Search Results (289)

In the silk production process, cocoons from Bombyx mori worm are degummed and separated from their components. This step generates large residual quantities of an aqueous solution containing various chemical substances, including sericin—a protein that, when discarded improperly, negatively impacts the environment. Sodium bicarbonate and coconut soap are commonly used in the degumming process. The phosphates in the soap and the sodium bicarbonate increase the biological oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD), leading to water contamination. In this study, a Box–Behnken experimental design was used to maximize the extraction of sericin through a conventional extraction under chemical-free conditions. From a total of 45 experiments, the optimal extraction conditions were identified as a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 w/v, a temperature of 120 °C, and 90 min of extraction time. Sericin yields ranged from 9% to 18%. Infrared spectroscopic characterization of the extracted sericin confirmed the presence of protein-specific functional groups and common interactions associated with β-sheet structures. Fractions of high molecular weight (50 kDa to 200 kDa), identified by means of Sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis, demonstrate the potential functionality of extracted sericin for the development of biopolymer films useful in biomedical and food industry applications. The optimized methodology is a good alternative to recycle the waste of sericulture chain for obtaining extracts enriched in sericin, as well as to promote the mechanization of artisanal production processes. Full article

To investigate the immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides derived from the rhizome of Imperata cylindrica, polysaccharides (IRPs-H) were extracted using hot water extraction and further purified via DEAE-52 ion-exchange chromatography, yielding three fractions: IRPs-H1, IRPs-H2, and IRPs-H3. The structural features of these fractions were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), high-performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Their immunological activities were evaluated in vitro. All three fractions were identified as neutral pyranose-type polysaccharides, primarily composed of glucose and xylose, exhibiting good thermal stability and lacking long-chain structures. In vitro assays using RAW264.7 macrophages demonstrated that these polysaccharides promoted cell proliferation (50–800 μg/mL), enhanced phagocytic activity, and induced morphological changes characteristic of macrophage activation, including irregular shapes and pseudopod formation. ELISA and flow cytometry analyses revealed dose-dependent increases in nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Notably, the IRPs-H3 fraction stimulated TNF-α and IL-6 production to levels of 438.02 ± 14.14 pg/mL and 30.13 ± 1.27 pg/mL, respectively, which were comparable to those induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the positive control (460.83 ± 16.10 pg/mL and 31.87 ± 1.72 pg/mL, respectively). These results suggest that polysaccharides extracted from the rhizome of Imperata cylindrica possess significant immunostimulatory properties and hold potential for development as functional food ingredients or immune-enhancing agents. Full article

This experimental study examines the particle-level combustion behavior of high-volatile bituminous coal and walnut shell particles in oxyfuel environments, with a particular focus on the gas-phase ignition characteristics and the structural development of volatile flames. Particles with similar size and shape distributions (a median diameter of about 126 µm and an aspect ratio of around 1.5) are combusted in hot flows generated using lean, flat flames, where the oxygen mole fraction is systematically varied in both CO₂/O₂ and N₂/O₂ atmospheres while maintaining comparable gas temperatures and particle heating rates. The investigation employs a high-speed multi-camera diagnostic system combining laser-induced fluorescence of OH, diffuse backlight-illumination, and Mie scattering to simultaneously measure the particle size, shape, and velocity; the ignition delay time; and the volatile flame dynamics during early-stage volatile combustion. Advanced detection algorithms enable the extraction of these multiple parameters from spatiotemporally synchronized measurements. The results reveal that the ignition delay time decreases with an increasing oxygen mole fraction up to 30 vol%, beyond which point further oxygen enrichment no longer accelerates the ignition, as the process becomes limited by the volatile release rate. In contrast, the reactivity of volatile flames shows continuous enhancement with an increasing oxygen mole fraction, indicating non-premixed flame behavior governed by the diffusion of oxygen toward the particles. The analysis of the flame stand-off distance demonstrates that volatile flames burn closer to the particles at higher oxygen mole fractions, consistent with the expected scaling of O₂ diffusion with its partial pressure. Notably, walnut shell and coal particles exhibit remarkably similar ignition delay times, volatile flame sizes, and OH-LIF intensities. The substitution of N₂ with CO₂ produces minimal differences, suggesting that for 126 µm particles under high-heating-rate conditions, the relatively small variations in the heat capacity and O₂ diffusivity between these diluents have negligible effects on the homogeneous combustion phenomena observed. Full article

Laurus nobilis L., Lauraceae, bay laurel, has been traditionally used for its various therapeutic properties, and in recent years has been gaining interest for its potential applications in skincare products. However, the biological effects of bay laurel, particularly its hydrosols, a water fraction obtained during essential oil production, remain unexplored. The objective of this study was to identify the volatile compounds in L. nobilis hydrosols (LnHYs) from different coastal regions of Croatia (north, middle, and south Adriatic) and to evaluate their potential safety and efficacy for dermatological applications. Upon isolating LnHYs using microwave-assisted extraction, LnHY volatiles were identified and quantified using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Oxygenated monoterpenes were the dominant compounds in all LnHYs (61.72–97.00%), with 1,8-cineole being the most abundant component (52.25–81.89%). The physical and chemical parameters of LnHYs were investigated to assess their purity and quality. Biological activity (cytotoxicity and wound-healing effect) was tested on the human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT), selected as the experimental model due to its relevance to skin biology. Additionally, contents of polyphenolic substances, antioxidative effects using the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods, and the antimicrobial activity of LnHYs toward five skin microorganisms were determined. All tested hydrosols showed similar biological activity, with only minor differences. Cytotoxicity studies indicated the safety of the dermatological application of LnHYs, and the results of the wound-healing assay showed their neutral to mildly positive effect. Considering the growing use of bay laurel preparations in pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, extensive studies on their biological activity, quality, and safety are essential to either support or regulate their use in humans. Full article

Ginnalin A (GA), a polyphenolic compound derived from amur maple trees, has been identified as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recognizing the pivotal role of ROS in exacerbating secondary damage during myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), we fractionated GA-enriched extracts from the leaves of the amur maple tree, Acer tataricum L. subsp. ginnala (Maxim.) Wesm., using common solvents of dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA). When co-administered for 30 min, the DCM- and EA-fractioned extracts effectively protected cardiomyocytes from H₂O₂-induced damage. ROS-sensitive probes indicated that treatment with ginnala extracts significantly reduced both intracellular and mitochondrial ROS levels. Instead of enhancing the activity of antioxidative enzymes, the ginnala extracts acted as natural antioxidases, directly scavenging various ROS such as superoxide, H₂O₂, hydroxyl radical, and Fe²⁺ within just 20 min. In a MIRI rat model, the in vivo administration of ginnala extracts provided significant cardioprotection by preserving viable myocardia and enhancing cardiac functions. Additionally, treatment with ginnala extracts significantly reduced cardiac fibrosis and denatured collagen. Our study suggests that the ultrafast ROS scavenging capability of ginnala extracts offers substantial heart protection during MIRI. Incorporating ginnala extracts as a pharmacological intervention during reperfusion could effectively mitigate ROS-induced cardiac injury. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the agreement between different analysis protocols for the determination of retinal vessel dilation response to flicker light (FL) and its relation to static and metabolic parameters of retinal vessels in healthy subjects. Methods: In total, 24 right eyes of 24 healthy controls (mean age: 36.04 ± SD 14.4 years) who underwent dynamic and static retinal diameter and oxygen saturation measurements on a Retinal Vessel Analyzer (RVA, Imedos, Jena, Germany) were included. Using repeated video analyses, responses to FL were measured with RVA. These measurements were conducted at three specific retinal locations: within the superotemporal area—within a distance of less than one optic disk (OD) diameter to optic nerve head (ONH) (group 1); greater than one OD diameter to ONH (group 2); and areas near the ONH within the VesselMap region (group 3). For comparability, the static and oxygen saturation parameters were also calculated in the superotemporal peripapillary area using the VesselMap tool of the RVA and were evaluated in relation to the corresponding dynamic area (group 3). Results: In all groups, the vascular FL response of arteries was less pronounced compared to venules (p = 0.0014). Even though FL responses (mean ± SD: FL-A; FL-V) in group 1 were more pronounced (3.36 ± 2.31; 4.42 ± 1.69) compared to those in group 2 (2.97 ± 2.40; 4.08 ± 1.55) and group 3 (2.84 ± 2.29; 4.21 ± 2.03), they did not reach statistically significant values. The mean flicker response of venules (VDil) in all groups showed negative correlations to the corresponding static parameter: central retinal venous equivalent (CRV) (r = −0.0437; p = 0.015). The mean flicker response of arteries (ADil) in all groups showed negative correlations to the corresponding metabolic parameter: arterio-venous oxygen extraction fraction (r = −0.101; p = 0.041). Conclusions: Our study confirms that the flicker light response, despite slight variations in its duration and location, allows for reliable measurements, proving the Retinal Vessel Analyzer to be a valuable diagnostic tool. Furthermore, we were able to highlight the relationship between the dynamic and metabolic components of retinal supply, which enables early diagnosis concerning the development of diseases within this spectrum. Full article

Kaempferia galanga L. is well known for its use in medicinal and edible homologous application. Various diseases, including those related to oxidation, are commonly treated with it. However, its antioxidant effect is still lacking systematical study. We aimed to screen the most potential antioxidant fraction of the crude ethanolic extract from K. galanga (KG) and evaluate its antioxidant activity and potential mechanism. The ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract from K. galanga (KGEA) was chosen as the most potent antioxidant activity from all the fractions tested. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was used to determine 43 compounds in KGEA, and 25 potential bioactive compounds were identified by pharmacokinetic analysis. Network pharmacology revealed 174 overlapping targets of chemical and antioxidant targets, and the key targets were identified. Molecular docking and MD simulation revealed a strong binding affinity between the core compounds and their targets. In tests against DPPH and ABTS, KGEA exhibited potent radical scavenging activity. In H₂O₂-induced cells, KGEA could decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) production; alleviate mitochondrial damage; promote the increase in antioxidant enzymes SOD, CAT, GSH-Px; and reduce the levels of MDA. Mechanistically, KGEA regulated PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways against oxidative damage. Moreover, in H₂O₂-induced zebrafish, KGEA attenuated ROS generation, cell death, lipid peroxidation, and increased SOD, CAT, GSH-Px activities; it also decreased MDA levels. The antioxidant properties of KGEA were demonstrated in vitro and in vivo, and it should be considered as an antioxidant agent for further profound study. Full article

Li-ion batteries (LIBs) are one of the most deployed energy storage technologies worldwide, providing power for a wide range of applications—from portable electronic devices to electric vehicles (EVs). The growing demand for LIBs, coupled with a shortage of critical battery materials, has prompted the scientific community to seek ways to improve material utilization through the recycling of end-of-life LIBs. While valuable battery metals are already being recycled on an industrial scale, graphite—a material classified as a critical resource—continues to be discarded. In this study, graphite waste recovered from the recycling of LIBs was successfully upcycled into an active graphite/rGO (reduced graphene oxide) composite oxygen electrocatalyst. The precursor graphite for rGO synthesis was also extracted from LIBs. Incorporating rGO into the graphite significantly enhanced the specific surface area and porosity of the resulting composite, facilitating effective doping with residual metals during subsequent nitrogen doping via pyrolysis. These composite catalysts enhanced both the oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions, enabling their use as air electrode catalyst materials in zinc–air batteries (ZABs). The best-performing composite catalyst demonstrated an impressive power density of 100 mW cm⁻² and exceptional cycling stability for 137 h. This research further demonstrates the utilization of waste fractions from LIB recycling to drive advancements in energy conversion technologies. Full article

Background: When plotting data points corresponding to the contrast-agent-induced change in transverse relaxation rate from a dynamic gradient-echo (GRE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study versus a corresponding spin-echo study, a loop or vortex curve rather than a reversible line is formed. The vortex curve area is likely to reflect vessel architecture and oxygenation level. In this study, the vortex effect seen when using only GRE-based estimates, i.e., contrast-agent concentration based on GRE transverse relaxation rate and contrast-agent concentration based on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), was investigated. Methods: Twenty healthy volunteers were examined using 3 T MRI. Magnitude and phase dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DSC-MRI) data were obtained using GRE echo-planar imaging. Vortex curves for grey-matter (GM) regions and for arterial input function (AIF) data were constructed by plotting concentration based on GRE transverse relaxation rate versus concentration based on QSM. Vortex parameters (vortex area and normalised vortex width) were compared with QSM-based whole-brain OEF estimates obtained using 3D GRE. Results: An obvious vortex effect was observed, and both GM vortex parameters showed a moderate and significant correlation with OEF (r = −0.51, p = 0.02). The vortex parameters for AIF data showed no significant correlation with OEF. Conclusions: GRE-based GM vortex parameters correlated significantly with whole-brain OEF. In agreement with expectations, the corresponding AIF data, representing high fractions of arterial blood, showed no significant correlation. Novel parameters, based solely on standard GRE protocols, are of relevance to investigate, considering that GRE-based DSC-MRI is very common in brain tumour applications. Full article

Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation is a key factor contributing to photodamage in epidermal cells. This study investigated the protective effects of Thua Nao, a Thai fermented soybean product, against UVB-induced damage in human epidermal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and the underlying mechanisms. Thua Nao extract fractions were prepared using a solvent partition method. We found that the dichloromethane fraction (TN-DC), along with its isoflavones daidzein and glycitein, significantly protected against UVB-induced HaCaT cell death. This protection involved inhibiting caspase-9 and caspase-3 activation, thus preventing apoptosis. Additionally, treatment with TN-DC, daidzein, and glycitein suppressed the UVB-induced production of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2. These protective effects were associated with reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species and enhanced the levels of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase 4. Signaling pathway analysis revealed that TN-DC activated the pro-survival ERK1/2 and Akt pathways while decreased the phosphorylation of JNK in UVB-exposed cells. On the other hand, daidzein and glycitein enhanced ERK1/2 activation and reduced the phosphorylation of JNK and p38 MAPKs. The involvement of ERK1/2 and Akt activation in cell survival was confirmed using specific inhibitors. Thus, TN-DC and its isoflavones protects keratinocytes from UVB-induced oxidative damage and inflammation by modulating MAPKs and Akt signaling. Full article

Background/Objectives: Iron overload is a serious condition that can increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative tissue damage and organ dysfunction. While current pharmaceutical drugs for iron chelation have limitations, the search for natural herbs with iron-chelating properties is crucial. This study aimed to explore the various biological functions of the Perilla frutescens seed, regarding antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective and iron-chelating properties. Methods:Perilla frutescens seeds were subjected to extraction using a solvent-partitioning technique. Each fraction was evaluated for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and rosmarinic acid (RA) content by Folin–Ciocalteu assay, aluminum chloride colorimetric assay, and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), respectively. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP assays. The inhibition of lipid peroxidation was evaluated using the TBARS assay in HepG2 cells and an egg yolk model. The iron-chelating activity was examined using a ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe³⁺-NTA)-binding assay, labile iron pool (LIP) level assessment, and the transferrin receptor (TfR) expression in HepG2 cells. Results: Phytochemical analysis indicated that the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction had the highest TPC, TFC, and RA. This fraction demonstrated strong antioxidant properties and attenuated lipid peroxidation in HepG2 cells and egg yolk. In addition, this fraction exhibited iron-binding activity, decreased LIP levels, and induced TfR expression in iron-loaded HepG2 cells similar to the rosmarinic acid standard. Conclusions: These findings suggest that the EtOAc fraction of the Perilla frutescens seed possesses promising potential as a therapeutic agent for treating iron overload. Full article

Background:Becium grandiflorum is a fragrant perennial shrub of the Lamiaceae family. Objectives: The current study aimed to explore the cytotoxic potential of the n-hexane fraction from Becium grandiflorum aerial parts and, further, isolate its major diterpene and conduct in vitro and in vivo anticancer activities along with its molecular mechanism and synergy with doxorubicin. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of Becium grandiflorum aerial parts was fractionated, and the n-hexane fraction was analyzed via GC-MS. The major isolated diterpene, 18-epoxy-pimara-8(14),15-diene (epoxy-pimaradiene), was quantified using UPLC-PDA. Cytotoxicity assays were conducted on HCT-116, MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and HepG2 cell lines. The synergistic effect with doxorubicin was tested on HepG2 cells. In vivo anticancer activity was evaluated using the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model, and molecular docking analyzed Bax-Bcl2 interactions. Results: The n-hexane fraction contained 21 compounds, mainly oxygenated diterpenes, and the major isolated compound was epoxy-pimaradiene, with a quantity of 0.3027 mg/mg. N-Hexane fraction and epoxy-pimaradiene exhibited strong cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, induced apoptosis, and G2/M arrest. The combination of epoxy-pimaradiene with doxorubicin lowered the IC₅₀ of doxorubicin from 4 µM to 1.78 µM. In vivo, both reduced tumor growth and increased necrotic tumor areas. Molecular docking revealed disruption of Bax-Bcl2. Conclusions: The findings suggest that B. grandiflorum and its major diterpene, epoxy-pimaradiene, exhibit potent anticancer activity, particularly against liver cancer cells. Epoxy-pimaradiene enhances doxorubicin’s efficacy, induces apoptosis, and inhibits tumor progression. Further studies are needed to explore their therapeutic potential. Full article

Brewer’s spent yeast (BSY), a significant brewing by-product, poses environmental challenges and opportunities for valorization as a sustainable protein source. This study focuses on transforming BSY into high-value functional ingredients for food applications. A green, sustainable, and scalable process was developed to extract bioactive compounds from BSY at both laboratory and pilot scales, yielding peptide-rich fractions with robust antioxidant properties. These extracts were incorporated into prototype formulations, including protein-enriched crackers, demonstrating their potential as natural, nutritious ingredients. Physicochemical, compositional, and functional characterizations validated their application viability. The antioxidant potential of BSY fractions was confirmed through total phenolic compounds and ABTS and oxygen radical absorbance capacity assays, where the retentate from the 10 kDa ultrafiltration fraction on the pilot scale exhibited superior bioactivity, supporting its selection as the most suitable fraction for food formulations. Additionally, the transition from laboratory to pilot scale revealed slight variations in protein retention and bioactive compound recovery, emphasizing the need for process optimization. These findings highlight BSY’s potential to support circular economy practices by reducing waste while enhancing the nutritional and functional value of food products. Full article

Shea butter (SB) is a raw material fat obtained from Vitellaria paradoxa C.F. Gaertn kernels. We investigated the direct and indirect protective effects of 10 traditional and industrial SBs and their polar extracts on cell-free systems using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays as well as on singlet oxygen (¹O₂) produced by Rose Bengal (RB) photosensitization. Their effects against RB-induced HaCaT cell phototoxicity were also explored. A spectrophotometric assay and HPLC were performed to quantify and identify phenolic content, which was between 14.16 and 82.99 ppm pyrogallol equivalent. These variations could be due to the SB origin and extraction process. These polar fractions exhibited moderate DPPH and strong ABTS radical-scavenging activity. By applying the UV–visible technique, we demonstrated that SBs and their phenolic compounds behave as ¹O₂ quenchers in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, using a UVR-like model after the irradiation of RB, both polar extracts and crude SB exhibited photoprotective effects, highlighting the indirect protective action. In acellular and cellular models, SB and its polar extracts can act as a free radical scavenger against reactive oxygen species and ¹O₂ quenchers. Due to the maximum absorbance of SB at 280 nm and the antioxidant effect of ¹O₂ quenching, SB polar extracts exhibit photoprotective properties. Full article

The endocarp of Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG) is abundant in various bioactive components, such as polysaccharides; however, there are few studies on them. Thus, it is highly necessary to carry out further research on the structural characterization and biological activities of ECG polysaccharides (EPs), which are important bioactive substances. In this study, water-extracted EPs were precipitated by ethanol with final concentrations of 50%, 70%, and 90% (v/v), respectively. Three crude polysaccharides (EP50, EP70, and EP90) were fractioned successively. The three polysaccharide fractions were structurally elucidated and were investigated in vitro for their biological activities related to glucose metabolism containing inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and non-enzymatic glycosylation and their antioxidant capacities. The main results are summarized as follows: (1) Gradient ethanol precipitation and physicochemical properties of EPs: The yields of EP50, EP70, and EP90 were 11.18%, 0.57%, and 0.18%, respectively. The total sugar contents were 40.01%, 52.61%, and 53.46%, and the uronic acid contents were 30.25%, 18.11%, and 8.17%, respectively. In addition, the three fractions had the same composition of monosaccharides, including rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, xylose, mannose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid, with differences in the content of neutral and acidic monosaccharides. They all may be branched polymers and spherical conformation, and they were acidic polysaccharides containing esterified and non-esterified uronic acids, pyranose-form sugars, and glycosidic linkages of α-configuration and β-configuration, with esterification degrees of 32.25%, 28.82%, and 15.58%, respectively. Meanwhile, EP50, EP70, and EP90 were mainly amorphous, and the molecular conformation in solution was a spherical branching polymer without a triple helix structure. The EPs exhibited excellent thermal stability, with their structures remaining stable below 170 °C. (2) In terms of activity research, the results showed that EPs had a good α-glucosidase inhibitory effect with IC₅₀ values of 1.17 mg/mL, 1.40 mg/mL, and 2.72 mg/mL, respectively, among which EP50 was the best. EP50, EP70, and EP90 displayed antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals as well as oxygen radical absorbance capacity. Among them, EP90 had the strongest antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the EPs showed prominent effects on the inhibitory activity of non-enzymatic glycosylation. In summary, the research on the extraction of polysaccharide from ECG provides a technical reference for the further utilization of ECG resources. This study on antioxidant activity provides theoretical support for their use as a natural antioxidant. As oxidation and glycation are relevant to diabetic complications, the result of this work suggests that EPs may be effective in preventing and treating diabetic complications. Full article