Search Results (5,116)

Healing large bone defects remains challenging. Gelatin scaffolds are biocompatible and biodegradable, but lack osteoinductive activity. Plant-derived exosomes carry miRNAs, growth factors, and proteins that modulate osteogenesis, but free exosomes suffer from poor stability, limited targeting, and low bioavailability in vivo. We developed a 3D GelMA hydrogel loaded with Epimedium-derived exosomes (“GelMA@Exo”) to improve exosome retention, stability, and sustained release. Its effects on MC3T3-E1 preosteoblasts—including proliferation, osteogenic differentiation, migration, and senescence—were evaluated via in vitro assays. Angiogenic potential was assessed using HUVECs. Underlying mechanisms were examined at transcriptomic and protein levels to elucidate GelMA@Exo’s therapeutic osteogenesis actions. GelMA@Exo exhibited sustained exosome release, enhancing exosome retention and cellular uptake. In vitro, GelMA@Exo markedly boosted MC3T3-E1 proliferation, migration, and mineralized nodule formation, while reducing senescence markers and promoting angiogenesis in HUVECs. Mechanistically, GelMA@Exo upregulated key osteogenic markers (RUNX2, TGF-β1, Osterix, COL1A1, ALPL) and activated the PI3K/Akt pathway. Transcriptomic data confirmed global upregulation of osteogenesis-related genes and bone-regeneration pathways. This study presents a GelMA hydrogel functionalized with plant-derived exosomes, which synergistically provides osteoinductive stimuli and structural support. The GelMA@Exo platform offers a versatile strategy for localized delivery of natural bioactive molecules and a promising approach for bone tissue engineering. Our findings provide strong experimental evidence for the translational potential of plant-derived exosomes in regenerative medicine. Full article

Electrospun nanofibrous membranes have gained considerable attention in bone tissue engineering due to their ability to mimic the extracellular matrix and provide a suitable environment for cell attachment and proliferation. This study investigates the fabrication, characterization, and biocompatibility of poly(L-lactic acid) (PLA)-based membranes enhanced with periclase (MgO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The membranes were fabricated using an optimized electrospinning process and subsequently characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and contact angle measurements. Additionally, in vitro biodegradation studies in simulated body fluid (SBF) and cytocompatibility tests with osteoblast-like cells were conducted. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of MgO and AuNPs significantly influenced the structural and chemical properties of the membranes, improving their wettability and bioactivity. SEM imaging confirmed uniform fiber morphology with well-distributed nanoparticles. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated successful integration of bioactive components into the PLA matrix. Cytocompatibility assays showed that modified membranes promoted higher osteoblast adhesion and proliferation compared to pristine PLA membranes. Furthermore, biodegradation studies revealed a controlled degradation rate suitable for guided bone regeneration applications. These findings suggest that electrospun PLA membranes enriched with MgO and AuNPs present a promising biomaterial for GBR applications, offering improved bioactivity, mechanical stability, and biocompatibility. Full article

This study evaluated biomass accumulation and phenolic compound production in seven Hypericum species (H. androsaemum, H. calycinum, H. hirsutum, H. kalmianum, H. olympicum, H. perforatum, and H. triquetrifolium) cultivated in vitro under varying growth regulator treatments and culture periods. Shoots were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with benzyladenine (BA) or meta-topoline (mT) and analyzed after 40 and 60 days. MS medium supplemented with 0.2 mg/L BA was the most effective condition for promoting biomass across all species, with shoot fresh weight increasing significantly at 60 days, particularly in H. olympicum, H. perforatum, and H. triquetrifolium. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS) identified 13 phenolic compounds, including flavonols, hydroxycinnamic acids, anthocyanins, phloroglucinols, and naphthodianthrones. Phenolic profiles were species-specific and influenced by culture period. H. kalmianum accumulated the highest total phenolic content (37.6 mg/g DW), while H. olympicum was the top producer of hypericin and pseudohypericin. These results highlight the crucial role of culture conditions in regulating both biomass and phytochemical production and provide a promising approach for producing bioactive metabolites in Hypericum species through in vitro systems. Full article

Coffee silverskin (CS), a by-product generated during coffee roasting, contains high levels of xylan hemicellulose and protein, making it a promising substrate for functional ingredient production. This study developed an integrated bioprocess to simultaneously produce bioactive peptides and xylooligosaccharides (CS-XOS) from CS. Conventional alkaline extraction (CAE) under optimized conditions (1.0 M NaOH, 90 °C, 30 min) yielded 80.64 mg of protein per gram of CS and rendered the solid residue suitable for XOS production. Enzymatic hydrolysis of the extracted protein using protease_SE5 generated low-molecular-weight peptides (0.302 ± 0.01 mg/mL), including FLGY, FYDTYY, and FDYGKY. These peptides were non-toxic, exhibited in vitro antioxidant activity (0–50%), and showed ACE-inhibitory activities of 60%, 26%, and 79%, and DPP-IV-inhibitory activities of 19%, 18%, and 0%, respectively. Concurrently, the alkaline-treated CS solid residue (ACSS) was hydrolyzed using recombinant endo-xylanase, yielding 52.5 ± 0.08 mg of CS-XOS per gram of ACSS. The CS-XOS exhibited prebiotic effects by enhancing the growth of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (μ_max 0.100–0.122 h⁻¹), comparable to commercial XOS. This integrated bioprocess eliminates the need for separate processing lines, enhances resource efficiency, and provides a sustainable strategy for valorizing agro-industrial waste. The co-produced peptides and CS-XOS offer significant potential as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals. Full article

Essential oils (EOs) constitute intricate mixtures of volatile phytochemicals that have garnered significant attention due to their multifaceted biological effects. Notably, the presence of bioactive constituents capable of inhibiting tyrosinase enzyme activity and scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) underpins their potential utility in skin-related applications, particularly through the modulation of melanin biosynthesis and protection of skin-relevant cells from oxidative damage—a primary contributor to hyperpigmentation disorders. Zingiber officinale Rosc. (ginger) and Humulus lupulus L. (hop) are medicinal plants widely recognized for their diverse pharmacological properties. To the best of our knowledge, this study provides the first report on the synergistic interactions between essential oils derived from these species (referred to as EOZ and EOH) offering novel insights into their combined bioactivity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate essential oils extracted from ginger rhizomes and hop strobiles with respect to the following: (1) chemical composition, determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS); (2) tyrosinase inhibitory activity; (3) capacity to inhibit linoleic acid peroxidation; (4) ABTS^•+ radical scavenging potential. Furthermore, the study utilizes both the combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI) as quantitative parameters to evaluate the nature of interactions and the dose-sparing efficacy of essential oil (EO) combinations. GC–MS analysis identified EOZ as a zingiberene-rich chemotype, containing abundant sesquiterpene hydrocarbons such as α-zingiberene, β-bisabolene, and α-curcumene, while EOH exhibited a caryophyllene diol/cubenol-type profile, dominated by oxygenated sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene-9,10-diol and 1-epi-cubenol. In vitro tests demonstrated that both oils, individually and in combination, showed notable anti-tyrosinase, radical scavenging, and lipid peroxidation inhibitory effects. These results support their multifunctional bioactivity profiles with possible relevance to skin care formulations, warranting further investigation. Full article

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is highly prevalent in the Greater Mekong sub-region, especially northeastern Thailand, where infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a major etiological factor. Limited therapeutic options and the absence of reliable early diagnosis tools impede effective disease control. Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.—long used in Thai and East Asian medicine, contains atractylodin (ATD), a potent bioactive compound with anticancer potential. Here, we developed ATD-loaded poly(lactic co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (ATD PLGA NPs) and evaluated their antitumor efficacy against CCA. The formulated nanoparticles had a mean diameter of 229.8 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 83%, and exhibited biphasic, sustained release, reaching a cumulative release of 92% within seven days. In vitro, ATD-PLGA NPs selectively reduced the viability of CL-6 and HuCCT-1 CCA cell lines, with selectivity indices (SI) of 3.53 and 2.61, respectively, outperforming free ATD and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). They suppressed CL-6 cell migration and invasion by up to 90% within 12 h and induced apoptosis in 83% of cells through caspase-3/7 activation. Micronucleus assays showed lower mutagenic potential than the positive control. In vivo, ATD-PLGA NPs dose-dependently inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival in CCA-xenografted nude mice; the high-dose regimen matched or exceeded the efficacy of 5-FU. Gene expression analysis revealed significant downregulation of pro-tumorigenic factors (VEGF, MMP-9, TGF-β, TNF-α, COX-2, PGE₂, and IL-6) and upregulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Collectively, these results indicate that ATD-PLGA NPs are a promising nanotherapeutic platform for targeted CCA treatment, offering improved anticancer potency, selectivity, and safety compared to conventional therapies. Full article

Casein, the main phosphoprotein in milk, has a multifaceted molecular structure and unique physicochemical properties that make it a viable candidate for biomedical use, particularly in wound healing. This review presents a concise analysis of casein’s structural composition that comprises its hydrophobic and hydrophilic nature, calcium phosphate nanocluster structure, and its response to different pH, temperature, and ionic conditions. These characteristics have direct implications for its colloidal stability, including features such as gelation, swelling capacity, and usability as a biomaterial in tissue engineering. This review also discusses industrial derivatives and recent advances in casein biomaterials based on different fabrication types such as hydrogels, electrospun fibres, films, and advanced systems. Furthermore, casein dressings’ functional and biological attributes have shown remarkable exudate absorption, retention of moisture, biocompatibility, and antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity in both in vivo and in vitro studies. The gathered evidence highlights casein’s versatile bioactivity and dynamic molecular properties, positioning it as a promising platform to address advanced wound dressing challenges. Full article

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) contains bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including modulation of protein function and gene expression. However, their ability to tune the epigenetic machine remains poorly understood. This study employs molecular docking (AutoDock Vina 1.4), dynamics simulations, and MM/PBSA calculations to investigate the interactions between four saffron-derived molecules—crocetin, beta-D-glucosyl trans-crocetin, picrocrocin and safranal—and four epigenetic enzymes—DNMT1, DNMT3a, HDAC2, and SIRT1. Our in silico screening identifies beta-D-glucosyl trans-crocetin, one of the saffron’s crocins, as a potential DNMT1 inhibitor. Along with crocetin, it also shows the ability to inhibit HDAC2 and activate SIRT1. Picrocrocin displays a resveratrol-like ability to activate SIRT1. None of the saffron-derived compounds effectively bind or inhibit DNMT3a. Among the tested molecules, safranal shows no interaction with the selected epigenetic targets. These findings highlight saffron’s nutriepigenomic potential and emphasize the need for functional validation within relevant in vitro and in vivo experimental methodologies. Full article

Virgin coconut oil (VCO) has emerged as a functional food oil with considerable health benefits and wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries due to its resident bioactive compounds, including lauric acid (LA). LA is the most abundant saturated medium-chain fatty acid in VCO and has been associated with several pharmacological activities. The literatures show the pharmacological effects of VCO and LA on chronic pathologies, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders. A robust body of evidence shows that LA and other phenolic compounds are responsible for the VCO protection against toxicities and pharmacological efficacies. This review elucidates the anticancer mechanisms of VCO/LA and their modulation of the chemotherapy-induced side effect toxicity. VCO, LA, and their nanomaterial/encapsulated derivatives promote ROS generation, antiproliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, the inhibition of metastasis, and the modulation of cancer-related signaling pathways for cancer cell death in vivo and in vitro. VCO mitigates oxidative inflammation and apoptosis to block the underlying mechanisms of the side effect toxicity of chemotherapy. However, the possible beneficial effect of LA on the toxicity of chemotherapy is currently unknown. The available evidence emphasizes the anticancer effect and mechanism of VCO and LA, and the VCO potential to combat adverse side effects of chemotherapy. Thus, VCO and LA are potential adjuvant therapeutic agents in the management of various cancers. Nevertheless, future studies should be targeted at elucidating cancer-related molecular mechanisms to bridge the gap in knowledge. Full article

Background/Objectives: Actinobacteria are one of the largest bacterial phyla. These microbes produce bioactive compounds, such as antifungals, antibiotics, immunological modulators, and anti-tumor agents. Studies on actinobacteria isolated from the Brazilian Savannah biome (Cerrado) are scarce and mostly address metagenomics or the search for hydrolytic enzyme-producing microbes. Solanum lycocarpum (lobeira) is a tree widely employed in regional gastronomy and pharmacopeia in Central Brazil. Methods: In this work, 60 actinobacteria isolates were purified from the rhizosphere of S. lycocarpum. Eight Streptomyces spp. isolates were selected for in vitro antifungal activity against Cryptococcus neoformans H99, the C. neoformans 89-610 fluconazole-tolerant strain, C. gattii NIH198, Candida albicans, C. glabrata, and C. parapsilosis. The ability of the aqueous extracts of the isolates to induce the in vitro secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 by murine macrophages was also evaluated. Results: All extracts showed antifungal activity against at least two yeast species. Streptomyces spp. LAP11, LDB2, and LDB17 inhibited C. neoformans growth by 40–93%. Most extracts (except LAP2) also inhibited C. gattii. None inhibited C. albicans, but all inhibited C. glabrata (40–90%). Streptomyces sp. LAP8 extract increased nitric oxide production by approximately 347-fold in murine macrophages, while LDB11 extract suppressed LPS-induced TNF-α production by 70% and simultaneously increased IL-10 secretion, suggesting immunosuppressive potential. Conclusions: The results revealed that Cerrado actinobacteria-derived aqueous extracts are potential sources of antifungal and immunomodulatory biocompounds. Full article

The combination of scaffold materials and bioactive factors is a promising strategy for promoting bone defect repair in tissue engineering. Previous studies have shown that osteoglycin (OGN) is highly expressed in the bone repair process using deer antler as an animal model of bone defects. It suggests that OGN may be a key active component involved in the bone repair process. The aim of this study was to investigate whether deer OGN (dOGN) could effectively promote bone regeneration. We successfully expressed dOGN using the E. coli pET30a system and evaluated its biological activity through cell proliferation and migration assays. At a concentration of 5 μg/mL, dOGN significantly promoted cell proliferation and migration. We then incorporated dOGN onto decellularized antler cancellous bone (DACB) scaffolds and assessed their osteogenic potential both in vitro and in vivo. The results indicated that dOGN loading enhanced cell proliferation, adhesion, and osteogenic activity. In vivo experiments confirmed that the dOGN-DACB scaffold significantly improved bone regeneration compared to DACB alone. This study demonstrates that dOGN-loaded DACB scaffolds hold great potential for clinical applications in treating critical-sized bone defects by mimicking the rapid regenerative properties of deer antlers. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives has spurred interest in valorizing agro-industrial byproducts like hazelnut cake, a protein-rich byproduct of oil extraction. This study developed formulations for vegan ice cream using unfermented (HIC) and Aspergillus oryzae-fermented hazelnut cake (FHIC), comparing their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties to conventional dairy ice cream (DIC). Solid-state fermentation (72 h, 30 °C) enhanced the cake’s bioactive properties, and ice creams were characterized for composition, texture, rheology, melting behavior, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition pre- and post-in vitro digestion. The results indicate that FHIC had higher protein content (64.64% vs. 58.02% in HIC) and unique volatiles (e.g., benzaldehyde and 3-methyl-1-butanol). While DIC exhibited superior overrun (15.39% vs. 4.01–7.00% in vegan samples) and slower melting, FHIC demonstrated significantly higher post-digestion antioxidant activity (4.73 μmol TE/g DPPH vs. 1.44 in DIC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (4.85–7.42%). Sensory evaluation ranked DIC highest for overall acceptability, with FHIC perceived as polarizing due to pronounced flavors. Despite textural challenges, HIC and FHIC offered nutritional advantages, including 18–30% lower calories and enhanced bioactive compounds. This study highlights fermentation as a viable strategy to upcycle hazelnut byproducts into functional vegan ice creams, although the optimization of texture and flavor is needed for broader consumer acceptance. Full article

The present study aims to develop tablets based on plant powder obtained by direct compression. In this work, the effects of two parameters (the powder particle size and the force of compression) have been studied. Powder from the aerial portion of Atriplex halimus was used as a model. The composition of the powder and its technological properties were determined. A compression process study was carried out, and the macroscopic and pharmacotechnical properties of the resulting tablets were studied. Finally, an in vitro dissolution kinetics study in the absence and presence of digestive enzymes was evaluated. Plant powders, with a particle size between 100 and 500 µm, allowed us to have excellent quality tablets after direct compression with a force of 14 KN. The obtained tablets comply with the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia standards, they have good swelling and erosive properties, and they have shown good structure after observation with a scanning electron microscope. An in vitro dissolution kinetics study of these tablets composed of 100% plant powder showed that maximum dissolution rates are reached after 5 h of dissolution in the absence of digestive enzymes and 3 h in their presence. This result highlights the potential of plant powder administration as a valuable therapeutic strategy. Full article

Hibiscus syriacus L. (HS), native to Eastern and Southern Asia, has been traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine for its anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite these recognized bioactivities, its potential cardioprotective effects, particularly in the setting of heart failure (HF), remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of HS extracts and its bioactive constituents on angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac injury using an in vitro model with H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes. Cells exposed to Ang II were pretreated with HS extracts, and assays were performed to assess cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, protein synthesis, and secretion of inflammatory mediators, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), as well as chemokine (CCL20) and HF-related biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and endothelin-1. The results demonstrated that HS extracts significantly and dose-dependently attenuated Ang II-induced ROS accumulation and suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, BNP, and endothelin-1. Additionally, HS and its purified components inhibited Ang II-induced protein synthesis, indicating anti-hypertrophic effects. Collectively, these findings highlight the antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertrophic properties of HS in the context of Ang II-induced cardiac injury, suggesting that HS may represent a promising adjunctive therapeutic candidate for HF management. Further in vivo studies and mechanistic investigations are warranted to validate its clinical potential. Full article

Background: Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a leading cause of colibacillosis in poultry. Piper betle L. is a medicinal plant rich in bioactive compounds including hydroxychavicol that possess potent antibacterial activity. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a P. betle L. leaf nanoemulsion (NEPE) and hydroxychavicol against multidrug-resistant APEC isolates. Methods: In vitro and in silico analysis of NEPE and hydroxychavicol against APEC were determined. Results: The nanoemulsion exhibited potent antibacterial activity, with MIC and MBC values of 0.06–0.25% v/v and 0.125–0.25% v/v, respectively. The MIC and MBC values of hydroxychavicol against isolates ranged from 0.25 to 1.0 mg/mL. A time–kill assays revealed rapid bactericidal effects of both compounds, achieving a ≥3-log reduction within 4 h at 4 × MIC. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that APEC cells treated with hydroxychavicol exhibited filamentous cells with incomplete septa. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations of hydroxychavicol against APEC cell division proteins were investigated. According to the binding energy, hydroxychavicol exhibited the highest affinity with ZapE, FtsW, FtsX, FtsZ, and FtsA, respectively. However, the FtsA protein showed the least protein conformational change throughout the 5000 ns simulation, reflecting a highly stable conformation. Conclusions: These confirm the potential stability of protein and ligand, as supported by molecular dynamics simulation. The results suggested the potential of NEPE and hydroxychavicol, which may have promising antibacterial potential that can be used to inhibit APEC growth. Full article