Search Results (1,411)

Heavy metal pollution, particularly copper contamination, threatens the ecological environment and human survival. In response to this pressing environmental issue, the development of innovative remediation strategies has become imperative. Bioremediation technology is characterized by remarkable advantages, including its ecological friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency. In our previous research, Rossellomorea sp. ZC255 demonstrated substantial potential for environmental bioremediation applications. This study investigated the removal characteristics and underlying mechanism of strain ZC255 and revealed that the maximum removal capacity was 253.4 mg/g biomass under the optimal conditions (pH 7.0, 28 °C, and 2% inoculum). The assessment of the biosorption process followed pseudo-second-order kinetics, while the adsorption isotherm may fit well with both the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Cell surface alterations on the Cu(II)-treated biomass were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cu(II) binding functional groups were determined via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis. Simultaneously, the genomic analysis of strain ZC255 identified multiple genes potentially involved in heavy metal resistance, transport, and metabolic processes. These studies highlight the significance of strain ZC255 in the context of environmental heavy metal bioremediation research and provide a basis for using strain ZC255 as a copper removal biosorbent. Full article

Cardiovascular–Kidney–Metabolic (CKM) syndrome symbolizes a single pathophysiologic entity including obesity, type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions altogether accelerate adverse outcomes when they coexist. Recent evidence has shown that the function of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) alleviate stress on multiple organs. SGLT2i has been demonstrated to benefit heart failure, hemodynamic regulation, and renal protection while GLP-1RA on the other hand has been shown to demonstrate a strong impact on glycemic management, weight loss, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This review will aim to understand and evaluate the mechanistic rationalization, clinical evidence, and the potential therapeutic treatment of SGLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists to treat individuals who have CKM syndrome. This analysis also assesses whether combination therapy can be a synergistic approach that may benefit patients but is still underutilized because of the lack of clear guidelines, the associated costs, and disparities in accessibility. Therefore, in this review, we will be discussing the combination therapy’s additive and synergistic effects, current recommendations and clinical evidence, and mechanistic insights of these GLT2 inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists in CKM syndrome patients. Overall, early and combination usage of GLP-1RA and SGLT2i may be essential to demonstrating a significant shift in modern cardiometabolic therapy toward patient-centered care. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate solid-state fermentation (SSF) as a sustainable approach for the simultaneous detoxification of olive pomace (OP) and the production of industrially relevant enzymes. OP, a semisolid byproduct of olive oil extraction, is rich in lignocellulose and phenolic compounds, which limit its direct reuse due to phytotoxicity. A native strain of Aspergillus sp., isolated from OP, was employed as the biological agent, while grape pomace (GP) was added as a co-substrate to enhance substrate structure. Fermentations were conducted at two scales, Petri dishes (20 g) and a fixed-bed bioreactor (FBR, 2 kg), under controlled conditions (25 °C, 7 days). Key parameters monitored included dry and wet weight loss, pH, color, phenolic content, and enzymatic activity. Significant reductions in color and polyphenol content were achieved, reaching 68% in Petri dishes and 88.1% in the FBR, respectively. In the FBR, simultaneous monitoring of dry and wet weight loss enabled the estimation of fungal biotransformation, revealing a hysteresis phenomenon not previously reported in SSF studies. Enzymes such as xylanase, endopolygalacturonase, cellulase, and tannase exhibited peak activities between 150 and 180 h, with maximum values of 424.6 U·g⁻¹, 153.6 U·g⁻¹, 67.43 U·g⁻¹, and 6.72 U·g⁻¹, respectively. The experimental data for weight loss, enzyme production, and phenolic reduction were accurately described by logistic and first-order models. These findings demonstrate the high metabolic efficiency of the fungal isolate under SSF conditions and support the feasibility of scaling up this process. The proposed strategy offers a low-cost and sustainable solution for OP valorization, aligning with circular economy principles by transforming agro-industrial residues into valuable bioproducts. Full article

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) characterized by inflammation, demyelination, axonal degeneration, and gliosis. Its pathophysiology involves a complex interplay of genetic susceptibility, environmental triggers, and immune dysregulation, ultimately leading to progressive neurodegeneration and functional decline. Although significant advances have been made in disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), many patients continue to experience disease progression and unmet therapeutic needs. Drug repurposing—the identification of new indications for existing drugs—has emerged as a promising strategy in MS research, offering a cost-effective and time-efficient alternative to traditional drug development. Several compounds originally developed for other diseases, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective agents, are currently under investigation for their efficacy in MS. Repurposed agents, such as selective sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators, kinase inhibitors, and metabolic regulators, have demonstrated potential in promoting neuroprotection, modulating immune responses, and supporting remyelination in both preclinical and clinical settings. Simultaneously, artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming drug discovery and precision medicine in MS. Machine learning and deep learning models are being employed to analyze high-dimensional biomedical data, predict drug–target interactions, streamline drug repurposing workflows, and enhance therapeutic candidate selection. By integrating multiomics and neuroimaging data, AI tools facilitate the identification of novel targets and support patient stratification for individualized treatment. This review highlights recent advances in drug repurposing and discovery for MS, with a particular emphasis on the emerging role of AI in accelerating therapeutic innovation and optimizing treatment strategies. Full article

Conventional immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, has revolutionized cancer therapy over the past decade. Yet, the efficacy of these therapies is limited by tumor resistance, antigen escape mechanisms, poor persistence, and T-cell exhaustion, particularly in the treatment of solid tumors. The emergence of unconventional immunotherapies offers novel opportunities by leveraging diverse immune cell subsets and synthetic biologics. This review explores various immunotherapy platforms, including gamma delta T cells, invariant natural killer T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells, engineered regulatory T cells, and universal CAR platforms. Additionally, it expands on biologics, including bispecific and multispecific antibodies, cytokine fusions, agonists, and oncolytic viruses, showcasing their potential for modular engineering and off-the-shelf applicability. Distinct features of unconventional platforms include independence from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), tissue-homing capabilities, stress ligand sensing, and the ability to bridge adaptive and innate immunity. Their compatibility with engineering approaches highlights their potential as scalable, efficient, and cost-effective therapies. To overcome translational challenges such as functional heterogeneity, immune exhaustion, tumor microenvironment-mediated suppression, and limited persistence, novel strategies will be discussed, including metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming, immune cloaking, gene editing, and the utilization of artificial intelligence for patient stratification. Ultimately, unconventional immunotherapies extend the therapeutic horizon of cancer immunotherapy by breaking barriers in solid tumor treatment and increasing accessibility. Continued investments in research for mechanistic insights and scalable manufacturing are key to unlocking their full clinical potential. Full article

Skin autofluorescence (SAF) detection technology represents a noninvasive, convenient, and cost-effective optical detection approach. It can be employed for the differentiation of various diseases, including metabolic diseases and dermatitis, as well as for monitoring the treatment efficacy. Distinct from diffuse reflection signals, the autofluorescence signals of biological tissues are relatively weak, making them challenging to be captured by photoelectric sensors. Moreover, the absorption and scattering properties of biological tissues lead to a substantial attenuation of the autofluorescence of biological tissues, thereby worsening the signal-to-noise ratio. This has also imposed limitations on the development and application of compact-sized autofluorescence detection systems. In this study, a compact LED light source and a CMOS sensor were utilized as the excitation and detection devices for skin tissue autofluorescence, respectively, to construct a mobile and wireless skin tissue autofluorescence detection system. This system can achieve the detection of skin tissue autofluorescence with a high signal-to-noise ratio under the drive of a simple power supply and a single-chip microcontroller. The detection time is less than 0.1 s. To enhance the stability of the system, a pressure sensor was incorporated. This pressure sensor can monitor the pressure exerted by the skin on the detection system during the testing process, thereby improving the accuracy of the detection signal. The developed system features a compact structure, user-friendliness, and a favorable signal-to-noise ratio of the detection signal, holding significant application potential in future assessments of skin aging and the risk of diabetic complications. Full article

Cell-free biosensors harness the selectivity of cellular machinery without living cells’ constraints, offering advantages in environmental monitoring, medical diagnostics, and biotechnological applications. This review examines recent advances in cell-free biosensor development, highlighting their ability to detect diverse analytes including heavy metals, organic pollutants, pathogens, and clinical biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. We analyze technological innovations in cell-free protein synthesis optimization, preservation strategies, and field deployment methods that have enhanced sensitivity, and practical applicability. The integration of synthetic biology approaches has enabled complex signal processing, multiplexed detection, and novel sensor designs including riboswitches, split reporter systems, and metabolic sensing modules. Emerging materials such as supported lipid bilayers, hydrogels, and artificial cells are expanding biosensor capabilities through microcompartmentalization and electronic integration. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in standardization, sample interference mitigation, and cost reduction. Future opportunities include smartphone integration, enhanced preservation methods, and hybrid sensing platforms. Cell-free biosensors hold particular promise for point-of-care diagnostics in resource-limited settings, environmental monitoring applications, and food safety testing, representing essential tools for addressing global challenges in healthcare, environmental protection, and biosecurity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Platelets play a role in bone metabolism and fracture healing. This study aimed to investigate the association between platelet indices and the derived systemic immune inflammation index (SII) with fracture risk in postmenopausal women. Methods: Platelet count, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet crit, percentage of large platelets (P-LCR), platelet–lymphocyte ratio, and the SII, calculated as (NxP)/L, where N, P, and L represented neutrophils, platelets and lymphocytes counts, respectively, were evaluated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results: A total of 124 women (mean age 68.4 ± 9 years) were stratified into two groups based on the median platelet count; the “lower platelet count group” (n = 58) had a count of 200,000 (174,000 to 226,000), while the “higher platelet count group” (n = 66) had a count of 281,500 (256,500 to 308,500). The higher platelet count group showed a higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 4.5%, p = 0.08) and lower lumbar spine BMD (0.773 vs. 0.83 gr/cm², p = 0.03). By dividing the participants into two groups with higher SSI (950,848.6 ± 746,097.99) (n = 61) and lower SII (355,751.2 ± 88,662.6) (n = 63), the group with the higher SII showed the higher hip fracture risk (7.4 vs. 3.6%, p = 0.01). Univariate regression analysis revealed correlations between chronological age and PDW (r = 0.188, p = 0.047), and P-LCR (r = 0.208, p = 0.03), as well as associations between vitamin D status and P-LCR (r = −0.301, p = 0.034), and between SII and hip fracture risk (r = 0.12, p = 0.007). Conclusions: Platelet count and SII were associated with fracture risk in postmenopausal women undergoing osteoporosis assessment. Given their reproducibility and cost-effectiveness, these markers warrant further investigation in future prospective studies focused on bone fragility. Full article

The sugarcane industry plays a crucial economic role worldwide, with sucrose and ethanol as its main products. However, its processing generates large volumes of by-products—such as bagasse, molasses, vinasse, and straw—that contain valuable components for biotechnological valorization. This review integrates approximately 100 original research articles published in JCR-indexed journals between 2015 and 2025, of which over 50% focus specifically on sugarcane-derived agroindustrial residues. The biotechnological approaches discussed include submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, enzymatic biocatalysis, and anaerobic digestion, highlighting their potential for the production of biofuels, enzymes, and high-value bioproducts. In addition to identifying current advances, this review addresses key technical challenges such as (i) the need for efficient pretreatment to release fermentable sugars from lignocellulosic biomass; (ii) the compositional variability of by-products like vinasse and molasses; (iii) the generation of metabolic inhibitors—such as furfural and hydroxymethylfurfural—during thermochemical processes; and (iv) the high costs related to inputs like hydrolytic enzymes. Special attention is given to detoxification strategies for inhibitory compounds and to the integration of multifunctional processes to improve overall system efficiency. The final section outlines emerging trends (2024–2025) such as the use of CRISPR-engineered microbial consortia, advanced pretreatments, and immobilization systems to enhance the productivity and sustainability of bioprocesses. In conclusion, the valorization of sugarcane by-products through biotechnology not only contributes to waste reduction but also supports circular economy principles and the development of sustainable production models. Full article

Background: Statins exhibit pleiotropic anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, suggesting their potential in non-cardiovascular conditions. However, evidence supporting their repurposing remains limited, and off-label prescribing policies vary globally. Objective: To systematically review evidence on statin repurposing in oncology and infectious diseases, and to assess Hungarian regulatory practices regarding off-label statin use. Methods: A systematic literature search (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect; 2010–May 2025) was conducted using the terms “drug repositioning” OR “off-label prescription” AND “statin” NOT “cardiovascular,” following PRISMA guidelines. Hungarian off-label usage data from the NNGYK (2008–2025) were also analyzed. Results: Out of 205 publications, 12 met the inclusion criteria—75% were oncology-focused, and 25% focused on infectious diseases. Most were preclinical (58%); only 25% offered strong clinical evidence. Applications included hematologic malignancies, solid tumors, Cryptococcus neoformans, SARS-CoV-2, and dengue virus. Mechanisms involved mevalonate pathway inhibition and modulation of host immune responses. Hungarian data revealed five approved off-label statin uses—three dermatologic and two pediatric metabolic—supported by the literature and requiring post-treatment reporting. Conclusions: While preclinical findings are promising, clinical validation of off-label statin use remains limited. Statins should be continued in cancer patients with cardiovascular indications, but initiation for other purposes should be trial-based. Future directions include biomarker-based personalization, regulatory harmonization, and cost-effectiveness studies. Full article

Global marine coastal aquaculture increased by 6.7 million tons in 2024, with whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) dominating crustacean production. However, reliance on a single species raises sustainability concerns, particularly in the face of climate change. Diversifying shrimp farming by cultivating native species, such as the European brown shrimp (Crangon crangon), presents an opportunity to develop a sustainable blue bioeconomy in Europe. C. crangon holds significant commercial value, yet overexploitation has led to population declines. Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA) offers a viable solution by utilizing fish farm wastewater as a nutrient source, reducing both costs and environmental impact. Research efforts in Germany and other European nations are exploring IMTA’s potential by co-culturing shrimp with species like sea bream, sea bass, and salmon. The physiological adaptability and omnivorous diet of C. crangon further support its viability in aquaculture. However, critical knowledge gaps remain regarding its lipid metabolism, early ontogeny, and reproductive biology—factors essential for optimizing captive breeding. Future interdisciplinary research should refine larval culture techniques and develop sustainable co-culture models. Expanding C. crangon aquaculture aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by enhancing food security, ecosystem resilience, and economic stability while reducing Europe’s reliance on seafood imports. Full article

The pharmaceutical industry faces significant challenges when promising drug candidates fail during development due to suboptimal ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) properties or toxicity concerns. Natural compounds are subject to the same pharmacokinetic considerations. In silico approaches offer a compelling advantage—they eliminate the need for physical samples and laboratory facilities, while providing rapid and cost-effective alternatives to expensive and time-consuming experimental testing. Computational methods can often effectively address common challenges associated with natural compounds, such as chemical instability and poor solubility. Through a review of the relevant scientific literature, we present a comprehensive analysis of in silico methods and tools used for ADME prediction, specifically examining their application to natural compounds. Whereas we focus on identifying the predominant computational approaches applicable to natural compounds, these tools were developed for conventional drug discovery and are of general use. We examine an array of computational approaches for evaluating natural compounds, including fundamental methods like quantum mechanics calculations, molecular docking, and pharmacophore modeling, as well as more complex techniques such as QSAR analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, and PBPK modeling. Full article

The environmental burden of conventional plastics has sparked interest in sustainable alternatives such as polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs). However, despite ample research in bioprocess development and the use of inexpensive waste streams, production costs remain a barrier to widespread commercialization. Complementary to this, genetic engineering offers another avenue for improved productivity. Cupriavidus necator stands out as a model host for PHA production due to its substrate flexibility, high intracellular polymer accumulation, and tractability to genetic modification. This review delves into metabolic engineering strategies that have been developed to enhance the production of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and related copolymers in C. necator. Strategies include the optimization of central carbon flux, redox and cofactor balancing, adaptation to oxygen-limiting conditions, and fine-tuning of granule-associated protein expression and the regulatory network. This is followed by outlining engineered pathways improving the synthesis of PHB copolymers, PHBV, PHBHHx, and other emerging variants, emphasizing genetic modifications enabling biosynthesis based on unrelated single-carbon sources. Among these, enzyme engineering strategies and the establishment of novel artificial pathways are widely discussed. In particular, this review offers a comprehensive overview of promising engineering strategies, serving as a resource for future strain development and positioning C. necator as a valuable microbial chassis for biopolymer production at an industrial scale. Full article

This study aimed to evaluate the production of xylose reductase (XR), an enzyme responsible for converting xylose into xylitol, by Candida tropicalis ATCC 750 using hemicellulosic hydrolysate from cashew apple bagasse (CABHM) as a low-cost carbon source. The effects of temperature, aeration, and fluid dynamics on XR biosynthesis were also investigated. The highest XR production (1.53 U mL⁻¹) was achieved at 30 °C, with 8.3 g·L⁻¹ of xylitol produced by the yeast under microaerobic conditions, demonstrating that aeration and fluid dynamics are important factors in this process. Cellular metabolism and enzyme production decreased at temperatures above 35 °C. The maximum enzymatic activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 50 °C. XR is a heterodimeric protein with a molecular mass of approximately 30 kDa. These results indicate that CABHM is a promising substrate for XR production by C. tropicalis, contributing to the development of enzymatic bioprocesses for xylitol production from lignocellulosic biomass. This study also demonstrates the potential of agro-industrial residues as sustainable feedstocks in biorefineries, aligning with the principles of a circular bioeconomy. Full article

Moringa oleifera (MO), a nutritionally and pharmacologically potent species, is emerging as a sustainable candidate for applications across bioenergy, agriculture, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and biomedicine. This review explores recent advances in MO-based biotechnologies, highlighting novel extraction methods, green nanotechnology, and clinical trial findings. Although MO’s resilience offers promise for climate-smart agriculture and public health, challenges remain in standardizing cultivation and verifying therapeutic claims. This work underscores MO’s translational potential and the need for integrative, interdisciplinary research. MO is used in advanced materials, like electrospun fibers and biopolymers, showing filtration, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties—important for the biomedical industry and environmental remediation. In textiles, it serves as an eco-friendly alternative for wastewater treatment and yarn sizing. Biotechnological advancements, such as genome sequencing and in vitro culture, enhance traits and metabolite production. MO supports green biotechnology through sustainable agriculture, nanomaterials, and biocomposites. MO shows potential for disease management, immune support, metabolic health, and dental care, but requires further clinical trials for validation. Its resilience is suitable for land restoration and food security in arid areas. AI and deep learning enhance Moringa breeding, allowing for faster, cost-effective development of improved varieties. MO’s diverse applications establish it as a key element for sustainable development in arid regions. Full article