Crystallographic structure, antibacterial effect, and catalytic activities of fig extract mediated silver nanoparticles.

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) play a pivotal role in the current research landscape due to their extensive applications in engineering, biotechnology, and industry. The aim is to use fig (Ficus hispida Linn. f.) extract (FE) for eco-friendly Ag NPs synthesis, followed by detailed characterization, antibacterial testing, and investigation of bioelectricity generation. This study focuses on the crystallographic features and nanostructures of Ag NPs synthesized from FE. Locally sourced fig was boiled in deionized water, cooled, and doubly filtered. A color change in 45 mL 0.005 M AgNO3 and 5 mL FE after 40 min confirmed the bio-reduction of silver ions to Ag NPs. Acting as a reducing and capping agent, the fig extract ensures a green and sustainable process. Various analyses, including UV-vis absorption spectrophotometry (UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to characterize the synthesized nanoparticles, and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of the fig extract revealed the presence of eleven chemicals. Notably, the Ag NPs exhibited a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 418 nm, confirmed by UV analysis, while FTIR and XRD results highlighted the presence of active functional groups in FE and the crystalline nature of Ag NPs respectively. With an average particle size of 44.57 nm determined by FESEM and a crystalline size of 35.87 nm determined by XRD, the nanoparticles showed strong antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Most importantly, fig fruit extract has been used as the bio-electrolyte solution to generate electricity for the first time in this report. The findings of this report can be the headway of nano-biotechnology in medicinal and device applications.

Physicochemistry, Nutritional, and Therapeutic Potential of Ficus carica - A Promising Nutraceutical.

In an era where synthetic supplements have raised concerns regarding their effects on human health, Ficus carica has emerged as a natural alternative rich in polyphenolic compounds with potent therapeutic properties. Various studies on F. carica focusing on the analysis and validation of its pharmacological and nutritional properties are emerging. This paper summarizes present data and information on the phytochemical, nutritional values, therapeutic potential, as well as the toxicity profile of F. carica. An extensive search was conducted from various databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, and Google Scholar. A total of 126 studies and articles related to F. carica that were published between 1999 and 2023 were included in this review. Remarkably, F. carica exhibits a diverse array of advantageous effects, including, but not limited to, antioxidant, anti-neurodegenerative, antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antiepileptic, anticonvulsant, anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-angiogenic, antidiabetic, anti-cancer, and antimutagenic properties. Among the highlights include that antioxidants from F. carica were demonstrated to inhibit cholinesterase, potentially protecting neurons in Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative conditions. The antimicrobial activities of F. carica were attributed to its high flavonoids and terpenoids content, while its virucidal action through the inhibition of DNA and RNA replication was postulated due to its triterpenes content. Inflammatory and arthritic conditions may also benefit from its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties through the modulation of various signalling proteins. Studies have also shown that F. carica extracts were generally safe and exhibit low toxicity profile, although more research in this aspect is required, specifically its effects on the skin. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of F. carica as a valuable natural therapeutic agent and dietary supplement. However, continued exploration on F. carica's safety and efficacy is still required prior to embarking on clinical trials, as its role in personalized nutrition and medication will open a new paradigm to improve health outcomes.

Ficus carica L. (Fig) promotes nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush.

Peripheral nerve injuries result in significant loss of motor and sensory function, and the slow rate of nerve regeneration can prolong recovery time. Thus, approaches that promote axonal regeneration are critical to improve the outcomes for patients with peripheral nerve injuries. In this study, we investigated the effects of Ficus carica L. (fig) and Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. (cranberry), which are rich in phytochemicals with demonstrable and diverse medicinal properties, on nerve regeneration in a mouse model of sciatic nerve crush. Our investigation revealed that fig extract, but not cranberry extract, prevented the decline in muscle weight and nerve conduction velocity induced by nerve crush. The fig extract also mitigated motor function impairment, myelin thinning, and axon diameter reduction, indicating its potential to promote nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the fig extract enhanced macrophage infiltration into the nerve tissue, suggesting that it could ameliorate nerve injury by promoting tissue repair via increased macrophage infiltration. The study provides valuable insights into the potential of the fig extract as a novel agent promoting nerve regeneration. Further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the action of fig extracts is needed to translate these findings into clinical applications for patients with peripheral nerve injuries.

Seed dispersal by the cosmopolitan house sparrow widens the spectrum of unexpected endozoochory by granivore birds.

In the intricate web of plant-animal interactions, granivore birds can play a dual antagonist-mutualist role as seed predators and dispersers. This study delves into the ecological significance of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus) as seed disperser by endozoochory. A sample of individual droppings and faecal pools were collected from a communal roost in central Spain to examine the presence of seeds. Seed viability was determined using the tetrazolium test. Our findings revealed that around 22% of the analysed droppings contained seeds, contradicting the prevalent notion of house sparrow solely as seed predator. Viability tests demonstrated that 53.9% of the defecated seeds were viable, although it varied between plant species, including those from fleshy-fruited common fig and five species of dry-fruited herbs. This study challenges the traditional perspectives on the ecological role of the house sparrow, and glimpses on their contribution to seed dispersal. Understanding the nuanced roles of granivore species like the house sparrow is crucial for developing holistic conservation and management strategies in urban and agricultural landscapes. Future studies are encouraged to unravel the actual role of this cosmopolitan species as disperser of a likely broad spectrum of wild, cultivated and exotic plants.

Biological activities of fig latex -loaded cellulose acetate/poly(ethylene oxide) nanofiber for potential therapeutics: Anticancer and antioxidant material.

Cancer is a fatal disease, and unfortunately, the anticancer drugs harm normal cells. Plant's extracts are the golden key to solving this issue. In this research, fig latex - from Ficus carica- was encapsulated using cellulose acetate (CA) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) polymers via electrospinning method (Fig@CA/PEO). Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average fiber diameter was decreased with an increase in latex concentration from 715 nm to 583 nm. FT-IR spectroscopy indicated the presence of fig latex in Fig@CA/PEO nanofibers. Compared to 5-fluorouracil, Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold considered safe towards normal cells (WI-38). Moreover, the nanofiber scaffold was efficient against colon cancer cells (Caco) and liver cancer cells (HepG2) as it demonstrated IC50 values for cells by 23.97 µg/mL and 23.96 µg/mL, respectively. Besides, the nanofiber scaffold revealed mechanistic variations in apoptotic oncogenes; described by the upregulation of BCL2 and P21, combined by downregulation of p53 and TNF. Moreover, the nanofiber scaffold showed antioxidant activity counting 33.4, 36 and 41 % of DPPH scavenging as the fig latex concentration increased. The results demonstrate that the Fig@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold is a promising substitute to traditional chemotherapy.

Antidiabetic Effect of Fig Seed Oil in Rats with Diabetes Induced by Streptozotocin.

The anti-diabetic effect of Ficus carica (Fig) seed oil was investigated. 4 groups with 6 rats in each group were used in the experiment as control, diabetes (45 mg/kg streptozotocin), fig seed oil (FSO) (6 mL/ kg/day/rat by gavage) and diabetes+FSO groups. Glucose, urea, creatinine, ALT, AST, GSH, AOPP and MDA analyses were done. Pancreatic tissues were examined histopathologically. When fig seed oil was given to the diabetic group, the blood glucose level decreased. In the diabetes+FSO group, serum urea, creatinine, AOPP, MDA levels and ALT and AST activities decreased statistically significantly compared to the diabetes group, while GSH levels increased significantly, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and immunofluorescent improvements were observed. It has been shown for the first time that FSO has positive effects on blood glucose level and pancreatic health. It can be said that the protective effect of fig seed oil on tissues may be due to its antioxidant activity.

First Evidence of Thalassochory in the Ficus Genus: Seed Dispersal Using the Kuroshio Oceanic Current.

AIM: Plants distributed between southern Taiwan and the north of the Philippines are spread among numerous small islands in an area crossed by the powerful Kuroshio current. Oceanic currents can be effective seed-dispersal agents for coastal plant species. Moreover, the Luzon Strait is an area prone to tropical cyclones. The aim of this study is to look at the dispersal capability of an endangered coastal plant species, the Mearns fig (Ficus pedunculosa var. mearnsii), using both experimental and population genetics methods. LOCATION: Southern Taiwan, the Philippines, and the islands between Luzon and Taiwan Island. METHODS: This study combined two types of analysis, i.e., buoyancy experiments on syconia and double digest restriction-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD), to analyze the population genetics of the Mearns fig. RESULTS: We first discovered that mature Mearns fig syconia could float in seawater. They have a mean float duration of 10 days to a maximum of 21 days. Germination rates varied significantly between Mearns fig seeds that had undergone different durations of flotation treatment. Population genetic analysis shows a high degree of inbreeding among various Mearns fig populations. Moreover, no isolation by distance was found between the populations and individuals. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: From our analysis of the genetic structure of the Mearns fig populations, we can clearly highlight the effect of the Kuroshio oceanic current on the seed dispersal of this fig tree. Comprehensive analysis has shown that Mearns fig seeds are still viable before the mature syconium sinks into the seawater, and so they could use the Kuroshio Current to float to the current population locations in Taiwan.

Enhanced and asymmetric signatures of hybridization at climatic margins: Evidence from closely related dioecious fig species.

Hybridization plays a significant role in biological evolution. However, it is not clear whether ecological contingency differentially influences likelihood of hybridization, particularly at ecological margins where parental species may exhibit reduced fitnesses. Moreover, it is unknown whether future ecosystem change will increase the prevalence of hybridization. Ficus heterostyla and F. squamosa are closely related species co-distributed from southern Thailand to southwest China where hybridization, yielding viable seeds, has been documented. As a robust test of ecological factors driving hybridization, we investigated spatial hybridization signatures based on nuclear microsatellites from extensive population sampling across a widespread contact range. Both species showed high population differentiation and strong patterns of isolation by distance. Admixture estimates exposed asymmetric interspecific gene flow. Signatures of hybridization increase significantly towards higher latitude zones, peaking at the northern climatic margins. Geographic variation in reproductive phenology combined with ecologically challenging marginal habitats may promote this phenomenon. Our work is a first systematic evaluation of such patterns in a comprehensive, latitudinally-based clinal context, and indicates that tendency to hybridize appears strongly influenced by environmental conditions. Moreover, that future climate change scenarios will likely alter and possibly augment cases of hybridization at ecosystem scales.

Investigating the effect of climate factors on fig production efficiency with machine learning approach.

BACKGROUND: This study employs a machine learning approach to investigate the impact of climate change on fig production in Turkey. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm is used to analyze production performance and climate variable data from 1988 to 2023. Fig production is a significant component of Turkey's agricultural economy. Therefore, understanding how climate change affects fig production is essential for the development of sustainable agricultural practices. RESULTS: Despite an observed increase in fig production between 2005 and 2020, potential yield may be negatively impacted by climate variables. Identifying the specific climatic factors affecting fig production efficiency remains a challenge. In the study, two different machine learning models are created: one for fig production yield per decare and another for fig production yield per bearing fig sapling. Eight climate variables (16 variables considering day and night values) serve as independent variables in the models. The models reveal that temperature change has the highest impact, with a percentage contribution of 41.30% in the first model and 43.90% in the second model. Thermal radiation (day and night) and 2 m temperature also significantly affect individually fig production. Wind speed, precipitation and humidity contribute to a lesser extent. CONCLUSION: This study illuminates the intricate interrelationship between climate change and fig production in Turkey. The utilization of machine learning as a predictive tool for future production trends and an instrument for informing agricultural practices is a valuable contribution to the field. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

First Report of Rust Caused by Phakopsora nishidana on Creeping Fig, Ficus pumila, in South Africa.

Phakopsora nishidana has recently been reported as the causal organism of rust on edible fig, Ficus carica in South Africa (SA) (Boshoff et al. 2022). This contradicted reports by Doidge (1927, 1950) and Verwoerd (1929) who listed Cerotelium fici as the causal organism of the disease in SA. Similarities in urediniospore morphology and differing taxonomic interpretations most likely contributed to the use of both pathogen names as the causal agents for fig rust (Boshoff et al. 2022; Padamsee and McKenzie 2024). In January 2023 rust was commonly observed on nursery specimens of creeping fig, Ficus pumila, a popular evergreen and fast-growing garden plant in SA. Ficus pumila is native to southern China, Indochina, and eastern Asia but has been introduced to many countries worldwide (https://powo.science.kew.org/ accessed 20 March 2024). The F. pumila rust isolate collected in Somerset West (34°07'00.70"S, 18°52'41.75"E; Western Cape (WC) province) was identified using the sequenced 5.8S rRNA-ITS2-28S rRNA locus. When used in a BLAST analysis, this F. pumila isolate (GenBank accession number OR835538) shared the best homology with the Vermont P. nishidana isolate (34°24'33.37"S, 19°08'59.24"E) (MZ047090; e-value 0.0, 99.7% identity, 1400/1404 bp) reported on edible fig by Boshoff et al. (2022). Other P. nishidana isolates with excellent homology were KY764080 (e-value 0.0, 99.8% identity, 1012/1014 bp), KY764081 (e-value 0.0, 99% identity, 882/885 bp) and MF580676 (e-value 0.0, 99.3% identity, 981/988 bp). Accessions were used in a phylogenetic study that included four other rust samples collected from F. carica trees in Somerset West, WC (OR835534; 34°03'37.26"S, 18°51'02.18"E), Onrus River, WC (OR835535; 34°24'43.10"S, 19°09'57.99"E), Elgin, WC (OR835536; 34°14'31.37"S, 19°03'05.38"E), and Bloemfontein, Free State province (OR835537; 29°05'05.1"S 26°09'09.5"E). Reference sequences were as described in Boshoff et al. (2022). Despite limited variation, all six South African isolates, including the F. pumila isolate, grouped with the three P. nishidana reference isolates, but separate from the three P. myrtacearum isolates collected from eucalyptus trees (Maier et al. 2016). Uredinia on F. pumila leaves were mostly hypophyllous and surrounded by a halo of brown, necrotic tissue. On the upper leaf surface, the lesions appeared as small, dark leaf spots with infrequent sporulation. Urediniospores were echinulate, mostly obovoid or elliptical and their cell walls pale-yellow to yellowish-brown. The mean width and length of urediniospores were 16.7 x 21.3 µm. No telia were observed. Applying standard rust inoculation and incubation procedures (Boshoff et al. 2022), F. pumila plants inoculated with P. nishidana isolate PREM63073 produced sporulating uredinia on the abaxial surface of leaves. Likewise, inoculation of F. carica cv. Kadota leaves with the F. pumila isolate OR835538 yielded sporulating lesions containing urediniospores typical of P. nishidana, on the lower surface. Based on both the DNA sequence data and controlled infection studies, our study confirmed the host status of F. pumila for P. nishidana. The occurrence of rust on creeping fig plants in nurseries, the evergreen status of the creeper, and thus the potential to harbor the pathogen during winter, are likely to contribute to the spread of fig rust in SA.

Evaluation of fig-milk dessert bioactive properties as a potential functional food.

The fig-milk dessert, a traditional and nutritionally rich treat infused with bioactive compounds, was subjected to a comprehensive analysis in this study. The novelty of this research lies in the investigation of the in vitro antioxidant, anticancer, and antimicrobial potential of the fig-milk dessert. This was accomplished through the utilization of the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, Annexin/propidium iodide staining, microtiter plate-based assay and agar well diffusion, respectively, for the first time. Additionally, the study assessed the total phenols and flavonoid content of the extract using the Folin-Ciocalteu assay and the aluminum chloride method, respectively. The findings revealed that the cooking method exerted a significant influence on the bioactive properties and nutritional composition of the dessert. Among the samples analyzed, CM1, consisting of figs steamed for 2 min and milk heated to 70°C, exhibited remarkable characteristics. This sample demonstrated the highest peptide concentration (1290 mg/L), superior antioxidant and anticancer activities, and favorable sensory attributes. Specifically, CM1 induced apoptosis in 84% of AGS cells and inhibited 68% of free radicals in the DPPH assay. It is noteworthy that the fig-milk dessert did not exhibit any antibacterial properties. These discerning results carry substantial implications for the development of functional dairy products endowed with both nutritional and potential therapeutic properties.

Fungal Species Causing Canker and Wilt of Ficus carica and Evidence of Their Association by Bark Beetles in Italy.

Field surveys conducted during 2021 and 2022 in Western Sicily, Italy, revealed the presence of common fig trees severely affected by trunk and crown root canker and bark cracking. Moreover, in conjunction with the symptomatic tissues, the same surveyed plants showed the presence of bark beetle holes and internal wood galleries. The predominant beetle Criphalus dilutus was previously reported attacking figs in Sicily. Phylogenetic analyses based on multilocus DNA data showed the presence of different fungal taxa associated with disease symptoms, including Botryosphaeria dothidea, Ceratocystis ficicola, Diaporthe foeniculina, Neocosmospora bostrycoides, N. perseae, and Neofusicoccum luteum. Pathogenicity tests conducted on potted fig plants showed that all the species were pathogenic to fig, with C. ficicola and Neocosmospora spp. as the most aggressive fungal species. Moreover, isolations conducted from the bodies of emerging adult insects recovered from disease samples confirmed the presence of C. ficicola and Neocosmospora spp., suggesting the potential involvement of C. dilutus in their dissemination.

Combined application of high pressure and ultrasound in fig paste: effect on bioactive and volatile compounds.

The combined impact of high-hydrostatic pressure (HHP) and ultrasound (US) on the cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside (C3R), quercetin-3-O-rutinoside (Q3R), and volatile compounds from fig (Ficus carica) paste was investigated. The HHP increased the content of C3R and Q3R, from 70 to 133 mg/kg fw and 31 to 44 mg/kg fw, respectively. The combination of HHP and US further enhanced the extraction of these bioactive compounds. Specifically, processing fig paste with US for 5 min at 40 °C yielded approximately 250 mg of C3R/kg fw and 45 mg of Q3R/kg fw, after 20 min. More than 25 volatile compounds were identified, with benzaldehyde being the predominant compound, accounting > 75%. Trace amounts of hydroxymethylfurfural (< 0.36 mg/100 g fw) were detected in HHP-processed fig paste. The application of HHP at mild temperatures and short time, combined with US, effectively promotes the content of bioactive compounds present in fig paste without adversely affecting the fruit's volatile compounds. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01410-1.

Patterns of Genomic Diversity in a Fig-Associated Close Relative of Caenorhabditis elegans.

The evolution of reproductive mode is expected to have profound impacts on the genetic composition of populations. At the same time, ecological interactions can generate close associations among species, which can in turn generate a high degree of overlap in their spatial distributions. Caenorhabditis elegans is a hermaphroditic nematode that has enabled extensive advances in developmental genetics. Caenorhabditis inopinata, the sister species of C. elegans, is a gonochoristic nematode that thrives in figs and obligately disperses on fig wasps. Here, we describe patterns of genomic diversity in C. inopinata. We performed RAD-seq on individual worms isolated from the field across three Okinawan island populations. C. inopinata is about five times more diverse than C. elegans. Additionally, C. inopinata harbors greater differences in diversity among functional genomic regions (such as between genic and intergenic sequences) than C. elegans. Conversely, C. elegans harbors greater differences in diversity between high-recombining chromosome arms and low-recombining chromosome centers than C. inopinata. FST is low among island population pairs, and clear population structure could not be easily detected among islands, suggesting frequent migration of wasps between islands. These patterns of population differentiation appear comparable with those previously reported in its fig wasp vector. These results confirm many theoretical population genetic predictions regarding the evolution of reproductive mode and suggest C. inopinata population dynamics may be driven by wasp dispersal. This work sets the stage for future evolutionary genomic studies aimed at understanding the evolution of sex as well as the evolution of ecological interactions.

In planta expression of specific single chain fragment antibody (scFv) against nucleocapsid protein of fig mosaic virus (FMV).

Fig mosaic virus (FMV) is recognized as the main viral agent associated with the mosaic disease (MD) of fig trees (Ficus carica). Due to its worldwide occurrence, FMV represents the most significant global threat to the production of fig fruit. A disease management strategy against the MD in fig orchards has never been effective; and therefore, expression of recombinant antibody in plant cells could provide an alternative approach to suppress FMV infections. In this study we focused on expressing a specific recombinant antibody, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), targeting the nucleocapsid protein (NP) of FMV in planta. To accomplish this objective, we inserted the scFv gene into a plant expression vector and conducted transient expression in leaves of Nicotiana tabacum cv. Samson plants. The construct was transiently expressed in tobacco plants by agroinfiltration, and antibody of the anticipated size was detected by immunoblotting. The produced plantibody was then assessed for specificity using ELISA and confirmed by Western blot analysis. In this study, the plantibody developed against FMV could be considered as a potential countermeasure to the infection by conferring resistance to MD.

Image dataset of healthy and infected fig leaves with Ficus leaf worm.

This work presents an extensive dataset comprising images meticulously obtained from diverse geographic locations within Iraq, depicting both healthy and infected fig leaves affected by Ficus leafworm. This particular pest poses a significant threat to economic interests, as its infestations often lead to the defoliation of trees, resulting in reduced fruit production. The dataset comprises two distinct classes: infected and healthy, with the acquisition of images executed with precision during the fruiting season, employing state-of-the-art high-resolution equipment, as detailed in the specifications table. In total, the dataset encompasses a substantial 2,321 images, with 1,350 representing infected leaves and 971 depicting healthy ones. The images were acquired through a random sampling approach, ensuring a harmonious blend of balance and diversity across data emanating from distinct fig trees. The proposed dataset carries substantial potential for impact and utility, featuring essential attributes such as the binary classification of infected and healthy leaves. The presented dataset holds the potential to be a valuable resource for the pest control industry within the domains of agriculture and food production.

Characterisation of the fig-fig wasp holobiont.

Plants and animals have long been considered distinct kingdoms, yet here a 'plant-animal' is described. An extraordinary symbiosis in which neither organism can reproduce without the other, the fig tree (Ficus) provides the habitat for its exclusive pollinator: the fig wasp (Agaonidae). Characterising the 'fig-fig wasp holobiont' acknowledges, for the first time, 'plant-animal symbiogenesis'.

Deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction of pectin from Ficus carica Linn. peel: optimization, partial structure characterization, functional and antioxidant activities.

BACKGROUND: The pectin from Ficus carica Linn. (fig) peels is a valuable and recyclable constituent that may bring huge economic benefits. To maximize the utilization of this resource, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-assisted extraction was applied to extract pectin from fig peels, and the extraction process was optimized with response surface methodology. RESULTS: When DES (choline chloride/oxalic acid = 1:1) content was 168.1 g kg-1, extraction temperature was 79.8 °C, liquid-solid ratio was 23.3 mL g-1, and extraction time was 120 min, the maximum yield of 239.6 g kg-1 was obtained, which was almost twice the extraction of hot water. DES-extracted fig peel pectin (D-FP) exhibited better nature than hot water-extracted fig peel pectin (W-FP) in terms of uronic acid content, particle size distribution, and solubility, but lower molecular weight and esterification degree. D-FP and W-FP had similar infrared spectra and thermodynamic peaks but differed in monosaccharide compositions. D-FP also showed good antioxidant capacities and exhibited better functional activities than W-FP. CONCLUSION: These results indicated that D-FP was of promising quality being utilized in food or medical industries and the optimal DES-assisted extraction method might be applied as a sustainable process for the effective extraction of bioactive pectin from fig peels with the excellence of low equipment requirements and simple operation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Virome profiling of fig wasps (Ceratosolen spp.) reveals virus diversity spanning four realms.

We investigated the virome of agaonid fig wasps (Ceratosolen spp.) inside syconia ("fruits") of various Ficus trees fed upon by frugivores such as pteropodid bats in Sub-Saharan Africa. This virome includes representatives of viral families spanning four realms and includes near-complete genome sequences of three novel viruses and fragments of five additional potentially novel viruses evolutionarily associated with insects, fungi, plants, and vertebrates. Our study provides evidence that frugivorous animals are exposed to a plethora of viruses by coincidental consumption of fig wasps, which are obligate pollinators of figs worldwide.

Preparation and characterization of a jelly fig (Ficus awkeotsang Makino) polysaccharide-based bioactive 3D scaffold for improved vascularization and skin tissue engineering applications.

Jelly fig polysaccharides (JFP) were extracted from Ficus awkeotsang Makino achenes. The yield of JFP was approximately 10-15 %. FT-IR spectrum of the extracted JFP confirmed that it was made of low methoxyl pectin (LMP). 3D scaffolds of JFP (JFP scaffold) were fabricated using ionic crosslinking of 2 % (w/v) JFP solution with Ca2+ ions and freeze-drying. The JFP scaffold showed 73.46 ± 1.97 % porosity and a 12-fold swelling capacity. The porous morphology was also observed in SEM micrographs. JFP scaffolds were completely degraded in 14 days when incubated in 1 mg/mL lysozyme solution, compared to the 50 % degradation observed in PBS alone. The antioxidant activity of the JFP and JFP scaffold was approximately 40 %. The hemolytic assay of the JFP scaffold showed <5 % (3.0 ± 0.4) RBC lysis. The cytocompatibility of the JFP scaffold was evaluated using L929 mouse fibroblasts and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF). The in vitro studies using L929 cells showed that the JFP scaffold is cytocompatible. HDF cells cultured in the presence of JFP scaffolds show a higher fold cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Collagen expression and deposition were also studied, and no significant changes occurred with JFP scaffold treatment. In vivo CAM assay showed an increase in the number and thickness of blood vessels by 1.185-fold and 1.19-fold, respectively. These results confirm the angiogenic property of the JFP scaffold. These biocompatible and bioactive properties of the JFP scaffold could be beneficial for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.