Chromatographic Analysis for Fatty Acids and Lipid-Soluble Bioactives of Derris indica Crude Seed Oil

A combination of column chromatography (CC), gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC) and liquid chromatography (LC) techniques were performed to analyze lipid classes, fatty acids and fat-soluble bioactives of Derris indica crude seed oil. Hexane extract of Derris indica oilseeds was found to be 56%. Level of neutral lipids in the crude seed oil was the highest, followed by glycolipids and phospholipids, respectively. Linoleic followed by α-linolenic, palmitic and oleic were the major fatty acids in the crude seed oil. The ratio of unsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids was higher in neutral lipid classes than in the polar lipid fractions. The oil was characterized by a relatively high amount of phytosterols, wherein the sterol markers were β-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol. γ-Tocopherol was the major tocopherol while the rest being α-tocopherol. In consideration of potential utilization, detailed knowledge on the composition of Derris indica oil is of major importance.     

Investigation of third-order nonlinear optical properties of conjugated benzodioxal derivatives

An investigation of third-order nonlinear optical characterization of newly synthesized conjugated benzodioxal derivatives has been done by using nanosecond Z-scan technique at 532 nm. The molecules demonstrate self-defocusing effect with intensity dependent refractive index (n₂) of the order of 10⁻¹⁴ cm²/W. The measured molecular TPA cross-section is ranging from 2.47 ×10⁻⁴⁷ cm⁴ s/photon to 6.00 cm⁴ s/photon. Their input-output curves indicate that there is a clear optical power limiting behavior with the limiting threshold in the range 125-181 μJ. The main factor to exhibit the observed nonlinearity in these molecules is the presence of charge donor and acceptor groups. The increased conjugation length increases the nonlinear refraction and increased electron density enhances the nonlinear absorption. The molecules exhibit good nonlinear optical properties, comparable to those of regular azoaromatic compounds. Therefore, the molecules investigated here are promising candidates for optical power limiting devices.     

Efficient π-electron conjugated push-pull nonlinear optical chromophore 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one: A vibrational spectral study

As part of the efforts for the design new organic nonlinear optical (NLO) materials with high efficiency for present day technological requirements, a comprehensive investigation on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) of an efficient π-conjugated potential push-pull NLO chromophore, 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-2-propen-1-one to a strong electron acceptor group through the π-conjugated bridge has been carried out from their vibrational spectra. The NIR FT-Raman and FT-IR spectra supported by the density functional theory (DFT) quantum chemical computations have been employed to analyze the effects of intramolecular charge transfer on the geometries and the vibrational modes contributing to the linear electro-optic effect of the organic NLO material. The calculated first hyperpolarizability of DMMC is 6.650 × 10⁻³⁰ esu, which is 25 times that of urea. The simultaneous IR and Raman activation of the phenyl ring modes of ν(CC/C-C) mode, ring CC stretching modes, in-plane deformation modes and the umbrella mode of methyl groups also provide evidences for the charge transfer interaction between the donors and the acceptor group through the π-system. Vibrational analysis indicates the electronic effects such as induction and back-donation on the methyl hydrogen atoms causing the lowering of stretching wavenumbers have also been analyzed in detail. The planar conformations would give an enhanced NLO activity where as any deviations from planarity would decrease the mobility of electrons within the π-conjugated molecular system, resulting a reduction in NLO activity.     

Long-term storage of bionanodevices by freezing and lyophilization

Successful long-term storage of a "smart dust" device integrating biomolecular motors and complex protein assemblies has been demonstrated using freezing or lyophilization, which implies that fabrication and application can be separated even for complex bionanodevices.     

Characterization and performance of immobilized amylase and cellulase

The performance of cellulase and amylase immobilized on siliceous supports was investigated. Enzyme uptake onto the support depended on the enzyme source and immobilization conditions. For amylase, the uptake ranged between 20 and 60%, and for cellulase, 7–10%. Immobilized amylase performance was assessed by batch kinetics in 100–300 g/L of corn flour at 65°C. Depending on the substrate and enzyme loading, between 40 and 60% starch conversion was obtained. Immobilized amylase was more stable than soluble amylase. Enzyme samples were preincubated in a water bath at various temperatures, then tested for activity. At 105°C, soluble amylase lost ∼55% of its activity, compared with ∼30% loss for immobilized amylase. The performance of immobilized cellulase was evaluated from batch kinetics in 10 g/L of substrate (shredded wastepaper) at 55°C. Significant hydrolysis of the wastepaper was also observed, indicating that immobilization does not preclude access to and hydrolysis of insoluble cellulose.