Search Results (2,008)

Biosorbents have demonstrated considerable potential for the remediation of metals in aqueous environments. An aqueous extract of Enteromorpha intestinalis L. (EiE) and its extract-coated silver nanoparticles have been prepared and employed for the removal of iron. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and zeta potential were employed to characterize the prepared biosorbents. The adsorption properties of the biosorbents were investigated in batch experiments, with a range of factors taken into account, including pH, contact time, initial ion concentrations, biosorbent dosage, and temperature. A minimum-run resolution IV design (MRR-IV) was developed with the objective of optimizing the removal efficiency. The mechanisms of adsorption were investigated using both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms. Kinetic studies were conducted using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models. A variety of active constituents, including organic acids, lipids, alcohols, and terpenes, were identified through the use of GC-MS, with the findings supported by FTIR spectra. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the nanoparticle size ranged from 5 to 44 nm, while X-ray diffraction (XRD) demonstrated a high degree of crystallinity. A screening study employing the MRR-IV methodology, facilitated by the Design-Experiment, Ver 13., indicates that three factors exert a considerable influence on the biosorption process. The study demonstrated that the biosorption mechanism is pH-dependent, with an optimal pH of 5. The adsorption performance was found to follow Freundlich isothermal models and pseudo-first-order kinetics. Full article

Monoamine oxidase B (MAO-B) inhibitors are widely used as part of combination drug therapy for Parkinson’s disease. As demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo experiments, the monoterpenoid Prottremine and some of its derivatives exhibit high antiparkinsonian activity. In this study, the inhibitory activity of Prottremine and its derivatives (including 14 new 9-N- and S-derivatives) against MAO-A and MAO-B enzymes has been investigated for the first time. Compounds containing fragments of substituted anilines have demonstrated the highest activity against MAO-A; for example, compound 28 had an IC₅₀ of 178 ± 44 μM. A significant proportion of the compounds tested, including Prottremine, exhibited moderate inhibitory activity towards MAO-B, with the most active being the o-aminoacetophenone derivative, which had an IC₅₀ of 95 ± 5 μM. A molecular docking method for studying murine MAO-A and -B enzymes was developed using AlphaFold2 (v2.3.2), with further improvements. For the MAO-B enzyme, a strong correlation was observed between the molecular docking data and the measured activity of the compounds, with the maximum binding affinity registered for the most active compound. It is conceivable that the antiparkinsonian activity of Prottremine and some of its derivatives may be partially mediated, among other mechanisms, by MAO-B enzyme inhibition. Full article

In spite of significant advancements in diagnosis and treatment, cancer remains one of the major threats to human health due to its ability to cause disease with high morbidity and mortality. A multifactorial and multitargeted approach is required towards intervention of the multitude of signaling pathways associated with carcinogenesis inclusive of angiogenesis and metastasis. In this context, plants provide an immense source of phytotherapeutics that show great promise as anticancer drugs. There is increasing epidemiological data indicating that diets rich in vegetables and fruits could decrease the risks of certain cancers. Several studies have proved that natural plant polyphenols, such as flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, alkaloids, phenylpropanoids, isoprenoids, terpenes, and stilbenes, could be used in anticancer prophylaxis and therapeutics by recruitment of mechanisms inclusive of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and modulation of several molecular events associated with carcinogenesis. The current review discusses the anticancer activities of principal phytochemicals with focus on signaling circuits towards targeted cancer prophylaxis and therapy. Also addressed are plant-derived anti-cancer vaccines, nanoparticles, monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapies. This review article brings to light the importance of plants and plant-based platforms as invaluable, low-cost sources of anti-cancer molecules of particular applicability in resource-poor developing countries. Full article

Background/Objectives: Averrhoa carambola, or star fruit, is a shrub known for its medicinal properties, especially due to bioactive metabolites identified in its roots and fruit with anti-cancer activity. However, the biological effects of its leaves remain unexplored. This study aimed to assess the effects of ethanolic extract from A. carambola leaves on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an aggressive subtype lacking specific therapy. Methods: Phytochemical analysis and HPLC profile and additional cell line evaluation employing MDA-MB-231 were carried out. Results: Phytochemical screening revealed that the ethanolic extract was rich in flavonoids, saponins, and steroids, demonstrating an antioxidant capacity of 45%. ¹H NMR analysis indicated the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, and glycoside-like compounds. Cell viability assays showed a concentration-dependent decrease in viability, with an IC₅₀ value of 20.89 μg/mL at 48 h. Clonogenic assays indicated significant inhibition of replicative immortality, with only 2.63% survival at 15 μg/mL. Migration, assessed through a wound healing assay, was reduced to 3.06% at 100 μg/mL, with only 16.23% of cells remaining attached. An additive effect was observed when combining lower concentrations of the extract with doxorubicin, indicating potential synergy. Conclusions: These results suggest that the ethanolic extract of A. carambola leaves contains metabolites with anti-cancer activity against TNBC cells, supporting further research into their bioactive compounds and therapeutic potential. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of co-fermentation of Italia and Negra Criolla grape musts using non-Saccharomyces yeast strains (NSYSs) isolated from both grape varieties, on the major volatile compounds and sensory characteristics of Piscos (distilled spirits). Native NSYSs previously isolated from Italia (Pichia terricola, Metschnikowia pulcherrima, and Naganishia vaughanmartiniae) and Negra Criolla (Vishniacozyma carnescens, Vishniacozyma heimaeyensis, and Aureobasidium pullulans) grapes’ skins were inoculated at the beginning of grape must fermentation. A centroid simplex design was applied in order to obtain 10 representative yeast blends for use as mono- (n = 3), bi- (n = 3), and ternary (n = 4) inoculations. Additionally, a control sample without inoculum was also set up. For each yeast blend, the volatile composition and sensory characteristics of Piscos were evaluated. Results showed that mono-inoculation using specific NSYSs, such as P. terricola, M. pulcherrima, and N. vaughanmartiniae, led to a notable predominance of some terpenes such as α-terpineol, citronerol, and geraniol in Pisco from Italia grapes compared to the control Pisco. Conversely, in Pisco from Negra Criolla grapes, where V. carnescens, V. heimaeyensis, and A. pullulans were used in a similar mono-inoculation process, a higher presence of phenylethyl alcohol and 2-phenylethyl acetate compared to the control was observed. The sensory analysis revealed that citrus, floral, alcohol, and syrup descriptors had a higher intensity in mono-inoculated Pisco Italia, whereas spice, herbaceous, and cooked vegetable descriptors had the highest intensity in Negra Criolla Piscos produced with ternary NSYS inoculum inoculations. This study demonstrates that the use of native non-Saccharomyces yeast strains in the co-fermentation of grape musts can significantly influence the volatile profile and sensory characteristics of Pisco. These findings will allow us to establish new inoculation strategies to impact the overall sensory and aromatic profile of the Piscos produced with different grape varieties. Full article

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer in adults, characterized by extensive growth, a high recurrence rate, and resistance to treatment. Growing research interest is focusing on the biological roles of natural compounds due to their potential beneficial effects on health. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of lavender essential oil (LEO) on a GBM cell model. Chemical characterization using GC-MS analysis indicated that LEO contains several terpenes, compounds that have been found to exhibit anticancer properties by interfering with key cancer-related pathways in several cancer models. By means of cell biology assays, we demonstrated that LEO impairs cell proliferation and migration, and also reduces oxidative stress in U87 cells. We further observed that Terpinen-4-ol, contained in LEO, was capable of reproducing the effects of the oil on GBM cells. Our results suggest that the terpenic molecules present in LEO could be considered valuable allies alongside conventional therapies against GBM. Full article

Background: In recent years, significant resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has been observed. A biofilm is a structure that significantly aids the survival of the microbial population and also significantly affects its resistance. Methods: Thyme and clove essential oils (EOs) were subjected to chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Furthermore, the antimicrobial effect of these EOs was tested in both the liquid and vapor phases using the volatilization method. The effect of the EOs on growth parameters was monitored using an RTS-8 bioreactor. However, the effect of the EOs on the biofilm formation of commonly occurring bacteria with pathogenic potential was also monitored, but for less described and yet clinically important strains of Arcobacter spp. Results: In total, 37 and 28 compounds were identified in the thyme and clove EO samples, respectively. The most common were terpenes and also derivatives of phenolic substances. Both EOs exhibited antimicrobial activity in the liquid and/or vapor phase against at least some strains. The determined antimicrobial activity of thyme and clove oil was in the range of 32–1024 µg/mL in the liquid phase and 512–1024 µg/mL in the vapor phase, respectively. The results of the antimicrobial effect are also supported by similar conclusions from monitoring growth curves using the RTS bioreactor. The effect of EOs on biofilm formation differed between strains. Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was completely suppressed in an environment with a thyme EO concentration of 1024 µg/mL. On the other hand, increased biofilm formation was found, e.g., in an environment of low concentration (1–32 µg/mL). Conclusions: The potential of using natural matrices as antimicrobials or preservatives is evident. The effect of these EOs on biofilm formation, especially Arcobacter strains, is described for the first time. Full article

This study presents the first chemical and enantioselective analyses of essential oils (EOs) derived from the leaves of two endemic species, Gynoxys reinaldii Cuatrec. and Gynoxys pulchella (Kunth) Cass., from Loja, Ecuador. The distillation yields, by weight of dry plant material, were 0.04 ± 0.007% for G. reinaldii and 0.03 ± 0.002% for G. pulchella. For both plants, the chemical analyses were conducted by GC-MS (qualitative) and GC-FID (quantitative), on two stationary phases of different polarity (5% phenyl-methylpolysiloxane and polyethylene glycol). The major components of G. reinaldii EO included germacrene D (22.3–22.1%), α-pinene (14.2–14.1%), and (E)-β-caryophyllene (13.6–14.5%). Similarly, G. pulchella EO was characterized by germacrene D (9.5–12.9%), caryophyllene oxide (7.2–6.7%), and n-tricosane (4.9% in both columns). The enantioselective analyses were carried out with two columns, based on 2,3-diacetyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin and 2,3-diethyl-6-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-β-cyclodextrin, detecting nine chiral terpenes and terpenoids. In G. reinaldii EO, (1S,5S)-(−)-α-pinene, (1S,5S)-(−)-β-pinene, (1S,5S)-(−)-sabinene, (R)-(−)-α-phellandrene, and (R)-(−)-β-phellandrene were enantiomerically pure, whereas cis-linalool oxide, linalool, terpinene-4-ol, and germacrene D were non-racemic mixtures of enantiomers. In G. pulchella, only (R)-(−)-α-phellandrene was enantiomerically pure. The detection of enantiomerically pure compounds may provide insights into the biosynthetic pathways and potential bioactivities of these EOs. Full article

The pursuit of unique flavors in craft beer has led to the exploration of non-Saccharomyces (NS) yeasts. While Saccharomyces species dominate beer fermentation, NS yeasts offer flavor diversification. However, their lower fermentation efficiency and ethanol sensitivity limit their use. This study evaluated 50 NS yeast strains from Argentina’s Cuyo wine region. Torulaspora delbrueckii was selected for sequential fermentations with Saccharomyces cerevisiae due to its promising fermentative and physiological characteristics. Sequential inoculation resulted in a significant increase in fruity and spicy aromas, particularly esters like isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, and ethyl octanoate, as well as terpenes like limonene and linalool. Sensory analysis revealed that beers produced with T. delbrueckii were characterized by a more complex aroma profile, with significant increases in fruity, floral, and herbaceous notes. Additionally, the sequential fermentation strategy resulted in a higher apparent attenuation compared to pure T. delbrueckii fermentation, indicating improved sugar utilization. These findings highlight the potential of NS yeasts to enhance beer sensory characteristics. Combining NS yeasts with traditional Saccharomyces strains creates beers with distinctive flavors, expanding brewing possibilities. Sequential inoculation strategies offer a viable approach to harnessing the benefits of NS yeasts while ensuring fermentation. This research demonstrates the potential of NS yeasts to enrich the sensory experience of drinking craft beer, paving the way for further innovation in the brewing industry. Full article

The increasing demand for non-alcoholic beverages has led to the development of dealcoholized wines. However, current dealcoholization techniques often negatively impact wine aroma due to the loss of volatile compounds. This study investigates the impact of incorporating an aromatic distillate, collected during the spinning cone column (SCC) dealcoholization process, back into dealcoholized Tempranillo rosé wines. The aromatic distillate was added to dealcoholized wine in varying concentrations (0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% v/v). A total of 57 volatile compounds, including 25 varietal and 32 fermentative compounds, were identified and quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The addition of the aromatic distillate significantly increased the concentration of several volatile compounds, notably C₆ compounds, terpenes, benzene compounds, and esters. The odor activity values (OAVs) reveal that increasing distillate concentrations led to a higher number of compounds with OAVs greater than 1, indicating enhanced individual aroma contributions. The fruity and sweet aromatic series were predominant in all samples, with their total intensity increasing with higher distillate concentrations. However, the addition of 1.5% v/v of the aromatic distillate (AW3) resulted in an alcohol content exceeding the legal limit for dealcoholized wine, classifying it as a reduced-alcohol wine. The study concludes that adding 1% v/v of the aromatic distillate to dealcoholized Tempranillo rosé wine effectively enhances the aroma profile while remaining within regulatory limits for dealcoholized wine. This approach presents a viable method for producing high-quality, aromatic, dealcoholized wines that meet consumer demand for non-alcoholic beverages. Full article

The susceptibility of apples to post-harvest decay by the fungus Botrytis cinerea has prompted innovative research into alternative preservation methods. In this regard, essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their natural origin and potential antimicrobial properties. Investigating the biological significance of EO blends is crucial for understanding their potential antimicrobial mechanisms and evaluating their capacity to modulate metabolic responses that could inhibit post-harvest fungal decay in fruit tissues. This study delves into the intricate chemistry of apples when subjected to various EO treatments, shedding light on the profound changes in alcohols, esters, C6 compounds, terpenes, and volatile compounds. Based on our results, terpene concentrations exhibit significant variations with α-Pinene ranging from 13.4 µg L⁻¹ in Fungus + Thymol + 1,8-Cineole treatment (Fun+Thy+Cin) to 28.7 µg L⁻¹ in Fungus + Thymol + 1,8-Cineole + Eugenol treatment (Fun+Thy+Cin+Eug), and β-Pinene concentrations spanning 19.3 µg L⁻¹ in Fungus + 1,8-Cineole + Eugenol treatment (Fun+Cin+Eug) to 45.5 µg L⁻¹ in Fungus + Thymol + 1,8-Cineole + Eugenol treatment (Fun+Thy+Cin+Eug). Ester elaboration presents marked changes, with ethyl octanoate peaking at 715.7 µg L⁻¹ in Fungus + Thymol + 1,8-Cineole + Eugenol treatment (Fun+Thy+Cin+Eug) and ethyl propionate reaching 152.9 µg L⁻¹ in Fungus + Thymol treatment (Fun+Thy). The volatile compound dynamics also demonstrate significant variations, with hexanoic acid concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 among treatments and 3-Methylbutanal displaying concentrations from 0.8 to 6.4, with the highest concentration observed in the Control. The essential oil combination of Thymol, Eugenol, and 1,8-Cineol (Fun+Thy+Cin+Eug) had the most significant impact on the volatile compound content in the fruits. The findings from this study unveil the intricate responses of apple chemistry to various EO treatments. These insights hold promise for enhancing post-harvest apple preservation strategies through the modulation of EO treatments. Full article

In this study, the use of surfactant-free water-in-oil gelled emulsions containing benzyl alcohol (BAl/w) is proposed as an alternative to the more traditional use of organic solvents for removing varnishes. To mitigate the strong swelling and solvent action of benzyl alcohol and protect the paint and the underlying layers, temporary hydrophobization with cyclomethicone D5 has been proposed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the application of BAl/w surfactant-free, constructed with three different gelling agents of the aqueous dispersing phase (xanthan gum, agar-agar, and polyacrylate) on the surface of an oil painting varnished with and without preliminary saturation with D5. The role of pH, which can influence the ionization, and therefore the water solubility of terpene molecules and all other acid species present on the surface, was also studied. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopies were used to characterize the pigments and the surface before and after varnish removal. Elemental analysis and any morphological changes were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). The leaching efficiency of each surfactant-free emulsion applied on the paint surface was evaluated using a gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) analysis: the fatty acid content was established in each sample before and after the treatments. Full article

Aedes aegypti is a vector responsible for the transmission of various arboviruses and is considered by the World Health Organization to be one of the main public health problems in the world. This study evaluated the larvicidal and oviposition activity of essential oils from Abies sibirica, Pogostemon cablin and Juniperus communis and their formulations. Chromatographic analysis by GCMS identified a total of 28, 52 and 18 compounds for the oils of the species A. sibirica, J. communis and P. cablin, respectively. The larvicidal bioassays showed an LC₅₀ of 67.53 ppm, 92.45 ppm and 35.95 ppm, respectively, for A. sibirica (A), J. communis (J) and P. cablin (P) as well as their binary (J + P, 39.50 ppm; A + P, 51.64 ppm) and ternary (A + J + P, 66.99 ppm) formulations. These oils and formulations also showed deterrent activity at the larvicidal concentrations tested (A. sibirica: OAI: −0.41; J. communis: OAI: −0.31; P. cablin: OAI: −0.62; A + J + P: −0.30; A + P: −0.68; A + J: −0.29; and J + P: −0.30). The oils and their formulations are a potential larvicidal source for mitigating the proliferation of diseases by this vector. Full article

(1) Background: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CBRAB) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CBRPA) are critical and high-priority pathogens that require new therapeutic developments. Medicinal plants are valuable pharmaceutical resources. This study explored the anti-infective properties of Mayan plants, Bignonia potosina, and Thouinia paucidentata. (2) Methods: Plant parts were extracted using n-hexane, and their ability to inhibit bacterial growth and counteract resistance mechanisms and virulence factors in CBRAB and CBRPA was assessed. GC-MS analysis of the composition of the non-polar extracts and chemometric techniques correlated the phytoconstituents with anti-infective properties. (3) Results: Bignonia potosina liana and flower extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity against A. baumannii strains (MIC 15.7 to 250 µg/mL) and moderate activity against P. aeruginosa strains (MIC 250 to 1000 µg/mL). Thouinia paucidentata leaf extract at 1000 µg/mL reduced imipenem MIC by 2048-fold for CBRAB, and B. potosina flower extract significantly inhibited A. baumannii catalase activity (at 62.5 µg/mL) and reduced P. aeruginosa pyocyanin production (at 1000 µg/mL). Chemometric analysis identified fatty acids, fatty acid amides, terpenes, and higher alkanes as contributors to their anti-infective properties. (4) Conclusions: This study highlights the potential of medicinal plants in the development of novel anti-infective therapies against CBRAB and CBRPA with various targets. Full article

In order to characterize the volatile chemical components of Schisandra chinensis processed by different Traditional Chinese Medicine Processing methods and establish fingerprint profiles, headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) technology was employed to detect, identify, and analyze Schisandra chinensis processed by five different methods. Fingerprint profiles of volatile chemical components of Schisandra chinensis processed by different methods were established; a total of 85 different volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in the experiment, including esters, alcohols, ketones, aldehydes, terpenes, olefinic compounds, nitrogen compounds, lactones, pyrazines, sulfur compounds, thiophenes, acid, and thiazoles. Principal component analysis (PCA), Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA), and Pearson correlation analysis methods were used to cluster and analyze the detected chemical substances and their contents. The analysis results showed significant differences in the volatile chemical components of Schisandra chinensis processed by different methods; the Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) values of the OPLS-DA model and the P values obtained from one-way ANOVA were used to score and screen the detected volatile chemical substances, resulting in the identification of five significant chemical substances with the highest VIP values: Alpha-Farnesene, Methyl acetate,1-octene, Ethyl butanoate, and citral. These substances will serve as marker compounds for the identification of Schisandra chinensis processed by different methods in the future. Full article