Chemical Papers最新文献

Turmeric, specifically its curcuminoids such as curcumin (C₂₁H₂₀O₆), possesses extensive therapeutic benefits including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-aging properties. However, curcumin’s clinical effectiveness is significantly limited by its hydrophobic nature, leading to poor bioavailability. This study aims to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin through the development of liquisolid compact dispersion formulations. To address curcumin’s limited water solubility (3.12 mg/l at 25 °C) and high oil–water partition coefficient ((text{log}Kow=3.29)), we employed a central composite design (CCD) to optimize liquisolid compact dispersion formulations. The optimization focused on the tablet’s physical properties, such as hardness, disintegration time, and dissolution rate at 30 min. Critical formulation components included Tween 80 as the liquid vehicle and Aerosil 200 as the coating material, serving as independent variables in the optimization process. The optimized formulation, containing 30 mg of Tween 80 and 75 mg of Aerosil 200, significantly improved curcumin’s dissolution rate. Experimental results confirmed the formulation’s effectiveness, with a marked reduction in the time to dissolve 63.2% of the drug to 165 min, compared to 300 min for conventional formulations. Differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier-transform infrared spectra indicated a transformation of curcumin into a non-crystalline state and the formation of hydrogen bonds with Tween 80, contributing to enhanced solubility. This study successfully demonstrates a viable strategy to enhance the bioavailability of curcumin through liquisolid compact dispersion formulations. By addressing the solubility challenges of curcumin, this technique presents a significant advancement in improving the clinical applicability of BCS class II and IV drugs, potentially benefiting a wide range of therapeutic applications.

Graphical abstract

Graphical representation of optimizing curcumin liquisolid formulationusing central composite design (CCD) methodology

This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of flare gas recovery technologies at the GL1Z LNG plant (SONATRACH Industry-Algeria), focusing on electricity generation, LPG production, and Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) conversion. Using real-world data and simulations conducted with Aspen HYSYS v12 based on steady-state conditions, we assessed the technical feasibility and economic viability of each method. Our findings reveal that electricity generation is economically viable but offers limited CO₂ reduction benefits. LPG production provides a balanced economic solution. GTL conversion, despite higher initial costs, significantly enhances economic returns and reduces flaring by converting flare gas into high-value liquid hydrocarbons. This study introduces a simulation model, substantiated by the recent literature providing a robust framework for optimizing flare gas recovery. This study highlights the importance of evaluating and comparing tailored solutions to achieve sustainable and efficient flare gas utilization, offering valuable insights for future industrial applications.

Ni(II) {(2a5p)₂[Ni(OH₂)₆][Ni(dipic)₂]₂.2H₂O, 1} and Cu(II) {[Cu(dipic)(2a5p)(H₂O)].H₂O, 2} complexes obtained from 2-amino-5-picoline (2a5p) with dipicolinic acid (H₂dipic) and Cu(II) complex {[(H₂O)(dipic)Cu(OH)Cu(OH)(H₂O)₂Cu(dipic)(H₂O)].2H₂O, 3} of H₂dipic have been synthesized and characterized by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), ultraviolet–visible region (UV–Vis), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), conductivity measurement, magnetic measurement and X-ray crystallography. Furthermore, antimicrobial properties of starting and syntheses complexes have also been tested against C. krusei (ATCC 6258), C. albicans (ATCC 14053) and C. parapsilosis (ATCC 22019) (yeast) for antifungal activity and E. faecalis (ATCC 29212), E. coli (ATCC 25922) and S. aureus (ATCC 29213) for antibacterial activity. The antimicrobial activities of results were compared to those of standard agents such as fluconazole, levofloxacin, cefepime and vancomycin.

Biomass has a wide range of uses due to its cost-effectiveness and enormous diversity of functional groups. This research investigates the production of an inexpensive and efficient adsorbent using the stem waste charcoal (FTCC) of Tinospora cordifolia and its use in water decontamination, with a focus on the elimination of metal ions and dyes. The study shows that chemically functionalizing the surface of charcoal with APTES (3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane) improves adsorption capabilities. Various characterization techniques, such as FTIR, FESEM, TGA, and BET studies, were used to evaluate the efficiency of FTCC. The results showed a considerable improvement in surface qualities that are favourable for adsorption. BET evaluations indicate that functionalized carbon has a high surface area of 1.45766 m².g⁻¹ and a pore volume of 0.534772 cm³.g⁻¹. Adsorption data fit well with Langmuir model and follow pseudo-second-order kinetics. Thermodynamic parameters reveal the endothermic adsorption of Congo red dye and exothermic adsorption of Cr (VI) metal ion. The batch adsorption experiments revealed that FTCC was capable of removing various dyes and metal ions from aqueous solution, with adsorption capacity 65.22 mg/g for Congo red and 56.61 mg/g for Cr (VI). The FTCC showed good reusability potential up to 6th cycle. Additionally, tests with water samples containing contaminants have been conducted to demonstrate the best adsorbent quality of FTCC. The study highlights the feasibility of using functionalized charcoal FTCC derived from agricultural debris as a renewable alternative for restoring the environment and water remediation.

Graphical abstract

Argania spinosa is a well-known evergreen tree in Morocco and worldwide due to its significant ecological value, economic potential, and therapeutic uses. In this study, native and introduced Argan trees from two locations in Morocco (Oujda and Chouihiya) were compared for their chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity. The sensitivity of different bacterial and fungal strains to Argan extracts was tested using the agar diffusion, agar well, and microdilution methods. The findings of the present study indicate that each extract from the different studied parts of the Argan tree contained a distinct amount of several compounds of considerable interest, including rutin, catechin, quercetin, and cinnamic acid, the major compound was Quercetin with a value of 18.12 mg/100g DW while the minor was trans Chalcon with a concentration of 0.01 mg/100G DW. The lowest MIC values and MBC value against bacterial strains were recorded by leaf extracts from Oujda against K. pneumoniae with a value of 2.5 mg/mL. The lowest MIC observed for fungal strains was registered against Geotrichum sp with a value of 5 mg/ml. The outcomes from this work further support that Argan and its derivatives have a promising future in combating microbial problems.

Opuntia is a well-known plant for its folkloric use and nutritional composition. This work aimed to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, as well as the mineral composition realized by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for cultivated and wild Algerian Opuntia species. The results showed a significant difference in length, diameter, and weight between both Opuntia fruits. The highest pH, brix°, and total sugar content were found in the pulp of cultivated fruit compared to the wild one. Moisture was found to be higher in pulp of both species with more than 90% compared to their seeds (33%); however, ashes content was more determined in seeds with 1.04%. Moreover, high protein content was found in wild Opuntia parts (more than 200 mg bovine serum albumin equivalent/100 g dry matter), which also presented higher ascorbic acid and betalain contents, particularly in the pulp with 211.45 mg EAA/100 g DM and 312.91 mg/100 g DM, respectively, compared to the cultivated Opuntia. Finally, the mineral profile revealed a significant countenance of all species’ fractions in many important minerals for human organism functioning, like iron, magnesium, zinc, and potassium.

The rise of drug-resistant bacterial strains is escalating due to the ability to produce biofilms shielding bacteria from antimicrobial agents. Consequently, novel approaches are imperative for managing biofilm-related infections in healthcare settings. Silver-based nanoparticles have revealed potential antimicrobial characteristics against various bacteria. In the present work, silver-modified TiO₂ (Ag@TiO₂) and silver-modified/N-doped TiO₂ (Ag@N-TiO₂) nanocomposites were synthesized using the sol–gel and photochemical deposition under UV light illumination. FTIR, XRD, and DRS were performed to characterize the vibrational, structural, and optical properties of the synthesized materials, respectively. In addition, FE-SEM and EDX analysis were also utilized to determine the surface morphology, particle size, and elemental composition of the prepared materials. Furthermore, the synthesized Ag@TiO₂ and Ag@N-TiO₂ nanocomposites were explored and compared for antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents against clinically isolated multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) on the silicone rubber as a urinary catheter material in the medical devices. The results showed that both Ag@TiO₂ and Ag@N-TiO₂ composites exhibited antimicrobial activities compared to negative control. The Ag⁻³@TiO₂ composite possessed a highest inhibition zone (77.29%) against MDR K. pneumoniae. In addition, anti-biofilm assay through the crystal violet method showed that Ag⁻¹@TiO₂ revealed an optimum inhibition (54.20%) compared to other samples. In conclusion, Ag@TiO₂ and Ag@N-TiO₂ nanocomposites have exhibited promising antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents in medical devices, providing an effective inhibition toward the bacterial growth and biofilm formation of MDR K. pneumoniae.

The surface treatment of iron artefacts requires an application of the proper conservation coating to prevent further corrosion deterioration. Tannate coating is preferred as a conservation agent of iron/steel with the desired black appearance of the surface. In this work, the modification of the tannate coating with hydrotalcites to improve conservation ability was studied. Methodology of the surface treatment was developed, and process parameters: hydrotalcite addition, applied layers, immersion time and pH of the stock solution were studied. The treated surface was characterised by various methods e.g. Raman spectroscopy, EDX measurements and electrochemical characterisation, and the quality of the surface treatment was evaluated with respect to cyclic QUV test. Effect of hydrotalcite addition on quality of the conversion coating was confirmed and explained by incorporation of Al in the coating. Mechanism of the modified conversion coating was proposed.

By using a one-step synthesis approach, 2,4,6-triamino-5-nitrosopyrimidine and 4,4’-biphenyldicarboxaldehyde were combined to create Schiff base polymer (TPB) and carbon nanotubes doping Schiff base polymers (TPB/MWCNTs-X, X = 2, 5, 8). Enhancement of electrochemical properties of Schiff base polymers (TPB) can be done by doping pretreated carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes disrupted the π−π stacking of polymer molecular links and some microcosmic pore structures formed in the nanotubes doping process, and the carbon nanotubes are suitable for channeling of electrolyte ion diffusion from electrolyte solution body to the center of conductive polymer bulk. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to characterize the morphology and phase compositions. Sample TPB/MWCNTs-2 possess the optimal electrochemical performance, measurement results reveal that the specific capacitance of TPB/MWCNTs-2 electrode is 714 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 A g⁻¹ in the three-electrode system, and the capacity retention rate is still 76.6% in 5000 cycles with 10 A g⁻¹ current density. Furthermore, the asymmetric supercapacitor battery hybrid device (TPB/MWCNTs-2//AC) was established in 6 M KOH electrolyte with TPB/MWCNTs-2 and activated carbon (AC) serving as the positive and negative electrodes, respectively. The TPB/MWCNTs-2//AC device has the maximum energy density of 94.06 Wh kg⁻¹ with 0.5 A g⁻¹ current density; at the same time, the device possesses 371.87 W kg⁻¹ power density. The introduction of carbon nanotubes into Schiff base polymers disrupts the internal π−π stacking and provides more oxidatively active sites, offering more paths for electrons to move. This work offers a novel approach to the synthesis of electrode materials from Schiff base conducting polymer-carbon nanotube composites with exceptional electrochemical characteristics.

The wide therapeutic potential attributed to Crataegus laciniata leaves has spurred considerable interest, yet comprehensive studies on the extraction of bioactive compounds, phytochemical composition, and biological properties are scarce. The present study aimed at optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction of phenolic compounds from C. laciniata leaves (CLL), and assessing their composition, antioxidant potential, and enzyme inhibition. Box-Behnken design was used to estimate the effects of ethanol concentration, time, and temperature on the extraction procedure. Phytochemical composition was analyzed using UPLC-ESI-MS-MS, operating in the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Biological properties were tested through antioxidant activity and inhibition potential of three key enzymes implicated in different pathologies. The mathematical model for total phenolic content (TPC) recovery indicated high significance and experimental adequacy with optimal extraction conditions of 51.18%, 54.82 °C, and 35.80 min for ethanol concentration, temperature, and time, respectively. Under these conditions the TPC was 308.25 mg GAE/g. UPLC-ESI-MS-MS analysis led to the identification of 15 phenolic compounds, including 9 flavonoids (quercetin, myricetin, rutin, hesperetin, naringenin, chrysin, vitexin, catechin, and esculin) and 6 phenolic acids (chlorogenic, gallic, ferulic, cinnamic, coumaric and 2-methoxybenzoic acids). The CLL extract exhibited strong antioxidant activity revealed by DPPH, ABTS, OH free radical scavenging activities and the FRAP assay. In addition, the optimal extract showed a fairly good inhibitory potential against urease, α-glycosidase, and acetylcholinesterase, with IC₅₀ values of 133.28, 7.21, and 153.94 μg/mL, respectively. The optimal extract of C. laciniata leaves can be considered a rich and diversified source of phenolic compounds with potent biological activities with great potential for exploration in the pharmacological and food industries.