Is the carotenoid production from Phaffia rhodozyma yeast genuinely sustainable? a comprehensive analysis of biocompatibility, environmental assessment, and techno-economic constraints.

Microorganisms, such as yeasts, filamentous fungi, bacteria, and microalgae, have gained significant attention due to their potential in producing commercially valuable natural carotenoids. In recent years, Phaffia rhodozyma yeasts have emerged as intriguing non-conventional sources of carotenoids, particularly astaxanthin and ß-carotene. However, the shift from academic exploration to effective industrial implementation has been challenging to achieve. This study aims to bridge this gap by assessing various scenarios for carotenoid production and recovery. It explores the use of ionic liquids (ILs) and bio-based solvents (ethanol) to ensure safe extraction. The evaluation includes a comprehensive analysis involving Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), biocompatibility assessment, and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) of two integrated technologies that utilize choline-based ILs and ethanol (EtOH) for astaxanthin (+ß-carotene) recovery from P. rhodozyma cells. This work evaluates the potential sustainability of integrating these alternative solvents within a yeast-based bioeconomy.

Membranolytic Activity Profile of Nonyl 3,4-Dihydroxybenzoate: A New Anti-Biofilm Compound for the Treatment of Dermatophytosis.

The ability of dermatophytes to live in communities and resist antifungal drugs may explain treatment recurrence, especially in onychomycosis. Therefore, new molecules with reduced toxicity that target dermatophyte biofilms should be investigated. This study evaluated nonyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (nonyl) susceptibility and mechanism of action on planktonic cells and biofilms of T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes. Metabolic activities, ergosterol, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were quantified, and the expression of genes encoding ergosterol was determined by real-time PCR. The effects on the biofilm structure were visualized using confocal electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). T. rubrum and T. mentagrophytes biofilms were susceptible to nonyl and resistant to fluconazole, griseofulvin (all strains), and terbinafine (two strains). The SEM results revealed that nonyl groups seriously damaged the biofilms, whereas synthetic drugs caused little or no damage and, in some cases, stimulated the development of resistance structures. Confocal microscopy showed a drastic reduction in biofilm thickness, and transmission electron microscopy results indicated that the compound promoted the derangement and formation of pores in the plasma membrane. Biochemical and molecular assays indicated that fungal membrane ergosterol is a nonyl target. These findings show that nonyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate is a promising antifungal compound.

A look into Phaffia rhodozyma biorefinery: From the recovery and fractionation of carotenoids, lipids and proteins to the sustainable manufacturing of biologically active bioplastics.

Carotenoids over-producing yeast has become a focus of interest of the biorefineries, in which the integration of the bioproduction with the following downstream processing units for the recovery and purification of carotenoids and other value-added byproducts is crucial to improve the sustainability and profitability of the overall bioprocess. Aiming the future implementation of Phaffia rhodozyma-based biorefineries, in this work, an integrative process for fractionation of intracellular compounds from P. rhodozyma biomass using non-hazardous bio-based solvents was developed. After one-extraction step, the total amount of astaxanthin, ß-carotene, lipids and proteins recovered was 63.11 µg/gDCW, 42.81 µg/gDCW, 53.75 mg/gDCW and 10.93 mg/g, respectively. The implementation of sequential back-extraction processes and integration with saponification and precipitation operations allowed the efficient fractionation and recovery (% w/w) of astaxanthin (∼72.5 %), ß-carotene âˆ¼90.17 %), proteins (21.04 %) and lipids (23.72 %). After fractionation, the manufacture of carotenoids-based products was demonstrated, through the mixture of carotenoids-rich extracts with bacterial cellulose to obtain biologically active bioplastics.

Biofabrication of endothelial cell, dermal fibroblast, and multilayered keratinocyte layers for skin tissue engineering.

The skin serves a substantial number of physiological purposes and is exposed to numerous biological and chemical agents owing to its large surface area and accessibility. Yet, current skin models are limited in emulating the multifaceted functions of skin tissues due to a lack of effort on the optimization of biomaterials and techniques at different skin layers for building skin frameworks. Here, we use biomaterial-based approaches and bioengineered techniques to develop a 3D skin model with layers of endothelial cell networks, dermal fibroblasts, and multilayered keratinocytes. Analysis of mechanical properties of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA)-based bioinks mixed with different portions of alginate revealed bioprinted endothelium could be better modeled to optimize endothelial cell viability with a mixture of 7.5% GelMA and 2% alginate. Matrix stiffness plays a crucial role in modulating produced levels of Pro-Collagen I alpha-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human dermal fibroblasts and affecting their viability, proliferation, and spreading. Moreover, seeding human keratinocytes with gelatin-coating multiple times proved to be helpful in reducing culture time to create multiple layers of keratinocytes while maintaining their viability. The ability to fabricate selected biomaterials for each layer of skin tissues has implications in the biofabrication of skin systems for regenerative medicine and disease modeling.

Physico-chemical characterization and tissue healing changes by Hancornia speciosa Gomes latex biomembrane.

Skin wounds have been a public health concern of high frequency, in addition to requiring intensive and expensive care. The natural rubber latex (NRL) from Hancornia speciosa Gomes has been used to treat many problems in traditional medicine and also present healing properties, antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity and antinociceptive effects. The purpose of this study was to characterize the new biomembrane from the NRL of H. speciosa (HS) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and mechanical strength test and to investigate its biological properties by the cytotoxicity assay and in vivo healing activity. The results showed that the HS biomembrane exhibited characteristic bands of the main component cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Besides, its Young modulus was close to human skin with adhesive-compatible mechanical characteristics. The cytotoxicity assays revealed that the HS biomembrane was not toxic to fibroblast cells neither using agar diffusion test nor MTT assay. Furthermore, the HS biomembrane stimulated the inflammatory cells and the angiogenesis, increased significantly the collagenesis and improved the quality of heal until the remodeling phase induced by implants in mice. Thus, this biomembrane has proven to be a safe and biocompatible biomaterial with healing potential, becoming an effective and low-cost alternative for the treatment of skin wounds.

Voriconazole-natural latex dressings for treating infected Candida spp. skin ulcers.

Aim: This work aimed to develop a membrane based on voriconazole (VCZ)-loaded natural rubber latex (NRL) for treating infected ulcers with Candida spp. and study their interaction, drug release, antifungal activity against Candida parapsilosis and biological characterization. Materials & methods: VCZ-loaded NRL membrane was produced by casting method. Results: Infrared spectrum showed that the incorporation of VCZ into the NRL membrane maintained its characteristics. Its mechanical properties were considered suitable for dermal application. The VCZ was able to release from NRL membrane, maintaining its antifungal activity against C. parapsilosis, besides did not present hemolytic effects. Conclusion: The VCZ-NRL membrane showed good results in mechanical, antifungal and biological assays, representing an interesting alternative to treatment of infected wound with Candida spp.

Natural membranes of Hevea brasiliensis latex as delivery system for Casearia sylvestris leaf components

ABSTRACT Natural latex from Hevea brasiliensis (Wild. ex A.Juss) Müll.Arg., Euphorbiaceae, showed angiogenic action and Casearia sylvestris Sw., Salicaceae, leaf derivatives presented anti-inflammatory and wound healing activities. Therefore, an association of these effects was interesting for wound healing applications. The aims of this study were the development of membranes of natural latex incorporated with C. sylvestris leaf derivatives (ethanolic extract, diterpene concentrated fraction and casearin J), their chemical and physical characterization, and the evaluation of in vitro skin permeation and retention of C. sylvestris bioactive secondary metabolites (diterpenes and phenolic compounds). The membranes were developed mixing hydroethanolic solutions of C. sylvestris derivatives with latex and drying them in a desiccator. They were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, water vapor permeability and mechanical resistance assays, demonstrating that all membranes were permeable, resistant and homogeneous in surfaces. The permeation and retention assays demonstrated dermal penetration of phenolic compounds for ethanolic extract membrane and of casearin-like clerodane diterpenes for all membranes, indicating that these membranes have great potential for therapeutical application as a topical system for C. sylvestris components releasing.

Produtividade científica dos docentes da Universidade Estadual Paulista, câmpus de Assis/SP / Scientific research output of professors of Sao Paulo State Universty, Assis/SP

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar/quantificar a produtividade científica dos docentes pertencentes à Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), campus de Assis/SP. Métodos: A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de busca na Internet, entre janeiro e fevereiro de 2011. Para cada professor, analisamos o número total de artigos (na plataforma Lattes), no ISI Web of Science, no SCOPUS, os livros e/ou capítulos de livros publicados e as orientações em Programas de Pós-Graduação (PPG). A análise dos dados foi feita utilizando a ANOVA, o Kruskall-Wallis e o Post Hoc (Bonferrroni). Resultados: A análise dos dados demonstrou que dos nove departamentos da Faculdade de Ciênciase Letras (FCLAs) as médias mais altas (P < 0,05) de artigos na Plataforma Lattes foi obtido peloDepartamento de Literatura. O resultado mais baixo foi encontrado no Departamento de Letras Modernas. O Departamento de Ciências Biológicas apresentou médias mais altas (P < 0,05) de artigos indexados no ISI/SCOPUS do que os outros oito departamentos. Com o intuito de diminuir as particularidades das áreas de pesquisa, empregamos uma análise na quantidade de livros e capítulos publicados, pois são formas de divulgação muito utilizadas na área de ciências humanas e sociais. Já em relação à Pós-Graduação, os programas de História e Letras dos departamentos de História e Literatura foram o que apresentaram maiores médias (P < 0,05) de orientações em andamento e/ou concluídas em relação aos outros programas. Conclusão: O presente estudo demonstrou disparidade entre os itens analisados nos departamentos e programas de pós-graduação da UNESP, campus de Assis. Esses resultados podem estar associados às características do campo da concentração e da cobertura limitada do banco de dados ISI eSCOPUS.

In this work, we analyzed the scientific bibliographic productivity of the Faculdade Ciências e Letras deAssis, Universidade Estadual Paulista (FCLAs-UNESP). We evaluated the scientific productivity of Professors using data retrieved from the Lattes Plataform database (Curriculum Lattes), ISI Web of Science and SCOPUS, books published, chapter of the books published and academic advisory (Master’s Thesisand Ph.D. Thesis). Bibliometric evaluations of departments showed a better performance of the total number of papers (indexed in Curriculum Lattes database) by Literature Department (P < 0.05) when compared to Modern Languages Department. The Biological Sciences Department had means higher of the papers indexed by SCOPUS (P < 0.05) and ISI (P < 0.05) when compared to others departments. We also observed that the low h-indexes (P< 0,05) in the humanities areas is result of traditional mode of communication in this area of knowledge, which makes more use of books and proceedings of meetings when compared to natural sciences. These publications are not covered by ISI and SCOPUS. The graduate programs in History and Languages presented means higher of academic advisory (Master’s Thesis and Ph.D. Thesis) because are graduate programs consolidated in the 1970’s.

The lipid composition of a cell membrane modulates the interaction of an antiparasitic peptide at the air-water interface.

The antiparasitic property of peptides is believed to be associated with their interactions with the protozoan membrane, which calls for research on the identification of membrane sites capable of peptide binding. In this study we investigated the interaction of a lipophilic glutathioine peptide known to be effective against the African Sleeping Sickness (ASS - African Trypanosomiasis) and cell membrane models represented by Langmuir monolayers. It is shown that even small amounts of the peptide affect the monolayers of some phospholipids and other lipids, which points to a significant interaction. The latter did not depend on the electrical charge of the monolayer-forming molecules but the peptide action was particularly distinctive for cholesterol + sphingomyelin monolayers that roughly resemble rafts on a cell membrane. Using in situ polarization-modulated infrared reflection absorption spectroscopy (PM-IRRAS), we found that the orientation of the peptide is affected by the phospholipids and dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB), but not in monolayers comprising cholesterol + sphingomyelin. In this mixed monolayer resembling rafts, the peptide still interacts and has some induced order, probably because the peptide molecules are fitted together into a compact monolayer. Therefore, the lipid composition of the monolayer modulates the interaction with the lipophilic glutathioine peptide, and this may have important implications in understanding how the peptide acts on specific sites of the protozoan membrane.

Produção científica na Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto - USP: aplicação do índice de Hirsch / Scientific bibliographic productivity at FFCLRP-USP (undergraduate courses and graduate programs): an application of the h-index

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi analisar/quantificar a produtividade cientifica dos docentes pertencentes à Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FFCLRP-USP) vinculados aos oito cursos de graduação e seis programas de pós-graduação. Métodos: Os índices analisados para cada professor foram: 1) número total de artigos (na plataforma Lattes), 2) número de artigos indexados pela Thomson ISI Web ofScience, e 3) o índice-h. Aplicamos os testes ANOVA, Kruskall-Wallis e o Post Hoc (Bonferrroni) para identificar possíveis diferenças entre os cursos de graduação e os programas de pósgraduação.

In this work, an analysis of scientific bibliographic productivity was made using the Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (FFCLRPUSP) as example. It is a special Institution in the Brazilian University system which encompasses four important areas of knowledge (fields of concentration) in natural, biological, humanities, and social areas. It is composed by four departments which offer altogether eight undergraduate courses:1) Psychology, 2) Pedagogy, 3) Chemistry, 4) Biology, 5) Medical Physics, 6) Biomedical Informatics,7) Sciences of Information and Documentation and 8) Mathematics Applied to Business and sixgraduate programs leading to M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Moreover, when analyzing the different courses of FFCLRP, they represent typical academic organization in Brazil and Latin America and could be taken as a model for analyzing other Brazilian research institutions.