Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joanna Nawrot, Jaromir Budzianowski, Gerard Nowak, Iwona Micek, Anna Budzianowska, Justyna Gornowicz-Porowska
Summary: This study isolated three germacranolides, five flavonoids, natural steroid, and simple phenolic compounds from the inflorescence of Stizolophus balsamita in Iran, presenting novel active compounds in the species. Evaluation showed that the extract of Stizolophus balsamita could potentially improve skin hydration and barrier function, making it a valuable source for creating new cosmetics and medicines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Soumaya Bouguerra Neji, Mohamed Bouaziz
Summary: An effective and economical process for producing hydroxytyrosol was established using a wet hydrogen peroxide catalytic oxidation method with montmorillonite KSF as the catalyst. The method proved to be environmentally friendly and showed high antioxidant activity and bactericidal/fungicidal properties for hydroxytyrosol.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Miah Roney, Abdul Rashid Issahaku, Akm Moyeenul Huq, Mahmoud E. S. Soliman, Saiful Nizam Tajuddin, Mohd Fadhlizil Fasihi Mohd Aluwi
Summary: The aim of this study is to discover more promising anti-cancer compounds against EGFR from marine natural products using computational approaches. Through molecular docking and drug-likeness analysis, phenolic acids with good binding energies and pharmacokinetics profiles were identified. Molecular dynamics simulation revealed the stability of the lead complex, suggesting its potential as a future drug for cancer treatment.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lenka Ceslova, Jitka Klikarova, Tereza Salomounova
Summary: It was found that nasturtium contains biologically active compounds that have promising effects on human health. The concentrations of these compounds vary depending on the part of the nasturtium plant and can be affected by sample pre-treatment.
EUROPEAN FOOD RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Malgorzata Fabijanska, Maria M. Kasprzak, Justyn Ochocki
Summary: The study found that ruthenium compounds can partially or completely overcome the resistance to platinum drugs by activating apoptosis pathways and inducing loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, while platinum compounds have cytostatic effects requiring longer exposure time. Additionally, cisplatin-resistant cells have higher glutathione levels compared to sensitive cells, indicating mechanisms to evade apoptosis caused by DNA damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Plant Sciences
Malgorzata Chrzaszcz, Katarzyna Szewczyk, Dorota Tchorzewska
Summary: Studies have shown that Cephalaria uralensis and C. gigantea contain substances with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them attractive for pharmaceutical purposes. This study focused on analyzing the morphological, anatomical, and histological structure of the aboveground parts of the plants, as well as conducting quantitative phytochemical analyses of polyphenolic compounds. Results revealed previously undescribed distribution of biologically active compounds in aboveground organs, with higher levels than many other medicinal plants.
Article
Horticulture
Sina Niculina Cosmulescu, Ivona Cristina Enescu (Mazilu), Georgiana Badea, Loredana Elena Vijan
Summary: Berries of three Romanian Lonicera caerulea cultivars ('Cera', 'Kami', and 'Loni') were analyzed for their chemical composition. The study aimed to determine concentrations of compounds with antioxidant activity, identify the most valuable cultivar, promote the consumption of honeysuckle berries, and stimulate interest in this little-known species in Romania. 'Loni' cultivar exhibited high levels of various compounds, while 'Cera' had the highest content of cryptochlorogenic acid, and 'Kami' had the highest carotenoid level. These findings show that honeysuckle berries have multiple uses and can be a profitable crop.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Darya Tarbeeva, Natalya Krylova, Olga Iunikhina, Galina N. Likhatskaya, Anatoliy Kalinovskiy, Valeria P. Grigorchuk, Mikhail Yu Shchelkanov, Sergey A. Fedoreyev
Summary: This study investigated the inhibitory effects of various compounds derived from stem bark and flowers of Lespedeza bicolor on HSV-1 replication. The results showed that certain compounds exhibited significant antiviral activity, particularly compound 4, which had the lowest IC50 and highest SI values. Additionally, the antiviral activity of these compounds was found to be dependent on the structure of the aromatic part and the conformation of the side chains.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Vitor Augusto dos Santos Garcia, Denise Osiro, Fernanda Maria Vanin, Cristiana Maria Pedroso Yoshida, Rosemary Aparecida de Carvalho
Summary: The purpose of this study was to develop oral films based on agar-agar incorporated with mushroom powder as a source of phenolic compounds. The oral films showed film-forming capacity and exhibited antioxidant properties. Furthermore, the oral films were found to be non-irritating to oral mucosa.
JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Beata Janowska, Roman Andrzejak, Lidia Szwajkowska-Michalek, Kinga Stuper-Szablewska
Summary: This study showed that the GA(3) concentrations positively influenced the content of biologically active substances in Crocosmia x crocosmiiflora 'Lucifer' tubers, particularly in terms of antioxidants and polyphenols.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wojciech Makowski, Aleksandra Krolicka, Anna Nowicka, Jana Zwyrtkova, Barbara Tokarz, Ales Pecinka, Rafal Banasiuk, Krzysztof Michal Tokarz
Summary: This study presents the first genetic transformation of Venus flytrap tissues, resulting in transgenic plants with increased production of phenolic compounds and enhanced bactericidal properties. The transformation process proved to be a valuable tool for enhancing secondary metabolite production and increasing antibacterial efficacy against human antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joanna Slusarczyk, Edyta Adamska, Joanna Czerwik-Marcinkowska
Summary: The paper discusses the characteristics of biologically active compounds produced by fungi and algae, emphasizing their importance in the pharmaceutical industry and nutritional value. Further research is needed on the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of these organisms for potential use as supplementary medicine.
Review
Microbiology
Desislava Teneva, Petko Denev
Summary: Ensuring the microbiological safety of food products is a global concern, and the effectiveness of synthetic preservatives is declining. This review highlights the importance of biological preservation in providing safe foods with natural origin, composition, and prolonged shelf life. It showcases examples of natural preservatives such as beneficial bacteria, yeasts, and plant extracts, and discusses research challenges and future directions for their wider use, making an original contribution to the field of biopreservation.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ekaterina V. Tarasova, Natalia A. Luchnikova, Victoria V. Grishko, Irina B. Ivshina
Summary: This review evaluates the biosynthetic capabilities of actinomycetes in producing various terpene derivatives. It also discusses the methods for searching new terpenes and their derivatives, identifies the most active terpene producers among actinomycetes, and describes the chemical diversity and biological properties of the obtained compounds. The use of genetically modified actinomycetes is highlighted as an effective tool for studying and regulating terpenes, as well as increasing terpene biosynthesis productivity.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alvaro Teran-Alcocer, Francisco Bravo-Plascencia, Carlos Cevallos-Morillo, Alex Palma-Cando
Summary: Electrochemical sensors based on conducting polymers are low-cost, rapid, and versatile for detecting analytes in liquid solutions. The focus is on the synthetic processes, morphological characterization, and nanostructure formation to enhance sensitivity for detecting molecules in the human body and water pollutants. Polypyrroles, polyanilines, and polythiophenes are commonly used conducting polymers for building electrochemical sensors.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Mariana C. da Costa, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: Terpenes and terpenoids are extensively used secondary metabolites in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and food industrial areas. This study investigated the water solubility and octanol-water partition coefficients of various monoterpenoids, and assessed their distribution in different environmental compartments using a chemical space diagram.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Thermodynamics
Pedro Velho, Ines Oliveira, Elena Gomez, Eugenia Macedo
Summary: Antioxidants neutralize excessive reactive oxygen species in animal bodies to maintain the cells' reduced state and prevent diseases. Natural antioxidants, extractable from fruit pomaces, contribute to a circular economy by supplementing food. Ethyl lactate and organic salts-based ATPS is an eco-friendly liquid-liquid extraction technique, proved successful in extracting vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING DATA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hugo Marques, Pedro Velho, Elena Gomez, Eugenia A. Macedo
Summary: The main goal of this study was to find a new method for qualitatively determining the dissociation extent of ionic liquids in water using thermodynamic models. The UNIQUAC model and PDH equation were used to analyze temperature-composition data, and a new method considering ionic radii and solvation was developed to calculate the closest approach parameter.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mehriban Aliyeva, Paula Brandao, Jose R. B. Gomes, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: The solubilities of amino acids in aqueous salt solutions were measured, and the effect of functional groups on solubility was analyzed.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Tatiana B. Schreiner, Madalena M. Dias, Maria Filomena Barreiro, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive review of the application of saponins as formers and stabilizers of nanoemulsions, highlighting their natural sources and biosynthetic routes. The extraction, purification, characterization, and preparation methods of saponin-containing nanoemulsions are discussed. The experimental outcomes demonstrate the high performance of saponins, but challenges such as standardization for industrial use are identified. Future perspectives include the exploration of emerging biotechnological processes and the utilization of byproducts in a circular economy context.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
F. L. Mota, K. Ji, L. Strutzenberg Littles, R. Trivedi, A. Karma, N. Bergeon
Summary: The effect of curvature on dendritic microstructure formation during solidification of a succinonitrile - 0.46 wt% camphor alloy is investigated in a microgravity environment. It is found that even a weak macroscopic interface curvature can significantly affect the array pattern evolution and grain structure. The formation of drifting velocity gradients along the curved interface, under the combined effect of crystal misorientation and interface curvature, leads to an increase or decrease in the average primary spacing. In addition, the interface concavity promotes the appearance of large misorientation stray grains that hinder the well-oriented crystal growth.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Isabella W. Cordova, Dinis O. Abranches, Joao A. . P. Coutinho, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: In this study, the Abraham and NRTL-SAC semi-predictive models were used to represent the solubility of different solutes in water and organic solvents. The models were calibrated using measured and literature data, and their predictive capabilities were tested on independent solvents. The results showed that NRTL-SAC performed better in the correlation/prediction approach, while COSMO-RS could produce satisfactory predictions even without experimental data.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Aline Zambom Coelho, Monia A. R. Martins, Joao A. P. Coutinho, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: In this study, the potential use of ionic liquids (ILs) and their mixtures as separation agents in the fractionation of essential oils was investigated. Experimental and modeling approaches showed that chloride-based ILs are effective in fractionating essential oils containing hydrogen-bond donor monoterpenoids.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Pedro Velho, Catarina S. Rebelo, Eugenia A. Macedo
Summary: Food supplements based on antioxidants and vitamins are used to improve human diet deficiencies and delay diseases like premature aging and alopecia. Gallic acid and ferulic acid are important antioxidants for hair color, strength, and growth. Aqueous Two-Phase Systems (ATPS) were used to successfully extract these phenolic metabolites, providing biocompatible and sustainable media for their extraction and processing as food supplements. The most promising results were obtained for ferulic acid, with high partition coefficients and extraction efficiencies. Both GA and FA were found to be stable under the used extractive conditions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bruna P. Soares, Ana M. Ferreira, Marina Justi, Luiz Gustavo Goncalves Rodrigues, J. Vladimir Oliveira, Simao P. Pinho, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: Anthocyanins from jucara fruits were extracted using biobased solvents, 1,2-alkanediols and glycerol ethers, through either pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) or ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The optimized PLE conditions resulted in 23.1 mg(anthocyanins)center dot g(dry biomass)(-1), while the UAE conditions with 1,2-propanediol yielded 50 mg(anthocyanins)center dot g(dry biomass)(-1). The biobased solvent solutions exhibited higher anthocyanin yields and antioxidant capacity compared to water and ethanolic extracts.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Aline Zambom, Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Liliana P. Silva, Monia A. R. Martins, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho
Summary: The potential of methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as solvents for terpene fractionation and fuel processing was studied. The results showed that ILs with long alkyl chains as cations can enhance the capacity, while the selectivity depends on the solute polarity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Younggil Song, Fatima L. Mota, Damien Tourret, Kaihua Ji, Bernard Billia, Rohit Trivedi, Nathalie Bergeon, Alain Karma
Summary: Through in situ observations of microgravity alloy solidification experiments onboard the International Space Station, it has been discovered that individual cells from one grain can unexpectedly invade a nearby grain of different misorientation. This invasion process causes grains to interpenetrate each other and leads to highly convoluted grain boundaries. Phase-field simulations further confirm these observations and demonstrate that invasion occurs for a wide range of misorientations. These findings challenge the traditional conceptualization of grains as distinct regions embedded in three-dimensional space.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
F. L. Mota, M. Medjkoune, L. Strutzenberg Littles, A. Karma, N. Bergeon
Summary: This paper describes the experimental framework of the Directional Solidification Insert installed on the International Space Station. It focuses on the real-time characterization of the solid-liquid interface morphology in transparent material samples. In situ observation of the interface pattern evolution is essential for understanding the non-linear behavior and reorganization process. The paper emphasizes the importance of robust image analysis methods for accurately identifying cell/dendrite positions and sizes during solidification.
REVIEW OF SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ana I. M. C. Lobo Ferreira, Sergio M. Vilas-Boas, Rodrigo M. A. Silva, Monia A. R. Martins, Dinis O. Abranches, Paula C. R. Soares-Santos, Filipe A. Almeida Paz, Olga Ferreira, Simao P. Pinho, Luis M. N. B. F. Santos, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: The importance of choline chloride in deep eutectic solvents is recognized. This study investigates the phase behavior of pure choline chloride and choline chloride-water mixtures, providing new insights into the existence of a new crystalline structure. Control of water addition is suggested to overcome the high hygroscopicity and viscosity of deep eutectic solvents.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dinis O. Abranches, Bruna P. Soares, Ana M. Ferreira, Seishi Shimizu, Simao P. Pinho, Joao A. P. Coutinho
Summary: Inspired by the recently proposed cooperative mechanism of hydrotropy, this work investigates the impact of apolar volume and polar group position on the performance of hydrotropes. The results show that the size of alkyl chains has a significant impact on the ability of hydrotropes to enhance solubility, while the relative position of hydroxyl groups has a smaller effect. Contradictory findings at different hydrotrope concentrations are resolved using theoretical and experimental techniques, revealing that self-aggregation negatively affects the performance of hydrotropes.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2022)