The rapid expansion of the global textile industry, driven by the fast-fashion paradigm, which is characterized by low-cost, short-lived garments made from inexpensive synthetic fibers, has intensified environmental pressures through increased waste generation, resource depletion, microplastic pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. Conventional polyethylene terephthalate (PET) recycling remains limited by high energy demands, harsh processing conditions, and the generation of low-value products. This review examines emerging upcycling strategies targeting PET-derived monomers, including terephthalic acid (TPA) and ethylene glycol, with particular emphasis on converting TPA into high-value chemicals, functional materials, and specialty polymers. By integrating biological and materials engineering approaches, these strategies offer a transformative pathway for converting textile waste into value-added products, thereby supporting the development of a circular and sustainable PET economy. Unlike previous surveys, this work focuses on the upcycling of TPA, providing a critical evaluation of how advanced protein engineering is driving improvements in enzymatic depolymerization and bioconversion pathways toward high-value products, thereby filling a key gap in existing research, which is predominantly centered on primary recycling approaches.
Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) produce exopolysaccharides (EPSs), which are beneficial in food and health applications because of their varied structural and functional characteristics. These EPSs are attracting a lot of interest. Homopolysaccharides (HoPSs) and heteropolysaccharides (HePSs) are two types of LAB-derived EPS that differ in their monosaccharide compositions and physicochemical properties. These biopolymers are produced through processes, such as extracellular synthesis and Wzx/Wzy-dependent mechanisms, which are controlled by environmental and genetic variables like pH, temperature, fermentation duration, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratios. In dairy products, like yogurt and cheese, EPS improves texture, moisture retention, and shelf life by acting as natural thickeners, stabilizers, and emulsifiers. They are also perfect for clean-label formulations due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In addition to its use in food, EPS has anticancer, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, cholesterol-lowering, and antidiabetic benefits. They alter gut microbiota, enhance intestinal health, and interact with immunological receptors (such as toll-like receptors [TLRs]). Furthermore, EPS exhibits promise in medicinal applications like biofilm inhibition, wound healing, and drug delivery systems. Large-scale applications are restricted by issues including low yield and high manufacturing costs, notwithstanding their potential. To overcome these obstacles, developments in genetic engineering and fermentation optimization are essential. The biosynthesis, structural variety, and multifunctional roles of LAB-EPS in food innovation and health promotion are highlighted in this review, which also highlights future research areas to increase their industrial and therapeutic value.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a multifactorial inflammatory skin disease characterized by chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and compromised skin barrier function. Thespesia populnea is found to be a rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids and it provides various therapeutic applications in dermatology. The pharmacological action of phytocompounds present in the flower part of Thespesia populnea in treating the skin inflammation is largely unknown. In the present study, we have employed a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach to explore the therapeutic potential of Thespesia populnea in treating AD and to understand the molecular mechanism of action of phytocompounds present in the flower part of Thespesia populnea. The phytochemical data of Thespesia populnea were extracted from the IMPPAT database, which includes 16 phytocompounds: gossypol, kaempferol, quercetin, lupenone, lupeol, quercetin-3-glucoside, beta-sitosterol, etc. Based on the SEA database search, 226 targets were identified to have binding affinity with the phytocompounds present in Thespesia populnea flowers. A total of 1538 AD-associated targets were retrieved and out of which 71 were identified to be ligand-associated AD targets and were further used for network construction. The AD network revealed the multi-targeted mechanism of phytocompounds present in Thespesia populnea against AD targets responsible for its anti-dermatitic activity. The top 15 potential protein targets in the network were found to be AKT1, NFKB1, MMP9, STAT3, EGFR, BCL2, PPARG, ESR1, MMP2, IL2, TLR2, GSK3B, KDR, CREB1, and ALOX5. Based on virtual screening and SwissADME prediction, eight docking complexes with high binding affinity and favorable pharmacokinetic properties were selected for AutoDock analysis. Among the selected docking complexes, beta-sitosterol and glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3B) complex were found to possess the maximum binding energy of -8.3 kcal/mol with interacting amino acids GLU B:290, PRO A:212, PRO B:286, and TYR B:288. Other potent interactions that signify the anti-dermatitic potential of Thespesia populnea include kaempferol-GSK3B, lupeol-GSK3B, beta-sitosterol-GSK3B, herbacetin-ALOX5, gossypetin-ALOX5, quercetin-ALOX5, lupenone-ALOX5, and lupeol-ALOX5. The GSK3B complex and arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase were found to be the key anti-dermatitic targets for the phytocompounds present in Thespesia populnea flowers. The network pharmacological study revealed the mechanism of action of the phytocompounds present in Thespesia populnea flowers against potential dermatitis targets and molecular docking analysis highlighted the potent interactions responsible for its anti-dermatitic property. The present study offers valuable insights into the anti-dermatitic property of Thespesia populnea flowers (Supporting information).
Streptokinase (SK) is an enzyme drug and is used in medicine for dissolving clots in conditions such as heart attacks, lung artery emboli, vein thrombosis, and occlusions of arteries. Despite the impressive use of SK, its immunogenicity and short half-life are major challenges that limit its efficacy in clinical settings. In this communication, we studied the polysialylation of SK with the aim of improving the pharmacokinetics of this thrombolytic drug. Recombinant SK was covalently conjugated to polysialic acid (PSA; also referred to as colominic acid [CA]) via reductive amination. Native and polysialylated variants were compared in terms of structural properties, enzyme kinetics, stability, immunization, and biological half-life. The best molecular weight of PSA, optimum molar ratio, incubation time, and temperature for the conjugation reaction were determined to be 10.0 kDa, 200:1, 24 h, and 25°C, respectively. The exact molecular weight of SK-10.0 kDa PSA was determined to be 56.5 kDa by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, which matches the calculated value by SDS-PAGE. The intrinsic fluorescence intensity of polysialylated SK increased compared to the native version, meaning that the stability of SK was increased by immobilization on the PSA polymer. Km of polysialylated SK was slightly higher than that of native SK, which showed that the attached PSA molecules to the enzyme did not significantly reduce the substrate specificity. Polysialylated SK elicited nearly 63.0% lower antibody production compared to the native variant. Native and polysialylated SKs exhibited plasma half-lives of 0.5 and 2.21 h, respectively, implying that the modified variant has a 4.42-fold longer residence time in the body. Briefly, comparative studies with native and PSA-conjugated enzymes show that polysialylation can be useful in enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of SK. It is worth emphasizing that this is the first report describing the use of polysialylation technology to improve the pharmaceutical properties of SK.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) is a crucial regulator of the cell cycle and a promising target for cancer treatment. In this study, five known inhibitors were used to create a receptor-based pharmacophore model that includes an aromatic ring, hydrogen bond donors and acceptors, a negatively charged group, and a hydrophobic region. This model screened the Asinex database and found 1881 hits. Molecular docking narrowed the selection to the 10 best candidates (MD1-MD10), with MD1-MD5 showing strong binding affinities, with docking scores between -11.66 and -10.56 kcal/mol. These five compounds were further tested using ADME/T profiling, DFT calculations, and 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Principal component analysis (PCA) and free energy landscape (FEL) evaluations further confirmed stable conformational behavior across the MD simulation trajectories. The HOMO-LUMO gaps suggested stable electronic properties, and the MD simulations confirmed complex stability, with RMSD and RMSF values ranging from 2.0 to 2.8 Å. Overall, MD1-MD5 demonstrated excellent binding, structural stability, and pharmacokinetic properties, making them strong candidates for future CDK2-targeted anticancer research.
Enzymatic browning mediated by polyphenol oxidase (PPO) remains a persistent challenge in food preservation. We report the rational design, synthesis, and evaluation of nine coumarin-sulfonamide hybrid inhibitors (DS1-9) featuring 6,7-dihydroxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl cores linked to N-substituted benzenesulfonamide scaffolds, confirmed by FT-IR and 1H-NMR. Enzyme kinetics against Agaricus bisporus tyrosinase revealed competitive inhibition across the series, with Ki values spanning 46-775 uM. DFT calculations (B3LYP/def2-TZVP) characterized the electronic landscape, HOMO-LUMO energies (-5.716 to -6.455 eV; -1.716 to -2.278 eV), electrophilicity indices (3.5-4.2 eV), and dipole moments (4.98-11.24 Debye), while C-PCM solvation modeling, MEP mapping, and RDG analysis established that intramolecular hydrogen bonding (sign λ2ρ ≈ -0.025 to -0.035 a.u.) preorganizes binding-competent conformations. Molecular docking against PPO3 (PDB: 2Y9X) yielded binding affinities of -7.66 to -8.99 kcal/mol, substantially exceeding tropolone (-4.65 kcal/mol). DS-7 (N-3,4-dimethylisoxazol-5-yl) emerged as the lead compound (IC50 = 103 ± 5.64 µM; Ki = 46 uM), its potency driven by hydrogen bonding with Glu322, His85, and Asn260 alongside π-sigma/π-anion contacts. DS-1 (N-thiazol-2-yl; IC50 = 99.7 ± 0.91 µM; Ki = 57 uM) achieved comparable inhibition through a distinctive π-sulfur interaction with His85 and copper coordination. DS-6 (N-ethyl-N-phenyl; IC50 = 90.3 ± 4.86 µM; Ki = 129 uM) outperformed docking predictions via apparent induced-fit binding involving dual copper π-alkyl coordination. SAR analysis identified the 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin core, Val283 π-sigma anchoring, and lipophilic N-substitution as non-negotiable pharmacophoric elements, positioning DS-7, DS-1, and DS-6 for food preservation and biocatalytic applications.
Marine environments are an abundant source of sustainable polymers with considerable biomedical potential. In this study, a marine Streptomyces sp. strain KAR3 was isolated from the Gulf of Mannar. Extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) was isolated, characterized, and evaluated for its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anticancer activity against MDA-MB-231 cells. Strain identification using biochemical characterization and 16S rRNA gene sequencing (Accession: PP330035) showed 100% similarity to Streptomyces geysiriensis, and phylogenetic analysis supported its affiliation with the S. geysiriensis clad. S. geysiriensis strain KAR3 produced 4.4 g/L of EPS in the media after 7 days. EPS production was optimized in several culture media and structurally characterized by UV spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and GC-MS. FTIR analysis revealed C-H and C = O stretching and glycosidic linkages. 1H and 13C NMR shifts aligned with sugar moieties, indicating the EPS is a complex polysaccharide. GC-MS showed glucose as the major monosaccharide in the EPS. The isolated EPS exhibited dose-dependent inhibition, with the largest zone of inhibition observed at 100 µg/mL. The EPS exhibited notable antibacterial and biofilm inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis in a concentration-dependent manner. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) calculated for the most susceptible strains was at 100 µg/mL. The IC50 value of EPS was found to be 25.44 µg/mL, indicating a strong cytotoxic effect against MDA-MB-231 cancer cells. Together, these findings demonstrate the broad-spectrum antibacterial and anticancer activity of marine EPS from S. geysiriensis and its potential as a natural source in the search for new antimicrobial compounds.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a prevalent viral respiratory infection that has been increasingly affecting children under 5 years old globally. Although RSV can infect individuals of all ages, certain groups are at higher risk, particularly infants and young children. This growing concern underscores the urgent need for effective therapeutic options. In this context, drug repurposing emerges as a promising strategy, allowing existing medications to be utilized for new therapeutic applications beyond their original indications. In this research, we utilized library of FDA-approved antiviral drugs that show potential for repurposing. We performed molecular docking against RSV nucleoprotein. The two resulting drugs, ganciclovir and acyclovir, reveal notable binding energy and critical interactions. Further ADMET profile and prediction of activity spectra for substances (PASS) analysis show potential to be antiviral drugs against nucleoprotein. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulations for 500 ns were conducted, along with calculations of principal component analysis (PCA) and Gibbs free energy for the most promising ligand-receptor complexes identified in docking ADMET and PASS analysis (ganciclovir and acyclovir). The simulations provided insights into their thermodynamic and dynamic properties, further investigating the docking results. The findings from this study offer valuable leads for the development of therapeutic agents against RSV. However, to substantiate the preventive and therapeutic potential of these compounds, further validations, including in vitro, animal studies, and rigorous clinical trials, are necessary.
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different extraction conditions on the recovery of phenolic compounds from brewers' spent grain (BSG) and their antioxidant capacity. A Plackett-Burman design (PBD) was first applied to identify the key variables influencing the extraction process, followed by response surface methodology (RSM) to optimize the conditions for maximizing phenolic compound yield and antioxidant activity. The optimized extraction parameters included a drying temperature of 50°C, a liquid/solid ratio of 56.5 mL/g, and an extraction temperature of 69.7°C. Experimental validation confirmed that the predicted values for total phenolic content (2.68 mg AGE/g dm) and antioxidant capacities (1.20 mg TE/g dm for DPPH and 5.81 mg TE/g dm for ABTS) were in agreement with experimental data within a 95% confidence level, demonstrating the reliability of the models used. Despite the high phenolic content and antioxidant activity, the extracts showed no antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Listeria innocua. These findings highlight the potential of BSG as a source of antioxidants, reinforcing its possible applications in the food, packaging, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries as a natural additive. Additionally, optimizing the extraction process contributes to the valorization of this agro-industrial by-product, promoting sustainability and circular economy practices.
Due to their technological and functional properties, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) contribute to improving the nutritional value and extending the shelf life of food products. However, the heterogeneity, biodiversity, and complex metabolic pathways of LAB species have required significant scientific efforts to isolate, characterize, and optimize their applications in food technology. Furthermore, variations in prevalence and composition across regions and countries pose additional challenges, driven by the intrinsic capacity of these bacteria to evolve into mutant strains in response to environmental conditions. Within this intricate framework, this study provides an in-depth overview of LAB prevalence and biodiversity in Maghrebian countries, highlighting recent findings on their metabolic pathways. In addition, the molecular and physiological features of newly isolated LAB species originating from the Maghreb are assessed. This review is of particular significance as it provides an updated and region-focused synthesis of recent biotechnological advances in LAB in Maghrebian countries. It highlights their broader implications for sustainable food systems, functional food innovation, and the valorization of local microbial resources.
Microbes are a potential source of bio-pigments, offering safe and cost-effective alternatives to synthetic dyes. This study demonstrates the utilization of orange peel waste as a cost-effective substrate for pigment production by Micrococcus luteus. The nucleotide sequence of M. luteus, with 99.9% similarity, was deposited in GenBank under the accession number PX673990. The microbial pigment was further partially purified, yielding 14.94 ± 0.09 µg/mL of crude pigment under optimized conditions and 2.4 mg/L at partially purified conditions. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis demonstrated two prominent, broad peaks at 2.060 and 2.423 min, suggesting the presence of an oxygenated carotenoid-like compound. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and combined 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectra have suggested that the pigment is similar to a glycosylated carotenoid-like compound with esterified fatty acids. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns exhibit sharp peaks between 17° and 28°, indicating the high crystallinity of the purified pigment. Furthermore, the partially purified pigment can scavenge 42.44% ± 0.03% of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 37.245% ± 0.05% of ABTS. This partially purified yellow pigment has been applied to various textiles and paper for dyeing. Different fastness properties, resistance to rubbing, washing, light, and temperature, were also evaluated. This study suggests that the bio-pigment obtained from the M. luteus strain PPIOR 1 (PX673990) exhibits effective dyeing properties. It also suggests that this pigment could be used as a sustainable, bio-based dye for the textile and paper industries in the near future. Further, its ability to produce at low cost and its various substrate affinities effectively substitute the synthetic dyes.
For identification of this new local poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) bacteria and partial purification of γ-PGA, the bacterium was studied and identified as Bacillus cereus. Sixty isolates of Bacillus spp. were collected from 28 sources (agricultural soil, local market vegetables, and fruits). Preliminary screening was performed on selective plates; 37 strains were selected on the basis of their ability to form a slimy mucoid colony. All isolates were studied for morphological and microscopic characters and identified by biochemical tests; a test for the production of γ-PGA was conducted with spectrophotometric determination of the polymer concentration at 216 nm. The best local strain B3, causing 2.54 g/mL of polymer, was chosen. Isolated strain was designated ARM24 and was published elsewhere with 99% identity as B. cereus ARM24 under the GenBank accession number. Optimization studies indicated that the optimum conditions for γ-PGA production were 37°C, pH 7, inoculum size 2 mL, shaking speed 200 rpm, and fermentation time 48 h using grape pomace juice as carbon source and soybean meal with salting out as nitrogen source. The polymer was precipitated from cold 99% ethanol with a recovery rate of 3:1, purified by dialysis bags (10,000 Da), and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), thin-layer chromatography (TLC), 1H-NMR, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
BACKGROUND:The antibodies (including 7C4, 8D1) are neutralizing antibodies specifically targeting the protein RBD, a key core of the combination with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In order to measure HuB01 in fermentation products accurately, a bioanalytical method was needed, which should have high selectivity and be free from interference by 501Y.V2. METHODS AND RESULTS:To quantify HuB01 in fermentation products, an indirect ELISA was developed and validated, utilizing anti-idiotypic monoclonal antibodies for both capture and detection. The assay demonstrates high sensitivity, with a lower limit of quantification set at 3.906 ng/mL, a wide dynamic range spanning 3906-125 ng/mL for HuB01, and outstanding precision and accuracy. CONCLUSION:A sensitive and selective method for measuring HuB01 in fermentation products has been developed and validated by us. Currently, this assay is applied in the quality control of the production process.
Lipases are industrially important enzymes with broad applications in food processing, particularly in enhancing dough quality. In the current work, a lipase-producing strain was collected from oil-contaminated soil and recognized as Microbacterium takaoensis through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Optimal lipase production was achieved under submerged fermentation using olive oil (2.0%) as the carbon and yeast extract (0.5%) as the nitrogen source at pH 7.0. The purification of lipase was carried out by ammonium sulfate precipitation along with size exclusion chromatography. Molecular weight by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) analysis demonstrated the weight of lipase for approximately 40 kDa. Biochemical characterization showed that the lipase exhibited optimal activity at 37°C and pH 7.0 and was significantly enhanced by Zn2+, Fe2+, and Cd2+. Functional application studies of the purified lipase in pizza dough show improved nutritional content, increased protein and lipid levels, and reduced fiber content. Textural analysis revealed enhanced softness and elasticity, whereas scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging confirmed improved microstructural uniformity in treated dough. These findings suggest that M. takaoensis derived lipase holds strong potential for clean-label applications in functional food development.
Effective vaccines against Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, are urgently needed. Here, we report the design and in silico validation of a novel multiepitope vaccine construct targeting the key surface proteins ASP-2 and gp82. Using a comprehensive immunoinformatics pipeline, we identified and selected 38 potent T-cell (CTL/HTL) and B-cell epitopes, ensuring high antigenicity, immunogenicity, and safety. The final chimeric protein, integrated with adjuvants and stabilizing linkers, demonstrated favorable physicochemical properties, high solubility, and was predicted to be non-allergenic and non-toxic, with a significant population coverage of approximately 62% in Latin America. Structural modeling and refinement confirmed a stable tertiary structure. Crucially, molecular docking predicted high-affinity interactions with the immune receptors TLR2 and TLR4 (docking scores: -1360.4 and -1278.7, respectively). The stability and flexibility of these vaccine-receptor complexes were further validated by 300 ns molecular dynamics simulations. Finally, codon optimization and in silico cloning projected high expression potential in an Escherichia coli system. Immune simulations predicted robust responses: Innate (elevated cytokines, dendritic cell activation), humoral (IgG/IgM production), and cellular (CD4+/CD8+/memory T-cell activation) across simulated doses. These findings strongly support the potential of this vaccine candidate and provide a solid foundation for its further preclinical development against T. cruzi.
The rise of multidrug resistance (MDR) in Acinetobacter baumannii has severely compromised the efficacy of carbapenem antibiotics. This resistance is primarily driven by class B1 metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), including IMP, VIM, and NDM, which hydrolyze a broad spectrum of β-lactams, including carbapenems. To address this challenge, we conducted an extensive structure-based virtual screening campaign specifically targeting IMP-2, VIM-1, and NDM-1, integrating high-throughput docking, ADME/T filtering, and molecular dynamics validation to identify novel inhibitors. In total, 66,734 compounds from the ENAMINE, CMNPD, ASINEX, and ChemDiv libraries were evaluated, with marine-derived CMNPD molecules showing superior drug-likeness and binding potential. Virtual screening was performed using the Schrödinger suite, and top-ranked hits were validated using GROMACS-based molecular dynamics simulations, MM-GBSA binding free energy calculations, and essential dynamics analysis to confirm stability and binding efficiency. Three lead inhibitors, CMNPD29415 (IMP-2; XP G-score: -14.17 kcal/mol; MM-GBSA: -84.53 kcal/mol), CMNPD8077 (VIM-1; -11.76 kcal/mol; MM-GBSA: -50.11 kcal/mol), and BDE_30700625 (NDM-1; -13.80 kcal/mol), exhibited stable protein-ligand interactions and robust dynamic behavior. Key interactions were observed with catalytic residues, including GLU24, HIS35, GLU153, ASP224, and HIS240, supporting their inhibitory potential. MD trajectories revealed low RMSD fluctuations and reduced active-site mobility, further strengthening the therapeutic relevance of these compounds. Overall, this study highlights structurally unique marine metabolites as promising inhibitory scaffolds against Class B1 MBLs, and upcoming experimental validation will determine their translational applicability.
Polymeric nanoparticles have emerged as attractive carriers for cancer therapies and brain-related disorders due to their increased permeability and retention (EPR) effect. Cinnamic acid (CA), a multifunctional bioactive molecule with notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities, was encapsulated into a polymeric nanoparticle system composed of polylactic acid and chitosan. Comprehensive physicochemical characterization demonstrated effective CA loading in polymeric nanoparticles by displaying a transition from crystalline-to-amorphous, which improved solubility and bioavailability. The CA loaded polylactic acid/chitosan nanoparticles (CA-PLA/CS NPs) were spherical and homogenous in size (80-135 nm) with a positive zeta potential of +8.17 mV that ensured colloidal stability. The sustained and pH-responsive drug release suited to tumor microenvironments and managing brain-related disorders. CA-PLA/CS NPs preserved substantial antioxidant activity and had anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to diclofenac sodium and hemolysis were below the acceptable safety threshold. Animal studies confirmed that retained neural, hepatic and renal morphology with no damage, indicating systemic tolerance. Pharmacokinetic tests demonstrated that CA-PLA/CS nanoparticles had higher plasma concentrations than free CA, demonstrating the delivery system's efficacy. Overall, CA-PLA/CS NPs formulation syndicates structural stability, biocompatibility, and therapeutic efficacy, creating a strong platform for targeted cancer medication delivery and brain-related disorders.
Tamarind (Tamarindus indica) seeds, often discarded as agro-industrial waste, are a rich source of bioactive compounds and dietary fibers. In this study, tamarind seed powder (TSP) was enzymatically treated for 4 h (e4TSP), 6 h (e6TSP), and 8 h (e8TSP) to decipher its nutritional, functional, and bioactive properties. The e6TSP contained protein (13.99 g/100 g) and carbohydrate content (64.77 g/100 g), with low moisture (3.12 g/100 g) and water activity (0.37), ensuring storage stability. Antioxidant evaluation revealed exceptionally high total phenolics (3506.78 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (5877.6 mg QE/100 g), along with significant radical scavenging capacity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis confirmed the presence of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipid-associated functional groups. Enzymatic hydrolysis revealed substantial potential of prebiotic oligosaccharides (XOS, FOS, GOS, MOS), with maximum yields at 6 h. In vitro assays demonstrated that e6TSP supported the growth of probiotic Lactobacillus spp. and significantly enhanced the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate. These dual effects probiotic stimulation and SCFA generation highlight e6TSP as a potential stimbiotic ingredient. The findings position tamarind seed powder as a sustainable bioresource for food, nutraceutical, and poultry feed applications, while contributing to effective waste valorization.
The particle size of the antihyperglycemic drug metformin has been reduced to the nano range. The structural and microstructural characterizations of pure metformin and nano-metformin have been carried out by the Rietveld refinement of the XRD patterns and by analyzing UV-Vis absorption spectra. A docking study has also been performed to calculate the binding affinities of pure metformin and nano-metformin. To confirm the theoretical result of the docking study, an in vivo study has also been performed by administering both pure metformin and nano-metformin to 18-h-fasted normal mice. It has been confirmed that the FBGLs (fasting blood glucose levels) of mice have been reduced more in the case of nano-metformin compared to that of pure metformin. This in vivo result is in good agreement with the molecular docking result, which confirmed the higher binding efficacy of nano-metformin than that of pure metformin. This study proposes a new route to enhance the efficacy of a drug solely by reducing its particle size to the nanoscale without using any external agents.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae poses an urgent public health challenge due to rapidly increasing antimicrobial resistance and the absence of an effective vaccine. Targeting conserved bacterial pathways involved in essential physiological processes may provide new opportunities for vaccine antigen discovery. In this study, we applied an immunoinformatics-based pipeline to explore a conserved copper-associated protein as a potential antigenic source for multi-epitope vaccine design. Analysis of 396 clinical genomes confirmed high assembly quality and identified a highly conserved hypothetical protein (AKOBGLPP_01618) through proteome-wide screening for metal-binding signatures. The candidate exhibited strong predicted antigenicity, high prevalence across isolates (99.5%), and no detectable homology with human proteins. In silico analyses suggested potential copper-binding features based on predicted metal-coordinating residues and conserved genomic context. Epitope mapping identified B-cell epitope-rich regions that were refined into conserved, surface-accessible peptides. Predicted cytotoxic and helper T-cell epitopes were filtered for immunogenicity, safety, and strain conservancy prior to inclusion in a multi-epitope construct containing a TLR4-targeting adjuvant and processing-optimized linkers. The resulting 155-amino-acid construct demonstrated favorable physicochemical characteristics, predicted solubility, and an estimated global population coverage of 74.84%. Docking analyses suggested a consistent interaction propensity with the TLR4/MD-2 complex across multiple predicted conformations. Although these findings provide preliminary computational support for the proposed construct, experimental validation will be required to confirm antigen function, immunogenicity, and receptor engagement. Collectively, this study identifies a conserved copper-associated protein as a potential antigen source and presents a computational framework for exploring vaccine candidates against N. gonorrhoeae.
