scholarly journals Physicochemical Analysis and Essential Oils Extraction of the Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and French Broom (Genista monspessulana), Two Highly Invasive Species in the Colombian Andes

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Diego F. Osorio-Castiblanco ◽  
Gwendolyn Peyre ◽  
Juan F. Saldarriaga
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Dodecanoic Acid ◽  
Natural Polymers ◽  
Ulex Europaeus ◽  
Genista Monspessulana ◽  
French Broom

Gorse (Ulex europaeus) and French broom (Genista monspessulana) are two highly invasive species that have become a threat to tropical countries, especially in Andean ecosystems. This research focused on providing a physicochemical characterization and essential oils extraction of both species to better understand their potential valorization and guide further environmental management efforts. For this purpose, the following analyses were conducted for both species: higher heat value (HHV), elemental analysis, proximate analysis, thermogravimetric analysis to obtain constituent natural polymers (hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin), and extraction of essential oils and other interest chemical compounds through supercritical fluids. Ecological closeness was found between the two species mostly regarding HHV, fixed carbon, and volatile matter, which calls for similar potential uses. Both species were also found to be suitable for combustion processes, gasification, extraction of chemical compounds, and use of lignocellulosic content; however, only U. europaeus appeared suitable for activated carbon obtention. Therefore, this work provided relevant data that can be used as preliminary basis to establish strong scientifically-based management and control strategies for these two invasive species. We recommend focusing primarily on thermal processes such as pyrolysis, gasification, or combustion, and also essential oils extractions of acetic acid, dodecanoic acid, anagyrine, amylene hydrate, caulophylline, and maltol in the future.

Antimicrobial activity and physicochemical characterization of thermoplastic films based on bitter cassava starch, nanocellulose and rosemary essential oil

2021 ◽  
pp. 875608792110238
Author(s):  
Josette Araya ◽  
Marianelly Esquivel ◽  
Guillermo Jimenez ◽  
Diana Navia ◽  
Luis Poveda
Keyword(s):  
Antibacterial Activity ◽  
Essential Oil ◽  
Essential Oils ◽  
Shelf Life ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Barrier Properties ◽  
Cassava Starch ◽  
Vapor Permeability ◽  
Natural Polymers ◽  
Rosemary Essential Oil

Extended shelf-life of many foods is a modern requirement that has been achieved by means of fossil-based plastic films despite their environmental issues. Recently, starch-based, fully biodegradable thermoplastics are gaining momentum as packaging material; however, if they are in contact with food, aspects such storage, water interaction and spoilage due to microorganisms must be considered. Essential oils are of great interest due to their antimicrobial action, so incorporating these compounds into natural polymers can promote a longer shelf life through active packaging. In this study, antibacterial activity, optical, mechanical and barrier properties of thermoplastic starch (TPS) films based on cassava starch ( Manihot esculenta Crantz) and rosemary essential oil (REO) were studied. Furthermore, the effect of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) on TPS properties were surveyed. Film mechanical properties and those related to the interaction with water, showed that the highest resistance and barrier properties corresponded to the TPS/CNC 15% film, while adding oil to the films increased morphological heterogeneity, contributed to reduce tensile strength, and increased water solubility and water vapor permeability. Likewise, TPS films containing rosemary oil showed enhanced antibacterial activity mostly against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and A. niger fungus. Therefore, adding essential oils as natural additives favors using these biocomposites as functional packaging, and as potential replacements for single-use plastics.

Fuel characteristics of the invasive shrub Teline monspessulana (L.) K. Koch

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafael A. García ◽  
María L. Engler ◽  
Eduardo Peña ◽  
Fredric W. Pollnac ◽  
Aníbal Pauchard
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Large Volume ◽  
Mediterranean Climate ◽  
Fire Regime ◽  
Invasive Shrub ◽  
South Central ◽  
Genista Monspessulana ◽  
French Broom ◽  
Fuel Characteristics ◽  
Fuel Accumulation

Some broom species have the ability to modify elements of the fire regime in invaded areas. One such species, Teline monspessulana (Syn. Genista monspessulana; French Broom), has expanded notoriously in south-central Chile’s Mediterranean climate. The biota of this area may be particularly vulnerable to effects of invasive species on the fire regime, as it is less adapted to wildfires. The properties of the fuel accumulated in T. monspessulana populations of different ages are characterised in this paper. For this, models were constructed to estimate fuel accumulation in T. monspessulana populations, and tests for flammability of foliage were also performed. The results show that the rapid growth of this invasive shrub ensures a significant accumulation of fuel (close to 90 ton ha–1) in periods shorter than a decade, which may influence the severity of wildfires. Further, the fuel has a significant accumulation of fine material and high flammability, both of which may facilitate the ignition of fires. The large volume and high flammability of the fuel accumulated in T. monspessulana populations can thus play an important role in changing the fire regime in areas where it has invaded.

Samanea saman: A Novel Mucoadhesive Gum

2021 ◽  
pp. 57-62
Author(s):  
Nayana S. Baste ◽  
Ganesh. D. Basarkar
Keyword(s):  
Stress Measurement ◽  
Average Particle Size ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Qualitative Evaluation ◽  
Average Particle ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Natural Polymers ◽  
Chemical Evaluation ◽  
Research Article ◽  
Samanea Saman

Natural polymers are the most accepted pharmaceutical excipients of formulator’s choice. The reasons for this are their cost effectiveness, biocompatibility and availability. In this research article natural gum was extracted from the seeds of Samanea saman by using ethanol as a solvent. The physicochemical characterization like Loss on drying, Total ash and Acid insoluble ash, Swelling Index, Viscosity and qualitative evaluation of purified gum was done. The percent yield of gum was found to 6% w/w and the swelling index was found to be 18.5. Total ash value (7.5% w/w) and Acid insoluble ash value (1.4%w/w) shows purity of gum whereas 3.2% w/w loss on drying suggest low moisture content of gum. Chemical evaluation shows presence of carbohydrate. X ray diffraction graph of gum shows crystalline nature. The gum has average particle size 45.0±0.32 to 50±0.18μm, and the surface texture of the particles was found to be rough and irregular by scanning Electron Microscopy. Mucoadhesive property of gum was evaluated by Swelling index, Mucoadhesive force, Shear stress measurement. For this study polymeric tablet of gum with concentrations like 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90 %w/w were formulated and the results shows best mucoadhesive and swelling property. From the above result the gum may be used in the formulation of mucoadhesive dosage form.

scholarly journals Deciphering Molecular Determinants Underlying Penicillium digitatum’s Response to Biological and Chemical Antifungal Agents by Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-Based High-Resolution LC-MS/MS

2022 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 680
Author(s):  
Lucía Citores ◽  
Mariangela Valletta ◽  
Vikram Pratap Singh ◽  
Paolo Vincenzo Pedone ◽  
Rosario Iglesias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Fungal Pathogens ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Postharvest Disease ◽  
Tandem Mass ◽  
Cell Wall Degrading Enzymes ◽  
Inhibitory Mechanisms ◽  
Proteomic Approach ◽  
Molecular Determinants ◽  
Protein Toxins

Penicillium digitatum is a widespread pathogen responsible for the postharvest decay of citrus, one of the most economically important crops worldwide. Currently, chemical fungicides are still the main strategy to control the green mould disease caused by the fungus. However, the increasing selection and proliferation of fungicide-resistant strains require more efforts to explore new alternatives acting via new or unexplored mechanisms for postharvest disease management. To date, several non-chemical compounds have been investigated for the control of fungal pathogens. In this scenario, understanding the molecular determinants underlying P. digitatum’s response to biological and chemical antifungals may help in the development of safer and more effective non-chemical control methods. In this work, a proteomic approach based on isobaric labelling and a nanoLC tandem mass spectrometry approach was used to investigate molecular changes associated with P. digitatum’s response to treatments with α-sarcin and beetin 27 (BE27), two proteins endowed with antifungal activity. The outcomes of treatments with these biological agents were then compared with those triggered by the commonly used chemical fungicide thiabendazole (TBZ). Our results showed that differentially expressed proteins mainly include cell wall-degrading enzymes, proteins involved in stress response, antioxidant and detoxification mechanisms and metabolic processes such as thiamine biosynthesis. Interestingly, specific modulations in response to protein toxins treatments were observed for a subset of proteins. Deciphering the inhibitory mechanisms of biofungicides and chemical compounds, together with understanding their effects on the fungal physiology, will provide a new direction for improving the efficacy of novel antifungal formulations and developing new control strategies.

Investigating the Effects of Major Ecological Factors on Essential Oils and Existing Chemical Compounds of Nepeta menthoides in Habitat Conditions

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (SE) ◽  
pp. 457-459
Author(s):  
Mozhgan Omidi ◽  
Ali Akbar Imani
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Standard Condition ◽  
Ecological Factors ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Research Station ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Water Steam ◽  
North West ◽  
Specific Species

A native Iranian plant, Nepeta menthoides, located and distributed in the north west of Iran, is a gramineous, perennial plant species which belong s to mint family. Highlands of Sabalan Mountain, in Ardebil province, Shabil and Gotur Suyi regions are habitats for this specific species. This study enjoys samples collected from selective habitats in the stage of 50% flowering; moreover, the collected samples were dried in an appropriate and standard condition. Abooreyhan laboratory of Jungle and Pasture research institute was the place in which the above mentioned samples have undergone the process of essential oils, using the water steam method of distillation. The extracted components were gauged and identified by means of gas chromatography system connected to mass spectrograph. The results of the study distinctly indicated that in the habitat condition, the species grows in the highlands of Sabalan Mountain over the attitude of 3200 to 4000 meters, this specific species is highly visible in series and sandy clay hills, it is demonstrated that the density of the species has been increased as the height was increasing. Essential oil in the investigated area was ranging from 1.6% to 2.40%, admittedly, the least amount was in Gotur Suyi, while, the highest amount belonged to Shabil. Nineteen  chemical compounds were identified in samples collected from natural habitats, amongst all, the highest proportion belongs to 8,10-Cineole and Citronellol acetate.8,10- Cineole was ranging from 33 to 34 percent, the least amount was identified in Gotur Suyi region (before hot water spa) and the highest amount was observed between Gotur Suyi and Shabil. As mentioned earlier, Citronellol acetate was the second chemical compound, which was ranging from 16% to 31% and the least and the highest amount were known in Gotur suyi and Shabil, respectively. Samian medicinal plants research station possesses the highest level with the value of 57%.

The Global Expansion of Dengue: How Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes Enabled the First Pandemic Arbovirus

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 191-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver J. Brady ◽  
Simon I. Hay
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Aedes Aegypti ◽  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Viral Disease ◽  
Rapid Rise ◽  
Disease Vector ◽  
Research Priority ◽  
Global Spread ◽  
Human Habitation

Dengue is an emerging viral disease principally transmitted by the Aedes ( Stegomyia) aegypti mosquito. It is one of the fastest-growing global infectious diseases, with 100–400 million new infections a year, and is now entrenched in a growing number of tropical megacities. Behind this rapid rise is the simple adaptation of Ae. aegypti to a new entomological niche carved out by human habitation. This review describes the expansion of dengue and explores how key changes in the ecology of Ae. aegypti allowed it to become a successful invasive species and highly efficient disease vector. We argue that characterizing geographic heterogeneity in mosquito bionomics will be a key research priority that will enable us to better understand future dengue risk and design control strategies to reverse its global spread.

Synthesis, Physicochemical Characterization and MR Relaxometry of Aqueous Ferrofluids

2008 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 2399-2409 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. J. Hodenius ◽  
Thoralf Niendorf ◽  
Gabriele A. Krombach ◽  
Walter Richtering ◽  
Thomas Eckert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Scattering ◽  
Zeta Potential ◽  
Contrast Agents ◽  
Physicochemical Characterization ◽  
Dodecanoic Acid ◽  
Zeta Potentials ◽  
Mr Contrast Agents ◽  
High Particle ◽  
Mr Relaxometry

The synthesis and characterization of ferrofluid based MR contrast agents, which offer R2* versatility beyond that of ferucarbotran, is described. Ferrofluids were formed after stabilizing magnetite cores with dodecanoic acid (a), oleic acid (b), dodecylamine (c), citric acid (d) or tartaric acid (e). Core sizes were deduced from TEM micrographs. Magnetic properties were determined by SQUID magnetometry. Hydrodynamic particle diameters were determined by dynamic light scattering measurements. Zeta potentials were measured by combining laser Doppler velocimetry and phase analysis light scattering. Iron contents were evaluated colorimetrically. MR relaxometry including R1 and R2* was conducted in vitro using homogeneous ferrofluid samples. The average core diameters of ferrofluids a, b and c equaled 9.4±2.8 nm and approximately 2 nm for ferrofluids d and e. Magnetization measurements at 300 K revealed superparamagnetic behaviour for the dried 9 nm diameter cores and paramagnetic-like behaviour for the dried cores of ferrofluids d and e. Iron contents were between 32–75 mg Fe/mL, reflecting the ferrofluids' high particle concentrations. Hydrodynamic particle diameters equaled 100–120 nm (a, b and c). For the ferrofluids a, b, d and e coated with anions, strong negative zeta potential values between −27.5 mV and −54.0 mV were determined and a positive zeta potential value of +33.5 mV was found for ferrofluid c, covered with cationic dodecylammonium ions. MR relaxometry yielded R1-values of 1.9±0.3 (a), 4.0±0.8 (b), 5.2±1.0 (c), 0.124±0.002 (d) and 0.092±0.005 s−1 mM−1 (e), and R2*-values of 856±24 (a), 729±16 (b), 922±29 (c), 1.7±0.05 (d) and 0.49±0.05 s−1 mM−1 (e). Thus, the synthesized ferrofluids reveal a broad spectrum of R2* relaxivities. As a result, the various MR contrast agents have a great potential to be used in studies dealing with malignant tissue targeting or molecular imaging.

scholarly journals Essential Oils from Two Endemic Species of Apiaceae from Iran

2003 ◽  
Vol 58 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 459-463 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narguss Yassa ◽  
Hossein Akhani ◽  
Majid Aqaahmadi ◽  
Mojtaba Salimian
Keyword(s):  
Essential Oils ◽  
Endemic Species ◽  
Chemical Compounds ◽  
Oxygenated Monoterpenes ◽  
Monoterpene Hydrocarbons ◽  
Sesquiterpene Hydrocarbons

Abstract The composition of essential oils of Leutea glaucopruinosa (Rech.f.) Akhani & Salimian comb, nov., and Zeravschania (Boiss. & Hausskn.) Salimian & Akhani comb. nov. were analysed by GC-MS. 49 compounds are identified in the former and 33 compounds in the latter, comprising a total of 76 compounds in both species. Both species were originally described under Peucedanum, which are transferred in this paper into Leutea and Zeravschania, respectively. The chemical compounds of the essential oils show that there are only seven common compounds between two species. The major compounds of L. glaucopruinosa are mostly monoterpene hydrocarbons and oxygenated monoterpenes, in which α-pinene (31.5%), sabinene (9.7%), β-pinene (9.2%), exo-fenchyl acetate (4.5%) are dominant. In Z. pastinacifolia sesquiterpene hydrocarbons and phenylpropanoids dominate with β-bisabolene (37.3%), 3,1-butyl-1.2-dimethoxy benzene (14.9%), 10,11-dimethylbicyclo[6.3.0]undec-(8)-en-9-one (12.9%), 4-t-butyl-1,2-dimethoxy benzene (6.8%), (E)-asarone (5.1%) and elemicine (4.1%) as major compounds.

scholarly journals Propuesta metodológica de restauración para la vegetación riparia a partir de la variación de la composición florística en diferentes épocas climáticas del humedal Torca-Guaymaral

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Karen Julieth Clavijo Otálvaro ◽  
Ellie Anne López Barrera
Keyword(s):  
Ulex Europaeus ◽  
Genista Monspessulana

Introducción. El fenómeno del Niño de 2014-2015 evidenciado en los niveles nacional y regional tuvo impactos en ecosistemas hídricos y en las coberturas vegetales asociadas al mismo. Objetivo. Con el objetivo de establecer la relación entre la variación de la vegetación riparia y la variabilidad climática en el humedal urbano Torca-Guaymaral, se realizó la caracterización florística de la vegetación riparia asociada a este ecosistema estratégico para el borde norte de la ciudad de Bogotá. Posteriormente se plantea una propuesta metodológica de restauración enfocada a restablecer la estructura y función de la vegetación riparia, a través de la sucesión asistida. Materiales y métodos. Durante 2014-2015 se realizaron muestreos en dos épocas climáticas (húmeda y seca) en 21 unidades de muestreo para evaluar las coberturas vegetales con mayor desarrollo estructural, composición y riqueza. Los resultados reportan que existe una alta presencia de especies invasoras (Ulex europaeus y Genista monspessulana), lo cual ha generado una eliminación total de las especies nativas, una disminución en la diversidad del humedal, lo que imposibilita la llegada de nuevas especies. Resultados. Adicionalmente se encontró una relación positiva entre el incremento en la temperatura y la colonización. Asimismo, se reporta una alta dominancia en área y abundancia de las especies invasoras, lo que impide la recuperación del área con especies nativas y reduce los servicios ecosistémicos del humedal. Conclusión. Reconociendo los conflictos en el área, en este estudio se plantea una metodología para la recuperación de la vegetación riparia del sector occidental del humedal Torca-Guaymaral, en donde se involucra la sucesión vegetal asistida, el manejo de las especies invasoras y la siembra de nuevas especies.

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