Hydrogels based on galactomannan and κ-carrageenan containing immobilized biomolecules for in vivo thermal-burn wound treatment.

Hydrogels based on natural polysaccharides have demonstrated efficacy in epithelial recovery from cutaneous burn wounds. Here, we prepared a double-network hydrogel consisting of galactomannan (from Cassia grandis seeds) and κ-carrageenan (commercially sourced), cross-linked with CaCl2, as a matrix for immobilizing lactoferrin and/or Cramoll, aiming at its applicability as dressings for second-degree burn wounds. The formulations obtained [H - hydrogel, HL - hydrogel + lactoferrin, HC - hydrogel + Cramoll and HLC - hydrogel + lactoferrin + Cramoll] were analyzed rheologically as well as in terms of their stability (pH, color, microbial contamination) for 90 days. The burn was created with an aluminum bar (97 ± 3 °C) in the dorsal region of Wistar rats and subsequently treated with hydrogels (H, HL, HC, HLC) and control saline solution (S). The burn was monitored for 3, 7 and 14 days to evaluate the efficacy of the hydrogels in promoting wound healing. The hydrogels did not reveal significant pH or microbiological changes; there was an increase in brightness and a reduction in opacity for H. The rheological analysis confirmed the gel-like viscoelastic signature of the systems without substantial modification of the basic rheological characteristics, however HLC proved to be more rigid, due to rheological synergy when combining protein biomolecules. Macroscopic analyses confirmed centripetal healing with wound contraction: S < H < HC < HL < HLC. Histopathological analyses showed that hydrogel-treated groups reduced inflammation, tissue necrosis and fibrosis, while promoting re-epithelialization with focal acanthosis, especially in HLC due to a positive synergistic effect, indicating its potential as a promising therapy in the repair of burns.

Anthelmintic effect of a water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin in rodents experimentally infected with Haemonchus contortus.

Allied to the problem of gastrointestinal parasites, especially Haemochus contortus, the use of lectins of plant origin has contributed to the research of alternative anthelmintics. The nematicidal effect of a water soluble Moringa oleifera lectin (WSMoL) was investigated in an experimental model with H. contortus infected Wistar rodents. Three concentrations were tested orally: 5 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg and 1 mg/kg. The reduction in the number of larvae recovered in the experimental groups was analyzed, as well as biochemical, hematological and histological parameters. Treatments with 5, 2.5 and 1 mg/kg of WSMoL reduced the number of larvae recovered of animals by 74.7 %, 72.8 % and 66 %, respectively. Untreated infected animals had anemia, moderate mononuclear multifocal hepatitis, vascular congestion in the liver and kidneys, white pulp hyperplasia in the spleen, and presence of eosinophils in the intestine. Infected animals treated with 5 mg/kg of WSMoL showed liver with moderate bleeding, kidney with vascular congestion, spleen with white pulp hyperplasia and intestine with moderate presence of mononuclear cells. An increase in the serum level of glutamic pyruvic transaminase and a reduction in the level of hemoglobin (p < 0.001) were also observed in this group when compared to the uninfected group. However, the administered concentrations of 2.5 and 1 mg/kg of WSMoL were both satisfactory in terms of reducing the number of recovered larvae and not promoting negative changes in the biochemical, hematological and histological parameters evaluated. These results indicate an in vivo nematicidal effect of WSMoL on the H. contortus parasite.

Free Radicals and Actinobacteria as a Misexplored Goldmine of Antioxidant Compounds.

Free radicals are highly reactive unstable molecules, which can be synthesized in different ways, considered harmful and threatening to humans; these chemical species have free traffic throughout the human body, interacting with biological molecules and human body organ tissues. The interaction between free radicals and biological molecules is the main factor for disease development or pre-existing disease symptoms aggravation. Antioxidants are chemical compounds able to donate electric charge to stabilize molecules such as free radicals. Recent studies have proved the benefits of antioxidants intake in health improvement. In this way, the search for natural sources of antioxidants has become an ascending trend. In this field, the microbial sources are considered poorly explored compared to the numerous amount of other compounds obtained from them, especially from Actinobacteria. The searched literature about Actinobacteria highlights an important capacity of producing natural antioxidants; however, there is a lack of in vivo studies of these isolated compounds. In this review, we gathered information that supports our point of view that Actinobacteria is a truly renewable and superficially explored source of natural antioxidants. Furthermore, our purpose is also to point this limitation and stimulate more researches in this area.

Sublethal concentrations of usnic acid potassium salt impairs physiological parameters of Biomphalaria glabrata (Say, 1818) (Pulmonata: Planorbidae) infected and not infected with Schistosoma mansoni.

Schistosomiasis is a public health problem in many developing countries. The mollusc Biomphalaria glabrata is the most important vector of Schistosoma mansoni in South America. The population control of this vector to prevent the spread of schistosomiasis is currently done with the application of highly toxic molluscicide to the environment. The screening of substances in sublethal concentrations that have deleterious effects on physiological parameters is very relevant for the control of schistosomiasis, since the effectiveness of disease prevention increases if it acts on population control of the vector and on reproduction and elimination in S. mansoni cercariae. The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive parameters (fecundity and fertility), intra-mollusk effect (sporocysts I (72 h) and II (14 days after)) on the development of cercariae of S. mansoni and the immune cell profile of B. glabrata exposed to sublethal concentrations (LC25 - 0.5 µg/mL and LC50 - 0.92 µg/mL) of the usnic acid potassium salt (potassium usnate). LC 25 and LC 50 significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the fecundity of B. glabrata when treated infected and/or not exposed to infection, while unviable embryos were not observed in sporocyst stage I, being only significant (p < 0.05) for mollusks infected and treated with LC50 on sporocyst II. LC25 and LC50 of the potassium usnate caused significant reductions (p < 0.05) in the production and cercarial shedding when evaluated on sporocysts I and II. In addition, the mortality of infected and treated B. glabrata in the sporocyst II phase was quite marked after the 9th week of infection. Regarding the immunological cell profile of uninfected B. glabrata, both concentrations led to immunomodulatory responses, with significant morphological changes predominant of hemocytes that entered programmed cell death (apoptosis). It was concluded that the application of LC25 and LC50 from the potassium usnate could be useful in the population control of B. glabrata, since it interferes both in their biology and physiology and in the reproduction of the infectious agent of schistosomiasis mansoni.

In vitro effects of Moringa oleifera seed lectins on Haemonchus contortus in larval and adult stages.

Haemonchus contortus is a hematophagous parasite causing damage to the production of ruminant animals throughout the world. This study evaluated the in vitro effect of proteins from Moringa oleifera (WSMoL - Water Soluble M. oleifera Lectin and cMoL - coagulant M. oleifera Lectin) on the motility of infective larvae and adult male and female worms of H. contortus. The specific activity of total proteases and the morphology of the worms exposed to the lectins were observed. Both lectins inhibited motility of all parasite stages tested. WSMoL and cMoL at 500 µg mL-1 interfered in the motility of larvae. Values of 11.1% and 8.1% were the lowest motility indices of larvae with sheath, and 30.6% and 16.4% were the lowest motility indices of exsheathed larvae treated with WSMoL and cMoL, respectively. In 1 mg mL-1 solutions of WSMoL and of cMoL, the motility index of adult male worms was 23.3% (p < 0.001) and 20% (p < 0.001), while the motility index of adult female worms was 63.3% (p > 0.05) and 26.6% (p < 0.001), respectively. Greater proteolytic activity was detected in extracts obtained from adult worms, male and female, after incubation with the lectins. Morphological changes caused by the lectins were revealed by changes in the crests of the cuticle, in the longitudinal striations and at the vulva.

Bauhinia monandra leaf lectin (BmoLL) conjugated with quantum dots as fluorescent nanoprobes for biological studies: application to red blood cells.

Carbohydrates perform important physiological functions in eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells. Indeed, alterations in glycan patterns may be associated with disorders. The analysis of these sugars can be reached using nanoprobes composed by lectins associated with fluorescent nanoparticles. This study reports the conjugation of a galactose-binding lectin (BmoLL) isolated from Bauhinia monandra leaves with quantum dots (QDs) by adsorption. QDs-BmoLL conjugates showed bright fluorescence and the hemagglutination assay revealed that the lectin preserved its carbohydrate-binding ability after the conjugation. To evaluate the efficiency/specificity of the bioconjugate, ABO human red blood cells (RBCs) were used as biological models and the labeling was analyzed by flow cytometry. Among ABO blood groups, higher labeling (71.7 ± 5.9%) was detected for B-type RBCs, whose antigens have galactose in their structure. The specificity of labeling was confirmed since A- and O-types RBCs incubated with QDs-BmoLL, as well as B-type cells incubated with previously galactose-inhibited conjugates, were labeled below 6%. In AB-type RBCs, which simultaneously have B and A (N-acetylgalactosamine) antigens on their membrane, the labeling was ca. 14.1 ± 4.8%. Therefore, a successful conjugation was reached and QDs-BmoLL conjugates can be considered promising fluorescent nanoprobes for biological investigations.

Evaluating glucose and mannose profiles in Candida species using quantum dots conjugated with Cramoll lectin as fluorescent nanoprobes.

Glycoconjugates found on cell walls of Candida species are fundamental for their pathogenicity. Laborious techniques have been employed to investigate the sugar composition of these microorganisms. Herein, we prepared a nanotool, based on the fluorescence of quantum dots (QDs) combined with the specificity of Cramoll lectin, to evaluate glucose/mannose profiles on three Candida species. The QDs-Cramoll conjugates presented specificity and bright fluorescence emission. The lectin preserved its biological activity after the conjugation process mediated by adsorption interactions. The labeling of Candida species was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and quantified by flow cytometry. Morphological analyses of yeasts labeled with QDs-Cramoll conjugates indicated that C. glabrata (2.7 µm) was smaller when compared to C. albicans (4.0 µm) and C. parapsilosis sensu stricto (3.8 µm). Also, C. parapsilosis population was heterogeneous, presenting rod-shaped blastoconidia. More than 90% of cells of the three species were labeled by conjugates. Inhibition and saturation assays indicated that C. parapsilosis had a higher content of exposed glucose/mannose than the other two species. Therefore, QDs-Cramoll conjugates demonstrated to be effective fluorescent nanoprobes for evaluation of glucose/mannose constitution on the cell walls of fungal species frequently involved in candidiasis.

Evaluating the glycophenotype on breast cancer tissues with quantum dots-Cramoll lectin conjugates.

During carcinogenesis, changes in the glycosylation can modulate many biological processes. Thus, the interest in exploring and understanding the roles of carbohydrates as cancer biomarkers has been increasing. Lectins have been applied as useful tools in glycobiology, especially when associated with fluorescent reporters. Therefore, to take advantage of the physicochemical properties of quantum dots (QDs), herein, we conjugated Cramoll, a lectin that recognizes glucose/mannose residues, with those nanoparticles. We applied the conjugates to investigate the glycocode of normal, fibroadenoma (FB), and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) human breast tissues. Additionally, we proposed a method to quantitatively evaluate the tissue labeling intensity by a fluorescence microplate assay (FMA). Conjugates showed intense fluorescence and specificity. The lectin activity and secondary structure were also preserved after the conjugation with QDs. Moreover, fluorescence images showed that ductal cells of normal and FB tissues were preferentially labeled by conjugates, whereas both cells and stroma were strongly labeled in IDC. FMA showed in a quantitative, practical, and sensitive way that the level of exposed glucose/mannose residues increased accordingly to the sample malignancy degree. In conclusion, QDs-Cramoll conjugates can be considered effective, specific, and versatile probes to evaluate glycan profiles in normal and transformed tissues, by fluorescence microscopy as well as FMA quantification. Furthermore, FMA showed to be a potential method that can be applied with other fluorescent conjugates.

Looking for alternative treatments for bovine and caprine mastitis: Evaluation of the potential of Calliandra surinamensis leaf pinnulae lectin (CasuL), both alone and in combination with antibiotics.

This work aimed to evaluate the effects of CasuL on growth and viability of 15 mastitis isolates from cows and goats, to determine the synergistic potential between CasuL and antibiotics, and to investigate the effects on bacterial ultrastructure and antibiofilm activity. The lectin inhibited the growth of Staphylococcus isolates from either bovine (Ssp6PD and Sa) or caprine (Ssp5D and Ssp01) mastitis. The minimal inhibitory concentrations were ranged from 3.75 to 15 µg/ml. Synergistic effect was observed for CasuL-tetracycline against Sa and Ssp6PD and CasuL-ampicillin against Ssp01. No structural damage was observed under the scanning electron microscope in CasuL treatments. Flow cytometry analysis using thiazol orange and propidium iodide demonstrated that CasuL was unable to reduce the cell viability of the isolates tested. At sub-inhibitory concentrations, CasuL reduced biofilm formation by the isolates Sa and Ssp5D. However, CasuL-tetracycline and CasuL-ampicillin combinations inhibited biofilm formation by Ssp6PD and Ssp01, respectively. In conclusion, CasuL is a bacteriostatic and antibiofilm agent against some mastitis isolates and displayed a synergistic potential when used in combination with either ampicillin (against one isolate) or tetracycline (against two isolates). The results stimulate the evaluation of CasuL for the treatment of mastitis, particularly when used in conjunction with antibiotics.

Saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC leaves showed higher polyphenol presence, antioxidant and antifungal activity and promoted cell proliferation in mice splenocytes.

Currently, the research of new natural compounds with biological potential demonstrates great ethnopharmacological importance. In this study, we evaluated the biological properties promoted by saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC leaves, whose objective is to evaluate the antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxicity potential. Phytochemical characterization was performed by UPLC-MS chromatography to identify the chemical compounds. For the antioxidant potential, DPPH, ATT and FRAP methods were used. The antibacterial and antifungal tests were performed evaluating the MIC50, MIC90, CMB and CMF parameters. Moreover, antibiofilm action was evaluated. Cytotoxicity and proliferation were performed using splenocytes from Balb/c mice and were evaluated by cytometry. We found a list of phenolic compounds among other bioactive compounds in the M. emarginata saline extract. In addition, higher antioxidant profile and antifungal activity against different strains of Candida spp. was promoted by the saline extract. Splenocytes showed greater cell viability (more than 90%) and showed higher proliferate index in 24 and 48 hours of incubation with the extract. Saline extract from Malpighia emarginata DC has potential action like antioxidant and antifungal agent without promote animal cell damage.

Titanium dioxide nanotubes functionalized with Cratylia mollis seed lectin, Cramoll, enhanced osteoblast-like cells adhesion and proliferation.

An alternative to accelerate the osseointegration on titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) used in osseointegrated implants is through the functionalization of these nanostructured surfaces with biomolecules. In this work, we immobilized a lectin with recognized mitogenic activity, the Cramoll lectin, extracted from Cratylia mollis seeds, on surfaces modified by TNTs. For the immobilization of Cramoll on TNTs surfaces, we used the Layer-by-Layer technique (LbL) by growing five alternate layers of poly(allylamine) hydrochloride (PAH) and poly(acrylic) acid (PAA); lastly we incubated the lectin, at different concentrations, with the TNTs-LbL. Before and after the immobilization procedures, the substrate surfaces were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). We also evaluated the Cramoll activity after immobilization on TNTs by using the lectin interaction with ovalbumin. The lectin did not lose its biological activity, even after immobilization onto nanotubular arrays. In addition, we observed an increase osteoblast-like cell adhesion on the TNTs-LbL-Cramoll system when compared to the bare TNTs surfaces. Moreover, a significative cell proliferation was identified on the substrates when Cramoll was immobilized at concentrations of 80, 160 and 320 µg/mL after 48 h of incubation by using the resazurin assay. Our results suggest that Cramoll was efficiently immobilized on a nanotubular array and this new platform presents a great potential to be tested in implantology.

Lectins as mitosis stimulating factors: Briefly reviewed.

Lectins are carbohydrate binding proteins that can stimulate cell proliferation. This property makes these biomolecules capable of being used as mitogen reagents to study the interaction with lymphocytes allowing evaluation of immunomodulatory action, since B and T lymphocytes are related to humoral and innate immunity, respectively. Isolated cells from spleen, which include lymphocytes, are widely applied as a model in screening lectin mitogenic capacity. This mitotic stimulus is initiated by interaction of the lectin with T-cell receptor on cell surface. This brief review article aims to explain how cell proliferation, especially lymphocytes, can be achieved through lectin induction. Additionally, this work intends to highlight the main colorimetric and radiographic techniques to encourage the scientific community in searching for new mitogenic lectins.

Immunomodulatory Effects of the Water-soluble Lectin from Moringa oleifera Seeds (WSMoL) on Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC).

BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera is used in traditional medicine as well as in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Water-soluble M. oleifera lectin (WSMoL) is an anionic protein isolated from the seeds of this tree. Until now, immune responses promoted by this lectin in human PBMC have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study was to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of WSMoL on human PBMC through measurement of lymphocytes subsets, cytokine and nitric oxide levels. METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated through Ficoll technique, were incubated with WSMoL (10 µg/mL) for 24, 48 and 72 hours, and was performed immunophenotyping assay of lymphocytes and monocytes. Culture supernatants were used to determined cytokine and nitric oxide levels. Assays with cells subsets and cytokine production were performed through cytometry. Nitric oxide release assay was determinate by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: WSMoL induced the release of the cytokines TNF-α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-10 as well as nitric oxide. Incubation of PBMC with this lectin also led to activation of CD8+ T lymphocytes. CONCLUSION: WSMoL promotes immunomodulation in human PBMC inducing a potential wound healing profile and, in future in vivo assays, can be evaluated as adjuvant in immunosuppressive diseases and wound repair.

Quantum dot-Cramoll lectin as novel conjugates to glycobiology.

The optical properties of quantum dots (QDs) make them useful tools for biology, especially when combined with biomolecules such as lectins. QDs conjugated to lectins can be used as nanoprobes for carbohydrate expression analysis, which can provide valuable information about glycosylation changes related to cancer and pathogenicity of microorganisms, for example. In this study, we evaluated the best strategy to conjugate Cramoll lectin to QDs and used the fluorescent labeling of Candida albicans cells as a proof-of-concept. Cramoll is a mannose/glucose-binding lectin with unique biological properties such as immunomodulatory, antiparasitic, and antitumor activities. We probed covalent coupling and adsorption as conjugation strategies at different pH values. QDs conjugated to Cramoll at pH7.0 showed the best labeling efficiency in the fluorescence microscopy analysis. Moreover, QD-Cramoll conjugates remained brightly fluorescent and preserved identical biological activity according to hemagglutination assays. Flow cytometry revealed that approximately 17% of C. albicans cells were labeled after incubation with covalent conjugates, while approximately 92% of cells were labeled by adsorption conjugates (both at pH7.0). Inhibition assays confirmed QD-Cramoll specificity, which reduced the labeling to at most 3%. Therefore, the conjugates obtained by adsorption (pH7.0) proved to be promising and versatile fluorescent tools for glycobiology.

A trypsin inhibitor from Moringa oleifera flower extract is cytotoxic to Trypanosoma cruzi with high selectivity over mammalian cells.

In this study, Moringa oleifera flower extract and a trypsin inhibitor (MoFTI) isolated from it were evaluated for anti-protozoal activity against Trypanosoma cruzi and cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. The presence of flavonoids was remarkable in the HPLC fingerprints of the extract at 254 and 360 nm. Amino acid sequences of peptides derived from in-gel digestion of MoFTI were determined. Both the extract and MoFTI caused lysis of T. cruzi trypomastigotes with LC50/24 h of 54.18 ± 6.62 and 41.20 ± 4.28 µg/mL, respectively. High selectivity indices (7.9 to >12) for T. cruzi cells over murine peritoneal macrophages and Vero cells were found for the extract and MoFTI. The results show that MoFTI is a trypanocidal principle of the flower extract.

Functionalization of titanium dioxide nanotubes with biomolecules for biomedical applications.

Titanium (Ti) and its alloys are extensively used in the manufacture of implants because they have biocompatibility. The production of a nanostructured surface can be achieved by means of titanium dioxide nanotubes (TNTs) which can have dimensions equivalent to the nanometric components of human bone, in addition to increasing the efficiency of such implants. The search is ongoing for ways to improve the performance of these TNTs in terms of their functionalization through coating these nanotubular matrices with biomolecules. The biocompatibility of the functionalized TNTs can be improved by promoting rapid osseointegration, by preventing the adhesion of bacteria on such surfaces and/or by promoting a more sustained local release of drugs that are loaded into such TNTs. In addition to the implants, these nanotubular matrices have been used in the manufacture of high-performance biosensors capable of immobilizing principally enzymes on their surfaces, which has possible use in disease diagnosis. The objective of this review is to show the main techniques of immobilization of biomolecules in TNTs, evidencing the most recent applications of bioactive molecules that have been functionalized in the nanotubular matrices for use in implants and biosensors. This surveillance also proposes a new class of biomolecules that can be used to functionalize these nanostructured surfaces, lectins.

Healing activity evaluation of the galactomannan film obtained from Cassia grandis seeds with immobilized Cratylia mollis seed lectin.

Galactomannan films from Cassia grandis seeds, associated or not with Cramoll 1,4, were used on topical wounds of rats for the evaluation of the healing process during 14days. All of the films were evaluated by cytotoxic assay, FTIR and lectin hemagglutinating activity (HA). Forty-five male rats were submitted to aseptic dermal wounds (Ø=0.8cm) and divided in groups (n=15): control, test 1, and test 2, treated respectively with saline, galactomannan film and film with immobilized Cramoll 1,4. Macroscopic evaluations were performed by clinical observations and area measurements, and microscopic analysis by histological criteria. Epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation was immunohistochemically assessed using CK14 and PCNA. The presence of CO peaks in the FTIR spectrum confirmed the immobilization of Cramoll 1,4 in the film, while the residual HA confirmed the stability of the lectin after immobilization with 90.94% of the initial HA. The films presented non-cytotoxicity and cell viability exceeding 80%. All of the animals presented re-epithelization around 10days, furthermore test 2 group showed a diffuse response at the stromal tissue and the basal layer associated with wounds completely closed with 11days of experiment. The results suggest a promising use of the films as topical wound curatives.

Encapsulation into Stealth Liposomes Enhances the Antitumor Action of Recombinant Cratylia mollis Lectin Expressed in Escherichia coli.

This study evaluated the in vivo antitumor potential of the recombinant lectin from seeds of Cratylia mollis (rCramoll) expressed in Escherichia coli, free or encapsulated in stealth liposomes, using mice transplanted with sarcoma 180. rCramoll-loaded stealth liposomes (rCramoll-lipo) were formulated by hydration of the lipid film followed by cycles of freezing and thawing, and about 60% of rCramoll was encapsulated. This novel preparation showed particle size, polydispersity index, and pH suitable for the evaluation of antitumor activity in vivo. Tumor growth inhibition rates were 59% for rCramoll and 75% for rCramoll-lipo. Histopathological analysis of the experimental groups showed that both free and encapsulated lectin caused no changes in the kidneys of animals. Hematological analysis revealed that treatment with rCramoll-lipo significantly increased leukocyte concentration when compared with the untreated and rCramoll group. In conclusion, the encapsulation of rCramoll in stealth liposomes improves its antitumor activity without substantial toxicity; this approach was more successful than the previous results reported for pCramoll loaded into conventional liposomes. At this point, a crucial difference between the antitumor action of free and encapsulated rCramoll was found along with their effects on immune cells. Further investigations are required to elucidate the mechanism(s) of the antitumor effect induced by rCramoll.

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Seed Lectin as a Metal Remover in Aqueous Solutions.

The efficacy of Moringa oleifera seed lectin (WSMoL) as a metal remover in water and the effects of metals on its hemagglutinating and antibacterial activities were determined. Aqueous metal solutions were incubated with WSMoL for 8 h at 4°C and the concentrations of metals were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Hemagglutination and antibacterial assays were conducted with WSMoL and lectin exposed or not to the metals. The removal efficiency of WSMoL was 49.00%, 53.21%, 71.45%, 55.42%, 69.88%, 62.14%, and 49.36% for Cd+2, Pb+2, Cu+2, Zn+2, Mg+2, Mn+2, and Al+3, respectively. WSMoL showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis. However, hemagglutinating and antibacterial activities were impaired after exposure to metals. In conclusion, WSMoL efficiently removed metals present in water but the interaction with metals impaired lectin carbohydrate-binding ability and antibacterial activity. This should be considered when properties of WSMoL other than metal removal are desired.

Cratylia mollis lectin nanoelectrode for differential diagnostic of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia based on label-free detection.

The research for new biomarkers of cancer has studied the role of fetuin glycoprotein on the metastatic disease diagnosis. Cratylia mollis is a lectin with high finity to fetuin, and used here to differentiate prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. A label-free electrochemical nanosensor based on assembled carboxylated carbon nanotubes (COOH-CNTs) and poly-L-lysine (PLL) film was developed and applied to serum samples of prostate cancer positive for Gleason score. The electrode analytical response to fetuin in PBS samples, obtained by square wave voltammetry, exhibited a linear range from 0.5 to 25µgmL(-1), with a high correlation coefficient (r=0.994, p<0.001) and low limit of detection (0.017µgmL(-1)). The lectin nanoelectrode showed a good repeatability (1.24% RSD) and reproducibility (4.24% RSD). A pool of serum samples from prostate cancer patients with known the Gleason score were tested showing a significant statistically correlation. Thus, the lectin nanoelectrode was able to distinguish the degree of staging prostate cancer, providing the diagnostic differentiation of benign and malign hyperplasia. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first biosensor for this application using a lectin.