Alternate solvent for soybean oil extraction based on extractability and membrane solvent recovery.

Ethyl acetate, acetone, 2-propanol, 1-propanol, and ethanol were screened among the class 3 category solvents as an alternative to hexane based on operational and occupational safety and bio-renewability potential. All five solvents exhibited higher extractability (22.3 to 23.2%) than hexane (21.5%) with soybean flour. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the fatty acid and triacylglycerol (TAG) composition of the oils extracted using alternate solvents and hexane, indicating the oil quality was not affected. More importantly, ethyl acetate (2.1%) resulted in a marginally higher yield of TAG, while 2-propanol showed a nearly equal yield to hexane. Further, membrane desolventizing was attempted to mitigate the limitations of higher thermal energy requirements. One of the polydimethylsiloxane membranes exhibited good selectivity (TAG rejection 85.8%) and acceptable flux (59.3 L·m-2·h-1) with an ethyl acetate miscella system. Under plant-simulated recirculation conditions, a two-stage membrane process reduced the oil content in permeate to 2.5%. The study revealed that ethyl acetate could potentially replace hexane, considering its higher TAG extractability and suitability for the membrane-augmented solvent recycling process in the extraction plants.

Enhancing the selectivity for light olefins through catalytic cracking of n-hexane by phosphorus doping on lanthanum-modified ZSM-5.

Naphtha, as the primary raw material in the production of light olefins, could well accommodate their increasing demand through the energy-efficient process of catalytic cracking with ZSM-5. In the current work, different amounts of lanthanum and phosphorous were loaded on ZSM-5 using the wet impregnation method to tune the acidic properties of ZSM-5 for selective catalytic cracking of n-hexane to produce light olefins. Various characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Al nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 (NH3-TPD), Py-Fourier transform infra-red (Py-FTIR), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), N2 adsorption-desorption, X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy were adopted to investigate the modified zeolites. It was found that adding La to ZSM-5 (0.25 wt% to 1 wt%) improved the catalytic life and increased the n-hexane conversion (to 99.7%), while the further addition had a negative impact, reducing the conversion rate and deviating the product selectivity towards a substantial, undesired benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) fraction (33%). On the other hand, a 64% selectivity for light olefins was achieved on phosphorous-doped ZSM-5 (at a loading amount of 1 wt%) while reducing the BTX fraction (2.3%) and converting 69% of the n-hexane. A dual metal-modified ZSM-5 with optimal loading amount, 1P0.25LaZ5 (phosphorus 1 wt% and La 0.25 wt%), helped boost the light olefin selectivity to 62% in the tuned Lewis acid sites at an n-hexane conversion of about 77% while decreasing the undesired BTX selectivity to 3% by reducing the number of Brønsted sites. Thus, the current study reveals that tuning the acidic sites of ZMS-5 by dual metal augmentation with P.La is an effective way of controlling the amount of undesirable BTX produced at a stable n-hexane conversion rate and substantial olefin selectivity.

Synergistic energy-efficient capture of VOCs and metal-free catalytic conversion using magneto-inductive Guefoams: Proof-of-concept in n-hexane-enriched nitrogen streams.

Addressing contemporary environmental and health concerns requires reducing pollutant emissions and converting them into less harmful or valuable compounds within the framework of the circular economy. Guefoam materials offer a promising solution by enabling the capture and pre-concentration of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while facilitating the structuring of active phases for heterogeneous catalytic conversions. This study demonstrates the benefits of merging two newly designed electromagnetic induction-assisted ceramic matrix Guefoams into a portable integrated unit, synergizing the pre-concentration and chemical transformation of n-hexane, a VOC with special challenges. One Guefoam serves as an adsorbent, whereas the other plays a catalytic role. These Guefoams host guest phases, which consist of composite materials combining a steel core with magneto-inductive properties encased in a highly porous carbonaceous layer. This carbonaceous material undertakes a dual mission: adsorbing n-hexane from a nitrogen stream within the adsorptive Guefoam and, upon phosphorus doping in the catalytic Guefoam, orchestrating the metal-free selective dehydroaromatization of n-hexane into benzene. The design and integration of these novel Guefoam materials into a unified functional entity prove highly effective in pre-concentrating (enrichment factors up to 275) and catalyzing n-hexane with up to 84 % conversion and 94 % benzene selectivity while remaining energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable.

Boswellia carterii n-hexane extract suppresses breast cancer growth via induction of ferroptosis by downregulated GPX4 and upregulated transferrin.

Breast cancer (BC) remains a significant health concern for women globally, prompting the relentless pursuit of novel therapeutic modalities. As a traditional Chinese medicine, Boswellia carterii has been extensively used to treat various cancers, such as BC. However, the anti-BC effect and underlying mechanism of Boswellia carterii remain largely unclear. The aim of this study is to explore the therapeutic effect of Boswellia carterii n-hexane extract (BCHE) against BC as well as its underlying mechanism. The present study showed that BCHE significantly suppressed the viability of human BC cells. Moreover, BCHE exhibited potent anti-BC activity in vivo with no significant toxic effects. Additionally, BCHE induced ferroptosis via increased Transferrin expression and the intracellular accumulation of Fe2+, as well as decreased glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression and the upregulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced lipid peroxidation in BC cells. In vivo experimental results also demonstrated that BCHE effectively induced ferroptosis through GPX4 downregulation and Transferrin upregulation in tumor-bearing mice. Overall, BCHE inhibited the growth of BC cells by inducing ferroptosis mediated by modulating the iron accumulation pathway and the lipid peroxidation pathway. Therefore, BCHE could serve as a potential ferroptosis-targeting drug for treating BC.

Quantitative and qualitative analysis of three DNA extraction methods from soybean, maize, and canola oils and investigation of the presence of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

The objective of this study was to develop a DNA-based method for the identification and tracking of edible oils, which is important for health management. Three different DNA extraction methods (CTAB, MBST kit, and manual hexane-based method) were used to obtain high-purity DNA from crude and refined soybean, maize, and canola oils. PCR was then conducted using specific primers to identify the presence of genes related to each oil type and to assess transgenicity. The results showed that DNA was present in crude and refined oils, but in very low amounts. However, using method 3 for DNA extraction provided sufficient quantity and quality of DNA for successful PCR amplification. The study concluded that the main challenge in DNA extraction from oils is the presence of PCR inhibitors, which can be overcome using the manual hexane-based method. Also, the examination of protein presence in the oils using SDS-PAGE did not indicate any protein bands.

Dehydration-Induced Cluster Consolidation in a Metal-Organic Framework for Sieving Hexane Isomers.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) that exhibit dynamic phase-transition behavior under external stimuli could have great potential in adsorptive separations. Here we report on a zinc-based microporous MOF (JNU-80) and its reversible transformation between two crystalline phases: large pore (JNU-80-LP) and narrow pore (JNU-80-NP). Specifically, JNU-80-LP can undergo a dehydration-induced cluster consolidation under heat treatment, resulting in JNU-80-NP with a reduced channel that allows exclusion of di-branched hexane isomers while high adsorption of linear and mono-branched hexane isomers. We further demonstrate the fabrication of MOF-polymer composite (JNU-80-NP-block) and its application in the purification of di-branched isomers from liquid-phase hexane mixtures (98 % di-branched) at room temperature, affording the di-branched hexane isomers with 99.5 % purity and close to 90 % recovery rate over ten cycles. This work illustrates an interesting dehydration-induced cluster consolidation in MOF structure and the ensuing channel shrinkage for sieving di-branched hexane isomers, which may have important implications for the development of MOFs with dynamic behavior and their potential applications in non-thermal driven separation technologies.

Biomonitoring of volatile organic compounds and organophosphorus flame retardands in commercial aircrews after "fume and smell events".

Health risks to humans after "fume and smell events", short-term incidents on aircrafts that are accompanied by unpleasant odour or visible smoke, remain a subject of controversy. We assessed exposure to volatile organic compounds (VOC) and organophosphorus compounds (OPC) by biomonitoring in 375 aircrew members after self-reported "fume and smell events" and in 88 persons of the general population. A total of 20 parameters were analysed in blood and urine by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Median levels of acetone in blood and urine and 2-propanol in blood were elevated in aircrews compared to controls (p < 0.0001). Additionally, elevated peak exposures, best estimated by the 95th percentiles, were observed in aircrews for n-heptane and n-octane in blood, and acetone, 2,5-hexanedione and o-cresol in urine. Only the maximum observed levels of 2,5-hexandione in urine (768 µg/L) and toluene in blood (77 µg/L) in aircrew members were higher than the current biological exposure indices (BEI® levels) (500 and 20 µg/L, respectively) of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (US-ACGIH) for workers occupationally exposed to n-hexane and toluene, two well-accepted human neurotoxicants. Low-level exposures to n-hexane and toluene could be also observed in controls. The majority of OPC parameters in urine, including those of neurotoxic ortho-isomers of tricresylphosphate, were below the limit of quantitation in both aircrews and controls. Our comparative VOC and OPC analyses in biological samples of a large number of aircrew members and controls suggest that exposures are similar in both groups and generally low.

Reprecipitation: A Rapid Synthesis of Micro-Sized Silicon-Graphene Composites for Long-lasting Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Silicon microparticles (SiMPs) have gained significant attention as a lithium-ion battery anode material due to their 10 times higher theoretical capacity compared to conventional graphite anodes as well as their much lower production cost than silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs). However, SiMPs have suffered from poorer cycle life relative to SiNPs because their larger size makes them more susceptible to volume changes during charging and discharging. Creating a wrapping structure in which SiMPs are enveloped by carbon layers has proven to be an effective strategy to significantly improve the cycling performance of SiMPs. However, the synthesis processes are complex and time-/energy-consuming and therefore not scalable. In this study, a wrapping structure is created by using a simple, rapid, and scalable "modified reprecipitation method". Graphene oxide (GO) and SiMP dispersion in tetrahydrofuran is injected into n-hexane, in which GO and SiMP by themselves cannot disperse. GO and SiMP therefore aggregate and precipitate immediately after injection to form a wrapping structure. The resulting SiMP/GO film is laser scribed to reduce GO to a laser-scribed graphene (LSG). Simultaneously, SiOx and SiC protection layers form on the SiMPs through the laser process, which alleviates severe volume change. Owing to these desirable characteristics, the modified reprecipitation method successfully doubles the cycle life of SiMP/graphene composites compared to the simple physically mixing method (50.2% vs. 24.0% retention at the 100th cycle). The modified reprecipitation method opens a new synthetic strategy for SiMP/carbon composites.

[Neuropathy in n-hexane poisoning]. / Neiropatiya pri otravlenii n-geksanom.

N-Hexane is a solvent widely used in manufacturing as a cleaner, degreaser and component of rubber cement. Chronic exposure to n-hexane either through contact with unprotected skin or inhalation can lead to the development of clinical symptoms and electrophysiological changes similar to those of inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy which requires careful differential diagnosis. This article presents three cases of severe predominantly motor polyneuropathy with demyelinating features in 15- and 16-year-old adolescents. The results of laboratory tests were within normal limits; electroneuromyography revealed symmetrical involvement of sensory and motor fibers of the nerves of the legs and arms with a decrease in the speed of propagation of excitation and conduction blocks. Sural nerve biopsy revealed intraneural and perineural swelling without any signs of inflammation or fibrosis confirming the genesis of the neuropathy. Despite a relatively favorable prognosis there is no specific therapy for hexane poisoning and the recovery period can last up to several years.

2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes: Synthesis, Properties, and Validation as Bioisosteres of ortho- and meta-Benzenes.

We have developed a general and practical approach towards 2-oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes with two and three exit vectors via an iodocyclization reaction. The obtained compounds have been easily converted into the corresponding building blocks for use in medicinal chemistry. 2-Oxabicyclo[2.1.1]hexanes have been incorporated into the structure of five drugs and three agrochemicals, and validated biologically as bioisosteres of ortho- and meta-benzenes.

Application of ionic liquid extractant in enhanced separation of 2-propanol-n-hexane azeotrope system.

2-Propanol and n-hexane are widely used (as) chemical reagents in electronic, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. An efficient separation of the azeotropic system of 2-propanol-n-hexane is of profound practical significance. By using the conductor-like screening model for real solve (COSMO-RS) predictive model, ionic liquids as extractants for separating the azeotropic system of 2-propanol-n-hexane were evaluated with selectivity coefficients (S) and capacity (C) as the evaluation indexes. Based on the evaluation results, one high-performance extractants named hydroxylamine Cl (C8A19) was selected from 435 kinds of ionic liquids designed by combining 29 kinds of anions and 15 kinds of cations. Moreover, the reliability of the model in predicting the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium behavior of 2-propanol-n-hexane system was verified. Then, the effect of C8A19 on the vapor-liquid phase equilibrium of the 2-propanol-n-hexane system was investigated theoretically and experimentally. The results show that the azeotrope of the system can be broken when the molar fraction of C8A19 is 0.02, denoting that C8A19 can be used for enhanced separation of 2-propanol-n-hexane system. On the basis of the aforementioned study, the selectivity mechanism of the extractant was analyzed from the perspective of microscopic molecular interactions by using the descriptor (σ-profiles) of COSMO-RS. This study provides both theoretical and data support for further designing high-performance ionic liquid extractants and extraction process.

A Microporous Multi-Cage Metal-Organic Framework for an Effective One-Step Separation of Branched Alkanes Feeds.

The improvement of the Total Isomerization Process (TIP) for the production of high-quality gasoline with the ultimate goal of reaching a Research Octane Number (RON) higher than 92 requires the use of specific sorbents to separate pentane and hexane isomers into classes of linear, mono- and di-branched isomers. Herein we report the design of a new multi-cage microporous Fe(III)-MOF (referred to as MIP-214, MIP stands for materials of the Institute of Porous Materials of Paris) with a flu-e topology, incorporating an asymmetric heterofunctional ditopic ligand, 4-pyrazolecarboxylic acid, that exhibits an appropriate microporous structure for a thermodynamic-controlled separation of hydrocarbon isomers. This MOF produced via a direct, scalable, and mild synthesis route was proven to encompass a unique separation of C5/C6 isomers by classes of low RON over high RON alkanes with a sorption hierarchy: (n-hexane≫n-pentane≈2-methylpentane>3-methylpentane)low RON≫(2,3-dimethylbutane≈i-pentane≈2,2-dimethylbutane)high RON following the adsorption enthalpy sequence. We reveal for the first time that a single sorbent can efficiently separate such a complex mixture of high RON di-branched hexane and mono-branched pentane isomers from their low RON counterparts, which is a major achievement reported so far.

Addition of (bio)surfactants in the biofiltration of hydrophobic volatile organic compounds in air.

The removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in air is of utmost importance to safeguard both environmental quality and human well-being. However, the low aqueous solubility of hydrophobic VOCs results in poor removal in waste gas biofilters (BFs). In this study, we evaluated the addition of (bio)surfactants in three BFs (BF1 and BF2 mixture of compost and wood chips (C + WC), and BF3 filled with expanded perlite) to enhance the removal of cyclohexane and hexane from a polluted gas stream. Experiments were carried out to select two (bio)surfactants (i.e., Tween 80 and saponin) out of five (sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), Tween 80, surfactin, rhamnolipid and saponin) from a physical-chemical (i.e., decreasing VOC gas-liquid partitioning) and biological (i.e., the ability of the microbial consortium to grow on the (bio)surfactants) point of view. The results show that adding Tween 80 at 1 critical micelle concentration (CMC) had a slight positive effect on the removal of both VOCs, in BF1 (e.g., 7.0 ± 0.6 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 85 ± 2% at 163 s; compared to 6.7 ± 0.4 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 76 ± 2% at 163 s and 0 CMC) and BF2 (e.g., 4.3 ± 0.4 g hexane m-3 h-1, 27 ± 2% at 82 s; compared to 3.1 ± 0.7 g hexane m-3 h-1, 16 ± 4% at 82 s and 0 CMC), but a negative effect in BF3 at either 1, 3 and 9 CMC (e.g., 2.4 ± 0.4 g hexane m-3 h-1, 30 ± 4% at 163 s and 1 CMC; compared to 4.6 ± 1.0 g hexane m-3 h-1, 43 ± 8% at 163 s and 0 CMC). In contrast, the performance of all BFs improved with the addition of saponin, particularly at 3 CMC. Notably, in BF3, the elimination capacity (EC) and removal efficiency (RE) doubled for both VOCs (i.e., 9.1 ± 0.6 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 49 ± 3%; 4.3 ± 0.3 g hexane m-3 h-1, 25 ± 3%) compared to no biosurfactant addition (i.e., 4.5 ± 0.4 g cyclohexane m-3 h-1, 23 ± 3%; hexane 2.2 ± 0.5 g m-3 h-1, 10 ± 2%) at 82 s. Moreover, the addition of the (bio)surfactants led to a shift in the microbial consortia, with a different response in BF1-BF2 compared to BF3. This study evaluates for the first time the use of saponin in BFs, it demonstrates that cyclohexane and hexane RE can be improved by (bio)surfactant addition, and it provides recommendations for future studies in this field.

Development of a safety analysis method for volatile organic compounds using 2-phenoxyethanol as solvent.

Indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually sampled using active carbon samplers and subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to assess the exposure risk to workers. Therefore, selection of a suitable solvent for VOC extraction is crucial. However, reports on the use of 2-phenoxyethanol-known for its low vapor pressure and low toxicity-as a solvent for extracting VOCs from activated carbon are lacking. Here, we show that 2-phenoxyethanol is a suitable alternative solvent with low toxicity and can extract a wide variety of VOCs without overlapping with target VOCs on the gas chromatogram. The recoveries of 2-phenoxyethanol were 57% (styrene) to 83% (methyl n-butyl ketone), which were higher than those of CS2, acetone, and n-hexane at room temperature. The recoveries improved to 67% (styrene) to 102% (isopentyl acetate) under 50 °C. Optimization of the GC conditions showed that a viscosity delay time of 3 s was required to avoid producing bubbles in the injection syringes. We selected DB-HeavyWAX as a column because it could be heated above the boiling point of 2-phenoxyethanol (247 °C), allowing the removal of 2-phenoxyethanol from the column. This study contributes to the development of analysis methods for VOCs under safe operating conditions.

The Hexane Extract of Citrus sphaerocarpa Ameliorates Visceral Adiposity by Regulating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and AMPK/ACC Signaling Pathways in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice.

Obesity is an emerging global health issue with an increasing risk of disease linked to lifestyle choices. Previously, we reported that the hexane extract of Citrus sphaerocarpa (CSHE) suppressed lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In this study, we conducted in vivo experiments to assess whether CSHE suppressed obesity in zebrafish and mouse models. We administered 10 and 20 µg/mL CSHE to obese zebrafish juveniles. CSHE significantly inhibited visceral fat accumulation compared to untreated obese fish. Moreover, the oral administration (100 µg/g body weight/day) of CSHE to high-fat-diet-induced obese mice significantly reduced their body weight, visceral fat volume, and hepatic lipid accumulation. The expression analyses of key regulatory genes involved in lipid metabolism revealed that CSHE upregulated the mRNA expression of lipolysis-related genes in the mouse liver (Pparα and Acox1) and downregulated lipogenesis-related gene (Fasn) expression in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT). Fluorescence immunostaining demonstrated the CSHE-mediated enhanced phosphorylation of AKT, AMPK, ACC, and FoxO1, which are crucial factors regulating adipogenesis. CSHE-treated differentiated 3T3L1 adipocytes also exhibited an increased phosphorylation of ACC. Therefore, we propose that CSHE suppresses adipogenesis and enhances lipolysis by regulating the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 and AMPK/ACC signaling pathways. These findings suggested that CSHE is a promising novel preventive and therapeutic agent for managing obesity.

Determination of earthy-musty odors in tap water by gas chromatography‒mass spectrometry with silica solid-phase extraction.

This research aimed to develop an effective method for detecting semivolatile earthy-musty odors without using the conventional sample processing equipment used for volatile compounds. The concurrent isolation of 2-methylisoborneol (2-MIB), trans-1,10-dimethyl-trans-9-decalol (geosmin, GSM), 2-isopropyl-3-methoxy pyrazine (IPMP), and 2-isobutyl-3-methoxy pyrazine (IBMP) in tap water was successfully achieved by employing a combination of n-hexane liquid‒liquid extraction (LLE) and silica solid-phase extraction (SPE) techniques. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was utilized for the identification of these targets, with the inclusion of borneol (BN) as an internal reference. This robust method was optimized and validated. It was found that the method showed good linearity in the range of 0.5-100 ng/mL and produced good recoveries (84.6 %-103 %) with satisfactory relative standard deviations (1.50 %-10.1 %). The determined limits of detection (LODs) for the group of four substances were found to vary from 0.3 to 0.9 ng/L, whereas the limits of quantitation (LOQs) exhibited variations between 1 and 3 ng/L. The subsequent implementation of this methodology to evaluate the four previously described off-flavor chemicals in tap water resulted in satisfactory results.

Accurate low-dose exposure assessment of benzene and monoaromatic compounds by diffusive sampling: sampling and analytical method validation according to ISO 23320 for radiello® samplers packed with activated charcoal.

The research study aimed at providing an accurate low-dose benzene exposure assessment method, by validating diffusive monitoring techniques for benzene personal exposure measurements at workplaces where benzene concentrations are expected in the low ppb range, such as in the present-day chemical, petrochemical, foundry, and pharmaceutical industry. The project was aimed at addressing the need for a robust and fully validated method to perform personal exposure measurements considering that the occupational exposure limit value for benzene is going to be significantly lowered in the next few years. Diffusive sampling offers a reliable alternative to pumped sampling methods, intrinsic safety in potentially explosive atmospheres, lightness, and ease of use. In this study, the radiello® diffusive sampler, with the packed activated charcoal RAD130 adsorbing substrate [suitable for solvent desorption and analysis by high-resolution gas chromatography-flame ionization detection (HRGC-FID)], was used. The experiments have been conducted following the ISO 23320 standard in the range from 0.005 to 0.1 ppm (16 to 320 µg/m3), yielding a full validation of the sampling and analytical method. The sampler performances have fulfilled all requisites of the ISO 23320 standard, in particular: bias due to the selection of a non-ideal sorbent is lower than 10% (no significant back diffusion of benzene due to concentration change in the atmosphere); bias due to storage of samples for up to 2 months is lower than 10%; nominal uptake rate for benzene on RAD130 is 74.65 mL/min; and expanded uncertainty of the sampling and analytical method is 20.6%. The sampling and analytical method is therefore fit-for-purpose for the personal exposure measurements aimed at testing compliance with occupational exposure limit values for benzene. The method is also fit for short-duration exposure monitoring related to specific tasks, and other volatile organic compounds, usually found in the same workplaces, such as aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons and some oxygenated compounds, have also been studied. In particular, n-hexane and isopropyl benzene, whose classification is currently under revision, can be efficiently monitored by this technique.

High-oleic rapeseed oil quality indicators and endogenous antioxidant substances under different processing methods.

This study exposed high-oleic rapeseed oil (HORO) to different pretreatment (microwave or roasting) and processing methods to investigate (cold pressing, hexane extraction, subcritical butane extraction, and aqueous enzymatic extraction) the effects of processing technologies on HORO parameters associated with its physicochemical properties, endogenous antioxidant substances, and antioxidant capacity. The oil yield of various processing technologies was between 35.4% and 59.7%, and the fatty acid composition did not significantly differ. Hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses were used for evaluation. The results revealed that the microwave pretreatment-hexane extraction (M-HE) method resulted in significantly higher levels of tocopherols (688.4 mg/kg), polyphenols (1007.76 mg/kg), and phytosterols (1810.6 mg/kg) in HORO, implying strong free radical scavenging capacity (DPPH-oil: 79.63, DPPH-nonpolar: 71.42, DPPH-polar: 6.65, FRAP: 55.4, ABTS: 3043.7 µmol TE/kg). Hence, M-HE is a promising method for producing HORO with a higher stability and nutritional value.

Molecular docking and antibacterial activity of Sargassum fusiforme extracts against major coral pathogens.

The present study evaluates the antibacterial properties of alkaloids and the crude extracts (ethanol, n-hexane and ethyl acetate) from seaweed Sargassum fusiforme against coral pathogens (Photobacterium galatheae, Vibrio harveyi, Bordetella trematum, and Ochrobactrum pseudogrignonese) isolated from coral Porites lutea. To our knowledge, this is the first in vitro assay for such extracts on Porites lutea coral pathogens. Bacterial pathogens have been identified using 16S RNA and BankIt into gene bank and given the accession numbers (OR401000; OR401001; OR401336, and OR400998 respectively). GC-Mass profiling conducted for n-hexane compounds confirmed the presence of thirty-eight molecules, twelve of which have been previously reported for their bioactivity. The results revealed that alkaloids and n-hexane extract demonstrated eminent antibacterial activity compared to the other extracts against the tested coral pathogenic bacteria. Molecular docking was conducted to evaluate the twelve previously mentioned bioactive molecules to get a full understanding of the interaction of those bioactive molecules on vital bacterial proteins (Hemolysin protein (PDB ID: 1XEZ) and Cytoplasmic proteins (PDB ID: 3TZC)). Docked twelve molecules against hemolysin protein (PDB ID: 1XEZ) came exactly in line with the docked result of the same molecules with cytoplasmic proteins (PDB ID: 3TZC), proving the bioactivity of 6-O-Palmitoyl-L-ascorbic acid, 3TMS derivative; Glycerol monostearate, 2TMS derivative and Eicosanoic acid complexes in antibacterial activity action and score higher than reference ligand. Those three compounds will be investigated separately in future in vitro assay soon. Our conclusions align with the study's antibacterial in vitro assay results. The present study reports the novelty of different extracts of S. fusiforme as an antibacterial agent against coral pathogenic bacteria that trigger diseases in Porites lutea.

Mitophagy-dependent mitochondrial ROS mediates 2,5-hexanedione-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in BV2 microglia.

We recently revealed a pivotal role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the neurotoxicity induced by n-hexane, owing to its activation and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. However, the mechanisms of how the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome was triggered by 2,5-hexanedione (HD), the toxic product of n-hexane metabolism, remain to be explored. Here, we investigated whether mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) was involved in HD-elicited NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia. We demonstrated that exposure to HD at 4 and 8 mM elevated production of mtROS in BV2 microglia. Scavenging mtROS by Mito-TEMPO, an mtROS scavenger, dramatically reduced HD-induced NLRP3 expression, caspase-1 activation and interleukin-1ß production, pointing a crucial role of mtROS in NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Mechanistic study revealed that HD intoxication promoted activation of mitophagy. HD induced expression of Beclin-1, LC3II, and two mitophagy-related proteins, i.e., Pink1 and Parkin and simultaneously, reduced p62 expression in both whole cell and isolated mitochondria of microglia. Furthermore, inhibition of mitophagy by 3-methyladenine (3-MA) greatly reduced production of mtROS, expression of mitochondrial fission-related proteins, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) and fission protein 1 (Fis1) and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in HD-intoxicated microglia. Blocking mitochondrial fission by Mdivi-1 also prevented HD-induced mtROS production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia. In conclusion, our data indicated that HD triggered activation of NLRP3 inflammasome through mitophagy-dependent mtROS production, offering an important insight for the immunopathogenesis of environmental toxins-induced neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity.