Bioactivity Profile Research Articles

Formulation and characterisation of phytonutrients‐rich traditional dehydrated snack prepared from skinned baby potatoes

SummaryBaby potatoes are common by‐products of tuber size grading during potato processing which have high potential for valorisation due to rich bioactive profile. In this research, baby potatoes (Kufri Chipsona‐1 and Lady Rosette) were utilised for formulation of dehydrated traditional snack (papad). Five formulations were prepared utilising baby potatoes (with peel and without peel) and a table variety (Kufri Pukhraj; without peel) was taken as control. Compared to papads prepared from peeled potatoes, papads prepared from skinned potatoes showed higher protein, fibre, bioactives and minerals which were further confirmed using HPLC and FTIR analysis. However, papads prepared without peel were lighter in colour. Papads from K. Chipsona‐1 (with and without peel) were organoleptically more acceptable and selected for storage studies at room temperature. During storage, moisture content, water activity, total and reducing sugars increased while a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in phytochemicals were noticed. The product was found shelf stable for 6 months of storage.

Bioactive profiles of edible vegetable oils determined using 10D hyphenated comprehensive high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC×HPTLC) with on-surface metabolism (nanoGIT) and planar bioassays.

Vegetable oils rich in unsaturated fatty acids are assumed to be safe and even healthy for consumers though lipid compositions of foods vary naturally and are complex considering the wealth of minor compounds down to the trace level. The developed comprehensive high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC×HPTLC) method including the on-surface metabolization (nanoGIT) and bioassay detection combined all steps on the same planar surface. The pancreatic lipolysis (intestinal phase) experiment and the subsequent analysis of the fatty acid composition including its effect-directed detection using a planar bioassay was performed without elaborate sample preparation or fractionation to ensure sample integrity. Thus, no sample part was lost, and the whole sample was studied on a single surface regarding all aspects. This made the methodology as well as technology miniaturized, lean, all-in-one, and very sustainable. To prioritize important active compounds including their metabolism products in the complex oil samples, the nanoGIT method was used to examine the pancreatic lipolysis of nine different vegetable oils commonly used in the kitchen and food industry, e.g., canola oil, flaxseed oil, hemp oil, walnut oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, coconut oil, and palm oil. The digested oils revealed antibacterial and genotoxic effects, which were assigned to fatty acids and oxidized species via high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (HRMS/MS). This finding reinforces the importance of adding powerful techniques to current analytical tools. The 10D hyphenated nanoGIT-HPTLC×HPTLC-Vis/FLD-bioassay-heart cut-RP-HPLC-DAD-HESI-HRMS/MS has the potential to detect any potential hazard due to digestion/metabolism, improving food safety and understanding on the impact of complex samples.

Exploring the anticancer potential of sulfate-hydroxy-butanone derivatives: insights from experimental and quantum chemical investigations

Abstract Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction represent enduring adverse outcomes resulting from prostate cancer, a leading cause of global mortality. Given this critical context, there exists an imperative to explore efficacious therapeutic interventions. In this context, a comprehensive investigation of the potential roles of 4-(3ʹ-O-sulfate-4ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone (CDR1), 4-(3ʹ-O-sulfate-4ʹ-hydroxyphenyl)-2(R)-butanol (CDR2), and dihydrodehydrodiconiferyl alcohol 9-O-sulfate (CDR3) as agents for prostate cancer is of paramount importance. These compounds, extracted from the mangrove plant Acrostichum aureum, have been meticulously characterized through GC-MS, FT-IR, and NMR analyses. Detailed insights into the molecular structures, reactivity, bonding nature, and vibrational behaviors of these studied compounds were gleaned via rigorous examination at the DFT/B3LYP-GD3BJ/6-311+G (d,p) level of theory. Moreover, in-depth in-silico molecular docking investigations were conducted, delineating their potential as agents against castration-resistant prostate cancer. Electronic assessments underscored the reactivity of the studied compounds, while analysis of natural bond orbitals affirmed their stability, thus signifying their prospective utility as potent anticancer agents. The bioactivity and compatibility profiles of the investigated compounds in relation to cancer proteins were meticulously evaluated through molecular docking analyses, and the results were meticulously benchmarked against recommended drugs. Among the discernible outcomes, compound CDR3 emerged as a standout candidate, boasting binding affinities of −6.7, −8.6, and −6.4 kcal/mol, predicated on pivotal hydrogen bonding interactions, which inherently dictate the potency of a potential therapeutic agent. Importantly, CDR3 exhibits promising characteristics as an anticancer agent, surpassing its counterparts, and even the recommended drug dorlutamide, thus positioning it favorably for further consideration in prostate cancer treatment modalities.

Design of Synthetic Surrogates for the Macrolactone Linker Motif in Coibamide A.

A marine cyanobacterial cyclic depsipeptide, coibamide A (CbA), inhibits the mammalian protein secretory pathway by blocking the Sec61 translocon, which is an emerging drug target for cancer and other chronic diseases. In our previous structure-activity relationship study of CbA, the macrolactone ester linker was replaced with alkyl/alkenyl surrogates to provide synthetically accessible macrocyclic scaffolds. To optimize the cellular bioactivity profile of CbA analogues, novel lysine mimetics having β- and ε-methyl groups have now been designed and synthesized by a stereoselective route. A significant increase in cytotoxicity was observed upon introduction of these two methyl groups, corresponding to the d-MeAla α-methyl and MeThr β-methyl of CbA. All synthetic products retained the ability to inhibit secretion of a model Sec61 substrate. Tandem evaluation of secretory function inhibition in living cells and cytotoxicity was an effective strategy to assess the impact of structural modifications to the linker for ring closure.

Bioactivity profile of dissolved organic matter and its relation to molecular composition

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) occupies a huge and uncharted molecular space. Given its properties, DOM can be presented as a promising biotechnological resource. However, research into bioactivities of DOM is still in early stages. In this study, the biotechnological potential of terrestrial and marine DOM, its molecular composition and their relationships are investigated. Samples were screened for their in vitro antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer and antioxidant activities. Antibacterial activity was detected against Staphylococcusaureus in almost all DOM samples, with freshwater DOM showing the lowest IC50 values. Most samples also inhibited Staphylococcusepidermidis, and four DOM extracts showed up to fourfold higher potency than the reference drug. Antifungal activity was limited to only porewater DOM towards human dermatophyte Trichophytonrubrum. No significant in vitro anticancer activity was observed. Low antioxidant potential was exerted. The molecular characterization by FT-ICR MS allowed a broad compositional overview. Three main distinguished groups have been identified by PCoA analyses. Antibacterial activities are related to high aromaticity content and highly-unsaturated molecular formulae (O-poor). Antifungal effect is correlated with highly-unsaturated molecular formulae (O-rich). Antioxidant activity is positively related to the presence of double bonds and polyphenols. This study evidenced for the first time antibacterial and antifungal activity in DOM with potential applications in cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and aquaculture industry. The lack of cytotoxicity and the almost unlimited presence of this organic material may open new avenues in future marine bioprospecting efforts.Graphical abstract

Effect of fermentation on chemical and bioactive properties and phenolic profiles of caper (Capparis ovata Desf. var. ovata) flower buds in three different sizes

In this study, caper buds collected in Konya were separated according to their size three different sizes (x ≤ 8 mm, 8 < x ≤ 13 mm, x > 13 mm). Caper buds were fermented at 8% and 12% brine concentration. Antioxidant activity, total phenol, phenolic components, carotenoid, flavonoid, salt, titration acidity and pH analyzes were performed on the 0., 5., 10., 30. and 45. days of the fermentation applied of the caper buds. The pH values of 12% brine concentration medium size caper buds ranged from 4.56 (5th day) to 5.01 (0th day). The titration acidity of small size caper buds with 8% brine concentration ranged from 0.02% (0th day) to 0.21% (30th day). The salt values of small size caper buds with 12% brine concentration varied between 6.22% (30th day) and 12.09% (0th day). In terms of total phenol content, small size caper buds fermented for 10 days and 8% brine concentration had the highest value of 345.31 mg/100 g. The flavonoid content of caper buds was determined as 2633.75 mg/100 g in small sized samples subjected to fermentation for 5 days at the highest 8% brine concentration. The carotenoid values of small size caper buds with 8% brine concentration varied between 0.52 mg/g (30th day) and 2.40 mg/g (0th day) during the fermentation period. It has been determined that the antioxidant activity values increase as fermentation progresses. The phenolic compounds with the highest percentage were found to be gallic acid, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, (+)-catechin, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene and syringic acid. The gallic acid values of medium sized caper buds with 8% brine concentration vary between 21.07 mg/kg (0th day) and 70.27 mg/kg (45th day) during fermentation. The 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid values of small size caper buds with 8% brine concentration were determined between 4.08 mg/kg (0th day) and 37.50 mg/kg (30th day) during fermentation. Dill extract with 0.3% concentration and coriander extract with 0.1% concentration were the most preferred ones in terms of taste.

Evaluation of Productivity Components and Antioxidant Activity of Different Types of Garlic Depending on the Morphological Organs

This study evaluated the elements of production, the content of bioactive compounds, and the antioxidant activity of some types of garlic: softneck—Allium sativum L. var. sativum, Rocambole—A. sativum var. ophioscorodon (Link) Döll, and chives—A. schoenoprasum L. The mean yields and the distribution of bioactive compounds in the bulb, in the cloves of the bulb, as well as in the bulbils formed in the inflorescence, were determined. The average production/ha in the case of chives highlighted a yield of 27.83 t ha−1 of mature bulbs. All these were determined to obtain a better understanding of the biological functionality of the different morphological parts of this species. The content of vitamin C and flavonoids was significantly higher (p ≤ 0.05) in Rocambole than in the other varieties. The phenolic compounds were higher in the case of chives, followed by Rocambole and then by softneck garlic. The content of bioactive compounds was higher in the younger organ, depending on the morphological organ (bulbs, cloves, and bulbils on flower stalks) within the same variety. The vitamin C content was higher in the cloves (15.68 mg 100 g−1), followed by the bulbils in inflorescence (14.64 mg 100 g−1), and the mature bulb (13.14 mg 100 g−1) in Rocambole. The bioactive profile of garlic depends on the age of the morphological organ, and the bioactive concentration decreases with its maturity. Therefore, unripe garlic has the best potential to be used for its health benefits. The versatile health effects and nutraceutical properties of garlic can be attributed to the variety of bioactive compounds, mainly polyphenolic substances with strong antioxidant properties, as well as the morphological organ (mature bulb with cloves, a one year bulb derived from bulbil, or bulbil in bloom).

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of yeasts fermented passion fruit and soursop pulps: A focus on bioactive volatile compounds profile

This work aimed to ferment pasteurized soursop (SF) and passion fruit (PF) pulps inoculated with different yeast strains (Saccharomyces cerevisiae subsp. boulardii CNCM I-745 and Saccharomyces bayanus Safcider AB-1) incubated at 37 °C for 30 h. Throughout fermentation, the concentration of viable cells, soluble solids, and pH were evaluated. In vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were determined in the fermented pulps. Additionally, volatile compounds and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Fermented pulps showed viable cell counts higher than 109 CFU/mL from 12 to 30 h of fermentation, with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in soluble solids, and constant pH values (3.30 and 4.09 in PF and SF, respectively). PF and SF pulps fermented by S. boulardii, and PF pulp fermented by S. bayanus showed antioxidant activities of 5.142, 5.011, 5.142 and 1.615 mg eq. Trolox/mL by ABTS, respectively. PF pulp fermented by S. bayanus as well as PF and SF pulps fermented by S. boulardii showed antioxidant activities of 0.628, 0.811 and 1.170 mg eq. Trolox/mL by FRAP, respectively. The PF and SF pulps fermented by S. bayanus showed inhibition of protein denaturalization activity (ca. 70% and 85%, respectively), while in SF pulp fermented by S. boulardii the inhibition of heat-induced hemolysis was ca. 90%. Alcohols, esterified carboxylic acids, unsaturated fatty acids (linolenic > linoleic > oleic), and polyphenols were identified in fermented pulps. These findings demonstrate that through controlled yeast fermentation, the potential health-promoting properties of fruit pulps can be improved, generating new fermented functional foods.

Effect of combined germination and spontaneous fermentation on the bioactive, mineral, and microbial profile of red sorghum and pearl millet flours

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of combined germination and spontaneous fermentation on the phytochemical, mineral, and microbial profile of red sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.Br.) flours. The analysis of the studied flours were performed by molecular spectrophotometry and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. Bioavailability of the iron, zinc, and calcium was estimated using the phytates/minerals molar ratios. The microbial load was counted using culture media specific to total bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and moulds, and Gram-negative bacteria. Combined processing resulted in flours exhibiting the lowest (p ˂ 0.05) total phenols, flavonoids, 3-deoxy-anthocyanidins, phytates contents, and DPPH scavenging activity and the highest (p ˂ 0.05) ABTS inhibition, mineral contents, and bioavailable iron, zinc, and calcium contents. Combined processing also resulted in the highest (p ˂ 0.05) microbial cell counts, with lactic acid bacteria being the most abundant species in both processed cereals. Combining germination and spontaneous fermentation of red sorghum and pearl millet flours could be a useful and simple processing technique to develop food products that alleviate mineral deficiencies and promote human health.

Comprehensive Analysis of the Chemical and Bioactivity Profiles of Endemic Crataegus turcicus Dönmez in Comparison with Other Crataegus Species.

Crataegus turcicus is a plant endemic to Türkiye. For the first time, this study aimed to comparatively assess its flower-bearing branches, leaves, and fruits with other well-known Crataegus species (C. monogyna, C. pentagyna, and C. orientalis) in terms of chemical composition and bioactivity studies to evaluate its potential use as a food supplement. Firstly, the contents of total phenolics (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), proanthocyanidin (TPAC), and anthocyanin (TAC) in different plant parts of Crataegus species were evaluated. The highest TPAC was found in the hydroalcoholic extract of C. turcicus flower-bearing branches. Moreover, all plant parts had comparatively higher amounts of TPC, TFC, and TAC compared to other Crataegus species. The chemical screening by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) resulted that C. turcicus parts were rich with chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, quercetin and vitexin derivatives, epicatechin, procyanidin, etc., and their quantities were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In terms of several in vitro antioxidant activity outcomes, the flower-bearing branches of C. turcicus showed the highest antioxidant activity by a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) test among the assessed antioxidant assays. Additionally, hydroalcoholic extracts of C. turcicus significantly decreased LPS-induced nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-6 production more potently than indomethacin (positive control). In addition to its remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, C. turcicus showed analgesic activity by reducing prostaglandin E2 levels.

Design and development of new inhibitors against breast cancer, Monkeypox and Marburg virus by modification of natural Fisetin via in silico and SAR studies.

The natural Fisetin and its derivatives have been shown to have effective bioactivity and strong pharmacological profile, which is continuously drawing the interest of therapeutic applications to the development of new biomolecules against Breast cancer and Monkeypox, and Marburg viral infection, while computational approaches and the study of their structure-activity relationship (SAR) are the most eloquent and reliable platform for performing their hypothetical profile renovation. So, the main perspective of this investigation is to evaluate dual function of Fisetin and its derivatives against both virus and cancerous target. First and foremost, the prediction of activity spectra for materials (PASS) valuation has provided preliminary data on the antiviral, antibacterial, antiparasitic, and anti-cancer possibilities of the mentioned compounds. According to the evidence, PASS predicted scores were shown to perform better in antineoplastic and antiviral than antibacterial, and antiparasitic efficiency; as evidenced by their higher PASS scores in antineoplastic and antiviral drug tests. Breast cancer, Monkeypox, and Marburg virus have been selected as targeted pathogens, and different in silico studies were conducted to determine the dual function of mention derivatives. The "Lipinski five rules," on the other hand, has been subjected to extensive testing for drug-like characteristics. Molecular docking against Breast cancer, Monkeypox, and Marburg virus have been accomplished after confirmation of their bioactivity. The molecular docking evaluation against targeted disease displayed re-markable binding affinity and non-bonding engagement, with most of the results indicating that derivatives are more effective than the FDA approved standard antiviral, and antineoplastic drugs. Finally, the ADMET characteristics have been computed, and they indicate that the substance is suitable to use and did not have any chance to produce adverse effects on aquatic or non-aquatic environment, as well as having a highly soluble capacity in water medium, high G.I absorption rate, with outstanding bioavailability index. Therefore, these mentioned Fisetin derivatives could be suggested as potential medication against Breast cancer and newly reported Monkeypox, and Marburg virus, and may further proceed for laboratory experiment, synthesis, and clinical trials to evaluate their practical value.

Bioactivity profiles of six baobab fruit pulp powders via planar chromatography hyphenated with effect-directed analysis

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit pulp has a high nutrient content and has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes (e.g., as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent) that may help protect against chronic diseases. Six different baobab fruit pulp powders were investigated using three different extractants and analyzed by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) hyphenated with antibacterial bioassays and enzyme inhibition assays. The developed non-target effect-directed screening was performed after extraction with pentyl acetate – ethanol 1:1 (V/V) on the HPTLC plate silica gel 60 using toluene – ethyl acetate – methanol 6:3:1 (V/V/V) as mobile phase system and derivatization via the anisaldehyde sulfuric acid reagent for detection. The physico-chemical profiles of the six baobab fruit pulp powder extracts were comparable, although the intensity of some zones was moderately different. The following effect-directed profiling via tyrosinase, α-glucosidase, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition assays as well as antibacterial Aliivibrio fischeri and Bacillus subtilis bioassays revealed one prominent multipotent bioactive compound zone in common, more or less active in all five studied (bio)assays. Via the recording of high-resolution mass spectra, this compound zone was tentatively assigned to coeluting saturated (palmitic acid 16:0 and stearic acid 18:0), monounsaturated (oleic acid 18:1), and polyunsaturated (linoleic acid 18:2 and linolenic acid 18:3) fatty acids. This finding was confirmed by other studies, which already proved individual activities of fatty acids. The first (bio)activity profiling of baobab fruit pulp powders via HPTLC-effect-directed analysis revealed that the baobab fruit could be considered as a functional food, however, further research is needed to study the impact on health and the influences on the bioactivity arising from different climates, years and soils or regions.

Wrangling Whole Mixtures Risk Assessment: Recent Advances in Determining Sufficient Similarity.

Human health risk assessments for complex mixtures can address real-world exposures and protect public health. While risk assessors typically prefer whole mixture approaches over component-based approaches, data from the precise exposure of interest are often unavailable and surrogate data from a sufficiently similar mixture(s) are required. This review describes recent advances in determining sufficient similarity of whole, complex mixtures spanning the comparison of chemical features, bioactivity profiles, and statistical evaluation to determine "thresholds of similarity". Case studies, including water disinfection byproducts, botanical ingredients, and wildfire emissions, are used to highlight tools and methods. Limitations to application of sufficient similarity in risk-based decision making are reviewed and recommendations presented for developing best practice guidelines.

Effect of different degumming processes on the retention of bioactive components, acylglycerol and phospholipid composition of rapeseed oil

Rapeseed oil is enriched with nutrients, and its quality is significantly influenced by different processes. However, few studies have systematically investigated the correlation between different degumming processes and rapeseed oil quality. In this study, five degumming processes were applied to crude rapeseed oil, and enzymatic degumming processes were optimized. Furthermore, the effect of five degumming processes on the retention of bioactive components, acylglycerol and phospholipid profiles in rapeseed oil was investigated. Acid degumming caused more loss of bioactive components, while phospholipase A1 combined with phospholipase C degumming provided better retention of bioactive components. OOO (C18:1/C18:1/C18:1), OOL (C18:1/C18:1/C18:2) and OLL (C18:1/C18:2/C18:2) were the most abundant acylglycerols in crude rapeseed and degummed oil from different degumming processes. This result indicated no significant difference in the effect of the different degumming processes on the acylglycerol profile. The phospholipid composition of degummed oils varied with different degumming processes. Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) were the main phospholipids in water and acid degummed oil, while phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG) were the predominant phospholipids in enzymatic degummed oil. These results may provide information to underpin the relationship between rapeseed oil quality and different degumming processes.

In silico analysis of bioactive peptide of goat milk based on beta-casein protein

The composition, interactions, and properties of bioactive peptides found in the most abundant milk protein, CSN2, are the focus of goat milk peptidomics. The peptidome of goat milk is regarded as a valuable source of a large number of biologically active peptides as well as health-promoting activities. Through data mining for bioactive peptide selection associated with current bioactive peptide data algorithms resulting in bioactive peptide profiles and visualization of three-dimensional protein structure, in silico analysis on bioinformatic approaches has led to enhancements of global knowledge regarding the health benefits of dairy products. Biological potentials for cardiovascular and nervous diseases, as well as metabolic and immune treatments, are identified using these techniques, in order to increase the commercialization of goat milk bioactive peptides as a functional food and promising natural source treatments.

Differential Effects of the Processed and Unprocessed Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Ethanol Extracts on Neuritogenesis and Synaptogenesis in Rat Primary Hippocampal Neurons.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is an aromatic herb known for its culinary and medicinal uses for centuries. Both unprocessed (white) and processed (black) garlic are known to protect against the pathobiology of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), which has been attributed to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The information on the effects of processed and unprocessed garlic on neuronal process outgrowth, maturation, and synaptic development is limited. This study aimed at investigating and comparing the effects of the ethanol extracts of unprocessed (white garlic extract, WGE) and processed (black garlic extract, BGE) garlic on the maturation of primary hippocampal neurons. Neurite outgrowth was stimulated in a dose-dependent manner by both WGE and BGE and the most effective doses were 15 μg/mL and 60 μg/mL, respectively, without showing cytotoxicity. At this optimal concentration, both extracts promoted axonal and dendritic growth and maturation. Furthermore, both extracts substantially increased the formation of functional synapses. However, the effect of WGE was more robust at every developmental stage of neurons. In addition, the gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed a chemical profile of various bioactives in both BGE and WGE. Linalool, a compound that was found in both extracts, has shown neurite outgrowth-promoting activity in neuronal cultures, suggesting that the neurotrophic activity of garlic extracts is attributed, at least in part, to this compound. By using network pharmacology, linalool's role in neuronal development can also be observed through its modulatory effect on the signaling molecules of neurotrophic signaling pathways such as glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β), extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (Erk1/2), which was further verified by immunocytochemistry. Overall, these findings provide information on the molecular mechanism of processed and unprocessed garlic for neuronal growth, survival, and memory function which may have the potential for the prevention of several neurological disorders.

Exploring the Impact of In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion in the Bioaccessibility of Phenolic-Rich Chestnut Shells: A Preliminary Study

Chestnut shells (CS), the principal by-product of the chestnut processing industry, contain high concentrations of flavonoids and other polyphenols with huge interest for the nutraceuticals field. Nonetheless, the bioaccessibility and bioactivity of phytochemicals can be influenced by their digestibility, making it imperative to evaluate these activities prior to application of CS as a nutraceutical ingredient. This work aims to appraise the effects of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility, bioactivity, and metabolic profiling of CS. An increase in the total phenolic and flavonoid contents, antioxidant/antiradical properties, radical scavenging capacity, and inhibition on acetylcholinesterase activity was evidenced during in vitro simulated digestion. Metabolomic profiling by LC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS revealed changes during the simulated digestion, particularly in phenolic compounds (46% of total compounds annotated), lipids (22%), phenylpropanoids (9%), organic acids (7%), carbohydrates (5%), nucleosides (5%), amino acids (4%), and alcohols (1%). Phenolic acids (gallic acid, syringic acid, and hydroxyphenylacetic acid) and flavonoids (epicatechin) were the major polyphenolic classes identified. The heatmap-positive correlations highlighted that the bioactivity of CS is closely related to the phenolic compounds and their bioaccessibility. These findings suggest the reuse of CS as a potential nutraceutical ingredient with antioxidant and neuroprotective effects, encouraging the use of appropriate extraction and/or encapsulation techniques to enhance the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds.

Lipid Fractionation and Physicochemical Characterization of Carapa guianensis Seed Oil from Guyana

The seed oil of Carapa guianensis, known as crabwood oil (CWO), is distinguished for its medicinal and cosmetics applications, attributed to its bioactive components and lipid profile. CWO and its dry and solvent fractionation were studied, with a focus on physicochemical functionality and the partitioning of known bioactive compounds, such as limonoids and sterols. Important bioactive components, including limonoids and sterols, were partitioned depending on the fractionation method; in particular, there is a direct dependence on solvent polarity. There was a very strong solid fraction yield–solvent polarity with a high linear slope of −121.3%. The partitioning of the lipids is significant enough to drive measurable and predictable changes in the physical properties. Palmitic (P: C16:0) and oleic (O: C18:1) fatty acids account for about 60% of the total fatty acid composition of the TAGs of CWO and its fractions. The most abundant limonoid is methyl angolensate (from 28 to 39%), followed by Trichilin A (from 13% to 22%). Gedunin and Andirobin were more abundant in the liquid fractions, whereas Carapanolides (less than 1.3%) were more present in the olein fractions. The crystallization and melting temperatures of the solid fractions were up to 26 °C, compared to 11 °C for CWO, and were particularly strongly correlated to the polarity of the solvents. The SFC profile indicated semi-solid fats, with the solid fractions showing up to 19% at 18 °C, twice the SFC in CWO. The fractions demonstrated a wide range of distinguishable microstructures. The shapes include well-organized spherulites and needle-like and rod-like crystals with sizes varying from 5 to 250 µ, suggesting that they are likely to have different flow characteristics and feel to the skin and mouth. There is a potential to make unique compositions with significantly different properties, with antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy due to the bioactive components of CWO through fractionation, using polarity as a predictive tool.

Bone Tissue Engineering (BTE) of the Craniofacial Skeleton, Part II: Translational Potential of 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Defect Repair.

Computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing and 3-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have revolutionized the approach to bone tissue engineering for the repair of craniomaxillofacial skeletal defects. Ample research has been performed to gain a fundamental understanding of the optimal 3D-printed scaffold design and composition to facilitate appropriate bone formation and healing. Benchtop and preclinical, small animal model testing of 3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffolds augmented with pharmacological/biological agents have yielded promising results given their potential combined osteogenic and osteoinductive capacity. However, other factors must be evaluated before newly developed constructs may be considered analogous alternatives to the "gold standard" autologous graft for defect repair. More specifically, the 3D-printed bioactive ceramic scaffold's long-term safety profile, biocompatibility, and resorption kinetics must be studied. The ultimate goal is to successfully regenerate bone that is comparable in volume, density, histologic composition, and mechanical strength to that of native bone. In vivo studies of these newly developed bone tissue engineering in translational animal models continue to make strides toward addressing regulatory and clinically relevant topics. These include the use of skeletally immature animal models to address the challenges posed by craniomaxillofacial defect repair in pediatric patients. This manuscript reviews the most recent preclinical animal studies seeking to assess 3D-printed ceramic scaffolds for improved repair of critical-sized craniofacial bony defects.

Chlamydomonas agloeformis from the Ecuadorian Highlands: Nutrients and Bioactive Compounds Profiling and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity.

Green microalgae are single-celled eukaryotic organisms that, in recent years, are becoming increasingly important in the nutraceutical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical fields because of their high content of bioactive compounds. In this study, a particular green microalga was isolated from freshwater highland lakes of Ecuador and morphologically and molecularly identified as Chlamydomonas agloeformis (ChA), and it was studied for nutritional and nutraceutical properties. The phenolic composition and the fatty acids profile of lyophilized cells were determined. The methanolic extract was analyzed for the phenolic compounds profile and the antioxidant capacity by means of in vitro tests. Finally, Human Microvascular Endothelial Cells (HMEC-1) were exploited to explore the capacity of ChA to reduce the endothelial damage induced by oxidized LDL-mediated oxidative stress. The extract showed a good antioxidant ability thanks to the high content in polyphenolic compounds. The observed decrease in HMEC-1 cells endothelial damage also was probably due to the antioxidant compounds present in the extract. Based on the outcomes of our in vitro assays, ChA demonstrated to be a promising source of bioactive compounds possessing exceptional antioxidant capacities which make it a prospective functional food.