Optimization ultrasonic-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction of glabridin from licorice root and its activity against the foodborne pathogen MRSA

This study aimed to extract glabridin (GLA) from licorice using an environmentally sustainable ultrasonic-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction method and to evaluate its efficacy. The extraction parameters were optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, resulting in a GLA content of 2049.51 μg/g under the conditions of 51 min ultrasonic time, 76 °C ultrasonic temperature, and 640 W ultrasonic power. In vitro analyses demonstrated that licorice extract (1.6 mg/mL) and GLA (8 μg/g) exhibited rapid bactericidal activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Furthermore, both licorice extract and GLA showed significant disinfection activity against MRSA in models of pork spoilage and cooking utensils. Mechanistic studies revealed that GLA targets phospholipids, thereby disrupting the integrity and normal function of bacterial cell membranes. In conclusion, this study introduces an environmentally sustainable and effective method for obtaining a GLA-rich extract from licorice, which has potential applications in the food industry for addressing MRSA contamination.

Ionic liquid-based aqueous biphasic system as an alternative tool for enhanced bacterial DNA extraction

BACKGROUND

Developing an alternative and benign method for DNA extraction is imperative due to the high cost and potential harms associated with conventional techniques. Investigation of Ionic liquid (IL) as a solvent for DNA storage and stability revealed the ability of IL to assist DNA processes. IL-based aqueous biphasic system emerges as a comprehensive extraction platform capitalizing on the task-specificity of ILs and the wide applicability of ABS for biomolecule extractions. Therefore, it is beneficial to optimize an IL-based ABS specifically for DNA extraction, taking into account the fundamental interactions between the IL and DNA.

RESULTS

The primary objective was to design ABS consisting of Ammonium based ILs, and Potassium phosphate buffer as the salting-out agent for the partitioning of salmon sperm DNA. The analysis focused on optimizing biocompatible anions for the extraction. Moreover, the stability of the DNA in the IL rich phases was analysed to validate the method. The proposed process was then employed for extracting plasmid DNA from bacteria, demonstrating results comparable to those obtained with a commercially available kit. Further validation using agarose gel electrophoresis and transformation of the extracted DNA into E.coli were conducted, producing promising outcomes. Although there is room for improvement in terms of recovery of DNA and reusability of ABS, the described approach is comparable with the conventional one while being cost-effective, and showcases a noticeable and convincing link to eco-friendly processes.

SIGNIFICANCE

There is limited literature on IL-based ABS for DNA extraction, and the existing studies predominantly concentrate on systems derived from Cholinium ILs. However, their high hydrophilicity limits the choice of the second-phase forming component to polymers for the formation of ABS. Ammonium ILs efficiently form biphasic systems with various available salting-out agents, and biocompatible anions are introduced to mitigate the toxicity of the ILs.

Ionic liquid immobilized on modified magnetic FSM-16: an efficient and magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst

In the present article, a nanocomposite was prepared by immobilizing ionic liquid on the magnetic mesoporous FSM-16 with a core-shell structure (Fe3O4@FSM-16-SO3/IL). Subsequently, the structural properties of the synthesized nanocatalyst were characterized and analyzed by various techniques such as XRD, FT-IR, TEM, FE-SEM, BET, VSM, TGA, and EDS. Fe3O4@FSM-16-SO3/IL was used as a recoverable and efficient nanocatalyst for the synthesis of polyhydroquinoline derivatives. The magnetic nanocatalyst showed remarkable stability and reusability and was reused six consecutive times without considerable loss of its activity.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted aqueous two phase extraction of polyphenols from olive leaves

In this study, polyphenols from olive leaves was extracted by ultrasound-assisted aqueous two phase extraction (UAATPE). Based on single factor experiment and response surface methodology (RSM), the optimum extraction conditions of polyphenols contained 29% (w/w) (NH₄)₂SO₄, 35% (w/w) ethanol, pH 6.7, and 45 °C. The maximum extraction yield of polyphenols and oleuropein content were 34.06 mg/g and 44.13 mg/L, respectively. Compared with ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and aqueous two phase extraction (ATPE), the extraction yield of polyphenols by UAATPE was 9.48 and 61.19% higher, respectively. In addition, the extract of UAATPE had higher purity. The results of antioxidant activity showed that polyphenols extracted by UAATPE had stronger DPPH and hydroxyl radicals scavenging ability and reducing power. Therefore, UAATPE is an efficient method for extracting polyphenols from olive leaves.