Panoramic view of artificial fruit ripening agents sensing technologies and the exigency of developing smart, rapid, and portable detection devices: A review.

Recently, the availability of point-of-care sensor systems has led to the rapid development of smart and portable devices for the detection of hazardous analytes. The rapid flow of artificially ripened fruits into the market is associated with an elevated risk to human life, agriculture, and the ecosystem due to the use of artificial fruit ripening agents (AFRAs). Accordingly, there is a need for the development of "Point-of-care Sensors" to detect AFRAs due to several advantages, such as simple operation, promising detection mechanism, higher selectivity and sensitivity, compact, and portable. Traditional detection approaches are time-consuming and inappropriate for on-the-spot analyses. Presented comprehensive review aimed to reveal how such technology has systematically evolved over time (through conventional, advanced, and portable smart techniques) detection detect AFRA, till date. Moreover, focuses and highlights a framework of initiatives undertaken for technological advancements in the development of smart the portable detection techniques (kits) for the onsite detection of AFRAs in fruits with in-depth discussion over sensing mechanism and analytical performance of the sensing technology. Notably, colorimetric detection methods have the greatest potential for real-time monitoring of AFRA and its residues because they are easy to assemble, have a high level of selectivity and sensitivity, and can be read by the human eye independently. This study sought to differentiate between traditional credible strategies by presenting new prospects, perceptions, and challenges related to portable devices. This review provides systematic framework of advances in portable field recognition strategies for the on-spot AFRA detection in fruits and critical information for development of new paper-based portable sensors for fruit diagnostic sectors.

Advances in biomedical applications of vitamin D for VDR targeted management of obesity and cancer.

BACKGROUND: 1,25(OH)2D3 is a fat-soluble vitamin, involved in regulating Ca2+ homeostasis in the body. Its storage in adipose tissue depends on the fat content of the body. Obesity is the result of abnormal lipid deposition due to the prolonged positive energy balance and increases the risk of several cancer types. Furthermore, it has been associated with vitamin D deficiency and defined as a low 25(OH)2D3 blood level. In addition, 1,25(OH)2D3 plays vital roles in Ca2+-Pi and glucose metabolism in the adipocytes of obese individuals and regulates the expressions of adipogenesis-associated genes in mature adipocytes. SCOPE AND APPROACH: The present contribution focused on the VDR mediated mechanisms interconnecting the obese condition and cancer proliferation due to 1,25(OH)2D3-deficiency in humans. This contribution also summarizes the identification and development of molecular targets for VDR-targeted drug discovery. KEY FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS: Several studies have revealed that cancer development in a background of 1,25(OH)2D3 deficient obesity involves the VDR gene. Moreover, 1,25(OH)2D3 is also known to influence several cellular processes, including differentiation, proliferation, and adhesion. The multifaceted physiology of obesity has improved our understanding of the cancer therapeutic targets. However, currently available anti-cancer drugs are notorious for their side effects, which have raised safety issues. Thus, there is interest in developing 1,25(OH)2D3-based therapies without any side effects.

Mycotoxins in food and feed: toxicity, preventive challenges, and advanced detection techniques for associated diseases.

Mycotoxins are produced primarily as secondary fungal metabolites. Mycotoxins are toxic in nature and naturally produced by various species of fungi, which usually contaminate food and feed ingredients. The growth of these harmful fungi depends on several environmental factors, such as pH, humidity, and temperature; therefore, the mycotoxin distribution also varies among global geographical areas. Various rules and regulations regarding mycotoxins are imposed by the government bodies of each country, which are responsible for addressing global food and health security concerns. Despite this legislation, the incidence of mycotoxin contamination is continuously increasing. In this review, we discuss the geographical regulatory guidelines and recommendations that are implemented around the world to control mycotoxin contamination of food and feed products. Researchers and inventors from various parts of the world have reported several innovations for controlling mycotoxin-associated health consequences. Unfortunately, most of these techniques are restricted to laboratory scales and cannot reach users. Consequently, to date, no single device has been commercialized that can detect all mycotoxins that are naturally available in the environment. Therefore, in this study, we describe severe health hazards that are associated with mycotoxin exposure, their molecular signaling pathways and processes of toxicity, and their genotoxic and cytotoxic effects toward humans and animals. We also discuss recent developments in the construction of a sensitive and specific device that effectively implements mycotoxin identification and detection methods. In addition, our study comprehensively examines the recent advancements in the field for mitigating the health consequences and links them with the molecular and signaling pathways that are activated upon mycotoxin exposure.

A highly sensitive lateral flow immunoassay for the rapid and on-site detection of enrofloxacin in milk.

Enrofloxacin (ENR) is a veterinary antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections in livestock. It chiefly persists in foods and dairy products, which in turn pose severe risks to human health. Hence it is very important to detect the ENR in foods and dairy products to safeguard human health. Herein, we attempted to develop a single-step detection lateral flow immunochromatographic assay (LFIA) using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the rapid and on-site detection of ENR in milk samples. An anti-enrofloxacin monoclonal antibody (ENR-Ab) was conjugated with AuNPs for the specific detection of ENR in milk samples. For sensitivity improvement, many optimization steps were conducted on LFIA test strips. The visual limit of detection (vLOD) was found to be 20 ng/ml with a cut-off value of 50 ng/ml in the milk samples. The obtained LOD and cut-off value were within the safety limit guidelines of the Ministry of food and drug safety, South Korea. The test strip showed negligible cross-reactivity with ENR analogs, and other components of antibiotics, this indicates the high specificity of the LFIA test strip towards ENR. The designed test strip showed good reliability. The visual test results can be seen within 10 min without the need for special equipment. Therefore, the test strip can be employed as a potential detection strategy for the qualitative on-site detection of enrofloxacin in milk samples.

Highly Specific Peptide-Mediated Cuvette-Form Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR)-Based Fipronil Detection in Egg.

Herein, we have developed peptide-coated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensor chips that can detect fipronil with high sensitivity and selectivity. The phage display technique has been exploited for the screening of highly specific fipronil-binding peptides for the selective detection of the molecule. LSPR sensor chips are fabricated initially by attaching uniformly synthesized AuNPs on the glass substrate, followed by the addition of screened peptides. The parameters, such as the peptide concentration of 20 µg mL-1 and the reaction time of 30 min, are further optimized to maximize the efficacy of the fabricated LSPR sensor chips. The sensing analysis is performed systematically under standard fipronil solutions and spike samples from eggs. The developed sensor has shown excellent sensitivity towards both standard solutions and spike samples with limit of detection (LOD) values of 0.01 ppb, respectively. Significantly, the developed LSPR sensor chips offer distinct features, such as a facile fabrication approach, on-site sensing, rapid analysis, cost-effectiveness, and the possibility of mass production, in which the chips can be effectively used as a promising and potential on-site detection tool for the estimation of fipronil.

Partners in crime: The Lewis Y antigen and fucosyltransferase IV in Helicobacter pylori-induced gastric cancer.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major causative agent of chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer and gastric carcinoma. H. pylori cytotoxin associated antigen A (CagA) plays a crucial role in the development of gastric cancer. Gastric cancer is associated with glycosylation alterations in glycoproteins and glycolipids on the cell surface. H. pylori cytotoxin associated antigen A (CagA) plays a significant role in the progression of gastric cancer through post-translation modification of fucosylation to develop gastric cancer. The involvement of a variety of sugar antigens in the progression and development of gastric cancer has been investigated, including type II blood group antigens. Lewis Y (LeY) is overexpressed on the tumor cell surface either as a glycoprotein or glycolipid. LeY is a difucosylated oligosaccharide, which is catalyzed by fucosyltransferases such as FUT4 (α1,3). FUT4/LeY overexpression may serve as potential correlative biomarkers for the prognosis of gastric cancer. We discuss the various aspects of H. pylori in relation to fucosyltransferases (FUT1-FUT9) and its fucosylated Lewis antigens (LeY, LeX, LeA, and LeB) and gastric cancer. In this review, we summarize the carcinogenic effect of H. pylori CagA in association with LeY and its synthesis enzyme FUT4 in the development of gastric cancer as well as discuss its importance in the prognosis and its inhibition by combination therapy of anti-LeY antibody and celecoxib through MAPK signaling pathway preventing gastric carcinogenesis.

Cellular antioxidant potential and inhibition of foodborne pathogens by a sesquiterpene ilimaquinone in cold storaged ground chicken and under temperature-abuse condition.

A sesquiterpene quinone, ilimaquinone, was accessed for its cellular antioxidant efficacy and possible antimicrobial mechanism of action against foodborne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) in vitro and in vivo. Ilimaquinone was found to be protective against H2O2-induced oxidative stress as validated by the reduction in the ROS levels, including increasing expression of SOD1 and SOD2 enzymes. Furthermore, ilimaquinone evoked MIC against S. aureus and E. coli within the range of 125-250 µg/mL. Ilimaquinone established its antimicrobial mode of action against both tested pathogens as evident by bacterial membrane depolarization, loss of nuclear genetic material, potassium ion, and release of extracellular ATP, as well as compromised membrane permeabilization and cellular component damage. Also, ilimaquinone showed no teratogenic effect against zebrafish, suggesting its nontoxic nature. Moreover, ilimaquinone significantly reduced the S. aureus count without affecting the sensory properties and color values of cold-storaged ground chicken meat even under temperature abuse condition.

Au@Zr-based metal-organic framework composite as an immunosensing platform for determination of hepatitis B virus surface antigen.

An ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor has been prepared using an immunofunctionalized zirconium (Zr)-based metal-organic framework (MOF) with gold (Au) decoration Au@UiO-66(NH2) composite-coated glassy carbon electrode (GCE) for the determination of infectious hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). We fabricated GCE with specific composite via immune-functionalization using anti-HBsAg with Au nanoparticles embedded in UiO-66(NH2). The electrochemical sensing performance of the immunofunctionalized Au@UiO-66(NH2)/GCE with HBsAg was characterized by cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry. Under optimized conditions, there was a linear dynamic relationship in the buffer system between the electrical signal and HBsAg levels over the range 1.13 fg mL-1-100 ng mL-1 (R2 = 0.999) with a detection limit of 1.13 fg mL-1. The total analysis time was 15 min per sample. Further validations were performed with HBsAg-spiked human serum samples, and similar detection limits as in the buffer system were observed with reduced signal intensities at lower concentrations of HBsAg (1, 10, and 100 fg mL-1) and minimal interference. The HBsAg electrochemical immunosensing assay had good selectivity and excellent reproducibility, thereby indicating its significant potential in the super-fast diagnosis of hepatitis B.

Insights into cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition by isolated bioactive compounds 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoyl quinic acid and isorhamnetin 3-O-ß-D-glucopyranoside from Salicornia herbacea.

BACKGROUND: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is an important enzyme with numerous biological functions. Overexpression of COX-2 has been associated with various inflammatory-related diseases and therefore, projected as an important pharmacological target. PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the inhibitory potential of isolated bioactive compounds, 3-caffeoyl-4-dihydrocaffeoyl quinic acid (CDQ) and isorhamnetin 3-O-ß-d-glucopyranoside (IDG), from Salicornia herbacea against COX-2 using both computational and in vitro approaches. METHODS: Computational analysis, including molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, and post-simulations analysis, were employed to estimate the binding affinity and stability of CDQ and IDG in the catalytic pocket of COX-2 against Celecoxib as positive control. These predictions were further evaluated using in vitro enzyme inhibition as well as gene expression mediation in macrophages cells. RESULTS: Molecular docking analysis revealed substantial binding energy of CDQ (-6.1 kcal/mol) and IDG (-5.9 kcal/mol) with COX-2, which are lower than Celecoxib (-8.1 kcal/mol). MD simulations (100 ns) and post simulation analysis exhibited the substantial stability and binding affinity of docked CDQ and IDG compounds with COX-2. In vitro assays indicated significant COX-2 inhibition by CDQ (IC50 = 76.91 ± 2.33 µM) and IDG (IC50 = 126.06 ± 9.44 µM). This result supported the inhibitory potential of isolated bioactive compounds against COX-2. Also, a cellular level study revealed a downregulation of COX-2 expression in tumor necrosis factor-alpha stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages treated with CDQ and IDG. CONCLUSION: Computational and experimental analysis of CDQ and IDG from S. herbacea established their potential in the inhibition and mediation of COX-2. Hence, CDQ and IDG can be considered for therapeutic development against COX-2 linked disorders, such as inflammation and cancer. Furthermore, CDQ and IDG structures can be served as a lead compound for the development of advanced novel anti-inflammatory drugs.

Reproductive toxic potential of phthalate compounds - State of art review.

Phthalates are pervasive compounds, and due to the ubiquitous usage of phthalates, humans or even children are widely exposed to them. Since phthalates are not chemically bound to the plastic matrix, they can easily leach out to contaminate the peripheral environment. Various animal and human studies have raised vital health concern including developmental and reproductive toxicity of phthalate exposure. The present review is based upon the available literature on phthalates with respect to their reproductive toxic potential. Common reproductive effects such as declined fertility, reduced testis weight, variations in accessory sex organs and several female reproductive disorders appeared to be largely associated with the transitional phthalates. Among the higher molecular weight phthalates (≥ C7), di-isononyl phthalate (DINP) produces some minor effects on development of male reproductive tract and among low molecular weight phthalates (≤C3), di-methyl (DMP) and di-isobutyl (DIBP) phthalate produce some adverse effects on male reproductive system. Whereas transitional phthalates such as di-butyl phthalate, benzyl butyl phthalate, and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate have shown adverse effects on female reproductive system. Owing to these, non-toxic alternatives to phthalates may be developed and use of phthalates could be rationalized as an important issue where human reproduction system is involved. Though, more epidemiological studies are needed to substantiate the reported findings on phthalates.

Sugiol, a diterpenoid: Therapeutic actions and molecular pathways involved.

Understanding how the natural products structural diversity interacts with cellular metabolism and infectious disease targets remains a challenge. Inflammation is an important process in the human healing response in which the tissues respond to injuries induced by many agents, including pathogens. In recent years, several drugs derived from plant products have been developed, and current drug research is actively investigating the pharmacotherapeutic role of natural products in advanced multimodal inflammatory disease targeting. Sugiol, a diterpenoid, can act as an antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinoma, antiviral, and cardiovascular agent. Until now, there have been no updates on the pharmacotherapeutic advancement of sugiol. Herein, we correlate the diverse molecular pathways in disease prevention involving sugiol. We also discuss the origins of its structural diversity and summarize new research directions toward exploring its novel effective future uses. Despite much evidence of its efficacy and safety, the sugiol has not yet been approved as a therapeutic agent due to its low bioavailability, and insolubility in an aqueous environment. The aim of this review is to renew and update noteworthy information on the pharmacotherapeutic characteristics of sugiol to approach different advanced strategies employed in the context of natural nurturing-based biomedicine.