Search Results (3,341)

Inonotus obliquus, a medicinal mushroom valued for its bioactive compounds, has not been previously characterized from Romanian sources. This study presents the first comprehensive chemical and biological screening of I. obliquus, introducing novel polymer-based encapsulation systems to enhance the stability and bioavailability of its bioactive constituents. Two distinct delivery systems were designed to enhance the functionality of I. obliquus extracts: (i) microencapsulation in maltodextrin (MIO) and (ii) a sequential approach involving preparation of silver nanoparticle-loaded I. obliquus (IO–AgNPs), followed by microencapsulation to yield the hybrid MIO–AgNP system. Comprehensive metabolite profiling using GC–MS and ESI–QTOF–MS revealed 142 bioactive constituents, including terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, coumarins, styrylpyrones, fatty acids, and phytosterols. Structural integrity and successful encapsulation were confirmed by XRD, FTIR, and SEM analyses. Both IO–AgNPs and MIO–AgNPs demonstrated potent antioxidant activity, significant acetylcholinesterase inhibition, and robust antimicrobial effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays revealed pronounced activity against MCF-7, HCT116, and HeLa cell lines, with MIO–AgNPs exhibiting superior efficacy. The synergistic integration of maltodextrin and AgNPs enhanced compound stability and bioactivity. As the first report on Romanian I. obliquus, this study highlights its therapeutic potential and establishes polymer-based nanoencapsulation as an effective strategy for optimizing its applications in combating microbial resistance and cancer. Full article

This study investigated the possibility of partial replacement of genetically modified soybean meal (SBM) with raw white lupin (WL) seeds in growing pigs’ diets and determined its impact on performance [body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI)], meat quality, and fatty acid profile (FA). A total of 54 male crossbred pigs [(Topigs Large White × Norsvin Landrace) × Duroc], aged 12 weeks, with an initial average BW of 30.30 ± 0.77 kg, were divided into three dietary groups of 18 piglets each. The control group (CON) was fed a standardized SBM-based complete feed. In the experimental groups (WL1 and WL2) the SBM was replaced with increasing levels of WL seeds [WL1-5.0% and WL2-10.0% (grower period, 30–60 kg BW), and WL1-7.0% and WL2-14.0% (finisher period, 61–110 kg BW)]. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with similar content of total lysine and sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorus. At the end of 83 days’ fattening trial, the animals were slaughtered. Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) was sampled for analyses of the physicochemical traits. The results show that increasing the dietary raw WL concentration decreased final BW (p = 0.039), ADG (p < 0.0001), and ADFI (p = 0.004) throughout the experimental period, especially in the second phase of feeding. Dietary treatments did not affect the pigs’ blood biochemical constituents. Concerning LD muscle characteristics, the redness color (a*) and collagen content was higher (p < 0.0001) in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group. Beneficial decrease in the values of some textural attributes (hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience) of LD in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group was registered. The use of WL had a significant effect on the content of FAs, especially for eicosapentaenoic (p = 0.014) and n-3 PUFA (p = 0.045), which were higher than those fed the CON diet. In conclusion, WL could be used as a replacement of SBM in growing–finishing pigs’ diets, with significant improvements in the meat fatty acid profile and technological properties. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of three drying methods, namely sun drying, microwave–vacuum drying, and hot-air-oven drying, on the physical and nutritional properties of cricket powder for use in poultry feed. The results showed that the drying method significantly affected color parameters (L*, a*, and b*; p < 0.05), and particle size distribution at 850 µm and 250 µm (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). Microwave–vacuum drying produced the lightest powder with a higher proportion of coarse particles, while sun drying resulted in a darker color and greater particle retention at 850 µm. Hot-air-oven drying yielded the lowest moisture content (1.99%) and the highest gross energy (6126.43 kcal/kg), with no significant differences observed in crude protein (p = 0.61), ether extract (p = 0.08), crude fiber (p = 0.14), ash (p = 0.22), or amino acid profiles (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that all drying methods preserved the nutritional value of cricket powder, and based on the overall results, hot-air-oven drying is the most suitable method for producing high-quality cricket meal with optimal physical properties and feed value, while also providing a practical balance between drying efficiency and cost. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections demands innovative non-antibiotic therapeutic strategies. Dual-modal photoresponse therapy integrating photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) effects offers a promising rapid antibacterial approach, yet designing single-material systems with synergistic enhancement remains challenging. This study aims to develop uniform Cu-based metal–organic framework micrometer cubes (Cu-BN) for efficient PDT/PTT synergy. Methods: Cu-BN cubes were synthesized via a one-step hydrothermal method using Cu(NO₃)₂ and 2-amino-p-benzoic acid. The material’s dual-mode responsiveness to visible light (420 nm) and near-infrared light (808 nm) was characterized through UV–Vis spectroscopy, photothermal profiling, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays. Antibacterial efficacy against multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) was quantified via colony counting under dual-light irradiation. Results: Under synergistic 420 + 808 nm irradiation for 15 min, Cu-BN (200 μg/mL) achieved rapid eradication of multidrug-resistant E. coli (99.94%) and S. aureus (99.83%). The material reached 58.6 °C under dual-light exposure, significantly exceeding single-light performance. Photodynamic analysis confirmed a 78.7% singlet oxygen (¹O₂) conversion rate. This enhancement stems from PTT-induced membrane permeabilization accelerating ROS diffusion, while PDT-generated ROS sensitized bacteria to thermal damage. Conclusions: This integrated design enables spatiotemporal PDT/PTT synergy within a single Cu-BN system, establishing a new paradigm for rapid-acting, broad-spectrum non-antibiotic antimicrobials. The work provides critical insights for developing light-responsive biomaterials against drug-resistant infections. Full article

Hericium coralloides is a highly valued gourmet and medicinal species with growing market demand across East Asia, though industrial production remains limited by cultivation challenges. This study investigated the molecular characteristics, biological traits, domestication potential, and cultivation protocols of Hericium coralloides strains collected from the Changbaishan Nature Reserve (Jiling, China). Optimal conditions for mycelial growth included mannose as the preferred carbon source, peptone as the nitrogen source, 30 °C incubation temperature, pH 5.5, and magnesium sulfate as the essential inorganic salt. The fruiting bodies had a protein content of 2.43% g/100 g (fresh sample meter). Total amino acids comprised 53.3% of the total amino acid profile, while essential amino acids accounted for 114.11% relative to non-essential amino acids, indicating high nutritional value. Under optimized domestication conditions—70% hardwood chips, 20% cottonseed hulls, 8% bran, 1% malic acid, and 1% gypsum—bags reached full colonization in 28 days, with a 15-day maturation phase and initial fruiting occurring after 12–14 days. The interval between flushes was 10–12 days. The average yield reached 318.65 ± 31.74 g per bag, with a biological conversion rate of 63.73%. These findings demonstrate that Hericium coralloides possesses significant potential for edible and commercial applications. This study provides a robust theoretical foundation and resource reference for its artificial cultivation, supporting its broader industrial and economic utilization. Full article

Bamboo shoot boiled liquid (BSBL), a processing byproduct containing soluble proteins, peptides, amino acids, carbohydrates, and phenolics, is typically discarded, causing resource waste and environmental issues. This study analyzed metabolic changes in BSBL during Pediococcus pentosaceus B49 fermentation. The result of partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) revealed significant metabolite profile differences across fermentation times (0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 96 h). The most substantial alterations occurred within the first 24 h, followed by stabilization. Compared to unfermented BSBL, fermented samples exhibited significantly elevated signal intensities for 5,7-dimethoxyflavone, cinnamic acid, 3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-one, 6,8-dimethyl-4-hydroxycoumarin, and 2-hydroxycinnamic acid (p < 0.05), showing upward trends over time. Conversely, (+)-gallocatechin intensity decreased gradually. Bitter peptides, such as alanylisoleucine, isoleucylisoleucine, leucylvaline, and phenylalanylisoleucine, in BSBL exhibited a significant reduction following fermentation with P. pentosaceus B49 (p < 0.05). KEGG enrichment indicated tyrosine metabolism (ko00350) and arginine/proline metabolism (ko00330) as the most impacted pathways. These findings elucidate metabolic regulation in BSBL fermentation, supporting development of functional fermented bamboo products. Full article

High semen quality is vital for reproductive success in the swine industry; however, seasonal fluctuations often compromise this quality. The molecular mechanism underlying these seasonal effects on semen quality remains largely unclear. This study employed untargeted metabolomic profiling of boar seminal plasma (SP) to identify metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with semen quality during the summer and winter months. Semen samples were collected from mature Duroc boars at a commercial boar stud and classified as Passed or Failed based on motility and morphology. SP from five samples per group was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS). In total, 373 metabolites were detected in positive ion mode and 478 in negative ion mode. Several differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified, including ergothioneine, indole-3-methyl acetate, and avocadyne in the summer, as well as LysoPC, dopamine, and betaine in the winter. These metabolites are associated with key sperm functions, including energy metabolism, antioxidant defense, and capacitation. KEGG pathway analysis indicated enrichment in starch and sucrose metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and amino acid metabolism across the seasons. Overall, the results reveal that SP metabolomic profiles vary with the season, thereby influencing semen quality. The identified metabolites may serve as potential biomarkers for assessing semen quality and enhancing reproductive efficiency in swine production. Full article

This study investigates Bimi^® (Brassica oleracea Italica × Alboglabra), a hybrid between kailan and conventional broccoli, to evaluate its compositional, functional, and sensory properties in relation to industrial sous-vide processing and refrigerated storage. Proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, and mineral content were determined in raw samples. Color, chlorophyll content, total polyphenols, and antioxidant capacity (FRAP, ABTS, DPPH) were analyzed before and after sous-vide treatment and following 60 days of storage. Microbiological and physicochemical stability was monitored over 90 days under standard (4 °C) and mildly abusive (6–10 °C) storage conditions. Sensory profiling of Bimi^® and conventional broccoli was performed on sous-vide samples. The results showed an increase in total polyphenols and antioxidant activity after processing, while chlorophylls decreased. Microbiological safety was maintained under all conditions, with stable water activity and only moderate acidification. Bimi^® provided a valuable source of protein (4.32 g/100 g FW, 8.63% RDA), appreciable amounts of dietary fiber (2.96 g/100 g FW, 11.85% RDA), and essential minerals such as potassium (15.59% RDA), phosphorus (14.05% RDA), and calcium (8.09% RDA). Sensory evaluation revealed a milder flavor profile than that of conventional broccoli, accompanied by an asparagus-like aroma. These findings support the suitability of Bimi^® for industrial sous-vide processing and its potential as a nutritious convenience food. Full article

The Maillard reaction refers to the reaction between carbonyl compounds with reducing properties and amino-containing compounds that undergo condensation and polymerization to produce melanoidins. In flour product processing, the Maillard reaction is a critical chemical reaction influencing color, flavor, nutrition, and safety. A moderate Maillard reaction contributes to desirable color and flavor profiles in flour products, whereas an excessive reaction leads to amino acid loss and the formation of harmful substances, posing potential health risks. This review summarizes the substrate sources, reaction stages, influencing factors, impact on quality, and mitigation strategies of harmful products, aiming to provide a reference for regulating the Maillard reaction in flour product processing. Currently, most existing mitigation strategies focus on inhibiting harmful products, while research on the synergistic optimization of color and flavor remains insufficient. Future research should focus on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of reaction pathways, understanding multi-factor synergistic effects, and developing composite regulation technologies to balance the sensory quality and safety of flour products. Full article

Understanding the metabolic characteristics of pineapple varieties is crucial for market expansion and diversity. This study performed comparative metabolomic analysis on the “Comte de Paris” (BL) and three Taiwan-introduced varieties: “Tainong No. 11” (XS), “Tainong No. 23” (MG), and “Tainong No. 13” (DM). A total of 551 metabolites were identified across the four varieties, with 231 metabolites exhibiting no significant differences between all varieties. This included major sugars such as sucrose, glucose, and fructose, as well as key acids like citric, malic, and quinic acids, indicating that the in-season maturing fruits of different pineapple varieties can all achieve good sugar–acid accumulation under suitable conditions. The differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) that were identified among the four varieties all primarily belonged to several major subclasses, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids and derivatives, and alkaloids, but the preferentially accumulated metabolites in each variety varied greatly. Specifically, branched-chain amino acids (L-leucine, L-isoleucine, and L-valine) and many DAMs in the flavonoid, phenolic acid, lignan, and coumarin categories were most abundant in MG, which might contribute to its distinct and enriched flavor and nutritional value. XS, meanwhile, exhibited a notable accumulation of aromatic amino acids (L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan), various phenolic acids, and many lignans and coumarins, which may be related to its unique flavor profile. In DM, the dominant accumulation of jasmonic acid might contribute to its greater adaptability to low temperatures during autumn and winter, allowing off-season fruits to maintain good quality. The main cultivar BL exhibited the highest accumulation of L-ascorbic acid and many relatively abundant flavonoids, making it a good choice for antioxidant benefits. These findings offer valuable insights for promoting different varieties and advancing metabolome-based pineapple improvement programs. Full article

A comprehensive metabolic profiling of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don was performed using tandem mass spectrometry, along with an evaluation of the biological activities of its various solvent extracts. Among these, the methanolic leaf extract exhibited mild radical scavenging activity, low to moderate antimicrobial activity, and limited cytotoxicity in both the brine shrimp lethality assay and MTT assay against HeLa and A549 cell lines. High-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-HRMS/MS) analysis led to the annotation of 34 metabolites, primarily alkaloids. These included 23 indole alkaloids, two fatty acids, two pentacyclic triterpenoids, one amino acid, four porphyrin derivatives, one glyceride, and one chlorin derivative. Notably, two metabolites—2,3-dihydroxypropyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate and (10S)-hydroxypheophorbide A—were identified for the first time in C. roseus. Furthermore, Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) analysis revealed 18 additional metabolites, including epoxypheophorbide A, 11,12-dehydroursolic acid lactone, and 20-isocatharanthine. These findings highlight the diverse secondary metabolite profile of C. roseus and support its potential as a source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic development. Full article

The barbel chub (Squaliobarbus curriculus) exhibits remarkable resistance to grass carp reovirus (GCRV), a devastating pathogen in aquaculture. To reveal the molecular basis of this resistance, we investigated complement factor D (DF)—a rate-limiting serine protease governing alternative complement pathway activation. Molecular cloning revealed that the barbel chub DF (ScDF) gene encodes a 1251-bp cDNA sequence translating into a 250-amino acid protein. Crucially, bioinformatic characterization identified a unique N-glycosylation site at Asn¹³⁹ in ScDF, representing a structural divergence absent in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) DF (CiDF). While retaining a conserved Tryp_SPc domain harboring the catalytic triad (His⁶¹, Asp¹⁰⁹, and Ser²⁰⁴) and substrate-binding residues (Asp¹⁹⁸, Ser²¹⁹, and Gly²²¹), sequence and phylogenetic analyses confirmed ScDF’s evolutionary conservation, displaying 94.4% amino acid identity with CiDF and clustering within the Cyprinidae. Expression profiling revealed constitutive ScDF dominance in the liver, and secondary prominence was observed in the heart. Upon GCRV challenge in S. curriculus kidney (SCK) cells, ScDF transcription surged to a 438-fold increase versus uninfected controls at 6 h post-infection (hpi; p < 0.001)—significantly preceding the 168-hpi response peak documented for CiDF in grass carp. Functional validation showed that ScDF overexpression suppressed key viral capsid genes (VP2, VP5, and VP7) and upregulated the interferon regulator IRF9. Moreover, recombinant ScDF protein incubation induced interferon pathway genes and complement C3 expression. Collectively, ScDF’s rapid early induction (peaking at 6 hpi) and multi-pathway coordination may contribute to barbel chub’s GCRV resistance. These findings may provide molecular insights into the barbel chub’s high GCRV resistance compared to grass carp and novel perspectives for anti-GCRV breeding strategies in fish. Full article

Background/Objectives: The clinical potential of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against dual threats like antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and cancer is often limited by their high host cell toxicity. Here, we focused on brevinin-2OS (B2OS), a novel peptide from the skin of Odorrana schmackeri with potent haemolytic activity. The objective was to study the structure–activity relationship and optimise the safety via targeted modifications. Methods: A dual-modification strategy involving C-terminal truncation and subsequent N-terminal D-amino acid substitution was employed. The bioactivities and safety profiles of the resulting analogues were evaluated using antimicrobial, haemolysis, and cytotoxicity assays. Result: Removal of the rana box in B2OS(1-22)-NH₂ substantially reduced haemolysis while maintaining bioactivities. Remarkably, the D-leucine substitution in [D-Leu²]B2OS(1-22)-NH₂ displayed a superior HC₅₀ value of 118.1 µM, representing a more than ten-fold improvement compared to its parent peptide (HC₅₀ of 10.44 µM). This optimised analogue also demonstrated faster bactericidal kinetics and enhanced membrane permeabilisation, leading to a greater than 22-fold improvement in its therapeutic index against Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: The C-terminal rana box is a primary determinant of toxicity rather than a requirement for activity in the B2OS scaffold. The engineered peptide [D-Leu²]B2OS(1-22)-NH₂ emerges as a promising lead compound, and this dual-modification strategy provides a powerful design principle for developing safer, more effective peptide-based therapeutics. Full article

Over the years, macromycete fungi have been used as a source of food, part of religious rites and rituals, and as a medicinal remedy. Species with strong health-promoting potential include Hericium erinaceus, Cordyceps militaris, Ganoderma lucidum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Flammulina velutipes, and Inonotus obliquus. These species contain many bioactive compounds, including β-glucans, endo- and exogenous amino acids, polyphenols, terpenoids, sterols, B vitamins, minerals, and lovastatin. The level of some biologically active substances is species-specific, e.g., hericenones and erinacines, which have neuroprotective properties, and supporting the production of nerve growth factor in the brain for Hericium erinaceus. Due to their high health-promoting potential, mushrooms and substances isolated from them have found applications in livestock nutrition, improving their welfare and productivity. This phenomenon may be of particular importance in the nutrition of laying hens and broiler chickens, where an increase in pathogen resistance to antibiotics has been observed in recent years. Gallus gallus domesticus is a key farm animal for meat and egg production, so the search for new compounds to support bird health is important for food safety. Studies conducted to date indicate that feed supplementation with mushrooms has a beneficial effect on, among other things, bird weight gain; bone mineralisation; and meat and egg quality, including the lipid profile and protein content and shell thickness, and promotes the development of beneficial microbiota, thereby increasing immunity. Full article

Background: This paper deals with the detection of amino acid composition of Iraqi Ocimum basilicum (basil) leaves and evaluation of the cytotoxic effects of the plant leaf extract on human colorectal cancer cells. Methods: Leaves of Ocimum basilicum were collected from Iraq in November 2024. After drying and powdering, the plant material went through cold methanol extraction. Initial phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, coumarins, and terpenoids. Amino acid analysis was completed by an amino acid analyzer with fluorescence detection. The cytotoxic effect was evaluated via the MTT assay on HRT-18 cell lines. Morphological changes were further tested using dual Propidium Iodide/Acridine Orange assay fluorescent staining. Results: Seventeen amino acids were detected in the plant extract. The extract showed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on HRT-18 cells, with significant reduction in cell viability at concentrations of more than 25 µg/mL. Morphological alterations of membrane blebbing and cell shrinkage were observed, suggesting apoptotic activity. The IC₅₀ value confirmed strong cytotoxic potential. Conclusions: The extract of Ocimum basilicum leaf cultivated in Iraq shows a rich amino acid profile and significant cytotoxic activity against colorectal cancer cells that highlights its potential effect as a natural source of anticancer compounds. Full article