Select Technical Papers - Botanical Chemistry
Bruce A. Cosgrove, BSc, MSc (Solution Chemistry), is an independent researcher specializing in applied botanical chemistry and the development of precision formulation systems for human health. His work focuses on the design of plant-based delivery systems that optimize bioavailability, compound synergy, and physiological outcomes, particularly in the domains of inflammation modulation, gut function, and metabolic resilience.
Research Framework and Scientific Continuity
The following body of work reflects a continuous investigation into plant-derived chemical systems, beginning with applied extraction and separation processes and advancing toward the design of controlled botanical formulation systems. Across diverse applications, this research emphasizes compound interaction, system efficiency, and mechanistic understanding. Collectively, these studies establish a scientific foundation for precision-designed botanical formulations that optimize bioavailability, compound synergy, and functional physiological outcomes.
Botanical Formulations for Healthy Aging and Metabolic Resilience. Cosgrove, B.A., Research Food Chemistry eJournal April 11, 2026. DOI:10.2139/ssrn.6451478
Botanical formulations represent an emerging intersection of plant chemistry, nutrition science, and systems biology. Increasing evidence indicates that high-phenolic botanicals and plant-derived functional compounds contribute to metabolic resilience, inflammation modulation, and healthy aging. This work examines the role of compound synergy, bioavailability, and formulation strategy in optimizing physiological outcomes through precision-designed botanical systems.
Botanical Alternatives: Toward Safer, Evidence-Based Extraction Systems. Cosgrove, B.A., Preprint Research Gate February 2026. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.19442.77769
This study examines plant-derived extraction systems in the context of gold recovery and environmentally relevant applications, focusing on compound interaction, solubility dynamics, and system efficiency. These findings establish a mechanistic foundation for the design of botanical formulation systems that optimize compound delivery, bioavailability, and functional activity in human health applications.
Ecuador Four-Stage Action Plan for Botanical Lixiviant Systems. Cosgrove, B.A., Technical Presentation, Research Gate January 2026. DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.10793.66400
This work presents a four-stage, ESG-aligned, plant-based strategy designed to replace mercury and synthetic cyanide salts in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) within the Portovelo–Zaruma Mining District, Ecuador, utilizing Manipueira as a functional lixiviant system. The framework integrates process design, chemical performance, and environmental considerations, establishing a mechanistic basis for the development of botanical extraction systems and their translation into controlled formulation strategies for broader applications.
“Expert-Validated Solutions to Real-World Mercury Challenges in Artisanal Mining ”
Independent expert perspectives validating the scientific rigor, safety, and real-world impact of this transformative approach to artisanal and small-scale gold mining.
Testimonial 1.
“This transformative Action Plan is a gamechanger in artisanal and small-scale gold mining. A webinar to share the findings and real-world experience would be invaluable.” — Prof. D. Moyo, FRCP, FFOM, MFOM, MOHS, MAppMgnt
Specialist Occupational Physician Associate Professor: National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe. Visiting Associate Professor: University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa- Excerpted from private correspondence
Testimonial 2.
“Congratulations on your article on alternatives to gold leaching. In Brazil, particularly in the Amazon region, mercury use in artisanal mining has caused major problems—thank you for sharing this important work.” — Mário Parreiras de Faria -Labor Inspector · Occupational Physician · MSc Public Health Brazil. Excerpted from private correspondence
A Review and Sustainable Alternative to Sodium-Based and Cyanide-Containing Gold Leaching Agents - Glycine – Thiosulfate Hybrid System. Cosgrove, B.A., Research Paper Sustainable Technology eJournal November 2025. DOI:10.2139/ssrn.5801183
This work advances sustainable hydrometallurgy through the development and validation of a glycine–thiosulfate hybrid leaching system as a non-toxic, cyanide- and mercury-free alternative for gold extraction. The study demonstrates high recovery efficiency under mild pH and temperature conditions while minimizing reagent consumption and environmental impact. These findings provide a mechanistic framework for understanding compound interaction, complexation, and system efficiency in aqueous chemical systems, informing the design of controlled botanical formulation strategies and optimized compound delivery systems.
An Examination, Solution, and Transformative Strategy to Replace Mercury and Cyanide Salts in Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM): Southern Ecuador. Cosgrove, B.A. & Jose Moreno-Chavez. Research Paper Environmental Chemistry eJournal January 2025. DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5049829
This work examines artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) as a major source of global mercury pollution and proposes a four-stage transformative strategy to replace mercury and synthetic cyanide salts using Manipueira, a plant-derived extract from cassava.
The study integrates chemical performance, process design, and regional implementation in the Portovelo–Zaruma mining district, demonstrating the potential for improved recovery efficiency while significantly reducing environmental and health impacts. It further evaluates existing mercury-free recovery methods and their scalability, culminating in the design of a 50-tonne-per-day botanical leaching system. These findings establish a mechanistic and systems-level foundation for plant-based extraction technologies and inform the development of controlled botanical formulation strategies.