Gundelia tournefortii: Fractionation, Chemical Composition and GLUT4 Translocation Enhancement in Muscle Cell Line.

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a chronic metabolic disease, which could affect the daily life of patients and increase their risk of developing other diseases. Synthetic anti-diabetic drugs usually show severe side effects. In the last few decades, plant-derived drugs have been intensively studied, particularly because of a rapid development of the instruments used in analytical chemistry. We tested the efficacy of Gundelia tournefortii L. (GT) in increasing the translocation of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) to the myocyte plasma membrane (PM), as a main strategy to manage T2D. In this study, GT methanol extract was sub-fractionated into 10 samples using flash chromatography. The toxicity of the fractions on L6 muscle cells, stably expressing GLUTmyc, was evaluated using the MTT assay. The efficacy with which GLUT4 was attached to the L6 PM was evaluated at non-toxic concentrations. Fraction 6 was the most effective, as it stimulated GLUT4 translocation in the absence and presence of insulin, 3.5 and 5.2 times (at 250 µg/mL), respectively. Fraction 1 and 3 showed no significant effects on GLUT4 translocation, while other fractions increased GLUT4 translocation up to 2.0 times. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of silylated fractions revealed 98 distinct compounds. Among those compounds, 25 were considered anti-diabetic and glucose disposal agents. These findings suggest that GT methanol sub-fractions exert an anti-diabetic effect by modulating GLUT4 translocation in L6 muscle cells, and indicate the potential of GT extracts as novel therapeutic agents for T2D.

Development of Hybrid BiOClx Br1-x -Embedded Alumina Films and Their Application as Highly Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Reactors.

A highly stable 75 wt % BiOClx Br1-x -loaded alumina composite film has been developed for the fabrication of glass-based photoreactors. A very simple approach has been adopted that does not involve the use of a special instrument and can be applied to all types of substrates irrespective to their size and shape. The structure and morphology of the films were well characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, N2 -sorption, IR, Raman, and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. BiOClx Br1-x microspheres (1-3 µm) with closely packed thin nanoplates (width ≈10 nm) were integrated within alumina to develop a hybrid film. The photocatalytic capacity of the films was evaluated for the decomposition of Rhodamine B (RhB) and naphthalene under visible-light irradiation. The composite films showed a remarkable photocatalytic activity and stability and have been reused for several cycles without any deterioration of their original activity.

Pd-on-Au Supra-nanostructures Decorated Graphene Oxide: An Advanced Electrocatalyst for Fuel Cell Application.

We report a very easy and effective approach for synthesizing unique palladium-on-gold supra-nanostructure (Au@Pd-SprNS)-decorated graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. The SprNSs comprising Au nanorods as core and a unique close-packed assembly of tiny anisotropic Pd nanoparticles (NPs) as shell were homogeneously distributed on the GO surface via electrostatic self-assembly. Compared with the traditional one-pot method for synthesis of metal NPs on GO sheets, the size and shape of core-shell Au@Pd SprNSs can be finely controlled and uniformly distributed on the GO carrier. Interestingly, this Au@Pd-SprNSs/GO nanocomposite displayed high electrocatalytic activities toward the oxidation of methanol, ethanol, and formic acid, which can be attributed to the abundance of intrinsic active sites including high density of atomic steps, ledges and kinks, Au-Pd heterojunctions and cooperative action of the two metals of the SprNSs. Additionally, uniform dispersion of the SprNSs over the GO nanosheets prevent agglomeration between the SprNSs, which is of great significance to enhance the long-term stability of catalyst. This work will introduce a highly efficient Pd-based nanoelectrocatalyst to be used in fuel cell application.

Photocatalytic-Driven Antiviral Activities of Heterostructured BiOCl0.2Br0.8 - BiOBr Semiconductors.

Numerous methods for eliminating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are being extensively examined in recent years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its adverse effects on society. Photocatalysis is among the most encouraging solutions since it has the capacity to fully annihilate pathogens, surpassing conventional disinfecting methods. A heterostructured photocatalytic composite of (70%W BiOCl0.2Br0.8 with 30%W BiOBr) was prepared via a simple synthetic route that yielded microspheres ∼3-4 µm in diameter. The composite was evidenced to inactivate stubborn enveloped viruses. By utilizing scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 sorption, and X-ray diffraction, the morphology and the chemical composition of the heterostructured composite was revealed. Full elimination of SARS-CoV-2 occurred 5 min following the light-activation of the photocatalytic mixture. Illumination absence bared a slower yet effective result of full viral decomposition at a time span of 25 min. A comparable efficacious outcome was observed in the study case of vesicular stomatitis virus with complete diminishing within 30 min of visible light exposure.

Ru/GCN Nanocomposite as an Efficient Catalyst for Hydrogen Generation from Sodium Hypophosphite.

Sodium hypophosphite is a promising green source for generating clean elemental hydrogen without pollutants. This study presents the development of an efficient heterogeneous catalyst, Ru/g-C3N4 (Ru/GCN), for hydrogen generation from sodium hypophosphite. The Ru/GCN catalyst demonstrates excellent activity under mild reaction conditions and maintains its effectiveness over multiple cycles without significant loss of activity. This easily separable and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst is straightforward to operate, non-toxic, eco-friendly, and provides a cost-effective alternative to the extensive use of expensive noble metals, which have limited industrial applications. The Ru/GCN catalyst was characterized using various material characterization and spectral methods, including powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hypophosphite, combined with the catalytically active and recyclable Ru/GCN catalyst, forms a system with high potential for industrial-scale hydrogen production, suggesting promising avenues for further research and application.

In situ generation of superoxide anion radical in aqueous medium under ambient conditions.

In the recent decades superoxide [O(2-.) ] has become the subject of considerable interest. Nonetheless, generation of superoxide compounds is still a substantial challenge. The standard methods for synthesis of superoxide derivatives are either through the oxidation of molten alkali metals with hot air or by using electrolytic reduction of oxygen in aprotic solvent such as dimethylformamide. No methodology is available for the generation of superoxides in protic solutions and particularly not in water. We propose a new in situ method for alkali superoxide preparation by using sodium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide at room temperature and in aqueous solution.

Remote Photocatalytic Eradication of Biorecalcitrant Microorganisms via BiOCl0.2Br0.8-The Applied Aspects of Visible Light-Driven Photocatalysis.

Photocatalysis has an exceptional capacity to eliminate a wide range of harmful microorganisms and is proven to be superior over commonly used disinfection methods. A visible light-induced photocatalyst, the BiOCl0.2Br0.8@gypsum hybrid composite, composed of microspheres (∼3 µm) molded with a gypsum composite as a honeycomb-shaped filter was proven to inactivate a large selection of bacteria including Salmonella typhi, Bacillus subtilis, and Listeria monocytogenes via remote photocatalysis. The chemical composition and morphology of the composite were unveiled with the help of scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, N2 sorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. After 6 h under ambient conditions, our system declined the number of viable bacteria by fourfold. A similar effect was observed at a low temperature, where we rapidly and completely diminished L. monocytogenes inside a refrigerator within 24 h of visible light illumination.

Formate-Bicarbonate Cycle as a Vehicle for Hydrogen and Energy Storage.

In recent years, hydrogen has been considered a promising energy carrier for a sustainable energy economy in the future. An easy solution for the safer storage of hydrogen is challenging and efficient methods are still being explored in this direction. Despite having some progress in this area, no cost-effective and easily applicable solutions that fulfill the requirements of industry are yet to be claimed. Currently, the storage of hydrogen is largely limited to high-pressure compression and liquefaction or in the form of metal hydrides. Formic acid is a good source of hydrogen that also generates CO2 along with hydrogen on decomposition. Moreover, the hydrogenation of CO2 is thermodynamically unfavorable and requires high energy input. Alkali metal formates are alternative mild and noncorrosive sources of hydrogen. On decomposition, these metal formates release hydrogen and generate bicarbonates. The generated bicarbonates can be catalytically charged back to alkali formates under optimized hydrogen pressure. Hence, the formate-bicarbonate-based systems being carbon neutral at ambient condition has certain advantages over formic acid. The formate-bicarbonate cycle can be considered as a vehicle for hydrogen and energy storage. The whole process is carbon-neutral, reversible, and sustainable. This Review emphasizes the various catalytic systems employed for reversible formate-bicarbonate conversion. Moreover, a mechanistic investigation, the effect of temperature, pH, kinetics of reversible formate-bicarbonate conversion, and new insights in the field are also discussed in detail.

BiOClBr-coated fabrics with enhanced antimicrobial properties under ambient light.

This study demonstrates the fabrication of ambient light enabled antimicrobial functional fabrics by coating flower-like bismuth oxyhalide i.e. BiOCl0.875Br0.125, with the use of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) as binders for improved coating robustness and durability. The uniformity of the microparticles was ensured with simultaneous probe sonication during the stages of crystal nucleation and growth. The polymeric binders not only strongly anchor the particle on the fabric, but also serve as an ultra-thin protective layer on the BiOClBr that mitigates bismuth leaching. The efficacy of inhibiting bacteria was investigated over the BiOClBr-coated fabrics i.e. cotton and polyester, and the results showed that the coated fabrics could effectively inhibit both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, i.e. S. aureus and E. coli. In comparison with fabrics coated with other photocatalytic materials including bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) and zinc oxide (ZnO), an exceptionally better antimicrobial efficacy was observed for BiOClBr-coated fabrics. The BiOClBr-coated cotton showed ∼5.0 and ∼6.8 times higher disinfection efficacy towards E. coli compared to that of ZnO and Bi2O3-coated cotton with the same particle weight percentage, respectively. Further elucidation of the probable mechanism by BiOClBr-coated fabrics is related to the excess amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Overall, BiOClBr has been shown to be a promising material to fabricate cost-effective antimicrobial functional surfaces for both environmental and biomedical applications e.g. protective laboratory and factory clothing.

Functionalized Graphitic Carbon Nitride Decorated with Palladium: an Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for Hydrogenation Reactions Using KHCO2 as a Mild and Noncorrosive Source of Hydrogen.

Functionalization of the widely known graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) material has been performed, and a novel heterogeneous catalyst is reported by incorporating palladium over the surface of functionalized GCN. GCN was functionalized using an optimized ratio of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The developed catalyst was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, IR, scanning tunneling microscopy, tunneling electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, thermogravimetric analysis, and solid-state CP-NMR. The developed material containing ≤1% Pd exhibits superior catalytic activity in comparison to other carbon support materials (such as 5% Pd/C) for various hydrogenation reactions under mild conditions. Potassium formate has been chosen as the best hydrogen source among other alkali metal formates. The developed catalyst was also able to catalyze a one-pot three-step reaction for the synthesis of N-benzylaniline which is a precursor of various antihistamine and anticholargenic drugs. Moreover, the catalyst could be recycled multiple times and consistent activity was reported.

Facile continuous process for gas phase halogen exchange over supported alkyl phosphonium salts.

Chloride-bromide halogen exchange was realized when a mixture of an alkyl chloride and an alkyl bromide were reacted over a supported molten alkyl phosphonium catalyst. Conversion was found to be near equilibrium in a tubular flow reactor at 150 °C and 1500 GHSV. The catalyst was prepared by impregnation of alumina or silica support and found to be highly stable for relatively long periods of time. A pathway for the catalytic cycle is proposed.

Generation and Quantification of Formate Ion Produced from Aqueous Sodium Bicarbonate in the Presence of Homogeneous Ruthenium Catalyst.

Formic acid and its salts are an alternative source for hydrogen generation. In this study, we store hydrogen using the formate-bicarbonate cycle. Aqueous sodium bicarbonate is hydrogenated to form sodium formate, which can then be decomposed to release hydrogen and sodium bicarbonate. The hydrogenation step is carried out under mild conditions in the presence of a homogeneous ruthenium catalyst. Hydrogen charge is realized at 70 °C under a hydrogen pressure of 20 bar, achieving yields > 80% and turnover number > 610. The catalyst is stable and robust through numerous cycles of the hydrogenation reaction. The formate ion formed during the bicarbonate hydrogenation is assayed and quantified by ion chromatography.

Gundelia tournefortii Antidiabetic Efficacy: Chemical Composition and GLUT4 Translocation.

In the present in vitro study, we tested the chemical composition, cytotoxicity and antidiabetic activity of two distinct extracts of wild Artichoke-like vegetable, Gundelia tournefortii: methanol and hexane. GC/MS phytochemical analysis of G. tournefortii methanol and hexane extracts revealed 39 compounds reported here for the first time in G. tournefortii out of the 45 detected compounds. Only Stigmasterol was present in both extracts. The efficacy of G. tournefortii extracts in enhancing glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane (PM) was tested in L6 muscle cells stably expressing myc-tagged GLUT4 (L6-GLUT4myc) using cell-ELISA test. Results obtained here indicate that methanol and hexane extracts were safe up to 250 µg/ml as measured with MTT and the LDH leakage assays. The methanol extract was the most efficient in GLUT4 translocation enhancement. It increased GLUT4 translocation at 63 µg/ml 1.5- and 2-fold relative to the control in the absence and presence of insulin, respectively. These findings indicate that G. tournefortii possesses antidiabetic activity in part by enhancing GLUT4 translocation to the PM in skeletal muscle.

Solar Photocatalytic Degradation of Trace Organic Pollutants in Water by Bi(0)-Doped Bismuth Oxyhalide Thin Films.

Herein, we demonstrate the fabrication of Bi(0)-doped bismuth oxyhalide solid solution films for the removal of trace organic pollutants (TrOPs) in water. With the advantage of a viscous AlOOH sol, very high loadings (75 wt %) of bismuth oxyhalides were embedded within the thin films and calcined at 500 °C to develop porous alumina composite coatings. Various concentrations of Bi(0) doping were tested for their photocatalytic activity. Seven TrOPs including iopromide (IPRM), iohexol (IHX), iopamidol (IPMD), sulfamethoxazole (SMX), carbamazepine, venlafaxine, and bezafibrate (BZF) were selected for this study based on their occurrence and detection in effluents and surface waters worldwide. In all tests, with the exception of IPRM, 3% Bi(0)-doped BiOCl0.875Br0.125 showed highest activity, which can be attributed to its unique, highly organized, and compact morphology besides its well-matched energy band positions. Although IPMD, IHX, IPRM, and SMX are susceptible to photolysis, still the photocatalytic activity significantly augmented the removal of all tested compounds. In addition, analysis of the surface charge excluded electrostatic interactions and confirmed the ion-exchange adsorption mechanism for the high degradation rate of BZF in the presence of bismuth oxyhalides.

Assay of carbon nanoparticles in liquids.

The critical assay of carbon black concentration suffers from the lack of available methods, especially in-situ methods suitable for nanoparticles. We propose a useful tool for monitoring carbon nanoparticles concentration in liquids by means of RGB imaging, fluorescence and conductivity measurements. In this study carbon black particles of 25-75nm size were dispersed within two types of "green" liquids (1-butyl-3-methyl imidazolium based ionic liquids and glycerol) and the effect of carbon nanoparticles concentration on the liquids properties was measured. The conductivity of all the liquids increased with carbon concentration, while the slope of the curve was liquid dependent. The fluorescence intensity of ionic liquids decreased dramatically even when a small amount of carbon was added, while water-containing ionic liquids had a more moderate behavior. Glycerol has no native fluorescence, therefore, a known tracer present in soot (dibenzothiophene), having a characteristic fluorescence monitored by synchronous scan mode, was used. The carbon black effect on RGB imaging shows a linear dependence, while the red counts decreases with contamination. The proposed methods are simple and low-cost but nonetheless sensitive.

The fabrication of BiOCl(x)Br(1-x)/alumina composite films with highly exposed {001} facets and their superior photocatalytic activities.

We report the fabrication of thin films of bismuth oxyhalide solid solution with highly exposed {001} facets with the help of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and aluminium oxyhydroxide. These {001} facet exposed films showed enhanced photocatalytic activities compared to those of randomly oriented facets.

In vitro evaluation of anti-diabetic activity and cytotoxicity of chemically analysed Ocimum basilicum extracts.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) in the anti-diabetic effects of methanol, hexane and dichloromethane extracts of the aerial parts of Ocimum basilicum (OB) and to analyze their phytochemical composition. Phytochemical analysis of the three extracts by GC/MS using the silylation derivatization technique revealed 53 compounds, 17 of them were found for the first time in OB. Cytotoxic and anti-diabetic properties of the extracts were evaluated using L6-GLUT4myc muscle cells stably expressing myc epitope at the exofacial loop (GLUT4). No cytotoxic effects were observed in treated cells up to 0.25 mg/ml extract as measured with MTT and LDH-leakage assays. GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane was elevated by 3.5 and 7 folds (-/+ insulin) after treatment with OB extracts for 20 h. Our findings suggest that the observed anti-diabetic properties of OB extracts are possibly mediated in part through one or more of the 17 new identified compound.

Disinfection and Mechanistic Insights of Escherichia coli in Water by Bismuth Oxyhalide Photocatalysis.

This study demonstrates the potential of a new BiOCl0.875 Br0.125 photocatalyst to disinfect Escherichia coli in water under simulated solar irradiation. Photocatalytic efficiency was examined for different photocatalyst loadings, solar wavelengths, exposure times, photocatalyst concentration × contact time (Ct) concept and with the use of scavengers. To elucidate the inactivation mechanism, we examined DNA damage, membrane damage, lipid peroxidation and protein release. Both photolysis and photocatalysis were negligible under visible irradiation, but enhanced photocatalytic activity was observed under solar UVA (λ > 320 nm) and UVB (λ > 280 nm), with 1.5 and 3.6 log inactivation, respectively, after 40 min of irradiation. The log inactivation vs Ct curve for E. coli by UVA/BiOCl0.875 Br0.125 was fairly linear, with Ct = 10 g L-1 × min, resulting in 2 log inactivation. Photocatalytic treatment led to membrane damage, but without lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, protein was released from the cells after UVA or UVA/BiOCl0.875 Br0.125 treatment. Photocatalysis also increased endonuclease-sensitive sites vs photolysis alone, by an unknown mechanism. Finally, E. coli inactivation was not influenced by the addition of tert-butanol or l-histidine, implying that neither hydroxyl radicals nor singlet oxygen reactive species are involved in the inactivation process.

A novel oxidative method for the absorption of Hg(0) from flue gas of coal fired power plants using task specific ionic liquid scrubber.

A simple continuous process is described for the removal of mercury from gas streams (such as flue gas of a coal fired power stations) using imidazolium based Task Specific Ionic Liquids [TSILs] with the general structure ([RMIM][XI(2)(-)]) where X=Cl, Br or I. The latter are formed by blending dialkylimidazolium halide salts with iodine. When applied in a gas/liquid scrubber, these salts were shown to absorb >99% of elemental mercury originally present in a gas stream in concentration of 75-400 ppb. The mercury abatement is attained by oxidating the mercury to HgI(2) which is bound as a stable IL complex ([RMIM(+)][XHgI(2)(-)]. The novel absorption system exhibits a remarkable mercury concentration factor of seven orders of magnitude. The final solution obtained contains up to 50% (w/w) mercury in the IL. Upon exposure to sodium formate, directly added to the saturated IL at 45 °C, reduced metallic mercury swiftly precipitated from the solution and could be quantitatively separated and collected. The free IL could be fully recycled.

In Vitro Evaluations of Cytotoxicity of Eight Antidiabetic Medicinal Plants and Their Effect on GLUT4 Translocation.

Despite the enormous achievements in conventional medicine, herbal-based medicines are still a common practice for the treatment of diabetes. Trigonella foenum-graecum, Atriplex halimus, Olea europaea, Urtica dioica, Allium sativum, Allium cepa, Nigella sativa, and Cinnamomum cassia are strongly recommended in the Greco-Arab and Islamic medicine for the treatment and prevention of diabetes. Cytotoxicity (MTT and LDH assays) of the plant extracts was assessed using cells from the liver hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) and cells from the rat L6 muscle cell line. The effects of the plant extracts (50% ethanol in water) on glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane was tested in an ELISA test on L6-GLUT4myc cells. Results obtained indicate that Cinnamomon cassia is cytotoxic at concentrations higher than 100 µ g/mL, whereas all other tested extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects at concentrations higher than 500 µ g/mL. Exposing L6-GLUT4myc muscle cell to extracts from Trigonella foenum-graecum, Urtica dioica, Atriplex halimus, and Cinnamomum verum led to a significant gain in GLUT4 on their plasma membranes at noncytotoxic concentrations as measured with MTT assay and the LDH leakage assay. These findings indicate that the observed anti-diabetic properties of these plants are mediated, at least partially, through regulating GLUT4 translocation.