The alpha-amylase from Tenebrio molitor larvae (TMA) has been crystallized in complex with the alpha-amylase inhibitor (alpha-AI) from the bean Phaseolus vulgaris. A molecular-replacement solution of the structure was obtained using the refined pig pancreatic alpha-amylase (PPA) and alpha-AI atomic coordinates as starting models. The structural analysis showed that although TMA has the typical structure common to alpha-amylases, large deviations from the mammalian alpha-amylase models occur in the loops. Despite these differences in the interacting loops, the bean inhibitor is still able to inhibit both the insect and mammalian alpha-amylase.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1107/S0907444998010701 | DOI Listing |
Environ Sci Ecotechnol
January 2025
Global Centre for Environmental Remediation (GCER), College of Engineering, Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia.
Managing plastic waste is one of the greatest challenges humanity faces in the coming years. Current strategies-landfilling, incineration, and recycling-remain insufficient or pose significant environmental concerns, failing to address the growing volume of plastic residues discharged into the environment. Recently, increasing attention has focused on the potential of certain insect larvae species to chew, consume, and partially biodegrade synthetic polymers such as polystyrene and polyethylene, offering novel biotechnological opportunities for plastic waste management.
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January 2025
Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Brazil. Electronic address:
Farnesol (FAR) belongs to terpenes group and is a sesquiterpene alcohol and a hydrophobic compound, which can be extracted from natural sources or obtained by organic chemical or biological synthesis. Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology allow the drawbacks of low drug solubility, which can improve the drug therapeutic index. Therefore, this study aimed to prepare the FAR inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) through freeze-drying method, proposing their physicochemical characterization, comparing their toxicity, and evaluating their in vitro antibacterial activity.
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January 2025
Chemistry Interdisciplinary Project (ChIP) Research Center, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri, 62032 Camerino, Italy.
, , , , , , , , and represent significant arthropod stored-product pests worldwide. To combat these noxious arthropods, the current study examines the pesticidal effect of essential oils (EOs) derived from four aromatic plants, i.e.
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January 2025
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yonsei University, Wonju 26493, Republic of Korea.
This study presents the fabrication of a sustainable flexible humidity sensor utilizing chitosan derived from mealworm biomass as the primary sensing material. The chitosan-based humidity sensor was fabricated by casting chitosan and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films with interdigitated copper electrodes, forming a laminate composite suitable for real-time, resistive-type humidity detection. Comprehensive characterization of the chitosan film was performed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, contact angle measurements, and tensile testing, which confirmed its chemical structure, wettability, and mechanical stability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFAntibiotics (Basel)
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Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Maranhão, Ensino Integrado, Bloco 3, Av. dos Portugueses, 1966, São Luís 65080-805, Maranhão, Brazil.
: is a vegetal species popularly used to treat fungal infections. This study evaluated the anti- effect of extract after lethal infection in larvae and mice. : The chemical profile analysis of a hydroethanolic extract of the leaves of (EHVG) identified 14 compounds.
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