Search

• We propose a tumbler-inspired electromagnetic harvester (T-EMH) for human motion. • We use the tumbler mechanism to transform irregular human motion energy. • The power of the T-EMH reaches 0.86 mW under the speed of 12 km/h. • T-EMH can harvest human motion energy and effectively power electronic devices. Harvesting energy from human motion to power portable electronic devices has attracted widespread attention. However, human motion energy is primarily concentrated in low-frequency range below 5 Hz, which makes it hard to capture with traditional approaches. In this work, a tumbler-inspired electromagnetic energy harvester (T-EMH) is designed to harvest human motion energy. The magnet is placed on the top of the tumbler structure, allowing for easy conversion of irregular human motion into electricity through the tumbler mechanism. A theoretical model is established to predict the energy harvesting performance of T-EMH. Both simulations and experiments were conducted to verify the low-frequency characteristics of T-EMH. The harvested maximum peak voltage is 0.6 V and the maximum average output power can reach 0.55 mW by adjusting the external load. Additionally, human motion tests substantiate T-EMH's capacity to generate a peak power output of 0.86 mW at a running speed of 12 km/h. These results emphasize the promising potential of T-EMH as an effective approach for capturing energy from human motion. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan and its hydrolytic oligomers have been shown to exert antimicrobial effects in previous studies. The present study was conducted to explore the effect of γ-irradiation, which produces chitosan fragments, on the molecular weight (MW), solubility, and pH of degraded chitosan, and to investigate its underlying antimicrobial mechanism against bacteria and yeasts. The results showed that γ-irradiation at 100 kGy substantially decreased MW of chitosan with a degree of deacetylation (DD) of 90% from 435 kDa to 33 kDa. The solubility of chitosan fragments with a DD of 95% increased to 0.75 mg/ml from 0.02 mg/ml for intact chitosan, and the pH value rose from weakly acidic (6.81) to weakly alkaline (7.38) after irradiation at 200 kGy. In antimicrobial testing, the endoenzymes of microorganisms tested, i.e., Escherichia coli , Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans , were found to leak out after treated with different MW chitosan fragments, with the 66 kDa component showing the greatest cell-disruption activity. Moreover, chitosan fragments at different MWs had varied lethal effects on Candida tropicalis , and the 66 kDa again produced a greater lethal effect than either 8 kDa or 197 kDa fragment. The 66 kDa fragment did not enter the cell of C. tropicalis as examined by laser confocal microscopy, suggesting that the inhibitory action targeted at cell surface rather than cell nuclei or other intracellular organelles. In conclusion, the γ-irradiation-induced 66 kDa deacetylated chitosan fragment with cell-lysing activity is a strong antimicrobial agent applicable in food systems to enhance safety and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine natural products (MNPs) remain promising drug sources with several marine-derived drugs having been successfully approved. Nevertheless, it is never a smooth sailing to seek bioactive compounds from marine environments, during which many challenges are need to be faced to, for example, discovering unique marine resources, reviving unculturable organisms outside the marine environment, distinguishing novel compounds from the known ones, and disclosing the function of MNPs and optimizing their pharmacological use. Herein we review some advanced techniques and methodologies that can be employed to deal with above challenges with the intent of inspiring the forthcoming efforts in MNPs discovery pipelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Chemical investigation of the endophytic fungus Emericella sp. (HK-ZJ) isolated from the mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum led to isolation of six isoindolones derivatives termed as emerimidine A and B and emeriphenolicins A and D, and six previously reported compounds named aspernidine A and B, austin, austinol, dehydroaustin, and acetoxydehydroaustin, respectively. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence while the anti-influenza A viral (H1N1) activities of eight compounds were also evaluated using the cytopathic effect (CPE) inhibition assay. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Plastic and reconstructive surgeons frequently utilize random skin flap transplantation to repair skin defects. However, the procedure carries a substantial risk of necrosis. Previous research has suggested that Biliverdin (Bv), the main component of Calculus Bovis, possessed potent anti-ischemic properties, making it a potential therapeutic agent for skin flap survival. Hence, in this study, the potential of Bv in promoting flap survival has been comprehensively investigated. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the pharmacological effects of Bv on ischemic diseases may be attributed to its modulation of various signaling molecules, including the PI3K-Akt pathway. In vitro results demonstrated that Bv treatment significantly promoted angiogenesis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), even in the presence of H 2 O 2. This was evident by the increased cell proliferation, enhanced migration, and improved tube formation. Bv also effectively attenuated the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by H 2 O 2 , which was achieved by suppressing mitochondrial ROS production through the PI3K/Akt-mediated activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Consequently, Bv treatment led to a significant reduction in apoptosis and an increase in cell viability of HUVEC. Furthermore, in vivo experiment demonstrated that Bv treatment vastly elevated flap survival through enhancing angiogenesis while decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, which was comparable to the results of positive control of N-acetylcysteine (Nac). In conclusion, this study not only established a solid foundation for future study on therapeutic potential of Bv, but also proposed a promising treatment approach for enhancing the success rate of flap transplants and other ischemic-related tissue repair. [Display omitted] • The prospective targets of Biliverdin on ischemic diseases were anticipated using network pharmacology analysis. • Biliverdin reduced the generation of ROS within HUVECs via the PI3K/Akt-mediated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. • Biliverdin reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in random skin flaps, leading to improved flap survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Three novel carbon-bridged citrinin dimers, dicitrinones A–C (1–3), were isolated from a volcano ash-derived fungus Penicillium citrinum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Dicitrinone A (1) and B (2) are two atropisomeric mixtures, which were verified by both NMR and quantum chemical calculations. Their cytotoxicity against four tumor cell lines (HL-60, MOLT-4, A-549, and BEL-7402) was evaluated by SRB and MTT methods. Dicitrinone B (2) arrested the HL-60 cell cycle at the G2/M phase, which was analyzed using flow cytometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Terpenoids make the largest group of natural products that contribute significantly to human disease therapy. • Heterologous expression and metabolic engineering tools play important roles in refining production of terpenoids. • More eukaryotic and photosynthetic chassis are required for the heterologous production of plant and fungi derived terpenoids. • Bioinformatics and synthetic biology techniques will play growing roles in heterologous expression of terpenoids. Terpenoids, also referred to as isoprenoids, are the largest group of natural compounds which have contributed significantly to the pharmaceutical industry. The challenges in producing bioactive terpenoids from their original host or by organic synthesis methods spurred the endeavors of producing terpenoids in heterologous host. Modern advances utilizing synthetic biology and biological engineering tools have provided a variety of pharmaceutical terpenoids in large-scale and with diversified structures. In this review, we will summarize the progress in production of typical terpenoids skeletons using heterologous expression method assisted by metabolic engineering techniques, with the purpose of enlightening further efforts in developing advanced cell factories for producing terpenoid based pharmaceuticals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Seven compounds including four undescribed fusaric acid derivatives, namely fusaricates H-K, and two undescribed γ -pyrone derivatives, named fusolanones A-B, as well as a known compound fusaric acid, were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium solani. Fusaricates H-K represent the first cases of fusaric acid butanediol esters and are diastereoisomers. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR, MS, chemical synthesis, chiral HPLC analysis and ECD calculations. The antibacterial activity of all undescribed compounds were tested and fusolanone B showed the best activity with MIC value 6.25 μg/mL on Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Graphical abstract Four undescribed fusaric acid derivatives and two undescribed γ -pyrone derivatives as well as fusaric acid were isolated from an endophytic fungus Fusarium solani , with fusolanone B showed the best antibacterial activity. Image 1 Highlights • Seven previously undescribed compounds were isolated from a mangrove endophytic fungus Fusarium solani. • Fusaricates H-K represent the first cases of fusaric acid butanediol esters and are diastereoisomers. • Fusolanone B showed antibacterial activity on Vibrio parahaemolyticus with MIC value 6.25 μg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical investigation of cold-seep Bacillus sp. HDN20-1259 led to the isolation of three new compounds, and this was the first report of secondary metabolites obtained from cold-seep-derived Bacillus sp. • Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 showed broad antibacterial activity, among which 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 µg/ mL. One new glycosylated macrolactin compound, 6′- O -succinyl methyl ester macrolactin O (1), two new hydroxy unsaturated fatty acids (3 and 4), together with three known compounds succinyl macrolactin O (2), macrolactin O and F (5 and 6), were isolated from the liquid culture of Bacillus sp. HDN20-1259. The chemical structures of 1 – 6 were elucidated by extensive NMR, MS, ECD, Mosher's method and thiocarbamoyl-thiazolidine derivatization with reversed-phase HPLC analysis. Compounds 1 , 2 , 5 , and 6 showed extensive antibacterial activity against Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus , and Escherichia coli , among which 1 and 2 showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus with MIC value of 50 µ g/ mL. This is the first report of secondary metabolites obtained from cold-seep-derived Bacillus sp.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rise of antibiotic resistant microbes, genetic vaccination is a promising prophylactic strategy that enables rapid design and manufacture. Facilitating this process is the choice of vector, which is often situationally-specific and limited in engineering capacity. Furthermore, these shortcomings are usually tied to an incomplete understanding of the structure–function relationships driving vector-mediated gene delivery. Building upon our initial report of a hybrid bacterial-biomaterial gene delivery vector, a comprehensive structure–function assessment was completed using a class of mannosylated poly(beta-amino esters). Through a top-down screening methodology, an ideal polymer was selected on the basis of gene delivery efficacy and then used for the synthesis of a stratified molecular weight polymer library. By eliminating contributions of polymer chemical background, we were able to complete an in-depth assessment of gene delivery as a function of (1) polymer molecular weight, (2) relative mannose content, (3) polymer-membrane biophysical properties, (4) APC uptake specificity, and (5) serum inhibition. In summary, the flexibility and potential of the hybrid design featured in this work highlights the ability to systematically probe vector-associated properties for the development of translational gene delivery candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the rise of antibiotic resistance and other difficult-to-treat diseases, genetic vaccination is a promising preventative approach that can be tailored and scaled according to the vector chosen for gene delivery. However, most vectors currently utilized rely on ubiquitous delivery mechanisms that ineffectively target important immune effectors such as antigen presenting cells (APCs). As such, APC targeting allows the option for tuning the direction (humoral vs cell-mediated) and strength of the resulting immune responses. In this work, we present the development and assessment of a library of mannosylated poly(beta-amino esters) (PBAEs) that represent a new class of easily synthesized APC-targeting cationic polymers. Polymeric characterization and assessment methodologies were designed to provide a more realistic physiochemical profile prior to in vivo evaluation. Gene delivery assessment in vitro showed significant improvement upon PBAE mannosylation and suggested that mannose-mediated uptake and processing influence the magnitude of gene delivery. Furthermore, mannosylated PBAEs demonstrated a strong, efficient, and safe in vivo humoral immune response without use of adjuvants when compared to genetic and protein control antigens. In summary, the gene delivery effectiveness provided by mannosylated PBAE vectors offers specificity and potency in directing APC activation and subsequent immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Chemical investigation of a marine-derived fungus Alternaria sp. HDN19-690 led to the isolation of three new perylenequinone derivatives. • Xanalterate A (1) possesses a unique pyran ring at E ring with only 4 cases have been reported so far and altertoxin VIII (2) is a third example of chlorinated perylenequinone derivative. • Compounds 1 – 4 showed broad antibacterial activity with compound 1 the best (MIC values ranging from 3.13 to 12.5 µM). Three new perylenequinone derivatives, namely xanalterate A (1), altertoxin VIII and IX (2 and 3), together with one known analogue, stemphyperylenol (4), were isolated from the extract of the Antarctic sponge-derived fungus Alternaria sp. HDN19-690. The structures of compounds 1 – 3 , including absolute configurations, were confirmed based on the analysis of MS, NMR and ECD data. Compound 1 exhibited promising antimicrobial activity against the tested strains with MIC values ranging from 3.13 to 12.5 µ M. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids bearing a pyrazino[1,2-a] pyrimidine moiety, often have different functional groups substituted at C-8′ or C-2′/C-8′, generally further forming unique spiro-/conjugated ring systems. Four undescribed pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids, including three natural products pyrasplorines A-C and an artifact deg-pyrasplorine B, as well as a biogenetically related versicoloid A were discovered from the extract of a mangrove-derived fungus Apergillus verisicolor HDN11-84. Pyrasplorine A contains unique spiral-type skeleton (composed of cyclopentenone ring with the pyrazino[1,2-a] pyrimidine core) which is unprecedented in pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids. The deg-pyrasplorine B could be spontaneously converted from pyrasplorine B in mild conditions. Their structures including absolute configurations were elucidated based on NMR spectroscopic analysis, computational calculations and Marfey's method. The absolute configuration of versicoloid A was re-assigned in this study. All the isolated compounds are non-cytotoxic and deg-pyrasplorine B showed anti-influenza A virus H1N1 activity with the IC 50 of 50 μ M. [Display omitted] • Four new pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids were identified. • Pyrasplorine A is the first compound with spiro-cyclopentane in pyrazinopyrimidine-type alkaloids. • The absolute configuration of compound versicoloid A was revised. • Pyrasplorine B can convert to deg-pyrasplorine B which showed anti-influenza A virus H1N1 activity. • The absolute configuration was deduced by ECD calculations and DP4+ analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Three new phenalenone derivatives were isolated from a marine-derived fungus. • Peniciphenalenin G (1) is the first chloric acenaphthenquinone derivative. • Compounds 1 , 2 , 4 , 5 displayed broad antimicrobial effects against tested strains. Three new phenalenone derivatives, namely peniciphenalenins G − L (1 – 3), together with two related compounds (4 and 5), were isolated from the marine sediment-derived fungus Pleosporales sp. HDN1811400 guided by HPLC-UV profile. Structures including absolute configurations were elucidated by detailed spectroscopic analyses, DFT calculations as well as chemical method. Peniciphenalenin G (1) represents the first example of chlorinated acenaphthenquinone derivative, and compounds 1 , 2 , 4 , and 5 showed broad antibacterial activities with the best MIC value of 6.25 μM against MRSA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Five undescribed 12-membered macrolides containing thioethers, thiocladospolides F-J, together with the known biogenetic related analogues, were isolated from a mangrove-derived endophytic fungus Cladosporium oxysporum. The absolute configuration of thiocladospolide F was deduced by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and those of thiocladospolides G-J were determined based on specific optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism (ECD) data, as well as the biogenetic considerations. Thiocladospolide G display the best antimicrobial activity against the aquatic pathogen Edwardsiella tarda with minimal inhibit concentration (MIC) value of 4 μ g/mL. Image 1 • Five undescribed 12-membered macrolides were isolated from Cladosporium oxysporum. • Thiocladospolide F showed the first single crystal of 12-membered macrolide dimer. • Thiocladospolide G revealed antimicrobial activity against Edwardsiella tarda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First fabrication of microorganism-graphene oxide composites for Uranium(VI) adsorption from aqueous solutions was performed via immobilized Lysinibacillus sp. on graphene oxide (GO). Lysinibacillus -GO was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of contact time, pH values, U(VI) initial concentration, as well as the adsorption kinetics and isotherm of U(VI) in aqueous solution were estimated through batch adsorption experiments. Results revealed that Lysinibacillus -GO exhibited superior U(VI) removal ability, and its maximum adsorption capacity for U(VI) from aqueous solution was 149.3 mg/g. Furthermore, the pseudo-second order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm model matched well with this adsorption process according to the adsorption kinetic and isotherm study, suggesting that monolayer coverage of U(VI) adsorption occurred on the Lysinibacillus -GO surface and that chemisorption was the main limiting step for controlling adsorption rate. The adsorption mechanism of U(VI) by Lysinibacillus -GO adsorbent was mainly ascribed to an inner-sphere complexation between U(VI) and oxygen-containing groups. Regeneration study demonstrated that Lysinibacillus -GO can be used as a regenerated adsorbent for capturing U(VI) from aqueous solutions. This study provides new insights in taking full advantage of adsorption feature of GO and ubiquitous microbial resources and their use in remediating uranium-polluted aqueous environments. • Lysinibacillus -GO was fabricated and used as a novel bio-adsorbent for U(VI) removal. • The significant parameters affecting adsorption behavior were investigated. • U(VI) adsorption behavior fit the pseudo-second-order and Langmuir model well. • The main adsorption mechanism is the inner-sphere complexation. • Lysinibacillus -GO can be easily separated and has good reusability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two new two new citrinin dimers with rare C-7/C-7′ carbon-bridges were isolated from a marine derived fungus. • Compound 2 was the first citrinin dimer consisted of two mono-benzene monomers. • Compound 1 displayed antioxidant activity. Two new citrinin dimers named dicitrinones E and F (1 and 2), together with one biogenetically related known citrinin monomer (3), were isolated from the marine derived fungus Penicillium citrinum HDN-152-088. All structures including the absolute configurations were elucidated on the basis of comprehensive spectroscopic data, and assisted by ECD calculations. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 belong to the class of citrinin dimers with a rare carbon-bridged C-7/C-7′ linkage. Compound 1 displayed antioxidant activity with IC 50 value of 23.73 μM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]