Synthesis, characterization, thermal behavior, and biological activity of ozonides from vegetable oils

In this work, we have synthesized ozonides from sunflower, flaxseed and baru oils. In addition, ozonolysis reaction of sunflower oil in the presence of water was performed, and the product obtained had high viscosity and a gel-like appearance. The ozonated products were investigated for their antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity. The oleogel, with an MIC 3 mg mL(-1), exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against standard and clinical strains. All products showed no cytotoxicity when tested against NIH/3T3 murine fibroblast cells. Effects of ozonation time on the oils were analyzed by IR, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectroscopy. DSC analysis shows that the ozonides of vegetable oils decompose with a peak at about 150 degrees C and with a broad exotherm. The decomposition enthalpy is proportional to the degree of ozonation reached.