Since the classic studies of Alexander Flemming, Penicillium strains have been known as a rich source of antimicrobial substances. Recent studies have identified novel metabolites produced by Penicillium sclerotiorum that have antibacterial, antifouling and pharmaceutical activities. Here, we report the isolation of a P. sclerotiorum (LM 5679) from Amazonian soil and carry out a culture-based study to determine whether it can produce any novel secondary metabolite(s) that are not thus-far reported for this genus. Using a submerged culture system, secondary metabolites were recovered by solvent extract followed by thin-layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance, and mass spectroscopy. One novel secondary metabolite was isolated from P. sclerotiorum (LM 5679); the phenolic compound 5-pentadecyl resorcinol widely known as an antifungal, that is produced by diverse plant species. This metabolite was not reported previously in any Penicillium species and was only found once before in fungi (that time, in a Fusarium). Here, we discuss the known activities of 5-pentadecyl resorcinol in the context of its mode-of-action as a hydrophobic (chaotropicity-mediated) stressor.
The Babassu nut (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) mesocarp is traditionally transformed to flour and consumed in some Brazilian areas for its attributed medicinal activity; however, its chemical properties remain to be elucidated. The present work aimed at analyzing the babassu mesocarp phytochemical constituents. Babassu nut samples were collected in the Brazilian Amazon, and their mesocarps were prepared and macerated in different solvents. The chromatographic fractionation of selected methanol extracts yielded three fractions, A-5, A-6, and B-1 that were characterized with high resolution methods. Fraction A-5 was characterized through GC/MS as a fatty acid mixture with predominance of eicosanoic (38.67 %) and 11-octadecanoic (21.71 %) acids. Fraction A-6 was characterized by the presence of three phytosteroids (32.02 %), sesquiterpene (nerolidol; 24.89 %), and diterpene (17-acetoxy-19-kauranal; 15.17 %). The 1H and 13C NMR spectra on fraction A-6 showed characteristic chemical shifts for its compounds. Compound B-1 was identified as ergostanol-3-benzoate based on NMR experiments in one and two dimensions. These results constitute the first identification of babassu mesocarp chemical constituents in 1 and 2-dimensions, paving the way to understanding its role in popular medicine.
This study sought to assess the panorama of the biodiesel issue in northern Brazil, referring to the physical chemical parameter of oxidative stability. Data were collected between the years 2020 and 2021 in the cities of Manaus and Porto Velho, through routine collections in the tanks of the distribution bases and analyzes carried out in the research and fuel testing laboratory (LAPEC) located at the Federal University of Amazonas (UFAM). The results showed the disparity of the oxidative stability of biodiesel with the current standard, placing it beyond the minimum specification, affecting its mixture with diesel S10, however diesel S500 still remained below the maximum limit determined by the National Petroleum Agency, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). Thus, investigations carried out on the action of diesel in its mixture with biodiesel, improving its oxidative stability, determined that the sulfur content represents a significant factor for this. Therefore, this work allowed prospecting the panorama of the quality of biodiesel in the northern region of the country, directing critical thinking towards the elucidation of the exposed bottlenecks.
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