This study investigated the biotransformation of red goji berry (Lycium barbarum) via kombucha fermentation and its impact on the composition of bioactive metabolites, functional activities, and sensory evaluation. Kombucha was prepared with 1, 3, and 5% (w/v) goji berries and fermented for 14 days. Fermentation significantly decreased pH and sugar levels while increasing titratable acidity, indicating active production of organic acids. Total phenolic, flavonoid, tannin, and vitamin C contents increased during fermentation, thereby enhancing antioxidant capacity. The highest DPPH radical scavenging activity was observed in 5% goji berry kombucha (121.79 mg/L vitamin C equivalent). LC-MS profiling revealed enrichment of fermentation- and fruitderived metabolites, including acetic acid and glucuronic acid as predominant organic acids, together with hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, ferulic acid, rutin, and phenylamide compounds originating from goji berry. The fermented beverage showed strong antibacterial effects against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, likely due to the combined action of organic acids and phenolic compounds. It also exhibited better alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity than the non-fermented extract, suggesting greater antidiabetic potential. Safety tests using Zophobas morio larvae and HaCaT keratinocytes confirmed that the beverage is non-toxic and cell-compatible. Sensory evaluation with trained panelists using a nine-point hedonic scale found that the beverage was well accepted overall, with the 3% (w/v) goji berry kombucha receiving the highest scores. These results show that kombucha fermentation enhances the functional and health-related properties of goji berries while maintaining the beverage's safety and consumer appeal, supporting its use as a functional fermented drink.

A series of polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-polystyrene (SBS) membranes functionalized with pyridinium derivatives (SBS-QA+py) were synthesized through free-radical chlorination of the polybutadiene segments using azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as the free-radical initiator, promoting uniform chain growth. The resulting SBS-QA+py anion-exchange membranes (AEMs) were quaternized via a conventional solution-casting method. The membranes exhibited controlled ion-exchange capacities (IECs), water uptake (WU), and optimized interionic separation, achieving a balance between hydration, dimensional stability, and mechanical integrity. Noncovalent stacking interactions between the polystyrene and pyridinic segments significantly contributed to these properties. Notably, the SBS-Qdpy2 AEM achieved a peak ionic conductivity of 101.23 mS cm-1 at 80 °C (IEC: 1.72 mequiv g-1) and a peak power density of 398.14 mW cm-2 in a H2/O2 flow single cell at 80 °C, surpassing the performance of previously reported SBS-based AEMs. The membranes also demonstrated excellent chemical durability in 1 M NaOH solutions over 30 days, highlighting superior alkaline stability. These results underscore the critical role of optimized ion exchange and membrane morphology enhancing the fuel cell performance, positioning SBS-QA+py AEMs as promising candidates for next-generation fuel cells. Optimizing grafting, quaternization, and cross-linking will create stable AEMs with selective, well-defined nanoionic channels for efficient anion diffusion.

Bacterial cellulose derived from coffee kombucha (KBC) is a renewable, biocompatible biopolymer; however, its limited intrinsic antimicrobial activity limits its biomedical applications. In this study, a sustainable and integrated biosynthetic approach was used to develop chitosan-reinforced, silver nanoparticle-decorated kombucha bacterial cellulose nanocomposite (KCBC-Ag). Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) biosynthesized by the coffee kombucha consortium had an average diameter of approximately 50 nm and were uniformly distributed within the cellulose matrix. The KBC-Ag exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrated high cytocompatibility toward HaCaT cells, and significantly improved wound closure in scratch assay (approximately 98% after 24 h). Additionally, the scaffold displayed favorable swelling properties and environmental degradability. These results indicate that KBC-Ag is a promising, sustainably fabricated wound dressing material that integrates biocompatibility, antibacterial performance, and regenerative capacity, with potential for biomedical applications.

Abstract Nanocomposite-based bacterial cellulose is currently widely used for biomedical applications, and the kombucha consortium is one of the alternative ways to synthesize bacterial cellulose. This research focuses on synthesizing silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) and nanocomposite-based bacterial cellulose in a coffee kombucha consortium. The commercial SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast) in Taiwan dominantly contained lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus strain) and yeasts (Saccharomyces strain) identified by 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing. These mix strains were used for the biosynthesis of Ag NPs and silver nanocomposite (CBC-Ag). Transmission electron spectroscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) confirmed silver nanoparticle formation, and the 3D-Raman mapping confirmed layer-by-layer mapping in the nanocomposite. In addition, Human keratinocyte cell lines (HaCaT) cells were used to evaluate the cell attachment by DAPI (4’,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) nucleus staining on the nanocomposite surface for biological performance. To conclude, the facile biosynthesis of silver nanocomposite was considerably successful, and the HaCaT cells have uniformly adhered to the nanocomposite surface.

Targeted, localized delivery of dual drugs offers a potent strategy for glioblastoma (GBM) therapy. Hydrogels co-encapsulating micelle-based formulations have recently emerged as promising platforms for sustained, site-specific release of drugs. In this study, we developed two structurally similar Janus micelle formulations that were independently prepared by blending alanine-modified carboxyl-terminated (ADF) and ethylenediaminemodified amine-terminated (EDF) Pluronic F127 at a 1:2 w/w ratio. Gemcitabine was loaded into the hydrophilic shell of one micelle, and Resiquimod (R848) into the hydrophobic core of the other. Both micelle solutions were uniformly dispersed into a 1:2 hydrogel precursor at low temperature, forming an injectable solution that rapidly gelled at physiological temperature while preserving micelle dispersion within the network. The hydrogel degraded in response to tumor microenvironment (TME) conditions, enabling environment-specific micelle release. Once released, gemcitabine and R848 were simultaneously liberated from micelles. However, gemcitabine diffused more rapidly from the hydrophilic shell, resulting in temporally staggered, sequential delivery. The copolymer exhibited excellent biocompatibility (>= 90 +/- 2.14 % viability in 3T3 and CT2A cells) and enhanced cellular uptake. Micelle encapsulation increased the IC50 of gemcitabine (40-* 80 mu g/mL) and R848 (80-*100 mu g/mL), reflecting controlled release and reduced toxicity. Annexin V/PI staining revealed decreased necrosis and increased early apoptosis, particularly in the dual-drug group. In subcutaneous GBM models, the system reduced tumor volume by 89.5 +/- 3.34 % and significantly enhanced immune activation, with elevated levels of CD80, NF-kappa B, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha in tumor and spleen tissues. This platform provides sustained and controlled chemo-immunotherapy with increased efficacy for the treatment of localized tumors.

This study investigated the hypoglycemic and lipid-modulating effects of honey-enriched soursop (Annona muricata) leaves kombucha in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Diabetes was induced using alloxan monohydrate (45 mg/kg BW), followed by 28 days of oral administration of kombucha at 0.5 %, 1.0 %, or 1.5 % (w/v; 5 mL/kg BW/day), metformin (45 mg/kg BW/day), or no treatment. The 1.5 % kombucha dose markedly reduced blood glucose from 224.4 f 4.77 to 99.4 f 7.82 mg/dL, comparable to metformin (107.4 f 7.43 mg/dL). It also improved lipid profiles, lowering total cholesterol (59.0 f 5.33 mg/dL), triglycerides (34.6 f 8.32 mg/dL), and LDL (10.0 f 7.10 mg/dL), while elevating HDL (47.6 f 7.76 mg/dL). Histological examination revealed pancreatic islet regeneration in treated groups. In vivo toxicity evaluation using Zophobas morio larvae showed no adverse effects. These results demonstrate that honey-enriched soursop leaves kombucha is a safe and effective natural candidate for managing diabetes and dyslipidemia.

The controlled synthesis of Ag/Au nanocomposite particles has remained a significant challenge in nanomaterial research. This study presents the synthesis, characterization, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) performance of silver (Ag) and gold (Au) nanostar composites. The structural and plasmonic properties of these nanocomposites were optimized by varying the molar ratios of silver nanostars (AgNSs) and gold nanostars (AuNSs). By synthesizing composite nanostars with differing AgNS/AuNS ratios, we systematically compared their optical and spectroscopic behaviors. The results demonstrated that Ag/Au nanostar composites function as highly effective SERS substrates for the detection of rhodamine 6G (R6G), with solutions tested at concentrations from 10-15 to 10-6 M. Compared to individual AgNS or AuNS substrates, the Ag/Au nanocomposites exhibited significantly enhanced SERS signals, with superior consistency and sensitivity. Notably, the nanostar composite with a 75 : 25 Ag/Au ratio showed the highest SERS performance, achieving an enhancement factor of 8.9 x 106 and a detection limit of 10-15 M for R6G. Additionally, this composite demonstrated excellent long-term stability, maintaining performance until ten weeks of storage. To our knowledge, this represents the highest sensitivity reported for R6G detection using label-free SERS. The study further provides a detailed analysis of the composition-dependent SERS activity, underscoring the potential of Ag/Au nanocomposites as advanced SERS substrates for applications in chemical and biological sensing, as well as environmental monitoring.

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is a robust analytical tool applicable for the quick and accurate determination of mycotoxins. However, there hasn't been any attempt to use SERS for the quantitative detection of nivalenol (NIV) thus far. To improve the Raman signals of NIV, we fabricated a polydopamine-coated silver nanoflower (PDA-AgNFs) SERS substrate with strong “hot-spots”. The PDA-AgNFs substrates showed superior SERS enhancement activities in the target analyte detection and quantification. It produced good substrate uniformity (relative standard deviation of SERS signals, RSD = 4.1% for substrate-to-substrate test, and 3.24% for spot-to-spot test), an enhancement factor of 2.87 × 106 towards rhodamine 6B (R6G), and detection sensitivity as low as 1 femtomolar (10-15M) against R6G probe molecule. Moreover, the PDA-AgNFs SERS substrates were successfully used, for the first time, to detect NIV in corn, horse beans, and mushroom samples. The calibration curve showed a satisfactory linear fit based on the SERS intensities of different NIV concentrations. The detection limit (LOD) for the suggested approach was 0.22nM (S/N = 3). Interestingly, the MTT assay experiment demonstrated that PDA-AgNFs had no toxicity against mammalian NIH-3T3 cells. The biocompatible PDA-AgNFs substrates with intense plasmonic effects and binding sites demonstrated impressive Raman enhancement, and could serve as an effective, label-free, and fast SERS-based analysis of NIV in real samples.

Leveraging waste materials, notably spent coffee grounds (SCG), as nitrogen sources facilitate the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles (NPs) and the concurrent production of bacterial cellulose (BC) as a by-product within the kombucha consortium. The synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) through the involvement of a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) offers an environmentally friendly alternative pathway, contrasting with non-environmental chemical synthesis methods. Herein, we proposed an eco-benign synthesis of Au-NPs and the functionalization of chitosan-bacterial cellulose (CBC) nanocomposites by incorporating Au NPs via in-situ biosynthesis in SCG kombucha consortium, mainly containing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and Saccharomyces strain. The Au-NPs produced were in polymorphism shapes, which largely dominate with spherical shapes with an average size of 20 nm. Furthermore, The CBC nanocomposite incorporating Au-NPs (Au-CBC) was successfully synthesized and presented with uniformly metallic NPs distributed on the surface and inner layer of nanocomposites, which was characterized by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and 3-D Raman mapping. The efficacy of Au-CBC as a wound dressing material was substantiated through its sustained release of Au3+ ions, exceptional biocompatibility, cell attachment, hemocompatibility, in-vitro antibacterial activity, and successful in-vivo wound healing. These findings advocate for the green synthesis of Au NPs and highlight the potential of this promising gold nanocomposite, which is comparatively underutilized in wound dressing materials when contrasted with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs).

We report the effects of Cu substitution on the photovoltaic performance of (a) single-layered Cu–Ag–In–S and (b) core/shell Cu–Ag–In–S/CdSe quantum-dot sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs).

Objective: This study aimed to develop a topical nanoemulsion using clove oil and ethanol extract of catharanthus roseus (L.) G. for antioxidant and antibacterial dosage form. Methods: The nanoemulsion was produced using a spontaneous emulsification method. The formulation was carried out using tween 80 and pluronic 127 as surfactants with different extract concentrations (0.5–2%). The characterizations of the formula included organoleptic test, homogeneity, pH determination, emulsion type, viscosity, particle size determination, zeta potential, and stability test were evaluated. Antioxidant activity was conducted using DPPH method and antibacterial activity was determined against propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Results: The result showed that all the formulations produced a stable nanoemulsion with semisolid, clarity, transparent and homogenous characteristic. The nanoemulsion had pH of 5.5-6.5 and belong to oil in water (O/W) type of emulsion. The formula showed viscosity ranged from 121.33±0.29 until 211.01±1.00 cps, had particle size below than 300 nm, and were stable for 3 mo of storage and after accelerated evaluation. nanoemulsion contained 2% of c. roseus extract showed moderate antioxidant activity with IC50 value of 96.29±3.64 and antibacterial activity with 10.65±0.15 and 13.27±0.21 mm of inhibition zones for propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, respectively. Conclusion: Clove oil combined with the ethanol extract of c. roseus produced a stable nanoemulsion, which demonstrated concentration-dependent antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Hybrid eco-friendly nanocomposite films were fabricated by blending high-methoxyl pectin, gelatin, TiO2, and curcumin through the solution casting method. Various concentrations (0-5 wt%) of TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) and curcumin as an organic filler were added to the blend solutions. A high TNP concentration affected the surface morphology, roughness, and compactness of the films. Additionally, 3D mapping revealed the nanoparticle distribution in the film layers. Moisture content, water solubility, and light transmittance reduced dramatically with increasing TNP content, in accordance with the water vapor and oxygen permeabilities. X-ray diffraction revealed that the films were semicrystalline nanocomposites, and the thermal properties of the films increased when 5 wt% of TNPs was incorporated into the blend solution. Fourier-transform infrared and Raman analyses revealed interactions among biopolymers, nanoparticles, and organic fillers through hydrogen bonding. The shelf life of fresh salmon fillets was prolonged to six days for all groups, revealed by total viable counts and psychrotrophic bacteria counts, and the pH of the salmon fillets could be extended until the sixth day for all groups. Biodegradation assays demonstrated a significant weight loss in the nanocomposite films. Therefore, a nanocomposite film with 5 wt% TNPs could potentially be cytotoxic to NIH 3T3 cells.

Because of sulfite's potential toxicity, there is a growing concern about detecting and controlling its concentration in foods, alcoholic beverages, pharmaceuticals, and environmental samples to ensure public health. A branched polyethyleneimine-coated silver nano-star (AgNS@PEI) surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate was synthesized in this study for use as a sensitive, simple, rapid, stable, and reproducible nondestructible sulfite detection analytical technique. The seed morphology of the nano-star was created by using hydroxylamine (NH2OH) solution as a primary reducing agent, followed by a slow secondary reduction by trisodium citrate dihydrate (HOC(COONa)(CH2COONa)2 2H2O), resulting in the complete growth of the silver nano-star. For extra stability and selective absorption of sulfur dioxide from the headspace extraction of SO2 from sulfites, the nano-stars were thin coated with branched polyethyleneimine (b-PEI). The results showed that the thin-coated plasmonic substrates selectively absorb sulfur dioxide molecules, allowing sulfites in beer samples to be detected with a detection limit of 0.48 mg/L. Furthermore, the PEI-coated silver nano-star demonstrated increased stability and reproducibility, allowing for longer use of the substrate. Recovery experiments with recovery rates ranging from 95 to 112% and relative standard deviations ranging from 1.55 to 8.1% demonstrated that headspace extraction, selective SO2 absorption by the synthesized substrate, and subsequent SERS detections were reliable and valid for practical applications. Finally, this study developed an SO2-sensitive, selective, and robust Si@AgNS@PEI substrate for effective SERS detection and monitoring of sulfite levels in real-world environmental samples.

Biomaterials that are mediocre for cell adhesion have been a concern for medical purposes. In this study, we fabricated nano-gold chitosan-bacterial cellulose (CBC-Au) via a facile in-situ method using spent ground coffee (SGC) in a kombucha consortium. The eco-benign synthesis of monodispersed gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in modified bacterial cellulose (BC) was successfully achieved in the presence of chitosan (CHI) and a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dominant microbiome community in SGC kombucha were Lactobacillaceae and Saccharomycetes. Chitosan-bacterial cellulose (CBC) and CBC-Au affected the microfibril networks in the nano cellulose structures and decreased the porosity. The modified BC maintained its crystallinity up to 80 % after incorporating CHI and Au NPs. Depth profiling using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) indicated that the Au NPs were distributed in the deeper layers of the scaffolds and a limited amount on the surface of the scaffold. Aspergillus niger fungal strains validated the biodegradability of each scaffold as a decomposer. Bacteriostatically CBC-Au showed better antimicrobial activity than BC, in line with the adhesion of NIH-3T3 fibroblast cells and red blood cells (RBCs), which displayed good biocompatibility performance, indicating its potential use as a medical scaffold.

Kombucha is a prominent fermentation beverage for its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and therapeutic properties. In this study, we utilized soursop leaves infusion with different concentrations (0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (w/v)) and honey as the carbon source to determine the physicochemical, antimicrobial, and cytotoxicity properties in the kombucha consortium after 15 days of fermentation. The soursop leaves kombucha (1.5% (w/v)) performed the highest antioxidant capacity and positive antimicrobial activity against two pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus. A lower acid and alcohol content in the soursop leaves kombucha beverage could be considered safe for Halal consumption in line with the cytotoxicity evaluation against HaCaT keratinocyte cells that have more than 80% viability and are considered non-toxic. Antioxidant capacities through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assay and vitamin C analysis revealed that soursop leaves kombucha enriched with honey are a potent antioxidant beverage. A gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) analysis revealed that most organic acids in the soursop leave kombucha were ethanoic, propanoic, butanoic acids, and some volatile compounds considered to have antimicrobial properties.

Kombucha is a long-established healthy drink produced by the fermentation of tea leaves with sucrose, bacteria, and yeasts. The usage of different kinds of tea leaves and carbon sources can also be brewed to cultivate Kombucha. This research aimed to target the antioxidant and phytochemical properties of soursop leaves Kombucha with galactomannan as an alternative carbon source evaluated against different soursop leaves concentrations with a particular fermentation time. The earlier kombucha broth 20 % (v/v) was inoculated with 0.5 g of galactomannan and various concentrations of soursop leaves. Moreover, Kombucha was fermented and analyzed with an interval of 0, 7, and 14 days in triplicate, respectively. Bioactive compounds were analyzed using UV-spectrophotometer, and 1.5% (w/v) soursop leaves Kombucha accord the best results than the lower concentration. GC-MS analysis for kombucha cultivar after 14 days of fermentation contained longer chain organic acids such as pentanoic acid, butanoic acid, and propanoic acid.

Even though the mechanical extraction process offers a simple and environmentally friendly process, the recovery of oil is relatively low. Thermal pre-treating the oilseed increases the oil yield but produces unwanted oil colour. A new method which combines grinding and extraction using green solvents was developed to extract palm kernel oil. The performance of six different green solvents such as water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, dimethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, and d-limonene in extraction palm kernel oil was determined using a controllable blender extractor (CBE), new extraction equipment modified from a household blender appliance. Further, ethyl acetate, which produced the maximum oil yield, was used to study the effect of the operating parameters of the CBE. The oil yield of 34.2 ± 0.02% was obtained in the extraction condition of the ratio of palm kernel to ethyl acetate of 1:7, rotational speed of 5000 rpm and 10 minutes extraction time. Compared to other green extraction methods, the CBE-intensified palm kernel oil extraction could save >70% energy consumption. In terms of extraction time, the CBE-intensified could extract palm kernel oil faster than existing extraction methods.

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) play a unique role for dietary supplements and crucial functional food. VCO can be obtained by different kind of processes such as fermentation, enzymatic process, centrifugation or freeze drying. This aimed of this study was to compare the possibility of using different concentration of crude protease enzyme from Mengkudu (Morinda citrifolia) fruit on extraction of Virgin Coconut Oil. Isolation of Crude protease by centrifugation method was conducted at 10.000 rpm in phosphate buffer solution at pH 7 and the enzymatic activity was determined by Bergmeyer Method. Additionally, the fatty acid composition was analyzed using GC-MS (Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrocopy). The most significant concentration of crude protease to extract VCO was 0.12% (w/v) which showed high yield of VCO (21.15%) and the VCO contain medium chain of fatty acid (MCFA) especially lauric acid (41.07%), followed by myristic acid (23.24%). Even though, there are no significant method to obtain maximum quantity of VCO, this enzymatic process using 0.12% (w/v) crude protease of mengkudu fruit is reliable to fulfill the standard of Asian and Pacific Coconut Community.