Chemical Sciences

The need for alternative strategies to obtain transgenic cotton via apical shoot was necessitated due to the recalcitrance of cotton regeneration from somatic embryogenesis, this has greatly slowed down the development of transgenic cottons. To this effect, an optimized regeneration system from apical shoot was developed for three varieties of cotton. Ninety-five percent seed surface sterility was observed in seed germination using a combination of hydrogen perioxide and Clorox as sterilizing medium. Highest shoot elongation rate was achieved on MS supplemented with 2.5 mg/L BAP + 0.1% (w/v) AC, rapid shoot growth occurred with kinetin supplemented media. Rooting efficiency of the three improved cultivars of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum), Samcot 9,11 and 13 were optimized using the optimum medium for rooting of difficult-to-root in vitro regenerated shoots of cotton which consist of MS basal salts and modified MS vitamins, supplemented with 3% sucrose, 0.2 mg/L IBA, without activated charcoal. In the end, an improved regeneration protocol with rooting efficiency up to 47% and regeneration rate up to 87% by combining rooting induction, indole acetic acid (IAA) shock and graft technique was developed.

A mannose-binding lectin was isolated from leaves of the Chinese daffodil Narcissus tazetta (family Amaryllidaceae) using a procedure that comprised extraction with aqueous buffer, ammonium sulfate precipitation, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE-cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel Blue gel and mannose-agarose, and FPLC-gel filtration on Superose 12. The lectin was adsorbed on mannose-agarose and unadsorbed on DEAE-cellulose and Affi-gel Blue gel. It was an unglycosylated homodimer with a molecular mass of 26 kDa. Analysis of the N-terminal sequence of the N. tazetta lectin revealed considerable homology to lectins from the daffodil Narcissus pseudonarcissus, the snowdrop Galanthus nivalis (family Amaryllidaceae), the tulip Tulipa, and Kidachi aloe Aloe arborescens (family Liliaceae), and the orchid lectins (family Orchidaceae). The most striking likeness exists among the Amaryllidaceae lectins. The N. tazetta lectin exhibits hemagglutinating activity toward rabbit eryt...

Cotton (Gossypium spp) is an important world crop. Despite the efforts made through traditional breeding methods, cotton breeders still faced with many problems, i.e., narrow genetic base, inability to use alien genes and difficulty in breaking gene linkages. Breeders attempted genetic transformations analyses tools to overcome these problems with very little success, hence the need for transgenic intervention. In this report, an optimized cotton regeneration system from shoot apices used to transform cotton wit insecticidal lectin gene from Allium sativum. Cotton regeneration system was observed to be genotype independent with a regeneration rate of 85% obtained within 16 weeks. The age of explants and the size of isolated tips have a significant effect on shoot tip elongation. The elongation rates of the three varieties were not significantly different from each other (p=0.157 3). It was observed that Samcot 9 had the highest rooting efficiency (47%), and Samcot 13 had the least rooting efficiency (36%). Though the difference in rooting efficiency was not significant in the three varieties (P=0.08). Transgenic cotton plants were obtained via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using shoot apices as explants. Transformation rate was 1.3% using LBA 4404 with β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene. The mean number of GUS positive apices was 67% higher when acetosyringone was included in the medium. Agrobacterium concentration and co-cultivation time have a significant effect on transient GUS expression. The highest GUS positive number was observed at OD 600 0.6 and co-cultivation for 3 days. Putative transgenic plants were confirmed by leaf GUS assay, kanamycin leaf test and molecular analysis of putative young leaves.

Cotton is the most important textile plant in the world and is one of the most important crops for the production of oilseed. Because of its worldwide economic importance, new cultivars are constantly being released in the world. Although great improvements have been achieved through traditional breeding methods, cotton breeders are facing many problems, i.e., narrow genetic base, inability to use alien genes and difficulty in breaking gene linkages. Genetic transformations analyses are main tools used by breeders to overcome these problems. The aim of the study reported in this paper is to determine the effect of age of explant on regeneration response of apical shoot for tissue culture and gene transfer systems of cotton. This enabled us evaluate it effects on cotton transformation. The age of explants was observed to have significant effect on shoot tip elongation. The elongation rates of the three varieties studied were not significantly different from each other (p = 0.1573) an...

Fatty acids were extracted from Thevetia peruviana and Hura crepitans seed oils. The quantitative determination of fatty acid composition was carried out for each sample by methylation and application of gas chromatograph (GC-FID). The predominant fatty acids in the T. peruviana and H. crepitans are Palmitic acid (19.10% and 21.67%), Stearic acid (7.31% and 9.66%), Oleic acid (53.40% and 26.91%) and Linoleic acid (19.03% and 36.61%) respectively. In the two oils, the ratios of unsaturated fatty acid were very high about 73% for T. peruviana and 64% for H. crepitans which is an indication that both would be very good sources of oleochemicals for polymer and other industries.

The minimum inhibitory concentration of the synthesized compound 2-(2-Nitrovinyl) Furan was determined due to its potency towards some pathogens. The compound inhibited all the fungal isolates used in the research at concentrations of 5×10-1 mg/ml and 5×10-2 mg/ml respectively. It was also active towards Rhizoctonia solani and Drechslera oryzae at concentration of 5×10-3 mg/ml but only D. oryzae at concentration of 5×10-2 mg/ml. The activity of the compound diminished with decrease in concentration. The inhibition zones for 2-(2-Nitrovinyl) Furan are 15 mm (Bacillus cereus), 17.5 mm (Shigella dysenteriae), 19 mm (Bacillus subtilis), 19 mm (Pseudomonas syringae), 19 mm (Pseudomonas fluorescens), 20 mm (Staphylococus epidemidis), 20 mm (Xanthomonas manihoti), 19 mm (Candida albican) and 20 mm (Geotrichum albidus) respectively. The results clearly indicated that among the concentrations (5×10-1 to 5×10-6 mg/ml) used for the study, the MIC of 2- (2-Nitrovinyl) Furan at 5×10-1 mg/ml and 5×10-2 mg/ml were the most effective concentrations and as well the minimum inhibitory concentrations. 2- (2-Nitrovinyl) Furan is a very good antimicrobial agent that would be very useful in medical and agrochemical industries.

ABSTRACT: The effect of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan on the
redox status of male rat liver and kidney was evaluated.
Twenty male rats were randomized into four
groups; groupAreceived olive oil and groups B, C, and
D rats received 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight of
2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan intraperitoneally, daily at 24 h interval,
respectively, for 14 days. 2-(2-Nitrovinyl)furan
significantly reduced (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase,
alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase activities in
male rat liver and kidney with a corresponding
increase in serum. The activities of superoxide dismutase,
catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase,
and levels of reduced glutathione/glutathione
disulfide (GSSG) ratio in the liver and kidney of
2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats decreased significantly
(P < 0.05). In contrast, GSSG, protein
carbonyl, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides,
malondialdehyde, and fragmented DNA (%) in
2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats increased significantly
(P<0.05). Overall, data from this study revealed
that 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan exhibited its toxic effect by
suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems.
C 
2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol.
00:1–9, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.
com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21674

Thevetia peruviana (TP) and Hura crepitans (HC) seed oils with 73 and 65% unsaturation, respectively as analyzed by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) chromatogram were used for the synthesis of copper metal salt. The sodium carboxylate (soluble soap) prepared from the oils by saponifying with sodium hydroxide were reacted with solution of copper salt to produce the metal soaps. The yield was encouraging ranging from 60 to 65%. The progress of the reaction was monitored and confirmed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The difference in absorption frequencies of the FTIR spectra of the oils and their corresponding soaps indicates their production. Confirming it further, the appearance of the characteristic peaks of 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR of the metallic soaps affirm the synthesis of these compounds. The seeds are thus good sources of raw materials (oleochemicals) for the production of valuable industrial and domestic products.

Methodology: Crude extract of Myristica fragrans seed was obtained using organic solvent (distilled water, ethyl acetate and ethanol) with solvent extraction technique and preliminary phytoconstituents was determined. The essential oil was extracted by hydrodistillation technique and isolated with petroleum ether. Metabolites present in the essential oil were quantified using Gas Chromatography Flame Ionization Detection (GCFID). Antifungal activity of Myristica fragrans oil and crude extract were investigated using agar well diffusion method. Folin-Ciocalteu and 2,2, diphenyl picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assays were employed to determine total phenolic content and antioxidant activity respectively. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening of Myristica fragrans seed revealed the existence of alkaloid, phenols, flavonoids, terpenes, saponins, glycosides, tannins, steroids and phenolic compounds. The percentage yield of Myristica fragrans oil extracted was 3.25%. Thirty-six metabolites were quantified in Myristica fragrans essential oil using GCFID among which are sabinene (26.58%), myristicin (13.55%), alpha-pinene (11.84%), terpinene-4-ol (9.35%), limonene (5.74%), safrole (5.40%), alpha-terpineol (4.51%), alpha-myrcena (3.82%), gama- terpinene (3.71%), alpha-terpinolene (3.19%), pinene-2-ol (1.84%), elimicin (1.27%) and isoeugenol (1.13%) respectively. Highest scavenging and antifungal activities were observed in ethyl acetate extract of Myristica fragrans compared to Beta-carotene and antifungal drug (Fluconazole) used as control at varying concentrations.  Conclusion: Presence of thirty-six different phytoconstituents (metabolites) in Myristica fragrans essential oil poses the potential of providing useful drugs for treating food-borne infection              and reduction of oxidative stress in the body other than its general uses as spices and flavoring agent.

Extraction of Syzygium aromaticum powder using organic solvent (methanol) revealed the existence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, aldehydes, ketones, alkaloids, glycoside, steroids, carbohydrates and phenolic compounds. A total of forty-six phenolic compounds were identified and quantified in Syzygium aromaticum extract using GCFID among which are gallic acid (847.36), syringic acid (259.04), protocatechuic acid (252.29), caffeic acid (151.01), eugenin (121.30), eugenitin (101.29), P-hydroxybenzoic acid (85.04), salicyclic acid (31.84), kaempferol (30.75), quercetin (27.68), rhamnetin (21.61), phenylacetic acid (18.09), myricetin (16.67) and isohamnetin (5.07) being of significant values. The percentage yield of Syzygium aromaticum oil extracted by hydrodistillation technique and isolated with Dichloromethane was 21.20%. The major phytoconstituents present are eugenol (75.10%), eugenyl acetate (13.57%), β-caryophyllene (5.27%), limonene (1.45%) and α-terpinolene (1.12%) respectively. The antimicrobial activity (minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration) of Syzygium aromaticum oil was investigated against six microorganisms namely Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium spp using agar well diffusion and nutrient broth dilution techniques. Syzygium aromaticum oil showed excellent antimicrobial activity compared to ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole used as control by inhibiting both bacteria and fungi with wide zones of inhibition.

The effect of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan on the redox status of male rat liver and kidney was evaluated. Twenty male rats were randomized into four groups; group A received olive oil and groups B, C, and D rats received 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan intraperitoneally, daily at 24 h interval , respectively, for 14 days. 2-(2-Nitrovinyl)furan significantly reduced (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase activities in male rat liver and kidney with a corresponding increase in serum. The activities of superoxide dismu-tase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione re-ductase, and levels of reduced glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio in the liver and kidney of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, GSSG, protein carbonyl, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, and fragmented DNA (%) in 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats increased significantly (P < 0.05). Overall, data from this study revealed that 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan exhibited its toxic effect by suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems.

The minimum inhibitory concentration of the synthesized compound 2-(2-Nitrovinyl) Furan was determined due to its potency towards some pathogens. The compound inhibited all the fungal isolates used in the research at concentrations of 5×10-1 mg/ml and 5×10-2 mg/ml respectively. It was also active towards Rhizoctonia solani and Drechslera oryzae at concentration of 5×10-3 mg/ml but only D. oryzae at concentration of 5×10-2 mg/ml. The activity of the compound diminished with decrease in concentration. The inhibition zones for 2-(2-Nitrovinyl) Furan are 15 mm (Bacillus cereus), 17.5 mm (Shigella dysenteriae), 19 mm (Bacillus subtilis), 19 mm (Pseudomonas syringae), 19 mm (Pseudomonas fluorescens), 20 mm (Staphylococus epidemidis), 20 mm (Xanthomonas manihoti), 19 mm (Candida albican) and 20 mm (Geotrichum albidus) respectively. The results clearly indicated that among the concentrations (5×10-1 to 5×10-6 mg/ml) used for the study, the MIC of 2-(2-Nitrovinyl) Furan at 5×10-1 mg/ml and 5×10-2 mg/ml were the most effective concentrations and as well the minimum inhibitory concentrations. 2-(2-Nitrovinyl) Furan is a very good antimicrobial agent that would be very useful in medical and agrochemical industries.

A branch of Teak tree was cut, dried and grounded with mortar and pestle before using blender. The powder was extracted with four different solvents namely n-hexane, benzene, chloroform and distilled water; the extracts were concentrated using rotary evaporator. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to identify various constituents in the samples. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was the major constituent common to Chloroform (35.50 %) and benzene (26.78 %) while n-hexadecanoic acid was the major constituent extracted by n-hexane (21.76 %) and water (24.16 %). Other phthalic acid derivatives extracted by both chloroform and benzene are Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl)ester and di(oct-3-yl)ester. All the extracts were screened for termites repellence; all of them except water extract repelled termites in various degrees.

A branch of Teak tree was cut, dried and grounded with mortar and pestle before using blender. The powder was extracted with four different solvents namely n-hexane, benzene, chloroform and distilled water; the extracts were concentrated using rotary evaporator. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was used to identify various constituents in the samples. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate was the major constituent common to Chloroform (35.50 %) and benzene (26.78 %) while n-hexadecanoic acid was the major constituent extracted by n-hexane (21.76 %) and water (24.16 %). Other phthalic acid derivatives extracted by both chloroform and benzene are Phthalic acid, di(2-propylpentyl)ester and di(oct-3-yl)ester. All the extracts were screened for termites repellence; all of them except water extract repelled termites in various degrees.

Four underutilized plant seed oils Thevetia peruviana (TP), Hura crepitans (HC), Sesamum indica (SI) and Mangifera indica (MI) were converted to fatty acid amides by reacting concentrated ammonia with acid chloride. The conversion was monitored and confirmed with sodium fusion test, fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance). The result of the antifungal test against Fusarium solani, Sclerotium rolfsii, Pyricularia oryzae and Cyrtomium falcatum showed that all amides are potential antifungal agents. In contrary; the results obtained for antibacterial test showed little or no inhibition of these bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Xanthomonas spp., Pseudomonas syringae and Bacillus subtilis) at 15 mg/mL.

The current research examined the use of sodium tert butoxide as a catalyst for the synthesis of 2-(2-nitrovinyl) furan. The compound was synthesized via the condensation of furfural with nitromethane using sodium tert-butoxide as catalyst; unlike the ubiquitous use of sodium hydroxide, ethanol and isobutylamine as catalysts in which longer reaction time (five hours), reflux (heat) and strong agitation were required before getting to completion. In contrast with the use of the alkoxide as catalyst, the reaction went to completion with stirring for fifteen minutes. The product crystallized exclusively as the trans-isomer when the reaction was stopped by neutralizing the medium (base) with dilute hydrochloric acid. The compound was characterized using 1 H and 13 C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and melting point

The effect of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan on the redox status of male rat liver and kidney was evaluated. Twenty male rats were randomized into four groups; group A received olive oil and groups B, C, and D rats received 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg bodyweight of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan intraperitoneally, daily at 24 h interval, respectively, for 14 days. 2-(2-Nitrovinyl)furan significantly reduced (P < 0.05) alkaline phosphatase, alanine, and aspartate aminotransferase activities in male rat liver and kidney with a corresponding increase in serum. The activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and levels of reduced glutathione/glutathione disulfide (GSSG) ratio in the liver and kidney of 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In contrast, GSSG, protein carbonyl, conjugated dienes, lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, and fragmented DNA (%) in 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan-treated rats increased significantly (P < 0.05). Overall, data from this study revealed that 2-(2-nitrovinyl)furan exhibited its toxic effect by suppressing or depleting the antioxidant systems. C 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Biochem. Mol. Toxicol. 00:1-9, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com.