Immobilization of Coprinus comatus with magnetic alginate hydrogel microsphere for improving the antioxidant activity of fermentation products

Coprinus comatus is an edible mushroom and its fermented product possesses antioxidant activity. In this study, to further enhance the antioxidant activity and improve the reusability of the strain, calcium alginate hydrogel was used as the carrier for embedding and immobilizing Coprinus comatus. The effects of CaCl2 concentration, sodium alginate concentration, microsphere diameter, and the amount of magnetic particle on the antioxidant activity of fermented products were investigated. The results showed that the magnetic immobilized microsphere prepared by 2.50% CaCl2, 2.00% sodium alginate and 0.50% Fe3O4 had the best fermentation antioxidant activity (EC50 was 0.43 ± 0.01 mg/mL) when the diameter was 5 mm, which increased by 24.56% compared to the initial activity. Besides, the microsphere showed strong reusability, the antioxidant activity was still better than the free strain after being used five times. This study not only enhanced the antioxidant activity of Coprinus comatus fermented product through immobilization, but also provided an effective method for microbial fermentation.

Extraction, structural characterization, and antioxidant activity of polysaccharides from three microalgae

Microalgal polysaccharides have received much attention due to their potential value in preventing and regulating oxidative damage. This study aims to reveal the mechanisms of regulating oxidative stress and the differences in the yield, structure, and effect of polysaccharides extracted from three microalgae: Golenkinia sp. polysaccharides (GPS), Chlorella sorokiniana polysaccharides (CPS), and Spirulina subsalsa polysaccharides (SPS). Using the same extraction method, GPS, CPS, and SPS were all heteropoly- saccharides composed of small molecular fraction: the monosaccharides mainly comprised galactose (Gal). Among the three, SPS had a higher proportion of small molecular fraction, and a higher proportion of Gal; thus it had the highest yield and antioxidant activity. GPS, CPS, and SPS all showed strong antioxidant activity in vitro, and showed strong ability to regulate oxidative stress, among which SPS was slightly higher. From the analysis of gene expression, the Nrf2-ARE signalling pathway was an important pathway for GPS, CPS, and SPS to regulate cellular oxidative stress. This study provides a theoretical foundation for further research on the utilization of microalgae polysaccharides and product development.

Bidirectional Solid-State Fermentation of Highland Barley by Edible Fungi to Improve Its Functional Components, Antioxidant Activity and Texture Characteristics

In food industry, the characteristics of food substrate could be improved through its bidirectional solid-state fermentation (BSF) by fungi, because the functional components were produced during BSF. Six edible fungi were selected for BSF to study their effects on highland barley properties, such as functional components, antioxidant activity, and texture characteristics. After BSF, the triterpenes content in Ganoderma lucidum and Ganoderma leucocontextum samples increased by 76.57 and 205.98%, respectively, and the flavonoids content increased by 62.40% (Phellinus igniarius). Protein content in all tests increased significantly, with a maximal increase of 406.11% (P. igniarius). Proportion of indispensable amino acids increased significantly, with the maximum increase of 28.22%. Lysine content increased largest by 437.34% to 3.310 mg/g (Flammulina velutipes). For antioxidant activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity showed the maximal improvement, with an increase of 1268.95%. Low-field NMR results indicated a changed water status of highland barley after fermentation, which could result in changes in texture characteristics of highland barley. Texture analysis showed that the hardness and chewiness of the fermented product decreased markedly especially in Ganoderma lucidum sample with a decrease of 77.96% and 58.60%, respectively. The decrease indicated a significant improvement in the taste of highland barley. The results showed that BSF is an effective technology to increase the quality of highland barley and provide a new direction for the production of functional foods.

Strategic design, theoretical insights, synthesis, and unveiling antioxidant potential in a novel ascorbic acid analog

CONTEXT

In this study, we investigated the antioxidant potential of a novel ascorbic acid analog, DsD, assessing its interactions with the methylperoxyl (CH3OO·) radical in aqueous and lipid environments. Our focus was on understanding the acid-base equilibrium and how pH affects DsD's primary reaction mechanisms. Our findings indicate a marked preference for hydrogen atom transfer in lipid media, contrasting with sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) in aqueous solutions. Remarkably, DsD's radical scavenging activity significantly outperforms ascorbic acid, being 4.05 and 9469.70 times more potent in polar and lipid contexts, respectively. This suggests DsD's superior efficacy as an antioxidant, potentially offering enhanced protection in biological systems. Additionally, we have demonstrated DsD's synthetic feasibility through a straightforward condensation reaction between ascorbic acid and 1,2-diaminoethane, followed by comprehensive physicochemical and spectroscopic characterization.

METHODS

All computational analyses in this study were conducted using the Gaussian 09 software suite, employing the M05-2X functional and the 6-31 + G(d) basis set. Enthalpy calculations were executed under standard conditions (298.15 K and 1 atm), incorporating appropriate thermodynamic corrections. Rate constants were evaluated using transition state theory (TST), and the overall assessment of radical scavenging activity was guided by the Quantum Mechanics-based Test for Overall Radical Scavenging Activity (QMORSA) protocol.

Classification of buckwheat honey produced in Kazakhstan according to their biochemical ingredients and bioactivities by chemometric approach

Herein, nineteen buckwheat honey samples collected from 19 stations of different ecological zones of Kazakhstan were analysed for their pollen density, physicochemical properties, chemical composition, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, tyrosinase inhibitory, and urease inhibitory activities with chemometric approaches. Twelve phenolic compounds and fumaric acid were identified using HPLC-DAD, and mainly fumaric, p-hydroxybenzoic, p-coumaric, trans-2-hydroxy cinnamic acids, and chrysin were detected in all samples. The honey samples collected from the Northern zone exhibited best antioxidant activity in lipid peroxidation inhibitory (IC50:8.65 ± 0.50 mg/mL), DPPH• (IC50:17.07 ± 1.49 mg/mL), ABTS•+ (IC50:8.90 ± 0.65 mg/mL), CUPRAC (A0.50:7.51 ± 0.30 mg/mL) and metal chelating assay (IC50:10.39 ± 0.71 mg/mL). In contrast, South-eastern zone samples indicated better acetylcholinesterase (55.57 ± 0.83%), butyrylcholinesterase (49.59 ± 1.09%), tyrosinase (44.40 ± 1.21%), and moderate urease (24.57 ± 0.33%) inhibitory activities at 20 mg/mL. The chemometric classification of nineteen buckwheat honey was performed using PCA and HCA techniques. Both were supported by correlation analysis. Thirteen compounds contributed significantly to the clustering of buckwheat honey based on geographical origin.

Foodomics uncovers functional and volatile metabolite dynamics in red raspberry chewable tablet optimized processing

Raspberries are known to contain valuable metabolites and possess a robust antioxidant capacity. However, the impact of different tablet processing stages on the nutritional content and flavor profile of raspberries remains unclear. The dynamic profile of functional and volatile metabolites was investigated through foodomics combined with UPLC-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics and HS-SPME-GC-MS, and antioxidant capacities were assessed during tablet processing. 1336 functional metabolites and 645 volatile metabolites were identified. Results indicated tablets retained 34% ∼ 61% of the total volatile contents. In addition, the conversion intensity of functional metabolites was consistent with the order of "Tableting > Freeze-drying > Crushing". Compared to raspberry, tablets showed higher antioxidant activity, which was positively correlated with vitamin contents. This study elucidated that tablet formation demonstrated advantages in antioxidation and aroma retention, which may provide insights for enhancing quality during the tableting process.

Design, synthesis, in vitro and in silico evaluations of new isatin-triazine- aniline hybrids as potent anti- Alzheimer multi-target directed lead compounds

Multi target directed ligands (MTDLs) are one of the promising tools for treatment of complex disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, using rational design, we synthesized new 15 hybrids of the s-triazine, isatin and aniline derivatives as anti- AD compounds. The design was as way as that new compounds could had anti cholinesterase (ChE), antioxidant and biometal chelation ability. In vitro biological evaluation against ChE enzymes showed that these molecules were excellent inhibitors with IC50 values ranging from 0.2 nM to 734.5 nM for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and 0.02 μM to 1.92 μM for butyrylcholinesterase (BChE). Among these compounds, 8 l with IC50 AChE = 0.7 nM, IC50 BChE = 0.09 μM and 8n with IC50 AChE = 0.2 nM, IC50 BChE = 0.03 μM were the most potent compounds. In silico studies showed that these molecules had key and effective interactions with the corresponding enzymes residues. The molecules with hydroxyl group on aniline moiety had also good antioxidant activity with EC50 values ranging from 64.2 μM to 103.6 μM. The UV-Vis spectroscopy study revealed that molecule 8n was also able to chelate biometals such as Zn2+, Cu2+and Fe2+ properly. It was concluded that these molecules could be excellent lead compounds for future studies.

Production, characterisation, and biological properties of Tenebrio molitor-derived oligopeptides

Three protein hydrolysates from Tenebrio molitor were obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis employing two food-grade proteases (i.e. Alcalase and Flavourzyme), and a complete characterisation of their composition was done. The digestion-derived products were obtained using the INFOGEST protocol. In vitro antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Tenebrio molitor flour and the protein hydrolysates showed a high ability to scavenge the DPPH radical (EC50 values from 0.30 to 0.87 mg/mL). The hydrolysate obtained with a combination of the two food-grade proteases could decrease the gene expression of pro-inflammatory genes after being digested. Furthermore, the peptidome was fully determined for the first time for T. molitor hydrolysates and digests, and 40 peptides were selected based on their bioactivity to be evaluated by in silico tools, including prediction tools and molecular docking. These results provide new perspectives on the use of edible insects as sustainable and not nutritionally disadvantageous food for human consumption.

Phytochemical investigation and antioxidant properties of unripe tomato cultivars (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Unripe tomatoes are among the main waste produced during tomato cultivation and processing. In this study, unripe tomatoes from seven different Italian cultivars have been investigated to evaluate their nutraceutical potential. Phytochemical investigation allowed shedding light on the identification of seventy-five bioactive compounds. The highest amount of polyphenolic and glycoalkaloids along with the high level of antioxidant activities was found in the Datterini tomatoes variety. The peculiarity of this variety is the high chlorogenic acid content, being ten times higher compared to the other cultivars examined. Moreover, the total α-tomatine amount has been found substantially higher (34.699 ± 1.101 mg/g dry weight) with respect to the other tomato varieties analyzed. Furthermore, the cultivars metabolomic profiles were investigated with the PCA approach. Based on Datterini cultivar's metabolomic profile, its waste-recovery could represent a good option for further added value products in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical areas with a high α-tomatine content.

Characterization and antioxidant activity of peel extracts from three varieties of citrus sinensis

High volume of postharvest materials including peels from citrus fruits is periodically generated, which contributes to environmental pollution. Investigating the chemical composition cum antioxidant property of these 'wastes' would be instructive in achieving value addition in the food and pharmaceutical value chain. On this premise, this study carried out phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of three (3) commonly cultivated citrus varieties namely Citrus sinensis 'valencia', Citrus sinensis 'washinton' and Citrus sinensis 'thompson navel'. The peels were extracted using ethanol and hexane in a Soxhlet extractor and thereafter subjected to phytochemical and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses, ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), hydrogen peroxide scavenging and cupric ion reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assays to evaluate their antioxidant potentials. Results show that Citrus sinensis peel extracts contain alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, phytosterols, diterpenes, tannins and glycosides. GC/MS analysis identified about 48 compounds in each extract; with the predominant bioactive compounds being limonene (16.5%), ascorbic acid (17.7%), stearic acid (26.3%), linalool (4.7%), linoleic acid (16.18%), palmitic acid (15.23%), pentadecyclic acid (1.1%). Ethanol and hexane extracts of Valencia exhibited higher FRAP (9.09 ± 0.13) and CUPRAC (2.04 ± 0.06) values while the ethanol extract of Ibadan sweet demonstrated greater hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity (1.39 ± 0.00). Citrus peels are rich in bioactive compounds with excellent antioxidant activity and may serve as potential sources of natural antioxidants for food products or pharmaceutical formulations.

Bio-clay: Antioxidant-rich and stable for body mud scrubs

Clay is naturally occurring and poses a low risk. It is distinguished by mineral composition and ability to adsorb plant colorants and phytochemicals effectively. This study aimed to enhance the stability of bio-clay by preparing body mud scrubs through a solid-state reaction, combining volcanic clay with herbal plants, including Bougainvillea spp., Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb., and Curcuma longa L. (bio-clay). The characterization of purification clay revealed strong stability within its mineral composition. The optimum condition for sampling was 4 °C, which reserved the total phenolic content (TPC), 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. A high Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC; mg TEAC/g sample) and low half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) indicated excellent antioxidant activity. Over a storage period of 28 d, the Bougainvillea spp., Curcuma longa L., purified clay + Bougainvillea spp., and purified clay + Curcuma longa L. samples retained their stability. Their TPC, % scavenging, TEAC, and IC50 showed dominant antioxidant activity, stable active phenolic compounds, and the maintenance of extensive amounts. This compound is widely applied as a unique cosmetic ingredient.

Extensive targeted metabolomics analysis reveals the identification of major metabolites, antioxidants, and disease-resistant active pharmaceutical components in Camellia tuberculata (Camellia L.) seeds

Sect. tuberculata plant belongs to the Camellia genus and is named for the "tuberculiform protuberance on the surface of the ovary and fruit". It is a species of great ornamental value and potential medicinal value. However, little has been reported on the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the metabolites of C. tuberculata seeds based on UPLC/ESI-Q TRAP-MS/MS with extensively targeted metabolomics. A total of 1611 metabolites were identified, including 107 alkaloids, 276 amino acids and derivatives, 283 flavonoids, 86 lignans and coumarins, 181 lipids, 68 nucleotides and derivatives, 101 organic acids, 190 phenolic acids, 10 quinones, 4 steroids, 17 tannins, 111 terpenoids, and 177 other metabolites. We compared the different metabolites in seeds between HKH, ZM, ZY, and LY. The 1311 identified different metabolites were classified into three categories. Sixty-three overlapping significant different metabolites were found, of which lignans and coumarins accounted for the largest proportion. The differentially accumulated metabolites were enriched in different metabolic pathways between HKH vs. LY, HKH vs. ZM, HKH vs. ZY, LY vs. ZY, ZM vs. LY and ZM vs. ZY, with the most abundant metabolic pathways being 4, 2, 4, 7, 7 and 5, respectively (p < 0.05). Moreover, among the top 20 metabolites in each subgroup comparison in terms of difference multiplicity 7, 8 and 13. ZM and ZY had the highest phenolic acid content. Ninety-six disease-resistant metabolites and 48 major traditional Chinese medicine agents were identified based on seven diseases. The results of this study will not only lead to a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic properties of C. tuberculata seeds, but also provide a scientific basis for the excavation and further development of its medicinal value.

Functionalization of niobium nitrogen-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles with ethanolic extracts of Mentha arvensis

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have gained significant attention due to their wide-ranging applications. This research explores an approach to functionalize Niobium Nitrogen Titanium Dioxide nanoparticles (Nb-N-TiO2 NPs) with Mentha arvensis ethanolic leaf extracts. This functionalization allows doped NPs to interact with the bioactive compounds in extracts, synergizing their antioxidant activity. While previous studies have investigated the antioxidant properties of TiO2 NPs synthesized using ethanolic extracts of Mentha arvensis, limited research has focused on evaluating the antioxidant potential of doped nanoparticles functionalized with plant extracts. The characterization analyses are employed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy to evaluate these functionalized doped nanoparticles thoroughly. Subsequently, the antioxidant capabilities through the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays have been assessed. Within functionalized Nb-N-TiO2, the FTIR has a distinctive peak at 2350, 2010, 1312, 1212, and 1010 cm-1 with decreased transmittance associated with vibrations linked to the Nb-N bond. SEM revealed a triangular aggregation pattern, 500 nm to 2 µm of functionalized Nb-N-TiO2 NPs. Functionalized doped Nb-N-TiO2 NPs at 500 µg mL-1 exhibited particularly robust antioxidant activity, achieving an impressive 79% efficacy at DPPH assessment; meanwhile, ferric reduction efficiency of functionalized doped Nb-N-TiO2 showed maximum 72.16%. In conclusion, doped Nb-N-TiO2 NPs exhibit significantly enhanced antioxidant properties when functionalized with Mentha arvensis ethanolic extract compared to pure Nb-N-TiO2 manifested that doped Nb-N-TiO2 have broad promising endeavors for various biomedicine applications.

Synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and molecular docking studies of new 1,3,4-oxadiazole-thioether derivative as antioxidants and cytotoxic agents

Oxadiazoles and their derivatives with thioether functionalities represent a new and exciting class of physiologically active heterocyclic compounds. Several molecules with these moieties play a vital role in pharmaceuticals because of their diverse biological activities. This paper describes a new class of 1,3,4- oxadiazole-2-thioethers with acetophenone, coumarin, and N-phenyl acetamide residues (S-alkylation), with the hope that the addition of various biologically active molecules will have a synergistic effect on anticancer activity. The structure of the synthesized title compounds was determined by the combined methods of IR, proton-NMR, carbon-13-NMR, and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, all the newly prepared molecules were assessed for their antioxidant activity. Furthermore, four compounds were assessed for their molecular docking interactions and cytotoxicity activity. The synthesized derivatives have shown moderate antioxidant activity compared to the standard BHA (butylated hydroxy anisole). The IC50 of the titled molecules (11b, 11c, 13b, and 14b) observed for in vitro anti-cancer activities were 11.20, 15.73, 59.61, and 27.66 g/ml at 72-h treatment time against the A549 cell lines, respectively. The tested compounds' biological evaluation showed that 11b is the most effective molecule in the series. In conclusion, the findings of this study suggest that the tested compounds, 1,3,4-oxadiazole-2-thioether derivative, have shown high cytotoxicity against human lung cancer diseases, which may serve for subsequent studies in the formulation of cancer-based drugs and future outlook for researchers.

Structure characterization and protective effect against UVB irradiation of polysaccharides isolated from the plateau plant Gentiana dahurica Fisch

Gentiana dahurica Fisch. (G. dahurica) is one of the legitimate sources of Qinjiao in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and grows on high-altitude plateaus. Plants develop unique biochemical accumulations to resist plateau conditions, especially the strong UV irradiation. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the polysaccharide of G. dahurica (GDP), its structure and its activity against UVB irradiation. Four GDPs were isolated and two of them were subjected to structural elucidation. The results suggested that GDP-1 has 53.5 % Ara and 30.8 % GalA as its main monosaccharides, with a molecular weight (Mw) of 23 kDa; the GDP-2 has 33.9 % Ara and 48.5 % GalA, with a Mw of 82 kDa. Methylation and NMR spectroscopy analysis revealed that GDP-1 contains →5)-α-Araf-(1 → 5)-α-Araf-(1 → 3,5)-α-Araf-(1 → 3,4)-α-GalpA-(6-OMe)-(1→ as the main chain, the branches of GalA (with esterification), and the terminal Ara; the GDP-2 contains →4)-α-GalpA-(1 → 4)-α-GalpA-(6-OMe)-(1 → 5)-α-Araf-(1 → 3,5)-α-Araf-(1→ as the main chain, the branches of →5)-α-Araf-(1-5)-α-Araf, and the terminal GalA. Both GDP-1 and GDP-2 exhibited concentration-dependent antioxidant activity against DPPH, ABTS and hydroxyl radicals. Moreover, GDPs significantly attenuated the decreases in viability and proliferation of HaCaT cells after UVB irradiation. They can scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) and improve the activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH). The potential mechanism explored by flow cytometry assays of cell apoptosis and cell cycle distribution suggested that GDPs exert protective effects against UVB irradiation by reducing ROS and attenuating S phase cell arrest. In brief, the GDP-1 and GDP-2 are α-1,3- and α-1,4- arabinogalacturonan, respectively. The high content of Ara could be attributed to biochemical accumulation in resisting to the plateau environment and to prevent UVB irradiation-related damage in cells. These findings provide insight into authentic medicinal herbs and the development of GDPs in the modern pharmaceutical and cosmetics industry.

Anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity of chemically fingerprinted extract from Cyclamen persicum Mill

In the last few decades, researchers have thoroughly studied the use of plants in Palestine, one of them is Cyclamen persicum Mill. (C. persicum). Cyclamen persicum has been historically cultivated since the 1700s due to its tuber. The tuber is known to stimulate the nasal receptors, thus triggering the sensory neurons. Cyclamen persicum has anti-inflammatory effects, reduces cholesterol levels, treats diabetes, and inhibits tumor growth. In this respect, in-vitro examination of antibacterial and anticancer activities and antioxidative potency of C. persicum ethanolic extract were evaluated. The antioxidative potency of the extracted plant material was determined spectrophotometrically using the DPPH free radical scavenging method and the HPLC-PDA method to evaluate its total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). The experimental results revealed weak antibacterial activity of C. persicum extract against both gram negative (E. coli) and gram positive (Streptococcus aureus and S. aureus) bacterial strains, with the zones of inhibition found to be less than 8 mm. On the other hand, powerful activity against MCF7 breast cancer as well as HT29 colon cancer cell lines was obtained. The findings also revealed potent inhibition of free radicals and the presence of maximal levels of natural products such as phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which supportits biological activities and powerful ability to scavenge free radicals. HPLC results showed the presence of numerous flavonoid and phenolic compounds such as rutin, chlorogenic acid, kaempferol, trans-cinnamic acid, quercetin, sinapic acid, and p-coumaric acid.

Enhancement of the biological activity of hydroxytyrosol through its oxidation by laccase from Trametes versicolor

The laccase-catalyzed oxidation of hydroxytyrosol (HT) towards the formation of its bioactive oligomer derivatives was investigated. The biocatalytic oligomerization was catalyzed by laccase from Trametes versicolor in aqueous or various water-miscible organic solvents and deep eutectic solvent (DES)-based media. Mass Spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance were used for the characterization of the products. The solvent system used significantly affects the degree of HT oligomerization. The use of 50 % v/v methanol favored the production of the HT dimer, while other organic solvents as well as DESs led to the formation of hydroxytyrosol trimer and other oligomers. In vitro studies showed that the HT dimer exhibits 3- to 4-fold enhanced antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria compared to the parent compound. Moreover, the ability of HT dimer to inhibit the activity of soybean lipoxygenase and Candida rugosa lipase was 1.5-fold higher than HT, while molecular docking supported these results. Furthermore, HT dimer showed reduced cytotoxicity against HEK293 cells and exhibited a strong ability to inhibit ROS formation. The enhanced bioactivity of HT dimer indicates that this compound could be considered for use in cosmetics, skin-care products, and nutraceuticals.

Structural elucidation, binding sites exploration and biological activities of bound phenolics from Radix Puerariae Thomsonii

Radix puerariae thomsonii (RPT) contains many phenolics and exhibits various health benefits. Although the free phenolics in RPT have been identified, the composition and content of bound phenolics, which account for approximately 20% of the total phenolic content, remain unknown. In this study, 12 compounds were isolated and identified from RPT-bound phenolic extracts, of which 2 were novel and 6 were reported first in RPT. ORAC and PSC antioxidant activities of 12 compounds, as well as their effects on alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), α-glucosidase, and α-amylase were evaluated. Genistein exhibited the highest ORAC activity, while daidzin demonstrated superior PSC activity. Five compounds, including two new compounds, exhibited the ability to activate both ADH and ALDH. All the compounds except 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid methyl ester and 2,4,4'-trihydroxydeoxybenzoin demonstrated inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase and α-amylase. Alkaline hydrolysis and stepwise enzymatic hydrolysis revealed that bound phenolics in RPT mainly exist within starch.

The antioxidant activity and metabolomic analysis of the supernatant of Streptococcus alactolyticus strain FGM

Strain-specific probiotics can present antioxidant activity and reduce damage caused by oxidation. Streptococcus alactolyticus strain FGM (S. alactolyticus strain FGM) isolated from the chicken cecum shows potential probiotic properties which have been previously demonstrated. However, the antioxidant properties of S. alactolyticus strain FGM remain unknown. In this view, cell-free supernatant (CFS), intact cells (IC) and intracellular extracts (CFE) of strain FGM and 3 strains of Lactobacillus (LAB) were prepared, and their scavenging capacities against DPPH, hydroxyl radicals and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were compared in this study. The effects of strain FGM cell-free supernatant (FCFS) on NO production, activity of SOD and GSH-Px in RAW264.7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells were analyzed. The metabolites in the supernatant were quantitated by N300 Quantitative Metabolome. It was shown that the physicochemical characteristics of CFS to scavenge DPPH, hydroxyl radicals, and linoleic acid peroxidation inhibitory were significantly stronger than that of IC and CFE in the strain FGM (P < 0.05), respectively 87.12% ± 1.62, 45.03% ± 1.27, 15.63% ± 1.34. FCFS had a promotional effect on RAW264.7 cells, and significantly elevated SOD and GSH-Px activities in RAW264.7 cells. 25 μL FCFS significantly promoted the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells induced by LPS, increased the activities of SOD and GSH-PX, and decreased the release of NO. Furthermore, among the differential metabolites of FCFS quantified by N300, 12 metabolites were significantly up-regulated, including lactic acid, indole lactic acid, linoleic acid, pyruvic acid etc., many of which are known with antioxidant properties. In conclusion, FCFS had good antioxidant properties and activity, which can be attributed to metabolites produced from strain FGM fermentation. It was further confirmed that S. alactolyticus strain FGM and its postbiotic have potential probiotic properties and bright application prospects in livestock and poultry breeding.

Chemical, biochemical, and bioactivity studies on some soda lakes, Wadi El-Natrun, Egypt

Wadi El-Natrun is one of the most observable geomorphological features in the North-Western Desert of Egypt; it contains several old saline and saline soda lakes. This study investigates physicochemical and biochemical characteristics and estimates the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TVC), and bioactivities of sediment, cyanobacteria, and brine shrimp (Artemia salina) in soda lakes, i.e., El-Hamra Lake 1 (H1) and El-Hamra Lake 2 (H2). These soda lakes are unique extreme ecosystems characterized by high pH (> 9.3), high alkalinity, and salinity. Some extremophilic microorganisms are hosted in this ecosystem. The results revealed that the chemical water type of studied lakes is soda-saline lakes according to the calculated percentage sequence of major cations and anions. Sodium ranked first among major cations with an abundance ratio of e% 58, while chloride came first among anions with an abundance ratio of e% 71, and bicarbonate and carbonate occupied the last rank with an abundance of 6%. The biochemical investigations showed that TPC and TVC are present in concern contents of sediment, cyanobacteria, and brine shrimp (A. salina) which contribute 89% of antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activities. Thus, this study helps better understand the chemical and biochemical adaptations in soda lake ecosystems and explores natural sources with potential applications in antioxidant-rich products and environmental conservation efforts.

Biological activity and computational analysis of novel acrylonitrile derived benzazoles as potent antiproliferative agents for pancreatic adenocarcinoma with antioxidative properties

Continuing our research into the anticancer properties of acrylonitriles, we present a study involving the design, synthesis, computational analysis, and biological assessment of novel acrylonitriles derived from methoxy, hydroxy, and N-substituted benzazole. Our aim was to examine how varying the number of methoxy and hydroxy groups, as well as the N-substituents on the benzimidazole core, influences their biological activity. The newly synthesized acrylonitriles exhibited strong and selective antiproliferative effects against the Capan-1 pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line, with IC50 values ranging from 1.2 to 5.3 μM. Consequently, these compounds were further evaluated in three other pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines, while their impact on normal PBMC cells was also investigated to determine selectivity. Among these compounds, the monohydroxy-substituted benzimidazole derivative 27 emerged with the most profound and broad-spectrum anticancer antiproliferative activity being emerged as a promising lead candidate. Moreover, a majority of the acrylonitriles in this series exhibited significant antioxidative activity, surpassing that of the reference molecule BHT, as demonstrated by the FRAP assay (ranging from 3200 to 5235 mmolFe2+/mmolC). Computational analysis highlighted the prevalence of electron ionization in conferring antioxidant properties, with computed ionization energies correlating well with observed activities.

Membranes composed of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ethylene glycol) and Ora-pro-nóbis (Pereskia aculeata Miller) extract for dressing applications

Wounds are considered one of the most critical medical conditions that must be managed appropriately due to the psychological and physical stress they cause for patients, as well as creating a substantial financial burden on patients and global healthcare systems. Nowadays, there is a growing interest in developing nanofiber mats loaded with varying plant extracts to meet the urgent need for advanced wound ressings. This study investigated the development and characterization of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) nanofiber membranes incorporated with Ora-pro-nóbis (OPN; 12.5, 25, and 50 % w/w) by the solution-blow-spinning (SBS) technique. The PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/OPN nanofiber membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermal properties (TGA and DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), contact angle measurements and water vapor permeability (WVTR). In addition, the mats were analyzed for swelling properties in vitro cell viability, and fibroblast adhesion (L-929) tests. SEM images showed that smooth and continuous PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/OPN nanofibers were obtained with a diameter distribution ranging from 171 to 1533 nm. The PLA/PEG and PLA/PEG/OPN nanofiber membranes showed moderate hydrophobicity (~109-120°), possibly preventing secondary injuries during dressing removal. Besides that, PLA/PEG/OPN nanofibers exhibited adequate WVTR, meeting wound healing requirements. Notably, the presence of OPN gave the PLA/PEG membranes better mechanical properties, increasing their tensile strength (TS) from 3.4 MPa (PLA/PEG) to 5.3 MPa (PLA/PEG/OPN), as well as excellent antioxidant properties (Antioxidant activity with approximately 45 % oxidation inhibition). Therefore, the nanofiber mats based on PLA/PEG, especially those incorporated with OPN, are promising options for use as antioxidant dressings to aid skin healing.

ResD-Net: A model for rapid prediction of antioxidant activity in gentian root using FT-IR spectroscopy

Gentian, an herb resource known for its antioxidant properties, has garnered significant attention. However, existing methods are time-consuming and destructive for assessing the antioxidant activity in gentian root samples. In this study, we propose a method for swiftly predicting the antioxidant activity of gentian root using FT-IR spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. We employed machine learning and deep learning models to establish the relationship between FT-IR spectra and DPPH free radical scavenging activity. The results of model fitting reveal that the deep learning model outperforms the machine learning model. The model's performance was enhanced by incorporating the Double-Net and residual connection strategy. The enhanced model, named ResD-Net, excels in feature extraction and also avoids gradient vanishing. The ResD-Net model achieves an R2 of 0.933, an RMSE of 0.02, and an RPD of 3.856. These results support the accuracy and applicability of this method for rapidly predicting antioxidant activity in gentian root samples.

Characterization, antioxidant activity and in vitro digestion of hawthorn pectin prepared by gradient ethanol precipitation

Four modified hawthorn pectin fractions (MHPs), named MHP-30, MHP-50, MHP-70 and MHP-90, were obtained by ultrasonic-assisted pectin methyl esterase modification and gradient ethanol precipitation. The results indicated that all four MHPs were composed of galacturonic acid, galactose, xylose, arabinose, glucose and mannose in different proportions. With the increase of the ethanol concentration, the molecular weight, esterification degree and galacturonic acid content of MHPs all decreased, whereas the arabinose content and branching degree increased. The structural characterization from XRD, SEM, and FT-IR showed that four MHPs exhibited amorphous structure, similar functional groups, diverse surface morphologies. Besides, in vitro antioxidant assays confirmed that MHP-70 and MHP-90 exhibited stronger total antioxidant activities than MHP-30 and MHP-50. The results of simulated saliva-gastrointestinal digestion showed that the molecular weight of MHP-70 and MHP-90 remained stable, yielded small amounts of reducing sugars, and were resistant to digestion in the human upper digestive tract. Overall, MHP-70 and MHP-90 shown great potential as novel natural antioxidants, which are expected to be good carbon sources for the utilization of intestinal microorganisms.

Phytochemical characterization, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Terminalia catappa methanol and aqueous extracts

BACKGROUND

A study carried out by World Health Organization revealed that around 80% of individuals globally depends on herbal forms of medication with 40% of pharmaceutical products being sourced from medicinal plants. The study objective was to evaluate the phytochemicals composition, in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of the leaves of Terminalia catappa L. aqueous and methanolic extracts.

METHODS

Antimicrobial activity was analyzed by disk diffusion, the minimum inhibitory concentration in-vitro assays with ciprofloxacin as the standard for antibacterial assay while nystatin for antifungal assay. Ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate assays were used for the evaluation of antioxidant properties of the crude extracts while the groups responsible for this activity identified using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The study found that the leaves of Terminalia catappa contained alkaloids, tannins, steroids, cardiac glycosides, flavonoids, phenols, saponins, and coumarins, but terpenoids were absent. Presence of functional groups associated with this class of compounds such as OH vibrational frequencies were observed in IR spectrum of the crude extracts. Methanolic extract from Terminalia catappa exhibited greater antibacterial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, whereas aqueous extract displayed greater antibacterial activity against Bacillus subtilis for all concentrations tested. The amount of the sample that scavenged 50 percent of DPPH (IC50) was found to be 8.723, 13.42 and 13.04 µg/mL for L-ascorbic acid, Terminalia catappa L. methanolic and aqueous extracts respectively. The antimicrobial and antioxidant activities varied with the extract concentration and solvent used in extractions.

CONCLUSION

Terminalia catappa L. leaves are prospective for use as a source of therapeutic agents that could lead to the advancement of new antimicrobial and antioxidant products.

Probiotic Potential of Bacillus Subtilis Strain I3: Antagonistic Activity Against Chalkbrood Pathogen and Pesticide Degradation for Enhancing Honeybee Health

To explore the potential of probiotic candidates beneficial for honeybee health through the modulation of the gut microbiome, bee gut microbes were isolated from bumblebee (Bombus terrestris) and honeybee (Apis mellifera) using diverse media and cultural conditions. A total of 77 bee gut bacteria, classified under the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria, were identified. The antagonistic activity of the isolates against Ascosphaera apis, a fungal pathogen responsible for chalkbrood disease in honeybee larvae, was investigated. The highest growth inhibition percentage against A. apis was demonstrated by Bacillus subtilis strain I3 among the bacterial strains. The presence of antimicrobial peptide genes in the I3 strain was detected using PCR amplification of gene fragments encoding surfactin and fengycin utilizing specific primers. The export of antimicrobial peptides by the I3 strain into growth medium was verified using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy. Furthermore, the strain's capabilities for degrading pesticides, used for controlling varroa mites, and its spent growth medium antioxidant activity were substantiated. The survival rate of honeybees infected with (A) apis was investigated after feeding larvae with only medium (fructose + glucose + yeast extract + royal jelly), (B) subtilis I3 strain, A. apis with medium and I3 strain + A. apis with medium. Honeybees receiving the I3 strain + A. apis exhibited a 50% reduction in mortality rate due to I3 strain supplementation under experimental conditions, compared to the control group. In silico molecular docking revealed that fengycin hydrolase from I3 strain effectively interacted with tau-fluvalinate, suggesting its potential in bee health and environmental protection. Further studies are needed to confirm the effects of the I3 strain in different populations of honey bees across several regions to account for genetic and environmental variations.

Valorization of baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata) as a coffee-like beverage: evaluation of roasting time on bioactive compounds

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, and its fruit presents high nutritional value. However, baobab seeds are often discarded and their potential remains underutilized. This study aimed to investigate the effect of roasting time (30/55/80/105 min at 200 °C) on the physical-chemical properties of baobab seeds and the bioactive compounds in a coffee-like beverage. The results showed a decrease in moisture, Aw (water activity), and hardness of baobab seeds with increasing roasting time. These changes resulted from moisture loss, caramelization, and Maillard reactions, which also affected appearance when compared with unroasted baobab seeds. The pH of the beverage decreased to a value of around 6.01 after 105 min of roasting. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the beverage increased with roasting time, reaching 851.2 mg GAE/100 g (after 80 min) and 18.9 mmol Fe2+/100 g (after 55 min), respectively. The caffeine content remained stable around 16 mg/100 g from 55 to 105 min, lower than that of unroasted coffee beans and decaffeinated coffee. These findings suggest the potential for valorizing baobab seeds in the development of a new coffee-like beverage with lower caffeine content.

Physicochemical and biological properties of encapsulated Boesenbergia rotunda extract with different wall materials in enhancing antioxidant, mineralogenic and osteogenic activities of MC3T3-E1 cells

Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) comprises bioactive compounds with biological and pharmacological properties, especially flavonoid compounds with osteoblastogenesis-stimulating potential. However, the application of B. rotunda in the food and pharmaceutical industry is restricted by its low solubility and stability. Encapsulation becomes an alternative to overcome these restrictions. The purpose study was to encapsulate B. rotunda extract by freeze-drying and to investigate the effects of different wall materials (maltodextrin (MD), gum arabic (GA), and their combination (MDGA)) and extract contents on the physicochemical, bioactive properties and in vitro enhancement of osteogenesis of MC3T3-E1 cells of the obtained encapsulates. The results revealed that encapsulated B. rotunda can reduce cytotoxicity, enhance biological activity, and maintain the stability of bioactive compounds. The MD was a good wall material for yield percentage. However, the values of moisture content Aw, and solubility among all the encapsulated powders were no significant differences, with all encapsulated powders having similar structures based on scanning electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the extract was encapsulated by the selected wall materials. Combining the MD and GA encapsulation agents afforded the best protection of the bioactive compounds, increasing EE (MDGA-7 > MDGA-5), pinostrobin content, TPC, and antioxidant activities (MDGA-5 > MDGA-7). The MDGA-5 and MDGA-7 at 10-50 μg/mL were not toxic to cells and promoted MC3T3-E1 cell viability, while also enhancing the Alkaline phosphatase activity, and promoting matrix mineralization of pre-osteoblast MC3T3-E1 cells after 21 and 28 days. This result showed that MDGA was a suitable wall material for B. rotunda encapsulations and a potential source of bioactive ingredients that could applied in food or pharmaceutical products for osteoporosis prevention.

Characterization and Biological Activities of the Ulvan Polysaccharide-Rich Fraction Obtained from Ulva rigida and Ulva pseudorotundata and Their Potential for Pharmaceutical Application

Seaweed from the genus Ulva (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) has a worldwide distribution and represents a potential biomass source for biotechnological applications. In the present study, we investigated the ulvan polysaccharide-rich fraction (UPRF) isolated from two Ulva species (U. rigida and U. pseudorotundata), naturally occurring on the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Chemical characterization of UPRFs was performed in order to explore the polysaccharides' composition. Biological assessments of UPRFs were compared by antioxidant activity and in vitro toxicity tests in the human cell lines: HCT-116 (colon cancer), G-361 (malignant melanoma), U-937 (leukemia), and HaCaT cells (immortalized keratinocytes). Chemical analysis revealed that both UPRFs presented rhamnose as the major relative sugar constituent, followed by glucose in U. rigida and xylose in U. pseudorotundata. Both also presented glucuronic acid, galactose, ribose, and mannose as the remaining monosaccharides. Similar antioxidant activity was obtained, where we observed increased activity in response to increased polysaccharide concentrations. Both UPRFs presented moderate toxicity against HCT-116 cell lines and a selectivity index ≥ 3, suggesting a good potential for use in pharmaceutical products.

Effects of H2S-donor ascorbic acid derivative and ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury in isolated rat hearts

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S), a gasotransmitter, plays a crucial role in vasorelaxation, anti-inflammatory processes and mitigating myocardial ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury by regulating various signaling processes. We designed a water soluble H2S-releasing ascorbic acid derivative, BM-164, to combine the beneficial cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects of H2S with the excellent water solubility and antioxidant properties of ascorbic acid. DPPH antioxidant assay revealed that the antioxidant activity of BM-164 in the presence of a myocardial tissue homogenate (extract) increased continuously over the 120 min test interval due to the continuous release of H2S from BM-164. The cytotoxicity of BM-164 was tested by MTT assay on H9c2 cells, which resulted in no cytotoxic effect at concentrations of 10 to 30 μM. The possible beneficial effects of BM-164 (30 µM) was examined in isolated 'Langendorff' rat hearts. The incidence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) was significantly reduced from its control value of 79 % to 31 % in the BM-164 treated group, and the infarct size was also diminished from the control value of 28 % to 14 % in the BM-164 treated group. However, coronary flow (CF) and heart rate (HR) values in the BM-164 treated group did not show significantly different levels in comparison with the drug-free control, although a non-significant recovery in both CF and HR was observed at each time point. We attempted to reveal the mechanism of action of BM-164, focusing on the processes of autophagy and apoptosis. The expression of key autophagic and apoptotic markers in isolated rat hearts were detected by Western blot analysis. All the examined autophagy-related proteins showed increased expression levels in the BM-164 treated group in comparison to the drug-free control and/or ascorbic acid treated groups, while the changes in the expression of apoptotic markers were not obvious. In conclusion, the designed water soluble H2S releasing ascorbic acid derivative, BM-164, showed better cardiac protection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced injury compared to the untreated and ascorbic acid treated hearts, respectively.

Crassostrea gigas peptide PEP-1 prevents tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells

Exposure to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) leads to cytotoxicity and oxidative stress in various organs and cell types. The bioactive peptides extracted from Oysters exhibit marked antioxidant activity. The impacts of Crassostrea gigas peptides on t-BHP-triggered oxidative stress remain largely unknown. The protective and antioxidant activity of a C.gigas peptide, PEP-1, on t-BHP-treated HepG2 cells, was investigated. PEP-1, this peptide is arginine kinase in oysters. This enzyme functions as a catalyst for the chemical reaction and serves as a phosphate transferase. Since it was the most expressed protein in the adductor muscle of oysters. Our determination showed the lowest level of a toxic concentration of t-BHP (200 µM) and the resting concentration of PEP-1 (0-1000 ng/ml). PEP-1 exerted a protective effect against t-BHP-induced apoptosis by modifying the expression of pro-and anti-apoptotic proteins. PEP-1 administration reduced nitric oxide and ROS levels while restoring levels of antioxidant proteins in t-BHP-induced cells. PEP-1 exhibited the capacity to enhance the translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Therefore, the C. gigas peptide PEP-1 has demonstrated its ability to protect HepG2 cells against oxidative stress induced by t-BHP.

A comparison study on polysaccharides extracted from banana flower using different methods: Physicochemical characterization, and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic activities

This work investigated and compared the physicochemical characteristics, and antioxidant and antihyperglycemic properties in vitro of polysaccharides from a single banana flower variety (BFPs) extracted by different methods. BFPs extracted using hot water (HWE), acidic (CAE), alkaline (AAE), enzymatic (EAE), ultrasonic (UAE) and hot water-alkaline (HAE) methods showed different chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, molecular weight, chain conformation and surface morphology, but similar infrared spectra characteristic, main glycosidic residues, crystalline internal and thermal stability, suggesting that six methods have diverse impacts on the degradation of BFPs without changing the main structure. Then, among six BFPs, the stronger antioxidant activity in vitro was found in BFP extracted by HAE, which was attributed to its maximum uronic acid content (21.67 %) and phenolic content (0.73 %), and moderate molecular weight (158.48 kDa). The highest arabinose and guluronic acid contents (18.59 % and 1.31 % in molar ratios, respectively) and the lowest uronic acid content (14.30 %) in BFP extracted by HWE contributed to its better α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro (66.55 %). The data offered theoretical evidence for choosing suitable extraction methods to acquire BFPs with targeted biological activities for applications, in which HAE and HWE could serve as beneficial methods for preparing antioxidant BFP and antihyperglycemic BFP, respectively.

Different biological responses of Skeletonema costatum and Prorocentrum donghaiense to polymetallic nodules from seawaters

The negative impacts of polymetallic nodules mining on deep-sea benthic organisms have been widely established, but there is still a lack of understanding of the environmental impact on the surface ocean scenario. Phytoplankton growth experiment was conducted to determine the biological effect of polymetallic nodules on Prorocentrum donghaiense and Skeletonema costatum. The results showed that regardless of concentration and particle size, polymetallic nodules show a promoting effect on P. donghaiense (p < 0.05), the cell density in the experimental group increased by 35.2%-46.5% compared to the control at the end of the experiment. While fine particles significantly inhibited the growth of S. costatum (p < 0.05), the maximum inhibition rate on cell density reached 63.1%. Polymetallic nodules significantly enhance the Fv/Fm and the maximum electron transport rate of photosystem II in P. donghaiense, thereby increasing its growth rate. However, polymetallic nodules particles stimulated the antioxidant activity and extracellular polymeric substances secretion of S. costatum, resulting in phytoplankton flocculation and sedimentation, which inhibits its growth. Thus, these discriminatory impacts may cause alterations in biomass and community structure, ultimately affecting the ecological function.

Neuroprotective and Anti-inflammatory Effects of Rubiscolin-6 Analogs with Proline Surrogates in Position 2

Naturally occurring peptides, such as rubiscolins derived from spinach leaves, have been shown to possess some interesting activities. They exerted central effects, such as antinociception, memory consolidation and anxiolytic-like activity. The fact that rubiscolins are potent even when given orally makes them very promising drug candidates. The present work tested whether rubiscolin-6 (R-6, Tyr-Pro-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe) analogs have neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. These hypotheses were tested in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) injury model of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The determination of reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Caspase-3 activity, lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) production allowed us to determine the effects of peptides on hallmarks related to Parkinson's Disease (PD) and inflammation. Additionally, we investigated the impact of R-6 analogs on serine-threonine kinase (also known as protein kinase B, AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation. The treatment with analogs 3 (Tyr-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-OH), 5 (Dmt-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-OH) and 7 (Tyr-Inp-Leu-Asp-Leu-Phe-NH2) most effectively prevented neuronal death via attenuation of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction and Caspase-3 activity. Peptides 5 and 7 significantly increased the protein expression of the phosphorylated-AKT (p-AKT) and phosphorylated-mTOR (p-mTOR). Additionally, selected analogs could also ameliorate LPS-mediated inflammation in macrophages via inhibition of intracellular generation of ROS and NO production. Our findings suggest that R-6 analogs exert protective effects, possibly related to an anti-oxidation mechanism in in vitro model of PD. The data shows that the most potent peptides can inhibit 6-OHDA injury by activating the PI3-K/AKT/mTOR pathway, thus playing a neuroprotective role and may provide a rational and robust approach in the design of new therapeutics or even functional foods.

The characterization of the pectin/alginate nanoparticle for encapsulation of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin-complexed naringin and its effects on cellular uptake and oxidative stress in Caco-2 cells

Naringin (NR) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD) can form a water-soluble complex, but it is unstable. This study aimed to investigate the characterization of the pectin/alginate hydrogel nanoparticles (HNPs) loading HPCD-complexed naringin. The encapsulation efficiency and loading capacity of the HNPs for NR were found to be 79.23 % ± 1.31 % and 23.79 % ± 0.67 %, respectively. HNPs had an average diameter of 409.5 ± 8.5 nm, a PDI of 0.237 ± 0.014, and a zeta-potential of -33.5 ± 0.2. FTIR, XRD, and DSC analysis confirmed that the NR-HPCD complex was embedded into the HNPs. In simulated gastrointestinal digestion, the HNPs exhibited a lower cumulative release rate compared to free NR. In Caco-2 cells, the HNPs were more efficiently transported into the cells. Consequently, the HNPs resulted in a greater decrease in ROS levels, more recovery of mitochondrial membrane potential and higher content of glutathione. This study provided a carrier for encapsulating NR, making it possible for use in food or functional food.

Impact of polyphenol-loaded edible starch nanomaterials on antioxidant capacity and gut microbiota

Starch nanoparticles (SNPs) have the capability to adsorb polyphenol components from apple pomace efficiently, forming bound polyphenols (P-SNPs). These bound polyphenols may have potential bioactivities to affect human health positively. Therefore, in-depth in vivo observation of the antioxidant activity and evaluation of its gut microbiota regulatory function are essential. The results revealed that P-SNPs indicated significant scavenging abilities against DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radicals. Furthermore, the nanomaterials exhibited non-toxic properties, devoid of hepatorenal and intestinal damage, while concurrently stimulating the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) within the gastrointestinal tract. Notably, P-SNPs significantly enhanced antioxidant capacity in serum, liver, and kidney tissues, fostering the proliferation of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bacillus, norank_f__Muribaculaceae) while suppressing pathogenic bacterial growth (Helicobacter, Odoribacter). This study proposes a novel research concept for the scientific use of polyphenols in promoting gut health.

A new approach to snack production: sourdough corn flakes with low glycemic index

In this study, sourdough powder was used as a natural additive to enhance functional properties and reduce glycemic index of corn flakes. Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactococcus lactis, previously isolated from sourdough samples, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae were used as starter cultures to produce sourdough powder from wheat flour. To produce corn flakes sourdough powder was replaced by maize flour in amounts of 15 and 30%, while the control sample contained no sourdough powder. The total phenolic content, 2,2-di-phenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the samples were 421.58 mg GAE/kg, 333.90 µM TE/g, 62.53 mg/kg for control sample, 482.41 mg GAE/kg, 350.60 µM TE/g, 82.22 mg/kg for corn flakes with 15% sourdough, and 531.10 mg GAE/kg, 368.14 µM TE/g, 117.42 mg/kg for corn flakes with 30% sourdough, respectively. Total dietary fibre content, the starch hydrolysis rate, and rapidly digestible starch (RDS) values of corn flakes samples decreased with the addition of 30% sourdough powder (P < 0.05). The estimated glycemic index (eGI), which was 95.76 for the control sample, decreased to 83.41 for the sample with 30% sourdough. The addition of sourdough had no negative effect on the sensorial properties (P > 0.05).

Transformation of phenolic acids during radical neutralization

Negative influence of reactive oxygen species on living organisms and stability of food products is the reason for significant interest in the substances exhibiting antioxidant properties. Phenolic acids are very popular among the known diet antioxidants. The paper presents the results of research on the application of chromatographic measurements for determination of antioxidant changes and products of radical neutralization reaction for the chosen phenolic acids (caffeic, ferulic, p-coumaric, protocatechuic and vanilic). The measurements were performed using the ABTS method in a long period time (8 days). The experiments have shown that the examined acids were depletion to ca 50 h but the reaction products (dimers or quinones) were converted into new compounds, observed in both methanolic and ethanolic measuring systems after a given period of time. The obtained results seem to be important in the context of living organisms because the biological activity of transformation products and their impact on human health have not been fully recognized yet. Moreover, the presented results can be interesting for both the producer and the consumer of food as generated substances may have influence on the nutritional value as well as the taste and aroma of the food in which phenolic compounds are applied.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05879-w.

Production of Antioxidant, Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitory and Osteogenic Gelatin Hydrolysate from Labeo rohita Swim Bladder

Optimization of antioxidants and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory potential gelatin hydrolysate production from Labeo rohita (rohu) swim bladder (SBGH) by alcalase using central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was investigated. The maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), total antioxidants (TAO), and ACE inhibitory activity were achieved at 0.1:1.0 (w/w) enzyme to substrate ratio, 61 °C hydrolysis temperature, and 94-min hydrolysis time. The resulting SBGH obtained at 19.92% DH exhibited the DPPH (24.28 µM TE/mg protein), ABTS (34.47 µM TE/mg protein), TAO (12.01 µg AAE/mg protein), and ACE inhibitory (4.91 µg/mg protein) activity. Furthermore, SBGH at 100 µg/ml displayed osteogenic property without any toxic effects on MC3T3-E1 cells. Besides, the protein content of rohu swim bladder gelatin (SBG) and SBGH was 93.68% and 94.98%, respectively. Both SBG and SBGH were rich in glycine, proline, glutamic acid, alanine, arginine, and hydroxyproline amino acids. Therefore, SBGH could be an effective nutraceutical in functional food development.

Identification and anti-oxidative potential of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM)-derived bioactive peptides released through in vitro gastrointestinal digestion

This study investigated the stability of milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) protein under simulated gastrointestinal conditions using an in vitro enzymatic digestion method. The optimal hydrolysis conditions were determined by monitoring the changes in particle size and zeta-potential of MFGM protein hydrolysates over time. Furthermore, the distribution of small molecular weight peptides with antioxidant activity was explored through DEAE-52 combined with in vitro cell experiments. Two novel antioxidant peptides (TGIIT and IITQ) were identified based on molecular docking technology and evaluated their potential scavenging activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) (ABTS+) radicals. TGIIT and IITQ also demonstrated remarkable abilities in promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and activating Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway, which can effectively counteract skeletal muscle dysfunction induced by oxidative stress. Thus, MFGM-derived antioxidant peptides have the potential to be employed in food to regulate muscle protein metabolism and alleviate sarcopenia.

Co-culture fermentation by Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and lactic acid bacteria improves bioactivity and aroma profile of wheat bran and the bran-containing Chinese steamed bread

Co-culture fermentation with yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) exhibits advantages in improving the bioactivity and flavor of wheat bran compared to single-culture fermentation, showing application potentials in bran-containing Chinese steamed bread (CSB). To explore the effects of combination of yeast and different LAB on the bioactivity and flavor of fermented wheat bran, this study analyzed the physicochemical properties, phytate degradation capacity, antioxidant activities, and aroma profile of wheat bran treated with co-culture fermentation by Saccharomycopsis fibuligera and eight different species of LAB. Further, the phenolic acid composition, antioxidant activities, texture properties, aroma profile, and sensory quality of CSB containing fermented wheat bran were evaluated. The results revealed that co-culture fermentation brought about three types of volatile characteristics for wheat bran, including ester-feature, alcohol and acid-feature, and phenol-feature, and the representative strain combinations for these characteristics were S. fibuligera with Limosilactobacillus fermentum, Pediococcus pentosaceus, and Latilactobacillus curvatus, respectively. Co-culture fermentation by S. fibuligera and L. fermentum for 36 h promoted acidification with a phytate degradation rate reaching 51.70 %, and improved the production of volatile ethyl esters with a relative content of 58.47 % in wheat bran. Wheat bran treated with co-culture fermentation by S. fibuligera and L. curvatus for 36 h had high relative content of 4-ethylguaiacol at 52.81 %, and exhibited strong antioxidant activities, with ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging rates at 65.87 % and 69.41 %, respectively, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) at 37.91 μmol/g. In addition, CSB containing wheat bran treated with co-culture fermentation by S. fibuligera and L. fermentum showed a large specific volume, soft texture, and pleasant aroma, and received high sensory scores. CSB containing wheat bran treated with co-culture fermentation by S. fibuligera and L. curvatus, with high contents of 4-ethylguaiacol, 4-vinylguaiacol, ferulic acid, vanillin, syringaldehyde, and protocatechualdehyde, demonstrated strong antioxidant activities. This study is beneficial to the comprehensive utilization of wheat bran resources and provides novel insights into the enhancement of functions and quality for CSB.

Lichen pectin-containing polysaccharide from Xanthoria elegans and its ability to effectively protect LX-2 cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage

Xanthoria elegans, a drought-tolerant lichen, is the original plant of the traditional Chinese medicine "Shihua" and effectively treats a variety of liver diseases. However, thus far, the hepatoprotective effects of polysaccharides, the most important chemical constituents of X. elegans, have not been determined. The aim of this study was to screen the polysaccharide fraction for hepatoprotective activity by using free radical scavenging assays and a H2O2-induced Lieming Xu-2 cell (LX-2) oxidative damage model and to elucidate the chemical composition of the bioactive polysaccharide fraction. In the present study, three polysaccharide fractions (XEP-50, XEP-70 and XEP-90) were obtained from X. elegans by hot-water extraction, DEAE-cellulose anion exchange chromatography separation and ethanol gradient precipitation. Among the three polysaccharide fractions, XEP-70 exhibited the best antioxidant activity in free radical scavenging capacity and reducing power assays. Structural studies showed that XEP-70 was a pectin-containing heteropolysaccharide fraction that was composed mainly of (1 → 4)-linked and (1 → 4,6)-linked α-D-Glcp, (1 → 4)-linked α-D-GalpA, (1 → 2)-linked, (1 → 6)-linked and (1 → 2,6)-linked α-D-Manp, and (1 → 6)-linked and (1 → 2,6)-linked β-D-Galf. Furthermore, XEP-70 exhibited effectively protect LX-2 cells against H2O2-induced oxidative damage by enhancing cellular antioxidant capacity by activating the Nrf2/Keap1/ARE signaling pathway. Thus, XEP-70 has good potential to protect hepatic stellate cells against oxidative damage.

Extraction, structure and antioxidant activity of the polysaccharides from morels (Morchella spp.): A review

Morels (Morchella spp.), which are cultivated only in a few regions of the world, are edible mushrooms known for their various properties including antioxidation, immune regulation, antiinflammation, and antitumor effects. Polysaccharides from Morchella are principally responsible for its antioxidant activity. This paper reviews the extraction, purification, structural analysis and antioxidant activity of Morchella polysaccharides (MPs), providing updated research progress. Meanwhile, the structural-property relationships of MPs were further discussed. In addition, based on in vitro and in vivo studies, the major factors responsible for the antioxidant activity of MPs were summarized including scavenging free radicals, reduction capacity, inhibitory lipid peroxidation activity, regulating the signal transduction pathway, reducing the production of ROS and NO, etc. Finally, we hope that our research can provide a reference for further research and development of MPs.

Preparation, characterization, antioxidant, and antifungal activity of phenyl/indolyl-acyl chitooligosaccharides

In this study, carboxylic acids compounds were grafted onto chitooligosaccharides to prepare seven phenyl/indolyl-acyl chitooligosaccharides derivatives. The structures of the derivatives were characterized by IR spectroscopy, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. Meanwhile, antioxidant activities in vitro of the novel derivatives were analyzed. Compared to COS and carboxylic acid, the derivatives showed higher scavenging capacity for superoxide anion and DPPH radicals, with scavenging rates of 59.39% and 94.86%, respectively. The hydroxyl radical scavenging ability of the derivatives was only 18.89%. The antifungal activities of chitooligosaccharide derivatives against Diaporthe batatas and Phytophthora capsici were studied by the growth rate method. Compared with chitooligosaccharide itself, derivatives were inhibited by 97.77% and 100%. The above results showed that chitooligosaccharide derivatives have good biocompatibility and can be used in food, agriculture and medicine.

Microbial fermentation-based synthesis of nano-curcumin suggesting the role of pullulan in nano-formulation

Curcumin is a multitargeting nutraceutical with numerous health benefits, however, its efficacy is limited due to poor aqueous solubility and reduced bioavailability. While nano-formulation has emerged as an alternative to encounter such issues, it often involves use of toxic solvents. Microbial synthesis may be an innovative solution to address this lacuna. Present study, for the first time, reports exploitation of Aureobasidium pullulans RBF4A3 for production of nano-curcumin. For this purpose, Aureobasidium pullulans RBF4A3 was inoculated in YPD media along with curcumin (0.1 mg/mL) and incubated for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Subsequently, residual sugar, biomass, EPS concentration, curcumin concentration, and curcumin nanoparticle size were measured. As a result, nano-curcumin with an average particle size of 31.63 nm and enhanced aqueous solubility was obtained after 72 h. Further, investigations suggested that pullulan, a reducing polysaccharide, played a significant role in curcumin nano-formulation. Pullulan-mediated nano-curcumin formulation, with an average particle size of 24 nm was achieved with conversion rate of around 59.19 %, suggesting improved aqueous solubility. Additionally, the anti-oxidant assay of the resulting nano-curcumin was around 53.7 % per μg. Moreover, kinetics and thermodynamic studies of pullulan-based nano-curcumin revealed that it followed first-order kinetics and was favored by elevated temperature for efficient bio-conversion. Also, various physico-chemical investigations like FT-IR, NMR, and XRD reveal that pullulan backbone remains intact while forming curcumin nanoparticle. This study may open up new avenues for synthesizing nano-polyphenols through a completely green and solvent free process with plausible diverse applications.

Alcalase-hydrolyzed insoluble soybean meal hydrolysate aggregates: Structure, bioactivity, function properties, and influences on the stability of oil-in-water emulsions

We studied the influences of hydrolysis time on the structure, functional properties, and emulsion stability of insoluble soybean meal hydrolysate aggregates (ISMHAs). We assume that the ISMHAs produced by soybean meal can be used as emulsifiers to prepare stable emulsions. The molecular weights of these ISMHAs were below 53 kDa. After hydrolysis, a decrease in α-helices and an increase in random coils indicated that the soybean meal proteins were unfolding. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity, UV absorption, and surface hydrophobicity of ISMHAs increased. These results would contribute to their antioxidant activity and functional properties. Additionally, the 90-min ISMHA sample exhibited the highest ABTS+• scavenging activity (80.02 ± 4.55 %), foaming stability (52.92 ± 8.06 %), and emulsifying properties (emulsifying activity index of 97.09 m2/g; emulsifying stability index of 371.47 min). The 90-min ISMHA emulsion exhibited the smallest particle size and excellent storage stability. Soybean meal peptide by-product emulsifier has potential for sustainable application.

Enzymatic processing of animal by-products: production of antioxidant hydrolysates with Bacillus sp. CL18 crude protease

Protein hydrolysates might display diverse bioactivities with potential relevance to human and animal health and food technology. Enzymatic hydrolysis of agro-industrial by-products is increasingly focused. In this study, a crude protease from Bacillus sp. CL18 was applied to obtain antioxidant protein hydrolysates from porcine, bovine, poultry, and fish by-products. The crude enzyme hydrolyzed all the twelve investigated by-products, as detected by increased soluble protein contents after 4 h of proteolysis. Hydrolysates exhibited higher radical-scavenging, Fe2+-chelating and reducing power capacities than non-hydrolyzed by-products. Hydrolysis times (0-8 h) and enzyme-to-substrate (E/S) ratios (384, 860, and 1,400 U/g) were assessed to produce antioxidant bovine lung hydrolysates. The highest E/S ratio accelerated both hydrolysis and increases in antioxidant activities; however, it did not result in bioactivities higher than hydrolysates obtained with the intermediate E/S ratio. Optimal antioxidant activities could be reached after 6 h of hydrolysis using 860 U/g. Animal by-products are interesting sources of bioactive protein hydrolysates, which could be produced with a non-commercial bacterial protease. This might represent a promising strategy for the valorization of animal by-products generated in large amounts by the agri-food sector.

Synthesis and characterization of marine seagrass (Cymodocea serrulata) mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles for antibacterial, antibiofilm and antioxidant properties

Cymodocea serrulata mediated titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) were successfully synthesized. The XRD pattern and FTIR spectra demonstrated the crystalline structure of TiO2 NPs and the presence of phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids in the extract. Further SEM revealed that TiO2 NPs has uniform structure and spherical in shape with their size ranged from 58 to 117 nm. Antibacterial activity of TiO2 NPs against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae), provided the zone of inhibition of 33.9 ± 1.7 and 36.3 ± 1.9 mm, respectively at 100 μg/mL concentration. MIC of TiO2 NPs against MRSA and V. cholerae showed 84% and 87% inhibition at 180 μg/mL and 160 μg/mL respectively. Subsequently, the sub-MIC of V. cholerae demonstrated minimal or no impact on bacterial growth at concentration of 42.5 μg/mL concentration. In addition, TiO2 NPs exhibited their ability to inhibit the biofilm forming V. cholerae which caused distinct morphological and intercellular damages analysed using CLSM and TEM. The antioxidant properties of TiO2 NPs were demonstrated through TAA and DPPH assays and exposed its scavenging activity with IC50 value of 36.42 and 68.85 μg/mL which denotes its valuable antioxidant properties with potential health benefits. Importantly, the brine shrimp based lethality experiment yielded a low cytotoxic effect with 13% mortality at 100 μg/mL. In conclusion, the multifaceted attributes of C. serrulata mediated TiO2 NPs encompassed the antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-biofilm inhibition effects with low cytotoxicity in nature were highlighted in this study and proved the bioderived TiO2 NPs could be used as a promising agent for biomedical applications.

Enhanced in vitro bioavailability of resveratrol-loaded emulsion stabilized by β-lactoglobulin-catechin with excellent antioxidant activity

The study aimed to fabricate β-Lactoglobulin-catechin (β-La-Ca) conjugates as a natural designed antioxidant emulsifier to improve the physicochemical stability of resveratrol emulsion delivery system. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and fluorescence spectroscopy analysis confirmed the formation of conjugates using free radical grafting. The antioxidant ability of emulsion was evaluated by DPPH scavenging activities and ORAC experiments. The emulsion stabilized by β-La-Ca conjugates exhibited strong antioxidant activity with ORAC value of 2541.39 ± 29.58 μmol TE/g, which was significantly higher than that by β-Lactoglobulin alone with 387.96 ± 23.45 μmol TE/g or their mixture with 948.23 ± 32.77 μmol TE/g. During the whole simulated gastrointestinal digestion, emulsion stabilized by β-La-Ca conjugates exhibited excellent oxidative stability that the lipid was mainly digested in the small intestine. This behavior attributed to the greater stability of resveratrol to chemical transformation leading to a higher overall bioavailability in vivo. These results suggested that the β-La-Ca conjugates could be used to fabricate the emulsion-based delivery system to improve the oxidative stability and bioavailability of chemically labile hydrophobic bioactive compounds.

Cyperus peptide SFRWQ inhibits oxidation and inflammation in RAW264.7 cell model

Oxidative stress can induce many diseases. Antioxidant peptides from food sources have the advantages of good safety, high activity, and good absorbability. In this study, a pentapeptide (SFRWQ; SER-PHE-ARG-TRP-GLN) was identified in a protein hydrolysate of Cyperus (Cyperus esculentus L.). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time quantitative (qPCR), immunofluorescence and other techniques were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of SFRWQ. SFRWQ was found to have 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging ability, help increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels in RAW264.7 cells, reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and decrease tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression and secretion. The binding score of SFRWQ to recombinant Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) was greater than that of TX6. These findings suggest that SFRWQ activates the Keap1-Nrf2 cellular antioxidant signaling pathway. According to metabolomics studies, SFRWQ increased glutathione (GSH), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), and γ-glutamylcysteine levels and decreased the levels of Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2), Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and Prostaglandin H2 (PGH2), which are involved in arachidonic acid metabolism, to protect cells from LPS-induced damage. By elucidating the mechanism of action of SFRWQ, we provide a reference for the development of dietary antioxidant peptides.