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BMC Plant Biology Jun 2024This study examines the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiONPs) on gene expression associated with menthol biosynthesis and selected biochemical parameters in...
Studying the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the expression of pivotal genes related to menthol biosynthesis and certain biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha Piperita L.).
BACKGROUND
This study examines the impact of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiONPs) on gene expression associated with menthol biosynthesis and selected biochemical parameters in peppermint plants (Mentha piperita L.). Menthol, the active ingredient in peppermint, is synthesized through various pathways involving key genes like geranyl diphosphate synthase, menthone reductase, and menthofuran synthase. Seedlings were treated with different concentrations of TiONPs (50, 100, 200, and 300 ppm) via foliar spray. After three weeks of treatment, leaf samples were gathered and kept at -70 °C for analysis.
RESULTS
According to our findings, there was a significant elevation (P ≤ 0.05) in proline content at concentrations of 200 and 300 ppm in comparison with the control. Specifically, the highest proline level was registered at 200 ppm, reaching 259.64 ± 33.33 µg/g FW. Additionally, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde content exhibited a decreasing trend following nanoparticle treatments. Catalase activity was notably affected by varying TiONP concentrations, with a significant decrease observed at 200 and 300 ppm compared to the control (P ≤ 0.05). Conversely, at 100 ppm, catalase activity significantly increased (11.035 ± 1.12 units/mg of protein/min). Guaiacol peroxidase activity decreased across all nanoparticle concentrations. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis indicated increased expression of the studied genes at 300 ppm concentration.
CONCLUSIONS
Hence, it can be inferred that at the transcript level, this nanoparticle exhibited efficacy in influencing the biosynthetic pathway of menthol.
Topics: Titanium; Mentha piperita; Menthol; Nanoparticles; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant; Plant Proteins; Plant Leaves; Metal Nanoparticles; Genes, Plant; Hydrogen Peroxide
PubMed: 38862885
DOI: 10.1186/s12870-024-05228-9 -
ChemSusChem Jun 2024The biosynthesis of valuable plant-derived monoterpene (-)-menthol from readily available feedstocks (e.g., (-)-limonene) is of great significance because of the high...
The biosynthesis of valuable plant-derived monoterpene (-)-menthol from readily available feedstocks (e.g., (-)-limonene) is of great significance because of the high market demand for this product. However, biotransforming (+)-pulegone into (-)-menthone, the (-)-menthol precursor, through (+)-pulegone reductase (PGR) catalysis is inefficient because of the poor protein expression or catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) of plant origin PGRs. In this study, a novel bacterial PGR from Pseudomonas resinovorans (PrPGR) was identified, and the most successful variant, PrPGRM2-1 (A50V/G53W), was obtained, showing respective 20-fold and 204-fold improvements in specific activity and catalytic efficiency. PrPGRM2-1 was employed to bioreduce (+)-pulegone, resulting in 4.4-fold and 35-fold enhancements in (-)-menthone titers compared with the bioreductions catalyzed by wild-type (WT) PrPGR and MpPGR, respectively. Furthermore, a whole-cell biocatalyst containing PrPGRM2-1, MpMMR, and BstFDH was constructed and achieved the highest (-)-menthol titer reported to date without externally supplemented NADPH/NADP+. Overall, this study details an efficient PGR with high catalytic efficiency that possesses great potential for (-)-menthol biosynthesis.
PubMed: 38860330
DOI: 10.1002/cssc.202400704 -
Proceedings of the National Academy of... Jun 2024Low temperatures and cooling agents like menthol induce cold sensation by activating the peripheral cold receptors TRPM8 and TRPA1, cation channels belonging to the TRP...
Low temperatures and cooling agents like menthol induce cold sensation by activating the peripheral cold receptors TRPM8 and TRPA1, cation channels belonging to the TRP channel family, while the reduction of potassium currents provides an additional and/or synergistic mechanism of cold sensation. Despite extensive studies over the past decades to identify the molecular receptors that mediate thermosensation, cold sensation is still not fully understood and many cold-sensitive peripheral neurons do not express the well-established cold sensor TRPM8. We found that the voltage-gated potassium channel KCNQ1 (Kv7.1), which is defective in cardiac LQT1 syndrome, is, in addition to its known function in the heart, a highly relevant and sex-specific sensor of moderately cold temperatures. We found that KCNQ1 is expressed in skin and dorsal root ganglion neurons, is sensitive to menthol and cooling agents, and is highly sensitive to moderately cold temperatures, in a temperature range at which TRPM8 is not thermosensitive. C-fiber recordings from mice displayed altered action potential firing properties. Strikingly, only male mice showed substantial deficits in cold avoidance at moderately cold temperatures, with a strength of the phenotype similar to that observed in animals. While sex-dependent differences in thermal sensitivity have been well documented in humans and mice, is the first gene reported to play a role in sex-specific temperature sensation. Moreover, we propose that KCNQ1, together with TRPM8, is a key instrumentalist that orchestrates the range and intensity of cold sensation.
Topics: Animals; Male; Cold Temperature; Female; Mice; KCNQ1 Potassium Channel; Mice, Knockout; Ganglia, Spinal; Thermosensing; TRPM Cation Channels; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Action Potentials; Sex Characteristics; Menthol
PubMed: 38857404
DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322475121 -
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics :... Jun 2024Intramolecular excimer formation by a dipyrenyl probe, 6-(1-pyrenyl)hexyl-11(1-pyrenyl)-undecanoate [1-Py(CH)COO(CH)1-Py], is used to assess hydrophobic deep eutectic...
Intramolecular excimer formation by a dipyrenyl probe, 6-(1-pyrenyl)hexyl-11(1-pyrenyl)-undecanoate [1-Py(CH)COO(CH)1-Py], is used to assess hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) for the purpose. -Decanoic acid (DA), L(-)-menthol (Men) and thymol (Thy) have been utilized to form HDESs with different pairs of constituents in different molar ratios, namely Men : DA (2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2), Thy : DA (2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2), and Thy : Men (5 : 1, 2 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 2, and 1 : 5). The maximum of the excimer-to-monomer emission intensity ratio, (/), is observed at 343.15-353.15 K for all DESs irrespective of the constitution, and it varies in a narrow range exhibiting no correlation with the dynamic viscosity () of the DES which varies between 2.05 and 3.56 mPa s. Excited-state intensity decay data reveal excimer dissociation back to the excited monomer to be negligible in all DESs at lower temperatures ( ≤ 323.15 K); the simplistic Birks scheme is followed at higher temperatures ( > 323.15 K). The rate constant for excimer formation/association, , ranges from (3.00 ± 0.50) × 10 s to (103 ± 10) × 10 s, which is similar to that reported in other media. The temperature-dependence of the equilibrium constant for excimer formation follows the van't Hoff equation with recovered standard enthalpy (Δ) and standard entropy (Δ) changes, indicating the reversible intramolecular excimer formation to be exothermic and energetically-favorable but entropically unfavorable. A plot of / for all the DES systems investigated exhibits a fairly good linear correlation, indicating the adherence to the Stokes-Einstein formulation within the HDESs further emphasizing the homogeneous nature of the solubilizing media. The work helps to highlight the potential of HDESs for intramolecular excimer formation involving non-polar reactants.
PubMed: 38855956
DOI: 10.1039/d4cp01698j -
PloS One 2024The recommendation for Chlorhexidine (CHX) as a traditional oral care solution is decreasing, and herbal oral care products are being considered as a potential... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The recommendation for Chlorhexidine (CHX) as a traditional oral care solution is decreasing, and herbal oral care products are being considered as a potential alternative. This network meta-analysis aims to determine if herbal oral care products for oral care in mechanically ventilated patients are superior to CHX and provide direction for future research by comparing the effectiveness of herbal oral care products currently available.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We searched for English-language published and grey literature sources of randomized clinical trials involving herbal oral care solutions in intensive care unit (ICU) oral care (until September 2023). The primary outcome was the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP); the secondary outcome was the oral microbiota quantity. Data were pooled by pairwise meta-analysis and Bayesian network meta-analysis. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE framework.
RESULTS
Our network meta-analysis included 29 studies, and the results showed that Chinese herb (OR: 0.39, 95% CI: 0.2-0.75) and Miswak (OR: 0.27, 95% CI: 0.07-0.91) were more effective in reducing VAP incidence than CHX. In terms of reducing bacterial counts, Chinese herb (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.19-0.48) was superior to CHX, and all herbal oral care products, including Persica® (alcoholic extract of S. persica, Achillea millefolium, and Mentha spicata), Matrica® (Chamomile extract), and Listerine® (main components include Menthol, Thymol, and Eucalyptol), were better than saline in all aspects but without significant differences.
CONCLUSION
Based on our network meta-analysis, we have observed that Chinese herbal medicine and Miswak are superior to CHX in reducing the incidence of VAP. However, the safety and feasibility of traditional Chinese herbal medicine require further high-quality research for validation. Simultaneously, Matrica® demonstrates a significant reduction in microbial counts but does not exhibit a significant advantage in lowering the incidence of VAP. This observation aligns with the results of clinical double-blind trials. Therefore, we identify Miswak and Matrica® as promising herbal oral care products with the potential to replace CHX. It is essential to emphasize that our study provides guidance for future research rather than conclusive determinations.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO no. CRD42023398022.
Topics: Pneumonia, Ventilator-Associated; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Network Meta-Analysis; Chlorhexidine; Mouthwashes; Bayes Theorem; Intensive Care Units
PubMed: 38848351
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304583 -
Heliyon Jun 2024To extend the vase life of cut flowers, there is now a trend of using plant essential oils in place of synthetic chemicals, as they are fully biodegradable, more...
To extend the vase life of cut flowers, there is now a trend of using plant essential oils in place of synthetic chemicals, as they are fully biodegradable, more eco-friendly, and safer. The objective of this study was to examine the possible application and postharvest quality effects of three plant essential oils namely, ginger ( Roscoe), peppermint ( L.), and citronella ( Rendle), as natural vase solution for cut flowers. Peppermint essential oil showed promise as a holding solution for extending the vase life of orchids. To confirm vase life extension, emulsions containing peppermint essential oil at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg mL combined with 4 % glucose to formulate holding solutions applied to orchids. Vase life, some biochemical changes, electrolyte leakage, total microbial count in the holding solution, and physical condition via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were evaluated over a period of 25 days. The three major compounds in peppermint essential oil were identified as menthol (33.24 %), 1-menthone (18.91 %) and menthofuran (14.85 %). The essential oil was applied in emulsion form as a holding solution. Treatment with 4 % glucose and either 50 or 100 μg mL peppermint essential oil prolonged the vase life of orchids to up to 28 days. Scanning electron microscopy on Day 7 showed that the xylem vessels of treated orchids remained clear, suggesting reduced microbial plugging at the stalk end. Similarly, on Day 20, a reduced microbial cell count was observed for treated orchids (<1 log CFU mL) in comparison with controls (7.20 ± 0.04 log CFU mL). Finally, the essential oil improved flower quality by helping preserve petal membrane stability and petal anthocyanin content. Our results suggest the application of peppermint essential oil as a novel alternative to chemicals used in holding solutions for extending the vase life of orchids.
PubMed: 38845939
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31636 -
PloS One 2024A Pickering emulsion was synergistically stabilised with zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to prepare it for menthol loading. After response...
Synergistic stabilization of a menthol Pickering emulsion by zein nanoparticles and starch nanocrystals: Preparation, structural characterization, and functional properties.
A Pickering emulsion was synergistically stabilised with zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) and starch nanocrystals (SNCs) to prepare it for menthol loading. After response surface optimisation of the emulsion preparation conditions, a Pickering emulsion prepared with a ZNPs:SNCs ratio of 1:1, a particle concentration of 2 wt% and a water:oil ratio of 1:1 provided the highest menthol encapsulation rate of the emulsions tested (83%) with good storage stability within 30 days. We examined the bilayer interface structure of the emulsion by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results of simulated digestion experiments showed that the release rate of free fatty acid was 75.06 ± 1.23%, which ensured bioavailability. At the same time, the emulsions facilitated the slow release of menthol. Bacteriostatic studies revealed that the Pickering emulsion had a protective effect on menthol, with the most significant inhibitory effects on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under the same conditions. Overall, this study proposes a novel approach for the application and development of l-menthol by combining it with Pickering emulsion.
Topics: Menthol; Emulsions; Nanoparticles; Zein; Starch; Staphylococcus aureus; Escherichia coli; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Particle Size
PubMed: 38843222
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303964 -
International Journal of Biological... Jun 2024Ecofriendly fabrics with antibacterial and anti-adhesion properties have been attracted an increasing attention in recent years. Herein, natural menthol modified...
Ecofriendly fabrics with antibacterial and anti-adhesion properties have been attracted an increasing attention in recent years. Herein, natural menthol modified polyacrylate (PMCA) antibacterial adhesion agent was synthesized by esterification and polymerisation while natural pterostilbene-grafted-chitosan (PGC) antibacterial agent was prepared through Mannich reaction. The antibacterial and anti-adhesion cotton fabric was fabricated through durable PMCA dip finishing and then layer-by-layer self-assembly of PGC. The results showed that the antibacterial adhesion rates and antibacterial rates of the dual-function cotton fabric against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached up to 99.9 %. Its antibacterial adhesion rates improved by 36.1 % and 40.1 % in comparison with those of cotton fabric treated by menthol alone. Meanwhile against S. aureus, the dual-function cotton fabrics improved the antibacterial rates by 56.7 % and 36.4 %, respectively, from those of chitosan- and pterostilbene-treated fabrics. Against E. coli, the improvements were 89.4 % and 24.8 %, respectively. After 20 household washings, the dual-function cotton fabric maintained >80 % of its original anti-adhesion and antibacterial rates against both species. The dual-function cotton fabric also possessed safe and excellent wearability.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Cotton Fiber; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus; Chitosan; Bacterial Adhesion; Stilbenes; Textiles; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Acrylic Resins
PubMed: 38824104
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132698 -
Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety Jul 2024Effective removal of organic UV filters from aquatic environmental compartments and swimming waters is very important because these substances are hazardous to humans...
Effective removal of organic UV filters from aquatic environmental compartments and swimming waters is very important because these substances are hazardous to humans and wildlife at low concentrations and act as endocrine disruptors. Therefore, the aim of the present article is to determine the extraction efficiencies of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDES) for the selected UV filters based on benzophenone structure (benzophenone, 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone, 2,2´,4,4´-tetrahydroxybenzophenone, 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 2,2´-dihydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone, 4-methacryloxy-2-hydroxybenzophenone) from aqueous matrices. For this purpose, six HDESs based on dl-menthol in combination with caprylic, decanoic and lauric acid are prepared and compared with referent terpene solvents such as terpineol and linalool. The effect of various parameters such as HDES composition, volume ratio, frequency and shaking time are studied. The highest extraction efficiency is shown by HDES of menthol:caprylic acid (1:1) composition at the aqueous:organic phase volume ratio of 1:1, shaking frequency of 1500 rpm and shaking time of 15 min. The achieved extraction efficiencies are higher than 99.6 % for all benzophenones studied in the purification of stagnant pond water, swimming pool water and river water samples. After a simple and fast sample treatment, the residual levels of benzophenones in the waters are controlled by a newly developed sensitive HPLC-MS/MS method with LOQs in the range of 0.7 - 5.0 ng/mL.
Topics: Benzophenones; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Sunscreening Agents; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Water Purification; Deep Eutectic Solvents; Menthol; Caprylates
PubMed: 38820821
DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116528 -
Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular... Oct 2024In the current study, a wide range of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with different properties (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, ionic, and nonionic) were prepared in the...
The usability of green deep eutectic solvents in hollow fiber Liquid-Phase microextraction for the simultaneous extraction of analytes of different Natures: A comprehensive study.
In the current study, a wide range of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) with different properties (hydrophilic, hydrophobic, ionic, and nonionic) were prepared in the initial phase. Subsequently, an assessment was conducted to evaluate some characteristics of the produced DESs, including their stability at room temperature and their capacity to extract three distinct types of analytes (anionic, cationic, and non-ionic) simultaneously through hollow fiber-liquid phase microextraction (HF-LPME) technique. To carry out the extraction procedure, the prepared DESs were inserted into the pores (as supported liquid membrane (SLM)) and lumen of hollow fiber membrane (HF) to apply two-phase and three-phase HF-LPME techniques. After a thorough evaluation, the three-phase HF-LPME technique (HF(3)-LPME) was chosen by using a mixture of menthol/TBAB-based hydrophobic DES (DES-35) as SLM and the mixture of malic acid/citric acid/water-based hydrophilic DES (DES-2) as an extraction solvent in the lumen of HF. All factors affecting the extraction recovery (including pH, extraction time, extraction temperature, stirring speed, and salt effect) were optimized utilizing the one-variable-at-a-time (OVAT) methodology. After applying the extraction procedure, all extracted samples were analyzed using the UV-Vis spectrometer and results were recorded at different wavelengths including 655 nm for Methylene blue, 550 nm for Amaranth, and 375 nm for Quercetin. The calibration graphs showed linearity in the range of 20.0-1500 µg/L, with a limit of detection of 6.2-15.1 µg/L and correlation coefficients higher than 0.9913 for the studied analytes. Moreover, the intra-day RSD, inter-day RSD, preconcentration factor (PF), enrichment factors (EF), and extraction recoveries (ER%) were obtained in the range of 3.1-4.8, 3.8-6.7, 125, 102.9-111.4, and 82.3-89.1 %, respectively. The use of the selected DES in the HF-LPME methodology resulted in an ecologically friendly strategy, as evidenced by the use of green metrics from the SPMS tool. The proposed strategy is also considered environmentally friendly due to its use of minimal solvents, waste reduction, and low energy consumption. The proposed technique effectively and simultaneously extractedmethylene blue, amaranth, and quercetin analytes in different real samples.
PubMed: 38820813
DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2024.124552