Aim. To perform a comprehensive evaluation of the biosynthetic potential of Lactobacillus delbrueckii strains in lactic acid synthesis for potential industrial use. Methods. The study examined four strains of Lactobacillus delbrueckii capable of synthesizing lactic acid (LA). The concentration of lactic acid in the fermentation broth at the end of fermentation was determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. The concentration of free reducing sugars in the nutrient medium was analyzed by a modified Bertrand method at the beginning of the process and by either the Bertrand or Somogyi-Nelson method at the end. Results. The biosynthesis of lactic acid by four L. delbrueckii strains (PB-07, UY-2/13, BMP-92, Q-50) was studied under varying concentrations of carbon sources and nitrogen sources, as well as under optimal (40°C, without stirring) and suboptimal (30°C and 50 °C, with stirring) fermentation conditions. One strain, L. delbrueckii UY-2/13, demonstrated characteristics suitable for commercial production, achieving a biosynthesis yield of approximately 70 g/dm³ using an inexpensive nitrogen source in batch cultivation with high initial glucose concentrations. The study revealed that physical parameters have a significant influence on the process. A fermentation temperature of 50 °C strongly inhibited lactic acid biosynthesis, while the inhibitory effect at 30 °C was less pronounced. Additionally, pH adjustment and temperature control during fermentation require precise regulation to avoid adverse effects. Conclusions. The L. delbrueckii UY-2/13 strain is a promising candidate for lactic acid production. Its cultivation on cost-effective raw materials, such as low-cost corn extract, could enhance the economic viability of the process.

Aim. To apply encapsulation of green tea polyphenols as a biotechnological solution for enriching protein bars with bioactive compounds of predictable functional effect. The study also aimed to evaluate the impact of encapsulation on antioxidant activity, controlled intestinal release, and the preservation of sensory properties without the use of synthetic additives. Methods. Polyphenols were encapsulated via spray drying using sodium alginate and incorporated into protein bars. Antioxidant activity (DPPH), texture (TPA), sensory characteristics, and in vitro bioavailability were assessed. Results. Encapsulation increased antioxidant activity by 126%, reduced EGCG degradation in the gastric environment, and enabled its release in the intestine. The bars retained a favorable taste and texture, while increased hardness improved mechanical stability during storage. Conclusions. The proposed system is an effective means of stabilizing bioactives in functional protein-based products. It ensures EGCG protection, predictable bioactivity, and compatibility with industrial-scale food production, aligning with current directions in food biotechnology and human health.

The study of coprophilous ascomycetes is highly relevant due to their biotechnological potential, including metabolite production, biodegradation, and roles in nutrient cycling. Aim. The introduction of Triangularia setosa and Sordaria fimicola into culture, as well as the evaluation of the effects of nitrogen sources on their growth characteristics and cultural-morphological traits. Methods. The moist chamber method was used to detect and obtain fruiting bodies of ascomycetes. Mycelial cultures were isolated from the obtained ascocarps. Colonies were cultivated on solid agar media to assess the impact of nitrogen sources on radial growth rate and morphological characteristics. Cultural and morphological features of the mycelial colonies were described according to the classification by J.A. Stalpers. Results. For the first time, it was found that morphogenesis and growth of T. setosa and S. fimicola significantly depend on the type of nitrogen source, which is manifested in the growth rate, expressed morphological, and strain-specific variability. Conclusions. The revealed sensitivity to the nitrogen regime indicates these species' potential as models for studying adaptive mechanisms of metabolic regulation in coprophilous ascomycetes.

Aim. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pharmacological inhibition of RAD51, via RAD51-IN-1, on the MDAH-2774 cell line. Methods. To achieve these objectives, firstly, MDAH-2774 cells were treated with different doses of RAD51-IN-1 to determine the effects on cell viability and the IC50 value of RAD51-IN-1. Intracellular ROS levels of the cells were investigated by DCFDA staining and their migration abilities were examined by wound healing test. In the last set of experiments, the effect of RAD51-IN-1 monotherapy application on cell death was investigated by acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining. Results. In the experimental findings obtained, firstly, cells were treated with different doses of RAD51-IN-1 to decrease cell viability and IC50 of RAD51-IN-1 was determined. In addition, it was observed that the amount of intracellular ROS increased after DCFDA staining after RAD51-IN-1 treatment. In the last set of experiments, it was determined that cell death occurred with increasing doses following acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining of RAD51-IN-1. Conclusion. The RAD51-IN-1 small molecule inhibitor is a promising approach for treating ovarian cancer, but the drug requires further in vitro evaluation.

Aim. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) are perspective materials for biomedical applications and environmental management. Methods. MSN functionalized with SH groups (MSN-SH) and SO3H (MSN-SO3H) were synthesized. The content of elements in particles was determined according to EDX analysis. Assessment of neurotoxicity was performed using nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Results. The powder diffraction patterns of MSN-SH and MSN-SO3H showed reflections in the low-angle region, which were characteristic of the MCM-41 structure. According to TEM data, the MSN-SH particles had an oval shape. Both MSN-SH and MSN-SO3H (0.25 ‒ 0.5 mg/ml) did not change the synaptosomal ambient level of excitatory neurotransmitter L-[3H] glutamate. Neither MSN-SH nor MSN-SO3H was able to detox the harmful influence of Cd2+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ in nerve terminals by mitigating Cd2+/Pb2+/Hg2+-induced neurotoxicity. Conclusions. MSN-SH and MSN-SO3H did not demonstrate acute neurotoxicity signs, and so they are biocompatible. MSN-SH and MSN-SO3H did not mitigate acute Cd2+/Pb2+/Hg2+-induced neurotoxicity in nerve terminals, and so did not adsorb these metals in biological systems. Therefore, MSN-SH and MSN-SO3H have the potential to be used as adsorbents/carriers of other substances than heavy metals in medicine and biotechnology. From an environmental point of view, mesoporous silica nanoparticles were safe and did not bind heavy metals, thereby not serving as their carriers to the organism during dust storms.

Aim. The goal of the work was to study the effect of fish rhabdovirus (Spring viraemia of carp virus – SVCV) on cultured human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells. This virus is not pathogenic for humans and accumulates in large quantities in vitro, so it is of considerable interest to investigate the possibility of its use as an oncolytic agent. Methods. For cultivation of fish rhabdovsrus (SVCV) the susceptible fish cell line EPC were used in culture assay. The virus was purified from tissue culture supernatant by the method of ultracentrifugation. Human cervical carcinoma cells of the HeLa line (ECACC catalog no.93021013) were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium (Sigma, USA). Determination of the cytotoxic/cytostatic effect on cells exposed to SVCV was carried out using the MTT test. To determine the distribution of cells by cycle phases under the influence of SVCV and in control cell samples, the method of flow cytofluorimetry was used. Results. In this work, it is shown for the first time that a fish rhabdovirus significantly inhibits the growth of HeLa cells derived from human cervical carcinoma and causes the appearance of apoptotic bodies in them. Determination of the cytotoxic/cytostatic effect of SVCV, carried out in successively decreasing dilutions of the culture medium, showed that it significantly inhibits the growth of HeLa cells compared to the control at dilutions of 1:2, 1:4 and 1:8. Conclusions. As the results of our research, it was shown fish rhabdovirus (SVCV) could be included in the extensive list of oncolytic rhabdoviruses. It significantly inhibits the growth of HeLa cells derived from human cervical carcinoma and causes the appearance of apoptotic bodies in them. Further, in vivo studies are needed for a comprehensive evaluation of its oncolytic properties.

Plants and butterflies have a coevolutionary relationship, and butterflies are essential to the ecosystem. They serve as ecosystem indicators as well since research on their populations and behaviour can reveal how healthy an environment is. They are efficient pollinators, and particular species have been known to migrate great distances to spread pollen, which causes genetic variety in plant species and increases their chances of surviving. Aim. This work aimed to study the morpho-molecular features of Papilio polytes, Papilio polymnestor, and Euploea core from the Jharkhand state of India. Methods. The study spans different areas from five districts, viz. Chatra, Koderma, Giridih, Godda, Ramgarh of the state. The specimens were collected, examined, and physical specimens of each species were submitted to the Insect Collection, Record and Identification, of the Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi, and Voucher numbers were obtained. Modern biotechnological and bioinformatics tools were used in this work, five specimens of each species were sequenced for the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), on the basis of which the BLAST (Basic Local Alignment and Search Tool) search was performed for identification of the species on the basis of matching scores with sequences present in the nucleotide sequence databases. Results. The latest biotechnologies were used. After identification, the sequences were submitted to GenBank, and accession IDs were obtained. The sequences were used to prepare a phylogenetic tree to ascertain the relationships among the collected specimens. Conclusions. There is a paucity of knowledge related to the morphology and taxonomy of utterflies of the state; thus, this study is the first attempt of its kind. The study revealed significant ntraspecific variation among specimens of Euploea core. The least variation was exhibited among specimens of Papilio polymnestor. The study contributes to the knowledge related to butterfly species of Papilio polytes, Papilio polymnestor, and Euploea core. It will be helpful in further studies related to the conservation and monitoring of the species.

Aim. Searching for efficient biocompatible sorbents that possess zero neurotoxicity is an actual task. Biochars are auspicious carbon materials for the adsorption of heavy metals in the environment, wastewater, and also in human organisms. Methods. Biochar from sunflower seed husk (SB) was synthesized by pyrolysis at 800 OC without special functionalization. Neurotoxicity risk of SB was assessed in an animal model using resynaptic nerve terminals isolated from rat cortex (synaptosomes). Results. It was shown in radiolabelled experiments that SB did not change the synaptosomal mbient levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter L-[3H] glutamate and inhibitory neurotransmitter [3H] GABA within the concentration range 0.25–1.0 mg/ml. In the fluorimetric experiments using the dye JC-1, SB at a concentration of 1.0 mg/ml did not change the mitochondrial membrane potential of the nerve terminals. Conclusions. SB demonstrated the absence of neurotoxicity signs and high biocompatibility, and therefore, SB has the potential to be used as an adsorbent in biotechnology and medicine.

Aim. To evaluate the effect of adding N-acetylcysteine (NAC) to SAGM (adenine-glucose-mannitol saline) solution on the electrolyte composition and pH of canine erythrocytes during hypothermic storage. Material and Methods. Red blood cells were stored in SAGM solution with or without NAC at 4–5 оC. The concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, and pH were determined on days 0, 7, 21, and 35 of storage. Results. The sodium concentration increased in both groups, slightly less in the experimental group with NAC. The accumulation of potassium was less pronounced in the NAC-supplemented group. Chloride levels remained stable, and pH decreased, particularly in the experimental group. Conclusions. NAC contributes to the stabilization of the electrolyte environment during storage, in particular to potassium retention and pH control.