Search Results (2,793)

Hyphal systems have been essential for the morphoanatomical characterization of basidiomes and mycelia of aphyllophoroid fungi for taxonomic purposes. They have also been shown to influence the consistency of basidiomes. Recent developments in areas such as mycelium composite production as sustainable materials have redirected scientists’ attention to these structures, particularly regarding their material resistance, where complex hyphal systems enhance the properties of these composites. Compounds such as farnesol and octenol trigger growth and differentiation processes in many fungal groups, and laccases have been proposed as enzymes involved in these processes, given their roles in the synthesis of cell wall pigments and other cell wall components. Given the easily quantifiable differences in hyphal knots and dimitic mycelium between Fuscoporia torulosa and Inocutis tamaricis, we employed them as models to study their responses to these compounds, thereby helping fill the knowledge gap in the modulation of macrofungal mycelial differentiation. A variable effect was observed on laccase induction, while radial growth was reduced by octenol by up to 83% in F. torulosa and 65% in I. tamaricis, and by farnesol by up to 80% in I. tamaricis, showing slight effects on F. torulosa. Reductions of up to 100% were observed in the combination of high doses of both chemicals. Full article

Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) has a propensity to accumulate cadmium (Cd), especially in its leaves, which can have a detrimental impact on yield, quality, and product safety. The development of low-accumulation cultivars is a vital mitigation approach; however, the underlying mechanisms remain inadequately understood. In this study, through pot experiments, the physiological mechanisms responsible for the differential Cd accumulation between the low-accumulating tobacco line CF986 and the high-accumulating Yuyan5 were explored. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on the organ-specific Cd distribution, chemical speciation, subcellular compartmentalization, and photosynthetic responses across a gradient of Cd exposure. In comparison with Yuyan5, CF986 accumulated significantly higher amounts of Cd in the roots and stems, but substantially lower amounts in the leaves. Specifically, the Cd content in the leaves of CF986 was only 64.32–68.74% of that in Yuyan5 across different Cd exposure levels. The organ-specific Cd distribution pattern in CF986 followed the order: leaf > stem > root. Moreover, the proportion of Cd partitioned to the leaves was lower in CF986 compared to Yuyan5, while the roots and stems exhibited enhanced Cd retention, with Cd levels in stems reaching up to 2.04 times higher than those in Yuyan5. Analysis of the chemical forms and subcellular distribution of Cd indicated that the mobile Cd fractions in the stems of CF986 were significantly reduced compared to Yuyan5. A larger proportion of Cd was immobilized in the stem cell-wall fraction, which enhanced Cd retention and restricted xylem-mediated transport to the leaves. Cd exposure did not significantly affect the concentration of foliar photosynthetic pigments in CF986; however, it notably inhibited the activity of the photosystem II (PSII) reaction center. At higher Cd levels, the photoprotective thermal dissipation gradually failed, with a decrease of up to 41.36% in Φ_NO for CF986 compared to CK under Cd4.0 treatment. This research unveiled a stem barrier mechanism, whereby Cd translocation to the leaves is restricted through chemical and subcellular sequestration in the stem. This mechanism provides a novel perspective on both plant heavy metal allocation and the assurance of crop safety. Full article

This case report presents a three-month follow-up of a patient who self-administered Melanotan II injections over a period of 64 days with the goal of achieving a deeper tanning effect. Melanotan II is an unlicensed synthetic peptide analog belonging to the melanocortin hormone family. It acts primarily by activating melanocortin 1 receptors on melanocytes, stimulating eumelanin production and resulting in skin pigmentation independent of sun exposure. Despite its popularity, particularly through promotion on social media, Melanotan II remains unregulated, and its use is associated with a range of potential adverse effects. During the initial intraoral examination, brown pigmentation was observed on the attached gingiva in both the maxillary and mandibular arches. The lesions were almost symmetrically distributed, with a more intense coloration in the anterior region of the lower jaw. Additional pigmented areas with irregular shapes and poorly defined borders were noted on the left and right buccal mucosa. At the one-month follow-up after discontinuation of the injections, the buccal mucosal pigmentation had nearly disappeared. However, at the three-month follow-up, gingival pigmentation persisted, though with visibly reduced intensity. To date, there is a lack of published data specifically addressing the timeline for resolution of oral pigmentation associated with Melanotan II use, making this case a valuable contribution to the limited existing literature on the subject. Full article

Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR), represent a promising tool for the development of sustainable agriculture practices. Although numerous strains have been described in the literature, their characterisation often overlooks the ability to sustain functional activity under common abiotic stress conditions, such as water deficit and high salinity. The present study aimed to isolate putative PGPR strains from different environmental and biological matrices, characterise their key plant growth-promoting traits, and evaluate their effectiveness in improving plant growth under water and salt stress conditions. The isolated strains were initially tested in vitro for phytohormone production, phosphate solubilisation, and siderophore production. Selected Bacillus and Pseudomonas strains exhibiting the most promising traits were tested in a preliminary greenhouse pot test using lettuce (Lactuca sativa), followed by assays under drought stress (50% water reduction) and salt stress (100 mM NaCl). The results demonstrated that the two Bacillus velezensis strains (PB_8 and CSS_12) significantly enhanced plant growth by increasing foliar biomass and root development improving pigment content, and mitigating stress-induced damage. Overall, these findings support the potential of PGPR-based strategies for low-impact agricultural practices and enhancing plant resilience under stress conditions. Full article

Meat-processing wastewater (MPWW) is rich in nutrients and organic matter. This study assessed its potential as feedstock for microalgal biomass production while enabling wastewater treatment. In batch assays, the microalgae-based consortium grew in raw MPWW, and its synergy with the native wastewater microbial community enhanced the chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rate. If suspended solids were pre-removed from wastewater, COD removing rates improved from 828.5 ± 60.5 to 1097.5 ± 22.2 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹. In a raceway system operated in fed-batch mode with sieved and sedimented MPWW, COD removal was consistently achieved across feeding cycles, despite the variability in wastewater composition, reaching rates of up to 806.3 ± 0.0 mg L⁻¹ d⁻¹. Total nitrogen also decreased in most cycles. Microalgal biomass, estimated from total photosynthetic pigment’s concentration, increased from 0.4 to 17.9 µg mL⁻¹. The microalgae-based consortium became more diverse over time, harboring at the end, additional eukaryotic taxa such as protozoan grazers and fungi (e.g., Heterolobosea class and Trichosporonaceae and Dipodascaceae families), although their roles in removal processes remain unknown. This study highlights the potential use of real MPWW as feedstock for microalgal-based biomass production with concomitant carbon/nutrient load reduction, aligning its implementation with circular economy percepts. Full article

The flavor and color profiles of vegetables are crucial in determining their nutritional value, health benefits, taste, and visual appeal. The genomic characteristics of plants control these traits. Components such as sugars, organic acids, amino acids, phenolic compounds, and essential oils, as well as color pigments like anthocyanin, chlorophyll, carotenoid, and betalain, are synthesized in plants based on their genetic structure. Environmental factors like temperature, water, light, and soil can affect the production and intensity of these components. Long-term environmental changes, such as climate change, can significantly alter the dynamics of these components. This comprehensive review focuses on the genetic and environmental interactions underlying the flavor and color profiles of vegetables, with particular emphasis on the analysis of quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with these traits. The article discusses the identification of genes that regulate taste and color in vegetables and how these genes have been localized in QTL mapping studies. It also discusses the influence of environmental factors on taste and color, as well as gene–environment interactions. Furthermore, it focuses on how this information can be used to improve plant breeding and sustainable agriculture and emphasizes that data from QTL analyses provide valuable insights into the integration of genetic and environmental approaches to improve vegetable quality and meet consumer preferences. In conclusion, the review aims to be a valuable resource for both researchers and professionals interested in the genetic and environmental aspects of taste and color in vegetables. Full article

Delivering net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 requires rapid, large-scale carbon sequestration. Global photosynthesis, driven by cyanobacteria, microalgae, and higher plants, captures CO₂ and constitutes the dominant natural carbon sink (biomass). The built environment represents a second major sink. Large-scale microalgal cultivation and the integration of its bioproducts into building materials offers a pathway to capture and store CO₂ in built infrastructure. Colourful sustainably produced biopolymers offer one such route for carbon sequestration. Although pigments have a minor direct contribution, their coloration potential can accelerate the adoption of C-containing materials to increase architectural carbon sequestration. Here, we blended (individually and in combination) a range of structurally different pigments; the carotenoids—lutein (yellow) and astaxanthin (red), a water-soluble chlorophyll derivative—sodium copper chlorophyllin (green), and a water-soluble protein (phycocyanin, blue) into two biopolymers, polyhydroxybutyrate-hydroxyhexanoate and polycaprolactone with melting points of 135 °C and 60 °C, respectively. Six blending processes were evaluated for homogeneous coloured biopolymer production. UV resistance of coloured biopolymers was evaluated and enhanced by the application of a UV-protective coating. The best of the coloured biopolymer samples were integrated into a small-scale curved architectural structure to gain insight into the use and performance of the translucent materials produced for exhibition. Full article

The application of plasma-activated water and biostimulants offers a sustainable approach to supporting plant growth under reduced-nutrient conditions by supplying bioavailable nitrogen. This study investigated the growth and postharvest performance of hydroponically grown cos lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) supplied with three Hoagland-based nutrient treatments: half-strength solution prepared with tap water (HS), half-strength solution with plasma-activated water (HS+PAW), and half-strength solution with plasma-activated water containing 1 mL L⁻¹ milk protein hydrolysate (HS+PAW+MPH). Plants treated with PAW, particularly those in the HS+PAW+MPH, exhibited increases in growth, biomass accumulation, and mineral composition, with reduced nitrate content compared to controls. At harvest, lettuce under HS+PAW+MPH exhibited nearly double fresh yield and enhanced dry matter, protein, lipid, phenolic, and flavonoid profiles as well as increased antioxidant capacity, indicating improved nitrogen utilization and nutritional quality under reduced nutrient input. Postharvest quality was evaluated by packing samples in polypropylene bags and storing them at 10 ± 1 °C and 95–98% relative humidity for 21 days. The HS+PAW+MPH treatment substantially suppressed respiration and production of ethylene, limited weight loss and color change, and better preserved pigments, bioactive compounds, and antioxidant stability compared to HS and HS+PAW, indicating HS+PAW+MPH as a sustainable nutrient management approach for hydroponic systems. Full article

Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles that package DNA fragments, several classes of RNA, lipids, and proteins, and are now regarded as active messengers between cells rather than as cellular debris. This narrative review synthesizes dermatologic and related regenerative applications reported between 2020 and 2025, drawing on PubMed and Scopus searches. In skin, exosomes regulate inflammation, angiogenesis, matrix remodeling, pigmentation, and hair cycling. Preclinical models show faster wound closure, improved scar architecture, attenuation of photoaging changes, and stimulation of hair growth, with additional signals in inflammatory dermatoses and fungal skin disease. Early human studies in wound care, rejuvenation, scars, and alopecia suggest acceptable safety and a recurring pattern of benefit when exosomes are used as adjuncts to microneedling, lasers, or standard dressings, although products, dosing, and outcome measures remain heterogeneous. Beyond dermatology, early work in osteoarticular and soft tissue repair points toward meaningful regenerative potential, but clinical programs are still at an early stage. In practice, exosomes are being positioned as acellular alternatives or add-ons to platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate concentrate, and conventional topicals and as emerging carriers for small molecules and biologics. Key limitations include low yields, product and cargo heterogeneity, lack of agreed quality and potency metrics, and uncertain regulatory status. Whether exosomes remain boutique adjuncts or become part of standard dermatologic and musculoskeletal practice will depend on what happens next: consistent manufacturing, agreed-upon characterization panels, meaningful potency assays, robust pharmacokinetic and biodistribution data, and comparative trials that track outcomes and safety over years rather than weeks. Full article

P. peruviana is a species of agronomic and biotechnological interest; however, the relationship between in vitro regeneration and phenolic compound production remains poorly explored. This study evaluated the combined effects of thidiazuron (TDZ), explant type (cotyledon and hypocotyl), auxin type (naphthaleneacetic acid, NAA, or indole-3-butyric acid, IBA), and auxin concentration on shoot organogenesis, photosynthetic pigment content, and phenolic accumulation. An initial screening identified 4.54 µM TDZ as the optimal concentration for shoot induction. Subsequent experiments showed that morphogenic and physiological responses were strongly dependent on the interaction among explant type, auxin type, and auxin dose. Cotyledon explants consistently exhibited higher shoot regeneration, vigor, biomass accumulation, and photosynthetic pigment content than hypocotyl explants, which showed reduced physiological performance and a higher tendency for callus formation. NAA-based treatments primarily enhanced morphogenic traits, whereas IBA-based treatments were associated with increased photosynthetic pigment content and phenolic accumulation. Multivariate analysis integrating morphogenic, physiological, and biochemical variables identified cotyledon explants cultured with 0.5 µM IBA in the presence of 4.54 µM TDZ as the treatment achieving the most favorable balance between shoot regeneration, physiological stability, and controlled phenolic accumulation. These findings provide a robust basis for optimizing in vitro culture systems of P. peruviana that balance growth, physiological integrity, and secondary metabolism. Full article

In this study, we examined the enhancement of erythritol production by the Yarrowia divulgata strain 1485. Although erythritol fermentation has been thoroughly investigated in earlier studies, the influence of inoculum ratio has not been comprehensively addressed. Therefore, this parameter was selected as the focus of the present work. Since industrial-scale erythritol production is typically carried out using more efficient fungal strains, further improvements in economic viability are primarily expected through integration with other biotechnological processes, allowing the simultaneous generation of multiple valuable products. To this end, the erythritol fermentation was coupled with microbial pigment production, and the potential recovery of additional compounds—such as biodetergents and cosmetic ingredients—were also explored. Based on the results, the fermentation with a 15% inoculation rate appears to be the most effective, producing 67.9 ± 6.0 g/L of erythritol, and 61.81 ± 0.02 mg/L of pigment was successfully extracted at the end of the pigment fermentation. The cells seem capable of increasing the skin’s moisturizing effect according to our preliminary tests when glass bead cell disruption is used, and the emulsifier has also proven to be effective, maintaining an emulsification index (EI) above 50% even after 24 h. When performing a kinetic model, we found that the measured data matched the model predictions and confirmed optimal inoculation size (15%), providing a solid basis for subsequent techno-economic analysis. The integration of the two basic fermentations (erythritol and pigment) is therefore considered successful, and the Yarrowia divulgata strain appears to have great biotechnological potential. Full article

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are important biomarkers associated with diabetes and metabolic disorders; yet existing detection methods are invasive and unsuitable for frequent monitoring. This study aimed to develop a non-invasive and portable AGEs detection device, optimize strategies for mitigating pigmentation-related interference, and evaluate its feasibility for metabolic assessment. The proposed system employs a 365 nm ultraviolet LED excitation source, an optical filter assembly integrated into an ergonomic dark chamber, and an eyelid-signal-based algorithm to suppress ambient light and skin pigmentation interference. Simulation experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence of different pigment colors and skin tones on fluorescence measurements. A clinical study was performed in 200 participants, among whom 42 underwent concurrent serum AGEs measurement as the reference standard. Predictive models combining corneal fluorescence signals and body mass index (BMI) were constructed and evaluated. The results indicated that purple and blue pigments introduced greater interference, whereas green and pink pigments had minimal effects. Device-derived AGEs estimates demonstrated good agreement with serum AGEs, with a mean error below 8%. A hybrid model incorporating BMI achieved improved predictive accuracy compared with single-parameter models. Participants with high-AGE dietary habits exhibited elevated fluorescence signals and BMI. These findings suggest that the proposed device enables stable and accurate non-invasive AGEs assessment, with potential utility for metabolic monitoring. Incorporating lifestyle-related parameters may further enhance predictive performance and expand clinical applicability. Full article

Chilling has been recognized as a stress factor adversely impacting plant growth and productivity. Even a slight decrease in temperature may significantly reduce crop yield. Recently, biostimulants have emerged as a new tool for enhancing the chilling tolerance of cold-sensitive plants. The early stages of cucumber growth often occur under suboptimal temperatures, which motivated the aim of the current study to assess the effect of a protein hydrolysate (PH) on the physiological performance of young cucumber plants subjected to chilling stress. The results showed that low temperatures caused severe chilling stress by inducing changes in growth, photosynthesis, and nitrogen assimilation. These adverse effects were mitigated when the PH was supplied. The ameliorating effect could be due to a remedial influence on photosynthetic pigment content, facilitating light harvesting and energy utilization. The potential impact of the PH treatment on the redox balance was demonstrated by the activation of the G6PD gene. The possible effect of the biostimulant on nitrate assimilation was tested by measuring nitrate reductase activity, which improved after application of the biostimulant. Moreover, the activity of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) in PH-supplied plants was also increased, further confirming the enhanced protective capacity of the plants. All obtained results indicate the beneficial effect of PH application on cucumber plants and their chilling resilience. Full article

This study demonstrates that sunflower plants display integrated, multilevel responses to excessive lithium (Li) exposure. Li concentrations above 5 mM markedly impair germination, growth, and biomass accumulation. Li is preferentially accumulated in the shoots, showing high translocation and bioaccumulation factors, and disrupts mineral nutrient homeostasis, particularly potassium (K) and sodium (Na) uptake, while inducing oxidative stress. Although photosynthetic pigment contents decline, photosynthetic efficiency is largely maintained, except at 10 mM Li. Li treatment enhances superoxide anion (O₂^.−) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production exclusively in leaves. Consequently, activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) increase in leaves, whereas only APX and GR are stimulated in the roots. Nitric oxide (NO) accumulation is detected only in leaves, while hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and glutathione (GSH) contents decline. Leaf ascorbate (AsA) levels decrease concomitantly with dehydroascorbate (DHA) accumulation. Expression analyses of catalase, DHAR, DHAR-like, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) genes confirm their involvement in Li stress responses. Moreover, global DNA methylation analyses reveal hypomethylation in leaves and hypermethylation in the roots. Overall, Li exposure induces dose- and organ-specific physiological, molecular, and epigenetic adjustments in sunflower plants under environmentally relevant concentrations and controlled experimental conditions in this study. Full article

The rapid rise in atmospheric CO₂ necessitates strategies for mitigation and valorization. Microalgae offer potential through simultaneous CO₂ capture and production of high-value biomolecules. Five Chlorophyta strains (A–E: Micractinium sp., Chlamydomonas sp., Micractinium sp., Chlorococcum sp., and Chlorella vulgaris) were isolated from temperate waters and soils and tested for growth and biochemical responses under controlled nitrogen availability (low: 0.346 g L⁻¹ nitrate; high: 0.6 g L⁻¹ nitrate + ammonia), carbon supply (low: 0.04% CO₂; high: 4% CO₂), and cultivation systems (batch reactors, fermenters, and varied illumination). Over 14 days, maximum dry biomass was achieved in batch cultivation with CO₂ sparging, low nitrogen, and continuous light, ranging from 1.47 g L⁻¹ (strain A) to 2.67 g L⁻¹ (strain D). Biomass composition varied: proteins, 25–45%; carbohydrates, 20–35%; and lipids, 18–28%. Nitrogen limitation promoted lipid accumulation (e.g., strain D: +40%) with concurrent protein decline (−25%). Chlorophyll a/b displayed strain-specific plasticity; high CO₂ generally increased chlorophyll, while nitrogen stress reduced it up to 50%. Overall, this study demonstrates that locally adapted Chlorophyta strains can achieve high biomass productivity under CO₂ enrichment while allowing for flexible redirection of carbon flux toward lipids, carbohydrates, or pigments through nutrient management. Among the tested isolates, strains D and E emerged as the most promising candidates for integrated CO₂ sequestration and biomass production, while strains B, C, and D showed strong potential for biodiesel feedstock; strain A for carbohydrate valorization; and strain E for chlorophyll extraction. Future research should focus on scale-up validation in pilot photobioreactors under continuous operation, optimization of two-stage cultivation strategies for lipid production, integration with industrial CO₂ point sources, and strain improvement using modern genomics-assisted breeding and genome-editing technologies. These efforts will support the translation of regional microalgal resources into scalable carbon-capture and bioproduct platforms. Full article