Search Results (15,694)

Postprandial hyperglycemia represents a critical therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), requiring interventions that simultaneously address glycemic dysregulation and oxidative stress. This study evaluated the anti-hyperglycemic and antioxidant properties of Sclerocarya birrea leaf crude extract (CE) and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Phytochemical screening, nanoparticle characterization (UV–Vis, XRD, TEM, SEM, DLS, FTIR), enzyme inhibition assays (α-amylase, α-glucosidase, DPP-IV), glucose dynamics in Caco-2 cells, and antioxidant assays (DPPH, total antioxidant capacity, H₂O₂ cytoprotection) were performed. Phytochemical analysis identified flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, and terpenoids as major constituents of Sclerocarya birrea leaf extract. AgNPs exhibited spherical morphology (36.8 ± 8.6 nm, n = 100 particles analyzed), face-centered cubic crystallinity (crystallite size: 32.1 nm), and characteristic surface plasmon resonance at 451 nm. Both formulations inhibited α-amylase (CE IC₅₀: 14 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 14.07 µg/mL, n = 3) and α-glucosidase (CE IC₅₀: 15.96 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 15.82 µg/mL, n = 3), showing substantial inhibition, though less potent than acarbose. Uniquely, AgNPs demonstrated selective DPP-IV inhibition (IC₅₀: 220.5 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001 vs. CE), completely absent in CE. In antioxidant assays, DPPH scavenging potency was comparable between formulations (CE IC₅₀: 23.45 µg/mL; AgNPs IC₅₀: 22.26 µg/mL, n = 3), while CE achieved higher maximal scavenging at the tested concentrations. Conversely, AgNPs provided superior intracellular cytoprotection against H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress in kidney cells (80.2 ± 2.1% viability at 76 µg/mL vs. CE 69.8 ± 3.4% at 190 µg/mL, n = 3, p < 0.001), representing a 2.5-fold dose advantage. Neither formulation significantly altered glucose uptake or SGLT1 expression in intestinal epithelial cells (p > 0.05, two-way ANOVA, n = 3). These findings establish S. birrea-based formulations, particularly AgNPs, as promising multifunctional candidates for managing postprandial hyperglycemia and oxidative complications in T2DM. They also highlight nanotechnology-enhanced phytomedicine as an innovative therapeutic strategy. Full article

This paper investigates a ceramic material based on ferrite-doped zirconia intended for use as a solar absorber in systems designed for the conversion of solar energy into thermal energy. The experimental study details the synthesis procedure of the ferrite-doped zirconia ceramic and its structural, morphological, optical, and magnetic characterization using X-Ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–Vis spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and optical band gap energy determination. XRD analysis confirms the presence of the crystalline ferrite phase, which is responsible for the enhanced solar absorption properties. UV–Vis investigations reveal intense absorption bands across the ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared regions, indicating high solar radiation absorptivity. These properties recommend the investigated ceramic as a promising solar receiver material for solar thermal power plants comparable to conventional materials such as carbides and nitrides. Full article

Objectives: Rhizoma Coptidis alkaloids (RCAs) have been proven highly promising in diabetes therapy. However, poor solubility, low bioavailability, and a lack of an effective delivery strategy are major hurdles to improving clinical outcomes. Herein, mPEG-PLGA nanoparticles were employed to deliver RCA orally to enhance anti-diabetic effects. Methods: The RCA-loaded nanoparticles (RCA NPs) were prepared using the emulsion solvent diffusion method. The physicochemical properties of RCA NPs were characterized by morphology, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, drug loading, and drug release. Pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution were determined by UPLC-MS/MS. The hypoglycemic effect was evaluated in a type 2 diabetes mouse model. To illustrate potential mechanisms of action, the expression of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway-related genes and their proteins was detected by RT-PCR and Western blot, respectively. Results: The prepared RCA NPs were spherical in structure, with a particle size of approximately 145 nm and a sustained drug release profile (approximately 50% within 24 h). Compared with RCAs, RCA NP bioavailability increased approximately 2.2-fold, and the hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory effects were significantly improved. The better outcome might be due to upregulation of expression and phosphorylation levels within the IRS1/PI3K/AKT/GLUT4 signal pathway in liver tissues. Conclusions: RCA NPs hold great potential for further clinical translation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dementia remains one of the major global health challenges of the modern era. Researchers worldwide continue to seek effective therapeutic strategies to combat this neurodegenerative condition. Silymarin is a natural compound with strong neuroprotective and antioxidant properties that holds great potential for dementia management; however, its poor aqueous solubility and limited ability to cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) have restricted its clinical application. This study focused on the formulation and evaluation of a heparin–pullulan silymarin liposomal (HPSL) nano-gel to enhance the neuroprotective efficacy of silymarin, with potential for improved brain targeting effects. Methods: The HPSL nano-gel was synthesized using the thin-film hydration technique and optimized based on entrapment efficiency, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and in vitro release kinetics. The neuroprotective efficacy of the HPSL nano-gel was evaluated in mice using behavioral evaluations, biochemical quantification of oxidative stress markers, evaluation of cholinergic enzyme activity and detailed histopathological examination of brain tissues. Results: Morphological characterization using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed a uniform nano-scale structure. The optimized formulation (HPSL-3) exhibited a particle size of 406.07 ± 19.33 nm, zeta potential of −23.72 ± 7.64 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 73.53 ± 12.05%, indicating good colloidal stability and efficient drug loading. The in vitro release profile followed non-Fickian diffusion kinetics, suggesting sustained drug release behavior. Behavioral studies in scopolamine-induced amnesic mice (elevated plus maze, hole board, and light/dark paradigms) demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.001) improvements in learning and memory retention. Biochemical analyses showed increased levels of ChAT, SOD, CAT, and GSH, along with decreased AChE and MDA levels, supporting the neuroprotective potential of the formulation. Histopathological evaluation revealed marked attenuation of neuronal degeneration, inflammation, and edema (HAI = 4) compared to the scopolamine-treated group (HAI = 11). Conclusions: Overall, the HPSL-2 formulation effectively enhanced silymarin delivery across the BBB, demonstrating potent antioxidant, neuroprotective, and cholinergic modulatory effects. These findings suggest that HPSL-2 represents a promising nano-carrier system for the management of dementia and other oxidative-stress-related neurological disorders. Full article

This work examined the development of amylose–lipid complexes in green banana flour (Musa × paradisiaca) incorporated with virgin coconut oil (VCO), focusing on their spectral, thermal, and in vitro digestibility characteristics. Firstly, the native banana flour was analyzed for apparent amylose content using a spectrophotometric assay. To facilitate amylose–lipid complexation, both hot-pressed and cold-pressed VCO were incorporated into the banana flour under controlled thermal conditions, after which amylose–lipid interactions were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy for spectral features and differential scanning calorimetry for thermal behavior. The banana flour exhibited an AAC of 26.40 ± 0.002%. GCMS analysis of FAME derivatized VCO detected medium- to long-chain fatty acids, including octanoic (C8:0), decanoic (C10:0), dodecanoic (C12:0), tetradecanoic (C14:0), and hexadecanoic acids (C16:0) stearic acid (C18:0) and oleic acid (C18:1). FTIR coupled with multivariate analysis and Raman spectra confirmed lipid incorporation/retention in green banana flour through characteristic O–H, C–H, and C=O bands. While DSC revealed distinct endothermic transitions at 89.56 ± 2.17 °C (ΔHₘ = 0.8587 ± 0.1014 J g⁻¹) for hot-pressed VCO and 89.18 ± 0.98 °C (ΔHₘ = 0.6267 ± 0.0777 J g⁻¹) for cold-pressed VCO, consistent with the melting of V-type amylose–lipid complexes. Morphological analysis revealed that thermal treatment transformed native banana flour from irregular granular structures into an amorphous matrix via starch gelatinization, whereas subsequent incorporation of VCO promoted aggregation. In vitro enzymatic digestion showed a slight reduction in starch hydrolysis in VCO-treated samples. The incorporation of an exogenous lipid, such as VCO, into green banana flour promotes the formation of thermally stable amylose–lipid complexes that reduce enzymatic digestibility. Full article

This study investigates the potential of Quercus robur leaves as a bio-coagulant for the removal of heavy metal ions, including zinc (II), iron (III), copper (II), and chromium (VI), from water. The Quercus robur leaves were used in two forms: Quercus robur powder (QRP) and Quercus robur extract (QRE). The extract was prepared using distilled water to extract the active compounds responsible for coagulation, such as proteins, polysaccharides, and total phenolics. The QRP was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and zeta potential analysis to identify the active functional groups, surface morphology, crystallinity, and surface charge, all of which are key factors influencing its performance in the coagulation–flocculation process. In this work, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM)-based Central Composite Design (CCD), with two factors (bio-coagulant dosage and initial metal concentration), was used examine the effects of each factor and their interaction, while the responses were zinc (II) removal, iron (III) removal, copper (II) removal, and chromium (VI). The results revealed high removal efficiency for these metal ions, reaching up to 100% for all metal ions treated with QRP and QRE. The quality of the model predictions was evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). For all metal ions, the R² (≥97%), R² adjusted (≥95%), and p-values (<0.05), indicating an excellent model accuracy. These results show that bio-coagulants (QRP and QRE) based a Quercus robur leaves are a promising, effective, and reliable option for removing heavy metal ions from water, and that the models developed can be used to optimize the coagulation-flocculation process. Full article

Monitoring the concentration of doxorubicin (DOX) was critical for tumor treatment, but existing methods failed to cross cell membrane. Here, an electrochemical platform for intracellular DOX detection in MCF-7 cells based on membrane-permeation strategy was developed. A modified gold electrode was prepared via electrodepositing AuNPs and assembling SH-DNA. Concurrently, the silica nanosphere/gold nanocluster-circular transmembrane peptide (SiO₂/AuNCs-iRGD) composite nanoparticles with membrane permeability, tumor targeting, and imaging capability were synthesized. After co-incubation of SiO₂/AuNCs-iRGD with MCF-7 cells and DOX, followed by co-incubation with the DNA-modified electrode, intracellular DOX intercalated into the DNA backbone, and redox-generated electrons were transferred to the electrode to produce a concentration-correlated electrochemical signal. The modification of the electrode, the morphology of the composite nanoparticles and the detection process were characterized by means of SEM, TEM, CV, EIS, DPV, fluorescence spectroscopy and laser confocal imaging. Under the optimized conditions, the proposed method exhibited a wide detection range of 0.05–300 μmol/L, with a detection limit of 0.01 μmol/L. Moreover, the modified electrode demonstrated satisfactory regenerability, and the proposed method showed excellent reproducibility and stability. The development platform could offer a new strategy for real-time assessment of drug concentration within cultured breast cancer cells in vitro. Full article

Growing concerns about environmental pollution and the sustainability of conventional nanomaterial synthesis have accelerated interest in plant-based routes for nanoparticle production. This review provides an in-depth analysis of more than 290 peer-reviewed research and review articles published between 2010 and 2025, extracted from the Web of Science and Scopus databases, on the green synthesis of metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles using plant extracts, with particular emphasis on their characterization and application in water treatment. Plant-derived phytochemicals serve as natural reducing and stabilizing agents, enabling nanoparticle formation without hazardous reagents. Key physicochemical characterization techniques, including UV–Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, are evaluated for their roles in confirming nanoparticle structure, morphology, surface chemistry, and optical behavior. The review focuses on water purification applications, highlighting adsorption and photocatalytic degradation as the most extensively investigated removal pathways. Particular attention is given to widely studied material classes such as silver, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron-based nanoparticles, which demonstrate effective removal of heavy metals, synthetic dyes, pesticides, and pharmaceutical residues. Current limitations related to synthesis reproducibility, mechanistic understanding, stability, and scalability are critically discussed. The review concludes by identifying priority research directions, including standardized synthesis protocols, deeper chemical analysis of plant extracts, and the integration of green nanoparticles into immobilized and membrane-based systems to advance their practical implementation in sustainable water treatment technologies. Full article

Mexican species of Lactifluus have often been identified using names of morphologically similar Old World taxa. However, integrative approaches combining morphological and molecular data have revealed a high level of previously unrecognized diversity in the region. Here, two new species from lowland tropical Quercus forest are described: one in section Piperati (subgenus Lactifluus), characterized by pale yellow basidiomes and another in section Albati (subgenus Lactariopsis), with whitish basidiomes. The two taxa are distinguished by a unique set of macro- and micromorphological features, and their recognition is strongly supported by phylogenetic evidence from a concatenated dataset including nc ITS rDNA, nc 28S rDNA and the 6–7 region of the second largest subunit of the RNA polymerase II (rpb2). Full article

Lacustrine shales are key targets for shale oil exploration, yet the quantitative characterization of their complex and heterogeneous pore systems remains a significant challenge, constraining effective reservoir evaluation and development. This study investigates lacustrine shales from the Second Member of the Kongdian Formation by integrating N₂ adsorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry, and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy with fractal analysis. A Mamba-based deep learning model was applied to improve two-dimensional (2D) pore segmentation, and three-dimensional (3D) pore surface point clouds were reconstructed for 3D surface fractal characterization to reduce artifacts associated with conventional 3D reconstruction. The results indicate that the pore system is dominated by inorganic pores, mainly irregular interparticle pores and dissolution pores, while organic pores are scarce. Pore sizes are predominantly concentrated in the range of 5 to 200 nm. Adsorption-derived fractal dimensions exhibit systematic lithofacies differences, with D₁ and D₂ averaging around 2.47 and 2.56, respectively. These trends are consistent with the 3D pore surface fractal dimension derived from pore surface point clouds (mean 2.48), which supplements the bulk statistical results with direct geometric quantification of surface roughness. The heterogeneity of the pore system is influenced by the coupled effects of mineral composition, organic matter content, and diagenesis. Specifically, the enrichment of clay minerals and dolomite increases the irregularity of pore morphology and results in higher fractal dimensions. In contrast, samples enriched in feldspars and calcite are supported by a rigid granular framework that corresponds to lower 3D surface complexity. Ultimately, these fractal dimensions effectively quantify pore network complexity and reservoir heterogeneity in the Kong 2 shales, offering quantitative support for reservoir characterization and lacustrine shale oil exploration. Full article

Background: Myricetin (MYR) is a natural flavonol with antioxidant, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective activities. Still, its pharmaceutical use is limited by very low aqueous solubility (~16.6 µg/mL) and poor oral bioavailability (<10%). This study aimed to enhance the solubility and potentially improve the bioavailability of MYR by developing an amorphous nanofibrous delivery system. Methods: Electrospinning was applied to fabricate MYR-loaded nanofibers using polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 (PVP30), and the influence of key processing parameters on MYR solubility was evaluated. Nanofibers produced under selected electrospinning conditions were characterized in terms of morphology, encapsulation efficiency, and physicochemical properties. Results: X-ray powder diffraction confirmed complete amorphization of MYR within the BB5 fiber structure (distance: 12 cm, voltage: 25 kV, flow rate: 1.5 mL/h). FTIR analysis indicated hydrogen-bonding interactions between MYR hydroxyl groups and PVP30 carbonyl groups, contributing to stabilization of the amorphous form. SEM images revealed homogeneous, defect-free fibers with diameters below 400 nm, although localized MYR agglomerates were observed. Solubility and release studies demonstrated a characteristic spring-and-parachute effect, enabling rapid MYR release and maintenance of a supersaturated state. Enhanced solubility resulted in significantly improved antioxidant activity in DPPH and CUPRAC assays compared with crystalline MYR. Conclusions: Electrospun PVP30 nanofibers represent a promising platform for improving the solubility, dissolution behavior, and functional activity of poorly soluble bioactive compounds such as myricetin, supporting their potential application in pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

In this work, compatibilized poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PLA/PBAT) blends were developed and characterized, to be potentially utilized as biodegradable self-healing matrices for composite laminates. Blends containing 10, 20 and 30%wt of PBAT and 0.5 phr of an epoxy-based compatibilizer were prepared by melt compounding and hot pressing. Rheological measurements showed that moduli and complex viscosity generally increased with PBAT content, while maintaining viscosity levels suitable for conventional melt-processing operations. FT-IR and FESEM analyses confirmed the formation of an immiscible but well-compatibilized morphology, characterized by a homogeneous dispersion of PBAT domains within the PLA phase. Mechanical tests revealed a decrease in tensile modulus (up to 44%), strength (up to 45%) and fracture toughness (up to 40%) with a PBAT content up to 30%wt. Self-healing was evaluated by measuring the fracture toughness (K_IC) recovery after thermal treatment at 140 °C. After healing, the blend containing 20%wt of PBAT exhibited a self-healing efficiency of 64% under impact conditions, which was attributed to the smoother fracture surface generated at an elevated strain rate that facilitated a more effective flow of the molten PBAT phase across the crack interface during healing. The formulation containing 20%wt of PBAT featured the best balance between mechanical performance and self-healing efficiency. Full article

Cucurbitaceous plants comprise a wide range of economically important vegetable and fruit crops. In this study, Alternaria species associated with Cucurbitaceae were investigated using an integrative approach combining multilocus phylogenetic analyses and morphological characterization. Two novel species, Alternaria charantiicola sp. nov. and A. cucumicola sp. nov., were identified from Momordica charantia and Cucumis sp., respectively. In addition, five Alternaria species, namely A. zeae, A. lycopersici, A. sanguisorbae, A. pulvinifungicola, and A. solanicola, are reported for the first time from cucurbitaceous hosts. These findings expand the known species diversity of Alternaria associated with Cucurbitaceae in China and provide a taxonomic basis for the accurate diagnosis of Alternaria-related diseases in cucurbit crops. Full article

Zirconium hydride is susceptible to dehydrogenation at elevated temperatures. In this study, zirconium hydride was oxidized by in situ oxidation in a CO₂ atmosphere at temperatures ranging from 550 to 700 °C for 10 h. The morphology, elemental distribution, phase structure, and hydrogen barrier performance of the resulting oxide films were systematically characterized using SEM, EDS, XRD, film adhesion and microhardness tests, and dehydrogenation experiments. At 550–600 °C, the formed oxide films are thin and non-uniform, containing numerous micropores and cracks, which results in limited hydrogen barrier performance. When the oxidation temperature is increased to 650 °C, a better balance between the oxidation reaction and diffusion processes is achieved. This leads to the formation of a dense, continuous, and uniform ZrO₂ film with strong adhesion to the substrate. As a result, the initial dehydrogenation temperature increases to 660 °C, while both the dehydrogenation rate and cumulative hydrogen release are significantly reduced, indicating the best overall hydrogen resistance. However, further increasing the oxidation temperature to 700 °C causes an excessively high oxidation rate, which introduces large growth and thermal stresses. These stresses promote the formation of microcracks in the oxide film, weaken the interfacial bonding strength, and consequently reduce the hydrogen barrier performance. The results demonstrate that the hydrogen permeation resistance of the oxide film is mainly governed by film compactness, defect evolution, and interfacial integrity. Based on these findings, 650 °C is identified as the optimal processing temperature for producing a high-quality hydrogen-resistant ZrO₂ film on zirconium hydride under a CO₂ atmosphere. Full article

A new spiral nematode species, Scutellonema curcumae sp. n., was identified from the rhizosphere of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) in the Western Highlands of Vietnam. Integrative taxonomical analysis, combining detailed morphology and molecular characterization (ITS, 28S D2–D3 rDNA, and COI mtDNA), confirmed its distinctiveness. Scutellonema curcumae sp. n. is characterized by a unique combination of a spiral body, a hemispherical lip region with four annuli, a robust stylet, and a rounded tail with a prominent scutellum, forming a highly divergent lineage within the genus. Beyond its description, this study reveals a significant inverse correlation between nematode population density and the phytochemical quality of the host. High infestation levels were associated with a marked decline in total curcuminoid content. Notably, lower nematode density favored a specific shift in the curcuminoid profile, with bisdemethoxycurcumin levels increasing by up to 250%. These phytochemical alterations directly influenced the therapeutic potential of the rhizomes: lower infestation levels resulted in significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity (lower SC₅₀ values) and cytotoxic activity (lower IC₅₀ against HepG2 and A549 cell lines). This work represents the first report of a Scutellonema species associated with turmeric in Vietnam and underscores its detrimental impact on the medicinal and nutraceutical value of the crop. Our findings suggest that effective nematode management is crucial not only for yield protection but as a strategic intervention in precision agriculture to optimize the secondary metabolite profiles of medicinal plants. Full article