Search Results (260)

The intense demand for alternatives to conventional plastics has increasingly motivated the development of biodegradable packaging. However, the ecological impact of these materials when discarded in natural settings has not yet been evaluated. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of films based on chia mucilage in different aquatic environments. The solubilization time varied according to water type, ranging from 40 min in ultrapure, deionized, and distilled water to 230 min in saline water. After solubilization, all water samples exhibited increased turbidity (from 1.04 to 15.73 NTU in deionized water) and apparent color (from 0 to 44 PCU in deionized water) as well as pH variations depending on ionic strength. Deionized water also showed the highest viscosity increase (>350 Pa·s at 1 s⁻¹). UV–Vis spectra revealed a moderate rise in absorbance between 236 and 260 nm, indicating organic compound release. Regarding phytotoxicity, the solubilized films had no toxic effect and promoted a biostimulating effect on root elongation, with Relative Germination Index values exceeding 140% in most samples. These results reinforce the potential of chia-based films for controlled disposal, particularly in low-salinity environments, while highlighting the importance of evaluating post-solubilization interactions with aquatic systems. Full article

Four natural bioactive compounds with UV-absorbing properties—curcumin, quercetin, caffeic acid, and hymecromone—were incorporated into pectin-based coatings deposited on oriented polypropylene (OPP) to develop packaging films with UV-shielding capabilities. The effects of both bioactive compounds (used individually or in combination) and coating thickness (δ = 0.12–1.2 μm) on the optical properties (UV-Vis transmittance and haze) of the coated OPP samples were investigated. Coating deposition enhanced the UV-barrier properties in relation to the type of bioactive compound, following the order of caffeic acid > hymecromone > curcumin > quercetin. Regardless of the type of bioactive compound used, no significant changes were observed in clarity, haze, and tensile parameters of OPP, whereas the pectin coatings dramatically improved the oxygen barrier performance of the plastic substrate. Additionally, a greater coating thickness resulted in a lower UV-light transmittance of coated PP films. Although the combination of hymecromone and caffeic acid did not exhibit a synergistic effect, it demonstrated an additive benefit, effectively broadening the wavelength range of UV protection in the final packaging materials. While this study highlights that a performance gap remains compared to commercially available UV-shielding materials, it underscores the potential of replacing synthetic UV-absorbing additives with natural compounds through coating technologies rather than masterbatch incorporation. Full article

Nostoc flagelliforme, a filamentous cyanobacterium inhabiting desert biological soil crusts (BSCs), has developed exceptional strategies to endure extreme environmental stresses, including severe desiccation, intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and drastic temperature fluctuations. These organisms must effectively sense and predict environmental changes, particularly the onset of desiccation. This review explores recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms that enable N. flagelliforme to survive under such harsh conditions, with a focus on stress signal sensing, transduction pathways, and photosynthetic adjustments. Key molecular adaptations include the production of extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) sheaths for water retention, the accumulation of compatible solutes like trehalose, and the synthesis of UV-absorbing compounds such as scytonemin and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). Furthermore, N. flagelliforme utilizes a complex signal transduction network, including light-sensing pathways, to regulate responses to rehydration and desiccation cycles. This review emphasizes the integrative nature of N. flagelliforme’s adaptive mechanisms and highlights their potential for biotechnological applications, such as enhancing drought tolerance in crops and advancing ecological restoration in arid regions. Full article

Traditional methods of synthesizing nanoparticles often rely on physical and chemical processes using synthetic hazardous chemicals. In contrast, the rise in green chemistry emphasizes using bioactive compounds from plants for the eco-friendly synthesis of nanostructures. These green synthesis techniques are increasingly recognized for their simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and ability to yield non-toxic by-products, an approach that aligns with sustainable practices. In this research, a straightforward, cheap, environmentally friendly, and sustainable procedure was developed to fabricate Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) employing three different pulp extracts: Agave (Agave americana), Chiku (Manilkara zapota), and Soursop (Annona muricata) to serve in the synthesis as capping, reduction, or stabilization agent. Analytical characterization techniques confirmed the successful phytosynthesis of ZnO-NPs, evidenced by significant absorbance peaks of UV-Vis spectra at 362 nm, and the chemical composition of ZnO without noticeable traces of phytochemical residues by carrying out ATR-FTIR analysis. SEM, STEM microscopies, and XRD analysis verified that the ZnO nanoparticles possess spherical geometries and hexagonal crystal structures. The average size of these nanoparticles was around 15.94, 18.08, and 23.32 nm for Agave, Chiku, and Soursop extract-based synthesis, respectively. Additionally, the in vitro antibacterial activity of phytosynthetized ZnO-NPs was evaluated against E. coli and S. aureus, confirming effective bacterial growth inhibition and demonstrating their significant antimicrobial potential. Full article

Global municipal solid waste (~2B tons/year) affects sustainability, as landfill and incineration face persistent leachate contamination, demanding effective management to advance water recycling and circular economies. Accelerated investigation of hybrid biocatalytic ozonation systems is imperative to enhance contaminant removal efficiency for stringent discharge compliance. This study investigates the catalytic ozonation effects of γ-Al₂O₃-based catalysts loaded with different metals (Cu, Mn, Zn, Y, Ce, Fe, Mg) on the biochemical effluent of landfill leachate. The catalysts were synthesized via a mixed method and subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Pseudo-second-order kinetics revealed active metal loading’s impact on adsorption capacity, with Cu/γ-Al₂O₃ and Mg/γ-Al₂O₃ achieving the highest Q_e (0.85). To elucidate differential degradation performance among the catalysts, the ozone/oxygen gas mixture was introduced at a controlled flow rate. Experimental results demonstrate that the Cu/γ-Al₂O₃ catalyst, exhibiting optimal comprehensive degradation performance, achieved COD and TOC removal efficiencies of 84.5% and 70.9%, respectively. UV–vis absorbance ratios revealed the following catalytic disparities: Mg/γ-Al₂O₃ achieved the highest aromatic compound removal efficiency; Ce/γ-Al₂O₃ excelled in macromolecular organics degradation. EEM-PARAFAC analysis revealed differential fluorophore removal: Cu/γ-Al₂O₃ exhibited broad efficacy across all five components, while Mg/γ-Al₂O₃ demonstrated optimal removal of C2 and C4, but showed limited efficacy toward C5. These findings provide important insights into selecting catalysts in practical engineering applications for landfill leachate treatment. This study aims to elucidate catalyst formulation-dependent degradation disparities, guiding water quality-specific catalyst selection to ultimately enhance catalytic ozonation efficiency. Full article

In this study, we synthesized a novel trimethoprim derivative, 4-(((2-amino-5-(3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl) pyrimidine-4-yl)imino)methyl)benzene-1,3-diol (HD), by the reaction of trimethoprim with 2,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. We then prepared metal complexes of this derivative with Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Ag(I), and Zn(II) and functionalized them with ZnO and Au nanoparticles. Their structures were confirmed through ¹H NMR, mass spectrometry, FTIR, conductivity, thermal analysis, magnetic susceptibility, X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis spectroscopy, and TEM, revealing octahedral geometries for all complexes. Surface features were investigated using density functional theory (DFT) analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters and target enzymes for HD and its complexes were computed using the SwissADME web tool, with the BOILED-Egg model indicating that HD and its Cu complex should be passively permeable via the blood-brain barrier and highly absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), unlike the Ni, Co, Ag, and Zn complexes, which are predicted to show low GIT absorption. Molecular docking studies with the Caspase-3 enzyme (PDB code: 3GJQ) using the AutoDock 4.2 software demonstrated binding energies of −7.66, −8.36, −9.05, −8.62, −6.90, and −7.81 kcal/mol for HD and the Cu, Co, Ni, Ag, and Zn complexes, respectively, compared to −6.54 and −4.63 kcal/mol for TMP and 5-FU (5-fluorouracil), indicating a potential superior anticancer potential of the novel compounds. The anticancer activities of these complexes were evaluated using the MTT assay. The IC₅₀ values for 5-FU, TMP, HD, Cu-HD, HD@ZnONPs, Cu-HD@ZnONPs, HD@AuNPs, and Cu-HD@AuNPs were found to be 32.53, 80.76, 114.7, 61.66, 77, 53.13, 55.06, and 50.81 µg/mL, respectively. Notably, all derivatives exhibited higher activity against the HepG-2 cancer cell line than TMP, except for HD, which showed similar effectiveness to TMP. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that the Au-HD@AuNPs and Cu-HD@AuNPs significantly increased caspase-3 inhibition by 4.35- and 4.5-fold and P53 expression by 3.05- and 3.41-fold, respectively, indicating enhanced pro-apoptotic gene expression and apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells. Our findings demonstrate that these novel derivatives possess significant anticancer properties, with some complexes showing superior activity compared to standard drugs such as 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) and Trimethoprim (TMP). This study highlights the potential of these nanocomposites as promising candidates for cancer therapy. Full article

Lipid vesicles, liposomes and phytosomes have been gaining significant attention in various applications for phytochemical preservation. Furthermore, yerba mate (Ilex paraguariensis) contains a high content of bioactive compounds with functional properties; however, its liquid extract exhibits limited stability. For the first time, lipid vesicles containing yerba mate extract were produced and characterized. They were prepared using pure or purified phosphatidylcholine (PC) and n-hexane as a solvent via the reverse phase evaporation method. Their characterization was conducted using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), UV–vis spectroscopy, Zeta potential (PZ), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The decrease or absence of FTIR bands and UV–vis absorbance (325 nm) from the yerba mate extract suggests the successful dispersion of yerba mate extract in the liposome membrane, ensuring its encapsulation or complexation. Additionally, the size of lipid vesicles decreased from 625.1 nm to 440.5 nm (pure PC) and from 690.0 nm to 518.6 nm (purified PC) after the addition of yerba mate extract PZ values showed a slight change in all vesicles enhancing colloidal stability. This, combined with the reduction observed in DLS, suggests membrane reorganization, leading to the formation of unilamellar liposomes. Our observations indicate the possible formation of phytosomes, although additional studies are necessary to confirm this mechanism. Full article

Viologens, i.e., quaternary 4,4′-bipyridinum salts, are a well-known class of functional organic compounds that have attracted in the past few decades a great deal of attention for their peculiar chemical and electrochemical properties and have therefore found numerous applications ranging from herbicides to electrochromic devices. In this paper, the synthesis and characterization of a novel viologen derivative are described. In the reported compound, the pyridinium nitrogen atoms have been quaternarized with the benzyl group and an additional unsaturated moiety, namely a 9,10-diethynylanthracene core, has been inserted between the charged pyridinium rings to extend the conjugation. Characterization by means of absorbance and diffuse reflectance UV–visible spectroscopy suggested intriguing optical and electronic properties, making this extended viologen a potential candidate for different optoelectronic applications. Full article

Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) is an increasingly used natural product in botanical dietary supplements, valued for its bioactive compounds. However, inconsistent standardized analytical methods raise concerns over product authenticity, mislabeling, and quality control. This study employs a multi-analytical approach to differentiate wildcrafted chaga canker from North American chaga dietary supplements, particularly those containing mycelia fermented grain products. High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC), Liquid Chromatography with Evaporative Light Scattering Detection (LC-ELSD) or Photo/Diode Array Detection (LC-PDA/DAD), Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (LC-QToF-MS), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and iodine-starch assays were used to evaluate key markers, including triterpenoids, polysaccharides, and melanin. Whole chaga canker contained triterpenoids (inotodiol, trametenolic acid) and phenolics, like osmundacetone, while melanin absorbance at 500 nm differentiated it from fermented grain products. β-Glucan quantification and iodine-starch assays confirmed starch-rich composition in fermented grains and its absence in authentic chaga canker. NMR fingerprinting and LC-QToF-MS metabolomics demonstrated stark compositional deviations between wildcrafted chaga canker, I. obliquus mycelium, and fermented grain products. By integrating complementary techniques, we establish a framework that can reliably distinguish genuine chaga canker from misrepresented products, ensuring consumer safety and fostering trust in the functional mushroom, canker, and mycelium markets. Full article

Phenolic compounds, with their diverse biological activities, are widely explored as cosmetic ingredients with photoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hyperpigmentation properties, offering a multitargeted approach to combat photo-induced skin aging. The study analyzed 1299 cosmetic products from 2021 to 2024 to understand the market impact of phenolic compounds and their mechanism of action against photo-induced skin damage. A total of 28 active phenolic compounds were identified and the prevalence of phenolics was 13.2% in anti-aging products, 5.2% in sunscreens and 4.8% in aftersun products. Bakuchiol and polyphenols, such as resveratrol, chrysin, and hesperidin methyl chalcone, were found in anti-aging products. Sunscreens and aftersun products were counted with ferulic and caffeic acids, and salicylic acid, respectively. Antioxidant activity was found to be the primary mechanism of action of phenolic compounds by scavenging reactive species, thus mitigating oxidative stress. Ferulic and caffeic acids, chrysin, and glucosylrutin can also absorb UV radiation, acting preventively against solar-induced skin damage. This study provides insights into the limited use of phenolic compounds in commercial cosmetics, despite their diverse biological activities, and suggests potential barriers to wider use in skin and sun care products. Full article

Shea butter (SB) is a raw material fat obtained from Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn kernels. We investigated the direct and indirect protective effects of 10 traditional and industrial SBs and their polar extracts on cell-free systems using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays as well as on singlet oxygen (¹O₂) produced by Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitization. Their effects against RB-induced HaCaT cell phototoxicity were also explored. A spectrophotometric assay and HPLC were performed to quantify and identify phenolic content, which was between 14.16 and 82.99 ppm pyrogallol equivalent. These variations could be due to the SB origin and extraction process. These polar fractions exhibited moderate DPPH and strong ABTS radical-scavenging activity. By applying the UV–visible technique, we demonstrated that SBs and their phenolic compounds behave as ¹O₂ quenchers in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, using a UVR-like model after the irradiation of RB, both polar extracts and crude SB exhibited photoprotective effects, highlighting the indirect protective action. In acellular and cellular models, SB and its polar extracts can act as a free radical scavenger against reactive oxygen species and ¹O₂ quenchers. Due to the maximum absorbance of SB at 280 nm and the antioxidant effect of ¹O₂ quenching, SB polar extracts exhibit photoprotective properties. Full article

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor technology is a promising approach to diagnosing cancer through the detection of cancer biomarkers due to its high sensitivity, potential label-free operation, and fast response times, and, fundamentally, because it is a non-invasive technique in comparison with the current traditional diagnostic techniques for cancer. This review focuses on this application, and for this purpose, the recent literature on cancer biomarkers detected by this advanced technology has been compiled, including that on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from exhaled breath and larger biomolecules such as proteins, DNA, and microRNAs in body fluids, which demonstrates its great versatility. The conventional techniques for cancer biomarker detection in biofluids, such as ELISA, PCR, SPR, and UV absorbance, exhibit limitations including high costs, slow response times, a reduced sensitivity, the need for specialized instrumentation, and the requirement for highly trained personnel. Different SAW sensor configurations are discussed with attention paid to their specific properties, wave propagation modes, and suitability for different environments. Detailed studies are reviewed, highlighting biomarkers for lung, colorectal, prostate, breast, and ovarian cancer diagnostics, as well as the detection of circulating tumor cells and cancerous cell growth. This review identifies current challenges, including optimizing sensitivity, addressing environmental interferences, and the need for clinical validation. Finally, future research directions are proposed, emphasizing the use of VOC biomarkers and the integration of SAW technology into hybrid systems and microfluidic platforms to enable the creation of scalable, non-invasive diagnostic tools for the detection of cancer in early stages, and, in this way, to minimize the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease. Full article

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun significantly damages the skin, leading to premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and oxidative stress that disrupts skin homeostasis. UV radiation increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), accelerating skin deterioration. Although sunscreens remain the primary method for UV protection, chemical-based formulations are often associated with side effects, such as allergic reactions and acne. To address these concerns, the inclusion of natural ingredients in sunscreen formulations has gained attention. Curcumin, an active compound found in turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Java turmeric (Curcuma xanthorrhiza), is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This review explores the potential of curcumin as a natural ingredient for enhancing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen products. A systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 200 articles sourced from Google Scholar and PubMed using keywords such as “Curcumin”, “Curcuma”, “Antioxidant”, “Anti-Inflammatory”, and “Sun Protection Factor”. Studies unrelated to UV protection were excluded. The findings, presented in tabular form, indicate that curcumin and Curcuma exhibit significant potential to enhance SPF values due to their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and UV-absorbing properties. Additionally, curcumin may aid in skin repair following UV-induced damage. However, the specific concentration of curcumin in various Curcuma species remains unknown, and further research is necessary to determine its optimal use. Consideration of additional excipients in sunscreen formulations is also required to maximize efficacy. In conclusion, curcumin demonstrates considerable promise as a sustainable and effective natural ingredient for protecting the skin from UV radiation, offering a safer alternative to conventional chemical-based sunscreens. Full article

Storm events have a notable impact on natural organic matter (NOM) and trihalomethanes (THMs). Water samples were collected and analyzed from Ulutan Dam (UD), in the Zonguldak region, Turkey. During four storm events, the data indicated the presence of hysteresis patterns in three of the four storms, with elevated concentrations of organic constituents observed during the falling limb of the hydrographs. It was observed that a higher specific THM (sp.THM) concentration (201.83 µg/L) was reached with an average specific UV absorbance (SUVA) value of 6.66 L/mg·m in the fourth storm. This means that the primary sources of THM precursors are the aromatic compounds present in NOM. A significant correlation between UV absorbance (UV₂₅₄) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (R = 0.99–0.92) for all storms was observed. Chlorine demand also yielded a strong correlation (R = 0.81–0.99) with UV₂₅₄ and DOC. Therefore, the present study indicates that UV₂₅₄ can be an effective parameter for monitoring applicable chlorine dosage in drinking water treatment management as faced with storm events. On the other hand, the results of the study also provide valuable insight into the direct and indirect link between short-term precipitation events and their impact on the structural and THM precursors in surface water sources. Full article

Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are caused by ultraviolet B radiation (UV-B) stress. In response, plants strengthen their cell membranes, impeding photosynthesis. Additionally, UV-B stress initiates oxidative stress within the antioxidant defense system and alters secondary metabolism, particularly by increasing the quantity of UV-absorbing compounds such as flavonoids. The v-myb avian myeloblastosis viral oncogene homolog (MYB) transcription factor (TF) may participate in a plant’s response to UV-B damage through its regulation of flavonoid biosynthesis. In this study, we discovered that the photosynthetic activity of Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall. (R. chrysanthum) decreased when assessing parameters of chlorophyll (PSII) fluorescence parameters under UV-B stress. Concurrently, antioxidant system enzyme expression increased under UV-B exposure. A multi-omics data analysis revealed that acetylation at the K68 site of the RcTRP5 (telomeric repeat binding protein of Rhododendron chrysanthum Pall.) transcription factor was upregulated. This acetylation modification of RcTRP5 activates the antioxidant enzyme system, leading to elevated expression levels of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT). Upregulation is also observed at the K95 site of the chalcone isomerase (CHI) enzyme and the K178 site of the anthocyanidin synthase (ANS) enzyme. We hypothesize that RcTRP5 influences acetylation modifications of CHI and ANS in flavonoid biosynthesis, thereby indirectly regulating flavonoid production. This study demonstrates that R. chrysanthum can be protected from UV-B stress by accumulating flavonoids. This could serve as a useful strategy for enhancing the plant’s flavonoid content and provide a valuable reference for research on the metabolic regulation mechanisms of other secondary substances. Full article