Search Results (1,564)

Euglena gracilis’s mixotrophic metabolism offers biotechnological potential. This study investigated how glucose, sodium acetate, ethanol, and propanetriol regulate its growth, photosynthesis, and paramylon production. All carbon sources boosted paramylon yield versus photoautotrophic controls. Ethanol and glucose were both highly effective, supporting the highest biomass accumulation (5.71 and 4.42-fold increases, respectively) and paramylon content without a significant difference between them. Ethanol supplementation enhanced chlorophyll b via coupled TCA cycle/glyoxylate shunt activity, while glucose showed the strongest tendency for high paramylon and the highest carotenoid content (13.36-fold higher). Sodium acetate triggered alkaline stress (pH 8.5), suppressing pigments and inducing spherical cells. Propanetriol reduced biomass but enhanced PSII efficiency (Fv/Fm). These results demonstrate carbon source-driven metabolic partitioning: ethanol and glucose both excel in promoting growth and storage, while additionally directing carbon toward chlorophyll b or carotenoids, respectively. These findings enable targeted bioprocess optimization: selection between ethanol or glucose can be based on the value of co-products, advancing E. gracilis as a sustainable cell factory. Full article

Chitin, one of the most abundant natural polysaccharides, has gained increasing attention for its structural diversity and potential in biomedicine, agriculture, food packaging, and advanced materials. Conventional chitin production from crustacean shell waste faces limitations, including seasonal availability, allergenic protein contamination, heavy metal residues, and environmentally harmful demineralization processes. Chitin from fungi and microalgae provides a sustainable and chemically versatile alternative. Fungal chitin, generally present in the α-polymorph, is embedded in a chitin–glucan–protein matrix that ensures high crystallinity, mechanical stability, and compatibility for biomedical applications. Microalgal β-chitin, particularly from diatoms, is secreted as high-aspect-ratio microrods and nanofibrils with parallel chain packing, providing enhanced reactivity and structural integrity that are highly attractive for functional materials. Recent progress in green extraction technologies, including enzymatic treatments, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents, enables the recovery of chitin with reduced environmental burden while preserving its native morphology. By integrating sustainable sources with environmentally friendly processing methods, fungal and microalgal chitin offer unique structural polymorphs and tunable properties, positioning them as a promising alternative to crustacean-derived chitin. Full article

The pomegranate fruit offers numerous health benefits to humans due to its rich composition of various chemical components, including polyphenols, fibre, flavonoids, minerals, vitamins, organic acids, alkaloids, and amino acids, among others. The antioxidant properties of pomegranate are well known, and this study aims to compare these activities in two extracts obtained from the fruit (“Whole Fruit Extract”, WFE and “Internal Membranes Extract”, IME). Various experiments were conducted using both extracts: (1) quantification of polyphenols and flavonoids using the Folin–Ciocalteu colorimetric assay and the aluminium chloride assay, respectively; (2) the measurement of the antioxidant activity was carried out by Reducing Power, Chelating Activity of Ferrous Ions (Fe²⁺), Radical Absorbance Capacity of Oxygen, Free Radical Scavenging Activity DPPH, and antioxidant effect in vitro; (3) quantitative and quantitative evaluation of the fibre was performed. IME has demonstrated a significantly greater antioxidant effect than WFE, despite possessing a smaller amount of both polyphenols and flavonoids (polyphenols: 68 mg GAE/g for WFE; 47 mg GAE/g for IME; flavonoids: 51mg QE/g for WFE; 35 mg QE/g for IME). For this reason, we evaluated the fibre composition in both extracts. The higher amount of glucans, xylans, and pectin in IME suggested that these fibrous components may be responsible for the greater antioxidant effect detected compared to WFE. Full article

Poacic acid is a novel natural antifungal agent. It inhibits the growth of fungal cells, including budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, by inhibiting the synthesis of β-1,3-glucan, which is a major component of the fungal cell wall. Although poacic acid is expected to be a candidate pesticide owing to its antifungal activity, its effects on plant cells have not been investigated. In this study, we analyzed the effects of poacic acid on lily (Lilium longiflorum) pollen. Poacic acid inhibited lily pollen germination and tube growth at concentrations lower than those that inhibited budding yeast growth. While poacic acid did not inhibit callose (β-1,3-glucan) synthesis in pollen tubes, it inhibited membrane traffic, including endocytosis and secretion, and the organization of the actin cytoskeleton within pollen tubes. Since these processes have been shown to play essential roles in pollen tube growth, our study indicates that poacic acid affects lily pollen tube growth differently than it affects budding yeast. Poacic acid also inhibited the growth of Arabidopsis thaliana pollen tubes and root. Full article

Pleurotus ostreatus is one of the most frequently cultivated mushroom species. It has attracted considerable attention not only because of its short cultivation time, but also because of the wide range of substrates on which it can be cultivated, such as lignocellulosic materials, synthetic polymers and wastewater. The popularity of the oyster mushroom stems not only from its rapid growth and high adaptability, but also from its functional ingredients, which include laccase, proteoglycan and β-glucan. As understanding the molecular biology of Pleurotus ostreatus is crucial for evaluating its commercial and scientific applications, modern molecular tools have been used to search for the genes and proteins involved in the development of this mushroom and production of valuable metabolites. The rapid development of artificial intelligence may make it possible to automate and optimize the entire cultivation process of Pleurotus ostreatus. This report summarizes the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus using waste raw materials, the nutritional and medicinal value for applications, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses and the use of artificial intelligence systems. In addition, future perspectives are discussed to make the cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus environmentally friendly and to ensure an increase in its productivity and quality. Full article

Regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) are a promising treatment for immature teeth with pulpal necrosis. However, the outcomes remain unpredictable, partly due to scaffold limitations. Beta-glucan (BG), a bioactive polysaccharide with regenerative properties, may enhance scaffold performance. This study aimed to fabricate BG-coated polyvinylpyrrolidone/cellulose acetate (PVP/CA) electrospun scaffolds and evaluate their physicochemical properties and cell attachment. Electrospun scaffolds were fabricated by electrospinning a 10% w/v PVP/CA (70:30) solution in acetone and N,N-dimethylacetamide (2:1) (PC). BG (8% w/v in 1 M NaOH) was electrosprayed onto the scaffold at 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL volumes, generating PC-BG01, PC-BG02, and PC-BG04, respectively. Scaffold characterization included SEM, FTIR, BG enzymatic assay, water absorbance, degradation, and cell adhesion assays. SEM images of the scaffolds exhibited smooth cylindrical fibers (547.3–585.9 nm diameter) with high porosity (42.37–49.91%). BG particles were confirmed by elemental analysis and BG enzymatic assay. At 28 days, the PC group showed significant fiber diameter and porosity reduction. BG particle degradation was observed at 14 and 28 days. Notably, BG-coated scaffolds significantly enhanced initial apical papilla cell adhesion at 1 and 24 h. These findings highlight the potential of BG-coated scaffolds as bioactive scaffolds for REPs. Full article

Marine Bacteroidota are recognized bacterial producers of bioactive metabolites, yet their biosynthetic potential remains cryptic under standard laboratory conditions. Here, we developed chemically defined media for Fulvivirga kasyanovii 48LL (Cytophagia) and Tenacibaculum mesophilum fLL (Flavobacteriia) to evaluate the effect of environmentally relevant carbon sources on growth and secondary metabolism. F. kasyanovii utilized 31 of 34 tested carbon sources whereas T. mesophilum grew on only five substrates, underscoring a distinct nutritional preferences. Substrate significantly influenced the antibacterial activity of F. kasyanovii extracts. Growth on β-1,3-glucan, glycerol, poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), fish gelatin, or pectin resulted in extracts generating the largest inhibition zones (10–13 mm) against Bacillus subtilis or Rossellomorea marisflavi. Genome analysis revealed F. kasyanovii to be enriched in biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs), notably harboring a ~570 kb genomic island comprising five large NRPS/PKS-type clusters. Quantitative PCR confirmed carbon-source-dependent regulation of these operons: glucose induced BGC1, BGC3, and BGC4, while κ-carrageenan and PHB upregulated BGC2. Conversely, yeast–peptone medium (analogous to standard marine broth) repressed transcription across all active clusters. These findings demonstrate that naturally occurring carbon sources can selectively activate cryptic BGCs and modulate antibacterial activity in F. kasyanovii, suggesting that similar strategy can be used for natural-product discovery in marine Bacteroidota. Full article

The study compared the effects of conventional and vegan processing aids in the clarification of must, focusing on the phenolic and sensory characteristics of must and wine. The hypothesis was that plant protein could provide results similar to those of conventional aids containing proteins of animal origin, especially in aromatic grapes, where hyperoxidation is avoided. Conducted in 2024 in Etyek-Buda, Hungary, the initial trials subjected the Irsai Olivér grape must to gravity sedimentation with various agents. Vegan processing aids, notably the combination of pea protein and chitin-glucan, showed a gentle impact on the assimilable nitrogen content and a similar reduction in turbidity to those with animal proteins. Nitrogen flotation trials compared gelatin and the vegan alternative (a combination of pea protein and chitin–glucan) in Irsai Olivér and Chardonnay must clarification. The removal of phenolic substances was monitored using the Folin–Ciocalteu method, the acid butanol assay, and the vanillin assay. In addition, nitrogen levels were evaluated before and after the flotation experiments. The plant-based processing aid effectively improved the sensory quality of Irsai Olivér. However, the gelatin-treated Chardonnay was fresher and less bitter than the vegan option, which was less balanced and more bitter with weaker aroma and flavor. Full article

The aim of this work was to systematically evaluate the effects of Lion’s Mane Mushroom powder (LMM, 0–40%) on the physicochemical properties, structural characteristics, and flavor profile of soy protein isolate-based high-moisture meat analogues (HMMAs). Optimal incorporation of 20% LMM significantly enhanced product quality by acting as a secondary phase that inhibited lateral protein aggregation while promoting longitudinal alignment, achieving a peak fibrous degree of 1.54 with dense, ordered fibers confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. Rheological analysis showed that LMM improved viscoelasticity (G′ > G″) through β-glucan; however, excessive addition (≥30%) compromised structural integrity due to insoluble dietary fiber disrupting protein network continuity, concurrently reducing thermal stability as denaturation enthalpy (_ΔH) decreased from 1176.6 to 776.3 J/g. Flavor analysis identified 285 volatile compounds in HMMAs with 20% LMM, including 98 novel compounds, and 101 flavor metabolites were upregulated. The mushroom-characteristic compound 1-octen-3-ol exhibited a marked increase in its Relative Odor Activity Value of 18.04, intensifying mushroom notes. Furthermore, LMM polysaccharides promoted the Maillard reaction, increasing the browning index from 48.77 to 82.07, while β-glucan induced a transition in protein secondary structure from random coil to β-sheet configurations via intramolecular hydrogen bonding. In conclusion, 20% LMM incorporation synergistically improved texture, fibrous structure, and flavor complexity—particularly enhancing mushroom aroma. This research offers valuable insights and a foundation for future research for developing high-quality fungal protein-based meat analogues Full article

The global transition to a circular bioeconomy is accelerating the demand for sustainable, high-performance materials. Filamentous fungi represent a promising solution, as they function as living foundries that transform low-value biomass into advanced, self-assembling materials. While mycelium-based composites have proven potential, progress has been predominantly driven by empirical screening of fungal species and substrates. To unlock their full potential, a paradigm shift from empirical screening to rational design is required. This review introduces a conceptual framework centered on the biochemical programming of the fungal cell wall. Viewed through a materials science lens, the cell wall is a dynamic, hierarchical nanocomposite whose properties can be deliberately tuned. We analyze the contributions of its principal components—the chitin–glucan structural scaffold, the glycoprotein functional matrix, and surface-active hydrophobins—to the bulk characteristics of mycelium-derived materials. We then identify biochemical levers for controlling these properties. External factors such as substrate composition and environmental cues (e.g., pH) modulate cell wall architecture through conserved signaling pathways. Complementing these, an internal synthetic biology toolkit enables direct genetic and chemical intervention. Strategies include targeted engineering of biosynthetic and regulatory genes (e.g., CHS, AGS, GCN5), chemical genetics to dynamically adjust synthesis during growth, and modification of surface chemistry for specialized applications like tissue engineering. By integrating fungal cell wall biochemistry, materials science, and synthetic biology, this framework moves the field from incidental discovery toward the intentional creation of smart, functional, and sustainable mycelium-based materials—aligning material innovation with the imperatives of the circular bioeconomy. Full article

The black bug, Antiteuchus tripterus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), is one of the most important pests of cacao in Peru. Its control relies primarily on synthetic insecticides, which negatively impact the environment and the health of cacao farmers. Therefore, the use of natural enemies, such as entomopathogenic fungi, represents a promising and sustainable alternative. In this study, we aimed to characterize entomopathogenic fungal isolates obtained from naturally infected A. tripterus adults in Peru. Using morphological and molecular approaches, we identified the isolates as Purpureocillium takamizusanense. Then, we assessed their pathogenic potential against A. tripterus and identified their functional cell wall groups. To evaluate pathogenicity, A. tripterus nymphs were exposed to serially diluted conidial suspensions (10⁵–10⁹ conidia mL⁻¹; isolate 24M) in both laboratory and field trials. The isolates exhibited conidial viability above 99%. Concentration-mortality bioassays confirmed the lethal effect of P. takamizusanense against A. tripterus nymphs. The LC₅₀ was 1.65 × 10⁶ conidia mL^–1, while the LT₅₀ and LT₉₀ were 3.08 and 7.29 days, respectively. The field mortality rate was about 52%, which can be explained by the influence of the environment. Spectroscopy analyses revealed functional groups including chitin, glucans, lipids, aliphatic chains, and proteins, which may contribute to infection and fungal persistence. This study presents the first record of P. takamizusanense in the Americas and highlights its potential as a biocontrol agent against A. tripterus in cacao plantations. Full article

In recent years, apatite-based materials have garnered significant interest, particularly for applications in tissue engineering. Apatite is most commonly employed as a coating for metallic implants, as a component in composite materials, and as scaffolds for bone and dental tissue regeneration. Among its various forms, hydroxyapatite (HAP) is the most widely used, owing to its natural occurrence in human and animal hard tissues. An emerging area of research involves the use of fluoride-substituted apatite, particularly fluorapatite (FAP), which can serve as a direct fluoride source at the implant site, potentially offering several biological and therapeutic advantages. However, substituting HAP with FAP may lead to unforeseen changes in material behavior due to the differing physicochemical properties of these two calcium phosphate phases. This study investigates the effects of replacing hydroxyapatite with fluorapatite in ceramic–polymer composite materials incorporating β-1,3-glucan as a bioactive polymeric binder. The β-1,3-glucan polysaccharide was selected for its proven biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to form stable hydrogels that promote cellular interactions. Nitrogen adsorption analysis revealed that FAP/glucan composites had a significantly lower specific surface area (0.5 m²/g) and total pore volume (0.002 cm³/g) compared to HAP/glucan composites (14.15 m²/g and 0.03 cm³/g, respectively), indicating enhanced ceramic–polymer interactions in fluoride-containing systems. Optical profilometry measurements showed statistically significant differences in profile parameters (e.g., Rp: 134 μm for HAP/glucan vs. 352 μm for FAP/glucan), although average roughness (Ra) remained similar (34.1 vs. 27.6 μm, respectively). Microscopic evaluation showed that FAP/glucan composites had smaller particle sizes (1 μm) than their HAP counterparts (2 μm), despite larger primary crystal sizes in FAP, as confirmed by TEM. XRD analysis indicated structural differences between the apatites, with FAP exhibiting a reduced unit cell volume (524.6 ų) compared to HAP (528.2 ų), due to substitution of hydroxyl groups with fluoride ions. Spectroscopic analyses (FTIR, Raman, ³¹P NMR) confirmed chemical shifts associated with fluorine incorporation and revealed distinct ceramic–polymer interfacial behaviors, including an upfield shift of PO₄³⁻ bands (964 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 961 cm⁻¹ in HAP) and OH vibration shifts (3537 cm⁻¹ in FAP vs. 3573 cm⁻¹ in HAP). The glucan polymer showed different hydrogen bonding patterns when combined with FAP versus HAP, as evidenced by shifts in polymer-specific bands at 888 cm⁻¹ and 1157 cm⁻¹, demonstrating that fluoride substitution significantly influences ceramic–polymer interactions in these bioactive composite systems. Full article

Dental caries, a prevalent biofilm-mediated chronic disease, causes enamel demineralization, pulp infection, and systemic complications. Dental plaque biofilm is the initiating factor for the occurrence and development of caries. Streptococcus mutans is an opportunistic pathogen linked to the structure and ecology of dental plaque biofilms. The molecular mechanism of S. mutans during biofilm ontogeny in driving cariogenesis has been extensively elucidated. Here, we observed that asiatic acid is a potent biofilm disruptor that selectively dismantles S. mutans biofilm architectures, prompting us to investigate its mechanism. The minimum biofilm inhibition concentration (MBIC) of asiatic acid on S. mutans was 62.5 μM, but the MBIC level did not substantially impede planktonic growth. Using the static active-attachment model, it was demonstrated that asiatic acid significantly reduced biofilm biomass (p < 0.001) and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) content (p < 0.001), while concurrently diminishing acid production (p = 0.017) and metabolic activity (p = 0.014). Confocal and scanning electron microscopy further confirmed structural disintegration, including bacterial detachment and reduced biofilm thickness. Transcriptome analysis of S. mutans biofilm treated with asiatic acid revealed 454 differentially expressed genes (adjusted p < 0.05, |log₂FC| ≥ 1). Notably, genes related to the CiaRH two-component system (ciaR, ciaH), a central regulatory hub for biofilm maturation and acid tolerance. This disruption initiates a downstream cascade, causing a coordinated downregulation of critical gene clusters essential for virulence and pathogenesis, including stress response (htrA, clpP, groEL, dnaK), and the glucan-binding protein gene (gbpC) essential for biofilm structural integrity. These findings provide the first mechanistic evidence linking asiatic acid to transcriptional reprogramming in S. mutans biofilm, offering a novel ecological strategy for caries prevention by targeting key regulatory pathways. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant tumor and leads to high human malignancy and mortality. Because PDAC is highly drug-resistant and current treatments have adverse reactions, exploring novel approaches for PDAC prevention and therapy is urgently needed. Methods: Antitumor activities of Salecan were evaluated on multiple human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells in vitro. Cell viability, colony formation, migration and invasion, flow cytometry, caspase-3 activity, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were monitored. RNA-seq was conducted to clarify the mechanism underlying Salecan’s inhibition of pancreatic cancer cell progression. Results: Here we show that Salecan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide of β-glucan, can significantly inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and exhibit no toxicity in normal cells. We find that Salecan impedes pancreatic cancer cell migration and invasion via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway. Mechanistically, through RNA sequencing, we reveal that Salecan induces pancreatic cancer cell necroptosis, instead of apoptosis. Moreover, Salecan’s anti-pancreatic cancer bioactivity is attributed to its promotion of the receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1) and mixed lineage kinase-like (MLKL) signaling pathway. Conclusions: Salecan can inhibit pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion in vitro and accelerate cell death by inducing the necroptosis via the MLKL/RIPK1 pathway. These findings identify that Salecan may become a potential functional food component for preventing and treating PDAC. Full article

Background: Stannous ions and polyphenols are effective substances in preventive dentistry. The present study’s aim was to investigate whether a combination of these substance groups can achieve increased efficacy. Methods: Initial biofilm formation was performed on bovine enamel slabs, carried by 10 subjects intraorally. The subjects rinsed with tannic acid, SnCl₂, SnF₂, a combination (50:50) of tannic acid and SnCl₂, or a combination of tannic acid and SnF₂, with no rinsing in the negative control. Bacterial adherence, glucan formation (8 h, 48 h oral exposition,) and calcium release kinetics were measured (pH 2; 2.3; 3). Statistics were performed with the Kruskal–Wallis test (p < 0.05), Mann–Whitney U test (p < 0.05), and Bonferroni–Holm correction. Results: All rinsing solutions reduced bacterial adherence by more than 50%. Initial bacterial colonization and glucan formation was significantly reduced by SnF₂ and SnCl₂ as well as their combinations with tannic acid. The most significant reductions in calcium release at pH 2; 2.3; and 3 were obtained by SnF₂ and the combination of SnF₂ and tannic acid. At the acidic pH 2.0, SnF₂, SnCl₂, and tannic acid and SnF₂ showed significant protection compared to the control (p ≤ 0.01). TEM micrographs indicated that rinsing with SnF₂ and tannic acid leads to pronounced electron dense, thick pellicle layers. Conclusions: SnCl₂ and SnF₂, as well as their combinations with tannic acid, led to a reduction in initial bacterial colonization and glucan formation, showing an erosion-protective effect. These findings confirm the clinical applicability hitherto suspected by in vitro findings. Full article