Theoretical MD/DFT computer explorations and surface-electrochemical investigations of the zinc/iron metal cations interactions with highly active molecules from Lemon balm extract toward the steel corrosion retardation in saline solution

An Update in Computational Methods for Environmental Monitoring: Theoretical Evaluation of the Molecular and Electronic Structures of Natural Pigment-Metal Complexes

Metals are beneficial to life, but the presence of these elements in excessive amounts can harm both organisms and the environment; therefore, detecting the presence of metals is essential. Currently, metal detection methods employ powerful instrumental techniques that require a lot of time and money. Hence, the development of efficient and effective metal indicators is essential. Several synthetic metal detectors have been made, but due to their risk of harm, the use of natural pigments is considered a potential alternative. Experiments are needed for their development, but they are expensive and time-consuming. This review explores various computational methods and approaches that can be used to investigate metal-pigment interactions because choosing the right methods and approaches will affect the reliability of the results. The results show that quantum mechanical methods (ab initio, density functional theory, and semiempirical approaches) and molecular dynamics simulations have been used. Among the available methods, the density functional theory approach with the B3LYP functional and the LANL2DZ ECP and basis set is the most promising combination due to its good accuracy and cost-effectiveness. Various experimental studies were also in good agreement with the results of computational methods. However, deeper analysis still needs to be carried out to find the best combination of functions and basis sets.

The Impact of LED Lighting Spectra in a Plant Factory on the Growth, Physiological Traits and Essential Oil Content of Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

With the recent development of LED lighting systems for plant cultivation, the use of vertical farming under controlled conditions is attracting increased attention. This study investigated the impact of a number of LED light spectra (red, blue, green and white) on the growth, development and essential oil content of lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), a herb and pharmaceutical plant species used across the world. White light and red-rich light spectra gave the best outputs in terms of impact on the growth and yield. For blue-rich spectra, the development and yield was lower despite having a significant impact on the photosynthesis activity, including Fv/Fm and NDVI values. For the blue-rich spectra, a peak wavelength of 450 mn was better than that of 435 nm. The results have practical value in terms of increased yield and the reduction of electricity consumption under controlled environmental conditions for the commercial production of lemon balm.

Electrochemical Methods and (Bio) Sensors for Rosmarinic Acid Investigation

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is an important bioactive phenolic acid with significant biochemical activities, including the antioxidant one. It is widely found in plants of the families Lamiaceae and Boraginaceae and has many uses in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries. RA is an electroactive species owing to the presence of the two catechol groups in its structure. Due to their inherent characteristics, such as sensitivity, selectivity, ease of operation and not too high costs, electrochemical methods of analysis are interesting tools for the assessment of redox-active compounds. Moreover, there is a good correlation between the redox potential of the analyte and its capability to donate electrons and, consequently, its antioxidant activity. Therefore, this paper presents a detailed overview of the electrochemical (bio)sensors and methods, in both stationary and dynamic systems, applied for RA investigation under different aspects. These comprise its antioxidant activity, its interaction with biological important molecules and the quantification of RA or total polyphenolic content in different samples.