A new method for rapid determination of carbohydrate and total carbon concentrations using UV spectrophotometry

Immune-enhancing activity of compound polysaccharide on the inactivated influenza vaccine

Traditional Chinese medicine polysaccharides have numerous biological activities with broad applications in the biomedical industries. However, a clear understanding of the pharmacological activities of compound polysaccharides with multi-component structures remain challenging. This study aimed to investigate the immune boosting effect of compound polysaccharides on the influenza vaccine and assess the preliminary structure-activity relationship. The compound polysaccharide (CP) was isolated from the combined Chinese herbs lentinan, pachymaran and tremellan, and purified by gradient ethanol precipitation to obtain its subcomponents of CP-20, CP-40, CP-60, and CP-80 with decreasing molecular weights. These polysaccharides were mainly composed of glucans with different linkage patterns, including α-(1 → 3)-glucan, α-(1 → 4)-glucan and β-(1 → 6)-glucan. A significant improvement was observed in the survival of mice vaccinated with inactivated (IAV) vaccine and the isolated polysaccharides as adjuvants. A reduction in the pulmonary virus titer and weight loss were also observed. Moreover, CP-40 and CP-60, as well as the original CP, significantly enhanced the serum anti-IAV antibody titers and interleukin IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 concentrations. These preliminary results indicate the immune boosting effect of the compound polysaccharides is highly relevant to the specific structural properties of the subcomponent, and CP-40 is worthy of further exploration as a glycan adjuvant for the IAV vaccine.

Chronic effects of exposure to polyethylene microplastics may be mitigated at the expense of growth and photosynthesis in reef-building corals

The causes of the physiological effects of microplastic pollution, potentially harming reef-building corals, are unclear. Reasons might include increased energy demands for handling particles and immune reactions. This study is among the first assessing the effects of long-term microplastic exposure on coral physiology at realistic concentrations (200 polyethylene particles L-1). The coral species Acropora muricata, Pocillopora verrucosa, Porites lutea, and Heliopora coerulea were exposed to microplastics for 11 months, and energy reserves, metabolites, growth, and photosymbiont state were analyzed. Results showed an overall low impact on coral physiology, yet species-specific effects occurred. Specifically, H. coerulea exhibited reduced growth, P. lutea and A. muricata showed changes in photosynthetic efficiency, and A. muricata variations in taurine levels. These findings suggest that corals may possess compensatory mechanisms mitigating the effects of microplastics. However, realistic microplastic concentrations only occasionally affected corals. Yet, corals exposed to increasing pollution scenarios will likely experience more negative impacts.

Combinative effect of pulsed-light irradiation and solid-state fermentation on ginkgolic acids, ginkgols, ginkgolides, bilobalide, flavonoids, product quality and sensory assessment of Ginkgo biloba dark tea

Pulsed light (PL) is a prospective non-thermal technology that can improve the degradation of ginkgolic acid (GA) and retain the main bioactive compounds in Ginkgo biloba leaves (GBL). However, only using PL hasn't yet achieved the ideal effect of reducing GA. Fermentation of GBL to make ginkgo dark tea (GDT) could decrease GA. Because different microbial strains are used for fermentation, their metabolites and product quality might differ. However, there is no research on the combinative effect of PL irradiation fixation and microbial strain fermentation on main bioactive compounds and sensory assessment of GDT. In this research, first, Bacillus subtilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were selected as fermentation strains that can reduce GA from the five microbial strains. Next, the fresh GBL was irradiated by PL for 200 s (fluences of 0.52 J/cm2), followed by B. subtilis, S. cerevisiae, or natural fermentation to make GDT. The results showed that compared with the control (unirradiated and unfermented GBL) and the only PL irradiated GBL, the GA in GDT using PL + B. subtilis fermentation was the lowest, decreasing by 29.74%; PL + natural fermentation reduced by 24.53%. The total flavonoid content increased by 14.64% in GDT using PL + B. subtilis fermentation, whose phenolic and antioxidant levels also increased significantly. Sensory evaluation showed that the color, aroma, and taste of the tea infusion of PL + B. subtilis fermentation had the highest scores. In conclusion, the combined PL irradiation and solid-state fermentation using B. subtilis can effectively reduce GA and increase the main bioactive compounds, thus providing a new technological approach for GDT with lower GA.

Fractionation and characterisation of sialylated-mucin glycoprotein from edible birds' nest hydrolysates through anion exchange chromatography

Edible bird's nest (EBN) is made up of sialylated-mucin glycoprotein with various health benefits due to its high antioxidative activity. However, as a macromolecule with distinct charged sialic acid and amino acids, fractions with different charges would have varied physicochemical properties and antioxidant activity, which have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to fractionate and purify the enzymatic hydrolysed of cleaned EBN (EBNhc) and EBN by-product (EBNhbyp) through anion exchange chromatography (AEC), and determine their molecular weights, physicochemical properties, and antioxidative activities. Overall, 26 fractionates were collected from enzymatic hydrolysate by AEC, which were classified into 5 fractions. It was found that the positively charged fraction of EBNhc (CF 1) and EBNhbyp (DF 1) showed the significantly highest (p < 0.05) soluble protein contents (22.86 and 18.40 mg/g), total peptide contents (511.13 and 800.47 mg/g) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (17.44 and 6.96 mg/g) among the fractionates. In conclusion, a positively charged fraction (CF 1 and DF 1) showed more desired physicochemical properties and antioxidative activities. This research suggests the potential of AEC fractionation as a technology to purify EBN and produce positively charged EBN fractionates with antioxidative potential that could be applied as food components to provide health benefits.

Multimodal Spectroscopic Studies to Evaluate the Effect of Nod-Factor-Based Fertilizer on the Maize (Zea mays) Stem

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the most cultivated plants in the world. Due to the large area, the scale of its production, and the demand to increase the yield, there is a need for new environmentally friendly fertilizers. One group of such candidates is bacteria-produced nodulation (or nod) factors. Limited research has explored the impact of nodulation, factors on maize within field conditions, with most studies restricted to greenhouse settings and early developmental stages. Additionally, there is a scarcity of investigations that elucidate the metabolic alterations in the maize stem due to nod-factor exposure. It was therefore the aim of this study. Maize stem's metabolites and fibers were analyzed with various imaging analytical techniques: matrix assisted laser desorption ionization-mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI), Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR FT-IR), and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. Moreover, the biochemical analyses were used to evaluate the proteins and soluble carbohydrates concentration and total phenolic content. These techniques were used to evaluate the influence of nod factor-based biofertilizer on the growth of a non-symbiotic plant, maize. The biofertilizer increased the grain yield and the stem mass. Moreover, the spectroscopic and biochemical investigation proved the appreciable biochemical changes in the stems of the maize in biofertilizer-treated plants. Noticeable changes were found in the spatial distribution and the increase in the concentration of flavonoids such as maysin, quercetin, and rutin. Moreover, the concentration of cell wall components (fibers) increased. Furthermore, it was shown that the use of untargeted analyses (such as Raman and ATR FT-IR, spectroscopic imaging, and MALDI-MSI) is useful for the investigation of the biochemical changes in plants.

Enhancement of biomass productivity and biochemical composition of alkaliphilic microalgae by mixotrophic cultivation using cheese whey for biofuel production

The growth of microalgae under alkaline conditions ensures an ample supply of CO2 from the atmosphere, with a low risk of crashing due to contamination and predators. The present study investigated the mixotrophic cultivation of two alkaliphilic microalgae (Tetradesmus obliquus and Cyanothece sp.) using cheese whey as an organic carbon source. The variation in cheese whey concentration (0.5-4.5% (v/v)), culture pH (7-11), and NaNO3 concentrations (0-2 gL-1) was evaluated using central composite design in response to biomass productivity and the contents of lipids, total proteins, and soluble carbohydrates. Both investigated microalgae effectively utilized cheese whey as an organic carbon source. The optimum conditions for simultaneously maximizing biomass and lipid productivity in T. obliquus were 3.5% (v/v) whey, pH 10.0, and 0.5 g L-1 NaNO3. Under these conditions, the biomass, lipid, soluble carbohydrate, and protein productivities were 48.69, 20.64, 7.02, and 10.97 mg L-1 day-1, respectively. Meanwhile, Cyanothece produced 52.78, 11.42, 4.31, and 7.89 mg L-1 day-1 of biomass, lipid, carbohydrate, and protein, respectively, at 4.5% (v/v) whey, pH 9.0, and 1.0 g L-1 NaNO3. The lipids produced under these conditions were rich in saturated fatty acids (FAs) and monounsaturated FAs, with no polyunsaturated FAs in both microalgae. Moreover, several biodiesel characteristics were estimated, and results fell within the ranges specified by international standards. These findings indicate that the mixotrophic cultivation of alkaliphilic microalgae could open new avenues for promoting microalgae productivity through low-cost biofuel production.

Harnessing the power of natural deep eutectic solvents (choline chloride/sucrose) and polypropylene glycol in the formation of aqueous biphasic systems and the application of these systems in drug extraction

In recent times, there has been considerable interest in utilizing aqueous biphasic systems (ABSs) containing natural deep eutectic solvents (NADESs) for the extraction of various substances. In this study, we focused on investigating the phase behavior of ABSs composed of poly(propylene) glycol 400 and NADESs (specifically, choline chloride/sucrose with molar ratios of 2 : 1 and 1 : 1). By analyzing the compositions of tie-lines, it was observed that these ABSs, which consist of four components, exhibit characteristics similar to ternary systems. To examine the influence of molar ratios on phase separation, the binodal model was applied to the obtained binodal data. The NRTL and UNIQUAC models were employed to establish correlations for the tie-lines. Moreover, we examined the extraction capabilities of the aforementioned ABSs for three commonly used drugs: diclofenac potassium, acetaminophen, and salicylic acid. To assess the efficiency of extraction, partition coefficients and extraction efficiencies were calculated for each drug. The results revealed that the extraction efficiency of these drugs into the polymer-rich top phase is dependent on their hydrophobicity. Furthermore, we employed the Diamond-Hsu equation, along with its modified version, to establish correlations between the experimental partition coefficients of the drugs and NADES overall concentrations.

Renewing the potential of rice crop residues as value-added products in the cosmetics industry

Purpose of this study is to explore the extraction of potentially valuable cosmetic ingredients from rice crop residues, aiming to mitigate their environmental impact.

Methods

We employed AOAC methods to analyze the fat, protein, ash, fiber, soluble, and insoluble carbohydrate content in these residues. To identify sugars rich in galactose and acidic sugars, a total soluble carbohydrate extraction was performed. Cellulose, as part of the insoluble carbohydrates, was isolated through alkaline and acid hydrolysis, while sodium silicate was derived from the ash. Characterization of insoluble cellulose and silicate involved techniques like FTIR, DSC, PXRD, microphotography, porosity assessments, and water absorption studies. For proteins, alkaline solubilization and precipitation at the isoelectric point were utilized, with quantification via BCA and amino acid profiling through gas chromatography. Evaluation of radical scavenging capacity using DPPH led to the calculation of apparent molecular weight via SDS-PAGE.

Results

The results revealed low levels of gum, mucilage, and pectin in both residues, contrasting with a high concentration of insoluble polysaccharides. Among these, Iβ cellulose displayed potential attributes for cosmetic applications due to its oil and water adsorption characteristics. However, silicates obtained from the ashes did not exhibit direct use potential. In terms of protein extraction, we observed antioxidant properties, with enhanced performance through enzymatic hydrolysis, achieving a hydrolysis degree of 30.41% and a DPPH radical absorption rate exceeding 70%.

Conclusion

Rice residues, particularly husk and straw, shown valuable substances suitable for potential cosmetic applications, encompassing cellulose, hydrolyzed proteins, and ash as a silicate precursor.

Comprehensive review on recent trends and perspectives of natural exo-polysaccharides: Pioneering nano-biotechnological tools

Exopolysaccharides (EPSs), originating from various microbes, and mushrooms, excel in their conventional role in bioremediation to showcase diverse applications emphasizing nanobiotechnology including nano-drug carriers, nano-excipients, medication and/or cell encapsulation, gene delivery, tissue engineering, diagnostics, and associated treatments. Acknowledged for contributions to adsorption, nutrition, and biomedicine, EPSs are emerging as appealing alternatives to traditional polymers, for biodegradability and biocompatibility. This article shifts away from the conventional utility to delve deeply into the expansive landscape of EPS applications, particularly highlighting their integration into cutting-edge nanobiotechnological methods. Exploring EPS synthesis, extraction, composition, and properties, the discussion emphasizes their structural diversity with molecular weight and heteropolymer compositions. Their role as raw materials for value-added products takes center stage, with critical insights into recent applications in nanobiotechnology. The multifaceted potential, biological relevance, and commercial applicability of EPSs in contemporary research and industry align with the nanotechnological advancements coupled with biotechnological nano-cleansing agents are highlighted. EPS-based nanostructures for biological applications have a bright future ahead of them. Providing crucial information for present and future practices, this review sheds light on how eco-friendly EPSs derived from microbial biomass of terrestrial and aquatic environments can be used to better understand contemporary nanobiotechnology for the benefit of society.

Bioinspired Stevia rebaudiana Green Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles for the Adsorptive Removal of Antibiotics from Water

Green zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) synthesized using Stevia rebaudiana as a reducing agent were investigated as ecofriendly adsorbents for the removal of the antibiotics ciprofloxacin (CIP) and tetracycline (TET) from water. Green ZnO NPs were synthesized using a rapid novel approach that did not require annealing or calcination at high temperatures to produce mesoporous NPs with a size range of 37.36-71.33 nm, a specific surface area of 15.28 m2/g, and a negative surface charge of -15 mV at pH 5. The green ZnO NPs exhibited an antioxidant activity of 85.57% at 250 μg/mL and an antibacterial activity with MIC and MBC of 50 and 100 mg/mL, respectively, against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The best adsorption performance was achieved using a 4 g/L dose and pH 5, yielding, respectively, 86.77 ± 0.82% removal and 27.07 ± 0.26 mg/g adsorption capacity for CIP at 10 mg/L and 67.86 ± 3.41% and 15.88 ± 0.37 mg/g for TET at 25 mg/L. The green ZnO NPs achieved 79.71% ± 0.28 and 61.55% ± 0.53 removal of 10 mg/L CIP and 25 mg/L TET, respectively, in a spiked tap water binary system of the two contaminants. Adsorption of CIP and TET occurred mainly via electrostatic interactions, whereby CIP was bound more strongly than TET by virtue of its charge and size. The synthesis and adsorption processes were evaluated by a stepwise regression statistical model to optimize their parameters. Lastly, the green ZnO NPs were regenerated and reused for 5 cycles, indicating their functionality as simple, reusable, and low-cost adsorbents for the removal of CIP and TET from wastewater, in accordance with SDGs #6 and 12 for the sustainable management of water.

Phytochemical composition of Tibetan tea fermented by Eurotium cristatum and its effects on type 1 diabetes mice and gut microbiota

"Golden-flower" Tibetan tea (GTT) is an innovative dark tea fermented via fungus Eurotium cristatum. To study GTT effects on alleviating the symptoms of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), GTT's extract (GTTE) was prepared. GTTE chemical compositions were analyzed via HPLC, pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass (Py-GC-MS) spectrometry analysis, and chemistry analyses. GTTE effects on T1DM were explored on T1DM mice model induced by streptozotocin (STZ). GTTE was composed mainly of tea pigment theabrownin (TB) (49.18%), with high percentages of polysaccharide (16.93%), protein (10.15%), polyphenols (13.90%), amino acids (5.89%), caffeine (1.83%), and flavonoids (0.67%). Py-GC-MS results exhibited that GTTE constituted of phenols, lipids, sugars, and proteins. GTTE attenuated T1DM conditions of mice, relieved their liver and pancreatic injury, restored damaged islet cells, decreased oxidative stress by increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels, modulated cytokine expression leading to the decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, increased anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 to improve inflammatory responses, and optimized gut microbiota composition and structure based on high-throughput 16S rDNA sequencing, suggesting multi-channel anti-diabetes mechanisms.

Impact of internal metal ions in tea polysaccharides on antioxidant potential and suppression of cancer cell growth

Four kinds of tea polysaccharides (MBTPS, MGTPS, ZBTPS, ZGTPS) were extracted from Maofeng black tea, Maofeng green tea,Ziyan black tea and Ziyan green tea, and then four tea polysaccharides (RMBTPS, RMGTPS, RZBTPS, RZGTPS) after metal removal were prepared. The physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity on cancer cell proliferation of the above polysaccharides were studied. The composition analysis shows that these tea polysaccharides were glycoproteins complexes, composed of a variety of monosaccharides, and the removal of metal ions did not lead to fundamental changes in the composition of polysaccharides. In vitro activity, after removing metal ions, the ABTS free radicals scavenging ability and reducing power of tea polysaccharides were decreased, and the inhibitory effect on proliferation of H22 cells weakened. There was a great correlation between metal elements Al and Ni and biological activity. The results showed that the metal ions in tea polysaccharides, especially Al and Ni, had positive effects on biological activity.

The protective effect of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide on alcoholic liver injury in C57BL/6 mice

An alcohol-induced liver injury model was induced in C57BL/6 mice to assess the protective efficacy of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides (EP) against liver damage. Histological alterations in the liver were examined following hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Biochemical assay kits and ELISA kits were employed to analyze serum and liver biochemical parameters, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes and alcohol metabolism-related enzymes. The presence of oxidative stress-related proteins in the liver was detected using western blotting. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to profile serum metabolites in mice. The findings demonstrated that EP-H (100 mg/Kg) reduced serum ALT and AST activity by 2.31-fold and 2.32-fold, respectively, when compared to the alcohol-induced liver injury group. H&E staining revealed a significant attenuation of microvesicular steatosis and ballooning pathology in the EP-H group compared to the model group. EP administration was found to enhance alcohol metabolism by regulating metabolite-related enzymes (ADH and ALDH) and decreasing CYP2E1 expression. EP also modulated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to bolster hepatic antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, EP restored the levels of lipid metabolites (Glycine, Butanoyl-CoA, and Acetyl-CoA) to normalcy. In summary, EP confers protection to the liver through the regulation of antioxidant activity and lipid metabolites in the murine liver.

Waste Tea-Derived Theabrownins for Solar-Driven Steam Generation

Solar-driven seawater desalination has been considered an effective and sustainable solution to mitigate the global freshwater crisis. However, the substantial cost associated with photothermal materials for evaporator fabrication still hinders large-scale manufacturing for practical applications. Herein, we successfully obtained high yields of theabrownins (TB), which were oxidation polymerization products of polyphenols from waste and inferior tea leaves using a liquid-state fermentation strategy. Subsequently, a series of photothermal complexes were prepared based on the metal-phenolic networks assembled from TB and metal ions (Fe(III), Cu(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II)). Also, the screened TB@Fe(III) complexes were directly coated on a hydrophilic poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membrane to construct the solar evaporation device (TB@Fe(III)@PVDF), which not only demonstrated superior light absorption property and notable hydrophilicity but also achieved a high water evaporation rate of 1.59 kg m-2 h-1 and a steam generation efficiency of 90% under 1 sun irradiation. More importantly, its long-term stability and exceptionally low production cost enabled an important step toward the possibility of large-scale practical applications. We believe that this study holds the potential to pave the way for the development of sustainable and cost-effective photothermal materials, offering new avenues for utilization of agriculture resource waste and solar-driven water remediation.

Effect of antibiotics addition on nutrient removal stability and microbial community change of the solar-powered oxidation ditch-membrane bioreactor in treating building wastewater

The solar-powered oxidation ditch-membrane bioreactors (SOD-MBR) system was developed and operated with long solid retention times (SRTs) of 80 and 160 days. The aim was to investigate the effects of using a long SRT and antibiotics in building wastewater on the stability of nutrient removal, as well as membrane fouling. An increase in the SRT from 80 days to 160 days did not significantly affect the performance of the SOD-MBR system. Ciprofloxacin and Sulfamethoxazole removal efficiencies were 94.47 ± 1.54% and 87.54 ± 24.7%. However, the presence of antibiotics resulted in lower removal efficiencies for NH4+-nitrogen and phosphorus and stimulated the production of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), particularly proteins in L-EPS and T-EPS of the foulant. FTIR and FEEM analysis revealed that the microbial sludge primarily consisted of proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Furthermore, the relative abundance analysis of microbial communities identified bacteria associated with nitrogen removal in the SOD-MBR system, including Anammox, AOB (ammonia oxidizing bacteria), DNB (denitrifying bacteria), and NOB (nitrite oxidizing bacteria), with a total of 25 genera. The majority of these bacteria were stimulated by the presence of antibiotics, resulting in higher relative abundance. Finally, the SOD-MBR system achieved energy savings of 97.38% by utilizing photovoltaic (PV) technology.

Assessing phytotoxicity and tolerance levels of ZnO nanoparticles on Raphanus sativus: implications for widespread adoptions

The escalating release of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into the environment poses a substantial threat, potentially leading to increased concentrations of zinc (Zn) in the soil and subsequent phytotoxic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of ZnO NPs on Raphanus sativus (R. sativus) concerning its tolerance levels, toxicity, and accumulation. ZnO NPs were synthesized by the wet chemical method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of ZnO NPs (70 nm) on R. sativus grown in coir was evaluated. The application of 1,000 mg/L of ZnO NPs resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in soluble protein content, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a (Chl-a), chlorophyll b (Chl-b), total chlorophylls, carotenoids, and antioxidants by 24.7%, 58.5%, 38.0%, 42.2%, 39.9%, 11.2%, and 7.7%, respectively. Interestingly, this dose had no impact on the indole acetic acid (IAA) content. Conversely, the use of 2,000 mg/L of ZnO NPs in the same medium led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in soluble protein content by 23.1%, accompanied by a notable increase in IAA by 31.1%, indicating potential toxicity. The use of atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed the internalization of zinc in seedlings, with a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05). In control plants without ZnO NPs, Zn concentration was 0.36 mg/g, while at the highest ZnO NPs tested dose of 10,000 mg/L, it significantly rose to 1.76 mg/g, causing leaf chlorosis and stunted seedling growth. This suggests potential health risks related to Zn toxicity for consumers. Given the adverse effects on R. sativus at concentrations above 1000 mg/L, caution is advised in the application and release of ZnO NPs, highlighting the importance of responsible practices to mitigate harm to plant life and consumer health. The study demonstrated the tolerance of R. sativus to high Zn levels, classifying it as a Zn-tolerant species.

Exopolysaccharide-Treated Dendritic Cells Effectively Ameliorate Acute Graft-versus-Host Disease

Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a primary and often lethal complication of allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Prophylactic regimens for GVHD are given as standard pretransplantation therapy; however, up to 50% of these patients develop acute GVHD (aGVHD) and require additional immunosuppressive intervention. Using a mouse GVHD model, we previously showed that injecting mice with exopolysaccharide (EPS) from Bacillus subtilis prior to GVHD induction significantly increased 80-day survival after transplantation of complete allogeneic major histocompatibility complex-mismatched cells. To ask whether EPS might also inhibit GVHD in humans, we used humanized NSG-HLA-A2 mice and induced GVHD by i.v. injection of A2neg human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Because we could not inject human donors with EPS, we transferred EPS-pretreated dendritic cells (DCs) to inhibit aGVHD. We derived these DCs from CD34+ human cord blood cells, treated them with EPS, and then injected them together with PBMCs into the NSG-HLA-A2 mice. We found that all mice that received untreated DCs were dead by day 35, whereas 25% of mice receiving EPS-treated DCs (EPS-DCs) survived. This DC cell therapy could be readily translatable to humans, because we can generate large numbers of human EPS-DCs and use them as an "off the shelf" treatment for patients undergoing HSCT.

Transparent antibiofouling coating to improve the efficiency of Nannochloropsis gaditana and Chlorella sorokiniana culture photobioreactors at the pilot-plant scale

The implementation of industrial-scale facilities for microalgae cultivation is limited due to the high operation costs. One of the main problems in obtaining an efficient and long-lasting microalgae culture system is biofouling. The particular issue when developing antibiofouling surfaces for microalgae cultures is that the material must be transparent. The main purpose of this work was to evaluate the antibiofouling efficiency of a non-toxic polydimethylsiloxane-based coating prepared with polyethylene glycol-based copolymer on different photobioreactors at the pilot-plant scale. The antifouling properties result from the development of a fouling-release coating utilizing hydrogel technology. Nannochloropsis gaditana and Chlorella sorokiniana were cultured outdoors for 3 months over the summer, when biofouling formation is at its highest due to environmental conditions, to test the coating's antibiofouling efficiency. Although biofouling was not completely prevented in either photobioreactor, the coating significantly reduced cell adhesion compared to the polydimethylsiloxane control (70% less adhesion). Therefore, this coating was shown to be a good alternative for constructing efficient closed-photobioreactors at the pilot-plant scale, at least for cultures lasting 3 months.

Physicochemical characterization, digestion profile and gut microbiota regulation activity of intracellular polysaccharides from Chlorella zofingiensis

A number of studies have shown that the polysaccharides from microalgae exhibit diverse biological activities, however, little is known about their digestibility and impact on human gut microbiota. In this study, a simulating digestion and fermentation system were established to investigate the digestibility and fermentation of intracellular polysaccharides from Chlorella zofingiensis (CZIP-S3). The results indicated that CZIP-S3 is a macromolecular polysaccharide composed of mannose, glucose, galactose and rhamnose, consisting of a main chain and two branched repeating units. CZIP-S3 could not be digested in the upper gastrointestinal tract. However, CZIP-S3 could be metabolized into smaller molecules by the gut microbiota. The pH values continuously decrease during fermentation, whereas, the amount of short-chain fatty acids steadily increase. Furthermore, CZIP-S3 could modulate the composition of gut microbiota, via lowering the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes and increasing the relative abundance of Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Akkermansia. The data suggested that CZIP-S3 could potentially be used as an ingredient for functional foods or prebiotics to improve human health by promoting the relative abundances of beneficial bacteria.

Ameliorating the adverse effects of salinity on wheat plants using the bio-wastes (pomegranate peel extract and /or compost)

Climate changes and the related rise in the frequency of excessive weather proceedings have a strong influence on the physical, chemical, and hydrological processes in soils. Recently the investigators confirmed that the use of biological treatments and resources to overcome abiotic stress is fruitful. Thus, pomegranate peel extract (PPE) because of its high efficacy and/or compost application could improve soil characteristics, soil organic matter and nutrient status. This effect may be referred back to the enhancement in the plant antioxidative defense system against stress conditions. This experiment was done to study the influence of spraying wheat plants with pomegranate peel extract (PPE) with and/or without soil compost added under salt stress on some growth parameters and physiological aspects. Wheat plants were grown in the presence or absence of compost in the soil and foliar sprayed with PPE (600 and 1200 mg L-1) under salt irrigation (3000 and 6000 mg L-1). Growth and yield traits were decreased with salinity stress. High levels of PPE (1200 mg L-1) induced the highest values of osmoprotectants (Total soluble sugars, total soluble protein, proline and free amino acids) in both unstressed or salinity-stressed plants presence or absence compost. Using compost in soil for cultivating wheat plants and PPE spraying treatments increased growth traits photosynthetic pigments and yield components. Moreover, these treatments increased the accumulation of minerals content (N, P, K and Ca) in plants. In general, the results of correlation coefficients showed a significant strong positive relationship among measured yield traits and other tested parameters. The correlation between 1000-grain Wt. and grain Wt./spike (r = 0.94**) was the highest. Meanwhile, a strong negative correlation coefficient between Na% and all yield parameters was recorded. Compost adding to soil and spraying pomegranate peel extract is a successful method for increasing wheat growth, yield and improving the nutritional value of the produced grains under salt stress.

Effects of microaeration and sludge recirculation on VFA and nitrogen removal, membrane fouling reduction and microbial community of the anaerobic baffled biofilm-membrane bioreactor in treating building wastewater

A novel anaerobic baffled biofilm-membrane bioreactor (AnBB-MBR) with microaeration of 0.62 LO2/LFeed was developed to improve VFA and nitrogen removal from building wastewater. Three different membrane bioreactor systems - R1: AnBB-MBR (without microaeration); R2: AnBB-MBR with microaeration; and R3: AnBB-MBR with integrated microaeration and sludge recirculation - were operated in parallel at the same hydraulic retention time of 20 h and sludge retention time of 100 d. The microaeration promoted greater microbial richness and diversity, which could significantly enhance the removal of acetic acid and dissolved methane in the R2 and R3 systems. Moreover, the partial nitrification and the ability of anammox (Candidatus Brocadia) to thrive in R2 enabled NH4+-N removal to be enhanced by up to 57.8 %. The worst membrane fouling was found in R1 due to high amount of protein as well as fine particles (0.5-5.0 μm) acting as foulants that contributed to pore blocking. While the integration of sludge recirculation with microaeration in R3 was able to improve the membrane permeate flux slightly as compared to R2. Therefore, the AnBB-MBR integrated with a microaeration system (R2) can be considered as promising technology for building wastewater treatment when considering VFA and nutrient removal and an energy-saving approach with low aeration intensity.

Reduced Graphene Oxide/Organic Dye Composites for Bioelectroconversion of Saccharides: Application for Detection of Saccharides and α-Amylase Assessments

In this study, PQQ-dependent glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ-GDH) was immobilized onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO) modified with organic dyes from three different classes (acridine, arylmethane, and diazo); namely, neutral red (NR), malachite green (MG), and congo red (CR) formed three types of biosensors. All three rGO/organic dye composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. The impact of three rGO/organic dye modifications employed in bioelectrocatalytic systems on changes in enzyme activity and substrate selectivity was investigated. The highest sensitivity of 39 µA/cm2 was obtained for 1 mM of glucose when a rGO_MG/PQQ-GDH biosensor was used. A significant improvement in the electrochemical response of biosensors was attributed to the higher amount of pyrrolic nitrogen groups on the surface of the rGO/organic dye composites. Modifications of rGO by NR and MG not only improved the surfaces for efficient direct electron transfer (DET) but also influenced the enzyme selectivity through proper binding and orientation of the enzyme. The accuracy of the biosensor's action was confirmed by the spectrophotometric analysis. Perspectives for using the proposed bioelectrocatalytic systems operating on DET principles for total or single monosaccharide and/or disaccharide determination/bioconversion systems or for diagnoses have been presented through examples of bioconversion of D-glucose, D-xylose, and maltose.

The bioadhesion and effects of microplastics and natural particles on growth, cell viability, physiology, and elemental content of an aquatic macrophyte Elodea canadensis

Microplastics in the aquatic environment can interact with aquatic plants, but the consequences of these interactions are poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of microplastics commonly found in the environment, namely polyethylene (PE) fragments, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibres, tire wear (TW) particles under a relevant environmental concentration (5000 particles/L) on the growth, cell viability, physiology, and elemental content of the aquatic macrophyte Elodea canadensis. The effects of microplastics were compared to those of natural wood particles. The results showed that all types of microplastics adhered to plant tissues, but the effect on leaves (leaf damage area) was greatest at PE > PAN > TW, while the effect of natural particles was comparable to that of the control. None of the microplastics studied affected plant growth, lipid, carbohydrate, or protein content. Electron transport system activity was significantly higher in plants exposed to PAN fibres and PE fragments, but also when exposed to natural particles, while chlorophyll a content was negatively affected only by PE fragments and TW particles. Elemental analysis of plant tissue showed that in some cases PAN fibres and TW particles caused increased metal content. The results of this study indicated that aquatic macrophytes may respond differently to exposure to microplastics than to natural particles, likely through the combined effects of mechanical damage and chemical stress.

The effect of an exopolysaccharide probiotic molecule from Bacillus subtilis on breast cancer cells

Introduction

Many well-known risk factors for breast cancer are associated with dysbiosis (an aberrant microbiome). However, how bacterial products modulate cancer are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by the commensal bacterium Bacillus subtilis on breast cancer phenotypes. Although B. subtilis is commonly included in probiotic preparations and its EPS protects against inflammatory diseases, it was virtually unknown whether B. subtilis-derived EPS affects cancer.

Methods

This work investigated effects of EPS on phenotypes of breast cancer cells as a cancer model. The phenotypes included proliferation, mammosphere formation, cell migration, and tumor growth in two immune compromised mouse models. RNA sequencing was performed on RNA from four breast cancer cells treated with PBS or EPS. IKKβ or STAT1 signaling was assessed using pharmacologic or RNAi-mediated knock down approaches.

Results

Short-term treatment with EPS inhibited proliferation of certain breast cancer cells (T47D, MDA-MB-468, HCC1428, MDA-MB-453) while having little effect on others (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, BT549, ZR-75-30). EPS induced G1/G0 cell cycle arrest of T47D cells while increasing apoptosis of MDA-MB-468 cells. EPS also enhanced aggressive phenotypes in T47D cells including cell migration and cancer stem cell survival. Long-term treatment with EPS (months) led to resistance in vitro and promoted tumor growth in immunocompromised mice. RNA-sequence analysis showed that EPS increased expression of pro-inflammatory pathways including STAT1 and NF-κB. IKKβ and/or STAT1 signaling was necessary for EPS to modulate phenotypes of EPS sensitive breast cancer cells.

Discussion

These results demonstrate a multifaceted role for an EPS molecule secreted by the probiotic bacterium B. subtilis on breast cancer cell phenotypes. These results warrant future studies in immune competent mice and different cancer models to fully understand potential benefits and/or side effects of long-term use of probiotics.

Processes occurring in the NaCMC/glauconite suspension under the cold plasma treatment. Influence of plasma on adsorptive and stabilizing properties of the system

The paper presents the studies on the processes at the interface of the colloidal suspensions composed of clay mineral - glauconite (GT) and polysaccharide - sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) with the cold plasma treatment (CPT). The surface composition and chemical binding in NaCMC and GT changes are determined by means of FTIR and XPS (both methods detected the incorporation of oxygen-related functional groups). Moreover, the additional information about both the textural properties and morphological changes on the surfaces before and after CPT are studied using the BET, CHN, SEM HRTEM and STEM-EDS methods. The elemental mapping and scanning electron microscope imaging confirmed the NaCMC adsorption on GT (carbon mapping) and proved the GT surface lost its "house of card structure" after the CPT. As follows the CPT causes the protonation of NaCMC and the polymer cross-linking whereas the GT sample is more oxidized. Moreover, it was found that a significant improvement in the GT/NaCMC system stability and the NaCMC adsorption on the GT surface were a result of the CPT. The obtained data could be used for the colloidal stability of polymer/solid suspensions, thus providing new opportunities for the chemical industry; particularly for preparation of new functionalized materials.

Water extract of goji berries improves neuroinflammation induced by a high-fat and high-fructose diet based on the bile acid-mediated gut-brain axis pathway

The high-fat and high-fructose diet (HFFD) is a common diet in westernized societies, which worsens disturbances in gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of the water extract of Lycium barbarum fruits (LBE) on gut microbiota and BA metabolism in mice with HFFD-induced neuroinflammation. The results showed that supplementation of LBE for 14 weeks remarkably ameliorated weight gain and insulin resistance and suppressed microglial activation and neural neuroinflammation induced by HFFD. The results of Morris water maze and Y-maze tests demonstrated that LBE attenuated HFFD-induced cognitive impairment. Moreover, LBE elevated hepatic BA biosynthesis and excretion of BAs and increased elimination of BAs via the feces. Notably, LBE supplementation resulted in the enrichment of tauroursodeoxycholic acid in the cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, the 16S rDNA sequencing results showed that LBE could modulate the structure of gut microbiota, and in the meantime decrease the relative abundance of Clostridium_XlVa, which is associated with BA homeostasis. Additionally, LBE exerted neuroprotective effects involving the increment of Lactococcus, known as a potentially beneficial bacterium. These results demonstrated that LBE could ameliorate neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment in HFFD-induced mice through the gut-liver-brain axis, which might be due to the regulation of BA homeostasis and gut microbiota in mice.

Scavenging of copper(II) ions, phosphate(V) ions, and diuron from aqueous media by goethite modified with chitosan or poly(acrylic acid)

Goethite was modified by chitosan (CS) or poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) to improve its adsorptive abilities toward components of agrochemicals, i.e., copper ions (Cu), phosphate ions (P), and diuron. The pristine goethite effectively bound Cu (7.68 mg/g, 63.71%) and P (6.31 mg/g, 50.46%) only in their mixed systems. In the one adsorbate solutions, the adsorption levels accounted for 3.82 mg/g (30.57%) for Cu, 3.22 mg/g (25.74%) for P, and 0.15 mg/g (12.15%) for diuron. Goethite modification with CS or PAA did not yield spectacular results in adsorption. The maximum increase in adsorbed amount was noted for Cu ions (8.28%) after PAA modification as well as for P (6.02%) and diuron (24.04%) after CS modification. Both goethite modifications contributed to clear reduction in desorption of pollutants (even by 20.26% for Cu after PAA coating), which was mainly dictated by electrostatic attractive forces and hydrogen bonds formation occurring between macromolecules and impurities. The only exception in this phenomenon was Cu desorption from CS-modified solid-the polymer made it higher (to 95.00%). The Cu adsorption on PAA-modified goethite enhanced solid aggregation and thus facilitated metal cation separation from aqueous media. Consequently, the goethite modification with PAA was considered more promising for environmental remediation.

Evaluation of the Extraction of Bioactive Compounds and the Saccharification of Cellulose as a Route for the Valorization of Spent Mushroom Substrate

The extraction of bioactive compounds and cellulose saccharification are potential directions for the valorization of spent mushroom substrate (SMS). Therefore, investigating the suitability of different extraction methods for recovering bioactive compounds from SMS and how the extraction affects the enzymatic saccharification is of uppermost relevance. In this work, bioactive compounds were extracted from Pleurotus spp. SMS using four extraction methods. For Soxhlet extraction (SoE), a 40:60 ethanol/water mixture gave the highest extraction efficiency (EE) (69.9-71.1%) among the seven solvent systems assayed. Reflux extraction with 40:60 ethanol/water increased the extraction yield and EE compared to SoE. A shorter reflux time yielded a higher extraction of carbohydrates than SoE, while a longer time was more effective for extracting phenolics. The extracts from 240 min of reflux had comparable antioxidant activity (0.3-0.5 mM GAE) with that achieved for SoE. Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) at 65 °C for 60 min allowed an EE (~82%) higher than that achieved by either reflux for up to 150 min or SoE. Subcritical water extraction (SWE) at 150 °C resulted in the best extraction parameters among all the tested methods. Vanillic acid and chlorogenic acid were the primary phenolic acids identified in the extracts. A good correlation between the concentration of caffeic acid and the antioxidant activity of the extracts was found. Saccharification tests revealed an enhancement of the enzymatic digestibility of SMS cellulose after the extraction of bioactive compounds. The findings of this initial study provide indications on new research directions for maximizing the recovery of bioactive compounds and fermentable sugars from SMS.

Extraction of some essential amino acids using aqueous two-phase systems made by sugar-based deep eutectic solvents

Aqueous two-phase systems (ATPSs) have long been recognized as versatile and efficient tools for the extraction of biomolecules, including amino acids. Recent advancements in the field have introduced a novel approach by utilizing deep eutectic solvents (DES) to form ATPs. This study aimed to determine the phase diagrams for an ATPS made of polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether 250 and two types of NADESs, namely choline chloride as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), and either sucrose or fructose as a hydrogen bond donor (HBD) with a molar ratio of 1 : 2. The measured tie-line results revealed that the hydrogen bonds of NADES may not be entirely disrupted in aqueous solutions, and thus, these ATPSs act as ternary-like systems. Additionally, the binodal data were fitted using two semi-empirical equations, namely Merchuk and Zafarani-Moattar et al. equations. Furthermore, the ATPSs mentioned above were applied to extract three amino acids, namely l-arginine, l-phenylalanine, and l-tyrosine, and demonstrated good extraction levels. Finally, the Diamond-Hsu equation and its modified version were utilized to correlate the experimental partition coefficients of the amino acids. These advancements pave the way for the development of improved extraction methodologies and the exploration of new applications in the field of biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.

Structure characterization and biological activities evaluation of two hetero-polysaccharides from Lepista nuda: Cell antioxidant, anticancer and immune-modulatory activities

Polysaccharides LNP-1 and LNP-2 were extracted and purified from Lepista nuda, and their structural characteristics and biological activities were evaluated. The molecular weights of LNP-1 and LNP-2 were determined to be 16,263 Da and 17,730 Da, respectively. The monosaccharide composition analysis showed that LNP-1 and LNP-2 were composed of fucose, mannose, glucose, and galactose in a molar ratio of 1.00:2.42:1.09:4.04 and 1.00:2.39:1.61:4.23, respectively. The structure analysis revealed that these two polysaccharides were mainly composed of T-Fuc, T-Man, T-Glc, 1,6-Glc 1,6-Gal, and 1,2,6-Man, 1,2,6-Gal. Additionally, LNP-2 contained an additional 1,4-Glc glycosidic linkage in comparison to LNP-1. Both LNP-1 and LNP-2 exhibited anti-proliferation effects on A375 cells, but not on HepG2 cells. Furthermore, LNP-2 showed better cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) than LNP-1. RT-PCR results indicated that LNP-1 and LNP-2 could induce macrophages to secrete immune-modulatory factors NO, IL-6, and TNF-α by regulating their mRNA expression. Overall, this study provides a theoretical basis for the further development of the structure-function relationship of polysaccharides from L. nuda.

Mammalian carcass decay increases carbon storage and temporal turnover of carbon-fixing microbes in alpine meadow soil

Corpse decomposition is of great significance to the carbon cycle of natural ecosystem. Carbon fixation is a carbon conversion process that converts carbon dioxide into organic carbon, which greatly contributes to carbon emission reduction. However, the effects of wild animal carcass decay on carbon-fixing microbes in grassland soil environment are still unknown. In this research, thirty wild mammal (Ochotona curzoniae) corpses were placed on alpine meadow soil to study the carbon storage and carbon-fixing microbiota succession for a 94-day decomposition using next-generation sequencing. Our results revealed that 1) the concentration of total carbon increased approximately 2.24-11.22% in the corpse group. 2) Several carbon-fixing bacterial species (Calothrix parietina, Ancylobacter rudongensis, Rhodopseudomonas palustris) may predict the concentration of total carbon. 3) Animal cadaver degradation caused the differentiation of carbon-fixing microbiota structures during succession and made the medium-stage networks of carbon-fixing microbes more complicated. 4) The temporal turnover rate in the experimental groups was higher than that in the control groups, indicating a quick change of gravesoil carbon-fixing microbiota. 5) The deterministic process dominates the assembly mechanism of experimental groups (ranging from 53.42% to 94.94%), which reflects that the carbon-fixing microbial community in gravesoil can be regulated. Under global climate change, this study provides a new perspective for understanding the effects of wild animal carcass decay on soil carbon storage and carbon-fixing microbes.

Brewing a Craft Belgian-Style Pale Ale Using Pichia kudriavzevii 4A as a Starter Culture

There is an expanding market for beer of different flavors. This study aimed to prepare a craft Belgian-style pale ale with a non-Saccharomyces yeast. Pichia kudriavzevii 4A was used as a sole starter culture, and malted barley as the only substrate. The ingredients and brewing process were carefully monitored to ensure the quality and innocuousness of the beverage. During fermentation, the yeast consumed 89.7% of total sugars and produced 13.8% v/v of ethanol. The product was fermented and then aged for 8 days, adjusted to 5% v/v alcohol, and analyzed. There were no traces of mycotoxins, lead, arsenic, methanol, or microbiological contamination that would compromise consumer health. According to the physicochemical analysis, the final ethanol concentration (5.2% v/v) and other characteristics complied with national and international guidelines. The ethyl acetate and isoamyl alcohol present are known to confer sweet and fruity flavors. The sensory test defined the beverage as refreshing and as having an apple and pear flavor, a banana aroma, and a good level of bitterness. The judges preferred it over a commercial reference sample of Belgian-style pale ale made from S. cerevisiae. Hence, P. kudriavzevii 4A has the potential for use in the beer industry.

Exogenous Calcium Reinforces Photosynthetic Pigment Content and Osmolyte, Enzymatic, and Non-Enzymatic Antioxidants Abundance and Alleviates Salt Stress in Bread Wheat

One of the main environmental stresses that hinder crop development as well as yield is salt stress, while the use of signal molecules such as calcium (Ca) has a substantial impact on reducing the detrimental effects of salt on different crop types. Therefore, a factorial pot experiment in a completely randomized design was conducted to examine the beneficial role of Ca (0, 2.5, and 5 mM) in promoting the physiological, biochemical, and growth traits of the wheat plant under three salt conditions viz. 0, 30, and 60 mM NaCl. Foliar application of Ca increased the growth of salt-stressed wheat plants through increasing photosynthetic pigments, IAA, proline, and total soluble sugars contents and improving antioxidant enzymes in addition to non-enzymatic antioxidants glutathione, phenol and flavonoids, β-carotene, and lycopene contents, thus causing decreases in the over-accumulation of free radicals (ROS). The application of Ca increased the activity of antioxidant enzymes in wheat plants such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT), which scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and relieved salt stress. An additional salt tolerance mechanism by Ca increases the non-antioxidant activity of plants by accumulating osmolytes such as free amino acids, proline, and total soluble sugar, which maintain the osmotic adjustment of plants under salinity stress. Exogenous Ca application is a successful method for increasing wheat plants' ability to withstand salt stress, and it has a considerable impact on the growth of wheat under salt stress.

Hormesis effects of phenol on growth and cellular metabolites of Chlorella sp. under different nutritional conditions using response surface methodology

The present study investigated the effects of different phenol concentrations (200 - 1000 mg L^-1) towards Chlorella sp. under different culture conditions (light vs. dark) and NaNO₃ concentrations (0 - 0.1 g L^-1) using central composite design. Phenol induced hormesis effects on the algal growth and cellular metabolites. Nitrate was identified as a crucial factor for promoting the uptake of phenol by Chlorella cells, while light was a limiting factor for growth, but the phyco-toxicity of phenol was decreased in the dark. The pigment contents were generally increased in the treated cells to protect against the oxidative phenol stress. The incorporation of 200 mg L^-1 phenol and 0.05 g L^-1 NaNO₃ to the illuminated cells markedly promoted biomass and lipid contents to 0.22 g L^-1 and 26.26% w/w, which was 44 and 112% higher than the phenol-less control, respectively. Under the same conditions, the increase of phenol concentration to 600 mg L^-1, the protein contents were increased to 18.59% w/w. Conversely, the algal cells were able to accumulate more than 60% w/w of soluble carbohydrates under dark conditions at 600 mg L^-1 of phenol. Nitrate replete conditions stimulated lipid accumulation at the expense of protein biosynthesis. Furthermore, most of the treatments showed an increase of H₂O₂ and malonaldehyde contents, especially for the illuminated cells. However, catalase activity tended to increase under dark conditions, especially at low phenol and nitrate concentrations. This study is valuable in indicating the effects of phenol on microalgae by exploiting response surface methodology, which can be applied as a powerful tool in growth monitoring and toxicity assessment.

The Overexpression of Oryza sativa L. CYP85A1 Promotes Growth and Biomass Production in Transgenic Trees

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are important hormones that play crucial roles in plant growth, reproduction, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. CYP85A1 is a castasterone (CS) synthase that catalyzes C-6 oxidation of 6-deoxocastasterone (6-deoxoCS) to CS, after which CS is converted into brassinolide (BL) in a reaction catalyzed by CYP85A2. Here, we report the functional characteristics of rice (Oryza sativa L.) OsCYP85A1. Constitutive expression of OsCYP85A1 driven by the cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter increased endogenous BR levels and significantly promoted growth and biomass production in three groups of transgenic Populus tomentosa lines. The plant height and stem diameter of the transgenic poplar plants were increased by 17.6% and 33.6%, respectively, in comparison with control plants. Simultaneously, we showed that expression of OsCYP85A1 enhanced xylem formation in transgenic poplar without affecting cell wall thickness or the composition of cellulose. Our findings suggest that OsCYP85A1 represents a potential target candidate gene for engineering fast-growing trees with improved wood production.

Neotropical Frog Foam Nest’s Microbiomes

Amphibian foam nests are unique microenvironments that play a crucial role in the development of tadpoles. They contain high levels of proteins and carbohydrates, yet little is known about the impact of their microbiomes on tadpole health. This study provides a first characterization of the microbiome of foam nests from three species of Leptodactylids (Adenomera hylaedactyla, Leptodactylus vastus, and Physalaemus cuvieri) by investigating the DNA extracted from foam nests, adult tissues, soil, and water samples, analyzed via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to gain insight into the factors driving its composition. The results showed that the dominant phyla were proteobacteria, bacteroidetes, and firmicutes, with the most abundant genera being Pseudomonas, Sphingobacterium, and Paenibacillus. The foam nest microbiomes of A. hylaedactyla and P. cuvieri were more similar to each other than to that of L. vastus, despite their phylogenetic distance. The foam nests demonstrated a distinct microbiome that clustered together and separated from the microbiomes of the environment and adult tissue samples. This suggests that the peculiar foam nest composition shapes its microbiome, rather than vertical or horizontal transference forces. We expanded this knowledge into amphibian foam nest microbiomes, highlighting the importance of preserving healthy foam nests for amphibian conservation.

Predicting the impact of hydraulic retention time and biodegradability on the performance of sludge acidogenesis using an artificial neural network

This study aimed to predict volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production from SDBS-pretreated waste-activated sludge (WAS). A lab-scale continuous experiment was conducted at varying hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 7 d to 1 d. The highest VFA yield considering the WAS biodegradability was 86.8 % based on COD at an HRT of 2 d, where the hydrolysis and acidogenesis showed the highest microbial activities. According to 16S rRNA gene analysis, the most abundant bacterial class and genus at an HRT of 2 d were Synergistia and Aminobacterium, respectively. Training regression (R) for TVFA and VFA yield was 0.9321 and 0.9679, respectively, verifying the efficiency of the ANN model in learning the relationship between the input variables and reactor performance. The prediction outcome was verified with R² values of 0.9416 and 0.8906 for TVFA and VFA yield, respectively. These results would be useful in designing, operating, and controlling WAS treatment processes.

Study of the growth and biochemical composition of 20 species of cyanobacteria cultured in cylindrical photobioreactors

BACKGROUND

Cyanobacteria are prokaryotic organisms with wide morphological and metabolic diversity. By means of photosynthesis, they convert inorganic compounds into biomolecules, which may have commercial interest. In this work, we evaluated 20 cyanobacterial strains regarding their physiological aspects such as growth, photosynthesis and biochemical composition, some of which are revealed here for the first time. The organisms were cultivated in cylindrical photobioreactors (CPBR) for 144 h and the biomass was obtained. The light inside cultures was constant throughout experimental time and maintained at the saturation irradiance (Ik) of each species. Culture pH was maintained within 7.8 and 8.4 by automatic CO₂ bubbling. Growth rate, dry biomass, chlorophyll a, carotenoids, phycocyanin, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) and antioxidant activity were determined.

RESULTS

The proportionality of the biochemical composition varied among species, as well as the growth rates. Leptolyngbya sp. and Nostoc sp. (CCIBt3249) showed growth rates in the range of 0.7-0.8 d^-1, followed by Rhabdorderma sp. (~ 0.6 d^-1), and Phormidium sp. (~ 0.5 d^-1). High carotenoid content was obtained in Rhabdoderma sp. (4.0 μg mL^-1) and phycocyanin in Leptolyngbya sp. (60 μg mL^-1). Higher total proteins were found in the genus Geitlerinema (75% DW), carbohydrates in Microcystis navacekii (30% DW) and lipids in Phormidium sp. (15% DW). Furthermore, Aphanocapsa holsatica showed the highest antioxidant activity (65%) and Sphaerocavum brasiliense, Microcystis aeruginosa, Nostoc sp. (CCIBt3249) and A. holsatica higher levels of PHA (~ 2% DW).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports on the biochemical composition of cyanobacteria that can impact the biotechnology of their production, highlighting potential strains with high productivity of specific biomolecules.

Multiple approaches to characterize and visualize the chemical composition of Sijunzi Decoction comprehensively

Sijunzi Decoction is composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodes Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix Et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle, and it is a classic formula for treating spleen deficiency syndrome in Chinese medicine. Clarifying the active substances is an effective way to develop Traditional Chinese medicine and innovative medicines. Carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, saponins, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and inorganic elements in the decoction were analyzed by multiple approaches. A molecular network was also used for visualizing the ingredients in Sijunzi Decoction, and representative components were also quantified. The detected components accounted for 74.544% of the Sijunzi Decoction freeze-dried powder, including 41.751% crude polysaccharides, 17.826% sugars (degree of polymerization 1-2), 8.181% total saponins, 2.427% insoluble precipitates, 2.154% free amino acids, 1.177% total flavonoids, 0.546% total phenolic acids, and 0.483% inorganic elements. Molecular network and quantitative analysis used to characterize the chemical composition of Sijunzi Decoction. The present study systematically characterized the constituents of Sijunzi Decoction, revealed the composition ratio of each type of constituent, and provided a reference for study on the substance basis of other Chinese medicine.

Performance of Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor (AnMBR) with Sugarcane Bagasse Ash-based Ceramic Membrane treating Simulated Low-strength Municipal Wastewater: Effect of Operation Conditions

This study assesses the performance of waste sugarcane bagasse ash (SBA)-based ceramic membrane in anaerobic membrane bioreactor (AnMBR) treating low-strength wastewater. The AnMBR was operated in sequential batch reactor (SBR) mode at hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 24 h, 18 h, and 10 h to understand the effect on organics removal and membrane performance. Feast-famine conditions were also examined to evaluate system performance under variable influent loadings. An average removal of >90% chemical oxygen demand (COD) was obtained at each HRT and starvation periods up to 96 days did not significantly affect removal efficiency. However, feast-famine conditions affected extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) production and consequently the membrane fouling. EPS production was high (135 mg/g MLVSS) when the system was restarted at 18 h HRT after shutdown (96 days) with corresponding high transmembrane pressure (TMP) build-up; however, the EPS content stabilized at ~60-80 mg/g MLVSS after a week of operation. Similar phenomenon of high EPS and high TMP was experienced after other shutdowns (94 and 48 days) as well. Permeate flux was 8.8±0.3, 11.2±0.1 and 18.4±3.4 L/m² h at 24 h, 18 h and 10 h HRT, respectively. Filtration-relaxation (4 min - 1 min) and backflush (up to 4 times operating flux) helped control fouling rate. Surface deposits (that significantly attributed to fouling) could be effectively removed by physical cleaning, resulting in nearly complete flux recovery. Overall, SBR-AnMBR system equipped with waste-based ceramic membrane appears promising for treatment of low-strength wastewater with disruptions in feeding.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11270-023-06173-3.

A Staphylococcal Glucosaminidase Drives Inflammatory Responses by Processing Peptidoglycan Chains to Physiological Lengths

The peptidoglycan of Staphylococcus aureus is a critical cell envelope constituent and virulence factor that subverts host immune defenses and provides protection against environmental stressors. Peptidoglycan chains of the S. aureus cell wall are processed to characteristically short lengths by the glucosaminidase SagB. It is well established that peptidoglycan is an important pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) that is recognized by the host innate immune system and promotes production of proinflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β). However, how bacterial processing of peptidoglycan drives IL-1β production is comparatively unexplored. Here, we tested the involvement of staphylococcal glucosaminidases in shaping innate immune responses and identified SagB as a mediator of IL-1β production. A ΔsagB mutant fails to promote IL-1β production by macrophages and dendritic cells, and processing of peptidoglycan by SagB is essential for this response. SagB-dependent IL-1β production by macrophages is independent of canonical pattern recognition receptor engagement and NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated caspase activity. Instead, treatment of macrophages with heat-killed cells from a ΔsagB mutant leads to reduced caspase-independent cleavage of pro-IL-1β, resulting in accumulation of the pro form in the macrophage cytosol. Furthermore, SagB is required for virulence in systemic infection and promotes IL-1β production in a skin and soft tissue infection model. Taken together, our results suggest that the length of S. aureus cell wall glycan chains can drive IL-1β production by innate immune cells through a previously undescribed mechanism related to IL-1β maturation.

Antioxidant and hypoglycemic activity of tea polysaccharides with different degrees of fermentation

Four polysaccharides (GTPS, OTPS, BTPS and DTPS) were extracted from green tea, oolong tea, black tea and dark tea respectively. The physical and chemical properties, antioxidant and hypoglycemic activities were studied. Structural analysis showed that these tea polysaccharides were glycoprotein complexes, and there were significant differences in microstructure, protein, total sugar and uronic acid content. They were all composed of multiple monosaccharides and different molar ratios. In terms of antioxidant activity, completely fermented BTPS and DTPS had higher activity. Regarding to hypoglycemic effects, BTPS showed higher α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. And in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mice, Oral BTPS significantly controlled the levels of blood glucose, TG, TC, LDL-C, Cr, UREA, ALT and AST in diabetic mice, and improved insulin resistance. Histopathological observation further confirmed that BTPS can alleviate liver injury caused by hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. Data showed that BTPS significantly improved hyperglycemia and liver function in diabetic mice.

Amino acids foliar application for maximizing growth, productivity and quality of peanut grown under sandy soil

Two field experiments were conducted during 2019 and 2020 summer seasons at the experimental station of national research center, Al-Nubaryia district, El-Behaira Governorate, Egypt, to study the effect of Phenyl alanine and Aspartic acid foliar fertilizers at rates of (0.0, 50, 75 and 100 ppm) on morphological characters, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield and its components as well as seed quality of groundnut grown under sandy soil. Results indicated superiority of aspartic acid over phenyl alanine on increasing different growth parameters, chlorophyll b, biological and seed yields/plant, biological, seed and oil yields (kg/fed.), % of carbohydrate in peanut seeds. Meanwhile, phenyl alanine was superior on increasing carotenoids, indole acetic acid, phenolics, free amino acids, flavonoids, Lycopene, β-Carotene contents, antioxidant activity expressed as (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl DPPH %) and shilling percentage. In addition, aspartic acid and phenyl alanine with various levels caused significant increases in growth and seed yield quantity and quality of peanut plants through increases in photosynthetic pigments, indole acetic acid, phenolics and free amino acids contents. Aspartic acid was more effective than phenyl alanine, Foliar treatment with 100 mg/L aspartic acid increased oil yield (700.36 over 568.05 ton/fed.) and seed yield (1531.98 over 1253.49 kg/fed.). Finally, it can conclude that using aspartic acid and phenyl alanine as foliar treatment improved growth and yield of ground nut plants under sandy soil.

Biogeochemical and historical drivers of microbial community composition and structure in sediments from Mercer Subglacial Lake, West Antarctica

Ice streams that flow into Ross Ice Shelf are underlain by water-saturated sediments, a dynamic hydrological system, and subglacial lakes that intermittently discharge water downstream across grounding zones of West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS). A 2.06 m composite sediment profile was recently recovered from Mercer Subglacial Lake, a 15 m deep water cavity beneath a 1087 m thick portion of the Mercer Ice Stream. We examined microbial abundances, used 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to assess community structures, and characterized extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) associated with distinct lithologic units in the sediments. Bacterial and archaeal communities in the surficial sediments are more abundant and diverse, with significantly different compositions from those found deeper in the sediment column. The most abundant taxa are related to chemolithoautotrophs capable of oxidizing reduced nitrogen, sulfur, and iron compounds with oxygen, nitrate, or iron. Concentrations of dissolved methane and total organic carbon together with water content in the sediments are the strongest predictors of taxon and community composition. δ¹³C values for EPS (-25 to -30‰) are consistent with the primary source of carbon for biosynthesis originating from legacy marine organic matter. Comparison of communities to those in lake sediments under an adjacent ice stream (Whillans Subglacial Lake) and near its grounding zone provide seminal evidence for a subglacial metacommunity that is biogeochemically and evolutionarily linked through ice sheet dynamics and the transport of microbes, water, and sediments beneath WAIS.

Application of Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer changes the rhizosphere microbial community structure of melon plants and increases the fruit sugar content

BACKGROUND

Sophora alopecuroides L. is a leguminous plant commonly found in northwest China. In Xinjiang, the fresh herb of S. alopecuroides is often applied as a green fertilizer to the rhizosphere of melon (Cucumis melo) plants at the end of their flowering period, to improve the taste of the fruits. However, the effects of S. alopecuroides-based fertilizers on the microbial community structure of soil and crop-root systems are unclear. In order to study the sweetening mechanism of the S. alopecuroides organic fertilizer, three different varieties of melon were selected. The untreated plants were used as the control (CK) group, and the plants treated with S. alopecuroides-based organic fertilizer were selected as the treatment (T) group. The physical and chemical properties, enzyme activities and microbial community structure of the rhizosphere samples were also determined, and a correlation analysis with the fruit sweetness index was conducted.

RESULTS

Sugar content of group T was at least 40% higher than that of group CK. The increase in fruit sugar content positively correlated with the increase in the abundance of beneficial microorganisms, including Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Mycobacterium, Burkholderia, Streptomyces, Acinetobacter, Proteobacteria, Lysobacter, Actinomycetes, Penicillium and Aspergillus.

CONCLUSION

Sophora alopecuroides organic fertilizer could alter the composition and function of bacterial and fungal communities and promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the melon plant rhizosphere. Further, it could increase the content of soluble solids and sugar in the fruits to achieve a sweetening effect. This fertilizer can be applied as a fruit sweetener in melon cultivation, improving the sugar content of the fruit and consequently the sweetness. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhanced Yield of Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Activities in Four Fermented Beans of Phellinus linteus Strains (Agaricomycetes) by Solid-State Fermentation

Phellinus linteus is a famous medicinal mushroom which exhibits various biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of solid-state fermentation by Ph. linteus on the yield of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of beans. Four bean substrates were prepared and inoculated with inoculum of three strains of Ph. linteus, respectively. During the cultivation, the harvested samples were dried, grounded, extracted, and determined the contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities. The results indicated that the mung bean fermented by Ph. linteus 04 had the highest polysaccharide content (98.8 mg/g). The highest total phenolic and flavonoid contents were in fermented soybeans by Ph. linteus 03 (15.03 mg gallic acid equivalents/g and 63.24 mg rutin equivalents/g, respectively). The 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) radical scavenging activities of hot water extracts were higher than those of ethanolic extracts for fermented beans by three Ph. linteus strains. However, the superoxide anion radical scavenging ability of ethanolic extracts was higher than those of hot water extracts in the fermented beans of the three strains. The ferrous ion (Fe2+)-chelating abilities of hot water extracts were higher than those of ethanolic extracts in fermented beans by Ph. linteus 03 and 04. In contrast, ethanolic extracts were higher than hot water extracts in fermented beans by Ph. linteus 06. Overall, these results indicate that the fermentation by Ph. linteus strains increased the bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of four beans.

A spectral learning path for simultaneous multi-parameter detection of water quality

Water quality parameters (WQP) are the most intuitive indicators of the environmental quality of water body. Due to the complexity and variability of the chemical environment of water body, simple and rapid detection of multiple parameters of water quality becomes a difficult task. In this paper, spectral images (named SPIs) and deep learning (DL) techniques were combined to construct an intelligent method for WQP detection. A novel spectroscopic instrument was used to obtain SPIs, which were converted into feature images of water chemistry and then combined with deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to train models and predict WQP. The results showed that the method of combining SPIs and DL has high accuracy and stability, and good prediction results with average relative error of each parameter (anions and cations, TOC, TP, TN, NO₃^--N, NH₃-N) at 1.3%, coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.996, root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.1, residual prediction deviation (RPD) of 16.2, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.067. The method can achieve rapid and accurate detection of high-dimensional water quality multi-parameters, and has the advantages of simple pre-processing and low cost. It can be applied not only to the intelligent detection of environmental waters, but also has the potential to be applied in chemical, biological and medical fields.

Within-crown plasticity of hydraulic properties influence branch dieback patterns of two woody plants under experimental drought conditions

In recent year, widespread declines of Populus bolleana Lauche trees (P. bolleana, which dieback from the top down) and Haloxylon ammodendron shrubs (H. ammodendron, which dieback starting from their outer canopy) have occurred. To investigate how both intra-canopy hydraulic changes and plasticity in hydraulic properties create differences in vulnerability between these two species, we conducted a drought simulation field experiment. We analyzed branch hydraulic vulnerability, leaf water potential (Ψ), photosynthesis (A), stomatal conductance (gs), non-structural carbohydrate (NSCs) contents and morphological traits of the plants as the plants underwent a partial canopy dieback. Our results showed that: (1) the hydraulic architecture was very different between the two life forms; (2) H. ammodendron exhibited a drought tolerance response with weak stomatal control, and thus a sharp decline in Ψ while P. bolleana showed a drought avoidance response with tighter stomatal control that maintained a relatively stable Ψ; (3) the Ψ of H. ammodendron showed relative consistent symptoms of drought stress with increasing plant stature, but the Ψ of P. bolleana showed greater drought stress in higher portions of the crown; (4) prolonged drought caused P. bolleana to consume and H. ammodendron to accumulate NSCs in the branches of their upper canopy. Thus, the prolonged drought caused the shoots of the upper canopy of P. bolleana to experience greater vulnerability leading to dieback of the upper branches first, while all the twigs of the outer canopy of H. ammodendron experienced nearly identical degrees of vulnerability, and thus dieback occurred uniformly. Our results indicate that intra-canopy hydraulic change and their plasticity under drought was the main cause of the observed canopy dieback patterns in both species. However, more work is needed to further establish that hydraulic limitation as a function of plant stature was the sole mechanism for causing the divergent canopy dieback patterns.