Search Results (846)

This study reports the development of a sustainable biocatalyst system for free fatty acid (FFA) production from cocoa bean shell (CBS) oil using Burkholderia cepacia lipase (BCL). CBS was explored as both a support material and a reaction substrate. Six immobilized systems were prepared using organic (CBS), inorganic (silica), and hybrid (CBS–silica) supports via physical adsorption or covalent binding. Among them, the covalently immobilized enzyme on CBS (ORG-CB) showed the most balanced performance, achieving a catalytic efficiency (Ke) of 0.063 mM⁻¹·min⁻¹ (18.6% of the free enzyme), broad pH–temperature tolerance, and over 50% activity retention after eight reuse cycles. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed enhanced thermal resistance for ORG-CB (Ed = 32.3 kJ mol⁻¹; ΔH‡ = 29.7 kJ mol⁻¹), while kinetic evaluation revealed that its thermal deactivation occurred faster than for the free enzyme under prolonged heating. In application trials, ORG-CB reached 60.1% FFA conversion from CBS oil, outperforming the free enzyme (49.9%). These findings validate CBS as a dual-function material for enzyme immobilization and valorization of agro-industrial waste. The results also reinforce the impact of immobilization chemistry and support composition on the operational and thermal performance of biocatalysts, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry strategies in enzyme-based processing. Full article

Tetrasubstituted dihydrothiophenes represent a class of heterocyclic compounds with significant potential in various fields, particularly in medicinal chemistry and materials science. In this work, we have developed an eco-friendly and efficient method for synthesizing such compounds, using porcine pancreatic lipase (PPL) as a biocatalyst to promote the cyclization reaction between β-ketothioamides and β-nitrostyrenes. Through this approach, sixteen tetrasubstituted dihydrothiophenes were successfully synthesized, and all of them achieved high yields, ranging from 80% to 96%. This research not only expands the application scope of lipase in organic synthesis, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional hydrolytic reactions, but also provides a new environmentally friendly pathway for the production of tetrasubstituted dihydrothiophenes, which is of great significance for advancing related fields of chemical synthesis. Full article

Pastırma is a traditional dry-cured meat product made from whole pieces of cattle or water buffalo carcasses. Sixteen or more types of pastırma can be produced from different parts of the carcass. This study investigated the effect of low salt processing (3% NaCl) on the lipolytic enzyme activity, volatile profile, color, lipid oxidation, and microbiological properties of commonly produced types of pastırma (kuşgömü, sırt, bohça, and şekerpare). In the study, 5% NaCl level was used as the control group. For all pastırma types, the pH changed between 5.5 and 6.0. The a_w value was less than 0.90 for the pastırma types. The L* value increased when the salt level decreased from 5% to 3% (p < 0.05); however, the salt level did not affect the a* and b* values (p > 0.05). Reducing the salt level increased the neutral lipase activity and decreased the TBARS. As the salt level increased, the acid lipase activity increased in the bohça pastırma, and the phospholipase activity increased in the kuşgömü and sırt pastırma (p < 0.05). Furthermore, while Micrococcus/Staphylococcus constituted the dominant microbiota in pastırma types, a 5% salt level led to a decrease in the number of lactic acid bacteria. The volatile compounds were more affected by salt level than by pastırma type. The correlation analysis showed that there are some differences between 3% and 5% salt levels and the use of a 3% salt level increases the abundance of the compounds. The correlation analysis also revealed that there are differences between the pastırma types in terms of the volatile compounds and that kuşgömü pastırma differs from other pastırma types. Full article

Esterification is a key transformation in the production of lubricants, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. Conventional processes employing homogeneous acid catalysts suffer from limitations such as corrosive byproducts, energy-intensive separation, and poor catalyst reusability. This review provides a comprehensive overview of heterogeneous catalytic systems, including ion exchange resins, zeolites, metal oxides, mesoporous materials, and others, for improved ester synthesis. Recent advances in membrane-integrated reactors, such as pervaporation and nanofiltration, which enable continuous water removal, shifting equilibrium and increasing conversion under milder conditions, are reviewed. Dual-functional membranes that combine catalytic activity with selective separation further enhance process efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Enzymatic systems using immobilized lipases present additional opportunities for mild and selective reactions. Future directions emphasize the integration of pervaporation membranes, hybrid catalyst systems combining biocatalysts and metals, and real-time optimization through artificial intelligence. Modular plug-and-play reactor designs are identified as a promising approach to flexible, scalable, and sustainable esterification. Overall, the interaction of catalyst development, membrane technology, and digital process control offers a transformative platform for next-generation ester synthesis aligned with green chemistry and industrial scalability. Full article

The demand for plant-based fermented beverages is being driven by dietary restrictions, health concerns, and environmental concerns. However, the use of plant substrates, such as oats, presents challenges in terms of fermentation and texture formation. The effects of enzymatic hydrolysis, homogenization and the addition of 1% pectin on oat-based beverages fermented with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus were evaluated in this study. The samples were evaluated for a number of characteristics, including physicochemical, rheological, antioxidant and sensory properties. After 6 h fermentation, pectin-containing samples showed a statistically significant decrease in pH (to 3.91) and an increase in titratable acidity (to 92 °T). Homogenization and the addition of pectin were found to significantly increase viscosity (by 1.5–2 times) and water-holding capacity (by 2 times) while reducing syneresis by 96%. The antioxidant activity of L. bulgaricus-fermented samples increased significantly: the radical scavenging activity (RSA) and OH-radical inhibition increased by 40–60%, depending on the treatment. Extractable polysaccharides (PSs) inhibited lipase and glucosidase by 90% and 85%, respectively; significantly higher inhibition was observed in the fermented and pectin-containing groups. Sensory evaluation showed that the homogenized, pectin-enriched samples (Homog+) scored highest for consistency (4.5 ± 0.2), texture (4.9 ± 0.2), and overall acceptability (4.8 ± 0.2); these scores were all statistically higher than those for the untreated samples. These results suggest that combining enzymatic hydrolysis, homogenization and fermentation with L. bulgaricus significantly improves the structural, functional and sensory properties of oat-based beverages, providing a promising approach to producing high-quality, functional non-dairy products. Full article

Due to the limited scientific exploration of Argania spinosa (L.) skeel husk, this study presents the first investigation of the metabolite profile of methanol and acetone extracts analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization and high-resolution multistage mass spectrometry (LC-ESI/HRMSMS). A total of 43 compounds, including hydroxycinnamic acid and flavonoid derivatives, saponins, and triterpenic acids, were identified, some of which have not been previously reported in this species. The total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) content were spectrophotometrically determined. A multi-target approach was applied to investigate the antioxidant potential using 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), β-carotene bleaching, and Ferric Reducing Ability Power (FRAP) tests. Carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes and lipase inhibitory activities were also assessed. The acetone extract exhibited the highest TPC and TFC values, resulting in being the most active in β-carotene bleaching test with IC₅₀ values of 26.68 and 13.82 µg/mL, after 30 and 60 min of incubation, respectively. Moreover, it was the most active against both α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes with IC₅₀ values of 12.37 and 18.93 µg/mL, respectively. These results pointed out that this by-product is a rich source of bioactive phytochemicals potentially useful for prevention of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Full article

Plant-parasitic nematodes represent a significant threat to agriculture, causing substantial economic losses worldwide. Among the biological alternatives for their control, the genus Trichoderma has emerged as a promising solution for suppressing various nematode species. This article reviews key studies on the interaction between Trichoderma spp. and plant-parasitic nematodes, highlighting the most studied species such as Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, Trichoderma virens, and Trichoderma viride, mainly against the genera Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, Globodera, and Heterodera. Trichoderma spp. act through mechanisms such as mycoparasitism, antibiosis, competition for space in the rhizosphere, production of lytic enzymes, and modulation of plant defense responses. They also produce metabolites that affect nematode mobility, reproduction, and survival, such as gliotoxin, viridin and cyclosporine A. In addition, they secrete enzymes such as chitinases, proteases, lipases, and glucanases, which degrade the cuticle of nematodes and their eggs. Furthermore, Trichoderma spp. induce systemic resistance in plants through modulation of phytohormones such as jasmonic acid, ethylene, salicylic acid and auxins. The use of Trichoderma in integrated nematode management enables its application in combination with crop rotation, organic amendments, plant extracts, and resistant varieties, thereby reducing the reliance on synthetic nematicides and promoting more sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture. Full article

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum B22 exhibits a high esterase/lipase activity, but the genomic and probiotic potential remains unclear. We employed an integrated approach combining whole-genome sequencing, molecular docking studies, and phenotypic assays to dissect the genomic and functional basis underlying the high lipolytic activity and probiotic traits of L.plantarum B22. This strain exhibited a robust lipase activity (3.45 ± 0.13 U/mL), with whole-genome analysis revealing that the complete genome of this strain spans 2,027,325 bp, encoding 2005 genes with a guanine-cytosine (GC) content of 35.06%. Notably, 13 esterase/lipase genes were identified, 4 of which (gene3060, gene3059, gene2553, gene0798) harbor conserved catalytic triads (Ser-His-Gly/Ala), essential for lipase function. Molecular docking studies confirmed strong binding affinity to tributyrin (ΔG ≤ –5.52 kcal/mol) and elucidated the interaction mechanisms, involving hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions between the esterase/lipase enzymes and tributyrin. Phenotypic and genomic analyses further demonstrated that L. plantarum B22 possesses excellent tolerance to simulated human gastrointestinal tract conditions, along with potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, highlighting its strong probiotic potential. Genomic annotation also identified 68 genes associated with lipid metabolism and an intact fatty acid synthesis pathway. Importantly, the analysis of phenotypes and genes involved in virulence factors, and the production of harmful metabolites suggests that L. plantarum B22 is safe. Collectively, this study offers novel insights into the genome-guided functional characterization of L. plantarum B22, providing a robust foundation for its development as a functional probiotic strain. Full article

Obesity and its associated complications, including oxidative stress, pose significant global health challenges. Natural products offer a promising avenue for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this study, we investigated the potential of Panax japonicus (T. Nees) C.A. Meyer, a traditional medicinal plant known for its antioxidant and anti-obesity properties. A methanol extract of Panax japonicus and its fractions were evaluated for their in vitro antioxidant activities (tested using DPPH and reducing power assays), pancreatic lipase (PL) inhibitory capacities, and underlying mechanisms of action. The results indicated that the ethyl acetate fraction of P. japonicus (PJEA) exhibited the greatest potency, demonstrating strong antioxidant activity and significantly inhibiting digestive enzyme activity (pancreatic lipase). Mechanistic studies revealed that the PL inhibition was of a mixed type, combining both competitive and non-competitive mechanisms. Furthermore, PJEA demonstrated the ability to inhibit the differentiation of preadipocytes, primarily exerting its anti-adipogenic effects by downregulating the mRNA expression of PPARγ and the gene expression of C/EBPα. In addition, the extract suppressed the gene expression of FAS and ACC in adipose tissue. Isolation of the bioactive compounds from PJEA identified kaempferol 3-O-α-L-rhamnoside and catechin, which potentially contribute to the observed anti-obesity effects. Overall, this study highlights P. japonicus as a promising natural ingredient for scavenging free radicals and managing obesity, suggesting its potential for development into functional foods or therapeutic agents. Full article

This study aims to identify the optimal conditions—host, plant material, seasonality, and agricultural practices—for isolating and developing a collection of culturable endophytic microorganisms to support sustainable Olea europaea L. cultivation. Samples were collected from three Sicilian olive cultivars (‘Nocellara del Belice’, ‘Nocellara Etnea’, and ‘Nocellara Messinese’) and six wild olive accessions across different phenological phases and under organic and conventional agronomic management. Endophytes were isolated from leaves and twigs using a culture-dependent approach, and their taxonomic diversity and plant-growth-promoting (PGP) traits were analyzed. A total of 133 endophytic isolates were identified, spanning bacterial (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria) and fungal (Ascomycota and Basidiomycota) phyla. Wild olive trees contributed more than cultivated varieties to enriching the diversity and composition of culturable endophyte collection as well as twigs instead of leaves. Winter sampling allowed to implement the taxonomic genera of olive endophyte collection. Both farming systems favored an increase in the composition of microbial collection, though organic farming systems supported greater microbial richness. Functional analysis highlighted key PGP traits in a selection of bacterial isolates, including indole-3-acetic acid and siderophore production, nitrogen fixation, and antifungal activity. Bacillus spp. dominated enzymatic activities, such as amylase, protease, and lipase production, as well as antifungal activity against the olive fungal pathogen Neofusicoccum vitifusiforme. This research highlights the significant diversity and functional potential of Mediterranean olive endophytes. Our findings emphasize the role of native microbial communities as bio-inoculants, promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and disease resistance. These insights lay the groundwork for developing targeted olive-microbial consortia for biocontrol and stress tolerance applications. Full article

Oleochemicals, which are obtained from vegetable and animal fats and oils, have become indispensable in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and biofuel industries. Traditionally, they are synthesized using chemical catalysts, a process that is often associated with high energy requirements and a considerable environmental impact. Biocatalysis, using enzymes such as lipases, has emerged as a transformative alternative that offers high specificity, environmental friendliness and cost-efficiency. This review comprehensively examines the current state of biocatalysis for oleochemical synthesis, highlighting key reactions such as esterification and transesterification and their integration into industrial processes. A bibliometric analysis uncovers global trends and collaborations, while case studies illustrate cost efficiency and scalability. The article outlines recommendations and future research directions to advance biocatalytic processes. This review is intended to be an important resource for researchers and industries transitioning to sustainable oleochemical production. Full article

The advancement of modern lifestyles has precipitated excessive consumption of energy-dense foods, driving the escalating global burden of lipid metabolism dysregulation-related pathologies—including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and cardiovascular disorders—which collectively pose a formidable challenge to global public health systems. The almond hull, as a by-product of almond processing, is rich in polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering potential, though its precise hypo-lipidemic mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, polyphenols were extracted from almond hulls using 50% ethanol with ultrasound-assisted extraction, followed by preliminary purification via solvent partitioning. The ethyl acetate fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to investigate the interactions between key bioactive constituents (e.g., quercetin, baicalein, and kaempferol) and targets in lipid metabolism-related pathways. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations further evaluated the stability of the lowest-energy complexes. Results revealed that the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited potent pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity (IC50 = 204.2 µg/mL). At 0.1 mg/mL after 24 h treatment, it significantly reduced free fatty acids (FFAs)-induced intracellular triglyceride accumulation (p < 0.01) and enhanced cellular antioxidant capacity. Network pharmacology and in vitro studies suggest almond hull extract modulates PI3K-AKT signaling and improves insulin resistance, demonstrating lipid-lowering effects. These findings support its potential in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, though further in vivo validation and mechanistic investigations are required. Full article

Our previous study demonstrated that an Escherichia coli heterologous secretion expression system, mediated by superfolder green fluorescent protein (sfGFP) mutants, significantly enhances recombinant lipase yield and reduces large-scale production costs. In this study, we identified mScarlet3, a fast-folding fluorescent protein, as another effective mediator of secretion expression in E. coli. A novel lipolytic enzyme, named LipHu6, was identified through sequence alignment. Secretion expression of LipHu6 was achieved by fusing mScarlet3 to either its N- or C-terminus. The specific activity of mScarlet3-LipHu6 reached 669,151.75 U/mmol, slightly surpassing that of LipHu6 alone (646,682.69 U/mmol) and markedly exceeding that of sfGFP_(-15)-LipHu6 (492,432.39 U/mmol). Notably, N-terminal mScarlet3 fusion had no impact on LipHu6 hydrolytic activity toward short-chain p-nitrophenyl fatty acyl esters (C2–C8). In contrast, mScarlet3-LipHu6 exhibited approximately 1.5- and 1.7-fold increases in hydrolytic activity toward p-nitrophenyl palmitate (p-NPP, C16) and p-nitrophenyl stearate (p-NPS, C18), respectively. In conclusion, this study establishes a novel E. coli heterologous secretion expression system mediated by mScarlet3, offering a highly efficient and cost-effective strategy for the large-scale production of lipolytic enzymes. Full article

(1) Background: T. rubrum is the most important agent in tinea pedis, tinea manuum, tinea cruris, tinea corporis, and even in subcutaneous dermatophytosis. T. rubrum must overcome several obstacles to adhere, grow, and invade the host, for which their virulence factors are important. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of T. rubrum strains to produce proteases, phospholipases, hemolysins, and elastases. The aim of this work was the genotypic identification of clinical isolates of T. rubrum to subsequently determine production of the main phenotypic virulence factors associated with this pathogen responsible for different types of dermatophytosis in Mexican patients. (2) Methods: Twenty samples of T. rubrum were obtained from different body parts of patients treated in the Mycology section. The colonies were transferred to specific agars to analyze the production of phenotypical virulence factors (lipase, phospholipase, hemolysin, and elastase). (3) Results: Almost all the strains of T. rubrum showed growth in the test culture medium. A significantly smaller size of the halo diameter of elastase (26.51 ± 11.95 mm) in comparison to lipase (59.51 ± 16.00 mm) and phospholipase (55.97 ± 19.60 mm) was measured. Additionally, a significantly reduced size of the halo diameter of hemolysin (42.01 ± 5.49 mm) was observed compared to lipase. When comparing the virulence factors, greater expression of lipase was observed, followed by phospholipase, hemolysins, and elastase. T. rubrum strains were classified as being between high and ultra-lipase producers; most of the strains were also considered low producers of phospholipase and hemolysins; and most of the strains (n = 13) were classified as non-producers of elastase. (4) Conclusions: Almost all the T. rubrum strains of the study were found to be ultra-producers of lipase, and low producers of hemolysins and phospholipases. Elastase was the least expressed virulence factor in these strains. Full article

Olive oil production generates vast quantities of by-products, with olive mill wastewater (OMW) being a particularly challenging effluent. Characterized by its dark color, high acidity, and rich composition of organic matter, phenolic compounds, and residual oils, OMW resists conventional degradation methods and poses significant environmental risks due to its phytotoxicity and microbial inhibition. Addressing this issue requires sustainable solutions that align with circular economy principles. A promising strategy involves the biotechnological valorization of OMW using the non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica, which thrives on organic-rich substrates and converts them into high-value metabolites. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in Y. lipolytica applications for OMW valorization, emphasizing its role in developing eco-friendly industrial processes. It begins by outlining the physicochemical challenges of OMW and the metabolic versatility of Y. lipolytica, including its ability to adapt to acidic, phenolic-rich environments. Subsequent sections critically evaluate the yeast’s capacity to synthesize commercially valuable products such as lipases (used in the food and biofuel industries), citric acid (a food and pharmaceutical additive), and polyols like mannitol and erythritol (low-calorie sweeteners). Strategies to optimize microbial productivity, such as substrate pre-treatment, nutrient supplementation, and process engineering, are also discussed. By synthesizing current research, the review highlights how Y. lipolytica-driven OMW valorization can mitigate environmental harm while creating economic opportunities, bridging the gap between waste management and green chemistry. Full article