Cosmetic Applications Research Articles

Nanoemulgel: A Comprehensive Review of Formulation Strategies, Characterization, Patents and Applications

<p>Background: Delivering hydrophobic or poorly soluble drugs has become increasingly challenging, with issues like stability and bioavailability complicating the process. Among various strategies devised to address these problems, nanoemulgels have proven effective. Nanoemulgels combine a gel base and an emulsion at the nanoscale, making them excellent for drug delivery. The nanoemulsion component protects the active ingredient from degradative reactions like hydrolysis and enzymatic degradation. Meanwhile, the gel base enhances the emulsion's thermodynamic stability by increasing the viscosity of the aqueous phase and reducing surface and interfacial tension. </p><p> Objective: The primary objective of this review was to explore nanoemulgels as a drug delivery system in the pharmaceutical industry. It delves into the advantages and applications of nanoemulgels in various medical fields, compares them with conventional emulgel, and examines formulation strategies, preparation methods, patent trends, future prospects, and evaluation methods in detail. </p><p> Method: An exhaustive literature survey was conducted keeping in view the various aspects of nanoemulgel. Information from various resources, such as books, review articles, scientific reports, research articles, and patents, were searched, read, analyzed, and summarized. </p><p> Conclusion: This review article thoroughly examines nanoemulgels, discussing their formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and applications in various fields. It highlights their benefits, such as enhanced drug solubility, controlled release, improved stability, and targeted delivery. The article also covers patents related to nanoemulgel technology and explores its future prospects, emphasizing potential applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, dermatology, and other industries.</p>

Noncovalent interaction between proanthocyanidins and soy protein isolate fibers: Structure, functionality and interaction mechanism

This study focused on the addition of different concentrations of proanthocyanidins (OPC) to form noncovalent complexes with soy protein isolate fibers (SPIF). To investigate the effects of polyphenols on the structural and functional properties of protein fibers and to elucidate the mechanism of their interaction. The addition of OPC unfolded the internal structure of the proteins, exposing the hydrophobic groups and reducing the β-sheet structure of SPIF, forming the SPIF-OPC complexes. And the binding of the two would be close to saturation, at the final concentration of added OPC was 0.5 or 1 mg/mL. Multiple spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry analyses indicated that static quenching was the mechanism of fluorescence quenching of SPIF by OPC. The two spontaneously combined through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Transmission electron microscopy observations of the microscopic morphology also indicated that the addition of OPC altered the original long, semi-flexible fibers structure of SPIF. The fibers gradually showed a large number of branches and became short and curved. When the final concentration of added OPC was 4 mg/mL, the emulsifying activity index of SPIF increased by 78.40% and the foaming capacity of SPIF increased by 37.10%. The interaction mechanism of different concentrations of OPC with SPIF will be comprehensively understood from this study, thus expanding its application in food, medicine, cosmetics, and other fields.

Freezing storage combined with freeze-drying of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae to produce oil rich in free lauric acid

Abstract The fat of Hermetia illucens larvae (black soldier fly, BSFL) is a rich source of lauric acid (LA), and its free fatty acid (FFA) form holds valuable potential for applications in food, feed, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetics. This study aimed to establish specific processing conditions of BSFL that naturally promote lipolysis, resulting in a high free LA (FLA) rich oil. Freezing was used for slaughtering, with different times of frozen storage (1, 7 and 14 d). Then, thermal (oven-drying) and non-thermal (freeze-drying) drying processes were compared. Additionally, the impact of 24 h restrictive vs non-restrictive feeding before slaughtering was tested. Free acidity, free fatty acid profile, lipid oxidation (peroxide value, PV; TBARs test) and antioxidant activity (DPPH test) were measured at days 0 and 30 of processing. Freeze-dried samples exhibited higher free acidity (42%) compared to oven-drying (4%), progressively increasing with frozen storage (24% at day 1 vs 51% at day 14). A restricted diet caused up to 60% free acidity. Nevertheless, the FFA profile was similar for both diet conditions, with LA as the major FFA (41% of total FFAs and 27% of total fat). After 30 days of storage, free acidity approached 70%. Oven-drying caused the highest PV (4.5 mEqO2/kg), especially after 14 d of frozen storage (>5.0 mEqO2/kg) and under restricted diet (6.1 mEqO2/kg). Conversely, freeze-drying maintained the lowest PV in all cases (0.6 mEqO2/kg). TBARs values mirrored the PV pattern. Antioxidant capacity was lower for freeze-drying compared to oven-drying (46% and 71%, respectively), regardless of frozen storage. Irrespective of the drying method, worse antioxidant activity was observed after restrictive diet. After 30 days of storage, the antioxidant activity decreased for all samples. The proposed strategy of freezing slaughtering, followed by frozen storage and freeze-drying offers a promising approach to naturally obtain a FLA-rich product from BSFL.

Evaluation of Biotechnological Active Peptides Secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae with Potential Skin Benefits.

Biotechnological active peptides are gaining interest in the cosmetics industry due to their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-collagenase (ACE) effects, as well as wound healing properties, making them suitable for cosmetic formulations. The antimicrobial activity of peptides (2-10 kDa) secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae Ethanol-Red was evaluated against dermal pathogens using broth microdilution and challenge tests. ACE was assessed using a collagenase activity colorimetric assay, antioxidant activity via spectrophotometric monitoring of nitrotetrazolium blue chloride (NBT) reduction, and anti-inflammatory effects by quantifying TNF-α mRNA in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-exposed dermal fibroblasts. Wound healing assays involved human fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and dermal keratinocytes. The peptides (2-10 kDa) exhibited antimicrobial activity against 10 dermal pathogens, with the Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) ranging from 125 µg/mL for Staphylococcus aureus to 1000 µg/mL for Candida albicans and Streptococcus pyogenes. In the challenge test, peptides at their MICs reduced microbial counts significantly, fulfilling ISO 11930:2019 standards, except against Aspergillus brasiliensis. The peptides combined with MicrocareⓇ SB showed synergy, particularly against C. albicans and A. brasilensis. In vitro, the peptides inhibited collagenase activity by 41.8% and 94.5% at 250 and 1000 µg/mL, respectively, and demonstrated antioxidant capacity. Pre-incubation with peptides decreased TNF-α expression in fibroblasts, indicating anti-inflammatory effects. The peptides do not show to promote or inhibit the angiogenesis of endothelial cells, but are able to attenuate fibrosis, scar formation, and chronic inflammation during the final phases of the wound healing process. The peptides showed antimicrobial, antioxidant, ACE, and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their potential as multifunctional bioactive ingredients in skincare, warranting further optimization and exploration in cosmetic applications.

Enhanced skin benefits of EGCG loaded in nonapeptide-1-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles to reverse skin photoaging

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a catechin present in green tea, has been studied extensively for its potential as a cosmetic ingredient due to its various biological properties. However, the low stability and bioavailability of EGCG have hindered its effective utilization in cosmetic applications. This study, to improve the stability and bioavailability of EGCG for reversing skin photo-aging, nonapeptide-1-conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (EGCG@NP-MSN) were fabricated to load EGCG. MSNs can regulate the EGCG release and provide ultraviolet light (UV) protection to possess excellent photostability. Nonapeptide-1 exhibits melanin transfer interference properties and reduces the melanin content in treated skin areas. In vitro and in vivo results confirmed that the EGCG-loaded MSNs retained antioxidant properties, effectively scavenged the melanin and significantly reduced the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in skin cells exposed to UV irradiation. The melanin inhibition rate is 5.22 times and the tyrosinase inhibition rate is 1.57 times that of free EGCG. The utilization of this innovative platform offers the potential for enhanced stability, controlled release, and targeted action of EGCG, thereby providing significant advantages for skin application.This delivery system combines the advantages of antioxidant, anti-aging, and anti-UV radiation properties, paving the way for the cosmetics development with improved efficacy and better performance in promoting skin health and appearance.

Bioconversion of L-Tyrosine into p-Coumaric Acid by Tyrosine Ammonia-Lyase Heterologue of Rhodobacter sphaeroides Produced in Pseudomonas putida KT2440.

p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a valuable compound with applications in food additives, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. However, traditional production methods are often inefficient and unsustainable. This study focuses on enhancing p-CA production efficiency through the heterologous expression of tyrosine ammonia-lyase (TAL) from Rhodobacter sphaeroides in Pseudomonas putida KT2440. TAL catalyzes the conversion of L-tyrosine into p-CA and ammonia. We engineered P. putida KT2440 to express TAL in a fed-batch fermentation system. Our results demonstrate the following: (i) successful integration of the TAL gene into P. putida KT2440 and (ii) efficient bioconversion of L-tyrosine into p-CA (1381 mg/L) by implementing a pH shift from 7.0 to 8.5 during fed-batch fermentation. This approach highlights the viability of P. putida KT2440 as a host for TAL expression and the successful coupling of fermentation with the pH-shift-mediated bioconversion of L-tyrosine. Our findings underscore the potential of genetically modified P. putida for sustainable p-CA production and encourage further research to optimize bioconversion steps and fermentation conditions.

Single stage bi-substrate transglycosylation reaction for the synthesis of ascorbic acid 2 glucoside using immobilized α-glucosidase

Alpha glucosidases are multifunctional glycoside hydrolases with hydrolysis and transglycosylation ability. It can be utilized for the glycosidic bond synthesis or glycosylation of Ascorbic acid/Vitamin C to its stable analogue, Ascorbic acid 2 glucoside (AA2G), a compound with wide applications in cosmetics and pharma. The application of α-glucosidases for industrial scale transglycosylation is limited due to the low transglycosylation yield of free enzymes. Enzyme immobilization techniques could enable the development of efficient, reusable catalysts. Only a few glycoside hydrolases have been studied in immobilized form for transglycosylation reactions, and α-glucosidases are probably the least explored in this form. Transglycosylation activity of immobilized α-glucosidase from Aspergillus carbonarius BTCF 5 was studied for AA2G synthesis, where different immobilization techniques like calcium alginate encapsulation, adsorption on chitosan beads, covalent cross-linking on magnetic nanoparticles, and cross-linked enzyme aggregates (CLEA) were employed for the immobilization. The immobilization yield of calcium alginate encapsulated enzyme, enzyme immobilized on Fe-MNP support, enzyme immobilized on chitosan beads and as CLEA were 107%, 99%, 46% and 486%, respectively. CLEA was identified as the best immobilization technique for this bi-substrate reaction due to the high immobilization yield and activity retention (30% activity retained after 5 consecutive cycles). Enzyme immobilization increased the transglycosylation activity by 38%, yielding 118 mM AA2G against 72 mM by the free enzyme. This indicates the potential of immobilized α-glucosidase as a catalyst for synthesizing AA2G at an industrial scale.

Green beauty unveiled: Exploring the potential of microalgae for skin whitening, photoprotection and anti-aging applications in cosmetics

Green beauty unveiled: Exploring the potential of microalgae for skin whitening, photoprotection and anti-aging applications in cosmetics

Biocompatible Native Hyaluronan Nanofibers Fabricated via Aqueous PEO-Assisted Electrospinning and Heat-Quench Process.

Hyaluronan (HA) is widely used in cosmetic and biomedical applications due to its excellent biocompatibility and potential to promote wound healing. Nanofibrous HA, mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM), is considered promising for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. However, the electrospinning process of HA often necessitates cytotoxic solvents and chemical modifications, compromising its biocompatibility and advantageous properties. In this study, poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) was added to an aqueous solution of natural HA to improve its spinnability, enabling HA to be electrospun into fibers. The HA was rendered water-insoluble by treatment with an acidic solution, and the amorphized PEO, achieved by heat-quenching, was removed through water washing. This method distinguishes it from previous reports of fibers blended with PEO or other water-soluble polymers. Consequently, the resulting HA gel fibers demonstrated suitability for mesenchymal stem cell adhesion due to the exposure of HA on the fiber surface. Additionally, HA fibers were successfully applied directly onto the skin using a hand-held electrospinning device, indicating the potential for point-of-care and home use applications.

A Novel High Performance Liquid Chromatography Method for Camphor Determination and Application in Cosmetics and Pharmaceuticals: Development and Validation.

A novel high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with 4-N,N-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde as an internal standard was developed for the determination of Camphor with the main goal of facilitating the analysis of different cosmetic and pharmaceutical products that contain Camphor in analytical laboratories. The method can be applied to cosmetic and pharmaceutical samples such as gels, ointments, and creams containing Camphor. Chromatographic separation was carried out on the Symmetry® C18, 5 μm column (Waters), 250 × 4.6 equipped with guard column E, InertSustain C18, 5 µm, while using the flow of 1.4 mL/min, with a column temperature of 25 °C. The mobile phase consisted of 600 mL of acetonitrile, 400 mL of purified water, and 6 mL of glacial acetic acid. The method was evaluated in accordance with ICH Q2 (R2) guidelines for validation parameters: selectivity, linearity (range 0.10-3.00 mg/mL), the limit of detection (LOD = 0.028 mg/mL), the limit of quantification (LOQ = 0.085 mg/mL), accuracy (confidence intervals < 0.05%), repeatability (peak area ratio = 0.39-1.97), and intermediate precision (peak area ratio = 0.40-1.98). The method is applicable for detecting and quantifying Camphor in a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products from different parts of the world, thus covering the concentrations required by different law legislations.

Apple cider vinegar in folk and modern medicine: a historical review and current scientific evidence.

Introduction and Aim of the Study: Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been used for centuries in various cultural and medical contexts globally. This study seeks to explore ACV's traditional and contemporary applications, evaluating scientific evidence for its efficacy and safety. Material and Methods: This review synthesizes information from PubMed, Google Scholar, and other scientific sources. Key search terms included "apple cider vinegar," "apple cider vinegar medical use," "apple cider vinegar antimicrobial effect," "apple cider vinegar lipid profile," "apple cider vinegar glucose level," "apple cider vinegar preparation," and "apple cider vinegar historical use." Results: Research supports ACV's traditional role as a disinfectant, demonstrating effectiveness against a range of bacteria and fungi. Both animal and human studies suggest ACV may help lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels while boosting HDL cholesterol. Evidence indicates ACV can enhance insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels, offering benefits for type 2 diabetes management. ACV shows antioxidant properties, potential for lowering blood pressure, and use in certain skin diseases, though further research is needed to confirm these effects. Conclusions: The historical use of ACV in traditional medicine finds partial support in modern scientific research. Its antimicrobial, lipid-modulating, and glucose-regulating properties are documented, suggesting potential benefits for cardiovascular health, weight management, and metabolic regulation. Nonetheless, the evidence for its cosmetic applications and impact on muscle cramps remains less definitive. Additional research involving larger, diverse populations is necessary to fully validate ACV's benefits and establish safe usage guidelines.

Fine-tuning plant valuable secondary metabolite biosynthesis via small RNA manipulation: strategies and potential.

Plants produce secondary metabolites that serve various functions, including defense against biotic and abiotic stimuli. Many of these secondary metabolites possess valuable applications in diverse fields, including medicine, cosmetic, agriculture, and food and beverage industries, exhibiting their importance in both plant biology and various human needs. Small RNAs (sRNA), such as microRNA (miRNA) and small interfering RNA (siRNA), have been shown to play significant roles in regulating the metabolic pathways post-transcriptionally by targeting specific key genes and transcription factors, thus offering a promising tool for enhancing plant secondary metabolite biosynthesis. In this review, we summarize current approaches for manipulating sRNAs to regulate secondary metabolite biosynthesis in plants. We provide an overview of the latest research strategies for sRNA manipulation across diverse plant species, including the identification of potential sRNAs involved in secondary metabolite biosynthesis in non-model plants. We also highlight the potential future research directions, focusing on the manipulation of sRNAs to produce high-value compounds with applications in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, agriculture, cosmetics, and other industries. By exploring these advanced techniques, we aim to unlock new potentials for biotechnological applications, contributing to the production of high-value plant-derived products.

Revealing the Potential of Chios Mastic Gum and Its Constituents for Cosmetic Applications through Chemical Profiling and Biological Evaluation

Chios mastic gum (CMG), the resin of Pistacia lentiscus var. Chia, is a product with great ethnopharmacological and economic significance. This study attempts to investigate, for the first time, the activity of CMG, its fractions and isolated compounds against specific enzymes, which play pivotal roles in the degradation of proteins contained in skin connective tissue. Initially, crude CMG was subjected to extraction, fractionation and isolation through different chromatographic techniques to obtain the acidic and neutral fraction of terpenes. Additionally, the characteristic and major active triterpene acids of CMG, masticadienonic and isomasticadienonic acids (MNA, IMNA) were isolated in pure form. All samples were analysed by means of High-Performance Thin-Layer Chromatography (HPTLC) with four distinct development systems to obtain their constituents’ profile. Finally, samples were tested for their ability to inhibit the elastase and collagenase enzymes. According to our findings, for collagenase, a mixture of MNA and IMNA demonstrated the most potent activity with an IC50 value of 31.07 μg/mL, while for elastase CMG’s acidic fraction provided the most promising results with an IC50 value of 17.30 μg/mL. Overall, these results attempt to fill the gap in scientific knowledge about the use of CMG and its constituents in skincare and cosmetic products.

Extracts from Wheat, Maize, and Sunflower Waste as Natural Raw Materials for Cosmetics: Value-Added Products Reaching Sustainability Goals.

Agricultural waste is underutilized, and sometimes burning them has a negative impact on the environment and human health. This research investigates the untapped potential of extracts from maize, wheat and sunflower waste as natural materials for cutaneous, specifically, cosmetic application. The possibility of incorporating lipid and ethanol extracts from wheat, maize, and sunflower into creams was investigated together with their potential contribution to the structural and functional properties of the topical formulations. Results of the physicochemical characterization show that investigated extracts can be successfully incorporated into creams with satisfactory stability. All extracts showed a desirable safety profile and good antimicrobial activity against various microorganisms. Lipid extracts have proven to be promising structural ingredients of the oil phase, contributing to the spreadability, occlusivity, and emollient effect. Ethanol extracts influenced washability and stickiness of the formulation and could be considered as prospective ingredients in self-preserving formulations. The extracts affected the sensory properties of the creams, mainly the smell and color. These results suggest that the extracts from wheat, maize, and sunflower waste could be used as multifunctional natural ingredients for cosmetic formulations which can replace less sustainable raw materials. This also represents a valorization of waste and is in line with broader sustainability goals.

Metabolomic Analysis of Carotenoids Biosynthesis by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05.

Carotenoids belonging to the class of tetraterpenoids have extensive applications in medicine, food, nutrition, cosmetics, and feed. Among them, lutein and zeaxanthin can prevent macular degeneration in the elderly, which is very important for protecting vision. Here, we introduce the first metabolomic analysis of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05, aiming to shed light on the biosynthesis of carotenoids. Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 has the complete methylerythritol 4-phosphate (MEP) pathway and carotenoid biosynthesis pathway, especially involved in the bioconversion of zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, and astaxanthin. Metabolomic profiling identified seven carotenes and six xanthophylls synthesized by Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05. Zeaxanthin, in particular, was found to be the most abundant, with a content of 37.1 µg/g dry cells. Collectively, the results presented herein greatly enhance our understanding of Sphingopyxis sp. USTB-05 in carotenoids biosynthesis, and thus further accelerate its fundamental molecular investigations and biotechnological applications.

Bilberry metabolomic and proteomic profiling during fruit ripening reveals key dynamics affecting fruit quality.

Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) is a wildberry species that is prevalent in northern Europe. It is renowned and well-documented for its nutritional and bioactive properties, especially due to its anthocyanin content. However, an overview of biological systems governing changes in other crucial quality traits, such as size, firmness, and flavours, has received less attention. In the present study, we investigated detailed metabolomic and proteomic profiles at four different ripening stages of bilberry to provide a comprehensive understanding of overall quality during fruit ripening. By integrating omics datasets, we revealed a novel global regulatory network of plant hormones and physiological processes occurring during bilberry ripening. Key physiological processes, such as energy and primary metabolism, strongly correlate with elevated levels of gibberellic acids, jasmonic acid, and salicylic acid in unripe fruits. In contrast, as the fruit ripened, processes including flavour formation, cell wall modification, seed storage, and secondary metabolism became more prominent, and these were associated with increased abscisic acid levels. An indication of the increase in ethylene biosynthesis was detected during bilberry development, raising questions about the classification of non-climacteric and climacteric fruits. Our findings extend the current knowledge on the physiological and biochemical processes occurring during fruit ripening, which can serve as a baseline for studies on both wild and commercially grown berry species. Furthermore, our data may facilitate the optimization of storage conditions and breeding programs, as well as the future exploration of beneficial compounds in berries for new applications in food, cosmetics, and medicines.

Nanotechnology: Current Developments, Applications and Patents for Non-invasive Topical Cosmetics and Dermatological Therapeutic Delivery

: Nanotechnology exhibits the advancement in the field of invention, by improving the potency of the formulation through the delivery of inventive solutions. To resolve several limita-tions related to conventional formulations, nanotechnology applications are increasing in the cosmetics and dermatological area. Cosmetic and dermatological preparations are considered a thriving branch of the body care arena and their usage has increased dramatically through the past years. Scientists are designing innovative delivery mechanisms and emerging innovations that are presently being utilized in the development of cosmetics. Inventive nanocarriers such as nio-somes, liposomes, microemulsions, nanoemulsions, solid-lipid nanoparticles, nanospheres, and nanostructured (lipid) carriers have substituted the use of traditional drug delivery. These innova-tive nanocarriers have the convenience of better skin permeation, sustained and controlled drug delivery, precise location, higher stability, and greater incorporated capability. Since the usage of cosmetics has increased, the usual delivery system has been substituted by modern delivery ap-proaches. The introduction of newer advancements and novel drug delivery systems make cos-metics and cosmeceuticals more popular with increased market share. This review article on nan-otechnology employed in cosmetics and dermatology emphasizes the numerous innovative nanocarriers designed for cosmetic and dermatologic drug delivery, their negative and positive aspects, and their toxicity.

The Influence of Weather Conditions on the Immortelle Volatile Constituents from Essential oil and Hydrosol with a Focus on Italidiones and Its Molecular Docking Anti-Inflammatory Potential

Objectives Immortelle has garnered global attention for its cosmetic, medicinal, and culinary applications worldwide. Apart from neryl acetate, α-pinene and γ-curcumene as the most important components for the estimation of the essential oil quality, in recent years a group of β-diketones, known as italidiones, appear as significant quality parameters. However, it is unknown how weather conditions (temperature and precipitation) influence their accumulation in essential oil and hydrosol, nor their anti-inflammatory potential. Methods This study investigates the chemical composition of immortelle essential oil and hydrosol over three successive years (2019/20, 2020/21, and 2021/22), by GC-FID and GC-MS analysis. In silico molecular docking model with Vascular Adhesion Protein-1 (VAP-1) was used for the simulation of the anti-inflammatory potential of italidiones, as well as other β-diketones present in immortelle essential oil and hydrosol. Results During the three-year trial, it was established that essential oil compounds such as α-pinene, neryl acetate, and italicene were positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with precipitation, as well as β-diketones and total italidiones. Moreover, trans-caryophyllene, γ-curcumene, and ar-curcumene were in negative correlation with temperature, and a slight positive correlation with precipitation. On the other side, in the hydrosol the content of both total β-diketones and total italidiones was strongly negatively correlated with temperatures, and positively correlated with precipitation, which was the opposite of essential oil. Additionally, findings indicated that italidiones could bind the human VAP-1 protein in the vicinity of the topiquinone and block its function. Conclusion Weather conditions affect variations in the accumulation of volatile compounds in essential oil and hydrosol, which in some cases can affect changes in olfactory characteristics, as well as criteria prescribed by standards, and even changes in biological activities. These results indicate that italidiones, as well as other β-diketones present in immortelle, may be responsible for its anti-inflammatory activity.

Identification of new phylogenetic lineage of Lasiodiplodia causing leaf spot and tip necrosis causing agent on Aloe vera in Sri Lanka and screening eco-friendly control measures

Aloe vera, a member of the Asphodelaceae family, is renowned globally for its medicinal properties and widespread applications in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and food production. In Sri Lanka, both cultivated and wild A. vera are susceptible to leaf spot and tip necrosis. The present aims to identify the causative agent of this disease and screen the effectiveness of various natural substances in disease control. Disease incidence was assessed in both cultivated fields and wild habitats, and the results showed a higher percentage in the wild. Isolates obtained from symptomatic leaves were identified as members of Lasiodiplodia based on morphological studies. The phylogenetic analysis, which combined sequences from the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region and a segment of the calmodulin (cmdA) gene, suggested that the isolates might represent a new lineage within the genus Lasiodiplodia. These isolates appeared to share a common ancestor with Lasiodiplodia hormozganensis. Koch's postulates validated the pathogenicity of the isolates. Natural substances, namely marine algal extracts, plant extract and cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of bacteria, were tested against the isolates. CFSs of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus megaterium showed significantly higher inhibition on conidial germination compared to the tested commercial fungicide. Further, CFS of P. fluorescens revealed the notable effectiveness on the development of leaf spot and tip necrosis on the leaf compared to the tested fungicide. These findings underscore the potential of P. fluorescens CFS in managing A. vera diseases caused by the isolates of Lasiodiplodia in Sri Lanka.

Investigating the Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oil Constituents and Their Mode of Action.

Essential oils (EOs) and plant extracts, rich in beneficial chemical compounds, have diverse applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and agriculture. This study investigates the antibacterial activity of nine essential oil constituents (EOCs) against Escherichia coli, focusing on the effects of treatment pH and biosynthetic requirements. The impact of EOCs on bacterial inactivation in E. coli strains was examined using both nonselective and selective culture media. Computer-assisted drug design (CADD) methods were employed to identify critical binding sites and predict the main binding modes of ligands to proteins. The EOCs, including citral, α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol, and linalool, demonstrated significant bacterial inactivation, particularly under acidic conditions. This study revealed that EOCs have an effect on the presence of sublethal damage to both the cytoplasmic membrane and the outer membrane in Gram-negative bacteria. Adding penicillin G to the repair medium prevents the recovery of sublethal injuries in E. coli treated with α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol, linalool, and citral, indicating that peptidoglycan synthesis is essential for recovering from these injuries. However, penicillin G did not hinder the recovery process of most sublethally injured cells treated with the other assessed EOCs. Molecular docking studies revealed the favorable binding interactions of α-terpinyl acetate, α-terpineol, linalool, and citral with the β-lactamase enzyme Toho-1, indicating their potential as effective antibacterial agents. The findings suggest that EOCs could serve as viable alternatives to synthetic preservatives, offering new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria.