The Impact of Extreme Low Temperatures on Raman Spectra of Amino Acids Relevant for the Search for Life on Europa.

Raman spectroscopy, an emerging technology for space exploration, has been suggested for life detection for the Europa Lander Mission. However, obtaining spectra of samples from the europan icy shell requires measurements at temperatures down to -233°C, which will affect the Raman spectra of any potential biosignatures. In this study, we obtained Raman spectra of amino acids using a 785 nm Raman system at temperatures ranging down to -196°C, analogous to Europa's surface and near subsurface.

Cryogenically induced signal enhancement of Raman spectra of porphyrin molecules.

Raman spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique in contemporary medicine and biomedical research due to its exceptional ability to provide an unambiguous spectroscopic signature of the molecular chemical composition, structure and atom arrangements. Among other applications, investigations of the Raman spectra of porphyrins and their derivatives have been critical in the study of ligand binding mechanisms and drug interactions with healthy and diseased blood cells, as well as for the analysis of blood, hemoproteins and the oxygenation process of human erythrocyte. However, obtaining Raman spectra with satisfactory definition of porphyrin-based molecules can be challenging due to their inherent photo- and thermal sensitivity which leads to laser damage even at low laser power.

Developmental and Environmental Effects on Sesquiterpene Lactones in Cultivated Arnica montana L.

The amount of sesquiterpene lactones and the lactone profile of Arnica montana L. in flowering and seed formation stages in vitro and in vivo propagated from seeds of German, Ukrainian, and Austrian origin and grown in two experimental fields were studied. It was found that in vitro propagated 2-year plants in full flowering stage accumulated higher amount of lactones in comparison to in vivo propagated 3-year plants and to the seed formation stage, respectively.

Chemometrics-based Approach in Analysis of Arnicae flos.

Introduction: Arnica montana flowers have a long history as herbal medicines for external use on injuries and rheumatic complaints.

Objective: To investigate Arnicae flos of cultivated accessions from Bulgaria, Poland, Germany, Finland, and Pharmacy store for phenolic derivatives and sesquiterpene lactones (STLs).

Materials And Methods: Samples of Arnica from nine origins were prepared by ultrasound-assisted extraction with 80% methanol for phenolic compounds analysis.

Influence of nutrient medium composition on in vitro growth, polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity of Alchemilla mollis.

Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) is a high-mountain medicinal plant growing in the Balkan Peninsula, with only one population in Bulgaria. Alchemilla plants (Lady's mantle) are commonly used in traditional medicine for treatment of many gynecological diseases.