Search Results (5,432)

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti, the main vector in the Americas. The lack of effective antiviral treatments, limited vaccine coverage, and the increasing resistance of mosquitoes to conventional insecticides emphasize the need for alternative vector control strategies. Plant-derived larvicides represent a promising and eco-friendly approach. This study characterized the phytochemical profile of Persea americana Mill. (var. Lorena) and evaluated its larvicidal activity against Ae. aegypti (Rockefeller strain). The phytochemical profile was assessed through qualitative screening, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and UHPLC analysis. Larvicidal activity was evaluated against third-instar larvae of Ae. aegypti (Rockefeller strain) and the median lethal concentration (LC₅₀) values were determined. Preliminary screening of ethanolic extracts revealed the presence of various secondary metabolites of pharmacological relevance, including alkaloids, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, triterpenes/sterols, and quinones. UV-Vis spectra displayed distinct absorption patterns, with a prominent peak near 260 nm, consistent with the presence of aromatic compounds. UHPLC profiling revealed high chemical diversity across different plant parts, with 70, 98, 71, and 52 peaks (above 1 × 10⁵ intensity) detected in seed, flower, pulp, and leaf extracts, respectively. Larvicidal bioassays showed significant activity, particularly in the seed extract, with LC₅₀ values (µg/mL) of 3.8 (3.3–4.1) for seeds, 22.4 (21.8–23.9) for flowers, 23.0 (21.5–24.6) for pulp, and 29.7 (28.1–31.2) for leaves. This study highlights the larvicidal potential of ethanolic extracts from P. americana (var. Lorena), with the seed extract exhibiting the highest chemical diversity and bioactivity against Ae. aegypti larvae. The detection of key secondary metabolites, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, supports the development of an effective, plant-based larvicide for sustainable vector control strategies. Full article

Background: Post-harvest losses in bananas, particularly due to diseases such as anthracnose and stem-end rot, significantly limit their storage life and marketability. Developing effective and non-toxic treatments to prolong the shelf life of fruits while maintaining quality is crucial inenabling long-distance transport and facilitating exports. Methods: The most popular and commercial banana variety, ‘Grand Naine’, was treated with a proprietary secondary metabolite-based formulation (this refers to a solution containing natural compounds produced by living organisms, which are not directly involved in growth but can influence various biological processes, such as antimicrobial activity) and stored under cold conditions at 13 °C, using vacuum packaging (a method where air is removed from the packaging to reduce spoilage and prolong freshness). Untreated fruits were considered as controls, meaning that they were not subjected to the treatment and served as a baseline for comparison. Shelf life-related parameters such as ethylene production (a plant hormone responsible for triggering fruit ripening), ACC oxidase activity (an enzyme central to ethylene synthesis), respiration rate (the rate at which fruit consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide), firmness, total soluble solids (TSS; measures the sugar content in fruit), acidity, and metabolic composition were assessed, including indices of susceptibility to disease. These measurements were taken at regular intervals for both treated and control fruits. Results: Secondary metabolite-treated bananas maintained quality for 45 days, staying free from anthracnose and stem-end rot. Control fruits showed over-ripening and an 11.6% percent disease index (PDI). Treated fruits had lower ethylene production (7.80 μg/kg/s vs. 10.03 μg/kg/s in controls), reduced ACC oxidase activity, and a slower respiration rate, delaying ripening. They also had greater firmness (1.45 kg/cm²), optimal TSS (13.5 °Brix), balanced acidity (0.58%), and increased flavonoid and antioxidant levels compared to controls. Conclusions: Secondary metabolite-based treatment, combined with cold storage and vacuum packaging, extended banana shelf life to 45 days, minimized disease, and preserved fruit quality. This approach substantially reduced post-harvest losses, demonstrating export potential through extended storage. Full article

The growing demand for lithium, driven by its key role in rechargeable batteries and its use in electric vehicles, highlights the need for sustainable and environmentally friendly recovery strategies. Conventional methods, such as pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy, are effective but costly and harmful as they emit toxic compounds. Biohydrometallurgy has emerged as a promising alternative, as it uses microorganisms and their metabolites to solubilize metals under milder conditions. Biohydrometallurgy has emerged as a promising alternative, as it relies on microorganisms and their metabolites to solubilize metals under mild operating conditions. Nevertheless, challenges related to process efficiency and selectivity remain, particularly for lithium recovery. In this context, recent advances in metal-binding peptides have attracted increasing attention due to their inherent selectivity and the possibility of rational design and heterologous expression in well-established microbial hosts such as Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This review critically analyzes current biotechnological strategies and explores the integration of microbial bioleaching with peptide-based approaches as a complementary and environmentally friendly framework for the selective recovery of lithium and other metals from spent batteries and waste electrical and electronic equipment. Overall, this review provides an integrative conceptual framework that highlights the potential of combining microbial processes with metal-binding peptides to guide the development of more selective and sustainable biotechnological strategies for lithium recovery from secondary sources. Full article

The present work provides a detailed study of Convolvulus cantabrica L., a plant belonging to the family Convolvulaceae and the genus Convolvulus. The selection of this plant was based on the long-standing ethnobotanical relevance of its genus, which was attributed to the richness of its species in phenolic and flavonoids compounds. Moreover, this species as remained unexplored to date. Our investigation includes both chemical and biological aspects. To assess the chemical composition of the hydroalcoholic extract of the plant, High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed. Rosmarinic Acid (161.9 ppm) and Chlorogenic Acid (153.8 ppm) had the highest concentrations. Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis demonstrated the presence of Fatty Acids and Esters (70.81%), sesquiterpene and diterpenes (19.51%) and fatty alcohols (6.02%). In addition, the ethyl acetate extract exhibited the highest phenolic contents (606.42 µg/mL) and flavonoid contents (363.75 µg/mL). The tested extracts, especially the ethyl acetate and butanol extracts, exhibited strong antioxidant capacity in DPPH (IC₅₀: 13.60 ± 1.30 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract and 17.69 ± 1.17 µg/mL for butanol extract), ABTS (IC₅₀: 7.26 ± 0.01 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract and 6.90 ± 0.18 µg/mL for butanol extract) and FRP (IC₅₀: 14.89 ± 0.90 µg/mL for ethyl acetate extract and 23.14 ± 0.60 µg/mL for butanol extract) assays compared with extracts from other species of this genus. Moreover, the petroleum ether extract demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity (IC₅₀: 419.30 ± 4.48 µg/mL). Regarding antibacterial activity, the plant extracts, especially the ethyl acetate, hydroalcoholic and petroleum ether extracts, inhibited the growth of Bacillus cereus. Overall, our data indicate that Convolvulus cantabrica L., is rich in secondary metabolites, particularly polyphenols, and exhibits significant biological activities, especially antioxidant properties. These results validate the traditional use of C. cantabrica and position it as a promising source of natural antioxidants with potential pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Full article

Medicinal plants are a rich source of diverse secondary metabolites (SMs) with significant industrial and medicinal applications. However, the natural content of these compounds is often low and influenced by various environmental and biological factors, making large-scale extraction from conventionally cultivated plants challenging. This review comprehensively examines the efficacy and benefits of plant in vitro culture techniques, specifically, callus, cell suspension, and hairy root cultures, for enhanced SMs production. A primary focus is placed on the elicitation effects of various nanomaterials and their mechanisms of action in boosting SMs synthesis. We present successful case studies utilizing different classes of nanomaterials, including metal oxides, non-metal oxides, carbon-based materials, polysaccharides, and quantum dots, as nano-elicitors. Furthermore, the review discusses the advantages and current challenges of nanomaterial-based elicitation, as well as its future applications and prospects. The insights consolidated in this review underscore the potential of nanoparticle-mediated elicitation as a robust strategy for the efficient production of valuable SMs in plant cell cultures. Finally, we emphasize the broad utility of diverse nanomaterials and highlight critical areas requiring further investigation in this field. Full article

Conventional alligator farming, characterized by reliance on chilled fish meat, faces significant challenges, including risks of bacterial contamination and nutritional imbalances. These issues heighten increasing disease susceptibility and threaten industry sustainability, underscoring the critical need for developing nutrient-dense, low-pathogenicity compound feeds. This study conducted a comparative analysis of newborn Siamese crocodiles fed either chilled fish meat or compound feed formulation. Intestinal microbial samples from both cohorts underwent 16S rRNA gene high-throughput sequencing to evaluate differences in microbial composition, diversity, and predicted functionality. The compound feed, specifically formulated for this investigation, possessed the following nutritional composition: crude protein 52.42%; digestible crude protein/digestible energy 16 mg/kcal; crude fat 12.31%; ash 17.42%; crude fiber 0.45%; starch 7.69%; digestible energy 3450 kcal/kg; lysine 3.66%; threonine 1.92%; methionine 1.27%; arginine 3.07%; total essential amino acids 22.97%; calcium 2.51%; total phosphorus 1.8%; available phosphorus 0.98%. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the compound feed group exhibited numerically higher richness and alpha diversity indices within the intestinal microbiota compared to the chilled fish group. The microbial communities in both groups were dominated by the phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteriota, and Firmicutes, collectively representing over 50% of the relative abundance. Functional prediction indicated that the compound feed group possessed the highest relative abundance in metabolic pathways associated with cofactor and vitamin metabolism, carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid metabolism, terpenoid and polyketide metabolism, lipid metabolism, and replication and repair. In contrast, the chilled fish group exhibited significant functional alterations in glycan biosynthesis and metabolism, translation, nucleotide metabolism, transcription, and biosynthesis of other secondary metabolites. Histomorphological analysis demonstrated greater villus height and crypt depth in the compound diet group compared to chilled fish group, although no significant differences were observed in crypt depth or the villus-to-crypt depth ratio. Collectively, these findings indicate that the compound feed enhances intestinal microbial diversity and optimizes its functional structure. Furthermore, while no statistically significant difference in small intestinal villus height was detected, the results suggest a potential positive influence on intestinal development. This investigation provides a scientific foundation for compound feed development, supporting sustainable breeding practices for Siamese crocodiles. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dendrobium officinale is a valuable medicinal orchid. However, the metabolic profiles of its leaves and flowers remain poorly characterized. This highlights the need for comprehensive analysis of stems, leaves, and flowers to reveal plant-part-specific bioactive compounds and expand whole-plant utilization. Methods: An integrative metabolomic approach based on UHPLC–MS/MS was employed to systematically characterize secondary metabolite profiles in different parts of D. officinale, including stems (DOS), leaves (DOL), and flowers (DOF). Results: A total of 761 metabolites, predominantly flavonoids (30.6%), alkaloids (20.2%), phenolic acids (12.2%), and terpenoids (9.3%), were identified. The most abundant metabolites were detected in DOF (634), followed by DOL (598) and DOS (586). Total flavonoid and alkaloid contents were the highest in DOF, reaching 0.86 and 0.62 mg·g⁻¹ DW, respectively. Screening identified 74 key active ingredients (KAI) and 83 active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) and demonstrated potential efficacy against six major human diseases. Among these, gardenoside and phloroglucinol were uniquely present in leaves, whereas 12 KAIs and 16 APIs were specific to DOF. Quercetin, a compound associated with more than 90 disease-related entries, was exclusively detected in DOF. Multivariate analyses revealed clear separation among the three plant parts. Furthermore, 15 metabolites with VIP > 1, including pinobanksin and naringenin, exhibited distinct plant-part-specific accumulation patterns. Additionally, potential plant-part-specific biomarkers were identified. Conclusions: This study presents a comprehensive plant-part-specific metabolomic profile of D. officinale, revealing that its flowers and leaves are particularly enriched in bioactive flavonoids and alkaloids. The findings reveal the remarkable metabolic diversity and functional potential of D. officinale, providing essential chemical insights that support the whole plant’s broader medicinal and biotechnological applications. Full article

Oxytropis glabra DC, a Fabaceae species distributed across Central Asia, is characterized by a dual biological profile encompassing pronounced toxicity alongside promising pharmacological potential. This review synthesizes current knowledge on its phytochemistry, bioactivity, and toxicological liabilities to clarify the plant’s risk–benefit landscape. The objectives are to summarize the dominant classes of metabolites identified in O. glabra, evaluate their toxicological and therapeutic relevance, and identify key gaps limiting translational research. O. glabra contains a diverse array of secondary metabolites, with quinolizidine and indolizidine alkaloids, including swainsonine, anagyrine, thermopsine, and sparteine, representing the primary determinants of toxicity. These compounds are associated with teratogenicity, neurotoxicity, and locoism through mechanisms involving α-mannosidase inhibition, disruption of glycoprotein processing, and impaired lysosomal homeostasis. In contrast, flavonoids such as quercetin, isoquercitrin, and kaempferol derivatives exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective effects, while triterpenoid saponins and fatty acids contribute additional cytoprotective and metabolic activities. Despite extensive reports on both toxic and bioactive constituents, critical gaps remain regarding chemotype variability, dose–response relationships, and pharmacokinetics, which currently constrain therapeutic exploitation. Future research should prioritize defining safe exposure thresholds, elucidating structure–activity relationships, and developing standardized extracts or optimized derivatives that balance efficacy and safety. This integrative perspective highlights O. glabra as a chemically rich but biologically ambivalent species whose toxicological risks and pharmacological opportunities warrant systematic mechanistic investigation. Full article

Background: Recent studies have shown that plant-based dietary extracts can prevent the formation of lipid droplets (LDs) and oxidized lipid droplets (oxLDs) in liver cells. These results indicate that these extracts might be useful in addressing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and its more severe form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). In our ongoing study, we evaluated the potential of various food extracts to inhibit the accumulation and oxidation of LDs in liver cells to prevent metabolic MAFLD and MASH. Methods: The antioxidant activity index was determined using the DPPH assay, cell viability was assessed via cytotoxicity and lipotoxicity, and lipid droplet accumulation inhibition (LDAI) assays were performed. Metabolome analysis was performed using 1D-NMR [¹H, ¹³C, DEPT 90, and 135] techniques. Results: Dietary clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extract exhibited antioxidant properties and inhibited linoleic acid-induced lipid droplet (LD) accumulation (LDA) and oxidized LDA (oxLDA) in HepG2 cells. Additionally, an analysis of the metabolome of dietary clove bioactive LDAI using 1D-NMR showed that clove extract (CE) mainly consists of hydroxybenzoic acids (HBAs) and hydroxycinnamic acids (HCAs), along with minor amounts of carbohydrates, coumarins, polyphenolic compounds, and small quantities of polyols, fatty acyls, small peptides, and amino acids. This suggests that CE could be a promising resource for developing functional foods and nutraceuticals and discovering drugs for treating MAFLD, MASH, and related conditions. Full article

Bryophytes, as early land plants, have evolved and developed a wide array of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant defense mechanisms to cope with oxidative stress. This review explores the intricate biochemical pathways of bryophyte antioxidant defense including their secondary metabolite (SM) systems and protective enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione transferases (GSTs), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR). These metabolic components function through species-specific regulatory mechanisms related to expression way. The pharmacological significance of bryophyte-derived compounds is also highlighted, supported by recent discoveries of numerous bioactive molecules, such as melatonin, cannabinoids, and specific chemical marker compounds. Most current biochemical studies on bryophytes focus on their desiccation tolerance and their utility as pollution indicators; however, another aim of this review is to underscore their broader pharmacological promise. Furthermore, this paper explores the biotechnological applications of bryophytes in drug discovery and the need for bioreactor cultivation of the species used. It also emphasizes the need for further investigation into bryophyte biochemistry and enzymology, particularly their unique enzyme systems, to fully unlock their therapeutic potential. Full article

Background/Objectives: The antenatal management of Down syndrome (DS) is difficult as it is associated with a high risk for in utero fetal demise (IUFD) with a paucity of literature to guide antenatal surveillance. Avoidance of preterm delivery in the DS fetus, so commonly affected by anomalies, compounds the dichotomy of achieving term delivery while balancing against the risk for IUFD as gestational age advances. Higher-performing tests are needed to predict, and, thus, hopefully prevent, both preterm delivery and fetal mortality. Our study was undertaken to evaluate the performance metrics of current antenatal surveillance parameters that might suggest an increased risk for IUFD. Methods: We studied a retrospective cohort of all continuing pregnancies with a cytogenetically confirmed DS fetus between 2009 and 2019 at a single institution. Cases were investigated for abnormalities in fetal growth, anatomy, UA Doppler, and amniotic fluid volume to analyze their interrelationships and their association with the primary outcome, IUFD. Nonstress testing (NST) and biophysical profile data as available were also reviewed for analysis on each case. Maternal demographic data were also collected. Results: A total of 41 DS pregnancies at >20 weeks gestation were included. Eight (19.5%) resulted in IUFD, while thirty-three (80.5%) resulted in live birth. Between these groups, there was no significant difference in the incidence of fetal structural anomalies. FGR was present in 8/41 fetuses or 19.5% of all cases. FGR was present in 1 of 8 (12.5%) IUFD cases and 7 of 33 (21.2%) live births (p = 0.50). Thus, notably, 87.5% (7/8) of the IUFDs occurred in the absence of FGR. Furthermore, 1/8 (12.5%) FGR cases resulted in IUFD vs. 7/33 (21.2%) of non-FGR cases (p = 0.50). In DS fetuses after 24 weeks gestation, UA Doppler abnormalities developed in 75% of FGR cases (6/8) and in 64.5% of normally grown cases (20/31) (p = 0.33). Abnormal UA Dopplers were noted in 83.3% of IUFD and in 84.8% of liveborn cases (p = 0.34). Eleven of thirty-three live births, however, underwent iatrogenic delivery secondary to worsening fetal surveillance, including ten with worsening UA Doppler indices. There was an increased frequency of abnormal NST in the IUFD group (66.7% vs. 23.8%), although this difference did not reach statistical significance. Polyhydramnios was more frequent in the IUFD group (62.5% vs. 16.1%, p = 0.04). Conclusions: Aside from polyhydramnios, no fetal surveillance parameter demonstrated an association with IUFD that reached statistical significance. A majority of fetuses with DS are normally grown and demonstrate abnormal UA Doppler indices in the absence of FGR. Within our cohort, a substantial number of liveborn deliveries were prompted following worsening UA Dopplers. Both polyhydramnios and UA Doppler indices are worthy of further investigation to inform clinically useful fetal surveillance strategies in DS. Full article

Photosynthetic prokaryotes known as cyanobacteria produce an extensive range of primary and secondary metabolites that serve multiple biotechnological and biomedical purposes. The non-model filamentous Phormidium species capture researchers’ attention through their biotechnological potentials from diverse metabolites and their ability to thrive in tough environments while producing bioactive compounds. In this study, a thermotolerant strain of Phormidium ambiguum was isolated from the Chundzha thermal springs in southeastern Kazakhstan and characterized morphologically, physiologically, and biochemically. This cyanobacterium demonstrated fast growth in its culture media along with significant accumulation of proteins (44.8% DM), carbohydrates (45% DM), and photosynthetic pigments like chlorophyll a and valuable carotenoids, including b-carotene, myxoxantophyll and zeaxanthin. The LC-ESI-MS/MS analysis of cyanobacterial non-polar extract identified 150 potential metabolites which include fatty acid derivatives, terpenoids and carotenoid-related compounds known for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, as well as immune system stimulation. Biological assays confirmed a weak antioxidant capacity in the DPPH test, while in immunological assays, the extract of P. ambiguum stimulated T lymphocyte proliferation and activation, as well as NK cell proliferation in vitro. It also exhibited moderate antibacterial activity towards tested Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains. While additional studies are required to address environmental robustness, biosynthetic regulation, and practical scalability, the present findings indicate that P. ambiguum represents a valuable non-model cyanobacterium for exploratory bioprospecting. Its metabolite profile and observed bioactivities support further investigation of this thermotolerant strain as a potential source of immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial compounds under controlled conditions. Full article

To explore the impact of combined carbon–nitrogen fertilization on the concentrations of Fe (ferrum) and Zn (zinc) in Dendrobium officinale (D. officinale), and to elucidate the underlying metabolic regulatory mechanisms, two-year-old seedlings of D. officinale were selected as the experimental subjects. Three treatment groups were established: a control group (CK), an α-ketoglutaric acid (AKG) treatment group (C treatment, CT), a urea treatment group (N treatment, NT), and an AKG and urea combined treatment group (CT_NT). Samples were collected at 0, 8, 16, 24, and 32 days post-treatment. Physiological and biochemical analyses measured stem contents of iron, zinc, copper, nitrate nitrogen, soluble proteins, and citric acid. Transcriptomic and metabolomic technologies were employed to elucidate molecular mechanisms. Physiological studies have shown that combined carbon–nitrogen application exerts time-dependent regulation on Fe, Zn, and their key metabolites in the stems of D. officinale, presenting a trend of first increasing and then decreasing. Metabolomic analysis revealed that flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and organic acids are involved in Fe chelation, while quercetin, dopamine, and other substances promote Zn absorption. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that combined carbon–nitrogen application activates the accumulation of Fe and Zn contents by upregulating the expression of related genes. Integrated analysis demonstrated that carbon–nitrogen metabolism affects the metabolic network of D. officinale by regulating primary and secondary metabolic pathways. This study elucidated the physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of Fe and Zn contents in D. officinale by combined carbon–nitrogen application, providing theoretical support and a scientific basis for the high-efficiency cultivation and quality improvement of D. officinale. Full article

Burkholderia is a metabolically versatile genus of Gram-negative bacteria that inhabits niches ranging from soil and water to plants and clinical environments. This review provides an integrated examination of Burkholderia species, focusing on their dual roles as both pathogens and beneficial microorganisms. Key pathogenic species, such as members of the Burkholderia cepacia complex and the Burkholderia pseudomallei group, pose significant threats to human, animal, and plant health due to their intrinsic antibiotic resistance and diverse virulence factors. Conversely, several environmental and plant-associated Burkholderia species promote plant growth, enhance nutrient uptake, and serve as biocontrol agents, supporting sustainable agriculture. We synthesize current knowledge across taxonomy, genomics, pathogenicity, beneficial interactions, and secondary metabolite biosynthesis—including the prolific production of antibiotics, toxins, and volatile organic compounds with pharmaceutical and agricultural potential. Advances in high-throughput genomics are revealing substantial genetic diversity, genome plasticity, and mechanisms underlying both pathogenicity and beneficial traits. Clarifying this dual nature and identifying strategies to mitigate risks will guide the safe and effective exploitation of Burkholderia in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. Full article

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and resistance to conventional therapies underscores the need for the discovery of novel antitumor agents. The ongoing search for novel natural sources offers promising avenues for discovering unique anticancer compounds with new mechanisms of action. One of these natural sources is represented by fungi, a prolific group of endophytic and non-endophytic eukaryotes able to produce bioactive secondary metabolites, many of which exhibit potent antitumor properties. These natural compounds display diverse chemical structures including polyketides, terpenoids, alkaloids, amino acid-derived compounds, phenols, etc. Their mechanisms of action are equally varied, ranging from induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest to inhibition of angiogenesis and metastasis. In this review we describe some potential antitumor compounds of fungal origin, together with the characteristics and biosynthesis of three representative types of antitumor compounds produced by filamentous fungi: squalene-derived sterol-type antitumor agents, prenylated diketopiperazine antitumor metabolites and meroterpenoid antitumor compounds. The ongoing scientific debate regarding the presence of paclitaxel biosynthetic genes in fungi is also discussed. As drug resistance remains a challenge in cancer therapy, fungal compounds offer a valuable reservoir for the development of new chemotherapeutic agents with novel modes of action. Full article