Ultrafiltration Technique Research Articles

Nutritional Composition and Functional Properties of A. platensis-Derived Peptides: A Green and Sustainable Protein-Rich Supplement

Among cyanobacterium, Arthrospira platensis (A. platensis) is a rich source of diverse bioactive compounds due to its high protein, essential amino acid, vitamin, and mineral content. A. platensis is one of the most abundant sources of protein (50–70%). In the food industry, A. platensis is being used as an ingredient for the development of food flavor, taste, and nutritional composition. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed the potential use of A. platensis in the prevention and treatment of various metabolic diseases. Recently, extensive research has focused on the production and bioactivity of the A. platensis-derived bioactive peptides. A series of steps were used for the production of bioactive peptides including hydrolysis, ultrafiltration, and chromatographic techniques, coupled with an advanced detector. A. platensis peptides showed health benefits such as anti-hypertension, anti-diabetes, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-obesity, and anti-cancer activities. This review aims to present the main nutritional composition of A. platensis, the processes of purification, and the identification of bioactive peptides, and the potential health benefits such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, antioxidant, and anti-microbial activities associated with the consumption of A. platensis-derived peptides are discussed. The originality of this review over the old review is that our review comprehensively studies the macro- and micronutrient composition and listed bioactive peptides to date, which can play an important role in the treatment of various diseases. Moreover, this review provides information related the research gaps of the various technologies that should be used for the development of the peptide as a pharmaceutical and functional food.

Empowering Natural Medicine: Nanocarrier-based Oral Delivery of Vigna radiata Extract for Effective Diabetes Management

Background: Poor solubility and low oral bioavailability are major challenges associated with the oral delivery of the antidiabetic drug Vigna radiata (VR). Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations and improve the therapeutic efficacy of VR. This study investigated the potential of NLCs for VR delivery and explored the influence of formulation parameters on NLC properties and drug release behavior. Methods: NLCs loaded with VR were prepared using the melt emulsion ultrafiltration technique. The effect of two key formulation variables – the ratio of liquid lipid to solid lipid and the concentration of the surfactant – were investigated in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation efficiency. The in vitro release profiles of the VR-NLC formulations were evaluated, and the optimal formulation was subjected to further analysis to investigate its release kinetics. Results: The NLCs exhibited particle sizes ranging from 108.9 to 192.3 nm and all formulations possessed a negative zeta potential (-3.68 to -10.9 mV), indicating good stability and potential for resisting aggregation. Interestingly, the lowest solid lipid to liquid lipid ratio and the lowest surfactant concentration yielded the highest drug encapsulation efficiency, highlighting the complex interplay between these factors. All VR-NLC formulations exhibited a biphasic, time-dependent in vitro release pattern, suggesting an initial burst release followed by a sustained release phase. This biphasic profile is promising for achieving both rapid onset of action and long-lasting glycemic control, which are crucial aspects of effective diabetes management. The optimized NLC formulation showed an in vitro release pattern that adhered to the Higuchi diffusion model, suggesting a controlled release mechanism where the drug diffuses steadily out of the NLC matrix. This finding indicates potentially predictable and consistent drug delivery in vivo. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the potential of NLCs as a promising platform for the controlled oral delivery of VR. NLCs can overcome the inherent limitations of VR and provide a convenient and effective oral antidiabetic option for patients. Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy and safety of NLC-encapsulated VR in vivo using relevant animal models. This will pave the way for the development of a novel and potentially transformative treatment option for diabetes.

A Carrier Phase Ultrafiltration and Backflow Recovery Technique for Purification of Biological Macromolecules.

A simple carrier phase based ultrafiltration technique that is akin to liquid chromatography and is suitable for medium-to-large volume sample preparation in the laboratory is discussed in this paper. A membrane module was integrated with a liquid chromatography system in a "plug and play" mode for ease of sample handling, and recovery of species retained by the membrane. The sample injector and pump were used for feed injection and for driving ultrafiltration, while the sensors and detectors were used for real-time monitoring of the separation process. The concentration of retained species was enriched by utilizing controlled concentration polarization. The recovery of the retained and enriched species was enhanced by backflow of carrier phase through the membrane using appropriate combination of valves. The backflow of carrier phase also cleaned the membrane and limited the extent of membrane fouling. Proof-of-concept of the proposed technique was provided by conducting different types of protein ultrafiltration experiments. The technique was shown to be suitable for carrying out protein fractionation, desalting, buffer exchange and concentration enrichment. Adoption of this approach is likely to make ultrafiltration easier to use for non-specialized users in biological research laboratories. Other advantages include enhanced product recovery, significant reduction in the number of diavolumes of buffer needed for conducting desalting and buffer exchange, minimal membrane fouling and the potential for repeated use of the same module for multiple separation cycles.

The improved purification technique for isolation of the novel CGTase from the alkaliphilc strain Caldalkalibacillus mannanilyticus IB-OR17-B1

Cyclodextrin-glucanotransferase (CGTase, EC 2.4.1.19) is a multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes many enzymatic reactions including cyclization, binding, disproportionation and hydrolysis reactions, playing an important role in the enzymatic synthesis of compounds that are widely used in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food, chemical and biotechnology industries. The present research is aimed to optimize the purification protocol for the extracellular CGTase of alkaliphilc bacterial strain Caldalkalibacillus mannanilyticus IB-OR17-B1 guaranteeing the enzyme homogeneity and its high yield. The improved combination of ultrafiltration and corn-starch (5% w/v) affinity sorption techniques resulted to mild and rapid isolation of electrophoritically homogenic enzyme at 18 × increase of its specific activity and yield 56%. The developed two-step procedure instead the practiced tree-step one using commonly ion-exchange chromatography as final purification technique highly contributes in advance of cost-effectiveness for industrial production and isolation of valuable CGTases.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of urine-derived stem cell exosomes in temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis.

Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a degenerative ailment that causes slow cartilage degeneration, aberrant bone remodeling, and persistent discomfort, leading to a considerable reduction in the patient's life quality. Current treatment options for TMJOA have limited efficacy. This investigation aimed to explore a potential strategy for halting or reversing the progression of TMJOA through the utilization of exosomes (EXOs) derived from urine-derived stem cells (USCs). The USC-EXOs were obtained through microfiltration and ultrafiltration techniques, followed by their characterization using particle size analysis, electron microscopy, and immunoblotting. Subsequently, an invivo model of TMJOA induced by mechanical force was established. To assess the changes in the cartilage of TMJOA treated with USC-EXOs, we performed histology analysis using hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, and histological scoring. Our findings indicate that the utilization of USC-EXOs yields substantial reductions in TMJOA, while concurrently enhancing the structural integrity and smoothness of the compromised condylar cartilage surface. Additionally, USC-EXOs exhibit inhibitory effects on osteoclastogenic activity within the subchondral bone layer of the condylar cartilage, as well as attenuated apoptosis in the rat TMJ in response to mechanical injury. In conclusion, USC-EXOs hold considerable promise as a potential therapeutic intervention for TMJOA.

Modified Ultrafiltration Technique in Valvular Heart Surgery: A Case Series

Abstract Application of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in cardiac surgery may cause systemic inflammatory reactions, possibly causing clinical sequelae and multiple organ failures such as systolic or diastolic dysfunction, regional or global left ventricle or right ventricle low contractility, and the function of vascular tone. The use of drugs (i.e., corticosteroids) and the ultrafiltration method during the CPB application has been known to prevent or minimize the complication of CPB in cardiac surgery. One of the non-pharmacological approaches to minimize those inflammatory responses is the modified ultrafiltration (MUF) technique. Theoretically, this is due to ultrafiltration which may reduce the interstitial fluid and inflammatory mediator. MUF can be used to counteract inflammatory responses in pediatric cardiac surgery. This ultrafiltration method became a recommended procedure in minimally invasive surgery and conventional open-heart surgery. However, studies about effectiveness in adults are limited. In this case series, the MUF technique was used in three patients who underwent valvular heart surgery with a CPB machine. Following the application of the CPB, the MUF technique is performed for 10 min at a speed of no more than 10% full flow. Hemodynamic measurements and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were taken during surgery and 24 h post-CPB. At 24 h post-CPB, the vasoactive inotropic score and duration of mechanical support use were less than 20 and 18–24 h, respectively, and the IL-6 level ranged from 7.22 to 14.22 pg/mL. The cardiac index increased, ranging from 2.43 to 3.47 L/min/m2, and pulmonary vascular resistance decreased, ranging from 78 to 146 dyne s/cm5.

Sodium lignosulfonate as an extracting agent of methylene blue dye using a polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration technique

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of sodium lignosulfonate (LS) as a dye adsorbent in the removal of methylene blue (MB) from water by polymer-enhanced ultrafiltration. Various parameters were evaluated, such as membrane molecular weight cut-off, pH, LS dose, MB concentration, applied pressure, and the effect of interfering ions. The results showed that the use of LS generated a significant increase in MB removal, reaching an elimination of up to 98.0 % with 50.0 mg LS and 100 mg L−1 MB. The maximum MB removal capacity was 21 g g−1 using the enrichment method. In addition, LS was reusable for up to four consecutive cycles of dye removal-elution. The removal test in a simulated liquid industrial waste from the textile industry was also effective, with a MB removal of 97.2 %. These findings indicate that LS is highly effective in removing high concentrations of MB dye, suggesting new prospects for its application in water treatment processes.

Non-linear plasma protein binding of cannabidiol

BackgroundCannabidiol is highly bound to plasma proteins. Changes in its protein binding can lead to altered unbound plasma concentrations and result in alteration of pharmacological activity of cannabidiol-containing medications. This research has assessed non-linearity of cannabidiol plasma protein binding and the potential effect of tizoxanide on the binding.MethodCannabidiol protein binding was evaluated by ultrafiltration technique. Human plasma was spiked with cannabidiol stock solution to produce samples of various concentrations. For interaction study potential interactant tizoxanide was added in each sample. All samples were processed through Amicon Micropartition system and analyzed by HPLC.ResultsThe study has detected cannabidiol binding to borosilicate glass (9%) and polyethylene plastics (15%). In the interaction study the mean protein unbound fraction of cannabidiol was 0.05 (5%), indicating no binding interaction between cannabidiol and tizoxanide since cannabidiol unbound fraction without tizoxanide was also 5%. The cannabidiol fraction unbound was more than 2-fold greater at high concentrations compared to low concentrations.Conclusiona). At high concentrations cannabidiol plasma protein binding is non-linear. The non-linearity can affect elimination and medicinal effect of cannabidiol drugs. b). Borosilicate and polyethylene containers should be avoided in formulation, packing and administration of cannabidiol-containing medicines to guarantee correct doses. c). Cannabidiol medications can be co-administered with tizoxanide without caution.

Development of NLC-based Sunscreen Gel of Green Tea Extract and its In vitro Characterization

Background: Green tea extract is a hydrophilic antioxidant. The challenge associated with its cutaneous administration is its poor penetration. A system of solid-liquid lipids formulated in the form of a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC), can improve the penetration. In addition, Vitamin E oil used as a liquid lipid will aid in skin hydration, reduce particle size, and enhance penetration. Objective: The objective of this study was to formulate the NLC-based sunscreen gel of green tea extract. Methods: Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared by melt emulsion ultrafiltration technique and were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index (PDI), drug loading (DL), encapsulation efficacy (EE), and in vitro drug release. The optimised formula was incorporated into a suitable gel base and an in-vitro sun protection factor (SPF) was determined. Beeswax and Vitamin E oil were chosen as solid and liquid lipids for NLC formulation. Results: The particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release of optimised formulation (NLC4) were found to be 139.4 nm, 0.236, -11.0 mV, 84.20%, and 85% respectively. The SPF value of green tea extract-NLC-loaded gel was found to be 20.035. Conclusion: The result of the current investigation depicted that lipid nanoparticles are suitable carriers for green tea extract to be delivered as sunscreen gel.

Purification, identification and molecular docking studies of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides from Edible Bird's Nest

This study investigated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides from Edible Bird's Nest (EBN). The prepared EBN peptides were sequentially separated, purified, and successively identified by ultrafiltration, gel filtration and mass spectrometry techniques. Four potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory peptides were identified as Peptide 1 (LFWSPSVYLK), Peptide 2 (GWPHLEDNYLDW), Peptide 3 (NPPADLHK) and Peptide 4 (GDLAYLDQGHR). Molecular docking analysis revealed that Peptide 1 and Peptide 2 can competitively interrupt the formation of Keap1-Nrf2 due to the presence of hydrophobic and antioxidant amino acids in their peptide sequences. Peptide 3 and Peptide 4 have a strong effect on interacting with the binding site of IKK-β due to the interaction of anti-inflammatory amino acids and C-terminal arginine/lysine. The four peptides were synthesised and validated for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The results suggest that the four peptides may serve as promising bioactive peptides for preventing oxidative stress and inflammation-related diseases.

Non-conservative behavior of organic matter and its interaction with metals in an equatorial estuary, Brazil.

Droughts are becoming more intense and frequent in the Brazilian semiarid because of El Niño and global climate changes. The Jaguaribe River estuary is a semiarid ecosystem that experiences a reduction in freshwater discharges due to droughts and river damming. The decrease in freshwater fluxes has increased metal availability through the water residence time increase in the Jaguaribe River estuary. Then, this study aimed to evaluate the dissolved organic matter quality and its interaction with metals in the Jaguaribe River estuary after a severe drought period. It was performed through carbon analyses, fluorescence spectroscopy, ultrafiltration technique, and determinations of metals by ICP-MS. Optical analysis showed that the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was preponderantly composed of terrestrial-derived humic compounds, while the low ratio between the particulate organic carbon (POC) and chlorophyll-a indicated that POC was predominantly phytoplankton-derived. DOC and POC presented non-conservative removal during the estuarine mixing. DOM and dissolved elements were mostly distributed within the LMW fraction and presented a low percentage in the colloidal fraction. Li, Rb, Sr, Mo, and U showed conservative behavior, while Cu, Fe, Cr, and V had non-conservative behavior with a significant positive correlation with DOM, suggesting DOM as a relevant driver of metal availability at the Jaguaribe River estuary even during the rainy season.

Glycomacropeptide: A comprehensive understanding of its major biological characteristics and purification methodologies.

Glycomacropeptide (GMP) is a bioactive peptide derived from whey protein, consisting of 64 amino acids. It is a phenylalanine-free peptide, making it a beneficial dietary option for individuals dealing with phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is an inherited metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of phenylalanine in the bloodstream, resulting from a deficiency of phenylalanine dehydrogenase in affected individuals. Consequently, patients with PKU require lifelong adherence to a low-phenylalanine diet, wherein a significant portion of their protein intake is typically sourced from a phenylalanine-free amino acid formula. GMP has several nutritional values, numerous bioactivity properties, and therapeutic effects in various inflammatory disorders. Despite all these features, the purification of GMP is an imperative requirement; however, there are no unique methods for achieving this goal. Traditionally, several methods have been used for GMP purification, such as thermal or acid treatment, alcoholic precipitation, ultrafiltration (UF), gel filtration, and membrane separation techniques. However, these methods have poor specificity, and the presence of large amounts of impurities can interfere with the analysis of GMP. More efficient and highly specific GMP purification methods need to be developed. In this review, we have highlighted and summarized the current research progress on the major biological features and purification methodologies associated with GMP, as well as providing an extensive overview of the recent developments in using charged UF membranes for GMP purification and the influential factors.

Biochemical and in silico structural properties of a thermo-acid stable β-glucosidase from Beauveria bassiana

β-glucosidase hydrolyses the glycosidic bonds in cellobiose and cello-oligosaccharides, a critical step in the saccharification for biofuel production. Hence, the aim of this study was to gain insights into the biochemical and structural properties of a β-glucosidase from Beauveria bassiana, an entomopathogenic fungus. The β-glucosidase was purified to homogeneity using salt precipitation, ultrafiltration, and chromatographic techniques, attaining a specific activity of 496 U/mg. The molecular mass of the enzyme was then estimated via SDS-PAGE to be 116 kDa, while its activity pattern was confirmed by zymography using 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-d-glucopyranoside. Furthermore, the pH optima and temperature of the enzyme were found to be pH 5.0 and 60 °C respectively; its activity was significantly enhanced by Mg2+ and Na+ and was found to be relatively moderate in the presence of ethanol and dichloromethane. Molecular docking of the modelled B. bassiana β-glucosidase structure with the substrates, viz., 4-nitrophenyl β-d-glucopyranoside and cellobiose, revealed the binding affinity energies of −7.2 and −6.2 (kcal mol−1), respectively. Furthermore, the computational study predicted Lys-657, Asp-658, and Arg-1000 as the core amino acid residues in the catalytic site of the enzyme. This is the first investigation into a purified β-glucosidase from B. bassiana, providing valuable insights into the functional properties of carbohydrases from entomopathogenic fungal endophytes.

Molecular interactions by thermodynamic and computational molecular docking simulations of selected strawberry esters and pea protein isolate in an aqueous model system

The objective of this study was to determine the interactions between selected strawberry esters and pea protein isolate (PPI) in a protein-containing aqueous model system, utilizing modified ultrafiltration and equilibrium dialysis techniques. Strawberry esters, including ethyl butanoate, ethyl isopentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, and methyl anthranilate, demonstrated different binding parameters to the PPI. Overall flavor binding affinities (nK) of all esters decreased as the temperature increased from 5 °C to 25 °C. Among these compounds, ethyl hexanoate exhibited the highest affinity to PPI at 25 °C. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that all ester-PPI interactions were spontaneous and enthalpy-driven, primarily involving van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonding. In addition, computational molecular docking studies also identified alkyl hydrophobic interactions in ester-PPI complexes. These findings illustrated that understanding the interactions between esters and PPIs can assist in determining the optimal proportions of compounds for flavorings in high-protein beverages from pea protein.

ADVANCED ADIPOSE PROTEIN EXTRACT PROMOTES LIMBAL STEM CELLS REGENERATION THROUGH STEM CELL NICHE MODULATION

Abstract
 Introduction & Objectives : Limbal stem cells (LSCs) play important role in maintaining corneal clarity. Disruption of LSCs or its niche may lead to LSCs deficiency that result in blindness. This study aimed to investigate therapeutic effect of advanced adipose protein extract (AAPE) in LSCs regeneration.
 Methods : AAPE was derived from adipose derived mesenchymal stem cell secretome purifed by ultrafiltration technique. 2D culture of LSCs were exposed by 0.25 NaOH, then treated with serum-free media as control group, media supplemented with 20% and 50% AAPE as treatment group I and II, respectively. MTT assay was conducted to measure cell proliferation and in vitro scratch assay to assess cell migration at 48 hours after treatment. EGF, FGF, HGF, and KGF from supernatant were measured by ELISA. Data was analyzed using One way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey.
 Results : A 50% AAPE successfully promoted the highest proliferation and migration rate of LSCs compared to control group (94.38±2.51%, P 0.001; 68.52±3.51%, P 0.001). EGF (1216.67pg/mL), FGF (988.25pg/mL), HGF (119.33pg/mL), and KGF (793.25pg/mL) from 50% AAPE supernatant group were highest among other groups.
 Conclusion : A 50% AAPE demonstrated optimal beneficial effect on LSCs regeneration through upregulation of EGF, FGF, HGF, and KGF associated with niche modulation.

Effect of glycation-induced concentration-dependent change in albumin structure and alteration in its binding capacity

Reducing sugars causes confirmatory alterations in albumin structure by the nonenzymatic glycation of the amino group of serum albumin. In this study, glucose and its hazardous metabolic products like glyoxal and methylglyoxal were incubated with bovine serum albumin (BSA). The confirmational changes in BSA molecule’s structure by glycating substances was investigated using a variety of spectroscopic methods, including deconvolutionFourier Transform Infra-red (FT-IR) spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, UV spectroscopy and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy. Dynamic fluorescence quenching was observed in the case of glucose, while static quenching was observed in the case of methyl glyoxal and glyoxal. Similarly, employing deconvolution FT-IR spectroscopy and CD spectroscopy for determination of change in secondary structures in terms signature of α-helix, β-turn, β-sheet and random coil modifications. Destabilization or unfolding of the albumin structure, due to the disruption of the hydrogen bonding pattern that stabilizes the albumin manifold, causes a 25-50% reduction in α-helix and a 2-fold increase in β-sheet and turns in glycated BSA. The competitive displacement interaction studies with warfarin were performed using the ultrafiltration technique and quantitative determination of free drug in ultrafiltrate using LC-MS/MS. The binding of carbamazepine (CBZ) or its active metabolite to proteins was unaffected by the glycation of BSA with glucose and methyl glyoxal. Nevertheless, with glyoxal-modified BSA, it changed the binding of selected analytes significantly. Based on in vitro observations and results, it could be anticipated that the serum CBZ concentration variation may be worsened in uncontrolled diabetes circumstances, with an overall variance of 30–40% possible. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma

Moxidectin is a candidate for use as an in vivo internal standard in pharmacokinetic studies, as demonstrated with use in simultaneous tissue cage and ultrafiltration fluid collection.

In vivo ultrafiltration has been used in veterinary pharmacokinetics since the early 2000's as an improvement on the tissue cage model which enables sampling of fluids from extra-circulatory compartments. Variability in analyte recovery from ultrafiltration samples, due to membrane fouling or tissue inflammation, has been a concern for this technique. Internal standards may be used to scale or verify the unknown result, such as is common in analytical extractions and in vivo microdialysis. Eight merino sheep were implanted with subcutaneous tissue cages and 2 weeks prior to the initiation of the study the sheep were injected with 0.2 mg/kg moxidectin subcutaneously. On the day of the study ultrafiltration probes were inserted subcutaneously. At time zero 4 mg/kg of carprofen was injected intravenously. Plasma, tissue cage, and ultrafiltration samples were taken 30 min before and 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 24, 36, 48, 72 h after dosing. Carprofen and moxidectin concentrations were measured by LC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using Monolix for both the carprofen concentrations and the moxidectin corrected carprofen concentrations. The ultrafiltration probes failed to consistently produce enough sample volume to analyse. Moxidectin concentrations in the plasma and tissue cage fluid were stable throughout the 72 h sampling window. Moxidectin proved to be suitable as an in vivo internal standard for pharmacokinetic research using, tissue cages, plasma sampling and ultrafiltration probes, but the application of ultrafiltration techniques requires refinement.

Screening and identification of neuraminidase inhibitors from Baphicacanthus cusia by a combination of affinity ultrafiltration, HPLC-MS/MS, molecular docking, and fluorescent techniques

Natural products provide a new opportunity for the discovery of neuraminidase (NA)inhibitors. In this study, an affinity ultrafiltration (AUF) coupled with HPLC-MS/MS method was firstly developed and optimized for screening of NA inhibitors from natural products. The critical factors influencing the interaction of enzyme-ligand (including sample concentration, enzyme concentration, incubation time and temperature, pH of the buffer, and dissociation solvents and time) were investigated and optimized by a one-factor-at-a-time design. The method was then applied to discover NA inhibitory compounds in stems and leaves of Baphicacanthus cusia. As a result, five active alkaloids were screened out and identifiedas 2,4(1H,3H)-quinazolinedione (1), 4(3H)-quinazolinone (2), 2(3H)-benzoxazolone (3), tryptanthrin (4), and indirubin (5) through analysis of their DAD profiles, MS/MS fragments, and comparison with reference substances. These active compounds were further evaluated for their NA inhibitory activity using a fluorescence-based NA inhibition assay. The result from the fluorescent assay revealed that all the five compounds(1–5) showed pronounced NA inhibitory activities with IC50values of 98.98, 64.69, 40.16, 69.44, and 144.73 μM, respectively. Finally, molecular docking of these five alkaloids with NA showed that hydrogen bond and π-cation interactions dominated within the binding sites with binding energies ranging between −5.7 to −7.9 kcal/mol, which was supported by the results of the AUF and the fluorescence-based enzyme assay. The developed AUF method is simple and efficient for screening potential NA inhibitors from stems and leaves of B. cusia.

Yellow Field Pea Protein (Pisum sativum L.): Extraction Technologies, Functionalities, and Applications.

Yellow field peas (Pisum sativum L.) hold significant value for producers, researchers, and ingredient manufacturers due to their wealthy composition of protein, starch, and micronutrients. The protein quality in peas is influenced by both intrinsic factors like amino acid composition and spatial conformations and extrinsic factors including growth and processing conditions. The existing literature substantiates that the structural modulation and optimization of functional, organoleptic, and nutritional attributes of pea proteins can be obtained through a combination of chemical, physical, and enzymatic approaches, resulting in superior protein ingredients. This review underscores recent methodologies in pea protein extraction aimed at enhancing yield and functionality for diverse food systems and also delineates existing research gaps related to mitigating off-flavor issues in pea proteins. A comprehensive examination of conventional dry and wet methods is provided, in conjunction with environmentally friendly approaches like ultrafiltration and enzyme-assisted techniques. Additionally, the innovative application of hydrodynamic cavitation technology in protein extraction is explored, focusing on its prospective role in flavor amelioration. This overview offers a nuanced understanding of the advancements in pea protein extraction methods, catering to the interests of varied stakeholders in the field.

Understanding the Risks of Diffusion of Cyanobacteria Toxins in Rivers, Lakes, and Potable Water.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, may be prevalent in our rivers and tap water. These minuscule bacteria can grow swiftly and form blooms in warm, nutrient-rich water. Toxins produced by cyanobacteria can pollute rivers and streams and harm the liver and nervous system in humans. This review highlights the properties of 25 toxin types produced by 12 different cyanobacteria genera. The review also covered strategies for reducing and controlling cyanobacteria issues. These include using physical or chemical treatments, cutting back on fertilizer input, algal lawn scrubbers, and antagonistic microorganisms for biocontrol. Micro-, nano- and ultrafiltration techniques could be used for the removal of internal and extracellular cyanotoxins, in addition to powdered or granular activated carbon, ozonation, sedimentation, ultraviolet radiation, potassium permanganate, free chlorine, and pre-treatment oxidation techniques. The efficiency of treatment techniques for removing intracellular and extracellular cyanotoxins is also demonstrated. These approaches aim to lessen the risks of cyanobacterial blooms and associated toxins. Effective management of cyanobacteria in water systems depends on early detection and quick action. Cyanobacteria cells and their toxins can be detected using microscopy, molecular methods, chromatography, and spectroscopy. Understanding the causes of blooms and the many ways for their detection and elimination will help the management of this crucial environmental issue.