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Ultrasonics Sonochemistry Aug 2022Ultrasound is a green technology for intensifying enzymatic reactions. In this study, an ultrasonic water bath with equipment parameters of 28 kHz, 1750.1 W/m, 60%...
Ultrasound is a green technology for intensifying enzymatic reactions. In this study, an ultrasonic water bath with equipment parameters of 28 kHz, 1750.1 W/m, 60% duty cycle was used to assist the synthesis of butyric acid-lauric acid designer lipid (BLDL), which was catalyzed by Lipozyme 435. A convincing three-layer feed-forward artificial neural network (ANN) model was established (R = 0.949, RMSE = 4.759, ADD = 7.329) to accurately predict the optimal parameters combination, which was described as 13.72 mL reaction volume, 15.49% enzyme loading, 0.253 substrate molar ratio (tributyrin/lauric acid), 56.58 °C reaction temperature and 120 min reaction time. The ultrasonic assistance increased actual butyric acid conversion rate by 11.38%, and also enhanced the consumption rate of tributyrin and lauric acid during the reaction. Meanwhile, the esterification activity of Lipozyme 435 was enhanced and its effectiveness up to 6 cycles. Structurally, ultrasound assistance significantly disrupted the secondary structure of the Lipozyme 435: reduced the content of α-helices, increased the content of β-sheet and β-turn. In addition, sonication caused an increase in crevice and micro-damage on the surface of the immobilized enzyme. In conclusion, low-intensity ultrasound at 28 kHz improved the synthesis efficiency of BLDL, which was scientifically predicted by ANN model, and the change of enzyme structure may be the vital reason for ultrasound enhanced reaction. However, the effect of ultrasound on immobilized enzymes' activity needs to be further explored.
Topics: Butyric Acid; Enzymes, Immobilized; Esterification; Lauric Acids; Neural Networks, Computer
PubMed: 35908344
DOI: 10.1016/j.ultsonch.2022.106100 -
Animals : An Open Access Journal From... Jun 2022Due to the increasing global population, the world cannot currently support the well-known techniques of food production due to their harmful effects on land use, water... (Review)
Review
Due to the increasing global population, the world cannot currently support the well-known techniques of food production due to their harmful effects on land use, water consumption, and greenhouse gas emissions. The key answer is a solution based on the use of edible insects. They have always been present in the diet of animals. They are characterized by a very good nutritional value (e.g., high protein content and contents of essential amino acids and fatty acids, including lauric acid), and products with them receive positive results in palatability tests. Despite the existing literature data on the benefits of the use of insects as a protein source, their acceptance by consumers and animal caregivers remains problematic. In spite of the many advantages of using insects in pet food, it is necessary to analyze the risk of adverse food reactions, including allergic reactions that may be caused by insect consumption. Other hazards relate to the contamination of insects. For example, they can be contaminated with anthropogenic factors during breeding, packaging, cooking, or feeding. These contaminants include the presence of bacteria, mold fungi, mycotoxins, and heavy metals. However, insects can be used in the pet food industry. This is supported by the evolutionary adaptation of their wild ancestors to the eating of insects in the natural environment. The chemical composition of insects also corresponds to the nutritional requirements of dogs. It should be borne in mind that diets containing insect and their effects on animals require careful analysis. The aim of this article is to discuss the nutritional value of insects and their possible applications in the nutrition of companion animals, especially dogs.
PubMed: 35739851
DOI: 10.3390/ani12121515 -
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. C,... May 2022The adsorption of carboxylic acid molecules at the calcite (104) and the muscovite (001) surface was investigated using surface X-ray diffraction. All four investigated...
The adsorption of carboxylic acid molecules at the calcite (104) and the muscovite (001) surface was investigated using surface X-ray diffraction. All four investigated carboxylic acid molecules, hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, lauric acid, and stearic acid, were found to adsorb at the calcite surface. Whereas the shortest two carboxylic acid molecules, hexanoic acid and octanoic acid, showed limited ordering and a flexible, disordered chain, the two longest carboxylic acid molecules form fully ordered monolayers, i.e., these form highly structured self-assembled monolayers. The latter molecules are oriented almost fully upright, with a tilt of up to 10°. The oxygen atoms of the organic molecules are found at similar positions to those of water molecules at the calcite-water interface. This suggests that in both cases, the oxygen atoms compensate for the broken bonds at the calcite surface. Under the same experimental conditions, stearic acid does not adsorb to K and Ca-functionalized muscovite mica because the neutral molecules do not engage in the ionic bonds typical for the mica interface. These differences in adsorption behavior are characteristic for the differences of the oil-solid interactions in carbonate and sandstone reservoirs.
PubMed: 35655936
DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcc.2c01157 -
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta Mar 2014Lauric acid (C12:0) and sapienic acid (C16:1Δ6) derived from human sebaceous triglycerides are potent antimicrobials found at the human skin surface. Long-chain bases... (Review)
Review
Lauric acid (C12:0) and sapienic acid (C16:1Δ6) derived from human sebaceous triglycerides are potent antimicrobials found at the human skin surface. Long-chain bases (sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine and 6-hydroxysphingosine) are also potent and broad-acting antimicrobials normally present at the skin surface. These antimicrobials are generated through the action of ceramidases on ceramides from the stratum corneum. These natural antimicrobials are thought to be part of the innate immune system of the skin. Exogenously providing these lipids to the skin may provide a new therapeutic option, or could potentially provide prophylaxis in people at risk of infection. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled The Important Role of Lipids in the Epidermis and their Role in the Formation and Maintenance of the Cutaneous Barrier. Guest Editors: Kenneth R. Feingold and Peter Elias.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Ceramidases; Humans; Infection Control; Infections; Lipid Metabolism; Lipids; Skin
PubMed: 23994607
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2013.08.012 -
Frontiers in Nutrition 2021The chain length of saturated fatty acids may dictate their impact on inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, two pivotal players in the pathogenesis of insulin...
The chain length of saturated fatty acids may dictate their impact on inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction, two pivotal players in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. However, these paradigms have only been investigated in animal models and cell lines so far. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of palmitic (PA) (16:0) and lauric (LA) (12:0) acid on human primary myotubes mitochondrial health and metabolic inflammation. Human primary myotubes were challenged with either PA or LA (500 μM). After 24 h, the expression of was assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), whereas Western blot was used to quantify the abundance of the inhibitor of nuclear factor κB (IκBα), electron transport chain complex proteins and mitofusin-2 (MFN-2). Mitochondrial membrane potential and dynamics were evaluated using tetraethylbenzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) and immunocytochemistry, respectively. PA, contrarily to LA, triggered an inflammatory response marked by the upregulation of mRNA (11-fold; < 0.01) and a decrease in IκBα (32%; < 0.05). Furthermore, whereas PA and LA did not differently modulate the levels of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex proteins, PA induced mitochondrial fragmentation (37%; < 0.001), decreased MFN-2 (38%; < 0.05), and caused a drop in mitochondrial membrane potential (11%; < 0.01) compared to control, with this effect being absent in LA-treated cells. Thus, LA, as opposed to PA, did not trigger pathogenetic mechanisms proposed to be linked with insulin resistance and therefore represents a healthier saturated fatty acid choice to potentially preserve skeletal muscle metabolic health.
PubMed: 34136519
DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.663838 -
Open Heart 2016Recently, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) containing a large fraction of lauric acid (LA) (C12)-about 30%-have been introduced commercially for use in salad oils and... (Review)
Review
Recently, medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) containing a large fraction of lauric acid (LA) (C12)-about 30%-have been introduced commercially for use in salad oils and in cooking applications. As compared to the long-chain fatty acids found in other cooking oils, the medium-chain fats in MCTs are far less likely to be stored in adipose tissue, do not give rise to 'ectopic fat' metabolites that promote insulin resistance and inflammation, and may be less likely to activate macrophages. When ingested, medium-chain fatty acids are rapidly oxidised in hepatic mitochondria; the resulting glut of acetyl-coenzyme A drives ketone body production and also provokes a thermogenic response. Hence, studies in animals and humans indicate that MCT ingestion is less obesogenic than comparable intakes of longer chain oils. Although LA tends to raise serum cholesterol, it has a more substantial impact on high density lipoprotein (HDL) than low density lipoprotein (LDL) in this regard, such that the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol decreases. LA constitutes about 50% of the fatty acid content of coconut oil; south Asian and Oceanic societies which use coconut oil as their primary source of dietary fat tend to be at low cardiovascular risk. Since ketone bodies can exert neuroprotective effects, the moderate ketosis induced by regular MCT ingestion may have neuroprotective potential. As compared to traditional MCTs featuring C6-C10, laurate-rich MCTs are more feasible for use in moderate-temperature frying and tend to produce a lower but more sustained pattern of blood ketone elevation owing to the more gradual hepatic oxidation of ingested laurate.
PubMed: 27547436
DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2016-000467 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2021Antibiotic misuse is greatly contributing to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals. Natural and synthetic alternative strategies are being... (Review)
Review
Antibiotic misuse is greatly contributing to an increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in humans and animals. Natural and synthetic alternative strategies are being investigated in human and veterinary medicine, but little attention is paid to the antimicrobial effects of edible lipids, such as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and monoglycerides. Among MCFAs, lauric acid (LA) and its monoglyceride derivative, glycerol monolaurate (GML), exhibit the strongest antimicrobial activity. Coconut and palm kernel oils are considered the main sources of LA. On the other hand, some edible insects (e.g., ) are gaining interest as novel feed ingredients, due to the high amount of LA they contain as well as their numerous bioactive components, which provide many additional benefits to animal health. Although the beneficial effect of both MCFAs and LA is gradually being recognized, their high content within insects and, consequently, their possible role as antimicrobials, has not been well-reported. This mini review focuses on the anti-infective effects of the insect-derived MCFAs LA and its derivatives. We emphasize the potential of insect lipids, compared to the other vegetable sources, in the current global scenario where a sustainable and circular economy is required. Finally, we critically discuss the use and the benefits of edible insects such as favorable options as feed and food from the perspective of animal and human nutrition.
PubMed: 33717009
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.620798 -
Cancer Science Dec 2020Cancer-derived myocardial damage is an important cause of death in cancer patients. However, the development of dietary interventions for treating such damage has not...
Cancer-derived myocardial damage is an important cause of death in cancer patients. However, the development of dietary interventions for treating such damage has not been advanced. Here, we investigated the effect of dietary intervention with lauric acid (LAA) and glucose, which was effective against skeletal muscle sarcopenia in a mouse cachexia model, on myocardial damage. Treatment of H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts with lauric acid promoted mitochondrial respiration and increased ATP production by Seahorse flux analysis, but did not increase oxidative stress. Glycolysis was also promoted by LAA. In contrast, mitochondrial respiration and ATP production were suppressed, and oxidative stress was increased in an in vitro cachexia model in which cardiomyoblasts were treated with mouse cachexia ascites. Ascites-treated H9c2 cells with concurrent treatment with LAA and high glucose showed that mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis were promoted more than that of the control, and ATP was restored to the level of the control. Oxidative stress was also reduced by the combined treatment. In the mouse cachexia model, myocardiac atrophy and decreased levels of a marker of muscle maturity, SDS-soluble MYL1, were observed. When LAA in CE-2 diet was orally administered alone, no significant rescue was observed in the cancer-derived myocardial disorder. In contrast, combined oral administration of LAA and glucose recovered myocardial atrophy and MYL1 to levels observed in the control without increase in the cancer weight. Therefore, it is suggested that dietary intervention using a combination of LAA and glucose for cancer cachexia might improve cancer-derived myocardial damage.
Topics: Adenosine Triphosphate; Animals; Cachexia; Cell Line; Cell Line, Tumor; Energy Metabolism; Glucose; Glycolysis; Lauric Acids; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mitochondria, Heart; Muscular Atrophy; Myocytes, Cardiac; Oxidative Stress; Promyelocytic Leukemia Protein; Sarcopenia
PubMed: 32969559
DOI: 10.1111/cas.14656 -
Journal of Lipids 2018The primary purpose of the epidermis of terrestrial vertebrates is to produce the stratum corneum, which serves as the interface between the organism and the... (Review)
Review
The primary purpose of the epidermis of terrestrial vertebrates is to produce the stratum corneum, which serves as the interface between the organism and the environment. As such, the stratum corneum provides a permeability barrier which both limits water loss through the skin and provides a relatively tough permeability barrier. This provides for a degree of resistance to mechanical trauma and prevents or limits penetration of potentially harmful substances from the environment. The stratum corneum consists of an array of keratinized cells embedded in a lipid matrix. It is this intercellular lipid that determines the permeability of the stratum corneum. The main lipids here are ceramides, cholesterol, and fatty acids. In addition, the skin surface of mammals, including humans, is coated by a lipid film produced by sebaceous glands in the dermis and secreted through the follicles. Human sebum consists mainly of squalene, wax monoesters, and triglycerides with small proportions of cholesterol and cholesterol esters. As sebum passes through the follicles, some of the triglycerides are hydrolyzed by bacteria to liberate free fatty acids. Likewise, near the skin surface, where water becomes available, some of the ceramides are acted upon by an epithelial ceramidase to liberate sphingosine, dihydrosphingosine, and 6-hydroxysphingosine. Some of the free fatty acids, specifically lauric acid and sapienic acid, have been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. Also, the long-chain bases have broad spectrum antibacterial activity.
PubMed: 30245886
DOI: 10.1155/2018/5954034 -
Polymers Dec 2023Both guided bone and guided tissue regeneration are techniques that require the use of barrier membranes. Contamination and infection of the surgical area is one of the... (Review)
Review
Both guided bone and guided tissue regeneration are techniques that require the use of barrier membranes. Contamination and infection of the surgical area is one of the most feared complications. Some current lines of research focus on functionalizing these membranes with different antimicrobial agents. The objective of this study was to carry out a review of the use and antibacterial properties of regeneration membranes doped with antimicrobials such as zinc, silver, chlorhexidine, and lauric acid. The protocol was based on PRISMA recommendations, addressing the PICO question: "Do membranes doped with non-antibiotic antimicrobials have antibacterial activity that can reduce or improve infection compared to membranes not impregnated with said antimicrobial?" Methodological quality was evaluated using the RoBDEMAT tool. A total of 329 articles were found, of which 25 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. Most studies agree that zinc inhibits bacterial growth as it decreases colony-forming units, depending on the concentration used and the bacterial species studied. Silver compounds also decreased the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and presented less bacterial adhesion to the membrane. Some concentrations of chlorhexidine that possess antimicrobial activity have shown high toxicity. Finally, lauric acid shows inhibition of bacterial growth measured by the disk diffusion test, the inhibition zone being larger with higher concentrations. Antimicrobial agents such as zinc, silver, chlorhexidine, and lauric acid have effective antibacterial activity and can be used to dope regenerative membranes in order to reduce the risk of bacterial colonization.
PubMed: 38201760
DOI: 10.3390/polym16010095