This study reports the development of a highly sensitive and cost-effective voltammetric sensor based on a carbon aerogel/TiO-NiO@PANi modified electrode for the detection of diazinon, an endocrine-disrupting organophosp...This study reports the development of a highly sensitive and cost-effective voltammetric sensor based on a carbon aerogel/TiO-NiO@PANi modified electrode for the detection of diazinon, an endocrine-disrupting organophosphate pesticide. Carbon aerogel (CA) was synthesized from palm shell waste and served as a high-surface-area conductive scaffold, while TiO-NiO nanoparticles acted as the electroactive catalytic sites, and polyaniline (PANi) provided additional electron conduction pathways. The resulting composite was characterized by XRD, SEM, and EDX analyses, confirming homogeneous dispersion of TiO-NiO nanoparticles and the successful incorporation of PANi. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies revealed that CA/TiO-NiO@PANi exhibited enhanced redox peak currents and reduced peak-to-peak separation (ΔEp), indicating improved electron transfer kinetics compared to unmodified CA and CA/TiO-NiO electrodes. The developed sensor demonstrated a linear electrochemical response to diazinon concentrations in the range of 0.1-1.0 ppm, with a regression equation of Ipa = 164.66[DZN] - 34.937 (R = 0.997) and a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.0182 ppm. These findings suggest that the CA/TiO-NiO@PANi electrode offers a promising platform for rapid, reproducible, and highly sensitive non-enzymatic detection of diazinon, providing an environmentally friendly approach for monitoring pesticide contamination in agricultural and environmental samples.
Ginger is traditionally processed into two main products: ginger oleoresin and oil using solvent extraction and hydro-distillation, respectively. However, these methods have limitations, including the use of organic solv...Ginger is traditionally processed into two main products: ginger oleoresin and oil using solvent extraction and hydro-distillation, respectively. However, these methods have limitations, including the use of organic solvents, long extraction times, and poor selectivity. In this study, hot compressed water extraction (HCWE) was evaluated as an alternative, and its performance was compared with conventional methods in terms of yield, physical characteristics, and concentration of key bioactive compounds. The HCWE was conducted at a constant pressure of 3.5 MPa and varying temperatures between 130°C and 200°C. The resulting extracts were analyzed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) to quantify 6-gingerol, 6-shogaol, and 10-gingerol concentration. HCWE process at temperature of 140°C, pressure of 3.5 MPa and 30 minutes extraction time obtains higher extraction yield of 10.37 ± 0.33 % (g/g) in comparison with solvent extraction for 480 minutes at 7.57 ± 0.31 % (g/g). But it resulted in lower concentrations of 6-gingerol at 1957.22 ± 2.55 µg/g and undetectable levels of 6-shogaol. As temperature increased to 170°C, the concentration of 6-gingerol decrease to 851.95 ± 2.34 µg/g and 6-shogaol concentration increase to 1135.23 ± 1.18 µg/g demonstrating HCWE's temperature-driven selectivity. Above 170 °C, both compounds degraded significantly, and the extract quality declined. The HCWE extract resembled ginger oleoresin in texture and aroma, suggesting its suitability for similar applications. In contrast, solvent extraction produced a broader range of compounds but lacked selectivity. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the HCWE process is a rapid, organic solvent-free extraction method which not only reduces processing time by more than 80 % compared with conventional solvent extraction, but also provides temperature-driven selectivity, underscoring its potential for greener, industrial-scale applications in functional food and phytochemical production. These findings highlight the promise of HCWE as a sustainable approach for phytochemical extraction and functional food development.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with high clinical heterogeneity and poor prognosis. Therapeutic drugs that can effectively improve the survival rate of DLBC...Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) with high clinical heterogeneity and poor prognosis. Therapeutic drugs that can effectively improve the survival rate of DLBCL patients are lacking. Houttuynia cordata Thunb. is a well-known Asian medicinal and edible plant with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. This study investigated the potential therapeutic benefits of Houttuynia cordata Thunb. Essential Oil (HEO) on DLBCL. We found that HEO inhibited the proliferation of SUDHL-4 cells, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase in a time and concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of HEO (70, 150, and 230 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited tumor growth of DLBCL in an athymic nude mouse xenograft model, while no significant changes in body weight were observed, indicating no obvious toxicity. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that HEO mainly regulated protein phosphorylation and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Phospho-specific protein microarray results also showed that HEO regulated the phosphorylation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Further investigation confirmed that HEO significantly inhibited the protein expression of p-PI3K and p-Akt. In addition, HEO decreased the protein expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and increased the protein expression of Bcl-2-associated X (Bax) and caspase-3. Compound-target docking results displayed that bornyl acetate (the main components of HEO), caryophyllene oxide and terpineol had strong binding interactions with the active sites of PI3K and Akt, indicating they contribute to the therapeutic effect. These results demonstrated that HEO exerts anti-tumor effects in DLBCL via suppressing PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, indicating HEO may be a potential inhibitor of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for the treatment of DLBCL.
Cinnamomum austroyunnanense is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that is thought to be developed as a biological insecticide. Essential oils (EOs) of C. austroyunnanense fresh leaves over different extraction periods...Cinnamomum austroyunnanense is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant that is thought to be developed as a biological insecticide. Essential oils (EOs) of C. austroyunnanense fresh leaves over different extraction periods (0-90, 90-180, 180-315, 315-540 minutes) were investigated for their chemical composition and insecticidal activities. The chemical components of EOs were analyzed by GC-MS. Methyl eugenol was the primary component in all EOs (68.06 %, 90.91 %, 75.73 %, 40.62 %). The target insects were Tribolium castaneum, Lasioderma serricorne, and Liposcelis bostrychophila. The results showed that the EOs had significant fumigation effects on L. bostrychophila, but poor fumigation effects on T. castaneum and L. serricorne. All four EOs exhibited contact toxicity against L. serricorne and L. bostrychophila, but only the first and second time period oils showed contact toxicity against T. castaneum with LD values were 25.87 µg/adult and 40.00 µg/adult, respectively. The EOs also demonstrated repellent activity against three insects. EO's repellent effects were comparable to N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) at the highest concentrations. As the concentration decreased, the repellent effect gradually turned into an attractant effect. This research confirmed that C. austroyunnanense EOs possessed insecticidal potential and offered scientific guidance for its efficient extraction, demonstrating its promise as a novel eco-friendly insecticide.
Four optically active dodecen-4-olides (1a-d) with carbon-carbon double bonds at different positions and their cyclopropanated derivatives (2a-d) were synthesized, and the odour characteristics of the racemic and optical...Four optically active dodecen-4-olides (1a-d) with carbon-carbon double bonds at different positions and their cyclopropanated derivatives (2a-d) were synthesized, and the odour characteristics of the racemic and optically active compounds were evaluated. Compounds 1a-d and 2a-d exhibited typical lactone-like nuances, characterized by strong top notes and oily middle notes. The position of the carbon-carbon double bond had a significant effect on the odour profile. All 1a-d compounds exhibited different odour characteristics: 1a showed fruity notes, 1b and 1c exhibited green and fruity notes, and 1d exhibited green and floral notes. Cyclopropanation substantially altered these characteristics. As a result, the odour characteristics of compounds 2, where the carbon-carbon double bonds were converted to cyclopropane rings, differed significantly from those of compounds 1. Conversion of the double bond in 1a to a cyclopropane ring changed the fruity note to green note, while cyclopropanation of 1b changed the green note to fruity. The antimicrobial activities of 1 and 2 against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were also investigated. Only compound (S)-1b exhibited antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
Aspergillus flavus is a widespread fungal contaminant known for producing aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites that affect the food quality and pose significant health risks to both humans and animals. Current study e...Aspergillus flavus is a widespread fungal contaminant known for producing aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites that affect the food quality and pose significant health risks to both humans and animals. Current study evaluated the susceptibility of Aflatoxin B1 producing A. flavus to five essential oils: E. cardamomum, C. longa, F. asafetida, S. aromaticum, and E. globulus. In vitro antifungal activity was assessed using agar well diffusion and microbroth dilution methods. S. aromaticum exhibited the most potent antifungal effect, with the largest inhibition zones (31.00 ± 1.00 mm) and the lowest Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (0.65 ± 0.22 µL/mL) and no cytotoxicity observed up to 100 µL/mL. Based on these findings, S. aromaticum oil was selected for in-situ testing to examine its inhibitory effect on fungal growth and AFB1 production in stored wheat, maize, and rice grains. Both intact and broken grains were tested at seven moisture levels (10-70 %) and categorized into growth control, negative control, and essential oil (EO) treated groups. Fungal growth (Colony Forming Unit per g) and AFB1 levels via High Profile Liquid Chromatography were recorded over 60 days. Broken grains exhibited higher levels of contamination. AFB1 levels were recorded highest at 40 % moisture and lowest at 10 % moisture level. S. aromaticum EO effectively reduced fungal growth across all conditions, with treated samples showing similar results to the negative control group. These findings highlight the potential of S. aromaticum essential oil as a natural preservative for grain storage.
This investigation represents the first assessment of the phytochemical profile and biological properties of Munronia lancifolia essential oil. Extracted through hydro-distillation with a yield of 0.1%, the oil made up 5...This investigation represents the first assessment of the phytochemical profile and biological properties of Munronia lancifolia essential oil. Extracted through hydro-distillation with a yield of 0.1%, the oil made up 57 identified constituents. The primary classes were oxygenated monoterpenes (0.67%), sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (9.41%), oxygenated sesquiterpenes (85.34%), and non-terpenic compounds (3.76%). Key components included 23 (1,5-epoxysalvial-4(14)-ene), 24 (spathulenol), 25 (caryophyllene oxide), 35 (isospathulenol), and 40 (valerianol) with high concentrations. The oil exhibited significant anti-inflammatory potential, as evidenced by nitric oxide suppression (IC ≈ 53.0 ± 2.62 µg/mL), reduced TNF-α levels measured by ELISA, without inducing cytotoxic effect at 100 µg/mL, and bovine serum albumin denaturation-related protein damage (IC ≈ 58.08 ± 2.45 µg/mL). The docking simulations were performed to assess the affinity of major compounds with the TNF-α binding site (PDB ID: 2AZ5), offering molecular insights into their prospective anti-inflammatory properties. Overall, these findings suggest this plant as a promising natural source for the inflammatory response.
Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections are major global health concerns, requiring sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm pote...Antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections are major global health concerns, requiring sustainable antimicrobial alternatives. This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm potential of biosurfactants produced by Bacillus strains (H1, H2, and H5) isolated from the fat of Catla catla, a freshwater fish from the Sutlej River, Pakistan. The biosurfactants were extracted, purified, and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. Quantitative analysis revealed that strain H5 produced the highest levels of surfactin (107.5 ± 0.3 mg L) and iturin A (60.5 ± 0.5 mg L). The biosurfactants exhibited strong antibacterial activity, producing inhibition zones of up to 28.3 ± 0.3 mm against Bacillus licheniformis and 24.3 ± 0.3 mm against Escherichia coli. Minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations against Staphylococcus aureus were 6.6 ± 0.6 µg mL and 11.8 ± 0.4 µg mL, respectively. Antifungal tests showed up to 34.6 ± 0.3 mm inhibition zones against Fusarium moniliforme. Antibiofilm assays demonstrated that the extracellular biosurfactant from strain H2 achieved the highest inhibition (82.7 ± 0.3 %) at 50 µg mL. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the isolates as Bacillus subtilis (PV789583), Bacillus thuringiensis (PV789584), and Bacillus cereus (PV789585). These findings indicate that biosurfactants derived from Catla catla fat as a substrate represent a cost-effective and eco-friendly source of potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm compounds with promising biotechnological and therapeutic applications.
Hesperetin (HST) exhibits antioxidant activity and helps prevent cataract formation when administered orally. However, low bioavailability limits its efficacy. However, formulating HST as an ophthalmic preparation may im...Hesperetin (HST) exhibits antioxidant activity and helps prevent cataract formation when administered orally. However, low bioavailability limits its efficacy. However, formulating HST as an ophthalmic preparation may improve its delivery to ocular tissues, making it a more effective option for cataract prevention. In the present study, we prepared HST nanosuspensions (HST-NPs) and used a sodium selenite-induced cataract model to evaluate their anti-cataract efficacy. HST-NPs (1 % HST) were prepared using bead milling treatment and various additives (mannitol, parabens, methylcellulose, 2-hydroxypropyl-Β-cyclodextrin), and quantification of HST in samples was performed using high-performance liquid chromatography. HST in both suspensions HST-NPs (with bead milling) and HST-MPs (without bead milling) was in the crystalline state, and the mean particle size of HST-NPs was 174 nm. Moreover, the transcorneal penetration of HST-NPs was higher than that of HST-MPs. HST levels in lenses treated with HST-MPs were below the limit of detection, whereas HST was detectable in HST-NP-treated rats at both 30 and 120 min post-instillation. In addition, instillation of HST suspensions prevented lens opacification in rats with selenite-induced cataracts; HST-NPs significantly inhibited lens opacification compared with HST-MPs. In conclusion, we successfully designed HST-NPs with high corneal penetration and effective delivery into the lens and demonstrated that instillation of HST-NPs significantly prevented lens opacification in a selenite-induced cataract model compared with HST-MPs. These findings may contribute to future advances in the prevention of cataract development.
Perilla seed oil (PSO) and sesame seed oil (SSO) are recognized for their distinct fatty acid compositions and associated health benefits, yet each exhibit certain nutritional limitations when consumed individually. Oil...Perilla seed oil (PSO) and sesame seed oil (SSO) are recognized for their distinct fatty acid compositions and associated health benefits, yet each exhibit certain nutritional limitations when consumed individually. Oil blending provides a potential approach to optimize fatty acid balance and improve overall oil quality. This study investigated the oil yield, physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, and nutritional indices of PSO, SSO, and a 50:50 blend. Seeds were sourced from Tak and Mae Hong Son Provinces, Thailand, cold-pressed, and analyzed in accordance with the Ministry of Public Health standards (Notification No. 421 B.E. 2564). SSO yielded a higher oil content (36.89 %) than PSO (33.4 %). Both oils largely met the specified quality requirements, however, mineral oil contamination was detected in PSO, although the level remained within the permissible limit. Fatty acid analysis revealed that PSO was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), predominantly alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), while SSO contained higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and linoleic acid (omega-6). The blended oil exhibited intermediate characteristics, with an improved omega-6:3 ratios (1.02:1) relative to SSO (158.64:1) and PSO (0.29:1). Nutritional indices demonstrated that PSO and the blended oil had lower atherogenic and thrombogenic indices and higher Hypocholesterolemic:hypercholesterolemic ratios than SSO. Collectively, the findings indicate that blending PSO and SSO can enhance the nutritional profile and fatty acid balance of edible oils. This study is among the first to report quantitative MOSH/MOAH contamination levels and nutritional indices for Thai PSO and SSO. Further research is warranted to evaluate oxidative stability, sensory attributes, and long-term health implications to support potential applications in functional food development.
Shark liver oil (SLO) is commercially promoted as an immunity booster to fight off infections, heal wounds, and for its beneficial effects in cancer treatment. Despite the growing body of research on SLO, scattered data...Shark liver oil (SLO) is commercially promoted as an immunity booster to fight off infections, heal wounds, and for its beneficial effects in cancer treatment. Despite the growing body of research on SLO, scattered data and reported outcomes in understanding its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory mechanisms exist across study designs and populations, and the experimental design variances complicate data interpretation for meaningful translation into clinical applications. This scoping review aims to address this by comprehensively charting human and animal models to identify patterns of immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of SLO and its bioactive components, thus highlighting areas requiring further investigation. A scoping search through Cochrane, PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid and Scopus using keywords such as "shark liver oil", "immunomodulation", "anti-inflammatory", similar keywords and their combinations was performed. Quantitative and qualitative measurements of immune or inflammatory responses were recorded and mapped. A total of 16 articles met the inclusion criteria, including human studies and in vivo animal models with various baseline health conditions. SLO has a broad yet selective immunomodulatory effect that shows an adaptive response depending on context, such as inflammatory conditions, cancer, or infection. The inconsistencies in results highlighted the biological complexity and the context-dependent role of SLO in the immune system. Despite this, alkylglycerols (AKG) emerge as a key bioactive component, with some studies suggesting potential dose-dependent effects and exploring the structure-activity relationship of different AKG forms in modulating the immune response. Overall, the current evidence is promising but preliminary, with methodological differences in the literature that highlight a clear need for rigorous, standardized clinical trials.
Eleutherine bulbosa is a medicinal plant known for its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, which contribute to its notable antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory prope...Eleutherine bulbosa is a medicinal plant known for its rich content of bioactive compounds, particularly polyphenols and flavonoids, which contribute to its notable antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction of E. bulbosa tubers was performed using 96% ethanol (EtOH_96), water (W), and a 1:1 ethanol-water mixture (EtOH_96:W). The extracts were assessed for biological activities through 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2 '-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging assays, agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and anti-inflammatory tests. Among the solvents, EtOH_96 yielded the highest antioxidant activity, with IC values of 202.2 ± 17.6 µg/mL (DPPH) and 250.8 ± 7.8 µg/mL (ABTS). These effects corresponded to elevated levels of polyphenols (94.9 ± 4.0 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g dry weight (DW)) and flavonoids (119.3 ± 17.1 mg quercetin equivalent (QE)/g dry weight (DW)). Additionally, the EtOH_96 extract displayed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with MIC values of 6.25 mg/mL and suppressed heat-induced protein denaturation with an IC value of 86.0 µg/mL, highlighting E. bulbosa tubers as a credible source of phytotherapeutics for both animal and human use.
Currently, the treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) typically involves the use of 5-nitroimidazoles (such as metronidazole and tinidazole). However, an increasing failure in treatment is observed due to resi...Currently, the treatment of Trichomonas vaginalis (T. vaginalis) typically involves the use of 5-nitroimidazoles (such as metronidazole and tinidazole). However, an increasing failure in treatment is observed due to resistance developed to these drugs. For this reason, alternative drugs have been investigated, especially by using natural products. In our study, the anti-T. vaginalis activity of the Origanum majorana essential oil (OMEO), which is a Cyprus endemic plant, and its synergistic effect with metronidazole were investigated. The essential oil was extracted through hydrodistillation of the dried flowering tops of the plant. Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses were performed using the Agilent 5975 GC-MSD system. L929 mouse fibroblast cell line was used to determine cytotoxic activity. Two clinical strains and one metronidazole-resistant T. vaginalis standard strain were used. LC, and MLC (minimum lethal concentration) values of OMEO and metronidazole were determined by the broth microdilution method in vitro in aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The combination of OMEO with metronidazole was investigated against all strains by the checkerboard method. The major compounds in the OMEO content were determined as cis-sabinene hydrate (29.1%) and terpinen-4-ol (19.6%). In cytotoxic analyses, it was observed that the cell viability remained stable at low doses. OMEO is effective against all three T. vaginalis strains. There is a significant difference between the IC averages at the 24 and 48 hours (333.03 µg/mL and 226.43 µg/mL, respectively) in aerobic conditions (p=0.003). In addition, there is a statistically significant relationship between the results of the 24 and 48 hours (348.77 µg/mL and 238.80 µg/mL, respectively) in the anaerobic conditions (p=<0.0001). In general, OMEO has been shown to have a synergistic effect with metronidazole. In conclusion, we believe that OMEO is a potential natural agent that can be particularly used in the treatment of protozoan infections, including T. vaginalis.
The aim of this study was to compare both the efficiency of different extraction solvents and the phenolic content of various plant species. Analyses included pH, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TF...The aim of this study was to compare both the efficiency of different extraction solvents and the phenolic content of various plant species. Analyses included pH, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant capacity (FRAP, CUPRAC), and DPPH IC₅₀. Methanol extract pH ranged from hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) at 3.71 to 8.29 green tea leaf (Camellia sinensis L.). Quince leaf (Cydonia oblonga) water extract had the highest TPC (949.25 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoid content (5166.21 mg QE/100 g). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) showed the highest FRAP and CUPRAC values in both methanol and water extracts. Rosehip (Rosa canina L.) water extract had the strongest DPPH activity (IC₅₀: 8.61 µg/mL). These findings suggest that lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), quince leaf (Cydonia oblonga), and rosehip (Rosa canina) have strong potential as functional food ingredients, owing to their rich phenolic and flavonoid content and potent antioxidant activities, which could be beneficial in preventing oxidative stress-related health conditions.
Hempseed oil, a high-quality edible oil, has garnered increasing attention. In this study, fatty acid, phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and antioxidant activity of hempseed oils were detected by gas chromato...Hempseed oil, a high-quality edible oil, has garnered increasing attention. In this study, fatty acid, phenols, tocopherols, phytosterols, squalene, and antioxidant activity of hempseed oils were detected by gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to analyze the effects of the region and processing method on the nutrition and quality of hempseed oil, identified the optimal cultivation region and key marker for distinguishing between different processing methods. The results demonstrated that hempseed oils were rich in tocopherols (84.35±15.65 mg/100 g) and possessed a desirable fatty acid composition (ω-6: ω-3 =1: 3.59) that meets human nutritional needs. Furthermore, hempseed oil exhibited strong antioxidant activity, with γ-tocopherols and phenols identified as the primary antioxidants. More importantly, the nutritional components of hempseed oil were influenced by region and processing method. Specifically, hempseed oil from Bama exhibited significantly higher contents of squalene (13.88 mg/100 g) and total phytosterols (342.23 mg/100 g) than the ones from other regions (squalene: 11.04 mg/100 g; phytosterols: 247.53 mg/100 g). Meanwhile, squalene content increased significantly by 16.47% in shelled hempseed oil compared to unshelled oil. Moreover, OPLS-DA analysis identified total phenol content as a marker distinguishing shelled from unshelled hempseed oils (shelled: 11.80 mg/100 g, unshelled: 3.51 mg/100 g).
In this study, a high-purity sophoroselipid-copper (SL-Cu) complex was synthesized using an improved method employing copper (II) acetate. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the purified SL-Cu complex revealed a dist...In this study, a high-purity sophoroselipid-copper (SL-Cu) complex was synthesized using an improved method employing copper (II) acetate. Fourier transform infrared analysis of the purified SL-Cu complex revealed a distinctive absorption peak near 1,600 cm⁻¹. The bactericidal activity of the SL-Cu complex, at a copper (II) ion concentration of 1,000 µM and after incubation at 20°C for 30 min, exhibited a reduction greater than 4 log units against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In contrast, its bactericidal activity against Enterococcus faecalis was comparatively lower, with a reduction of 0.90 log units. Furthermore, the SL-Cu complex demonstrated a statistically higher antibacterial efficacy against E. coli and S. aureus than CuSO at the same copper (II) ion concentration. The bactericidal effect of the SL-Cu complex against E. coli was enhanced with increasing treatment temperatures between 15 and 40°C, consistently surpassing that of CuSO across all tested temperatures. The inhibitory effects of bovine serum albumin, sodium chloride, EDTA-2Na, and 2,2 bipyridyl on the SL-Cu complex were restricted compared to those on CuSO, and in some experiments, these chemicals even enhanced its activity. These characteristics render the SL-Cu complex a promising antibacterial reagent. Flow cytometry analyses using fluorescent dyes suggested that the SL-Cu complex disrupted bacterial cell membranes and induced the generation of reactive oxygen species.
The extraction and separation of polar, triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) subclasses-phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)- were carried...The extraction and separation of polar, triacylglycerol (TAG) and phospholipid (PL) subclasses-phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylinositol (PI), and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE)- were carried out in the gonads to determine fatty acid (FA) compositions using gas chromatography. The major FAs identified in the ovary and testis were palmitic acid (16:0), stearic acid (18:0), oleic acid (18:1n9), arachidonic acid (20:4n6, AA), eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5n3, EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n3), and docosahexaenoic acid (22:6n3, DHA). In the PL fraction, the proportions of saturated fatty acids (∑SFAs), monounsaturated fatty acids (∑MUFAs), and palmitoleic acid (16:1n7) were higher in the ovary than in the testis, whereas EPA, polyunsaturated fatty acids (∑PUFAs), and the n3/n6 ratio were higher in the testis than in the ovary. In the TAG fraction, ovaries contained higher levels of 16:0 and ∑SFA, whereas the testes contained higher levels of ∑PUFA. This result indicates that ovaries were more dominant in saturated fatty acids and testes are more dominant in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
To understand the stability and gastrointestinal digestion characteristics of the natural walnut oil bodies (OBs) emulsion, walnut OBs were extracted from fresh walnuts and dispersed in aqueous phase to form O/W natural...To understand the stability and gastrointestinal digestion characteristics of the natural walnut oil bodies (OBs) emulsion, walnut OBs were extracted from fresh walnuts and dispersed in aqueous phase to form O/W natural emulsions. The results showed that the natural walnut OBs emulsion droplets were uniformly dispersed in the aqueous phase as spherical particles, with triglycerides in the core and proteins surrounding them. SDS-PAGE indicated that the molecular weight of these proteins was below 55 kDa. The natural walnut OBs emulsion exhibited unstable at pH 4.0 and 6.0. Within the salt ion concentration range of 0-500 mM, the natural walnut OBs emulsion exhibited stable. Within the heat treatment temperature range of 0-85°C, the natural walnut OBs emulsion presented stable, but the droplets of the natural walnut OBs emulsion showed obvious aggregation at 95°C and became unstable. During the 0-120 min gastric digestion process, the droplets of the natural walnut OBs emulsion showed obvious aggregation and oil-water phases separation, and the particle size significantly increased with the extension of digestion time. During the 0-120 min small intestinal digestion stage, as the digestion time increased, the droplet size and the number of droplets decreased, while the release of free fatty acids continuously increased. This study lays a foundation for the application of walnut OBs in the food industry and the delivery of liposoluble bioactive substances.
This study evaluated liposomes prepared using three food-grade lecithins-SLP-WHITE and SLP-PC70 (soy-derived), and PL-30S (egg yolk-derived)-to enhance the food function and delivery of p-coumaric acid (CA), a phenolic a...This study evaluated liposomes prepared using three food-grade lecithins-SLP-WHITE and SLP-PC70 (soy-derived), and PL-30S (egg yolk-derived)-to enhance the food function and delivery of p-coumaric acid (CA), a phenolic antioxidant extracted from sugarcane bagasse. Among the tested formulations, liposomes composed of SLP-WHITE and PL-30S at a 90:10 (w/w) ratio exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (82%). Notably, dynamic light scattering and confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed a strong negative zeta potential (-75.26 mV), small particle size (~100 nm), and a unilamellar structure, confirming this formulation as the optimum condition. Interestingly, encapsulated CA prepared with this optimum combination retained its antioxidant activity for 28 days. Furthermore, in a Caco-2 monolayer model, the liposomal CA showed significantly improved intestinal permeability compared to free CA, suggesting enhanced bioavailability via endocytic uptake. These results demonstrate that rational combinations of food-grade lecithins with complementary characteristics-such as the electrostatic stability of SLP-WHITE and membrane rigidity from PL-30S-can improve both physical stability and functionality of liposomes. This study provides a practical strategy for developing functional liposomal carriers suitable for food applications, particularly for delivering poorly bioavailable phenolic compounds like p-coumaric acid.
Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric surfactant that is commonly used in skin care materials. Although there are many reports about the safety of CAPB, there is limited data about its physical effects on the st...Cocamidopropyl betaine (CAPB) is an amphoteric surfactant that is commonly used in skin care materials. Although there are many reports about the safety of CAPB, there is limited data about its physical effects on the stratum corneum. Porcine stratum corneum sheets were soaked in 5% or 10% CAPB solution (pH 4.0, 7.0 or 9.0) for up to 60 min at room temperature. After rinsing with distilled water, the properties of the porcine stratum corneum sheets were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Sixty min of treatment with 5% CAPB or 10 min of treatment with 10% CAPB did not induce any peak shift at any pH. However, 60 min of treatment with 10% CAPB induced peak shifts of CH2 asymmetric stretching vibration and NH stretching vibration to higher wavenumber values. Although all pH solutions induced those peak shifts, the higher pH solutions caused larger peak shifts. However, 24 hrs treatment with 10% CAPB did not cause swelling at any pH. These results indicate that a long time and/or higher dose of CAPB affects the surface of stratum corneum, but this effect may not be caused by the regular use of CAPB in skin care materials.