Search Results (2,497)

The increasing occurrence of pesticides in aquatic environments has raised concern due to their potential impact on human health and ecosystems. In this context, the development of sensitive, reliable, and environmentally sustainable analytical methods is essential for monitoring these contaminants. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a miniaturized dispersive solid-phase extraction (DµSPE) method for the determination of current-use multiclass pesticides in water samples using liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Initially, a simple and rapid sample preparation procedure was developed, in which different experimental variables were evaluated to obtain suitable extraction efficiency. The validated method has a quantification limit of 0.01 µg L⁻¹ and was applied to the determination of pesticides in surface water from different regions in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. In addition, the environmental sustainability of the method was evaluated using the AGREEprep tool, allowing a quantitative and visual assessment of its compliance with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry. The results demonstrated that the proposed method provides adequate analytical performance for the determination of 28 compounds in water matrices while offering a simple sample preparation procedure with reduced solvent consumption and waste generation. Full article

Medicinal plants represent a promising source of bioactive compounds with potential antidiabetic activity, while the efficacy of plant extracts depends on both plant matrix and extraction conditions. This study aimed to systematically compare selected medicinal plants and extraction solvents to evaluate their impact on extracts’ in vitro α-amylase inhibitory activity, total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity, and antimicrobial properties. Extracts of sage (Salvia officinalis), blueberry leaf (Vaccinium myrtillus), nettle (Urtica dioica), wormwood (Artemisia absinthium), and green and roasted coffee (Coffea arabica) were prepared using different solvent systems (50% (v/v) ethanol, propylene glycol, glycerol, and water), as well as a traditional aqueous infusion protocol. Extraction solvent strongly affected bioactivity: ethanol extracts showed the highest α-amylase inhibition, particularly in sage extract (79.60%) and blueberry leaf (57.71%). No significant correlation with TPC was observed (r = 0.229, p = 0.108), but aqueous ethanol yielded the highest TPC, with blueberry leaf being richest (64.16 ± 0.82 mg GAE/g), followed by roasted coffee (49.36 ± 0.83 mg GAE/g). Ethanol extracts demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Overall, sage and blueberry leaves showed the most promising multifunctional activity, highlighting their potential for further investigation as functional food ingredients. Full article

Sustainable energy technologies like the fuel cell have been explored as potential substitute energy sources to lessen pollution and reliance on fossil fuels. At the very core of fuel cells are ionomer membranes, particularly used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) and other electrochemical devices such as electrolyzers. This research aimed to study the morphological and structural changes of ionomer membranes in the presence of single solvents. The ionomer membranes were partially dissolved in water (polar protic solvent) and dimethyl sulfoxide (polar aprotic solvent) and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results showed that water, being a polar protic solvent, interacted not only with the hydrophilic sulfonic acid regions of the membranes but also with the hydrophobic fluorocarbon backbone as seen in the EDX results. On the other hand, DMSO, which is a polar aprotic solvent, caused more visible changes in both structure and surface appearance. By examining these relationships more closely, this research deepened our understanding of how single solvents affect ionomer membranes to improve ionomer membrane fabrication methods. Full article

A novel bio-capable method has been implemented for the synthesis of newly substituted derivatives of perimidine using Fe₃O₄@nano-cellulose/Ti(IV) as a magnetic, sustainable, and eco-friendly Lewis acid nanocatalyst. The catalyst was thoroughly characterized by XRD, FESEM, and TGA analyses, confirming its crystalline structure, uniform nanoscale morphology, and high thermal stability. The reaction proceeded smoothly in eco-friendly solvents, providing outstanding yields under mild and rapid conditions, especially with ultrasonics. The catalyst, derived from renewable materials, exhibited remarkable activity, easy magnetic recovery, and excellent reusability over several cycles without significant loss of efficiency. Spectral characterization, IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹⁹F NMR, and HRMS analyses verified that perimidine derivatives were synthesized properly. This sustainable and efficient approach demonstrates the prospect of green Lewis acid nanocatalysts for the sustainable synthesis of valuable heterocyclic compounds. Full article

In this study, single-helical maize amylose (SHMAM) was successfully prepared via the sodium chloride-based eutectic solvent method. Incorporation of SHMAM into wheat flour for steamed buns significantly enhanced its hardness, with a 5% addition level yielding the maximum effect (hardness increased from 2318.7 ± 157.4 g to 3224.7 ± 98.1 g). Comprehensive structural characterization including FT-IR, XRD, DSC and ¹³C solid-state NMR revealed that during steaming hydrogen bonds formed between the C6 hydroxyl groups of SHMAM and sulfhydryl groups of Cys, α-amino groups of Lys, phenolic hydroxyl groups of Tyr, and ε-amino groups of Arg in glutenin. These interactions induced the conversion of β-sheets into α-helices and β-turns. As a result, a denser, more mechanically robust glutenin–starch network was formed, accompanied by a decreased water-holding capacity of glutenin and restricted interfacial water mobility between starch and glutenin phases. Collectively, these synergistic interactions enhanced dough compactness, stabilized the microstructural integrity of the dough matrix, and improved the hardness of the final steamed bun. This work establishes a novel, green, and scalable strategy for precisely modulating steamed bun texture, with broad implications for quality optimization in traditional wheat-based foods and potential benefits for dietary health. Full article

The development of biocompatible functional nanostructures has emerged as a key driver in advancing nanomedicine, environmental remediation, and sustainable energy technologies. However, conventional synthesis methods often rely on toxic reagents, hazardous solvents, and energy-intensive processes, raising significant concerns regarding environmental impact and biological safety. In this context, green synthesis has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative, utilizing biological systems, renewable resources, and environmentally benign solvents to produce functional nanomaterials. This mini-review provides an overview of recent advances in the green synthesis of organic, inorganic, and hybrid nanostructures, highlighting their physicochemical properties and functional performance. Particular emphasis is placed on their applications in nanomedicine, including drug delivery, bioimaging, antimicrobial and anticancer therapies, and theranostic platforms. Additionally, their roles in environmental applications, such as pollutant degradation and water treatment, and in energy-related systems, including catalysis, solar energy conversion, and energy storage, are discussed with selected representative examples. Despite significant progress, key challenges remain, including limited mechanistic understanding, reproducibility issues, scalability constraints, and uncertainties related to long-term toxicity and environmental impact. Addressing these limitations will be essential for the safe and large-scale implementation of green nanotechnology. Overall, the integration of green chemistry principles with advanced nanomaterial design offers a promising pathway toward the development of multifunctional, sustainable, and high-performance nanostructures capable of addressing global health, environmental, and energy challenges. Full article

The fresh-cut avocado processing generates significant amounts of by-products, mainly peel and seed, with the peel representing a valuable source of phenolic compounds. In this context, the growing demand for sustainable technologies encourages the use of green solvents for bioactive compound recovery. In this study, natural deep eutectic solvents (NaDES) were evaluated as environmentally friendly solvents for the extraction of phenolic compounds from Hass avocado peels through ultrasound-assisted extraction and for their potential application in fresh-cut avocado. Phenolics were extracted using acidic water, ethanol, and NaDES based on choline chloride as a fixed hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors (HBDs; lactic acid, glycerol, and citric acid) with the ultrasound-assisted system. The stability of the extracts was monitored for eight weeks (four weeks in darkness followed by four weeks under light exposure). Among the tested formulations, the lactic-acid-based NaDES showed the highest extraction efficiency and the best stability of phenolic compounds during storage (≥20 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw during the storage period). The lactic-acid-based extract was then applied to fresh-cut avocado to evaluate its potential for antioxidant enrichment and browning prevention during refrigerated storage. The treatment increased phenolic content and contributed to improved color stability (during seven days of storage). Overall, lactic-acid-based NaDES represent a promising green solvent system for recovering phenolics from avocado peel and for their functional application in fresh-cut avocado within a circular valorization approach. Full article

Efficient solubilization of nonpolar substances in polar solvents represents a fundamental challenge in environmental remediation, green chemistry, and separation processes. This limitation stems from the hydrophobic effect, which creates thermodynamic barriers, resulting in low intrinsic solubility and strong phase separation. This review examines the thermodynamic basis of solubilization, focusing on free-energy changes and molecular interaction mechanisms. It discusses various strategies, including surface and interface engineering, host–guest inclusion, solvent engineering, and nanostructure encapsulation, along with their practical applications. Future research directions include smart responsive materials, green solvent design theories, and precise construction of solubilization systems through multi-scale simulations. Full article

Reusing waste materials is a sustainable practice to reduce the impact of human activities on the global ecosystem. In particular, agro-industrial waste can be explored as an innovative and green source of beneficial bioactive compounds. For this purpose, seventeen different varieties of wine grape pomace were collected from the Apulia region (Italy) to perform extractions and qualitative–quantitative phenolic profile characterization. To ensure an environmentally friendly extraction process, natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) were used as privileged media. After an initial screening, Merlot (MEA) and Sangiovese (SGA) varieties were then selected for extraction with betaine/lactic acid 1:4 (mol/mol) +40% water (w/w) and choline chloride/ascorbic acid 2:1 (mol/mol) +40% water (w/w). They were further investigated by LC-QTOF-MS for a comprehensive metabolomic evaluation. Betaine-based extracts from both cultivars exhibited higher polyphenol contents than choline chloride-based ones: 175.0 and 161.8 mg/kg compared to 59.6 and 40.4 mg/kg. Qualitative antimicrobial assays confirmed the effectiveness of betaine/lactic acid (MEA) and choline chloride/ascorbic acid (SGA) extracts on B. allii and E. coli, respectively, as well as the NADES themselves, even though it is difficult to discriminate the individual effects. Finally, the evaluation of both antioxidant activity and total polyphenol content led to good results for betaine/lactic acid (2.8 and 3.2 mg TEAC/g DW and 0.92 and 0.93 mg GAE/g DW for SGA and MEA, respectively), while the content of ascorbic acid, used as a component of NADES, substantially influenced the relevant obtained results in choline chloride/ascorbic acid samples. These findings support the potential of combining NADES with polyphenols recovered from grape pomace as a promising approach for further optimization and application-oriented investigation. Full article

Spent coffee grounds (SCGs), a major by-product of coffee consumption, remain an underused source of chlorogenic acid (CGA) and other phenolic constituents. This study investigated an ultrasound-assisted extraction strategy using deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to improve the recovery and phenolic-acid enrichment of SCGs. Among the tested DES formulations, the betaine–acetic acid system gave the best CGA extraction performance and was therefore used for further optimization by response surface methodology. The optimized process, conducted at a liquid-to-solid ratio of 28 mL/g, 75 °C, and 50 min, produced a CGA yield of 15.18 mg CGA/g dried SCG powder, markedly exceeding that achieved with 70% ethanol under comparable conditions. Structural and chemical characterizations helped explain this improvement. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the DES-based process caused more evident disruption of the SCG matrix, which favored solvent penetration and mass transfer. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the formation of a hydrogen-bonding network between betaine and acetic acid. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry further revealed that the betaine–acetic acid extract was mainly composed of CGA and hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives. The purified extract also displayed strong in vitro antioxidant capacity. Overall, the betaine–acetic acid DES combined with ultrasound provides an effective green approach for recovering CGA-rich phenolic extracts from SCGs. Full article

Branched esters are compounds with many applications in the chemical industry, ranging from the manufacture of biolubricants to the cosmetics industry. The traditionally chemical route results in low sustainable process and biocatalytic synthesis emerges as a sustainable alternative to produce these esters. The advantages offered by biotransformation are reaction specificity, enzymes biodegradability, mild reaction conditions and solvent-free systems. This avoids secondary reactions, reduces solvents waste generation and eliminates downstream separation steps. Therefore, high-purity products are obtained in a more profitable and sustainable way which conforms to ten of the twelve principles of green chemistry. In this research, we have successfully optimized the first-ever production of decane-1,10-diyl bis(2-methylhexanoate) (DDBMH) in a solvent-free reaction medium, utilizing the commercial biocatalyst Novozym^® 435. Optimal conditions for synthesis have been determined (70 °C and biocatalyst concentration of 2.5% (w/w)) by testing 60–80 °C and 1.25–3.75% (w) ranges. The possible industrial implementation of the process requires an economic analysis which has examined the impact of various costs. The sustainability of the process has also been analyzed by determining different green metrics. Finally, the determination of the viscosity index (VI = 196.29) has allowed us to verify that the ester obtained can be used as a biolubricant. Full article

This study explored the impact of ethanol as a co-solvent in supercritical fluid extraction on the recovery of bioactive compounds from carrot seeds and assessed the resulting extracts for antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Ethanol supplementation significantly improved extraction performance, with the yield increasing from 110 mg in the absence of ethanol to 134 mg at 5% ethanol, followed by a slight decrease to 132 mg at 10%. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed pronounced phytochemical enrichment at 5% ethanol, particularly for chlorogenic acid (1541.24 µg/g), gallic acid (1279.27 µg/g), and hesperetin (1513.68 µg/g), indicating enhanced recovery of phenolic and flavonoid constituents. The 5% ethanol extract demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, producing inhibition zones of 19 mm against Enterococcus faecalis, 26 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 25 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 29 mm against Candida albicans. Values of both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were markedly reduced, while antibiofilm activity reached 93.11% for E. faecalis and 91.00% for K. pneumoniae. The extract also exhibited potent inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 7.74 and 13.37 µg/mL, against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, correspondingly, as well as strong butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 2.51 µg/mL), highlighting promising α-amylase/α-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing that chlorogenic acid bound more strongly than vanillin to OmpK36, lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase, with docking scores ranging from −6.1 to −6.9 kcal/mol. These findings identify ethanol-modified supercritical fluid extraction as a sustainable and effective green strategy for improving the recovery of carrot seed bioactives and enhancing their multifunctional in vitro biological properties. Notably, this study provides the first comprehensive evidence that 5% ethanol modification selectively enriches key phenolic constituents, including chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and hesperetin, in carrot seed extracts, with corresponding enhancement of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Full article

Green seeds of Coffea arabica represent a rich source of bioactive compounds. This study aimed to compare the butanol-soluble (CA-BU) and the ethyl acetate-soluble (CA-EtAc) fractions in terms of their phytochemical composition and biological activity. As a first step, the fractions were analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS) in order to investigate the major constituents. Subsequently, CA-BU and CA-EtAc were evaluated for antioxidant effect, antimicrobial activity, antiproliferative properties, effects on the mitochondrial function, and on the chorioallantoic membrane. The CA-EtAc fraction was enriched in chlorogenic acids and catechins and showed superior antioxidant activity, whereas CA-BU displayed a broader profile of semi-polar polyphenols, conferring moderate antimicrobial effects and stronger antiproliferative activity in MCF-7 human breast adenocarcinoma cells, although with limited selectivity compared with HaCaT non-tumorigenic cells. Respirometric analysis demonstrated that CA-BU selectively inhibited mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation Complex I (OXPHOS CI), without affecting Complex II (CII) or basal respiration, indicating a specific mitochondria-targeted mechanism. Both fractions were non-irritant and well tolerated in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay; CA-BU reduced vascular density. These findings demonstrate a clear mechanistic differentiation between the fractions, highlighting the decisive role of solvent polarity in obtaining extracts with distinct and targeted biological effects. Full article

The increasing global demand for natural bioactive compounds in the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical sectors highlights the need for sustainable extraction technologies capable not only of efficiently valorizing crop biomass and agro-waste but also of producing reproducible and standardized botanical extracts. Subcritical water extraction (SWE), which utilizes pressurized hot water at temperatures between 100 °C and 374 °C to modify solvent properties, has emerged as a promising green alternative to conventional organic solvent-based extraction methods. Despite its advantages in terms of environmental compatibility, extraction efficiency and tunable selectivity, the industrial application of SWE remains limited, and strategies for obtaining standardized extracts using this technology are still insufficiently explored. This review provides a comprehensive overview of SWE in the context of natural product extraction and the development of standardized plant extracts. The fundamental principles of SWE are discussed, including temperature-dependent changes in water polarity, solvent–solute interactions, and the influence of key process parameters such as temperature, pressure, extraction time, and particle size. Particular emphasis is placed on how these factors affect extraction selectivity, phytochemical composition, and reproducibility, which are critical aspects for extract standardization. Mechanistic insights into plant cell disruption, compound stability, and hydrothermal transformations under SWE conditions are also examined. Recent applications of SWE for the extraction of phenolics, flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and other pharmacologically relevant compounds are reviewed, highlighting the relationship between extraction conditions and extract quality. Finally, current challenges and future perspectives for integrating SWE into the production of standardized botanical extracts suitable for food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications are discussed, paving the way for the wider industrial adoption of this environmentally friendly technology. Full article

The increasing generation of agri-food waste represents a significant environmental challenge, but also a valuable source of bioactive compounds with potential industrial applications. In this study, selected minimally processed agri-food wastes from the food processing industry were evaluated as potential sources of bioactive compounds and antioxidants. Seven types of agri-food waste were investigated: green bean cutting waste, yellow bean cutting waste, sweet corn waste from the air selector, edamame pods, pepper seed by-products, potato peels, and potato waste from the air selector. Solid–liquid extraction was performed using ethanol at different concentrations (20, 40, 60, 80, and 96%, w/w) as a green solvent. Total polyphenol content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays) were determined. The results demonstrated significant differences among the investigated raw materials, with the highest antioxidant activity observed in the potato peel extracts. Specifically, the strongest activity was recorded using 40% ethanol, yielding values of 3.9596 mg TE/g DW for DPPH and 11.4555 mg TE/g DW for ABTS assays. In contrast, the highest FRAP value (2.3970 mg Fe²⁺/g DW) was obtained with 60% ethanol. The highest TPC was detected in pepper seed by-products, reaching 6.7829 mg GAE/g DW when extracted with 20% ethanol. Furthermore, selected extracts were subjected to LC-MS analysis to obtain a preliminary characterization of their chemical profiles. Untargeted LC-MS analysis identified 115 metabolites belonging to different chemical classes, highlighting agri-food waste as a rich source of bioactive compounds, particularly flavonoids and phenolic acids. These findings demonstrate agri-food wastes as sustainable sources of bioactive compounds and support their valorization within circular economy and green processing frameworks. Full article