POTENTIAL OF HUD OF EUPHORBIA TIRUCALLI AS A BIOINDICATOR IN RESEARCH FOR ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY

Abstract

Background: Euphorbia tirucalli is an African species with a cosmopolitan distribution. In highly saline soils, it produces aromatic diterpene esters, which induce oxidative stress and are corrosive at room temperature and locally. Natural products that cause local oxidative stress are important as degraders of persistent materials in nature. Thermoplastic polymers become flexible when heated and return to a solid state when cooled, making them remouldable, making them advantageous for reuse, similar to the process used in the manufacture of PET bottles. Polypropylene (PP) is a crystalline resin with high chemical resistance, tensile strength, acid-base attack, and heat deformation. It can burn without flame, is transparent, has a short drying time, and its shrinkage varies between 1.5 and 3.0%. We know that films, bottles, and hospital materials persist in nature, causing problems such as solid waste.

Objective: To qualitatively evaluate the bioprocess of the bioproduct obtained during the pharmacotechnical process of ultradilution and succussion of E. tirucalli mother tincture - HUD 15CH (elicitor agent) on PP at room temperature.

Methodology: It was applied 0.2 mL to a PP surface (30 units with three repetitions), and a time and retractile activity curve was established. For the qualitative evaluation of the physicochemical effect of the bioproduct on PP, scales adjusted for this material were adopted, in accordance with the literature: Regarding speed: immediate, as well as mediate term: short (<2 hours), medium (2 to 3 hours), and long term (>3 hours). Regarding the intensity of contraction: Low (<2.5%), Medium (2.5%), High (>3.0%).

Results: There was little shrinkage, low intensity contraction (<2.5%) in the long term, with no apparent degradation or damage to the surface.

Discussion: These preliminary results will possibly favor reuse. The continuous thermal conductivity of the materials likely influenced the long cooling time, leading to shrinkage and twisting. Therefore, the pharmacotechnical process employed as a bioproduct in the Plant Biotechnology trial suggests potential application in the bioeconomy, initiating the degradation of polypropylene plastic, facilitating its reuse and perhaps decontamination, potentially making it sustainable.

Conclusion: Preliminary results are promisors. The research methodology will be refined to repeat this trial, establishing a high-dilution and digestive activity curve.