Application of Carrageenan extract from red seaweed (Rhodophyta) in cosmetic products: A review

Cosmetic industries have expanded globally and will continue to increase as there are consumers. Nowadays, the interest starts to incline towards cosmetics formulated using plant-based ingredients. Marine plants such as seaweed possess numerous natural polysaccharides. Carrageenan is one of the compounds that can be extracted from red seaweed (Rhodophyta). This natural polysaccharide is widely known to act as a thickener, stabilizer, and water-binding agent as well as have diverse biological activities that make it a suitable active ingredient in cosmetic products. The review paper is organized by starting with discussing the significant aspects related to carrageenan which are the source, structure, as well as general and biological properties of carrageenan that make it appropriate to be applied in cosmetics. This paper also highlighted the applications of carrageenan in cosmetics, followed by the extraction method and instrument used.     

Syneresis of Carrageenan Gels: NMR and Rheology

Abstract

A novel and quick method to predict the syneresis of carrageenan gels using ¹³³Cs NMR is proposed. Cesium ions in carrageenan undergo a sharp change in mobility while cooling. By correlating that to the mobility of the polymer chains, we can identify a transition from a mobile gel to a frozen “glassy state” as a function of temperature and ion concentration. The demarcation between gel and glass distinguishes between systems that synerese over long times and those that do not. This is supported by rheological measurements that show that the modulus remains constant over time at temperatures below the transition temperature.     

Recent progress on immobilization of enzymes on molecular sieves for reactions in organic solvents

Enzymes exhibit high selectivity and reactivity under normal conditions but are sensitive to denaturation or inactivation by pH and temperature extremes, organic solvents, and detergents. To extend the use of these biocatalysts for practical applications, the technology of immobilization of enzymes on suitable supports was developed. Recently, these immobilized biomolecules have been widely used and a variety of immobilization supports have been studied. The majority of these supports cover diverse kinds of materials such as natural or synthetic polyhydroxylic matrives, porous in organic carriers, and all kinds of functional polymers. Microporous molecular sieve, zeolite, has attracted extensive interest in research because of its distinctive physical properties and geochemistry. Recently, with the discovery of a new family of mesoporous molecular sieves, MCM-41, this series of materials shows great potential for various applications. Molecular sieves involve such a series of materials that can discriminate between molecules, particularly on the basis of size. As support materials, they offer interesting properties, such as high surface areas, hydrophobic or hydrophilic behavior, and electrostatic interaction, as well as mechanical and chemical resistance, making them attractive for enzyme immobilization. In this article, different types of molecular sieves used in different immobilization methods including physical adsorption on zeolite, entrapment in mesoporous and macroporous MCM series, as well as chemically covalent binding to functionalized molecular sieves are reviewed. Key factors affecting the application of this biotechnology are discussed systematically, and immobilization mechanisms combined with newly developed techniques to elucidate the interactions between matrixes and enzyme molecules are also introduced.     

Thermal,photosynthesis and antibacterial studies of bioactive safrole derivative as precursor for natural flavor and fragrance

Safrole [5-allylbenzo[d][1,3]dioxole] was subjected to photochemical oxidation reaction with hydrogen peroxide in the presence of sodium lamp to give the corresponding epoxy derivative [5-oxiranylmethylbenzo[1,3]dioxole. The thermal oxidation of safrole with 3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid at room temperature gave the same epoxide derivative in quantitative yield. Antibacterial studies were carried out on safrole and its photoproducts (safrole epoxide and safrole hydroperoxide). The results revealed that safrole hydroperoxide was the most effective than safrole epoxide than safrole against Gram-positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis ATCC6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, and Gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC25422. This result proved that safrole derivatives are beneficial to human health, having the potential to be used for medical purposes.     

Enantioselective gas chromatography in flavor and fragrance analysis: strategies for the identification of known and unknown plant volatiles

This review describes current analytical technology for the analysis of chiral constituents in essential oils and other natural volatiles, flavor and fragrance compounds, and covers some important results achieved by natural compound chemists, food chemists, perfumers, and molecular biologists. The technique of enantioselective gas chromatography (GC) is described and applied for assigning absolute configuration of chiral natural compounds, which is strongly connected to differences in odor properties of their enantiomers. In addition, some recent results to facilitate the handling of GC-mass spectrometry data of known and unknown plant volatiles are discussed.     

A microfluidic photolithography for controlled encapsulation of single cells inside hydrogel microstructures

A microfluidic approach to generate hydrogel microstructures inside microchannels for controlled encapsulation of single cells was developed. The method was based on a modified microscope projection photolithography which allowed for the photopolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA) inside microchannels. Uniform-sized hydrogel microstructures (~50 μm in diameter) were generated one by one with determined positions to encapsulate single cells without losing the viability. Cells of interest could be identified by any kinds of visible labels to be selectively encapsulated inside the formed hydrogel microstructures. Large-scale encapsulation of single cells was achieved with a relatively high efficiency of 80% and the viability of encapsulated cells could be guaranteed by removing the dead cells identified with Trypan blue. This method is simple, fast and convenient to pattern the microchannels with single cells for a wide range of cell-based applications. For demonstration, two intracellular enzyme assays of carboxylesterase were performed to investigate the distribution of enzyme concentrations and the kinetic information within the encapsulated single HepG2 cells.     

A comparison of various commercially-available liquid chromatographic supports for immobilization of enzymes and immunoglobulins

A number of commercially-available, activated supports were evaluated and compared for the immobilization of enzymes (alkaline phosphatase, glucose oxidase and peroxidase) and human immunoglobulin G (IgG). The supports studied included pressure-stable, epoxy-activated acrylate-based supports (Separon HEMA 1000 and Eupergit C); agarosebased, epoxy-, cyanogen bromide-, glutaraldehyde- or N-hydroxysuccimide-activated supports (epoxy-activated or cyanogen bromide-activated Sepharose, ACT-Ultrogel AcA 22, Reacti-Gel 6X and Affi-Gel 10); and glass bead-based, activated supports (CDI- and NHS-Glycophase). As expected, the pH required for maximum protein immobilization and retention of activity varied with both protein and support. For example, the amount of alkaline phosphatase coupled was maximum at pH 3 or 5 for most supports, but retention of activity was greatest for immobilization at pH 7, 9 or 11. Glucose oxidase and peroxidase coupling and activity retention in general showed less variation in optimal coupling pH. Coupling of IgG and retention of anti-IgG binding activity were both optimal at a coupling pH of 9 or 11. The Separon HEMA-IgG support made in these studies was also utilized for rapid h.p.l.c, purification of anti-IgG from serum.     

Polyacrylhydrazido-agarose as a support for immobilization of enzymes,lectins, antibodies,and small ligands

Enzymes, antibodies, lectins, and small ligands were coupled to glutaraldehyde-activated polyacrylhydrazido-agarose. High yields of binding and activity were obtained. The bound enzymes exhibited increased stability to heat and 6 M urea when compared with the respective soluble enzyme as well as enzymes coupled to cyanogen bromide-activated agarose. Antibodies and lectins were also found to maintain specificity for the appropriate antigens and glycoprotein receptors, and were used effectively for affinity chromatography purifications. Polyacrylhydrazido-agarose provides a new carrier that combines advantages of both agarose and acrylamide in one resin.     

Hexabromide salt of a tiny octaazacryptand as a receptor for encapsulation of lower homolog halides: structural evidence on halide selectivity inside the tiny cage

Tiny azacryptand 1,4,7,10,13,16,21,24-octaazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane (L) upon reaction with 48% hydrobromic acid (containing <0.05% chloride contamination) forms hexabromide salt (1). Single crystal X-ray crystallographic investigation of the hexaprotonated bromide (1) shows no guest encapsulation inside the tiny cage. This bromide salt 1 with an empty proton cage has been utilized as the receptor for encapsulation of chloride (2) and fluoride (3). Crystallographic results of mixed chloride/bromide (2) and fluoride/bromide (3) complexes of L are examined, which show monotopic recognition of chloride in the case of 2 and fluoride in the case of 3 inside the proton cage with five bromide and three water molecules outside the cavity. Single crystals obtained from an experiment on mixed anionic system (chloride and fluoride), 1 shows selective encapsulation of fluoride, which supports the formation of complex 3 and crystals obtained upon treatment of 2 with tetrabutyl ammonium fluoride also yields complex 3. In a separate reaction between L and 49% hydrobromic acid containing higher chloride contamination (<0.2%) forms chloride/bromide salt (2). ¹H NMR studies of 1 with sodium chloride and fluoride support the encapsulation of the respective anions inside the proton cage.     

A generalized technique for the encapsulation of nano‐sized NiO particles by styrene‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copolymer

Encapsulation of nickel oxide (NiO) particles is of great interest to the researchers as such modification produces remarkable improvement in properties and versatility in application potential. In this investigation, nanosized NiO particles were first prepared by calcination of nickel hydroxide precursor obtained using a simple liquid‐phase process. The produced NiO particles were stabilized with oleic acid and then treated with tetraethylorthosilicate to produce NiO/SiO₂ composite seed particles. Finally tri‐layered inorganic/organic composite particles were prepared by seeded copolymerization of styrene and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) in the presence of NiO/SiO₂ composite seed particles. The produced composite particles named as NiO/SiO₂/P(S‐HEMA) were colloidally stable, and the obtained particles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analyses. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of supports and methods for immobilization of enzyme cyclodextringlycosyltransferase

An experimental design with factorial planning was used for the immobilization of the enzyme cyclodextringlycosyltransferase (CGTase) from Bacillus firmus (strain no.37) to select the best combination of support, method of immobilization, and conditions that gives primarily higher average values for the specific immobilized enzyme activity, and secondarily, higher average values for the percentage of protein fixation. The experimental design factors were as follows: supports—controlled-pore silica, chitosan, and alumina; immobilization methods—adsorption, and two covalent bonding methods, either with γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane or hexamethylenediamine (HEMDA); conditions—7°C without agitation and 26°C with stirring. The best combination of factors that lead to higher average values of the response variables was obtained with immobilization of CGTase in silica with HEMDA at 7°C. However, immobilization in chitosan at 7°C gave the highest immobilized CGTase specific activity, 0.25 μmole of β-CD/(min·mg protein). Physical adsorption gave low specific enzyme activities, and, in general, a high load of enzyme leads to lower specific enzyme activity.     

Microextraction techniques in the analysis of food flavor compounds: A review

Food flavor compounds due to the complexity of food as a matrix, and usually their very low concentrations in a product, as well as their low odor thresholds, create a challenge in their extraction, separation and quantitation. Food flavor volatiles represent compounds of different polarity, volatility and chemical character, which determine method of extraction for their isolation from food. Microextraction techniques, mainly SPME and SBSE have been used for food flavor compounds analysis for two decades. Microextraction methods other than SPME and SBSE are seldom used despite their analytical potential. The review discusses the nature of food flavor compounds, and different approaches to food flavor analysis. It summarizes the use of microextraction methods in food flavor compounds analysis based on papers published in the last 5 years, and discusses the potential of microextraction methods in this field.     

Enzyme immobilization strategies for the design of robust and efficient biocatalysts

Different strategies for the preparation of efficient and robust immobilized biocatalysts are here reviewed. Different physico-chemical approaches are discussed.i.- The stabilization of enzyme by any kind of immobilization on pre-existing porous supports.ii.- The stabilization of enzymes by multipoint covalent attachment on support surfaces.iii.- Additional stabilization of immobilized-stabilized enzyme by physical or chemical modification with polymers.These three strategies can be easily developed when enzymes are immobilized in pre-existing porous supports. In addition to that, these immobilized-stabilized derivatives are optimal to develop enzyme reaction engineering and reactor engineering. Stabilizations ranging between 1000 and 100,000 folds regarding diluted soluble enzymes are here reported.     

Ligand-template directed assembly: an efficient approach for the supramolecular encapsulation of transition-metal catalysts

Supramolecular encapsulation of small guest molecules inside well-defined cavities of molecular capsules has witnessed broad attention because of the unusual behaviour of these systems. The molecular capsules generally consist of rigid complementary building blocks that are held together by multiple, complementary non-covalent interactions. Interestingly, it has been shown that chemical transformations can take place inside these capsules and in some examples the reaction is accelerated, while in other cases otherwise instable intermediates could be isolated in the capsulated form. Many reactions of interest require a transition-metal (TM) catalyst, and the creation of new capsules in which such catalysts are implemented within the structure is thus required for the development of resourceful type of catalyst systems for these processes. In this concept article we will discuss new strategies to arrive at such systems, with a focus on a ligand-templated approach. In this approach, multifunctional ligands are used as templates for the encapsulation process by supramolecular building blocks and concomitantly for the formation of TM complexes that are active in catalytic processes. The obtained encapsulated transition-metal catalysts show unusual reactivity and selectivity behaviour that will be discussed in detail.     

Double‐hydrophilic block copolymer for encapsulation and two‐way pH change‐induced release of metalloporphyrins

A double hydrophilic block copolymer composed of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(4‐vinyl pyridine) (P4VP) was obtained through hydrolysis of diblock copolymer of poly(tert‐butyl acrylate) (PtBA) and P4VP synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization. Water‐soluble micelles with PAA core and P4VP corona were observed at low (acidic) pH, while micelles with P4VP core and PAA corona were formed at high (basic) pH. Two metalloporphyrins, zinc tetraphenylporphyrin (ZnTPP) and cobalt tetraphenylporphyrin (CoTPP), were used as model compounds to investigate the encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules by both types of micelles. UV–vis spectroscopic measurements indicate that micelles with P4VP core are able to entrap more ZnTPP and CoTPP as a result of the axial coordination between the transition metals and the pyridine groups. The study found that metalloporphyrins encapsulated by the micelles with PAA core could be released on pH increase, while those entrapped by the micelles with P4VP core could be released on pH decrease. This behavior originates from the two‐way pH change‐induced disruption of PAA‐b‐P4VP micelles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 1734–1744, 2006     

New supports for enzyme immobilization based on copolymers of vinylene carbonate and acrylamide

In this study, a series of beadlike and hydrophilic supports containing reactive cyclic carbonate groups for enzyme immobilization were prepared via reverse-phase suspension copolymerization of the aqueous solutions of vinylene carbonate (VCA), acrylamide (AA), and N,N′-methylene bisacrylamide in paraffin oil. The supports were used as a matrix for immobilization of trypsin and showed a considerable capacity to couple with trypsin and reasonable retention of activity for the immobilized trypsin, depending on the immobilization conditions, such as the content of VCA structural units, reaction time, and pH of the medium.