Search Results (118)

Background: Lycium barbarum L. is gaining significant interest as a medicinal and culinary raw material. The quality and aroma are significantly influenced by metabolite accumulation, which differs based on origins and drying methods. Methods: This study utilizes gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze the metabolic profiles of the ‘Ningqi’ No. 1 variety from three distinct origins employing two drying techniques (natural sun drying, NSD; hot-air drying, HAD). The samples include Zhongping, Ningxia, with HAD (1-1); Zhongning, Ningxia, with NSD (1-2); Wuwei, Gansu, with NSD (1-3); Nuomuhong, Qinghai, with NSD (1-4); and Nuomuhong, Qinghai, with HAD (1-5). Results: The study found that aldehydes, esters, ketones and alcohol are key secondary metabolites generated during NSD and HAD treatments of goji berry from various regions. Flavor analysis revealed the compound Ethanol, 2-phenoxy- (balsamic) was up accumulated in goji berry from Qinghai drying with NSD compared with HAD; goji berry drying with HAD collected from Ningxia compared with Qinghai; goji berry drying with NSD collected from Gansu compared with Ningxia; and goji berry drying with NSD collected from Qinghai compared with Ningxia. The compound 2-Thiophenemethanol (burnt) was up accumulated in goji berry drying with HAD collected from Ningxia compared with Qinghai. Further flavor analysis revealed that the compound Undecanal (floral) was up accumulated in goji berry drying with NSD collected from Qinghai compared with Ningxia and Gansu. 1H-Pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde (burnt), 1-ethyl- (burnt) was up accumulated in goji berry drying with NSD collected from Qinghai compared with Gansu. KEGG enrichment analysis suggests that ‘Arginine and proline metabolism’ could be the primary metabolic pathway in the goji berry drying process. Conclusions: This study examined how origins and drying methods affected the metabolites and metabolic pathways of goji berries to elucidate the mechanisms impacting their quality and flavor. The findings provide important insights into the use of goji berries in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. Full article

Humulus lupulus L. (hops) is essential in brewing due to its contributions to bitterness, flavor, and aroma. This study compared the volatile profiles of five commercially important hop varieties—Amarillo, Ariana, Cascade, Centennial, and El Dorado—grown in their main regions of origin (United States for Amarillo, Cascade, and El Dorado; Germany for Ariana; and Brazil for Centennial). Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS) enabled the identification of 312 volatile compounds, including monoterpenes (e.g., myrcene, linalool, geraniol), sesquiterpenes (e.g., humulene, caryophyllene), esters, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones. Amarillo showed the highest myrcene content (22.61% of the total volatile area), while Centennial was distinguished by elevated γ-muurolene (20.59%), and El Dorado by the highest level of undecan-2-one (10.47%), highlighting marked varietal differences in key aroma-active constituents. Multivariate, including principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), clearly discriminated the five varieties: PC1 (41.04% of the variance) separated samples enriched in fruity/floral monoterpenes and esters from those dominated by woody/resinous sesquiterpenes, whereas PC2 (25.93% of the variance) reflected variation in medium-chain esters, ketones, and waxy compounds. These chemometric patterns demonstrate that both genetic background and growing region terroir strongly shape hop volatile composition and, consequently, aroma potential, providing brewers with objective criteria for selecting hop varieties to achieve specific sensory profiles in beer. Full article

Magneto-photoluminescent hybrid materials (MPHMs) were prepared by incorporating cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CFNs) into the fluorescent polymer poly(terephthalaldehyde-undecan-2-one) (PT2U). The CFNs, with a mean size of 3.95 nm, formed aggregates within the PT2U matrix (650–1042 nm) due to surface and interfacial interactions, modulating aggregate morphology and interparticle coupling. Magnetization studies revealed non-monotonic variations in saturation magnetization (30.3–16.2 emu/g), mean blocking temperature (39.3–43.1 K) and effective magnetic anisotropy energy density (2.14 × 10⁶–1.31 × 10⁶ erg/cm³) with increasing CFN content, consistent with the presence of canted surface spins and enhanced magnetizing interparticle interactions. Photoluminescence exhibited progressive quenching, dominated by collisional mechanisms at low CFN content and by interfacial CFN–PT2U interactions at higher loadings. Under a magnetic field (800 Oe), additional quenching occurred, attributed to magnetically induced polymer-chain rearrangements that disrupted the molecular stacking required for efficient aggregation-induced emission. These results demonstrate tunable magneto-photoluminescent coupling in MPHMs governed by surface and interfacial phenomena, providing insights for the design of functional and responsive hybrid materials. Full article

Minimum Ignition Energy (MIE) is a critical parameter for assessing the combustion and explosion risks of liquid fuels under specific conditions. However, systematic testing methods for long-chain alkanes remain underdeveloped. In this study, an experimental apparatus was developed based on American Society for Testing and Materials Standard ASTM E582-21 to measure the MIE of liquid fuel vapors. Through systematic measurements of the minimum ignition energy (MIE) of alkane vapors, this study examines the influence of vapor concentration on MIE and elucidates the dependence of ignition energy on carbon chain length. System sensitivity parameters were calibrated using propane/air mixtures, establishing optimal testing conditions as a 2.0 mm electrode gap and a 14.0 pF capacitance. The measured minimum ignition energy (MIE) values for C₅–C₈ alkane vapors at their respective sensitive volume fractions were 0.197 mJ (at 3.4 vol%), 0.253 mJ (at 3.3 vol%), 0.303 mJ (at 3.0 vol%), and 0.323 mJ (at 2.8 vol%). The experimentally determined MIE values for C₅–C₈ alkane vapors demonstrate close agreement with literature data, confirming the reliability of the experimental system and methodology for MIE determination of liquid fuel vapors. Furthermore, the study reveals a characteristic V-shaped correlation between MIE and vapor concentration, along with a consistent shift in the sensitive concentration toward fuel-rich conditions relative to stoichiometric proportions. Extended measurements of C₉–C₁₁ alkanes revealed MIE values of 0.523 mJ (at 2.8 vol%) for n-nonane, 0.857 mJ (at 2.5 vol%) for n-decane, and 1.127 mJ (at 2.0 vol%) for n-undecane. Notably, the results demonstrate a substantial increase in MIE with carbon chain length, showing a 471% rise from C₅ to C₁₁. A nonlinear regression analysis confirmed a strong correlation between MIE and carbon chain length (R² = 0.98). Full article

Restricting the use of chemical pesticides in forestry requires the search for alternative solutions. These could be volatile organic compounds produced by three investigated species of bacteria (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (ex Fukumoto) Priest, B. subtilis (Ehrenberg) Cohn and B. thuringiensis Berliner), which inhibit the growth of the pathogen F. oxysporum Schltdl. emend. Snyder & Hansen in forest nurseries. The highest inhibition of fungal growth (70%) was observed with B. amyloliquefaciens after 24 h of antagonism test, which had a higher content of carbonyl compounds (46.83 ± 8.41%) than B. subtilis (41.50 ± 6.45%) or B. thuringiensis (34.62 ± 4.77%). Only in the volatile emissions of B. amyloliquefaciens were 3-hydroxybutan-2-one, undecan-2-one, dodecan-5-one and tetradecan-5-one found. In contrast, the main components of the volatile emissions of F. oxysporum were chlorinated derivatives of benzaldehyde (e.g., 3,5-dichloro-4-methoxybenzaldehyde) and chlorinated derivatives of benzene (e.g., 1,4-dichloro-2,5-dimethoxybenzene), as well as carbonyl compounds (e.g., benzaldehyde) and alcohols (e.g., benzyl alcohol). Further compounds were found in the interactions between B. amyloliquefaciens and F. oxysporum (e.g., $\alpha$-cubebene, linalool, undecan-2-ol, decan-2-one and 2,6-dichloroanisole). Specific substances were found for B. amyloliquefaciens (limonene, nonan-2-ol, phenethyl alcohol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one) and for F. oxysporum (propan-1-ol, propan-2-ol, heptan-2-one and tridecan-2-one). The amounts of volatile chemical compounds found in B. amyloliquefaciens or in the bacterium–fungus interaction can be used for further research to limit the pathogenic fungus. In the future, one should focus on the compounds that were found exclusively in interactions and whose content was higher than in isolated bacteria. In order to conquer an ecological niche, bacteria increase the production of secondary metabolites, including specific chemical compounds. The results presented are a prerequisite for creating an alternative solution or supplementing the currently used methods of plant protection against F. oxysporum. Understanding and applying the volatile organic compounds produced by bacteria can complement chemical plant protection against the pathogen, especially in greenhouses or tunnels where plants grow in conditions that favour fungal growth. Full article

The Carabidae family, or ground beetles, is a wide and ecologically significant group within the Coleoptera order, known for its role as natural predators of agricultural pests and as bioindicators of ecosystem health. These beetles employ a variety of behavioral, morphological, and chemical defense strategies to protect themselves from predators. These mechanisms include gregariousness, stridulation, regurgitation, and chemical defenses, such as the secretion of irritating compounds from specialized glands. The defensive strategies of carabids are classified into passive and active systems, each with varying energetic costs. Chemical substances (e.g., Formic acid, Methacrylic acid, Tiglic acid, Ethacrilic acid, Isovaleric acid, Salicylaldehyde, 1,4-Benzoquinone, Toluquinone, 13-2Kt tridecan-2-one, Undecane, Tridecane, Pentadecane, M-cresol) are particularly important, as they serve to deter predators and combat pathogens like bacteria and fungi. Ground beetles utilize both polar and non-polar compounds in their defense, all contributing to their ecological success. This review explores the array of defensive mechanisms in the Carabidae family, highlighting experimental studies, field observations, and reviews published over the last five decades. The aim is to provide a comprehensive understanding of how these strategies enhance the survival and fitness of carabid beetles in their natural environments. Full article

The development of polymer binders with tailored functionalities and green manufacturing processes is highly needed for high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries. In this study, a readily hydrolyzable 3,9-divinyl-2,4,8,10-tetraoxaspiro-[5.5]-undecane is utilized to prepare a water-based binder. Specifically, the acrolein produced by hydrolysis undergoes in situ polymerization to form a linear polymer, while the other hydrolyzed product, pentaerythritol, physically crosslinks these polymer chains via hydrogen bonding, generating a network polymer (BTU). Additionally, gallic acid (GA), a substance derived from waste wood, is further introduced into BTU during slurry preparation, forming a biphenol-containing binder (BG) with a multi-hydrogen-bonded structure. This resilience and robust cathode framework effectively accommodate volumetric changes during cycling while maintaining efficient ion and electron transport pathways. Furthermore, the abundant polar groups in BG enable strong polysulfide adsorption. As a result, sulfur cathode with a high mass loading of 5.3 mg cm⁻² employing the BG (7:3) binder still retains an areal capacity of 4.7 mA h cm⁻² after 50 cycles at 0.1 C. This work presents a sustainable strategy for battery manufacturing by integrating renewable biomass-derived materials and eco-friendly aqueous processing to develop polymer binders, offering a green pathway to high-performance lithium–sulfur batteries. Full article

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ultrasound treatment on the texture and flavor quality of Japonica rice to provide a basis for the development of a staple food product for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The texture and flavor qualities of cooked rice were analyzed using a texture analyzer, rapid viscosity analyzer (RVA), and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results showed that with increased ultrasound treatment time, the hardness and chewiness of the cooked rice gradually increased, while adhesion decreased. Additionally, the ultrasound treatment reduced various viscosity parameters of rice during the pasting process, inhibiting paste expansion and regrowth. Key aroma compounds influencing the aroma of cooked rice before and after ultrasound treatment included hexanal, heptanal, 2-pentylfuran, octanal, nonanal, trans-2-octenal, decanal, undecanal, trans-2-nonanal, trans-2-dodecenal, trans-2-decenal, trans-2,4-decadienal, 2-pentadecanone, and indole. The odor activity value (OAV) of these compounds increased significantly and were greater than one after ultrasound treatment. These compounds play a role in composing the unique aroma of cooked rice and contribute to sweet, floral, and nutty aromas. In conclusion, ultrasound treatment can be used to increase the content of resistant starch in cooked rice and has a positive effect on the flavor quality of cooked rice. Full article

Parasitic nematodes play a vital role in soil ecosystems, contributing to natural pest suppression. Among them, slug-parasitic species such as Phasmarhabditis papillosa (Schneider) Andrassy, Oscheius myriophilus (Poinar), and Oscheius onirici Torrini et al. are promising biological control agents against mollusk pests. These nematodes rely on plant-emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for host location, yet their chemotactic responses to specific VOCs remain unclear. This study assessed the responses of P. papillosa, O. myriophilus, and O. onirici to VOCs emitted by potato (S. tuberosum) tubers under varying temperature (18 °C, 22 °C) and concentration conditions (pure compound, 0.03 ppm). The results indicate that octanal was the strongest attractant, particularly for O. myriophilus, while nonanal exhibited species-dependent effects. Hydrocarbons such as undecane and 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene had minimal or repellent effects, whereas 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one showed moderate attraction. Chemotactic responses were stronger at 18 °C, and attraction increased with higher VOC concentrations, suggesting a threshold-dependent response. These findings enhance our understanding of plant–nematode interactions and suggest that octanal and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one could improve nematode-based slug control strategies. However, environmental factors such as soil composition and microbial activity may influence VOC diffusion and nematode recruitment. Future research should focus on optimizing VOC formulations, assessing field applicability, and integrating these findings into sustainable pest management programs. Full article

The aquatic vegetable Brasenia schreberi Gmel. (Nymphaeales: Cabombaceae), widely cultivated in China, faces severe challenges from pest disturbances. With a field investigation, G. birmanica occurred for several generations in the Brasenia mono-cultivation system. The first visual peak on leaf surfaces appeared in July, with eggs, larvae, pupae and adults all being recorded. The highest number of flying adults were trapped in August in reverse to the absence of beetles on leaves, followed by an extraordinary high number of eggs in September. G. birmanica exhibited a conspicuous aggregation in distribution, with severely chewed areas having a G. birmanica abundance 21.6 times that of the non-chewed areas. Laboratory studies with GC–MS and two-choice tests revealed four volatiles significantly discrepant in contents released from chewed/intact leaves: cis-3-hexenyl acetate (917.33 ± 29.56 vs. 604.034 ± 23.24 ng, chewed vs. intact), 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate (595.37 ± 28.42 vs. 356.00 ± 13.44 ng), undecane (771.44 ± 34.72 vs. 1003.28 ± 47.88 ng) and methyl salicylate (1079.84 ± 49.39 vs. 532.11 ± 18.23 ng); among them, 2-phenylethyl isothiocyanate could significantly attract G. birmanica adults. Our study suggests that G. birmanica can be a severe threat to mono-cultivated B. schreberi, whereas the damaged leaves may sacrifice themselves by attracting the beetles with an herbivore-induced volatile, thus protecting the whole plant population from pest disturbance. Full article

Tribulus terrestris is a rich source of bioactive molecules and thrives in Mediterranean and desert climate regions worldwide. In this study, Tribulus terrestris methanolic HPLC fractions were evaluated for bioactive compounds and PBP2a transpeptidase inhibitors against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis (MRSE). Among the collected HPLC fractions, F02 of the methanol extract demonstrated potential activity against MRSE01 (15 ± 0.13 mm), MRSE02 (13 ± 0.21 mm), and MRSE03 (16 ± 0.14 mm) isolates. GC-MS analysis of the F02 fraction identified seventeen compounds. Among seventeen compounds, eight have favorable pharmacokinetics and medicinal chemistry; however, on the basis of in silico high water solubility, high GI absorption, blood–brain barrier non-permeability, lack of toxicity, and potential drug-likeness, 1-ethylsulfanylmethyl-2,8,9-trioxa-5-aza-1-sila-bicyclo[3.3.3]undecane and phthalimide, N-(1-hydroxy-2-propyl), were processed for molecular docking. 1-ethylsulfanylmethyl-2,8,9-trioxa-5-aza-1-sila-bicyclo[3.3.3]undecane formed three hydrogen bonds with Ser-452, Thr-584, and Asn-454 residues of the PBP2a transpeptidase. Similarly, phthalimide, N-(1-hydroxy-2-propyl)-formed four hydrogen bonds with Ser-396, Asn-454, Lys-399, and Ser-452 residues of PBP2a transpeptidase. These two compounds are proposed as novel putative PBP2a transpeptidase inhibitors. Further characterization of compounds extracted from Tribulus terrestris may aid in identifying novel PBP2a inhibitory agents for managing MRSE infections. Full article

Identifying oil migration through tectonic fractures in stable cratons is always challenging due to limited technical approaches. Here, we provide a case study showing that combined geochemical and geological analyses are a robust tool for identifying oil vertical migration through tectonic fractures. The core samples and crude oils from the Mesozoic petroleum system in the Zhijing area were investigated by an integrated analysis including petrography, biomarkers, nitrogen compounds, and spatial distribution. The tectonic fractures in the Yanchang Formation (YcF) are more developed compared to the Yan’an Formation (YaF), influencing oil migration patterns and reservoir distribution. Eighty-one percent of the tectonic fractures are filled with calcite cement, while only two percent of the tectonic fractures contain solid bitumen. The YaF and YcF oils originating from the same oil source are at the same maturity level. However, the YaF oils exhibit disordered nC_18- distribution and “mismatches” at n-undecane and a decrease in toluene/n-heptane ratios, which resulted from the phase fractionation caused by the vertical migration through tectonic fractures. The spatial distributions of 1/4-MC, 1,8/2,7-DMC, and Ts/Tm values in the YaF oils are irregular. Furthermore, the areas occupied by the YaF oil reservoirs exhibit an absence of YcFs, and vice versa. These distribution patterns can be explained by oil vertical migration through tectonic fractures. A series of pieces of evidence indicates that the oils migrated vertically through tectonic fractures to the YaF. This study offers new insights into the oil migration process within the Mesozoic petroleum system of the central Ordos Basin and serves as guidance for identifying oil migration through tectonic fractures in stable cratons. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is an important inflammatory chronic skin disease that brings many complications in its management and treatment. Although several chemical agents are used for treatment, the search for better anti-inflammatory and antibacterial agents of plant origin has been ongoing, since natural compounds, it is commonly believed, are less dangerous than synthetic ones. Therefore, the present study explored a medicinal plant—Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.—for its anti-inflammatory activity alone and in combination with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac. The plant extract was used to make a cream formulation for treating atopic dermatitis and as an antibacterial agent against Staphylococcus aures, the major infectious agent associated with AD. The phytochemical analysis of the E. prostrata extract showed the presence of various phytochemicals, including flavonoids, Tannin, saponin, terpenoids, glycosides, phenol, alkaloids, quinone, and protein. The GC-MS profiling of methanolic E. prostrata extract was performed predicted the presence of twenty important phytochemicals, including 2-[5-(2-Hydroxypropyl) oxolan-2-yl]propanoic acid, dl-Menthol, dodecane, undecane, 4,7-dimethyl-, dodecane, 2,6,10-trimethyl-, decane, 2,3,5,8-tetramethyl-, cholest-5-en-3-ol, (3.alpha.)-, TMS derivative, cyclopropane carboxylic acid, 1-hydroxy-, (2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenyl) ester, alpha.-farnesene, propanoic acid, 2-methyl-, 2-ethyl-1-propyl-1,3-propanediyl ester, diethyl phthalate, corticosterone, 2-methylpropionate, hentriacontan-13-ol, O-TMS, phthalic acid, 2,4-dimethylpent-3-yl dodecyl ester, hexasiloxane, 1,1,3,3,5,5,7,7,9,9,11,11-dodecamethyl-, acetic acid, 4-t-butyl-4-hydroxy-1,5-dimethyl-hex-2-ynyl ester, octadecane, 2-methyl- octacosane, 1-iodo-, nonacosane, and eicosyl isopropyl ether. Using an egg albumin denaturation inhibition assay, the anti-inflammatory activities of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac were investigated, and they showed 93% and 99% denaturation inhibition at 5 mg concentration of E. prostrata in alone and combination with diclofenac, respectively. Heat-induced haemolysis showed 2.5% and 2.4% of haemolysis at 5 mg of E. prostrata alone and in combination with diclofenac, respectively. An MTT assay performed using L₉₂₉ cells proved that the extract has no cytotoxic effect. The plant extract displayed potential antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; the growth was inhibited at 1 mg/mL of E. prostrata extract. Thus, based on this evidence, the authors suggest that E. prostrata extract should be studied further for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities and topical application in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Full article

In the current work, the non-invasive approach of breath analysis is implemented for the first time in an eccentric exercise protocol that investigated the effect of spirulina supplementation on exercise-induced oxidative stress. We assessed whether volatile alkanes in exhaled breath can serve as alternative biomarkers of oxidative stress. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, crossover supplementation study was carried out enrolling 14 participants. The volunteers consumed 42 mg·kg⁻¹ body weight of either Spirulina Nigrita^® or maltodextrin, as a placebo, daily for 15 days. Afterward, they followed a damaging eccentric exercise protocol of the upper limbs. Expired breath samples were collected from them just before supplementation (baseline measurement), prior to exercise, and 1 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after exercise. The samples were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) coupled with a thermal desorption unit (TDU) to determine the alveolar gradient (AG) of several alkanes, C5–C14, that are known to be related to oxidative stress. Apart from breath analysis, TBARSs were also determined as a crude marker of lipid peroxidation. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA tests were applied to the alkanes’ AGs between the spirulina (SPI) and placebo (PL) groups across time. In the PL group, a trend of increasing almost all alkanes immediately after exercise, with a gradual return to pre-exercise levels up to 72 h later was revealed. A statistically significant time effect was observed for 2-methylhexane, 3-methylhexane, heptane, octane, and undecane. The administration of spirulina appeared to reduce the increases in alkanes after exercise, and a statistically significant attenuation was observed for 2-methylpentane and 2-methylhexane. An examination of TBARSs confirmed that the reduced increases observed in the SPI group were due to changes in lipid peroxidation, while a positive correlation between the iAUC of TBARSs and that of 2-methylhexane and 3-methylhexane was revealed. In conclusion, the analysis of volatile alkanes in exhaled breath may serve as an attractive alternative for assessing redox changes after eccentric exercise compared to traditional blood biomarkers. Full article