Dietary Supplementation with Eugenol Nanoemulsion Alleviates the Negative Effects of Experimental Coccidiosis on Broiler Chicken's Health and Growth Performance.

The present study investigated the protective efficacy of dietary supplementation with clove essential oil (CEO), its main constituent eugenol (EUG), and their nanoformulated emulsions (Nano-CEO and Nano-EUG) against experimental coccidiosis in broiler chickens. To this aim, various parameters (oocyst number per gram of excreta (OPG), daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed intake (DFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), serum concentrations of total proteins (TP), albumin (ALB), globulins (GLB), triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHO) and glucose (GLU), serum activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione s-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] were compared among groups receiving CEO supplemented feed (CEO), Nano-CEO supplemented feed (Nano-CEO), EUG supplemented feed (EUG), Nano-EUG supplemented feed (Nano-EUG), diclazuril supplemented feed (standard treatment, ST), or basal diet [diseased control (d-CON) and healthy control (h-CON)), from days 1-42. Chickens of all groups, except h-CON, were challenged with mixed Eimeria spp. at 14 days of age. Coccidiosis development in d-CON was associated with impaired productivity (lower DWG and higher DFI and FCR relative to h-CON; p < 0.05) and altered serum biochemistry (decreased TP, ALB, and GLB concentrations and SOD, GST, and GPx activities relative to h-CON; p < 0.05). ST effectively controlled coccidiosis infection by significantly decreasing OPG values compared with d-CON (p < 0.05) and maintaining zootechnical and serum biochemical parameters at levels close to (DWG, FCR; p < 0.05) or not different from (DFI, TP, ALB, GLB, SOD, GST, and GPx) those of h-CON. Among the phytogenic supplemented (PS) groups, all showed decreased OPG values compared with d-CON (p < 0.05), with the lowest value being measured in Nano-EUG. All PS groups showed better values of DFI and FCR than d-CON (p < 0.05), but only in Nano-EUG were these parameters, along with DWG, not different from those of ST. Furthermore, Nano-EUG was the only PS group having all serum biochemical values not different (or even slightly improved) relative to ST and h-CON. In conclusion, the tested PS diets, especially Nano-EUG, can limit the deleterious effects of coccidiosis in broiler chickens, due to anticoccidial activity and possibly their reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thereby representing a potential green alternative to synthetic anticoccidials.

Antitrichomonal activity of metronidazole-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles in pigeon trichomoniasis.

In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the novel drug delivery systems to reduce the dose of the drug and avoid side effects. Metronidazole has been used for many years in the treatment of anaerobic bacterial and protozoal infections. Nanolactoferrin, a newly developed antibacterial agent originated from lactoferrin, is applied both as an active therapeutic and a drug nanocarrier. The present study describes the development and characterization of metronidazole-loaded lactoferrin nanoparticles (nano-MTZ) as well as reports their antitrichomonal activity on Trichomonas gallinae, the protozoal causative agent of pigeon trichomoniasis. The activity of the nano-MTZ is compared with the regular metronidazole formulation (MTZ) under in vitro and in vivo conditions. Additionally, cytotoxicity of the nano-MTZ to fibroblast cell line and possible hepatotoxicity in treated pigeons were evaluated. Nano-MTZ was prepared based on the thermal treatment method and the average size and surface charge of the dispersion were 30.6 nm and - 44.6 mv, respectively. No significant cytotoxicity was noted for the nano-MTZ in comparison to the MTZ. Loading efficiency in nano-MTZ was calculated as 55%. In vitro susceptibility results demonstrated 24 h 90% lethal concentration values of 4.23 and 6.64 µg/mL for MTZ and nano-MTZ, respectively. Oral treatment of the pigeons experimentally infected with T. gallinae resulted in the earlier eradication of the infection in the nano-MTZ-treated pigeons. No adverse effects on the liver function have been observed for the nano-MTZ. These findings suggest that nanolactoferrin is a promising platform for the development of novel MTZ formulations with improved antitrichomonal activity.

Preparation and evaluation of food-grade nanoemulsion of tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L.) essential oil: antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

This study aimed at to formulate a food-grade nanoemulsion of tarragon essential oil (NEO) and investigate its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Oil in water NEO was formed by blending 10% of tarragon EO (TEO), 85% water, and a mixture of 5% surfactants, then antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The main components of TEO were estragole, beta-cis-ocimene, beta-trans-ocimene, and l-limonene. NEO droplet had a diameter of 50 nm and a zeta potential of - 30 mV. Results of free radical DPPH scavenging activity revealed that hydrogen donating capacity of the nanoemulsion was significantly higher than TEO and at 2.5 µg/mL concentration it showed complete inhibitory activity against DPPH. The ferric reducing potential was almost similar for TEO and NEO. NEO showed higher antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella dysenteriae. The results of this work indicated that NEO had higher antioxidant and antimicrobial activity compared with free TEO.

High durability of food due to the flow cytometry proved antibacterial and antifouling properties of TiO2 decorated nanocomposite films.

Although polymeric membrane has superior properties, its applications in biomedical and food industrial fields are minimal. Biofouling is a significant concern in the membrane, created from particular interactions between the membrane and untreated water content. This research showed that a careful superhydrophilic modification of polyethersulfone membrane could address those drawbacks that have hindered their utility. Hence, a combination of chemical and physical modification showed far-reaching effects on surface behavior, affecting manifold aspects of its bacterial attachment, protein adsorption resistance, and hydrophilicity. The contact angle measurement results decreased from 30° to 0° in 26 s, and surface free energy increased by 33%, demonstrating the shifting surface wettability behavior toward the Superhydrophilicity. Besides, increasing the average surface roughness on the nanoscale and forming 70-110 nm jagged structures results in a marked reduction in protein adsorption, bacterial adhesion, and biofouling formation, confirmed by the results of Flow cytometry analysis and microtiter plate assay. An improved understanding of antifouling and antibacterial properties will greatly assist in food industries since it can be applied to enhance the durability of food and chemical materials. This is important as it gives us a simple way of improving packing reliability, reducing costs and amounts of undesirable waste products.

Novel Biodegradable Poly (Lactic Acid)/Wood Leachate Composites: Investigation of Antibacterial, Mechanical, Morphological, and Thermal Properties.

This research aimed to investigate the effects of using wood leachate (WL) powder as a cost-effective filler added to novel poly (lactic acid) biocomposites and evaluate their mechanical, thermal, morphological, and antibacterial properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), tensile test, Charpy impact test, Shore hardness, scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), contact angle, and bacterial growth inhibition tests were employed to characterize the developed biocomposites. The SEM results indicated a proper filler dispersion in the polymer matrix. WL powder improved the hydrophobic nature in the adjusted sample's contact angle experiment. Markedly, the results showed that the addition of WL filler improved the mechanical properties of the fabricated biocomposites. The thermal analysis determined the development in crystallization behavior and a decline in glass transition temperature (Tg) from 60.1 to 49.3 °C in 7% PLA-WL biocomposites. The PLA-WL biocomposites exhibited an antibacterial activity according to the inhibition zone for Escherichia coli bacteria. The developed novel PLA-WL composites can be effectively utilized in various value-added industrial applications as a sustainable and functional biopolymer material.

Oncostatic activities of melatonin: Roles in cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Melatonin, the major secretory product of the pineal gland, not only regulates circadian rhythms, mood, and sleep but also has actions in neoplastic processes which are being intensively investigated. Melatonin is a promising molecule which considered a differentiating agent in some cancer cells at both physiological and pharmacological concentrations. It can also reduce invasive and metastatic status through receptors MT1 and MT2 cytosolic binding sites, including calmodulin and quinone reductase II enzyme, and nuclear receptors related to orphan members of the superfamily RZR/ROR. Melatonin exerts oncostatic functions in numerous human malignancies. An increasing number of studies report that melatonin reduces the invasiveness of several human cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. Moreover, melatonin's oncostatic activities are exerted through different biological processes including antiproliferative actions, stimulation of anti-cancer immunity, modulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, the modulation of oncogene expression, and via antiangiogenic effects. This review focuses on the oncostatic activities of melatonin that targeted cell cycle control, with special attention to its modulatory effects on the key regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and telomerase activity.

Oncostatic activities of melatonin: Roles in cell cycle, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Melatonin, the major secretory product of the pineal gland, not only regulates circadian rhythms, mood, and sleep but also has actions in neoplastic processes which are being intensively investigated. Melatonin is a promising molecule which considered a differentiating agent in some cancer cells at both physiological and pharmacological concentrations. It can also reduce invasive and metastatic status through receptors MT1 and MT2 cytosolic binding sites, including calmodulin and quinone reductase II enzyme, and nuclear receptors related to orphan members of the superfamily RZR/ROR. Melatonin exerts oncostatic functions in numerous human malignancies. An increasing number of studies report that melatonin reduces the invasiveness of several human cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. Moreover, melatonin's oncostatic activities are exerted through different biological processes including antiproliferative actions, stimulation of anti-cancer immunity, modulation of the cell cycle, apoptosis, autophagy, the modulation of oncogene expression, and via antiangiogenic effects. This review focuses on the oncostatic activities of melatonin that targeted cell cycle control, with special attention to its modulatory effects on the key regulators of the cell cycle, apoptosis, and telomerase activity.

Phenol formaldehyde resin modified by cellulose and lignin nanomaterials: Review and recent progress.

In recent years, growing consideration of the concepts of ecological sustainability, environmentally friendly, recyclability, non-toxicity and biodegradability towards a green environment, have led scientists to focus on the utilization of natural fibers as green reinforcing agents for improving thermal, physical, and mechanical characteristics of composites. In this way, cellulose and lignin (nano) materials are receiving global attention due to their unique and potentially useful features, containing abundance, renewability, low cost, excellent physical-mechanical properties, environmental friendliness, and low weight. Therefore, this research, addressed a survey of the literature on extending the performance of phenol-formaldehyde (phenolic) composites reinforced by cellulose and lignin nano materials that were explored in the last decade. Physical, mechanical behavior and thermal stability of the phenolic composites were comprehensively examined. Indeed, different types of phenolic composites modified with nanocellulose and nanolignin have been made using various advanced synthesis processes. The results were unanimous and highlighted the remarkable effect of nanocellulose and nanolignin on improving the overall performance of the fabricated composites.

Novel Brassinosteroid-Modified Polyethylene Glycol Micelles for Controlled Release of Agrochemicals.

Two synthetic analogues of brassinosteroids (DI31 and S7) exhibit good plant growth enhancer activity. However, their hydrophobicity and quick metabolism in plants have limited their application and benefits in agriculture. Our objective was to prepare novel brassinosteroid-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) micelles to achieve controlled release with extended stability while retaining agrochemical activity. Spectroscopic studies confirmed quantitative disubstitution of studied PEGs with the brassinosteroids, while elemental analysis assessed purity of the synthesized conjugates. Conjugates were also characterized by X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis. Dynamic and static light scattering showed stable and homogeneous approximately spherical micelles with average hydrodynamic diameters of 22-120 nm and almost neutral ζ potential. Spherical 30-140 nm micelles were observed by electron microscopy. Sustained in vitro releases at pH 5.5 were extended up to 96 h. Prepared PEG micelles showed good agrochemical activity in the radish seed bioassay and no cytotoxicity to the human microvascular endothelial cell line in the MTS test.