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A paradigm for natural eutectic solvents based on fatty acids: Molecular interactions and toxicological considerations
No full textIn this work, we present experimental and molecular modeling results on archetypal hydrophobic natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) based on fatty acids (octanoic and dodecanoic acid) and menthol, a representative monoterpenoid. Our goal is to provide a multiscale characterization to enhance the understanding of this field by studying these selected archetypical mixtures. We examine their liquid state properties, intermolecular forces, nanoscopic arrangements, toxicity, and environmental impact.
The computational study integrates quantum chemistry, molecular dynamics (both all-atom and coarse-grained approaches), and thermodynamic modeling (COSMO-RS approach) to analyze the fluids and their interactions with biological entities, such as proteins and plasma membranes. The experimental characterization focuses on elucidating intermolecular interactions and liquid phase dynamics using NMR spectroscopy, visible and UV Resonance Raman spectroscopy (UVRR). Notably, this is the first report of UVRR data on NADES.
Additionally, we simulate the effect of the molecular moieties forming the solvents on biological targets—specifically, protein and cell membrane models –. This in silico analysis aims to rationalize and predict their potential toxicity.
Overall, our experimental findings and in silico simulations contribute to a deeper understanding of these novel solvents in terms of their network of interactions. Additionally, they highlight the potential impact on biological targets, providing new data to accurately define the eco-friendliness of type V DES and their suitability as sustainable alternatives to traditional molecular solvents.This work was funded by European Union (Horizon 2020 program, project WORLD: H2020-MSCA-RISE-2019-WORLD-GA-873005) and Agencia Estatal de Investigacion (Spain, PID2022-142405OB-I00). A portion of this work has been funded by European Union – Next Generation EU in the framework of the PRIN 2022 PNRR project POSEIDON - P2022J9C3R and PRIN 2022 project SEED4GREEN - Code 20223W4RT9. We acknowledge Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste for providing access to its synchrotron radiation facilities and for financial support under the SUI internal project (proposal number 20220430). We also acknowledge SCAYLE (Supercomputación Castilla y León, Spain) for providing supercomputing facilities. The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors
Recuperación de ácido cafeico de disoluciones acuosas mediante extracción de punto de turbidez con tensioactivos no iónicos
No full textFood waste has become one of the main problems around the world. More than 85 million tons
of food are wasted per year in the European Union, and this waste is generated at different
stages throughout the entire food chain. One of the main challenges facing the food industry
is being able to minimize or reuse the high amount of waste generated during food processing,
which represents a very significant challenge at an environmental, social and economic level.
In recent years, different treatments have been proposed for the treatment of these wastes, in
order to recover the high added-value compounds present in them for subsequent use, mainly
in agri-food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.
Among these compounds, the polyphenols present in plants, fruits and vegetables stand out.
Polyphenols are bioactive compounds with low solubility in water and are very beneficial for
human health due to their antioxidant properties and their ability to prevent chronic diseases
such as obesity, cardiovascular diseases and different types of cancer. The most commonly
used techniques for the extraction and recovery of polyphenols are not very sustainable and
are harmful to the environment, since they use toxic organic solvents. Clean technologies have
been investigated as alternatives for the recovery of these compounds in a more economical
and environmentally sustainable way.
The main objective of this work was to study the technical feasibility of a cloud point extraction
process using non-ionic surfactants for the recovery of a model polyphenol (caffeic acid) from
aqueous solutions, avoiding the use or organic solvents and allowing the recovery and reuse
of these compounds, promoting circular economy and sustainability practices in the food
industry.
Three non-ionic surfactants were tested, among which Triton X-114 (15% w/v) was selected
for subsequent extraction experiments due to its lower cloud point. A design of experiments
was performed using response surface methodology (RSM) and central composite design
(CCD) for the evaluation of the effect of three factors (temperature, extraction time and salt
(NaCl) concentration) on the caffeic acid extraction degree from aqueous solutions (500 mg/L
caffeic acid) and the optimization of the operating conditions used in the cloud point extraction
process. Caffeic acid content (Folin-Ciocalteu method) and antioxidant capacity (BRS
voltammetric method) of the aqueous phases and extracts (surfactant-rich phase),
respectively, obtained after cloud point extraction were also determined. The following optimum
operating conditions were obtained: temperature of 40 ºC, 40 minutes of extraction time and
10% (w/v) salt concentration (NaCl) added to the feed to lower the cloud point and promote
phase separation.
For these optimum operating conditions, the model proposed in the design of experiments
predicted a caffeic acid extraction degree of 97.22%. Experimentally, a 95.86% of caffeic acid
extraction was obtained working under the aforementioned optimum operating conditions. This
percentage increased to 97.55% when the extraction was carried out in two stages, obtaining
an extract with a high antioxidant capacity (2804.2 ± 91.7 BRS units).
The use of the cloud point extraction process proposed in this work would contribute to
achieving some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 9 (Industry,
innovation and infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production).Este Trabajo Fin de Grado ha sido realizado en el marco de los siguientes proyectos de investigación desarrollados por el grupo Biotecnología Industrial y Medioambiental (BIOIND) de la Universidad de Burgos: TED2021-129311B-I00 – Tecnologías verdes basadas en el empleo de fluidos presurizados para valorizar biomasa lignocelulósica mediante la producción de furfural, financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. PDC2022-133443-I00 – Diseño de un prototipo para la extracción de bioproductos con agua subcrítica, financiado por el Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. PID2022-136385OB-I00 – Nuevas estrategias para la producción de ácido láctico de segunda generación empleando tecnologías emergentes basadas en fluidos presurizados, financiado por la Agencia Estatal de Investigación. BU027P23 – Tecnologías sostenibles de fluidos presurizados para valorizar subproductos de la industria agroalimentaria ricos en proteínas: nuevas estrategias, escalado y análisis tecnoeconómico y medioambiental, financiado por la Junta de Castilla y León
The bones
Get PDFInfografía de educación en salud sobre el esqueleto, dirigido a niños y niñas de diferentes colegios ugandeses del distrito de Wakiso. Está en inglés (idioma oficial del país) y forma parte de un proyecto Aprendizaje Servicio del Grado en Enfermería de la Universidad de Burgos
Nervous System
Get PDFInfografía de educación en salud sobre el sistema nervioso, dirigido a niños y niñas de diferentes colegios ugandeses del distrito de Wakiso. Está en inglés (idioma oficial del país) y forma parte de un proyecto Aprendizaje Servicio del Grado en Enfermería de la Universidad de Burgos
Identidades femeninas y su relación con las artes durante la Edad Moderna en España: aportaciones y revisiones
No full textDurante la Edad Moderna el protagonismo femenino en la promoción de las Artes se incrementó notablemente en los reinos hispánicos. Se presentan aquí diversos ejemplos de ello, personificados en ciertas mujeres pertenecientes a las élites real y nobiliaria, en los que se muestran algunas variantes en el ejercicio de ese matronazgo, de acuerdo con las particulares circunstancias de cada una de estas damas. Sus actuaciones se manifestaron especialmente en dos grandes ámbitos artísticos: el arquitectónico, en su doble dimensión civil y religiosa, y el de las artes plásticas, en el que destacaron las obras vinculadas a las devociones particulares y familiares, así como los retratos de los miembros del linaje. Realizadas en diversos formatos, lenguajes y soportes, tales imágenes fueron fruto del acentuado interés por mantener una identidad familiar y del propósito de contribuir a su exaltación. El transcurso vital de estas mujeres, intramuros durante gran parte de su tiempo, les dotó de un ambiente que se consideró privilegiado en su época. Sus largas permanencias en esos espacios les permitieron intervenir hasta cierto punto en su configuración, de acuerdo con las diversas funciones palaciegas (estancias privadas, estrado, salas de aparato, capillas y oratorios, etc.) o conventuales, así como desarrollar una convivencia femenina en grados muy variables, en los que –pese a su distinguido status– no siempre estuvieron exentas del establecimiento de una jerarquización en la distribución espacial y de ciertas imposiciones masculinas
