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17 pages, 2409 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Physically Activated Carbons from Vitellaria paradoxa Shells for Supercapacitor Electrode Applications
by Joshua Atta Alabi, Neda Nazari, Daniel Nframah Ampong, Frank Ofori Agyemang, Mark Adom-Asamoah, Richard Opoku, Rene Zahrhuber, Christoph Unterweger and Kwadwo Mensah-Darkwa
Inorganics 2025, 13(7), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/inorganics13070224 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
This study investigates the processing of shea nut shells (SNSs), an abundant agricultural waste, into porous activated carbon for supercapacitor electrodes through a two-stage thermal treatment involving pyrolysis and physical activation with CO2 and steam. The aim was to develop sustainable, high-performance [...] Read more.
This study investigates the processing of shea nut shells (SNSs), an abundant agricultural waste, into porous activated carbon for supercapacitor electrodes through a two-stage thermal treatment involving pyrolysis and physical activation with CO2 and steam. The aim was to develop sustainable, high-performance electrode materials while addressing waste management. Carbonization followed by activation yielded 16.5% (CO2) and 11.3% (steam) activation yields, with total yields of 4.3% and 2.9%, respectively. CO2 activation produced carbon (AC_CO2) with a specific surface area (SBET) of 1528 m2 g−1 and a total pore volume of 0.72 cm3 g−1, a graphitization degree (ID/IG = 1.0), and low charge transfer resistance (9.05 Ω), delivering a specific capacitance of 47.5 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, an energy density of 9.5 Wh kg−1 at 299 W kg−1, and a fast discharge time of 2.10 s, ideal for power-intensive applications. Steam activation yielded carbon (AC_H2O) with a higher specific surface area (1842 m2 g−1) and pore volume (1.57 cm3 g−1), achieving a superior specific capacitance of 102.2 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and a power density of 204 W kg−1 at 9.2 Wh kg−1, suited for energy storage. AC_CO2 also exhibited exceptional cyclic stability (90% retention after 10,000 cycles). These findings demonstrate SNS-derived activated carbon as a versatile, eco-friendly material, with CO2 activation optimizing power delivery and steam activation enhancing energy capacity, offering tailored solutions for supercapacitor applications and sustainable waste utilization. Full article
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4 pages, 193 KiB  
Editorial
Layered Double Hydroxide-Based Catalysts for Advanced Chemical Technologies
by Ioan-Cezar Marcu and Octavian D. Pavel
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 621; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070621 - 24 Jun 2025
Viewed by 444
Abstract
More than 180 years after their discovery in Sweden (1842) [...] Full article
16 pages, 6101 KiB  
Article
Deciphering Ageing Effects in Green-Dyed English Wool Carpet Yarns from the 1840s
by Terry T. Schaeffer, Jacob Mobberley and Laura Maccarelli
Heritage 2025, 8(6), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8060216 - 7 Jun 2025
Viewed by 646
Abstract
In 1842, carpet manufacturer W.H. Worth of Kidderminster, England, began assembling a sample book of wool yarns dyed with natural dyestuffs. This paper reports on a study of the “Greens” section, which contains sixteen yarn samples—six still green and ten now ranging from [...] Read more.
In 1842, carpet manufacturer W.H. Worth of Kidderminster, England, began assembling a sample book of wool yarns dyed with natural dyestuffs. This paper reports on a study of the “Greens” section, which contains sixteen yarn samples—six still green and ten now ranging from tan to dark brown. The accompanying recipes list similar ingredients: old fustic and either “mixture” or extracet of indigo. To verify whether Worth’s recipes were followed, the yarns were analyzed using HPLC-DAD and FORS. Additionally, mock-ups were prepared according to Worth’s green dye recipes and subjected to thermal ageing to explore potential causes of discoloration. Preliminary analysis of the historic samples revealed that the discoloured yarns contain both indigo and indigo carmine, while the still-green samples contain only indigo carmine. This suggests that one or more components of the indigo vat may have contributed to discoloration. To test this hypothesis, contemporary wool yarns were dyed using a Worth green recipe, with and without indigo, at varying pH levels. These were thermally aged, and their colour changes monitored. HPLC-DAD and FORS analyses of the mock-ups were compared to the historic samples to identify dyeing conditions that may have led to the observed browning. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dyes in History and Archaeology 43)
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18 pages, 2033 KiB  
Article
Imiquimod, a Promising Broad-Spectrum Antiviral, Prevents SARS-CoV-2 and Canine Coronavirus Multiplication Through the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway
by Josefina Vicente, Freddy Armando Peñaranda Figueredo, Stefania Mantovani, Daniela Laura Papademetrio, Sergio Ivan Nemirovsky, Andrea Alejandra Barquero, Carina Shayo and Carlos Alberto Bueno
Viruses 2025, 17(6), 801; https://doi.org/10.3390/v17060801 - 31 May 2025
Viewed by 870
Abstract
Respiratory viruses can cause life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, vaccines and effective antivirals are available for only a limited number of infections. The majority of approved antivirals are direct-acting agents, which target viral proteins essential for infection. [...] Read more.
Respiratory viruses can cause life-threatening conditions such as sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. However, vaccines and effective antivirals are available for only a limited number of infections. The majority of approved antivirals are direct-acting agents, which target viral proteins essential for infection. Unfortunately, mutations have already emerged that confer resistance to these antivirals. In addition, there is an urgent need for broad-spectrum antivirals to address the unpredictable emergence of new viruses with pandemic potential. One promising strategy involves modulating the innate immune response and cellular signaling. Imiquimod, a Toll-like receptor 7 (TLR7) agonist, has shown efficacy in murine models of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Additionally, it demonstrates antiviral activity against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and RSV independent of the TLR7/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, with protein kinase A (PKA) as a crucial downstream effector. In this study, we demonstrate that imiquimod exhibits concentration-dependent antiviral activity against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and canine coronavirus (CCoV) in epithelial cells, underscoring its broad-spectrum action against coronaviruses. Moreover, its anti-coronavirus effect appears to be independent of the TLR/NF-κB and PKA/exchange protein directly activated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (EPAC) pathways and may instead be linked to the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. The ability of imiquimod to inhibit coronavirus replication via the MEK/ERK pathway, coupled with its immunomodulatory properties, highlights its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral. Full article
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12 pages, 5748 KiB  
Article
Roles of Vitellogenin and Its Receptor Genes in Female Reproduction of the Cigarette Beetle, Lasioderma serricorne
by Qian Guo, Mingxun Zu, Deqian Liu, Yi Yan, Wenjia Yang and Kangkang Xu
Insects 2025, 16(2), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/insects16020175 - 6 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1136
Abstract
Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated [...] Read more.
Vitellogenin (Vg) and the vitellogenin receptor (VgR) play essential roles in insect reproductive development. However, the functions of Vg and VgR genes in Lasioderma serricorne, an important insect pest of stored products, are unknown. We identified and characterized these two genes, designated LsVg and LsVgR, in L. serricorne. The open reading frames of LsVg and LsVgR were 5232 and 5529 bp, encoding 1743 and 1842 amino acid residues, respectively. Both LsVg and LsVgR were predominantly expressed in female adults and exhibited the highest expression in ovaries. The RNAi-mediated silencing of LsVg or LsVgR significantly decreased the average length of ovarian tubes and oocytes and severely affected ovarian development. The Knockdown of LsVg or LsVgR significantly reduced the oviposition period, the number of eggs laid, and the egg hatching rate. Females injected with dsLsVg and dsLsVg + VgR were found to had decreased vitellogenin content. The co-silencing of LsVg and LsVgR had a more pronounced effect on reducing the oviposition period and female fecundity in L. serricorne. This study revealed the importance of LsVg and LsVgR in regulating female reproduction and shows their potential as targets for RNAi-based control of L. serricorne. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Arthropod Reproductive Biology)
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10 pages, 1638 KiB  
Communication
Microbiota of Punctuated Snake Eel Ophichthus remiger (Valenciennes, 1842) Reared in Recirculation System Is Dominated by Latilactobacillus
by Jaime Romero, Carolina Ramírez, Luz Hurtado, Edison Serrano and Rodrigo Rojas
Microbiol. Res. 2025, 16(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/microbiolres16020038 - 5 Feb 2025
Viewed by 797
Abstract
Research on microbiota has underscored the crucial influence of microbial communities on numerous biological functions that yield positive outcomes for the host, such as digestion, nutrient metabolism, resistance against pathogen invasion, and growth performance. Concurrently, numerous variables, including the host’s diet, genetics, and [...] Read more.
Research on microbiota has underscored the crucial influence of microbial communities on numerous biological functions that yield positive outcomes for the host, such as digestion, nutrient metabolism, resistance against pathogen invasion, and growth performance. Concurrently, numerous variables, including the host’s diet, genetics, and physiological condition and environmental factors, influence the gut microbiota. Our study aims to characterize the bacterial community composition of the common snake eel (Ophichthus remiger), captured wild and then reared under controlled conditions. We employed a 16S rRNA gene-based approach facilitated by next-generation sequencing to conduct this analysis. The gut microbiota of the snake eel was highly dominated by bacteria from the phylum Firmicutes, comprising over 80% of the relative abundance, with Lactilactobacillus being the most important genus. The results suggest that feed-associated bacteria may influence the composition of the microbiota, contributing the most relevant bacteria within the intestinal content. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of the gut microbiota in Ophichthus remiger, offering novel insights into the potential roles of Firmicutes and Lactilactobacillus in marine eels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Veterinary Microbiology and Diagnostics)
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19 pages, 698 KiB  
Article
Standalone Home Battery Systems in the UK: An Assessment of Economic Viability with Consideration of Additional Impacts
by Arun Medapati Reddy, Adam Feldman and Aritra Ghosh
Electronics 2024, 13(23), 4783; https://doi.org/10.3390/electronics13234783 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1238
Abstract
There have been several studies conducted on the economic viability of home battery systems paired with rooftop solar PV systems over the years; however, there have been far fewer studies looking into the economic viability of standalone home battery systems, which is the [...] Read more.
There have been several studies conducted on the economic viability of home battery systems paired with rooftop solar PV systems over the years; however, there have been far fewer studies looking into the economic viability of standalone home battery systems, which is the main area assessed in this study. Rather than being used to store excess solar generation, a home battery system is used with time-of-use tariffs to take advantage of cheaper, off-peak rates. This works by charging the battery overnight at the off-peak rate and drawing electricity from the battery during the day, rather than from the grid at the more expensive peak rate. This study found only one of the four assessed home battery systems to be economically viable for this application, with a net cash flow of GBP 1842 over its 12-year lifetime, a return on investment of 33%, and a payback period of 9 years. Beyond their potential to save money on electricity bills, this study also investigated the potential of home battery systems to prevent GHG emissions by considering the variation in the carbon intensity of the grid between peak and off-peak times. The economically viable system has a lifetime emissions prevention potential of 308 kg CO2-e. However, when compared with the emissions associated with its manufacture based on an LCA study of home battery systems, the manufacture of the system causes more emissions than it prevents throughout its life by 1754 kg CO2-e. This shows that the systems do not have a positive impact on the environment in this respect. However, this study also considers some additional impacts of home battery systems to discuss whether they could have an overall positive impact, such as by improving grid stability, which helps facilitate the implementation of renewable energy generation. Full article
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20 pages, 20361 KiB  
Article
The Seismic Surface Rupture Zone in the Western Segment of the Northern Margin Fault of the Hami Basin and Its Causal Interpretation, Eastern Tianshan
by Hao Sun, Daoyang Yuan, Ruihuan Su, Shuwu Li, Youlin Wang, Yameng Wen and Yanwen Chen
Remote Sens. 2024, 16(22), 4200; https://doi.org/10.3390/rs16224200 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1095
Abstract
The Eastern Tianshan region, influenced by the far-field effect of northward compression and expansion of the Qinghai-Xizang block, features highly developed Late Quaternary active faults that exhibit significant neotectonic activity. Historically, the Barkol-Yiwu Basin, located to the north of the Eastern Tianshan, experienced [...] Read more.
The Eastern Tianshan region, influenced by the far-field effect of northward compression and expansion of the Qinghai-Xizang block, features highly developed Late Quaternary active faults that exhibit significant neotectonic activity. Historically, the Barkol-Yiwu Basin, located to the north of the Eastern Tianshan, experienced two major earthquakes in 1842 and 1914, each with a magnitude of M71/2. In contrast, the Hami Basin on the southern margin of the Eastern Tianshan has no historical records of any major earthquakes, and its seismic potential, mechanisms, and future earthquake hazards remain unclear. Based on satellite image interpretation and field surveys, this study identified a relatively recent and well-preserved seismic surface rupture zone with good continuity in the Liushugou area of the western segment of the Northern Margin Fault of the Hami Basin (HMNF), which is the seismogenic structure responsible for the rupture. The surface rupture zone originates at Kekejin in the east, extends intermittently westward through Daipuseke Bulake and Liushugou, and terminates at Wuzun Bulake, with a total length of approximately 21 km. The rupture zone traverses the youngest geomorphic surface units, such as river beds or floodplains and first-order terraces (platforms), and is characterized by a series of single or multiple reverse fault scarps. The morphology of fault scarps is clear, presenting a light soil color with heights ranging from 0.15 m to 2.13 m and an average displacement of 0.56 m, suggesting that this surface rupture zone likely represents the most recent seismic event. Comparison with historical earthquake records in the Eastern Tianshan region suggests that the rupture zone may have been formed simultaneously with the Xiongkuer rupture zone by the 1842 M71/2 earthquake along the boundary faults on both sides of the Barkol Mountains, exhibiting a flower-like structural pattern. Alternatively, it might represent a separate, unrecorded seismic event occurring shortly after the 1842 earthquake. The estimated magnitude of the associated earthquake is about 6.6~6.9. Given that surface-rupturing earthquakes have already occurred in the western segment, the study indicates that the Erdaogou–Nanshankou section of the HMNF has surpassed the average recurrence interval for major earthquakes, indicating a potential future earthquake hazard. Full article
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15 pages, 12653 KiB  
Article
Experimental and Statistical Analysis of Iron Powder for Green Heat Production
by Mohammadmahdi Sohrabi, Barat Ghobadian, Gholamhassan Najafi, Willie Prasidha, Mohammadreza Baigmohammadi and Philip de Goey
Sustainability 2024, 16(21), 9416; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16219416 - 30 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1534
Abstract
In the current investigation, a novel methodology was employed to assess iron powder as a recyclable and sustainable energy carrier. Concurrently, an examination of the modeling of iron powder ignition and the ensuing heat output from the burner was undertaken. The flame temperature [...] Read more.
In the current investigation, a novel methodology was employed to assess iron powder as a recyclable and sustainable energy carrier. Concurrently, an examination of the modeling of iron powder ignition and the ensuing heat output from the burner was undertaken. The flame temperature was determined by examining the light intensity emitted by the particles as they melted, which is directly related to the particle’s cross-sectional area. An account of the characterization of the experimental procedure, validation, and calibration is presented. Through measurements, distinct one-to-one correlations have been established between the scales of flame combustion and the temperatures of particles of varying sizes of iron. Additionally, a theoretical model for the combustion of expanding particles, particularly iron, within the diffusion-limited regime has been rigorously developed. This model delves into the spectra acquired from particle flames within the burner, utilizing Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA). This study investigates the use of optical fiber spectroscopy to predict flame temperature and assess iron powder size. The aim was to investigate how different sizes of iron powder affect flame temperature and to create calibration models for non-destructive prediction. The study shows that smaller particles had an average temperature of 1381 °C while larger particles reach up to 1842 °C, demonstrating the significant impact of particle size on combustion efficiency. The results were confirmed using advanced statistical methods, including PLSR and PCA, with PCA effectively differentiating between particle sizes and PLSR achieving an R2 value of 0.90 for the 30 µm particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Sustainable Oceans)
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13 pages, 2399 KiB  
Article
A Taxonomic Revision of the South African Genus Plastologus Schoenherr, 1842 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Cyclominae)
by Michael Košťál
Diversity 2024, 16(11), 664; https://doi.org/10.3390/d16110664 - 29 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1087
Abstract
Plastologus Schoenherr, 1842, hitherto a monotypic genus belonging to the tribe Hipporhinini, is herein revised for the first time. Three species are recognized as valid based on morphological characters, all distributed in southern regions of South Africa. In addition to the type species [...] Read more.
Plastologus Schoenherr, 1842, hitherto a monotypic genus belonging to the tribe Hipporhinini, is herein revised for the first time. Three species are recognized as valid based on morphological characters, all distributed in southern regions of South Africa. In addition to the type species of the genus, Plastologus costatus Boheman, 1842, the following two species are described as new to the science: P. boroveci Košťál sp. n. and P. punctatus Košťál sp. n. Full article
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12 pages, 2926 KiB  
Article
Ecology of Some Panorpa (Mecoptera, Panorpidae) Species from Several Regions of Russia
by Libor Dvořák, Alexander B. Ruchin, Viktor V. Aleksanov, Leonid V. Egorov, Mikhail N. Esin, Sergei V. Lukiyanov, Evgeniy A. Lobachev and Alexander I. Fayzulin
Forests 2024, 15(9), 1608; https://doi.org/10.3390/f15091608 - 12 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1020
Abstract
Our study focuses on the investigation of the ecological aspects (seasonal dynamics, height distribution, and preference of biotopes) of six species within the genus Panorpa (P. alpina Rambur, 1842, P. cognata Rambur, 1842, P. communis Linnaeus, 1758, P. germanica Linnaeus, 1758, P. [...] Read more.
Our study focuses on the investigation of the ecological aspects (seasonal dynamics, height distribution, and preference of biotopes) of six species within the genus Panorpa (P. alpina Rambur, 1842, P. cognata Rambur, 1842, P. communis Linnaeus, 1758, P. germanica Linnaeus, 1758, P. hybrida MacLachlan, 1882, and P. vulgaris Imhoff & Labram, 1845). The observed seasonal dynamics predominantly display a monovoltine nature. P. communis was active from the early days of May, with individuals persisting until the beginning of October. Conversely, P. vulgaris exhibits activity from the third decade of May to mid-September. P. hybrida manifests within a concise timeframe, observed from late May to late July. P. cognata demonstrates activity commencing in early May, with individuals observed until the end of September. Within forest environments, the highest population density of all species is concentrated at a height of 1.5 m above ground level, whereas the minimum population density is recorded at a height of 12 m above ground level. P. vulgaris demonstrates comparable abundance across heights ranging from 1.5 to 7.5 m, whereas P. hybrida exhibits uniform distribution solely at heights of 1.5 and 3.5 m. Furthermore, the abundance of P. communis surpasses that at other heights when observed at the height of 1.5 m. Panorpa specimens exhibit an absence in open ecosystems at heights of 8 and 10 m. The peak of population density for all species is consistently identified at heights of 2 and 4 m. The application of six diverse entomological methodologies leads to optimal outcomes. Our investigations reveal that P. communis, P. vulgaris, and P. hybrida display greater attraction to beer traps, while P. cognata exhibits a comparatively diminished propensity for such traps. P. cognata, in contrast, demonstrates a substantial presence in pan traps and pitfall traps. In Malaise traps, pan traps, and pitfall traps, five distinct species were captured, although with a species composition differing from alternative methods. To sum up, for the comprehensive study of Panorpa across an expansive geographical spectrum, it is judicious to integrate both net captures and the use of diverse trap types. In addition, it is necessary to explore all biotopes and tiers of the forest. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biodiversity in Forests: Management, Monitoring for Conservation)
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22 pages, 5748 KiB  
Article
Status and Distribution of the Chesapeake Logperch Percina bimaculata Haldeman, 1844 in Pennsylvania
by Douglas P. Fischer, Robert W. Criswell, Aaron M. Henning, Jack T. Test and Jay R. Stauffer
Water 2024, 16(17), 2466; https://doi.org/10.3390/w16172466 - 30 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1823
Abstract
The Chesapeake Logperch, Percina bimaculata, is a small fish endemic to the upper Chesapeake Bay drainage with a range significantly reduced by water quality and habitat degradation. It was described by Haldeman in 1842 and 1844 from the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, synonymized [...] Read more.
The Chesapeake Logperch, Percina bimaculata, is a small fish endemic to the upper Chesapeake Bay drainage with a range significantly reduced by water quality and habitat degradation. It was described by Haldeman in 1842 and 1844 from the Susquehanna River, Pennsylvania, synonymized with the Logperch (Percina caprodes) by Jordan in 1877, and redescribed by Near in 2008. It is extirpated from the Potomac River drainage and extant in a portion of its historic range within the Susquehanna River drainage of Pennsylvania and Maryland in the United States of America. We reviewed available historic field survey information and defined the likely extent of the historic distribution of P. bimaculata and its change in response to historic environmental perturbations. We performed fisheries surveys during 2004–2023 to fill data gaps and to define the current distribution and abundance in the Susquehanna River drainage within Pennsylvania. Our surveys utilized electrofishing gears, electrified benthic trawls, and seines. Our surveys targeting P. bimaculata on the Susquehanna River and tributaries from York Haven to Holtwood, Pennsylvania, combined with available fisheries surveys conducted by others, confirm it was extirpated from that portion of the drainage. We documented the continued usage of Conowingo Pond, Susquehanna River, and tributaries below Holtwood by populations known to exist in historic field surveys. These populations appear to have been stable since at least the 1960s based on historic data and our current surveys. We documented previously unknown populations in the Octoraro Creek drainage, Octoraro Reservoir, and Muddy Run Pumped Storage Facility. Habitat utilization observations during our surveys indicate that clean sand, gravel, rubble, boulders, and large woody debris are preferred substrates. In the lower Susquehanna River and two tributaries, P. bimaculata has demonstrated a plasticity of habitat usage by continuing to occur in environments converted into impoundments by dams. In these impoundments, shorelines and connections with clean tributaries containing preferred substrates appear to be important given their utilization by P. bimaculata during our surveys. It is our opinion that the Susquehanna River and tributaries above Holtwood once again constitute suitable habitats. Conservation efforts focused on reintroductions, water quality, habitat, and connectivity have the potential to increase the extent of occurrence, abundance, and security of P. bimaculata. Full article
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24 pages, 4788 KiB  
Article
Ultrasound Depolymerization and Characterization of Poly- and Oligosaccharides from the Red Alga Solieria chordalis (C. Agardh) J. Agardh 1842
by Mathilde Lesgourgues, Thomas Latire, Nolwenn Terme, Philippe Douzenel, Raphaël Leschiera, Nicolas Lebonvallet, Nathalie Bourgougnon and Gilles Bedoux
Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(8), 367; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22080367 - 13 Aug 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3739
Abstract
Red seaweed carrageenans are frequently used in industry for its texturizing properties and have demonstrated antiviral activities that can be used in human medicine. However, their high viscosity, high molecular weight, and low skin penetration limit their use. Low-weight carrageenans have a reduced [...] Read more.
Red seaweed carrageenans are frequently used in industry for its texturizing properties and have demonstrated antiviral activities that can be used in human medicine. However, their high viscosity, high molecular weight, and low skin penetration limit their use. Low-weight carrageenans have a reduced viscosity and molecular weight, enhancing their biological properties. In this study, ι-carrageenan from Solieria chordalis, extracted using hot water and dialyzed, was depolymerized using hydrogen peroxide and ultrasound. Ultrasonic depolymerization yielded fractions of average molecular weight (50 kDa) that were rich in sulfate groups (16% and 33%) compared to those from the hydrogen peroxide treatment (7 kDa, 6% and 9%). The potential bioactivity of the polysaccharides and low-molecular-weight (LMW) fractions were assessed using WST-1 and LDH assays for human fibroblast viability, proliferation, and cytotoxicity. The depolymerized fractions did not affect cell proliferation and were not cytotoxic. This research highlights the diversity in the biochemical composition and lack of cytotoxicity of Solieria chordalis polysaccharides and LMW fractions produced by a green (ultrasound) depolymerization method. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Marine Biotechnology Related to Drug Discovery or Production)
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14 pages, 8410 KiB  
Article
Functional Characterization of the Paeonia ostii P5CS Gene under Drought Stress
by Yuting Luan, Honglei An, Zijie Chen, Daqiu Zhao and Jun Tao
Plants 2024, 13(15), 2145; https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13152145 - 2 Aug 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2000
Abstract
With persistent elevation in global temperature, water scarcity becomes a major threat to plant growth and development, yield security, agricultural sustainability, and food production. Proline, as a key osmolyte and antioxidant, plays a critical role in regulating drought tolerance in plants, especially its [...] Read more.
With persistent elevation in global temperature, water scarcity becomes a major threat to plant growth and development, yield security, agricultural sustainability, and food production. Proline, as a key osmolyte and antioxidant, plays a critical role in regulating drought tolerance in plants, especially its key biosynthetic enzyme, delta-1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate synthase (P5CS), which always positively responds to drought stress. As an important woody oil crop, the expansion of Paeonia ostii cultivation needs to address the issue of plant drought tolerance. Here, we isolated a PoP5CS gene from P. ostii, with an open reading frame of 1842 bp encoding 613 amino acids. PoP5CS expression progressively increased in response to increasing drought stress, and it was localized in the cytoplasm. Silencing of PoP5CS in P. ostii reduced drought tolerance, accompanied by decreased proline content, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, and increased relative electrical conductivity (REC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Conversely, overexpression of PoP5CS in Nicotiana tabacum plants enhanced drought resistance, manifested by increased proline levels, reduced ROS accumulation, and lower REC and MDA contents. This study isolates PoP5CS from P. ostii and validates its role in regulating drought tolerance, providing valuable genetic resources and theoretical insights for the development of drought-resistant P. ostii cultivars. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Growth, Development, and Stress Response of Horticulture Plants)
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24 pages, 7736 KiB  
Article
Cellulose Acetate Microparticles Synthesized from Agave sisalana Perrine for Controlled Release of Simvastatin
by Larissa Pereira Alves, Kevin da Silva Oliveira, Ana Cláudia Gonçalves dos Santos, Demis Ferreira de Melo, Lívia Maria Coelho de Carvalho Moreira, João Augusto Oshiro Junior, Dayanne Tomaz Casimiro da Silva, Airlla Laana de Medeiros Cavalcanti and Bolívar Ponciano Goulart de Lima Damasceno
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131898 - 2 Jul 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Simvastatin (SIM) is widely prescribed to treat hyperlipidemia, despite its limitations, such as a short half-life and low oral bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of a controlled-release formulation is desirable. This study aims to develop a microparticulate system based on cellulose [...] Read more.
Simvastatin (SIM) is widely prescribed to treat hyperlipidemia, despite its limitations, such as a short half-life and low oral bioavailability. To overcome these drawbacks, the development of a controlled-release formulation is desirable. This study aims to develop a microparticulate system based on cellulose acetate (ACT) obtained from Agave sisalana Perrine to promote a controlled SIM release. SIM-loaded microparticles (SMP) were prepared using the solvent emulsification-evaporation method. Several parameters were evaluated, including particle size, surface charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, thermochemical characteristics, crystallinity, and in vitro release profile. ACT exhibited favorable flow properties after acetylation, with a degree of substitution values superior to 2.5, as confirmed by both the chemical route and H-NMR, indicating the formation of cellulose triacetate. The obtained SMP were spherical with an average size ranging from 1842 to 1857 nm, a zeta potential of −4.45 mV, and a high SIM incorporation efficiency (98%). Thermal and XRD analyses revealed that SIM was homogeneously dispersed into the polymeric matrix in its amorphous state. In vitro studies using dialysis bags revealed that the controlled SIM release from microparticles was higher under simulated intestinal conditions and followed the Higuchi kinetic model. Our results suggest that ACT-based microparticles are a promising system for SIM delivery, which can improve its bioavailability, and result in better patient compliance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers)
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