Patricia Alvarez-Sieiro, M. Montalbán-López, Dongdong Mu
et al.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constitute a heterogeneous group of microorganisms that produce lactic acid as the major product during the fermentation process. LAB are Gram-positive bacteria with great biotechnological potential in the food industry. They can produce bacteriocins, which are proteinaceous antimicrobial molecules with a diverse genetic origin, posttranslationally modified or not, that can help the producer organism to outcompete other bacterial species. In this review, we focus on the various types of bacteriocins that can be found in LAB and the organization and regulation of the gene clusters responsible for their production and biosynthesis, and consider the food applications of the prototype bacteriocins from LAB. Furthermore, we propose a revised classification of bacteriocins that can accommodate the increasing number of classes reported over the last years.
Agnese Zaghini, Silke Flindt Badino, Stefanie Neun
et al.
Direct air capture (DAC) has been widely advocated as a key tool in the strive towards zero emissions. Here we present the first systematic data on enzyme assisted DAC and show that CO2 absorption rate tripled upon addition of carbonic anhydrase (CA) at micromolar concentrations, reaching a capture efficiency of 60%. We found that CA promoted high absorption efficiency as the flow rate was raised and we rationalized these observations based on molecular mechanism of enzyme assisted capture. Furthermore, measurements of absorption rates in KOH and carbonate with 1 μM CA showed comparable kinetics suggesting that enzyme application could offset kinetic advantages of hydroxides. These attributes may eventually pave the way for DAC in sorbents with low regeneration energies.
Sneha Pallatt, Sibin Nambidi, Subhamay Adhikary
et al.
Lynch syndrome (LS) is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. These mutations result in frameshift alterations, leading to the accumulation of errors within microsatellites. Individuals with LS have an elevated risk of developing colorectal and distant malignancies, including endometrial cancer (EC), which is one of the most common cancer associated with LS. Despite its significance, the association between EC and LS is often underexplored. Given the slow progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), there is an opportunity for early detection and intervention, which can aid in reducing both incidence and mortality through the identification and management of pre-malignant lesions and early-stage tumors in colorectum/endometrium. Recognizing individuals with a heightened risk of CRC is essential for implementing personalized screening strategies. This review summarizes the original research work on LS to find out the correlation of CRC following an endometrial cancer diagnosis in individuals with MMR gene mutations, may involve refine treatment strategies and moreover this review may help clinicians and researchers to get an up-to date information on LS and its advanced treatment possibilities.
Joanna Maria Jasińska, Klaudia Michalska, Joanna Tkaczewska
et al.
Novel double-layer films based on furcellaran (FUR) and gelatin (GEL) with the addition of <i>Phytolacca americana</i> L. (PA) extract were used as active packaging for African catfish fillets. Films with PA extract have been shown to minimize the catfish spoilage effects, expressed as odor reduction compared to control samples; however, neither the films nor the PA extract exhibited antimicrobial activity against tested groups of microorganisms (fungi, lactic acid bacteria, <i>Enterobacterales</i> and psychrotrops) or specified microorganisms (<i>E. coli</i>, <i>S. aureus</i>, <i>S. cerevisiae</i>). The tested films demonstrated antioxidant activity determined by the DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, CUPRAC and Folin–Ciocâlteu methods. Cytotoxicity analysis showed that the PA extract affected tested cell lines (PNT2—prostate epithelial cells, HepG2—human liver cells, HaCaT—normal human keratinocytes and Nty-hori 3-1) only to a small extent—the calculated IC<sub>50</sub> values exceeded the maximal tested concentration of 500 µg/mL.
Linda Bertel, Rogelio Ospina, José Miguel García-Martín
et al.
The overexpression of folate receptors on cell surfaces is associated with abnormalities linked to epithelial cancers. This study reports on a capacitive biosensor that employs folic acid as a recognition molecule for the biosensing of folate receptors. The biosensor is composed of a thin film of Ti–W oxides conjugated with folic acid that serves as a working electrode in a three-electrode electrochemical cell configuration. The thin film of Ti–W oxides, featuring a mixture of TiO2 anatase and rutile phases, was fabricated using the pulsed laser deposition method and subsequently functionalized with folic acid. Characterization of the thin film before and after functionalization was conducted using AFM, XPS, and contact angle measurements. The functionalization study confirmed a stable bond between folic acid and the surface of the thin film. The interaction between the functionalized transducer and the folate receptor was investigated by determining the electrochemical capacitance using an electrochemical capacitance spectroscopy setup. Folate receptor recognition assays demonstrated that the biosensor response signal, or chemical hardness (in terms of electrochemical capacitance), is selective and directly proportional to the folate receptor concentration, with a limit of detection of 200 pM (0.2 nM). These findings are promising for the application of this detector in the recognition of folate receptors, particularly for point-of-care analysis.
This study aims to evaluate the therapeutic potential of cationic liposomal neostigmine bromide (NB), a novel drug delivery system, for the treatment of detrusor underactivity. By comparing the characteristics of NB‐liposomes (NLP), NB‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex liposomes (NCLP), and NB‐mesoporous silica nanoparticle@CaCO3 liposomes (NMCLP), NMCLP is selected as the main research subject. It has an average particle size and zeta potential of 100 nm and +50 mV, and its encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of NB are 14.75% and 12.8%, respectively. Most importantly, NMCLP shows the best in vitro release performance among the three liposomes, demonstrating its ability in sustained release of NB. During cell and animal assays, efficient cellular uptake of liposomes through liposome‐specific pathways is observed, facilitating targeted drug delivery, and in vivo experiments demonstrate the efficacy of NMCLP in improving bladder function in mice. Urodynamic measurements show increased bladder capacity and reduced voiding pressure, indicating enhanced bladder muscle activity. Histological analysis reveals the distribution and deep penetration of NMCLP within bladder tissues, supporting its localized drug effect. Therefore, NMCLP holds promise as a targeted and effective therapeutic strategy for detrusor underactivity.
Mohammad Reza Ashrafzadeh, Kamalaldin Shahbazinasab, Alireza Mohammadi
et al.
Human encroachment in natural habitats and consequent landscape modifications pose significant threats to animal populations, particularly endangered species. Therefore, studying the factors that determine the spatial distribution of large carnivores, including those at risk, holds great significance in developing effective conservation strategies. Among the most endangered bear populations worldwide, the conservation of the brown bear Ursus arctos population in the Central Zagros Mountains (southwestern Iran), which represents the species’ southernmost geographical range, is currently facing serious challenges. However, little is known about the species’ geographical range and the critical factors affecting its distribution in this area. Here, we employed a modelling approach to estimate the geographical distribution of this brown bear population and identify the primary landscape features that contribute to the species’ distribution. Our analysis revealed the following findings: (1) about 45% of the study area comprises suitable habitat for brown bears; (2) main factors influencing bear distribution, along with their respective contributions, are (a) distance to conservation areas and prohibited hunting areas (CAs/PHAs; 33.7%), (b) maximum temperature during the warmest month (21.6%), (c) landscape roughness (14.8%), (d) forest density (11.2%) and (e) mean annul precipitation (10.6%); and (3) roughly 69% the predicted suitable habitats exist outside CAs/PHAs. This highlights the importance of considering areas beyond CAs/PHAs in future conservation strategies, were the connectivity among forest patches is crucial for bear survival. The recent escalation of human activities, such as the harvesting of natural resources (e.g., medicinal and aromatic plants, fruits and honey), orchard and agricultural development, overgrazing of livestock, and the construction of water transfer infrastructures from the mountains to downstream regions, raises significant concerns for bear conservation in the study area. These activities contribute to landscape changes and have the potential to escalate conflicts between local communities and bears. Our findings highlight opportunities for designating new areas for brown bear habitat conservation and for promoting landscape connectivity.
Suwanan Denchai, Suppached Sasomsin, Cheunjit Prakitchaiwattana
et al.
It is well recognized that the aging process is a critical step in winemaking because it induces substantial chemical changes linked to the organoleptic properties and stability of the finished wines. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of different types, utilization times, and volumes of aging barrels on the metabolite profile of red wines, produced from Thai-grown Shiraz grapes, using a non-targeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance (<sup>1</sup>H-NMR) metabolomics approach. As a result, 37 non-volatile polar metabolites including alcohols, amino acids, organic acids, carbohydrates and low-molecular-weight phenolics were identified. Chemometric analysis allowed the discrimination of wine metabolite profiles associated with different types of aging containers (oak barrels vs. stainless-steel tanks), as well as the utilization times (2, 6 and >10 years old) and volumes (225, 500 and 2000 L) of the wooden barrels employed. Significant variations in the concentration of formate, fumarate, pyruvate, succinate, citrate, gallate, acetate, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine, γ-aminobutyrate, methionine and choline were statistically suggested as indicators accountable for the discrimination of samples aged under different conditions. These feature biomarkers could be applied to manipulate the use of aging containers to achieve the desired wine maturation profiles.
Kai-Ruei Yang, Ming-Fong Tsai, Chwen-Jen Shieh
et al.
Chondroitin sulfate (ChS) is usually used as an oral nutraceutical supplement, and has been popular in Asia, Europe, and United States for many years. In this study, a potential and sustainable source of ChS from jumbo squid (<i>Dosidicus gigas</i>) cartilage was explored; ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was used to extract ChS from jumbo squid cartilage. The result of mass transfer coefficients based on Fick’s law showed that UAE had higher mass transfer efficacy. The response surface methodology (RSM) combined with Box–Behnken design (BBD) was employed to evaluate the effects of the extraction parameters. The optimal conditions were extraction temperature of 52 °C, extraction time of 46 min, and NaOH concentration of 4.15%. The crude extract was precipitated by 50% ethanol, which obtained a purified ChS with 23.7% yield and 82.3% purity. The purified ChS measured by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) had a carbon to sulfur molar ratio of approximately 14:1. The FTIR, <sup>1</sup>H, and <sup>13</sup>C NMR confirmed jumbo squid ChS were present in the form of chondroitin-4-sulfate and chondroitin-6-sulfate, with a 4S/6S ratio of 1.62. The results of this study provide an efficient process for production and purification of ChS, and are significant for the development and utilization of ChS from jumbo squid cartilage in the nutrient food or pharmaceutical industries.
Flavonols are a subclass of flavonoids of the group of plant secondary metabolites. In planta, flavonols play various functions such as antioxidant and natural regulator of auxin polar transport. Many lines of evidence have shown that flavonols also contribute to human health in anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, and even prevention some types of cancer. Several methods have been utilized to measure flavonols such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), and diphenylboric acid-2-aminoethyl ester (DPBA) staining. While HPLC or LC-MS can quantitatively determine the level of flavonols, DPBA staining can provide an in-situ view of flavonols accumulation in the plants. In this protocol, a detailed procedure for staining the flavonols in Arabidopsis root tips is described. Five-day-old Arabidopsis seedlings are soaked in a solution containing DPBA and latterly the flavonols (kaempferol and quercetin) can be observed under a confocal microscope.
Sawsan S. Sayed, A. M. M. Gabr, Mona A. Amin
et al.
Abstract Background Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.) is one of the important crops in terms of nutritional and medicinal value in the countries of Western Asia and North Africa. Despite the fact that some countries have used Carob in traditional medicines, the modern food industry began to discover the great potential of this plant which differentiates with antioxidant capacity as well as other important medicinal activities. Some of very few studies that have been reported on this important plant were published. Methodology In the present study, micropropagation behavior and biochemical constituents of Ceratonia siliqua L. cultured on MS medium supplemented with different types and concentrations of cytokinins (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 mg/l BA, Kin, or TDZ and 0.2 mg/l NAA) under various light qualities ((white, green, blue, red, and yellow) were examined. Results MS culture medium supplemented with BA produced the highest shootlets number/explants. For light quality, the data showed that green light increased shootlet number/explants, fresh and dry weights. However, yellow light increased shootlet length and leaves number and also caused significant increase in total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity (DPPH) as compared to other lights. HPLC analysis showed that yellow light caused the highest accumulation of total phenolic and catechin that were the highest accumulated compounds (509 μg/ml) followed by that were accumulated under green light (412.68 μg/ml). Shootlets grown under white light (control) gave the highest accumulation of p-coumaric acid, rosmarinic acid, and cinnamic acid. Shootlets grown under blue light gave the highest accumulation of gentisic acid and syringic acid. Red light caused the highest accumulation of vanillic acid. However, white light accumulated the highest amount of flavonoid compounds comparing with other light qualities. Conclusion This study had reached to optimize a suitable micropropagation protocol of Ceratonia siliqua L. and characterization of biochemical constituents that can be beneficial for increasing its medical value which will help in food industries for commercial purposes.