Molecular dynamics study of the thermal behavior of ammonia refrigerant in the presence of copper nanoparticles at different volume ratios and initial temperatures.

Generally, the addition of nanoparticles to a fluid significantly increases the thermal conductivity of structures. In the present study, the effect of nanoparticle volume ratio and initial temperature on ammonia/copper nano-refrigerant's thermal behavior in an external electric field in an aluminum nanochannel was studied by molecular dynamics simulations. To study the thermal behavior of the structures, quantities such as particle phase-changed rates (condensation process), phase change duration, and thermal conductivity were investigated. Results show that with the addition of 5% copper to the base fluid, the rate of the phase-changed particles increases from 53 to 71% during 2.40 ns. Also, increasing the volume ratio of nanoparticles up to 5% leads to an increase in thermal conductivity from 0.76 to 0.86 W/mK. On the other hand, increasing the initial temperature up to 350 K reduces the phase-changed particles' rate from 53 to 49% during 2.9 ns. The initial temperature increases from 300 to 350 K, and the thermal conductivity decreases from 0.76 to 0.73 W/mK. The results of this simulation are expected to improve the thermal performance of different nano-refrigerants.

Toxicity and protein composition of venoms of Hottentotta saulcyi, Hottentotta schach and Androctonus crassicauda, three scorpion species collected in Iran.

BACKGROUND: Scorpion stings comprise a serious problem throughout the globe, especially in regions where they are more frequent. Despite a recent upsurge of interest in scorpion venoms by various research groups, there remain many challenges. OBJECTIVE: Therefore, in this study, we aimed to study the toxicity and protein composition of venoms of Hottentotta saulcyi, Hottentotta schach and Androctonus crassicauda, three scorpion species collected in Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Scorpion species were collected from Esfahan farm scorpion company and maintained in the laboratory in containers that mimic their natural habitat. Venom was extracted from A. crassicauda, H. schach and H. saulcyi by electrical stimulation of 8 and 10 V. The toxicity of each venom was established by using four groups of male Swiss albino mice aged 2 months (weighting 18-20 g) for testing each dose of venom. One group was used as a control. Venom was injected into mice by subcutaneous route. Then, animals were monitored for 24 h and LD50 was estimated by the graphic method of Miller and Tainter. Thus, high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) method was used to determine amino acids in the venom, and protein concentrations were determined by the Biuret method. RESULTS: LD50 of scorpion venoms by subcutaneous route was found to be 1.70 mg/kg b.w (A. crassicauda), 1.47 mg/kg b.w (H. saulcyi) and 0.85 mg/kg b.w (H. schach). A. crassicauda, H. saulcyi and H. schach contain 26, 30, and 31 amino acids, respectively. A. crassicauda contains low concentrations of alpha-aminoadipic acid, beta-aminoisobutyric acid, beta-alanine and citrulline. H. saulcyi contains a concentration of hydroxylysine, whereas H. schach has no such concentration. A. crassicauda also had the highest levels of tyrosine and threonine. Only A. crassicauda venom contains a low proportion of proteins (14.80%) compared with those of H. schach (16.26%) and H. saulcyi (16.20%). Albumin content in the venoms was 11.7% (H. saulcyi), 5.4% (H. schach) and 4.4% (A. crassicauda). CONCLUSION: Scorpions venoms have a variable toxicity and an interesting composition in amino acids and proteins. Work on the development of anti-venom is fundamental.

Green Synthesis of Magnetic Nanoparticles Using Satureja hortensis Essential Oil toward Superior Antibacterial/Fungal and Anticancer Performance.

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles, due to their environmental and biomedical properties, has been of particular interest to scientists and physicians. Here, iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) were synthesized using Satureja hortensis essential oil. Then, the chemical, functional, and morphological properties of these nanoparticles were characterized by typical experiments such as Uv-Vis, FTIR, XRD, FE-SEM, PSA, zeta potential, EDX, and EDX mapping. The results indicated Fe nanoparticles' formation with a cubic morphological structure and a particle size in the range of 9.3-27 nm. The antimicrobial effects of these nanoparticles were further evaluated using disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and minimum fungal concentration (MFC) against two gram-positive bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium glutamicum), two gram-negative bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), and one fungus species Candida albicans. The results showed that green-synthesized Fe nanoparticles possessed higher antimicrobial properties than Satureja hortensis essential oil against selected pathogenic microorganisms, especially Gram-negative bacteria. Finally, the anticancer effect of these Fe nanoparticles was investigated on human cancer cells, K-562, and MCF-7, by the MTT assay. The results showed the anticancer effect of these nanoparticles against selected cell lines.

High-level Expression and One-step Purification of Chimeric Antigen Containing HTLV-I-II Diagnostic Epitopes in Escherichia coli.

Purification and preparation of three diagnostic antigens used for the detection of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV)-I/-II infection in E.coli are different parts of a multi-step method. In this study, our aim was to design a chimeric protein for the simultaneous detection of HTLV-I and HTLV-II antibodies. Immunodominant B cell linear epitopes of envelope and capsid proteins of HTLV-I/-II were selected and linked together; using a suitable amino acid linker and a chimeric antigen (CA). The codon-optimized synthetic DNA encoding the CA was subcloned into the pGS21aexpression vector and CA expressed as His-GST fused protein in E. coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Then the recombinant CA was purified, using the Ni-NTA (Nickle Nitrilotriacetic acid) affinity chromatography under native conditions. The Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and densitometric scanning results showed that CA accounted for 15% of the total cellular proteins and approximately 50% of the expressed histidine-glutathione s-transferase-chimeric antigen (His-GST-CA) proteins were soluble. The CA was successfully purified in one step with a purity of greater than 90%, which is suitable for antigenicity evaluations. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results showed that the GST fused CA reacted in a concentration-dependent manner with HTLV-I/-II infected sera and was able to distinguish normal serum from HTLV-I/-II infected one with a proper sensitivity. With further validation, CA, as described in the present study could be introduced as a novel reliable, cost-effective and easy alternative for the three separate HTLV-I/-II diagnostic peptide antigens, which is prepared as a fusion with GST.

Association between serum cell adhesion molecules with hs-CRP, uric acid and VEGF genetic polymorphisms in subjects with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with a pro-inflammatory state and endothelial dysfunction that places subjects with MetS at a higher risk of atherosclerosis. Inflammatory biomarkers are raised in patients at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. In the current study, we aimed to examine the possible association between MetS and serum soluble adhesion molecules, hs-CRP, uric acid, and the genetic variations related to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene. In this cross-sectional study, participants were enrolled from the Mashhad stroke and heart atherosclerotic disorders (MASHAD) study. The International Diabetes Federation criteria were used to define the MetS. Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) and serum hs-CRP were measured by ELISA and PEG-enhanced immunoturbidimetry method, respectively. We used a logistic regression analysis to determine independent associations of CAMs with the VEGF polymorphisms and MetS. Two hundred and 59 participants with and without MetS were enrolled. Participants with MetS and DM had a significantly higher serum E-selectin level (p < 0.05). Participants with a high serum E-selectin level had higher levels of hs-CRP, FBG, TG, uric acid, BMI and lower levels of serum HDL-C (p < 0.05). Interestingly, individuals with MetS with a genetic variant of the VEGF gene (rs6921438) had higher level of serum ICAM-1 (p = 0.04). There were significant associations between serum E-selectin concentrations and the presence of MetS, and its risk factors. Moreover, we demonstrated that MetS subjects with the rs6921438 genetic variant had a higher serum level of ICAM-1 (p < 0.05).

Variation of ursolic acid content in flowers of ten Iranian pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars.

BACKGROUND: Ursolic acid (UA) is an important bioactive component in many traditional medicinal plants including pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) flower. METHODS: This study presents the HPLC analysis of UA contents of ten cultivars of pomegranate flower grown in Iran. The UA contents of fallen flowers of pomegranate were given in each cultivar. RESULTS: Remarkable quantities of UA were found in ten cultivars of Iranian pomegranate flower evaluated (21.736 to 15.119 mg/g). Lower quantities of UA were determined in pomegranate fallen flowers (16.763 to 5.754 mg/g). CONCLUSION: UA values obtained from Iranian cultivars of pomegranate flowers are very significant when compared with other sources of UA. All of the analyzes suggested that the Iranian pomegranate flowers (including flowers on branches and fallen flowers) might be an excellent UA rich source.

Evaluation of antibacterial property of hydroxyapatite and zirconium oxide-modificated magnetic nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

In the first section of this research, superparamagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) (Fe3O4) modified with hydroxyapatite (HAP) and zirconium oxide (ZrO2) and thereby Fe3O4/HAP and Fe3O4/ZrO2 NPs were synthesised through co-precipitation method. Then Fe3O4/HAP and Fe3O4/ZrO2 NPs characterised with various techniques such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, Fourier transform infrared, and vibrating sample magnetometer. Observed results confirmed the successful synthesis of desired NPs. In the second section, the antibacterial activity of synthesised magnetic NPs (MNPs) was investigated. This investigation performed with multiple microbial cultivations on the two bacteria; Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Obtained results proved that although both MNPs have good antibacterial properties, however, Fe3O4/HAP NP has greater antibacterial performance than the other. Based on minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration evaluations, S. aureus bacteria are more sensitive to both NPs. These nanocomposites combine the advantages of MNP and antibacterial effects, with distinctive merits including easy preparation, high inactivation capacity, and easy isolation from sample solutions by the application of an external magnetic field.

An investigation of the association between the level of prolactin in serum and type II diabetes.

As a hormone secreted from the pituitary gland, prolactin (PRL) plays an important role in increasing beta cell proliferation, stimulating the secretion of insulin, preventing the activities of caspases on pathways that cause apoptosis in the Langerhans' islands, and moderating the immune system in regulating the whole body's sensitivity to insulin. Therefore, PRL level changes in type II diabetes and it can be concluded that PRL can play an important role in metabolic disorders of glucose. The present study is carried out in order to investigate the association between serum levels of PRL and type II DM. Blood samples were taken from 64 females affected by type II diabetes and 70 healthy ones, whose PRL level was measured using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) technique. It was a case-control study, and based on the definition dedicated to each group, subjects were assigned to two groups. The patient group included the subjects with type II diabetes while the control group included healthy samples. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (Mann-Whitney test, t-test, and spearman's rho correlation test). According to the results, PRL concentration in the serum of people affected by type II diabetes (5.32 ±â€¯0.36) was significantly (P˂0.05) lower than that of control group (18.38 ±â€¯2.3). The results also showed that in type II diabetes, the level of PRL changes so that the concentration of PRL in the serum of the patients was lower than that of healthy ones. Therefore, PRL concentration in the blood can be related to diabetes.

ErbB4 receptor polymorphism 2368A>C and risk of breast cancer.

PURPOSE: A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in EebB4 gene have been studied, which has clarified their impact on breast cancer in different populations. Nevertheless, the importance of rs13423759 in breast cancer has not been studied and its effect remained almost unclear. In this paper, we evaluated the frequency of rs13423759 different alleles in Iranian population and statistically analyzed their association with breast cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Allele-specific Primer PCR (ASP-PCR) was recruited in this study to genotype rs13423759 position in 172 breast cancer and 148 healthy control subjects. The genotypes of control and cases were analyzed statistically to find the association between rs13423759 alleles and breast cancer incidence and its clinicopathological characteristics. In silico studies were performed in order to find the mechanistic viewpoint of rs13423759 alleles in breast cancer. RESULTS: rs13423759 allele C was shown to be significantly associated with breast cancer risk, HER2 positivity and increased risk of metastasis. Reciprocally, allele A was correlated with the lowered risk of breast cancer. The in silico studies showed that rs13423759 allele C is capable to strengthen the interaction between miR-548as, an oncomiRNA, and ErbB4 mRNA, leading to its lowered concentration in the cells. CONCLUSION: rs13423759 allele C is significantly associated with the enhanced risk of breast cancer, elevated metastasis and HER2 positivity.

Amyloid Nano-biofibrils as a New Nano-Scaffold for Lipase Immobilization.

BACKGROUND: Amyloids could be created under destabilizing conditions from various proteins. Having high chemical reactive groups makes the amyloid fibers suitable for enzyme stabilization. Imobilization of lipase as one of the stable classes of high catalytic power enzymes could be very valuable. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, the lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia was immobilized on BSA amyloid nano-biofibrils and the kinetic parameters were compared with those of its free counterpart. The possibility of using this nano-material as a new nano-scaffold for lipase immobilization was investigated. METHOD: Response surface methodology was used in this study to produce the maximum amounts of amyloid fibrils using Design Expert 7 software. Transmission electron microscopy was employed to confirm the presence of amyloid fibers. The stabilization process was performed by glutaraldehyde mediated covalent cross-links between the enzyme and amyloid fibers. Kinetic parameters including activity, specific activity, optimal pH and temperature and thermal stability of immobilized enzyme were compared with the free counterpart. RESULTS: The optimum conditions for fibrillogenesis were obtained at 4.36 mg.ml-1 of protein after 72 hours of mild agitation in a mixed citrate-phosphate buffer at the pH of 4.5 and the temperature of 80 ºC. The kinetic parameters of the immobilized lipase were improved in terms of activity, specific activity, Km and Vmax, optimal pH and temperature and thermal stability at 40 ºC. Amyloid fibrils with a diameter of less than 100 nm, as a new nano-scaffold, increased both the stability of lipase and other kinetic properties of the enzyme. CONCLUSION: Amyloid fibrils as a new chemically-rich nano-scaffold could be an appropriate matrix for lipase immobilization.

The effect of CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3, and VKORC1-1639 G>A polymorphism in patients under warfarin therapy in city of Kermanshah.

Polymorphism in the genes encoding CYP2C9 enzyme and VKORC1 reductase significantly influence warfarin dose requirement since patients with CYP2C9*2, CYP2C9*3 and VKORC1 mutant alleles require lower warfarin maintenance doses. Studies have reported the ethnic variations in the frequency of these genes within the various populations in Iran and other parts of the world. However, no such study has been done yet on Kurdish population in Kermanshah. From Kurdish population of Kermanshah province in Iran, a total of 110 patients who had heart surgery and taking warfarin, were genotyped for polymorphisms of VKORC1-1639 G>A, CYP2C9*2, and CYP2C9*3. Polymorphism genotyping was performed by sequencing as well as polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) using restriction enzymes of MspI, AVAII and KpnI, respectively. The frequencies of VKORC1-1639 GG, GA, and AA genotypes were 42%, 36%, and 22%, respectively and for CYP2C9 1*/1*, 1*/2*, 2*/2*, 1*/3*, 3*/3*, 2*/3* were 71%, 17%, 5.4%, 1.8%, 4.5%, and 0%, respectively. The frequency of VKORC1-1639A allele was 42.3% and the frequencies of CYP2C9*2 and *3 alleles were 14% and 5.4%, respectively. It was indicated that low warfarin dose requirements are strongly associated with the presence of CYP2C9 and VKORC1-1639 variant alleles. Our results confirmed the supply to understand the distribution of genomic biomarkers related to the drugs metabolism for future planning health programs.

Association of rs6921438 A

BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified common variants at the Vascular-Endothelial-Growth-Factor (VEGF) gene locus, which appear to be associated with plasma VEGF concentrations. These factors are among the major risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome (MetS). We have investigated the association between serum VEGF concentrations and a VEGF genetic variant (rs6921438 A

Concentration of lead and mercury in collected vegetables and herbs from Markazi province, Iran: a non-carcinogenic risk assessment.

The current study was undertaken to determine the concentration of Hg and Pb in ten types of collected green leafy vegetables and herbs from different agricultural sites of Markazi province, Iran as well as the gathered water and soil around them using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Also, the potential health risk assessment by using target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) parameters was estimated. Based on the accumulation order, Artemisia dracunculus L with 56.147 ±â€¯17.30 µg/kg and Spinacia oleracea L with 1733.62 ±â€¯2264.7 µg/kg can uptake and accumulate more concentration of Pb and Hg in their tissues, respectively. Regarding gathered soil around vegetables, the concentration of Hg and Pb were measured as 52.056 ±â€¯16.25 µg/kg and 4993.83 ±â€¯1287.8 µg/kg, respectively. The transfer factor (TF) demonstrated that vegetables and herbs could absorb a high amount of Hg from the soil while these plants uptake less concentration of Pb thought their green leaves. The non-carcinogenic risk assessment showed the minimum, and maximum THQ was related to 15-24 and 35-44 age groups in the urban and rural consumers. Also, HI in the urban and rural areas was calculated as 8.492 and 9.012, respectively. Since HI > 1, exposure of the urban and rural areas of Markazi province to non-carcinogenic risk by consuming the green leafy vegetables and herbs is a source of concern.

Inhibitory action of dicyclomine on lipase activity, kinetics and molecular study.

Lipase is one of the most important groups of enzymes for industry and medicine. It breaks down triacylglycerol to glycerol and fatty acids. Some bacteria use lipase to degrade the extracellular matrix of the host cells to penetrate into the tissues. Dicyclomine is a muscarinic antagonist receptor that relieves the smooth muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal tract and affects the cardiovascular system. In this research, the effect of a dicyclomine on the lipase activity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was studied. Hanes-Woolf plot showed that the drug inhibited the enzyme by competitive inhibition. The IC50 value (60uM) and Ki (30uM) of the drug revealed that the drug bound to enzyme with high affinity. Determination of enzyme activity in various temperature showed that the maximum activity of lipase was at 60°C both in the presence and absence of the drug. Arrhenius plot determined that the activation energy of the enzyme reaction was increased in the presence of the drug. The model of binding demonstrated that the drug entered a pocket containing 10 amino acids and interacted by hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction and the conformational change of the enzyme after binding of the drug was confirmed by fluorescence measurement.

The Effects of Flaxseed Oil Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation on Metabolic Status of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids supplementation on metabolic status of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: This randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted on 60 women with PCOS according to the Rotterdam criteria aged 18-40 years old. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups to receive either 1,000 mg flaxseed oil omega-3 fatty acids (n=30) or placebo (n=30) twice a day for 12 weeks. Metabolic, endocrine, inflammatory factors were quantified at baseline and after the 12-week intervention. RESULTS: After the 12-week intervention, compared to the placebo, flaxseed oil omega-3 supplementation significantly decreased insulin values (-2.6±7.7 vs.+1.3±3.9 µIU/mL, P=0.01), homeostasis model of assessment-estimated insulin resistance (-0.7±1.7 vs.+0.3±0.9, P=0.01), mF-G scores (-1.2±1.7 vs. -0.1±0.4, P=0.001), and increased quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (+0.01±0.02 vs. -0.01±0.02, P=0.01). In addition, supplementation with flaxseed oil omega-3 resulted in significant decreases in serum triglycerides (-5.1±20.9 vs.+9.7±26.1 mg/dL, P=0.01), VLDL-cholesterol (-1.0±4.2 vs.+1.9±5.2 mg/dL, P=0.01) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (-1.6±3.1 vs.+0.2±1.5 mg/L, P=0.004) compared to the placebo. We did not see any significant effect of flaxseed oil omega-3 supplementation on hormonal and other lipid profiles, and plasma nitric oxide levels. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, flaxseed oil omega-3 supplementation for 12 weeks in women with PCOS had beneficial effects on insulin metabolism, mF-G scores, serum triglycerides, VLDL-cholesterol and hs-CRP levels, but did not affect hormonal and other lipid profiles, and plasma nitric oxide levels.

The association between rs1972820 and the risk of breast cancer in Isfahan population.

CONTEXT: A number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in ERBB4 gene have been linked to increase the risk of breast cancer. However, no study has been dedicated to analyze the significance of microRNA-related SNP rs1972820, located in ERBB4 3'-untranslated region (UTR), in breast tumors. AIMS: Here, we investigated the frequency and association between rs1972820 and breast cancer. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The rs1972820 genotypes in 182 samples were collected from 96 healthy people, and 86 breast cancer patients were determined using tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction. The frequency of genotypes was analyzed to find the association between rs1972820 and breast cancer risk. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Conditional logistic regression, odds ratios (ORs), the associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and Armitage's test were used in this study. RESULTS: In silico analysis suggested that rs1972820 located in the 3'UTR of ERBB4 gene affects the binding affinity of miR-3144-3p a potential oncomiRNA. Statistical analysis showed a significant association between SNP rs1972820 G allele and reduced breast cancer risk, odds ratio = 0.443 (95% CI: 0.196-0.998). CONCLUSIONS: rs1972820 SNP allele is significantly associated with the reduced risk of breast cancer and could be considered as a potential marker for breast cancer predisposition in population of Isfahan.

Transcription factor 7-like 2 polymorphism and context-specific risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia.

BACKGROUND: The transcription factor 7-like 2 gene (TCF7L2) is an element of the Wnt signaling pathway. There is lack of evidence if TCF7L2 has a functional role in lipid metabolism and regulation of the components constitutes the metabolic syndrome (MetSyn). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the risk allele of TCF7L2 gene polymorphism is associated with dyslipidemia and MetSyn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The MetSyn subjects were participated only based on the National Cholesterol Education Program - Third Adult Treatment Panel criteria. In this case-control study, the DNA from MetSyn patients without (n = 90) and with type 2 diabetes (T2D) (n = 94) were genotyped. RESULTS: The results show that the genotype-phenotype for CC, CT/TT of TCF7L2 gene polymorphism correlated with body mass index and waist circumference in MetSyn and MetSyn + T2D subjects (r = -0.949 and r = -0.963, respectively). The subjects that only possess MetSyn but are not diabetics show the 2 h postprandial glucose and fasting blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin significantly lower (P < 0.05) than those subjects have both abnormality. The level of triglyceride in CT/TT carriers in MetSyn was higher than CC carriers (P = 0.025). A comparison with the controls subjects, the frequencies of the T allele in the groups of MetSyn (46.66%) and MetSyn + T2D (47.34%) show significantly different (P < 0.05). The odds ratios for T allele in (MetSyn)/(normal), (MetSyn + T2D)/(normal), and in (MetSyn + T2D)/(MetSyn) were 3.59 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-9.67, P = 0.0093), 3.76 (95% CI, 1.40-10.07, P = 0.0068), and 1.08 (95% CI: 0.55- 2.11, P = 0.834), respectively. CONCLUSION: The results revealed the important insights essential for the role of TCF7L2 that the T allele of TCF7L2 plays a significant role in the susceptibility to dyslipidemia, MetSyn, and T2D.

Novel carboxymethyl cellulose-polyvinyl alcohol blend films stabilized by Pickering emulsion incorporation method.

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of increasing the antimicrobial and antioxidant properties of biodegradable active films stabilized via Pickering emulsions. The blend films were prepared from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), emulsified with oleic acid (OL) and incorporated with rosemary essential oil (REO). Formation of Pickering emulsion was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy, mean droplet size and emulsion stability. Morphological, optical, physical, mechanical, thermal, antifungal and antioxidant properties of the films incorporated with different concentrations of REO (0.5, 1.5 and 3%) were determined. The results showed an increase in UV absorbance and elongation at break but, a decrease in tensile strength and thermal stability of the films. Interestingly, films containing REO exhibited considerable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. In vitro microbial tests exhibited 100% fungal inhibition against Penicillium digitatum in the films containing 3% REO. In addition, no fungal growth were observed after 60days of storage at 25°C in bread slices were stored with active films incorporated with 3% REO, could attributed to the slow and regular release of REO caused by Pickering emulsions. The results of this study suggest that Pickering emulsion is a very promising method, which significantly affects antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the films.