Recent Developments in Chemistry and Biochemistry Research Vol. 7

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro potential of aqueous extracts of plant leaves to inhibit pathogenic fungi. The activities of plant extracts have been shown to be environmentally friendly and effective against plant pathogens. The effect of leaf extract and concentration on growth inhibition of organism I (Aspergillus flavus) in vitro revealed that a concentration of 100g/mL, Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE) gave the highest growth inhibition (59.14) followed by Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf extract (NLE) (49.70) and Bitter leaf (Vernonia amygdalina) extract (BLE) (45.84) respectively while the least growth inhibition on organism 1 (Aspergillus flavus) was by MLE at concentration of 40 g/mL (30.11) followed by NLE at 60 g/mL (32.11) and BLE at 40 g/mL (40.13). On organism 2 (Penicillium waksmanii), MLE at a concentration of 100 g/mL gave the highest growth inhibition of (50.49) followed by NLE (49.01) and BLE (36.72) respectively while the least inhibition on growth of organism 2 in vitro was by BLE at concentration of 60 g/mL (16.05) followed by MLE (40.70) and NLE (40.70) at concentration of 80 g/mL respectively. On organism 3 (Botryodiplodia theobromae), MLE at concentration of 100 g/mL gave the highest inhibition of growth (57.00) followed by NLE (52.71) and BLE (50.15) respectively while the least inhibition on growth of organism 3 in vitro was by BLE at 40 g/mL (21.50) followed by MLE at 60 g/mL (31.06) and NLE at 40 g/mL (41.89). On organism 4 (Fusarium oxysporum), the BLE at 100 g/mL (44.41) while MLE showed the least growth inhibition at 60 g/mL (24.04) followed by BLE at 40 g/mL (26.60) and NLE at 40 g/mL (30.12). The aqueous extracts of leaves of Moringa oleifera, Azadirachta indica and Vernonia amygdalina were found to be effective in inhibiting the radial growth of the fungal organisms in vitro, with inhibition varying from one extract to another. NLE showed the highest grand inhibitory effect of extract concentration on growth inhibition of organism 5 (Colletotrichum asianum) in vitro at 100 g/mL (53.68) followed by MLE at 100 g/mL (51.51) and BLE at 100 g/mL (40.94). The least inhibitory effect on the growth of organism 5 in vitro was by BLE at 80 g/mL (21.26) followed by NLE at 40 g/mL (22.25) and MLE at 40 g/mL (32.69). The controls ranged from 2.23 to 4.31 across all extract concentrations and fungal isolates. There were significant differences in growth inhibition between extract concentrations and their controls on all fungal isolates. The use of plant extracts provides an alternative means for controlling plant pathogenic fungi. This is an important step in developing plant-based biopesticides as ideal treatments for future plant disease management programmes. These botanicals are not only environmentally friendly, cost-effective, easy to produce and easy to apply formulations, but they are also safe for consumers and provide alternative means for controlling plant pathogenic fungi.

Phosgene in its gaseous form is a deadly poison if inhaled at high concentrations within a short period of time. It may induce non-cardiogenic lung edema which may lead to respiratory failure and death. At low and moderate concentrations, phosgene-gas exposure may cause noticeable symptoms like coughing, and burning sensation in the throat and eyes. There are currently no effective pharmacological therapies for managing exposed individuals. In this study, using rats as a widely used and well-accepted animal model, several drugs and some chemical agents with anti-oxidative and/or anti-radiation properties were tested for their efficacy as therapeutic and/or prophylactic agents following or before whole-body exposure to a lethal dose of phosgene (868 ppm for 2 min). It was found that in the absence of these agents, exposure resulted in 100 % fatality mainly due to non-cardiogenic lung edema, while in their presence, the level were survival and pathologic features were improved depending on the type of the agent used.

This manuscript provides valuable insights into the urgent need for effective therapeutic and prophylactic interventions for phosgene gas exposure, a significant concern in both industrial and potential terrorist scenarios. By using a well-established rat model, the study offers a critical evaluation of various agents.

Using Cu-promoted regioselective N-arylation and C-N bond formation reactions, various tetrazole hybrids, designated 7a–l, were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant efficacy. Spectroscopic methods like ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, IR, and LCMS were used for the characterization of the prepared compounds and all the data was in good agreement with the anticipated structures. The prepared compounds 7a-j were screened in vitro for antioxidant activity by DPPH radical scavenging method and the screening outcome revealed that the prepared compounds 7d, 7e and 7k are the most potent among all the examined compounds and the remaining compounds were moderately active. Moreover, the theoretically calculated HOMO-LUMO energies and their energy gap, hardness, softness, and chemical potential of the obtained chemical components 7a-j are investigated by using the model of B3lyp/6-31g(d,p) in the Gaussian package. The theoretical investigation reveals that the compounds 7d, 7e and 7k are chemically more reactive than other obtained tetrazole compounds.

Epoxy/thiol-ene photopolymerization is an innovative technique employed to photocure epoxy resins. In this method, a thiol-ene system is added to an epoxy resin at varying concentrations. The thiol-ene system comprises a basic curing agent of the ditertiary amine type functionalized with allyl groups, a multifunctional thiol and a radical photoinitiator. This technique enables the concurrent anionic ring opening polymerization of the epoxy resin and a thiol-ene photopolymerization resulting in a crosslinked polyether-polythioether network. The presence of polythioethers enhances the toughness of the polyether derived from the curing of the epoxy resin. This type of photopolymerization has found applications in the preparation of glass-fiber and natural-fiber composites, as well as in the development of smart materials such as shape-memory and self-healing polymers. It has also been utilized to produce foamed epoxy polymers and biobased thermoset materials. Recently, this technique has been employed in 3D printing by mixing with multifunctional acrylates.

Quinazolinones, a prominent scaffold in medicinal chemistry, exhibits a wide array of biological activities. This research focused on synthesizing and evaluating two series of 3-substituted quinazolin-4(3H)-ones for their antioxidant properties. The evaluation encompassed both in vitro methods, namely DPPH and reducing power method, and in vivo studies using lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase assays on erythrocytes of carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats. The objective was to establish structure-antioxidant activity relationships based on diverse substituents at position 3 of the quinazolinone scaffold. The newly synthesized quinazoline derivatives, designated as 7a1-7a8 and 7b1-7b8, displayed notable antioxidant properties, potentially contributing to their observed biological activity. Among the two series, compound 7b5, bearing a methyl piperazine at the 3rd position and a chlorine atom at the 6th position on the 3-substituted quinazoline nucleus, exhibited outstanding antioxidant activity in both in vitro and in vivo methods. Furthermore, compounds 7a5 and 7a8 demonstrated significant antioxidant properties in the DPPH assay, while compounds 7a3, 7a4, 7a5, and 7a8 displayed notable activity in the reducing power method. In vivo studies revealed significant antioxidant properties in compounds 7a5, 7a8, 7b4, 7b6, and 7b8. Additionally, compounds 7a6 and 7b7 showed promising antioxidant activity in vivo. These findings underscore the potential of quinazoline-based compounds as therapeutic agents for managing oxidative stress-related disorders.

From the viewpoint of biofuels, the pressing issue of climate change highlights the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels. The combustion of fossil fuels is a major driver of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which significantly contribute to global warming. In this context, biofuels appear as a promising substitute, capable of meeting energy demands while helping to lessen air pollution. As fossil fuel assets become increasingly exhausted, the need to adopt biofuels grows more urgent. They offer a sustainable solution derived from renewable biomass sources—such as wood, vegetable oils, agricultural residues, municipal waste, animal waste, and aquatic plants. This diverse range of feedstocks permits flexibility and resilience in energy production.

However, it is essential to diagnose that rising demand for biofuels can create challenges, particularly regarding agricultural land and food prices. Balancing biofuel production with food safety is critical to confirm that the transition does not negatively impact global food systems.

This review explores various types of biofuels, including biodiesel, and provides a comparative analysis of their production methods, applications, and environmental impacts. By highlighting these features, we can better understand the role of biofuels in generating a sustainable energy future.

In this paper, a simple one-pot synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of novel N-Zn complex is described. 1H and 13C NMR spectra were obtained using a Bruker AM-300 spectrometer. Infrared spectra were recorded on a Mattson Galaxy Series FTIR 3000 spectrometer. 2-Aminopyridine reacts with Zn(OAc)₂·2H₂O in alcohol and forms the mononuclear bis(2-aminopyridine)- zinc complex, whose structure was determined via X-ray diffraction analysis. The complex is also characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry (MS), and elemental analysis. The crystal is a prism and has a spacegroup of P2(1)/n, with the following parameters: with a = 9.1914(8) Å, b = 13.8595(12) Å, c =13.2921(12) Å, \(\alpha\) = 90.00 º, \(\beta\) = 92.474 º, \(\gamma\) = 90.00 º, \(\lambda\) =0.7103°, V = 1691.7(3), Z = 4, Dc = 1.459 g/cm3, Mr = 371.69 and F (000) = 768, R = 0.0416, wR = 0.0793 for 3689.

The objectives of this study were to obtain mesoporous activated carbon with low ash content, impregnate this adsorbent with the Enoxil medicinal preparation and with Ag and Se nanoparticles, qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the immobilization processes of neutral nanoparticles on intact and oxidized activated carbons, and test the microbiological activity of the obtained samples. Microwave-activated carbons (ACMW) derived from walnut shells were impregnated with Ag and Se nanoparticles, as well as the biologically active compound Enoxil, and their microbiological properties were evaluated. To enhance the adsorbent's functionality, the activated carbon was oxidized with ozone, producing ACMWO, which contained aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic groups. This oxidation process led to a significant reduction in the specific surface area of the activated carbon. The structural parameters of the carbons were determined using nitrogen adsorption analysis, while simultaneous thermal analysis provided insights into the thermal behavior of both the oxidized and unoxidized forms. Infrared spectroscopy was employed to investigate the surface chemistry of the adsorbents. The microbiological activity of the composites was tested against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. Kinetic studies further allowed for the estimation of the bactericidal and fungicidal action times of the activated carbons. Microwave activation allowed obtaining mesoporous ACMW carbon with a high specific surface area and a low mineral content over a short period of time. The obtained results suggest the use of activated carbons impregnated with nanoparticles and Enoxil preparation in various medical fields, in particular for the creation of bactericidal dressings that would protect the penetration of infections within the body, comfortably keeping of humidity in the area of open wounds, with adsorption and subsequent destruction of the infected exudate.

Aristolochic acid (AA) is widely recognized for its nephrotoxic effects; however, the role of sex in AA-induced renal injury remains ambiguous. The present investigation aimed to elucidate the sex-based disparities in renal dysfunction and tubular damage resulting from AA exposure. Male and female murine models underwent bilateral orchiectomy and ovariectomy, respectively. Fourteen days post-gonadectomy, the subjects were administered AA (10 mg/kg body weight/day) via intraperitoneal injection for two consecutive days, followed by euthanasia seven days subsequent to the initial injection. Parameters such as body weight, renal functionality, and tubular morphology were meticulously evaluated. A comparative analysis between male and female non-gonadectomized subjects revealed that the weight reduction induced by AA was significantly more pronounced in male mice (H = 20.041, dF = 3, P \(\le\) 0.001, as determined by the Kruskal-Wallis test). Additionally, functional and structural impairments in male kidneys were significantly exacerbated following AA administration, whereas the kidneys of AA-treated female mice exhibited either negligible or mild injuries (F = 83.618, P < 0.001 on plasma creatinine level; F = 3971.979, P < 0.001 on tubular injury score in the cortex, as determined by the analysis of variance). Ovariectomy did not influence AA-induced nephrotoxic acute kidney injury in the female cohort (F = 0.0955, P = 0.760 on body weight change; F = 0.211, P = 0.651 on plasma creatinine level; F = 2.985, P = 0.099 on tubular injury score in the cortex, as determined by the analysis of variance). In contrast, orchiectomy resulted in a significant attenuation of weight loss, renal dysfunction, and tubular damage in the context of AA-induced nephrotoxicity among male mice (F = 8.541, P = 0.008 on body weight change; F = 8.892, P = 0.007 on plasma creatinine level, as determined by the analysis of variance; H = 19.767, dF = 3, P \(\le\) 0.001 on tubular injury score in the cortex, as determined by the Kruskal-Wallis test). This research has conclusively established that the presence of testes contributes to the development of AA-induced nephrotoxic acute kidney injury. Future studies should investigate the molecular mechanisms by which gonadal hormones, such as androgens and estrogens, modulate AA-induced nephrotoxicity. Additionally, researchers should explore sex-specific therapeutic strategies, which may pave the way for translating these findings into clinical trials.

Aims: Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) are variations in DNA that can affect protein structure and function and are known to cause various diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. For instance, changing glutamic acid to valine in the hemoglobin beta gene leads to sickle cell anemia. nsSNPs found in genes associated with drug targets or drug-metabolizing enzymes can influence how individuals respond to drugs and their susceptibility to certain diseases. Understanding nsSNPs is essential for comprehending how genetic variations impact protein functionality and contribute to disease onset, which is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment decisions. Using computational tools to analyse protein sequence and structure data significantly increases the prediction efficiency of the impact caused by these nsSNPs.

Methods: The analysis results obtained from several computational tools (such as SIFT, PolyPhen, AutoDock, and GROMACS) relevant to the study of the impact of amino acid residue substitutions were integrated into existent information records from the literature and genetic association databases. These tools enable the combination of results from a variety of different approaches to evaluate the potential impact of nsSNPs on protein function.

Results: We have developed TargetSNPdb, a comprehensive database that contains computational predictions of the structural and functional impact of nsSNPs in human protein-coding genes, including drug target and drug-metabolizing enzyme-encoding genes.

Conclusion: TargetSNPdb provides nsSNP data, disease associations, and drug information. Molecular modeling helps understand genetic variations, drug responses, and diseases. Potential applications of TargetSNPdb include prioritising nsSNPs for association and experimental studies.