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Freeform tailoring optics are core components in advanced illumination and laser technologies. In this work, we propose an efficient and streamlined optics design method to face the challenges in its implementation. We integrate ray-mapping least squares calculations with freeform surface optimization tools embedded in commercial optical design software. As a result, the complexity of freeform illumination and laser beam shaping design is significantly reduced by only adapting a built-in merit function. We demonstrate the feasibility of our approach through three design examples that provide tailored irradiance distributions. Furthermore, the results highlight the efficiency, simplicity and versatility of our approach that can be readily applied to multiple configurations.

This work reports on the development of an efficient and ecofriendly ultrasound assisted method for the high yield synthesis (70.0–94.0%) of eighteen oxyalkylated derivatives of 2′,4′-dihydroxychalcone. Synthesized compounds were subjected to in vitro biological assays against HT-29 (colorectal), MCF-7 (breast), and PC-3 (prostate) human tumor cell lines, these cell lines are among the ten most aggressive malignancies diagnosed in the world. Cytotoxicity evaluations showed that four of the synthesized compounds exhibited moderate to very high toxic activity against MCF-7 (IC50 = 8.4–34.3 μM) and PC-3 (IC50 = 9.3–29.4 μM) – comparable to 5-fluorouracil (IC50 16.4–22.3 μM). The same compounds only showed moderate activity against HT-29 (IC50 15.3–36.3 μM), closer to daunorubicin (IC50 15.1 μM). Next, although selectivity index (SI) of compounds was weak, compound 18 exhibited a remarkable and selective cytotoxic activity (5.8–10.57) against cancer cells. Outside of these, most compounds significantly reduced cell survival, increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) and caspase activity, and decreased mitochondrial membrane permeability. In this sense, a portion of anti-proliferative activity is due to apoptosis. Notwithstanding, due to its remarkable response, chalcone 18 may be a potential alternative as a chemotherapeutic anti-carcinogen.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Psoralea glandulosa L. (Fabaceae) is a medicinal resinous shrub used in Chilean folk medicine as antiseptic in treatment of infections and skin diseases caused by bacteria and fungus. Aim of the study To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of the resin and the active components from P. glandulosa against clinical yeast isolates. Materials and methods Active compounds were obtained of the resinous exudate from aerial parts of P. glandulosa . Eight species of yeast were exposed to the resin and two major compounds. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC 80 ) was determined according to the standard broth microdilution method. Results Bakuchiol and 3-hydroxy-bakuchiol demonstrated potent activity with the MIC 80 ranging from 4 to >16 and 0.125 to 16 μg/mL, respectively. The resin had some degree of antifungal activity. Conclusions The overall results provided important information for the potential application of the 3-hydroxy-bakuchiol from P. glandulosa in the therapy of serious infection and skin diseases caused by clinical yeast.