Twenty-one compounds were isolated and identified from the 80% ethanol extract of Paeoniae Radix Rubra by various chromatographic techniques such as D101 macroporous resin, C_(18) reversed-phase silica gel, and gel chromatography, combined with modern spectroscopic techniques including infrared spectroscopy(IR), ultraviolet(UV), mass spectrometry(MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR). These compounds were 3-formyl-5-hydroxy-6-methyl-1H-indole-1-butyric acid(1), 3-hydroxymethyl-5-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran(2), paeoniflorin(3), 5-hydroxy-6-methyl-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde(4), 5-hydroxy-3S-hydroxymethyl-6-methyl-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran(5), paeoveitol C(6), galloylpaeoniflorin(7), benzoylpaeoniflorin(8), 4-O-galloylpaeoniflorin(9), 1-borneol 6-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)]-β-D-glucopyranoside(10), paeonidanin(11), paeonidanin E(12), paeonidanin B(13), palbinone(14), 23-hydroxybetulinic acid(15), hederagenin(16), N-methylhydroxylamine(17),(5Z,9Z)-17-methylnonadeca-5,9-dienoate(18), 3,3',4'-tri-O-methylellagic acid(19), β-sitosterylglucoside-6'-octadecanoate(20), and trilinolein(21). Among them, compound 1 was a new compound, and compounds 10 and 17-21 were isolated from the Paeoniae genus for the first time. All the compounds were tested for their anticoagulant activity through three coagulation function indicators: activated partial thromboplastin time(APTT), thrombin time(TT), and prothrombin time(PT). Compounds 1 and 7 showed excellent anticoagulant activity, which was comparable to that of the positive control sodium heparin. Compounds 2, 3, 5, 6, 8-13, 15, and 19 exhibited good anticoagulant activity, while compounds 4 and 21 demonstrated moderate anticoagulant activity.
Magnetic alginate-based composite beads integrating Cu/TiO2 and magnetite (Fe3O4) were fabricated as polymer-inorganic hybrid systems for magnetic recovery. These composite beads were generated via ionotropic gelation, a method that enabled efficient encapsulation of inorganic constituents within the sodium alginate matrix while preserving the crystalline structures of Fe3O4 and anatase TiO2. The impact of Fe3O4 loading on the beads' structural and physicochemical attributes was systematically investigated, revealing specific structure-property relationships that dictated encapsulation efficacy, swelling behavior, bulk density, and internal morphology. Among the formulations examined, the S-1.0Fe3O4-SA beads demonstrated a favorable balance between structural integrity and mass-transfer accessibility. The efficacy of the composite beads was evaluated via their employment in the hydrogenation of glacial acetic acid, a representative liquid-phase reaction. Examination of the reaction products indicated the formation of ethanol and ethyl acetate; the precise product distribution depended on the Cu loading in the Cu/TiO2 component. A moderate Cu content was observed to facilitate product formation, concurrently maintaining the structural stability of the beads. The S-1.0Fe3O4/SA-1.8Cu/TiO2-0.4 catalyst exhibited the highest ethanol production (18.69 mg L-1). Lower Cu loading resulted in insufficient active sites, whereas higher loading led to aggregation and reduced catalytic efficiency. Recycling tests revealed a gradual decrease in ethanol formation upon reuse, indicating partial catalyst deactivation, likely due to surface fouling and Cu leaching. Therefore, this study highlights the promise of alginate-based magnetic composite beads as a versatile polymer-supported platform, in which the macromolecular structure is crucial for dictating functional performance.
The exploration for sustainable bioresources with a wide range of therapeutic potential is vital due to the expanding incidence of cancer and the rapid development of drug-resistant pathogens. By combining solvent-dependent extraction efficiency with antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer, antioxidant, and Mycochemical analysis, our study offers a thorough assessment of Trametes hirsuta extracts. In our study, the antimicrobial, anticancer, cytotoxic, and antioxidant properties of Trametes hirsuta extracts made with water (H₂O), ethanol (EtOH), acetone (Ace), ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and chloroform (CF) were assessed in this investigation. GC-MS and Mycochemical analysis were used to further characterize to determine their bioactive compounds. The strongest antibacterial activity was shown by polar solvents represented by EtOH and H₂O, which produced inhibition zones up to 31.3 mm and MICs as low as 15.6 µg/mL against Streptococcus agalactiae and Enterococcus raffinosus. Trametes hirsuta extracts recorded significant antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, and Alternaria alternata; EtOH and H₂O extracts once again demonstrated the lowest MIC values (15.6 µg/mL). At 50 µg/mL, the T. hirsuta EtOH extract showed the strongest antioxidant performance and strong cytotoxic activity, inhibiting almost 80% of SK-HEP-1 and PC-3 carcinoma cells. Various fatty acids, esters, sterols, and phenolic derivatives particularly linoleic acid methyl ester and n-hexadecanoic acid were establish by GC-MS profiling, and these compounds most likely support the bioactivities that have been detected. The highest concentrations of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids were found in T. hirsute EtOH and H₂O extracts. Our results showed that solvent polarity significantly influences T. hirsuta bioactive profile and pharmacological potential, making this fungus a promising environmentally friendly bioresources for the design of natural antimicrobial and anticancer drugs.
This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium extract(CRPE) against hypercholesterolemia. A hypercholesterolemic rat model was established through a combination of a high-sugar, high-fat diet and ethanol administration. The experimental animals were systematically divided into several groups, including a normal control group, a disease model group, a positive control group treated with ezetimibe(1 mg·kg~(-1)), and three intervention groups receiving low, medium, and high doses of CRPE(1.25, 2.5, and 5 g·kg~(-1), respectively). High performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) revealed that CRPE mainly contained narirutin, hesperidin, and nobiletin. A comprehensive series of in vivo assessments were conducted to evaluate effects of the extract. These included measuring serum lipid levels and calculating the atherogenic index(AI) using an automated biochemical analyzer, quantifying total cholesterol(TC) and total bile acid(TBA) levels in liver tissues and fecal samples with commercial assay kits, evaluating microcirculatory blood perfusion in the tail using the Moor FLPI laser speckle contrast imaging system, and measuring hemorheological parameters with an automated hemorheometer. Furthermore, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was employed to measure the serum and hepatic levels of critical factors involved in cholesterol transport and metabolism. The expression of proteins related to the reverse cholesterol transport(RCT) pathway and bile acid synthesis and metabolism in the liver was meticulously examined by Western blot. In vitro cell experiments were performed to validate the effects of CRPE on cholesterol uptake and efflux in BRL and RAW264.7 cells. The findings demonstrated that CRPE effectively corrected dyslipidemia, enhanced microcirculatory perfusion, and ameliorated abnormal blood rheology. It reduced serum levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein(ox-LDL), apolipoprotein B(ApoB), free cholesterol(FC), cholesteryl ester(CE), and acyl coenzyme A: cholesterol acyltransferase(ACAT), while simultaneously increasing the levels of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase(LCAT) and apolipoprotein A1(ApoA1). A notable reduction in hepatic TC and a significant increase in TBA content in both the liver and feces were observed. Mechanistically, the hypocholesterolemic effect of CRPE was attributed to its ability to upregulate the expression of pivotal proteins in the RCT pathway, including the low-density lipoprotein receptor(LDL-R), scavenger receptor class B type I(SR-BI), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 5(ABCG5), ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 8(ABCG8), and ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1(ABCB1). Concurrently, CRPE modulated the expression of central regulators of bile acid homeostasis, such as the bile salt export pump(BSEP), the farnesoid X receptor(FXR), and cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase(CYP7A1). The in vitro experiments provided compelling corroborating evidence, showing that CRPE directly stimulated the uptake of NBD-cholesterol in BRL hepatocytes and promoted its efflux from RAW264.7 macrophages. In conclusion, CRPE ameliorates hypercholesterolemia by facilitating RCT and maintaining enterohepatic circulation homeostasis of bile acid.
Methylphenidate (MPH) is a psychostimulant widely prescribed for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Its primary mechanism of action involves inhibition of dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. The non-medical use of methylphenidate by individuals without neurodevelopmental disorders has been increasing and becoming widespread in contexts of misuse and as a nootropic. This translational study aims to investigate the long-term effects of repeated MPH exposure on the susceptibility to alcohol-induced addiction. The conditioned place preference test (CPP) was used to evaluate preference for an environment previously associated with alcohol, as an indicator of increased sensitivity to its rewarding effects. Adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were used as the experimental model. This study was conducted in full accordance with the ARRIVE (Animal Research: Reporting of In Vivo Experiments) guidelines, ensuring transparency, reproducibility, and animal welfare (Ethics Committee approval protocol 005/2024). Animals were randomly assigned to four groups: (1) Control (system water, weekly exposure for 30 days; no alcohol challenge in the CPP test); (2) Control + alcohol (system water for 30 days followed by a 0.5% alcohol challenge in the CPP test); (3) MPH (2 mg/L, twice weekly exposure for 30 days; no alcohol challenge); and (4) MPH + alcohol (MPH 2 mg/L twice weekly exposure for 30 days followed by a 0.5% alcohol challenge in the CPP test). Statistical analysis was performed using parametric tests. Data were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (two-way ANOVA) followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Differences were considered statistically significant at p < 0.05. Animals exposed only to 0.5% alcohol during CPP exhibited a significant increase in preference, suggesting addictive-like behavior. In contrast, animals previously exposed to MPH showed responses comparable to control levels. This effect may be related to the role of MPH in impulse control and modulation of dopaminergic signaling within reward pathways.
Medicinal plants used in traditional systems of medicine are a valuable source of bioactive compounds with therapeutic potential against oxidative stress-related disorders, including male infertility. Curcuma caesia Roxb. is an ethnomedicinally important species known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and aphrodisiac properties; however, its effects on male reproductive function remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the metabolites composition and dose-dependent effects of C. caesia extract on sperm quality, testicular histology, and testosterone levels in male mice. A total of 24 male mice were divided into four groups (n = 6) using a completely randomized design. The ethanol extract of C. caesia rhizomes was dissolved in distilled water and administered at designated doses: 364 mg/kg BW (P1), 728 mg/kg BW (P2), and 1,092 mg/kg BW (P3). Plant metabolites were quantified via spectrophotometry and GC-MS analysis. Serum testosterone levels were measured using ELISA, while testicular histology and morphometric parameters were assessed using hematoxylin-eosin staining and microscopic imaging. Analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, tannins, and alkaloids. The P3 treatment significantly improved sperm concentration by 155% compared to the control. However, the P2 treatment yielded the highest percentage of viable spermatozoa (85.78%), motility (39.28%), and normal morphology (84.67%), alongside enhanced seminiferous tubule structure and spermatogenic cell density. These effects are attributed to the ROS-scavenging activity of phytochemicals, which preserve cellular morphology and support spermatogenesis. Serum testosterone levels increased in a dose-dependent manner, correlating with Leydig cell proliferation. Notably, while the moderate dose (P2) resulted in optimal reproductive outcomes, the highest dose (P3) showed a decline in sperm quality and histological alterations. C. caesia enhances male reproductive functions, supporting its traditional use as a fertility-enhancing medicinal plant. However, its effects are dose-dependent, with optimal benefits observed at moderate concentrations and potential toxicity at higher doses. These findings provide novel preclinical evidence for the use of C. caesia in managing male infertility and establish a pharmacological basis for future clinical investigations.
Kombucha production has increased significantly in recent years, and analog beverages (fermented with extracts other than C. sinensis tea) are also gaining market share. Brazil, one of the largest fruit-producing countries with vast fruit diversity, has expanded their research fields to develop new products, including kombucha. This literature review aims to present studies being conducted in Brazil on the production of traditional kombucha (with green or black tea) and analog extracts. Based on the results, it was observed that a large part of the analog beverage production is carried out with fruits mainly from the Northeast and South regions of Brazil. However, it is also done with other types of extracts, such as coffee, yerba mate, and yams. In addition, some studies have used byproducts from cocoa (Theobroma cacao), acerola, guava, tamarind, as well as mango and grape peel. It was also observed that during fermentation, regardless of the type of extract, both total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity tend to increase. Although regulations for kombucha production in Brazil have already been established, some challenges remain regarding the use of tea and SCOBY, demystifying probiotic effects (since this is not yet regulated), uncontrolled ethanol production, and the need for specific legislation for secondary fermentation. Overall, Brazil shows great potential for developing new products, such as kombucha-type beverages, where the fermentation process is similar to that of traditional kombucha; however, regulating the process using alternative extracts and SCOBY (which may present a consortium of different microorganisms according to regions) remains a challenge for achieving homogeneous, feasible results.
Red ginseng marc (RGM), a byproduct of hot water extraction, contains valuable lipid fractions and bioactive compounds. Conventional extraction methods often require harsh processing conditions and additional solvent removal steps, leading to high operational costs. Dimethyl ether (DME) was used as a green solvent to extract ginseng oil from RGM. Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to investigate the effects of temperature (303-333 K), pressure (3-7 MPa), and extraction time (20-80 min) on extraction yield, total ginsenoside content, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic content (TPC) of the extracted oil. Under optimal conditions (333 K, 7 MPa, 80 min), the extraction yield reached 3.37%, with total ginsenoside content of 4.22 mg g-1 dry RGM, and TPC of 1.09 mg GAE g-1 RGM. DME-extracted ginseng oil also exhibited higher antioxidant activity (9.04 mmol TE g-1 extract) and FAME content (14.93 mg g-1 dry RGM) compared to ethanol and hexane extracts. Notably, DME enabled direct extraction from wet RGM without prior drying. Extraction from wet RGM using DME resulted in higher ginsenoside content and extraction yield, but lower FAME content, compared to dry RGM. These findings highlight the potential of DME as a versatile, energy-efficient solvent for extracting bioactive ginseng oil from both dry and wet RGM, offering practical applications in the food and cosmetic industries.
Copper sulphate induced emesis is mediated through serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways, yet the antiemetic potential of Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt roots remain underexplored. This study evaluated petroleum ether, ethanol, aromatic, and hydroalcoholic root extracts using in vivo, phytochemical, and in silico approaches. Acute oral toxicity was assessed in Swiss albino mice at doses of 1000, 2000, and 3000 mg/kg body weight following Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development guideline Test No. 423. No mortality or adverse signs were observed over a 14-day period, and the lethal dose causing 50% mortality (LD₅₀) exceeded 3000 mg/kg for all four extracts, confirming their safety. Antiemetic activity was evaluated using a chick emesis model induced by copper sulphate (50 mg/kg, orally), with ondansetron (5 mg/kg) and metoclopramide (50 mg/kg) as reference drugs. All extracts showed dose-dependent antiemetic activity; the hydroalcoholic extract at 400 mg/kg produced the highest inhibition (59-61%), comparable to ondansetron but lower than metoclopramide (67-68%). Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry identified six phytoconstituents: dodecanol, gentianine, traumatic acid, palmitic acid, ephedrine, and tigloidine. Molecular docking at the 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3A (5-HT₃A) receptor revealed tigloidine as the strongest binder (-5.6 kcal/mol) relative to ondansetron (-7.4 kcal/mol), while traumatic acid exhibited greater affinity at the dopamine D₂ receptor (-6.4 kcal/mol) than metoclopramide (-5.3 kcal/mol), indicating dual-target receptor engagement. These findings validate the traditional antiemetic use of Coccinia grandis and support further clinical investigations. The online version of this article (10.1007/s40203-026-00687-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
In this work, the effect of solvent in the luminescence behaviour of nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (NGQDs) during their synthesis was evaluated. NGQDs were prepared via solvo/hydrothermal methods using citric acid and melamine, as precursors, in a molar ratio of 4 : 3. This study demonstrates that the solvent plays a significant role in tuning the luminescence emission of the synthesised nanomaterials. This modulation is linked to variations in surface functionalization, particularly with regards to the distribution and nature of oxygen- and amine-groups. This behaviour has been confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Atomic force microscopy analysis showed that the synthesised NGQDs exhibited a graphitic carbon core with an average size centred in the range 2-10 nm, regardless of the solvent used (water, ethanol, acetone, or DMF). Also, the synthesised NGQDs in these solvents exhibited bright visible emission between 450 and 550 nm upon excitation at 365 and 405 nm, respectively. Their performance as selective fluorescence turn-off probes for ferric ions in acidic aqueous medium was evaluated for all synthesis conditions in order to identify the most suitable route to obtain sensitive and efficient luminescent sensors for metal ion detection in acidic conditions.
Proteinase-activated receptor 1 (PAR1) is a major signaling receptor for thrombin in vascular endothelial cells and it causes endothelial dysfunction, which ultimately leads to the early stage of vascular disease development. Targeting the thrombin-PAR1 signaling pathway is expected to be a potential strategy for preventing vascular diseases. The present study aimed to identify food-derived constituents that inhibit thrombin-PAR1 signaling. The extracts of the wine grape 'Kadainou R-1' (Vitis ficifolia var. ganebu × Vitis vinifera), were used as starting materials. The 50% ethanol extract significantly inhibited thrombin-induced, but not PAR1-activating peptide-induced, intracellular Ca2+ signaling in porcine aortic endothelial cells. The extract inhibited cleavage of the extracellular region of PAR1 by thrombin and the proteolytic activity of thrombin in an uncompetitive manner. The 50% ethanol extract contained polyphenols, including catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, resveratrol, oenin, and naringenin-7-O-glucoside, as major constituents. The removal of polyphenols by treatment with polyvinylpolypyrrolidone abolished approximately half of the inhibitory effect of the extract on the proteolytic activity of thrombin. Molecular docking simulation revealed the interaction of identified polyphenolic compounds with either exosite I, exosite II, or the catalytic site, depending on the model of the thrombin structure used. In conclusion, the 50% ethanol extract of wine grapes contains active constituents that inhibit the proteolytic activity of thrombin, thereby inhibiting PAR1-mediated Ca2+ signaling. Half of this inhibitory effect is attributable to polyphenolic compounds. These findings warrant the further exploration of natural compounds that target thrombin-PAR1 signaling.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different surface modifications of activated carbon: genipin (GAC), iminodiacetic acid associated with metal particles (MAC), and the combination of genipin with metal particles (GMAC). For the immobilization of two lipases (porcine pancreatic lipase - PPL and Candida rugosa lipase - CRL). In addition, the applicability of the resulting biocatalysts was investigated using ethyl lactate synthesis as a model esterification reaction (40 °C/4 h, with a 1:3 molar ratio of lactic acid to ethanol). All adsorbents showed immobilization yield higher than 87%, with metalized activated carbons exhibiting the highest hydrolytic activities for both immobilized enzymes (48.1 U for PPL and 51.6 U for CRL). The immobilized derivatives achieved ethyl lactate conversions above 90% for both enzymes, with PPL GMAC reaching 94.2%, comparable to the native enzyme (94.9%). Moreover, the derivatives-maintained ester conversions above 80% after five consecutive reaction cycles under organic reaction conditions (GMAC 85.8% for PPL; GMAC 88.1% for CRL), indicating that the immobilization strategy effectively reduced enzyme desorption while preserving catalytic activity. Therefore, the synthesized derivatives demonstrated potential as reusable biocatalysts for the production of industrially important ester compounds, contributing to the development of more sustainable biotechnological processes.
Phlegmariurus cruentus, a member of the Lycopodiaceae family, is a phytochemically unexplored species that is native to the high Andean forests of Colombia and Venezuela. Herein, serratene-type triterpenoids were detected in the ethanol extract of P. cruentus via LC-ESIMS, and subsequent bioassay-guided fractionation performed using the Artemia salina lethality assay yielded four new serratenes (1-4) along with six known analogs (5-10). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by HRESIMS, IR, 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, optical rotation, and a comparison with reported data. The in vitro cytotoxic activity of compounds 1-9 against three human cancer cell lines (U87-MG glioblastoma, MCF-7 breast carcinoma, and HT-29 colon adenocarcinoma) was evaluated using the MTT assay. Compounds 1, 5, 7, and 8 exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the U87-MG and MCF-7 cells, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 1.1 ± 0.6 to 9.6 ± 2.6 μM. Notably, compared with the other two cell lines, the U87-MG cells were more sensitive to these compounds. A further flow cytometry investigation revealed that compounds 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 manifested proapoptotic effects in the U87-MG cells. Additionally, a GC-MS analysis of the less polar chromatographic fraction led to the identification of two know cytotoxic volatiles, α-tocospiro A and α-tocospiro B, which are reported here in the Lycopodiaceae family for the first time. These findings suggest that some compounds from P. cruentus may serve as promising candidates for further anticancer research.
Zirconia ceramics are widely used in restorative dentistry for their mechanical strength, but their lack of a glassy phase makes them resistant to conventional acid etching. While 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) is utilized to facilitate chemical bonding, the influence of monomer concentration on molecular coordination at the interface remains unclear. This study evaluated the effect of varying 10-MDP concentrations on shear bond strength (SBS) and investigated the underlying chemical bonding mechanisms. Specimens were randomly divided into nine groups (n = 6): seven experimental groups treated with varying concentrations of experimental MDP solutions (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14% v/v in ethanol), a commercial MDP primer positive control (CMP; Z-Prime™ Plus), and a non-MDP primer-treated negative control (NMP). Zirconia surfaces were treated with these MDP solutions prior to bonding with flowable composite resin. Shear bond strength was measured using a universal testing machine. Chemical coordination modes were analyzed using 31P Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) to correlate molecular configurations with SBS data. Shear bond strength was significantly influenced by MDP concentration, increasing from 2% (7.1 ± 0.4 MPa) to a peak at 10% (11.3 ± 0.8 MPa), followed by a significant decline at 12% (7.6 ± 0.7 MPa) and 14% (7.7 ± 0.8 MPa).31P NMR analysis revealed that these variations correspond to five distinct bonding configurations (S1-S5). The superior performance of the 10% concentration was associated with the highest proportion of the S2 configuration, representing ionically bonded bidentate complexes. In contrast, the reduction in SBS at higher concentrations coincided with a decrease in S2 intensity and the emergence of S3 (bridging) and S4/S5 (phosphate oligomers). Bond strength is dictated by the distribution of MDP coordination modes rather than total presence. A 10% concentration is the ideal threshold for maximizing strong S2 ionic bonding. Exceeding this limit promotes non-productive phosphate multilayers that compromise interface stability.
The bacterium Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is used as a safe platform for rhamnolipid production via expression of the rhlABC genes, yielding mono- and di-rhamnolipid congeners. While glucose is commonly used as a carbon source, more sustainable alternatives such as acetate from waste streams or electrolysis are gaining interest. These two carbon sources are assimilated into the core carbon metabolism through distinct entry points. The impact of this on the proteome and rhamnolipid congener composition remain unclear. In this study, P. putida JAG1 was used to compare rhamnolipid production and composition during growth on glucose and acetate. Additionally, the impact of formate as a non-assimilable electron donor and the potential of modeled electrochemically derived CO₂-based carbon mixtures were evaluated. Rhamnolipid precursor synthesis involves the rhamnose pathway and de-novo fatty acid synthesis. While glucose feeds directly into the rhamnose pathway and acetate into fatty acid synthesis, both carbon sources resulted in a similar di-rhamnolipid fraction of approximately 75 mol%. Although the carbon source significantly influenced the proteome profile, the carbon-to-nitrogen consumption ratio remained constant (C/N ≈ 15). Proteomic differences in P. putida JAG1 comparing the two carbon sources suggest ATP independent acetyl-CoA recycling as energy saving strategy. Enzyme abundances moreover suggest a coupling of the glyoxylate shunt and glycerol metabolism as strategy for gluconeogenesis. Growth rates, as well as biomass and product yields, were slightly lower on acetate compared to glucose. Co-feeding formate with acetate did not cause significant changes relative to acetate alone. Simultaneous consumption of acetate, formate, and ethanol only slightly affect product-per-biomass yields but strongly shifted the composition toward mono-rhamnolipids. Furthermore, comparison of the di-rhamnolipid producer with a mono-rhamnolipid producer indicates that di-rhamnolipid formation is associated with a higher molar product yield. Acetate resembles a viable alternative carbon source for rhamnolipid production with only slight drawbacks to glucose. The metabolism of the microbial cell factory P. putida JAG1 appears homeostatic in presence of a single assimilable carbon source without affecting the rhamnolipid congener composition. The availability of a second assimilable carbon source, however, shifted the composition in favor of the mono-rhamnolipid. The molar product yield per carbon atom was higher during production of di-rhamnolipids compared to sole production of mono-rhamnolipids, highlighting it as a promising target product for future studies.
Fifteen compounds(1-15) were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of Pseudostellariae Radix through silica gel, Toyopearl HW-40F gel, 5010-Diol, and reversed-phase C_(18) column chromatography. Their structures were identified as furan-3-ylmethyl dihydroferulate(1), furan-3-ylmethyl 2-hydroxypropionate(2), furan-3-ylmethyl pyrrole-2-carboxylate(3), dihydroferulic acid(4), pyrrole-2-carboxylic acid(5), 22,23-dihydrospinasterone(6), 22,23-dihydrospinasterol(7), 22,23-dihydrospinasterol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside(8), pseudostellarin A(9), pseudostellarin B(10), pseudostellarin C(11), pseudostellarin D(12), pseudostellarin F(13), pseudostellarin H(14), and heterophyllin B(15) based on the HR-ESI-MS, IR, UV, NMR data, as well as their physicochemical properties. Among them, compound 1 was a new furan derivative, and compound 2 was a new natural product. Compounds 6 and 7 were isolated from genus Pseudostellaria for the first time.
This study aimed to optimize the conditions for obtaining an ethanol extract from Micromeria fruticosa (M. fruticosa) and to determine the antioxidant activity and phenolic compound content of the resulting extract. Subsequently, the use of the optimized extract in beef patties was evaluated, and the effects of the cooking process on the physicochemical properties of the product were examined. In this context, the highest efficiency was obtained in terms of total phenolic contents (TPC), as well as DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) values, during the ethanol extraction of the plant. The optimum extraction conditions were determined to be 12 g of sample, 20 min, and 75% ultrasonic power. Under these conditions, the TPC of the extract was found to be 37.128 mg GAE/g dry weight, the DPPH value was 42.865, and the FRAP value was 254.776 mg TE/g dry weight. In the second phase of the study, the optimized extract was used at different concentrations (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%) to produce beef patties, which were then analyzed for pH, moisture content, TBARS (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances), and cooking yield. The use of the extract did not cause a statistically significant difference in the moisture content and TBARS values of the samples (p > 0.05). However, it was determined that the pH values of the samples containing 0% and 0.5% extract were lower than those containing 1.0% and 1.5% extract (p < 0.01). In addition, it was observed that the use of the extract had a positive effect on cooking yield, and that cooking yield increased with increasing extract concentration. As a result of the study, it was concluded that M. fruticosa holds promising potential as a natural additive in meat and meat products, offering a functional ingredient that can contribute to the development of value-added, health-oriented food products.
MXene composite thin films, PbI2-Ti3C2T x , were fabricated by sequential dynamic spin-coating using a water/ethanol precursor system that enables in situ MXene incorporation while avoiding strongly coordinating solvents. This study addresses a central gap in halide precursor engineering: PbI2 is commonly treated as a transient phase before perovskite conversion, although its local structure and electronic environment can influence subsequent material formation. Here, we show that Ti3C2T x incorporation modifies PbI2 at the precursor level without disrupting the 2H-PbI2 framework. Profilometry shows that the average film thickness remains nearly constant across the composition series, whereas roughness and surface morphology evolve with MXene loading. Scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) identifies Ti-rich clustered regions associated with Pb-I-containing material, supporting a growth-mediated incorporation pathway. X-ray diffraction confirms preservation of the 2H structure, while the PbI2 (001) basal-envelope line shape evolves with composition, consistent with changes in stacking-related environments. Raman spectroscopy shows preservation of the PbI2 vibrational fingerprint together with mode-selective perturbations. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals statistically significant changes in the Pb 4f-I 3d core-level separation, indicating modification of the local Pb-I electrostatic and chemical environment rather than uniform charging or oxidation-state transformation. Optical measurements show a preserved absorption edge, while photoluminescence quenching and photoelectrical response indicate MXene-associated interfacial deactivation and carrier redistribution. Together, these results show that PbI2 can be treated as an engineerable precursor whose local morphology, stacking-related order, and electronic environment can be tuned before conversion into perovskite.
Medical cotton gauze has traditionally been used as a local hemostatic material. However, there is a growing demand for innovative solutions that not only reduce blood loss but also prevent secondary infections. In the present study, a novel multifunctional hemostatic cotton gauze (designated as SGT-Ca@Gz) is developed by integrating sodium alginate (SA), tannic acid (TA), and calcium chloride (CaCl 2 ) onto the gauze surface via a two-step dip-coating process.This technique provides the gauze with antibacterial and antioxidant properties, thereby effectively reducing both blood loss and the time needed for hemostasis. The ion cross-linking process employs a solution of CaCl 2 in a mixed water/ethanol solvent system to enhance the moisture stability of the polymer coating, ensure uniform surface cross-linking, increase the Ca 2+ content, and improve the mechanical properties of the gauze. As a result, the functional SGT-Ca@Gz exhibits enhanced antioxidant activity (89%) and demonstrates strong antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. In ex vivo experiments using a rat liver bleeding model, the SGT-Ca@Gz achieves a five-fold reduction in blood loss and a 2.8-fold decrease in hemostasis time compared to standard cotton gauze, thus highlighting its superior hemostatic performance. Consequently, this multifunctional hemostatic cotton gauze, with its enhanced antioxidant and antibacterial properties, is expected to have extensive applications in wound hemostasis.
Tonto is a traditional Ugandan alcoholic beverage produced by spontaneous fermentation of banana juice. However, its chemical composition and sensory attributes have not been adequately studied. This study characterized the physicochemical properties, volatile compounds, and sensory attributes of Tonto (n = 42) produced in Ntungamo and Kalungu districts. During the 60 h fermentation, there was a significant (p < 0.05) decline in pH (4.9 ± 0.23-3.58 ± 0.32) and total soluble solids (15.01 ± 1.76-5.15 ± 0.74 °Brix), and a corresponding increase in acidity (0.21% ± 0.07%-0.77% ± 0.64%) and ethanol content (0.0-4.73 ± 1.05 %v/v). Thirty-eight volatile compounds, mainly esters and alcohols, were identified. Fruity and banana notes dominated in samples from Ntungamo, which also received higher acceptability due to high concentrations of ethyl and acetate esters known for fruity sensory attributes. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) further revealed that fruity esters correlated strongly with overall acceptability. Methanol concentrations varied widely (0-950.5 mg/L), with more than half of the samples, particularly those from Kalungu, exceeding the national safety limit (60 mg/L). These results demonstrate substantial variability in the quality and safety of traditionally produced Tonto and highlight the influence of regional differences in fermentation practices and raw material composition. The findings provide a scientific basis for improving and standardizing Tonto production through improved hygiene, controlled fermentation, process optimization, and starter culture development to enhance product quality and safety.