Nanoparticle-Based Nitric Oxide Donors: Exploring Their Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Capabilities.

Nitric oxide (NO) is an antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agent with significant potential for combating biofilm-associated infections and antibiotic resistance. However, owing to its high reactivity due to the possession of a free radical and short half-life (1-5 s), the practical application of NO in clinical settings is challenging. : This review explores the development of NO-releasing nanoparticles that provide a controlled, targeted delivery system for NO, enhancing its antimicrobial efficacy while minimizing toxicity.

Assessing on-site plastics fragmentation: Linking macroplastics litter to microplastics pollution in vegetable fields.

This study proposes a novel approach to determine whether farmers act as a pollution source of microplastics through macroplastic mismanagement or if they are temporary hosts of in-transit microplastics. Using a case-study approach, it was hypothesized that 90 % of soil microplastics would trace back to macroplastic waste mismanaged by farmers. To determine the amount of soil microplastics, linear transects were established and microplastic litter was counted and classified.

Distribution of Non-Structural Carbohydrates and Root Structure of L. under Different Defoliation Frequencies and Intensities.

L. (plantain) increases herbage dry matter (DM) production and quality during warm and dry conditions due to its deep roots and drought tolerance and reduces nitrogen losses in grazing systems compared to traditional pastures. However, plantain density usually declines after the third growing season, mainly due to defoliation management.

Microbeads as carriers for : a biofertilizer focus on auxin production.

The study aimed to develop a solid biofertilizer using , focusing on auxin production to enhance plant drought tolerance. Methods involved immobilising in alginate-starch beads, focusing on microbial concentration, biopolymer types, and environmental conditions. The optimal formulation showed a diameter of 3.

Alternative processes to produce chitin, chitosan, and their oligomers.

Sustainable recovery of chitin and its derivatives from shellfish waste will be achieved when the industrial production of these polymers is achieved with a high control of their molecular structure, low costs, and acceptable levels of pollution. Therefore, the conventional chemical method for obtaining these biopolymers needs to be replaced or optimized. The goal of the present review is to ascertain what alternative methods are viable for the industrial-scale production of chitin, chitosan, and their oligomers.

Chitin and its derivatives: Functional biopolymers for developing bioproducts for sustainable agriculture-A reality?

Chitinous materials (chitin and its derivatives) are obtained from renewable sources, mainly shellfish waste, having a great potential for the development of bioproducts as alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals. Recent studies have provided evidence that the use of these biopolymers can help control postharvest diseases, increase the content of nutrients available to plants, and elicit positive metabolic changes that lead to higher plant resistance against pathogens. However, agrochemicals are still widely and intensively used in agriculture.

An Updated Review on The Properties of L.: Not Exclusively Anti-anxiety.

L. is a plant of the Lamiaceae family known in numerous countries for its medicinal activities. This plant has been used since ancient times to treat different disorders, including gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neurological, psychological conditions.

Combined Effect of Microplastics and Cd Alters the Enzymatic Activity of Soil and the Productivity of Strawberry Plants.

The synergistic effect between heavy metals and microplastics can affect soil properties as well as plant performance and yield. The objective of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of microplastics and cadmium on a soil-plant system. Specifically, we proposed to explore changes in soil microbiological activity, the growth and yield parameters of strawberry plants, and to evaluate the accumulation of these pollutants in the soil and root system.

Brassica sprouts exposed to microplastics: Effects on phytochemical constituents.

Microplastics (MPs) can affect plant biomass, tissue composition, and root traits. However, the effects of MPs on the synthesis of secondary metabolites and on the accumulation of bioactive compounds remain poorly studied. The objective of this work was to analyze accumulation of bioactive compounds in broccoli and radish sprouts grown hydroponically in a substrate containing seven different toxic amounts (from very low to extremely high) of low-density polyethylene (PE).

Phenolic Compounds in Calafate Berries Encapsulated by Spray Drying: Neuroprotection Potential into the Ingredient.

Calafate is a berry rich in anthocyanins that presents higher content of polyphenols than other fruits. Its compounds have been described previously, however, the potential thereof in preventing and treating degenerative disorders has not yet been studied. Due to its astringency, the consumption of this berry in its natural state is limited.

Microplastic pollution on the soil and its consequences on the nitrogen cycle: a review.

Microplastics (MPs) correspond to plastics between 0.1 μm and 5 mm in diameter, and these can be intentionally manufactured to be microscopic or generated from the fragmentation of larger plastics. Currently, MP contamination is a complicated subject due to its accumulation in the environment.

spp.: A Comprehensive Review on Bioactivities and Health-Enhancing Effects and Their Potential for the Formulation of Functional Foods and Pharmaceutical Drugs.

The genus includes four species widely distributed in warm temperate to subtropical regions from the Mediterranean to Mongolia as well as certain regions in America. Among these species, L., distributed from the Mediterranean region to Central Asia, has been studied and its phytochemical profile, traditional folk use, and application in pharmacological and clinical trials are well known.

The Therapeutic Potential of Wogonin Observed in Preclinical Studies.

Wogonin is a flavonoid found in different plants such as roots of Georgi distributed mainly in Asia and Europe. Dried root extracts of with high content of wogonin, popularly known as "Huang-Qin" or Chinese or baical skullcap, have been used for long time in traditional Chinese medicine. Several health benefits are attributed to wogonin and derivatives showing anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects and more recently antineurodegenerative properties.

Hesperetin's health potential: moving from preclinical to clinical evidence and bioavailability issues, to upcoming strategies to overcome current limitations.

Flavonoids are common in the plant kingdom and many of them have shown a wide spectrum of bioactive properties. Hesperetin (Hst), the aglycone form of hesperidin, is a great example, and is the most abundant flavonoid found in plants. This review aims to provide an overview on the in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies reporting the Hst pharmacological effects and to discuss the bioavailability-related issues.

Native Species Facing Climate Changes: Response of Calafate Berries to Low Temperature and UV Radiation.

Calafate ( G. Forst) is a wild bush plant widely distributed in the south of Argentina and Chile. Their blue colored fruits present particular flavor and health benefits attributed to high polyphenol contents biosynthesized by the plant under stress.

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and addition of composted olive-mill waste enhance plant establishment and soil properties in the regeneration of a heavy metal-polluted environment.

A greenhouse experiment was carried out in order to investigate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi inoculation and the use of composted olive waste (COW) in the establishment of Tetraclinis articulata and soil properties in a heavy metal-polluted soil. The treatments assayed were as follows: AM + 0% COW, AM + 1% COW, and AM + 3% COW. The higher doses of COW in combination with AM fungi increased shoot and root biomass production of T.

Microbial inoculants and organic amendment improves plant establishment and soil rehabilitation under semiarid conditions.

The re-establishment of autochthonous shrub species is an essential strategy for recovering degraded soils under semiarid Mediterranean conditions. A field assay was carried out to determine the combined effects of the inoculation with native rhizobacteria (Bacillus megaterium, Enterobacter sp, Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus sp) and the addition of composted sugar beet (SB) residue on physicochemical soil properties and Lavandula dentata L. establishment.

Combined effects of clay immobilized Azospirillum brasilense and Pantoea dispersa and organic olive residue on plant performance and soil properties in the revegetation of a semiarid area.

The reestablishment of autochthonous shrubs species is an essential strategy for recovering degraded soils under semiarid Mediterranean areas. A field experiment was carried out to assess the effectiveness of an immobilized microbial inoculant (Azospirillum brasilense and Pantoea dispersa) and the addition of organic olive residue (alperujo), for plant growth promotion of Cistus albidus L. and enhancement of soil properties.

Starch filler and osmoprotectants improve the survival of rhizobacteria in dried alginate beads.

This work deals with optimising the cell survival of rhizobacteria encapsulated in alginate beads filled with starch. Immobilisation of rhizobacteria was done by dripping alginate-starch solution mixed with rhizobacteria into a calcium solution. Beads were analysed based on matrix formulation, bacteria growth phase, osmoprotectants and nature of calcium solution.