Design of environmentally friendly lubricants derived from renewable resources is highly desirable for many practical applications. Here, Orychophragmus violaceus (Ov) seed oil is found to have superior lubrication properties, and this is based on the unusual structural features of the major lipid species-triacylglycerol (TAG) estolides. Ov TAG estolides contain two non-hydroxylated, glycerol-bound fatty acids (FAs) and one dihydroxylated FA with an estolide branch. Estolide branch chains vary in composition and length, leading to their thermal stability and functional properties. Using this concept, nature-guided estolides of castor oil were synthesized. As predicted, they showed improved lubrication properties similar to Ov seed oil. Our results demonstrate a structure-based design of novel lubricants inspired by natural materials.
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http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6690888 | PMC |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-48165-6 | DOI Listing |
Plants (Basel)
January 2025
Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA.
Defatting dehulled hemp seeds is a crucial step prior to protein extraction. However, conventional methods rely on flammable solvents, posing significant health, safety, and environmental concerns. Additionally, hemp protein has poor extractability, challenging functionality, and flavor limitations, restricting its broader application in foods.
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January 2025
Kurchatov Genomics Center, Institute of Cytology and Genetics SB RAS, Lavrentiev Av. 10, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia.
Soybean () is a leguminous plant with a broad range of applications, particularly in agriculture and food production, where its seed composition-especially oil and protein content-is highly valued. Improving these traits is a primary focus of soybean breeding programs. In this study, we conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic loci linked to oil and protein content in seeds, using imputed genotype data for 180 Eurasian soybean varieties and the novel "genotypic twins" approach.
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January 2025
Department of Biology, Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences, University of Prešov, 17 Novembra 1, 08001 Prešov, Slovakia.
Weeds cause a decrease in the quantity and quality of agricultural production and economic damage to producers. The prolonged use of synthetic pesticides causes problems of environmental pollution, the possible alteration of agricultural products and problems for human health. For this reason, the scientific community's search for products of natural origin, which are biodegradable, safe for human health and can act as valid alternatives to traditional herbicides, is growing.
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January 2025
College of Landscape Architecture and Arts, Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, Yangling 712100, China.
Tree peony seeds, traditionally used for edible oil production, are rich in α-linolenic acid (ALA). However, little attention is paid to their development as a healthcare food due to their bitter and astringent taste. The aim of this study was to optimize the debittering process of peony seeds on the basis of maintaining nutritional value and to identify the compounds that cause the taste of bitterness.
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January 2025
Institute of Crop Science, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Key Laboratory of Spectroscopy Sensing, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Food security is threatened by global warming, which also affects agricultural output. Various components of cells perceive elevated temperatures. Different signaling pathways in plants distinguish between the two types of temperature increases, mild warm temperatures and extremely hot temperatures.
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