Natural Bacterial and Fungal Peptides as a Promising Treatment to Defeat Lung Cancer Cells.

Despite the increasing availability of modern treatments, including personalized therapies, there is a strong need to search for new drugs that will be effective in the fight against cancer. The chemotherapeutics currently available to oncologists do not always yield satisfactory outcomes when used in systemic treatments, and patients experience burdensome side effects during their application. In the era of personalized therapies, doctors caring for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients have been given a powerful weapon, namely molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies. They can be used when genetic variants of the disease qualifying for therapy are diagnosed. These therapies have contributed to the extension of the overall survival time in patients. Nevertheless, effective treatment may be hindered in the case of clonal selection of tumor cells with acquired resistance mutations. The state-of-the-art therapy currently used in NSCLC patients is immunotherapy targeting the immune checkpoints. Although it is effective, some patients have been observed to develop resistance to immunotherapy, but its cause is still unknown. Personalized therapies extend the lifespan and time to cancer progression in patients, but only those with a confirmed marker qualifying for the treatment (gene mutations/rearrangements or PD-L1 expression on tumor cells) can benefit from these therapies. They also cause less burdensome side effects than chemotherapy. The article is focused on compounds that can be used in oncology and produce as few side effects as possible. The search for compounds of natural origin, e.g., plants, bacteria, or fungi, exhibiting anticancer properties seems to be a good solution. This article is a literature review of research on compounds of natural origin that can potentially be used as part of NSCLC therapies.

Toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives in divers biological models with the assessment of molecular mechanisms of toxicity.

The aim of the study was to determine totoxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) and its derivatives (bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)) due to its high accumulation in environment. The performed analysis revealed the toxicity of the BPA, BPF, and BPS against Kurthia gibsoni, Microbacterium sp., and Brevundimonas diminuta as the most sensitive, reaching microbial toxic concentrations in the range of 0.018-0.031 mg ∙ L-1. Moreover, the genotoxicity assay shows the ability of all tested compounds to increase in the ß-galactosidase level at the concentration range 7.81-500 µM (in Escherichia coli, PQ37). In turn, the matbolic activation of tested bishpenols has caused the enhacement of the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity effect. Interestingely, the highest phytotoxicity effect was pointed for BPA and TBBPA at the concentrations of 10 mg ∙ L-1 and 50 mg ∙ L-1, which cause the inhibition of root growth by 58% and 45%, respectively (especially for S. alba and S. saccharatum). Furthermore, the cytotoxicity analyses show the ability of BPA, BPS, and TBBPA to significantly decrease the metabolic activity of human keratynoctes in vitro after 24 h of treatment at the micromolar concentrations. Simialry, the impact of the certain bisphenols on proliferation-, apoptosis-, and inflammation-related mRNA expression was shown in tested cell line. Summarizing, the presented results have proved that BPA and its derrivatives are able to show high negative effect on certain living orgnisms such as bacteria, plants, and human cells, which is strict related to pro-apoptotic and genotoxic mechanism of action.

Natural Compounds with Antimicrobial Properties in Cosmetics.

Currently, the cosmetic industry is a very intensively growing part of the economy. Consumer demands are adapted to the current lifestyle, which is based on technological innovations and awareness of the impact of various factors on human health and fitness. There is growing interest in cosmetics based on environmentally friendly natural compounds exerting health-promoting effects. Chemicals with antimicrobial properties used as ingredients in cosmetics ensure their durability and safety. Polyphenolic compounds, peptides, essential oils, and plant extracts characterized by these properties are natural ingredients that can replace synthetic components of cosmetics. The advantage of these compounds is that they exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties, enhancing the product value in addition to their antimicrobial properties. This review article describes the antimicrobial properties of natural compounds that can protect cosmetics and can replace previously used preservative agents. Various studies indicate that the use of these compounds increases consumer interest in these products and has a positive impact on the environment.

Bioremoval and Detoxification of the Anticancer Drug Mitoxantrone Using Immobilized Crude Versatile Peroxidase (icVP/Ba) Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the biodecolorization and detoxification of the anticancer drug mitoxantron (MTX) by immobilized crude versatile peroxidase of Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930 (icVP/Ba). The concentrated crude VP was obtained from B. adusta CCBAS 930 culture on medium with MTX (µg/mL) addition, immobilized with 4% sodium alginate. MTX removal degree (decolorization), levels of phenolic compounds and free radicals were determined during MTX biotransformation. Moreover, the phytotoxicity (Lepidium sativum L.), biotoxicity (multi-species microbial assay, MARA), and genotoxicity (SOS Chromotest) of MTX were evaluated before and after the biological treatment. The use of icVP/Ba (95 U/mL) significantly shortened the bioremoval of 10 µg/mL MTX (95.57% after 72 h). MTX removal by icVP/Ba was correlated with an 85% and 90% decrease in the levels of phenolic compounds and free radicals, respectively. In addition, the use of icVP/Ba contributed to a decrease in the phyto-, bio-, and genotoxicity of MTX. This is the first study to describe the possibility of removing MTX using immobilized crude fungal peroxidase.

Impact of the Cultivation System and Plant Cultivar on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi of Spelt (Triticum aestivum ssp. Spelta L.) in a Short-Term Monoculture.

Native communities of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) constitute a natural biofertilization, biocontrol, and bioprotection factor for most agricultural crops, including cereals. The present study investigated the native AMF population in cultivated spelt, i.e., a cereal that has not been analyzed in this respect to date. In particular, the aim of the study was to determine the number of spores and the degree of AMF root colonization in two spelt cultivars (Franckenkorn and Badengold) from a 3-year monoculture grown in two different cultivation systems: conventional tillage and no-tillage systems. The study showed considerable accumulation of AMF spores in the soil (on average 1325 in 100 g of air-dry soil), with a wide range of their numbers, and not a very high degree of endomycorrhizal colonization (on average from 3.0% to 31%). The intensity of AMF growth in the subsequent cultivation years gradually increased and depended on the cultivation system as well as the growth stage and cultivar of the spelt. It was found that both analyzed AMF growth indices in the no-tillage system were positively correlated with each other. Moreover, their values were higher in the no-tillage system than in the conventional system, with statistical significance only for the number of spores. This was mainly observed in the variant with the Franckenkorn cultivar. The effect of the growing season was evident in both cultivation systems and spelt cultivars. It was reflected by intensification of sporulation and mycorrhization of spelt roots by AMF in summer (maturation stage) compared with the spring period (flowering stage).

Influence of Elicitation and Drying Methods on Anti-Metabolic Syndrome, and Antimicrobial Properties of Extracts and Hydrolysates Obtained from Elicited Lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch).

This research aims to investigate the influence of elicitation and drying methods (natural, convection, microwave, and freeze-drying), with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract (YE) on the biological activity of extracts and hydrolysates from lovage (Levisticum officinale Koch) leaves. The results indicate that the highest TPC was determined for hydrolysates obtained from JA-elicited microwave-dried lovage (24.96 mg/gDW). The highest ACE and lipase inhibitory activity was noted for PBS extract obtained from JA-elicited lovage after microwave drying (EC50 = 0.16 and 0.12 mg/mL, respectively). Ethanolic extract from JA-elicited lovage after freeze-drying was characterized by the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (EC50 = 3.92 mg/mL) and the highest α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (EC50 = 1.43 mg/mL) was noted for hydrolysates from control plants subjected to freeze-drying. The highest antimicrobial activity towards C. albicans yeasts was observed for microwave ethanolic extracts with minimal inhibition (MIC) and lethal (MLC) concentrations of 0.625 and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively.

Enhanced Efficiency of the Removal of Cytostatic Anthracycline Drugs Using Immobilized Mycelium of Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremoval of anthracycline antibiotics (daunomycin-DNR, doxorubicin-DOX, and mitoxantrone-MTX) by immobilized mycelium of B. adusta CCBAS 930. The activity of oxidoreductases: versatile peroxidases (VP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glucose oxidase (GOX), and the levels of phenolic compounds (PhC) and free radicals (SOR) were determined during the biotransformation of anthracyclines by B. adusta strain CCBAS 930. Moreover, the phytotoxicity (Lepidium sativum L.), biotoxicity (MARA assay), and genotoxicity of anthracyclines were evaluated after biological treatment. After 120 h, more than 90% of anthracyclines were removed by the immobilized mycelium of B. adusta CCBAS 930. The effective biotransformation of anthracyclines was correlated with detoxification and reduced genotoxicity.

The Influence of Hypericum perforatum L. Addition to Wheat Cookies on Their Antioxidant, Anti-Metabolic Syndrome, and Antimicrobial Properties.

The aim of this study was to characterize wheat cookies enriched with 0.5% and 1.0% of Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John's wort, SJW) and determine their pro-health properties in vitro after hydrolysis in simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The results indicated that 1.0 SJW was characterized by the highest content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (2.32 mg mL-1, 4.93 µg mL-1, and 12.35 µg mL-1, respectively). The enriching cookies had no effect on water absorption capacity (WAC) and oil absorption capacity (OAC). After in vitro hydrolysis, the highest peptide content was noted in 1.0 SJW (0.52 mg mL-1), and the bioactive compounds were characterized by high potential bioaccessibility (PAC), but poor bioavailability (PAV). The addition of SJW increased the ACE, α-amylase, and LOX inhibitory effect, but reduced the inhibition of pancreatic lipase. The highest antioxidant activity was noted for 1.0 SJW. The results showed that only 0.5 SJW and 1.0 SJW had slight antimicrobial activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 and B. cereus ATCC 14579 with MIC = 12.5 mg mL-1. Fractions with molecular mass <3.0 kDa were characterized with the highest p-coumaric acid content. The results show that SJW cookies had a higher content of bioactive compounds and more potent anti-metabolic syndrome effects.

Possibility to Biotransform Anthracyclines by Peroxidases Produced by Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930 with Reduction of Geno- and Cytotoxicity and Pro-Oxidative Activity.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the bioremoval mechanism of anthracycline antibiotics by the white-rot fungus B. adusta CCBAS 930. The activity of oxidoreductases and levels of phenolic compounds and free radicals were determined during the biotransformation of anthraquinone antibiotics: daunomycin (DNR) and doxorubicin (DOX) by B. adusta strain CCBAS 930. Moreover, phytotoxicity (Lepidium sativum L.), ecotoxicity (Vibrio fischeri), genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of anthraquinone dyes were evaluated before and after biological treatment. More than 80% and 90% of DNR and DOX were removed by biodegradation (decolorization). Initial solutions of DNR and DOX were characterized by eco-, phyto-, geno- and cytotoxicity. Despite efficient decolorization, secondary metabolites, toxic to bacteria, formed during biotransformation of anthracycline antibiotics in B. adusta CCBAS 930 cultures. DNR and DOX metabolites did not increase reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in human fibroblasts and resazurin reduction. DNR metabolites did not change caspase-3 activity.

Induction of Cyp450 enzymes by 4-thiazolidinone-based derivatives in 3T3-L1 cells in vitro.

4-Thiazolidinones and related derivatives are regarded as privileged structures in medicinal chemistry and a source of new drug-like compounds. To date it is known that thiazolidinones are able to induce CYP1A1 activity in 3T3-L1 cells. Therefore, to extend the knowledge of the mechanism of thiazolidinones in the cell, four chemically synthesized heterocycles were tested on 3T3-L1 cells. The 3T3-L1 cells were exposed to Les-2194, Les-3640, Les-5935, and Les-6166. Our study showed that 1 µM ßNF, Les-2194, and Les-6166 decreased the expression of Ahr mRNA. In turn, ßNF, Les-2194, and Les-3640 increased the Cyp1a1 mRNA expression at the same time interval. On the other hand, Les-5935 was found to decrease the Cyp1a1 mRNA expression. Interestingly, the expression of Cyp1a2 mRNA was activated only by ßNF and Les-2194. The expression of Cyp1b1 mRNA in the 3T3 cell line increased after the ßNF and Les-2194 treatment but declined after the exposure to Les-5935 and Les-6166. Moreover, the Les-2194 and Les-5935 compounds were shown to increase the activity of EROD, MROD, and PROD. Les-3640 increased the activity of EROD and decreased the activity of PROD. In turn, the treatment with Les-6166 resulted in an increase in the activity of EROD and a decrease in the activity of MROD and PROD in the 3T3-L1 cells.

Decolorization and biodegradation of melanoidin contained in beet molasses by an anamorphic strain of Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS930 and its mutants.

We used a ligninolytic strain of the white-rot fungus B. adusta CCBAS 930 and its mutants with modified ligninolytic activity to assess their potential to remove of molasses. The analyzed strains have been shown to be able to decolorize 1% or 2% molasses solutions containing brown-colored toxic melanoidins. It was found that the decolorization process was determined by the transition to the stage of production of sporulating aerial mycelium (liquid and agar cultures) coupled with an increase in peroxidase activity, which was accompanied by a decrease in the level of melanoidin, free radicals, and phenolic compounds. Four different peroxidase activities were detected in post-culture liquids, i.e. horseradish-like (HRP-like), manganese-dependent (MnP), lignin (LiP), and versatile (VP) peroxidase activities. The HRP-like peroxidase was characterized by the highest activity. The efficiency of removal of melanoidins from a 1% molasses solution by the parental strain and the mutants was dependent on the culture method. The highest efficiency was noted in immobilized cultures (threefold higher than in the mycelium-free cultures), which was accompanied by stimulation of HRP-like peroxidase activity. Mutant 930-5 was found to be the most effective in the decolorization and decomposition of melanoidin. The HRP-like activity in the immobilized cultures of B. adusta 930-5 was 640-fold higher than in the mycelium-free cultures of the fungus. Moreover, decolorization and biodegradation of melanoidin by B. adusta CCBAS 930 and 930-5 was coupled with detoxification.

The interference of alpha- and beta-naphthoflavone with triclosan effects on viability, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species production in mouse neocortical neurons.

Triclosan (TCS) is commonly used worldwide in a range of personal care and sanitizing products. A number of studies have revealed the presence of TCS in human tissues. It has recently been shown that TCS can interact with AhR in mouse neurons and the one of its effects is the stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Reactive oxygen species perform a wide spectrum of functions in neuronal cells, where they are generated as by-products of cellular metabolism. Therefore the aim of the study was to investigate effects of two synthetic naphthoflavones, the beta-naphthoflavone (ßNF) and alpha-naphthoflavone (αNF), well known agonist and antagonist of AhR on TCS-stimulated cytotoxicity, apoptosis and ROS production in mouse primary cortical neurons in vitro cultures. The results showed that both agonist (ßNF) and antagonist (αNF) of AhR enhanced the LDH release and caspase-3 activity stimulated by TCS. Interestingly, both naphthoflavones decreased the TCS-stimulated ROS production, however, they showed no scavenging properties as revealed by ABTS•+ and DPPH• methods. What's more, both ßNF as well as αNF inhibited the activity of xanthine oxidase (XO) stimulated by TCS. Thus, we can assume that αNF or ßNF act in a competitive way over TCS and inhibit its effect on antioxidant enzyme activity.

In vitro Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-metabolic Syndrome, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Effect of Phenolic Acids Isolated from Fresh Lovage Leaves [Levisticum officinale Koch] Elicited with Jasmonic Acid and Yeast Extract.

Lovage seedlings were elicited with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract (YE) to induce the synthesis of biologically active compounds. A simulated digestion process was carried out to determine the potential bioavailability of phenolic acids. Buffer extracts were prepared for comparison. The ability to neutralize ABTS radicals was higher in all samples after the in vitro digestion, compared to that in the buffer extracts. However, the elicitation resulted in a significant increase only in the value of the reduction power of the potentially bioavailable fraction of phenolic acids. The effect of the elicitation on the activity of the potentially bioavailable fraction of phenolic acids towards the enzymes involved in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome, i.e., ACE, lipase, amylase, and glucosidase, was analyzed as well. The in vitro digestion caused a significant increase in the ability to inhibit the activity of these enzymes; moreover, the inhibitory activity against alpha-amylase was revealed only after the digestion process. The potential anti-inflammatory effect of the analyzed extracts was defined as the ability to inhibit key pro-inflammatory enzymes, i.e., lipoxygenase and cyclooxygenase 2. The buffer extracts from the YE-elicited lovage inhibited the LOX and COX-2 activity more effectively than the extracts from the control plants. A significant increase in the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties was noted after the simulated digestion.

Characterisation of Biologically Active Hydrolysates and Peptide Fractions of Vacuum Packaging String Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.).

The aim of the study is to characterise biologically active hydolysates and peptide fractions obtained from vacuum-packed string beans (Phaseolus vulragis L.) (PB). Unpacked beans were a control sample. The influence on human squamous carcinoma cell line SCC-15 (ATCC CRL-1623) was determined. Packed bean (PB) and unpacked bean (UB) extracts were found to exert no effect on the tongue squamous carcinoma cells. The results of the study indicated that the packing process contributed to the retention of protein, soluble dietary fibre, and free sugar (2.36, 3.5, and 1.79 g/100 d.m., respectively). PB was characterised by higher antioxidant activity (expressed as neutralisation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS ABTS•+) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) free radicals) as well as Fe2+ chelation and reducing power (IC50 = 54.56, 0.46, 3.85 mg mL-1; 0.088 A700/peptide content, respectively) than the UB samples before hydrolysis. The hydrolysis process enhanced these properties. The IC50 value of lipase and α-amylase inhibitory activity of the hydrolysates obtained from UB was reduced. The PB and UB fractions exhibited a certain level of antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli. Candida albicans were not sensitive to these peptide fractions.

Current Trends of Bioactive Peptides-New Sources and Therapeutic Effect.

Generally, bioactive peptides are natural compounds of food or part of protein that are inactive in the precursor molecule. However, they may be active after hydrolysis and can be transported to the active site. Biologically active peptides can also be synthesized chemically and characterized. Peptides have many properties, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticoagulant, and chelating effects. They are also responsible for the taste of food or for the inhibition of enzymes involved in the development of diseases. The scientific literature has described many peptides with bioactive properties obtained from different sources. Information about the structure, origin, and properties of peptides can also be found in many databases. This review will describe peptides inhibiting the development of current diseases, peptides with antimicrobial properties, and new alternative sources of peptides based on the current knowledge and documentation of their bioactivity. All these issues are part of modern research on peptides and their use in current health or technological problems in food production.

Characteristics of New Peptides GQLGEHGGAGMG, GEHGGAGMGGGQFQPV, EQGFLPGPEESGR, RLARAGLAQ, YGNPVGGVGH, and GNPVGGVGHGTTGT as Inhibitors of Enzymes Involved in Metabolic Syndrome and Antimicrobial Potential.

The aim of this study was to determine the cytotoxic properties, influence on enzyme activity involved in metabolic syndrome, and antimicrobial activity of synthetic peptides with GQLGEHGGAGMG, GEHGGAGMGGGQFQPV, EQGFLPGPEESGR, RLARAGLAQ, YGNPVGGVGH, and GNPVGGVGHGTTGT sequences. Peptides have no cytotoxic effect on cells. The highest inhibitory effect on angiotensin converting enzyme I was noted for peptide GT-14 (IC50 = 525.63 µg/mL). None of the tested peptides had an influence on α-glucosidase. The highest α-amylase and lipase inhibitory activity was noted for GG-12 (IC50 = 56.72 and 60.62 µg/mL, respectively). The highest lipoxidase inhibitory activity was determined for peptide ER-13 (IC50 = 84.35 µg/mL). Peptide RQ-9 was characterized by the highest COX inhibitory activity (0.31 and 4.77 µg/mL for COX-1 and COX-2, respectively). Only peptide RQ-9 inhibited S. enteritidis ATCC 4931 growth (42%-48%) in all tested concentrations (15.62-250 mg/mL).

Effect of Jasmonic Acid, Yeast Extract Elicitation, and Drying Methods on the Main Bioactive Compounds and Consumer Quality of Lovage (Levisticum Officinale Koch).

The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the activities of some enzymes (polyphenol oxidase-PPO and peroxidase-POD), the content of some bioactive compounds, and the organoleptic quality and color parameters of fresh lovage and its herb dried with various methods and elicited with jasmonic acid (JA) and yeast extract (YE). Elicitation only slightly affected the sensory quality of the fresh herbs, but consumer responses in terms of acceptability of the dried lovage color showed that lovage from microwave drying was least acceptable. The largest increase in the value of parameter a* was observed in microwave dried samples. Elicitation positively influenced the content of bioactive compounds (especially chlorophylls, vitamin C, and phenolic compounds), but unfortunately drying caused significant loss of bioactive compounds (except phenolic compounds) in both control and elicited samples. Drying also resulted in a decrease in the activity of PPO and POD.

The Influence of Millet Flour on Antioxidant, Anti-ACE, and Anti-Microbial Activities of Wheat Wafers.

The aim of the present study was to investigate antioxidant, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory, and anti-microbial activities of wheat wafers enriched with 1%, 2%, or 3% (w/w) of millet flour (M1, M2, or M3, respectively). All samples were characterized by a richer composition of protein, polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and reducing sugar in comparison with the control sample. The highest content of the components, i.e., 1.03 mg mL-1, 0.021 mg mL-1, 2.26 mg mL-1, 0.17 µg mL-1, and 0.63 mg mL-1, respectively, was detected in sample M3. The same sample was characterized by 803.91 and 42.79% of water and oil absorption capacity, respectively. The additive did not change the rheological features of the wafers. The 3% addition of millet flour to the wafer formulation induced the highest antioxidant activity against DPPH, Fe2+ chelation, and ACE inhibitory activity of hydrolysates (IC50 = 191.04, 0.46, and 157.73 µg mL-1, respectively). The highest activities were determined in the M3 fraction <3.0 kDa (IC50 = 3.46, 0.26, and 16.27 µg mL, respectively). In turn, the M2 fraction was characterized by the highest antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 75 µg mL-1.

Resazurin Method for Evaluation of Bioactive Compounds from Cranberry Extracts Using the Metabolic Activity of a ΔSOD1 Mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae Yeast Under Severe Osmotic Stress.

BACKGROUND: In addition to nutrients, plant raw materials for food production should also contain substances with beneficial biological properties, which unquestionably include antioxidant compounds. Among the numerous methods of determining the antioxidant properties of samples of plant material, biological methods that provide information about not only the in vivo antioxidant potential of samples but also their metabolism and bioavailability are increasingly valued. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the antioxidant properties of extracts from large cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) obtained from different producers. METHODS: Biologically active compounds were extracted from cranberry fruits using water alone and ethyl alcohol-water in proportions of 1+1 and 4+1 (v/v) as solvents. The following were determined in the extracts: content of phenolic compounds and anthocyanins, total antioxidant capacity based on reduction of the ABTS+• [2,20-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid)] radical cation, and antioxidant properties as reflected by the growth of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae Δsod1 mutant in a liquid hypertonic environment. The growth parameters of this Δsod1 mutant, monitored by a method exploiting a color reaction with resazurin, reflected the antioxidant properties of the extracts. RESULTS: The ethanol-water cranberry extracts showed higher content of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and total antioxidants expressed as Trolox equivalent, determined on the basis of ABTS+• reduction. CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant properties determined by the bioassay did not respond strongly to the data obtained in the in vitro chemical and biochemical assays, because they were more closely associated with the batch of fruit than with the type of solvent used to extract phytochemicals.

Growth conditions, physiological properties, and selection of optimal parameters of biodegradation of anticancer drug daunomycin in industrial effluents by Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS930.

The study characterizes the anamorphic Bjerkandera adusta strain CCBAS 930, including growth conditions, physiological properties, and enzymatic activities related to basic metabolism and specific properties coupled with the fungal secondary metabolism. It was established that the fungus grows in a wide pH range (3.5-7.5), up to 3% of salt concentration and a temperature of 5-30 °C. Media rich in natural organic components (potato, maize extracts, whey) are optimal for biomass propagation. Minimal media, containing mineral salts and glucose as well as static growth conditions, are required to obtain idiophasic mycelium, equivalent to the secondary metabolism of the fungus. Of the 7 complex C, N, and energy sources tested, the strain did not utilize only fibrous cellulose. Lipolytic activity reached the highest values of the enzymatic activities corresponding to those capabilities. The specific properties of strain B. adusta CCBAS 930 determined by the production of HRP-like peroxidase were related to the decolorization and biodegradation of anthraquinone derivative daunomycin. The decolorization of 30% of daunomycin effluents occurred most rapidly in iso-osmotic medium and non-enriched with nitrogen, containing 0.25% glucose, pH = 5.0-6.0, and 25-30 °C. In agitated cultures, the strain decolorized solutions of daunomycin by biosorption, which coincided with the inhibition of aerial mycelium production and HRP-like biosynthesis. Based on knowledge, potential and real possibilities of using the strain in bioremediation of colored industrial sewage were discussed.