How the Ethylene Biosynthesis Pathway of Semi-Halophytes Is Modified with Prolonged Salinity Stress Occurrence?

The mechanism of ethylene (ET)-regulated salinity stress response remains largely unexplained, especially for semi-halophytes and halophytes. Here, we present the results of the multifaceted analysis of the model semi-halophyte Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. (common ice plant) ET biosynthesis pathway key components' response to prolonged (14 days) salinity stress. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the expression of 3280 ice plant genes was altered during 14-day long salinity (0.4 M NaCl) stress. A thorough analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that the expression of genes involved in ET biosynthesis and perception (ET receptors), the abscisic acid (ABA) catabolic process, and photosynthetic apparatus was significantly modified with prolonged stressor presence. To some point this result was supported with the expression analysis of the transcript amount (qPCR) of key ET biosynthesis pathway genes, namely ACS6 (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate synthase) and ACO1 (1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase) orthologs. However, the pronounced circadian rhythm observed in the expression of both genes in unaffected (control) plants was distorted and an evident downregulation of both orthologs' was induced with prolonged salinity stress. The UPLC-MS analysis of the ET biosynthesis pathway rate-limiting semi-product, namely of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) content, confirmed the results assessed with molecular tools. The circadian rhythm of the ACC production of NaCl-treated semi-halophytes remained largely unaffected by the prolonged salinity stress episode. We speculate that the obtained results represent an image of the steady state established over the past 14 days, while during the first hours of the salinity stress response, the view could be completely different.

The Transcription Factor MiMYB8 Suppresses Peel Coloration in Postharvest 'Guifei' Mango in Response to High Concentration of Exogenous Ethylene by Negatively Modulating MiPAL1.

Anthocyanin accumulation is regulated by specific genes during fruit ripening. Currently, peel coloration of mango fruit in response to exogenous ethylene and the underlying molecular mechanism remain largely unknown. The role of MiMYB8 on suppressing peel coloration in postharvest 'Guifei' mango was investigated by physiology detection, RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, bioinformatics analysis, yeast one-hybrid, dual-luciferase reporter assay, and transient overexpression. Results showed that compared with the control, low concentration of exogenous ethylene (ETH, 500 mg·L-1) significantly promoted peel coloration of mango fruit (cv. Guifei). However, a higher concentration of ETH (1000 mg·L-1) suppressed color transformation, which is associated with higher chlorophyll content, lower a* value, anthocyanin content, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) activity of mango fruit. M. indica myeloblastosis8 MiMYB8 and MiPAL1 were differentially expressed during storage. MiMYB8 was highly similar to those found in other plant species related to anthocyanin biosynthesis and was located in the nucleus. MiMYB8 suppressed the transcription of MiPAL1 by binding directly to its promoter. Transient overexpression of MiMYB8 in tobacco leaves and mango fruit inhibited anthocyanin accumulation by decreasing PAL activity and down-regulating the gene expression. Our observations suggest that MiMYB8 may act as repressor of anthocyanin synthesis by negatively modulating the MiPAL gene during ripening of mango fruit, which provides us with a theoretical basis for the scientific use of exogenous ethylene in practice.

Advanced ethylene-absorbing and cushioning depending on the 3D porous-structured fruit packaging: Toward polyurethane foam manipulation using zein and soybean oil polyol substrates.

Fruits are essential sources of nutrients in our daily diet; however, their spoilage is often intensified by mechanical damage and the ethylene phytohormone, resulting in significant economic losses and exacerbating hunger issues. To address these challenges, this study presented a straightforward in situ synthesis protocol for producing Z/SOPPU foam, a 3D porous-structured fruit packaging. This innovative packaging material offered advanced ethylene-adsorbing and cushioning capabilities achieved through stirring, heating, and standing treatments. The results demonstrated that the Z/SOPPU foam, with its porous structure, served as an excellent packaging material for fruits, maintaining the intact appearance of tomatoes even after being thrown 72 times from a height of 1.5 m. Additionally, it exhibited desirable hydrophobicity (contact angle of 114.31 ± 0.82°), degradability (2.73 ± 0.88 % per 4 weeks), and efficient ethylene adsorption (adsorption rate of 13.2 ± 1.7 mg/m3/h). These remarkable characteristics could be attributed to the unique 3D micron-porous configuration, consisting of soybean oil polyol polyurethane foam for mechanical strain cushioning and zein for enhanced ethylene adsorption efficiency. Overall, this research offers an effective and original approach to the rational design and fabrication of advanced bio-based fruit packaging.

Near-freezing temperature suppresses avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit softening and chilling injury by maintaining cell wall and reactive oxygen species metabolism during storage.

To enhance the postharvest quality of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) fruit, this study investigates alterations in cell wall metabolism and reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism during near-freezing temperature (NFT) storage, and explores their impact on fruit softening. The fruit was stored at 25 °C, 5 °C, 2 °C, and NFT, respectively. NFT storage retarded firmness loss and chilling injury in comparison with 25 °C, 5 °C, and 2 °C. NFT storage delayed the decrease of ionic-soluble pectin (ISP) and cellulose (CLL) contents by suppressing cell wall degradation enzyme activities. Correlation analysis showed that cell wall degradation enzyme activities were positively correlated to rates of ethylene release and respiration. Moreover, NFT storage maintained higher levels of DPPH and ABTS scavenging abilities, activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase, as well as ascorbate-glutathione cycle (ascorbic acid, glutathione, glutathione disulfide, ascorbate peroxidase, cycle-related enzymes), thereby inhibited the increase of ROS content, malondialdehyde content, and cell membrane permeability. Fruit firmness and chilling injury were correlated with the contents of hydrogen (H2O2), superoxide anion (O2.-), ISP, and CLL. These results suggested that NFT could suppress fruit softening and chilling injury by inhibiting cell wall degradation through delaying respiration and ethylene production and suppressing ROS production via activation of antioxidant systems, thereby maintaining quality and prolonged storage life during avocado fruit storage.

Impact of different storage conditions with combined use of ethylene blocker on 'Shalimar' apple variety.

This research investigates the impact of storage conditions on the quality and preservation of 'Shalimar' apples, a relatively new cultivar known for its resistance to apple scab and powdery mildew. The study explores the efficacy of different storage techniques such as regular atmosphere (RA), controlled atmosphere (CA), and dynamic controlled atmosphere with CO2 Monitoring (DCA-CD), as well as the integration of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) at different storage temperatures (1 °C and 3 °C). Various fruit quality parameters were monitored under different storage conditions, including firmness, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, background color, respiration, ethylene production, and volatile compounds. The results indicate that the controlled atmosphere (CA) at 1 °C emerges as an efficient method for long-term storage. However, it is noted that CA storage may impact the apple aroma, emphasizing the need for a balance between preservation and consumer acceptability. On the other hand, DCA-CD at variable temperatures (approximately 2.5 °C) offers a promising approach for maintaining fruit quality and a higher concentration of volatile compounds. Integrating 1-MCP enhances firmness, but its impact varies across storage conditions. Principal component analysis (PCA) provides insights into the relationships between storage conditions, fruit quality, and volatile compounds. This study contributes valuable insights into optimizing storage strategies for 'Shalimar' apples, addressing sustainability and quality preservation in apple production.

A chromosome-level genome assembly for the amphibious plant Rorippa aquatica reveals its allotetraploid origin and mechanisms of heterophylly upon submergence.

The ability to respond to varying environments is crucial for sessile organisms such as plants. The amphibious plant Rorippa aquatica exhibits a striking type of phenotypic plasticity known as heterophylly, a phenomenon in which leaf form is altered in response to environmental factors. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of heterophylly are yet to be fully understood. To uncover the genetic basis and analyze the evolutionary processes driving heterophylly in R. aquatica, we assembled the chromosome-level genome of the species. Comparative chromosome painting and chromosomal genomics revealed that allopolyploidization and subsequent post-polyploid descending dysploidy occurred during the speciation of R. aquatica. Based on the obtained genomic data, the transcriptome analyses revealed that ethylene signaling plays a central role in regulating heterophylly under submerged conditions, with blue light signaling acting as an attenuator of ethylene signal. The assembled R. aquatica reference genome provides insights into the molecular mechanisms and evolution of heterophylly.

Genome-wide identification of polyamine metabolism and ethylene synthesis genes in Chenopodium quinoa Willd. and their responses to low-temperature stress.

BACKGROUND: Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is valued for its nutritional richness. However, pre-harvest sprouting poses a significant threat to yield and grain quality. This study aims to enhance our understanding of pre-harvest sprouting mitigation strategies, specifically through delayed sowing and avoiding rainy seasons during quinoa maturation. The overarching goal is to identify cold-resistant varieties and unravel the molecular mechanisms behind the low-temperature response of quinoa. We employed bioinformatics and genomics tools for a comprehensive genome-wide analysis of polyamines (PAs) and ethylene synthesis gene families in quinoa under low-temperature stress. RESULTS: This involved the identification of 37 PA biosynthesis and 30 PA catabolism genes, alongside 227 ethylene synthesis. Structural and phylogenetic analyses showcased conserved patterns, and subcellular localization predictions indicated diverse cellular distributions. The results indicate that the PA metabolism of quinoa is closely linked to ethylene synthesis, with multiple genes showing an upregulation in response to cold stress. However, differential expression within gene families suggests a nuanced regulatory network. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this study contributes valuable insights for the functional characterization of the PA metabolism and ethylene synthesis of quinoa, which emphasize their roles in plant low-temperature tolerance and providing a foundation for future research in this domain.

Unveiling kiwifruit TCP genes: evolution, functions, and expression insights.

The TEOSINTE-BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PROLEFERATING-CELL-FACTORS (TCP) gene family is a plant-specific transcriptional factor family involved in leaf morphogenesis and senescence, lateral branching, hormone crosstalk, and stress responses. To date, a systematic study on the identification and characterization of the TCP gene family in kiwifruit has not been reported. Additionally, the function of kiwifruit TCPs in regulating kiwifruit responses to the ethylene treatment and bacterial canker disease pathogen (Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae, Psa) has not been investigated. Here, we identified 40 and 26 TCP genes in Actinidia chinensis (Ac) and A. eriantha (Ae) genomes, respectively. The synteny analysis of AcTCPs illustrated that whole-genome duplication accounted for the expansion of the TCP family in Ac. Phylogenetic, conserved domain, and selection pressure analysis indicated that TCP family genes in Ac and Ae had undergone different evolutionary patterns after whole-genome duplication (WGD) events, causing differences in TCP gene number and distribution. Our results also suggested that protein structure and cis-element architecture in promoter regions of TCP genes have driven the function divergence of duplicated gene pairs. Three and four AcTCP genes significantly affected kiwifruit responses to the ethylene treatment and Psa invasion, respectively. Our results provided insight into general characters, evolutionary patterns, and functional diversity of kiwifruit TCPs.

Shade stress triggers ethylene biosynthesis to accelerate soybean senescence and impede nitrogen remobilization.

In gramineae-soybean intercropping systems, shade stress caused by taller plants impacts soybean growth specifically during the reproductive stage. However, the effects of shade stress on soybean senescence remain largely unexplored. In this research, we applied artificial shade treatments with intensities of 75% (S75) and 50% (S50) to soybean plants at the onset of flowering to simulate the shade stress experienced by soybeans in the traditional and optimized maize-soybean intercropping systems, respectively. Compared to the normal light control, both shade treatments led to a rapid decline in the dry matter content of soybean vegetative organs and accelerated their abscission. Moreover, shade treatments triggered the degradation of chlorophyll and soluble proteins in leaves and increased the expression of genes associated with leaf senescence. Metabolic profiling further revealed that ethylene biosynthesis and signal transduction were induced by shade treatment. In addition, the examination of nitrogen content demonstrated that shade treatments impeded the remobilization of nitrogen in vegetative tissues, consequently reducing the seed nitrogen harvest. It's worth noting that these negative effects were less pronounced under the S50 treatment compared to the S75 treatment. Taken together, this research demonstrates that shade stress during the reproductive stage accelerates soybean senescence and impedes nitrogen remobilization, while optimizing the field layout to improve soybean growth light conditions could mitigate these challenges in the maize-soybean intercropping system.

Insights into the hydrolysis/alcoholysis/ammonolysis mechanisms of ethylene naphthalate dimer using density functional theory (DFT) method.

Hydrolysis, alcoholysis and ammonolysis are viable routes for the efficient degradation and recycling of polyethylene naphthalate (PEN) plastic waste. Various possible hydrolysis/alcoholysis/ammonolysis reaction pathways for the degradation mechanism of the ethylene naphthalate dimer were investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) B3P86/6-31++G(d,p). To determine the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters, geometric structure optimization and frequency calculation were performed on a range of intermediates, transition states, and products associated with the reaction. The calculation results show that the highest energy barrier of the main element reaction step in hydrolysis is about 169.0 kJ/mol, the lowest is about 151.0 kJ/mol for ammonolysis, and the second is about 155.0 kJ/mol for alcoholysis. The main hydrolysis products of the ethylene naphthalate dimer are 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid and ethylene glycol; the main products of alcoholysis are dimethyl naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylate and ethylene glycol, and the main products of ammonolysis are naphthalene-2,6-dicarboxamide and ethylene glycol. Furthermore, in the process of ethylene naphthalate dimer hydrolysis/alcoholysis/ammonolysis, the decomposition reaction in the NH3 atmosphere is better than that in methanol, and the reaction in CH3OH is better than that in the H2O molecular environment, and the increase in reaction temperature can increase its spontaneity. Our study presents the molecular mechanism of PEN hydrolysis/alcoholysis/ammonolysis and provides a reference for studying the degradation of other plastic wastes.

Ethylene controls three-dimensional growth involving reduced auxin levels in the moss Physcomitrium patens.

The conquest of land by plants was concomitant with, and possibly enabled by, the evolution of three-dimensional (3D) growth. The moss Physcomitrium patens provides a model system for elucidating molecular mechanisms in the initiation of 3D growth. Here, we investigate whether the phytohormone ethylene, which is believed to have been a signal before land plant emergence, plays a role in 3D growth regulation in P. patens. We report ethylene controls 3D gametophore formation, based on results from exogenously applied ethylene and genetic manipulation of PpEIN2, which is a central component in the ethylene signaling pathway. Overexpression (OE) of PpEIN2 activates ethylene responses and leads to earlier formation of gametophores with fewer gametophores produced thereafter, phenocopying ethylene-treated wild-type. Conversely, Ppein2 knockout mutants, which are ethylene insensitive, show initially delayed gametophore formation with more gametophores produced later. Furthermore, pharmacological and biochemical analyses reveal auxin levels are decreased in the OE lines but increased in the knockout mutants. Our results suggest that evolutionarily, ethylene and auxin molecular networks were recruited to build the plant body plan in ancestral land plants. This might have played a role in enabling ancient plants to acclimate to the continental surfaces of the planet.

Development and characterization of 3D printed ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) as drug delivery device for the treatment of overactive bladder.

The overactive bladder is a condition characterized by a sudden urge to urinate, even with small volumes of urine present in the bladder. The current treatments available for this pathology consist on conservative approaches and the continuous administration of drugs, which when made by conventional methods has limitations related to the first pass metabolism, bioavailability, severe side effects, and low patient adherence to treatments, ultimately leading to low effectiveness. Within this context, the present work proposes the design, manufacture, and characterization of an intravesical implant for the treatment of overactive bladder pathology, using EVA copolymer as a matrix and oxybutynin as a drug. The fabrication of devices through two manufacturing techniques (extrusion and additive manufacturing by fused filament fabrication, FFF) and the evaluation of the implants through characterization tests was proposed. The usability and functionality were evaluated through simulated insertion of the device/prototype in a bladder model through catheter insertion tests. The safety and effectiveness of the devices was investigated from mechanical testing as well as drug release assays. Drug release assays presented a burst release in the first 24 h, followed by a release of 1.8 and 2.8 mg/d, totalizing 32 d. Mechanical tests demonstrated an increase in the stiffness of the specimens due to the addition of the drug, showing a change in maximum stress and strain at break. The released dose was higher than that usually presented when considering the oral administration route, showing the optimization of the development of this implant has the potential to improve the quality of life of patients with overactive bladder.

Technical, Environmental, and Economic Analysis Comparing Low-Carbon Industrial Process Heat Options in U.S. Poly(vinyl chloride) and Ethylene Manufacturing Facilities.

Electrification and clean hydrogen are promising low-carbon options for decarbonizing industrial process heat, which is an essential target for reducing sector-wide emissions. However, industrial processes with heat demand vary significantly across industries in terms of temperature requirements, capacities, and equipment, making it challenging to determine applications for low-carbon technologies that are technically and economically feasible. In this analysis, we develop a framework for evaluating life cycle emissions, water use, and cost impacts of electric and clean hydrogen process heat technologies and apply it in several case studies for plastics and petrochemical manufacturing industries in the United States. Our results show that industrial heat pumps could reduce emissions by 12-17% in a typical poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) facility in certain locations currently, compared to conventional natural gas combustion, and that other electric technologies in PVC and ethylene production could reduce emissions by nearly 90% with a sufficiently decarbonized electric grid. Life cycle water use increases significantly in all low-carbon technology cases. The levelized cost of heat of viable low-carbon technologies ranges from 15 to 100% higher than conventional heating systems, primarily due to energy costs. We discuss results in the context of relevant policies that could be useful to manufacturing facilities and policymakers for aiding the transition to low-carbon process heat technologies.

Synthetic auxin herbicide 2,4-D and its influence on a model BY-2 suspension.

2,4-D is a broadly used auxin herbicide. The presence of the 2,4-D synthetic auxin in the medium is imperative for long-term BY-2 tobacco suspension viability. The precise mechanism of this symbiosis of the suspension and the synthetic auxin remains unclear. Our goal was to study the hormonal regulation of the growth of the cell suspension; and to describe the experiments clarifying the interaction between the chosen growth regulators and phytohormones on the cellular level, specifically between the 2,4-D synthetic auxin and the native stress phytohormone - ethylene. This study examined the influence of low 2,4-D concentrations stimulating cell growth in vitro as well as the influence of high herbicide concentrations on the model tobacco BY-2 suspension. The culture took 6 days. Different parameters were evaluated, including the influence of different 2,4-D concentrations on the production of the phytohormone ethylene and its precursor 1-Aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) in the tobacco cells. The content of 2,4-D in the cells and the medium was established. The observations of the morphological changes showed that a heavy impregnation of the cell walls taking place depending on the concentration of 2,4-D. A dramatic increase in protective polysaccharides and a remodulation of the cell walls by the formation of a pectin shield in artificial conditions were expected and observed. At the same time, massive production of the stress phytohormone ethylene took place, and, because of that, plant mutagenicity, anomalous tumour-type proliferation growth, and the production of supercells were observed. The hypothesis of the protective shield is discussed.

Ethylene insensitive 2 (EIN2) destiny shaper: The post-translational modification.

PTMs (Post-Translational Modifications) of proteins facilitate rapid modulation of protein function in response to various environmental stimuli. The EIN2 (Ethylene Insensitive 2) protein is a core regulatory of the ethylene signaling pathway. Recent findings have demonstrated that PTMs, including protein phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and glycosylation, govern EIN2 trafficking, subcellular localization, stability, and physiological roles. The cognition of multiple PTMs in EIN2 underscores the stringent regulation of protein. Consequently, a thorough review of the regulatory role of PTMs in EIN2 functions will improve our profound comprehension of the regulation mechanism and various physiological processes of EIN2-mediated signaling pathways. This review discusses the evolution, functions, structure and characteristics of EIN2 protein in plants. Additionally, this review sheds light on the progress of protein ubiquitination, phosphorylation, O-Glycosylation in the regulation of EIN2 functions, and the unresolved questions and future perspectives.

Crystallization of Ethylene Plant Hormone Receptor-Screening for Structure.

The plant hormone ethylene is a key regulator of plant growth, development, and stress adaptation. Many ethylene-related responses, such as abscission, seed germination, or ripening, are of great importance to global agriculture. Ethylene perception and response are mediated by a family of integral membrane receptors (ETRs), which form dimers and higher-order oligomers in their functional state as determined by the binding of Cu(I), a cofactor to their transmembrane helices in the ER-Golgi endomembrane system. The molecular structure and signaling mechanism of the membrane-integral sensor domain are still unknown. In this article, we report on the crystallization of transmembrane (TM) and membrane-adjacent domains of plant ethylene receptors by Lipidic Cubic Phase (LCP) technology using vapor diffusion in meso crystallization. The TM domain of ethylene receptors ETR1 and ETR2, which is expressed in E. coli in high quantities and purity, was successfully crystallized using the LCP approach with different lipids, lipid mixtures, and additives. From our extensive screening of 9216 conditions, crystals were obtained from identical crystallization conditions for ETR1 (aa 1-316) and ETR2 (aa 1-186), diffracting at a medium-high resolution of 2-4 Å. However, data quality was poor and not sufficient for data processing or further structure determination due to rotational blur and high mosaicity. Metal ion loading and inhibitory peptides were explored to improve crystallization. The addition of Zn(II) increased the number of well-formed crystals, while the addition of ripening inhibitory peptide NIP improved crystal morphology. However, despite these improvements, further optimization of crystallization conditions is needed to obtain well-diffracting, highly-ordered crystals for high-resolution structural determination. Overcoming these challenges will represent a major breakthrough in structurally determining plant ethylene receptors and promote an understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ethylene signaling.

Expanding the scope of self-assembled supramolecular biosensors: a highly selective and sensitive enzyme-responsive AIE-based fluorescent biosensor for trypsin detection and inhibitor screening.

Trypsin, a pancreatic enzyme associated with diseases like pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis, requires effective diagnostic tools. Current detection systems seldom utilize macrocyclic molecules and tetraphenyl ethylene (TPE) derivative-based supramolecular assemblies, known for their biocompatibility and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) properties, for trypsin detection. This study presents an enzyme-responsive, AIE-based fluorescence 'Turn-On' sensing platform for trypsin detection, employing sulfated-ß-cyclodextrin (S-ßCD), an imidazolium derivative of TPE (TPE-IM), and protamine sulfate (PrS). The anionic S-ßCD and cationic TPE-IM formed a strongly fluorescent supramolecular aggregation complex in an aqueous buffer. However, PrS suppresses fluorescence because of its strong binding affinity with S-ßCD. The non-fluorescent TPE-IM/S-ßCD/PrS supramolecular assembly system exhibits trypsin-responsive properties, as PrS is a known trypsin substrate. Trypsin restores fluorescence in the TPE-IM/S-ßCD system through the enzymatic cleavage of PrS, correlating linearly with trypsin catalytic activity in the 0-10 nM concentration range. The limit of detection is 10 pM. This work contributes to the development of self-assembled supramolecular biosensors using charged TPE derivatives and ß-cyclodextrin-based host-guest chemistry, offering an innovative fluorescence 'Turn-On' trypsin sensing platform. The sensing system is highly stable under various conditions, selective for trypsin, and demonstrates potential for biological analysis and disease diagnosis in human serum. Additionally, it shows promise for the screening of trypsin inhibitors.

One-pot co-crystallized hexanal-loaded ZIF-8/quaternized chitosan film for temperature-responsive ethylene inhibition and climacteric fruit preservation.

Controlling ethylene production and microbial infection are key factors to prolong the shelf life of climacteric fruit. Herein, a nanocomposite film, hexanal-loaded ZIF-8/CS (HZCF) with "nano-barrier" structure, was developed by a one-pot co-crystallized of ZIF-8 in situ growth on quaternized chitosan (CS) and encapsulation of hexanal into ZIF-8 via microporous adsorption. The resultant film realized the temperature responsive release of hexanal via the steric hindrance and hierarchical pore structure as "nano-barrier", which can inhibit ethylene production in climacteric fruit on demand. Based on this, the maximum ethylene inhibition rate of HZCF was up to 52.6 %. Meanwhile, the film exhibits excellent antibacterial, mechanical, UV resistance and water retention properties, by virtue of the functional synergy between ZIF-8 and CS. Contributed to the multifunctional features, HZCF prolonged the shelf life of banana and mango for at least 16 days, which is 8 days longer than that of control fruit. More strikingly, HZCF is washable and biodegradable, which is expected to replace non-degradable plastic film. Thus, this study provides a convenient novel approach to simplify the encapsulation of active molecule on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), develops a packaging material for high-efficient freshness preservation, and helps to alleviate the survival crisis caused by food waste.

Insights into Factors Affecting Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer Crystallinity in Islatravir Implant.

Islatravir, a highly potent nucleoside reverse transcriptase translocation inhibitor (NRTTI) for the treatment of HIV, has great potential to be formulated as ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer-based implants via hot melt extrusion. The crystallinity of EVA determines its physical and rheological properties and may impact the drug-eluting implant performance. Herein, we describe the systematic analysis of factors affecting the EVA crystallinity in islatravir implants. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on EVA and solid-state NMR revealed drug loading promoted EVA crystallization, whereas BaSO4 loading had negligible impact on EVA crystallinity. The sterilization through γ-irradiation appeared to significantly impact the EVA crystallinity and surface characteristics of the implants. Furthermore, DSC analysis of thin implant slices prepared with an ultramicrotome indicated that the surface layer of the implant was more crystalline than the core. These findings provide critical insights into factors affecting the crystallinity, mechanical properties, and physicochemical properties of the EVA polymer matrix of extruded islatravir implants.

Salicylic acid- and ethylene-dependent effects of the ER stress-inducer tunicamycin on the photosynthetic light reactions in tomato plants.

Plant hormones such as ethylene (ET) and salicylic acid (SA) have an elementary role in the regulation of ER stress and unfolded protein response (UPR) in plants via modulating defence responses or inducing oxidative stress. Chloroplasts can be sources and targets of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that affect photosynthetic efficiency, which has not been investigated under tunicamycin (Tm)-induced ER stress. In this study, the direct and indirect effects of Tm on chloroplastic ROS production were first investigated in leaves of wild-type tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plants. Secondly changes in activities of photosystem II and I were analysed under Tm exposure and after application of the chemical chaperone 4-phenylbutyrate (PBA) in different genotypes, focusing on the regulatory role of SA and ET Tm treatments significantly but indirectly induced ROS production in tomato leaves and in parallel it decreased the effective quantum yield of PSII [Y(II)] and PSI [Y(I)], as well as the photochemical quenching coefficient (qP) and the quantum yield of non-photochemical energy dissipation in PSI due to acceptor-side limitation [Y(NA)]. At the same time, Tm increased non-photochemical quenching (NPQ) and cyclic electron flow (CEF) in tomato leaves after 24 h. However, the photosynthetic activity of the SA hydroxylase-overexpressing NahG tomato plants was more severely affected by Tm as compared to wild-type and ET-insensitive Never ripe (Nr) plants. These results suggest the protective role of SA in the regulation of photosynthetic activity contributing to UPR and the survival of plants under ER stress. Interestingly, the activation of photoprotective mechanisms by NPQ was independent of SA but dependent on active ET signalling under ER stress, whereas CEF was reduced by ET due to its higher ratio in Nr plants.