Hydrophobic drug particles adopt a complex biomolecular corona in ex vivo gastrointestinal fluids.

Heyndrickxia coagulans, a spore-forming probiotic, has garnered significant attention due to its exceptional tolerance to gastric acid and heat, alongside its multifaceted therapeutic potential. This review systematically delineates the unique biological characteristics of this bacterium, which include high survivability mediated by its spore form (retaining 73% viability after microwave treatment at 260 °C), dual lactate fermentation pathways, and plasticity in ATP synthesis that depends on pH and growth rate. Clinical evidence supports its efficacy in managing metabolic disorders (e.g., type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), gastrointestinal conditions (e.g., constipation and irritable bowel syndrome), and neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., depression and Alzheimer's disease). The underlying mechanisms involve the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, and suppression of oxidative stress. Notably, therapeutic effects are strain-specific: H. coagulans MTCC 5856 (2 × 1010 CFU day-1) significantly reduces abdominal distension (P < 0.01), while the strain Unique IS-2 alleviates anxiety-like behaviors by upregulating hippocampal BDNF. Although toxicological assessments establish a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of >1000 mg kg-1 in rodent models, its limited capacity for intestinal colonization presents a clinical challenge. Future research should prioritize large-scale clinical trials, multi-omics mechanistic investigations, and the development of synbiotic formulations to fully realize its potential as a next-generation therapeutic agent.

Some toxic plants have strong morphological similarities with edible wild plants. Therefore, poisoning often occurs due to accidental ingestion. It is important to identify poisonous plants in edible plant mixtures, even if the samples have been digested. In the present study, we developed a method for genus and species identification in mixed samples using massive parallel sequencing (MPS). Veratrum oxysepalum and Colchicum autumnale are the most common causative plants of such accidents and their morphological features are similar to those of the edible Hosta sieboldiana. In this study, we used V. oxysepalum and C. autumnale as the target poisonous plant species. We developed and optimized an MPS analysis method for trnL and rbcL regions that are commonly used in plant species identification. Initially, DNA from poisonous plants (V. oxysepalum and C. autumnale) and edible plants (H. sieboldiana) were mixed in various ratios and analyzed using MPS. Next, we prepared cooked materials and simulated gastric contents from V. oxysepalum, C. autumnale, and H. sieboldiana and analyzed them using MPS. We detected both poisonous and edible plant DNA when mixed in equal amounts. Poisonous plants were also detected in cooked or simulated gastric acid content. These results suggest that our method can be used to identify the genera or species of plants present in cooked materials and simulated gastric contents. These results indicate that MPS techniques are useful for the forensic analysis of plant materials.

Developing well-tolerated pharmaceutical formulations remains a major challenge in drug delivery. Polysaccharide-based biopolymers, such as chitosan and pectin, provide a renewable and biocompatible platform for modified drug release. Despite its efficacy in Chagas disease, benznidazole (BNZ) is associated with a significant rate of side effects, which often compromise patient adherence. In this study, interpolyelectrolyte complex (IPEC) microparticles loaded with BNZ, using a melt extrusion technique without solvents, were designed and developed to provide therapeutic alternatives for Chagas disease treatment. The incorporation of polyethylene glycol facilitated polymer processing, enabling high-yield microparticle production without organic solvents. The crystalline nature of BNZ was reduced, leading to a more homogeneous distribution within the microparticles, which exhibited excellent flow properties and were suitable for hard gelatin capsule formulation. The system enhanced BNZ solubility in simulated gastric fluid, improved fluid uptake, and demonstrated mucoadhesive properties. Moreover, it provided a delayed BNZ dissolution, independent of dissolution media. Notably, the IPEC-based formulation improved the antiparasitic activity of BNZ against Trypanosoma cruzi while reducing its cytotoxic effects on human endothelial cells. This scalable, biocompatible platform offers a promising strategy for optimizing Chagas disease treatment by potentially minimizing side effects and improving overall therapeutic outcomes.

Phenolic compounds are increasingly recognized for their diverse health benefits, particularly their potent antioxidant capacities. To enhance its lipophilicity, stability and bioavailability, hydroxytyrosol has been successfully esterified with various alkyl chains lengths and different isomers (branched-chain and straight-chain), forming hydroxytyrosol-fatty acid acyl esters (Hty-Es). These synthesized Hty-Es, have garnered significant interest and are widely explored in fields such as food preservation because of their superior antioxidant properties. However, little is known about the digestion, fermentation characteristics and the effects on the intestinal microbiota in vitro. This study evaluated the influence of hydroxytyrosol (HTy) esterified with fatty acids of varying chain lengths (C2:0, C3:0, C4:0n, C4:0i, C6:0, C8:0, C12:0, C14:0 and C16:0) on polyphenol sustained-release properties and gut microbiota modulation during simulated in vitro digestion, fecal fermentation and Lactobacillus fermentation. The findings demonstrated partial hydrolysis of HTy-Es in both simulated gastric fluid and intestinal fluid to slowly release a small amount of polyphenols, suggesting their potential to reach the colon and cecum. Analysis of fermented fecal samples revealed that HTy-Es supplementation modulated microbiota composition, elevating the diversity of Actinobacteriota, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, whereas it decreased the diversity of Desulfobacterota, Actinobacteriota, Chloroflexi and Verrucomicrobiota. At the genus level, the growth of detrimental genera (Escherichia shigella) was successfully suppressed. Notably, HTy-Es with distinct acyl chain lengths and isomer configurations exhibited divergent effects on polyphenol bioaccessibility and gut microbiome diversity, underscoring their structure-dependent functional potential for health applications. Conclusively, the slow release of fatty acids and HTy clearly demonstrated that HTy-Es would be an effective approach for enhancing the beneficial health effects of fatty acids and HTy. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exposes restorative materials to gastric acid, which may compromise their esthetic and optical properties. Limited evidence exists regarding the performance of different CAD/CAM ceramics under acidic challenges. Methods: Forty CAD/CAM ceramic discs were prepared (n = 10 per group): high-translucency zirconia (Z; Ceramill Zolid Gen-X), lithium disilicate (E; IPS e.max CAD), zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (S; VITA Suprinity), and hybrid ceramic (C; Cerasmart 270). Specimens were immersed in simulated gastric acid (0.06 M HCl, pH 1.2) at 37 °C for 96 h. Color difference (ΔE) and translucency parameter (ΔTP) were recorded before and after immersion using a spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (α = 0.05). Results: All materials exhibited changes in color and translucency after acidic immersion. Group Z demonstrated the lowest ΔE values, indicating the best color stability, whereas group C showed the highest ΔE and a significant reduction in ΔTP. Groups E and S revealed moderate but clinically acceptable changes. Intergroup differences were statistically significant (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Exposure to simulated gastric acid as in (GERD) resulted in measurable alterations in the optical properties of CAD/CAM ceramic materials. The extent of color change and translucency loss differed among the materials tested. High-translucency zirconia (Z) exhibited the greatest stability, while hybrid ceramic (C) showed the most pronounced changes. Zirconia-reinforced lithium silicate (S) and lithium disilicate (E) demonstrated moderate alterations, falling between these two extremes.

Background: Dawadawa, a protein-rich condiment from African locust bean (Parkia biglobosa), remains poorly characterized in North-Central Nigeria despite widespread consumption and traditional claims of health benefits. Objectives: This study investigated the microbial diversity, probiotic potential, and safety profile of traditionally fermented Dawadawa from Kogi State, Nigeria. Methods: Thirty Dawadawa samples were collected from Anyigba, Dekina, and Ankpa local government areas. Comprehensive microbiological characterization used culture-dependent methods, biochemical identification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Probiotic attributes, including gastric acid tolerance, bile salt resistance, cell surface hydrophobicity, and adhesion capacity, were evaluated. Antimicrobial activity and safety assessments were performed using standardized protocols. Results: Total viable counts ranged from 7.42 to 8.91 log CFU/g, with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) dominating at 7.15-8.34 log CFU/g. Sixteen bacterial species were identified, with Bacillus subtilis (47%) and Lactobacillus plantarum (23%) predominating. Selected LAB isolates demonstrated gastric acid tolerance of 73-89% at pH 3.0, bile salt tolerance of 68-84% at 0.3% oxgall, and strong adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells (2.8-8.4 CFU/cell). Antimicrobial assays revealed inhibition zones of 12-24 mm against pathogenic indicators. All samples were negative for Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes and showed no acquired antibiotic resistance. Conclusion: Dawadawa from Kogi State harbors diverse beneficial microorganisms with significant probiotic potential, supporting its development as a functional food and source of indigenous probiotic strains. This study represents the first comprehensive probiotic characterization of Dawadawa from North-Central Nigeria, identifying indigenous L. plantarum strains with exceptional functional properties suitable for probiotic development. Keywords: Dawadawa, Parkia biglobosa, lactic acid bacteria, probiotic potential, fermented condiment, functional food, Nigerian indigenous food

Release kinetics and bioaccessibility of heavy metal from antifouling paint particles in simulated digestive fluids: An emerging threat to marine biota.

Molecular engineering of ultra-strong acidic NIR probes for real-time pharmacodynamic profiling of antacid drugs via in vivo gastric acid imaging.

Bilayer-modified mesoporous silica nanoplatform by chitosan and succinylated casein for delayed release and enhanced antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity of essential oil.

Structural characterizations and potential delivery platform of glucan dendrimer-derived hydrogel.

Overcoming antimicrobial resistance: Phage therapy as a promising solution to combat ESKAPE pathogens.

pH-activated liquid microdroplet carrier for enhanced phycocyanin oral delivery and sustained bioactivity post-digestion.

Dual network interpenetration emulsion gels based on alginate and coffee cherry-derived polysaccharides: preparation, characterization, and curcumin delivery.

Effect of pH-responsive pectin-Carboxymethyl cellulose sodium composite polysaccharide-Camellia oleifera oil hydrogel beads on in vitro intestinal lipid digestion.

Objective: This study aimed to provide comparative evidenced of chloroform (CE), ethyl acetate (EA), ethanol (EE) and hydroalcoholic (HE) extract of leaves of Ipomoea reniformis Choisy belonging to Convolvulaceae for its free radical scavenging, acid neutralizing potential and phytochemical property. Methods: The shade-dried leaves was extracted using Soxhlet apparatus and the extracts were subjected to determine phytochemical constituents, Antioxidant capacity by 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging method and acid neutralizing capacity for artificial gastric juice. A high resolution trinocular microscope equipped with camera was used to assess microscopical characteristics of transverse section of leaves. Results: All four extract showed presence of glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, proteins and carbohydrates in abundance. Total phenolic content was highest 28.12±1.08 for EE extract measured in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent. Total flavonoids content was highest in EE 59.09±1.87 measured in milligrams of Rutin Equivalent per g of extract equivalent. The free radical scavenging potential can be acknowledged due to strong IC50 value of 52.24 µg/ml for EE extract using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) dye and had the highest antioxidant activity, measuring 94.84±1.56% at 1000 µg/ml. The pH of extracts was 1.69, highest for EE extract. Similarly the consumed volumes of extract to neutralize artificial gastric juice to pH 3.0 was significantly better for EA and EE extract ranging 9.36±0.09 ml and 10.56±0.09 ml respectively, indicating high antacid potency. Conclusion: Ipomoea reniformis Choisy leaf extract showed remarkable antioxidant capacity may be due to presence of phenols and flavonoids in higher concentrations and tends to possess positive gastric cytoprotection and ulcer healing potential.

Generation and distribution of cyanide in rats and humans following sodium cyanoborohydride exposure.

Beryllium and thallium environmental behavior in lithium slag: Smelting process-dependent mineralogical fate and risk assessment across industrial settings.

Design and characterization of pectin-starch/organoclay-tea tree essential oil composite hydrogel beads as a gastrointestinal-specific sustained release system.

Probiotic potential of Bacillus velezensis MZ-09: Assessing characteristics and safety through in vitro and in vivo analyses.