Water-soluble Extract Research Articles

Foaming Properties of Chlorella sorokiniana Microalgal Biomass

Chlorella sorokiniana is a well-studied microalga with significant nutritional potential due to its health-promoting nutrients. C. sorokiniana is rich in proteins (~50%), lipids (~14%), vitamins, and other bioactive compounds, making it an attractive ingredient for the food industry. Other properties of C. sorokiniana, such as its foaming properties, have not been extensively investigated. The present work examines the foaming properties of C. sorokiniana biomass and of its fractions, namely the foaming properties of the whole-cell biomass, the disrupted-cell biomass, the water-soluble protein-rich extract, and the disrupted-cell biomass residue after oil extraction. The water/air interfacial tension, zeta potential, foaming capacity, foam stability, and foam morphology of C. sorokiniana biomass and its fractions were determined. Furthermore, the effect of the pH on the foaming properties of the water-soluble protein-rich extract was also investigated. The results show that the examined fractions decrease the water-air interfacial tension and form foams. The type of biomass fraction affects strongly the foam characteristics and foam stability. Furthermore, the stability and characteristics of the foam are significantly affected by pH. Overall, the water-soluble protein-rich extract at pH 7 presented the best foam stability, as the foam remained stable for more than 24 h and had a narrow bubble size distribution. The obtained results suggest that fractionated microalgae biomass could be used as an effective foaming agent in different commercial applications.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of water-soluble lignin extracts obtained from ozonation of Miscanthus giganteus and Vitis vinifera in a pilot-scale reactor

Lignin is a potential source of polyphenols with different biological activities which might be affected by the extraction or isolation process. This study investigated the effect of ozonation on the bioactive properties of water-soluble lignin extracts from Miscanthus giganteus (grass-type biomass) and Vitis vinifera (wood-type biomass). Total polyphenolic content, antioxidant activities (ABTS, DPPH and β-carotene bleaching assays), and antimicrobial properties were evaluated. Although ozonation did not improve the antioxidant activity per gram of lignin extract with any of the methods employed, it significantly enhanced extraction of antioxidants. All lignin extracts displayed significant antioxidant potential, DPPH IC50 values ranging from 7.6 to 29.0 µg/mL and ABTS ranging 64.1–154.6 mg Trolox/g extract. Miscanthus lignin extracts achieved 70.6 % β-carotene bleaching inhibition, compared with 96.2 % inhibition by BHT. Miscanthus lignin extracts exhibited better yield and antioxidant activity compared with vine shoots, likely due to their lower molecular weight and higher content of phenolic monomers. Antibacterial analysis revealed that Miscanthus lignin extracts had superior activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, which was enhanced by ozonation and linked to zeta potential and compositional aspects. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) for Miscanthus extracts were 3 mg/mL and 6 mg/mL, respectively. Miscanthus extracts from 160 min ozonation demonstrated better antifungal activity than vine shoots, particularly against Penicillium digitatum (MIC:12 mg/mL) compared with Botrytis cinerea (MIC:25 mg/mL). The bioactive properties of water-soluble lignin extracts from ozonated Miscanthus open up new possibilities for their potential use in food and food packaging applications.

Formulation of aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) meat toothpaste and antibacterial activity tests on Streptococcus mutans bacteria

Introduction: Aloe vera (Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) is a plant that contains 95% water. The rest is in the form of other active ingredients (essential oils, amino acids, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and glycoproteins). The type of aloe vera used to make herbal aloe vera is the Barbadensis type, which contains substances for human needs, such as Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, Vitamin E, and Vitamin C. This plant can also cure diabetes, heart disease, and other diseases. Aloe vera can be formulated into toothpaste preparations because it can improve hygiene and reduce plaque in the mouth. Objective: This study aimed to make a new formulation of (aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) as a toothpaste preparation and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Methods: This study uses an experimental method. In this study, aloe vera was formulated as toothpaste. The physical evaluation carried out included tests for water content, total ash content, water-soluble extract content, ethanol-soluble extract content, acid-insoluble extract content, organoleptic test, oh test, homogeneity test, spreadability test, adhesion test, test viscosity, and foam formation test. Results: Based on the research results, it can be seen that aloe vera flesh has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria. Conclusion: This research concludes to make a new formulation of (aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.) as a toothpaste preparation and evaluate its antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans bacteria.

Iron and phosphate species regulates arsenic speciation and potential mobility in contaminated soils

Arsenic in soils poses a high environmental risk. The understanding of arsenic geochemical speciation, mobility, and other potential factors in contaminated soils is crucial for appropriate remediation strategy development and environmental assessment. The objective of this study was to investigate the arsenic oxidation state and its form in each step of sequential extraction applied to different types of contaminated soils, and to analyze the impact of sequential extraction forms of soil Fe and phosphate. Soil samples were collected from three agricultural regions: acid mine drainage (AMD)-impacted red soils (n = 5, 61.1–248.6 mg As/kg) and As-contaminated groundwater-impacted soil including yellow soils (n = 6, 23.2–32.1 mg As/kg) and chestnut soils (n = 5, 9.0–13.3 mg As/kg). The results of sequential extraction revealed that As was primarily associated with Fe(III) oxyhydroxides. The highest proportion of amorphous Fe(III) oxyhydroxide-bound As was observed in the southern red soils, which was attributable to the coprecipitation/immobilization of high Fe and As concentration levels in AMD during irrigation. The amount of adsorbed As (mass fraction) increased linearly with increasing amounts of As and is related to the presence of both amorphous and crystalline Fe phases in the soils. This demonstrates the immobilization role of reactive Fe phases in controlling the potential mobility of As in contaminated soils impacted by As-contaminated groundwater and AMD. Soil phosphate, with mass concentrations 2–4 orders of magnitude higher than those of As, occupied most of the Fe(III) oxyhydroxide reactive sites. Phosphate-extractable As was 4.3–80.7 mg/kg, accounting for 18.3–76.0 % (median of 33.5 %) of total As, indicating the competitive effect of phosphate on the desorptive release of As. The AMD-impacted paddy soil exhibited much higher proportions of phosphate-extractable As and a predominance of As(III) in the water-soluble extract, revealing the high potential mobility and toxicity of As in flooded soil. The dominant occupation of Fe adsorption sites by soil phosphate likely contributes to low efficiency of soil Fe in immobilizing As. To reduce As mobility, it is imperative to develop future strategies for phosphates used as sustainable fertilizer to support crop culture.

Feta cheese: A pool of Non-Starter Lactic Acid Bacteria (NSLAB) with anti-hypertensive potential

In the present work, we examined the angiotensin-I-converting enzyme-inhibitory (ACE-I) activity of the water soluble extracts of four long-ripened Feta cheese samples. High activity (>87 %) was determined for all of them. Additionally, we fingerprinted the non-starter lactic acid bacteria (NSLAB) isolated from the cheese samples. All NSLAB isolates were screened for their proteolytic activity and the most proteolytic ones were further evaluated for their ACE-I activity as well as ability to produce γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The NSLAB isolates comprised 130 lactobacilli and 24 enterococci, with the dominant species being Levilactobacillus brevis, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei and Enterococcus faecium. Among them, 40 selected isolates exhibited high proteolytic activity, with 13 lactobacilli and two enterococci exhibiting strong ACE-I activity (>50 %), and six lactobacilli producing GABA. Thus, the hypertension risk associated with over-consumption of Feta cheese because of its high sodium content may be compensated by the anti-hypertensive traits of NSLAB microbiota members, which are active during the long cheese ripening time.

Antioxidant, Antihypertensive, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Long-Term Ripened Cheddar Cheese Water-Soluble Extract.

During cheese ripening, the proteins in the cheese are broken down, and various functional peptides are produced. This research aimed to investigate the changes in peptides and their physiological activities during the long-term maturation of Cheddar cheese. Young (YC), medium (MC), and 3-year-aged extra-sharp (EC) Cheddar cheeses were extracted with water, and bioactive peptides were identified using ultra performance liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometer. Peptides reported to have antioxidant, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-inhibitory, and anti-inflammatory effects were identified and evaluated in the extracts. MC and EC showed stronger antioxidant activity than YC. The 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid inhibition rates of MC and EC were similar, but EC exhibited a higher 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl inhibition rate. The antihypertensive effect was found to increase owing to the appearance of peptides with ACE-inhibitory activity in MC and EC. Quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot were run to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects. YC did not show anti-inflammatory activity, but MC and EC were shown to effectively inhibit inflammatory mRNA expression. The immunoblot results showed that EC did not inhibit IκBα phosphorylation, but had an inhibitory effect at the mRNA expression level. Overall, the peptides contained in aged Cheddar cheese were shown to have excellent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antihypertensive activities, and long-term ripening appeared to have a positive effect on these activities. This is presumed to have affected not only the already identified peptides but also unknown peptides; therefore, it is expected that the discovery of bioactive peptides will be possible through additional research.

Distribution of Salts in Milk and Cheese: Critical Methodological Aspects

The salt fractions of milk consist of cations (e.g., Ca, Mg, and Na) and anions (e.g., phosphate, citrate, and chloride). These salts are present as free ions or in complexes with other ions or proteins, primarily the caseins. Furthermore, significant levels of Ca and phosphate are also found in insoluble form, inside the casein micelles. The distribution of salts between this micellar phase and the soluble phase is important for the stability and properties of milk and dairy products. Various processes, such as (ultra-)centrifugation, (ultra-)filtration, dialysis, and selective precipitation have been used to separate the micellar and soluble phases in milk and dairy products to allow for studying the salts’ distribution between these phases. These different methods can lead to different levels of soluble salts because the salts in the supernatant from centrifugation, the permeate from ultrafiltration, and the diffusate from dialysis can differ notably. Hence, understanding which components are fractionated with these techniques and how this affects the levels of the soluble salts determined is critical for milk and dairy products. Applying the aforementioned methods to cheese products is further challenging because these methods are primarily developed for fractionating the soluble and micellar phases of milk. Instead, methods that analyze salts in water-soluble extracts, or soluble phases expressed from cheese by pressing or centrifugation are typically used. This review focuses on the significance of salt distribution and variations in salt fractions obtained using different methodologies for both milk and cheese.

Slow H2S-Releasing Donors and 3D Printable Arrays Cellular Models in Osteo-Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Personalized Therapies.

The effects of the hydrogen sulfide (H2S) slow-releasing donor, named GSGa, a glutathione-conjugate water-soluble garlic extract, on human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) in both bidimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures were investigated, demonstrating increased expression of the antioxidant enzyme HO-1 and decreased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6). The administration of the H2S donor can therefore increase the expression of antioxidant enzymes, which may have potential therapeutic applications in osteoarthritis (OA). Moreover, GSGa was able to promote the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), but not of cardiac mesenchymal stem cells (cMSCs) in a 2D culture system. This result highlights the varying sensitivity of hMSCs to the H2S donor GSGa, suggesting that the induction of osteogenic differentiation in stem cells by chemical factors is dependent on the tissue of origin. Additionally, a 3D-printable mesenchymal stem cells-bone matrix array (MSCBM), designed to closely mimic the stiffness of bone tissue, was developed to serve as a versatile tool for evaluating the effects of drugs and stem cells on bone repair in chronic diseases, such as OA. We demonstrated that the osteogenic differentiation process in cMSCs can be induced just by simulating bone stiffness in a 3D system. The expression of osteocalcin, RUNX2, and antioxidant enzymes was also assessed after treating MSCs with GSGa and/or increasing the stiffness of the culture environment. The printability of the array may enable better customization of the cavities, enabling an accurate replication of real bone defects. This could optimize the BM array to mimic bone defects not only in terms of stiffness, but also in terms of shape. This culture system may enable a rapid screening of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds, facilitating a more personalized approach to regenerative therapy.

THE EFFECT OF PACKAGING METHODS AND STORAGE TEMPERATURES ON THE ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF MALATYA CHEESE

This study analyzed the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of traditionally produced Malatya cheeses made from cow's milk. Cheeses were ripened either in brine using plastic drums or in dry salted polyethylene bags at 7 and 20°C for 120 days. Results showed that cheeses ripened in polyethylene had higher TPC and antioxidant activity compared to those in plastic drums. The highest TPC and antioxidant activity were found in water-soluble extracts from the dry salted samples ripened at 20°C for 120 days, while the lowest were in cheeses ripened in brine at 7°C for just 2 days. The antimicrobial activity was tested against two bacteria using an agar well diffusion technique, but no antimicrobial effects were observed. Overall, the findings suggest that salting methods, ripening times, and temperatures significantly influence the TPC and antioxidant activity of Malatya cheeses.

Exploring Water-Soluble South African Tulbaghia violacea Harv Extract as a Therapeutic Approach for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis.

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for approximately 20% of all breast cancer cases and is characterized by a lack of estrogen, progesterone, and human epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. Current targeted medicines have been unsuccessful due to this absence of hormone receptors. This study explored the efficacy of Tulbaghia violacea, a South African medicinal plant, for the treatment of TNBC metastasis. Extracts from T. violacea leaves were prepared using water and methanol. However, only the water-soluble extract showed anti-cancer activity and the effects of this water-soluble extract on cell adhesion, invasion, and migration, and its antioxidant activity were assessed using MCF-10A and MDA-MB-231 cells. The T. violacea extract that was soluble in water effectively decreased the movement and penetration of MDA-MB-231 cells through the basement membrane in scratch and invasion tests, while enhancing their attachment to a substance resembling an extracellular matrix. The sample showed mild-to-low antioxidant activity in the antioxidant assy. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy revealed 61 chemical components in the water-soluble extract, including DDMP, 1,2,4-triazine-3,5(2H,4H)-dione, vanillin, schisandrin, taurolidine, and α-pinene, which are known to have anti-cancer properties. An in-depth examination of the transcriptome showed alterations in genes linked to angiogenesis, metastasis, and proliferation post-treatment, with reduced activity in growth receptor signaling, angiogenesis, and cancer-related pathways, such as the Wnt, Notch, and PI3K pathways. These results indicate that T. violacea may be a beneficial source of lead chemicals for the development of potential therapeutic medicines that target TNBC metastasis. Additional studies are required to identify the precise bioactive chemical components responsible for the observed anti-cancer effects.

Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress by Natural and Chemical Compounds Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Review.

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic that dose-dependently causes renal complications such as decreased kidney function and acute kidney injury. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is responsible for calcium homeostasis and protein folding and plays a major part in cisplatin's nephrotoxicity. The current article reviews how chemical and natural compounds modulate cisplatin-induced apoptosis, autophagy, and inflammation by inhibiting ER stress signaling pathways. The available evidence indicates that natural compounds (Achyranthes aspera water-soluble extract, morin hydrate, fucoidan, isoliquiritigenin, leonurine, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, grape seed proanthocyanidin, and ginseng polysaccharide) and chemicals (Sal003, NSC228155, TUG891, dorsomorphin (compound C), HC-030031, dexmedetomidine, and recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo)) can alleviate cisplatin nephrotoxicity by suppression of ER stress signaling pathways including IRE1α/ASK1/JNK, PERK-eIF2α-ATF4, and ATF6, as well as PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Since ER and related signaling pathways are important in cisplatin nephrotoxicity, agents that can inhibit the abovementioned signaling pathways may hold promise in alleviating this untoward adverse effect.

Soluble Salts in Processed Cheese Prepared with Citrate- and Phosphate-Based Calcium Sequestering Salts.

In this study, the protein and salts distribution (Ca, P, Na and Mg) in processed cheese (PC) samples prepared with 180 or 360 mEq/kg of the calcium sequestering salts (CSS) disodium phosphate (DSP), disodium pyrophosphate (DSPP), sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) and trisodium citrate (TSC) was studied. For this purpose, a water-soluble extract (WSE) of PC samples was prepared. All PC samples contained 45-46% moisture, 26-27% fat and 20-21% protein and had a pH of 5.2 or 5.7. Ultracentrifugation slightly reduced the protein content of the WSE of PC, indicating that most protein in the WSE was non-sedimentable. At equal concentration of CSS, the protein content of the WSE was higher for PC at pH 5.7 compared to PC at pH 5.2. Approximately 55-85% of the Ca and P in the WSE of samples was 10 kDa-permeable for PC prepared with DSPP and SHMP. This suggests that the formation of non-permeable Ca-polyphosphate-casein complexes. For PC prepared with TSC, >90% of Ca in the WSE was 10 kDa-permeable, indicating that micellar disruption arises from sequestration of micellar Ca. These results indicate that the WSE method is an appropriate method to understand how salts present in PC are distributed. However, the WSE and ultracentrifugal supernatant of the WSE can include both soluble and protein-associated salts. Therefore, determining levels of salts in 10 kDa permeate of ultracentrifugal supernatant of the WSE is most appropriate.

Metabolic profiling reveal changes in shoots and roots of nitrogen-deficient tea plants (Camellia sinensis cv. Jinxuan)

Tea plants require high levels of nitrogen for optimal growth. However, delayed or insufficient nitrogen supply often induces nitrogen deficiency stress. This stress can adversely affect the plant's growth, development, and metabolic processes. Therefore, studying how tea plants respond to nitrogen deficiency conditions is crucial for enhancing our understanding and management of their growth environment. In this study, we utilized High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS), and Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) techniques to analyze the non-volatile and volatile components of both shoots and roots of the 'Jing Xuan (JX)' tea variety under nitrogen deprivation for 30 days (Nd). The results revealed that nitrogen deprivation led to a deceleration in shoot growth of 'JX', accompanied by reduced chlorophyll and water-soluble extract contents, with nitrogen accumulating predominantly in the roots. Significant decreases were observed in caffeine content in shoots and in the total amounts of theanine and catechins in both shoots and roots, while epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) accumulation increased in shoots. Moreover, we identified 65 volatile components in shoots, including a notable decrease in floral and fruity compounds such as trans-β-Ionone, Geranylacetone, and α-Ionone. The biosynthesis of amino acids and phenylpropane metabolism are more active pathways under nitrogen stress. Nitrogen deficiency led to reduced levels of amino acids, carboxylic acids, flavonoids, steroids, and their derivatives in roots, with the most notable decline observed in carboxylic acids, typified by Leucine, l-Aspartate, and l-histidine. In contrast, shoots accumulate carbohydrates and phenolic compounds, mainly sucrose. Additionally, metabolites such as Myristic acid and 3-Dehydroshikimate could be a critical indicator of stress levels. These findings enhance our understanding of tea plant growth and metabolism under nitrogen deficiency, providing valuable insights for breeding nitrogen-efficient tea varieties.

ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF WATER SOLUBLE FRACTION OF PROPOLIS AND ITS ANTIBACTERIAL POTENTIAL ON BACTERIA CAUSING CONJUNCTIVITIS

Propolis is a bee product with a variety of biological activities. Although chemical composition of propolis differs by the location but all propolis types possesses antimicrobial activity. The usage of propolis for apitherapeutic purposes has increased recently. But its ethanol solubility limits its usage in certain areas like ophthalmology. Main objective of this study is to isolate water soluble components of propolis and determination of its antimicrobial activity against two bacteria causing conjunctivitis namely Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Haemophilus influenzae. Isolation of water soluble fraction of propolis was carried out in two steps by using pectin-propolis micro beads. Isolated water soluble fraction and crude extract was examined by thin layer chromatography and HPLC analyses. Three main spots were screened on TLC plate after isolation. These spots could be explained by the presence of different class of compounds in the isolate. HPLC analyses showed that water soluble fraction contained phenolic acids, their esters and flavonoids like p-OH benzoic acid, t-cinnamic acid, pinocembrin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester. Low antimicrobial activity was achieved against tested microorganisms for the fraction. It can be concluded that isolation of water soluble fraction of the propolis extract could be a solution for its usage in restricted areas.

Pharmacognostical and Pharmaceutical Analysis of Yavanishadavadi Vati - An Ayurvedic Polyherbal Formulation

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is caused by the aerobic acid-fast rod-shaped bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This tiny bacterium, expelled from a contagious host, can remain suspended in air as droplet nuclei for hours. Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most effective first-line TB drugs. In Ayurveda, the term Rajayakshma has been used interchangeably with tuberculosis. Rajayakshma is primarily attributable to Dhatukshaya (tissue emaciation or loss). Aim: To analyze the Pharmacognostical and Pharmaceutical properties of Yavanishadavadi Vati. Materials and Methods: Yavanishadavadi Vati was subjected to microscopic evaluation for pharmacognostical study, physico-chemical analysis like hardness, weight variation, loss on drying, ash value, acid insoluble extract, pH value, water soluble extract, alcohol soluble extract and high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC). Result: Pharmacognostical study showed the presence of certain identifying characteristics of all the ingredients of Yavanishadavadi Vati that is Yavani, Tintidaka, Shunthi, Amalvetasa, Dadima, Badara, Dhanyaka, Suvarchal Lavana, Jeeraka, Dalchini, Pippali, Maricha and Sarkara. In pharmaceutical study, preliminary physico-chemical analysis showed that hardness of Yavanishadavadi Vati was hardness 6.6Kg/cm2, ash value 10.59%w/w, loss on drying 8.17%w/w, water soluble extract 28.6%w/w, alcohol soluble extract 20.2%w/w and pH value was 6.5. HPTLC analysis showed eleven spots in 254nm and nine spots in 365nm. Conclusion: Present work was carried out to standardize the polyherbal formulation Yavanishadavadi Vati in terms of its identity, quality and purity. Pharmacognostical and physico-chemical observations revealed the specific characters of all the active constituents in the preparation.

Antagonism and survival of probiotics encapsulated in functional yogurt-like fermented vegetable beverage

This research aimed to evaluate the survival of encapsulated and free probiotics in a functional plant-based beverage. The fermented vegetable drink was developed from the water-soluble extract of red pigmented rice and added from the strains of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. Lactis and Lactobacillus acidophilus, were added free and encapsulated. Encapsulation was performed by the ionic gelation method of the 2% alginate solution with the probiotic cultures. The microbiological analysis, pH and acidity, respectively, were conducted at intervals of 0, 15, and 40 days post-fermentation and cold storage. The physicochemical and bioactive compound analyses were: Acidity, pH, moisture, density, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, determination of total phenolics and total anthocyanins. The antimicrobial activity was carried out by the microdilution method against pathogenic bacteria. The physicochemical analyses obtained results above expectations, especially the high total protein content and the low lipid content. The results for the bioactive compounds were high, proving the functional claim of the fermentate. Probiotic viability during 40 days of storage resulted in the decay of viability to free cells. However, for encapsulated probiotics, survival remained constant. The fermented vegetable drink with free cells showed higher acidification and lower pH during storage. The antimicrobial activity demonstrated high efficiency, proving the antagonism against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic strains, highlighting the efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis, which is considered resistant to many antibiotics. In this way, survival and the addition of probiotics in plant-based fermented beverages is possible.

Evaluation of Different Pectic Materials Coming from Citrus Residues in the Production of Films.

This article explores the use of citrus residues as a source of different pectic materials for packaging film production: a water-soluble orange residue extract (WSE) (~5% pectin), semi-pure pectins extracted in citric acid (SP) (~50% pectin), and commercial pure citrus pectins (CP). First, these materials were characterized in terms of chemical composition. Then, films were produced using them pure or mixed with chitosan or glycerol through solvent-casting. Finally, antioxidant activity, functional properties (e.g., mechanical and gas barrier properties), and visual appearance of the films were assessed. WSE films showed the highest antioxidant activity but the lowest mechanical strength with the highest elongation at break (EB) (54%); incorporating chitosan increased the films' strength (Young's modulus 35.5 times higher). SP films showed intermediate mechanical properties, reinforced by chitosan addition (Young's modulus 4.7 times higher); they showed an outstanding dry O2 barrier. CP films showed a similar O2 barrier to SP films and had the highest Young's modulus (~29 MPa), but their brittleness required glycerol for improved pliability, and chitosan addition compromised their surface regularity. Overall, the type of pectic material determined the film's properties, with less-refined pectins offering just as many benefits as pure commercial ones.

Biopreparation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles mediated by Calendula officinalis flower extract for catalytic reduction of 4-nitrophenol and treatment of allergic conjunctivitis

This study investigates the an eco-friendly synthesis for the production of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) by employing the water-soluble flower extract of Calendula officinalis as a natural reducing and stabilizing agent. The green produced TiO2 NPs/C. officinalis were characterized using different advanced analytical techniques, including FT-IR, FE-SEM, EDS-elemental mapping, XRD, ICP-OES and TEM. It represents the TiO2 NPs were found to be spherical in shape and well distributed without agglomeration. It also revealed the particle sizes were in the range of 30–50 nm. EDX represented the Ti atomic species along with C and O are seen to be well-dispersed in a homogeneous manner. The broad absorption band appeared at 3200–3450 cm−1 assigned to OH bond stretching belong to the adsorbed water over the titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Further, newly synthesized TiO2 NPs/C. officinalis are used as a nanocatalyst for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP). A UV–Vis spectrophotometer is employed to track the effectiveness of the reduction process. Recyclability in 8 further degradation cycles is used to assess the sustainability of this catalyst, and the results show a steady and notable degradation activity. After a week of daily treatment, the allergic conjunctivitis clinical scores in Dunkin-Hartley guinea pigs were evaluated. The guinea pigs were sensitized with intraperitoneal ovalbumin and then subjected to topical conjunctival challenge. Different doses of TiO2 NPs/C. officinalis (20 and 100 µg/kg), prednisolone (30 mg/kg), chlorpheniramine (10 mg/kg), or PBS (10 mL/kg) were administered. The levels of serum Immunoglobulins were measured by ELISA. It was observed that the levels of ovalbumin-specific IgE notably decreased. Notably, the treatment with TiO2 NPs/C. officinalis at both doses led to a notably lower clinical score for allergic conjunctivitis. Furthermore, the TiO2 NPs/C. officinalis-treated guinea pigs conjunctival tissue showed mild mononuclear infiltration compared with the intense conjunctival tissue inflammatory infiltration observed in the PBS-treated group. These data suggest that TiO2 NPs/C. officinalis may have clinical efficacy in alleviating allergic conjunctivitis.

Impact of Chronic Consumption of Herbal Rooibos on Cardiovascular Function in Adults with Cardiovascular Risk.

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased in South Africa, emphasizing the importance of prevention strategies. This study used echocardiography to investigate the impact of Rooibos on cardiovascular function in those at risk of CVD. This research aims to contribute to understanding its effects on reducing cardiovascular risk factors. The study design involved a 12-week randomized, parallel, double-blinded, placebo-controlled dietary intervention trial using capsules containing standardized water-soluble extracts of green and traditional fermented Rooibos alongside a placebo control. Echocardiography was incorporated as a diagnostic imaging tool to assess cardiac function in the participant cohort. Aorta (AO) dimensions showed no significant change in any intervention group. Left atrium (LA) reduced in size from 3.832 ± 0.071 cm to 3.675 ± 0.067 cm (P = 0.01). There was no significant change in LA/AO ratio in any intervention group. Interventricular septum diameter in the placebo group decreased from 1.334 ± 0.030 cm to 1.250 ± 0.025 cm (P = 0.002), with no significance in fermented Rooibos, while green Rooibos resulted in a decrease from 1.282 ± 0.036 cm to 1.186 ± 0.029 cm (P = 0.002). Left ventricle posterior wall (LVPW) showed no significant changesin any of the intervention group. The left ventricle mass in the placebo and green Rooibos groups demonstrated no significance changes, while fermented Rooibos caused a decrease from 204.102 ± 7.102 g to 191.394 ± 6.707 g (P = 0.015). The phytochemical bioactive components, such as the polyphenolic antioxidants present in green and fermented Rooibos, improved cardiovascular function. This study confirms the effectiveness of echocardiography as imaging tool for assessing cardiac function in this particular population. Regular Rooibos consumption may offer promising therapeutic benefits for preventing and managing CVD risk.

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of water-soluble extracts of Camis cheeses produced by different traditional methods.

Traditional Camis cheese may be an interesting dairy product with potential bioactivities and postconsumption health effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of Camis cheeses produced by two different traditional methods, differing in heat processing of the milk and boiling the curd, and to reveal the changes that occur depending on 90 days of ripening time. For this purpose, physicochemical and sensory analyses were performed, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activity analyses of the water-soluble extracts (WSEs) of Camis cheeses (B1 and B2) were conducted. WSEs of both cheeses (800 μL mL-1) had remarkable antimicrobial effects on Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (Staph. aureus), with a higher inhibitory effect on E. coli. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) values (0.12-2.24 μM Trolox) and % inhibition rates as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (8.54-26.34%) of the cheeses indicate limited antioxidant activity. The curd boiling process was found to have a favorable effect on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of the Camis cheeses. However, the panelists' perceptions of flavor, texture, and total acceptability did not align with this positive outcome. The results of this study reveal that the consumption of traditional Camis cheese and its extracts or the use of purified bioactive peptides in functional food products may constitute an important alternative in terms of eliminating the negative effects encountered with the use of synthetic antimicrobial and antioxidant components to provide the desired health effect from natural sources.