Search Results (200)

Jatobá is a fruit-bearing plant whose pod husk accounts for approximately 70% of the fruit weight, becoming a residue after consumption or processing. Recent studies indicate that this byproduct is a promising source of phenolic compounds. However, extraction process variables, particularly solvent composition, can significantly impact recovery yields, although their effect remains poorly understood. In this context, a simplex-centroid mixture design was applied to optimize the solvent system to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds and antioxidants from jatobá fruit husk. Different combinations of water, methanol, and acetone were evaluated using TPC, ABTS, and FRAP as response variables. Statistical analyses confirmed the significance of the models, with no lack of fit and high coefficients of determination. Multi-response optimization using the desirability function identified a nearly equivalent mixture of water and acetone (51.52%:48.48%, water/acetone) as the optimal condition, yielding predicted values of 41.51 mg GAE/g dw (TPC), 340.36 µmol TE/g dw (ABTS), and 485.74 µmol TE/g dw (FRAP), which did not differ statistically from the experimental values obtained in the validation assay (40.64 mg GAE/g dw for TPC, 334.31 µmol TE/g dw for ABTS, and 482.69 µmol TE/g dw for FRAP). HPLC-DAD analysis revealed that the fruit husk is predominantly composed of monomeric and dimeric procyanidins, especially epicatechin and procyanidin B2. Overall, these findings demonstrate the effectiveness of mixture design in optimizing extraction conditions and highlight jatobá fruit husk as a promising byproduct for the sustainable obtention of phenolic compounds and antioxidants with potential applications in products intended for human consumption after security validation. Full article

Brassinosteroids are recognized regulators of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in grapevine; however, their spatiotemporal effects remain insufficiently characterized. This study examined the stage-specific impacts of exogenous 24-epibrassinolide and brassinazole on these phenolic compounds in Cabernet Sauvignon. Treatments were applied at fruit set and veraison, with skin and seed tissues collected across six developmental stages. Berry ripening and quality parameters were evaluated, and phenolic profiles were quantified via HPLC. The results revealed that both 24-epibrassinolide and brassinazole significantly influenced grape maturation and phenolic biosynthesis in a timing-dependent manner. Specifically, 24-epibrassinolide application at fruit set increased the content of proanthocyanidins and trihydroxylated subunits, as well as the galloylation percentage, in both skins and seeds, while also altering their composition and subunit architecture. In contrast, veraison-stage treatment reduced these parameters in seeds but promoted them in skins, highlighting a tissue-specific response within the same developmental window. Moreover, compared with fruit-set treatment, 24-epibrassinolide application at veraison more significantly enhanced total anthocyanin content in skins, predominantly through the accumulation of specific monomeric forms. Together, based on two consecutive growing seasons (2022–2023) in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon, these findings demonstrate that brassinosteroid regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in grape berries depends not only on the tissue but also on the phenological stage of application. In conclusion, this study reveals distinct spatiotemporal patterns in the regulation of phenolic biosynthesis by 24-epibrassinolide in grapevine, providing new insights into the hormone-mediated modulation of secondary metabolism and suggesting a potential agronomic strategy for precisely shaping the phenolic profile of wine grapes through stage-targeted brassinosteroid application. Full article

In bulk heterojunction (BHJ) organic solar cells (OSCs) employing perylene diimide (PDI)-based non-fullerene acceptors, excessive intermolecular interactions among PDI units lead to severe aggregation and pronounced donor–acceptor phase separation, both of which critically limit device performance. To address these issues, numerous structurally engineered PDI derivatives have been developed. In particular, twisted multi-PDI architectures designed to suppress intermolecular aggregation have shown improved morphological control; however, such twisted structures are often highly amorphous, which reduces electron-transport efficiency and constrains OSC performance. In this work, we introduce a mixed-acceptor strategy combining a twisted PDI dimer (SF-PDI₂) with a planar monomeric PDI (m-PDI) to balance aggregation and morphological uniformity. Ternary blend OSCs consisting of PTB7-Th as the donor and these two PDI acceptors exhibit systematic performance variations depending on their relative ratios. At the optimized composition (SF-PDI₂:m-PDI = 90:10 by weight), the device outperforms single-acceptor systems, which is attributed to controlled aggregation arising from the complementary structural features of the two PDI acceptors. This study demonstrates that combining mixed PDI acceptors with similar molecular moieties enables precise control of aggregation, improving both morphology and photovoltaic performance. Full article

Background: Although the definition of dietary fibre is complex and constantly evolving, today we can identify it as “carbohydrate polymers with at least 10 monomeric units, which are not hydrolysed in the small intestine of humans”. In addition to the numerous and well-known benefits of dietary fibre for human health, our attention is drawn to its antioxidant properties, achieved through polyphenolic compounds linked to polysaccharide complexes. This study investigated the antioxidant effects of an extract from the fruit of Punica granatum (PUN), particularly rich in polyphenols, fibre, flavonoids, vitamins, organic acids, minerals, amino acids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, these effects were evaluated in two human nervous system cell lines under oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. Methodology: After examining the fibre composition, some polyphenols present in the extract were identified and quantified by HPLC. Furthermore, the antioxidant power of PUN was measured using the DPPH method, the chelating activity assay, the reducing power test, the ORAC method, the measurement of reactive oxygen species accumulation, the quantification of lipid peroxidation, and the detection of mitochondrial superoxide in cell cultures. Results: The results were consistent, and PUN demonstrated a strong antioxidant potential, justified not only by the high content of easily extractable polyphenols (EPPs) but also by a further addition of these more difficult to identify compounds (NEPPs), indicated as “hidden polyphenols”; therefore, the total polyphenol content in the extract resulted from the sum of EPPs + NEPPs (71 ± 7.9 + 55 ± 6.4 mg = 126 ± 14.3 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight). The fraction of hidden polyphenols could therefore explain a mechanism by which the fibre exerts an antioxidant effect. Another important result was achieved by the cell lines used, both of which were significantly protected by PUN following oxidative damage generated by a pro-oxidant treatment. However, astrocytes were found to be more responsive and sensitive than were human neurons. At the same time, PUN mitigated the effects of oxidative damage, and it could be hypothesised that this extract could be used to extinguish the A1 phenotype. Conclusions: We can conclude that the fibrous component of pomegranate is related to the antioxidant property exerted, and the neurodegeneration caused by oxidative stress could be slowed following the intake of Punica granatum. It is possible to identify the pomegranate as a “superfood” or “functional food”, with excellent nutritional characteristics and chemical composition. Full article

Wheat end-product quality results from complex interactions among protein, starch, and fiber, further complicated by genetic and environmental variability, especially in commercial samples composed of multiple varieties from diverse regions. Eighteen composite samples of hard red spring wheat (HRSW) were prepared from 755 field samples to simulate commercial grain blending. These composites were analyzed to evaluate the influence of flour composition on product quality. A wide range of flour compositional properties was analyzed and associated with dough and end-product quality traits, as measured by GlutoPeak, Rapid Visco Analyzer, Farinograph, Extensograph, Alveograph, and loaf baking. The results indicated that dough and bread quality are not determined by protein or gluten content alone, but that protein, starch and fiber composition and structural variations play a crucial role. Flours with higher proportions of high-molecular-weight glutenin (HMW-GS) fractions, particularly those rich in Bx and Ax subunits, exhibited greater dough resistance, mixing strength, and bread volume. In contrast, lower-performing samples were characterized by reduced HMW/LMW, polymeric/monomeric protein ratios, and HMW-Bx content. Multivariate modeling showed strong predictive performance for loaf volume (R² > 0.860) when protein, starch and fiber quality metrics were combined with protein content. These findings provide a data-driven framework for wheat flour classification and optimizing processing formulation. Full article

Dietary fiber and phenolic compounds are key bioactives in gastrointestinal and metabolic health; however, their compositional features and metabolic implications have rarely been studied as an integrated system within realistic food matrices. Mango bagasse confectionery previously demonstrated prebiotic potential, and its reformulation with extruded mango peel showed hepatoprotective effects linked to gut microbiota modulation. In this study, mango bagasse and peel confectionery (MBPC) was characterized and its metabolic impact was evaluated in vivo. Wistar rats were fed standard or high-fat diets with or without MBPC supplementation, followed by fecal fatty acid analysis. MBPC exhibited a high dietary fiber content for a confectionery product (25 g total fiber per 100 g), with monomeric profiles indicative of cell wall-derived polysaccharides and pectic components. The fiber fraction showed a low Mw (14.71 ± 0.02 kDa), suggesting a matrix favorable for fiber–phenolic interactions. Phenolic profiling revealed substantial concentrations of free (9.0 mg/mL) and bound (16.7 mg/mL) phenolic compounds. Fecal fatty acid profiles were diet-dependent, with palmitic acid showing the highest relative abundance, followed by stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids, associated with dietary fiber intake. This study elucidates the structural and metabolic relevance of dietary fiber–phenolic interactions within a formulated food matrix. Full article

Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactones) (PLCL) are promising biodegradable polymers with tunable properties for various biomedical applications. Along with the composition, the microstructure of PLCL chain is an important factor affecting its properties, crystallinity, and degradation profile. In this study, to find effective ways for tailoring the microstructure of PLCL chain, kinetic patterns of L-lactide/ε-caprolactone (75:25) ring-opening copolymerization in the presence of two different catalysts were evaluated. The kinetic studies, accompanied by the assessment of the evolution of PLCL microstructure over the reaction course, provided the optimal regimes for synthesis of PLCL with a fixed composition (LA:CL = 75:25) and different chain microstructure. This was achieved by employing two types of catalysts (tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate and zirconium(IV) acetylacetonate) and delayed co-monomer addition approach. The control of average LA block length (l_LA) was achieved in a wide range from 4 to 14 monomeric units. Differential scanning calorimetry and wide-angle X-ray scattering revealed a pronounced effect of l_LA on glass transition temperature, melting temperature, and crystallinity. Full article

Climate change and unsustainable agricultural practices are triggering land degradation in semi-arid Mediterranean regions. Organic amendments, such as mulching materials, have shown promising potential to mitigate these impacts by improving soil chemical, physical, and biological properties, while enhancing grapevine growth and productivity. This study evaluated the effects of wheat straw mulch (M) and wheat straw combined with biochar (MB), together with vineyard topography (bottom vs. top), on grape chemical and phenolic composition in four Vitis vinifera L. cultivars (Syrah, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet, and Antão Vaz) grown in the Alentejo wine region. Grapes were sampled separately at top and bottom topographic positions, and classical and phenolic parameters were analyzed. The application of M and MB significantly modified must composition, mainly through changes in nitrogen and sugar levels across topographic positions. Only MB exhibited stronger effects, enhancing must quality, while MB and M reduced bottom–top variability. Similar patterns and positional effects were observed for phenolic and color parameters. Both organic treatments lowered total monomeric anthocyanin concentrations, although positional differences with wheat straw mulch were found. The results highlight that combining soil management with topography and variety response can optimize grape phenolic composition and promote sustainable viticulture through targeted, site-specific mulching strategies. Full article

Photocatalysis driven by the visible light of solar energy has received considerable attention in the field of environmental remediation and clean energy production. In this work, monomeric sulfonated palladium phthalocyanine (PdPcS) was encapsulated in zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-8 (ZIF-8) crystals (denoted PdPcS@ZIF-8) through electrostatic interaction in the ammonia system, while their photocatalytic activity was well-maintained together with the structural regularity of ZIF-8 crystals. For comparison, a PdPcS/ZIF-8 sample was obtained from the traditional impregnation method. The ¹³C NMR and UV-DRS spectra confirmed the difference between PdPcS@ZIF-8 and PdPcS/ZIF-8 in terms of the chemical environment effect for PdPcS. Under visible light, the optimal PdPcS@ZIF-8 catalyst achieved complete degradation of 0.1 mM bisphenol A in 120 min. It also exhibited excellent stability, retaining 81.5% activity after four cycles, far outperforming the impregnated sample (32.5%) due to effective encapsulation preventing PdPcS leaching. This versatile one-step synthetic strategy is expected to be useful for designing novel macromolecules@MOF composite materials. Full article

Biflavonoids, or flavonoid dimers, are characteristic phytochemicals of ginkgo associated with various biological activities, yet they remain far less studied than monomeric flavonoids. For their effective industrial application, optimization of extraction conditions is essential. This study investigated the effect of ethanol–water ratio (0, 10, 30, 50, 70, and 96% ethanol) on the extraction efficiency of major ginkgo biflavonoids (amentoflavone, bilobetin, ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, and sciadopitysin). Three ginkgo tissue types, green leaves, yellow leaves, and sarcotesta, previously reported to accumulate biflavonoids, were analyzed. Biflavonoids were quantified by HPLC-DAD, and total polyphenol content and antioxidant activity were also determined. Biflavonoids were most abundant in yellow leaves, with sciadopitysin identified as the dominant compound. No biflavonoids were detected in water or 10% ethanol extracts, while 30% ethanol extracts contained detectable biflavonoids only in yellow leaves at low concentrations. For most biflavonoids, the highest concentrations were obtained using 70% and 96% ethanol. Considering comparable extraction efficiency and lower toxicity, 70% ethanol was identified as the most suitable solvent. These findings highlight the importance of tissue type and solvent composition for efficient biflavonoid extraction from ginkgo. Full article

Wet coffee pulp residues (WCPRs) are typically underutilized, and their accumulation increases alongside coffee production, generating significant environmental impacts. This study proposes a sustainable valorization approach through hydrothermal treatment followed by membrane filtration for the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOSs). Extractive-free WCPR contained 35.4% structural carbohydrates (20.4% cellulose and 15.0% hemicellulose) and 27.0% lignin. Hydrothermal treatments (180 °C, 3 °C min⁻¹, 15–60 min) were performed with and without citric acid as an organic catalyst. The acid-assisted treatment (T4) enhanced hemicellulose depolymerization and xylose release (16 g·kg⁻¹ dry biomass), whereas milder, non-acidic conditions (T3) promoted the selective formation and recovery of short-chain XOS, reaching cumulative biomass-normalized yields of up to 14 g·kg⁻¹ of xylobiose (X2) and 9 g·kg⁻¹ of xylotriose (X3). Subsequent membrane processing (UF–DF–NF) enabled progressive purification and enrichment of XOS fractions. Diafiltration was identified as the main step governing XOS enrichment, whereas nanofiltration primarily refined separation by directing monomeric sugars to the permeate rather than substantially increasing XOS yields. Additionally, Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA) integrated process and compositional variables, explaining 79.6% of the total variance. Dimension 1 represented process intensity and xylose transport, while Dimension 2 reflected molecular-weight-driven XOS fractionation. The acid-assisted process (T4) exhibited a distinct multivariate signature, characterized by enhanced carbohydrate mobilization and improved XOS recovery with reduced dependence on dilution. Overall, coupling hydrothermal pretreatment with membrane fractionation proved to be an efficient, and environmentally friendly strategy for coffee by-product valorization, consistent with hemicellulose-first biorefinery models and the principles of the circular bioeconomy. Full article

Corneal fibroblasts adhere to the extracellular matrix via integrin-containing focal adhesions (FAs). Although topographical cues are known to influence FA patterning in corneal fibroblasts, it is unclear how ECM composition, biophysical cues, and specific integrins modulate FA patterning in corneal fibroblasts. In this study, we cultured a human corneal fibroblast cell line (HTKs) on different ECM proteins and micropatterns of aligned collagen fibrils to determine the effects of ECM topography and composition on focal adhesion subcellular patterning. Using confocal imaging, we observed and quantified changes in FA and integrin patterning based on the underlying ECM type. More specifically, the presence of fibrillar topography as compared to monomeric collagen resulted in diminished FA number, area, and length. Using specific integrin blocking antibodies, we also demonstrate that HTKs use different integrin subunits to adhere to specific ECM coatings. For example, β₁ integrins are important in adhesion formation when corneal fibroblasts adhere to collagen, while α₅ integrin is important for the HTKs to adhere to fibronectin. Blocking of α₅ integrin did not completely inhibit cell spreading and FA patterning when cells adhered to fibronectin. These results suggest that there might be other fibronectin receptors that HTKs use in the absence of α₅ integrin. These results lay the foundation to understand the role of different integrin subunits in FA patterning. Through further experimentation using our developed platform, we envision that a better understanding of the integrins and their associated signaling could have implications for advanced in vitro and in vivo applications in cornea biology. Full article

The Belamcanda chinensis (L.) Redouté is a perennial herb belong to the genus Belamcanda, primarily found in China, but with additional distribution in North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and India. The rhizomes of B. chinensis have a long history of use as a traditional herbal medicine in China, one that is recognized for its effects in clearing heat, in detoxifying and eliminating phlegm, and in soothing the throat. In this review, we conducted a comprehensive search across several databases, both Chinese and international, using the primary keyword Belamcanda chinensis paired with a relevant research area (e.g., chemical composition, pharmacology). The databases included Sci-Finder, ScienceDirect, PubMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wiley, Springer Baidu Scholar and Research Gate, as well as domestic materia medica. We illustrated the chemical structures using ChemBioDraw Ultra 22.0 software. There are more than 10 proprietary Chinese medicines already on the market that consist of or originate from B. chinensis. More than 200 natural products have been isolated and identified from B. chinensis, including iridal-type triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenolics, quinones, sesquiterpenes, and polysaccharides. Modern pharmacological studies indicate that both crude extracts and monomeric compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, neuroprotective and anti-diabetic activities, with potential regulatory pathways. Additionally, B. chinensis demonstrates toxicity to fish, mollusks and arthropods. Clinical studies have shown that formulas containing B. chinensis as the main ingredient have a good therapeutic effect on respiratory diseases. In summary, B. chinensis presents promising prospects for application in medicine, functional food, cosmetics and agriculture. Therefore, we have reviewed the chemical composition, pharmacological activities (both in vivo and in vitro), structure–activity relationships, toxicity and clinical application of B. chinensis over the past 40 years, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the subsequent comprehensive utilization of the plants. Full article

The Plinia genus comprises an underestimated group of fruit trees native to the neotropics of South and Central America. One such species is Plinia peruviana (Poir.) Govaerts, commonly known as ‘Yvapurú’, which belongs to the Myrtaceae family. Its fruits have high nutraceutical potential and are used in the food and medicinal industries. However, scientific information on its composition and bioactive properties remains limited at the regional level. This study aimed to determine the nutritional composition and antioxidant potential of wild P. peruviana fruits collected in a native forest in Emboscada, Paraguay. Official AOAC methods were employed to analyse the centesimal composition, and the vitamin C content, Total Phenolics Compounds (TPC), and total monomeric anthocyanin (TMA) content were determined in freeze-dried pulp and peel. The main components of whole fruits were total carbohydrates and dietary fibre (12.2 ± 0.7 g/100 g and 9.9 ± 0.8 g/100 g, respectively). The main minerals present were potassium (252 ± 9 mg/100 g), sodium (49 ± 3 mg/100 g), magnesium (46 ± 5 mg/100 g), calcium (21.5 ± 1 mg/100 g) and phosphorus (4.1 ± 0.9 mg/100 g). In terms of antioxidant potential, the peel exhibited higher concentrations of total phenolic compounds (730 ± 5 mg EAG/100 g) and anthocyanins (191 ± 15 mg C3G/100 g) than the pulp (611 ± 13 mg EAG/100 g). These results confirm that P. peruviana fruits have a valuable nutritional profile, providing significant amounts of dietary fibre and essential minerals, as well as high levels of bioactive compounds associated with antioxidant capacity. Using them as a functional food could help prevent chronic diseases and strengthen food security. The study also expands knowledge of Paraguay’s fruit biodiversity and supports the sustainable utilisation of underutilised native species. Full article

Background/Objectives: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is a heterodimeric protein composed of a heavy α-chain with an MHC class I-like fold and β₂-microglobulin. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis and pharmacokinetics of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and albumin through pH-dependent recycling. The production of soluble recombinant FcRn is technically challenging due to its heterodimeric structure and the presence of a transmembrane domain. This study aimed to develop a polycistronic construct enabling the co-expression of FcRn subunits from a single transcript and to evaluate the functional activity of the resulting protein in CHO-K1 cells. Methods: Integration vectors (pComV-FcRn-B2M) were designed to encode FcRn and β₂-microglobulin linked via self-cleaving 2A peptides (P2A, E2A, F2A, T2A). Stable producer cell lines were generated using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system. The purified proteins were characterized by SDS-PAGE, Western blotting, and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC). Functional activity was assessed by ELISA and bio-layer interferometry (BLI). Results: Electrophoretic and chromatographic analyses confirmed the expected subunit composition and demonstrated that over 95% of the recombinant protein was monomeric. Functional assays revealed pH-dependent IgG binding, with strong interaction at pH 6.0 and negligible binding at pH 7.5. BLI measurements showed high affinity consistent with native FcRn function (KD = 3.15 nM at pH 6.0). Conclusions: The developed polycistronic construct containing a P2A peptide with a GSG linker enabled efficient production of functional FcRn in CHO-K1 cells (yield up to 2.23 mg/mL). The P2A variant demonstrated the highest efficiency and can serve as a reference system for screening Fc-engineered antibodies with optimized pharmacokinetic properties. Full article