Search Results (99)

The bamboo carpenter bee, Xylocopa (Biluna) tranquebarorum tranquebarorum, is native to continental China and Taiwan, and the species invaded Japan around 2006. The bee utilizes bamboo culm for its nesting and hibernation, thereby causing structural damage to bamboo fencing and sting injuries to humans. Serious economic and ecological impacts were not expected in the early stage of its invasion. However, its distribution is rapidly expanding in Japan, and thus, its potential impacts need to be evaluated. Since the basic biology of the bee has not been examined in detail, even in its natural range, we examined the basic biology of X. t. tranquebarorum in its invasive range by evaluating its nesting preference and hibernation in several bamboo species collections in Kyoto, Japan. The field survey revealed that the bee prefers dead bamboo internodes with approximately16–28 mm of external diameter, which is well-congruent with previous studies, and does not have strict preference concerning the bamboo species, though the bee prefers Bambusa multiplex and Phyllostachys spp. in its native range. The hibernating bees in the culm sometimes share their nests with other invertebrates, including Anterhynchium gibbifrons, Dinoderus japonicus, Crematogaster matsumurai, unidentified spiders, shield bugs, and lepidopteran larvae. Within these co-habitants, the former two possibly negatively affect nesting and hibernation of the bees. Full article

Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, remains a major public health concern due to its high mortality rate. Current treatment options, including chemotherapy with dacarbazine and doxorubicin, have shown limited efficacy, achieving only a 20% objective response rate over six months, along with severe side effects such as cardiotoxicity. Given these limitations, there is a growing interest in herbal medicine as a source of novel anticancer compounds. Bambusa stenostachya, a bamboo species native to Taiwan, was investigated for its potential anti-melanoma properties using network pharmacology and molecular docking. LC-MS analysis identified seven bioactive compounds, including quinic acid and isovitexin, which satisfied Lipinski’s drug-likeness criteria. Among the seven bioactive compounds identified, five belong to the flavonoid family, while two are classified as phenolic compounds that modulate signaling pathways related to cancer and exhibit antioxidant activity, respectively. Through pathway enrichment analysis, four key melanoma-associated genes (PIM1, MEK1, CDK2, and PDK1) were identified as potential therapeutic targets. Ensemble docking results demonstrated that naringin-7-rhamnoglucoside exhibited the highest binding affinity (−6.30 kcal/mol) with phosphoinositide-dependent kinase-1, surpassing the affinities of standard chemotherapeutic agents. Additionally, the average docking scores for naringin-7-rhamnoglucoside and the remaining three proteins were as follows: PIM1 (−5.92), MEK1 (−6.07), and CDK2 (−5.26). These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds in B. stenostachya may play a crucial role in inhibiting melanoma progression by modulating metabolic and signaling pathways. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary to validate these computational findings and explore the potential of B. stenostachya as a complementary therapeutic agent for melanoma. Full article

Phytoliths play a crucial role in plant growth and development. This paper analyzes the characterization of the culm sheath phytoliths of Bambusa vulgaris f.vittata across different geographic environments. The extraction of phytoliths was performed using microwave digestion, and the morphology of the phytolith was observed microscopically. The culm sheaths of Bambusa vulgaris f.vittata from GXNN, XSBN, GZGD, FJFZ, and FAFU Bambusa vulgaris f.vittata were selected for the study. The results indicated that the phytolith content and concentration were ranked as FJFZ > XSBN > GXNN > FAFU > GZHN, and the phytolith content and concentration were geographically significantly different. Saddle, Rondel, Silica stoma, and Scrobiculate (>70%) were observed in culm sheaths developed in different geographic environments, and phytolith morphology assemblages are largely homogeneous by genetic conservatism, but the proportion of each morphology varies across geographic environments. The main distribution of phytolith particle size ranges from 0 to 100 μm, with the highest peak in the 10–20 μm interval, followed by a decrease, and an elevation of up to 100–200 μm, followed by a significant reduction. The small size of the phytolith morphology was influenced by climatic factors. Specifically, the length, width, and area of XSBN increased with higher precipitation levels. Similarly, both the length and width of GDGZ also increased with increased precipitation. For FJFZ, the length increased with riding temperatures, while its width increased with higher precipitation. Additionally, the width of GXNN expanded with increasing temperatures. The present study supplemented the phytoliths analysis of the culm sheaths of Bambusa vulgaris f.vittata, which provided reference value for further research on the ability of Bambusa vulgaris f.vittata in carbon sequestration and other aspects, and contributed essential data for the robust development of the bamboo industry. Moreover, bamboo plants represent a significant natural solution to climate change, offering ecological, economic, and social benefits. This further encourages the protection of natural bamboo forests, the expansion of artificial cultivation, and the vigorous promotion of the bamboo industry and bamboo products. By maximizing their critical roles in forest carbon sequestration and climate regulation, bamboo plants provide a viable solution for global climate governance. Full article

Bamboo is widely distributed throughout the world, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. This study aims to investigate the biomechanical properties of the root system of Bambusa pachinensis (Pachi bamboo). The root system of Pachi bamboo grows densely in clusters, with most roots growing vertically and potentially penetrating more than one meter into the soil after growing for several years. Owing to these characteristics, Pachi bamboo is considered a promising plant species for soil reinforcement. However, research on its root reinforcement capabilities remains limited. In situ shear and pullout tests were conducted to assess the root reinforcement of the fibrous root system. The root diameters of Pachi bamboo are typically less than 4 mm, and its tensile strength is notably lower than that of tree roots. This study establishes a method for estimating the root reinforcement of Pachi bamboo based on the number and cross-sectional area of the culms in a single bamboo cluster. The relationship between the maximum tensile force (F_ult) and root diameter (D) is F_ult = (3.65)D^2.59, where F_ult is in Newtons (N), and D is in millimeters (mm). The relationship between the pullout resistance (P_ult) and the shear resistance (S_ult) with the number of culms (SN) is P_ult = 46.5(SN) and S_ult = 0.53(SN) + 5, where P_ult is in Newtons (N), and S_ult is in kilopascals (kPa). These results suggest a positive contribution of the number of culms to mechanical resistance. Full article

Bamboo is a member of the Poaceae family and serves as an important economic resource with various applications, including reforestation, food production, and environmental conservation, due to its rapid growth and renewable nature. Among its various uses, bamboo shoots stand out for their tender texture and delicate flavor, making them a highly sought-after culinary delicacy in many cultures and a key ingredient in global food industries. Despite extensive research on the development of monopodial bamboos, studies focused on the developmental processes of sympodial bamboos, especially regarding their culinary potential, remain limited. This study conducted a comprehensive transcriptomic analysis of sympodial bamboo (Bambusa sp.) across six developmental stages (S1–S6) to uncover the molecular regulatory networks governing early bamboo shoot development. The results revealed that 1603 common differentially expressed genes (DEGs) across S1–S6 were enriched in multiple key pathways, with the most significant being plant hormone signaling, MAPK signaling, and Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis pathways. Co-expression clustering analysis indicated that the Glycolysis/Gluconeogenesis pathway plays a crucial role during the later stages of bamboo shoot development (S5–S6), impacting its texture and flavor—two critical factors determining its culinary quality. Further Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) highlighted the significant role of the MAPK signaling pathway during early bamboo shoot development and identified key hub genes (MKK, MPK, MEKK) within this pathway, emphasizing their importance in cell division and hormonal coordination. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the rapid growth and exceptional flavor of bamboo shoots and lays the foundation for the genetic improvement of bamboo as a sustainable and nutritious food source, enhancing its value as a premium food ingredient in the global market. Full article

This study focused on the phytolith characteristics of leaves and culm sheaths from nine bamboo species across three genera (Bambusa Schreb., Gigantochloa Nees, and Dendrocalamus Kurz ex Munro) in the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden. By analyzing phytolith content, concentration, particle size distribution, morphometric parameters of elongated saddle-type phytoliths, and phytolith–assemblage composition, we aimed to elucidate the distribution patterns and morphological features of phytoliths in clumping bamboos, thereby providing morphological evidence for genus-level classification within the Bambusoideae. The results demonstrated the following. (1) Leaves exhibited significantly higher phytolith content and concentration than did culm sheaths across all genera, with Dendrocalamus being the sole exception, showing no significant intrageneric differences. (2) Distinct particle size distribution patterns were observed—leaves consistently peaked at 10–20 μm, whereas culm sheaths displayed triple peaks at 10–20 μm, 20–30 μm, and 900–1000 μm. (3) Morphometric analysis revealed that culm sheaths contained larger elongated saddle-type phytoliths (length, width, and area) compared to leaves across all genera. (4) Among the 37 identified phytolith morphotypes, culm sheaths exhibited greater diversity, with 35 types (dominated by rondel and elongate), while leaves contained 31 types primarily characterized by saddle and stomatal phytoliths, with elongated saddles being the most abundant. Collectively, our findings demonstrate significant morphological disparities between foliar and culm sheath phytoliths in sympodial bamboos (Bambusa), with culm sheath phytoliths exhibiting greater taxonomic potential for generic-level classification within the subfamily Bambusoideae. Full article

This article discusses research on utilizing natural fibers and red mud waste as eco-friendly alternatives in the production of polymer matrix composites. In this study, composites of isophthalic unsaturated polyester matrix were produced by combining bamboo fibers (Bambusa vulgaris) and red mud waste. The red mud waste utilized had a particle size of 50–100 mesh, and the fibers measured 15 mm and 30 mm in length, distributed randomly throughout the matrix. Bamboo fibers were utilized in their raw form and underwent treatment with NaOH (5% for 2 h). The composites underwent mechanical assessment via flexural and tensile testing. The mechanical properties measured were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s test. The fracture surfaces of the composites were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Composites featuring 30 mm long treated fibers and 30% red mud exhibited improved flexural strength (124.71 MPa), along with a deformation of 2.16 mm and a flexural modulus of 15.79 GPa. Tensile tests revealed that incorporating red mud waste significantly enhanced the tensile strength by 68% (15BTRMW10) compared to neat polyester. ANOVA confirmed the dependability of the findings, emphasizing the viability of producing hybrid composites from red mud waste and bamboo fiber. Full article

Phytoliths are widely used in plant taxonomy, paleoecology, soil silicon cycling, and agricultural archaeology. Bamboo has a strong capacity for silicon absorption, and there are some phytoliths in various organs. In this paper, the leaf organs (leaf blade, leaf sheath, culm sheath, and culm blade) of three kinds of bamboos [B. vulgaris (Bambusa vulgaris), B. tulda (Bambusa tulda), and B. dolichoclada (Bambusa dolichoclada)] were studied; the content, concentration, particle size distribution, and morphological characteristics of phytoliths in leaf organs were analyzed to explore the differences of phytoliths in different functional leaf organs of bamboo. The results showed that the content and concentration of phytoliths were the highest in the leaf sheath and the lowest in the culm sheath, and the content and concentration of phytoliths in the leaf blade and culm blade were between them. For different bamboo species, the order of phytolith content was B. dolichoclada > B. tulda > B. vulgaris, while the phytolith concentration was the opposite. The highest values of phytolith particle size peak distribution in the leaf sheaths were the opposite to those in leaf blades, culm sheaths, and culm blades. The particle sizes of phytoliths of the three bamboo species showed a similar trend. Only a few larger phytolith particle sizes were distributed in leaf blades and culm blades when they were larger than 400 μm. A total of 25 types of phytoliths were identified, and the leaf sheaths were mainly elongate and rondel phytoliths. The leaf blades are mainly saddle and rondel phytoliths with a unique phytolith morphology. Culm sheaths are dominated by rondel, scrobiculate, and acute phytoliths. Culm blades are similar to leaf blades but have a characteristic phytolith morphology. In addition, saddle phytoliths were the most abundant in the leaf blade and the least in the culm sheath, while rondel phytoliths were the most abundant in the culm blade and the least in the leaf sheath. The parameters of long-saddle phytoliths are different in different bamboo species and leaf organs. According to the long saddle phytolith parameters of different bamboo species, different bamboo species can be quantitatively distinguished to a certain extent. Therefore, this study not only helps to understand the differences in phytoliths in different bamboo species and leaf organs, but also provides a theoretical basis for bamboo species classification. Full article

Bamboos, as imperative vegetations in Chinese traditional gardens, also significantly influenced the recently originated Neo-Chinese-style landscape in China, and their habitat ranges have been profoundly impacted by global climate warming. Current studies on the distribution dynamics of bamboo reveal existent gaps in assessing the suitable distribution area of Neo-Chinese-style landscapes. In this study, we calculated the habitat ranges of two widely distributed bamboo genera (Phyllostachys and Bambusa) based on the optimal MaxEnt model, predicted their future (2050s, 2070s and 2090s) distributions under different climate scenarios (SSP1-2.6 and SSP5-8.5), and assessed the suitable distribution area of the Neo-Chinese-style landscape according to the distribution union of two bamboo genera. The results showed that the optimal MaxEnt model exhibited high evaluation indices (AUC > 0.90) for the two bamboo genera. The habitat ranges of bamboo genera were significantly influenced by the minimum temperature of the coldest month and would expand northwardly in the future. The suitable distribution area of Neo-Chinese-style landscapes covered about 71.3% cities of China, which would expand 5.9%–8.7% of cities and 10%–18.7% of cities under the SSP1-2.6 climate scenario and the SSP5-8.5 climate scenario, respectively. The suitable distributions are mainly located in the southeast part of China. This study advanced our understanding of the restriction of bamboo to the distribution of the Neo-Chinese-style landscape and provided valuable insights and a scientific basis for landscape construction in different areas of China. Full article

The study evaluates the mechanical properties of a woven bamboo structure made from bamboo strips using an analytical relation and finite element simulation. The bamboo studied is a recently discovered species, Bambusa Nghiana, characterized by long internodes. Bamboo strips have lower strength at the node junctions, a feature that can be advantageous for this species due to its extended internode length. Plain weave bamboo structures were handwoven from thin, rectangular bamboo strips cut from the bamboo culm along the radial direction. The high bending rigidity of the bamboo strips resulted in an asymmetric woven structure with curved warp strips and straight weft strips. The stiffness of the woven structure was correlated with the stiffness of the bamboo strips and the weave geometry. The in-plane shear resistance of the woven structure was significantly lower than its axial stiffness due to the asymmetric weaving. These in-plane properties were validated using finite element simulation through a user subroutine incorporating the woven structure and the Hashin damage criteria. The prediction of the puncture simulation showed good agreement with the corresponding experiment. These results confirm the proposed analytical relation between the mechanical properties of individual bamboo strips and those of the woven structure. Full article

Concerns about the safety of traditional preservatives in personal care products are driving interest toward self-preserving alternatives. This study explores the potential of B. stenostachya leaf extracts, a natural and biodegradable material, for use in cosmetics. B. stenostachya, a fast-growing bamboo species native to Taiwan, is rich in bioactive compounds, including flavonoids with antimicrobial properties. Leaves were obtained from the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) in Tainan, Taiwan, and extracted using ultrasonic and Soxhlet methods with water, 50% ethanol, and 95% ethanol. The highest yield was achieved with 50% ethanol at 100 °C. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the NIH/3T3 mouse fibroblast cell line, with no toxicity observed at dilutions between 1/3200 and 1/400, indicating the extract’s safety for cosmetic use. Antimicrobial activity was tested in accordance with ISO 11930:2019 standards. The extract effectively inhibited Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus pathogens, meeting preservative efficacy Standards A and B for long-term microbial control. Bamboo is a sustainable resource with lower environmental impacts, and its products show promising biodegradability and reduced environmental footprints. This research indicates that the B. stenostachya leaf extract offers a sustainable alternative to chemical preservatives, promoting both environmental sustainability and public health, with the potential for expanded use in natural personal care formulations. Full article

This study investigates the microstructural characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and microcellulose (MC) extracted from bamboo fibers (Bambusa longispatha) and their potential as reinforcement agents in ordinary Portland cement (OPC) composites. CNC with a mean particle size of 29.3 nm and MC with a mean size of 14.6 × 10³ nm were incorporated into OPC at varying concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6% by cement mass). The compressive strength analysis revealed that increasing MC content led to a decrease in strength, with reductions ranging from 8.8% to 25.9% relative to the control OPC, while the CNC-enhanced composite at 0.4% achieved the highest compressive strength of 43.2 MPa. Flexural strength analysis indicated a minor increase in strength with MC addition (from 7.5 MPa to 8.1 MPa), while CNC addition at 0.1% improved flexural strength to 8.2 MPa but declined with higher concentrations. SEM and stereo microscopy demonstrated MC and CNC dispersion and highlighted microstructural differences, including pore distribution in the composites. XRD analysis showed increased crystallinity for CNC composites compared to pure OPC, with the highest crystallinity index of 52.2% observed at 0.4% CNC. This study highlights that CNC at specific concentrations can enhance OPC mechanical properties, while higher MC and CNC additions may impact strength properties variably due to their microstructural integration and crystallinity. These findings support the potential for bamboo-derived cellulose materials in enhancing cementitious composite performance. Full article

In our large-scale search for antimicrobial-producing bacteria, we isolated an actinomycete strain from rhizospheric soil of Bambusa vulgaris. The strain designated BP-8 showed noticeable antibacterial activity. BP-8 was subjected to a whole-genome analysis via a polyphasic taxonomy approach, and its antibacterial metabolite was identified by HRLS-MS. The results of the physiological and morphological analyses indicated that BP-8 is an aerobic, neutrophilic, mesophilic organism that is tolerant to 8% NaCl and can use a wide range of carbohydrates. It forms curly sporophores with a warty surface. The results of the phylogenetic and average nucleotide identity analyses and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization calculation indicated that BP-8 represents the type strain of a novel Streptomyces species. A comparative in silico analysis of the genome sequences of BP-8 and its closest related strains revealed the presence of genes encoding chemotaxonomic markers characteristic of Streptomyces. The antibacterial compound was identified as amicetin. Genomic mining also revealed more than 10 biosynthetic gene clusters that have not been described previously and may lead to the discovery of new valuable compounds. On the basis of these results, strain BP-8^T (=VKM Ac-3066^T = CCTCC AA 2024094^T) is proposed as the type strain of the novel species Streptomyces sirii sp. nov. Full article

Forest leaf litter is an important source of soil nutrients, but how its decomposition products affect the availability of soil heavy metals is not totally clear. In order to understand the effects of leaf litter decomposition on soil heavy metal availability in a forest ecosystem, leaf litter samples were collected from Daluoshan in Wenzhou and the Wuyanling National Nature Reserve of Zhejiang and subjected to analysis. The leaf litter was produced by the forests’ dominant tree species, such as Myrica ruba, Bambusa cerosissima, Pinus sylvestris, Machilus thunbergia, Cunninghamia lanceolata, and Quercus acutissima. Decomposition of the leaf litter samples at room temperature and leaching decomposition of the samples were carried out to analyze the acid production characteristics of the litter samples and their impact on soil heavy metal availabilities. Oxalic acid, lactic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, malic acid, and citric acid were the dominant organic acids in the leaf litter decomposer, and the sum of these six organic acids accounted for more than 50% of the total organic acid. During a 30-day litter decomposition, the levels of organic acids basically increased, with significant increases appearing in the early stage. After leaching, the available contents of Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb increased by a maximum of 11.95, 2.33, 12.00, 0.80, 0.83, 0.54, 51.50, and 0.28-fold, respectively, compared with those of the original soil sample. During leaching, the higher the content of low molecular weight organic acids in the leaf litter, the longer the leaching time required and the more obvious the influence on the level of available heavy metals. A stronger leaching effect was found for the soil samples taken from a depth of 0–20 and 20–40 cm accompanied by a more obvious increase in the available heavy metals in the soil. PLSPM results showed that there were significant differences between the soil acidity index and the available heavy metals in Daluoshan (p < 0.05) and that there were significant differences between the soil acidity index and the available heavy metals in Wuyanling (p < 0.01). The decomposition of litter produced low molecular weight organic acids, which caused a decrease in soil pH and an increase in exchangeable H⁺ and Al³⁺. Both changes had an impact on soil organic matter and further led to an increase in the activity of heavy metals in the soil. This will further lead to the increase of ecological and environmental risks to forest soil. Full article

Hypocrellins (HYPs), naturally occurring 3,10-xylene-4,9-anthracene derivatives sourced from Shiraia bambusicola and Hypocrella bambusae, exhibit significant photobiological activities. Despite their capability for generating a high yield of reactive oxygen species, including singlet oxygen and superoxide anion radical, their application in photodynamic therapy (PDT) is constrained. This limitation is due to their low dark phototoxicity, weak absorption within the therapeutic window of PDT (600–900 nm), and inherent hydrophobicity, which hinder their immediate use in amphipathic PDT applications. This review comprehensively discusses the research advancements in the bioactivities and biosynthesis of HYPs, alongside the reported chemical and physical modifications that enhance their water solubility and extend their therapeutic window. Additionally, it explores potential strategies for developing pharmaceuticals, photocatalytic agents, and photosensitive pesticides based on HYPs. Full article