Buffalo worm (Alphitobius diaperinus) proteins: Structural properties, proteomics and nutritional benefits.

Biophysical methods such as circular dichroism (CD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) have been minimally used to characterize insect-derived proteins. This study examines the insect Alphitobius diaperinus as a potential protein source. Techniques such as alkaline solubilization coupled to isoelectric precipitation and Osborne fractionation were used to obtain protein concentrates and fractions (albumins, globulins, prolamins, glutelins).

Toxicological impacts of plastic microfibers from face masks on Artemia salina: An environmental assessment using Box-Behnken design.

An increase in global plastic manufacturing and subsequent disposal has resulted in widespread increase in microplastic pollution. Particularly, the post-COVID surge in face mask usage has introduced significant volumes of synthetic plastic microfibers into the environment, posing new ecological risks. Present study examines the toxicological impacts of face mask derived microfibers on Artemia salina, a key marine zooplankton species, using the Box-Behnken design to assess the effects of microfiber dosage (0.

Co-Microencapsulation of Cushuro () Polysaccharide with Sacha Inchi Oil () and Natural Antioxidant Extracts.

Cushuro () polysaccharide was used to co-microencapsulate sacha inchi oil, natural antioxidant extracts from the oleoresin of charapita chili peppers ( L.) and grape orujo ( L.).

Study of the Thermal Phase Transition of Poly(-diethylacrylamide---ethylacrylamide) Random Copolymers in Aqueous Solution.

-alkyl-substituted polyacrylamides exhibit a thermal coil-to-globule transition in aqueous solution driven by an increase in hydrophobic interactions with rising temperature. With the aim of understanding the role of -alkyl substituents in the thermal transition, this study focuses on the molecular interactions underlying the phase transition of poly(-diethylacrylamide---ethylacrylamide) random copolymers. Poly(-diethylacrylamide) (PDEAm), poly(-ethylacrylamide) (PNEAm), and their random copolymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization and their chemical structure characterized spectroscopically.

Encapsulation of short-chain bioactive peptides (BAPs) for gastrointestinal delivery: a review.

The majority of known peptides with high bioactivity (BAPs) such as antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial actions, are short-chain sequences of less than ten amino acids. These short-chain BAPs of varying natural and synthetic origin must be bioaccessible to be capable of being adsorbed systemically upon oral administration to show their full range of bioactivity. However, in general, and studies have shown that gastrointestinal digestion reduces BAPs bioactivity unless they are protected from degradation by encapsulation.

A comparative study of the digestion behavior and functionality of protein from chia ( L.) ingredients and protein fractions.

Protein derived from chia ( L.), characterized by a balanced amino acid composition, represents a potentially healthier and environmentally friendly alternative poised for innovation within the plant-based food sector. It was hypothesized that the growing location of chia seeds and processing techniques used might influence protein digestion patterns, which in turn could affect the biological functions of the digestion products.

The Rosetta Stone of interactions of mucosa and associated bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract.

Purpose Of Review: Gut microbiota-mucosa-epithelial cells co-exist in an intricate three-way relationship that underpins gut homeostasis, and ultimately influences health and disease conditions. The O-glycans of mucin glycoproteins have been uncovered as a centrepiece of this system, although understanding the phenomena at play at the molecular level has been challenging and subject to significant traction over the last years. The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advances in the phenomena that mediate microbiota and mucus multidirectional interactions in the human gut.

A rapid and portable fluorescence spectroscopy staining method for the detection of plastic microfibers in water.

We propose a simple technique for microplastic detection based on their interaction with a hydrophilic and anionic fluorescent dye 1,3,6,8 pyrene tetrasulfonate (PTSA). Synthetic microfibers derived from surgical face masks (an abundantly generated plastic waste post COVID) were considered as model microplastics. The interactions between microfibers and the dye were studied as a function of physiological parameters (pH, contact time and temperature), external agents, dye dosage and polymer variants.

Characterisation of locust bean gum with asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) and light scattering.

We present a detailed characterisation of locust bean gum (LBG), an industrially significant galactomannan, utilising asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation (AF4) and light scattering. Molecular weight and size determination of galactomannans is complicated by their tendency to aggregate, even in dilute solutions; AF4 allows us to confirm the presence of aggregates, separate these from well-dispersed polymer, and characterise both fractions. For the dispersed polymer, we find M=9.

On the Fractionation and Physicochemical Characterisation of Self-Assembled Chitosan-DNA Polyelectrolyte Complexes.

Chitosan is extensively studied as a carrier for gene delivery and is an attractive non-viral gene vector owing to its polycationic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature. Thus, it is essential to understand the chemistry of self-assembled chitosan-DNA complexation and their structural and functional properties, enabling the formation of an effective non-viral gene delivery system. In this study, two parent chitosans (samples NAS-032 and NAS-075; Mw range ~118-164 kDa) and their depolymerised derivatives (deploy nas-032 and deploy nas-075; Mw range 6-14 kDa) with degrees of acetylation 43.

Derivatized chitosan-oil-in-water nanocapsules for trans-cinnamaldehyde delivery.

trans-Cinnamaldehyde, known for its bacterial anti-quorum sensing activity when applied at sublethal concentrations, has gained traction given its potential use against multidrug resistant bacteria. In this work, trans-cinnamaldehyde-loaded oil-in-water nanocapsules coated with chitosan, N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride, N-(2-(N,N,N-trimethylammoniumyl)acetyl) chitosan chloride or N-(6-(N,N,N-trimethylammoniumyl)hexanoyl)chitosan chloride were obtained. All the formulated nanocapsules showed a Z-average hydrodynamic diameter ~ 160 nm and ζ-potential higher than +40 mV.

Investigating on the toxicity and bio-magnification potential of synthetic glitters on Artemia salina.

Our research aims to assess the toxic impacts of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) glitters on Artemia salina as a model zooplankton. The mortality rate was assessed using a Kaplan Maier plot as a function of various microplastic dosages. The ingestion of microplastics was confirmed by their presence in digestive tract and faecal matter.

Improved Antioxidant and Mechanical Properties of Food Packaging Films Based on Chitosan/Deep Eutectic Solvent, Containing Açaí-Filled Microcapsules.

The development of biobased antioxidant active packaging has been valued by the food industry for complying with environmental and food waste concerns. In this work, physicochemical properties for chitosan composite films as a potential active food packaging were investigated. Chitosan films were prepared by solution casting, plasticized with a 1:2 choline chloride: glycerol mixture as a deep eutectic solvent (DES) and incorporated with 0-10% of optimized açaí oil polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs).

Short-time acoustic and hydrodynamic cavitation improves dispersibility and functionality of pectin-rich biopolymers from citrus waste.

Pectin is a valuable biopolymer used as a natural, clean label additive for thickening and gelling. However, industry faces issues with dispersibility and stability of pectin formulations. To address these issues, the effect of short processing time (30-180 s) with hydrodynamic (HC) and acoustic cavitation (AC) on the dispersibility and gelling functionality of mandarin pectin-rich polysaccharide (M-PRP) was investigated.

Chitosan/cyclodextrin surface-adsorbed naringenin-loaded nanocapsules enhance bacterial quorum quenching and anti-biofilm activities.

Pathogenic bacteria use quorum sensing (QS), a cell-to-cell communication process that relies on small signaling molecules, to regulate the genetic expression that leads to several essential virulence factors such as bioluminescence, biofilm formation, bacterial motility, among other. Naringenin (NAR), a bitter and colorless flavanone ubiquitous in herbs and fruits, has been shown to inhibit QS activity in P. aeruginosa by decreasing the production of pyocyanin and elastase.

Aptamer-based detection of fumonisin B1: A critical review.

Mycotoxin contamination is a current issue affecting several crops and processed products worldwide. Among the diverse mycotoxin group, fumonisin B1 (FB1) has become a relevant compound because of its adverse effects in the food chain. Conventional analytical methods previously proposed to quantify FB1 comprise LC-MS, HPLC-FLD and ELISA, while novel approaches integrate different sensing platforms and fluorescently labelled agents in combination with antibodies.

Aptamer-Target-Gold Nanoparticle Conjugates for the Quantification of Fumonisin B1.

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a mycotoxin classified as group 2B hazard, is of high importance due to its abundance and occurrence in varied crops. Conventional methods for detection are sensitive and selective; however, they also convey disadvantages such as long assay times, expensive equipment and instrumentation, complex procedures, sample pretreatment and unfeasibility for on-site analysis. Therefore, there is a need for quick, simple and affordable quantification methods.

Differences of the tumour cell glycocalyx affect binding of capsaicin-loaded chitosan nanocapsules.

The glycocalyx regulates the interaction of mammalian cells with extracellular molecules, such as cytokines. However, it is unknown to which extend the glycocalyx of distinct cancer cells control the binding and uptake of nanoparticles. In the present study, exome sequencing data of cancer patients and analysis of distinct melanoma and bladder cancer cell lines suggested differences in cancer cell-exposed glycocalyx components such as heparan sulphate.

Chitosan coatings reduce fruit fly (Anastrepha obliqua) infestation and development of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Manila mangoes.

Background: Mangoes are tropical fruits appreciated worldwide but are extremely perishable, being susceptible to decay, pest infestation and fungal diseases. Using the flavorful and highly valued 'Manila' cultivar, we examined the effect of second-generation chitosan coatings on shelf-life, phenolic compound variation, phytohormones, pest infestation by fruit flies (Anastrepha obliqua) and anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

Results: We observed almost total elimination of A.

Screening of Bacterial Quorum Sensing Inhibitors in a LuxR-Based Synthetic Fluorescent Biosensor.

A library of 23 pure compounds of varying structural and chemical characteristics was screened for their quorum sensing (QS) inhibition activity using a synthetic fluorescent biosensor that incorporates a modified version of lux regulon of . Four such compounds exhibited QS inhibition activity without compromising bacterial growth, namely, phenazine carboxylic acid (PCA), 2-heptyl-3-hydroxy-4-quinolone (PQS), 1-2-methyl-4-quinolone (MOQ) and genipin. When applied at 50 µM, these compounds reduced the QS response of the biosensor to 33.

Capsaicin-Loaded Chitosan Nanocapsules for wtCFTR-mRNA Delivery to a Cystic Fibrosis Cell Line.

Cystic fibrosis (CF), a lethal hereditary disease caused by mutations in the (CFTR) gene coding for an epithelial chloride channel, is characterized by an imbalanced homeostasis of ion and water transports in secretory epithelia. As the disease is single-gene based, using therapeutic mRNA is a promising concept of treatment in order to correct many aspects of the fatal pathology on a cellular level. Hence, we developed chitosan nanocapsules surface-loaded with wtCFTR-mRNA to restore CFTR function.

Characterisation of the Interaction among Oil-In-Water Nanocapsules and Mucin.

Mucins are glycoproteins present in all mucosal surfaces and in secretions such as saliva. Mucins are involved in the mucoadhesion of nanodevices carrying bioactive molecules to their target sites in vivo. Oil-in-water nanocapsules (NCs) have been synthesised for carrying -(di-m-methylphenyl)urea (DMTU), a quorum-sensing inhibitor, to the oral cavity.