Search Results (4,087)

Hop (Humulus lupulus) is cultivated for industrial purposes, primarily for brewing, but also for pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications. The hop cones are valued for their secondary metabolites, including bitter acids and prenylflavonoids. The objective of the presented study was to investigate the impact of reducing nitrogen fertilisation on the activity of genes involved in the production of bitter acids and xanthohumol in cultivars Lubelski (aroma) and Magnat (bitter) grown in the field. Furthermore, the content of these compounds was determined. The results demonstrated that the majority of studied genes were expressed at a similar level despite the reduction in the nitrogen dose by 25–30%. Nitrogen dose influenced the activity of genes BCAT2, HS1, and PAL. Moreover, the differences in gene expression were observed between cultivars and developmental stages. The reduction in nitrogen dose did not result in a reduction in secondary metabolite content. The content of alpha and beta acids in Magnat was approximately 14.8% and 3.2%, respectively, while in Lubelski it was approximately 7.7% and 5.8%, respectively. The content of xanthohumol in both cultivars was approximately 0.7%. Full article

Drying conditions significantly impact the compositions and microstructures of polysaccharides, leading to various effects on their chemical characteristics and bioactivities. The objective of this study was to investigate how different industrial drying techniques, i.e., hot air drying, infrared drying, microwave vacuum drying, and freeze drying, affect the structural properties and biological activities of polysaccharides extracted from Rosa roxburghii Tratt fruit (RRTP). Results revealed that these drying methods significantly altered the extraction yield, molecular weights, monosaccharide ratios, contents of uronic acid and total sugars, gelling properties, particle sizes, thermal stability, and microstructures of RRTPs. However, the monosaccharide composition and functional groups of polysaccharides remained consistent across the different drying techniques. Biological activity assays demonstrated that RRTPs, particularly those processed through microwave vacuum drying (MVD-RRTP), exhibited excellent anti-linoleic acid oxidation, robust anti-glycosylation effects, and significant α-glucosidase inhibition in vitro. The outcomes of this research demonstrate that microwave vacuum drying serves as an effective pre-extraction drying method for RRTPs, enhancing their biological activities. This technique is particularly advantageous for preparing RRTPs intended for use in functional foods and pharmaceuticals, optimizing their health-promoting properties for industrial applications. Full article

Peptides are gaining prominence in various fields, including the pharmaceutical industry. To meet regulatory requirements, they must achieve a certain purity threshold to ensure safe administration. Numerous purification technologies have been employed to purify peptides, aiming to reduce cost and time while being sustainable and efficient. These include chromatography, magnetic nanoparticles, isoelectric focusing, and membrane filtration. The physicochemical properties of peptides are the main driving element behind these technologies. While chromatographic separation remains the gold standard for peptide separation and purification, with various models to predict the elution behaviors of peptides, other technologies have demonstrated their capability to meet the performance of established chromatographic methodologies, with better productivity and reduced cost. This opens the door for further investigational studies to assess these outcomes and potentially introduce new techniques for peptide purification. In this review, we examine these technologies in terms of their efficiency and their ability to meet sustainability requirements, concluding with remarks and an outlook on future advancements. Full article

The development of new methods of identification of active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) is a subject of paramount importance for research centers, the pharmaceutical industry, and law enforcement agencies. Here, a system for identifying and classifying pharmaceutical tablets containing acetaminophen (AAP) by brand has been developed. In total, 15 tablets of 11 brands for a total of 165 samples were analyzed. Mid-infrared vibrational spectroscopy with multivariate analysis was employed. Quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) were used as mid-infrared sources. IR spectra in the spectral range 980–1600 cm⁻¹ were recorded. Five different classification methods were used. First, a spectral search through correlation indices. Second, machine learning algorithms such as principal component analysis (PCA), support vector classification (SVC), decision tree classifier (DTC), and artificial neural network (ANN) were employed to classify tablets by brands. SNV and first derivative were used as preprocessing to improve the spectral information. Precision, recall, specificity, F1-score, and accuracy were used as criteria to evaluate the best SVC, DEE, and ANN classification models obtained. The IR spectra of the tablets show characteristic vibrational signals of AAP and other APIs present. Spectral classification by spectral search and PCA showed limitations in differentiating between brands, particularly for tablets containing AAP as the only API. Machine learning models, specifically SVC, achieved high accuracy in classifying AAP tablets according to their brand, even for brands containing only AAP. Full article

From an agricultural perspective, carrots are a significant tap root vegetable crop in the Apiaceae family because of their nutritional value, health advantages, and economic importance. The edible part of a carrot, known as the storage root, contains various beneficial compounds, such as carotenoids, anthocyanins, dietary fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients. It has a crucial role in human nutrition as a significant vegetable and raw material in the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The cultivation of carrot fields is susceptible to a wide range of biotic and abiotic hazards, which can significantly damage the plants’ health and decrease yield and quality. Scientific research mostly focuses on important biotic stressors, including pests, such as nematodes and carrot flies, as well as diseases, such as cavity spots, crown or cottony rot, black rot, and leaf blight, caused by bacteria, fungi, and oomycetes. The emerging challenges in the field include gaining a comprehensive understanding of the interaction between hosts and pathogens in the carrot–pathogen system, identifying the elements that contribute to disease development, expanding knowledge of systemic treatments, exploring host resistance mechanisms, developing integrated control programs, and enhancing resistance through breeding approaches. In fact, the primary carrot-growing regions in tropical and subtropical climates are experiencing abiotic pressures, such as drought, salinity, and heat stress, which limit carrot production. This review provides an extensive, up-to-date overview of the literature on biotic and abiotic factors for enhanced and sustainable carrot production, considering the use of different technologies for the shelf-life extension of carrots. Therefore, it addresses the current issues in the carrot production chain, opening new perspectives for the exploration of carrots both as a food commodity and as a source of natural compounds. Full article

The demand for bioactive secondary metabolites of natural origin is increasing every day. Micropropagation could be a strategy to respond more quickly to market demands, regardless of seasonality. This research aims to evaluate in vitro-grown plants of two hop varieties, namely Columbus and Magnum, as a potential source of bioactive compounds. The extracts were characterized in terms of total phenolic content by a Folin–Ciocalteu assay and antioxidant capacity by DPPH^•, ABTS⁺, and FRAP assays. The bioactive compound profile of the extracts from both varieties was determined by using UPLC-ESI-QqQ-MS/MS. The results confirmed richness in (poly)phenols and other secondary metabolites of the in vitro-grown hop plantlets. Thirty-two compounds belonging to the major families of phytochemicals characteristic of the species were identified, and twenty-six were quantified, mainly flavonoids, including xanthohumol and isoxanthohumol, phenolic acids, as well as α- and β-acids. This study confirms the validity of in vitro-derived hop plantlets as source of bioactive compounds to be used in the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, and food industries. Full article

Sea cucumbers are well demarcated for their valuable role in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical sectors. The demand for well-processed dried sea cucumber retaining quality is prioritized by local markets and industries. There are several techniques for the pre-processing of fresh sea cucumbers, including traditional and modern methods, such as salting, boiling, high-pressure processing, high-pressure steaming, and vacuum cooking, among others, in order to inactivate enzymes and microbial attacks. Further, pre-treated sea cucumbers require post-processing before human consumption, transportation, or industry uses such as hot air, freeze, cabinet, sun, or smoke drying. However, despite the ease, traditional processing is associated with several challenges hampering the quality of processed products. For instance, due to high temperatures in boiling and drying, there is a higher chance of disrupting valuable nutrients, resulting in low-quality products. Therefore, the integration of traditional and modern methods is a crucial approach to optimizing sea cucumber processing to obtain valuable products with high nutritional values and retain bioactive compounds. The value of dried sea cucumbers relies not only on species and nutritional value but also on the processing methods in terms of retaining sensory attributes, including colour, appearance, texture, taste, and odour. Therefore, this review, for the first time, provides insight into different pre- and post-treatments, their perspective, challenges, and how these methods can be optimized for industry use to obtain better-quality products and achieve economic gains from sea cucumber. Full article

Sargassum is a genus of brown algae that causes a major impact to marine ecosystems. Although accumulation of this invasive seaweed is considered an environmental problem, Sargassum can also be resource of valuable molecules such as alginates. Alginates are polysaccharides extracted from the cell walls of brown seaweeds with multiple applications in food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and biotechnology. In this study, we explored four different extraction protocols to isolate alginates from Sargassum from the archipelago of Guadeloupe. H-NMR, FTIR, and SEM were carried out to characterize isolated samples and describe their chemical and morphological properties. Antioxidant capacity of the isolated alginates was tested in the sample. FRAP assay showed free radical scavenging activity, and cell viability assay showed that alginates keep protective capacity against oxidative stress in cell cultures. In sum, the isolation methods used in this study are effective extractive methods to obtain alginates from Sargassum, which highlight this seaweed as a potential source of bioactive compounds that may be exploited for industrial and biomedical purposes. Full article

This study aimed to develop a fast procedure for caffeine extraction from roasted coffee beans. The microwave-assisted extraction was carried out in the microwave oven with an operating frequency of 2450 MHz. The response surface methodology based on a Box–Behnken design was used to model and optimize the extraction process. Among the analyzed extraction parameters (factors), the influence of extraction time (2–6 min), liquid-to-solid ratio (5–15 mL/g), and microwave power (336–595 W) were considered, while the yield of extracted caffeine was observed as the response of the system. Water was used as the solvent of choice for the extraction of caffeine. The optimum conditions were as follows: extraction time, 2 min; liquid-to-solid ratio, 15 mL/g; and microwave power, 500 W. In this optimized condition, the expected extraction yield of caffeine was 1.01 g/100 g dry weight (value confirmed by experimental assays). The total energy consumed of 1.7 kWh/100 g of purified caffeine indicated a more energy-efficient procedure by about 1200–15,000 times than the reported procedures. This study showed that caffeine can be quantitatively extracted from roasted coffee beans through a green approach and that the isolated caffeine has a high purity degree, which was confirmed by the UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS method. With this quality, isolated caffeine could be further used as an active ingredient in the food industry, while for pharmaceutical purposes, it must be further purified. Full article

Infectivity assays are the key analytical technology for the development and manufacturing of virus-based therapeutics. Here, we introduce a novel assay format that utilizes label-free bright-field images to determine the kinetics of infection-dependent changes in cell morphology. In particular, cell rounding is directly proportional to the amount of infectious virus applied, enabling rapid determination of viral titers in relation to a standard curve. Our kinetic infectious virus titer (KIT) assay is stability-indicating and, due to its sensitive readout method, provides results within 24 h post-infection. Compared to traditional infectivity assays, which depend on a single readout of an infection endpoint, cumulated analysis of kinetic data by a fit model results in precise results (CV < 20%) based on only three wells per sample. This approach allows for a high throughput with ~400 samples processed by a single operator per week. We demonstrate the applicability of the KIT assay for the genetically engineered oncolytic VSV-GP, Newcastle disease virus (NDV), and parapoxvirus ovis (ORFV), but it can potentially be extended to a wide range of viruses that induce morphological changes upon infection. The versatility of this assay, combined with its independence from specific instruments or software, makes it a promising solution to overcome the analytical bottleneck in infectivity assays within the pharmaceutical industry and as a routine method in academic research. Full article

Aquaponics, defined as a sustainable technology combining aquaculture and hydroponics, integrates plant and fish production into one system. Aquaponics technology offers several major advantages over conventional methods of raising fish and/or plants. In this system, plants act as a natural biological filter, purifying the water so that the same amount can be used repeatedly. Fish, on the other hand, are a natural source of nutrients. This contributes to the aquaponics system’s substantial economic potential, thanks to its use of virtually free nutrients, dramatically reduced water consumption, and the elimination of filter systems, making this system innovative and sustainable. On the other hand, the use of medicinal plants for the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetics, and food industries is often associated with a decrease in their natural reserves. Utilizing aquaponics for the production of medicinal plants could reduce the pressure on these natural reserves. As a result, aquaponics has emerged as one of the most environmentally friendly methods of cultivating plant species. The concept of aquaponics, which evolved from traditional hydroponic systems, has gained worldwide recognition through the effective use of symbiosis. It refers to the coexistence and interaction of different organisms, facilitating their growth and life cycle processes. Unlike hydroponics, which requires the purification of nutrient solutions due to plant waste, aquaponics takes advantage of the natural cycle of waste and nutrient exchange between plants and fish. Fish waste serves as organic fertilizer for the plants, while the plants help purify the water for the fish. This symbiotic relationship not only reduces the environmental impact associated with aquaculture wastewater but also provides a sustainable method of food production. The integrated system reduces infrastructure costs, conserves water, and minimizes the potential for environmental pollution. Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for increased profitability from both crop and fish production. Cultivation of medicinal plants within aquaponic systems can be carried out year-round, offering a continuous supply of valuable pharmacological resources. This review examines suitable medicinal plants for aquaponic cultivation and evaluates their pharmacological benefits to humans. Full article

Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using plant extracts has been proposed as a more advantageous and environmentally friendly alternative compared to existing physical/chemical methods. In this study, AgNPs were synthesized from silver nitrate using black mulberry (BM) extract. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized through an UV-visible spectrometer, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. Additionally, BM-AgNPs were subjected to antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. AgNPs biosynthesized from BM extract were dark brown in color and showed a strong peak at 437 nm, confirming that AgNPs were successfully synthesized. The size of AgNPs was 170.17 ± 12.65 nm, the polydispersity index was 0.281 ± 0.07, and the zeta potential value was −56.6 ± 0.56 mV, indicating that the particles were stable. The higher total phenol, flavonoid, and anthocyanin content of BM-AgNPs compared to BM extract indicates that the particles contain multiple active substances due to the formation of AgNPs. The DPPH and ABTS assays showed decreased IC₅₀ values compared to BM extract, demonstrating improved antioxidant activity. AgNPs inhibited the growth of S. aureus and E. coli at 600 μg/mL, with minimum bactericidal concentrations determined to be 1000 and 1200 μg/mL, respectively. The anti-inflammatory activity was 64.28% at a BM-AgNPs concentration of 250 μg/mL. As the concentration increased, the difference from the standard decreased, indicating the inhibitory effect of AgNPs on bovine serum albumin denaturation. The viability of MCF-7 cells treated with BM-AgNPs was found to be significantly lower than that of cells treated with BM extract. The IC₅₀ value of BM-AgNPs was determined to be 96.9 μg/mL. This study showed that BM-AgNPs have the potential to be used in the pharmaceutical industry as antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agents. Full article

Amid global health challenges, resilient health systems require continuous innovation and progress. Stakeholders highlight the critical role of digital technologies in accelerating this progress. However, the digital health field faces significant challenges, including the sensitivity of health data, the absence of evidence-based standards, data governance issues, and a lack of evidence on the impact of digital health strategies. Overcoming these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of digital health innovations in enhancing healthcare delivery and outcomes. Prioritizing security and privacy is essential in developing digital health solutions that are transparent, accessible, and effective. Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) have gained widespread attention, including in healthcare, offering innovative solutions and addressing challenges through blockchain technology. This paper addresses the gap in systematic-level studies on NFT applications in healthcare, aiming to comprehensively analyze use cases and associated research challenges. The search included primary studies published between 2014 and November 2023, searching in a balanced set of databases compiling articles from different fields. A review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework and strictly focusing on research articles related to NFT applications in the healthcare sector. The electronic search retrieved 1902 articles, ultimately resulting in 15 articles for data extraction. These articles span applications of NFTs in medical devices, pathology exams, diagnosis, pharmaceuticals, and other healthcare domains, highlighting their potential to eliminate centralized trust sources in health informatics. The review emphasizes the adaptability and versatility of NFT-based solutions, indicating their broader applicability across various healthcare stages and expansion into diverse industries. Given their role in addressing challenges associated with enhancing data integrity, availability, non-repudiation, and authentication, NFTs remain a promising avenue for future research within digital health solutions. Full article

Phyllostachys glauca McClure leaves (PML), as economical natural product material, contain abundant phenols, particularly flavonoids, with significant biological activities that contribute to their widespread applications in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. To study the significant phenols in PML, an ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent extraction method with high efficiency and low toxicity was established for extracting the phenols from PML and the bamboo leaves of 17 other bamboo species. Using the Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) method, the content of phenols in the leaves of the 18 bamboo species was determined. PML were found to contain neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isoorientin, and orientin at contents of 0.793 ± 00.17 mg/g, 0.491 ± 0.0081 mg/g, 0.485 ± 0.0043 mg/g, 0.465 ± 0.0021 mg/g, and 0.044 ± 0.0005 mg/g, respectively, with a total content of 2.278 mg/g. These contents were significantly higher than those found in the leaves of 17 other bamboo species. Additionally, the significant phenols, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cryptochlorogenic acid were found simultaneously in the leaves of 15 bamboo species, especially in PML. Therefore, PML can be viewed as the natural product material with considerable application values, owing to its abundant phenols, and can exhibit its importance in utilizing neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cryptochlorogenic acid as resources. Full article

Inulin is a carbohydrate that belongs to fructans; due to its health benefits, it is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this research, cabuya (Agave americana) was employed to obtain inulin by pulsed electric field-assisted extraction (PEFAE) and FTIR analysis confirmed its presence. The influence of PEFAE operating parameters, namely, electric field strength (1, 3 and 5 kV/cm), pulse duration (0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 ms), number of pulses (10,000, 20,000 and 40,000) and work cycle (20, 50 and 80%) on the permeabilization index and energy expenditure were tested. Also, once the operating conditions for PEFAE were set, the temperature for conventional extraction (CE) and PEFAE were defined by comparing extraction kinetics. The cabuya meristem slices were exposed to PEFAE to obtain extracts that were quantified, purified and concentrated. The inulin was isolated by fractional precipitation with ethanol to be characterized. The highest permeabilization index and the lowest energy consumption were reached at 5 kV/cm, 0.5 ms, 10,000 pulses and 20%. The same extraction yield and approximately the same amount of inulin were obtained by PEFAE at 60 °C compared to CE at 80 °C. Despite, the lower amount of inulin obtained by PEFAE in comparison to CE, its quality was better because it is mainly constituted of inulin of high average polymerization degree with more than 38 fructose units. In addition, TGA analyses showed that inulin obtained by PEFAE has a lower thermal degradation rate than the obtained by CE and to the standard. Full article