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Hydrophobic cellulose laurate (CL) with high degree of substitution has been successfully synthesized. The mechanical property, water-resistance, antimicrobial activity, barrier properties and food decontamination of cellulose-laurate-curcumin films (CL-Cu x , x = 0.1, 0.5, and 1) were investigated. The results showed that the mechanical properties of CL-Cu x hardly change after soaking in water for 24 h, probably due to the strong hydrophobicity of cellulose laurate. CL-Cu 1 represented a good photoinduced antibacterial effect against S. aureus. After irradiation of white light at 60 mW·cm−2 for 20 min, the inhibition efficiency reached to 95 ± 2.02%, probably owing to the generated active 1O 2. In comparison with CL-Cu 1 stored in natural light, the bacteriostatic effect of CL-Cu 1 in dark storage was better, and the inhibition rate of CL-Cu 1 remained 80 ± 1.22 at 60th day. The stabler excited state of curcumin in hydrophobic cellulose laurate was probably assigned to inhibition of tautomerism or conformational transition, which was beneficial to the generation of singlet oxygen. CL-Cu 1 can significantly inhibit the growth of TVBN and TVC values of chilled meat upon white light irradiation, indicating the potential application of cellulose-laurate-curcumin films in food decontamination. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phosphate transporters (PHTs) mediate the uptake and translocation of phosphate in plants. A comprehensive analysis of the PHT family in aquatic plant is still lacking. In this study, we identified 73 PHT members of six major PHT families from four duckweed species. The phylogenetic analysis, gene structure and protein characteristics analysis revealed that PHT genes are highly conserved among duckweeds. Interaction network and miRNA target prediction showed that SpPHTs could interact with the important components of the nitrate/phosphate signaling pathway, and spo-miR399 might be a central regulator that mediates phosphate signal network in giant duckweed (Spirodela polyrhiza). The modeled 3D structure of SpPHT proteins shared a high level of homology with template structures, which provide information to understand their functions at proteomic level. The expression profiles derived from transcriptome data and quantitative real-time PCR revealed that SpPHT genes are respond to exogenous stimuli and remarkably induced by phosphate starvation, phosphate is absorbed from aquatic environment by the whole duckweed plant. This study lays the foundation for further functional studies on PHT genes for genetic improvement and the promotion of phosphate uptake efficiency in duckweeds. • A total of 73 PHT genes were identified in four duckweeds. • The 3D structures of 17 SpPHT proteins were predicted using homology modeling method. • The heatmap of 19 SpPHT genes in different tissues and stresses was established. • The expression profile of SpPHTs explain the efficient Pi uptake through fronds and roots in giant duckweed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A facile and environmentally-friendly strategy for increasing antioxidant activity is a crucial issue for value-added lignin and lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) as alternative antioxidants. However, the antioxidant activities of lignin and LCC by the traditional solid-liquid extraction (SLE) methods were restricted by the relatively lower solubility induced from high molecular weight (Mw), and the less functional groups including, phenolic hydroxyl and carboxyl. To improve the antioxidantion of lignin and LCC, lithium chloride/dimethyl sulfoxide (LiCl/DMSO) solvent fractionation (LDSF) was conducted to increase the functional groups and reduce Mw, in which LiCl/DMSO acted triple roles as solvent, acid, and metal chloride catalyst for the depolymerization reaction synchronously. The β-O-4′ linkages were cleaved to release the phenolic hydroxyl, resulting in decreasing Mw; the hydroxyl of the side-chain of lignin was oxidized into carboxyl. Thus, the lignin (LD-RL) and LCC (LD-LCC) samples from LDSF had a higher syringyl (S)/guaiacyl (G) ratio, phenolic hydroxyl, and carboxyl contents, but less Mw than control groups from SLE. Consequently, they presented more excellent scavenging rates toward DPPH and ABTS radicals, up to 90%. This work provided panoramic perspectives and basics of the green and convenient approach to isolate and modify lignin and LCC for great antioxidantion with LDSF. • The lignin and LCC with high yield and antioxidantion were isolated from LDSF. • LiCl/DMSO acted triple roles as solvent, acid, and metal chloride catalyst. • Depolymerization induced by LiCl increased the functional groups and reduced Mw. • The higher S/G ratio, phenolic OH and COOH contents improved the antioxidantoin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]