A comprehensive review of ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE) for bioactive components: Principles, advantages, equipment, and combined technologies.

The increasing focus on health and well-being has sparked a rising interest in bioactive components in the food, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical industries. These components are gaining popularity due to their potential benefits for overall health. The growing interest has resulted in a continuous rise in demand for bioactive components, leading to the exploration of both edible and non-edible sources to obtain these valuable substances. Traditional extraction methods like solvent extraction, distillation, and pressing have certain drawbacks, including lower extraction efficiency, reduced yield, and the use of significant amounts of solvents or resources. Furthermore, certain extraction methods necessitate high temperatures, which can adversely affect certain bioactive components. Consequently, researchers are exploring non-thermal technologies to develop environmentally friendly and efficient extraction methods. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) is recognized as an environmentally friendly and highly efficient extraction technology. The UAE has the potential to minimize or eliminate the need for organic solvents, thereby reducing its impact on the environment. Additionally, UAE has been found to significantly enhance the production of target bioactive components, making it an attractive method in the industry. The emergence of ultrasonic assisted extraction equipment (UAEE) has presented novel opportunities for research in chemistry, biology, pharmaceuticals, food, and other related fields. However, there is still a need for further investigation into the main components and working modes of UAEE, as current understanding in this area remains limited. Therefore, additional research and exploration are necessary to enhance our knowledge and optimize the application of UAEE. The core aim of this review is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles, benefits and impact on bioactive components of UAE, explore the different types of equipment used in this technique, examine the various working modes and control parameters employed in UAE, and provide a detailed overview of the blending of UAE with other emerging extraction technologies. In conclusion, the future development of UAEE is envisioned to focus on achieving increased efficiency, reduced costs, enhanced safety, and improved reliability. These key areas of advancement aim to optimize the performance and practicality of UAEE, making it a more efficient, cost-effective, and reliable extraction technology.

Effects of multi-frequency ultrasound on sodium caseinate/pectin complex: Emulsifying properties, interaction force, structure and correlation.

This study aimed to improve the emulsification properties of the sodium caseinate (Cas) and pectin (Pec) complex using multi-frequency power ultrasound to regulate the complexation of Cas and Pec. The results revealed that optimal ultrasonic treatment (Frequency 60 kHz, power density 50 W/L, and time 25 min) led to a 33.12 % increase in emulsifying activity (EAI) and a 7.27 % increase in emulsifying stability index (ESI) of the Cas-Pec complex. Our results demonstrated that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds were the main driving forces for complex formation, and these were reinforced by ultrasound treatment. Moreover, it was observed that ultrasonic treatment improved the surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and secondary structure of the complex. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analyses revealed that the ultrasonically prepared Cas-Pec complex had a dense, uniform spherical structure with reduced surface roughness. It was further confirmed that the complex's emulsification properties were highly correlated with its physicochemical and structural properties. Multi-frequency ultrasound changes the interaction by regulating protein structure and ultimately acting on the interfacial adsorption behavior of the complex. This work contributes to expanding the role of multi-frequency ultrasound in modifying the emulsification properties of the complex.

Chemical, structural and functional properties of pectin from tomato pulp under different peeling methods.

To protect tomato pulp quality, this study investigated the effect of the infrared peeling method (using our newly developed catalytic infrared peeling equipment) on pectin's chemical, structural and functional properties and their correlation compared with manual, hot-water, and lye peeling methods. Infrared peeling significantly improved pectin's emulsifying and antioxidant capacity compared to manual peeling by increasing branching degree. Hot water peeling significantly improved pectin's viscosity, emulsifying and antioxidant capacity. However, the pectin chains had low flexibility. The effect of lye peeling on pectin was the greatest, causing the lowest linearity and the largest degree of branching. In comparison, infrared peeling had the least impact on pectin. It was further confirmed that pectin' viscosity, emulsifying, and antioxidant capacity were highly correlated with its chemical and structural properties. In summary, the infrared peeling method provides better pulp quality and is more sustainable because no water and chemicals are used.

Progress in the preparation, application, and recycling of black phosphorus.

Black phosphorus nanosheets (BPNSs) are a new member of the nanomaterial family, and they have good development potential in electrochemistry, electronics, optoelectronics, environmental protection, biomedical, and other fields because of their bandgap width, high anisotropy, broad optical absorption, high carrier mobility and many other features. Although many articles have been published about the preparation and application of BPNSs, these aspects have not been elucidated, and we aimed to fill this knowledge gap in this review. First, we used VOSviewer software to sort out articles published in the past 5 years and drew a literature map, which allowed us to sort out the relationship between various studies related to BPNSs, and reflect on the research focus in recent years. Because BPNSs must be made from black phosphorus (BP), and BPNSs are a nano form of BP, the collation of the BP preparation scheme was also helpful for the related research on BPNSs. This paper introduces the preparation of bulk BP and BPNSs, analyzes and compares the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and points out the most promising methods in the future. Then, we propose improvement directions for this method. We also introduce the characterization of BPNSs and combine it with the subsequent photocatalytic application of BPNSs. As a new material, the effect of BPNSs on the environment is still unknown; thus, an end treatment scheme for BPNSs is summarized according to existing methods. Based on the experience of nanomaterial treatment, this paper proposes a research focus for the end treatment of BPNSs in the future, providing a reference scheme for the end treatment of other nanomaterials. Finally, we summarize the full text and propose recommended methods and improvement plans.

Isolation and identification of sporozoite membrane protein of Cryptosporidium parvum and evaluation of calmodulin-like protein immune protection.

Until now, no completely effective parasite-specific drugs or vaccines have been approved for the treatment of cryptosporidiosis. Through the separation and identification of the sporozoite membrane protein of Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum), 20 related proteins were obtained. Among them, a calmodulin-like protein (CML) has a similar functional domain-exchange factor hand (EF-hand) motif as calmodulin proteins (CaMs), so it may play a similarly important role in the invasion process. A 663 bp full gene encoding the C. parvum calmodulin-like protein (CpCML) was inserted in pET28a vector and expressed in Escherichia coli. An immunofluorescence assay showed that CpCML was mainly located on the surface of the sporozoites. Three-week-old female BALB/c mice were used for modelling the immunoreactions and immunoprotection of recombinant CpCML (rCpCML) against artificial Cryptosporidium tyzzeri infections. The results indicated a significantly increased in anti-CpCML antibody response, which was induced by the immunized recombinant protein. Compared to rP23 (recombinant P23), GST6P-1 (expressed by pGEX-6P-1 transfected E. coli), GST4T-1 (expressed by pGEX-4T-1 transfected E. coli), glutathione (GSH), adjuvant and blank control groups, rCpCML-immunized mice produced specific spleen cell proliferation in addition to different production levels of IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4 and IL-5. Additionally, immunization with rCpCML led to 34.08% reduction of oocyst shedding in C. tyzzeri infected mice faeces which was similar to rP23. These results suggest that CpCML may be developed as a potential vaccine candidate antigen against cryptosporidiosis.

The Role of TGF-ß Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Potential as a Therapeutic Target.

The transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) signaling pathway mediates various biological functions, and its dysregulation is closely related to the occurrence of malignant tumors. However, the role of TGF-ß signaling in tumorigenesis and development is complex and contradictory. On the one hand, TGF-ß signaling can exert antitumor effects by inhibiting proliferation or inducing apoptosis of cancer cells. On the other hand, TGF-ß signaling may mediate oncogene effects by promoting metastasis, angiogenesis, and immune escape. This review summarizes the recent findings on molecular mechanisms of TGF-ß signaling. Specifically, this review evaluates TGF-ß's therapeutic potential as a target by the following perspectives: ligands, receptors, and downstream signaling. We hope this review can trigger new ideas to improve the current clinical strategies to treat tumors related to the TGF-ß signaling pathway.

Genome-wide assessment of population structure and genetic diversity of Chinese Lou onion using specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing.

Lou onion (Allium fistulosum L. var. viviparum) is an abundant source of flavonols which provides additional health benefits to diseases. Genome-wide specific length amplified fragment (SLAF) sequencing method is a rapidly developed deep sequencing technologies used for selection and identification of genetic loci or markers. This study aimed to elucidate the genetic diversity of 122 onion accessions in China using the SLAF-seq method. A set of 122 onion accessions including 107 A.fistulosum L. var. viviparum Makino, 3 A.fistulosum L. var. gigantum Makino, 3 A.mongolicum Regel and 9 A.cepa L. accessions (3 whites, 3 reds and 3 yellows) from different regions in China were enrolled. Genomic DNA was isolated from young leaves and prepared for the SLAF-seq, which generated a total of 1,387.55 M reads and 162,321 high quality SNPs (integrity >0.5 and MAF >0.05). These SNPs were used for the construction of neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree, in which 10 A.fistulosum L. var. viviparum Makino accessions from Yinchuan (Ningxia province) and Datong (Qinghai province) had close genetic relationship. The 3 A.cepa L. clusters (red, white and yellow) had close genetic relationship especially with the 97 A.fistulosum L. var. viviparum Makino accessions. Population structure analysis suggested entire population could be clustered into 3 groups, while principal component analysis (PCA) showed there were 4 genetic groups. We confirmed the SLAF-seq approach was effective in genetic diversity analysis in red onion accessions. The key findings would provide a reference to the Lou onion germplasm in China.

Comparison of toxicity induced by EDTA-Cu after UV/H2O2 and UV/persulfate treatment: Species-specific and technology-dependent toxicity.

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) can degrade heavy metal complexes in wastewater to improve the removal efficiency of metals. However, the influences of AOP treatments on toxicity induced by metal complexes are not well understood. This study compared the toxicity induced by EDTA-copper (Cu) after UV/persulfate (PS) and UV/H2O2 treatments on luminescent bacteria and human HepG2 cells. The results showed that EDTA-Cu complexes decreased Cu toxicity in luminescent bacteria but increased the cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, indicating species-specific toxicity. The UV/PS and UV/H2O2 treatments under most pH values and [oxidant]/[EDTA-Cu] conditions decreased the toxicity of EDTA-Cu in HepG2 cells but increased the toxicity in luminescent bacteria. When the ratio of [oxidant] to [EDTA-Cu] was 10, low toxicity in treated solutions was observed in both UV treatment processes. The alkaline precipitation treatment had a significant influence on toxicity reduction after UV/PS treatment; however, it had minimal influence on the UV/H2O2 treatment system. The Cu and total organic carbon (TOC) removal efficiency cannot completely explain the results of toxicity assays. EDTA-Cu intermediates might play important roles in changing the toxicity of EDTA-Cu after both UV treatments. This study provides insights into evaluating the treatment efficiency of UV/PS and UV/H2O2 on EDTA-Cu decomplexation.

The Effect of Acupoint Application of Sinomenine for Rheumatoid Arthritis Measured by Microdialysis and UPLC-MS/MS.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the treatment effects of acupoint application of sinomenine in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA models were constructed using male New Zealand rabbits. METHODS: The rabbits were randomly divided into a blank control group and four experimental groups as follows: ST 36 group (acupoint application of sinomenine at Zusanli); GB 34 group (acupoint application of sinomenine at Yanglingquan); knee-joint group (application directly at the site of the knee joint); and oral administration group (sinomenine administered by gavage). In all rabbits, microdialysis was applied at the knee joint to obtain samples. Pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters were measured by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and the PK/PD models were established according to the parameters derived. RESULTS: Sinomenine concentration was in the range of 0.832-208 ng/mL, and the peak area showed a good linear relationship with the regression equation of y = 539.64x + 953.81; r = 0.9998. Moreover, good specificity and precision were obtained for the LC-MS/MS method of sinomenine evaluation in the microdialysate samples. The PK analysis showed that the sinomenine effect time was longer in the ST 36 group (area under the time-concentration curve (AUC): 12683.81 h·ng/ml and T max: 6.21 h) than in the other groups. Arginine and citrulline were selected as the indices for PD, and in the analysis of parameters for PK/PD, the highest value of E max and the lowest value of k e0 were obtained in the ST 36 group. CONCLUSION: Acupoint application of sinomenine at ST 36 has potential for use in patients with RA by enabling enhanced and prolonged treatment effects.

Extraction of Epigallocatechin Gallate and Epicatechin Gallate from Tea Leaves Using ß-Cyclodextrin.

Use of organic solvents to extract phenolic compounds from plants may result in environmental pollution and cause health problems in persons. Replacing organic extraction solvents by green extracting agents without affecting the extraction yield is one of the most pressing problems to be solved. The aim of this study is to evaluate the capacity of ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) to recover phenolic compounds from tea leaves. The extract obtained using the ethanol/water mixture presented the highest total phenolic content, followed by those obtained using ß-CD solution and water. HPLC analysis of the extracts showed that the addition of ß-CD to the extracting agent had a selective effect on the extraction of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG). The extraction yield of EGCG and ECG using 15 g/L ß-CD were higher than that obtained using water and 50% ethanol. Molecular docking results indicated that the molecules of EGCG and ECG were more inclined to interact with ß-CD than epigallocatechin, epicatechin, and gallocatechin. The impact of ß-CD concentration, temperature, and time on EGCG and ECG extraction from tea leaves was investigated and the maximum amount of EGCG (118.7 mg/g) and ECG (54.6 mg/g) were achieved when extracted with 25 g/L aqueous ß-CD solution at 60 °C for 60 min. The present study indicates that aqueous ß-CD can be used as an alternative to organic solvents to recover EGCG and ECG from tea leaves.