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The low bioavailability of most phytochemicals limits their anticancer effects in humans. The present study was designed to test whether combining arctigenin (Arc), a lignan mainly from the seed of Arctium lappa, with green tea (GT) and quercetin (Q) enhances the chemopreventive effect on prostate cancer. We performed in vitro proliferation studies on different cell lines. We observed a strong synergistic anti-proliferative effect of GT+Q+Arc in exposing androgen-sensitive human prostate cancer LNCaP cells. The pre-malignant WPE1-NA22 cell line was more sensitive to this combination. No cytotoxicity was observed in normal prostate epithelial PrEC cells. For an in vivo study, 3-week-old, prostate-specific PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog) knockout mice were treated with GT+Q, Arc, GT+Q+Arc, or the control daily until 16 weeks of age. In vivo imaging using prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) probes demonstrated that the prostate tumorigenesis was significantly inhibited by 40% (GT+Q), 60% (Arc at 30 mg/kg bw), and 90% (GT+Q+Arc) compared to the control. A pathological examination showed that all control mice developed invasive prostate adenocarcinoma. In contrast, the primary lesion in the GT+Q and Arc alone groups was high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), with low-grade PIN in the GT+Q+Arc group. The combined effect of GT+Q+Arc was associated with an increased inhibition of the androgen receptor, the PI3K/Akt pathway, Ki67 expression, and angiogenesis. This study demonstrates that combining Arc with GT and Q was highly effective in prostate cancer chemoprevention. These results warrant clinical trials to confirm the efficacy of this combination in humans.

Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is an important crop plant with pharmaceutical significance. It is described in pharmacopoeias (the United States Pharmacopeia and the European Pharmacopoeia), which confirms that it (especially the seeds) is a valuable medicinal product. Similar to flax seeds, which accumulate bioactive compounds, flax in vitro cultures are also a rich source of flavonoids, phenolics, lignans and neolignans. In the present study, flax suspension cultures after treatment of the non-pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum strain Fo47 were established and analyzed. The study examined the suitability of Fo47 as an elicitor in flax suspension cultures and provided interesting data on the impact of these endophytic fungi on plant metabolism and physiology. Two flax cultivars (Bukoz and Nike) and two compositions of media for flax callus liquid cultures were tested. Biochemical analysis revealed enhanced levels of secondary metabolites (total flavonoid and total phenolic content) and photosynthetically active pigments in the flax callus cultures after treatment with the non-pathogenic fungal strain F. oxysporum Fo47 when compared to control, untreated cultures. In cultures with the selected, optimized conditions, FTIR analysis was performed and revealed changes in the structural properties of cell wall polymers after elicitation of cultures with F. oxysporum Fo47. The plant cell wall polymers were more strongly bound, and the crystallinity index (Icr) of cellulose was higher than in control, untreated samples. However, lignin and pectin levels were lower in the flax callus liquid cultures treated with the non-pathogenic strain of Fusarium when compared to the untreated control. The potential application of the non-pathogenic strain of F. oxysporum for enhancing the synthesis of desired secondary metabolites in plant tissue cultures is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polysaccharides are an excellent renewable source for developing food-packing materials. It is expected that these packages can be an efficient barrier against oxygen; can reduce lipid peroxidation, and can retain the natural aroma of a food commodity. Starch has tremendous potential to be explored in the preparation of food packaging; however, due to their high hydrophilic nature, packaging films produced from starch possess poor protective moisture barriers and low mechanical properties. This scenario limits their applications, especially in humid conditions. In contrast, lignin's highly complex aromatic hetero-polymer network of phenylpropane units is known to play a filler role in polysaccharide films. Moreover, lignin can limit the biodegradability of polysaccharides films by a physical barrier, mainly, and by non-productive bindings. The main interactions affecting lignin non-productive bindings are hydrophobic interactions, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen-bonding interactions, which are dependent on the total phenolic –OH and –COOH content in its chemical structure. In this review, the use of lignin as a reinforcement to improve the biodegradability of starch-based films in wet environments is presented. Moreover, the characteristics of the used lignins, the mechanisms of molecular interaction among these materials, and the sensitive physicochemical parameters for biodegradability detection are related. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an efficient and environmental‐friendly strategy, electrocatalytic oxidation can realize biomass lignin valorization by cleaving its aryl ether bonds to produce value‐added chemicals. However, the complex and polymerized structure of lignin presents challenges in terms of reactant adsorption on the catalyst surface, which hinders further refinement. Herein, NiCo‐based metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) are employed as the electrocatalyst to enhance the adsorption of reactant molecules through π‐π interaction. More importantly, lattice strain is introduced into the MOFs via curved ligand doping, which enables tuning of the d‐band center of metal active sites to align with the reaction intermediates, leading to stronger adsorption and higher electrocatalytic activity toward bond cleavage within lignin model compounds and native lignin. When 2′‐phenoxyacetophenone is utilized as the model compound, high yields of phenol (76.3%) and acetophenone (21.7%) are achieved, and the conversion rate of the reactants reaches 97%. Following pre‐oxidation of extracted poplar lignin, >10 kinds of phenolic compounds are received using the as‐designed MOFs electrocatalyst, providing ≈12.48% of the monomer, including guaiacol, vanillin, eugenol, etc., and p‐hydroxybenzoic acid dominates all the products. This work presents a promising and deliberately designed electrocatalyst for realizing lignin valorization, making significant strides for the sustainability of this biomass resource. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most commonly used commercial sunscreen agents are aromatic compounds oxybenzone and octinoxate, as they offer a wide range of protection in the UV spectrum. However, oxybenzone has the highest rate of skin irritation, while octinoxate has poor photostability. Oxybenzone is also a genotoxicant and skeletal endocrine disruptor to corals. Appropriate, less toxic and preferentially biorenewable alternatives should be recommended. Lignin, an abundant byproduct of pulp and biorefinery industries, is expected to be an effective replacement for oxybenzone and octinoxate due to its aromatic structure, which, in synergy with a wide variety of functional groups, produces the absorption of energy in the entire UV region. Additionally, lignin is a biocompatible polyphenolic with a strong radical quenching ability, i.e., anti-oxidizing potential. Therefore, it is a promising replacement for synthetic chemicals in cosmetics, sunscreen, and other applications. The UV absorption analysis of selected crude and functionalized lignin samples was conducted, and the results were compared to those of commercially used UV-absorption agents--oxybenzone and octinoxate. The results showed that the total absorption capacity of the lignin samples is lower by 6.4x and 16.3x compared to oxybenzone and octinoxate, respectively; however, it covers a wide absorption range in the UV spectrum. The lignin samples also showed good photostability and color stability, in contrast to the observed yellowing of octinoxate after 3 hours of exposure to sunlight. The UV spectra of some of the lignin samples indicate that their UV absorption capacity was enhanced by as much as 13.31% after exposure to sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bakong (Hanguana malayana (Jack) Merr.) is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows abundantly in certain parts of the Philippines. This study investigates Bakong fibers' potential as a pulp source for papermaking. Furthermore, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) produced from the fibers was used as an additive in the Bakong fiber-based hand sheets at 2%, 6%, and 10% w/w, and their effects on their strength properties were observed. The soda pulping method produced Bakong pulp with a total yield of 47.36%. Proximate chemical analysis showed that the method reduced the lignin content from 13.19% to 8.76%, and the resulting pulp was successfully formed into paper hand sheets. The strength properties of the hand sheets were tested, and the resulting burst index, tear index, tensile index, and folding endurance values were 5.98 kPa/m2·g, 6.41 mN·m2/g, 105.97 N·m/g, and 626 double folds, respectively. Aside from the tear index, the Bakong hand sheets' strength properties were much higher than that of locally produced commercial printing paper. The addition of MFC on the hand sheets negatively affected the burst and tensile index values of the Bakong hand sheets but significantly improved the tear index up to 6% w/w. These results show that the pulp produced from the Bakong fibers can potentially be used as an alternative source of pulp for papermaking, but further optimization of the pulping process is recommended to increase the yield, lower lignin content, and improve compatibility with the MFC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The list of standard abbreviations for JDS is available at adsa.org/jds-abbreviations-24. Nonstandard abbreviations are available in the Notes. Lignin is a polyphenolic polymer that is an important factor in limiting fiber digestibility by ruminants. The objective of the current study was to evaluate lignin's effects on whole animal energy utilization in diets similar in NDF content. A low-lignin (LoLig) diet was formulated to contain 32.5% NDF (DM basis) and 9.59% lignin (NDF basis) and the high-lignin (HiLig) diet was formulated to contain 31.0% NDF (DM basis) and 13.3% lignin (NDF basis). These diets were randomly assigned and fed to 12 late-lactation (mean ± SD; 214 ± 14.9 DIM) multiparous Jersey cows (mean ± SD; 435 ± 13.9 kg) in a 2-period crossover design. Cows fed the LoLig treatment consumed more DM than cows on the HiLig diet (mean ± SD; 19.9 vs. 18.7 ± 0.645 kg/d) and the LoLig diet was concurrently of a greater gross energy concentration (mean ± SEM; 4.27 vs. 4.23 ± 0.03 Mcal/kg). As expected, increasing the concentration of lignin resulted in a reduction in total-tract NDF digestibility (45.5% vs. 40.4% ± 0.742%). Increasing lignin also resulted in a reduction in the digestibility of starch (97.7 vs. 96.3 ± 0.420) and CP (65.0 vs. 60.0 ± 0.829). Lignin also decreased the concentration of digestible energy (2.83 vs. 2.63 ± 0.04 Mcal/kg) and ME (2.52 vs. 2.36 ± 0.05 Mcal/kg), but the concentration of NE L was similar (1.81 vs. 1.75 ± 0.06 Mcal/kg). Increasing the concentration of lignin also reduced yields of ECM (33.7 vs. 30.0 ± 0.838 kg/d), milk protein (1.00 vs. 0.843 ± 0.027 kg/d), and milk fat (1.30 vs. 1.19 ± 0.058 kg/d). Decreasing the dietary lignin concentration did not affect daily methane emissions, averaging 391 ± 29.6 L/d. Results of this study indicate that feeding a diet greater in lignin decreases the digestibility of nutrients and provides less energy for production responses and that energy supplied from digestible NDF may be less than predicted by some nutrition models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin is part of the lignocellulosic biomass found in hardwoods, softwoods, and herbaceous plants. It is isolated by fractionation and pulping processes, where it is considered a waste product and is mainly burned to generate electricity and heat. However, lignin is a biopolymer that can be a source of many chemicals of significant value after treatments of functionalisation or depolymerisation. The main processes for its valorisation require solubilisation in organic solvents, which may affect the process's mass balance and the biopolymer's chemical structure, as lignins are rarely completely soluble in organic solvents. In this research, two industrial Kraft lignins derived from softwood and hardwood were treated using different green organic solvents (2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, tetrahydrofuran, 1-methoxy-2-propanol, and acetone), measuring the soluble and insoluble content to determine the mass balance, and the solubility was evaluated using Hansen parameters and FTIR. The results showed that both lignins were more soluble in tetrahydrofuran and 1-methoxy-2-propanol. Also, tetrahydrofuran performed better than the 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran, which is considered the green alternative. The reason can be explained using the Hansen solubility parameters. Moreover, the solubilised fractions showed similar FTIR spectra. The same is the case for the insoluble parts. In conclusion, the two lignins studied showed different solubilities in absolute values in organic solvents, but the trends were similar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genetic and environmental factors influence the growth and quality of medicinal plants. In recent years, rhizosphere microorganisms have also emerged as significant factors affecting the quality of medicinal plants. This study aimed to identify Schisandra resources with high lignan content and analyze the microbial diversity of the rhizosphere soil. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to measure the lignan content in nine Schisandra fruits. High-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the 16S rDNA sequences of rhizosphere bacteria to identify bacterial species diversity. The total lignan content of the nine Schisandra resources ranged from 9.726 mg/g to 14.031 mg/g, with ZJ27 having the highest content and ZJ25 the lowest. Among the six lignan components, Schisandrol A had the highest content, ranging from 5.133 mg/g to 6.345 mg/g, with a significant difference between ZJ25, ZJ27, and other resources (p < 0.05). Schizandrin C had the lowest content, ranging from 0.062 mg/g to 0.419 mg/g, with more significant differences among the resources. A total of 903,933 sequences were obtained from the rhizosphere soil of the nine Schisandra resources, clustered into 10,437 OTUs at a 97% similarity level. The dominant bacterial phyla were Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonadota, and Verrucomicrobiota. The dominant bacterial genera were Candidatus_Udaeobacter, Candidatus_Solibacter, RB41, Bradyrhizobium, Gaiella, and Arthrobacter. ZJ27 is the Schisandra resource with the highest lignan content, and the rhizosphere bacteria of Schisandra are rich in diversity. Schisandra B is negatively correlated with Bryobacter, Candidatus_Solibacter, and unnamed genera of Gaiellales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose and lignin, sourced from biomass, hold potential for innovative bioprocesses and biomaterials. However, traditional fractionation and purification methods often rely on harmful chemicals and high temperatures, making these processes both hazardous and costly. This study introduces a sustainable approach for fractionating acacia wood, focusing on both cellulose and lignin extraction using a deep eutectic solvent (DES) composed of choline chloride (ChCl) and levulinic acid (LA). A design of experiment was employed for the optimization of the most relevant fractionation parameters: time and temperature. In the case of the lignin, both parameters were found to be significant variables in the fractionation process (p-values of 0.0128 and 0.0319 for time and temperature, respectively), with a positive influence. Likewise, in the cellulose case, time and temperature also demonstrated a positive effect, with p-values of 0.0103 and 0.028, respectively. An optimization study was finally conducted to determine the maximum fractionation yield of lignin and cellulose. The optimized conditions were found to be 15% (w/v) of the wood sample in 1:3 ChCl:LA under a treatment temperature of 160 °C for 8 h. The developed method was validated through repeatability and intermediate precision studies, which yielded a coefficient of variation lower than 5%. The recovery and reuse of DES were successfully evaluated, revealing remarkable fractionation yields even after five cycles. This work demonstrates the feasibility of selectively extracting lignin and cellulose from woody biomass using a sustainable solvent, thus paving the way for valorization of invasive species biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A density functional theory method was employed to conduct theoretical calculations on the pyrolysis reaction pathways of lignin monomer model compounds with an aldehyde or carboxyl group under the catalytic effect of alkali metal ions Na+ and K+, exploring their influence on the formation of the small molecular gaseous products CO and CO2. The results indicate that Na+ and K+ can easily bind with the oxygen-containing functional groups of the lignin monomer model compounds to form stable and low-energy complexes. Except for benzaldehyde and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, Na+ and K+ can facilitate the decarbonylation reactions of other benzaldehyde-based and phenylacetaldehyde-based lignin monomer model compounds during the pyrolysis process, thereby enhancing the generation of CO. When the characteristic functional groups on the benzene rings of benzaldehyde-based and phenylacetaldehyde-based lignin monomer model compounds are the same, the phenylacetaldehyde-based ones are more prone to undergo decarbonylation than the benzaldehyde-based ones. Additionally, both Na+ and K+ can inhibit the decarboxylation reactions of benzoic acid-based and phenylacetic acid-based lignin monomer model compounds, thereby restraining the formation of CO2. When the characteristic functional groups on the benzene rings of benzoic acid-based and phenylacetic acid-based lignin monomer model compounds are the same, the phenylacetic acid-based ones are more difficult to undergo decarboxylation than the benzoic acid-based ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cestrum parqui L'Herit. (Solanaceae family) is a species of forest shrub, self-incompatible and specialized in pollination, widespread in the subtropical area of the planet, and now widely distributed also in the Mediterranean area. The constituents of its leaves have antimicrobial, anticancer, insecticidal, antifeedant, molluscicidal, and herbicidal properties. The spread of this species represents a valuable source of compounds with high biological value. Various research groups are engaged in defining the chemical composition of the different parts of the plant and in defining its properties in view of important and promising commercial applications. To date, there are only a few incomplete reports on the potential applications of C. parqui extracts as selective natural pesticides and on their potential phytotoxic role. Scientific knowledge and the use of extraction techniques for these components are essential for commercial applications. This article summarizes the research and recent studies available on the botany, phytochemistry, functional properties, and commercial applications of C. parqui. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The purpose of this work is to explore the properties of the lignin-derived amine-free photoinitiating systems (PISs) during the curing process. Four novel hydrogen donors (HD1, HD2, HD3, and HD4) derived from lignin α-O-4 structural were designed and synthesized by simple methods, and their low C–H bond dissociation energies on methylene were determined by molecular orbitals theory. Four experimental groups using CQ (camphorquinone)/HD PIs formulated with Bis-GMA/TEGDMA (70 w%/30 w%) were compared to CQ/EDB (ethyl 4-dimethylamino benzoate) system. The photopolymerization profiles and double bond conversion rate was tracked by FTIR experiments; the color bleaching ability of the samples and color aging test assay were performed using color indexes measurements; The cytotoxicity of the samples was also compared to EDB related systems. All of the experimental groups with new HDs were compared to the control group with EDB by statistical analysis. Compared to CQ/EDB system, new lignin-derived hydrogen donors combined with CQ showed comparable or even better performances in polymerization initiation to form resin samples, under a blue dental LED in air. Excellent color bleaching property was observed with the new HDs. Aging tests and cytotoxicity examination of the resin were performed, indicating the new lignin compounds to be efficient hydrogen donors for amine-free CQ-based photo-initiating system. Novel lignin α-O-4 derived hydrogen donors are promising for further usage in light-curing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: According to Chinese ancient books, both fruits and rhizomes of Polygonatum cyrtonema Hua have medicinal and edible values. Up to now, there is no report about the metabolite profiles and regulatory network in fruits and different year-old rhizomes of P. cyrtonema. Results: In this study, we performed integrative analyses of metabolome and transcriptome to reveal the dynamic accumulation and regulatory network of fruits and different year-old rhizomes in P. cyrtonema. The relative content of phenolic acids, lignans and coumarins, flavonoids and alkaloids increased with growth years, while steroids and lipids decreased with it. In addition, the relative content of nucleotides and derivatives, flavonoids, organic acids, steroids and lipids in fruits were higher than rhizomes. Genes that might relate to the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, flavonoids, triterpene saponins and alkaloids biosynthesis were further analyzed by transcriptome analysis, including sacA, GMPP, PMM, CCoAOMT, CHI, ANR, CHS, DXS, GGPS, ZEP, CYP72A219 and so on, for their expressions were positively correlated with the relative content of the metabolites. Additionally, the correlation network in sugar and aromatic amino acids metabolites were constructed to further illustrate the biosynthesis of polysaccharides, flavonoids and alkaloids in P. cyrtonema, and some transcription factors (TFs) were screened, such as C2C2, MYB, bZIP, GRAS and NAC. Conclusions: This study can deepen our understanding of the accumulation patterns and molecular mechanism of the main compounds in P. cyrtonema, and provide reference for the standardize production of P. cyrtonema. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenolic compounds are the main special metabolites of Cyperaceae species from phytochemical, pharmacological, and chemotaxonomical points of view. The present study focused on the isolation, structure determination, and pharmacological investigation of constituents from Carex praecox. Twenty-six compounds, including lignans, stilbenes, flavonoids, megastigmanes, chromenes, and phenylpropanoids, were identified from the methanol extract of the plant. Five of these compounds, namely, carexines A–E, are previously undescribed natural products. All compounds were isolated for the first time from C. praecox. The ACE-inhibitory activity of seven stilbenoid compounds was tested, and (–)-hopeaphenol proved to be the most active (IC50 7.7 ± 0.9 μM). The enzyme–kinetic studies revealed a mixed-type inhibition; therefore, domain-specific studies were also conducted. The in silico docking of (–)-hopeaphenol to the ACE affirmed some favorable interactions. In addition, the antiproliferative and antibacterial effects of some compounds were also evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angelica dahurica var. formosana (ADF), which belongs to the Umbelliferae family, is one of the original plants of herbal raw material Angelicae Dahuricae Radix. ADF roots represent an enormous biomass resource convertible for disease treatment and bioproducts. But, early bolting of ADF resulted in lignification and a decrease in the coumarin content in the root, and roots lignification restricts its coumarin for commercial utility. Although there have been attempts to regulate the synthesis ratio of lignin and coumarin through biotechnology to increase the coumarin content in ADF and further enhance its commercial value, optimizing the biosynthesis of lignin and coumarin remains challenging. Based on gene expression analysis and phylogenetic tree profiling, AdNAC20 as the target for genetic engineering of lignin and coumarin biosynthesis in ADF was selected in this study. Early-bolting ADF had significantly greater degrees of root lignification and lower coumarin contents than that of the normal plants. In this study, overexpression of AdNAC20 gene plants were created using transgenic technology, while independent homozygous transgenic lines with precise site mutation of AdNAC20 were created using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The overexpressing transgenic ADF plants showed a 9.28% decrease in total coumarin content and a significant 12.28% increase in lignin content, while knockout mutant plants showed a 16.3% increase in total coumarin content and a 33.48% decrease in lignin content. Furthermore, 29,671 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by comparative transcriptomics of OE-NAC20, KO-NAC20, and WT of ADF. A schematic diagram of the gene network interacting with AdNAC20 during the early-bolting process of ADF was constructed by DEG analysis. AdNAC20 was predicted to directly regulate the transcription of several genes with SNBE-like motifs in their promoter, such as MYB46, C3H, and CCoAOMT. In this study, AdNAC20 was shown to play a dual pathway function that positively enhanced lignin formation but negatively controlled coumarin formation. And the heterologous expression of the AdNAC20 gene at Arabidopsis thaliana proved that the AdNAC20 gene also plays an important role in the process of bolting and flowering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The phenolic polymer lignin is one of the primary chemical constituents of the plant secondary cell wall. Due to the inherent plasticity of lignin biosynthesis, several phenolic monomers have been shown to be incorporated into the polymer, as long as the monomer can undergo radicalization so it can participate in coupling reactions. In this study, we significantly enhance the level of incorporation of monolignol ferulate conjugates into the lignin polymer to improve the digestibility of lignocellulosic biomass. Results: Overexpression of a rice Feruloyl-CoA Monolignol Transferase (FMT), OsFMT1, in hybrid poplar (Populus alba x grandidentata) produced transgenic trees clearly displaying increased cell wall-bound ester-linked ferulate, p-hydroxybenzoate, and p-coumarate, all of which are in the lignin cell wall fraction, as shown by NMR and DFRC. We also demonstrate the use of a novel UV–Vis spectroscopic technique to rapidly screen plants for the presence of both ferulate and p-hydroxybenzoate esters. Lastly we show, via saccharification assays, that the OsFMT1 transgenic p oplars have significantly improved processing efficiency compared to wild-type and Angelica sinensis-FMT-expressing poplars. Conclusions: The findings demonstrate that OsFMT1 has a broad substrate specificity and a higher catalytic efficiency compared to the previously published FMT from Angelica sinensis (AsFMT). Importantly, enhanced wood processability makes OsFMT1 a promising gene to optimize the composition of lignocellulosic biomass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Due to the complexity of the metabolic pathway network of active ingredients, precise targeted synthesis of any active ingredient on a synthetic network is a huge challenge. Based on a complete analysis of the active ingredient pathway in a species, this goal can be achieved by elucidating the functional differences of each enzyme in the pathway and achieving this goal through different combinations. Lignans are a class of phytoestrogens that are present abundantly in plants and play a role in various physiological activities of plants due to their structural diversity. In addition, lignans offer various medicinal benefits to humans. Despite their value, the low concentration of lignans in plants limits their extraction and utilization. Recently, synthetic biology approaches have been explored for lignan production, but achieving the synthesis of most lignans, especially the more valuable lignan glycosides, across the entire synthetic network remains incomplete. Results: By evaluating various gene construction methods and sequences, we determined that the pCDF-Duet-Prx02-PsVAO gene construction was the most effective for the production of (+)-pinoresinol, yielding up to 698.9 mg/L after shake-flask fermentation. Based on the stable production of (+)-pinoresinol, we synthesized downstream metabolites in vivo. By comparing different fermentation methods, including "one-cell, one-pot" and "multicellular one-pot", we determined that the "multicellular one-pot" method was more effective for producing (+)-lariciresinol, (-)-secoisolariciresinol, (-)-matairesinol, and their glycoside products. The "multicellular one-pot" fermentation yielded 434.08 mg/L of (+)-lariciresinol, 96.81 mg/L of (-)-secoisolariciresinol, and 45.14 mg/L of (-)-matairesinol. Subsequently, ultilizing the strict substrate recognition pecificities of UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) incorporating the native uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) Module for in vivo synthesis of glycoside products resulted in the following yields: (+)-pinoresinol glucoside: 1.71 mg/L, (+)-lariciresinol-4-O-d-glucopyranoside: 1.3 mg/L, (+)-lariciresinol-4'-O-d-glucopyranoside: 836 µg/L, (-)-secoisolariciresinol monoglucoside: 103.77 µg/L, (-)-matairesinol-4-O-d-glucopyranoside: 86.79 µg/L, and (-)-matairesinol-4'-O-d-glucopyranoside: 74.5 µg/L. Conclusions: By using various construction and fermentation methods, we successfully synthesized 10 products of the lignan pathway in Isatis indigotica Fort in Escherichia coli, with eugenol as substrate. Additionally, we obtained a diverse range of lignan products by combining different modules, setting a foundation for future high-yield lignan production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sand pear is the main cultivated pear species in China, and brown peel is a unique feature of sand pear. The formation of brown peel is related to the activity of the cork layer, of which lignin is an important component. The formation of brown peel is intimately associated with the biosynthesis and accumulation of lignin; however, the regulatory mechanism of lignin biosynthesis in pear peel remains unclear. In this study, we used a newly bred sand pear cultivar 'Xinyu' as the material to investigate the biosynthesis and accumulation of lignin at nine developmental stages using metabolomic and transcriptomic methods. Our results showed that the 30 days after flowering (DAF) to 50DAF were the key periods of lignin accumulation according to data analysis from the assays of lignin measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation, metabolomics, and transcriptomics. Through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), positively correlated modules with lignin were identified. A total of nine difference lignin components were identified and 148 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 10 structural genes (PAL1, C4H, two 4CL genes, HCT, CSE, two COMT genes, and two CCR genes) and MYB, NAC, ERF, and TCP transcription factor genes were involved in lignin metabolism. An analysis of RT-qPCR confirmed that these DEGs were involved in the biosynthesis and regulation of lignin. These findings further help us understand the mechanisms of lignin biosynthesis and provide a theoretical basis for peel color control and quality improvement in pear breeding and cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to assess the prospective association between dietary polyphenols intakes and risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components. Methods: Participants in this study (n = 4559) were selected from among the adults of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) with an average follow-up of 5.9 + 2.5 years. Biochemical and anthropometric variables were measured at baseline and follow-up examinations. A reliable and valid semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire was used to evaluate dietary intakes. The incidence of MetS and its components in relation to polyphenols and its subclasses (phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, and stilbenes) was evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models. Results: Of the 4559 subjects who enrolled in the present study, 1765 were male aged 38.6 + 14.2 y and 2794 were female aged 35.9 + 11.7 y. The hazard ratios of MetS were 25% lower in Q2 (HR, 95% CI: 0.75, 0.64-0.88), 22% lower in Q3 (HR, 95% CI: 0.78, 0.65-0.94) and 24% lower in Q4 (HR, 95% CI: 0.76, 0.61-0.95) in comparison to Q1, whereas the results for subclasses of polyphenol were non-significant. The risk of high blood pressure (BP) reduced from quartiles 1 to 4 for phenolic acid (HR: 1.00, 0.88, 0.79, 0.80, Ptrend = 0.03). The risk of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) increased across quartiles of phenolic acid (HR: 1.00, 1.22, 1.07, 1.30, Ptrend = 0.02). Conclusion: This study highlights the potential protective role of total dietary polyphenols in the prevention of MetS. These findings could be the starting point of upcoming trials to illuminate the optimal level of polyphenols deriving from the intake of polyphenolrich diets to prevent MetS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimization of process conditions for biosynthesis of pinoresinol (Pin), pinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (PMG) and pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) by Phomopsis sp. XP-8 assisted Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. was performed. The effects of the cultured method, the addition of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and the time of resting on the production of Pin, PMG and PDG by Phomopsis sp. XP-8 assisted Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. were studied. The antioxidative, anticancer properties of the related products were also investigated. The results showed that the optimal yield of Pin, PMG and PDG was obtained at the condition with the PDB medium contained 3% Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. with resting treatment for 5 d. Under the optimal condition, the free radical scavenging ability for DPPH and ABTS+ of metabolite liquid was significantly better than that of the blank culture medium. This indicated that the antioxidative substances were generated during the fermentation process. The hepatocellular carcinoma HepG-2 proliferation was suppressed by the extract solution. The pure product verifications of activity of the standard samples (Pin, PMG and PDG) were performed. It indicated that Pin was identified as the main active ingredient that suppressed HepG-2. The suppressed effect of the metabolite liquid on HepG-2 was a synergistic effect.

Abstract Background Due to the complexity of the metabolic pathway network of active ingredients, precise targeted synthesis of any active ingredient on a synthetic network is a huge challenge. Based on a complete analysis of the active ingredient pathway in a species, this goal can be achieved by elucidating the functional differences of each enzyme in the pathway and achieving this goal through different combinations. Lignans are a class of phytoestrogens that are present abundantly in plants and play a role in various physiological activities of plants due to their structural diversity. In addition, lignans offer various medicinal benefits to humans. Despite their value, the low concentration of lignans in plants limits their extraction and utilization. Recently, synthetic biology approaches have been explored for lignan production, but achieving the synthesis of most lignans, especially the more valuable lignan glycosides, across the entire synthetic network remains incomplete. Results By evaluating various gene construction methods and sequences, we determined that the pCDF-Duet-Prx02-PsVAO gene construction was the most effective for the production of (+)-pinoresinol, yielding up to 698.9 mg/L after shake-flask fermentation. Based on the stable production of (+)-pinoresinol, we synthesized downstream metabolites in vivo. By comparing different fermentation methods, including “one-cell, one-pot” and “multicellular one-pot”, we determined that the “multicellular one-pot” method was more effective for producing (+)-lariciresinol, (-)-secoisolariciresinol, (-)-matairesinol, and their glycoside products. The “multicellular one-pot” fermentation yielded 434.08 mg/L of (+)-lariciresinol, 96.81 mg/L of (-)-secoisolariciresinol, and 45.14 mg/L of (-)-matairesinol. Subsequently, ultilizing the strict substrate recognition pecificities of UDP-glycosyltransferase (UGT) incorporating the native uridine diphosphate glucose (UDPG) Module for in vivo synthesis of glycoside products resulted in the following yields: (+)-pinoresinol glucoside: 1.71 mg/L, (+)-lariciresinol-4-O-d-glucopyranoside: 1.3 mg/L, (+)-lariciresinol-4’-O-d-glucopyranoside: 836 µg/L, (-)-secoisolariciresinol monoglucoside: 103.77 µg/L, (-)-matairesinol-4-O-d-glucopyranoside: 86.79 µg/L, and (-)-matairesinol-4’-O-d-glucopyranoside: 74.5 µg/L. Conclusions By using various construction and fermentation methods, we successfully synthesized 10 products of the lignan pathway in Isatis indigotica Fort in Escherichia coli, with eugenol as substrate. Additionally, we obtained a diverse range of lignan products by combining different modules, setting a foundation for future high-yield lignan production.

Potentilla kleiniana belongs to the family Rosaceae, which distributes in Central Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia. In China, this plant is mainly found in east, south and southwest provinces. P. kleiniana has been prescribed for the treatment of various diseases in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, such as cough, fever, tuberculosis, mastitis, rheumatoid arthritis. Our previous study found that P. kleiniana had a certain cytotoxicity on tumor cells. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the chemical constituents of P. kleiniana and their cytotoxicity on tumor cells. The 60% ethanol extract of P. kleiniana were isolated by D-101 macroporous adsorptive resins, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, Toyopearl HW-40F, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography and other methods, and their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties, NMR and HR-ESI-MS analysis. Meanwhile, all these compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human cervical cancer cell line Hela. The results were as follows: (1) Thirteen lignans were isolated and identified as (+)-pionresinol (1), (+)-8-hydroxypinoresinol (2), (+)-syringaresinol (3), (+)-medioresinol (4), (+)-pionresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (5), (+)-8′-hydroxypinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), (+)-8′-hydroxypinoresinol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (7), (+)-pinoresinol-8′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (8), schilignan F (9), (+)-pionresinol-4, 4′-O-bisglucopyranoside (10), (+)-lariciresinol-4′-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (11), neoolivil-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (12), 3,3′-bis［3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran］(13). Among them, compounds 1-4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 were isolated from genus Potentilla for the first time, and compounds 5, 6, 9, 11 were isolated from P. kleiniana for the first time. (2) Cytotoxicity studies showed that compounds 1, 3 and 4 display certain inhibitory activities against Hela cells with IC50 values of (69.94 ± 1.89), (66.25 ± 2.11), (59.81 ± 1.73) μmol·L-1, respectively. Therefore, the study enriches the chemical constituents of P. kleiniana, and provides a material basis for the development of anti-cervical cancer drugs.

Abstract Artemisia cina (Ac) is a plant with anthelmintic compounds such as 3′-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin (D) and norisoguaiacin (N). Three major objectives were proposed: (1) To evaluate biochemical parameters in blood (2) to determine the tissue oxidative stress by biomarkers as TBARS and glutathione peroxidase activity, and (3) to evaluate anatomopathological changes in organs such as the brain, liver, kidney, and lung after oral administration of n-hexane extract of Ac and D and N. D and N were administrated following the OECD guides for acute oral toxicity evaluation (Guide 420). Fifty Wistar rats were distributed into ten groups as follows: Group 1 (G1): 4 mg/Kg; G2: 40 mg/Kg; G3: 240 mg/Kg; G4: 1600 mg/Kg of n-hexane extract of Ac. G5: 2 mg/Kg; G6: 20 mg/Kg; G7: 120 mg/Kg; G8: 800 mg/Kg of D and N, G9: water and G10: polyvinylpyrrolidone at 2000 mg/Kg. At 14 days, the rats were euthanized, and the blood, liver, brain, kidney, and lung were taken for biochemical analysis, anatomopathological changes, and TBARS and GSH evaluation. Glucose, cholesterol, and phosphorus were altered. Histopathological analysis showed multifocal neuronal degeneration in the brain (G2). The kidney and lungs had changes in G7. The GSH and TBARS increased in G6 and G7. The TBARS activity was higher in G1 and G2. In conclusion, extract and D and N of Ac did not have damage at therapeutic doses. D, N, and n-hexane extract of A. cina do not cause histopathological damage at pharmaceutical doses. Still, the brain, kidney, and liver are related to biochemical parameters at higher doses. However, compounds are proposed as antioxidant agents.

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar typhi, presents a substantial global health threat, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains of S. typhi exacerbates this challenge, severely compromising conventional treatment efficacy due to over activity of efflux pumps. In our study, a comprehensive exploration of two fundamental aspects to combat MDR in S. typhi is carried out; i.e. employing advanced bioinformatics analyses and AlphaFold AI, We successfully identified and characterised a putative homologue, ABC-TPA, reminiscent of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) known for its role in multidrug resistance in diverse pathogens. This discovery provides a critical foundation for understanding the potential mechanisms driving antibiotic resistance in S. typhi. Furthermore, employing computational methodologies, We meticulously assessed the potential of lignans, specifically Schisandrin A, B, and C, as promising Efflux Pump Inhibitors (EPIs) against the identified P-gp homologue in S. typhi. Noteworthy findings revealed robust binding interactions of Schisandrin A and B with the target protein, indicating substantial inhibitory capabilities. In contrast, Schisandrin C exhibited instability, showing varied effectiveness among the evaluated lignans. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity predictions underscored the favourable attributes of Schisandrin A, including prolonged action duration. Furthermore, high systemic stability and demanished toxicity profile of SA and SB present their therapeutic efficacy against MDR. This comprehensive investigation not only elucidates potential therapeutic strategies against MDR strains of S. typhi but also highlights the relevance of computational approaches in identifying and evaluating promising candidates. These findings lay a robust foundation for future empirical studies to address the formidable challenges antibiotic resistance poses in this clinically significant infectious diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reductive catalytic fractionation (RCF) of lignocellulose, considering lignin valorization at design time, has demonstrated the entire utilization of all lignocellulose components; however, such processes always require catalysts based on precious metals or high‐loaded nonprecious metals. Herein, the study develops an ultra‐low loaded, atomically dispersed cobalt catalyst, which displays an exceptional performance in the RCF of lignocellulose. An approximately theoretical maximum yield of phenolic monomers (48.3 wt.%) from lignin is realized, rivaling precious metal catalysts. High selectivity toward 4‐propyl‐substituted guaiacol/syringol facilitates their purification and follows syntheses of highly adhesive polyesters. Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are generated by simple treatment of the obtained phenolic dimers and oligomers. RCF‐resulted carbohydrate pulp are more obedient to enzymatic hydrolysis. Experimental studies on lignin model compounds reveal the concerted cleavage of Cα–O and Cβ–O pathway for the rupture of β‐O‐4 structure. Overall, the approach involves valorizing products derived from lignin biopolymer, providing the opportunity for the comprehensive utilization of all components within lignocellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lignin is a highly abundant but strongly underutilized natural resource that could serve as a sustainable feedstock for producing chemicals by microbial cell factories. Because of the heterogeneous nature of the lignin feedstocks, the biological upgrading of lignin relying on the metabolic routes of aerobic bacteria is currently considered as the most promising approach. However, the limited substrate range and the inefficient catabolism of the production hosts hinder the upgrading of lignin-related aromatics. Particularly, the aerobic O-demethylation of the methoxyl groups in aromatic substrates is energy-limited, inhibits growth, and results in carbon loss in the form of CO2. Results: In this study, we present a novel approach for carbon-wise utilization of lignin-related aromatics by the integration of anaerobic and aerobic metabolisms. In practice, we employed an acetogenic bacterium Acetobacterium woodii for anaerobic O-demethylation of aromatic compounds, which distinctively differs from the aerobic O-demethylation; in the process, the carbon from the methoxyl groups is fixed together with CO2 to form acetate, while the aromatic ring remains unchanged. These accessible end-metabolites were then utilized by an aerobic bacterium Acinetobacter baylyi ADP1. By utilizing this cocultivation approach, we demonstrated an upgrading of guaiacol, an abundant but inaccessible substrate to most microbes, into a plastic precursor muconate, with a nearly equimolar yields (0.9 mol/mol in a small-scale cultivation and 1.0 mol/mol in a one-pot bioreactor cultivation). The process required only a minor genetic engineering, namely a single gene knock-out. Noticeably, by employing a metabolic integration of the two bacteria, it was possible to produce biomass and muconate by utilizing only CO2 and guaiacol as carbon sources. Conclusions: By the novel approach, we were able to overcome the issues related to aerobic O-demethylation of methoxylated aromatic substrates and demonstrated carbon-wise conversion of lignin-related aromatics to products with yields unattainable by aerobic processes. This study highlights the power of synergistic integration of distinctive metabolic features of bacteria, thus unlocking new opportunities for harnessing microbial cocultures in upgrading challenging feedstocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of lignin on the durability and performance of polypropylene-based biocomposites (PP–flax and PP–pine) under environmental stresses such as UV radiation and moisture. The findings indicate that pine fibres, with their higher lignin content, are significantly more resistant to thermal degradation than flax fibres. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that lignin influences crystallinity and melting temperatures across the composites, with variations corresponding to fibre type. Acoustic emissions analysis revealed that increasing the lignin content in pine fibres effectively reduces surface microcracks under UV exposure. Overall, these results underscore the importance of fibre composition in improving the performance and longevity of biocomposites, making them better suited for durable construction applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oak wood (Quercus spp.) is the traditional and widely utilized raw material for wooden barrels deployed for the maturation of alcoholic beverages. The chemical compounds, extractives, lignin, hemicellulose, and others, in the wood are claimed to significantly influence the sensory attributes of the beverages during the aging process. The study aimed to assess the chemical properties of non-oak wood species. These species include Sandoricum koetjape (Burm. f.) Merr., Swietenia macrophylla King, Acacia mangium Willd., and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh., which are all locally available. The investigation was prompted by the limited availability and exorbitant fees associated with the importation of oak barrels into the country. The chemical properties of these non-oak wood species were compared to those of Quercus alba. The effects of tree species (TS) and tree portions (TP) on the chemical properties were evaluated using different TAPPI and ASTM methods. Results showed that S. macrophylla had the highest solubilities with 29.12, 14.64, and 9.09% in 1% sodium hydroxide solution, hot water, and ethanol-cyclohexane, respectively -- higher than the solubilities of Q. alba in the three solvents. Meanwhile, E. camaldulensis had the highest lignin content (23.82%), whereas S. koetjape had the lowest lignin and S. macrophylla had the highest hemicellulose content. Q. alba had higher lignin content than all the species studied. The species' alpha-cellulose contents were lower than that of Q. alba, whereas their holocellulose values were higher. Overall, the effect of TP (top, middle, and bottom) on the chemical composition of each of the wood samples was determined to have little to no effect on the chemical properties, hence indicating a relatively homogeneous distribution of chemical components from top to bottom. On the other hand, TS highly significant effect on the wood species on all the chemical properties analyzed. Overall, locally available non-oak wood species could be suitable as a raw material for wooden barrel fabrication. However, there is a need to conduct further studies on their anatomical, physico-mechanical, and other chemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar application is widely recognized as an effective approach for increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) and mitigating climate change in agroecosystems. However, the effects of biochar application on net accumulations and relative contributions of different SOC sources remain unclear. Here, we explored the effects of biochar application on plant‐derived (PDC) and microbial necromass C (MNC) in a 10‐year experimental rice–wheat rotation field receiving four different intensities of biochar application (0, 2.25, 11.5, and 22.5 t ha−1 for each crop season), using phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), lignin phenols and amino sugars as biomarkers of microbial biomass, PDC and MNC, respectively. Our results showed that biochar application increased SOC content and stock by 32.6%–203% and 26.4%–145%, respectively. Higher biochar application (11.5 and 22.5 t ha−1) increased soil pH, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), SOC/TN, and root biomass. In addition, higher biochar application enhanced bacterial, fungal, and total microbial biomass. Plant lignin phenols and MNC contents significantly increased, whereas their contributions to SOC significantly decreased with the increase in biochar application rates due to the disproportionate increase in PDC and MNC, and SOC. Fungal necromass had a greater contribution to SOC than bacterial necromass. The fungal/bacterial necromass decreased from 2.56 to 2.26 with increasing biochar application rates, because of the higher abundances of bacteria than that of fungi as indicated by PLFAs under higher biochar application rates. Random forest analyses revealed that pH, TP, and SOC/TN were the main factors controlling plant lignin and MNC accumulation. Structural equation modeling revealed that biochar application increased lignin phenols by stimulating root biomass, whereas enhanced MNC accumulation was primarily from increased microbial biomass and lignin phenols. Overall, our findings suggest that biochar application increases the accumulation of the two SOC sources but decreases their contributions to SOC in paddy soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria necessitates the development of novel, sustainable, and biocompatible antibacterial agents. This study addresses cytotoxicity and environmental concerns associated with traditional silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by exploring lignin, a readily available and renewable biopolymer, as a platform for AgNPs. We present a novel one-pot synthesis method for lignin-based AgNPs (AgNPs@AL) nanocomposites, achieving rapid synthesis within 5 min. This method utilizes various organic solvents, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to a wide range of lignin-dissolving systems. Characterization reveals uniform AgNP size distribution and morphology influenced by the chosen solvent. This adaptability suggests the potential for incorporating lignin-loaded antibacterial drugs alongside AgNPs, enabling combined therapy in a single nanocomposite. Antibacterial assays demonstrate exceptional efficacy against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with gamma-valerolactone (GVL)-assisted synthesized AgNPs exhibiting the most potent effect. Mechanistic studies suggest a combination of factors contributes to the antibacterial activity, including direct membrane damage caused by AgNPs and sustained silver ion release, ultimately leading to bacterial cell death. This work presents a straightforward, adaptable, and rapid approach for synthesizing biocompatible AgNPs@AL nanocomposites with outstanding antibacterial activity. These findings offer a promising and sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotics, contributing to the fight against antibiotic resistance while minimizing environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When the cocoa pod husk (CPH) is used and processed, two types of flour were obtained and can be differentiated by particle size, fine flour (FFCH), and coarse flour (CFCH) and can be used as a possible reinforcement for the development of bio-based composite materials. Each flour was obtained from chopping, drying by forced convection, milling by blades, and sieving using the 100 mesh/bottom according to the Tyler series. Their physicochemical, thermal, and structural characterization made it possible to identify the lower presence of lignin and higher proportions of cellulose and pectin in FFCH. Based on the properties identified in FFCH, it was included in the processing of thermoplastic starch (TPS) from the plantain pulp (Musa paradisiaca) and its respective bio-based composite material using plantain peel short fiber (PPSF) as a reinforcing agent using the following sequence of processing techniques: extrusion, internal mixing, and compression molding. The influence of FFCH contributed to the increase in ultimate tensile strength (7.59 MPa) and higher matrix–reinforcement interaction when obtaining the freshly processed composite material (day 0) when compared to the bio-based composite material with higher FCP content (30%) in the absence of FFCH. As for the disadvantages of FFCH, reduced thermal stability (323.57 to 300.47 °C) and losses in ultimate tensile strength (0.73 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (142.53 to 26.17 MPa) during storage progress were identified. In the case of TPS, the strengthening action of FFCH was not evident. Finally, the use of CFCH was not considered for the elaboration of the bio-based composite material because it reached a higher lignin content than FFCH, which was expected to decrease its affinity with the TPS matrix, resulting in lower mechanical properties in the material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Potentilla kleiniana belongs to the family Rosaceae, which distributes in Central Asia, East Asia and Southeast Asia. In China, this plant is mainly found in east, south and southwest provinces. P. kleiniana has been prescribed for the treatment of various diseases in the field of traditional Chinese medicine, such as cough, fever, tuberculosis, mastitis, rheumatoid arthritis. Our previous study found that P. kleiniana had a certain cytotoxicity on tumor cells. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the chemical constituents of P. kleiniana and their cytotoxicity on tumor cells. The 60% ethanol extract of P. kleiniana were isolated by D-101 macroporous adsorptive resins, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, Toyopearl HW-40F, semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography and other methods, and their chemical structures were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties, NMR and HR-ESI-MS analysis. Meanwhile, all these compounds were evaluated for cytotoxicity against human cervical cancer cell line Hela. The results were as follows:(1)Thirteen lignans were isolated and identified as(+)-pionresinol(1),(+)-8-hydroxypinoresinol(2),(+)-syringaresinol(3),(+)-medioresinol(4),(+)-pionresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(5),(+)-8'-hydroxypinoresinol-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(6),(+)-8'-hydroxypinoresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(7),(+)-pinoresinol-8'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(8), schilignan F(9),(+)-pionresinol-4, 4'-O-bisglucopyranoside(10),(+)-lariciresinol-4'-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(11), neoolivil-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(12), 3,3'-bis [3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2H-1-benzopyran](13). Among them, compounds 1-4, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13 were isolated from genus Potentilla for the first time, and compounds 5, 6, 9, 11 were isolated from P. kleiniana for the first time.(2)Cytotoxicity studies showed that compounds 1, 3 and 4 display certain inhibitory activities against Hela cells with IC50 values of(69.94 ± 1.89),(66.25 ± 2.11),(59.81 ± 1.73)μmol·L-1, respectively. Therefore, the study enriches the chemical constituents of P. kleiniana, and provides a material basis for the development of anti-cervical cancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conversion of the biomass into eco‐friendly fuels and chemicals has been extensively recognized as the essential pathway to achieve the sustainable economy and carbon neutral society. Lignin, as a kind of promising biomass energy, has been certified to produce the high‐valued chemicals and fuels. Numerous efforts have been made to develop various catalysts for lignin catalytic conversion. Both metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) belong to very important heterogeneous porous catalysts due to their regular porous structures, high specific surface area, and precisely tailored diversities. In the review, the first part focused on the catalytic conversion of lignin, lignin model compounds, and lignin derivatives using the pristine MOFs, functional MOF composites, and MOF‐derived materials. The second part summarized the catalytic conversion of lignin model compounds using pristine COFs and functional COF composites. The review here mainly concentrated on the design of the materials, screening of catalytic conditions, and explorations of the corresponded mechanisms. Specifically, (1) we summarized the MOF‐ and COF‐based materials for the effects on the catalytic transformation of lignin‐related substances; (2) we emphasized the catalytic mechanism of C–C and C–O bonds cleavage together with the structure–activity relationships; (3) we in‐depth realized the relationship between the chemical/electronic/structural properties of the MOF‐ and COF‐based catalysts and their catalytic performance for lignin‐related substances. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives were also discussed on the catalytic conversion of lignin‐related substances by MOF‐ and COF‐based catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lignin, a complex and heterogeneous biopolymer derived from wood, holds immense potential as a sustainable feedstock for various industrial applications. Kraft pulping, a widely employed process in the paper industry, generates black liquor containing lignin along with other organic and inorganic compounds. The precipitation of lignin from black liquor offers an opportunity for valorization, contributing to the circular economy and reducing the environmental impact. Although the precipitation process of softwood lignin is extensively documented and outlined in the existing literature, the identical process originating from hardwood-derived black liquor poses challenges attributed to the distinct composition of hardwood. This study systematically investigates the individual and combined influences of temperature and pH on the precipitation of hardwood lignin from kraft black liquor, utilizing a factorial design to evaluate lignin functional characteristics. The characterization of the precipitated lignin was performed using various analytical techniques, mainly NIR, elemental composition, UV-VIS, and calorimetry. The results reveal remarkable interactions between temperature and pH, indicating their synergistic effects on lignin precipitation. The optimal conditions for hardwood lignin precipitation were identified and successfully upscaled during piloting experiments conducted under industrial conditions. This research provides valuable insights into the fundamental factors governing hardwood lignin precipitation from kraft black liquor and offers a basis for the development of efficient and sustainable lignin recovery processes in the pulp and paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to explore the therapeutic effect of ultrasound targeted destruction of schisandrin A contrast microbubbles on liver cancer and its related mechanism. The Span-PEG microbubbles loaded with schisandrin A were prepared using Span60, NaCl, PEG-1500, and schisandrin A. The loading rate of schisandrin A in Span-PEG composite microbubbles was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry method. The Walker-256 cell survival rate of schisandrin A was determined by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo (-z-y1)-3,5-di-phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assay. The content of schisandrin A in the cells was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Ultrasound imaging was used to evaluate the therapeutic effect in situ. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the content of inflammatory factors in serum. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of experimental animals in each group. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), vascular endothlial growth factor (VEGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) in tumor tissues, and western blot was used to detect the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. The composite microbubbles were uniform in size, and the particle size distribution was unimodal and stable, which met the requirements of ultrasound contrast agents. The loading rate of schisandrin A in Span-PEG microbubbles was 8.84 ± 0.14%, the encapsulation efficiency was 82.24±1.21%. The IC50 value of schisandrin A was 2.87 μg/mL. The drug + microbubbles + ultrasound (D+M+U) group had the most obvious inhibitory effect on Walker-256 cancer cells, the highest intracellular drug concentration, the largest reduction in tumor volume, the most obvious reduction in serum inflammatory factors, and the most obvious improvement in pathological results. The results of immunohistochemistry showed that HIF-1α, VEGF and VEGFR-2 protein decreased most significantly in D+M+U group (P < 0.01). WB results showed that D+M+U group inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway most significantly (P < 0.01). Schisandrin A had an anti-tumor effect, and its mechanism might be related to the inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The schisandrin A microbubbles could promote the intake of schisandrin A in tumor cells after being destroyed at the site of tumor under ultrasound irradiation, thus playing the best anti-tumor effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artemisia cina (Ac) is a plant with anthelmintic compounds such as 3′-demethoxy-6-O-demethylisoguaiacin (D) and norisoguaiacin (N). Three major objectives were proposed: (1) To evaluate biochemical parameters in blood (2) to determine the tissue oxidative stress by biomarkers as TBARS and glutathione peroxidase activity, and (3) to evaluate anatomopathological changes in organs such as the brain, liver, kidney, and lung after oral administration of n-hexane extract of Ac and D and N. D and N were administrated following the OECD guides for acute oral toxicity evaluation (Guide 420). Fifty Wistar rats were distributed into ten groups as follows: Group 1 (G1): 4 mg/Kg; G2: 40 mg/Kg; G3: 240 mg/Kg; G4: 1600 mg/Kg of n-hexane extract of Ac. G5: 2 mg/Kg; G6: 20 mg/Kg; G7: 120 mg/Kg; G8: 800 mg/Kg of D and N, G9: water and G10: polyvinylpyrrolidone at 2000 mg/Kg. At 14 days, the rats were euthanized, and the blood, liver, brain, kidney, and lung were taken for biochemical analysis, anatomopathological changes, and TBARS and GSH evaluation. Glucose, cholesterol, and phosphorus were altered. Histopathological analysis showed multifocal neuronal degeneration in the brain (G2). The kidney and lungs had changes in G7. The GSH and TBARS increased in G6 and G7. The TBARS activity was higher in G1 and G2. In conclusion, extract and D and N of Ac did not have damage at therapeutic doses. D, N, and n-hexane extract of A. cina do not cause histopathological damage at pharmaceutical doses. Still, the brain, kidney, and liver are related to biochemical parameters at higher doses. However, compounds are proposed as antioxidant agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐phenolic networks (MPNs) are a promising platform for developing new heterogeneous catalytic materials for water splitting technologies. This study systematically investigates the relationship between MPN composition and catalytic properties via electropolymerization of copper and cobalt combined with lignin, tannic acid, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid polyphenols. We find that the choice of metal, size of polyphenol, and polymerization method have the greatest impact on the propensity of MPNs for catalyzing hydrogen evolution. For example, gallic acid‐based MPNs result in smoother surfaces with ~2 nm roughness, resulting in low surface area and lower average current densities compared to all other polyphenols tested. Cobalt‐based MPNs show higher current densities compared to copper, yet higher onset potentials. The results provide a map of design choices that can be used to increase the catalytic performance of new materials used in water electrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To clarify the impact of continuous dark stress on lignin and cellulose synthesis in celery, shade-tolerant celery varieties were screened. Yellow celery variety 'Qianhuang No.1' and green celery variety 'Qianlv No.1' were separately grown in vegetable greenhouses. Dark treatments were applied using PVC shading sleeves for 4, 8, 12, and 16 d after celery had grown 10–13 true leaf blades. This study aimed to investigate the impact of varying periods of dark treatment on the morphological characteristics, lignin accumulation, and cellulose accumulation in celery. The results showed that dark treatment led to celery yellowing, a reduced stem thickness, and an increased plant height. Analysis of lignin and cellulose contents, as well as the expression of related genes, showed that dark treatment caused down-regulation of AgLAC, AgC3′H, AgCCR, AgPOD and AgCAD genes, leading to changes in lignin accumulation. Dark treatment inhibited the expression of the AgCesA6 gene, thus affecting cellulose synthesis. Under dark conditions, the expression of AgF5H and AgHCT genes had little effect on lignin content in celery, and the expression of the AgCslD3 gene had little effect on cellulose content. Analysis of morphological characteristics, lignin accumulation and cellulose accumulation after different lengths of dark treatment demonstrated that 'Qianlv No.1' is a shade-tolerant variety in contrast to 'Qianhuang No.1'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steam pretreatment at high temperatures enables fresh bamboo to possess antifungal and antiseptic properties. The process produces a large amount of wastewater that urgently needs to be recycled. Soluble bio-tars derived from wastewater under low-temperature (LTS-tar) and high-temperature (HTS-tar) steam pretreatments of moso bamboo were studied with a thermogravimetric analyzer coupled with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TG–FTIR) and pyrolysis–gas-chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py–GC/MS). Thermogravimetric analysis showed that in the three stages of the thermal decomposition process, the final residue of the bamboo and HTS-tar had two main peaks of 0.88 wt% and 6.85 wt%. The LTS-tar had much more complicated thermal decomposition behavior, with six steps and a high residue yield of 23.86 wt%. A large quantity of CH4 was observed at the maximum mass loss rates of the bamboo and bio-tars. Acids, aldehydes, ketones, esters, and phenolic compounds were found in the pyrolysis products of the bamboo and soluble bio-tars. Both bio-tars contained carbohydrates and lignin fragments, but the LTS-tar under mild steam conditions had more saccharides and was much more sensitive to temperature. The lignin in the bamboo degraded under harsh steam conditions, resulting in high aromatic and polymeric features for the HTS-tar. The significant differences between LTS-tar and HTS-tar require different techniques to achieve the resource utilization of wastewater in the bamboo industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When new antitumor therapy drugs are discovered, it is essential to address new target molecules from the point of view of chemical structure and to carry out efficient and systematic evaluation. In the case of natural products and derived compounds, it is of special importance to investigate chemomodulation to further explore antitumoral pharmacological activities. In this work, the compound podophyllic aldehyde, a cyclolignan derived from the chemomodulation of the natural product podophyllotoxin, has been evaluated for its viability, influence on the cell cycle, and effects on intracellular signaling. We used functional proteomics characterization for the evaluation. Compared with the FDA-approved drug etoposide (another podophyllotoxin derivative), we found interesting results regarding the cytotoxicity of podophyllic aldehyde. In addition, we were able to observe the effect of mitotic arrest in the treated cells. The use of podophyllic aldehyde resulted in increased cytotoxicity in solid tumor cell lines, compared to etoposide, and blocked the cycle more successfully than etoposide. High-throughput analysis of the deregulated proteins revealed a selective antimitotic mechanism of action of podophyllic aldehyde in the HT-29 cell line, in contrast with other solid and hematological tumor lines. Also, the apoptotic profile of podophyllic aldehyde was deciphered. The cell death mechanism is activated independently of the cell cycle profile. The results of these targeted analyses have also shown a significant response to the signaling of kinases, key proteins involved in signaling cascades for cell proliferation or metastasis. Thanks to this comprehensive analysis of podophyllic aldehyde, remarkable cytotoxic, antimitotic, and other antitumoral features have been discovered that will repurpose this compound for further chemical transformations and antitumoral analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the multitude of extracellular enzymes at their disposal, many of which are designed to degrade nature's polymers (lignin, cutin, cellulose, etc.), fungi are adept at targeting synthetic polyesters with similar chemical composition. Microbial-influenced deterioration of xenobiotic polymeric surfaces is an area of interest for material scientists as these are important for the conservation of the underlying structural materials. Here, we describe the isolation and characterization of the Papiliotrema laurentii 5307AH (P. laurentii) cutinase, Plcut1. P. laurentii is basidiomycete yeast with the ability to disperse Impranil-DLN (Impranil), a colloidal polyester polyurethane, in agar plates. To test whether the fungal factor involved in this clearing was a secreted enzyme, we screened the ability of P. laurentii culture supernatants to disperse Impranil. Using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), we isolated fractions that contained Impranil-clearing activity. These fractions harbored a single ~22 kD band, which was excised and subjected to peptide sequencing. Homology searches using the peptide sequences identified, revealed that the protein Papla1 543643 (Plcut1) displays similarities to serine esterase and cutinase family of proteins. Biochemical assays using recombinant Plcut1 confirmed that this enzyme has the capability to hydrolyze Impranil, soluble esterase substrates, and apple cutin. Finally, we confirmed the presence of the Plcut1 in culture supernatants using a custom antibody that specifically recognizes this protein. The work shown here supports a major role for the Plcut1 in the fungal degradation of natural polyesters and xenobiotic polymer surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to develop a simultaneous analytical method for the determination of lignans, tocols, phytosterols, and squalene using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a diode array and fluorescence detector (HPLC-DAD-FLD). The method employed a VertisepTM UPS silica HPLC column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase mixture of n-hexane/tetrahydrofuran/2-propanol. This approach enabled the simultaneous analysis of ten compounds within 22 min. The linear correlation (R2) exceeded 0.9901. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) were up to 0.43 µg mL−1 for lignans and tocopherols and up to 326.23 µg mL−1 for phytosterol and squalene. The precision and accuracy of the intra-day and inter-day variation were less than 1.09 and 3.32% relative standard deviations (RSDs). Furthermore, the developed method was applied for the analysis of targeted compounds in twenty-eight sesame oil samples (1775–8965 µg g−1 total lignans, 29.7–687.9 µg g−1 total tocopherols, 2640–9500 µg g−1 phytosterol, and 245–4030 µg g−1 squalene). The HPLC method that has been developed was proven to be a reliable and effective tool for the determination of those functional compounds among sesame oil samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood-decaying fungi are important study subjects for their ecological role as well as for their biotechnological applications. They break down lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses using enzymes that modify the chemical structure of these complex macromolecules. Due to their ability to degrade wood, these fungi can create structural damage to wooden structures and to trees, especially those with very low level of fitness. Previous studies on wood decay fungi in the Maltese Islands are limited to records and checklists described by a handful of authors. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive description of wood decay fungal diversity in the Maltese Islands including an updated checklist based on DNA barcoding, as well as to establish the first wood-decay fungal culture collection at the Biology Department Seed Bank of the University of Malta. Several surveys were carried out during the rainy season along wooded areas of the Maltese Islands as well as in historical gardens. Isolates were identified using macro- and micro-morphological features, dichotomous keys, as well as molecular data. Basidiomes were recorded growing on 14 different host plant species, 11 axenic cultures have been made and 9 species of wood decay fungi have been conclusively identified by DNA barcoding. The collection of the axenic isolates includes one of Aurificaria cf. euphoria, three of Ganoderma resinaceum sl., two of Laetiporus sulphureus, one of Inonotus sp., one of Inonotus rickii anamorph, one of Inocutis tamaricis, one of Stereum hirsutum, and one of Pleurotus eryngii. However, the mycelium of Coriolopsis gallica, though collected and identified, could not be isolated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Herpetospermum pedunculosum (Ser.) C. B. Clarke is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that heavily relies on the lignans found in its dried ripe seeds (Herpetospermum caudigerum), which have antioxidant and hepatoprotective functions. However, little is known regarding the lignan biosynthesis in H. pedunculosum. In this study, we used metabolomic (non-targeted UHPLC-MS/MS) and transcriptome (RNA-Seq) analyses to identify key metabolites and genes (both structural and regulatory) associated with lignan production during the green mature (GM) and yellow mature (YM) stages of H. pedunculosum. Results: The contents of 26 lignan-related metabolites and the expression of 30 genes involved in the lignan pathway differed considerably between the GM and YM stages; most of them were more highly expressed in YM than in GM. UPLC-Q-TOF/MS confirmed that three Herpetospermum-specific lignans (including herpetrione, herpetotriol, and herpetin) were found in YM, but were not detected in GM. In addition, we proposed a lignan biosynthesis pathway for H. pedunculosum based on the fundamental principles of chemistry and biosynthesis. An integrated study of the transcriptome and metabolome identified several transcription factors, including HpGAF1, HpHSFB3, and HpWOX1, that were highly correlated with the metabolism of lignan compounds during seed ripening. Furthermore, functional validation assays revealed that the enzyme 4-Coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) catalyzes the synthesis of hydroxycinnamate CoA esters. Conclusion: These results will deepen our understanding of seed lignan biosynthesis and establish a theoretical basis for molecular breeding of H. pedunculosum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying changes in the microbial community in deadwood at different stages of decomposition is crucial for comprehending the role of deadwood in the biogeochemical processes and the sustainability of forest development. However, there have been no reports on the dynamics of microbial community during the decomposition of Pinus massoniana. We used the "space‐for‐time" substitution to analyze the characteristics of microbial community changes and the key influencing factors in the P. massoniana deadwood during different decomposition stages by 16S and ITS rRNA gene sequencing. The results suggest that the microbial community structure of the early decomposition (decay class I) was significantly different from the other decay classes, while the diversity and richness of the microbial community were the highest in the late decomposition (decay class V). The Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis revealed that most bacterial and fungal taxa were significantly enriched in decay classes I and V deadwood. During the initial stages of decomposition, the relative abundance of the bacterial functional group responsible for carbohydrate metabolism was greater than the later stages. As decomposition progressed, the relative abundance of saprophytic fungi gradually decreased, and there was a shift in the comparative abundance of mixed saprophytic‐symbiotic fungi from low to high before eventually decreasing. Total organic carbon, total nitrogen, carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio, total potassium, total phenol, condensed tannin, lignin, and cellulose were significantly correlated with microbial community structure, with the carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio having the greatest effect. Our results indicate that the physicochemical properties of deadwood, microbial community structural composition and functional group changes were related to the decay class, among which the carbon‐to‐nitrogen ratio may be an important factor affecting the composition and diversity of microbial communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schisandra chinensis, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has clear pharmacological effects such as treating asthma, protecting nerves and blood vessels, and having anti-inflammatory properties. Although the Schisandra chinensis fruit contain multiple active components, the lignans have been widely studied as the primary pharmacologically active compound. The volatile chemical components of Schisandra chinensis include a large amount of terpenes, which have been proven to have broad pharmacological activities. However, when to harvest to ensure the highest accumulation of pharmacologically active components in Schisandra chinensis fruits is a critical issue. The Schisandra chinensis fruit trees in the resource nursery were all planted in 2019 and began bearing fruit in 2021. Their nutritional status and tree vigor remain consistently good. The content of lignans and organic acids in the fruits of Schisandra chinensis over seven different harvest periods was tested, and the results of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) indicated that the lignan content was higher, at 35 mg/g, in late July, and the organic acid content was higher, at 72.34 mg/g, in early September. If lignans and organic acids are to be selected as raw materials for pharmacological development, the harvest can be carried out at this stage. Using HS-GC-IMS technology, a total of 67 volatile flavor substances were detected, and the fingerprint of the volatile flavor substances in the different picking periods was established. It was shown by the results that the content of volatile flavor substances was the highest in early August, and 16 flavor substances were selected by odor activity value (OAV). The variable importance in projection (VIP) values of 16 substances were further screened, and terpinolene was identified as the key volatile flavor substance that caused the aroma characteristics of Schisandra chinensis fruit at different harvesting periods. If the aroma component content of Schisandra chinensis fruit is planned to be used as raw material for development and utilization, then early August, when the aroma component content is higher, should be chosen as the time for harvest. This study provides a theoretical basis for the suitable harvesting time of Schisandra chinensis for different uses, and promotes the high-quality development of the Schisandra chinensis industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The vegetation of the Canary Islands is characterized by a large number of endemic species confined to different altitudinal levels. It can be assumed that these circumstances determine the characteristic features of the chemical composition of local beekeeping products, including propolis. We report, for the first time, the chemical composition of propolis from Tenerife (Canary Islands). The volatile emissions of three propolis samples collected from different apiaries are represented by 162 C1–C20 compounds, of which 144 were identified using the HS-SPME/GC-MS technique. The main group of volatiles, consisting of 72 compounds, is formed by terpenoids, which account for 42–68% of the total ion current (TIC) of the chromatograms. The next most numerous groups are formed by C6–C17 alkanes and alkenes (6–32% TIC) and aliphatic C3–C11 carbonyl compounds (7–20% TIC). The volatile emissions also contain C1–C6 aliphatic acids and C2–C8 alcohols, as well as their esters. Peaks of 138 organic C3–C34 compounds were recorded in the chromatograms of the ether extracts of the studied propolis. Terpene compounds form the most numerous group, but their number and content in different samples is within very wide limits (9–63% TIC), which is probably due to the origin of the samples from apiaries located at different altitudes. A peculiarity of the chemical composition of the extractive substances is the almost complete absence of phenylcarboxylic acids and flavonoids, characteristic of Apis mellifera propolis from different regions of Eurasia and North America. Aromatic compounds of propolis from Tenerife are represented by a group of nine isomeric furofuranoid lignans, as well as alkyl- and alkenyl-substituted derivatives of salicylic acid and resorcinol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a series of ZnO-doped lignin-based carbons (LC/ZnO) were successfully prepared from different types of lignin and used for methyl orange (MO) photocatalytic degradation. The apparent morphology, internal structure, and photoelectric properties of prepared LC/ZnO composites and their effects on subsequent MO photocatalytic degradation were investigated by various characterization techniques. The results showed that the LC/ZnO composites that were prepared in this work mainly consisted of highly dispersed ZnO nanoparticles and lignin-based carbon nano-sheets, which were beneficial for subsequent photogenerated electrons and holes formation, dispersion, and migration. The MO could be significantly degraded with various ZnO-doped lignin-based carbons, especially over the LCSL/ZnO, and the maximum degradation rate was 96.9% within 30 min under the simulated 300w sunlight exposure. The experiments of free radical elimination showed that the photocatalytic degradation of MO over LC/ZnO were a result of the co-action of multiple free radicals, and h+ might play the predominant roles in MO degradation. In addition, the pH of the solution had little effect on MO degradation, and the MO could be effectively degraded even in an alkaline solution of pH = 12.0. The cycling experiments showed that the prepared LC/ZnO had a good stability for MO photodegradation, especially for LCSL/ZnO, even after 5 times recycling, and the degradation rate of MO only dropped from 97.0% to 93.0%. The research not only provided a fundamental theory for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of MO by LC/ZnO composites, but also offered a new insight into lignin valorization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]