High Antioxidant Research Articles

Green extraction of phenolics and flavonoids from black mulberry fruit using natural deep eutectic solvents: optimization and surface morphology

This study deployed ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE), combined with natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES), to extract phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit, and the antioxidant activity was examined. The extraction yields of NADES-based UAE were assessed based on the yields of phenolics and flavonoids extracted from the black mulberry fruit. This study selected the molar ratios of hydrogen bond acceptors (HBA) and hydrogen bond donors HBD at 1:2 from previous studies. Choline chloride-lactic acid showed the highest solubility with phenolics and flavonoids among NADES systems. One-factor experiments evaluated the effect of UAE conditions (liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR), water content in NADES, temperature, and time) on TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity. The suitable NADES-based UAE conditions for extracting phenolics and flavonoids from the black mulberry fruit were 60 ml/g of LSR, 40% water content, 70 °C, and 15 min. Response surface methodology with the Box-Behnken design model optimized the NADES-based UAE process based on response (TPC, TFC, ABTS, OH, and DPPH). The optimal conditions for the NADES-based UAE process were 70 ml/g of LSR, 38.9% water content in NADES, 67.9 °C, and 24.2 min of extraction time. The predicted values of the Box-Behnken design were compatible with the experimental results. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to survey the surface of black mulberry fruit with and without sonication. SEM can assist in demonstrating the destructive effect of NADES and ultrasonic waves on material surfaces. SEM findings indicated the high surface destruction capacity of NADES, which partially contributed to a superior extraction yield of NADES than conventional organic solvents. The study proposes an efficient and green method for extracting bioactive compounds from black mulberry fruits. The black mulberry fruit extracts can be applied to meat preservation and beverages with high antioxidants.

Effects of aqueous and methanolic solvent systems on phytochemical and antioxidant extraction from two varieties of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) var. sabdariffa plant from Central Malawi

The extraction efficiency of aqueous and 80 % methanolic solvent systems on phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity from two varieties of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa var.) was evaluated for ethno-medicinal and nutritional purposes. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of tannins, phenols, saponins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides and carbohydrates from both extractions. Methanolic extracts had high (P < 0.05) total phenolic compound in both red and dark red calyx H. sabdariffa, compared to aqueous extracts which ranged from 17.97 ± 0.08–258.06 ± 0.17 for dark red calyx leaf and methanolic red calyx calyces respectively. However, the study showed that red calyx H. sabdariffa had high (P < 0.05) concentration of total phenolic content compared to dark red calyx H. sabdariffa irrespective of the effect of solvent systems. In this study, aqueous extracts exhibited higher TAC than methanolic extracts but aqueous dark red calyx H. sabdariffa had high (P < 0.05) TAC compared to red calyx H. sabdariffa extracts. In methanol, red calyx H. sabdariffa exhibited high (P < 0.05) TAC compared to dark red calyx sabdariffa extracts. Anthocyanins content was high (P < 0.05) in methanol compared to aqueous extracts which ranged from 4.1562 ± 0.0742–315.460 ± 0.428 for aqueous dark red calyx fruit and dark red calyx calyces respectively. The type and polarity of solvent had a significant effect on both the quality and quantity of the extracts, phytochemicals and antioxidants of the extracts from the two H. sabdariffa varieties. The study revealed that methanolic extracts had high antioxidants, phytochemicals and anthocyanins compared to aqueous extracts. Therefore consumption and use of H. sabdariffa extracts could improve human health by either reducing or delaying the development of cell degenerative diseases like cancer and diabetes mellitus.

Bioactive properties of vinegars produced from prunus laurocerasus L. varieties

BACKGROUND: Cherry laurel fruit (CLF) has distinctive bioactive properties, which may yield new food products based on CLF. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to realize the production of vinegar from the CLF, thus, valorizing the CLF, which is rich in antioxidants and phenolic substances, and bringing a new nutrient-rich vinegar to the market. METHODS: Seven types of traditional CLF vinegar (CLFV) from three different species were produced, and their bioactive properties were examined. The bioactivity analyses of total phenolic substance (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC), total antioxidant activity (AA), DPPHࢫ (Free radical scavenging activity), FRAP (Ferric reducing antioxidant power), ABTSࢫ + (Radical cation scavenging effect) were conducted. In addition, the composition of phenolic substances was studied. RESULTS: This study showed that CLFV performed better than controls regarding antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and substances. The presence of intense phenolic elements in CLFV significantly impacts its antioxidant activity. The antioxidant activities of CLFV were detected to be greater than the previous reports on bioactivities of vinegar from various fruits. CONCLUSIONS: High antioxidant and phenolic content were observed in CLFV, similar to the composition of the CLF. The usability of CLFV as a healthy and nutritious food product seems achievable on an industrial scale.

LC-MS/MS and GC-MS Identification of Metabolites from the Selected Herbs and Spices, Their Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic Potential, and Chemometric Analysis

Culinary herbs and spices are widely used in daily diets. Pakistan’s flora is enriched with phytochemicals due to a diverse range of land. Phytochemicals, including volatile and non-volatile compounds, have captured much interest due to their numerous health advantages and significance in daily diet. The present study aimed to conduct in-depth metabolomic profiling of Pakistani-grown fenugreek leaves (Trigonella foenum-graecum), fennel seeds (Foeniculum vulgare), mint leaves (Mentha royleana), coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum) and basil leaves (Ocimum basilicum) by using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The first study was conducted to optimize extraction using different solvents (methanol, ethanol, chloroform, acetone, and water). Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total condensed tannins (TCT) were quantified along with the antioxidant and anti-diabetic activities. The highest TPC (125.42 ± 10.89 mg GAE/g) and the highest antioxidant and anti-diabetic potential were quantified in mint. Seventy-one phytochemical metabolites were identified using LC-MS/MS, while forty-nine volatile constituents were identified using GC-MS. A positive correlation was identified between phenolic contents and their biological activities. Furthermore, molecular docking helped to find drug molecules with more excellent anti-diabetic activity based on their binding affinities. This study suggests that selected herbs and spices from Pakistan have significant nutraceutical and phytopharmaceutical potential. This study could further help in drug discovery.

Administrations of Butterfly Pea Flower (Clitoria Ternatea L) Extract Reduce Oxidative Stress and Increase Body Weight of Male Wistar Rats with Diabetes

Background: Asian pigeonwings flower (Clitoria Ternatea L.) is a plant that contains high antioxidants. Numerous research studies have shown that CT flowers can reduce the blood glucose levels of diabetic rats. Lower blood glucose levels can reduce MDA in DM patients. Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the effect of CT on serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and body weight of diabetic rats. Methods: Male albino Wistar rats induced by streptozotocin 45 mg/kgBW and nicotinamide 110 mg/kgBW to generate type 2 diabetes. Diabetes rats were randomly divided into three groups: T1 was the control of diabetic rats, T2 was given 300 mg/kgBW extract of CT, and T3 was given 600 mg/kgBW extract of CT for 21 days. Data collected before, during, and after treatment were analyzed using One Way ANOVA and LSD posthoc. Results: The mean of MDA in the T2 and T3 groups decreased on day 14 that was T2 4,67±0,17 µmol/l and T3 3,99±0,30 µmol/l, (p&lt;0,001) and on day 21 also decreased that was T2 4,07±0,14 µmol/l and T3 3,34 ±0,23 µmol/l (p&lt;0,001). While T1 did not experience a significant decrease. The mean of body weight in the T2 and T3 groups increased on day 14 that was T2 187,83±4,67 grams and T3 183,50±4,41 grams (p&lt;0,001), and on day 21, also increased was T2 195,17±3,65 grams, 190,67±4,08 grams (&lt;0,001). In contrast, T1 did not experience a significant increase. Conclusion: Administration of CT flower extract 300 mg/KgBW, and CT flower extract 600 mg/KgBW reduces serum MDA levels of diabetic rats compared to the control of diabetic rats.

Effect of Chia Seed Extract (Salvia Hispanica L) On Current Blood Sugar Levels and MDA Levels

Hyperglycemia is a condition in which the body experiences an increase in blood sugar levels and is a clinical manifestation of type 2 DM which will increase ROS so that an antioxidant imbalance occurs which results in oxidative stress, one of the biomarkers, namely MDA. Chia seeds contain high antioxidants so that they are effective in reducing oxidative stress caused by hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes. The research study was to prove the effect of chia seed extract on GDS and MDA levels in DMT2 rats with STZ injection. The metods is experimental research with Posttest Only Control Group Design. The number of samples was 25 male wistar rats aged 3-4 months with a weight of 180-200 grams and adapted for 7 days, divided into 5 groups randomly, namely the treatment group P0 as a control, P1 as a positive control, P2 as a negative control, and P3 as a control group. STZ injection and chia seed extract at a dose of 4.5 mg/KgBW/day, P4 for STZ injection and chia seed extract at a dose of 13.5 mg/KgBW/day. Treatment time is 7 days. Blood samples were taken from v. Ophtalmica on day 14. Examination of GDS levels using the ELISA method and examination of MDA levels using the TBARS method, the data were analyzed by the Anova test. The result Mean level of GDS P0: 127.6±2.8; P1: 204.6±6.1; P2: 76.2±1.3; P3: 45.6±2.07; P4: 40±1.58. Mean levels of MDA in nmol/ml P0: 0.93±0.04; P1: 1.20±0.01; P2: 0.73±0.04; P3: 0.44±0.03; P4: 0.22±0.20. The results of the ANOVA test obtained a P value of 0.000 and the results of the post hoc LSD test between groups obtained a P value of 0.000 (&lt;0.05). conclusion is significant difference in reducing GDS and MDA levels between Chia seed extract doses of 4.5 mg/KgBW/day and 13.5 mg/kgBW/day. Keywords: chia seeds; MDA; GDS; DM Type 2

Effect of pomegranate extract (Punica granatum L.) on blood pressure and nitric oxide in gestational hypertension

Background: As a complication of pregnancy, uncontrolled hypertension will continue to be a complication that harms both mother and baby. Pomegranate peel, which contains high antioxidants, is potentially used as an antihypertensive of adjuvant pharmacological therapy. However, there has been no research on the effect of pomegranate extract in lowering blood pressure, so it is necessary to do related research.Purpose: Analyze the effect of pomegranate peel extract on blood pressure and nitric oxide levels in gestational hypertension.Methods: This is a quasi-experiment design pre-post-test with the control group. Through purposive sampling techniques, 32 respondents were divided into two groups. During 14 days, the intervention group received nifedipine 10 mg/day with 500 mg of pomegranate peel extract, while another group was only given nifedipine 10 mg/day.Results: The blood pressure of the intervention group decreased compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05). Meanwhile, the nitric oxide level of the intervention group is increased compared to the control group (p&lt;0.05).Conclusions: Pomegranate peel extract can reduce blood pressure and enhance nitric oxide levels in gestational hypertension.

Response Surface Methodology in Optimising the Extraction of Polyphenolic Antioxidants from Flower Buds of Magnolia × soulangeana Soul.-Bod. var. 'Lennei' and Their Detailed Qualitative and Quantitative Profiling.

A response surface methodology (RSM) with a central composite design (CCD) was developed to predict and apply the best ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) conditions, including the extraction time, the composition of aqueous-ethanolic extractants, and the solvent-to-plant-material ratio, for obtaining the highest yields of different types of polyphenolic components from the dried flower buds of Magnolia × soulangeana Soul.-Bod. var. 'Lennei' (MSL). The novel approach in the RSM procedure resulted from the simultaneous optimisation of UAE conditions to obtain extracts with the highest antioxidant and antiradical potential (examined as dependent variables), using appropriate spectrophotometric assays, with Folin-Ciocâlteu and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl reagents, respectively. The use of 66.8% (V/V) ethanol as the extraction solvent during the 55.2 min extraction protocol and the ratio of extractant volume to herbal substance of 46.8 mL/g gave the highest total yield of bioactive antioxidant phenolics in the extract obtained. For this herbal preparation, a qualitative and quantitative analysis was performed using combined chromatographic (LC), spectroscopic (PDA), and tandem mass spectrometric (ESI-QToF-MS/MS) techniques. A detailed phytochemical profiling, conducted for the first time, documented substantial amounts of various polyphenolic antioxidants, especially phenylethanoids and flavonoids, in the MSL flower buds. Their average total content exceeded 30.3 and 36.5 mg/g dry weight, respectively.

Quality of Edible Sesame Oil as Obtained by Green Solvents: In Silico versus Experimental Screening Approaches.

The present study aimed to investigate the qualitative and quantitative performance of five green solvents, namely 2-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF), cyclopentyl methyl ether (CPME), p-cymene, d-limonene and ethanol to substitute n-hexane, for sesame seed oil extraction. In fact, both CPME and MeTHF gave higher crude yields than n-hexane (58.82, 54.91 and 50.84%, respectively). The fatty acid profile of the sesame seed oils remained constant across all the solvent systems, with a predominance of oleic acid (39.27-44.35%) and linoleic acid (38.88-43.99%). The total sterols gained the upmost amount with CPME (785 mg/100 g oil) and MeTHF (641 mg/100 g oil). CPME and MeTHF were also characterized by the optimum content of tocopherols (52.3 and 50.6 mg/100 g oil, respectively). The highest contents of total phenols in the sesame seed oils were extracted by CPME (23.51 mg GAE/g) and MeTHF (22.53 mg GAE/g) as compared to the other solvents, especially n-hexane (8 mg GAE/g). Additionally, sesame seed oils extracted by MeTHF and CPME also had the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as compared to the other green solvents and n-hexane, encouraging their manufacturing use for sesame seed oil extraction.

Molecular and biological characterization of pyocyanin from clinical and environmental Pseudomonas aeruginosa

BackgroundPyocyanin is a secondary metabolite secreted by P. aeruginosa. It is a redox-active blue/green phenazine pigment that has various beneficial applications. The present study aims at screening the production of pyocyanin among clinical and environmental P. aeruginosa isolates in Dakahlya governorate, Egypt. Thereafter, large-scale production, purification, structure elucidation, and assessment of the biological activity of the highest pyocyanin producers were targeted.ResultsPyocyanin from the highest clinical (PsC05) and environmental (PsE02) producers were subjected to large-scale production, followed by purification using silica gel column. Pyocyanin was characterized using TLC, UV-Vis, 1 H NMR, and FTIR spectroscopy to confirm its structure and purity. Purified pyocyanin showed remarkable antimicrobial efficacy against all tested food-borne pathogens, MDR/XDR clinically isolated bacteria and C. albicans. Furthermore, it showed a substantial effect on biofilm inhibition and eradication of pre-formed biofilm against strong biofilm producing bacterial pathogens. However, it had limited antibiofilm activity against C. albicans. Pyocyanin from PsC05 had higher antioxidant and radicals scavenging activity than that from PsE02 as determined by FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS assays. Likewise, pyocyanin from PsC05 was more active against tested cancer cell lines, especially human Breast Cancer (MCF-7) and Colorectal Carcinoma (HCT-116), than that from PsE02. More importantly, it showed minimal cytotoxicity to normal cells.ConclusionsP. aeruginosa clinical and environmental isolates produce pyocyanin pigment in varying amounts. Pyocyanin exhibits substantial anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity; thus, enhancing its medical applicability. It could be used to inhibit and/or eradicate biofilm from the surfaces of medical devices which is a chief source of nosocomial infections. Its antioxidant along with cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines, make it a promising contender for use as a substitute for synthetic agents in cancer treatment.

Potential protein hydrolysates from the white and purple flower varieties of Orthosiphon aristatus leaves

This study was aimed to extract bioactive peptides from the white and purple flower varieties of Orthosiphon aristatus leaves. The herb is well known for its pharmacological importance, possibly attributed to its plant proteins. Phenol based extraction was used to extract plant proteins, and then hydrolysed by proteolytic enzymes such as trypsin (serine protease) and pepsin (aspartic protease). MS/MS analysis revealed that 145 and 125 proteins were detected from the white and purple flower varieties, respectively. Trypsin hydrolysates were showed to have a higher degree of hydrolysis (24–33%), resulting in higher antioxidant and antibacterial activities. The white flower of trypsin hydrolysates showed a higher radical scavenging activity which could be attributed to its higher content of stress proteins (19%). However, trypsin hydrolysates from the purple flower showed higher ferric reducing power and bacterial growth inhibition. The performance of hydrolysates was better than ampicillin in inhibiting Acinetobacter baumanni and Staphylococcus aureus.

Quaternized chitosan-based nanofibers with strong antibacterial and antioxidant activity designed as ecological active food packaging

The paper presents a novel design for nanofibers specifically tailored for food packaging applications. To this end, chitosan, quaternized chitosan, vanillin and poly(ethylene oxide) were electrospun into fibrous materials, having in mind the benefits brought by the (i) natural origin of the bioactive components, (ii) high surface-area-to-volume ratio of nanofibers and (iii) dynamic nature of the imine bonds. The investigation of the physicochemical characteristics by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, SEM and polarized light microscopy confirmed the bonding of vanillin via dynamic imine units, strong intermolecular forces amongst the components and formation of fibers with average diameter of 140 nm. These features enabled high mechanical properties in terms of tensile strength, elongation at break, and Young’s modulus, thermal stability, and good moisture adsorption. The encapsulation of vanillin by covalent imine bonds and the inclusion of quaternized chitosan endowed the fibers with high antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal activity against relevant strains, such as E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans. As a proof-of-concept, their application on raspberries as model fruits significantly extended the shelf life to 7 days under atmospheric conditions, confirmed by the physico-chemical and microbiological evaluation of the fruits. The natural origin of the components promoted fast biodegradation in soil in less than 7 weeks. All these data show that the studied imino-chitosan/quaternized chitosan-based nanofibers are valuable materials that meet the requirements for ecological active food packaging.

Determination of total flavonoids, phenolics, and antioxidant activity of propolis from six stingless bee species in Kenya

AbstractBackgroundPropolis is one of the hive products made by bees from wax and plant resins, which makes it rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids and phenolic. The chemical composition of propolis from stingless bees is affected by several factors including vegetation type and species. In Kenya, we have diverse landscape vegetation and over 12 stingless bee species. Lifestyle diseases are affecting more people due to unhealthy diets and exposure to harmful chemicals, which lead to oxidation in cells. This led to the production of super radicals, which cannot be neutralized only by the endogenous antioxidants in the body. This has led to increased demand for exogenous antioxidants obtained from the diet. Propolis is a known source of natural antioxidants too due to the presence of polyphenols.ResultsIn our study, we determined the total content of flavonoids, phenolic, and the antioxidant activity of propolis from six stingless bee species from Kenya. The total flavonoid content (TFC) in all species ranged from 651.90 to 3262.26 mg QE/100 g, while the total phenolic content (TPC) ranged from 586.36 to 2010.53 mg GAE/100 g. Among the species, Meliponula beccarii had the highest concentration of total flavonoids, Meliponula togoensis had high concentrations of total phenolic, while Meliponula ferruginea had the highest antioxidant activity.ConclusionThe outcome of this study demonstrates that propolis from Kenyan stingless bees have varying amounts of phytochemicals, which is dependent on the species identity. Hence it is a good source of exogenous natural antioxidants.

Mechanistic study on the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase using the extract of ultrasound-treated coffee leaves.

Our previous studies have shown that ultrasound-treated γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-rich coffee leaves have higher antioxidant and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitory activity. However, whether they have antidiabetic activity remains unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the inhibitory activities of coffee leaf extracts prepared with (CLE-U) or without (CLE-NU) ultrasound pre-treatment on α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Subsequently, we evaluated the binding interaction between CLE-U and both enzymes using multi-spectroscopic and in silico analyses. Ultrasound pre-treatment increased the inhibitory activities of CLE-U against α-amylase and α-glucosidase by 21.78% and 25.13%, respectively. CLE-U reversibly inhibit both enzymes, with competitive inhibition observed for α-amylase and non-competitive inhibition for α-glucosidase. The static quenching of CLE-U against both enzymes was primarily driven by hydrogen bond and van der Waals interactions. The α-helical of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was increased by 1.8% and 21.3%, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that the key differential compounds, including mangiferin, 5-caffeoylquinic acid, rutin, trigonelline, GABA, caffeine, glutamate et al. present in coffee leaves, interacted with specific amino acid residues located at the active site of α-amylase (ASP197, GLU233, and ASP300). The binding of α-glucosidase and these bioactive components involved amino acid residues, such as PHE1289, PRO1329, and GLU1397 located outside the active site. Ultrasound-treated coffee leaves are potential anti-diabetic substances, capable of preventing diabetes by inhibiting the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, thus delaying starch digestion. Our study provides valuable information to elucidate the possible anti-diabetic capacity of coffee leaves through the inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Enzyme-Inhibitory Activities, and Multivariate Analysis of Insect Gall Extracts of Picea koraiensis Nakai.

Picea koraiensis Nakai (PK) is an evergreen tree. It plays an important role in landscaping and road greening. Insect galls of PK are formed by parasitism of the adelgid Adelges laricis. Except for phenolics, other chemical constituents and biological activity of insect gall from PK are still unknown. Thus, here, we performed phytochemical and biological activity analyses of PK insect gall extracts, aiming to turn waste into treasure and serve human health. PK insect gall extracts were prepared using seven solvents. Antioxidant activities of the extracts were examined via antioxidant assays (radical and oxidizing substance quenching, metal chelating, and reducing power). The inhibitory activities of the extracts were determined toward the key human-disease-related enzymes α-glucosidase, α-amylase, cholinesterase, tyrosinase, urease, and xanthine oxidase. The content of numerous active constituents was high in the methanol and ethanol extracts of PK insect gall, and these extracts had the highest antioxidant and enzyme-inhibitory activities. They also showed excellent stability and low toxicity. These extracts have potential for use as stabilizers of olive and sunflower seed oils.

Diving on damage—the muscle transcriptome of parasitic infested harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) hints at oxidative stress but not hypoxia

The only native cetacean in German waters, the harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), is impacted by numerous pathological lesions in the respiratory tract mainly caused by parasites or bacteria. Although harbor porpoises have been observed to not use their complete lung volume, it has not been studied whether this insufficiency leads to lower oxygen uptake, impaired diving ability, and, ultimately, reduced foraging success. This project aims to analyze whether harbor porpoises developed novel molecular adaptations to compensate impairments in oxygen supply, thus remaining viable and competitive despite the high parasitic load. Here, initial comparative transcriptome RNA sequencing (NextSeq 2000, Illumina) was performed on muscles of harbor porpoises with a respiratory tract considered as healthy and of harbor porpoises that suffered from more severe lesions and parasitic infestations in the respiratory tract. Our findings suggest an elevated response to oxidative stress in the muscles of parasitic infested harbor porpoises compared with that of healthy animals. Higher antioxidant and antiapoptotic gene expression in the muscles of non-healthy harbor porpoises might function as a compensatory effect to enhanced reactive oxygen species production and accumulation in the muscles. Simultaneously enhanced selective proteasomal degradation and myogenesis suggest a tightly controlled, finely tuned switch of the intrinsic muscle response to stress. Lipid metabolism pathways and rate-limiting transcripts involved in glycolysis were upregulated and may uphold muscle energy supply for tissue function and energy-consuming regenerative and biosynthetic processes. These preliminary results hint at a defined response of the muscle to oxidative stress that may be caused by lung tissue with more severe pathological lesions and may indicate a possible adaptation in cetaceans.

Preparation of curcumin-chitosan composite film with high antioxidant and antibacterial capacity: Improving the solubility of curcumin by encapsulation of biopolymers

Curcumin is a kind of natural antioxidant antibacterial agent, but the poor water solubility and stability limit its application in the field of food packaging. To solve this problem, dialdehyde starch-curcumin-gelatin particles (hereafter denoted as DCG particles) were prepared by wrapping curcumin into the cross-linked body formed by dialdehyde starch and gelatin. The strong hydrophilicity of the outer cross-linked body increases the water solubility of curcumin by 3162.7% from 0.43 μg/mL to 13.6 μg/mL. DCG particles were added to chitosan to form a composite film to evaluate the application of the particles. The Chromogenic group and phenolic hydroxyl group in curcumin endowed the composite film with good ultraviolet resistance and antioxidant capacity, which could shield 94.48% of ultraviolet radiation, and the free radical clearance rate reached 99%. Besides, chitosan and curcumin can destroy bacterial cell film and inhibit bacterial division and proliferation. The inhibition zone of composite film against E. coli and S. aureus was 21.4 mm and 19.9 mm, and the cell survival rate treated with film solution was 113.16%. The weight loss rate and decay rate of fruit soaked in film solution were 60% and 10% compared with untreated fruits, respectively. Overall, this study advanced a novel method for improving the water solubility of curcumin and making natural food packaging materials.

Sargassum sp. extract improve hematological profile of tilapia fish ( Oreochromis niloticus).

Strategies to increase body resistance and prevent disease in aquaculture include using vaccines, antibiotics, and probiotics. Today, the use of antibiotics with natural ingredients is becoming a trend. Sargassum sp is a natural ingredient that contains high antioxidants and antibiotics. This research was conducted from March to May 2022 at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine, Universitas Riau, in two stages: 1) the sensitivity of extracts of Sargassum sp. and 2) the application of Sargassum sp. extract orally in tilapia ( O. niloticus). The parameters measured were clear zone, minimum inhibitory concentration, LD 50 test of leaf extract of Sargassum sp. in tilapia ( O. niloticus), hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, total leukocytes, total erythrocytes, leukocyte differentiation, and survival rate. Data on hematology parameters were tabulated and analyzed using a One-Way ANOVA followed by a Student Newman Keuls (SNK) test when deemed necessary. The results showed that the extract of Sargassum sp. inhibited the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila bacteria with a clear zone of 6.5-15.0 mm, which is classified as resistant. At doses of 2000, 2500, and 3000 ppm, it did not cause death in fish for 96 hours (LD 50). Hematological parameters can be a sign of the health status of fish. Tilapia given Sargassum sp. in different doses gave an effect between treatments after 30 days of rearing and post-test against A. hydrophila bacteria (p<0.05). The results showed that the hematology of fish fed with Sargassum sp. extract was in the normal or healthy range. Healthy tilapia had erythrocyte counts ranging from 1.34-2.11×10 6 cells/mm 3, hematocrit 26.17-33.19%, hemoglobin 6.26-11.2 g/dL and total leukocytes 1.01-1.50×10 4 cells/mm 3 and total erythrocytes 5.88-9.13×10 4 cells/ mm 3. A dose of 3000 ppm provided the highest health improvement against A. hydrophila bacterial infection.

Efficient Recovery Strategy of Luteolin from Agricultural Waste Peanut Shells and Activity Evaluation of Its Functional Biomolecules.

Peanut shells (PSs) generated from agricultural waste contain valuable compounds with bioactive properties such as anti-aging, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties, making it desirable to recycle them as a sustainable resource. The aim of this study is to design an effective luteolin recovery process as the first step of an integrated biorefinery utilizing PSs as raw material. The major extraction variables and their ranges for luteolin recovery from PSs were determined (0-60 °C, 1-5 h, 0-100% MeOH concentration) and a predictive model was derived through a response surface methodology (RSM). Based on the predictive model, the equation determined for the maximal extraction of luteolin at 1 h was as follows: y = -1.8475x + 159.57, and the significant range of variables was as follows: 33.8 °C ≤ temperature (x) ≤ 48.5 °C and 70.0% ≤ MeOH concentration (y) ≤ 97.5%, respectively. High antioxidant and elastase inhibitory activities of PS extracts were confirmed, and these results support their potential to be used as functional materials. In addition, 39.2% of the solid residue after extraction was carbohydrate, which has potential as a carbon source for fermentation. This study provides a useful direction on an integrated biorefinery approach for sustainable agricultural waste valorization.

Novel electrospun nanofibers based on gelatin/oxidized xanthan gum containing propolis reinforced by Schiff base cross-linking for food packaging.

Gelatin-based electrospun fibers are promising materials for food packaging but suffer from high hydrophilicity and weak mechanical properties. To overcome these limitations, in the current study, gelatin-based nanofibers were reinforced by using oxidized xanthan gum (OXG) as a crosslinking agent. The nanofibers' morphology was investigated through SEM, and the observations showed that the fibers' diameter was decreased by enhancing OXG content. The resultant fibers with more OXG content exhibited high tensile stress so the optimal sample obtained showed a tensile stress of 13.24±0.76MPa, which is up to 10 times more than neat gelatin fiber. Adding OXG to gelatin fibers reduced water vapor permeability, water solubility, and moisture content properties while increasing thermal stability and porosity. Additionally, the nanofibers containing propolis displayed a homogenous morphology with high antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In general, the findings suggested that the designed fibers could be used as a matrix for active food packaging.