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Science Robotics Jun 2024Cytokines have been identified as key contributors to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet conventional treatments often prove inadequate and carry...
Cytokines have been identified as key contributors to the development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), yet conventional treatments often prove inadequate and carry substantial side effects. Here, we present an innovative biohybrid robotic system, termed "algae-MΦNP-robot," for addressing IBD by actively neutralizing colonic cytokine levels. Our approach combines moving green microalgae with macrophage membrane-coated nanoparticles (MΦNPs) to efficiently capture proinflammatory cytokines "on the fly." The dynamic algae-MΦNP-robots outperformed static counterparts by enhancing cytokine removal through continuous movement, better distribution, and extended retention in the colon. This system is encapsulated in an oral capsule, which shields it from gastric acidity and ensures functionality upon reaching the targeted disease site. The resulting algae-MΦNP-robot capsule effectively regulated cytokine levels, facilitating the healing of damaged epithelial barriers. It showed markedly improved prevention and treatment efficacy in a mouse model of IBD and demonstrated an excellent biosafety profile. Overall, our biohybrid algae-MΦNP-robot system offers a promising and efficient solution for IBD, addressing cytokine-related inflammation effectively.
Topics: Animals; Cytokines; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases; Robotics; Mice; Colon; Nanoparticles; Humans; Macrophages; Intestinal Mucosa; Disease Models, Animal; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Male; Equipment Design; Epithelium
PubMed: 38924422
DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.adl2007 -
Journal of Phycology Jun 2024The northward shift of Pyropia yezoensis aquaculture required the breeding of germplasms with tolerance to the oxidative stress due to the high light conditions of the...
The northward shift of Pyropia yezoensis aquaculture required the breeding of germplasms with tolerance to the oxidative stress due to the high light conditions of the North Yellow Sea area. The MPV17/PMP22 family proteins were identified as a molecule related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism. Here, one of the MPV17 homolog genes designated as PyM-LP2 was selected for functional identification by introducing the encoding sequence region/reverse complementary fragment into the Py. yezoensis genome. Although the photosynthetic activity, the respiratory rate, and the ROS level in wild type (WT) and different gene-transformed algal strains showed similar levels under normal conditions, the overexpression (OE) strain exhibited higher values of photosynthesis, respiration, and reducing equivalents pool size but lower intracellular ROS production under stress conditions compared with the WT. Conversely, all the above parameters showed opposite variation trends in RNAi strain as those in the OE strain. This implied that the PyM-LP2 protein was involved in the mitigation of the oxidative stress. Sequence analysis revealed that this PyM-LP2 protein was assorted to peroxisomes and might serve as a poring channel for transferring malate (Mal) to peroxisomes. By overexpressing PyM-LP2, the transfer of Mal from chloroplasts to peroxisomes was enhanced under stress conditions, which promoted photorespiration and ultimately alleviated excessive reduction of the photosynthetic electron chain. This research lays the groundwork for the breeding of algae with enhanced resistance to oxidative stresses.
PubMed: 38924097
DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13474 -
Journal of Phycology Jun 2024The species of the brown macroalgal genus Sargassum are distributed globally and contain many bioactive compounds. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE)...
The species of the brown macroalgal genus Sargassum are distributed globally and contain many bioactive compounds. In this study, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) was applied to obtain phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity from Sargassum carpophyllum collected along the coastline of Weizhou Island in the South China Sea. The influence of different variables such as the solid-liquid ratio (1:5-1:30 g · mL), ultrasonic power (160-280 W), duty circle ratio (DCR, 1/3-1/1), and ethanol concentration (30% to ~90%) were studied using a single factor design. The extraction kinetics were investigated using the Peleg model and second-order kinetics model, and the second-order model described the extraction procedure better than the Peleg model. Total phenol content (TPC) values of 3.316, 2.964, 2.741, and 3.665 mg phloroglucinol (PHG) · g algae were achieved at a higher solid-liquid ratio (1:30 g · mL), higher ultrasonic power (280 W), a higher DCR (1/1), and a moderate ethanol concentration (50%), respectively. However, a slightly different result was observed in the extract obtained, with total phenol contents (TPC) of 52.99, 65.00, 46.22, and 55.10 mg PHG · g extract and DPPH radical scavenging activity (IC50) of 0.096, 0.066, 0.131, and 0.136 mg extract · mL observed at 50% ethanol, 1:5 g m· mL, 2/3 DCR, and 200 W respectively. All variables studied influenced the extraction kinetics by altering the extraction rate and the TPC at equilibrium. As for the bioactivities in the extract, a larger solid-liquid ratio and greater ultrasonic power may not contribute because of their ability to extract non-phenolic components simultaneously, leading to reduced overall bioactivities. The results of the present study provide essential information for future UAE process design and optimization for extracting phenolics from S. carpophyllum through mathematical modeling and could be regarded as important reference for obtaining value-added products from other macroalgae species.
PubMed: 38924088
DOI: 10.1111/jpy.13477 -
Anais Da Academia Brasileira de Ciencias 2024Trophic plasticity is a distinctive feature of freshwater fishes, representing an essential strategy for fish living in resource-variable environments. We analyzed the...
Trophic plasticity is a distinctive feature of freshwater fishes, representing an essential strategy for fish living in resource-variable environments. We analyzed the stomach contents of individuals sampled in two Atlantic Forest streams to identify the primary food sources consumed by Psalidodon aff. fasciatus and verify the existence of spatial, seasonal, and ontogenetic variations. The diet was determined by analyzing the stomach contents using the Volume Method to quantify the importance of food items. In general, Psalidodon aff. fasciatus was classified as an omnivorous species, consuming mainly insects, plant material, and filamentous algae. The results also showed significant effects for all factors considered (spatial, seasonal, and ontogenetic). Finally, Psalidodon aff. fasciatus demonstrated considerable trophic plasticity, which can result in better use of available resources in the environment and improved resource partitioning, reducing intraspecific and interspecific competition.
Topics: Animals; Brazil; Seasons; Gastrointestinal Contents; Rivers; Characidae; Feeding Behavior; Forests; Food Chain
PubMed: 38922275
DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765202420230652 -
Toxins Jun 2024The escalating proliferation of cyanobacteria poses significant taste and odor (T/O) challenges, impacting freshwater ecosystems, public health, and water treatment... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Temporal Dynamics and Influential Factors of Taste and Odor Compounds in the Eastern Drinking Water Source of Chaohu Lake, China: A Comparative Analysis of Global Freshwaters.
The escalating proliferation of cyanobacteria poses significant taste and odor (T/O) challenges, impacting freshwater ecosystems, public health, and water treatment costs. We examined monthly variations in four T/O compounds from September 2011 to August 2012 in Chaohu Lake's eastern drinking water source (DECL). More importantly, we compared the reported T/O occurrence and the related factors in freshwater bodies worldwide. The assessment of T/O issues indicated a severe and widespread problem, with many cases surpassing odor threshold values. Remarkably, China reported the highest frequency and severity of odor-related problems. A temporal analysis revealed variations in odor occurrences within the same water body across different years, emphasizing the need to consider high values in all seasons for water safety. Globally, T/O issues were widespread, demanding attention to variations within the same water body and across different layers. Algae were crucial contributors to odor compounds, necessitating targeted interventions due to diverse odorant sources and properties. A correlation analysis alone lacked definitive answers, emphasizing the essential role of further validation, such as algae isolation. Nutrients are likely to have influenced the T/O, as GSM and MIB correlated positively with nitrate and ammonia nitrogen in DECL, resulting in proposed control recommendations. This study offers recommendations for freshwater ecosystem management and serves as a foundation for future research and management strategies to address T/O challenges.
Topics: Odorants; China; Lakes; Drinking Water; Taste; Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Cyanobacteria; Seasons; Fresh Water
PubMed: 38922158
DOI: 10.3390/toxins16060264 -
Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024CRISPR-Cas systems are adaptive immune mechanisms present in most prokaryotes that play an important role in the adaptation of bacteria and archaea to new environments....
CRISPR-Cas systems are adaptive immune mechanisms present in most prokaryotes that play an important role in the adaptation of bacteria and archaea to new environments. is a marine zoonotic pathogen with worldwide distribution, which accounts for the majority of clinical cases of infections. However, the characterization of CRISPR-Cas systems has not been well investigated yet. Through whole genome sequence analysis, we characterized the CRISPR-Cas systems in . Our results indicate that CRISPR-Cas systems are prevalent in , with the majority of strains containing the Type I-F system. This study provides new insights into the diversity and function of CRISPR-Cas systems in and highlights their potential role in the adaptation and survival of these marine pathogens.
PubMed: 38921737
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060439 -
Marine Drugs Jun 2024is one of the most economically significant and widely cultured and consumed algae in the world. species present excellent nutraceutic properties due to their...
is one of the most economically significant and widely cultured and consumed algae in the world. species present excellent nutraceutic properties due to their bioactive compounds (BACs). This research aimed to find the most efficient aqueous extraction method for BACs by examining alkaline and enzymatic hydrolysis. Alkaline hydrolysis with 2.5% sodium carbonate (SC) and at 80 °C proved optimal for extracting all BACs (phycobiliproteins, soluble proteins, polyphenols, and carbohydrates) except mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs), which were best extracted with water only, and at 80 °C. Enzymatic hydrolysis, particularly with the 'Miura' enzymatic cocktail (cellulase, xylanase, glycoside hydrolase, and β-glucanase), showed superior results in extracting phycoerythrin (PE), phycocyanin (PC), soluble proteins, and carbohydrates, with increases of approximately 195%, 510%, 890%, and 65%, respectively, compared to the best alkaline hydrolysis extraction (2.5% SC and 80 °C). Phenolic content analysis showed no significant difference between the 'Miura' cocktail and 2.5% SC treatments. Antioxidant activity was higher in samples from alkaline hydrolysis, while extraction of MAAs showed no significant difference between water-only and 'Miura' treatments. The study concludes that enzymatic hydrolysis improves the efficiency of BACs extraction in , highlighting its potential for the nutraceutical industry, and especially with respect to MAAs for topical and oral UV-photoprotectors.
Topics: Porphyra; Hydrolysis; Dietary Supplements; Antioxidants; Carbonates; Phenols; Carbohydrates
PubMed: 38921595
DOI: 10.3390/md22060284 -
Marine Drugs Jun 2024The main goal of this study was to assess the bioactive and polysaccharide compositions, along with the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials, of five seaweeds...
The main goal of this study was to assess the bioactive and polysaccharide compositions, along with the antioxidant and antibacterial potentials, of five seaweeds collected from the northeastern coast of Algeria. Through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the study investigated the elemental composition of these seaweeds and their chemical structure. In addition, this study compared and identified the biochemical makeup of the collected seaweed by using cutting-edge methods like tandem mass spectrometry and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography, and it searched for new sources of nutritionally valuable compounds. According to the study's findings, contains the highest levels of extractable bioactive compounds, showing a phenolic compound content of 235.67 ± 1.13 µg GAE·mg and a total sugar content of 46.43 ± 0.12% DW. Both and have high concentrations of good polyphenols, such as vanillin and chrysin. Another characteristic that sets brown algae apart is their composition. It showed that has an extracted bioactive compound content of 12.07% and a high capacity to scavenge ABTS radicals with a value of 78.65 ± 0.96 µg·mL, indicating high antioxidant activity. In terms of antibacterial activity, seaweed showed excellent growth inhibition. In conclusion, all five species of seaweed under investigation exhibited unique strengths, highlighting the variety of advantageous characteristics of these seaweeds, especially .
Topics: Seaweed; Algeria; Antioxidants; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Plant Extracts; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Sargassum; Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared; Phaeophyceae; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Tandem Mass Spectrometry
PubMed: 38921584
DOI: 10.3390/md22060273 -
Marine Drugs Jun 2024The marine environment provides a rich source of distinct creatures containing potentially revolutionary bioactive chemicals. One of these organisms is , a type of green...
Green Seaweed as a Novel Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Inhibitor in Overcoming Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance: An Analysis Employing Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and In Vitro Research.
The marine environment provides a rich source of distinct creatures containing potentially revolutionary bioactive chemicals. One of these organisms is , a type of green algae known as green seaweed, seagrapes, or green caviar. This organism stands out because it has great promise for use in medicine, especially in the study of cancer. Through the utilization of computational modeling (in silico) and cellular laboratory experiments (in vitro), the chemical components included in the green seaweed were effectively analyzed, uncovering its capability to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The study specifically emphasized blocking SRC, STAT3, PIK3CA, MAPK1, EGFR, and JAK1 using molecular docking and in vitro. These proteins play a crucial role in the EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance pathway in NSCLC. The chemical Caulersin (C2) included in extract (CRE) has been identified as a potent and effective agent in fighting against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), both in silico and in vitro. CRE and C2 showed a level of inhibition similar to that of osimertinib (positive control/NSCLC drug).
Topics: Humans; Molecular Docking Simulation; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Protein Kinase Inhibitors; Caulerpa; Drug Resistance, Neoplasm; Network Pharmacology; Cell Line, Tumor; Seaweed; Antineoplastic Agents; Plant Extracts; ErbB Receptors; Acrylamides; Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors
PubMed: 38921583
DOI: 10.3390/md22060272 -
Marine Drugs May 2024The formation of phytoene by condensing two geranylgeranyl diphosphate molecules catalyzed by phytoene synthase (PSY) is the first committed and rate-limiting step in...
The formation of phytoene by condensing two geranylgeranyl diphosphate molecules catalyzed by phytoene synthase (PSY) is the first committed and rate-limiting step in carotenoid biosynthesis, which has been extensively investigated in bacteria, land plants and microalgae. However, this step in macroalgae remains unknown. In the present study, a gene encoding putative phytoene synthase was cloned from the economic red alga -a species that has long been used in food and pharmaceuticals. The conservative motifs/domains and the tertiary structure predicted using bioinformatic tools suggested that the cloned should encode a phytoene synthase; this was empirically confirmed by pigment complementation in . This phytoene synthase was encoded by a single copy gene, whose expression was presumably regulated by many factors. The phylogenetic relationship of PSYs from different organisms suggested that red algae are probably the progeny of primary endosymbiosis and plastid donors of secondary endosymbiosis.
Topics: Rhodophyta; Phylogeny; Geranylgeranyl-Diphosphate Geranylgeranyltransferase; Carotenoids; Escherichia coli; Cloning, Molecular; Edible Seaweeds; Porphyra
PubMed: 38921568
DOI: 10.3390/md22060257