Solvents Of Different Polarity Research Articles

Excited Charge Separation in a π-Interacting Phenothiazine-Zinc Porphyrin-Fullerene Donor-Acceptor Conjugate.

We have designed, synthesized, and characterized a donor-acceptor triad, SPS-PPY-C60, that consists of a π-interacting phenothiazine-linked porphyrin as a donor and sensitizer and fullerene as an acceptor to seek charge separation upon photoexcitation. The optical absorption spectrum revealed red-shifted Soret and Q-bands of porphyrin due to charge transfer-type interactions involving the two ethynyl bridges carrying electron-rich and electron-poor substituents. The redox properties suggested that the phenothiazine-porphyrin part of the molecule is easier to oxidize and the fullerene part is easier to reduce. DFT calculations supported the redox properties wherein the electron density of the highest molecular orbital (HOMO) was distributed over the donor phenothiazine-porphyrin entity while the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) was distributed over the fullerene acceptor. TD-DFT studies suggested the involvement of both the S2 and S1 states in the charge transfer process. The steady-state emission spectrum, when excited either at porphyrin Soret or visible band absorption maxima, revealed quenched emission both in nonpolar and polar solvents, suggesting the occurrence of excited state events. Finally, femtosecond transient absorption spectral studies were performed to witness the charge separation by utilizing solvents of different polarities. The transient data was further analyzed by GloTarAn by fitting the data with appropriate models to describe photochemical events. From this, the average lifetime of the charge-separated state calculated was found to be 169 ps in benzonitrile, 319 ps in dichlorobenzene, 1.7 ns in toluene for Soret band excitation, and ∼320 ps for Q-band excitation in benzonitrile.

Synthesis, Spectral Characteristics, Sensing Properties and Microbiological Activity of New Water-Soluble 4-Sulfo-1,8-naphthalimides

A new water-soluble polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer modified with 4-sulfo-1,8-naphthalimide (DSNI) and its monomeric structural analogue (MSDI) were synthesized. Their photophysical properties were investigated in organic solvents of different polarities and aqueous solutions. The effect of pH on fluorescence intensity was determined. It was found that the dendrimer emits blue fluorescence in an acidic medium, which is quenched in an alkaline environment. This phenomenon is due to the possibility of suppression of nonradiative photoinduced electron transfer in acidic media. The influence of different metal ions (Cu2+, Pb2+, Sn2+, Sr2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, Co2+, Hg2+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Fe3+, Al3+) and anions (CN−, S2−, S2O52−, HPO42−, H2PO4−, F−, CH3COO−, NO2−, CO32−, SO42−) on the intensity of the emitted fluorescence was studied. Quenching was only found in the presence of Cu2+. This makes the dendrimer suitable for determining copper ions in water solutions in the presence of other metal ions and anions. Additionally, DSNI was used as a ligand to obtain a stable copper complex, the structure of which was investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), infrared spectrum, and elemental analysis. Two copper ions were found to form a complex with one dendrimer. The in vitro microbiological activity of the new compounds against bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa and two viruses HRSV-2 and HAdV-5 was investigated. With a view to obtaining antibacterial and anti-viral textiles, cotton fabrics were treated with the three compounds, and then their activity against the same microbial strains was investigated. It was found that the microbiological activity was preserved after the application of the new compounds to the cotton fabrics.

A multidimensional study for design functional foods: Chemical profiling, antioxidant potential, enzyme inhibition, and cytotoxic effects of Alkanna tubulosa extracts

This study focuses on the extraction of plant species Alkanna tubulosa growing in Turkey, using solvents of different polarities (ethyl acetate, ethanol, ethanol/water, and water) and determining their chemical composition and biological activity. The extracts were subjected to qualitative LC-MS/MS analyses, which resulted in the identification of even 50 different secondary metabolites in some extracts. The existence of total phenols and flavonoids was determined. of total phenols and flavonoids was determined. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated by various in vitro assays, as well as the enzyme inhibitory capacity against cholinesterases (AChE and BChE), tyrosinase, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase, as well as human isoforms of carbonic anhydrase. In addition, the cytotoxic activity of the extracts was also examined. The results showed that the ethanol/water extract showed the strongest antioxidant activity (225.55 mg TE/g extract in ABTS and 381.14 mg TE/g extract in CUPRAC), probably due to the high total phenol (105.17 mg GAE/g extract) and flavonoids (20.12 mg RE/g extract) content, while the ethanol extract showed the strongest enzyme inhibitory potential. These chemical and biological findings provide valuable insights for potential future products based on the A. tubulosa extracts which could be used in various industries.

Cardioprotective anti-inflammatory activities of Artemisia lactiflora Wall. ex DC. extract and fractions in a rat cardiomyoblast (H9c2) model of inflammatory sepsis

Context: Sepsis is a progressive inflammatory response commonly caused by gram-negative bacteria via activation of the NF-κB-dependent pathway. Severe sepsis can cause cardiac dysfunction and increases the risk of death. Artemisia lactiflora is a Chinese medicinal plant that contains phenolics and flavonoids with probable anti-inflammatory activities. Aims: To investigate the anti-inflammatory activities of A. lactiflora leaves extract in a cardiac sepsis model. Methods: A. lactiflora leaves were extracted and fractioned using solvents of different polarities. The total phenolic and flavonoid content was quantified. The antioxidants were quantified in vitro using DPPH and ABTS radicals. The cytotoxicity of the extract and fractions was evaluated and calculated using the neutral red assay and curve-fitting analysis in cardiomyoblasts (H9c2). The anti-inflammatory activities of A. lactiflora were observed by treating H9c2 with extract and fractions in the presence of Escherichia coli. Expression of pro-inflammatory genes (TNF and IL6) and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) were measured by RT-qPCR and ELISA. Results: Extract and fractions of A. lactiflora contained noticeably high quantities of phenolics and flavonoids with considerably high anti-DPPH and anti-ABTS activities. Co-treatment with A. lactiflora extract and all fractions significantly downregulated the expression of TNF and IL6 as well as decreased the secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 (p<0.0001) compared with E. coli-stimulated cardiomyoblasts. The butanol fraction had the highest potency in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretions in cardiomyoblasts under in vitro sepsis conditions. Conclusions: A. lactiflora leaf extract demonstrated therapeutic potential in a cardiac sepsis model by alleviating the inflammatory responses. This plant can potentially be developed as an alternative medicine for inflammation and sepsis.

Origanum Grosii Extracts as Novel Eco-Friendly Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel In HCl Medium.

Two green inhibitors extracted from an endemic species (Origanum grosii (Og)) using two solvents of different polarity (water and ethanol), OgW (aqueous extract) and OgE (ethanolic extract), were used for the anticorrosion of mild steel (M steel) in a 1 M HCl medium. Anticorrosive performance of OgW and OgE was assessed using standard electrochemical techniques, EIS/PDP measurements, weight loss method and SEM/EDX surface analysis. The results show that OgW achieves a maximum inhibition efficiency of 92 % and that the extract in aqueous medium (more polar) is more efficient than the extract in ethanolic medium (less polar). Both extracts act as mixed inhibitors and their corrosion process is predominantly governed by a charge transfer. Concentration and temperature effect was studied and shown that they are two antagonistic parameters for the evolution of inhibitory effectiveness of both OgW and OgE. The adsorption isotherms of the two inhibitors OgE and OgW obey to the Langmuir adsorption model. Moreover, the examination of SEM images and EDX spectra support a deposit of both extracts on the metal surface by an adsorption phenomenon. Besides, theoretical approach of the molecular structures of the major compounds M-OgW and M-OgE and inhibition efficiency was examined via DFT calculations and molecular dynamics simulations and it was consistent with the experimental findings.

Sensing and Microbiological Activity of a New Blue Fluorescence Polyamidoamine Dendrimer Modified with 1,8-Naphthalimide Units.

A novel second-generation blue fluorescent polyamidoamine dendrimer peripherally modified with sixteen 4-N,N-dimethylaninoethyloxy-1,8-naphthalimide units was synthesized. Its basic photophysical characteristics were investigated in organic solvents of different polarity. It was found that in these solvents, the dendrimer is colorless and emitted blue fluorescence with different intensities depending on their polarity. The effect of the pH of the medium on the fluorescence intensity was investigated and it was found that in the acidic medium, the fluorescence is intense and is quenched in the alkaline medium. The ability of the dendrimer to detect metal ions (Pb2+, Zn2+, Mg2+, Sn2+, Ba2+, Ni2+, Sn2+, Mn2+, Co2+, Fe3+, and Al3+) was also investigated, and it was found that in the presence of Fe3+, the fluorescent intensity was amplified more than 66 times. The antimicrobial activity of the new compound has been tested in vitro against Gram-positive B. cereus and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa. The tests were performed in the dark and after irradiation with visible light. The antimicrobial activity of the compound enhanced after light irradiation and B. cereus was found slightly more sensitive than P. aeruginosa. The increase in antimicrobial activity after light irradiation is due to the generation of singlet oxygen particles, which attack bacterial cell membranes.

A DFT study of the antioxidant potency of α-tocopherol and its derivatives: PMHC, Trolox, and α-CEHC

In this research, antioxidant potency (in terms of peroxyl radical scavenging and catalytic iron ions sequestration) of α-tocopherol and its analogues, has been theoretically investigated. A DFT based kinetic estimation of HOO• radical scavenging potency of PMHC (lipophilic α-TOH derivative) and Trolox (hydrophilic α-TOH derivative) was performed in eight solvents of different polarity. Calculations employing M06-2X functional, accompanied by 6-311++G(d,p) basis set and SMD solvation model, were found as more accurate in reproducing experimentally determined rate constants than M05-2X functional. Rate constant of Trolox in pentyl ethanoate also was estimated by using Snelgrove−Ingold equation and Abraham’s β2H solvent parameter. Scavenging of CH3OO• and HOO• radicals, which is influenced by location, orientation, and dynamics of α-TOH and its derivatives in the membrane lipid bilayer, was estimated by using M06-2X functional. Position of α-TOH phenolic OH group is opposite to that of its metabolite α-CEHC: α-TOH’s OH group is located at the membrane-water interface, and α-CEHC’s OH group is deeply buried into the bilayer. In the aqueous phase both fHAT and SET were investigated, and inside the bilayer only fHAT was considered as feasible. The spontaneous disproportionation of HOO•/O2•− in aqueous solutions should be taken into account to predict potency of antioxidant in scavenging of HOO• radicals. Iron chelating ability of α-TOH and α-CEHC was also investigated. Obtained results indicate α-CEHC, α-tocopherol final catabolite, as more potent scavenger of CH3OO• and HOO• radicals and iron ions chelator than the parent molecule.

Isolation and Characterization of a Triterpenoid Compound from Sodhita <i>Semecarpus anacardium</i> L. Drupe Ethanolic Extract and its Anticancer Potential <i>In Vitro</i>

Semecarpus anacardium is listed in Schedule E1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, of 1940. It is purified (sodhana) and used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, including gulma (hard mass/cystic growth or lump). Studies on Semecarpus anacardium in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) cell lines are hitherto unavailable, hence this study was conducted. The drupes of sodhita Semecarpus anacardium were extracted with solvents of different polarity, and the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of each extract was determined in the NSCLC cell line (A549). The ethanolic extract with an IC50 of 47.09±0.032 μg/ml was found to be better than the other extracts and, therefore subjected to compound isolation by wet-pack column chromatography. The fractions (6-9 and 15-19) with a single spot identified by thin-layer chromatography were crystallized (56 mg) and used for spectral techniques. The probable compound structure of C30H50O2, elucidated by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR revealed it as a triterpenoid derivative. The IC50 of the isolated compound was 15.73±0.019 μg/ml which was further used to investigate anti-cancer properties The treated cells showed apoptotic features like cell blebbing, loss of cell adhesion and membrane integrity. A semi-fragmented piece of unresolved DNA and G2/M phase arrest was observed in the treated cells. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the expression of the NSCLC biomarkers c-ROS oncogene-1 (ROS1) and proinflammatory factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly (p<0.05) downregulated in the treated cells. Based on these observations, it was concluded that the isolated compound could be a potential candidate for lung cancer therapy.

Comparing the crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of a p-hydroxy styrylquinolinium dye with those of its p-dimethylamino analogue

Two previously synthesized styrylquinolinium dyes, namely (E)-1-butyl-4-(4-(dimethylamino)styryl)quinolinium iodide (D36) and (E)-1-butyl-4-(4-hydroxystyryl)quinolinium iodide (D34), were compared in terms of their properties by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD), Hirshfeld surface analysis, Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), fluorescence, and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and 1H- and 13C-NMR methods. Both dyes D36 and D34 crystallized in the triclinic and monoclinic systems in the centrosymmetric space groups P-1 and P21/n, respectively. The unit cell of D36 contains two molecules of the dye, participating in weak intermolecular interactions, whereas that of D34 contains four formula units. The phenolic hydroxy group of D34 participates in the formation of a hydrogen bond with the iodide anion. The 4-styrylquinolinium moieties of the cationic dye molecules are nearly planar. The dihedral angle between the mean planes through the ten-membered quinolinium system and the benzene ring is 7.5° in D36 and 5.9(1)° in D34. The structural parameters planarity and bond length alternation (BLA) are discussed, which are important for the evaluation of the first hyperpolarizability β at the molecular level, even in a centrosymmetric crystal. The UV–visible spectra of the dyes in 14 solvents of different polarities were investigated. The reversible solvatochromic behavior of the dyes is demonstrated experimentally and compared with known “binuclear dyes” by evaluating the Rezende model. Dye D36 does not fluoresce, and D34 has a very low emission in the solvents tested.

Optimized extraction of polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-biofilm activities and LC-MS/MS-based characterization of phlorotannins from Sargassum muticum

The Sargassum genus is rich in glycoglycerolipids, phytosterols, terpenoids, polyphenols, nitrogenous compounds, and other components, and it exhibits various biological activities. Response surface methodology optimization based on Box-Behnken design was applied to extract polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-biofilm activities from Sargassum muticum. Results indicated that the optimal extraction conditions were an ethanol concentration of 56%, a temperature of 58 °C, a time of 5 h, and a liquid/material ratio of 40 mL/g. Under these conditions, the contents of polyphenols and phlorotannins were 10.76 ± 0.42 mg/g and 1.62 ± 0.04 mg/g, respectively. The EtOH extract of S. muticum was further purified with organic solvents of different polarities, and the ethyl acetate fraction (HA-PTs) exhibited the highest purity of polyphenols and phlorotannins, along with the best antioxidant and anti-biofilm activities. In phytochemical analysis, the main substances identified were polysaccharides, phytosterols, polyphenols, flavonoids, and phlorotannins. According to UHPLC-DAD-ESI-MS/MS analysis, four types of phlorotannins were identified from HA-PTs: dibenzodioxine-1,3,6,8-tetraol, tetraphlorethol, pentaphlorethol, and fucopentaphlorethol. These results indicate that the polyphenols of S. muticum have the potential to become new natural antioxidants and antibacterial agents.

Synthesis and Photophysical Properties of Bipolar Compound: Triphenylamine/Diazafluorene-Carbazole.

Carbazole and triphenylamine, are two well-known hole transporting units that are attached to electron transporting unit 4,5-diazafluorene in a fascinating way to bring out non-planar configuration of a molecule. The synthesized compound exhibits good thermal stability (Td > 515°C) and high glass transition temperature (Tg, 191°C). Optical bandgap (Egopt) obtained from solid state absorption spectra was calculated to be 2.93eV. Solid state photoluminescence spectra displays the emission maxima at 473nm. The emission characteristics of the compound observed in solvents of different polarity confirms the existence of intramolecular charge transfer in their excited state. Density functional theory studies reveal that HOMO and HOMO-1 localized on triphenylamine is spatially separated from LUMO of 4,5-diazafluorene, which manifest its bipolar character. The realization of long lived charge separated state upon photo-excitation from time resolved photoluminescence studies ascertains the charge transfer from triphenylamine to 4,5-diazafluorene. The experimental and theoretical analysis of the compound proved it to be a promising candidate for the fabrication of OLED devices.

The effect of π-extended indoleninyl-dibenzotetraaza[14]annulenes on their third-order nonlinear optical properties

Two new dibenzotetraaza[14]annulenes (DBTAAs) featuring indolenine moieties were synthesised via an acetic acid-catalysed condensation of 1,2-diaminobenzene with two diformyl indolenines in good yields. The structural identity of the compounds was confirmed by NMR (1H, 13C), FT-IR and elemental analysis. UV–visible analysis displays intense absorptions in the Soret band region with ɛ ranging from 0.32 to 1.02 × 105 M−1 cm−1 in various solvents of different polarities. The absorption spectra display a slight bathochromic shift upon replacing the indolenine (4a) with benz[e]indolenine (4b) groups on the DBTAA framework. Furthermore, the spectra exhibit solvatochromism shifts due to hydrogen-bonding interactions between the solutes and solvents. The effect of the extended π-conjugation on the electronic distributions at different energy levels was computed by Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations. Compound 4b exhibits greater Nonlinear Optical (NLO) parameters compared to 4a due to the extended π-conjugation in the molecule. Hence, 4b could be utilised as a promising material for various NLO applications.

Radical scavenging dihydroxycinnamic natural compounds from Trianthema pentandra

BackgroundTrianthema pentandra is a promising plant with numerous medical applications. Previous studies have confirmed that the plant is strongly cytotoxic in brine shrimp lethality tests and has antibacterial effects. However, the compounds responsible for these biological activities have not been identified. This study aimed to screen plants in an antiradical assay using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). This assay was used to guide the isolation of active compounds, which were identified at the molecular structural level by spectroscopic methods. MethodsThe plant was extracted using ethanol, labelled F1 and fractionated by solvents of different polarities (F2 chloroform, F4 ethyl acetate, F5 aqueous methanol, and F6 n-hexane). The ethyl acetate and aqueous methanol (F4 and F5) fractions were selected for further purification based on their yields and activities. They were run on chloroform-methanol and n-hexane-ethyl acetate gradients, respectively. Fractions resulting from column chromatography were further screened for DPPH antioxidant activity, upon which fraction F5–1–077 had unusually high activity (IC50 = 3.57 µg/ml). Further purification of these fractions through recrystallization and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) led to the isolation of three compounds. Results: Among these compounds, two were identified and characterized using FT-IR, LC-MS, and complete nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data, and 2,3-dihydroxycinnamic acid ethyl ester and its analog acid were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction (F4). The former compound has been proven to have good activity in comparison with standards, ascorbic acid, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), even at a low concentration of 5 µg/ml with an IC50 value of 0.13 µg/ml in the DPPH assay. The molecular docking data supported the potent activity of the compound with binding affinity, ∆G = -6.4 kcal/mol compared to the ascorbic acid (∆G = -5.0 kcal/mol) used as standard. ConclusionThis study serves as a groundbreaking foundation for the investigation of the natural dihydroxycinnamic compounds present in this plant.

Ginkgo biloba L. exocarp petroleum ether extract inhibits methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus by modulating ion transport, virulence, and biofilm formation in vitro and in vivo

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAs reported in the Ancient Chinese Medicinal Books, Ginkgo biloba L. fruit has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment asthma and cough or as a disinfectant. Our previous study demonstrated that G. biloba exocarp extract (GBEE), an extract of a traditional Chinese herb, inhibits the formation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) biofilms. However, GBEE is a crude extract that contains many components, and the underlying mechanisms of purified GBEE fractions extracted with solvents of different polarities are unknown. Aim of the studyThis study aimed to investigate the different components in GBEE fractions extracted with solvents of different polarities and their antibacterial effects and mechanisms against MRSA and Staphylococcus haemolyticus biofilms both in vitro and in vivo. MethodsThe components in different fractions were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry (HPLC–HRMS). Microbroth dilution assays and time growth curves were used to determine the antibacterial effects of the fractions on 15 clinical bacterial isolates. Crystal violet staining, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were utilized to identify the fractions that affected bacterial biofilm formation. The potential MRSA targets of the GBEE fraction obtained with petroleum ether (PE), denoted GBEE-PE, were screened by transcriptome sequencing, and the gene expression profile was verified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). ResultsHPLC–HRMS analysis revealed that the four GBEE fractions (extracted with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, n-butanol, and water) contained different ginkgo components, and the antibacterial effects decreased as the polarity of the extraction solvent increased. The antibacterial activity of GBEE-PE was greater than that of the GBEE fraction extracted with ethyl acetate (EA). GBEE-PE improved H. illucens survival and reduced MRSA colonization in model mouse organs. Crystal violet staining and SEM and TEM analyses revealed that GBEE-PE inhibited MRSA and S. haemolyticus biofilm formation. Transcriptional analysis revealed that GBEE-PE inhibits MRSA biofilms by altering ion transport, cell wall metabolism and virulence-related gene expression. In addition, the LO2 cell viability and H. illucens toxicity assay data showed that GBEE-PE at 20 mg/kg was nontoxic. ConclusionThe GBEE fractions contained different components, and their antibacterial effects decreased with increases in the polarity of the extraction solvent. GBEE-PE limited MRSA growth and biofilm formation by affecting ion transport, cell wall synthesis, and virulence-related pathways. This research provides a more detailed overview of the mechanism by which GBEE-PE inhibits MRSA both in vitro and in vivo and suggests that GBEE-PE is a new prospective antimicrobial with the potential to be used in MRSA therapeutics in the future.

Antioxidant Activity of Dechlorophyllation of Kejibeling Leaf (Strobilanthes crispu L.) Extract Using the Free Radical Reduction Method

Kejibeling leaves (Strobilanthes crispus L.) from the Acanthaceae family is a medicinal plant that has medicinal properties. This research aims to determine and determine the antioxidant activity of the dechlorophyllation ethanol extract of kejibeling leaves (Strobilanthes crispus L.) based on the IC50 value with the DPPH method. Kejibeling leaf extract (Strobilanthes crispus L.) extracted by soxhletation method, wherein the extraction process uses two types of solvents of different polarity, to attract chlorophyll compounds and antioxidant compounds, the percent yield of chlorophyll extract is obtained 0.0352% and percent yield of dechlorophyllation ethanol extract 9.604%. Then tested the antioxidant activity using the DPPH method. The results showed that there was antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 106.375 µg/mL, that is, the result shows moderate antioxidant activity, while quercetin as a comparison has very strong antioxidant activity with a value of 1.391 µg/mL.

Identification of anti-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic bioactive compounds from Ganoderma formosanum and their possible mechanisms in modulating TGF-β1-induced lung fibrosis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Compendium of Materia Medica and the Classic of Materia Medica, the two most prominent records of traditional Chinese medicine, documented the therapeutic benefits of Ganoderma sinense particularly in addressing pulmonary-related ailments. Ganoderma formosanum, an indigenous subspecies of G. sinense from Taiwan, has demonstrated the same therapeutic properties. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study is to identify bioactive compounds and evaluate the potential of G. formosanum extracts as a novel treatment to alleviate pulmonary fibrosis (PF). Using an in-house drug screening platform, two-stage screening was performed to determine their anti-fibrotic efficacy. Methods and materialsG. formosanum was fractionated into four partitions by solvents of different polarities. To determine their antifibrotic and pro-apoptotic properties, the fractions were analyzed using two TGF-β1-induced pulmonary fibrosis cell models (NIH-3T3) and human pulmonary fibroblast cell lines, immunoblot, qRT-PCR, and annexin V assays. Subsequently, transcriptomic analysis was conducted to validate the findings and explore possible molecular pathways. The identification of potential bioactive compounds was achieved through UHPLC-MS/MS analysis, while molecular interaction study was investigated by multiple ligands docking and molecular dynamic simulations. ResultsThe ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) extracted from G. formosanum demonstrated substantial anti-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic effects on TGF-β1-induced fibrotic models. Moreover, the EAF exhibited no discernible cytotoxicity. Untargeted UHPLC-MS/MS analysis identified potential bioactive compounds in EAF, including stearic acid, palmitic acid, and pentadecanoic acid. Multiple ligands docking and molecular dynamic simulations further confirmed that those bioactive compounds possess the ability to inhibit TGF-β receptor 1. ConclusionPotential bioactive compounds in G. formosanum were successfully extracted and identified in the EAF, whose anti-fibrotic and pro-apoptotic properties could potentially modulate pulmonary fibrosis. This finding not only highlights the EAF's potential as a promising therapeutic candidate to treat pulmonary fibrosis, but it also elucidates how Ganoderma confers pulmonary health benefits as described in the ancient texts.

A 3D coordination polymer of Cd(II) with conformationally flexible mixed ligands as an active filler for silicone elastomers

The electronic configuration of d10 metals enables for a wide range of coordination numbers and geometries which, together with the use of mixtures of ligands for their coordination, allows fine-tuning of the properties of the complexes formed. By treating Cd(ClO4)2 with 1,3-bis(carboxypropyl)tetramethyldisiloxane (H2Cx) and 4,4′-azopyridyne (AzPy) in solution, a 3D coordination polymer, [Cd(Cx)(AzPy)·1.85H2O]n (1), was mostly formed. The compound was investigated by elemental and spectral analysis, as well as by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Thermal behavior of compound 1 was evaluated by TGA and DSC, while the moisture behavior was studied by dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) analysis. Compound 1 contains a five-dentate Cx2− ligand with Cd atoms in a pentagonal-bipyramidal geometry, as determined by X-ray analysis. The conformational flexibility of the ligands allows the establishment of all possible intermolecular interactions in a very dense packing, the resulting structure having an extremely low free volume (14.8%). The compound is hydrophobic, adsorbing up to 2.4 wt% water vapor, thermally stable up to 160 °C, and has a phase transition around 6 °C, which, based on analysis by polarized optical microscopy (POM), is considered as a second-order crystal-to-crystal transition, facilitated by the mobility of the siloxane fragment. Due to the constraints imposed by the covalent 3D architecture, the conformational photoisomerization of 1 is extremely limited, as indicated by UV–Vis spectroscopy studies on solutions with solvents of different polarities as well as dielectric spectroscopy studies on silicone composites in which it is in solid state with 5 and 20 wt% loading. Instead, it was found that compound 1 significantly increases the dielectric strength of the resulting materials (up to 46 V/μm compared to 18 V/μm in the empty matrix) by incorporating it as a filler, making them suitable for dielectric elastomer generators, as the results of theoretical calculations indicate. In the purification process, a 2D coordination polymer, [Cd(Cx)(AzPy)·H2Cx]n (2), was also identified in traces.

Cuticular extracts induce aggregation in head lice.

The human head lice Pediculus humanus capitis (De Geer) (Phthiraptera: Pediculidae) are strict, obligate human ectoparasites that spends their entire life cycle in the host and cause skin irritation and derived infections. Despite the health-related importance, few studies have evaluated the chemical communication among these insects. Here, we evaluate the response of lice of both sexes to cuticular extracts using two solvents of different polarity (hexane and methanol). Cuticular extracts that elicited an attraction response towards head lice were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to determine the cuticular lipid profile. Both lice sexes were attracted to the hexane extracts but not the methanol extracts, suggesting the non-polarity of the compounds present in the cuticle. Chemical analyses of hexane extracts from males and females showed high similarity in major compounds. This study provides the first evidence that lice respond to cuticle extracts, which may be important to understand aggregation behaviour.

Unveiling the anti-cancer potential of Euphorbia greenwayi: cytotoxicity, cell migration, and identification of its chemical constituents

Abstract Background Different herbal phytochemicals have potential in cancer treatment, Euphorbia genus has valuable secondary metabolites and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments. However, the specific constituents and biological activity of Euphorbia greenwayi remain largely unexplored. Results Euphorbia greenwayi aerial parts were extracted using methanol. Consequently, the methanol extract was then fractionated with solvents of different polarities viz., n-hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. All were screened for their cytotoxic activity against different cell lines; MCF-7, HepG-2, and SW620. The n-hexane (HF) and chloroform (CF) fractions showed considerable activity against all tested cell lines especially MCF-7 with IC50 values at 18.6 ± 0.2 and 17.5 ± 0.6 μg/ml respectively. Therefore, a cell migration assay on the MCF-7 cell line was applied to both fractions as well as investigation and isolation of the main active constituents. Lupeol, β-sitosterol, and cycloartenol were isolated from the nonpolar fractions of E. greenwayi for the first time. Conclusions Euphorbia greenwayi aerial parts exhibit considerable anti-cancer effects via cytotoxicity. Three chemical constituents with promising cytotoxic activity are identified.

Beyond waste: Transforming wheat straw into oxygen and UV‐resistant cellulose films

AbstractRegenerated cellulose membrane is a biomaterial obtained by activating, dissolving, solidifying, and regenerating cellulose powder using solvents of different polarities. It has the characteristics of high oxygen resistance and high strength. However, its low water vapor barrier and single function limit its application. In order to improve the water resistance of regenerated cellulose membranes and endow them with UV resistance, lignin was extracted from waste wheat straw using formic acid method. The extracted formic acid lignin (FAL) was added to the cellulose solution to prepare a series of regenerated lignocellulosic membranes (RC‐FAL) with different lignin contents. The results indicate that lignin can not only improve the water vapor barrier, tensile strength, and water resistance of the film, but also enhance the oxygen barrier and UV absorption of the film. Compared with pure cellulose film, the contact angle of lignocellulose film can be increased by 66.2%, the UV absorption rate can reach 100%, and the oxygen transmission coefficient has no significant effect. In this paper, a new kind of biological packaging material with high oxygen resistance, strong ultraviolet absorption, and water resistance was prepared by recycling waste wheat straw, it has a broad application prospect in the industrial production of packaging materials.