Effect of different drying techniques on flowability characteristics and chemical properties of natural carbohydrate-protein Gum from durian fruit seed

Function Switch of a Fungal Sesterterpene Synthase through Molecular Dynamics Simulation Assisted Alteration of an Aromatic Residue Cluster in the Active Pocket of PfNS

Terpene synthases (TPSs) play pivotal roles in generating diverse terpenoids through complex cyclization pathways. Protein engineering of TPSs offers a crucial approach to expanding terpene diversity. However, significant potential remains untapped due to limited understanding of the structure-function relationships of TPSs. In this investigation, using a joint approach of molecular dynamics simulations-assisted engineering and site-directed mutagenesis, we manipulated the aromatic residue cluster (ARC) of a bifunctional terpene synthase (BFTPS), Pestalotiopsis fici nigtetraene synthase (PfNS). This led to the discovery of previously unreported catalytic functions yielding different cyclization patterns of sesterterpenes. Specifically, a quadruple variant (F89A/Y113F/W193L/T194W) completely altered PfNS's function, converting it from producing the bicyclic sesterterpene nigtetraene to the tricyclic ophiobolin F. Additionally, analysis of catalytic profiles by double, triple, and quadruple variants demonstrated that the ARC functions as a switch, unprecedently redirecting the production of 5/11 bicyclic (Type B) sesterterpenes to 5/15 bicyclic (Type A) ones. Molecular dynamics simulations and theozyme calculations further elucidated that, in addition to cation-π interactions, C-H⋅⋅⋅π interactions also play a key role in the cyclization patterns. This study offers a feasible strategy in protein engineering of TPSs for various industrial applications.

Genetically Encoded Photocaged Proteinogenic and Non-Proteinogenic Amino Acids

Photocaged amino acids could be genetically encoded into proteins via genetic code expansion (GCE) and constitute unique tools for innovative protein engineering. There are a number of photocaged proteinogenic amino acids that allow strategic conversion of proteins into their photocaged variants, thus enabling spatiotemporal and non-invasive regulation of protein functions using light. Meanwhile, there are a hand of photocaged non-proteinogenic amino acids that address the challenges in directly encoding certain non-canonical amino acids (ncAAs) that structurally resemble proteinogenic ones or possess highly reactive functional groups. Herein, we would like to summarize the efforts in encoding photocaged proteinogenic and non-proteinogenic amino acids, hoping to draw more attention to this fruitful and exciting scientific campaign.

Advances of Ion Mobility Platform for Plant Metabolomics

Metabolomics aims to profile the extensive array of metabolites that exists in different types of matrices using modern analytical techniques. These techniques help to separate, identify, and quantify the plethora of chemical compounds at various analytical platforms. Hence, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has emerged as an advanced analytical approach, exclusively owing to the 3D separation of metabolites and their isomers. Furthermore, separated metabolites are identified based on their mass fragmentation pattern and CCS (collision cross-section) values. The IMS provides an advanced alternative dimension to separate the isomeric metabolites with enhanced throughput with lesser chemical noise. Thus, the present review highlights the types, factors affecting the resolution, and applications of IMMS (Ion mobility mass spectrometry) for isomeric separations, and ionic contaminants in the plant samples. Furthermore, an overview of IMS-based applications for the identification of plant metabolites (volatile and non-volatile) over the last few decades has been discussed, followed by future assumptions for creating IM-based databases. Such approaches could be significant to accelerate and improve our knowledge of the vast chemical diversity found in plants.

Alternative and efficient one-pot three-component synthesis of substituted 2-aryl-4-styrylquinazolines/4-styrylquinazolines from synthetically available 1-(2-aminophenyl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones: characterization and evaluation of their antiproliferative activities

In this study, an alternative and efficient one-pot three-component synthesis approach to develop a new series of (E)-2-aryl-4-styrylquinazolines and (E)-4-styrylquinazolines is described. According to this approach, the target compounds were synthesized straightforward in high yields and in short reaction times from substituted 1-(2-aminophenyl)-3-arylprop-2-en-1-ones via its well-Cu(OAc)2-mediated cyclocondensation reactions with aromatic aldehydes or its well-catalyst-free cyclocondensation reactions with trimethoxy methane (trimethyl orthoformate), and ammonium acetate under aerobic conditions. This is an operationally simple, valuable, and direct method to synthesize 2-aryl- and non-C2-substituted quinazolines containing a styryl framework at C4 position from cheap and synthetically available starting materials. All the synthesized compounds were submitted to the US National Cancer Institute for in vitro screening. The bromo- and chloro-substituted quinazolines 5c and 5d displayed a potent antitumor activity against all the tested subpanel tumor cell lines with IC50 (MG-MID) values of 5.25 and 5.50 μM, and a low cytotoxic effect with LC50 (MG-MID) values of 91.20 and 84.67 μM, respectively, indicating a low toxicity of these compounds to normal human cell lines, as required for potential antitumor agents.

Tackling breast cancer with gold nanoparticles: twinning synthesis and particle engineering with efficacy

The World Health Organization identifies breast cancer as the most prevalent cancer despite predominantly affecting women. Surgery, hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy are the current treatment modalities. Site-directed nanotherapeutics, engineered with multidimensional functionality are now the frontrunners in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Gold nanoparticles with their unique colloidal, optical, quantum, magnetic, mechanical, and electrical properties have become the most valuable weapon in this arsenal. Their advantages include facile modulation of shape and size, a high degree of reproducibility and stability, biocompatibility, and ease of particle engineering to induce multifunctionality. Additionally, the surface plasmon oscillation and high atomic number of gold provide distinct advantages for tailor-made diagnosis, therapy or theranostic applications in breast cancer such as photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, molecular labeling, imaging, and sensing. Although pre-clinical and clinical data are promising for nano-dimensional gold, their clinical translation is hampered by toxicity signs in major organs like the liver, kidneys and spleen. This has instigated global scientific brainstorming to explore feasible particle synthesis and engineering techniques to simultaneously improve the efficacy and versatility and widen the safety window of gold nanoparticles. The present work marks the first study on gold nanoparticle design and maneuvering techniques, elucidating their impact on the pharmacodynamics character and providing a clear-cut scientific roadmap for their fast-track entry into clinical practice.

Errors in agricultural practices increase the toxicity of heavy metals in the food chain at Ishwardi Upazila in Bangladesh

Due to the potential harm to human health, heavy metal deposition in agricultural products has gained importance throughout the world. Excessive use of agrochemicals and poultry wastes dramatically increased during the cultivation processes of rapidly growing vegetables without maintaining authorized guidelines. It happens due to the availability and low cost of these materials and higher production of the vegetables. Higher levels of heavy metals, especially Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr), and Cadmium (Cd) contamination in food have detrimental effects on human health as well as the environmental ecosystems. This study revealed the profile of the heavy metals in the fast-growing vegetable called red amaranth (Amaranthus cruentus) due to the frequent use of poultry manure. We collected a total of 75 samples of red amaranth, water, and soil from five villages of five different unions at Ishwardi upazila in Bangladesh, and we analyzed the contamination levels of As, Pb, Cr, and Cd in them. Except for the As, we found that the accumulation levels of Pb, Cr, and Cd in samples crossed the highest permissive limit compared to FAO/WHO standards. Results suggested that daily intake of red amaranth in this area is alarming to human health due to the detrimental effects of these heavy metals.

Gum Ghatti: A Comprehensive Review on Production, Processing, Remarkable Properties, and Diverse Applications

Gum ghatti, popularly known as Indian gum and obtained from Anogeissus latifolia, is a complex high-molecular-weight, water-soluble, and swellable nonstarch polysaccharide comprised of magnesium and calcium salts of ghattic acids and multiple monosugars. Unlike other nontimber forest produce, gums ghatti is a low-volume but high-value product. It has several applications and is widely used as food, in pharmaceuticals, and for wastewater treatment and hydrogel formation, and it has attracted a great deal of attention in the fields of energy, environmental science, and nanotechnology. Industrial applications of gum ghatti are primarily due to its excellent emulsification, stabilization, thickening, heat tolerance, pH stability, carrier, and biodegradable properties. However, utilization of gum ghatti is poorly explored and implemented due to a lack of knowledge of its production, processing, and properties. Nevertheless, there has been interest among investigators in recent times for exploring its production, processing, molecular skeleton, and functional properties. This present review focuses on production scenarios, processing aspects, structural and functional properties, and potential applications in the food, pharmaceuticals, nonfood, and other indigenous and industrial usages.

Oxidative Polymerization of Aniline on the Surface of Sisal Fibers (SFs) as Defluoridation Media for Groundwater

Chemical modification of sisal fibers via in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline was conducted to examine their defluoridation capacity for fluoride from drinking water. The effects of polyaniline modifications have shown significant changes on the chemical moieties and defluoridation capacity of sisal fibers (SFs). FTIR peaks at 1440 cm-1 and 1560 cm-1 revealed the presence of benzoid and quinoid structures together with sisal fiber (SF). Thermal profiles confirmed the enhancement of thermal stability of polyaniline-modified sisal fibers (PAniMSFs). SEM microstructure also proved the surface roughening of SFs as a result of polyaniline modifications. Optimal batch adsorption parameters (pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, and initial concentration) were found to be 5, 60 min, 1 g, and 10 mg/L, respectively. Adsorption kinetics proved that the removal of fluoride follows pseudo-second-order model (K2 = 0.18 g. (mg·min)-1), while the adsorption isotherm well described by the Langmuir and Freundlich model with an experimental adsorption capacity of 2.49 mg/g. Hence, modifications and improvements are required to reduce the amount of fluoride to a permissible level and enhance the longevity and activity of adsorbent materials.

Novel flurbiprofen clubbed oxadiazole derivatives as potential urease inhibitors and their molecular docking study

In this study, twenty eight novel oxadiazole derivatives (5-32) of the marketed available non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), (S)-flurbiprofen (1), were synthesized via I2 mediated cyclo-addition reaction in better yields. The synthesized hydrazone-Schiff bases were cyclized with iodine by using potassium hydroxide as a base in DMSO solvent to obtain oxadiazole derivatives (5-32). Structures of the synthesized products were confirmed with HR-ESI-MS, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and CHN analysis. After structure confirmations all analogs were evaluated for urease (in vitro) inhibitory activity. Amongst the series, fourteen compounds 20, 26, 30, 24, 21, 16, 28, 31, 32, 7, 19, 13, 10, and 6 were found to be excellent inhibitors of urease enzyme, having IC50 values of 12 ± 0.9 to 20 ± 0.5 μM, better than the standard thiourea (IC50 = 22 ± 2.2 μM), whereas the remaining fourteen derivatives displayed good to moderate activity. The in silico study was executed to analyse the interaction between the active site of the enzyme (urease) and the produced compounds. The docking study revealed that compounds 20, 26, 30, 24, 21, 16, 28, 31, 32, 7, 19, 13, 10, and 6 had lower docking scores than the standard compound thiourea and revealed better interactions with the urease enzyme.

A review on the hydration properties of dietary fibers derived from food waste and their interactions with other ingredients: opportunities and challenges for their application in the food industry

Dietary fiber (DF) significantly affects the quality attributes of food matrices. Depending on its chemical composition, molecular structure, and degree of hydration, the behavior of DF may differ. Numerous reports confirm that incorporating DF derived from food waste into food products has significant effects on textural, sensory, rheological, and antimicrobial properties. Additionally, the characteristics of DF, modification techniques (chemical, enzymatic, mechanical, thermal), and processing conditions (temperature, pH, ionic strength), as well as the presence of other components, can profoundly affect the functionalities of DF. This review aims to describe the interactions between DF and water, focusing on the effects of free water, freezing-bound water, and unfreezing-bound water on the hydration capacity of both soluble and insoluble DF. The review also explores how the structural, functional, and environmental properties of DF contribute to its hydration capacity. It becomes evident that the interactions between DF and water, and their effects on the rheological properties of food matrices, are complex and multifaceted subjects, offering both opportunities and challenges for further exploration. Utilizing DF extracted from food waste exhibits promise as a sustainable and viable strategy for the food industry to create nutritious and high-value-added products, while concurrently reducing reliance on primary virgin resources.

Comprehensive powder flow characterization with reduced testing

Powder flow is a critical attribute of pharmaceutical blends to ensure tablet weight uniformity and production of tablets with consistent and reproducible properties. This study aims at characterizing different powder blends with a number of different rheologic techniques, in order to understand how particles' attributes and interaction between components within the formulation generate different responses when analysed by different rheological tests. Furthermore, this study intends on reducing the number of tests in early development phases, by selecting the ones that provide the best information about the flowability attributes of the pharmaceutical blends. This work considered two cohesive powders - spray-dried hydroxypropyl cellulose (SD HPMC) and micronized indomethacin (IND) - formulated with other four commonly used excipients [(lactose monohydrated (LAC), microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), magnesium stearate (MgSt) and colloidal silica (CS)]. The experimental results showed that powder flowability may be affected by materials particles' size, bulk density, morphology, and interactions with lubricant. In detail, parameters, such as angle of repose (AoR), compressibility percentage (CPS), and flow function coefficient (ff_c) have shown to be highly affected by the particle size of the materials present in the blends. On the other hand, the Specific Energy (SE) and the effective angle of internal friction (φe) showed to be more related with particle morphology and materials interaction with the lubricant. Since both ff_c and φe parameters are generated from the yield locus test, data suggest that a number of different powder flow features may be understood only by applying this test, avoiding redundant powder flow characterization, as well as extensive time and material spent in early development formulation stages.

Partitioning and recovery of proteases from lizardfish (Saurida micropectoralis) stomach using combined phase partitioning systems and their storage stability

Partitioning and recovery of proteases from stomach extract (SE) and acidified stomach extract (ASE) of lizardfish using a three-phase partitioning (TPP) system in combination with an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) was optimized. The highest yield and purity were obtained in the interphase of the TPP system, which consisted of a SE or ASE to t-butanol ratio of 1.0 : 0.5 in the presence of 40% (w/w) (NH₄)₂SO₄. Both TPP fractions were further subjected to ATPS. Phase compositions of ATPS including PEG molecular mass and concentrations as well as types and concentrations of salts influenced protein partitioning. The best ATPS conditions for protease partitioning into the top phase from TPP fractions of SE and ASE were 15% Na₃C₆H₅O₇-20% PEG1000 and 20% Na₃C₆H₅O₇-15% PEG1000, which increased the purity by 4-fold and 5-fold with the recovered activity of 82% and 77%, respectively. ATPS fractions of SE and ASE were subsequently mixed with several PEGs and salts for back extraction (BE). BE using 25% PEG8000-5% Na₃C₆H₅O₇ gave the highest PF and yield for both ATPS fractions. SDS-PAGE investigation revealed that the decrease in contaminating protein bands was observed after the combined partitioning systems. BE fractions of SE and ASE were quite stable at -20 and 0 °C up to 14 days. Therefore, the combination of TPP, ATPS and BE could be effectively applied to recover and purify proteases from the stomach of lizardfish.

A Novel Polysaccharide DSPP-1 from Durian Seed: Structure Characterization and Its Protective Effects Against Alzheimer's Disease in a Transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans Model

Durian seeds are normally considered as agricultural waste in durian fruit processing, resulting in a huge waste of resources. The structure characterization of polysaccharide from durian seed and its neuroprotective effects against Alzheimer's disease (AD) in a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans model were conducted in this study. A water-soluble polysaccharide was obtained using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment, and named DSPP-1. DSPP-1 was composed of rhamnose, galactose and galacturonic acid and its molecular weight was 3.765 × 10⁵ Da. PDSP and DSPP-1 showed considerable antioxidant activity in the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging compared to the positive control (vitamin C). Besides, compared with the positive group (epigallocatechin gallate), PDSP and DSPP-1 exhibited the certain Abeta_1 - 42 aggregation inhibitory effectiveness (p < 0.05). In contrast, DSPP-2 exerted a poor antioxidant and anti-aggregation effect (p < 0.05). In vivo results showed that DSPP-1 could decrease abnormal Aβ_1-42 aggregation to delay the paralysis process of AD-nematodes. Moreover, DSPP-1 significantly improved the antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced lipid peroxidation in AD-nematodes. Taken together, these results indicated that DSPP-1 could be used as a potential natural source for the prevention and treatment of AD.

Production of encapsulated (25R)-Spirost-5-en-3β-ol powder with composite coating material and its characterization

The potential of the (25R)-Spirost-5-en-3β-ol (diosgenin) is underutilized due to its astringent mouthfeel and aftertaste. To make the consumption more, this research rivets over the use of suitable techniques for encapsulating the diosgenin to use its health benefits for preventing the health disorders. The (25R)-Spirost-5-en-3β-ol(diosgenin) is gaining popularity in the food market by proving its potential health benefits. This study rivets over the encapsulation of diosgenin due to its high bitter taste which restricts its incorporation in functional foods. Maltodextrin and whey protein concentrates were used as the carrier for encapsulating diosgenin at varying concentrations from 0.1 to 0.5 % and evaluated for powder properties. The optimal conditions were obtained based on the most suited data ranged from the selected properties for the powder. The spray dried 0.3% diosgenin powder produced most suitable properties for powder recovery, encapsulation efficiency, moisture content, water activity, hygroscopicity, and particle size as 51.69-72.18%, 54.51-83.46%, 1.86-3.73%, 0.38-0.51, 10.55-14.08% and 40.38-88.02 μm respectively. The significance of this study relies on the more and better utilization of the fenugreek diosgenin in edible form by masking the bitterness. After encapsulation the spray dried diosgenin is more accessible in powder format with edible maltodextrin and whey protein concentrate. The spray dried diosgenin powder could be a potential agent that fulfils nutritional demands along with protection from some chronic health perturb.

Analysis of non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of elemental impurities in vitamin C supplements

Objectives

Elemental impurity exposure that may occur in the use of supplements has the potential to pose a risk to human health. Vitamin C supplements are among the most commonly used supplements on a daily basis and in the long-term due to the pharmacological properties of vitamin C. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the non-carcinogenic health risk of elemental impurities that may cause contamination in orally administered vitamin C supplements.

Materials and Methods

Ten elemental impurities (Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Co, V, Ni, Cr, Sb, and Sn) in 12 supplements were analyzed using ICP-MS. The estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) values of elemental impurities were calculated for non-carcinogenic risk assessment. Cancer risk (CR) was additionally calculated for elemental impurities with carcinogenic properties detected in the samples.

Results

Low levels of Cr and Hg were detected in some samples. While the HQ values of sample 1, sample 2, sample 8, and sample 9 for Hg were calculated as 0.054, 0.096, 0.064, and 0.086, respectively, the HQ values of sample 5, sample 10, and sample 11 for Cr were calculated as 0.011, 0.017, and 0.014, respectively. Since only Hg or only Cr was detected in samples with elemental impurity, the HI values in the samples are the same as the HQ values. Since the HQ and HI values calculated from the samples are not≥1, there is no elemental impurity at a level that will hazard human health through supplement use. Other carcinogenic elements were not detected in the samples except Cr. In sample 5, sample 10, and sample 11, the CR values for Cr were 1.767.10^-5, 2.571.10^-5, and 2.089.10^-5, respectively. In probability simulation, while HQ and CR values of Cr did not exceed the allowable value, the HQ level for Hg in the 95% slice was higher than the allowable value.

Conclusion

There is no risk to human health and there is no critical difference between the supplements considering the elemental pollutant content among the vitamin C supplements of different trademarks. However, in order to keep the Hg level, which has a potential risk capacity, at low limits, it is recommended that the necessary risk-reducing measures be taken by the authorities and further studies be carried out.

Synergistic activity of pomegranate rind extract and Zn (II) against Candida albicans under planktonic and biofilm conditions, and a mechanistic insight based upon intracellular ROS induction

Candida albicans (C. albicans) is an opportunistic pathogen, which causes superficial infection and can lead to mortal systemic infections, especially in immunocompromised patients. The incidence of C. albicans infections is increasing and there are a limited number of antifungal drugs used in treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for new and alternative antifungal drugs. Pomegranate rind extract (PRE) is known for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, including against C. albicans and recently, PRE and Zn (II) have been shown to induce synergistic antimicrobial activity against various microbes. In this study, the inhibitory activities of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE in combination with Zn (II) were evaluated against C. albicans. Antifungal activities of PRE and Zn (II) were evaluated using conventional microdilution methods and the interaction between these compounds was assessed by in vitro checkerboard and time kill assays in planktonic cultures. The anti-biofilm activities of PRE, Zn (II) and PRE in combination with Zn (II) were assessed using confocal laser scanning microscopy, with quantitative analysis of biofilm biomass and mean thickness analysed using COMSTAT2 analysis. In addition, antimicrobial interactions between PRE and Zn (II) were assayed in terms reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by C. albicans. PRE and Zn (II) showed a potent antifungal activity against C. albicans, with MIC values of 4 mg/mL and 1.8 mg/mL, respectively. PRE and Zn (II) in combination exerted a synergistic antifungal effect, as confirmed by the checkerboard and time kill assays. PRE, Zn (II) and PRE and Zn (II) in combination gave rise to significant reductions in biofilm biomass, although only PRE caused a significant reduction in mean biofilm thickness. The PRE and Zn (II) in combination caused the highest levels of ROS production by C. albicans, in both planktonic and biofilm forms. The induction of excess ROS accumulation in C. albicans may help explain the synergistic activity of PRE and Zn (II) in combination against C. albicans in both planktonic and biofilm forms. Moreover, the data support the potential of the PRE and Zn (II) combination as a novel potential anti-Candida therapeutic system.

Optimization of Convective Tray-Drying Process Parameters for Green Banana Slices Using Response Surface Methodology and Its Characterization

Green banana (Musa spp.) is a significant source of starch (resistant starch ∼50%), phenolics and flavonoid compounds, and minerals (K, Mg, Zn, and Fe). The utilization of green bananas in their fresh form is limited, whereas the drying of bananas provides the opportunity to use them for various purposes. Drying temperature and slice thickness are important to be optimized for drying of bananas as they affect the quality parameters. The present study was conducted using response surface methodology to optimize tray-drying temperatures (50–80°C) and slice thicknesses (2–8 mm) on the basis of phytochemical and physical parameters of dried green banana slices. The cubic model was found to be the best fit for most of the responses (R2 = 0.95–1), and the quadratic model was fit for water activity ( ${\mathrm{a}}_{\mathrm{w}}$ ) (R2 = 0.92). The optimized drying conditions were found as drying temperature of 50°C and slice thickness of 4.5 mm. Experimental responses exhibited maximum L ${}^{\ast }$ (84.06), C ${}^{\ast }$ (13.73), and ho(83.53) and minimum losses of total phenolic content (89.22 mg GAE/100 g) and total flavonoid content (3.10 mg QE/100 g) along with lower ${\mathrm{a}}_{\mathrm{w}}$ (0.25). The optimized green banana flour was rich in carbohydrates (77.25 ± 0.06%) and low in fat (1.79 ± 0.11%). The flour obtained had good flowability with a mean particle size of 60.75 ± 1.99 µm. Flour’s gelatinization and decomposition temperatures were 102.7 and 292°C, respectively. In addition, flour’s water absorption, oil absorption, and solubility were 5.19 ± 0.01, 1.58 ± 0.01, and 0.14 ± 0.02 g/g, respectively. Green bananas dried at optimized conditions resulted in a better product with less phytochemical loss than dried with other methods.

Advances in the Pharmacological Activities and Effects of Perilla Ketone and Isoegomaketone

As components of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine with many physiological activities, perilla ketone and isoegomaketone isolated from perilla essential oil are important active components of Perilla frutescens. Recent studies have shown that these two compounds have promising antitumor, antifungal, antirheumatoid arthritis, antiobesity, anti-inflammatory, healing-promoting, and other activities and can be used to combat toxicity from immunotherapy. Therefore, the multitude of pharmacological activities and effects demonstrate the broad research potential of perilla ketone and isoegomaketone. However, no reviews have been published related to the pharmacological activities or effects of perilla ketone and isoegomaketone. The purpose of this review is as follows: (1) outline the recent advances made in understanding the pharmacological activities of perilla ketone and isoegomaketone; (2) summarize their effects; and (3) discuss future research perspectives.

Amygdalin: A Review on Its Characteristics, Antioxidant Potential, Gastrointestinal Microbiota Intervention, Anticancer Therapeutic and Mechanisms, Toxicity, and Encapsulation

Bioactive amygdalin, found in high concentrations in bitter almonds, has been recognized as a symbol of the cyanogenic glycoside chemical organic substance, which was initially developed as a pharmaceutical for treating cancer after being hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Regrettably, research has shown that HCN can also damage normal cells, rendering it non-toxic to the human body. Extreme controversy surrounds both in vivo and in vitro studies, making its use risky. This review provides an extensive update on characteristics, antioxidant potential, gastrointestinal microbiota intervention, anticancer therapeutic, mechanisms, toxicity, and encapsulation of amygdalin. Antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic characteristics, and the ability to improve digestive and reproductive systems, neurodegeneration, and cardiac hypertrophy are just some of the benefits of amygdalin. Studies verified the HCN-produced amygdalin to be harmful orally, but only at very high doses. Although intravenous treatment was less effective than the oral method, the oral route has a dose range of 0.6 to 1 g daily. Amygdalin’s toxicity depends heavily on the variety of bacteria in the digestive tract. Unfortunately, there is currently no foolproof method for determining the microbial consortium and providing a safe oral dosage for every patient. Amygdalin encapsulation in alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) is a relatively new area of research. Amygdalin has an enhanced cytotoxic effect on malignant cells, and ACNPs can be employed as an active drug-delivery system to release this compound in a regulated, sustained manner without causing any harm to healthy cells or tissues. In conclusion, a large area of research for a substance that might be the next step in cancer therapy is opened up due to unverified and conflicting data.

Ultrafast growth of carbon nanotubes using microwave irradiation: characterization and its potential applications

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been studied for more than twenty-five years due to their distinguishing features such as high tensile strength, high elastic module, high surface area, high thermal and electrical conductivity, making them ideal for a variety of applications. Nanotechnology and nanoscience researchers are working to develop CNTs with appropriate properties for possible future applications. New methodologies for their synthesis are clearly needed to be developed and refined. In this research, the authors look at the history and the recent developments of carbon nanotubes synthesis methods for CNTs, such as arc discharge, laser ablation, chemical vapour deposition and microwave irradiation. New immerging methods like microwave irradiation for the growth of CNTs and their composite was extensively reviewed. Low temperature and ultrafast growth of CNT through microwave irradiation technique were examined and discussed. In addition, all the techniques used for the CNTs characterization were also briefly discussed. Special attention was dedicated to the application of CNTs. This review has extensively explored future applications in the biomedical sector, industrial water purifications, CNTs composites, energy and storage devices.

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Synthesis of carbon nanotubes using different methods.

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Microwave irradiation techniques are used for the growth of CNTs.

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Current challenge and future aspects of CNTs growth.

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Detailed characterization and application of CNTs.

Influence of Drying Methods on Jackfruit Drying Behavior and Dried Products Physical Characteristics

Drying processes including solar, oven, and refractance window were studied to determine their influence on the drying behavior of jackfruit slices and properties of resultant jackfruit powders. The loss of sample mass, converted to the ratio between the water content at time t and the initial water content (moisture ratio), was used as the experimental parameter for modelling drying processes. Fifteen thin layer drying models were fitted to the experimental data using nonlinear regression analysis. Based on the highest R² and lowest SEE values, the models that best fit the observed data were Modified Henderson and Pabis, Verma et al., and Hii et al. for RWD, oven, and solar drying, respectively. The effective moisture diffusivity coefficients were 5.11 × 10⁻⁹, 3.28 × 10⁻¹⁰, and 2.55 × 10⁻¹⁰ for RWD, oven and, solar drying, respectively. The solubility of freeze-dried jackfruit powder (75.7%) was not significantly different from the refractance window dried powder (73.2%) and was higher than oven-dried jackfruit powder (66.1%). Oven-dried jackfruit powder had a lower rehydration ratio and porosity. Differences in rehydration ratio and porosity under different drying methods could be explained by the microstructure. Fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity were applied to study the structure and irregularities of jackfruit dried with the different methods. FD was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the drying method. FD ranged from 1.809 to 1.837, while lacunarity ranged between 0.258 and 0.404.

An overview on the synthetic urease inhibitors with structure-activity relationship and molecular docking

Urease is a kind of enzyme which could be found in various bacteria, fungi, plants, and algae, which can quickly catalyze the hydrolysis of urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. With the ammonia concentration increasing, the activity of Helicobacter pylori has got an obvious enhancement and leads to mucosal damage in the stomach, gastroduodenal infection, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. The infectious diseases caused by Helicobacter pylori can be controlled to a certain extent by inhibiting urease activity with urease inhibitors. Hence, studies of urease inhibitors have attracted great attention all over the world and a variety of effective urease inhibitors have been synthesized in recent years. In this review, we will draw summaries for these inhibitors including urease inhibitory activity, inhibition kinetics, structure-activity relationship, and molecular docking. The collected information is expected to provide rational guidance and effective strategy to develop novel, potent, and safe urease inhibitors for better practical applications in the future.

Effect of Pretreatments and Drying Methods on Physical and Microstructural Properties of Potato Flour

This study evaluated the effects of pretreatments (blanching (60 and 95 °C) and boiling) and drying methods (freeze-drying and oven drying) on the quality characteristics of potato flour derived from three potato varieties, namely, Shangi, Unica, and Dutch Robjin. The percentage flour yield, color, particle size distribution, flow characteristics, microstructural and functional properties of the potato flour were determined. Unica recorded the least peeling loss, while the Dutch Robjin variety had the highest. Color parameters were significantly affected (p < 0.05) by the pretreatments and drying methods. Freeze drying produced lighter potato flour (L* = 92.86) compared to the other methods. Boiling and blanching at 95 °C followed by oven drying recorded a low angle of repose and compressibility index, indicating better flow characteristics. The smallest particle size (56.5 µm) was recorded for the freeze-drying treatment, while boiling followed by oven drying had the largest particle size (307.5 µm). Microstructural results indicate that boiling and blanching at 95 °C, followed by oven drying resulted in damaged starch granules, while freeze-drying and low-temperature blanching (60 °C) maintained the native starch granule. Particle size and the solubility index of potato flour showed strong positive correlation. This study revealed that the pretreatments and drying methods affected potato flour’s physical and microstructural parameters differently, resulting in changes in their functionality.

Anti-mycotoxigenic and antifungal activity of ginger, turmeric, thyme and rosemary essential oils in deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) producing Fusarium graminearum

This study aimed to evaluate the antimycotoxigenic effect of essential oils (EOs) obtained from four different aromatic plants on the production of deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZEA) by Fusarium graminearum. The EOs from ginger (GEO), turmeric (TEO), thyme (ThEO) and rosemary (REO) were obtained by hydrodistillation and identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The major compounds found were mostly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) were 11.25, 364, 366 and 11,580 µg mL-1 for ThEO, GEO, REO and TEO, respectively. The results evidenced that the assessed EOs inhibited DON and partially ZEA production by F. graminearum. ThEO and GEO were the EOs with most potent antimycotoxigenic action for DON and ZEA, respectively. These EOs have shown promising results in vitro regarding inhibition of mycotoxin production and might be used in the future as substitutes for synthetic fungicides.

Tracking the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern in South Africa using wastewater-based epidemiology

This study uses wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) to rapidly and, through targeted surveillance, track the geographical distribution of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (Alpha, Beta and Delta) within 24 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in the Western Cape of South Africa. Information obtained was used to identify the circulating variant of concern (VOC) within a population and retrospectively trace when the predominant variant was introduced. Genotyping analysis of SARS-CoV-2 showed that 50% of wastewater samples harbored signature mutations linked to the Beta variant before the third wave, with the Delta variant absent within the population. Over time, the prevalence of the beta variant decreased steadily. The onset of the third wave resulted in the Delta variant becoming the predominant variant, with a 100% prevalence supporting the theory that the Delta variant was driving the third wave. In silico molecular docking analysis showed that the signature mutations of the Delta variant increased binding to host proteins, suggesting a possible molecular mechanism that increased viral infectivity of the Delta variant.

Progress on chemical modification of cellulose in “green” solvents

Chemical modification of cellulose in "green" solvents.

d-Mannitol based surfactants for cosmetic and food applications and hydrogels to produce stabilized Ag nanoparticles

A novel synthetic approach for lipid modification of mannitol for hydrogelation, cosmetic and food application.

Thermosonication effect on bioactive compounds, enzymes activity, particle size, microbial load, and sensory properties of almond (Prunus dulcis) milk

The object of this research was to appraise the physicochemical characteristics of almond milk and consumer acceptability after the thermosonication (TS) processing. The almond milk was subjected to TS processing (frequency: 40 kHz; power: 600 W; Temperature: 30, 45, and 60 °C; Time: 10, 20, 30, and 40 min) and pasteurization (for 60 s at 90 °C). After treatments, all samples were analyzed for bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, microbial, enzymatic, and sensory attributes. The results showed a non-significant difference in total soluble solids and pH while TS processing at 45 and 60 °C significantly increased the cloudiness, viscosity, browning index, and color properties. TS processing increased the bioavailability of total phenolic, flavonols, flavonoids, condensed tannin contents, and antioxidant activity as compared to untreated and pasteurized samples. TS processing also significantly reduced the particle size distribution through acoustic cavitation. Microbial inactivation with TS at 60 °C resulted in ≥ 5 log reduction oftotal plate count and ≥ 4 log reduction ofyeast & moldwas achieved. The highest inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) and peroxidase (POD) were observed at 60 °C for 30 min. Moreover, the best sensorial properties were observed after TS processing at 60 °C. Thus; TS processing can increase the almond milk quality and safety as a viable substitute for thermal processing.

A modified binary particle swarm optimization with a machine learning algorithm and molecular docking for QSAR modelling of cholinesterase inhibitors

The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) inhibitors play a key role in treating Alzheimer's disease. This study proposes an approach that integrates a modified binary particle swarm optimization (PSO) with a machine learning algorithm for building QSAR models to predict the activity of inhibitors for AChE and BuChE enzymes. More precisely, it uses a transfer function to convert the continuous search space of PSO to binary. Furthermore, it utilizes the concepts of catfish effect and chaotic map to improve exploration ability in searching for an optimum subset of descriptors for QSAR model constructions. Then, through a statistical method, it employs a machine learning algorithm to evaluate the fitness value of each candidate subset of features. Different combinations of four transfer functions with four machine learning algorithms, including K-nearest neighbour, multiple linear regression, support vector machine, and regression tree, were used to build several variants of the proposed algorithm. QSAR models constructed by each version were verified by internal and external validations. The best variants were selected based on a method called sum of ranking differences.

Dietary Fiber: Fractionation, Characterization and Potential Sources from Defatted Oilseeds

Dietary fiber (DF) has wide applications, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to its health-promoting effects and potential techno-functional properties in developing functional food products. There is a growing interest in studies related to DF; nevertheless, there is less focus on the fractionation and characterization of DF. The characteristics of DF fractions explain their functionality in food products and provide clues to their physiological effects in food and pharmaceutical industrial applications. The review focuses on a brief introduction to DF and methods for its fractionation. It discusses the characterization of DF in terms of structural, physicochemical and rheological properties. The potential sources of DF from selected defatted oilseeds for future studies are highlighted.

Probing short and long-range interactions in native collagen inside the bone matrix by BioSolids CryoProbe

Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance is a promising technique to probe bone mineralization and interaction of collagen protein in the native state. However, many of the developments are hampered due to the low sensitivity of the technique. In this article, we report solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments using the newly developed BioSolids CryoProbe™ to access its applicability for elucidating the atomic-level structural details of collagen protein in native state inside the bone. We report here approximately a fourfold sensitivity enhancement in the natural abundance ¹³ C spectrum compared with the room temperature conventional solid-state NMR probe. With the advantage of sensitivity enhancement, we have been able to perform natural abundance ¹⁵ N cross-polarization magic angle spinning (CPMAS) and two-dimensional (2D) ¹ H-¹³ C heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) experiments of native collagen within a reasonable timeframe. Due to high sensitivity, 2D ¹ H/¹³ C HETCOR experiments have helped in detecting several short and long-range interactions of native collagen assembly, thus significantly expanding the scope of the method to such challenging biomaterials.

Soft-template-assisted synthesis: a promising approach for the fabrication of transition metal oxides

The past few decades have witnessed transition metal oxides (TMOs) as promising candidates for a plethora of applications in numerous fields. The exceptional properties retained by these materials have rendered them of paramount emphasis as functional materials. Thus, the controlled and scalable synthesis of transition metal oxides with desired properties has received enormous attention. Out of different top-down and bottom-up approaches, template-assisted synthesis predominates as an adept approach for the facile synthesis of transition metal oxides, owing to its phenomenal ability for morphological and physicochemical tuning. This review presents a comprehensive examination of the recent advances in the soft-template-assisted synthesis of TMOs, focusing on the morphological and physicochemical tuning aided by different soft-templates. The promising applications of TMOs are explained in detail, emphasizing those with excellent performances.

Improved In Vitro-In Vivo Correlation by Using the Unbound-Fraction-Adjusted IC50 for Breast Cancer Resistance Protein Inhibition

PURPOSE

One function of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is the efflux of xenobiotics by breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), and inhibition of BCRP can cause unexpected central nervous system toxicity. Despite the importance of BCRP inhibition and the associated risk of BBB penetration in vivo, there has been little investigation of it to date. In this study, inhibition of BCRP-mediated transport was assessed by in vitro assay in the presence of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to change the unbound inhibitor concentrations, and the in vitro-in vivo correlation (IVIVC) at the BBB was evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The IC₅₀ values of BCRP inhibitors were determined in vitro with and without BSA and the inhibitors were categorized into two groups. One group of compounds had little risk of inhibiting BCRP because of their low unbound concentrations. In contrast, the other group has the potential to facilitate BBB penetration by inhibiting BCRP. In the IVIVC approach, brain concentrations and the brain-to-plasma ratio were better correlated with the ratio of the unbound plasma concentration at steady-state to the unbound-fraction-adjusted IC₅₀.

CONCLUSION

We have found a way to obtain a better in vitro-in vivo correlation for BCRP-mediated transport.

What we already know about rhubarb: a comprehensive review

Rhubarb (also named Rhei or Dahuang), one of the most ancient and important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), belongs to the Rheum L. genus from the Polygonaceae family, and its application can be traced back to 270 BC in "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing". Rhubarb has long been used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anticancer medicine in China. However, for a variety of reasons, such as origin, variety and processing methods, there are differences in the effective components of rhubarb, which eventually lead to decreased quality and poor efficacy. Additionally, although some papers have reviewed the relationship between the active ingredients of rhubarb and pharmacologic actions, most studies have concentrated on one or several aspects, although there has been great progress in rhubarb research in recent years. Therefore, this review aims to summarize recent studies on the geographic distribution, taxonomic identification, pharmacology, clinical applications and safety issues related to rhubarb and provide insights into the further development and application of rhubarb in the future.

Converting a batch based high-shear granulation process to a continuous dry granulation process; a demonstration with ketoprofen tablets

When one wishes to convert a batch based manufacturing process of an existing tablet product to a continuous process, there are several available strategies which can be adopted. Theoretically, the most straightforward way would be to proceed with the corresponding processing principles, for example to change a wet granulation (WG) batch process into its continuous WG counterpart. However, in some cases, the choice of roller compaction (RC) could be very attractive due to the notably simpler and inherently continuous nature of the RC manufacturing principle. The aim of this study was to examine a process conversion from batch based high-shear wet granulation (HSWG) to continuous RC manufacturing, without any significant formulation changes. An optimization of the formulation is often needed during the process conversion. However, our primary goal was to demonstrate the possibilities to perform this kind of process adaptation with minimal formulation changes. Furthermore, the effect of three different locations of lubrication feeding with two production rate levels was studied. An additional target was to identify possible over-lubrication with these manufacturing configurations, and to clarify which of these three possibilities steps produced a final product that conformed to the same quality requirements as HSWG tablets. Previously, the effects of lubrication only on compacted ribbons (Miguelez-Moran A.M, 2008) and final product with CDC (continuous direct compression) (Taipale-Kovalainen, et al., 2017; 2019) have been investigated. Here, the effect of lubrication on both ribbon and on final product was examined. No signs of over-lubrication were observed, but there was a clear effect of the feeding location of lubricant on the final product. On the basis of these results, it is concluded that in the future, if a good product/process understanding of the alternative manufacturing process with different techniques can be obtained, it will be possible to devise more flexible and effective ways to allow the pharmaceutical industry to switch from batch manufacturing towards CM.

Chemical and biological protection of food grade nisin through their partial intercalation in laminar hydroxide salts

The use of antimicrobial agents within a matrix, specifically layered compounds, is of growing interest for reducing contamination due to food borne pathogens and deteriorative microorganisms, one of the main health problems worldwide. In this study, zinc layered hydroxide nanoparticles were synthesized as a matrix for nisin immobilization. Layered materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier-Transform Infrared and Ultra Violet-Visible spectra, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and by Thermogravimetric Analysis. Thermal, chemical, enzymatic, and biological stabilities were assessed against Lactobacillus brevis as control strain. Free and immobilized nisin in solution were previously subjected to 25 and 121 °C, pH (7, 9) and inactivation with protease before antimicrobial tests that lasted 21 days. Immobilized nisin was found to maintain the activity levels after the protease action while the pure nisin solution lost its activity gradually. Furthermore, immobilized nisin treated at 121 °C and pH 7 showed higher activity than pure nisin after 21 days. These results may support that immobilizing nisin in zinc layered hydroxide salts promoted extended nisin inhibitory activity in solution after thermal, chemical or enzymatic treatments. This research provides an alternative to nisin application that could be used in processes where such operating conditions take place, as in dairy products.