Antiproliferative Acylated Glycerols from New Zealand Propolis

Previous work has shown that a number of phenolic components of NZ propolis possess antiproliferative activity against certain human gastrointestinal cancer cell lines. Here we report on a series of acylglycerols isolated from the nonpolar fraction of propolis resin, which represent further bioactive constituents unrelated to the more usual phenolic compounds generally found in propolis. NZ propolis is sourced from poplar trees, and the acylglycerols have been shown to be present in the leaves and buds of some common poplars. The compounds are a series of monoglycerides containing 3,8-dihydroxy fatty acids, many of which are further acylated with acetic acid residues. The dihydroxy fatty acids are C₁₈ to C₂₄, with the most abundant being C₂₀ and C₂₂. These acylglycerols were found to have strong antiproliferative activity against three human gastrointestinal cell lines, particularly gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87, where one example shows an IC₅₀ of less than 50 μM.

Cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides anopanins A-C with monoacyldigalactosylglycerols from Anodendron paniculatum

Three cycloartane-type triterpene glycosides (anopanins A-C), together with three known monoacyldigalactosylglycerols gingerglycolipids A-C and (2S)-1-O-palmitoyl-3-O-[α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-d-galactopyranosyl]-sn-glycerol, were isolated from the aerial parts of Anodendron paniculatum collected in Viet Nam. The chemical structures of the present compounds were elucidated by means of 1D and 2D NMR and HRESIMS spectroscopy, and by comparing to the reported data in the literature. These compounds did not show significant growth inhibitory activities (IC₅₀ > 100 μg/mL) against the tested cancer cell lines LU-1 (lung adenocarcinoma), KB (epidermoid carcinoma), Hep-G2 (hepatoma cancer), MKN-7 (stomach cancer), and SW-480 (colon adenocarcinoma).

Value-added processing of crude glycerol into chemicals and polymers

Crude glycerol is a low-value byproduct which is primarily obtained from the biodiesel production process. Its composition is significantly different from that of pure glycerol. Crude glycerol usually contains various impurities, such as water, methanol, soap, fatty acids, and fatty acid methyl esters. Considerable efforts have been devoted to finding applications for converting crude glycerol into high-value products, such as biofuels, chemicals, polymers, and animal feed, to improve the economic viability of the biodiesel industry and overcome environmental challenges associated with crude glycerol disposal. This article reviews recent advances of biological and chemical technologies for value-added processing of crude glycerol into chemicals and polymers, and provides strategies for addressing production challenges.

1-Acyl-3-0-[β-glucopyranosyl-(1"-+ 6')-β-glucopyranosyl]-glycerols and Cordycedipeptides B and C, New Metabolites from Bacillus pumilus

Four 1-monoacyl-3-0-[β-glucopyranosyl-( ->6)-β-glucopyranosyl]-glycerols (1) and four 1,2-diacyl-3-0-[p-glucopyranosyl-(1->6)-p-glucopyranosyl]- glycerols (2a) with acyl residues consisting of 1:1 mixtures of 1-iso-pentadecanoyl- and 1 -anteiso-pentadecanoyl residues and the respective heptadecanoic acid isomers s as main components, have been characterized in the extracts of Bacillus pumilus strain DKS 1. Twenty-seven further metabolites, among them the diketopiperazines cordycedipeptide A (3), B (4), and C (5), were obtained. All compounds were elucidated by NMR and MS techniques and fully characterized and tested for antimicrobial activity against Legionella pneumophila.

Determination of 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol and 2-Monochloropropane-1,3-diol (MCPD) Esters and Glycidyl Esters by Microwave Extraction in Different Foodstuffs

This paper describes a method for the determination of 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol and 2-monochloropropane-1,3-diol (MCPD) esters and glycidyl esters in various foodstuffs, which are isolated using microwave extraction. The next step is based on alkaline-catalyzed ester cleavage. The released glycidol is transformed into monobromopropanediol (MBPD). All compounds are derivatized in free diols (MCPD and MBPD) with phenylboronic acid and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The method was validated for oils with a limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.1 mg/kg, for chips and crisps with a LOQ of 0.02 mg/kg, and for infant formula with a LOQ of 0.0025 mg/L. Recoveries of each sample were controlled by standard addition on extracts before derivatization. Quantitation was performed by the addition of isotopically labeled glycidyl and 3-monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) esters.

Zeolitic Core@Shell Adsorbents for the Selective Removal of Free Glycerol from Crude Biodiesel

Selective adsorption of free glycerol from crude biodiesel was investigated by using mesoporous silica spheres coated with a thin shell of microporous silicalite-1. A polycrystalline silicalite-1 shell was formed upon first covering the external surfaces of various core templates with discrete silicalite-1 nanocrystals, and this was followed by short hydrothermal treatment to ensure shell uniformity. Batch glycerol adsorption experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of the sorbents to remove free glycerol selectively from crude biodiesel mixtures at various temperatures, also in comparison to that of conventional sorbents, for example, bare mesoporous silica gel spheres and zeolites. The silicalite-1 shell provided a microporous membrane that hindered the diffusion of fatty acid methyl esters into the mesopores of the composite sorbent, whereas the large pore volume of the mesoporous core enabled multilayer glycerol adsorption; this ultimately substantially enhanced the performance in terms of purification yield and adsorption capacity.

Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for the direct detection of 2-monochloropropanediol (2-MCPD) esters in edible oils

A new analytical method has been developed and validated for the detection and quantification of 2-monochloropropanediol (2-MCPD) esters in edible oils. The target compounds are potentially carcinogenic contaminants formed during the processing of edible oils. As the 2-MCPD esters that occur most frequently in refined edible oils were not commercially available, standards were synthesized with identity and purity (95+%) confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and (1)H NMR. Target analytes are separated from edible oil matrices using a two-step solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure. The extracts are then analyzed using LC-MS/MS with electrospray ionization (ESI). The method has been validated for 11 2-MCPD diesters and 3 2-MCPD monoesters in soybean oil, olive oil, and palm oil using an external calibration curve. The ranges of average recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSD) across the three oil matrices at three spiking concentrations are 79-106% (3-13% RSD) for the 2-MCPD diesters and 72-108% (4-17% RSD) for the 2-MCPD monoesters, with limits of quantitation at or below 30 ng/g for the diesters and 90 ng/g for the monoesters.

Cultivation of oleaginous yeast using aqueous fractions derived from hydrothermal pretreatments of biomass

This study addresses some of the current challenges in producing biofuels from yeast oils. Specifically, it valorizes byproduct waste streams of biomass processing technologies by integrating them as alternative carbon or nutrient sources in oleaginous yeast cultivation. Crude glycerol recovered from the thermal hydrolysis of various fats and oils was successfully used in culturing of the oleaginous yeast Cryptococcus curvatus, with growth and lipid accumulation occurring at levels identical to those achieved when commercially purchased glycerol was used. The aqueous byproduct stream from the hydrothermal processing of C. curvatus can also be recycled as a growth substrate for subsequent C. curvatus cultures. The addition of this stream promoted higher biomass production without affecting lipid accumulation and only moderately changing the fatty acid profile. Use of these recycling strategies reduces costs and environmental impact of current microbial biofuels production by providing accessible, non-expensive carbon sources and nutrients for oleaginous yeast cultivation.

[Phenylpropanoids constituents of Eucommia ulmoides leaves]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate phenylpropanoids constituents from Eucommia ulmoides leaves.

METHODS

Various column chromatographic methods were used in isolation and purification. Physiochemical constant determination and spectral analysis were adopted to determine the chemical structures of phenylpropanoids.

RESULTS

Nine phenylpropanoids were isolated and identified as caffeic acid (1), chlorogenic acid methylester (2), syringin (3), guaiacylglycerol (4), 5-methoxy-guaiacylglycerol (5), 5,9-dimethoxy-guaiacylglycerol (6), 9-n-butyl-guaiacylglycerol (7), 9-n-butyl-isoguaiacylglycerol (8), 8'-methoxy-olivil (9).

CONCLUSION

Compounds 5 - 9 are isolated from this plant for the first time.

Water reclamation and value-added animal feed from corn-ethanol stillage by fungal processing

Rhizopus oligosporus was cultivated on thin stillage from a dry-grind corn ethanol plant. The aim of the research was to develop a process to replace the current energy-intensive flash evaporation and make use of this nutrient-rich stream to create a new co-product in the form of protein-rich biomass. Batch experiments in 5- and 50-L stirred bioreactors showed prolific fungal growth under non-sterile conditions. COD, suspended solids, glycerol, and organic acids removals, critical for in-plant water reuse, reached ca. 80%, 98%, 100% and 100%, respectively, within 5 d of fungal inoculation, enabling effluent recycle as process water. R. oligosporus contains 2% lysine, good levels of other essential amino acids, and 43% crude protein - a highly nutritious livestock feed. Avoiding water evaporation from thin stillage would furthermore save substantial energy inputs on corn ethanol plants.

Adsorption of glycerol, monoglycerides and diglycerides present in biodiesel produced from soybean oil

The most common methods currently used for the removal of waste glycerol, monoglycerides and diglycerides remaining after phase separation during biodiesel production involve wet processes. These procedures are not environmentally viable because they require large volumes of water and thus generate significant quantities of effluent. In this study, adsorption was employed to replace this purification step. Some commercial activated carbons were tested along with adsorbents chemically modified with HNO3. A kinetics study was conducted at 30 degrees C and adsorption isotherms were obtained at 20 degrees C, 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The results indicated that the adsorption of glycerol increased with the use of chemically-modified activated carbon, showing that pH has a strong influence on glycerol adsorption. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model provided the best fit with the experimental data for the monoglycerides while the pseudo-second-order model showed a better fit for the glycerol and diglycerides. The Freundlich model had the best fit with experimental data on the adsorption equilibrium for all temperatures. The thermodynamic study indicated that the adsorption process is endothermic and thus adsorption is favoured by increasing the temperature. The adsorption process using chemically-modified activated carbon was therefore very effective for the removal of waste glycerol resulting from biodiesel production, which is of considerable significance given the legal limits imposed.

Effects of purified glycerol from biodiesel on miRNAs compared to the expression profile of selected mRNAs in Balb/c mice

BACKGROUND

We investigated the effect of corn-derived biodiesel glycerol on microRNAs (miRNAs) and mRNAs, which play a central role in regulating cell survival, apoptosis and carcinogenesis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Inbred Balb/c mice were treated with purified glycerol from biodiesel for 24 hours. After administration, we determined the expressions of miR-21, miR-27a, miR-34a, miR-93, miR-143, miR-146a, miR-148a, miR-155, miR-196a, miR-203, miR-205, miR-221 and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain enhancer of activated B-cells-1 (Nfκb1), mitogen-activated protein kinase-8 (Mapk8) and v-Ki-ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (K-ras) genes in the liver of mice.

RESULTS

We found a parallel altered expression of miRNAs and mRNAs in animals consuming biodiesel glycerol that compared to control mice; these alterations reached significant levels only in few cases.

CONCLUSION

Biodiesel glycerol presents no higher risk for carcinogenicity or toxicity.

Isolation and characterization of five glycerol esters from Wuhan propolis and their potential anti-inflammatory properties

Five new glycerol esters including 2-acetyl-1-coumaroyl-3-cinnamoylglycerol (13), (+)-2-acetyl-1-feruloyl-3-cinnamoylglycerol (14), (-)-2-acetyl-1-feruloyl-3-cinnamoylglycerol (15), 2-acetyl-1,3-dicinnamoylglycerol (16), and (-)-2-acetyl-1-(E)-feruloyl-3-(3″(ζ),16″)-dihydroxy-palmitoylglycerol (17) were isolated from methanolic extract of Wuhan propolis. The chemical structures of the five new compounds were confirmed by (1)H and (13)C NMR and HR-MS spectra. Twelve minor constituents in the Wuhan propolis extract were tentatively identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, according to their characteristic UV spectrum, retention times, and accurate MS data. The anti-inflammatory activities of the five new compounds were studied in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 mouse macrophage cells. All five compounds exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects on interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 mRNA expressions at 10 and 100 μM, suggesting that Wuhan propolis may serve as a potential anti-inflammatory functional food ingredient or nutraceutical.

Experimental assessment of toxic phytochemicals in Jatropha curcas: oil, cake, bio-diesel and glycerol

BACKGROUND

Jatropha curcas seed is a rich source of oil; however, it can not be utilised for nutritional purposes due to presence of toxic and anti-nutritive compounds. The main objective of the present study was to quantify the toxic phytochemicals present in Indian J. curcas (oil, cake, bio-diesel and glycerol).

RESULTS

The amount of phorbol esters is greater in solvent extracted oil (2.8 g kg⁻¹) than in expeller oil (2.1 g kg⁻¹). Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis of the purified compound from an active extract of oil confirmed the presence of phorbol esters. Similarly, the phorbol esters content is greater in solvent extracted cake (1.1 g kg⁻¹) than in cake after being expelled (0.8 g kg⁻¹). The phytate and trypsin inhibitory activity of the cake was found to be 98 g kg⁻¹ and 8347 TIU g⁻¹ of cake, respectively. Identification of curcin was achieved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the concentration of curcin was 0.95 g L⁻¹ of crude concentrate obtained from cake.

CONCLUSION

Higher amounts of phorbol esters are present in oil than cake but bio-diesel and glycerol are free of phorbol esters. The other anti-nutritional components such as trypsin inhibitors, phytates and curcin are present in cake, so the cake should be detoxified before being used for animal feed.

High quality potassium phosphate production through step-by-step glycerol purification: a strategy to economize biodiesel production

The cost of biodiesel production can be reduced by a number of strategies such as utilization of waste cooking oils and non-edible plant oils as well as implementation of improved separation technologies. In addition, processes dealing with the glycerol by-product can have economic benefits. In the present study, acidification of crude glycerol with phosphoric acid to pH 9.67 followed by acidification to 4.67 was implemented to produce high quality potassium phosphate during glycerol purification. KH(2)PO(4), K(2)HPO(4), glycerol and free fatty acids (FFAs) with a purity of 98%, 98.05%, 96.08% and 99.58% were obtained, respectively.

Removal of organic impurities in waste glycerol from biodiesel production process through the acidification and coagulation processes

Treatment of waste glycerol, a by-product of the biodiesel production process, can reduce water pollution and bring significant economic benefits for biodiesel facilities. In the present study, hydrochloric acid (HCl) was used as acidification to convert soaps into salts and free fatty acids which were recovered after treatment. The pH value, dosages of polyaluminum chloride (PACl) and dosage of polyacrylamide (PAM) were considered to be the factors that can influence coagulation efficiency. The pH value of waste glycerol was adjusted to a pH range of 3-9. The PACl and PAM added were in the range of 1-6 g/L and 0.005-0.07 g/L. The results showed best coagulation efficiency occurs at pH 4 when dosage of PACl and PAM were 2 and 0.01 g/L. The removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD(5)), total suspended solids (TSS) and soaps were 80, 68, 97 and 100%, respectively. The compositions of organic matters in the treated waste glycerol were glycerol (288 g/L), methanol (3.8 g/L), and other impurities (0.3 g/L).

1,2-Di-O-α-linolenoyl-3-O-β-galactosyl-sn-glycerol as a superoxide generation inhibitor from Perilla frutescens var. crispa

Using a superoxide (O(2)(-)) generation assay system with differentiated HL-60 cells, 1,2-di-O-α-linolenoyl-3-O-β-galactosyl-sn-glycerol (DLGG) was identified as an O(2)(-) generation inhibitor from Perilla frutescens var. crispa (a local variety, kida-chirimen shiso). DLGG suppressed the O(2)(-) level in a dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 21 µM, comparable to those of rosmarinic acid (RoA, IC(50) = 29 µM) and caffeic acid (CA, IC(50) = 30 µM). While RoA and CA also dose-dependently inhibited O(2)(-) generation in a xanthine-xanthine oxidase system, DLGG had no effect in the same system. Thus DLGG appeared to decrease the O(2)(-) level in the HL-60 assay system by mechanisms different from those of RoA and CA, which appeared to act as O(2)(-) scavengers.

Process engineering and optimization of glycerol separation in a packed-bed reactor for enzymatic biodiesel production

A process model for efficient glycerol separation during methanolysis in an enzymatic packed-bed reactor (PBR) was developed. A theoretical glycerol removal efficiency from the reaction mixture containing over 30% methyl esters was achieved at a high flow rate of 540 ml/h. To facilitate a stable operation of the PBR system, a batch reaction prior to continuous methanolysis was conducted using oils with different acid values and immobilized lipases pretreated with methyl esters. The reaction system successfully attained the methyl ester content of over 30% along with reduced viscosity and water content. Furthermore, to obtain a high methyl ester content above 96% continuously, long-term lipase stability was confirmed by operating a bench-scale PBR system for 550 h, in which the intermediates containing methyl esters and residual glycerides were fed into the enzyme-packed columns connected in series. Therefore, the developed process model is considered useful for industrial biodiesel production.

Biodegradation of beet molasses vinasse by a mixed culture of micro organisms: effect of aeration conditions and pH control

The effect of aeration conditions and pH control on the progress and efficiency of beet molasses vinasse biodegradation was investigated during four batch processes at 38 degrees C with the mixed microbial culture composed of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Streptococcus, Bacillus, Rhodopseudomonas, and Saccharomyces. The four processes were carried out in a shake flask with no pH control, an aerobic bioreactor without mixing with no pH control, and a stirred-tank reactor (STR) with aeration with and without pH control, respectively. All experiments were started with an initial pH 8.0. The highest efficiency of biodegradation was achieved through the processes conducted in the STR, where betaine (an organic pollutant occurring in beet molasses in very large quantities) was completely degraded by the microorganisms. The process with no pH control carried out in the STR produced the highest reduction in the following pollution measures: organic matter expressed as chemical oxygen demand determined by the dichromatic method + theoretical COD of betaine (COD(sum), 85.5%), total organic carbon (TOC, 78.8%) and five-day biological oxygen demand (BOD5, 98.6%). The process conditions applied in the shake flask experiments, as well as those used in the aerobic bioreactor without mixing, failed to provide complete betaine assimilation. As a consequence, reduction in COD(sum), TOC and BOD5 was approximately half that obtained with STR.

[Two new phenolic acids from Drynariae rhizoma]

To study the chemical constituents of Drynariae Rhizoma, nine phenolic acids were isolated from a 70% ethanol extract by using a combination of various chromatographic techniques including column chromatography over silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20, and semi-preparative HPLC. By spectroscopic techniques including 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 2D NMR, and HR-ESI-MS, these compounds were identified as 4, 4'-dihydroxy-3, 3'-imino-di-benzoic acid (1), protocatechuic acid (2), gallic acid (3), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (4), (E)-caffeic acid (5), ethyl trans-3, 4-dihydroxycinnamate (6), caffeic acid 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (7), p-coumaric acid 4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8), and 23(S)-12-O-caffeoyl-12-hydroxyllauric acid glycerol ester (9), separately. Among them, 1 and 9 are new compounds, and 3, 4, and 6 were isolated from Drynaria species for the first time.

Treatment of glycerol phase formed by biodiesel production

Glycerol is a by-product of biodiesel produced by transesterification and is contained in the glycerol phase together with many other materials such as soaps, remaining catalyst, water, and esters formed during the process. The content of glycerol is approximately 30-60 wt.%. In this paper, treatments of the glycerol phase to obtain glycerol with a purity of 86 wt.% (without distillation) and a mixture of fatty acids with esters (1:1) or only a mixture of fatty acids with a purity of 99 wt.% are presented. The treatment was carried out by removing of alkaline substances and esters. Fatty acids were produced by saponification of the remaining esters and subsequent neutralization of alkaline substances by phosphoric, sulfuric, hydrochloric, or acetic acids. Salts are by-products and, in the case of phosphoric acid can be used as potash-phosphate fertilizer. The process of treatment is easy and environmentally friendly, because no special chemicals or equipment are required and all products are utilizable.

1,3-Diferuloyl-sn-glycerol from the biocatalytic transesterification of ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxy cinnamic acid (ethyl ferulate) and soybean oil

1,3-Diferuloyl-sn-glycerol is found ubiquitously throughout the plant kingdom, possessing ultraviolet adsorbing and antioxidant properties. Diferuloyl glycerol was synthesized and isolated as a byproduct in up to 5% yield from a pilot plant scale packed-bed, biocatalytic transesterification of ethyl ferulate with soybean oil or mono- and diacylglycerols from soybean oil. The yield of the diferuloyl glycerol byproduct was directly proportional to the overall water concentration of the bioreactor. The isolated diferuloyl glycerol exhibited good ultraviolet adsorbing properties, 280-360 nm with a lambda(max) 322 nm, and compared well to the efficacy of commercial sunscreen active ingredients. The antioxidant capacity of diferuloyl glycerol (0.25-2.5 mM) was determined by its ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radicals and was comparable to that of ferulic acid. At current pilot plant scale production capacity, 120 kg diferuloyl glycerol byproduct could be isolated per year.

Preparation and characterization of polyurethane foams using a palm oil-based polyol

Polyurethane (PU) foams were prepared using a palm oil-based polyol (PO-p). At the first stage, palm oil was converted to monoglycerides as a new type of polyol by glycerolysis. A yield of the product reached 70% at reaction temperature of 90 degrees C by using an alkali catalyst and a solvent. At the second stage, PU foams were prepared from mixtures of the polyol and polyethylene glycol (PEG) or diethylene glycol (DEG) and an isocyanate compound. Characterization of the foams was carried out by thermal and mechanical analyses. The analyses showed that the chain motion of polyurethane becomes more flexible at the higher PO-p content in the whole polymer, which indicates that the monoglyceride molecules work as soft segments. The study here may lead to a development of a new type of polyurethane foams using palm oil as a raw material.

Supercritical carbon dioxide fractionation of nonesterified alkoxyglycerols obtained from shark liver oil

Ethanolysis of shark liver oil was carried out to generate a product enriched in nonesterified alkoxyglycerols and fatty acid ethyl esters. For the present study, the original oil contained very low amounts of squalene, and thus, unsaponifiable matter was mainly constituted by nonesterified alkoxyglycerols (NEAKG). A small percentage of monoesterified alkoxyglycerols (MEAKG) was also detected. Supercritical fluid extraction was employed to fractionate the mixture, achieving a complete elimination of esters and concentrating the alkoxyglycerol compounds in the raffinate product. Extractions were carried out in a countercurrent packed column, using extraction pressures in the range of 140-180 bar, temperatures from 45 to 65 degrees C, and a solvent-to-feed ratio of 15. NEAKG + MEAKG purity obtained in the raffinate at the best extraction conditions was around 78% w/w, and satisfactory yield (>60%) was also achieved. Therefore, the raffinate product can be re-esterified to design highly valuable ether lipid compounds.

Arylglycerol glucosides from Dracocephalum forrestii

Three new arylglycerol glucosides, threo-guaiacylglycerol 3-O-(6-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl)-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), threo-guaiacylglycerol 3-O-[6-O-(E)-p-coumaroyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2) and threo-guaiacylglycerol 3-O-[6-O-(Z)-p-coumaroyl]-beta-D-glucopyranoside (3), together with seven known compounds were isolated from the whole plants of Dracocephalum forrestii and their structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic evidences.

Glycerolipids from a Sarcotragus species sponge

One known and two new glycerolipids have been isolated from a Sarcotragus sp. marine sponge. The gross structures were established based on NMR and MS analysis.

Microbial production of 1,3-propanediol by Klebsiella pneumoniae using crude glycerol from biodiesel preparations

1,3-Propanediol (1,3-PD) was produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae using crude glycerol obtained from biodiesel production. The 1,3-PD concentration of 51.3 g/l(-1) on crude glycerol from alkali-catalyzed methanolysis of soybean oil was comparable to that of 53 g/l(-1) on crude glycerol derived from a lipase-catalyzed process. The productivities of 1.7 g l(-1) h(-1) on crude glycerol were comparable to that of 2 g l(-1) h(-1) on pure glycerol. It could be concluded that the crude glycerol could be directly converted to 1,3-PD without any prior purification.

[Study on elimination of 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol in hydrolyzed vegetable protein by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection]

A method was developed to estimate 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol (3-MCPD) in hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) by capillary electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. The optimum conditions were investigated to determine 3-MCPD in hydrolyzed vegetable protein. In 30 mmol/L borax (pH 9.24) running buffer, separation of 3-MCPD from glycerol was achieved. A 328 microm copper-disk electrode used as the working electrode exhibited a good response at + 0.65 V (vs. saturated calomel electrode (SCE)) in 0.05 mol/L sodium hydroxide solution. The effects of pH value, temperature and hydrolysis time on the elimination of 3-MCPD in hydrolyzed vegetable protein were studied. By adjusting hydrolyzed vegetable protein to pH value of 8.0 and heating up for 1 h at 90 degrees C, the content of 3-MCPD in hydrolyzed vegetable protein could be controlled under the level of 1.0 mg/kg, which coincides with the criterion of food safety in China.

Direct separation of regio- and enantiomeric isomers of diacylglycerols by a tandem column high-performance liquid chromatography

A novel HPLC-based method for direct separation of the three isomers of mono-acid diacylglycerols (DAGs), i.e., 1,2-DAG, 2,3-DAG and 1,3-DAG, has been established. The method employs a tandem column system, in which two different columns (a conventional silica gel column and a chiral stationary phase column) are connected in series. Two isomeric mixtures of DAGs (i.e., dicapryloylglycerol and dioleoylglycerol) and lipase-catalyzed reaction mixtures were successfully resolved on the tandem column HPLC system without any derivatization prior to the analysis. According to the established analytical method, stereoselectivity of two lipases toward mono-acid triacylglycerols in ethanolysis reaction was investigated. The tested enzymes were immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB) and Rhizomucor miehei lipase (RML). Analyses of the enantiomeric purity of 1,2-DAG and 2,3-DAG, generated as intermediates during the reaction, revealed that CALB and RML have sn-3 and sn-1 stereopreference, respectively.

Stereoselective Synthesis of the Naturally Occurring Styryllactones (+)-Goniofufurone and (+)-Cardiobutanolide

The naturally occurring gamma-lactones (+)-goniofufurone 1 and (+)-cardiobutanolide 2, two pharmacologically active products from Goniothalamus species (Annonaceae), have been synthesized in enantiopure form using l-erythrulose as the chiral starting material. Key steps of these syntheses were a stereoselective anti boron aldol reaction and an asymmetric allylboration.

Glycerol derivatives and sterols from Sargassum parvivesiculosum

Five glycerol derivatives (1-5) and three sterols (6-8) were isolated from the EtOH extraction of the brown alga of Sargassum parvivesiculosum. On the basis of spectroscopic methods, their structures were elucidated as 1,3-di-O-[2',2'-di-(p-phenylene) isopropylidene] glycerol (1), (2S)-1-O-heptatriacontanoyl glycerol (2), (2S)-1,2-di-O-palmitoyl-3-O-(6-sulpho-alpha-D-quinovopyranosyl) glycerol (3), (2S)-1-O-palmitoyl glycerol (4), (2S)-1,3-di-(O-palmitoyl)-2-O-octadecanoyl glycerol (5), 24-ethylcholest-5,23Z-dien-3beta,28zeta-diol (6), 24-vinylcholest-5-en-24zeta-hydroperoxy (7), 24-ethylcholest-4,24(28)-dien-3beta-ol (8), respectively. Among them, 1 and 2 were new.

The in vitro quality of red blood cells frozen with 40 percent (wt/vol) glycerol at −80°C for 14 years, deglycerolized with the Haemonetics ACP 215, and stored at 4°C in additive solution-1 or additive solution-3 for up to 3 weeks

BACKGROUND

Red blood cells (RBCs) frozen with 40 percent (wt/vol) glycerol, stored at -80 degrees C (mean temperature; range, -65 to -90 degrees C) for 14 years, deglycerolized in the Haemonetics automated cell processor (ACP) 215 with the 325-mL disposable bowl, and stored at 4 degrees C in additive solution (AS)-1 or AS-3 for 21 days were evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 106 units of citrate phosphate dextrose adenine-1 RBCs were frozen with 40 percent (wt/vol) glycerol in the original 800-mL polyvinylchloride plastic bag and stored in corrugated cardboard boxes at -80 degrees C for 14 years. The thawed units were deglycerolized with the ACP 215 with a 325-mL disposable bowl and stored in AS-1 or AS-3 at 4 degrees C for 21 days.

RESULTS

The freeze-thaw recovery value was 94 +/- 4 percent (mean +/- SD), the freeze-thaw-wash recovery value was 80 +/- 7 percent, and there was no breakage. Thirty-eight units were processed as 19 pairs. Two units of ABO-matched units were thawed, pooled, divided equally into two units, and deglycerolized. One unit was stored in AS-1 and the other in AS-3 at 4 degrees C for 21 days. Units stored in AS-1 exhibited significantly greater hemolysis than those stored in AS-3.

CONCLUSIONS

Acceptable results were achieved when RBCs frozen at -80 degrees C for 14 years were deglycerolized in the ACP 215. Deglycerolized RBCs in AS-1 exhibited significantly higher hemolysis than those in AS-3 after storage at 4 degrees C for 7 to 21 days.

Isethionic acid and floridoside isolated from the red alga, Grateloupia turuturu, inhibit settlement of Balanus amphitrite cyprid larvae

Isethionic acid (2-hydroxyethane sulfonic acid) and floridoside (2-O-alpha-D-galactopyranosylglycerol) were extracted from the red alga, Grateloupia turuturu, and tested for anti-settlement activity against cyprid larvae of the tropical barnacle, Balanus amphitrite and for their toxicity to nauplius larvae. Isethionic acid was active for anti-settlement but had the disadvantage of being toxic to nauplius larvae. Floridoside was a potent inhibitor of cyprid settlement at non-toxic concentrations to nauplii (0.01 mg ml(-1)).

[Studies on chemical constituents from the root of Mirablis jalapa]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the chemical constituents from the root of Mirabilis jalapa.

METHOD

Compounds were isolated from 75% ethanolic extract of the titled herb by silica gel column chromatography, and their structures were elucidated by physical and chemical evidences and spectroscopic analysis.

RESULT

Four compounds were obtained and identified as (2, 5-dioxoimidazolidin-4-yl)-urea (1), glycerin monoeicosate (2), boeravinone (3) and beta-sitosterol (4).

CONCLUSION

Compound (2) is a new compound, and compound (1) was obtained from this plant for the first time.

[Chemical composition and cryoprotective activity of ethanol extract from winter caterpillars Aporia crataegi L]

Glycerol, alpha-carotene, and other yet unidentified compounds have been found in the ethanol extract from winter caterpillars of the black-veined white (Aporia crataegi L.). We have shown that the ethanol extract has a cryoprotective effect on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and this activity is approximately three times higher than that of glycerol (particularly, in the case of repeated freezing), which is one of the best cryoprotectors.

Synthesis of glyceroyl beta-N-acetyllactosaminide and its derivatives through a condensation reaction by cellulase

A condensation reaction between N-acetyllactosamine and glycerol was directly catalyzed by using a commercially available cellulase preparation from Trichoderma reesei. 1-O-beta-N-Acetyllactosaminyl-(R, S)-glycerols (1) were readily synthesized in a 5% yield based on the N-acetyllactosamine added and conveniently isolated by two-step column chromatographies. The use of a partially purified enzyme increased 2.3-fold the yield of 1, compared to that of the crude enzyme containing beta-D-galactosidase activity. When various alkanols (n:2-4) were used in the condensation reaction, the corresponding alkyl beta-N-acetyllactosaminides were obtained in yields of 0.3-1.1% of the desired compounds.

Cardiobutanolide, a styryllactone from Goniothalamus cardiopetalus

A styryllactone namely cardiobutanolide was isolated from the stem bark of Goniothalamus cardiopetalus together with four known styryllactones goniothalamin, goniodiol, goniofufurone, goniofupyrone and known acetogenins squamocin and an epimeric mixture of goniodonin and 34-epi-goniodonin. The structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of 1D and 2D NMR experiments and mass spectroscopic techniques.

[Synthesis of partial glycerol caprates by using lipase in nonaqueous media]

Enzymatic esterification by reacting caparic acid with glycerol in solvent-free system was studied. Lipases from Pseudomonas fluoresces(PFL), Mucor miehei(MML) and Candida antarictica(CAL) possessed good catalytic activity. The optimal reaction conditions to convert capric acid with CAL are: 60 degrees C, 20-100 u of CAL per gram capric acid, 12% (W/W) of initial water content in glycerol. CAL does not express its 1,3-specificity in final product. Mechanical fraying denatured CAL partly. 96.4% of catalytic activity of CAL recovered after 5 batches of reaction. Extraction with sodium carbonate solution can decrease acid value of product from 9.8 mg KOH/g to 0.68 mg KOH/g. Applying the enzymatic esterification in open system, under vacuum or dehydrating with molecular sieves all dehydrate effectively. Molar ratio of reactants does not influence the total conversion of capric acid but influences the yield of monoglyceride. With certain protocols, the reaction period could be shortened dramatically; conversion of capric acid reached 96.9% in 5 h.

Possible antitumor promoters in Spinacia oleracea (spinach) and comparison of their contents among cultivars

Spinach leaves were found to contain two potent antitumor promoters as detected by the activity against tumor promoter-induced Epstein-Barr virus activation. The active components were identified as 1-O-alpha-linolenoyl-2-O-(7Z,10Z,13Z)-hexadecatrienoyl-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol and 1,2-di-O-alpha-linolenoyl-3-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-sn-glycerol by spectroscopic data and some chemical and enzymatic reactions. Their contents significantly varied with the cultivar and with the culture conditions.

Lignanamides and nonalkaloidal components of Hyoscyamus niger seeds

Four lignanamides, a tyramine derivative, and 10 other nonalkaloidal components were isolated from the seeds of Hyoscyamus niger. Among them, hyoscyamide (1), 1,24-tetracosanediol diferulate (6), and 1-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl)-3-O-nonadecanoyl glycerol (7) are new structures. The other compounds were identified as grossamide, cannabisin D, cannabisin G, N-trans-feruloyl tyramine, 1-O-octadecanoyl glycerol, 1-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl) glycerol, 1-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl)-2-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl) glycerol, 1-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecadienoyl)-3-O-(9Z-octadecenoyl) glycerol, rutin, vanillic acid, beta-sitosterol, and daucosterol. Grossamide, and cannabisins D and G exhibited moderate cytotoxicity in cultured LNCaP human prostate cancer cells.

Glyceroglycolipids from Serratula strangulata

The rhizomes of Serratula strangulata yielded three glyceroglycolipids, i.e. 1,2-di-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)-3-O-(6-amine-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucosyl)-glycerol, 1,2-di-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)-3-O-(6-p-hydroxy-phenyl-propionamido-6-deoxy-alpha-D-glucosyl)-glycerol and 1,2-di-O-(9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoyl)-3-O-[alpha-D-glucose(1-6)-beta-D-allose]-glycerol, as well as a known sesquiterpene lactone and three known phytoecdysones. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectral data, especially by 2D NMR spectroscopic methods and chemical conversion. These compounds exhibited significant antibacterial and antitumor activities.

Glucides of Cnidium monnieri fruit

From the fruit of Cnidium monnieri Cusson (Umbelliferae), two glucides were isolated together with other known glucides. Their structures were clarified as glycerol 2-O-alpha-L-fucopyranoside and D-quinovitol (6-deoxy-D-glucitol), respectively.

Chiral separation of glycidyl selenide and glycidyl sulfide racemates on cellulose-based chiral stationary phases

In recent years, a growing interest has been paid to glycidyl selenide and glycidyl sulfide racemic compounds for their importance in the life science field. In this study, cellulose-based chiral stationary phases are employed for the separation of glycerin selenium and glycerin sulfur racemates. Most analytes obtain satisfactory separation. In order to optimize the resolution of racemates, mixtures of n-hexane with different alcohols are used as mobile phases. The structural features of these racemic compounds affecting chiral discrimination are discussed in detail. The results in this study suggest that the chiral recognition mechanism for these racemic compounds involve two factors: (a) the substitution residue on a nonchiral atom can play a direct or indirect effect during chiral discrimination and (b) the competition between hydrogen-bonding and pi-pi interaction exists for compounds containing both the hydroxyl and aromatic group at the same time. The two interactions play an opposite role in the chiral discrimination process.

Determination of stereochemical configuration of the glycerol moieties in glycoglycerolipids by chiral phase high-performance liquid chromatography

This study reports a simple and sensitive method for determining the absolute configuration of the glycerol moieties in glycoglycerolipids. The method is based on chiral phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations of enantiomeric di- and monoacylglycerols released from glycosyldi- and monoacylglycerols, respectively, by periodate oxidation followed by hydrazinolysis. The released di- and monoacylglycerols were chromatographed as their 3,5-dinitrophenylurethane (3,5-DNPU) and bis(3,5-DNPU) derivatives, respectively. The derivatives were separated on two chiral phases of opposite configuration, (R)- and (S)-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine polymers for diacylglycerols and N-(R)- -(1-naphthyl)ethylaminocarbonyl-(S)-valine and N-(S)-1 -(1-naphthyl)ethylamino-carbonyl-(R)-valine for monoacylglycerols. Clear enantiomer separations, which permit the assignment of the glycerol configuration, were achieved for sn-1,2(2,3)-diacyl- and sn-1(3)-monoacylglycerols generated from linseed oil triacylglycerols by partial Grignard degradation on all the chiral stationary phases employed. Using the method, we have determined the glycerol configuration in the glycosyldiacylglycerols (monogalactosyl-, digalactosyl-, and sulfquinovosyldiacylglycerols) and glycosylmonoacylglycerols (monogalactosyl-, digalactosyl-, and sulfoquinovosylmonoacylglycerols) isolated from spinach leaves and the coralline red alga Corallina pilulifera. The results clearly showed that the glycerol moieties in all the glycoglycerolipids examined have S-configuration (sn-1,2-diacyl- and sn-1-monoacylglycerols). The new method demonstrates that chiral phase HPLC provides unambiguous information on the configuration of the glycerol backbone in natural glycosyldi- and monoacylglycerols, and that the two-step liberation of the free acylglycerols does not compromise glycerol chirality.

Glycosides and phenylpropanoid glycerol in vitis vinifera cv. Gewurztraminer wine

Eight glycosides and a phenylpropanoid glycerol were isolated from Vitis vinifera cv. Gewurztraminer wine, and their structures were elucidated by MS and NMR spectroscopies. cis-1-(5-Ethenyl-5-methyltetrahydrofuran-2-yl)-1-methylethyl O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, (E)-3,6, 9-trihydroxymegastigm-7-ene 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, 2-phenylethyl O-beta-D-apiofuranosyl-(1-->6)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, and 2-[4-(3-hydroxypropyl)-2-methoxyphenoxy]propane-1,3-diol are reported for the first time as wine components.

Prieurianoside, a protolimonoid glucoside from the leaves of Trichilia prieuriana

The ubiquitous glycolipid 1,2-dilinolenoyl-3-galactopyranosylglycerol and a new protolimonoid glucoside, named prieurianoside, were isolated from the leaves of Trichilia prieuriana. The structure of the latter was established, by spectroscopic techniques, as 12beta,21-diacetoxy-29-beta-D-glucopyranosyloxy-23zeta -hydroxytirucalla-7,24-dien-3-one.

Evaluation of (1R,2R)-1-(5'-methylfur-3'-yl)propane-1,2,3-triol, a sphydrofuran derivative isolated from a Streptomyces species, as an anti-herpesvirus drug

(1R,2R)-1-(5'-Methylfur-3'-yl)propane-1,2,3-triol (MFPT), a stable anhydro derivative of sphydrofuran, was obtained from the culture broth of STREPTOMYCES: sp. strain FV60 as an inhibitor of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The compound showed antiherpetic activity with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 1.2 IM in an in vitro assay system. Although the binding of virus to host cells was not inhibited, the penetration of virus into cells was moderately blocked by MFPT. Some of the viruses, once they had penetrated cells, failed to form plaques in the presence of MFPT. When added to the late stages of HSV-1 replication, MFPT also inhibited virus production. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis of isotope-labelled HSV-specific proteins revealed that a protein or proteins with reduced molecular weight (about 120 kDa) was clearly detected in cells treated with MFPT. Western blot analysis with antibodies against three HSV-specific glycoproteins (gB, gC and gD) showed a significant difference in gC synthesis between untreated and MFPT-treated cells. Release of progeny viruses was suppressed by MFPT. Syncytium formation by HSV-1 strain HF was inhibited and small plaques with rounded cells were formed in MFPT-treated cell cultures. When wild-type HSV-1 was serially propagated under the selective pressure of MFPT, resistant virus emerged. MFPT-resistant progeny were accompanied by the formation of plaques with rounded cells. These results, taken together, suggest that MFPT might act by limiting the maturation of HSV-specific glycoproteins, particularly of HSV-1 gC.

The assembly and secretion of apolipoprotein B-48-containing very low density lipoproteins in McA-RH7777 cells

We have used an extraction procedure, which released membrane-bound apoB-100, to study the assembly of apoB-48 VLDL (very low density lipoproteins). This procedure released apoB-48, but not integral membrane proteins, from microsomes of McA-RH7777 cells. Upon gradient ultracentrifugation, the extracted apoB-48 migrated in the same position as the dense apoB-48-containing lipoprotein (apoB-48 HDL (high density lipoprotein)) secreted into the medium. Labeling studies with [(3)H]glycerol demonstrated that the HDL-like particle extracted from the microsomes contains both triglycerides and phosphatidylcholine. The estimated molar ratio between triglyceride and phosphatidylcholine was 0.70 +/- 0.09, supporting the possibility that the particle has a neutral lipid core. Pulse-chase experiments indicated that microsomal apoB-48 HDL can either be secreted as apoB-48 HDL or converted to apoB-48 VLDL. These results support the two-step model of VLDL assembly. To determine the size of apoB required to assemble HDL and VLDL, we produced apoB polypeptides of various lengths and followed their ability to assemble VLDL. Small amounts of apoB-40 were associated with VLDL, but most of the nascent chains associated with VLDL ranged from apoB-48 to apoB-100. Thus, efficient VLDL assembly requires apoB chains of at least apoB-48 size. Nascent polypeptides as small as apoB-20 were associated with particles in the HDL density range. Thus, the structural requirements of apoB to form HDL-like first-step particles differ from those to form second-step VLDL. Analysis of proteins in the d < 1.006 g/ml fraction after ultracentrifugation of the luminal content of the cells identified five chaperone proteins: binding protein, protein disulfide isomerase, calcium-binding protein 2, calreticulin, and glucose regulatory protein 94. Thus, intracellular VLDL is associated with a network of chaperones involved in protein folding. Pulse-chase and subcellular fractionation studies showed that apoB-48 VLDL did not accumulate in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. This finding indicates either that the two steps of apoB lipoprotein assembly occur in different compartment or that the assembled VLDL is transferred rapidly out of the rough endoplasmic reticulum.

[Chiral separation of glycerin monosulfides and bisulfides with a stationary phase of amylose-tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate)]

Amylose-tris(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) (ADMPC) and aminopropylated silica gel(APS) were prepared after the reported methods. ADMPC was immobilized on APS from tetrahydrofuran solution with a coating amount of 15%. The chiral stationary phase was packed in a stainless-steel column(150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d.) by slurry method. The column was used for the enantioseparation of 6 glycerin monosulfides and 4 glycerin bisulfides. Mixtures of hexane and 2-propanol were used as mobile phases. The enantiomers of the monosulfides could be separated quite well, while those of the bisulfides could not at all. This phenomenon shows that the ether oxygen atom of the monosulfides plays a key role in the chiral discrimination process. The retention time of the solutes increases significantly as the amount of 2-propanol decreases. This shows the main interaction between the solutes and the chiral stationary phase is hydrogen bonding. A dynamic model is presented to account for the chiral discrimination mechanism.

A cyclitol derivative as a replication inhibitor from the marine sponge Petrosia sp

A bioactive cyclitol derivative (1) was isolated from the marine sponge Petrosia sp. The chemical structure of 1 was determined as (2S)-1-O-(2',3',4',5'-tetrahydroxycyclopentyl)-3-O-(10' '-methylhexadecyl)glycerol. Compound 1 inhibited DNA replication in vitro at the level of initiation.