Germination-Inspired Enzymatic Degradation of Guar Galactomannan and Its Synergistic Skincare Effects with Aloe Polysaccharides

Aloe polysaccharides ameliorate acute colitis in mice via Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and short-chain fatty acids metabolism

Enzyme kinetics and identification of the rate-limiting step of enzymatic arabinoxylan degradation

In the present work, a comprehensive screening and evaluation system was established to improve the plant–microbial synergistic degradation effects of QNs. The study included the construction of a 3D-QSAR model, the molecular modification, environmental friendliness and functional evaluation of drugs, degradation pathway simulation, and human health risk assessment. Molecular dynamics was applied to quantify the binding capacity of QNs toward the plant degradation enzyme (peroxidase) and microbial degradation enzymes (manganese peroxidase, lignin peroxidase, and laccase). The fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method was used in combination with the weighted average method for normalization and assigning equal weights to the plant and microbial degradation effect values of the QNs. Considering the synergistic degradation effect value as the dependent variable and the molecular information of the QNs as the independent variable, a 3D-QSAR model was constructed for the plant–microbial synergistic degradation effect of QNs. The constructed model was then employed to conduct the molecular modification, environmental friendliness and functional evaluation, degradation pathway simulation, and human health risk assessment of transformation products using pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics. The results revealed that the synergistic degradation effect 3D-QSAR (CoMSIA) model exhibited good internal and external prediction ability, fitting ability, stability, and no overfitting phenomenon. Norfloxacin (NOR) was used as the target molecule in the molecular modification. A total of 35 NOR derivatives with enhanced plant–microbial synergistic degradation effect (1.32–21.51%) were designed by introducing small-volume, strongly electronegative, and hydrophobic hydrogen bond receptor groups into the active group of the norfloxacin structure. The environment-friendliness and the functionality of NOR were evaluated prior to and after the modification, which revealed seven environment-friendly FQs derivatives exhibiting moderate improvement in stability and bactericidal efficacy. The simulation of the NOR plant and microbial degradation pathways prior to and after the modification and the calculation of the reaction energy barrier revealed Pathway A (D-17 to D-17-2) and Pathway B (D-17 to D-17-4) as the most prone degradation pathways in plants and Pathway A (D-17 to D-17-1) and Pathway B (D-17 to D-17-4) as the most prone degradation pathways in microorganisms. This demonstrated that the degradation of the modified NOR derivatives was significantly enhanced, with the hydroxylation and piperazine ring substitution reaction playing an important role in the degradation process. Finally, the parameters, including hepatotoxicity, mutagenicity, and rodent carcinogenicity, among others, predicted using the pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics analyses revealed a significant reduction in the human health risk associated with the modified NOR, along with a considerable reduction in the toxicity of its transformation products, implying that the human health risk associated with the transformation products was reduced remarkably. The present study provides a theoretical basis for novel ideas and evaluation programs for improving the plant–microbial synergistic degradation of the QNs antibiotics for source control and drug design, thereby reducing the residues of these antibiotics and the associated hazard in the complex plant–soil environment, ultimately decreasing the potential risks to human health.

Product inhibition by cellobiose decreases the rate of enzymatic cellulose degradation. The optimal reaction conditions for two Emericella (Aspergillus) nidulans-derived cellobiohydrolases I and II produced in Pichia pastoris were identified as CBHI: 52°C, pH 4.5-6.5, and CBHII: 46°C, pH 4.8. The optimum in a mixture of the two was 50°C, pH 4.9. An almost fourfold increase in enzymatic hydrolysis yield was achieved with intermittent product removal of cellobiose with membrane filtration (2kDa cut-off): The conversion of cotton cellulose after 72h was ~19% by weight, whereas the conversion in the parallel batch reaction was only ~5% by weight. Also, a synergistic effect, achieving ~27% substrate conversion, was obtained by addition of endo-1,4-β-D-glucanase. The synergistic effect was only obtained with product removal. By using pure, monoactive enzymes, the work illustrates the profound gains achievable by intermittent product removal during cellulose hydrolysis.

The biodegradability of Bionolle and a CPP/Bionolle blend in two biotic environments, that is, soil and a lipase-enzyme solution, were evaluated using the mechanical properties and weight-loss data. It was noted that upon soil burial the tensile strength and elongation at break of polyblends were significantly reduced, particularly after 3 months. The time of complete loss of strength as predicted from the curve-fit model was found sequentially to be 6.80, 5.03, 4.84, 11.49, and 140.25 months for Bionolle, compatibilized Bionolle, and CPP/Bionolle (25/75), (50/50), and (75/25), respectively. Meanwhile, the weight loss of polyblends during soil burial were observed to generally increase with increasing Bionolle content. Even a synergistic effect on the weight loss was shown by compatibilized Bionolle and CPP/Bionolle (25/75). Additionally, the time for complete weight loss as estimated from the curve-fit model was 12.57, 7.33, 7.01, and 13.90 months for Bionolle, compatibilized Bionolle, and CPP/Bionolle (25/75) and (50/50), respectively. From the enzymatic degradation, it was recognized that in the early stage of biodegradation both the amorphous phase and the crystalline parts were randomly attacked. It was found that the weight loss that resulted from enzymatic degradation was satisfactorily described by a generalized kinetic curve derived from a first-order reaction. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 72: 1283–1290, 1999

The biodegradability of Bionolle and a CPP/Bionolle blend in two biotic environments, that is, soil and a lipase-enzyme solution, were evaluated using the mechanical properties and weight-loss data. It was noted that upon soil burial the tensile strength and elongation at break of polyblends were significantly reduced, particularly after 3 months. The time of complete loss of strength as predicted from the curve-fit model was found sequentially to be 6.80, 5.03, 4.84, 11.49, and 140.25 months for Bionolle, compatibilized Bionolle, and CPP/Bionolle (25/75), (50/50), and (75/25), respectively. Meanwhile, the weight loss of polyblends during soil burial were observed to generally increase with increasing Bionolle content. Even a synergistic effect on the weight loss was shown by compatibilized Bionolle and CPP/Bionolle (25/75). Additionally, the time for complete weight loss as estimated from the curve-fit model was 12.57, 7.33, 7.01, and 13.90 months for Bionolle, compatibilized Bionolle, and CPP/Bionolle (25/75) and (50/50), respectively. From the enzymatic degradation, it was recognized that in the early stage of biodegradation both the amorphous phase and the crystalline parts were randomly attacked. It was found that the weight loss that resulted from enzymatic degradation was satisfactorily described by a generalized kinetic curve derived from a first-order reaction.

Discovery and engineering of bifunctional enzymes for lignocellulose degradation: Metagenomic and computational approaches

Aflatoxins, toxic secondary metabolites produced primarily by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, pose significant risks to food safety, public health, and global trade. These mycotoxins contaminate staple crops such as maize and peanuts, particularly in warm and humid regions, leading to economic losses and severe health effects, including hepatocellular carcinoma, immune suppression, and growth impairment. In addition to aflatoxins, Aspergillus species produce other toxic metabolites such as ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, and cyclopiazonic acid, which are associated with nephrotoxic, carcinogenic, and neurotoxic effects, respectively. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of aflatoxin toxicity, mitigation strategies, and chemical detection methods. The toxicity of aflatoxins is discussed in relation to their biochemical mechanisms, carcinogenicity, and synergistic effects with other mycotoxins. Various mitigation approaches, including pre-harvest biocontrol, post-harvest storage management, and novel detoxification methods such as enzymatic degradation and nanotechnology-based interventions, are evaluated. Furthermore, advances in aflatoxin detection, including chromatographic, immunoassay, and biosensor-based methods, are explored to improve regulatory compliance and food safety monitoring. This review underscores the need for integrated management strategies and global collaboration to reduce aflatoxin contamination and its associated health and economic burdens. Future research directions should focus on genetic engineering for resistant crop varieties, climate adaptation strategies, and improved risk assessment models.

Evaluation of co-nanoencapsulation process on the toxicity and biochemical metabolism of imidacloprid and lambda-cyhalothrin in Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Simulation of novel jellyfish type of process for bioremediation application

The accumulation of emerging pollutants in the environment remains a major concern as evidenced by the increasing number of reports citing their potential risk on environment and health. Hence, removal strategies of such pollutants remain an active area of investigation. One way through which emerging pollutants can be eliminated from the environment is by enzyme-mediated bioremediation. Enzyme-based degradation can be further enhanced via advanced protein engineering approaches. In the present study a sensitive and robust bioanalytical liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS)-based approach was used to investigate the ability of a fungal dye decolorizing peroxidase 4 (DyP4) and two of its evolved variants-that were previously shown to be H2O2 tolerant-to degrade a panel of 15 different emerging pollutants. Additionally, the role of a redox mediator was examined in these enzymatic degradation reactions. Our results show that three emerging pollutants (2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), paracetamol, and furosemide) were efficiently degraded by DyP4. Addition of the redox mediator had a synergistic effect as it enabled complete degradation of three more emerging pollutants (methyl paraben, sulfamethoxazole and salicylic acid) and dramatically reduced the time needed for the complete degradation of MBT, paracetamol, and furosemide. Further investigation was carried out using pure MBT to study its degradation by DyP4. Five potential transformation products were generated during the enzymatic degradation of MBT, which were previously reported to be produced during different bioremediation approaches. The current study provides the first instance of the application of fungal DyP4 peroxidases in bioremediation of emerging pollutants.

The insertion of single 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles as metabolically stable bioisosteres of trans-amide bonds (triazole scan) was recently applied to the 177Lu-labeled tumor-targeting analog of minigastrin, [Nle15]MG11. The reported novel mono-triazolo-peptidomimetics of [Nle15]MG11 showed either improved resistance against enzymatic degradation or a significantly increased affinity toward the target receptor but never both. To enhance further the tumor-targeting properties of the minigastrin analogs, we studied conjugates with multiple amide-to-triazole substitutions for additive or synergistic effects. Promising candidates were identified by modification of two or three amide bonds, which yielded both improved stability and increased receptor affinity of the peptidomimetics in vitro. Biodistribution studies of radiolabeled multi-triazolo-peptidomimetics in mice bearing receptor-positive tumor xenografts revealed up to 4-fold increased tumor uptake in comparison to the all-amide reference compound [Nle15]MG11. In addition, we report here for the first time a linear peptidomimetic with three triazole insertions in its backbone and maintained biological activity.

The accumulation of emerging pollutants in the environment remains a major concern as evidenced by the increasing number of reports citing their potential risk on environment and health. Hence, removal strategies of such pollutants remain an active area of investigation. One way through which emerging pollutants can be eliminated from the environment is by enzyme-mediated bioremediation. Enzyme-based degradation can be further enhanced via advanced protein engineering approaches. In the present study a sensitive and robust bioanalytical liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LCMSMS)-based approach was used to investigate the ability of a fungal dye decolorizing peroxidase 4 (DyP4) and two of its evolved variants—that were previously shown to be H2O2 tolerant—to degrade a panel of 15 different emerging pollutants. Additionally, the role of a redox mediator was examined in these enzymatic degradation reactions. Our results show that three emerging pollutants (2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT), paracetamol, and furosemide) were efficiently degraded by DyP4. Addition of the redox mediator had a synergistic effect as it enabled complete degradation of three more emerging pollutants (methyl paraben, sulfamethoxazole and salicylic acid) and dramatically reduced the time needed for the complete degradation of MBT, paracetamol, and furosemide. Further investigation was carried out using pure MBT to study its degradation by DyP4. Five potential transformation products were generated during the enzymatic degradation of MBT, which were previously reported to be produced during different bioremediation approaches. The current study provides the first instance of the application of fungal DyP4 peroxidases in bioremediation of emerging pollutants.

A survey was done of employees who were identified as frequent computer users. Although 29.6% of the employees reported hand paresthesias, only 27 employees (10.5%) met clinical criteria for carpal tunnel syndrome, and in 9 (3.5%) the syndrome was confirmed by nerve conduction studies. Affected and unaffected employees had similar occupations, years using a computer, and time using the computer during the day. The frequency of carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users is similar to that in the general population.

Background Colon immune dysregulation results in a chronic inflammatory response typical of IBD and mainly driven by T-cell response to microbial antigens. Interestingly, stress can trigger or modulate inflammation and even modify the clinical course of IBD. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) increase in tissues is involved in T-cell recruitment and different compounds acting on S1P signaling are currently under clinical trials to test their ability to impact IBD progression, including sphingosine kinase 2 (Sphk2) inhibitors. Methods Male C57BL/6NJ and Sphk2-/- mice were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups: Control WT (n=5), Control Sphk2-/- (n=5), Stress WT (n=8), and Stress Sphk2-/- (n=8). A sub-chronic stress mixed model based on immobilization and ultrasound exposure for 2h during 4 days was used. A set of tissue and biochemical assays was performed to evaluate stress and immune responses, S1P pathways, and epithelial barrier integrity. Results Stress caused weight loss and corticosterone upregulation regardless of the genotype. S1P was increased in the colon of stressed mice due to a decrease in its degradation enzymes and Sphk2, leading to an immune dysregulation reflected by an upregulation of TLR4 pathway, an inhibition of anti-inflammatory mechanisms – 15-lipoxygenase, N-formyl-peptide receptor 2 and Liver X Receptor – a decrease in IgA+ and a decrease in IgM+ B-cells and plasmablasts, and a Th17 polarization. Sphk2 deletion did not affect inflammatory processes but could interfere with Th17 response. Moreover, Sphk2-/- mice showed lower expression levels of claudins 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8 that could be related to structural abnormalities relevant to IBD. Stress exposure also decreased some of these claudins and increased intestinal permeability, but a synergistic effect between stress and genotype for permeability was not detected. Conclusion Sub-chronic stress induced colon S1P increase, immune dysregulation and increased intestinal permeability. Sphk2 deletion is involved in structural abnormalities and Th17 response but did not aggravate the inflammatory processes exerted by stress.