Search Results (1,757)

Vitamin E (tocopherols) is an important lipid-soluble antioxidant that contributes to plant redox homeostasis and seed longevity. To investigate relationships among BnVTE2-dependent tocopherol accumulation, antioxidant capacity, fatty acid stability, and seed storability in rapeseed, we generated Brassica napus lines overexpressing BnVTE2 (OE) and lines with RNA interference-mediated suppression of BnVTE2 (RNAi). BnVTE2 encodes homogentisate phytyltransferase, a key enzyme catalyzing the committed step in tocopherol biosynthesis. Modulation of BnVTE2 expression resulted in corresponding changes in total tocopherol content. OE lines exhibited higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activities, lower H₂O₂ and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, and improved seed performance after long-term storage, whereas RNAi lines showed the opposite trends. Transcriptome and network analyses identified lipid-related transcriptional changes and glycerolipid-associated candidate hubs; enrichments in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and hormone signaling were treated as broader secondary responses rather than direct components of tocopherol metabolism. After 42 months of storage, seeds with higher tocopherol levels retained greater germination capacity and showed reduced lipid peroxidation relative to tocopherol-deficient lines. Together, these findings support an association among BnVTE2-mediated tocopherol accumulation, antioxidant defense, fatty acid stability, and seed longevity in B. napus. Direct validation of glycerolipid remodeling and hub-gene function will be required in future studies. Full article

Soil salinity restricts sugar beet growth and productivity, creating a need for effective agronomic approaches to improve plant performance under salt-affected conditions. However, the comparative responses of sugar beet to different foliar-applied exogenous substances under controlled NaCl stress and field saline–alkali conditions remain insufficiently understood. In this study, sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) cultivar ‘HI0479’ was used to evaluate the effects of different concentrations of PAA@Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles (PMO), methyl jasmonate (MeJA), and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). A pot experiment was first conducted under controlled NaCl stress to identify concentrations for subsequent field evaluation, followed by a one-season field experiment under non-saline–alkali and saline–alkali soil conditions. Based on the overall responses of growth and physiological traits, 100 mg L⁻¹ PMO, 100 mg L⁻¹ MeJA, and 1000 mg L⁻¹ GABA were selected for field evaluation. Under the imposed NaCl treatment, these foliar treatments improved growth and physiological performance and were associated with changes in photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA content, osmolyte accumulation, and selected growth-related hormone levels. Under saline–alkali field conditions, PMO, MeJA, and GABA increased storage-root yield by 13.59%, 12.69%, and 12.37%, respectively, compared with the control. Although estimated storage-root sugar concentration decreased, the corresponding estimated sugar yields increased by 10.77%, 9.79%, and 7.41%, respectively. These results show that the three foliar treatments produced favorable growth- and yield-related responses under the experimental conditions evaluated while also revealing a trade-off between storage-root yield and estimated storage-root sugar concentration. The findings provide a basis for further agronomic evaluation of foliar PMO, MeJA, and GABA in sugar beet grown under salt-affected conditions. Full article

Gelatin hydrogels combine biological origin, biodegradability, abundant chemical functionality, and broad processability, but their native thermoreversible physical networks generally lack the stability required for sustained operation. Crosslinking overcomes this limitation while regulating hydration, mechanics, transport, degradation, and responsiveness. This review examines gelatin hydrogel crosslinking from a structure–property–function perspective, connecting molecular design with physicochemical characterization and functional performance. Temperature-induced gelation and ion-mediated physical interactions are compared with small-molecule- and coupling-agent-mediated, enzyme-catalyzed, and photoinduced covalent crosslinking strategies, highlighting their different balances among reversibility, stability, processability, and biocompatibility. Particular attention is given to the characterization methods required to relate junction chemistry and network organization to swelling, thermal behavior, mechanical response, degradation, and molecular or ionic transport. These relationships are evaluated across drug delivery and controlled release, tissue engineering and wound healing, food packaging, preservation and delivery, water remediation and environmental management, wearable sensing and bioelectronics, and energy storage. Across these fields, the central challenge is not to maximize crosslinking, but to balance network stability with the molecular mobility required for function. By integrating complementary crosslinking mechanisms with multiscale characterization, gelatin can be engineered as a programmable platform for advanced soft materials. Full article

Processing quality in chestnut (Castanea spp.) is a complex trait jointly determined by fruit development, postharvest metabolic changes, and responses to processing. However, its genetic basis and regulatory networks remain poorly understood. This review provides an integrated framework linking product-specific processing requirements with their biochemical basis, candidate genes, and molecular breeding strategies. Starch composition and fine structure primarily determine cooked texture, storage hardening, and digestibility; starch degradation and sugar metabolism affect sweetness and thermally induced flavor formation; and phenolic substrates, together with oxidative enzymes, determine browning potential and color stability. We review the biochemical basis underlying these traits and summarize candidate genes and regulatory pathways involved in starch synthesis and structural modification, starch-to-sugar conversion, enzymatic browning, flavor formation, and the accumulation of nutritional and bioactive compounds. Nevertheless, stable quantitative trait loci, favorable haplotypes, and causal genes associated with chestnut processing quality remain insufficiently validated. Future research should develop product-oriented, standardized phenotyping systems and integrate multi-environment genetic analyses, multi-omics network dissection, marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, and gene editing to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying chestnut processing quality and enable the precision breeding of processing-specific cultivars. Full article

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic platform for central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases and lysosomal storage disorders (LSDs). This review examines MSC mechanisms of action—paracrine activity, immunomodulation, antioxidant effects, TFEB-mediated autophagy regulation, and enzymatic cross-correction in LSDs—while critically assessing translational challenges. We provide a comparative analysis of MSC sources, administration routes, dosing regimens, and safety profiles, with emphasis on hemocompatibility and thrombotic risks. The evidence base for MSC efficacy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and LSDs is systematically reviewed, highlighting both promising signals and limitations. MSC-derived extracellular vesicles are discussed as a cell-free alternative with improved safety and potential blood–brain barrier interaction. We propose an individualized monitoring framework integrating clinical scales, biomarkers, and neuroimaging. Despite preclinical promise, the field faces major hurdles: product standardization, optimal dosing, and the need for large, randomized controlled trials. The most rational path forward lies in combination strategies—MSCs as adjuncts to gene or enzyme replacement therapy—and engineered platforms for sustained delivery. This review provides a roadmap for translational decision-making and identifies critical gaps that must be addressed before MSC-based therapies can be integrated into routine neurological practice. Full article

Continuous paddy reclamation is a promising strategy for restoring sodic lands, yet the exact mechanisms driving soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization remain insufficiently quantified. Here, we investigated SOC dynamics across a 12-year rice cultivation chronosequence (0, 2, 5, 10, and 12 years) at 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm depths in western Jilin Province, China. Successive rice cultivation progressively alleviated saline–alkaline stress, with electrical conductivity (EC) decreasing by 70.11% in topsoil after 12 years, establishing a stabilized soil environment by years 10–12. Concurrently, topsoil SOC and total nitrogen (TN) increased by 63.09% and 26.02%, respectively. This physicochemical amelioration triggered a directional carbon transformation: while particulate organic carbon (POC) accumulated in early stages, mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC) dominated medium-term storage, expanding by 147.12% in topsoil and elevating its share of SOC. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirmed a shift toward molecular structural persistence, marked by increased aromaticity and hydrophobicity. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) demonstrated that cultivation duration directly drove soil stability (β = 0.94, p < 0.001), operating through a hierarchical cascade where management-induced stress reduction enhanced soil enzyme activity and microbial processing, thereby accelerating the conversion of labile plant inputs into mineral-protected MAOC. Overall, this study quantifies the pivotal role of paddy management in driving organo-mineral protection and chemical persistence, providing a mechanistic framework for carbon sequestration in degraded agroecosystems. Full article

Amperometric glucose biosensors remain indispensable analytical tools in clinical diagnostics due to their sensitivity, simplicity, and suitability for rapid measurements. Herein, an amperometric glucose biosensor based on immobilized glucose oxidase (GOx) and trimetallic nickel–platinum–palladium (NiPtPd) nanoparticles is reported. The NiPtPd nanoparticles deposited on a graphite rod electrode exhibited pronounced peroxidase-like activity and enabled efficient low-potential electrochemical transduction of the enzymatic reaction. The resulting biosensor displayed a linear response toward glucose in the concentration range from 0.04 to 1.58 mM. The limits of detection and quantification were determined to be 17.33 and 52.53 µM, respectively, and the sensitivity was 29.84 µA/mMcm². The developed biosensor demonstrated good analytical precision, with repeatability and reproducibility characterized by relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.01 and 9.0%, respectively. High selectivity toward glucose, strong resistance to common electroactive interferents, and satisfactory short-term storage stability (90.78% signal retention after 14 days) were also achieved. Furthermore, preliminary glucose determination in a diluted human serum sample was demonstrated with a recovery of 101.28% and an RSD of 5.27%, indicating the potential applicability of the biosensor for analysis in diluted biological matrices. These findings demonstrate that trimetallic NiPtPd nanoparticles can serve as effective low-potential electrocatalytic transducers in enzyme–nanozyme sensing platforms. Full article

Lyophilized pectinase from Aspergillus niger (PeL) was immobilized onto polyamide 6 (PA6) microparticles (MPs) through an adsorption-based procedure within the pH range of 5–8, yielding four PeL@PA6 complexes. In contrast to commercial enological preparations that are complex enzymatic cocktails with unspecified exact compositions, the use of PeL with known specific activity enabled a more reliable evaluation and improvement of the immobilization process and of the structure–activity relationships of the resulting biocatalysts. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated better thermal stability of the PeL@PA6 complexes compared to neat PA6 MPs. UV-CD studies revealed that the secondary structure and conformational stability of PeL before and after immobilization were strongly pH-dependent, with maximum stability observed at pH 6–7. All four PeL@PA6 complexes retained significant catalytic activity and showed good tolerance to ethanol-rich media relevant to enological applications. Kinetic analysis indicated increased apparent K_m values after immobilization, suggesting diffusional limitations associated with the porous PA6 support. Clarification experiments of industrial white and rosé wine musts confirmed the practical applicability of the immobilized system. All PeL@PA6 complexes preserved the color and phenolic integrity of the musts, displayed good operational stability during reuse, and exhibited higher long-term storage stability than the free enzyme. These results demonstrate that PA6 MPs are promising supports for pectinase immobilization in wine clarification and related biotechnological applications. Full article

Drought and salinity are major abiotic stresses that severely constrain plant growth and agricultural productivity. Histidine kinases (HKs), as key components of the plant two-component system (TCS), play crucial roles in environmental signal perception and adaptive responses. In this study, we functionally characterized a sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) HK gene, IbHK1a, and investigated its role in drought and salt stress tolerance. Expression analysis revealed that IbHK1a is predominantly expressed in root tissues, particularly in storage and fibrous roots, indicating its potential involvement in stress sensing and adaptation. Subcellular localization demonstrated that the IbHK1a protein is localized to the plasma membrane, suggesting a role in external signal perception. To elucidate its biological function, IbHK1a was heterologously overexpressed in Arabidopsis thaliana. Transgenic plants exhibited significantly enhanced tolerance to drought and salt stress, as evidenced by higher seed germination rates, improved primary root growth, reduced leaf wilting, and increased survival rates compared with wild-type (WT) plants. Physiological analyses showed that IbHK1a overexpression led to increased activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), accompanied by reduced accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Consistently, leaf histochemical staining confirmed lower ROS accumulation in transgenic plants under stress conditions. In sweet potato, overexpression of IbHK1a in transgenic hairy roots enhanced tolerance to drought and salinity, whereas RNA interference lines displayed increased sensitivity, further confirming its positive regulatory role. Additionally, protein interaction analysis indicated that IbHK1a interacts with Arabidopsis histidine phosphotransferase proteins (AHPs), suggesting its involvement in conserved TCS-mediated phosphorelay signaling pathways. Functional complementation analysis demonstrated that IbHK1a partially rescues the stress-sensitive phenotype of the AHK1 mutant, indicating functional conservation with Arabidopsis AHK1. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that IbHK1a positively regulates drought and salt stress tolerance by enhancing antioxidant defense and ROS homeostasis. Its interaction with AHPs and partial complementation of the ahk1 mutant further support its involvement in the conserved TCS phosphorelay pathway. These results establish IbHK1a as an important component of abiotic stress responses and a potential genetic target for improving drought and salinity tolerance in sweet potato. Full article

Amorphophallus spp., valued as both crops and medicinal plants, are highly susceptible to soft rot disease, causing substantial yield and economic losses during cultivation and storage. Calcium nanoparticle (CaNP) fertilizer not only has the potential to enhance crop yields but also plays a crucial role in the control of crop pests and diseases. However, its application in the control of soft rot disease in konjac has not yet been investigated. In this study, the antibacterial efficacy of CaNP fertilizer against the typical soft rot pathogen P. aroidearum MY11 in Amorphophallus konjac (A. konjac) was investigated. It was found that CaNP fertilizer significantly inhibited the growth, motility ability and the activity of cell wall-degrading exoenzymes of P. aroidearum MY11. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the morphology of bacterial cells treated with CaNPs did not change significantly, but significant particle deposition was observed within the cells. Furthermore, CaNPs pretreatment could reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, activate the antioxidant enzyme system, and enhance the photosynthetic capacity of A. konjac plants. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that CaNPs pretreatment might enhance the resistance of A. konjac plants to the soft rot pathogen MY11 by activating the jasmonic acid (JA), salicylic acid (SA) signaling pathway and the cell wall stress response pathway. This research provides a new candidate for nanopesticides that can be used to control the bacterial soft rot disease of konjac. Full article

The successful use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) such as artificial insemination (AI) in small ruminants and other mammals depends on many factors, the most important of which is the quality of the semen used. The liquid storage and cryopreservation of spermatozoa at lower temperatures are associated with artificial insemination and rapid genetic improvement programs in the sheep production industry. Several studies have reported increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during liquid storage or cryopreservation of ram semen, leading to oxidative stress (OS), decreased antioxidant defense, and changes in sperm quality parameters like biokinetic and biochemical characteristics, viability, functional membrane and DNA integrity, along with mitochondrial activity. Therefore, supplementing ram semen extenders with exogenous antioxidants before preservation could mitigate this harmful effect. Various in vitro studies have reported improvements in ram sperm quality parameters like motility indexes, vitality, functional membrane/DNA integrity, antioxidant enzyme activity, total antioxidant content, mitochondrial activity, in vivo/in vitro fertility with significant decline in sperm abnormality, free radical production, LPO, ROS, apoptosis rate, and cytochrome C release from the mitochondrial matrix after the addition of various natural and synthetic antioxidant (vitamins, glutathione, taurine, pyruvate, melatonin, cysteine, selenium, zinc, plant extracts, sugars, amino acids, polyphenols) substances during preservation. Therefore, this review summarizes recent findings on oxidative stress-induced damage to sperm quality parameters in various ram breeds during chilling storage and cryopreservation. Moreover, supplementing basic semen extenders with different non-enzymatic antioxidant substances as a method to maintain sperm quality—along with their efficacy in reducing or preventing sperm damage during preservation—was discussed in detail. Full article

Elevated reactive nitrogen (N) inputs from fertilization and fossil fuel combustion increasingly threaten the soil carbon storage capacity of grassland ecosystems. However, the stability of soil organic carbon within these ecosystems is increasingly at risk. Recent research has highlighted the importance of microbial residues in regulating the stability of soil organic carbon. Despite this recognition, there is still a limited understanding of the impact of microbial residues on soil organic carbon stability in grasslands subjected to external nitrogen inputs, as well as the underlying regulatory mechanisms involved. This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on how nitrogen (N) addition and its duration regulate microbial residue accumulation and its contribution to SOC pools (particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC)) in grassland ecosystems, with emphasis on the roles of microbial community composition, microbial biomass carbon, and enzyme activities. By integrating these perspectives, this review aims to advance understanding of the mechanisms governing microbial residue dynamics under nitrogen enrichment and to identify priorities for future research. Full article

Liquid enzyme formulations are characterized by high water activity, which may adversely affect their storage stability and shelf life. Therefore, their powdered form can significantly improve enzyme stability while facilitating handling, dosing, storage, and transportation. To date, no studies have reported powder production containing cellulolytic enzyme preparations derived from Basidiomycota fungi. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of spray drying of cellulolytic enzyme preparations derived from submerged cultivation of the yellow oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) and the pink oyster mushroom (Pleurotus djamor). In addition, the impact of conventional high-temperature spray drying (SD) and dehumidified air-assisted spray drying (DASD) to enable lowering of the drying temperature on the cellulolytic activity of the obtained powders was assessed. The obtained powders were comprehensively characterized for physicochemical properties, including moisture content, flowability, particle-size distribution, and particle morphology. In addition, biochemical analyses were performed to determine cellulolytic enzyme activity before and after spray drying. For both drying methods, obtained powders were microbiologically stable (water activity < 0.3) and exhibited good quality characteristics. The drying technique showed no statistically significant effect on enzymatic activity, as confirmed by the plate assay, while producing powders with comparable physical properties. Consequently, conventional high-temperature spray drying (SD) is an adequate method for stabilizing these cellulolytic enzymes, eliminating the need for the less economically reasonable dehumidified air-assisted technique (DASD). Full article

Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV) causes a highly fatal disease that severely impacts small ruminant production and global food security. This study aimed to develop a rapid, user-friendly colloidal gold immunochromatographic test strip for detecting PPRV-specific antibodies using a double-antigen sandwich format. Bioinformatic analysis using DNASTAR Protean was performed to predict candidate antigenic regions in the PPRV H and N proteins. Three predicted candidate regions from each protein were selected and incorporated into the design of the recombinant fusion antigen PPRV-H₃N₃EP. The recombinant antigen was expressed in E. coli, purified, and refolded to obtain a final concentration of 8.52 mg/mL. The strip was assembled with colloidal gold-labeled fusion protein as the detection probe and unlabeled protein coated on the test line, plus an independent mouse IgG/goat anti-mouse IgG control system. Performance evaluation showed that the results were readable within 10–15 min. The strip showed satisfactory analytical sensitivity and cross-reactivity performance, consistent qualitative results in within-batch repeatability testing, and preliminary short-term storage stability. In a comparative evaluation using sheep serum samples and a commercial competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit, the overall agreement reached 97.9%. Collectively, the constructed PPRV-H₃N₃EP antigen enabled a simple, rapid, and reliable strip assay suitable for field detection of PPRV antibodies and post-vaccination monitoring, while also providing a methodological reference for developing antibody tests for other pathogens. Full article

This study introduces a novel food-grade protein–β-glucan nanoparticle system based on Fusarium venenatum protein isolate and Fuscoporia torulosa β-glucans, designed as a multifunctional ingredient for improving the physicochemical stability, bioaccessibility, and functional performance of peach juice beverages. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate a functional peach juice enriched with protein–β-glucan nanoparticles and to investigate their effects on physicochemical stability, gastrointestinal behavior, metabolic enzyme inhibition, antioxidant retention, and sensory acceptance. Protein–β-glucan nanoparticles produced from Fusarium venenatum protein isolate and Fuscoporia torulosa β-glucans were incorporated into peach juice formulations (V1–V4) and characterized using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In vitro gastrointestinal digestion was performed to assess β-glucan bioaccessibility, protein digestibility, antioxidant activity, and release kinetics, while α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays, sensory evaluation, digital sensory analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and exploratory multivariate analysis were used to evaluate relationships among formulation characteristics and functional performance. The nanoparticles formed stable colloidal systems with mean particle sizes ranging from 176 to 229 nm and maintained structural integrity during 28 days of refrigerated storage. Nanoparticle-enriched formulations exhibited higher β-glucan bioaccessibility, improved antioxidant retention, and stronger α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities, with the greatest effects observed in V4. Protein digestibility remained high across all formulations, while sensory evaluation revealed improved overall liking and purchase intention. PCA indicated that nanoparticle concentration was the main factor differentiating the formulations based on their physicochemical and functional characteristics. Overall, protein–β-glucan nanoparticles enhanced the physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of peach juice, supporting their application as multifunctional ingredients for functional beverage development. Full article