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Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024The strain LMG 1385 was used for the bioconversion of crude glycerol to dihydroxyacetone. The suitability of fed-batch cultures for the production of dihydroxyacetone...
The strain LMG 1385 was used for the bioconversion of crude glycerol to dihydroxyacetone. The suitability of fed-batch cultures for the production of dihydroxyacetone was determined, and the influence of the pH of the culture medium and the initial concentration of glycerol on maximizing the concentration of dihydroxyacetone and on the yield and speed of obtaining dihydroxyacetone by bioconversion was examined. The feeding strategy of the substrate (crude glycerol) during the process was based on measuring the dissolved oxygen tension of the culture medium. The highest concentration of dihydroxyacetone P = 175.8 g·L and the highest yield Y = 94.3% were obtained when the initial concentration of crude glycerol was S = 70.0 g·L and the pH of the substrate was maintained during the process at level 5.0.
Topics: Gluconobacter oxydans; Dihydroxyacetone; Glycerol; Batch Cell Culture Techniques; Culture Media; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Fermentation
PubMed: 38930996
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122932 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024This article reports a simple hydrothermal method for synthesizing nickel disulfide (NiS) on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, followed by the...
This article reports a simple hydrothermal method for synthesizing nickel disulfide (NiS) on the surface of fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, followed by the deposition of 5 nm Au nanoparticles on the electrode surface by physical vapor deposition. This process ensures the uniform distribution of Au nanoparticles on the NiS surface to enhance its conductivity. Finally, an Au@NiS-FTO electrochemical biosensor is obtained for the detection of dopamine (DA). The composite material is characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the sensor are investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), and time current curves in a 0.1 M PBS solution (pH = 7.3). In the detection of DA, Au@NiS-FTO exhibits a wide linear detection range (0.1~1000 μM), low detection limit (1 nM), and fast response time (0.1 s). After the addition of interfering substances, such as glucose, L-ascorbic acid, uric acid, CaCl, NaCl, and KCl, the electrode potential remains relatively unchanged, demonstrating its strong anti-interference capability. It also demonstrates strong sensitivity and reproducibility. The obtained Au@NiS-FTO provides a simple and easy-to-operate example for constructing nanometer catalysts with enzyme-like properties. These results provide a promising method utilizing Au coating to enhance the conductivity of transition metal sulfides.
Topics: Dopamine; Gold; Nickel; Biosensing Techniques; Metal Nanoparticles; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Tin Compounds; Limit of Detection; Reproducibility of Results; Fluorine
PubMed: 38930990
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122925 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024ZnO nanorod nonwoven fabrics (ZNRN) were developed through hydrothermal synthesis to facilitate the prevention of the transmission of respiratory pathogens. The...
ZnO nanorod nonwoven fabrics (ZNRN) were developed through hydrothermal synthesis to facilitate the prevention of the transmission of respiratory pathogens. The superhydrophobicity and antibacterial properties of ZNRN were improved through the response surface methodology. The synthesized material exhibited significant water repellency, indicated by a water contact angle of 163.9°, and thus demonstrated antibacterial rates of 91.8% for Escherichia coli () and 79.75% for Staphylococcus aureus (). This indicated that with thinner peptidoglycan may be more easily killed than . This study identified significant effects of synthesis conditions on the antibacterial effectiveness, with comprehensive multivariate analyses elucidating the underlying correlations. In addition, the ZnO nanorod structure of ZNRN was characterized through SEM and XRD analyses. It endows the properties of superhydrophobicity (thus preventing bacteria from adhering to the ZNRN surface) and antibacterial capacity (thus damaging cells through the puncturing of these nanorods). Consequently, the alignment of two such features is desired to help support the development of personal protective equipment, which assists in avoiding the spread of respiratory infections.
Topics: Zinc Oxide; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Nanotubes; Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions; Escherichia coli; Staphylococcus aureus; Textiles; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Surface Properties
PubMed: 38930981
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122916 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Two-dimensional MXenes have become an important material for electrochemical sensing of biomolecules due to their excellent electric properties, large surface area and...
Two-dimensional MXenes have become an important material for electrochemical sensing of biomolecules due to their excellent electric properties, large surface area and hydrophilicity. However, the simultaneous detection of multiple biomolecules using MXene-based electrodes is still a challenge. Here, a simple solvothermal process was used to synthesis the TiCT coated with TiO nanosheets (TiCT@TiO NSs). The surface modification of TiO NSs on TiCT can effectively reduce the self-accumulation of TiCT and improve stability. Glassy carbon electrode was modified by TiCT@TiO NSs (TiCT@TiO NSs/GCE) and was able simultaneously to detect dopamine (DA), ascorbic acid (AA) and uric acid (UA). Under concentrations ranging from 200 to 1000 μM, 40 to 300 μM and 50 to 400 μM, the limit of detection (LOD) is 2.91 μM, 0.19 μM and 0.25 μM for AA, DA and UA, respectively. Furthermore, TiCT@TiO NSs/GCE demonstrated remarkable stability and reliable reproducibility for the detection of AA/DA/UA.
Topics: Titanium; Uric Acid; Dopamine; Ascorbic Acid; Nanostructures; Limit of Detection; Electrochemical Techniques; Electrodes; Reproducibility of Results; Biosensing Techniques
PubMed: 38930980
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122915 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024A highly sensitive, selective and recyclable histidine detection method based on magnetic FeO@mTiO (M-TiO) nanocomposites with SERRS was developed. Mesoporous M-TiO...
A highly sensitive, selective and recyclable histidine detection method based on magnetic FeO@mTiO (M-TiO) nanocomposites with SERRS was developed. Mesoporous M-TiO nanoparticles were functionalized with 4-aminothiophenol and then coupled with histidine through an azo coupling reaction in 5 min, producing the corresponding azo compound. The strong and specific SERRS response of the azo product allowed for ultrasensitive and selective detection for histidine with an M-TiO device loaded with Ag NPs due to the molecular resonance effect and plasmonic effect of Ag NPs under a 532 nm excitation laser. The sensitivity was further enhanced with the magnetic enrichment of M-TiO. The limit of detection (LOD) was as low as 8.00 × 10 mol/L. The M-TiO demonstrated applicability towards histidine determination in human urine without any sample pretreatment. Additionally, the M-TiO device can be recycled for 3 cycles with the photodegradation of the azo product under UV irradiation due to TiO-assisted and plasmon-enhanced photocatalysis. In summary, a multifunctional and recyclable M-TiO device was synthesized based on azo coupling and SERRS spectroscopy for ultra-sensitive and specific histidine sensing. In addition, the proposed system demonstrated the potential for the multiplex determination of toxic compounds in the fields of food safety, industrial production and environmental protection, which benefit from the fingerprint property and universality of SERRS.
Topics: Titanium; Histidine; Nanocomposites; Limit of Detection; Humans; Metal Nanoparticles; Silver; Azo Compounds
PubMed: 38930970
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122906 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Based on the fact that substances with a β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl (PUSC) motif confer strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity,...
Based on the fact that substances with a β-phenyl-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl (PUSC) motif confer strong tyrosinase inhibitory activity, benzylidene-3-methyl-2-thioxothiazolidin-4-one (BMTTZD) analogs - were prepared as potential tyrosinase inhibitors. Four analogs (- and ) inhibited mushroom tyrosinase strongly. Especially, analog showed an inhibitory effect that was 220 and 22 times more powerful than kojic acid in the presence of l-tyrosine and l-dopa, respectively. A kinetic study utilizing mushroom tyrosinase showed that analogs and competitively inhibited tyrosinase, whereas analogs and inhibited tyrosinase in a mixed manner. A docking simulation study indicated that analogs and could bind to both the tyrosinase active and allosteric sites with high binding affinities. In cell-based experiments using B16F10 cells, analogs , , and effectively inhibited melanin production; their anti-melanogenic effects were attributed to their ability to inhibit intracellular tyrosinase activity. Moreover, analogs , , and inhibited in situ B16F10 cellular tyrosinase activity. In three antioxidant experiments, analogs and exhibited strong antioxidant efficacy, similar to that of the positive controls. These results suggest that the BMTTZD analogs are promising tyrosinase inhibitors for the treatment of hyperpigmentation-related disorders.
Topics: Monophenol Monooxygenase; Agaricales; Animals; Antioxidants; Mice; Enzyme Inhibitors; Molecular Docking Simulation; Melanins; Thiazolidines; Cell Line, Tumor; Kinetics; Melanoma, Experimental; Benzylidene Compounds; Pyrones
PubMed: 38930952
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122887 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic, is effective against various solid tumors, but its use is often limited by its nephrotoxic effects. This study evaluated...
Cisplatin, a platinum-based chemotherapeutic, is effective against various solid tumors, but its use is often limited by its nephrotoxic effects. This study evaluated the protective effects of trametinib, an FDA-approved selective inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2), against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in mice. The experimental design included four groups, control, trametinib, cisplatin, and a combination of cisplatin and trametinib, each consisting of eight mice. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg to induce kidney injury, while trametinib was administered via oral gavage at 3 mg/kg daily for three days. Assessments were conducted 72 h after cisplatin administration. Our results demonstrate that trametinib significantly reduces the phosphorylation of MEK1/2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), mitigated renal dysfunction, and ameliorated histopathological abnormalities. Additionally, trametinib significantly decreased macrophage infiltration and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the kidneys. It also lowered lipid peroxidation by-products, restored the reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, and downregulated NADPH oxidase 4. Furthermore, trametinib significantly inhibited both apoptosis and necroptosis in the kidneys. In conclusion, our data underscore the potential of trametinib as a therapeutic agent for cisplatin-induced AKI, highlighting its role in reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and tubular cell death.
Topics: Animals; Cisplatin; Acute Kidney Injury; Pyridones; Oxidative Stress; Mice; Pyrimidinones; Disease Models, Animal; Inflammation; Male; Cell Death; Apoptosis; Kidney Tubules; Lipid Peroxidation; Cytokines; MAP Kinase Signaling System
PubMed: 38930946
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122881 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Naturally occurring substances and their derivatives function as vital resources for pesticides that can be used in fields, such as insecticide production and fungicide...
Naturally occurring substances and their derivatives function as vital resources for pesticides that can be used in fields, such as insecticide production and fungicide development. As a botanical entity displaying multifaceted biological functions, wormwood has received thorough scrutiny across multiple sectors. The insect repellency potency combined with antibacterial and antifungal activities of wormwood position it as a potential candidate for prospective development into eco-friendly chemical pesticides. In this research, Wormwood essential oil was procured via ethanol water under ultrasonic scenarios and subsequently diluted with PEG 400 to formulate green chemical pesticides. The defensive efficacy of this green pesticide on plants was validated through 2 weeks of clustered plant growth experiments. Active constituents that exerted their effects were scrutinized by GC-MS. Furthermore, this green pesticide also displays efficacious effects on the prevention and management of aphids, exhibiting a dose-dependent relationship. 4-terpenol, eucalyptol, carvacrol, and L-borneol were identified by GC-MS as the predominant active constituents in this green chemical pesticide. Wormwood can be leveraged to develop green chemical pesticides, which can protect plants without contaminating the environment.
Topics: Insecticides; Animals; Oils, Volatile; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Cymenes; Green Chemistry Technology; Aphids; Eucalyptol; Camphanes
PubMed: 38930942
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122877 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) causes thinning hair, but poor hair quality in balding areas and damage from UV radiation have been overlooked. Plant extracts like...
BACKGROUND
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) causes thinning hair, but poor hair quality in balding areas and damage from UV radiation have been overlooked. Plant extracts like flavonoids (POFs) may improve hair quality in AGA. This study examines POFs' effectiveness in treating AGA-affected hair and repairing UV-induced damage.
METHODS
Hair samples were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine surface characteristics, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy to measure free radicals in the hair, and spectrophotometry to assess changes in hair properties.
RESULTS
POFs effectively removed hydroxyl radicals from keratinocytes and had antioxidant properties. They also reduced UV-induced damage to AGA hair by mitigating the production of melanin free radicals. Following POF treatment, the reduction in peroxidized lipid loss in AGA hair was notable at 59.72%, thereby effectively delaying the progression of hair color change. Moreover, protein loss decreased by 191.1 μ/g and tryptophan loss by 15.03%, ultimately enhancing hair's tensile strength.
CONCLUSION
compared to healthy hair, hair damaged by AGA shows more pronounced signs of damage when exposed to UV radiation. POFs help protect balding hair by reducing oxidative damage and slowing down melanin degradation.
Topics: Alopecia; Ultraviolet Rays; Humans; Antioxidants; Hair; Flavonoids; Plant Extracts; Melanins; Keratinocytes
PubMed: 38930941
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122876 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Jun 2024Polyphenols from agro-food waste represent a valuable source of bioactive molecules that can be recovered to be used for their functional properties. Another option is...
Synthesis and Isolation of Phenol- and Thiol-Derived Epicatechin Adducts Prepared from Avocado Peel Procyanidins Using Centrifugal Partition Chromatography and the Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity.
Polyphenols from agro-food waste represent a valuable source of bioactive molecules that can be recovered to be used for their functional properties. Another option is to use them as starting material to generate molecules with new and better properties through semi-synthesis. A proanthocyanidin-rich (PACs) extract from avocado peels was used to prepare several semi-synthetic derivatives of epicatechin by acid cleavage in the presence of phenol and thiol nucleophiles. The adducts formed by this reaction were successfully purified using one-step centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) and identified by chromatographic and spectroscopic methods. The nine derivatives showed a concentration-dependent free radical scavenging activity in the DPPH assay. All compounds were also tested against a panel of pathogenic bacterial strains formed by (ATCC 7644 and 19115), (ATCC 9144), (ATCC 11775 and 25922), and (ATCC 13076). In addition, adducts were tested against two no-pathogenic strains, UCO-979C and UCO-25A. Overall, thiol-derived adducts displayed antimicrobial properties and, in some specific cases, inhibited biofilm formation, particularly in (ATCC 7644). Interestingly, phenolic adducts were inactive against all the strains and could not inhibit its biofilm formation. Moreover, depending on the structure, in specific cases, biofilm formation was strongly promoted. These findings contribute to demonstrating that CPC is a powerful tool to isolate new semi-synthetic molecules using avocado peels as starting material for PACc extraction. These compounds represent new lead molecules with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity.
Topics: Persea; Antioxidants; Proanthocyanidins; Catechin; Plant Extracts; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Infective Agents; Sulfhydryl Compounds; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Phenols
PubMed: 38930937
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29122872