Search Results (25,600)

Fruit is an important source of bioactive compounds, and making full use of them can contribute to the development of natural alternatives to microbial resistance. This study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of bioactive compounds and their relationship with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity in the pulp, peel, and seeds of Salacca zalacca at three stages of ripeness (M1, 30 days after flowering; M2, 90 days after flowering; and M3, 120 days after flowering). The physicochemical characteristics (weight, size, pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, ash, and minerals) and the bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenolic compounds) were determined using liquid chromatography. Antioxidant activity was determined using the ABTS and DPPH methods, and antimicrobial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. The results showed that the pulp had the highest concentrations of malic acid (8018.6 mg/100 g DW in M1); the peel in M1 had the highest concentrations of chlorogenic (705.0 mg/100 g DW), caffeic (321.0 mg/100 g DW) and ferulic acids (173.5 mg/100 g DW); and the seeds had the highest levels of vitamin C (16.81 mg/100 g DW in M2). The pulp in M2 and M3 and the peel in M2 exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity (5.5 mmol ET/100 g DW by DPPH), as well as the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. In conclusion, the peel, in addition to the edible pulp, represents a relevant source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in functional foods and natural products. Full article

Oxidative stress (OxS) is a central factor in neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and coumarins, counteract reactive species and modulate key intracellular survival pathways, highlighting their therapeutic potential. Parastrephia quadrangularis (Pq), a plant from the Atacama Desert traditionally used by Andean communities, contains phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities. However, its neuroprotective potential remains unexplored. Here, a hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of Pq and four subfractions (MeOH, EtOAc, DCM, and n-hex) were obtained and assessed for in vitro antioxidant activity, with HAE selected for its consistent activity. In SH-SY5Y cells, HAE-Pq lowered basal reactive oxygen species and attenuated hydrogen peroxide-induced OxS. The UHPLC-MS analysis of HAE-Pq unveiled a high abundance of flavonoids, followed by coumarins and phenolic acids, and identified 16 additional metabolites, including jaceidin as the most abundant. In vivo assays using a Drosophila genetic PD model induced by overexpression of human α-synuclein, showed that HAE-Pq was non-toxic and non-aversive and that it delayed the onset of motor defects by one week in female flies. This study provides the first evidence of the neuroprotective potential of Pq, supporting its value as a source of bioactive metabolites relevant to NDs and reinforcing its ethnopharmacological validation. Full article

This article focuses on evaluating selected roughness parameters on samples created by material extrusion, specifically FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). The experiment was divided into two separate phases. The first phase of the experiment involved creating a four-level model A from PLA (poly (lactic acid)) material without any additives. The variable parameter was the height of the printed layer, where each level was printed at a different print height. Subsequently, the sandblasting method was applied to the samples using a selected abrasive. The roughness parameters were evaluated using a Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-400 roughness tester. Based on the results of the roughness parameters of model A, model B was prepared, using a constant print height. Each level of model B was made with different metallic additives based on PLA material. The findings demonstrate the effectiveness of mechanical post-processing in achieving the desired surface characteristics of additively manufactured components. The experiment confirms the suitability of sanding and grinding to improve surface quality at different layer heights and for PLA-based materials with metal additives. In addition, grinding and sanding of PLA-based composites filled with metal particles can create a realistic metallic appearance comparable to conventionally manufactured metals. Full article

Plant-based milk alternatives (PBMAs) are plant-based fluid products that are marketed as substitutes for regular milk. The nutrient composition of PBMA products can vary widely, depending on the plant source, processing methods, potential additives, etc., and in recent years, considerable research effort has been devoted to the exploration of the nutritional content of PBMAs, which are increasingly consumed worldwide. In the present study, an established UHPLC–Orbitrap MS method was employed for the extensive characterization of phenolic compounds in PBMAs available in the Greek market. Twenty-eight PBMAs were studied, including a variety of almond-, soy-, coconut-, oat-, walnut-, and rice-based products. In almond-based milk products, low total concentrations and a broad distribution across compound classes were observed, with trans-chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid being the most abundant constituents, whereas coconut-based milk samples were generally not rich in phenolic compounds. In soy-based milk samples, the presence of isoflavones including daidzein, genistein, and glycitein was uniquely detected, while oat-based products were the samples richer in phenolic content, in particular for hydroxycinnamic acids, such as trans-chlorogenic acid and neochlorogenic acid. In addition, a suspect screening approach, using Exactive Plus Orbitrap, enabled the exploration and semi-quantification of three avenanthramides (A, B, C) in the studied oat-based milk samples and six isoflavonoids, namely daidzein and genistein derivatives, in soy-based milk. Such compounds are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their occurrence in PBMAs highlights the potential health-promoting effects of these dairy alternatives. Full article

High temperatures are one of the most important abiotic stressors affecting the survival and growth of American shad (Alosa sapidissima). Building on previous omics sequencing studies of A. sapidissima liver and gills under high temperature stress, this study focused on investigating the regulatory role of miR-1236-3p and its target gene hsp90b1. The results indicate that the full-length cDNA of the hsp90b1 gene is 2023 bp and comprises a 5’ end of 58 bp, a 3’ end of 84 bp, and a coding region of 1881 bp, encoding 626 amino acids. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic tree analysis reveal that the hsp90b1 sequence is highly conserved across species. In situ hybridization showed that hsp90b1 is mainly localized in the cytoplasm. Software prediction identified a potential binding site between miR-1236-3p and hsp90b1. Through the construction of wild-type and mutant 3’UTR hsp90b1 dual luciferase reporter plasmids, the targeted relationship between the two was confirmed. In addition, the spatiotemporal expression levels of the hsp90b1 was found to be highest in the multicellular stage and liver tissue at a cultivation temperature of 27 °C; miR-1236-3P was highly expressed in the hatching stage and heart tissue at 30 °C. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for further investigating the regulatory role of non-coding RNA in A. sapidissima heat stress and offer data for subsequent molecular breeding studies. Full article

Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT) is a semiconducting, electron donor polymer which, in addition to its intensive use in optoelectronic devices, is increasingly investigated in biological systems. However, there are conflicting reports about the biocompatibility of P3HT, and no direct comparison between P3HT films and P3HT nanoparticles has been conducted. In this context, we investigated the viability of bEnd.3 endothelial cells when such cells are grown onto P3HT films or incubated with P3HT nanoparticles and subjected to trains of moderate power density, relatively long light pulses. We observed that, while P3HT films do not decrease the viability of bEnd.3 cells at all, P3HT nanoparticles lower the viability of bEND.3 cells by ~20%, when the nanoparticles also contain [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as electron acceptor, and by ~30%, when the nanoparticles do not contain PCBM. Interestingly, the used photoexcitation protocol did not impact the biocompatibility of the P3HT-based materials. The obtained results reveal that (i). nanostructuring has a detrimental impact on the compatibility of P3HT with bEND.3 endothelial cells, and (ii). P3HT-based materials can be safely combined with light when used in biological systems because light, as used in the present study, does not alter the biocompatibility of such materials. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adequate sleep has a fundamental role in human health, mainly in cognitive and physiological functions. However, the daily demands of modern society have led to a constant pursuit of better living conditions, requiring more active hours at the expense of sleeping hours. This sleep deprivation has been associated with human health deterioration, namely an increase in Diabetes Mellitus incidence. This metabolic disease is a chronic pathology that imposes a big burden on health systems and is associated with the rise in insulin resistance. In this sense, the aim of this review is to analyze the relation between sleep deprivation and insulin resistance, emphasizing the metabolic parameters and hormones that may be involved in the subjacent mechanism. Methods: A literature review of the last 10 years was performed with specific terms related to “sleep deprivation” and “insulin resistance”. Results: Overall, the studies analyzed showed a decrease in insulin sensitivity in cases of sleep deprivation, even with different study protocols. In addition, an association between sleep deprivation and increased non-esterified fatty acids was also noticeable; however, other parameters such as cortisol, metanephrines, and normetanephrines showed no consistent results among the studies. Conclusions: This review allowed us to confirm the relationship between sleep deprivation and insulin resistance; however, despite the difficulties to monitor sleep, more research is needed to understand the related mechanisms that have not yet been clarified. Full article

The search for novel microbial lipases with robust and versatile biochemical properties remains a priority in industrial biotechnology. In this study, the gut microbiota of the Peruvian anchovy (Engraulis ringens) was explored as a potential source of lipase-producing bacteria. A total of 31 distinct bacterial strains were isolated, among which 10 exhibited extracellular lipase activity in qualitative plate assays. Molecular identification revealed representatives of the genera Staphylococcus, Serratia, and Aeromonas. Two promising strains, Staphylococcus ureilyticus LMB-06 and LMB-Ju02, were selected based on their superior lipase productivity and were further subjected to partial biochemical characterization. Their lipase-containing secretomes displayed activity across a broad temperature range, retained stability under mildly acidic conditions (pH 5.0–6.0), tolerated several organic solvents, and exhibited enhanced activity in the presence of Ca²⁺. Notably, the lipase activity of LMB-06 was positively influenced by Mg²⁺ and K⁺—a response not previously reported for Staphylococcus lipases—suggesting unique enzymatic properties. In addition, LMB-06 retained activity in the presence of H₂O₂, highlighting its suitability for biodiesel production from recycled oils. Furthermore, hydrolysis assays using various natural oils as substrates revealed a marked preference for plant-based oils, particularly olive oil. Altogether, these findings highlight the value of S. ureilyticus strains from anchovy gut microbiota as novel biocatalyst sources for sustainable oil bioprocessing and oleochemical applications. Full article

Many central nervous system disorders (CNS), including chronic pain and migraine, involve metabolic changes in the brain. These changes are best detected and monitored in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which requires lumbar puncture. Blood-based measurements may offer an alternative, if they reflect CSF changes. To assess this, we measured and correlated the concentrations of 39 amino acids, biogenic amines, and other amines in blood and CSF of 95 healthy volunteers and, in addition, correlated the ratios of 741 amines. Amines were measured using a validated UPLC-MS platform. In healthy volunteers, only 4/39 (10.3%) analyzed amine metabolite concentrations had a correlation coefficient ≥ 0.70. Correlations of metabolite ratios were significantly better for 308/741 (41.5%) combinations. Specifically, ratios of amino acids showed high correlations. In addition, amines were investigated in 197 participants with migraine. Six amine metabolite ratios were different in migraineurs versus healthy volunteers. Most blood amine concentrations do not reflect those in CSF, but many of the ratios did correlate between CSF and plasma, showing diagnostic potential. This study improves our understanding of blood-CSF relationships, and our data suggest that ratios of amines may be of relevance to CNS disorders, as we showed for migraine. Full article

Animal toxins contain various bioactive peptides and proteins which have evolved to interact in specific ways. As such, they are a good starting point for developing new drugs and vaccines. This paper examines three natural neurotoxins derived from the black mamba (Dendroaspis polylepis), which show significant pharmacological potential: mambalgins, fasciculins and dendrotoxins. All three may be of value in the treatment of pain, cancer and neurodegenerative disease. Mambalgins provide similar pain relief to opioids but without the risk of addiction; they act by selectively blocking acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs), especially ASIC1a. Thanks to this inhibitory activity they also demonstrate selective activity against glioblastoma, melanoma and leukemia cells as innovative anticancer drugs. Fasciculins are very strong inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and hence offer promise in multi-target drugs and as treatments for treating Alzheimer’s disease. Dendrotoxins such as DTX-K and DTX-I are able to modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission by blocking voltage-gated potassium channels (Kv1.1, Kv1.2, Kv1.6); both have been shown to be effective against cancer cells, and to influence the cardiovascular, immune, and digestive systems. Recent advances in recombinant biotechnology and protein engineering have allowed their safe production with increased therapeutic value. The review examines the translational potential of D. polylepis venom proteins and highlights the need for additional preclinical research on bioactive molecules of toxin origin. Full article

This study investigated the fermentation of beef burgers enriched with varying quantities (5% and 10%) of hazelnut skin powder using Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cultures. The physicochemical, textural, microbiological, and sensory characteristics of the burgers were examined. The research indicates that incorporating hazelnut skin powder enhances the fermentation process via its prebiotic properties. The addition of hazelnut skin powder and the fermentation process were found to affect the quality characteristics of the burgers. The findings indicated that after cooking, the reductions in weight loss, as well as changes in diameter and height, were inversely related to the quantity of hazelnut skin powder incorporated. With the increase in the amount of added hazelnut skin powder, there was a corresponding decrease in the L*, a*, and b* values of the samples. With an increase in the amount of added powder, there was a corresponding rise in the hardness value; however, it was observed that the hardness value decreased while the chewiness value improved in the fermented samples. The amounts of oleic acid and linoleic acid increased in accordance with the quantity of hazelnut skin powder added. Sample S3 exhibited the highest oleic acid amount at 49.05% and the highest linoleic acid amount at 6.10%. The prebiotic characteristics of hazelnut skin powder enhanced the growth of L. acidophilus and L. plantarum. The highest count of L. acidophilus was 8.90 log cfu/g in sample S6, while the maximum count of L. plantarum was 8.91 log cfu/g in sample S9. As the amount of added hazelnut skin powder increased, the scores for sensory properties decreased. Sample S7 was the most liked in terms of sensory properties. Consequently, it was concluded that the incorporation of hazelnut skin powder into the burgers enhanced specific physicochemical, microbiological, and sensory properties of the products. The addition of hazelnut skin powder was found to enhance the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Full article

α-Linolenic acid (ALA) is an important essential omega-3 (ω-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid for the maintenance of human health. Although ALA has traditionally been obtained from plant sources, microbial fermentation has emerged as a promising alternative for its sustainable and cost-effective production. However, most of the present approaches rely on genetically modified organisms, which present regulatory and consumer-acceptance concerns. In this study, we aimed to develop a high-ALA-producing strain of Aspergillus oryzae, a Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) microorganism widely used in food production in Japan, through self-cloning, a form of genetic engineering that utilizes only the host’s own DNA. To achieve this, an endogenous ω-3 desaturase gene (fad3), which catalyzes the conversion of linoleic acid to ALA, was identified via BLASTP analysis. Subsequently, a multicopy A. oryzae strain (Aofad3-MC) overexpressing fad3 was constructed. This strain increased ALA production, with ALA comprising 30.7% of the total lipids. Furthermore, k-mer analysis confirmed the absence of foreign vector sequences, verifying that Aofad3-MC was constructed through self-cloning. In addition to the identification of the A. oryzae ω-3 desaturase gene, this study provides a microbial platform for the sustainable production of ALA, with potential applications across the food, feed, and related industries. Full article

Consumers increasingly seek clean-label meat products with improved nutrition and stability. We evaluated a collagen hydrolysate–cranberry mixture (CH-CR) as a functional additive in cooked sausages. Two formulations—control and CH-CR—were assessed for fatty acid profile; lipid and protein oxidation during storage; antioxidant capacity ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, and half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50); amino acid composition; and instrumental color. Relative to the control, CH-CR produced a more favorable lipid profile: lower saturated fatty acids (SFAs) 23.9% vs. 28.0%, higher monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) 53.2% vs. 49.3%, slightly higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) 23.3% vs. 22.7%, a higher PUFA/SFA ratio of 0.97 vs. 0.81, and a lower omega-6/omega-3 (n-6/n-3) ratio of 13.5 vs. 27.1, driven by higher alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) 1.6% vs. 0.8%, with trans fats <0.1%. Storage studies showed attenuated oxidation in CH-CR: lower peroxide value (PV) at day 10 8.1 ± 0.4 vs. 9.8 ± 0.5 meq/kg and lower thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) at day 6 0.042 ± 0.004 vs. 0.055 ± 0.006 mg MDA/kg and day 10 0.156 ± 0.016 vs. 0.590 ± 0.041 mg MDA/kg); the acid value at day 10 was similar. Antioxidant capacity increased with CH-CR FRAP 30.5 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g vs. not detected; DPPH inhibition was 29.88% vs. 10.23%; IC50 56.22 vs. 149.51 µg/mL. The amino acid profile reflected collagen incorporation—higher glycine+proline+hydroxyproline 2.37 vs. 1.38 g/100 g and a modest rise in indispensable amino acids (IAAs) 5.72 vs. 5.42 g/100 g, increasing the IAA/total amino acid (TAA) ratio to 0.411 vs. 0.380. CH-CR samples were lighter and retained redness better under light, with comparable overall color stability. Overall, CH-CR is a natural strategy to improve fatty acid quality and oxidative/color stability in sausages. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are critical indicators of the metabolic status of whole-plant maize silage (WPMS). However, the impact of inoculating various strains of fermentation agents on VOC changes has not been systematically explored. This study aimed to determine how inoculation with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Lentilactobacillus buchneri modulates the VOC profile and odor of WPMS after 90 days. VOCs were extracted by headspace solid-phase microextraction and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). Key VOCs were screened using the variable importance in projection (VIP) and substantiated by relative odor activity values (rOAV) and odor descriptions. A total of 82 compounds were identified, including 22 esters, 19 alcohols, 3 acids, 9 aldehydes, 2 ethers, 6 hydrocarbons, 4 ketones, 10 phenols, and 8 terpenoids. L. plantarum enhanced green/fruity odors while strain L. buchneri significantly reduced undesirable phenolic and aldehydic compounds. Six key VOCs influencing the odor of WPMS were selected: 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol and benzaldehyde, which contribute smoky, bacon, and bitter almond aromas, and (E)-3-hexen-1-ol, benzyl alcohol, (E, E)-2,4-heptadienal and methyl salicylate, which impart green, fruity, and nutty aromas. These findings highlight the effects and contributions of various strain additives on VOCs in WPMS, providing new theoretical insights for regulating the flavor profile of WPMS. Full article

The esterification of glycerol with acetic acid to produce acetylglycerols was investigated both in the absence of a catalyst and using several commercial FAU zeolites with varied acid site concentrations and pore structures. Specifically, ultra-stable Y zeolite (H-USY, CBV720; Si/Al: 15), ammonium Y zeolite (NH₄-Y, CBV300, Si/Al: 2.6), and Na-Y zeolite (CBV100, Si/Al: 2.6) were tested to evaluate their catalytic performance in this reaction. In addition, two control catalysts were assessed under identical conditions: a commercial acidic ion-exchange resin (Amberlyst 15, A15) and a homogeneous acid catalyst (p-toluenesulfonic acid, PTSA). The catalytic performance of both the ultra-stable Y zeolite (CBV720) and Amberlyst 15 resin was comparable to the best results previously reported for solid catalysts. Furthermore, a comprehensive examination of acidity and accessibility was conducted to better understand their behavior. As expected, PTSA exhibited higher yields but also showed common drawbacks associated with homogeneous catalysts, such as corrosion and difficulties in separation. From an environmental perspective, and considering potential reuse cycles, the CBV720 zeolite delivered promising results during five consecutive tests. Its levels of conversion and selectivity were comparable to those obtained with Amberlyst 15, making it a viable alternative for future studies. Full article