Ferrous Chelating Research Articles

Extraction optimization, identification using UPLC-tandem mass spectrometry, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from the fruit body of Morchella sextelata.

Polyphenols, as important active ingredients in edible fungi, have many beneficial functions. As rare edible fungi, Morchella spp., are highly popular due to their nutritional value and unique flavor. However, most Morchella have not yet been artificially cultivated due to their special biological characteristics, resulting in limited research on polyphenols in artificially cultivated Morchella. In this study, the extraction parameters of polyphenols from artificially cultivated Morchella sextelata were optimized using response surface methodology, the polyphenol components were analyzed via UPLC‒tandem mass spectrometry, and their antioxidant properties were determined in vitro. The optimal extraction process parameters were as follows: ethanol concentration, 43%; solid‒liquid ratio, 1:41gmL-1; extraction temperature, 52°C; extraction time, 2h; rotation speed, 180rmin-1; and extraction frequency, twice. The optimized extraction parameters resulted in a polyphenol yield of 4.82mgg-1, a 69.97% increase. Fourteen phenolic compounds were identified: gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, dl-4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid, methyl 2,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate, salicylic acid, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, eucommiol, luteolin, ethylparaben, hinokiflavone, amentoflavone, propyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, and 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol. The EC50 values of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)· scavenging ability, reducing power and ferrous ion chelating ability of polyphenols were 2.70, 30.98, and 72.06µgmL-1, respectively. These findings indicated that polyphenols had a significantly stronger ability to scavenge DPPH· compared with their reducing power and ability to chelate ferrous ions. The results of this study provide a solid foundation for the subsequent study of function of M. sextelata polyphenols as well as a theoretical basis for the further development and utilization of M. sextelata, which will help promote healthy development of Morchella industry. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The extraction, composition, and antioxidant properties of polyphenols from Morchella sextelata were identified, which provides a theoretical basis for better utilization of Morchella resources.

Antiferroptotic properties of allicin and related organosulfur compounds—diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide—from Garlic

Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate) is an abundant bioactive compound in garlic (Allium sativum L.) with broad-spectrum antiinflammatory, antifungal, antioxidant, and antitumor properties. The bioactive compounds of garlic including allicin may also help reduce the incidence of various diseases, although the individual contributions and precise mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this study, we reveal that allicin and the closely related compounds diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide (all containing more than one disulfide bond) protect mouse hippocampal HT22 cells against chemically induced ferroptosis, a newly defined form of cell death characterized by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation. In contrast, these organosulfur compounds did not prevent chemically induced apoptosis. The antiferroptotic efficacies of these compounds were strongly associated with prevention of lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species production but independent of glutathione upregulation, ferrous iron chelation, and modulation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2)-related factor-2-antioxidant element response pathway. Additional studies are warranted on the therapeutic potential of allicin and related compounds in garlic for neurodegenerative diseases associated with ferroptosis.

Phytochemical Profile and Antioxidant Activity of Hydro-distillated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino with Hydrogen Gas

Hydrogen-rich Gynostemma pentaphyllum Makino distillate (HRGD) is made by distilling G. pentaphyllum Makino with hydrogen gas to produce the final product. The study evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of HRGD, as well as its antioxidant properties, including scavenging activities for various radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide anion (O2-), hydrogen peroxide radical (H2O2), nitric oxide radical (NO•) and 2,2´-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+), along with a ferrous ion chelating assay. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 42330 mg gallic acid and 36300 mg rutin equivalents/100 g, respectively. HRGD exhibited significant antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities in vitro, which were dose-dependent and superior to those of standard antioxidants. HRGD exhibited higher scavenging activities for DPPH, O2-, H2O2, NO• and ABTS•+ radicals, as well as ferrous ion chelating activity than standard antioxidants (p < 0.05). The results showed that HRGD could be an economical and readily accessible source of natural antioxidants and a possible food and pharmaceutical supplement.

Comparative Analysis of Lactobacillus Starter Cultures in Fermented Camel Milk: Effects on Viability, Antioxidant Properties, and Sensory Characteristics.

This research evaluated the impact of Lactobacillus starter cultures on post-acidification, viable cell counts (VCC), antioxidant activities (such as DPPH radical scavenging, Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), and Ferrous Ion Chelating (FIC) activity), and sensory attributes of fermented camel milk (FCM) over a 21-day period at 4 °C. FCM was prepared with Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis (control), as well as with three different Lactobacillus starter cultures individually: Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, in co-cultures with S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. lactis. The findings indicated that FCM with L. rhamnosus experienced the most significant pH decrease (p < 0.05) throughout the storage period. L. plantarum-FCM maintained the highest VCC (p < 0.05) compared with the other samples. Additionally, all three Lactobacillus strains showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) DPPH radical scavenging and FRAP compared with the control by the end of the storage. However, L. casei exhibited the greatest FIC activity. Among the samples, L. plantarum was rated highest in taste, flavor, and overall preference. In conclusion, the incorporation of these Lactobacillus strains into camel milk during fermentation improved bacterial viability, enhanced antioxidant properties, and boosted sensory qualities, especially for flavor and texture, positioning it as a promising functional food product.

Extraction, Purification, Characterization, and Wound Healing Effects of Novel Prickly Pear (Opuntiaficus-indica (L.) Mill.) Heteropolysaccharides

Background: The present study undertakes the purification of a novel polysaccharide from Tunisian prickly pear (Opuntiaficus-indica (L.) Mill.) rackets (PPPRs) and the determination of its physicochemical properties, structure, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, as well as its in vitro and in vivo wound healing potential. Methods: The PPPR was structurally analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and UV/Visible Spectroscopy, revealing characteristic bands of polysaccharides. According to thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS) analyses. Results: The crude PPPR is an heteropolysaccharide composed of glucose (62.4%), galactose (19.37%), mannose (10.24%), and rhamnose (7.98%), with an average molecular weight of 90.94 kDa. This novel polysaccharide exhibited notable antioxidant potential assessed by four different in vitro assays: the 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay, ferric reducing power, ferrous chelating activity, and scavenging activity against 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS). In addition, the PPPR displayed high antibacterial activities with a MIC of 2.5 mg/mL against Salmonella Typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, cytocompatibility properties, and non-cytotoxicity. Subsequently, the effect of the PPPR on skin wound healing was studied in a diabetic rat model induced by alloxan, revealing a significant acceleration in the wound healing process. This acceleration was evidenced by the expedited recovery of the dermis, increased formation of blood vessels, and enhanced tissue granulation. Conclusion: Therefore, the findings offer fresh perspectives on the creation of a potentially efficient and promising racket polysaccharide-based therapy for the treatment of persistent diabetic wounds.

NIR-Actuated Ferroptosis Nanomotor for Enhanced Tumor Penetration and Therapy.

Ferroptosis nano-inducers have drawn considerable attention in the treatment of malignant tumors. However, low intratumoral hydrogen peroxide level and complex biological barriers hinder the ability of nanomedicines to generate sufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) and achieve tumor penetration. Here a near-infrared (NIR)-driven ROS self-supplying nanomotor is successfully designed for synergistic tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT). Janus nanomotor is created by the asymmetrical modification of polydopamine (PDA) with zinc peroxide (ZnO2) and subsequent ferrous ion (Fe2+) chelation via the polyphenol groups from the PDA, here refer as ZnO2@PDA-Fe (Z@P-F). ZnO2 is capable of slowly releasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into an acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) providing sufficient ingredients for the Fenton reaction necessary for ferroptosis. Upon NIR laser irradiation, the loaded Fe2+ is released and a thermal gradient is simultaneously formed owing to the asymmetric PDA coating, thus endowing the nanomotor with self-thermophoresis based enhanced diffusion for subsequent lysosomal escape and tumor penetration. Therefore, the release of ferrous ions (Fe2+), self-supplied H2O2, and self-thermophoresis of nanomotors with NIR actuation further improve the synergistic CDT/PTT efficacy, showing great potential for active tumor therapy.

Exploring of Chemical Profile and Biological Activities of Three Ocimum Species From Comoros Islands: A Combination of In Vitro and In Silico Insights.

Ocimum species have a great interest in different traditional medicinal systems. This study examined the chemical composition, antioxidant properties, enzyme inhibitory effects, and antibacterial and antifungal activities of the aerial parts of Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum americanum, and Ocimum basilicum from the Comoros Islands. The extracts were analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) to determine their chemical composition. Antioxidant activity was assessed using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS), cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), chelating ability, and phosphomolybdenum radical scavenging assays. Enzyme inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butrylcholinesterase (BChE), tyrosinase, amylase, and glucosidase were evaluated using spectrophotometric methods. Antibacterial and antifungal activities were tested using the broth microdilution method against selected pathogenic microorganisms. The selected enzymes and proteins were evaluated using in silico methods with biomolecules from these plants. In addition, 111 different metabolites were identified in the tested extracts using advanced HPLC/MS techniques. The most significant number of detected compounds were derivatives of hydroxycinnamic acids, followed by flavonoid glycosides and aglycones and derivatives of hydroxybenzoic acids. All three Ocimum species exhibited significant antioxidant activities, O. gratissimum exhibited the best-reducing abilities in CUPRAC and FRAP assays. In addition, enzyme inhibitory assays revealed that O. americanum had the most potent inhibitory effect on tyrosinase (48.01 ± 3.89 mg kojic acid equivalent [KAE]/g), and amylase (1.08 ± 0.02 mmol acarbose equivalent [ACAE]/g). Antibacterial and antifungal tests demonstrated that the extracts possess broad-spectrum activity. Molecular docking results showed that compounds exhibited remarkable binding energies with target enzymes and proteins. The molecular dynamics simulations identified chicoric acid with MurE of Staphylococcus aureus complex as the most promising drug candidate. These findings support their traditional medical and nutraceutical uses and suggest possibilities for natural functional applications.

Antioxidant and Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities of the tea (Camellia sinensis) flower

The major purpose of this study was to investigate the DPPH radical scavenging activity, hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, superoxide radical scavenging activity, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating activity, and xanthine oxidase activity for research of antioxidant and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activities using a variety of extracts of tea (Camellia sinensis) flower. Among the several extracts, when 800 μg/mL of the ethanol extract was used, the maximum DPPH radical scavenging activity was obtained, 79.2%, which was approximately 80.8% compared to L-ascorbic acid, the maximum hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, 71.3%, which was approximately 73.2% compared to BHA, and the maximum super oxide radical scavenging activity, 89.4%, which was, approximately 90.6% compared to BHT, and the maximum reducing power, 1.94 at an OD of 700 nm, which was approximately 49.2% compared to L-ascorbic acid, respectively. On the other hand, when 800 μg/mL of the hot water extract was used, the maximum activity of ferrous ion chelate was obtained, 28.6%, which was approximately 48.4% compared to EDTA and the maximum xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity, 61.4%, approximately 63.8% compared to catechin, respectively. These results indicated the application potential for industries that can produce new biomaterials that can compensate for the shortcomings of existing synthetic antioxidants and use discarded tea flower as food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic materials.

Antioxidant Compounds and Activities of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) Decoction Residues from Cordial and Juice Production

Roselle is a popular plant in Malaysia, especially for its use in food and beverage production. The calyces of the roselle plant are commonly decocted to make roselle juice and cordial, resulting in a significant amount of waste in the form of decocted calyces. Surprisingly, these decocted calyces retain their dark red colour and are still intact although soften. However, to date, there is no research on the antioxidant compounds and activities of roselle decoction residues from cordial and juice production have been reported. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine the phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of the roselle decoction residues. The roselle decoction residues were evaluated for colour, Delta E (∆E), pH, total anthocyanin content (TAC), total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), DPPH radical scavenging assay, ferric reducing ability assay (FRAP), and ferrous ion chelating (FIC). All assays were also correlated and show positive effect among themselves. The decocted residues reported were still in acidic conditions ranged of pH 2 to 4. The decocted cordial residue (DCR) showed similar colour with control or fresh roselle calyx (FRC), and a bit duller in decocted juice residue (DJR). The DCR showed similar and slightly lower antioxidant content and activity of TAC, TPC, TFC, DPPH, FRAP and FIC to FRC but much better than DJR. Therefore, the DCR were still rich in anthocyanin contents and had good antioxidant activity without having colour changes. These residues have the capacity to be converted to wealth and could be an alternative source for natural antioxidants. Further research is needed to explore their potential applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and pharmaceuticals. By harnessing the potential of roselle decoction residues, we can contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to food and beverage production.

Biogenic Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Mediated by Aronia melanocarpa and Their Biological Evaluation.

In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO3 volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial and Immunomodulatory Properties of Algerian Phoenix dactylifera

The aim of the current study is to evaluate the antioxidant, antibacterial, and phagocytic activities of the hydroethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera fruit variety Mech degla. The antioxidant activity was determined through DPPH assay, ferrous ions chelating assay, and CUPRAC assay. The antibacterial activity against four bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae), was evaluated using the disc diffusion method, while the in vivo phagocytic activity was measured using carbon clearance method. The results showed that the extract exhibited good antioxidant activity with the IC50 values of 0.89 ± 0.3 g/l and 0.56 ± 0.24 g/l for DPPH and ferrous ions chelating activities, respectively, and the A0.5 value of 1.45 ± 0.15 g/l in the CUPRAC assay. Moreover, the extract showed notable antibacterial activity against all tested strains with the highest zone of inhibition (23.3 ± 0.3 mm) against S. pneumonia. Besides the extract did not show any significant toxicity, it was able to stimulate the phagocytic activity with a significantly faster carbon clearance rate at the dose of up to 100 mg/kg compared to the control group. Our results suggested that the Phoenix dactylifera fruit represents a promising source for the development of safe and effective immunomodulators as remedies to prevent and treat various microbial and immune-related diseases.

Phytic acid-loaded polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel promotes wound healing of injured corneal epithelium through inhibiting ferroptosis

As the important barrier of intraocular tissue, cornea is easy to suffer various kinds of injuries. Among them, acute alkali burn is a thorny ophthalmic emergency event, which can lead to corneal persistent epithelial defects, ulcers, and even perforation. Ferroptosis, a mode of regulatory cell death, has been found to play a key role in the process of corneal alkali burn, of which lipid peroxidation and intracellular iron levels are considered to be the possible therapeutic targets. To seek new effective treatments, the study herein focused on the occurrence of oxidative stress and ferroptosis in corneal alkali burn, exploring the role of phytic acid (PA), a natural small molecule with both antioxidant and iron chelating capacity, in the repair of corneal epithelial injury. The in vivo therapeutic results showed that PA eyedrops treatment promoted the recovery of corneal morphology and function, and in vitro experiments proved that PA prompted the repair of oxidative stress induced-corneal epithelial injury through ferroptosis inhibition. In addition, better drug treatment effect could be achieved through hydrogel delivery and sustained release, and our in vivo experiments showed the superior therapeutic effects of PA delivered by PVA hydrogels with larger molecular weights on corneal injury. In summary, this study demonstrated the excellent effect of natural small molecule PA with antioxidant and high efficiency chelating ferrous ions on ferroptosis inhibition, and showed the outstanding application prospect of PVA/PA hydrogels in the treatment of corneal epithelial injury.

Extraction Optimization, Structural Analysis, and Potential Bioactivities of a Novel Polysaccharide from Sporisorium reilianum.

Sporisorium reilianum is an important biotrophic pathogen that causes head smut disease. Polysaccharides extracted from diseased sorghum heads by Sporisorium reilianum exhibit significant medicinal and edible value. However, the structure and biological activities of these novel polysaccharides have not been explored. In this study, a novel polysaccharide (WM-NP'-60) was isolated and purified from the fruit bodies of S. reilianum and aimed to explore the structural characteristics and substantial antioxidant and antitumor properties of WM-NP'-60. Monosaccharide composition determination, periodate oxidation-Smith degradation, 1D/2D-NMR analysis, and methylation analysis revealed that WM-NP'-60 consisted mainly of β-1,6-D-Glcp, β-1,3-D-Glcp, and β-1,3,6-D-Glcp linkages. The antioxidant assays demonstrated that WM-NP'-60 exhibited great activities, including scavenging free radicals, chelating ferrous ions, and eliminating reactive oxygen species (ROS) within cells. The HepG2, SGC7901, and HCT116 cells examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed typical apoptotic bodies. Therefore, a novel fungal polysaccharide (WM-NP'-60) was discovered, extracted, and purified in this experiment, with the aim of providing a reference for the development of a new generation of food and nutraceutical products suitable for human consumption.

Synthesis, Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activity Evaluation of Some Thiazolyl-Catechol Compounds.

A series of thiazolyl-catechol compounds with antioxidant and cytotoxic activities were synthesized by a Hantzsch heterocyclization, using diverse thioamides as the thiocarbonyl component and 4-chloroacetyl-catechol as haloketone. These compounds were characterized by MS, IR spectroscopy, and NMR. Their antioxidant potential was evaluated by antiradical, electron transfer, and ferrous ion chelation assays using ascorbic acid, Trolox, and EDTA-Na2 as references. The cytotoxicity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated on two different cell types, normal human foreskin fibroblasts (BJ) and human pulmonary malignant cells (A549), using gefitinib as a reference anticancer drug. The results obtained from the tests highlighted compounds 3g and 3h with significant antioxidant activities. The highest cytotoxic potency against A549 cells was exhibited by compounds 3i and 3j, while compound 3g demonstrated exceptional selectivity on malignant cells compared to gefitinib. These promising results encourage further investigation into targeted modifications on position 2 of the thiazole ring, in order to develop novel therapeutic agents.

UV-A treatment of phenolic extracts impacts colour, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity.

The unintended co-extraction of chlorophylls during the recovery of polyphenols from plant sources yields green-coloured phenolic extracts with limited use in colour-sensitive foods. This study aimed at decolourizing the ethanolic extracts of sugar beet leaves using a UV-A treatment (390 nm). Exposure of the phenolic extracts to 30 UV-A LEDs at 8.64 J m-2 radiation dose decreased the total chlorophyll content by 69.23% and reduced the greenness parameter (-a*) significantly (P < 0.05) from 27.33 ± 0.32 to 8.64 ± 0.16. Additionally, UV-A treatment increased the content of most individual phenolic compounds (e.g. gallic acid, ferulic acid, etc.) significantly, resulting in an increase in the overall phenolic content in the extracts from 900.56 ± 14.11 μg g-1 fresh weight (FW) to a maximum of 975.09 ± 9.62 μg g-1 FW at 0.67 J m-2. However, rutin content had a significant decrease at the highest radiation dose (8.64 J m-2). The soluble sugar content (i.e. glucose and fructose) increased simultaneously with phenolic compounds after the UV-A treatment. Although the UV treatment reduced the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, it had no significant effect on the ferrous chelating activity and the extract's ability to delay lipid oxidation in corn oil. The antioxidant activity index of the treated extract was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant. Key findings of this study include successful decolourization of the extract, decomposition of bound polyphenols to their free form, and maintaining the antioxidant activity of the extract in the oil system after UV-A exposure. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

Isolation, identification, and chelation mechanism of ferrous-chelating peptide from peanut protein hydrolysate.

Peanut peptides can chelate iron but their chelation mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to separate peanut ferrous-chelating peptides and explore the chelation mechanism of peanut peptides with iron. Peanut peptide component F-122, which had a higher chelation rate, was separated using ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography, achieving a ferrous chelation rate of 90.7%. Six peptide segments were screened and their amino acid sequences were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Spectral analysis confirmed that the chelation between peanut peptides and ferrous ions occurred and a new substance was formed. Molecular docking simulation indicated that the amino acids in peanut peptides involved in the chelating reaction were glutamic acid, arginine, glycine, threonine, phenylalanine, and lysine. The binding sites included the main chain oxygen atom, side chain oxygen atom, and carboxyl oxygen atom of amino acid. The isolated peanut peptide had a higher ferrous-chelation rate. The chelating mechanism of peanut peptide with ferrous ion was elucidated. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of new peptide-ferrous preparations. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Enhanced recovery of R-phycoerythrin using recombination cell-assisted pressurized fluid extraction: yield, characterization, and antioxidant evaluation

The recovery of phycobiliproteins, with an emphasis on R-phycoerythrin (R-PE), from Solieria filiformis macroalgae was investigated in the current study. This is accomplished using an environmentally friendly method known as pressurized fluid extraction. Phycobiliprotein production was analyzed over time, considering four different parameters: i) solvents (ultrapure water and phosphate buffer), ii) macroalgae particle sizes, iii) stirring, and iv) pressure of 200 to 800 bar. Notably, the highest R-PE yield reached an impressive 22.53 mg/g dry biomass. The best extraction conditions were identified as a macerated structure, employing a combination of 500 bar pressure and agitation facilitated by a recombination cell. R-phycocyanin (R-PC) was also extracted with a 3.70 mg/g yield. Two distinct extracts, crude and precipitate, underwent comprehensive characterization. Extracted R-PE exhibited an α-helix structure (80.51–90.39 %), suggesting the existence of other proteins in both extracts. Three different subunits, α (15 kDa), β (21 kDa), and γ (29 kDa), were segregated under SDS-PAGE. Moreover, both extracts demonstrated antioxidant capacity, achieving a 99.55 % reduction in 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) radicals and a 13.94 % chelation of ferrous ions. This study reports the extraction of biomolecules using the recombination cell for the first time in the literature, proving an appealing alternative for non-aggressive extraction with inherent biological activity. These findings underscore the potential applications of these extracted phycobiliproteins in various fields, including biotechnology and health.

Sequential Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Ultrasound Pretreatment of Pork Liver for the Generation of Bioactive and Taste-Related Hydrolyzates.

In the study of protein-rich byproducts, enzymatic hydrolysis stands as a prominent technique, generating bioactive peptides. Combining exo- and endopeptidases could enhance both biological and sensory properties. Ultrasound pretreatment is one of the most promising techniques for the optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis. This research aimed to create tasteful and biologically active pork liver hydrolyzates by using sequential hydrolysis with two types of enzymes and two types of ultrasound pretreatments. Sequential hydrolyzates exhibited a higher degree of hydrolysis than single ones. Protana Prime hydrolyzates yielded the largest amount of taste-related amino acids, enhancing sweet, bittersweet, and umami amino acids according to the Taste Activity Value (TAV). These hydrolyzates also displayed significantly higher antioxidant activity. Among sequential hydrolyzates, Flavourzyme and Protana Prime hydrolyzates pretreated with ultrasound showed the highest ferrous ion chelating activity. Overall, employing both Alcalase and Protana Prime on porcine livers pretreated with ultrasound proved to be highly effective in obtaining potentially tasteful and biologically active hydrolyzates.

Nutraceutical Value of Eleven Aromatic Medicinal Plants and Azorean Camellia sinensis: Comparison of Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic and Flavonoid Contents

Drug discovery based on medicinal plants remains an important source of bioactive compounds, many of which have been the basis for new chemical structures for the pharmaceutical and food industries. According to the World Health Organization, about 80% of the worldwide population still depends on plant drugs, and several medicines have been obtained from medicinal plants. Unfortunately, the potential benefits of these plants have led to unscientific exploration of natural resources, a fact that is being globally observed. The aim of this study was to evaluate eleven aromatic medicinal plants and compare them to Azorean Camellia sinensis green tea in terms of antioxidant activity, total phenolics, and flavonoid content, and also to evaluate the possibility of their valorization as a nutraceutical material. The results revealed that Camellia sinensis presented higher values for free radical scavenging activity (FRSA, EC50 = 3.43 µg/mL), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP, EC50 = 5.12 µg/mL), and total phenolic content (TPC, 294.43 mg acid gallic equivalents per g of dry extract (DE)). However, the aromatic medicinal plants also presented significant results in terms of FRSA and FRAP, particularly Aloysia citrodora, Mentha pulegium, and Stevia rebaudiana. For ferric ion chelating (FIC), the highest value was found in Cymbopogon citratus (80.60%). Mentha pulegium and Aloysia citrodora had significant values for TPC (199.15 and 187.15 mg GAE/g DE, respectively), but were lower than the values of Camellia sinensis. For flavonoid content (TFC), the highest value was shown in Achyrocline satureioides (265.75 mg rutin equivalents per g DE). This study revealed the importance of some aromatic medicinal plants in terms of bioactivities, and that their combination with green tea is a perfect blend for added value with beneficial nutraceutical effects for human health.

Novel Properties of Old Propranolol-Assessment of Antiglycation Activity through In Vitro and In Silico Approaches.

Hypertension has earned the "silent killer" nickname since it may lead to a number of comorbidities, including diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Oxidative stress and protein glycation play vital roles in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Several studies have shown that they profoundly account for vascular dysfunction, endothelial damage, and disruption of blood pressure regulatory mechanisms. Of particular note are advanced glycation end products (AGEs). AGEs alter vascular tissues' functional and mechanical properties by binding to receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), stimulating inflammation and free radical-mediated pathways. Propranolol, a nonselective beta-adrenergic receptor antagonist, is one of the most commonly used drugs to treat hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Our study is the first to analyze propranolol's effects on protein glycoxidation through in vitro and in silico approaches. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was utilized to evaluate glycoxidation inhibition by propranolol. Propranolol (1 mM) and BSA (0.09 mM) were incubated with different glycating (0.5 M glucose, fructose, and galactose for 6 days and 2.5 mM glyoxal and methylglyoxal for 12 h) or oxidizing agents (chloramine T for 1 h). Biomarkers of protein glycation (Amadori products (APs), β-amyloid (βA), and advanced glycation end products (AGEs)), protein glycoxidation (dityrosine (DT), kynurenine (KYN), and N-formylkynurenine (NFK)), protein oxidation (protein carbonyls (PCs), and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs)) were measured by means of colorimetric and fluorimetric methods. The scavenging of reactive oxygen species (hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical, and nitric oxide) and the antioxidant capacity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical and ferrous ion chelating (FIC) assays)) of propranolol were also evaluated. Additionally, in silico docking was performed to showcase propranolol's interaction with BSA, glycosides, and AGE/RAGE pathway proteins. The products of protein glycation (↓APs, ↓βA, ↓AGEs), glycoxidation (↓DT, ↓KYN, ↓NFK), and oxidation (↓PCs, ↓AOPPs) prominently decreased in the BSA samples with both glycating/oxidizing factors and propranolol. The antiglycoxidant properties of propranolol were similar to those of aminoguanidine, a known protein oxidation inhibitor, and captopril, which is an established antioxidant. Propranolol showed a potent antioxidant activity in the FIC and H2O2 scavenging assays, comparable to aminoguanidine and captopril. In silico analysis indicated propranolol's antiglycative properties during its interaction with BSA, glycosidases, and AGE/RAGE pathway proteins. Our results confirm that propranolol may decrease protein oxidation and glycoxidation in vitro. Additional studies on human and animal models are vital for in vivo verification of propranolol's antiglycation activity, as this discovery might hold the key to the prevention of diabetic complications among cardiology-burdened patients.