Journal of the Chilean Chemical Society

ZINC OXIDE NANOPARTICLES AS ADDITIVE TO ENHANCE THE SOLID-STATE EMISSION OF A HETEROLEPTIC Cu(I) COMPLEX

Paulina Dreyse — 2025-10-06

The synthesis and characterization of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) is reported at 0°C and room temperature, with 1–octadecanol, zinc acetate and lithium hydroxide. The ZnO structural and electronic nature was confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy, powder X-Ray Diffraction and UV-Vis absorption. NPs exhibited diameters within 8 – 13 nm and ellipsoidal morphology.

The synergism between the ZnO NPs on the luminescent response of a Cu(I) complex in solid-state by stacking layers on a glass substrate was evaluated. Main results show that the complex increases emission response by 2.45 compared to the absence of the ZnO NPs layer. This behaviour could be interpreted by a possible energy transfer due to the interaction between the optical band gap of ZnO NPs semiconductor with the emitting Cu(I) complex. Despite the observed behavior appears as preliminary results (a systematic study of each coating layers must be clarified), the observed luminescent response on the coated glass was consistent with the large emissive response due to the interacting ZnO NPs with the heteroleptic Cu(I) complex. These results appear as outstanding to the future performance hybrid material using nanomaterials to enhance the luminescence of non-expensive metal for optical applications.

CHEMICAL AND FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF CHILOE’S GIANT GARLIC (Allium ampeloprasum L.)

Darlene Peterssen-Fonseca — 2025-10-06

The present work reports the chemical and functional profile of Chiloe’s giant garlic. Applying AOAC's official methods the proximal content of giant garlic was determined finding a moisture content of 62.34±0.35%, carbohydrates 20.64±0.01%, protein 2.80±0.10%, fat (crude) 0.09±0.00%, ash 0.74±0.02%, and fiber (crude) 13.04±0.01%. Three saccharides [sucrose (5.92±0.02 mg g^-1), glucose (0.11±0.00 mg g^-1) and fructose (0.46±0.01 mg g^-1)], four fatty acids [linoleic acid (57.67±0.00%), palmitic acid (23.46±0.00%), oleic acid (7.20±0.00%), and ⍺-linolenic acid (5.06±0.00%)], and three sulfoxide compounds [alliin (2.66±0.90 mg g^-1), methiin (9.61±0.33 mg g^-1) and isoalliin (5.02±1.24 mg g^-1)] were determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), gas chromatography (GC) and HPTLC/mass spectrometry (MS), respectively. Functional profile characterization showed an Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) value of 0.250±0.001 mmol TE per 100 g^-1 and a total (poly)phenols content (TPC) of 40.66±2.08 mg EAG 100 g^-1. (Poly)phenols profile analyzed by liquid chromatography (LC)/MS showed only the presence of caffeic acid (0.57±0.05 μg g^-1) and rutin (at traces level). Bioactive molecules with antioxidant (DPPH) and COX-2 inhibition activities were identified through HPTLC (bio)autography and MS analysis, finding the presence of tryptophan (antioxidant) and γ-glutamyl-S-allyl-L-cysteine (GSAC), γ-glutamyl-S-(trans-1-propenyl)-L- cysteine (GSPC), alliin and isoalliin with antioxidant and COX-2 inhibitory activity.

ENHANCED ELECTROACTIVE ARTIFICIAL MUSCLE USING CNFS/IONIC LIQUID IN A PVDF(HFP) POLYMER GEL: A LOW-COST ALTERNATIVE TO CNT-BASED ACTUATORS

Paola Johanna Salgado Figueroa — 2025-10-06

This study presents the development and characterization of two electroactive actuators, ACT-L1 and ACT-L2, based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and two different ionic liquids: EMIBF4 (L1) and EMIN[(CN)2] (L2). The actuators were designed in a three-layer configuration and characterized using SEM, AFM, FT-IR, IEC, and Young’s modulus analysis.
SEM and AFM images revealed that electrode layers with L2 exhibited spherical grains and increased roughness, while FT-IR confirmed modifications in the polymer’s crystalline structure due to CNFs and ionic liquid incorporation. The electrolyte films exhibited similar chemical and mechanical properties regardless of the ionic liquid used, except for roughness.
Performance evaluation demonstrated that both actuators showed stable and reproducible movement under a ±2.0 V voltage window. However, ACT-L1 achieved a maximum displacement of 400 µm, significantly outperforming ACT-L2 (17 µm), likely due to morphological differences in the electrolyte surface. The strain generated by ACT-L1 under ±2.0 V and 0.1 Hz was comparable to previously reported multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) actuators.
These results suggest that CNF-based actuators offer a promising and cost-effective alternative to CNT-based artificial muscles for applications in robotics, biomedical devices, and other fields.

A RAPID LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHIC METHOD WITH EVAPORATIVE LIGHT SCATTERING DETECTION FOR POSTMORTEM GLUCOSE MEASUREMENT IN VITREOUS HUMOR

Marta de Diego — 2025-10-06

Hyperglycemia is considered a modifiable risk factor that worsens the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction. Accurate glucose measurement is crucial for assessing hyperglycemia in patients who have died from infarction. Since postmortem blood glucose levels are unreliable due to metabolic changes, vitreous humor (VH) provides a reliable alternative for glucose analysis. In this study, a simple and rapid liquid chromatographic method with evaporative light scattering detection (LC-ELSD) was developed and validated for glucose quantification in VH, including a stability study. The method was developed using a Diol column with an isocratic mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile (23:77 v/v) at a flow rate of 1 mL/min, achieving a glucose retention time of 8.3 minutes. The column temperature was maintained at 40°C, while the ELSD evaporation temperature was set at 45°C. Validation was performed according to FDA guidelines. Calibration curves demonstrated linearity over a range of 15–300 mg/dL with R² > 0.99. Intraday and interday precision and accuracy were within ±15% of nominal values, except at the LLOQ, where they were within ±20%. The extraction recoveries ranged from 97.82 to 102.66%. The method exhibited high selectivity and specificity, with no interference from endogenous compounds or co-administered drugs. Stability studies confirmed that glucose remained stable in VH for up to 72 hours at -20°C, +4°C, and room temperature. The results demonstrate that the proposed method offers a reliable and efficient approach for glucose determination in VH suitable for forensic applications, eliminating the need for derivatization.

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS, ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES AND PHENOLIC ACIDS DETERMINATION OF DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera L.) LEAVES AND ROOTS EXTRACTS

Faiza Hamini — 2025-10-06

The date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) is a vital phytogenetic resource in arid regions. The roots and leaves are traditionally used for various purposes, including medicine. Despite extensive research on date palm fruits, the biochemical properties of its by-products remain underexplored. This study investigates the bioactive compounds in the leaves and roots of date palm cultivars. A reflux apparatus was used to extract total phenolic content (TPC), measured using the Singleton and Rossi method, while total flavonoid content (TFC) was determined using aluminum trichloride. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH assay, and HPLC-DAD analysis identified and characterized phenolic acids. The results revealed very high TPC levels in both leaves and roots supporting their traditional uses, reaching up to 825.63 ± 0,1 mg GAE/100 g dry weight in TAD leaves. TFC ranged from 18.81±0,15 to 117.85±0,2 mg EQ/100 g dry weight and correlated significantly with TPC. The extracts demonstrated significant antiradical efficacy compared to vitamin C, suggesting that all parts of the date palm are excellent sources of natural antioxidants. Twelve cell wall-bound and soluble phenolic acids were identified, several of which were previously unreported in this plant. Leaves predominantly contained ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, and sinapic acid, while roots were rich in p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Additionally, several hydroxybenzoic and hydroxycinnamic acids implicated in plant defense mechanisms were identified. These findings highlight the dual importance of conserving local plant biodiversity and exploring date palm phenolics for applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and organic agriculture.Haut du formulaireBas du formulaire

SYNTHESIS OF NOVEL QUINOLINE DERIVATIVES: A VERSATILE PLATFORM FOR ADVANCED ORGANIC AND MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY

Damián Castillo-Ríos — 2025-10-06

Quinolines are heterocyclic compounds with significant therapeutic potential, initially recognized for their role in treating malaria. Their structural versatility has led to the development of derivatives used in the treatment of various diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Found primarily in plants of the Rutaceae and Rubiaceae families, quinoline derivatives target key enzymes and receptors in the central nervous system. Recent advances focus on enhancing their pharmacokinetic properties to improve efficacy and selectivity in treating neurodegenerative disorders.

FIRST REPORT ON THE HPLC PROFILE, IN VITRO AND IN SILICO BIOACTIVITIES OF Arbutus unedo L. FRUIT ETHANOLIC EXTRACT FROM ALGERIA.

Nouioua Wafa — 2025-10-06

Arbutus unedo L., commonly known as the Strawberry tree, is gaining increasing interest due to its traditional, industrial, and medicinal applications. This study evaluates the in vitro and in silico biological activities of the ethanolic extract of A. unedo fruit, namely its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. HPLC analysis was carried out for the determination of the main components of the extract. Antioxidant activity was assessed via DPPH radical scavenging method, ABTS, metal chelation and β-carotene/linoleic acid bleaching assays while the antiinflammatory activity was done via the inhibition of albumin denaturation method. The in vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated by the disk diffusion method against four ATTC strains. Molecular docking was performed using Autodock Vina PyRx docking techniques against ten bacterial protein targets. HPLC analysis identified 11 compounds whose majority components are: chlorogenic acid (22.66µg/mL) and gallic acid (15.43µg/mL). The extract exhibited strong antioxidant potential, with IC₅₀values of 0.1 ± 0.007 mg/mL for DPPH, 0.021 ± 0.02 mg/mL for ABTS, and 0.011 ± 0.006 mg/mL for iron chelation. The β-carotene/linoleic acid test showed inhibition rates ranging from 35.43% ± 0.03 to 89.42% ± 0.05. Additionally, the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity revealed an inhibitory effect of 92.97% compared to aspirin (97.40%) at 20 µg/mL. Naringenin, ellagic acid and chlorogenic acid are the best antibacterial candidates with binding energies of less than -8 kcal/mol and more bacterial targets bound. Ferulic acid, methyl gallate, caffeic acid, synergistic acid, and coumaric acid are the safest and pharmacokinetically favorable, while gallic acid, naringenin, and chlorogenic acid have limitations as toxicity or poor absorption. These findings support the traditional medicinal use of A. unedo and highlight its potential as a natural bioactive source.