Studies on the lipolytic activity of sonicated enzymes from Yarrowia lipolytica

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of sonication in releasing protein from a widespread lipase-producing yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica KKP 379, and to examine the impact of ultrasound waves generated in a horn-type sonicator on the lipolytic activity of Y. lipolytica in the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl laurate. In this paper, we focused on a few parameters of ultrasound cell disruption, such as the time of sonication, acoustic power, storage time of the frozen yeast biomass used in sonication and the solvent used to suspend the yeast cells which were considered as the most important part in the process of obtaining a biocatalyst from Y. lipolytica for organic synthesis. The most effective additive in protein release proved to be 2% Tween 80; other ideal parameters of the process were ultrasonic power at 150 W for 15 min and 9 weeks of frozen biomass storage time. The sonication parameters, which were the best for protein release, did not seem to be the most effective for obtaining high lipolytic activity due to denaturation as an effect of cavitation.     

Influence of Tea Brewing Parameters on the Antioxidant Potential of Infusions and Extracts Depending on the Degree of Processing of the Leaves of Camellia sinensis

The polyphenol content of tea depends on the growing region, harvest date, the production process used, and the brewing parameters. In this study, research was undertaken that included an analysis of the influence of the brewing process parameters on the content of total polyphenols (Folin-Ciocalteu), epigallocatechin gallate (HPLC), and antioxidant activity (against DPPH radicals) of fresh tea shrub leaves grown from Taiwan and of teas obtained from them (oolong, green in bags, and green loose from the spring and autumn harvest). The antioxidant potential was determined in the methanol and aqueous extracts, as well as in infusions that were obtained by using water at 65 or 100 °C and infusing the tea for 5 or 10 min. The highest content of total polyphenols and epigallocatechin gallate was found in green tea extracts from the spring harvest. However, in the case of infusions, the highest content of these compounds was found in green tea in bags. Steaming at 100 °C for 10 min, turned out to be the most favourable condition for the extraction. Oolong tea, brewed at 100 °C for 5 min was characterised by the highest antioxidant activity against stable DPPH radicals.     

Iron in the brain

The results of our studies of iron in three brain structures, substantia nigra (SN), globus pallidus (GP), and hippocampus (Hip), are presented. Mössbauer spectroscopy, electron microscopy and ELISA (enzyme-linked immuno-absorbent assay) were applied. Mössbauer studies show that most of the iron in the brain is ferritin-like. The concentration of iron is similar in SN and GP, but less than half of this in Hip. ELISA studies showed that the H/L ratio of ferritin in SN and GP is also similar, but is about three times higher in Hip. These results suggest that the role of iron in SN and GP may be different from that in Hip. Electron microscopy shows that the diameters of the ferritin iron cores in the brain are smaller that in the liver (3.5 ± 0.5 nm vs. 6.0 ± 0.5 nm). Mössbauer studies yield the ratio between the concentration of iron in control and parkinsonian SN as 1.00 ± 0.13.     

Microencapsulation of Bioactive Ingredients for Their Delivery into Fermented Milk Products: A Review

The popularity and consumption of fermented milk products are growing. On the other hand, consumers are interested in health-promoting and functional foods. Fermented milk products are an excellent matrix for the incorporation of bioactive ingredients, making them functional foods. To overcome the instability or low solubility of many bioactive ingredients under various environmental conditions, the encapsulation approach was developed. This review analyzes the fortification of three fermented milk products, i.e., yogurt, cheese, and kefir with bioactive ingredients. The encapsulation methods and techniques alongside the encapsulant materials for carotenoids, phenolic compounds, omega-3, probiotics, and other micronutrients are discussed. The effect of encapsulation on the properties of bioactive ingredients themselves and on textural and sensory properties of fermented milk products is also presented.     

( S )-(?)-α-Methylbenzylamine as chiral auxiliary in the synthesis of (+)-lortalamine

Abstract  

(+)-Lortalamine was synthesised using (S)-(−)-α-methylbenzylamine as a chiral auxiliary. The stereochemistry of an intermediate compound was established on the basis of X-ray crystallography, allowing unambiguous assignment of the absolute configuration.     

(<Emphasis Type="Italic">S</Emphasis>)-(−)-α-Methylbenzylamine as chiral auxiliary in the synthesis of (+)-lortalamine

Abstract  (+)-Lortalamine was synthesised using (S)-(−)-α-methylbenzylamine as a chiral auxiliary. The stereochemistry of an intermediate compound was established on the basis of X-ray crystallography, allowing unambiguous assignment of the absolute configuration. Graphical abstract        

A search of an optimal carrier for immobilization of chitin deacetylase

Chitin deacetylase is an enzyme that can play an important role in enzymatic deacetylation of chitosan to obtain polymers with a lower degree of acetylation. As this enzyme has never been immobilized up to now, efforts were directed towards determining both the most suitable carrier and the best method of covalent attachment to the selected carrier. In the preliminary experiments several different carriers were tested that were based on acrylic, silica-gel, agarose, dextran or cellulose materials. The best results were obtained for cellulose-based Granocel matrix. DEAE- and NH₂-Granocel activated with divinyl sulfone or glutaraldehyde were chosen for optimization of the immobilization procedure and the carrier’s superstructure. It was found that covalent binding of chitin deacetylase on DEAE-Granocel-2000 via divinyl sulfone offers preparations with the highest activity and stability. The characteristics of the selected preparation and comparison with the native enzyme show that optimal conditions are close to those for the free enzyme: the optimal pH is 4.0 for both enzymes and the optimal temperatures are 55 °C and 50 °C for native and immobilized forms, respectively. The kinetics of chitosan deacetylation for both enzymes follow the Michaelis–Menten relationship, but significant differences in the values of the equation parameters were observed.     

LC Separation of Fatty Acid Ceramides Using a Two Column System

Type II ceramides were separated according to the length of their fatty acid alkyl chain using two column system. The packing of the first column was non-polar adsorbent prepared by coating of macroporous spherical silica with cationized poly(vinyl alcohol) of low substitution degree. Commercial normal phase column Lichrosorb Si 60 was used as a second column in this system. Elution was performed in an isocratic mode using methanol:chloroform 50:50 (v/v) as an eluent.     

Cinnamon as a Useful Preventive Substance for the Care of Human and Plant Health

Cinnamon is widely used as a food spice, but due to its antibacterial and pharmacological properties, it can also be used in processing, medicine and agriculture. The word “Cinnamon” can refer to the plant, processed material, or an extract. It is sometimes used as a substance, and sometimes used as a mixture or as compounds or a group. This article reviews research into the effectiveness of various forms of cinnamon for the control of plant diseases and pests in crops and during storage of fruit and vegetables. Cinnamon acts on pests mainly as a repellent, although in higher doses it has a biocidal effect and prevents egg-laying. Cinnamon and its compounds effectively hinder bacterial and fungal growth, and the phytotoxic effects of cinnamon make it a possible herbicide. This article presents the wide practical use of cinnamon for various purposes, mainly in agriculture. Cinnamon is a candidate for approval as a basic substance with protective potential. In particular, it can be used in organic farming as a promising alternative to chemical pesticides for use in plant protection, especially in preventive treatments. The use of natural products is in line with the restriction of the use of chemical pesticides and the principles of the EU’s Green Deal.     

The Effect of Supporting Electrolyte Concentration on Zinc Electrodeposition Kinetics from Methimazole Solutions

The kinetic parameters of Zn²⁺ ion electroreduction in sodium perchlorate used as the supporting electrolyte on the mercury electrode in the presence of methimazole were determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV) and DC polarography. The two‐stage nature of this process was demonstrated. Both steps are catalysed by a methimazole. The size of the acceleration effect depends on the concentrations of methimazole and the supporting electrolyte. The acceleration of the electrode process involves the formation of active complexes between the depolarizer ions and methimazole on the electrode surface. These complexes facilitate the exchange of charge between the electrode and zinc ions during electroreduction process. The change of the hydrating sphere of the zinc ion is also important here. This in turn depends on its oxidation state and the concentration of the supporting electrolyte.