Search Results (4,076)

Superhydrophobic magnetic nanomaterials (SHMNMs) are emerging as multifunctional platforms for efficient oil–water separation due to their combination of extreme water repellency, strong oil affinity, and external magnetic responsiveness. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent advances in the design, synthesis, and environmental application of SHMNMs. The theoretical foundations of superhydrophobicity and the physicochemical behavior of magnetic nanoparticles are first outlined, followed by discussion of their synergistic integration. Key fabrication techniques—such as sol–gel synthesis, electrospinning, dip-coating, laser-assisted processing, and the use of biomass-derived precursors—are critically assessed in terms of their ability to tailor surface morphology, chemical functionality, and long-term durability. The review further explores the mechanisms of oil adsorption, magnetic separation, and material reusability under realistic environmental conditions. Special attention is paid to the scalability, mechanical resilience, and environmental compatibility of SHMNMs in the context of water treatment technologies. Current limitations, including reduced efficiency in harsh media, potential environmental risks, and challenges in material regeneration, are discussed. This work provides a structured overview that could support the rational development of next-generation superhydrophobic materials tailored for sustainable and high-performance separation of oil and organic pollutants from water. Full article

Microorganisms, as abundant biological resources, offer significant potential in the development of selenium-enrichment technologies. Selenium-enriched microorganisms not only absorb, reduce, and accumulate selenium efficiently but also produce various selenium compounds without relying on synthetic chemical processes. In particular, nano-selenium produced by these microorganisms during cultivation has garnered attention due to its unique physicochemical properties and biological activity, making it a promising raw material for functional foods and pharmaceutical products. This paper reviews selenium-enriched microorganisms, focusing on their classification, selenium metabolism, and transformation mechanisms. It explores how selenium is absorbed, reduced, and transformed within microbial cells, analyzing the biochemical processes by which inorganic selenium is converted into organic and nano-selenium forms. Finally, the broad applications of selenium-enriched microbial products in food, medicine, and agriculture are explored, including their roles in selenium-rich foods, nano-selenium materials, and disease prevention and treatment. Full article

In this study, GH19 chitinase (Chi) gene family was systematically identified and characterized using genomic assemblies from four cotton species: Gossypium barbadense, G. hirsutum, G. arboreum, and G. raimondii. A suite of analyses was performed, including genome-wide gene identification, physicochemical property characterization of the encoded proteins, subcellular localization prediction, phylogenetic reconstruction, chromosomal mapping, promoter cis-element analysis, and comprehensive expression profiling using transcriptomic data and qRT-PCR (including tissue-specific expression, hormone treatments, and Fusarium oxysporum infection assays). A total of 107 GH19 genes were identified across the four species (35 in G. barbadense, 37 in G. hirsutum, 19 in G. arboreum, and 16 in G. raimondii). The molecular weights of GH19 proteins ranged from 9.9 to 97.3 kDa, and they were predominantly predicted to localize to the extracellular space. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three well-conserved clades within this family. In tetraploid cotton, GH19 genes were unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes, often clustering in certain regions, whereas in diploid species, they were confined to five chromosomes. Promoter analysis indicated that GH19 gene promoters contain numerous stress- and hormone-responsive motifs, including those for abscisic acid (ABA), ethylene (ET), and gibberellin (GA), as well as abundant light-responsive elements. The expression patterns of GH19 genes were largely tissue-specific; for instance, GbChi23 was predominantly expressed in the calyx, whereas GbChi19/21/22 were primarily expressed in the roots and stems. Overall, this study provides the first comprehensive genomic and functional characterization of the GH19 family in G. barbadense, laying a foundation for understanding its role in disease resistance mechanisms and aiding in the identification of candidate genes to enhance plant defense against biotic stress. Full article

This study investigated the possibility of partial replacement of genetically modified soybean meal (SBM) with raw white lupin (WL) seeds in growing pigs’ diets and determined its impact on performance [body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), and average daily feed intake (ADFI)], meat quality, and fatty acid profile (FA). A total of 54 male crossbred pigs [(Topigs Large White × Norsvin Landrace) × Duroc], aged 12 weeks, with an initial average BW of 30.30 ± 0.77 kg, were divided into three dietary groups of 18 piglets each. The control group (CON) was fed a standardized SBM-based complete feed. In the experimental groups (WL1 and WL2) the SBM was replaced with increasing levels of WL seeds [WL1-5.0% and WL2-10.0% (grower period, 30–60 kg BW), and WL1-7.0% and WL2-14.0% (finisher period, 61–110 kg BW)]. All diets were formulated to be isocaloric and isonitrogenous with similar content of total lysine and sulphur amino acids, calcium, and available phosphorus. At the end of 83 days’ fattening trial, the animals were slaughtered. Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) was sampled for analyses of the physicochemical traits. The results show that increasing the dietary raw WL concentration decreased final BW (p = 0.039), ADG (p < 0.0001), and ADFI (p = 0.004) throughout the experimental period, especially in the second phase of feeding. Dietary treatments did not affect the pigs’ blood biochemical constituents. Concerning LD muscle characteristics, the redness color (a*) and collagen content was higher (p < 0.0001) in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group. Beneficial decrease in the values of some textural attributes (hardness, gumminess, chewiness, and resilience) of LD in the WL1/WL2 vs. CON group was registered. The use of WL had a significant effect on the content of FAs, especially for eicosapentaenoic (p = 0.014) and n-3 PUFA (p = 0.045), which were higher than those fed the CON diet. In conclusion, WL could be used as a replacement of SBM in growing–finishing pigs’ diets, with significant improvements in the meat fatty acid profile and technological properties. Full article

This study investigates the structural and functional enhancement of corn zein–chitosan composites via mild alkaline treatment to develop biodegradable protein-polysaccharide materials for diverse applications. Films with varying zein-to-chitosan ratios were fabricated and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Both untreated and sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-treated films were evaluated to assess changes in physicochemical properties. FTIR analysis revealed that NaOH treatment promoted deprotonation of chitosan’s amine groups, partial removal of ionic residues, and increased deacetylation, collectively enhancing hydrogen bonding and resulting in a denser molecular network. Simultaneously, partial unfolding of zein’s α-helical structures improved conformational flexibility and strengthened interactions with chitosan. These molecular-level changes led to improved thermal stability, reduced degradation, and the development of porous microstructures. Controlled NaOH treatment thus provides an effective strategy to tailor the physicochemical properties of zein–chitosan composite films, supporting their potential in sustainable food packaging, wound healing, and drug delivery applications. Full article

Background/Objectives: Adult-type diffuse gliomas, including astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are brain tumors with a very poor prognosis. While current treatment options for glioma patients are not providing satisfactory outcomes, research indicates that natural compounds could serve as alternative treatments. However, their low bioavailability requires nanotechnology solutions, such as liposomes. Methods: In this study, we propose the co-encapsulation of acteoside (ACT) with other natural compounds, cannabidiol (CBD) or naringenin (NG), in a cationic liposomal nanoformulation consisting of DOTAP and POPC lipids, which were prepared using the dry lipid film method. The liposomes were characterized by their physicochemical properties, including particle size, zeta potential, and polydispersity index (PDI), with additional analyses performed using ¹H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR). Furthermore, biological experiments were performed with U-87 MG astrocytoma and U-138 MG GBM cell lines and non-cancerous MRC-5 lung fibroblasts using the MTT assay and evaluating the expression of Bax and Bcl-xL to evaluate their potential as anticancer agents. Conclusions: The IC₅₀ values for the nanoformulations in U-138 MG cells at 48 h were 6 µM for ACT + CBD and 5 µM for ACT + NG. ACT and CBD or NG demonstrated a potential synergistic effect against GBM in a liposomal formulation. Notably, treatment with ACT + CBD (5 µM) and ACT + NG (5 µM) liposomal formulations significantly upregulated Bax protein level in U-138 cells at both 24 and 48 h. In parallel, ACT + CBD (5 µM) also modulated Bcl-xL protein level in both U-138 MG and U-87 MG cell lines at the same time points. The obtained nanoformulations were homogeneous and stable for 21 days, evidenced by a narrow particle size distribution, a low polydispersity index (PDI) < 0.3, and a positive zeta potential. Full article

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a key target for both cancer diagnosis and therapeutic interventions. Assessing EGFR expression before therapy has become routine in clinical practice, yet current methods like biopsy and immunohistochemistry (IHC) have significant limitations, including invasiveness, limited repeatability, and lack of real-time, whole-body data. EGFR-targeted imaging has emerged as a promising alternative. EGFR-targeting peptides, owing to their favorable physicochemical properties and versatility, are increasingly being explored for a variety of applications, including molecular imaging, drug delivery, and targeted therapy. Recent advances have demonstrated the potential of EGFR-targeting peptides conjugated to imaging probes for non-invasive, real-time in vivo tumor detection, precision therapy, and surgical guidance. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest progress in EGFR-targeting peptides development, with a particular focus on their application in the development of molecular imaging agents, including fluorescence imaging, PET/CT, magnetic resonance imaging, and multimodal imaging. Furthermore, we examine the challenges and future directions concerning the development and clinical application of EGFR-targeting peptide-based imaging probes. Finally, we highlight emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, mutation-specific peptides, and multimodal imaging platforms, which offer significant potential for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of EGFR-targeted cancers. Full article

Widespread antibiotic residues are accumulating in the environment, potentially causing adverse effects for humans, animals, and the ecosystem, including an increase in antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in worldwide concern. There are various commonly used physical, chemical, and biological treatments for the degradation of antibiotics. However, the elimination of toxic end products generated by physicochemical methods and the need for industrial applications pose significant challenges. Hence, environmentally sustainable, green, and readily available approaches for the transformation and degradation of these antibiotic compounds are being sought. Herein, we review the impact of sustainable fungal laccase-based bioremediation strategies. Fungal laccase enzyme is considered one of the most active enzymes for biotransformation and biodegradation of antibiotic residue in vitro. For industrial applications, the low laccase yields in natural and genetically modified hosts may constitute a bottleneck. Methods to screen for high-laccase-producing sources, optimizing cultivation conditions, and identifying key genes and metabolites involved in extracellular laccase activity are reviewed. These include advanced transcriptomics, proteomics, and metagenomics technologies, as well as diverse laccase-immobilization technologies with different inert carrier/support materials improving enzyme performance whilst shifting from experimental assays to in situ monitoring of residual toxicity. Still, more basic and applied research on laccase-mediated bioremediation of pharmaceuticals, especially antibiotics that are recalcitrant and prevalent, is needed. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcumin (CUR) is well known for its therapeutic properties, particularly attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in managing chronic diseases such as arthritis. While CUR application for biomedical purposes is well known, the phytochemical has several restrictions given its poor water solubility, physicochemical instability, and low bioavailability. These limitations have led to innovative formulations, with nanocarriers emerging as a promising alternative. For this reason, this study aimed to address the potential advantages of associating CUR with nanocarrier systems in managing arthritis through a scoping review. Methods: A systematic literature search of preclinical (in vivo) and clinical studies was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (December 2024). General inclusion criteria include using CUR or natural derivatives in nano-based formulations for arthritis treatment. These elements lead to the question: “What is the impact of the association of CUR or derivatives in nanocarriers in treating arthritis?”. Results: From an initial 536 articles, 34 were selected for further analysis (31 preclinical investigations and three randomized clinical trials). Most studies used pure CUR (25/34), associated with organic (30/34) nanocarrier systems. Remarkably, nanoparticles (16/34) and nanoemulsions (5/34) were emphasized. The formulations were primarily presented in liquid form (23/34) and were generally administered to animal models through intra-articular injection (11/31). Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) was the most frequently utilized among the various models to induce arthritis-like joint damage. The findings indicate that associating CUR or its derivatives with nanocarrier systems enhances its pharmacological efficacy through controlled release and enhanced solubility, bioavailability, and stability. Moreover, the encapsulation of CUR showed better results in most cases than in its free form. Nonetheless, most studies were restricted to the preclinical model, not providing direct evidence in humans. Additionally, inadequate information and clarity presented considerable challenges for preclinical evidence, which was confirmed by SYRCLE’s bias detection tools. Conclusions: Hence, this scoping review highlights the anti-arthritic effects of CUR nanocarriers as a promising alternative for improved treatment. 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

Complex wastewater matrices hinder the efficacy of conventional treatment methods due to the presence of various inorganic and organic pollutants, along with their intricate interactions. Leveraging the synergy between algae and bacteria, algal–bacterial symbiosis (ABS) systems offering an evolutionary and highly effective approach. The ABS system demonstrates 10–30% higher removal efficiency than conventional biological/physicochemical methods under identical conditions, especially at low C/N ratios. Recent advances in biology techniques and big data analytics have deepened our understanding of the synergistic mechanisms involved. Despite the system’s considerable promise, challenges persist concerning complex pollution scenarios and scaling it for industrial applications, particularly regarding system design, environmental adaptability, and stable operation. In this review, we explore the current forms and operational modes of ABS systems, discussing relevant mechanisms in various wastewater treatment contexts. Furthermore, we examine the advantages and limitations of ABS systems in treating complex wastewater matrices, highlighting challenges and proposing future directions. Full article

The ecological rice–eel co-culture system is not only beneficial for enhancing productivity and sustainability in agriculture but also plays a crucial role in promoting environmental health. In the present study, based on the long-term positioning trial of the rice–eel co-culture system that began in 2016 and was sampled in 2023, the effects of reduced nitrogen fertilizer application on soil physico-chemical properties and the bacterial community were investigated. Treatments included a conventional regular fertilization treatment (RT), rice–eel co-culture system regular fertilization (IT), and nitrogen-reduction 10%, 30%, and 50% fertilization treatments (IT90, IT70, and IT50). Our research demonstrated the following: (1) Compared to RT, IT significantly increased soil water-stable macroaggregates (R0.25), mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD), and available phosphorus content, with the increases of 15.66%, 25.49%, 36.00%, and 18.42%, respectively. Among the nitrogen-reduction fertilization treatments, IT90 showed the most significant effect. Compared to IT, IT90 significantly increased R0.25, MWD, GMD, and available nitrogen content, with increases of 4.4%, 7.81%, 8.82%, and 28.89%, respectively. (2) Compared to RT, at the phylum level, the diversity of Chloroflexi was significantly increased under IT and IT50, and the diversity of Gemmatimonadota was significantly increased under IT90, IT70, and IT50. The diversity of Acidobacteriota was significantly higher in IT90 and IT70 compared to IT. It was shown that the rice–eel co-culture system and nitrogen fertilizer reduction could effectively improve the degradation capacity of organic matter and promote soil nitrogen cycling. In addition, redundancy analysis (RDA) identified total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and available nitrogen (p = 0.007) as the three most important environmental factors driving changes in the bacterial community. (3) The functional prediction analysis of soil microbiota showed that, compared to RT, the diversity of pathways related to biosynthesis (carbohydrate biosynthesis and cell structure biosynthesis) and metabolism (L-glutamate and L-glutamine biosynthesis) was significantly higher under IT70, IT90, IT, and IT50 (in descending order). However, the diversity of pathways associated with degradation/utilization/assimilation (secondary metabolite degradation and amine and polyamine degradation) was significantly lower under all the rice–eel co-culture treatments. In conclusion, the rice–eel co-culture system improved soil physicochemical properties and the soil microbial environment compared with conventional planting, and the best soil improvement was achieved with 10% less N fertilizer application. Full article

This study investigated the individual and combined effects of α-amylase (6 and 10 ppm), xylanase (70 and 120 ppm), and cellulase (35 and 60 ppm) on the physicochemical and nutritional properties of Chinese steamed buns (CSBs) supplemented with 15% buckwheat flour. The addition of individual enzymes did not significantly affect the volume or texture of the buckwheat-enriched CSBs, although it increased the crumb moisture content and porosity. In contrast, enzyme combinations can improve specific volume and reduce hardness. The enzyme combination (α-amylase 6 ppm, xylanase 70 ppm, and cellulase 60 ppm) yielded the highest specific volume (2.50 mL/g) and the lowest hardness (271.46 g). Regarding chemical properties, individual enzymes had minimal impact, while the combined treatment (6, 70, 60 ppm) decreased starch and dietary fiber content. For nutritional properties, the glycemic response of the CSBs varied depending on the concentration of the enzyme combination used. Full article

Acid soils are often a limiting factor in the production of most cultivated plants. In practice, the application of inadequate, physiologically acidic fertilizers, urea and NPK, is often encountered, which further worsens the already poor physicochemical properties of such soils. In this study, the influence of different amounts of NPK and urea fertilizers and methods of their application on the chemical properties of a very acidic soil and the accumulation of essential biogenic elements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and Al) in raspberry plants (leaves and fruits) was evaluated. The field trial with the raspberry plants was set up on a very acidic soil (pH in KCl 3.6), type Dystric Cambisol, and was monitored for 2 years. The application of NPK and urea mainly increased soil acidity in the second year in all treatments (for 0.10–0.18 pH unit) (except for urea applied in rows). The application of higher amounts of NPK increased the content of available forms of P (for 9.3–30.8 mg/kg) and K (for 57–95 mg/kg) in soil in both years, as well as exchangeable Ca (for 200–510 mg/kg) and Mg in the first year (15–165 mg/kg). The introduction of fertilizers in rows, compared to fertilization of the entire surface, influenced the reduction in mobile Al (especially when applying NPK, from 5.89 to 7.13 mg/100 g), the increase in mineral N and K content in the soil, and the increase in Ca and Mg only when applying urea, i.e., P when applying NPK in rows. In the leaves, the application of fertilizers in rows increased the content of Ca and Mg in the first year and P and K in the second year. In the fruits, the content of all estimated elements was not in correlation with their content in leaves and the fertilizer application, which indicates the influence of other ecological and biological factors on plant nutrition. 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