Enrichment and characterization of foodborne fungal spores by ferric ion-based surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

We developed a novel surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS) method to detect fungal spores, which is a critical concern in food safety. A combination of Fe and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) was initially confirmed as an effective light absorber, facilitating the desorption and ionization of small organics in SALDI-MS. This approach was then successfully applied to the analysis of small organics derived from Aspergillus niger, aflatoxigenic Aspergillus flavus, and non-aflatoxigenic A.

Crop resilience enhancement through chitosan-based hydrogels as a sustainable solution for water-limited environments.

Frequent droughts significantly affect agricultural productivity and highlight the need for effective solutions to improve water availability for crops. This study investigates the potential of chitosan-based hydrogels, biodegradable biopolymers known for their water-retaining properties, to improve soil moisture and promote plant growth during drought periods. Chitosan hydrogels were synthesized using Pluronic F127 and compared with chitosan and chitosan in combination with sodium alginate (CS/Alg-Na).

Intraperitoneal Injection of the Outer Membrane Vesicle (OMV) Stimulated Expressions of Neuroinflammatory Markers and Histopathological Changes in the Brains of Adult Zebrafish.

is the major pathogenic bacteria found in the subgingival plaque of patients with periodontitis, which leads to neuroinflammation. The bacteria destroy periodontal tissue through virulence factors, which are retained in the bacteria's outer membrane vesicles (OMV). This study aimed to determine the real-time effect of an intraperitoneal injection of OMV on the production and expression of inflammatory markers and histopathological changes in adult zebrafishes' central nervous systems (CNS).

Computer Vision-Assisted Robotized Sampling of Volatile Organic Compounds.

In conventional chemical analysis, samples are homogenized, extracted, purified, and injected into an analytical instrument manually or with a certain degree of automation. Such complex methods can provide superior performance in terms of sensitivity or selectivity. However, in some cases, it would be advantageous to possess a method that circumvents those preparatory steps, which require much attention.