Chemical and Mechanical Characterization of Licorice Root and Palm Leaf Waste Incorporated into Poly(urethane-acrylate) (PUA).
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ABSTRACT:
SUBMITTER: Gabrielli S
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8705998 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of multifunctionality on material properties of synthetic polymer aerogels. For this purpose, we present the synthesis and characterization of monolithic dendritic-type urethane-acrylate monomers based on an aliphatic/flexible (Desmodur N3300), or an aromatic/rigid (Desmodur RE) triisocyanate core. The terminal acrylate groups (three at the tip of each of the three branches, nine in total) were polymerized with 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) via free radical chemistry. The resulting wet-gels were dried with supercritical fluid (SCF) CO?. Aerogels were characterized with ATR-FTIR and solid-state 13C NMR. The porous network was probed with N?-sorption and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal stability of aerogels was studied with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Most aerogels were macroporous materials (porosity > 80%), with high thermal stability (up to 300 °C). Aerogels were softer at low monomer concentrations and more rigid at higher concentrations. The material properties were compared with those of analogous aerogels bearing only one acrylate moiety at the tip of each branch and the same cores, and with those of analogous aerogels bearing norbornene instead of acrylate moieties. The nine-terminal acrylate-based monomers of this study caused rapid decrease of the solubility of the growing polymer and made possible aerogels with much smaller particles and much higher surface areas. For the first time, aliphatic/flexible triisocyanate-based materials could be made with similar properties in terms of particle size and surface areas to their aromatic/rigid analogues. Finally, it was found that with monomers with a high number of crosslinkable groups, material properties are determined by multifunctionality and thus aerogels based on 9-acrylate- and 9-norbornene-terminated monomers were similar. Materials with aromatic cores are carbonizable with satisfactory yields (20?30% w/w) to mostly microporous materials (BET surface areas: 640?740 m² g-1; micropore surface areas: 360?430 m² g-1).
| S-EPMC6266260 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Inorganic phosphate (Pi) starvation is an important abiotic constraint that affects plant cellular homeostasis, especially in tropical regions with high acidic soil and less solubilizable Pi. In the current work, oil palm seedlings were hydroponically maintained under optimal Pi-supply and no Pi-supply conditions for 14 days, and metabolites were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), from leaves and roots, after seven and 14 days of treatment, to investigate biochemical pathways in relation to P-utilizing strategy. After seven days of limited Pi, plant leaves showed increased levels of most soluble sugars, and after 14 days, the sugars' level decrease, except for erythritol, mannose, fructose, and glucose, which showed the highest levels. Rather in root samples, there were different but overlapping alterations, mainly on sugars, amino acids, and organic acids. The leaf sample was shown to have the highest response of sugars with myo-inositol playing a vital role in the redistribution of sugars, while maltose levels increased, indicating active degradation of starch in the root. High levels of glycerol and stearate in both roots and leaves suggest the metabolism of storage lipids for cellular energy during Pi-deficient conditions.
| S-EPMC8066361 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The roots of licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) are a rich source of flavonoids, in particular, prenylated flavonoids, such as the isoflavan glabridin and the isoflavene glabrene. Fractionation of an ethyl acetate extract from licorice root by centrifugal partitioning chromatography yielded 51 fractions, which were characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and screened for activity in yeast estrogen bioassays. One third of the fractions displayed estrogenic activity towards either one or both estrogen receptors (ERs; ER? and ER?). Glabrene-rich fractions displayed an estrogenic response, predominantly to the ER?. Surprisingly, glabridin did not exert agonistic activity to both ER subtypes. Several fractions displayed higher responses than the maximum response obtained with the reference compound, the natural hormone 17?-estradiol (E(2)). The estrogenic activities of all fractions, including this so-called superinduction, were clearly ER-mediated, as the estrogenic response was inhibited by 20-60% by known ER antagonists, and no activity was found in yeast cells that did not express the ER? or ER? subtype. Prolonged exposure of the yeast to the estrogenic fractions that showed superinduction did, contrary to E(2), not result in a decrease of the fluorescent response. Therefore, the superinduction was most likely the result of stabilization of the ER, yeast-enhanced green fluorescent protein, or a combination of both. Most fractions displaying superinduction were rich in flavonoids with single prenylation. Glabridin displayed ER?-selective antagonism, similar to the ER?-selective antagonist RU 58668. Whereas glabridin was able to reduce the estrogenic response of E(2) by approximately 80% at 6?×?10(-6) M, glabrene-rich fractions only exhibited agonistic responses, preferentially on ER?.
| S-EPMC3124641 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This work aims to evaluate the potential of using textile waste in smart textile applications in the form of a hybrid fibre with electrical properties. The bio-based electrically conductive fibres were fabricated from waste wool and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) via wet spinning with different wool content. The control PAN and hybrid fibre produced with the highest amount of wool content (25% w/v) were coated with graphene oxide (GO) using the "brushing and drying" technique. The GO nanosheets coated control PAN and wool/PAN hybrid fibres were chemically reduced through hydrazine vapour exposure. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the presence of both protein and nitrile peaks in the wool/PAN hybrid fibres, although the amide I and amide A groups had disappeared, due to the dissolution of wool. The morphological and structural analysis revealed effective coating and reduction of the fibres through GO nanosheets and hydrazine, respectively. The hybrid fibre showed higher electrical conductivity (~ 180 S/cm) compared to the control PAN fibres (~ 95 S/cm), confirming an effective bonding between the hydroxyl and carboxylic groups of the GO sheets and the amino groups of wool evidenced by chemical analysis. Hence, the graphene oxide incorporated wool/PAN hybrid fibres may provide a promising solution for eco-friendly smart textile applications.
| S-EPMC8187707 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Copolymers containing MQ silicone and acrylate were synthesized by controlling the additive amount of compositions. Subsequently, fouling release coatings based on the copolymer with the incorporation of non-reactive phenylmethylsilicone oil were prepared. The surface properties of the coating (CAMQ40) were consistent with that of the polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer, which ensured good hydrophobicity. Moreover, the seawater volume swelling rate of all prepared coatings was less than 5%, especially for CAMQ40 with only 1.37%. Copolymers enhanced the mechanical properties of the coatings, while the enhancement was proportional to the molar content of structural units from acrylate in the copolymer. More importantly, the adhesion performance between the prepared coatings and substrates indicated that pull-off strength values were more than 1.6 MPa, meaning a high adhesion strength. The phenylmethylsilicone oil leaching observation determined that the oil leaching efficiency increased with the increase in the structural unit's molar content from MQ silicone in the copolymer, which was mainly owing to the decrease in compatibility between oil and the cured coating, as well as the decrease in mechanical properties. High oil leaching efficiency could make up for the decrease in the biofouling removal rate due to the enhancement of the elastic modulus. For CAMQ40, it had an excellent antifouling performance at 30 days of exposure time with more than 92% of biofouling removal rate, which was confirmed by biofilm adhesion assay.
| S-EPMC8469071 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study presents the isolation, characterization, and kinetic analyses of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) from date palm waste in the United Arab Emirates. After bleaching date palm stem waste with acidified NaClO2 and delignification via NaOH treatments, cellulose was extracted. Mineral acid hydrolysis (62 wt % H2SO4) was performed at 45 °C for 45 min to produce crystalline nanocellulose. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and chemical composition analysis confirmed the removal of noncellulosic constituents. The crystallinity index increased gradually with chemical treatments, according to the obtained X-ray diffraction (XRD) results. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry results revealed that the CNC has high thermal stability. The Coats-Redfern method was used to determine the kinetic parameters. The kinetic analysis confirmed that CNC has more activation energy than cellulose and thus confirms its compact and resistive crystalline structure. This has been attributable to the stronger hydrogen bonding in CNC crystalline domains than that in cellulose crystalline domains. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that lignin and hemicellulose were eliminated after chemical pretreatments, and CNC with a rodlike shape was obtained after hydrolysis. Moreover, transmission electron microscopy confirmed the nanoscale of crystalline cellulose. ζ potential analysis indicated that the CNC afforded a stable suspension (-29.27 mV), which is less prone to flocculation. Kinetic analyses of cellulose and cellulose nanocrystals isolated from date palm waste are useful for making composites and designing selective pyrolysis reactors.
| S-EPMC9330260 | biostudies-literature
Project description:AimsLicorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) is a crucial medicinal herb as it accumulates glycyrrhizin and liquiritin in roots. Licorice root-associated bacterial communities shaped by soil characteristics are supposed to regulate the accumulation of root secondary metabolites.MethodsThe soil characteristics, root secondary metabolites, and root-associated bacterial communities were analyzed in licorice plants of different ages to explore their temporal dynamics and interaction mechanisms.ResultsTemporal variation in soil characteristics and root secondary metabolites was distinct. The alpha-diversity of root-associated bacterial communities decreased with root proximity, and the community composition was clustered in the rhizosphere. Different taxa that were core-enriched from the dominant taxa in the bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, and root endosphere displayed varied time-decay relationships. Soil total potassium (TK) as a key factor regulated the temporal variation in some individual taxa in the bulk and rhizosphere soils; these taxa were associated with the adjustment of root secondary metabolites across different TK levels.ConclusionsLicorice specifically selects root-associated core bacteria over the course of plant development, and TK is correlated with root secondary metabolites and individual core-enriched taxa in the bulk and rhizosphere soils, which may have implications for practical licorice cultivation.
| S-EPMC7468178 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The agricultural industry in Malaysia has grown rapidly over the years. Palm oil clinker (POC) is a byproduct obtained from the palm oil industry. Its lightweight properties allows for its utilization as an aggregate, while in powder form as a filler material in concrete. POC specimens obtained throughout each state in Malaysia were investigated to evaluate the physical, chemical, and microstructure characteristics. Variations between each state were determined and their possible contributory factors were assessed. POC were incorporated as a replacement material for aggregates and their engineering characteristics were ascertained. Almost 7% of density was reduced with the introduction of POC as aggregates. A sustainability assessment was made through greenhouse gas emission (GHG) and cost factor analyses to determine the contribution of the addition of POC to the construction industry. Addition of POC helps to lower the GHG emission by 9.6% compared to control specimens. By channeling this waste into the construction industry, an efficient waste-management system can be promoted; thus, creating a cleaner environment. This study is also expected to offer some guides and directions for upcoming research works on the incorporation of POC.
| S-EPMC5512926 | biostudies-other
Project description:Background/objectiveLicorice has been shown to possess cancer chemopreventive effects. However, glycyrrhizin, a major component in licorice, was found to interfere with steroid metabolism and cause edema and hypertension. The roasting process of licorice modifies the chemical composition and converts glycyrrhizin to glycyrrhetinic acid. The purpose of this study was to examine the anti-carcinogenic effects of the ethanol extract of roasted licorice (EERL) and to identify the active compound in EERL.Materials/methodsEthanol and aqueous extracts of roasted and un-roasted licorice were prepared. The active fraction was separated from the methylene chloride (MC)-soluble fraction of EERL and the structure of the purified compound was determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The anti-carcinogenic effects of licorice extracts and licochalcone A was evaluated using a MTT assay, Western blot, flow cytometry, and two-stage skin carcinogenesis model.ResultsEERL was determined to be more potent and efficacious than the ethanol extract of un-roasted licorice in inhibiting the growth of DU145 and MLL prostate cancer cells, as well as HT-29 colon cancer cells. The aqueous extracts of un-roasted and roasted licorice showed minimal effects on cell growth. EERL potently inhibited growth of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast, B16-F10 melanoma, and A375 and A2058 skin cancer cells, whereas EERL slightly stimulated the growth of normal IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells and CCD118SK fibroblasts. The MC-soluble fraction was more efficacious than EERL in inhibiting DU145 cell growth. Licochalcone A was isolated from the MC fraction and identified as the active compound of EERL. Both EERL and licochalcone A induced apoptosis of DU145 cells. EERL potently inhibited chemically-induced skin papilloma formation in mice.ConclusionsNon-polar compounds in EERL exert potent anti-carcinogenic effects, and that roasted rather than un-roasted licorice should be favored as a cancer preventive agent, whether being used as an additive to food or medicine preparations.
| S-EPMC4058558 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Understanding the processes that determine the distribution of populations is a fundamental goal in ecology. In this study, I determined the relative contribution of space and the biotic and abiotic environment to the distribution of the palm-leaf skeletonizer Homaledra sabalella (PLS; Lepidoptera: Coleophoridae) among patchily distributed dwarf palmettos (Sabal minor; Arecaceae). Based on surveys conducted at two sites in the Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, Louisiana, I found that the distribution of the PLS was primarily related to local environmental conditions--number of PLS increased with palmetto height, was greater in dry versus wet habitats, and varied in an inconsistent way with the type of understory cover. Spatial structure of the forest and isolation of the host plant were of minor importance to the distribution of the PLS. Based on a series of experiments, the mechanisms underlying the effects of these environmental variables on PLS abundance were elucidated. Tall palmettos have a greater abundance of PLS because they are 2.5 times more likely to be colonized than small palmettos. Tall palmettos do not represent better hosts (in terms of PLS survival to pupation, pupal length, or risk of parasitism). Similarly, an open understory increased colonization by two-fold, relative to a shrub understory, but understory type had no effect on host quality. Wet soils greatly reduced palmetto quality as a host (survival and pupal length), but only for the smallest palmettos (<0.75 m height). Finally, corroborating the survey data, my dispersal experiment revealed that the PLS is a strong flier and that local PLS populations (i.e., infested palmettos) are likely well connected by dispersal. I conclude by discussing how landscape-level changes at Sherburne Wildlife Management Area, owing to recent hurricane activity, could affect the risk of palmetto infestation by the PLS.
| S-EPMC3142117 | biostudies-other