Crude Fraction Research Articles

Screening, Isolation and Hydrocarbon Degradation Characteristics of Yeasts from Mangrove Sediments of Kerala

The aim of the present work was to examine the hydrocarbon degradation potential of yeasts isolated from the mangrove sediments. Mangrove sediments around the world were considered to be heavily polluted with oil contaminants and the microbes dwelling in them were believed to be highly active in metabolizing and detoxifying the oil fractions. In the present study, 70 yeast isolates were screened for their lipolytic activity qualitatively and 35 of them which showed comparatively higher lipolysis were tested for their crude oil degradation ability. Screening of hydro-carbon utilizing isolates was performed on Bushnell Haas agar media overlaid with 1% crude oil and the appearance of colonies were considered a positive. Three isolates were selected based on this and were sequenced using ITS gene of the 18S region of the rDNA and identified to be Candida tropicalis. The extent of crude oil degradation was assessed by growing the isolates in basal medium supplemented with heavy crude oil as the carbon source for 21 days. The residual crude oil fractions were then analyzed using GC-MS to quantitatively measure the degradation potential of each isolate. Our results showed that the yeast strains under study could actively metabolize the crude oil including the higher chain fractions which make them efficient hydrocarbon degraders that can be used in the bioremediation processes.

Acidic polysaccharides from Cistanche deserticola and their effects on the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages

Three purified polysaccharides, CDAP-1, CDAP-2, and CDAP-3, were prepared from the rhizome of Cistanche deserticola and characterized. Structural analysis revealed that CDAP-1 and CDAP-2 are highly branched RG-I-type polysaccharides with side chains, including arabinans, galactans, and/or AGs, whereas CDAP-3 is a typical HG-type polysaccharide. In vivo tests revealed that treatment with the crude polysaccharide fraction (CDCP) significantly prolonged the survival of H22 tumor-bearing mice and exhibited antitumor effects. In vitro experiments demonstrated that all three polysaccharides could polarize M2-like TAMs toward the M1 phenotype. As a major component of CDCP, CDAP-2 could act on M2 macrophages through the TLR4 receptor-mediated NF-κB signaling pathway. An in vitro cell model verified that CDAP-2 could inhibit cell proliferation by reversing the polarization of M2-like TAMs to the cytotoxic M1 phenotype. Overall, we found that CDCP showed a clear antitumor effect and that its major component, CDAP-2, could reverse the suppressive TAM phenotype in the microenvironment, providing a scientific basis for the clinical application and development of C. deserticola.

Antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activity of compounds from some Nigerian plants

Ten compounds, six extracts and five fractions obtained from three Nigerian plants were assayed for their in vitro antitrypanosomal and antileishmanial activities. Each plant was extacted with hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Isolated compounds were characterized and identified based on their NMR chemical shifts and comparison to literature reports. The crude extracts, fractions and isolated compounds were tested against the kinetoplastid parasites: bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma brucei Lister 427WT and the derived multi-drug resistant clone B48, and promastigote forms of Leishmania mexicana cas9/T7 and the derived clone cas9ΔNT1. Column chromatography of the extracts using silica gel yielded ten compounds identified as curzerenone, epi-curzerenone, chloranthene F, isofuranodienone, 8(17)-12E-labdadiene-15, 16-dial and 15-hydroxy-8(17),12E-labdadiene-16-al from Siphonochilus aetiopicus, lupeol, linalolic acid and spinasterone from Calliandra portoricensis, and abruquinone B from Abrus precatorius. The assay results showed that the Siphonochilus aetiopicus and Calliandra portoricensis crude extracts, fractions and compounds displayed moderate activity against the Trypanosoma brucei brucei but showed less activity against Leishmania mexicana. Abrus precatorius crude extract, fraction, and isolated compound exhibited only weak trypanocidal and leishmanicidal activities against both kinetoplastid parasites tested. These findings have provided evidence for the use of Siphonochilus aetiopicus and Calliandra portoricensis in traditional medicine relating to parasitic diseases.

Preparation and characterization of micellar nanoparticles using crude saponins from five Congolese plant species

Nanoparticles (NPs) have significantly advanced medical applications, including drug delivery, immunotherapy, vaccines, and diagnostics. This versatility is partly due to the potential of tailoring NPs from multiple sources. Notably, saponins, amphiphilic plant metabolites, have shown great promise in NP formulation. This study explored the development of micellar NPs using saponin crude fractions (SCFs) extracted from five Congolese plant species: Millettia laurentii, Penthaclethra eetveldeana, Schwenckia americana, Musa paradisiaca, and Musa sapientum. Plant materials were subjected to histological examination through optical microscopy, while phytochemical analyses by thin-layer chromatography confirmed the presence and predominance of saponins in the SCFs. We used a phthalocyanine-isoniazid hybrid (Pc-INH) as a hydrophobic probe to determine the critical micellar concentrations of SCFs and explore the feasibility of developing cost-effective saponin-based micelles (SBMs). Phytochemical screenings indicated saponins in the extracted SCF and other metabolites like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and anthocyanins. Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed the formation of nano-sized particles, particularly noting SBMs from P. eetveldeana with notable dimensions (157 nm, PDI of 0.27, and ZP of -4.01 mV) and spherical shape. The micelles from M. laurentii exhibited superior encapsulation efficiency for Pc-INH (55%) compared to control micelles formulated from pure saponin (33%). In vitro tests showed that M. paradisiaca SBMs have the best safety profile for red blood cells, with a 10% hemolysis rate compared to a 150% rate for bulk SCFs. However, there is a significant difference between SCFs and SBMs (p < 0.0001). The release profiles of M. paradisiaca SBMs show a pH-dependent relationship, suggesting potential for stimuli-responsive drug delivery. This work lays the foundation for leveraging plant-derived crude saponins in nanotechnology, emphazising their encapsulation efficiency, controlled release potential, and biocompatibility, paving the way for the cost-effective production of high-value biomedical NPs.

On the fractionation of lignin oligomers by stepwise gradient reversed-phase liquid chromatography

With the increased interest in lignin valorization, the analytical challenge to separate a complex mixture of a vast number of phenolics has made chromatography an indispensable step in lignin analysis. High-resolution separations, such as gas chromatography, reversed-phase liquid chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography have typically been targeting low-molecular-weight compounds, while larger lignin oligomers have received less attention. These compounds have proven to be difficult to separate due to the inherent complexity of the high-molecular-weight fraction of lignins, in fact, even high-resolving linear reversed-phase gradients elute them as one wide zone. To tackle this, in this study we show that a crude fractionation of lignin oligomers can be achieved by applying stepwise reversed-phase gradients. A commonly employed reversed-phase system with water:acetonitrile mobile phase is evaluated for this task. Special attention was devoted to uncovering the molecular level explanation of the retention phenomenon. Our results indicate that separation is mainly governed by reversed-phase retention phenomena without any major exclusion or viscosity-related effects, shown by great fits to linear retention models (R2avg=0.9599 for five different oligomers) and apparent differences in retentivity between different stationary phases. The influence of the gradient shape was demonstrated by the comparison of stepwise gradients with different number and frequency of steps, leading to the conclusion that gradients with a low number of steps yield fewer, but better resolved fractions, while finer multi-step gradients can be used to distinguish more fractions.

Exploration of New Drug Candidate Derived from Antioxidants of Korean Native Halophytes: Control of Acinetobacter baumannii with Antipathogenic Activity

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant challenge to the treatment of bacterial infections, necessitating the development of novel antibiotics or strategies to preserve the efficacy of existing ones. This study investigates the role of oxidative stress modulation in the pathogenicity of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains, aiming to identify potential avenues for new drug design. Specifically, the anti-biofilm effects of crude extracts and fractions from seven halophyte species native to Jeju Island, South Korea, were evaluated against Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 17978. Notably, the 85% aqueous methanol fraction of Peucedanum japonicum Thunb. (Pj) and the n-hexane fraction of Lysimachia mauritiana Lam. (Lm) demonstrated significant anti-biofilm activity. Further assessments revealed that these fractions also exhibited notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with the Pj fraction showing a lifespan extension effect in the Caenorhabditis elegans model. These findings suggest that Pj and Lm hold promise as potential candidates for the development of new therapeutic agents targeting MDR bacteria.

In vivo evaluation of anti-diarrheal activity of hydroalcoholic extract and solvent fractions of the leaf of Leucas deflexa Hook.f (Lamiaceae) in rodents

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has intensified the search for novel antidiarrheal drug. Plant-derived extracts offer promising alternatives due to their ability to modulate gut motility and enhance water absorption. The leaves of Leucas deflexa Hook.f., a plant native to Ethiopia, have been traditionally utilized in the treatment of diarrheal diseases. Nonetheless, its traditional application has yet to be scientifically confirmed. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate antidiarrheal activity of the crude extract and fractions of the leaf of Leucas deflexa Hook.f (Lamiaceae). Healthy Swiss albino mice were randomly divided into five groups per experimental model: castor oil-induced diarrhea, gastrointestinal motility, and anti-enteropooling assays. The control group received distilled water (10ml/kg), while the positive control was treated with loperamide (3mg/kg). The remaining groups were administered various dosages (LD100, LD200, and LD400 mg/kg) of a hydroalcoholic extract or its fractions from Leucas deflexa Hook.f. The crude extract and chloroform fraction substantially (P<0.001) delayed the onset of diarrhea, reduced fecal frequency, and decreased total fecal weight at all administered doses compared to the negative control. The butanol and aqueous fractions exhibited a substantial antidiarrheal effect at doses of 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg, respectively. All treatments, including the crude extract, chloroform, butanol, and aqueous fractions, substantially (P<0.001) reduced the volume and weight of intestinal contents at various doses. Additionally, the chloroform, aqueous fraction, and crude extract at doses of 100, 200, and 400mg/kg substantially inhibited gastrointestinal motility compared to the negative control. The results of this study corroborate the traditional use of Leucas deflexa leaves in the treatment of diarrhea. These findings give a scientific justification for further exploration of the underlying mechanisms and potential therapeutic applications of this plant extract.

Phytochemical and volatile components evaluation of antimicrobial root extracts of &lt;i&gt;Dichrostachys cinerea&lt;/i&gt; (sickle bush)(&lt;i&gt;Fabaceae&lt;/i&gt;) (L) Wight &amp; Arn

The crude ethanolic extract of the root of Dichrostachys cinerea (Fabaceae) was screened for phytochemicals and antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aureginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Candida albicans using agar-well diffusion method. The phytochemical screening of the root extract results showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, essential oils, phenols, terpenes, tannins, unsaturated sterols, and saponins. However, coumarins, and anthocyanins were absent. The crude extract was subjected to column chromatographic fractionation to give nine fractions of which two, DCR1 and DCR2, were subjected to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The crude extract and column chromatographic fractions DCR1 and DCR2 gave MIC of 1 mg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus, but were not active against the other test organisms. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the antibacterial fractions, DCR1 and DCR2, based on standard MS library data revealed the presence of caryophellene, phthalates, a phenol and fatty acids and their ester derivatives. These phytoconstituents could account for the biological properties of the extracts of the plant. The results of this work therefore support its use in ethno-medicinal preparations, particularly against infections.

Toxigenic effects of sponges and benthic diatoms on marine invertebrates and their possible biotechnological applications

Secondary metabolites play important physiological roles being bioactive as defences against other organisms, or attractive signals used for various purposes, including reproduction. Their production and the emission in the environment may be viewed as an adaptive feature subjected to evolutionary selection. They were demonstrated to be useful for applications in various biotechnological fields, such as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and cosmeceutical. Sponges and microalgae, including diatoms, are the most promising sources of bioactive compounds from the sea. We aimed at detecting the ecotoxicological effects of crude extracts and fractions obtained from three marine sponges, Geodia cydonium, Haliclona (Halichoclona) vansoesti and Agelas oroides and two benthic diatoms, Nanofrustulum shiloi and Cylindrotheca closterium on model marine organisms. We tested their effects on the Mediterranean purple sea urchin, Paracentrotus lividus, and on two diatoms, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Cylindrotheca closterium, chosen because they are considered standard indicators for assessment of ecological impacts. Our results showed that extracts and fractions from both sponges and diatoms may be harmful for model invertebrates. However, eggs appeared “protected” from sponge allelochemicals when still unfertilized. The majority of sponge fractions exhibited noticeable impacts during the post-fertilization treatments. In contrast, fractions from diatoms notably increased the rate of malformations compared to the control, both in pre- and post-fertilization treatments.

Brine shrimp lethality and antioxidant property of &lt;i&gt;Lagenaria breviflora&lt;/i&gt; (Benth.) Roberty fruit crude extract and fractions

Background: Oxidative injury plays a pivotal impact in the development of human diseases, and it is a major component of the pathophysiology of several inflammation-linked human medical disorders. Objective: The focus of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity and antioxidant potential of the fruit of Lagenaria breviflora (Benth.) Roberty (LB). Methods: The antioxidant capacity of L. breviflora's crude and solvent fractions was assessed using standard techniques by measuring the total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The data we0re analyzed using One-way ANOVA, and Dunnett's Multiple Comparison was used to establish the threshold. Results: The total flavonoid contents of fruit methanol extract, LB hexane, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fractions were 32.00 ± 0.94, 224.32 ±0.05, 224.06 ±0.14, and 2615.67 ± 13.20 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract, respectively. In contrast, the total phenolic contents were 5218.83 ± 3.18, 2615.67 ± 13.20, and 4553.00 ± 24.27 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of extract, respectively. The crude extract of LB, hexane fraction, chloroform, and ethyl acetate fraction displayed IC50 values of 242.57 ± 8.90, 262.91 ± 6.49, 96.17 ± 2.74, and 221.45 ± 0.83 μg/mL, respectively, for their ability to scavenge DPPH radicals. Ascorbic acid and rutin had IC50 values of 2.76 ± 0.01 and 20.6 ± 9.26 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusions: Fruit from L. breviflora (LB) exhibited strong antioxidant potential, which may have resulted from the fruit's phenolic and flavonoid content. This demonstrates the reason this herb is used in traditional medicine. Keywords: Oxidative stress, brine shrimp lethality assay, total phenolic contents, total flavonoid contents, DPPH, Lagenaria breviflora fruit.

In Vitro Antitumor, Antioxidant, and Hemolytic Activities of Chlorella sorokiniana Methanol Extracts and Collective Fractions

Chlorella species are fast-growing microalgae with significant industrial applications. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antitumor, antioxidant, and hemolytic activities of Chlorella sorokiniana UTEX 1230 crude methanol extracts and fractions. Ch. sorokiniana crude methanol extracts and collective fractions (CFs) were obtained from lyophilized biomass by maceration and column chromatography. Antitumor assays against murine lymphoma L5178Y-R and human breast cancer MCF-7 cells were performed by the colorimetric 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) reduction technique, using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as the control group. Antioxidant and hemolytic activities were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging assay (DPPH) and erythrocyte hemolysis, respectively. We showed that crude methanol extracts (IC50) increased L5178Y-R and MCF-7 cell growth inhibition, without affecting PBMC. In addition, all evaluated CFs showed significantly higher antioxidant activity than the positive control (ascorbic acid). CF3 and CF4 showed the highest cytotoxicity against L5178Y-R, whereas CF3, CF4, and CF5 caused the highest antitumor activity against MCF-7 cells. CF3, CF4, and CF5 induced significantly higher hemolytic activity compared with all other fractions. CF characterization revealed loliolide, cinnamic acid, methyl dihydrojasmonate, salsalvamide A, 1-monolinolenin, cryptophycin 29, costunolide, riboflavin lumicrome, and germicidin B, which have been related to antitumor and antioxidant activities. In conclusion, we demonstrated that Ch. sorokiniana extracts and fractions possess antitumor and antioxidant potential, without affecting human erythrocytes and PBMC.

NEK10 kinase ablation affects mitochondrial morphology, function and protein phosphorylation status

BackgroundNEK10, a serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase belonging to the NEK (NIMA-related kinases) family, has been associated with diverse cellular processes. However, no specific target pathways have been identified. Our previous work knocking down NEK10 in HeLa cells suggested a functional association with mitochondria, as we observed altered mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial oxygen consumption, mtDNA integrity, and reactive oxygen species levels.MethodsTo better understand this association, we studied human HAP1 cells fully knockout for NEK10 and confirmed that NEK10 has an important role in mitochondrial homeostasis.We performed the study of mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial mass, and mtDNA analysis. Additionally, we showed proteome and phosphoproteome data of crude mitochondrial fraction of Parental and NEK10 KO cells using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS).ResultsIn the absence of NEK10 several mitochondrial functions were disturbed. Moreover, proteome and phosphoproteome analyses of mitochondrial fractions showed that NEK10 alters the threonine phosphorylation status of several mitochondrial/endoplasmic reticulum components, including HSP60, NDUFB4, and TOM20. These changes impacted the steady-state levels of a larger group of proteins, preferentially involving respiratory complexes and autophagy pathways.ConclusionWe concluded that NEK10 plays a key role in mitochondrial function, possibly by modulating the phosphorylation status of mitochondrial proteins.

Anti-Melanogenic Effects of a Polysaccharide Isolated from Undaria pinnatifida Sporophyll Extracts.

Undaria pinnatifida is a temperate brown alga known to exert free radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated the skin-whitening effects of U. pinnatifida sporophyll extracts (UPEs) in α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH)-stimulated B16F10 melanoma cells. The crude polysaccharide fraction (UPF) was obtained via ethanol precipitation. Four polysaccharide fractions (UPF1-4) were isolated and purified using ion-exchange column chromatography, and their anti-melanogenic activity was evaluated. UPF3 exhibited the highest anti-melanogenic activity, showing the highest sulfate (39.79%), fucose (143 μg/mg), and galactose (208 μg/mg) contents. UPF3 significantly inhibited intracellular tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells. We also evaluated the melanogenic signaling pathway to determine the mechanism of action of UPF3 in melanongenesis. UPF3 reduced the expression of tyrosinase-related protein-1 (TRP-1), tyrosinase-related protein-2 (TRP-2), and tyrosinase, which play important roles in melanin production. Therefore, UPF3 has high potential for use in skin-whitening functional pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

Polysaccharide fractions extracted from Lactarius quieticolor mushroom exhibit immune stimulatory activities on macrophages

Several beneficial properties have already been observed for mushrooms extracts containing polysaccharides, one of the main components present in these fungi. In order to obtain these extracts and clarify their composition, different extraction and characterization methods can be applied, contributing to understanding its biological effects. In this research, we evaluated three different crude fractions obtained through cold water, hot water, and alkaline solution, from the mushroom Lactarius quieticolor. Each sample was totally characterized by NMR (1H, 13C, HSQC-DEPT), GC–MS (monosaccharide composition and methylation analysis) and HPSEC (homogeneity and relative Mw). The results showed a mixture of different polysaccharides, including D-galactans and D-glucans in each fraction. All the extracts presented immunostimulant activity in murine RAW 264.7 macrophages, stimulating NO secretion and inducing morphological alterations that were typical of activated cells. These effects were more intense for alkaline fraction (EA), which have higher amounts of mannose and 3,6-di-O-substituted-Glcp units. The results obtained show that crude fractions can potentially stimulate immune cells, which indicates that the consumption of this edible mushroom can bring great benefits to health, being considered an excellent food due to its good biological properties.

Evaluation of Anti-Ulcerogenic Effects of the Crude Extract and Fractions of Dialium guineense Tree Bark in Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer in Albino Rats

Evaluation of Anti-Ulcerogenic Effects of the Crude Extract and Fractions of Dialium guineense Tree Bark in Ethanol-Induced Peptic Ulcer in Albino Rats

Fractionation, characterization, and assessment of nutritional and immunostimulatory protein-rich polysaccharide-protein complexes isolated from Lentinula edodes mushroom

This study aimed to fractionate and characterize the protein-rich polysaccharide-protein (PSP) complexes from a well-known edible mushroom, Lentinula edodes, and assess their nutritional and immunostimulatory properties. Crude PSP isolated from the mushroom water extract was purified by anion exchange chromatography, yielding fractions PSP-F1 and PSP-F2 containing 66.1 % and 74.0 % protein, respectively. Both fractions exhibited primarily β-sheet and random-coil protein structures, though the crude PSP fraction exhibited an additional α-helix structure. On SDS-PAGE, PSP-F1 showed two molecular weight bands, one below 10 kDa and another at 34 kDa, and PSP-F2 showed several bands, one below 10 kDa and others between 34 and 95 kDa. The nutritional value of essential and non-essential amino acid profiles was in the order of PSP-F2 > PSP-F1 > crude PSP; the amino acid ratio coefficient values of the crude PSP, PSP-F1, and PSP-F2 were 63 %, 67 %, and 72 %, respectively. The combination of PS and PSP fractions exhibited stronger immunoactivity than PSP-F1 or PSP-F2 alone. PSP-F2 showed a higher immunostimulatory activity than PSP-F1 in RAW264.7 cell culture. PSP-F2 was also more abundant of easily absorbed high-quality proteins. The results provide useful references for dietary and medicinal uses of PSP fractions in L. edodes and other edible mushrooms.

Bioassay guided isolation and compounds identification of the anti-diabetic fractions of (rosemary) Rosmarinus officinalis leaves extract

BackgroundDiabetes mellitus is a metabolic disease characterized by prolonged elevated blood glucose levels. It is a common health problem with a high mortality and morbidity to the human race. A number of medicinal plants such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) have been used for the treatment of diabetes. Most of the anti-diabetic conventional drugs have been found to have some side effects and there is therefore need to explore new sources of anti-diabetic drugs. The aim of the current study was to investigate the possibility of getting anti-diabetic compounds from R. officinalis that can be used as leads for drug discovery.MethodologyR. officinalis leaves were macerated in 50% methanol in dichloromethane and the crude extract fractionated by column chromatography. The obtained fractions were subjected to an in-vitro alpha-amylase inhibition assay. The anti-hyperglycemic potential of the fractions was evaluated in diabetic induced Wistar rats. The most potent fractions were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrophotometry (GC-MS) for identification of the compounds.ResultsA total of 21 chromatographic fractions were assembled with different alpha- amylase inhibition activity. Eleven of the fractions had more than 30% alpha-amylase inhibition activity. The ethyl acetate fraction had the highest inhibition potential (LC50 of 2.8 μg/mL). The anti-diabetic assay in rats showed that fractions (F1) and (F4) had highest blood glucose reduction of 44.5 ± 0.4 and 52.8 ± 1.3%, respectively (p < 0.05). GC-MS analysis of fractions F1 and F4 showed the presence of 21 and 23 compounds in F1 and 23, respectively.ConclusionThis study has demonstrated that R. officinalis crude extract fractions obtained from 50% methanol in dichloromethane possesses alpha-amylase inhibitory and anti-hyperglycemic activities as well as secondary metabolites with varying chemical structures. The hexane and hexane/ethyl acetate (8/2) fractions showed most potent alpha-amylase inhibition with high anti-hyperglycemic activity giving hope of a possibility of obtaining lead compounds for new anti-diabetic drugs.

Biocontrol of fungal pathogens and growth promotion in the Korean fir (Abies koreana E.H.Wilson) seedling using Bacillus velezensis CE 100

The restoration of the endangered Korean fir (Abies koreana E.H.Wilson) forests requires mass production of high-quality and well-developed seedlings for outplanting. However, phytopathogenic fungal infections lower the survival rate and growth vigor of A. koreana seedlings, frustrating the re-afforestation efforts. This study isolated and identified the phytopathogenic fungi causing seedling blight and wilt diseases in A. koreana seedlings and investigated the potential of Bacillus velezensis CE 100 in controlling the fungal pathogens and promoting seedling growth. Phomopsis mali and Fusarium oxysporum were confirmed as the causal agents of blight and wilt diseases, respectively, and both fungi reduced the survival rate of A. koreana seedlings. B. velezensis CE 100 produced cell wall-degrading enzymes: chitinase, protease, and β-1,3-glucanase, and the bacterial crude enzyme fraction inhibited the spore germination and mycelial growth of P. mali and F. oxysporum in a concentration-dependent manner, causing severe morphological deformations. Consequently, treatment with B. velezensis CE 100 improved the survival rate of seedlings infected with either P. mali or F. oxysporum compared to the control and PB media treatment. The bacterium also increased nutrient availability through ammonia–nitrogen production and phosphate solubilization and produced indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and its inoculation remarkably improved seedling growth (root and shoot dry weight) compared to the control and PB media treatment group. This is the first study to report P. mali and F. oxysporum as the pathogens causing seedling blight and wilt diseases in A. koreana nursery seedling, and the possibility of using B. velezensis CE 100 to control the fungal pathogens and improve the seedling growth without chemical use.

A highly efficient and environmentally friendly approach to utilizing Quercus suber pericarp subfractions to remove metallic cations from aqueous solutions

Increasing water contamination from metal cations is a significant environmental challenge for humans. This has sparked extensive research into the development of adsorbents with superior removal efficiencies. This study assessed the adsorption capacity of crude and lignocellulosic fractions obtained from the pericarp of Quercus suber acorns, specifically focusing on the removal of Pb(II), Cd(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The lignocellulosic fraction was separated from the crude fraction after extraction of cell wall polysaccharides using water and alkaline solutions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the crude and lignocellulosic fractions. Data from equilibrium adsorption experiments were analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The study found that the lignocellulosic fraction removed Pb(II) ions more efficiently than the crude fraction, with qmax values of 500.0 mg.g−1. Crude fractions exhibited a considerable retention potential for Cd(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions with qmax values of 95.2 mg.g−1, 333.3 mg.g−1 and 200 mg.g−1 respectively. Crude and lignocellulosic fractions extracted from the acorn Q. suber pericarps could be environmentally friendly biosorbents for the removal of metal cations from aqueous solutions.

Hydroxyl-Amide Alkaloids from Pepper Roots: Potential Sources of Natural Antioxidants and Tyrosinase Inhibitors.

Pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a widely used spice plant known for its fruits and roots, which serve as flavor enhancers in culinary applications and hold significant economic value. Despite the popularity of pepper fruits, their roots remain relatively understudied, with limited research conducted on their bioactive components. This study focused on discovering and separating the primary bioactive amide alkaloids found in pepper roots. The process involved using the antioxidant activity of crude fractions and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking analysis platform. The process led to the discovery of 23 previously unknown hydroxyl-amide alkaloids. Notably, compounds 11, 12, and 14 showed excellent antioxidant activity, while compound 11 exhibited significant inhibitory effects on mushroom tyrosinase. Theoretical exploration of enzyme-ligand interactions was conducted through molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation. The findings of this study highlight the potential of hydroxyl-amide alkaloids as antioxidant products and natural food preservatives in the pharmaceutical and food cosmetic industries.