Ultrasound, microwave and enzyme-assisted multiproduct biorefinery of Ascophyllum nodosum

This study investigated the multiproduct (fucoidans, β-glucans, proteins, carotenoids, fatty acids, amino acids and polyphenols) valorization of the invasive macroalgae Ascophyllum nodosum within a green biorefinery concept using ultrasound (US), microwave (MW) treatment followed by supercritical CO2 (SC-CO2) with co-solvent and enzymatic extraction. Water and 50% aqueous ethanol were used as green extraction solvents. The extraction methods using 50% ethanol as extraction solvent improved the yields of phenolic compounds and glucan and enhanced in vitro antioxidant activity. The characterization of SC-CO2 extracts revealed that pretreatment with US and MW improved the 2-fold yield of carotenoids, total phenolics and fatty acids. However, US/MW pretreatment and enzymatic extraction did not improve the yields of proteins and free amino acids. Overall, using concurrent green US/MW-assisted extraction methods enhanced the yields of the bioactive compounds in a short duration and provided extracts with a better antioxidant capacity in the field of food applications.

Thermal, dielectric, mechanical and structural behavior of 2-amino 4-methylpyridinium 4-nitrophenolate 4-nitrophenol bulk single crystal

Applications in both science and industry have received increased attention as a result of bulk single crystals with particular orientations. However, due to the instability of organic crystals at high temperatures and stress, there is an interest in growing good-quality bulk single crystals with stable thermal and mechanical properties. Here, the 2-amino 4-methylpyridinium 4-nitrophenolate 4-nitrophenol (2A4MPPP) crystal was prepared employing a single-wall ampoule and the vertical Bridgman technique. Structure and functional groups were determined by XRD, NMR, and FTIR studies. More importantly, detailed thermal and kinetic properties such as activation energy, frequency factor, rate constant, and Avrami exponent are discussed. The mechanical stability and dielectric studies are also demonstrated for the title compound. According to the single crystal XRD investigation, 2A4MPPP is a member of the orthorhombic crystal system with the Pna21 space group. Through the TGA and DTA analyses, it was confirmed that the compound starts to melt at 98 °C and complete melting occurs at 103.3 °C. The dielectric experiments reveal the crystal's poor dielectric constant and high-frequency dielectric loss. Vickers microhardness investigations show that grown 2A4MPPP belongs to the soft materials group. As a result of these findings, the 2A4MPPP crystal should be well suited for usage in thermomechanical, microelectronic, optical communications, and nonlinear optical applications.

Biological Properties and Health-Promoting Functions of Laminarin: A Comprehensive Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies

Marine algal species comprise of a large portion of polysaccharides which have shown multifunctional properties and health benefits for treating and preventing human diseases. Laminarin, or β-glucan, a storage polysaccharide from brown algae, has been reported to have potential pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-coagulant, anticancer, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and neuroprotective potential. It has been widely investigated as a functional material in biomedical applications as it is biodegradable, biocompatible, and is low toxic substances. The reported preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate the potential of laminarin as natural alternative agents in biomedical and industrial applications such as nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, functional food, drug development/delivery, and cosmeceuticals. This review summarizes the biological activities of laminarin, including mechanisms of action, impacts on human health, and reported health benefits. Additionally, this review also provides an overview of recent advances and identifies gaps and opportunities for further research in this field. It further emphasizes the molecular characteristics and biological activities of laminarin in both preclinical and clinical settings for the prevention of the diseases and as potential therapeutic interventions.

Nanoengineered chlorin e6 conjugated with hydrogel for photodynamic therapy on cancer

The aim of the present study is to fabricate hydrogel as a photosensitizer (PS) for photodynamic therapy. Chlorin e6 (Ce6)-fucoidan/alginates@gellam gum (Ce6-Fu/AL@GG)-based hydrogel was fabricated and characterised in terms of morphology and functional groups. MTT assay was used to check toxicity and also performed scratch assay for wound healing property of Ce6-Fu/AL@GGH. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed the existence of physical interactions between polysaccharides. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis confirmed a decrease in the thermal stability of the fabricated hydrogel. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images demonstrated porous matrixes representing homogeneous dispersion of nanoparticles in the hydrogel. Cytotoxicity tests revealed that a decrease in the cell viability occurred in PDT after 48 h treatment. Both Ce6 and laser irradiation induced the HT-29 apoptotic effect that was mediated by intracellular ROS generation and mitochondrial damage. The laser-treated hydrogel was effective in inhibiting HT-29 cell growth. Ce6-Fu/AL@GG hydrogel can be a promising platform for PDT on cancer treatment.

Effect of precursor concentration on the properties and tuning of conductivity between p-type and n-type Cu1−XCdXS2 thin films deposited by a single step solution process as a novel material for photovoltaic applications

Cu_1−XCd_XS₂ thin films were deposited from precursor solutions having different concentrations of cation sources, by a single step solution process at room temperature.

Evaluation of Phytochemical Constituents of Indian Medicinal Plant Hydnocarpus alpina WIGHT

Hydnocarpus alpina WIGHT. is a evergreen forest plant. It is an endemic plant to western ghats of India. Several local names are available based on distribution among the state in india that is Torathi (kanada), Maravetti (Malayalam), attuchankalai (tamil), kastel (hindi). This tree has very appreciated value in the aspect of medicine. It has anti-larvicidal, anti-feedant, anti-microbial and etc. It has the medicinal properties due to the presence of its significant chemical constituents. In this paper revealed that the IR spectrum and chemical constituents which are present in different solvents (chloroform, pet.ether, ethanol, water).

Micropropagation of Marsdenia brunoniana Wight & Arn. - A Rare Antidiabetic Plant

Shoot multiplication of Marsdenia brunoniana was obtained from the nodal explants of mature plants using MS with different concentrations and combinations of growth regulators. Maximum explant response and highest number of shoots per explant was obtained on MS fortified with 1.0 mg/l BAP. The highest degree of shoot profilieration was found to be 90%. The combination of BAP and Kn was also found to be effective for regeneration. The regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA, after sequential hardening, survival rate was 90%.   Key words: Marsdenia brunoniana, Antidiabetic plant, Micropropagation, Conservation   D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i1.9613   Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(1): 89-93, 2011 (June) - Short communication