Cocos nucifera L.water as green corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminium in HCl solution

The ability of Cocos nucifera L.water（CW） as non-toxic corrosion inhibitor for acid corrosion of aluminium in 0.5 mol/L HCl has been studied using chemical technique.CW shows significant inhibition as corrosion inhibitor,with 93%efficiency at the highest concentration of the inhibitor.The inhibitive action is attributed to the adsorption of the inhibitor molecules on metal surface following Langmuir adsorption isotherm.

Construction and Characterization of a cDNA Library from the Pulp of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.)

To investigate the gene expression profile of endosperm development, a cDNA library was constructed and characterized from the pulp of coconut at different developmental stages. The constructed cDNA library incorporated approximately 1 × 10^7 clones in total, and the size of the insertion fragments ranged from 800 to 2 000 bp. Sequencing results of 100 randomly picked clones showed that the recombination rate was 96%. In subsequent sequence analysis, 41 clones （41%） were homologous to known function proteins, and 23 clones showed high amino acid identity （more than 80%） with the corresponding genes of different plants. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR indicated that oleosin and globulin genes are pulpspecific expression, and have differential expression level in different developmental stage. Clone 29, recognized as homologous to KIAA1239 protein （Homo sapiens）, was observed to occur nine times, indicating that this gene may be over-expressed during the endosperm development stage. However, the homologous protein was found only in mammals, and the detailed function is still unknown. Elucidation of the functional characterization of these genes will be carried out immediately.

Influence of Solvent onto Chemical Extraction of America-Type Coconut (Coco nucifera L.) Fbers: Analysis of Physicochemical, Mechanical and Morphological Properties

In this study, the natural fibers from Coconuts of the species Coco nucifera L. were Chemically extracted in different solvents such as sodium hydroxide (SH), acetone (AC) and sodium hydroxide-acetone (SHA) for their applications in the textile industries. Structural, morphological and physico-mechanical characterizations such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanned electron microscopy (SEM), measurements of density, Young’s modulus, water absorption rate and humidity were evaluated. The XRD and FTIR results show that Coco nucifera L. fibers contains type I cellulose. Mechanical characterizations were also carried out. These results show that by varying the different solvents used, the physico-chemical, mechanical and morphological properties of the fibers change, which implies that the solvent has an influence on the properties of these fibers. The fibers extracted by the sodium hydroxide-acetone mixture have a linear density of 1.636, the percentage of water absorption is 62.428%, the percentage of moisture absorption 9.605% compared to other values in the literature shows that this solvent mixture improves the properties of coconut fibers which contain type I cellulose. The tensile stress is 0.013 GPa, the percentage strain is 49.836% and the Young’s modulus is 0.114 GPa as well as the percentage elongation show that these fibers are elasto-plastic. The values obtained mean that these fibers are suitable for use in textiles.

Synergistic Mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera Aqueous Extract: Its Liver and Kidney Benefits in Male Albino Rat Model

Background: The synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract is a common drink in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. It is assumed to have various health benefits. However, the synergistic mixture of the content has not been studied scientifically, hence the need to evaluate its effect on the liver and kidney being part of the body’s metabolic organs. Aim: This study evaluated the synergistic mixture of Cyperus esculentus, Phoenix dactylifera and Cocos nucifera (STCD) aqueous extract in male albino rats. Methods: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was carried out, afterwards, fifteen male albino rats were grouped into three groups with 5 rats in each group;Control, 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg STCD. The rats were administered STCD orally 24 hourly, for 21 days, with feed and water ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis of the liver and kidney biomarkers, while the liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological examination using standard laboratory methods. Descriptive statistics were computed and expressed as Mean ± SD. One-way ANOVA and Turkeys test was performed. P value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Acute toxicity LD50 of STCD was observed to be ≥2404.2 mg/kg body weight. An increase in the percentage body weight difference of 8.39% and 2.86% was observed for 200 and 400 mg/kg STCD groups. Also, the liver weight was observed to increase in 400 mg/kg (3.92 ± 1.42) in comparison to the control group (3.48 ± 1.61), a decrease in the kidney weight was observed in all groups administered STCD in comparison to the control group. Administration of STCD at both 200 and 400 mg/kg revealed a decrease in the concentration of the hepatic biomarkers AST, ALT, ALP, TP, Albumin, Total and conjugated bilirubin. The kidney biomarker Urea was observed to decrease in concentration for 200 mg/kg STCD (4.60 ± 1.83) and 400 mg/kg STCD (4.76 ± 0.74) when compared to the control group (6.32 ± 2.74). A decrease in Creatinine was observed in 200 mg/kg (91.80 ± 34.69) and 400 mg/kg (98.60 ± 15.53) in comparison to the control group (117.60 ± 42.88). The histological examination of the liver of rats administered STCD revealed structural normal central vein, hepatocytes and portal tract. The kidney examination revealed normal glomeruli and normal tubule. Conclusion: The findings of this study opine that STCD improved the health of both the liver and kidney as evidenced via the biomarkers and histological examinations of the liver and kidney. This study therefore recommends the intake of STCD at moderate doses for improved liver and kidney function due to its bioactive compounds and nutritional content.

Toxicological Study of the Hydroalcoholic Extract of a Recipe of Three Plants Used in Traditional Togolese Medicine

This work consisted of assessing the toxicity of a recipe of three plants used in traditional Togolese medicine. Acute and sub-acute toxicity was assessed according to OECD chemical test guidelines n˚423 dated December 17, 2001 and n˚407 dated October 3, 2008 respectively. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test. No significant toxicity was observed after 14 and 28 days, although a dose-dependent decrease in creatinemia was observed in male rats (the recipe to be used to moderate creatinine levels). Cytotoxicity was without effect on NCM 365 cells. The results obtained justify the use of the recipe in traditional medicine.

Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Activity of Endophytic Fungus Isolated from <i>Cocos nucifera</i>(L.) Cotyledon against Medically-Important Pathogens

The study aimed to evaluate the endophytic fungi isolated from Cocos nucifera (L.) cotyledon for their possible antimicrobial activity. A total of twelve endophytic fungal species were successfully isolated, from which five were selected and presumptively identified, including Aspergillus niger, Raffaelea sp., Aspergillus flavus, Cladosporium sp. and Pseudallescheria spp. based on their macro and microscopic characters. The agar blocks of actively growing pure culture were assessed for antibacterial activity against five human pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains: Escherichia coli (BIOTECH 1634), Bacillus subtilis (BIOTECH 1697), Staphylococcus aureus (BIOTECH 1592), Serratia marcescens (BIOTECH 1748), and Candida tropicalis (BIOTECH 2085). Among the selected five endophytic used for antimicrobial activity screening, the Raffaelea sp. (CN-EF 2) has shown a high zone of inhibition of 11 mm against Bacillus subtilis, 18 mm against Escherichia coli, 15 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 11 mm against Candida tropicalis. Correspondingly, Aspergillus niger (CN-EF 1) has shown a zone of inhibition of 16 mm against C. tropicalis. The endophytic fungus Raffaelea sp. was effective against all test organisms except for Serratia marcescens, while Aspergillus niger was only effective for pathogenic fungi C. albicans. Hence, further in-depth studies of the isolated endophytic fungi are needed to determine the mechanisms behind the endophytes’ inhibitory effects.

Preparation and evaluation of mucoadhesive bio-flexy films from Cocos nucifera biopolymer using Tiagabine moiety

This research work deals with formulation and evaluation of nanosized Tiagabine loaded bio-flexy films consisting of Cocos nucifera biopolymer(isolated from coconut kernels).Prepared formulations were administered through soft palatal route for brain targeting for epilepsy treatment.Soft palate,part of oral mucosa serves as novel drug delivery platform and mucoadhesive site for systemic drug delivery.It provides sustained and controlled drug delivery system,does not interfere with patient’s regular activities like talking,eating,drinking,etc.It bypasses first-pass metabolism in the liver,reduces dose frequency and minimizes drug’s side effects.Tiagabine,anticonvulsant drug possesses t1/2:7-9 h(low);Protein binding:96%;Water solubility:22 mg/L,acts as selective gamma amino butyric acid(GABA)reuptake inhibitor.Cocos nucifera biopolymer used as bio-excipient to prepare bio-flexy films due to its biodegradability,biocompatibility,non-toxicity,non-irritantancy on soft palatal surface along with inbuilt filmability,mucoadhesive properties.Nanosized drug loaded bio-flexy films were formulated using standard solvent casting method.Bio-flexy films were prepared using varying ratios of nanosized Tiagabine:isolated Cocos nucifera biopolymer(FCT1-FCT6).These prepared formulations were compared with same ratios of nanosized Tiagabine:sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose standard polymer flexy films(FET1-FET6).The%yield of Cocos nucifera biopolymer was found to be 10.2±0.04%.Thickness of nanosized Tiagabine loaded bio-flexy films containing Cocos nucifera biopolymer(FCT1-FCT6)was ranging from 0.026±0.04 mm to 0.040±0.02 mm;Folding endurance:84-107;Surface pH:7.01±0.04 to 7.01±0.02;Weight uniformity:0.012±0.04 to 0.020±0.02;Drug content uniformity:69.5±0.35%to 72.9±0.26%;Swelling percentage:65±0.5%to 73±0.2%;Percentage moisture uptake(PTU):2.0±0.14%to 2.8±0.12%;Mucoadhesivity:20-90 min;Mucoretentivity:60-180 min.The drug release pattern for formulations FCT1-FCT6 containing Cocos nucifera biopolymer based on the T50%and T80%was found to be FCT1(1:0.5)>FCT5(1:6)>FCT3(1:3)>FCT2(1:1)>FCT4(1:5)>FCT6(1:10).Based on all above-mentioned evaluation parameters,FCT1(containing Tiagabine:Cocos nucifera biopolymer(1:0.5))bio-flexy film having R2=0.9221,Higuchi matrix as best fit model,follows anomalous transport release mechanism,T50%:38.45 h.,T80%:41.20 h.using BITS Software 1.12.Stability study revealed stable formulations.Prepared formulations were suitable for soft palatal delivery.

鲜食加工兼用型椰子种质鉴定和综合评价

为了筛选鲜食加工兼用椰子种质,为椰子种质资源鉴定和兼用型新品种选育提供参考,对44份椰子种质8月龄及12月龄果的33个果实性状指标进行测定和变异分析、聚类分析,对其中18个性状进行相关性分析,对9个主要性状开展主成分分析,并对种质进行综合评价。变异分析结果表明,8月龄果性状的变异系数为9.97%~37.16%,12月龄果性状的变异系数为8.90%~41.28%;聚类分析表明,根据8月龄及12月龄果性状均可将44份种质分成三大类,分别为椰水糖度高、中、低3类及椰肉占比高、中、低3类;相关性分析结果表明,18个性状之间存在不同程度的相关性,其中12月龄果椰肉占比与椰果质量、椰果长、椰果宽存在显著负相关,但是8月龄、12月龄果的椰水糖度与其他性状间均无显著相关性;主成分分析表明,9个性状可以简化为3个主成分,累积贡献率达到83.896%;通过综合评价筛选出10份鲜食加工综合性状优良的椰子种质。分析结果说明44份椰子种质在果实性状方面具有丰富的多样性,聚类分析为选择不同特点的种质提供了选择范围,果实性状之间存在大量的显著相关性,筛选出V405、Y224、Y261等10份综合表现较好的种质,为兼用型种质创制和新品种培育提供了基础材料。

施用氯化钠对椰子幼苗叶片主要矿质营养元素的影响

为深入了解施用氯化钠对椰子幼苗叶片主要营养元素的影响,设不同氯化钠施用量处理,分别于试验处理后的第0、30、60、90 d采集叶片测定氮、磷、钾、钙、镁、钠等主要营养元素含量。结果显示:各处理的叶片钠含量随着时间的增加而逐渐增加,90 d时钠含量比对照增加102.15%~163.44%。0.82%NaCl处理下,所测得的各元素含量在处理后第90 d均为最高,而高浓度处理(1.23%和1.64%NaCl)相较对照则会降低叶片N、P、K、Ca、Mg含量,表明施用适量NaCl可以促进椰子幼苗对以上各元素的吸收,但过量施用会产生离子拮抗效应。

椰子蛋白化学结构和热稳定性研究

目的研究椰子全粉中蛋白质的结构和热稳定性,为深度开发椰子蛋白资源提供理论基础。方法采用碱提酸沉法提取椰子全粉中蛋白质,酸水解法结合氨基酸自动分析仪测定氨基酸组成,利用傅里叶变换红外光谱法分析蛋白二级结构,热重分析仪分析蛋白热降解曲线,纳米粒度分析仪研究溶液中蛋白颗粒的Zeta电位和粒径大小。结果椰子蛋白含有18种氨基酸,富含精氨酸和谷氨酸,8种必需氨基酸含量丰富、比例合理,是营养良好的蛋白质来源。椰子蛋白的二级结构以稳定态的β-折叠为主,含量达44.18%,椰子蛋白降解起始温度273.12℃,峰值温度332.91℃,至最终实验设定温度790℃时仍有25.9%残余未热降解完全,60℃时椰子蛋白溶液Zeta电位和粒径与25℃无显著变化。结论椰子蛋白具有良好的营养价值和热稳定性,可为椰子蛋白资源的深度开发和广泛利用提供理论参考。

健康和物理损伤条件下椰树叶柄挥发物组分比较分析

椰树叶柄挥发物对锈色棕榈象成虫具有吸引作用探索不同状态下叶柄挥发物组分可分析该昆虫的定向行为。为了明确健康和物理损伤椰树叶柄释放的挥发物组分,本文采用顶空采集法收集健康和物理损伤后椰树叶柄挥发物,利用气相色谱-质谱联用技术(GC-MS)检测其挥发性化合物成分及相对含量,并对健康和物理损伤椰树叶柄挥发物组分进行了比较分析。结果表明,健康叶柄共检测出挥发性物质53种,包括烃类26种、腈类2种、酮类5种、酯类5种、茚类6种、醇类5种和其他物质4种,其中相对含量较高的5个成分为3a,4,4a,5,8,8a,9,9a-八氢-4,9:5,8-二亚甲基-1H-苯并[f]茚、丁基化羟基甲苯、L-α-松油醇、哒嗪和双环戊二烯;物理损伤叶柄共检测出挥发性物质51种,包括烃类25种、腈类5种、酮类5种、酯类6种、茚类5种、醇类3种和其他物质2种,其中相对含量较高的5个成分为3a,4,4a,5,8,8a,9,9a-八氢-4,9:5,8-二亚甲基-1H-苯并[f]茚、丁基化羟基甲苯、双环[2.2.2]辛-5-烯-2-甲腈、α-松油醇和2,6-二甲基-4-氧杂三环[5.2.1.0(2,6)]癸-8-烯-3-酮。健康与物理损伤叶柄挥发物主要组分大体一致,在具体种类和含量上存在一定差异。研究结果可为揭示锈色棕榈象成虫寄主定位行为的化学通信机制及研制植物源引诱剂提供参考。

椰子蛋白分级组分制备及理化性质研究

目的制备椰子蛋白分级组分并研究其理化性质。方法对椰子蛋白进行分级并制备相应组分,测定椰子蛋白分级组分的氨基酸组成、疏水性、游离巯基含量、溶解度、乳化性和起泡性,以评估其功能特性。结果椰子蛋白含有18种氨基酸,富含精氨酸和谷氨酸,必需氨基酸含量丰富、比例合理,是营养良好的蛋白质来源。所有样品在蛋白质的等电点处溶解度最差、起泡性最差而泡沫稳定性却最好。随着pH增加,溶解度整体趋势先降低后增加,乳化能力总体呈现增加的趋势,而较高的pH下表现出更好的乳化稳定性。结论椰子蛋白具有良好的营养价值及优良的溶解度、乳化性及起泡性,可为椰子蛋白在食品加工中的应用提供理论参考。

椰子花粉过敏原profilin蛋白体外重折叠过程的光谱学研究

在基因工程技术中,采用原核表达系统获得的重组蛋白通常都是以包涵体的形式存在。利用圆二色性光谱、荧光光谱和同步荧光光谱对尿素诱导的重组椰子花粉泛过敏原profilin蛋白包涵体的复性过程进行了系统的光谱学研究,得到了profilin蛋白复性过程的光谱学特征;结合生物信息学方法,通过对profilin蛋白的二级结构和三级结构的预测,进一步分析了复性过程中profilin蛋白构象变化的特点,初步建立了一种新的检测重组变应原蛋白复性程度的光谱学实验方法,为重组蛋白包涵体复性机理的深入研究进行了有益的探索。

基于Open Modeller-GARP的椰子在中国的适生区预测

【目的】研究椰子在我国的适生区,为椰子的推广种植提供技术支持。【方法】通过实地调查和已公开发表的科技论文,获取椰子在我国的已知分布点,结合环境数据,使用Open Modeller-GARP模型预测椰子在我国的可能适生区域。【结果】椰子在中国的潜在适生区为:广东的湛江市、徐闻县、雷州市、遂溪县、廉江市、化州市、吴川市、高州市、茂名市、阳江市、阳春市、江门市(南部)、开平市、中山市、珠海市、深圳市、惠州市(南部)、汕尾市、汕头市;广西的北海市、防城港市、东兴市、靖西县、那坡县;云南的勐腊县、景洪市、普洱市、江城县、绿春县、金平县、屏边县、河口县;西藏的聂拉木县、普兰县;海南、香港、澳门及台湾全省。【结论】在我国除了海南、台湾、云南的西双版纳州、广东的雷州半岛、广西的北海外,尚有广西、广东、云南、西藏、香港、澳门等6省区的28个市(县)适合椰子栽培,可在这些地区进行适应性栽培后发展椰子生产。

一种L波段带状线结构的全向COCO天线研究

文章设计了一种L波段带状线结构全向COCO天线,具有结构简单、体积小、易于加工、成本低廉、适合批量生产等特点。利用HFSS对天线进行仿真计算,分析天线S参数、方向图等参量随不同电尺寸的变化规律,进一步设计了天线实体样品。暗室方向图测试与驻波测试表明,所设计的带状线COCO天线完全达到了设计目标。

Diagnosis of Boron Deficiency in Green Dwarf Coconut Palm

The diagnosis of boron deficiency in coconut palms has been hampered by lack of information about its distribution in the plant. Two experiments were conducted, one in a greenhouse to induce boron deficiency in dwarf green coconut palms, and other in the field, in which the plants received doses of boric acid, B(OH)3. The objective was to verify symptoms of boron deficiency and boron content variation in canopy, leaves and folioles (or leaflets). Boron deficient plants led leaves and folioles to become deformed. The deficient and sufficient contents of boron varied significantly in the canopy, but did not vary in leaves. The boron content increased significantly from bottom to the apex of the folioles in both treatments. To survey the level of boron in the coconut palm, the ideal is, using samples taken from the youngest leaf, to calculate the relation between the boron content in the apex of the foliole and the content in the center or in the folioles bottom, with minimum values 2.2 or 2.7, respectively.

Genetic Diversity and Structure of East African Tall Coconuts in Tanzania Using RAPD Markers

RAPD markers were used to estimate levels of genetic diversity and structure among twelve East African Tall (EAT) coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) accessions that are maintained at Chambezi station. Ten primers were used in the analysis of 120 accessions. Cluster analysis was performed based on Jaccard’s coefficient and Nei genetic distances. Further analyses included principal coordinate analysis (PCA) and finally bootstrap analysis. The cluster analysis revealed two main clusters. One cluster contained provenances from Lindi and Mtwara regions (south) and those from Coast and Dar es Salaam regions (central);the second had provenances from Tanga region, which is the northern part of the coastal belt. A similar distribution of provenances was shown by the results of the principal coordinate analysis, whose first three coordinates explained 56% of the total variation. The results were able to discriminate between the different provenances and provide evidence of the different origins for the coconut palms in the northern and southern parts of coastal coconut-growing belt. The two major clusters concur well with the history and distribution of coconuts in the coastal belt of Tanzania.

Long-term consumption of virgin coconut (Cocos nucifera) oil diet impairs learning and memory in CD1 mice

Objective:Virgin coconut oil(VCO)has been used in the management of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease(AD).Therefore,this research investigated the effect of long-term consumption of VCO diet on learning and memory in CD1 mice.Methods:Thirty male CD1 mice(divided into three groups,n=10)were fed with standard rodent chow(control),5%and 20%VCO diets(respectively)for 28 d.The Morris Water Maze(MWM)test was used to test the effect of VCO on visuo-spatial learning and memory,while the Novel Object Recognition Test(NORT)was used to measure short-and long-term recognition memory.Results:Learning performance of mice did not differ in the MWM.During the probe trial,duration in the retention quadrant and annulus crossings were lower(P<0.05)in the 5%and 20%VCO diet groups compared to the control diet group,showing that VCO impaired visuo-spatial memory.During the NORT,mice showed more total approaches in the 20%VCO diet group(P<0.05)compared to control and the 5%VCO diet groups during the short-term memory test.During the long-term memory retention test,the total approaches were also higher in the 20%VCO group compared to control and 5%VCO group(P>0.05).The discrimination index was also lower in the 20%VCO group compared to control and 5%VCO diet groups indicating impaired long-term cognitive memory in mice given 20%VCO diet.Histological examination of brains showed damage within the CA1 pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus in the 20%VCO diet group,in line with the behavioural observations.Conclusion:Long-term consumption of virgin coconut oil diet impairs memory in mice.

椰子的开发利用

介绍了热带资源椰子的结构与组成,概述了国内外椰肉、椰子水、椰衣、椰壳、椰木、椰花等开发利用产品的生产工艺及其用途,并展望了我国椰子的广阔开发利用前景,针对国内椰子开发利用的现状,提出了开发利用椰子的建议.