Search Results (334)

Propolis is a complex mixture of natural compounds, including resinous terpenoids, flavonoids, aromatic acids, and essential oils, and has strong antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. The chemical composition of propolis determines its properties and strongly depends on a wide variety of different plant sources, as well as other climate and environmental parameters. In order to determine the main compounds, in this study, we applied an integrated analysis of propolis by thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to characterize and compare the phytochemical profiles of selected bioactive materials in raw propolis. TLC served as a rapid, cost-effective, and highly visual technique to separate and identify key constituents, including terpenoids, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds in propolis, without a need for further precleaning steps after performing ultrasonic extraction. Complementary methods, such as FTIR spectroscopy, were employed to validate and quantify the active components detected through TLC screening. In addition, the UV-VIS method revealed the solubility of raw propolis in different solvents, after testing for coffee ring effects. The results confirmed that the complex structure of the raw sample can be more thoroughly revealed by two-dimensional TLC, which enables not only rapid and verifiable qualitative results but also detection of overlapping spots. Moreover, by comparing the results with data from the literature, not only can particular chemical compounds be efficiently determined by TLC but also the regional origin of samples. Full article

The diseases caused by genotype VII Newcastle disease virus (NDV), H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV), and fowl adenovirus serotype 4 (FAdV-4) continue to threaten the global poultry industry. However, no broad-spectrum vaccines provide simultaneous protection against these three pathogens. This study employed bioinformatics and immunoinformatics approaches to design a multi-epitope vaccine, named NFAF, which consists of B-cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) epitopes, and helper T lymphocyte (HTL) epitopes derived from hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) proteins of genotype VII NDV, hemagglutinin (HA) protein of H9N2, and Fiber2 protein of FAdV-4. The vaccine candidate was predicted to have non-allergenic properties, non-toxicity, high antigenicity, and favorable solubility. Each of its constituent antigenic epitopes has a high degree of conservation. Molecular docking demonstrated stable binding between NFAF and chicken Toll-like receptor (TLRs) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. NFAF was expressed in soluble form in Escherichia coli and purified. Polyclonal antibodies against all three target viruses showed specific binding to NFAF. In vitro experiments revealed that NFAF effectively stimulated chicken peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and induced Th1, Th2, and pro-inflammatory cytokine production, confirming its immunogenicity, and increased the mRNA expression of the key signaling molecules MyD88 and NF-κB. These results suggested that NFAF could therefore be an efficacious multi-epitope vaccine against genotype VII NDV, H9N2, and FAdV-4 infections. Full article

This research sought to analyze the nutritional composition of red-fleshed dragon fruit cultivated in various regions of Guizhou, focusing on samples obtained from three distinct production areas: Guanling (GL), Zhenfeng (ZF), and Luodian (LD). The findings revealed notable regional variations in nutritional constituents. Specifically, the GL samples exhibited the highest concentrations of betacyanin, vitamin C, total phenolics, and flavonoids; ZF samples demonstrated the greatest levels of soluble sugars alongside the lowest titratable acidity, whereas LD samples presented the opposite trend. Through non-targeted metabolomic profiling, a total of 4515 metabolites were identified. Multivariate analyses, including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), indicated that metabolic differences corresponded with geographical origin. Furthermore, the OPLS-DA S-plot identified L-Histidine, Glu-Leu, Uridine, Leu-Glu, (2S)-2-Isopropylmalate, 2-amino-4-({1-[(carboxymethyl)-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl]-2-[(3-hydroxy-2-methyl-4-oxobutan-2-yl}sulfanyl]ethyl)-C-hydroxycarbonimidoyl)butanoic acid, Leu-Leu-Ser-Pro-Tyr, 1,1′-bis(iso-13-carbon saturated acyl)-2-(iso-12-carbon saturated acyl)-3-[(9Z,11Z)-octadecadienoyl] cardiolipin. The eight characteristic metabolites under scrutiny can evidently differentiate dragon fruits from disparate regions and thus serve as potential markers for distinguishing their origins. This study offers a theoretical foundation for quality assessment, investigations into health benefits, and the sustainable advancement of the dragon fruit industry. Full article

This study investigates the effects of chromium (0.4~1.2) Cr content and temperature (35–80 °C) on the corrosion behavior and mechanisms of steels in a water-saturated supercritical CO₂ (S-CO₂) environment, aiming to provide theoretical foundations for material selection and corrosion management in S-CO₂ pipeline systems. Results indicate that increasing Cr content promotes the formation of granular bainite as the dominant microstructure, accompanied by refined martensite–austenite (MA) constituents with increased population and reduced dimensions, leading to enhanced strength at the expense of toughness. In the S-CO₂/H₂O environment, Cr reacts with CO₂ to form a dense Cr₂O₃ layer, significantly suppressing the corrosion rate. Temperature critically governs corrosion kinetics: at 35 °C, where S-CO₂ exhibits maximum density and CO₂ solubility in water peaks, electrochemical corrosion dominates, resulting in the highest corrosion rate. As temperature rises, the corrosion mechanism transitions to chemical corrosion, while accelerated formation of protective corrosion product films further reduces corrosion rates. Mechanistic analysis reveals that uniform corrosion arises from carbonic acid generated by water dissolution in S-CO₂, whereas localized corrosion intensifies upon direct contact between precipitated aqueous phases and the steel surface. These findings offer critical theoretical foundations for optimizing material design, operational parameters, and corrosion mitigation strategies in S-CO₂ transportation infrastructure. Full article

Objective: To overcome the extremely low oral bioavailability of ginsenosides in traditional ginseng preparations, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a novel ginseng-derived carbon quantum dots (G-CQDs) delivery system and to elucidate its core bioactive constituents and integrated mechanisms of action. Methods: G-CQDs were prepared from ginseng roots via ultrahigh-speed nitrogen jet pulverization combined with far-infrared pulse-assisted hydrothermal carbonization. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. The in vivo effects of G-CQDs versus traditional ginseng aqueous extract (G-AE) were compared in C57BL/6 mice (n = 12/group) using the PRO-MRRM-8 Comprehensive Laboratory Animal Monitoring System for real-time, non-invasive phenotyping of energy metabolism parameters (respiratory quotient, heat production, and oxygen consumption). Systemic exposure to ginseng bioactives was profiled using UHPLC-Q/Orbitrap/LTQ high-resolution mass spectrometry, followed by bivariate correlation analysis to identify key bioactive components linked to efficacy. Results: Compared with G-AE, G-CQDs significantly enhanced whole-body energy metabolism—respiratory quotient +2.8%, heat production +6.7%, and locomotor activity +22.9% (p < 0.05). A total of 110 in vitro constituents, 35 blood prototypes, and 29 metabolites were identified. Correlation analysis revealed eight core bioactive clusters linked to the metabolic benefits; all showed higher systemic exposure with G-CQDs (range +9.2% to +265.8%), notably ginsenoside Re +69.6%, cinnamic acid + O + SO₃ +157.4%, and linolenic acid–GSH conjugate +265.8%. Conclusions: Carbon quantum dot technology significantly enhances the systemic exposure of ginseng bioactivities by improving solubility and enhancing gastrointestinal absorption, providing a molecular basis for its superior efficacy in regulating energy metabolism compared to conventional extracts. This study establishes a novel framework for developing high-value, bioavailability-enhanced nano-preparations from traditional medicines. Full article

Background/Objectives: In the Brazilian Amazon, which accounts for over 99% of national malaria cases, 34,260 cases were reported as of August 2025, predominantly caused by Plasmodium vivax, responsible for 86.69% of the infections. The increasing resistance of the parasite to conventional therapies highlights the urgent need for novel control strategies, with essential oils and plant-derived substances emerging as promising alternatives. Methods: In this context, we evaluated the anti-Plasmodium potential of Piper alatipetiolatum essential oil and its major constituent 6-ishwarone against P. vivax, including cytotoxicity in Vero and PBMCs, molecular docking on dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and in silico pharmacokinetic profiling. Results: Both the oil and 6-ishwarone inhibited P. vivax dose-dependently (2.1 ± 1 to 100%), with IC₅₀ values of 9.25 µg/mL and 3.93 µg/mL, respectively. Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were observed at 24 h, with cell viability ranging from 94.7% to 98.3%, highlighting the selectivity of these compounds towards the parasite over mammalian cells. Docking studies indicated selective binding of 6-ishwarone to DHFR (−7.7 kcal/mol; Ki = 2.27 µM) with key interactions (Trp816, Lys820, Tyr819, Asn823, Thr865), whereas binding to LDH was weaker (−6.2 kcal/mol; Ki = 28.10 µM), suggesting DHFR as the primary molecular target. In silico ADMET predictions and experimental data indicated favorable drug-like properties: TPSA = 20.23 Ų, moderate lipophilicity (LogP = 3.37), soluble (ESOL Log S = −3.58; Ali Log S = −3.89; Silicos-IT Log S = −2.84), high gastrointestinal absorption, BBB permeability (0.985), not a P-glycoprotein substrate (0.11), and low likelihood of CYP inhibition. Toxicity predictions showed non-mutagenic and non-hepatotoxic effects, low cardiotoxicity (hERG inhibition risk 0.08–0.32), low reproductive toxicity (0.03), moderate neurotoxicity (0.28), low acute toxicity (oral LD₅₀ = 2.061 mol/kg), and low chronic toxicity (LOAEL = 1.995 log mg/kg/day). Conclusions: Together, these findings demonstrate that essential oil and 6-ishwarone of P. alatipetiolatum are selective, bioavailable, and promising natural leads for antimalarial drug development. Full article

Cherry tomato is a notable dietary source of metabolites associated with antioxidant functions. However, how ripening reshapes primary, specialized, and volatile metabolites remains incompletely resolved. Green-ripe and red-ripe fruits were comparatively analyzed using targeted HPLC assays for quality indices and vitamins, UPLC–MS/MS for non-volatile metabolites, and HS-SPME–GC–MS for volatiles. Ripening was accompanied by a pronounced accumulation of lycopene and an increase in soluble solids, reflecting a shift of sugars toward glucose and fructose while sucrose remained low. Organic acids declined overall, with citric acid remaining predominant. The free-amino-acid pool expanded, with redistribution from GABA toward glutamate and aspartate. Vitamins exhibited stage-dependent patterns; antioxidant-related vitamins (A, E, and C) were higher at the red-ripe stage, indicating a compositional enhancement relevant to nutritional quality. Non-volatile metabolomics revealed 618 differentially accumulated metabolites, with phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, amino acids, and lipids as major classes. Phenolic acids and flavonols, dominated by hydroxycinnamoyl-quinic acids and quercetin/kaempferol glycosides, accumulated at the red-ripe stage, whereas steroidal glycoalkaloids decreased, suggesting conversion away from bitter or anti-nutritional constituents. GC–MS profiling identified 788 volatiles, with esters, terpenoids, and ketones contributing more than half of the volatilome. Ripening favored fruity–floral odorants such as β-ionone and (5Z)-octa-1,5-dien-3-one, while reducing green-leaf aldehydes. These stage-specific shifts in metabolite composition jointly define the sensory and nutritional maturation of cherry tomato. The identified metabolite markers provide a foundation for evaluating fruit maturity and guiding breeding toward improved quality attributes. Full article

The increasing resistance of pathogens to conventional antibiotics has necessitated the search for novel antimicrobial agents from medicinal plants. Nelsonia canescens—a plant traditionally used in Africa and Asia for the management of health issues, such as viral infections, cardiovascular diseases, and inflammation—has been reported to demonstrate antimicrobial activity and has been investigated for its bioactive constituents. The whole plant was collected, air-dried, and extracted using 70% methanol. The crude methanol extract was partitioned into hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and butanol fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction was subjected to column chromatography and gel filtration, leading to the isolation of a compound coded A₁. The structure of compound A₁ was established through UV, FTIR, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, DEPT, COSY, HMQC, and HMBC), and chemical tests. Compound A₁ was identified as a 2*-hydroxy-4*-phenyl-(2**-hydroxy-ethyl)-3′-(4′′′→1′′) glucose-rhamnose-3-hydroxy phenyl ester, a flavonoid derivative. A spectral analysis confirmed its structure, with key signals including olefinic protons (δ 6.30 and 7.62) in the trans-configuration, aromatic protons, and sugar moieties. The compound exhibited a melting point of 105–107 °C and was partially soluble in chloroform but fully soluble in methanol, suggesting that the compound is highly polar in nature. This is the first report on the isolation of the 2*-hydroxy-4*-phenyl-(2**-hydroxy-ethyl)-3′-(4′′′→1′′) glucose-rhamnose-3-hydroxy phenyl ester from Nelsonia canescens, contributing to the taxonomy of the plant. The compound’s structural features suggest potential bioactive properties, warranting further investigation into its pharmacological applications through in vitro and molecular docking studies. Full article

The effect of KOH concentration as a boron-free coolant for prospective use in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) on the corrosion of Alloy 690 is studied by in situ impedance spectroscopy at 280 °C/9 MPa during 168 h exposure in a flow-through cell connected to a high-temperature/high-pressure loop. To follow further oxidation of the passive film, the samples were subsequently polarized up to potentials 0.5 V more positive than the corrosion potential. The formed oxides were analyzed ex situ by measuring the atomic concentration of the constituent elements via glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) depth profiling. The Mixed-Conduction Model for Oxide Films (MCM) was employed to quantitatively interpret the impedance results. The estimated parameters are used to quantify the influence of KOH concentration and anodic polarization on oxide formation and soluble product release rates. Results are compared to those obtained in the nominal primary chemistry of pressurized water reactors and indicate that Alloy 690 can also be successfully used as a steam generator tube material in SMRs. Full article

This study systematically investigated lipophilic and polar metabolites of Atraphaxis virgata (Polygonaceae) and assessed its immunomodulatory activity in vivo. Supercritical CO₂ extraction of the aerial parts yielded a lipophilic fraction analyzed by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), which identified 42 compounds, including fatty acid esters, sterols, hydrocarbons, and terpenoids. The residual plant meal was subjected to ultrasound-assisted extraction with 70% aqueous ethanol at 30–35 °C, using a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:8 for 120 min. This polar extract was evaluated for amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, while solvent–solvent partitioning with chloroform, ethyl acetate, and water enabled isolation of phenolic- and flavonoid-enriched fractions. Six phenolic constituents, including four flavonol glycosides and two phenolic acids, were structurally confirmed. The extracts were rich in unsaturated fatty acids and water-soluble antioxidants, supporting their nutritional and pharmacological relevance. In vivo evaluation using a cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression model in Wistar rats demonstrated stimulation of erythropoiesis and leukopoiesis, confirming immunomodulatory potential. Collectively, this work provides the first comprehensive chemical and biological characterization of A. virgata and establishes a foundation for mechanistic studies and pharmacological validation. Full article

Heterologous protein expression underpins the production of therapeutics, industrial enzymes, and diagnostic reagents, yet persistent challenges remain in enhancing yields, achieving correct folding, and reducing the costs and environmental burdens of downstream processing. Natural Deep Eutectic Solvents (NADESs)—a class of biocompatible, sustainable, and highly tunable solvents—have recently emerged as promising tools to overcome these limitations. This review systematically examines the intersection of recombinant protein production and NADES technology, assessing their applications across the full workflow, from host strain expression to purification and final formulation. Literature analysis highlights the potential of NADESs as media additives that mitigate cellular stress and improve soluble protein yields, as gentle solubilizing and refolding agents for inclusion bodies, as phase-forming components in aqueous two-phase systems for green purification, and as stabilizing excipients for long-term storage. Key constituents such as betaine, proline, urea, and arginine are identified as functional agents whose eutectic mixtures often deliver synergistic benefits that differ mechanistically from the action of the individual components. The integration of NADESs into recombinant protein production offers a path toward more sustainable and economically viable biomanufacturing. Critical gaps remain, including in vivo validation and techno-economic assessment. Future opportunities include high-throughput NADES screening and computational design of application-specific solvents. Full article

Structural applications that use High-Strength Low-Alloy (HSLA) steels require detailed microstructural analysis to manufacture welded components that combine strength and weldability. The balance of these properties depends on both the chemical composition and the welding parameters. Moreover, in multi-pass welds, thermal cycling results in a complex Heat-Affected Zone (HAZ), characterized by sub-regions with a multitude of microstructural constituents, including brittle phases. This study investigates the influence of Vanadium addition on the microstructure and performance of the HAZ. Multi-pass welded joints were manufactured on 15 mm thick S355 steels with different Vanadium contents using a robotic GMAW process. A steel variant containing both Vanadium and Niobium was also considered, and the results were compared to those of standard S355 steel. Moving through the different sub-regions of the welded joints, the results show a heterogeneous microstructure characterized by ferrite, bainite and martensite/austenite (M/A) islands. The presence of Vanadium reduces carbon solubility during the phase transformations involved in the welding process. This results in the formation of very fine (average size 11 ± 4 nm) and dispersed precipitates, as well as a lower percentage of the brittle M/A phase, in the variant with a high Vanadium content (0.1 wt.%), compared to the standard S355 steel. Despite the presence of the brittle phase, the micro-alloyed variants exhibit strengthening without loss of ductility. The combined presence of both hard and soft phases in the HAZ provides stress-damping behavior, which, together with the very fine precipitates, promises improved resistance to crack propagation under different loading conditions. Full article

Curcumin (CUR) is a bioactive compound with well-documented therapeutic potential in diverse pathological conditions, encompassing intestinal disorders—most notably colonic cancer—as well as extra-intestinal malignancies such as hepatic, breast, and renal tumors. However, the therapeutic efficacy of CUR is severely constrained by its poor aqueous solubility, chemical instability, and consequent low systemic bioavailability. Nano-scaled carriers (nanocurcumin) enhance CUR solubility and membrane permeability through their reduced dimensions and/or specific interactions with membrane constituents. Nevertheless, conventional nanocurcumin formulations, such as unmodified liposomes, nanocapsules, nanogels, and nanofibers, continue to accumulate substantially in non-target tissues because of their lack of disease-specific tropism. This review focuses on the most recent advances in active targeting strategies for nanocurcumin, specifically receptor-mediated cellular targeting for extra-intestinal pathologies and colon-specific ligand-directed delivery for intestinal disorders. Current methodologies for validating the efficacy of engineered nanocurcumin formulations are critically reviewed, and the prevailing limitations alongside prospective future applications of nanocurcumin are delineated and discussed. Full article

Arterial hypertension is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death globally. Previously, our research group has demonstrated that both organic extracts from Heliopsis longipes roots and affinin—its principal bioactive compound—induce vasodilation and exert antihypertensive effects in L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats. However, the poor water solubility of these extracts limits their oral administration and dosing. To address this limitation, a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (HL-SMDS) was developed from an ethanolic extract of H. longipes root to enhance its aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. This study evaluated the antihypertensive efficacy of HL-SMDS in spontaneously hypertensive and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rat models, as well as its effects on endothelial reactivity. HL-SMDS significantly reduced systolic blood pressure in both models, demonstrating greater efficacy than the crude extract, likely due to improved solubility and systemic bioavailability of the active constituents. Moreover, HL-SMDS enhanced endothelial function in aortas from L-NAME-treated rats. These findings support the potential of HL-SMDS as a lipid-based phytopharmaceutical formulation that improves the oral bioavailability and antihypertensive effect of the ethanolic extract of H. longipes root. HL-SMDS offers a promising strategy for the development of phytopharmaceutical drugs to treat hypertension. Full article

With the growth of the plant-based food sector, increasing amounts of by-products are generated. Sea buckthorn pomace (SBP), a by-product of juice and other manufacturing products, is rich in bioactive compounds such as phenolics, oligosaccharides, proteins, and dietary fiber. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of modification methods, such as enzymatic hydrolysis and supercritical carbon dioxide extraction (SFE-CO₂), on the chemical composition and technological properties of SBP. SBP and SBP obtained after SFE-CO₂ (SBP-CO₂) were enzymatically modified using Pectinex^® Ultra Tropical, Viscozyme^® L, and Celluclast^® 1.5 L (Novozyme A/S, Bagsværd, Denmark). The SBP’s main constituent was insoluble dietary fiber (IDF), followed by crude proteins and lipids (respectively, 58.7, 21.1 and 12.6 g/100 in d.m.). SFE-CO₂ reduced the lipid content (by 85.7%) in the pomace while increasing protein and TDF content. Enzymatic hydrolysis decreased the content of both soluble dietary fiber (SDF) and IDF, and increased the content of mono- and oligosaccharides as well as free phenolics, depending on the commercial enzyme preparation used in SBP and SBP-CO₂ samples. Celluclast^® 1.5 L was the most effective in hydrolyzing IDF, while Viscozyme^® L and Pectinex^® Ultra Tropical were the most effective in degrading SDF. Enzymatic treatment improved water swelling capacity, water retention capacity, water solubility index, oil retention capacity of SBP and SBP-CO₂; however, it did not have a significant effect on the stability of the emulsions. Modification of SBP by SFE-CO₂ effectively increased WSC and WSI, however it reduced WRC. These findings highlight the potential of targeted modifications to enhance the nutritional and technological properties of SBP for functional food applications. Full article