RESUMEN
The ability to induce reversible transitions between homogeneous solutions and biphasic systems is of paramount relevance in separation processes. In this context, pH-triggered aqueous biphasic systems composed of ionic liquids and salts are here disclosed as switchable mono/biphasic systems, and their potential application further demonstrated through an intregated aproach comprising both the production and separation of hydroxymethylfurfural from fructose.
RESUMEN
Triterpenic acids (TTAs) are well known for their relevant biological properties and have been facing an increasing interest for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. To overcome the concerns associated to the commonly used volatile organic solvents for their extraction from biomass, here we investigate the potential of aqueous solutions of ionic liquids (ILs) as alternative solvents. The solubility of ursolic acid (UA) was firstly determined in several aqueous solutions of ILs (hydrotropes or surface-active) at 30°C to appraise the dissolution phenomenon. Conventional surfactants were also investigated for comparison purposes. The collected data reveal a remarkable enhancement in the solubility of UA (8 orders of magnitude) in surface-active ILs aqueous solutions when compared to pure water. Afterwards, the potential of these ILs aqueous solutions was confirmed by their use in the extraction of TTAs from apple peels. Total extractions yield of TTAs of 2.62 wt.% were obtained using aqueous solutions of surface-active ILs at moderate conditions, overwhelming the extraction yields of 2.48 wt.% obtained with chloroform and 1.37 wt.% with acetone using similar conditions.
RESUMEN
Three phthalocyanines (Pcs) conjugated with α-, ß- and γ-cyclodextrins (CDs) were prepared and their application as photosensitizer (PS) agents was assessed by photophysical, photochemical and in vitro photobiological studies. The photoactivity of Pc-α-CD and Pc-γ-CD ensures their potential as PDT drugs against UM-UC-3 human bladder cancer cells.
