Papers by Keyword: Natural Products

Abstract: Plant-based nanoparticles (NPs) synthesis has gained increasing attention due to its cost-effectiveness, rapidity, and environmental friendliness. In this study, the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (MP-AgNPs) using Maclura pomifera fruit extract and their antioxidant activities were investigated. The synthesized MP-AgNPs were characterized by Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. According to the EDX results, the elemental composition by mass was 22.72% carbon, 13.89% oxygen, and 57.74% silver. SEM analysis revealed that the MP-AgNPs were predominantly spherical, with an average particle size of 39.02 nm. The zeta potential of MP-AgNPs was measured as –34.6 mV, indicating good nanoparticle stability and electrostatic repulsion among particles. In antioxidant assays, the ABTS radical scavenging activity showed IC₅₀ values of 6.36 ± 0.02 µg/mL for MP-AgNPs, 7.27 ± 0.00 µg/mL for BHT, and 10.58 ± 0.01 µg/mL for the extract. Furthermore, FRAP assay results demonstrated increased antioxidant activity in the order of extract (3.55 ± 0.00 µmol TE/mg), BHT (5.33 ± 0.01 µmol TE/mg), and MP-AgNPs (5.39 ± 0.02 µmol TE/mg).

Abstract: Adobe homes are prone to natural phenomena such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes, due to the intense rains that occur from the month of November to March. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of adobes reinforced with rice husk, lime and neem fibers and evaluate their compressive strength and water absorption capacity. The tests were carried out on adobes with dimensions of 10×10×10 cm3 made with earth, 0.75% rice husk, 0.75% lime and 1 to 3% neem fibers of the total weight of the adobe to determine the evaluations of the specimen. Therefore, a visit was made to the study area located in the province of Yauyos - Peru to classify the type of soil that would be used in the samples, then sift the soil to prepare the mud and let it rest for 24 hours. Then, incorporate the reinforcements and mold the adobes to let them dry for 28 days and proceed with the tests. The research recorded an improvement of 39 and 68% respectively on the strength of adobes reinforced only with rice husk and lime; and neem fibers after 28 days of drying with a proportion of 0.75% rice husk, 0.75% lime and 3% neem fibers. The absorption coefficient of adobes reinforced with rice husk, lime and neem fibers are between 16 and 27% better than adobes reinforced separately. Finally, this research will reduce the damage to homes caused by rains through the use of materials found in the localities and reduce pollution, thus creating a sustainable home with low costs for the inhabitants.

Abstract: Nanotechnology is arising as a fast-developing research discipline with many usages areas. The silver nanoparticles synthesis (sm-AgNPs) is accomplished by reduction of silver ions in treatment with aqueous extract of Sideritis montana L. leaves. The colour change from yellow to dark brown confirmed the structures. The spectroscopic studies revealed the desired structure. In the UV-Vis spectrum, the maximum absorption was observed at 480 nm. The diffraction peaks (2θ) at the degrees of 38.14°, 44.29°, 64.48°, and 77.38° can correspond to 111, 200, 220, and 311 facets that indicates the nanostructure to be a face-centered cubic unit structure. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses indicated that the synthesized nanoparticles were spherical with an average particle size of 36.42 nm. The zeta potential of sm-AgNPs was found as -35.2 mV which indicated the repulsion among nanoparticles and their stability. The peaks from Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) were associated with the phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, and alkaloids, indicating that the corresponding compounds might act as reducing agents. The photocatalytic effect of sm-AgNPs was examined by degradation of methylene blue and sm-AgNPs were able to degrade the dye by about 67% at 96 h.

Abstract: A series of carbohydrate-conjugated 4-methylumbelliferone were synthesized using 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition “click chemistry” of the azide and alkyne. The reaction is straight forward and in high yield. The strategy will be useful for synthesizing glycoconjugated derivatives of natural products.

Abstract: Drug discovery from natural products resources have been extensively studied. The most important step in the discovery process is the identification of compounds with interesting biological activity. Single crystal X-ray structure determination is a powerful technique for natural products research and drug discovery in which the detailed three-dimensional structures that emerge can be co-related to the activities of these structures. This article shall present (i) co-crystal structures, (ii) determination of absolute configuration and (iii) the ability to distinguish between whether a natural product compound is a natural product or a natural product artifact. All these three properties are unique to the technique of single crystal X-ray structure determination.