Publications by authors named "Sylvester A Obeng-Darko"
Ma̅nuka honey is known for its strong bioactivity, which arises from the autocatalytic conversion of 1,3-dihydroxyacetone (dihydroxyacetone, DHA) in the floral nectar of (Myrtaceae) to the non-peroxide antibacterial compound methylglyoxal during honey maturation. DHA is also a minor constituent of the nectar of several other species. This study used high-performance liquid chromatography to test whether DHA was present in the floral nectar of five species in other genera of the family Myrtaceae: (Turcz.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFLeptospermum polygalifolium Salisb. can accumulate high concentrations of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), precursor of the antimicrobial compound methylglyoxal found in honey obtained from floral nectar of Leptospermum spp. Floral nectar dynamics over flower lifespan depends on internal and external factors that invariably impact nectar quality.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- Current models of floral nectar production overlook the role of photosynthesis in green nectaries, such as those found in Mānuka flowers, which produce nectar containing sugars and dihydroxyacetone (DHA).
- The study examined how light, flower age, temperature, and inhibitors like DCMU and pyridoxal phosphate affect nectar production and composition.
- Findings showed that photosynthesis in green nectaries enhances nectar sugar production and alters the ratio of DHA to other sugars, indicating that light exposure and photosynthetic activity are crucial for nectar quality.