Fermented Extract Research Articles

Antibacterial Polyketides from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Fusarium sp.

Background: Endophytic fungi have been recognized as new sources of natural products with a variety of biological activities, providing lead compounds for drug discovery and development. Objective: The objective of this study is to isolate and identify the secondary metabolites from the plant endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. HJY2 and evaluate their antibacterial activities. Methods: The compounds were isolated and purified by the methods of silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel chromatography, and semi-preparative high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by comparing the NMR and MS spectroscopic data with those of pieces of literature. The antibacterial activities were evaluated by the broth microdilution method. Results: Seven polyketides were isolated from the fermented extracts of the fungus Fusarium sp. HJY2 and identified as sydowinol (1), dihydrolateropyrone (2), 13-oxo-9Z,11E-octadecadienoic acid (3), (E)-ferulic acid (4), 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (5), methyl 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)acetate (6) and 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyacetophenone (7). Compound 3 exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Mycobacterium smegmatis, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris with MIC values of 40, 40, 80 and 40 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion: Seven compounds were isolated from the plant endophytic fungus Fusarium sp. HJY2. Compound 1 was isolated from the Fusarium genus for the first time. Compound 3 showed moderate antibacterial activities.

DMSO suppresses duclauxin biosynthetic pathway in Talaromyces sp. (strain IQ-313) and untaps terpenoids, polyketides and meroterpenoids biosynthesis

Talaromyces sp. (strain IQ-313) produces duclauxin-type molecules under standard fermentation conditions in rice and oat cereal. Such molecules are of great interest due to their structural complexity and biological activity. Interestingly, application of an OSMAC (One Strain Many Compounds) approach, revealed that the biosynthetic machinery of this fungus can be directed towards the production of other types of molecules, while completely suppressing the biosynthesis of duclauxin (1). To exploit the metabolic potential of Talaromyces sp. (strain IQ-313), it was grown on solid media supplemented with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), an ectopic epigenetic modulator. Metabolomic analysis of the fermentation extract from the strain grown under standard and DMSO-supplemented conditions, using molecular networking, revealed notable differences in the profiles. Chemical investigation of the extract obtained under abiotic stress led to the isolation and characterization of 15 molecules not detected under standard conditions, including nine polyketides, one sesquiterpenoid, two sesterterpenoids, and three meroterpenoids. Among these, talaromophylane (2) an eremophilane sesquiterpenoid, and talaroisochromane (8), an oxoisochromen, have not been previously reported in the literature. The structures of all isolates were established using a combination of spectroscopic and spectrometric data. The absolute configuration of compound 1 was established based on the analysis of NOESY interactions and by comparison of the experimental and theoretical electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves.

Inhibition Control by Continuous Extractive Fermentation Enhances De Novo 2-Phenylethanol Production by Yeast.

Current microbial cell factory methods for producing chemicals from renewable resources primarily rely on (fed-)batch production systems, leading to the accumulation of the desired product. Industrially relevant chemicals like 2-phenylethanol (2PE), a flavor and fragrance compound, can exhibit toxicity at low concentrations, inhibit the host activity, and negatively impact titer, rate, and yield. Batch liquid-liquid (L-L) In Situ Product Removal (ISPR) was employed to mitigate inhibition effects, but was not found sufficient for industrial-scale application. Here, we demonstrated that continuous selective L-L ISPR provides the solution for maintaining the productivity of de novo produced 2PE at an industrial pilot scale. A unique bioreactor concept called "Fermentation Accelerated by Separation Technology" (FAST) utilizes hydrostatic pressure differences to separate aqueous- and extractant streams within one unit operation, where both production and product extraction take place - allowing for the control of the concentration of the inhibiting compound. Controlled aqueous 2PE levels (0.43 ± 0.02 g kg-1) and extended production times (>100 h) were obtained and co-inhibiting by-product formation was reduced, resulting in a twofold increase of the final product output of batch L-L ISPR approaches. This study establishes that continuous selective L-L ISPR, enabled by FAST, can be applied for more economically viable production of inhibiting products.

Influence of Different Dosages of Costus Afer Fermented Extract on Rice Growth

Influence of Different Dosages of Costus Afer Fermented Extract on Rice Growth

Upgrading Isoquercitrin Concentration via Submerge Fermentation of Mulberry Fruit Extract with Edible Probiotics to Suppress Gene Targets for Controlling Kidney Cancer and Inflammation.

In recent years, kidney cancer has become one of the most serious medical issues. Kidney cancer is treated with a variety of active compounds that trigger genes that cause cancer. We identified in our earlier research that isoquercitrin (IQ) can activate PIK3CA, IGF1R, and PTGS2. However, it has a very low bioavailability because of its lower solubility in water. So, we utilized sub-merge fermentation technology with two well-known probiotics, Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bacillus subtilis, as a microbial source and mulberry fruit extract as a substrate, which has a high IQ level to improve IQ yield. Furthermore, we compared the total phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant contents of fermented and non-fermented samples, and we found that the fermented samples had greater levels than non-fermented sample. In addition, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) results showed that the fermented mulberry fruit extract from B. subtilis and L. acidophilus showed higher IQ values (190.73 ± 0.004μg/ml and 220.54 ± 0.007μg/ml, respectively), compared to the non-fermented samples, which had IQ values (80.12 ± 0.002μg/ml). Additionally, at 62.5µg/ml doses of each sample, a normal kidney cell line (HEK 293) showed higher cell viability for fermented and non-fermented samples. Conversely, at the same doses, the fermented samples of L. acidophilus and B. subtilis in a kidney cancer cell line (A498) showed an inhibition of cell growth around 36% and 31%, respectively. Finally, we performed RT and qRT PCR assay, and we found a significant reduction in the expression of the PTGS2, PIK3CA, and IGF1R genes. We therefore can conclude that the fermented samples have a higher concentration of isoquercitrin, and also can inhibit the expression of the genes PTGS2, PIK3CA, and IGF1R, which in turn regulates kidney cancer and inflammation.

Simultaneous recycling of flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids from Chenpi processing residue based on their complementary action on glycolipid lowering activity: Innovative combination use of yeast and aqueous two-phase system

This study aimed at recycling flavonoids with glycolipid lowering activity from Chenpi processing residue produced by essential oil extraction. The crude Chenpi flavonoids obtained by ethanol reflux mainly contained flavonone (hesperidin) and polymethoxyflavonoids (nobiletin, tangeretin, sinensetin, and isosinensetin), which complementally exerted strong glycolipid lowering activity as revealed by digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, molecular docking and network pharmacology. The reducing sugar and water-soluble impurities were efficiently removed by yeast fermentation and aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) extraction, respectively. The optimal combination use of yeast (2 % w/v, CN36) and ATPS formed by 22 % (w/w) (NH4)2SO4 and 25 % (w/w) ethanol improved flavonoid purity to 60.25 %, enriched flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids by 6.69-fold, and enhanced digestive enzyme inhibitory activity, which was superior to the use of individual yeast or ATPS, unoptimized combination, macroporous resin (XAD-16), and ethyl acetate. This study was the first to develop a recyclable biophysical method for simultaneous enrichment of flavonone and polymethoxyflavonoids.

Enhancing the anti-fatigue effect of ginsenoside extract by Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CCFM1274 fermentation through biotransformation of Rb1, Rb2 and Rc to Rd

The conversion of major ginsenosides into minor ginsenosides has been demonstrated to promote their absorption in vivo and enhance their bioavailability and bioactivity. In this study, we aimed to screen the strain that transforms the less efficient glycosylated ginsenosides (Rb1, Rc, and Rb2) into the highly efficient de-glycosylated form (Rd). The anti-fatigue ability and corresponding mechanism of fermented ginsenoside extracts (F-GE) from Rd-producing bacteria were evaluated using an exercise-induced model. Our results showed that Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis CCFM1274 was capable of converting Rb1, Rc, and Rb2 into Rd in vitro. The anti-fatigue activity of ginsenoside extracts (GE) was significantly increased by CCFM1274 fermentation, characterized by an improvement in exhaustive swimming time (7.2 ± 0.8 to 10.7 ± 1.8 min) and histopathological changes. Moreover, F-GE treatment showed superior effects than GE in reducing the content of blood lactic acid (16.3 ± 3.6 to 13.7 ± 1.0 mmol/L), blood urea nitrogen (9.4 ± 0.6 to 5.2 ± 1.1 mmol/L), and malondialdehyde (9.3 ± 1.3 to 7.7 ± 2.1 nmol/mg), increasing the level of glycogen (1.1 ± 0.3 to 1.4 ± 0.3 mg/g), and superoxide dismutase activity (429.8 ± 107.8 to 671.3 ± 95.1 U/mg), which were associated with the upregulation of MCT1, LDHB, PDK4, GLUT4, Nrf2, and HO-1. Therefore, CCFM1274, which improved the bioactivity of ginsenoside, exhibited unique applicative potential for ginseng-based products to alleviate exercise fatigue.

Changes in Selected Biochemical Markers of Honey Bees Exposed to Fermented Common Tansy Solution (Tanacetum vulgare L.).

Honey bees use pollen and nectar from flowers to produce food. Because they often forage on crops, they are at risk of being exposed to plant protection products (PPPs), both directly and in stored food. Due to the adverse effects of synthetic PPPs on pollinators, biopesticides may be a viable alternative. Common tansy extract is used as one of the natural substitutes for synthetic pesticides. In our study, the effect of fermented common tansy extract on aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP) activity and the concentration of triglycerides (TGs), total protein (TP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and glucose in honey bee workers' hemolymph was assessed. These biochemical markers give valuable information about the immunity, detoxification, and nutrition of a bee's body. Caged bees were given tansy extract added at various concentrations in sugar syrup for 24 h. Then, they were provided with only sugar syrup. After 7 days of the experiment, hemolymph was collected and analyzed. We observed changes in the activity of AST, ALT, GGTP enzymes and TG, TP, and glucose levels, but not all changes were statistically significant. In terms of AST activity, statistically significant differences were found. All groups tested, including the negative control group, showed reduced enzyme activity values compared to the positive control group. In TG concentration, differences were observed between the groups receiving 2% extract and 1% ethanol. Glucose levels differed between the groups receiving 1% extract and 2% extract and between the positive control group and 1% extract. Bee body proper functioning is affected by changes in enzyme activity, especially those responsible for immunity and detoxification, such as AST, ALT, ALP, and GGTP. Despite the short time of bees' exposure to the agent, the results of study show visible effects. Our results provide a basis for further research on the impact of tansy extract on honey bees.

Evaluation of Protective effects of Fermented Ficus racemosa Fruit Extract against Oxidative Stress and Hyperglycemia

Evaluation of Protective effects of Fermented Ficus racemosa Fruit Extract against Oxidative Stress and Hyperglycemia

The Effect of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract on Broiler Chicks’ Growth Performance, Immunological Status, and Carcass Characteristics

Abstract Many studies have mentioned the advantages of adding wheat germ to chicken diets, but few were interested in studying the effect of the fermentation process on this addition. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of adding fermented wheat germ extract (FWGE) and immunostimulant (IS) to the broiler diet and water, respectively, on growth performance, hematological and blood biochemical parameters, immune status, and carcass characteristics. A total of 180 one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb 500) were randomly and equally assigned into four treatment groups of 5 replicates (9 chicks/replicate) each. The first group (G1) served as a control group with a basal diet and normal drinking water, while the second (G2) and the third (G3) groups were treated with a basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% of FWGE, respectively. The fourth group (G4) was treated with one level of immunostimulant (ORGA IMMU®, 0.2% in drinking water) and served as a positive control. The experiment lasted 35 days. According to the results, adding 0.2% FWGE to the broiler diet (G3) improved (P≤0.05) feed conversion ratio and increased (P≤0.05) live body weight and body weight gain compared to the control group (G1). The G3 also showed improvements (P≤0.05) in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and white blood cell (WBC) counts. Blood biochemical parameters, such as total protein, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were positively affected (P≤0.05) by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers for Newcastle disease and avian influenza viruses, phagocytic activity (PA), phagocytic index (PI), and lysozyme activity (LA) were significantly (P≤0.05) improved by FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. Furthermore, carcass traits, such as carcass weight and dressing percentage, were improved (P≤0.05) by adding FWGE and immunostimulant treatments. The inclusion of FWGE in the broiler chicken diet by 0.2% had a considerably positive impact on the birds’ growth performance, health, and carcass quality.

Improved yield of UV and heat-stable Monascus yellow pigment by statistical optimization of solid-state fermentation conditions and extraction process

Monascus species are well-known for their ability to produce biocolorants. A high-performing strain, M. purpureus F2–19, was recently developed by genome shuffling. Here, the entire bioprocess, starting from solid-state fermentation conditions to the extraction method, was statistically optimized to improve yellow pigment yield by the strain. Among culture conditions, monosodium glutamate concentration (used as nitrogen source), moisture content, and incubation period significantly influenced pigment production using less expensive broken rice as a substrate. Post-optimization, a yield of 1548.4 ± 14.6 AU/g was achieved, representing a 9.7-fold increase over the primary condition. The statistical model developed using central composite design of response surface methodology (CCD-RSM) is highly significant, with a P value of <0.0001. Similarly, a significant model (P < 0.0001) for extraction improved pigment yield further by 1.16-fold (actual output: 1796.4 ± 13.4 AU/g). The pigment remained highly stable with a preservation rate of ~90 % after 2.5 h exposure to a high temperature of 100 °C or UV light (254 nm). Even autoclaving at 121 °C for 15 min preserved 96.9 % of the pigment. These values are higher than reported for other commercial microbial yellow pigments, riboflavin, β-carotene, or lutein, thus highlighting its potential as a natural food colorant. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) of the pigment identified nine distinct yellow compounds, with monascin being the most abundant. Thus, the optimized bioprocess would facilitate economical large-scale production of the yellow pigment; but its implementation still requires efficient selection of bioreactors and optimizations of scaling-up, especially the heat and mass transfer parameters.

Ameliorative Effects of Fermented Red Ginseng Extract on Muscle Atrophy in Dexamethasone-Induced C2C12 Cell And Hind Limb-Immobilized C57BL/6J Mice.

Fermented red ginseng (FRG) enhances the bioactivity and bioavailability of ginsenosides, which possess various immunomodulatory, antiaging, anti-obesity, and antidiabetic properties. However, the effects of FRG extract on muscle atrophy and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the effects of FRG extract on muscle atrophy using both in vitro and invivo models. In vitro experiments used dexamethasone (DEX)-induced C2C12 myotubes to assess cell viability, myotube diameter, and fusion index. In vivo experiments were conducted on hind limb immobilization (HI)-induced mice to evaluate grip strength, muscle mass, and fiber cross-sectional area (CSA) of the gastrocnemius (GAS), quadriceps (QUA), and soleus (SOL) muscles. Molecular mechanisms were investigated through the analysis of key signaling pathways associated with muscle protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and protein degradation. FRG extract treatment enhanced viability of DEX-induced C2C12 myotubes and restored myotube diameter and fusion index. In HI-induced mice, FRG extract improved grip strength, increased muscle mass and CSA of GAS, QUA, and SOL muscles. Mechanistic studies revealed that FRG extract activated the insulin-like growth factor 1/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, promoted muscle energy metabolism via the sirtuin 1/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-coactivator-1α pathway, and inhibited muscle protein degradation by suppressing the forkhead box O3a, muscle ring-finger 1, and F-box protein (Fbx32) signaling pathways. FRG extract shows promise for ameliorating muscle atrophy by modulating key molecular pathways associated with muscle protein synthesis, energy metabolism, and protein degradation, offering insights for future drug development.

Influence of age of fermented Terminalia chebula fruit extract in shell lime: An ancient lime putty production technique adopted in Indian heritage structures

The study examines the influence of fermentation age of 5% w/v extract (K5%) of Terminalia chebula fruit in shell lime, using a 0.75 K5%-to-binder ratio. The carbon dioxide evolution, UV-Spectrometric analysis of K5% followed by Gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) of the slaked putty variants, identified the predominance of organic acids, fatty acids, and esters. The 90th day physical, mechanical, and durability testing confirmed the lowest water-accessible porosity at 31.07 ±0.11% v/v in K5%-4-90, with capillary porosity trending as K5%-4-90<K5%-7-90<K5%-14-90<R-90<K5%-1-90, affecting compressive strength. Mineralogical and morphological studies confirmed the formation of calcite (CaCO3) polymorphs and calcium oxalates via the oxalate-carbonate pathway. Further, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed the highest %CaCO3 in K5-4-90 and K5-7-90 samples, linked to carbonation extent. The study specifies that K5% at the 4th and 7th days of fermentation age significantly alters putty characteristics, supporting its widespread application and internal and external finishes in heritage structures.

Effects of fermented oyster extract supplementation on free fatty acid and liver enzymes in older women with obesity

[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week intake of fermented oyster extract on free fatty acids and liver enzymes in older women with obesity and to provide basic data for improving liver function in older individuals with obesity.[Methods] A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to confirm the effects of fermented oyster extract intake on free fatty acid (FFA) levels and liver function in older women with obesity. The study included 40 older women with obesity with a body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. Participants were divided into a fermented oyster intake group (n = 20) and control group (n = 20). Serum FFA, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels were measured at weeks 0 and 12.[Results] Our results showed an interaction effect between the two groups in terms of serum FFA levels (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.05), with a post-intervention decrease in the FSO group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.05). AST, ALT, and GGT levels also showed an interaction effect between the two groups (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.05), with a significant postintervention decrease in the FSO group (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.05).[Conclusion] The intake of fermented oyster extract significantly reduced FFA, ALT, AST, and GGT levels. These results suggested that the consumption of fermented oyster extract may improve liver function. However, the findings of this study were limited to elderly women with obesity, and the relatively short intake period and small sample size may limit the generalization of the results

Biopriming using microbial consortia and biostimulants as a technique to increase seed quality of Solanum melongena L. by modifications in morphological and metabolic constituents

Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable in tropical and subtropical regions. High-quality seeds are crucial for successful crop production, necessitating rapid and uniform field emergence. In the new wave of the Green Revolution, organic wastes were replaced by agrochemicals. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 to standardize biopriming techniques for brinjal using various organic inputs and microbial cultures to improve seed quality. Brinjal seeds cv. PLR 2 were treated with organic inputs (Panchagavya, Egg fermented extract, Fish fermented extract and effective microorganism solution) and liquid microbial cultures (Azospirillum and Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph). The bioprimed seeds were assessed for their physiological attributes and anatomical and biochemical changes. Compared with the control, biopriming with 2% Fish fermented extract significantly improved the germination rate (19.4%), germination energy (40.9%), root length (44.4%), shoot length (24.4%) and seedling vigour index (68.1%). This increase was attributed to the nutritional and bioactive compounds in the fish by-products, which promoted root development and nutrient absorption. The biochemical parameters revealed increased ?-amylase activity, protein, and amino acid content in the bioprimed seeds. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed beneficial root volatile compounds in the roots of treated seeds. An evaluation of the plant growth-promoting activities of the biopriming agents revealed the superiority of fish-fermented extract over other bioagents. Therefore, this method promotes sustainable agriculture and improved crop productivity, providing a scientific basis for biopriming as a viable alternative to conventional seed treatments.

Untargeted Metabolomics Approach for the Discovery of Salinity-Related Alkaloids in a Stony Coral-Derived Fungus Aspergillus terreus

As a part of the important species that form coral reef ecosystems, stony corals have become a potential source of pharmacologically active lead compounds for an increasing number of compounds with novel chemical structures and strong biological activity. In this study, the secondary metabolites and biological activities are reported for Aspergillus terreus C21-1, an epiphytic fungus acquired from Porites pukoensis collected from Xuwen Coral Reef Nature Reserve, China. This strain was cultured in potato dextrose broth (PDB) media and rice media with different salinities based on the OSMAC strategy. The mycelial morphology and high-performance thin layer chromatographic (HPTLC) fingerprints of the fermentation extracts together with bioautography were recorded. Furthermore, an untargeted metabolomics study was performed using principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal projection to latent structure discriminant analysis (O-PLSDA), and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN) to analyze their secondary metabolite variations. The comprehensive results revealed that the metabolite expression in A. terreus C21-1 differed significantly between liquid and solid media. The metabolites produced in liquid medium were more diverse but less numerous compared to those in solid medium. Meanwhile, the mycelial morphology underwent significant changes with increasing salinity under PDB cultivation conditions, especially in PDB with 10% salinity. Untargeted metabolomics revealed significant differences between PDB with 10% salinity and other media, as well as between liquid and solid media. FBMN analysis indicated that alkaloids, which might be produced under high salt stress, contributed largely to the differences. The biological activities results showed that six groups of crude extracts exhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activities, along with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and antibacterial activities. The results of this study showed that the increase in salinity favored the production of unique alkaloid compounds by A. terreus C21-1.

Ethanol removal by stripping with CO2 reduced-size bubbles: Mechanical and thermodynamic entrainments

The efficiency of stripping processes for volatile compounds is governed by mechanical and thermodynamic entrainments, which play crucial roles in ethanol removal during the extractive fermentation process. These mechanisms depend on variables such as bubble diameter, ethanol concentration, liquid volume, pressure, and temperature. However, the quantification of each of them separately and their dependence on bubble diameter have never been addressed. The present study proposes a new methodology to evaluate both mechanical and thermodynamic entrainments, based on experimental data and thermodynamic equilibrium analysis of the bubbles in reactors with working volumes of 10.0 and 50 L, aiming to clarify the role that bubble diameter (microbubbles, fine and coarse bubbles) plays in these mechanisms. The results indicated that thermodynamic equilibrium was reached for any size of bubbles up to 5 mm in diameter, under a wide range of experimental conditions with specific gas flow rates from 0.22 to 10 vvm. Equally important, mechanical entrainment was found to enrich the gas phase in ethanol by a factor of 15, representing a higher concentration factor than for thermodynamic entrainment, which was inconceivable initially. This introduces a new and promising approach to intensify the stripping process of volatile compounds by means of mechanical entrainment.

In Vitro Digestion and Fermentation of Cowpea Pod Extracts and Proteins Loaded in Ca(II)-Alginate Hydrogels.

Antioxidants derived from food by-products are known for their bioactive properties and impact on human health. However, the gastrointestinal behavior is often poor due to their degradation during digestion. The development of Ca(II)-alginate beads supplemented with biopolymers and enriched with cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) extract could represent a novel environmentally friendly technological solution to produce functional ingredients in the food industry. The present study evaluates the impact of in vitro digestion/fermentation by analyzing global antioxidant response (GAR), production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as a modulation of gut microbiota, and behavior of proton transverse relaxation times by low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (as an indicator of gelation state and characterization of microstructure). Results revealed that guar gum and cowpea protein preserved a high GAR of total phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity by ABTS and FRAP methods after digestion/fermentation, promoting an adequate protection of the bioactives for their absorption. Alginate-based beads have great potential as prebiotics, with the guar gum-containing system contributing the most to SCFAs production. Finally, the overall higher mobility of protons observed in the intestinal phase agrees with structural changes that promote the release of phenolic compounds during this stage. Beads are excellent carriers of bioactive compounds (cowpea phenolic compounds and peptides) with potential capacities.

Antimicrobial mechanisms and antifungal activity of compounds generated by banana rhizosphere Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-2 against fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense.

Fusarium wilt of banana, also recognized as Panama disease, is caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (FOC TR4). In recent years, strategies utilizing biocontrol agents, comprising antifungal microorganisms and their associated bioactive compounds from various environments, have been implemented to control this destructive disease. Our previous study showed that Pseudomonas aeruginosa Gxun-2 had significant antifungal effects against FOC TR4. However, there has been little scientific investigation of the antibacterial or antifungal activity. The aim of this study was to isolate, identify and evaluate the inhibition strength of active compounds in P. aeruginosa Gxun-2, so as to explain the mechanism of the strain inhibition on FOC TR4 from the perspective of compounds. The main antibacterial compounds of strain Gxun-2 were isolated, purified and identified using by fermentation extraction, silica gel column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. The effect of the compounds on the mycelial growth, morphology and spore germination of strain FOC TR4 was observed by 96-well plate method and AGAR diffusion method. Among the metabolites produced by the strain, four antifungal compounds which were identified phenazine (C12H8N2), phenazine-1-carboxylic acid (PCA) (C13H8N2O2), 2-acetamidophenol (C8H9NO2) and aeruginaldehyde (C10H7NO2S) were identified through HPLC and NMR. Of these compounds, phenazine and PCA exhibited the most pronounced inhibitory effects on the spore germination and mycelial growth of FOC TR4. Phenazine demonstrated potent antifungal activity against FOC TR4 with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 6.25 mg/L. The half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) was calculated to be 26.24 mg/L using the toxicity regression equation. PCA exhibited antifungal activity against FOC TR4 with an MIC of 25 mg/L and an EC50 of 89.63 mg/L. Furthermore, phenazine and PCA triggered substantial morphological transformations in the mycelia of FOC TR4, encompassing folding, bending, fracturing, and diminished spore formation. These findings indicate that strain Gxun-2 plays a crucial role in controlling FOC TR4 pathogenesis, predominantly through producing the antifungal compounds phenazine and PCA, and possesses potential as a cost-efficient and sustainable biocontrol agent against Fusarium wilt of banana in forthcoming times.

Fermented red ginseng extract improves sarcopenia-related muscle atrophy in old mice through regulation of muscle protein metabolism

Fermented red ginseng extract improves sarcopenia-related muscle atrophy in old mice through regulation of muscle protein metabolism