Soxhlet Extraction System Research Articles

Aqueous Extract of Artemisia annua Shows In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity and an In Vivo Chemopreventive Effect in a Small-Cell Lung Cancer Model

Artemisia annua (A. annua) has been used as a medicinal plant in the treatment of several infectious and non-infectious diseases in the forms of tea and press juice since ancient times. The aim of this study was to evaluate the aqueous extract of A. annua (AAE) as an antimicrobial agent in vitro and to evaluate its chemopreventive efficacy in vivo in a small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) animal model. The dried powder of AAE was prepared using the Soxhlet extraction system from the leaves of Artemisia annua. The in vitro activity of AAE was determined against Candida albicans (C. albicans), Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) using the agar well diffusion method and propidium iodide (PI)-stained microbial death under a confocal microscope. The pretreatment of mice with AAE was initiated two weeks before the first dose of benzo[a]pyrene and continued for 21 weeks. The chemopreventive potential of the extract was evaluated by flow cytometry and biochemical and histopathological analyses of the tissues and serum accordingly, after sacrificing the mice. The data revealed the antimicrobial potential of AAE against all the species investigated, as it showed growth-inhibitory activity by MIC, as well as confocal microscopy. The pretreatment of AAE exhibited significant protection in carcinogen-modulated, average body weight (ABW), and relative organ weight (ROW) cancer biomarkers in the serum and antioxidants in the lungs. The hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of the tissues revealed that AAE prevented malignancy in the lungs. AAE also induced apoptosis and decreased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the lung cells analyzed by flow cytometry. The current findings demonstrated the use of AAE as an alternative medicine in the treatment of infectious disease and the chemoprevention of lung cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first study that summarizes the chemopreventive potential of AAE in a lung cancer model in vivo. However, further investigations are suggested to understand the role of AAE to potentiate the therapeutic index of the commercially available drugs that show multiple drug resistance against microbial growth and high toxicity during cancer chemotherapy.

Full-length transcriptome revealed the accumulation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in developing seeds of Plukenetia volubilis.

BackgroundPlukenetia volubilis is cultivated as a valuable oilseed crop, and its mature seeds are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (FAs), which are widely used in food and pharmaceutical industries. Recently, next-generation sequencing (NGS) transcriptome studies in P. volubilis indicated that some candidate genes were involved in oil biosynthesis. The NGS were inaccuracies in assembly of some candidate genes, leading to unknown errors in date analyses. However, single molecular real-time (SMRT) sequencing can overcome these assembled errors. Unfortunately, this technique has not been reported in P. volubilis.MethodsThe total oil content of P. volubilis seed (PVS) was determined using Soxhlet extraction system. The FA composition were analyzed by gas chromatography. Combining PacBio SMRT and Illumina technologies, the transcriptome analysis of developing PVS was performed. Functional annotation and differential expression were performed by BLAST software (version 2.2.26) and RSEM software (version 1.2.31), respectively. The lncRNA-targeted transcripts were predicted in developing PVS using LncTar tool.ResultsBy Soxhlet extraction system, the oil content of superior plant-type (SPT) was 13.47% higher than that of inferior plant-type (IPT) at mature PVS. The most abundant FAs were C18:2 and C18:3, among which C18:3 content of SPT was 1.11-fold higher than that of IPT. Combined with PacBio and Illumina platform, 68,971 non-redundant genes were obtained, among which 7,823 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and 7,798 lncRNA-targeted genes were predicted. In developing seed, the expressions of 57 TFs showed a significantly positive correlation with oil contents, including WRI1-like1, LEC1-like1, and MYB44-like. Comparative analysis of expression profiles between SPT and IPT implied that orthologs of FAD3, PDCT, PDAT, and DAGT2 were possibly important for the accumulation of polyunsaturated FAs. Together, these results provide a reference for oil biosynthesis of P. volubilis and genetic improvement of oil plants.

Walnut Oil Reduces Aβ Levels and Increases Neurite Length in a Cellular Model of Early Alzheimer Disease.

(1) Background: Mitochondria are the cells’ main source of energy. Mitochondrial dysfunction represents a key hallmark of aging and is linked to the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Maintaining mitochondrial function might contribute to healthy aging and the prevention of AD. The Mediterranean diet, including walnuts, seems to prevent age-related neurodegeneration. Walnuts are a rich source of α-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential n3-fatty acid and the precursor for n3-long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA), which might potentially improve mitochondrial function. (2) Methods: We tested whether a lipophilic walnut extract (WE) affects mitochondrial function and other parameters in human SH-SY5Y cells transfected with the neuronal amyloid precursor protein (APP695). Walnut lipids were extracted using a Soxhlet Extraction System and analyzed using GC/MS and HPLC/FD. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations were quantified under basal conditions in cell culture, as well as after rotenone-induced stress. Neurite outgrowth was investigated, as well as membrane integrity, cellular reactive oxygen species, cellular peroxidase activity, and citrate synthase activity. Beta-amyloid (Aβ) was quantified using homogenous time-resolved fluorescence. (3) Results: The main constituents of WE are linoleic acid, oleic acid, α-linolenic acid, and γ- and δ-tocopherol. Basal ATP levels following rotenone treatment, as well as citrate synthase activity, were increased after WE treatment. WE significantly increased cellular reactive oxygen species but lowered peroxidase activity. Membrane integrity was not affected. Furthermore, WE treatment reduced Aβ1–40 and stimulated neurite growth. (4) Conclusions: WE might increase ATP production after induction of mitochondrial biogenesis. Decreased Aβ1–40 formation and enhanced ATP levels might enhance neurite growth, making WE a potential agent to enhance neuronal function and to prevent the development of AD. In this sense, WE could be a promising agent for the prevention of AD.

Synthesis of Biodiesel by Transesterification Reaction from Jatropha Curcas Lineu Oil Seed (“Mpuluka”) Collected in City of Uíge, Angola

In this work, it was made a study of biodiesel synthesis by transesterification reaction from Jatropha Curcas Lineu Oil (“Mpuluka”) with methanol in the presence of NaOH. First of all a seed treatment and a granulometric study were carried out and it was concluded that the oil content and yield obtained from the extraction do not depend on the particles size of the seed. The Jatropha Curcas oil was obtained by means of a Soxhlet extraction system, using n -hexane. The oil content obtained was 45,32% and its yield was 90,88%. The physicochemical properties analysis of the oil indicates a high acidity index. For this, the synthesis of biodiesel was carried out using two steps: pre-treatment of crude oil before transesterification reaction and the esterification of crude oil followed by transesterification. The best yield in biodiesel (≈60%) was obtained with the molar ratio (oil/alcohol):1/6. The biodiesel obtained falls within admissible limit values of the international quality standards defined by ASTM_D and EN / ISO. In this work, it was made a study of biodiesel synthesis by transesterification reaction from Jatropha Curcas Lineu Oil (“Mpuluka”) with methanol in the presence of NaOH. First of all a seed treatment and a granulometric study were carried out and it was concluded that the oil content and yield obtained from the extraction do not depend on the particles size of the seed. The Jatropha Curcas oil was obtained by means of a Soxhlet extraction system, using n -hexane. The oil content obtained was 45,32% and its yield was 90,88%. The physicochemical properties analysis of the oil indicates a high acidity index. For this, the synthesis of biodiesel was carried out using two steps: pre-treatment of crude oil before transesterification reaction and the esterification of crude oil followed by transesterification. The best yield in biodiesel (≈60%) was obtained with the molar ratio (oil/alcohol):1/6. The biodiesel obtained falls within admissible limit values of the international quality standards defined by ASTM_D and EN / ISO.

Integrated analysis of fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol components of seed oils obtained from four varieties of industrial and environmental protection crops

To assess the economic and ecological value of the four varieties of industrial and environmental protection crops, we performed a comprehensive study on the nutritional components of the seed oils of the four crops based on the urgent search for high-quality oil resources in the face of the shortage of oil resources. In this study, the oil contents and physicochemical parameters of the four varieties of oils obtained with Soxhlet extraction systems were determined, and the content and composition of fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols were investigated. Amygdalus pedunculata Pall. (Amygdalus) seeds with exhibited the highest oil content at 57.30 % followed by Elaeagnus mollis Diels (Elaeagnus) and Xanthoceras sorbifolium Bunge (Yellowhorn) seeds. Paeonia suffruticosa Andr. (Paeonia) seeds exhibited the lowest oil content at 36.12 %. Oleic (C18:1), linoleic (C18:2), palmitic (C16:0), and stearic acids (C18:0) were the dominant fatty acids in the four seed oils. Yellowhorn oil exhibits the greatest variety of fatty acids (19 types), while Elaeagnus oil exhibited the greatest content (861.83 mg/g). However, the ω-6/ω-3 ratios of Amygdalus (9.38) and Elaeagnus (6.65) oils were in the range of 4:1−10:1. The ratio of saturated fatty acid (SFA):monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA):polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) of Yellowhorn oil is closest to the reasonable ratio (1:1:1), indicating the most balanced nutrition distribution. The main sterol found in the four oils was β-sitosterol. Yellowhorn oil had the highest levels of total sterol (252.22 mg/100 g) followed by Amygdalus (212.28 mg/100 g) and Elaeagnus (171.75 mg/100 g) oils, whereas Paeonia oil had the lowest levels of total sterol (155.58 mg/100 g). Three tocopherol homologues, α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols, were present in four varieties of seed oils. Elaeagnus oil contains the highest α-tocopherol (7.48 mg/100 g) and γ-tocopherol (109.58 mg/100 g) content, demonstrating that it has a greater pro-oxidant effect and a better antioxidant ability, followed by Paeonia and Yellowhorn oils. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of soil and water conservation plants.

Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) seed oil: chemical composition, antioxidant activities and its authentication analysis

Pumpkin seed oil (PSO) has been known as functional food oil due to some bioactive components contained such as phenolics and tocopherols with beneficial effects to human health including antioxidants, prevention of certain cancers, and retardation of hypertension progression and alleviation of diabetes mellitus. To extract PSO from corresponding fruit seed, numerous extraction techniques either conventional like Soxhlet extraction or modern extraction systems such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and supercritical extraction were optimized and developed to get maximum yields of PSO with maximum bioactive components. PSO contained tocopherols and other phenolics compounds, therefore, it has potential application in the treatment of diseases related to oxidative stress. Due to the different price of PSO with other vegetable oils, the adulteration practice involving the substitution or addition of PSO with lower price oils such as palm oil and corn oils is possible, therefore analytical method capable of detecting the adulteration practice is available. The aim of this review was to highlight the physicochemical properties, extraction procedure, antioxidant activities and authentication analysis of PSO.

Effect of cold-press and soxhlet extraction on fatty acids, tocopherols and sterol contents of the Moringa seed oils

The current study presents physico-chemical attributes, fatty acid, sterol and tocopherol compositions in oils obtained from Moringa seed using either cold-press or Soxhlet extraction systems. Moringa oleifera and M. peregrina seed oils, recovered using cold press (CP) and Soxhlet extraction (SE) techniques, contained substantial amount of oleic acid (75.49 and 74.62% in CP 73.83 and 71.67% in SE) showing significant (p < .05) differences. Palmitic acid contents of M. oleifera and M. peregrina oils were 9.58 and 11.74% in case of CP and 12.27 and 12.84% in SE. The α-tocopherol contents of M. oleifera and M. peregrina oils obtained using these two techniques were 139.61 and 137.89 mg/kg in CP and 142.74 and 151.67 mg/kg in SE systems. Stigmasterol contents of M. oleifera and M. peregrina oils obtained with cold press and Soxhlet extraction system were found as 19.62 and 17.84% to 18.54 and 15.41%, respectively.

Effects of Cold-Press and Soxhlet Extraction Systems on Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenol Contents, Fatty Acids, and Tocopherol Contents of Walnut Kernel Oils.

In this study, physico-chemical properties, fatty acid composition, and tocopherol contents of several walnut kernel oils obtained through cold-press and Soxhlet extractions were investigated. The acidity, peroxide, and unsaponifiable matter of oil samples extracted in the Soxhlet system were found higher. Total phenol contents of the oils obtained in cold press and Soxhlet extraction systems were 121.9 mg GAE/100g (Kaman-2) and 154.6 mg GAE/ 100g (Büyükoba), and between 135.9 mg GAE/100g (Kaman-2) and 163.8 mg GAE/100g (Büyükoba), respectively (p < 0.05). In addition, antioxidant activity valuesof walnut oils obtained in cold press and Soxhlet extractions varied between 17.3% (Kaman-2) and 19.7% (Kaman-5), and between 18.4% (Kaman-2) and 23.8% (Büyükoba), respectively (p < 0.05). Linoleic acid contents of the oil samples extracted in cold-press varied between 55.19% (Kaman-5) and 56.71% (Kaman-2), while that extracted from Soxhlet extraction system varied between 54.47% (Kaman-2) and 55.93% (Büyükoba). ɣ-Tocopherol contents of walnut oils extracted in cold press and Soxhlet extraction ranged between 9.41 mg/100g (Büyükoba) and 10.83 mg/100g (Kaman-2), and 8.76 mg/100g (Kaman-5) and 9.33 mg/100g (Kaman-2), respectively, and were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Effect of soxhlet and cold press extractions on the physico-chemical characteristics of roasted and non-roasted chia seed oils

While peroxide values of roasted and non-roasted chia seed oils obtained by cold press changed between 3.65 (non-roasted) and 14.12 meqO2/kg (roasted), peroxide values of chia seed oils extracted by Soxhlet extraction system were determined between 2.17 (non-roasted) and 8.53 meqO2/kg (roasted). Total wax contents of chia seed oils ranged between 56.74 mg/kg (roasted seed oil obtained by cold press system) to 138.87 mg/kg (non-roasted seed oil extracted by Soxhlet extraction). The linolenic acid contents of roasted and non-roasted chia oils obtained by cold press and Soxhlet extraction systems varied between 66.24 and 67.84% to 64.98 and 66.75%, respectively. β + γ-Tocopherols contents of roasted and non-roasted chia seed oils from cold press and Soxhlet extraction systems were determined between 901.6 and 917.3 mg/kg and 795.6 to 857.1 mg/kg, respectively. The rosmarinic acid contents of non-roasted and roasted chia seed oils obtained by cold press system decreased from 2.17 to 1.28 mg/g (p < 0.05), while oil extracted from Soxhlet method showed slight increase from 2.67 to 2.92 mg/g in non-roasted and roasted seeds respectively. This study revealed that roasting and extraction methods had significant effects on the micro constituents of oil from chia seeds. Due to these properties cold presses and non-roasted can be recommended.

English

The percentage yield of rotenone extracted from Tephrosia vogelii leaves and seeds was investigated. Ten samples of well ground leaves and seeds were each subjected to extraction in soxhlet extraction system using trichloromethane, ethanol and methanol solvents for 24 h at room temperature. The maximum absorption wavelength of rotenone was determined using Ultra violet-visible spectrophotometer. Different solvent extracts were quantified using high performance liquid chromatography instruments fitted with Ultra Violet detector and their yield expressed as percentage rotenone. Trichloromethane recorded the highest rotenone yield from both leaves (8.3 and seeds 2.7%) compared to the other two solvents. Ethanol was second with 5.9% in leaves and 1.9% in seeds while methanol had 4.8% in leaves and 1.6% in seeds. In general, the leaves extracts were found to have a higher rotenone percentage yield by an average factor of 3 compared to seeds. Rotenone can be commercially extracted from T. Vogelii using ethanol that is locally available to complement natural pyrethrum insecticide industry. Key words: Rotenone, Tephrosia vogelii, solvents, seeds, leaves.

Controlled biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using sugar industry waste, and its antimicrobial activity

The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using natural extracts is a process that has already been studied due to their excellent antimicrobial activity. However, in most cases, it has been found that the preparation of these nanoparticles leads to the formation of silver chloride (AgCl) as an undesirable side product, which is difficult to remove. In this paper, the AgNPs were prepared using the extract of the sugar industry waste, sugar cane bagasse, as a reducing and capping agent, by a soxhlet extraction system. It was observed that varying the pH of the reaction medium it was possible to avoid the formation of AgCl and in addition, the pH has an important role in controlling the particle size and dispersion. Uv–vis absorption, FTIR, DRX, SEM, TEM and DLS techniques were used to characterize these particles. In addition, a good antimicrobial activity was observed when AgNPs were used against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (both Gram negative bacteria) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive bacteria), obtaining better results with the Gram negative.

Effect of solvent structure and amine addition on the depolymerization of a bituminous Venezuelan coal

This research article describes the solvents composition and structure effects on the depolymerization/extraction yield of a bituminous coal from the Naricual coalfield, located in Eastern Venezuela. Benzene, chloroform, N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), 3-methylphenol (m-cresol), hexahydropyridine (piperidine) and toluene have been used as solvents; dimethylamine and p-phenylenediamine were used as additives (coal: amine 10:1 ratio), testing possible changes in yield in a Soxhlet extraction system in a 12 h lapse. The extraction/depolymerization capabilities were increased as follow: benzene < toluene < chloroform < DMF < m-cresol < piperidine. Boiling temperature, Hildebrand solubility and empirical polarity parameter ET(30) do not explain the yield solvent’s behavior used in Naricual coals extraction. On the other hand, H-bonding ability and electron-donor availability in the solvent are critical factors in the coal extraction/depolymerization process. These results confirm the important role of specific interactions in determining the extraction/depolymerization behavior of this coal. When amines were added, the yield increased significantly, but in a different extent. Furthermore, added amine opens the coal structure for solvent penetration. Identity of the amine and the synergistic mixture of solvent and an amine are key factors affecting the depolymerization of the coal under study.

Characterization of biodiesel production (ultrasonic-assisted) from evening-primroses (Oenothera lamarckiana) as novel feedstock and its effect on CI engine parameters

Abstract In this research, Oenothera lamarckiana seed oil (OLO) has been investigated as a novel feedstock for biodiesel production in Iran. Ripe shrubs of Oenothera lamarckiana were collected from farms in Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad (around city of Yasouj) and seeds were extracted after drying of the stems. Then oil was extracted by a chemical method (Soxhlet extraction system). A maximum oil content of 26% has been found by chemical method extraction. Physical and chemical characteristics of Oenothera lamarckiana oil (OLO) have been investigated. Biodiesel has been prepared using Ultrasonic set-up. By using the response surface methodology (RSM), the biodiesel production process was optimized to obtain the highest yield of biodiesel conversion. In this research, reaction parameters such as molar ratio (methanol to oil), reaction time, amplitude and pulse are studied. Moreover, the performance and the exhaust emissions of a diesel engine have been investigated. All of the experiments are performed at a constant speed of 2100 rpm at loads of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. The results of research showed that the conversion of biodiesel was 92.06% under the optimized conditions of 7.73:1 M ratio (methanol to oil), amplitude of 62.59 (%), and 91.22 pulses for a reaction time of 9.65 min. Experimental engine test results indicated that by using the biodiesel-diesel blends, brake power, and concentrations of the CO2 and NOx emissions were increased, while the specific fuel consumption (SFC) and concentration of CO and HC emissions were decreased. Investigation of the properties of fuel, engine performance and emission parameters revealed that biodiesel from Oenothera lamarckiana oil complied with the limits prescribed in the ASTM D6751standards, and this seed oil can be introduced as a new feedstock for biodiesel production in Iran.

Comparison of cold-pressing and soxhlet extraction systems for bioactive compounds, antioxidant properties, polyphenols, fatty acids and tocopherols in eight nut oils.

Antioxidant activities of different nut oils ranged from 11.43 (peanut) to 65.58% (pistachio) in cold pressed oils whereas in case of soxhlet extracted oils they were in the range of 11.32 (hazelnut) to 51.28% (pistachio). β-Carotene contents of oils obtained by cold pressing and soxhlet extraction changed between 7.53 (almond) and 13.58µg/100g (pistachio). The highest total phenol contents (2.36mg gallic acid equivalent/100g) were observed in pistachio oils obtained by cold press. The oleic acid contents of cold pressed and soxhlet extracted oils were between 19.88 (walnut) and 69.43% (pecan) to 19.07 (walnut) and 68.53% (pecan), respectively. The linoleic acid contents of nut oils from cold press system vary between 12.78 (hazelnut) and 63.56% (walnut), whereas in case of soxhlet extraction, it changed between 11.78 (hazelnut) and 62.41% (walnut). The α-tocopherol contents of cold pressed nut oils changed between 0.07 (walnut) and 257.42mg/kg (hazelnut) α-tocopherol contents of nut oils extracted by soxhlet extraction changed between 0.03 (pistachio) and 209.73mg/kg (hazelnut). The catechin contents of cold pressed nut oils were between 0.56 (cashew) and 3.76µg/100g (pistachio), whereas that of soxhlet extracted oil varied between 0.64 (cashew) and 3.82µg/100g (cashew).

Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) seed oil: Characterisation and optimisation of ultrasonication-assisted biodiesel production

The non-edible oil from Ailanthus altissima (tree of heaven) seeds has potential as a novel feedstock for biodiesel production in Iran. In this study, Ailanthus altissima seed oil (AAO) has been investigated as a novel feedstock for biodiesel production. Ripe Ailanthus altissima seeds were collected from the Tarbiat Modares University campus and, after drying, their oil was extracted using a Soxhlet extraction system. The maximum oil content of the seeds was found to be ∼38%. The physical and chemical characteristics of the AAO were investigated. Biodiesel was prepared using an ultrasonic setup. In order to obtain the highest yield of biodiesel, the production process was optimised using a response surface methodology (RSM) model. Reaction parameters such as the molar ratio of methanol to oil, reaction time, and catalyst loading were studied. The biodiesel yield was 92.26% under the optimised conditions, i.e., a methanol-to-oil molar ratio of 8.50:1, a catalyst loading of 1.01 wt%, and a reaction time of 4.71 min. The biodiesel prepared from Ailanthus altissima oil complies with the criteria dictated by ASTM D6751 standards. Thus, this seed oil can be introduced as a new feedstock for biodiesel production in Iran.

Effect of cold press and soxhlet extraction systems on fatty acid, tocopherol contents, and phenolic compounds of various grape seed oils

In this study, fatty acids, tocopherol contents, and phenolic compounds of the grape seed oils obtained with cold-pressed and soxhlet extraction systems from several grape seeds were investigated. Linoleic acid contents of cold-pressed oils varied between 59.61 and 72.13%. In addition, linoleic acid contents of oils obtained with soxhlet system changed between 58.51 and 71.17%. While α-tocotrienol contents of oil samples extracted with cold-pressed change between 13.21 and 34.71 mg/100 g, α-tocotrienol contents of oils obtained by soxhlet system in all grape varieties varied between 8.89 and 33.89 mg/100 g. In addition, while ɣ-tocotrienol contents of cold-pressed oils range from 15.47 to 39.95 mg/100 g, ɣ-tocotrienol contents of soxhlet extraction oils in all grape varieties were determined between 13.47 and 35.75 mg/100 g. Both systems' oils are rich in catechin, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid. While catechin contents of cold-pressed oils change between 427.80 and 847.14 mg/kg, catechin contents of soxhlet extraction oils in all grape seeds ranged from 537.11 to 836.88 mg/kg. Practical applications Cold-pressed grape seed oil stands out as a suitable alternative to other commonly used vegetable oils because of its higher amounts of essential fatty acid, and many others bioactive compounds. Grape seed oil is being used in various fields such as cosmetics and cooking. Because the cold-pressing does not need both heat and chemical treatments, cold-pressed oils are being preferred for natural and safe food products by consumer. The consumption of vegetable oils rather than solid fats is crucial to maintaining health. As known, grape seed oil is an environment friendly oil due to a by-product of wine and grape juice-making processes.

Solvent effects on quantitative analysis of brominated flame retardants with Soxhlet extraction.

Reliable quantifications of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) not only ensure compliance with laws and regulations on the use of BFRs in commercial products, but also is key for accurate risk assessments of BFRs. Acetone is a common solvent widely used in the analytical procedure of BFRs, but our recent study found that acetone can react with some BFRs. It is highly likely that such reactions can negatively affect the quantifications of BFRs in environmental samples. In this study, the effects of acetone on the extraction yields of three representative BFRs [i.e., decabrominated diphenyl ether (decaBDE), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)] were evaluated in the Soxhlet extraction (SE) system. The results showed that acetone-based SE procedure had no measureable effect for the recovery efficiencies of decaBDE but could substantially lower the extraction yields for both TBBPA and HBCD. After 24h of extraction, the recovery efficiencies of TBBPA and HBCD by SE were 93 and 78% with acetone, 47 and 70% with 3:1 acetone:n-hexane, and82 and 94% with 1:1 acetone:n-hexane, respectively. After 72h of extraction, the extraction efficiencies of TBBPA and HBCD decreased to 68 and 55% with acetone, 0 and 5% with 3:1 acetone/n-hexane mixtures, and0 and 13% with 1:1 acetone/n-hexane mixtures, respectively. The study suggested that the use of acetone alone or acetone-based mixtures should be restricted in the quantitative analysis of HBCD and TBBPA. We further evaluated nine alternative solvents for the extraction of the three BFRs. The result showed that diethyl ether might be reactive with HBCD and may not be considered as the alternative to acetone used solvents for the extraction of HBCD.

Absence of anthelmintic activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extracts ofArtabotrys hexapetalus(Linn.f)

Objective: To study the anthelmintic activity of Artabotrys hexapetalus (Linn.f) leaves. Materials and Methods: The extraction was made using the hydroalcohol with soxhlet extraction system. The hydroalcoholic extract of varying concentration was used for conducting anthelmintic activity (12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml). Eudrilus eugeniae (African adult earthworm) was used as the test organism. Result: The time of paralysis and death of the earthworms, the positive control (albendazole) was more effective and no effect was shown by the hydroalcoholic extract of varying concentrations. Conclusion: Hydroalcoholic extract of Artabotrys hexapetalus, didn't show any anthelmintic activity at the concentration of 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml.

A Simple and Effective Removal Procedure of Synthetic Resins to Obtain Accurate Radiocarbon Dates of Restored Artworks

The issue of contamination in radiocarbon dating is well known and can affect not only archaeological findings but also artworks. In the latter case, a possible source of contamination is represented by the products used during the restoration, e.g. resins of synthetic origin like the well-known Paraloid, applied to wood artifacts as a strengthening and preserving agent. In the case of incomplete removal prior to dating, the resins produce an apparent aging of the samples. Mechanical cleaning using traditional tools and the standard pretreatment acid-base-acid (ABA) protocol are not sufficient to remove such contaminants, while the use of organic solvents, in particular petroleum solvents and chlorine-based products, can be effective. However, the most widely used protocol, based on the Soxhlet extraction system, is very time consuming. Here, in the presence of chloroform-soluble applied products, like the widespread Paraloid B-72, this study proposes the use of a new easily operated pretreatment procedure, developed at INFN-LABEC in Florence, based on the use of chloroform (CHCl3) as solvent and on a simple extraction. First, the effectiveness of this procedure was checked by applying it to remove the resin from wood samples of known age, which had been previously intentionally contaminated by applying large quantities of Paraloid. 14C AMS measurements performed on the test samples before and after contamination and application of the proposed procedure proved its effectiveness for removal, while this was not the case when applying standard ABA protocols. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analyses also were used to check the removal of contaminants. The new procedure was applied in two case studies: the wood frame of an altar piece from the Renaissance and a painting on canvas from the early 20th century. For both artworks, the use of synthetic resins was documented in restorations performed a relatively long time ago: the wood frame was restored using just Paraloid, the canvas using a thermoplastic polymer soluble in chloroform. Enough time elapsed for the resins to create cross-linking bonds with the original material. Despite this, the results obtained by 14C AMS dating confirm the reliability of the new chloroform-based pretreatment in removing the contaminations. Also in these cases, spectroscopic techniques were used to compare the effectiveness of the ABA and the new treatments in removing the contaminants.

An approach to chemoenzymatic DKR of amines in Soxhlet apparatus

The coexistence of thermolabile enzyme and metal catalyst for racemization of amines in chemoenzymatic dynamic kinetic resolution, requiring high temperature of operation, is enabled by carrying out the reaction in modified Soxhlet extraction system. Initial insights into the scope and limitations of the developed reaction system are discussed.