Lysophosphatidylcholines Enriched with cis and trans Palmitoleic Acid Regulate Insulin Secretion via GPR119 Receptor.

Among lipids, lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs) with various fatty acyl chains have been identified as potential agonists of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). Recently, targeting GPCRs has been switched to diabetes and obesity. Concomitantly, our last findings indicate the insulin secretagogue properties of cis and trans palmitoleic acid (16:1, n-7) resulting from GPCR activation, however, associated with different signaling pathways. We here report the synthesis of LPCs bearing two geometrical isomers of palmitoleic acids and investigation of their impact on human pancreatic ß cells viability, insulin secretion, and activation of four GPCRs previously demonstrated to be targeted by free fatty acids and LPCs. Moreover, molecular modeling was exploited to investigate the probable binding sites of tested ligands and calculate their affinity toward GPR40, GPR55, GPR119, and GPR120 receptors.

SCOBY Cellulose Modified with Apple Powder-Biomaterial with Functional Characteristics.

The need for new non-animal and non-petroleum-based materials is strongly emphasized in the sustainable and green economy. Waste materials have proven a valuable resource in this regard. In fact, there have been quite a large number of goods obtained from wastes called "Vegan leather" that have gained the clothing market's attention in recent years. In practice, they are mostly composites of waste materials like cactus, pineapples, or, eventually, apples with polymers like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. The article presents the results of work aimed at obtaining a material based entirely on natural, biodegradable raw materials. Bacterial cellulose produced as a byproduct of the fermentation carried out by SCOBY was modified with glycerol and then altered by the entrapment of apple powder. The effect of introducing apple powder into the SCOBY culture media on the mechanical properties of the obtained bacterial cellulose was also evaluated The resulting material acquired new mechanical characteristics that are advantageous in terms of strength. Microscopic observation of the apple powder layer showed that the coverage was uniform. Different amounts of apple powder were used to cover the cellulose surface from 10 to 60%, and it was found that the variant with 40% of this powder was the most favorable in terms of mechanical strength. Also, the application of the created material as a card folder showed that it is durable in use and retains its functional characteristics for at least 1 month. The mechanical properties of modified bacterial cellulose were favorably affected by the entrapment of apple powder on its surface, and as a result, a novel material with functional characteristics was obtained.