Journal Description
AppliedChem
AppliedChem
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on all aspects of applied chemistry published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 12.5 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 4.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: APC discount vouchers, optional signed peer review, and reviewer names published annually in the journal.
- AppliedChem is a companion journal of Applied Sciences.
Latest Articles
What Applied Physical Chemistry Can Contribute to Understanding Cancer: Toward the Next Generation of Breakthroughs
AppliedChem 2023, 3(3), 378-399; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3030024 - 19 Jul 2023
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Living systems, whether healthy or diseased, must obey the laws of chemistry. The purpose of this review is to identify the interpretive limits of cellular biochemistry using, largely, the tools of physical chemistry. We illustrate this approach using two major concepts in cancer:
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Living systems, whether healthy or diseased, must obey the laws of chemistry. The purpose of this review is to identify the interpretive limits of cellular biochemistry using, largely, the tools of physical chemistry. We illustrate this approach using two major concepts in cancer: carcinogenicity and cancer recurrences. Cells optimize the chemical performance of enzymes and pathways during cancer recurrences. Biology has been primarily concerned with the analysis of high affinity interactions, such as ligand–receptor interactions. Collective weak interactions (such as van der Waals forces) are also important in determining biosystem behaviors, although they are infrequently considered in biology. For example, activity coefficients determine the effective concentrations of biomolecules. The in vivo performance of enzymes also depends upon intracellular conditions such as high protein concentrations and multiple regulatory factors. Phase separations within membranes (two dimensions) and nucleoli (three dimensions) are a fundamental regulatory factor within cells, as phase separations can alter reactant concentrations, local dielectric constants, and other factors. Enzyme agglomeration also affects the performance of biochemical pathways. Although there are many examples of these phenomena, we focus on the key steps of cancer: carcinogenicity and the biochemical mechanism of cancer recurrences. We conjecture that oxidative damage to histones contributes to carcinogenicity, which is followed by nucleolar phase separations and subsequent DNA damage that, in turn, contributes to the redistribution of enzymes mediating metabolic changes in recurrent breast cancer.
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The Influence of Functional Materials on the Size of the Lipid Vesicles in Beverages
AppliedChem 2023, 3(3), 366-377; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3030023 - 19 Jul 2023
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By investigating the hydrophobic properties and functional components including ethyl caproate (EC), caproic acid (CA), isoamyl acetate (IA), isoamyl alcohol (IAA), isovaleraldehyde (IVA), and procyanidin B2 (PB2) in beverages, one can incorporate them with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) lipids to create cell-sized lipid vesicles. The
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By investigating the hydrophobic properties and functional components including ethyl caproate (EC), caproic acid (CA), isoamyl acetate (IA), isoamyl alcohol (IAA), isovaleraldehyde (IVA), and procyanidin B2 (PB2) in beverages, one can incorporate them with 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DOPC) lipids to create cell-sized lipid vesicles. The aim of this study was to explore the correlation between the concentration of flavors or functional compounds and the size of the lipid vesicles. It was observed that EC, CA, IA, and IAA decreased the size of lipid vesicles. In contrast, IVA and PB2 increased their size. To comprehend this correlation, both the chemical structure of these compounds in relation to DOPC membranes and the fluidity of the membranes were considered. The size of the lipid vesicles was influenced by the molecular interactions between the compounds and DOPC. Those were caused by, in particular, the balance between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity. Compounds with higher hydrophobicity tended to decrease the size of the lipid vesicles, whereas compounds with greater hydrophilicity had the opposite effect, leading to an increase in size. These findings suggest that the size of lipid vesicles can serve as a potential indicator for rapidly evaluating the concentration of these components in beverages.
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Obtaining and Studying the Properties of Chitosan Films Containing Natural Phytohormones Cytokinins
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, , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(3), 350-365; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3030022 - 07 Jul 2023
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A promising carrier for the development of polymer systems with controlled release of biologically active compounds is the aminopolysaccharide chitosan. In the present work, we studied the possibility of using chitosan films as a matrix for the N6-benzyladenine (BA), which is
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A promising carrier for the development of polymer systems with controlled release of biologically active compounds is the aminopolysaccharide chitosan. In the present work, we studied the possibility of using chitosan films as a matrix for the N6-benzyladenine (BA), which is the natural cytokinin widely used in tissue culture. The aim of this work was to develop biopolymer carriers containing phytohormones cytokinins that provide its controlled release. As a result of the work, a number of biopolymer carriers containing BA were obtained, and the kinetics of moisture absorption of the resulting complexes and the kinetics of their release of cytokinins were studied. It has been shown that the use of a polymer carrier based on chitosan is a convenient matrix for achieving a prolonged biological effect from cytokinins. The obtained results will make it possible to purposefully design materials with an optimal delivery rate of cytokinins for a biological object.
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Manifestation of Heat-Induced Valuable Dietary Nucleotide Salvage in Food Prepared from Aged Fish in Fast Protein and Metabolites Liquid Chromatography, ATP-Bioluminescence Assay, and NMR Spectra
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, , , , , , , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 334-349; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020021 - 20 Jun 2023
Abstract
Dietary nucleotides and nucleosides, primarily inosine monophosphate (IMP) and the adenine nucleotide pool (ANP), are widely considered as essential nutrients responsible for multiple biological functions. Food prepared from meat and fish is the main source of these substances in the human diet, and
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Dietary nucleotides and nucleosides, primarily inosine monophosphate (IMP) and the adenine nucleotide pool (ANP), are widely considered as essential nutrients responsible for multiple biological functions. Food prepared from meat and fish is the main source of these substances in the human diet, and it is extremely important to implement storage and processing techniques ensuring their maximum preservation and even accumulation during maturation or conditioning. In experiments with freshly refrigerated grass carp and defrosted Alaska pollock fillets it was discovered, initially using Fast Protein and Metabolites Liquid Chromatography and the ATP-bioluminescence test, and afterwards validated by NMR spectroscopy, that heat treatment identical to conventional culinary processing in aqueous or wet media at temperatures above 62 °C leads to nucleotide salvage (recovery) in aged fish. A significant increase in the concentration of IMP, and even an emergence of ANP substances, were reliably demonstrated in fish samples which had already partially or fully lost these components during prolonged storage due to the ATP breakdown metabolic reactions. Owing to this recovery, the nutritive value of ready-to-eat food can be higher than was initially evaluated in raw products before heat treatment: an effect that should certainly be considered in practical nutrition. Moreover, it is necessary to reconsider the widely acknowledged system of indices of freshness based on nucleotides and nucleosides elaborated a long time ago for raw meat and fish products.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopy in Food Science and Engineering)
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The Facile Microwave-Assisted Coprecipitation Route to Obtain Polyoxoniobate (Na7(H3O)Nb6O19·14H2O) Nanorods Modified with Copper for CO2 Photoreduction
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, , , , , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 320-333; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020020 - 12 Jun 2023
Abstract
The CO2 reduction by solar means has been discussed as an alternative to emission abatement, a fundamental topic for sustainable, carbon-free production in the future. However, the choice of efficient systems, starting with the catalysts, is still a critical issue, especially due
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The CO2 reduction by solar means has been discussed as an alternative to emission abatement, a fundamental topic for sustainable, carbon-free production in the future. However, the choice of efficient systems, starting with the catalysts, is still a critical issue, especially due to the poor activity of available options. Polyoxometalates have been extensively studied as promising photocatalysts due to their semiconducting properties. Nevertheless, the synthetic conditions of polyoxoniobate are stringent due to the low reaction activity of Nb species, the lack of soluble precursors, and the narrow pH range. Unlike the literature, in the present study, we report a simple polyoxoniobate synthesis method. This synthesis method has some remarkable features, such as low processing time and temperature and good activity and selectivity in the CO2 photoreduction process. The results revealed an outstanding efficiency for the CO2 reduction reaction with a high selectivity of CO2 to CO conversion (92.5%). Furthermore, C2 compounds (e.g., acetate) were produced in the liquid phase of the reaction system. Our findings are significant for indicating the potential of polyoxoniobate for CO2 photoreduction, which opens a way to control competitive reactions with synthesis, leading to higher selectivity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Energy and Environment Applications)
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Vapor Composition and Vaporization Thermodynamics of 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium Hexafluorophosphate Ionic Liquid
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, , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 303-319; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020019 - 02 Jun 2023
Abstract
The processes of the sublimation and thermal decomposition of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid (EMImPF6) were studied by a complex approach including Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations. It was established that the vapor over
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The processes of the sublimation and thermal decomposition of the 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid (EMImPF6) were studied by a complex approach including Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry, IR and NMR spectroscopy, and quantum chemical calculations. It was established that the vapor over the liquid phase primarily consists of decomposition products under equilibrium conditions. Otherwise, the neutral ion pairs are the only vapor components under Langmuir conditions. To identify the nature of the decomposition products, an experiment on the distillation of the ionic liquid was performed and the collected distillate was analyzed. It was revealed by the IR and NMR spectroscopy that EMImPF6 decomposes to substituted imidazole-2-ylidene (C6N2H10PF5) and HF. The measured vapor pressure of C6N2H10PF5 reveals a very low activity of the decomposition products (<10−4) in the liquid phase. The absence of a significant accumulation of decomposition products in the condensed phase makes it possible to determine the enthalpy of sublimation of the ionic liquid assuming its unchanged activity. The thermodynamics of the EMImPF6 sublimation was studied by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. The formation enthalpy of EMImPF6 in the ideal gas state was found from a combination of the sublimation enthalpy and formation enthalpy of the ionic liquid in the condensed state. The obtained value is in good agreement with those calculated by quantum chemical methods.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in AppliedChem)
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Pharmaceutical Residual Solvent Analysis: A Comparison of GC-FID and SIFT-MS Performance
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 290-302; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020018 - 01 Jun 2023
Cited by 1
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Residual solvents in pharmaceutical excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and finished products are usually analyzed using gas chromatography (GC)-based techniques according to a pharmacopeial monograph, such as the United States Pharmacopeia’s (USP) chapter <467>. GC analyses are often slow, which limits sample throughput.
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Residual solvents in pharmaceutical excipients, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), and finished products are usually analyzed using gas chromatography (GC)-based techniques according to a pharmacopeial monograph, such as the United States Pharmacopeia’s (USP) chapter <467>. GC analyses are often slow, which limits sample throughput. Selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) removes the rate-limiting chromatographic separation step, potentially offering faster sample analyses. This approach was demonstrated recently with the publication of an alternative SIFT-MS procedure which was successfully validated against the performance criteria in USP chapter <1467>. The present study expands upon the previous work by conducting a head-to-head comparison of GC-flame ionization detection (GC-FID) and SIFT-MS procedures. The results obtained in this cross-platform study demonstrated similar performance for the GC-FID and SIFT-MS procedures for linearity (R2 > 0.94 and 0.97, respectively) and repeatability (<17%RSD and <10%RSD). For accuracy and recovery, acceptance criteria (within 20%) were achieved for most compounds across the two drug products (SIFT-MS suffered fewer failures, possibly due to shorter wait times prior to analysis). Additionally, SIFT-MS analyzed samples over 11-fold faster than GC-FID, increasing daily sample throughput and reducing the time taken to determine the result. This study therefore suggests that residual solvent analysis using SIFT-MS may support workflow improvements for pharmaceutical manufacturers.
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Predicting Animal Welfare Labels from Pork Fat Using Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
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, , , , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 279-289; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020017 - 17 May 2023
Abstract
The awareness of the origin of meat that people consume is rapidly increasing today and with that increases the demand for fast and accurate methods for its distinction. In this work, we present for the first time the application of Raman spectroscopy using
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The awareness of the origin of meat that people consume is rapidly increasing today and with that increases the demand for fast and accurate methods for its distinction. In this work, we present for the first time the application of Raman spectroscopy using a portable spectrometer for the classification of pork. Breeding conditions were distinguished from spectral differences of adipose tissues. The pork samples were obtained from Dutch vendors, from supermarkets with quality marks of 1 and 3 stars, and from a local butcher shop. In total, 60 fat samples were examined using a fiber-optic-coupled Raman spectrometer. Recorded spectra were preprocessed before being subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. An initial data exploration using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a separation of adipose tissue samples between the lower supermarket quality grade and the samples from the local butcher. Moreover, predictive modeling using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) resulted in 96.67% classification accuracy for all three sources, demonstrating the suitability of the presented method for intraspecies meat classification and the potential on-site use.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spectroscopy in Food Science and Engineering)
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Evaluation of Substituted N-Aryl Maleimide and Acrylamides for Bioconjugation
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 256-278; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020016 - 15 May 2023
Abstract
Novel SF5-bearing maleimide and acrylamide derivatives were synthesised as potential [18F]radio-prosthetic groups for radiolabelling peptides and proteins. The efficacy of selected prosthetic groups was first assessed through bioconjugation with protected model amino acid derivatives. These reactions were investigated on
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Novel SF5-bearing maleimide and acrylamide derivatives were synthesised as potential [18F]radio-prosthetic groups for radiolabelling peptides and proteins. The efficacy of selected prosthetic groups was first assessed through bioconjugation with protected model amino acid derivatives. These reactions were investigated on an analytical scale via LC-MS across a pH range to quantitatively evaluate this prosthetic group’s reactivity and stability. Model bioconjugate reactions were then replicated using analogous para-substituted derivatives to determine the influence of the electronic effects of -SF5. Finally, the SF5-bearing prosthetic groups were utilised for bioconjugation with cancer-targeting c-RGD peptides. N-aryl maleimides reacted extremely efficiently with the model amino acid N-acetyl-L-cysteine. The subsequent conjugates were obtained as regio-isomeric mixtures of the corresponding thio-succinamic acids in yields of 80–96%. Monitoring the bioconjugate reaction by LC-MS revealed that ring hydrolysis of the intermediate SF5–thio-succinimide conjugate occurred instantaneously, an advantageous quality in minimising undesirable thiol exchange reactions with non-targeted cysteine residues. In contrast, N-aryl acrylamides demonstrated poor solubility in semi-aqueous media (<1 mM). In turn, synthetic-scale model bioconjugations with Nα-acetyl-L-lysine were performed in methanol, affording the corresponding acrylamide conjugates in modest to high yield (58–89%). Including electron-deficient, fluorinated prosthetic groups for bioconjugation will broaden their applicability within the fields of 19F-MRI and PET imaging.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in AppliedChem)
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New Physicochemical Methodology for the Determination of the Surface Thermodynamic Properties of Solid Particles
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 229-255; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020015 - 10 May 2023
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The study of the surface thermodynamic properties of solid materials is primordial for the determination of the dispersive surface energy, polar enthalpy of adsorption and Lewis’s acid base properties of solid particles. The inverse gas chromatography technique (IGC) at infinite dilution is the
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The study of the surface thermodynamic properties of solid materials is primordial for the determination of the dispersive surface energy, polar enthalpy of adsorption and Lewis’s acid base properties of solid particles. The inverse gas chromatography technique (IGC) at infinite dilution is the best surface technique for the determination of the surface physicochemical properties of materials. (1) Background: This paper was devoted to studying the surface properties of solid materials, such as alumina, titania and silica particles, using the IGC technique. (2) Methods: Different methods and molecular models, such as the spherical, cylindrical, Van der Waals, Redlich–Kwong, Kiselev and geometric models, were used to determine the London dispersive surface energy of solid surfaces. The Hamieh model was also used and highlighted the thermal effect on the surface area of solvents. (3) Results: The variations of the dispersive surface energy and the free energy of adsorption were determined for solid particles as a function of the temperature, as well as their Lewis’s acid base constants. Alumina surfaces were proved to exhibit a strong Lewis amphoteric character three times more basic than acidic, titanium dioxide more strongly basic than acidic and silica surface exhibited the stronger acidity. (4) Conclusions: The new methodology, based on the Hamieh model, gave the more accurate results of the physicochemical properties of the particle surfaces.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in AppliedChem)
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The Plagiochilins from Plagiochila Liverworts: Binding to α-Tubulin and Drug Design Perspectives
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AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 217-228; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020014 - 09 May 2023
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Among bryophytes, the Plagiochila genus represents a large group of leafy liverworts with over 500 species. Plagiochilins A to X are sesquiterpenoids isolated from Plagiochila species. The lead compound plagiochilin A (Plg-A), endowed with anticancer and antiparasitic properties, has been characterized as a
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Among bryophytes, the Plagiochila genus represents a large group of leafy liverworts with over 500 species. Plagiochilins A to X are sesquiterpenoids isolated from Plagiochila species. The lead compound plagiochilin A (Plg-A), endowed with anticancer and antiparasitic properties, has been characterized as a potent mitosis inhibitor, acting selectively at the late stage of cytokinesis termed abscission. The compound perturbs the dynamics of microtubules, blocking cell cycle progression and triggering the death of malignant cells. Based on the compound’s mechanism of action and by analogy with other natural products bearing a dihydro-pyrone moiety, we postulated that Plg-A could bind to the pironetin site of α-tubulin. A molecular docking analysis was performed to compare the bindings of all 24 plagiochilins to α-tubulin and to establish structure–binding relationships. The identification of Plg-E and Plg-G as the best binders in the series highlighted the importance of the C13-OH or C=O group for α-tubulin recognition. This observation led to the testing of the natural-product ester plagiochilin A-15-yl n-octanoate and the corresponding alcohol (Plg-OH), both identified as robust α-tubulin binders. The study provides a rationale to potentially explain the mechanism of action of Plg-A and to guide the design of new derivatives.
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Essential Oils in Postharvest Treatment against Microbial Spoilage of the Rosaceae Family Fruits
AppliedChem 2023, 3(2), 196-216; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3020013 - 03 Apr 2023
Abstract
Fruits undergo numerous chemical, physical, and microbiological changes during storage that shorten their postharvest life, reducing shelf-life and boosting food loss. Food quality and safety are seriously threatened by postharvest infections, one of the factors behind postharvest deterioration and mycotoxin contamination in fruits.
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Fruits undergo numerous chemical, physical, and microbiological changes during storage that shorten their postharvest life, reducing shelf-life and boosting food loss. Food quality and safety are seriously threatened by postharvest infections, one of the factors behind postharvest deterioration and mycotoxin contamination in fruits. The control of postharvest deterioration is a big concern because there are few management methods available. Several attempts have been undertaken to prevent the microbial degradation of fresh food at the postharvest stage without using synthetic fungicides, which are dangerous for the environment and people’s health. A good substitute for synthetic fungicides among them is the use of natural plant compounds, such as essential oils included or not included in the edible coatings. This review’s aim was to collect information from the scientific literature on the biological activity of essential oil, with or without edible coatings, against pathogens that cause the postharvest spoilage of many fruit belonging to Rosaceae family in order to develop appropriate substitute tactics for synthetic fungicides in the treatment of postharvest fruit diseases. Advances and obstacles surrounding emerging methods that may be useful for enhancing the effectiveness and dependability of essential oils were evaluated.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Food)
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Metabolomics Approach to Reveal the Effects of Ocean Acidification on the Toxicity of Harmful Microalgae: A Review of the Literature
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 169-195; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010012 - 16 Mar 2023
Abstract
Climate change has been associated with intensified harmful algal blooms (HABs). Some harmful microalgae produce toxins that accumulate in food webs, adversely affecting the environment, public health and economy. Ocean acidification (OA) is a major consequence of high anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The
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Climate change has been associated with intensified harmful algal blooms (HABs). Some harmful microalgae produce toxins that accumulate in food webs, adversely affecting the environment, public health and economy. Ocean acidification (OA) is a major consequence of high anthropogenic CO2 emissions. The carbon chemistry and pH of aquatic ecosystems have been significantly altered as a result. The impacts of climate change on the metabolisms of microalgae, especially toxin biosynthesis, remain largely unknown. This hinders the optimization of HAB mitigation for changed climate conditions. To bridge this knowledge gap, previous studies on the effects of ocean acidification on toxin biosynthesis in microalgae were reviewed. There was no solid conclusion for the toxicity change of saxitoxin-producing dinoflagellates from the genus Alexandrium after high CO2 treatment. Increased domoic acid content was observed in the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia. The brevetoxin content of Karenia brevis remained largely unchanged. The underlying regulatory mechanisms that account for the different toxicity levels observed have not been elucidated. Metabolic flux analysis is useful for investigating the carbon allocations of toxic microalgae under OA and revealing related metabolic pathways for toxin biosynthesis. Gaining knowledge of the responses of microalgae in high CO2 conditions will allow the better risk assessment of HABs in the future.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Toxicometabolomics: Recent Advances and Future Trends)
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Comparative Reactivity of Different Polyols in the PET Saponification Process
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, , , , , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 153-168; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010011 - 02 Mar 2023
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This work is concerned with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) saponification by different potassium compounds in various polyols as well as biodiesel’s main by-product, crude glycerol. It was established that reaction conditions (initial PET/K+ molar ratio, reaction time, etc.) could control the molecular weight of
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This work is concerned with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) saponification by different potassium compounds in various polyols as well as biodiesel’s main by-product, crude glycerol. It was established that reaction conditions (initial PET/K+ molar ratio, reaction time, etc.) could control the molecular weight of obtained oligomeric products. In ethylene glycol, depolymerization proceeds rapidly, and already at 10–30 min, PET is completely dissolved in the reaction mixture with the formation of liquid oligomers. Then, these oligomers react with potassium compounds, and after 200 min of the process, there are only solid, low-molecular-weight products (dipotassium terephthalate, monomers, and dimers). At the same time, PET saponification in pure glycerol is less effective, and solid polyether flakes could not fully decompose even after 200 min of the process. Crude glycerol takes the middle position between pure polyols. Based on the obtained data, an improved kinetic model was developed, and rate constants were estimated. This model takes into account PET saponification by potassium salts as well as direct PET glycolysis. Ethylene glycol is formed in situ by transesterification between fatty acid ethylene glycol esters and glycerol in the case of pure and crude glycerol.
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Comparison of Sensitivity and Specificity of Commercial Amphetamine Tests
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 141-152; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010010 - 01 Mar 2023
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Drug addiction is a disease that is characterized by a compulsion, a desire to take different substances permanently or for a certain period of time. Numerous negative incidents, such as crimes, work accidents and traffic accidents, are related to using illegal substances. Therefore,
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Drug addiction is a disease that is characterized by a compulsion, a desire to take different substances permanently or for a certain period of time. Numerous negative incidents, such as crimes, work accidents and traffic accidents, are related to using illegal substances. Therefore, urine drug cassette tests have become a screening tool. However, considering legal consequences of test result, the question arises of their performance and reliability. On this account, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of urine drug tests available on the commercial pharmaceutical market. Evaluated tests were immersed in synthetic urine diluent spiked with amphetamine at various concentrations also containing potentially interfering substances such as caffeine, paracetamol and acetylsalicylic acid, and after a certain period of time, it was observed whether the result was as expected. The reference method used in this study was high-performance liquid chromatography. The obtained results confirmed the declared cut-off as well as specificity of rapid diagnostic tests.
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Cytotoxic Activity and Phytochemical Screening of Eco-Friendly Extracted Flavonoids from Pueraria montana var. lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep and Trifolium pratense L. Flowers Using HPLC-DAD-MS/HRMS
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, , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 119-140; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010009 - 20 Feb 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Increasing prospective phytochemical investigations and biological activities on Pueraria lobata and Trifolium pratense flowers exhibited their nutritional (food industry) pharmaceutical (anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, etc.) potentials. Previous studies paid great attention to the screening of isoflavones profile from phytochemicals. This study, in contrast, aimed
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Increasing prospective phytochemical investigations and biological activities on Pueraria lobata and Trifolium pratense flowers exhibited their nutritional (food industry) pharmaceutical (anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, etc.) potentials. Previous studies paid great attention to the screening of isoflavones profile from phytochemicals. This study, in contrast, aimed at identifying the flavonoids from Pueraria lobata flowers or kudzu flower (KF) and Trifolium pratense flowers or red clover (RC) flowers and determining their cytotoxic activities on normal; (HEK-293) and cancer cell lines; human glioblastoma (A-172), osteosarcoma (HOS), embryonic rhabdomyosarcoma (Rd), lung carcinoma (A-549) and liver carcinoma (HepG2). The phytochemical screening using a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-Q-TOF/MS) showed that 15 flavonoids, including isoflavones, flavones, flavonols, and flavanones, were identified in KF and 8 flavonoids, including isoflavones and flavonols, were found in RC. Nevertheless, the majority of flavonoid chemical constituents in KF or RC were found to be isoflavones (66.6%) and (62.5%), respectively. HPLC-DAD analysis following eco-friendly extraction of phytochemicals showed that KF contains mainly daidzein and genistein, while RC contains primarily formononetin and biochanin A. Cytotoxic activities evaluated according to IC50 values exhibited the most pronounced dose-dependent antiproliferative effect of KF and RC extracts were against HOS and Rd cancer cell lines, respectively. Accordingly, the morphological observation carried out using acridine orange/ethidium bromide and Giemsa stains revealed apoptotic activities and cell death in HOS and Rd cell lines when subjected to KF or RC extracts. Cytotoxic activities and apoptotic changes were pronounced among all cancer cell lines except for the control cells (HEK-293). Additionally, various polyphenols and flavonoids were identified and quantified in KF and RC extracts and exhibited potent radical scavenging activities. Overall, this study suggests that KF and RC could be valuable edible sources of flavonoids. The comprehensive flavonoid profiles for KF and RC may explain their remarkable biological activities and contribution to inducing antioxidant and cytotoxic activities against cancer cell lines.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Food)
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Analysis of the Antioxidant Activity, Lipid Profile, and Minerals of the Skin and Seed of Hazelnuts (Corylus avellana L.), Pistachios (Pistacia vera) and Almonds (Prunus dulcis)—A Comparative Analysis
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, , , , , , , , , , and
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 110-118; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010008 - 17 Feb 2023
Abstract
Nuts are dry, single-seeded fruits with a combination of beneficial compounds that aid in disease prevention and treatment. The aims of this research are to evaluate the total antioxidant activity (AI) by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, fatty acids by acid-catalyzed esterification
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Nuts are dry, single-seeded fruits with a combination of beneficial compounds that aid in disease prevention and treatment. The aims of this research are to evaluate the total antioxidant activity (AI) by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay, fatty acids by acid-catalyzed esterification method, and minerals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission (ICP-OE) spectrometer in hazelnuts, pistachios, and almond seeds and skins. Considering total AI, the results demonstrated that the highest activity was found in hazelnut and pistachio skin. The results considering minerals demonstrated that manganese, zinc, and iron levels are high in almond and hazelnut skins, copper is dominant in pistachio skin and hazelnut seed, and selenium is high in pistachio and almond skins and seed. Finally, the results showed palmitic acid is present in almond skin and pistachio seed, palmitoleic acid is high in almond and pistachio skins, and stearic acid is present in almond and hazelnut skins. Oleic acid was found in hazelnut seeds and their skin, linoleic acid in almond skin and pistachio seeds, and α-linolenic acid in almond and pistachio skins. In conclusion, hazelnut, pistachio, and almond skins are a great source of antioxidants, minerals, and healthy fatty acids, making them useful for nutraceutical development.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Food)
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Direct Synthesis of Silicon Compounds—From the Beginning to Green Chemistry Revolution
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 89-109; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010007 - 13 Feb 2023
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This paper discusses the historical beginnings and the current state of knowledge of the synthesis of organosilicon compounds and chlorine derivatives of silicon. The key importance of these compounds for modern industry, including the semiconductor industry (photovoltaic cells, microprocessors, memory chips and many
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This paper discusses the historical beginnings and the current state of knowledge of the synthesis of organosilicon compounds and chlorine derivatives of silicon. The key importance of these compounds for modern industry, including the semiconductor industry (photovoltaic cells, microprocessors, memory chips and many other electronic elements) is highlighted. Significant environmental threats related to the production of these compounds and the research challenges aimed at their elimination are discussed. The complexity of the catalytic mechanism of direct reaction of silicon with CH3Cl and alcohols is presented in an accessible way. In the last part of the work, the directions of the development of direct synthesis technology in line with the principles of green chemistry are indicated.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Volatile Aroma Compounds of Gavina® Watermelon (Citrullus Lanatus L.) Dietary Fibers to Increase Food Sustainability
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 66-88; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010006 - 31 Jan 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
To deal with climate emergency and reduce environmental impact, agro-industrial wastes are gradually gaining interest and are being used for new products and applications. The large production of watermelons represents an opportunity because of the many byproducts that can be transformed into innovative
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To deal with climate emergency and reduce environmental impact, agro-industrial wastes are gradually gaining interest and are being used for new products and applications. The large production of watermelons represents an opportunity because of the many byproducts that can be transformed into innovative and valuable foodstuffs. In this study, we examined the lycopene-rich whole dietary fiber (WDF) obtained from the watermelon pomace of a peculiar cultivar, Gavina® (Oristano, Italy) a seedless fruit from Sardinia (Italy). The volatile chemical composition of the WDF was investigated using Solid-Phase Microextraction-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). The aim was to follow the evolution of the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) fraction during storage and verify its stability over time. Since watermelon is an excellent source of carotenoids, their byproducts were the most abundant VOCs of the freshly prepared samples, but their overall abundance decreased significantly during storage. The opposite trend was observed for acids and aldehydes, whose increase over time is related to amino acid degradation. Freshly prepared WDF can be used in the food industry as an antioxidant-rich dietary fiber that imparts a characteristic and pleasant aroma. Over time, its aroma profile and carotenoid content change considerably, reducing its health properties and limiting its potential application as a natural flavor.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Compounds from Food)
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Open AccessEditorial
Acknowledgment to the Reviewers of AppliedChem in 2022
AppliedChem 2023, 3(1), 64-65; https://doi.org/10.3390/appliedchem3010005 - 16 Jan 2023
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High-quality academic publishing is built on rigorous peer review [...]
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