanes, and nitroaromatics) had a limit of detection (LOD) of 500 ppb or lower, organic peroxides had higher LODs at 5 ppm or lower, and most inorganic anions and cations had LODs at 1 ppm or lower. Application to 32 post‐blast samples, 9 burned powders simulating post‐blast, and 1 pre‐blast sample successfully demonstrated the SPE method with both cotton matrices in a comparison study of the two extraction procedures. SPE resulted in a lower false screen rate (number of compounds that met the screening criteria, but not confirmed present) when compared to syringe extraction.

Development, validation, and clinical application of LC-MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of ibrutinib, zanubrutinib, orelabrutinib, acalabrutinib, and their active metabolites in patients with B-cell lymphoma.

Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors (BTKis) exhibit significant interindividual pharmacokinetics, making therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) a promising approach for personalized therapy. However, simultaneous quantification of multiple BTKis poses technical challenges. A unified protocol for BTKis detection would be clinically desirable. Herein, we developed and validated a novel LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous analysis of four BTKis including ibrutinib (IBR), zanubrutinib (ZAN), orelabrutinib (ORE), and acalabrutinib (ACB) and active metabolite of IBR and ACB (DIH and ACBM, respectively) in human plasma. The samples were prepared by liquid-liquid extraction using tert-butyl methyl ether. Ibrutinb-d4 (IS) was used as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was obtained on an XBridge C18 column and connected to an LC-30AD system coupled to an API 4000+ mass spectrometer. The mobile phase comprised 10 mM ammonium acetate containing 0.1% formic acid and acetonitrile containing 0.1% formic acid. The optimized multiple reaction monitoring transitions of m/z 441.4 → 138.3, 475.4 → 304.2, 472.5 → 455.5, 428.3 → 411.5, 466.1 → 372.2, 482.2 → 388.4, and 445.5 → 142.5 were selected to inspect IBR, DIH, ZAN, ORE, ACB, ACBM, and IS, respectively. The method exhibited linearity from 1 to 1000 ng/mL (r > 0.99) for all analytes, with intra-day and inter-day precision of 1.8 to 9.7% and accuracy below 15%. Recovery ranged from 90.4 to 113.6%, and matrix effect varied from 89.3 to 111.0%. All compounds demonstrated stability under relevant conditions. Application of the method to 57 blood samples from 18 patients demonstrated high interpatient variability, with ORE plasma concentrations ranging from 25.6 to 89.9%. The validated LC-MS/MS method provides a feasible, specific, and rapid approach for quantification of BTKis in clinical settings. Simultaneous determination of four BTKis and their metabolites in a single extraction process and chromatographic run reduces analysis time, cost, and resources. The observed variability among individuals highlights the value of TDM for personalized treatment.

Iodine Accumulation and Distribution in Carrots (Daucus carota L.)

Iodine is a critical trace element necessary for human and animal health owing to its role in thyroid hormone synthesis. Despite its importance, iodine deficiency remains a global health concern. Traditional methods to address this issue, such as salt iodization, face challenges like iodine loss during storage and cooking. The biofortification of plants, particularly carrots, offers a promising alternative. This study investigates iodine accumulation and distribution in carrots biofortified with potassium iodide (KI) and potassium iodate (KIO3) using single extraction at elevated temperatures with tetramethylammonium hydroxide followed by iodine determination by ICP-MS. Results show that iodine biofortification significantly increases the iodine content of various parts of the carrot, especially the leaves and the root peels. Carrots treated with iodate accumulate 2.7 times more iodine than those treated with iodide. The leaves exhibit the highest iodine content, particularly in iodate-treated plants, where levels can be over 24 times higher than those of control carrots. Root peel and roots also accumulate substantial amounts of iodine, with the iodate treatment resulting in 5.42 mg·kg−1 and 3.75 mg·kg−1 dry weight, respectively. The potential application of biofortified carrots can help meet human dietary iodine requirements; additionally, iodine-rich carrot leaves as livestock feed offer a sustainable approach to increasing the iodine intake in animals.

Efficacy of Single Love Garlic Extract on Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SCGE-SNEDDS) on Cytokine Expression In Vitro

Efficacy of Single Love Garlic Extract on Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SCGE-SNEDDS) on Cytokine Expression In Vitro

Femoral stem extraction devices.

As the number of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures continues to increase, so too does the demand for revision surgery, with a 43-70% rise in revision THA anticipated by 2030. Femoral stem extraction in revision THA is particularly challenging and may lead to complications like femoral bone loss or fractures. However, increasing catalogue of femoral stems available for primary and revision THA has led technological advances in extraction devices to potentially overcome these limitations. This review aims to discuss the identification of femoral implants and the various femoral stem extraction devices currently available. A scoping review of current literature was conducted to explore currently available femoral extraction devices. The devices not available in literature but used in clinical practice have also been included. This review focused on the technical components, advantages, and limitations of different femoral extraction tools, including osteotomes, reciprocating saws, high-speed burrs, trephines, and extraction systems like the Watson Extraction System, Exodus Revision Hip System, Shukla Hip Universal Stem Extraction System, and DePuy Synthes Extractors. Identifying femoral implants is a critical step in preoperative planning to allow for appropriate equipment to be available during revision surgery. The present review highlights that no single extraction device is universally applicable. Tools like flexible osteotomes, burrs, and trephines offer versatility but may risk bone damage. Advanced systems like the Watson Extraction System and Shukla Hip Universal Stem Extraction System provide more precise extraction, reducing the likelihood of cortical perforations and decreasing operative time. Efficient femoral stem extraction in rTHA is essential for managing complications and preserving bone stock. While traditional tools remain valuable, the development of specialized extraction systems offers improved precision and efficiency. Preoperative planning, including accurate implant identification, and the selection of appropriate extraction devices are crucial for successful outcomes in revision hip arthroplasty.

Validation of the 11+ Myco MS-PREP® Method for Determination of Aflatoxins, Fumonisins, Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, Zearalenone, HT-2, and T-2 Toxins in Cereals, Baby Food, Spices, and Animal Feed by Immunoaffinity Column with LC-MS/MS: AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM 112401.

The 11+Myco MS-PREP® Immunoaffinity Column (IAC) contains a gel suspension of monoclonal antibodies specific to the toxins of interest. Following sample extraction, the IAC is used for cleanup and concentration of mycotoxins prior to analysis by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). This study evaluated the IAC with LC-MS/MS method for Performance Tested Methods SM certification for simultaneous determination and confirmation of Aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, G2, and M1; Deoxynivalenol, Fumonisins B1, B2, and B3; Ochratoxin A; T-2; HT-2; and Zearalenone from corn, wheat, cereal-based baby food (with and without dairy ingredients), paprika, chili powder and animal feed. A single extraction method using 50% Acetonitrile and water was used for all matrixes. The Method Developer validated all matrixes and an independent laboratory verified method performance on corn and animal feed. Data were analyzed for recovery, repeatability precision, LOD, LOQ, confirmation of identity, and method selectivity. Recovery (72%-138%) and repeatability (0.46%-24%), with the exception of sporadic data points, were within acceptance criteria. LOQ was estimated as AFB1 0.018-0.32 ꙡg/kg, AFB2 0.037-0.28 ꙡg/kg, AFG1 0.019-0.14 ꙡg/kg, AFG2 0.036-0.28 ꙡg/kg, DON 4.0-75 ꙡg/kg, Fumonisin B1 4.9-37 ꙡg/kg, Fumonisin B2 4.0-32 ꙡg/kg, Fumonisin B3 2.0-16 ꙡg/kg, OTA 0.15-4.4 ꙡg/kg, T-2 0.5-7.5 ꙡg/kg, HT-2 0.70- 7.5 ꙡg/kg), and ZON 1.3-7.2 ꙡg/kg), depending on matrix. Method performance was verified with reference and quality control materials. Selectivity and confirmation of identity were also demonstrated. The 11+Myco MS-PREP® IAC with LC-MS/MS method demonstrated acceptable performance for simultaneous determination of 12 mycotoxins in 7 matrixes. The data were reviewed by the AOAC Performance Tested Methods SM Program and approval was granted for certification of the 11+Myco MS-PREP® Method as PTM 112401.

Physicochemical characteristics and anti-inflammatory properties of Zophobas morio (super mealworm) protein extracted by different methods.

In this study, Zophobas morio protein (ZMP) was extracted via combining alkaline extraction with ultrasound-assisted (AE-UAE) or microwave-assisted (AE-MAE) extraction in comparison with their respective single extraction methods and conventional method. AE-UAE and AE-MAE exhibited a higher extraction yield (40.68% and 36.80%, respectively) than single methods and conventional method (29.19%-35.89%). SDS-PAGE showed AE-UAE and AE-MAE induced new formation of smaller molecular weight proteins. Moreover, the hybrid methods decreased α-helix content, whereas increased β-sheet by unfolding the structure of ZMPs. ZMPs demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties by ameliorating LPS-induced macrophage activation and subsequent excessive expression of immune modulators in RAW264.7 cells. Notably, at 200μg/mL, AE-UAE protein reduced approximately 65% of nitric oxide and 85% of iNOS expression, decreased TNF-α secretion by 35% and IL-6 secretion by 68%, and decreased CD80 expression by 50%. In conclusion, the proposed hybrid methods are applicable for efficient extraction of ZMP with improved biological activities.

In vitro Evaluation of Antifungal Activities of Zingiber officinale (Ginger) and Allium sativum (Garlic) Extracts on Fungal Isolates from Tinea Capitis

Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro antifungal activities of garlic and ginger extracts against fungal isolates from Tinea capitis. Study Design: This was cross-sectional research. Place and Duration of Study: Scalp scrapping samples were collected from village primary school children with Tinea capitis in Ebonyi state, Nigeria, while fresh garlic and ginger samples were purchased from Ogige market in Nsukka, Enugu state, Nigeria. The analyses were done in Microbiology laboratory, University of Nigeria, Nsukka from June to September, 2023. Methodology: Forty samples of scalp scrapings collected from the head were cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The isolates were identified using biochemical tests and head perforation test. Methanol and water were used in the extraction of the phytoconstituents of the plant samples. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out on the plant extracts. The antifungal activities of the extracts, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) were also determined. Results: The phytochemical analysis indicated that both plant extracts contain saponins, flavonoids, glycosides, tannins, terpenoids, alkaloids and phenols. Two fungi species isolated were identified as Trichophyton spp and Microsporum spp. At dilutions of 400, 200, 100 and 50mg/ml, the methanolic extracts of the garlic had inhibition zone diameters (IZD) of 35, 30, 25 and 20 mm respectively on the Trichophyton spp whereas ginger had IZD of 25, 20, 15 and 13 mm respectively. On the other hand, the methanol extracts of ginger and garlic gave IZDs of 25, 20, 14, 12mm and 36, 28, 25, 21mm respectively on Microsporum spp. The methanol extracts of both plants were found to be more effective than their aqueous extracts. However, the garlic extracts had better antifungal effects on the two isolates than the ginger extracts. The combined extracts had better antifungal activities; at the various dilutions of 400, 200, 100 and 50mg/ml, it gave IZDs of 38, 32, 28 and 23mm on the Trichophyton spp compared to the single extracts. Conclusion: Both Allium sativum and Zingiber officinale were similarly active against Tinea capitis isolates. However, garlic was found to be more active than ginger, but have synergistic effect on each other. This study underscores the antifungal efficacies of A. sativum and Z. officinale as potential sources of novel anti-ringworm drugs especially when combined together.

Aging Process Reduces Arsenic Availability in Precipitates Due to Mineralogical Transformations in Fe and Al (Hydr)oxides

ABSTRACT Crystallinity changes of iron (hydr)oxides can occur due to many factors such as pH alterations, temperature, and aging. These alterations can influence solubility and therefore, the mobilization of potentially toxic elements (PTE) that are associated to iron (Fe) compounds. In this study, precipitates of pure and aluminum (Al) – iron (hydr)oxides with isomorphic substitution that were coprecipitated with arsenic (As) were evaluated regarding As availability and bioaccessibility after 7 years of aging. Both Fe (II) and Fe (III) were used, and both speciation of As were assessed: As (III) and As (V). Chemical composition of these compounds was assessed by using aqua regia and HNO3 digestion. Single chemical extractions with Mehlich-1, CaCl2 (0.01 M), citric acid (2%) and HNO3 0.43 M were performed to evaluate availability and bioaccessibility of As. The leaching behavior of the synthetic compounds was repeated in the aged compounds, compared with the fresh precipitates. Crystallinity of iron (hydr)oxides was tested by dithionite-citrate-bicarbonate and oxalate extractions. The association between As and well crystallized iron oxides is greater when aluminum is in the system, while in the absence of Al, As associated more with oxides of lower crystallinity. Leaching of As was greater in fresh precipitated materials when the primary source was Fe (III), while the aging process did not affect the Fe (II) precipitates. This study reinforces the importance of the long-term evaluation of iron compounds when incorporating trace elements, since the mobilization of them can promote health injuries.