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Bumbac M, Nicolescu CM, Zaharescu T, Gurgu IV, Bumbac C, Manea EE, Ionescu IA, Serban BC, Buiu O, Dumitrescu C. Biodegradation Study of Styrene-Butadiene Composites with Incorporated Arthrospira platensis Biomass. Polymers (Basel) 2024; 16:1218. [PMID: 38732687 PMCID: PMC11085408 DOI: 10.3390/polym16091218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The preparation of polymer composites that incorporate material of a biogenic nature in the polymer matrices may lead to a reduction in fossil polymer consumption and a potentially higher biodegradability. Furthermore, microalgae biomass as biogenic filler has the advantage of fast growth and high tolerance to different types of culture media with higher production yields than those provided by the biomass of terrestrial crops. On the other hand, algal biomass can be a secondary product in wastewater treatment processes. For the present study, an SBS polymer composite (SBSC) containing 25% (w/w) copolymer SBS1 (linear copolymer: 30% styrene and 70% butadiene), 50% (w/w) copolymer SBS2 (linear copolymer: 40% styrene and 60% butadiene), and 25% (w/w) paraffin oil was prepared. Arthrospira platensis biomass (moisture content 6.0 ± 0.5%) was incorporated into the SBSC in 5, 10, 20, and 30% (w/w) ratios to obtain polymer composites with spirulina biomass. For the biodegradation studies, the ISO 14855-1:2012(E) standard was applied, with slight changes, as per the specificity of our experiments. The degradation of the studied materials was followed by quantitatively monitoring the CO2 resulting from the degradation process and captured by absorption in NaOH solution 0.5 mol/L. The structural and morphological changes induced by the industrial composting test on the materials were followed by physical-mechanical, FTIR, SEM, and DSC analysis. The obtained results were compared to create a picture of the material transformation during the composting period. Thus, the collected data indicate two biodegradation processes, of the polymer and the biomass, which take place at the same time at different rates, which influence each other. On the other hand, it is found that the material becomes less ordered, with a sponge-like morphology; the increase in the percentage of biomass leads to an advanced degree of degradation of the material. The FTIR analysis data suggest the possibility of the formation of peptide bonds between the aromatic nuclei in the styrene block and the molecular residues resulting from biomass biodegradation. It seems that in industrial composting conditions, the area of the polystyrene blocks from the SBS-based composite is preferentially transformed in the process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Bumbac
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania; (M.B.); (C.D.)
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania; (T.Z.); (I.V.G.)
| | - Cristina Mihaela Nicolescu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania; (T.Z.); (I.V.G.)
| | - Traian Zaharescu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania; (T.Z.); (I.V.G.)
- National Institute for Electrical Engineering, Advanced Research (INCDIE ICPE CA), 313 Splaiul Unirii, 030138 Bucharest, Ilfov, Romania
| | - Ion Valentin Gurgu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania; (T.Z.); (I.V.G.)
| | - Costel Bumbac
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (E.E.M.); (I.A.I.)
| | - Elena Elisabeta Manea
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (E.E.M.); (I.A.I.)
| | - Ioana Alexandra Ionescu
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Ilfov, Romania; (C.B.); (E.E.M.); (I.A.I.)
| | - Bogdan-Catalin Serban
- IMT Bucharest, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae, 077190 Voluntari, Ilfov, Romania;
| | - Octavian Buiu
- IMT Bucharest, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae, 077190 Voluntari, Ilfov, Romania;
| | - Crinela Dumitrescu
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Dambovita, Romania; (M.B.); (C.D.)
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Bumbac M, Nicolescu CM, Olteanu RL, Gherghinoiu SC, Bumbac C, Tiron O, Manea EE, Radulescu C, Gorghiu LM, Stanescu SG, Serban BC, Buiu O. Preparation and Characterization of Microalgae Styrene-Butadiene Composites Using Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis Biomass. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:1357. [PMID: 36987138 PMCID: PMC10055758 DOI: 10.3390/polym15061357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The food industry is a high consumer of polymer packing materials, sealing materials, and engineering components used in production equipment. Biobased polymer composites used in the food industry are obtained by incorporating different biogenic materials into the structure of a base polymer matrix. Renewable resources such as microalgae, bacteria, and plants may be used as biogenic materials for this purpose. Photoautotrophic microalgae are valuable microorganisms that are able to harvest sunlight energy and capture CO2 into biomass. They are characterized by their metabolic adaptability to environmental conditions, higher photosynthetic efficiency than terrestrial plants, and natural macromolecules and pigments. The flexibility of microalgae to grow in either low-nutrient or nutrient-rich environments (including wastewater) has led to the attention for their use in various biotechnological applications. Carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are the main three classes of macromolecular compounds contained in microalgal biomass. The content in each of these components depends on their growth conditions. In general, proteins represent 40-70% of microalgae dry biomass, followed by carbohydrates (10-30%) and lipids (5-20%). A distinctive feature of microalgae cells is the presence of light-harvesting compounds such as photosynthetic pigments carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phycobilins, which are also receiving growing interest for applications in various industrial fields. The study comparatively reports on polymer composites obtained with biomass made of two species of green microalgae: Chlorella vulgaris and filamentous, gram-negative cyanobacterium Arthrospira. Experiments were conducted to reach an incorporation ratio of the biogenic material into the matrix in the 5-30% range, and the resulting materials were characterized by their mechanical and physicochemical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Bumbac
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Cristina Mihaela Nicolescu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Radu Lucian Olteanu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Stefan Cosmin Gherghinoiu
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Costel Bumbac
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Olga Tiron
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Elena Elisabeta Manea
- National Research and Development Institute for Industrial Ecology-ECOIND, 57-73 Drumul Podu Dambovitei, District 6, 060652 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cristiana Radulescu
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Laura Monica Gorghiu
- Faculty of Science and Arts, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Sorina Geanina Stanescu
- Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Science and Technology, Valahia University of Targoviste, 13 Aleea Sinaia, 130004 Targoviste, Romania
| | - Bogdan Catalin Serban
- IMT Bucharest, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
| | - Octavian Buiu
- IMT Bucharest, National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae, 077190 Voluntari, Romania
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Ben Hlima H, Farhat A, Akermi S, Khemakhem B, Ben Halima Y, Michaud P, Fendri I, Abdelkafi S. In silico evidence of antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 main protease of oligosaccharides from Porphyridium sp. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 836:155580. [PMID: 35500710 PMCID: PMC9052773 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.155580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has created an urgent need to develop effective strategies for prevention and treatment. In this context, therapies against protease Mpro, a conserved viral target, would be essential to contain the spread of the virus and reduce mortality. Using combined techniques of structure modelling, in silico docking and pharmacokinetics prediction, many compounds from algae were tested for their ability to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 main protease and compared to the recent recognized drug Paxlovid. The screening of 27 algal molecules including 15 oligosaccharides derived from sulfated and non-sulphated polysaccharides, eight pigments and four poly unsaturated fatty acids showed high affinities to interact with the protein active site. Best candidates showing high docking scores in comparison with the reference molecule were sulfated tri-, tetra- and penta-saccharides from Porphyridium sp. exopolysaccharides (SEP). Structural and energetic analyses over 100 ns MD simulation demonstrated high SEP fragments-Mpro complex stability. Pharmacokinetics predictions revealed the prospects of the identified molecules as potential drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ameny Farhat
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Plantes Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Sarra Akermi
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules of the Centre of Biotechnology of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Bassem Khemakhem
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Plantes Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Youssef Ben Halima
- RIADI Labs, National School of Computer Science, Manouba University, Manouba, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont Auvergne INP, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologies des Plantes Appliquées à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculty of Sciences of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia.
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Abdelaziz AM, Attia MS, Salem MS, Refaay DA, Alhoqail WA, Senousy HH. Cyanobacteria-Mediated Immune Responses in Pepper Plants against Fusarium Wilt. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11152049. [PMID: 35956527 PMCID: PMC9370725 DOI: 10.3390/plants11152049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Research in plant pathology has increasingly focused on developing environmentally friendly, effective strategies for controlling plant diseases. Cyanobacteria, including Desmonostoc muscorum, Anabaena oryzae, and Arthrospiraplatensis, were applied to Capsicum annuum L. to induce immunity against Fusarium wilt. Soil irrigation and foliar shoots (FS) application were used in this investigation. The disease symptoms, disease index, osmotic contents, total phenol, Malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), antioxidant enzymes (activity and isozymes), endogenous hormone content, and response to stimulation of defense resistance in infected plants were assessed. Results demonstrated that using all cyanobacterial aqueous extracts significantly reduced the risk of infection with Fusarium oxysporum. One of the most effective ways to combat the disease was through foliar spraying with Arthrospira platensis, Desmonostoc muscorum, and Anabaena oryzae (which provided 95, 90, and 69% protection percent, respectively). All metabolic resistance indices increased significantly following the application of the cyanobacterial aqueous extracts. Growth, metabolic characteristics, and phenols increased due to the application of cyanobacteria. Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) expressions improved in response to cyanobacteria application. Furthermore, treatment by cyanobacteria enhanced salicylic acid (SA) and Indole-3-Acetic Acid (IAA) in the infected plants while decreasing Abscisic acid (ABA). The infected pepper plant recovered from Fusarium wilt because cyanobacterial extract contained many biologically active compounds. The application of cyanobacteria through foliar spraying seems to be an effective approach to relieve the toxic influences of F. oxysporum on infected pepper plants as green and alternative therapeutic nutrients of chemical fungicides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Morsy Abdelaziz
- Botany & Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.M.A.); (M.S.A.); (W.A.A.); Tel.: +20-010-0857-8963 (A.M.A.)
| | - Mohamed S. Attia
- Botany & Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt
- Correspondence: (A.M.A.); (M.S.A.); (W.A.A.); Tel.: +20-010-0857-8963 (A.M.A.)
| | - Marwa S. Salem
- Botany & Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azhar University (Girls Branch), Cairo 11884, Egypt
| | - Dina A. Refaay
- Botany Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Wardah A. Alhoqail
- Department of Biology, College of Education, Majmaah University, Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: (A.M.A.); (M.S.A.); (W.A.A.); Tel.: +20-010-0857-8963 (A.M.A.)
| | - Hoda H. Senousy
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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Pomegranate Peels and Seeds as a Source of Phenolic Compounds: Effect of Cultivar, By-Product, and Extraction Solvent. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE 2022; 2022:9189575. [PMID: 35898417 PMCID: PMC9314001 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9189575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The nutraceutical properties of Punica granatum L. are not restricted to the edible portion of the fruit but also to the peels and seeds, flowers, leaves, and tree bark. The recovery and valorization of the peel and seeds (ca. 50% of the whole fruit), besides the positive environmental impact, can be viewed as a source of natural bioactive compounds. Thus, the bioactive properties of extracts of pomegranate peel and seeds from Acco and Wonderful known cultivars, as well as of the novel Big Full cultivar, were evaluated. The dried and ground pomegranate by-products were submitted to a conventional solid/liquid extraction with ethanol/water mixtures (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% of EtOH, v/v). The obtained extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic compounds (TPC), total flavonoids (TF), and antioxidant activity (AA), determined by the DPPH radical scavenging activity and expressed as IC50 (half maximum inhibitory concentration). With the exception of the Acco cultivar, the extraction yield (EY) was higher for peels, whose extracts showed higher TPC, TF, and IC50 (lower AA). The extracts obtained from the by-products of the Big Full cultivar had a statistically higher overall bioactive potential (TPC: 0.36 mg GAE/mg extract; TF: 0.031 mg CATE/mg extract; IC50: 0.51 mg/mL) compared to the other two studied cultivars. Furthermore, the EY was enhanced by solvents richer in ethanol (50-75%), allowing obtaining extracts richer in TPC and TF with higher AA. Finally, it was shown that EY combined with bioactive data allowed a satisfactory principal component unsupervised differentiation of the pomegranate extracts according to the type of by-product used.
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Campos L, Seixas L, Dias S, Peres AM, Veloso ACA, Henriques M. Effect of Extraction Method on the Bioactive Composition, Antimicrobial Activity and Phytotoxicity of Pomegranate By-Products. Foods 2022; 11:foods11070992. [PMID: 35407079 PMCID: PMC8997943 DOI: 10.3390/foods11070992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pomegranate by-products can be an asset to the food industry due to the richness in bioactive and antimicrobial compounds. This work studied the influence of conventional solvent and sonication-assisted extraction methods on the bioactive profile, antimicrobial properties, and phytotoxicity effect of the peels and seeds extracts from Acco, Big Full, and Wonderful pomegranate cultivars. The bioactive composition of the extracts was evaluated for the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, and antioxidant activity (expressed as the half-maximal inhibitory concentration—IC50) by spectrophotometric methods, while the tannins were determined by titration and the anthocyanins were estimated by the pH-differential method. For the evaluation of the antimicrobial activity, the disk diffusion method of Kirby-Bauer was adapted through inhibition halos against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Yarrowia lipolytica. The extracts’ phytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro on garden-cress seeds. Extracts from conventional extraction were richer in total phenolics, expressed as gallic acid equivalents (0.16–0.73 mg GAE/mg extract), while those from sonication-assisted extraction had higher contents of total flavonoids, expressed as catechin equivalents (0.019–0.068 mg CATE/mg extract); anthocyanins, expressed as cyanidin-3-glucoside (0.06–0.60 µg C3G/mg, dry basis); and antioxidant activity (IC50, 0.01–0.20 mg/mL). All extracts were more effective against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts than Gram-negative bacteria. In general, the sonication-assisted extracts led to higher inhibition halos (8.7 to 11.4 mm). All extracts presented phytotoxicity against garden-cress seeds in the tested concentrations. Only the lowest concentration (0.003 mg/mL) enabled the germination of seeds and root growth, and the sonication-assisted extracts showed the highest Munoo-Liisa vitality index (51.3%). Overall, sonication-assisted extraction obtained extracts with greater bioactive and antimicrobial potential and less phytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Campos
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.D.); (M.H.)
- CERNAS, Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Luana Seixas
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, ISEC, DEQB, Rua Pedro Nunes—Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.S.); (A.C.A.V.)
| | - Susana Dias
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.D.); (M.H.)
- CERNAS, Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - António M. Peres
- Centro de Investigação de Montanha (CIMO), ESA, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, Campus de Santa Apolónia, 5300-253 Bragança, Portugal;
| | - Ana C. A. Veloso
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, ISEC, DEQB, Rua Pedro Nunes—Quinta da Nora, 3030-199 Coimbra, Portugal; (L.S.); (A.C.A.V.)
- CEB—Centre of Biological Engineering, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4715-057 Braga, Portugal
- LABBELS—Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
| | - Marta Henriques
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal; (S.D.); (M.H.)
- CERNAS, Research Centre for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Coimbra Agriculture School, Bencanta, 3045-601 Coimbra, Portugal
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Biomolecules from Microalgae and Cyanobacteria: Applications and Market Survey. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12041924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, microalgae and cyanobacteria have become a promising and sustainable source of useful products, thanks to their richness in bioactive metabolites of high value (antibiotics, toxins, pharmaceutically active compounds, plant growth regulators, and others). These photoautotroph microorganisms generate biomass using photosynthesis. This review, which distinguishes microalgae and Cyanobacteria, often called blue-green microalgae, aims to present their classification and taxonomic diversity as the ecological niches occupied by them. In addition, the usages of open ponds and photobioreactors to produce various microalgae and Cyanobacteria strains and the high-value bioactive compounds from these microorganisms are summarized. Finally, the numerous commercial applications of these phytoplanktons in different fields, such as food, dietary supplements, feed, cosmetic, and biofuel applications, are reviewed.
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Ben Hlima H, Smaoui S, Barkallah M, Elhadef K, Tounsi L, Michaud P, Fendri I, Abdelkafi S. Sulfated exopolysaccharides from Porphyridium cruentum: A useful strategy to extend the shelf life of minced beef meat. Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 193:1215-1225. [PMID: 34717983 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.10.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Sulfated exopolysaccharides (EPS) from Porphyridium cruentum strain were extracted and their antioxidant and anti-bacterial potentials were evaluated based on DPPH free radical, ABTS•+ radical cation and DNA nicking assays, and against four foodborne pathogenic bacteria, respectively. They showed also interesting functional, foaming and emulsion properties. Moreover, microbiological and chemical effects of EPS at 0.5, 1 and 2% on refrigerated minced beef meat were undertaken. Chemical analyses revealed that the treated meat underwent significant decrease (P < 0.05) of primary and secondary lipid oxidation. By the end of the storage period, exopolysaccharides at 2% reduced the metmyoglobin and carbonyl group accumulation compared to control samples and were more efficient (P < 0.05) against microflora proliferation. Furthermore, two multivariate exploratory techniques namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were applied successfully to all obtained data describing the main characteristics attributed to refrigerated meat samples. Overall, these findings indicated that EPS from P. cruentum are worthy being developed as functional and bioactive components for the meat industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
| | - Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Barkallah
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
| | - Khaoula Elhadef
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Latifa Tounsi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3038, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Clermont Auvergne INP, Institut Pascal, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie des Plantes Appliquée à l'Amélioration des Cultures, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax 3038, Tunisia.
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Ben Hlima H, Karray A, Dammak M, Elleuch F, Michaud P, Fendri I, Abdelkafi S. Production and structure prediction of amylases from Chlorella vulgaris. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:51046-51059. [PMID: 33973124 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14357-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Amylases are enzymes required for starch degradation and are naturally produced by many microorganisms. These enzymes are used in several fields such as food processing, beverage, and medicine as well as in the formulation of enzymatic detergents proving their significance in modern biotechnology. In this study, a three-stage growth mode was applied to enhance starch production and amylase detection from Chlorella vulgaris. Stress conditions applied in the second stage of cultivation led to an accumulation of proteins (75% DW) and starch (21% DW) and a decrease in biomass. Amylase activities were detected and they showed high production levels especially on day 3 (35 U/ml) and day 5 (22.5 U/ml) of the second and third stages, respectively. The bioinformatic tools used to seek amylase protein sequences from TSA database of C. vulgaris revealed 7 putative genes encoding for 4 α-amylases, 2 β-amylases, and 1 isoamylase. An in silico investigation showed that these proteins are different in their lengths as well as in their cellular localizations and oligomeric states though they share common features like CSRs of GH13 family or active site of GH14 family. In brief, this study allowed for the production and in silico characterization of amylases from C. vulgaris.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Aida Karray
- Laboratoire de Biochimie et de Génie Enzymatique des Lipases, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mouna Dammak
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Fatma Elleuch
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Philippe Michaud
- Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, SIGMA Clermont, Institut Pascal, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie des Plantes Appliquée à l'Amélioration des Plantes Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia.
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10
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Okaiyeto K, Oguntibeju OO. African Herbal Medicines: Adverse Effects and Cytotoxic Potentials with Different Therapeutic Applications. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5988. [PMID: 34199632 PMCID: PMC8199769 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The African continent is naturally endowed with various plant species with nutritional and medicinal benefits. About 80% of the people in developing countries rely on folk medicines to treat different diseases because of indigenous knowledge, availability, and cost-effectiveness. Extensive research studies have been conducted on the medicinal uses of African plants, however, the therapeutic potentials of some of these plants has remained unexploited. Over the years, several studies have revealed that some of these African floras are promising candidates for the development of novel drugs. Despite the plethora of studies on medicinal plant research in Africa, there is still little scientific data supporting the folkloric claims of these plants. Besides, safety in the use of folk medicines has been a major public health concern over the year. Therefore, it has become mandatory that relevant authority should take measures in safeguarding the populace on the use of herbal mixtures. Thus, the present review extracted relevant information from different scientific databases and highlighted some problems associated with folk medicines, adverse effects on reproductive systems, issue about safety due to the toxicity of some plants and their toxicity effects with potential therapeutic benefits are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oluwafemi O. Oguntibeju
- Phytomedicine and Phytochemistry Group, Oxidative Stress Research Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Bellville 7535, South Africa;
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11
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Drira M, Ben Mohamed J, Ben Hlima H, Hentati F, Michaud P, Abdelkafi S, Fendri I. Improvement of Arabidopsis thaliana salt tolerance using a polysaccharidic extract from the brown algae Padina pavonica. ALGAL RES 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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El Bohi KM, Abdel-Motal SM, Khalil SR, Abd-Elaal MM, Metwally MMM, ELhady WM. The efficiency of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel ethanolic extract in attenuating the vancomycin-triggered liver and kidney tissues injury in rats. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:7134-7150. [PMID: 33029776 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-10999-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study evaluated the potential of Punica granatum peel ethanol extract (PPEE) in attenuating the liver and kidney tissue injury induced by vancomycin (VM) treatment in rats. Fifty rats were distributed equally into five groups: control group, PPEE-administered group (100 mg/kg BW/day for 2 weeks; orally), VM-treated group (443.6 mg/kg BW, every alternate day for 2 weeks; intraperitoneally), pre-treated group, and concomitant-treated group. The biochemical response and the histopathology of the hepatic and renal tissue of the treated animals were assessed. The results showed that VM treatment induced substantial hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, evidenced by a significant elevation in tissue injury and lipid oxidative (malondialdehyde) and inflammatory response (C-reactive protein) biomarkers, with lowered antioxidants and protein levels. Additionally, VM treatment induced various morphological, cytotoxic, vascular, and inflammatory perturbations as well as upregulation in the immune-expression of Caspase-3 and downregulation of BCL-2. Moreover, PPEE co-treatment was found to reduce the VM-induced toxicity by protecting the tissue against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage, and inflammation as well as hinder the apoptotic cell death by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Thus, we conclude that the PPEE administration showed more restoring efficacy when administered prior to VM medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khlood M El Bohi
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
| | - Sabry M Abdel-Motal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Samah R Khalil
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt.
| | - Mayar Mahmoud Abd-Elaal
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M M Metwally
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Walaa M ELhady
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44511, Egypt
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13
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Fourati M, Smaoui S, Hlima HB, Elhadef K, Braïek OB, Ennouri K, Mtibaa AC, Mellouli L. Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Potential of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Seeds - A Review. PLANT FOODS FOR HUMAN NUTRITION (DORDRECHT, NETHERLANDS) 2020; 75:477-486. [PMID: 33040298 DOI: 10.1007/s11130-020-00863-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The use of complementary medicine has recently increased in an attempt to find effective alternative therapies that reduce the adverse effects of drugs. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) by-products, such as seeds, is a rich source of phytochemicals with a high antioxidant activity, thus possessing health benefits. For the identification and quantification of the pomegranate seeds chemical compounds, particular attention has been drawn to the latest developments in the HPLC coupling with electrospray ionization (ESI) MS/MS detection. In fact, a wide range of phytochemicals including phenolic acid, anthocyanins, flavonoids, hydrolysable tannins and other polyphenols were characterized. Furthermore, an exhaustive review of the scientific literature on pomegranate seeds on biomedicine and pharmacotherapy was carried out. Indeed, both in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated how pomegranate seeds possess antioxidant, anti- cardiovascular diseases, anti-osteoporosis, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. The present review describes a recent tendency in research focusing on the chemical and biomedical features of the pomegranate seeds to value them as natural additives or active compounds for first-order diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Fourati
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Hajer Ben Hlima
- Laboratoire de Génie Enzymatique et de Microbiologie, Equipe de Biotechnologie des Algues, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3038, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Khaoula Elhadef
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Olfa Ben Braïek
- Laboratory of Transmissible Diseases and Biologically Active Substances (LR99ES27), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Karim Ennouri
- Laboratory of Amelioration and Protection of Olive Genetic Resources, Olive Tree Institute, Sfax University, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Chakchouk Mtibaa
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Lotfi Mellouli
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, University of Sfax-Tunisia, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, Sfax, Tunisia
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14
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Variability in Phytochemical Contents and Biological Potential of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) Peel Extracts: Toward a New Opportunity for Minced Beef Meat Preservation. J FOOD QUALITY 2020. [DOI: 10.1155/2020/8853196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Extraction of Tunisian pomegranate peels was employed with different solvents such as ethyl acetate, acetonitrile, and water. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial capacity against five foodborne pathogenic bacteria were evaluated. The highest values of polyphenols (351 mg gallic acid equivalent/g), flavonoids (104 mg quercetin/g), and DPPH and ABTS inhibition were recorded in the ethyl acetate extract followed by the aqueous extract. The latter present the maximum antibacterial potential against S. enterica, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli. The potential use of the lyophilized aqueous extract (AE), used for safety reason and being rich in phenolic, as biopreservative in minced beef meat was described. AE was incorporated at 0.1, 0.5, and 1% and compared with 0.1% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). During 21 days at 4°C, AE at 1% could appreciably retard the microflora proliferation (p<0.05), the accumulation of MetMb and the carbonyl group (p<0.05), slowing down the loss of sulphydryl proteins (p<0.05), and led to a decrease (p<0.05) in primary (peroxide value and conjugated dienes) and secondary lipid oxidation (TBARS) in treated meat. By the 14th day, AE-treated minced meat obtained higher sensory scores than untreated and BHT samples. Based on these results, lipid and protein oxidation changes and sensorial attributes were useful in discriminating meat samples by overall acceptability prediction. Generally, AE at 1% presented the potent preservative effect that could be utilized as an application on meat-substituting synthetic antioxidant.
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15
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Smaoui S, Ben Hlima H, Fourati M, Elhadef K, Ennouri K, Mellouli L. Multiobjective optimization of
Phoenix dactylifera
L. seeds extraction: Mixture design methodology for phytochemical contents and antibacterial activity. J FOOD PROCESS PRES 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jfpp.14822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules Center of Biotechnology of Sfax University of Sfax Sfax Tunisia
| | - Hajer Ben Hlima
- Algae Biotechnology Unit Biological Engineering Department National School of Engineers of Sfax University of Sfax Sfax Tunisia
| | - Mariam Fourati
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules Center of Biotechnology of Sfax University of Sfax Sfax Tunisia
| | - Khaoula Elhadef
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules Center of Biotechnology of Sfax University of Sfax Sfax Tunisia
| | - Karim Ennouri
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules Center of Biotechnology of Sfax University of Sfax Sfax Tunisia
| | - Lotfi Mellouli
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Biomolecules Center of Biotechnology of Sfax University of Sfax Sfax Tunisia
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16
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Elhadef K, Smaoui S, Ben Hlima H, Ennouri K, Fourati M, Chakchouk Mtibaa A, Ennouri M, Mellouli L. Effects of Ephedra alata extract on the quality of minced beef meat during refrigerated storage: A chemometric approach. Meat Sci 2020; 170:108246. [PMID: 32731034 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The biopreservative effect of Ephedra alata aqueous extract (EAE), used at 0.156, 0.312 and 0.624%, on minced beef meat was evaluated by microbiological, physicochemical and sensory analyses during storage at 4 °C for 14 days. The results showed that EAE significantly (P < .05) delayed the formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and carbonyls and reduced the sulfhydryl loss in a dose-dependent manner, indicating that EAE had a protective effect against lipids and protein oxidation. Concomitantly, an increase of redness and loss of lightness and yellowness was observed. Furthermore, two multivariate exploratory techniques, namely Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were applied to all obtained data describing the main characteristics attributed to refrigerated meat samples. During storage time, the used chemometric approaches were useful in discriminating meat samples, and therefore offers an approach to underlay connections between meat quality features. The obtained findings demonstrated the strong potential of EAE as a natural preservative in meat and meat products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaoula Elhadef
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Slim Smaoui
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia.
| | - Hajer Ben Hlima
- Algae Biotechnology Unit, Biological Engineering Department, National School of Engineers of Sfax, 3038, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Karim Ennouri
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Mariam Fourati
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Ahlem Chakchouk Mtibaa
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Monia Ennouri
- Olive Tree Institute, 1087, University of Sfax, Tunisia; Valuation, Security and Food Analysis Laboratory, National School of Engineers of Sfax 3038, University of Sfax, Tunisia
| | - Lotfi Mellouli
- Laboratory of Microbial, Enzymatic Biotechnology and Biomolecules (LBMEB), Center of Biotechnology of Sfax, Road of Sidi Mansour Km 6, P. O. Box 1177, 3018, University of Sfax, Tunisia
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17
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Barkallah M, Ben Slima A, Elleuch F, Fendri I, Pichon C, Abdelkafi S, Baril P. Protective Role of Spirulina platensis Against Bifenthrin-Induced Reprotoxicity in Adult Male Mice by Reversing Expression of Altered Histological, Biochemical, and Molecular Markers Including MicroRNAs. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E753. [PMID: 32408700 PMCID: PMC7277961 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
: The potential reprotoxicity of bifenthrin remains unclear if only the common clinical indicators of reproductive disease are examined. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Spirulina platensis, a microalga rich in antioxidant compounds, against bifenthrin-induced testicular oxidative damage in male mice. At the first, we demonstrate that administration of bifenthrin resulted in a decline of testosterone level and in deterioration of sperm quality that was correlated with significant transcription changes of some specific mRNA and microRNA involved in cholesterol transport, testosterone synthesis, and spermatogenesis. At the biochemical level, we found that oxidative stress was obvious in the bifenthrin group, as evidenced by increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyls (PCO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and nitrite oxide (NO) that was correlated with activation of genes related to mitochondrial apoptotic signal pathways. We then brought, for the first time to our knowledge, solid and complete experimental evidences that administration of mice with Spirulina extract was sufficient to protect against deleterious effects BF in testicular tissues by abrogating the change in antioxidant enzyme activities; the increase in MDA, PCO, and NO concentrations; and the altered expression level of miRNA and mRNA involved in spermatogenesis. We finally demonstrate that Spirulina restores the production of testosterone in mice as well as epididymal sperm viability and motility. These results suggest a potential antitoxic activity of Tunisian Spirulina deserving further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Barkallah
- Unité de Biotechnologie des Algues, Biological Engineering Department, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia; (M.B.); (F.E.)
| | - Ahlem Ben Slima
- Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia;
| | - Fatma Elleuch
- Unité de Biotechnologie des Algues, Biological Engineering Department, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia; (M.B.); (F.E.)
| | - Imen Fendri
- Laboratoire de Biotechnologie Végétale Appliquée à l’Amélioration des Cultures, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax, 3029 Sfax, Tunisia;
| | - Chantal Pichon
- Centre de Biophysique moléculaire (CBM), CNRS UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France; (C.P.); (P.B.)
| | - Slim Abdelkafi
- Unité de Biotechnologie des Algues, Biological Engineering Department, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia; (M.B.); (F.E.)
| | - Patrick Baril
- Centre de Biophysique moléculaire (CBM), CNRS UPR 4301, Université d’Orléans, 45071 Orléans, France; (C.P.); (P.B.)
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