Search Results (316)

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a key factor in the overproduction of melanin in the skin. Melanocytes produce melanin through melanogenesis to protect the skin from UVB radiation-induced damage. However, excessive melanogenesis can lead to hyperpigmentation and increase the risk of malignant melanoma. Tyrosinase is the rate-limiting enzyme in melanogenesis; it catalyzes the oxidation of tyrosine to 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine and subsequently to dopaquinone. Thus, inhibiting tyrosinase is a promising strategy for preventing melanogenesis and skin hyperpigmentation. White mulberry (Morus alba L.) is rich in antioxidants, and mulberry fruit extracts have been used as cosmetic skin-lightening agents. However, data on the capacity of mulberry fruit extracts to inhibit tyrosinase under UVB radiation-induced melanogenic conditions remain scarce, especially in an in vivo model. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a mulberry crude extract (MCE) on UVB radiation-induced melanogenesis in B16F10 melanoma cells and zebrafish embryos. The MCE significantly reduced tyrosinase activity and melanogenesis in a dose-dependent manner without inducing cytotoxicity. These effects are likely attributable to the antioxidant constituents of the extract. Our findings highlight the potential of this MCE as an effective tyrosinase inhibitor for the prevention of UVB radiation-induced skin hyperpigmentation. Full article

Neglected diseases significantly impact the world, and there is a lack of effective treatments, requiring therapeutic alternatives. Thus, the study of the phytochemical and schistosomicidal activity evaluation of Copaifera oblongifolia leaves’ crude extract was conducted. The quercitrin (1) and afzelin (2) were isolated from the crude extract. In the in vitro schistosomicidal activity test, the isolated compounds demonstrated promising results, with 75% mortality at a concentration of 12.5 µM after 72 h. Molecular docking calculations indicated that compounds 1 and 2 could potentially interact with the amino acids of the FAD binding site in the TGR enzyme, a crucial enzyme for the survival of Schistosoma mansoni. These interactions could have binding energies comparable to praziquantel, a preferred drug for treating schistosomiasis. Therefore, in silico and in vitro investigations are crucial for developing new studies that can reveal the antiparasitic potential of compounds of plant origin. Full article

Mauritia flexuosa, commonly known as “canangucha,” holds significant nutritional and economic value in the Amazon region. While its pulp is widely utilized in local food products, the seed or kernel is largely underutilized. This study investigated the proximal and phytochemical composition of M. flexuosa, alongside its biological properties, specifically focusing on the hypoglycemic activity of an ethanolic extract from M. flexuosa seeds (MFSs). Proximal analysis revealed that MFSs are a notable source of crude fiber (28.4%) and a moderate source of protein (9.1%). Phytochemical screening indicated a high total polyphenol content (123.4 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 mg dry weight) and substantial antiradical capacity against the ABTS radical (IC₅₀ = 171.86 µg/mL). Notably, MFS ethanolic extracts exhibited significant in vitro antihyperglycemic activity via inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, demonstrating comparable inhibition to acarbose at higher concentrations. This hypoglycemic effect was further corroborated in an in vivo rat model with induced diabetes, where the administration of 100 mg/kg of MFS ethanolic extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels compared to the diabetic control group (p < 0.05). A moderate antihypertensive effect was observed at a concentration of 150 mg/kg, correlating with ACE inhibition. High-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) analysis of the seed extract identified phenolic compounds including ellagic, p-coumaric, and chlorogenic acids, as well as flavonoids such as quercetin, myricetin, and epicatechin. This study provides the first evidence of the hypoglycemic activity of MFSs, offering valuable insights into their phytochemistry and potential therapeutic applications. Full article

The potential of Trichoderma fungi as biocontrol agents has not yet been fully explored, as there is a large repertoire of inter- and intra-species variation in their phytopathogenic antagonistic effects due to different adaptations of individual Trichoderma strains. In the present study, we investigated the biocontrol efficacy of eight native isolates of Trichoderma spp. against the soilborne phytopathogens Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Rhizoctonia solani and a representative of the Mucoromycota, Phycomyces blakesleeanus. An in vitro dual culture test showed a complete (100%) inhibition of S. sclerotiorum and P. blakesleeanus by each tested Trichoderma strain and a high (80–100%) inhibition of R. solani. The crude chloroform extracts, whose peptide contents were confirmed by thin-layer chromatography, caused a concentration-dependent reduction in the growth of the target fungi, with inhibition comparable to the effect of the peptaibol standard alamethicin. Despite the differences between fungi from the phyla Basidiomycota, Ascomycota, and Mucoromycota, their inhibition by alamethicin followed the same dose–response dependence. The growth inhibition of P. blakesleeanus induced by Trichoderma extracts was characterized by a significantly increased activity of antioxidative defense enzymes. Both variants of biocontrol agents, the native strains of Trichoderma spp. and their extracts, are efficient in controlling fungal growth and should be considered for the development of new potent bioformulations applicable in agriculture. Full article

This study aimed to compare the efficiency of four extraction methods, hot water (HW), hot alkaline (HA), ultrasound-assisted water (UW), and ultrasound-assisted alkaline (UA), for extracting crude β-glucan from Lentinula edodes, focusing on yield, functionality, and antidiabetic potential. The response surface methodology was used to optimize extraction conditions. Among all methods, UW yielded the highest β-glucan content (34.51 ± 0.82 g/100 g dry extract), indicating enhanced extraction efficiency through acoustic cavitation. However, HW demonstrated the most preserved structural integrity, exhibiting superior and consistent swelling power across all tested pH conditions, which indicated an excellent water-holding capacity. The ability of HA to scavenge antioxidants was significantly higher than that of other methods, likely due to the enhanced release of phenolic residues under alkaline conditions. UA showed the most potent inhibition against α-amylase (IC₅₀ = 1.46 mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (IC₅₀ = 1.21 mg/mL), demonstrating the potential for type 2 diabetes management. These results highlight that while UW is optimal for yield, HW preserves functional integrity, HA enhances antioxidant properties, and UA is promising for enzyme inhibition. The findings provide insights into tailoring extraction strategies for targeted functional or nutraceutical applications. Full article

Pear black spot disease seriously threatens the pear industry. Currently, its control mainly relies on chemical fungicides while biological control using antagonistic microorganisms represents a promising alternative approach. This study identified and characterized Bacillus velezensis TRMB57782 as a biocontrol strain through whole-genome sequencing. AntiSMASH analysis predicted the strain’s potential to produce secondary metabolites such as surfactin, difficidin, and bacilysin. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TRMB57782 inhibited the growth of Alternaria gaisen. In vivo experiments using excised branches and pear fruits at two different stages also showed significant control effects. A preliminary exploration of the metabolic substances of TRMB57782 was carried out. The strain can produce siderophores and three biocontrol enzymes. Crude extracts obtained by the hydrochloric acid precipitation and ammonium sulfate saturation precipitation of the bacterial liquid exhibited significant activity and volatile organic compounds showed biocontrol activity. Meanwhile, the effects of strain TRMB57782 on the hyphae of pathogenic fungi were studied, leading to hyphal atrophy and spore shrinkage. This paper provides an effective biocontrol strategy for fragrant pear black spot disease, reveals the antibacterial mechanism of Bacillus velezensis TRMB57782, and offers a new option for the green control of pear black spot disease. Full article

Mitragyna speciosa (kratom) is a traditional medicinal plant rich in bioactive alkaloids and phenolics, known for their antioxidant and anti-aging properties. This study aimed to develop nanoparticle-based topical gels from ethanolic extracts of four kratom varieties, including Kan Daeng (KD), Hang Kang (HK), Tai Bai-yao (KY), and Kan Keaw (KG). Kratom NPs were prepared using a solvent displacement method. The resulting nanoparticles (NPs) exhibited sizes of 201.9–256.2 nm, polydispersity indices (PDI) below 0.3, and a zeta potential between −22.6 and −29.6 mV. The phytochemical analysis revealed that KG and KY extracts contained the highest total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), which were mostly retained after NP formulation. The HPLC analysis confirmed HK as the richest source of mitragynine (9.97 ± 0.10% w/w), while NP formulations displayed slightly reduced levels. Antioxidant activities assessed by DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays revealed enhanced radical scavenging in nanoparticle formulations, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 151.23 to 199.87 µg/mL (DPPH) and 207.37 to 272.83 µg/mL (ABTS). All formulations exhibited a significant inhibition of collagenase (80.56 ± 1.60 to 97.23 ± 0.29%), elastase (45.46 ± 6.53 to 52.19 ± 1.20%), and hyaluronidase (83.23 ± 2.34 to 91.67 ± 3.56%), with nanoparticle forms showing superior enzyme inhibition. Notably, nanoparticle formulations exhibited superior inhibitory effects compared to crude extracts. HaCaT cytotoxicity tests confirmed high biocompatibility (IC₅₀ > 700 µg/mL), especially for KD and KG NPs. The NP-loaded gels demonstrated acceptable physicochemical stability after heating/cooling cycle testing, with pH (7.27 to 7.88), viscosity (10.719 to 12.602 Pa·s), and favorable visual and textural properties. In summary, KG and KY cultivars emerged as the most promising cosmeceutical candidates due to their superior phytochemical content, antioxidant capacity, enzyme-inhibitory activities, and formulation performance. These findings support the potential use of KG NP and KY NP-loaded gels as multifunctional cosmeceutical agents for antioxidant protection, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation. Full article

This study aimed to produce invertase with characteristics comparable to commercial formulations using a low-cost raw material, employing environmentally friendly extraction and refinement methods. Sifted yeast, the residual baker’s yeast in industrial production, was used as raw material, and invertase in the yeast cell was extracted by ultrasonication and purified by micro- and ultra-filtration (MF and UF) methods. Subjecting the crude enzyme extract to MF followed by UF resulted in increased activity and specific activity. Through this process, the enzyme activity increased from 153 IU/mL to 691 IU/mL. The purified enzyme was lyophilized and the production of invertase at the laboratory scale was accomplished. The obtained enzyme was found to be stable at pH 5 and within the temperature range of 30–40 °C. It retained its activity for 60 days at −18 °C, whereas a 20% loss in activity was observed at +4 °C over the same period. As a result, it was demonstrated that invertase enzyme can be produced from a low-cost raw material which is considered as waste in the industry. To pass to the commercial production stage, processing of higher amounts of raw material by preventing foaming and heating problems in ultrasonication and scale-up studies testing the permeability properties of different membrane systems at a pilot-scale are necessary. Full article

Background: Quasipaa spinosa crude extract (QSce), a natural source rich in proteins such as parvalbumin (PV), has been traditionally used to promote physical recovery. However, its mechanisms in mitigating exercise-induced fatigue remain unclear. Methods: Using a murine treadmill exhaustion model, we evaluated the effects of QS-derived Parvalbumin (QsPV) (30 and 150 mg/kg/day) on endurance capacity, oxidative stress, tissue injury, and muscle function. Indicators measured included time to exhaustion, intracellular calcium levels, antioxidant enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)], lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde, MDA), injury markers [creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), cardiac troponin I (cTnI)], renal function (blood urea), and muscle force. Results: QsPV-150 significantly increased time to exhaustion by 34.6% compared to the exercise-only group (p < 0.01). It reduced MDA by 41.2% in skeletal muscle and increased SOD and GSH-Px levels by 35.4% and 28.1%, respectively. Serum CK, LDH, and cTnI were reduced by 39.5%, 31.7%, and 26.8%, respectively, indicating protection against muscle and cardiac injury. QsPV also decreased blood urea by 22.3% and improved renal histology, with reduced glomerular damage and tubular lesions. At the molecular level, QsPV restored calcium balance and downregulated calpain-1/2 and atrophy-related genes (MuRF-1, MAFbx-32). Muscle contractile force (GAS and SOL) improved by 12.2–20.3%. Conclusions: QsPV attenuates exercise-induced fatigue through multi-organ protection involving calcium buffering, oxidative stress reduction, and anti-atrophy effects. These findings support its potential as a natural recovery-enhancing supplement, pending further clinical and pharmacokinetic studies. Full article

Green soybeans, or edamame (Glycine max L. Merril), serve as a superior source of phytochemicals and other nutritive substances and are commonly used as ingredients and additives in food products due to their polyphenols’ functional properties and antioxidant activity. Hence, it is very important to use a process to extract compounds with functional roles from plants as efficiently as possible. In this study, we sought to identify the optimal conditions for extracting genistein, belonging to the aglycone subgroup of isoflavones, from edamame using the cold plasma (CP) and enzyme method. Additionally, the impact of various drying techniques (spray-drying and freeze-drying) and storage conditions on the crude genistein extract powder was evaluated. The findings showed that the maximum values for the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and genistein (22.5 ± 0.23 mg of gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/100 g; 15.3 ± 0.13 mg of catechin equivalents (CAE)/100 g; and 12.6 ± 0.10 mg/100 g, respectively) were achieved under optimal pretreatment conditions using a CP gas flow rate of 5 L/min for 30 min, followed by enzymatic treatment at a specific enzyme concentration of 2.0% (v/v) for 240 min of incubation. Moreover, a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated that the CP and enzyme treatment induced significant structural changes, as evidenced by the presence of deeper pores on the surface of the powder granules. Spray-drying demonstrated a superior efficacy compared to freeze-drying for encapsulating the crude isoflavone extract. This study’s results also demonstrated that storage at 4 °C significantly stabilized the TPC, TFC, and genistein content and the antioxidant activity while preserving the physical properties (solubility and color) of the crude extract powder for up to 45 days. In summary, cold plasma pretreatment and enzymatic treatments offer practical solutions by enhancing the efficiency of non-thermal extraction processes, thereby increasing the yield of bioactive compounds, maintaining quality, and diminishing reliance on traditional, harsh methods. The elevated genistein content in the crude extract powder indicates its prospective application as a functional ingredient in various food and nutraceutical contexts. Full article

In the search for new alternatives for controlling parasitic agents, proteases from Beauveria bassiana stand out. The aim of this study was to evaluate in silico and in vitro the ovicidal potential of B. bassiana proteases on Eurytrema pancreaticum Janson, 1889 (Dicrocoeliidae) eggs. Beauveria bassiana Bals. -Criv., 1835 (Cordycipitaceae) (IP 361) was cultivated for enzymatic production. Proteins were precipitated with acetone (1:4 ratio), and specific activity was determined. Protease profiles were assessed via zymography, and inhibition by phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was tested. Three-dimensional models of the proteases were generated. Eurytrema pancreaticum eggs were used for the in vitro anthelmintic evaluation of the proteases. The results showed that precipitation significantly concentrated proteolytic activity (p < 0.01) compared to the crude extract. However, no chitinase activity was detected. The proteolytic profile of the precipitate revealed five bands with molecular weights from 25.6 to 66.9 kDa. In the in vitro tests, the proteases significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the number of intact E. pancreaticum eggs by 53% compared to the control with denatured enzymes. These findings highlight the ovicidal potential of B. bassiana proteases, though further studies are needed to confirm their application in parasite control. Full article

Whey, a large-scale dairy industry by-product, can be converted into whey protein concentrate (WPC), providing a cost-effective nutrient-rich substrate for microbial fermentation. We investigated protease production by Aspergillus oryzae using WPC as the sole substrate in submerged fermentation. Following fermentation, the protease was purified sequentially from the crude extract by salting-out, which yielded a substantial purification factor (~39), and subsequent ion-exchange chromatography. The non-adsorbed chromatographic fraction showed the highest protease activity (92.6 U/mL) and revealed one main protein band ~45 kDa via SDS-PAGE. Enzyme characterization demonstrated activity across neutral-to-alkaline conditions, optimal at pH 9.0 and 37 °C, with stability maintained between 30 °C and 37 °C. The enzyme was classified as a serine protease based on strong inhibition by PMSF and SDS; its activity was also inhibited by Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺, and K⁺, but enhanced by Ca²⁺. This work validates WPC as an efficient substrate for protease production by A. oryzae and presents a promising strategy for valorizing industrial by-products through sustainable biotechnology. Full article

The demand for sustainable, low-cost bioprocesses has encouraged the development of alternative enzyme production strategies. This study investigated the purification and characterization of a crude enzymatic extract (CEE) rich in α-amylase from Coprinus comatus, using wheat milling by-products as substrate. The CEE was obtained by submerged culture, followed by biomass removal, centrifugation, and ultrafiltration to yield a partially purified enzyme (PE). CEE and PE were evaluated for chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity, toxicity (Artemia salina assay), and enzymatic performance. Toxicity assays confirmed that CEE was non-toxic. Antioxidant activity reached 213.34 µmol TE·gDE⁻¹ (DPPH assay), with a total phenolic content of 8.01 mg GAE·gDE⁻¹. No antibacterial activity was detected. CEE hydrolyzed 96.31% of starch in 180 min, releasing 10.85 g·L⁻¹ glucose, while PE achieved 98% hydrolysis and released 14.5 g·L⁻¹. Optimal α-amylase activity occurred at 50 °C and pH 5.5 (CEE) or 5.0 (PE). Calcium ions improved the enzymatic activity and thermal stability. CEE retained over 60% activity after 721 days under refrigeration (4 °C) or freezing (0 °C). Although lyophilization enhanced enzyme concentration, it increased production costs. SDS-PAGE revealed bands of ~67 kDa (α-amylase) and ~35 kDa (glucoamylase). These findings support the use of CEE as a sustainable, low-cost biocatalyst for industrial use. Full article

In the field of biotechnology, natural compounds isolated from medicinal plants are highly valued; however, their discovery, purification, biofunctional characterization, and biochemical validation have historically involved time-consuming and laborious processes. Two innovative approaches have emerged to more efficiently discover new bioactive substances: the predicted data mining approach (PDMA) and biotransformation-guided purification (BGP). The PDMA is a computational method that predicts biotransformation potential, identifying potential substrates for specific enzymes from numerous candidate compounds to generate new compounds. BGP combines enzymatic biotransformation with traditional purification techniques to directly identify and isolate biotransformed products from crude extract fractions. This review examines recent research employing BGP or the PDMA for novel compound discovery. This research demonstrates that both approaches effectively allow for the discovery of novel bioactive molecules from natural sources, the enhancement of the bioactivity and solubility of existing compounds, and the development of alternatives to traditional methods. These findings highlight the potential of integrating traditional medicinal knowledge with modern enzymatic and computational tools to advance drug discovery and development. Full article

Improving the utilization of spent mushroom substrate and enhancing the digestibility of straw-based feed are critical for promoting environmental sustainability. However, the effects of replacing sawdust with straw in the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus—including changes in physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community structure and function—remain unclear. In this study, corn straw was used as the substrate for P. ostreatus cultivation. Dynamic changes during the fermentation process were investigated through analyses of biological growth characteristics, physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and amplicon sequencing. The results indicated a significant increase in mushroom yield, with the M80% treatment group achieving a yield of 156.09 ± 7.15 g. The nutritional value of the fermented feed was markedly improved; after 50 days of fermentation, crude protein (CP) and ether extract (EE) contents increased by 5.42% and 0.79%, respectively, while acid detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents decreased by 18.5% and 22.3%, compared to day 0. Activities of cellulase, xylanase, and laccase were also elevated, contributing to more effective lignocellulose degradation. Furthermore, Illumina sequencing revealed shifts in bacterial and fungal metabolic pathways. The fungal community was dominated by Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, with Pleurotus as the prevailing genus, while the bacterial community was mainly composed of antagonistic genera such as Bacillus and Bacteroides. These findings provide a theoretical basis for understanding the role of microbial interactions during straw substrate fermentation in improving feed quality and increasing P. ostreatus yield. Full article