Creative Science

Optimizing ultrasound-assisted extraction for enhanced quantification of 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine in kratom

Saowapa Chumanee — 2024-12-04

This study focuses on optimizing the extraction of two key alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, from kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) leaves using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). The aim was to identify optimal extraction conditions by varying sample-to-liquid ratio, solvent types, methanol concentrations, ultrasonic power, and extraction time. High-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was used to quantify the alkaloids accurately. The results indicate that using a sample-to-liquid ratio of 0.5:10 g mL^-1, 70% v/v methanol as the solvent, with an ultrasonic power of 175 watts, and a 10 min for extraction time, yielded the highest amounts of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This method offers a reliable, efficient approach for extracting and quantifying these bioactive compounds, supporting the development of standardized kratom products for quality control. The study has practical applications for local farmers in Phetchabun province, improving the extraction process for kratom leaves.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE): the study focuses on optimizing the use of UAE for the efficient extraction of two key alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, from kratom leaves.
Optimal extraction conditions: the research identifies the best conditions for UAE, including solvent type, methanol concentration, ultrasonic power, and extraction time, to maximize the yield of the target compounds.
Quantitative analysis: high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-DAD) was used for precise quantification, providing a reliable method for analyzing these alkaloids in kratom samples sourced from local farmers.

Values, bioactive compound, antioxidant activities of brown rice and germinated brown rice, and the pellet products

Sutthidech Preecharram — 2024-11-15

This study aimed to explore the dietary components, phenolic compounds, GABA content, and antioxidant capacity of brown rice and germinated brown rice from two rice varieties: the glutinous rice variety Kor Khor 6 (RD6) and the paddy rice type Hom Mali 105 rice. The study findings indicated that protein composition varied between 6.76 – 7.91%, fat content ranged from 2.49 – 2.85%, and carbohydrate content varied from 73.65 – 79.83%. The average energy value is 362 kcal 100 g ^–1. Germinated brown rice of Hom Mali 105 has the highest GABA levels with 4.70 mg 100 g^–1 dry weight. The Hom Mali 105 exhibited the highest levels of phenolic compounds, registering at 0.5 mg 100 g^–1 dry weight. Germinated brown rice of Hom Mali 105 has the highest capacity to bind to DPPH free radicals and Fe²⁺, which IC50 values of 7.12 and 82.00 mg mL^–1, respectively. Following the research on rice pelleting, the result of pellets was discovered to be completely round and undamaged. This study shows that brown rice and germinated brown rice are good sources of nutrients and energy. They also possess potent antioxidant qualities. Preliminary rice powder pellets were produced from germinated brown rice of Hom Mali 105. These rice pellets can be molded into uniquely shaped products. The solid density, water absorption, and hardness of the rice pellets were measured at 1.12 ± 0.05 g cm^-³, 3.83 ± 1.02 %, and 57.86 ± 5.88 N, respectively. These pellets are easy to consume and offer a complete range of nutrients.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Brown rice and germinated brown rice has high proximate composition, phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and gamma aminobutyric acid.
Rice powder pellets can be shaped into products with unique shapes.
This dish is simple to eat and provides complete nutrients.

In vitro anti-pathogenic activity of composite materials made of activated carbon from bamboo containing silver nanoparticles

Wittaya Suwonnachot — 2024-12-02

Pathogenic bacterial contamination has become a major concern for public health and the environment. However, the development of anti-pathogenic materials remains exceptionally challenging. This study examined the anti-pathogenic activities of composite materials by combining silver nanoparticles with activated carbon from bamboo charcoal. This was done to improve the overall qualities of the materials, avoid agglomeration, and maintain their original properties. The experiments sought suitable conditions for producing activated carbon from bamboo charcoal using physical reactivation under high-temperature steam. This greatly increased the specific surface area. Then, the material was combined with silver nanoparticles to test its anti-pathogenic activity against two common pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli DMST 12743 and Staphylococcus aureus DMST 19381. The findings revealed that the optimum time for producing activated carbon under high-temperature steam at 650 °C was 30 min. Anti-pathogenic activity was determined using an agar disc diffusion method. Testing included determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using broth microdilution and drop plate methods. These tests showed a greater anti-pathogenic effect against the Gram-negative bacterium. The zones of inhibition (ZOI) were 12.00±1.00 mm and 10.67±0.29 mm, respectively, against E. coli and S. aureus. MIC values of 1.56 µg/mL resulted with MBC values of 25 µg/mL. These composite materials have antimicrobial properties. This promotes nanotechnology and activated carbon use from agricultural waste for commercial products. These products can be employed in various treatment systems and medical devices for environmental safety and public health enhancement. Our approach demonstrates the development of nanotechnology and biomedical science integrated with green technology.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

Silver nanoparticles from the green synthesis process were coated onto activated carbon derived from bamboo waste under optimized conditions.
The resulting composite exhibits antibacterial properties and can be scaled for commercial applications.
This eco-friendly approach promotes sustainable waste management and offers a cost-effective solution for antimicrobial products.

Solid fuel processing of Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) from agricultural waste with latex rubber binder.

Vanlop Thathong — 2024-12-03

There are 5 types of waste materials making up RDF: rubber wood chips (RWC), wood residues (WR), mixed grass (MG), cassava rhizome (CR), leaf fragments (LF). The heating values range 14,693-17,065 kJ/kg. The energy values range 3,509.36-4,075.91 kcal/kg. The moistures range 10.35-16.80 %. The densities range 310-550 kg/m³. Regarding physical and chemical properties of the RDF, Tested with 2 binders: cassava starch sludge and latex rubber with the ratio of 0.50:0.50. The results showed that the moistures range 7.56-8.32 by wt. %. The energy values range 3,474.50-4,245.65 kcal/kg. The densities range 0.45-0.78 g/cm³. The ash contents range 1.06-5.00 by wt.%. The shatter indexes range 0.71-0.93. The ignition times range 5.6-9.8 min. The combustion times range 30-96 min. The combustion rates range 1.38-1.74 g/min. The RDF with 1.0:20.0 water to rubber ratio yields the best efficiency, with 7.68% moisture content and 5.00% ash content. This complies with the local product standard of RDF. It yields 4,226.59 kcal/kg. of heating value. The heavy metal contents from the ash of RDF are within the standard. From the cost and profit analysis, making RDF from cassava rhizome can yield 504.22 baht/rai profit, while selling the rhizome directly yields 199.32 baht/rai profit.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

HIGHLIGHTS

This research result provides new knowledge, which is the use of Latex Rubber as a binder in making RDF.
This research result allows rubber farmers to earn more income from selling RDF from rubber tree branches.