Search Results (474)

Bougainvillea spp. is a well-known ornamental plant that is widely applied in urban landscaping construction. The colorful bracts of Bougainvillea in full bloom become important for urban landscape during special festivals. Although flowering regulation measures of Bougainvillea attracted much attention, the underlying mechanism of flower bud differentiation and development remains poorly understood. Here, we induced flowering of Bougainvillea glabra ‘Sao Paulo’ under 6-BA treatment and conducted RNA sequencing data analysis to characterize the molecular regulatory mechanism of flower development in response to 6-BA. Transcriptome analysis indicated that a series of genes and transcription factors of cytokinin metabolism, flowering and floral development regulation, and photoperiod regulation were upregulated by the 6-BA treatment, including COL, AP2, FT, SOC1, LFY, SPL4, SPL9, and SPL13. Moreover, the expression of these important genes exhibited relatively high levels of thorns compared to apical buds, suggesting that flower bud differentiation probably starts with the thorns in Bougainvillea. This study confirms that 6-BA treatment at certain concentrations can promote flowering of Bougainvillea and provides insight into the regulatory mechanism of the growth regulator acting on early flowering of Bougainvillea. Full article

Litchi is an important subtropical fruit, highly valued by consumers for its vibrant color and distinctive flavor. B-box (BBX) proteins, which are zinc finger transcription factors, play a crucial role in regulating plant growth, development, and stress responses. Nevertheless, the specific function of BBX genes in the development and coloration of litchi fruit remains inadequately understood. In this study, 21 LcBBX genes (designated as LcBBX1-LcBBX21) were identified within the litchi genome. These genes were categorized into five sub-families based on phylogenetic analysis and were found to be unevenly distributed across 12 chromosomes. Promoter analysis revealed a rich presence of light-responsive elements, such as the G-box, and abscisic acid (ABA) responsive elements, including ABRE, within the promoter regions of LcBBX genes. Protein–protein interaction predictions indicated that the majority of LcBBX genes have the potential to interact with the light-responsive factor HY5. Transcriptome analysis and qRT-PCR results demonstrated that LcBBX genes exhibit tissue-specific expression patterns. Notably, most LcBBX genes were highly expressed prior to fruit coloration, whereas LcBBX4 and LcBBX10 were upregulated during the fruit coloration phase. Furthermore, LcBBX1/4/6/7/15/19 were upregulated in response to light following the removal of shading. The findings suggest that LcBBX4 may directly regulate anthocyanin biosynthesis in litchi pericarp. This study provides critical insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying litchi fruit development and coloration. Full article

Wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) is highly perishable postharvest. Even under refrigerated storage conditions, its shelf life typically lasts only about one week. This study developed a novel antibacterial food packaging membrane to extend its shelf life and explored the underlying preservation mechanisms. A composite fiber membrane was fabricated via solution blow spinning (SBS) using polyethylene oxide (PEO) and oxidized sesbania gum (OSG) incorporated with ε-polylysine (ε-PL). The composite membrane demonstrated exceptional antibacterial activity against both E. coli and S. aureus by disrupting cell wall and membrane integrity, as evidenced by increased protein leakage, alkaline phosphatase activity, and electrical conductivity. Morphological observations through scanning electron microscopy confirmed extensive cellular damage and bactericidal effects. During nine days of ambient storage, the PEO/OSG/PL membrane significantly maintained the postharvest quality of wax apples. This was evidenced by a lower decay index (2.22 ± 0.19) and weight loss rate (5.32 ± 0.16%) compared to the control group, alongside better preservation of firmness (4.11 ± 0.08 N) and color stability. The treatment suppressed respiratory rate and delayed the degradation of soluble solids and titratable acidity. Furthermore, it enhanced antioxidant capacity through higher peroxidase activity and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation, indicating attenuated oxidative stress. Non-targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that the membrane treatment modulated critical metabolic pathways, particularly phenylalanine metabolism and linoleic acid metabolism. These metabolic adjustments contributed to enhanced defense responses and delayed senescence. The results show that the PEO/OSG/ε-PL fiber membrane acts as an effective active packaging material by inhibiting microbial growth and regulating metabolism. This provides a potential method to extend the shelf life of perishable fruits. Full article

Pepper (Capsicum frutescens L.) is a globally important vegetable crop whose fruit glossiness serves as a key quality trait influencing consumer preference and market value. This review summarizes the measurement methods, influencing factors, and molecular regulatory mechanisms of pepper fruit surface glossiness, as well as the correlation between post-harvest changes in carotenoid content and fruit surface glossiness, aiming to provide references for the molecular breeding of high-gloss pepper cultivars. Pepper fruit glossiness is primarily determined by cuticle structure and composition. The content and arrangement of cuticular crystals significantly affect the specular reflection and diffuse reflection on the fruit surface. The ordered arrangement of long-chain alkanes enhances the anisotropy of specular highlights, reduces the contrast of diffuse reflection, and forms a high-gloss surface. In contrast, the imbalance of wax components or disordered accumulation of crystals leads to increased light scattering, resulting in a matte phenotype. Furthermore, carotenoid content strongly correlates with L*, a*, and b*, critically influencing fruit color intensity and hue. Currently, there are still several issues in the research on pepper glossiness, including the lack of standardized measurement methods, unclear gene regulatory networks, and unknown pathways related to post-harvest gloss maintenance and environmental responses. In the future, we should promote the combination of multiple technologies to establish unified measurement standards; integrate multi-omics to identify key genes; develop targeted preservation technologies based on the law of fruit gloss degradation; and breed pepper cultivars with high glossiness and good storage performance. Full article

Apple (Malus domestica) is a woody fruit tree belonging to the Rosaceae family, genus Malus. It has been widely reported that MYB transcription factors are critical regulators for the red color of apple peel by activating the expression of anthocyanin biogenesis genes. However, it is still not clear what the molecular mechanism for the yellow color of apple peel is. In order to investigate key genes and metabolites responsible for yellow coloration of apple peel, three strains of apples, “Venus Gold (Ype)” with yellow peel, “Yanfu8 (Mpe)” with medium red peel, and “Red love” with dark red peel, were selected in this study. Transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles were obtained for the peels of the three apple strains. After analyzing the transcriptomic profiles and being verified with qRT-PCR experiments, our results suggest that LAR1 is a critical gene for the yellow color of Ype peel. Analysis of metabolomic profiles revealed that the abundances of catechin and epicatechin in Ype peel were higher than those in Rpe, indicating an important reason for the yellow color of Ype peel. Furthermore, when comparing volatile metabolites from Ype, Mpe, and Rpe, hundreds of volatile metabolites show significantly different abundances, suggesting that apples with different peel colors have different odors. Our results uncover a novel metabolic mechanism for yellow coloration, where high expression of LAR1 promotes accumulation of catechin and epicatechin, providing the first integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic evidence for this pathway in apple peel. Full article

To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying ascorbic acid (AsA) accumulation in pepper fruits and to identify key genes involved in its biosynthesis, we performed integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses on two pepper cultivars—T41 (sweet pepper) and 22-5 (chili pepper)—at three developmental stages, including young fruit, green ripe, and color change stages. The results show that AsA content in both cultivars was significantly higher at the green ripe stage than the young fruit stage, with T41 exhibiting significantly higher AsA levels than 22-5 at both the young fruit and green ripe stages. Transcriptomic analysis identified a total of 24,433 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that genes associated with AsA biosynthesis were mainly enriched in the “ascorbate and aldarate metabolism” pathway. Follow-up validation confirmed APX3 as the most likely candidate gene responsible for the difference in AsA content between the two pepper fruit types, with its expression pattern negatively correlating with AsA accumulation. This study unveils the molecular regulatory mechanisms underlying AsA biosynthesis and provides a theoretical foundation for breeding pepper cultivars with elevated AsA levels. This study provides valuable insights into the molecular regulation of AsA biosynthesis and lays a theoretical foundation for breeding high-AsA pepper varieties. Full article

Lung cancer is among the most aggressive malignancies, with the highest incidence and mortality rates worldwide. Standard treatments include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy; however, chemoresistance often develops, reducing therapeutic efficacy. Combination therapy offers a promising strategy to enhance drug effectiveness and overcome resistance. In lung cancer, the increased energy demands within cells result in a marked rise in the expression of PFKFB3, a regulatory protein involved in the glucose metabolic pathway. The small-molecule inhibitor KAN0438757, recognized as a novel PFKFB3 inhibitor, is significant in targeted therapy due to its essential role in the DNA damage response mechanism in cancer cells. Curcumin, the primary bioactive compound found in the rhizomes of Curcuma longa, has demonstrated a variety of biological functions and anticancer properties. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effects of KAN0438757 in combination with curcumin in lung cancer cells. Evaluation of cell viability and IC₅₀ values (KAN0438757: A549, 41.13 µM; H1299, 53.74 µM; Curcumin: A549, 44.37 µM; H1299, 66.25 µM) using the WST-1 and RTCA assays revealed pronounced inhibition of proliferation in the combination groups, accompanied by decreased cell migration (fold change, untreated cell; 1, CUR-20 µM; 0.681, KAN-20 µM; 0.530, and COMB; 0.0039 for 48 h). The comet assay revealed severe DNA damage (Tail DNA, fold change, untreated cell; 1, CUR-20 µM; 1.2, KAN-20 µM; 3, and COMB; 4.6) in the A549 cells, while MMP analysis (color change from red to green) and apoptotic staining confirmed cell death morphologically (color change from green to orange). Moreover, Western blot analysis demonstrated that the combination markedly enhanced apoptosis in the A549 cells. Full article

Impatiens balsamina is a widely distributed ornamental plant known for its attractive floral colors and significant pharmaceutical value. Anthocyanins are responsible for the floral coloration of I. balsamina. However, the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in the various colors of I. balsamina flowers remain unclear. In this study, we combined metabolome and transcriptome analysis of five groups of I. balsamina with white, pink, red, purple, and magenta flowers. The metabolome analysis identified anthocyanidins, including cyanidin, pelargonidin, delphinidin, peonidin, petunidin, and malvidin, in the petals of I. balsamina. Lower total anthocyanin levels were detected in white and pink flowers compared to red, purple, and magenta flowers. The red coloration was attributed to high concentrations of pelargonidin glucosides, while purple coloration was due to malvidin glucosides. Magenta flowers contained a high percentage of both malvidin and pelargonidin glucosides. Differentially expressed structural genes such as IbCHS1, IbF3H, IbF3′H, IbF3′5′H1, IbF3′5′H2, IbDFR1, IbOMT1, IbOMT2 and IbOMT3 were identified through transcriptome analysis. Furthermore, co-expression analysis identified candidate transcription factors correlated with these structural genes. This study provides new insights into the regulatory mechanisms of anthocyanin biosynthesis in I. balsamina, and offers a theoretical basis for the directed breeding of varieties with new floral colors. Full article

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key component of nutrient cycling and soil fertility in terrestrial ecosystems. SOM is of great significance to the stability of terrestrial ecosystems and the improvement of soil productivity; to further exert its role, it is first necessary to clarify its actual distribution and occurrence status in specific regions. Under the combined impacts of intensive agriculture, unreasonable farming practices, and climate change, the SOM content in the Songnen Plain is showing a degradation trend, posing multiple stresses on its soil ecosystem functions. This study aims to systematically track the dynamic changes of SOM in the Songnen Plain, assess its spatiotemporal evolution characteristics, and reveal its driving mechanisms. A total of 113 representative soil profiles were selected in 2023; standardized excavation and sampling procedures were employed in the Songnen Plain. Soil pH, SOM, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), particle size (PSD), texture, and Munsell soil colors of samples were determined. Temporal variation characteristics, as well as horizontal and vertical spatial distribution patterns, in SOM content in the Songnen Plain were assayed. Structural equation modeling (SEM), together with freeze–thaw of soil and soil color mechanism analyses, was applied to reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of SOM. The result indicated that the distribution pattern of SOM content in horizontal space shows higher levels in the northeastern region and lower levels in the southwestern region, and decreased with increasing soil depth. SEM analysis indicated that TN and PSD were the main positive factors, whereas bulk density exerted a dominant negative effect. The ranking of contribution rates is TN > TK > TP > PSD > annual average temperature > annual precipitation > bulk density. Mechanistic analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between SOM content and R, G, B values, with soil color intensity serving as a visual indicator of SOM content. Freeze–thaw thickness of soil was positively correlated with SOM content. These findings provide a scientific basis for soil fertility management and ecological conservation in cold regions. Full article

Biological mechanisms observed across diverse species—such as adhesion, color change, antifouling, and flexible protection—are functionally classified to inform a principle-based conceptual framework for the design of wearable environmental sensors. Existing wearable sensors are constrained by poor skin conformity, reliance on chemical adhesives, performance degradation in wet environments, dependency on external power, and low durability. In response, biological case studies are systematically organized into four functional categories—reversible and wet adhesion, power-free coloration, antifouling and antibacterial surface mechanisms, and compliant protective architectures—and hierarchically mapped to corresponding engineering layers. Rather than reporting experimental results, this framework outlines how biological mechanisms was translated into structured design principles that collectively address the core requirements of wearable sensors: skin compatibility, energy efficiency, fouling resistance, and durability under mechanical deformation. Unlike previous biomimetic surveys that primarily catalog natural phenomena, this work establishes a structured, function-oriented framework that explicitly connects biological strategies to multilayer sensor architectures aligned with Nature-based Solutions and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Ultimately, it clarifies a unique conceptual pathway for sustainable, biodiversity-informed engineering design. Full article

The development of biodegradable films with antioxidant properties offers a promising approach to food preservation. This study focused on creating and characterising mango starch-based films enriched with mango peel extract (MPE) at concentrations of 0, 1, and 2%, using peels from mangoes (Mangifera indica var. Corazon) at organoleptic maturity, obtained as residual byproducts (peel and seed) for active food packaging applications. An MPE extraction yield of 35.57 ± 2.74% was achieved using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), confirming its rich phenolic content and antioxidant activity as a natural alternative to synthetic preservatives. Rheological analysis revealed that the films exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, with complex viscosity reducing as angular frequency increased. Incorporating MPE at concentrations up to 1% enhanced the films’ viscoelastic properties, while a 2% addition significantly altered their frequency and temperature dependence. The rheological modeling showed that the fractional Maxwell model with two springpots described the films more accurately than the generalized Maxwell model. This approach offered a clearer understanding of their viscoelastic response, especially under changes in frequency and temperature. Mechanical characterization indicated that adding MPE improved film strength while reducing solubility. Although film thickness remained unchanged, increasing MPE concentration led to greater opacity and darker coloration. These changes offer advantages in food packaging by enhancing UV protection and reducing oxidative degradation. Crucially, the incorporation of MPE significantly increased the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the films, as confirmed by ABTS assays. These findings strongly support the potential of MPE-based films for active packaging, providing a sustainable and functional alternative for preserving light-sensitive food products. Among the tested formulations, films with 1% MPE demonstrated the most effective balance of rheological stability, mechanical strength, and antioxidant capacity. Full article

Food spoilage and contamination remain pressing global challenges, undermining food security and safety while driving economic losses. Conventional preservation strategies, including thermal treatments, refrigeration, and synthetic additives, often compromise nutritional quality and raise sustainability concerns, thereby necessitating natural, effective alternatives. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a promising candidate for food preservation. However, its poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability limit direct applications in food systems. Advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of nanoformulated curcumin, enhancing solubility, stability, controlled release, and functional efficacy. This review examines the antimicrobial mechanisms of curcumin and its nanoformulations, including membrane disruption, oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species, quorum sensing inhibition, and biofilm suppression. Applications in active and smart packaging are highlighted, where curcumin nanoformulation not only extends shelf life but also enables freshness monitoring through pH-responsive color changes. Evidence across meats, seafood, fruits, dairy, and beverages shows improved microbial safety, oxidative stability, and sensory quality. Multifunctional systems, such as hybrid composites and stimuli-responsive carriers, represent next-generation tools for sustainable packaging. However, challenges remain with scale-up, migration safety, cytotoxicity, and potential promotion of antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG) transfer. Future research should focus on safety validation, advanced nanocarriers, ARG-aware strategies, and regulatory frameworks. Overall, nanoformulated curcumin offers a natural, versatile, and eco-friendly approach to food preservation that aligns with clean-label consumer demand. Full article

The ability of common carp to withstand both short-term and long-term oxygen deprivation has been well documented; however, the potential genetic mechanisms behind common carp’s hypoxia response remain unclear. Therefore, to understand the possible genetic foundation of their response to hypoxia, comparative genomic analyses were conducted among six common carp varieties: Color, Songpu, European, Yellow, Mirror, and Hebao common carps. We identified 118 single-copy orthologous positively selected genes (PSGs) (dN/dS > 1) in all common carps under study, with GO functions directly related to the cellular responses to hypoxia in Color and European common carp PSGs, such as oxygen transport activity, oxygen binding activity, respiratory burst activity, and superoxide anion production. The Bayes Empirical Bayes (BEB) technique identified possible amino acid substitutions in mitochondrial and hypoxic genes under positive selection. Exonic and intronic structural variations (SVs) were discovered in the CYGB2 hypoxia-related gene of Color and European common carps, as well as in several mitochondrial genes, including MRPL20, MRPL32, NSUN3, GUF1, TMEM17B, PDE12, ACAD6, and COX10 of Color, European, Songpu, Yellow, and Hebao common carps. Moreover, Color common carp and Songpu common carp were found to share the greatest percentage of collinear genes (49.8%), with seven Songpu common carp chromosomes (chr A2, chr A9, chr A13, chr B13, chr B15, chr B2, and chr B12) showing distinct translocation events with the corresponding chromosomes of Color common carp. Additionally, we found 570 translocation sites that contained 3572 translocation-related genes in Color common carp, some of which are directly relevant to mitochondrial and hypoxic GO functions and KEGG pathways. Our results offer strong genome-wide evidence of the possible evolutionary response of Cyprinus carpio to hypoxia, providing important insights into the potential molecular mechanisms that explain their survival in hypoxic environments and guiding future research into carp hypoxia tolerance. Full article

Dental materials are well-established, with stainless steel 316L (SS) still being a common choice for components such as pediatric crowns and abutments. However, SS has some drawbacks, particularly in terms of mechanical properties and, more importantly, aesthetics, due to its metallic gray color. In this sense, PEEK (polyetheretherketone) has emerged as a promising material for dental applications, combining good mechanical properties with improved aesthetic features. This study compared the cytocompatibility of PEEK TiO₂ composite and SS using human fetal osteoblasts (hFOB) and human gingival fibroblasts (HGF). Cytocompatibility was evaluated over 1–7 days through metabolic activity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assays. Additionally, bacterial adhesion was assessed using Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa in both monoculture and co-culture. The results showed that both materials were non-cytotoxic and supported cell growth. Notably, after 7 days of culture, PEEK TiO₂ surfaces promoted approximately 7% higher ALP activity than stainless steel, demonstrating a significantly enhanced osteogenic response (p < 0.01). Moreover, at day 7, PEEK TiO₂ promoted ~25% higher metabolic activity in HGF cells compared to SS. Regarding the bacterial adhesion, it was consistently low in PEEK TiO₂ for both S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, with a marked reduction (~50%) observed for P. aeruginosa under co-culture conditions. PEEK TiO₂ demonstrated enhanced biological performance and lower bacterial adhesion compared with SS, highlighting its potential as a biocompatible and aesthetically promising option for dental applications, including pediatric crowns. Full article

The aim of this study was to develop biodegradable pectin films enriched with anthocyanin-rich fruit juices and evaluate their functional properties. Films were prepared with bilberry and blackcurrant juices, and their color response to pH, mechanical performance, thermal stability, and water vapor permeability were analyzed. The incorporation of juices significantly affected the films’ color, with ΔE values ranging from 8.41 to 39.24 for blackcurrant and 36.60 to 59.59 for wild bilberry juice, showing clear visual differences. Increasing juice concentration from 5% to 10% enhanced color intensity and opacity, with the highest opacity (12.90 a.u./mm) observed for films containing 2% pectin and 10% bilberry juice. Mechanical testing indicated reduced tensile strength after juice addition, with the lowest elongation (11.90%) noted for films with 2% pectin and 5% blackcurrant juice. The lowest water vapor permeability (7.43·10⁻¹¹ g/m·s·Pa) was recorded for films with 2% pectin. Thermal analysis revealed greater mass loss in juice-enriched films (40–44.5%) compared to controls (37.6%), reflecting the presence of volatile compounds. pH testing confirmed the films’ indicator function, with red coloration at pH 2 and shifts toward blue-grey (bilberry) or orange-green (blackcurrant) at pH 8. These findings demonstrate that pectin films enriched with dark red fruit juices exhibit promising potential for smart food packaging applications. Full article