Nanoarchitectonics of an acetogenin-enriched nanosystem mediated by an aqueous extract ofAnnona cherimolaMill with anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic activity against HepG2 cell line.

For the first time, this study shows the nanoarchitectonic process to obtain an acetogenin-enriched nanosystem (AuNPs-Ac) using an aqueous extract fromAnnona cherimolaMill (ACM) composed of gold nanoparticles embedded in an organic matrix that acts as stabilizing agent and presents anti-inflammatory activity and cytotoxical effect against HepG2 cell line, promoting apoptosis. The synthesis of AuNPs-Ac was confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis, showing metallic gold as the only phase, and the scanning transmission microscope showed an organic cap covering the AuNPs-Ac. Fourier-transformed infrared suggests that the organic cap comprises a combination of different annonaceous acetogenins, alkaloids, and phenols by the presence of bands corresponding to aromatic rings and hydroxyl groups. High-Performance Liquid Chromatography has demonstrated the presence of annonacin, a potent acetogenin, in the extract of ACM. Anin vitroanti-inflammatory activity of the extract of ACM and the AuNPs-Ac was performed using the albumin denaturation method, showing a nonlinear response, which is better than sodium diclofenac salt in a wide range of concentrations that goes from 200 to 400µg ml-1with both samples. The viability assay was studied using trypan blue, treating IMR90 and HepG2 at different concentrations of AuNPs-Ac. The results defined a median lethal dose of 800µg ml-1against HepG2 through apoptosis according to the ratio of caspase-cleaved 9/alpha-tubulin evaluated. It was also demonstrated that the nanosystem presents a higher cytotoxic effect on the HepG2 cell line than in IMR90, suggesting a targeted mechanism. In addition, the nanosystem performs better than using only the extract of ACM in the anti-inflammatory or antiproliferative test, attributed to their higher surface area.

Sargassum natans I Algae: An Alternative for a Greener Approach for the Synthesis of ZnO Nanostructures with Biological and Environmental Applications.

In this work, the influence of the Sargassum natans I alga extract on the morphological characteristics of synthesized ZnO nanostructures, with potential biological and environmental applications, was evaluated. For this purpose, different ZnO geometries were synthesized by the co-precipitation method, using Sargassum natans I alga extract as stabilizing agent. Four extract volumes (5, 10, 20, and 50 mL) were evaluated to obtain the different nanostructures. Moreover, a sample by chemical synthesis, without the addition of extract, was prepared. The characterization of the ZnO samples was carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the Sargassum alga extract has a fundamental role in the stabilization process of the ZnO nanoparticles. In addition, it was shown that the increase in the Sargassum alga extract leads to preferential growth and arrangement, obtaining well-defined shaped particles. ZnO nanostructures demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory response by the in vitro egg albumin protein denaturation for biological purposes. Additionally, quantitative antibacterial analysis (AA) showed that the ZnO nanostructures synthesized with 10 and 20 mL of extract demonstrated high AA against Gram (+) S. aureus and moderate AA behavior against Gram (-) P. aeruginosa, depending on the ZnO arrangement induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract and the nanoparticles' concentration (ca. 3200 µg/mL). Additionally, ZnO samples were evaluated as photocatalytic materials through the degradation of organic dyes. Complete degradation of both methyl violet and malachite green were achieved using the ZnO sample synthesized with 50 mL of extract. In all cases, the well-defined morphology of ZnO induced by the Sargassum natans I alga extract played a key role in the combined biological/environmental performance.

Antibacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized by a Green Method Using Sargassum Extracts.

The present work shows the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles through a green method, using sargassum extracts, which provide the reducing and stabilizing compounds. The conditions of the medium in which the reaction was carried out was evaluated, that is, magnetic stirring, ultrasound assisted, and resting condition. UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction results confirmed the synthesis of ZnO with nanometric crystal size. The scanning electron microscopy analysis showed that the morphology and size of the particles depends on the synthesis condition used. It obtained particles between 20 and 200 nm in the sample without agitation, while the samples with stirring and ultrasound were 80 nm and 100 nm, respectively. ZnO nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity against Gram-positive S. aureus and Gram-negative P. aeruginosa. A quantitative analysis was performed by varying the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles. In all cases, the antibacterial activity against Gram-positives was greater than against Gram-negatives. Ultrasound-assisted ZnO nanoparticles showed the highest activity, around 99% and 80% for S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Similar results were obtained in the study of the anti-inflammatory activity of ZnO nanoparticles; the ultrasound-assisted sample exhibited the highest percentage (93%), even above that shown by diclofenac, which was used as a reference. Therefore, the ZnO nanoparticles synthesized with sargassum extracts have properties that can be used safely and efficiently in the field of biomedicine.

Thrombolytic Enzymes of Microbial Origin: A Review.

Enzyme therapies are attracting significant attention as thrombolytic drugs during the current scenario owing to their great affinity, specificity, catalytic activity, and stability. Among various sources, the application of microbial-derived thrombolytic and fibrinolytic enzymes to prevent and treat vascular occlusion is promising due to their advantageous cost-benefit ratio and large-scale production. Thrombotic complications such as stroke, myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, deep venous thrombosis, and peripheral occlusive diseases resulting from blood vessel blockage are the major cause of poor prognosis and mortality. Given the ability of microbial thrombolytic enzymes to dissolve blood clots and prevent any adverse effects, their use as a potential thrombolytic therapy has attracted great interest. A better understanding of the hemostasis and fibrinolytic system may aid in improving the efficacy and safety of this treatment approach over classical thrombolytic agents. Here, we concisely discuss the physiological mechanism of thrombus formation, thrombo-, and fibrinolysis, thrombolytic and fibrinolytic agents isolated from bacteria, fungi, and algae along with their mode of action and the potential application of microbial enzymes in thrombosis therapy.

Current status of biotechnological production and applications of microbial exopolysaccharides.

Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) are an abundant and important group of compounds that can be secreted by bacteria, fungi and algae. The biotechnological production of these substances represents a faster alternative when compared to chemical and plant-derived production with the possibility of using industrial wastes as substrates, a feasible strategy after a comprehensive study of factors that may affect the synthesis by the chosen microorganism and desirable final product. Another possible difficulty could be the extraction and purification methods, a crucial part of the production of microbial polysaccharides, since different methods should be adopted. In this sense, this review aims to present the biotechnological production of microbial exopolysaccharides, exploring the production steps, optimization processes and current applications of these relevant bioproducts.

Enzymatic potential for the valorization of agro-industrial by-products.

Agro-industrial residues and by-products are a crescent environmental problem since they are often discarded without proper treatment, and still have growing production. These residues are rich from a nutritional point of view and contain various industrial relevant compounds, such as phenolic compounds, fibers, vitamins, sugars and others. The crescent worrying about environmental issues has led researchers and industries to focus on "eco-friendly" solutions for everyday problems. In this sense, the use of enzymes for the valorization of agro-industrial residues is a safe and green alternative technology. Hence, this review aims to show the enzyme potential for the use and valorization of several agro-industrial residues, focusing on the most produced residues worldwide, such as fruits, grains and lignocellulosic residues, as well as a brief explanation of microbial enzymes, its production and optimization, altogether with tools to identify producing microorganisms.

Developing a CNT-SPE Sensing Platform Based on Green Synthesized AuNPs, Using Sargassum sp.

Detection and quantification of diverse analytes such as molecules, cells receptor and even particles and nanoparticles, play an important role in biomedical research, particularly in electrochemical sensing platform technologies. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) prepared by green synthesis from Sargassum sp. were characterized using ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS) and zeta potential (ζ) obtaining organic capped face-centered cubic 80-100 nm AuNPs with an excellent stability in a wide range of pH. The AuNPs were used to modify a carbon nanotubes-screen printed electrode (CNT-SPE), through the drop-casting method, to assemble a novel portable electrochemical sensing platform for glucose, using a novel combination of components, which together have not been employed. The ability to sense and measure glucose was demonstrated, and its electrochemical fundamentals was studied using cyclic voltammetry (CV). The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) to glucose were 50 µM and 98 µM, respectively, and these were compared to those of other sensing platforms.

Three-year survival of ART high-viscosity glass-ionomer and resin composite restorations in people with disability.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the 3-year cumulative survival rate of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) and conventional resin composite restorations (CRT) placed in persons with disability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients referred for restorative care to the Haemophilia Foundation special care service were treated by one of two specialists. Patients and/or caregivers were provided with written and verbal information regarding treatment options and selected the alternative they preferred. Treatment was provided as selected unless this option proved clinically unfeasible when an alternative technique was proposed. The treatment protocols were ART (hand instruments/high-viscosity glass-ionomer) in the clinic or CRT (rotary instrumentation/resin composite) in the clinic or under general anaesthesia (GA). After 6, 12, 24 and 36 months, two independent, trained and calibrated examiners evaluated restoration survival using established ART codes. The proportional hazard model with frailty corrections gave survival estimates over 3 years. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients (13.6 ± 7.8 years) with 16 different disability profiles participated. CRT in the clinic proved feasible for five patients (13%), and 14 patients received CRT under GA (21%). ART was used for 47 patients (71.2%). Altogether, 298 dentine carious lesions were restored in primary and permanent teeth (182 ART; 116 CRT). The 3-year cumulative survival rates and jackknife standard errors for the 182 ART and 116 CRT restorations were 94.8 ± 2.1 and 82.8 ± 5.3%, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The 3-year follow-up results confirm that ART is an effective treatment protocol. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with disability, many of whom have difficulty coping with CRT, may benefit from the ART approach.

Which factors most influence referral for restorative dental treatment under sedation and general anaesthesia in children with complex disabilities: caries severity, child functioning, or dental service organisation?

BACKGROUND: The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child gives all children right to the highest standard of services for treatment and rehabilitation. For children with disabilities, sedation and general anaesthesia (GA) are often indicated for dental treatment; however, accessibility to this varies. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health - Child and Youth version (ICF-CY) enables a biopsychosocial description of children undergoing dental treatment. AIM: To investigate conscious sedation and GA in children with complex disabilities and manifest caries and analyse how caries, child functioning, and dental service organisation relate to dental GA (DGA), comparing Argentina, France, and Sweden using the ICF-CY. DESIGN: Quantitative, cross-sectional; data collected through structured interviews, observation, and dental records. RESULTS: Sedation and DGA were common. Children with limitations in interpersonal interactions and relationships were more likely to have had DGA (OR: 5.3, P = 0.015). Level of caries experience was strongly correlated with experience of DGA. There were significant differences between countries regarding caries prevalence, sedation, DGA, and functional and environmental factors. CONCLUSIONS: Although caries experience and child functioning are important, dental health service organisation had the most impact on the incidence of DGA, and for the use of conscious sedation, for children with complex disabilities.

Stability Analysis of Anthocyanins Using Alcoholic Extracts from Black Carrot (Daucus Carota ssp. Sativus Var. Atrorubens Alef.).

Anthocyanins are used for food coloring due their low toxicity and health benefits. They are extracted from different sources, but black carrot has higher anthocyanin content compared with common fruits and vegetables. Here, we study alcoholic anthocyanin extracts from black carrot to enhance their stability. The objective of our research is to determine if microencapsulation with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is a feasible option for preventing black carrot anthocyanin degradation. Extraction solvents were solutions of (1) ethanol/acetic acid and (2) ethanol/citric acid. Samples were purified through a resin column and microencapsulated using TEOS. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of samples were obtained, and degradation studies were performed under different conditions of UV radiation, pH and temperature. Antioxidant activity was evaluated with radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and electrochemical cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC). Color evaluation on food models were performed with CIE Lab at the beginning of experiments and after 25 days of storage. Results indicate that the more stable extracts against pH media changes are samples obtained with ethanol/acetic acid solution as extraction solvent. Extract purification through resin and TEOS microencapsulation had no significant effect on extract stability. In conclusion, although TEOS microencapsulation has proven to be effective for some dried materials from natural extracts in our previous research, we do not recommend its use for black carrot extracts considering our results in this particular case.

Biotransformation of α- and ß-pinene into flavor compounds.

Products that bear the label "natural" have gained more attention in the marketplace. In this approach, the production of aroma compounds through biotransformation or bioconversion has been receiving more incentives in economic and research fields. Among the substrates used in these processes, terpenes can be highlighted for their versatility and low cost; some examples are limonene, α-pinene, and ß-pinene. This work focused on the biotransformation of the two bicyclic monoterpenes, α-pinene and ß-pinene; the use of different biocatalysts; the products obtained; and the conditions employed in the process.

Fusarium species-a promising tool box for industrial biotechnology.

Global demand for biotechnological products has increased steadily over the years. Thus, need for optimized processes and reduced costs appear as a key factor in the success of this market. A process tool of high importance is the direct or indirect use of enzymes to catalyze the generation of various substances. Also, obtaining aromas and pigments from natural sources has becoming priority in cosmetic and food industries in order to supply the demand from consumers to substitute synthetic compounds, especially when by-products can be used as starting material for this purpose. Species from Fusarium genera are recognized as promising sources of several enzymes for industrial application as well as biocatalysts in the production of aromas, pigments and second generation biofuels, among others. In addition, secondary metabolites from these strains can present important biological activities for medical field. In this approach, this review brings focus on the use of Fusarium sp. strains in biotechnological production of compounds of industrial interest, showing the most recent researches in this area, results obtained and the best process conditions for each case.

Biotechnological production of value-added compounds by ustilaginomycetous yeasts.

The use of yeasts in bioprocesses can be considered one of the most relevant strategies in industrial biotechnology, and their potential is recognized due to the ability of these microorganisms for production of diverse value-added compounds. Yeasts from Ustilaginaceae family have been highlighted in the last years as a promising source of industrial interesting compounds, including enzymes, sugars, lipids, organic acids, and biosurfactants. These compounds may exhibit various applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, food, medical, and environmental fields, increasing the scientific attention in the study of ustilaginomycetous for biotechnological purposes. In this mini-review, we provide a comprehensive overview about the biotechnological use of yeasts from Ustilaginaceae family to produce value-added compounds, focusing in recent trends, characteristics of processes currently developed, new opportunities, and potential applications.

Evaluation of Inulin Replacing Chitosan in a Polyurethane/Polysaccharide Material for Pb2+ Removal.

Downstream waste from industry and other industrial processes could increase concentration of heavy metals in water. These pollutants are commonly removed by adsorption because it is an effective and economical method. Previously, we reported adsorption capacity of a chitosan/polyurethane/titanium dioxide (TiO2) composite for three ions in a dynamic wastewater system. There, increasing the chitosan concentration in composite increased the cation removal as well; however, for ratios higher than 50% of chitosan/TiO2, the manufacturing cost increased significantly. In this work, we address the manufacturing cost problem by proposing a new formulation of the composite. Our hypothesis is that inulin could replace chitosan in the composite formulation, either wholly or in part. In this exploratory research, three blends were prepared with a polyurethane matrix using inulin or/and chitosan. Adsorption was evaluated using a colorimetric method and the Langmuir and Freundlich models. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis curves were obtained to characterize blends. Results indicate that blends are suitable for toxic materials removal (specifically lead II, Pb2+). Material characterization indicates that polysaccharides were distributed in polyurethane's external part, thus improving adsorption. Thermal degradation of materials was found above 200 °C. Comparing the blends data, inulin could replace chitosan in part and thereby improve the cost efficiency and scalability of the production process of the polyurethane based-adsorbent. Further research with different inulin/chitosan ratios in the adsorbent and experiments with a dynamic system are justified.

Current status in biotechnological production and applications of glycolipid biosurfactants.

Biosurfactants are natural compounds with surface activity and emulsifying properties produced by several types of microorganisms and have been considered an interesting alternative to synthetic surfactants. Glycolipids are promising biosurfactants, due to low toxicity, biodegradability, and chemical stability in different conditions and also because they have many biological activities, allowing wide applications in different fields. In this review, we addressed general information about families of glycolipids, rhamnolipids, sophorolipids, mannosylerythritol lipids, and trehalose lipids, describing their chemical and surface characteristics, recent studies using alternative substrates, and new strategies to improve of production, beyond their specificities. We focus in providing recent developments and trends in biotechnological process and medical and industrial applications.

Child oral health from the professional perspective - a global ICF-CY survey.

BACKGROUND: The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health Children and Youth version (ICF-CY) (WHO) may serve as a tool for the application of holistic models of oral health. AIM: The ICF-CY Global Oral Health Survey explored international professional opinion regarding factors relating to child oral health, including social environment, functioning, activity, and participation. METHODS: Networking resulted in 514 professionals from 81 countries registering for a two-round Delphi survey online. Participants were pooled into 18 groups according to six WHO world regions and three professional groups. In a randomized stratification process, eight from each pool (n = 144) completed the survey. The first round consisted of eight open-ended questions. Open-expression replies were analysed for meaningful concepts and linked using established rules to the ICF-CY. In the second round, items were rated for their relevance to oral health (86% response rate). RESULTS: A total of 86 ICF-CY items and 31 other factors were considered relevant to child oral health and function by at least 80% of professionals. CONCLUSIONS: The ICF-CY can describe the holistic experience of oral health in children from the professional perspective. The data from this study will contribute to the development of an ICF-CY Core Set in Oral Health.

Genetic and metabolic engineering of microorganisms for the development of new flavor compounds from terpenic substrates.

Throughout human history, natural products have been the basis for the discovery and development of therapeutics, cosmetic and food compounds used in industry. Many compounds found in natural organisms are rather difficult to chemically synthesize and to extract in large amounts, and in this respect, genetic and metabolic engineering are playing an increasingly important role in the production of these compounds, such as new terpenes and terpenoids, which may potentially be used to create aromas in industry. Terpenes belong to the largest class of natural compounds, are produced by all living organisms and play a fundamental role in human nutrition, cosmetics and medicine. Recent advances in systems biology and synthetic biology are allowing us to perform metabolic engineering at the whole-cell level, thus enabling the optimal design of microorganisms for the efficient production of drugs, cosmetic and food additives. This review describes the recent advances made in the genetic and metabolic engineering of the terpenes pathway with a particular focus on systems biotechnology.

Effects of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) on the light and temperature stability of a pigment from Beta vulgaris and its potential food industry applications.

A novel, simple and inexpensive modification method using TEOS to increase the UV light, pH and temperature stability of a red-beet-pigment extracted from Beta vulgaris has been proposed. The effects on the molecular structure of betalains were studied by FTIR spectroscopy. The presence of betacyanin was verified by UV-Vis spectroscopy and its degradation in modified red-beet-pigment was evaluated and compared to the unmodified red-beet-pigment; performance improvements of 88.33%, 16.84% and 20.90% for UV light, pH and temperature stability were obtained, respectively,. Measurements of reducing sugars, phenol, and antioxidant contents were performed on unmodified and modified red-beet-pigment and losses of close to 21%, 54% and 36%, respectively, were found to be caused by the addition of TEOS. Polar diagrams of color by unmodified and modified red-beet-pigment in models of a beverage and of a yogurt were obtained and the color is preserved, although here is a small loss in the chromaticity parameter of the modified red-beet-pigment.

One year survival of ART and conventional restorations in patients with disability.

BACKGROUND: Providing restorative treatment for persons with disability may be challenging and has been related to the patient's ability to cope with the anxiety engendered by treatment and to cooperate fully with the demands of the clinical situation. The aim of the present study was to assess the survival rate of ART restorations compared to conventional restorations in people with disability referred for special care dentistry. METHODS: Three treatment protocols were distinguished: ART (hand instruments/high-viscosity glass-ionomer); conventional restorative treatment (rotary instrumentation/resin composite) in the clinic (CRT/clinic) and under general anaesthesia (CRT/GA). Patients were referred for restorative care to a special care centre and treated by one of two specialists. Patients and/or their caregivers were provided with written and verbal information regarding the proposed techniques, and selected the type of treatment they were to receive. Treatment was provided as selected but if this option proved clinically unfeasible one of the alternative techniques was subsequently proposed. Evaluation of restoration survival was performed by two independent trained and calibrated examiners using established ART restoration assessment codes at 6 months and 12 months. The Proportional Hazard model with frailty corrections was applied to calculate survival estimates over a one year period. RESULTS: 66 patients (13.6 ± 7.8 years) with 16 different medical disorders participated. CRT/clinic proved feasible for 5 patients (7.5%), the ART approach for 47 patients (71.2%), and 14 patients received CRT/GA (21.2%). In all, 298 dentine carious lesions were restored in primary and permanent teeth, 182 (ART), 21 (CRT/clinic) and 95 (CRT/GA). The 1-year survival rates and jackknife standard error of ART and CRT restorations were 97.8 ± 1.0% and 90.5 ± 3.2%, respectively (p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: These short-term results indicate that ART appears to be an effective treatment protocol for treating patients with disability restoratively, many of whom have difficulty coping with the conventional restorative treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Netherlands Trial Registration: NTR 4400.