Blend of Polyhydroxyalkanoates Synthesized By Lipase Positive Bacteria From Plant Oils

A total of 5 biochemically characterized lipase positive bacterial strains were screened for Polyhydroxyalkanoates(PHA)production by Nile blue staining and confirmation was done by Sudan Black B.PHA production ability for all strains was optimized followed by time profiling calculation and comparison via using glucose and two plant oils i.e.,canola and mustard oil.Quantitative analysis showed that glucose can serve as a carbon source for maximum biomass(2.5 g/L CDW for strain 5)and PHA production(70.3%for strain 2).PHA produced by strain 2 was further analyzed for its chemical composition and type via Fourier Transform Infrared(FT-IR)spectroscopy.It revealed homopolymer(PHB)and copolymer(PHB-co-PHV)production of PHA(peaks at 1743 cm-1 and 2861 cm-1,respectively)with both canola and mustard oil unlike glucose which produced only homopolymer one i.e.,PHB(peaks at 1110 cm-1,1411 cm-1 and 1650 cm-1).Crystallinity of FT-IR analyzed PHA was calculated using mathematical formulas which showed decrease from glucose to canola to mustard oil.This study revealed that plant oils can serve as better carbon source to produce better quality(ductile and copolymer)PHA.Moreover,16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis showed that strain 1,strain 2,strain 3,strain 4 and strain 5 are Stenotrophomonas sp.N3,Exiguobacterium sp.N4,Exiguobacterium sp.Ch3,Cellulosimicrobium sp.A8 and Klebsiella sp.LFSM2,respectively.

Comparative effects of plant oils and trans-fat on blood lipid profiles and ischemic stroke in rats

Since plant oils are believed to be better than animal fats for cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases, the effects of various plant oils and trans-fat on blood lipid profiles and ischemic stroke were investigated. Sprague- Dawley rats were fed a diet containing the oils or trans-fat, and then body weights, blood lipids, and effects on brain infarction and physical dysfunction induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion （MCAO） were analyzed. All the oils and trans-fat, except perilla oil, significantly increased body fats and body weight gain. Sesame oil and trans-fat specifically increased blood cholesterols and triglycerides, respectively, while perilla oil decreased both cholesterols and triglycerides. Perilla oil not only attenuated cerebral infarction, but also restored locomotor activity and rota-rod performances of MCAO rats. It is suggested that perilla oil among oils and fats could be the first choice to reduce the risk of metabolic syndrome and ischemic stroke.

Efficacies of four plant essential oils as larvicide, pupicide and oviposition deterrent agents against dengue fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti Linn.(Diptera: Culicidae)

Objective:To evaluate larvicidal,pupicidal and oviposition deterrent activities of four plant essential oils from Alpinia galanga(L.)Willd rhizome,Anethum graveolens L.(An.graveolens)fruit,Foeniculum vulgare Mill.fruit,and Pimpinella anisum L.fruit against Aedes aegypti(Ae.aegypti).Methods:Four essential oils at 1%,5%and 10%concentrations were assessed for insecticidal activity against larvae and pupae of Ae.aegypti,following the procedure of a dipping method assay.Oviposition deterrent activity of four essential oils was evaluated on gravid female of Ae.aegypti by a dual-choice oviposition bioassay.Results:The results revealed that An.graveolens oil provided the strongest larvicidal activity against Ae.aegypti among four tested plant essential oils with the highest mortality rate of 100%and LC_(50)value of-0.3%.From the pupicidal experiment,An.graveolens also showed the highest toxicity against Ae.aegypti pupae with the highest mortality rate of 100%at 72 h and LC_(50)value of2.9%.In addition,10%An.graveolens had an oviposition deterrent effect against Ae.aegypti with effective repellency of 100%and an oviposition activity index of-1.0.Conclusions:An.graveolens oil has a good potential as a larvicidal,pupicidal and oviposition deterrent agent for controlling Ae.aegypti.

Impact of Asarum Essential Oils on Physiological and Biochemical Indicators of Two Agricultural Pests

[Objective]The paper was to study the effects of asarum essential oils on physiological and biochemical indices of two agricultural pests. [Method]Asarum essential oils were extracted by different methods,and their effects on physiological and biochemical indices related to the structure of body wall（ chitin and phenoloxidase）,the physiological and biochemical indices acting on the nervous system（ Acetylcholinesterase）,and the physiological and biochemical indices acting on the digestive system（ protease,amylase and lipase） of Ostrinia furnacalis and Mythimna seperata were studied. [Result]Asarum essential oils had no effect no chitin content of body wall under the experimental concentration,and had no inhibitory effect but activated effect on polyphenol oxidase activity. Asarum essential oils could act on the nervous system of insect,and had strong inhibitory effect against acetylcholinesterase activity of O. furnacalis larvae,with inhibition rates of 24. 86%- 38. 79%. Asarum essential oils showed a significant activated effect on pepsin activity in midgut,but the activated amplitude became smaller with the prolongation of treatment time. Asarum essential oils showed a significant inhibitory effect on activities of amylase and lipase,indicating that it could play an insecticidal effect by inhibiting activity of amylase and lipase,and it could act on digestive system of insect. [Conclusion]The study laid the foundation for further development of asarum as botanical pesticide.

Preparation and Characterization of Multiester Derivative from Plant Oil as Base Stock for Biolubricants

As an alternative to petroleum-based lubricants, which are harmful to the environment in excessive amounts, a biodegradable multiester derivative(OFANE) was obtained from plant oil through a chemical modification process with four steps as follows: hydrolysis, esterification, epoxidation, and ring-opening reaction. The physical and chemical properties of OFANE, such as viscosity, acid value, pour point, evaporation loss, and oxidation induction time were measured. Results showed that OFANE had good low-temperature fluidity, thermal-oxidative stability, and tribological properties. The tribological properties of OFANE with dimeric acid additive were evaluated. The final biodegradation experiment indicated that OFANE had excellent biodegradability. The prepared OFANE showed great potential as substitute for petroleum-based lubricating base oils.

Effects of Plant Oil Mixture on Production Performance,Carcass and Beef Quality in Beef Cattle

[Objective] To study the effects of plant oil mixture on production performance, carcass and beef quality in beef cattle. [Method] Single-factor randomized blocks design was used. Sixteen healthy Yanbian yellow bulls having close body weight were selected and randomly divided into four groups, four cattle per group. Been oil, safflower oil and sunflower oil were mixed respectively at a volume ratio of 11：5：4. The oil blend was added to the daily diets of beef cattle respectively at a proportion of 4%, 5% and 6%. The effects of the plant oil mixture on production performance, carcass and beef quality were investigated. [ Result.] Compared with the control cattle, the experimental cattle had significantly lower feed intake （P 〈 0.05）, non-significantly higher efficiency of feed utilization, and significantly lower digestibility of crude fiber and calcium （P 〈 0.05）. With the increasing level of plant oil, the digestibility of dry matter showed a decreasing trend. The digestibility of dry matter was significantly lower in the cattle fed on the plant oil mixture at a level of 6% than in the control （ P 〈 0.05）. The plant oil mixture had no effect on the digestibility of crude protein, ether extract, crude ash, nitrogen-free extract and phosphorus. With the increasing level of plant oil, the serum content of high-density lipoprotein showed an increasing trend. The serum content of high-density lipoprotein was significantly higher in the cattle fed on the plant oil mixture at a level of 6% than in the control （ P 〈 0.05）. With the increasing level of plant oil, the content of total cholesterol showed an increasing trend, whereas the content of low-density lipoprotein showed a decreasing trend. Moreover, other indicators did not change significantly. The experimental cattle had larger eye muscle area and better beef quality than the control group. The content of crude protein and ether extract in beef increased with the increasing level of plant oil. [ Conclusion] The plant oil mixture added to the daily feed decreases intake and digestibility of crude fiber and calcium but has no remarkable effect on production performance of beef cattle. The addition also increases eye muscle area and improves beef quality, thereby improving quality of carcass and beef. The proportion of the plant oil mixture should be added at a proportion lower than 5%.

Plasticizing Effect of Camellia oleifera Seed-Oil-Based Plasticizer on PVC Material Modification

In this study,as the plasticizer,Camellia oleifera seed-oil-based cyclohexyl ester(COSOCE)was prepared by the reaction of cyclohexene oxide and refined C.oleifera seed oil(RCOSO)obtained by acidification hydrolysis after saponification.In addition,the structure of the target product was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy,nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)spectroscopy,and Raman spectroscopy.COSOCE was used as plasticizer-modified polyvinyl chloride(PVC)membranes.The structure of the COSOCE-modified PVC membranes were characterized by Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy(SEM).The properties of the COSOCE-modified PVC membrane were characterized by contact angle measurements,universal testing machine,thermogravimetric analysis(TGA),and differential scanning calorimetry(DSC).The results revealed that(1)The COSOCE-modified PVC membranes exhibit a good microscopic morphology.Combined with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy(EDS)and contact angle measurement results,the COSOCE-modified PVC membranes are confirmed to be a hydrophilic material.(2)The modified PVC membrane with 60%COSOCE exhibited the best mechanical properties.The tensile strength reached 23.56±2.94 MPa.(3)COSOCE-modified PVC material exhibited better thermal stability,with a loss rate of less than 75%at the end of the first decomposition stage.Compared with that of the dioctyl-phthalate(DOP)-modified PVC membrane,the initial decomposition temperature of PVC was increased by 1.17°C–8.17°C,and the residual rate was increased by 0.67%–5.75%.The carbon–carbon double bond in the COSOCE molecular structure can remove the free radicals generated during the degradation of PVC material and slow down the decomposition rate of PVC.In addition,the double bond can be cross-linked partially with the PVC molecular chain containing the conjugated polyene structure,thereby increasing the movement resistance of the PVC molecular chain segment.Hence,COSOCE can replace DOP as a PVC plasticizer.

Termiticidal and Biochemical Activity of Combinatorial Essential Oil Ingredients of Tagetes erecta on Indian White Termite Odontotermes obesus

In present investigation, various bio-molecular parameters i.e. glycogen, protein, amino acid, DNA, RNA and lipid, were determined for evaluation of anti-termite efficacy of Tagetes erecta essential oil based combinatorial formulations against Indian white termite Odontotermes obesus. For this purpose, 40% and 80% of 24 hrs of LD50 values of various formulations were provided for treatment of termite workers. Observations were taken at 4 hrs time interval up to 16 hrs to know inhibitory activity of these combinatorial mixtures on termite species Odontotermes obesus. Significant (p > 0.05) alterations were observed in the level above mentioned bio-molecules when termites were treated with different combinatorial essential oils ingredients of Citrus maxima. Combinatorial mixtures of Tagetes erecta essential oils have shown synergistic activity against termites. This study will provide an overall sustainable way to termite control in crop field, gardens and houses. It also suggests use of essential oils as better alternative of synthetic termiticides as these are safer for environmental and human health.

Scope of biodiesel from oils of woody plants:a review

Non-edible oils obtained from chosen non-conventional woody plants are considered as potential raw materials for biodiesel production.These plants mostly grow in wastelands.Structural characteristics of these oils as raw material are very much in tune with the properties of biodiesel such as long-chain hydrocarbon,having an adequate level of unsaturation with branched chain.Four primary methods are being followed to make biodiesel from vegetable oil.They are direct use through blending,microemulsion,thermal cracking(pyrolysis)and transesterification.Non-edible oil would eliminate the issue of food vs fuel.The biodiesel manufactured from oils of woody plants may partially reduce the demand for liquid-fuel energy and addresses the environmental consequences of using fossil fuels.Oil from a total of 17 species of woody plants(Angiosperms)belonging to 14 families are considered in this paper.The habit,habitat and geographical distribution of each species are also presented.The physico-chemical properties of their oil,with special reference to the fatty-acid profile that ultimately decides the characteristics of the biodiesel prepared from them,are reviewed.

Effect of Oregano Carvacrol on Growth Performance of Broiler

The product of plant essential oil, oregano carvacrol, was added in the diet of broiler, to study the effect of oregano carvacrol on growth performance of broilers. Using single factor test, 190 663 individuals of healthy AA broilers at 0 day old were randomly divided into two groups, eight repeats in control group and four repeats in experimental group. The broilers in control group were fed with basal diet （containing 10 mg/kg cnramycin and 60 mg/kg salinomycin sodium）, and those in experimental groups were fed with the basal diet adding with 100 mg/kg oregano carvacrol. Compared with control group, the daily gain of broilers in exper- imental group was increased noticeably by 3.41 g/broiler （P 〈 0. 05） ; the slaughter quality was increased remarkably by 143 g/broiler （P 〈 0.05 ） ; the survival rate was increased significantly by 3.01% （ P 〈 0.05 ） ; and the feed gain ratio was reduced markedly by 0.08 （ P 〈 0.05 ）. The paper provided a theoretical basis for application of oregano carvacrol in broiler production.

Medicinal plants from the Brazilian Amazonian region and their antileishmanial activity:a review

Leishmaniasis, a neglected disease caused by Leishmania protozoans, primarily affects people in tropical and subtropical areas. Chemotherapy based on the use of pentavalent antimonials, amphotericin B, paromomycin, miltefosine and liposomal amphotericin B is currently the only effective treatment. However, adverse effects, long-term treatment and the emergence of parasite resistance have led to the search for alternative treatments. Natural products used in traditional medicine provide an unlimited source of molecules for the identification of new drugs, and the Amazon region has abundant biodiversity that includes several species of plants and animals, providing a rich source of new products and com- pounds. Although the literature describes numerous promising compounds and extracts for combating Leishmania protozoans, the results of such research have not been embraced by the pharmaceutical industry for the development of new drugs. Therefore, this review focused on the antileishmanial activity of extracts, isolated compounds and essential oils commonly used by the local population in the Brazilian Amazonian region to treat several illnesses and described in the literature as promising compounds for combating leishmaniasis.

Transcriptional regulation of oil biosynthesis inseed plants: Current understanding, applications,and perspectives

Plants produce and accumulate triacylglycerol(TAG)in their seeds as an energy reservoir to support the processes of seed germination and seedling development.Plant seed oils are vital not only for the human diet but also as renewable feedstocks for industrial use.TAG biosynthesis consists of two major steps:de novo fatty acid biosynthesis in the plastids and TAG assembly in the endoplasmic reticulum.The latest advances in unraveling transcriptional regulation have shed light on the molecular mechanisms of plant oil biosynthesis.We summarize recent progress in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of wellcharacterized and newly discovered transcription factors and other types of regulators that control plant fatty acid biosynthesis.The emerging picture shows that plant oil biosynthesis responds to developmental and environmental cues that stimulate a network of interacting transcriptional activators and repressors,which in turn fine-tune the spatiotemporal regulation of the pathway genes.

Antifungal Effect of Plant Extract and Essential Oil

The advancement of phytochemical and phytopharmacological sciences has enabled elucidation of the composition and biological activities of several medicinal plant products including plant extract and essential oils. These products have been widely used around the world since ancient times for the treatment of various disorders such as diabetes, hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, microbial infection, sexual disorder and many more. Its popularity in the modern system of medicine is mainly due to their availability and fewer adverse reactions compared to synthetic drugs. Various scientific investigations have been conducted to look for the potential of the extract from the plant or isolated compounds for the continued use of these products in the treatment and prevention of various kinds of human diseases. It is evident from the available literature and scientific investigations that many plant species possess potential for use as a beneficial therapeutic remedy with multiple pharmacological actions such as analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, hypotensive, antimicrobial, antiulcer and anticonvulsant activities. The present review aims to provide relevant updated information about certain plant products, its composition, preparation and its fungicidal or fungistatic effects on different species of fungus as evaluated by studies done in the past. It introduces six medicinal plants that have been studied for their antifungal property and are found to be effective. The overall objective is to provide comprehensive information about the use of plant extract and essential oil for treating fungal infections and to explore the evidence supporting its effectiveness in treating fungal diseases without causing any serious adverse reactions.