Platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes: synthesis, antimicrobial and antifungal activity

The study aims to synthesize and examine the biological activity of mono- and binuclear platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes containing terminal and bridging nitrite ligands against the test cultures of Bacillus subtilis B4647, Aspergillus brasiliensis (niger) F679, Pseudomonas aeruginosa B8243, and Escherichia coli. Through the interaction of mononuclear platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes, dimeric complexes having nitrite ligands were synthesized. The composition and structure of these complexes were established using elemental analysis, conductometry, potentiometry, cryoscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and X-ray fluorescence analysis. A way to coordinate nitrite ligands with the central atom was established. Antimicrobial and antifungal properties were evaluated according to the capability of the synthesized complexes to inhibit the activity of bacteria and fungi via diffusion in agar and in vitro dilution. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of the complexes suppressing the visible growth of microorganisms and fungi, as well as exhibiting their bactericidal effect, ranged from 62.5–125 μmol/dm3. The obtained results revealed a high activity of the palladium (II) binuclear complex of the non-electrolytic type and the platinum (II) binuclear complex of the cationic type. Unlike mononuclear complexes, palladium and platinum binuclear complexes demonstrate higher antibacterial activity. Antibacterial effectiveness exhibited by the palladium complex of the non-electrolytic type against bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi Aspergillus niger, is more pronounced. The only exception is the antimicrobial activity of the palladium complex against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is comparable to that of the binuclear platinum complex of the cationic type. By changing the structure of the complex, the composition and charge of the inner sphere, the number of coordination centers, as well as the nature and denticity of ligands, it is possible to achieve a higher toxic effect of the complexes against bacteria and fungi.

IR spectroscopy for analysing solvent extraction efficiency of oil extracts

Solvent extraction is a method for purifying oil extracts, which are used as oil-plasticisers for industrial rubber goods, from cancerogenic hydrocarbons. The efficiency of this method is mainly determined by the selectivity and solvent properties of a separating agent. However, when carrying out a comparative analysis of promising extraction methods, it is necessary to use real-time methods for studying the composition of the resulting products. The purification efficiency of oil extracts from polycyclic aromatic components, including carcinogenic hydrocarbons (benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[e]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, etc.), was evaluated depending upon the nature of selective solvents. The structure-group composition of the purified oil extracts and those at the second-stage of purification was determined by FTIR spectroscopy. It was found that the extraction efficiency of the studied solvents towards polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from oil extracts increases in the following order: dimethyl sulfoxide < N-methylpyrrolidone + 10 wt% ethylene glycol <N-methylpyrrolidone +50 wt% triethylene glycol. When using a solvent comprising N-methylpyrrolidone + 50 wt% triethylene glycol, the proportion of polyalkyl-substituted and condensed aromatic structures in the purified oil extract decreases by 16.8%; the oil extract yield increases by over 25 wt% in contrast to extraction with N-methylpyrrolidone + ethylene glycol mixture, which meets the requirements of the European Union for oil extract purification (Directive No. 2005/69/EC). Therefore, we recommend the solvent comprising N-methylpyrrolidone + 50 wt% triethylene glycol for purifying oil extracts from components having a technogenic impact on the environment and human health and IR spectroscopy for efficiency assessment of solvent extraction of oil extracts.

Influence of mechanochemical activation on dissolving model corrosion films formed on ion-exchange resins using Trilon B

Inorganic deposits formed during operation and intermediate storage contain radionuclides, whose removal during the chemical decontamination of spent ion-exchange resins used in filters for special water purification at nuclear power plants has proved to be a challenge. In such deposits, radionuclides of the corrosion group (58.60Co, 54Mn, 51Cr) are typically located in the crystal lattice of poorly soluble iron oxides. The present work discusses the possibility of using mechanochemical activation in the decontamination of spent ion-exchange resins polluted with deposits of activated corrosion products from structural materials. Samples of natural and synthesised on the surface of the KU-2-8 cation exchanger in the presence of the 57Co label magnetites were used as model deposits. It was shown that an increase in the duration of mechanochemical activation leads to an increase in the dissolution rate of magnetite in model decontamination solutions based on еthylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (Trilon B) and nitric acid. It was shown that, when using Trilon B, magnetite dissolves more efficiently, which is explained by the interaction between the oxide surface and organic complexing agents. It can be assumed that solid-phase reactions occur during the mechanochemical activation of magnetite in the presence of dry reagents (Trilon B, oxalic, ascorbic and citric acids). Therefore, a poorly soluble shell formed on the oxide surface hinders the dissolution at a low magnetite/solution ratio. Unlike the reagent-free activation, for magnetite activated in the presence of oxalic acid, an increase in the solution/magnetite ratio promotes the dissolution of iron oxides. Using the example of a model cation exchanger, it was shown that the rate and efficiency of decontamination of spent ion-exchange resins polluted with deposits containing activated corrosion products increase significantly after mechanochemical activation in the presence of oxalic acid.

The role of cysteine in the formation of domain structures of papain and legumin in peas, involved in limited proteolysis

The limited use of plant proteins for food is explained by their low bioavailability and poor digestibility by enzymes of the gastrointestinal tract. Partially reproduced enzymatic processes of limited proteolysis that occur during seed germination are used to modify and improve the edibility characteristics of seed proteins. The present work discusses the possibility of reducing the duration of seed germination processes by optimising the conditions and parameters of limited proteolysis. To optimise manufacturing high-quality final product, enzymes (additional to the natural enzymes in the seed) and proteolysis conditions (in this case, temperature), as well as added substances (hydrolysis activators), were selected. The influence of cysteine on the formation of domain structures of proteins (enzymes and globulins) was evaluated. The proposed expressions can be used to determine those fragments of protein molecules that form stable domains and become unstructured when exposed to enzymes. Optimal conditions for limited proteolysis were identified based on the physical mechanism of action of papain-like proteolytic enzymes on pea legumin LegA (3KSC, CAA10722). It is shown that the decomposition of protein secondary structures takes 6–8 times longer, since the formed hydrogen bonds limit the access of enzymes to the corresponding amino-acid residues. It is also demonstrated that the decomposition of hydrogen bonds, e.g. by preliminary heat treatment of proteins, will broaden the prospects for limited proteolysis.

Mitochondrial сomplexome of etiolated pea shoots

Studies into mitochondrial сomplexomes in various organisms provide an insight into the native organization of proteins and metabolic pathways in the organelles of the subject under study. “Complexome” is a relatively recent concept describing the proteome of protein complexes, supercomplexes, and oligomeric proteins. Complexome analysis is performed using current electrophoretic and mass spectrometric techniques, in particular, by two-dimensional electrophoresis (2D BN/SDS-PAGE) in combination with mass spectrometry (MS). Unlike 2D IEF/SDS-PAGE, this method enables analysis of not only hydrophilic proteins of the mitochondrial matrix, but also membrane proteins and their associations, thus expanding the possibilities of studying the organelle proteome. In the present work, the complexome of etiolated pea shoots was studied for the first time using 2D BN/SDS-PAGE followed by MALDI-TOF MS. To this end, 145 protein spots excised from the gel were analyzed; 110 polypeptides were identified and assigned to different functional groups. A densitometric analysis revealed that the major protein group comprised the enzymes of the mitochondrial energy system (1), accounting for an average of 43% of the total polypeptide content. The remaining 57% was primarily distributed among the following functional categories: pyruvate dehydrogenase complex and citric acid cycle (2); amino acid metabolism (3); nucleic acid processing (4); protein folding (5); antioxidant protection (6); carrier proteins (7); other proteins (8); proteins having unknown functions (9). The obtained data indicate the complex organization of the pea proteome. In addition to the enzymes of the OXPHOS system, the proteins of other functional categories are found to form supramolecular structures. It is suggested that the presence of proteins from other cellular compartments may indicate the interaction of mitochondria with the enzymes or structures of corresponding organelles. In general, the obtained data on the pea complexome represent a kind of a mitochondrial “passport” that reflects the native state of the proteome of organelles corresponding to their physiological status.

Antioxidant properties of medicinal plants and their effect on microbial spoilage of semi-finished meat, poultry and fish

Plant extracts rich in polyphenols can be used in the food industry as natural preservatives, extending the shelf life of prepared and semi-finished foods without chemical preservatives. In this paper, we investigate the polyphenolic composition, antioxidant activity and antibacterial properties of herbal extracts as part of food systems. The research objects were knot grass (Polýgonum aviculáre), marjoram (Oríganum), bur beggar-ticks (Bídenstripartíta), thyme (Thymus), whortleberry leaves (Vaccínium ida vítis), calendula (Calendula), sage (Salvia), chamomile flowers (Matricāriachamomīlla), eucalyptus (Eucalýptus) and bearberry (Arctostáphylosúva-úrsi). We determined the total content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids; the antioxidant activity by DPPH and FRAP methods; variations in the bacterial сontamination of animal raw materials over total bacterial count (TBC), coliform bacteria, yeast/fungi, salmonella and staphylococcus. Extracts of sage (1138±57 mg GA/100 g and 537±25 mg C/100 g), eucalyptus (1073±49 mg GA/100 g and 412±20 mg C/100 g), chamomile flowers (1002±36 mg GA/100 g and 493±22 mg C/100 g) and marjoram (1015±42 mg GA/100 g and 458±21 mg C/100 g) contain the largest amount of biologically active substances (phenols and flavonoids, respectively). Sage, eucalyptus and chamomile extracts demonstrate the highest antioxidant activity among the studied samples. Most of the studied extracts exhibit little or no effect on the organoleptic properties of finished products. In addition, chamomile flower, sage and eucalyptus extracts suppress the growth of pathogenic microorganisms in foods under experimental conditions. The microflora growth is significantly reduced when treating animal raw materials with calendula flowers, marjoram and thyme extracts. Extracts of sage, chamomile flowers, calendula flowers, marjoram and thyme can be recommended as components of food raw materials.

Optical properties of honey: FTIR spectroscopy and refractometry

115 samples of honey of various botanical types, geographical origin and harvest year (2019– 2021) were analysed using attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy of impaired total reflection, refractometry and biochemical analysis. Initial honey samples in liquid and crystallised states were investigated. Crystalline D-glucopyranose (glucose), D-fructopyranose (fructose), their 40% solutions and invert sugar were used as auxiliary substances. Biochemical analysis was used to determine the glucose content in honey samples. Based on the obtained data, a relationship between the results of biochemical analysis and refractometry (refractive index, the content of invert sugars, humidity) was established. We deduced equations that allow the content of glucose and fructose in honey to be evaluated by the refractive index. Studying honey by IR spectroscopy showed that all investigated samples, regardless of the botanical and geographical origins, can be classified into three groups dominated by: I – glucose, II – fructose and III – mixed, with a close content of two monosaccharides. This allowed the bands characteristic of α- and β-pyranose forms of glucose and fructose to be identified, as well as the nature of their changes depending on the ratio of both monosaccharides in honey as a result of their crystallisation to be assessed. It is noted that the ratio of monosaccharides determines not only the stability of the liquid crystal structure and crystallisation rate in honey but also their optical, biochemical and nutritional properties, which are important for the preferred use of honey in medical and pharmacopoeial practice, dietetics and cosmetology.

Estimation of parameters characterizing a steady-state synthesis process with nonlinear microorganism growth kinetics

The paper describes a theoretical basis developed for estimating the parameters of a steady-state biotechnological process characterized by nonlinear microorganism growth kinetics. This study aimed to obtain a common methodological basis for estimating input parameters that determine actual technology implementation, taking into account all possible restrictions on the concentration of incoming substrate Sf (g/l) and dilution rate D (h-1 ). The theory development was based on a mathematical model describing one of the most common processes of lactic acid production. This mathematical model includes three mass balance equations (for biomass, substrate, and product), as well as an equation of microorganism growth kinetics. The study established relations for calculating the ultimate value of the dilution rate D ult at a given Sf , relations for the maximum and minimum values of Sf , as well as Sf and D providing the maximum productivity value QP, g/(l·h), where QP = PD (P – product concentration, g/l). These relations were designed to calculate the parameters of possible process implementation for two options at the same value of QP: two values of D calculated for a given Sf and two values of Sf calculated for a given D. A numerical experiment is described using the constants of the mathematical model confirmed by foreign studies. This numerical experiment is illustrated using an Sf-D dependence pattern determining an acceptable value range for Sf and D, with the separate calculation of parameters according to Sf sections. For each of these sections, calculation formulas are provided. It is concluded that the developed theoretical basis is sufficiently general in nature to be applied to biotechnological processes that involve other kinetic relations, as well as microorganism strains creating by-products and using raw materials that are employed to reproduce the substrate in the process of synthesis.

Biopotential of collagen-containing hydrolysates obtained from fish raw materials for protein sports nutrition

Low-molecular peptides of collagen origin are of crucial importance for the body metabolism. This work aims to substantiate the use of the hydrolysates of collagen-containing fish raw materials (scale) for protein sports nutrition. Sublimated low-molecular weight peptide water-soluble and dried water-insoluble protein-mineral supplements from the sardine scale were obtained by enzymatic thermal hydrolysis. The biopotential of scale and auxiliary food additives (apple pomace, flaxseed cake, pine nuts) was investigated using standard methods. The protein content and amino acid composition of the peptide supplement and the mineral composition of the protein-mineral supplement were analysed; their high biopotential according to the above criteria was shown. The peptide supplement contains all essential amino acids having a biological value of 59.9%. The protein-mineral supplement contains no tryptophan but a high amount of calcium (22.2 g/100 g) and phosphorus (12.0 g/100 g). The high content of functional food ingredients (protein, pectin, cellulose, polyphenols, minerals, vitamin C) in auxiliary vegetable raw materials was shown. The shape of a sports nutrition product (chocolate glazed protein bar) was substantiated. The basic recipe of a 60 g protein bar having the required protein content, a given structure and high consumer properties was established. Having a protein content of 23.5%, the bar provides a 24.1% calorific value, which corresponds to the "protein-rich food" for sports nutrition according to GOST 34006-2016. The biological protein value in the bar increased relative to the peptide supplement by 12% and amounted to 71.38%. The developed protein sports nutrition bar is dietary balanced by the content of amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, valine, methionine and cystine, phenylalanine and tyrosine, tryptophan, lysine, threonine, alanine, arginine, histidine, glycine, carnosine, taurine, ornithine, citrulline), fibre, polyphenols, calcium and phosphorus and is recommended for athletes and people having an active lifestyle.

Agglutination processes of activated sludge cultures induced by extracellular lectins

We examine the agglutinating ability of five compounds, namely, A1, A2, A3, A4 and BS1, isolated from activated sludge on selective media typical of a number of dominant microbial cultures that contribute to the formation of microbial aggregates. The morphological properties of the isolates and their lectin activity, as well as the physiological and biochemical properties of individual isolates were studied; microorganisms in their composition were identified. We assessed the capacity of the isolates under study to synthesize an exopolysaccharide matrix, as well as the sedimentation of activated sludge under the action of the native solution and culture liquid of the BS1 isolate. Based on their capacity to agglutinate, the BS1 and A2 isolates were selected for further research as producers of extracellular lectins and objects of agglutination, respectively. The biophysiochemical properties and molecular-genetic identification of the BS1 isolate allowed the degree of identity with r. Bacillus to be defined (96.19%); for the A2 isolate, 92.93% identity with p. Shigella and p. Escherichia was determined. To assess the capacity to synthesize a biofilm matrix, the BS1 and A2 isolates were cultivated on an agar nutrient solution using Congo Red dye. According to the obtained results, the isolates are capable of synthesizing an exopolysaccharide matrix, the main component of bacterial biofilms. The research results on the sedimentation of activated sludge induced by the native solution and culture liquid of BS1 showed the following. The sedimentation rate of activated sludge increased significantly at the beginning of the process upon adding a BS1 cell suspension, while the introduction of the native solution of BS1 intensified the process following 5 minutes of contact. The obtained experimental data suggest that the media containing extracellular bacterial lectins can be effectively used as a coagulant (flocculant) for the sedimentation of activated sludge.