Investigation of selected invasive plant species from genus Fallopia as reliable sources of bioactive compounds

Due to rapid spreading and large biomass, invasive alien plant species represent major ecological problems (impact on biodiversity) and also economic problems (destruction of infrastructure, buildings, etc.). This project studies five globally very problematic invasive alien plant species from genus Fallopia: Japanese knotweed (F. japonica), giant knotweed (F. sachalinensis), Bohemian knotweed (F. × bohemica), Russian vine (F. baldschuanica) and Chinese knotweed (F. multiflora). Since efficient eradication of these invasive plant species has not been discovered, we can at least search for ways to usefully exploit them. Previous research has shown that the proposed plant species of the genus Fallopia are a rich source of bioactive secondary metabolites. The potential for exploitation of these plant species must be studied in order to meet the high demand for easy-to-obtain bioactive agents to fight against plant, animal and human diseases, as well as plant pests. Antioxidants, estrogens, enzyme inhibitors and anti-inflammatory agents would be useful in the treatment of the global public health issues, like cardiovascular and hormonal disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, etc. This project supports the search for new, bioactive compounds from rich natural sources and the yet untapped plant reservoir. OBJECTIVES: Identify bioactive compounds (e.g. antioxidants, antimicrobial compounds, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, α-/β-glucosidase inhibitors, and estrogenic endocrine disruptors) in extracts and fractions of five invasive alien plant species parts from the genus Fallopia by in vitro biological tests; Perform chemical characterization of bioactive compounds in different parts of five invasive alien plant species from genus Fallopia with various analytical methods; Encapsulate and stabilize selected pre-identified bioactive compounds, fractions and extracts that will give positive results in biological tests; Evaluate potential large scale applicability of the biomass from five invasive alien plant species for isolation of active compounds, which could result in the protection of the environment, new products and other economic benefits. Plant material will be collected at several localities in Slovenia. Analytical methods based on high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC), high-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography using different detection modes (e.g. UV-Vis, mass spectrometry (MS), etc.) will be developed. A non-targeted effect-directed analysis in combination with chromatographic techniques as the quickest and the most cost effective approach to discover bioactive compounds in the plants studied. Bioactivity (antioxidative, antimicrobial, estrogenic, inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase and alpha-/beta-glucosidase enzymes) of the isolated compounds/fractions will be determined by in vitro assays, performed preferably in situ on HPTLC plates, i.e. bioautography. The chemical structure of the isolated bioactive compounds will be proposed and/or determined based on spectroscopic methods (e.g. MS or NMR). Selected pre-identified bioactive compounds, fractions and extracts will be encapsulated by suitable techniques and materials. Encapsulates will be tested for encapsulation efficiency and thermal stability. Microbiotechnological biodegradation and transformation of residuals after supercritical fluid extraction will be performed. The results of our research will contribute to the global body of knowledge that will serve as a base for the development of new products (functional foods, food supplements, feed additives, medicines, plant protection products against pests and diseases, etc.). Further, comparison of the chemical profiles of the five invasive plants from genus Fallopia could aid the understanding of invasiveness and facilitate the development of new techniques for prevention and control of their invasion, not only in Slovenia, but globally.