Search Results (9,802)

Microalgae are considered a potential source of fatty acid esters that are suitable for biodiesel production. However, a principal bottleneck in lipids extraction is related to the selection of appropriate solvents in order to obtain an efficient process. In this work, a simple methodology based on Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) was developed, aiming to solvent screening towards selective extraction of lipid compounds: main parameters that were considered for an optimum solvent included the partitioning of free fatty acids and other non-desired solutes, e.g., pigments and phospholipids, as well as the minimum water dissolution. The method takes into account the affinity of a candidate solvent with desired and non-desired solutes along with their relative differences. A large number of solvents (>5000) were scanned by this method for their capacity to selectively extract fatty acid esters from microalgae biomass, and hexane proved to be among the optimum solvents. This prediction was supported by the Snyder’s polarity index as well as ab initio quantum mechanical Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of the Gibbs free energy of solvation and partition coefficients. Moreover, model validation carried out by liquid–liquid extraction of algal liquor with hexane and other solvents, and measurement of lipids allocation using paper chromatography and spectroscopy. Low lipids yield was observed, while the extract was enriched in fatty acid esters. A critical discussion is provided regarding the low yield ratios and potential implications due to overestimation of lipids content in microalgae. Full article

A novel artificial light-harvesting system (LHS) for the photooxidation reaction was constructed by the phenyl-bis-naphthyl derivative (PBN) and water-soluble phosphate-pillar[5]arene (WPP5). After host–guest interaction, WPP5 integrated with PBN to form WPP5-PBN amphiphiles, which self-assembled to WPP5-PBN nanoparticles. Based on the aggregate state of PBN in WPP5-PBN nanoparticles, WPP5-PBN nanoparticles emitted a significant yellow fluorescence as energy donors. Due to the yellow fluorescence fully covering the absorption of sulforhodamine 101 (SR101), SR101 was used as energy acceptors and loaded in WPP5-PBN nanoparticles for constructing the WPP5-PBN-SR101 LHS, whose energy transfer efficiency and antenna effect were 66.32% and 22.34. Notably, after the energy of the WPP5-PBN antenna transferred to SR101, more singlet oxygen (¹O₂) production was observed in the WPP5-PBN-SR101 LHS, which was successfully used as a photocatalyst to catalyze the oxidation reaction of 4-methoxythioanisole to 1-methoxy-4-(methylsulfinyl)benzene, imitating the solar energy conversion to chemical energy. Full article

Although marine sponges display strikingly diverse colors, the molecular basis of this color diversity remains largely unknown. Recently, the blue coloration of Haliclona sp. was attributed to a water-soluble carotenoprotein that binds orange astaxanthin (AXT) and mytiloxanthin (MXT) and belongs to the ependymin superfamily. Here, we investigated the coloration mechanism of a purple sponge, Haliclona sp. The purified purple protein was identified as a secreted glycoprotein, representing the second example of a color protein belonging to the ependymin superfamily. The blue and purple proteins were accordingly designated carotenoependymin (Cep)-Blue1 and Cep-Purple1. Cep-Blue1 binds orange AXT and MXT in a 1:1 ratio, whereas Cep-Purple1 binds only AXT, producing a smaller red shift than Cep-Blue1 in the 550–750 nm range. In vitro reconstitution of carotenoid-free apoproteins with their native carotenoids reproduced the original spectra. When the carotenoids bound to Cep-Blue1 and Cep-Purple1 were exchanged and reconstituted in vitro, Cep-Blue1 reconstituted with AXT exhibited a purplish-blue color, whereas Cep-Purple1 reconstituted with an equimolar mixture of AXT and MXT showed a preference for AXT and displayed an incomplete red shift. These results suggest that the subtle color variations among Haliclona species are determined by both species-specific carotenoid composition and the structural features of carotenoependymin proteins. Full article

Introduction: The increasing prevalence of fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida albicans, presents a significant clinical challenge due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains. Silver (I) coordination complexes show promise as antifungal agents; however, their poor water solubility limits clinical application. Methods: In this study, we developed and characterized a lipid nanoemulsion (Ag-LN) to enhance the delivery and activity of a silver (I) complex. Results: The formulation exhibited nanoscale size, spherical morphology, and stability for up to 60 days. Ag-LN showed potent antifungal effects, preventing biofilm formation and eradicating mature biofilms. Importantly, nanoencapsulation preserved antifungal activity while reducing mutagenic potential and acute toxicity compared with the free compound. Conclusions: These findings support Ag-LN as a promising antifungal platform for future preclinical studies. Full article

Current trends in intelligent hydrogels design for tissue engineering demand multifunctional biomaterials that respond to external stimuli, while maintaining adhesion, controlled degradation, and cytocompatibility. The present work describes the synthesis and characterization of a novel, intelligent and synergistic hydrogel for promoting osteoblastic growth and regeneration. The hydrogel comprises a complex matrix blend of natural biodegradable polymers, vitamins (A, K2, D3, and E), and bioactive components such as zinc phosphate nanoparticles and manganese-doped hydroxyapatite to improve osteoblastic functionality. The hydrogel proved to have physicochemical properties for recovery and self-healing, highlighting its potential application as an auxiliary in bone rehabilitation. Key parameters such as rheological behavior, moisture content, water absorption, solubility, swelling, biodegradability, and responsiveness to temperature and pH variations were thoroughly evaluated. Furthermore, its adhesion to different surfaces and biocompatibility were confirmed. Skin contact test revealed no inflammatory, allergic, or secondary effects, indicating its safety for medical applications. Importantly, the hydrogel showed high biocompatibility with no cytotoxicity signs, favoring cell migration and highlighting its potential for applications in regenerative medicine. Full article

Hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) is a versatile cellulose ether with two standardized forms: highly substituted (H-HPC), which is water-soluble and thermoresponsive, and low-substituted (L-HPC), which is insoluble but swellable. This systematic review with bibliometric analysis aimed to map the global HPC research landscape (2005–2024), focusing on publication trends, research impact, and thematic directions. Original research articles and conference proceedings indexed in Scopus were included, while reviews and non-research items were excluded. The database was searched on 7 July 2025 using predefined strategies and analyzed using Excel for descriptive statistics and VOSviewer for network visualization. Risk of bias assessment was not applicable; data accuracy was ensured through duplicate removal and the use of standardized bibliometric indicators. A total of 1273 H-HPC and 92 L-HPC publications were analyzed. H-HPC research dominates multidisciplinary applications in drug delivery, 3D printing, thermochromic, and energy materials, whereas L-HPC remains focused on pharmaceutical disintegration and binding. Nevertheless, the field is constrained by reliance on commercial grades and a narrow application focus, leaving broader material innovations underexplored. HPC is positioned as a strategic polysaccharide derivative with expanding translational potential. Future studies should emphasize greener synthesis, advanced functionalization, and industrial scale-up. Funding: Supported by BRIN. Systematic review registration: INPLASY202590019. Full article

This study investigated the effects of octenyl succinate (OS) starches mixed with oleic acid on functional properties and potential use in edible films. Potato starches esterified with 1%, 3%, 5%, or 7% of octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) were mixed with oleic acid. Degree of substitution (DS), hydrodynamic volume, and lipid content were measured to evaluate effectiveness of modification. Blank sample and modified starches were analyzed for water binding capacity, solubility, characteristic of gelatinization, pasting properties, and surface/interfacial tensions. Edible films were prepared from the obtained starches and tested for water vapor permeability, water binding capacity, and solubility. The complexation index increased linearly with DS. Oleic acid reduced water binding capacity and solubility, particularly at 80 °C, altered thermodynamic characteristic of gelatinization, decreased viscosities of OS starch pastes, and increased pasting temperatures by up to 20%. It also enhanced the surface tension lowering effect of OS starch and reduced water vapor permeability in films, especially at higher DS. Films from starch–oleic acid mixtures exhibited lower water binding capacity and solubility, notably in 5% and 7% OSA modified starch. Results show that oleic acid addition to OS starch markedly affect functional properties of starch, highlighting its potential for use in edible film applications. Full article

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules that, when produced in excess, contribute to oxidative stress, promoting cellular damage and the progression of various diseases, including cancer. Polydatin (PD) is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pro-apoptotic properties, proving effective in several in vitro studies as an antitumor agent. However, its clinical application is limited by low bioavailability, poor water solubility, and chemical instability. To overcome these limitations, nanocarrier systems based on biopolymers, such as chitosan (CS), represent promising strategies for drug delivery. In this study, we developed and optimized CS nanocapsules loaded with Polydatin using the ionotropic gelation method. The final formulation was characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic and dielectrophoretic light scattering (DLS, DELS). Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and the biological effects of the nanocapsules on cancer cells were also evaluated. To assess their antitumor potential, PD-CS nanoparticles were tested on the human breast cancer SKBR3 cells, analyzing their effects on cell viability. The results demonstrate that CS nanocapsules loaded with PD are able to reduce SKBR3 cell proliferation, highlighting their potential for developing new therapeutic tools for cancer treatment. Full article

The Zi goose is an excellent local goose breed in China, characterized by strong tolerance to roughage, high cold resistance, and high egg production. Anthocyanins are natural water-soluble pigments with numerous biological functions such as growth promotion, antioxidant activity, and immune regulation. However, there are few reports on whether anthocyanins have an improving effect on Zi goose semen. This study aimed to explore the effects of anthocyanins on semen quality, semen antioxidant capacity, and sperm apoptosis of Zi geese, so as to provide references for the large-scale breeding and industrial utilization of Zi geese. Sixty 12-month-old Zi geese were selected for the experiment, and their semen was collected by the massage method. Semen diluent containing different concentrations of anthocyanins was added to the mixed semen, which was then stored at 37 °C for detections. The results showed that the sperm survival rate of Zi geese was the highest when 30 mg/L of anthocyanins was added to the diluent. Compared with the control group, the anthocyanin group showed significantly higher sperm survival rate, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate, acrosome integrity rate, mitochondrial activity, and DNA integrity (p < 0.05), while the sperm mortality rate was significantly decreased (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in semen pH value, sperm density, and sperm abnormality rate (p > 0.05). The contents of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly increased (p < 0.05), while the levels of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in the anthocyanin group. Anthocyanins significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 (p < 0.05), and significantly decreased the mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and P53 (p < 0.05). In conclusion, adding 30 mg/L anthocyanins to semen diluent can improve semen quality in Zi geese. Full article

Squaraine dyes are a class of organic compounds that exhibit some characteristics inherent to those of an “ideal photosensitizer”, such as high absorption at near-infrared-close wavelengths and to produce reactive oxygen species. The introduction of amines into their squaric ring, although known to increase the phototoxicity of squaraines, can improve dyes’ water solubility and induce bathochromic shifts compared to their unsubstituted derivatives, interesting effects in biological contexts. In this work, four new squaraines were synthesized and structurally, photophysically, and photochemically characterized (including absorption and aggregation, fluorescence, light stability, and singlet oxygen generation). Their potential as fluorescent probes for albumin detection was assessed through both in silico and in vitro approaches, as well as their suitability as potential photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. For this last purpose, the 663 nm light-induced effects of the new dyes were evaluated against the PC-3 prostate cancer cell line, while their photocytotoxicity toward normal human dermal fibroblasts was also assessed using the MTT assay, to determine their potential tumor-selective effects. Low singlet oxygen quantum yields suggest that type I reactions predominate in generating cytotoxicity. Overall, the findings indicate that the designed squaraines exhibit moderate yet favorable interactions with albumin protein while demonstrating selective photodynamic effects toward prostate adenocarcinoma cancer cells, highlighting their potential as protein-assisted, tumor-targeted photosensitizers, providing a basis for further mechanistic studies. Full article

In this study, we review the use of cyclodextrin-based formulations to develop oral tablets of cladribine by enhancing its bioavailability and to improve the solubility and stability of retrometabolic chemical delivery systems (CDSs) in general and estredox, a brain-targeting estradiol-CDS, in particular. Cyclodextrins (CDs), cyclic oligosaccharides that can form host–guest inclusion complexes with a variety of molecules, are widely utilized in pharmaceuticals to increase drug solubility, stability, bioavailability, etc. The stability of the complex depends on how well the guest fits within the cavity of the CD host; a model connecting this to the size of the guest molecules is briefly discussed. Modified CDs, and particularly 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPβCD), provided dramatically increased water solubility and oxidative stability for estredox (estradiol-CDS, E₂-CDS), making its clinical development possible and highlighting the potential of our brain-targeted CDS approach for CNS-targeted delivery with minimal peripheral exposure. A unique HPβCD-based formulation also provided an innovative solution for the development of orally administrable cladribine. The corresponding complex dual CD-complex formed by an amorphous admixture of inclusion- and non-inclusion cladribine–HPβCD complexes led to the development of tablets that provide adequate oral bioavailability for cladribine, as demonstrated in both preclinical and clinical studies. Cladribine–HPβCD tablets (Mavenclad) offer a convenient, effective, and well-tolerated oral therapy for multiple sclerosis, achieving worldwide approval and significant clinical success. Overall, the developments summarized here underscore the importance of tailored cyclodextrin-based approaches for overcoming barriers in drug formulation for compounds with challenging physicochemical properties, and demonstrate the versatility and clinical impact of CD inclusion complexes in modern pharmaceutical development. Full article

Carum carvi, commonly known as caraway, is a medicinal and culinary plant recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties, primarily attributed to its essential oil components. However, the thermogenic potential of caraway—particularly the biological activity of its water-soluble extract—remains largely unexplored. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of caraway on Ucp-1 mRNA expression in beige adipocytes and on inflammation-mediated suppression of thermogenesis, by treating C3H10T1/2 adipocytes with caraway water extract (CWE) or caraway hexane extract (CHE) during both the induction and maturation phases, followed by isoproterenol stimulation, and measurement of mRNA levels of Ucp-1 and differentiation-related genes. Additionally, RAW264.7 cells were treated with CWE prior to stimulation with lipopolysaccharides followed by evaluation of inflammatory marker expression. CWE increased Ucp-1 mRNA expression directly by enhancing adrenergic sensitivity and promoting beige adipocyte differentiation during the induction phase of differentiation. Further, CWE mediated an indirect effect on Ucp-1 expression by suppressing macrophage inflammation, thus restoring Ucp-1 expression otherwise inhibited under inflammatory conditions. These results suggest that caraway extracts—especially the water-soluble compounds—may serve as therapeutic candidates for obesity-related conditions by enhancing energy expenditure and mitigating chronic inflammation. Full article

This study represents the first evaluation of the effects of zinc–carbon dot nano-fertilizers (Nano-ZCDs) on the growth of Bok choy (Brassica chinensis L.) and soil health under multi-batch consecutive foliar spraying during three successive cultivation cycles. The results showed that relative to CK, Nano-ZCDs significantly elevated the fresh weight of Bok choy cultivation across three consecutive harvests, by 75.5 ± 1.8%, 75.1 ± 0.2%, and 74.6 ± 0.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, the nutritional value, including amino acids, vitamin C, soluble sugars, proteins, and Zn accumulation, was markedly enhanced by Nano-ZCDs. Additionally, Nano-ZCDs significantly improved soil water content, Eh, soil organic carbon, available potassium, and available phosphorus in the rhizosphere soil. It also enhanced the complexity, stability, and species richness of the bacterial community. Based on the Cornell Soil Health Assessment system, the soil health index of the Nano-ZCDs group was significantly 8.1% higher than that of the CK group. Therefore, multi-batch consecutive applying of Nano-ZCDs promoted Bok choy cultivation growth and improved its quality, without impairing soil health. This study suggests that Nano-ZCDs can be applied in agricultural production processes to promote the sustainable development of agricultural systems. Full article

Road-marking operations generate alkaline wash water with intense color and soluble cationic additives. A new biomass adsorption material (LML) was developed to address dye pollution in road-marking wash water effectively. Enzymatically hydrolyzed lignin was used as the raw material for the first time. L-lysine was modified to the structure of the lignin benzene ring using a simple one-step synthesis method, which endowed lignin with a large number of active carboxyl and amino functional groups to improve its adsorption capacity. The adsorption performance of LML for methylene blue in water was also investigated. The experimental results show that the LML has a high dye removal rate under alkaline conditions. The fitted adsorption model shows that the saturated adsorption capacity of LML for methylene blue (MB) is 129.4 mg g⁻¹ and malachite green (MG) is 244.9 mg g⁻¹, which is in line with the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model. The adsorption process is endothermic, which means that the adsorption capacity increases with increasing temperature. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorption process reached equilibrium within 120 min following a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The cycle experiment shows that the removal efficiency of the adsorbent for dyes can still reach 90% after five cycles, indicating a good practical application value for the polishing of road-marking wash water. 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