Search Results (270)

Background: Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease are multifactorial disorders causing severe disability, rising with the increase in life expectancy. Currently, the identification of natural compounds useful against these disorders is becoming an urgent necessity. In this study, we used polyphenol-enriched extracts obtained from leaves of Mediterranean plants, which are important in animal feeding (Lotus ornithopodioides, Hedysarum coronarium, Medicago sativa) and in the human Mediterranean diet (Cichorium intybus). Objectives: The aims of this study were as follows: (i) tentative identification of the organic compounds present in the extracts; (ii) determination of their effect on the activity of monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A and MAO-B, key enzymes involved in the metabolism of aminergic neurotransmitters, as well as on protein expression level of these enzymes in cell lines expressing basal MAO-A and MAO-B. Methods: The ability of plant polyphenol extracts to inhibit MAO-A and MAO-B activity was assessed by in vitro enzyme assays. The protein expression level was analyzed by Western blotting. Results: Our data demonstrate that all the extracts behaved as MAO-A and MAO-B inhibitors, although to a different extent and enzyme inhibition mechanism; among them, the extract from L. ornithopodioides induced a decrease in MAO-A protein level in human AGS gastric adenocarcinoma and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell lines. Conclusions: These data reinforce the hypothesis that a plant-based diet and/or integrative supplementation of pharmacological treatments can be considered for preventing and relieving symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. Full article

Superhydrophobic micropillar surfaces, inspired by the lotus leaf, have been extensively studied over the past two decades for their self-cleaning, anti-friction, anti-icing, and anti-corrosion properties. In this study, we introduce a simple and effective method for introducing porosity into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillar arrays using salt templating. We then evaluate the wetting behaviour of these surfaces before and after infusion with perfluoropolyether (PFPE) oil. Apparent contact angle and sliding angle were measured relative to a non-porous control surface. Across five porous variants, the contact angle decreased by approximately 5° (from 157° to 152° on average), while the sliding angle increased by about 3.5° (from 16.5° to 20° on average). Following PFPE infusion, the porous arrays exhibited reduced sliding angles while maintaining superhydrophobicity. These results indicate that introducing porosity slightly reduces water repellency and droplet mobility, whereas PFPE infusion restores mobility while preserving high water repellency. The change in wettability following PFPE infusion highlights the potential of these surfaces to function as robust, self-cleaning materials. Full article

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have attracted considerable attention in recent years because of their cost-effectiveness, safety, and sustainability. In this study, we developed 19 DESs for the extraction of antioxidant polyphenolic compounds from lotus leaves, utilizing ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Among the DESs examined, choline chloride (ChCl) and lactic acid (ChCl: lactic acid) exhibited the highest extraction efficiency. The optimal conditions were established as follows: molar ratio of 1:2.6, solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 g/mL, water content of 8%, and ultrasound time of 65 min, which proved to be more efficient than conventional extraction methods such as water and ethanol. Under the optimal conditions, the total phenolic content (TPC) was 187.23 ± 14.67 mg GAE/g DW, and the extracts exhibited high antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀: 0.92 ± 0.23 mg/mL; FRAP: 21.56 ± 3.05 mg Trolox/g DW). This superiority arises from the formation of robust hydrogen bonds between ChCl and lactic acid, in conjunction with improved mass transfer efficiency. This study provides a green alternative method for polyphenol extraction from lotus leaves. Full article

In COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), multi-organ complications depend on the immune system’s activity. α1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is a highly glycosylated positive acute-phase protein having multifaceted immunomodulatory and protective effects. We were interested in changes in serum AGP concentrations, expression of its glycans, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) between severe COVID-19 patients, convalescents, and healthy controls, and whether any of the analyzed parameters could serve as an additional diagnostic biomarker of severe COVID-19 and/or help monitor recovery. We were also interested in associations between the examined parameters. AGP concentrations were measured using an immunoturbidimetric method. The profile and degree of AGP glycosylation were analyzed using lectin-ELISA with lectins: sialo-specific from Sambucus nigra (SNA) and Maackia amurensis (MAA), fucose-specific from Lotus tetragonolobus (LTA) and Aleuria aurantia (AAL). The static and capacitive ORP (sORP and cORP, respectively) were measured using MiOXSYS C+^® device (Caerus Biotechnologies, Vilnius, Lithuania). Statistica13.3PL software was used for statistical analysis. AGP concentrations increased in COVID-19 patients, showing high clinical usefulness in distinguishing them from convalescents and controls. AGP α2,6-sialylation (reactivity with SNA) was reduced in COVID-19 vs. other study groups, while α2,3-sialylation (reactivity with MAA) was reduced in convalescents vs. controls. The expression of LTA-reactive fucose (Lewis^x structures, Le^x) was reduced in COVID-19 patients compared to controls and convalescents, but AGP reactivity with AAL did not differ between the study groups. The sORP was reduced, and the cORP was increased in COVID-19. The observed negative correlations between sORP and AGP levels may suggest the antioxidant effect of AGP during severe COVID-19. Higher levels of serum AGP in severe COVID-19, together with low expression of sialic acid α2,6-linked and Le^x structures, accompanied by reduced sORP, constitute a characteristic pattern of biomarker expression during severe COVID-19. The increased expression of SNA-reactive sialic acid and Le^x structures may reflect the recovery process after SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection. The observed negative correlations between AGP and sORP levels may suggest that serum AGP in COVID-19 also plays a role as an antioxidative molecule. Full article

Biomimetic superhydrophobic surfaces have become a focal point of recent research, driven by their promise in diverse applications. Among these, the lotus and rose effects are of particular interest due to their contrasting adhesion characteristics. Given that superhydrophobicity is closely related to the hierarchical structures of these surfaces, investigating the effects of two-level roughness on superhydrophobicity is crucial. In our previous work, we introduced a wetting parameter (W_Roughness), strongly correlated with the geometric characteristics of surface roughness, to elucidate the superhydrophobic behavior of solid surfaces. This parameter predicts the existence of a critical wetting parameter (W_Roughness,c) during the Wenzel–Cassie transition. For two-level surface roughness composed of primary and secondary roughness, the W_Roughness of the two-level surface is influenced by the geometric characteristics of both primary and secondary roughness. Furthermore, when secondary roughness is added to a primary roughness surface in the Wenzel state, the resulting two-level roughness can exhibit various superhydrophobic states, such as the Wenzel state, Wenzel–Cassie transition, or Cassie state, depending on the characteristics of the secondary roughness. To further investigate the influence of two-level roughness on superhydrophobicity, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were also conducted. Full article

The effects of processing conditions and holding time on the direct bonding (DBC) of lotus-type porous copper to alumina substrates were systematically investigated. The evolution of copper morphology and the resulting shear strength were evaluated under varying pressures (0.3–0.6 Torr) and bonding durations (5–160 min) at a fixed bonding temperature. It was found that pressure within the tested range exerted a negligible influence on joint quality, as direct bonding occurred consistently. In contrast, holding time was found to be a critical factor: a duration of 10 min yielded optimal bonding with high shear strength while preserving the porous structure, whereas shorter times led to incomplete bonding, and longer times caused structural collapse due to liquid-phase flow. The oxidation behavior, governed by parabolic growth kinetics, was identified as the primary mechanism controlling morphological evolution. These findings provide practical guidance for optimizing DBC bonding of porous copper in power semiconductor applications, balancing joint strength and structural integrity. Full article

Architectural exterior wall coatings require a balance of elasticity, stain resistance, and durability. Although nano-SiO₂ enhances fracture resistance in elastic coatings, its limited hydrophobicity allows pollutant adhesion. Nano-TiO₂ can photocatalytically degrade organics but is often encapsulated by the polymer matrix, reducing its effectiveness. This study introduces a SiO₂-TiO₂ composite topcoat applied via aqueous dispersion to overcome these limitations. Experimental results demonstrate that the composite coating significantly outperforms single-component modifications, improving stain resistance by 21.3% after 12 months of outdoor exposure. The surface remains brighter with markedly reduced pollutant accumulation. Mechanistically, SiO₂ serves as an inert mesoporous carrier that improves the dispersion and photostability of TiO₂, minimizing agglomeration and photocorrosion. Its inherent hardness and hydrophobicity reduce physical adsorption sites. Together, SiO₂ and TiO₂ create a nanoscale rough surface that enhances hydrophobicity through a lotus-like effect. Under UV irradiation, TiO₂ generates radicals that decompose organic pollutants and inhibit microbial growth, enabling efficient self-cleaning with rainwater. This synergistic mechanism addresses the limitations of individual nanoparticles, successfully integrating elasticity with long-term anti-fouling and durability. This composite demonstrates a significant advancement in stain resistance and overall durability, offering potential applications in energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable building technologies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Enhancing endothelial nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability through natural products may provide a promising strategy for the prevention and management of hypertension. This study investigated the phytochemical composition of ethanolic lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) seed extract (LSE), its vasorelaxant mechanisms, effects on endothelial NO production, and antihypertensive activity. Methods: LSE was characterized via LC-ESI-QTOF-MS using accurate mass data and fragmentation patterns. Vasorelaxant effects were evaluated in isolated rat aortas, and the underlying mechanisms were explored using pharmacological inhibitors. NO production was assessed in human endothelial EA.hy926 cells. Hypotensive activity was examined in normotensive rats following intravenous administration of LSE (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg). Molecular docking was performed to analyze interactions between LSE bioactive compounds and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Results: LC-ESI-QTOF-MS analysis identified 114 compounds, including primary and secondary metabolites. LSE induced vasorelaxation in endothelium-intact aortas, which was reduced by endothelium removal (p < 0.001) and by L-NAME (p < 0.001). LSE also inhibited receptor-operated, Ca²⁺ channel-mediated vasoconstriction (p < 0.05). In vivo, LSE decreased blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. In EA.hy926 cells, LSE (750 and 1000 µg/mL) increased NO production, an effect attenuated by L-NAME. Molecular docking showed that LSE alkaloids, including nelumborine, nelumboferine, neferine, and isoliensinine had strong affinities for binding with eNOS at the tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) binding site. Nelumborine exhibited the highest affinity, suggesting its potential as an eNOS modulator. Conclusions: LSE promotes vasorelaxation through the stimulation of endothelium-derived NO release and Ca²⁺ influx inhibition, contributing to blood pressure reduction. These findings support LSE as a potential natural antihypertensive supplement. Full article

Developing sustainable and high-performance sorbents for efficient CO₂ capture is essential for mitigating climate change and reducing industrial emissions. In this study, phosphorus-doped porous carbons (LPSP-T) were synthesized via a one-step activation–doping strategy using lotus petiole biomass as a precursor and sodium phytate as a dual-function activating and phosphorus-doping agent. The simultaneous activation and phosphorus incorporation at various temperatures (650–850 °C) under a nitrogen atmosphere produced carbons with tailored textural properties and surface functionalities. Among them, LPSP-700 exhibited the highest specific surface area (525 m²/g) and a hierarchical porous structure, with abundant narrow micropores (<1 nm) and phosphorus-containing surface groups that synergistically enhanced CO₂ capture performance. The introduction of P functionalities not only improved the surface polarity and binding affinity toward CO₂ but also promoted the formation of a well-connected pore network. As a result, LPSP-700 delivered a CO₂ uptake of 2.51 mmol/g at 25 °C and 1 bar (3.34 mmol/g at 0 °C), along with a high CO₂/N₂ selectivity, fast CO₂ adsorption kinetics and moderate isosteric heat of adsorption (Q_st). Furthermore, the dynamic CO₂ adsorption capacity (0.81 mmol/g) was validated by breakthrough experiments, and cyclic adsorption–desorption tests revealed excellent stability with negligible loss in performance over five cycles. Correlation analysis revealed pores < 2.02 nm as the dominant contributors to CO₂ uptake. Overall, this work highlights sodium phytate as an effective dual-role agent for simultaneous activation and phosphorus doping and validates LPSP-700 as a sustainable and high-performance sorbent for CO₂ capture under post-combustion conditions. Full article

Lotus seed embryos, a key component in traditional Chinese medicine, have attracted growing scientific interest due to their wide-ranging therapeutic potential. Among the bioactive compounds found in lotus seed embryos, three bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids—liensinine, isoliensinine, and neferine—stand out for their diverse pharmacological activities. These alkaloids are known to exhibit significant antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, neuroprotective, and antifibrotic effects, which make them promising candidates for the treatment of various chronic and acute diseases. Recent studies have highlighted their ability to modulate key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression, inflammation, fibrosis, and neurodegeneration. The precise mechanisms underlying their actions include modulation of oxidative stress, inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulation of apoptosis, and modulation of cellular metabolism. This review aims to provide an in-depth overview of the pharmacological relevance of these alkaloids, focusing on their mechanisms of action and their therapeutic potential across different disease models. By synthesizing current evidence from preclinical studies, this review also lays a solid scientific foundation for future research, supporting the rational design and development of lotus-derived compounds for clinical application. Full article

Due to the exceptional corrosion resistance, chemical stability, and dense microstructure, carbon-based thin films are extensively employed in hydrogen energy systems. This study employed magnetron sputtering to fabricate amorphous carbon (a-C) films on SS316L substrates, aiming to improve the corrosion resistance of bipolar plates (BPs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Using a Taguchi design, the effects of working pressure, sputtering power, substrate bias, and deposition time on film properties were systematically examined and optimized. Films were examined via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), contact angle measurements, and electrochemical tests. Comprehensive evaluation by the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method identified optimal conditions of 1.5 Pa pressure, 150 W radio frequency (RF) power, −250 V bias voltage, and 60 min deposition, yielding dense, uniform films with a corrosion current density of 1.61 × 10⁻⁶ A·cm⁻² and a contact angle of 106.36°, indicative of lotus leaf-like hydrophobicity. This work enriches the theoretical understanding of a-C film process optimization, offering a practical approach for modifying fuel cell bipolar plates to support hydrogen energy applications. Full article

The influence of freeze–thaw (FT) cycling and fucoidan incorporation on the structural and digestive characteristics of lotus seed starch (LS) gels was systematically examined. Fucoidan–lotus seed starch (F-LS) gels were exposed to 0, 1, 3, and 5 FT cycles. Repeated FT treatments were found to disrupt the gel matrix and decrease thermal stability, whereas the addition of 1–2% fucoidan effectively alleviated these degradations. Crystallinity was significantly reduced from 37.62% to 26.38% (p < 0.05), indicating suppressed retrogradation. Thermal gravimetric and low-field NMR analyses revealed reinforced matrix cohesion. In vitro digestion assays demonstrated that fucoidan significantly retarded starch hydrolysis and promoted resistant starch (RS) formation. After five FT cycles, the RS content of 2% F-LS gels reached 29.03%, a 30.24% increase compared to the control. These findings suggest that fucoidan could serve as a natural and effective cryoprotectant and digestibility modulator in starch-based functional foods, offering both technological and nutritional benefits. Full article

The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.) is an ornamental aquatic plant, highly valued in Asian cultures for its religious symbolism, culinary uses, and medicinal properties. However, the lotus exhibits low genetic diversity in nature, which limits the genetic resources available for breeding programs. Gamma irradiation is an effective method for inducing genetic variation in lotus breeding. The present study examines the gamma sensitivity of lotus seedlings, along with the morphological and anatomical changes induced by various gamma dosages. The results showed that high-dose gamma irradiation (≥100 Gy) significantly inhibited seedling growth and altered most anatomical parameters, each exhibiting distinct dose–response patterns except for midrib diameter. The 100 Gy treatment resulted in the maximum stem diameter, while root diameter peaked at 500 Gy, and the highest dose (600 Gy) produced the largest petioles. Gamma irradiation also triggered tannin accumulation and reduced aerenchyma formation in the leaves. The obtained results demonstrate organ-specific responses to gamma irradiation in the lotus, with leaves being the most sensitive, while petioles, stems, and roots exhibited more variable dose-dependent effects. Full article

Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) has long been used in traditional medicine across Asia, and its bioactive alkaloids have recently garnered attention for their neuroprotective properties. This review summarizes the current research on the mechanisms by which lotus-derived alkaloids, particularly neferine, nuciferine, liensinine, and isoliensinine, protect neural tissues. These compounds exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, regulation of calcium signaling and ion channels, promotion of neurogenesis, and modulation of key neurotransmitter systems, such as dopaminergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic pathways. Notably, they attenuate tau hyperphosphorylation, reduce oxidative stress-induced neuronal apoptosis, and enhance neurotrophic signaling via BDNF-related pathways. While antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions are the most extensively studied, emerging evidence also highlights their roles in autophagy modulation and mitochondrial protection. Together, these findings suggest that lotus alkaloids are promising candidates for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Further investigation is warranted to explore the synergistic mechanisms and potential clinical applications of these compounds. Full article

Lotus stems contain cellulose, which can be utilized as a base material for producing green products, specifically degradable plastics. This research investigates the effect of polylactic acid (PLA) blends on cellulose degradable plastics from the lotus stem (Nelumbo nucifera). The mechanical characteristics are as follows: tensile strength of 0.7703–3.3212 MPa, elongation of 0.58–1.16%, Young’s modulus of 78.7894–364.6118 MPa. Compound analysis showed the presence of O-H, C-C, and C=O groups, and the presence of microbial activity in the soil can also lead to the degradation of these groups due to their hydrophilic nature, which allows them to bind water. Thermal analysis within a temperature range of 413.24 °C to 519.80 °C, shows that significant weight loss begins with the formation of crystalline structures. The degradable plastic exhibiting the lowest degree of swelling consists of 1 g of cellulose and 8 g of PLA, resulting in a swelling value of 6.25%. The degradable plastic is anticipated to decompose most rapidly after 52 days, utilizing 2 g of PLA and 7 g of cellulose. This complies with standard requirement, which sets a maximum degradation period of 180 days for polymers. Full article