Search Results (401)

Three previously synthesized ketene dithioacetals were used as intermediates to obtain four nucleophiles to synthesize ten tetra-substituted pyrazoles (11–20). This was achieved through microwave irradiation in ethanol as the solvent, yielding superb results ranging from 68.4% to 90.1%, in agreement with some of the principles of green chemistry. The proposed structures were determined using various spectroscopic techniques, including infrared spectroscopy and hydrogen and carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance. Furthermore, the compounds underwent in-silico evaluations using CLC-Pred and AdmetSAR software to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties. This was combined with molecular docking calculations for four main cancer-related targets for pyrazole core, to facilitate screening for subsequent biological assessments. Based on the data generated from these analyses, it was identified two pyrazoles (11 and 18) likely to exhibit anti-tumor activity, while also demonstrating low toxicity levels. Upon selection, these two pyrazoles were subjected to toxicity assessments using the Artemia salina method and evaluated for their effects on the viability of Jurkat cancer cells with a potency of 45.05 and 14.85 µM to 11 and 18, respectively, and with a potency of above 100 µM for the non-carcinogenic cells HEK 293. Overall, the findings from these studies indicate pyrazole derivatives as potential anti-tumor candidates. Full article

Industry currently generates numerous substances, such as food additives, whose environmental impacts, particularly in marine environments, remain inadequately assessed. This study employed Aurelia aurita for the first time as a model organism to evaluate the toxicity of such compounds. The main goal was to evaluate the toxicity of two food additives, 2-methyl-1-phenylpropan-2-ol (S1) and 1-phenylethan-1-ol (S2), on A. aurita ephyrae, comparing the results with other organisms representing different trophic levels, specifically the alga Phaeodactylum tricornutum and the crustacean Artemia salina. Acute toxicity tests were conducted on each organism. In A. aurita, S1 exhibited high toxicity (LC₅₀ ≈ 10 mg/L), while S2 had lower toxicity (LC₅₀ ≈ 80 mg/L). The pulsation frequency data for A. aurita revealed that S1 initially increased the pulsation rates at lower concentrations (maximum at 10 mg/L), followed by a significant decrease at higher concentrations. Conversely, S2 showed a steady decrease in pulsation rates up to 10 mg/L, with a slight increase at concentrations of 15, 20, and 25 mg/L. The results demonstrate varying sensitivities to the toxic effects of the two compounds across different trophic levels, with A. aurita ephyrae being the most sensitive. This suggests the potential efficacy of jellyfish as novel ecotoxicological models due to their heightened sensitivity, enabling the detection of lower contaminant concentrations in test samples. Further research is required to enhance the efficiency of ecotoxicological assays using this model. Full article

Aloysia triphylla is widely used in traditional medicine from Peru for its sedative, digestive and anti-inflammatory properties. However, comprehensive studies on the biological activities of its essential oil (EO), particularly from Peruvian sources, remain limited. This study aimed to analyze the chemical composition and enantiomeric profile of A. triphylla EO and evaluate its antibacterial, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, and cytotoxic activities. The EO was obtained by steam distillation and analyzed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A total of 62 compounds were identified, with (E)-caryophyllene (16.80%), β-pinene (9.96%), and germacrene D (10.00%) being the major components. Enantiomeric analysis revealed specific chiral signatures, including (−)-α-pinene, (+)-limonene, and (R)-(−)-linalool. The EO exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against Bacillus subtilis (MIC = 5 µg/mL), and weak antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 7720 and 4648 µg/mL for DPPH and ABTS, respectively). Additionally, the EO demonstrated moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 87.8 µg/mL) and cytotoxicity in the Artemia salina assay (LC₅₀ = 964 µg/mL). These findings suggest that A. triphylla EO possesses promising bioactivities with potential applications in pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields. Full article

Rising global temperatures increase skin exposure to heat stress, which can impair skin structure and function. While several cosmetic ingredients have been developed to mitigate heat-induced damage, most primarily aim to enhance hydration or suppress inflammation, lacking mechanistic insights into their action under heat stress. This study assessed E. artemiae-derived SUPER-T and its exosome form, Thermasome, in heat-stressed human skin fibroblasts. Transcriptomic profiling revealed that heat stress upregulated heat-related thermal receptors and downregulated key extracellular matrix (ECM)-related genes. Notably, treatment with SUPER-T upregulated expression of these genes, suggesting a reparative role as a barrier to alleviate heat stress at the dermal–epidermal junction. For its application in a field of cosmetics, SUPER-T encapsulated in exosomes (Thermasome) enhanced the heat resilience, suggesting its better transdermal and heat protective effects. Thermasome further improved skin heat resilience and enhanced ECM gene expression including collagen genes. Our findings provide a mechanistic basis for the development of functional cosmetical materials that target ECM remodeling under heat-stressed conditions. Full article

By stimulating living tissues with proper molecules, the angiogenesis and vasculogenesis processes can be observed. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1), which is a molecule that widens blood vessels and which is used for several medical purposes, such as treating critical limb ischemia, is a typical leading molecule in angiogenesis studies. Nevertheless, its involvement in vasculogenesis and morphogenesis is a more specific subject in the field of developmental biology and therapeutic research. Vasculogenesis is the embryonic phenomenon in which endothelial progenitor cells generate new blood vessels. This phenomenon is distinct and divergent from angiogenesis, which entails the creation of novel blood vessels extending from pre-existing ones. Morphogenesis is the biological phenomenon responsible for the development of an organism or its components into a specific shape. Embryonic development and tissue regeneration are essential components. Current research is investigating the broader consequences of prostaglandins, such as PGE1, in the fields of developmental biology and regenerative medicine. Gaining knowledge about the impact of PGE1 on morphogenesis could provide valuable insights into congenital vascular abnormalities and innovative approaches for tissue repair and regeneration, especially in limb ischemia. In this study, a histologic and morphogenesis study was carried out on Artemia salina napi (first stage of development) by simulating the angiogenesis and morphogenesis processes using PGE1 as the top molecule with vasoactive properties and a series of benopyridyne (3-aminoquinolines, 5-amino quinolines, 8-aminoquinolines, 8-hydroxyquinolines and quinolines, respectively). A series of 30 Artemia salina napi were exposed to the compound listed before. Also, a lot of 30 unexposed Artemia salina napi was taken into account. In total, 210 Artemia salina napi were studied as a model for angionensis and morphogenesis. The study used wet experiments together with imaging reconstruction and graph-generating methodologies. The results show that PGE1 can initiate the shape of the vessel formation. Also, some quinoline series have a pro-mild morphogenetic and angiogenetic effect. Overall, PGE1 plays a significant role in mediating vasculogenesis and morphogenesis through its vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and pro-proliferative effects on endothelial cells. PGE1 is involved mainly in increasing the length of the vessel, while the number of vascular branching has an all-simulating general impact. However, the molecules with mild vasculogenic effects tend to develop more complex, limited vascular networks, having a more localized role in the angiogenetic process. Overall imaging and graph analysis showed significant and distinct properties of the vascular network-derived graph. Full article

Human development has led to increased production of oil and gas, mainly as energy sources, which, however, are responsible for contamination and metal corrosion in industrial, marine, and terrestrial environments. Lubricating oil, in particular, is widely used in generators and industrial machines in the electric sector and is responsible for contamination not only in industrial environments but also in many terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In this context, this study aimed to apply the Starmerella bombicola ATCC 222214 biosurfactant to inhibit metal corrosion in seawater and in an Accelerated Corrosion Chamber (ACC). For this purpose, its toxicity against the microcrustacean Artemia salina, its dispersion capacity, and its ability to promote oil biodegradation in a saline environment were investigated. The biosurfactant, when applied at twice its Critical Micellar Concentration (CMC), caused low mortality (30.0%) of microcrustaceans in a saline environment, and, in its crude form, the biosurfactant ensured the dispersion of no less than 77.56% of residual engine oil in seawater. Oil biodegradation by autochthonous microorganisms reached 94.39% in the presence of the biosurfactant in seawater. Furthermore, the biosurfactant, when used at twice its CMC, acted satisfactorily as a corrosion inhibitor by reducing the mass loss of galvanized iron specimens (plates) in seawater in a static system to only 0.36%. On the other hand, when the biosurfactant was added at the CMC as an atmospheric corrosion inhibitor, the reduction in mass loss of carbon steel plates treated in the ACC was 17.38% compared to the control containing only a biodegradable matrix based on vegetable resin. When the biosurfactant was incorporated into different paints applied to galvanized iron plates placed in contact with the salt spray produced in the ACC, the best result was obtained using the biomolecule at a concentration of 3% in the satin paint, ensuring a plate mass loss (29.236 g/m²) that was almost half that obtained without surfactant (52.967 g/m²). The study indicated the use of yeast biosurfactant as a sustainable alternative in combating the contamination of marine environments and metal corrosion, with the aim of preserving the environment and improving the quality of life in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Full article

Chagas disease (ChD) caused by Trypanosoma cruzi remains a major public health concern, affecting approximately 8 million people worldwide. However, the number of undiagnosed cases is likely much higher. Existing treatments rely on benznidazole and nifurtimox which, despite their efficacy during the acute phase of infection, are often associated with severe side effects that can be life-threatening. As a promising alternative, actinomycetes—which are renowned for producing pharmacologically and industrially relevant metabolites—have demonstrated potent antimicrobial properties; however, their antiparasitic potential remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the anti-trypanocidal activities of extracellular metabolites produced by Streptomyces thermocarboxydus strain Chi-43 (ST-C43) and Streptomyces sp. strain Chi-104 (S-C104) against epimastigote, trypomastigote, and amastigote forms of T. cruzi. The strains were cultured in ISP2 broth, and their extracellular metabolites were assessed via antiparasitic diffusion assays in microplates. The 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values ranged from 102 to 116 μg/mL against epimastigotes and trypomastigotes. The antiparasitic activity was confirmed through 3-(4,5-dimetiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)-based spectrophotometric assays and optical microscopy. Toxicity assays revealed that the extracellular metabolites were non-toxic to Artemia salina, non-cytotoxic to Huvecs, and non-hemolytic to human erythrocytes. Dose–response regression analysis showed statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05). LC-MS/MS analysis identified amphomycin and K-252c aglycone staurosporine as the active antiparasitic compounds. These findings highlight the potential of Streptomyces-derived extracellular metabolites as novel, selective, and safe anti-T. cruzi agents. Nevertheless, further studies in murine or preclinical models are needed to validate their efficacy and support future clinical applications for the treatment of ChD. Full article

Cyanobacterial blooms are becoming increasingly frequent and intense worldwide, often dominated by Microcystis aeruginosa, a species capable of producing a wide array of bioactive metabolites beyond microcystins. This study evaluates the ecotoxicological potential of a non-microcystin-producing strain, M. aeruginosa CCIBt3106, using acute immobilization assays with three microcrustacean species: Daphnia similis, Artemia salina, and Parhyale hawaiensis. Biomass was extracted using solvents of varying polarity, and selected extracts (aqueous and 50% methanol) were further fractionated and analyzed via high-resolution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HR-LC-MS/MS). Significant toxicity was observed in D. similis and P. hawaiensis, with EC₅₀ values ranging from 660 to 940 µg mL⁻¹. Metabolomic profiling revealed the presence of chemically diverse metabolite classes, including peptides, polyketides, and fatty acyls, with putative annotations linked to known bioactivities. These findings demonstrate that cyanobacterial strains lacking microcystins can still produce complex metabolite mixtures capable of inducing species-specific toxic effects under environmentally relevant exposure levels. Overall, the results highlight the need to expand ecotoxicological assessments and monitoring frameworks to include non-microcystin cyanobacterial metabolites and strains in water quality management. Full article

Anthracnose is a disease caused by phytopathogenic fungi such as Colletotrichum siamense that attacks plants and fruits causing great postharvest losses. Different alternatives for the control of this fungus have been studied. In the present study, we evaluated the in vitro antifungal activity of the methanolic extracts of Baccharis glutinosa (ExB) and Jacquinia macrocarpa (ExJ) individually, as well as in combination with chitosan (CS), along with their toxicity in different models. Using the radial growth technique, it was observed that the mycelial development of C. siamense was altered and reduced during exposure to the different treatments evaluated during the first hours of incubation, indicating a fungistatic effect. While the cell viability, by colorimetric assay using the XTT salt, showed alteration since the chitosan reduced proliferation by 50%, while the plant extracts and their mixtures with chitosan reduced approximately 40% indicating cell damage, which was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. In addition, toxicity tests demonstrated that the J. macrocarpa extract significantly affected the germination percentage of Lactuca sativa seeds, whereas radicle length was reduced in all treatments except for chitosan. The larval survival test for Artemia salina with the extracts indicated their potential toxicity by causing up to 60% mortality. The results indicate that ExB and ExJ mixed with CS are a good option for controlling C. siamense; however, at the concentrations used, they exhibit a toxic effect on the evaluated models. Full article

Aquaculture play a vital role in enhancing human nutrition by producing commercially valuable fish, with gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) being a key species in the Mediterranean region. In seabream larviculture, disinfection is commonly used to control pathogens and prevent microbial imbalances. However, this process may also remove beneficial microbiota that contribute to ecosystem stability. This study aims to investigate the impact of tank disinfection operations on the bacterial communities associated with seabream larvae and their rearing water in a commercial hatchery using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. For further comparison, the bacterial communities present in eggs and feed were also analyzed for comparison. Results showed that the use of different disinfectants significantly altered the bacterial composition of the larvae, while the duration of the dry period had no measurable effect. Across all larval samples, the phylum Pseudomonadota dominated, with members of the genus Psychrobacter consistently detected regardless of disinfection treatment. This suggests that Psychrobacter may be transmitted from eggs or acquired through the feed, mainly rotifers and Artemia nauplii. In contrast, the bacterial communities in the rearing water were more diverse and showed only minor differences in relative abundance across disinfection methods. Full article

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs) were synthesized using the molten salt method and systematically characterized. TiO₂-NPs were evaluated for their capacity to promote the growth of Capsicum annuum cultivars together with the plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) and Trichoderma harzianum (Th). The variables analyzed included physiological parameters and antioxidant responses. The capacity of TiO₂-NPs to scavenge free radicals was also investigated, along with their biocompatibility, using Artemia salina as an in vivo model. The results demonstrated that TiO₂-NPs exhibited a nanocuboid-type morphology, negative surface charge, and small surface area. It was noted that TiO₂-NPs enhanced the CFU and spore production of Bt (1.56–2.92 × 10⁸ CFU/mL) and Th (2.50–3.90 × 10⁸ spores/mL), respectively. It was observed that TiO₂-NPs could scavenge DPPH, ABTS, and H₂O₂ radicals (IC₅₀ 48.66–109.94 μg/mL), while not compromising the viability of A. salina at 50–300 μg/mL. TiO₂-NPs were determined to enhance the root length and fresh and dry weights of chili peppers. Similarly, TiO₂-NPs in synergy with Bt and Th increased the activity of β-1,3-Glucanase (2.45 nkat/g FW) and peroxidase (69.90 UA/g FW) enzyme activity, and increased the TPC (29.50 GA/g FW). The synergy of TiO₂-NPs with the PGPMs consortium also upregulated the total chlorophyll content: 210.8 ± 11.4 mg/mg FW. The evidence from this study unveils the beneficial application of TiO₂-NPs with Bt and Th as an efficient approach to promote the physiology and antioxidant responses of chili peppers. Full article

The demand for sustainable, low-cost bioprocesses has encouraged the development of alternative enzyme production strategies. This study investigated the purification and characterization of a crude enzymatic extract (CEE) rich in α-amylase from Coprinus comatus, using wheat milling by-products as substrate. The CEE was obtained by submerged culture, followed by biomass removal, centrifugation, and ultrafiltration to yield a partially purified enzyme (PE). CEE and PE were evaluated for chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity, toxicity (Artemia salina assay), and enzymatic performance. Toxicity assays confirmed that CEE was non-toxic. Antioxidant activity reached 213.34 µmol TE·gDE⁻¹ (DPPH assay), with a total phenolic content of 8.01 mg GAE·gDE⁻¹. No antibacterial activity was detected. CEE hydrolyzed 96.31% of starch in 180 min, releasing 10.85 g·L⁻¹ glucose, while PE achieved 98% hydrolysis and released 14.5 g·L⁻¹. Optimal α-amylase activity occurred at 50 °C and pH 5.5 (CEE) or 5.0 (PE). Calcium ions improved the enzymatic activity and thermal stability. CEE retained over 60% activity after 721 days under refrigeration (4 °C) or freezing (0 °C). Although lyophilization enhanced enzyme concentration, it increased production costs. SDS-PAGE revealed bands of ~67 kDa (α-amylase) and ~35 kDa (glucoamylase). These findings support the use of CEE as a sustainable, low-cost biocatalyst for industrial use. Full article

Heat shock proteins (HSPs), particularly HSP70, play a vital role in fish immune defense against pathogens. The administration of DnaK (bacterial homolog of HSP70) may be a strategy to potentiate the immune response and survival of aquatic organisms. This study evaluates the effect of cells overexpressing DnaK on mortality and immune-related gene expression in gnotobiotic sea bass larvae challenged with Vibrio anguillarum. Larvae were subjected to different treatments: NB (no bacteria), YS0 (E. coli with no plasmid), YS1 (E. coli expressing truncated DnaK), and YS2 (E. coli expressing DnaK), and then infected with V. anguillarum at 7 days post-hatching (dph). Mortality was monitored, and RT-qPCR was used to evaluate immune gene expression at 0, 18, 24, 36, and 120 hpc. While no significant variations were recorded in the non-challenged larvae, constant and sustained mortality was observed in challenged larvae from 60 to 120 hpc. However, lower mortality was observed in the larvae treated with DnaK. DnaK treatment promoted the expression of antimicrobial (hepcidin, transferrin) and chemotaxis genes (ccl4), which was further enhanced after a challenge with V. anguillarum, in conjunction with the modulation of il1β and il-8 at 120 hpc. These findings suggest that DnaK induces a potent innate immune response, improving survival against V. anguillarum and supporting its potential use as a disease-preventive strategy in aquaculture. Full article

In this work, κ-carrageenan (κ-C) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) were utilized to synthesize polymeric films (κ-C-PEO). A 2^k experimental design was employed to optimize the synthesis of κ-C-PEO systems by considering the content of κ-carrageenan, PEO, and glycerin and their influence on the mechanical features of the resultant films. The κ-C-PEO systems were robustly characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs) were utilized to load κ-C-PEO films as an efficient approach to enhance their biological performance. The activity of κ-C-PEO films was studied against Gram-negative bacteria through the Kirby–Bauer assay. Artemia salina nauplii were cultured to assess the possible toxicity of κ-C-PEO films. The results demonstrated that κ-C-PEO films were elongated with the heterogeneous distribution of MgO-NPs. The tensile strength, thickness, and swelling capacity of κ-C-PEO films were 129 kPa, 0.19 mm, and 52.01%, respectively. TGA and DTA analyses revealed that κ-C-PEO films are thermally stable structures presenting significant mass loss patterns at >200 °C. Treatment with κ-C-PEO films did not inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli nor Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Against A. salina nauplii, κ-C-PEO films did not decrease the survival rate nor compromise the morphology of the tested in vivo model. The retrieved data from this study expand the knowledge about integrating inorganic nanomaterials with polysaccharide-based structures and their possible application in treating chronic wounds. Even though this work provides innovative insights into the optimal design of bioactive structures, further approaches are required to improve the biological performance of the synthesized κ-C-PEO films. Full article