Search Results (12,740)

This study aimed to establish a rapid analytical method for the determination of 69 pesticide residues in Platycodonis Radix using GC-MS/MS and UHPLC-MS/MS, as well as carry out a dietary risk assessment on 42 batches of Platycodonis Radix samples collected from different geographical origins. Samples were prepared using the QuEChERS method, followed by high-speed centrifugation and membrane filtration, and the target pesticides were analyzed in selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode via GC-MS/MS and in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode via UHPLC-MS/MS. Among the 42 tested batches of Platycodonis Radix samples, 3 out of 27 pesticide compounds were detected via GC-MS/MS screening, while only 1 pesticide compound was positive from the 42 compounds determined via UHPLC-MS/MS, and the risk assessment results demonstrated that both chronic and acute dietary exposure risks of all detected pesticides were considerably lower than 1. Full article

Verbascum species have long been recognized for their medicinal properties; however, detailed studies on the endemic species Verbascum wiedemannianum Fisch. & C.A. Mey. remain limited. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities of essential oil (EO) and methanol extract (ME) derived from V. wiedemannianum, an endemic species from Türkiye. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation, and its chemical composition was characterized using GC-FID and GC/MS. The principal constituents of the EO were palmitic acid (27.3%), myristic acid (11.9%), 1-octadecanol (13.0%), and pentacosane (6.6%). LC-MS/MS analysis of the ME identified luteolin and chrysoeriol derivatives as the predominant compounds. The antioxidant potential of both the EO and ME was evaluated using three assay systems based on electron transfer reactions: the Folin–Ciocalteu reagent, the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay, and the cupric ion (Cu²⁺) reducing antioxidant capacity assay. The potential skin care effects of the EO and ME were further evaluated using a tyrosinase inhibition assay. Across all the assays, the ME consistently showed notable activities, whereas the activity of the EO was less clearly defined. These findings indicate that the ME of V. wiedemannianum contains bioactive compounds with potential applications in natural antioxidant and skin care formulations. Further studies are warranted to clarify its therapeutic uses. Full article

Wood-based panels such as oriented strand board (OSB) have gained increasing relevance in sustainable construction due to their favorable mechanical performance and efficient use of raw materials. This study evaluates the physical and mechanical properties of OSB panels manufactured from residues of five Brazilian tropical species, namely Cambará (Erisma sp.), Caixeta (Simarouba sp.), Cedroarana (Cedrelinga catenaeformis), Tatajuba (Bagassa guianensis), and Tauari (Couratari oblongifolia) bonded with castor oil-based polyurethane resin (12% by dry weight; 3-layer ratio 20:60:20). Seven formulations were tested (five monospecies; two mixed species) and characterized in accordance with EN 300, EN 310, EN 317, EN 319, EN 322, EN 323, ABNT NBR 14810-2, and ASTM D2719. Panel densities ranged from 0.685 to 0.813 g/cm³. Cedroarana and Caixeta panels achieved the highest mechanical performance: MOR of 44.04 MPa and 40.96 MPa, and MOE of 6741 MPa and 6287 MPa, respectively (parallel direction), both exceeding EN 300 OSB/4 thresholds. All panels met internal bond requirements (≥0.5 MPa). Compaction ratio emerged as the primary determinant of mechanical behavior. Mixed species panels performed comparably to monospecies configurations, confirming the viability of residue valorization without species segregation. The castor oil-based resin provided adequate bonding and moisture resistance, supporting its use as a formaldehyde free renewable alternative for structural-grade OSB. Full article

Plastics are indispensable to modern life, yet pose a double-edged sword as their escalating production threatens human health and ecosystems. This urgent reality drives intensive efforts to develop recycling technologies that convert waste plastics into valuable feedstocks. Herein, we develop an efficient organocatalytic strategy for the depolymerization and closed-loop chemical recycling of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). The strong organic base TBD demonstrated the highest catalytic activity for the methanolysis depolymerization of PBS, achieving a yield of 93.1% under mild conditions (100 °C, 2 h). GC and MS analyses identified dimethyl succinate (DMS) and 1,4-butanediol (1,4-BDO) as the major products. Investigation into the depolymerization behavior and mechanism revealed that the process proceeds via random chain scission, facilitated by a dual hydrogen-bonding activation mechanism mediated by TBD. Closed-loop chemical recycling was achieved by repolymerizing the recovered monomers into PBS. The reproduced polymer exhibited properties comparable to commercial virgin PBS. Moreover, this strategy could be extended to other commercial polyester systems, establishing an eco-friendly and viable pathway for sustainable polymer recycling. Full article

Clonostachys rosea is a promising biological control agent (BCA) against several plant pathogens, but its sensitivity to solar radiation limits its field efficacy. The biochemical changes occurring in C. rosea under light are still unknown, and no studies have assessed its antagonistic potential against Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora × cambivora, the main causal agents of ink disease in sweet chestnut. In this study, C. rosea was isolated from asymptomatic sweet chestnut plants in a forestry area affected by ink disease. We evaluated its in vitro antagonistic capacity against both oomycetes under dark and light conditions and investigated the metabolomic and volatilomic changes through HPLC-QToF-MS and GC-MS analyses. Under dark conditions, C. rosea exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against both oomycetes in a dual-culture assay and through secreted secondary metabolites, including sorbicillinol and vertinolide, derivatives known for their biological activities. Light exposure significantly reduced antagonistic efficacy and secondary metabolite diversity. Volatilomic analyses revealed moderated differences between conditions, with volatile compounds whose biological roles remain uncharacterized and warrant further investigation. These findings indicate that light conditions critically affect the antagonistic potential of C. rosea, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in optimizing its use for the biological control of ink disease in chestnut. Full article

Colorectal cancer remains a global health challenge due to its high mortality and therapy resistance. While Wedelia trilobata (L.) (WT) exhibits pharmacological potential, its specific mechanisms against this cancer are not fully understood. We investigated the anticancer effects of W. trilobata leaf ethanol extract and its n-hexane and chloroform fractions on HT-29 cells. The WT extract significantly inhibited proliferation by inducing G1/S phase arrest and downregulating PCNA mRNA. It triggered substantial DNA damage (increased γ-H2AX) and suppressed the mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK) pathway. Notably, the WT extract-induced autophagy-mediated cell death, marked by acidic vesicular organelle formation and increased LC3-II levels. Inhibition of autophagy with N-acetylcysteine and 3-methyladenine partially rescued cell viability, restored p-Akt levels, and reduced LC3-II, indicating that cell death is regulated via the ROS-mediated Akt/mTOR signaling axis. Additionally, autophagic flux was validated using chloroquine, which led to a synergistic accumulation of LC3-II. GC-MS analysis identified 48 and 52 compounds in the n-hexane and chloroform fractions, respectively, including metabolites with known antioxidant and antitumoral properties. These findings demonstrate that W. trilobata induces autophagic cell death through ROS-mediated Akt/mTOR inhibition, supporting its potential as a source of innovative colorectal cancer therapeutics. Full article

This research developed a ZrSi₂-TiB₂-modified alumina fiber/boron phenolic resin ceramizable composite intended to fulfill the criteria for high-temperature resistance, oxidation resistance, and structural load-bearing capacity in reusable thermal protection systems. The composite exhibits a low thermal conductivity of 0.405 W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, a reduced density of 2.11 g·cm⁻³, and a high mass retention rate of 89.45% after heat treatment at 1200 °C in air. During thermal cycling at 1200 °C with a 30 min dwell time, it consistently demonstrates excellent stability, mass retention, and mechanical properties, indicating its potential for applications in reusable thermal protection systems. Following 20 cycles, the variation in length and width remains below 0.6%, the mass retention surpasses 80%, and the flexural strength remains above 20 MPa after 15 cycles. Microstructural evolution and thermodynamic analysis disclose that the in situ ceramization reaction of ZrSi₂ and TiB₂ consumes oxygen, inhibits oxygen diffusion, and fills pores and microcracks with oxidation products (SiO₂ and B₂O₃), thereby forming self-healing and densifying phases. This synergistic mechanism of self-healing and densification ensures the reusability of the composite. The research illustrates the performance evolution patterns and strengthening mechanisms of the composite under extreme thermal conditions, confirming its outstanding performance in repeated usage evaluations. Full article

Clinical monitoring of chronic liver disease (CLD) is currently hindered by the invasiveness of conventional biopsies. While breath-borne volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis offers a promising non-invasive alternative, the metabolic profiles of sedentary populations often overlap significantly with those of healthy individuals, making latent pathologies difficult to identify. To overcome this high-resolution diagnostic challenge, this study developed an integrated framework that couples high-performance semiconductor sensing technology with a machine learning-based analytical baseline. During the biomarker screening phase, GC-MS was utilized to analyze over 2000 VOCs, identifying 20 markers associated with CLD. These were further optimized into a robust feature panel including ammonia, isoprene, dimethyl sulfide (DMS), and limonene. For several critical metabolic features exhibiting high diagnostic potential, preliminary identifications were conducted by referencing NIST database matches and relevant literature. To maintain analytical rigor and account for the inherent complexity of trace volatile metabolites in biological samples, these signals are treated as putative metabolic features and characterized by their retention times. Regarding hardware, an InN-based sensor with Pt-AlN surface modification was fabricated, achieving a limit of detection (LOD) for ammonia below 0.2 ppm. Crucially, while the InN sensor was validated for specific core markers such as ammonia, the current AI classification model is trained on a refined 7-VOC panel derived from the comprehensive GC-MS data. To resolve diagnostic overlaps, a three-state dynamic sampling protocol (resting, exercise, and recovery) was implemented to isolate biomarkers that remain physiologically stable. By integrating multi-dimensional VOC features (e.g., isoprene and DMS) with sensor-validated data through DBSCAN and Random Forest algorithms, the framework successfully captured non-linear metabolic fingerprints. Machine learning results confirm that the framework effectively distinguished sedentary controls from CLD patients, achieving a macro-average AUC of 0.96. This integration provides a high-precision technical pathway for early-stage liver disease screening. Full article

This study aims to systematically investigate the combined effect of chemical activation of açaí seeds (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), with an aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution at 2 mol·L⁻¹, and process temperature by pyrolysis of alkaline activated açaí seeds on the yield of reaction products (bio-oil, gas, H₂O, and biochar), physicochemical properties (acid value, density, and kinematic viscosity) and chemical composition (hydrocarbons and oxygenates) of bio-oil. Catalytic pyrolysis was carried out in a 143 L reactor at temperatures of 350 °C, 400 °C, and 450 °C, 1.0 atmosphere, operating in batch mode. The NaOH activation played a crucial role in modifying the thermal degradation pathway of the biomass, promoting the formation of specific chemical structures and altering the product yields. NaOH acted as a catalyst, enhancing the deoxygenation of the biomass and stimulating the formation of hydrocarbons. As a result, the yields of bio-oil, water, biochar, and gas varied from 5.77 to 7.20% (by mass), 14.90 to 19.77% (by mass), 41 to 54% (by mass), and 25.33 to 32.03%, respectively, influenced by the increase in temperature. FT-IR analyses indicated the presence of characteristic chemical functions of hydrocarbons (alkanes, alkenes, and aromatics) and oxygenated compounds (phenols, cresols, ketones, esters, carboxylic acids, aldehydes, and furans), with an intensification of hydrocarbon signals at higher temperatures. GC-MS analysis identified hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds as the main chemical classes in the bio-oil, showing a strong dependence on pyrolysis temperature. It was observed that hydrocarbon concentration in bio-oil increased from 49.7% to 57.88% (area) with increasing temperature, while the concentration of oxygenated compounds decreased from 13.88% to 6.69% (area), demonstrating that NaOH activation, combined with temperature elevation, favors the formation of hydrocarbons and the reduction of oxygenated compounds, thereby improving the quality of the produced bio-oil. Full article

Conifer-derived essential oils have gained attention as versatile natural additives with potential applications in animal production, including influencing microbial processes and supporting environmental sustainability. This study aimed to characterize the chemical composition of selected conifer essential oils (EOs), evaluate their antimicrobial activity against rumen microorganisms in vitro, and assess the effects of Pinus sylvestris essential oil on rumen fermentation and methane production under in vitro and in vivo conditions. EOs from Thuja occidentalis, Cupressus sempervirens, Juniperus communis, Picea mariana, Pinus sylvestris, and Pinus pinaster were analyzed by GC–MS, and their inhibitory activity against selected rumen bacteria was determined by MIC and IC₅₀ assays. Based on these results, P. sylvestris oil was selected for fermentation experiments. Ninety-two volatile compounds were identified, with monoterpenes as the dominant constituents and α-pinene as the major compound in P. sylvestris oil. In vitro, P. sylvestris oil influenced fermentation in a dose-dependent manner without affecting ruminal pH. In vivo, ruminal pH, ammonia-related parameters, and total VFA concentration were not significantly affected by treatment, whereas several variables showed a significant effect of time. Temporal changes in VFA profiles suggested a transient adaptation of ruminal fermentation. Methane concentration was significantly (p < 0.01) reduced by Pinus sylvestris essential oil supplementation, with a decrease of approximately 28.7% after 14 days. These findings indicate that P. sylvestris EOs may serve as a promising natural modulator of rumen fermentation, although further studies are needed to optimize dosage and confirm long-term effects. Full article

This study investigated the effect of ozonation of wheat flour (30 ppm O₃ for 30 min) on the microbiological status of flour, as well as the profile of volatile compounds, the mechanical properties, and the sensory characteristics of the resulting bakery products. Ozonation significantly reduced the microbial load of the flour, decreasing aerobic bacteria from 1.4 × 10⁵ to 1.7 × 10⁴ CFU·g⁻¹ and yeasts and moulds from 2.8 × 10³ to 1.3 × 10² CFU·g⁻¹, while lactic acid bacteria populations remained unchanged. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis revealed that the ozonated flour contained six volatile compounds (compared to three in the control), predominantly nonanal (80.62%), an aldehyde formed via the ozonolysis of unsaturated fatty acids. Although these ozone-induced aldehydes were also detected in the final bakery products, their peak areas decreased substantially (to ≤3.3% of the flour values), suggesting thermal desorption during baking. Texture profile analysis demonstrated that products baked from ozonated flour exhibited increased hardness (Cycle 1: 68.06 N vs. 53.42 N; Cycle 2: 59.41 N vs. 47.52 N) and chewiness (427.95 mJ vs. 404.70 mJ) compared to controls. This textural degradation is likely due to ozone-induced modifications in enzyme activity (proteolytic, amylolytic, and lipolytic) and gluten protein cross-linking via disulphide bond formation. Furthermore, sensory evaluation using a five-point scale showed lower acceptability for the ozonated products (3.04 vs. 3.74), with panellists noting inferior taste, aroma, crumb colour, and flexibility. In conclusion, while ozonation effectively reduces the microbiological load of wheat flour, the applied high-dose treatment (30 ppm, 30 min) negatively impacts the sensory and textural quality of the bakery products, indicating that milder processing parameters are necessary to balance safety and quality. Full article

This study investigates the volatile composition of twelve medicinal plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which are widely recognized for their diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Despite extensive studies on essential oils, comparative analyses using solvent-free techniques under different microclimatic conditions remain limited. This study investigates the volatile compounds in twelve medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae family using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Lamiaceae plants are recognized for their diverse medicinal properties, including antioxidative, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. A total of 74 volatile compounds were identified, encompassing terpenes, alcohols, esters, aldehydes, and ketones. Notably, Lavandula spica L. exhibited the highest number of unique volatiles (28), while Melissa officinalis L. had the fewest (16). Key compounds included Citral (65.48%) in Melissa officinalis L., Menthol (33.37%) and Menthyl acetate (30.53%) in Mentha piperita L., Carvone (45.86%) in Mentha spicata L., and Eucalyptol (54.71%) in Origanum syriacum L. Plants from Adana Botanic Park were rich in terpenes and ketones, whereas those from Osmaniye contained higher levels of alcohols, aldehydes, and esters. The findings emphasize the impact of geographic location on volatile profiles and suggest avenues for further research into medicinal efficacy and optimal dosage. This study supports the sustainable use of plant biodiversity (SDG 15) and highlights the importance of bioactive compounds for human health and well-being (SDG 3). Full article

Oil paintings, sketches, and printed works on paper frequently exhibit characteristic forms of deterioration caused by the absorption of linseed oil binders into the paper substrate. This study investigates for the first time the factors influencing the resulting volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions from oil-impregnated papers upon ageing and explores VOC quantifiable metrics suitable for condition assessment. Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC-MS) was employed to sample and analyse VOCs from mock-ups made of three types of paper (a pure cellulosic, lignin-free and lignin-containing lignocellulosic papers with alkaline buffer), three pure linseed oil formulations (cold-pressed and alkaline-refined linseed oil, and stand oil), and oil-impregnated paper mock-ups, all subjected to controlled artificial ageing. The results showed a clear difference in VOC profile emissions between pure papers and linseed oil formulations, while oil-impregnated mock-ups emitted compounds matching those of the linseed oil formulations; however, the emissions followed a different trend. Statistical analysis (PCA) demonstrated that both paper pulp content and oil formulation significantly influence VOC emission patterns, highlighting the compounds that produce higher and most characteristic emissions. Ratios of specific compounds—such as formic to acetic acid—showed consistent trends across materials, indicating their potential as markers for distinguishing stages of deterioration. Full article

The demand for eco-friendly photoprotection has increased due to the observed adverse effects of conventional UV filters on marine ecosystems. In this study, we developed a broad-spectrum, reef-friendly sunscreen emulsion containing Perilla frutescens seed extract. The extraction process was optimized using 95% ethanol maceration for one week, yielding the highest SPF of 22.61. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was used to identify linolenic acid (43.54%) as the predominant fatty acid. Cytotoxicity test results for HaCaT keratinocytes were used to confirm the extract’s safety, with an IC₅₀ of 12.9 mg/mL. The formulated sunscreen met environmental safety standards based on persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity (PBT) criteria. A clinical safety evaluation using a 24 h closed patch test (n = 17) demonstrated that the formulation induced no significant alterations in TEWL or erythema levels (p > 0.05), confirming its dermatological safety. In a clinical efficacy evaluation involving 30 volunteers, the formulation containing 1% perilla extract reduced both erythema values and the melanin index, with no statistically significant difference observed (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that P. frutescens seed extract is a potent bioactive ingredient for sustainable cosmeceuticals, offering effective sun protection while ensuring safety for both human skin and marine environments. Full article

Myrtus communis L. (common myrtle) is an economically valuable Mediterranean shrub with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutical, and ornamental sectors. However, the biochemical diversity of myrtle genotypes from Mediterranean environments remains insufficiently characterized, particularly regarding the relationship between primary and secondary metabolism and stress adaptation. This study investigated the biochemical and aroma profiles of six myrtle genotypes selected from natural populations in Antalya, Turkey, to identify chemotypic diversity and elucidate metabolic diversity observed in Mediterranean genotypes. Volatile compounds were analyzed using HS-SPME/GC-MS, while sugars and organic acids were quantified by HPLC. Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, hierarchical clustering) were employed to evaluate metabolic relationships and genotype classification. Descriptive analysis suggested three potential chemotypic patterns: (i) 1,8-cineole-type (G34, G36) with G29 showing a transitional profile, (ii) α-Pinene-type (G15, G37), and (iii) Ester-aldehyde type (G9). These groupings are based on single volatile measurements and should be considered preliminary patterns pending validation through replicate analyses. Significant genotypic variation was observed for primary metabolites (sugars and organic acids) (p < 0.001, η² > 0.90), as evaluated by ANOVA with triplicate biological replicates. Volatile compound differences were evaluated as descriptive exploratory patterns only. Hierarchical clustering revealed three metabolic strategies: balanced metabolism integrating diverse volatile and primary metabolite profiles (Cluster 1: G9, G15, G37), terpene-rich volatile defense with enhanced organic acid metabolism (Cluster 2: G29, G36), and specialized 1,8-cineole-dominant biosynthesis (Cluster 3: G34). These findings highlight substantial metabolic diversity and provide a basis for germplasm evaluation and selection and potential applications. Full article