DPPH Scavenging Capacity Research Articles

The Cyperus esculentus starch‐based bioactive films: characterisation, UV‐shielding and antioxidant capacity

SummaryThis study aimed to develop a novel antioxidant film for food packaging based on Cyperus esculentus starch and thymol. The mechanical, physicochemical and antioxidant properties of composite films were investigated. The C. esculentus starch showed good film‐forming properties. Incorporating of thymol improved the elongation at break and ultraviolet barrier property of the films, meanwhile decreased the moisture content of the films. Scanning electron microscopy showed good compatibility between starch matrix and thymol. The formation of hydrogen bonds between starch and thymol was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The composite films (3% thymol) exhibited higher antioxidant with DPPH scavenging capacity values of 73.22 ± 2.05% compared with control films. This study provided a potential unconventional starch for the preparation of bioactive films.

Exploring the Potential of Wild Andean Blueberries for Powdered Juice Production through Spray Drying.

The Andean blueberry (Vaccinium meridionale Sw) is an underutilized wild fruit native to South America. It is known for its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits. In this study, Andean blueberry juice powders were produced via spray drying, using maltodextrin (MD), gum Arabic (GA) or a combination of both (MD:GA) as wall materials. The spray-dried juices were analyzed for the recovery percentage of total polyphenols and monomeric anthocyanins, as well as for their physicochemical and technological properties. Results showed that the type of carrier agent used caused statistically significant differences in the bioactive content and the antioxidant activity of the powders (p < 0.05). It was found that the MD samples has the highest monomeric anthocyanins content (0.88 ± 0.02 mg cyanidin 3-glucoside equivalents/g) and the highest anthocyanins recovery (96.3 ± 1.7%), while the MD:GA powders showed the highest values of total polyphenol content (5.70 ± 0.09 mg gallic acid equivalents/g), DPPH scavenging capacity (2.49 ± 0.02 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and phenolics recovery (87.2 ± 1.1%). Furthermore, all the spray-dried powders exhibited low moisture content (<5.5%) and water activity (<0.40), as well as high solubility in water (>94%) and good flowability. Future prospects include evaluating the stability of the Andean blueberry juice powders during storage and exploring the formulation of new foods and beverages that incorporate these spray-dried powders.

Exploring the Multi-Faceted Potential of Carob (Ceratonia siliqua var. Rahma) Leaves from Morocco: A Comprehensive Analysis of Polyphenols Profile, Antimicrobial Activity, Cytotoxicity against Breast Cancer Cell Lines, and Genotoxicity.

The botanical species Ceratonia siliqua L., commonly referred to as the Carob tree, and locally as "L'Kharrûb", holds significance as an agro-sylvo-pastoral species, and is traditionally utilized in Morocco for treating a variety of ailments. This current investigation aims to ascertain the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of the ethanolic extract of C. siliqua leaves (CSEE). Initially, we analyzed the chemical composition of CSEE through high-performance liquid chromatography with Diode-Array Detection (HPLC-DAD). Subsequently, we conducted various assessments, including DPPH scavenging capacity, β-carotene bleaching assay, ABTS scavenging, and total antioxidant capacity assays to evaluate the antioxidant activity of the extract. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial properties of CSEE against five bacterial strains (two gram-positive, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis; and three gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, Escherichia vekanda, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and two fungi (Candida albicans, and Geotrichum candidum). Additionally, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of CSEE on three human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-436) and assessed the potential genotoxicity of the extract using the comet assay. Through HPLC-DAD analysis, we determined that phenolic acids and flavonoids were the primary constituents of the CSEE extract. The results of the DPPH test indicated a potent scavenging capacity of the extract with an IC50 of 302.78 ± 7.55 µg/mL, which was comparable to that of ascorbic acid with an IC50 of 260.24 ± 6.45 µg/mL. Similarly, the β-carotene test demonstrated an IC50 of 352.06 ± 12.16 µg/mL, signifying the extract's potential to inhibit oxidative damage. The ABTS assay revealed IC50 values of 48.13 ± 3.66 TE µmol/mL, indicating a strong ability of CSEE to scavenge ABTS radicals, and the TAC assay demonstrated an IC50 value of 165 ± 7.66 µg AAE/mg. The results suggest that the CSEE extract had potent antioxidant activity. Regarding its antimicrobial activity, the CSEE extract was effective against all five tested bacterial strains, indicating its broad-spectrum antibacterial properties. However, it only showed moderate activity against the two tested fungal strains, suggesting it may not be as effective against fungi. The CSEE exhibited a noteworthy dose-dependent inhibitory activity against all the tested tumor cell lines in vitro. The extract did not induce DNA damage at the concentrations of 6.25, 12.5, 25, and 50 µg/mL, as assessed by the comet assay. However, the 100 µg/mL concentration of CSEE resulted in a significant genotoxic effect compared to the negative control. A computational analysis was conducted to determine the physicochemical and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the constituent molecules present in the extract. The Prediction of Activity Spectra of Substances (PASS) test was employed to forecast the potential biological activities of these molecules. Additionally, the toxicity of the molecules was evaluated using the Protox II webserver.

Effects of oak chips on quality and flavor of persimmon brandy: A comprehensive analysis of volatile and non-volatile compounds

A study was conducted to investigate the effects of oak chips on the quality of persimmon brandy. The brandy was prepared from Mopan persimmons through fermentation and distillation, and aged for 30–210 days with 0, 5, 10, and 15 g/L of oak chips. The brandy was analyzed for total phenols, oxidation resistance, color, volatile compounds, and non-volatile compounds. Results showed that the addition of oak chips increased the total phenolic content and DPPH scavenging capacity of the brandy. The brandy achieved a better golden yellow color when aged with 10 and 15 g/L of oak chips. HS-SPME-GC-MS analysis revealed 14, 22, 26, and 21 compounds in the four brandy samples with different amounts of oak chips. The brandy aged with 10 g/L of oak chips had the highest total content of volatile compounds. LC-MS-based metabolomics identified a total of 618 non-volatile metabolites, with 20 having the highest relative expression when aged with 10 g/L of oak chips. These findings suggest that persimmon brandy achieves better quality and flavor when aged with 10 g/L of oak chips for 210 days.

Ultrasound‒treated soy protein fibrils: A potential vehicle for curcumin with improved water solubility, antioxidant activity and sustained‒release property

Plant protein fibrils have recently attracted considerable attention as delivery vehicles for hydrophobic bioactive compounds. In this work, ultrasound treatment was applied to improve the structure of protein fibrils. The aim of this work was to investigate the impacts of ultrasound treatment on the structure of soy protein fibrils (SPF), and further explore the interaction between ultrasound‒treated SPF (USPF) and curcumin (Cur) to clarify the impacts of ultrasound on SPF as delivery vehicles. Thioflavin T fluorescence, SDS‒PAGE, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and far‒UV circular dichroism spectroscopy revealed no significant changes in the primary and secondary structure of SPF after ultrasound treatment. Compared with SPF, USPF presented a more uniform particle size and higher surface hydrophobicity. Fluorescence quenching, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, isothermal titration calorimetry, and FTIR spectroscopy indicated USPF10 (ultrasonication for 10 min) possessed a high affinity toward curcumin via hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds. The curcumin solubility in USPF10-Cur (133.19 μg/mL) complex was much higher than SPI-Cur (78.26 μg/mL) and SPF-Cur (116.22 μg/mL) complexes. The USPF10‒Cur complex exhibited good colloidal stability and thermal stability. The DPPH and ABTS scavenging capacities of the USPF10‒Cur complex were approximately 1.4 and 2.7 folds higher than those of free curcumin, respectively. An In vitro digestion assay suggested that the USPF10‒Cur complex showed a much more stable and sustainable release of curcumin and provided chances for curcumin release in the intestine. This study indicated that USPF might be promising delivery vehicles for hydrophobic bioactives as stable and functional ingredients in acidic food systems.

The pivotal role of Bifida Ferment Lysate on reinforcing the skin barrier function and maintaining homeostasis of skin defenses in vitro.

The semiactive or inactive probiotics or their extracts used in dermatology have interesting properties to ameliorate signs of irritated skin and enhance the skin barrier. Bifidobacterium, as the most common probiotics, which has been found to be effective in reducing acne and improving the skin barrier function of atopic dermatitis. Bifida Ferment Lysate (BFL) can be obtained from Bifidobacterium by fermentation and extraction. In this study, we investigated the effect of a topically used BFL on the skin using in vitro evaluation methods. The results showed that upregulation of skin physical barrier gene (FLG, LOR, IVL, TGM1, and AQP3) and antimicrobial peptide gene (CAMP and hBD-2) in HaCaT cells by BFL might be responsible for skin barrier resistance. In addition, BFL had strong antioxidant properties representing a dose-dependent increasing of the scavenging capacity of DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and superoxide radicals. BFL treatment also fundamentally inhibited the intracellular ROS and MDA production and improved the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT and GSH-Px) in H2 O2 -stimulated HaCaT cells. As a good immunomodulatory factor, BFL efficiently decreased the secretion of IL-8 and TNF-α cytokines, and COX-2 mRNA expression in LPS-induced THP-1 macrophages. BFL can strengthen the skin barrier function and stimulate skin barrier resistance, to reinforce the skin against oxidative stress and inflammatory stimuli.

Kinetics Approach on the Evolution of the Nutritive Properties, Antinutritonal Factors and Free Radical Scavenging Capacity of DPPH during Germination of Two Local Legume Varieties (Phaseolus vulgaris and Vigna unguiculata)

Aims: To improve the processes of pre-treatment of legumes for their nutritional valorization.&#x0D; Study Design: Original research.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: This study took place at the Laboratory of Biotechnology, Agriculture and Valorization of Biological Resources, Félix Houphouët-Boigny University between February and July 2022.&#x0D; Methodology: Red beans and cowpeas purchased on the local market of Adjamé were subjected, after unitary operation of sorting and washing, to a two-factor design of experiment: seed/water ratio and the soaking time, in order to identify the ideal ratio and soaking time to well reduce phytates. Seeds resulting from this pre-treatment were germinated for 72 h and some key nutrient and functional parameters were evaluated.&#x0D; Results: The ratio 8/9 and soaking time of 18 hours allowed a maximum reduction of 62 and 66.6% of phytate and 72.83 and 67.48% of tanins in cowpea and red beans, respectively. Protein content of these 72 hours germinated pre-treated seeds decreased very slightly and finally remained at high level of 22.02 and 23.13 g/100 g for cowpea and red bean, while reducing sugar levels increased significantly throughout germination to a maximum of 8.19 and 8.13 mg/100 g. Regarding functional and antioxidant properties, a maximum increase in total polyphenols (49.08 and 68.314 mg/100 g) and total flavonoids (13.75 and 39.67 mg/100 g) was observed after 48 h of germination for cowpea and red beans, respectively. Furthermore, this improvement in phenolic content led to a significant improvement in the free radical scavenging capacity of DPPH of 24.50 and 46.38 %. It should also be noted that the germinated red bean showed better nutritional value than the germinated cowpea. Conclusion: This approach of pre-processing germinated legumes at seed-to-water ratio of 8/9 soaked for 18 hours, providing functional foods with guaranteed nutritional value, appears to be a way to improve local diets.

Distinct Effects of Seed Coat and Flower Colors on Metabolite Contents and Antioxidant Activities in Safflower Seeds.

Safflower is an important oilseed crop cultivated primarily for its seeds, which have pharmaceutical properties. Color is an important agronomical trait that appears to be a prior parameter for evaluating the internal quality of plant seeds. This study employs 197 safflower accessions seeds to analyze how their seed coat and flower colors affect their total oil content, fatty acid composition, total phenolic content (TPC), N-(p-coumaroyl)serotonin (CS) and N-feruloylserotonin (FS) contents, and [2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS)] radical scavenging activities. Significant variations were observed in the targeted metabolite contents and antioxidant properties among genotypes. Notably, the linoleic acid content, total unsaturated fatty acid content, the ratio of total unsaturated fatty acid to total saturated fatty acid, CS, FS, ABTS, and DPPH scavenging capacities varied significantly based on seed coat color, with white-seeded genotypes having the highest average values of these parameters. Moreover, the linoleic acid content differed significantly (p < 0.05) among the genotypes with varying flower colors, with white-flowered accessions having the highest average content. Furthermore, genotypes K185105 (No. 75) and K175278 (No. 146) were identified as promising genetic resources with health benefits. Overall, these findings reveal that seed coat and flower colors distinctly affect metabolite contents and antioxidant properties in safflower seeds.

Optimization of Phenolic Compounds Extraction and Antioxidant Activity from Inonotus hispidus Using Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction Technology.

The use of ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) of bioactive compounds has been increasing because it is a good alternative to the conventional extraction methods. UAE was used to maximize total polyphenol content (TPC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging capacity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) of the mushroom Inonotus hispidus using response surface methodology (RSM). Firstly, the effect of 40% (v/v) ethanol and 80% (v/v) methanol on the TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP was evaluated. The ethanolic extracts showed a significantly higher (p < 0.0001) TPC, DPPH scavenging capacity, and FRAP than the methanolic extracts. The best condition to produce an extract with the higher TPC and antioxidant activity was achieved when using 40% (v/v) ethanol, a ratio of 75 mL/g, and an extraction time of 20 min. The chromatographic profile of the extract obtained in the optimized condition revealed that hispidin is the main polyphenol present in the extracts of I. hispidus, representing, together with hispidin-like compounds, the majority of the phenolic compounds (159.56 µg/g DW out of 219.01 µg/g DW). The model allowed us to optimize the conditions to maximize the extraction of phenolic compounds with antioxidant activity from I. hispidus, demonstrating its potential as a source of antioxidant compounds, with possible industrial, pharmaceutical, and food applications.

Ultrasound-assisted free radical modification on the structural and functional properties of ovalbumin-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) conjugates

The influence of ultrasound-assisted free radical modification on the structure and functional properties of ovalbumin-epigallocatechin gallate (OVA-EGCG) conjugates was investigated by experimental measurements and computer simulations. Compared with the traditional free radical condition, the ultrasonic-assisted processing significantly increased the conjugating efficiency of OVA and EGCG and shortened the conjugating from 24 h to 1 h without affecting the equivalent amount of EGCG conjugating. The sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and multi-spectroscopy analysis (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV spectroscopy) indicated that the covalent conjugates could be formed between OVA and EGCG. And modification in the conformation of OVA was induced by EGCG. Furthermore, molecular docking results demonstrated the possession of high-affinity EGCG binding location on OVA, supporting and clarifying the experimental results. In addition, the functional properties of OVA including emulsification (emulsifying activity and emulsion stability) and antioxidant properties (DPPH scavenging capacity and ABTS scavenging capacity) were significantly improved after conjugation with EGCG, especially in ultrasound-assisted conditions. Overall, OVA-EGCG conjugates produced by ultrasound-assisted free radical treatment could be applied as a potential emulsifier and antioxidant, thereby expanding the application of OVA as a dual-functional ingredient.

Melatonin Treatment of Strawberry Fruit during Storage Extends Its Post-Harvest Quality and Reduces Infection Caused by Botrytis cinerea

Gray mold is a main disease of strawberry fruit (Fragaria × xananassa cv. Camino Real) caused by Botrytis cinerea, which leads to marketable value losses in the supply chain. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exogenous melatonin (MT) on the physicochemical quality, antioxidant defense system, and disease resistance of strawberry fruit to B. cinerea infection. The results revealed that strawberry fruit immersed in 100 µM MT for 15 min effectively maintained its brightness and delayed the change in fruit color. MT also maintained the level of titratable acidity and slowed down the increase of total soluble solids in strawberry fruit. Moreover, strawberries immersed in MT maintained a fresh weight and fruit firmness, as well as reduced B. cinerea infection when compared to the untreated control fruit and fruit treated with 5% NaOCl. In addition, MT increased the accumulation of DPPH scavenging capacity and the activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, POD, and APX) with the exception of CAT. The same effect was also observed in strawberry fruit after immersion in MT and followed by B. cinerea inoculation. These findings demonstrated that exogenous MT could effectively maintain the postharvest quality of strawberries, even when the fruit was inoculated with B. cinerea.

Effects of probiotics on antioxidant activity, flavor compounds and sensory evaluation of Rosa roxburghii Tratt

Fermentation is an effective way to improve the comprehensive quality of Rosa roxburghii Tratt (RRT). In this study, the flavor compounds in RRT that fermented by different probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, and Lactobacillus plantarum) were analyzed by headspace - gas chromatography - ion mobility spectrometry (HS - GC - IMS). Overall, 87 flavor compounds were identified through HS - GC - IMS, which included aldehydes, alcohols, esters, ketones, and other compounds (including their monomers and dimers). The key flavor compounds and maximum potential difference markers were screened out and combined with sensory evaluation to analyze the effects of probiotics on the flavor of RRT. The results showed that probiotics could improve the flavor of RRT, and Lactobacillus acidophilus had the largest effect (about 13%) on RRT flavor. Moreover, after RRT fermentation by probiotics, the content of SOD in RRT increased by 19.18%–29.68%, and the scavenging capacity of DPPH, ABTS and OH free radical increased by more than 10%. In short, probiotics fermentation of RRT can effectively improve its flavor and prebiotic value, thereby providing a reference for RRT processing and flavor research.

Vitamin C and β-carotene co-loaded in marine and egg nanoliposomes

Marine phospholipids (MPL) are attracting increasing attention due to their health benefits and good stability. Vitamin C (Vc) and β-carotene (Bc) were concurrently encapsulated in MPL nanoliposomes by thin-film evaporation as a mean to overcome the limitations precluding their utilization in food. Therefore, the physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activities and storage stability of MPL nanoliposomes were assessed against those of traditional egg phospholipids (EPC). The mean size of nanoliposomes was 154.43–253.3 nm and zeta potential from – 55.58 to – 42.74 mV. The highest entrapment efficiency recorded for Vc was 63.33% and 87.8% for Bc. MPL nanoliposomes showed higher DPPH scavenging, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity as well as a superior stability at 4 °C for 42 days. Overall, MPL nanoliposomes encapsulating Vc and Bc displayed better results compared to EPC. As a result, MPL nanoliposomes could be used as promising carriers for simultaneous delivery of food bioactive compounds. • Vitamin C and β-carotene co-loaded marine and egg phospholipids nanoliposomes. • Marine phospholipids nanoliposomes display lower mean size and polydispersity index. • Marine phospholipids nanoliposomes have better antioxidant activity. • Leakage ratios of marine phospholipids nanoliposomes are lower. • Overall, marine nanoliposomes exhibit better stability at 4 °C for 42 days.

Antioxidant, Antibacterial Activities and Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics of Fruits and Stems Extracts from Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of Styphnolobium japonicum (L.) Schott extracts. Results showed that the total phenols and flavonoids contents of the extracts ranged from 24.57 to 316.11 mg GAE/g and from 1.80 to 12.41μg QE/mg, respectively. Ethyl acetate (EaES) and aqueous (AqES) extracts from seeds showed the highest DPPH scavenging capacity (IC50= 5.51 and 23.43 μg/mL). EaES from seeds, stem bark and fruit pod were the most active in inhibiting β-carotene oxidation. While, aqueous extracts have the ability to chelate ferrous ions. Significant antibacterial activity was obtained against Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus and Pseudomonas aeroginosa; and inhibition zones varied between 10 to 29.5 mm. MIC and MBC ranged from 0.7–11.25 mg/mL and 5.63–22.5 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, synergistic effects were obtained, where inhibition zones varied between 7 and 50 mm. These results support the use of this species in traditional medicine in many physiological disorders and could be used where antioxidant and antibacterial are warranted.

Antioxidant, and physical properties of chitosan/gelatin composite film incorporated with Caulerpa lentillifera extract for pork preservation

SummaryThe effects of Caulerpa lentillifera (CL) extract incorporation on antioxidant activity, antibacterial activity, water stability, and physical properties of the chitosan/gelatin (CS/GEL) films were studied. The CL extract containing CS/GEL composite film was prepared by the casting method. The effect of CL content (1%, 3%, 5%) on the antioxidant properties, thermal property, mechanical properties, barrier properties, water stability and water contact angle of CS/GEL films was evaluated. With the increase of CL extract content, bumps and micro‐pores appeared on the surface and cross‐section of the composite films. The water contact angle, water solubility, and water absorption swelling rate of the composite films were improved with the addition of CL; therefore, the composite films exhibited better water stability. The TS of films were enhanced (from 12.57 to 23.66 MPa). Compared with the normal CS/GEL films, the CS/GEL‐CL films exhibited better antioxidant with DPPH scavenging capacity values of 72.6% and could effectively slow down the lipid oxidation of refrigerated pork samples during storage, such as lower accumulation of free fatty acid content and fluorescence compound formation. This suggested that CS/GEL‐CL film might be suitable as active films for food packaging.

Dysosmaflavonoid A–F, new flavonols with potent DPPH radical scavenging activity from Dysosma versipellis

Six new flavonols, including four glucosylated flavonols (dysosmaflavonoid A–D), one phenylpropanoid-substituted flavonol (dysosmaflavonoid E), and one phenyl-substituted flavonol (dysosmaflavonoid F), together with five known analogues, were isolated from the roots and rhizomes of Dysosma versipellis. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive analysis of their NMR, IR, UV, HRESIMS, and HPLC data. The antioxidant activities of all isolated compounds were examined by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay. Compounds 2, 3, 5–8, and 12 exhibited significant DPPH scavenging capacity with IC50 values of 33.95, 39.02, 31.17, 32.79, 31.85, 30.48, and 23.75 μM, respectively, in comparison with Trolox (IC50, 15.80 μM). Compound 12 displayed more potent DPPH radical scavenging activity than prenylated and (or) glucosided derivatives (2–4, or 10). The preliminary structure-activity relationship showed that the catechol structure in flavonol is essential for DPPH radical scavenging effect.

An Equilibrium State Diagram for Storage Stability and Conservation of Active Ingredients in a Functional Food Based on Polysaccharides Blends.

A functional food as a matrix based on a blend of carbohydrate polymers (25% maltodextrin and 75% inulin) with quercetin and Bacillus claussi to supply antioxidant and probiotic properties was prepared by spray drying. The powders were characterized physiochemically, including by moisture adsorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (MDSC). The type III adsorption isotherm developed at 35 °C presented a monolayer content of 2.79 g of water for every 100 g of dry sample. The microstructure determined by XRD presented three regions identified as amorphous, semicrystalline, and crystalline-rubbery states. SEM micrographs showed variations in the morphology according to the microstructural regions as (i) spherical particles with smooth surfaces, (ii) a mixture of spherical particles and irregular particles with heterogeneous surfaces, and (iii) agglomerated irregular-shape particles. The blend's functional performance demonstrated antioxidant activities of approximately 50% of DPPH scavenging capacity and viability values of 6.5 Log10 CFU/g. These results demonstrated that the blend displayed functional food behavior over the complete interval of water activities. The equilibrium state diagram was significant for identifying the storage conditions that promote the preservation of functional food properties and those where the collapse of the microstructure occurs.

Exploring Physical Characterization and Different Bio-Applications of Elaeagnus angustifolia Orchestrated Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles.

Elaeagnus angustifolia (EA) mediated green chemistry route was used for the biofabrication of NiONPs without the provision of additional surfactants and capping agents. The formation of NiONPs was confirmed using advanced different characterization techniques such as Scanning electron microscopy, UV, Fourier transmission-infrared, RAMAN, and energy dispersal spectroscopic and dynamic light scattering techniques. Further, different biological activities of EA-NiONPs were studied. Antibacterial activities were performed using five different bacterial strains using disc-diffusion assays and have shown significant results as compared to standard Oxytetracycline discs. Further, NiONPs exhibited excellent antifungal performance against different pathogenic fungal strains. The biocompatibility test was performed using human RBCs, which further confirmed that NiONPs are more biocompatible at the concentration of 7.51-31.25 µg/mL. The antioxidant activities of NiONPs were investigated using DPPH free radical scavenging assay. The NiONPs were demonstrated to have much better antioxidant potentials in terms of % DPPH scavenging (93.5%) and total antioxidant capacity (81%). Anticancer activity was also performed using HUH7 and HEP-G2 cancer cell lines and has shown significant potential with IC50 values of 18.45 μg/mL and 14.84 μg/mL, respectively. Further, the NiONPs were evaluated against Lesihmania tropica parasites and have shown strong antileishmanial potentials. The EA-NiONPs also showed excellent enzyme inhibition activities; protein kinase (19.4 mm) and alpha-amylase (51%). In conclusion, NiONPs have shown significant results against different biological assays. In the future, we suggest various in vivo activities for EA-NiONPs using different animal models to further unveil the biological and biomedical potentials.

Isolation and Identification of Flavanone Derivative Eriodictyol from the Methanol Extract of Afzelia africana Bark and Its Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activities.

Afzelia africana is a plant species with well-documented ethnobotanical and medicinal properties. The plant is reported to have various secondary metabolites and had been applied for the treatment of various diseased conditions. The study objectives include fractionation, isolation, purification, and characterization of eriodictyol from the bark of A. africana, and the determination of its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Methodology. The series of methodologies that were employed include fractionations and purification (column chromatography), characterization (HPLC, LC-MS, IR, 1H, 13C, DEPT-135, HSQC, and HMBC), antimicrobial assays (microbroth dilution and checkerboard assay), and antioxidant activities assays (ABTS and DPPH scavenging capacity). The study reports the identification and characterization of eriodictyol from the bark of A. africana which exhibited potent antioxidant activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals with scavenging capacities (SC50) of 2.14 ± 0.05 and 2.51 ± 0.06 µg/mL, respectively. The compound exhibited its antimicrobial activity by reporting good bacteriostatic activities (MBC/MIC > 4) against Staphylococcus aureus (SA), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and fluconazole-resistant Candida albicans (CA2). Moreover, a broad spectrum of bactericidal effects (MBC/MIC ≤ 4) was reported against Streptococcus mutans (SM), Escherichia coli (EC), Bacillus subtilis (BS), Klebsiella pneumonia (KP), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Salmonella typhi (ST), and standard Candida albicans (CA1). The compound further exhibited synergistic effects against EC, KP, ST, and MRSA; ST; and CA2 when combined with ciprofloxacin, tetracycline, and nystatin, respectively. However, antagonistic effects were observed against PA and CA1 when combined with ciprofloxacin and ketoconazole, respectively. The study reports for the first time the identification of eriodictyol from the bark of A. africana which exhibited significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.

Optimization, fractional characterization, and antioxidant potential of exopolysaccharides from Levilactobacillus brevis NCCP 963 isolated from "kanji".

A novel exopolysaccharide (EPS) was obtained from Levilactobacillus brevis NCCP 963 isolated from a black carrot drink named "kanji". The culture conditions for maximum EPS yield were explored by the Plackett-Burman (PB) design and response surface methodology (RSM) along with the fractional characterization and antioxidant potential of EPSs. The PB design screened out five significant factors, namely, glucose, sucrose, tryptone, CaCl2, and di-potassium phosphate out of eleven independent factors. The RSM indicated glucose and CaCl2 as significant factors in EPS production and a maximum EPS production of 968.89 mg L-1 was obtained at optimized levels of 10.56% glucose, 9.23% sucrose, 0.75% tryptone, 0.446% CaCl2, and 0.385% K2HPO4. A R2 value above 93% indicates higher variability, depicting the validity of the model. The obtained EPS has a molecular weight of 5.48 × 104 Da and is a homopolysaccharide in nature with glucose monosaccharides. FT-IR analysis showed significant band stretching of C-H, O-H, C-O and C-C and indicated the β-glucan nature of EPSs. The comprehensive antioxidant investigation showed significant in vitro DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl, and superoxide scavenging capacity with EC50 values of 1.56, 0.31, 2.1, and 6.7 mg mL-1 respectively. Curd formation from the resulting strain prevented syneresis.