A Novel Approach in Skin Care: By-Product Extracts as Natural UV Filters and an Alternative to Synthetic Ones.

The cosmetic industry has been focusing on replacing synthetic ingredients with natural ones, taking advantage of their bioactive compounds. This work assessed the biological properties of onion peel (OP) and passion fruit peel (PFP) extracts in topical formulations as an alternative to synthetic antioxidants and UV filters. The extracts were characterized regarding their antioxidant capacity, antibacterial capacity and sun protection factor (SPF) value. Results revealed that the OP extract exhibited better results, which can result from the high concentrations of quercetin, as identified and quantified in HPLC analysis. Afterward, nine formulations of O/W creams were produced with minor changes in the quantity of additives: OP and PFP extract (natural antioxidants and UV filters), BHT (synthetic antioxidant) and oxybenzone (synthetic UV filter). The stability of the formulations was determined for 28 days; it was verified that they remained stable throughout the study period. The assays of the formulations' antioxidant capacity and SPF value revealed that OP and PFP extracts have some photoprotective properties and are excellent sources of antioxidants. As a result, they can be incorporated in daily moisturizers with SPF and sunscreens replacing and/or diminishing the quantities of synthetic ingredients, reducing their negative effects on human health and the environment.

Value added bioactive compounds from fruits & vegetables waste for assessing their antimicrobial activity.

Since ancient time, plants and there parts have been used widely against dreadful pathogens due to ability of killing microbes. Waste from fruits and vegetables are pulling in more interest in exploration due to their therapeutic properties such as anti-pathogenic activity. In the present study antimicrobial and cytotoxicity properties of herbal combination prepared from peels of Allium cepa, Cucumis sativus, Citrus reticulata, and Mangifera indica were investigated. The herbal combination was tested for broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Bacillus licheniformis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Citrobacter freundii. The presence of phytochemical markers such as phenolics and flavanoids were also investigated. The results revealed that the herbal combination exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. mutans, B. licheniformis, L. plantarum, E. coli and moderate against P. aeruginosa and C. freundii. The presence of phenolics (798 ± 1.52 µg/g) and flavanoids (355.3 ± 2.081 µg/g) was also detected. Also, the herbal combination contains flavanoids such as quercetin and rutin was confirmed with the help of column chromatography, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) analysis. The herbal combination helps in the proliferation of L929 cells without affecting their viability was confirmed by MTT assay. The results of the present research suggests the possibility to use herbal combination as source for plausible antibacterial agent which could be isolated and used as a lead candidate for the development of antibacterial drug that help to limit or stop infectious illnesses caused by different pathogenic microbes.

Fruit Peels: Food Waste as a Valuable Source of Bioactive Natural Products for Drug Discovery.

Fruits along with vegetables are crucial for a balanced diet. These not only have delicious flavors but are also reported to decrease the risk of contracting various chronic diseases. Fruit by-products are produced in huge quantity during industrial processing and constitute a serious issue because they may pose a harmful risk to the environment. The proposal of employing fruit by-products, particularly fruit peels, has gradually attained popularity because scientists found that in many instances peels displayed better biological and pharmacological applications than other sections of the fruit. The aim of this review is to highlight the importance of fruit peel extracts and natural products obtained in food industries along with their other potential biological applications.

Chondroprotection of fruit peels in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis rat model via downregulation of Col1A1.

The potential of the fruit peels of mango, orange, cantaloupe, and pomegranate in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) was evaluated in a rat model. Their metabolic profiles were characterized using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)-electrospray ionization-mass spectroscopy and 66 albino rats were intra-articularly injected with monosodium iodoacetate in the knee joints. The extracts were orally administered at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg for 28 days. Serum levels of IL-6 and tissue levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ), and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were measured using ELISA. COL1A1 expression was measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Histopathological changes in the joints were examined. In the extracts, 85 metabolites were annotated, and the levels of interleukin (IL)-6, COX-2, α-SMA, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide were significantly reduced, while PPARγ and glutathione levels were significantly raised in all treated groups compared to the OA group. All extracts downregulated the cartilage mRNA expressions for COL1A1 dose-dependently. Mango peel extract exhibited the best chondroprotective effect. The in silico study showed the link between mango extract metabolites and COX-2.

Fruit Peels as a Sustainable Waste for the Biosorption of Heavy Metals in Wastewater: A Review.

One of the environmental challenges that is currently negatively affecting the ecosystem is the continuous discharge of untreated industrial waste into both water sources and soils. For this reason, one of the objectives of this qualitative study of exploratory-descriptive scope was the review of scientific articles in different databases-Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct-published from 2010 to 2021 on the use of fruit peels as a sustainable waste in the removal of heavy metals present in industrial wastewater. For the selection of articles, the authors used the PRISMA guide as a basis, with which 210 publications were found and 93 were compiled. Considering the reported work, a content analysis was carried out using NVivo 12 Plus and VOSviewer 1.6.17 software. The results show that the fruits mentioned in these publications are lemon, banana, mango, tree tomato, pineapple, passion fruit, orange, coconut, avocado, apple, lulo, and tangerine. However, no studies were found with lulo and tree tomato peels. On the other hand, the heavy metals removed with the selected fruit peels were Pb+2, Cr+3, Cr+6, Ni+2, Cd+2, As+5, Cu+2, and Zn+2.

Silver Nanoparticles Induce Time- and Tissue-Specific Genotoxicity in Oreochromis niloticus: Utilizing the Adsorptive Capacities of Fruit Peels to Minimize Genotoxicity.

Fish were exposed to a sub-lethal concentration of silver nanoparticles with and without orange and banana peels water treatment for 24, 48, and 96 h. The adsorption of AgNPs on both peels was recognized by scanning electron microscopic, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and laser ablation imaging. The % of DNA damage in liver and muscle tissues (comet assay) showed significant elevations in all studied groups with the maximum level in liver tissues after 24 h. DNA damage was markedly decreased after 48, and 96 h signifying the presence of an effective repairing mechanism. Micronucleus and nine nuclear anomalies were recorded in the peripheral blood cells. All anomalies were observed in all studied groups with a maximum induction rate after 96 h. of exposure. Based on the % of DNA damage and the frequencies of nuclear anomalies, water treatment with orange and banana peel succeeded to reduce AgNPs-induced genotoxic damage.

Micronutrient and antinutrient content of semi-processed fruit peels: Towards boosting immunity.

Background: Fruits are excellent sources of micronutrients; hence, their consumption is highly recommended. However, fruit peels, often discarded, despite some being edible have been reported to contain essential nutrients and antioxidants, which contribute to disease prevention and well-being. Aim: This study sought to evaluate the micronutrient and antinutrient content of 10 edible fruit peels namely, orange, mango, pineapple, banana, lemon, mandarin, red apple, cucumber, guava and pawpaw peels. Setting: Laboratory analyses of the fruit peels were conducted at the University of Calabar, in a well-ventilated and temperature controlled environment to ensure accurate results. Methods: The research design was quantitative and experimental; laboratory analyses were carried out to determine the minerals, vitamins and antinutrients in fruit peels using AOAC standard methods. Data were analysed using ANOVA on SPSS version 20.0. Results: Calcium was the most predominant of the minerals analysed, with values ranging from 33.12 ± 0.05 mg/100 g (cucumber peels) to 72.04 ± 0.08 mg/100 g (mango peels); calcium was followed by magnesium. Mandarin, banana and pineapple peels had statistically similar (p > 0.05) content of zinc (about 1.2 mg/100g), which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than others. Mandarin peels had significantly higher content (100.48 ± 2.03 mg/100 g) of vitamin C, while cucumber peels recorded the lowest (27.50 ± 0.01 mg/100 g). The results show significant concentrations of micronutrients such as iron, selenium and vitamin K; among the antinutrients, hydrogen cyanide had the highest concentrations, followed by phytate. The values were within safe limits. Conclusion: Therefore, the processing of fruit peels, for use as dietary additives to enrich foods and boost immunity, should be promoted. Contribution: The study shows the potential of fruit peels as food additives.

Enhancing betacyanin stability: Comparison of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) pulp and peel powders through encapsulation technology during storage.

Betacyanin can be found in the peel or pulp of dragon fruit. As a natural pigment, betacyanin is unstable, so it requires encapsulation technology to maintain its quality. The stability of encapsulated betacyanin from dragon fruit peel compared to dragon fruit pulp has yet to be discovered. This study aims to compare the stability of encapsulated betacyanin (with maltodextrin and gum Arabic) from dragon fruit peel and pulp dried with vacuum drying. Dragon fruit peel extraction utilized a 50% aqueous ethanol solvent, while pulp juice extraction was performed. The ratio of dragon fruit extract to coating materials was set at 1:3 (solid/solid). Research shows that dragon fruit juice powder had higher stability and phytochemical concentrations than the ethanol extract of dragon fruit peel powder during 30 days of storage. Despite similar color stability (similar range value of ΔE), the color from dragon fruit juice powder more closely resembled the natural fruit, albeit with weaker antioxidant activity than the peel powder. Betacyanin concentration in juice powder was notably higher (82.56-156.82 µg/g) than in the ethanol extract of dragon fruit peel powder (52.51-75.12 µg/g). A combination of maltodextrin and Arabic gum (1:1) as coating materials demonstrated the highest concentrations of total phenolic and total betacyanin (81.15-95.87 mg/g and 121.91-156.82 µg/g, respectively) during the storage period. These findings contribute to our comprehension of betacyanin stability and functionality, facilitating precise applications in industrial processing environments based on their source attributes.

Recent advances in the therapeutic potential of nobiletin against respiratory diseases.

BACKGROUND: Nobiletin is a natural polymethoxylated flavonoid widely present in citrus fruit peels. It has been demonstrated to exert the effects of anti-tumor, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic and improve cardiovascular function. Increasing evidences suggest that nobiletin plays an important role in respiratory diseases (RDs) treatment. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of nobiletin against RDs, such as lung cancer, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, asthma, pulmonary infection, acute lung injury, coronavirus disease 2019, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. METHODS: We retrieved extensive literature of relevant literatures in English until June 26, 2023 from the database of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The keywords of "nobiletin and lung", "nobiletin and respiratory disease", "nobiletin and chronic respiratory diseases", "nobiletin and metabolites", "nobiletin and pharmacokinetics", "nobiletin and toxicity" were searched in pairs. A total of 298 literatures were retrieved from the above database. After excluding the duplicates and reviews, 53 were included in the current review. RESULTS: We found that the therapeutic mechanisms are based on different signaling pathways. Firstly, nobiletin inhibited the proliferation and suppressed the invasion and migration of cancer cells by regulating the related pathway or key target, like Bcl-2, PD-L1, PARP, and Akt/GSK3ß/ß-catenin in lung cancer treatment. Secondly, nobiletin treats COPD and ALI by targeting classical signaling pathway mediating inflammation. Besides, the available findings show that nobiletin exerts the effect of PF treatment via regulating mTOR pathway. CONCLUSIONS: With the wide range of pharmacological activities, high efficiency and low toxicity, nobiletin can be used as a potential agent for preventing and treating RDs. These findings will contribute to further research on the molecular mechanisms of nobiletin and facilitate in-depth studies on nobiletin at both preclinical and clinical levels for the treatment of RDs.

Loquat fruit peel extract regulates lipid metabolism and liver oxidative stress in mice: In vivo and in silico approaches.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Moroccan traditional medicine, fresh or dried loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) fruit peels infused in water and taken for 45 days are used as natural remedies against hypercholesterolemia, hyperglycemia and cardiovascular diseases. This is the first experimental study approving the folk medicinal use of loquat fruit peels originated from eastern Morocco. AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aims to investigate the effect of loquat fruit peel extract on lipid metabolism and liver oxidative status in mice as well as to predict the possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out using high fat/fructose diet-induced hyperlipidemic mice model treated with the loquat peel extract for 45 days at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg/day) in comparison to fenofibrate drug. The plasma, tissue, fecal and biliary lipids and blood glucose were analyzed using enzymatic methods. The liver oxidative status was evaluated and the polyphenol profiling was conducted using the HPLC-DAD method. Possible mechanisms involved in the observed pharmacological effects were predicted by in silico method. RESULTS: The extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg possessed higher effect than at 100 mg/kg. It significantly reduced plasma total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), LDL-cholesterol, atherogenic index, LDL-C/HDL-C ratio and plasma glucose (-36%, -45%, -45%, -82%, -87%, 58%, respectively), while the HDL-cholesterol was increased (+172%). Moreover, the extract reduced TC and TG in the liver and adipose tissue by increasing their excretion in bile and fecal matter. It prevented the liver oxidative stress and decreased body weight and organ relative mass. The extract appears to be nontoxic (LD50 > 5000 mg/kg) and contains five polyphenols including ferulic acid (32.74 ± 0.71 mg/g), caffeic acid (21.48 ± 0.32 mg/g), 5-O-Caffeoylquinic acid (112.15 ± 1.86 mg/g), chlorogenic acid (42.05 ± 0.92 mg/g) and quercetin (32.69 ± 0.68 mg/g). These phenolics and/or their circulating metabolites presented differential interaction capacities with the potential enzymes and transcription factors implicated in lipid homeostasis such as HMG-CoA reductase, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, Cyp7a1, ABCG, PPARs, RXR, FXR and RAR. CONCLUSION: Our findings justify the traditional use of loquat fruit peels and suggest that their aqueous extract could be used as substrate to produce phytotherapeutic drugs or dietary supplements to prevent hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia and related cardiovascular diseases.

Biogenic Synthesis of Fluorescent Carbon Dots (CDs) and Their Application in Bioimaging of Agricultural Crops.

Fluorescent nanoparticles have a transformative potential for advanced sensors and devices for point-of-need diagnostics and bioimaging, bypassing the technical burden of meeting the assay performance requirements. Carbon dots (CDs) are rapidly emerging carbon-based nanomaterials. Regardless of their fate, they will find increasing applications. In this study, a simple approach for synthesizing CDs from fruit peels was developed. The CDs were fabricated from Annona squamosa (L.) peels using a carbonization technique through microwave-assisted hydrothermal digestion at temperatures around 200 °C. Synthesized CDs were detected using a UV transilluminator for the preliminary confirmation of the presence of fluorescence. UV-Vis spectrophotometry (absorbance at 505 nm) analysis, zeta potential measurement (-20.8 mV), nanoparticles tracking analysis (NTA) (average size: 15.4 nm and mode size: 9.26 nm), photoluminescence, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) analysis were used to identify the capping functional groups on the CDs. The total quantum yield exhibited was 8.93%, and the field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) showed the size range up to 40 nm. The germinating mung bean (Vigna radiata (L.)) seeds were incubated with biogenically synthesized CDs to check the absorption of CDs by them. The fluorescence was observed under a UV-transilluminator in the growing parts of seeds, indicating the absorption of CDs during the germination, development, and growth. These fluorescent CDs could be used as a bioimaging agent. This novel method of synthesizing CDs was found to be eco-friendly, rapid, and cost-effective.

Exploring the association between a standardized extract of pequi peels (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) and blue light as a photodynamic therapy for treating superficial wounds.

Natural products derived from plants can be used as photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) combining key therapeutic strategies for tissue repair while controlling microorganisms' growth. We investigated a standardized extract of pequi peels (Caryocar brasiliense Cambess) as a brownish natural photosensitizer for aPDT using blue light. Three concentrations of the pequi extract (PE; 10, 30, or 90 µg/mL) were tested solely or associated with blue laser (445 nm, 100 mW, 138 J/cm2 , 6 J, 60 s). In vitro, we quantified reactive oxygen species (ROS), assessed skin keratinocytes (HaCat) viability and migration, and aPDT antimicrobial activity on Streptococcus or Staphylococcus strains. In vivo, we assessed wound closure for the most active concentration disclosed by the in vitro assay (30 µg/mL). Upon aPDT treatments, ROS were significantly increased in cell monolayers regardless of PE concentration. PE at low doses stimulates epithelial cells. Although PE stimulated cellular migration, aPDT was moderately cytotoxic to skin keratinocytes, particularly at the highest concentration. The antimicrobial activity was observed for PE at the lowest concentration (10 µg/mL) and mostly at PE 10 µg/mL and 30 µg/mL when used as aPDT photosensitizers. aPDT with PE 30 µg/mL presents antimicrobial activity without compromising the initial phases of skin repair.

Eco-friendly simultaneous extraction of pectins and phenolics from passion fruit (Passiflora edulis Sims) peel: Process optimization, physicochemical properties, and antioxidant activity.

The objective of this study was to simultaneously extract passion fruit (Passiflora edulis) peel pectins and phenolics using deep eutectic solvents, to evaluate their physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity. By taking L-proline: citric acid (Pro-CA) as the optimal solvent, the effect of extraction parameters on the yields of extracted passion fruit peel pectins (PFPP) and total phenolic content (TPC) was explored by response surfaces methodology (RSM). A maximum pectin yield (22.63%) and the highest TPC (9.68 mg GAE/g DW) were attained under 90 °C, extraction solvent pH = 2, extraction time of 120 min and L/S ratio of 20 mL/g. In addition, Pro-CA-extracted pectins (Pro-CA-PFPP) and HCl-extracted pectins (HCl-PFPP) were subjected to high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogram analysis (TG/DTG) and rheological measurements. Results verified that the Mw and thermal stability of Pro-CA-PFPP were higher than those of HCl-PFPP. The PFPP solutions featured a non-Newtonian behavior, and compared with commercially pectin solution, PFPP solution exhibited a stronger antioxidant activity. Additionally, passion fruit peel extract (PFPE) exhibited stronger antioxidant effects than PFPP. The results of ultra-performance liquid chromatography hybrid triple quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Qtrap-MS) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed that (-)-epigallocatechin, gallic acid, epicatechin, kaempferol-3-O-rutin and myricetin were the main phenolic compounds in PFPE and PFPP. Our results suggest that Pro-CA can be considered as an eco-friendly solvent for high-efficient extraction of high-value compounds from agricultural by-products.

Effective removal of cationic dye on activated carbon made from cactus fruit peels: a combined experimental and theoretical study.

This article investigates experimentally and theoretically the adsorption of Basic Red 46 cationic dye (BR46) using activated carbon generated from cactus fruit peels (ACCFP). The prepared adsorbent was characterized by different analytical tools showing a good surface for the uptake of pollutants. A maximum batch adsorption capacity of 806.38 mg g-1 was achieved at optimal conditions. The Freundlich model best represented the equilibrium data, although the pseudo-second-order kinetic model best described the adsorption kinetics. The thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the adsorption process was spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and endothermic (ΔH° = 32.512 kJ mol-1). DFT descriptors were combined with COSMO-RS and AIM theory to provide a complete picture of the adsorbate/adsorbent system and its molecular interactions. Last, the ACCFP was regenerable up to four times, emphasizing the idea of using it as an adsorbent to treat textile wastewaters.

Antioxidant properties of the methanolic extract of avocado fruit peel (Persea americana Mill.) from Indonesia.

This study analyzed the antioxidant activity and the phytochemical substances in avocado fruit peel extracted with methanol. In this study, antioxidant activity was determined by IC50 based on the regression value of DPPH free radicals' inhibition. Phytochemical content was measured qualitatively concerning the total content of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and alkaloids. Our measurements showed that the methanolic extract of avocado fruit peels from Indonesia had the value of each phytochemical compound as follows: total phenol was 21.833 ± 0.118 mg/100 g extract; total flavonoids were 2.607 ± 0.111 mg/100 g extract; total tannin was 38.357 ± 0.202; saponin content was 8.874% ± 0.031%; and total alkaloid was 9.95 ± 0.035 mg CE/g extract. They then provided the antioxidant activity in IC50, which reached 185.891 ± 1.598 ppm. Avocado fruit peels are identified as a phytochemical source that contributes to antioxidant activities.

Transcriptome analyses reveal the potential mechanisms for color changes of a sweet orange peel induced by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus.

'Shatangju' mandarin (Citrus reticulate Blanco cv. Shatangju) is a Chinese citrus specialty in southern China with a delicious taste and an attractive appearance. Huanglongbing (HLB) caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) threatens the Shatangju industry seriously. Fruits from citrus trees with HLB show 'red nose' peels with a serious reduction in fruit value. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have been identified in the leaves of several citrus species with HLB infection. However, similar studies on the fruit peels of citrus trees with HLB infection are very limited. In this study, the pathogen CLas was diagnosed in the 'red nose' fruit peels of Shatangju. The chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in different peels were also analyzed. Besides, we identified DEGs in the comparison between peels from normal red-colored and 'red nose' fruits via RNA-seq. A total of 1922 unigenes were identified as DEGs, of which 434 were up-regulated and 1488 were down-regulated in the 'red nose' fruit peels. DEGs involved in chlorophyll and carotenoids biosynthesis, photosynthesis, and transcription factors could be responsible for fruit color changes after HLB infection. Our findings provide a preliminary understanding of the mechanism underlying the formation of a 'red nose' on fruit peel from HLB-infected trees.

Using a disposable platform based on reduced graphene oxide, iron nanoparticles and molecularly imprinted polymer for voltammetric determination of vanillic acid in fruit peels.

This work reports the development and application of a disposable electrochemical platform for vanillic acid (VA) detection using screen-printed electrode modified with reduced graphene oxide, iron nanoparticles and molecularly imprinted poly(pyrrole) film. The electrochemical platform was characterized by cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Using optimized conditions, the proposed disposable platform presented linear concentration ranges of 1.0 × 10-9 to 1.5 × 10-7 mol/L. The limits of detection and quantification obtained for the device were 3.1 × 10-10 and 1.0 × 10-9 mol/L, respectively. The electrochemical platform was found to be selective for VA recognition and presented voltammetric responses with good repeatability and stability. The analytical methodology developed was applied for VA determination in banana and orange peels. The results obtained showed that the proposed electrochemical platform has a good accuracy when applied for the determination of VA.

Natural Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antiproliferative Activities of Ethanolic Extracts from Punica granatum L. Tree Barks Mediated by Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase.

The nonedible parts of the pomegranate plant, such as tree barks and fruit peels, have pharmacological properties that are useful in traditional medicine. To increase their value, this study aimed to compare the antioxidative and antibacterial effects of ethanolic extracts from pomegranate barks (PBE) and peels (PPE). The antiproliferative effects on HeLa and HepG2 cells through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway were also evaluated. The results indicated that the total amounts of phenolics and flavonoids of PBE and PPE were 574.64 and 242.60 mg equivalent gallic acid/g sample and 52.98 and 23.08 mg equivalent quercetin/g sample, respectively. Gas chromatography−mass spectrometry revealed that 5-hdroxymethylfurfural was the major component of both PBE (23.76%) and PPE (33.19%). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate free radical scavenging capacities of PBE and PPE, in terms of the IC50 value, were 4.1 and 9.6 µg/mL, respectively. PBE had a greater potent antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella Enteritidis, and S. Typhimurium. PBE and PPE (1000 µg/mL) had exhibited no cytotoxic effects on LLC-MK2. PBE and PPE (250 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively) treatments were safe for BHK-21. Both extracts significantly inhibited HepG2 and HeLa cell proliferations at 10 and 50 µg/mL, respectively (p < 0.001). The results indicated that PBE and PPE have remarkable efficiencies as free radical scavengers and antibacterial agents, with PBE exhibiting greater efficiency. The inhibitory effects on HepG2 might be through the modulation of the ERK1/2 expression. PBE and PPE have the potential for use as optional supplementary antioxidative, antibacterial, and anticancer agents.

Rapid fingerprinting of extractable and non-extractable polyphenols from tropical fruit peels using direct analysis in real time coupled to orbitrap mass spectrometry.

A simple and rapid direct analysis in real-time coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry (DART-HRMS) methodology was developed to generate the extractable and non-extractable polyphenols (NEPs) fingerprint for four different passion fruits, G. mangostana, and A. squamosa peels as case-study to investigate the influence of alkaline hydrolysis and enzymatic-assisted extraction (EAE) on the recovery of NEPs. The extraction residue obtained after these treatments was also analyzed by DART-HRMS. Data compiled from DART-HRMS mass spectra were processed with principal component analysis to discriminate among the different treatments. EAE with Depol enzyme enabled to obtain NEPs with the highest signal intensity in DART-HRMS analysis from all peels except for P. edulis and A. squamosa peels. In these two cases, NEPs were better extracted by EAE with Promod enzyme and alkaline hydrolysis. Results showed that the applied treatments were efficient to extract NEPs since their signal intensities in the extraction residues were very low compared with their extracts.

Polyphenolic extracts from pomegranate and watermelon wastes as substrate to fabricate sustainable silver nanoparticles with larvicidal effect against Spodoptera littoralis.

The agricultural wastes adversely affect the environment; however, they are rich in polyphenols; therefore, this study aimed to employ polyphenol-enriched waste extracts for silver nanoparticles synthesis, and study the larvicidal activity of silver nanoparticles fabricated by pomegranate and watermelon peels extracts (PPAgNPs and WPAgNPs) against all larval instars of Spodoptera littoralis. The polyphenol profile of pomegranate and watermelon peel extracts (PP and WP) and silver nanoparticles was detected by HPLC. The antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH, and FARP assays and the antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc assay. The Larvicidal activity of AgNPs against Egyptian leaf worm was performed by dipping technique. The obtained AgNPs were spherical with size ranged 15-85 nm and capped with proteins and polyphenols. The phenolic compounds in silver nanoparticles increased about extracts; therefore, they have the best performance in antioxidant/reducing activity, and inhibit the growth of tested bacteria and yeast. The PPAgNPs were the most effective against the first instar larvae instar (LC50 = 68.32 µg/ml), followed by pomegranate extract with (LC50 = 2852 µg/ml). The results indicated that obvious increase in polyphenols content in silver nanoparticles enhance their larvicidal effect and increasing mortality of 1st larval of S. littoralis Egyptian leafworms causing additive effect and synergism. We recommend recycling phenolic enriched agricultural wastes in producing green silver nanoprticles to control cotton leafworm that causes economic loses to crops.