Different ZnO geometries were synthesized for this specific purpose using the co-precipitation method, the Sargassum natans I alga extract serving as a stabilizing agent. To ascertain diverse nanostructures, four extract volumes—5 mL, 10 mL, 20 mL, and 50 mL—were subjected to evaluation. Furthermore, a chemically synthesized sample was prepared, free from extract. Characterisation of the ZnO samples was accomplished by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analysis. Analysis of the results indicated that the extract of Sargassum alga plays a crucial role in stabilizing ZnO nanoparticles. Beyond this, it was noted that an increase in Sargassum algae extract concentration fostered preferential development and organization, yielding clearly shaped particles. ZnO nanostructures' anti-inflammatory response, as measured by in vitro egg albumin protein denaturation, exhibited significant potential for biological purposes. Quantitative antibacterial analysis (AA) also indicated that ZnO nanostructures synthesized with 10 and 20 milliliters of extract displayed significant antibacterial activity (AA) against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and a moderate level of AA activity against Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa, depending on the ZnO structure formed by the Sargassum natans I alga extract and the nanoparticles' concentration (approximately). A concentration of 3200 grams per milliliter was observed. Moreover, the performance of ZnO samples as photocatalytic materials was determined by the degradation of organic dyes. A ZnO sample synthesized with 50 milliliters of extract demonstrated complete degradation of both methyl violet and malachite green. In the combined biological and environmental impact of ZnO, the well-defined morphology induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract was instrumental.
Infection of patients by opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa involves the use of a quorum sensing system to control virulence factors and biofilms, shielding the bacteria from antibiotics and environmental stresses. Accordingly, the forthcoming development of quorum sensing inhibitors (QSIs) is predicted to be a new strategy for studying drug resistance in cases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. Valuable resources for QSI screening are found in marine fungi. The marine fungus Penicillium sp. is observed in aquatic environments. JH1, exhibiting anti-QS properties, was isolated from Qingdao's (China) offshore waters, and citrinin, a novel QS inhibitor, was subsequently purified from the secondary metabolites of this fungus. Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472's violacein production was notably hampered by citrinin, while citrinin also significantly reduced the production of elastase, rhamnolipid, and pyocyanin in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1. PAO1's biofilm formation and motility might also be curtailed by this. Citrinin's action resulted in the downregulation of the transcript levels of nine quorum sensing-related genes (lasI, rhlI, pqsA, lasR, rhlR, pqsR, lasB, rhlA, and phzH). Results from molecular docking studies revealed that citrinin had a higher binding affinity for PqsR and LasR than the inherent ligands. Future research efforts aimed at optimizing citrinin's structure and deciphering its structure-activity relationship can leverage the findings of this study.
-Carrageenan-derived oligosaccharides (COs) are experiencing rising interest within oncology. Their influence on the activity of heparanase (HPSE), a pro-tumor enzyme essential for cancer cell migration and invasion, has been recently reported, making them extremely promising molecules for new therapeutic uses. Commercial carrageenan (CAR) is inherently heterogeneous, a blend of various CAR families. The naming scheme for carrageenan is based on the viscosity of the targeted final product, not its precise composition. Accordingly, this can hinder their implementation in clinical treatments. In an effort to address the issue, a comparative analysis of six commercial CARs was undertaken, revealing their contrasting physiochemical properties. Employing H2O2-assisted depolymerization on each commercial source, the number- and weight-averaged molar masses (Mn and Mw), and sulfation degree (DS) of the resultant -COs were measured at successive intervals. By adjusting the duration of depolymerization for each individual product, almost identical -CO formulations were achieved, exhibiting comparable molar masses and degrees of substitution (DS) values within the previously published range associated with antitumor activity. Although the anti-HPSE activity of these novel -COs demonstrated minuscule modifications that were imperceptible from their short length or DS changes, a role for alternative properties, particularly discrepancies in the initial mixture's composition, was implied. Through meticulous MS and NMR structural analysis, disparities in the qualitative and semi-quantitative properties of the molecular species were found, especially concerning the quantities of anti-HPSE-type components, other CAR types, and adjuvants. This study further showed that H2O2-mediated hydrolysis influenced sugar degradation. The in vitro migration cell-based model, when used to determine the effects of -COs, exhibited a more pronounced relationship between their impact and the presence of other CAR types in the formulation, not their -type-specific antagonism of HPSE.
The bioaccessibility of minerals within a food ingredient is a key factor in determining its utility as a potential mineral fortifier. This study investigated the mineral bioaccessibility characteristics of protein hydrolysates prepared from the salmon (Salmo salar) and mackerel (Scomber scombrus) backbones and heads. Mineral content analysis of the hydrolysates was performed both before and after the simulated gastrointestinal digestion procedure, following the INFOGEST method. Using an inductively coupled plasma spectrometer mass detector (ICP-MS), Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Zn, and Se were subsequently determined. Fe bioaccessibility reached 100% in salmon and mackerel head hydrolysates, showcasing the highest values, with Se bioaccessibility of 95% observed in salmon backbone hydrolysates. BODIPY 581/591 C11 Following in vitro digestion, a rise in antioxidant capacity (10-46%) was observed in all protein hydrolysate samples, as measured by Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC). To verify the non-toxicity of these products, the raw hydrolysates were analyzed by ICP-MS for the presence of As, Hg, Cd, and Pb heavy metals. Legislative thresholds for toxic elements in fish commodities were met by all elements, except for cadmium in mackerel hydrolysates, which registered above those limits. The study's results suggest a promising avenue for food mineral enrichment with protein hydrolysates from salmon and mackerel backbones and heads, demanding a thorough safety evaluation.
From the deep-sea coral Hemicorallium cf., an endozoic fungus, Aspergillus versicolor AS-212, yielded two novel quinazolinone diketopiperazine alkaloids, versicomide E (2) and cottoquinazoline H (4), as well as ten known compounds (1, 3, 5–12), which were isolated and characterized. Imperiale, originating from the Magellan Seamounts, is of particular interest. Redox mediator An exhaustive analysis of spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic data, coupled with specific rotation calculations, ECD calculations, and comparisons of ECD spectra, ultimately determined their chemical structures. The absolute configurations of (-)-isoversicomide A (1) and cottoquinazoline A (3) remained unassigned in prior literature; we determined them in this study using single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. iPSC-derived hepatocyte In antimicrobial studies, compound 3 demonstrated activity against the aquatic pathogen Aeromonas hydrophilia, characterized by an MIC of 186 µM. Separately, compounds 4 and 8 exhibited inhibitory effects on Vibrio harveyi and V. parahaemolyticus, with MIC values fluctuating between 90 and 181 µM.
Deep ocean, alpine, and polar regions collectively define cold environments. In spite of the brutal and extreme cold weather affecting particular ecosystems, several species have adapted to thrive in such challenging surroundings. Remarkably adept at thriving in the demanding conditions of cold environments, characterized by low light, low temperatures, and ice cover, microalgae activate diverse stress-responsive strategies. Exploitation capabilities for human applications are evident in the bioactivities exhibited by these species. In contrast to the extensively researched species living in easily accessible habitats, various activities, including antioxidant and anticancer properties, are evident in species that have received less attention. The purpose of this review is to present a summary of these bioactivities and investigate the potential for the application of cold-adapted microalgae. Controlled photobioreactor systems allow for mass algae cultivation, enabling eco-sustainable harvesting methods, and the extraction of a minimal quantity of microalgal cells, thereby preserving the environment.
Structurally unique bioactive secondary metabolites are a rich bounty unearthed from the vast marine environment. In the diverse marine invertebrate population, the sponge Theonella spp. plays a role. An assortment of innovative compounds—peptides, alkaloids, terpenes, macrolides, and sterols—represents a powerful arsenal. This review synthesizes recent reports about sterols isolated from this remarkable sponge, describing their structural features and intriguing biological properties. We examine the total syntheses of solomonsterols A and B, and explore medicinal chemistry adjustments to theonellasterol and conicasterol, highlighting the impact of chemical changes on the biological effectiveness of this class of compounds. Among Theonella spp., compounds with potential were recognized and identified. Their pronounced biological activity affecting nuclear receptors and resulting cytotoxicity makes them promising candidates for further preclinical studies. The discovery of naturally occurring and semisynthetic marine bioactive sterols highlights the importance of exploring natural product collections for innovative treatments of human diseases.