Use of agroindustrial waste to obtain cellulose from oil palm bagasse (Elaeis guinnensis)

Obtain cellulose from oil palm agro-industrial waste that meets standard physicochemical characteristics to produce value-added products. Bagasse fibers from the palm agroindustry were used to obtain cellulose, by means of the acid – alkaline hydrolysis methodology. The samples obtained in each stage and the cellulose obtained were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The final characterized product presented a band corresponding to 1370 cm1 characteristic of cellulose. The peak at 1731 cm-1 is related to C=O bonds of unconjugated ketones present in hemicellulose. Major thermal event for treated fiber near to 355 °C, and a high residual mass indicate a good chemical treatment for hemicellulose and lignin elimination. During the process, a fiber yield of 39.3% cellulose was obtained from oil palm bagasse. Obtaining cellulose from a highly polluting residue such as palm bagasse and with high production figures in our state, this makes it a potential for use to generate biopolymers in combination with natural polysaccharides providing sustainable benefits and economic impact promoting sustainable development by replacing conventional fossil plastics. In addition to obtaining value-added products for the same agribusiness and in sectors such as the food industry.Objective: To obtain cellulose from oil palm agroindustrial waste that meets standard physicochemical characteristics to produce value-added products.   Design/methodology/approach: Bagasse fibers from the palm agroindustry were used to obtain cellulose, by means of the acid – alkaline hydrolysis methodology. The samples obtained in each stage and the cellulose obtained were characterized by the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) technique and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Results: The final characterized product presented a band corresponding to 1370 cm1 which is a characteristic value of cellulose. The peak at 1731 cm-1 is related to C=O bonds of unconjugated ketones present in hemicellulose. A major thermal event for treated fiber near 355 °C and the high residual mass indicate a good chemical treatment for hemicellulose and lignin elimination. Study limitations/implications: A fiber yield of 39.3% cellulose was obtained during the process from oil palm bagasse. Findings/conclusions: Obtaining cellulose from a highly polluting residue such as palm bagasse and with high production figures in our state, makes it a potential for use to generate biopolymers in combination with natural polysaccharides, providing sustainable benefits and economic impact and promoting sustainable development by replacing conventional fossil plastics, in addition to obtaining value-added products for the same agribusiness and in sectors such as the food industry

Procurement and characterization of cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta Crantz)

ABSTRACT Objective: Obtaining and characterizing cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse. Design/methodology/approach: Cellulose nanocrystals were obtained from cassava bagasse by acid hydrolysis (HCI), ultrasonication, centrifugation, dialysis, deep freezing and lyophilization. The cassava bagasse and the cellulose nanocrystals obtained were physiochemically characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Coupled Elemental Analysis (SEM-EDS). As an additional technique, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used. Results: The analyzes performed show that the cellulose obtained was type Iβ. This study reports a percentage of crystallinity of cassava bagasse cellulose of 37.1%, increasing the percentage to 48% of crystallinity in cellulose nanocrystals. The diameters of the cassava bagasse fibers were reported to be 2 μm and their elemental composition (SEM-EDS) mainly constituted by carbon (C), oxygen (O) and traces of (N). The morphology observed through AFM of the nanocrystals of cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta) was rod-shaped, with a helical appearance without residual charge, with diameters between 8.7 and 9.3 nm. Limitations on study/implications: The acid hydrolysis process showed a low percentage of crystallinity, although higher than other works reported for cassava bagasse. Findings/conclusions: The results obtained show the possibility of obtaining cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse ().    Objective: To procure and characterize cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse. Design/methodology/approach: Cellulose nanocrystals were obtained from cassava bagasse by acid hydrolysis (HCI), ultrasonication, centrifugation, dialysis, deep freezing and lyophilization. The cassava bagasse and the cellulose nanocrystals obtained were physicochemically characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with Coupled Elemental Analysis (SEM-EDS). As an additional technique, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) was used. Results: The analyses performed show that the cellulose obtained was type Iβ. This study reports a percentage of crystallinity of the cassava bagasse cellulose of 37.1%, increasing the percentage to 48% crystallinity in cellulose nanocrystals. The diameters of the cassava bagasse fibers were reported to be 2 μm and their elemental composition (SEM-EDS) mainly constituted by carbon (C), oxygen (O) and traces of nitrogen (N). The morphology observed through AFM of the nanocrystals of cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta) was rod-shaped, with helicoidal appearance without residual charge, with diameters between 8.7 and 9.3 nm. Limitations on study/implications: The acid hydrolysis process showed a low percentage of crystallinity, although higher than other works reported for cassava bagasse. Findings/conclusions: The results obtained confirm the possibility of obtaining cellulose nanocrystals from cassava bagasse (Manihot esculenta)

An Insight to the Composition of Pre-Hispanic Mayan Funerary Pigments by 1H-NMR Analysis

The funerary rites of particular members of the pre-Hispanic Mayan society included the pigmentation of the corpse with a red color. In order to understand this ritual, it is first necessary to identify the constituents of the pigment mixture and then, based on its properties, analyze the possible form and moment of application. In the present approach, 1H-NMR analysis was carried to detect organic components in the funerary pigments of Xcambó, a small Maya settlement in the Yucatan Peninsula. The comparison of the spectra belonging to the pigment found in the bone remains of seven individuals, and those from natural materials, led to the identification of beeswax and an abietane resin as constituents of the pigment, thus conferring it agglutinant and aromatic properties, respectively. The 1H-NMR analysis also allowed to rule out the presence of copal, a resin found in the pigment cover from paramount chiefs from the Mayan society. Additionally, a protocol for the extraction of the organic fraction from the bone segment without visible signs of analysis was developed, thus broadening the techniques available to investigate these valuable samples

Mesh Crop Cover Optimizes the Microenvironment in a Tropical Region and Modifies the Physiology and Metabolome in Tomato

In tropical regions, high light levels can lead to increased photooxidative damage in plants. Thus, reducing solar radiation could have a substantial impact on crop performance. This study aimed to evaluate the physiological responses and metabolic profile of two tomato varieties grown in microenvironments modified with cover meshes under a high light level and a warm climate. The experiment was achieved under high solar irradiance and an unfavorably high temperature. The varieties “Moneymaker” (MM) and “Campeche 40” (C40) were grown from 45 to 130 days after sowing at four solar irradiance levels: 100% (T1), 80% (T2), 75% (T3), and 50% (T4). In both varieties, the plants grown under the lowest irradiances (T3 and T4) were the tallest, with larger leaf areas, and accumulated more aerial and root biomass. Under moderate shading (T2), plants took better advantage of the light and had the highest photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) (C40 = 0.60 and MM = 0.48) and the highest electron transport rate (ETR). However, T3 and T4 plants had the highest net assimilation rate (23.6 and 23.9 µmol m−2 s−1 in C40, and 22.7 and 22.6 µmol m−2 s−1 in MM, respectively) and the highest A/Ci coefficients. Although both tomato varieties accumulate similar metabolites, MM leaves accumulate more glucose and C40 leaves accumulate more proline and valine. Furthermore, MM leaves accumulate more glycine and GABA under high radiation, and C40 leaves accumulate more proline and valine than leaves under 50% shade (T4). We conclude that using meshes in areas with high irradiance could be an alternative to reduce abiotic stress factors in plants

The Influence of Drying Temperatures on the Metabolic Profiles and Antioxidant Activity of Manilkara zapota Leaves

In the present study, the leaves of Manilkara zapota (L.) P. Royen (Sapotaceae), an evergreen tree recognized for its medicinal properties in Southern Mexico, were used as a model to study the effect of different drying temperatures on its metabolic profile and therefore, its antioxidant potential. For this purpose, a methanol extraction of leaves dried at room temperature (25 °C) or by heat convection (50, 75 and 100 °C) were compared in terms of drying efficiency, yield of extraction, total phenol content, 1H-NMR metabolic profile, and DPPH antioxidant activity. The drying curves enabled the fact to be uncovered that drying efficiency improves with increase of temperature, as does the level of total phenols and antioxidant activity. A metabolomics approach using principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) of the corresponding 1H-NMR profiles allowed the impact of the drying temperature on their metabolic profile to be documented and also, caffeic acid and epicatechin as main secondary metabolites contributing to the antioxidant activity of M. zapota to be identified

Design, Synthesis, and In Silico Multitarget Pharmacological Simulations of Acid Bioisosteres with a Validated In Vivo Antihyperglycemic Effect

Substituted phenylacetic (1–3), phenylpropanoic (4–6), and benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-dione (7–9) derivatives were designed according to a multitarget unified pharmacophore pattern that has shown robust antidiabetic activity. This bioactivity is due to the simultaneous polypharmacological stimulation of receptors PPARα, PPARγ, and GPR40 and the enzyme inhibition of aldose reductase (AR) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B). The nine compounds share the same four pharmacophore elements: an acid moiety, an aromatic ring, a bulky hydrophobic group, and a flexible linker between the latter two elements. Addition and substitution reactions were performed to obtain molecules at moderated yields. In silico pharmacological consensus analysis (PHACA) was conducted to determine their possible modes of action, protein affinities, toxicological activities, and drug-like properties. The results were combined with in vivo assays to evaluate the ability of these compounds to decrease glucose levels in diabetic mice at a 100 mg/kg single dose. Compounds 6 (a phenylpropanoic acid derivative) and 9 (a benzylidenethiazolidine-2,4-dione derivative) ameliorated the hyperglycemic peak in a statically significant manner in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes. Finally, molecular dynamics simulations were executed on the top performing compounds to shed light on their mechanism of action. The simulations showed the flexible nature of the binding pocket of AR, and showed that both compounds remained bound during the simulation time, although not sharing the same binding mode. In conclusion, we designed nine acid bioisosteres with robust in vivo antihyperglycemic activity that were predicted to have favorable pharmacokinetic and toxicological profiles. Together, these findings provide evidence that supports the molecular design we employed, where the unified pharmacophores possess a strong antidiabetic action due to their multitarget activatio

Obtención de celulosa a partir de residuos de piña (Ananas Comosus L. Merril): ISOLATION OF CELLULOSE FROM PINEAPPLE WASTE (Ananas Comosus L.)

Objective: This work explores obtaining high quality cellulose from pineapple residues. Design/methodology/approach: Pineapple crowns were used to obtain the cellulose using the 0.5% acid pre-hydrolysis treatment with sulfuric acid combined with the Sosa-Anthraquinone pulping method (SQ) and elemental chlorine-free bleaching (ECF). The cellulose obtained was characterized by the TAPPI techniques of Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy with coupled elemental analyzer (SEM-EDX). Results: It was demonstrated that cellulose-free cellulose was obtained from the chlorination and bleaching stages determined by SEM elemental analysis (EDX) with an alpha (?) cellulose content of 93%, which exhibits the typical crystalline structure of type I cellulose commonly found in the natural plant fibers, Limitations of the study/implications: In the process, a relatively low fiber yield of 29.3% was obtained. Findings/conclusions: Obtaining cellulose from pineapple residues (crowns) is proposed as an alternative of use due to its reinforcement capacity in composite materials, as well as in the production of biomaterials; showing that agricultural residues from pineapple are feasible to obtain cellulose.  Objetivo: Este trabajo explora la obtención de celulosa de alta calidad a partir de residuos de piña.   Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se utilizaron coronas de piña para la obtención de la celulosa utilizando el tratamiento de pre-hidrólisis ácida al 0.5% con ácido sulfúrico combinado con el método de pulpeo Sosa-Antraquinona (SQ) y blanqueo libre de cloro elemental (ECF).  La celulosa obtenida fue caracterizada por las técnicas TAPPI de Espectroscopia Infrarroja por Transformada de Fourier (FTIR), Difracción de Rayos-X (XRD) y Microscopía Electrónica de Barrido con analizador elemental acoplado (SEM-EDX).   Resultados: Se demostró obtener celulosa libre de residuos de las etapas de cloración y blanqueo determinado mediante el análisis elemental SEM (EDX) con un contenido de alfa (?) celulosa de 93%, que exhibe la estructura cristalina típica de celulosa tipo I encontrada comúnmente en las fibras vegetales naturales.   Limitaciones/implicaciones: En el proceso se obtuvo un rendimiento de fibra del 29.3% relativamente bajo. Hallazgos/conclusiones: La obtención de celulosa a partir de los residuos de piña (coronas), se propone como una alternativa de uso debido a su capacidad de refuerzo en los materiales compuestos, así como en la elaboración de biomateriales; mostrando que los residuos agrícolas procedentes de la piña son factibles para la obtención de celulosa.   &nbsp