scholarly journals Red Oak (Quercus rubra L.) Fruits as Potential Alternative for Cocoa Powder: Optimization of Roasting Conditions, Antioxidant, and Biological Properties

Forests ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1088
Author(s):  
Romina Alina Marc (Vlaic) ◽  
Mihaela Niculae ◽  
Emőke Páll ◽  
Vlad Mureșan ◽  
Andruţa Mureșan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Quercus Rubra ◽  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Red Oak ◽  
Stimulant Effect ◽  
Cocoa Powder ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Bacterium Bacillus

Cocoa powder is a basic ingredient in the manufacture of chocolate, one of the most appreciated sweet products in the world for its sensory and nutritional properties. Furthermore, it displays a central nervous system stimulant effect. This study aimed to investigate acorn-derived powder as an alternative to cocoa powder, in order to obtain a chocolate that does not contain stimulants of the nervous system. Both the chocolate technological process and acorns roasting process (180 °C/25 min, 200 °C/20 min and 220 °C/15 min) were optimized to obtain acorn powder with an organoleptic profile as close as possible to that of cocoa powder. The chocolate sensory evaluation was performed by means of the hedonic test. Furthermore, the aqueous extracts obtained from the resulting powder were evaluated for total polyphenol content, and in vitro antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties. The results point out a high content of phenolic compounds (500.78–524.01 mg GAE/100 g); protection against microbial contamination based on the ability to inhibit a Gram-positive bacterium (Bacillus cereus) was also noticed. The aqueous acorn extracts were also able to reduce the cell viability of HFL-1 (human fetal lung fibroblast) and DLD-1 (colorectal adenocarcinoma) lines. This study suggests red oak (Quercus rubra) fruits as a potential alternative to cocoa powder in the manufacture of chocolate.

scholarly journals PTMAc-PEG-PTMAc hydrogel modified by RGDC and hyaluronic acid promotes neural stem cells' survival and differentiation in vitro

RSC Advances ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (65) ◽  
pp. 41098-41104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruirui Yang ◽  
Caixia Xu ◽  
Tao Wang ◽  
Yuanqi Wang ◽  
Jingnan Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Hyaluronic Acid ◽  
Neural Stem Cells ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Central Nervous System Injury ◽  
Bioactive Molecules

The enhancement of the biological properties of hydrogels by surface modifying with bioactive molecules is of great significance, especially for the treatment of central nervous system injury by combining engrafted cells.

scholarly journals Poly Organotin Acetates against DNA with Possible Implementation on Human Breast Cancer

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (7) ◽  
pp. 2055 ◽  
Author(s):  
George Latsis ◽  
Christina Banti ◽  
Nikolaos Kourkoumelis ◽  
Constantina Papatriantafyllopoulou ◽  
Nikos Panagiotou ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Binding Constants ◽  
Fetal Lung ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Docking Studies ◽  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Breast Adenocarcinoma ◽  
Human Breast ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Ct Dna

Two known tin-based polymers of formula {[R3Sn(CH3COO)]n} where R = n-Bu– (1) and R = Ph– (2),were evaluated for their in vitro biological properties. The compounds were characterized via their physical properties and FT-IR, 119Sn Mössbauer, and 1H NMR spectroscopic data. The molecular structures were confirmed by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction crystallography. The geometry around the tin(IV) ion is trigonal bi-pyramidal. Variations in O–Sn–O···Sn′ torsion angles lead to zig-zag and helical supramolecular assemblies for 1 and 2, respectively. The in vitro cell viability against human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cell lines: MCF-7 positive to estrogens receptors (ERs) and MDA-MB-231 negative to ERs upon their incubation with 1 and 2 was investigated. Their toxicity has been studied against normal human fetal lung fibroblast cells (MRC-5). Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit 134 and 223-fold respectively stronger antiproliferative activity against MDA-MB-231 than cisplatin. The type of the cell death caused by 1 or 2 was also determined using flow cytometry assay. The binding affinity of 1 and 2 towards the CT-DNA was suspected from the differentiation of the viscosity which occurred in the solution containing increasing amounts of 1 and 2. Changes in fluorescent emission light of Ethidium bromide (EB) in the presence of DNA confirmed the intercalation mode of interactions into DNA of both complexes 1 and 2 which have been ascertained from viscosity measurements. The corresponding apparent binding constants (Kapp) of 1 and 2 towards CT-DNA calculated through fluorescence spectra are 4.9 × 104 (1) and 7.3 × 104 (2) M−1 respectively. Finally, the type of DNA binding interactions with 1 and 2 was confirmed by docking studies.

scholarly journals Assessment of Collagen-Based Nanostructured Biomimetic Systems with a Co-Culture of Human Bone-Derived Cells

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Giorgia Borciani ◽  
Giorgia Montalbano ◽  
Priscila Melo ◽  
Nicola Baldini ◽  
Gabriela Ciapetti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Type I Collagen ◽  
Osteoporotic Fractures ◽  
Bone Substitutes ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Bone Fragility ◽  
Buffy Coat ◽  
Type I ◽  
In Vitro Systems ◽  
Potential Alternative

Osteoporosis is a worldwide disease resulting in the increase of bone fragility and enhanced fracture risk in adults. In the context of osteoporotic fractures, bone tissue engineering (BTE), i.e., the use of bone substitutes combining biomaterials, cells, and other factors, is considered a potential alternative to conventional treatments. Innovative scaffolds need to be tested in in vitro systems where the simultaneous presence of osteoblasts (OBs) and osteoclasts (OCs), the two main players of bone remodeling, is required to mimic their crosstalk and molecular cooperation. To this aim, two composite materials were developed, based on type I collagen, and containing either strontium-enriched mesoporous bioactive glasses or rod-like hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. The developed nanostructured systems underwent genipin chemical crosslinking and were then tested with an indirect co-culture of human trabecular bone-derived OBs and buffy coat-derived OC precursors, for 2–3 weeks. The favorable structural and biological properties of the materials proved to successfully support the viability, adhesion, and differentiation of cells, encouraging a further investigation of the developed bioactive systems as biomaterial inks for the 3D printing of more complex scaffolds for BTE.

Neural Stem Cells to Glial Cells an Important Factor for Brain Injury

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prithiv K R Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Neural Stem Cells ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Brain Injuries ◽  
The Body ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
Near Future

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell or organ. Stems cell originate from any part of the body, including the brain. Brain cells or rather neural stem cells have the capacitive advantage of differentiating into the central nervous system leading to the formation of neurons and glial cells. Neural stem cells should have a source by editing DNA, or by mixings chemical enzymes of iPSCs. By this method, a limitless number of neuron stem cells can be obtained. Increase in supply of NSCs help in repairing glial cells which in-turn heal the central nervous system. Generally, brain injuries cause motor and sensory deficits leading to stroke. With all trials from novel therapeutic methods to enhanced rehabilitation time, the economy and quality of life is suppressed. Only PSCs have proven effective for grafting cells into NSCs. Neurons derived from stem cells is the only challenge that limits in-vitro usage in the near future.

In vitro Behaviour of Alumina-Hydroxiapatite Composites Coatings

2018 ◽  
Vol 69 (6) ◽  
pp. 1416-1418
Author(s):  
Alexandru Szabo ◽  
Ilare Bordeasu ◽  
Ion Dragos Utu ◽  
Ion Mitelea
Keyword(s):  
Pure Titanium ◽  
Titanium Substrate ◽  
High Strength ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Commercially Pure Titanium ◽  
Hvof Spraying ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Sbf Solution ◽  
Oxygen Fuel

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a very common material used for biomedical applications. Usually, in order to improve its poor mechanical properties is combined or coated with other high-strength materials.The present paper reports the manufacturing and the biocompatibility behaviour of two different biocomposite coatings consisting of alumina (Al2O3) and hydroxyapatite (HA) using the high velocity oxygen fuel (HVOF) spraying method which were deposited onto the surface of a commercially pure titanium substrate. The biological properties of the Al2O3-HA materials were evaluated by in vitro studies. The morphology of the coatings before and after their immersing in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed an important germination of the biologic hydroxyapatite crystallite on the surface of both coatings.

Nanodrugs as a new approach in therapy of cardiovascular diseases and cancer with tumor-associated angiogenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Justyna Hajtuch ◽  
Karolina Niska ◽  
Iwona Inkielewicz-Stepniak
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Cardiovascular Diseases ◽  
Controlled Drug Release ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Comprehensive Information ◽  
Conventional Drug ◽  
Key Factor ◽  
Functionalized Materials

Background: Cancer along with cardiovascular diseases are globally defined as leading causes of death. Importantly, some risk factors are common to these diseases. The process of angiogenesis and platelets aggregation are observed in cancer development and progression. In recent years, studies have been conducted on nanodrugs in these diseases that have provided important information on the biological and physicochemical properties of nanoparticles. Their attractive features are that they are made of biocompatible, well-characterized and easily functionalized materials. Unlike conventional drug delivery, sustained and controlled drug release can be obtained by using nanomaterials. Methods: In this article, we review the latest research to provide comprehensive information on nanoparticle-based drugs for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease associated with abnormal haemostasis, and the inhibition of tumorassociated angiogenesis. Results: The results of the analysis of data based on nanoparticles with drugs confirm their improved pharmaceutical and biological properties, which gives promising antiplatelet, anticoagulant and antiangiogenic effects. Moreover, the review included in vitro, in vivo research and presented nanodrugs with chemotherapeutics approved by Food and Drug Administration. Conclusion: By the optimization of nanoparticles size and surface properties, nanotechnology are able to deliver drugs with enhanced bioavailability in treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer and inhibition of cancer-related angiogenesis. Thus, nanotechnology can improve the therapeutic efficacy of the drug, but there is a need for a better understanding of the nanodrugs interaction in the human body, because this is a key factor in the success of potential nanotherapeutics.

Tamarix articulata (T. articulata) - An Important Halophytic Medicinal Plant with Potential Pharmacological Properties

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 285-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdullah M. Alnuqaydan ◽  
Bilal Rah
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plant ◽  
Biological Activities ◽  
Wide Spectrum ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
In Vivo Model ◽  
Drug Candidate ◽  
Phytochemical Analysis ◽  
Pharmacological Properties

Background:Tamarix Articulata (T. articulata), commonly known as Tamarisk or Athal in Arabic region, belongs to the Tamaricaece species. It is an important halophytic medicinal plant and a good source of polyphenolic phytochemical(s). In traditional medicines, T. articulata extract is commonly used, either singly or in combination with other plant extracts against different ailments since ancient times.Methods:Electronic database survey via Pubmed, Google Scholar, Researchgate, Scopus and Science Direct were used to review the scientific inputs until October 2018, by searching appropriate keywords. Literature related to pharmacological activities of T. articulata, Tamarix species, phytochemical analysis of T. articulata, biological activities of T. articulata extracts. All of these terms were used to search the scientific literature associated with T. articulata; the dosage of extract, route of administration, extract type, and in-vitro and in-vivo model.Results:Numerous reports revealed that T. articulata contains a wide spectrum of phytochemical(s), which enables it to have a wide window of biological properties. Owing to the presence of high content of phytochemical compounds like polyphenolics and flavonoids, T. articulata is a potential source of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties. In view of these pharmacological properties, T. articulata could be a potential drug candidate to treat various clinical conditions including cancer in the near future.Conclusion:In this review, the spectrum of phytochemical(s) has been summarized for their pharmacological properties and the mechanisms of action, and the possible potential therapeutic applications of this plant against various diseases discussed.

PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant Extract: In vitro Determination of Biological Properties and Minerals Bioaccessibility

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-74
Author(s):  
Ortensia Ilaria Parisi ◽  
Mariarosa Ruffo ◽  
Fabio Amone ◽  
Rocco Malivindi ◽  
Domenico Gorgoglione ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Sample ◽  
Specific Area ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Ammonium Molybdate ◽  
Antihypertensive Activity ◽  
Protected Designation Of Origin ◽  
The Family ◽  
Oil Red O Staining

Background: The Rotonda’s Red Eggplant belongs to the family of Solanum aethiopicum and it is cultivated in a specific area of Potenza (Basilicata, South of Italy) including villages of Rotonda, Viggianello, Castelluccio Superiore and Castelluccio Inferiore. The Red Eggplant cultivated in this area has gained the PDO, “Protected Designation of Origin”. Objective: The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant extract as a possible nutraceutical supplement. The antioxidant, antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic properties were in vitro evaluated. Methods: The antioxidant activity was investigated by evaluating the scavenging properties against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-Azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radicals and by performing the Ammonium Molybdate and Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The hypoglycemic and antihypertensive activity was studied by evaluating the α-Amylase, α-Glucosidase and Angiotensin Converting Enzyme, respectively, inhibiting activity. In order to evaluate the hypolipidemic activity, the pancreatic lipase inhibiting property was determined and Oil Red O staining assay was performed. Finally, to evaluate the possible use of this extract as a minerals supplement, Selenium, Potassium and Chrome bioaccessibility was studied. Results: The obtained results underline the good antioxidant, hypoglycemic, antihypertensive and hypolipidemic in vitro properties of the PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant extract. Moreover, the obtained data show a higher minerals bioaccessibility and this higher value could be ascribable to the natural phytocomplex of PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant, which increases the minerals bioaccessibility if compare it with a control sample. Conclusion: The obtained results show that PDO Rotonda’s Red Eggplant extract, might be used as a possible nutraceutical supplement, along with traditional therapies, both for its biological properties and for its minerals bioaccessibility value.

Spirocyclohexadienones as an Uncommon Scaffold for Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 373-382 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph C. Gomes ◽  
Renata P. Sakata ◽  
Wanda P. Almeida ◽  
Fernando Coelho
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Population Aging ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors ◽  
Acetylcholinesterase Activity ◽  
Docking Study ◽  
Biological Properties ◽  
Ache Inhibitor ◽  
Molecular Docking Study

Background: The most important cause of dementia affecting elderly people is the Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Patients affected by this progressive and neurodegenerative disease have severe memory and cognitive function impairments. Some medicines used for treating this disease in the early stages are based on inhibition of acetylcholinesterase. Population aging should contribute to increase the cases of patients suffering from Alzheimer's disease, thus requiring the development of new therapeutic entities for the treatment of this disease. Methods: The objective of this work is to identify new substances that have spatial structural similarity with donepezil, an efficient commercial drug used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and to evaluate the capacity of inhibition of these new substances against the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. Results: Based on a previous results of our group, we prepared a set of 11 spirocyclohexadienones with different substitutions patterns in three steps and overall yield of up to 59%. These compounds were evaluated in vitro against acetylcholinesterase. We found that eight of them are able to inhibit the acetylcholinesterase activity, with IC50 values ranging from 0.12 to 12.67 µM. Molecular docking study indicated that the spirocyclohexadienone, 9e (IC50 = 0.12 µM), a mixedtype AChE inhibitor, showed a good interaction at active site of the enzyme, including the cationic (CAS) and the peripheral site (PAS). Conclusion: We described the first study aimed at investigating the biological properties of spirocyclohexadienones as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Thus, we have identified an inhibitor, which provided valuable insights for further studies aimed at the discovery of more potent acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.

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