Upcycling sediment wastes into S-scheme heterojunctions for efficient photocatalytic tetracycline degradation: Performance, DFT calculations and toxicity assessment.

Varietal differences in nutritional profiles and functionality of radish sprouts: Food application potential.

A fluorescent probe based solid-state fluorophore for the detection of N2H4 and its application in environmental samples.

Citrus waste-inspired pectin emulsion films activated with essential oils and anthocyanins for separate antimicrobial and indicator applications.

Southeast Asia generates over 8 million tons of vegetable waste annually, yet the microbial isolations from these wastes are rarely associated with potent probiotics. This study aimed to screen lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from fermented and non-fermented vegetable wastes for probiotic potential. LAB were isolated using serial dilutions on MRS agar supplemented with 1% CaCO3, yielding 17 isolates. Two isolates, FCU21 and FBS34, demonstrated notable probiotic potential by exhibiting antibacterial activity against Aeromonas hydrophila (6.3 ± 0.08 mm and 6.2 ± 0.04 mm) and Streptococcus agalactiae (5.6 ± 0.04 mm and 10.4 ± 0.28 mm). Initial identification based on morphological, phenotypic and biochemical characteristics showed Gram-positive, catalase-negative, non-spore-forming cocci. Genotypic analysis using 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed both isolates as Enterococcus hirae, with 99% similarity for FCU21 (from fermented cucumber) and 100% for FBS34 (from fermented mung bean sprouts), designated as Enterococcus hirae UPM01 and UPM02, respectively. Whole-genome shotgun sequencing showed distinct genomic features, including variations in base pairs, contigs and coding sequences. These findings highlight the promising potential of Enterococcus hirae strains as probiotics for aquaculture, warranting further investigation into their probiotic properties and applications.

The agroinfiltration technique using sprouts as a host is one of the most cost-effective, efficient, and rapid methods for producing recombinant proteins. We previously reported that radish sprouts were the best host for this purpose. To find suitable alternative sprouts comparable to radish sprouts, we investigated rye sprouts using a wheat dwarf virus (a geminivirus) DNA-containing expression vector. Various rye cultivars were tested, and Raitaro and Ryokuhiyo sprouts exhibited the highest enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) productivity. When agroinfiltrated after a 5-d cultivation period, including 1 day of seed imbibition, approximately 1.8 mg of EGFP was produced per gram fresh weight of leaf in areas exhibiting EGFP fluorescence. This yield is comparable to that of mature leaves from Nicotiana benthamiana and radish sprouts. However, only a limited number of leaves produced the protein, and production was confined to areas near the leaf tips. Elevated production levels were observed in the guard cells of stomata and at wounded sites via microneedling, suggesting that the limiting factors for protein production may involve the entry of Agrobacterium into the leaves and/or the subsequent transfer of T-DNA into the plant cells.

pH indicators by nanofibril hydrogels from sugarcane leaves.

This study evaluated the effect of different sprouting methods on the morphological traits, pigmentation, and bioactive compound content of radish sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.). The following four sprouting techniques were compared: tray (T), sprouter (S), jar (J5–J20), and tank (R5–R20), varying in seed density and aeration conditions. The results demonstrated that the sprouting method significantly influenced growth parameters and phytochemical profiles. Sprouts produced using the tray (T) and sprouter (S) methods exhibited the highest mass and lowest dry matter content, reflecting favorable hydration and aeration. Sprouter-grown sprouts were particularly rich in chlorophyll (47.6 mg/100 g DW) and ascorbic acid (11.36 mg/100 g DW), indicating optimal photosynthetic and antioxidant metabolism. Tray-grown sprouts showed the highest polyphenol (919.8 mg GAE/100 g DW) and anthocyanin (217.0 mg C3G/100 g DW) concentrations, suggesting enhanced synthesis of secondary metabolites under mild abiotic stress. A comparative assessment using a three-point scale confirmed that sprouter, tray, and low-density tank methods provided the most favorable nutritional and sensory attributes. Overall, both technological factors and genetic background determine the nutritional quality of radish sprouts, offering practical guidance for optimizing sprout production and developing functional foods.

This study introduces the toxicity of nanomaterials through a practical and accessible experiment. An electrochemical approach was employed to synthesize carbon dots (CDs) from graphite rods extracted from recycled batteries. The impact of CDs solutions on the growth of mung bean sprouts was then investigated as a representative model for nanotoxicity assessment. The results revealed significant differences in growth and development between control samples and those exposed to CDs. To evaluate the educational impact, an experiment was carried out with 25 undergraduate students divided into five groups. The activity helped students better understand the properties and risks of nanomaterials, while also developing their skills in data analysis and teamwork. Three surveys conducted before and after the lecture and experiment showed that students improved their knowledge of nanotechnology and their practical skills. This interdisciplinary experiment, integrating physics, chemistry, and biology, aligns with the Vietnamese Grade 10 Specialized Physics Study Module and undergraduate nanomaterial courses. Using recycled materials promotes sustainable practices and helps students connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, making learning more engaging and meaningful. It also provides a hands-on model for integrating nanoscience into STEM education in an accessible and practical way.

Influence of the Plasma-Activated Water Process Time on Germination, Growth, and Secondary Metabolite Accumulation in Radish Sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.)

Anthocyanins pigment plant tissues, mitigate biotic and abiotic stresses, and deliver human health benefits; raising their content in mung bean (Vigna radiata) sprouts is a long-standing research target. Transcriptome analysis identified VrNAC25, a NAC transcription factor whose expression closely parallels anthocyanin accumulation; functional validation in mung bean confirmed that VrNAC25 acts as a positive regulator of the pathway. Although VrNAC25 does not bind to the promoters of the key structural genes VrDFR or VrLDOX, it indirectly controls anthocyanin synthesis by interacting with the core R2R3-MYB activator VrMYB90, previously established as the central regulator of anthocyanin production in mung beans. This interaction operates at both transcriptional and protein levels, thereby amplifying the expression of downstream structural genes and boosting pigment accumulation. Our findings refine the molecular network governing anthocyanin biosynthesis in sprouts and provide a clear theoretical basis for breeding or biotechnological strategies aimed at enhancing the nutritional quality and commercial value of mung bean products through light treatment or by selecting an anthocyanin-rich mung bean variety.

Laser-driven sustainable modulation of growth, metabolomics, bioactive compounds, and physical attributes in broccoli, radish, and kale sprouts.

Nata de pina is a low-calorie organic food rich in fiber, made from pineapple juice (Ananas comosus L.). A supporting factor for the growth of Acetobacter xylinum (nata-forming bacteria) is a nitrogen source. The use of nitrogen sources such as non-food-grade zwavelzure ammoniak (ZA) is considered environmentally unfriendly, so an alternative solution is to use mung bean sprout extract as an organic nitrogen source. This study aims to determine the quality of nata de pina in terms of thickness, fiber content, color, texture, taste, and aroma with the application of mung bean sprout extract (Phaseolus radiata L.), which is treated with rice washing water during sprouting. Data analysis employed ANOVA and Duncan’s further test, with 7 treatment concentrations: control (0%), ZA 1%, mung bean sprout extract at 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, and 2.5%. Each concentration was repeated 4 times. The nata layer formed on the fourth day and was harvested on the fourteenth day. The results showed that the best nata quality was obtained with a 1.5% mung bean sprout extract concentration, with a thickness of 1.09 cm, fiber content of 2.85%, and an organoleptic assessment with a score of 4 (like criteria). The resulting nata had a chewier texture, a fresh sour pineapple aroma, a yellowishwhite color, and a sweet taste. This study provides an effort to utilize pineapple juice waste and rice-washing water waste as potential raw materials for the development of healthy and environmentally friendly food products.

Radish sprouts (Raphanus sativus L.) are rich in dietary fibers and phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, their whole-food effects on the gut-brain axis remain poorly defined. This study examined the preventive potential of whole-food red radish sprout (RS) powder against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and cognitive decline in mice, focusing on its effects on barrier integrity, inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut microbiota. Male C57BL/6 mice were fed an HFD for 16weeks with or without RS powder (low or high dose). Assessments included body and tissue indices, oral glucose tolerance, serum leptin, cognitive performance, oxidative stress in brain, gene expression of tight junction and inflammatory markers in colon and brain, and fecal microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA sequencing. RS supplementation attenuated HFD-induced weight gain, improved glucose tolerance, and reduced leptin levels, with stronger effects at the higher dose. Cognitive deficits were rescued by RS, accompanied by alleviation of brain oxidative stress and reduced expression of neuroinflammatory genes (Tnf, Il6, Il1b, Aif1, Gfap). RS restored tight-junction genes (Tjp1, Ocln, Cldn1, Jam2, Cdh5) while simultaneously decreasing Cldn2 and pro-inflammatory transcripts, and upregulating Il10. Although alpha diversity was unchanged, beta diversity differed significantly; RS reduced the Firmicutes/Bacteroidota ratio, enriched Akkermansia and Lactobacillus, and suppressed Oscillibacter and Desulfovibrio. Whole-food RS powder prevents HFD-induced obesity and cognitive decline by reinforcing barrier integrity, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, and reshaping gut microbiota. These findings support RS as a practical functional food for early obesity intervention via gut-brain axis regulation.

Carbon quantum dots, are characterized by their exceptional fluorescence properties, low toxicity, and broad potential in biological applications and bionanotechnology. In this study, carbon dots derived from Bletilla striata (BS-CDs) were synthesized to investigate their antioxidant activity, stability, and their effects on the growth of mung bean sprouts. The results showed that BS-CDs possess remarkable antioxidant properties and excellent stability. At lower concentrations, BS-CDs significantly promoted plant growth, whereas higher concentrations exerted inhibitory effects. The optimal concentration for growth enhancement was determined to be 0.4 mg/mL (an increase of 36.4% compared to the deionized water control group). These findings highlight the potential of BS-CDs as innovative agricultural supplements, leveraging their antioxidant activity and concentration-dependent effects to improve plant growth.

Purpose Sprouting boosts bioactive compounds in Brassicaceae, including glucosinolates, amino acids, and anthocyanins. This study examined gamma radiation seed priming effects on growth, metabolism, and bioactive accumulation in Nasturtium officinale, Eruca sativa, and Raphanus raphanistrum sprouts. Materials and Methods Seeds of the three species were primed with gamma radiation (0.1 kGy/h) and grown under controlled conditions. Biomass was measured; metabolic profiling quantified glucosinolates, amino acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. Enzymatic activities for glucosinolate and flavonoid biosynthesis were assessed. Antioxidant potential was assessed using FRAP and DPPH assays; antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Microbial counts (APCs and Coliforms) were measured. Results Gamma radiation increased biomass by 48%, 36%, and 71% in N. officinale, E. sativa, and R. raphanistrum, respectively. Glucosinolates rose, especially glucoerucin (up to 227% in E. sativa) and glucoraphenin (up to 60%), linked to higher precursor amino acids (leucine, tryptophan, methionine), glutathione, and activities of glutathione S-transferase and sulfotransferase. Myrosinase activity increased, boosting sulforaphane. Flavonoids surged: quercetin (48 -191%), kaempferol (75 -172%), anthocyanins (42 -60%), with elevated PAL, CHS, 4CL, and C4H activities. Antioxidant and antimicrobial (40 -77%) potentials improved, though APCs and coliforms rose. Conclusions Gamma radiation priming enhances growth, secondary metabolite accumulation, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activity in Brassicaceae sprouts. It offers a promising method to improve the nutritional and functional qualities of edible sprouts, aiding food safety and health.

The freshwater lobster Cherax quadricarinatus is an aquaculture commodity with high economic value, yet it remains relatively unfamiliar to the general public. Nevertheless, market demand for this species has shown a significant upward trend, both domestically and internationally. In Indonesia, the increase of aquaculture production specially on freshwater lobster has not been sufficient to meet existing demand, primarily due to the limited availability of high-quality broodstock and the low reproductive capacity of female brood lobsters. One potential strategy to address this issue is the optimization of feed quality. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a dietary combination consisting of mung bean sprouts (Vigna radiata), white sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas), and commercial pellets enriched with vitamin E on the reproductive performance of female freshwater lobsters. The results indicated that the best feed formulation was observed in Treatment P3, which consisted of 25% mung bean sprouts, 50% Fengli 3 pellets + vitamin E, and 25% white sweet potatoes. This treatment accelerated gonadal maturation to 25 days and resulted in a fecundity of 467.33 eggs, a fertilization rate (FR) of 97.84%, a hatching rate (HR) of 92.70%, and a survival rate (SR) of 90.87%. The content of vitamins A, C, and E in mung bean sprouts is known to stimulate spawning and enhance embryo hatchability, while bioactive compounds in white sweet potatoes contribute to the synthesis of reproductive hormones such as estrogen and vitellogenin.

Boosted H2O2 activation for water decontamination via biomass carbon dots/WO3-x composites: The role of Z-scheme charge transfer pathway and dual reaction centers.

An intelligent bilayer film incorporating anthocyanin sensitized TiO2 and salicylic acid with ethylene scavenging and antibacterial properties for perishable food preservation.

A rhodamine B-based fluorescent probe for Hg2+ and its analytical applications.