Comprehensive profiling of aroma imparting biomolecules in foliar extract of Hibiscus fragrans Roxburgh: a metabologenesis perspective

Abstract

Plants possess numerous secondary metabolites imparting flavor and aroma. However, fragrance inducing natural biomolecules and their potential sources are yet to be thoroughly explored. GC-MS analysis of a sweetly scented Malvacean liana; Hibiscus fragrans Roxburgh was conducted to explore and characterize the concerned aroma fingerprints with sound insights on anticipated array of biosynthetic pathways. Leaf extract of the plant was analyzed by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) technique. Biosynthetic pathways of signature aroma compounds were deduced utilizing bioinformatic databases and reviewing literatures. A rare fragrant biomolecule ‘2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone’ and 22 other aroma impacting biomolecules were detected and functional attributes were deliberately scrutinized. Interactive biosynthetic pathway schemes for all the 23 aromatic metabolomes including proposal for probable origin of 2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone and six other biomolecules (Pentadecanal; Cis-9-Hexadecenal; 14-Heptadecenal; Octadecanal; Undecane and 1-Decyne) with no previous biosynthesis report; out of a total of 47 GC-MS revealed metabolites were designed. Increased production of fragrant molecules in controlled surroundings availing biotechnological administration through metabolic bioengineering and in vitro tissue culture techniques may offer exciting dimensions to fragrance research.

Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Keywords:

• Aroma
• flavor
• 2-n-Heptylcyclopentanone
• metabologenesis
• biosynthesis

Disclosure statement

There is no conflict of interest.

Funding

This research work in not funded by any organization or agency.

Availability of data and material

All the data used in this research are original.

Authors’ contributions

Sourav Chakraborty and Malay Bhattacharya conceived the idea. Sourav Chakraborty, Soumya Majumder and Arindam Ghosh carried out collection of plant material and wet laboratory experiments. Sourav Chakraborty analyzed the results and wrote the draft manuscript. All the authors checked and commented on the draft manuscript.

Consent for publication

All the authors read the manuscript and gave their consent.

Ethics approval

Not applicable.