Search Results (6,193)

Ultrasonic-assisted heterogeneous Fenton-like (UHEF) pretreatment is an emerging strategy that overcomes the limitations of traditional homogeneous Fenton systems while enhancing the efficiency of lignocellulosic biomass processing. In this study, we constructed a UHEF system employing iron-loaded zeolite as a heterogeneous catalyst to pretreat eucalyptus sawdust (ES). Process conditions were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD), yielding a maximum reducing sugar production of 441.45 mg/g. We systematically investigated the mechanism by which UHEF pretreatment enhances the enzymatic hydrolysis of ES through compositional analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), cross-polarization magic-angle spinning carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance (CP/MAS ¹³C NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, recovery and recycling experiments were conducted to evaluate the reusability of the iron-loaded zeolite. XRD, XPS, and ICP-OES were further used to verify the crystalline structure, surface Fe chemical states, and Fe loading of the catalyst, and Fe leaching was quantified for each reuse cycle. The results demonstrated that UHEF pretreatment effectively removed lignin and hemicellulose from ES, disrupted the cellulose crystalline structure, and generated numerous grooves on the substrate surface. These modifications increased the effective adsorption of cellulase and enhanced reducing sugar production to 4.32 times that of raw eucalyptus sawdust (RES). Although the recycling experiments indicated that the stability of the iron-loaded zeolite requires further improvement, the catalyst retained a certain degree of reusability over four consecutive cycles. These findings demonstrate that UHEF pretreatment is a promising approach with broad application prospects in lignocellulosic biorefinery, consistent with recent advances in advanced oxidation processes for biomass valorization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Co-amorphous solid dispersions (c-ASD) are a promising strategy for enhancing the dissolution of poorly water-soluble drugs. Naringin (NA) and neohesperidin (NE) are dihydroflavonoid components and are poorly soluble. They can form a c-ASD. Concerning the c-ASD formation mechanism, the intermolecular forces between the non-sugar aglycones of NA and NE have been determined; however, the roles of the sugar chains, which account for nearly 50% of the overall molecular weight of both compounds, are unclear. Therefore, the impact of the sugar moiety on the solubility of NA-NE c-ASD needs to be investigated. Methods: The sugar removal products of NA and NE are naringenin-7-O-glucoside, naringenin, hesperetin-7-O-glucoside, and hesperetin. Therefore, in this study, the solubility profiles of NA with hesperetin-7-O-glucoside and hesperetin, and of NE with naringenin-7-O-glucoside and naringenin were assessed by dissolution determination and analyzed by PXRD. Results: These results indicated that the rhamnose and glucose moieties on the NE sugar chain and the glucose moiety on the NA sugar chain are vital to the stability and solubility of NE-NA c-ASD. The rhamnose moiety on the sugar chain of NA is removable, without which a stable soluble aggregator may also be constructed, but the soluble aggregator formation ability is weakened. Conclusions: The results of this study not only inform the rational selection of co-formers for structurally similar flavanone glycosides but can also help chemists modify the c-ASD structure based on the sugar moiety. Full article

Lupins have been cultivated since ancient times. Poland ranks second in the world in terms of lupin cultivation area (second only to Australia), particularly for narrow-leaved lupin. It is used in various industries. The purpose of this review is to analyze data on the chemical composition of narrow-leaved lupin in comparison with other species of this genus, as well as to identify its potential applications. The literature data characterize narrow-leaved lupin in terms of its content of protein, lectins, fat, carotenoids, phytosterols, fiber, sugars, alkaloids, vitamins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, volatile organic compounds, and micro- and macronutrients. Due to its interesting qualitative and quantitative composition, this species may play a significant role in human nutrition—not only as an alternative source of protein, but above all as a source of health-promoting compounds. Studies conducted on humans and animals have demonstrated a wide range of biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cholesterol-lowering effects. In addition, in vitro studies suggest anticancer effects. Among the tangible outcomes of research and commercialization efforts is the availability on the consumer market of food and cosmetic products containing lupin. Due to its properties, this species has a wide range of applications. However, to meet the requirements of various industrial sectors, a collaborative approach is necessary among plant breeders, scientists, and industry representatives working to improve this species. Only through joint efforts can the use of narrow-leaved lupin be expanded. Full article

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) establish a reciprocal interaction with plant roots, enhancing nutrient acquisition, stress tolerance, and the production of bioactive metabolites. These symbiotic fungi represent a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers to improve the quality and yield of medicinal and aromatic plants such as Oregano (Origanum compactum). In this study, we investigated the effects of mycorrhizal inoculation on the chemical composition, nutritional profile, and biological activities of Oregano cultivated under greenhouse conditions. Compared with non-mycorrhizal plants, mycorrhizal-inoculated plants showed approximately 33% higher protein content and 28% higher total sugar content, while lipid concentration decreased slightly by about 7%. Mycorrhizal inoculation also promoted the accumulation of secondary metabolites, resulting in increased concentrations of total polyphenol and flavonoid contents by approximately 33% and 25%, respectively. These compositional changes were associated with markedly enhanced antioxidant capacity, exceeding that of the reference antioxidant, as well as improved antibacterial activity, characterized by larger inhibition zones and lower minimum inhibitory concentrations against tested pathogens. Overall, mycorrhizal fungal inoculation reshaped the chemical composition and the major bioactive compounds of Oregano, thereby enhancing its nutritional and antimicrobial potential. These findings highlight the potential of AMF-based cultivation strategies to improve the phytochemical quality and medicinal potential of Oregano while supporting sustainable agricultural production. Full article

Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba Mill.) is an important functional fruit with high levels of bioactive compounds. However, its high moisture content limits its postharvest shelf life. The biochemical properties of jujube fruits influenced by hot-air drying at 50, 60, and 70 °C were studied and predictive models were evaluated to optimize drying. The drying kinetics were modeled using the six classical thin-layer models and artificial neural network (ANN) approach. The Midilli–Kucuk model was the best classical model, and the ANN model showed the best predictive performance, with the RMSE values improved up to 19.52% in the independent validation dataset. The drying temperature significantly influenced the color, composition of sugars, organic acids, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity. Color difference (ΔE = 5.88) and browning index of the 70 °C treatment showed less color change, indicating better color retention. Sugar and organic acid concentrations were significantly higher in dried fruits than in fresh fruits. The highest total phenolic content (5393.43 mg GAE 100 g⁻¹) and DPPH radical scavenging activity (73.56%) were found at 50 °C and progressively decreased with increasing drying temperature. Multivariate analyses further showed clear biochemical differentiation between fresh and dried samples according to drying temperature. Generally, the drying temperature had a significant effect on the nutritional and functional quality of jujube fruits. Although 50 °C was the most effective for maintaining phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity, 70 °C offered better color retention and shorter drying time. The ANN method was a useful tool to predict the drying behavior and optimize processing conditions in the production of jujube fruit. Full article

Herpetospermum pedunculosum is an endangered cucurbitaceous medicinal plant whose functional genomic and metabolic studies are constrained by the lack of efficient aseptic seedling and genetic transformation systems. Here, we established a rapid aseptic seedling production method and a RUBY-assisted hairy root transformation platform integrated with metabolomic evaluation. The cotton-supported liquid culture method provided a favorable balance between germination performance and experimental operability. Microsyringe-mediated stem-base inoculation with Rhizobium rhizogenes K599 carrying 35S::RUBY enabled rapid visual screening of RUBY-positive hairy roots, with a maximum transformation efficiency of 93.33%. Widely targeted metabolomics identified 242 metabolites and revealed major differences in amino acid/nitrogen and sugar metabolism, lipid-related metabolism, specialized metabolite biosynthesis, hormone-related pathways, and ABC transporters among wild-type, vector-free K599-induced, and RUBY-expressing roots. In addition, 80 HpRHL-like bHLH genes were identified. As a proof of concept, RT-qPCR confirmed HpRHL76 overexpression, which was associated with an increase in mean root hair length from approximately 0.4 to 1.1 mm. Together, this integrated framework provides a practical basis for preliminary candidate gene assessment, functional genomic studies, and future metabolic engineering of medicinally relevant compounds in H. pedunculosum, and may serve as a methodological reference for other difficult-to-transform medicinal plants. Full article

This study evaluated the synergistic effects of sodium chloride (NaCl) and cytidine monophosphate (CMP) on enhancing the co-production of astaxanthin and fatty acids while suppressing secondary cell wall (SCW) formation in Haematococcus lacustris (synonym: H. pluvialis) under high-light stress. An orthogonal design identified the optimal combination (0.5 g/L NaCl and 0.5 mM CMP), which significantly increased astaxanthin yield by over 35.6% and total fatty acid yield by 28%, while maintaining 96.8% of cells in motile state (SCW-deficient). Physiological analyses revealed elevated reactive oxygen species levels, concomitant with higher actual photochemical efficiency (Fv′/Fm′) and relative electron transport rates II (rETR(II)) along with enhanced non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) capacity, and metabolic reprogramming characterized by the accumulation of lipids, sugars, and starch alongside decreased protein yield. Metabolomics indicated reduced carbon supply for SCW polysaccharide biosynthesis, coupled with decreased protein yield and altered amino acid profiles characteristic of nitrogen-limited metabolism, which collectively favored the reallocation of carbon resources toward nitrogen-free high-value products. Transcriptomics confirmed the downregulation of SCW component biosynthetic genes and the upregulation of the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway and astaxanthin biosynthetic pathway. Scale-up experiments validated this strategy for producing astaxanthin-rich motile cells, offering a promising approach for microalgal biorefinery. Full article

Lignocellulosic fruit peel waste represents an abundant, carbon-neutral feedstock for green biohydrogen production via dark fermentation, yet its rigid compact structure and high cellulose crystallinity severely restrict saccharification and fermentative hydrogen yield. In this study, a hydrothermal acidification pretreatment strategy was proposed to boost dark fermentative biohydrogen generation from navel orange peel waste, and systematic investigations were conducted to reveal the regulating mechanisms of key pretreatment parameters (hydrochloric acid concentration, pretreatment temperature, duration) on reducing sugar release and hydrogen-producing performance. Multiscale characterizations including SEM, XRD, FTIR, and TG were integrated to unravel the microstructural and chemical compositional evolution of raw and pretreated substrates. The results demonstrated that hydrothermal acidification effectively disrupted the dense lignocellulosic network of navel orange peel, lowered cellulose crystallinity, and greatly improved substrate accessibility for hydrolytic reactions and microbial adhesion. Under the optimal pretreatment condition (1.0 mol/L HCl, 120 °C, 1 h), the concentration of released reducing sugars reached 10.2 g/L, which was 67.2% higher than that of untreated raw peel. The corresponding maximum cumulative hydrogen yield attained 36.5 mL H₂/g TS, representing a 67.4% improvement relative to the untreated control group. Pearson correlation analysis verified that pretreatment temperature, acid concentration, and duration exhibited strong positive correlations with hemicellulose and cellulose removal efficiencies, while excessive pretreatment (HCl > 1.0 mol/L, temperature > 120 °C, duration > 1 h) generated inhibitory by-products that suppressed microbial hydrogen evolution. This study comprehensively clarifies the structural modification and biohydrogen promotion mechanism of hydrothermal acidification pretreatment on pectin-rich biomass, and delivers a cost-effective, facile technical route for high-value energy valorization and harmless disposal of fruit processing solid wastes. Full article

Inonotus obliquus (I. obliquus) is a medicinal fungus rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols, and triterpenoids. However, studies on purified polysaccharide from the black outer layer of the I. obliquus sterile conk remain limited. In this study, crude polysaccharides were extracted by hot-water extraction, optimized using response surface methodology, and further purified by DEAE-52 ion-exchange chromatography and Sephacryl S-400 HR gel filtration chromatography. The structural characteristics and in vitro biological activities of the purified polysaccharide (IOP) were investigated. Under the optimized conditions, the crude polysaccharide extract yield reached 24.64 ± 0.48%. IOP contained 88.97 ± 1.33% total sugars and 10.91 ± 0.37% uronic acids, with a weight-average molecular weight of 78.0 kDa. Monosaccharide analysis revealed that IOP consisted of glucose, galactose, galacturonic acid, and glucuronic acid, and FT-IR analysis revealed the characteristic functional groups of polysaccharides. IOP exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activities, inhibited the cell viability of A549, SW1990, 4T1, and B16F10 cells with low cytotoxicity toward L929 fibroblasts, and stimulated the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW264.7 macrophages. These findings provide preliminary evidence that the purified IOP fraction obtained from the black outer layer of the I. obliquus sterile conk exhibits in vitro antioxidant, inhibitory effects on tumor cell viability, and immunomodulatory activities under the tested experimental conditions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Soybean (Glycine max) productivity is increasingly constrained by soil salinity. WIP transcription factors, a subfamily of C2H2-type zinc finger proteins, regulate cell division, differentiation, and tissue patterning in several plant species, but this gene family had not previously been systematically characterized in soybean or any other major legume crop. This study aimed to identify and characterize the GmWIP gene family genome-wide and evaluate its potential involvement in the soybean salt-stress response. Methods: Genome-wide identification of GmWIP genes was performed using sequence similarity and domain-based searches against the Wm82.gnm4.ann1 reference genome, followed by characterization of physicochemical properties, chromosomal distribution, phylogenetic relationships, gene duplication, conserved motifs, gene structure, and promoter cis-acting elements. Tissue-specific expression was examined using transcriptome data, and GmWIP responses to salt stress were profiled by RT-qPCR in roots, stems, and leaves of a salt-tolerant cultivar (HN531) and a salt-sensitive cultivar (HN563), alongside physiological measurements of oxidative stress and osmotic adjustment. Results: Thirty GmWIP genes were identified, with molecular weights from 26.90 to 57.52 kDa, distributed unevenly across 15 soybean chromosomes, with chromosomes 11, 12, and 13 forming a major hotspot (53.3% of the family). Duplication analysis detected 54 reconciled segmental duplicate gene pairs, all exhibiting Ka/Ks values < 1 (ranging from 0.0351 to 0.4471; mean 0.214), consistent with purifying selection acting on this gene set. GmWIP promoters were enriched for ABRE, MBS, and MeJA cis-acting elements. RT-qPCR showed genotype- and tissue-dependent differential expression under salt stress (e.g., up to 14.9-fold induction of GmWIP22 in HN531 stems), paralleled by superior proline accumulation (+45%), soluble sugars, and CAT activity (+38%) alongside reduced MDA accumulation in the tolerant cultivar. Conclusions: The GmWIP gene family has expanded substantially in soybean relative to previously characterized species and shows genotype-dependent transcriptional responses to salt stress, suggesting that specific GmWIP members are candidate regulators of salt tolerance and warrant further functional investigation. Full article

Purple celery (Apium graveolens L.) is a high-value functional vegetable rich in anthocyanins, but achieving a balanced optimization between biomass accumulation and nutritional quality in plant factories remains challenging due to species-specific spectral trade-offs, and current research lacks integrated light recipes that simultaneously optimize photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant defenses, and functional quality while suppressing nitrate accumulation. This study evaluated five LED treatments over 30 days: white light (CK), monochromatic red (R), and red-to-blue photon flux density ratios of 5:5, 7:3, and 8:2. Red light induced stem elongation but suppressed root development. Conversely, 8R2B delivered the best performance, significantly elevating leaf, petiole, root, and total fresh biomass and increasing total dry weight by 68.8% over CK. It also markedly enhanced chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoids, as well as improved PSII quantum yield (YII), photochemical quenching (qP), and electron transport rate (ETR), while reducing non-photochemical heat dissipation (NPQ) by 61.0%, indicating superior light-use efficiency. Furthermore, 8R2B upregulated CAT and POD activities promoted soluble sugars (up 688.4% in leaves), soluble proteins, and ascorbic acid accumulation, yet reduced leaf nitrate by 28.5%. Principal component analysis confirmed 8R2B as the most effective formulation across all growth, photochemical, defense, and quality traits. These findings provide a novel, evidence-based 8:2 red-to-blue LED light recipe for high-yield, high-quality, and commercially viable purple celery production in controlled environment agriculture. Full article

Clonal selection is essential for adapting wine production to specific terroirs. To characterize clonal variation in berry quality, five ‘Merlot’ clones (M343, VCR1, VCR3, VCR13, and VCR101) grown in the Hexi Corridor region of Gansu Province, China, were evaluated during the 2024 growing season. An integrated analysis of morphological, physicochemical, phenolic, metabolomic, and volatile traits was conducted to provide a multidimensional assessment of clone-specific berry quality under the arid conditions of this region. VCR1 exhibited the highest total soluble solids and anthocyanin contents, alongside the largest number of annotated metabolites. VCR101 had the highest titratable acidity and the most diverse flavonoid profile, whereas VCR13 showed the highest total soluble sugar content. VCR3 had the highest tannin and total phenolic contents and also exhibited the greatest number and total semi-quantitative relative abundance of volatile compounds. These findings demonstrate that, under arid conditions, the clones differ in their accumulation patterns of sugars, organic acids, phenolics, and aroma-related metabolites. Exploratory principal component analysis identified VCR3 and VCR1 as promising candidates for production objectives emphasizing different quality attributes. These findings provide practical information for clonal selection, germplasm evaluation, wine grape breeding, and region-specific cultivation under arid environmental conditions. Full article

The successful use of Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs) such as artificial insemination (AI) in small ruminants and other mammals depends on many factors, the most important of which is the quality of the semen used. The liquid storage and cryopreservation of spermatozoa at lower temperatures are associated with artificial insemination and rapid genetic improvement programs in the sheep production industry. Several studies have reported increased lipid peroxidation (LPO) and highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during liquid storage or cryopreservation of ram semen, leading to oxidative stress (OS), decreased antioxidant defense, and changes in sperm quality parameters like biokinetic and biochemical characteristics, viability, functional membrane and DNA integrity, along with mitochondrial activity. Therefore, supplementing ram semen extenders with exogenous antioxidants before preservation could mitigate this harmful effect. Various in vitro studies have reported improvements in ram sperm quality parameters like motility indexes, vitality, functional membrane/DNA integrity, antioxidant enzyme activity, total antioxidant content, mitochondrial activity, in vivo/in vitro fertility with significant decline in sperm abnormality, free radical production, LPO, ROS, apoptosis rate, and cytochrome C release from the mitochondrial matrix after the addition of various natural and synthetic antioxidant (vitamins, glutathione, taurine, pyruvate, melatonin, cysteine, selenium, zinc, plant extracts, sugars, amino acids, polyphenols) substances during preservation. Therefore, this review summarizes recent findings on oxidative stress-induced damage to sperm quality parameters in various ram breeds during chilling storage and cryopreservation. Moreover, supplementing basic semen extenders with different non-enzymatic antioxidant substances as a method to maintain sperm quality—along with their efficacy in reducing or preventing sperm damage during preservation—was discussed in detail. Full article

Global warming poses an escalating threat to crop yield and quality, particularly for thermosensitive medicinal-edible plants such as goji berry (Lycium barbarum). Although salicylic acid (SA) is recognized for enhancing plant thermotolerance, its effects on fruit productivity and quality under summer high temperatures remain inadequately quantified. This study investigated the physiological, metabolic, and transcriptomic responses of field-grown Ningqi No. 7 (N7) goji berry to exogenous SA application under summer heat stress. SA treatment significantly increased fruit yield by 22%, while reducing leaf defoliation rate by 32%. Metabolite profiling revealed that SA elevated total soluble sugar content by 30% and flavonoid concentration by 14% but decreased total organic acid content by 16%. Transcriptomic analysis identified SA-induced differential expression of genes involved in sugar metabolism (phosphofructokinase), secondary biosynthesis (flavonoid and alkaloid related pathways), and stress responses (HSPs, E3 ubiquitin ligases, SRK2). These results demonstrate that exogenous SA enhances goji berry productivity and improves fruit taste (via increased sugar/organic acid ratio) and functional quality under summer high temperatures. Consequently, SA application thus represents a promising and cost-effective strategy for climate-resilient goji berry cultivation. Full article

Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida Bunge) is a medicinal and edible fruit whose sour taste and dense surface structure limit its application in food industries. Conventional sugar impregnation has long processing times and uneven sugar distribution. However, the combined effects of vacuum impregnation (VI) and ultrasonic impregnation (UI) on infusion uniformity in freeze-dried hawthorn remain unclear. This study therefore aimed to elucidate the mechanisms by which combined vacuum and ultrasonic impregnation (VI-UI) affect surface structure and sugar infusion uniformity, and to test the hypothesis that VI-UI can achieve uniform sugar distribution while maintaining an intermediate sugar content. Results showed that the VI-UI treatment (195 min) disrupted cell structures and expanded intercellular spaces in hawthorn, thereby achieving a uniform sugar infusion at an intermediate sugar content of 47%. The ultrasound treatment increased surface porosity from 16.8% to 19.3%. The VI-UI treatment achieved the highest overall uniformity index (OUI = 79.65), higher than vacuum impregnation (OUI = 50.99) and ultrasound impregnation (OUI = 60.69). In conclusion, VI-UI offers a promising strategy for producing uniformly infused, high-quality preserved hawthorn products by combining the efficiency of VI with the uniformity of UI. Full article