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The growing demand for advanced nanomaterials (NMs) has led to the development of safer, cost-effective, and bio-compliant synthesis methods for the nanoparticles (NPs) in compliance with stringent quality and environmental standards, particularly in the field of healthcare section. Conventional NPs preparation methods often fall short in terms of safety and environmental concerns, hindering their compatibility with modern biomedicine and biotechnology. In this context, ionic liquids (ILs) can play a pivotal role in the fabrication of NPs with precise morphologies and bioapplicability. The incorporation of ILs offers more efficient and environmentally friendly routes for the synthesis of NPs with deliberate control over their fundamental properties (e.g., in terms of surface morphology, functionalities, dispersibility, and size distribution). The use of ILs in bioactive NPs is often in line with the principles of green chemistry to help establish a fundamental strategy for biological applications. Here, a comprehensive review is offered to describe the perspectives of ILs-NPs (bio)systems with special emphasis on biotechnology and biomedicine. The design of useful and applicable ILs-NPs (bio)systems is proposed under the umbrella concept of green principles. Furthermore, the six principles of green ILs-NPs biosystems are outlined to meet the requirements of green chemistry. Finally, our discussions are extended to cover research gaps and future directions of ILs-NPs within the framework of sustainable development. This review highlights the promising role of ILs in advancing green chemistry practices with regard to the synthesis and application of NPs for the betterment of biotechnology and biomedicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Here we describe ionic liquids (ILs) with an octyloxymethyl substituent in the cation designed and prepared using cheap and reactive cyclic tertiary amine: 1-methylpyrrolidine and 4-methylmorpholine. The synthesis rout was described, especially Menschutkin reaction. The physicochemical characteristics of the obtained pyrrolidinium and morpholinium chlorides were examined. The effect of the type of the amine present in the cation on the physicochemical properties of ionic liquids was determined. Next, the effect of these molecules on the stability of a quartz suspension was investigated. We found that an increase in the concentration of ILs in the suspension resulted in increased Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) values by up to 64.7 and 65.9 for pyrrolidinium and morpholinium salts, respectively. The observed strong coagulation was a result of changes in the mineral surface properties due to the adsorption of the molecules. The ionic liquids molecules present at the quartz surface led to a more hydrophobic surface and changed the zeta potential value from −58.3 to −1.0 and 0.3 mV for pyrrolidinium chloride and morpholinium chloride, respectively. Our data show that these ionic liquid molecules could be used as effective, eco-friendly destabilising agents in the mineral industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surface tension and contact angle of a homologues series of chiral 3-alkyl-1-[(1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids (ILs), [C n -im-CH 2 OMen][NTf 2 ], n = 1–10 were investigated. Despite the complex structure, the theoretical surface tensions calculated based on a modified parachor concept agree well with experimental values. The contact angle of the investigated ILs was measured on poly(tetrafluoroethylene), polypropylene, optical quality glass, stainless and acid resistant steel, and aluminum alloy. The results obtained show that the presence of (1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthol in imidazolium cation affects the impact of the length of the alkyl chain on the surface activity of these substances. It was also found that bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imides with the natural chiral substituent (1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthol in imidazolium cation reveal very good wetting abilities on all surfaces, or they can seep into solid materials as in poly(tetrafluoroethylene) film. The good wettability of [C n -im-CH 2 OMen][NTf 2 ] ILs on non-polar surface correlates very well with their ability to drain the surface charge of similar material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has been conducted on the biotic activity of eight chiral ionic liquids (CILs) with a natural component in the form of (-)-menthol with the configuration (1R,2S,5R) against Basidiomycetes and Fungi imperfecti. Optically active imidazolium salts were tested as follows: several asymmetric 3-alkyl-1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)- menthoxymethyl]imidazolium chlorides with various alkyl substituents (from methyl to dodecyl) and one symmetric 1,3-bis[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium chloride containing two (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthol substituents. Mycological tests were carried out with brown-rot and white-rot fungi, as well as with filamentous fungi, i.e. mold fungi and blue stain fungi. The new, optically active compounds demonstrated diverse effectiveness of fungicidal activity, which was dependent on the chemical structure of the functional groups. The natural (-)-menthol component, introduced as a substituent in ionic liquids, turned out to be an optically active compound with activity against wood-destroying fungi. (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthol was especially active against the fungi tested. The fungicidal value of imidazolium chloride with two (-)-menthol substituents against Coniophora puteana ranged from 1.8 to 2.9 kg m-3. The adsorption processes on Scots pine wood and resistance to water leaching were examined. The sorption properties of symmetric salts with two optical active (-)-menthol substituents fitted very well with the Freundlich adsorption model. Attenuated total reflection-infrared (ATR-IR) spectra confirmed that methylene groups of the aliphatic substituent, the ring of the heterocyclic imidazole, as well as the ether bridge of the natural (-)-menthol component were fixed in the structure of the impregnated pine wood (Pinus sylvestris L.). The positive results encourage further investigation of the potential application of novel functional CILs (Figure 1) for wood protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the specific cooperative effect of a semisynthetic glycopeptide antibiotic teicoplanin and chiral ionic liquids containing the (1 R,2 S,5 R)-(-)-menthol moiety on the chiral recognition of enantiomers of mandelic acid, vanilmandelic acid, and phenyllactic acid. Experiments were performed chromatographically on an Astec Chirobiotic T chiral stationary phase applying the mobile phase with the addition of the chiral ionic liquids. The stereoselective binding of enantiomers to teicoplanin in presence of new chiral ionic liquids were evaluated applying thermodynamic measurements and the docking simulations. Both the experimental and theoretical methods revealed that the chiral recognition of enantiomers in the presence of new chiral ionic liquids was enthalpy driven. The changes of the teicoplanin conformation occurring upon binding of the chiral ionic liquids are responsible for the differences in the standard changes in Gibbs energy (Δ G0) values obtained for complexes formed by the R and S enantiomers and teicoplanin. Docking simulations revealed the steric adjustment between the chiral ionic liquids cyclohexane ring (chair conformation) and the β- d-glucosamine ring of teicoplanin and additionally hydrophobic interactions between the decanoic aliphatic chain of teicoplanin and the alkyl group of the tested salts. The obtained terpene derivatives can be considered as 'structural task-specific ionic liquids' responsible for enhancing the chiral resolution in synergistic systems with two chiral selectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanism of toxicity of chiral ionic liquids with (1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthol [C n -Am-Men][Cl] (n = 10, 11 or 12) in the fungus Candida albicans is reported here. Ionic liquids were more toxic towards Candida strain lacking all identified multidrug resistance efflux pumps. Moreover, the compounds tested inhibited C. albicans filamentation at the concentration at which detached fungal cells also adhered to the plastic surface. Our results showed the high activity of all the tested chiral ionic liquids in the permeabilization of C. albicans ’ membranes and in the digestion and interruption of the cell wall. The investigated ionic liquids thus have potential as disinfectants because besides their antifungal and antiadhesive action these compounds do not cause hemolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several symmetrical imidazolium salts were obtained from the natural chiral pool of (1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthol. First 1,3-bis[(1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium chloride, which is a prototype for ionic liquids, was prepared with the use of two different methods. Furthermore, metathesis of this symmetrical imidazolium chloride with various salts was carried out. The ion exchange reaction goes smoothly, with the satisfactory yield of 97.5 to 99.5%. Obtained 1,3-bis[(1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium salts are stable in the air, in contact with water and in commonly used organic solvents. Moreover they are non-volatile and non-flammable. Discussed symmetrical salts belong to chiral ionic liquids (CILs) where the chirality resided in the cation and is associated with the presence of optically active (1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(−)-menthol. The diastereotopic protons in the 1 H NMR were thoroughly described. Moreover, the 1 H NMR and 13 C NMR spectra indicated notable differences in the chemical shifts depending on the anion used. Comparing the differences between values of the chemical shifts, the anions were ordered according to their increasing shielding capacities. The changing of the electron density surrounding the imidazolium ring was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Three ionic liquids [ C 2 -im-C 1 OC n ][NTf 2 ] (n = 6, 8, 10) were physiochemically tested. • Their sound velocities were measured in wide T -P range. • These data were modelled by spinodal method and CP-PC-SAFT EoS. In this study reports a comprehensive physicochemical experimental characterization of a homologous series of ionic liquids containing 3-ethyl-1-alkoxymethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide with linear n -alkyl chains in an alkoxymethyl substituent from the hexyl up to the decyl group. An influence of the n -alkyl chain length on the thermophysical properties was investigated in the temperature and pressure ranges 293.75 – 373.25 K and 1.019 – 1962 bar. Accuracies of the Critical Point-Based Perturbed-Chain Statistical Associating Fluid Theory (CP-PC-SAFT) and the spinodal method in modelling these data were compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • An effective, straightforward and high-quality preparation protocol for RTILs. • Cost-based economic assessment of the synthesis routes is presented. • The RTILs possess selected antimicrobial abilities. • The destabilizing effect of RTILs on bacteria membrane was improved. • RTIL with dodecyloxymethyl moiety shows higher antibacterial properties than pattern. Developing of novel, sustainable, and cost-effective antimicrobial substances is a global challenge. Our study on new bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide salts has led to environmentally benign pathways to process room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) with alkoxymethyl substituent. The process (containing a small number of steps), carried out under mild conditions with easily available substrates, produced a high yield (>97%) and excellent purity of the final product (>0.99969). The prepared salts are insoluble in water but soluble in most organic solvents (except DMF, diethyl ether and hexane). Their solubilities do not depend on the number of carbon atoms in the hydrophobic chain or on the temperature (in the range of 25–50 °C). The antimicrobial properties of synthesised RTILs are strongly correlated with the length of the alkyl chain, and interestingly, their strength is dependent on the microbial strain. The salt with the longest alkyl chain of the alkoxymethyl group—1-dodecyloxymethyl-3-ethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide—shows strong and selective antibacterial properties particularly against Staphylococcus spp., comparable or higher to that of benzalkonium chloride. Moreover, compound with a dodecyloxymethyl moiety does not cause haemolysis and destabilises the artificial Gram-positive bacteria membrane. Due to its antiadhesive effect, the investigated imidazolium ionic liquid with dodecyloxymethyl functional group due to its antiadhesive effect has potential as a disinfectant and a short-term eradicator of adherent cells or biofilm against highly increasing antibiotic resistance toward Staphylococcus spp. Moreover, the salt with a dodecyloxymethyl moiety has the best applicative potential from an economic point of view among all the investigated RTILs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New symmetrical imidazolium chloride from a natural chiral pool of (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthol can be efficiently prepared by two different methods. The first method involves a specific type of Menschutkin reaction using novel 1-(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethylimidazole as amine, chloromethyl (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthyl ether as quaternization agent, and hexane as solvent. In the second method, imidazole, chloromethyl (1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthyl ether, and DMF are used. To understand this specific type of the reaction, quantum chemical calculations at the DFT level have been used. The preparation and characterization of 1,3-bis[(1R,2S,5R)-(-)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium chloride are reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixtures of nematic liquid crystals (LCs) with chiral ionic liquids (CILs) may find application as active materials for electrically driven broadband mirrors. Five nematic liquid crystal hosts were mixed with twenty three ionic liquids, including chiral ones, and studied in terms of their miscibility within the nematic phase. Phase diagrams of the mixtures with CILs which exhibited twisted nematic phase were determined. Miscibility, at levels between 2 and 5 wt%, was found in six mixtures with cyanobiphenyl-based liquid crystal host—E7. On the other hand, the highest changes in the isotropization temperature was found in the mixtures with isothiocyanate-based liquid crystal host—1825. Occurrence of chemical reactions was found. A novel chiral binaphtyl-based organic salt [N11116][BNDP] was synthesized and, in reaction to the 1825 host, resulted in high helical twisting power product(s). Selectivity of the reaction with the isothiocyanate-based liquid crystal was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this study the significant effect of the cationic structures of ionic liquids on their antimicrobial efficacy has been shown. An analysis has been made for the structure of ammonium, alkylimidazolium, alkoxymethylimidazolium, and pyridinium chiral ionic liquids. The cationic structures of the discussed chiral ionic liquids and commonly used benzalkonium chloride were ranked in terms of antimicrobial activity. The broadest and the strongest spectrum of activities against microbes represent ammonium chlorides. Alkylimidazolium and alkoxymethylimidazolium chlorides exhibit activities also higher than the ones shown by benzalkonium chloride. These compounds can be successfully applied in antisepsis and disinfection. Contained in the structures of discussed chlorides chiral pool of (1R,2S,5R)-(−)-menthol has significant impact on strengthening the biological activity of CILs. Several chlorides with (±)-menthol derivative have been synthesized and their biological activity has been estimated. The racemic counterparts are much less effective than the optically active chlorides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this study, the significant effect of the cationic structures of chiral ionic liquids on their physical properties has been shown. An analysis has been made for the structure of ammonium, alkylimidazolium, alkoxymethylimidazolium, and pyridinium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides. Comparison of physical properties of different liquid salts was made for the density, viscosity, thermal degradation, and glass transition temperature.The lowest density and viscosity are characteristic of the 1-[(1R,2S,5R)-(–)-menthoxymethyl]-3-alkylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides and the trialkyl[(1R,2S,5R)-(–)-menthoxymethyl]ammonium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides. Moreover, the largest liquid range characterized the 3-alkoxymethyl-1-(1R,2S,5R)-(–)-menthoxymethylmidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A new group of imidazolium salt-based chiral ionic liquids have been prepared and characterized. The chiral ionic liquids obtained are stable in air, in contact with water and popular organic solvents. Their physicochemical properties, single-crystal X-ray structures, antimicrobial activities, and antielectrostatic effects have been determined. The chiral ionic liquids synthesized have proven to represent not only potential new solvents in asymmetric synthesis but also effective disinfectants with antielectrostatic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The ruthenium and palladium catalysed cycloisomerisation of 1,6-dienes in [bdmim][PF6], a room temperature ionic liquid (RTIL), is presented. The catalytic system comprising of [RuCl2(COD)] n in the presence of i PrOH was found to be particularly efficient and selective for the cycloisomerisation of the N,N-diallyltosylamide. This system can be reused several times without loss of performances and displays catalytic activity after a long storage period in the IL. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A novel class of chiral pyridinium salts in which the chirality resides in the cation have been prepared and characterized. The physicochemical and anti-microbial properties have been determined. The group of prepared salts contained chiral ionic liquids and decomposable chiral pyridinium chlorides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Infections with Candida spp. are commonly found in long-time denture wearers, and when under immunosuppression can lead to stomatitis. Imidazolium ionic liquids with an alkyl or alkyloxymethyl chain and a natural (1R,2S,5R)-(−)-menthol substituent possess high antifungal and antiadhesive properties towards C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. krusei. We tested three compounds and found they disturbed fungal plasma membranes, with no significant hemolytic properties. In the smallest hemolytic concentrations, all compounds inhibited C. albicans biofilm formation on acrylic, and partially on porcelain and alloy dentures. Biofilm eradication may result from hyphae inhibition (for alkyl derivatives) or cell wall lysis and reduction of adhesins level (for alkyloxymethyl derivative). Thus, we propose the compounds presented herein as potential anti-fungal denture cleaners or denture fixatives, especially due to their low toxicity towards mammalian erythrocytes after short-term exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monoterpenes, comprising hydrocarbons, are the largest class of plant secondary metabolites and are commonly found in essential oils. Monoterpenes and their derivatives are key ingredients in the design and production of new biologically active compounds. This review focuses on selected aliphatic, monocyclic, and bicyclic monoterpenes like geraniol, thymol, myrtenal, pinene, camphor, borneol, and their modified structures. The compounds in question play a pivotal role in biological and medical applications. The review also discusses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticonvulsant, analgesic, antiviral, anticancer, antituberculosis, and antioxidant biological activities exhibited by monoterpenes and their derivatives. Particular attention is paid to the link between biological activity and the effect of structural modification of monoterpenes and monoterpenoids, as well as the introduction of various functionalized moieties into the molecules in question. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids (ILs) are chemical compounds composed of ions with melting points below 100 °C exhibiting a design feature. ILs are commonly used as the so-called green solvents, reagents or highly efficient catalysts in varied chemical processes. The huge application potential of ionic liquids (IL) justifies the growing interest in these compounds. In the last decade, increasing attention has been devoted to the development of new methods in the synthesis of stable chiral ionic liquids (CILs) and their application in various separation techniques. The beginnings of the successful use of CILs to separate enantiomers date back to the 1990 s. Most chiral ILs are based on chiral cations or chiral anions. There is also a limited number of CILs possessing both a chiral cation and a chiral anion. Due to the high molecular diversity of both ions, of which at least one has a chiral center, we have the possibility to design a large variety of optically active structures, thus expanding the range of CIL applications. Research utilizing chiral ionic liquids only recently has become more popular. However, it is the area that still has great potential for future development. This review aimed to describe the diversity of structures, properties and examples of applications of chiral ionic liquids as new chiral solid materials and chiral components of the anisotropic environment, providing chiral recognition of enantiomeric analytes, which is useful in liquid chromatography, countercurrent chromatography and other various CIL-based extraction techniques including aqueous biphasic (ABS) extraction systems, solid–liquid two-phase systems, liquid–liquid extraction systems with hydrophilic CILs, liquid–liquid extraction systems with hydrophobic CILs, solid-phase extraction and induced-precipitation techniques developed in the recent years. The growing demand for pure enantiomers in the pharmaceutical and food industries sparks further development in the field of extraction and separation systems modified with CILs highlighting them as affordable and environmentally friendly both chiral selectors and solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports synthesis of a new ionic liquid ethyl-1-octyloxymethylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([C 2 imC 1 OC 8 ][NTf 2 ]) and its speed of sound data at 295.15 K ≤ T ≤ 373.15 K and 1 bar ≤ P ≤ 1471.5 bar. In addition, the atmospheric pressure densities of this IL were measured at 292.05 K ≤ T ≤ 423.65 K and determined at 295.15 K ≤ T ≤ 373.15 K and 1 bar ≤ P ≤ 1500 bar. Basing on a representative variety of ILs, it is demonstrated that the CP-PC-SAFT EOS adjusted to their high-pressure density data by a standardized numerical procedure and attached by a simple expression for estimating the ideal gas heat capacities is capable to predict sound velocities in a particularly accurate manner, with AAD around 1% and at times even smaller that the experimental uncertainties. • The new IL [C 2 imC 1 OC 8 ][NTf 2 ] was synthesized. • Its speeds of sound were measured in wide range of T and P conditions. • The parameters of CP-PC-EOS were fitted to the determined densities. • The predictions CP-PC-EOS deviate from the speeds of sound data by ~1%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The need for novel healthcare treatments and drugs has increased due to the expanding human population, detection of newer diseases, and looming pandemics. The development of nanotechnology offers a platform for cutting-edge in vivo non-invasive monitoring and point-of-care-testing (POCT) for rehabilitative disease detection and management. The advancement and uses of nanobiosensors are currently becoming more common in a variety of scientific fields, such as environmental monitoring, food safety, biomedical, clinical, and sustainable healthcare sciences, since the advent of nanotechnology. The identification and detection of biological patterns connected to any type of disease (communicable or not) have been made possible in recent years by several sensing techniques utilizing nanotechnology concerning biosensors and nanobiosensors. In this work, 2218 articles are drawn and screened from six digital databases out of which 17 were shortlisted for this review by using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) technique. As a result, this study uses a systematic methodology to review some recently developed extremely sensitive nanobiosensors, along with their biomedical, point-of-care diagnostics (POCD), or healthcare applications and their capabilities, particularly for the prediction of some fatal diseases based on a few of the most recent publications. The potential of nanobiosensors for medicinal, therapeutic, or other sustainable healthcare applications, notably for ailments diagnostics, is also recognized as a way forward in the manifestation of future trends. [Display omitted] • The necessity of Point of Care testing for contagious and non-contagious disease. • Implementation of nanobiosensors for sustainable healthcare application. • Nanobiosensors give a sensitive, selective, and quick diagnosis of fatal diseases. • Biosensors allow the evolution of Lab-on-a-chip techniques for healthcare solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores task-specific ionic liquids (TSILs) in smart floor systems, highlighting their strong electrical rectification abilities and previously established wood preservative properties. Two types of TSILs, featuring a "sweet" anion and a terpene-based cation, were used to treat selected wood samples, allowing for a comparison of their physical and electrical performance with untreated and commercially treated counterparts. Drop shape analysis and scanning electron microscopy were employed to evaluate the surface treatment before and after coating. Near-IR was used to confirm the presence of a surface modifier, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was utilized to assess the thermal features of the treated samples. The different surface treatments resulted in varied triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) parameters, with the molecular structure and size of the side chains being the key determining factors. The best results were achieved with TSILs, with the instantaneous voltage increasing by approximately five times and the highest voltage reaching 300 V under enhanced loading. This work provides fresh insights into the potential application spectrum of TSILs and opens up new avenues for directly utilizing tested ionic compounds in construction systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ionic liquids are a group of chemical compounds with chemical properties that are of great interest to various fields of science and industry. However, commercial use of these substances raises concern because they may threaten the natural ecosystems. The present study used 2 types of (−)-menthol-containing imidazolium chiral ionic liquids: 1-[(1 R,2 S,5 R)-(−)-menthoxymethyl]-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [Im-Men][PF6] and 1-[(1 R,2 S,5 R)-(−)-menthoxymethyl]-3-methylimidazolium trifluoroacetate [Im-Men][CF3CO2]. The effects of these compounds on growth and development of spring barley ( Hordeum vulgare) and common radish ( Raphanus sativus L. subvar. radicula Pers.) were investigated. The present study demonstrated that chiral ionic liquids produced a relatively high phytotoxicity, by shortening the plants' lengths and roots, thus causing a decline in the experimental plants' fresh weights. The investigated ionic liquids also led to a reduction in photosynthetic pigment levels, changes in hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content, and changes in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase in both plants. Changes in these enzymes were used to indicate oxidative stress levels in spring barley and common radish. It was demonstrated that imidazolium ionic liquid-induced phytotoxicity depended largely on the type of anion. The liquid [Im-Men][PF6] exhibited higher toxicity toward spring barley and common radish seedlings. Common radish was more resistant to chiral ionic liquids. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2167-2177. © 2017 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terpenes—a diverse group of secondary metabolites—constitute the largest class of natural products abundant in almost every plant species. The properties of concrete terpenes and essential oils have been intensively studied due to their widespread use in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetics industries. Despite the popularity of these aromatic compounds, their derivatives, terpenoids, are still not comprehensively characterized despite exhibiting potent bioactive properties. This review aims to assess the anticancer properties of selected monoterpenes including carvone, carvacrol, perillyl alcohol, perillaldehyde, limonene, menthol and their derivatives while also evaluating potential applications as novel anticancer treatments. Special attention is paid to functional groups that improve the bioactivity of monoterpene molecules. This review also covers the therapeutic potential of deep eutectic solvents that contain monoterpene substances. Taken together, the literature supports the use of monoterpene derivatives in the development of new alternatives for disease treatment and prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is a natural defence mechanism of plants against a broad range of pathogens. The induction of resistance is associated with the stimulation of plant metabolism that provides long-lasting beneficial effects to a variety of crop plants. SAR inducers are therefore an alternative to plant protection agents, which might reduce the use of pesticides or even substitute them. The known SAR inducer benzo[1,2,3]thiadiazole-7-carbothioic acid S-methyl ester (BTH) is poorly water soluble and therefore difficult to apply on the fields by spraying. It is much more soluble in water in the form of an ionic species derivative. The environmental hazard of BTH has been relatively well investigated, yet little is known about its ionic derivatives. In this study we tested ready biodegradability (mineralisation), cytotoxicity and aquatic toxicity (against luminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri and water flea Daphnia magna) of eleven BTH-derivatives that were prepared in our laboratories. None of the tested compounds proved to be readily biodegradable which is largely due to the fact that BTH itself is not biodegradable. Five compounds showed appreciable levels of degradation. The tested SAR inducers were characterized by a wide range of IC50/EC50 values in cytotoxicity and (eco)toxicity tests indicating a highly diverse toxicity. However, a carboxylic acid derivative coupled with a cholinium cation showed a better environmental hazard profile than the parent compound due to higher, but probably only partial, biodegradability and lower toxicity. This compound was also shown to be a good SAR inducer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Berberine is an alkaloid with a wide range of reported beneficial health effects. The current work provides an extensive literature analysis on berberine. Bibliometric data were identified by means of the search string TOPIC=(“berberin*” OR “umbellatine*”), which yielded 5,547 publications indexed in the Web of Science Core Collection electronic database. The VOSviewer software generated bubble maps to visualize semantic terms with citation results. The ratio of original articles to reviews was 13.6:1. The literature has been growing more quickly since the 2010s. Major contributing countries were China, the United States, India, Japan, and South Korea. Most of the publications appeared in journals specialized in pharmacology pharmacy, biochemistry molecular biology, chemistry, and plant science. Some of the frequently mentioned chemicals/chemical classes were alkaloid, palmatine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, isoquinoline, and sanguinarine. The prevalent medical conditions under investigation included Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Volumetric and transport properties of aqueous solutions of chiral ionic liquids were studied. • Experimental measurements were interpreted in the light of MD simulations. • Hydration and dissociation of the studied CILs was investigated. • Non-statistical data analysis was carried out using methods based on mathematical gnostics. Aqueous solutions of ionic liquids remain at the focus of the physico-chemical and chemical-engineering research due to their interesting behaviour in the bulk and on the molecular level as well as thanks to their possible application potential. Indeed, the molecular structure of the aqueous solutions of ionic liquids is still poorly understood. In this work, imidazolium-based chiral ionic liquids with a (–)-menthol substituent on the cation 1-alkyl-3-[(1 R ,2 S ,5 R)-(–)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium chlorides were studied in aqueous solutions. Their volumetric properties and electrical conductivity were measured to better understand their hydration and dissociation. The bulk experimental data were interpreted in the light of MD simulations that enabled us to obtain spatial and radial distribution functions and to estimate the volumetric and transport properties of the studied systems. Experimental data of density and conductivity were analyzed by methods of mathematical gnostics which is naturally robust, is valid for small data set (no coverage factor needed), and does not require prior knowledge of the distribution of the measurement errors. It is therefore applicable in cases where tests of data normality are statistically insignificant or even fail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive physico-chemical characterization of the chiral ionic liquids of a 3-alkyl-1-[(1 R ,2 S ,5 R )-(–)-menthoxymethyl]imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imides homologous series with a linear alkyl substituent ranging from the methyl up to the dodecyl group was carried out experimentally to investigate the way in which the measured thermophysical properties were influenced by the alkyl chain length on the cation. Refractive index, density, speed of sound, and isobaric heat capacity were measured as a function of temperature at atmospheric pressure and analyzed by methods based on mathematical gnostics. A robust linear regression along a gnostic influence function was used to optimize parameters of the relationships used in this work and to estimate the changing nanosegregation in the studied ionic liquid series by finding the Critical Alkyl Length Size (CALS) from heat capacity data. In addition, we propose the use of the marginal analysis to assess the quality of the measured data as an alternative to the estimate of the measurement uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]