Search Results (9)

Carcinine is an imidazole dipeptide with potent antioxidant and antiglycation properties, although its chemical synthesis currently relies on severely environmentally harmful processes. In this work, a multi-enzyme cascade biotransformation system comprising 4′-phosphopantetheinyl transferase and non-ribosomal peptide synthetase was constructed. To overcome the limitations arising from stochastic spatial distribution and suboptimal mass transfer associated with independent enzymes, a fusion protein strategy was adopted. The two enzymes were fused via a flexible genetic linker within plasmid pET28a-SFP-L-Ebony, which enabled robust soluble expression in Escherichia coli. Concurrently, the endogenous peptidase genes (pepA, pepB, pepD, and pepN) were systematically knocked out using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing. This quadruple protease-deficient strain (designated SFP-L-Ebony-ΔpepABDN) effectively suppressed product degradation. Subsequent optimization revealed that optimal catalytic performance occurred at 25 °C and pH 7.0. The highest biotransformation efficiency was achieved using 15 g/L crude enzymes, in the presence of 2 mM ATP and 10 mM MgCl₂. Through a fed-batch substrate feeding strategy in a 50 mL reaction system, the final carcinine titer reached 7.0 g/L after 48 h. This study, therefore, provides an efficient and sustainable technological pathway for the green biomanufacturing of carcinine as well as other high-value dipeptides. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are natural bioactive peptides produced by all organisms—from plants to insects, microbes and animals—and constitute a first line of defense. As they exhibit a broad spectrum of activity (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, anticancer), strong efforts are being made to integrate AMPs into clinical use. AMPs are also being investigated as anticancer agents to overcome the side effects and/or resistance associated with current chemotherapies. In this context, we identified the natural AMP chionodracine from a new biological source: an Antarctic fish. Starting from the fragmentation of a chionodracine mutant peptide, a rational modular design approach was applied to develop three very short peptides (Pep-A, Pep-B and Pep-C), which were further modified with an N-terminal myristic acid lipid tail. The anticancer activity of the three N-myristoylated short peptides (Myr-A, Myr-B and Myr-C) was explored against the human cervical cancer HeLa cell line. The rationale behind this study is based on the previously reported antifungal activity of these myr peptides and on their ability to interact selectively with biological membrane-mimicking synthetic phospholipids without being particularly hemolytic or cytotoxic towards normal cells. We first demonstrated that myr peptides had cytotoxic activity against HeLa cells (IC₅₀ from 32 to 47 μM) but spared healthy primary human fibroblasts, whereas the corresponding non-myr peptides failed to kill cancer cells. The peptide with no hemolytic activity and a low IC₅₀, labeled Myr-B, was selected for subsequent analyses. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed membrane damage and predominantly necrotic cell death in HeLa cells exposed to IC₅₀ doses of the Myr-B peptide, compared with cells treated with Pep-B. To thoroughly investigate the molecular effects of Myr-B in HeLa cells, we employed high-resolution label-free shotgun quantitative proteomics coupled with bioinformatics. Our results showed that exposing HeLa cells to Myr-B led to the under-expression of proteins belonging to the “apoptosis- and splicing-associated protein complex”, potentially influencing the alternative splicing process and consequently leading to a possible susceptibility to programmed cell death. These findings indicate that modifying natural AMPs may be a promising strategy for developing selective anticancer drugs and pinpoint Myr-B as an interesting target for future studies. Full article

Starch is a promising alternative to petroleum-based polymers due to its biodegradability and renewable nature. However, its widespread use in non-food applications raises ethical concerns. Mango kernels, a major byproduct of mango processing, represent an abundant yet underutilized starch source. However, conventional starch extraction requires costly purification steps with significant environmental impact. This study explores the development of extruded biocomposites, using corn starch and mango kernel flour (MKF) as a more sustainable alternative. The influence of lignin, extractives, amylose, and amylopectin content on the material properties was assessed. MKF was obtained by removing both tegument and endocarp from the mango kernels, grinding them in a colloidal mill, and finally drying the ground kernels. The resulting flour was blended with corn starch, processed in an internal mixer, and injection-molded. The composites were characterized through mechanical testing, water absorption analysis, colorimetry, and UV absorption assays. Notably, the composite containing ~20% MKF exhibited mechanical properties comparable to commercial polyethylene (PE-PB 208), with a tensile strength of 9.53 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 241.41 MPa. Additionally, MKF enhanced UVA protection. These findings suggest that mango kernel flour can partially replace starch in the production of injection-molded biopolymers, offering a more sustainable approach to biodegradable plastic development. Full article

The implementation of e-jeepneys stands as a change process that will eventually transition to the modernization of the public transport system in the Philippines. To address concerns about jeepneys’ effects on the environment, energy use, society, the economy, and policies, their acceptability in the Philippines must be considered. This research study aims to identify the sources of influence on Filipinos’ adoption of e-jeepney utilization as a mode of transportation using the extended Pro-Environmental Planned Behavior (PEBP) model. A total of 502 commuters voluntarily answered the survey questionnaire. Based on the findings, perceived environmental concern (PEC) is the most significant determinant influencing attitude (AT) and, thus, affecting the Filipinos’ behavioral intention (BI) towards the adoption of e-jeepneys. Conversely, AT was the primary determinant of BI, which strongly supported the notion of AT as a strong driving force shaping behavioral decisions. Moreover, perceived authority support (PAS) emerged as a strong predictor of subjective norms (SNs), demonstrating the influence of institutional support on societal perceptions. As a result, more environmentally conscious people are more likely to view e-jeepneys positively and intend to use them as a mode of transportation. The endorsement or support from authoritative figures or institutions notably influences subjective norms, which are individuals’ perceptions of social pressures regarding the use of e-jeepneys. Full article

The application of sustainability practices has become one of the key drivers to gaining a favorable stand in the market. However, petroleum companies are hesitant with its implementation due to the perceived negative financial impact. This study was conducted to determine the purchase intentions of consumers from petroleum stations implementing sustainability practices by utilizing the pro-environmental planned behavior (PEPB) framework. The research utilized an online questionnaire with 400 respondents who have been a petrol station customer. The data were examined with a higher-order construct using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings showed a positive relationship between variables and revealed that economic concern, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, economic factors, and sustainable knowledge significantly influenced customers’ intention to purchase goods and services from a petrol station adopting sustainability practices, while attitude was found to have no direct significant impact on customers’ intention. The results of this study adds value to the potential increase in PEPB understanding and consumer behavior and may be beneficial for petroleum companies as the basis for managerial decisions regarding the implementation of sustainability practices or initiatives towards adopting the concept of “green stations” and consumer preferences to attract purchase intentions. Full article

Renewable energies (RE) are naturally replenishable and sustainable energy sources. Solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, and ocean energy are among these sources. This study sought to determine the factors influencing the acceptance of Filipinos’ renewable energy utilization using the Pro-Environmental Planned Behavior (PEPB) model. A questionnaire survey was disseminated to obtain the required information and ascertain the variables affecting the behavioral intention of Filipinos in accepting RE. In examining the results, Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was utilized with Partial Least Squares SEM (PLS-SEM) to identify other existing relationships. Findings revealed that Perceived Authority Support (PAS) is the most significant variable affecting Perceived Environmental Concern (PEC), inducing an indirect effect on the Behavioral Intention (BI) of Filipinos. The factor with the highest significance affecting BI is the Subjective Norm (SN). Accordingly, such results suggest that the government should implement incentive-based strategies, while considering the impact of SN, by gaining the public’s favor on the transition from traditional energy sources to green alternatives. In addition, educational programs and campaigns may be administered to spread awareness and fill in information gaps among Filipino citizens. Full article

Phosphatidyl ethanolamine-binding proteins (PEBPs) are involved in regulating flowering time and various developmental processes. Functions and expression patterns in cultivated peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) remain unknown. In this study, 33 PEBP genes in cultivated peanuts were identified and divided into four subgroups: FT, TFL, MFT and FT-like. Gene structure analysis showed that orthologs from A and B genomes in cultivated peanuts had highly similar structures, but some orthologous genes have subgenomic dominance. Gene collinearity and phylogenetic analysis explain that some PEBP genes play key roles in evolution. Cis-element analysis revealed that PEBP genes are mainly regulated by hormones, light signals and stress-related pathways. Multiple PEPB genes had different expression patterns between early and late-flowering genotypes. Further detection of its response to temperature and photoperiod revealed that PEBPs ArahyM2THPA, ArahyEM6VH3, Arahy4GAQ4U, ArahyIZ8FG5, ArahyG6F3P2, ArahyLUT2QN, ArahyDYRS20 and ArahyBBG51B were the key genes controlling the flowering response to different flowering time genotypes, photoperiods and temperature. This study laid the foundation for the functional study of the PEBP gene in cultivated peanuts and the adaptation of peanuts to different environments. Full article

An ecolabel product is an environmentally friendly substance that can be selected to maintain environmental sustainability. Both developed and developing regions are promoting the use of green products. The current study aimed to know the behavior intention on ecolabel product usage from citizens in developing and developed regions. The extended Theory of Planned Behavior, known as Pro-Environmental Planned Behavior Model (PEPB), was used as the assessment model. Two questionnaire surveys were conducted to extract the necessary information for analyzing user’s behavior intention in two different regions. Taiwan and Indonesia were selected as case studies of developed and developing regions, respectively. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the proposed model and the result reveals that the model explains 49% of behavior intention to use ecolabel product in Taiwan’s case and 72% in Indonesia’s case. The findings revealed that attitude (AT) is the key factor to determine the behavioral intention (BI) in both Taiwan and Indonesia. Several practical recommendations based on the finding can be considered as input for the governments and related agencies to persuade manufacturing companies to produce more ecolabel products. Increased citizens’ intention to use ecolabel products help the company to reach broader target market and provide incentives to manufacturing companies to produce more environmentally friendly products. Full article

The present study was aimed at measuring citizens’ behavior intention (BI) regarding mandatory and voluntary pro-environmental programs. Two pro-environmental activities, which consist of an environmental impact assessment (EIA) as a mandatory program and ecolabel products as a voluntary program, were predicted by a pro-environmental planned behavior (PEPB) model. A total of 240 questionnaire data on the EIA subject and 213 questionnaire data on the ecolabel subject were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The analysis results show that the PEPB model is able to describe 60% of BI regarding the EIA subject and 77% of citizen BI regarding the ecolabel product subject. Attitude (AT) was revealed to be the lowest direct influence factor of citizen BI regarding the EIA participation result. For the ecolabel products, AT was explored as the strongest factor. Practical suggestions described in this research can be used as a consideration for company management as well as for policy makers to formulate their efforts to improve citizen BI in order to support voluntary and mandatory pro-environmental programs. Full article