Search Results (84)

Plumbagin is an important naphthoquinone with potent anticancer properties besides multitudinous uses in healthcare. It is produced in a limited number of species and families but mostly in the roots of Plumbaginaceae family members. The biosynthetic pathway and the genes that regulate plumbagin synthesis are not completely known, but details of these are being revealed. Several species, including Plumbago, Drosera, and others, are being uprooted for the extraction of plumbagin by pharmaceutical industries, leading to the destruction of natural habitats. The pharmaceutical industry is therefore facing an acute shortage of plant material. This necessitates enhancing the accumulation of plumbagin using suspensions and hairy roots to meet market demands. Many factors, such as the aggregate size of the inoculum, stability of the culture, and the sequential effects of elicitors, immobilization, and permeabilization, have been demonstrated to act synergistically and markedly augment plumbagin accumulation. Hairy root cultures can be used for the large-scale production, growth, and plumbagin accumulation, and the exploration of their efficacy is now imperative. The secretion of compounds into the spent medium and their in situ adsorption via resin has remarkable potential, but this has not been thoroughly exploited. Improvements in the quality of biomass, selection of cell lines, and production of plumbagin in bioreactors have thus far been sporadic, and these parameters need to be further exploited. In this review, we report the advances made relating to the importance of stable cell line selection for the accumulation of compounds in long-term cultures, hairy root cultures for the accumulation of plumbagin, and its semicontinuous production via total cell recycling in different types of bioreactors. Such advances might pave the way for industrial exploitation. The steps in the biosynthetic pathway that are currently understood might also aid us in isolating the relevant genes in order to examine the effects of their overexpression or heterologous downregulation or to edit the genome using CRISPR-Cas9 technology in order to enhance the accumulation of plumbagin. Its potential as an anticancer molecule and its mode of action have been amply demonstrated, but plumbagin has not been exploited in clinics due to its insolubility in water and its highly lipophilic nature. Plumbagin-loaded nanoemulsions, plumbagin–silver, or albumin nanoparticle formulations can overcome these problems relating to its solubility and are currently being tried to improve its bioavailability and antiproliferative activities, as discussed in the current paper. Full article

The growing field of nanotechnology has recently given much attention to nanogels, which are versatile formulas and have promising biomedical applications. Nanogels or nanohydrogels have undergone significant development in various fields of biomedical and industrial research to meet increasing demands, such as in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and genetic engineering. Nanogels that contain flavonoids, which are secondary metabolites found in plants, are starting to become distinctive and reveal their unique characteristics. The objective of the article is to provide a comprehensive overview of recent research articles on flavonoid-based nanogels, emphasizing the general aspects regarding nanogel formulation and structural characterization, as well as the advancements made in the biomedical field. In conclusion, this article outlines up-to-date developments in the synthesis, formulation, structural characterization, and therapeutic applications of flavonoid-based nanogels, emphasizing their important role in the field of nanotechnology. Full article

The use of some organic fertilizers may raise concerns about the transfer of hazardous substances to soil and plants. This study examined the impact of soil amendment with compost and vermicompost derived from sewage sludge and straw pellets in different ratios on the accumulation of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) by hemp (Cannabis sativa L.). The concentrations of fifty different PPCPs were measured in compost-treated soil, and in the roots and above-ground biomass of cannabis grown on the soil. The highest bioaccumulation of PPCPs was recorded in plants from previously unfertilized soils low in organic matter, while the lowest concentrations were measured in soil amended with compost or vermicompost made from straw pellets only, without sewage sludge. The effect of sludge-derived compost and vermicompost application on the absorption of PPCPs was statistically determined by measurements in soil samples, roots and shoots of carbamazepine, cetirizine, lamotrigine, telmisartan, paraxanthine, tramadol, triclosan, and venlafaxine. The above-ground biomass exhibited lower PPCP content than roots, suggesting a potential plant defense mechanism for limiting contaminant translocation. Only tramadol and carbamazepine showed significantly increased content in above-ground biomass. Full article

The pharmaceutical industry is undergoing a significant transition from batch to continuous manufacturing, driven by increasing regulatory requirements and sustainability pressures. Digital twins (DTs) play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition by enabling real-time data visualisation, process optimisation, and predictive analytics. While substantial progress has been made in the development and application of DTs, particularly in industries such as energy and automotive, there remains a critical need for further research and development focused on creating sustainability-oriented digital twins tailored to pharmaceutical processes. In the pharmaceutical sector, DTs are being progressively utilised not only for real-time monitoring and analysis but also as dynamic training platforms for engineers and operators, enhancing both operational efficiency and workforce competency. This paper examines the University of Sheffield’s Diamond Pilot Plant (DiPP), a facility showcasing the future of pharmaceutical manufacturing through the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies and advanced sensors. This paper focuses on developing a data-driven model to predict energy consumption in a twin-screw granulator (TSG) within the DiPP. The model, based on second-degree polynomial regression, demonstrates strong predictive accuracy with R-squared values exceeding 0.8. By optimising energy performance indicators, this work aims to improve the sustainability of pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. This research contributes to the field of pharmaceutical manufacturing by providing a foundation for creating energy models and advancing the development of comprehensive DT. Full article

Animal venom and plant extracts have been used since ancient times in traditional medicine worldwide. Natural components, valued for their safety and effectiveness, have been consistently used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications. We propose a journey along the boulevard of active compounds from natural sources, where bee venom (BV), cobra venom (CV), and Ficus carica reveal their individual therapeutic and cosmetic properties. The originality of this review lies in exploring the synergy of these bioactive sources, an approach that has not been presented in the literature. Although BV, CV, and Ficus carica have different origins and compositions, they have multiple common pharmacological and cosmetic actions, which make them ideal for inclusion in various products that can be used for skin care and health in general. Their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and regenerative properties give them an essential role in the creation of potential innovative and effective products in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry. Although many plant extracts have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Ficus carica was chosen due to its complex biochemical composition, which provides valuable benefits in skin regeneration and protection against oxidative stress. According to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), Ficus carica is used in the form of an extract of fruits, leaves, juice, bark or stem, each having specific applicability in topical formulations; due to the diversity of bioactive compounds, it can amplify the effectiveness of BV and CV, helping to enhance their beneficial effects and reducing the risk of adverse effects, due to its well-tolerated nature. Thus, this combination of natural ingredients opens up new perspectives in the development of innovative products, optimizing efficiency and maintaining a favorable safety profile. In this context, due to the reported experimental results, the three natural sources caught our attention, and we conceived the present work, which is a review made following the analysis of the current progress in the study of the bioactive compounds present in BV, CV, and Ficus carica. We focused on the novelties regarding pharmacological and cosmetic actions presented in the literature, and we highlighted the safety profile, as well as the modern approaches regarding the delivery and transport systems of the active substances from the three natural sources, and we evaluated their prospects in therapeutic and cosmetic use. This paper not only expands our knowledge of bioactive compounds, but it can also generate new ideas and motivations for the research and development of innovative treatments and skincare methods. Full article

The advancement of pharmaceutical science has resulted in the development of numerous tailor-made compounds, i.e., pharmaceuticals, tuned for specific drug targets. These compounds are often characterized by their low biodegradability and are commonly excreted to a certain extent unchanged from the human body. Due to their low biodegradability, these compounds represent a significant challenge to wastewater treatment plants. Often, these compounds end up in effluents in the environment. With the advancement of membrane technologies and advanced oxidation processes, photocatalysis in particular, a synergistic approach between the two was recognized and embraced. These hybrid advanced water treatment processes are the focus of this review, specifically the removal of pharmaceuticals from water using a combination of a photocatalyst and pressure membrane process, such as reverse osmosis or nanofiltration employing photocatalytic nanocomposite membranes. Full article

Introduction: LIG is a biopolymer found in vascular plant cell walls that is created by networks of hydroxylated and methoxylated phenylpropane that are randomly crosslinked. Plant cell walls contain LIG, a biopolymer with significant potential for usage in modern industrial and pharmaceutical applications. It is a renewable raw resource. The plant is mechanically protected by this substance, which may increase its durability. Because it has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, LIG also shields plants from biological and chemical challenges from the outside world. Researchers have done a great deal of work to create new materials and substances based on LIG. Numerous applications, including those involving antibacterial agents, antioxidant additives, UV protection agents, hydrogel-forming molecules, nanoparticles, and solid dosage forms, have been made with this biopolymer. Methods: For this review, a consistent literature screening using the Pubmed database from 2019–2024 has been performed. Results: The results showed that there is an increase in interest in lignin as an adaptable biomolecule. The most recent studies are focused on the biosynthesis and antimicrobial properties of lignin-derived molecules. Also, the use of lignin in conjunction with nanostructures is actively explored. Conclusions: Overall, lignin is a versatile molecule with multiple uses in industry and medical science Full article

Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don is a Mediterranean medicinal plant with great potential in the cosmetics, culinary and pharmaceutical fields due to its unique bioactive compounds. Its recent introduction into agroecosystems has enhanced the exploitation of genetic diversity in natural populations, although limited molecular markers have made this challenging. In the present study, primers were designed for all 43 SSRs (72.1% mononucleotide, 21% dinucleotide and 6.9% trinucleotide repeats) identified in the chloroplast genome. Populations from Cape Kamenjak (Croatia) and Corsica (France) were analyzed with ten carefully selected cpSSR markers. From the initial set of 16 cpSSRs amplified in all samples, 6 cpSSR markers were removed due to low-length polymorphisms, size homoplasy and nucleotide polymorphisms that could not be detected with allele length. Of the 38 haplotypes detected, 32 were unique to their geographic origin. The highest number of private haplotypes was observed in the Cape Kamenjak population (seven out of nine detected). Based on clustering analyses, the Kamenjak population was the most similar to the Capo Pertusato (south Corsica) population, although only one sub-haplotype was shared. Other Corsican populations were more similar to each other. A cross-species transferability test with Helichrysum litoreum Guss. and Helichrysum arenarium (L.) Moench was successfully conducted and private alleles were identified. Full article

Solanum surattense Burm. f. is a significant member of the Solanaceae family, and the Solanum genus is renowned for its traditional medicinal uses and bioactive potential. This systematic review adheres to PRISMA methodology, analyzing scientific publications between 1753 and 2023 from B-on, Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, aiming to provide comprehensive and updated information on the distribution, ethnomedicinal uses, chemical constituents, and pharmacological activities of S. surattense, highlighting its potential as a source of herbal drugs. Ethnomedicinally, this species is important to treat skin diseases, piles complications, and toothache. The fruit was found to be the most used part of this plant (25%), together with the whole plant (22%) used to treat different ailments, and its decoction was found to be the most preferable mode of herbal drug preparation. A total of 338 metabolites of various chemical classes were isolated from S. surattense, including 137 (40.53%) terpenoids, 56 (16.56%) phenol derivatives, and 52 (15.38%) lipids. Mixtures of different parts of this plant in water–ethanol have shown in vitro and/or in vivo antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-tumoral, hepatoprotective, and larvicidal activities. Among the metabolites, 51 were identified and biologically tested, presenting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral as the most reported activities. Clinical trials in humans made with the whole plant extract showed its efficacy as an anti-asthmatic agent. Mostly steroidal alkaloids and triterpenoids, such as solamargine, solanidine, solasodine, solasonine, tomatidine, xanthosaponin A–B, dioscin, lupeol, and stigmasterol are biologically the most active metabolites with high potency that reflects the new and high potential of this species as a novel source of herbal medicines. More experimental studies and a deeper understanding of this plant must be conducted to ensure its use as a source of raw materials for pharmaceutical use. Full article

Canine atopic dermatitis (CAD) is an allergic, inflammatory, and pruritic skin disease associated with the production of IgE antibodies against environmental allergens and mainly house dust mite allergens. This complex dermatological pathology involves Interleukin 31 (IL-31) as a central itch mediator. One of the most effective CAD treatments is a caninized monoclonal antibody (mAb) called Lokivetmab. It is produced in CHO cells and targets specifically canine IL-31 (cIL-31) and blocks its cellular messaging. This treatment has undoubtedly contributed to a breakthrough in dermatitis-related pruritus. However, its production in mammalian cells requires time-consuming procedures, high production costs, and investment. Plants are considered an emerging protein production platform for recombinant biopharmaceuticals due to their cost-effectiveness and rapidity for production. Here, we use transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana plants to produce recombinant canine Interleukin 31 (cIL-31) and an anti-IL-31 monoclonal antibody (M1). First, we describe the production and characterization of M1 and then its activity on an IL-31-induced pruritic model in dogs compared to its commercial homolog. Dogs treated with the plant-made M1 mAb have shown similar improvements to Lokivetmab-treated ones after different challenges using canine IL-31. Furthermore, M1 injections were not associated with any side effects. These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of this plant-made Lokivetmab biosimilar to control dogs’ pruritus in a well-established model. Finally, this study shows that the plant-production platform can be utilized to produce rapidly functional mAbs and bring hope to the immunotherapy field of veterinary medicine. Full article

Understanding the nuanced interplay between plant polyphenols and starch could have significant implications. For example, it could lead to the development of tailor-made starches for specific applications, from bakinag and brewing to pharmaceuticals and bioplastics. In addition, this knowledge could contribute to the formulation of functional foods with lower glycemic indexes or improved nutrient delivery. Variations in the complexes can be attributed to differences in molecular weight, structure, and even the content of the polyphenols. In addition, the unique structural characteristics of starches, such as amylose/amylopectin ratio and crystalline density, also contribute to the observed effects. Processing conditions and methods will always alter the formation of complexes. As the type of starch/polyphenol can have a significant impact on the formation of the complex, the selection of suitable botanical sources of starch/polyphenols has become a focus. Spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics is a convenient and accurate method for rapidly identifying starches/polyphenols and screening for the desired botanical source. Understanding these relationships is crucial for optimizing starch-based systems in various applications, from food technology to pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

Lepidium draba (hoary cress) is a perennial plant belonging to the Brassicaceae family that produces two dominant glucosinolates (GLSs): glucoraphanin (GRN) and sinalbin (SBN). They represent the stored form, which is converted upon the myrosinase (Myr) hydrolysis activity to active compounds, mainly isothiocyanates (ITCs) such as sulforaphane (SFN) or p-hydroxybenzyl isothiocyanate (pHBITC). Research on ITCs that have proven anticancer, antimicrobial, and chemoprotective properties is usually conducted with pure commercially available compounds. However, these are chemically reactive, making it difficult to use them directly for preventive purposes in dietary supplements. Efforts are currently being made to prepare dietary supplements enriched with GLS and/or Myr. In this study, we report a simple but efficient chromatographic procedure for the isolation and purification of GLSs from MeOH extract from hoary cress based on a combination of ion exchange and gel permeation chromatography on DEAE-Sephadex A-25 and Sephadex LH-20. To obtain the Myr required for efficient hydrolysis of GLSs into antibacterial ITCs, we developed a rapid method for its extraction from the seeds of Lepidium sativum (garden cress). The yields of GLSs were 22.9 ± 1.2 mg GRN (purity 96%) and 10.4 ± 1.1 mg SBN (purity 92%) from 1 g of dry plant material. Both purified GLSs were used as substrates for the Myr. Analysis of the composition of hydrolysis products (HPs) revealed differences in their hydrolysis rates and in the degree of conversion from GLSs to individual ITCs catalyzed by Myr. When GRNs were cleaved, SFNs were formed in an equimolar ratio, but the formation of pHBITCs was only half that of cleaved SBNs. The decrease in pHBITC content is due to its instability compared to SFN. While SFN is stable in aqueous media during the measurement, pHBITC undergoes non-enzymatic hydrolysis to p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and thiocyanate ions. Testing of the antimicrobial effects of the HPs formed from GRN by Myr under premix or in situ conditions showed inhibition of the growth of model prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms. This observation could serve as the jumping-off point for the design of a two-component mixture, based on purified GLSs and Myr that is, usable in food or the pharmaceutical industry in the future. Full article

Electrospinning is an advanced manufacturing strategy used to create innovative medical devices from continuous nanoscale fibers that is endowed with tunable biological, chemical, and physical properties. Innovative medical patches manufactured entirely by electrospinning are discussed in this paper, using a specific plant-derived formulation “1 Primary Wound Dressing©” (1-PWD) as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). 1-PWD is composed of neem oil (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) and the oily extracts of Hypericum perforatum (L.) flowers, according to the formulation patented by the ENEA of proven therapeutic efficacy as wound dressings. The goal of this work is to encapsulate this API and demonstrate that its slow release from an engineered electrospun patch can increase the therapeutic efficacy for wound healing. The prototyped patch is a three-layer core–shell membrane, with a core made of fibers from a 1-PWD-PEO blend, enveloped within two external layers made of medical-grade polycaprolactone (PCL), ensuring mechanical strength and integrity during manipulation. The system was characterized via electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical and contact angle tests. The encapsulation, release, and efficacy of the API were confirmed by FTIR and LC-HRMS and were validated via in vitro toxicology and scratch assays. Full article

Plants are increasingly used for the production of high-quality biological molecules for use as pharmaceuticals and biomaterials in industry. Plants have proved that they can produce life-saving therapeutic proteins (Elelyso™—Gaucher’s disease treatment, ZMapp™—anti-Ebola monoclonal antibodies, seasonal flu vaccine, Covifenz™—SARS-CoV-2 virus-like particle vaccine); however, some of these therapeutic proteins are difficult to bring to market, which leads to serious difficulties for the manufacturing companies. The closure of one of the leading companies in the sector (the Canadian biotech company Medicago Inc., producer of Covifenz) as a result of the withdrawal of investments from the parent company has led to the serious question: What is hindering the exploitation of plant-made biologics to improve health outcomes? Exploring the vast potential of plants as biological factories, this review provides an updated perspective on plant-derived biologics (PDB). A key focus is placed on the advancements in plant-based expression systems and highlighting cutting-edge technologies that streamline the production of complex protein-based biologics. The versatility of plant-derived biologics across diverse fields, such as human and animal health, industry, and agriculture, is emphasized. This review also meticulously examines regulatory considerations specific to plant-derived biologics, shedding light on the disparities faced compared to biologics produced in other systems. Full article

The global health community is extremely concerned about the emergence and spread of antibiotic resistance as well as the evolution of new strains of disease-causing organisms. It takes the creation of novel pharmaceuticals or access to a supply of innovative therapeutics for a disease to be effectively treated. Commonly used medicinal herbs in our society could be a great source of medications to combat this issue. The antibacterial and anticancer capabilities of metallic nanoparticles made from plants are the main focus of this work. Two distinct nanoparticles were tested for their antibacterial and anticancer properties against four cancerous cell lines (prostate cancer, lung cancer A549, HeLa, and MCF-7) and five pathogenic microbes (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) bacteria, as well as one yeast (Candida albicans). Metallic nanoparticles from the plants Leucas cephalotes (AgNPs) and Ajuga macrosperma (FeONPs) were tested for their antibacterial capabilities using the agar well diffusion method and their ability to fight cancer using the MTS and MTT assays. According to the findings, AgNPs synthesized from Leucas cephalotes showed the strongest potential against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The zones of inhibition (ZOI) of Leucas cephalotes’ AgNPs were 19 mm and 18 mm respectively. It was also discovered that the FeONPs of Ajuga macrosperma had the most potential against the MCF-7 cancer cell line. Prostate cancer and lung cancer (A549) cell lines were the ones that responded most favorably to the AgNPs of Leucas cephalotes. Full article