Isolation and structural characterization of a low-molecular-weight pectic polysaccharide SHPPB-1 isolated from sunflower heads

A novel low-molecular-weight pectic polysaccharide was isolated from sunflower heads that are a useless side product produced from sunflower oil processing. The low-molecular-weight pectic polysaccharide was purified by using an optimized four-step procedure and named as SHPPB-1. The molecular weight of SHPPB-1 is about 1.69× 10⁴ Da. Structure characterizations of SHPPB-1 by monosaccharide composition, methylation analysis, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy showed that SHPPB-1 is consisted of 1,4-linked α-D-GalpA and 1,4-linked 2-OAc-5-COOMe-α-D-GalpA with rare α/β-D-Rhap, α/β-D-Manp, and α/β-D-GalpA. This was combined with NMR spectroscopic analysis to propose a structure of SHPPB-1 as: →4)-[α/β-D-monosaccharide-(1→3)]-α-D-GalpA-(1→4)-2-OAc-5-COOMe-α-D-GalpA-(1→ .     

Determination of oleic acid in sunflower seeds by infrared spectroscopy and multivariate calibration method

A method for the determination of oleic acid in sunflower seeds is proposed. One hundred samples of sunflower seeds were analyzed by near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (NIRDRS). The direct measures were realized in ground and sifted seeds. The PLS multivariate calibration model was obtained using first derivate absorbance values as response matrix, while the oleic acid concentration matrix was obtained analyzing the seed samples by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The NIRDRS-PLS model was validated externally using unknown samples of sunflower seeds. The accuracy and precision of the method was evaluated using GC as reference method. The following figures of merit (FOM) were obtained: LOD = 3.4% (w/w); LOQ = 11.3% (w/w); SEN = 8 × 10⁻⁵; SEL = 0.15; analytical sensibility (γ) = 1.5 and linear range (LR) = 18.1-89.2% (w/w). This method is useful for the fast determination of oleic acid in sunflower seeds and for quality control of raw materials.     

Sound absorption properties of a sunflower composite made from crushed stem particles and from chitosan bio-binder

A recent study investigated the mechanical, thermal and acoustical properties of a bio-based composite made from crushed particles of sunflower stalks binded together by chitosan, a bio-based binder. The acoustical performance in absorption was found to be poor as the material was highly compacted and with low porosity. The present study focuses on the acoustical properties of a higher porosity composite, with lower density while the mechanical rigidity remains fairly high. A higher absorption coefficient is obtained. The experimental results on the absorption coefficient are compared to the prediction of a model involving 5 physical parameters (porosity, tortuosity, airflow resistivity, thermal and viscous characteristic lengths). The characterization methods to determine these parameters are described. The comparison between experimental and theoretical results shows that this material exhibits peculiar microstructural features. It is found that the sound absorption properties can involve dead-end pores or clusters and multiple porosity scales in the material.     

SFE kinetics of bioactive compounds from Helianthus annuus L.

The kinetics of the supercritical fluid extraction of bioactive compounds from sunflower using CO₂ as solvent were studied in order to establish an efficient method for this extraction. The influence of time of extraction at different solvent flow rates was investigated. The extraction pressure and temperature were optimized in previous studies and these values used were 400 bar and 50°C. The extraction yields and the bioactivity levels of the extracts were also analysed. The results indicate that the most appropriate extraction time is between 120 and 180 min depending on the solvent flow and the pretreatment of the sample. The dried sample extracted at 40 g/min, the congealed sample extracted at the same flow and 180 min, and the dried sample extracted at 25 g/min for 120 min showed the best activity profiles. The extractions were carried out in a pilot plant with an extraction vessel with a capacity of 2 L.     

葵子油脂肪酸2-氨基-2-甲基-丙醇化学修饰气相色谱-质谱分析

以2-氨基-2-甲基-丙醇为脂肪酸的化学修饰试剂,气相色谱一电子轰击质谱（GC-EI MS）分析葵子油脂肪酸。2-氨基-2-甲基-丙醇将脂肪酸羧基修改为含氮杂环,使在EI源中避免了链烯基中碳碳双键的移动。解析了葵子油脂肪酸2-氨基-2-甲基-丙醇化学修饰产物的EI质谱图,讨沦了烯酸中碳碳双键的定位规则,确定了葵子油脂肪酸中碳碳双键的位置。鉴定出葵子油6种脂肪酸,不饱和脂肪酸相对含量为89．41％,其中人体必需脂肪酸9,12-十八碳二烯酸含量占65．30％。本方法为不饱和脂肪酸中双键的定位提供了新的技术手段。     

Evaluation of sample preparation protocols for proteomic analysis of sunflower leaves

Six protocols for extraction of proteins from sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) leaves were evaluated for their abilities in both removing interferents and attaining the best resolution in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. “Classical” phenol extraction followed by precipitation with ammonium acetate in methanol displayed the most efficient protocol, which allowed the detection of 244 protein spots with ca. 485 μg of protein in gel electrophoresis. Tandem mass spectrometry was performed to identify proteins in 61 spots, and cross species identification was used for this task. Proteins from twenty two spots were identified, and 12 of these proteins are up to now not included into the ExPASy sunflower protein databank.