Exploring Bacterial Cellulose and a Biosurfactant as Eco-Friendly Strategies for Addressing Pharmaceutical Contaminants

Aquatic environments face contamination by pharmaceuticals, prompting concerns due to their toxicity even at low concentrations. To combat this, we developed an ecologically sustainable biosurfactant derived from a microorganism and integrated it into bacterial cellulose (BC). This study aimed to evaluate BC's efficacy, with and without the biosurfactant, as a sorbent for paracetamol and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in water. We cultivated BC membranes using Gluconacetobacter xylinus ATCC 53582 and synthesized the biosurfactant through pre-inoculation of Bacillus subtilis in a synthetic medium. Subsequently, BC membranes were immersed in the biosurfactant solution for incorporation. Experiments were conducted using contaminated water, analyzing paracetamol concentrations via spectrophotometry and EE2 levels through high-performance liquid chromatography. Results indicated BC's superior adsorption for EE2 over paracetamol. Incorporating the biosurfactant reduced hormone adsorption but enhanced paracetamol sorption. Notably, original and freeze-dried BC exhibited better adsorption efficacy than biosurfactant-infused BC. In conclusion, BC showed promise in mitigating EE2 contamination, suggesting its potential for environmental remediation. Future research could focus on optimizing biosurfactant concentrations to enhance sorption capabilities without compromising BC's inherent effectiveness.

Protective effect of Agaricus bisporus mushroom against maternal and fetal damage induced by lead administration during pregnancy in rats

INTRODUCTION

Lead (Pb) is a toxic pollutant, which can affect different tissues of the human body. The use of natural elements, as medicinal mushroom can reduce the toxic effects of Pb.

OBJECTIVE

We evaluated, through preclinical tests, the oral co exposures to mushroom Agaricus bisporus (Ab) by gavage and Pb in drinking water, and the capability of Ab be a protective agent for both pregnant rats and their fetuses.

METHODS

Female Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 5/group): Group I-Control; Group II-Ab 100 mg/kg; Group III-Pb 100 mg/L; Group IV-Ab +Pb -100 mg/kg +100 mg/L. Exposure was performed until the 19th day of gestation. On the 20th day, pregnant rats were euthanized, and the outcomes evaluated were weight gain; hematological profile; biochemical markers; oxidative stress markers; reproductive capacity; and embryo fetal development.

RESULTS

The characterization of mushrooms reveals them to be a valuable source of nutrients. However, Pb ingestion resulted in reduced weight gain and negative impacts on hematological and biochemical parameters. Fortunately, co administration of mushrooms helped to mitigate these negative effects and promote recovery. The mushroom also showed antioxidant activity, improving parameters of oxidative stress. In addition, Ab partially recovered the damage in fetal morphology and bone parameters.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicated that the co administration of Ab improved the toxicity caused by Pb, and the mushroom could be used as a natural alternative as a protective/chelator agent.

Biochar from fungiculture waste for adsorption of endocrine disruptors in water

The agricultural residues are ecofriendly alternatives for removing contaminants from water. In this way, a novel biochar from the spent mushroom substrate (SMS) was produced and assessed to remove endocrine disruptor from water in batch and fixed-bed method. SMS were dried, ground, and pyrolyzed. Pyrolysis was carried out in three different conditions at 250 and 450 °C, with a residence time of 1 h, and at 600 °C with a residence time of 20 min. The biochar was firstly tested in a pilot batch with 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) and progesterone. The residual concentrations of the endocrine disruptors were determined by HPLC. The biochar obtained at 600 °C showed the best removal efficiency results. Then, adsorption parameters (isotherm and kinetics), fixed bed tests and biochar characterization were carried out. The Langmuir model fits better to progesterone while the Freundlich model fits better to EE2. The Langmuir model isotherm indicated a maximum adsorption capacity of 232.64 mg progesterone/g biochar, and 138.98 mg EE2/g biochar. Images from scanning electrons microscopy showed that the 600 °C biochar presented higher porosity than others. In the fixed bed test the removal capacity was more than 80% for both endocrine disruptors. Thus, the biochar showed a good and viable option for removal of contaminants, such as hormones.

Royal Sun Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom Agaricus brasiliensis (Agaricomycetes) as a Functional Food in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Before and After Fetus Implantation

Through preclinical tests, this study evaluated the effects of Agaricus brasiliensis consumption in rats with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and considered its potential as a functional food. The perinatal period was evaluated considering the daily exposure to A. brasiliensis before and after GDM induction (Abb and Aba, respectively). Nutritional characterization of A. brasiliensis was performed (centesimal composition, β-glucans, phenolic compounds, and antioxidant activity). Concerning maternal reproductive development, the parameters assessed were maternal weight, oral glucose tolerance, hemogram, biochemical markers, redox status in blood, biochemical markers in amniotic fluid, and reproductive performance. Moreover, embryofetal development was evaluated. A. brasiliensis reduced hyperglycemia before STZ induction and maintained levels similar to the GDM group after STZ induction. A. brasiliensis also reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels and increased high-density lipoprotein levels. The mushroom also presented antioxidant activity, improving parameters of oxidative stress. Furthermore, it protected the conceptus from actions promoted by STZ concerning external abnormalities. Thus, daily intake of A. brasiliensis in GDM suggests its potential as a functional food because the nutritional characterization of this mushroom indicated important antioxidant activity, improving lipid and glycemic functions and preventing oxidative damage from STZ.

Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes): Absence of Changes in Maternal Reproductive Performance and Embryofetal Development In Vivo

The shiitake culinary-medicinal mushroom Lentinus edodes (=Lentinula edodes) has been used as a nutritional complement. This study evaluated, through reprotox tests, the consumption of L. edodes in pregnant rats, considering it as a functional food. Pregnant rats were daily exposed to L. edodes before implantation (LeB)-from 1 to 19 days of gestation, and after implantation (LeA)-from 9 to 19 days of gestation, compared with controls. On the 20th day of gestation, cesarean sections were performed. Blood was collected and hematological parameters (hemoglobin, hematocrit, white and red blood cells and platelets) were analyzed. Moreover, albumin, calcium, creatine kinase, alkaline phosphatase, transferases, creatinine, urea, triglycerides, cholesterol, lipase, glucose, and insulin were assessed in serum. Organs were collected and weighed, and the fetuses were analyzed morphologically by body measurements. The consumption of L. edodes reduced triglycerides levels and there were no changes in maternal weight, biochemical and hematological parameters, organ weight, and reproductive capacity. There were no morphological changes in the fetuses' body measurements, suggesting possible safety in ingestion of mushroom. Reprotox tests used to evaluate the daily consumption of L. edodes points out potentiality as a functional food, suggesting safety during the gestational period.

Effects of Shiitake Culinary-Medicinal Mushroom, Lentinus edodes (Agaricomycetes), Bars on Lipid and Antioxidant Profiles in Individuals with Borderline High Cholesterol: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) is a culinary-medicinal mushroom that has low lipid content and is rich in protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins, antioxidant compounds, and β-glucans. We assessed the effects of L. edodes bars on cholesterolemia and oxidative stress levels in individuals with borderline high cholesterol through a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Individuals with borderline high cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, or triglycerides were recruited. Sixty-eight individuals were randomly allocated to group I (placebo; n = 32) or group II (intervention; n = 36). Blood samples were collected at 0, 33, and 66 days, and all individuals received an unidentified opaque envelope containing the bars. Biochemical (triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, and glucose) and oxidative stress biomarkers (reduced glutathione, catalase, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) in the blood were assessed. Participants in the intervention group showed a 10% reduction in triglycerides after 66 days of consuming the shiitake bars (P = 0.0352). In oxidative stress biomarkers, L. edodes increased the main endogenous antioxidant reduced glutathione and reduced lipid peroxidation. Exposure to L. edodes triggered dermatitis in 10% of individuals sensitive to the mushroom. In conclusion, L. edodes bars are a nutritious food and a functional health food alternative. This food improves redox status and can be considered as an adjuvant in the prevention of dyslipidemia.

Are Silver Nanoparticles Useful for Treating Second-Degree Burns? An Experimental Study in Rats

Purpose: In this work, the potential usefulness of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) for treating burn wounds was examined. Methods: Second-degree burns were induced in male Wistar rats by touching the skin with a heated (70°C) metallic device for 10 s, after which the animals were randomly allocated to one of two groups: control (n=8, treated with sterile saline) and experimental (n=8, treated with AgNPs, 0.081 mg/mL; 50 µL applied to the burn surface). Seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after lesion induction two rats from each group were killed and blood samples were collected for a complete blood count and to assess oxidative stress. The livers were examined macroscopically and skin samples were collected for histological analysis. Results: Macroscopically, wound healing and skin remodeling in the experimental group were similar to the saline-treated rats. Likewise, there were no significant differences in the histological parameters between the two groups. However, treatment with AgNPs caused a persistent reduction in white blood cell (WBC) counts throughout the experiment, whereas platelet counts increased on days 7 and 28 but decreased on days 14 and 21; there was also an increase in the blood concentration of reduced glutathione on day 7 followed by a decrease on days 21 and 28. There were no significant changes in blood glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT) activities or in the serum concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Conclusion: The findings of this study raise questions about the potential transitory effects of AgNPs based on the changes in WBC and platelet counts, blood glutathione concentrations and macroscopic hepatic alterations.

Determination of 17α-ethinylestradiol and toxic metals in surface waters, and estimation of daily intake

The presence of substances such as hormones and toxic metal in aquatic ecosystem is interesting to the scientific community due to their adverse effects. We quantified 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and toxic metals in the surface waters from Sorocaba and Pirajibu Rivers, in São Paulo State, and we estimated the daily intake for hormone, based on the amount of water consumed. EE2, Cd, Hg, As, Pb, and Mn were seasonally quantified in six different locations along the rivers. EE2 was evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Toxic metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Considering the entire sample year, EE2 concentrations ranged from 4.5 to 48.2 μg L^-1. Comparing Sorocaba and Pirajibu rivers, the sample point in the entrance of the Pirajibu River through the city of Itu, São Paulo State, had higher amounts of EE2. Regarding metals, all results are according to the Brazilian and World Health Organization guidelines for drinking-water quality, except for Mn levels, which were higher than the limits in Autumn season in two locations. The estimated daily intake ranged from 13.45 to 40.9 μg/day/person. In conclusion, concentrations of EE2 in the Sorocaba and Pirajibu Rivers were higher than in other countries. The levels were as high as an intake of one pill for each person every day (considering an oral contraceptive has 0.03 mg of ethinylestradiol). Even though concentrations of toxic elements are in accordance with the Brazilian Regulation and World Health Organization, legislation for hormones and drugs needs to advance.