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Opuntia (Cactaceae) species are native to arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States and grow in various climatic zones. Opuntia dillenii is a cactus fruit with many beneficial properties, and it is used as a medicinal plant in various countries. This review paper provides updated information on the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of O. dillenii. The fruit contains valuable compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, ascorbic acid, betanin, and essential elements, which have been isolated and identified. The fruit also exhibits diverse pharmacological activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, hypotensive, anti-diabetic, antifungal, and anticancer effects. Moreover, molecular docking and ADMET predictions were performed to evaluate the antibacterial potential of the fruit against Escherichia coli protein. This paper suggests that O. dillenii has significant potential as a complementary therapy for various pathological conditions.

This research aims to determine the development of the number of scientific publications in the field of particulate matter; the number of publications from each country that publish articles on heat transfer, nanoparticles, and automotive radiators; articles with the highest number of citations; and visualization publication development map based on keywords. To achieve this goal, quantitative descriptive research was carried out using bibliometric analysis with the help of the publish or perish (PoP) application to collect data and VOSviewer to visualize related research topics. The article data taken is limited to 2018-2023. In addition, the terms heat transfer, nanoparticles, and automotive radiators are used as keywords in collecting article data using the pop application. Research on heat transfer, nanoparticles, and automotive radiators has increased in 2020 and India has become one of the countries that has contributed many publications on this topic. From the mapping results, research on heat transfer, nanoparticles, and automotive radiators is still being carried out frequently, especially in early 2020-2021. This research can help academics determine which problems to research and can be used as a reference for further research.

The development of a bimetallic Fenton-type catalyst with desirable activity and reusability remains a major challenge for the practical degradation of organic pollutants. Herein, we focused on modifying almond shell hydrochar with a Fe/Cu bimetal (Fe/Cu-HC) to develop a catalyst capable of activating H2O2 for degrading MO. The bimetallic Fe/Cu-HC catalyst was synthesized through hydrothermal carbonization and pyrolysis and characterized using SEM, FTIR, BET analysis, and XRD to confirm the presence and uniform dispersion of Cu and Fe co-doped species on HC. The impact of various factors, such as the solution pH (X1), organic pollutant concentration (X2) and catalyst mass (X3), on dye degradation efficiency via heterogeneous Fenton oxidation, was examined using the BBD model coupled with Surface response methodology (RSM). The Fe/Cu-HC catalyst showed superior performance in degrading MO dye compared to single-metal catalysts (Cu-HC, Fe-HC), due to the synergistic interaction between Fe and Cu species. To demonstrate the heterogeneous Fenton catalytic performance of the synthesized FeCu/HC, the results showed that 98.97 % of methyl orange was eliminated under optimal conditions: 100 mg. l-1 of methyl orange, a duration of 1 h, a catalyst mass of 1.65 g. l-1, a pH of 6, and a concentration of 4 mM H2O2. In addition, the Fe/Cu-HC catalyst showed excellent stability over multiple cycles, with minimal metal leaching. These results indicate that Fe/Cu-HC is a promising catalyst for the degradation of methyl orange and pave the way for the development of other cost-effective and efficient bimetallic catalysts for environmental remediation.

Background: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are utilized as a starter culture in the manufacturing of fermented dairy items, as a preservative for various food products, and as a probiotic. In our country, some research has been carried out, even if LAB plays a principal role in food preservation and improves the texture and taste of fermented foods, that is why we tried to evaluate their probiotic effect. The objective of this research was to determine the antibacterial activity of Lactococcus lactis (L. lactis) against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ATCC 29213, investigate their antioxidant activity, and characterize their sensitivity against 18 antibiotics. Methods: A total of 23 LAB (L. lactis subsp. cremoris, L. lactis subsp. Lactis diacetylactis, L. lactis subsp. lactis) were isolated from cow's raw milk. The antibacterial activity was performed using two techniques, competition for nutrients and a technique utilizing components nature, using the disk diffusion method. The sensitivity of the studied LAB to different antibiotics was tested on Man rogosa sharp (MRS) agar using commercial antibiotic disks. All strains of LAB were examined for their antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activity of L. lactis was tested by 2,2-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Results: The results showed that the MRS medium was more adapted than Muller Hinton Agar (MHA) to investigate the antibacterial activity of L. lactis against S. aureus ATCC 29213. Also, L. lactis exhibited a notable degree of antibacterial activity against S. aureus ATCC 29213. L. Lactis subsp. Lactis displayed higher antibacterial activities, followed by L. lactis ssp. lactis biovar. diacetylactis, and lastly, L. lactis ssp. cremoris against S. aureus ATCC 29213. Lc 26 among all strains of L. lactis showed a high potential antibacterial activity reaching 40 ± 3 mm against S. aureus ATCC 29213. All strains of L. lactis showed a slightly moderate antioxidant activity (10.56 ± 1.28%-26.29 ± 0.05 %). The results of the antibiotic resistance test indicate that all strains of L. lactis were resistant to cefotaxime, sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim, and streptomycin and were sensitive to Ampicillin, Amoxicillin, Penicillin G, Teicoplanin, Vancomycin, Gentamicin 500, Tetracycline, and Chloramphenicol. These test results indicate that this strain falls within the criteria of not posing any harmful effects on human health. The important antibacterial properties recorded for all L. Lactis strains were derived from the production of antibacterial active metabolites, such as protein, diacetyl, hydrogen peroxide, and lactic acid, together with the fight for nutrients. Conclusion: This study suggests that the strains of L. lactis could be added as an antibacterial agent against S. aureus ATCC 29213 and can provide an important nutritional property for their antioxidant potential.

Fermentation by lactic acid bacteria can improve the nutritional and hygienic quality of barley, as well as its organoleptic properties. The aim of this study was to select a suitable lactic ferment to add value to barley through a controlled homolactic fermentation process, which can be used to produce a natural base product for broiler feed. Four different combinations of lactic strains were tested for their acidifying power, antibacterial activity, and fermentation performanceThe mixed culture of homolactic ferment FS4, composed of Lactobacillus plantarum (SC1), Pediococcus spp (SC4), and Lactococcus lactis ssp (SC5), showed the best result in terms of pH reduction, acidity production, and inhibition of spoilage bacteria. The in vivo application of the ferment FS4 on barley resulted in a decrease in pH to 4.12 after 15 days of fermentation, and an improvement in its hygienic quality, with the possibility of also enhancing its nutritional quality. This study demonstrated that FS4 is a suitable lactic ferment for valorizing barley through a controlled homolactic fermentation process, which can be used to produce a natural base product for animal feed with improved quality and safety.

This article presents a new method for preparing multifunctional composite biomaterials with applications in advanced biomedical fields. The biomaterials consist of dicalcium phosphate (DCPD) and bioactive silicate glasses (SiO2/Na2O and SiO2/K2O), containing the antibiotic streptomycin sulfate. Materials were deeply characterized by X-ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta potential analysis, UV–visible spectrophotometry, and ion-exchange measurement were applied in a simulating body fluid (SBF) solution. The main results include an in situ chemical transformation of dicalcium phosphate into an apatitic phase under the influence of silicate solutions and the incorporation of the antibiotic. The zeta potential showed a decrease in surface charge from ζ = −24.6 mV to ζ = −16.5 mV. In addition, a controlled and prolonged release of antibiotics was observed over a period of 37 days, with a released concentration of up to 755 ppm. Toxicity tests in mice demonstrated good tolerance of the biomaterials, with no significant adverse effects. Moreover, these biomaterials have shown potent antibacterial activity against various bacterial strains, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, suggesting their potential use in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. By integrating the antibiotic into the biomaterial composites, we achieved controlled release and prolonged antibacterial efficacy. This research contributes to advancing biomaterials by exploring innovative synthetic routes and showcasing their promise in regenerative medicine and controlled drug delivery.

This pilot study provides insights into the Moroccan public’s understanding and willingness to engage in insect pollinator preservation, highlighting widespread awareness alongside significant knowledge gaps. The success of biodiversity conservation efforts, especially those aimed at insect pollinators, is greatly enhanced by an informed and committed populace. Understanding public perceptions of insect pollinators is important as it shapes the effectiveness of conservation strategies and their implementation. Although our pilot study does not include every demographic of Moroccan society, it does include an important portion of the populace: educated urban youth. This is a key portion of the population that will be crucial in developing future conservation strategies, especially given the tendency towards increasing urbanization putting cities at the forefront of sustainable development. Our study aimed to assess opinions on insect pollinators, their services, and their declining population numbers in Morocco. We conducted a survey distributed mainly through the media over four months, receiving responses from 301 individuals. The results indicate that the public is aware of decreasing insect pollinator populations and their main threats, and shows a willingness to participate in conservation strategies. However, gaps persist in understanding the roles and ecology of pollinators. While honey bees and bumble bees are well-recognized for their role in pollinating agricultural and wild plants, there is less awareness about other common pollinators such as solitary bees and flies. Additionally, the essential contributions of non-bee pollinators remain widely overlooked. To address these findings, we recommend implementing specialized educational initiatives to increase public understanding of the vital functions of non-bee pollinators in supporting ecosystem services. In order to adopt a more encompassing strategy for the conservation of insect pollinators, upcoming outreach efforts within the national biodiversity strategy should emphasize the contributions made by lesser-known non-bee insect pollinators and strive to engage sectors of the population currently less involved in pollinator conservation. However, while this pilot study provides valuable insights, the sample size limits the generalizability of these conclusions. Future research with larger and more diverse samples would be beneficial to validate and expand upon these findings in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of all areas of public perception and engagement in pollinator conservation in Morocco. Expanding sampling to include older, less educated, and less urban demographics would strengthen these initial insights and broaden their application, especially beyond urban attitudes.

We report the synthesis of two novel halogenated nitro-arylhimachalene derivatives: 2-bromo-3,5,5,9-tetramethyl-1-nitro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzo[7]annulene (bromo-nitro-arylhimachalene) and 2-chloro-3,5,5,9-tetramethyl-1,4-dinitro-6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-5H-benzo[7]annulene (chloro-dinitro-arylhimachalene). These compounds were derived from arylhimachalene, an important sesquiterpene component of Atlas cedar essential oil, via a two-step halogenation and nitration process. Characterization was performed using 1H and 13C NMR spectrometry, complemented by X-ray structural analysis. Quantum chemical calculations employing density functional theory (DFT) with the Becke3-Lee-Yang-parr (B3LYP) functional and a 6-31++G(d,p) basis set were conducted. The optimized geometries of the synthesized compounds were consistent with X-ray structure data. Frontier molecular orbitals and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) profiles were identified and discussed. DFT reactivity indices provided insights into the compounds’ behaviors. Moreover, Hirshfeld surface and 2D fingerprint analyses revealed significant intermolecular interactions within the crystal structures, predominantly H–H and H–O contacts. Molecular docking studies demonstrate strong binding affinities of the synthesized compounds to the active site of protein 7B2W, suggesting potential therapeutic applications against various isolated smooth muscles and neurotransmitters.

In this research, the chemical compositions of various extracts obtained from Ulva lactuca, a type of green seaweed collected from the Nador lagoon in the northern region of Morocco, were compared. Their antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties were also studied. Using GC–MS technology, the fatty acid content of the samples was analyzed, revealing that palmitic acid, eicosenoic acid, and linoleic acid were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids present in all samples. The HPLC analysis indicated that sinapic acid, naringin, rutin, quercetin, cinnamic acid, salicylic acid, apigenin, flavone, and flavanone were the most prevalent phenolic compounds. The aqueous extract obtained by maceration showed high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, with values of 379.67 ± 0.09 mg GAE/g and 212.11 ± 0.11 mg QE/g, respectively. This extract also exhibited an impressive ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, as indicated by its IC50 value of 0.095 ± 0.12 mg/mL. Additionally, the methanolic extract obtained using the Soxhlet method demonstrated antioxidant properties by preventing β-carotene discoloration, with an IC50 of 0.087 ± 0.14 mg/mL. Results from in-vitro studies showed that extracts from U. lactuca were able to significantly inhibit the enzymatic activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Among the various extracts, methanolic extract (S) has been identified as the most potent inhibitor, exhibiting a statistically similar effect to that of acarbose. Furthermore, molecular docking models were used to evaluate the interaction between the primary phytochemicals found in these extracts and the human pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. These findings suggest that U. lactuca extracts contain bioactive substances that are capable of reducing enzyme activity more effectively than the commercially available drug, acarbose.

The global surge in Alzheimer's disease poses a significant public health concern. In response, we study the efficacy of carnosic acid and related abietane-type diterpenes extracted from rosemary as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors. Our analyses, using in silico techniques, encompassed all the compounds within this extract. Through molecular docking, we explored how these compounds interact with the active site of the AChE protein. The docking scores, ranging from −5.560 Kcal/mol to −7.270 Kcal/mol, indicate robust binding affinities. Assessment of the ADME/T (Adsorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity) properties and pharmacokinetics of these compounds reveal favorable profiles for all the tested substances. These encouraging results suggest the potential of these compounds as candidates for further development to prevent and/or treat Alzheimer's disease. Among these compounds, we find rosmanol as the most likely candidate for further research and clinical trials to validate their efficacy.

This study evaluates the corrosion inhibition capabilities of two novel hydrazone derivatives, (E)-2-(5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-N′-(4-methylbenzylidene)acetohydrazide (MeHDZ) and (E)-N′-benzylidene-2-(5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)acetohydrazide (HHDZ), on carbon steel in a 15 wt.% HCl solution. A comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, including gravimetric analysis, potentiodynamic polarization (PDP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), demonstrates their significant inhibition efficiency. At an optimal concentration of 5 × 10−3 mol/L, MeHDZ and HHDZ achieve remarkable inhibition efficiencies of 98% and 94%, respectively. EIS measurements reveal a dramatic reduction in effective double-layer capacitance (from 236.2 to 52.8 and 75.3 µF/cm2), strongly suggesting inhibitor adsorption on the steel surface. This effect is further corroborated by an increase in polarization resistance and a significant decrease in corrosion current density at optimal concentrations. Moreover, these inhibitors demonstrate sustained corrosion mitigation over extended exposure durations and maintain effectiveness even under elevated temperatures, highlighting their potential for diverse operational conditions. The adsorption process of these inhibitors aligns well with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, implying physicochemical interactions at the carbon steel surface. Density functional tight-binding (DFTB) calculations and molecular dynamics simulations provide insights into the inhibitor-surface interaction mechanism, further elucidating the potential of these hydrazone derivatives as highly effective corrosion inhibitors in acidic environments.

This paper presents a review of adsorption isotherms of some dyes from aqueous solutions by biomaterial. In this paper, we reported Typha waste as a model of biomaterial classified as a low-cost adsorbent. The paper also briefly discusses about the literature information from the definition of dyes and adsorbents, bibliometric analysis, adsorption phenomena, adsorption isotherm models, and factors affecting the adsorption, to the use of Typha species waste as a low-cost adsorbent. The operational parameters factors are explained in terms of pH, adsorbent dosage, contact time, and initial dye concentration that will affect the process of removing textile dye. The solution of pH turns out to be the most important condition in the adsorption process for anionic dye, a low pH value are preferable in contrast to cationic dye where the suitable pH value is high. For the adsorbent dose, the adsorption capacity increase along with the increment of adsorbent dosage due to the increase of the available amount of adsorption site. The contact time between the adsorbent and dye affects the efficiency of dye removal where a strong attraction force will shorten the time. As for the effect of dye initial concentration, increasing the initial concentration enhances the increment of adsorbent surface area to adsorb dyes. Several isotherm models are described. The Langmuir model is frequently used to evaluate the adsorption capacity of the Typha species waste as adsorbents. This review paper suggested that the accuracy level obtained from adsorption processes is greatly dependent on the successful modeling of adsorption isotherms. Typha biomaterial wastes can be considered as the new useful low-cost natural adsorbents for dye clean-up operations in aquatic systems.

In this research paper, we analyzed the bibliographic data of the research publications issued by the Moroccan Journal of Chemistry between 2013 and 2021. As an open-access country-based research journal with a narrow area of interest and international online exposure, it will be interesting to see how it affects the local chemical research community through the comparison of the characteristics of the research outputs of the journal as retrieved from the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) with the features of Moroccan chemical research from 2014 to 2021 in the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS). In this context, we generated scientometric networks using Gephi, a tool for large-scale data visualization, to reveal the patterns of the publications in the Moroccan Journal of Chemistry. When performing our analysis, we found a significant alignment between the research topics featured in the Moroccan Journal of Chemistry and the main research areas of the Moroccan chemical scholarly outputs, particularly Multidisciplinary Chemistry, Physical Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. We also identified that the Moroccan Journal of Chemistry functions as an incubator for establishing new traditions of research collaboration between Moroccan institutions and target nations such as Asian and African countries. As well, it is clear that the Moroccan Journal of Chemistry is an interesting venue for the most productive chemical researchers in Morocco for sharing preliminary research findings and discussing trendy topics.

Cannabis is considered (Cannabis sativa L.) a sacred herb in many countries and is vastly employed in traditional medicine to remedy numerous diseases, such as diabetes. This research investigates the chemical composition of the aqueous extracts from Cannabis sativa L. seeds. Furthermore, the impact of these extracts on pancreatic α-amylase and lipase, and intestinal α-glucosidase enzymes is evaluated, as well as their antihyperglycemic effect. Analysis of the chemical composition of the aqueous extract was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD). In contrast, the ethanol, hexanic, dichloromethane, and aqueous extract compositions have been established. Additionally, the inhibitory effects of ethanolic, dichloromethane, and aqueous extracts on pancreatic α-amylase and lipase, and intestinal α-glucosidase activities were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The results of HPLC analysis indicate that the most abundant phenolic compound in the aqueous cannabis seed extract is 3-hydroxycinnamic acid, followed by 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and rutin acid. Moreover, administration of ethanolic and aqueous extracts at a dose of 150 mg/Kg significantly suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia compared to the control group; the ethanolic, dichloromethane, and aqueous extracts significantly inhibit pancreatic α-amylase and lipase, and intestinal α-glucosidase in vitro. The pancreatic α-amylase test exhibited an inhibition with IC50 values of 16.36 ± 1.24 µg/mL, 19.33 ± 1.40 µg/mL, 23.53 ± 1.70 µg/mL, and 17.06 ± 9.91 µg/mL for EAq, EDm, EET, and EHx, respectively. EET has the highest inhibitory capacity for intestinal α-glucosidase activity, with an IC50 of 32.23 ± 3.26 µg/mL. The extracts inhibit porcine pancreatic lipase activity, demonstrating their potential as lipase inhibitors. Specifically, at a concentration of 1 mg/mL, the highest inhibition rate (77%) was observed for EDm. To confirm these results, the inhibitory effect of these extracts on enzymes was tested in vivo. The oral intake of aqueous extract markedly reduced starch- and sucrose-induced hyperglycemia in healthy rats. Administration of the ethanolic extract at a specific dose of 150 mg/kg significantly reduced postprandial glycemia compared with the control group. It is, therefore, undeniable that cannabis extracts represent a promising option as a potentially effective treatment for type 2 diabetes.

Rosmarinus officinalis L. compounds, especially its main polyphenolic compounds, carnosic acid (CA) and rosmarinic acid (RA), influence various facets of cancer biology, making them valuable assets in the ongoing fight against cancer. These two secondary metabolites exhibit formidable antioxidant properties that are a pivotal contributor against the development of cancer. Their antitumor effect has been related to diverse mechanisms. In the case of CA, it has the capacity to induce cell death of cancer cells through the rise in ROS levels within the cells, the inhibition of protein kinase AKT, the activation of autophagy-related genes (ATG) and the disrupt mitochondrial membrane potential. Regarding RA, its antitumor actions encompass apoptosis induction through caspase activation, the inhibition of cell proliferation by interrupting cell cycle progression and epigenetic regulation, antioxidative stress-induced DNA damage, and interference with angiogenesis to curtail tumor growth. To understand the molecular interaction between rosemary compounds (CA and RA) and a protein that is involved in cancer and inflammation, S100A8, we have performed a series of molecular docking analyses using the available three-dimensional structures (PDBID: 1IRJ, 1MR8, and 4GGF). The ligands showed different binding intensities in the active sites with the protein target molecules, except for CA with the 1MR8 protein.

This paper presents a novel cheminformatics approach for the design and synthesis of hydroxyapatite/collagen nanocomposites, which have potential biomedical applications in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and orthopedic and dental implants. The nanocomposites are synthesized by the co-precipitation method with different ratios of hydroxyapatite and collagen. Their mechanical, biological, and degradation properties are analyzed using various experimental and computational techniques. Attenuated total reflection–Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction unveil the low crystallinity and nanoscale particle size of hydroxyapatite (22.62 nm) and hydroxyapatite/collagen composites (14.81 nm). These findings are substantiated by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, confirming the Ca/P ratio between 1.65 and 1.53 and attesting to the formation of non-stoichiometric apatites in all samples, further validated by molecular simulation. The antimicrobial activity of the nanocomposites is evaluated in vitro against several bacterial and fungal strains, demonstrating their medical potential. Additionally, in silico analyses are performed to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion properties and the bioavailability of the collagen samples. This study paves the way for the development of novel biomaterials using chemoinformatics tools and methods, facilitating the optimization of design and synthesis parameters, as well as the prediction of biological outcomes. Future research directions should encompass the investigation of in vivo biocompatibility and bioactivity of the nanocomposites, while exploring further applications and functionalities of these innovative materials.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of starch, lipid, and protein components in flour on the mechanical properties of Indonesian Biji Ketapang (BK) cookies. Since the type of flour determines the amounts of nutrients, three types of flour (i.e., wheat, rice, and tapioca flour) were used as models. The results showed that the rheological properties of flour, which depend on starch, lipid, and protein components, influenced the spread ratio, making the components homogeneously distributed and controlling the dimensions and pores inside the cookies. Indeed, changes in the dimensions and pores affected the mechanical properties of the cookies (compressive strength and hardness parameters). Cookies made from rice, wheat, and tapioca flours have a pore size (?m)/shore scale of 42/52.57, 23/45.14, and 15/35.71, respectively. In general, the nutrients in the flour had a significant impact on the physical and mechanical properties of cookies. Starch is the main nutrient that influences the physical properties of cookies. Lipid and protein influence the amount of water absorbed, while water molecules can spread the material components in the cookies to make them more homogeneous, allowing cookies to swell with pores and influencing their mechanical properties. Flour with low-protein content led to the creation of cookies with better crispness and hardness. A proposed mechanism in the formation of pores in the cookies during the preparation of BK was presented. The analysis of nutrient components (i.e., starch, lipid, and protein) in the BK is also presented. The results are important in terms of the health benefits of these cookies related to the type of flour used, especially for producing “gluten-free foods.” Thus, the results could offer benefits for product management.

The growing global population has created a significant demand for both quality and quantity of agricultural products, resulting in a significant increase in the use of agrochemicals such as chemical pesticides to counter insect pests. Consumers, on the other hand, have grown increasingly concerned in recent years about the adverse effects of chemical insecticides on human health and the environment. As a result, researchers worldwide have been compelled to conduct research into alternative crop protection solutions. Biological control through entomopathogens has gained prominence among these alternatives, and several microbial biocontrol agents, including baculoviruses, Bacillus, Beauveria, Steinernema, and Heterorhabditis species, have been tested. Microbial biopesticide products are currently being used to combat specific insects that harm crops. The modes of action of entomopathogens, their advantages and constraints are discussed. An overview of processes for their development are highlighted with examples, as well as the issues that impede their development. Finally, special attention was paid to the gaps identified in this sector and the factors limiting their application particularly with respect to market potential. The future potential of entomopathogens may be affected by changing agricultural systems.

The corrosion of metals and alloys presents a significant challenge in many industries, demanding constant maintenance, and thereby increasing costs. In response to this problem, the smart corrosion protection coating has emerged as a promising solution. By enabling the immediate detection of, and response to, environmental changes, such as in the temperature and pH, these smart coatings contribute significantly to extending a material’s lifespan, and reducing maintenance expenses. In this study, nanomagnetic [poly(aniline-co-o-toluidine)/Fe3O4] systems were prepared and used as a self-healing corrosion inhibitor, mixed with alkyd paint at different weight percentages (5–25%). The composites were used as a coating on carbon steel (C1010), and their corrosion protection performance was tested in 0.1 mol/L HCl, using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and FTIR analyses. The results showed an adequate corrosion inhibition performance for the developed composites, compared to the alkyd paint alone, reaching an inhibition efficiency of 80% at 20 wt.% of composite. Adding increasing weight percentages of the developed composites to the paints led to a significant increase in the corrosion resistance, accompanied by a remarkable decrease in the double-layer capacitance. Thus, these developed composites show excellent potential as a corrosion protection formulation in paints.

In this study, a comparison was made of the chemical makeup of different extracts obtained from Gracilaria bursa-pastoris, a type of red seaweed that was gathered from the Nador lagoon situated in the northern part of Morocco. Additionally, their anti-diabetic and antioxidant properties were investigated. The application of GC-MS technology to analyze the fatty acid content of the samples revealed that linoleic acid and eicosenoic acid were the most abundant unsaturated fatty acids across all samples, with palmitic acid and oleic acid following in frequency. The HPLC analysis indicated that ascorbic and kojic acids were the most prevalent phenolic compounds, while apigenin was the most common flavonoid molecule. The aqueous extract exhibited significant levels of polyphenols and flavonoids, registering values of 381.31 ± 0.33 mg GAE/g and 201.80 ± 0.21 mg QE/g, respectively. Furthermore, this particular extract demonstrated a remarkable ability to scavenge DPPH radicals, as evidenced by its IC50 value of 0.17 ± 0.67 mg/mL. In addition, the methanolic extract was found to possess antioxidant properties, as evidenced by its ability to prevent β-carotene discoloration, with an IC50 ranging from 0.062 ± 0.02 mg/mL to 0.070 ± 0.06 mg/mL. In vitro study showed that all extracts significantly inhibited the enzymatic activity of α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Finally, molecular docking models were applied to assess the interaction between the primary phytochemicals identified in G. bursa-pastoris extracts and the human pancreatic α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes. The findings suggest that these extracts contain bioactive substances capable of reducing enzyme activity more effectively than the commercially available drug acarbose.

The mastic tree, scientifically known as Pistacia lentiscus, which belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, was used in this study. The aim of this research was to analyze the chemical composition of this plant and assess its antioxidant and antibacterial properties using both laboratory experiments and computer simulations through molecular docking, a method that predicts the binding strength of a small molecule to a protein. The soxhlet method (SE) was employed to extract substances from the leaves of P. lentiscus found in the eastern region of Morocco. Hexane and methanol were the solvents used for the extraction process. The n-hexane extract was subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to identify its fatty acid content. The methanolic extract underwent high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode-array detector (HPLC-DAD) to determine the presence of phenolic compounds. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH spectrophotometric test. The findings revealed that the main components in the n-hexane extract were linoleic acid (40.97 ± 0.33%), oleic acid (23.69 ± 0.12%), and palmitic acid (22.83 ± 0.10%). Catechin (37.05 ± 0.15%) was identified as the predominant compound in the methanolic extract through HPLC analysis. The methanolic extract exhibited significant DPPH radical scavenging, with an IC50 value of 0.26 ± 0.14 mg/mL. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, and Escherichia coli, while the antifungal activity was evaluated against Geotrichum candidum and Rhodotorula glutinis. The P. lentiscus extract demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. Additionally, apart from molecular docking, other important factors, such as drug similarity, drug metabolism and distribution within the body, potential adverse effects, and impact on bodily systems, were considered for the substances derived from P. lentiscus. Scientific algorithms, such as Prediction of Activity Spectra for Substances (PASS), Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion (ADME), and Pro-Tox II, were utilized for this assessment. The results obtained from this research support the traditional medicinal usage of P. lentiscus and suggest its potential for drug development.

Canola, Brassica napus L., is a major oilseed crop that has various uses in the food, feed, and industrial sectors. It is one of the most widely produced and consumed oilseeds in the world because of its high oil content and favorable fatty acid composition. Canola grains and their derived products, such as canola oil, meal, flour, and bakery products, have a high potential for food applications as they offer various nutritional and functional benefits. However, they are affected by various factors during the production cycle, post-harvest processing, and storage. These factors may compromise their quality and quantity by affecting their chemical composition, physical properties, functional characteristics, and sensory attributes. Therefore, it is important to optimize the production and processing methods of canola grains and their derived products to ensure their safety, stability, and suitability for different food applications. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of how these factors affect the quality of canola grains and their derived products. The review also suggests future research needs and challenges for enhancing canola quality and its utilization in food.

Effects of electrolyte solution (i.e., KOH, NaOH, NaCl, and HCl) with various concentrations (from 0 to 0.71 M) on corrosion and mechanical properties of the copper alloys were investigated. Experimental results showed that the increases in the concentration of electrolytes allowed faster corrosion process. However, too high concentration of electrolytes has no further impacts on the corrosion profile due to the existence of the passivity phenomena on the surface of the material, preventing the material to get more corroded. Acidic (HCl) and salt (NaCl) electrolytes gave more impacts on the corrosion compared to the alkaline solution (i.e., NaOH and KOH) since the acidic and salt ions are able to destroy the formed passivation layer. The correlation of the corrosion rate and the mechanical properties was also presented, in which the increases in the corrosion rate were in line with the decreases in the mechanical properties (i.e., tensile and yield strength). During the corrosion, the atomic structure in the material received attacks from the electrolyte ions, making the structure inside the copper alloys to be less strong and easily fatigued. Understanding the corrosion process and mechanical properties is important for further applications of copper-related alloys in extreme and severe conditions.

The purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil of Lavandula officinalis from Morocco using the GC-MS technique and assess the antibacterial effects against seven pathogenic bacteria strains isolated from the food origins of Salmonella infantis, Salmonella kentucky, Salmonella newport, three serotypes of Escherichia coli (O114H8K11, O127K88ac, O127H40K11) and Klebsiella. Tests of sensitivity were carried out on a solid surface using the Disc Diffusion Method. Results showed that E. coli and S.newport were sensitive to Lavandula officinalis essential oil. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were determined using the method of agar dilution. The antibacterial results showed that four strains (three serotypes of E. coli, and S. newport) were remarkedly sensitive to Lavandula officinalis essential oil, giving MIC values of 88.7 µg/mL and 177.5 µg/mL. The molecular docking of the main oil products with the E. coli target protein 1VLY, showed that eucalyptol and linalyl acetate bind efficiently with the active site of the target protein. In particular, eucalyptol showed a higher activity than gentamicin used as positive control with a binding energy of −5.72 kcal/mol and −5.55 kcal/mol, respectively.

The corrosion inhibition properties of three spiro-isoxazoline derivatives, namely 3,4-diphenyl-1,7-dioxa-2-azaspiro[4.4]non-2-en-6-one (DDA), 3-phenyl-4-(p-tolyl)-1,7-dioxa-2-azaspiro[4.4]non-2-en-6-one (PDA) and 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-phenyl-1,7-dioxa-2-azaspiro[4.4]non-2-en-6-one (MDA) on carbon steel in 1.0 mol/L HCl acid medium were experimentally and computationally investigated. The experimental results showed that the inhibitory efficiency reached remarkable values of 76.26, 80.31, and 82.91%, respectively, for DDA, PDA and MDA at a maximum concentration of 10−3 mol/L. The potentiodynamic polarization curves (PPCs) showed that investigated compounds had a mixed type character, controlling both anodic and cathodic corrosion reactions. In addition, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) indicated that the addition of increasing concentration of tested compounds to HCl solutions led to a significant increase in the polarization resistance of the carbon steel, which was accompanied with a simultaneous decrease in the double layer capacitance. On the other hand, the morphological study of the metal surface by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmed the effective protection of the carbon steel by the inhibitors against corrosion through the formation of a protective film on its surface. The adsorption characteristics of investigated compounds on carbon steel were assessed at microscopic level using Density Functional Based Tight Binding (DFTB) simulation, which revealed the formation of covalent bonds between inhibitors’ atoms and Fe atoms. Furthermore, additional insights into the compounds’ reactivity and adsorption configurations on steel surface were obtained from global reactivity descriptors and Monte Carlo simulation. The present work’s outcomes are interesting for further design and performance evaluation of effective organic corrosion inhibitors for acid environments.

In this work, we present a process for converting olive industry solid waste (OISW) into a value-added material with ionic receptors for use in the removal of toxic metal ions from wastewater. This 3D polymer is a promising adsorbent for large-scale application, since it is a low-cost material made from agricultural waste and showed exceptional performance. The synthesis of the network polymer involved the carboxymethylation of OISW and curing of the carboxymethylated OISW at an elevated temperature to promote the formation of ester linkages between OISW’s components. FT-IR, atomic force microscopy, and thermal analysis were performed on the crosslinked product. The adsorption efficiency of the crosslinked carboxymethylated OISW toward Pb(II), Cu(II), and other toxic metal ions present in sewage was evaluated as a function of adsorbent dose, temperature, pH, time, and initial metal ion. The percentage removal of about 20 metal ions present in a sewage sample collected from a sewer plant located in the Palestinian Territories was determined. The adsorption efficiency did not drop even after six cycles of use. The kinetic study showed that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm model and the second-order adsorption rate. The experimental Qe values of 13.91 and 13.71 mg/g were obtained for Pb(II) and Cu(II) removal, respectively. The thermodynamic results confirm the spontaneous metal bonding to the receptor sites of the crosslinked carboxymethylated OISW.

Opuntia dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Haw. belongs to the Cactaceae family and is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Mexico and the southern United States. O. dillenii are now used as medicinal plants in various countries. In this study, we investigated the chemical composition of ethanolic extracts obtained from seeds, juice, and peel of O. dillenii fruits collected from Morocco, and we evaluated their antibacterial, antifungal, and antidiabetic activities. Phytochemical screening revealed high quantities of polyphenols (193.73 ± 81.44 to 341.12 ± 78.90 gallic acid eq [g/100 g dry weight]) in the extracts. The major phenolic compounds determined by HPLC were gallic acid, vanillic acid, and syringic acid. Regarding flavonoids, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside and kaempferol were the predominant molecules. Juice extracts showed weak to moderate antibacterial activity against the bacteria species Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella braenderup. All tested extracts displayed a significant inhibitory effect on α-glucosidase and α-amylase activities in vitro, with the peel extracts showing the greatest inhibitory effects. Together, these findings suggest that O. dillenii fruits are a promising source for the isolation of novel compounds with antibacterial or antidiabetic activities. For the most abundant phytochemicals identified in O. dillenii peel ethanolic extract, molecular docking simulations against human pancreatic α-amylase enzyme were performed. These indicated the presence of bioactive compounds in the extract with a better potential to decrease the enzyme activity than the commercial drug acarbose.

Herein, new substituted ligands based on pyrazole (L1–L4) were synthesized via a one-step by condensing (1H-pyrazole-1-yl) methanol with different primary amine compounds. The present work utilized the catalytic properties of the in situ complexes formed by these ligands with various copper (II) salts viz. Cu(CH3COO)2, CuSO4, CuCl2, and Cu(NO3)2 for the oxidation of catechol to o-quinone. The studies showed that the catalytic activities depend on the nature and concentration of the ligand, the nature of the counterion, and the solvent. It was observed that the complex formed by L2 and Cu(CH3COO)2 exhibited good catalytic activity in methanol with Vmax of 41.67 µmol L−1 min−1 and Km of 0.02 mol L−1.

The aim of the present research is the evaluation of the extraction process effect on the chemical composition, the antioxidant activities, and the mild steel corrosion inhibition ability of Argania spinosa’s extracts (alimentary oil (AO) and hexanic extract of roasted almonds (HERA)). The chemical composition revealed that both extracts have the same major compounds: Palmitic, linoleic, and stearic acids, with their order slightly different. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), weight loss measurements, and polarization curves were used to estimate AO and HERA’s mild steel corrosion’s inhibition capacity. Based on these three methods, AO registered, respectively, 81%, 87%, and 87% inhibition efficiency while HERA registered 78%, 84%, and 82% inhibition efficiency. The antioxidant activity of AO and HERA was examined in parallel with standard antioxidants (gallic acid and quercetin) using two assays: DPPH* scavenging assay and ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). AO had less EC50 in both techniques (DPPH*: 3559.08 ± 161.75 μg/mL; FRAP 1288.58 ± 169.21 μg/mL) than HERA (DPPH*: 3621.43 ± 316.05 μg/mL; FRAP 1655.86 ± 240.18 μg/mL). Quantum chemical and molecular dynamic studies were employed to suggest the adsorption mechanism.

In this work, we report on the catalytic activity of a manganese complex [(Cl)2Mn(RCOOET)], where RCOOET is ethyl-5-methyl-1-(((6-methyl-3-nitropyridin-2-yl)amino)methyl)-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxylate, in the oxidation of phenol or catechol by atmospheric oxygen to form o-quinone. The [(Cl)2Mn(RCOOET)] catalyzes the oxidation of catechol at a rate of 3.74 µmol L−1 min−1 in tetrahydrofuran (THF), in a similar manner to catecholase or tyrosinase.

The aim of this study is to develop a new, efficient, and inexpensive natural-based adsorbent with high efficacy for the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). A natural-based nanocomposite based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was selected for this purpose. It was synthesized by the dissolution/reprecipitation method. A film with a homogeneous and smooth surface composed of nanoparticles was prepared from the nanocomposite. HPMC and HAp biopolymers were selected due to their compatibility, biodegradability, and non-toxicity. Total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and calorimetric/thermal gravimetric (DSC/TGA) analysis results revealed the existence of strong physical interaction between the composite components. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations show a composite sheet with a homogenous and smooth surface, indicating excellent compatibility between HPMC and HAp in the composite. The nanocomposite was evaluated as an adsorbent for organic dyes in an aqueous solution. The effects of solution pH, initial MB concentration, composite concentration, and adsorption time on the adsorption efficiency were evaluated. The highest adsorption rate was seen as 52.0 mg of MB/g composite. The adsorption rate reached equilibrium in about 20 min. Fitting of the adsorption data to the Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models was investigated. Results showed that the adsorption process follows the Langmuir isotherm model. The kinetic study results revealed that the adsorption process was pseudo-second-order. The herein composite is an excellent alternative for use as contemporary industrial-scale adsorbents.

Bayoud disease affects date palms in North Africa and the Middle East, and many researchers have used various methods to fight it. One of those methods is the chemical use of synthetic compounds, which raises questions centred around the compounds and common features used to prepare targeted molecules. In this review, 100 compounds of tested small molecules, collected from 2002 to 2022 in Web of Sciences, were divided into ten different classes against the main cause of Bayoud disease pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. albedinis (F.o.a.) with structure–activity relationship (SAR) interpretations for pharmacophore site predictions as (δ−···δ−), where 12 compounds are the most efficient (one compound from each group). The compounds, i.e., (Z)-1-(1.5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-3-yl)-3-hydroxy but-2-en-1-one 7, (Z)-3-(phenyl)-1-(1,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-3-yl)-3-hydroxyprop-2-en-1-one 23, (Z)-1-(1,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-3-yl)-3-hydroxy-3-(pyridine-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one 29, and 2,3-bis-[(2-hydroxy-2-phenyl)ethenyl]-6-nitro-quinoxaline 61, have antifungal pharmacophore sites (δ−···δ−) in common in N1---O4, whereas other compounds have only one δ− pharmacophore site pushed by the donor effect of the substituents on the phenyl rings. This specificity interferes in the biological activity against F.o.a. Further understanding of mechanistic drug–target interactions on this subject is currently underway.

In view of the emerging importance of the ILs as “green” materials with wide applications and our general interests in green processes, a series of a twenty five new 1-alkyl-3-(4-phenoxybutyl) imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) derivatives is synthesized using a facile and green ultrasound-assisted procedure. Their structures were characterized by FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, 11B, 19F, 31P, and mass spectrometry. Antimicrobial screens of some selected ILs were conducted against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity of each compound was measured by determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) yielding very interesting and promising results. Their antibacterial activities are reported, and, on the basis of the experimental and virtual POM screening data available, attempt is also made to elucidate the structure activity relationship.

In this contribution, two novel supported and non-supported ruthenium(II) complexes of type [RuCl2(dppme)(NN)] where [dppme is H2C=C(CH2PPh2)2 and NN is N1-(3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)ethane-1,2-diamine] were prepared. The NN co-ligand caused release of one of the dppme ligands from [RuCl2(dppme)2] precursor to yield complex 1. The process of substitution of dppme by NN was monitored by 31P{1H}-NMR. Taking advantage of the presence of trimethoxysilane group in the backbone of complex 1, polysiloxane xerogel counterpart, X1, was prepared via sol-gel immobilization using tetraethoxysilane as cross-linker. Both complexes 1 and X1 have been characterized via elemental analysis, CV and a number of spectroscopic techniques including FT-IR, 1H-, 13C-, and 31P-NMR, and mass spectrometry. Importantly, carbonyl selective hydrogenation was successfully accomplished under mild conditions using complex 1 as a homogenous catalyst and X1 as a heterogeneous catalyst, respectively.

[NiCl2(C14H12N2)(H2O)] complex has been synthesized from nickel chloride hexahydrate (NiCl2·6H2O) and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen) as N,N-bidentate ligand. The synthesized complex was characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy and differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis (TG/DTA). The complex was further confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD) as triclinic with space group P-1. The desired complex, subjected to thermal decomposition at low temperature of 400 °C in an open atmosphere, revealed a novel and facile synthesis of pure NiO nanoparticles with uniform spherical particle; the structure of the NiO nanoparticles product was elucidated on the basis of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), UV-vis spectroscopy, TG/DTA, XRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDXS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Novel 5,5-dimethyl-2,2-di(pyridin-2-yl)hexahydropyrimidine was synthesized in good yield by a one-pot condensation reaction of 2,2-dimethylpropane-1,3-diamine with di(pyridin-2-yl)methanoneusing dichloromethane as solvent at room temperature. The structure of the synthesized compound was assigned on the basis of its elemental analysis, UV-visible, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, IR, and mass spectral data.

There are two independent molecules in the asymmetric unit of the title compound, C12H9ClN2OS, a Schiff base derived from hydrazide, in which the dihedral angles between the thiophene and benzene rings are 3.6 (3) and 7.3 (3)°. In the crystal, the two independent molecules are arranged about an approximate non-crystallographic inversion center and are connected by two N—H...O hydrogen bonds. Weak C—H...Cl contacts are also present. Conversely, there are neither significant aromatic stacking interactions nor contacts involving S atoms.

In the title racemic Schiff base ligand, C20H20Cl2N2, which was prepared by the condensation of 2-chlorobenzaldehyde and cyclohexane-1,2-diamine, the cyclohexane ring adopts a chair conformation and the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings of the 2-chlorophenyl substituent groups is 62.52 (8)°. In the structure, there are two short intramolecular methine C—H...Cl interactions [C...Cl = 3.066 (2) and 3.076 (3) Å], and in the crystal there are also weak intermolecular aromatic C—H...Cl [3.464 (3), 3.553 (3) and 3.600 (3) Å] and Cl...Cl [3.557 (3) and 3.891 (3) Å] contacts.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [Hg(SCN)2(C14H12N2)], contains two complex molecules in which the HgII atoms are both four-coordinated in a distorted tetrahedral configuration by two N atoms from a chelating 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ligand and by two S atoms from two thiocyanate anions. The 1,10-phenanthroline ligand is slightly folded for one complex, the dihedral angle between the pyridine planes being 5.3 (1)°. In contrast it is nearly planar [0.5 (1)°] as it complexes with the other HgII atom. The thiocyanate ligands are virtually linear and the S atom is bonded to HgII with N...S—Hg angles ranging from 99.3 (1) to 103.5 (1)°. Despite the presence of six aromatic rings in the asymmetric unit, there are no significant intermolecular π–π contacts between phenanthroline ligands as the centroid–centroid distance of the closest contact between six-membered rings is 4.11 (1) A°.

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