Analytical approaches and advancement in the analysis of natural and synthetic fiber: A comprehensive review.

BACKGROUND: Accurately determining fiber composition is essential for optimizing material properties across diverse applications in textiles, composites, packaging, and other bio-based materials. Fiber performance in textiles, composites, and bio-based materials depends upon their intricate composition. This review explores advanced analytical techniques for the comprehensive characterization of natural (cellulose-hemicellulose-lignin) and synthetic (polymeric) fibers. Natural fibers primarily consist of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, while synthetic fibers are formed by linking small monomer units, such as nylon, polyester, and acrylics. RESULTS: A variety of analytical methods are employed for fiber composition analysis, including microscopy, spectroscopy, chromatography, thermal analysis, and wet chemical methods. A multi-modal approach employing advanced techniques is essential for in-depth fiber analysis. Spectroscopic methods like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) offer rapid, non-destructive determination of chemical functionalities. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) offers another efficient approach, particularly when integrated with chemometric techniques like Principal Component Regression (PCR) and Partial Least Squares (PLS) for precise quantification of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Additionally, thermal analysis methods such as Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) provide insights into thermal stability and mechanical characteristics of fibers. SIGNIFICANCE: This review emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach utilizing various analytical methods for comprehensive fiber characterization. While traditional wet chemical methods offer limited advantages, the combined use of advanced techniques provides a more holistic understanding of fiber properties. As technology evolves, this integrated approach is expected to shape the future of fiber analysis and its applications across diverse industries.

Chemical and physical properties of radiopaque Portland cement formulation with reduced particle size.

This study compared the chemical and physical properties of an experimental radiopaque white Portland cement (REPC) with reduced particle size to ProRoot white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA). The particle size distribution of experimental Portland cement (EPC) was examined, and then nano-zirconium oxide (nano-ZrO) was added to produce REPC. Chemical analysis, initial setting time, pH values, and push-out bond strength were evaluated. Results showed that REPC had smallest particle size (354.5±26.45 nm), while PC had the largest (1,309.67±60.54 nm) (p<0.05). Differences in chemical composition were observed. REPC exhibited shorter setting time (32.7±0.58 min) compared to WMTA (131.67±2.89 min) and PC (163.33±2.89 min) (p<0.05). All groups showed alkaline pH (p<0.05). REPC demonstrated the highest push-out bond strength (22.24±4.33 MPa) compared with WMTA (15.53±3.26 MPa) and PC (16.8±5.43 MPa) (p<0.05). This cost-effective PC formulation reduced the setting time and increased the push-out bond strength while maintaining the alkaline properties of the original cements.

PungentDB: Bridging traditional Chinese medicine of medicine food homology and modern food flavor chemistry.

Merging traditional Chinese medicine's (TCM) principles of medicine-food homology with modern flavor chemistry, this research unveils PungentDB (http://www.pungentdb.org.cn/home), a database documenting 205 unique pungent flavor compounds from 231 TCMs. It provides detailed insights into their chemical attributes, biological targets (including IC50/EC50 values), and molecular structures (2D/3D), enriched with visualizations of target organ distribution and protein structures, exploring the pungent flavor space with the help of a feature-rich visual interface. This collection, derived from over 3249 sources and highlighting 9129 targets, delves into the compounds' unique pungent flavors-taste, aroma, and thermal sensations-and their interaction with taste and olfactory receptors. PungentDB bridges ancient wisdom and culinary innovation, offering a nuanced exploration of pungent flavors' role in enhancing food quality, safety, and sensory experiences. This initiative propels flavor chemistry forward, serving as a pivotal resource for food science advancement and the innovative application of pungent flavors.

Analysis of the Volatile and Enantiomeric Compounds Emitted by Plumeria rubra L. Flowers Using HS-SPME-GC.

The volatile components emitted by fresh aromatic flowers of Plumeria rubra L., harvested in southern Ecuador during three different months were determined to evaluate the fluctuation of secondary metabolites. The volatile compounds were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a flame ionization detector (GC-FID) using two types of columns: a non-polar (DB-5ms) and polar column (HP-INNOWax). The principal chemical groups were hydrocarbon sesquiterpenes (43.5%; 40.0%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (23.4%; 26.4%), oxygenated monoterpenes (14.0%; 11.2%), and hydrocarbon monoterpenes (12.7%; 9.3%). The most representative constituents were (E,E)-α-Farnesene (40.9-41.2%; 38.5-50.6%), (E)-nerolidol (21.4-32.6%; 23.2-33.0%), (E)-ß-ocimene (4.2-12.5%; 4.5-9.1%), (Z)-dihydro-apofarnesol (6.5-9.9%; 7.6-8.6%), linalool (5.6-8.3%; 3.3-7.8%), and perillene (3.1-5.9%; 3.0-3.2%) in DB-5ms and HP-INNOWax, respectively. Finally, we reported for the first time the enantiomeric distribution of P. rubra flowers, where the enantiomers (1R,5R)-(+)-α-pinene, (S)-(-)-limonene, (S)-(+)-Linalool, and (1S,2R,6R,7R,8R)-(+)-α-copaene were present as enantiomerically pure substances, whereas (S)-(+)-(E)-Nerolidol and (R)-(+)-(E)-Nerolidol were observed as scalemic mixtures. This study provides the first comprehensive and comparative aroma profile of Plumeria rubra cultivated in southern Ecuador and gave us a clue to the variability of P. rubra chemotypes depending on the harvesting time, which could be used for future quality control or applications in phytopharmaceutical and food industries.

Material Characterization of Silicones for Additive Manufacturing.

Three-dimensional printing is ideally suited to produce unique and complex shapes. In this study, the material properties of polysiloxanes, commonly named silicones, produced additively by two different methods, namely, multi-jet fusion (MJF) and material extrusion (ME) with liquid printing heads, are investigated. The chemical composition was compared via Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, evolved gas analysis mass spectrometry, pyrolysis gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry, and thermogravimetry (TGA). Density and low-temperature flexibility, mechanical properties and crosslink distance via freezing point depression were measured before and after post-treatment at elevated temperatures. The results show significant differences in the chemical composition, material properties, as well as surface quality of the tested products produced by the two manufacturing routes. Chemical analysis indicates that the investigated MJF materials contain acrylate moieties, possibly isobornyl acrylate linking branches. The hardness of the MJF samples is associated with crosslinking density. In the ashes after TGA, traces of phosphorus were found, which could originate from initiators or catalysts of the curing process. The ME materials contain fillers, most probably silica, that differ in their amount. It is possible that silica also plays a role in the processing to stabilize the extrusion strand. For the harder material, a higher crosslink density was found, which was supported also by the other tested properties. The MJF samples have smooth surfaces, while the ME samples show grooved surface structures typical for the material extrusion process. Post-treatment did not improve the material properties. In the MJF samples, significant color changes were observed.

Films of polylactic acid with graphene oxide-zinc oxide hybrid and Mentha longifolia essential oil: Effects on quality of refrigerated chicken fillet.

This study was conducted to investigate the morphological, thermal, mechanical, FTIR, physicochemical (thickness, humidity, solubility in water and water vapor permeability) and antimicrobial properties of polylactic acid film (PLA) containing hybrid graphene oxide­zinc oxide (GO-ZnO: 1.5 % w/v) and Mentha longifolia essential oil (ML:1 % v/v) on chicken fillet kept in the refrigerator. The studied groups were microbially (total count of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, and lactic acid bacteria), chemically (pH, TVB-N) and sensory (color, odor, and taste) evaluated at 8-day interval (0, 2, 5 and 8). In the examination of the morphological characteristics, the PLA film had a smooth and uniform surface and the addition of ML essential oil created a discontinuous structure and the addition of GO-ZnO led to the production of a denser and more homogeneous film. The presence of GO-ZnO increased the thickness, decreased moisture content and solubility in water, and added ML essential oil increased moisture content and decreased solubility in water (p˂0.05). The results of the mechanical evaluation showed that the addition of ML essential oil and GO-ZnO reduced elongation at break and tensile strength (p˂0.05). The addition of ML essential oil increased the thermal resistance and the addition of GO-ZnO decreased the thermal resistance compared to the film containing ML essential oil. The antimicrobial effect of films containing ML essential oil was confirmed in this study (p˂0.05). The addition of GO-ZnO did not change the count of any of the microbial groups. TVB-N showed that groups containing ML essential oil had lower levels of volatile nitrogenous bases than the control group (p˂0.05). Sensory evaluation of the studied groups showed that chicken fillets packed with films containing ML essential oil had the highest score in terms of color, smell and taste. The results of the present study showed that PLA film containing GO-ZnO and ML essential oil can be used to increase the shelf life and maintain the sensory characteristics of chicken fillets, and it can be used as a suitable packaging to increase the shelf life of food products.

Changes in chemical characteristics and toxicity of fluoxetine and humic acid during chlorination.

The coexistence of emerging pollutants and dissolved organic matter in wastewater complicates the transformation and generation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) during chlorination treatment, which is essential for effective water quality evaluation and chlorination optimization. This study used fluoxetine (FLX) and humic acid (HA) as representative substances to analyze changes in their chemical characteristics and zebrafish embryonic developmental toxicity under different chlorination conditions. The analysis of the fluorescence characteristics and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry indicated that chlorination treatment increased the aromatic compound content of the HA solution. FLX addition further increased the presence of aromatic ring structures and oxidized molecules, resulting in the formation of numerous Cl-DBPs with highly unsaturated and phenolic structures. Moreover, different responses in zebrafish embryo development and behavior were found with FLX, HA, and FLX + HA exposures. Cardiotoxicity was linked to changes in the concentration of cTn-I protein and expression of various genes. Prolonged chlorination conditions showed higher toxicities. Correlation analysis found a weak relation between chemical indicators and toxicity data, indicating that both analysis methods need to be considered when analyzing the impact of the chlorination. Further, a combination of chemical analyses and toxicity tests revealed that the FLX + HA solution with chlorination conditions of 3 mg/L for 30 min had lower chemical and toxic effects in this experiment. This study provides valuable scientific insights for the safe discharge of chlorinated water containing FLX and dissolved organic matter, as well as guidance for optimizing chlorination parameters in wastewater treatment.

Interlaboratory and cross-platform accessibility of time-of-flight wood identification database.

The mass spectral database of tree species built by US Fish and Wildlife Service has thousands of entries and has been a valuable resource to combat illegal logging and international trade. The database was and continues to be constructed using a particular ambient ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) platform in the agency branch in Ashland, OR, with which queries of unknown wood samples are investigated exclusively. Laboratories that operate different MS instruments also have an interest in using the database if they can produce valid matches to known samples compatible with the database. Four species were selected for inter-laboratory comparison using Orbitrap MS instruments and the equivalent TOF-MS platform with direct analysis in real time ionization of institution-sourced wood samples. Identities of the known samples were confirmed by examination of their microscopic wood anatomy. Orbitrap analysis was able to identify each species as confidently as the TOF instruments, often with less variation in spectra but not necessarily greater mass accuracy or better-matched signal abundance to the control database. The Orbitrap program also had to be doubled to two scanned mass ranges appended for greater peak intensity, before spectra could be correctly matched to the database, but the program was successful.

Chemical composition of cloud and rainwater at a high-altitude mountain site in western India: source apportionment and potential factors.

This study focuses on the chemical composition of cloud water (CW) and rainwater (RW) collected at Sinhagad, a high-altitude station (1450 m AMSL) located in the western region of India. The samples were collected during the monsoon over two years (2016-2017). The chemical analysis suggests that the concentration of total ionic constituents was three times higher in CW than in RW, except for NH4+ (1.0) and HCO3- (0.6). Compared to RW, high concentrations of SO42- and NO3- were observed in CW. The weighted average RW pH (6.5 ± 0.3) was slightly more alkaline than CW pH (6.1 ± 0.5). This can be attributed to the high concentrations of neutralizing ions such as nss-Ca2+, nss-Mg2+, K+, and NH4+, indicating the greater extent of wet scavenging during rainfall. These ions counteract the acidity generated by SO42- and NO3-. A high correlation between Ca2+, Na+, K+, NO3-, and SO42- makes it difficult to estimate the contribution of SO42- from different sources. Anthropogenic sulfur emissions and soil dust significantly influence the ionic composition of clouds and rain. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to identify the contribution of different sources to the samples. In the CW, the extracted factors were cooking and vehicles, aging sea salt, agriculture, and dust. In RW, the factors were industries, cooking and vehicles, agriculture and dust, and aging sea salt. The findings of this study have significant implications for the monsoon build-up, ecosystems, agriculture, and climate change.

Chemical and toxicological characterization of food contact recycled paperboard extracts.

Food contact paperboard poses a potential risk of food contamination due to the possible release of chemicals (intentionally added or not), particularly in recycled paperboard. Water extractions were performed, according to wet food procedures, of paperboard samples collected from a manufacturer at the beginning and the end of a recycling production chain. Chemical analysis and hormonal activities in vitro of water extracts were studied. ICP-MS analysis confirmed the presence of 15 trace elements with lower concentrations after the recycling process, with the exception of chlorine. The chromatographic analyses demonstrated that the identified substances in the starting paperboard, before the recycling process, were approximately twice as high as in the end paperboard, after the recycling process. These substances included also natural wood products, chemical additives, and undesirable substances such as phthalates. Two major products (3,5-di-tert-butylphenol and methyl-2-pyrrolidone) were found in the starting and the end paperboard extracts, respectively. Two common substances were identified in both extracts: 2,4-di-tert-buthylphenol and dehydroabietic acid. Evaluation of potential endocrine disruption showed that the starting paperboard extract exhibited oestrogenic and antiandrogenic effects, while these effects nearly disappeared in the end paperboard extract. These results confirmed that the recycling process was effective in removing most of the contaminant substances.

Fermented tea leave extract against oxidative stress and ageing of skin in vitro and in vivo.

OBJECTIVE: The objective is to develop a natural and stable anti-oxidative stress and anti-ageing ingredient. In this study, we evaluated the changes in white tea leaves fermented with Eurotium cristatum PLT-PE and Saccharomyces boulardii PLT-HZ and their efficacy against skin oxidative stress. METHODS: We employed untargeted metabolomics technology to analyse the differential metabolites between tea extract (TE) and fermented tea extract (FTE). In vitro, using H2O2-induced HaCaT cells, we evaluated cell vitality, ROS, and inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6). Additionally, we verified the effects on the extracellular matrix and nuclear DNA using fibroblasts or reconstructed skin models. We measured skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle area, wrinkle area ratio, erythema area, and erythema area ratio in volunteers after using an emulsion containing 3% FTE for 28 and 56 days. RESULTS: Targeted metabolomics analysis of white tea leaves yielded more than 20 differential metabolites with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, including amino acids, polypeptides, quercetin, and liquiritin post-fermentation. FTE, compared to TE, can significantly reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect against oxidative stress-induced skin damage in H2O2-induced HaCaT cells. FTE can inhibit H2O2-induced collagen degradation by suppressing the MAPK/c-Jun signalling pathway and can also mitigate the reactive oxygen species damage to nuclear DNA. Clinical studies showed that the volunteers' stratum corneum water content, skin elasticity, wrinkle area, wrinkle area ratio, erythema area, and erythema area ratio significantly improved from the baseline after 28 and 56 days of FTE use. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to the growing body of literature supporting the protective effects against skin oxidative stress and ageing from fermented plant extracts. Moreover, our findings might inspire multidisciplinary efforts to investigate new fermentation techniques that could produce even more potent anti-ageing solutions.

OBJECTIF: L'objectif est de développer un ingrédient naturel et stable contre le stress oxydatif et anti­âge. Dans cette étude, nous avons évalué les modifications dans les feuilles de thé blanc fermentées avec la PLT­PE Eurotium cristatum et la PLT­HZ Saccharomyces boulardii et leur efficacité contre le stress oxydatif cutané. MÉTHODES: Nous avons utilisé une technologie de métabolomique non ciblée pour analyser les métabolites différentiels entre l'extrait de thé (ET) et l'extrait de thé fermenté (ETF). In vitro, à l'aide de cellules HaCaT induites par l'H2O2, nous avons évalué la vitalité cellulaire, les ERO et les facteurs inflammatoires (TNF­α, IL­1ß, and IL­6). Nous avons également vérifié les effets sur la matrice extracellulaire et l'ADN nucléaire à l'aide de fibroblastes ou de modèles cutanés reconstruits. Nous avons mesuré l'hydratation de la peau, l'élasticité, la surface de rides, le rapport des surfaces de rides, la surface d'érythème, et le rapport des surfaces d'érythème chez des volontaires ayant utilisé une émulsion contenant 3% d'ETF pendant 28 et 56 jours. RÉSULTATS: L'analyse métabolomique ciblée des feuilles de thé blanc a révélé plus de 20 métabolites différentiels ayant des activités antioxydantes et anti­inflammatoires, notamment des acides aminés, des polypeptides, de la quercétine et de la liquiritine après fermentation. Par rapport à l'ET, l'ETF peut réduire significativement les espèces réactives de l'oxygène (ERO) et protéger contre les lésions cutanées induites par le stress oxydatif dans les cellules HaCaT induites par l'H2O2. L'ETF peut inhiber la dégradation du collagène induite par l'H2O2 en supprimant la voie de signalization MAPK/c­Jun et peut également atténuer les dommages causés par les espèces réactives de l'oxygène à l'ADN nucléaire. Les études cliniques ont montré que la teneur en eau de la couche cornée des volontaires, l'élasticité de la peau, la surface de rides, le rapport des surfaces de rides, la surface d'érythème et le rapport des surfaces d'érythème se sont significativement améliorés par rapport à la référence après 28 et 56 jours d'utilisation d'ETF. CONCLUSION: Cette étude contribue au corpus croissant de littérature soutenant les effets protecteurs des extraits de plantes fermentées contre le stress oxydatif cutané et le vieillissement. En outre, nos résultats pourraient inspirer des efforts pluridisciplinaires pour étudier de nouvelles techniques de fermentation susceptibles de produire des solutions anti­âge encore plus puissantes.

What defines dry skin? Correlating a range of skin hydration parameters with In Vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: While there are a wide range of approaches for the assessment of skin hydration, it is not always clear how data from them relate to one another or to the skin itself. With the development of in vivo Confocal Raman Spectroscopy (ICRS), it has become possible to measure water concentration as a function of protein/depth within the stratum corneum (SC). This article reports a comparison between electrical skin hydration measures/visual/optical grading and water concentration profiles measured using ICRS, to better understand the relationship between these approaches. METHODS: SC hydration of lower-leg skin with varying degrees of dryness was assessed using visual grading (live and from digital images), Corneometer®, Visioscan and ICRS. In addition, a custom fingerprint sensor was used to image surface capacitance (as a surrogate of SC hydration), and SC barrier function was assessed using evaporimetry (to measure trans-epidermal water loss; TEWL). RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between a number of different skin grading/measurement approaches and ICRS data. ICRS hydration profiles also revealed a region near the SC surface with a relatively flat water profile in dry skin subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The advent of quantitative in vivo analytical techniques such as ICRS, which can be used in a clinical setting, has enabled greater insight into more conventional approaches for assessing skin dryness. While traditional skin grading and biophysical methods for measuring skin hydration have varying degrees of correlation with one another, they also provide comparatively unique information about different regions within the SC. This should enable a more informed approach to product development in the future.

OBJECTIF: Bien qu'il existe un large éventail d'approches pour évaluer l'hydratation de la peau, la façon dont les données qui en résultent sont liées les unes aux autres ou à la peau elle­même n'est pas toujours claire. Avec le développement de la spectroscopie Raman confocale in vivo (ICRS), il est devenu possible de mesurer la concentration en eau en fonction du rapport protéine/profondeur au sein de la couche cornée (stratum corneum, SC). Cet article rapporte une comparaison entre les mesures électriques ou la classification visuelle/optique de l'hydratation de la peau et les profils de concentration en eau mesurés à l'aide de l'ICRS, afin de mieux comprendre la relation entre ces approches. MÉTHODES: L'hydratation du SC de la peau de la partie inférieure de la jambe avec différents degrés de sécheresse a été évaluée à l'aide d'une classification visuelle (en direct et à partir d'images numériques), du Corneometer®, du Visioscan et de l'ICRS. En outre, un capteur d'empreintes digitales personnalisé a été utilisé pour visualiser la capacité de surface (en tant que substitut de l'hydratation du SC) et la fonction de barrière du SC a été évaluée par évaporimétrie (pour mesurer la perte d'eau transépidermique ; trans­epidermal water loss, TEWL). RÉSULTATS: Des corrélations significatives ont été observées entre un certain nombre d'approches différentes de classification/mesure de la peau et les données ICRS. Les profils d'hydratation de l'ICRS ont également révélé une région près de la surface du SC ayant un profil d'eau relativement plat chez les sujets atteints de sécheresse cutanée. CONCLUSIONS: L'avènement de techniques d'analyse in vivo quantitatives telles que l'ICRS, qui peut être utilisée dans un contexte clinique, a permis de mieux comprendre les approches plus conventionnelles d'évaluation de la sécheresse cutanée. Bien que les méthodes traditionnelles de classification de la peau et les méthodes biophysiques de mesure de l'hydratation de la peau présentent des degrés de corrélation variables entre elles, elles fournissent également des informations comparativement uniques sur différentes régions au sein du SC. Cela devrait permettre une approche plus éclairée du développement de produits à l'avenir.

Study on the changes during the fermentation of the wine prepared from palm (Phoenix sylvestris) sap.

The sugary sap of different palm trees is fermented to create palm wine, an alcoholic beverage. This work was aimed at studying the changes that occur during the fermentation process of wine made from the sap of the wild date palm species Phoenix sylvestris. At first, the best age of the palm tree was determined by observing total soluble solid and sap yield for 24 h and was found to be middle-aged palm plants (15-40 years old). Pure wine yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae SC22) and a natural starter culture were added to the palm saps, adjusting the total soluble solid (TSS) to 21.5° brix (°Bx). Total titratable acidity, pH, volatile acidity, reducing sugar, non-reducing sugar, total sugar, alcohol content, ester content, and aldehyde contents were the parameters under investigation. The statistical analysis showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) changes in the physico-chemical and volatile constituents of palm sap during the fermentation process in both systems. Sensory evaluation revealed that palm wine fermented with pure yeast culture was significantly superior to natural, spontaneously fermented wine. The acceptability test showed that the ideal characteristics of palm wine are cloudy in appearance, fruity in aroma, and sweet in taste.

Spectral histology of hair and hair follicle using infrared microspectroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: Today, there is only limited knowledge of the spatial organization of hair chemistry. Infrared microspectroscopy is a well-established tool to provide such information and has significantly contributed to this field. In this study, we present new results combining multiple infrared microspectroscopy methods at different length scales to create a better chemical histology of human hair, including the hair follicle, hair shaft, hair medulla and hair cuticle. METHODS: We used hyperspectral IR imaging & spectroscopy (HIRIS) and synchrotron-radiation FTIR microspectroscopy (SR-µFTIR) to measure transversal hair sections and SR-µFTIR to obtain high-resolution maps of longitudinal sections from the hair shaft and from the hair follicle. We used optical photothermal IR microspectroscopy (OPTIR) to analyse the cuticle surface of intact hairs. RESULTS: By mapping longitudinal sections of the human hair follicle with confocal SR-µFTIR, we report the first demonstration of glycogen presence in the outer root sheath of the hair follicle by spectroscopy, and its quantification at the micron scale. Spectral maps, combined with machine learning-based analysis, enabled us to differentiate the various layers of the hair follicle and provided insights into the chemical changes that occur during hair formation in the follicle. Using HIRIS and SR-µFTIR to analyse the hair medulla in transversal sections of human hairs, we report here, for the first time by vibrational spectroscopy methods, the detection of unsaturated lipids at very low concentrations in the medulla. By analysing longitudinal sections of the hair shaft with SR-µFTIR, we found that calcium carboxylates are present in large regions of the hair cuticle, and not just in small focal areas as previously thought. We then use OPTIR to analyse the hair cuticle of intact hairs at submicron resolution without sectioning and report the distribution of calcium carboxylates at the surface of intact hair for the first time. CONCLUSION: These new findings illustrate the potential of infrared microspectroscopy for imaging the chemical composition of human hair and may have implications for biomedical research or cosmetology.

OBJECTIF: Aujourd'hui, les connaissances sur l'organisation spatiale de la chimie capillaire sont limitées. La microspectroscopie infrarouge est un outil bien établi pour fournir de telles informations et a largement contribué à ce domaine. Dans cette étude, nous présentons de nouveaux résultats combinant plusieurs méthodes de microspectroscopie infrarouge à différentes échelles de longueur pour créer une meilleure histologie chimique des cheveux humains, y compris le follicule pileux, la tige pilaire, la moelle pilaire et la cuticule pilaire. MÉTHODES: Nous avons utilisé l'imagerie et la spectroscopie hyperspectrales infrarouges (Hyperspectral IR Imaging & Spectroscopy, HIRIS) et la microspectroscopie IRTF par rayonnement synchrotron (synchrotron­radiation FTIR microspectroscopy, SR­µFTIR) pour mesurer des coupes transversales de cheveux, et la SR­µFTIR pour obtenir des cartes à haute résolution des coupes longitudinales de la tige pilaire et du follicule pileux. Nous avons utilisé la microspectroscopie photothermique infrarouge optique (Optical Photothermal IR microspectroscopy, OPTIR) pour analyser la surface des cuticules de cheveux intacts. RÉSULTATS: En cartographiant les coupes longitudinales du follicule pileux humain avec la SR­µFTIR confocale, nous rapportons la première démonstration par spectroscopie de la présence de glycogène dans la gaine de la racine externe du follicule pileux, et sa quantification à l'échelle du micron. Les cartes spectrales, combinées à une analyse basée sur l'apprentissage automatisé, nous ont permis de différencier les différentes couches du follicule pileux et de mieux comprendre les changements chimiques qui surviennent pendant la formation des cheveux dans le follicule. En utilisant la méthode HIRIS et la SR­µFTIR pour analyser la moelle pilaire dans les coupes transversales des cheveux humains, nous rapportons ici, pour la première fois par des méthodes de spectroscopie vibrationnelle, la détection de lipides insaturés à de très faibles concentrations dans la moelle. En analysant les coupes longitudinales de la tige pilaire par SR­µFTIR, nous avons constaté que les carboxylates de calcium sont présents dans de vastes régions de la cuticule pilaire, et pas seulement dans de petites zones focales comme on le pensait auparavant. Nous utilisons ensuite la méthode OPTIR pour analyser la cuticule pilaire de cheveux intacts à une résolution inférieure au micron sans sectionner les cheveux et rapportons pour la première fois la distribution des carboxylates de calcium à la surface des cheveux intacts. CONCLUSION: Ces nouveaux résultats illustrent le potentiel de la microspectroscopie infrarouge pour l'imagerie de la composition chimique des cheveux humains et peuvent avoir des implications pour la recherche biomédicale ou la cosmétologie.

Assessing residual fragrances on skin after body washing: Optimization of an analytical method using solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to develop and optimize a method for evaluating the persistence of residual fragrance after body washing, addressing a significant requirement in the development of personal care products. The main objective is to establish a reliable, sensitive and reproducible analytical technique to assess fragrance longevity on skin post-use of body wash products. METHODS: Headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is used to analyse residual fragrances. We investigate the extraction efficiencies of various SPME fibres and compare different methods for sampling skin-emitted fragrances, including tape stripping and sealed glass funnels. A controlled body-washing procedure is implemented to standardize the cleansing process. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that the relative standard deviation for measuring five distinct fragrances is within the range of 3%-14%, highlighting the precision of the method. A notable variance exists in the extraction efficiency of fragrances using different types of SPME fibres, with some exhibiting over a threefold difference. Furthermore, the glass funnel method for fragrance collection demonstrates an 11.7 times greater sensitivity to galaxolide than that of the tape-stripping method. Residual fragrances with base notes as the main components can be detected on the skin up to 24 h after body washing. CONCLUSION: The optimized method for residual fragrance evaluation developed in this study offers a robust tool for analysing fragrance components persisting on the skin for up to 24 h post-wash. This advancement facilitates a deeper understanding of fragrance longevity in personal care products, enabling comparative analyses between different products.

OBJECTIF: l'objectif de cette étude est de développer et d'optimiser une méthode d'évaluation de la persistance du parfum résiduel après la toilette du corps, répondant à une exigence significative dans le développement de produits de soins personnels. L'objectif principal est d'établir une technique analytique fiable, sensible et reproductible pour évaluer la longévité des parfums sur la peau après utilisation de produits de toilette pour le corps. METHODES: la microextraction en phase solide de l'espace de tête (HS­SPME) couplée à la chromatographie en phase gazeuse­spectrométrie de masse (GC­MS) est utilisée pour analyser les parfums résiduels. Nous étudions l'efficacité de l'extraction de diverses fibres SPME et nous comparons différentes méthodes d'échantillonnage des senteurs émises par la peau, y compris le stripping sur ruban adhésif et les entonnoirs en verre scellés. Une procédure contrôlée de lavage du corps est mise en place pour standardiser le processus de nettoyage. RÉSULTATS: nos résultats indiquent que l'écart­type relatif pour mesurer cinq parfums distincts se situe dans la plage de 3% à 14%, ce qui souligne la précision de la méthode. Une variance notable existe dans l'efficacité d'extraction des parfums utilisant différents types de fibres de SPME, certaines présentant plus d'un triplement de différence. En outre, la méthode de l'entonnoir en verre pour la collecte des parfums démontre une sensibilité au galaxolide 11,7 fois supérieure à celle de la méthode de stripping sur ruban adhésif. Les parfums résiduels avec des notes de fond comme principaux composants peuvent être détectés sur la peau jusqu'à 24 h après le lavage du corps. CONCLUSION: la méthode optimisée pour l'évaluation du parfum résiduel développée dans cette étude offre un outil fiable pour analyser les composants du parfum persistant sur la peau jusqu'à 24 heures après le lavage. Cette avancée offre une meilleure compréhension de la longévité des parfums dans les produits de soins personnels, permettant des analyses comparatives entre les différents produits.

Rapid Screening of Emergent Febuxostat Adulteration in Functional Foods Based on a Simulation-Inspired High-Quality Antibody.

Due to the potential health risks of adulterated febuxostat in uric-acid-lowering foods, it is urgent to develop rapid detection methods. However, there are no fast analytical techniques for febuxostat yet. Herein, an efficient hapten simulation strategy was proposed to successfully produce a highly sensitive and selective monoclonal antibody toward febuxostat. Based on such a robust recognition element, easy colorimetric and ultrasensitive fluorescent lateral flow immunochromatographic immunoassays were first established, which can detect febuxostat as low as 60 µg/kg by the naked eye or 1.01 µg/kg by a commercial test strip reader with acceptable stability. Furthermore, in the recovery test and blind sample analysis, consistent results between our methods and the authorized liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method suggested the high accuracy and practicality of this work. The present work not only proposes a rational hapten design idea but also provides favorable tools for the rapid screening of febuxostat in functional foods.

Mutations induced in some Egyptian cowpea varieties with yield characteristics and high nutritional value using gamma rays and evaluation by microsatellite markers.

PURPOSE: In order to achieve mutations with enhanced economic, productive, and nutritional characteristics in the two Egyptian cowpea varieties, Dokki 331 and Kaha 1, the application of gamma irradiation at different doses is employed. Additionally, this method aids in distinguishing between these mutations using simple sequence repeat (SSR) analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two different cowpea cultivars were subjected to varying doses of gamma radiation ranging from 50 to 300 Gy. In order to analyze the effects of radiation, both unirradiated and irradiated seeds from both cultivars were planted using a randomized complete block design. This experiment was conducted over a span of six generations, namely M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and M6, starting from April 2017 and continuing until 2022. Among the various radiation doses, the cultivar Kaha 1 produced promising traits when exposed to a dose of 150 Gy, while the cultivar Dokki 331 showed favorable traits when exposed to a dose of 300 Gy. These traits were further cultivated and studied until the M6 generation. RESULTS: Induced mutations in two Egyptian cowpea varieties, Kaha 1 and Dokki 331, are subjected to varying doses of gamma radiation (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 Gy). Morphological and genetic variations were observed, with mutations being induced at doses of 150 Gy for Kaha 1 and 300 Gy for Dokki 331. The mutation in Kaha 1 (beam 1) resulted in dwarfism, altered leaf shape, early flowering, increased peduncles, pods, and pod seed numbers, ultimately leading to enhanced seed production and acreage productivity. In Dokki 331, the mutations primarily affected pod color, resulting in greenish-brown pods with mosaic seeds, segregating black and gray seeds from the mosaic ones. These mutations led to an increase in the nutritional value of the seeds, including higher nitrogen content, total free amino acids, crude protein, total carbohydrates, and total sugars. The genetic diversity of the seven cowpea mutations was assessed using 20 microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed a total of 60 alleles, with an average of three alleles per locus. The allele frequency ranged from 0.2857 to 1.0, with an average of 0.6036. Gene diversity varied from 0.0 to 0.8163, while the heterozygosity was mostly zero, except for one primer (VM 37) with an average of 0.0071. The polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.7913 to 0.0, with an average of 0.4323. The Marker Index value ranged from 0.36 to 0.0, with an average of 0.152. Overall, our findings demonstrate the successful induction of mutations in Egyptian cowpea varieties using gamma rays, resulting in improved yield characteristics and nutritional value. CONCLUSIONS: Radiation as a physical mutagen is highly regarded for its effectiveness, affordability, speed, and safety in inducing mutations. Utilizing gamma rays, we successfully derived a novel cowpea variety called beam 1 mutation, which has gained approval from the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture.

Prolonged Dark Chemical Processes in Secondary Organic Aerosols on Filters and in Aqueous Solution.

Secondary organic aerosol (SOA) represents a large fraction of atmospheric aerosol particles that significantly affect both the Earth's climate and human health. Laboratory-generated SOA or ambient particles are routinely collected on filters for a detailed chemical analysis. Such filter sampling is prone to artifactual changes in composition during collection, storage, sample workup, and analysis. In this study, we investigate the chemical composition differences in SOA generated in the laboratory, kept at room temperature as aqueous extracts or on filters, and analyzed in detail after a storage time of a day and up to 4 weeks using liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. We observe significantly different temporal concentration changes for monomers and oligomers in both extracts and on filters. In SOA aqueous extracts, many monomers increase in concentration over time, while many dimers decay at the same time. In contrast, on filters, we observe a strong and persistent concentration increase of many dimers and a decrease of many monomers. This study highlights artifacts arising from SOA chemistry occurring during storage, which should be considered when detailed organic aerosol compositions are studied. The particle-phase reactions on filters can also serve as a model system for atmospheric particle aging processes.

LVI and DI-SPME Combined with GC/MS and GC/MS for Volatile Chemical Profile Investigation and Cytotoxic Power Evaluation of Essential Oil and Hydrolate from Cannabis sativa L. cv. Carmagnola.

Cannabis sativa L. is a plant that has been cultivated since ancient times thanks to its various uses. Even its extraction products, such as essential oil and hydrolate, having a varied chemical composition and rich in bioactive components, find wide use in different sectors, gathering ever-increasing interest over time. In this work, the essential oil of Cannabis sativa L. cv. Carmagnola was characterized by using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) and, for the first time, the chemical profile of the hydrolate was also described through different analytical techniques such as Large-Volume Injection Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LVI-GC/MS) and Direct Immersion-Solid Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass spectrometry (DI-SPME-GC/MS), in order to provide a more complete compositional profile. The results of the analyses conducted on the hydrolate highlighted a high content of α-terpineol; on the other side, in the essential oil, a prevalence of monoterpenes, with α-pinene and limonene as the characterizing components, was detected. Both matrices were also investigated to evaluate their cytotoxic activity by using a panel of cancer cell lines derived from different histotypes such as melanoma (A375, LOX IMVI), non-small cell lung cancer (H1299, A549), colon (HT29) and pancreatic (L3.6) cancer cell lines. The obtained data demonstrated that essential oil was more effective than hydrolate in terms of reduction in cell viability.