Cocoyam is an underutilized, low-amylose tuber and has significant potential for conversion into porous starch (PS). This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of cocoyam porous starch produced using thermostable α-amylase (AM), glucoamylase (GA), and their combination (AM:GA). Cocoyam starch was hydrolyzed with AM (50, 100, 150 U/g), GA (25, 50, 75 U/g), and AM:GA (50:25, 100:50, 150:75 U/g) at 60 °C for 8 h, followed by drying at 40 °C for 48 h. The results showed that PS produced with GA at 75 U/g exhibited the highest swelling power and water absorption capacity. The combination treatment (AM:GA 150:75) resulted in the highest solubility, while PS treated with AM at 150 U/g had the highest oil absorption capacity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that AM and AM:GA treatments produced larger pores, whereas GA treatment formed smaller pores. FTIR and XRD results indicated increased short-range order and maintained A-type crystallinity following hydrolysis. As the first systematic investigation of enzymatic pore formation in cocoyam starch, this study demonstrates that enzyme type and concentration uniquely influence pore architecture and functional performance in low-amylose starch. These findings suggest that cocoyam porous starch has potential as an encapsulation agent in food and pharmaceutical applications.
{"title":"Characteristics of porous starch from cocoyam (Xanthosoma sagittifolium) by enzymatic hydrolysis with thermostable α-amylase, glucoamylase, and their combination","authors":"Rosyidah Ashidqiyyah , Nisrina Akhrim Maswah , Djagal Wiseso Marseno , Thomas Brück , Lucia Dhiantika Witasari","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103939","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103939","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Cocoyam is an underutilized, low-amylose tuber and has significant potential for conversion into porous starch (PS). This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and functional properties of cocoyam porous starch produced using thermostable α-amylase (AM), glucoamylase (GA), and their combination (AM:GA). Cocoyam starch was hydrolyzed with AM (50, 100, 150 U/g), GA (25, 50, 75 U/g), and AM:GA (50:25, 100:50, 150:75 U/g) at 60 °C for 8 h, followed by drying at 40 °C for 48 h. The results showed that PS produced with GA at 75 U/g exhibited the highest swelling power and water absorption capacity. The combination treatment (AM:GA 150:75) resulted in the highest solubility, while PS treated with AM at 150 U/g had the highest oil absorption capacity. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that AM and AM:GA treatments produced larger pores, whereas GA treatment formed smaller pores. FTIR and XRD results indicated increased short-range order and maintained A-type crystallinity following hydrolysis. As the first systematic investigation of enzymatic pore formation in cocoyam starch, this study demonstrates that enzyme type and concentration uniquely influence pore architecture and functional performance in low-amylose starch. These findings suggest that cocoyam porous starch has potential as an encapsulation agent in food and pharmaceutical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103939"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073621","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
2,4-Di tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTNB) has been identified as an allelopathic substance present in plants. The biological activity of 2,4-DTNB relevant to human health has been explored, but evidence linking it to Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains lacking. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory potential and kinetic analysis of 2,4-DTNB based on fluorescence analysis in vitro, in silico. Moreover, the study also uses HPLC analysis to investigate the content of 2,4-DTNB in the Thai rice cultivars. The 2,4-DTNB contained in rice samples was approximately 38.40 ± 0.30 to 290.73 ± 2.48 μg/kg. The effect of all rice extracts has the potential to inhibit AChE. Specifically, the 2,4-DTNB has inhibitory potential against the AChE was 52.05 2.43 (%). These results demonstrated that the AChE inhibition by rice extracts was independent of both the content and inhibitory potential of 2,4-DTNB. The 2,4-DTNB inhibited the AChE via a mixed-type inhibition mechanism with the Ki of 100.00 μM. Fluorescence analysis indicated that the 2,4-DTNB was bound with aromatic amino acids such as TRP84, PHE330, PHE331, and TYR334, and by the concentration-dependent enhancement of intrinsic fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence changes of aromatic residues, particularly tyrosine, consistent with ligand-induced conformational alterations. The docking results also supported that the 2,4-DTNB was surrounded by amino acids at the midway between PAS and anionic subsite in the active site of AChE. These findings suggest that 2,4-DTNB, an allelopathic substance found in rice, is a potential candidate as an AChE inhibitor for AD treatment.
{"title":"Targeting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor by 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol an allelopathic compound in rice based on in silico, in vitro, fluorescence and HPLC analyses","authors":"Apirak Payaka , Sompong Sansenya , Preecha Mansalai , Nipitpon Srimai , Danuyada Wattanaumadechakul , Rattanawan Thubthed , Nattinee Jitprawetand , Thunyakorn Rattanahanvet","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103945","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103945","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>2,4-Di tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTNB) has been identified as an allelopathic substance present in plants. The biological activity of 2,4-DTNB relevant to human health has been explored, but evidence linking it to Alzheimer's disease (AD) remains lacking. Here, we evaluated the inhibitory potential and kinetic analysis of 2,4-DTNB based on fluorescence analysis <em>in vitro</em>, <em>in silico</em>. Moreover, the study also uses HPLC analysis to investigate the content of 2,4-DTNB in the Thai rice cultivars. The 2,4-DTNB contained in rice samples was approximately 38.40 ± 0.30 to 290.73 ± 2.48 μg/kg. The effect of all rice extracts has the potential to inhibit AChE. Specifically, the 2,4-DTNB has inhibitory potential against the AChE was 52.05 <span><math><mrow><mo>±</mo></mrow></math></span> 2.43 (%). These results demonstrated that the AChE inhibition by rice extracts was independent of both the content and inhibitory potential of 2,4-DTNB. The 2,4-DTNB inhibited the AChE via a mixed-type inhibition mechanism with the <em>K</em><sub>i</sub> of 100.00 μM. Fluorescence analysis indicated that the 2,4-DTNB was bound with aromatic amino acids such as TRP84, PHE330, PHE331, and TYR334, and by the concentration-dependent enhancement of intrinsic fluorescence and synchronous fluorescence changes of aromatic residues, particularly tyrosine, consistent with ligand-induced conformational alterations. The docking results also supported that the 2,4-DTNB was surrounded by amino acids at the midway between PAS and anionic subsite in the active site of AChE. These findings suggest that 2,4-DTNB, an allelopathic substance found in rice, is a potential candidate as an AChE inhibitor for AD treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103945"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hydrogen is considered an efficient fuel of the future, as it produces no carbon emissions and can be generated sustainably from renewable sources via biological processes. Biological hydrogen production is carried out by microorganisms through light-dependent mechanisms such as biophotolysis and photo-fermentation, and light-independent mechanisms such as dark fermentation. Each approach has its own merits and demerits in terms of energy efficiency and practicality; however, dark fermentation remains the primary focus of research owing to its cost-effectiveness and ability to degrade a wide spectrum of substrates. Nevertheless, low hydrogen yield and conversion efficiency remain major constraints of biological hydrogen production, hindering large-scale implementation. This review provides insights into lignocellulosic biomass as a potential feedstock for dark fermentation, along with its pre-treatment and the management of inhibitors generated during this process. Furthermore, it discusses advanced strategies to enhance biohydrogen productivity, including microbial immobilization techniques, metabolic engineering to improve strain efficiency, the application of nano-additives, integration of dark and photo-fermentation, as well as approaches for utilizing dark fermentation effluents for the production of value-added products.
{"title":"Advancement on dark fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass: unlocking potential through innovation and integration","authors":"Chahak Jain , Monica Sachdeva Taggar , Amanpreet Kaur , Sahibleen Kaur , Anu Kalia , Sandip Gangil","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103949","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103949","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hydrogen is considered an efficient fuel of the future, as it produces no carbon emissions and can be generated sustainably from renewable sources via biological processes. Biological hydrogen production is carried out by microorganisms through light-dependent mechanisms such as biophotolysis and photo-fermentation, and light-independent mechanisms such as dark fermentation. Each approach has its own merits and demerits in terms of energy efficiency and practicality; however, dark fermentation remains the primary focus of research owing to its cost-effectiveness and ability to degrade a wide spectrum of substrates. Nevertheless, low hydrogen yield and conversion efficiency remain major constraints of biological hydrogen production, hindering large-scale implementation. This review provides insights into lignocellulosic biomass as a potential feedstock for dark fermentation, along with its pre-treatment and the management of inhibitors generated during this process. Furthermore, it discusses advanced strategies to enhance biohydrogen productivity, including microbial immobilization techniques, metabolic engineering to improve strain efficiency, the application of nano-additives, integration of dark and photo-fermentation, as well as approaches for utilizing dark fermentation effluents for the production of value-added products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103949"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073678","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using non-edible agricultural wastes offers a sustainable approach with promising applications. This study aimed to investigate a green approach for synthesizing AgNPs using cinnamon distillation waste (CDW). The formation of CDW-AgNPs was characterized and their antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects were also investigated. The UV–Vis spectroscopy proved the characteristic absorption peak at λmax 402 nm. XRD analysis revealed the presence of crystallographic planes characteristic of a face-centered cubic structure and the calculated crystalline size was 11.32 nm. TEM illustrated spherical shaped particles with diameters ranging from 13 nm to 23 nm. The EDS analysis showed the elemental configuration with a solid peak at 3 keV. DLS analysis revealed that the average size was 57.19 ± 0.39 nm, with moderate stability (−27.93 ± 1.37 mV) and dispersity (0.444 ± 0.003). CDW-AgNPs showed minimum growth inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli at 30 μg/mL and 70 μg/mL, respectively. CDW-AgNPs showed antioxidant activity with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 41.53 ± 0.2 μg/mL. In vitro cell culture studies indicated that CDW-AgNPs were non-toxic to Vero cells at concentrations of 50–100 μg/mL. The results from the Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase (A5-LOX) inhibitory assay indicate that CDW-AgNPs, at a concentration of 146.63 ± 1.10 μg/mL, can inhibit A5-LOX activity by 50%. The IC50 of CDW-AgNPs for in vitro nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity was 116.15 ± 0.01 μg/mL in lipopolysaccharide activated raw 264.7 macrophage cells. The obtained results indicate that CDW-AgNPs may be an effective cosmeceutical agent.
{"title":"Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume post-distillation waste for antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxicity activities","authors":"Chamini Madushika Panadura Lokuge , Hasitha Dhananjaya Weeratunge , Hondamuni Ireshika Chathurani De Silva , Galabada Arachchige Sirimal Premakumara , Pathmasiri Ranasinghe","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103936","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103936","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using non-edible agricultural wastes offers a sustainable approach with promising applications. This study aimed to investigate a green approach for synthesizing AgNPs using cinnamon distillation waste (CDW). The formation of CDW-AgNPs was characterized and their antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects were also investigated. The UV–Vis spectroscopy proved the characteristic absorption peak at <em>λ</em><sub>max</sub> 402 nm. XRD analysis revealed the presence of crystallographic planes characteristic of a face-centered cubic structure and the calculated crystalline size was 11.32 nm. TEM illustrated spherical shaped particles with diameters ranging from 13 nm to 23 nm. The EDS analysis showed the elemental configuration with a solid peak at 3 keV. DLS analysis revealed that the average size was 57.19 ± 0.39 nm, with moderate stability (−27.93 ± 1.37 mV) and dispersity (0.444 ± 0.003). CDW-AgNPs showed minimum growth inhibition against <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> and <em>Escherichia coli</em> at 30 μg/mL and 70 μg/mL, respectively. CDW-AgNPs showed antioxidant activity with an inhibitory concentration (IC<sub>50</sub>) of 41.53 ± 0.2 μg/mL. <em>In vitro</em> cell culture studies indicated that CDW-AgNPs were non-toxic to Vero cells at concentrations of 50–100 μg/mL. The results from the Arachidonate 5-Lipoxygenase (A5-LOX) inhibitory assay indicate that CDW-AgNPs, at a concentration of 146.63 ± 1.10 μg/mL, can inhibit A5-LOX activity by 50%. The IC<sub>50</sub> of CDW-AgNPs for <em>in vitro</em> nitric oxide (NO) inhibitory activity was 116.15 ± 0.01 μg/mL in lipopolysaccharide activated raw 264.7 macrophage cells. The obtained results indicate that CDW-AgNPs may be an effective cosmeceutical agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103936"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073622","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103950
Leyla Ercan , Cemile Günbegi Çalişkan
Verbascum andrusii is an endemic species that grows in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. This study sought to figure out the total amount of phenolic molecules, the total amount of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, volatile compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, the inhibition effect on xanthine oxidase and elastase enzymes of V. andrusii, and to examine its cytotoxic effect on A549 (lung carcinoma) cells. For this, V. andrusii's volatile and phenolic components were analyzed employing the HS-SPME technique and UHPLC-Orbitrap®-HRMS, respectively. Additionally, the antibacterial behavior by the disc diffusion method and the in vitro antioxidant capacity by four distinct techniques (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and DMPD) were assessed. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of its on the enzymes elastase and xanthine oxidase was assessed both in vitro and in silico. Pharmacokinetic features and activities of bioactive components of V. andrusii were assessed in silico by ADME/T, molecular docking, and density functional theory (DFT). As a result, it was revealed that V. andrusii showed a cytotoxic effect on A549 cells (IC50: 130.40 μg/mL) and had antioxidant, antimicrobial (on the microorganisms E. coli, K. aerogenes, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, S. aureus, and K.pneumoniae), antiaging (antielastase IC50: 450.10 μg/mL), and antihyperuricaemia (antixanthinoxidase IC50: 239.02 μg/mL) properties. In addition, the effect of the components of this plant on the biological properties of the plant was evaluated by in silico studies. It was concluded that in silico investigations of diosmetin, luteolin, luteolin 7-rutinoside, apigenin, quinic acid, benzoic acid, anethole, and D-limonene, which are the main components of V. andrusii, confirmed the experimental studies.
{"title":"Cytotoxic effects of Verbascum andrusii on lung cancer: Anti-elastase, anti-xanthine oxidase, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties, bioactive profile, and integrated in vitro and in silico assessments","authors":"Leyla Ercan , Cemile Günbegi Çalişkan","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103950","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103950","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div><em>Verbascum andrusii</em> is an endemic species that grows in the Southeastern Anatolia Region. This study sought to figure out the total amount of phenolic molecules, the total amount of carotenoids, phenolic compounds, volatile compounds, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity, the inhibition effect on xanthine oxidase and elastase enzymes of <em>V. andrusii,</em> and to examine its cytotoxic effect on A549 (lung carcinoma) cells. For this, <em>V. andrusii</em>'s volatile and phenolic components were analyzed employing the HS-SPME technique and UHPLC-Orbitrap®-HRMS, respectively. Additionally, the antibacterial behavior by the disc diffusion method and the <em>in vitro</em> antioxidant capacity by four distinct techniques (DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, and DMPD) were assessed. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of its on the enzymes elastase and xanthine oxidase was assessed both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in silico</em>. Pharmacokinetic features and activities of bioactive components of <em>V. andrusii</em> were assessed <em>in silico</em> by ADME/T, molecular docking, and density functional theory (DFT). As a result, it was revealed that <em>V. andrusii</em> showed a cytotoxic effect on A549 cells (IC<sub>50</sub>: 130.40 μg/mL) and had antioxidant, antimicrobial (on the microorganisms <em>E. coli, K. aerogenes, P. aeruginosa, C. albicans, S. aureus,</em> and <em>K.pneumoniae</em>), antiaging (antielastase IC<sub>50</sub>: 450.10 μg/mL), and antihyperuricaemia (antixanthinoxidase IC<sub>50</sub>: 239.02 μg/mL) properties. In addition, the effect of the components of this plant on the biological properties of the plant was evaluated by <em>in silico</em> studies. It was concluded that <em>in silico</em> investigations of diosmetin, luteolin, luteolin 7-rutinoside, apigenin, quinic acid, benzoic acid, anethole, and D-limonene, which are the main components of <em>V. andrusii</em>, confirmed the experimental studies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103950"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073623","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103948
Kyeong Ho Kim , Ji Won Cha , Eun Seo Song , Jaewoo Son , Min-Ho Jo , Baek-Rock Oh , Sun Chang Kim , Ki Jun Jeong
2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO) is a versatile platform chemical with applications ranging from industrial solvents and fuel additives to agricultural biostimulants and biopesticides. However, its industrial deployment requires robust microbial production at large scale with high titer, yield, and productivity, as well as clear demonstration of functional value. In this study, we engineered Klebsiella michiganensis (strain KH001) by eliminating major by-product pathways (ldhA, ackA-pta, poxB) and enhancing the budABC operon via promoter replacement, thereby efficiently redirecting carbon flux toward 2,3-BDO synthesis. The engineered strain achieved 115.1 ± 2.5 g/L of 2,3-BDO with a productivity of 3.84 ± 0.18 g/L/h in a 5 L bioreactor, and maintained strong performance during scale-up, reaching 104.2 g/L and 2.31 g/L/h productivity in a 500 L pilot bioreactor. Beyond production, the cell-free fermentation broth containing predominantly meso-2,3-BDO exhibited remarkable agricultural efficacy. Soil application of the broth suppressed root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) infection in tomato plants, achieving control comparable to or exceeding a commercial nematicide. In addition, treated plants showed improved growth under nematode stress and enhanced drought tolerance, maintaining shoot biomass and leaf turgor under water deficit conditions. These findings establish the dual role of fermentation-derived 2,3-BDO as both a biopesticide and a biostimulant, addressing both biotic and abiotic stress.
{"title":"Metabolic engineering and scale-up of Klebsiella michiganensis for high-level 2,3-butanediol production and agricultural application","authors":"Kyeong Ho Kim , Ji Won Cha , Eun Seo Song , Jaewoo Son , Min-Ho Jo , Baek-Rock Oh , Sun Chang Kim , Ki Jun Jeong","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103948","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103948","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>2,3-Butanediol (2,3-BDO) is a versatile platform chemical with applications ranging from industrial solvents and fuel additives to agricultural biostimulants and biopesticides. However, its industrial deployment requires robust microbial production at large scale with high titer, yield, and productivity, as well as clear demonstration of functional value. In this study, we engineered <em>Klebsiella michiganensis</em> (strain KH001) by eliminating major by-product pathways (<em>ldhA</em>, <em>ackA-pta</em>, <em>poxB</em>) and enhancing the <em>budABC</em> operon via promoter replacement, thereby efficiently redirecting carbon flux toward 2,3-BDO synthesis. The engineered strain achieved 115.1 ± 2.5 g/L of 2,3-BDO with a productivity of 3.84 ± 0.18 g/L/h in a 5 L bioreactor, and maintained strong performance during scale-up, reaching 104.2 g/L and 2.31 g/L/h productivity in a 500 L pilot bioreactor. Beyond production, the cell-free fermentation broth containing predominantly <em>meso</em>-2,3-BDO exhibited remarkable agricultural efficacy. Soil application of the broth suppressed root-knot nematode (<em>Meloidogyne incognita</em>) infection in tomato plants, achieving control comparable to or exceeding a commercial nematicide. In addition, treated plants showed improved growth under nematode stress and enhanced drought tolerance, maintaining shoot biomass and leaf turgor under water deficit conditions. These findings establish the dual role of fermentation-derived 2,3-BDO as both a biopesticide and a biostimulant, addressing both biotic and abiotic stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103948"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-01DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103933
Amin Janinejad , Naser Karimi , Zahra Souri , Leila Norouzi , Shahryar Sasani , Muhammad Farooq
This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of a nicotinamide-functionalized nanobiochar (NBNZF) as a nano-engineered fertilizer to improve iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) nutrition in wheat. Nanobiochar derived from wheat straw was functionalized with nicotinamide and loaded with ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles to enable controlled micronutrient delivery. Material characterization using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM confirmed successful functionalization, nanoparticle incorporation, and a porous nanoscale structure. The bioefficacy of NBNZF was assessed in two wheat cultivars (Amin and Baran) using a completely randomized design across a range of application concentrations. Compared with conventional Fe–Zn–NA salts, NBNZF exhibited a markedly slower and more sustained release of Fe and Zn, resulting in significantly enhanced root uptake. Germination and early growth responses showed strong concentration dependence: low-dose NBNZF significantly enhanced germination, root elongation, chlorophyll accumulation, whereas higher doses suppressed germination but mitigated reductions in shoot growth. At optimal concentrations, NBNZF increased root length by up to 46 % and chlorophyll a content by up to 72 %, while consistently promoting Fe and Zn accumulation in both roots and shoots relative to nanobiochar-free controls. These responses were accompanied by improved physiological performance, indicating more efficient micronutrient utilization. Overall, integrating nicotinamide as both a chelating and metabolic modulator within a nanobiochar carrier enables controlled Fe/Zn delivery and improved plant uptake, offering a promising nano-enabled strategy for enhancing micronutrient homeostasis and early growth in wheat.
{"title":"Nicotinamide-functionalized nanobiochar enhances iron/zinc bioavailability and wheat growth through controlled micronutrient delivery","authors":"Amin Janinejad , Naser Karimi , Zahra Souri , Leila Norouzi , Shahryar Sasani , Muhammad Farooq","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103933","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103933","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of a nicotinamide-functionalized nanobiochar (NBNZF) as a nano-engineered fertilizer to improve iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) nutrition in wheat. Nanobiochar derived from wheat straw was functionalized with nicotinamide and loaded with ZnFe<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles to enable controlled micronutrient delivery. Material characterization using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM confirmed successful functionalization, nanoparticle incorporation, and a porous nanoscale structure. The bioefficacy of NBNZF was assessed in two wheat cultivars (Amin and Baran) using a completely randomized design across a range of application concentrations. Compared with conventional Fe–Zn–NA salts, NBNZF exhibited a markedly slower and more sustained release of Fe and Zn, resulting in significantly enhanced root uptake. Germination and early growth responses showed strong concentration dependence: low-dose NBNZF significantly enhanced germination, root elongation, chlorophyll accumulation, whereas higher doses suppressed germination but mitigated reductions in shoot growth. At optimal concentrations, NBNZF increased root length by up to 46 % and chlorophyll <em>a</em> content by up to 72 %, while consistently promoting Fe and Zn accumulation in both roots and shoots relative to nanobiochar-free controls. These responses were accompanied by improved physiological performance, indicating more efficient micronutrient utilization. Overall, integrating nicotinamide as both a chelating and metabolic modulator within a nanobiochar carrier enables controlled Fe/Zn delivery and improved plant uptake, offering a promising nano-enabled strategy for enhancing micronutrient homeostasis and early growth in wheat.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103933"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-02-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146073620","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-17DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103944
Hira Wahid , Humaira Gul , Mamoona Rauf , Asma Tabassum , Aliya Rehman , Muhammad Arif , Muhammad Hamayun , Hatem E. Semary , Zainul Abideen
Plant survival under salinity conditions can be nourished by applying biocatalyst (algal-fungal consortia) as biotechnological tool to improve plant salinity resistance and use of saline land and water to address food security. Colpomina Sinousa and endophytic fungi Aspergillus flavus were used as a long-term solution to enhance the growth and physiological output of Brassica napus plants grown at 125 mM NaCl. A. flavus was used at the rate of (60 ml per seedling) with 4 % C. Sinousa aqueous extract (CAE) application on 35, 70 and 100 days after sowing. Salinity reduced chlorophyll a and b, RWC, LWL, IAA, GA3, water potential, osmotic potential, potassium, calcium, magnesium, K+/Na+, Ca2+/Na+ and Mg2+/Na+ ratios, while increased salicylic acid, H2O2, lipid peroxidation, proline, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, lycopene, beta carotene, tannins, and ascorbate peroxidase, ABA, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and sodium compared to non-saline media. Interestingly, application of A. flavus and C. Sinousa in combination enhanced growth, improved biochemical attributes and essential nutrients uptake with decline in sodium accumulation that increased yield under normal and saline stress. It can be concluded that the application of A. flavus and C. Sinousa as new formulation of bio-stimulants causes pronounced improvement in vegetative and reproductive yield and improved salt tolerance of B. napus. Using theses biostimulant is a sustainable approach as plant biofertilizers and bio enhancer to increase crop productivity specially in saline environment.
通过应用生物催化剂（藻真菌联合体）作为生物技术工具，提高植物的耐盐性，利用盐碱地和盐碱水来解决粮食安全问题，可以滋养植物在盐度条件下的生存。在125 mM NaCl条件下，长期使用小柱藻（Colpomina Sinousa）和内生真菌黄曲霉（Aspergillus flavus）来促进甘蓝型油菜的生长和生理产量。在播种后35、70和100 d，以每株60 ml的用量，与4%的黄曲霉水提物（CAE）混合施用黄曲霉。盐度降低了叶绿素a和叶绿素b、RWC、LWL、IAA、GA3、水势、渗透势、钾、钙、镁、K+/Na+、Ca2+/Na+和Mg2+/Na+比值，增加了水杨酸、H2O2、脂质过氧化、脯氨酸、酚类、黄酮类、萜类、碳水化合物、脂质、蛋白质、番茄红素、β -胡萝卜素、单宁、抗坏血酸过氧化物酶、ABA、水杨酸、抗坏血酸和钠。有趣的是，在正常和盐水胁迫下，黄曲霉和黄曲霉配施促进了植株生长，改善了生化特性和必需养分的吸收，降低了钠积累，提高了产量。综上所述，黄曲霉和黄曲霉作为新型生物刺激素的应用，显著提高了甘蓝型油菜的营养产量和繁殖产量，提高了甘蓝型油菜的耐盐性。在盐碱地环境下，利用这些生物刺激素作为植物生物肥料和生物增强剂提高作物产量是一条可持续发展的途径。
{"title":"Aspergillus flavus and Colpomina sinousa mixture act as biocatalyst to improve growth, fruit yield and salinity resistance of Brassica napus for sustainable agriculture","authors":"Hira Wahid , Humaira Gul , Mamoona Rauf , Asma Tabassum , Aliya Rehman , Muhammad Arif , Muhammad Hamayun , Hatem E. Semary , Zainul Abideen","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103944","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103944","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Plant survival under salinity conditions can be nourished by applying biocatalyst (algal-fungal consortia) as biotechnological tool to improve plant salinity resistance and use of saline land and water to address food security. <em>Colpomina Sinousa</em> and endophytic fungi <em>Aspergillus flavus</em> were used as a long-term solution to enhance the growth and physiological output of <em>Brassica napus</em> plants grown at 125 mM NaCl. <em>A. flavus</em> was used at the rate of (60 ml per seedling) with 4 % <em>C. Sinousa</em> aqueous extract (CAE) application on 35, 70 and 100 days after sowing. Salinity reduced chlorophyll <em>a and b</em>, RWC, LWL, IAA, GA<sub>3</sub>, water potential, osmotic potential, potassium, calcium, magnesium, K<sup>+</sup>/Na<sup>+</sup>, Ca<sup>2+</sup>/Na<sup>+</sup> and Mg<sup>2+</sup>/Na<sup>+</sup> ratios, while increased salicylic acid, H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>, lipid peroxidation, proline, phenols, flavonoids, terpenoids, carbohydrates, lipids, protein, lycopene, beta carotene, tannins, and ascorbate peroxidase, ABA, salicylic acid, ascorbic acid and sodium compared to non-saline media. Interestingly, application of <em>A. flavus</em> and <em>C. Sinousa</em> in combination enhanced growth, improved biochemical attributes and essential nutrients uptake with decline in sodium accumulation that increased yield under normal and saline stress. It can be concluded that the application of <em>A. flavus</em> and <em>C. Sinousa</em> as new formulation of bio-stimulants causes pronounced improvement in vegetative and reproductive yield and improved salt tolerance of <em>B. napus.</em> Using theses biostimulant is a sustainable approach as plant biofertilizers and bio enhancer to increase crop productivity specially in saline environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103944"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034967","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting pomegranate productivity, and sustainable mitigation strategies are needed. This study evaluated the potential of a phenolic extract (PE) derived from olive mill solid waste (OMSW) to alleviate salt stress in two Tunisian pomegranate cultivars, Kalai and Testouri. The extract is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, mainly quinic acid. Two-year-old plants were grown under semi-controlled greenhouse conditions from August to October 2023 and irrigated with 0,150 (≈18 dS m−1), and 200 mM NaCl (≈22.5 dS m−1). Plants were foliar-sprayed weekly with 300 ppm PE, while untreated plants served as controls. Salt stress reduced vegetative growth, decreased chlorophyll content and effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and increased oxidative stress. In Kalai, PE enhanced growth and pigment content, notably increasing chlorophyll a and carotenoids under 200 mM NaCl and chlorophyll b under 150 mM NaCl. These effects were accompanied by an improvement in ΦPSII, a reduction in oxidative damage (lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) at 150 mM NaCl), although electrolyte leakage increased. In Testouri, PE promoted growth and pigment accumulation mainly under 150 mM NaCl. While ΦPSII was not significantly affected, PE reduced oxidative stress by lowering H2O2 at 150 mM NaCl and MDA at 200 mM NaCl, and improved membrane stability by decreasing electrolyte leakage under both 150 and 200 mM NaCl. In both cultivars, PE reduced Na + accumulation and improved K+ content under 200 mM NaCl, indicating enhanced ion homeostasis. However, under non-saline conditions, PE induced mild stress-related responses in both cultivars. Overall, these findings indicate that OMSW-derived PE exerts its beneficial effects mainly under salt stress.
盐度是限制石榴产量的主要非生物胁迫，需要可持续的缓解策略。本研究评价了橄榄磨固体废物（OMSW）中提取的酚类提取物（PE）在两个突尼斯石榴品种Kalai和Testouri中缓解盐胁迫的潜力。提取物富含生物活性酚类化合物，主要是奎宁酸。于2023年8月至10月在半受控温室条件下种植2年生植株，灌溉液为0,150（≈18 dS m−1）和200 mM NaCl（≈22.5 dS m−1）。每周向植物叶面喷洒300 ppm的PE，而未处理的植物作为对照。盐胁迫降低了营养生长，降低了叶绿素含量和光系统II的有效量子产率（ΦPSII），并增加了氧化应激。在200 mM NaCl和150 mM NaCl处理下，PE促进了卡莱的生长和色素含量，显著提高了叶绿素a和类胡萝卜素的含量。这些效果伴随着ΦPSII的改善，氧化损伤的减少（在150 mM NaCl下降低丙二醛（MDA）和过氧化氢（H2O2）），尽管电解质泄漏增加。在150 mM NaCl处理下，PE主要促进tetestouri的生长和色素积累。虽然ΦPSII没有受到显著影响，但PE通过降低150 mM NaCl下的H2O2和200 mM NaCl下的MDA来降低氧化应激，并通过减少150和200 mM NaCl下的电解质泄漏来提高膜的稳定性。在200 mM NaCl处理下，PE降低了两个品种的Na +积累，提高了K+含量，表明离子稳态增强。然而，在不含盐的条件下，PE诱导了两个品种的轻度应激相关反应。综上所述，omsw衍生PE主要在盐胁迫下发挥其有益作用。
{"title":"Salt stress mitigation in pomegranate using olive mill solid waste derived phenolic extract","authors":"Sahar Ben Abdelwaheb , Samia Abboud , Azhar Ouni , Darine Tlili , Mourad Jellali , Amani Bchir , Noomene Sleimi , Soumaya Dbara","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103943","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103943","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Salinity is a major abiotic stress limiting pomegranate productivity, and sustainable mitigation strategies are needed. This study evaluated the potential of a phenolic extract (PE) derived from olive mill solid waste (OMSW) to alleviate salt stress in two Tunisian pomegranate cultivars, Kalai and Testouri. The extract is rich in bioactive phenolic compounds, mainly quinic acid. Two-year-old plants were grown under semi-controlled greenhouse conditions from August to October 2023 and irrigated with 0,150 (≈18 dS m<sup>−1</sup>), and 200 mM NaCl (≈22.5 dS m<sup>−1</sup>). Plants were foliar-sprayed weekly with 300 ppm PE, while untreated plants served as controls. Salt stress reduced vegetative growth, decreased chlorophyll content and effective quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII), and increased oxidative stress. In <strong>Kalai</strong>, PE enhanced growth and pigment content, notably increasing chlorophyll <em>a</em> and carotenoids under 200 mM NaCl and chlorophyll <em>b</em> under 150 mM NaCl. These effects were accompanied by an improvement in ΦPSII, a reduction in oxidative damage (lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>) at 150 mM NaCl), although electrolyte leakage increased. In Testouri, PE promoted growth and pigment accumulation mainly under 150 mM NaCl. While ΦPSII was not significantly affected, PE reduced oxidative stress by lowering H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> at 150 mM NaCl and MDA at 200 mM NaCl, and improved membrane stability by decreasing electrolyte leakage under both 150 and 200 mM NaCl. In both cultivars, PE reduced Na <sup>+</sup> accumulation and improved K<sup>+</sup> content under 200 mM NaCl, indicating enhanced ion homeostasis. However, under non-saline conditions, PE induced mild stress-related responses in both cultivars. Overall, these findings indicate that OMSW-derived PE exerts its beneficial effects mainly under salt stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103943"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034971","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103941
Adrija Saha , N. Harshitha , Jyotibrata Mitra , Varun Shamanna , K.L. Ravikumar , Sunil S. More , Susweta Das Mitra
Biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation offers a sustainable approach to enhance the efficacy of essential oils as phytopharmaceuticals against high-risk β-lactamase and mecA-positive multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in clinical and veterinary settings. Essential oils from the leaves of two varieties of Piper betel L (Bangla and Sanchi) were extracted and phytochemically profiled to identify the more potent chemotype for biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation and topical formulation. GC-MS analysis showed that the Bangla variety (PBEO-B) contained higher eugenol (39.73 %) and exhibited stronger antibacterial activity (MIC: 0.3125–10 mg/mL) than the Sanchi variety (PBEO-S, eugenol-10.73 % and MIC up to 20 mg/mL). Mechanistic studies confirmed PBEO-B as a potent bacterial membrane disruptor, as confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and leakage of intracellular macromolecules. PBEO-B also exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC50 of PBEO-B: 42.78 μg/mL). The nanoformulation F3 (PB-CNP) (chitosan:EO = 1:2) achieved the highest encapsulation efficiency (61.5 %) and loading capacity (40.7 %). FTIR and FESEM confirmed encapsulation and spherical morphology. Drug release followed biphasic kinetics (38 % in 2 h; 93 % over 96 h), fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas mathematical model (R2 > 0.9), indicating pseudo-Fickian diffusion. Nanoencapsulation lowered effective doses by 1.25–10-fold against MDR strains. In Galleria mellonella, PB-CNPs improved survival (>60 %) compared to antibiotic (∼40 %) and untreated groups. The PB-CNP hydrogel showed favourable properties (pH 5.4, spreadability ∼205 %, swelling ∼32 %) and prominent zone of inhibition (>12 mm). In a murine MRSA-infected wound model, the hydrogel accelerated healing (∼99.6 % closure by day 21) and reduced bacterial load three-fold versus untreated. These results support chitosan-encapsulated PBEO-B as a promising phytopharmaceutical against MDR infections across sectors challenged by bacterial resistance.
{"title":"Phytochemical profiling and chitosan nanoencapsulation of Betelvine (Piper betle L) leaf essential oil incorporated into hydrogel to combat multidrug-resistant β-lactamase and mecA-harbouring bacteria: In vitro and In vivo approach","authors":"Adrija Saha , N. Harshitha , Jyotibrata Mitra , Varun Shamanna , K.L. Ravikumar , Sunil S. More , Susweta Das Mitra","doi":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.bcab.2026.103941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation offers a sustainable approach to enhance the efficacy of essential oils as phytopharmaceuticals against high-risk β-lactamase and <em>mecA</em>-positive multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in clinical and veterinary settings. Essential oils from the leaves of two varieties of <em>Piper betel</em> L (Bangla and Sanchi) were extracted and phytochemically profiled to identify the more potent chemotype for biopolymer-based nanoencapsulation and topical formulation. GC-MS analysis showed that the Bangla variety (PBEO-B) contained higher eugenol (39.73 %) and exhibited stronger antibacterial activity (MIC: 0.3125–10 mg/mL) than the Sanchi variety (PBEO-S, eugenol-10.73 % and MIC up to 20 mg/mL). Mechanistic studies confirmed PBEO-B as a potent bacterial membrane disruptor, as confirmed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and leakage of intracellular macromolecules. PBEO-B also exhibited strong antioxidant activity (IC<sub>50</sub> of PBEO-B: 42.78 μg/mL). The nanoformulation F3 (PB-CNP) (chitosan:EO = 1:2) achieved the highest encapsulation efficiency (61.5 %) and loading capacity (40.7 %). FTIR and FESEM confirmed encapsulation and spherical morphology. Drug release followed biphasic kinetics (38 % in 2 h; 93 % over 96 h), fitting the Korsmeyer–Peppas mathematical model (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.9), indicating pseudo-Fickian diffusion. Nanoencapsulation lowered effective doses by 1.25–10-fold against MDR strains. In <em>Galleria mellonella</em>, PB-CNPs improved survival (>60 %) compared to antibiotic (∼40 %) and untreated groups. The PB-CNP hydrogel showed favourable properties (pH 5.4, spreadability ∼205 %, swelling ∼32 %) and prominent zone of inhibition (>12 mm). In a murine MRSA-infected wound model, the hydrogel accelerated healing (∼99.6 % closure by day 21) and reduced bacterial load three-fold versus untreated. These results support chitosan-encapsulated PBEO-B as a promising phytopharmaceutical against MDR infections across sectors challenged by bacterial resistance.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":8774,"journal":{"name":"Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology","volume":"72 ","pages":"Article 103941"},"PeriodicalIF":3.8,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146034972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号