Search Results (64)

Postharvest fungal diseases are a major cause of fruit spoilage and economic losses, particularly in perishable commodities like strawberries. In this study, a plant-derived Weissella paramesenteroides strain R2 was isolated from the mango fruit surface and evaluated for its antifungal potential. Dual-culture assays revealed the strong inhibitory activity of strain R2 against key postharvest pathogens, including Botrytis cinerea, Colletotrichum gloeosporioides, and Fusarium oxysporum. Notably, cell-free fermentation broth exhibited no antifungal activity, whereas the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) produced by R2 significantly suppressed fungal growth in sealed plate assays. GC-MS analysis identified 84 VOCs, with pyrazines as the dominant group. Three major compounds, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and 2-furanmethanol, were validated for their antifungal activity. The application of R2 VOCs in strawberry preservation significantly reduced disease incidence and severity during storage. These findings highlight W. paramesenteroides R2 as a promising, food-safe biocontrol agent for postharvest disease management via VOC-mediated mechanisms. Full article

This study enhanced the odor retention of instant black tea powder by utilizing ultrasonic-assisted extraction and β-cyclodextrin embedding technology. Through single-factor tests considering variables such as the tea-to-water ratio, extraction temperature, ultrasonic extraction duration, and β-cyclodextrin addition, the optimal extraction conditions were determined. The ideal parameters were identified as follows: β-cyclodextrin was added at a rate of 7.5%, the tea-to-water ratio was 1:16, the ultrasonic extraction temperature was 52 °C, and the extraction duration was 30 min, and then the extract was processed by freeze-drying to obtain instant tea powder. Electronic nose trials revealed that the primary volatile odor compounds distinguishing the 14 groups of instant black tea soups were sulfides, terpenes, nitrogen oxides, alkanes, and aromatic compounds. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis identified 65 effective volatile compounds, among which 11 key odor compounds, including Benzyl alcohol, Phytol, phenylethyl alcohol, 1,6,10-Dodecatrien-3-ol,3,7,11-trimethyl-,(E)-, Benzeneacetaldehyde, Undecanoic acid, ethyl ester, Dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester, Tetradecane, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, 2-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl-, and indole, were the main contributors to the odor profile of instant black tea. The instant black tea powder produced under these conditions exhibited high quality, providing a valuable reference for further research on the production process of instant black tea powder. Full article

The tanning of hides is a practice deeply rooted in ancient times, but in the early 20th century, transitioning to an industrial model of leather and hide production, chrome tanning expanded globally due to its practicality, quality, and versatility. However, in recent decades, there has been a growing attention paid to the potential oxidation of the free chromium present in tanned leather, which could transform from an unharmful trivalent status into its carcinogenic hexavalent status. This phenomenon occurs in a very small fraction of hides, which is yet sufficient to exhibit significant activity. Hence, there is an evident need to explore further alternatives that allow avoiding oxidation. In this work, the performance of a sequence of selected antioxidants is evaluated in different oxidation conditions: simple stirring, UV–Vis–IR irradiation, and heating up to 75 °C. The official diphenylcarbazide–UV tool norm was used to quantify the hexavalent chromium amount. The results underline the effectiveness of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol, and that its greatest preventative method of addition during the tanning process is together with the tanning agent. This approach will pave the way for researching alternative concepts and exploring perspectives to inhibit chromium issues. Full article

This study evaluated the influence of tea, sucrose, and inoculum concentrations on green tea kombucha’s physicochemical properties and antioxidant capacity to optimize its production. The highest total phenolic content (98.61 mg GAE/100 mL) and radical scavenging activity for ABTS (9647.14 μmol/mL) and DPPH (6640.00 μmol/mL) were observed with 8 g/L of tea, 80 g/L of sucrose, and 30% inoculum. Principal Component Analysis highlighted inoculum as the key factor influencing these parameters. Following this, fermentation was scaled up in 6.5 L bioreactors operating under static and stirred conditions. Monitoring physicochemical properties, antioxidant capacity, and volatile compounds revealed the impact of agitation on fermentation, with the kombucha obtained by static cultivation presenting higher biological activity. Eleven volatile compounds were identified, including carboxylic acids, terpenes, esters, alcohols, and phenols. Notably, α-terpinolene, dodecanoic acid, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, found in kombucha, exhibit antioxidant properties linked to health benefits. Differences in volatile compound profiles were observed between static and stirred processes. This study concluded that kombucha maintains its physicochemical characteristics and bioactivity during scale-up, contributing to a better understanding of large-scale production. It also suggests stirred cultivation as an alternative for kombucha production. Full article

This study developed an analytical method to monitor pesticide residues in water, ensuring compliance with maximum limits and protecting human health. While the QuEChERS method is commonly used for food matrices, its application to aqueous samples has been limited. This research aims to extend its use to water matrices by optimizing and validating chromatographic conditions for detecting Ametryn using GC-MS. Calibration curves for both the solvent and matrix extracts demonstrated satisfactory linearity. Significant matrix effects were observed, influencing the signal intensity. Detection and quantification limits were determined, with a higher sensitivity in the matrix. Precision (RSD%) and accuracy (recovery tests) met acceptable standards. Although Ametryn was not detected in the real water samples, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol, a possible degradation byproduct of pentachlorophenol, was found. This study advances pesticide detection methods, addressing key factors like selectivity, linearity, and matrix effects, while providing insights into degradation byproduct detection and pesticide contamination in water sources. Full article

Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) is a specialty polymer primarily used as an interlayer in laminated glass applications with no current circularity plan after the end of its life. This study presents a comprehensive recycling strategy for postconsumed PVB wastes based on a remelting–restabilization approach. Thermo-oxidative degradation of PVB was analyzed under heat and shear stress conditions in an internal mixer apparatus. The degradation mechanism of plasticized PVB (p-PVB) and unplasticized PVB (u-PVB) was identified as chain scission through melt flow rate (MFR), intrinsic viscosity (IV), and yellowness index (YI) characterization. Six different antioxidant (AO) formulations were screened for their effectiveness in inhibiting degradation in both neat u-PVB and p-PVB, as well as retrieved PVB. The phenolic antioxidants 1,3,5-trimethyl-2,4,6-tris(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl)benzene and 4-[[4,6-bis(octylsulfanyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]amino]-2,6-di-tert-butylphenol were found to be the most effective ones based on MFR, oxidation onset temperature (OOT), and YI evaluations, while the optimal AO concentration was determined at 0.3% w/w. Furthermore, upscaling of the process was achieved by mixing virgin PVB and high-quality retrieved PVB wastes with AOs in a twin-screw extruder. Testing of the recycled samples confirmed that the selected AOs offered resilience against degradation at reprocessing and protection during the next service life of the material. Full article

In order to explore the variation in volatile compounds and aroma profiles of different varieties of sugarcane wine, volatile compounds of 14 different varieties of sugarcane wine were analyzed by headspace solid-phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and an electronic sensory system. The differences in flavor substances of different cultivars of sugarcane were assessed by orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) discriminant model and relative odor activity value (ROAV) combined with multivariate statistical methods. The results showed that a total of sixty major volatile compounds, i.e., 27 esters, 15 alcohols, eight acids, three phenols, four aldehydes and ketones, and four others, were identified in 14 types of sugarcane wine. Seven key aroma compounds were screened out: ethyl caprylate, ethyl caprate, ethyl acetate, ethyl laurate, n-decanoic acid, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, and 2-phenylethanol and three differential aromas, i.e., ethyl palmitate, isobutyl alcohol, and caprylic acid. The electronic nose and electronic tongue analysis technology can effectively distinguish the aroma and taste of 14 sugarcane wines. It is confirmed that the aroma and taste of 14 sugarcane wines have differences in distribution patterns, and the results are consistent with the analysis and assessment of volatile compounds of sugarcane wine. The results of this study provide technical support for the production and quality improvement of sugarcane wine. Full article

The impact of mechanized processes on the properties of Xifeng Baijiu, as well as the differences between Baijiu produced through mechanized versus traditional methods, remains insufficiently understood. In this study, the differences in physicochemical properties, microorganisms, volatile flavor compounds, and their correlations in the traditional and mechanized processes of producing Xifeng Baijiu were compared. High-throughput sequencing revealed that the abundance and diversity of bacteria and fungi were higher in the traditional process compared to the mechanized one. The bacterial population exhibited a more pronounced succession pattern than the fungal population throughout the fermentation. In the early stages, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla in both processes, with Lactobacillus, Saccharopolyspora, Bacillus, Acetobacter, Weissella, and Thermoactinomyces being the predominant bacterial genera, and Saccharomycopsis, Issatchenkia, Kazachstania, Thermoascus, Pichia, and Rhizopus are the dominant fungi. Chemical analysis identified 71 volatile flavor components in the fermented grains, predominantly esters and alcohols. Ethyl caproate, 1-nonyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, butyric acid, furfuryl alcohol, caproic acid, and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol were the key differential compounds between the two production methods. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a stronger relationship between bacteria and flavor compounds than between fungi and these substances, with Lactobacillus showing a negative correlation with other dominant bacterial genera. These findings offer a foundation for future research into the factors contributing to differences in Baijiu produced by traditional and mechanized methods and serve as a reference for improving mechanized processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Acne is the most prevalent dermatological condition among humans, affecting approximately 80% of adolescents during puberty. To date, numerous compounds have been used for acne treatment, including erythromycin ointments and antiseptics, with varying degrees of success. The emergence of erythromycin-resistant C. acnes strains has spurred the search for new antimicrobial agents, particularly from natural sources. Methods: Propolis collected in Rwanda was extracted and fractionated by flash chromatography and tested against C. acnes growth by using NCLSI recommendations. Results: In our research, we identified a molecule, 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) which inhivbited the C. acnes growth at a concentration of 16 µg/mL. Based on these results, we formulated an ointment (1%) using OFAP18 and petroleum jelly for the potential treatment of acne using a mouse model. Conclusions: In vitro and in vivo evidence suggests that 2,4-DTBP has anti-inflammatory properties and could effectively manage the overgrowth of C. acnes as well as serve as a potent alternative for the formulation of an active propolis ointment for acne treatment. Full article

Salvia leucantha is a perennial herb of the genus Salvia in the family Labiatae, which has a wide range of biological activities, mainly including inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activity. To explore the protective effects and mechanism of action of S. leucantha on Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the anti-AD activity of SLE (extracts of S. leucantha) was determined by using a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model (CL4176). Analyses included paralysis assay, phenotypic experiments, transcriptome sequencing, RNA interference (RNAi), heat shock assays, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). SLPE (S. leucantha petroleum ether extract) could significantly delay CL4176 paralysis and extend the longevity of C. elegans N2 without harmful effects. A total of 927 genes were significantly changed by SLPE treatment in C. elegans, mainly involving longevity regulatory pathways—nematodes, drug metabolism—cytochrome P450, and glutathione metabolic pathways. RNAi showed that SLPE exerted its anti-AD activity through up-regulation of the gene gst-5; the most abundant compound in SLPE analyzed by GC-MS was 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP), and the compound delayed nematode paralysis. The present study suggests that active components in S. leucantha may serve as new-type anti-AD candidates and provide some insights into their biological functions. Full article

Codonopsis pilosula is an important medicinal plant in China. Continuous cropping of C. pilosula affects crop quality and yield. However, comprehensive research on the impacts of continuous cropping on soil properties, microbial community structures, and soil metabolites is lacking. This study involved collecting rhizosphere soil samples from C. pilosula monocropped for 1 to 4 years to analyze variations in soil properties, microbial community structure, and metabolites across different continuous-cropping years (CCYs) through metabolomic and microbiomic analyses. Significant variations in the soil properties were observed; total phosphorus (TP) and available potassium (AK) in the rhizosphere soil increased with the number of CCYs, and pH declined. The microbial community structure significantly changed with continuous cropping. Overall, the soil bacterial diversity decreased with increasing CCY. The abundances of Proteobacteria and Firmicutes significantly decreased with increasing CCY, whereas the abundance of Acidobacteria significantly increased. The fungal diversity tended to decrease, with an increase in the abundance of beneficial Basidiomycota and an increase in potentially pathogenic Rozellomycota. Metabolomic analysis revealed 101 metabolites and significant changes in lipid compounds, organic acids, phenols, and carbohydrates. Notably, autotoxic substances such as 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol accumulated with increasing CCY. The results indicated that the main factors causing continuous-cropping obstacles in C. pilosula were soil nutrient imbalance and autotoxic substance accumulation. Continuous cropping of C. pilosula significantly altered the microbial community structure and metabolomic profile of rhizosphere soils. Effective management practices are needed to mitigate soil acidification, nutrient imbalances, and autotoxic substance accumulation during continuous cropping. Future research should focus on integrated soil management strategies to maintain soil health and crop productivity in C. pilosula continuous-cropping systems. Full article

Sulfide organics and phenols are ubiquitous in freshwater lakes all over the world. As two taste and odor (T and O) compounds, they are harmful to the environment and human body. The existing detection methods for T and O compounds mainly include sensory analysis and gas-phase mass spectrometry, which are cumbersome and time-consuming. Herein, a method for the simultaneous and rapid detection of two T and O compounds (methyl sulfide and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol) based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is firstly developed. The SERS substrate was prepared by coating Ag nanoparticles (Ag NPs), layered double hydroxide (LDH), and graphene oxide (GO) on the surface of an Ag-coated Au nanoparticle (Au@Ag NP) substrate. Under optimal conditions, this SERS substrate possessed low detection limits of 1.53 ppm for methyl sulfide and 0.39 ppm for 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol. In addition, it took only 20 min to complete the detection using this method, without complex sample pretreatment. Furthermore, it was successfully applied to simultaneously detect methyl sulfide and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol in actual water samples and had good application prospects for the rapid detection of T and O compounds in water. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus, an edible mushroom widely consumed worldwide, generates a by-product known as spent mushroom substrate (SMS). This material has demonstrated biological activity against agricultural crop pathogens. In this study, we evaluated the nematocidal effectiveness of hydroalcoholic extracts (T5, T2, AT5, and AT2) derived from SMS of P. ostreatus against (J₂) of the phytonematode Nacobbus aberrans and assessed their potential toxicity towards the non-target nematode Panagrellus redivivus. Among these extracts, AT5 exhibited the highest efficacy against N. aberrans and was the least toxic against P. redivivus. Liquid–liquid partitioning yielded the AQU fraction, which showed significant nematocidal activity against J₂ (75.69% ± 8.99 mortality), comparable to chitosan. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds, including palmitic acid, linoleic acid, and 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol. These findings are consistent with studies confirming the antagonistic effectiveness of these compounds against phytonematodes. Additionally, all extracts exhibited toxicity against P. redivivus, with T2 being the most toxic. Our findings demonstrate that while the AT5 extract displays antagonistic effectiveness against both N. aberrans and P. redivivus, it was the least toxic among the extracts tested. Thus, SMS of P. ostreatus holds potential as a source of nematocidal compounds, which could offer significant benefits for agricultural pest control. Full article

Precipitation is an important factor that influences the quality of surface water in many regions of the world. The pollution of stormwater runoff from roads and parking lots is an understudied area in water quality research. Therefore, a comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical properties of rainwater flowing from parking lots was carried out, considering heavy metals and organic micropollutants. High concentrations of zinc were observed in rainwater, in addition to alkanes, e.g., tetradecane, hexadecane, octadecane, 2,6,10-trimethyldodecane, 2-methyldodecane; phenolic derivatives, such as 2,6-dimethoxyphenol and 2,4-di-tertbutylphenol; and compounds such as benzothiazole. To remove the contaminants present in rainwater, adsorption using silica carriers of the MCF (Mesostructured Cellular Foams) type was performed. Three groups of modified carriers were prepared, i.e., (1) SH (thiol), (2) NH₂ (amino), and (3) NH₂/SH (amine and thiol functional groups). The research problem, which is addressed in the presented article, is concerned with the silica carrier influence of the functional group on the adsorption efficiency of micropollutants. The study included an evaluation of the effects of adsorption dose and time on the efficiency of the contaminant removal process, as well as an analysis of adsorption isotherms and reaction kinetics. The colour adsorption from rainwater was 94–95% for MCF-NH₂ and MCF-NH₂/SH. Zinc adsorbance was at a level of 90% for MCF-NH₂, and for MCF-NH₂/SH, 52%. Studies have shown the high efficacy (100%) of MCF-NH₂ in removing organic micropollutants, especially phenolic compounds and benzothiazole. On the other hand, octadecane was the least susceptible to adsorption in each case. It was found that the highest efficiency of removal of organic micropollutants and zinc ions was obtained through the use of functionalized silica NH₂. Full article

Nitraria roborowskii Kom. seeds have deep dormancy characteristics. Under natural conditions, the germination rate of the seeds is low, and the germination time is long. Therefore, exploring the reasons for seed dormancy is highly important. The results showed that the extracts of the methanol phase, ethyl acetate phase, petroleum ether phase and water phase of N. roborowskii seeds all had a significant inhibitory effect on the germination rate and germination index of Brassica rapa seeds, among which the extract of the methanol phase had the strongest inhibitory effect, and the inhibitory effect decreased in the following order from the strongest to the weakest: methanol phase > ethyl acetate phase > petroleum ether phase > water phase. The components of the methanol phase, ethyl acetate phase and petroleum ether phase ether extracts of N. roborowskii seeds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The experimental results showed that the organic phase extracts of N. roborowskii seeds contained a variety of inhibitory compounds, which included 4H-pyran-4-one, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-dibutyl phthalate; 4-((1E)-3-hydroxy-1-propenyl)-2-methoxyphenol; 13-docosenamide, (Z)-; 3-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzoic acid; vanillin; 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol; and cyclohexane, ethyl-. The seeds of N. roborowskii contain a variety of endogenous inhibitors, which are the main reason for its seed dormancy. Full article