Synthesis,crystal structure,DNA/bovine serum albumin binding and antitumor activity of two transition metal complexes with 4‐acylpyrazolone derivative

Two new complexes, namely [Cu₆L₆] ( 1 ) and [Zn(HL)₂] ( 2 ) (H₂L = N‐(1‐phenyl‐3‐methyl‐4‐propenylidene‐5‐pyrazolone)‐2‐furancarboxylic acid hydrazide), have been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X‐ray analysis indicates that complex 1 has a hexanuclear structure and complex 2 exhibits a mononuclear structure. The DNA/bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding properties of complexes 1 and 2 were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence quenching. Both complexes could effectively intercalate to DNA with calculated quenching constants of 2.6 × 10⁵ and 1.25 × 10⁵ M^?1, respectively. The quenching mechanism of the intrinsic fluorescence of BSA by the complexes was found to be a static one. The cytotoxicities of 1 and 2 were investigated in two human tumor cell lines, human esophageal cancer cells (Eca‐109) and cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Complex 1 exhibits higher antitumor activity than 2 . Furthermore, 1 can inhibit HeLa cells by inducing apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. All results demonstrate that 1 and 2 both have DNA/BSA binding capacity and antitumor activity.     

Determination of phenolic compounds by MALDI–TOF and essential oil composition by GC–MS during three development stages of Origanum majorana L.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the maturation process of sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana L.) on essential oil composition, the phenolic profile of ethanolic extract and their antioxidant capacities. The essential oil composition was studied at three stages of maturity by GC–MS. Thirty compounds were detected representing 100% of the total essential oil. p‐Menth‐1‐en‐4‐ol was the major compound (37.15–76.94%) followed by cyclohexanol‐3,3,5 trimethyl (5.41–15.99%) and α‐terpineol (0.94–11.34%). During the maturation process, an accumulation of oxygenated monoterpenes was observed. The phenolic composition was studied using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight. The analysis showed the presence of short flavonoid monomers at all stages of maturation. The antioxidant capacity of ethanolic extracts and essential oils was evaluated using the DPPH assay, iron chelating power and reducing power assay. The highest phenolic content and antioxidant capacity were found at flowering stage. These findings on essential oil composition, phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of O. majorana at three different stages of development provide more information on how these secondary metabolites are accumulated.     

Dayaolingzhiols A−E,AchE inhibitory meroterpenoids from Ganoderma lucidum

Ganoderma mushrooms are widely used as effective medicines for treating and preventing chronic diseases. In this study, five new meroterpenoids, dayaolingzhiols A (1) and B (2) featuring a 6/6/6 ring system, dayaolingzhiols C?E (3–5) harboring a γ-lactone motif, along with eight known ones (6–13), were purified from G. lucidum. To clarify their chemical structures, spectroscopic and ECD and OR computational methods were used. In addition, the inhibition of all the new meroterpenoids against AChE was evaluated, disclosing that (+)-4 and (±)-5 possess potent AChE inhibitory activities with respective IC₅₀ values of 8.52?±?1.90?μM and 7.37?±?0.52?μM.     

In Vitro Antifungal Activity and Mechanism of Ag3PW12O40 Composites against Candida Species

Fungal infections pose a serious threat to human health. Polyoxometalates (POMs) are metal–oxygen clusters with potential application in the control of microbial infections. Herein, the Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ composites have been synthesized and verified by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrum, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), elemental analysis, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The antifungal activities of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ were screened in 19 Candida species strains through the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by the microdilution checkerboard technique. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC₅₀) values of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ are 2~32 μg/mL to the Candida species. The MIC₈₀ value of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ to resistant clinical isolates C. albicans HL963 is 8 μg/mL, which is lower than the positive control, fluconazole (FLC). The mechanism against C. albicans HL963 results show that Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ can decrease the ergosterol content. The expressions of ERG1, ERG7, and ERG11, which impact on the synthesis of ergosterol, are all prominently upregulated by Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀. It indicates that Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀ is a candidate in the development of new antifungal agents.     

Chemical Composition of Natural Hydrolates and Their Antimicrobial Activity on Arcobacter-Like Cells in Comparison with Other Microorganisms

Hydrolates obtained via the hydrodistillation and steam distillation of Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Syzygium aromaticum L., Foeniculum vulgare Mill., and Laurus nobilis L. were analyzed by gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Additionally, the hydrolates were evaluated for antimicrobial activity (disk-diffusion and microdilution method), influence on biofilm formation (Christensen method) and cytotoxicity of concentrated hydrolates against human cell lines (A549) by xCELLigence system. Using chemical analysis, 48, 9, 13 and 33 different components were detected in lavender, clove, fennel and laurel hydrolates, respectively. Lavender hydrolate contained the largest proportion of 1,8-cineol, linalool furanoxide, and linalool. The main components of laurel hydrolate were 1,8-cineol, 4-terpineol and α-terpineol. Fenchone and estragole were the most abundant in fennel hydrolate, and eugenol and eugenyl acetate in clove hydrolate. Concentrated hydrolates showed significant antimicrobial activity. Clove hydrolate was among the most antimicrobially active agents, most preferably against C. albicans, with an inhibition zone up to 23.5 mm. Moreover, concentrated hydrolates did not show any cytotoxic effect again8 st human A549 cells. In the presence of the non-concentrated hydrolates, significantly reduced biofilm formation was observed; however, with concentrated clove hydrolate, there was an increase in biofilm formation, e.g., of A. thereius, A. lanthieri, and A. butzleri. Research shows new findings about hydrolates that may be important in natural medicine or for preservation purposes.     

Analysis in protein profile,antioxidant activity and structure-activity relationship based on ultrasound-assisted liquid-state fermentation of soybean meal with Bacillus subtilis

This study investigated effects of ultrasound on the contents of peptide and soluble protein, antioxidant activity, functionalities and structural characteristics of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) with Bacillus subtilis systematically. The results showed that there were significant effects of ultrasound treatments (frequency, treatment time and power density) on the contents of peptide and soluble protein (p < 0.05). Under the optimum ultrasound conditions (power density of 0.08 W/mL, frequency of 33 kHz and treatment time of 1 h) by single factor experiment, the contents of peptide and soluble protein increased by 31.27% and 18.79% compared to those of the control, respectively. Additionally, the in vitro antioxidant activity (•OH scavenging rate, Fe²⁺ chelating capacity and DPPH radical scavenging rate) and functional properties (emulsifying activity and emulsifying stability) of FSBM were found to be noticeably improved by ultrasound (p < 0.05). The fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed that ultrasound caused protein molecules to unfold with a decrease content of α-helix and β-turn and an increase in the proportion of β-sheet and random coil. Besides, atomic force microscope (AFM) results indicated that ultrasonication generally increased the surface roughness of protein and the protein sonicated with higher frequency (≥33 kHz) exhibited a greater height compared to lower frequency ultrasonication. Structure-activity relationship analysis illustrated that there was a good linear relationship between •OH scavenging rate and β-sheet/β-turn with Pearson’s correlation coefficient r of −0.86/0.90. Collectively, the selection of ultrasonic parameters is essential for the preparation of functional protein and bioactive peptide by enhancing fermentation of agroindustrial by-products.     

The oak (Quercus brantii) acorn as a growth promotor for rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): growth performance,body composition,liver enzymes activity and blood biochemical parameters

Abstract

Medicinal plants play an important role in aquaculture as feed additives. This study aimed to investigate effects of alcoholic extract of acorn on growth performance, body composition, digestive enzymes activity and blood biochemical parameters of rainbow trout (O. mykiss) as a commercially important fish. Five dietary treatments were supplemented: 100, 200, 400 and 600?mg.kg^?1 of the extract. Fishes were fed twice per day for 8?weeks, and results showed that acorn extract positively affected all investigated parameters in rainbow trout fishes. Digestive enzymes activity and growth performance were increased, while activity of liver enzymes and cortisol were lowed in comparison to control individuals. Body composition of treated animals was also enhanced. Comparison between treated groups together with integrative biomarker response (IBR) values indicated greatest effects in animals fed with 400 and 600?mg.kg^?1 of the extract. Positive effects of the acorn represent promising start point for further studies.     

Fruit waste (Pulp) decorated CuO NFs as promising platform for enhanced catalytic response and its peroxidase mimics evaluation

Herein, we report for the first time, an eco-compatible hydrothermal route for the synthesis of carbon enriched mesoporous material (CuO NFs@MP) using fruit waste (Pulp) obtained from Citrus limetta’s (Mausambi) decorated irregular shaped CuO nanoflakes (NFs). The CuO NFs@MP nanocomposite was fully characterized through several spectroscopic-cum-analytical techniques such as TEM and XPS, which further confirmed the presence of CuO NFs. CuO NFs@MP could serve as an excellent catalyst for N-Arylation reaction and also paves promising peroxidase mimic activity. The preliminary results indicated that CuO NFs@MP shows the catalytic advantage of higher yields, shorter reaction time and greener conditions. Simultaneously, the oxidation of colorless TMB with H₂O₂ into blue-green colored ox-TMB was also observed in 60 s with CuO NFs@MP. The present nanocomposite is easy to synthesize, economical, retrievable and a reusable catalyst for synthesizing a varied range of N-Arylated products and could also mimic peroxidase without significant loss of activity.     

Engineering nanostructures of CuO-based photocatalysts for water treatment: Current progress and future challenges

Nowadays, increasing extortions regarding environmental problems and energy scarcity have stuck the development and endurance of human society. The issue of inorganic and organic pollutants that exist in water from agricultural, domestic, and industrial activities has directed the development of advanced technologies to address the challenges of water scarcity efficiently. To solve this major issue, various scientists and researchers are looking for novel and effective technologies that can efficiently remove pollutants from wastewater. Nanoscale metal oxide materials have been proposed due to their distinctive size, physical and chemical properties along with promising applications. Cupric Oxide (CuO) is one of the most commonly used benchmark photocatalysts in photodegradation owing to the fact that they are cost-effective, non-toxic, and more efficient in absorption across a significant fraction of solar spectrum. In this review, we have summarized synthetic strategies of CuO fabrication, modification methods with applications for water treatment purposes. Moreover, an elaborative discussion on feasible strategies includes; binary and ternary heterojunction formation, Z-scheme based photocatalytic system, incorporation of rare earth/transition metal ions as dopants, and carbonaceous materials serving as a support system. The mechanistic insight inferring photo-induced charge separation and transfer, the functional reactive radical species involved in a photocatalytic reaction, have been successfully featured and examined. Finally, a conclusive remark regarding current studies and unresolved challenges related to CuO are put forth for future perspectives.     

Synthesis,Characterization, Structural Description,Micellization Behavior,DNA Binding Study and Antioxidant Activity of 4, 5 and 6-Coordinated Copper(II) and Zinc(II) Complexes

Four mononuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes were synthesized by the reaction of copper and zinc salts with 3,4-dichlorophenylactic acid, 2-bromophenylactic acid, biphenylacetic acid (O-donor ligand) and bipyridine (N-donor ligands) having the general formulae [(L)₂Cu(bp)(H₂O)] ( 1 ), [(BpA)₂Cu(bp)] ( 2 ), [(L)₂Zn(bp)(H₂O)] ( 3 ) and [(L*)₂Zn(bp)] ( 4 ) (L = 3,4-dichlorophenylacetate, L* = 2-bromophenylacetate bp = bipyridine, and BpA = biphenylacetate). Structures of all compounds were characterized through FT-IR spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. FT-IR spectra of all complexes confirmed the binding mode of Cu-O and Zn-O. XRD data revealed that complexes 1 – 3 exhibited distorted octahedral arrangement, whereas complex 4 has a distorted tetrahedral environment. Micellization behavior was examined with anionic surfactant (SDS) by conductance measurement as well as absorption spectral analysis. DNA binding study was assessed through viscosity measurement and UV/Vis spectrophotometry. DPPH free radical scavenging assay was measured by UV/Vis spectrophotometry. The results showed nice biological potential of all the complexes.