Solvents Of Different Polarity Research Articles

Identification and quantification of bioactive compounds indifferent extracts of <i>morinda lucida</i> benth (rubiaceae) root using GC–MS analysis

This study aims to analyze and describe the chemical constituents of various crude extracts derived from the root of Morinda lucida Benth (Rubiaceae), an ethnomedicinal plant commonly found in Nigeria. The root of Morinda lucida was dried at room temperature and pulverized into powder. The soxhlet extraction technique was used with solvents of different polarities, namely hexane, chloroform, and methanol, to obtain three distinct extracts. Subsequently, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was carried out on the extracts. A total of 69 compounds were identified from the different extracts of M. lucida root. The hexane extract had 3 major compounds and 8 minor ones, with diethyl phthalate being the most prominent with 87.10% peak area. The chloroform extract had 24 compounds, with phthalic acid, 2-Ethylhexyl isohexyl ester being the highest with 16.61% peak area. Six of these compounds had more than 5%, while the remaining 18 ranged from 2.50% to 1.00%. The ethanol extract contained 36 compounds, with 6 compounds being greater than 5% and the remaining 30 less than 5%. The highest percentage in the ethanol extract was 2-Pyrrolidinone, 1-methyl-, at 16.05%. In terms of the biological and pharmacology benefits, these chemicals are regarded as crucial. Also, each of the three extracts has a few similarities in their physicochemical properties that can be related to the natural substances that are abundantly found in M. lucida root. The GC-MS analysis of different extracts of M. lucida revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds that have potential therapeutic properties.

OPTIMIZATION OF AFRICAN LEAF EXTRACT CREAM FORMULA (Vernonia amygdalina Del.) AS AN ANTIBACTERIAL Staphylococcus aureus

The use of natural ingredients as active medicinal substances has been developed again, one of which is African leaf extract (Vernonia amygdalina Del.), which is used as an antimicrobial bacterium against Staphylococcus aureus, which causes skin disease. The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial activity of African leaf extracts and fractions, as well as to optimize the cream preparation formula using a factorial design with a combination of stearic acid, triethanolamine (TEA), and Adeps lanae with the critical parameters of pH, viscosity, spreadability, Franz diffusion, and KBM value. This study used experimental methods to determine the highest antibacterial activity by disc diffusion from extracts and active fractions of African leaves using solvents of different polarities. The extract or fraction with the highest antibacterial activity was formulated using a combination cream of stearic acid, triethanolamine, and adeps lanae. After obtaining the cream formula, physical testing of the cream, penetration test, and antibacterial test using macrodilution were performed, and the most optimal formula was determined using a factorial design. The extract standardization test results met both specific and non-specific parameters. In the disc diffusion antibacterial test, the highest activity was found in the African leaf extract (13.23 ± 0.757 mm) against Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. Variations in cream composition affect pH, viscosity, spreadability, and Franz diffusion...

Qualitative Identification of Secondary Metabolites and Determination of the Toxicity of Extracts Obtained from the Flower of Kalanchoe Pinnata

Kalanchoe pinnata, also known as air leaf or life leaf, is a plant used in traditional medicine in different world regions. In Mexico, it is included in the Atlas de la Medicina Tradicional Mexicana with a wide variety of applications, such as antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antihistamine, among others. However, neither a secondary metabolite profile of the flower has been reported nor information on its possible toxicity. The latter is the purpose of this work. A phytochemical profile of extracts with solvents of different polarity (aqueous, methanol, ethanol, and ether) was carried out. In this profile, the structural compounds could be qualitatively determined by chemical reactions, and some changes in coloring or precipitation were observed. The acute toxicity test of the extracts was performed with an aquatic organism, Artemia sp, and a terrestrial organism Eisenia foetida, as well as the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of the extracts in the organism of Eisenia foetida. The ABTS radical method and TROLOX were applied as synthetic antioxidants for the evaluation of the inhibition percentage. Most important secondary metabolites were qualitatively identified in the extracts of K. pinnata flowers. Mainly in the alcoholic extracts (methanol and ethanol) tannins, alkaloids, and flavonols were found. As mentioned above, they are reported to have toxicological effects. The toxicity and antioxidant activity tests confirm the preliminary results obtained in the identification of secondary metabolites. It is therefore concluded that the flower of Kalanchoe pinnata contains secondary metabolites that may be of great therapeutic interest.

Chemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and inhibitor alpha-glucosidase enzyme of Sargassum sp.

Sargassum sp. has the potential to be a source of bioactive components. The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibitory activity of Sargassum sp. extract. The exploratory research method involved extracting Sargassum sp. for 72 h using solvents of different polarities. The chemical composition of Sargassum sp. was analyzed using parameter analysis as well as the identification of phytochemicals and total phenolics. Antioxidant activity was measured using the DPPH method as well as inhibition of α-glucosidase enzyme activity. The chemical composition of Sargassum sp. was found to be 15.67, 17.56, 13.46, 0.6, 57.82, and 13.62% moisture content, ash, protein, fat, carbohydrates (by difference), and total crude fiber, respectively. The bioactive compounds of Sargassum sp. include saponins and phenolic compounds that were extracted with methanol (617.778 GAE/100 g) and ethyl acetate (309.55 GAE/100 g). The antioxidant activity with IC50 value of Sargassum sp. extract successively extracted 648.33 mg/mL of methanol, 864.22 mg/mL of ethyl acetate, and 884 mg/mL of n-hexane. Sargassum sp. extract inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase enzyme methanol extract (9.44–0.35%), n-hexane extract (11.72–0.46%), and ethyl acetate did not. Except for the ethyl-acetate extract, Sargassum sp. extract has antioxidant and enzyme α-glucosidase inhibitor properties.

Influence of anion structure on volumetric properties of dilute binary systems containing carboxylate functioned trihexylammonium ionic liquids in toluene / dodecane

We are actively involved in synthesis of hydrophobic ionic liquids, their volumetric behaviour in various solvents of different polarity and their application in metal ions extraction from water. In continuation of previous work, we are presenting new protic ionic liquids (PILs) containing Trihexylammonium cation and carboxylate anions namely Trihexylammonium propionate [THA][Pro] and Trihexylammonium pentanoate [THA] [Pent]. The simultaneous measurements of densities, ρ along with speeds of sound, u for binary systems of [THA][Pro] and [THA][Pent] in toluene and in dodecane were collected. The measurements were carried out in dilute concentrations range of PILs, at 0.1 MPa and different temperatures from 293.15 K to 328.15 K. The experimental values of densities, ρ and speeds of sound, u, were utilized to obtain calculated values of apparent molar properties: Vϕ (apparent molar volume) and Ks,ϕ (apparent molar isentropic compressibility). It is observed that the apparent molar properties of investigated systems are quite sensitive to variation in temperature, solvent and anion’s structure of PILs. The values of Vϕ and Ks,ϕ increases with each increment in studied temperature and when toluene was replaced by dodecane as a solvent in the system. The each addition of –CH2 group in anion chain of PILs leading to increase Vϕ whereas decrease with concentration of PILs in the binary system. The limiting values of apparent molar volume, Vϕ∞ and apparent molar isentropic compressibility, Kϕ∞ were also reported. The strength of interactions between PIL-PIL and PIL-solvent in studied binary systems was explained by Sk and Sv parameters. The PILs + dodecane systems exhibit greater interaction between PILs and solvent than binary systems of PIL + toluene.

An unique furan/thiophene substituted β-diketonate derivatives bearing triphenylamine with dual-state emission

Traditional β-diketones are rarely used as fluorescent emitters. Here, two novel triphenylamine-modified β-diketonate derivatives containing either a furan or thiophene unit (TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S) have been designed, synthesized and fully characterized. Both of the emitters have D-A type configuration, and show abnormal dual-state emissive characters with high quantum efficiency both in dissolved and aggregate state owning to rational design strategy. Additionally, owing to their molecular conformational flexibility and inherent intramolecular charge transfer characteristics, TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S show intriguing optical features such as solvatochromism, vicosity-dependent fluorescence and temperature response characteristics. The solvatochromism is derived from the intramolecular charge transfer effect which is confirmed by density functional theory calculation and fluorescence in solvents of different polarities. These unique optical properties of TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S are expected to be utilized for detecting local viscosity, polarity of system and temperature sensing. Moreover, the excellent dual-state emissive characters of TPA-DK-O are utilized for chemical sensors and cell imaging. The metal ion detection experiments indicated that TPA-DK-O has a fluorescence response capability to Fe3+ and Mg2+, and has a good linear relationship in the concentration range of 48–800 μM and 0–30 μM for Fe3+ and Mg2+, respectively. The cell incubation experiments shows that TPA-DK-O has low toxicity and good biocompatibility for cells. The cell imaging experiments reveals that TPA-DK-O not only stains and images cells, but also responds to Fe3+ in living cells. Making a contrast between TPA-DK-O and TPA-DK-S, it is found that replacing furan with thiophene in the β-diketonate derivatives showed slight effects on optical properties.

Finding the right balance between tertiary amine steric effect and solvent polarity for the regioselectivity and kinetics of epichlorohydrin acetolysis

AbstractThe asymmetric oxirane ring‐opening reaction leading to the formation of regioisomeric chlorohydrin esters was studied in the reaction series “acetic acid–epichlorohydrin–tetrahydrofuran (nitrobenzene)–trialkylamine” by kinetic methods and FT‐IR spectroscopy. The effect of solvent polarity and the structure of tertiary amines on the regioselectivity and reaction rate were studied. Tertiary amines with comparable basicity but different nucleophilicity and spatial structure were chosen as catalysts. It was shown that in solvents of different polarity, the components of the initial reaction system are present both as hydrogen‐bonded complexes and as individual substances. The reaction orders with respect to acid and amine in solvents of different polarity were established. Correlations between the reaction rate and the parameters of nucleophilicity and structure of amines as well as the polarity of the solvent were established. The regioselectivity of the reaction was studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy using the ratio of regioisomeric reaction products. It was shown that the regioselectivity and rate of catalytic acetolysis of epichlorohydrin are effectively controlled by the structure of tertiary amines and the polarity of the solvent. The scheme of reaction regio‐flows was detailed.

The Surface Modification Strategy Toward Long Wavelength Emission of Carbon Dots

Carbon dots (CDs), as an important carbon-based nanomaterial, have been widely used in fluorescence (FL) detection, bioimaging, photocatalysis, light-emitting devices (LEDs) and many other fields, owing to their excellent optical properties. Regulating the fluorescent properties of carbon dots (CDs) in a controlled manner has been a fundamental research goal. Herein, solvent-dependent CDs (N-CDs) are synthesized through the solvothermal reaction of [Formula: see text]-phenylenediamine (OPD) in ethanol. When N-CDs are dispersed in solvents of different polarities, the emission wavelength only turned 39[Formula: see text]nm red-shift. While, the O-CDs are obtained by modifying the surface of N-CDs with 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid (TMA). O-CDs show four obvious FL emission peaks in the yellow, orange and red regions at 554[Formula: see text]nm, 604[Formula: see text]nm, 650[Formula: see text]nm and 712[Formula: see text]nm with a tail extending to 750[Formula: see text]nm, even entering into near-infrared-I (NIR-I) region. Thus, according to the special structure of CDs, this work provides a novel donor-[Formula: see text]-acceptor (D-[Formula: see text]-A) strategy for preparing long wavelength emissive CDs. Finally, the N-CDs and O-CDs are successfully applied to cellular imaging.

Solubility data and solubility parameters of barnidipine in different pure solvents

Introduction: Solubility studies and obtaining physicochemical data on drugs in pure solvents belonging to different chemical classes are key to developing new drug formulations. In this work, Hansen partial solubility parameters (HSP) were calculated to assess the miscibility and intermolecular interactions of barnidipine in seventeen pure solvents. The comparison of the results obtained with the theoretical values ​​calculated according to the structure of barnidipine, were valuable to analyse the influence of the solute-solute, solute-solvent relationships of the additive contribution groups, on the chemical and physical properties of this molecule with the solvents of different polarity tested, to provide relevant information highly useful in the pharmaceutical industry. Method: Equilibrium barnidipine solubilities in mono-solvents was determined using the classical shake-flask method, followed by UV-spectrophotometric analysis at 298.15 K. The partial solubility parameters were calculated by applying theoretical group contribution methods, proposed by Hoftyzer-Van Krevelen and Fedors. The KAT-LSER model was used to investigate the effect of solvent based on the concept of linear solvation energy relationships. The mole fraction was obtained from the densities of the solutions. Solid-phase analyses were made by calorimetry differential scanning. Results: The modification introduced in the extended Hansen method, that is, the use of lnX2 as the dependent variable, provided excellent results. The highest solubility values have been found in polar solvents. It is observed that solvent-solvent and solute-solvent intermolecular interactions through hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces, significantly influence drug solubility. Conclusions: The affinity between barnidipine and each one of the selected solvent was evaluated by using HSP. Results showed that HSP could be well used to analyse drug solubility in particular solvents. Barnidipine is easier to dissolve in solvents with shorter carbon chains and higher polarity.

Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Anti-Amyloid Capacities of Salvia fruticosa Extracts from Greece.

An increasingly common ailment in elderly persons is Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative illness. Present treatment is restricted to alleviating symptoms; hence, there is a requirement to develop an effective approach to AD treatment. Salvia fruticosa (SF) is a medicinal plant with a documented neuroprotective potential. To identify extracts of increased neuroprotectivity, we partitioned the methanolic extract of SF aerial parts from Greece into several fractions, by employing solvents of different polarities. The fractions were chemically identified and evaluated for their antioxidancy and anti-neurotoxic potential against amyloid beta peptides 25-35 (Aβ25-35). Carnosol and carnosic acid were among the prominent compounds, while all partitions showed significant antioxidant capacity, with the diethyl ether and ethyl acetate partitions being the most potent. These, along with the aqueous and the butanolic fractions, demonstrated statistically significant anti-neurotoxic potential. Thus, our findings further validate the neuroprotective potential of SF and support its ethnopharmacological usage as an antioxidant. The particular properties found define SF as a promising source for obtaining extracts or bioactive compounds, possibly beneficial for generating AD-related functional foods or medications. Finally, our results encourage plant extract partitioning for acquiring fractions of enhanced biological properties.

Fluorescent pH sensors based on BODIPY structure sensitive in acidic media

Two BODIPY phenolic esters 1 and 2 were synthesized and their acid-catalyzed hydrolytic and esterase enzymatic stability was demonstrated. Their photophysical properties were investigated in solvents of different polarity. Their spectral properties are the typical of BODIPY dyes with narrow absorption and emission spectra in the visible spectral region and large molar absorption coefficients (≈500 nm, ε = 40000-50000 M−1cm−1). The derivative with methyl substituted BODIPY core 2 shows quantum yields of fluorescence one magnitude higher (Φf = 0.30–0.55) compared to the BODIPY without methyl groups. Solvents affect very weakly spectral properties, with more pronounced effect of the solvent polarizability than the solvent polarity. Both BODIPY dyes show pH responsive fluorescence in aqueous solution (pKa = 2.72 ± 0.08 and 4.18 ± 0.05), with quenching of fluorescence by protonation due to PET from the BODIPY to phenol, rendering them applicable for intracellular pH measurements. The feasibility of the PET in the protonated form of 1 was corroborated by electrochemical measurements and calculation of ΔETGo for PET, and (time-dependent) density functional theory computations. This less frequently encountered quenching mechanism where the BODIPY is an electron donor provides new opportunities in the rational design of new generations of fluorescent sensors. The applicability for intracellular measurements was demonstrated by confocal fluorescence microscopy on H460 human cancer cell line.

Elucidating the conformational change and electronic absorption spectrum of p-dimethylamino-cinnamaldehyde merocyanine across different solvent polarities.

We present a theoretical study on the structural and electronic properties of the p-dimethylamino-cinnamaldehyde (DMACA) merocyanine molecule in solvents of different polarities by combining the free energy gradient and the average solvent electrostatic configuration methods via an iterative procedure based on the sequential quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics hybrid methodology. Studying such a system in solution is a crucial step for understanding the solvent effects on its properties, which can have implications in fields such as optoelectronics and biophysics. We found that the DMACA molecule presents different geometries in nonpolar and polar solvents, changing from a polyene-like structure with a pyramidal dimethylamino group (in gas phase or nonpolar solvents) to a cyanine-like structure with a planar dimethylamino group in water due to the stabilizing effect of hydrogen bonds between DMACA and water. The molecular absorption spectrum showed a significant change, increasing solvent polarity with a large shift of the lower energy band, while the other two low lying bands did not shift significantly. The study accurately described the solvatochromic shift of the lowest-energy band and analyzed the structure of the excited states in terms of the one-electron transition density matrix, which showed that the dominant excited state (associated with the first lower energy band) is characterized by a local excitation on the benzene ring with charge transfer character to the carbon conjugated segment.

Synthesis of monoazo disperse dyes derived from N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides and their dyeing properties on polyester fabrics

Purpose This paper aims to synthesize a novel series of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides by coupling with substitute anilines, naphthylamines and naphthol derivatives. Design/methodology/approach The purification of the intermediates and the dyes was carried out by recrystallization. The structures of the synthesized intermediates and the dyes were elucidated by spectroscopic techniques. The absorption maxima, molar extinction coefficient and halochromic properties of the dyes were determined spectrophotometrically using solvents of different polarity. Findings The dyes were applied on polyester using a high-temperature high-pressure dyeing machine, and the dyeing performance parameters such as colour build-up on fabrics, wash fastness, perspiration fastness and light fastness were evaluated. The colour build-up was found to be very good and the wash fastness (4–5) and perspiration fastness (4–5) were excellent, whereas the light fastness was found to vary from moderate to very good (3–6). Research limitations/implications It is not possible to investigate the structure of the synthesized dyes by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis due to the low solubility of dyes in deuterated solvents. Originality/value A novel method for the synthesis of a new category of monoazo disperse dyes based on N-(1-phthalimidyl)-naphthalimides was developed. These dyestuffs could be used in textile printing of polyester fabrics.

Antibacterial Activity of Thesium chinense Turcz Extract Against Bacteria Associated with Upper Respiratory Tract Infections.

The drug resistance of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes and Haemophilus influenzae has become more and more serious, and it is urgent to seek new antibacterial drugs. In this study, Thesium chinense Turcz. extracts were tested for its potential antibacterial activities. T. chinense powder was extracted with 5 solvents of different polarity (ethyl alcohol, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butyl alcohol and double distilled water), and their antibacterial activities were tested. The Broth dilution method was used to evaluate the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of highly active plant extracts with a concentration of 1g/mL. The inhibitory activity of this extract on biofilm formation was investigated. Afterwards, we investigated its effect on the transcriptome of S. aureus. The ethanol extract coded as BRY, only inhibited S. aureus, whereas the ethyl acetate extract coded as BY2 showed inhibitory effect on all the tested bacteria. The MIC of BRY on S. aureus was 128 mg/mL, and the MBC was 512 mg/mL. The MIC of BY2 against S. aureus, S. pneumoniae, S. pyogenes and H. influenzae were 8 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, 4 mg/mL, and 4 mg/mL, respectively. The MBC of BY2 for these four bacteria ranged from 4 to 256 mg/mL. Mechanism studies have shown that BRY and BY2 have an impact on anti-formation of biofilms at MIC concentrations. Transcriptome sequencing results showed that 531 genes were up-regulated and 340 genes showed down-regulated expression in S. aureus after BY2 treatment. BY2 has a broader antibacterial spectrum than BRY. Meanwhile, the inhibitory effect of BY2 on S. aureus is better than BRY. The mechanism of BY2 against S. aureus may relate to its inhibition of ribosome synthesis, restriction of key enzymes of citric acid cycle, decrease of pathogenicity and influence on biofilm formation. The results confirmed that BY2 was the main antibacterial part of T. chinense, which can be used as a source of antibacterial agents.

Statistical evaluation of the changes in cellulose properties caused by the stepwise solvent exchange and esterification

The objective of the research was to empirically confirm the changes in cellulose reactivity caused by the pre-treatment with solvents of different polarity. Therefore, 5 solvents varying in their polar component of surface tension from 0 to 4.6 mN/m were chosen. Their impact on the biopolymer properties was carefully analysed concerning chemical structure, crystallinity and surface characteristics. It was revealed that the length of 6OH⋯O3′ intermolecular H-bonds increased upon each solvent-exchange from (0.2748 ± 0.0001) nm to approx. 0.2760 nm for non-polar solvents, hence, potentially affecting cellulose structure and availability of active centres capable of reaction. As a consequence of structural variations, dioxane- and toluene-exchanged cellulose exhibited, respectively, the lowest (around 0.6 mJ/m2) and the highest (approx. 3.1 mJ/m2) polar component of surface free energy. Therefore, these samples were esterified. Further investigation successfully confirmed expected differences. Toluene-exchanged sample exhibited degree of substitution oscillating around 20%, while dioxane-exchanged specimen – approx. 7%.

Synthesis, photostability and antibacterial activity of a series of symmetrical α,β-unsaturated ketones as potential UV filters

A series of three symmetrical α,β-unsaturated ketones, namely, (1E,4E)-1,5-bis[4-(methylthio)phenyl]penta-1,4-dien-3-one, 1, (1E,4E)-1,5-bis[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]penta-1,4-dien-3-one, 2, and (1E,4E)-1,5-bis[4-(ethyl)phenyl] penta-1,4-dien-3-one, 3, were synthesized in excellent yields (above 70%) and within a short reaction time (1 h), via an improved Knoevenagel condensation with acetyl acetone and substituted benzaldehydes. All the compounds were fully characterized by UV/Vis, IR, NMR and mass spectrometry. In addition, compound 1 was characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The photostability of the prepared compounds was investigated in solvents of different polarity and proticity by exposure to simulated solar radiation. Three solvents were used, namely, ethyl acetate, dimethylsulfoxide and methanol. The change in UV absorption was monitored by a standard spectrophotometric method and photodegradation products were identified by 1H NMR. According to the results, 1 and 3 were not photostable, and suffered significant changes in their UV absorption spectra. Compound 2, on the other hand, was observed to be considerably photostable in the polar protic solvent methanol but less photostable in the polar aprotic solvent dimethylsulfoxide. All three compounds (1–3) photodegraded appreciably in the less polar aprotic solvent ethyl acetate. Therefore, their photostability is solvent dependent. The antibacterial activity of 1–3 was evaluated by means of the modified broth microdilution method against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial strains. Compounds 2 (methylated amine) and 3 (ethyl) have electron-releasing substituents and they were found to have excellent activity against all the tested bacteria. Thus, compounds 2 and 3 can be further explored as potential leads for the development of cheaper, safer, more effective and potent antibiotics against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains, and compound 2 is a good candidate for use in sunscreen formulations if dissolved in a polar solvent.

Effects of Enol-imine/Keto-amine tautomerism and conformational changes on the electronic spectra of a novel 1,2,4-triazole ortho-hydroxyaryl Schiff base in different solvents

In this study, a novel o-hydroxyaryl Schiff base bearing the 1,2,4-triazole heterocyclic core, (E)-2-(((4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino)methyl)-6-methoxyphenol, was synthesized and structurally characterized by NMR (1H- and 13C-) and IR spectroscopies as well as by Density Functional Theory (DFT) electronic structure calculations. The compound was then investigated by UV–Vis absorbance and fluorescence emission spectroscopies in different solvents. The wavelength shifts observed in the band corresponding to the lowest energy transition in the absorbance spectra upon changing the solvent, as well as in the emission bands observed in the fluorescence spectra (upon excitation at 310 nm) were explained considering the effects of solvent-induced conformational changes and photoinduced enol-imine/keto-amine tautomerism. The interpretation of the experimental results was supported by structural data calculated for the different isomeric forms of the compound and of their electronic spectra in the gas phase and in solvents of different polarity. Solvent effects were also evaluated at the light of the Kamlet-Taft and Catalán solvatochromic models.

Accessing the biotechnological potential of a novel isolated microalga from a semi-arid region of Brazil.

The use of microalgae as a source of food and pharmaceutical ingredients has garnered growing interest in recent years. Despite the rapid growth of the nutraceutical market, knowledge about the potential of bioactive molecules from microalgae remains insufficient. The present study aimed to investigate the biotechnological potential of the green microalga Desmodesmus armatus isolated from a semi-arid region of Brazil. The algal biomass was characterized in terms of gross biochemical composition, exopolysaccharide content, enzymatic inhibition capacity, and antioxidant, antibacterial, and hemolytic activities from solvents of different polarities (water, ethanol, acetone, and hexane). D armatus biomass had 40% of crude protein content, 25.94% of lipids, and 25.03% of carbohydrates. The prebiotic potential of exopolysaccharides from D armatus was demonstrated, which stimulated the growth of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum bacteria strains. Moreover, the enzyme inhibition capacity for the proteases chymotrypsin (34.78%-45.8%) and pepsin (16.64%-27.27%), in addition to α-amylase (24.79%) and lipase (31.05%) was confirmed. The antioxidant potential varied between the different extracts, with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl sequestration values varying between 17.51% and 63.12%, and those of the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) method between 6.82% and 22.89%. In the antibacterial activity test, only the ethanolic extract showed inhibition against Listeria sp. (at minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] = 256 µg mL-1). This fraction also presented the highest significant levels of hemolysis (31.88%-52.45%). In summary, the data presented in the study suggest the presence of biocompounds with biotechnological and nutraceutical potential in the D armatus biomass. Future studies may evaluate the inclusion of this biomass in foods in order to increase their biological value.

Analysis of Content Profiles, Antioxidant and Anticancer Properties in Endemic Hypericum salsolifolium

This study investigated the antioxidant and anticancer properties, phenolic compounds, and content profile of Hypericum salsolifolium plant extracts prepared with different solvents. The total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and antioxidant potential [(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), ferric reducing antioxidant power, and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays] of Hypericum salsolifolium extracts obtained using solvents of different polarities (hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, and water) were measured using spectrophotometric methods. The contents of the extracts were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma—mass spectrometry methods. Anticancer detection was performed in human lung carcinoma cells using the 3-4,5-dimethylthiazol-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, annexin-V, and cell cycle assays, as well as fluorescence detection of acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. The methanolic extract was determined to have higher activation values of total phenolics, total flavonoids, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay than the other extracts, and the aqueous extract had higher values in the 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) and cupric reducing antioxidant capacity assays. The methanolic extract showed a cytotoxic effect against human lung carcinoma cells (IC50: 141.96 µg/mL). It was found that Hypericum salsolifolium extract showed antioxidant and anticancer activities. It was concluded that this plant can be used as a nutritional supplement due to its glucose, phenolic compound, amino acid, and vitamin content.

Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan: Chemical Composition of Essential Oil and Phytochemical Profiling of Crude Extracts and Their In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

The genus Scrophularia is one of the largest genera belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. Different members of the genus exhibit an interesting, wide spectrum of bioactivities. Accordingly, the current study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition of the essential oil of Scrophularia peyronii Post. from Jordan. Additionally, extracts obtained from the aerial parts with solvents of different polarities were assayed for their phytochemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activities. The major constituents detected in the essential oil, as revealed by GC/MS analysis, contained mainly Z,Z-farnesyl acetone (11.04%), β-elemene (6.36%), n-octanal (5.98%), and spathulenol (4.58%). Each of the aqueous methanol (Sp-M) and butanol (Sp-B) extracts contained flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinone, and glycosides. Both extracts were evaluated for their total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and their in vitro antioxidant activity, which were assayed using the DPPH radical scavenging activity and ABTS radical scavenging methods. Additionally, the two extracts were then subjected to LC-ESI-MS/MS for the qualitative determination of their secondary metabolite content, especially in flavonoids and phenolic compounds. The results showed that the Sp-B extract of S. peyronii had the highest contents of both phenolic compounds and flavonoids and showed high radical scavenging activity, as determined by the two assay methods, when compared with the Sp-M extract. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis resulted in the detection of 21 compounds, including 8 flavonoids, 6 phenolic acids, 6 iridoids, and 2 acids. Although the majority of compounds were detected in both extracts, it was noticed that scropolioside B, 6'-O-cinnamoylharpagide, isoferulic acid, and 6-O-methylcatapol were only detected in the Sp-M fraction.