Preparation, characterization, and anticancer effects of an inclusion complex of coixol with ß-cyclodextrin polymers.

CONTEXT: Coix [Coix lacryma-jobi L. var. mayuen (Roman.) Stapf (Poaceae)], a crop of medicinal and edible significance, contains coixol, which has demonstrated anticancer properties. However, the limited solubility of coixol restricts its potential therapeutic applications. OBJECTIVE: This study prepared a water-soluble coixol-ß-cyclodextrin polymer (CDP) inclusion compound and evaluated its anticancer effect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The coixol-CDP compound was synthesized through a solvent-stirring and freeze-drying technique. Its coixol content was quantified using HPLC, and its stability was tested under various conditions. The anticancer effects of the coixol-CDP compound (4.129, 8.259, 16.518, and 33.035 mg/L for 24, 48, and 72 h) on the proliferation of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) A549 cells were evaluated using an MTT assay; cell morphology was examined by Hoechst nuclear staining; apoptosis and cell cycle was detected by flow cytometry; and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins was assessed by Western blots. RESULTS: The water-soluble coixol-CDP inclusion compound was successfully prepared with an inclusion ratio of 86.6% and an inclusion yield rate of 84.1%. The coixol content of the compound was 5.63% and the compound remained stable under various conditions. Compared to coixol alone, all 24, 48, and 72 h administrations with the coixol-CDP compound exhibited lower IC50 values (33.93 ± 2.28, 16.80 ± 1.46, and 6.93 ± 0.83 mg/L) in A549 cells; the compound also showed stronger regulatory effects on apoptosis-related proteins. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings offer a new perspective for the potential clinical application of Coix in NSCLC therapy and its future research.

[On the relationship between exopolysaccharides and Actinomyces viscosus in biofilms].

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the biofilm structure of Actinomyces viscosus and the spatial distribution of exopolysaccharides in it. METHODS: The Actinomyces viscosus biofilm was made by allowing bacteria to attach to the cover glass surface. The biofilm structure and exopolysaccharides distribution at 24 hours were stained with Fluorescein, BODIPY and Calcofluor respectively and were visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). RESULTS: Actinomyces viscosus could attach to glass surface and form a structural biofilm where bacteria were embedded in the EPS glycocalyx polymers, and characteristic microcolonies and channels were taking shape. Bacteria were sparse in the substratum area but crowd in the center. In the biofilm, the distribution of bacteria was consistent with the distribution of exopolysaccharides. CONCLUSION: The findings demonstrate an important role of exopolysaccharides in the process of Actinomyces viscosus biofilm formation.