Journal Description
Compounds
Compounds
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on chemical compounds 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 17.7 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 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.
- Compounds is a companion journal of Metals.
Latest Articles
Ester Production Using the Lipid Composition of Coffee Ground Oil (Coffea arabica): A Theoretical Study of Eversa® Transform 2.0 Lipase as an Enzymatic Biocatalyst
Compounds 2023, 3(3), 411-429; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3030031 - 28 Jul 2023
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The scientific community recognizes coffee grounds (Coffea arabica) as an important biological residue, which led to using the Eversa® Transform 2.0 lipase as an in silico enzymatic catalyst for coffee grounds’ free fatty acids (FFA). Molecular modeling studies, including molecular
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The scientific community recognizes coffee grounds (Coffea arabica) as an important biological residue, which led to using the Eversa® Transform 2.0 lipase as an in silico enzymatic catalyst for coffee grounds’ free fatty acids (FFA). Molecular modeling studies, including molecular docking, were performed, which revealed the structures of the lipase and showed the primary interactions between the ligands and the amino acid residues in the active site of the enzyme. Of the ligands tested, 6,9-methyl octadienoate had the best free energy of −6.1 kcal/mol, while methyl octadecenoate and methyl eicosanoate had energies of −5.7 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics confirmed the stability of the bonds with low Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD) values. The MMGBSA study showed that methyl octadecenoate had the best free energy estimate, and CASTp identified key active sites for potential enzyme immobilization in experimental studies. Overall, this study provides efficient and promising results for future experimental investigations, showing a classification of oils present in coffee grounds and their binding affinity with Eversa.
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Electrospun Nanofibrous Membranes for Air Filtration: A Critical Review
Compounds 2023, 3(3), 390-410; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3030030 - 14 Jul 2023
Abstract
Air filtration is an urgent global need because, in many countries and regions, the high concentration of inhalable suspended particles in the air is causing irreversible damage to human health. The use of nanofibrous membranes can help to reduce airborne particulate matter because
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Air filtration is an urgent global need because, in many countries and regions, the high concentration of inhalable suspended particles in the air is causing irreversible damage to human health. The use of nanofibrous membranes can help to reduce airborne particulate matter because of their large surface area, extremely porous structure, and adjustable pore size. However, despite their unique properties, the main drawbacks of nanofibre membranes are their poor mechanical properties. This review focuses on nanofibrous membranes prepared by electrospinning, a versatile technique in which the process parameters allow control of the morphology and dimensional characteristics of the nanofibres. Recent literature on air filtration is reviewed, focusing on the performance of materials such as pure or mixed polymers, organic–inorganic composites, and ‘green’ materials in the form of nanofibrous membranes. Finally, the recently proposed layered structures for nanofibre-based air filters are reviewed, offering the latest and most innovative solutions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers in Compounds (2022–2023))
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First Report on Several NO-Donor Sets and Bidentate Schiff Base and Its Metal Complexes: Characterization and Antimicrobial Investigation
Compounds 2023, 3(3), 376-389; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3030029 - 05 Jul 2023
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The condensation product of the reaction between aniline and salicylaldehyde was a 2-(2-hydroxybenzylidinemine)—aniline Schiff base bidentate ligand (L). L was used to generate complexes by interacting with the metal ions lanthanum(III), zirconium(IV), yttrium(III), and copper(II), in addition to cobalt(II). Various physicochemical
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The condensation product of the reaction between aniline and salicylaldehyde was a 2-(2-hydroxybenzylidinemine)—aniline Schiff base bidentate ligand (L). L was used to generate complexes by interacting with the metal ions lanthanum(III), zirconium(IV), yttrium(III), and copper(II), in addition to cobalt(II). Various physicochemical techniques were utilized to analyze the synthesized L and its metal chelates, including elemental analysis (CHN), conductimetry (Λ), magnetic susceptibility investigations (μeff), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis.) spectrophotometry, and thermal studies (TG/DTG). FT-IR revealed that the L molecule acted as a bidentate ligand by binding to metal ions via both the oxygen atom of the phenolic group in addition to the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group. Additionally, 1H NMR data indicated the formation of complexes via the oxygen atom of the phenolic group. An octahedral geometrical structure for all of the chelates was proposed according to the UV-Vis. spectra and magnetic moment investigations. Thermal analysis provided insight into the pattern of L in addition to its chelates’ breakdown. In addition, the investigation furnished details on the chelates’ potential chemical formulas, the characteristics of adsorbed or lattice H2O molecules, and the water that is coordinated but separated from the structure at temperatures exceeding 120 °C. The thermodynamic parameters utilizing Coats–Redfern in addition to Horowitz–Metzger equations were studied. The antimicrobial effectiveness of L and its chelates against distinct species of bacteria and fungi was studied using the disc diffusion method. Cu(II) and Y(III) chelates had significant antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus.
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Open AccessArticle
Integrated Analysis by GC/MS and 13C NMR of Moroccan Cladanthus mixtus Essential Oil; Identification of Uncommon Epoxyfarnesanes
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, , , , , and
Compounds 2023, 3(2), 365-375; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3020028 - 17 May 2023
Abstract
Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall., Asteraceae, also known as Moroccan chamomile, is a spontaneous, annual plant growing wild in North-Western Morocco. Economically, the essential oil of C. mixtus is of high interest, Morocco being the only supplier on the international market. Two essential oil
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Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall., Asteraceae, also known as Moroccan chamomile, is a spontaneous, annual plant growing wild in North-Western Morocco. Economically, the essential oil of C. mixtus is of high interest, Morocco being the only supplier on the international market. Two essential oil samples (EO) were isolated from aerial parts of Cladanthus mixtus (L.) Chevall., and analyzed by a combination of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques (gas chromatography (GC) in combination with retention indices (RI), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS), and 13C NMR spectroscopy). Computer matching against the in-house 13C NMR library allowed the identification of the eight components at appreciable contents, namely 3,6,6,9-bis-epoxy-farnesa-1,7(14),10-triene, and its 3-epi, 9-epi, and 3,9-diepi epimers, and 6,9-epoxy-farnesa-1,7(14),10-trien-3-ol and its 3-epi, 6-epi, and 3,6-diepi epimers. Our results confirm the tremendous chemical variability of Moroccan C. mixtus essential oil and the usefulness of 13C NMR analysis, in combination with GC(RI), for the identification of uncommon oxygenated sesquiterpenes that induce an original composition.
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Interplay between Fe(II) and Fe(III) and Its Impact on Thermoelectric Properties of Iron-Substituted Colusites Cu26−xFexV2Sn6S32
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, , , , , , and
Compounds 2023, 3(2), 348-364; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3020027 - 15 May 2023
Abstract
Following the trend of finding better thermoelectric materials among synthetic analogs of copper–chalcogenide minerals, we have synthesized iron-bearing colusites of a general formula Cu26−xFexV2Sn6S32. They crystallize in the cubic space group P-43n
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Following the trend of finding better thermoelectric materials among synthetic analogs of copper–chalcogenide minerals, we have synthesized iron-bearing colusites of a general formula Cu26−xFexV2Sn6S32. They crystallize in the cubic space group P-43n with the unit cell parameter increasing linearly with the iron content. At a low iron concentration, the crystal structure features disorder manifested by an anti-site effect and a shift of a part of the tin atoms from their ideal positions, which is absent for higher iron contents. The magnetization and 57Fe/119Sn Mössbauer studies showed that, for x = 1, iron is present as Fe3+, whereas for x > 1, Fe2+ and Fe3+ coexist. Additionally, weak antiferromagnetic interactions between iron atoms and fast on the 57Fe Mössbauer time scale (107–109 s−1) electron transfer between adjacent Fe2+ and Fe3+ centers were revealed. Thermoelectric studies showed that iron-bearing colusites are p-type semiconductors with low thermal conductivity stemming from their complex crystal structure and structural disorder. The highest ZT of 0.78 at 700 K was found for the x = 1 iron content, where iron is present as Fe3+ only.
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Open AccessCommunication
Enzymatic Screening of β-Amyloid Precursor Protein-Based Substrates
Compounds 2023, 3(2), 341-347; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3020026 - 10 May 2023
Abstract
We performed an enzymatic screening of synthetic peptides based on β-amyloid precursor protein substrates. The template peptide sequence was a decapeptide derived from our previous screening study, which determined several effective unnatural amino acids. In this study, new libraries containing some unnatural amino
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We performed an enzymatic screening of synthetic peptides based on β-amyloid precursor protein substrates. The template peptide sequence was a decapeptide derived from our previous screening study, which determined several effective unnatural amino acids. In this study, new libraries containing some unnatural amino acid compounds were prepared in the solid phase and digested with the β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme. The reaction mixture was analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry. The peptides that showed a higher cleavage than the template sequence were determined and reported.
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Open AccessCommunication
The Effect of Strain on the Aromatic Character of Infinitene
Compounds 2023, 3(2), 336-340; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3020025 - 18 Apr 2023
Abstract
Infinitene was synthesized in a previous study in 2021, and the molecule showed high strain energy. It was not clear how the strain affected the aromatic character of the molecule. To discuss this problem, the aromatic properties of dodecacene, [12]circulene, and infinitene have
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Infinitene was synthesized in a previous study in 2021, and the molecule showed high strain energy. It was not clear how the strain affected the aromatic character of the molecule. To discuss this problem, the aromatic properties of dodecacene, [12]circulene, and infinitene have been studied. The structures of these compounds have been optimized at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311G + (d,p) level of theory, and the energy of the π orbitals has been used to determine the D’ index of the aromaticity. D′ for dodecacene, [12]circulene, and infinitene were 1.45, 1.45, and 1.50, respectively, showing that infinitene is an aromatic compound but with a lower aromatic character, which is in agreement with the observed strain.
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Open AccessEditorial
Category Theory in Chemistry
Compounds 2023, 3(2), 334-335; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3020024 - 14 Apr 2023
Abstract
“Mathematical chemistry” as an academic field is said to have been proposed by Weyl in the 20th century as a way of thinking that abstracts and expresses “variables”, “symbols” and “functions” [...]
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Open AccessReview
Recent Progress on Natural Rubber-Based Materials Containing Metallic and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: State of the Art and Biomedical Applications
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Compounds 2023, 3(2), 310-333; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3020023 - 28 Mar 2023
Abstract
Diseases caused by infections are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used become less effective. A combination of strategies to develop active biomaterials that enhance antibacterial effects are desirable, especially ones that cause fewer side effects and promote healing properties. The combination
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Diseases caused by infections are becoming harder to treat as the antibiotics used become less effective. A combination of strategies to develop active biomaterials that enhance antibacterial effects are desirable, especially ones that cause fewer side effects and promote healing properties. The combination of nanotechnology with substances that have intrinsic antibacterial activity can result in the advance of innovative biomedical materials. In this sense, the goal of this work is to provide a summary of natural rubber latex materials obtained from the Hevea brasiliensis tree loaded with metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles have unique size-dependent chemical and physical characteristic that make them appropriate for use in pharmaceutical and medical devices, while natural rubber latex is a natural and biocompatible polymer with an intrinsic antibacterial effect. Moreover, we outline here the origin, extraction methods, and composition of natural rubber latex and different techniques for the synthesis of nanoparticles, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. Finally, we summarize, for the first time, the state of the art in obtaining natural rubber-based materials with metallic and metallic oxide nanoparticles for biomedical applications.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue (Bio)molecules from Natural Extracts: An Infinite World of Opportunities)
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Synthesis and Spectral, Thermal and Antimicrobial Investigation of Mixed Ligand Metal Complexes of N-Salicylidene Aniline and 1,10-Phenanthroline
Compounds 2023, 3(1), 298-309; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010022 - 16 Mar 2023
Cited by 2
Abstract
Coordination compounds of Co(II), Cu(II), Y(III), Zr(IV) and La(III) ions were synthesized from the N-salicylidene aniline (L) derived from the condensation of aniline with salicylaldhyde and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as a secondary mixed ligand. L, phen and their
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Coordination compounds of Co(II), Cu(II), Y(III), Zr(IV) and La(III) ions were synthesized from the N-salicylidene aniline (L) derived from the condensation of aniline with salicylaldhyde and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) as a secondary mixed ligand. L, phen and their complexes were characterized using various physiochemical methods, such as elemental analyses (CHN), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), molar conductance (Λ), magnetic susceptibility (μeff), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) and thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTG). The analytical and spectroscopic data supporting the chemical formulas of the metal complexes and chelation of L and phen with the metal ions forming octahedral complexes. FT-IR spectra demonstrated that L chelated with metal ions as a bidentate ligand via the oxygen atom of the phenolic group with a band in the range 3378–3437 cm−1 and the nitrogen atom of the azomethine group at 1612 cm−1. In addition, phen chelated through two nitrogen atoms in the range 1525–1565 cm−1. The 1H NMR results confirmed the IR assumption that the ligand connected to the metal ions via the phenolic’s oxygen atom. The molar conductance measurements of the complexes revealed high values of the electrolytic nature of these complexes in the range of 90.40–125.80 S cm2 mol−1. Thermal analysis (TG/DTG) was used to differentiate between coordinated and hydrated water molecules and the thermal stability of the complexes. Finally, the anti-microbial activities of the complexes were investigated against fungi (Candida albicans), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium) and Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus sp.) using the disc diffusion method. The La(III) complex was significant against C. albicans compared with all other compounds and reference standard control.
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Open AccessReview
Synthesis of Organoalkoxysilanes: Versatile Organic–Inorganic Building Blocks
Compounds 2023, 3(1), 280-297; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010021 - 16 Mar 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Organic–inorganic building blocks are an important class of hybrid materials due to the synergistic versatility of organic compounds with the robust properties of inorganic materials. Currently, the growing interest in silica hybrid materials to modify the physical and chemical properties of the silica
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Organic–inorganic building blocks are an important class of hybrid materials due to the synergistic versatility of organic compounds with the robust properties of inorganic materials. Currently, the growing interest in silica hybrid materials to modify the physical and chemical properties of the silica network has led to an increasing interest in organoalkoxysilanes. A general formula of R-[Si-(OR’)3]n, with OR’ as a hydrolysable alkoxy group and R acting as the organic functional group (n ≥ 1), has led to precursors for many molecules. By introducing adequate organic moieties (R), organoalkoxysilanes effectively engage in surface and matrix modification of silica-based materials with smart-responsive units, coupling agents, targeting moieties, bioactive moieties etc., opening promising applications, specifically biomedical ones. Several synthetic procedures have been established to introduce the alkoxysilane moieties, including hydrosilylation, coupling reactions, and addition reactions to isocyanates. Herein, we review synthetic routes to organoalkoxysilanes and the relationship between structural features to design appropriate organoalkoxysilanes for specific applications.
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Boronation of Biomass-Derived Materials for Hydrogen Storage
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Compounds 2023, 3(1), 244-279; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010020 - 14 Mar 2023
Abstract
In spite of the widespread range of hydrogen applications as one of the greenest energy vectors, its transportation and storage still remain among the main concerns to be solved in order to definitively kickstart a rapid takeoff of a sustainable H2 economy.
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In spite of the widespread range of hydrogen applications as one of the greenest energy vectors, its transportation and storage still remain among the main concerns to be solved in order to definitively kickstart a rapid takeoff of a sustainable H2 economy. The quest for a simple, efficient, and highly reversible release storage technique is a very compelling target. Many studies have been undertaken to increase H2 storage efficiency by exploiting either chemisorption or physisorption processes, or through entrapment on different porous solid materials as sorbent systems. Among these, biomass-derived carbons represent a category of robust, efficient, and low-cost materials. One question that is still open-ended concerns the correlation of H2 uptake with the kind and number of heteroatoms as dopant of the carbonaceous sorbent matrix, such as boron, aiming to increase whenever possible bonding interactions with H2. Furthermore, the preferred choice is a function of the type of hydrogen use, which may involve a short- or long-term storage option. In this article, after a brief overview of the main hydrogen storage methods currently in use, all the currently available techniques for the boronation of activated carbonaceous matrices derived from recycled biomass or agricultural waste are discussed, highlighting the advantages and drawbacks of each of them.
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Optimization of a Solid-Phase Extraction Procedure for the Separation of Picrocrocin and Crocins from Saffron Extract
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Compounds 2023, 3(1), 233-243; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010019 - 09 Mar 2023
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Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus used as a flavoring and coloring agent in the food industry which also possesses medicinal properties. In the current study, the optimum Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) conditions for separating picrocrocin and crocins
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Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of Crocus sativus used as a flavoring and coloring agent in the food industry which also possesses medicinal properties. In the current study, the optimum Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) conditions for separating picrocrocin and crocins from aqueous saffron extracts were investigated, using Rotatable-Central Composite Design (RCCD) in combination with Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The optimized factors were volume of saffron extract (3 mL), elution solvent (15% v/v ACN/water for picrocrocin; and 50% v/v ACN/water for crocins), and volume of elution solvent (ACN/water) (10 mL). The response factor measured was the UV-Vis absorbance. The presence of picrocrocin and crocins in the solutions obtained from SPE was confirmed using Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS). The above optimized SPE procedure provides economy in reagents and consumables.
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Open AccessMore Editor’s choice articles in journal Compounds.">Editor’s ChoiceCommunication
Predicting the Average Composition of an AlFeNiTiVZr-Cr Alloy with Machine Learning and X-ray Spectroscopy
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Compounds 2023, 3(1), 224-232; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010018 - 03 Mar 2023
Cited by 1
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A multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) is a type of metallic alloy that is composed of multiple metallic elements, with each element making up a significant portion of the alloy. In this study, the initial atomic percentage of elements in an (AlFeNiTiVZr)1-xCrx MPEA alloy
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A multi-principal element alloy (MPEA) is a type of metallic alloy that is composed of multiple metallic elements, with each element making up a significant portion of the alloy. In this study, the initial atomic percentage of elements in an (AlFeNiTiVZr)1-xCrx MPEA alloy as a function of the position on the surface was investigated using machine learning algorithms. Given the absence of a linear relationship between the atomic percentage of elements and their location on the surface, it is not possible to discern any clear association from the dataset. To overcome this non-linear relationship, the prediction of the atomic percentage of elements was accomplished using both decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF) regression models. The models were compared, and the results were found to be consistent with the experimental findings (a coefficient of determination R2 of 0.98 is obtained with the DT algorithm and 0.99 with the RF one). This research demonstrates the potential of machine learning algorithms in the analysis of wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) datasets.
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Open AccessArticle
Abraham Solvation Parameter Model: Revised Predictive Expressions for Solute Transfer into Polydimethylsiloxane Based on Much Larger and Chemically Diverse Datasets
Compounds 2023, 3(1), 205-223; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010017 - 20 Feb 2023
Abstract
Updated Abraham model correlations are reported for the transfer of organic solutes and inorganic gases to a polydimethylsiloxane coating from both water and the gas phase based on published experimental data for more than 220 different compounds. The derived mathematical expressions back-calculate the
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Updated Abraham model correlations are reported for the transfer of organic solutes and inorganic gases to a polydimethylsiloxane coating from both water and the gas phase based on published experimental data for more than 220 different compounds. The derived mathematical expressions back-calculate the observed partitioning behavior to within standard deviations of the residuals of 0.206 and 0.176 log units, respectively.
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Protective Effect of Biflavones from Platonia insignis Mart. against Ethidium Bromide-Induced Lethality in Staphylococcus aureus
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Compounds 2023, 3(1), 194-204; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010016 - 10 Feb 2023
Abstract
Brazilian flora are highly diverse and have great potential for research into new medicines of plant origin. Platonia insignis Mart. is a fruit tree from the Amazon region with several potential pharmacological applications already demonstrated. The present study aimed to investigate the protective
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Brazilian flora are highly diverse and have great potential for research into new medicines of plant origin. Platonia insignis Mart. is a fruit tree from the Amazon region with several potential pharmacological applications already demonstrated. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effect of a mixture of the biflavones volkensiflavone and moreloflavone obtained from P. insignis flowers against the lethality induced by ethidium bromide in efflux pump overproducer strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Microdilution tests were performed to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethidium bromide in the absence or presence of biflavones. The addition of biflavones to the growth medium increased the minimum inhibitory concentration of ethidium bromide against all strains tested, indicating that biflavones protected the bacterial cells against cell damage induced by this biocide agent. Comparative analysis of the infrared absorption spectra of each isolated compound, as well as of the associated compounds, demonstrated the complexation reaction, indicating that there was a preferential interaction between the H2N- groups of primary amines of ethidium bromide with the carbonyls of biflavones that formed imines -C=NH. Such complexation could reduce the amount of free ethidium bromide molecules available for DNA intercalation, resulting in the observed protective effect. These results suggest a possible technological application of the biflavones from P. insignis as protective agents against cell damage induced by ethidium bromide.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic Compounds with Biological Activity)
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Antioxidant and UV-Blocking Functionalized Poly(Butylene Succinate) Films
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Compounds 2023, 3(1), 180-193; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010015 - 09 Feb 2023
Abstract
The introduction of a limited number of functional groups on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) chains by covalent bonding can impart new properties to the polymer without modifying its thermal and mechanical properties. In pursuit of a viable approach to obtain light- and heat-stabilized PBS
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The introduction of a limited number of functional groups on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) chains by covalent bonding can impart new properties to the polymer without modifying its thermal and mechanical properties. In pursuit of a viable approach to obtain light- and heat-stabilized PBS samples, the nitroxide radical coupling (NRC) reaction between PBS macroradicals and the 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzoyl-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical (BHB-TEMPO), a functionalizing agent bearing a sterically-hindered antioxidant phenol moiety, is here proposed. The reaction was initiated by peroxide and carried out in solution and in a melt. The functionalized materials were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR), and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) analysis to gain structural information and by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to investigate the thermal properties. In addition, films of the samples were subjected to thermal and photo-oxidative aging to assess their resistance to degradative processes. Finally, the PBS film with the highest degree of functionalization showed the ability to protect β-carotene, a molecule found in food and drugs and that is very sensitive to UV light, from degradation. This result suggests the use of this material (either alone or blended with other biopolyesters) for biodegradable and compostable active packaging.
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Reduction of the Plasma Uric Acid Level in Potassium Oxoate-Induced Hyperuricemic Rats by Heat-Concentrated Prunus mume Fruit Extract Containing Three Chlorogenic Acid Isomers
Compounds 2023, 3(1), 169-179; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010014 - 08 Feb 2023
Abstract
Gout is a common rheumatic disease, resulting from hyperuricemia. Prunus mume fruit extract, after being heat-concentrated named mei extract, was empirically found to reduce the risk of gout. While neochlorogenic acid was found as the predominant phenolic compound in the fresh juice of
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Gout is a common rheumatic disease, resulting from hyperuricemia. Prunus mume fruit extract, after being heat-concentrated named mei extract, was empirically found to reduce the risk of gout. While neochlorogenic acid was found as the predominant phenolic compound in the fresh juice of Prunus mume, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cryptogenic acid were detected as the major phenolic compounds in the mei extract. In vitro testing showed that all the three chlorogenic acid isomers exhibited comparable inhibitory activities on xanthine oxidase. The hypouricemic effects of the mei extract were evaluated in potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats. Oral administrations of the mei extract significantly reduced the plasma uric acid level in hyperuricemic rats, but did not elevate the urinary uric acid level. The results provide in vivo evidence for the anti-hyperuricemic effects of mei extract for the first time, rationalize its therapeutic usage for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout, and propose chlorogenic acid isomers as the active ingredients. Mei extract seems to be a potential natural functional food product.
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Open AccessFeature PaperMore Editor’s choice articles in journal Compounds.">Editor’s ChoiceArticle
Fluorinated Merophosphinine and Phosphinine Dyes: Synthesis and Evaluation of UV-Visible Light Absorption Properties
Compounds 2023, 3(1), 153-168; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010013 - 02 Feb 2023
Abstract
Merophosphinine and phosphinine dyes were reported as phosphorus atom equivalents of merocyanine and cyanine dyes in the 1960s. Although these dyes are excellent sensitizers for enhancing photographic performance, their development has been considerably retarded because of difficulties in the synthetic process. Previously, while
[...] Read more.
Merophosphinine and phosphinine dyes were reported as phosphorus atom equivalents of merocyanine and cyanine dyes in the 1960s. Although these dyes are excellent sensitizers for enhancing photographic performance, their development has been considerably retarded because of difficulties in the synthetic process. Previously, while investigating the reactivity of fluoroalkenes with various nucleophiles, we developed fluorinated merophosphinine and phosphinine scaffolds in a single reaction step; however, we did not investigate their ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) light absorption properties further. Therefore, in this study, we synthesized fluorinated merophosphinines and phosphinine derivatives using triphenylphosphonium ylides with various R substituents [R = H, C6H5, 4-MeOC6H4, 4-PhC6H4, or C6F5] and octafluorocyclopentene to study their absorption characteristics. Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) indicated that several synthesized derivatives were thermally stable at temperatures above 241 °C. Additionally, when studied in various solvents, the fluorinated merophosphinine and phosphinine dyes exhibited well-defined maximum absorption wavelengths (λabs) in the 364–375 and 420–474 nm ranges, respectively. Thus, fluorinated merophosphinine and phosphinine derivatives may serve as promising thermally stable functional dyes for future technical applications.
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Volatile Constituents and Antimicrobial Activity of Naio (Myoporum Sandwicense A. Gray), a Native Hawaiian Tree
Compounds 2023, 3(1), 142-152; https://doi.org/10.3390/compounds3010012 - 29 Jan 2023
Cited by 2
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Myoporum sandwicense A. Gray (naio) is one of the characteristic trees of Hawaiian montane–subalpine mesic forests. In this study, lab-distilled oils of M. sandwicense leaves, wood, and twigs growing on the island of Hawaii, as well as industrially produced wood oils, were characterized
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Myoporum sandwicense A. Gray (naio) is one of the characteristic trees of Hawaiian montane–subalpine mesic forests. In this study, lab-distilled oils of M. sandwicense leaves, wood, and twigs growing on the island of Hawaii, as well as industrially produced wood oils, were characterized by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The lab-distilled oils were screened for antimicrobial activity. M. sandwicense leaf essential oil was rich in β-caryophyllene (15.1%), α-humulene (12.8%), germacrene D (7.9%), bicyclogermacrene (12.5%), brigalow ketol (9.6%), and myoporone (16.8%), while the wood essential oils were dominated by α-bisabolol and trans-α-bisabolol oxide B. The sapwood oil was dominated by palmitic acid (35.5%), linoleic acid (19.7%), oleic acid (31.9%), and stearic acid (5.7%), whereas the oil from twigs was rich in tricosane (77.3%) and pentacosane (13.1%). M. sandwicense essential oils were screened for antimicrobial activity against a panel of potentially pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The leaf essential oil of M. sandwicense showed excellent antibacterial activity against S. pyogenes and antifungal activity against A. fumigatus. The wood essential oil showed notable activity against S. pyogenes, A. fumigatus, A. niger, and M. gypseum. The twig oil was remarkably active against mold species. This work is the first report we are aware of on the composition and antimicrobial properties of naio essential oils.
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