Rezumat

Rezumat

Recent European guidelines support the use of recycled and biodegradable packaging for food applications. The approval of such packaging must not alter food's taste or be harmful to health. In this work, PLA pellets were subjected to a post-consumer contamination procedure, washing process, and mechanical recycling, under common conditions of the recycling industry. HS-SPME-GC-MS and HS-SPME-GC-O-MS methods were used to detect volatile compounds and off-odor profiles. 33 different volatile compounds were identified in all samples. Intentionally added and non-intentionally added substances (IAS and NIAS) were identified, including benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, and dimethyl-1,4-dioxane-2,5-dione. The relationship between the formation of different NIAS and the PLA recycling process steps was determined. 14 different odor compounds such as benzyl alcohol, benzaldehyde, nonanal, decanal, dodecanal, 2,3-dimethylnaphthalene and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol were detected and classified into 4 aroma groups (Toasted, Flower, Green and Chemical). The results obtained are essential for the food safety of recycled plastic material for food contact.

Rezumat

In samples of Artemisia campestris (AC), Artemisia herba-alba (AHA) and Salvia jordanii (SJ) essential oils, up to 200 distinct volatile compounds were identified. Using headspace solid-phase microextraction combined with gas chromatography-olfactometry-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-O-MS), different panelists detected 52 of these compounds. This study offers the most detailed analysis of bioactive compound profiles conducted so far. The most abundant compounds identified were curcumene, making up 12.96% of AC, and camphor, constituting 21.67% of AHA and 19.15% of SJ. The compounds with the highest odor activity value (OAV) were (E,Z)-2,4-nonadienal (geranium, pungent), 3-nonenal (cucumber) and 2-undecenal (sweet) in AC, AHA and SJ, respectively. AHA essential oil showed significant antioxidant activity (IC50 = 41.73 +/- 4.14 mg/g) and hydroxyl radical generation (hydroxylation percentage = 29.62 +/- 3.14), as assessed by the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. In terms of oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), the strongest antioxidant activity was obtained for SJ essential oil (antioxidant activity of the essential oils, AOX = 337.49 +/- 9.87).

Rezumat

Healthcare professionals face an ongoing challenge in managing both acute and chronic wounds, given the potential impact on patients' quality of life and the limited availability of expensive treatment options. Hydrogel wound dressings offer a promising solution for effective wound care due to their affordability, ease of use, and ability to incorporate bioactive substances that enhance the wound healing process. Our study aimed to develop and evaluate hybrid hydrogel membranes enriched with bioactive components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. We utilized both natural and synthetic polymers and employed a scalable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly production process. We conducted extensive testing, including an in vitro assessment of moisture content, moisture uptake, swelling rate, gel fraction, biodegradation, water vapor transmission rate, protein denaturation, and protein adsorption. We evaluated the biocompatibility of the hydrogel membranes through cellular assays and performed instrumental tests using scanning electron microscopy and rheological analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the biohybrid hydrogel membranes exhibit cumulative properties with a favorable swelling ratio, optimal permeation properties, and good biocompatibility, all achieved with minimal concentrations of bioactive agents.

Rezumat

Healthcare professionals face an ongoing challenge in managing both acute and chronic wounds, given the potential impact on patients’ quality of life and the limited availability of expensive treatment options. Hydrogel wound dressings offer a promising solution for effective wound care due to their affordability, ease of use, and ability to incorporate bioactive substances that enhance the wound healing process. Our study aimed to develop and evaluate hybrid hydrogel membranes enriched with bioactive components such as collagen and hyaluronic acid. We utilized both natural and synthetic polymers and employed a scalable, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly production process. We conducted extensive testing, including an in vitro assessment of moisture content, moisture uptake, swelling rate, gel fraction, biodegradation, water vapor transmission rate, protein denaturation, and protein adsorption. We evaluated the biocompatibility of the hydrogel membranes through cellular assays and performed instrumental tests using scanning electron microscopy and rheological analysis. Our findings demonstrate that the biohybrid hydrogel membranes exhibit cumulative properties with a favorable swelling ratio, optimal permeation properties, and good biocompatibility, all achieved with minimal concentrations of bioactive agents. © 2023 by the authors.

Rezumat

Introduction: Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors. They possess pharmacological properties like that of the plant Cannabis sativa. Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the popular chromatographic techniques that has been routinely used in the analysis of cannabinoids in different matrices.Objective: The article aims to review the literature on the application of GC-based analytical methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published during the period from January 2020 to August 2023.Methodology: A thorough literature search was conducted using different databases, like Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials including published books. The keywords used, in various combinations, with cannabinoids being present in all combinations, in the search were cannabinoids, Cannabis sativa, marijuana, analysis, GC, quantitative, qualitative, and quality control. From the search results, only the publications that incorporate the GC analysis of phytocannabinoids were reviewed, and papers on synthetic cannabinoids were excluded.Results: Since the publication of the review article on GC analysis of phytocannabinoids in early 2020, several GC-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids have appeared in the literature. While simple 1D GC-mass spectrometry (MS) and GC-flame ionisation detector (FID) methods are still quite common in phytocannabinoids analysis, 2D GC-MS and GC-MS/MS are increasingly becoming popular, as these techniques offer more useful data for identification and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. The use of automation in sample preparation and the utilisation of mathematical and computational models for optimisation of different protocols have become a norm in phytocannabinoids analysis. Pre-analyses have been found to incorporate different derivatisation techniques and environmentally friendly extraction protocols.Conclusions: GC-based analysis of phytocannabinoids, especially using GC-MS, remains one of the most preferred methods for the analysis of these compounds. New derivatisation methods, ionisation techniques, mathematical models, and computational approaches for method optimisation have been introduced.

Rezumat

Introduction: Cannabinoids are a group of compounds that bind to cannabinoid receptors. They possess pharmacological properties like that of the plant Cannabis sativa. Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the popular chromatographic techniques that has been routinely used in the analysis of cannabinoids in different matrices. Objective: The article aims to review the literature on the application of GC-based analytical methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids published during the period from January 2020 to August 2023. Methodology: A thorough literature search was conducted using different databases, like Web of Knowledge, PubMed, Google Scholar, and other relevant published materials including published books. The keywords used, in various combinations, with cannabinoids being present in all combinations, in the search were cannabinoids, Cannabis sativa, marijuana, analysis, GC, quantitative, qualitative, and quality control. From the search results, only the publications that incorporate the GC analysis of phytocannabinoids were reviewed, and papers on synthetic cannabinoids were excluded. Results: Since the publication of the review article on GC analysis of phytocannabinoids in early 2020, several GC-based methods for the analysis of phytocannabinoids have appeared in the literature. While simple 1D GC–mass spectrometry (MS) and GC–flame ionisation detector (FID) methods are still quite common in phytocannabinoids analysis, 2D GC-MS and GC-MS/MS are increasingly becoming popular, as these techniques offer more useful data for identification and quantification of phytocannabinoids in various matrices. The use of automation in sample preparation and the utilisation of mathematical and computational models for optimisation of different protocols have become a norm in phytocannabinoids analysis. Pre-analyses have been found to incorporate different derivatisation techniques and environmentally friendly extraction protocols. Conclusions: GC-based analysis of phytocannabinoids, especially using GC-MS, remains one of the most preferred methods for the analysis of these compounds. New derivatisation methods, ionisation techniques, mathematical models, and computational approaches for method optimisation have been introduced. © 2023 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

To better understand the potential of drug repurposing in COVID-19, we analyzed control strategies over essential host factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We constructed comprehensive directed protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks integrating the top-ranked host factors, the drug target proteins and directed PPI data. We analyzed the networks to identify drug targets and combinations thereof that offer efficient control over the host factors. We validated our findings against clinical studies data and bioinformatics studies. Our method offers a new insight into the molecular details of the disease and into potentially new therapy targets for it. Our approach for drug repurposing is significant beyond COVID-19 and may be applied also to other diseases.

Rezumat

Nowadays, polypropylene is one of the most common polymers used in the food packaging industry due to its good functionality and relatively low cost. Nevertheless, usage of plastic disposable packaging can be a generator of plastic pollution having negative environmental effects. A feasible solution for this issue would be to recycle. The polypropylene samples were submitted to two processes, forced contamination, and recycling, and they were analyzed by solid-phase microextraction gas chromatograph-olfactometry-mass spectrometry. 45 different volatile compounds were identified and 9 of them presented distinct odoriferous activities. Among them, two important markers were detected: diethyl phthalate (probably coming from the catalyst of PP polymerization, intentionally added substance (IAS)), and glycerine (a marker of non-intentionally added substances (NIAS)).

Rezumat

Rezumat

A new biodegradable antioxidant active packaging for food applications based on antioxidants from medicinal and aromatic plants incorporated into a polylactic acid matrix was designed and developed. Melt blending processing technique was applied to prepare polylactic acid films loaded by sage and lemon balm leaves. Antioxidant properties of developed active films were investigated using the following methods: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid), 2,2-diphenyl-1-(2,4,6-trinitrophenyl)hydrazyl and a home-made generator of hydroxyl radicals. In addition, reducing power and total phenolic content of polylactic acid films were checked. The results of antioxidant capacity showed that percentage of hydroxylation for active film with lemon balm and sage was 55.5% +/- 0.1% and 67.4% +/- 0.3%, respectively. The reducing power of active films increased 8 times in comparison to the blank samples. Moreover, extensive investigation of influence of sage and lemon balm leaves on material safety and type of migrants was performed using migration assays. The composition of both non-volatile and volatile compounds of different active packaging films was compared with neat polylactic acid film. Three different food simulants such as 95% (v/v) ethanol, 10% (v/v) ethanol and 3% (w/v) acetic acid were checked. It was shown that the addition of sage and lemon balm leaves into a polylactic acid structure decreased the migration of both linear and cyclic polylactic acid oligomers, currently not legislated by European Union. Besides, total absence or decrease of migration of volatile compounds were observed when using the active films. Both thermal and mechanical properties of films were also evaluated.

Rezumat

Salvia officinalis essential oil loaded gelatin hydrogels with improved antibacterial activity and enhanced stability was prepared by microwave-assisted polymerization method. FT-IR spectra indicated no chemical interaction between the hydrogel matrix and the essential oil functional groups. According to the swelling studies, enhanced stability in all pH media was obtained. Studying two kinetic models: Fickian transport and Schott second order kinetic model, it was demonstrated that the swelling process of the prepared hydrogels occurs after a second order kinetics. Antibacterial activity, investigated by the agar diffusion method, regarding S. aureus and E. coli is comparable to that of silver nanoparticles and twice more efficient compared to cinnamon essential oil.

Rezumat

Galium verum essential oil (EO) loaded gelatin hydrogel was prepared by microwave-assisted polymerization method. FT-IR analysis indicated no chemical interaction between the hydrogel matrix and EO. Good swelling behavior, increased thermo- and mechanical-properties was attributed to the synergistic effects of the secondary structure of gelatin after gelation and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions between the hydrogel matrix and EO ingredient's. Antibacterial activity was investigated by the agar diffusion method.

Rezumat

Background: According to only a handful of historical sources, Osmunda regalis, the royal fern, has been used already in the middle age as an anti-cancer remedy. To examine this ancient cancer cure, an ethanolic extract of the roots was prepared and analysed in vitro on its effectiveness against head and neck cancer cell lines. Methods: Proliferation inhibition was measured with the MTT assay. Invasion inhibition was tested in a spheroid-based 3-D migration assay on different extracellular matrix surfaces. Corresponding changes in gene expression were analysed by qRT-PCR array. Induction of apoptosis was measured by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) with the Annexin V binding method. The plant extract was analysed by preliminary phytochemical tests, liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) and thin layer chromatography (TLC). Anti-angiogenetic activity was determined by the tube formation assay. Results: O. regalis extract revealed a growth inhibiting effect on the head and neck carcinoma cell lines HLaC78 and FaDu. The toxic effect seems to be partially modulated by p-glycoprotein, as the MDR-1 expressing HLaC79-Tax cells were less sensitive. O. regalis extract inhibited the invasion of cell lines on diverse extracellular matrix substrates significantly. Especially the dispersion of the highly motile cell line HlaC78 on laminin was almost completely abrogated. Motility inhibition on laminin was accompanied by differential gene regulation of a variety of genes involved in cell adhesion and metastasis. Furthermore, O. regalis extract triggered apoptosis in HNSCC cell lines and inhibited tube formation of endothelial cells. Preliminary phytochemical analysis proved the presence of tannins, glycosides, steroids and saponins. Liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) revealed a major peak of an unknown substance with a molecular mass of 864.15 Da, comprising about 50% of the total extract. Thin layer chromatography identified ferulic acid to be present in the extract. Conclusion: The presented results justify the use of royal fern extracts as an anti-cancer remedy in history and imply a further analysis of ingredients.

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Galium verum, also known as Lady's Bedstraw, is a herbaceous perennial plant of the family Rubiaceae, native to Europe and Asia and used in traditional medicine as an anticancer medicine. It is used as a decoction in most traditional recipes, applied externally as well as internally. We produced a Galium verum decoction and applied it in vitro to chemosensitive (Hep-2 and HLaC79) and chemoresistant, P-glycoprotein-overexpressing (Hep2-Tax, HLaC79-Tax) laryngeal carcinoma cell lines. It could be demonstrated that Galium aqueous extract is cytotoxic for all cell lines. A detailed spheroid-based 3D invasion analysis of Hep2 and Hep2-Tax in semisolid collagen gels and on different extracellular matrix coatings was performed, which showed an inhibition of invasion by sublethal concentrations of Galium decoction and proved to be even more pronounced in the more aggressively invading chemoresistant Hep2-Tax cell line. Gelatinolytic activity of MMP-2 was downregulated in three of the four cell lines. Angiogenesis (endothelial tube formation) in contrast, was not affected by Galium aqueous extract. Gene expression array on HLaC79 and Hep2 cell lines treated with Galium decoction vs. untreated controls revealed no unique pathway activation patterns in these cells. Results are discussed with respect to the use of herbal drugs as a preventive and/or a concomitant therapeutic approach in head and neck cancer.

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat

Rezumat