Search Results (1,942)

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid derived from Cannabis sativa L., has emerged as a promising multifunctional agent in dermatology and cosmetic science. The review provides an updated synthesis of CBD’s topical therapeutic potential, challenges, and evolving regulatory frameworks. CBD exhibits diverse biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, analgesic, lipostatic, antiproliferative, moisturising, and anti-ageing properties through interactions with the skin’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), modulating CB1, CB2, TRPV channels, and PPARs. Preclinical and clinical evidence support its efficacy in managing acne, psoriasis (including scalp psoriasis), atopic and seborrheic dermatitis, and allergic contact dermatitis. CBD also relieves pruritus through neuroimmune modulation and promotes wound healing in conditions such as pyoderma gangrenosum and epidermolysis bullosa. In hair disorders such as androgenetic alopecia, it aids follicular regeneration. CBD shows promise in managing skin cancers (melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Kaposi sarcoma) and pigmentation disorders such as melasma and vitiligo. It enhances skin rejuvenation by reducing oxidative stress and boosting collagen and hydration. However, there are challenges regarding CBD’s physicochemical stability, skin penetration, and regulatory standardisation. As consumer demand for natural, multifunctional skincare grows, further research is essential to validate its long-term safety, efficacy, and optimal formulation strategies. Full article

Background: Trimetazidine is a clinically established cardioprotective agent with anti-ischemic and antioxidant properties, widely used in the management of coronary artery disease. Combining its metabolic and cytoprotective effects with the potent anti-inflammatory activity of profens presents a promising therapeutic strategy. Methods: Five novel trimetazidine–profen hybrid compounds were synthesized using N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide-mediated coupling and structurally characterized by NMR and high-resolution mass spectrometry. Their antioxidant activity was evaluated by hydroxyl radical scavenging assays (HRSA), and the anti-inflammatory potential was assessed via the inhibition of albumin denaturation (IAD). Lipophilicity was determined chromatographically. Molecular docking and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the binding modes and stability in human serum albumin (HSA) binding sites. The acute toxicity of the hybrid molecules was predicted in silico using GUSAR software. Results: All synthesized hybrids demonstrated varying degrees of biological activity, with compound 3c exhibiting the most potent antioxidant (HRSA IC₅₀ = 71.13 µg/mL) and anti-inflammatory (IAD IC₅₀ = 108.58 µg/mL) effects. Lipophilicity assays indicated moderate membrane permeability, with compounds 3c and 3d showing favorable profiles. Docking studies revealed stronger binding affinities of S-enantiomers, particularly 3c and 3d, to Sudlow sites II and III in HSA. Molecular dynamics simulations confirmed stable ligand–protein complexes, highlighting compound 3c as maintaining consistent and robust interactions. The toxicity results indicate that most hybrids, particularly compounds 3b–3d, exhibit a favorable safety profile compared to the parent trimetazidine. Conclusion: The hybrid trimetazidine–profen compounds synthesized herein, especially compound 3c, demonstrate promising dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory therapeutic potential. Their stable interaction with serum albumin and balanced physicochemical properties support further development as novel agents for managing ischemic heart disease and associated inflammatory conditions. Full article

A new Schiff base, (E)-2-(((1,10-phenanthrolin-5-yl)imino)methyl)-4,6-di-tert-butylphenol (Fen-IHB), was designed to incorporate an intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB) between the phenolic OH and the azomethine nitrogen with the goal of modulating its physicochemical and biological properties. Fen-IHB was synthesized by condensation of 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline with 3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde and exhaustively characterized by HR-ESI-MS, FTIR, 1D/2D NMR (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT-45, HH-COSY, CH-COSY, D₂O exchange), and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Cyclic voltammetry in anhydrous CH₃CN revealed a single irreversible cathodic peak at −1.43 V (vs. Ag/Ag⁺), which is consistent with the intramolecular reductive coupling of the azomethine moiety. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations, including MEP mapping, Fukui functions, dual descriptor analysis, and Fukui potentials with dual descriptor potential, identified the exocyclic azomethine carbon as the principal nucleophilic site and the phenolic ring (hydroxyl oxygen and adjacent carbons) as the main electrophilic region. Noncovalent interaction (NCI) analysis further confirmed the strength and geometry of the intramolecular hydrogen bond (IHB). In vitro antimicrobial assays indicated that Fen-IHB was inactive against Gram-negative facultative anaerobes (Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium and Typhi, Escherichia coli) and strictly anaerobic Gram-positive species (Clostridioides difficile, Roseburia inulinivorans, Blautia coccoides), as any growth inhibition was indistinguishable from the DMSO control. Conversely, Fen-IHB displayed measurable activity against Gram-positive aerobes and aerotolerant anaerobes, including Bacillus subtilis, Streptococcus pyogenes, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Overall, these comprehensive characterization results confirm the distinctive chemical and electronic properties of Fen-IHB, underlining the crucial role of the intramolecular hydrogen bond and electronic descriptors in defining its reactivity profile and selective biological activity. Full article

Carbon dots (CDs) are gaining significant attention as multifunctional nanomaterials due to their optical properties, aqueous dispersibility, redox activity, and overall biocompatibility. This review presents a critical overview of the recent advances concerning the application of CDs in nucleic acid-centered diagnostics, with a specific focus on oxidative DNA damage. The use of CDs for the detection of oxidative DNA damage biomarkers, such as 8-oxo-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), and their potential roles as fluorescent probes in environments related to oxidative stress is discussed in detail. The relationship between surface functionalization and biological performance is examined, highlighting how physicochemical properties dictate both the beneficial and adverse biological responses to CDs. Remarkably, CDs can act as antioxidants, mitigating oxidative damage, or as pro-oxidants, inducing cytotoxic effects, an ambivalent behavior that can be strategically harnessed for cytoprotection or selective tumor cell killing. Overall, this review outlines how CDs can contribute to the development of precision tools for studying oxidative environments affecting nucleic acids, with important implications for both diagnostics and redox-based therapeutic strategies of human diseases. Full article

Arginine vasotocin (AVT) is well known for its role in steroidogenesis and estradiol biosynthesis during early brain development in Epinephelus coioides. Despite its hormonal functions, the biological significance of AVT across different taxa remains poorly understood. Hence, the present study aims to unravel the evolutionary conservation and functional annotation of AVT in different taxa. Additionally, the antimicrobial properties of AVT were investigated across multiple conserved domains. From the sequence comparison results, AVT is highly conserved and a core motif across teleosts, mammals, plants, and bacteria, suggesting functional constraints under strong evolutionary selective pressure. Phylogenetic analyses highlighted AVT and its homologs evolved from a common ancestral gene. The functional enrichment analyses of the genes revealed different taxa that share an analogy with AVT genes. The major pathways for AVT and its homologs are identified in neuroendocrine, immune, and stress signaling. Importantly, a conserved AMP-like motif within the AVT sequence (GIRQCMSCGPGDRGR) was identified. The motif is predicted for its potential role in membrane permeabilization and antimicrobial defense. Physicochemical properties of this peptide showed cationic and amphipathic features, with cysteine residues conferring structural stability. Overall, the results underscore the pleiotropic role of AVT across different taxa, showing its evolutionary stability. AMP-like AVT motif was predicted as a promising candidate for synthetic peptide design. Experimental evaluation with peptides will determine their antimicrobial potential in infection models. Full article

Polymers and polymer composites offer versatile possibilities for engineering the physico-chemical properties of materials on micro- and macroscopic scales. This review provides an overview of polymeric and polymer-decorated particles that can serve as drug-delivery vectors: linear polymers, star polymers, diblock-copolymer micelles, polymer-grafted nanoparticles, polymersomes, stealth liposomes, microgels, and biomolecular condensates. The physico-chemical interactions between the delivery vectors and biological cells range from chemical interactions on the molecular scale to deformation energies on the particle scale. The focus of this review is on the structure and elastic properties of these particles, as well as their circulation in blood and cellular uptake. Furthermore, the effects of polymer decoration in vivo (e.g., of glycosylated plasma membranes, cortical cytoskeletal networks, and naturally occurring condensates) on drug delivery are discussed. Full article

Composite scaffolds based on a hydrogel matrix modified with hydroxyapatite, magnesium, or zinc compounds are promising for filling and regenerating osteochondral defects due to the specific biological properties of these modifiers. The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of hydroxyapatite, nano-hydroxyapatite, magnesium chloride, and zinc oxide on mechanical properties, swelling ability, behavior in a simulated biological environment (ion release, stability, bioactivity), and antibacterial effects. Furthermore, the influence of the hydrogel matrix (alginate, gelatin, alginate/gelatin) on the selected properties was also assessed. The results showed that the addition of ZnO improved the mechanical properties of all types of matrices most effectively. Additionally, zinc ions were gradually released into the environment and partially incorporated into the formed apatite. The released zinc ions increased the inhibition zones of Staphylococcus aureus growth; however, this effect was observed only in scaffolds with an alginate matrix. This indicates that hydrogel plays a key role in antibacterial effects, beyond the contribution of antibacterial additives. No effect of magnesium on bacterial growth inhibition was observed despite its rapid release. Magnesium ions promoted efficient secretion of apatite during incubation, although it was not stable. The addition of nano-HAP significantly increased the stability of the apatite precipitates. Full article

Background: The natural cosmetics market is expanding, and milk, valued for its biological properties and low toxicity, is gaining popularity as a cosmetic ingredient due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging effects. Mare’s milk, distinct from cow’s milk, offers superior microbiological quality and potential as a luxury product, though it remains underutilized in Poland’s cosmetics industry. This study examined the hygienic quality of mare’s milk and soaps derived from it. Methods: The study was conducted on a stud farm with twenty-five mares and two stallions of the Sztumski breed, under strict hygiene and feeding standards. Physicochemical and microbiological analyses of mare’s milk and the resulting soaps included assessments of nutrient content, microbiological testing, and challenge tests conducted in accordance with ISO 11930 to evaluate antimicrobial properties and product safety. Results: The milk showed high microbiological quality, low fat (0.64–0.96%) and protein (1.70%) content, and a high lactose level (6.61%). Most soap samples were free of microbial growth, demonstrating their hygienic status and effective production decontamination. Although some preservatives showed limited efficacy against specific microorganisms, three soap samples remained resistant to contamination throughout the 28-day challenge test. Conclusions: Overall, mare’s milk soaps proved safe and stable. Improvement of their formulation could further enhance their stability and competitiveness in the natural cosmetics market. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are the promising candidates for the development of next-generation antimicrobials for agriculture and medicine; however, their large-scale production is costly. The γ-core motif peptides, functionally significant fragments of AMPs responsible for the antimicrobial activity, provide a more economical and feasible approach for the commercial development of novel antimicrobials. In the present work, we undertook a comprehensive study of antimicrobial properties of several γ-core peptides derived from defensins and snakins of Filipendula ulmaria, a medicinal plant known for its valuable pharmacological properties. The γ-core peptides were produced by solid-phase synthesis and purified by RP-HPLC. Their physicochemical properties underlying biological activity were predicted. All the peptides ranging in size from 14 to 18 amino acid residues were positively charged. All peptides except one were predicted to be α-helical and antimicrobial. The synthetic peptides were in vitro tested against a wide panel of plant and human fungal and bacterial pathogens. A short overview of the pathogens used in antimicrobial assays with a special emphasis on their economic, social, and medicinal impacts is provided. As a result of our work, we identified the peptides with pronounced activity in low-micromolar range against particular pathogens that can serve as prototypes for the development of novel biopesticides and antimicrobials for medicine. We also revealed synergism of action between particular γ-core peptide pairs and demonstrated that interference with membrane permeabilization contributes to the peptides’ mode of action. The results obtained broaden our understanding of plant AMPs, the key players in plant immunity, and provide novel highly efficient peptides with high potential in practical applications. Full article

The present study reports the sono-chemical synthesis of novel nanosized Cr(III), Mn(II), and Pd(II) complexes incorporating the chloro-2-(quinolin-8-yliminomethyl)-phenol imine ligand. The synthesized complexes were characterized using various spectroscopic and analytical techniques, including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results confirmed the successful coordination of the ligand-to-metal centers, forming stable nanosized metal complexes with distinct physicochemical properties. Biological evaluations, including antimicrobial and antioxidant assays, revealed that the synthesized complexes exhibited enhanced biological activity compared to the free ligand, demonstrating potent antibacterial and antifungal properties against various pathogenic strains. The potential of the complexes to serve as efficient free-radical inhibitors was determined by employing DPPH radical scavenging assays, which underscored their significant antioxidant properties. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted to elucidate the binding interactions of the metal complexes with biological targets, providing insights into their mechanism of action. The findings suggest that the synthesized nanosized Cr(III), Mn(II), and Pd(II) complexes possess promising biological properties, making them potential candidates for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. The study also demonstrates the effectiveness of sono-chemical synthesis in producing nanosized metal complexes with enhanced physicochemical and biological characteristics. Full article

The aim of this work was to produce bone scaffolds containing whey protein isolate and pearl powder and to conduct a preliminary assessment of the biomedical potential in vitro and in vivo. This included analysis of structural, physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties, which revealed that biomaterials containing pearl powder exhibited an enhanced porous structure, increasing absorptive properties, and decreasing proteolytic capacity with increasing inorganic component content. Pearl powder content in the biomaterials did not clearly influence their mechanical properties or their ability to release calcium ions, as well as proteins. Extracts obtained from all tested biomaterials showed no cytotoxicity in vitro. The surfaces of all biomaterials promoted normal human osteoblast growth, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation. Furthermore, all biomaterials did not display toxicity in vivo, but no changes in Danio rerio were observed after evaluation of the biomaterial containing the highest amount of pearl powder–10% v/w (marked as WPI/P10). Taking all the obtained results into account, it appears that this biomaterial can be promising for bone scaffolds and similar applications, thanks to its porous structure, high cytocompatibility in vitro, and lack of toxicity in vivo. However, advanced studies will be conducted in the future. Full article

Fruit wines have become a popular alternative to grape wines for their variability of sensory properties and unique chemical profiles, offering interesting biological activities. Winemaking also utilizes fruits, which are usually sensitive to biological deterioration, thus reducing post-harvest losses. The quality of wines depends on the fermentation conditions, including the wine yeast selection. In this study, we observed the effect of three common Saccharomyces wine yeast strains on the physicochemical characteristics (color, pH, ethanol content), antioxidant potential (total polyphenol content—TPC, DPPH, and ABTS antioxidant assays), and sensory properties and their relations within plum, apple, and hawthorn wines. Generally, we observed quite-wide ranges in physicochemical properties (pH: 2.8–3.8, ethanol content: 9.0–16.2%) and antioxidant potential parameters (TPC: 0.5–2.4 mg/GAE, DPPH: 0.3–1.4 mg/AAE, 0.5–3.0 mg/AAE), which were affected by the fruit, yeast, and sampling term. The yeast strain significantly affected physicochemical properties and the antioxidant potential on a minor scale. The highest impact of yeast was observed within sensory analyses, where the hawthorn and apple wines fermented by yeast strain Fruit Red exhibited a different sensory profile than those fermented by the Buket and Special strains. A positive correlation between antioxidant potential parameters and their relationship with wine color was confirmed. Moreover, the overall acceptability grew with sweet taste intensity, and panelists preferred wines with lower ethanol content. In general, this study proved the significant impact of wine yeast strain selection on certain qualitative parameters of fruit wines. Full article

Selenium (Se) is a natural detoxifier of the heavy metal mercury (Hg), and the interaction between Se and Hg has been widely investigated. However, the ecological response of Hg to Se in Hg-contaminated farmland requires further study, especially the relationship between Se–Hg interactions and soil abiotic and biological properties. Through a field experiment, the effects of different levels of exogenous Se (0, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 2.00 mg kg⁻¹) on Hg and Se transport in maize, soil properties, enzyme activities, and the microbial community in Hg-contaminated farmland were systematically studied. The Se treatments significantly reduced the Hg concentration in maize roots, stems, leaves, and grains and significantly increased the Se concentration in maize tissues. Except for the 0.75 mg kg⁻¹ Se treatment which significantly increased electrical conductivity compared to the control, other Se treatments had non-significant effect on soil physicochemical properties (pH, conductivity, organic matter content, and cation exchange capacity) and oxidoreductase activities (catalase, peroxidase, and ascorbate peroxide). The activities of soil invertase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase increased significantly after Se application, and the highest enzyme activities were observed with a 0.50 mg kg⁻¹ Se treatment. The bacteria and fungi with the highest relative abundance in this study were Proteobacteria (>30.5%) and Ascomycota (>73.4%). The results of a redundancy analysis and predictions of the microbial community showed that there was a significant correlation between the soil nutrient cycle enzyme activity, microbial community composition, and microbial community function. Overall, exogenous Se application was found to be a viable strategy for mitigating the impact of Hg stress on ecosystems. Furthermore, the results provide new insights into the potential for the large-scale application of Se in the remediation of Hg-contaminated farmland. Full article

Fertilization strategies are pivotal in sustainable agriculture, affecting both soil health and crop quality. This study investigated the impact of a circular fertilization approach based on agro-industrial residues—specifically, a blend of sulfur bentonite and orange processing waste (RecOrgFert PLUS)—on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) grown in Mediterranean conditions (Condofuri, Southern Italy). The effects of RecOrgFert PLUS were compared with those of a synthetic NPK fertilizer, an organic fertilizer (horse manure), and an unfertilized control. Results demonstrated that RecOrgFert PLUS significantly improved soil organic carbon (3.37%), microbial biomass carbon (791 μg C g⁻¹), and key enzymatic activities, indicating enhanced soil biological functioning. Broccoli cultivated under RecOrgFert PLUS also exhibited the highest concentrations of health-promoting compounds, including total phenols (48.87 mg GAE g⁻¹), vitamin C (51.93 mg ASA 100 g⁻¹), and total proteins (82.45 mg BSA g⁻¹). This work provides novel evidence that combining elemental sulphur with orange processing waste not only restores soil fertility but also boosts the nutraceutical and nutritional value of food crops. Unlike previous studies focusing on soil or plant yield alone, this study uniquely integrates soil health indicators with bioactive compound accumulation in broccoli, highlighting the potential of circular bio-based fertilization in functional food production and Mediterranean agroecosystem sustainability. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gamma irradiation is a promising terminal sterilization method for nanoparticle-based biomedical systems. However, its potential effects on the physicochemical properties and biological performance of multifunctional nanomaterials must be carefully evaluated. This study aimed to assess the structural integrity, sterility, and cytocompatibility of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and bioactive-glass-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPBGs), both based on magnetite (Fe₃O₄), after gamma irradiation. Methods: MNPs and MNPBGs were synthesized and subjected to gamma irradiation at 25 kGy, with additional doses explored in preliminary evaluations. Physicochemical characterizations were performed using XRD, TEM, SAED, and Raman spectroscopy. FTIR analyses were conducted on bioactive glass (BG) controls without magnetite. Sterility was evaluated via microbiological assays. Cytocompatibility and nitric oxide (NO) production were assessed using RAW 264.7 macrophages and Saos-2 osteosarcoma cells. Prussian blue staining was used to evaluate cellular uptake. Results: Gamma irradiation preserved the crystal structure, morphology, and size distribution of the nanoparticles. FTIR revealed only minor changes in the silicate network of BG, such as reduced intensity and slight shifting of Si-O-Si and Si-O-NBO bands, indicating limited radiation-induced structural rearrangement without affecting the material’s stability or cytocompatibility. Microbiological assays confirmed complete inhibition of microbial growth. All irradiated samples exhibited high cytocompatibility, with MNPBGs demonstrating enhanced biological responses. Notably, MNPBGs induced a more pronounced NO production in macrophages. Cellular uptake of nanoparticles by Saos-2 cells remained unaffected after irradiation. Conclusions: Gamma irradiation at 25 kGy is an effective sterilization strategy that maintains the structural and functional integrity of MNPs and MNPBGs. These findings support their safe use in sterile biomedical applications, particularly for bone-related therapies involving immunomodulation and drug delivery, with potential relevance for cancer treatment strategies such as osteosarcoma. Full article