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Natural fibres are environmentally friendly and therefore often used in the automotive industry as an alternative to glass or mineral fibres. In order to meet the demands of natural fibres for the European automotive market, mainly flax and hemp are cultivated in Europe, but the import of other fibres, like kenaf, is also necessary. To increase the possibilities of fibre use and to reduce the dependency of fibre import, additional fibre plants from European countries could be a solution. An alternative fibre crop with fibre properties described as suitable for high value fibrous applications, could be Abutilon theophrasti (velvetleaf). However, there are no European studies about the cultivation of velvetleaf published. Besides cultivation, economically and ecologically acceptable fibre extraction methods are essential for successful implementation of velvetleaf in Europe. Field trials at three different sites are carried out and, in addition, the effect of water shortage on biomass and fibre yield is investigated. Furthermore, four different fibre extraction methods, known for other fibre plants (chemical and mechanical extraction, water and dew retting) are investigated concerning linear density, breaking tenacity and tensile elongation at break. Over the two experimental years and three different sites, velvetleaf biomass yield varied between 5.2 and 12.8 t ha −1 dry matter (DM), and the fibre yield ranged from 0.7 to 2.4 t ha −1 DM. Additional irrigation significantly increased the fibre yield in 2016 by 29%. Among the different methods for fibre extraction, water retting and chemical extraction by 4% sodium hydroxide solution showed the lowest values of linear density (57 and 58 dtex, respectively). Over all extraction methods, the linear density ranged from 53 to 115 dtex. The highest breaking tenacity was determined for chemical extraction by 0.4% sodium hydroxide solution (52.4 cN tex −1 ) and water retting (50 cN tex −1 ). Generally, cultivation and fibre extraction of velvetleaf are possible under the conditions in southwest Germany. Due to the different fibre characteristics of velvetleaf compared to flax, hemp, and kenaf, this plant should be assessed in future research for its applicability as a renewable resource for industrial fibres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, green synthesis and determination of the antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and photocatalytic properties of the resultant Cu-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles (NAPs) were carried out. A superficial method (solution combustion method) was employed for the synthesis of un-doped ZnO NAPs from aqueous extract of Abutilon indicum , and synthesis of Cu-doped ZnO NAPs from aqueous extracts of Clerodendrum infortunatum (M1 NAPs) and Clerodendrum inerme (M2 NAPs). The synthesized un-doped ZnO, M1 and M2 NAPs were characterized by different spectroscopic techniques like Ultraviolet-visible (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform-Infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The antibacterial and antifungal activities of M1 and M2 NAPs were determined by agar diffusion method, while their antioxidant properties were assessed through DPPH radical scavenging and ferric thiocyanate (FTC) and assays. Under sunlight irradiation, photocatalytic disintegration potential of M1 and M2 NAPs were determined by the degradation of Acid Black 234 dye. Results from FT-IR, XRD, EDX and SEM confirmed successful synthesis, crystalline nature, and spheroid-to-rod-like shapes of un-doped ZnO, M1 and M2 NAPs, with grain sizes of 16.72 nm, 17.49 nm and 20.73 nm; and band gap energies of 3.37 eV, 3.36 eV and 3.31 eV, respectively. The NAPs were good catalysts for effective degradation of Acid Black 234. They also exhibited remarkable antioxidant and anticancer activities. Significant antibacterial activity was shown by M2 NAPs against E. coli , S. aureus , Klebsiella and B. subtilis , with zones of inhibition (ZOIs) of 13 ± 0.09, 14 ± 0.01, 18 ± 0.07 and 20 ± 0.10, respectively . Significant antifungal potential was also produced by M2 NAPs at 5 mg with ZOIs of 17 ± 0.07 and 24 ± 0.08 against A. niger and T. harzianum , respectively . These results indicate that aqueous extracts of A. indicum , C. infortunatum and C. inerme are effective reducing agents for green synthesis of un-doped ZnO, and Cu-doped ZnO NAPs with significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antifungal potential. Thus they are good candidates for future therapeutic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesized gold nanoparticles have received substantial attention owing to their biomedical applications, particularly in cancer therapy. Although anticancer activities of green synthesized gold nanoparticles have been reported earlier, the underlying mechanism behind their anticancer activity is still to be understood. The present study, describes the green synthesis of Abutilon indicum gold nanoparticles (AIGNPs) from Abutilon indicum leaf extract (AILE) and their cytotoxic mechanism in colon cancer cells. Dimensions of spherical shaped AIGNPs were found to be in the range of 1–20 nm as determined by TEM. GC–MS and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of polyphenolic groups in AILE, which might have been involved in the stabilization of AIGNPs. In vitro free radical scavenging analysis revealed the radical quenching activity of AIGNPs. Further, the AIGNPs exhibited cytotoxicity in HT-29 colon cancer cells with IC 50 values of 210 and 180 μg/mL after 24 and 48 h. This was mediated through nuclear morphological changes and cell membrane damage as evidenced by acridine orange/ethidium bromide, propidium iodide and AnnexinV-Cy3 staining methods. Mechanism of the observed cytotoxicity of AIGNPs was explained on the basis of increased levels of reactive oxygen species and simultaneous reduction in cellular antioxidants, which might have caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss, DNA damage and G1/S phase cell cycle arrest. Expression of cleaved Caspase-9, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, Lamin A/C and PARP, provided the clues for the induction of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis pathways in AIGNPs treated HT-29 cells. The study provides a preliminary guidance towards the development of colon cancer therapy using green synthesized gold nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using biological entities is gaining interest because of their potential applications in nano-medicine. Herein, we report the biological synthesis of Abutilon indicum silver nanoparticles (AIAgNPs) using aqueous Abutilon indicum leaf extract (AILE) and evaluation of their biological applications. TEM analysis revealed that the spherical biogenic AIAgNPs were found to be between 5 and 25 nm in size. The bioactive phyto-constituents such are condensed tannins of AILE were found to play a key role in the reduction and capping of AIAgNPs. The biological properties of AIAgNPs were premeditated as free radical scavenging activity, antibacterial effect and anti-proliferative activity. AIAgNPs were found to exhibit good free radical scavenging activities and the intense zone of inhibition displayed by them in six different pathogenic species indicate the potential antibacterial effect. Further, AIAgNPs showed a dose dependant anti-proliferative effect against COLO 205 (human colon cancer) and MDCK (normal) cells with an IC 50 of 3 and 4 μg/mL and 100 and 75 μg/mL, respectively after 24 and 48 h. The morphological changes, chromatin condensation and membrane potential loss induced by AIAgNPs were evidenced by AO/EB and AnnexinV-Cy3 staining. The mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss and G1/S transition cell cycle arrest in COLO 205 cells was evidenced in rhodamine123 staining and FACS analysis. The high levels of ROS as shown in DCF-DA staining could have played a major role in DNA fragmentation and eventually lead to apoptosis. The mode of action through the induction apoptosis by AIAgNPs in COLO 205 cells is exciting with promising application of nano-materials in biomedical research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles has been achieved using environmentally acceptable plant extract. It is observed that Abutilon indicum leaf extract can reduce silver ions into silver nanoparticles within 15 min of reaction time. The formation and stability of the reduced silver nanoparticles in the colloidal solution were monitored by UV–Vis spectrophotometer analysis. The mean particle diameter of silver nanoparticles was calculated from the XRD pattern. FT-IR spectra of the leaf extract after the development of nanoparticles are determined to allow identification of possible functional groups responsible for the conversion of metal ions to metal nanoparticles. The AgNPs thus obtained showed highly potent antibacterial activity toward Gram-positive ( Staphyloccocus aureus and Bacillus subtilis ) and Gram-negative ( Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli ) microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The volatile oil presented fokienol as the most abundant compound. [•] The volatile oil presented selective antifungal activity against dermatophytes. [•] The nanoemulsion developed with volatile oil improved the activity of the oil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The partitioning of light absorption is difficult to assess in natural or cultivated mixed vegetation canopies. Previous research has shown that it is possible to estimate light absorption in monospecific canopies from the Leaf Mass per Area (M A ), which is closely related to the prevailing light conditions experienced by the leaf during its development. The effectiveness of this approach in assessing light partitioning at individual plant level was tested on monospecific and mixed crop/weed plots. Canopy absorbed PAR (APAR) was estimated in monocultures or 1:1 mixed stands of Abutilon theophrasti Medicus and Glycine max L. (soybean) using a relationship between intercepted PAR (IPAR) and M A , calibrated at individual leaf level against incident light measurements. The accuracy of estimates was evaluated through comparison with APAR calculated from incident light measurements taken independently at various heights at whole canopy level. The use of the experimentally assessed relationship of IPAR vs. M A provided acceptable absorption estimates. The average departure of estimates from measurements, expressed as Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), was 10.2%. By comparison, a numerically optimized version of the model that excluded the effects of experimental errors in single-leaf PAR measurements, yielded estimates with an average RMSE of 4.8%. The lower accuracy of the estimates based on the experimental IPAR–M A relationship was due to experimental error but also to a high sensitivity of the M A -based estimates to the model coefficients. M A variability in monoculture or mixed canopies was confirmed to be highly dependent on the PAR distribution, so M A is potentially suitable for use as a predictor of light absorption. However, due to the sensitivity of the model, a high experimental accuracy in IPAR–M A assessment as well as in M A and LAI distribution has to be guaranteed in order to perform reliable estimates by this method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Five field trials were conducted over a three-year period (2006–2008) at two locations in southwestern Ontario to determine the length of time herbicides can remain in the spray tank prior to application in the field without impacting efficacy. Four pre-emergence and five post-emergence herbicides were mixed at their labelled rates and then applied in maize. Herbicides were either applied immediately after mixing in water, or after being held in solution for 1, 3 or 7 days. The most common weed species in the trials were Abutilon theophrasti, Amaranthus retroflexus, Ambrosia artemisiifolia, and Chenopodium album. Holding the herbicides in spray solution for up to 7 days did not affect the efficacy of the post-emergence herbicides in this study. Similarly, control of A. retroflexus and C. album with the pre-emergence herbicides was not affected holding the herbicides in spray solution for up to 7 days. However, control of A. theophrasti was decreased when isoxaflutole plus atrazine, dimethenamid plus dicamba/atrazine, or rimsulfuron plus S-metolachlor plus dicamba was in spray solution for more than 1 day. Nonetheless, there were no decreases in yield for any of the treatments evaluated. These data provide valuable information which growers can use to make informed decisions on whether to apply herbicides in non-ideal weather or to postpone application. The results of this study suggest that for the herbicides and weed species tested it is better to postpone application rather than make applications under non-ideal conditions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tank-mix adjuvants can increase the efficacy of herbicides. Therefore, the effects of different rates of bentazon alone or tank-mixed with ammonium sulfate, non-ionic (0.25% Induce) or organosilicone (0.1% Kinetic) adjuvants were investigated on cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium), black nightshade (Solanium nigrum), velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti), and stranglervine (Morrenia odorata) under greenhouse condition. There were variations in susceptibility of the four weed species to bentazon-adjuvants tank-mixture treatments. Black nightshade control never exceeded 55% with all bentazan treatments rates from 0.84 to 2.24kg ha−1 with or without the adjuvants. While cocklebur was completely controlled with the application of bentazon at 1.12kg ha−1, or with bentazon at 0.84kg ha−1 plus one of the three adjuvants, with insignificant differences between adjuvants. The limited factor of controlling velvetleaf and stranglervine is the bentazon rate. Complete foliar death (98–100%) of velvetleaf and stranglervine was with bentazon at 1.68kg ha−1 alone or with Induce or Kinetic adjuvant. The results suggested that black nightshade was difficult-to-control weed, while cocklebur was susceptibility to bentazon at lowest rate (0.84kg ha−1) plus adjuvant. Mixing adjuvant with bentazon generally enhanced common cocklebur and black nightshade control, while addition of adjuvant to bentazon at all rates for controlling stranglervine did not cause any significant difference. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antidiabetic effects of the aqueous extract derived from the Thai Abutilon indicum Sweet plant and to explore its effects on intestinal glucose absorption and insulin secretion. The authors hypothesized that the plasma glucose level could be reduced through the inhibition of glucose absorption and/or the enhancement of insulin secretion. Administration of the extract (0.5 and 1 g/kg body weight) in an oral glucose tolerance test led to a significant reduction in plasma glucose levels in 30 minutes after the administration in moderately diabetic rats, as compared with untreated rats (P < .05), and this was at a faster rate than the use of an antidiabetic drug, glibenclamide. The inhibition of glucose absorption through the small intestine was investigated using an everted intestinal sac. The results showed that the extract at concentrations of 0.156 to 5 mg/mL caused a reduction of glucose absorption in a dose response manner. The maximum response was noted at a dose of 2.5 mg/mL. The promotion of the extract on insulin secretion was confirmed by incubating β cell of pancreatic islets and INS-1E insulinoma cells with the extract at 1 to 1000 μg/mL. These observations suggest that the aqueous extract from the A indicum plant has antidiabetic properties, which inhibited glucose absorption and stimulated insulin secretion. Phytochemical screening also revealed that the extract contained alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides, and saponins that could account for the observed pharmacologic effects of the plant extract. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]