Abstract

Abstract

In the present study, novel biomaterials based on mixtures of collagen and peptides isolated from aquaculture fish residues and marine chitosan solution at pH 5 were prepared, conditioned as 3D porous sponges and characterized to select best variant for biomedical applications. The physico-chemical properties of the biomaterials were investigated by determination of their in vitro biodegradability, swelling degree and porosity, while morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, the biocompatibility of the prepared biomaterials was assessed by cell viability of L929 fibroblast cultures cultivated in the presence of the prepared sponges by MTT assay. The results indicated that the biomaterials prepared from mixtures of collagen and chitosan at pH 5 and mixtures of collagen, chitosan at pH 5 and peptides had lower in vitro biodegradability in the presence of collagenase, higher degree of swelling and increased porosity, compared to a sponge of fish collagen (control). The cell viability values recorded in L929 fibroblast culture cultivated in the presence of the prepared biomaterials were high, indicating a good biocompatibility with skin specific cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that the biomaterials prepared from fish collagen and marine chitosan at pH 5 with or without addition of fish peptides have optimal physico-chemical and structural properties and good biocompatibility, recommending their further testing and use in skin tissue engineering.

Abstract

Abstract

Silver carp (H. molitrix) is one of the most popular species in fish farms around the world. In this paper, the bioactive properties of four protein hydrolysates from silver carp residues obtained with papain, flavourzyme, alcalase and combination of flavourzyme & alcalase treatment were analyzed. Physicochemical characterization showed that the alcalase extract had the highest extraction yield of 52.07%, presented 90.33% protein content and the highest degree of hydrolysis (76.23%). Gel electrophoresis pattern indicated that hydrolysate obtained with alcalase contains most peptides with a molecular weight below 15 kDa, while those present in the hydrolysate obtained with flavourzyme & alcalase had a molecular weight between 10-15 kDa. The effect of protein hydrolysates on DPPH free radicals inhibition varied between 47.37-50.14%, the highest value of antioxidant activity being recorded for hydrolysate obtained with papain. The hydrolysates presented antihypertensive potential determined as inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme, with the highest activity in the case of flavourzyme & alcalase extract. The fish protein hydrolysates were cytocompatible in a normal fibroblast culture, NCTC cell line showing cell viability over 80% for all variants. When cultivated in Hep-2 cancer cells at 10 mg/ml, the protein hydrolysates obtained by papain and flavourzyme & alcalase mixture decreased the cell viability, indication antitumoral potential. In conclusion, the fish protein hydrolysates demonstrated important bioactive properties, including antioxidant, antihypertensive and antiproliferative activity.

Abstract

This article aims to review the specialized literature regarding biomaterials based on collagen and polysaccharides useful in tissue regeneration. Collagen is the predominant protein in the animal body. The rather large spread of this protein, its physico-chemical and biological properties allow its use in the creation of materials that can come into direct contact with animal tissues, including human ones. Biomaterials based on collagen play an important role in tissue engineering. These can be spongy matrices, membranes or hydrogels. Combining collagen with different polysaccharides (cellulose, chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid) leads to the improvement of the physical-chemical, mechanical and biological properties of the resulting biomaterials. Studies have shown that they can be used in the regeneration of epidermal tissue, bone tissue, neural tissue, eye tissues. Collagen combined with chitosan can be used in bioprinting. The studies carried out on cell cultures demonstrated that the biomaterials resulting from the combination of collagen with different polysaccharides have a low degree of cytotoxicity. In various articles it was shown that these biomaterials have the physico-chemical properties (degree of biodegradability, degree of swelling, degree of porosity) necessary for tissue regenerative engineering.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

In our study a Hedera helix L. leaves extract was fractioned by flash chromatography. The extract and its nine fractions were tested for biocompatibility on NCTC normal fibroblasts, and antiproliferative activity on Hep-2 epithelial tumor cells. In vitro tests revealed that the samples were biocompatible on NCTC cells up to 200 mu g/mL. Fractions 7 and 8 manifested strong antiproliferative effect on Hep-2 cells, and were analyzed versus ivy extract to determine the content in phytochemical constituents and antioxidant activity. The obtained results highlighted that the high content of saponins is responsible for the fractions 7 and 8 antiproliferative activity.

Abstract

Abstract

Two chitosan extracts were prepared by chemical and enzymatic treatment of Ganoderma lucidum mushroom, as an alternative source to crustacean shells. The molecular weight of the enzymatic extract was lower than that of the chemical one and of shrimp chitosan, as determined by viscosity measurements. Characteristic signals were identified in the H-1-NMR spectra and high deacetylation degree indicated good physico-chemical properties for both mushroom chitosan extracts. The scavenging capacity of mushroom chitosan extracts was moderate against the synthetic radicals of 2,2 '-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), but higher values were observed for the enzymatic extract, compared to the chemical extract and shrimp chitosan. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated in L929 mouse fibroblast cell lines and the results of MTT assay showed good cytocompatibility in the tested range of concentrations. The growth of Gram-positive bacteria was inhibited more than Gram-negative bacteria in the presence of mushroom chitosan extracts, in particular by the chemical one, indicating their efficiency as antimicrobial agents. All these results strengthen the evidence of mushroom polysaccharide preparations availability for biomedical applications.

Abstract

The effects of two lyophilized extracts obtained from the aerial parts ofThymus marschallianusWilld. and harvested from wild flora (TMW) and obtained from culture (TMC) were evaluated in Wistar rats with experimentally induced hyperglycemia. The hyperglycemia was induced by streptozotocin (STZ) administration and the obtained results were evaluated in comparison for TMW and TMC. The polyphenolic composition of extracts was evaluated by spectrophotometrical and LC-MS methods.In vitroantioxidant capacity assays (DPPH, FRAP, EPR) were performed in order to preliminary establish the ability of tested samples to protect against free radical induced damage. Afterwards, the effects of these extracts were assessedin vivoon rats with experimental-induced hyperglycemia. Oxidative stress biomarkers (e.g. malondialdehyde-MDA), phosphorylated transcription factor subunit of nuclear kappaB (NF-kB) p65, methyl CpG binding protein (MECP) 2 and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) expressions in hippocampus and frontal lobe were assessed. Open Field Test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM) were conducted on tested animals. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and HDAC1and MeCP2 expressions increased significantly in hippocampus (p<0.05) and frontal lobe (p<0.001) of diabetes group compared to the control group in parallel with decreasing of GSH/GSSG ratio. TMW and TMC administration reduced blood glucose levels and diminished lipid peroxidation, HDAC1 expression and enhanced antioxidant capacity in frontal lobe. TMW improved central locomotion of rats, increased phospho-NFkB p65 and diminished MECP2 expressions in hippocampus. Both tested samples exerted a beneficial effect by increasing the antioxidant defense. Our findings indicate that the administration of these extracts might represent a good option in the treatment of diabetes and its complications.

Abstract

The influence of spore concentration on the ability of a Trichoderma consortium to colonize the Passiflora caerulea phyllosphere was evaluated by determining the effects of foliar treatments with two spore concentrations, in two repeated treatments, on the morphological, physiological, and ultrastructural characteristics, and on the yield and quality of P. caerulea. The studied crop quality features were related to its nutraceutical use: the accumulation of polyphenols and flavonoids, antioxidant activity, and effects on mouse fibroblast L929 cells. The Trichoderma consortium consisted of two strains, T. asperellum T36b and T. harzianum Td50b, and the concentrations used were 10(6) colony forming units (cfu)/mL and 10(8) cfu/mL. As a reference treatment, a commercial product that was based on herbs and algal extracts was used. As compared to the negative control, the treatment with the Trichoderma consortium at 10(8) cfu/mL concentration determines the accumulation of higher level of polyphenols and flavonoids and increased antioxidant activity. This enhancement of P. caerulea quality characteristics after treatment with the higher concentration of Trichoderma consortium was associated with larger leaves, increased number and size of chloroplasts, improved plant physiology characteristics, and an increased yield. The treatment with high concentration of Trichoderma consortium spores promotes phyllosphere colonization and benefits both crop yield and quality.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

The bioavailability of pollen bioactive compounds for humans is limited. In this study, our aim was to enhance the health-related benefits of pollen by fermentation with a Kombucha/SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts) consortium. We performed the fermentation of pollen suspended from the beginning with SCOBY on sweetened green tea or on Kombucha vinegar, by adding pollen after 20 days of Kombucha fermentation. We analyzed: formation of bioactive compounds (anti-oxidant polyphenols, soluble silicon, hydroxy-acids, short chain fatty acids-SCFA); parameters related to Kombucha fermentation (dynamics of lactic acid bacteria-LAB, formation of organic acids, soluble sugar evolution on Kombucha vinegar); the influence of Kombucha fermentation on pollen morphology and ultrastructure; in vitro cytotoxic and antitumoral effects of the Kombucha fermented pollen. The pollen addition increases LAB proportion in the total number of SCOBY microbial strains. SEM images highlight the adhesion of the SCOBY bacteria to pollen. Ultrastructural analysis reveals the release of the pollen content. The content of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, soluble silicon species and SCFA) is higher in the fermented pollen and the product shows a moderate antitumoral effect on Caco-2 cells. The health benefits of pollen are enhanced by fermentation with a Kombucha consortium.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Oxidative stress and inflammation can be involved in cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative disorders. Diazepam (DZP) administration has been chosen to simulate the memory impairment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of curcumin (CUR) on spatial cognition, ambulatory activity, and blood and brain oxidative stress levels. The ERK/NF-kappa B signaling pathway and the histopathological changes in the hippocampus and frontal lobe, in diazepam-treated rats, were also analyzed. The animals were divided into 4 groups: control, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) + CUR, CMC + DZP, and CUR + CMC+ DZP. CUR (150 mg/kg b.w.) was orally administered for 28 days. DZP (2 mg/kg b.w.) was intraperitoneally administered 20 minutes before the behavioral tests (open field test, Y-maze, and elevated plus maze). CUR improved the spontaneous alternation behavior, decreased the oxidative stress levels, both in the blood and in the hippocampus, and downregulated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK 1/2)/nuclear transcription factor-(NF-) kappa B/pNF-kappa B pathway in the hippocampus and the iNOS expression in the hippocampus and frontal lobe of the DZP-treated rats. Histopathologically, no microscopic changes were found. The immunohistochemical signal of iNOS decreased in the DZP and CUR-treated group. Thus, our findings suggest that curcumin administration may improve the cognitive performance and may also have an antioxidant effect.

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants has a long tradition in the Calarasi - Silistra region. In this area, 81 species of medicinal and aromatic plants - from the cultivated and spontaneous flora - were identified as a result of a study we performed. Of those, 16 species were experimentally cultivated in two pilot cultures, one in Calarasi County and one in Silistra District, and were analyzed from the point of view of the active principles they contain. The following compound categories were identified during the study: aminoacids, proteins, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, triterpenoids, glycosides, polysaccharides, vitamins A and E. The results of the study allowed the identification of species with a high content of active principles and led to recommendations for local cultivators of medicinal plants. A database was also created, containing information about the most common medicinal plants found in the area and their active principles content (www.medplanet.dbioro.eu).

Abstract