Ion Chelating Research Articles

Glycosylation on the Antifreeze and Antioxidant Capacities of Tilapia Gelatin Hydrolysates

The antifreeze and antioxidant capacities of tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) gelatin hydrolysates were investigated, after glycosylation with saccharides of varying molecular weights, to enhance their functional properties to widen its commercial application in frozen aquatic products. Glycosylation was conducted by mixing gelatin hydrolysates with ribose, glucose, maltose, and dextran (20 kDa) at a 1:1 mass ratio; the glycosylation products had a pH of 10 and were incubated at 80 °C for 1 h. The results showed that the glycosylation degree ranked as: ribose > glucose > maltose > dextran. The mass spectrometry analysis showed that 17, 32, and 5 glycosylation sites were identified for ribose, glucose, and maltose, respectively, suggesting a molecular weight-dependent effect. Spectroscopic analyses, including ultraviolet and infrared spectroscopy, revealed that the gelatin hydrolysate structure was expanded, with chromophores in hydrophilic environments; a blue shift in the amide A and II bands confirmed that the amino group was involved. Fluorescence spectroscopy showed conformational changes with a red shift at 303.4 nm and a reduction in intensity. Antifreeze activity, such as catalase freezing protection and shrimp surimi protein stability, and antioxidant activity, including radical scavenging and metal ion chelation, were significantly improved. Ribose exhibited the strongest effects, followed by maltose and glucose. These results demonstrate the potential of glycosylation to improve gelatin hydrolysates for functional applications.

An oxidative metal ions-free lignin-catalyzed multifunctional hydrogel bioelectronics for codable eye communication

To meet the stringent requirements of wearable and flexible electronics for functionality and comfort, it is urgent to develop green conductive, self-adhesive, and stretchable functional hydrogels. The chelates of transition metal ions and lignosulfonate sodium (LS) can impart multi-functionality to the hydrogel and significantly improve the hydrogel’s gelation speed. However, the presence of metal ions may weaken the adhesiveness of hydrogels by shielding the functional adhesive groups. Here, an oxidative metal ions-free lignin-catalyzed multifunctional polyacrylic acid (PAA) hydrogel is proposed. LS itself can undergo a redox reaction with the initiator to generate many free radicals, thereby catalyzing the rapid polymerization of polymer monomers at room temperature and subsequent gelation. Furthermore, LS can easily improve the hydrogels’ softness (compressive modulus: ∼7 kPa) and stretchability (maximum ∼2700 %). Interestingly, LS can simultaneously promote the hydrogel’s conductivity, adhesion, and UV blocking. Notably, the hydrogel integrating these advantageous features is suitable as non-invasive electronics in the human epidermis. We explored its ability to act as adhesive bioelectrodes to collect electrooculographic signals in patients with physical and language impairments. Bioelectrodes can recognize the patient’s eye movements. The displayed electrical signal can be output in 6 languages after being encoded. This provides a valuable case for LS-doped functional hydrogels in the medical field.

A comprehensive evaluation of the self-healing capability of concrete with different ion chelating agents

A comprehensive evaluation of the self-healing capability of concrete with different ion chelating agents

Urtica dioica Aqueous Leaf Extract: Chemical Composition and In Vitro Evaluation of Biological Activities

Urtica dioica L. has been used as a natural remedy due to its healing properties for over 2000 years. The aim of this study is to investigate the chemical composition, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antitumor properties in vitro of the aqueous extract of Urtica dioica leaves (AEUD). The chemical composition was assessed by an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography system coupled to a benchtop QExactive high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry operating in a data-dependent acquisition mode as a non-target approach. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and disc diffusion were used to assess the antibacterial efficacy against nine bacterial strains. The antioxidant impact was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and ferrous ion-chelating ability assays. By using the MTT method, the cytotoxicity effect of AEUD on colon cancer cell HCT-116 was evaluated. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the cell cycle. Finally, the anti-migration and anti-invasion properties of AEUD on HCT-116 cells were estimated using the wound healing test and Transwell assays. AEUD is a rich source of phenolic compounds. The results of disc diffusion and MIC showed that the AEUD is more active against Gram-positive bacteria than against Gram-negative bacteria. MTT assay confirmed that the AEUD inhibited HCT-116 colon cancer cell proliferation. Findings of flow cytometry confirmed that cell cycle arrest occurred at the G2 phase. Additionally, AEUD had anti-migration and anti-invasion effects. This study shows that Urtica dioica aqueous leaf extract exhibits potential antibacterial, antioxidant, and antitumoral activities on HCT-116 colon cancer cells.

Optimization of Extraction Process, Structural Characterization, and Antioxidant and Hypoglycemic Activity Evaluation of Polysaccharides From the Medicinal and Edible Plant: Cistanche deserticola Ma.

Cistanche deserticola Ma (CD), an edible and medicinal plant native to Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu in China, is rich in bioactive polysaccharides known for their health-promoting properties. The polysaccharides of C. deserticola (CDPs) have been shown to possess a range of beneficial activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-aging, antioxidant, and anti-osteoporosis effects. This study seeks to identify the optimal conditions for extracting CDPs using hot water. Additionally, it aims to evaluate their chemical properties, antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity. The findings will provide a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals. The study employed response surface methodology to optimize the hot water extraction conditions for CDPs. The extracted CDPs were characterized using a range of chemical, spectroscopic, and instrumental analyses. Furthermore, their antioxidant activity, hypoglycemic effects, and cytotoxicity were evaluated through relevant assays to assess their potential health benefits. Under optimal conditions, the yield of CDPs was 45.85% ± 1.91%. CDPs were identified as acidic heteropolysaccharides with a wide molecular weight distribution, ranging from 0.3 to 128.2 kDa. They were composed primarily of glucose (51.21%), arabinose (32.86%), galactose (17.88%), and smaller amounts of galacturonic acid (4.66%), rhamnose (1.85%), mannose (1.32%), glucosamine hydrochloride (1.08%), and xylose (0.56%). Antioxidant assays demonstrated that CDPs exhibited significant free radical scavenging activity, metal ion chelation, and reducing power. Additionally, CDPs inhibited α-glucosidase and α-amylase invitro through a mixed-type mechanism, as well as static fluorescence quenching. Cytotoxicity assays showed that CDPs were nontoxic to L02 and AML12 cells. This study offers a theoretical foundation for the potential use of CDPs in functional foods and pharmaceuticals and provides valuable insights for the development of new antioxidant and hypoglycemic agents from natural sources.

Piezo1 Enhances Macrophage Phagocytosis and Pyrin Activation to Ameliorate Fungal Keratitis.

Fungal keratitis (FK) remains a treatment challenge, necessitating new therapeutic targets. Piezo1, a mechanosensitive ion channel, regulates calcium signaling and immune cell function. This study investigates its role in macrophage-mediated antifungal responses in FK. Piezo1 and Pyrin expression in corneas and bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were assessed by RNAseq, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot, and immunofluorescence. Intracellular calcium ion concentration was detected by Fluo-4 AM fluorescent probe staining. Heterozygous Piezo1 deficiency (Piezo1+/-) mice and Yoda1 were performed to regulate the expression of Piezo1. Our investigation demonstrates elevated expression of Piezo1 in the corneas of patients with FK and infected mice. This upregulation of Piezo1 corresponded with the swift recruitment of macrophages via the limbus. Additionally, Piezo1+/- mice exacerbate the progression of FK in the infection model. Furthermore, Piezo1 knockdown in macrophages exhibit a notable reduction phagocytic capacity, accompanied by an increase in viable colony-forming units in an in vitro model of fungal infection. Moreover, using a pharmacologic activator of Piezo1 (Yoda1), a calcium ion (Ca2+) chelator of BAPTA or Piezo1+/- mice, we demonstrate that Piezo1 activation triggers the Pyrin inflammasome via augmented calcium ion influx, which is required for protection against FK in murine hosts. Piezo1 is crucial for innate immunity in FK, enhancing macrophage recruitment, activation, and Pyrin inflammasome-mediated antifungal activity via calcium signaling. Using Piezo1+/- mice and Yoda1, we confirm Piezo1's role in fungal clearance. Targeting Piezo1 offers a novel strategy to improve FK outcomes by boosting macrophage function and immune response.

Scientific investigation on antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic effects and TLC bioautography of Terminalia schimperiania stem bark extracts.

Terminalia schimperianaHochst, belonging to theCombretaceaefamily, is known for its ethnomedicinal values, particularly in treating various diseases in Africa. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic properties of T. schimperiana stem bark extracts, with a specific focus on assessing their bioactive potential and identifying active compounds via TLC bioautography. The invitro antimicrobial activity was assessed using the agar well diffusion method against selected clinical strains. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using several methods including free radical scavenging, ferrous ion chelation assays and total phenolic content analysis. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was assessed using MTT assay towards Raw 264.7 and Vero cell lines. All extracts demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested, with inhibition zones (IZ) ranging from 6.50±0.71 to 15.50±0.71 mm and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) ranging from 1.95 to 1,250 μg/ml. The hydroethanolic extract exhibited strongest antioxidant activities with EC50 values of 188.50; 245.30, and 281.50 μg/mL for DPPH; ABTS, ferrous ion chelation assays respectively, and a high content of phenolic compounds (101.67±2.97 µgEFA/mg DW). Importantly, no cytotoxic effects were observed on Raw 264.7 and Vero cell lines. HPTLC analysis identified alkaloids and phenolic compounds in both aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts. These findings indicate T.schimperiana provides a wealth of bio-compounds that can be utilised in the pharmaceutical industry as antibacterial and antioxidant agents to combat antibiotic resistance.

Changes in the Content of Dietary Fiber, Flavonoids, and Phenolic Acids in the Morphological Parts of Fagopyrum tataricum (L.) Gaertn Under Drought Stress.

Tartary buckwheat is a plant recognized for its resistance to various environmental stresses. Due to its valuable source of phenolic compounds, Fagopyrum tataricum is also characterized as a medicinal plant; therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the drought stress for the levels of phenolic compounds in the morphological parts of the plant. This experiment was conducted in 7 L pots under laboratory conditions. Phenolic compounds were identified using a UHPLC-MS chromatography system. Antioxidant activity was assessed using well-known methods, including the DPPH scavenging activity and ferrous ion chelating activity. In Tartary buckwheat leaves, stems, seeds, and husks, 57 phenolic compounds were identified, with a predominance of quercetin 3-rutinoside, quercetin, kaempferol-3-rutinoside, kaempferol, and derivatives of coumaric acid. It was observed that the Tartary buckwheat samples subjected to drought stress exhibited a slight decrease in the majority of individual phenolic compounds. The measurement of biological parameters indicated that plant regeneration after drought stress demonstrated a rapid recovery, which can be a positive response to the progression of climate changes.

Plasmodium falciparum histidine-rich protein 2 exhibits cell penetration and cytotoxicity with autophagy dysfunction.

Plasmodium falciparum is a major cause of severe malaria. This protozoan infects human red blood cells and secretes large quantities of histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2) into the bloodstream, making it a well-known diagnostic marker. Here, however, we identified PfHRP2 as a pathogenic factor produced by P. falciparum. PfHRP2 showed cell penetration and cytotoxicity against various human cells. PfHRP2 also exhibited significant cytotoxicity at concentrations found in P. falciparum-infected patients' blood (90-100nM). We also showed that PfHRP2 binds to Ca2+ ions, localizes to intracellular lysosomes, increases lysosomal Ca2+ levels, and inhibits the basal level of autophagy by preventing autolysosome formation. Furthermore, the Ca2+-dependent cytotoxicity of PfHRP2 was suppressed by the metal ion chelator ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. In summary, our findings suggest PfHRP2 as a crucial pathogenic factor produced by P. falciparum and its mode of action. Overall, this study provides preliminary insights into P. falciparum malaria pathogenesis.

Phytochemicals and Biological Properties of Azorean Camellia sinensis Black Tea Samples from Different Zones of Tea Plantation.

Camellia sinensis tea has received considerable attention due to its beneficial effects on health, particularly due to its antioxidant properties that are affected by several factors, which have a high influence on the final quality of black tea. The objective of this study was to investigate the biological properties of Azorean C. sinensis black tea from five different zones of tea plantation in order to select specific areas to cultivate tea rich in targeted compounds beneficial to human health. The free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), ferrous ion chelating (FIC) activities, total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and tannins were determined by colorimetric methods, and catechin and theaflavin contents were analyzed by high-pressure liquid chromatography. The results indicated that samples from Zone E (341 m above the sea level) presented higher values of FRSA (EC50 = 7.22 µg/mL), FRAP (EC50 = 9.06 µg/mL), and FIC activities (79.83%) and higher values of total phenolics (264.76 mg GAE/g DE) and almost all catechins. For TFC, the values were very similar between zones, and for theaflavins content, Zone A showed the best levels, followed by Zone E. In general, these results clearly highlight that altitude plays a significant role in enhancing certain compounds of tea, thereby influencing its quality.

The Possible Roles of β-alanine and L-carnosine in Anti-aging.

alanine (BA), being a non-proteinogenic amino acid, is an important constituent of L-carnosine (LC), which is necessary for maintaining the muscle buffering capacity and preventing a loss of muscle mass associated with aging effects. BA is also very important for normal human metabolism due to the formation of a part of pantothenate, which is incorporated into coenzyme A. BA is synthesized in the liver, and its combination with histidine results in the formation of LC, which accumulates in the muscles and brain tissues and has a well-defined physiological role as a good buffer for the pH range of muscles that caused its rapidly increased popularity as ergogenic support to sports performance. The main antioxidant mechanisms of LC include reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and chelation of metal ions. With age, the buffering capacity of muscles also declines due to reduced concentration of LC and sarcopenia. Moreover, LC acts as an antiglycation agent, ultimately reducing the development of degenerative diseases. LC has an anti-inflammatory effect in autoimmune diseases such as osteoarthritis. As histidine is always present in the human body in higher concentrations than BA, humans have to get BA from dietary sources to support the required amount of this critical constituent to supply the necessary amount of LC synthesis. Also, BA has other beneficial effects, such as preventing skin aging and intestinal damage, improving the stress-- fighting capability of the muscle cells, and managing an age-related decline in memory and learning. In this review, the results of a detailed analysis of the role and various beneficial properties of BA and LC from the anti-aging perspective.

LC3B-regulated autophagy mitigates zinc oxide nanoparticle-induced epithelial cell dysfunction and acute lung injury.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) are widely utilized across various industries, raising concerns about their potential toxicity, especially in the respiratory system. This study explores the role of autophagy, regulated by microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3B (LC3B), in ZnONPs-induced toxicity using both in vivo (LC3B knockout mice) and in vitro (BEAS-2B cells) models. Our findings demonstrate that LC3B-regulated autophagy mitigates ZnONPs-induced epithelial cell dysfunction and acute lung injury. In the absence of LC3B, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intracellular zinc accumulation are exacerbated, resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction and epithelial cell death. In vitro, LC3B knockdown disrupted zinc ion transporter expression and impaired mitophagic flux in BEAS-2B cells. Treatment with zinc ion chelators alleviated these toxic effects, confirming that free zinc ions play a critical role in driving ZnONPs toxicity. These findings highlight that targeting autophagy and maintaining zinc homeostasis could offer therapeutic strategies to reduce ZnONPs-induced lung damage.

Surface Modification of Starch by Isopropoxytris(ethylenediamino‐N‐ethoxy)Titanate with a Chelating Claw for Heavy Metal Removal

AbstractIsopropoxy tris(ethylenediamino‐N‐ethoxy) titanate‐modified starch (TIS) was prepared and characterized by XPS, FTIR, SEM, and TGA. It has been used for the removal of Cu2+, Co2+, Ni2+, and Mn2+ from aqueous solutions. At an optimal pH of 7, fast adsorption was observed within 10 min of contact, and 80% of the maximum capacity was achieved. Adsorption reached equilibrium after 30 min. This course followed a pseudo‐second‐order equation with the sequence Cu2+ > Mn2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+, which is related to the substitution rates of the hydrated metal ions. A linear relationship between the pseudo‐second‐order equation constant (logk2) and substitution rate constants (logkhs) of the hydrated metal ions was established. For the isotherm, the Langmuir equation fitted well with the adsorption data, suggesting monolayer coverage of the TIS surface. The maximum adsorption capacity for metal ions followed the order of Cu2+ > Co2+ > Ni2+ > Mn2+. FTIR and thermal studies indicated the chelation of metal ions with ethylenediamino groups, in agreement with the adsorption investigations.

Circadian Regulation of the Rice Immune Response during Rice Blast Infection via Metabolic and Calcium Signaling.

The circadian clock is crucial in plant immunity and metabolism, yet the coordinating mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, transcriptome analysis of M. oryzae-infected rice leaves and rhythmic analysis showed reduced amplitudes of circadian and phytochrome genes, impacting immune response, metabolic pathways, and calcium signaling. The amplitudes of pattern-triggered immunity (PTI)-related genes declined, while the rhythmicity of effector-triggered immunity (ETI)-related genes disappeared. Moreover, alterations in the phases of metabolic pathways were observed, potentially involved in immune response regulation like phytohormone biosynthesis. Calcium signaling exhibited a circadian pattern similar to that of the whole-transcriptome analysis. The administration of CaCl2 alleviated, whereas the calcium ion chelator EGTA aggravated, the phenotypes of rice blasts, suggesting their role in regulating the circadian clock-mediated immune response in rice. Our study highlighted the significance of circadian regulation in rice blast-induced immune modulation, which may contribute to developing immunomodulators and the formulation of chronobiology-based precise therapeutic regimens.

Phenolic and Flavonoids Contributions to the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Anticholesterol Activities of Eriobotrya japonica Fruit Extract: An In Vitro Analysis

Eriobotrya japonica has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. This study investigates its fruit ethanol extract's phenolic and flavonoids profiles and evaluates its antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholesterol activities. Eriobotrya japonica fruit ethanol extract was tested for total phenolic and flavonoid content using Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 methods. The antioxidant capacity was assessed by DPPH and metal chelation assays. The antidiabetic action was assessed using α-glucosidase inhibition and the Nelson-Somogyi method, whereas the Liebermann-Burchard method was used to measure anticholesterol. The extract exhibited large quantities of phenolics (38.62 mg GAE/g) and flavonoids (4.23 mg QE/g), demonstrating robust antioxidant activity with IC50 of 55 μg/mL by DPPH method and substantial inhibition (71%) by metal ion chelation. In addition, it exhibited strong antidiabetic effects 2.42 μg/mL in the α-glucosidase inhibition test, and at 10 μg/mL using the Nelson-Somogyi method resulted in a 24.02% yield. The extract demonstrated a significant reduction in cholesterol levels during the process of cholesterol reduction, obtaining a maximum reduction of 47.31% at the highest concentration tested. Ethanol extract of Eriobotrya japonica can be used in treating oxidative stress and diabetes and introduce its potential to reduce cholesterol levels. The high content of phenolic and flavonoids total contributes to its bioactivities, indicating its potential as a functional food ingredient.

Melanin-Deferoxamine Nanoparticles Targeting Ferroptosis Mitigate Acute Kidney Injury via RONS Scavenging and Iron Ion Chelation.

Rhabdomyolysis (RM)-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) involves the release of large amounts of iron ions from excess myoglobin in the kidneys, which mediates the overproduction of reactive species with the onset of iron overload via the Fenton reaction, thus inducing ferroptosis and leading to renal dysfunction. Unfortunately, there are no effective treatments for AKI other than supportive care. Herein, we developed a multifunctional nanoplatform (MPD) by covalently bonding melanin nanoparticles (MP NPs) to deferoxamine. The nanoplatform has good dispersion and physiological stability, excellent chelating performance to iron ions, and broad-spectrum reactive species scavenging activity. Furthermore, cellular experiments showed that the NPs possessed high biocompatibility, antiapoptotic activity, antioxidant properties, and strong scavenging capacity of Fe2+ to mitigate iron overload, protecting the intracellular mitochondria from oxidative stress. Meanwhile, the intrinsic photoacoustic imaging capability of melanin allows the real-time monitoring of MPD NPs' target uptake and metabolic behavior in healthy and AKI mice. Most importantly, MPD NPs led to downregulation of the antioxidant pathway by targeting ferroptosis, thus effectively rescuing renal function in vivo, mitigating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and inhibiting renal tubular cell apoptosis. The nanoplatform offers a novel therapeutic strategy for RM-induced AKI.

Developing dual-responsive quinolinium prodrugs of 8-hydroxyquinoline by harnessing the dual chelating sites.

The bidentate metal ion chelator 8-hydroxyquinoline (8-HQ) demonstrates significant potential in anticancer therapy but is hindered by adverse effects due to nonspecific chelation in normal tissues. The phenolic hydroxyl oxygen of 8-HQ has been extensively exploited to develop O-masked 8-HQ prodrugs aimed at achieving on-demand chelation. However, the equally crucial quinoline nitrogen for chelation remains underutilized. By alkylating the quinoline nitrogen of 8-HQ, we synthesized a series of N-masked quinolinium (QUM) prodrugs that release 8-HQ upon activation by various stimuli. Comprehensive in vitro and in vivo studies were conducted with QUM-1 and QUM-4, which are activated by H2O2 and β-glucosidase, respectively. Both QUM-1 and QUM-4 exhibit improved cancer cell selectivity compared to 8-HQ or the O-masked isomeric prodrug, attributed to unique properties such as enhanced mitochondrial targeting and increased glucose transporter-mediated cellular uptake. Additionally, by leveraging both chelating sites, we constructed dual-masked 8-HQ prodrugs that are activated non-sequentially by two stimuli to release 8-HQ. QUM-5 demonstrates anticancer activity upon activation by UV/H2O2 and shows improved safety in mice compared to 8-HQ. Our research presents novel applications for the construction of quaternary ammonium prodrugs utilizing aromatic tertiary amines and underscores the potential of dual-responsive prochelators for targeted cancer therapy.

Evaluation of Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous Extract of Malva Sylvestris Leaves in Association with Serum Albumin

Malva sylvestris L., commonly known as common mallow, is an herbaceous plant widely used in traditional Algerian medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The richness of its leaves and flowers in phenolic compounds is the source of these therapeutic virtues. In Algeria, various remedies based on this species are commonly used in the treatment of inflammation, joint pain, and digestive disorders. Serum albumin is the most abundant protein in blood plasma and plays a key role in regulating oncotic pressure. Its versatile nature also allows it to transport numerous molecules such as fatty acids, hormones, drugs, and metal ions, thus contributing to the proper functioning of essential physiological processes. This study aims to evaluate certain biological activities resulting from the association between serum albumin and the aqueous extract of Malva sylvestris L. leaves. The results obtained highlight a notable antioxidant activity of this association, with respective IC50 values of 3.825 ± 0.422 μg/ml, 296.13 ± 69.33 μg/ml, and 217.9 ± 31.5 μg/ml for the ability to scavenge DPPH, OH, and H2O2 radicals. The mixture exhibits a total antioxidant capacity with an IC50 of 310.5 ± 11.33 μg/ml and a ferric ion reducing power with an IC50 of 42.93 ± 46.38 μg/ml. The ferrous ion chelating ability is evaluated with an IC50 of 137.96 ± 30.07 μg/ml. Regarding the antiinflammatory activity, no stabilizing effect on erythrocyte membranes against osmotic stress, HOCl-induced oxidative stress, and heat was observed with this association. These results clearly demonstrate that the combination of serum albumin and the aqueous extract of Malva sylvestris leaves significantly potentiates the antioxidant properties of the plant. This combination represents a promising source of bioactive molecules and constitutes an interesting therapeutic alternative for the treatment of pathologies related to oxidative stress.

Exploring the Multifaceted Health Benefits of Tripolium pannonicum: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Prebiotic Properties With Phytochemical Insights.

This study investigates the multifaceted potential of Tripolium pannonicum methanolic extract, focusing on its antimicrobial, antioxidant, and prebiotic properties alongside a comprehensive phytochemical analysis. The antioxidant capacity of the methanolic extract was demonstrated through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging and iron ion chelating assays, revealing an IC50 value of 0.073mg/mL and 5.79 ± 0.04mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the prebiotic activity of T. pannonicum was evaluated, showing enhanced growth of probiotic strains Lactobacillus plantarum and L. fermentum, compared to standard prebiotics, inulin, and fructooligosaccharides. The study also identified 27 bioactive phytochemical compounds in the methanolic extract, including 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and palmitic acid, which were further explored through molecular docking analyses, revealing significant interactions with the human pregnane X receptor. These findings underscore the potential of T. pannonicum as a sustainable health solution in both agricultural and medicinal contexts, warranting further exploration of its therapeutic applications and mechanisms of action.

Mapping self-avoiding walk on obstacle-ridden lattice onto chelation of heavy metal ions: Monte Carlo study

Self-avoiding walk (SAW) represents a linear polymer chain on a large scale, neglecting its chemical details and emphasizing the role of its conformational statistics. The role of the latter is important in the formation of agglomerates and complexes involving polymers and organic or inorganic particles, such as polymer-stabilized colloidal suspensions, microemulsions, or micellar solutions. When such particles can be adsorbed on a polymer of considerably larger dimensions than themselves, this setup may represent the chelation of heavy metal ions by polymeric chelants. We consider the SAW of the length N on a cubic lattice ridden by randomly distributed obstacles of the concentration p interpreted as ions. The SAW monomers can bind to the obstacles with variable binding energy ɛ mimicking the formation of the chelation bond. Pruned-enriched Rosenbluth method (PERM) Monte Carlo (MC) algorithm is applied to simulate system behavior. We focus on several relevant properties related to the chelation efficiency and strength, as functions of the variables set {p,N,ɛ}. The results are interpreted in terms of conformational freedom, excluded volume effects, and loop formation for the SAW, and the tendencies being predicted are in agreement with some experimental data. Published by the American Physical Society 2024