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Due to the superior properties of physical hydrogels especially those that originated from biodegradable polymers, carboxymethyl xanthan (CMX) was prepared, and physically gelled with zinc ions. The chemical structures of CMX and its hydrogels were verified by FTIR and 1H NMR. The porous structure of hydrogels was verified using scanning electron microscopy, while the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of Zn in hydrogels. The effect of Zn ions on the crystalline structure was studied using wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated enhanced thermal stability upon increasing the Zn ions content. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the non-toxicity of hydrogels against the MCF-7 breast cells. The microbial inhibition of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was significantly improved by increasing the content of Zn2+ in hydrogels. The extracted data confirmed the competency of the prepared hydrogels in drug delivery fields due to their non-toxicity, antibacterial activity and enhanced physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Scientists have faced difficulties in synthesizing natural substances with potent biological activity from cost-effective sources. Endophytic fungi metabolites with nanoparticles have been utilized to develop a friendly, suitable procedure to address this problem and ameliorate the average amount of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer materials. Therefore, this study utilized endophytic fungi as a source of the natural extract with biosynthesized manganese nanoparticles (MnNPs) in the form of nanocomposites. Methods: Thirty endophytic fungi were isolated and were assessed for their antioxidant activity by 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and antimicrobial activity. The most potent isolate was identified utilizing 18S rRNA and was applied to purify and separate their natural antimicrobial products by Flash column chromatography. In addition, the most potent product was identified based on instrumental analysis through Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC.MS). The purified product was combined with biosynthsesized manganese nanoparticles (MnNPs) for the production of nanocomposite (MnNCs). Later on, the physicochemical features of MnNPs and its MnNCs were examined and then they were assessed for determination their biological activities. Results: The most potent isolate was identified as Aspergillus terreus with accession number OR243300. The antioxidant and antimicrobial product produced by the strain A. terreus was identified as an amide derivative consisting of 3-(2-Hydroxy-4,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1-cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-oxopentanoic acid (HDOCOX) with the chemical formula C13H18O5. Furthermore, purified HDOCOX, MnNPs and Mn-HDOCOX-NPs nanocomposite (MnNCs) showed significant antimicrobial effectiveness. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) determined for MnNCs were 10 µg/mL against C. albicans and E.coli. Furthermore, MnNCs were reduced hepatocellular carcinoma viability. Conclusion: The use of HDOCOX, either alone or in combination with MnNPs, is a potential candidate for inhibiting pathogenic microbes and the development of an anticancer drug pipeline. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have demonstrated exceptional antimicrobial activity, effectively targeting bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. This broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy makes AgNPs a valuable co-treatment alongside antibiotics, potentially mitigating the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance. Beyond their antimicrobial properties, AgNPs exhibit significant anticancer activity, employing mechanisms such as apoptosis induction and the inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis to selectively target cancer cells. Furthermore, AgNPs exhibit antioxidant potential of scavenging free radicals and reducing oxidative stress within biological systems. While AgNPs are non-toxic to humans at low concentrations, their toxicity is influenced by many factors besides concentration such as size, shape and surface charge. These multifaceted properties of AgNPs underscore the their potential in medical and therapeutic applications, such as wound dressings, catheters, medical devices, health supplement drink as well as targeted drug delivery. This study provides an overview of the characteristics of AgNPs, their diverse bioactivities, and the evidence supporting their mechanisms for effectively inhibiting bacterial growth, viral replication, cancer proliferation, and metastasis. Additionally, updated information on the toxicity, biosafety, and recent medical applications of AgNPs is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an investigation of the chemical composition of Aloe vera leaf tissue with a focus on the spatial distribution of compounds. The composition was studied using two mass spectrometry imaging techniques: silver-109 nanoparticles assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging (109AgNPs-LDI-MSI) and laser ablation-remote atmospheric pressure photoionization/chemical ionization mass spectrometry imaging (LARAPPI/CI-MSI) and the identification was aided by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-UHRMS) analysis. The results showed an abundance of phenolic compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a beneficial food additive and food packaging material. Analysis of the results of mass spectrometry imaging provided information about the potential changes in metabolic pathway expression in different regions of the leaf. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study identifies the secondary metabolites from Alternaria alternate and evaluates their ACE-2: Spike RBD (SARS-CoV-2) inhibitory activity confirmed via immunoblotting in human lung microvascular endothelial cells. In addition, their in vitro anti-inflammatory potential was assessed using a cell-based assay in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Two novel compounds, altenuline (1), phthalic acid bis (7'/7" pentyloxy) isohexyl ester (2), along with 1-deoxyrubralactone (3) alternariol-5-O-methyl ether (4) and alternariol (5) were identified. Molecular docking and in vitro studies showed that compounds 2 and 4 were promising to counteract SARS-CoV-2 attachment to human ACE-2. Thus, they are considered promising natural anti-viral agents. SwissADME in silico analysis was conducted to predict the drug-like potential. Immunoblotting analysis confirmed that the tested compounds (1–4) demonstrated downregulation of ACE-2 expression in the endothelial cells from the lungs with variable degrees. Furthermore, the tested compounds (1–4) showed promising anti-inflammatory activities through TNF-α: TNFR2 inhibitory activity and their inhibitory effect on the proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in LPS-stimulated monocytes. In conclusion, our study, for the first time, provides beneficial experimental confirmation for the efficiency of the A. alternate secondary metabolites for the treatment of COVID-19 as they hinder SARS-CoV-2 infection and lower inflammatory responses initiated by SARS-CoV-2. A. alternate and its metabolites are considered in developing preventative and therapeutic tactics for COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) presents significant economic challenges to the global pork industry due to its ability to mutate rapidly. The current commercial vaccines have limited effectiveness, and there are strict restrictions on the use of antiviral chemical drugs. Therefore, it is urgent to identify new strategies for preventing and controlling PRRSV infections. Baicalein, a flavonoid derived from Scutellaria baicalensis, has gained attention for its potential antiviral properties. However, there is little information about the effects and mechanisms of baicalein in relation to PRRSV. In this study, a network pharmacology analysis identified seven potential targets of baicalein against PRRSV, with the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) emerging as the core target. The results of molecular docking and dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed that baicalein has a high binding affinity for EGFR, with a measured value of − 7.935 kcal/mol. Additionally, both in vitro (EC50 = 10.20 μg/mL) and in vivo (2.41 mg/kg) experiments were conducted to assess the effectiveness of baicalein against PRRSV. Notably, baicalein was found to inhibit various stages of the PRRSV replication cycle and could directly bind to PRRSV in vitro. Baicalein inhibited the entry of PRRSV by blocking EGFR phosphorylation and the downstream PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. This was confirmed by a decrease in the expression of p-EGFR/EGFR, p-AKT/AKT, PI3K, and SRC following treatment with baicalein. Additionally, baicalein significantly enhanced the immune response in piglets infected with PRRSV. In conclusion, this study suggests that baicalein may be a promising pharmaceutical candidate for preventing and controlling PRRS, offering new insights into the antiviral potential of Chinese herbal medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exercise is one of the most important activities for every individual due to its proven health beneficials. Several investigations have highlighted the advantageous impacts of aerobic exercise, largely attributed to its capacity to enhance the body's capability to defend against threats against oxidative stress. The information currently accessible suggests that adding regular aerobic exercise to a daily routine greatly decreases the chances of developing serious cancer and passing away. An unevenness in the levels of free radicals and the body's antioxidant defenses, made up of enzyme and non-enzyme antioxidants, results in oxidative pressure. Generally, an imbalance in the levels of oxidative stress triggers the creation of harmful reactive oxygen or nitrogen compounds, causing the development or progression of numerous ailments, including cancer. The equilibrium between pro-oxidant and antioxidant substances is a direct indicator of this imbalance. Green tea and its derivatives are rich sources of bioactive substances such as flavonoids and polyphenols which possess antioxidant abilities. Moreover, modulation of epigenetic targets as well as inflammatory pathways including ERK1/2 and NF-κB are other proposed mechanisms for its antioxidant activity. Recent studies demonstrate the promise of green tea as an antioxidant, showing its ability to decrease the likelihood of developing cancer by impacting actions like cell growth, blood vessel formation, and spread of cancer cells. This summary will concentrate on the complex network of different pathways related to physical activity and consumption of green tea. In particular, the focus of this research will be on examining how oxidative stress contributes to health and investigating the potential antioxidant properties of green tea, and the interconnected relationship between exercise and green tea in the treatment of cancer. Elucidation of these different pathways would help scientists for development of better therapeutic targets and further increase of current anticancer agents efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work examined the impact of cerium oxide (CeO2/ceria) nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical, and antibacterial properties of nanocomposites made from discarded polypropylene (PP). The synthesis of polypropylene/cerium oxide nanocomposites was achieved using the solution casting process, incorporating nanoceria concentrations ranging from 0 wt.% to 3 wt.%. The morphological features and the particle size of nanoceria were examined by scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurements. The characteristics and properties of nanoceria and PP/CeO2 nanocomposites were analysed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetry (TG). The nanocomposite's mechanical characteristics were analysed using a universal testing machine (UTM), while its antibacterial activity was investigated using the agar diffusion method. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites increased by 12.63% and 13.10% when 2 and 3 wt.% of CeO2 nanoparticles were added to the PP. The mechanical property studies demonstrated that the nanocomposites containing 2 wt. % of CeO2 nanoparticles displayed a significant increase in Young's modulus (17%) and an exceptional increase in tensile strength (30%) in comparison with PP. Furthermore, the nanocomposites exhibited excellent antibacterial efficacy against two specific strains of gram-negative bacteria, namely Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of polymer-based nanocomposites for the removal of organic dyes from water bodies presents a relevant approach. In the present study, a chitosan/alumina nanoparticles were chemically modified with carboxylic groups using phthalic anhydride to develop an effective adsorbent of chitosan-phthalic anhydride/alumina nanoparticles for methylene blue dye adsorption. The physicochemical characteristics of the developed adsorbent (carboxylated chitosan-phthalic anhydride/alumina nanoparticles, CHI-PHA/ANPs) have been thoroughly examined using various methods such as pHpzc, CHN–O, XRD, FTIR, BET, and FESEM–EDX. The study thoroughly investigated the modeling of adsorption using response surface methodology. It carefully examined the various factors that influence adsorption, such as the dose of CHI-PHA/ANPs (0.02–0.08 g), the duration of time (10–140 min), and the pH level (4–10). The Freundlich isotherm exhibits the equilibrium behavior of MB by CHI-PHA/ANPs. The kinetics results of MB adsorption by CHI-PHA/ANPs were accurately explained using a pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption process was shown to be endothermic by the positive value of enthalpy (∆H°, 5.002 kJ/mol), spontaneous by the negative values of Gibbs free energy (ΔG°, 4.706–5.683 kJ/mol), and more random at the adsorbate/adsorbent contact by the positive value of entropy (∆S°, 0.032 kJ/molK). The Langmuir's maximum adsorption capacity of CHI-PHA/ANPs is 207.7 mg/g. The efficient adsorption of MB on the CHI-PHA/ANPs can be attributed to various interactions (electrostatic forces, π–π, n–π, and H-bond interactions). This study highlights the significant potential of CHI-PHA/ANPs as a promising adsorbent for effectively removing cationic dyes from wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous lives around the world are impacted by water pollution. Many effluents and toxins from numerous industries are being released directly into the freshwater bodies causing serious problems to various living creatures in the environment. There are many approaches in practice for water purification, among which are nano-adsorbent technologies that are considered to be sustainable and is the most reliable method. In this study, 3 different types of silver nanoparticles have been synthesized using three plant gums, namely, Moringa oleifera (MO), Azadirachta indica (AI), and Bauhinia purpurea (BP). The green synthesized silver nanoparticles have been characterized using UV Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), etc. Bioactivity studies like antibacterial activity and antioxidant activity have been observed, and pesticidal activity was also performed by exposing the mealybugs (Phenacoccus solenopsis) to three different silver nanoparticles (concentrations: 10 µg/ml and 20 µg/ml). These silver nanoparticles were subjected to a batch adsorption system for the effective removal of methylene blue (MB), crystal violet (CV), congo red (CR), rifampicin (RF), and chromium (CH). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gutta Percha (GP) cones are made in an aseptic environment, a number of investigations have shown the presence of bacteria in recently opened boxes and this contamination rises with incorrect handling, storage and aerosol application. Numerous physicochemical techniques have been documented aiming to boost the antibacterial activity of GP cones while ensuring its obturation requirements. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the efficacy of antibacterial activity of GP modified with various antibacterial agents. The protocol for this systematic review has been registered with the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews, registry No. CRD42024573067. The search was carried out across reputable databases, including PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, Scopus and it was specifically designed to include articles published until March 2024. The search queries in the database were formulated with the basis of PICO questions in combination with various Boolean operators such as AND, OR. MeSH terms used for the search included GP, antibacterial agents, nanoparticles, root canal treatment, medicated GP. The extraction of the information was done by two independent authors. The evaluation of the methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using QUIN TOOL. This systematic review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA 2020) guidelines. Initial search yielded 51 studies from database search. Out of 51, 9 articles ultimately satisfied the requirements and were therefore discussed in the current systematic review. The included studies were assessed and data were extracted and tabulated. Based on the results of the current systematic review, modified GP with various antimicrobial agents showed significantly increased antibacterial effectiveness than standard GP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Incorporating carotenoids into sodium alginate films can give them functional properties for food packaging applications. The lycopene and β-carotene were included in the biopolymer matrix at 0.1%, 0.3%, and 0.5% (g carotenoid/g polymer). There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in film thickness (45 ± 1 μm) of sodium alginate films with carotenoids. Nevertheless, the low quantity of carotenoids was enough to promote significant variations in the tensile properties of films. The films with lycopene or β-carotene showed lower tensile strength and elongation at break than control films. The carotenoid incorporation promoted a reduction (p < 0.05) in water vapor permeability, mainly by adding 0.5%. In the same way, it improved the light transmission and thermal stability of films and did not affect the water solubility of films. The scanning electron microscopy of films showed a homogeneous surface, but the films with lycopene or β-carotene showed a more compact structure than the control film. The sodium alginate films incorporated with 0.3% lycopene or β-carotene showed a remarkable protective effect on sunflower oil against oxidation compared with traditional commercial plastic packaging under accelerated storage conditions (heat and light). Therefore, they can be considered a potential material for food packaging purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant extract-mediated synthesis has the advantage of being simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. In this study, we synthesized silver/silver oxide nanoparticles (Ag/Ag2O NPs) using an aqueous Olea Europaea leaf extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The Ag/Ag2O NPs were synthesized and the plant extract was processed using only pure water, without the use of any harmful reagents or organic solvents. The synthesized Ag/Ag2O NPs exhibited a spherical morphology with a particle size of 45 nm, and an average crystallite size of 24 nm for the Ag phase and 26 nm for the Ag2O phase. The optical band gap energy of the Ag/Ag2O NPs was calculated to be 2.23 eV. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the Ag/Ag2O NPs were then investigated. The Ag/Ag2O NPs exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli), Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) at concentrations of 50–200 μg/mL, with the highest activity observed at a concentration of 200 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, Ag/Ag2O NPs at a concentration of 2.5 mg/kg body weight during a 28-day study in adult male rats (10–11 weeks old) showed remarkable antioxidant activity and no acute toxicity when administered at different doses of Ag/Ag2O NPs (2.5 and 5 mg/kg body weight). The most effective antioxidant exhibited an IC50 value of 7.043 ± 1.352 µg/ml, a FRAP value of 445.34 ± 7.90 mg E FeSO4/g NPs, and a TAC value of 67.72 ± 2.38 mg E GA/g NPs, indicating it's ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Accordingly, the developed Ag/Ag2O NPs can be used as chemotherapeutic drug carriers for antioxidant and antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bark cloth is a naturally nonwoven fabric from the Ficus natalensis tree. With its unique sustainable origins yet a few state-of-the-art utilizations, this study explored bark cloth's potential as an eco-friendly natural raw material to be embraced as a functional textile and furnishing. To enhance its salient features, it was green-loaded with a minimal amount of silver nanoparticles aided by the fabric constituent phytochemicals as reducing agents. The fabrics revealed promising antimicrobial properties. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP)–loaded fabrics had a 17-mm inhibition zone for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, Candida albicans yeast, and Aspergillus niger fungus while 15 mm for Escherichia coli bacteria. Further bactericidal activity tests presented up to 100% reduction for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The modified and untreated bark cloth's morphology, color, chemical composition, thermal, and mechanical properties were also examined. Deposited AgNPs appeared spherical, while the unmodified fabric's terracotta color turned to dark brown. AgNP deposition was further confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive, and X-ray diffraction analyses. AgNP-loaded fabrics were thermally stable up to 247 °C. Untreated bark cloth exhibited a tensile strength of 5.44 MPa along the tree circumference testing specimen cutting direction. Overall, the study's results present a unique sustainable fabric modification that could be used to valorize the renewable bark cloth into antimicrobial automotive interior liners and fashion garments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to explore the potential of using chitosan (CS) derived from shrimp shells, a bioorganic waste product, as a reducing and capping agent in the synthesis of silver nanocomposites (Cs-Ag NC). The objective of the study was to develop a simpler, faster, and more environmentally friendly method for producing Cs-Ag NC. The synthesized Cs-Ag NC was characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The findings revealed that the Cs-Ag NC exhibited a crystalline structure, was coated with CS components, and had a spherical shape with an average diameter of approximately 20 nm. Under optimal conditions, the synthesized Cs-Ag NC demonstrated significant free radical scavenging activity against 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with an IC50 value of 1.65 mg/mL, substantial free radical scavenging activity against 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) with an IC50 value of 2.8 mg/mL, and notable anti-inflammatory activity. Additionally, the Cs-Ag NC exhibited significant antibacterial activity against several pathogenic strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. Based on these findings, the synthesized Cs-Ag NC possess promising potential as therapeutic drugs for antioxidant and antibacterial applications. Highlights: Eco-friendly synthesis of Cs-Ag NC using shrimp shell-derived chitosan. Cs-Ag NC had a crystalline, spherical structure (~20 nm in diameter). Strong antioxidant activity (IC50: 1.65 mg/mL for DPPH, 2.8 mg/mL for ABTS). Exhibited notable anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Potential therapeutic use for antioxidant and antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrein, a secondary metabolite of mold Aspergillus terreus, was first isolated by Raistrick and Smith in 1935, and since then, many studies have been conducted, unveiling its plethora of biological applications. In this review, we present an extensive overview of terrein since its discovery, including its structure elucidation, recent advances in isolation methods, chemical and biosynthetic routes of synthesis, development of various upscaling methods, and multifaceted biomedical applications. This article also provides deeper insights into the specific molecular mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects of terrein. Furthermore, emerging challenges and future prospects towards the advancement of terrein scaffold-based drugs are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) in the production of edible coatings is returned to its biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic nature. However, neat CMC edible coatings lack UV-shielding activity and have poor antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to develop a CMC-based coating with optimal UV-barrier properties by incorporating aloe vera (AV) and green synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs). The composition and synergistic effects of CMC, AV, and ZnO-NPs were optimized using central composite design to achieve the best UV-barrier properties. When using the optimized compositions of CMC (1.0 g), AV (3.0 g), and ZnO-NPs (5.0 wt%), the minimum UV-transmittance achieved was 4.75%. Fourier transform infra-red and wide-angle X-ray diffraction were used to confirm the interactions between the coating components. The incorporation of ZnO-NPs into CMC/AV was validated through surface morphology analysis via scanning electron microscopy and by examining the distribution of ZnO-NPs using transmission electron microscopy. CMC/AV/ZnO-NPs coatings showed excellent water barrier, mechanical, thermal, and antimicrobial properties when compared with the neat carboxymethyl cellulose coating. In addition, CMC/AV/ZnO-NPs coatings significantly resisted both mass loss and spoilage of green capsicum for a 15-day storage period. These results proved that the optimized coating could replace the plastic packaging candidates and be used potentially to preserve food products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) holds significant importance as a primary vegetable crop globally. In this research, the extracellular green-synthesis of silver nanoparticles was accomplished by using some Gram positive bacteria. Three isolates including KM59, SM88, and KM93 exhibited the highest nanoparticle biosynthesis activity. The isolates were identified according to colony morphology and the 16S rRNA gene sequence identities, as Streptomyces spp. The obtained AgNPs were characterized by TEM and exhibited various shapes, including hexagonal, pentagonal, spherical, and triangular. The MIC for Ralstonia solanacearum was determined to be 25, 6.25, and 25 µg/mL for the AgNPs93, AgNPs88, and AgNPs59, respectively. The MIC of AgNPs93, AgNPs88, and AgNPs59 against Xanthomonas campestris was assessed at concentrations of 25, 12.5, and 50 µg/mL, respectively. In the case of Alternaia alternata, the MIC for AgNPs93 and AgNPs59 was found to be 50 µg/mL, while for AgNPs88, it was 25 µg/mL. Furthermore, the MIC of AgNPs88 against Rhizoctonia solani was determined to be 12.5 µg/mL, whereas for AgNPs93, it was 25 µg/mL, and for AgNPs59, it was 50 µg/mL. Disease index was reduced (AgNPs88 demonstrated the most potent inhibitory effect, whereas AgNPs59 displayed the least inhibitory effect) when tomato plants inoculated with fungal and bacterial pathogens treated with the AgNPs at MIC concentrations. The cytotoxicity of AgNPs on the B16F10 cancer cell lines determined by the means of MTT assay. Biosynthesis of AgNPs using Actinobacteria is an eco-friendly process. In agriculture, medical sciences, and industry, process optimization can become a valuable technology for mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin melanoma is considered the most dangerous form of skin cancer due to its association with high risk of metastasis, high mortality rate and high resistance to different treatment options. Genistein is a natural isoflavonoid with known chemotherapeutic activity. Unfortunately, it has low bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility and excessive metabolism. In the current study, genistein was incorporated into transferosomal hydrogel to improve its bioavailability. The prepared transferosomal formulations were characterized regarding: particle size; polydispersity index; zeta potential; encapsulation efficiency; TEM; FTIR; DSC; XRD; in vitro drug release; viscosity; pH; ex vivo anti-tumor activity on 3D skin melanoma spheroids and 1-year stability study at different storage temperatures. The optimized formulation has high encapsulation efficiency with an excellent particle size that will facilitate its penetration through the skin. The transfersomes have a spherical shape with sustained drug release profile. The anti-tumor activity evaluation of genistein transfersome revealed that genistein is a potent chemotherapeutic agent with enhanced penetration ability through the melanoma spheroids when incorporated into transfersomes. Stability study results demonstrate the high physical and chemical stability of our formulations. All these outcomes provide evidence that our genistein transferosomal hydrogel is a promising treatment option for skin melanoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, new efficient antimicrobial hybrid amide biocomposites were developed through the condensation of chitosan with monocarboxylic cobalt-phthalocyanine (MC-CoPc) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), individually, as well as chitosan/(MC-CoPc)/glutamic acid and chitosan/(MC-CoPc)/CMC using a Dean and Stark apparatus in the presence of xylene as an aprotic solvent for 4 h until the required amount of water was collected. The resulting hybrid amide biopolymer chitosan condensation adducts were filtered, air-dried, washed several times with ethanol, and subsequently dried in an electric oven at 40 °C for 24 h. The hybrid amide chitosan biocomposites were characterized through spectrophotometric methods, including Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–visible), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and antimicrobial analyses against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The results confirmed the formation of hybrid chitosan amide biocomposites with very good antimicrobial properties. The efficiency of these hybrid biocomposites can be ranked as follows: chitosan/(MC-CoPc)/glutamic acid > chitosan/(MC-CoPc)/CMC > chitosan/(MC-CoPc) > chitosan/CMC. These results highlight the potential of these hybrid amide biocomposites as highly efficient antimicrobial materials suitable for use in drug delivery systems and other biomedical applications. Highlights: Novel hybrid amide biocomposite adducts containing cobalt phthalocyanine. The developed amide biocomposites have excellent antimicrobial capabilities. These novel hybrid amide biocomposites can be used as carriers for medical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digitoxose, a significant 2,6-dideoxyhexose found in nature, exists in many small-molecule natural products. These digitoxose-containing natural products can be divided into steroids, macrolides, macrolactams, anthracyclines, quinones, enediynes, acyclic polyene, indoles and oligosaccharides, that exhibit antibacterial, anti-viral, antiarrhythmic, and antitumor activities respectively. As most of digitoxose-containing natural products for clinical application or preclinical tests, this review also summarizes the biosynthesis of digitoxose, and application of compound diversification by introducing sugar plasmids. It may provide a practical approach to expanding the diversity of digitoxose-containing products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tomato is the second most cultivated vegetable crop worldwide, but it faces production loss due to phytopathogens. Pesticides have increased crop production but their toxicity, accumulation in soils, and resistance to pathogens have raised ecological concerns. The recent methods to control plant pests include the use of nanoparticles due to high surface-to-volume ratio, enhanced efficacy, and lower input. Though several chemical and physical methods have been devised for nanoparticle synthesis, biological approaches have emerged as economical, safe, and effective alternatives. The present study utilized biosurfactant for green synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Biosurfactant BS32 produced by yeast Meyerozyma guillermondii YK32 facilitated biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (BsAgNPs) which gave characteristic UV–visible spectral peak at 434 nm similar to chemically synthesized nanoparticles (CsAgNPs) showing peak at 403 nm. The size of CsAgNPs (87.88 nm) and BsAgNPs (100.9 nm) showed corresponding zeta potential of − 32.64 and − 23.7mV indicating excellent stability and the FTIR spectrum confirmed the presence of silver. Foliar application of NPs under pot house conditions reduced the disease incidence to 20% in Xanthomonas and Fusarium-infested tomato plants. Tomato yield in plants sprayed with only BsAgNPs resulted significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) weight of 198.69 g compared to 90.95 g per plant in absolute control. Yield of tomato plants infected with F. oxysporum (26.48 g) and X. campestris (43.45 g) was increased to 64.89 and 78.26 g per plant by CsAgNPs and 79.55 and 113.19 g per plant by BsAgNPs. The present study reports the potential role of biosurfactant-mediated green synthesis of AgNPs as suitable control of Xanthomonas and Fusarium in tomato crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to One Health, emphasizing the urgent need for alternative antibacterial agents. Essential oils (EOs) are potent antimicrobials. However, their use is limited by their volatility and hydrophobicity. We formulated stable oil-in-water (O/W) nanoemulsions (NEs) using blends of thyme, cinnamon bark, black pepper, and garlic EOs, employing high-energy ultrasonication. These NEs formed droplets between 44 and 88 nm, with a polydispersity index of 0.2–0.3. They remained thermodynamically stable for 3 months after heating–cooling and freeze–thaw cycles, outperforming conventional formulations. Key volatile components identified in the NEs included thymol, carvacrol, caryophyllene, E-cinnamaldehyde, and sulfur derivatives, which likely enhanced their bioactivity. These NEs exhibited over a 16-fold increase in free radical scavenging compared to blended and pure EOs, as measured by DPPH and ABTS assays. We also observed enhanced antibacterial effects. MIC values against an ESBL-resistant strain of K. pneumoniae were halved from 1.25 to 0.625 mg/ml. For E. coli, S. aureus, and S. Typhimurium, they decreased from 0.625 to 0.312 mg/ml. The enhanced efficacy is attributed to synergistic interactions within the NEs and an increased surface area. This facilitated bacterial membrane permeability and disruption, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. This approach offers a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly in food and poultry feed applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The desire for products that are healthier, safer, and better for the environment is on the rise in society. Chalcones are aromatic ketones with anxiolytic and antimicrobial properties. The limited solubility, bioavailability, and long-term stability of chalcones hinder their application. Nanoemulsions can be used as a drug transport system to address this problem. The primary objective of our research was to design nanoemulsions through ANOVA (NE) with nanoscale droplets that would maintain exceptional stability, optimizing the anxiolytic capacity of chalcones. Sodium alginate and chitosan were assessed as the continuous phase material, while commercial soybean oil and mineral oil were used as adjuvants, besides surfactant, for the oil phase composition of the droplets. Results showed that the addition of soybean oil improved significantly the stability of the formulations, as did the use of the alginate matrix. The optimal NE showed a nanometer-sized droplet (126 nm) and negative ζ-potential (− 42 mV), showing good stability under different conditions—it synergistically enhances the anxiolytic potential. The mode of operation is associated with the receptors of the serotonergic system (5-HT). Toxicity, locomotion and anxiety tests performed using the zebrafish animal model showed a promising dose (0.0325 mg/mL) for the development of compounds with anxiolytic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of strain selection and adaptation for developing a fungi-yeast-microalgae consortium capable of integrated bioethanol production and livestock wastewater treatment. We employed a multi-stage approach involving isolation and strain selection/adaptation of these consortiums. The study started with screening some isolated fungi to grow on the cellulosic biomass of the livestock wastewater (saccharification) followed by a fermentation process using yeast for bioethanol production. The results revealed that Penicillium chrysogenum (Cla) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (Sc) produced a remarkable 99.32 ppm of bioethanol and a concentration of glucose measuring 0.56 mg ml− 1. Following the impact of fungi and yeast, we diluted the livestock wastewater using distilled water and subsequently inoculated Nile River microalgae into the wastewater. The findings demonstrated that Chlorella vulgaris emerged as the dominant species in the microalgal community. Particularly, the growth rate reached its peak at a 5% organic load (0.105385), indicating that this concentration provided the most favorable conditions for the flourishing of microalgae. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the microalgal treatment in removing the remaining nutrients and organic load, achieving a 92.5% reduction in ammonia, a 94.1% reduction in nitrate, and complete removal of phosphate (100%). The algal treatment also showed remarkable reductions in COD (96.5%) and BOD (96.1%). These findings underscore the potential of fungi, yeast, and Nile River microalgae in the growth and impact on livestock wastewater, with the additional benefit of bioethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to prepare and characterise hybrid composites made with almond shell powder (ASP), palm kernel fibre and cardanol oil as reinforcing and toughening agents, respectively. The study intends to assess the composites' mechanical properties, wear resistance and antibacterial activity. ASTM standards were used to analyse the mechanical parameters, which included tensile, flexural, impact and compressive strength, hardness (shore-D). Results revealed that the addition of ASP to the composites resulted in a significant increase in tensile strength (E: 98 MPa, EC1: 91 MPa, EC2: 84 MPa, ECP: 126 MPa) due to its reinforcing effect. Furthermore, wear test (pin on disc) demonstrated that ASP inclusion reduced wear rates (E: 0.262, EC1: 0.288, EC2: 0.314, ECP: 0.281) greatly due to its abrasion resistance and strong lubrication effect. Cardanol oil, on the other hand, marginally increased wear rate, most likely due to its softening action and weakening of the composite's microstructure. The lowest sp. wear rate of 0.11 mm3/Nm was noted for composite ECPA2. However, at inhibition growth test, the cardanol oil–incorporated composites exhibited inhibitory zones against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, indicating that the composites' antibacterial activities were improved higher level. The microstructure and distribution of reinforcing components and cardanol oil inside the composite matrix were revealed by SEM examination. The findings of this work help to build sustainable and functional hybrid composites for a variety of engineering applications such as food packaging box manufacturing and domestic light weight and load applications including manhole covers, FRP hand rails and gratings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hazardous synthetic dye wastes have become a growing threat to the environment and public health. Fungal enzymes are eco-friendly, compatible and cost-effective approach for diversity of applications. Therefore, this study aimed to screen, optimize fermentation conditions, and characterize laccase from fungal endophyte with elucidating its ability to decolorize several wastewater dyes. Results: A new fungal endophyte capable of laccase-producing was firstly isolated from cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica and identified as T. harzianum AUMC14897 using ITS-rRNA sequencing analysis. Furthermore, the response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize several fermentation parameters that increase laccase production. The isolated laccase was purified to 13.79-fold. GFC, SDS-PAGE revealed laccase molecular weight at 72 kDa and zymogram analysis elucidated a single band without any isozymes. The peak activity of the pure laccase was detected at 50 °C, pH 4.5, with thermal stability up to 50 °C and half life span for 4 h even after 24 h retained 30% of its activity. The Km and Vmax values were 0.1 mM, 22.22 µmol/min and activation energy (Ea) equal to 5.71 kcal/mol. Furthermore, the purified laccase effectively decolorized various synthetic and real wastewater dyes. Conclusion: Subsequently, the new endophytic strain produces high laccase activity that possesses a unique characteristic, it could be an appealing candidate for both environmental and industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation into the optical and mechanical properties of a novel borate glasses with the chemical composition of 70 B2O3-10 Li2O-10ZnO-5Bi2O3-5CaO-xEu2O3 was conducted. The glassy specimens of Eu3+-doped borate were prepared by the melting-quenching technique. An enhanced density from 3.0860 to 3.2176 g cm−3 and reduced molar volume from 29.27819 to 29.17447 (cm3 mol−1) are the outcome of increasing the concentration of Eu3+ in glasses. Plotting the extinction coefficient, dielectric constant (ε1, ε2), and refractive index (n) against wavelength reveals that they all rise as level of Eu3+ elements in the glass lattice increases. An increase in Eu3+ concentration results in a decrease in both the volume (VELF) and surface (SELF) energy loss functions. Also, all elastic-mechanical moduli (such as Young's, Bulk, Shear, and Elongation) increase with increasing the quantity of Eu3+ ions in the glass lattice. The Young's modulus (Y, GPa) of the glassy specimens was 34.512, 36.089, 36.504, 36.730 and 37.114 GPa for x equal 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mol ratio in the glass system, and coded by Eu-0.0, Eu-0.25, Eu-0.5, Eu-0.75 and Eu-1.0, respectively. Growing Eu2O3 levels resulted in an increase in Micro-Hardness from 2.050 to 2.146 GPa. Poisson's ratio values for Eu-0.0, Eu-0.250, Eu-0.5, Eu-0.75 and Eu-1.0 were 0.273, 0.275, 0.277, 0.277 and 0.278, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we successfully fabricated and characterized core–shell electrospun nanofibers using a PCL–PEG/PCL–PEG system for the simultaneous sustained delivery of metformin and glibenclamide for the treatment of type II diabetes. The FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of the loaded drugs within the fibers, while XRD results indicated that the fibers were predominantly in the amorphous phase. FESEM micrographs revealed cylindrical fiber morphology with an average diameter ranging from 100 to 380 nm, and TEM imaging confirmed the core–shell structure. The effects of various parameters, including core/shell flow ratio, core PEG molecular weight, and shell electrical conductivity, on fiber properties and drug release kinetics were investigated. Notably, a higher shell/core flow ratio of 8:1 resulted in a 21% decrease in the total releasable drug amount ( A ∞ ) for metformin compared to a 1:1 ratio. Additionally, increasing the core PEG molecular weight from 6 to 35 kDa led to a 16% reduction in A ∞ for glibenclamide. Through mathematical modeling and optimization, the ideal formulation was identified, exhibiting an A ∞ of 4.67 mg/g and 4.19 mg/g for metformin and glibenclamide, respectively. The 60% release time (T60) for this optimized formulation was 83.28 h for metformin and 91.26 h for glibenclamide, demonstrating extended-release behavior. The comprehensive evaluations and mathematical modeling suggest that the presented core–shell drug release system outperforms fibers of the same material produced by conventional electrospinning, suggesting a promising approach for improving medication adherence in type II diabetes management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterocyclic compounds play a crucial role in the drug discovery process and development due to their significant presence and importance. Here, we report a comprehensive analysis of α-aminophosphonates containing pyridine (3a–g), prepared according to a clear-cut, uncomplicated procedure. The phosphonates are thoroughly characterized using various methods, such as elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, proton and carbon NMR, and FT-IR. The molecular docking interactions between the phosphonate and DRP-1 target protein observed that compound 3d had the top-ranked binding energy towards DRP-1 with a value equal to − 9.54 kcal/mol and this theoretically proves its inhibitory efficacy against DRP-1 arbitrated mitochondrial fission. Besides, the anticancer characteristics of compound 3d showed the best IC50 against HepG-2, MCF-7, and Caco-2 which confirmed our results towards suppressing DRP-1 protein (in-silico), and it elucidated no cytotoxic effects against human normal cell line (WI-38). Further, its pharmacokinetics were observed theoretically using ADMET. Moreover,compound 3d investigated the most potent antimicrobial ability against two pathological fungal strains, A. flavus and C. albicans, and four bacterial strains, E. coli, B. subtillis, S. aureus, and P. aregeunosa. Additionally, compound 3d clarified a powerful antioxidant scavenging activity against DPPH and ABTS free radicals (in-vitro). Furthermore, Density functional theory (DFT) was used to study the molecular structures of the synthesized compounds 3a–g, utilizing 6–311++G(d,p) as the basis set and to learn more about the molecules' reactive sites, the energies of the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO), and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) were observed. Theoretically, FT-IR and Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements are calculated for every compound under investigation to show how theory and experiment relate. It was found that there was an excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental data. Conclusively, all novel synthesized phosphonates could be used as pharmaceutical agents against pathogenic microbial strains and as anticancer candidates by inhibiting DRP-1-mediated mitochondrial mitophagy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammation serves as an intricate defense mechanism for tissue repair. However, overactivation of TLR4-mediated inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can lead to detrimental outcomes such as sepsis, acute lung injury, and chronic inflammation, often associated with cancer and autoimmune diseases. This study delves into the anti-inflammatory properties of "Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY" on LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Through real-time qPCR, we assessed the expression levels of pivotal inflammatory genes, including iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-6. Remarkably, our fungal extracts significantly diminished NO production and showed noteworthy reductions in the mRNA expression levels of the aforementioned genes. Furthermore, while Nrf2 is typically associated with modulating inflammatory responses, our findings indicate that the anti-inflammatory effects of our extracts are not Nrf2-dependent. Moreover, the chemical diversity of the potent extract (B Sh F) was elucidated using Q-TOF LC-HRMS, identifying 54 compounds, some of which played vital roles in suppressing inflammation. Most notably, compounds like granisetron, fenofibrate, and umbelliprenin were found to downregulate TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 through the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, "Aspergillus unguis isolate SP51-EGY", isolated from the Red Sea, Egypt, has been unveiled as a promising TLR4 inhibitor with significant anti-inflammatory potentials, presenting novel insights for their potential therapeutic use in inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green nanotechnology has significant potential for use in agriculture particularly due to their antifungal properties, ability to control fungal diseases and reduce the reliance on chemical fungicides. Biotic stresses in agriculture have caused widespread damage worldwide, and green NPs provided eco-friendly alternatives to traditional chemical treatments, which are frequently toxic and harmful to the ecosystem. Green NPs could become an important tool in modern agricultural practices and environmental remediation if appropriate research is conducted to identify cost-effective production methods as well as safe and sustainable applications. In order to understand the potential of green NPs for sustainable agriculture and identify potential risks, research is ongoing into the effectiveness in agriculture sectors. Research update on green NPs is presented in this paper using data published on science direct over the last 15 to 20 years to clarify and understand the antifungal mechanisms of green metallic NPs, carbon and graphene nanotubes, nanocomposites as well as other type of nanomaterials. These green NPs are found to be more effective against pathogens on crops and humans than conventional fungicide approaches. They are very effective against fungi that affect cereal crops, including Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Candida species, etc. The green NPs developed using green synthesis methods are both cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Moreover, research is also required to identify the best methods for applying green NPs for crop production and sustainable agriculture. Furthermore, research should be undertaken to establish the most cost-effective methods of making and deploying green nanoparticles at a large field size study where there is fungal attack that diminishes agricultural output and affects global crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbazole-based molecules containing thiosemicarbazide functional groups are recognized for their diverse biological activities, particularly in enhancing therapeutic anticancer effects through inhibiting crucial pathways. These derivatives also exhibit noteworthy antioxidant properties. Objectives: This study aims to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate the antioxidant and anticancer activities of 18 novel carbazole derivatives. Methods: The radical scavenging capabilities of the compounds were assessed using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Antiproliferative activities were evaluated on MCF-7 cancer cell lines through viability assays. Additionally, the modulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, apoptosis/necrosis induction, and cell cycle analysis were conducted for the most promising anticancer agents. Results: nine compounds showed potent antioxidant activities with IC50 values lower than the positive control acarbose, with compounds 4 h and 4y exhibiting the highest potency (IC50 values of 0.73 and 0.38 µM, respectively). Furthermore, compounds 4o and 4r displayed significant anticancer effects, with IC50 values of 2.02 and 4.99 µM, respectively. Compound 4o, in particular, exhibited promising activity by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, inhibiting tumor survival, inducing apoptosis, and causing cell cycle arrest in MCF-7 cell lines. Furthermore, compound 4o was showed significant antimicrobial activities against S. aureus and E. coli, and antifungal effect against C. albicans. Its potential to overcome drug resistance through this pathway inhibition highlights its promise as an anticancer agent. Molecular docking simulations supported these findings, revealing favorable binding profiles and interactions within the active sites of the enzymes PI3K, AKT1, and mTOR. Moreover, assessing the druggability of the newly synthesized thiosemicarbazide derivatives demonstrated optimal physicochemical properties, further endorsing their potential as drug candidates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Rusted root rot is one of the most common root diseases in Panax ginseng, and Cylindrocarpon destructans is one of the main pathogenic fungus. The objective of this study was to screen and explore the extracts of biocontrol bacteria isolated from ginseng rhizosphere soil against Cylindrocarpon destructans. Results: Bacterial strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens YY8 and Enterobacteriacea YY115 were isolated and found to exhibit in vitro antifungal activity against C. destructans. A combination of crude protein extract from B. amyloliquefaciens YY8 and ethyl acetate extract from Enterobacteriacea YY115 in a 6:4 ratio exhibited the strongest antifungal activity against C. destructans. Measurements of electrical conductivity, protein content, and nucleic acid content in suspension cultures of C. destructans treated with a mixture extracts indicated that the extracts disrupted the cell membranes of rusted root rot mycelia, resulting in the leakage of electrolytes, proteins, and nucleic acids from the cells, and ultimately inhibiting the growth of C. destructans. The combined extracts suppressed the infection of ginseng roots discs by C. destructans effectively. Conclusion: The extracts obtained from the two bacterial strains effectively inhibited C. destructans in P. ginseng. It can provide scientific basis for the development of new biological control pesticides, reduce the use of chemical pesticides, and promote the sustainable development of agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the huge volumes of fruit waste that is a concern for waste management challenges today is the fruit juice industry sour cherry kernel (SCK) waste. The gel obtained by processing the leaf extract of aloe vera (AVG) is the most commercial aloe species and has become a major industry worldwide. This study used AVG and SCK as an additive in acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) to prepare biobased film materials. Two types of processes were used in curing the films: UV curing from acrylate groups and thermal curing from epoxide groups of AESO. The effect of additive type and amount on antibacterial activity, mechanical, swelling, mass loss, and water vapor permeability properties of the films were investigated. The produced films were characterized using FTIR spectra. Thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The biodegradability of AESO was determined as 7.095%. In comparison, the highest biodegradation was observed in films with 50% additive content and this value was measured as 8.89% and 39.95% for AVG- and SCK-containing films, respectively. In addition, the corrosion tests of the films were also carried out and the films with SCK additives were more resistant to corrosive environments. Data were analyzed using an ANOVA test. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past few years, nanotechnology has become an incredibly captivating field of research in science and technology. Due to their superior optical, chemical, photo-electrochemical, and electronic properties over their bulk counterparts, nanomaterials are being used as the cornerstones of nanoscience. The use of different nanostructured materials has revolutionized technology in the field of biology, industry, and medicine. Many bio-molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids coalesce with nanoparticles in biological systems with minimal toxicity. In this context, circulating protein molecules like albumin can be used as a scaffold for generating an array of nanoparticles for biomedical purposes such as delivery agents for therapeutic use. Albumin protein found in human blood has no immunogenicity as an endogenous protein and ensures its biocompatibility for albumin-based nanoparticles. In the present study, the interaction between silver nanoparticles synthesized from Ocimum sanctum leaves and bovine serum albumin protein is carried out under differential temperatures to evaluate the physicochemical characterization of this formed complex. For this purpose, silver nanoparticles are prepared by the bioreduction method and allowed to interact with the native bovine serum albumin. Different in vitro antioxidant assays of the synthesized nanocomposites were also carried out. Hence, exploring the effects of interaction between green synthesized nanoparticles and bovine serum albumin can be useful for designing nanomaterials for nanoscale drug delivery applications in biological systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azo-Chitosan-dimethylaniline polymer derivatives are promising polymers for biological applications. In this paper, chitosan reacted with 4-nitrosodimethylaniline to form azo-chitosan-dimethylaniline polymer (Chs-DAN) as the novel polymer via condensation reaction. Chs-DAN modificated by doping it with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and insertion it into betacyclodextrine cycle (βCD) to give Chitosan-dimethylaniline/ZnO (Chs-DAN/ZnO NPs) and Chitosan-dimethylaniline/βCD (Chs-DAN/βCD). The generated polymers were confirmed by using XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis. Gram + ve and Gram − ve antimicrobial as well as antifungal activities have been evidenced for all samples. The antimicrobial analysis showed that the synthesized chitosan derivatives (Chs-DAN, Chs-DAN/βCD, Chs-DAN/ZnO NPs) exhibited noticeable antimicrobial and antifungal activities as compared to pure samples (Chs, DAN, ZnO NPs, βCD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alginate, a naturally sourced bio-polymer derived mainly from brown seaweed, has gained incredible attention due to its versatile properties and wide range of applications. This review outlines alginate regarding sources, extraction methods, classifications, and critical characteristics. The critical development of alginate, focusing on its application in 3D bioprinting in fields such as vascular tissue formation, bone printing, and cartilage printing, has been discussed. Recent trends regarding the application of alginate in different sectors, from cosmetic textiles to wastewater treatment, wound dressing, and preparation of intelligent materials, have also been probed. The techniques used, benefits, and limitations form the discussion of each application. In addition, future alginate perspectives are discussed by considering current research with potential innovations that can expand its utility. Particular attention is devoted to the promising role of alginate in these emerging technologies that hold promise for radical changes in many industries due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and unique physicochemical properties. This review seeks to lay down basic knowledge on alginate by synthesizing the state of the art and, in this way, brings out the gaps that might inspire further studies and development in this dynamic field.Article Highlights: The physicochemical and biological properties of alginate are described, along with the extraction process. It reports the application of alginates in 3D bioprinting, cosmetic textiles, smart materials with techniques and limitations involved. Future perspectives of alginate are mentioned. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aflatoxins (AFs) are hazardous carcinogens and mutagens produced by some molds, particularly Aspergillus spp. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to isolate and identify endophytic bacteria, extract and characterize their bioactive metabolites, and evaluate their antifungal, antiaflatoxigenic, and cytotoxic efficacy against brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2). Among the 36 bacterial strains isolated, ten bacterial isolates showed high antifungal activity, and thus were identified using biochemical parameters and MALDI-TOF MS. Bioactive metabolites were extracted from two bacterial isolates, and studied for their antifungal activity. The bioactive metabolites (No. 4, and 5) extracted from Bacillus cereus DSM 31T DSM, exhibited strong antifungal capabilities, and generated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenols. The major VOCs were butanoic acid, 2-methyl, and 9,12-Octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z) in extracts No. 4, and 5 respectively. Cinnamic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid were the most abundant phenolic acids in extracts No. 4, and 5 respectively. These bioactive metabolites had antifungal efficiency against A. flavus and caused morphological alterations in fungal conidiophores and conidiospores. Data also indicated that both extracts No. 4, and 5 reduced AFB1 production by 99.98%. On assessing the toxicity of bioactive metabolites on A. salina the IC50 recorded 275 and 300 µg/mL, for extracts No. 4, and 5 respectively. Meanwhile, the effect of these extracts on HepG2 revealed that the IC50 of extract No. 5 recorded 79.4 µg/mL, whereas No. 4 showed no cytotoxic activity. It could be concluded that bioactive metabolites derived from Bacillus species showed antifungal and anti-aflatoxigenic activities, indicating their potential use in food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel zinc-incorporated superabsorbent hydrogel (ZSAH) was fabricated by interpenetrating zinc micronutrient in xanthan gum and carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum with sodium methacrylate. Various compositions of SAH hydrogels were fabricated by varying the concentrations of biopolymers, monomer, cross-linker, and initiator. Zinc chloride was incorporated in the best-swelled hydrogel for the release of Zinc as a micronutrient. Synthesized SAH and ZSAH were characterized by FTIR, SEM, and TGA techniques. The influence of various solvents, such as standard saline solution, different pH solutions (4, 9, and 12), and distilled water on the swelling degree of ZSAH. Moreover, ZSAH was utilized for controlled-release studies of zinc micronutrient in both soil and water. Moreover, the kinetic modeling of zinc release was done using Korsmeyer–Peppas and Higuchi models. It was found that the Korsmeyer–Peppas model with a higher value of regression coefficient (R2) close to unity fitted well in the zinc release pattern in soil and water. Moreover, the estimated value of diffusion exponent (n) indicated that the mechanism of zinc release followed Fickian diffusion. The ZSAH was used for the study of sesame plant growth. It was found that the number of germination of seeds count for ZSAH was significantly greater than that for the controlled soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological agents are getting a noticeable concern as efficient eco-friendly method for nanoparticle fabrication, from which fungi considered promising agents in this field. In the current study, two fungal species (Embellisia spp. and Gymnoascus spp.) were isolated from the desert soil in Saudi Arabia and identified using 18S rRNA gene sequencing then used as bio-mediator for the fabrication of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Myco-synthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–visible spectrometry, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering techniques. Their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were investigated. In atrial to detect their possible antibacterial mechanism, Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS-PAGE) and TEM analysis were performed for Klebsiella pneumoniae treated by the myco-synthesized AgNPs. Detected properties of the fabricated materials indicated the ability of both tested fungal strains in successful fabrication of AgNPs having same range of mean size diameters and varied PDI. The efficiency of Embellisia spp. in providing AgNPs with higher antibacterial activity compared to Gymnoascus spp. was reported however, both indicated antibacterial efficacy. Variations in the protein profile of K. pneumoniae after treatments and ultrastructural changes were observed. Current outcomes suggested applying of fungi as direct, simple and sustainable approach in providing efficient AgNPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second leading cause of tumor-related mortality in men. Metastasis from advanced tumors is the primary cause of death among patients. Identifying novel and effective biomarkers is essential for understanding the mechanisms of metastasis in PCa patients and developing successful interventions. Methods: Using the GSE8511 and GSE27616 data sets, 21 metastasis-related genes were identified through the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) method. Subsequent functional analysis of these genes was conducted on the gene set cancer analysis (GSCA) website. Cluster analysis was utilized to explore the relationship between these genes, immune infiltration in PCa, and the efficacy of targeted drug IC50 scores. Machine learning algorithms were then employed to construct diagnostic and prognostic models, assessing their predictive accuracy. Additionally, multivariate COX regression analysis highlighted the significant role of POLD1 and examined its association with DNA methylation. Finally, molecular docking and immunohistochemistry experiments were carried out to assess the binding affinity of POLD1 to PCa drugs and its impact on PCa prognosis. Results: The study identified 21 metastasis-related genes using the WGCNA method, which were found to be associated with DNA damage, hormone AR activation, and inhibition of the RTK pathway. Cluster analysis confirmed a significant correlation between these genes and PCa metastasis, particularly in the context of immunotherapy and targeted therapy drugs. A diagnostic model combining multiple machine learning algorithms showed strong predictive capabilities for PCa diagnosis, while a transfer model using the LASSO algorithm also yielded promising results. POLD1 emerged as a key prognostic gene among the metastatic genes, showing associations with DNA methylation. Molecular docking experiments supported its high affinity with PCa-targeted drugs. Immunohistochemistry experiments further validated that increased POLD1 expression is linked to poor prognosis in PCa patients. Conclusions: The developed diagnostic and metastasis models provide substantial value for patients with prostate cancer. The discovery of POLD1 as a novel biomarker related to prostate cancer metastasis offers a promising avenue for enhancing treatment of prostate cancer metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated how the concentration of erbium (0.0, 1, 2 mol% Er) affects the structural and optical properties of thin films made from sol-gel sodium silicate doped with erbium nitrate, thermally treated at 250 °C. Through systematic investigation, we explore the structural evolution and optical behavior of the thin films across varying Er3+ concentrations. The sol-gel demonstrated effective capabilities for substantial concentrations of Er3+ oxides through doping at lower calcination temperatures. The spectroscopic characteristics were studied using visible-near infrared spectroscopy (UV–vis–NIR), transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Increasing the Er ratio decreased both the transmission and the energy band gap (3.6–3.34 eV) of the films while the absorption peak increased. The obtained results suggest that Er3+ activators demonstrate advantageous optical properties in the evaluated sodium silicate glass matrix. With the introduction of Er, optical transmittance ranges from 85 to 55% in the visible and near-infrared (NIR) regions, highlighting their advantageous characteristics. This research contributes to advancing the understanding of erbium-doped thin films for potential applications in optoelectronic devices and photonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food packaging is an essential line to defend against the intrusion of undesirable external factors to protect food. The antibacterial edible films are considered as promising food packaging due to their biodegradability, environmental friendliness, and safety. In this paper, recent research progress on antimicrobial edible films based on polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids is reviewed. It is worth noting that polysaccharides and proteins are the main substrates of antimicrobial edible films, while lipids are mainly plasticizers and carriers of active substances in composite films. For example, second-generation liposomes have been investigated as promising carriers for antimicrobial substances or other bioactive substances due to their excellent stability. Moreover, recent advances and future trends of antimicrobial edible films are then analyzed. Linking antimicrobial edible film materials to delivery systems for stable loading of bioactive substances is a promising future direction, such as nanoemulsion and microencapsulation technologies. In addition, a smart and active packaging that allows consumers to directly determine the freshness of food products without unwrapping the package has come into the limelight. Currently, pH-sensitive films and smart fluorescent "on–off" sensors for humidity have been investigated as smart and active packaging materials for monitoring the freshness of food products, which can be vigorously explored in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to use statistical optimization to change the nutritional and environmental conditions so that Streptomyces baarensis MH-133 could make more active metabolites. Twelve trials were used to screen for critical variables influencing productivity using the Placket-Burman Design method. S. baarensis MH-133 is significantly influenced by elicitation, yeast extract, inoculum size, and incubation period in terms of antibacterial activity. A total of 27 experimental trials with various combinations of these factors were used to carry out the response surface technique using the Box-Behnken design. The analyses revealed that the model was highly significant (p < 0.001), with a lack-of-fit of 0.212 and a coefficient determination (R2) of 0.9224. Additionally, the model predicted that the response as inhibition zone diameter would reach a value of 27 mm. Under optimal conditions, S. baarensis MH-133 produced 18.0 g of crude extract to each 35L and was purified with column chromatography. The active fraction exhibiting antibacterial activity was characterized using spectroscopic analysis. The MIC and MBC values varied between 37.5 and 300 µg/ml and 75 and 300 µg/ml, respectively. In conclusion, the biostatistical optimization of the active fraction critical variables, including environmental and nutritional conditions, enhances the production of bioactive molecules by Streptomyces species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]