Superoxide Radical Scavenging Research Articles

Exploring the photocatalytic breakdown of organic pollutants using intercalated ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites

The increasing prevalence of organic pollutants in water sources necessitates the development of efficient and cost-effective photocatalysts for their degradation. ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely studied for their photocatalytic properties; however, their application is hindered by low photocatalytic efficiency and high recombination rates of photogenerated carriers. This manuscript explores the enhanced photocatalytic performance of intercalated ZnO/SiO2 nanocomposites (NCs), synthesized through a combination of co-precipitation and Stöber methods, as a solution to these challenges. A comprehensive analysis of the structural, optical elemental and Morphological properties of both ZnO NPs and ZnO/SiO2 NCs was conducted using various characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Vis spectrometry and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Through, XRD analysis, the calculated crystallite sizes of ZnO NPs and ZnO/SiO₂ NCs were found to be 36 nm and 39 nm respectively. TEM images illustrated that the ZnO NPs and ZnO/SiO₂ NCs have crystallized in elongated spherical morphology. XPS and FTIR analyses provided the signature band details the presence of Cu and Si in their Zn2⁺ and Si⁴⁺ oxidation states. The optical bandgap energies were calculated to be 3.38 eV for ZnO NPs and 3.22 eV for ZnO/SiO₂ NCs. The enhanced photocatalytic efficiency of the ZnO/SiO2 NCs achieved an impressive degradation rate of 92 % for Rhodamine B (RhB), compared to a relatively lower rate of 81 % for pure ZnO NPs for the degradation of RhB under visible light due to its lower bandgap, high surface area, and lower electron-hole recombination rate. BET surface area measurements revealed that ZnO nanoparticles have a surface area of 11.234 m2/g, while ZnO/SiO₂ NCs show 57.118 m2/g, highlighting SiO₂'s enhancement. The NCs demonstrated exceptional reusability for degradation, sustaining high efficiency across multiple cycles. Its ability to scavenge superoxide radicals highlighted the effectiveness of the ZnO/SiO₂ NCs in environmental remediation, especially for wastewater treatment.

Optimization of the Process of Extracting Polysaccharides from Agrocybe aegerita and In Vitro Antioxidant and Anti-Aging Tests

The extraction process of crude polysaccharides from Agrocybe aegerita was optimized, and the antioxidant and anti-aging effects of the crude polysaccharides were evaluated. The optimal extraction parameters for the polysaccharide were identified using the response surface methodology. The DPPH, hydroxy radical, and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacities were evaluated to determine the antioxidant properties of the AAPs. The effects of the AAPs on the lifespan, head-swing frequency, swallowing frequency, body-bending frequency, and stress resistance of Caenorhabditis elegans were determined. The optimal extraction conditions included a solid-to-liquid ratio that resulted in an extraction solution concentration of 0.034 g/mL, an extraction temperature of 92.64 °C, and an extraction time of 2.82 h. Under these conditions, the yield of the AAPs was 11.325% ± 0.996%. The IC50 of the AAPs for superoxide anion radical scavenging was 4.693 mg/mL. The AAPs reached their maximum activity at concentrations of about 2 mg/mL for DPPH and 5 mg/mL for the hydroxyl radical. The AAPs could prolong the lifespan and improve locomotion and the stress resistance of C. elegans. Our findings illustrate the potential of AAPs as an anti-aging and antioxidant agent, highlighting the use of this natural compound in the fields of food and pharmacology.

Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction and Antioxidant Evaluation of Resveratrol from Peanut Sprouts

The orthogonal array design method was used to optimize ultrasonic-assisted extraction of resveratrol from peanut sprouts. The results showed that the highest extraction yield of resveratrol using ultrasonic-assisted extraction could be up to 1.1%. The optimal extraction conditions were liquid to solid ratio of 30:1 (mL/g) and ethanol concentration of 80% (v/v) as solvent for 40 min at the temperature of 70 °C. AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin was used to purify the crude extract and the resveratrol content increased to 47.5% after one treatment run. The optimal adsorption parameters were initial concentrations in the sample solution of 2 mg/mL, a pH of 5.0, a flow rate of 2 mL/min, and a temperature of 25 °C. The optimal desorption parameters were 60% ethanol and a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The chemical composition of the peanut sprout’s resveratrol sample was investigated via HPLC, and the predominant constituents were found to be protocatechuic acid, catechins, caffeic acid, epicatechuic acid, resveratrol, and rutin. The antioxidant activities of the resveratrol were measured via the following different analytical methods: reducing power, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhdrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl radical-scavenger activity, superoxide radical-scavenger activity, the β-carotene bleaching test, and the scavenging nitrite test. The results indicated that the resveratrol in peanut sprouts have significant antioxidant activities and can be used as a source of potential antioxidant. And peanut sprout’s resveratrol has the potential and valuable application to be used as a new type of resveratrol resource. The finding of this study can provide some theoretical reference for the comprehensive utilization of peanut resources in the development of antioxidant health foods.

Hydrogen Peroxide-Assisted Alkaline Defluorination of the Fumigant and Potent Greenhouse Gas, Sulfuryl Fluoride: Hydrogen Peroxide as a Nucleophilic Reagent.

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2, SF) is an effective and increasingly popular fumigant for treating buildings and commodities in international trade but has come under scrutiny as a potent greenhouse gas. Passage of vent gases through an alkaline spray has been proposed for scrubbing SF, but base hydrolysis is insufficiently fast and generates equal yields of fluoride and fluorosulfate, the latter of unknown environmental hazard. We report here that alkaline hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) markedly accelerates SF removal and gives nearly quantitative yield of fluoride, with fluorosulfate produced in less than 3.5% yield. The other major products are sulfate, peroxymonosulfate, and oxygen. The oxidation state of S was unchanged. Hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavengers had no effect on the rate. The reaction proceeds by sequential nucleophilic displacement of fluoride by hydroperoxide ion (HO2-) to form a transient diperoxysulfate species that rapidly undergoes intramolecular redox rearrangement to give sulfate and singlet oxygen. Peroxymonosulfate, produced through side reactions, can fully defluorinate SF as well, although more slowly. Two new peaks were detected in the 19F-NMR spectrum corresponding to intermediates. Fluoride can be removed conventionally, and the other products are innocuous or short-lived. Thus, H2O2-assisted alkaline defluorination promises to be an effective method for scrubbing spent SF fumes and preventing SF from reaching the atmosphere. This study highlights the benefits of H2O2 and peroxymonosulfate as nucleophiles in remediation chemistry.

Structural characterization, antioxidant activities and physicochemical properties analysis of a galactose-rich exopolysaccharide produced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum YL-11

Lactobacilli-derived exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are widely regarded as safe and have been employed as potential natural, non-toxic additives and functional agents in food industry. The structural properties of a galactose-rich exopolysaccharide produced by Limosilactobacillus fermentum YL-11 (YL-11 EPS) were investigated with chemical and instrumental analysis. The YL-11 EPS was determined to have a molecular weight (Mw) of 13.2 kDa. Nine different types of glycosidic bonds were identified in YL-11 EPS. The inferred structure of the YL-11 EPS contained the backbone of →2)-β-D-Galp-(1→[3)-β-D-Galp-(1]4 → 3)-β-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-β-D-Galp-(1→, with two side chains, β-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Manp-(1 → 6)-[α-D-Glcp-1→2]-α-D-Manp-(1 → 3)-[α-D-Glcp-1→6]-α-D-Glcp-(1 → 3)-[α-D-Glcp-1→6]-α-D-Glcp-(1→ with an acetyl group at the O-3 position of →2,6-α-D-Manp-1→ and α-L-Araf-(1→, which were present at the C6 location of the 1,3-β-D-Galp. The YL-11 EPS showed concentration-dependent antioxidant activities and the DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl groups and superoxide radicals scavenging rates of 10 mg/mL YL-11 EPS reached 61%, 74%, 35.4% and 40%, respectively. The YL-11 EPS also has a beneficial protective impact on H2O2-injured cells, which pretreatment with YL-11 EPS can substantially decrease ROS levels and enhance SOD enzyme activity. Additionally, the YL-11 EPS exhibited good thickening properties and thermal stability. The EPS's structural information and physicochemical properties provide a basis for studying their structure-function relationships.

Determination of Superoxide Radical Scavenging Activity and Total Antioxidant Capacity by Modified DMPD Method

Among the reactive oxygen species, Superoxide radicals can produce dangerous species that cause lipid peroxidation. Therefore, the determination and scavenging of superoxide radicals is critical. Our study is based on the interaction of the superoxide radical produced from the β-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced disodium salt hydrate and phenazine methosulfate (NADH-PMS) system with N, N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (DMPD) to form the pink colored DMPD-quinone (DMPDQ) radical. In the presence of scavengers with superoxide radical scavenging activity (antioxidants, herbal teas) the color intensity decreases due to reduced DMPDQ radical production. The absorbance of the colored reference solution and the sample solution containing the radical scavenger was measured at 552 nm. The difference in absorbance (ΔA) between the reference solution and the sample solution was found. ΔA is proportional to the scavenger concentration. In the study, the superoxide radical scavenging effect of trolox (TR) and different AOXs was investigated. The superoxide radical scavenging effect of three different herbal tea infusion solutions was measured with this method. From the graph drawn between herbal tea concentrations and percentage inhibition values, 50% inhibition (EC50) values of herbal teas were found. EC50 method values were compared with the EC50 values of the nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) and the 2,2'-azino-bis(3-etilbenzotiyazolin-6-sülfonik asit (ABTS) method. In addition, ABTS, cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), and this study total antioxidant capacity (TAC) values of herbal tea infusions were calculated and compared.

Antioxidant and Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the tea (Camellia sinensis) flower

The major purpose of this study was to investigate the DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating activity, and xanthine oxidase activity for research of antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities using a variety of extracts of tea (Camellia sinensis) flower. Among the several extracts, when 800 μg/mL of the ethanol extract was used, the maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity was obtained, 79.2%, which was approximately 80.8% compared to L-ascorbic acid, the maximum hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, 71.3%, which was approximately 73.2% compared to BHA, and the maximum super oxide radical scavenging activity, 89.4%, which was, approximately 90.6% compared to BHT, and the maximum reducing power, 1.94 at an OD of 700 nm, which was approximately 49.2% compared to L-ascorbic acid, respectively. On the other hand, when 800 μg/mL of the hot water extract was used, the maximum activity of ferrous ion chelate was obtained, 28.6%, which was approximately 48.4% compared to EDTA and the maximum xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, 61.4%, approximately 63.8% compared to catechin, respectively. These results indicated the application potential for industries that can produce new biomaterials that can compensate for the shortcomings of existing synthetic antioxidants and use discarded tea flower as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic materials.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Plant Extracts: Insights into Potential Therapeutic Applications .

This study evaluates the phytochemical composition and in-vitro antioxidant activities of various extracts such as Boswellia serrate (Bs), Zingiber officinale (Zs), Tribulus terrestris (Tt), Camellia sinensis (Cs), Withania somnifera (Ws), and Piper longum (Pl). Using soxhlet extraction, the plants were processed with various solvents, including n-hexane, dichloromethane, methanol, ethanol, and water. Phytochemical screening revealed a diverse range of compounds, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and saponins, varying by extract. The antioxidant activities were assessed using superoxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging assays, and lipid peroxidation assays. The hydroalcoholic extract of C. sinensis exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with significant superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging capabilities. T. terrestris and W. somnifera also demonstrated strong antioxidant properties, aligning with their traditional medicinal uses. Moderate activity was observed in P. longum, attributed to its bioactive compound, piperine. Meanwhile, B. serrata and Z. officinale showed lower antioxidant activities but are noted for their anti-inflammatory benefits. This research corroborates previous findings on the antioxidant potential of these plants, highlighting the importance of further investigations into their pharmacological applications. The study underscores the therapeutic potential of these extracts in oxidative stress-related conditions and supports their continued exploration in modern medicine.

Experimental Antioxidant Activities of Synthetic 3,4-Dihydropyrimidine Derivatives.

The synthesized of five new pyrimidine derivatives was prepared from the condensation in one pot reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, substituted aromatic aldehydes, urea, and FeCL3.6H2O, with 5 to 10 drops of hydrochloride acid as catalyst in reflexing ethanol. The yield of the product was found to be in the range of 55 to 90%. The antioxidant efficiency of synthesized compounds was estimated by using the 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, hydroxyl method, nitric oxide method, and superoxide radical scavenging assay method. The compounds 6a, 6e, and 6c demonstrated considerable radical scavenging activity, resulting in the presence of electron-donating substituent on replaced aldehydes. The confirmation compounds by spectral data by proton and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance, infrared spectra, and MS spectra.

Integrating the in vitro antioxidant activity of Polyacrylonitrile/Polyindole composites

AbstractIn this study, five compounds belonging to the Polymer composites (PCs) family, have been prepared with different amounts of polyacrylonitrile and polyindole in the composite. The PCs have inherently bactericidal activity, owing to the nitrile and indole groups. Antioxidant activity was assessed by using reducing power activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity. In our study, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT), ascorbic acid and α‐tocopherol, which are considered synthetic standard antioxidants, were used to compare antioxidant activity. In addition, since it is known that the MDA levels resulting from the oxidation of fats in Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells are inversely proportional to the antioxidant properties, it gave an idea about the in vitro antioxidant properties of the new synthesized PCs. Reducing force capacity, superoxide radical scavenging activity and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity were found to be higher at 100 μg mL−1 concentration compared to 50 μg mL−1 concentration.

Ultrasound-assisted optimized extraction and analysis of polysaccharides of Tricholoma matsutake

The ultrasound-assisted extraction technique was used for extracting polysaccharides of Tricholoma matsutake (PTM) in this work. The effects of different parameters, i.e., solid-to-liquid ratio, ultrasonic power, extraction time, and extraction temperature on the PTM yield were optimized using a rotatable, orthogonal central composite design. In the derived optimal conditions, the PTM yield was 16.97 ± 0.06%, which corresponded well with the regression model predicted value of 16.85%. The extracted PTM was purified, and the structural characteristics and antioxidant activities were investigated. The PTM was found to be composed mainly of fructose, mannose, glucose, and galactose with a molar molecular ratio of 1:2.25:9.35:5, and an average molecular weight of 90,100 Da. High antioxidant effects of PTM were seen in the tests of DPPH, hydroxyl, and ABTS radical scavenging, along with a moderate superoxide radical scavenging rate.

Determination of Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Cell-Free Supernatant (CFSKC27L) and Exopolysaccharide (EPSKC27L) obtained from Ligilactobacillus salivarius KC27L

Twenty-six lactic acid bacteria were obtained from poultry feces sampled located in the Ankara area (Türkiye) and belong to the Lactobacillus genus according to the results obtained by biochemical methods. This study screened these isolates for exopolysaccharides (EPS) production. EPS production was detected in these isolates, varying from 8 mg L-1 to 353 mg L-1. The highest EPS-producing isolate (KC27L) was selected for further studies. The isolate was identified as Ligilactobacillus salivarius by 16S rRNA analysis. Furthermore, the anti-biofilm and antioxidant abilities of the cell-free supernatant (CFSKC27L) and different concentrations (0.5 mg L-1 and 1 mg L-1) of EPS belonging to the KC27L strain (EPSKC27L) that exhibited high EPS production were determined. CFSKC27 and different concentrations (0.5 mg L-1 and 1 mg mL-1) of EPSKC27L determined the anti-biofilm impact on Escherichia coli ATCC 11229, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Staphylococcus aureus EB-1. The highest anti-biofilm effect in 1 mg mL-1 EPSKC27L was detected at E. coli ATCC 11229 with 87 % inhibition. Three different methods (1.1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) removal impact, Fe2+ ion chelating and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity) designated antioxidant activity. The highest 1.1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) removal impact, Fe2+ ion chelating, and superoxide anion radical scavenging activity were found in 1 mg mL-1 EPSKC27L (79.6%, 24.9%, and 61.6%, respectively). Both anti-biofilm and antioxidant activities of 1 mg mL-1 EPSKC27L were higher than postbiotic. Finally, its molecular characterization was done following the partial purification of the EPSKC27L. The EPSKC27L has two fractions with molecular weights of 1.6x103 and 6.4 x104 Da. Monosaccharide components of EPSKC27L were found to be glucose (53.1%), fructose (18.5%), arabinose (14.6%) and mannose (13.8%). CFSKC27L and EPSKC27L obtained from L. salivarius can be antioxidants and anti-biofilm agents.

A novel class of potent antiangiogenic and antioxidant pyrazoles: synthesis, bioactivity, docking and ADMET studies.

Aim: Angiogenesis is the hallmark of cancer progression driven by VEGF/VEGFR-2 signalling pathway, inhibition of which could be a solution to tackle the progression of tumour cells and thus arresting their growth.Materials & methods: A novel class of pyrazoles was synthesized using arginine and dibromo ketones. Antiangiogenic activity was performed by in vivo yolk sac method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging assays. Docking studies were performed to determine the pyrazoles' binding potential with VEGFR-2 receptor and VEGF tyrosine kinase. ADMET properties were calculated using SwissADME and admetSAR for drug-likeness.Results: Compounds 5a-e showed significant antiangiogenic effects. Compound 5f exhibited effective hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities. Docking results confirmed the potential binding efficiency with VEGFR-2 receptor over VEGF tyrosine kinase, thus, functioning as competitive-inhibitors. ADMET studies revealed that the compounds possess favourable drug-like qualities.Conclusion: This study presents a novel class of pyrazoles as promising antioxidant and antiangiogenic agents with favourable drug-likeness properties.

Analysis of Metabolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Chinese Cordyceps, Ophiocordyceps sinensis, and Paecilomyces hepiali Based on Untargeted Metabolomics.

Chinese cordyceps (GL) is a traditional medicinal fungus, with Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis, BL) and Paecilomyces hepiali (P. hepiali, JSB) being fungi isolated from wild Chinese cordyceps. These three species share similar chemical composition and pharmacological effects. Existing studies have primarily compared the metabolites of Chinese cordyceps and O. sinensis, overlooking the assessment of antioxidant capacity in Chinese cordyceps, P. hepiali, and O. sinensis. In this study, LC-MS/MS was employed to analyze metabolites in GL, JSB, and BL. Utilizing principal component analysis (PCA), supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), it was observed that the majority of differential metabolites (DMs) primarily accumulated in organic acids and derivatives, lipids and lipid-like molecules, and organoheterocyclic compounds. Antioxidant activity analysis indicated that GL exhibited the higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability (DPPH•, scavenging rate is 81.87 ± 0.97%), hydroxyl free radical scavenging capacity (•OH, scavenging rate is 98.10 ± 0.60%), and superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity (O2•-, scavenging rate is 69.74 ± 4.36%), while JSB demonstrated the higher FRAP total antioxidant capacity of 8.26 μmol Trolox/g (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between DMs (fatty acyls and amino acids) and DPPH•, FRAP, •OH, and O2•- (p < 0.05). Additionally, glycerophospholipid DMs were found to be positively correlated with FRAP (p < 0.05). Through KEGG pathway analysis, it was determined that the accumulation of DMs in pathways such as cutin, suberine and wax biosynthesis has a higher impact on influencing the antioxidant activity of the samples. These results shed light on the antioxidant capacity and metabolic characteristics of Chinese cordyceps and its substitutes and offer valuable insights into how different DMs impact the strength of antioxidant activity, aiding in the advancement and application of Chinese cordyceps and its substitutes.

Phytochemical composition, simulated digestive bioaccessibility and cytotoxicity of Ficus auriculata Lour. fruits: In vitro and in silico insights

Ficus auriculata Lour. (Moraceae) is an underutilized wild edible fruit widely consumed for its nutritional properties. The present study aimed to determine the phytochemical composition and in vitro antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancerous properties of the F. auriculata fruit extracts through in vitro digestion (oral, gastric and intestinal phases). The extracts were obtained by hot extraction and cold maceration methods using aqueous and methanolic solvents. Major phytoconstituents identified through LC-MS was subjected to molecular docking against the target proteins. The elemental analysis shows the presence of major elements; high levels of total phenolic compounds (124.61 ± 0.82 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoids (76.38 ± 0.82 mg quercetin equivalent/g), vitamin E (32.48 ± 0.09 mg alpha-tocopherol equivalent/g), and carbohydrate (34.59 ± 0.45 mg glucose equivalent/g) in hot extracted methanolic undigested extract (HEM UD) and high level of total protein (124.71 ± 0.34 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/g) in cold extracted methanolic undigested fruit extract were found. HEM UD showed high antioxidant activity in 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl, and superoxide radical scavenging assays with IC50 of 53.30 ± 0.57, 80.69 ± 0.12, and 65.47 ± 1.13 μg/mL, respectively. The HEM UD extract also potentially inhibited the enzyme activity of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, and protein denaturation (IC50 of 67.76 ± 1.22, 83.18 ± 1.23, 87.24 ± 1.15, and 65.76 ± 0.60 μg/mL). The most potent extract (HEM UD) was studied for its anticancer effects by MTT assay against the MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines with the IC50 of 89.80 ± 0.56 and 60.76 ± 0.04 μg/mL, respectively. The LC-MS analysis elucidated ten phytoconstituents. Based on the molecular docking study, querciturone could potentially be an effective constituent in treating diabetes and inflammation-related issues. The findings indicated the ability of F. auriculata fruits as a promising functional food.

Antioxidant and Antiplasmodial Potentials of Methanol Bark Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Entada africana &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;Via &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in Vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Approaches

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Plasmodium &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;parasites, which cause malaria, continue to pose a serious threat to global health, necessitating the continuous search for novel antimalarial agents. Oxidative stress has also been linked to the pathophysiology of malaria. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Entada africana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; is a plant known for its ethnomedicinal uses in treating various ailments associated with inflammation including malaria. This study aimed at evaluating the antiplasmodial and antioxidant potentials of methanol bark extract from &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Entada africana &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;(MBEEA). &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;In vitro &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;approaches were adopted for the study.&amp;lt;i&amp;gt; Plasmodium falciparum-&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;infected erythrocyte samples were cultured in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 media under anaerobic conditions for 72 hours. Eighteen test tubes were labeled and grouped into three replicates per group. Group I (untreated), Group II, and III were treated with chloroquine (CQ) and artemether (AR) at a concentration of 5 mg/dL. Group IV, V, and VI were treated with the extract at respective concentrations of 5 mg/dL, 10 mg/dL, and 20 mg/dL for 72 hours. The parasitemia count and the percentage parasitemia inhibition were determined by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained smears. The antioxidant potential of the extract was assessed using &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; assays, including superoxide radical scavenging activity (SRSA), hydroxyl radical scavenging activity (HRSA), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). Microscopic examination of the treated samples revealed varying degrees of parasitemia inhibition. Group II and III treated with CQ and AR demonstrated a considerable reduction in parasitemia count with percentage inhibition of 100% and 83% respectively. The &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;E. africana&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; extract showed a concentration-dependent effect on parasitemia count. At 5 mg/dL, the extract exhibited 50% parasitemia inhibition, which increased to 100% at 10 mg/dL, and 20 mg/dL respectively. The MBEEA demonstrated significant &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;in vitro &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;antioxidant activities by scavenging DPPH, SRSA, and hydroxyl radical compared to the standard antioxidant (ascorbic acid). MBEEA thus exhibit potent antioxidant and antiplasmodial properties. This plant is therefore offers to be a promising medicinal plant in the treatment of malaria, hence it is recommended as potent antiplasmodial plant usable for treating malaria.

Synthesis and antioxidant activity of gallic acid based fluorescent benzothiazole analogue: Photophysical, electrochemical, conceptual DFT, QTAIM and docking investigations

The present investigation reports on the synthesis of a novel 3,4,5-trihydroxy-N-(6‑methoxy benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)benzamide (TMTB) molecule and employs elemental analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrum methods to determine the structure of the desired product. The experimental and theoretical absorption and emission spectra of the molecules are used to study the photophysical properties of the TMTB molecule. We investigate the in vitro antioxidant activity of TMTB using DPPH and superoxide radical scavenging assays, as well as molecular docking experiments with the target NAD(P)H oxidase (PDB ID: 2CDU) protein. To ascertain the energies of the LUMO and HOMO levels, NLO behaviour, intermolecular charge transport facilitated by global chemical reactivity descriptors, molecular electrostatic potentials (MEP), and hyperpolarizability analyses, an investigation was carried out on their conceptual DFT and QTAIM analyses operating under B3LYP/6–31 G. The simulated DFT calculation shows that TMTB is highly polarizable in both the gas and solvent phases, with HOMO-LUMO energy gaps of 4.18 and 4.24 eV, respectively. Total first and second hyperpolarizability values for TMTB in the gas phase were determined to be 155.09 × 10–30 and 3611.59 × 10–36 esu, respectively, whereas in the DMSO phase the values were 556.15 × 10–30 and 6223.79 × 10–36 esu. Computational studies results corroborate the experimental findings. Based on the photophysical and computational findings, the newly reported TMTB molecule was determined to be a promising candidate for additional optimization and use in optoelectronic devices.

Optimization of the dosage of ZnO photocatalyst for the degradation of sunlight driven multi dose organic dye brilliant green

In this study, we prepared ZnO nanocrystals using a chemical precipitation approach with different precursor concentrations for optimization. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the synthesized nanocrystals were analyzed. Sunlight-driven photocatalysis was investigated for its ability to degrade a low concentration (70 ppm) of brilliant green (BG) dye using the optimized ZnO at different dosages (0.05, 0.1, and 0.15 g). Among the different dosages of ZnO, it was noted that at a low catalyst concentration of 0.05 g, the degradation efficiency was only 58.47 % even after 120 min of light exposure. When the concentration increased to 0.1 g, the rate of degradation reached 95.33 % within 90 min. At a higher dosage of 0.15 g, only 86.26 % degradation was recorded within 90 min, indicating that the optimal catalyst dosage was 0.1 g. To investigate how the dye dosage affected the degradation efficiency of the catalyst, experiments were performed using higher dye concentrations of 100 and 120 ppm with 0.1 g of catalyst. As the dye concentration was increased, the degradation rate decreased. Tests were conducted using different scavengers, including EDTA (a hole scavenger), benzoquinone (a superoxide radical scavenger), and isopropyl alcohol (a hydroxyl radical scavenger), to determine which free radical was mainly breaking down BG. In the presence of EDTA, the degradation ability of the catalyst decreased to 35 %. When the superoxide radical scavenger benzoquinone was used, the degradation efficiency decreased to approximately 22 %. On the other hand, the hydroxyl radical scavenger IPA reduced the degradation efficiency to 13 %. Based on the above discussion, the synergistic effect of holes and superoxide radicals is mainly responsible for the degradation of brilliant green. To test the practical use of the ZnO catalyst, we conducted an experiment to assess its reusability. Even after the third cycle, the ZnO exhibits 94 % degradation, confirming its reusability.

Exploring Jiangshui-originated probiotic lactic acid bacteria as starter cultures: Functional properties and fermentation performances in pear juice

This study investigated the probiotic properties, functional activities and fermentation performances of Pediococcus pentosaceus JS91 (JS91) and Pediococcus pentosaceus JS96 (JS96). The results of probiotic properties showed that JS91 and JS96 possessed gastrointestinal tolerance, aggregation and antimicrobial activities. Functional activity results found that the cell-free supernatants of JS91 and JS96 showed good antioxidant activity. Meanwhile, the two strains exhibited cholesterol degrading ability. The fermentation performance results showed that JS91 and JS96 could produce acid, grow steadily in pear juice, decrease the pH value and increase the titratable acidity of fermented pear juice. Moreover, JS91 and JS96 could enhance the superoxide anion radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity of the fermented pear juice. Sensory evaluation results showed that JS91 and JS96 could improve the overall acceptability of fermented pear juice. The present findings could provide valuable information for the application of JS91 and JS96 as functional starter cultures in fermented foods.

Antioxidant activity of Zuccagnia-type propolis: A combined approach based on LC-HRMS analysis of bioanalytical-guided fractions and computational investigation

This study reports a combined approach to assess the antioxidant activity of Zuccagnia-type propolis. Fractions exhibiting the highest antioxidant activities evidenced by DPPH, a β-carotene bleaching and superoxide radical scavenging activity-non-enzymatic assays, were processed by LC-HRMS/MS to characterize the relevant chemical compounds. A computational protocol based on the DFT calculations was used to rationalize the main outcomes. Among the 28 identified flavonoids, caffeic acids derivatives were in the fraction exhibiting the highest antioxidant activity, with 1-methyl-3-(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-propyl caffeic acid ester and 1-methyl-3-(3′,4′-dihydroxyphenyl)-propyl caffeic acid ester as major components. Results clearly showed roles of specific chemical motifs, which can be supported by the computational analysis.This is the first report ascribing the antioxidant ability of Zuccagnia-type propolis to its content in specific caffeic acid derivatives, a potential source of radical scavenging phytochemicals. The proposed protocol can be extended to the study of other plant-products to address the most interesting bioactive compounds.