Search Results (180)

Wine lees (WL) are one of the main byproducts generated during winemaking and are usually disposed of in landfills or incorporated into the soil as an organic amendment; nevertheless, these practices can have negative environmental impacts. Reusing agro-industrial byproducts is a key step toward more sustainable production cycles, and WL represent a promising alternative for formulating culture media for the production of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) biomass, microorganisms widely used in the food and wine industries. In this work, we aim to evaluate the ecotoxicity of WL using a bioassay with zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos and to analyze their potential as a source of nitrogen and growth factors for the production of UNQLp 11 Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain biomass in whey permeate. Trials conducted with zebrafish showed that embryos exposed to WL exhibited increased mortality in a concentration-dependent response and the appearance of sublethal effects, such as alterations in embryonic development. Regarding WL biotechnological application, the results obtained confirm that the growth of Lpb. plantarum depends largely on the composition of the culture medium. Whey permeate media (WP) without supplementation showed nutritional limitations, reflected in lower cell counts. While supplementation with WL significantly improved bacterial growth, in some cases reaching values comparable to those obtained with MRS. The results demonstrated that WL can act as an efficient nutrient source, with the potential to replace commercial yeast extract in Lpb. plantarum culture media. Full article

The Guidelines for Sustainable Aquaculture (GSAs) emphasize that formulating proper regional development plans is essential for achieving sustainable growth in aquaculture. Conventional research has limitations in allocating resources from a regional scale, subject to various constraints relating to the social, economic, environmental, and other domains. To fill this research gap, this study proposes an inexact regional aquaculture system planning model (IRAM) to optimally allocate resources including energy, water, area, media, and labor among various aquaculture species across multiple aquafarms under uncertainty. The model is applied to Fujian Province, China, over a 15-year planning horizon (2026–2040, three 5-year periods). As model-based scenario insights derived under specific assumptions, the main findings are as follows: (i) the system cost would increase by [18.75, 20.00]%, while the product output would greatly rise by [41.57, 47.54]% from period 1 to period 3; (ii) renewable energy (wind and solar) would supply [60.32, 81.05]% of the total electricity by period 3; (iii) shallow-sea culture ([48.6, 50.2]%) and pond culture ([17.6, 18.8]%) would receive the highest media allocation via internet platforms, supporting community communication; and (iv) pollutant and carbon emissions would decline due to the adoption of low-carbon feed and renewable energy penetration. The findings are scenario-dependent, and their practical applicability relies on the sensitivity analysis and model code/data availability discussed in the main text. One limitation lies in its inadequate ability to handle stochastic and fuzzy information commonly encountered in real-world planning problems. Full article

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are powerful tools for disease modeling and therapeutic development, though their utility remains sensitive to operator-dependent variability and media formulation. Commercial stem cell media formulations, such as mTeSR+ and StemFlex, are designed to support robust pluripotent stem cell maintenance and improve reproducibility. While both are widely used, direct comparisons are limited. We evaluated mTeSR+ and StemFlex using the CellXpress.ai automated tissue culture platform in combination with IN Carta machine-learning-based image analysis to monitor and standardize feeding, passaging, and maintenance. Wild-type iP11N hiPSCs were cultured under standardized automated conditions with growth kinetics, immunocytochemical marker expression, and RT-qPCR assessment. Automated analysis revealed no significant differences in proliferation rates between the formulations; however, longitudinal image-based quantification identified statistically significant differences (<1%) in differentiated cell area fraction across the imaging period. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated comparable expression and localization of pluripotency-associated markers, and RT-qPCR analysis confirmed similar expression of stemness factors. These findings demonstrate that both media support comparable growth and maintenance of pluripotency under standardized automated conditions on iP11N wild-type stem cells in the short-term culture conditions analyzed. Additionally, these data highlight the value of automated imaging and machine-learning-based analysis in reducing operator-dependent variability and improving consistency in hiPSC culture, supporting its application in high-throughput stem cell research. Full article

The Author argues that the audiovisual image of reality cemented in films as audiovisual media reflects in a particular way the developments occurring in the community that produced these images. This refers also to the religiosity of a specific society. The article will begin by providing a brief overview of its main theoretical perspective of social imaginaries formulated and implemented in the field of sociology by Charles Taylor. In order to pave the ground for future studies in the area, the method of implementation of Taylor’s term will be presented to highlight how narrative films and television series as products of audiovisual culture reflect the state of the collective consciousness of the Polish national community in terms of Christian religiosity expressed through attachment to Catholic rituals, practices and customs as well as usage and understanding of religious symbols and also basing personal and collective behaviors and decisions on the value system that arose from Christian ethics. This means that in spite of people moving away from orthodoxy and a shift to postsecular attitudes, Christianity shaped images (including visual metaphors) that still provide people with mental shortcuts or become tools of persuasion as a means of audiovisual communication with the viewer. Full article

Eye cosmetics, including eyeliners, mascaras, eyeshadows, and eyebrow products, are widely used to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the eyes. While generally considered safe, their application to the delicate periocular region can pose significant risks to ocular surface health. Growing clinical and experimental evidence links the use of eye cosmetics to ocular surface disorders, including blepharitis, conjunctivitis, dry eye syndrome, and meibomian gland dysfunction. These adverse effects may result from mechanical irritation, chemical exposure, microbial contamination, or allergic reactions associated with cosmetic ingredients such as pigments, preservatives, emulsifiers, and fragrances. In addition, emerging periocular aesthetic procedures and novel formulations containing nanoparticles and complex additives may further contribute to ocular surface instability and inflammation. The growing popularity of eye cosmetics, influenced by social media, cultural trends, and the global beauty industry, underscores the importance of understanding their impact on ocular health. Thus, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the composition, types, ocular migration, and potential adverse effects of eye cosmetics and periocular aesthetic practices. By highlighting the clinical implications of cosmetic use on the ocular surface, this study emphasizes the need for evidence-based guidance, safe cosmetic practices, and further research to mitigate lifestyle-related ocular risks. Full article

The growing demand for plant-based functional foods has encouraged the development of non-dairy fermented beverages able to deliver viable microorganisms and improve the technological and nutritional value of plant matrices. This study aimed to develop a prototype fermented peanut beverage using Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strains and to evaluate their technological performance, stability, and functional potential. Two plant derived strains, L. plantarum F1B and LpAv, and the commercial probiotic L. plantarum 299v were assessed in animal-free culture media and used to ferment peanut extract supplemented with sucrose and yeast extract. Fermented beverages were characterized through microbiological, physicochemical, rheological, peptide profile, refrigerated storage, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion. The selected formulation allowed all strains to reach pH ≤ 4.5 after 6.5 h, with LAB counts of 8.6–9.0 log CFU/mL. Lactic acid was the main fermentation product, and oxalic acid levels were significantly reduced. Fermentation increased peptide signals and improved rheological behavior, generating pseudoplastic beverages with higher viscosity than the control. LAB counts remained ≥8 log CFU/mL after 28 days at 4 °C, although gastrointestinal resistance after storage was strain-dependent. Taken together, L. plantarum strains showed promising technological and functional properties for developing fermented peanut-based beverages. The nutritional properties of peanut, together with the fact that it supports the growth and survival of LAB in a fermented beverage, positions peanuts as a candidate which deserves further studies in the space of fermented functional foods. Full article

Over a decade of research on media for cultured meat and seafood production has resulted in multiple highly efficient serum-free and chemically defined formulations for some species, but it has also identified challenges yet to be solved—especially for aquatic cell lines. Depending on the product and cell type, the approach to develop highly efficient, sustainable, and low-priced media can diverge greatly. In this review, we provide an in-depth overview of this complex research area to facilitate strategic decision-making for stakeholders. We evaluate the advantages and limitations of utilizing hydrolysates, growth factor mutants, growth factor alternatives, and stabilizers in serum-free media formulations published for cultured meat production, as well as ongoing research efforts on developing adequate media for cultured seafood. We critically analyze strategies aimed at reducing medium costs and enhancing sustainability of cultured meat and seafood production, including their food-compatibility assessment. We summarize topics that require further exploration, such as identification of species-specific growth factors—particularly for aquatic species; exploration of hydrolysates as a substitute for basal medium; waste medium recycling strategies; and the potential application of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies to enhance these areas. Additionally, we consider possible emerging regulatory issues and their impact on media formulation development. Finally, key performance indicators for media formulations are proposed to guide future strategic and operational improvements regarding an economical and sustainable production process. Full article

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are central to regenerative medicine and advanced therapies. However, the absence of consensus on reporting kinetic parameters, such as population doubling level (PDL), population doubling time (PDT), and the reliance on passage number alone obscures biological age and manufacturing history, and limits correlation of potency with expansion dynamics. Here, we clarify the distinctions among passages, PDL, PDT, and replication rate; we synthesize evidence that identical passage numbers can conceal multifold differences in cumulative doublings, with downstream effects on transcriptomic stability, and immunomodulatory performance. We further highlight culture determinants, oxygen tension, seeding density, media formulation, surface/bioreactor systems, and early niche mimetic stimuli, that shape proliferative kinetics and cellular aging trajectories in WJ-MSCs. Critically, we propose extracellular vesicles (EVs) as sensitive functional readouts of bioprocess stress and expansion history: EV quantity can increase while functional bioactivity declines, and EV miRNA cargo captures cell state programs not evident from minimal identity markers. To address these gaps, we recommend a reporting framework that incorporates: (1) culture conditions, (2) passage number and PDL at harvest, and (3) functional consequences of expansion. Adopting kinetic metrics beyond passage number will harmonize data capture and enable pooled analyses, accelerating clinical translation while safeguarding patient outcomes. Full article

Agave guiengola Gentry is a microendemic ornamental species native to Oaxaca, México, with restricted distribution and threatened by human activities, placing it at risk of extinction. Two culture media were evaluated: Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and modified MS medium, together with medium consistency (semisolid and liquid) and plant growth regulators (PGRs): 6-benzylaminopurine (BA) (5.0 mg L⁻¹) for MS media and a combination of kinetin (KIN) and 3-indoleacetic acid (IAA) (5.0–9.0 and 0.1–1.0 mg L⁻¹ respectively) for modified media. Shoot clusters were grown in two consecutive 30-day phases, with transfer to opposite consistency after the first month of cultivation (first phase). Growth, hyperhydricity, rooting and callus formation were evaluated. Treatments using modified formulation + KIN + IAA under both consistencies had the greatest growth (5.5 and 5.0 cm²). Hyperhydricity was more frequent in liquid MS media (up to 100%), while adjusted MS medium had lower incidence with or without PGRs (0.0% and 6.6%). Transfer from liquid-to-semisolid medium reduced hyperhydricity (10.47%) compared with the reverse (31.35%). Rooting occurred frequently with modified formulation media. Callogenesis occurred mainly using MS + BA media (up to 93.2%), associated with adventitious shoot formation. A synergistic biphasic effect is proposed using semisolid MS + BA followed by modified MS liquid + KIN + IAA, optimizing in vitro growth for conservation. Full article

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria are a growing public health concern within the One Health framework. This study aimed to characterize ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in industrial and artisanal organic fertilizers marketed in southwestern Colombia. Five commercial fertilizer brands were analyzed using a selective culture on ceftriaxone supplemented media (4 µg/mL), antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), phenotypic synergy testing for ESBL confirmation, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect bla_TEM, bla_SHV, and bla_CTX-M genes. Overall, 18.6% of the samples showed growth of ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacterales, predominantly Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. ESBL producers accounted for 84% of the isolates, all of which carried at least one bla gene, predominantly bla_CTX-M. Statistically significant differences in bacterial growth frequency were observed among fertilizer types, with higher positivity rates observed in manure-based artisanal formulations (p < 0.05). Whole-genome sequencing of selected isolates identified Klebsiella pneumoniae ST37 and Escherichia coli ST224, both harboring bla_CTX-M-55 and additional resistance and virulence determinants. These findings demonstrate that organic fertilizers, particularly manure-derived products, may act as reservoirs and potential dissemination routes for clinically relevant antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. This is the first study in Colombia documenting the presence of ESBL-producing bacteria in organic fertilizers. These results underscore the need to incorporate surveillance of these products into national policies under a One Health perspective. Full article

Background/Objectives: An ideal bone scaffold should promote bone cell growth and functional vascularization, hence the importance of imbuing biomaterials with pro-angiogenic cues. In this work, silica-based bioactive glasses, either pristine (SBA3) or doped with copper (SBA3_Cu), were embedded in poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), which was also used as a control. Methods: In vitro co-cultures of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (ASCs) and human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1s) were kept in α-MEM, MCDB131, and EndoGRO media to test the biomaterials. The co-cultures were visualized by immunofluorescence and SEM, while flow cytometry was performed to characterize cellular immunophenotype. The angiogenic potential was evaluated using conditioned media of co-cultures to perform a tubulogenesis assay and VEGF-A quantification. Results: Immunophenotypic analysis showed a significant decrease in the endothelial CD31+ cellular subset, whereas the OB-like cellular subset expressing CD105, CD73, CD90, and ALP increased in all culture media over time. In α-MEM, HMEC-1s were unable to form a capillary network independent of the substrates. A more organized network was visible when co-cultures were plated on PCL, in MCDB131 and EndoGRO, or if they were kept in EndoGRO on PCL/SBA3_Cu. The VEGF-A concentrations were similar in the conditioned media from co-cultures grown on PCL/SBA_Cu, in EndoGRO, and on PCL and PCL/SBA3, in MCDB131. Conclusions: The presence of copper did not promote the angiogenic potential of HMEC-1, likely due to the low concentration of released copper ions and the predominant osteoinductive effect of the other ions released by the bioglass. A re-evaluation of formulation and structure of bioglass scaffold could enhance the angiogenic potential. Full article

Culture medium formulation influences mushroom yield and composition, but its effect on the properties of edible fungal protein remains unclear. To explore the functional and nutritional properties of proteins from Grifola frondosa (GF) fruiting bodies, the study examined the structural, interfacial, gelling, and digestive properties of GF proteins grown in four culture media. The four GF proteins obtained were labeled GFP1–GFP4, respectively. The β-turn content and intrinsic fluorescence in GFP1 increased by 41.48% and 36.45% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared to GFP4. GFP4 exhibited higher surface pressure at the air–water interface and lower interfacial force at the oil–water interface. In comparison with GFP4, the other GFPs showed a higher rate of interfacial film formation and greater film elasticity and strength. GFP2 had a minimum gelling concentration of 80 mg/mL, which is a 33.33% reduction from GFP4. The storage modulus (G′) of GFP1 was 58 times higher than that of GFP4 (10 Pa), indicating a significant increase in gel elasticity (p < 0.05). Additionally, compared to GFP4, GFP1 showed a 16.59% increase in total amino acid and a 6.82% increase in free amino group release (p < 0.05), although its digestibility decreased by 5.06% (p < 0.05). These results suggest that the formulation of the culture medium alters the structures and interfacial properties of GFPs, thereby impacting their functionalities and applications in food colloid-based products. Full article

Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB)-based inoculants represent a promising alternative to mineral fertilizers. However, their application may be limited by constraints associated with the use of living microorganisms, particularly under field conditions. The objective of this study was to select a bacterial strain and a suitable carrier for the inoculation of rice cv. Selección 1. The effect of inoculation with 3 Rhizobium spp. strains on rice growth was evaluated under greenhouse conditions, enabling selection of the most promising strain. This strain was further characterized based on its motility, production of indolic compounds in the presence of tryptophan, and antagonistic activity against 3 rice phytopathogenic fungi. In addition, the effects of culture media based on aqueous extracts of soybean and rice seeds on bacterial growth and chemotactic response were evaluated, along with the shelf-life stability of the resulting inoculant formulations. Rhizobium sp. strain 5P1 significantly increased plant height (33%), root length (21%), shoot dry weight (30%), and root dry weight (17%) of rice cultivar Selección 1 under greenhouse conditions. The strain exhibited motility predominantly via swarming and twitching, produced indolic compounds (23.9 ± 0.8 µg mL⁻¹), and showed antagonistic activity against Magnaporthe oryzae (32.5% radial growth inhibition at 16 days), Curvularia oryzae (20.0%), and Bipolaris oryzae (6.6%) under in vitro conditions. Culture media based on molasses and soybean or rice seed extracts did not enhance bacterial growth relative to the conventional medium; however, they elicited a stronger chemotactic response. Formulations supplemented with sodium alginate and carboxymethylcellulose maintained cell viability above 10⁸ CFU mL⁻¹ after 105 days of storage at 4 °C. These findings propose Rhizobium sp. strain 5P1 and a molasses-based carrier formulation as strong candidates for the development of an effective bioinoculant for rice in Ferric Gleysol soils. Full article

The transition toward industrial-scale, year-round production of Pleurotus pulmonarius necessitates efficient and standardized spawn production. Liquid spawn technology plays a pivotal role in this process; however, recommended formulations and science-based quality criteria remain lacking. This study aimed to screen a high-performance liquid spawn medium and define key quality parameters for industrial application. Ten culture media formulations were evaluated to determine their effects on mycelial growth, as well as the subsequent yield and quality of fruiting bodies. The optimal formulation (Formula 4) contained glucose (1.6%), soybean meal (0.3%), corn flour (0.2%), peptone (0.2%), KH₂PO₄ (0.1%), and MgSO₄ (0.055%). The growth rhythm of the selected formulation was meticulously tracked, leading to the identification of a critical inoculation window between 4.75 and 5.5 days. Spawn within this window exhibited a mycelial biomass of 1.60~1.86 g/L, pellet diameter of 1.83~1.92 mm, pellet density of 12.25~13.75 per mL, and fermentation broth pH of 6.35~6.44, which were strongly correlated with peak yield (up to 284 g/bag) and premium-grade ratio (up to 87.97%). The multi-parameter composite standard is proposed as a practical tool for quality control in industrial fermenters, enabling precise harvest timing and ensuring the consistent, high-yield, and high-quality production of P. pulmonarius. Full article

The increasing demand for environmentally sustainable and efficient laundry detergents has prompted the exploration of innovative biotechnological solutions. This study aims to integrate solid fermentation and by-product valorization for high-quality proteases suitable for laundry detergents. Of 486 strains isolated from fruit by-products, 9 were selected for their proteolytic activity, but only 3 showed proteolytic activity in the presence of detergent components. Strain M17, identified as Yarrowia lipolytica (Yl), proved to be the most effective in producing proteolytic extracts with activity similar to that found in commercial detergents. The produced proteases were incorporated into laundry detergent formulations, and their enzyme activity was compared with that of commercial laundry detergents. The results showed that the proteolytic extracts have enzyme activity similar to that of commercial laundry detergents. Culture media were developed to enhance protease production using fruit by-products. The highest activity (43.71 U (g dm)⁻¹) was achieved at C/N = 20.04, while the best productivity (1.37 U (g dm·h)⁻¹) at pH 7.0 and 30 °C was observed. The results demonstrate that culture media based on fruits and vegetable by-products enhance protease yield and activity. This approach not only reduces waste but also adds value to natural resources through an environmentally friendly process. This study underscores the potential of combining solid-state fermentation with by-products. Using Yl in combination with fruit and vegetable by-products is a practical, eco-friendly method for producing high-quality proteases for laundry detergents. This green enzyme innovation offers significant promise for advancing the detergent proteolytic enzymes and promoting sustainable practices in by-product management. Full article