Search Results (105)

The accumulation of plastic waste has intensified the pursuit of biodegradable alternatives, yet standard methods such as CO₂ evolution, oxygen demand, and mass loss fail to fully capture microbial physiological responses during degradation. This study introduces a biochemical assay-based approach to quantify proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates in soil as indicators of microbial activity during polymer biodegradation. For microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates increased by 2.09-, 6.47-, and 11.22-fold, respectively (all p-values < 0.001), closely aligning with CO₂ evolution trends. Non-biodegradable poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) exhibited no significant changes. Synthesized poly(butylene glutarate) (PBG) also showed significant biomolecule accumulation (up to 2.70-fold) alongside CO₂ production. Biomolecule quantification complements CO₂-based methods by revealing microbial proliferation and metabolic activity that persist beyond the mineralization plateau, offering a more comprehensive assessment of biodegradability. Full article

The objective of this study was to analyze the impact of solar and hybrid dryers on the physicochemical characteristics, fingerprints, and cognitive-sensory perceptions of Mexican consumers of traditional tostadas made with corn of different races. Corn tostadas from different native races were evaluated with solar and hybrid (solar-photovoltaic solar panels) dehydration methods. Proximal chemical quantification, instrumental analysis (color, texture), fingerprint by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and sensory-cognitive profile (emotions and memories) and its relationship with the level of pleasure were carried out. The data were evaluated using analysis of variance models, Cochran Q, and an external preference map (PREFMAP). The results showed that the drying method and corn race significantly (p < 0.05) affected only moisture content, lipids, carbohydrates, and water activity. Instrumental color was influenced by the corn race effect, and the dehydration type influenced the fracturability effect. FTIR fingerprinting results revealed that hybrid samples exhibited higher intensities, particularly associated with higher lime concentrations, indicating a greater exposure of glycosidic or protein structures. Race and dehydration type effects impacted the intensity of sensory attributes, emotions, and memories. PREFMAP vector model results revealed that consumers preferred tostadas from the Solar-Chiquito, Hybrid-Pepitilla, Hybrid-Cónico, and Hybrid-Chiquito races for their higher protein content, moisture, high fracturability, crunchiness, porousness, sweetness, doughy flavor, corn flavor, and burnt flavor, while images of these tostadas evoked positive emotions (tame, adventurous, free). In contrast, the Solar-Pepitilla tostada had a lower preference because it was perceived as sour and lime-flavored, and its tostada images evoked more negative emotions and memories (worried, accident, hurt, pain, wild) and fewer positive cognitive aspects (joyful, warm, rainy weather, summer, and interested). However, the tostadas of the Solar-Cónico race were the ones that were most rejected due to their high hardness and yellow to blue tones and for evoking negative emotions (nostalgic and bored). Full article

Background/Objectives: Carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) is a clinically established biomarker primarily used for monitoring disease progression and recurrence in pancreatic and gastrointestinal cancers. Accurate and continuous quantification of CA19-9 in patient samples is critical for effective clinical management. This study aimed to develop dual-emitting molecularly imprinted nanopolymers (dual@nanoMIPs) for ratiometric and reliable detection of CA19-9 in serum. Methods: Dual-emitting nanoMIPs were synthesized via a one-step molecular imprinting process, incorporating both blue-emitting carbon dots (b-CDs) as internal reference fluorophores and yellow-emitting quantum dots (y-QDs) as responsive probes. The CA19-9 template was embedded into the polymer matrix to create specific recognition sites. Fluorescence measurements were carried out under 365 nm excitation in 1% human serum diluted in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Results: The dual@nanoMIPs exhibited a ratiometric fluorescence response upon CA19-9 binding, characterized by the emission quenching of the y-QDs at 575 nm, while the b-CDs emission remained stable at 467 nm. The fluorescence shift observed in the RGB coordinates from yellow to green in the concentration range of CA19-9 tested, improved quantification accuracy by compensating for matrix effects in serum. A linear detection range was achieved from 4.98 × 10⁻³ to 8.39 × 10² U mL⁻¹ in serum samples, with high specificity and reproducibility. Conclusions: The dual@nanoMIPs developed in this work enable a stable, sensitive, and specific detection of CA19-9 in minimally processed serum, offering a promising tool for longitudinal monitoring of cancer patients. Its ratiometric fluorescence design enhances reliability, supporting clinical decision-making in the follow-up of pancreatic cancer. Full article

Background: Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) is a promising cancer treatment that combines tumor-selective boron delivery agents with thermal neutrons to kill cancer cells while sparing normal tissue. BNCT requires boron-containing compounds that exhibit high tumor selectivity and achieve therapeutic boron concentrations within tumor cells. This work focuses on the early development of a novel boron cluster carbohydrate derivative based on the glucosamine structure. Our results indicate that this derivative may have advantages over the typical boron delivery agent used in clinical applications and may significantly improve boron delivery capacity at the cellular level. Methods: The performance of the compound in terms of boron uptake was tested in the U87-MG glioblastoma cell line employing neutron autoradiography imaging and quantification. Results: The compound was non-toxic for cells, and it showed a remarkable capacity to enrich cells with boron. The ratio between boron concentration provided in the culture medium and boron concentration achieved in cells was compared to that obtained with boronophenylalanine (BPA), the gold standard in BNCT. The result demonstrated a significantly better performance compared with BPA, showing that the novel agent can concentrate boron in cells more than in culture medium. Conclusions: The encouraging preliminary results provide a starting point for its potential application in in vivo tests. Full article

The synthesis of a new acyclic and cyclic series of D-Ala-AMP analogues was reported. Chemical modifications were introduced on the carbohydrate, the sulfamate linker, and/or the amino-acid N-terminal moiety in order to increase in vivo stability and cell permeability. These new compounds were evaluated in vitro as DltA inhibitors and also in vivo as adjuvant antibiotics to re-sensitize methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Indeed, we showed that seven nucleosides containing either a fluorine atom, an azido group, a difluorophosphonylated allylic ether moiety onto the 2′-position, or a sulfamate and a triazole as the sulfamate linker had moderate to excellent IC₅₀ values. Among all these new DltA inhibitors, two molecules functionalized by the fluorinated ether or the sulfamide linker were able to efficiently re-sensitize MRSA to imipenem. Quantification of D-alanyl esters confirmed that these two compounds reduced the level of bacterial cell wall D-alanyl residues by 50% and 80%. Full article

Colored rice (black, purple, red and brown) has been consumed in China for nearly 4000 years. Recent research has focused on exploring its nutritional and metabolomic profiles and associated health benefits. Due to the improvement in detection and quantification techniques for health-promoting compounds and their activities, the number of studies has increased significantly. In this regard, a timely and updated review of research on nutritional composition, phytochemistry, and metabolite content and composition can significantly enhance consumer awareness. Here, we present a detailed and up-to-date understanding and comparison of the nutritional and phytochemical (metabolite) composition of colored rice. While earlier literature reviews focus on either single type of colored rice or briefly present nutritional comparison or bioactivities, here we present more detailed nutrient profile comparison (carbohydrates, fats, proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins), together with the most recent comparative data on phytochemicals/metabolites (flavonoids, anthocyanins, fatty acids, amino acids and derivatives, phenolic acids, organic acids, alkaloids, and others). We discuss how metabolomics has broadened the scope of research by providing an increasing number of detected compounds. Moreover, directions on the improvement in colored rice nutritional quality through breeding are also presented. Finally, we present the health-beneficial activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anti-aging, and antitumor activities) of different colored rice varieties, together with examples of the clinical trials, and discuss which bioactive substances are correlated with such activities. Full article

Background: The callus cultures from the fronds of the lycophyte Phlegmariurus taxifolius produce the huperzine A (HupA) alkaloid, which is used in Alzheimer’s disease treatment. This study aimed to establish the growth kinetics and HupA production by the newly HupS21 cell line grown in 250 mL flasks and in a 2 L airlift bioreactor. Methods: Batch-type kinetics were carried out for 60 days in 250 mL flasks and for 20 days in a 2 L airlift bioreactor. Measurements of dry weight (DW), specific growth rate (μ), doubling time (dt), pH, carbohydrate consumption, and HupA quantification were performed. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory assay of the HupS21 alkaloidal extract was determined. Results: The 250 mL flasks kinetic reached a maximum cell growth of 8.17 g/L DW, with a μ of 0.045 day⁻¹ and a dt of 15.40 days. The maximum HupA production was of 2.03 μg/g DW at day 45. In the 2 L airlift reactor, a maximum growth of 16.70 g/L DW, a μ of 0.062 day⁻¹, a dt of 11.20 days, and HupA production of 2.48 μg/g DW at day 15 were obtained. The alkaloidal extract from the HupS21 cell line at 100 μg/mL showed an AChE inhibitory activity of 85.6 ± 1.27%. Conclusions: The airlift reactor outperformed the flask cultures in maximum cell growth, specific growth rate, doubling time, and HupA production. To our knowledge, this research is the first report on the establishment of suspension cell cultures of P. taxifolius in shaken flasks and in an airlift bioreactor, providing a foundation for scaling up HupA production for pharmaceutical use. Full article

Pollen is a cornerstone of life for plants. Its durability, adaptability, and complex design are the key factors to successful plant reproduction, genetic diversity, and the maintenance of ecosystems. A detailed study of its chemical composition is important to understand the mechanism of pollen–pollinator interactions, pollination processes, and allergic reactions. In this study, a multimodal approach involving Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR), direct mass spectrometry with an atmospheric solids analysis probe (ASAP), matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS) was applied for metabolite profiling. ATR-FTIR provided an initial overview of the present metabolite classes. Phenylpropanoid, lipidic, and carbohydrate structures were revealed. The hydrophobic outer layer of pollen was characterized in detail by ASAP-MS profiling, and esters, phytosterols, and terpenoids were observed. Diacyl- and triacylglycerols and carbohydrate structures were identified in MALDI-MS spectra. The MALDI-MS imaging of lipids proved to be helpful during the microscopic characterization of pollen species in their mixture. Polyphenol profiling and the quantification of important secondary metabolites were performed by UHPLC-MS in context with pollen coloration and their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The obtained results revealed significant chemical differences among Magnoliophyta and Pinophyta pollen. Additionally, some variations within Magnoliophyta species were observed. The obtained metabolomics data were utilized for pollen differentiation at the taxonomic scale and provided valuable information in relation to pollen interactions during reproduction and its related applications. Full article

This research examines the nutritional characteristics of novel-prepared plant-based vegan snacks (PVSs). The proximate composition, mineral content, amino and fatty acid profiles, volatile compounds, phytochemicals, antioxidant activity, and in vitro protein and carbohydrate digestion in prepared snacks were analyzed. The PVSs were mainly prepared by mixing blanched broccoli, pumpkin, chickpeas, whole oat flour, red sweet pepper, fresh onion and garlic, leafy vegetables, and mixed spices, then homogenated, shaped, and freeze-dried. Consequently, sensory evaluation was used to select the most favored PVS; PVS2 contains 25% broccoli and 25% chickpeas, which was the superior model of this study and was analyzed further. The moisture content, crude protein, crude fat, ash, crude fiber, and available carbohydrates were 74.80, 3.40, 28.18, 4.97, 7.86, 3.69, and 51.89 g 100 g⁻¹ of PVS2 (containing 25% of either broccoli or chickpeas), respectively. The results showed that the highest mineral content in macro-elements was sodium, followed by potassium. The PVS2 formula provides 95.24 Kcal 100 g⁻¹ and 54.28 mg 100 g⁻¹ of vitamin C on fresh weight (fw). Consequently, TPC, TCs, TF, TFL, and AOA exhibited valuable content. The HPLC analysis revealed that fifteen phenolics were quantified, with predomination of chlorogenic acid (1741.60 μg g⁻¹), phenolic acid, and naringenin (302.38 μg g⁻¹) as flavonoids, as well as Daidzein (22.27 μg g⁻¹) as an isoflavone. The GC-MS quantification of volatiles exhibited more components; at least 37 displayed concentrations higher than 0.1%. The predominant volatile was cis-13-octadecenoic acid. The percentage of essential amino acids (EAAs) was 25%, and the percentage of non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) was 75%. Among the EAAs and NEAAs, phenylalanine and glutamic acid were the highest, respectively. The fatty acids (FAs) profile exhibited that saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (USFA) were 20.2% and 79.2%, respectively. The predominant FA in PVS2 was cis-11,14,17-Eicosatrienoic acid, with a percentage of 37.13%, followed by cis-8,11,14-Eicosatrienoic acid, with a percentage of 36.02%. Omega-3 fatty acids reached 39.04%, followed by omega-6 fatty acids at 38.95%. The degree of protein degradation values for the sample was 292.09 mg NH₃ g⁻¹ before digestion and increased to 2106.77 mg NH₃ g⁻¹ after enzymatic digestion. The glycemic index (GI) of PVS2 was estimated to be 21.12, slightly higher than individual vegetables’ GI. Finally, a prepared PVS may be advantageous for recommending the enhancement and further development of diverse snacks to satisfy the nutritional needs of healthy persons and patients across various age demographics. Full article

Obesity is a complex disease that increases the risk of other pathologies. Its prevention and long-term weight loss maintenance are problematic. Gut microbiome is considered a potential obesity modulator. The objective of the present study was to summarize recent findings regarding the relationships between obesity, gut microbiota, and diet (vegetable/animal proteins, high-fat diets, restriction of carbohydrates), with an emphasis on dietary fiber and resistant starch. The composition of the human gut microbiome and the methods of its quantification are described. Products of the gut microbiome metabolism, such as short-chain fatty acids and secondary bile acids, and their effects on the gut microbiota, intestinal barrier function and immune homeostasis are discussed in the context of obesity. The importance of dietary fiber and resistant starch is emphasized as far as effects of the host diet on the composition and function of the gut microbiome are concerned. The complex relationships between human gut microbiome and obesity are finally summarized. Full article

Background: The differing floret opening times between subsp. indica and subsp. japonica in rice limit the potential for increased hybrid seed production. Objectives: To elucidate the physiological basis underlying the differences in floret opening time between indica and japonica rice. Materials: A comparative analysis involved nine indica and ten japonica rice varieties. Methods: Using paraffin sectioning, transcriptome sequencing, RT-PCR, and endogenous substance quantification, we investigated the structural variations in floral organs, the differences in the initiation timing of floret opening regulatory pathways, and endogenous regulators. Results: The results indicated insignificant differences in lemma thickness, lodicule thickness, lodicule area, and the coupling-lodicule length between indica and japonica rice. However, japonica rice exhibited larger lodicule-lemma gaps and more vascular bundles compared to indica rice. Within the 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. interval, the expression of OsAOS1 in α-linolenic acid metabolism and OsISA3 in starch and sucrose metabolism notably increased in indica rice, with no significant change in japonica rice. Additionally, the endogenous JA and α-amylase surged more significantly in indica rice than in japonica rice. The increase in soluble carbohydrate in indica rice is greater than in japonica rice, but the difference is not significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that in the process of the floret opening, the α-linolenic acid metabolism and starch and sucrose metabolism are initiated earlier in indica rice, accompanied by a more pronounced elevation in endogenous JA and α-amylase. Furthermore, the smaller lodicule-lemma gap in indica rice contributes to earlier floret opening compared to japonica rice. Full article

Although PDO Pecorino Sardo is one of the oldest traditional cheeses of Sardinia, Italy, data on its nutritional properties and food safety are lacking. In particular, significant amounts of lactose and galactose may be a health concern for consumers. The primary objective of this study is to quantify, using a validated GC-FID method, the residual lactose and galactose content in “maturo” (i.e., ripened for at least two months) Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) Pecorino Sardo cheese. A statistically representative sampling from seven dairies distributed throughout Sardinia has been selected for this aim. In addition to lactose and galactose, two of their metabolites (i.e., glucose and tagatose, respectively) and a bioactive polyol like myo-inositol were quantified. The concentration of lactose (mean 26 mg kg⁻¹, range 4–90 mg kg⁻¹) was below the strictest limit set in the European Union (i.e., 100 mg kg⁻¹), while the galactose content was found to be in an amount (mean: 76 mg kg⁻¹, range: 10–200 mg kg⁻¹) that even patients afflicted with severe galactosemia, albeit with some circumspection, could consume this cheese. Ripening (two to four months) had no significant effect on the amount of all analytes, while a slight decrease in galactose levels was observed during the manufacturing season. Finally, the amounts of glucose, tagatose, and myo-inositol are constant in the range of a few tens of mg kg⁻¹. Full article

The persistent presence of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) in aquatic environments, particularly via effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), poses significant ecological risks. This study investigated the removal efficiency of polystyrene nanoplastics (PS-NPs) using a lab-scale aerobic membrane bioreactor (aMBR) equipped with different membrane types: microfiltration (MF), commercial ultrafiltration (c-UF), and recycled ultrafiltration (r-UF) membranes. Performance was assessed using synthetic urban wastewater spiked with PS-NPs, focusing on membrane efficiency, fouling behavior, and microbial community shifts. All aMBR systems achieved high organic matter removal, exceeding a 97% COD reduction in both the control and PS-exposed reactors. While low concentrations of PS-NPs did not significantly impact the sludge settleability or soluble microbial products initially, a higher accumulation increased the carbohydrate concentrations, indicating a protective bacterial response. The microbial community composition also adapted over time under polystyrene stress. All membrane types exhibited substantial NP removal; however, the presence of nano-sized PS particles negatively affected the membrane performance, enhancing the fouling phenomena and increasing transmembrane pressure. Despite this, the r-UF membrane demonstrated comparable efficiency to c-UF, suggesting its potential for sustainable applications. Advanced characterization techniques including pyrolysis gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) were employed for NP detection and quantification. Full article

Foods contaminants pose a challenge for food producers and consumers. Due to its spontaneous formation during heating and storage, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a prevalent contaminant in foods rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Colorimetric assays, such as the Seliwanoff test, offer a rapid and cost-effective method for HMF quantification but require careful optimization to ensure accuracy. We addressed potential interference in the Seliwanoff assay by systematically evaluating parameters like incubation time, temperature, and resorcinol or hydrochloric acid concentration, as well as the presence of interfering carbohydrates. Samples were analyzed using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer in scan mode, and data obtained were validated using HPLC, which also enabled quantification of unreacted HMF for assessing the protocol’s accuracy. Incubation time and hydrochloric acid percentage positively influenced the colorimetric assay, while the opposite effect was observed with the increase in resorcinol concentration. Interference from carbohydrates was eliminated by reducing the acid content in the working reagent. HPLC analyses corroborated the spectrophotometer data and confirmed the efficacy of the proposed method. The average HMF content in balsamic vinegar samples was 1.97 ± 0.94 mg/mL. Spectrophotometric approaches demonstrated to efficiently determine HMF in complex food matrices. The HMF levels detected in balsamic vinegars significantly exceeded the maximum limits established for honey. This finding underscores the urgent need for regulations that restrict contaminant levels in various food products. Full article

Drought stress is widely recognized as a highly detrimental abiotic stress factor that significantly impacts crop growth, development, and agricultural productivity. In response to external stimuli, plants activate various mechanisms to enhance their resistance or tolerance to abiotic stress. The common bean, a most important legume according to the FAO, serves as a staple food for millions of people worldwide, due to its rich protein, carbohydrate, and fiber content, concurrently, and water scarcity is the main factor limiting common bean production. The process of domestication and on-farm conservation has facilitated the development of genotypes with varying degrees of drought stress resistance. Consequently, using landraces as biological material in research can lead to the identification of variants with superior resistance qualities to abiotic stress factors, which can be effectively integrated into breeding programs. The central scope of this research was to find out if different geographic origins of common bean genotypes can determine distinct responses at various levels. Hence, several analyses were carried out to investigate responses to water scarcity in three common bean genotypes, M-2087 (from the Mesoamerican gene pool), A-1988 (from the Andean gene pool) and Lechinta, known for its high drought stress resistance. Plants were subjected to different water regimes, followed by optical assessment of the anatomical structure of the hypocotyl and epicotyl in each group; furthermore, the morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters and molecular data (quantification of the relative expression of the thirteen genes) were assessed. The three experimental variants displayed distinct responses when subjected to 12 days of water stress. In general, the Lechinta genotype demonstrated the highest adaptability and drought resistance. The M-2087 landrace, originating from the Mesoamerican geographic basin, showed a lower resistance to water stress, compared to the A-1988 landrace, from the Andean basin. The achieved results can be used to scale up future research about the drought resistance of plants, analyzing more common bean landraces with distinct geographic origins (Mesoamerican/Andean), which can then be used in breeding programs. Full article