212 research outputs found
Sol–gel synthesis and thermal behavior of bioactive ferrous citrate–silica hybrid materials
Imbalance of the iron level in the body causes several diseases. In particular, the low level of iron, during pregnancy, is
responsible for the iron deficiency anemia, and even of neurodegenerative diseases. Although the treatment of iron
deficiency anemia with oral iron supplements has been known, this problem still afflicts many people. The aim of this work
was the development of a system able to release ferrous ions in a controlled manner. Controlled drug release for medical
applications, indeed, appears to be a very interesting alternative to a systemic therapy because it is assurance of treatment
continuity and drug stability and optimizes drug absorption. For this purpose, ferrous citrate (Fe(II)C) was synthesized by a
redox reaction between iron powder and citric acid. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), 1,10-phenanthroline
and sodium thiocyanate colorimetric assays confirmed that only Fe(II)C was obtained by redox reaction. Afterward,
obtained Fe(II)C was embedded within a SiO2 matrix in different mass percentage, by means of a sol–gel route. FTIR
spectroscopy and simultaneous thermogravimetry/first-order derivative of thermogravimetry were used to confirm the
Fe(II)C presence in the silica matrix and to investigate the thermal behavior of the sol–gel materials, respectively. The
bioactivity test carried out by soaking the synthesized drug delivery systems in a simulated body fluid showed that the
biological properties of the silica matrix are not modified by the presence of Fe(II)C
Surface Characterization of Composite Catalysts Prepared by Sol-Gel Route
The aim of this work is to synthesize Nb-V oxide catalysts by sol gel route starting from metal alkoxides using different H2O/V ratios. Dried samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. Calcination of dried materials up to 600°C in flowing air has been followed with Thermogravimetry-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TG-FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. The catalytic properties of calcined materials are tested in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane at 600°C. An improvement of the catalytic performances of vanadium for the gel prepared with the higher H2O/V ratio is found with respect to those of the supported catalyst due to the better interaction between vanadium and niobium
Synthesis by sol-gel technique and Antibacterial activity of bioactive hydrid SiO2 inorganic matrix by different structures of Ferrous citrate (Fe(II)C): comparative study
Abstract.
The aim of this work was to characterize and compare three different structures of Ferrous citrate (Fe(II)C), amorphous, semi-crystalline and crystalline incorporated into a SiO2 inorganic matrix by sol-gel technique. On this system thus obtained, colorimetric assay was carried out to confirm the only presence of Fe2+; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed not only the Fe(II)C presence in the silica matrix but also showed us the interactions among different components in the hybrid materials. The bioactivity of the synthesized hybrid materials was evaluated by the formation of a layer of hydroxyapatite on the surface of samples soaked in SBF using FTIR spectroscopy. Finally, the antibacterial properties of the hybrid materials were investigated
Waste recovery and circular economy: a resource from orange peels deriving from production of orange juice
In the perspective of bio-sustainable development and renewable resource technologies, by-products
and waste from agro-industrial sector represent a relatively cheap source of material suitable for
several aims, which would reduce both the amount of waste and the related costs of disposal, while
producing added-value nutritional products.
The processing waste of oranges find various fields of application, in fact in addition to their use in
agriculture as a fertilizer, orange peels can be used to produce candied fruit. Moreover, in a very
recent application with the aim to recover these industrial residues, a chemical process that allows
the processing of orange peel waste has been developed. This process is useful for obtaining a purified
cellulose suitable for spinning, thus creating a truly innovative and sustainable fabric (Orange Fiber).
In this work, the orange peels obtained from industrial processing waste were subjected to a first
hydroalcoholic extraction which allowed to obtain an extract rich in essential oils that could be used
in the food sector to produce liqueurs and/or aromas, but also in the cosmetic or pharmacological
sectors.
Subsequently, the peels after hydroalcoholic extraction were dried and this residue represents a
valuable product rich in dietetic fiber useful in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields. Moreover,
the same product could be used as fertilizer in agriculture. In lights of this, citrus fruit processing
waste can be considerate as a sustainable and renewable energy source
Various applications of processing of olive leaves waste extracted with RSLDE: a green technology
There is no waste in nature. Everything that is produced has a purpose and everything that becomes
waste can be transformed into a new resource, triggering a virtuous circuit that feeds itself. The
circular economy of waste means a system in which the production-consumption-disposal process is
overcome to replace it with a circular model, where the final waste product is re-introduced into the
circulation as a secondary raw material. The logic to follow is that after consumption and before any
disposal, it is necessary to activate virtuous processes such as reduce, reuse and recycling. This work
focuses on the possible uses of a vegetable waste matrix, such as olive leaves.
The olive tree (Olea europaea) is a fruit tree, cultivated for more than 3,500 years for its fruits and
edible oil. However, just like oil, olive leaf contains a high amount of polyphenols, in particular
oleuropein, one of the most powerful natural antioxidants known and hydroxytyrosol, which also has
powerful antiseptic properties. Therefore, olive leaf extracts, thanks to the presence of oleuropein
associated with hydroxytyrosol, represent a powerful natural antioxidant, a valid ally of the
cardiovascular system. In addition, olive leaves are an excellent regulator of the digestive system:
they regulate intestinal transit and above all eliminate fungi and other unwanted parasites from our
body. Starting from these premises, in this work, a green extraction technique such as rapid solid
liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE) is compared with conventional maceration to obtain an olive leaf
extract rich in antioxidants to be used in various sectors
Extraction and purification of phycocyanin from Arthrophira platensis microalgae using a green solid-liquid extraction technology (RSLDE)
Abstract.
Spirulina is a blue alga belonging to the class of Cyanobacteria. This alga is characterized by a high
content of phycocyanin, a blue photosynthetic pigment belonging to the phycobiliprotein family.
Phycocyanin has a lot of industrial applications, in fact, it is used as a natural dye both in the cosmetic
industry and in the food and textile sectors. It is also used in the biomedical field as a fluorescent
marker. Anti-inflammatory, nephroprotective and hepatoprotective properties are also reported,
probably related to its antioxidant activity. However, the extraction of phycobiliproteins from
cyanobacteria is a very complicated procedure due to the extreme resistance of the wall of the cellular
aggregates that make up spirulina. In literature, several procedures have been used to cause rupture
of cell envelopes, through cycles of freezing/thawing, sonication and rupture of the cell wall with
lysozyme. However, all these methods for cell breakdown do not guarantee a high quality of the
extract, due to the complexity of the mixture obtained. In order to improve the yield of recovery of
phycocyanin and to reduce the extraction process time, in this work, in combination with some
experimental procedures for rupture of the membrane, a green extraction technique was used, the
rapid solid liquid dynamic extraction (RSLDE). This technique can generate a pressure and a
consequent depression on the matrix to be extracted. The extract obtained was immediately frozen at
-20°C and then lyophilized. Analyzes such as UV-VIS spectrophotometric analysis and acrylamide
gel electrophoresis were performed on the sample of lyophilizate to evaluate the efficiency of the
extraction and purity of phycocyanin
Comparative Studies on Different Citrus Cultivars: A Revaluation of Waste Mandarin Components
Peel, pulp and seed extracts of three mandarin varieties, namely Phlegraean mandarin (Citrus reticulata), Kumquat (Citrus japonica), and Clementine (Citrus clementina) were compared and characterised in terms of photosynthetic pigment content, total polyphenols amount, antioxidant activity and vitamin C to assess the amount of functional compounds for each cultivar. The highest polyphenols content was found in the Phlegraean mandarin, especially in peel and seeds, whereas Kumquat exhibited the highest polyphenols amount in the pulp. The antioxidant activity was higher in the peel of Phlegraean mandarin and clementine compared to Kumquat, which showed the highest value in the pulp. The antioxidant activity peaked in the seeds of Phlegraean mandarin. The vitamin C in the Phlegraean mandarin was the highest in all parts of the fruit, especially in the seeds. Total chlorophyll content was comparable in the peel of different cultivars, in the pulp the highest amount was found in clementine, whereas kumquat seeds showed the greatest values. As regards total carotenoids, peel and pulp of clementine exhibited higher values than the other two cultivars, whereas the kumquat seeds were the richest in carotenoids. Among the analysed cultivars Phlegraean mandarin may be considered the most promising as a source of polyphenols and antioxidants, compared to the clementine and Kumquat, especially for the functional molecules found in the seeds. Moreover, regardless of cultivars this study also highlights important properties in the parts of the fruit generally considered wastes
Characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in wet-white and metal-free leathers
Content:
As it is known in the tanning sector, in recent times, the so-called wet-white and/or metal-free concepts have had a certain increase. For example, in the automotive sector, the wet-white tanning system, carried out with glutaraldehyde and tannins, has been widely diffused.
In fact, car manufacturers offer, for interior furnishings, leather not only for high-end cars but increasingly also in the lower segments. The components on which the leather upholstery is applied are mainly steering wheel, seats, dashboard and panels.
Therefore, the use of leather also in this context must be able to meet both the aesthetic/performance criteria and the environmental ones; environmental criteria should also consider the air quality of the
interior of a motor vehicle. In practice, the interior furniture consisting of finished leather must be able to release a few volatile substances and, at the same time, provide a typical smell of leather.
Considering, therefore, the diffusion of alternative chrome tanning systems for the different uses, in this work, wet-white (glutaraldehyde and tannins) will be investigated, both from the point of view of the
performance characteristics and from the ecotoxicological ones. and leathers deriving from the latest generation of metal-free tanning.
For the characterization of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) the GC-MS will be used coupled with the 'Purge and Trap' technique with the aim of obtaining information on the new substances used in the wetwhite / metal free production process and then avoiding undesired effects during use (eg bad smell, SVHC substances, etc.)
Take-Away:
metal-free automotive VO
Anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects of tomentosin: Cellular and molecular mechanisms
Tomentosin is a natural compound known for its presence in some medicinal plants of the Asteraceae family such as Inula viscosa. Recent studies have highlighted its anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. Its anticancer mechanisms are unique and act at different levels ranging from cellular organization to molecular transcriptional factors and epigenetic modifications. Tomentosin’s possession of the modulatory effect on telomerase expression on tumor cell lines has captured the interest of researchers and spurred a more robust study on its anticancer effect. Since inflammation has a close link with cancer disease, this natural compound appears to be a potential cancer-fighting drug. Indeed, its recently demonstrated anti-inflammatory action can be considered as a starting point for its evaluation as an anticancer chemo-preventive agent
Vanillin prevents doxorubicin-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress in rat H9c2 cardiomyocytes
Doxorubicin (doxo) is an effective anticancer compound in several tumor types. However, as a consequence of oxidative stress induction and ROS overproduction, its high cardiotoxicity demands urgent attention. Vanillin possesses antioxidant, antiproliferative, antidepressant and anti-glycating properties. Therefore, we investigated the potential vanillin protective effects against doxo-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Using multiparametric approach, we demonstrated that vanillin restored both cell viability and damage in response to doxo exposure. Contextually, vanillin decreased sub-G1 appearance and caspase-3 and PARP1 activation, reducing the doxo-related apoptosis induction. From a mechanistic point of view, vanillin hindered doxo-induced ROS accumulation and impaired the ERK phosphorylation. Notably, besides the cardioprotective effects, vanillin did not counteract the doxo effectiveness in osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, our results suggest that vanillin ameliorates doxo-induced toxicity in H9c2 cells, opening new avenues for developing alternative therapeutic approaches to prevent the anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity and to improve the long-term outcome of antineoplastic treatment
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