Search Results (3,768)

During large-scale pavement construction, the preparation of SBS-modified asphalt typically produces large amounts of harmful fumes. The emergence of deodorants can effectively alleviate the problem of smoke emissions during the asphalt manufacturing process. On the basis of ensuring the original road performance, exploring more suitable dosages and types of deodorant is urgently needed. Five commercial deodorants were evaluated using an asphalt smoke collection system, and UV-visible spectrophotometry (UV) was employed to screen the deodorants based on smoke concentration. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to quantitatively analyze changes in harmful smoke components before and after adding two deodorants. Subsequently, the mechanisms of action of the two different types of deodorants were analyzed microscopically using fluorescence microscopy. Finally, the performance of bitumen and asphalt mixtures after adding deodorants was evaluated. The results showed that deodorant A (reactive type) and D (adsorption type) exhibited the best smoke suppression effects, with optimal addition rates of 0.6% and 0.5%, respectively. Deodorant A reduced benzene homologues by nearly 50% and esters by approximately 40%, while deodorant D reduced benzene homologues by approximately 70% and esters by approximately 60%, without producing new toxic gases. Both deodorants had a minimal impact on the basic properties of bitumen and the road performance of asphalt mixtures, with all indicators meeting technical specifications. This research provides a theoretical basis for the effective application of deodorants in the future, truly enabling a transition from laboratory research to large-scale engineering applications in the construction of environmentally friendly roads. Full article

Cooked-rice aroma strongly affects consumer choice, yet the chemical traits distinguishing glutinous rice from normal-amylose japonica rice remain underexplored because earlier studies targeted only a few dozen volatiles using one-dimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In this study, four glutinous and seven normal Japanese cultivars were cooked under identical conditions, their headspace volatiles trapped with MonoTrap and qualitatively profiled by comprehensive GC × GC-TOFMS. The two-dimensional platform resolved 1924 peaks—about ten-fold previous coverage—and, together with hierarchical clustering, PCA, heatmap visualization and volcano plots, cleanly separated the starch classes (78.3% cumulative PCA variance; Euclidean distance >140). Volcano plots highlighted 277 compounds enriched in the glutinous cultivars and 295 in Koshihikari, including 270 compounds that were not previously documented in rice. Normal cultivars were dominated by ethers, aldehydes, amines and other nitrogenous volatiles associated with grainy, grassy and toasty notes. Glutinous cultivars showed abundant ketones, furans, carboxylic acids, thiols, steroids, nitro compounds, pyrroles and diverse hydrocarbons and aromatics, yielding sweeter, fruitier and floral accents. These results expand the volatile library for japonica rice, provide molecular markers for flavor-oriented breeding and demonstrate the power of GC × GC-TOFMS coupled with chemometrics for grain aroma research. Full article

Ready-to-eat meat products face quality challenges during storage and reheating. This study aimed to (i) characterize the physicochemical/microbiological changes in stewed mutton during storage (4 °C/−18 °C, 0–28 days) and (ii) evaluate reheating methods (boiling vs. microwaving) on day-7 samples. The nutritional analysis confirmed moisture reduction (57.32 vs. 72.12 g/100 g)-concentrated protein/fat levels. Storage at −18 °C suppressed microbial growth (the total plate count (TPC), 3.73 vs. 4.80 log CFU/g at 28 days; p < 0.05) and lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS): 0.14 vs. 0.19 mg/kg) more effectively than storage at 4 °C. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) kinetics projected a shelf life ≥90 days (4 °C) and ≥120 days (−18 °C). Microwave reheating after frozen storage (−18 °C) maximized the yield (86.21% vs. 75.90% boiling; p < 0.05) and preserved volatile profiles closest to those in the fresh samples (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)/electronic nose). The combination of freezing storage and subsequent microwave reheating has been demonstrated to be an effective method for preserving the quality of a precooked lamb dish, thereby ensuring its nutritional value. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) constitute intricate mixtures of volatile phytochemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their multifaceted biological effects. Notably, the presence of bioactive constituents capable of inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) underpins their potential utility in skin-related applications, particularly through the modulation of melanin biosynthesis and protection of skin-relevant cells from oxidative damage—a primary contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger) and Humulus lupulus L. (hop) are medicinal plants widely recognized for their diverse pharmacological properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first report on the synergistic interactions between essential oils derived from these species (referred to as EOZ and EOH) offering novel insights into their combined bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate essential oils extracted from ginger rhizomes and hop strobiles with respect to the following: (1) chemical composition, determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (2) tyrosinase inhibitory activity; (3) capacity to inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation; (4) ABTS^•+ radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, the study utilizes both the combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) as quantitative parameters to evaluate the nature of interactions and the dose-sparing efficacy of essential oil (EO) combinations. GC–MS analysis identified EOZ as a zingiberene-rich chemotype, containing abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-zingiberene, β-bisabolene, and α-curcumene, while EOH exhibited a caryophyllene diol/cubenol-type profile, dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene-9,10-diol and 1-epi-cubenol. In vitro tests demonstrated that both oils, individually and in combination, showed notable anti-tyrosinase, radical scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. These results support their multifunctional bioactivity profiles with possible relevance to skin care formulations, warranting further investigation. Full article

Analysis of changes in TVOC and VOCs chemical composition or odor characteristics of particleboard before and after decoration treatment with resin-impregnated paper (RIP), polypropylene (PP) film and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film were studied. The effects of these three decoration treatments on masking or suppressing the release of VOCs and odorants from particleboard were explored. The substances that were covered or suppressed and newly introduced before and after processing were identified to provide a basis for reducing the odor emissions of PVC-, PP- and RIP-decorated particleboard. Taking undecorated particleboard and particleboard treated by three types of decorative materials as research subjects, the air permeability of the three decorative materials was tested using the Gurley Permeability Tester. TVOC emissions from the boards were evaluated using the 1 m³ environmental chamber method. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the samples were conducted via thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GCMS). The contribution of odor substances was determined using odor activity value (OAV). The results indicated that the permeability from high to low was PVC film, PP film and RIP. Compared with undecorated particleboard, the TVOC emissions of PVC-decorated boards decreased by 93%, PP-decorated particleboard by 83% but the TVOC emissions of RIP-decorated particleboard increased by 67%. PP decoration treatment masked or suppressed the release of 20 odor substances but introduced xylene, which can increase potentially the health risks for PP-decorated particleboard. PVC decoration treatment masked or suppressed 19 odor substances, but it introduced 12 new compounds, resulting in an overall increase in TVOC emissions. RIP treatment did not introduce new odor substances. After PP film and RIP treatments, both the variety of VOCs released and the number of key odor-contributing compounds and modifying odorants decreased. In contrast, the number of modifying odorants and potential odorants increased after PVC treatment. VOC emissions were effectively masked or suppressed by three decoration treatments, same as the release of substances contributing to overall odor of particleboard was reduced. Among them, PP and RIP decorative materials demonstrate better effects. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the limited availability of antiviral therapeutics for pathogens such as human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) underscore the need for novel, plant-derived antimicrobial substances. In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative, antibacterial, and antiviral activities of aqueous leaf extracts from two plants commonly found in North America, Osage orange (M. pomifera) and spearmint (M. spicata). Both extracts exhibited no significant cytotoxic or morphologic impact on HEp-2 human cancer cells up to 25 mg/mL. However, both extracts demonstrated strong dose-dependent antibacterial activity, significantly inhibiting replication of E. coli and S. aureus at concentrations ≥ 1 mg/mL. Antiviral assays revealed that both extracts inhibited hRSV infectivity, with spearmint extract showing higher potency (EC₅₀ = 1.01 mg/mL) compared to Osage orange (EC₅₀ = 3.85 mg/mL). Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified three major extract constituents: 3-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, 4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol (Osage orange), and R-(-)-carvone (spearmint). Among these, only carvone significantly inhibited hRSV in vitro, suggesting its key role in spearmint’s antiviral activity. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of Osage orange and spearmint leaf extracts, particularly as sources of water-soluble compounds with antimicrobial properties, and support further investigation into their mechanisms of action and broader clinical relevance. Full article

Wild Ganoderma lucidum from Nepal’s high-altitude regions was studied to identify key bioactive compounds and assess the influence of solvent type—water, ethanol, methanol, and acetone—on extraction efficiency and biological activity. Extracts were evaluated for antioxidant potential, cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, and phytochemical composition via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Solvent type significantly affected both yield and bioactivity. Acetone yielded the highest crude extract (5.01%), while ethanol extract exhibited the highest total phenolic (376.5 ± 9.3 mg PG/g) and flavonoid content (30.3 ± 0.5 mg QE/g). Methanol extract was richest in lycopene (0.07 ± 0.00 mg/g) and β-carotene (0.45 ± 0.02 mg/g). Ethanol extract demonstrated consistently strong DPPH, superoxide, hydroxyl, and nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, along with high reducing power. All extracts showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity against HeLa cells, with ethanol and water extracts showing the greatest inhibition (>65% at 1000 µg/mL). GC-MS profiling identified solvent-specific bioactive compounds including sterols, terpenoids, polyphenols, and fatty acids. Notably, pharmacologically relevant compounds such as hinokione, ferruginol, ergosterol, and geranylgeraniol were detected. These findings demonstrate the therapeutic potential of G. lucidum, underscore the importance of solvent selection, and suggest that high-altitude ecological conditions may influence its bioactive metabolite profile. Full article

Plants and insects are developing strategies to avoid each other’s defense systems. Host plants may release volatile compounds to attract the natural enemies of herbivores; insect pests may also select host plants that are deterrent to natural enemies to avoid such predation. Here we investigated whether the host plant preference of Hyphantria cunea correlates with the attractiveness of these plants to Chouioia cunea, a parasitoid wasp that serves as the primary natural enemy of H. cunea. We found Morus alba was the preferred host plant for female H. cunea. Although M. alba provided suboptimal nutritional value for H. cunea growth and development compared to other plants, it attracted fewer C. cunea relative to alternative host plants. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) coupled with gas chromatography–electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) analysis identified six distinct compounds among the herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) produced following H. cunea feeding. Notably, M. alba was the sole plant species that did not emit tridecane. These results suggest that H. cunea utilizes M. alba as a reduced predation enemy-free space, thereby minimizing parasitization by C. cunea. Our research emphasizes the importance of considering adaptive responses of herbivores within the context of multi-trophic relationships, rather than solely focusing on optimizing herbivore growth on the most nutritionally suitable plant host. Full article

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a common analytical technique used for identifying and quantifying drugs of abuse, as well as their metabolites, extracted from biological samples. Depending on the properties of the analyzed compounds, particularly in the case of metabolites, derivatization is often necessary. In this article, we will address the definition, properties, sample preparation, and GC-MS analysis of the most common drugs of abuse in their native (seized) form and their metabolites in biological samples (urine, blood, hair, and tissue). Drugs that will be described are: amphetamines and their derivatives, cannabinoids, cocaine, opioids, lysergide (LSD), benzodiazepines, gamma-hydroxybutyric acid (GHB), phencyclidine (PCP), mescaline, psilocin, and psilocybin. The literature review showed that the analysis of the drugs of abuse requires a simple extraction procedure and analysis with or without derivatization. However, the analysis of the metabolites requires removing the interferences from the matrix (proteins, other compounds, water, and other species that may interfere with the analysis or contaminate the GC-MS). This review article will provide insights into the available procedures for sample preparation and analytical methods, helping authors gain the necessary information and select the desired procedure for analysis. Full article

Tianshanhong (TSH), black tea products originating from the Ningde Tianshan Mountain, has gained significant recognition in the market. However, the chemical characteristics contributing to the flavor of TSH have not yet been reported. To systematically investigate the non-volatile and volatile compounds in TSH, four grades of TSH were evaluated using national standard sensory methods, revealing that overall quality improved with higher grades. Based on the detection of ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS), the content of ester-type catechins was relatively high and decreased with lower grades. A total of 19 amino acids (AAs) were clustered, among them, three amino acids, L-Theanine (L-Thea), Arg, and GABA, showed highly significant correlations with the refreshing taste of TSH. Notably, the content of Arg had the highest correlation with TSH grade, with a coefficient of 0.976 (p < 0.01). According to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, a total of 861 kinds of volatile compounds were detected, with 282 identified and aroma-active compounds across grades selected using the PLS model. Methyl salicylate and geraniol were particularly notable, showing strong correlations with TSH grades at 0.975 and 0.987 (p < 0.01), respectively. Our findings show that non-volatile and volatile compounds can rationally grade TSH and help understand its flavor quality. Full article

To investigate the effect of Botrytis cinerea infection severity on the flavor characteristics of Petit Manseng noble rot wine, this study analyzed wines produced from Petit Manseng grapes grown in the eastern foothills of Helan Mountain, Ningxia, China. The grapes were categorized into three groups based on infection status: uninfected, mildly infected, and severely infected with Botrytis cinerea. Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) and an electronic nose were employed to detect and analyze the aroma components of wines under the three infection conditions. Additionally, trained sensory panelists conducted sensory evaluations of the wine aromas. The results revealed that wines made from severely infected grapes exhibited the richest and most complex aroma profiles. A total of 70 volatile compounds were identified, comprising 32 esters, 17 alcohols, 5 acids, 8 aldehydes and ketones, 4 terpenes, and 4 other compounds. Among these, esters and alcohols accounted for the highest contents. Key aroma-active compounds included isoamyl acetate, ethyl decanoate, phenethyl acetate, ethyl laurate, hexanoic acid, linalool, decanoic acid, citronellol, ethyl hexanoate, and methyl octanoate. Sensory evaluation indicated that the “floral aroma”, “pineapple/banana aroma”, “honey aroma”, and “overall aroma intensity” were most pronounced in the severely infected group. These findings provide theoretical support for the harvesting of severely Botrytis cinerea-infected Petit Manseng grapes and the production of high-quality noble rot wine in this region. Full article

Concern over the presence of pharmaceutical waste in the environment has prompted research into the management of emerging organic micropollutants (EOMs). In response, sustainable technologies have been applied as alternatives to reduce the effects of these contaminants. This study investigated the capacity of filamentous fungi isolated from iron mine soil in the Amazon region to biodegrade the drug chloroquine diphosphate. An initial screening assessed the growth of four fungal strains on solid media containing chloroquine diphosphate: Trichoderma pseudoasperelloides CBMAI 2752, Penicillium rolfsii CBMAI 2753, Talaromyces verruculosus CBMAI 2754, and Penicillium sp. cf. guaibinense CBMAI 2758. Among them, Penicillium sp. cf. guaibinense CBMAI 2758 was selected for further testing in liquid media. A Box–Behnken factorial design was applied with three variables, pH (5, 7, and 9), incubation time (5, 10, and 15 days), and chloroquine diphosphate concentration (50, 75, and 100 mg·L⁻¹), totaling 15 experiments. The samples were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The most effective conditions for chloroquine biodegradation were pH 7, 100 mg·L⁻¹ concentration, and 10 days of incubation. Four metabolites were identified: one resulting from N-deethylation M1 (N4-(7-chloroquinolin-4-yl)-N1-ethylpentane-1,4-diamine), two from carbon–carbon bond cleavage M2 (7-chloro-N-ethylquinolin-4-amine) and M3 (N1,N1-diethylpentane-1,4-diamine), and one from aromatic deamination M4 (N1-ethylbutane-1,4-diamine) by enzymatic reactions. The toxicity analysis showed that the products obtained from the biodegradation of chloroquine were less toxic than the commercial formulation of this compound. These findings highlight the biotechnological potential of Amazonian fungi for drug biodegradation and decontamination. Full article

The impact of seasonality on the aroma quality of tea has been documented in various tea types, but not specifically in oolong tea. This study is the first to explore the complex relationships between seasonality, volatile compounds, and aroma quality in oolong tea. Using Headspace Solid-Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS)-based untargeted metabolomics, we analyzed 266 samples of Tieguanyin oolong tea. The data identified linalool, linalool oxides (trans-linalool oxide (furanoid) and trans-linalool oxide (pyranoid)), and their metabolites (diendiol I; hotrienol) as key seasonal discriminants. Four out of the top ten key differential compounds for distinguishing aroma scores were metabolites from fatty acid degradation, namely trans-3-hexenyl butyrate, trans-2-hexenyl hexanoate, hexyl hexanoate, and hexyl 2-methyl butyrate. Approximately one-fifth of the seasonal discriminant volatile compounds were significant in influencing aroma quality. Overall, the impact of seasonality on the aroma quality of finished Tieguanyin oolong tea is marginal. These findings enhance our understanding of the interplay between seasonal variations, volatile composition, and aroma quality in oolong tea. Full article

The prevention of biofilm formation and algal biodeterioration on building materials, particularly on cultural heritage sites, is a growing concern. Due to regulatory restrictions on conventional algicidal biocides in Europe, natural alternatives such as essential oils are gaining interest for their potential use in heritage conservation. This study evaluates the anti-algal activity of Salvia officinalis and Equisetum arvense (essential oils, hydrolates, and extracts) against a mixed culture of five green algae species (Bracteacoccus minor, Stichococcus bacillaris, Klebsormidium nitens, Chloroidium saccharophilum, and Diplosphaera chodatii). The plant materials were processed using hydrodistillation and solvent extraction, followed by chemical characterization through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Biological efficacy was assessed by measuring algal growth inhibition, changes in biomass colour, chlorophyll a concentration, and fluorescence. S. officinalis yielded higher extract quantities (extraction yield: 23%) than E. arvense and contained bioactive compounds such as thujone, camphor, and cineole, which correlated with its strong anti-algal effects. The essential oil of S. officinalis demonstrated the highest efficacy, significantly inhibiting biofilm formation (zones of inhibition: 15–94 mm) and photosynthetic activity at 0.5% concentration (reduction in chlorophyll a concentration 90–100%), without causing visible discolouration of treated surfaces (∆E < 2). These findings highlight the potential of S. officinalis essential oil as a natural, effective, and material-safe algicidal biocide for the sustainable protection of cultural heritage sites. Full article

In this study, the seeking behaviour and food acceptance of larvae of Plodia interpunctella Hübner (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were analysed under laboratory conditions. Larval orientation and feeding preferences were assessed using a selection arena for neonate larvae and a four-way olfactometer for third-instar larvae. Stimulants included amaranth bars with additives (honey and chocolate) and natural amaranth (toasted grain only). The results showed that amaranth volatiles influence the orientation and feeding behaviour of this polyphagous insect. A marked preference for sugar-rich foods was observed, with amaranth with honey and amaranth with chocolate being the food sources most frequently chosen by the neonate larvae. These individuals exhibited a gregarious feeding behaviour and did not engage in cannibalism. The third-instar larvae also showed a preference for sweet food but were more attracted to the amaranth–additive combination. In the four-way olfactometer bioassays, chocolate was the most frequently chosen stimulus, while cellophane did not differ significantly from air. An analysis of volatile compounds by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) revealed that amaranth with chocolate releases more volatile compounds (16) compared with honey (12) and natural amaranth (6), suggesting that these volatiles could possibly influence the larvae’s choice of food source. Full article