Study Of Molecular Interactions Research Articles

Mammalian cell-based production of glycans, glycopeptides and glycomodules

Access to defined glycans and glycoconjugates is pivotal for discovery, dissection, and harnessing of a range of biological functions orchestrated by cellular glycosylation processes and the glycome. We previously employed genetic glycoengineering by nuclease-based gene editing to develop sustainable production of designer glycoprotein therapeutics and cell-based glycan arrays that display glycans in their natural context at the cell surface. However, access to human glycans in formats and quantities that allow structural studies of molecular interactions and use of glycans in biomedical applications currently rely on chemical and chemoenzymatic syntheses associated with considerable labor, waste, and costs. Here, we develop a sustainable and scalable method for production of glycans in glycoengineered mammalian cells by employing secreted Glycocarriers with repeat glycosylation acceptor sequence motifs for different glycans. The Glycocarrier technology provides a flexible production platform for glycans in different formats, including oligosaccharides, glycopeptides, and multimeric glycomodules, and offers wide opportunities for use in bioassays and biomedical applications.

Mitochondrial resilience and antioxidant defence against HIV-1: unveiling the power of Asparagus racemosus extracts and Shatavarin IV.

Asparagus racemosus (AR), an Ayurvedic botanical, possesses various biological characteristics, yet its impact on HIV-1 replication remains to be elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of AR root extracts and its principal bioactive molecule, Shatavarin IV (Shatavarin), on HIV-1 replication and their role in mitigating mitochondrial dysfunction during HIV-1 infection, utilizing both in vitro and in silico methodologies. The cytotoxicity of the extracts was evaluated using MTT and ATPlite assays. In vitro anti-HIV-1 activity was assessed in TZM-bl cells against X4 and R5 subtypes, and confirmed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells using HIV-1 p24 antigen capture ELISA and viral copy number assessment. Mechanistic insights were obtained through enzymatic assays targeting HIV-1 Integrase, Protease and Reverse Transcriptase. Shatavarin's activity was also validated via viral copy number and p24 antigen capture assays, along with molecular interaction studies against key HIV-1 replication enzymes. HIV-1 induced mitochondrial dysfunction was evaluated by detecting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), calcium accumulation, mitochondrial potential, and caspase activity within the infected cells. Non-cytotoxic concentrations of both aqueous and hydroalcoholic extracts derived from Asparagus racemosus roots displayed dose-dependent inhibition of HIV-1 replication. Notably, the hydroalcoholic extract exhibited superior Reverse Transcriptase activity, complemented by moderate activity observed in the Protease assay. Molecular interaction studies revealed that Shatavarin IV, the key bioactive constituent of AR, formed hydrogen bonds within the active binding pocket site residues crucial for HIV replication enzyme catalysis, suggesting its potential in attenuating HIV-1 infection. Mitochondrial dysfunction induced by HIV-1 infection, marked by increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial calcium overload, loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, and elevated caspase activity, was effectively mitigated by treatment with AR extracts and Shatavarin IV. These findings underscore the potential of AR extracts and Shatavarin IV as antiviral agents, while enhancing mitochondrial function during HIV-1 infection. In conclusion, Asparagus racemosus extracts, particularly Shatavarin IV, demonstrate promising inhibitory effects against HIV-1 replication while concurrently ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the virus. These findings suggest the therapeutic potential of AR extracts and Shatavarin in combating HIV-1 infection and improving mitochondrial health.

Molecular interaction studies of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in an aqueous medium at various temperatures: A comprehensive analysis using volumetric, thermoacoustic and DFT methods

The interaction of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in an aqueous medium at various concentrations (0.101–1.086) mol·kg−1 as a function of temperature is being studied using volumetric, viscosity and acoustic analysis. The calculation of apparent molar volume (VΦ), partial molar volume (V∅o), apparent molar isentropic compression (Kϕ) and partial molar isentropic compression (Kϕ0) of GABA in an aqueous medium has been done by measuring the densities and speed of the sound in the temperature range of 298.15–323.15 K. The thermo-acoustic parameters like adiabatic compressibility (βs), acoustic impedance (Z), intermolecular free length (Lf), relative association (RA), relaxation time (τ), internal pressure (πi), enthalpy (ΔH), Gibbs free energy (ΔG), and change in entropy (ΔS) are also computed. The strength of the hydrogen bond interaction of GABA in an aqueous medium and its dipole moment are calculated using single-point energy calculations. These calculations employ IEFPCM and PCM solvation models using DFT/B3LYP and MP2 methods with the 6-311G++ (d, p) basis set. The outcomes are interpreted in terms of hydrogen bond interactions that exist in the mixture.

Green and efficient extraction of an anticaner agent N-methylsansalvamide using ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvents from mycelia of strain Frusarium sp. R1

N-methylsansalvamide (SA), one of cyclic pentadepsipeptides produced by several Fusarium strains, is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer disease. In order to make sufficient amount of SA for drug development, a green and efficient extraction process of SA from the mycelia of strain Fusarium sp. R1 using deep eutectic solvent-assisted ultrasound extraction (DES-UAE) was firstly achieved in this work. Solvent screening results indicated that choline chloride-acetic acid (ChCl-Aa) was shown to be the best DES for SA extraction. Through single-factor trials, Plackett-Burman design (PBD) and BoxBehnken design (BBD) experiments, the optimal conditions for DES-UAE with the highest SA yield of 58.2 ± 1.1 mg/g were obtained as follows: ChCl-Aa ratio of 1:2.0 (M/M), water content of 16.4 %, liquid-solid ratio of 37:1 (mL/g), ultrasonic power of 175 W for 47.4 min at 46.3 °C. Compared to conventional extraction approaches, DES-UAE exhibited better SA yield since it caused more serious damage to the surface of mycelia powder on basis of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. Furthermore, molecular interaction studies suggested that SA has a variety of interactions with ChCl-Aa, including hydrogen and electrovalent bonds as well as van der Waals forces. Finally, the recovery rate of SA reached up to 99.5 % when the ratio of distilled water and DES extracts was 15:1 (V/V). These findings provide the way for large-scale production of SA.

Chitosan-Zinc-Ligated Hydroxychloroquine: Molecular Docking, Synthesis, Characterization, and Trypanocidal Activity against Trypanosoma evansi

The existing treatments against Trypanosoma evansi are faced with several drawbacks, such as limited drug options, resistance, the relapse of infection, toxicity, etc., which emphasizes the necessity for new alternatives. We synthesized novel metal-based antiparasitic compounds using chitosan, hydroxychloroquine (HC), and ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and characterized them for size, morphology, chemical interactions, etc. Molecular docking and protein interaction studies were performed in silico to investigate the inhibitory effects of HC, zinc-ligated hydroxychloroquine (HCZnONPs), and chitosan-zinc-ligated hydroxychloroquine (CsHCZnONPs) for two key proteins, i.e., heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) and trypanothione reductase associated with T. evansi. In vitro trypanocidal activity and the uptake of zinc ions by T. evansi parasites were observed. The formulation was successfully synthesized, as indicated by its size, stability, morphology, elemental analysis, and functional groups. CsHCZnO nanoparticles strongly inhibit both Hsp90 and trypanothione reductase proteins. The inhibition of Hsp90 by these nanoparticles is even stronger than that of trypanothione reductase when compared to HC and HCZnONPs. This suggests that the presence of polymer chitosan enhances the nanoparticles’ effectiveness against the parasite. For the first time, CsHCZnO nanoparticles exhibited trypanocidal activity against T. evansi, with complete growth inhibition being observed at various concentrations after 72 h of treatment. Fluorescent microscopy using FluoZin-3 on T. evansi culture confirmed the presence of zinc on the surface of parasites. This innovative approach has shown promising results in the quest to develop improved antiparasitic compounds against T. evansi with enhanced effectiveness and safety, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents against trypanosomiasis.

Molecular interaction studies of L-proline in water and ethanol at different temperatures using dielectric relaxation, refractive index and DFT methods

The complex dielectric permittivity of L-Proline in water and ethanol solutions with molar concentrations ranging from 0.025 M to 0.15 M was measured by open-ended coaxial probe technique. The measurements were carried out across a frequency span of 0.02 < ν/GHz < 20 and temperatures varying from 298.15 K to 323.15 K. The densities (ρ) and refractive index (nD ) of the L-proline in aqueous and ethanol solutions were also determined to provide insights into the solute-solvent interactions in the system. The Havriliak-Negami equation was employed to compute the dielectric relaxation time of the mixtures. The relaxation time of L-Proline in an ethanol medium was found to be higher than that of L-Proline in an aqueous medium due to the greater degree of self-association of ethanol molecules. Additionally, the relaxation time of the mixtures lengthened with rising molar concentration, which is attributed to the presence of hydrogen bonds among L-Proline and aqueous/ethanol molecules. The strength of the hydrogen bond interaction of L-Proline in both mediums was calculated using single-point energy calculations employing IEFPCM/PCM solvation models through DFT/B3LYP and MP2 approaches with a 6-311 G ++ (d, p) basis set. The results were correlated with the hydrogen bond strength, Gibbs’ free energy of activation parameter, and dipole-dipole interactions. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Bioassay-guided fractionation and in vitro and in silico biological activities of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol isolated from Nocardiopsis sp. strain LC-8

In this study, an actinomycete strain was isolated from freshwater soil sediments to produce bioactive metabolite with a broad array of biological activities. Initially, preliminary antibacterial screening of isolate was performed by perpendicular streak method which showed the growth inhibition of all tested bacterial pathogens. Based on the culture characteristics, morphological identification, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the isolate was identified as Nocardiopsis sp. strain LC-8. Ethyl acetate extract of strain LC-8 showed potential antibacterial activity against tested bacterial pathogens with a maximum zone of inhibition of 16.98±0.57 mm against Staphylococcus aureus. After column chromatography, fraction 2 (F2) of the extract exhibited prominent growth inhibition activity against all tested bacterial and fungal pathogens. Antioxidant activity of F2 showed potent free radical scavenging activity with low IC50 values (DPPH - 278.15±0.35 μg/mL, ABTS - 367.55±1.13 μg/mL, and FRAP - 347.48±1.35 μg/mL). Total phenolic content of F2 was quantified as 362.44±1.25 mg gallic acid equivalent/gram extract. As per spectral analyses, the isolated compound from F2 was identified as 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol which further induced cytotoxic (IC50 value - 17.5±1.5 μg/mL) and apoptosis activity against MCF-7 cells. Molecular interaction studies of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol with target proteins of pathogens and cancer cells displayed good docking score values. Finally, molecular dynamics simulation was performed to determine the stable structure of the protein-ligand system and effectiveness of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol against the target protein. In conclusion, Nocardiopsis sp. strain LC-8 may act as a promising source for the production of 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol aiding diverse therapeutic roles.

Molecular Interaction Studies on Physiochemical and Derived Properties of Binary mixtures at Atmospheric Pressure

The physiochemical properties like refractive indices, densities, and static dielectric constants of binary mixtures were measured over the entire concentration range. Refractive index and densities were measured at 293.15 K, and dielectric constants at (293.15, 298.15, and 303.15 K) temperatures for the n-propanol-formamide binary system. From dielectric data, the related and excess properties were calculated and reported in this work. From experimental refractive indices and densities, various related and excess properties were estimated and reported in this study. Static dielectric constants, densities, and refractive index of the binary system increase with the increase in the mole fraction of formamide. The results obtained were discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions, structural effects, hydrogen bonding, and other possible interactions between like and unlike molecules of the binary system.

Volumetric and ultrasonic studies of molecular interactions in binary mixtures of N,N-dimethylacetamide with some polyethylene glycols at temperatures from 293.15 to 323.15 K

The intermolecular interactions in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) + polyethylene glycol (PEG) mixtures have been examined from the measurements of the densities, ρ and speeds of sound, u of DMA + PEG 200 or PEG 300 or PEG 400 or PEG 600 mixtures over the entire mole fraction range at temperatures, T = (293.15–323.15) K and atmospheric pressure. Various excess parameters, viz., excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, excess intermolecular free length, excess speed of sound, excess molar isentropic compressibility and excess acoustic impedance were evaluated using measured data. These excess properties were correlated with the Redlich–Kister equation. In addition, the partial molar volume and compressibility; excess partial molar volume and compressibility of the components over the entire composition range; and partial molar volume and compressibility and excess partial molar volume and compressibility of the components at infinite dilution have also been calculated. These evaluated parameters have been interpreted by means of prevailing intermolecular interactions in these mixtures. The presence of strong intermolecular interactions among DMA and PEG molecules have been revealed from the evaluated parameters of these mixtures. The speeds of sound were predicted theoretically using scaled particle theory and compared with experimental values. FT-IR spectra of pure DMA, PEG 200 and their equimolar mixtures were also recorded and analysed for better understanding of prevailing intermolecular interaction.

Molecular interaction and dielectric relaxation study of DMSO-Water binary mixtures using a TDR

Molecular interaction and dielectric relaxation study of DMSO-Water binary mixtures using a TDR

Discovery of Piperazin‐2‐yl‐pyrimidines as Anticancer Agents via Targeting JNK Signaling Pathway in Human MCF‐7 Breast Carcinoma

AbstractBreast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in women, and targeting biological pathways such as the JNK pathway has proven to be a viable therapeutic target for BC therapy. Here, we synthesized piperazin‐2‐yl‐pyrimidines and evaluated them for anticancer activity against MCF‐7 cells. In addition, antioxidant, reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition, caspase activity, and toxicity in platelets were studied in the presence and absence of active compound IA‐6 or IA‐7. Our detailed experimental analysis found that the compound IA‐7 showed anticancer activity by either activating p‐JNK or by inducing radical species in cancer and thrombosis model. Evident to in vitro analysis, the structure based molecular interaction studies of binding of IA‐7 to JNK3S exhibited a significant binding energy of −7.56 kcal/mol which was found to be a better binder when compared to previously reported JNK inducer (PC‐12). Overall, we herein report the analytically pure IA‐7 as lead structure that could be used as a template to develop target based anticancer agents where JNK modulation is predominant.

IMAX FRET (Information Maximized FRET) for Multipoint Single-Molecule Structural Analysis.

Understanding the structure of biomolecules is vital for deciphering their roles in biological systems. Single-molecule techniques have emerged as alternatives to conventional ensemble structure analysis methods for uncovering new biology in molecular dynamics and interaction studies, yet only limited structural information could be obtained experimentally. Here, we address this challenge by introducing iMAX FRET, a one-pot method that allows ab initio 3D profiling of individual molecules using two-color FRET measurements. Through the stochastic exchange of fluorescent weak binders, iMAX FRET simultaneously assesses multiple distances on a biomolecule within a few minutes, which can then be used to reconstruct the coordinates of up to four points in each molecule, allowing structure-based inference. We demonstrate the 3D reconstruction of DNA nanostructures, protein quaternary structures, and conformational changes in proteins. With iMAX FRET, we provide a powerful approach to advance the understanding of biomolecular structure by expanding conventional FRET analysis to three dimensions.

Synthesis and characterization of antioxidant-enriched Moringa oil-based edible oleogel

Abstract This study aims to formulate and optimize Moringa oleifera (Moringa) oil oleogels using pectin (PC) and chitosan (CS) as gelling agents. These include monogelator oleogels, utilizing either PC or CS as a single gelling agent, and binary gelator oleogels, incorporating a combination of both PC and CS. Among the binary gelator oleogel compositions, the most stable oleogel OPCCS2 was further studied with the addition of antioxidants. The important antioxidant compounds of gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/Moringa antioxidant extracts (MAEs) were quantified by the use of various assays. The oil-binding capacity (OBC) of the most stable oleogel MCPC1.5% was 99.94 ± 0.05. The lower peroxide value of antioxidant-rich oleogels at 1.5% concentration of GAEs (4.34 ± 0.025) and MAEs (4.32 ± 0.03) suggested its richness of phenols to retard the lipid peroxidation of oil. The opaque appearances of the formulations were studied via polarizing light microscopy. The molecular interaction study through FTIR analysis revealed the hydrogen bond interactions between the carboxyl groups of fatty acids and hydroxyl groups of polysaccharide chains. The differential scanning calorimeter analysis further confirmed the presence of strong interactions between polysaccharide chains and the oil phase. These findings indicate that the optimized oleogel formulations have the potential for imminent advances by exhibiting improved texture, biocompatibility, enhanced OBC, and stability.

Volumetric, acoustic and spectroscopic studies of molecular interactions in 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate + ethyl/propyl/n-butyl acetate binary mixtures at different temperatures

The purpose of this work is to investigate the influence of concentration, temperature and molecular size on intermolecular interactions in the mixtures of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [BMIM][PF6] with some alkyl acetates. The densities, ρ and speeds of sound, u for the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate + ethyl acetate/propyl acetate/n-butyl acetate binary mixtures were measured over the entire range of composition at the temperatures, T = (293.15 – 323.15) K at 5 K intervals and at pressure, p = 101 kPa. The experimental data was used to calculate various excess properties, viz., excess molar volume, excess isentropic compressibility, excess intermolecular free length, excess speed of sound, excess molar isentropic compressibility and excess acoustic impedance. The partial molar volumes and compressibilities; and excess partial molar volumes and compressibilities of the components over the entire composition range and at infinite dilution have also been calculated. The results clearly indicated the presence of intermolecular interactions in these mixtures and the magnitude of [BMIM][PF6]-alkyl acetate interactions followed the order: ethyl acetate > propyl acetate > n-butyl acetate, i.e., the interactions were found dependent on the size of alkyl group of acetates. The speeds of sound were estimated theoretically using scaled particle theory and compared with experimental findings. FT-IR spectra of pure [BMIM][PF6], ethyl acetate, propyl acetate. n-butyl acetate and their equimolar mixtures were also recorded and analysed for better understanding of prevailing intermolecular interaction.

Molecular interaction study using density, viscosity, speed of sound and FT-IR in 2-methyl-2-butanol + alkoxyethanols: Experimental and modelling approach

In this article, the intermolecular interactions in the binary liquid mixtures of 2-methyl-2-butanol with alkoxyethanols viz., 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-propoxyethanol and 2-butoxyethanol have been interpreted using thermophysical properties. Density (ρ), viscosity (η) and speed of sound (u) of pure components and their binary mixtures have been measured over the entire range of composition at 298.15, 303.15 and 308.15 K and at pressure p = 0.10 MPa. The experimental data were used to calculate the thermophysical properties such as excess molar volume (VmE), excess molar isentropic compressibility (Ks,mE), excess speed of sound (uE), deviation in viscosity (Δη) and excess Gibbs free energy of activation for viscous flow (ΔG∗E). The changes in these properties with composition and temperature of the liquid mixtures were discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions. Also, the effect of increase in alkyl chain length of alkoxyethanol molecule on these properties has been studied. The excess functions and their deviations have been correlated using Redlich-Kister type polynomial equation. The experimentally measured values of viscosities have been correlated with various semi-empirical relations such as Grunberg-Nissan, Tamura-Kurata, Hind et al., Katti-Chaudhri, McAllister’s two parameter model, Heric-Brewer and McAllister’s three parameter model. Apart from this, Prigogine-Flory-Patterson (PFP) theory has been used for the estimation of VmE values for studied binary mixtures. FT-IR spectra of these liquid mixtures have also been studied.

Malaria parasites require a divergent heme oxygenase for apicoplast gene expression and biogenesis.

Malaria parasites have evolved unusual metabolic adaptations that specialize them for growth within heme-rich human erythrocytes. During blood-stage infection, Plasmodium falciparum parasites internalize and digest abundant host hemoglobin within the digestive vacuole. This massive catabolic process generates copious free heme, most of which is biomineralized into inert hemozoin. Parasites also express a divergent heme oxygenase (HO)-like protein (PfHO) that lacks key active-site residues and has lost canonical HO activity. The cellular role of this unusual protein that underpins its retention by parasites has been unknown. To unravel PfHO function, we first determined a 2.8 Å-resolution X-ray structure that revealed a highly α-helical fold indicative of distant HO homology. Localization studies unveiled PfHO targeting to the apicoplast organelle, where it is imported and undergoes N-terminal processing but retains most of the electropositive transit peptide. We observed that conditional knockdown of PfHO was lethal to parasites, which died from defective apicoplast biogenesis and impaired isoprenoid-precursor synthesis. Complementation and molecular-interaction studies revealed an essential role for the electropositive N-terminus of PfHO, which selectively associates with the apicoplast genome and enzymes involved in nucleic acid metabolism and gene expression. PfHO knockdown resulted in a specific deficiency in levels of apicoplast-encoded RNA but not DNA. These studies reveal an essential function for PfHO in apicoplast maintenance and suggest that Plasmodium repurposed the conserved HO scaffold from its canonical heme-degrading function in the ancestral chloroplast to fulfill a critical adaptive role in organelle gene expression.

A nanoemulsified formulation of dolutegravir and epigallocatechin gallate inhibits HIV-1 replication in cellular models.

Nanotechnology offers promising avenues for enhancing drug delivery systems, particularly in HIV-1 treatment. This study investigates a nanoemulsified formulation combining epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) with dolutegravir (DTG) for managing HIV-1 infection. The combinatorial interaction between EGCG and DTG was explored through cellular, enzymatic, and molecular studies. In vitro assays demonstrated the potential of a dual drug-loaded nanoemulsion, NE-DTG-EGCG, in inhibiting HIV-1 replication, with EGCG serving as a supplementary treatment containing DTG. In silico molecular interaction studies highlighted EGCG's multifaceted inhibitory potential against HIV-1 integrase and reverse transcriptase enzymes. Further investigations are needed to validate the formulation's efficacy across diverse contexts. Overall, by integrating nanotechnology into drug delivery systems, this study represents a significant advancement in managing HIV-1 infection.

Molecular Interaction Studies of Binary Mixtures of Diethyl Oxalate With Butyl Vinyl Ether, Diisopropyl Ether, Anisole and Dibutyl Ether in Terms of Thermodynamic, Transport and Acoustic Properties

Viscosity, the speeds of sound and density were measured in the binary mixtures of diethyl oxalate with butyl vinyl ether, diisopropyl ether, anisole and dibutyl ether at T = 303.15, 308.15 and 313.15 K. The experimental data were used to calculate the excess molar volume ,deviation in viscosity Δη and the acoustical parameters, namely isentropic compressibility (KS), free volume (Vf ), free length (Lf ) and internal pressure (πi). The excess or deviation properties were fitted to the Redlich-Kister polynomials and the results interpreted in terms of the molecular interactions present in mixtures. Theoretical viscosities were calculated using the Grunberg-Nissan, Lobe and Krishnan-Laddha models before their merits were studied in terms of interaction parameters.

Improved detection of magnetic interactions in proteins based on long-lived coherences

Living systems rely on molecular building blocks with low structural symmetry. Therefore, constituent amino acids and nucleotides yield short-lived nuclear magnetic responses to electromagnetic radiation. Magnetic signals are at the basis of molecular imaging, structure determination and interaction studies. In solution state, as the molecular weight of analytes increases, coherences with long lifetimes are needed to yield advantageous through-space magnetisation transfers. Interactions between magnetic nuclei can only be detected provided the lifetimes of spin order are sufficient. In J-coupled pairs of nuclei, long-lived coherences (LLC’s) connect states with different spin-permutation symmetry. Here in, we show sustained LLC’s in protein Lysozyme, weighing 14.3 kDa, with lifetimes twice as long as those of classical magnetisation for the aliphatic protons of glycine residues. We found for the first time that, in a protein of significant molecular weight, LLC’s yield substantial through-space magnetisation transfers: spin-order transfer stemming from LLC’s overcame transfers from classical coherences by factors > 2. Furthermore, in agreement with theory, the permutation symmetry of LLC-based transfers allows mapping interacting atoms in the protein structure with respect to the molecular plane of glycine residues in a stereospecific manner. These findings can extend the scope of liquid-state high-resolution biomolecular spectroscopy.

Study of molecular dynamic interactions during the optimized extrusion processing of corn (Zea mays) and substandard bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Within the agri-food industry, substantial quantities of by-products are generated during the collection of raw materials and the preparation of derived food products. A common by-product is the low-value substandard bean that might have structural damages but retains its nutritional characteristics. This research aimed to evaluate the compatibility of bean protein with corn flour starch within an extruded snack model through molecular dynamics simulation by the calculation of the solubility parameter (δ). For the extrusion processing, a central composite design was used with four factors: temperature [150–190 °C], screw speed [150–210 rpm], moisture content [14–18%] and substandard bean content [20–80%]. Simulation calculations were performed using Materials Studio 8.0 software (Accelrys, San Diego, CA). The bean protein was identified as ARC5A, and its structure was obtained from the UniProt database. Starch and protein models evaluated within a temperature profile [25–150 °C] emulating the extrusion processing showed Δδ < 7.0 MPa0.5, indicating that are likely miscible. Optimal processing conditions of the extruded snack were obtained. This research developed an extruded snack using an agro-industrial by-product while predicting the solubility and miscibility parameters of more compounds using molecular dynamics simulations.