Bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance (BLIS) activity of Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2 and its synergistic action in combination with antibiotics

Objective: To characterize the bacteriocin-like inhibitory-substances(BLIS) activity of Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2 [named BLIS(MBF10-2)], a bacteriocinogenic strain isolated from an Indonesian tofu byproduct.Methods: BLIS(MBF10-2) was obtained by culturing the bacterium, and standard deferred antagonism assays were used to demonstrate its activity. The antibacterial testing of fractions collected by filtration using 3–30 kDa cut-off membrane sizes were carried out by performing well diffusion method.Results: The growth of Micrococcus luteus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Lactococcus lactis,Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Weissella confusa were inhibited by BLIS(MBF10-2).Interestingly, BLIS-containing fractions obtained from sequential application on ultrafiltration membranes indicated that this bacterium Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2 could produces at least two antimicrobial peptides activities, one of which is likely to be a lantibiotic peptide. Potential synergistic activity against certain Gram-positive(but not Gram-negative) species when partnered with antibiotics(ampicillin, tetracycline or kanamycin) were observed.Conclusion: Combination of some BLIS(MBF10-2) active fractions with antibiotics(ampicillin, tetracycline or kanamycin) could demonstrate synergistic activities against certain Gram-positive species.

Encapsulation of Almond Essential Oil by Co-Extrusion/Gelling Using Chitosan as Wall Material

Encapsulation confers protection to substances as essential oils from processes like oxidation, evaporation or uncontrolled release. In this study almond oil capsules were obtained by co-extrusion/gelling technique. Chitosan was used as shell material and sodium triphosphate pentabasic as cross linking agent. Different encapsulation process variables were studied: cross-linker concentration, nozzles size and potential. Optical microscopy was used to determine the capsules morphology and degradability tests were performed in order to study capsules degradation over time. Results showed that nozzles size and cross linking concentration are key variables to consider in the encapsulation process. Degradability tests showed rapid weight loss.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Organic and Peptidic Extracts of Ecuadorian Endophytic Fungi

Antibacterial and antifungal activities of 32 organic and 14 peptidic extracts obtained from twelve endophytic fungi of the Collection of Endophytes Quito-Catolica were tested against the pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, Escherichia coli and Salmonella enteritidis, and against the fungal oomycete Pythium ultimum. It was observed that the extracts of Marasmiellus candidus (CEQCA-O1113), Xylaria laevis (CEQCA-O1399), Fusarium solani (CEQCA-O1393), Diaporthe helianthi (CEQCA-O1394) and Xylaria sp. (CEQCA-O1400) partially or totally inhibited the microorganisms tested. The extracts CEQCA-O1399.P1 and CEQCA-O1113.D1 showed fungistatic and fungicidal effects against P. ultimum, respectively. Six extracts strongly inhibited S. aureus, and E. coli was strongly inhibited by the extract CEQCA-O1113.E2. Based on a bioassay-guided approach, the extracts with strong bioactivity in the antibacterial assays by an agar diffusion method were also tested by a disk diffusion method, and the minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by a microdilution assay. The most bioactive extract, CEQCA-O1113.D1, was also purified by high performance liquid chromatography. The extract recovered its initial bioactivity against S. aureus in two fractions after the purification. Overall, the results of this study highlight the potential of the fungal endophytes as producers of bioactive compounds.

Microencapsulation of Rosemary Essential Oil by Co-Extrusion/Gelling Using Alginate as a Wall Material

An essential oil is the volatile lipophilic component extracted from plants. Microencapsulation systems protect the essential oil from degradation and evaporation, and at the same time allow a sustained release. This work analyzed and characterized the rosemary essential oil microcapsules prepared by co-extrusion technique using alginate as wall material and calcium chloride as cross linker. Several instrumental techniques were used: optical microscopy, coulter counter, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), termogravimetric analysis (TGA), spectrophotometry, antimicrobial test and chromatography. Results show that rosemary oil has pesticidal properties, and its microencapsulation allows knowing that these properties remain inside the microcapsules.

Therapeutic role of Ricinus communis L. and its bioactive compounds in disease prevention and treatment

Ricinus communis L.(R. communis), commonly known as castor oil plant, is used as a traditional natural remedy or folkloric herb for the control and treatment of a wide range of diseases around the globe. Various studies have revealed the presence of diverse phytochemicals such as alkaloids.flavonoids, terpenes, saponins,phenolic compounds such as kaempferol, gallic acid, ricin, rutin, lupeol, ricinoleic acid, pinene, thujone and gentisic acid.These phytochemicals have been responsible for pharmacological and therapeutic effects,including anticancer, antimicrobial, insecticidal, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, antinociceptive,anti-inflammatory. bone regenerative, analgesic, and anticonvulsant activity. R. communis harbours phytochemicals which have been shown to target peroxisome proliferator activated receptor(PPAR), nuclear factor NF-κ-B, cytochrome p450, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases kinase(p38 MAPK), tumor protein P53, B-cell lymphoma-extra-large(Bcl-xL) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2(VEGFR-2). Considering its wide variety of phytochemicals, its pharmacological activity and the subsequent clinical trials, R. communis could be a good candidate for discovering novel complementary drugs. Further experimental and advanced clinical studies are required to explore the pharmaceutical, beneficial therapeutic and safety prospects of R. communis with its phytochemicals as a herbal and complementary medicine for combating various diseases and disorders.

Anticancer Effects of Valproic Acid on Esophageal Stem-like Carcinoma Cells

Valproic acid(VPA) is a histone deacetylase inhibitor that has been an object of interest to clinicians for its promising potency in cancer therapy, as it induces apoptosis and differentiation, and enhances of chemotherapy sensitivity. Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC) is a malignant disease with growing incidence and low survival rate. Due to limited information on VPA activity in ESCC cells, we aimed to determine effects of VPA on chemotherapy responsiveness and expression of malignant markers in ESCC stem-like cells. Upon coadministration of non-toxic VPA + cisplatin(DDP), paclitaxel and 5-fluorouracil, viability of KYSE30 cells was assessed, and induced apoptosis was evaluated by DAPI staining, DNA laddering and flow cytometry. In addition, real time RT-PCR was performed to study changes in the expression of P21, CD44 and BMI-1 upon treatments. MTT test demonstrated that VPA significantly(P < 0.05) increased toxicity of DDP, which was confirmed by DNA laddering, flow cytometry analysis and significant(P < 0.05) overexpression of P21. Moreover, real time RT-PCR results indicated significant(P < 0.05) down regulation of CD44 and BMI-1 after VPA administration. Present attempt provided evidence, for the first time, that VPA not only improved responsiveness of esophageal stem-like cancer cells to DDP, also negatively regulated cancer stem cells markers in these cells.

Biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles as fertilizers:An emerging precision agriculture strategy

Nanofertilizers increase efficiency and sustainability of agricultural crop production.Due to their nanosize properties,they have been shown to increase productivity through target delivery or slow release of nutrients,thereby limiting the rate of fertilizer application required.Nanofertilizers can be synthesized via different approaches ranging from physical and chemical to green(biological)synthesis.The green approach is preferable because it makes use of less chemicals,thereby producing less chemical contamination and it is safer in comparison to physicochemical approaches.Hence,discussion on the use of green synthesized nanoparticles as nanofertilizers is pertinent for a sustainable approach in agriculture.This review discusses recent developments and applications of biologically synthesized metallic nanoparticles that can also be used as nanofertilizers,as well as their uptake mechanisms for plant growth.Toxicity concerns of nanoparticle applications in agriculture are also discussed.

Development of Bioassessment Tools for Ecological Status Using Macrozoobenthic Community in Upstream Area (Case Study: Citarum River, West Java, Indonesia)

This research aims to develop an assessment tool of ecological status in the upstream area using macrozoobenthic community and its relationship to the physicochemical parameters of water and sediment, in Citarum River. The number of species and abundance of macrozoobenthos in the dry season was higher compared to rainy season. The predominant family (Pachychilidae, Hydropsychidae, Glossiphonidae, and Chironomidae) obtained in both season was significantly correlated with the physicochemical parameter. Based on the Shannon-Wiener index, diversity in upstream area of Citarum River during the dry season (1.68) was similar with the rainy season (1.80) and it showed that the diversity of macrozoobenthic community was moderately diverse in both seasons. The physicochemical parameters that strongly related with the presence and abundance of predominant macrozoobenthic taxa were turbidity, total suspended solid (TSS), total nitrogen, total phosphate, gravel particle, and organic carbon. By considering biological and physicochemical parameters obtained from this study, we developed a modified scoring system to assess the ecological status of upstream area in Citarum River. Based on the scoring system, the ecological status was quite polluted in dry season (2.19) and moderately polluted in rainy season (4.94).

Study of Diffusion through the Skin of Coated L-Ascorbic Acid by Fluid Bed Technology

Coating protects substances such as L-ascorbic acid from natural processes like oxidation. In this study, L-ascorbic acid was coated by fluid bed technology. A pH-dependent polymer was used as a coating material in order to release L-ascorbic acid (dissolution above pH 5.5) under conditions closest to the skin’s natural condition. Different techniques were used to determine the coating (SEM and size distribution) and to evaluate the percentage of coated L-ascorbic acid and its diffusion through the skin.

Application of Alternative Technologies for Elimination of Artificial Colorings in Alcoholic Beverages Produced by <i>Citrus medica</i>and Potential Impact on Human Health

In the present study elimination of chemical colorings in the alcoholic beverages produced by extraction of citron (Citrus medica) fruits and leaves as an alternative to the distillation method, which is currently used in industrial practice and requires addition of synthetic additives, was examined. Additionally, the volatile compounds of citron alcoholic beverages produced by both methods in association with potential antioxidant and anticancer properties were investigated. The results showed that no addition of artificial pigments was required in the novel citron beverages, as color intensity was similar to the commercial products. The most important compounds identified by solid phase microextraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis were esters, alcohols, carbonyl compounds, acetals and terpenes. Although all products contained significant amounts of terpenes, which have been proposed as efficient antioxidant and anticancer agents, the highest concentration was determined in the alcoholic beverage produced by 4-fold extraction of citron leaves. Principal component analysis indicated that the production method affected significantly the volatile composition of the products. Finally, the potential of novel functional alcoholic beverages in promotion of human health is highlighted and assessed.

Microencapsulation of Essential Oils by Interfacial Polimerization Using Polyurea as a Wall Material

An essential oil is the volatile lipophilic component extracted from plants. Microencapsulation systems protect the essential oil from degradation and evaporation, and, at the same time, allow a sustained release. This work analyses and characterizes the oregano and sage essential oil microcapsules prepared by interfacial polymerization technique, using polyurea as wall material. Several instrumental techniques are used: optical microscopy, size particle, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Termo gravimetric analysis (TGA), spectrophotometry, antimicrobial test and chromatography. Results show that oregano and sage oil have antimicrobial properties, and their microencapsulation allows knowing that these properties remain inside the microcapsules.

Microencapsulation of Lipase and Savinase Enzymes by Spray Drying Using Arabic Gum as Wall Material

Enzymes have been used in detergents over the years. They can improve the detergent’s efficiency due to their activities against hard stains. Nevertheless, enzymes cannot maintain their properties indefinitely, since they are exposed to stress factors, like temperature, pH, mechanical processes and others. Consequently, enzymes lose their structure and they are not functional. For this reason, microencapsulating these proteins is a feasible solution to improve their use in industrial processes and commercial products. Spray drying technology has been selected because a lot of scientific literature proved its useful application in a variety of industries. In particular, savinase and lipase are the two encapsulated enzymes in this work. Savinase attacks proteins and lipase removes fats, so they are suitable enzymes for detergent industry. Arabic gum has been used as wall material. Morphology, size and activity of the obtained microcapsules have been analyzed in order to find the best conditions to produce them. In conclusion, useful microcapsules of lipase and savinase can be obtained with the mentioned technology.

The Use of Cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis and Cladoceran Daphnia magna as Complementary Protein and Lipid Sources in Transitional Diet for Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) Nursery

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of cyanobacteria Arthrospira platensis and cladoceran Daphnia magna biomass as complementary protein and lipid sources in diet supplementation for common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) nursery. Three experimental diets containing A. platensis and D. magna meal at different concentrations were compared to the commercial (control) diet. Each experimental diet (ED) was set to contain D. magna and A. platensis meal at a specific combination: 2% and 5%, 2% and 7%, and 4% and 5% for ED1, ED2 and ED3, respectively. The protein and lipid content of the experimental diets ranged from 43.20% to 44.60% dry weight (DW) and 10.64% to 13.42% DW, respectively;while the protein and lipid content of the control diet were 43.00% DW and 6.72% DW, respectively. After 20 days of feeding period, ED3 group obtained the highest final body weight (BW) (58.18 ± 35.24 mg), total biomass (1936 ± 1625 mg), food conversion rate (1.34 ± 0.04), and specific growth rate (12.86 ± 0.03% BW day–1) among all treatment groups (P > 0.05);while ED1 group obtained the highest survival (75.5% ± 7.47%) among all treatment groups (P > 0.05). The total bacterial count and total pathogenic Aeromonas sp. in the culture water of the treatment groups (ranged from 2.00 to 2.65 × 105 CFU mL–1 and 3.50 to 4.12 × 103 CFU mL–1, respectively) were lower compared to the water of the control group fed (3.73 × 105 and 4.70 × 103 CFU mL–1, respectively). No significant differences in physicochemical water quality parameters were observed among treatments (P > 0.05). The current study suggests that the combination of A. platensis and D. magna biomass can be used as complementary protein and lipid sources in diet supplementation for common carp larvae and can result in a comparable fish growth, survival and feed utilization in common carp culture at the nursery phase.

Microencapsulation of L-Ascorbic Acid by Spray Drying Using Sodium Alginate as Wall Material

L-ascorbic acid is a water soluble vitamin (vitamin C) widely used as an additive in foods and cosmetics. It has high instability against certain environmental factors;the main cause of its deterioration is oxidation. Microencapsulation is an effective protection technique of L-ascorbic acid from its degradation reactions. This work is focused on the encapsulation of L-ascorbic acid by spray drying technique using sodium alginate as wall material. The microcapsules morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the encapsulation efficiency was determined by spectrophotometric analysis. Results showed that encapsulation efficiency was of 93.48% and after 30 days was of 92.55%;differences were not significant, so that the stability of L-ascorbic acid was not affected. Encapsulation yields obtained were low, at around 30%, but the microcapsules morphology obtained is spherical.

Effects of dietary supplementation with tropical microfungi Mucor circinelloides and Trichoderma harzianum powder on growth performance,bacterial communities,and the biomass nutritional profile of white shrimp grow-out culture(Litopenaeus vannamei)

Microfungi have been explored further as supplement constituents in shrimp culture due to their rich protein,lipid,essential amino acids,fatty acids,and various bioactive compounds.The researchers have evaluated the effects of two microfungi powders(Mucor circinelloides and Trichoderma harzianum)as feed supplements on growth performance,bacterial communities,and the biomass nutritional profile of white shrimp(Litopenaeus vannamei).The results showed that commercial/artificial feed(Feng-Li)with supplementation microfungi powder had a different effect on white shrimp growth performance than control after 62 days of the grow-out period.Supplementation with 1.5%M.circinelloides powder(M-2)could improve the growth performance of white shrimp,especially the survival rate(81.33%),final body weight(5.21 g),and shrimp biomass(211.35 g).In contrast,supplementation with 1.5%T.harzianum powder(T-2)did not improve the growth performance of white shrimp compared to control(p>0.05).Furthermore,it also affected the profile of the bacterial community in culture water as well as in shrimp intestines.Supplementation with both microfungi could reduce the total number of bacteria in culture water at the end of the experiment,where the lowest number was obtained in treatment T-2(3.9×10^(5)CFU/mL),followed by M-2(9.9×10^(5)CFU/mL)and control(4.4×10^(6)CFU/mL).In the culture water,20 isolates of culturable bacteria were found during the trial,with the dominant bacteria in M-2:Bacillus cereus,Bacillus velezensis,Gordonia polyisoprenivorans,T-2:Acinetobacter sp.,Gordonia polyisoprenivorans,Micrococcus luteus.Based on average well colour development(AWCD),the highest bacterial activity was in the M-2(0.297-0.707),followed by T-2(0.226-0.717)and control(0.094-0.694).The highest substrate group utilised in M-2 and T-2 were polymers(0.896 and 1.348)and control:amines(0.100).The highest Shannon diversity index was obtained in the M-2(2.508),followed by control(2.286)and the T-2(2.157).As many as 11 isolates of culturable bacteria were found in the shrimp intestine,with dominant bacteria in M-2:Bacillus velezensis,Micrococcus luteus,Bacillus cereus,T-2:Bacillus velezensis,Micrococcus sp.2,Demequina activiva.The highest bacterial activity was in M-2(2.259),followed by control(2.020)and T-2(0.050).The highest substrate group utilisation was in M-2:polymers(2.564),T-2:carbohydrates(0.094),and control:polymers(2.185).The highest Shannon diversity index was in the M-2(3.234),followed by control(3.230)and the T-2(0.751).In addition,1.5%M.circinelloides and T.harzianum supplementation increased white shrimp muscle protein content up to 79.21%and 80.40%,respectively,compared to control(76.73%).In conclusion,using Mucor circinelloides powder as a feed supplement can improve the growth performance of white shrimp,increase the functional/probiotic bacteria:B.cereus and B.velezensis in cultur and shrimp’s intestine,and increase the protein content in shrimp muscle tissue.However,more in-depth research is needed,especially on anti-nutritional compounds from fungi that affect shrimp growth.

Cancer cell cycle heterogeneity as a critical determinant of therapeutic resistance

Intra-tumor heterogeneity is now arguably one of the most-studied topics in tumor biology,as it represents a major obstacle to effective cancer treatment.Since tumor cells are highly diverse at genetic,epigenetic,and phenotypic levels,intra-tumor heterogeneity can be assumed as an important contributing factor to the nullification of chemotherapeutic effects,and recurrence of the tumor.Based on the role of heterogeneous subpopulations of cancer cells with varying cell-cycle dynamics and behavior during cancer progression and treatment;herein,we aim to establish a comprehensive definition for adaptation of neoplastic cells against therapy.We discuss two parallel and yet distinct subpopulations of tumor cells that play pivotal roles in reducing the effects of chemotherapy:"resistant"and"tolerant"popula-tions.Furthermore,this review also highlights the impact of the quiescent phase of the cell cycle as a survival mechanism for cancer cells.Beyond understanding the mechanisms under-lying the quiescence,it provides an insightful perspective on cancer stem cells(CsCs)and their dual and intertwined functions based on their cell cycle state in response to treatment.More-over,CSCs,epithelial-mesenchymal transformed cells,circulating tumor cells(CTCs),and disseminated tumor cells(DTCs),which are mostly in a quiescent state of the cell cycle are proved to have multiple biological links and can be implicated in our viewpoint of cell cycle heterogeneity in tumors.Overall,increasing our knowledge of cell cycle heterogeneity is a key to identifying new therapeutic solutions,and this emerging concept may provide us with new opportunities to prevent the dreadful cancer recurrence.

Application of graphene oxides and graphene oxide-based nanomaterials in radionuclide removal from aqueous solutions

With the fast development of nanoscience and nanotechnology,the nanomaterials have attracted multidisciplinary interests.The high specific surface area and large numbers of oxygen-containing functional groups of graphene oxides(GOs) make them suitable in the preconcentration and solidification of radionuclides from wastewater.In this paper,mainly based on the recent work carried out in our laboratory,the efficient elimination of radionuclides using GOs and GO-based nanomaterials as adsorbents are summarized and the interaction mechanisms are discussed from the results of batch techniques,surface complexation modeling,spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations.This review is helpful for the understanding of the interactions of radionuclides with GOs and GO-based nanomaterials,which is also crucial for the application of GOs and GO-based nanomaterials in environmental radionuclide pollution management and also helpful in nuclear waste management.

Effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria on the molecular responses of maize under drought and heat stresses: A review

Drought and heat are major environmental stresses that continually influence plant growth and development. Under field conditions, these stresses occur more frequently in combination than alone, which magnifies corresponding detrimental effects on the growth and productivity of agriculturally important crops. Plant responses to such abiotic stresses are quite complex and manifested in a range of developmental, molecular, and physiological modifications that lead either to stress sensitivity or tolerance/resistance. Maize (Zea mays L.) is known for its sensitivity to abiotic stresses, which often results in substantial loss in crop productivity. Bioaugmentation with plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) has the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of drought and heat stresses on plants. Hence, this is considered a promising and eco-friendly strategy to ensure sustainable and long-term maize production under adverse climatic conditions. These microorganisms possess various plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics that can induce drought and heat tolerance in maize plants by directly or indirectly influencing molecular, metabolic, and physiological stress responses of plants. This review aims to assess the current knowledge regarding the ability of PGPR to induce drought and heat stress tolerance in maize plants. Furthermore, the drought and heat stress-induced expression of drought and heat stress response genes for this crop is discussed with the mechanisms through which PGPR alter maize stress response gene expression.

Synthesis and antibacterial activity of ethyl 2-amino-6-methyl-5-oxo-4-aryl-5,6-dihydro-4H-pyrano[3,2-c]quinoline-3-carboxylate

The three-component reaction of 4-hydroxy-l-methyl-2（1H）-quinolinone, aromatic aldehydes and ethyl cyanoacetate was carried out in the presence of a catalytic amount of 4-dimethyl aminopyridine （DMAP） in aqueous ethanol. The reactions result in the formation of pyranoquinoline derivatives in excellent yields. Antibacterial activity has been evaluated against Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria for some of the synthesized compounds. The results indicated that these compounds are moderately effective against bacterial growth and their effectiveness is highest against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Enhanced peroxidase-like activity of hierarchical MoS2-decorated N-doped carbon nanotubes with synergetic effect for colorimetric detection of H2O2 and ascorbic acid

The exploitation of multifunctional nanocomposites is highly desired in environmental monitoring,biosensors,and medical diagnosis.In this paper,a simple approach has been proposed to fabricate MoS2 decorated N-doped carbon nanotubes(NCNTs@MoS2)hybrid composites as efficient peroxidase-like mimics.The combination of the MoS2 and N-doped carbon nanotubes(NCNTs)brings about an enhanced synergistic effect,leading to remarkably decent intrinsic peroxidase-mimic activities than that of the single components.Due to the high catalytic efficiency of the resultant NCNTs@MoS2 hybrid nanotubes as peroxidase-like mimics,a co nvenient colorimetric approach for the sensitive determination of H2 O2 and ascorbic acid have been developed with a detection limit of about 0.14μmol/L and 0.12μmol/L,respectively.The work offers a new strategy for the fabrication of peroxidase-like nanomaterials with excellent catalytic activity,which indicates great promising applications in sensitive detections in real samples.