3 Biotech最新文献

The objective of this study was to investigate the production of β-mannanase by Penicillium roqueforti ATCC 10110 via SSF and to evaluate its biochemical characteristics and application in the saccharification of corn straw. For this purpose, the Simplex-Centroid design was used, which indicated the best combination of substrates: 73.28% cocoa shell, 17.64% ora-pro-nobis and 9.09% tamarind shell. The Doehlert matrix defined the ideal fermentation conditions at 22 °C and 69% moisture content, resulting in an enzymatic activity of 104.27 U/g. The crude β-mannanase showed an optimum pH of 6.0, acidophilic characteristic, and was thermostable over a wide temperature range, with greater stability at 50 °C. CuCO₄ increased the enzymatic activity by 7.74%, and the solvents dichloromethane, ethyl ether, hexane and acetone by up to 18.96%, 4.63%, 1.10% and 77.16%, respectively. The enzyme is halotolerant, supporting up to 6 M NaCl, and showed high efficiency in the saccharification of corn straw, producing 133.29 mg/g of reducing sugars in 5 h. Scanning Electron Microscopy and FTIR analyses confirmed its effectiveness in the depolymerization of biomass, highlighting its potential for applications in various industrial sectors, especially in the production of biofuels and bioproducts from lignocellulosic biomass.

Staphylococcal infections have been reported to be a significant global threat to the effective management of public healthcare due to their drug resistance property. This attribute has further been complicated by their robust biofilm-forming potential. This escalating threat of biofilm-associated infections necessitates innovative and promising therapeutic strategies. Hence, in the present study, the biofilm threat of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has been challenged by Nisin, a natural lantibiotic produced by Lactococcus lactis. This compound showed a promising antibacterial effect with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 150 µg/ml against MRSA. Furthermore, a series of experiments has been conducted to confirm the antibiofilm potential of Nisin against MRSA. Towards this direction, the sub-MIC dose of Nisin (40 µg/mL) was found to inhibit biofilm formation by ~ 51% for MRSA. To support this finding, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) was measured under the Nisin-treated and untreated conditions of MRSA. It was observed that Nisin could destabilise the MRSA biofilm by reducing the EPS production to an extent of ~ 55%. Mechanistic studies further demonstrated that Nisin was found to increase the intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which could lead to the alteration of cell membrane permeability. Additionally, Nisin attenuated staphyloxanthin production (~ 54%), hemolytic ability (~ 26%), and fibrinogen clumping ability (~ 27%) of MRSA, suggesting its interference in the virulence profile of MRSA. Collectively, these findings suggest Nisin's dual role as a promising Staphylococcal biofilm inhibitor and virulence factor suppressor, making it a viable option for the treatment of MRSA-linked infections.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04597-8.

This study investigated the role of secreted peptides and receptors in root hair development. The secreted peptides EPF1, EPF2, EPFL4, EPFL5, EPFL6, and EPFL9 and their putative receptors ERECTA (ER), ERECTA-LIKE1 (ERL1), ERL2, and TMM were found to mediate the development of the root hairs in Arabidopsis under control conditions and in response to nitrate deficiency. EPF2, EPFL4, EPFL5, and EPFL6 act as positive regulators of root hair density, whereas EPFL9 functions as a negative regulator for root hair density and root hair length. The receptor ERL2 was found to be a positive regulator of root hair density and ERL1 was found to be a positive regulator of both root hair density and root hair length. Nitrogen starvation caused a small and statistically insignificant increase in root hair density in wild type plants but led to significantly greater increases in root hair density in epf mutant genotypes. In contrast, the EPFL9 RNA interference (EPFL9i) line showed a significant decrease, indicating that EPF2, EPFL4, EPFL5 and EPFL6 act as negative regulators of root hair density in response to nitrate starvation, whereas EPFL9 functions as a positive regulator. Nitrate starvation also led to significant increases in root hair length in the wild type and in nine of the epf single, double and triple mutant lines but caused a significant decrease in the EPFL9i line. Analysis indicated that EPF2, EPFL4, EPFL5 are negative regulators, and EPFL9 is a positive regulator, of root hair length increase in response to nitrogen starvation. Our findings provide insight into the role of members of EPF secreted peptides and ER family receptors in regulating Arabidopsis root hair development.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04600-2.

Capping agents like polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) are frequently used for the stability and functionality of metal oxide nanoparticles, including magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). However, their influence on the biological activities of MgO-NPs has not been extensively studied. The present study investigates the effects of PEG and CTAB capping on the biological properties of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO-NPs). For this purpose, the surface capping was achieved using a facile precipitation approach, followed by comprehensive characterization using UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Elemental analysis, and Dynamic light scattering, along with the comparative yield analysis. The results document significant differences in biological activities based on surface capping. CTAB@MgO-NPs, carrying a positive surface charge, exhibited strong antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic activities. For instance, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Aspergillus flavus showed high sensitivity, with zones of inhibition (ZOI) measuring 23 ± 1.3 mm and 19 ± 1.4 mm, and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 0.312 mg/mL and 1.125 mg/mL, respectively. Conversely, PEG@MgO-NPs exhibited higher antioxidant potential, as indicated by DPPH free radical scavenging ability (44.19 ± 1.2%), suggesting the inherent antioxidant nature of PEG. Despite differences in the biological properties, both the NPs formulations were found to be haemocompatible, with no observable cytotoxic effects on red blood cells. The study highlights that the surface properties of MgO-NPs play a critical role in shaping their biological interactions. It further suggests that optimization of surface capping with appropriate materials can be strategically employed to improve their performance for targeted biomedical applications, such as antimicrobial therapy, parasitic disease intervention, and the alleviation of oxidative stress.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04590-1.

The invasive thrips species, Thrips parvispinus, was identified infesting tomato crops at three locations across Tamil Nadu during 2022-2023. The pure population density of T. parvispinus showed a strong positive correlation with GBNV incidence, with the highest infestation observed at Devarayapuram (Coimbatore), where an average of 2.4 thrips per plant coincided with a 41.0% disease incidence. Molecular identification through mtCOI sequencing confirmed 99-100% identity with T. parvispinus sequences from India, whereas RT-PCR analysis of field collected adults revealed 100% identity with the GBNV isolate infecting groundnut (EF179100). During transmission studies on cowpea, first instars acquired the virus, whereas adults transmitted it efficiently after a 72 h acquisition access period, with a 2.7 × 10⁶ N gene copy number and the highest OD value (1.98) in DAC-ELISA, with 73.33% transmission efficiency. A  72 h inoculation access period yielded the highest transmission efficiency (86.66%), with 1.1 × 10⁷ N gene copies and an OD value of 1.89. Characteristic necrotic spots appeared on cowpea leaves 10 days post release, developing into chlorotic rings by day 13. Even a single adult thrips was capable of transmitting GBNV, although the efficiency increased with vector density, peaking at 86.66% with 10 thrips per plant. In tomato, symptom expression intensified with increasing thrips density, with yellow to blackish spots appearing by 15th day, which progressed to necrotic rings by 20th day (2.8 × 10⁷ copies). This study provides the first experimental evidence confirming T. parvispinus as a vector of GBNV in tomato, emphasizing its epidemiological significance and the need for vigilant monitoring within integrated virus management programs.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04615-9.

Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha), a member of the Solanaceae family, produces bioactive metabolites known as withanolides, predominantly synthesized in its leaves and roots. Among these, Withaferin-A is a major pharmacologically active compound with demonstrated efficacy across diverse preclinical models. It exhibits anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-viral (including COVID-19), and neuroprotective activities through modulation of oncoproteins and cell signalling pathways. Notably, its specificity toward tumour-associated antigens and immune regulators positions Withaferin-A as a potential alternative to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which often present severe side effects and resistance issues. This review critically explores the biosynthetic routes of Withaferin-A, encompassing chemical synthesis, natural extraction, and microbial production, while also emphasizing strategies for yield optimization through biotechnological interventions. Furthermore, we discuss the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic challenges of Withaferin-A, highlighting formulation and delivery strategies aimed at enhancing its clinical applicability. Overall, the review outlines its translational potential and provides a roadmap for future therapeutic and clinical integration.

Neurodegeneration (ND) refers to the progressive decline of neurons, leading to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. These conditions are marked by gradual neuronal loss and cognitive impairment, with limited treatment options currently available. The available strategies only provide symptomatic relief and having more side effects, however none of them able to halt the disease progression, so there is strong need to develop alternative therapeutic strategies with no or less toxicity. Alkaloids, a class of naturally occurring compounds, exhibit diverse biological activities, including antioxidant and neuroprotection. Emerging research suggests that these molecules can influence key signaling pathways associated with neurodegeneration, potentially offering therapeutic benefits. By targeting multiple aspects of disease progression and modulating neuroinflammatory responses, alkaloids interact with critical molecular components such as transcription factors, receptors, and enzymes essential for neuronal survival and homeostasis. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of alkaloids in ND treatment and emphasizes the need for further research to explore their clinical applications. Future studies should aim to identify neuroprotective alkaloids, elucidate their mechanisms of action, and assess their effectiveness in treating neurodegenerative diseases. A deeper understanding of their interactions with key disease pathways is crucial for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.

Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV), the causal agent of yellow mosaic disease in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.), causes substantial yield losses. This study used targeted metabolomics to profile isoflavonoid accumulation in soybean cultivars with contrasting responses to MYMIV infection. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-ESI-MS/MS) revealed a significant accumulation of isoflavonoids in the highly resistant genotype SL 1074 following viral inoculation. Overexpressed isoflavonoids were subjected to molecular docking against the MYMIV replication initiator protein (Rep), with acetylglycitin exhibited the strongest binding affinity (- 8.5 kcal/mol). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the Rep-acetylglycitin complex over 100 nanoseconds demonstrated conformational stability, with root mean square deviation (RMSD) and fluctuation (RMSF) analyses indicating minimal structural deviation. Persistent hydrogen bonding with key catalytic residues (TYR239, CYS241, HIS243, ASP245, ARG232) was observed throughout the simulation. These finding indicates that resistance-associated isoflavonoids, particularly acetylglycitin, may function as naturally occurring inhibitors of MYMIV replication. This study highlights the role of host-derived secondary metabolites in soybean defense against MYMIV and demonstrates the utility of metabolomics-integrated in silico approaches for identifying phytochemical-based strategies to manage viral diseases in crops.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04596-9.

This study aimed to determine the most effective plant part and extraction solvent using in vitro assays and to evaluate the hypoglycemic activities of the most potent extract in an alloxan-induced mouse model. Polyphenolic contents (phenolics and flavonoids) were quantified, and antioxidant capacity was analyzed using DPPH radical scavenging and metal chelating assays. In vitro antidiabetic potential was evaluated through α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition assays. Among the samples, methanolic leaf extract (AMLE) exhibited the highest phenolic content, along with strong antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities, while ethanolic leaf extract (AELE) showed the highest flavonoid content. Considering the superior in vitro performance, AMLE was subjected to in vivo evaluation. The extract was administered to diabetic mice at doses of 75-300 mg/kg for three weeks, and at the end of the experiment, blood glucose levels, lipid profiles (cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL, VLDL), and liver function markers (SGPT, SGOT) were measured. All tested doses markedly reduced blood glucose levels (p < 0.001) compared to the diabetic control, with the 300 mg/kg dose producing the greatest reduction (51.37%) and efficacy comparable to glibenclamide (~ 0.94-fold). Furthermore, notable improvements were also observed in biochemical parameters, including lipid profiles and liver enzyme activities (p < 0.001). These results indicate that AMLE effectively reduced hyperglycemia and its associated parameters in alloxan-induced mice and demonstrated preliminary antidiabetic potential. However, further studies are required to validate these effects in other diabetic models.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04588-9.

Plant growth-promoting bacteria from inner plant tissues have huge potential for enhancing crop growth, yield, and stress resistance. However, limited information is available on cultivable endophytic bacteria from the bulbs, fibrous roots, and buds of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. (a medicinal plant), and their plant growth-promoting abilities. This study provides the first report on culturable endophytic bacterial diversity in Fritillaria thunbergii tissues. A total of 70 bacterial isolates were obtained, categorized into 13 genera, with Bacillus, Priestia, Cytobacillus, Pseudomonas, and Microbacterium being the most species-rich. The isolates were assessed for plant growth-promotion traits, including indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, and siderophore production. Besides, some isolates (18.57%) showed broad-spectrum antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi, such as Fusarium oxysporum and F. solani. Agar plate experiments revealed that inoculation with Bacillus subtilis strain ZY50 significantly increased the primary root length of Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis (pak choi) (P < 0.05), while Priestia megaterium strain ZY9, Pseudomonas nitroreducens strain ZL10, and Bacillus sp. strain ZY5 did not significantly affect root and stem length. Notably, some strains had inhibitory effects on certain growth parameters. This study highlights the potential of endophytic bacteria from F. thunbergii in promoting plant nutrient uptake, enhancing biometric parameters, and providing biocontrol to reduce chemical inputs in conventional agriculture, suggesting their use as biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04602-0.