1,720,981 research outputs found
Green extraction, chemical profile and biological activity of waste products from the olive oil industry: From waste to wealth
Full text linkOlive oil is the most used vegetable oil for human consumption and its production represents an important economic sector, especially in Mediterranean countries. Olive trees are grown in more than 40 countries around the world on over 10 million hectares. The milling industry generates large quantities of liquid and solid residues, the disposal of which requires sophisticated and rather expensive procedures, given the polluting characteristics of the processing products. Since a considerable measure of olive-derived biomass is generated each year, it could be used as a potential source of bioactive compounds. This work evaluates the possibility of recovering natural antioxidants from by-products of the olive oil mill, through the optimization of extraction processes with green approaches. In the present work, through HPLC-PDA analysis with a validated method, it was possible to characterize a chemical profile of the extracts obtained through an optimized (DoE) and green approach. The waste products of the olive oil companies represent the samples considered in this work, and are derived from the pomace and the washing water of 2-phases, 2.5-phases, and 3-phase extra virgin olive oil (EVO) production plants. The optimized extraction methodology, starting from the 2.5-phase olive pomace, proved to be satisfactory in terms of efficiency by evaluating the effect of parameters such as extraction time and process temperature. The application of this methodology to other types of pomace and agro-industrial by-products has highlighted excellent results in terms of extraction yield, demonstrating the validity of this procedure as also suitable for other solid residues coming from the olive oil mill. Regarding the treatment in vegetation water, the developed protocol allowed the chromatographic profile of the analytes extracted from this matrix to be evaluated, leading to satisfactory results in terms of quantitative yields. Samples of these extracts are also subjected to biological tests in order to evaluate their antioxidant and enzyme inhibition activities
New approaches for forensic medicine
No full textThe post-mortem interval (PMI) is that period from death to discovery of a body; its precise and accurate
estimation has always been at the centre of forensic pathologist research, is crucial to help establish the
chronology of events surrounding death. Despite the numerous studies carried out over time, there is still
no precise and reliable method to determine the exact time of death [1, 2]. For the increase interest in
forensic medicine, the growth of road accidents and for what previously said, the research of new
matrices, defined non- conventional, result fundamental for this field.
First, a method was validated for cations quantification using a Dionex ICS 1600 equipped with a
thermostated AS autosampler and a DS6 heated conductivity cell detector. It permits to quantify 10
cations in 60 minutes. An in vitro study was conducted, using real saliva samples and simulating the
gastric fluid following Pharmacopoeia Eu (5.17.1). This part of the study is based on correlation between
main macro-molecules linked to foods, avoiding them for PMI study.
Real gastric fluids were analysed quantifying cation (with this validated method) and anions (with a
previously validated method). All information about cause of death and PMI were gently furnished by
coroner. Correlation between PMI and gastric fluid could be possible, but number of real samples
analysed is too low to ensure the correct linearity. About anions, chloride and sulfate were the most
present analytes, meanwhile for cations Ammonium and potassium were mostly found in real samples.
These preliminary results suggest that ion detection may be useful in estimating the PMI
Citizen science and analytical chemistry. Oxymoron or harmony of meaning?
No full textCitizen science is rapidly emerging as a transformative force in analytical chemistry by opening research
participation to non-specialists and expanding where and how data can be collected. This report explores how
recent technological advances have made analytical tools simpler, smaller, and more affordable. These developments have enabled citizens and students to be engaged directly in environmental monitoring, food-quality
assessment, and educational activities, often producing data comparable to those generated in laboratories. In
addition, several emerging prototypes have been purposefully designed with citizen use in mind, anticipating
future applications in participatory science. The discussion also addresses areas where citizen science could play
a growing role, including biomedical and forensic analysis, while recognizing challenges related to data reliability, ethics, and validation. Overall, this report highlights how accessible technologies, supported by artificial
intelligence and digital communication, are transforming analytical chemistry into a more inclusive and
collaborative discipline, connecting scientific research with everyday life
Newest approach for micro- extraction from complex matrix
No full textUntil Green Chemistry, Green Analytical Chemistry and Green Sample Preparation were born, scientists focused their
research on minimizing waste, reducing sample treatment, volume and solvent used. For this reason, in 2014 Kabir
and Furton patented a new micro-extraction method, called Fabric Phase Sorptive Extraction (FPSE). This
approach permits to avoid significantly sample treatment and the FPSE could directly put into the sample and
analytes are adsorbed on the phase. In multi- analytes methods and due to chemistry of FPSE, sometimes the
extraction is not the best for each compound. Based on this, Kabir and colleagues patented in 2024 a device which
permits to extract simultaneously different analytes using more FPSE, by leveraging various surface chemistry of
the sol- gel. The device has permitted to improve extraction yield of many compounds with different chemical
characteristics in complex matrix, as plasma, blood, urine, and saliva could be. The device allows the ease extraction
in biological and environmental matrices, the configuration permits to use a magnetic stirrer, increasing
permeability of FPSE. Its size and configuration make it suitable for small volume. The configuration permits to add
up to six different surface chemistry FPSE, in this way recovery will be maximized. The device has shown good
results demonstrating applicability in many fields
3D-printed device for improved membrane-based extraction procedure of xenobiotics in complex matrices
Full text linkTo minimize the environmental and human health impacts of chemical processes, there is growing interest in eco-friendly methods aligned with the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC). A successful chemical analysis typically involves sample preparation, sampling, separation and analysis, quantification, and data interpretation. Among these, sample preparation plays a crucial role in isolating and preconcentrating target analytes from complex matrices.
In 2014, fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) was introduced as a simplified and greener sample pretreatment method. Building on this advancement and a recent patent, the present study introduces an innovative 3D-printed device designed for use with a range of target analytes and complex sample matrices. Constructed from inert materials, the device features a rigid, modular structure with multiple windows that securely hold various membrane-based extraction materials. These include FPSE membranes, electrospun membranes, and materials derived from adsorbent systems recovered from production or usage waste, as well as permeable molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs).
The device offers several advantages, including enhanced enrichment factors, compatibility with diverse planar membrane types, and highly customizable selectivity based on membrane configuration and chemistry. Its design also incorporates a built-in slot for a magnetic stirrer, enabling precise control of rotation speed during extraction-even in field conditions using a portable, battery-powered stirrer.
Experimental results unequivocally demonstrate that the new device achieves superior enrichment factors compared to previously validated methods for the same analytes, confirming its effectiveness and potential for broader analytical applications
Waste from oil industry: a possible beneficial resource
No full textIt’s common to buy olive oil from Italy, being one of the largest producers. On the other hand, these industries generate a large number of residues, which require a significant amount of energy to be wasted. The benefits of olive oil are widely known, which is why it was thought that even waste could contain bioactive compounds. Based on type of industry, olive oil could be obtained through two-, two and half and three phases extraction procedure, obtaining olive oil, solid waste and olive pomace and, sometimes, wastewater and solid suspension. Starting from two and half waste products (the middle of three considered producers), a green extraction method was validated with Design of Experiment protocol. The analysis was conducted with a common instrumentation such as HPLC-PDA, through a method which permits to separate more than twenty analytes, specifically polyphenols [1, 2]. Firstly, type of extraction method was evaluated, between solid- liquid extraction and ultrasound assisted extraction (UAE). Once UAE was chosen, various parameters were optimized such as solid: liquid ratio, type of solvents, time, and temperature. The application of the optimized protocol to the others waste products has shown excellent results in terms of yield. The extracted products were additionally subjected to biological tests to evaluate antioxidant activity. Based on this approach, Green Chemistry and bioeconomy are matching, showing that many scientific fields could be “greener”. This study opens the possibility to re-use waste products from olive industry, useful in many fields, for example in cosmetic products, being natural compounds very attractive for people and industry both
Comprehensive Study of Habitat Substrate-Related Variability of Cotinus coggygria Scop. as a Valuable Source of Natural Bioactive Compounds
No full textCotinus coggygria is a widespread medicinal and aromatic species known for its ecological plasticity, pharmacological potential, and cultivation prospects. Despite its broad distribution across heterogeneous habitats, little is known about how local ecological and pedochemical factors influence its physiological traits and secondary metabolite production. This study addresses this knowledge gap by analyzing the eco-physiological and phytochemical variability of C. coggygria across six natural populations differing in substrate type and geochemical conditions. The research reveals significant inter-population variability in element accumulation, oxidative stress markers, morphometric traits, and the qualitative and quantitative composition of essential oils and phenolic compounds. Soil analyses demonstrated notable differences in element concentrations (e.g., Ca, Fe, Co, Zn) across localities, correlating with geochemical conditions. Morphological traits, such as leaf size and petiole length, varied significantly, with pronounced differences observed in plants from thermophilous and metalliferous habitats. Oxidative stress, indicated by malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, was highest in populations from thermophilous habitats. Phenolic compound analysis revealed locality-specific differences, with plants from thermophilous habitats exhibiting the highest concentrations of gallic acid, catechin, and rutin. Essential oil yield and composition also varied: leaves from metalliferous habitats had the highest monoterpene hydrocarbon content, while bark samples from thermophilous habitats showed elevated sesquiterpene levels. This comprehensive analysis underscores the interplay between habitat-specific conditions and the physiological and biochemical processes of C. coggygria. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing substrate conditions and ecological management, with implications for the cultivation of the species to enhance the synthesis of bioactive compounds. These results support sustainable land use practices and the development of high-value plant-based products, offering significant implications for agriculture, pharmacology, and ecosystem restoration. Future studies should further explore the genetic and biochemical mechanisms underlying this species’ adaptability and resource optimization in heterogeneous environments
A comparative study for UV filter determination: HPLC- PDA, HPLCMS/MS and a new portable voltammetry device
No full textThe determination of UV filters (UVFs) in cosmetic products is of increasing interest, both for
compliance with European legislation and for monitoring their environmental impact. At present,
the reference methods are based on liquid chromatography, which guarantees high sensitivity and
accuracy but is not suitable for on-site analysis. In this study, an electrochemical methodology
based on square wave voltammetry (SWV) was developed using a portable device for the
determination of organic UVFs in cosmetics, comparing its performance with HPLC-PDA and
HPLC-MS/MS. An interesting element is represented by the fact that in the present work, not only
are the SWV method and a portable device developed and validated but also everything is
compared with two reference configurations (HPLC-PDA and HPLC-MS/MS). In this case, the
chromatographic method has demonstrated the necessary granularity to be applied directly to
two different instrumentations, obtaining a comparable performance without any method transfer
problems. One of the main objectives of green analytical chemistry (GAC) and green sample
preparation (GSP) lies in the possibility of carrying out in situ measurements using simple
strumentation and with the use of nontoxic reagents and solvents, reducing the sample
manipulation and the number of steps related to pretreatment. The method and the portable
device presented here allow us to be compliant with these principles, highlighting how this
approach can be considered green and low-impact, paving the way for new applications in other
fields as well (i.e., environmental and biological ones) in order to monitor the presence of these
compounds
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