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  1. Association of soil fungal community composition with incidence of Fusarium wilt of banana in Malaysia
    Jamil FN, Hashim AM, Yusof MT, Saidi NB
    Mycologia, 2023;115(2):178-186.
    PMID: 36893072 DOI: 10.1080/00275514.2023.2180975
    Banana (Musa spp.), an important food crop in many parts of the world, is threatened by a deadly wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (TR4). Increasing evidence indicates that plant actively recruits beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere to suppress soil-borne pathogens. Hence, studies on the composition and diversity of the root-associated microbial communities are important for banana health. Research on beneficial microbial communities has focused on bacteria, although fungi can also influence soil-borne disease. Here, high-throughput sequencing targeting the fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) was employed to systematically characterize the difference in the soil fungal community associated with Fusarium wilt (FW) of banana. The community structure of fungi in the healthy and TR4-infected rhizospheres was significantly different compared with that of bulk soil within the same farm. The rhizosphere soils of infected plants exhibited higher richness and diversity compared with healthy plants, with significant abundance of Fusarium genus at 14%. In the healthy rhizosphere soil, Penicillium spp. were more abundant at 7% and positively correlated with magnesium. This study produced a detailed description of fungal community structure in healthy and TR4-infected banana soils in Malaysia and identified candidate biomarker taxa that may be associated with FW disease promotion and suppression. The findings also expand the global inventory of fungal communities associated with the components of asymptomatic and symptomatic banana plants infected by TR4.
    Matched MeSH terms: Soil/chemistry
  2. Fabrication of calix[4]arene/polyurethane for the adsorptive removal of cationic dye from aqueous solutions
    Ishak S, Rosly NZ, Abdullah AH, Alang Ahmad SA
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Oct 12;195(11):1303.
    PMID: 37828347 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11909-z
    Calix[4]arene/polyurethane (C4PU) has been synthesized and characterized as an alternative adsorbent for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) and malachite green (MG) dyes from the aqueous solution. C4PU was synthesized by reacting p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene with hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) as the cross-linking agent. Different polymer ratios were synthesized, and C4PU-4 shows better adsorption than other ratios. The polymer was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, and point of zero charges (pHPZC). The isotherms and kinetics of the adsorption of MB and MG were studied under a range of experimental conditions, including pH, adsorbent dosage, initial dye concentration, and contact time. The adsorption was determined by the adsorption percentage of MB and MG dyes from the solution. The Langmuir isotherm model best describes the adsorption process for both dyes, and it follows a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, with the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of MB and MG, respectively, was found to be 1.991 mg·g-1 and 2.240 mg·g-1.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methylene Blue/chemistry
  3. Progress in phytoremediation of chromium from the environment
    Han L, Gu H, Lu W, Li H, Peng WX, Ling Ma N, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Dec;344:140307.
    PMID: 37769918 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140307
    As chromium (Cr) in ecosystems affects human health through food chain exposure, phytoremediation is an environmentally friendly and efficient way to reduce chromium pollution in the environment. Here, we review the mechanism of absorption, translocation, storage, detoxification, and regulation of Cr in plants. The Cr(VI) form is more soluble, mobile, and toxic than Cr(III), reflecting how various valence states of Cr affect environmental risk characteristics, physicochemical properties, toxicity, and plant uptake. Plant root's response to Cr exposure leads to reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptosis. Cell wall immobilization, vacuole compartmentation, interaction of defense proteins and organic ligand with Cr, and removal of reactive oxygen species by antioxidants continue plant life. In addition, the combined application of microorganisms, genetic engineering, and the addition of organic acids, nanoparticles, fertilization, soil amendments, and other metals could accelerate the phytoremediation process. This review provides efficient methods to investigate and understand the complex changes of Cr metabolism in plants. Preferably, fast-growing, abundantly available biomass species should be modified to mitigate Cr pollution in the environment as these green and efficient remediation technologies are necessary for the protection of soil and water ecology.
    Matched MeSH terms: Soil/chemistry
  4. A novel approach to environmental pollution management/remediation techniques using derived advanced materials
    Singh R, Samuel MS, Ravikumar M, Ethiraj S, Kirankumar VS, Kumar M, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Dec;344:140311.
    PMID: 37769916 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.140311
    The carbon dioxide (CO2) crisis is one of the world's most urgent issues. Meeting the worldwide targets set for CO2 capture and storage (CCS) is crucial. Because it may significantly reduce energy consumption compared to traditional amine-based adsorption capture, adsorption dependant CO2 capture is regarded as one of the most hopeful techniques in this paradigm. The expansion of unique, critical edge adsorbent materials has received most of the research attention to date, with the main objective of improving adsorption capacity and lifespan while lowering the temperature of adsorption, thereby lowering the energy demand of sorbent revival. There are specific materials needed for each step of the carbon cycle, including capture, regeneration, and conversion. The potential and efficiency of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in overcoming this obstacle have recently been proven through research. In this study, we pinpoint MOFs' precise structural and chemical characteristics that have contributed to their high capture capacity, effective regeneration and separation processes, and efficient catalytic conversions. As prospective materials for the next generation of energy storage and conversion applications, carbon-based compounds like graphene, carbon nanotubes, and fullerenes are receiving a lot of interest. Their distinctive physicochemical characteristics make them suitable for these popular study topics, including structural stability and flexibility, high porosity, and customizable physicochemical traits. It is possible to precisely design the interior of MOFs to include coordinatively unsaturated metal sites, certain heteroatoms, covalent functionalization, various building unit interactions, and integrated nanoscale metal catalysts. This is essential for the creation of MOFs with improved performance. Utilizing the accuracy of MOF chemistry, more complicated materials must be built to handle selectivity, capacity, and conversion all at once to achieve a comprehensive solution. This review summarizes, the most recent developments in adsorption-based CO2 combustion capture, the CO2 adsorption capacities of various classes of solid sorbents, and the significance of advanced carbon nanomaterials for environmental remediation and energy conversion. This review also addresses the difficulties and potential of developing carbon-based electrodes for energy conversion and storage applications.
    Matched MeSH terms: Carbon Dioxide/chemistry
  5. Fulltext Unveiling the volatile compounds and antibacterial mechanisms of action of Cupressus sempervirens L., against Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    Al-Mijalli SH, El Hachlafi N, Jeddi M, Abdallah EM, Assaggaf H, Qasem A, et al.
    Biomed Pharmacother, 2023 Nov;167:115609.
    PMID: 37801906 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115609
    Cupressus sempervirens is a known traditional plant used to manage various ailments, including cancer, inflammatory and infectious diseases. In this investigation, we aimed to explore the chemical profile of Cupressus sempervirens essential oil (CSEO) as well as their antibacterial mode of action. The volatile components were characterized using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The results revealed remarkable antibacterial properties of EO derived from C. sempervirens. GC-MS analysis indicated that C. sempervirens EO characterized by δ-3-carene (47.72%), D-limonene (5.44%), β-pinene (4.36%), β-myrcene (4.02%). The oil exhibited significant inhibitory effects against a range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 13048, Bacillus cereus (Clinical isolate), Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. These inhibitory effects surpassed those of conventional antibiotics. Furthermore, the EO demonstrated low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), indicating its bactericidal nature (MBC/MIC < 4.0). Time-kill kinetics analysis showed that CSEO was particularly effective at 2 × MIC doses, rapidly reduced viable count of B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa within 8 h. This suggests that the oil acts quickly and efficiently. The cell membrane permeability test further demonstrated the impact of CSEO on the relative conductivity of B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa, both at 2 × MIC concentrations. These observations suggest that EO disrupts the bacterial membrane, thereby influencing their growth and viability. Additionally, the cell membrane integrity test indicated that the addition of CSEO to bacterial cultures resulted in the significant release of proteins from the bacterial cells. This suggests that EO affects the structural integrity of the bacterial cells. Furthermore, the anti-biofilm assay confirmed the efficacy of CSEO as a potent anti-biofilm agent. It demonstrated the oil's ability to inhibit quorum sensing, a crucial mechanism for biofilm formation, and its competitive performance compared to the tested antibiotics.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
  6. Fulltext Antibacterial Activity of Ciprofloxacin-Encapsulated Cockle Shells Calcium Carbonate (Aragonite) Nanoparticles and Its Biocompatability in Macrophage J774A.1
    Isa T, Zakaria ZA, Rukayadi Y, Mohd Hezmee MN, Jaji AZ, Imam MU, et al.
    Int J Mol Sci, 2016;17(5).
    PMID: 27213349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17050713
    The use of nanoparticle delivery systems to enhance intracellular penetration of antibiotics and their retention time is becoming popular. The challenge, however, is that the interaction of nanoparticles with biological systems at the cellular level must be established prior to biomedical applications. Ciprofloxacin-cockle shells-derived calcium carbonate (aragonite) nanoparticles (C-CSCCAN) were developed and characterized. Antibacterial activity was determined using a modified disc diffusion protocol on Salmonella Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). Biocompatibilittes with macrophage were evaluated using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) assays. Transcriptional regulation of interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) was determined using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). C-CSCCAN were spherical in shape, with particle sizes ranging from 11.93 to 22.12 nm. Encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading content (LC) were 99.5% and 5.9%, respectively, with negative ζ potential. X-ray diffraction patterns revealed strong crystallizations and purity in the formulations. The mean diameter of inhibition zone was 18.6 ± 0.5 mm, which was better than ciprofloxacin alone (11.7 ± 0.9 mm). Study of biocompatability established the cytocompatability of the delivery system without upregulation of IL-1β. The results indicated that ciprofloxacin-nanoparticles enhanced the antibacterial efficacy of the antibiotic, and could act as a suitable delivery system against intracellular infections.
    Matched MeSH terms: Nanoparticles/chemistry*
  7. Sustainable valorization approaches on crustacean wastes for the extraction of chitin, bioactive compounds and their applications - A review
    Azelee NIW, Dahiya D, Ayothiraman S, Noor NM, Rasid ZIA, Ramli ANM, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Dec 31;253(Pt 2):126492.
    PMID: 37634772 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.126492
    The unscientific disposal of the most abundant crustacean wastes, especially those derived from marine sources, affects both the economy and the environment. Strategic waste collection and management is the need of the hour. Sustainable valorization approaches have played a crucial role in solving those issues as well as generating wealth from waste. The shellfishery wastes are rich in valuable bioactive compounds such as chitin, chitosan, minerals, carotenoids, lipids, and other amino acid derivatives. These value-added components possessed pleiotropic applications in different sectors viz., food, nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, agro-industrial, healthcare, and pharmaceutical sectors. The manuscript covers the recent status, scope of shellfishery management, and different bioactive compounds obtained from crustacean wastes. In addition, both sustainable and conventional routes of valorization approaches were discussed with their merits and demerits along with their combinations. The utilization of nano and microtechnology was also included in the discussion, as they have become prominent research areas in recent years. More importantly, the future perspectives of crustacean waste management and other potential valorization approaches that can be implemented on a large scale.
    Matched MeSH terms: Chitin/chemistry
  8. Synthesis, DFT study, theoretical and experimental spectroscopy of fatty amides based on extra-virgin olive oil and their antibacterial activity
    Farhan N, Rageh Al-Maleki A, Ataei S, Muhamad Sarih N, Yahya R
    Bioorg Chem, 2023 Jun;135:106511.
    PMID: 37027951 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106511
    Medication products from natural materials are preferred due to their minimal side effects. Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a highly acclaimed Mediterranean diet and a common source of lipids that lowers morbidity and disease severity. This study synthesised two fatty amides from EVOO: hydroxamic fatty acids (FHA) and fatty hydrazide hydrate (FHH). The Density Functional Theory (DFT) was applied to quantum mechanics computation. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), and element analysis were used to characterise fatty amides. Likewise, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and timing kill assay were determined. The results revealed that 82 % for FHA and 80 % for FHH conversion were achieved. The amidation reagent/EVOO ratio (mmol: mmol) was 7:1, using the reaction time of 12 h and hexane as an organic solvent. The results further revealed that fatty amides have high antibacterial activity with low concentration at 0.04 μg/mL during eight h of FHA and 0.3 μg/mL during ten h of FHH. This research inferred that FHA and FHH could provide an alternative and effective therapeutic strategy for bacterial diseases. Current findings could provide the basis for the modernisation/introduction of novel and more effective antibacterial drugs derived from natural products.
    Matched MeSH terms: Olive Oil/chemistry
  9. Design of separable magnetic chitosan grafted-benzaldehyde for azo dye removal via a response surface methodology: Characterization and adsorption mechanism
    Arni LA, Hapiz A, Abdulhameed AS, Khadiran T, ALOthman ZA, Wilson LD, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 4):125086.
    PMID: 37247708 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.125086
    In this study, a magnetic chitosan grafted-benzaldehyde (CS-BD/Fe3O4) was hydrothermally prepared using benzaldehyde as a grafting agent to produce a promising adsorbent for the removal of acid red 88 (AR88) dye. The CS-BD/Fe3O4 was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, surface area analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray, vibrating sample magnetometry, powder X-ray diffraction, CHN elemental analysis, and point of zero charge (pHPZC). The Box-Behnken design (BBD) was adopted to study the role of variables that influence AR88 dye adsorption (A: CS-BD/Fe3O4 dose (0.02-0.1 g), B: pH (4-10), and time C: (10-90 min)). The ANOVA results of the BBD model indicated that the F-value for the AR88 removal was 22.19 %, with the corresponding p-value of 0.0002. The adsorption profiles at equilibrium and dynamic conditions reveal that the Temkin model and the pseudo-first-order kinetics model provide an adequate description of the isotherm results, where the maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) with the AR88 dye was 154.1 mg/g. Several mechanisms, including electrostatic attraction, n-π interaction, π-π interaction, and hydrogen bonding, regulate the adsorption of AR88 dyes onto the CS-BD/Fe3O4 surface. As a result, this research indicates that CS-BD/Fe3O4 can be utilized as an effective and promising bio-adsorbent for azo dye removal from contaminated wastewater.
    Matched MeSH terms: Coloring Agents/chemistry
  10. Comparison of shrimp waste-derived chitosan produced through conventional and microwave-assisted extraction processes: Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity assessment
    Mohammadi P, Taghavi E, Foong SY, Rajaei A, Amiri H, de Tender C, et al.
    Int J Biol Macromol, 2023 Jul 01;242(Pt 2):124841.
    PMID: 37182628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.124841
    Depending on its physicochemical properties and antibacterial activities, chitosan can have a wide range of applications in food, pharmaceutical, medicine, cosmetics, agriculture, and aquaculture. In this experimental study, chitosan was extracted from shrimp waste through conventional extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and conventional extraction under microwave process conditions. The effects of the heating source on the physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity were investigated. The results showed that the heating process parameters affected the physicochemical properties considerably. The conventional procedure yielded high molecular weight chitosan with a 12.7 % yield, while the microwave extraction procedure yielded a porous medium molecular weight chitosan at 11.8 %. The conventional extraction under microwave process conditions led to medium molecular weight chitosan with the lowest yield (10.8 %) and crystallinity index (79 %). Antibacterial assessment findings revealed that the chitosan extracted using the conventional method had the best antibacterial activity in the agar disk diffusion assay against Listeria monocytogenes (9.48 mm), Escherichia coli. (8.79 mm), and Salmonella Typhimurium (8.57 mm). While the chitosan obtained by microwave-assisted extraction possessed the highest activity against E. coli. (8.37 mm), and Staphylococcus aureus (8.05 mm), with comparable antibacterial activity against S. Typhimurium (7.34 mm) and L. monocytogenes (6.52 mm). Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration assays demonstrated that among the chitosan samples investigated, the conventionally-extracted chitosan, followed by the chitosan extracted by microwave, had the best antibacterial activity against the target bacteria.
    Matched MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry
  11. Gold nanoparticles-based photothermal therapy for breast cancer
    Dheyab MA, Aziz AA, Khaniabadi PM, Jameel MS, Oladzadabbasabadi N, Rahman AA, et al.
    Photodiagnosis Photodyn Ther, 2023 Jun;42:103312.
    PMID: 36731732 DOI: 10.1016/j.pdpdt.2023.103312
    AuNPs-mediated photothermal therapy (PTT) is gaining popularity in both laboratory research and medical applications. It has proven clear advantages in breast cancer therapy over conventional thermal ablation because of its easily-tuned features of irradiation light with inside hyperthermia ability. Notwithstanding this significant progress, the therapeutic potential of AuNPs-mediated PTT in cancer treatments is still impeded by several challenges, including inherent non-specificity, low photothermal conversion effectiveness, and the limitation of excitation light tissue penetration. Given the rapid progress of AuNPs-mediated PTT, we present a comprehensive overview of significant breakthroughs in the recent advancements of AuNPs for PTT, focusing on breast cancer cells. With the improvement of chemical synthesis technology, AuNPs of various sizes and shapes with desired properties can be synthesized, allowing breast cancer targeting and treatment. In this study, we summarized the different sizes and features of four major types of AuNPs in this review: Au nanospheres, Au nanocages, Au nanoshells, and Au nanorods, and explored their benefits and drawbacks in PTT. We also discussed the diagnostic, bioconjugation, targeting, and cellular uptake of AuNPs, which could improve the performance of AuNP-based PTT. Besides that, potential challenges and future developments of AuNP-mediated PTT for clinical applications are discussed. AuNP-mediated PTT is expected to become a highly promising avenue in cancer treatment in the near future.
    Matched MeSH terms: Gold/chemistry
  12. Ultrasonic-assisted glycosylation with κ-carrageenan on the functional and structural properties of fish gelatin
    Ding K, Geng H, Guo W, Sun W, Zhan S, Lou Q, et al.
    J Sci Food Agric, 2023 Aug 30;103(11):5322-5331.
    PMID: 37016806 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.12600
    BACKGROUND: Fish gelatin (FG) has multifunctional properties similar to mammalian gelatin (MG), and it has been recognized as the optimal alternative to MG. While its poor surface-active and gelling properties significantly limit its application values, glycosylation has been successfully used to increase surface-active properties of FG, but the influence of ultrasonic-associated glycosylation (UAG) on the gelling and structural characteristics of FG is still rarely reported. This article explores UAG (100-200 W, 0.5-1 h) with κ-carrageenan (κC) on the functional properties (emulsifying, gelling and rheological properties) and structural characteristics of FG.

    RESULTS: The longer time and higher power of ultrasonics accelerated the glycosylation reaction with an increase in glycosylation degree and browning index values. Compared with original FG, FG-κC mixture and bovine gelatin, UAG-modified FG possessed higher emulsification activity index, emulsion stability index, gel strength, hardness and melting temperature values. Among them, gelatin modified by appropriate ultrasonic conditions (200 W, 0.5 h) had the highest emulsifying and gelling properties. Rheological results showed that UAG contributed to the gelation process of gelatin with advanced gelation time and endowed it with high viscosity. Structural analysis indicated that UAG promoted κC to link with FG by the formation of covalent and hydrogen bonds, restricting more bound and immobilized water in the gels, exhibiting higher gelling properties.

    CONCLUSION: This work showed that UAG with κC is a promising method to produce high gelling and emulsifying properties of FG that could replace MG. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

    Matched MeSH terms: Gels/chemistry
  13. Fulltext Efficacy of cholecalciferol rodenticide to control wood rat, Rattus tiomanicus and its secondary poisoning impact towards barn owl, Tyto javanica javanica
    Noh AAM, Ahmad AH, Salim H
    Sci Rep, 2023 Feb 17;13(1):2854.
    PMID: 36808172 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29499-8
    Studies were conducted on the potential use of cholecalciferol as an alternative to anticoagulant rodenticides to control common rat pest in oil palm plantations, i.e., wood rats, Rattus tiomanicus, and the secondary poisoning impact of cholecalciferol on barn owls, Tyto javanica javanica. The laboratory efficacy of cholecalciferol (0.075% a.i.) was compared with commonly used first-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs): chlorophacinone (0.005% a.i) and warfarin (0.05% a.i). The 6-day wild wood rat laboratory feeding trial showed cholecalciferol baits had the highest mortality rate at 71.39%. Similarly, the FGAR chlorophacinone recorded a mortality rate of 74.20%, while warfarin baits recorded the lowest mortality rate at 46.07%. The days-to-death of rat samples was in range of 6-8 days. The highest daily consumption of bait by rat samples was recorded for warfarin at 5.85 ± 1.34 g per day while the lowest was recorded in rat samples fed cholecalciferol, i.e., 3.03 ± 0.17 g per day. Chlorophacinone-treated and control rat samples recorded consumption of about 5 g per day. A secondary poisoning assessment on barn owls in captivity fed with cholecalciferol-poisoned rats showed after 7 days of alternate feeding, the barn owls appeared to remain healthy. All the barn owls fed with cholecalciferol-poisoned rats survived the 7-day alternate feeding test and throughout the study, up to 6 months after exposure. All the barn owls did not show any abnormal behavior or physical change. The barn owls were observed to be as healthy as the barn owls from the control group throughout the study.
    Matched MeSH terms: Wood/chemistry
  14. Molecular interactions of trichoderma β-1,4-glucosidase (ThBglT12) with mycelial cell wall components of phytopathogenic Macrophomina phaseolina
    Mohammad Hood MH, Tengku Abdul Hamid TH, Abdul Wahab RA, Huyop FZ, Kaya Y, Abdul Hamid AAA
    J Biomol Struct Dyn, 2023 Apr;41(7):2831-2847.
    PMID: 35174777 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2022.2039772
    Efficacy of a β-1,4-glucosidase from Trichoderma harzianum T12 (ThBglT12) in disrupting the cell wall of the phytopathogenic fungus M. phaseolina (Macrophomina phaseolina) was studied, as the underlying molecular mechanisms of cell wall recognition remains elusive. In this study, the binding location identified by a consensus of residues predicted by COACH tool, blind docking, and multiple sequence alignment revealed that molecular recognition by ThBglT12 occurred through interactions between the α-1,3-glucan, β-1,3-glucan, β-1,3/1,4-glucan, and chitin components of M. phaseolina, with corresponding binding energies of -7.4, -7.6, -7.5 and -7.8 kcal/mol. The residue consensus verified the participation of Glu172, Tyr304, Trp345, Glu373, Glu430, and Trp431 in the active site pocket of ThBglT12 to bind the ligands, of which Trp345 was the common interacting residue. Root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), total energy, and minimum distance calculation from molecular dynamics (MD) simulation further confirmed the stability and the closeness of the binding ligands into the ThBglT12 active site pocket. The h-bond occupancy by Glu373 and Trp431 instated the role of the nucleophile for substrate recognition and specificity, crucial for cleaving the β-1,4 linkage. Further investigation showed that the proximity of Glu373 to the anomeric carbon of β-1,3/1,4-glucan (3.5 Å) and chitin (5.5 Å) indicates the nucleophiles' readiness to form enzyme-substrate intermediates. Plus, the neighboring water molecule appeared to be correctly positioned and oriented towards the anomeric carbon to hydrolyze the β-1,3/1,4-glucan and chitin, in less than 4.0 Å. In a nutshell, the study verified that the ThBglT12 is a good alternative fungicide to inhibit the growth of M. phaseolina.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
    Matched MeSH terms: Glucans/chemistry
  15. Exploring the potential of Fe(III)-EGTA and Fe(III)-DTPA as the catalysts to enhance UV/persulfate in the degradation of aqueous sulfamethazine
    Ng KA, Low KH, Tay KS
    Water Environ Res, 2023 Apr;95(4):e10862.
    PMID: 37032435 DOI: 10.1002/wer.10862
    The combination of UV and water-soluble Fe(III) complexes is an effective method for generating Fe(II) in situ for activating advanced oxidation processes. This study explored the potential of Fe(III)-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (Fe(III)-DTPA) and Fe(III)-ethylene glycol-bis(2-aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (Fe(III)-EGTA) in activating the UV/persulfate (UV/PS) for sulfamethazine removal. The initial screening showed that Fe(III)-EGTA and Fe(III)-DTPA could significantly improve the rate of sulfamethazine removal. The optimum molar ratios of persulfate to Fe(III)-DTPA and Fe(III)-EGTA were 100:1 and 100:2.5. The predicted percentage of sulfamethazine removal under the optimized conditions, obtained using response surface methodology, was ~99% for both catalysts. The pH range of 6 to 8 did not significantly affect the performance of UV/PS in the removal of sulfamethazine. The percentage sulfamethazine removal in the selected water samples was ranged from 93.6% to 99.6%, agreeing with the predicted value. The performance of both catalysts in activating UV/PS is comparable with that of the frequently used Fe(III)-EDDS. PRACTITIONERS POINTS: The potential of Fe(III)-DTPA and Fe(III)-EGTA in activating UV/persulfate (UV/PS) was explored. Fe(III)-DTPA and Fe(III)-EGTA improved the performance of UV/PS in sulfamethazine removal. Fe(III)-DTPA and Fe(III)-EGTA are effective in catalyzing UV/PS under pH 6 to 8. The performance of Fe(III)-DTPA and Fe(III)-EGTA is comparable with well-studied Fe(III)-EDDS.
    Matched MeSH terms: Sulfates/chemistry
  16. Vanadia as an electron-hole recombination inhibitor on fibrous silica-titania for selective hole oxidation of ciprofloxacin and Congo red photodegradation
    Hassan NS, Jalil AA, Fei ICM, Razak MTA, Khusnun NF, Bahari MB, et al.
    Chemosphere, 2023 Oct;338:139502.
    PMID: 37453521 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.139502
    Vanadia (V2O5)-incorporated fibrous silica-titania (V/FST) catalysts, which were successfully synthesized using a hydrothermal method followed by the impregnation of V2O5. The catalysts were then characterized using numerous techniques, including X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption-desorption analyses, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) analyses. The study found that varying the amount of V2O5 (1-10 wt%) had a significant impact on the physicochemical properties of the FST, which in turn improved the photodegradation efficiency of two organic compounds, ciprofloxacin (CIP) and congo red (CR). 5V/FST demonstrated the best performance in degrading 10 mg L-1 of CIP (83%) and CR (100%) at pH 3 using 0.375 g L-1 catalyst under visible light irradiation within 180 min. The highest photoactivity of 5V/FST is mainly due to higher crystallinity and the highest number of V2O5-FST interactions. Furthermore, as demonstrated by PL analysis, the 5V/FST catalyst has the most significant impact on interfacial charge transfer and reduces electron-hole recombination. The photodegradation of both contaminants follows the Langmuir-Hinshelwood pseudo-first-order model, according to the kinetic study. The scavenger investigation demonstrated that hydroxyl radicals and holes dominated species in the system, indicating that the catalyst effectively generated reactive species for pollutant degradation. A possible mechanism was also identified for FST and 5V/FST. Interestingly, V2O5 acts as an electron-hole recombination inhibitor on FST for selective hole oxidation of ciprofloxacin and congo red photodegradation. Finally, the degradation efficiency of the catalyst remained relatively stable even after five cyclic experiments, indicating its potential for long-term use in environmental remediation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Silicon Dioxide/chemistry
  17. A comprehensive review on adsorption of methylene blue dye using leaf waste as a bio-sorbent: isotherm adsorption, kinetics, and thermodynamics studies
    Mussa ZH, Al-Ameer LR, Al-Qaim FF, Deyab IF, Kamyab H, Chelliapan S
    Environ Monit Assess, 2023 Jul 12;195(8):940.
    PMID: 37436672 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11432-1
    Water bodies with the dye methylene blue pose serious environmental and health risks to humans. Therefore, the creation and investigation of affordable, potential adsorbents to remove methylene blue dye from water resources as a long-term fix is one focus of the scientific community. Food plants and other carbon-source serve as a hotspot for a wider range of application on different pollutants that impact the environment and living organisms. Here, we reviewed the use of treated and untreated biosorbents made from plant waste leaves for removing the dye methylene blue from aqueous media. After being modified, activated carbon made from various plant leaves improves adsorption performance. The range of activating chemicals, activation methods, and bio-sorbent material characterisation using FTIR analysis, Barunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area, scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDX), and SEM-EDX have all been covered in this review. It has been thoroughly described how the pH solution of the methylene blue dye compares to the pHPZC of the adsorbent surface. The presentation also includes a thorough analysis of the application of the isotherm model, kinetic model, and thermodynamic parameters. The selectivity of the adsorbent is the main focus of the adsorption kinetics and isotherm models. It has been studied how adsorption occurs, how surface area and pH affect it, and how biomass waste compares to other adsorbents. The use of biomass waste as adsorbents is both environmentally and economically advantageous, and it has been discovered to have exceptional color removal capabilities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Leaves/chemistry
  18. Fulltext Natural Clerodendrum-derived tick repellent: learning from Nepali culture
    Mazuecos L, Contreras M, Kasaija PD, Manandhar P, Grąźlewska W, Guisantes-Batan E, et al.
    Exp Appl Acarol, 2023 Jun;90(1-2):83-98.
    PMID: 37285111 DOI: 10.1007/s10493-023-00804-4
    Ticks attaching to ear canals of humans and animals are the cause of otoacariasis, common in rural areas of Nepal. The plant Clerodendrum viscosum is used in multiple indigenous systems of medicine by ethnic communities in the Indo-Nepali-Malaysian region. Visiting the Chitwan National Park, we learned that in indigenous medicine, flower extract of C. viscosum is utilized to treat digestive disorders and extracts from leaves as tick repellent to prevent ticks from invading or to remove them from the ear canal. The objective of our study was to provide support to indigenous medicine by characterizing the in vivo effect of leave extracts on ticks under laboratory conditions and its phytochemical composition. We collected plant parts of C. viscosum (leaves and flowers) and mango (Mangifera indica) leaves at the Chitwan National Park, previously associated with repellent activity to characterize their effect on Ixodes ricinus ticks by in vivo bioassays. A Q-ToF high-resolution analysis (HPLC-ESI-QToF) was conducted to elucidate phenolic compounds with potential repellent activity. Clerodendrum viscosum and M. indica leaf extracts had the highest tick repellent efficacy (%E = 80-100%) with significant differences when compared to C. viscosum flowers extracts (%E = 20-60%) and phosphate-buffered saline. Phytochemicals with tick repellent function as caffeic acid, fumaric acid and p-coumaric acid glucoside were identified in C. viscosum leaf extracts by HPLC-ESI-QToF, but not in non-repellent flower extracts. These results support the Nepali indigenous medicine application of C. viscosum leaf extracts to repel ticks. Additional research is needed for the development of natural and green repellent formulations to reduce the risks associated with ticks resistant to acaricides.
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/chemistry
  19. Fulltext Mycotoxigenic fungal growth inhibition and multi-mycotoxin reduction of potential biological control agents indigenous to grain maize
    Yazid SNE, Tajudin NI, Razman NAA, Selamat J, Ismail SI, Sanny M, et al.
    Mycotoxin Res, 2023 Aug;39(3):177-192.
    PMID: 37219742 DOI: 10.1007/s12550-023-00484-4
    The present work investigated the potential of fungal species from grain maize farms in Malaysia as antagonists against the indigenous mycotoxigenic fungal species and their subsequent mycotoxin production. Dual-culture assay was conducted on grain maize agar (GMA) with 12 strains of potential fungal antagonists namely Bjerkandra adusta, Penicillium janthinellum, Schizophyllum commune, Trametes cubensis, Trichoderma asperelloides, Trichoderma asperellum, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma yunnanense against seven mycotoxigenic strains namely Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium verticillioides, and Fusarium proliferatum producing aflatoxins, ochratoxin A, and fumonisins, respectively. Based on fungal growth inhibition, Trichoderma spp. showed the highest inhibitory activity (73-100% PIRG, Percentage Inhibition of Radial Growth; 28/0 ID, Index of Dominance) against the tested mycotoxigenic strains. Besides, B. adusta and Tra. cubensis showed inhibitory activity against some of the tested mycotoxigenic strains. All fungal antagonists showed varying degrees of mycotoxin reduction. Aflatoxin B1 produced by A. flavus was mainly reduced by P. janthinellum, Tra. cubensis, and B. adusta to 0 ng/g. Ochratoxin A produced by A. niger was mainly reduced by Tri. harzianum and Tri. asperellum to 0 ng/g. Fumonisin B1 and FB2 produced by F. verticillioides was mainly reduced by Tri. harzianum, Tri. asperelloides, and Tri. asperellum to 59.4 and 0 µg/g, respectively. Fumonisin B1 and FB2 produced by F. proliferatum were mainly reduced by Tri. asperelloides and Tri. harzianum to 244.2 and 0 µg/g, respectively. This is the first study that reports on the efficacy of Tri. asperelloides against FB1, FB2, and OTA, P. janthinellum against AFB1, and Tra. cubensis against AFB1.
    Matched MeSH terms: Edible Grain/chemistry
  20. Fulltext Evaluation of bioactive compounds from Ficus carica L. leaf extracts via high-performance thin-layer chromatography combined with effect-directed analysis
    Agatonovic-Kustrin S, Wong S, Dolzhenko AV, Gegechkori V, Ku H, Tucci J, et al.
    J Chromatogr A, 2023 Sep 13;1706:464241.
    PMID: 37541060 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2023.464241
    This study compares different solvent systems with the use of spontaneous fermentation on the phytochemical composition of leaf extracts from a locally grown white variety of common fig (Ficus carica Linn.). The aim was to detect and identify bioactive compounds that are responsible for acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-amylase and cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) enzyme inhibition, and compounds that exhibit antimicrobial activity. Bioactive zones in chromatograms were detected by combining High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) with enzymatic and biological assays. A new experimental protocol for measuring the relative half-maximum inhibitory concentration (IC50) was designed to evaluate the potency of the extracts compared to the potency of known inhibitors. Although the IC50 of the fig leaf extract for α-amylase and AChE inhibition were significantly higher when compared to IC50 for acarbose and donepezil, the COX-1 inhibition by the extract (IC50 = 627 µg) was comparable to that of salicylic acid (IC50 = 557 µg), and antimicrobial activity of the extract (IC50 = 375-511 µg) was similar to ampicillin (IC50 = 495 µg). Four chromatographic zones exhibited bioactivity. Compounds from detected bioactive bands were provisionally identified by comparing the band positions to coeluted standards, and by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra from eluted zones. Flash chromatography was used to separate selected extract into fractions and isolate fractions that are rich in bioactive compounds for further characterisation with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis. The main constituents identified were umbelliferon (zone 1), furocoumarins psoralen and bergapten (zone 2), different fatty acids (zone 3 and 4), and pentacyclic triterpenoids (calotropenyl acetate or lupeol) and stigmasterol (zone 4).
    Matched MeSH terms: Plant Extracts/chemistry
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