Maintaining Membrane Integrity Research Articles

Regulation of plum fruit cracking process during cold storage period by treatment of preharvest chitosan

Cracking fruit is a serious quality change phenomenon in the storage and transportation of postharvest plum fruit. To reduce the cracking rate of plum fruit during cold storage, the 'Guofeng No.7' plum was sprayed with chitosan with 1.5% concentration 30d from preharvest. The postharvest plum fruit was stored at (0±0.5) °C and (85-90) % relative humidity. The results showed that chitosan treatment could reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level of plum fruit, effectively delaying the fruit cracking. Compared with the control, chitosan treated fruits inhibited the increase of free radical content such as O2-· and H2O2 and delayed the increase of membrane permeability and the accumulation of MDA (from 71.9 mmol/g to 53.5 mmol/g). It also regulates lipoxygenase (LOX), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) (enzymatic activity from 34.15 g/min to 42.21 g/min) and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activity and gene expression during fruit cracking to maintain membrane integrity and intracellular compartmentalization, thereby increasing the crack tolerance of plum fruit during cold storage. These results indicate that preharvest chitosan treatment can inhibit the metabolism of active oxygen species, increase the activity of ROS scavenging enzymes and gene expression, and delay the postharvest cracking of plum fruit.

Mo-BiVO4 Photocatalytically Modified Ceramic Ultrafiltration Membranes for Enhanced Water Treatment Efficiency.

This study highlights the effectiveness of photocatalytically modified ceramic ultrafiltration (UF) membranes in alleviating two major drawbacks of membrane filtration technologies. These are the generation of a highly concentrated retentate effluent as a waste stream and the gradual degradation of the water flux through the membrane due to the accumulation of organic pollutants on its surface. The development of two types of novel tubular membranes, featuring photocatalytic Mo-BiVO4 inverse opal coatings, demonstrated a negligible impact on water permeance, ensuring consistent filtration and photocatalytic efficiency and suggesting the potential for maintaining membrane integrity and avoiding the formation of highly concentrated retentate effluents. Morphological analysis revealed well-defined coatings with ordered domains and interconnected macropores, confirming successful synthesis of Mo-BiVO4. Raman spectroscopy and optical studies further elucidated the composition and light absorption properties of the coatings, particularly within the visible region, which is vital for photocatalysis driven by vis-light. Evaluation of the tetracycline removal efficiency presented efficient adsorption onto membrane surfaces with enhanced photocatalytic activity observed under both UV and vis-light. Additionally, vis-light irradiation facilitated significant degradation, showcasing the versatility of the membranes. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis corroborated complete solute elimination or photocatalytic degradation without the production of intermediates, highlighting the potential for complete pollutant removal. Overall, these findings emphasize the promising applications of Mo-BiVO4 photocatalytic membranes in sustainable water treatment and wastewater remediation processes, laying the groundwork for further optimization and scalability in practical water treatment systems.

Biological Demands and Toxicity of Isoprenoid Precursors in Bacillus Subtilis Through Cell-Permeant Analogs of Isopentenyl Pyrophosphate and Dimethylallyl Pyrophosphate.

Bacterial isoprenoids are necessary for many biological processes, including maintaining membrane integrity, facilitating intercellular communication, and preventing oxidative damage. All bacterial isoprenoids are biosynthesized from two five carbon structural isomers, isopentenyl pyrophosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), which are cell impermeant. Herein, we demonstrate exogenous delivery of IPP and DMAPP into Bacillus subtilis by utilizing a self-immolative ester (SIE)-caging approach. We initially evaluated native B. subtilis esterase activity, which revealed a preference for short straight chain esters. We then examined the viability of the SIE-caging approach in B. subtilis and demonstrate that the released caging groups are well tolerated and the released IPP and DMAPP are bioavailable, such that isoprenoid biosynthesis can be rescued in the presence of pathway inhibitors. We further show that IPP and DMAPP are both toxic and inhibit growth of B. subtilis at the same concentration. Lastly, we establish the optimal ratio of IPP to DMAPP (5 : 1) for B. subtilis growth and find that, surprisingly, DMAPP alone is insufficient to rescue isoprenoid biosynthesis under high concentrations of fosmidomycin. These findings showcase the potential of the SIE-caging approach in B. subtilis and promise to both aid in novel isoprenoid discovery and to inform metabolic engineering efforts in bacteria.

Acidic electrolyzed-oxidizing water treatment mitigated the disease progression in Phomopsis longanae Chi-infected longans by modulating ROS and membrane lipid metabolism

Postharvest harmful pathogenic infestation leads to rapid decay in longan fruit. Compared with P. longanae-infected longans, AEOW alleviated fruit disease severity and diminished the O2-. production rate and MDA content. It also increased APX, CAT, and SOD activities, delayed the decrease in the levels of GSH and AsA, as well as the reducing power and DPPH radical scavenging ability, which resulted in a decline in membrane lipid peroxidation in P. longanae-infected longans. Additionally, AEOW reduced LOX, lipase, PI-PLC, PC-PLC, and PLD activities, maintained higher levels of PC, PI, IUFA, USFAs, and U/S, while reducing levels of PA, DAG, SFAs, and CMP. These effects alleviated membrane lipid degradation and peroxidation in P. longanae-infected longans. Consequently, AEOW effectively maintained membrane integrity via improving antioxidant capacity and suppressing membrane lipid peroxidation. This comprehensive coordination of ROS and membrane lipid metabolisms improved fruit resistance and delayed disease development in longans.

Phytosulfokine α (PSKα) delays senescence in cut rose flowers by keeping intracellular ATP and ROS homeostasis

During bud opening of rose flowers, higher TOR along with lower SnRK1 expression was concomitant with sufficient cellular ATP provision, while during petal senescence of rose flowers, lower TOR along with higher SnRK1 expression was concomitant with insufficient cellular ATP supplying. During bud opening, higher TOR expression might ensure sufficient cellular ATP provision by promoting H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, SDH, and CCO activities. During petal senescence, higher SnRK1 expression might ensure for insufficient cellular ATP supplying which was associated with higher AOX, UCP1, ProDH and IVDH expression. By PSKα application, triggering TOR along with suppressing SnRK1 expression could be responsible for sufficient cellular ATP provision by promoting H+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, SDH, and CCO activities accompanied by suppressing ProDH and IVDH expression. In addition, higher AOX and UCP1 expression might ensure lower H2O2 accumulation in cut rose flowers by PSKα application. By PSKα application, retarding senescence and extending vase life of cut rose flowers was associated with maintaining membrane integrity indicated by lower electrolyte leakage and MDA accumulation. Our results suggest the potential of TOR/SnRK1 signaling pathways as an effective endogenous anti-senescence molecular mechanism for extending the vase life of cut rose flowers.

The Emerging Role of Cell Membrane-coated Nanomaterials in Cancer Therapy.

This review investigates the revolutionary application of cell membrane-coated nanoparticles (CMNPs) as a promising avenue for cancer therapy within the embryonic landscape of nanotechnology. Nanoparticles, pivotal in cancer treatment, are systematically examined for their diverse physicochemical structures, categorized as organic (lipid-based, protein-based, and polymer-assisted) and inorganic (carbon-based and metal) varieties. A significant focus is placed on CMNPs, which serve as an innovative drug delivery vehicle, overcoming limitations associated with conventional nanoparticle therapies. This manuscript accurately explores the advantages and challenges of various cell membranes, including those derived from cancer cells, red blood cells, platelets, stem cells, and white blood cells. Importance is placed on their roles in enhancing drug delivery precision, immune system circumvention, and targeted recognition. Detailed insights into the crafting of CMNPs are provided, elucidating membrane extraction and fusion techniques, such as sonication, extrusion, co-extrusion, and microfluidic electroporation. Maintaining membrane integrity during extraction and the benefits of coating techniques in augmenting biocompatibility and targeted drug delivery are underscored. This comprehensive resource consolidates the latest advancements in targeted drug delivery, positioning itself at the forefront of nanotechnology and biomedicine research. Encapsulating various methodologies like membrane extrusion, electrospray, and chemical conjugation, this manuscript showcases the expanding toolbox available to researchers in this dynamic field. Focusing on the unique characteristics of CMNPs, this review explores their multifaceted applications in biomedical research, particularly in tumour therapy. It provides an indepth analysis of the biocompatibility of CMNPs, their stability, immune evasion capabilities, targeted drug delivery precision, increased payload capacity, and retained biological functionality. The manuscript outlines current applications and future prospects of CMNPs in targeted chemotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and innovative therapeutic methods. It concludes by highlighting the advantages of CMNPs in tumour therapy and their transformative potential in reshaping the landscape of cancer treatment.

Plasmodium falciparum contains functional SCF and CRL4 ubiquitin E3 ligases, and CRL4 is critical for cell division and membrane integrity.

Protein ubiquitination is essential for cellular homeostasis and regulation of several processes, including cell division and genome integrity. Ubiquitin E3 ligases determine substrate specificity for ubiquitination, and Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligases (CRLs) make the largest group among the ubiquitin E3 ligases. Although conserved and most studied in model eukaryotes, CRLs remain underappreciated in Plasmodium and related parasites. To investigate the CRLs of human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, we generated parasites expressing tagged P. falciparum cullin-1 (PfCullin-1), cullin-2 (PfCullin-2), Rbx1 (PfRbx1) and Skp1 (PfSkp1). PfCullin-1 and PfCullin-2 were predominantly expressed in erythrocytic trophozoite and schizont stages, with nucleocytoplasmic localization and chromatin association, suggesting their roles in different cellular compartments and DNA-associated processes. Immunoprecipitation, in vitro protein-protein interaction, and ubiquitination assay confirmed the presence of a functional Skp1-Cullin-1-Fbox (PfSCF) complex, comprising of PfCullin-1, PfRbx1, PfSkp1, PfFBXO1, and calcyclin binding protein. Immunoprecipitation, sequence analysis, and ubiquitination assay indicated that PfCullin-2 forms a functional human CRL4-like complex (PfCRL4), consisting of PfRbx1, cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor subunit_A and WD40 repeat proteins. PfCullin-2 knock-down at the protein level, which would hinder PfCRL4 assembly, significantly decreased asexual and sexual erythrocytic stage development. The protein levels of several pathways, including protein translation and folding, lipid biosynthesis and transport, DNA replication, and protein degradation were significantly altered upon PfCullin-2 depletion, which likely reflects association of PfCRL4 with multiple pathways. PfCullin-2-depleted schizonts had poorly delimited merozoites and internal membraned structures, suggesting a role of PfCRL4 in maintaining membrane integrity. PfCullin-2-depleted parasites had a significantly lower number of nuclei/parasite than the normal parasites, indicating a crucial role of PfCRL4 in cell division. We demonstrate the presence of functional CRLs in P. falciparum, with crucial roles for PfCRL4 in cell division and maintaining membrane integrity.

CSN6-SPOP-HMGCS1 Axis Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Progression via YAP1 Activation.

Cholesterol metabolism has important roles in maintaining membrane integrity and countering the development of diseases such as obesity and cancers. Cancer cells sustain cholesterol biogenesis for their proliferation and microenvironment reprograming even when sterols are abundant. However, efficacy of targeting cholesterol metabolism for cancer treatment is always compromised. Here it is shown that CSN6 is elevated in HCC and is a positive regulator of hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 (HMGCS1) of mevalonate (MVA) pathway to promote tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, CSN6 antagonizes speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) ubiquitin ligase to stabilize HMGCS1, which in turn activates YAP1 to promote tumor growth. In orthotopic liver cancer models, targeting CSN6 and HMGCS1 hinders tumor growth in both normal and high fat diet. Significantly, HMGCS1 depletion improves YAP inhibitor efficacy in patient derived xenograft models. The results identify a CSN6-HMGCS1-YAP1 axis mediating tumor outgrowth in HCC and propose a therapeutic strategy of targeting non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases- associated HCC.

Dual recognition of multiple signals in bacterial outer membrane proteins enhances assembly and maintains membrane integrity

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are essential components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. In terms of protein targeting and assembly, the current dogma holds that a ‘β-signal’ imprinted in the final β-strand of the OMP engages the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex to initiate membrane insertion and assembly of the OMP into the outer membrane. Here, we revealed an additional rule that signals equivalent to the β-signal are repeated in other, internal β-strands within bacterial OMPs, by peptidomimetic and mutational analysis. The internal signal is needed to promote the efficiency of the assembly reaction of these OMPs. BamD, an essential subunit of the BAM complex, recognizes the internal signal and the β-signal, arranging several β-strands and partial folding for rapid OMP assembly. The internal signal-BamD ordering system is not essential for bacterial viability but is necessary to retain the integrity of the outer membrane against antibiotics and other environmental insults.

Dual recognition of multiple signals in bacterial outer membrane proteins enhances assembly and maintains membrane integrity.

Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are essential components of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. In terms of protein targeting and assembly, the current dogma holds that a 'β-signal' imprinted in the final β-strand of the OMP engages the β-barrel assembly machinery (BAM) complex to initiate membrane insertion and assembly of the OMP into the outer membrane. Here, we revealed an additional rule that signals equivalent to the β-signal are repeated in other, internal β-strands within bacterial OMPs, by peptidomimetic and mutational analysis. The internal signal is needed to promote the efficiency of the assembly reaction of these OMPs. BamD, an essential subunit of the BAM complex, recognizes the internal signal and the β-signal, arranging several β-strands and partial folding for rapid OMP assembly. The internal signal-BamD ordering system is not essential for bacterial viability but is necessary to retain the integrity of the outer membrane against antibiotics and other environmental insults.

“Rooting” engineering strategy for construction of highly stable, scalable, size-customized oxidized graphene/PA6 ultrafine fiber composite nanofiltration membranes for water purification

Nanofiltration membranes based on graphene oxide exhibit substantial potential for practical applications in water treatment, poised to lead the next generation of separation technology. It is noteworthy that the prominent hydration interaction among graphene–graphene oxide nanosheets stands as the primary factor influencing its stability. Simultaneously, the absence of suitable graphene substrates presents challenges to its large-scale production. In this study, our initial endeavor involved constructing a graphene-based selective layer on a PA6 substrate using a quasi-“rooting” strategy. The graphene selective layer was anchored onto the surface of PA6 fibers (with a diameter size of up to 190.0 mm and a selective layer thickness of approximately 5.0 µm). Experimental results reveal that the permeability of the hybrid graphene oxide/PA6 fiber composite nanofiltration membrane consistently maintained within the range of 7.7 to 14.9 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻1, with a remarkable dye molecule removal rate of 99.06 %. Even under challenging operating conditions (such as strong acid, strong alkali, polar solvent, oxidation, and the coexistence of salt ions), its separation performance remained stable. The permeability of composite membranes was retained between 10.6 and 12.7 L m⁻² h⁻¹ bar⁻1, and the rejection rate of CR dye reached 95.0 % under harsh conditions. Furthermore, the stability and anti-fouling performance of the composite membrane were significantly enhanced. Deposits on the membrane surface could be effectively removed through physical wiping and repeated water rinsing, maintaining membrane integrity even after vigorous ultrasonic cleaning (120 min, 950 W). Additionally, after undergoing 20 cycles of rinsing with deionized water and a 30-day soak in an aqueous solution, the PA6 substrate and graphene selective layer exhibited robust adhesion. No shedding was observed, and the dye rejection rate of the composite membrane consistently exceeded 95 %. This perfectly illustrates the exceptional structural stability and separation durability of the prepared separation membrane. Our work contributes fundamental design principles and theoretical insights for practical applications.

Disruption of MAM integrity in mutant FUS oligodendroglial progenitors from hiPSCs

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and fatal neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by selective loss of motor neurons (MNs). A number of causative genetic mutations underlie the disease, including mutations in the fused in sarcoma (FUS) gene, which can lead to both juvenile and late-onset ALS. Although ALS results from MN death, there is evidence that dysfunctional glial cells, including oligodendroglia, contribute to neurodegeneration. Here, we used human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) with a R521H or a P525L mutation in FUS and their isogenic controls to generate oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) by inducing SOX10 expression from a TET-On SOX10 cassette. Mutant and control iPSCs differentiated efficiently into OPCs. RNA sequencing identified a myelin sheath-related phenotype in mutant OPCs. Lipidomic studies demonstrated defects in myelin-related lipids, with a reduction of glycerophospholipids in mutant OPCs. Interestingly, FUSR521H OPCs displayed a decrease in the phosphatidylcholine/phosphatidylethanolamine ratio, known to be associated with maintaining membrane integrity. A proximity ligation assay further indicated that mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAM) were diminished in both mutant FUS OPCs. Moreover, both mutant FUS OPCs displayed increased susceptibility to ER stress when exposed to thapsigargin, and exhibited impaired mitochondrial respiration and reduced Ca2+ signaling from ER Ca2+ stores. Taken together, these results demonstrate a pathological role of mutant FUS in OPCs, causing defects in lipid metabolism associated with MAM disruption manifested by impaired mitochondrial metabolism with increased susceptibility to ER stress and with suppressed physiological Ca2+ signaling. As such, further exploration of the role of oligodendrocyte dysfunction in the demise of MNs is crucial and will provide new insights into the complex cellular mechanisms underlying ALS.

Biochar a promising amendment to mitigate the drought stress in plants: review and future prospective

Drought stress (DS) is one of the most destructive abiotic stresses that negatively affects plant growth, and yield. The intensity of DS is continuously increasing due rapid of water sources, less rainfall, and an increase in global warming. The world’s population is increasing at an alarming rate which needs a substantial increase in crop production to meet global food needs. Therefore, in this context, we must have to increase crop production in the scenarios of rapid climate change and increasing intensity of abiotic stresses. Globally, different measures are used to mitigate the adverse impacts of DS, recently biochar (BC) has emerged as an excellent soil amendment to mitigate the toxic effects of DS and improve crop production. The application maintains membrane integrity, plant water relations, nutrient homeostasis, photosynthetic performance, hormonal balance and osmolytes accumulation, and gene expression thereby improving plant performance under DS. Moreover, BC application under DS also improves soil organic matter, water holding capacity, soil structure stability, and activity of beneficial microbes which can improve the plant performance under DS. In the present review different mechanisms through which BC mitigates the adverse impacts of DS on plants are discussed. This review provides new suggestions on the role of BC in mitigating the adverse impacts of DS.

Tailorable metal–organic framework based thin film nanocomposite membrane for lithium recovery from wasted batteries

This paper presents a tailorable method for the preparation of hierarchically structured membranes for efficient lithium recovery. Firstly, a metal–organic framework (MOF), namely MIL-101 (Cr), is grafted with different ionic liquids (ILs) onto its coordinate unsaturated site (CUS). The modified MOF (IL-MOF) is then used as nanoparticles to fabricate the flexible hydrophilic polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) based thin film nanocomposite (TFN) membrane. Secondly, comprehensive characterizations of both the nanoparticle and the IL-MOF based TFN membrane are carried out. Thirdly, lithium recovery is performed experimentally using simulated lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) leaching solution with the as-synthesized membrane. The first order ageing test of TFN membrane is conducted by MOF detachment tendency investigation and ILs leaching tendency evaluation. The results show that IL-MOF nanoparticles have a significant effect on lithium recovery. Compared with the original membrane, the IL-MOF-TFN membrane exhibits a fourfold lithium selectivity enhancement for SLi+,Mn2+ (from 1.73 to 8.91), SLi+,Co2+ (from 1.75 to 9.94) and SLi+,Ni2+ (from 1.69 to 10.09), as well as improved regeneration behavior, permeability (up to 45.0 L/(m2·h·bar)) and antifouling performance (flux recovery rate FRR up to 96.39 %). It is found that 98.9 % of the lithium was recovered from the feed solution over five repeated filtration cycles with maintained membrane integrity. This work highlights the advances in the design, modification and integration of MOFs into mechanically and chemically stable membrane technology for lithium recovery.

The Postharvest Application of Carvone, Abscisic Acid, Gibberellin, and Variable Temperature for Regulating the Dormancy Release and Sprouting Commencement of Mini-Tuber Potato Seeds Produced under Aeroponics

This study investigated the efficacy of carvone, abscisic acid (ABA), gibberellin (GA3), and variable temperature in managing dormancy and sprouting in aeroponically grown mini-tuber potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) seeds. The results showed that carvone treatment effectively reduced the weight loss rate by 12.25% and decay rate by 3.33% at day 25 compared to control. ABA treatment significantly enhanced the germination rate, increasing it to 97.33%. GA3 treatment resulted in the longest sprouts of 14.24 mm and reduced the MDA content by 23.08% at day 30, indicating its potential in shortening dormancy and maintaining membrane integrity. The variable-temperature treatment demonstrated a balanced performance in reducing weight loss and maintaining a lower relative conductivity, indicating less cellular damage. The enzymatic activities of α-amylase, CAT, and SOD were modulated by the treatments, ensuring a balanced enzymatic environment for seed vitality. These results establish a solid basis for improving postharvest management strategies to optimize germination uniformity and preserve the quality of aeroponic potato seeds during extended dormancy, promising enhanced yield and productivity in potato cultivation.

Nano-silicone and Ascophyllum nodosum-based biostimulant down-regulates the negative effect of in vitro induced-salinity in Rosa damascena

BackgroundRosa damascena is extensively cultivated in various regions of Iran due to its aesthetic attributes, medicinal qualities, and essential oil production. This study investigated the efficacy of Ascophyllum nodosum extract (AnE) at concentrations of 0, 2, and 3 g L− 1 and Nano-silicon (nSiO2) at concentrations of 0, 50, and 100 mg L− 1 in ameliorating the impact of salinity on two genotypes of Damask rose (‘Chaharfasl’ and ‘Kashan’) under in vitro culture conditions. Additionally, various physio-chemical characteristics of R. damascena explants were assessed.ResultsThe findings revealed that exposure to 100 mM NaCl resulted in a substantial reduction in the Relative Water Content (RWC), Membrane Stability Index (MSI), leaf pigments (Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll a, total Chlorophyll, and carotenoids), chlorophyll fluorescence parameters, and protein content in both genotypes when compared to control conditions. Salinity induced a significant increase in the parameter F0 and a decrease in the parameter Fv/Fm compared to the control conditions in both genotypes. Nonetheless, the genotype Kashan treated with 3 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2 exhibited the maximum Fm value under control conditions, with a significant difference compared to other treatments. Furthermore, salinity caused a considerable reduction in Fm in both ‘Kashan’ and ‘Chaharfasl’ by 22% and 17%, respectively, when compared to the control condition. ‘Kashan’ displayed the maximum Fv/Fm compared to the other genotype. The maximum levels of Malondialdehyde (MAD) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were also observed in explants affected by salinity. The combination of 3 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2, followed by 2 g L− 1 AnE + 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2, exhibited substantial positive effects. Salinity also led to an increase in proline content and the activity of peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT) in both genotypes. The activity of these enzymes was further enhanced when AnE was applied at concentrations of 2 and 3 g L− 1 in combination with 100 mg L− 1 nSiO2.ConclusionsThe ‘Kashan’ genotype displayed greater tolerance to salinity by enhancing water balance, maintaining membrane integrity, and augmenting the activity of antioxidant enzymes compared to ‘Chaharfasl’. The utilization of nSiO2 and AnE biostimulants demonstrated potential benefits for R. damascena, both under salinity and control conditions. These findings hold substantial importance for researchers, policymakers, and farmers, offering valuable insights into the development of salinity-tolerant crop varieties.

Moringa leaf extract increases tolerance to salt stress, promotes growth, increases yield, and reduces nitrate concentration in lettuce plants

The use of large amounts of synthetic chemicals in plant cultivation harms the environment and reduces food quality. Therefore, natural alternatives should be used to protect the environment, increase food quality, and decrease food contamination. This study investigated the effect of moringa leaf extract (MLE) as a plant stimulator to enhance growth, yield, and quality of lettuce grown in a saline environment. To examine the effect of application method and extract concentration, this experiment included three levels of seed priming (0, 5 %, and 10 % MLE) and three levels of foliar spray (0, 5 %, and 10 % MLE). MLE application, either by seed priming or foliar spraying, reduced the adverse effects of salt stress and increased lettuce growth, yield, and quality. However, the combined treatment of 5 % seed soaking and 10 % foliar spray showed the best results in increasing antioxidant levels (catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and ascorbic acid), relative water content (RWC %), nutrient concentration (N, P, and K), and chlorophyll content, and maintaining membrane integrity by reducing electrolyte leakage (EL %) and sodium accumulation, leading to improved yield parameters (head diameter, head weight, and total yield), and increasing lettuce head quality by reducing nitrate concentration. The results suggest that MLE (5 % seed soaking and 10 % foliar spray) is a practical, effective, and inexpensive approach to alleviate salt stress and improve lettuce yield and quality under saline conditions. However, despite the observed positive effects, further studies are needed to understand the factors determining the response of plants to MLE application.

Hydrogen sulfide alleviates chilling injury of zucchini fruit by regulating antioxidant capacity, endogenous hydrogen sulfide, proline, and polyamine metabolism

Zucchini fruit was dipped in hydrogen sulfide (H2S) donor (1.0 mM NaHS) for 10 min and stored at 4 ± 1 °C to investigate the mechanism by which H2S treatment delays chilling injury (CI). The result showed that NaHS treatment inhibited the CI, and accumulations of malondialdehyde (MDA) and electrolyte leakage (EL), sustained hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and superoxide anion (O2.−) production rate at a lower level, together with higher antioxidant enzyme activities of zucchini fruit. Furthermore, the research indicates that NaHS treatment can activate L-cysteine desulfhydrase (LCD) and D-cysteine desulfhydrase (DCD) to promote endogenous H2S accumulation which has a closely connection with alleviating chilling injury in zucchini. Meanwhile, the proline related synthetases enzyme was enhanced by NaHS treatment, which promoted proline accumulation. Likewise, higher polyamines (PAs) levels have been associated with inducing higher PAs related synthetases activities and lower PAs related degradation enzyme activities. Thus, NaHS treatment induced the antioxidant ability and improved cold stressed tolerance of zucchini by inducing endogenous H2S, proline, and PAs accumulation, maintaining membrane integrity and inhibiting oxidative stress to delay the CI of zucchini fruit.

Influence of acetyl-11-keto-beta boswellic acid on hepatic membrane dynamics and lipidiome during conditions of benzo(a)pyrene induced toxicity

Background and AimPollution and lifestyle changes expose mankind to a number of toxicants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons that may cause life-threatening diseases. The present study was undertaken to explicate the protective role of Acetyl-11-Keto-Beta Boswellic Acid (AKBA), if any, in containing benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) induced alterations on hepatic membrane dynamics and lipidiome in female rats. Experimental procedureThe animals were divided into five groups viz. Normal control, Vehicle treated, BaP treated, AKBA treated and BaP + AKBA treated. To induce hepatotoxicity, BaP was administered orally at a dose level of 50 mg/kg b.wt. dissolved in olive oil twice a week for 4 weeks. AKBA was supplemented to animals four weeks prior to BaP treatment and continued for 8 weeks at a dose level of 50 mg/kg b.wt. thrice a week. Certain key indices that included oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid profile of membranes, membrane fluidity parameters and activities of ATPases were studied. Results and ConclusionThe results showed that benzo(a)pyrene treatment resulted in a significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and ROS but caused a significant decrease in the levels of total lipids, phospholipids, cholesterol, glycolipids and activities of ATPases. Hepatic membrane fluidity as assessed by 1,6-Diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) and Pyrene fluorescence probes was significantly increased in rats intoxicated with BaP. Interestingly, AKBA supplementation to BaP treated rats appreciably contained altered membrane dynamics and lipidiome as well as modulated hepatotoxicity by skirmishing activities of oxidative stress markers and also improved hepatic histoarchitecture. Our study thus concludes that AKBA can be used as a prophylactic intervention in providing protection to hepatocytes as it maintains membrane integrity in conditions of BaP induced toxicity.

A novel physical hurdle technology by combining low voltage electrostatic field and modified atmosphere packaging for long-term stored button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus)

The button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) are perishable due to microbial infection and water loss during storage. This study aimed to investigate a novel physical hurdle technology for extending the shelf-life of button mushrooms by combining a low voltage electrostatic field (LVEF) with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). The research demonstrated that LVEF could control enzyme activity, reduce respiration rates and microbial infection, and lower CO2 concentration compared with the MAP treatment alone. On the other hand, MAP treatment could address the water loss issue of mushrooms during the storage period. The results found that the synergistic effects of LVEF and MAP contributed to suppressing respiratory intensity, inhibiting microbial growth, affecting enzyme activity, and maintaining membrane integrity. Also, the findings proved that synergies between LVEF and MAP treatment could extend the shelf-life of button mushrooms from 6 days to over 12 days at 4 °C. Overall, these results indicated that a novel hurdle technology by combining LVEF and MAP provides a promising strategy for extending the shelf-life of button mushrooms, which maybe also applicable for other long-term stored fruit and vegetables with satisfied food quality. Industrial relevanceLow voltage electrostatic field is a novel non-thermal physical preservation technology with high efficiency and safety. This work investigated a novel hurdle technology by combining low voltage electrostatic field and modified atmosphere packaging, contributing to long-term stored fruit and vegetables with satisfied food quality. This research provides a new preservation strategy for integration with established technologies across the entire fresh produce industry chain.