Search Results (632)

Sulfur fumigation (SF), acid dipping (HCl treatment, HAT), and their combination (SF+HAT) are common methods for long-term preservation and color protection of litchi. However, their effects on the metabolic profile of the litchi pericarp have not been investigated. SF resulted in a yellowish-green pericarp by up-regulating lightness (L*), b*, C*, and h° but down-regulating total anthocyanin content (TAC) and a*, while HAT resulted in a reddish coloration by up-regulating a*, b*, and C* but down-regulating L*, h°, and TAC. SF+HAT recovered reddish color with similar L*, C* to SF but a*, b*, h°, and TAC between SF and HAT. Differential accumulated metabolites (DAMs) detected in HAT (vs. control) were more than those in SF (vs. control), but similar to those in SF+HAT (vs. control). SF specifically down-regulated the content of cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside, sinapinaldehyde, salicylic acid, and tyrosol, but up-regulated 6 flavonoids (luteolin, kaempferol-3-O-(6″-malonyl)galactoside, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, etc.). Five pathways (biosynthesis of phenylpropanoids, flavonoid biosynthesis, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, glutathione metabolism, and cysteine and methionine metabolism) were commonly enriched among the three treatments, which significantly up-regulated sulfur-containing metabolites (mainly glutathione, methionine, and homocystine) and down-regulated substrates for browning (mainly procyanidin B2, C1, and coniferyl alcohol). These results provide metabolic evidence for the effect of three treatments on coloration and storability of litchi. Full article

Background: Phoebe zhennan and Phoebe chekiangensis are valuable evergreen trees recognized for their unique aromas and ecological significance, yet the organ-related distribution and functional implications of aroma-active volatiles remain insufficiently characterized. Methods: In this study, we applied an integrated GC-MS-based volatile metabolomics approach combined with a relative odor activity value (rOAV) analysis to comprehensively profile and compare the volatile metabolite landscape in the seeds and leaves of both species. Results: In total, 1666 volatile compounds were putatively identified, of which 540 were inferred as key aroma-active contributors based on the rOAV analysis. A multivariate statistical analysis revealed clear tissue-related separation: the seeds were enriched in sweet, floral, and fruity volatiles, whereas the leaves contained higher levels of green leaf volatiles and terpenoids associated with ecological defense. KEGG pathway enrichment indicated that terpenoid backbone and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis pathways played major roles in shaping these divergent profiles. A Venn diagram analysis further uncovered core and unique volatiles underlying species and tissue specificity. Conclusions: These insights provide an integrated reference for understanding tissue-divergent volatile profiles in Phoebe species and offer a basis for fragrance-oriented selection, ecological trait evaluation, and the sustainable utilization of organ-related metabolic characteristics in breeding and conservation programs. Full article

Sorghum is an important cereal crop. The maintenance of leaf color significantly influences sorghum growth and development. Although the mechanisms of leaf color mutation have been well studied in many plants, those in sorghum remain largely unclear. Here, we identified a sorghum gradient-pale-green leaf mutant (sbgpgl1) from the ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis mutant library. Phenotypic, photosynthesis-related parameter, ion content, transcriptome, and metabolome analyses were performed on wild-type BTx623 and the sbgpgl1 mutant at the heading stage, revealing changes in several agronomic traits and physiological indicators. Compared with BTx623, sbgpgl1 showed less height, with a smaller length and width of leaf and panicle. The overall Chl a and Chl b contents in sbgpgl1 were lower than those in BTx623. The net photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were significantly reduced in sbgpgl1 compared to BTx623. The content of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and manganese (Mn) was considerably lower in sbgpgl1 leaves than in BTx623. A total of 4469 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 775 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) were identified by RNA-seq and UPLC-MS/MS. The results showed that sbgpgl1 primarily influenced sorghum metabolism by regulating metabolic pathways and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids, resulting in the gradient-pale-green leaf phenotype. These findings reveal key genes and metabolites involved on a molecular basis in physiological variations of the sorghum leaf color mutant. Full article

The rise of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa underscores the need for novel therapeutic targets beyond conventional peptidoglycan biosynthesis. Some bacterial strains bypass MurA inhibition by fosfomycin via a cell wall salvage pathway. This study targeted P. aeruginosa AmgK (PaAmgK) and MurU (PaMurU) to identify inhibitors that could complement fosfomycin therapy. A malachite-green-based dual-enzyme assay enabled efficient activity measurements and high-throughput chemical screening. Screening 232 compounds identified Congo red and CTAB as potent PaMurU inhibitors. A targeted mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the selective inhibition of PaMurU relative to that of PaAmgK. Molecular docking simulations indicate that Congo red preferentially interacts with PaMurU through electrostatic contacts, primarily involving the residues Arg28 and Arg202. The binding of Congo red to PaMurU was corroborated further using SUPR-differential scanning fluorimetry (SUPR-DSF), which revealed ligand-induced thermal destabilization. Ongoing X-ray crystallographic studies, in conjunction with site-directed mutagenesis and enzyme kinetic analyses, aim to elucidate the binding mode at an atomic resolution. Full article

Light intensity and spectral quality play crucial roles in microalgal growth and biochemical biosynthesis. This study investigates the effects of different light intensities (3000, 8000 and 15,000 lux) and colors (red, white, yellow and green) on the growth and metabolites of Nephroselmis sp. Moderate intensity (8000 lux) of white light is sufficient to produce this microalga. The colors of light strongly affect the parameters of the growth of Nephroselmis under each light intensity (p < 0.05). The yellow and green light supported the highest growth rates for the three intensities. Blue and green light at 15,000 Lux stimulates high levels of chl-a corresponding to antenna size 2.80 and 2.46. Nephroselmis illuminated with red light synthesizes carotenoids reaching 13 µg mL⁻¹ at 15,000 lux. This latter for each color stops the proliferation of Nephroselmis, and cells shift their metabolism towards the accumulation of protein. Nephroselmis accumulates more protein, followed by carbohydrates, lipids and polyphenols. Nephroselmis exhibited the highest protein (64% D.W) content when cultured under white light, and the green at 15,000 lux enhanced their production. Nephroselmis is rich in carbohydrates, which accounted for more than 20% D.W under all combinations of light intensities and colors. The accumulation of polyphenols and carotenoids under high-intensity red and white light may reflect an oxidative stress response, suggesting their role as protective antioxidants. The capacity of Nephroselmis sp. to thrive and synthesize valuable metabolites under variable light regimes underscores its potential as a robust candidate for the production of various molecules. Full article

Mandelic acid (MA), as an important chiral aromatic hydroxy acid, is widely used in medicine, the chemical industry, and agriculture. With the continuous growth of market demand, traditional chemical synthesis methods are increasingly inadequate to meet the requirements of green and sustainable development due to issues such as complex processes, poor stereoselectivity, numerous byproducts, and serious environmental pollution. MA synthesis strategies based on biocatalytic technology have become a research hotspot due to their high efficiency, environmental friendliness, and excellent stereoselectivity. Significant progress has been made in enzyme engineering modifications, metabolic pathway design, and process optimization. Importantly, biomechanical research provides a transformative perspective for this field. By analyzing the mechanical response characteristics of microbial cells in bioreactors, biomechanics facilitates the regulation of relevant environmental factors during the fermentation process, thereby improving synthesis efficiency. Molecular dynamics simulations are also employed to uncover stability differences in enzyme–substrate complexes, providing a structural mechanics basis for the rational design of highly catalytically active enzyme variants. These biomechanic-driven approaches lay the foundation for the future development of intelligent, responsive biosynthesis systems. The deep integration of biomechanics and synthetic biology is reshaping the process paradigm of green MA manufacturing. This review will provide a comprehensive summary of the applications of MA and recent advances in its biosynthesis, with a particular focus on the pivotal role of biomechanical characteristics. Full article

B-box (BBX) transcription factors are critical regulators of light-mediated anthocyanin biosynthesis, influencing peel coloration in plants. To explore their role in red mango cultivars, we identified 32 BBX genes (MiBBX1–MiBBX32) in the mango (Mangifera indica L.) genome using a genome-wide analysis. Phylogenetic and structural analyses classified these genes into five subfamilies based on conserved domains. A collinearity analysis revealed segmental duplication as the primary mechanism of MiBBX gene family expansion, with purifying selection shaping their evolution. A promoter analysis identified numerous light- and hormone-responsive cis-elements, indicating regulatory roles in the light and hormonal signaling pathways. Expression profiling in the ‘Sensation’ cultivar revealed organ-specific patterns, with several MiBBX genes showing higher expression in the peel than in the flesh. Many of these genes also consistently exhibited elevated expression in the peel of red-skinned cultivars (‘Sensation’ and ‘Guifei’) compared to yellow and green cultivars, suggesting their role in red peel pigmentation. Furthermore, postharvest light treatment of ‘Hongmang No. 6’ fruit significantly upregulated multiple MiBBX genes, suggesting their involvement in light-induced anthocyanin accumulation in red mango peel. These findings provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms governing light-regulated peel coloration in mango and establish a foundation for functional studies of MiBBX genes in fruit pigmentation. Full article

Marine algae offer environmentally friendly platforms for green nanoparticle synthesis. This study reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using polysaccharides isolated from the brown alga Chnoospora minima (PAgNPs) and evaluates their therapeutic potential. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed algal polysaccharide functional groups. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis characterized the nanoparticles as spherical (~84 nm average size), stable (zeta potential −18.5 mV), and containing elemental silver without nitrogen. The PAgNPs exhibited potent antioxidant activity (~100% DPPH scavenging) and significant antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species. Crucially, PAgNPs displayed potent antiproliferative activity against human lung cancer cells (A549, IC₅₀: 13.59 µg/mL). In contrast, toxicity to normal Vero cells was significantly lower (IC₅₀: 300.2 µg/mL), demonstrating notable cancer cell selectivity (SI 22.1). Moderate activity was observed against MCF-7 breast cancer cells (IC₅₀: 100.7 µg/mL). These results demonstrate that C. minima polysaccharide facilitates the synthesis of biocompatible AgNPs with promising antimicrobial and selective anticancer capabilities, highlighting their potential for further development as nanotherapeutics. Full article

This study investigates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities of Taraxacum officinale (Dandelion) and Artemisia annua (Sweet Wormwood) extracts, along with their role in the green synthesis of gold (AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Bioreduction was achieved using aqueous and ethanolic extracts (100 mg/mL), enabling solvent-dependent comparisons. Nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis), fluorescence spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and zeta potential analysis. Each technique revealed complementary aspects of nanoparticle morphology, size, and stability, with UV–Vis indicating aggregation states and DLS confirming solvent-related size variation even at 3–5% ethanol. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from Dandelion showed strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, while silver nanoparticles from both plants were effective against Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that silver nanoparticles obtained from ethanolic Dandelion extract containing 3% ethanol in aqueous solution (AgNPsE_ETOH3%-D) significantly reduced LoVo (p = 4.58 × 10⁻³) and MDA-MB-231 (p = 7.20 × 10⁻⁵) cell viability, with high selectivity indices (SI), suggesting low toxicity toward normal cells. Gold nanoparticles synthesized from aqueous Dandelion extract (AuNPsEaq-D) also showed favorable SI values (2.16 for LoVo and 8.41 for MDA-MB-231). Although some formulations demonstrated lower selectivity (SI < 1.5), the findings support the therapeutic potential of these biogenic nanoparticles. Further in vivo studies and pharmacokinetic evaluations are required to validate their clinical applicability. Full article

Background: Lycium chinense has been acknowledged for its substantial nutritional benefits. The “Mengqi No.1” variety of L. chinense is known for its high yield and exceptional quality. Methods: We screened twenty dominant endophytic bacterial genera based on OTUs from L. chinense fruits during three developmental stages. Results: Forty-three differential amino acid metabolites were selected from L. chinense fruits. Five endophytic bacteria (Enterococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Bacteroides, Pseudomonas, and Bacillus) were dominant genera in green fruit (GF, 16–19 days after flowering), color-changing fruit (CCF, 22–25 days after flowering), and red-ripe fruit (RRF, 31–34 days after flowering). Four endophytic bacterial genera (Enterococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, and Rhodanobacter) showed positive correlation with twenty different amino acid metabolites and negative correlation with seven different amino acid metabolites. Conclusions: Five genes (AST1, ltaE1, TAT1, SHMT2, and SHMT3) indicated positive correlation with seventeen different amino acid metabolites and negative correlation with eight different amino acid metabolites. AST1 gene had a major role in regulating arginine biosynthesis (ko00220); ltaE1, SHMT2, and SHMT3 genes were major in regulating glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism (ko00260); and TAT1 gene had a major role in regulating tyrosine metabolism (ko00350). These findings offer insights into the relationship between amino acid synthesis and endophytic bacteria in L. chinense fruits. Full article

The mismatch between the rapid expansion of breeding scale and outdated techniques has hindered the development of the sea cucumber (A. japonicus) industry. Our previous work revealed that ecological seedling breeding can produce red-colored A. japonicus, a phenotype not observed in traditional artificial breeding, where individuals are typically green. To investigate the molecular and genetic basis of this novel red coloration, we compared the growth conditions of red sea cucumbers and green sea cucumbers, as well as the differences in the pigment composition, gene expression and metabolites of their body walls. Red individuals showed higher body length and weight, and elevated levels of astaxanthin, lutein, canthaxanthin, and β-carotene in the body wall. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses identified differentially expressed genes and metabolites associated with pigmentation. In particular, FMO2 and WDR18, involved in the cytochrome P450 drug metabolism pathway, were significantly upregulated in red individuals and are known to play roles in pigment biosynthesis and light signal perception. Key metabolites such as astaxanthin and fucoxanthin were implicated in body color formation. Moreover, genes in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway were highly expressed, suggesting that dietary factors may contribute to pigment synthesis and accumulation. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms underlying body color variation in A. japonicus and offer potential for improved breeding strategies. Full article

In scientific literature biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles and synthesis of these nanoparticles using small organic molecules such as citrate have been called: ‘green’. It has also been often stated that ‘green’ synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticle is environment(ally) friendly or ecofriendly. The characterization environment(ally) friendly or ecofriendly is commonly comparative. The comparison is between ‘green’ and ‘chemical’ synthesis. The few available comparative life cycle assessments addressing the environmental impacts of ‘green synthesis’ of Ag and Au nanoparticles, if compared with ’chemical’ synthesis, strongly suggest that a ‘green’ synthesis should not be equated with being environment(ally) friendly or ecofriendly. The term ‘green’ for Au and Ag nanoparticles obtained by ‘green’ synthesis is a misnomer. There is a case for only using the terms ecofriendly or environment(ally) friendly for nanoparticle synthesis when there is a firm basis for such characterization in comprehensive comparative cradle-to-nanoparticle life cycle assessment, taking into account the uncertainties of outcomes. Full article

Biomass-derived growth stimulants are widely recognized as green and economical solutions that can significantly enhance microalgae culture efficiency and optimize the biomanufacturing process of target products. In this paper, we investigated the effect of ethanol synergized with guaiacol (GA) on biomass and β-1,3 glucan accumulation in edible microalgae, namely Euglena gracilis. The ethanol-induced mixotrophic mode significantly increased biomass and paramylon production by 12.68 and 6.43 times, respectively, compared to the autotrophic control group. GA further exerted toxic excitatory effects (hormesis) on top of ethanol mixotrophic nutrition. At the optimal concentration of 10 mg·L⁻¹ GA, chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and paramylon production increased by 8.96%, 11.75%, and 16.67%, respectively, compared to the ethanol-treated group. However, at higher concentrations, the biomass and paramylon yield decreased significantly. This study not only establishes an effective combinatorial strategy for enhancing paramylon biosynthesis but also provides novel insights into the hormesis mechanism of phenolic compounds in microalgae cultivation. The developed approach demonstrates promising potential for sustainable production of high-value algal metabolites while reducing cultivation costs, which could significantly advance the commercialization of microalgae-based biorefineries in food and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

Candida albicans complications challenged researchers and health overseers to discover effectual agents for suppressing such yeast growth, biofilm formation and conversion to hyphal form. The nanomaterials and their composites provided extraordinary bioactivities and functionalities as antimicrobial preparations. The extraction of chitosan (BCt) from honeybee corpuses was achieved as an innovative biopolymer for nanocomposite formation. The green (bio)synthesis of nanosilver (AgNPs) was promisingly performed using royal jelly (RJ) as a mediator of synthesis. The RJ-synthesized AgNPs had an average diameter of 3.61 nm and were negatively charged (−27.2 mV). The formulated nanocomposites from BCt/RJ/AgNPs at 2:1 (F1), 1:1 (F2), and 1:2 (F3) ratios had average diameters of 63.19, 27.65, and 52.74 nm, where their surface charges were +33.8, +29.3, and −11.5 mV, respectively. The infrared (FTIR) analysis designated molecules’ interactions, whereas the transmission microscopy emphasized the homogenous distribution and impedance of AgNPs within the biopolymers’ nanocomposites. Challenging C. albicans strains with nanomaterials/composites pinpointed their bioactivity for suppressing yeast growth and biofilm formation; the F2 nanocomposite exhibited superior actions, with the lowest inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 125–175 mg/L, whereas the MIC ranges were 150–200 and 175–225 mg/L for F3 and F1, respectively. The different BCht/RJ/AgNP nanocomposites could entirely suppress the biofilm formation of all C. albicans strains. The scanning microscopy reflected the nanocomposite efficiency for C. albicans cell destruction and the complete suppression of hyphal formation. The application of generated BCht/RJ/AgNP nanocomposites is strongly recommended as they are effectual, natural and advanced materials for combating C. albicans pathogens. Full article

Phytoremediation is a green economic method to address soil cadmium (Cd) pollution, and Solanum americanum is considered a potential phytoremediation candidate. However, the underlying Cd response mechanisms of S. americanum remain unclear. In the current study, a hydroponic experiment with 160 μmol/L Cd stress was conducted, physiological and molecular indices were measured to explore the response of S. americanum leaves to Cd stress at different time points (0, 3, and 7 days). Our findings revealed that Cd stress inhibited plant growth. Moreover, Cd stress significantly increased Cd accumulation, as well as Chla content, Chla/b, activities of SOD and POD, and elevated MDA content in the leaves. Furthermore, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics analyses revealed 17,413 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), 1421 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), and 229 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs). Meanwhile, integrative analyses of multi-omics data revealed key proteins involved in response to Cd stress, including POD, PAL, F5H, COMT, and CAD for phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, as well as GAPA, FBP, and FBA for photosynthesis pathways. Additionally, conjoint analyses highlighted that upregulated phenylpropanoid metabolism and photosynthesis alleviated Cd toxicity, playing vital roles in enhancing Cd tolerance in leaves. A conceptual molecular regulatory network of leaves in the response to Cd toxicity was proposed. This comprehensive study will provide detailed molecular-scale insights into the Cd response mechanisms in S. americanum. Full article