Search Results (363)

Magenta Cherry or Eugenia (Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn) is an underutilized berry species with an interesting source of functional components. This study aimed to evaluate these berries’ morphometric, nutritional, and phytochemical characteristics at two ripening stages, CM: consumer maturity (CM) and OM: over-maturity. Morphometric analysis revealed size and weight parameters comparable to commercial berries such as blueberries. Fresh fruits were processed into pulverized material, and in this, a proximate analysis was evaluated, showing high moisture content (88.9%), dietary fiber (3.56%), and protein (0.63%), with negligible fat, indicating suitability for low-calorie diets. Phytochemical screening by HPLC identified gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, quercetin, rutin, and condensed tannins. Ethanol extracts showed stronger bioactive profiles than aqueous extracts, with significant antioxidant capacity (up to 803.40 µmol _Trolox/g via Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP assay). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopic analyses established structural transformations of hydroxyl, carbonyl, and aromatic groups associated with ripening. These changes were supported by observed variations in anthocyanin and flavonoid contents, both higher at the CM stage. A notable pigment loss in OM fruits could be attributed to pH changes, oxidative degradation, enzymatic activity loss, and biotic stressors. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) confirmed higher radical scavenging activity in CM-stage berries. Elemental analysis identified minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc, although in moderate concentrations. In summary, Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn fruit demonstrates considerable potential as a source of natural antioxidants and bioactive compounds. These findings advocate for greater exploration and sustainable use of this native berry species in functional food systems. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcumin is a promising therapy for glioblastoma but is limited by poor water solubility, rapid metabolism, and low blood–brain barrier penetration. This study aimed to evaluate curcumin and six curcumin derivatives with improved activity against a glioblastoma cell line and favorable absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. Methods: Twenty-one curcumin derivatives were assessed and subjected to in vitro MTT cytotoxicity assays in SF268 glioblastoma and Vero cells. On the basis of the cytotoxicity results, six derivatives with the most favorable characteristics were selected for additional mechanistic studies, which included microtubule depolymerization, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and BAX activation assays. ADMET properties were determined in silico. Results: Compounds 2–4, 6, and 11 demonstrated better activity (IC₅₀: 0.59–3.97 µg/mL and SI: 3–20) than curcumin (IC₅₀: 6.3 µg/mL; SI: 2.5). Lead derivatives destabilized microtubules, induced ΔΨm collapse, and activated BAX. In silico ADMET prediction analysis revealed that compounds 4 and 6 were the most promising for oral administration from a biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic point of view. Conclusions: Strategic modifications were made to one or both hydroxyl groups of the aromatic rings of curcumin to increase its physicochemical stability and activity against glioblastoma cell line SF268. Compound 4, bearing fully protected aromatic domains, was identified as a prime candidate for in vivo validation and formulation development. Full article

Sawdust is an abundant source of lignocellulosic biomass, presenting a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for producing aromatics, fuels, and chemicals. Lignin, a crucial component, can be depolymerized into valuable aromatics or used for polymer synthesis due to its multiple hydroxyl groups. This study focuses on extracting lignin from Chlorophora excelsa sawdust via organosolv technology. The characterization of sawdust revealed 41.15% cellulose, 28.63% hemicellulose, and 26.13% lignin. The extraction process involved treating sawdust at varying temperatures (100–200 °C) with an ethanol–water solution and sulfuric acid. The optimal yield of 49.81% lignin occurred at 160 °C, confirming the chemical properties and composition of the extracted lignin. Full article

The first coalification jump (FCJ) has a significant effect on changes in the microstructural properties of coal and plays a crucial role in understanding the efficient utilization of low-rank coal. One lignite (QSY-2), two subbituminous (MHJ-10 and YCW-2), and three high-volatile A-grade bituminous coals (YX-12, JF-18, and HY-5) from the Ningdong coalfield were selected for research, avoiding the influence of regional geology. The evolution characteristics of the microstructures before and after the FCJ were investigated via spectroscopic experiments. The complex and unstable molecular structure of low-rank coal gradually decomposes and polymerizes at 350 °C. The aliphatic structure shows a V-shaped change trend as metamorphism increases. The inflection point is around an R_o of 0.6%. Demethylation and polymerization occur simultaneously during the FCJ. The reconnection of benzene substances with the aromatic ring increases the density of aromatic rings in the YCW-2 sample, significantly enhancing its aromaticity. The removal of oxygen-containing functional groups, especially methoxy and carbonyl groups, provides the possibility for the formation of CH₄ and CO₂ during the metamorphosis of lignite to subbituminous coal. Furthermore, high temperatures result in a loss of moisture content during the FCJ, which is the primary factor leading to a reduction in the hydroxyl content in coal. The selected samples are primarily composed of organic matter, with low levels of heteroatoms in the coal. It is preliminarily determined that coalification is not significantly affected. This study provides a theoretical foundation for investigating the molecular structure evolution of low-rank coal during the FCJ. Full article

Biochar is a solid product generated through the pyrolysis of biomass materials under anaerobic or hypoxic conditions, and it is characterized by its strong adsorption capacity. To investigate the phosphorus adsorption performance of biochar derived from wheat straw, bamboo, and water hyacinth in wastewater, iron modification treatments were applied to these biochars, and the most effective modified biochar was identified. The physicochemical properties of the modified biochars were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that optimal modification was achieved with an iron–carbon mass ratio of 0.70 for wheat straw biochar (Fe-WBC) and 0.45 for both bamboo biochar (Fe-BBC) and water hyacinth biochar (Fe-HBC). The maximum phosphorus adsorption capacities of the three modified biochars were as follows: 31.76 mg g⁻¹ (Fe-WBC) > 27.14 mg g⁻¹ (Fe-HBC) > 25.31 mg g⁻¹ (Fe-BBC). It was demonstrated that the adsorption behavior of Fe-BBC was predominantly multi-molecular layer adsorption, whereas the adsorption behavior of Fe-WBC and Fe-HBC was primarily monolayer adsorption. All three types of modified biochars reached adsorption equilibrium within 30 min, with Fe-WBC exhibiting the best adsorption performance. Analysis revealed that the modified biochars contained a large number of unsaturated C bonds and aromatic rings, indicating relatively stable structures. The surfaces of the modified biochars were rich in hydroxyl and carbonyl groups, which contributed to their strong adsorption properties. Post-modification analysis indicated that iron in the biochars predominantly existed in forms such as goethite (FeOOH) and hematite (Fe₂O₃). The iron content in each type of modified biochar constituted approximately 3.08% for Fe-WBC, 5.94% for Fe-BBC, and 5.68% for Fe-HBC relative to their total elemental composition. Overall, the iron-modified biochars employed in this study significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity and efficiency for phosphorus removal in wastewater. Full article

This study aims to investigate the oxidative pyrolysis of biomass volatiles with a particular focus on the formation of liquid products. Furfural, hydroxyacetone, and 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde were chosen as volatile model compounds. The impacts of the oxygen equivalence ratio (ER, 0–15%) and temperature (400–500 °C) on the product composition and distribution were examined using a two-stage quartz-tube reactor. The results showed that volatile pyrolysis was limited at the lower temperature of 400 °C even with oxygen introduction, while it could be significantly promoted at 500 °C as illustrated by the observed great decrease in the GC-MS peak areas of the volatile compounds especially under an oxidative atmosphere. For instance, the peak area of 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde at 500 °C under an ER of 4% was only ~9% of that at 400 °C. Oxygen introduction enhanced the volatile decomposition with the formation of mainly permanent gases (although not given in the study) rather than liquid products, but distinct impacts were obtained for varied volatile compounds possibly due to their different chemical structures and autoignition temperatures. From the perspective of liquid product formation, furfural would undergo the cleavage of C-C/C-O bonds to form linear intermediates and subsequent aromatization to generate aromatics (benzene and benzofuran). The presence of oxygen could enhance the oxidative destruction of the C-C/C-O bonds and the removal of O from the molecules to form simple aromatics such as benzene, phenol, and toluene. Hydroxyacetone mainly underwent C-C/C-O cleavage that was further enhanced in the presence of oxygen; the resultant intermediates would recombine to generate acetoin and 2,3-pentanedione. A higher ER would directly oxidize the alcoholic hydroxyl group (-OH) into an aldehyde group (-CHO) to form methyl glyoxal, while 3,4-dimethoxybenzaldehyde mainly underwent cleavage and recombination of bonds connected with the benzene ring including aldehyde group (-CHO), C_Ar-O, C_Methoxy-O bonds, thus forming 1,2-dimethoxybenzene, toluene, and 3-hydroxybenzadehyde. This study provides more fundamental insights into the homogeneous oxidation of volatiles during the oxidative fast pyrolysis of biomass, facilitating the deployment of this technology. Full article

Diclofenac (DCF), a widely consumed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, presents significant environmental challenges due to its persistence and toxicity in aquatic ecosystems. This study investigates the pH-dependent ozonation of DCF in aqueous media, focusing on degradation kinetics, transformation pathways, and effects on key water quality indicators. Ozonation experiments were conducted across a broad pH range (2.0–13.0), using a multi-scale analytical approach combining UV/Vis spectroscopy, colorimetry, turbidity, and aromaticity measurements. The results show that pH strongly influences DCF degradation efficiency: acidic conditions favor selective reactions with molecular ozone, while an alkaline pH enhances non-selective oxidation via hydroxyl radicals. Spectroscopic analyses revealed the progressive breakdown of aromatic structures, the transient formation of quinonoid and phenolic intermediates, and eventual mineralization to inorganic by-products such as nitrate. Low-pH conditions also induced turbidity due to precipitation of neutral DCF species. These findings underline the importance of pH control in optimizing ozonation performance and minimizing toxic by-products. Furthermore, this study proposes ozonation as a viable pre-treatment step within Nature-Based Solutions (NBSs), potentially improving the performance of downstream biological systems such as constructed wetlands. The results contribute to the development of integrated and sustainable water treatment strategies for pharmaceutical contaminant removal and water reuse. Full article

A nanostructured sensing platform was developed by integrating gold-decorated lignin nanoparticles (AuLNPs) into electrospun polylactic acid (PLA) fibre mats. The composite material combines the high surface-to-volume ratio of PLA nanofibres with the chemical functionality of lignin—a polyphenolic biopolymer rich in hydroxyl and aromatic groups—enabling selective interactions with volatile amines through hydrogen bonding and Van der Waals forces. The embedded gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) further enhance the sensor’s electrical conductivity and provide catalytic sites for improved analyte interaction. The sensor exhibited selective adsorption of amine vapours, showing particularly strong affinity for dimethylamine (DMA), with a limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 440 ppb. Relative humidity (RH) was found to significantly influence sensor performance by facilitating amine protonation, thus promoting interaction with the sensing surface. The developed sensor demonstrated excellent selectivity, sensitivity and reproducibility, highlighting its potential for real-time detection of amines in environmental monitoring, industrial safety and healthcare diagnostics. Full article

As one kind of renewable aromatic polymer, lignin is severely underused due to its chemical recalcitrance. Lignin can endure demethylation modification to improve its activation by releasing more active functional groups. However, the process suffers from expensive, corrosive, and toxic issues by employing halogen-containing reagents, which has become an obstacle to industrial applications. Herein, a series of dicarboxylic acid-based protic ionic liquids (DAPILs) systems composed of ethanolamine and dibasic organic acids (e.g., aspartic acid (Asp), glutamic acid (Glu), succinic acid (SA), and glutaric acid (GA)) with 1~2:1 stoichiometric ratio, have been finely designed for the demethylation of industrial lignin. With [EOA][GA] treatment, the polyphenol content in lignin was favorably increased beyond 1.58 times. The structural tailoring and variation were fully characterized by 2D HSQC and ¹H NMR. The analysis results indicated that, with the increase of phenolic hydroxyl content in lignin, the β-O-4′ bond was broken and the content of structural units (S, G) and the S/G ratio of lignin decreased accordingly. After the treatment, the used IL and tailored lignin can be recovered over 95%. This novel, halogen-free and environmentally friendly lignin-cutting strategy not only opens avenues for high-value utilization of lignin but also expands the field of application of dicarboxylic acid-based protic ionic liquids. Full article

The structural complexity and variability of dissolved organic matter (DOM) significantly affect its binding capacity with heavy metals (HMs). This study evaluated the remediation efficacy of biochar (BC) and humic acid (HA) on Mn- and Cu-contaminated soils using four maize pot treatments: 3% BC (YB3), 6% BC (YB6), 3% BC + 1% HA (YB3H), and 6% BC + 1% HA (YB6H). The results showed that compared to the control (Y), Results showed Mn and Cu concentrations in rhizosphere soil decreased by 11.08–17.76%, while DOM content increased by 44.2–103.83%. BC enhanced DOM aromaticity and humification, further intensified by HA, leading to a more complex and stable DOM structure. PARAFAC identified four DOM components in BC (BC-DOM): C1 (fulvic-like), C2/C3 (humic-like), and C4 (protein-like), and in BC + HA (BC + H-DOM), an enhanced structural complexity with additional aromatic C–H groups was observed. 2D-COS analysis revealed that in BC-DOM, polysaccharides primarily interacted with Mn and Cu, followed by carboxylic acids and phenolic hydroxyl groups, but in BC + H-DOM, aromatic C–H groups preferentially bound Cu before polysaccharides, showing weaker affinity for Mn. These results elucidate the DOM-mediated immobilization mechanisms of BC and HA for HMs, offering insights for soil remediation and carbon sequestration strategies. Full article

A. dracunculus L., is a species of traditional Chinese medicine herbs, widely distributed northwestern China and used as antidiabetic, antibacterial etc., but the active compounds and their abundance have not been systematically investigated. This research focused on the following: (i) optimizing polyphenol extraction/purification from A. dracunculus; (ii) UPLC-QE-based profiling of polyphenolic composition; (iii) FT-IR-assisted structural elucidation; and (iv) functional assessment of antioxidant and antibacterial properties. The results showed that the highest extraction yield of crude polyphenols of A. dracunculus (CPA) reached 5.02 ± 0.04% at an ethanol concentration of 70% of 70 °C with a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 (g/mL). The D101 macroporous resin is the best one for polyphenolpurification of A. dracunculus (PPA), with a purification efficiency of 60.48 ± 1.87%. UPLC-QE analysis identified 36 polyphenolic compounds in PPA, in whic the content of protocatechuic acid is the highest at 1338.05 ± 1.83 ng/mg. The absorption peaks at 1691 cm⁻¹ (carbonyl, C=O), 1605 cm⁻¹and 1518 cm⁻¹ (aromatic C=C), as well as 1275 cm⁻¹ and 1369 cm⁻¹ (C-O stretching), indicated the presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins in PPA by FT-IR. PPA exhibited significant antioxidant activity, which reached 81.73 ± 1.43% for DPPH, 87.11 ± 1.57% for hydroxyl and 85.74 ± 1.52% for ABTS+. It also demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against nine common pathogenic bacteria, but not to Escherichia coli. A. dracunculus polyphenols demonstrate potent bioactive properties, suggesting potential applications in functional foods and natural preservatives. Full article

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their substituted derivatives (SPAHs) are persistent organic pollutants derived from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and industrial processes. These compounds are of global concern due to their carcinogenicity and environmental persistence. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of PAH and SPAH contamination in Suzhou’s rapidly urbanizing watersheds, integrating ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry with multidimensional risk assessment to address critical gaps in understanding pollutant dynamics in urban aquatic systems. Key findings reveal that SPAHs were significantly more abundant than parent PAHs (mean ∑19 SPAHs = 107.43 ng/L vs. ∑8 PAHs = 48.05 ng/L), with hydroxylated derivatives accounting for 67.9% of the total SPAHs, indicating active environmental transformation processes. Source apportionment identified coal combustion and industrial emissions as the dominant contributors (58.2% of PAHs), directly linking contamination patterns to localized anthropogenic activities. Notably, industrial zones exhibited unexpected toxicity hotspots, where SPAH toxicity equivalents (e.g., 3-OH-BaP) surpassed parent PAHs 2–5-fold, demonstrating substituent-driven toxicity enhancement—a critical finding for regulatory prioritization. This study advances the field by uncovering SPAHs as emerging risks in urban waterways, challenging traditional PAH-centric monitoring frameworks, and providing a novel integration of analytical chemistry and spatial risk mapping to guide targeted pollution control (e.g., prioritizing industrial discharges and non-exhaust traffic emissions). Furthermore, it highlights the urgent need for updated toxicological databases to account for substituted PAH derivatives and advocates for the regulatory inclusion of SPAHs. These insights underscore the necessity of adapting environmental policies to address complex pollutant mixtures in rapidly developing regions, emphasizing the replicability of the proposed framework for urban watershed management. Full article

Degradation of polyethylene and polystyrene was studied theoretically using reactive molecular dynamics based on the ReaxFF force field. The degradation reactions were carried out on nanoparticles (approximately 2 nm in diameter) composed of ideal low-density polyethylene and polystyrene in the presence of water. The reactions leading to degradation were triggered by applying a shock wave through the simulation box. This approach allowed the energy to be transferred to the sample in a controllable manner and initiated the reactions. The state of the nanoparticles after the shock wave passage was investigated in detail, focusing on the type and quantities of new surface functional groups and new chemical connections in the bulk samples. It was found that polyethylene predominantly reveals surface hydroxyl groups (some of which can be protonated) and has the ability to release linear polyhydroxy alcohols. Other surface functional groups with significant presence are ether groups. The degradation of polystyrene proceeds through the addition of hydroxyl groups primarily to the benzene rings, causing their dearomatization. The number of hydroxyl groups in a single ring increases with the degree of degradation, and some hydroxyl groups are also protonated. Polystyrene is also susceptible to crosslink formation, mainly between aromatic rings, leading to branched and dearomatized forms that are chemically distinct from styrene. Full article

This study researches the impact of diclofenac (DCF) oxidation via UV/H₂O₂ on water quality, focusing on aromaticity and color changes. The process effectively degrades DCF and its intermediates through hydroxyl radical attack on the aromatic structure, leading to the formation of oxidized by-products. Initially, chromophoric compounds such as quinones and conjugated intermediates cause a yellow coloration, which diminishes as mineralization progresses. Turbidity remains below 1 NTU, aligning with European water quality standards. Aromaticity initially increases due to the stable intermediates (e.g., catechols and hydroquinones) but decreases as advanced oxidation cleaves aromatic rings. Kinetic modeling shows that DCF degradation follows first-order kinetics, while aromatic intermediates degrade via fractional-order kinetics (~0.3), indicating a non-linear relationship with concentration. The formation of chromophore compounds follows first-order kinetics, whereas their degradation transitions to zero-order kinetics when hydroxyl radicals are abundant. The study highlights the environmental relevance of these transformations, as aromatic intermediates like anilines and phenols, which contribute to water toxicity, are ultimately converted into less hazardous compounds (e.g., carboxylic acids and inorganic ions). Experimental validation confirms that degradation kinetics depend on hydrogen peroxide concentration, underscoring the potential of UV/H₂O₂ for water purification and pollutant removal. Full article

Sesquiterpenols, a class of natural compounds composed of three isoprene units that form a 15-carbon skeleton with hydroxyl (-OH) group, are characterized by their volatility and potent aromatic properties. These compounds exhibit a wide range of biological activities, including antitumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-neurotoxic, antiviral, immunosuppressive, hepatoprotective, and cardiotonic effects. Due to their diverse physiological functionalities, sesquiterpenols serve as critical raw materials in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic industries. In recent years, research on the heterologous synthesis of sesquiterpenol compounds using microbial systems has surged, attracting significant scientific interest. However, challenges such as low yields and high production costs have impeded their industrial-scale application. The rapid development of synthetic biology has introduced innovative methodologies for the microbial production of sesquiterpenol compounds. Herein, we examine the latest synthetic biology strategies and progress in microbial sesquiterpenol production, focusing on adaptive sesquiterpenol synthase screening and expression, synthesis pathway regulation, intracellular compartmentalized expression strategies, and tolerance to terpenoid-related toxicity. Critical challenges and future directions are also discussed to advance research in sesquiterpenol biosynthesis. Full article