scholarly journals Microalgae as Contributors to Produce Biopolymers

Marine Drugs ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (8) ◽  
pp. 466
Author(s):  
Rozita Madadi ◽  
Hamid Maljaee ◽  
Luísa S. Serafim ◽  
Sónia P. M. Ventura
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Cultivation Process ◽  
Biological Sources ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Future Direction ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Microalgae Growth

Biopolymers are very favorable materials produced by living organisms, with interesting properties such as biodegradability, renewability, and biocompatibility. Biopolymers have been recently considered to compete with fossil-based polymeric materials, which rase several environmental concerns. Biobased plastics are receiving growing interest for many applications including electronics, medical devices, food packaging, and energy. Biopolymers can be produced from biological sources such as plants, animals, agricultural wastes, and microbes. Studies suggest that microalgae and cyanobacteria are two of the promising sources of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), cellulose, carbohydrates (particularly starch), and proteins, as the major components of microalgae (and of certain cyanobacteria) for producing bioplastics. This review aims to summarize the potential of microalgal PHAs, polysaccharides, and proteins for bioplastic production. The findings of this review give insight into current knowledge and future direction in microalgal-based bioplastic production considering a circular economy approach. The current review is divided into three main topics, namely (i) the analysis of the main types and properties of bioplastic monomers, blends, and composites; (ii) the cultivation process to optimize the microalgae growth and accumulation of important biobased compounds to produce bioplastics; and (iii) a critical analysis of the future perspectives on the field.

Biopolymers: A comprehensive review

2022 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 013-018
Author(s):  
Mohini Chandrashekhar Upadhye ◽  
Mohini Chetan Kuchekar ◽  
Rohini Revansiddhappa Pujari ◽  
Nutan Uttam Sable
Keyword(s):  
Pharmaceutical Industry ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Biological Systems ◽  
Review Article ◽  
Skin Care ◽  
Comprehensive Review ◽  
Green Nanotechnology ◽  
Biological Sources ◽  
Living Organisms

Biopolymers are compounds prepared by using various living organisms, including plants. These are composed of repeated units of the same or similar structure (monomers) linked together. Rubber, starch, cellulose, proteins and DNA, RNA, chitin, and peptides are some of the examples of natural biopolymers. Biopolymers are a diverse and remarkably versatile class of materials that are either produced by biological systems or synthesize from biological sources. Biopolymers are used in pharmaceutical industry and also in food industry.Naturally derived polymers are also used for conditioning benefits in hair and skin care. Biopolymers have various applications in medicine, food, packaging, and petroleum industries. This review article is focused on various aspects of biopolymers with a special emphasis on role of biopolymers in green nanotechnology and agriculture.

Nucleosome dynamics

2006 ◽  
Vol 73 ◽  
pp. 109-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Stockdale ◽  
Michael Bruno ◽  
Helder Ferreira ◽  
Elisa Garcia-Wilson ◽  
Nicola Wiechens ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Chromatin Structure ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Dynamic Properties ◽  
Structure And Dynamics ◽  
Nucleosome Dynamics ◽  
Sharp Focus ◽  
Recent Advances ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Chromatin Structure And Dynamics

In the 30 years since the discovery of the nucleosome, our picture of it has come into sharp focus. The recent high-resolution structures have provided a wealth of insight into the function of the nucleosome, but they are inherently static. Our current knowledge of how nucleosomes can be reconfigured dynamically is at a much earlier stage. Here, recent advances in the understanding of chromatin structure and dynamics are highlighted. The ways in which different modes of nucleosome reconfiguration are likely to influence each other are discussed, and some of the factors likely to regulate the dynamic properties of nucleosomes are considered.

scholarly journals Biomonitoring of Heavy Metals: The Unexplored Role of Marine Sessile Taxa

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 580
Author(s):  
Camilla Roveta ◽  
Anna Annibaldi ◽  
Afghan Afghan ◽  
Barbara Calcinai ◽  
Cristina Gioia Di Camillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Shallow Waters ◽  
Anthropogenic Inputs ◽  
Current Review ◽  
European Water ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Sessile Organisms

Coastal areas are known to receive significant anthropogenic inputs, mainly deriving from metropolitan areas, industries, and activities related to tourism. Among these inputs, some trace elements are listed as priority pollutants in the European Water Framework Directive, due to their ability to bioaccumulate in organisms. Many studies have been conducted on heavy metals (HMs) accumulation and on their possible effects on different edible marine species. While the most studied sessile organisms are bivalves, in the current review, we focus our attention on other sessile taxa (sponges, cnidarians, bryozoans, polychaetes, cirripeds, and tunicates), proposed as bioindicators in coastal shallow waters. Although their potential as bioindicator tools has been repeatedly highlighted in the literature, these organisms are still poorly investigated and considered for monitoring. In this context, we analyze the available literature about this topic, in order to summarize the current knowledge and identify possible applications of these organisms in a bioremediation scenario.

scholarly journals The Diverse Calpain Family in Trypanosomatidae: Functional Proteins Devoid of Proteolytic Activity?

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 299
Author(s):  
Vítor Ennes-Vidal ◽  
Marta Helena Branquinha ◽  
André Luis Souza dos Santos ◽  
Claudia Masini d’Avila-Levy
Keyword(s):  
Proteolytic Activity ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Current Therapy ◽  
Calcium Dependent ◽  
Administration Routes ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Living Organisms ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Open Question ◽  
Calpain Inhibitors

Calpains are calcium-dependent cysteine peptidases that were originally described in mammals and, thereafter, their homologues were identified in almost all known living organisms. The deregulated activity of these peptidases is associated with several pathologies and, consequently, huge efforts have been made to identify selective inhibitors. Trypanosomatids, responsible for life-threatening human diseases, possess a large and diverse family of calpain sequences in their genomes. Considering that the current therapy to treat trypanosomatid diseases is limited to a handful of drugs that suffer from unacceptable toxicity, tough administration routes, like parenteral, and increasing treatment failures, a repurposed approach with calpain inhibitors could be a shortcut to successful chemotherapy. However, there is a general lack of knowledge about calpain functions in these parasites and, currently, the proteolytic activity of these proteins is still an open question. Here, we highlight the current research and perspectives on trypanosomatid calpains, overview calpain description in these organisms, and explore the potential of targeting the calpain system as a therapeutic strategy. This review gathers the current knowledge about this fascinating family of peptidases as well as insights into the puzzle: are we unable to measure calpain activity in trypanosomatids, or are the functions of these proteins devoid of proteolytic activity in these parasites?

scholarly journals Effects of Glucosinolate-Derived Isothiocyanates on Fungi: A Comprehensive Review on Direct Effects, Mechanisms, Structure-Activity Relationship Data and Possible Agricultural Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (7) ◽  
pp. 539
Author(s):  
Tamás Plaszkó ◽  
Zsolt Szűcs ◽  
Gábor Vasas ◽  
Sándor Gonda
Keyword(s):  
Mycorrhizal Fungi ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Synergistic Activity ◽  
Microbial Composition ◽  
Soil Microbial ◽  
Structure Activity ◽  
Agricultural Applications ◽  
Antifungal Action ◽  
Insight Into ◽  
Soil Microbial Composition

Plants heavily rely on chemical defense systems against a variety of stressors. The glucosinolates in the Brassicaceae and some allies are the core molecules of one of the most researched such pathways. These natural products are enzymatically converted into isothiocyanates (ITCs) and occasionally other defensive volatile organic constituents (VOCs) upon fungal challenge or tissue disruption to protect the host against the stressor. The current review provides a comprehensive insight on the effects of the isothiocyanates on fungi, including, but not limited to mycorrhizal fungi and pathogens of Brassicaceae. In the review, our current knowledge on the following topics are summarized: direct antifungal activity and the proposed mechanisms of antifungal action, QSAR (quantitative structure-activity relationships), synergistic activity of ITCs with other agents, effects of ITCs on soil microbial composition and allelopathic activity. A detailed insight into the possible applications is also provided: the literature of biofumigation studies, inhibition of post-harvest pathogenesis and protection of various products including grains and fruits is also reviewed herein.

scholarly journals Interplay between cofactors and transcription factors in hematopoiesis and hematological malignancies

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zi Wang ◽  
Pan Wang ◽  
Yanan Li ◽  
Hongling Peng ◽  
Yu Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Transcription Factors ◽  
Hematological Malignancies ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Regulation Of Gene Expression ◽  
Hematologic Disorders ◽  
Cell Lineages ◽  
Stage Of Development ◽  
Transcription Complexes ◽  
Insight Into

AbstractHematopoiesis requires finely tuned regulation of gene expression at each stage of development. The regulation of gene transcription involves not only individual transcription factors (TFs) but also transcription complexes (TCs) composed of transcription factor(s) and multisubunit cofactors. In their normal compositions, TCs orchestrate lineage-specific patterns of gene expression and ensure the production of the correct proportions of individual cell lineages during hematopoiesis. The integration of posttranslational and conformational modifications in the chromatin landscape, nucleosomes, histones and interacting components via the cofactor–TF interplay is critical to optimal TF activity. Mutations or translocations of cofactor genes are expected to alter cofactor–TF interactions, which may be causative for the pathogenesis of various hematologic disorders. Blocking TF oncogenic activity in hematologic disorders through targeting cofactors in aberrant complexes has been an exciting therapeutic strategy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the models and functions of cofactor–TF interplay in physiological hematopoiesis and highlight their implications in the etiology of hematological malignancies. This review presents a deep insight into the physiological and pathological implications of transcription machinery in the blood system.

scholarly journals Nanocomposites Materials of PLA Reinforced with Nanoclays Using a Masterbatch Technology: A Study of the Mechanical Performance and Its Sustainability

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 2133
Author(s):  
Helena Oliver-Ortega ◽  
Josep Tresserras ◽  
Fernando Julian ◽  
Manel Alcalà ◽  
Alba Bala ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Food Packaging ◽  
Mechanical Performance ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Barrier Properties ◽  
Food Tray ◽  
Environmental Concerns ◽  
Poly Lactic Acid ◽  
The Matrix ◽  
Surface Modified ◽  
Being Moved

Packaging consumes around 40% of the total plastic production. One of the most important fields with high requirements is food packaging. Food packaging products have been commonly produced with petrol polymers, but due to environmental concerns, the market is being moved to biopolymers. Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is the most promising biopolymer, as it is bio-based and biodegradable, and it is well established in the market. Nonetheless, its barrier properties need to be enhanced to be competitive with other polymers such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Nanoclays improve the barrier properties of polymeric materials if correct dispersion and exfoliation are obtained. Thus, it marks a milestone to obtain an appropriate dispersion. A predispersed methodology is proposed as a compounding process to improve the dispersion of these composites instead of common melt procedures. Afterwards, the effect of the polarity of the matrix was analyzing using polar and surface modified nanoclays with contents ranging from 2 to 8% w/w. The results showed the suitability of the predispersed and concentrated compound, technically named masterbatch, to obtain intercalated structures and the higher dispersion of polar nanoclays. Finally, the mechanical performance and sustainability of the prepared materials were simulated in a food tray, showing the best assessment of these materials and their lower fingerprint.

scholarly journals Proteomic and Genomic Studies on Lizard Venoms in the Last Decade

2010 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. PRI.S3693 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hang Fai Kwok ◽  
Craig Ivanyi ◽  
Andrew Morris ◽  
Chris Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resources ◽  
Potential Benefit ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The State ◽  
Bioactive Molecules ◽  
Genomic Research ◽  
Active Compounds ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Genomic Studies

Traditionally man has looked to nature to provide cures for diseases. This approach still exists today in the form of ‘bio-prospecting’ for therapeutically-active compounds in venoms. For example, the venoms of many reptiles offer a spectacular laboratory of bioactive molecules, including peptides and proteins. In the last 10–15 years, there have been a number of major proteomic and genomic research breakthroughs on lizard venoms. In this current review, the key findings from these proteomic and genomic studies will be critically discussed and suggestions will be offered for future focused investigations. It is our intention that this article will not only provide a comprehensive picture of the state of current knowledge of the components of lizard venoms, but also engender awareness in readers of the need to protect and conserve such uniquely precious natural resources for several reasons, including the potential benefit of humankind.

scholarly journals Optical Properties of Polypropylene upon Recycling

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felice De Santis ◽  
Roberto Pantani
Keyword(s):  
Optical Properties ◽  
Rheological Properties ◽  
Isotactic Polypropylene ◽  
Food Packaging ◽  
Polymeric Materials ◽  
Optical Characteristics ◽  
Cooling Rates ◽  
Commercial Grade

In the last few years there has been an increasing interest in the possibility of recycling polymeric materials, using physical recycling. However, is it well known that polymers experience a depletion of all the properties upon recycling. These effects have been widely characterized in the literature for what concerns the mechanical or rheological properties. The changes of optical properties after recycling have been much less studied, even if, especially in food packaging, optical characteristics (above all the opacity) are of extreme importance, and thus it is quite significant to assess the effect of recycling on these properties. In this work, the influence of recycling steps on the opacity of films of a commercial grade of isotactic polypropylene (i-PP) was studied. The material was extruded several times to mimic the effect of recycling procedures. After extrusion, films were obtained by cooling samples of material at different cooling rates. The opacity of the obtained films was then measured and related to their crystallinity and morphology. It was found that opacity generally increases on increasing the amount ofαphase and for the same amount ofαphase on increasing the size of the spherulites.

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