Given the global challenge of drug-resistant pathogens, essential oils would be new pharmacological supplements for antibacterial action with low toxicity and low or no resistance. This study investigated the physical pr...Given the global challenge of drug-resistant pathogens, essential oils would be new pharmacological supplements for antibacterial action with low toxicity and low or no resistance. This study investigated the physical properties, chemical profile and antimicrobial activity of native essential oils to develop antibiotic alternatives. Specifically, essential oils were extracted from Dendranthema indicum, Orixa japonica, Chamaecyparis pisifera var. filifera, Peucedanum japonicum, and Pinus strobus using hydrodistillation. The antimicrobial activity of essential oils against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumonia was assessed by Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC). The essential oils from D. indicum with blue colour showed lower b* values (3.21±0.78) than other species (14.94±0.51-15.84±0.78). D. indicum oil showed the highest values in relative density (0.920±0.000g/mL) and refractive index (1.493±0.000nD) among the other oils. These results might be attributed to the major component of camphor in oils, known for its high density and refractive index. C. pisifera had the highest oil yield (4.01±0.17% DW) among the other species (0.36 ± 0.13-0.78±0.18% DW). Both C. pisifera and P. japonicum oils were rich in monoterpenes (81.09-91.06%), such as 3-carene (34.28%) and β-pinene (47.37%). Yet, the other oils were abundant in sesquiterpenes (13.82-36.45%). For example, the major components of D. indicum oils were germacrene-D (16.56%), followed by caryophyllene (9.20%). D. indicum and O. japonica oils were particularly effective in inhibiting both bacterial growths (MIC:0.5-1.5% and MBC:4-8%), whereas the other essential oils might require higher concentrations for bactericidal effects (MIC:1-3% and MBC:3- ≥ 12%). The strong antibacterial effect of D. indicum and O. japonica oils might be attributed to the major components of camphor (23.05%) and linalool (10.92%), respectively. Therefore, D. indicum and O. japonica essential oils would exhibit strong antibacterial activity, highlighting a potential antimicrobial agent in food and health industrial resources.
Fish oil contains not only major fatty acids with double bonds at the n-3, n-6, n-7, and n-9 positions but also those with a double bond at the n-1 position, such as 6,9,12,15-hexadecatetraenoic acid (C16:4 n-1; HDTA). H...Fish oil contains not only major fatty acids with double bonds at the n-3, n-6, n-7, and n-9 positions but also those with a double bond at the n-1 position, such as 6,9,12,15-hexadecatetraenoic acid (C16:4 n-1; HDTA). However, intracellular bioconversion and metabolic fate of n-1 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to assess the intracellular bioconversion and metabolic fate of HDTA and its metabolite, 8,11,14,17- octadecatetraenoic acid (C18:4 n-1; ODTA), using HepG2 cells. Based on the results of cell viability and cytotoxicity assays for HDTA and ODTA, the concentration of each fatty acid supplemented in the experiments was set at 10 μM. HepG2 cell culture with HDTA revealed C20:4 n-1 as a new HDTA metabolite, along with previously reported ODTA. Our findings suggest that the HDTA taken up by HepG2 cells undergoes elongation to form ODTA and C20:4 n-1. Following supplementation with HDTA, ODTA, and 5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3; EPA), fatty acids disappeared from the culture medium within 24 h. Notably, the total relative level of HDTA and its metabolites, including ODTA and C20:4 n-1 in HDTA- and ODTA-supplemented cells were significantly lower than the total relative level of EPA and its metabolites, including 7,10,13,16,19-docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5 n-3), C24:6 n-3, and 4,7,10,13,16,19-docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3) in the EPA-supplemented cells. Except for a portion that was intracellularly elongated, most HDTA was taken up by HepG2 cells and may undergo rapid fatty acid β-oxidation. However, RNA-sequencing and real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed no significant changes in fatty acid β-oxidation-related gene expression levels in HDTA-supplemented cells. Collectively, these results provide novel insights into the intracellular bioconversion mechanisms and metabolic fate of HDTA and ODTA in HepG2 cells, suggesting that the metabolic fate of n-1 PUFA is distinct from that of common PUFA.
We investigated the dynamics of surface tension in binary nonionic surfactant mixtures in aqueous solutions using a custom-made sessile bubble tensiometer. When the bubble surface is initially saturated with tetraethylen...We investigated the dynamics of surface tension in binary nonionic surfactant mixtures in aqueous solutions using a custom-made sessile bubble tensiometer. When the bubble surface is initially saturated with tetraethyleneglycol monooctylether (C8E4), adding a second surfactant, octyl-β-D-maltopyranoside (OM), to the adsorbed film results in a straightforward, gradual decrease in surface tension. Conversely, if the surfactants are introduced in reverse order, the surface tension exhibits an overshoot or oscillation over time, depending on the relative concentrations of C8E4 and OM. This pattern mirrors those previously observed in C8E4 - dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB) and tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide (TTAB) - DTAB systems. The surface tension overshoot and oscillation phenomena are explained by the differences in the critical micelle concentrations (i.e., surface activity) of the surfactants. We also analyzed the observed surface tension behaviors using the theory developed for the adsorption kinetics of higher alcohols on lipid-insoluble monolayers. Comparing our findings with those in lipid-insoluble monolayers, it was suggested that the elasticity of the initially formed adsorbed film is another crucial factor in determining whether surface tension oscillation or overshoot occurs.
This study utilized a microwave-induced in-liquid plasma (MILP) device to treat water contaminated with microplastics (MPs) and metal ions. The performance of the device was initially assessed using a rhodamine-B (RhB) a...This study utilized a microwave-induced in-liquid plasma (MILP) device to treat water contaminated with microplastics (MPs) and metal ions. The performance of the device was initially assessed using a rhodamine-B (RhB) aqueous dye solution in a circulation-type reactor, yielding a greater degradation efficiency compared to conventional batch treatments. Polyethylene (PE) particles (diameter, 20 μm; average molecular weight, 1.8 million) served as a model for MPs to evaluate their disposal and degradation under continuous circulation treatment. A plasma-induced polymer gel synthesis method was employed to remove metal ions, achieving over 80% removal of copper, tin, lead, and mercury within 5 minutes. These findings highlight the significant potential of MILP technology for innovative advanced water treatment applications.
The incorporation of molecular assemblies into hydrogels for transdermal delivery applications may affect their morphology and the dynamics of their constituent molecules; however, such effects have not been thoroughly i...The incorporation of molecular assemblies into hydrogels for transdermal delivery applications may affect their morphology and the dynamics of their constituent molecules; however, such effects have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we used bicellar mixtures composed of DPPC and DHPC as a model system to evaluate structural changes and reversibility within agarose hydrogels using depolarized dynamic light scattering (DDLS), a non-destructive method capable of analyzing morphologies of samples dispersed in an aqueous solution. To verify the performance of the DLS apparatus, standard particles and synthetic mica were measured, confirming that sufficient scattering intensity could be obtained even at an agarose concentration of 0.5 mass%. We investigated DPPC vesicles and DPPC/DHPC bicellar mixtures in aqueous solution and agarose gel, analyzing their translational and rotational diffusion coefficients. By applying a morphology-sensitive correction factor α, the aspect ratio (AR) of the bicellar assemblies was estimated to be approximately 2.0. The major and minor axes of the DPPC/DHPC bicelle mixtures were 40.0 nm and 20.0 nm in aqueous solution, and 32.7 nm and 15.0 nm in agarose gel, respectively. These differences may indicate stacking of multiple bicellar mixtures, which is consistent with the TEM image observations. In addition, although the structural transformation of bicellar mixtures in agarose gels occurred more slowly than in aqueous solution, changes induced by external stimuli (e.g., heating and stirring) and their partial reversibility were observed. These findings demonstrate that DDLS is a useful technique for evaluating the structural stability and responsiveness of molecular assemblies within agarose hydrogels, providing valuable insights for the future design of gel-embedded drug delivery systems.
The root of Rehmannia glutinosa is an ingredient in herbal medicine used for tonifying blood in Japanese Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Biological investigations of the roots have been well reported; ho...The root of Rehmannia glutinosa is an ingredient in herbal medicine used for tonifying blood in Japanese Kampo medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Biological investigations of the roots have been well reported; however, those of the leaves are limited. In this study, we examined the potential value of R. glutinosa leaves, focusing on their antioxidant activity and inhibition of advanced glycation end product formation. The leaf extract exhibited both antioxidant and anti-glycation activities in all assay systems, and the potencies of the leaves were stronger than those of the roots. The bioassay-guided fractionation led to the isolation of eight compounds from the ethyl acetate fraction. Among them and their related compounds, acteoside (3), luteolin (6), and echinacoside (12) exhibited DPPH radical scavenging, copper ion reduction, and SOD-like activities. Furthermore, compound 6, apigenin (7), and chrysoeriol (8) exhibited anti-glycation activities. The leaf extract tended to contain higher amounts of most analytes, especially compounds 3, 6, and 7, suggesting that these compounds contributed to the antioxidant or anti-glycation activities of R. glutinosa leaves. These findings will aid in the effective use of R. glutinosa leaves.
Magnolia officinalis Flos (Houpohua), a valued traditional Chinese medicine, suffers from inconsistent quality due to vague pharmacopeial harvesting criteria. To resolve this, we integrated multi-scale analytical approac...Magnolia officinalis Flos (Houpohua), a valued traditional Chinese medicine, suffers from inconsistent quality due to vague pharmacopeial harvesting criteria. To resolve this, we integrated multi-scale analytical approaches-including microscopic histochemistry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and chemometrics (n=120 samples)-yielding three critical discoveries: (1) A newly established 4-stage developmental classification (S1-S4) pinpointed S1 (bud length: 4.1-6.0 cm) as the biosynthetic optimum, exhibiting peak essential oil content (0.27% w/w) and maximal oil cell density (236.35 ± 7.09 cells/mm); (2) Spatial mapping revealed a 40.03-foldoil cell gradient between basal (115.29 ± 3.45 cells/mm) and apical tepal regions, indicating tissue-specific accumulation patterns; (3) Multivariate analysis uncovered a developmental metabolic shift dominated by caryophyllene-to-caryophyllene oxide conversion (explaining 94.06% of PC1 variance), synchronized with oil cell maturation. Mechanistically, post-S1 yield reduction stems from cell dilution (tepal expansion) and oxidative transformation. This work not only establishes evidence-based harvesting standards but also proposes a novel quality assessment paradigm integrating structural and metabolic markers for medicinal plants.
Although sigmatropic rearrangements have been widely reported, nitro group shifts have rarely been investigated. In this study, we investigated the synthesis of 4-ethoxycarbonyl-2-nitrophenols via the [1,3]-nitro shift....Although sigmatropic rearrangements have been widely reported, nitro group shifts have rarely been investigated. In this study, we investigated the synthesis of 4-ethoxycarbonyl-2-nitrophenols via the [1,3]-nitro shift. 4-Ethoxycarbonyl-4-nitrocyclohexanone, when subjected to I-DMSO system, gave the 4-nitrocyclohexa-2,5-dienenone intermediate that undergoes [1,3]-nitro shift followed by aromatization to afford 4-ethoxycarbonyl-2-nitrophenols. Although there is a room for improvement in product yield and selectivity, the development of a reaction system that facilitates [1,3]-nitro shift from readily available starting materials is noteworthy.
In this study, the antioxidant potential and phenolic compound profiles of extracts obtained from the fruit, leaf, and seed parts of Cornus mas L. (cornelian cherry) collected from Tortum, Erzurum (Turkey) using ethanol...In this study, the antioxidant potential and phenolic compound profiles of extracts obtained from the fruit, leaf, and seed parts of Cornus mas L. (cornelian cherry) collected from Tortum, Erzurum (Turkey) using ethanol and water solvents were evaluated. Antioxidant capacity was determined by DPPH, ABTS, and CUPRAC assays, while total phenolic content (TPC) and flavonoid content were measured spectrophotometrically. In addition, phenolic profiles were analyzed using LC-MS/MS technique. Among the extracts, those labeled "SD-MAS-HO" and "SD-MAS-EtOH" exhibited the highest antioxidant activities, with IC values of 2.16±0.11 and 2.27±0.09 µg/mL for DPPH, and 1.35 and 1.47±0.05 µg/mL for ABTS, respectively. In the CUPRAC assay, these same extracts showed the strongest reducing power, with absorbance values of 0.866 and 0.828. The highest total phenolic content was found in the "SD-MAS-ETOH" extract (157.80 µg GAE/g), followed by "LF-MAS-ETOH" (113.09 µg GAE/g) and "SD-HDR" (110.76 µg GAE/g). The "SD-MAS-ETOH" extract also contained the highest total flavonoid content (586.47 µg QE/g). LC-MS/MS analysis revealed that the "SD-MAS-HO" extract contained high concentrations of gallic acid (443.62 mg/L), vanillic acid (484.35 mg/L), hydroxybenzaldehyde (250.52 mg/L), and hesperidin (34.74 mg/L). These compounds are considered major contributors to the observed antioxidant activity. Pearson correlation analysis showed significant negative correlations between total phenolic content and IC values for DPPH (r = -0.7535) and ABTS (r = -0.7353), indicating a strong relationship between phenolic composition and antioxidant capacity. These findings highlight the potential of Cornus mas L. as a valuable natural antioxidant source for applications in functional foods and pharmaceutical products.
We report that when liposomes are added to a solution of a hydrophobic water-soluble polymer, i.e., hydrophobically-modified hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HM-HPMC), a liposome cross-linked gel (LCG) is formed due to the...We report that when liposomes are added to a solution of a hydrophobic water-soluble polymer, i.e., hydrophobically-modified hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HM-HPMC), a liposome cross-linked gel (LCG) is formed due to the anchoring effect of the hydrophobic groups. In this study, we investigated LCG films made of HM-HPMC cross-linked with liposomes and evaluated the internal structure and drug release properties of the resulting films. The investigation of the LCG films indicated that only LCG formulations consisting of liposomes, HM-HPMC, and either 5% or 10% glycerol (GL) were capable of forming films with moderate strength and flexibility. These results suggested that both the three-dimensional network structure of LCG and the plasticizing effect of GL are necessary for film formulation. Structural evaluations of the resulting films were performed by small-angle X-ray scattering measurements and electron microscopy observations. These analyses revealed many structures presumably derived from liposomes in the film formulations, suggesting that the liposome structure is preserved in LCG films. The evaluation of drug release properties of the resulting films was performed by calculating drug release rates from film formulations containing 1% calcein (CAL, Mw 622.53) and fluorescently labeled dextran (FD4, Mw 4,000; FD40, Mw 40,000) as model drugs. The drug release rates from the film formulations containing CAL, FD4 and FD40 were in the order of CAL ≈ FD4 > FD40. The higher molecular weight of the drug may make the drug more difficult to diffuse through the film formulation due to the three-dimensional network structure of the LCG. These results indicated LCG can form film formulations containing water-soluble polymeric drugs with moderate strength and flexibility.
House cricket (Acheta domesticus) oil is a potential source of the food industry, but its applications are still very limited. This study introduced a simple protocol for refining crude cricket oil and then utilized the...House cricket (Acheta domesticus) oil is a potential source of the food industry, but its applications are still very limited. This study introduced a simple protocol for refining crude cricket oil and then utilized the refined oil for mayonnaise production. Physical and chemical analysis showed that refining process could eliminate most free fatty acids as well as unwanted impurities in raw material. Refined cricket oil had a very high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids (35% oleic and 28% linoleic acids) and was appropriate to replace vegetable oil in mayonnaise productions. Texture and rheology analysis were applied to compare the quality of vegetable oil-based mayonnaise and refined cricket oil-based mayonnaise. Obtained results revealed that the latter had a better structure as well as a higher viscosity.
Camellia oleifera seed oil (COSO), a nutritionally rich oil from a key southern Chinese woody crop, has gained significance in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields. This review summarizes its high-value products, ex...Camellia oleifera seed oil (COSO), a nutritionally rich oil from a key southern Chinese woody crop, has gained significance in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields. This review summarizes its high-value products, extraction technologies, chemical composition, and health benefits. High-value products include crude COSO and refined COSO, with by-products such as seed meal and shells that yield bioactive compounds for animal feed, fertilizers, and nutraceuticals. Extraction methods range from traditional mechanical pressing and solvent extraction to innovative approaches like supercritical CO extraction and enzyme/ultrasound/microwave-assisted techniques. Chemically, COSO features a balanced fatty acid profile dominated by oleic acid (52.13%-86.6%), along with abundant phytosterols, squalene, α-tocopherol, and phenolic compounds, which collectively enhance its oxidative stability and antioxidant activity. Health benefits include antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotection in Alzheimer's disease, anti-fatigue properties, antimicrobial activity, and osteoporosis prevention via mechanisms like NF-κB signaling modulation. In conclusion, COSO and its by-products offer nutritional, industrial, and therapeutic value, with innovative technologies promoting sustainability. Further research on large-scale optimization and by-product utilization is needed to fully exploit their potential in functional foods and healthcare.
Carotenoids are one of the common food ingredients with potential anti-inflammatory effects. Screening of carotenoids for their anti-inflammatory effects has predominantly been conducted using macrophages, whereas compar...Carotenoids are one of the common food ingredients with potential anti-inflammatory effects. Screening of carotenoids for their anti-inflammatory effects has predominantly been conducted using macrophages, whereas comparative analyses of their effects on excessive activation of microglia remain limited. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of eight different carotenoids in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia, focusing on nitric oxide (NO) production suppression and underlying molecular mechanisms. Mouse microglia cell line MG6 was pretreated with carotenoids, followed by stimulation with LPS. Among the tested carotenoids, β-carotene, echinenone, and siphonaxanthin exhibited strong NO-inhibitory effects. Western blot analysis indicated that the effect of siphonaxanthin was mediated by NF-κB inhibition. Lipidomic analysis revealed distinct effects of β-carotene and siphonaxanthin on LPS-stimulated microglia, indicating possible differences in their inhibitory mechanisms. Gene expression analysis showed that β-carotene increased the expression of elongation of very long chain fatty acids (ELOVL) 3, ELOVL4, and fatty acid synthase, while restoring ELOVL6 mRNA expression. These results were consistent with the lipidomic analysis. Pharmacological inhibition studies demonstrated that β-carotene exerted its inhibitory effects via retinoic acid receptor (RAR)-dependent mechanisms, although the involvement of RAR-independent pathways cannot be excluded. Echinenone exhibited RAR-dependent suppression of NO production comparable to that of β-carotene. These findings suggest that carotenoids modulate neuroinflammation through multiple mechanisms, including NF-κB inhibition (e.g. siphonaxanthin), RAR activation (e.g. β-carotene and echinenone), and possibly alternative signaling pathways (e.g. astaxanthin), although the detailed mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Since RAR activation has been shown to improve cognitive function in mouse models of Alzheimer's disease, β-carotene and echinenone may have therapeutic potential in reducing neuroinflammation and preserving cognitive function. Further in vivo studies are necessary to validate these effects.
This study aimed to investigate the aroma compounds in fresh leaves and their dried powders in Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (yamato-tōki). Essential oils were extracted from the dried powders of leaves in A. acutiloba Kit...This study aimed to investigate the aroma compounds in fresh leaves and their dried powders in Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (yamato-tōki). Essential oils were extracted from the dried powders of leaves in A. acutiloba Kitagawa using a simultaneous distillation extraction (SDE) technique and analyzed using GC/MS. The phthalides in the essential oils were accounted for 41.46%, followed by sesquiterpene hydrocarbonds (19.45%) and monoterpene hydrocarbonds (18.74%). A major component in the oils, detected at 34.95%, was isolated using silica gel column chromatography and determined as (Z)-ligustilide using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy. We also purified (Z)-butylidenephthalide as the minor phthalide. In the oils extracted from fresh leaves using SDE, the monoterpene hydrocarbonds were accounted for 52.69%, followed by phthalides (20.95%) and sesquiterpene hydrocarbonds (10.63%). The most dominant aroma compound identified was γ-terpinene, followed by (Z)-ligustilide, p-cymene and β-caryophyllene using GC/MS. Both oils exhibited a celery-like aroma. It could be revealed that investigations on the composition of related phthalides in Angelica varieties are necessary to clarify their therapeutic effects and mechanisms.
Arctium lappa L. (burdock) leaves is effective in the traditional treatment of stroke. Fatty acids are abundant in burdock leaves, and may play an important role in the treatment of stroke. A new procedure was presented...Arctium lappa L. (burdock) leaves is effective in the traditional treatment of stroke. Fatty acids are abundant in burdock leaves, and may play an important role in the treatment of stroke. A new procedure was presented that provides C NMR-based quantitative measurements of total content, average chain length, average degree of unsaturation, and average polyunsaturation of fatty acids in burdock leaves from five producing areas. The content of five fatty acids in burdock leaves, including α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid, and stearic acid, were further determined by HPLC-CAD. Among five producing areas, the results of C qNMR showed that the content of total fatty acids in burdock leaves ranged from 8.62 to 24.51 μmol·g, the average chain length ranged from 19.67 to 23.14, the average degree of unsaturation ranged from 1.19 to 3.91, and the average polyunsaturated moieties ranged from 0.23 to 2.37. The results of HPLC-CAD showed that the contents of α-linolenic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid were 0.66 - 6.60 mg·g, 0.38-4.41 mg·g, 0.46-3.55 mg·g, 0.18-0.20 mg·g and 0.10-0.32 mg·g respectively. The developed C qNMR method can accurately determine the total fatty acids content and provide relevant information on the fatty acids structure types in burdock leaves. This method is capable of complementing existing fatty acids quantitative methodologies, circumventing their deficiencies, and its application can be extended to other plants.
In this study, the pH values, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacities (using FRAP, DPPH, and CUPRAC assays) of different plant-based vinegar samples were evaluated. The highest p...In this study, the pH values, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content, and antioxidant capacities (using FRAP, DPPH, and CUPRAC assays) of different plant-based vinegar samples were evaluated. The highest phenolic content was detected in pomegranate vinegar (PV) with 754.53 µg GAE/mL extract, followed by blueberry (BV, 644.67 µg GAE/mL extract), apple honey (AHV, 436.61 µg GAE/mL extract), juniper (JV, 372.36 µg GAE/mL extract), grape (GV, 335.36 µg GAE/mL extract), and apple vinegar (AV, 279.46 µg GAE/mL extract), respectively. A similar trend was observed in flavonoid levels, with PV showing the highest value (512.23 µg QE/mL extract), followed by moderate levels in BV (159.42 µg QE/mL extract) and AHV (106.39 µg QE/mL extract), while AV had the lowest flavonoid content (3.57 µg QE/mL extract). Regarding antioxidant capacity, PV exhibited the highest activity in both FRAP (353.75 µg TE/mL extract) and CUPRAC (1326.70 µg TE/mL extract) assays. In the CUPRAC method, BV (709.70 µg TE/mL extract), JV (286.99 µg TE/mL extract), and AHV (284.70 µg TE/mL extract) followed PV; while in the FRAP assay, BV (241.80 µg TE/mL extract), GV (171.92 µg TE/mL extract), and JV (151.38 µg TE/mL) showed relatively high activities. In terms of DPPH radical scavenging activity, PV again demonstrated significantly high performance with a scavenging percentage of 44.78%. The findings indicate that pomegranate and blueberry vinegars stand out in terms of phenolic composition and antioxidant potential, while honey apple and juniper vinegars also present noteworthy levels of these bioactive properties. These results reveal the differences in phenolic content among vinegar types and demonstrate that those with higher phenolic levels are rich in bioactive compounds.
1,3-dilinoleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (LPL) is an important structural lipid in breast milk fat, which plays an important role in the health of infants, and therefore the development of an efficient method for the preparat...1,3-dilinoleoyl-2-palmitoylglycerol (LPL) is an important structural lipid in breast milk fat, which plays an important role in the health of infants, and therefore the development of an efficient method for the preparation of such compounds is necessary. In the present study, LPL was efficiently catalytically synthesized by immobilized lipase ANL-MARE as a biocatalyst using tripalmitate and linoleic acid in a solvent-free system, and its digestive properties were investigated. The optimal process conditions for the enzymatic acidolysis of LPL were optimized by response surface test: the molar ratio of PPP:LA was 1:10, the enzyme addition was 13.60%, the reaction temperature was 50℃, and the reaction time was 5 h. At this time, the relative content of LPL in the product was 67.78%, of which the relative content of sn-2 palmitic acid (sn-2 PA) accounted for 71.50%. In vitro gastrointestinal digestion of LPL resulted in the release of 59.69% of its fatty acids. The digested product contained higher levels of free unsaturated fatty acids and palmitic acid monoacylglycerols. In conclusion, the immobilized enzyme ANL-MARE has great potential to catalyze the preparation of LPL, which provides a new strategy and theoretical basis for the efficient preparation of human milk fat substitutes.
The rising cost of fish meal and soybean meal for aquafeeds has encouraged researchers to look for alternative protein sources. To find an alternative, this study was designed to replace soybean meal with silkworm pupae...The rising cost of fish meal and soybean meal for aquafeeds has encouraged researchers to look for alternative protein sources. To find an alternative, this study was designed to replace soybean meal with silkworm pupae meal. An experimental feeding trial of 75 days was conducted on Pangasius fingerlings to assess the effects of partially substituted soybean meal with silkworm pupae meal (SWPM) on growth performance, antioxidant activity, and digestive enzymes. Four isonitrogenous diets were made with 0% SWPM as control and 25%, 50%, and 75% silkworm pupae meal as experimental diets. The fingerlings were given control and experimental diets at 3% of their body weight. The study found that the groups given SWPM at 25% and 50% concentration had the best growth performance, feed efficiency (up to 0.80±0.00%), and feed conversion ratio (up to 1.24±0.00%). Both groups showed increased highest final weight (up to 22.25±0.76), weight gain % (up to 95.03±0.35%), and improved survival growth rates (100%) as compared to the control. The control and treated groups (25% and 50%) exhibited significant differences (p < 0.05) in terms of antioxidant activity and digestive enzymes. The histomorphometry examination revealed no damage in hepatic tissues, intestinal villi, and podocytes as a result of the inclusion of silkworm pupae meal. The data suggest that silkworm pupae meal may serve as an adequate replacement for soybean meal, up to 50%, without negatively impacting the growth responses, antioxidant, and digestive enzyme activities of Pangasius.
We examine the effect of surfactants on spray characteristics of mist aerosol containing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions to evaluate the mechanism on the splitting of liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol containing O/W emu...We examine the effect of surfactants on spray characteristics of mist aerosol containing oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions to evaluate the mechanism on the splitting of liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol containing O/W emulsions as mist aerosol formulation. We proposed that the splitting of liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol containing O/W emulsions as mist aerosol formulation was attributed to the adsorption of oil droplets to air/water interface in liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol. The splitting of liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol containing O/W emulsions differed with type of surfactants. This indicates that the adsorption of oil droplets to air/water interface in liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol is controlled by surfactants. We also found that the prompt adsorption of surfactant molecules themselves to air/water interface enhanced the splitting of liquid film sprayed from mist aerosol. Namely, the prompt adsorption of oil droplets and surfactants to air/water interface in liquid film leads to the earlier splitting of liquid film, and the resulting larger angle and area of mist sprayed from mist aerosol containing O/W emulsions.
The enantiomeric distribution of the δ- and γ-lactones in Wagyu beef was determined using solvent extraction and gas chromatography with a chiral capillary column. The results revealed that the predominant lactones in Wa...The enantiomeric distribution of the δ- and γ-lactones in Wagyu beef was determined using solvent extraction and gas chromatography with a chiral capillary column. The results revealed that the predominant lactones in Wagyu were (R)-δ-tetradecalactone and (R)-δ-hexadecalactone. The concentrations of several lactone types were higher after heat treatment. δ-Lactones were predominantly present in the (R)-form in the heated samples. γ-Dodecalactone was also abundant in the (R)-form, whereas other γ-lactones were found in racemic mixtures. These findings suggest that the major lactones in Wagyu beef primarily exist in the (R)-form and that heat treatment influences their enantiomeric distribution.