Stearic Research Articles

Exploration of GmDof11-lncRNA13082 Module Regulating Oil Synthesis in Plants.

Soybean (Glycine max [Linn.] Merr.) is an important oilseed crop. Although transcription factors (TFs) can coordinate the expression of mRNA and lncRNA, their coordination in the soybean oil synthesis pathway remains unclear. This study examined the interaction between the TF GmDof11 and lncRNA13082 and found that overexpression of GmDof11 led to an increase in the number of Arabidopsis seeds, thousand seed weight, crude protein, hydrolysis amino acid, and soluble sugar. Additionally, it reduced the triglyceride and starch contents and affected the proportion of fatty acids, increasing the contents of palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linolenic acid. The yeast two-hybrid experiments revealed that GmDof11 interacts with GmBCCP1, GmLEC1b, and GmFAB2 proteins. In the RT-qPCR analysis of transgenic soybean roots, it was found that GmDof11 can activate the production of lncRNA13082 and work in conjunction with lncRNA13082 to oversee oil synthesis and nutrient storage. Our research provides robust theoretical evidence for a comprehensive resolution of TF-lncRNA regulation in the soybean oil synthesis network.

Catalytic Biomass Transformation to Hydrocarbons under Supercritical Conditions over Nickel Supported on Schungite

Liquid fuel production from biomass-derived molecules has received great attention due to the diminished fossil fuel reserves, growing energy demand, and the necessity of CO2 emission reduction. The deoxygenation of oils and fatty acids is a promising process to obtain “green” diesel. Herein, we report the results of the study of the deoxygenation of stearic acid to alkanes as a model reaction. Series of Ni-supported on schungite were obtained by precipitation in subcritical water (hydrothermal deposition) and for comparison via wetness impregnation followed, in both cases, by calcination at 500 °C and a reduction in H2 at 300 °C. The catalyst obtained via hydrothermal synthesis showed a three-fold higher specific surface area with a four-fold higher active phase dispersion compared to the catalysts synthesized via conventional impregnation. The catalysts were tested in stearic acid deoxygenation in supercritical n-hexane as the solvent. Under optimized process conditions (temperature of 280 °C, hydrogen partial pressure of 1.5 MPa, and 13.2 mol of stearic acid per mol of Ni), a close to 100% yield of C10–C18 alkanes, containing over 70 wt.% of targeted n-heptadecane, was obtained after 60 min of reaction.

PREPARATION OF LIPID-BASED FORMULATIONS USING LOCAL BEESWAX SOURCED FROM HONEYCOMBS

Solid lipids used in formulation of novel drug delivery systems in most developing countries are sourced from abroad and are quite expensive. Wax from honeycombs is readily available, and is even disposed as waste, but can be utilized as a solid lipid for the formulation of different lipid-based drug delivery systems. This study aims to formulate and compare the features of the solid lipid nanoparticle (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carrier (NLCs) delivery systems of quinine hydrochloride made with local beeswax (that is beeswax from locally sources honeycomb waste) and other solid lipids sourced from abroad. Local beeswax was first purified by hot bath method. Solidified reverse micellar solutions (SRMS) were prepared by fusion method using Phospholipon®90H and either local beeswax, Softisan®154, foreign beeswax, or stearic acid, separately. SLNs and NLCs of quinine made with SRMS of each of these solid lipids were formulated using hot homogenization method. These SLNs and NLCs were characterized. The average particle size of SLNs and NLCs made with local beeswax was 93.60 ± 4.44 nm and 112.80 ± 3.89 nm, respectively, and was not significantly (p > 0.05) different from the sizes of formulations made from other solid lipids (SLNs: 96.64 to 118.9 ± 4.13 nm and NLCs: 99.68 ± 6.75 to 117.30 ± 4.60 nm). The particles were monodispersed having PDI ranging from 0.281±0.054 to 0.308±0.055. Encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity were generally poor, especially among the SLN formulations. However, SLNs made with local beeswax and stearic acid were able to encapsulate quinine, whereas foreign beeswax and Softisan®154 had zero encapsulation. This study reveals that the features of the SLNs and NLCs made with local beeswax where highly comparable with those formulated with the imported solid lipids. Therefore, local beeswax can serve as a suitable affordable and available alternative to other imported solid lipids for formulating different lipid drug delivery systems.

Consequential Effect of Intake of Fatty Acid through Milk and Butterfat (Ghee)

Milk fat is observed to have high nutritional properties and other health benefits. The fat in milk is the most complicated natural fat since it comprises over 400 distinct fatty acids. The saturated fatty acids present in milk account for approximately 70% by weight (5). The most important fatty acid from a quantitative viewpoint is palmitic acid (16:0), which accounts for approximately 30% by weight of the total fatty acids. Myristic acid (14:0) and stearic acid (18:0) make up 11 and 12% by weight, respectively. Oleic acid is the major unsaturated fatty acid present in milk. The fatty acid composition of milk fat determines its nutritional value. The fatty acids found in milk vary in terms of their structure, cis or trans isomers, amount and location of double bonds, and chain length. The chemical makeup and content of the fatty acids present determine the physical and nutritional characteristics of the fat. The fatty acids in milk also have nutritional value and offer certain health advantages. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and other polyunsaturated fatty acids are considered to help prevent coronary artery disease (CAD) and other age-related neurodegenerative illnesses. Many of these therapeutic properties are unknown even today. The impact of fatty acids on human health is a topic that is always under dispute. Here we discuss how fatty acids act in terms of human health. Regulations have been implemented to ensure reduced risk due to the intake of fatty acids like trans fatty acids. Trans fats can increase the risk of CHD.

Insights into bioactive constituents of onion (Allium cepa L.) waste: a comparative metabolomics study enhanced by chemometric tools

BackgroundOnion waste was reported to be a valuable source of bioactive constituents with potential health-promoting benefits. This sparked a surge of interest among scientists for its valorization. This study aims to investigate the chemical profiles of peel and root extracts of four onion cultivars (red, copper-yellow, golden yellow and white onions) and evaluate their erectogenic and anti-inflammatory potentials.MethodsUPLC-QqQ-MS/MS analysis and chemometric tools were utilized to determine the chemical profiles of onion peel and root extracts. The erectogenic potential of the extracts was evaluated using the PDE-5 inhibitory assay, while their anti-inflammatory activity was determined by identifying their downregulating effect on the gene expression of IL-6, IL-1β, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in LPS-stimulated WBCs.ResultsA total of 103 metabolites of diverse chemical classes were identified, with the most abundant being flavonoids. The organ’s influence on the chemical profiles of the samples outweighed the influence of the cultivar, as evidenced by the close clustering of samples from the same organ compared to the distinct separation of root and peel samples from the same cultivar. Furthermore, the tested extracts demonstrated promising PDE-5 and anti-inflammatory potentials and effectively suppressed the upregulation of pro-inflammatory markers in LPS-stimulated WBCs. The anti-inflammatory activities exerted by peel samples surpassed those of root samples, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate organ to maximize activity. The main metabolites correlated with PDE-5 inhibition were cyanidin 3-O-(malonyl-acetyl)-glucoside and quercetin dimer hexoside, while those correlated with IL-1β inhibition were γ-glutamyl-methionine sulfoxide, γ-glutamyl glutamine, sativanone, and stearic acid. Taxifolin, 3’-hydroxymelanettin, and oleic acid were highly correlated with IL-6 downregulation, while quercetin 4’-O-glucoside, isorhamnetin 4’-O-glucoside, and p-coumaroyl glycolic acid showed the highest correlation to IFN-γ and TNF-α inhibition.ConclusionThis study provides a fresh perspective on onion waste as a valuable source of bioactive constituents that could serve as the cornerstone for developing new, effective anti-PDE-5 and anti-inflammatory drug candidates.

Root Rot Management in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Through Integrated Biocontrol Strategies using Metabolites from Trichoderma harzianum, Serratia marcescens, and Vermicompost Tea

Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is an essential food staple and source of income for small-holder farmers across Africa. However, yields are greatly threatened by fungal diseases like root rot induced by Rhizoctonia solani. This study aimed to evaluate an integrated approach utilizing vermicompost tea (VCT) and antagonistic microbes for effective and sustainable management of R. solani root rot in common beans. Fourteen fungal strains were first isolated from infected common bean plants collected across three Egyptian governorates, with R. solani being the most virulent isolate with 50% dominance. Subsequently, the antagonistic potential of vermicompost tea (VCT), Serratia sp., and Trichoderma sp. was assessed against this destructive pathogen. Combinations of 10% VCT and the biocontrol agent isolates displayed potent inhibition of R. solani growth in vitro, prompting in planta testing. Under greenhouse conditions, integrated applications of 5 or 10% VCT with Serratia marcescens, Trichoderma harzianum, or effective microorganisms (EM1) afforded up to 95% protection against pre- and post-emergence damping-off induced by R. solani in common bean cv. Giza 6. Similarly, under field conditions, combining VCT with EM1 (VCT + EM1) or Trichoderma harzianum (VCT + Trichoderma harzianum) substantially suppressed disease severity by 65.6% and 64.34%, respectively, relative to untreated plants. These treatments also elicited defense enzyme activity and distinctly improved growth parameters including 136.68% and 132.49% increases in pod weight per plant over control plants. GC–MS profiling of Trichoderma harzianum, Serratia marcescens, and vermicompost tea (VCT) extracts revealed unique compounds dominated by cyclic pregnane, fatty acid methyl esters, linoleic acid derivatives, and free fatty acids like oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids with confirmed biocontrol and plant growth-promoting activities. The results verify VCT-mediated delivery of synergistic microbial consortia as a sustainable platform for integrated management of debilitating soil-borne diseases, enhancing productivity and incomes for smallholder bean farmers through regeneration of soil health. Further large-scale validation can pave the adoption of this climate-resilient approach for securing food and nutrition security.

Cerium(III)phosphotungstate: an efficient catalyst in esterification of fatty acids

In this report, a known heteropolyacid salt (HPAs) cerium (Ⅲ) phosphotungstate was synthesized in a volume ratio of 2:1:2 with a molar ratio of 1:1:1 of each ingredient. These HPAs are further utilized in form of a catalyst to generate biodiesel through the esterification of variable carbon chain length alcohols (methanol, ethanol, n-propanol, isopropanol, n-butanol) and stearic acid at different conditions of reaction. FTIR of the produced biodiesel was also done for the assurance of ester peaks in it. Analysis of some important biodiesel properties (density, dynamic viscosity, acid value, aniline point, boiling point, cloud and pour point, and flash and fire point) etc., to differentiate and validate the results. A large surface area of the catalyst i.e. 121.427 m2/g determined using the BET surface area analyser, supports the fact of outrageous catalytic action in the esterification reaction. The effect of additives was also studied on the properties of resultant biodiesel. The calorific value of the samples was measured at 7320 Kcal/kg without additive and 7512 Kcal/kg after adding toluene (as an additive) in the biodiesel generated in the study. The pour point temperature of the biodiesel with additives was observed even < 20℃.

Steerable droplet precise bouncing on a superhydrophobic surface with superhydrophilic stripes

The precise rebound of a droplet upon hitting a solid surface has garnered significant attention in recent years due to its critical applications in self-cleaning, printing industries, and the design of heat exchanger surfaces, among others. This study introduces an innovative approach that combines femtosecond laser processing with a high-temperature stearic acid modification to create surfaces that feature superhydrophilic (SHL) stripes on a superhydrophobic substrate. By controlling the offset distance between the droplet's impact point and the SHL stripe, we achieved a directional and precise rebound of the droplets. Our findings indicate that the lateral displacement of the droplet increases with the offset distance and always tilts toward the direction of the SHL stripe. This study also incorporates numerical simulations to validate the findings, shedding light on the energy conversion mechanisms at the liquid–solid interface during the impact, particularly during the retraction phase. This discovery is significant for more accurately predicting the specific landing spots of rebounding droplets.

Effects of High Hydrostatic Pressure on the Distribution of Oligosaccharides, Pinitol, Soysapapogenol A, and Fatty Acids in Soybean.

The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment (100-600 MPa for 10-60 min) and thermal treatment (boiling for 10-60 min) on oligosaccharides, pinitol, and soyasapogenol A as taste ingredients in soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) (cv. Yukihomare) were evaluated. Additionally, soybean-derived fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid in pressurized soybeans were quantitatively analyzed. Sucrose, stachyose, and raffinose concentrations were decreased in all tested pressure and time combinations; however, pinitol concentrations were increased by specific pressure and time combinations at 100-400 MPa for 10-60 min. While the soyasapogenol A content in boiled soybeans decreased with increasing boiling time, that of pressurized soybeans was altered by specific pressure and time combinations. At the lower pressure and shorter time combinations, the essential fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid showed higher contents. Stearic acid and oleic acid contents of pressurized soybeans increased at mild pressure levels (300-500 MPa). In contrast, the combination of higher pressure and longer time results in lower essential fatty acid contents. Non-thermal-pressurized soybeans have the potential to be a high-value food source with better taste due to the enrichment of low molecular weight components such as pinitol, free amino acids, and the reduction of isoflavones and Group A soyasapogenol.

Analysis of the Fatty Acid Profile in Cream, Buttermilk Fractions, and Anhydrous Milk Fat: Influence of Physicochemical and Microbiological Parameters on the Fatty Acid Profile

This study analyzes the impact of physicochemical parameters on the microbiological and fatty acid profiles of cream, buttermilk, and anhydrous milk fat. Using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS), the fatty acids present in these dairy products were qualitatively determined, highlighting the differences associated with the processing stages. Specifically, the distribution of short-chain, medium-chain, and long-chain fatty acids, such as butyric, caproic, caprylic, capric, lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, were analyzed, assessing their nutritional implications. The microbiological composition of the samples was also analyzed using MALDI-ToF MS. The presence of lipolytic bacteria, such as Serratia monocytogenes, which can negatively impact the oxidative stability of fats, was detected. The results show that both environmental and processing conditions significantly affect the quantity and quality of fatty acids, thereby influencing the overall dietary value of dairy products. These findings offer insight into developing improved dairy product formulations that may lead to enhancement of their health benefits.

Synthesis and emulsification properties of polyglyceryl estolides prepared from fatty acids

Abstract Polyglyceryl polyricinoleate (PGPR) is an emulsifier produced by esterification of polyricinoleic acid and polyglycerol. Polyricinoleic acid is derived from ricinoleic acid, which is expensive compared to other fatty acids. Therefore, analogues of polyricinoleic acid should be made from less expensive fatty acids, such as oleic acid. Therefore, oleic acid was converted to polyhydroxy estolide (PE) by a reaction with hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid. The PE was used as a substitute for polyricinoleic acid to produce PGPR analogues by direct esterification with polyglycerol and various fatty acids. The direct reaction between polyglycerol and PE produced a polyglyceryl estolide (PGE) with high viscosity and hydroxyl value, which limited its suitability as an emulsifier for the isopropyl myristate (IPM) and water system. Conversely, PGE prepared from lauric acid, polyglycerol and PE showed lower viscosity and hydroxyl value, resulting in a broad region of emulsion stability on a phase diagram when evaluated as a water-in-oil emulsifier for the IPM/water system. Similarly, other PGE made with oleic acid also displayed good emulsion stability for systems with higher IPM concentrations. In contrast, PGE prepared with stearic acid was a semi-solid at room temperature. Most of the prepared PGEs showed promising potential as emulsifiers for water-in-oil emulsions.

Delivery of Lutein by Using Modified Burdock Polysaccharide Aggregates: Preparation, Characterization, and In Vitro Release Properties.

Novel self-assembled aggregates of stearic acid (SA)-modified burdock polysaccharide (BP) for loading lutein were constructed, and the release and absorption properties of lutein in the aggregates in simulated gastrointestinal fluid were investigated. Three different degrees of substitution (DS) of SA-BPs were used to embed lutein, resulting in the encapsulation efficiency exceeding 90%. The aggregates were uniformly spherical, with a particle size range of 227-341 nm. XRD analysis revealed that lutein was present in a non-crystalline state within the aggregates. FT-IR and FS analysis demonstrated that lutein was located in the hydrophobic domains of SA-BP. The highest bioavailability of lutein in these aggregates reached 4.36 times that in the unmodified samples. These aggregates were able to remain stable in gastric juice and enhance the release rate of lutein in intestinal fluid. The transport of lutein-loaded SA-BP aggregates in Caco-2 cells competed with P-glycoprotein inhibitors, mainly promoting the transmembrane absorption of lutein through caveolae (or lipid raft)-related and clathrin-dependent endocytosis pathways. The above results suggest that SA-BP aggregates have the potential to be promising carriers for the efficient delivery of hydrophobic lutein.

A facile method to fabricate superhydrophobic cotton fabrics finished using water-proof and antibacterial agent

Superhydrophobic emulsions (SHEs) based on fatty acids (stearic, palmitic, myristic and lauric acids)-melamine (FAMEs) was synthesized without emulsifier and applied on cotton fabric. The superhydrophobic compounds (FAME1, FAME2, FAME3 and FAME4) were successfully prepared on the basis of the reaction between fatty acid anhydrides and melamine. The chemical structures of the prepared FAME compounds were investigated using FTIR,1HNMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The cotton fabric samples were treated with the prepared emulsions using different concentrations in the range of 20 – 60 g/L. Hydrostatic pressure, water contact angle (WCA) and water permeability tests were performed on the treated samples. It was shown that super hydrophobicity of the fabric treated with stearic acid-melamine emulsion (60 g/L) recorded the best results due to the combined effect of surface roughness imparted by melamine and the low surface energy of stearic acid. Furthermore, antibacterial agent Biochrol WS1 in concentrations (2 and 8%) was simultaneously applied to the treated samples. The Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method was used to estimate the biological activity of the treated cotton. Two strains of bacteria: Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis - Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli-Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were used for this purpose. The tensile strength of treated samples was measured as well. The results showed that the antibacterial and water-proof fabrics can be achieved by applying selected material without significant changes on their comfort properties.

Fabrication of Biomimetic Hydrophobic Surfaces Using Phyto‐Polymers and their Bimetallic Au@Ag Nanoparticles

AbstractGreen phyto technology is a novel version, and the intersection of nanotechnology with nanobiotechnology gains much attention among global researchers owing to the vast range of industrial, environmental and medical applications. To synthesize bimetallic nano particles of Au@Ag, corresponding metal precursors were added to aqueous fruit latex extract of Artocarpus heterophyllus (AHL) & bark latex extract of Mimusops elengi (MEM) and exposed to sunlight. Hydrophobic surfaces are often designed to mimic low surface energy materials and hierarchical micro/nanostructures. In this study, hydrophobic surfaces on glass substrates were fabricated using a simple immersion process that was rapid, facile, and environmental friendly. Latex extracts, Au@Ag nanoparticles, stearic acid and methyltrichlorosilane were used in the coatings. The shape, heterogeneity, roughness and surface functionality of modified hydrophobic surfaces were investigated by FESEM, 3D profilometer and FT‐IR studies. The contact angle (CA) of modified surfaces was measured by Goniometer. The anti‐corrosive property of modified hydrophobic surfaces was tested. Recent micro/nanotechnological advancements have inspired artificial changes of surface wettability by bio‐mimic surfaces with efficient nanoparticles.

Sensitive detection of histamine utilizing the SERS platform combined with an azo coupling reaction and a composite hydrophobic layer

Herein, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) platform was combined with an azo coupling reaction and an aluminum alloy covered with a hydrophobic layer of praseodymium oxide and stearic acid complexes for the detection of histamine. The praseodymium oxide on aluminum alloy was successfully synthesized by the rare-earth-salt-solution boiling bath method and modified by stearic acid. Its surface exhibits a water contact angle (WCA) of 125.0°. Through the azo derivatization reaction with 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole (AMTA) diazonium salts, histamine can be converted into the derivatization product with higher Raman activity. The mixture of the derivatization product and β-cyclodextrin-modified Ag nanoparticles (β-CD-AgNPs) were dropped onto the surface of an aluminum alloy covered with a hydrophobic layer of praseodymium oxide and stearic acid complexes, and dried for SERS measurement. The intensity ratio between the SERS peaks at 1246 cm−1 and 1104 cm−1 (I1246/I1104) of the derivatization product was used for the quantification of histamine. Under the selected conditions, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) for this method were 7.2 nM (S/N = 3) and 24 nM (S/N = 10), respectively. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of this method for the determination of 1 μM histamine was 6.1 % (n = 20). The method was also successfully used for the determination of histamine in fish samples with recoveries ranging from 92 % to 111 %. The present method is simple, sensitive, reliable, and may provide a new approach for preparing the composite hydrophobic layer that can enhance SERS signals through hydrophobic condensation effect. Meanwhile, it may have a promising future in the determination of small molecular compounds containing an imidazole ring.

Rosa × damascena Herrm. From Azaran region, Kashan: rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids with inhibitory effect against Proteus mirabilis

BackgroundOne of the most widely used medicinal plants in Iranian traditional medicine, Rosa × damascena Herrm. (mohammadi flower) that the people of Kashan use as a sedative and to treat nervous diseases and constipation. In this research, the yield, chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of this plant were evaluated for the first time from Azaran region, Kashan.MethodsThe essential oil was extracted by means of hydrodistillation (Clevenger), and its chemical compounds were identified and determined by GC/MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was determined by the diffusion method in agar, the minimum growth inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the minimum concentration capable of killing bacterial/fungal microorganisms (MBC/MFC).ResultsThe results showed that the yield of essential oil was 0.1586 ± 0.0331% (w/w). Based on the results of the chemical composition analysis of R. x damascena essential oil, 19 different compounds (98.96%) were identified. The dominant and main components of the essential oil were oleic acid (48.08%), palmitic acid (15.44%), stearic acid (10.17%), citronellol (7.37%) and nonadecane (3.70%). Based on the results of diffusion in agar, the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) was ~ 9.5 mm. The strongest inhibitory activity of R. x damascena essential oil against Gram-negative Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 43071) was with the diameter of the inhibition zone (~ 9 mm), which was equal to the strength of rifampin (~ 9 mm).ConclusionTherefore, this essential oil is a promising natural option rich in fatty acids, which can be a potential for the production of natural antimicrobials against infectious diseases, especially urinary tract infections.

Superhydrophobic hierarchically porous polymer modified by epoxidized soybean oil and stearic acid synergy for highly efficient sustainable oil-water separation

Environmental and human health are adversely affected by oil and organic wastewater pollution of water resources. However, it has always been difficult to develop an adsorption material that is multifunctional and able to remove multiple pollutants. A new hierarchically porous polymers have been synthesized using high internal phase emulsions (HIPE) template, and further modification by a physico-chemical synergy method of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) coupled with stearic acid (STA). The modified polyHIPE (E/S-polyHIPE) exhibit superhydrophobic properties with water contact angle as high as 161.12°, and exhibit excellent robustness and chemical resistance. Oil/water mixtures can be separated using E/S-polyHIPE with a high separation efficiency (99.00–99.42 %), and it has a high oil absorption capacity (16–28 g/g) for a wide range of oil types. After 15 separation cycles, the E/S-polyHIPE exhibits excellent separation efficiency (＞ 97 %) because of its promising mechanical durability. E/S-polyHIPE still performed outstanding oil absorption capacity for floating oil, underwater oil, and emulsified oil, also it can be used as a continuous in-situ oil-water separator. An innovative approach to the fabrication of a sustainable multifunctional absorbent for oily wastewater is presented in this work, which illustrates the great potential for large-scale practical application.

The relationship between the structure of stearic acid diamide lubricants and the lubrication properties in acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resins

Although amide lubricants are commonly used as lubricants for acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resins, the relationship between their structure and lubricating properties remains unclear. In this paper, a series of stearic acid diamide lubricants for ABS resins were synthesized through an amidation reaction with the stearic acid and aliphatic diamines. The chemical structure was characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR. A detailed evaluation of the lubrication effect of the lubricant was carried out by dynamic mechanical analysis, rotational rheometry, contact angle measurements, and so on. The results showed that the complex viscosity, glass transition temperature and diamine's alkyl chain length of stearic acid diamides were positively correlated, while the elongation at break displayed a negative correlation. Compared to ethylenediamine bis stearate acid (EBA), 1,8-diaminooctane bis stearate acid (OBA) exhibited a 37.8 % increase in the complex viscosity at 0.1 rad/s, along with a 4.6 % rise in the glass transition temperature. It was indicated that the lubrication effect of stearic acid diamides deteriorated with the increase of the alkyl chain lengths of diamines. The lubrication mechanism was further validated by molecular dynamics simulations. As the alkyl chain lengths of diamines increased, the mean square displacement and interaction energy of the system exhibited a tendency to become lower and higher, respectively. This meant that the longer alkyl chains of the diamines in the lubricants were not advantageous to the free mobility of the matrix molecular chains. These findings provided insightful guidance for the sensible design of lubricants for ABS resins.

Methotrexate-Loaded Surface-Modified Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Targeting Cancer Expressing COX-2 Enzyme.

Cancer is a major public health problem worldwide, and it is the second leading cause of death of humans in the world. The present study has been directed toward the preparation of methotrexate-loaded surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for potential use as a chemotherapeutic formulation for cancer therapy. A lipid (C14-AAP) derived from myristic acid (C14H30O2) and acetaminophen (AAP) was employed as a targeting ligand for human breast and lung cancer cells that overexpress the cyclooxygenases-2 (COX-2) enzyme. The SLNs consisting of stearic acid and C14-AAP were characterized by several methods, including dynamic light scattering (DLS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) techniques. An in vitro cell cytotoxicity study was done by carrying out an MTT assay and flow cytometry study in the human breast cancer (MCF7) and human lung cancer cell line (A549). The expression level of COX-2 enzyme in MCF7 and A549 cell lines was examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A high level of COX-2 expression was observed in both cell lines. In vitro cell cytotoxicity study in MC7 and A549 cell lines showed the surface-modified, methotrexate-loaded SLN is more effective in cell killing and induction of apoptotic death in both the cell lines than free methotrexate in MTT, flow cytometry, clonogenic assay, and Western blot studies. The surface-modified SLN was radiolabeled with 99mTc with %RCP greater than 95%. In vivo biodistribution study of the 99mTc-labeled SLN in melanoma tumor-bearing C57BL6 mice showed moderate tumor uptake of the radiotracer at 3 h post injection. The SPECT/CT image aligns with the biodistribution results. This study shows that AAP-modified SLNs could be a potential chemotherapeutic formulation for cancer therapy.

Effect of microwave roasting on chemical and bioactive compounds of pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) kernels

SummaryIn the present study, the effect of microwave roasting on the total phenolic quantities, antioxidant activities, phenolic constituents, fatty acids and tocopherol amounts of the pistachio kernel and oil was revealed. The moisture, oil, total phenolic amounts and antioxidant capacity value of raw and roasted pistachio nuts were assessed as 31.13%, 28.58%, 34.79 mgGAE/100 g and 0.75%–3.18%, 56.91%, 18.80 mgGAE/100 g and 2.26%, respectively. The raw pistachio nut contains 1.90 gallic acid, 0.22 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 0.87 (+)‐catechin, 0.15 1,2‐dihydroxybenzene, 0.15 rutin trihydrate, 0.16 resveratrol, 0.1 quercetin, 0.19 kaempferol and 0.24 mg/100 g isorhamnetin. In addition, microwave‐roasted nuts contained 0.75 gallic acid, 0.62 3,4‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 0.83 (+)‐catechin, 0.47 1,2‐dihydroxybenzene, 0.21 syringic acid, 0.17 caffeic acid and 0.17 mg/100 g quercetin. The raw and roasted pistachio nut oils contained 74.12% and 71.16% oleic, 13.76% and 15.23% linoleic, 8.16% and 8.92% palmitic and 2.09% and 2.10% stearic acids, respectively. The oil samples of the raw and roasted kernels contained 8.15 and 0.00 α‐tocopherol, 63.78 and 7.60 β‐tocopherol, 8.72 and 7.40 ɣ‐tocopherol and 5.61 and 6.77 mg g−1 δ‐tocopherols, respectively. The total phenolic quantity of the pistachio kernel roasted by microwave decreased significantly. Phenolic compounds of the pistachio kernel showed partial differences depending on microwave heating. Differences were monitored in the fatty acid profiles of Pistachio kernel oils. β‐tocopherol quantity of the oil of the pistachio kernel heated by microwave significantly decreased.