Search Results (384)

Coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde are precursors of lignin and are used in spices and the pharmaceutical industry. In this work, antioxidant, anticholinergic, antidiabetic, and antiglaucoma effects of coniferyl alcohol and aldehyde were evaluated and compared against the standards. To determine the antioxidant capacities of coniferyl alcohol and aldehyde, ABTS^•+, DMPD^•+ and DPPH^• scavenging abilities as well as cupric ion (Cu²⁺) reduction, ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) reduction and Fe³⁺-TPTZ reduction activities were studied. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), ascorbic acid, α-Tocopherol, Trolox, and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) were used as the standard antioxidants. When the antioxidant effects of coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde are compared to the standards, they exhibit significant antioxidant effects. In addition, it was determined that coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde had a high degree of inhibition effect towards carbonic anhydrase (hCA) I and II isoforms purified from human erythrocytes, α-glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and α-amylase as in vitro and in silico. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding affinities of coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde toward all investigated enzymes, with key hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions identified at the active sites. The docking findings were found to be compatible with the in vitro enzyme inhibition results, supporting the proposed multi-target biological potential of both compounds. Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding affinities of coniferyl alcohol and coniferyl aldehyde toward all investigated enzymes. Key hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions were identified within the active sites, particularly for AChE and hCA II. The docking results were consistent with the in vitro enzyme inhibition data, supporting their multi-target biological potential. Docking demonstrated that both compounds can effectively interact with the catalytic regions of the target enzymes. The identified binding modes and interaction patterns support the observed inhibitory activities and provide a molecular basis for their multi-target biological effects. Full article

To achieve both a high material removal rate and excellent surface quality, this paper proposes a solid-phase Fenton chemo-mechanical lapping (SF-CML) method. Using high-purity type 316 stainless-steel as the research object, a solid lapping tool containing Fe₃O₄ microparticles was employed in synergy with an H₂O₂-based slurry. Under locally high-pressure and high-temperature conditions, Fe²⁺ ions are released, which in turn catalyze the generation of highly reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH). These radicals promote the formation of an oxide layer on the workpiece surface, which is continuously removed through mechanical action. The results show that at pH 2.5 and an H₂O₂ concentration of 0.05 wt%, SF-CML achieves the best processing performance, with an MRR of 16.64 μm/min and a Sa as low as 20.95 nm. XPS, EPR, and other characterization methods collectively provided evidence for the oxidation of the sample surface and the existence of ferrous ions and hydroxyl radicals in the slurry, thereby confirming the effectiveness of the solid-phase Fenton reaction. Compared with conventional homogeneous Fenton CMP and pure mechanical lapping, SF-CML not only significantly improves removal efficiency but also effectively enhances surface quality. This method avoids the problems of easy precipitation and low removal efficiency commonly encountered in traditional homogeneous Fenton systems, providing a new technical pathway for high-efficiency precision processing of metallic materials. Full article

High-frequency immersed plasma discharge represents an efficient method for the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) in liquid media, leading to complex redox and oxidative processes in biologically relevant systems. Although plasma-generated reactive species in liquids have been widely investigated, it remains insufficiently understood how working-gas-dependent plasma chemistry translates into oxidative outcomes in iron-containing model systems, where plasma-derived species may interact with transition-metal redox cycling. The novelty of this study lies in the combined assessment of gas-dependent RONS accumulation, deoxyribose oxidative degradation, and plasma-induced changes in Fe(II) availability using a high-frequency immersed plasma discharge. Herein, we examined whether treatment with high-frequency immersed discharge influences the redox state of iron in a working gas-dependent manner, thereby affecting oxidative degradation in the deoxyribose model. Plasma treatment was performed under air and argon working gas conditions, and oxidative degradation was evaluated using the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBA-RS) assay. In parallel, the concentrations of long-lived reactive species, including hydrogen peroxide, nitrites, and nitrates, were determined spectrophotometrically. The results demonstrated a treatment-time-dependent increase in oxidative degradation and reactive species accumulation, with more pronounced oxidative effects observed under argon plasma conditions. In the presence of ferrous ions, plasma treatment resulted in a gas-dependent effect, characterized by a synergistic enhancement of oxidative degradation under argon and a biphasic effect under air. Most notably, in Fe(II)-containing samples, 10 min of argon plasma treatment increased TBA-RS formation to approximately 2.7-fold of the Fe(II) control, whereas air plasma produced a biphasic response, with an initial decrease followed by an approximately 40% increase at the longest exposure time. Additional experiments suggest that plasma may influence the redox state and availability of ferrous ions, thereby affecting their participation in Fenton-type reactions and radical-mediated processes. The findings suggest that the overall oxidative outcome in plasma-treated systems is governed not only by the concentration of plasma-generated reactive species but also by plasma-induced modifications of transition metal redox chemistry. These preliminary results on the combined roles of plasma-generated reactive species and transition-metal chemistry contribute to understanding plasma–liquid interactions in such systems. Full article

Petroleum refinery wastewaters are highly recalcitrant and recognized as one of the most challenging industrial effluents requiring advanced treatment strategies. This study aims to investigate the synergistic performance of a sequential electrocoagulation (EC) and electro-Fenton (EF) process for the mineralization of this complex effluent. The EC pretreatment was optimized using response surface methodology via Doehlert design, establishing optimal conditions at pH 6.0, 0.8 A, and a 75 min electrolysis time. Under these conditions, 39% of total organic carbon (TOC) and 56% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were removed. The quadratic polynomial model developed for the EC stage presented an excellent fit with the experimental data (R² = 0.99, R²_adj = 0.97, p < 0.05), confirming its strong predictive robustness. In order to degrade the remaining recalcitrant organic pollutants, the pretreated effluent underwent EF oxidation (0.01 M ferrous ion, 0.8 A, pH 3), leading to TOC and COD removal rates of 68% and 76%, respectively, after a 360 min electrolysis time. The integrated EC-EF process achieved an overall mineralization of 81% and an oxidation efficiency of 89%. Finally, a comprehensive evaluation of the system’s energy consumption and economic viability established a solid techno-economic baseline for this sequential approach, indicating a competitive total operating cost of USD 0.036 per gram of TOC removed. Full article

Ferroptosis of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a critical bottleneck restricting the efficiency of ruminant biological breeding. Phloretin, a natural bioactive polyphenol, exhibits potential ferroptosis-inhibitory activity. However, the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of phloretin on ruminant MSCs remain poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the effects of phloretin on ferroptosis and elucidate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Herein, we isolated and cultured adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (AD-MSCs) from adipose tissue of a 9-day-old Leizhou goat and established a ferroptosis model in these cells using RSL3. We detected cell viability, proliferation, migration, ferroptosis-related indexes and key protein expression. The results showed that phloretin (25 and 50 μM) dose-dependently inhibited ferroptosis in goat AD-MSCs, reducing intracellular ferrous ion (Fe²⁺), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation levels, restoring glutathione content, and ameliorating mitochondrial structural damage. Mechanistically, phloretin exerted its anti-ferroptosis effects through direct antioxidant activity, activation of the Nrf2/HO-1/GPX4 signaling pathway and Fe²⁺ chelation. Nrf2 and GPX4 were key targets in this process. These results provide preliminary in vitro evidence and a theoretical basis for the potential application of phloretin in future research related to meat goat production and ruminant breeding. Full article

In this work, three sulfur-iron materials (sulfide-modified nanoscale zerovalent iron (S-nZVI), ferrous sulfide (FeS), and pyrite (FeS₂)) were employed to enhance the Fenton process for naphthalene (NAP) degradation. The enhancement performance and mechanisms of S-nZVI, FeS, and FeS₂ were investigated and compared. The results showed that NAP removal was enhanced from 56.4% in the H₂O₂/Fe(II) system to 88.6%, 83.0%, and 89.1% with the addition of S-nZVI, FeS, and FeS₂, respectively. Three sulfur-iron materials could all reduce Fe(III) produced in aqueous solution, regenerate Fe(II), and slow down the precipitation of dissolved iron. In addition, the addition of sulfur-iron materials could promote the generation of hydroxyl radical (HO•), thus intensifying the degradation of NAP. The results of scavenging tests indicated that HO• was the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS) for NAP removal, while superoxide radical (O₂⁻•) also participated. The effect of complex water matrices on NAP degradation was evaluated, showing that sulfur-iron material-enhanced techniques had a wide pH application range and had great tolerance to inorganic ions and humic acid. Moreover, NAP degradation intermediates and their toxicity were elucidated. Finally, the obvious removal of various pollutants in sulfur-iron material-enhanced systems demonstrated that these technologies could be used to remediate organic-polluted groundwater. Full article

Picnomon acarna (L.) Cass. is a Mediterranean medicinal plant with limited phytochemical and bioactivity characterisation. In this study, methanolic extracts obtained by maceration (MAC), Soxhlet (SOE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) were comparatively investigated to determine their phytochemical composition and biological potential. Liquid chromatography–electrospray ionisation–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–ESI–MS/MS) analysis identified and quantified 24 phenolic compounds, with hesperidin, chlorogenic acid, and hyperoside as the dominant constituents. The maceration extract exhibited the highest total phenolic content (29.06 mg GAE/g extract) and showed superior antioxidant performance across six complementary assays [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), phosphomolybdenum, and ferrous-ion chelation), reflected by the highest relative antioxidant capacity index (RACI = 0.93). Enzyme inhibition assays revealed extraction-dependent activity patterns: Soxhlet and ultrasound extracts demonstrated stronger acetylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ ≈ 1.23 mg/mL), while Soxhlet extract showed the most potent tyrosinase (AChE) inhibition (IC₅₀ = 1.48 mg/mL). α-Amylase inhibition was comparable among extracts (IC₅₀ = 1.90–2.03 mg/mL). Pearson correlation analysis indicated strong relationships between major phenolics and antioxidant activity. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing favourable binding affinities of hesperidin, hyperoside, and chlorogenic acid toward α-amylase and acetylcholinesterase, while only chlorogenic acid and hyperoside demonstrated favourable interactions with tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TYRP1), whereas hesperidin did not exhibit a meaningful binding affinity. Overall, the results demonstrate that the extraction strategy significantly influences the phenolic composition and multi-target bioactivity of P. acarna, highlighting its potential as a source of natural antioxidant and enzyme-modulating compounds. Full article

In emphysema, the alveolar septal structure is progressively destroyed, which is believed to be irreversible. However, as it has recently been linked to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) deficiency, we hypothesized that VEGF stimulation can promote lung cell proliferation/migration to reverse emphysema. Our sulfated caffeic acid dehydropolymer, CDSO3, was thus examined in vitro and in vivo, given its VEGF-stimulating activity via ferrous ion (Fe²⁺) chelation-mediated stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α). In lung epithelial/endothelial cells, CDSO3 promoted proliferation and wound closure by 1.6–3.0-fold at 10 μM; however, these effects were negated by excess FeSO₄ or an HIF-1α inhibitor, indicating an Fe²⁺- and HIF-1α-dependent mechanism. In rat models of established emphysema induced by cigarette smoke extract or the VEGF receptor antagonist SU5416, two-week lung administration of CDSO3 at 60 μg/kg from day 21 enabled: 68–79% recovery of exercise endurance and airspace enlargement/destruction; a 1.8-fold increase in proliferating cell nuclear antigen above healthy levels; normalization of cleaved caspase-3; restoration of HIF-1α; and a 1.3-fold increase in VEGF above healthy levels. In contrast, CDSO3 pre-chelated with Fe²⁺ was ineffective. In conclusion, Fe²⁺ chelation-mediated HIF-1α stabilization and VEGF stimulation via local lung delivery of CDSO3 can reverse established emphysema by promoting cell growth and survival. Full article

To promote the application of natural dyes in eco-textiles and develop multifunctional silk fabrics, this study optimized the extraction of functional pigments from rhubarb and investigated their dyeing performance and functional properties on silk. The optimal extraction conditions were determined as pH 11, 80 °C, 50 min, with three extraction stages. The optimized direct dyeing parameters for silk fabrics were: dye bath pH value of 7, bath ratio of 1:40, dye solution concentration of 5%, and dyeing at 80 °C for 60 min. Post-dyeing metal ion mordanting significantly regulated the hue and dyeing depth of fabrics, with ferrous sulfate mordanting demonstrating the most ideal effect, enabling fabrics to exhibit deep gray coloration and a substantial increase in K/S value. The dyed silk exhibited significantly enhanced Ultraviolet (UV) protection (UPF 18.72 for direct dyeing, reaching 29.80 after Fe²⁺ mordanting) and antibacterial activity (inhibition rates of 69.26% and 77.49% against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), respectively, exceeding 95% after Fe²⁺ treatment). This work demonstrates that rhubarb dyeing can produce functional silk with excellent UV-blocking and antibacterial properties, supporting its potential in ecological textiles. Full article

Background: Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a key pathogenic factor in steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH). GCs can directly damage bone microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs), leading to impaired intraosseous blood supply. Recent studies suggest the Hippo signaling pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of SANFH; however, its role in vascular endothelial repair and angiogenesis remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) on SANFH, with a particular focus on their protective or reparative mechanisms on BMECs. Methods: In vivo, a SANFH mouse model is established and divided into NC, MPS, and hUC-MSCs groups, followed by Micro-CT imagin, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) (n = 8 per group). In vitro, BMECs are divided into NC, dexamethasone (Dex), hUC-MSCs, and Fer-1 groups to analyze cellular biological behaviors. Target protein expression is assessed using Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy. Ferroptosis-related markers are detected via biochemical assays. Mitochondrial ultrastructural changes are observed using transmission electron microscopy. Results: In vivo, the MPS group exhibited significant bone cavitation, sparse trabeculae, and disrupted trabecular architecture in the femoral head. The hUC-MSCs group showed marked improvement in bone microstructure, HE staining showed a significant decrease in the empty lacunae rate in the femoral head, and IHC results revealed markedly increased expression of cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). In vitro, Dex stimulation suppressed BMECs proliferation. In Dex-treated cells, levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxides, ferrous ion (Fe²⁺), malondialdehyde (MDA), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) were all increased, while expression of glutathione (GSH) and glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4) was reduced. Transmission electron microscopy revealed plasma membrane rupture and reduction or loss of mitochondrial cristae. Furthermore, Dex promoted Hippo-mediated phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (YAP)/Transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), upregulated NOX4 expression, and suppressed CD31 and VEGF expression. Following hUC-MSCs treatment, BMECs demonstrated enhanced proliferation, migration, and tube-forming capacity. Cellular GSH and GPX4 levels increased, antioxidant capacity was restored, peroxide accumulation decreased, and cells were protected from ferroptosis-effects comparable to those in the Fer-1 group. Additionally, hUC-MSCs inhibited YAP/TAZ phosphorylation and promoted elevated expression of CD31 and VEGF. Conclusions: These findings suggest that hUC-MSCs may attenuate Dex-induced ferroptosis in BMECs, enhance BMEC migration and angiogenesis, and improve femoral head microstructure in SANFH through modulation of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway. This study provides novel insights into the therapeutic potential of hUC-MSCs for SANFH. Full article

Clinical evidence suggests that vitamin C (VitC) may enhance the efficacy of cancer chemotherapy. However, its high oxidating and reducing activity results in low stability in physiological fluids, which may compromise its supportive role in cancer therapies. VitC stability improves when located in a region where water activity is reduced and exposure to a limited amount of ferrous ions. This can be achieved when VitC is encapsulated in liposomes. Here, we present a novel combinatorial effect of a liposomal formulation of vitamin C (LVC, liposomal VitC) and an ataxia-telangiectasia and Rad3-related (ATR) kinase inhibitor (ATRi, ceralasertib) on cancer cells. The cytotoxic effects of vitamin C, LVC and ATRi were evaluated using spectrophotometric and spectrofluorimetric assays, flow cytometry and Western blot. Lipid peroxidation was assessed via fluorescence microscopy and quantified by spectrofluorimetric assays. DNA damage was examined by Western blot. The combination has higher efficacy than ceralasertib alone in genetically diverse ovarian cancer cell lines. LVC offers protective effects when used as an adjuvant during anticancer therapy. We found that the inhibition of the ATR pathway in the presence of LVC results in increased intracellular calcium levels, elevated lipid peroxidation, and higher Fe²⁺ concentrations. The upregulation of ROS, together with the increased expression of long-chain-fatty-acid—CoA ligase 4 (ACSL4) following co-treatment with ATRi and LVC, indicates the activation of ferroptotic pathways. The formation of DNA double-strand breaks suggests replication fork collapse. Our findings demonstrates that this synthetic targeted therapy, combining a novel liposomal formulation of VitC with an ATR inhibitor, not only enhances DNA damage and the cytotoxic efficacy of ceralasertib but also effectively drives ovarian cancer cells toward cell death. Full article

Modulating surface characteristics via metal ions has proven to be a successful approach to enhance the flotation efficiency of carbonates. Consequently, this research thoroughly examines how ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) influence the selective separation of rhodochrosite from calcite. Flotation experiments revealed that at pH 9.0, Fe²⁺ strongly depressed calcite flotation (recovery < 20%) while exerting a negligible influence on the floatability of rhodochrosite (recovery > 75%), enabling effective selective separation. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, contact angle measurements, zeta potential analysis, ToF-SIMS, SEM-EDS, XPS and Visual MINTEQ solution chemistry calculations were employed to characterize mineral surface properties. The results demonstrate that Fe²⁺ undergoes chemisorption onto the calcite surface, inducing the formation of a dense, uniform iron hydroxide layer. This layer creates a stable hydrophilic barrier that inhibits collector adsorption. In contrast, only a thin, discontinuous layer forms on the rhodochrosite surface, which is insufficient to hinder collector interaction. These findings reveal the intrinsic mechanism of selective interfacial regulation by ferrous ions, providing a new theoretical basis for the flotation separation of refractory carbonate minerals. Full article

Biohydrometallurgical processing of spent lithium-ion batteries offers a low-impact route for critical metal recovery compared with conventional hydrometallurgy. In this work, the iron-oxidizing bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was evaluated for the bioleaching of cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), lithium (Li) and copper (Cu) from pyrolyzed industrial black mass derived primarily from LiCoO₂-based batteries, containing both LiCoO₂ and LiNiO₂ layered oxide phases. Batch experiments were conducted in 9K medium at 30 °C, varying pulp density (1%–2%, w/v), inoculum volume (10–20 mL in 200 mL medium) and initial pH (with and without adjustment). At 1% pulp density and 10% v/v inoculum, metal recoveries after 6–7 days reached about 64%–70% Co, 57%–72% Ni, 52%–60% Li and 81%–100% Cu, with most dissolution occurring in the first 6 days. Higher inoculum loads without initial pH adjustment increased Li recovery up to 79%, but did not further improve Co and Cu, indicating a trade-off between microbial activity, metal toxicity and ferric iron availability. The temporal evolution of pH and metal dissolution is consistent with indirect redoxolysis by biogenic Fe³⁺ and sulfuric acid generated during ferrous iron and elemental sulfur oxidation. Overall, the results confirm the feasibility of A. ferrooxidans-assisted bioleaching as a green option for Co, Ni, Li and Cu recovery from spent LiCoO₂ batteries and provide operating windows for subsequent process optimization and scale-up. Full article

DNA-protecting proteins (Dps) are crucial for safeguarding chromosomal DNA in starved cells during the stationary phase under stressful conditions. In previous research, the two Dps proteins in Deinococcus geothermalis, Dgeo_0257 (Dps3) and Dgeo_0281 (Dps1), were found to complement each other in protecting DNA from oxidative damage. This study investigates the physiological changes and transposition of insertion sequences (ISs) in a double-knockout (DK) mutant lacking both dps genes. Comparisons between the wild-type and mutant strains revealed significant phenotypic differences in viability under oxidative stress conditions induced by hydrogen peroxide and ferrous ions, particularly during the stationary phase. Notably, oxidative stress triggered the transposition of the IS families IS701 and IS5, with IS66 being transposed exclusively in the DK mutant into a gene encoding phytoene desaturase. Transcriptomic analysis using RNA-seq revealed substantial fold changes in gene expression across the genome. For example, the dgeo_1459–1460 gene cluster, which encodes a DUF421 domain-containing protein and a hypothetical protein, was highly upregulated under both oxidative and non-oxidative conditions. Interestingly, catalase, encoded by a single gene in D. geothermalis, was upregulated in the DK mutant during the stationary phase, with expression levels exceeding those observed in the single dps gene-deficient mutants. Conversely, a prominent downregulation of the Fur family regulator was detected. These findings highlight the growth phase-dependent physiological adaptation of the dps-DK mutant and reveal a novel IS transposition event of the ISBst12 group involving the IS66 family. Therefore, this study provides new observations into the influence of DNA-protective protein deficiency on oxidative stress responses and IS transposition in D. geothermalis, as well as the regulatory mechanisms of the catalase induction pathway, raising the need for further investigation into the role of OxyR. Full article

This study aimed to design a new composite with promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties by a simple modification process of natural bentonite (B) with polysaccharide chitosan isolated from edible mushrooms Agaricus bisporus—ChM (sample B–ChM) and subsequently with a cationic surfactant—hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide—HB (sample B–ChM–HB) for effective removal of mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN). Characterization confirmed the presence of ChM in B–ChM and both ChM and HB in B–ChM–HB. Compared to non- or slightly inhibitory activity of B and B–ChM, B–ChM–HB showed fungicidal activity against yeast Candida albicans and mycotoxigenic mold Aspergillus flavus, with a reduction of 6.00 log10 (CFU/mL) and 5.32 log10 (CFU/mL), respectively. B–ChM–HB showed a very high neutralization ability on •DPPH (89.03%–95.99%) in the concentration range of 0.625–5.0 mg/mL, the highest ferrous ion chelating ability (80.25%) at a concentration of 0.625 mg/mL, and did not induce lipid peroxidation in the linoleic acid model system. While B and B–ChM exhibited low adsorption of ZEN, its adsorption by B–ChM–HB was significantly higher. The equilibrium results of B–ChM–HB for ZEN were in accordance with the linear isotherm model at pH 3 and 7, pointing out that hydrophobic interactions (partitioning process) were relevant for toxin adsorption by the composite. Similar maximum ZEN adsorbed amounts under the applied experimental conditions (14.4 mg/g) at both pH values suggested that its adsorption was independent of the pH. This study reported for the first time that a novel composite of B with ChM and HB showed promising antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and was an efficient adsorbent for mycotoxin ZEN. Full article