Supervised by:

Normand Voyer (Regular member)

Normand Voyer (CEN director)

Co-supervised by:

Stéphane Boudreau (Regular member)

Research project description

Characterization of natural products from northern bryophyte Racomitrium lanuginosum

IntroductionThe current stresses encountered in Northern ecosystems force plants and lichens to generate a variety of secondary metabolites in response to those conditions. It is known that metabolites from northern plants have amazing structures and can have significant biological properties. ObjectivesThe overarching goal of our research program is to demonstrate the molecular richness of northern organisms and the importance to better protect these sensitive ecosystems. Along these lines, we will present the results of a project that aims at identifying natural products (secondary metabolites) from Racomitrium lanuginosum, a bryophyte found in Nunavik. Noteworthy of mention, this bryophyte found in northern Canada has never been investigated phytochemically so far. Study sitesSamples of the moss were collected from the surroundings of Kuujjuarapik-Whapmagoosti, Nunavik, in July 2019. It was in an environment full of lichens, mosses, and little bushes. The bryophyte was on rocks behind the research complex of CEN on small hills. Material and methodsExtractions were performed with three different solvents. Purification of the extracts led to enriched fractions and to some pure compounds. Characterization led to the identification of some volatile and nonvolatile compounds that were identified by gaz chromatography-mass spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy. In addition, a formal identification of different metabolites purified was done using mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. References Klavina, L., et al. (2015). Chemical Composition Analysis, Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity Screening of Moss Extracts (Moss Phytochemistry)." Molecules 20(9): 17221-17243. Xiaowei, G. (2007). Chemistry of Bryophytes. Chemistry, National University of Singapore. Ph D. Faubert, J. (2013). Flore des bryophytes du Québec-Labrador: Mousses, première partie. Québec, Société québécoise de bryologie.

Research Site Coordinates