Stearic Research Articles

In Silico Analysis of Antibacterial Activity of Fatty Acids in Swietenia humilis Zucc. Seed Extract Against Staphylococcus aureus sortase A enzyme

This study utilised molecular docking to predict the binding affinity of various fatty acids (FAs) found in Swietenia humilis to the sortase A (SrtA) protein target from Staphylococcus aureus. Binding energies, measured in kcal/mol, indicated the strength and stability of ligand-protein interactions, with lower values signifying stronger binding. The binding affinities of eight FAs as the active constituents in n-hexane extract of S. humilis and the positive control, gentamicin, were compared to assess their theoretical antibacterial activity. Palmitoleic acid exhibited the strongest binding affinity (-5.6 kcal/mol) among the FAs, suggesting the highest potential antibacterial activity, followed by linoleic, palmitic, linolenic, arachidic, tricosanoic, stearic, and oleic acids in decreasing order of affinity. Despite having weaker binding energies than gentamicin, a common gram-positive inhibitor from aminoglycoside derivative, FAs showed multiple hydrogen bonds and van der Waals interactions with key residues like ARG197, VAL168, VAL166, and ILE182, contributing to their binding stability. Palmitoleic acid formed multiple hydrogen bonds (ARG197 and GLY119) and significant van der Waals interactions, highlighting its strong theoretical binding. Stearic and oleic acids, although having higher binding energies, also formed critical hydrogen bonds, suggesting moderate potential activity. Gentamicin's single hydrogen bond suggests a highly specific binding site, which may result in high antibacterial activity despite fewer interaction points. The study indicated that FAs like palmitoleic and oleic acid show substantial potential as supplementary antibacterial agents, especially in the context of combating antibiotic resistance. This finding can pave a path for drug design and development to address the S. aureus's resistance.

Chemical composition of essential and fixed oils of Tagetes erecta fruits (Iran) and their implications in inhibition of cancer signaling

The current research was conducted to explore, for the first time, Tagetes erecta L. (family Asteraceae) fruits from northwest Iran in terms of the chemical composition of essential and fixed oils, their cytotoxic activities, and the inhibitory effect of essential oil on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The volatile oil was obtained through hydrodistillation (Clevenger apparatus). According to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, the essential oil was rich in cyclic monoterpenoids, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-3-cyclohexen-1-one (19.99%), d-limonene (12.75%), terpinolene (11.64%) and also the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (19.09%). Furthermore, the seeds of T. erecta were extracted using hexane by the maceration method. The analysis of fatty acid profile of the fixed oil by gas chromatography-flame ionization detector (GC-FID) demonstrated that the most predominant fatty acids in fixed oil were linoleic acid (59.53%), palmitic acid (13.70%), stearic acid (10.20%), and oleic acid (9.20%). The cytotoxic activity of essential oil, crude oil, and fraction A (obtained from fixed oil) were evaluated by using the MTT assay on MCF7 (human breast cancer cell line), PC3 (human prostate cancer cell line), and U87MG (human glioblastoma cell line). Finally, the effect of essential oil on inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway was evaluated using real-time PCR. The essential oil exhibited vigorous cytotoxic activity on the U87MG cell line, with an IC50 value of 32.65 μg/mL. Interestingly, the essential oil significantly inhibited the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade compared to the non-treated group. Our results suggest that the essential oil holds promise as an anticancer agent for glioblastoma cell lines. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report on the profile of the essential oil of T. erecta fruits and its implications for targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Composition, thermal, and microstructural characteristics of mutton tallows in comparison with beef tallows

AbstractThe composition, thermal properties, and microstructure of some mutton tallows (MTs), such as sheep tallow (ST), goat tallow (GT), and sheep tail tallow (STT), were investigated and compared with those of beef tallow (BT). The results showed that the fatty acids (FAs) in the MTs were dominated by oleic, stearic, and palmitic acids, which were similar to those of BTs; also there were some natural trans and odd‐carbon FAs occurred in these tallows. Comparison with STs, GTs, and BTs, STT had higher triunsaturated and diunsaturated‐monosaturated triacylglycerols (TAGs) and lower monounsaturated‐disaturated and trisaturated TAGs. Solid fat content (SFC) profile of STT was different those of STs, GTs, and BTs, whereas STs, GTs, and BTs had similar SFC profiles. In the range of 0–50°C, STT had a lower SFC compared with STs, GTs, and BTs at a given temperature. DSC results showed that MTs had melting and crystallization curves similar to BTs; and the GT, ST, and BT had higher melting and crystallization temperatures than STT. All MT and BTs crystals are β′ form; there also exists certain β form. The microscopic morphology of the STT was radial spherical aggregates, and those of other MT and BTs were consisted of radial inner core and low density outer halo area.Practical Application: The results of SFC, microstructure, and morphology indicated mutton tallows containing the desired crystal form and crystal morphology could be used as shortening base fats. The research can provide a theoretical basis for expanding the application of mutton tallows in food industry.

An ecofriendly approach for hydrophobization of cellulosic nonwovens: A comparative study of different biobased agents

The purpose of this research was to render hydrophobicity on three different cellulosic nonwovens (NW) using green biobased materials including betulin (Bt), stearic acid (SA), ethyl cellulose (EC), and beeswax (BW). A commercially available Alkyl ketene dimer-based hydrophobizing agent (AKD) was also used for benchmarking. A comparative analysis and comprehensive characterization of the coated samples was conducted using various analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), capillary flow porometry, optical tensiometry, and tensile testing. The treatment of NW materials with selected biobased agents significantly enhanced their hydrophobicity. A water-absorbing air-laid NW1 became hydrophobic after functionalization with Bt achieving the highest water contact angle (WCA) of 134° compared with other biobased agents. To achieve complete hydrophobization of NW2 and NW3, which have larger pore sizes, mixtures of EC with SA and EC with Bt were applied, resulting in WCAs greater than 109°. The SEM micrographs of the coated NW2 and NW3 samples revealed that Bt and SA induced microroughness on the coating surface, with specific portions protruding outward over EC. The treatments did not significantly affect the porosity and tensile strength of the nonwovens, except for AKD and SA treated samples.

Transparent vanadium doped titania-silica films: Structural characterization and self-cleaning properties

Vanadium is one of the most promising dopants for titanium dioxide, as it has different oxidation states and comparable atomic sizes to titanium cation. In this article, vanadium-modified TiO2 was prepared at low temperatures and immobilized on glass for self-cleaning and superhydrophilic purposes. The synthesis was carried out at 80 °C under reflux for 48 hours and only 150 °C was required for complete immobilization on the glass surface using silica binder, which in turn formed 120 nm thick films. Such multilayered (3) films showed enhanced transparency in the visible region of the spectrum and exhibited strong superhydrophilic properties (water contact angle, WCA < 5°) even when not illuminated. Vanadium was present in interstitial regions, while the unbound vanadium formed V2O5 nanoparticles at higher concentrations. The presence of vanadium did not improve the photocatalytic properties for the degradation of fatty layers composed of stearic acid, which could be attributed to reduced migration of electrons and holes due to the trapping effects of vanadium species in such samples.

Preparation of Time-Sequential Functionalized ZnS-ZnO Film for Modulation of Interfacial Behavior of Metals in Biological Service Environments.

Blood-contact devices are prone to inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, coagulation, and the uncontrolled release of metal ions during implantation and service. Therefore, it is essential to make these multifunctional. Herein, a superhydrophobic DE@ZnS-ZnO@SA film (composed of dabigatran ester, zinc sulfite, zinc oxide, and stearic acid, respectively) is produced. The prepared film has non-adhesion and antibacterial properties, superior mechanical stability, durability, corrosion resistance, and is self-cleaning and blood-repellent. The results of the hemolysis, cytotoxicity, and other anticoagulant experiments revealed that the film had good blood compatibility, no cytotoxicity, and excellent anticoagulant properties. The film displays anticoagulant properties even after being immersed in Phosphate-Buffered Saline (PBS) for 7 days. Furthermore, the film can spontaneously release H2S gas for 90 h after soaking in an acidic environment (pH = 6) for 90 h. This property improves the acidic microenvironment of the lesion and promotes the proliferation of endothelial cells by using H2S gas. In addition, the film can inhibit the uncontrollable release of Zn2+ ions, avoiding its toxicity even when immersed in an acid environment for 35 days. This time-sequential functionalized surface has the potential to typify the future of blood-contacting scaffolds for long-lasting use.

Synthesis and biological applications of nanocomposite hydrogels based on the methacrylation of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and lignin loaded with alpha-pinene

Oral conditions, such as recurrent aphthous stomatitis, are chronic inflammatory disorders that significantly affect the life quality. This study aims to develop a novel buccal mucoadhesive based on methacrylate hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (M-HPMC) and methacrylate lignin (M-SLS) encapsulated with nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for controlled release of alpha-pinene (α-pinene). NLCs with particle sizes of 152 ± 3 nm were prepared by using stearic acid and oleic acid as solid and liquid lipids, respectively. Following the successful synthesis of M-HPMC and M-SLS, various concentrations of α-pinene loaded NLCs (0, 18, 38, and 50 wt%) were encapsulated in M-HPMC/M-SLS hydrogel. It was demonstrated that the physiological and mechanical performances of hydrogels were changed, depending on the NLC content. Remarkably, the incorporation of 18 wt% NLC improved the compressive strength (143 ± 14 kPa) and toughness (17 ± 1 kJ/m3) of M-HPMC/M-SLS hydrogel. This nanocomposite hydrogel considerably decreased dissipated energy from 1.64 kJ/m3 to 0.99 kJ/m3, after a five-cycle compression test. The nanocomposite hydrogel exhibited controlled α-pinene release for up to 96 h which could significantly improve the antioxidant activity of M-HPMC/M-SLS matrix. Moreover, the reinforcing M-HPMC/M-SLS hydrogel with α-pinene-loaded NLCs resulted in increased adhesive strength (113.5 ± 7.5 kPa) to bovine buccal mucosa and cytocompatibility in contact with fibroblasts.

Identifying biomarkers for nasopharyngeal carcinoma diagnosis and chemoradiotherapy response using serum endogenous small molecules profiling

Changes in metabolic characteristics are important features of tumor progression and prognosis, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Identifying serum metabolites as potential diagnostic and chemoradiotherapy response biomarkers for NPC is therefore crucial. In this study, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with linear ion trap quadrupole orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap MS) was used to analyze metabolic variations among controls, NPC patients, and NPC patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed seven differential metabolites between the control and NPC groups and eleven metabolites between the CRT and NPC groups. Five common metabolites, gluconic acid, palmitic acid, LysoPC (15:0/0:0), stearic acid, and LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/0:0), were consistently altered across groups. Notably, the first four metabolites were adjusted closer to normal after chemoradiotherapy, while this change is not reflected at LysoPC (20:2(11Z,14Z)/0:0). These common metabolites were enriched in five pathways. These findings underscore the importance of serum metabolite profiling in NPC diagnosis and treatment response assessment and offer a promising foundation for further clinical research.

Antimicrobial activities and metabolites profiling of Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. methanolic extract

In the present study, Heliotropium bacciferum Forssk. methanolic extract was tested for its antibacterial activities against Pectobacterium carotovorum, P. atrosepticum, Ralstonia solanacearum, and Streptomyces scabiei bacterial strains. The plant extract was also tested for its antifungal properties against strains of Fusarium oxysporum, Botrytis cinerea, and Rhizoctonia solani. The potent antibacterial activities were recorded against R. solanacearum after treatment with the extract at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL with an inhibition zone of 9.67 ±0.57 mm. The methanolic extract also showed promising antifungal effects against B. cinerea and F. oxysporum, with fungal growth inhibition percentages of 86.22 ±0.33% and 82.00 ±0.55%, respectively, which were higher than the standard antifungal drug. The plant extract’s HPLC analysis identified 12 phenolic compounds and 6 flavonoid compounds, with HPLC peaks matching the used standards. Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, coffeic acid, ellagic acid, coumaric acid, syringic acid, methyl gallate, ferulic acid, vanillin, pyrocatechol, and cinnamic acid were the phenolic compounds that were identified. The flavonoid compounds found in the extracts were daidzein, naringenin, quercetin, kaempferol, hesperetin, apigenin, and rutin, arranged from high to low abundance. Furthermore, according to the GC-MS analysis, the most abundant compounds detected in the plant extract were n-hexadecanoic acid, 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z,z), á-sitosterol, betulin, phorbol, cis-13-octadecenoic acid, and octadecanoic acid. These compounds in HPLC and GC-MS analyses were proven to have antibacterial as well as antifungal properties. Based on the obtained antimicrobial results, H. bacciferum methanolic extracts could be recommended as a promising antibacterial and antifungal agent, as well as a safe alternative to many antimicrobial pesticides for the environment and human health.

Enhanced interface bonding of hydrophobic encapsulated hydrogel fibers by mechanical interlocking structure: Toward anti-drying and anti-swelling strain sensors

Conductive hydrogel fibers with superior mechanical and electrical performance have been developed for flexible wearable electronics, but the inherent properties of hydrogels for dehydration in the atmosphere and underwater swelling limit its widespread application. In this work, a silicone rubber encapsulated hydrogel fiber with enhanced interface bonding, excellent mechanical and electrical properties was successfully developed, in which the core polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate hydrogel fiber was prepared by a continuous wet-spinning and the following freeze-thawing. The interlocking dual-network structure and the improved ion transport by negatively charged sodium alginate gave the core hydrogel fiber excellent strength of 4.15 MPa, elongation-at-break of 1531 % and electrical conductivity of 17.01 S·m−1. After encapsulation using a silicone rubber, the composite hydrogel fiber showed a low expansion rate underwater for 7 days of 1.00 ± 0.21 % and low weight loss in the air over 36 h of 38.67 ± 0.38 %. And the interface bonding of the core hydrogel fiber and silicone layer was enhanced by the bridging effect of amphiphilic stearic acid. Therefore, the composite hydrogel fiber demonstrated a great potential as a strain sensor for underwater communication to ensure the safety of individuals in an underwater environment.

Dolosigranulum savutiense sp. nov., isolated from human upper respiratory samples collected in Botswana.

Four strains (MSK211, MSK294T, MSK312, MSK433) of a novel Dolosigranulum species were cultured from nasopharyngeal swabs collected from mother-infant dyads in southern Botswana. These strains grew optimally on tryptic soy agar with 5% sheep blood solid medium and in fastidious bacteria broth. Colonies on tryptic soy agar with 5% sheep blood agar appeared grey or white with a flat, smooth surface and variable alpha haemolysis. Cells were Gram-positive, non-spore-forming, non-motile cocci that lacked catalase or oxidase activity. Major fatty acids were C16 : 0 (palmitic acid), C18 : 1 ω9c (oleic acid), and C18 : 0 (stearic acid). Analyses of 16S rRNA gene sequences identified these strains as belonging to the genus Dolosigranulum (family Carnobacteriaceae), which currently contains only a single validly published species (Dolosigranulum pigrum). Whole-genome sequencing revealed that the genomes of these strains are 1.98-2.07 Mbp in size and have a G+C content of 39.6-39.9 mol%. Comparisons of these genomes to publicly available genomes of D. pigrum yielded average nucleotide identities and in silico DNA-DNA hybridization values of 92.3-92.9% and 49.1-51.4%, respectively. These results indicate that these strains represent a novel species of Dolosigranulum, for which we propose the name Dolosigranulum savutiense sp. nov., with the type strain MSK294T (=DSM 117171T=JCM 36673T).

Design of ZIF-8-based PVB composite coating on AZ31B Mg alloy surface with superhydrophobic, wear, corrosion protection and durability

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are susceptible to being attacked by corrosive ions in practical application environments, which limits their widespread application as the most promising engineering material. Herein, the superhydrophobic composite coating PVB/STA/ZIF-8@SiO2 (PSZS) has been designed on the surface of Mg alloy by using a drop coating method to improve its corrosion resistance. In this study, we provide an approachable decoration strategy for hydrophobic and hierarchical modification of zeolite imidazolate frameworks (ZIF-8) with stearic acid (STA) and SiO2, and combined with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) to form a composite coating with excellent performance on the substrate surface. Notably, the PSZS composite coating exhibited superhydrophobic and the contact angle is greater than 150° after 300 cm of mechanical friction. The electrochemical testing of the PSZS composite coating indicated that it greatly protected the Mg alloys from corrosion. Moreover, the PSZS coating displayed highly effective corrosion resistance even after being immersed in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution for 7 days. Overall, the PSZS composite coating with the advantages of corrosion resistance, corrosion durability, superhydrophobic, abrasion resistance and simple preparation process broadens the horizons of Mg alloy corrosion resistance research.

Preparation and characterization of fatty acid ternary eutectic mixture/Nano-SiO2 composite phase change material for building applications

In order to prepare a composite phase change material (PCM) with suitable phase transition temperature, strong temperature control performance, good latent heat properties, and low cost for incorporation into concrete, the goal is to control temperature cracks, and endow the building structure with temperature regulation capabilities through phase change. In this study, capric acid (CA), myristic acid (MA) and stearic acid (SA) were used as PCMs. Firstly, based on theoretical calculations, a ternary eutectic mixture of CA-MA-SA with a mass ratio of 67.16:22.98:9.86 was successfully prepared. Subsequently, a new composite PCM was created using a melt blending technique, incorporating nano-SiO2 as a supporting material. The comprehensive characterization results from FT-IR, SEM, XRD, DSC and TG indicate that nano-SiO2 interacts with CA-MA-SA through its porous structure and capillary action, as well as surface tension, rather than through any chemical interaction, when 65% of CA-MA-SA is adsorbed in nano-silica, the melting temperature and latent heat of the composite PCM are 19.23 °C and 97.82 J/g, respectively. Without any leakage of molten CA-MA-SA. This material exhibits a favorable temperature for phase transition and possesses a high amount of latent heat, making it a promising candidate for use in construction projects. Additionally, the composite PCM shows remarkable thermal stability after 200 phase change cycles, which not only lowers building energy usage but also conserves energy, making it ideal for broad use in civil engineering.

Molecular insights into the oleic acid accumulation in safflower

AbstractMost of the Indian safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) varieties produce oil rich in linoleic acid (LA, ~75%) and low in oleic acid (OA, ~15%). In the fatty acid biosynthetic pathway, the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) enzyme converts OA to LA. Safflower is reported to have 12–20 FAD2 genes. Gene expression analysis of four FAD2 genes during seed development in a high LA variety, PBNS‐12, revealed high expression of FAD2‐1 at 21 days after flowering (DAF), correlating with high LA accumulation. Fatty acid profiling of 448 Indian safflower germplasm accessions revealed four lines to have high (58%–77%) OA content, with NASF‐39 having the highest OA content. Interestingly, all four high OA lines showed the same mutation in the FAD2‐1 gene. The DNA sequence of FAD2‐1 from the four high OA lines showed a deletion of C at the +606 position, resulting in a premature stop codon at the +733 position and a truncated protein of 244 amino acids. Hence, despite the high expression levels of FAD2‐1 in NASF‐39 at 18–21 DAF, it exhibited high OA (77%). The dysfunctional nature of the truncated FAD2‐1 in NASF‐39 was evident in molecular docking studies with 1‐stearoyl‐2‐oleoyl phosphatidylcholine. We also sequenced FATB, a thioesterase responsible for releasing stearic acid from acyl carrier protein for further desaturation to oleic acid, where an A773G substitution was observed. This resulted in E258G substitution in NASF‐39 FATB compared to that of PBNS‐12. This probably made the acyl‐binding pocket of NASF‐39 FATB unstable, contributing to high OA accumulation. Thus, the outcomes of this study can help develop super and ultra‐high oleic safflower varieties through various genetics and genomics approaches.

Multivariate Data Analysis Assisted Mining of Nutri-rich Genotypes from North Eastern Himalayan Germplasm Collection of Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.).

Understanding the nutritional diversity in Perilla (Perilla frutescens L.) is essential for selecting and developing superior varieties with enhanced nutritional profiles in the North Eastern Himalayan (NEH) region of India. In this study, we assessed the nutritional composition of 45 diverse perilla germplasm collected from five NEH states using standard protocols and advanced analytical techniques. Significant variability was observed in moisture (0.39-11.67%), ash (2.59-7.13%), oil (28.65-74.20%), protein (11.05-23.15%), total soluble sugars (0.34-3.67%), starch (0.01-0.55%), phenols (0.03-0.87%), ferric reducing antioxidant power (0.45-1.36%), palmitic acid (7.06-10.75%), stearic acid (1.96-2.29%), oleic acid (8.11-13.31%), linoleic acid (15.18-22.74%), and linolenic acid (55.47-67.07%). Similarly, significant variability in mineral content (ppm) was also observed for aluminium, calcium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, phosphorus, and zinc. Multivariate analyses, including hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), revealed the enriched nutritional diversity within the germplasm. Correlation analysis indicated significant positive and negative relationships between nutritional parameters, indicating potential biochemical and metabolic interactions present in the perilla seeds. TOPSIS-based ranking identified promising genotypes for functional foods, pharmaceuticals, and nutritional applications. This study provides a first in-depth report of the nutritional composition and diversity of perilla germplasm in the NEH region, thus aiding in the identification of superior varieties for food and nutritional diversification and security.

Redox-sensitive disulfide-bridged self-assembled nanoparticles of dexamethasone with high drug loading for acute lung injury therapy

Acute lung injury (ALI) arises from an excessive inflammatory response, usually progressing to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) if not promptly addressed. There is currently a limited array of effective treatments available for ALI. In this study, we developed disulfide bond-bridged prodrug self-assembled nanoparticles (referred to as DSSS NPs). These nanoparticles were consisted of Dexamethasone (Dex) and stearic acid (SA), and were designed to target and treat ALI. DSSS NPs demonstrated a substantial drug loading capacity with 37.75 % of Dex, which is much higher than conventional nanomedicines (usually < 10 %). Moreover, they exhibited the potential to specifically target injured lung tissue and inflammatory microenvironment-responsive release drugs. Consequently, DSSS NPs reduced significantly the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and tissue damage in mice with ALI induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Overall, DSSS NPs offer a promising strategy for treatment of acute lung injury.

Oral in vivo biodistribution of fluorescent labelled nano lipid carrier system of erlotinib using real time optical imaging technique

This study investigates the biodistribution of a nano lipid carrier system (NLCs) containing the hydrophobic drug erlotinib (ERL-NLCs). The system was labelled with the fluorescent dye IR-780 for real-time dynamic imaging. ERL-NLCs were initially developed using the ultrasonication method with oleic acid and stearic acid. In vitro and ex vivo studies were performed to confirm the formation and penetration of NLCs within the intestine. Subsequently, the biological distribution of ERL-NLCs was monitored using a fluorescent dye through the IVIS® fluorescent optical imaging technique in whole live animals. Mice were orally administered blank IR 780 dye solution, ERL suspension, and IR 780 labelled NLCs. Fluorescence images were acquired at different time intervals up to 24 h and then total radiant efficiency was calculated through the region of interest (ROI) of the whole animal at each interval of time for all three groups. To validate the results obtained from in vivo imaging, various organs including lungs, heart, liver, both kidneys, stomach, and intestine were subsequently extracted and examined after 24 h. The ROI was found to be higher in the blank IR 780 dye solution, followed by the drug suspension and IR 780 labelled NLCs. These results confirm that the plain ERL suspension distributes across the body, and its encapsulation in NLCs facilitates passage through the lymphatic intestinal pathway, effectively avoiding first-pass metabolism. The remarkable results indicated that the NLCs formulation effectively circumvents first-pass metabolism by adopting the intestinal lymphatic pathway, thereby enhancing the oral bioavailability of the drug. This observed behaviour underscores the potential of NLCs in optimizing drug delivery and minimizing adverse effects associated with gastrointestinal and metabolic processes.

Long-chain fatty acids facilitate acidogenic fermentation of food waste: Attention to the microbial response and the change of core metabolic pathway under saturated and unsaturated fatty acids loading

Long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs) are recognized as a significant inhibitory factor in anaerobic digestion of food waste (FW), yet they are inevitably present in FW due to lipid hydrolysis. Given their distinct synthesis mechanism from traditional anaerobic digestion, little is known about the effect of LCFAs on FW acidogenic fermentation. This study reveals that total volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production increased by 9.98 % and 4.03 % under stearic acid and oleic acid loading, respectively. Acetic acid production increased by 20.66 % under stearic acid loading compared to the control group (CK). However, the LCFA stress restricted the degradation of solid organic matter, particularly under oleic acid stress. Analysis of microbial community structure and quorum sensing (QS) indicates that LCFA stress enhanced the relative abundance of Lactobacillus and Klebsiella. In QS system, the relative abundance of luxS declined from 0.157 % to 0.116 % and 0.125 % under oleic acid and stearic acid stress, respectively. LCFA stress limited the Autoinducer-2 (AI-2) biosynthesis, suggesting that microorganisms cannot use QS to resist the LCFA stress. Metagenomic sequencing showed that LCFA stress promoted acetic acid production via the conversion of pyruvate and acetyl-CoA to acetate. Direct conversion of pyruvate to acetic acid increased by 47.23 % compared to the CK group, accounting for the enhanced acetic acid production under stearic acid loading. The abundance of β-oxidation pathway under stearic acid loading was lower than under oleic acid loading. Overall, the stimulating direct conversion of pyruvate plays a pivotal role in enhancing acetic acid biosynthesis under stearic acid loading, providing insights into the effect of LCFA on mechanism of FW acidogenic fermentation.

Phytochemical screening, antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-obesity activities, formulation, and characterization of a self-nanoemulsion system loaded with pomegranate (Punica granatum) seed oil

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a tree of the Punicaceae family that is widespread all over the world and has several types and therapeutic uses. The current study aimed to investigate the phytochemical compounds by GC analysis and carried out physical characterization of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The pomegranate seed oil was extracted, and its self-nanoemulsifying system was then prepared. Phytochemical compounds were analyzed by GC, and physical characterization was established of the pomegranate seed oil and its self-nanoemulsifying system. Then antioxidant, anti-diabetic, and anti-lipase activities were investigated for both.The GC–MS analysis revealed that punicic acid, β-eleosteric acid, catalpic acid, α-eleosteric acid, and oleic acid were the most predominant compounds in pomegranate seed oil. Other active compounds like linoleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and α-linolenic acid were detected in trace percentages. The self-nanoemulsifying system was prepared using various concentrations of surfactant (Tween 80), co-surfactant (Span 80), and pomegranate seed oil. The selected formulation had a PDI of 0.229 ± 0.09 and a droplet size of 189.44 ± 2.1 nm. The free radical scavenging activity of pomegranate seed oil, the self-emulsifying system, and Trolox was conducted using DPPH. The oil-self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent antioxidant activity compared to Trolox. Also, pomegranate oil inhibited α-amylase with a weak IC50 value of 354.81 ± 2.3 µg/ml. The oil self-nanoemulsifying system showed potent activity compared to acarbose and had a weaker IC50 value (616.59 ± 2.1 µg/ml) and a potent IC50 value (43.65 ± 1.9 µg/ml) compared to orlistat.Pomegranate seed oil self-nanoemulsifying system could be applied in the future for the preparation of possible oral medications for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress, diabetes, and obesity due to its high activity against free radical, amylase, and lipase enzymes compared to pomegranate seed oil itself and the references used. This study reveals that self-nanoemulsion systems can enhance oil drug formulations by improving pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, acting as drug reservoirs, and facilitating efficient oil release.

Chemical Profile and Potential Applications of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro Kernel Oils: Analysis of Volatile Compounds and Fatty Acids.

Sclerocarya birrea kernel volatile compounds and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from the Bubi district in Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe were characterised by GC-MS. The volatile compounds of the oil include 65 different compounds from 24 distinct classes, dominated by 13 alcohols and 14 aldehydes (42%). Other classes include carboxylic acids, phenols, sesquiterpenes, lactones, pyridines, saturated fatty acids, ketones, and various hydrocarbons. The kernel oils revealed essential fatty acids such as polyunsaturated (α-linolenic and linoleic acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acids). Notably, oleic acid is the predominant fatty acid at 521.61 mg/g, constituting approximately 73% of the total fatty acids. Linoleic acid makes up 8%, and saturated fatty acids make up about 7%, including significant amounts of stearic (42.45 mg/g) and arachidic (3.46 mg/g) acids. These results validate the use of marula oils in food, pharmaceutical, and health industries, as well as in the multibillion USD cosmetics industry. Therefore, the potential applications of S. berria kernel oils are extensive, necessitating further research and exploration to fully unlock their capabilities.