3 Biotech最新文献

Liver fibrosis is a progressive pathological condition characterised by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components, primarily driven by chronic liver injury and activation of hepatic stellate cells. This pathological remodelling disrupts hepatic architecture and function, and if left untreated, may advance to cirrhosis, liver failure, or hepatocellular carcinoma, a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in plants, known for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and hepatoprotective properties. Their beneficial effects on liver health have been widely explored in preclinical and clinical studies. Apigenin (4',5,7-Trihydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonoid (specifically a flavone) widely distributed in fruits, vegetables, and herbs, especially in parsley, celery, chamomile, and oranges. It has gained significant scientific attention due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective properties. Preclinical studies demonstrate that apigenin mitigates fibrogenesis by attenuating oxidative stress, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and inhibiting HSC activation. Mechanistically, it modulates multiple signalling pathways and molecular targets such as TGF-β1/Smad, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT, PPARα, GSK3β, MAPK, MLKL, Nrf-2/Keap1, and NLRP3 inflammasome, thereby exerting a multitargeted antifibrotic response. Furthermore, apigenin's ability to restore redox homeostasis and regulate apoptotic signalling underscores its therapeutic potential. Considering the potential of apigenin in modulating these mediators, the present study was conceptualised to study the mechanistic interplay underlying its anti-fibrotic effects. By investigating these interconnected pathways, this study will provide foundational insights that will enable future researchers to address existing gaps and further elucidate apigenin's potential in liver fibrosis.

Sustainable alternatives to fish meal are increasingly required to minimize the environmental impact of aquaculture feeds. This study focuses on incorporation of microalgae Spirulina platensis and Chlorella vulgaris in rainbow trout's (Oncorhynchus mykiss) feed replacing 25 and 50% of fish meal present in standard formulation and reaching total microalgae proportion in feed, respectively 5 and 10%. It was demonstrated that trout with initial weight 45 and 65 g has significantly improved growth (weight and length) when fed with microalgae supplemented feed. The highest gains in length and weight in both groups were observed using 5% S. platensis feed, with average wight increase up to 28% compared to the control. Incorporation of microalgal biomass has significantly improved the chemical composition of trout's filet, due to increase in concentration of certain PUFA (including DHA, EPA, Omega-3, Omega-6), carotenoids, vitamins and iron. Enhanced filet pigmentation was also observed. Histological analysis showed a significant improvement in villi diameter and goblet cell count in pyloric appendages and proximal intestine. To sum up, partial fish meal substitution with microalgae has significantly improved trout growth performance and product quality and has strong potential to reduce the environmental impact associated with overfishing.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04666-y.

One of the most attractive solutions to deal with global Zinc-deficiency problem is Zn-biofortification of wheat using a combination of Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) and ZnO-nanoparticles. This study compared commonly used Zn-fertilizer, bulk-ZnO and nano-ZnO by functionalizing both with Alizarin Red S (ARS) to track their passage into plant tissues in a ZSB environment. Mung bean and wheat were grown in the presence of these functionalized ZnO. Mung bean tissues exhibit higher intensity of pink/purple color (ARS) when grown with functionalized ZnO-NPs as opposed to bulk-ZnO indicating a higher ZnO-uptake. SEM-EDX analysis of roots and shoots grown with ZnO-NPs revealed a higher Zn-weight% of 0.76% and 0.16%, respectively compared to 0.50% and 0.04%, respectively obtained with bulk-ZnO. This was further confirmed with dithizone staining and AAS analysis. Migration of bulk-ZnO and ZnO-NPs along a soil column was also checked. The results suggested that the use of ZnO can be reduced by half if nano-ZnO is used instead of bulk-ZnO. When the influence of ZnO-NPs on plant-growth-promoting activities of ZSB was checked, low concentration (5 µg/ml) was found to enhance multiple PGP-activities, increase germination and vegetative growth. While high concentration (500 µg/ml) were inhibitory. Cytotoxicity of ZnO was also checked using Allium cepa assays. Higher concentration of ZnO (500 µg/ml) significantly decreased mitotic-index, increased total abnormalities percentage, and dead cells population. This study for the first time reports a holistic approach to understand the passage of ZnO-NP into plant tissues in a ZSB environment and consequent increase in plant growth and Zn content.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04606-w.

Glucansucrases are the key biocatalysts in the industrial production of glucans. This study initially investigated glucansucrase production using the honey isolate Bacillus subtilis EGY1 followed by optimizing the enzyme productivity in which the optimized activity was 15-fold higher than the estimated initial activity. Moreover, the enzyme was immobilized using a carrier matrix of egg white protein (EWP) incorporated into pectin beads, activated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) and glutaraldehyde (GA). The optimal conditions for egg white protein and PEI concentrations, as well as pH, were determined using Box-Behnken design in which the estimated optimal conditions were EWP concentration of 1% and PEI processing conditions of 2.5% PEI concentration and 9.4 pH. At these optimal conditions, the immobilized enzyme exhibited high immobilization yield (93.87%) and efficiency (94.95%). Surface morphology, structural elements, and functional groups were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The immobilized enzyme demonstrated improved activity at alkaline pH (up to pH 9) and high temperatures (up to 75 °C), with reduced activation energy, approximately one-third that of the free enzyme. In addition, it retained > 50% activity after four reuse cycles.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04609-7.

Aluminium (Al) deposition in different parts of the brain contributes significantly for the progression of neurodegenerative changes. The present study was undertaken to find out the influence of Ficus religiosa leaves against Al induced deposition of neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) and amyloid plaque in Wistar rats. We used rats of around 12-week age for the study. The animals were divided into 7 groups classified as control, Al, T200 & 300 as two extract treatment groups, FR200 & 300 which served as FR extract control and PRL, the prophylactic group. Aluminium exposure increased the expression of NFT and amyloid plaques along with decreased locomotor activity in the present study. However, these deleterious effects were improved in the form of reduced number of NFT and amyloid plaques by Ficus religiosa leaf extract treatment in a dose dependent manner. The outcomes of our study reveal the therapeutic potential of FR leaves against neurological disorders by combating the amyloid plaque and NFT formation.

Plant-based synthesis of nanoparticles offers a sustainable, biocompatible alternative to chemical methods. The present study reports the green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Coleus aromaticus aqueous extract (CA-AE) and evaluates their bio-efficacy. CA-AgNPs were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, XRD, DLS, FTIR, and GC-MS. UV-Vis showed a surface plasmon resonance peak at 420 nm; XRD confirmed a crystalline FCC structure with a 33.58 nm average size. DLS analysis revealed particle sizes ranging from 10-120 nm, mostly between 50-70 nm. FTIR and GC-MS identified functional groups and ten phytocompounds, including methyl palmitate. Antioxidant assays showed CA-AgNPs had enhanced activity in DPPH (89.12%), H₂O₂ (74.66%), and FRAP (1.28 AAE) at 100 µg/mL compared to CA-AE. Antibacterial studies indicated moderate inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (ZOI: 5 mm at 15 µL) and limited activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Larvicidal assays on Aedes aegypti revealed dose- and time-dependent mortality, with CA-AgNPs achieving 96% mortality at 100 µg/mL after 72 h (LC₅₀: 5.989 µg/mL; LC₉₀: 49.564 µg/mL), compared to CA-AE (88% mortality; LC₅₀: 9.634 µg/mL; LC₉₀: 111.482 µg/mL). Treated larvae showed gut blackening and deformities. In silico docking showed methyl palmitate bound to Sterol Carrier Protein-2 (- 6.9 kcal/mol) and Pheromone Binding Protein (- 6.3 kcal/mol). These results of the present study recommend the eco-friendly synthesis and biological potential of CA-AgNPs, particularly in vector control, highlighting their promise as sustainable alternatives to conventional chemical insecticides.

The rising burden of diabetes, oxidative stress, and antimicrobial resistance underscores the need for safe, multifunctional therapeutics. This study explores the antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm properties of Silybum marianum (S. marianum) L. Gaertn. acetic acid extract, complemented by phytochemical profiling and molecular docking. The extract of S. marianum exhibited strong multifunctional bioactivity supported by in vitro and in silico analyses. Antioxidant evaluation (DPPH, ABTS, FRAP) revealed dose-dependent radical scavenging, achieving up to 92.5% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL and a high ferric-reducing capacity (105.6 µM Fe²⁺ equivalents). The extract significantly inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase, confirming its antidiabetic potential. In antimicrobial assays, notable activity was observed against Bacillus subtilis (15.2 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (14.6 mm), with moderate effects on Gram-negative and fungal strains. The extract also showed over 85% inhibition of S. aureus biofilm formation, suggesting interference with quorum sensing and EPS matrix synthesis. Anti-inflammatory assays demonstrated up to 91.2% inhibition of protein denaturation and 86.7% red blood cell membrane stabilization, comparable to indomethacin. Macrophage-based cellular studies confirmed suppression of nitric oxide and pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β) with > 85% cell viability. GC-MS analysis identified major bioactives including D-arabinitol, chalcone derivatives, and isoquinoline compounds, which were strongly bound to key targets in docking studies-α-amylase, DNA gyrase, COX-2, and NADPH oxidase (binding energies - 9.0 to - 9.9 kcal/mol). These results collectively highlight S. marianum as a biocompatible source of multifunctional phytochemicals with antioxidant, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-biofilm properties, supporting its potential for nutraceutical and therapeutic applications.

Spinal cord injury (SCI) causes severe functional impairments and involves both primary mechanical damage and secondary inflammation. Exosomes from human umbilical cord blood (HUCB) are emerging as promising therapies due to their bioactive components that regulate inflammation and support repair. Thirty-two male rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group A (laminectomy), Group B (contusion), Group C (contusion + PBS), and Group D (contusion + HUCB-exosomes). Contusion injuries were induced using the New York University (NYU) impactor method. HUCB-derived exosomes were extracted and confirmed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), surface markers CD81 and CD9 via flowcytometry, along with dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential analysis. HUCB-exosomes were administered without prior in vitro expansion; 30 minutes' post-injury, Group D received 100 µg of HUCB-exosomes via tail vein injection for one week. Motor and behavioral functions were assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) scale, narrow beam test (NBT), rotarod test, and open-field test. Western blotting was performed eight weeks' post-injury to analyze changes in inflammatory cytokines, and histological changes were assessed via H&E staining. HUCB-exosome administration significantly enhanced functional recovery in SCI rats, as evidenced by higher BBB scores, improved narrow beam, rotarod, and open-field performances compared with PBS and contusion groups. Histological analysis showed reduced cavity formation, increased neuronal density, and decreased gliosis in the exosome-treated group. Western blot results revealed marked downregulation of TNF-α, NLRP3, and GFAP expression. Additionally, exosome therapy restored antioxidant balance by reducing ROS and GSSG levels while elevating GSH, and immunohistochemistry confirmed reduced expression of apoptotic and autophagy markers. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of HUCB-derived exosomes in SCI, demonstrating their ability to attenuate inflammation and promote functional recovery. These findings support HUCB-exosomes as a promising, non-cell-based treatment strategy for SCI.

This study aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which FBXW4 suppresses the progression of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). Functional experiments demonstrated that FBXW4 significantly inhibited LUAD cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while promoting apoptosis. Furthermore, rescue experiments indicated that PKNOX2 silencing partially reversed the tumor-suppressive effects of FBXW4. Mechanistically, FBXW4 facilitated the ubiquitination and degradation of DNMT1, leading to a decrease of methylation of the PKNOX2 promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter assays confirmed that PKNOX2 transcriptionally activated FHL1 by directly binding to its promoter. In addition, FHL1 was identified as a functional downstream effector responsible for mediating the inhibitory role of PKNOX2 in LUAD malignancy. These findings reveal a previously uncharacterized FBXW4/DNMT1/PKNOX2/FHL1 regulatory axis, providing mechanistic insight into LUAD suppression and potential therapeutic strategies.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-025-04646-2.

This investigation was intended to prepare lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) that are laden with Gemcitabine hydrochloride (GEM) for the controlled delivery to treat Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LPHNPs were developed by the solvent evaporation technique employing polycaprolactone (PCL) as the biodegradable polymeric core and a phospholipid shell comprised of soya phosphatidylcholine (SPC) and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DSPE). This study presents a cost-effective, simple method for functionalizing LPHNPs with the carbohydrate ligand D-galactose (GA) using stearyl amine (SA) as a linker. To examine the impact of three independent factors on the particle size, percent entrapment efficiency (% EE), and percent drug loading (% DL), a three-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) was implemented with Design-Expert 13 software. The nanoparticles' size range increased from 194.1 to 505.3 nm when the polymer content increased. GEM's percent drug release profile in the galactose functionalized gemcitabine-loaded lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (GEM-LPHNPs-GA) suggests they are appropriate candidates for targeting the tumors microenvironment. In vitro drug release tests revealed a higher GEM release at pH 5.5 compared to the physiological pH of 7.4 for 48 h. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR) spectroscopy verified that the conjugate GA-SA imine bond formed. The cytotoxicity of GEM-LPHNPs-GA was significantly greater than that of GEM-LPHNPs or GEM alone, as evidenced by the MTT assay conducted on HepG2 cells. Throughout the incubation period, HepG2 cells exhibit a markedly higher absorption of dye-loaded LPHNPs-GA than LPHNPs. GEM-LPHNPs-GA is an efficacious formulation for the targeted administration of anti-cancer therapeutics.