Search Results (534)

Clavibacter michiganensis causes significant crop losses in tomatoes, and the disease may be transferred by plant seeds. This study evaluates the efficacy of Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) with a water-soluble hypericin derivative, developed as a complex with polyvinylpyrrolidone (high hypericin-loaded PVP, HHL-PVP), as a decontamination strategy for tomato seeds. HHL-PVP was chosen for its overall stability, as the complex remains stable in solution for over 950 days, maintains its absorption capacity after illumination with 200 J·cm⁻², and produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) even at concentrations as low as 1 µM. PDI against C. michiganensis with 5 μM HHL-PVP, 10 min drug to light interval (DLI), and illumination with red light (600–700 nm, 100 J·cm⁻²) exceeded the antimicrobial effect of a 99.9% reduction in liquid culture. Increasing the DLI to 24 h did not alter the photokilling effect. A 14 h light/10 h dark cycle in white light (118 J·cm⁻²) with 0.3 µM HHL-PVP inhibited the growth of C. michiganensis by more than 6 log₁₀ steps, indicating that HHL-PVP has a stable and long-lasting photokilling effect. The combination of HHL-PVP with potassium iodide (KI, 100 mM) completely eradicated C. michiganensis in liquid culture with red and white light, indicating KI’s role in enhancing phototoxicity. Tomato seed photodynamic decontamination using 1.0 µM HHL-PVP activated by 200 J·cm⁻² white light inactivated >5 log₁₀ of C. michiganensis, without diminishing sprouting. An addition of 100 mM KI increased the percentage of sprouted seedlings and inactivated 100% of bacteria. These results demonstrate that HHL-PVP-mediated PDI combined with KI could be highly effective as a preventative strategy in tomato protection against C. michiganensis. Full article

Cannabidiol (CBD) and its derivatives show interesting therapeutic potential, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties; however, their clinical translation remains a complex task due to physicochemical restrictions such as low water solubility, high lipophilicity, and instability under light, oxygen, and high temperatures. Polymeric encapsulation has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges, offering protection against environmental degradation, improved bioavailability, and controlled release. Natural and synthetic polymers, both biocompatible and biodegradable, provide versatile matrices for CBD delivery, enabling nanoparticle formation, targeted transport, and enhanced pharmacokinetics. This review highlights the structural characteristics of CBD, its interaction mechanisms with polymeric matrices such as hydrogels, electrospun nanofibers, biodegradable microparticles, thin films, and lipid-polymer hybrid systems, and the principal encapsulation techniques, such as emulsion solvent evaporation, electrospinning, and supercritical fluid technologies, that facilitate stability and scalability. Furthermore, material characterization approaches, including microscopy, thermal, and degradation analyses, are discussed as tools for optimizing encapsulation systems. While notable advances have been made, key challenges remain in achieving reproducible large-scale production, ensuring regulatory compliance, and designing smart polymeric carriers personalized for specific therapeutic contexts. By addressing these gaps, polymer-based encapsulation may unlock new opportunities for CBD in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and therapeutic applications, providing a guide for future innovation and translation into effective patient-centered products. Full article

Background: Cadmium (Cd) pollution poses a significant environmental challenge. Microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP), an advanced bioremediation approach, relies on the co-precipitation of soluble metals with the microbial hydrolysate from urea. This study isolated a urease-producing strain and evaluated its Cd remediation potential. Methods: The isolated strain UA7 was identified through 16S rDNA gene sequencing. Urease production was enhanced by optimizing the culture conditions, including temperature, dissolved oxygen levels—which were affected by the rotational speed and the design of the Erlenmeyer flask, and the concentration of urea added. Its Cd remediation efficacy was assessed both in water and soil. Results: UA7 was identified as Lysinibacillus sp., achieving peak urease activity of 188 U/mL. The immobilization rates of soluble Cd reached as high as 99.61% and 63.37%, respectively, at initial concentrations of 2000 mg/L in water and 50 mg/kg in soil. The mechanism of Cd immobilization by strain UA7 via MICP was confirmed by the microstructure of the immobilized products with attached bacteria, characteristic absorption peaks, and the formed compound Ca_0.67Cd_0.33CO₃, which were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The Cd-remediation effect of strain UA7, which reduces lodging in wheat plants, prevents the thinning and yellowing of stems and leaves, and hinders the transition of soluble Cd to the above-ground parts of the plant, was also demonstrated in a pot experiment. Conclusions: Therefore, Lysinibacillus sp. UA7 exhibited high potential for efficiently remediating contaminated Cd. Full article

Photodynamic inactivation and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (PDI/APDT) based on the toxic properties of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are generated by a number of photoexcited dyes, are promising for preventing and treating infections, especially those associated with drug-resistant pathogens. The negatively charged bacterial cell surface attracts polycationic photosensitizers, which contribute to the vulnerability of the bacterial plasma membrane to ROS. The integrity of the plasma membrane is critical for the viability of the bacterial cell. Polycationic phthalocyanines are regarded as promising photosensitizers due to their high quantum yields of ROS generation (mainly singlet oxygen), high extinction coefficients in the far-red spectral range, and low dark toxicity. For application in PDI/APDT, the wide range of possibilities of modifying the chemical structure of phthalocyanines is particularly valuable, especially by introducing various peripheral and non-peripheral substituents into the benzene rings. Depending on the type and location of such substituents, it is possible to obtain photosensitizers with different photophysical properties, photochemical activity, solubility in an aqueous medium, biocompatibility, and tropism for certain structures of photoinactivation targets. In this study, we tested novel water-soluble Zn (II) phthalocyanines bearing four 4-((diethylmethylammonium)methyl)phenoxy substituents with symmetric and asymmetric charge distributions for photodynamic antibacterial activity and compared them with those of water-soluble octacationic zinc octakis(cholinyl)phthalocyanine. The obtained results allow us to conclude that the studied tetracationic aryloxy-substituted Zn(II) phthalocyanines effectively bind to the oppositely charged cell wall of the Gram-negative bacteria E. coli. This finding is supported by data on bacteria’s zeta potential neutralization in the presence of phthalocyanine derivatives and fluorescence microscopy images of stained bacterial cells. Asymmetric substitution influences the aggregation and fluorescent characteristics but has little effect on the ability of the studied tetracationic phthalocyanines to sensitize the bioluminescent E. coli K12 TG1 strain. Both symmetric and asymmetric aryloxy-substituted phthalocyanines are no less effective in PDI than the water-soluble zinc octakis(cholinyl)phthalocyanine, a photosensitizer with proven antibacterial activity, and have significant potential for further studies as antibacterial photosensitizers. Full article

Tartrazine (TZ, also known as FD&C Yellow No. 5 or E102) is a synthetic, water-soluble yellow food dye widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Some studies have associated TZ with allergic reactions, especially among people with dye sensitivities or pre-existing allergies. Recent research also suggests a possible link between TZ consumption and the worsening of behavioral disorders, especially in children, including symptoms such as hyperactivity, irritability, restlessness, and sleep disturbances. Experimental studies in laboratory animals have highlighted potential risks associated with prolonged or high-dose exposure, including toxic effects on the nervous system and liver function. In addition, increasing evidence indicates that TZ can induce oxidative stress (OS) by increasing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can contribute to cellular damage and inflammation. Although the evidence remains inconclusive, there are recommendations to limit the intake of synthetic food dyes, especially in children’s diets. The purpose of this review is to examine the potential toxic effects on health of tartrazine by analyzing findings from experimental studies in cell cultures and laboratory animals, as well as correlations observed in humans. We focus on documented adverse reactions, including possible neurotoxic, hepatotoxic, oxidative, and behavioral effects. Through this, we aim to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the risks associated with exposure to this synthetic food dye. Full article

Violacein is a natural pigment with a wide range of biological activities, including antimicrobial, antitumor, and immunostimulatory properties. However, its industrial-scale production is hindered by low yields from microbial fermentation. This study investigated the use of scotta, a low-value by-product of the dairy industry, as an alternative and cost-effective substrate for violacein biosynthesis using Janthinobacterium lividum DSM1522. Different types of scotta, including one derived from lactose-free cheese production, were characterized and tested in flask cultures and a 2 L bioreactor. The results demonstrated that both medium dilution and increased oxygen-transfer coefficient (k_La) significantly enhanced violacein production. In the bioreactor, a final yield of 58.72 mg of violacein for each litre of diluted scotta was achieved. The pigment was then stabilized through a spray-drying process using mannitol as a carrier, resulting in a water-soluble powder that retained antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis. The drying process also improved pigment solubility in water, suggesting its potential application in formulations to control Gram-positive bacteria. Overall, this study highlights the potential of scotta as a sustainable fermentation substrate and presents a promising encapsulation approach for violacein stabilization. However, further investigations are needed to optimize the spray-drying process, specifically, to characterize the microgranules and to determine their storage stability. Full article

To explore the mechanisms by which water, fertilizers, and dissolved oxygen affect the physiological growth and yield quality of custard apple, this study aims to optimize water–fertilizer–oxygen coupling regulation schemes for custard apple in dry hot valley regions through a multi-level fuzzy evaluation method, thereby addressing issues such as soil compaction and reduced aeration caused by long-term water and fertilizer drip irrigation. The experiment was conducted on custard apple in a dry, hot valley area, employing orthogonal and quadratic regression-orthogonal designs. Three factors were set at multiple levels: irrigation amount (60–100% ETc), fertilization rate (1500–1900 kg·ha⁻¹), and dissolved oxygen concentration (6–10 mg·L⁻¹). Custard apple development, production, and attributes were assessed. The two-year trial from 2023 to 2024 demonstrated that the new shoots, leaf area, and net photosynthetic rate of plants treated with W3F2O1 (100% ETc, 1700 kg·ha⁻¹ fertilization rate, and high oxygen 6 mg·L⁻¹) and W3F3O2 (100% ETC, 1500 kg·ha⁻¹ fertilization rate, and high oxygen 8 mg·L⁻¹) were significantly superior to those of W1F1O1 (60% ETc, 1900 kg·ha⁻¹ fertilization rate, and high oxygen 6 mg·L⁻¹), with a single-plant yield of 10.31 kg, and increases in diameter and length of 31.6% and 27.6%, respectively (p < 0.05); quality indicators were also optimal under W3F3O2 (100% ETC, 1500 kg·ha⁻¹ fertilization rate, and high oxygen 8 mg·L⁻¹) treatment, with soluble sugar and vitamin C levels increasing by 17.3% and 29.9%, respectively, compared to the control. Using a multi-level fuzzy evaluation to comprehensively evaluate the water–fertilizer–oxygen coupling, the comprehensive productivity of custard apples was significantly improved by optimizing the root zone microenvironment. It is recommended that dry hot valleys adopt an optimized range of 82.5–100% ETc irrigation, 1650–1847.86 kg·ha⁻¹ fertilization, and 7.4–9.25 mg·L⁻¹ dissolved oxygen, providing a theoretical basis for precise irrigation and sustainable cultivation of tropical fruit trees. Full article

Although the sediment–water interface of deep and large reservoirs is recognized as a dominant source of internal phosphorus (P) loading, the quantitative hierarchy of environmental drivers and their interaction thresholds remains poorly resolved. Here, we integrate 512 studies to provide the first process-based synthesis that partitions P release fluxes among temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, sediment properties, and microbial activity across canyon, valley, and plain-type reservoirs. By deriving standardized effect sizes from 61 data-rich papers, we show that (i) a 1 °C rise in bottom-water temperature increases soluble reactive P (SRP) flux by 12.4% (95% CI: 10.8–14.0%), with sensitivity 28% lower in Alpine oligotrophic systems and 20% higher in warm monomictic basins; (ii) a single-unit pH shift—whether acid or alkaline—stimulates P release through distinct desorption pathways,; and (iii) each 1 mg L⁻¹ drop in dissolved oxygen amplifies release by 31% (25–37%). Critically, we demonstrate that these drivers rarely act independently: multi-factor laboratory and in situ analyses reveal that simultaneous hypoxia and warming can triple the release rate predicted from single-factor models. We further identify that >75% of measurements originate from dam-proximal zones, creating spatial blind spots that currently limit global P-load forecasts to ±50% uncertainty. To close this gap, we advocate coupled metagenomic–geochemical observatories that link gene expression (phoD, ppk, pqqC) to real-time SRP fluxes. The review advances beyond the existing literature by (1) establishing the first quantitative, globally transferable framework for temperature-, DO-, and pH-based management levers; (2) exposing the overlooked role of regional climate in modulating temperature sensitivity; and (3) providing a research agenda that reduces forecasting uncertainty to <20% within two years. Full article

Karrikins, a class of butenolide compounds derived from plant-derived smoke, positively regulate plant development and stress tolerance. However, their effects on postharvest fruit have scarcely been reported. In this study, karrikin solution was prepared by absorbing maize straw smoke into water, and kiwifruits (Actinidia deliciosa) were immersed in different concentrations of this solution to determine the optimal concentration based on respiratory rate, relative conductivity, firmness, soluble solids content, and appearance of the kiwifruits. Subsequently, the regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and soluble sugars metabolism by karrikins were studied. The results showed that the optimal dose of karrikins for kiwifruit was 1.20 μmol L⁻¹. Karrikins enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, enzymes in the ascorbate–glutathione pathway, and soluble sugars metabolism, increased the concentrations of reducing ascorbate, glutathione, sucrose, and fructose-6-phosphate, suppressed ROS concentrations, and maintained the quality of kiwifruit during storage. These results suggest that karrikins could be a potential tool to modulate fruit ripening, with their effects depending on the dosage used. Full article

The growing threat of antimicrobial resistance has necessitated the development of alternative, non-antibiotic therapies for effective microbial control. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, which uses photosensitizers activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species, offers a promising solution. Among natural photosensitizers, curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity through reactive oxygen species-mediated membrane disruption and intracellular damage. However, curcumin’s poor water solubility, low stability, and limited bioavailability hinder its clinical utility. Nanotechnology has emerged as a transformative strategy to overcome these limitations. This review comprehensively explores advances in nanocurcumin- and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles, highlighting their physicochemical enhancements, photodynamic mechanisms, and antimicrobial efficacy against multidrug-resistant and biofilm-associated pathogens. A range of nanocarriers, including chitosan, liposomes, nanobubbles, hybrid metal composites, metal–organic frameworks, and covalent organic frameworks, demonstrate improved microbial targeting, light activation efficiency, and therapeutic outcomes. Applications span wound healing, dental disinfection, food preservation, water treatment, and medical device sterilization. Conclusions and future directions are given, emphasizing the integration of smart nanocarriers and combinatorial therapies to enhance curcumin’s clinical translation. Full article

Investigating the physiological responses and resistance mechanisms in plants under drought stress provides critical insights for optimizing irrigation water utilization efficiency and promoting the development of irrigation science. In this study, cotton seedlings were cultivated in a light incubator. Three drought stress levels were applied: mild (M1, 50–55% field moisture), moderate (M2, 45–50%), and severe (M3, 40–45%). Transcriptome analysis was performed under mild and severe stress. The results revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to proline degradation were down-regulated and proline content increased in cotton. Under different stress treatments, cotton exhibited a stress-intensity-dependent regulation of carbohydrate metabolism and soluble sugar content decreased and then increased. And the malondialdehyde content analysis revealed a dose-dependent relationship between stress intensity and membrane lipid peroxidation. Stress activated the antioxidant system, leading to the down-regulation of DEGs for reactive oxygen species production in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Concurrently, superoxide dismutase activity and peroxidase content increased to mitigate oxidative damage. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic performance of cotton seedlings was inhibited. Chlorophyll content, stomatal conductance, the net photosynthetic rate, the transpiration rate and water use efficiency were significantly reduced; intercellular carbon dioxide concentration and leaf stomatal limitation value increased. But photosynthesis genes (e.g., PSBO (oxygen-evolving enhancer protein 1), RBCS (ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase small chain), and FBA2 (fructose-bisphosphate aldolase 1)) in cotton were up-regulated to coordinate the photosynthetic process. Furthermore, cotton seedlings differentially regulated key biosynthesis and signaling components of phytohormonal pathways including abscisic acid, indoleacetic acid and gibberellin. This study elucidates the significant gene expression of drought-responsive transcriptional networks and relevant physiological response in cotton seedlings and offers a theoretical basis for developing water-saving irrigation strategies. Full article

In this study, the distribution patterns of the nitrifying and denitrifying microbiome in a large-scale biofilter (587.24 m³) in a cold freshwater recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) was investigated. Previous studies have revealed that the water quality, nitrification, and denitrification rates in the front (BFF), middle (BFM), and back (BFB) of this biofilter are different. The results showed the highest diversity of the denitrifying microbiome in the BFB, followed by BFF and BFM, whereas nitrifying microbiome diversity remained consistent across different positions. Two genera, Nitrosomonas and Nitrosospira, dominated the nitrifying microbiome, while Pseudomonas, Thauera, Cupriavidus, Dechloromonas, Azoarcus, and Paracoccus comprised the top six denitrifying genera. Principal coordinate analysis indicated a distinct spatial distribution pattern of the denitrifying microbiome but not the nitrifying microbiome. The genera Pseudomonas and Dechloromonas were the biomarkers of the BFF and BFB, respectively. Redundancy analysis showed that nitrite, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, and soluble reactive phosphorus influenced the functional microbiome distribution pattern. Network correlation analysis identified one nitrifying hub (Nitrosospira) in the BFF, five denitrifying hubs (Aromatoleum, Dechloromonas, Paracoccus, Ruegeria, and Thauera) in the BFM, and three denitrifying hubs (Azoarcus, Magnetospirillum, and Thauera) in the BFB. Exclusively negative correlations were found between hubs and its adjacent nodes in the BFF and BFB. This study demonstrates that habitat can shape the distribution patterns of the nitrifying and denitrifying microbiome in the biofilter of the RAS, with the BFF exhibiting greater benefits for the nitrification process. Full article

Cervical cancer represents a significant global health challenge. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) appears to be a promising, minimally invasive alternative to standard treatments. However, the clinical efficacy of PDT is sometimes limited by the low solubility and aggregation of photosensitizers, their non-selective distribution in the body, hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment, and limited light penetration. Recent advances in nanoparticle and nanocomposite platforms have addressed these challenges by integrating multiple functional components into a single delivery system. By encapsulating or conjugating photosensitizers in biodegradable matrices, such as mesoporous silica, organometallic structures and core–shell construct nanocarriers increase stability in water and extend circulation time, enabling both passive and active targeting through ligand decoration. Up-conversion and dual-wavelength responsive cores facilitate deep light conversion in tissues, while simultaneous delivery of hypoxia-modulating agents alleviates oxygen deprivation to sustain reactive oxygen species generation. Controllable “motor-cargo” constructs and surface modifications improve intratumoral diffusion, while aggregation-induced emission dyes and plasmonic elements support real-time imaging and quantitative monitoring of therapeutic response. Together, these multifunctional nanosystems have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity in vitro and significant tumor suppression in vivo in mouse models of cervical cancer. Combining targeted delivery, controlled release, hypoxia mitigation, and image guidance, engineered nanoparticles provide a versatile and powerful platform to overcome the current limitations of PDT and pave the way toward more effective, patient-specific treatments for cervical malignancies. Our review of the literature summarizes studies on nanoparticles and nanocomposites used in PDT monotherapy for cervical cancer, published between 2023 and July 2025. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a composite coating composed of 150 mg/L ε-Poly-L-lysine (ε-PL) and 5 g/L chitosan (CTS) in extending the shelf life and maintaining the postharvest quality of fresh Tremella fuciformis. Freshly harvested T. fuciformis were treated by surface spraying, with distilled water serving as the control. The effects of the coating on storage quality, physicochemical properties, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, and membrane lipid metabolism were evaluated during storage at (25 ± 1) °C. The results showed that the ε-PL/CTS composite coating significantly retarded quality deterioration, as evidenced by reduced weight loss, maintained whiteness and color, and higher retention of soluble sugars, soluble solids, and soluble proteins. The coating also effectively limited water migration and loss. Mechanistically, the coated T. fuciformis exhibited enhanced antioxidant capacity, characterized by increased superoxide anion (O₂⁻) resistance capacity, higher activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, APX), and elevated levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants (AsA, GSH). This led to a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation, alongside improved DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Furthermore, the ε-PL/CTS coating preserved cell membrane integrity by inhibiting the activities of lipid-degrading enzymes (lipase, LOX, PLD), maintaining higher levels of key phospholipids (phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylcholine), delaying phosphatidic acid accumulation, and consequently reducing cell membrane permeability. In conclusion, the ε-PL/CTS composite coating effectively extends the shelf life and maintains the quality of postharvest T. fuciformis by modulating ROS metabolism and preserving membrane lipid homeostasis. This study provides a theoretical basis and a practical approach for the quality control of fresh T. fuciformis. Full article

The food industry consumes large amounts of water across various processes, and generates wastewater characterized by parameters like biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, pH, suspended solids, and nutrients. To meet environmental standards and enable reuse or valorization, treatment methods such as physicochemical, biological, and membrane-based processes are applied. This review focuses on the valorization of food industry wastewater in the biotechnological production of high-value products, with an emphasis on starch-rich wastewater, wineries and confectionery industry wastewater, and with a focus on new technologies for reduces environmental burden but also supports circular economy principles. Starch-rich wastewaters, particularly those generated by the potato processing industry, offer considerable potential for biotechnological valorization due to their high content of soluble starch, proteins, organic acids, minerals, and lipids. These effluents can be efficiently converted by various fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Trichoderma) and yeasts (e.g., Rhodotorula, Candida) into value-added products such as lipids for biodiesel, organic acids, microbial proteins, carotenoids, and biofungicides. Similarly, winery wastewaters, characterized by elevated concentrations of sugars and polyphenols, have been successfully utilized as medium for microbial cultivation and product synthesis. Microorganisms belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Trichoderma, Chlorella, Klebsiella, and Xanthomonas have demonstrated the ability to transform these effluents into biofuels, microbial biomass, biopolymers, and proteins, contributing to sustainable bioprocess development. Additionally, wastewater from the confectionery industry, rich in sugars, proteins, and lipids, serves as a favorable fermentation medium for the production of xanthan gum, bioethanol, biopesticides, and bioplastics (e.g., PHA and PHB). Microorganisms of the genera Xanthomonas, Bacillus, Zymomonas, and Cupriavidus are commonly employed in these processes. Although there are still certain regulatory issues, research gaps, and the need for more detailed economic analysis and kinetics of such production, we can conclude that this type of biotechnological production on waste streams has great potential, contributing to environmental sustainability and advancing the principles of the circular economy. Full article