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Polymers Apr 2024The aim of this work was to develop active packaging based on polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) matrices using a high value by-product extracted from orange...
The aim of this work was to develop active packaging based on polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) matrices using a high value by-product extracted from orange peel as an active compound for food packaging applications. Different films with and without orange peel extract (OPE) based on PP and PLA were obtained via cast extrusion and characterized in terms of their mechanical, thermal, optical, and sealing properties. The films obtained were transparent, but when OPE was incorporated, the transmittance spectrum decreased, causing slight coloration. Mechanical properties were affected by the incorporation of OPE, as elongation at break and tensile strength increased in the cross-direction of the PP film, although the main differences found were related to the polymer itself. In addition, sealing strength also increased via the incorporation of OPE in the PP matrix. However, thermal properties were not affected by OPE in the PP matrix but slightly decreased stability in PLA. Regarding antimicrobial activity in in vitro studies, no inhibition of the growth of , , , or was observed. Finally, antioxidant activity was observed in in vitro studies with 2,2-Diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. The results of this study showed that the obtention of materials with OPE incorporated into the PLA and PP matrix is feasible. The new materials obtained can be used for applications of oxidation-sensitive fresh products.
PubMed: 38732714
DOI: 10.3390/polym16091245 -
Polymers Apr 2024The degradation of the complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass is important for its further biorefinery to value-added bioproducts. The use of effective fungal...
The degradation of the complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass is important for its further biorefinery to value-added bioproducts. The use of effective fungal species for the optimised degradation of biomass can promote the effectiveness of the biorefinery of such raw material. In this study, the optimisation of processing parameters (temperature, time, and ratio) for cellulase activity and reducing sugar (RS) production through the hydrolysis of sugar beet pulp (SBP) by edible filamentous fungi of , , , , , and spp. was performed. The production of RS was analysed at various solid/water () ratios (1:10-1:20), different incubation temperatures (20-35 °C), and processing times (60-168 h). The CCF 3264 and CCF 3438 strains showed the most effective carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) degrading activity and also sugar recovery (15.9-44.8%) from SBP biomass in the one-factor experiments. Mathematical data evaluation indicated that the highest RS concentration (39.15 g/100 g d.w.) and cellulolytic activity (6.67 U/g d.w.) could be achieved using CCF 3264 for the degradation of SBP at 26 °C temperature with 136 h of processing time and a 1:15 solid/water ratio. This study demonstrates the potential of fungal degradation to be used for SBP biorefining.
PubMed: 38732647
DOI: 10.3390/polym16091178 -
Materials (Basel, Switzerland) Apr 2024Biological wastewater treatment using trickle bed reactors is a commonly known and used solution. One of the key elements of the proper operation of the trickle bed...
Biological wastewater treatment using trickle bed reactors is a commonly known and used solution. One of the key elements of the proper operation of the trickle bed bioreactor is the appropriate selection of biofilm support elements. The respective properties of the bioreactor packing media used can influence, among other things, the efficiency of the treatment process. In this study, the possibility of polyester waste material usage for the preparation of the biofilm support elements was tested. The following properties were checked: adsorption capacity, swelling, surface morphology, microbicidal properties, as well as the possibility of their use in biological wastewater treatment. The tested elements did not adsorb copper nor showed microbicidal properties for bacterial strains and as well as fungal strains and . The hydrophilic and rough nature of the element surface was found to provide a friendly support for biofilm formation. The durability of the elements before and after their application in the biological treatment process was confirmed by performing tests such as compressive strength, FTIR analysis, hardness analysis and specific surface area measurement. The research confirmed the applicability of the packing elements based on polyester textile waste to the treatment of textile wastewater. The treatment efficiency of the model wastewater stream was above 90%, while in the case of a stream containing 60% actual industrial wastewater it was above 80%. The proposed solution enables the simultaneous management of textile waste and wastewater treatment, which is consistent with the principles of a circular economy. The selected waste raw material is a cheap and easily available material, and the use of the developed packing elements will reduce the amount of polyester materials ending up in landfills.
PubMed: 38730835
DOI: 10.3390/ma17092028 -
PloS One 2024Candida represents a prevalent fungal infection, notable for its substantial implications on morbidity and mortality rates. In the landscape of prospective treatments,...
BACKGROUND
Candida represents a prevalent fungal infection, notable for its substantial implications on morbidity and mortality rates. In the landscape of prospective treatments, quinoxaline derivatives emerge as a category of compact compounds exhibiting notable potential in addressing infections. These derivatives showcase promising antimicrobial efficacy coupled with favorable pharmacokinetic and safety characteristics.
AIMS
The central aim of this investigation was to examine the antifungal characteristics of 2-Chloro-3-hydrazinylquinoxaline against diverse strains of Candida and Aspergillus in vitro. Additionally, we endeavored to assess the in vivo efficacy of 2-Chloro-3-hydrazinylquinoxaline using a murine model for oral candidiasis induced by C. albicans cells ATCC 10231.
RESULTS
2-Chloro-3-hydrazinylquinoxaline demonstrated noteworthy effectiveness when tested against various reference strains of Candida species. It exhibited heightened efficacy, particularly against Candida krusei isolates. However, its performance against Candida albicans, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and Candida auris isolates exhibited variability. Notably, 2-Chloro-3-hydrazinylquinoxaline manifests variable efficacy against Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus and Aspergillus flavus and no effect against Aspergillus brasiliensis. In a murine model, 2-Chloro-3-hydrazinylquinoxaline exhibited significant efficacy in combating the C. albicans cells ATCC 10231 strain, underscoring its potential as a viable treatment option.
CONCLUSION
2-Chloro-3-hydrazinylquinoxaline has demonstrated substantial potential in effectively addressing various Candida and Aspergillus species, showcasing dual attributes of antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties. However, to attain a more comprehensive understanding of its therapeutic capabilities, further investigations, incorporating additional tests and experiments, are imperative.
Topics: Antifungal Agents; Quinoxalines; Animals; Candida; Mice; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Disease Models, Animal; Candidiasis; Female
PubMed: 38728271
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303373 -
Cureus Apr 2024is a ubiquitous saprophyte found in air, soil, and organic matter. Humans inhale the spore form of the fungus, but manifestations of the disease are typically...
is a ubiquitous saprophyte found in air, soil, and organic matter. Humans inhale the spore form of the fungus, but manifestations of the disease are typically predominantly seen in immunocompromised patients. Invasive central nervous system (CNS) aspergillosis is even more uncommon, and epidemiological data is sparse, particularly in immunocompetent patients. We report the case of a 67-year-old previously immunocompetent female with no known comorbidities who was treated with corticosteroids for COVID-19 one month prior to admission for altered mental status (AMS). Subsequent imaging and biopsy demonstrated invasive CNS . Though a rare cause of AMS in immunocompetent patients, this report draws attention to the detrimental immunosuppressive effects of corticosteroid therapy in COVID-19.
PubMed: 38725734
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.57923 -
BMC Genomic Data May 2024Bulb rot, a highly damaging disease of tulip plants, has hindered their profitable cultivation worldwide. This rot occurs in both field and storage conditions posing...
Bulb rot, a highly damaging disease of tulip plants, has hindered their profitable cultivation worldwide. This rot occurs in both field and storage conditions posing significant challenges. While this disease has been attributed to a range of pathogens, previous investigations have solely examined it within the framework of a single-pathogen disease model. Our study took a different approach and identified four pathogens associated with the disease: Fusarium solani, Penicillium chrysogenum, Botrytis tulipae, and Aspergillus niger. The primary objective of our research was to examine the impact of co-infections on the overall virulence dynamics of these pathogens. Through co-inoculation experiments on potato dextrose agar, we delineated three primary interaction patterns: antibiosis, deadlock, and merging. In vitro trials involving individual pathogen inoculations on tulip bulbs revealed that B. tulipae,was the most virulent and induced complete bulb decay. Nonetheless, when these pathogens were simultaneously introduced in various combinations, outcomes ranged from partial bulb decay to elongated rotting periods. This indicated a notable degree of antagonistic behaviour among the pathogens. While synergistic interactions were evident in a few combinations, antagonism overwhelmingly prevailed. The complex interplay of these pathogens during co-infection led to a noticeable change in the overall severity of the disease. This underscores the significance of pathogen-pathogen interactions in the realm of plant pathology, opening new insights for understanding and managing tulip bulb rot.
Topics: Plant Diseases; Fusarium; Tulipa; Botrytis; Penicillium chrysogenum; Aspergillus niger; Virulence; Plant Roots
PubMed: 38724915
DOI: 10.1186/s12863-024-01218-w -
Environmental Health Insights 2024Contamination of maize adversely affects maize quality, yield, and export creating a gap in the attainment of food security, which is a millenium development goal in...
Contamination of maize adversely affects maize quality, yield, and export creating a gap in the attainment of food security, which is a millenium development goal in Nigeria. The study determined fungal abundance, genetic variability, and prevalence of toxigenic fungi in maize grains consumed in North Central, Nigeria. Sixty composite stored maize samples were collected and fungi were isolated and identified after which a multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used to confirm the presence of mycotoxin regulatory genes in suspected toxigenic fungi. The genetic relationship among the toxigenic fungi was determined and the genetic correlation between isolates was established through Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis. About 389 (64.83%) of the total maize samples collected had fungal species belonging to the genera , and associated with them. Among the regions surveyed, Kogi State exhibited the highest maize contamination rate at 89 samples, accounting for 22.9% of the total samples collected. In Benue and Kogi, the genus exhibited the highest relative abundance, with percentages of 76.6% and 76.3%, respectively. Among its species, and were the most predominant. Kwara State had the highest fungal diversity with a value of 1.711 ( < .05). Benue State had 11 isolates (4.6%) with genes encoding for mycotoxin production, the highest recorded. Conversely, Nasarawa and Niger States each had the lowest count, with 4 isolates possessing such genes. Out of the 238 fungi suspected to be mycotoxigenic that were isolated, 39 have genes that encode for mycotoxin synthesis. Low divergence existed between toxigenic fungal species using the alpha diversity index. This study confirmed that the grains were contaminated with closely related fungal strains, and concluded that maize grains consumed in North Central Nigeria showed high association with fungal microbiota, including species capable of contaminating the grains with mycotoxins.
PubMed: 38721401
DOI: 10.1177/11786302241249858 -
EFSA Journal. European Food Safety... May 2024The food enzyme with phospholipase A (phosphatidycholine 1-acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.32) and lysophospholipase (2-lysophosphatidylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.5)...
The food enzyme with phospholipase A (phosphatidycholine 1-acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.32) and lysophospholipase (2-lysophosphatidylcholine acylhydrolase, EC 3.1.1.5) activities is produced with the genetically modified strain PLN by DSM. The genetic modifications do not give rise to safety concerns. The food enzyme is free from viable cells of the production organism and its DNA. It is intended to be used for the production of refined edible fats and oils by degumming. Since residual amounts of total organic solids are removed during this process, dietary exposure was not calculated and toxicological studies were considered unnecessary for the assessment of this food enzyme. A search for the similarity of the amino acid sequence of the food enzyme to known allergens was made and no matches were found. The Panel considered that the risk of allergic reactions upon dietary exposure cannot be excluded, but the likelihood is low. Based on the data provided, the Panel concluded that this food enzyme does not give rise to safety concerns, under the intended conditions of use.
PubMed: 38711806
DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2024.8781 -
Plant Methods May 2024Artemisia campestris L. (AC) leaves are widely recognized for their importance in traditional medicine. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on this...
BACKGROUND
Artemisia campestris L. (AC) leaves are widely recognized for their importance in traditional medicine. Despite the considerable amount of research conducted on this plant overworld, the chemical composition and the biological activity of the leaves grown in Tunisia remains poorly investigated. In this study of AC, a successive extraction method was employed (hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol) to investigate its bioactive constituents by LC-MS analysis, and their antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer activities.
RESULTS
Data analysis revealed diverse compound profiles in AC extracts. Methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited higher polyphenolic content and antioxidant activities, while Hexane showed superior phytosterol extraction. Ethyl acetate extract displayed potent antibacterial activity against multi-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, all extracts demonstrated, for the first time, robust antifungal efficacy against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Cytotoxicity assays revealed the significant impact of methanolic and ethyl acetate extracts on metastatic breast cancer and multiple myeloma, examined for the first time in our study. Moreover, further analysis on multiple myeloma cells highlighted that the ethyl acetate extract induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death and resulted in an S phase cell cycle blockage, underscoring its therapeutic potential.
CONCLUSIONS
This investigation uncovers novel findings in Tunisian AC, notably the identification of lupeol, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, stigmasterol and β-sitosterol. The study sheds light on the promising role of AC extracts in therapeutic interventions and underscores the need for continued research to harness its full potential in medicine and pharmaceutical development.
PubMed: 38698384
DOI: 10.1186/s13007-024-01185-4 -
New Biotechnology Sep 2024Aspergillus vadensis CBS 113365, a close relative of A. niger, has been suggested as a more favourable alternative for recombinant protein production as it does not...
Aspergillus vadensis CBS 113365, a close relative of A. niger, has been suggested as a more favourable alternative for recombinant protein production as it does not acidify the culture medium and produces very low levels of extracellular proteases. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying cause of the non-amylolytic and non-proteolytic phenotype of A. vadensis CBS 113365. Our results demonstrate that the non-functionality of the amylolytic transcription factor AmyR in A. vadensis CBS 113365 is primarily attributed to the lack of functionality of its gene's promoter sequence. In contrast, a different mechanism is likely causing the lack of PrtT activity, which is the main transcriptional regulator of protease production. The findings presented here not only expand our understanding of the genetic basis behind the distinct characteristics of A. vadensis CBS 113365, but also underscore its potential as a favourable alternative for recombinant protein production.
Topics: Aspergillus; Fungal Proteins; Promoter Regions, Genetic; Recombinant Proteins; Proteolysis; Peptide Hydrolases; Transcription Factors; Trans-Activators
PubMed: 38697469
DOI: 10.1016/j.nbt.2024.04.003