Search Results (5,317)

2,5-bis(hydroxymethy)lfuran (BHMF), a renewable compound with extensive industrial applications, can be obtained by selective hydrogenation of the C=O group of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a platform molecule derived from lignocellulosic biomass. In this work, we perform kinetic modeling of the selective liquid-phase hydrogenation of HMF to BHMF over a Cu/SiO₂ catalyst prepared by precipitation–deposition (PD) at a constant pH. Physicochemical characterization, using different techniques, confirms that the Cu/SiO₂–PD catalyst is formed by copper metallic nanoparticles of 3–5 nm in size highly dispersed on the SiO₂ surface. Before the kinetic study, the Cu/SiO₂-PD catalyst was evaluated in three solvents: tetrahydrofuran (THF), 2-propanol (2-POH), and water. The pattern of catalytic activity and BHMF yield for the different solvents was THF > 2-POH > H₂O. In addition, selectivity to BHF was the highest in THF. Thus, THF was chosen for further kinetic study. Several experiments were carried out by varying the initial HMF concentration (C⁰_HMF) between 0.02 and 0.26 M and the hydrogen pressure (P_H2) between 200 and 1500 kPa. In all experiments, BHMF selectivity was 97–99%. By pseudo-homogeneous modeling, an apparent reaction order with respect to HFM close to 1 was estimated for a C⁰_HMF between 0.02 M and 0.065 M, while when higher than 0.065 M, the apparent reaction order changed to 0. The apparent reaction order with respect to H₂ was nearly 0 when C⁰_HMF = 0.13 M, while for C⁰_HMF = 0.04 M, it was close to 1. The reaction orders estimated suggest that HMF is strongly absorbed on the catalyst surface, and thus total active site coverage is reached when the C⁰_HMF is higher than 0.065 M. Several Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) kinetic models were proposed, tested against experimental data, and statistically compared. The best fitting of the experimental data was obtained with an LHHW model that considered non-competitive H₂ and HMF chemisorption and strong chemisorption of reactant and product molecules on copper metallic active sites. This model predicts both the catalytic performance of Cu/SiO₂-PD and its deactivation during liquid-phase HMF hydrogenation. Full article

Background: The implementation of advanced agronomical strategies, including the use of antitranspirant, in order to mitigate the negative effects of environmental stress, particularly heat stress on plants, has become a focal area of research in the Mediterranean basin. This region is characterized by hot and dry summer that affects plant physiology. Methods: The experiment was carried out in Sicily (South Italy) on 12-year-old avocado cv. Hass grafted onto Walter Hole rootstock. Two subplots each of forty homogenous trees were selected and treated (1) with calcium carbonate (DECCO Shield^®) and (2) with water (control) at the following phenological phases: 711, 712 and 715 BBCH. The climatic parameters were recorded throughout the year. Physiological measurements (leaf transpiration, net photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, leaf water potential) were measured at 105, 131 and 168 days after full bloom. Fruit growth was monitored, and physico-chemical analyses were carried out at harvest. Results: The antitranspirant increased photosynthesis and stomatal conductance and reduced leaf transpiration (−26.1%). Fruit growth rate increased during summer, although no morphological and qualitative difference was observed at harvest. PCA highlighted the positive effect of the calcium carbonate on overall plant physiology. Conclusions: Antitranspirant foliar application reduced heat stress effects by improving physiological responses of avocado trees. Full article

Background/Objective: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a clinically significant pathogenic bacterium. Daptomycin (DAP) is a cyclic lipopeptide antibiotic used to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, including S. aureus. However, DAP currently faces clinical limitations due to its short half-life, toxic side effects, and increasingly severe drug resistance issues. This study aimed to develop a biomimetic nano-drug delivery system to enhance targeting ability, prolong blood circulation, and mitigate resistance of DAP. Methods: DAP-loaded chitosan nanocomposite particles (DAP-CS) were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly. Macrophage membrane vesicles (MM) were prepared by fusion of M1-type macrophage membranes with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC). A biomimetic nano-drug delivery system (DAP-CS@MM) was constructed by the coextrusion process of DAP-CS and MM. Key physicochemical parameters, including particle diameter, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and membrane protein retention, were systematically characterized. In vitro immune escape studies and in vivo zebrafish infection models were employed to assess the ability of immune escape and antibacterial performance, respectively. Results: The particle size of DAP-CS@MM was 110.9 ± 13.72 nm, with zeta potential +11.90 ± 1.90 mV, and encapsulation efficiency 70.43 ± 1.29%. DAP-CS@MM retained macrophage membrane proteins, including functional TLR2 receptors. In vitro immune escape assays, DAP-CS@MM demonstrated significantly enhanced immune escape compared with DAP-CS (p < 0.05). In the zebrafish infection model, DAP-CS@MM showed superior antibacterial efficacy over both DAP and DAP-CS (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The DAP-CS@MM biomimetic nano-drug delivery system exhibits excellent immune evasion and antibacterial performance, offering a novel strategy to overcome the clinical limitations of DAP. Full article

Ready-to-eat meat products face quality challenges during storage and reheating. This study aimed to (i) characterize the physicochemical/microbiological changes in stewed mutton during storage (4 °C/−18 °C, 0–28 days) and (ii) evaluate reheating methods (boiling vs. microwaving) on day-7 samples. The nutritional analysis confirmed moisture reduction (57.32 vs. 72.12 g/100 g)-concentrated protein/fat levels. Storage at −18 °C suppressed microbial growth (the total plate count (TPC), 3.73 vs. 4.80 log CFU/g at 28 days; p < 0.05) and lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS): 0.14 vs. 0.19 mg/kg) more effectively than storage at 4 °C. The total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) kinetics projected a shelf life ≥90 days (4 °C) and ≥120 days (−18 °C). Microwave reheating after frozen storage (−18 °C) maximized the yield (86.21% vs. 75.90% boiling; p < 0.05) and preserved volatile profiles closest to those in the fresh samples (gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS)/electronic nose). The combination of freezing storage and subsequent microwave reheating has been demonstrated to be an effective method for preserving the quality of a precooked lamb dish, thereby ensuring its nutritional value. Full article

This study introduces an efficient and sustainable catalytic system utilizing cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe₂O₄-NPs) for the synthesis of valuable 6-amino-2-oxo-4-phenyl (or 4-chlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carbonitrile derivatives. Recognizing the limitations of traditional methods for the Biginelli reaction, we thoroughly characterized CoFe₂O₄-NPs, alongside individual iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₂O₃-NPs) and cobalt oxide nanoparticles (CoO-NPs), using FTIR, XRD, TEM, SEM, XPS, TGA, and BET analysis. These characterizations revealed the unique structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties of CoFe₂O₄-NPs, including an optimized porous structure and significant bimetallic synergy between Fe and Co ions. Catalytic studies demonstrated that CoFe₂O₄-NPs significantly outperformed individual Fe₂O₃-NPs and CoO-NPs under mild conditions. While the latter only catalyzed the Knoevenagel condensation, CoFe₂O₄-NPs uniquely facilitated the complete Biginelli reaction. This superior performance is attributed to the synergistic electronic environment within CoFe₂O₄-NPs, which enhances reactant activation, intermediate stabilization, and proton transfer during the multi-step reaction. This work highlights the potential of CoFe₂O₄-NPs as highly efficient and selective nanocatalysts for synthesizing biologically relevant 1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidines, offering a greener synthetic route in organic chemistry. Full article

Background: Local anesthesia is essential for most dental procedures, but its parenteral administration is often painful. Topical anesthetics are commonly used to minimize local anesthesia pain; however, commercial formulations fail to fully prevent the discomfort of local anesthetic injection. Methods: We developed and characterized a novel lidocaine and epinephrine co-loaded liquid crystalline precursor system (LCPS) for topical anesthesia. The formulation was structurally characterized using polarized light microscopy (PLM) and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). Rheological behavior was assessed through continuous and oscillatory rheological analyses. Texture profile analysis, in vitro mucoadhesive force evaluation, in vitro drug release and permeation studies, and an in vivo toxicity assay using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model were also conducted. Results: PLM and SAXS confirmed the transition of the LCPS from a microemulsion to a lamellar liquid crystalline structure upon contact with artificial saliva. This transition enhanced formulation consistency by over 100 times and tripled mucoadhesion strength. The LCPS also provided controlled drug release, reducing permeation flow by 93% compared to the commercial formulation. Importantly, the CAM assay indicated that the LCPS exhibited similar toxicity to the commercial product. Conclusions: The developed LCPS demonstrated promising physicochemical and biological properties for topical anesthesia, including enhanced mucoadhesion, controlled drug delivery, and acceptable biocompatibility. These findings support its potential for in vivo application and future clinical use to reduce pain during dental anesthesia procedures. Full article

Fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP) is a crucial regulatory enzyme in sucrose synthesis and photosynthetic carbon assimilation, functioning through two distinct isoforms: cytosolic FBP (cyFBP) and chloroplastic FBP (cpFBP). However, the identification and functional characterization of FBP genes in Saccharum remains limited. In this study, we conducted a systematic identification and comparative genomics analyses of FBPs in three Saccharum species. We further examined their expression patterns across leaf developmental zones, spatiotemporal profiles, and responses to diurnal rhythms and hormonal treatments. Our analysis identified 95 FBP genes, including 44 cyFBPs and 51 cpFBPs. Comparative analyses revealed significant divergence in physicochemical properties, gene structures, and motif compositions between the two isoforms. Expression profiling indicated that both cyFBPs and cpFBPs were predominantly expressed in leaves, particularly in maturing and mature zones. During diurnal cycles, their expression peaked around the night–day transition, with cpFBPs exhibiting earlier peaks than cyFBPs. FBP genes in Saccharum spontaneum displayed greater diurnal sensitivity than those in Saccharum officinarum. Hormonal treatments further revealed significant regulatory divergence in FBP genes, both between isoforms and across species. Notably, cyFBP_2 and cpFBP_2 members consistently exhibited higher expression levels across all datasets, suggesting their pivotal roles in sugarcane physiology. These findings not only identify potential target genes for enhancing sucrose accumulation, but also highlight the breeding value of S. spontaneum and S. officinarum in sugarcane breeding. Full article

The urgent need to mitigate rising global CO₂ emissions demands the development of efficient carbon capture technologies. This study addresses the persistent challenge of sintering-induced performance degradation in CaO-based sorbents during high-temperature CO₂ capture. A novel solvent/nonsolvent synthetic strategy to fabricate CaO/CaAl-layered double oxide (LDO) composites was developed, where CaAl-LDO serves as a nanostructural stabilizer. The CaAl-LDO precursor enables atomic-level dispersion of components, which upon calcination forms a Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₃ “rigid scaffold” that spatially confines CaO nanoparticles and effectively mitigates sintering. Thermogravimetric analysis results demonstrate exceptional cyclic stability; the composite achieves an initial CO₂ uptake of 14.5 mmol/g (81.5% of theoretical capacity) and retains 87% of its capacity after 30 cycles. This performance significantly outperforms pure CaO and CaO/MgAl-LDO composites. Physicochemical characterization confirms that structural confinement preserves mesoporous channels, ensuring efficient CO₂ diffusion. This work establishes a scalable, instrumentally simple route to high-performance sorbents, offering an efficient solution for carbon capture in energy-intensive industries such as power generation and steel manufacturing. Full article

Goji berries (Lycium barbarum L.) are considered a functional food due to their high content of bioactive compounds with demonstrated health benefits. This study evaluated four cultivars (G3, G4, G5, and G7) grown under Mediterranean climate conditions, focusing on their physicochemical properties (total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and pH), bioactive compound (sugars and organic acids, total and individual phenolic and carotenoid compounds, and antioxidant activities (DPPH and CUPRAC assay)), and aromatic profiles (by GC-MS) to assess their suitability for fresh consumption or incorporation into food products. G4 exhibited the most favorable physicochemical characteristics, with the highest total soluble solids (20.2 °Brix) and sugar content (92.8 g 100 g⁻¹ dw). G5 stood out for its lower titratable acidity (0.34%) and highest ripening index (54.8), indicating desirable flavor attributes. Concerning bioactive compounds, G3 and G4 showed the highest total phenolic content (17.9 and 19.1 mg GAE g⁻¹ dw, respectively), with neochlorogenic acid being predominant. G4 was notable for its high carotenoid content, particularly zeaxanthin (1722.6 μg g⁻¹ dw). These compounds significantly contributed to antioxidant activity. Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiles revealed alcohols and aldehydes as the dominant chemical families, with hexanal being the most abundant. G5 and G7 exhibited the highest total VOC concentrations. Principal component analysis grouped G3 and G4 based on their high sugar and phenolic content, while G5 and G7 were characterized by their complex aromatic profiles. Therefore, G3 and G4 are promising candidates for fresh consumption and potential functional applications, while G5 and G7 are particularly suitable for new product development due to their nutraceutical and aromatic value. Full article

Ultrafine bubbles (UFBs) represent an emerging technology with unique physicochemical properties. This study investigated the effects of air-filled UFBs infused in drinking water on gut microbiota composition and the associated health markers in Sprague Dawley rats over a 12-week period. Using a two-phase design, UFB concentration was increased from 1.7 × 10⁶ to 6.5 × 10⁹ UFBs/mL at week 7 to assess dose-dependent effects. Administration of UFBs in drinking water induced significant shifts in gut microbiome populations, characterized by increased Bacteroidetes (+122% weeks 8–12) and decreased Firmicutes (−43% weeks 8–12) compared to controls. These microbial shifts coincided with enhanced short-chain fatty acid production (butyrate +56.0%, p ≤ 0.001; valerate +63.1%, p ≤ 0.01) and reduced inflammatory markers (TNF-α −84.0%, p ≤ 0.05; IL-1β −41.0%, p ≤ 0.05; IL-10 −69.8%, p ≤ 0.05). UFB effects demonstrated systematic concentration-dependent threshold responses, with 85.7% of parameters exhibiting directional reversals between low (1.7 × 10⁶ UFBs/mL) and high (6.5 × 10⁹ UFBs/mL) concentration phases rather than linear dose–response relationships. The systematic nature of these threshold effects, with 71.4% of parameters achieving statistical significance (p ≤ 0.05), indicates concentration-dependent biological mechanisms rather than random effects on gut biology. Despite current metagenomic techniques identifying only 25% of the total gut microbiome, the observed changes in characterized species and metabolites demonstrate UFB technology’s therapeutic potential for conditions requiring microbiome modulation, providing new insights into UFB influence on complex biological systems. Full article

This study, conducted in Mexico, evaluates the agricultural potential of three compost formulations BFS1, BFS2, and BFS3 produced from mining tailings and thermophilic microbial mats and collected from geothermal environments. The physicochemical characterization included pH, electrical conductivity (EC), macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S), micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, Cu, Mn, Mo, and Ni), organic matter (OM), and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio. All composts exhibited neutral pH values (7.38–7.52), high OM content (38.5–48.4%), and optimal C/N ratios (10.5–13.9), indicating maturity and chemical stability. Nitrogen ranged from 19 to 21 kg·t⁻¹, while potassium and calcium were present in concentrations beneficial for crop development. However, EC values (3.43–3.66 dS/m) and boron levels (>160 ppm) were moderately high, requiring caution in saline soils or with boron-sensitive crops. A semi-quantitative Compost Quality Index (CQI) ranked BFS3 highest due to elevated OM and potassium content, followed by BFS1. BFS2, while rich in nitrogen, scored lower due to excessive boron. One-way ANOVA revealed no significant difference in nitrogen (p > 0.05), but it did reveal significant differences in potassium (p < 0.01) and boron (p < 0.001) among formulations. These results confirm the potential of mining tailings—microbial mat composts are low-cost, nutrient-rich biofertilizers. They are suitable for field crops or as components in nursery substrates, particularly when EC and boron are managed through dilution. This study promotes the circular reuse of geothermal and industrial residues and contributes to sustainable soil restoration practices in mining-affected regions through innovative composting strategies. Full article

This study presents the synthesis and physicochemical characterization of coordination compounds formed between chrysin, a natural flavonoid, and transition metal ions: Mn(II), Co(II), and Zn(II). The complexes were obtained under mildly basic conditions and analyzed using elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), silver-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS), FT-IR spectroscopy, and ¹H NMR. The spectroscopic data confirm that chrysin coordinates as a bidentate ligand through the 5-hydroxyl and 4-carbonyl groups, with structural differences depending on the metal ion involved. The mass spectrometry results revealed distinct stoichiometries: 1:2 metal-to-ligand ratios for Mn(II) and Co(II), and 1:1 for Zn(II), with additional hydroxide coordination. Biological assays demonstrated that Co(II) and Mn(II) complexes exhibit enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity compared to free chrysin, particularly against drug-resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis, whereas the Zn(II) complex showed negligible biological activity. Full article

Broth cooking is a traditional pretreatment and ripening strategy for high-commercial-value dehydrated marine food, effectively enhancing its texture and rehydration properties. In this work, we characterized the structural information of Maillard reaction products (MRPs) derived from beef scrap stock and investigated their effects on the texture and rehydration performance of dehydrated abalone. The optical and structural properties of the MRPs were analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and fluorescence spectroscopy. These MRPs showed osmosis in abalone processing including pretreatment and drying. Low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) results revealed that MRP pretreatment improved the moisture migration and physicochemical properties of dehydrated abalone. These findings suggest that MRPs, owing to their high osmotic efficiency and nanoscale size, could serve as promising food additives and potential alternatives to traditional penetrating agents in the food industry, enhancing the rehydration performance of dried seafood and reducing quality deterioration. Full article

The high incidence of melanoma leading to a poor prognosis rate endorses the development of alternative and innovative approaches in the treatment of melanoma. Therefore, the present study aims to develop and characterize, in terms of physicochemical features and biological impact, an aqueous suspension of magnetite (Fe₃O₄) coated with β-cyclodextrin (Fe₃O₄@β-CD) as a potential innovative alternative nanosystem for melanoma therapy. The nanosystem exhibited physicochemical characteristics suitable for biological applications, revealing a successful complexation of Fe₃O₄ NPs with β-CD and an average size of 18.1 ± 2.1 nm. In addition, the in vitro evaluations revealed that the newly developed nanosystem presented high biocompatibility on a human keratinocyte (HaCaT) monolayer and selective antiproliferative activity on amelanotic human melanoma (A375) cells, inducing early apoptosis features when concentrations of 10, 15, and 20 μg/mL were employed for 48 h and 72 h. Collectively, the Fe₃O₄@β-CD nanosystem reveals promising features for an adjuvant approach in melanoma treatment, mainly due to its β-cyclodextrin coating, thus endorsing a potential co-loading of therapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the intrinsic magnetic core of Fe₃O₄ NPs supports the magnetically based cancer treatment strategies. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable plant-based dairy alternatives has spurred interest in valorizing agro-industrial byproducts like hazelnut cake, a protein-rich byproduct of oil extraction. This study developed formulations for vegan ice cream using unfermented (HIC) and Aspergillus oryzae-fermented hazelnut cake (FHIC), comparing their physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties to conventional dairy ice cream (DIC). Solid-state fermentation (72 h, 30 °C) enhanced the cake’s bioactive properties, and ice creams were characterized for composition, texture, rheology, melting behavior, antioxidant activity, and enzyme inhibition pre- and post-in vitro digestion. The results indicate that FHIC had higher protein content (64.64% vs. 58.02% in HIC) and unique volatiles (e.g., benzaldehyde and 3-methyl-1-butanol). While DIC exhibited superior overrun (15.39% vs. 4.01–7.00% in vegan samples) and slower melting, FHIC demonstrated significantly higher post-digestion antioxidant activity (4.73 μmol TE/g DPPH vs. 1.44 in DIC) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition (4.85–7.42%). Sensory evaluation ranked DIC highest for overall acceptability, with FHIC perceived as polarizing due to pronounced flavors. Despite textural challenges, HIC and FHIC offered nutritional advantages, including 18–30% lower calories and enhanced bioactive compounds. This study highlights fermentation as a viable strategy to upcycle hazelnut byproducts into functional vegan ice creams, although the optimization of texture and flavor is needed for broader consumer acceptance. Full article