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In the current study, among 36 isolates, the bacterial strain M7 was selected as the highest cellulase producer and underwent traditional and molecular identification as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens M7. The productivity of the cellulase enzyme was optimized using the one-factor-at-a-time method. The optimization analysis showed that the best pH value for cellulase production was 7, in the presence of 1% bacterial inoculum size, 5 g·L−1 of carboxymethyl cellulose, 5 g·L−1 of peptone as nitrogen source, and incubation period of 24 h at a temperature of 35°C. The highest cellulase activity (64.98 U·mL−1) was obtained after optimizing conditions using BOX-Behnken Design. The maximum cellulase yield (75.53%) was obtained after precipitation by 60% ammonium sulfate, followed by purification by dialysis bag and Sephadex G-100 column chromatography. The purified cellulase enzyme was characterized by 6.38-fold enrichment, with specific activity (60.54 U·mg−1), and molecular weight of approximately 439.0 Da. The constituent of purified cellulase was 18 amino acids with high concentrations of 200 and 160 mg·L−1 for glycine and arginine, respectively. The purified cellulase enzyme was more stable and active at pH 8 and an incubation temperature of 50°C. The metal ions CaCl2, NaCl, and ZnO enhanced the activity of purified cellulase enzyme. Finally, the B. amyloliquefaciens M7-cellulase exhibits high bio-polishing activity of cotton fabrics with low weight loss (4.3%) which was attained at a maximum concentration (1%, v/v) for 90 min.

The extraction methods used to obtain natural products face some problems, such as solvent toxicity, high extraction time, and low yields. Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid extraction (SFE-CO2) is an encouraging extraction system for obtaining high-yield of natural extracts. In this work, Schinus terebinthifolia fruits were extracted via SFE-CO2 using two conditions: A (static extraction) (SE) for 15 min, followed by dynamic extraction (DE) for 45 min, and B (without SE but with DE for 60 min). The extract yield was 0.205 g and 0.236 g via condition A and B, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography assessment revealed the occurrence of several constituents with high quantities in the extract at condition B. The well diffusion test showed inhibition of 26 ± 0.1, 25 ± 0.2, 29 ± 0.1, 33 ± 0.2, 27 ± 0.1, and 8.0 ± 0.1 mm zones using the extract at condition B, while at condition A there were low inhibition zones towards Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas areginosa, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger, correspondingly. Lipase (obesity stimulant) and butyrylcholinesterase (Alzheimer stimulant) were inhibited by the extract at condition B with IC50 quantities of 27.03 and 4.83 µg/mL, while it was 37.45 and 17.57 µg/mL, respectively at condition A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, warranting the development of safer, more effective therapies. Liposomes and niosomes can be considered excellent drug delivery systems due to their ability to load all compounds and reduce the toxicity of the loaded drug without reducing its effectiveness. Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular, freshwater blue-green algae strain that has many bioactive compounds that qualify for use in industrial, pharmaceutical, and other fields. This study used nano-liposomes and nano-niosomes to deliver Synechocystis sp. extract against human colon, ovarian, and breast cancer cell lines. The results demonstrated potential activities against human colon, ovarian, and breast cancer cell lines. A total of 22 compounds were identified through the metabolic profiling of an extract, as it is a tool aimed at identifying biologically active compounds in the sample. Subsequently, the molecular docking of these compounds was studied, which is the most effective way to study the compound's effectiveness on a specific disease by determining the binding affinity. The results showed that compounds 21, 6, 7, 8, 12, and 19 have a high degree of correlation. Finally, these results represent a promising step toward developing effective cancer treatments. Future research should translate this approach into successful anticancer drugs through participation in clinical trials. Liposomes and niosomes can be considered excellent drug delivery systems due to their ability to load all compounds, whether hydrophobic or hydrophilic. In addition, they can reduce the toxicity of the loaded drug without reducing its effectiveness. Synechocystis sp. is a unicellular, freshwater cyanobacteria strain that contains many bioactive compounds that qualify its use in industrial, pharmaceutical, and many other fields. This study investigated the potential of nano-liposomes (L) and nano-niosomes (N) for delivering Synechocystis sp. extract against cancer cell lines. Four different types of nanoparticles were prepared using a dry powder formulation and ethanol extract of Synechocystis sp. in both nanovesicles (N1 and N2, respectively) and liposomes (L1 and L2, respectively). Analysis of the formed vesicles using zeta analysis, SEM morphological analysis, and visual examination confirmed their stability and efficiency. L1 and L2 in this investigation had effective diameters of 419 and 847 nm, respectively, with PDI values of 0.24 and 0.27. Furthermore, the zeta potentials were found to range from −31.6 mV to −43.7 mV. Regarding N1 and N2, their effective diameters were 541 nm and 1051 nm, respectively, with PDI values of 0.31 and 0.35, and zeta potentials reported from −31.6 mV to −22.2 mV, respectively. Metabolic profiling tentatively identified 22 metabolites (1–22) from the ethanolic extract. Its effect against representative human cancers was studied in vitro, specifically against colon (Caco2), ovarian (OVCAR4), and breast (MCF7) cancer cell lines. The results showed the potential activities of the prepared N1, N2, L1, and L2 against the three cell lines, where L1 had cytotoxicity IC50 values of 19.56, 33.52, and 9.24 µg/mL compared to 26.27, 56.23, and 19.61 µg/mL for L2 against Caco2, OVCAR4, and MCF7, respectively. On the other hand, N1 exhibited IC50 values of 9.09, 11.42, and 2.38 µg/mL, while N2 showed values of 15.57, 18.17, and 35.31 µg/mL against Caco2, OVCAR4, and MCF7, respectively. Meanwhile, the formulations showed little effect on normal cell lines (FHC, OCE1, and MCF10a). All of the compounds were evaluated in silico against the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase (EGFR). The molecular docking results showed that compound 21 (1-hexadecanoyl-2-(9Z-hexadecenoyl)-3-(6′-sulfo-alpha-D-quinovosyl)-sn-glycerol), followed by compounds 6 (Sulfoquinovosyl monoacylgycerol), 7 (3-Hydroxymyristic acid), 8 (Glycolipid PF2), 12 (Palmitoleic acid), and 19 (Glyceryl monostearate), showed the highest binding affinities. These compounds formed good hydrogen bond interactions with the key amino acid Lys721 as the co-crystallized ligand. These results suggest that nano-liposomes and nano-niosomes loaded with Synechocystis sp. extract hold promise for future cancer treatment development. Further research should focus on clinical trials, stability assessments, and pharmacological profiles to translate this approach into effective anticancer drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanotechnology is a valuable strategy for managing a number of medicinal, agricultural, and environmental concerns. Cocculus pendulus was used for selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) synthesis to evaluate their usage for microbial inhibition and to enhance plant resistance to heavy metals. Mono-dispersed, spherical shape, and mean diameter (36.19 nm) of SeNPs were documented. More inhibitory potential was associated with SeNPs with inhibition zones of 38±0.3, 18±0.2, 18±0.1, 31±0.2, and 27±0.1 mm than extract of C. pendulus against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and C. albicans, respectively. SeNPs had successfully scavenged the free radicals of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) with lower IC50 (inhibitory concentration that inhibit 50% of DPPH) value (10.31 µg/mL) than that of C. pendulus extract (55.54 µg/mL). The effect of C. pendulus extract (200 mg/kg soil) alone or in combination with SeNPs (15 mg/kg soil of SeNPs) as a soil drench on shoot, root lengths, plant pigments, lead and cadmium contents of Corchorus olitorius under lead and cadmium stress (5 mg/L) was investigated. The pigments quantity and plant growth were decreased by cadmium and lead poisoning. Application of C. pendulus extracts or SeNPs decreased the Pb and Cd concentrations and improved the growth and metabolites of Corchorus olitorius plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microconstituents of Ganoderma lucidum biomass (GLB) were evaluated, along with its antimicrobial and anticancer activities. Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- and n-hexadecanoic acid with area% values of 21.0% and 11.0% were recognized in GLB. Uncooked biomass (UCB) and microwavecooked (CE) biomass of G. lucidum caused a significant inhibition of human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell line proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation was 27.22 ± 1.64% using 16 µg/mL of CB while it was 52.29 ± 1.09% using 16 µg/mL of UCB. The cytotoxicity test recorded low IC50 (25.63 ± 0.52 µg/mL) of UCE compared to the IC50 value (49.99 ± 0.94 µg/mL) of CB. Highest antimicrobial activities were recorded via using UCE, compared to CE against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus niger. The 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- and n-hexadecanoic acid were able to induce both anticancer and antibiotic-resistant properties. A key therapeutic target enzyme for evolving this resistant pathogenic activity on MCF-7 and K. pneumonia, was accessed thoroughly in silico study. The compounds described, therefore, might provide a great potential for the development of new therapeutics such as anticancer and antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, algae have attracted the attention of investigators as a renewable source of compounds that can contribute to nanoparticle creation. The use algae biomass to facilitate preparation of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), as well as their application, were the aims of the present study. High performance liquid chromatography analysis of algal biomass indicated the presence of daidzein (2550 µg/mL), followed by ellagic acid (596 µg/mL). Algal biomass extract was successful as a bioreducing agent for CuONPs fabrication at different temperatures up to 50 °C. Transmission electron microscopy characterized the created CuONPs with average size 5 to 17 nm. The colony radius of M. anisopliae, T. harzianum, C. lunata, F. oxysporium, A. flavus, and A. terreus was 1.84 ± 0.08, 1.97 ± 0.03, 1.00 ± 0.08, 2.04 ± 0.03, 2.32 ± 0.06, and 2.42 ± 0.05 cm, respectively at 200 mg of CuONPs. CuONPs exhibited inhibition zones of 26, 23, 25, and 22 mm when tested against B. subtilis, E.coli, K. pneumoniae, and S. aureus, respectively. Methyl orange and methyl green dyes were degraded by CuONPs with percentages ranging from 9.5 to 63.7% and from 22.3 to 75.7% at 15 to 90 min, respectively. Therefore, the created CuONPs can be regarded as excellent candidates for controlling fungal/bacterial development and dyes degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The neem tree, Azadirachta indica (A. Juss), is a well-known species used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin conditions such as irritation, eczema, burns, and wounds. The objective of the current study was to investigate the physicochemical and wound-healing properties of A. indica fruits. (2) Methods: Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to determine the content of fatty acids and phytosterols, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the tocopherol content. The wound-healing activity was observed on the backs of six adult male rabbits. (3) Results: The results showed that the plant contained fatty acids, as well as oleic (46.05%), palmitic (23.94%), linoleic (11.39%), and stearic (7.87%) acids. The phytosterols were three major compounds; in decreasing order of importance, they were β-sitosterol (97.26 mg/100 g), campesterol (18.94 mg/100 g), and stigmasterol (12.05 mg/100 g). There were also traces of cholesterol. The neem was a moderate source of vitamin E (α-tocopherol, 14.86 mg/100 g). The hexane extracts showed no acute toxicity and low eye and skin irritability and had reasonable safety and important wound-healing activity. (4) Conclusions: The results confirmed that A. indica is a valuable source of fatty acids, phytosterols, and vitamin E and is efficient in the process of wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research work focuses on the potential application of an organic compound, santalol, obtained from santalum album, in the inhibition of the enzyme tyrosinase, which is actively involved in the biosynthesis of melanin pigment. Over-production of melanin causes undesirable pigmentation in humans as well as other organisms and significantly downgrades their aesthetic value. The study is designed to explain the purification of tyrosinase from the mushroom Agaricus bisporus, followed by activity assays and enzyme kinetics to give insight into the santalol-modulated tyrosinase inhibition in a dose-dependent manner. The multi-spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis, fluorescence, and isothermal calorimetry are employed to deduce the efficiency of santalol as a potential candidate against tyrosinase enzyme activity. Experimental results are further verified by molecular docking. Santalol, derived from the essential oils of santalum album, has been widely used as a remedy for skin disorders and a potion for a fair complexion since ancient times. Based on enzyme kinetics and biophysical characterization, this is the first scientific evidence where santalol inhibits tyrosinase, and santalol may be employed in the agriculture, food, and cosmetic industries to prevent excess melanin formation or browning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Streptomyces spp. are soil bacteria that have commercial value from which numerous secondary metabolites such as antifungal compounds have been derived. There is growing concern that antifungal resistance is on the rise, and soil Streptomyces from various geographical places might produce novel antifungal molecules. The aim of this study was to characterize and identify the actinomycetes strain namely Streptomyces isolate DW102, and to evaluate its antimicrobial activity against nosocomial fungal pathogens. Materials and Methods: Streptomyces isolate DW102 was identified based on morphological, cultural, physiological, and biochemical properties, together with 16S rRNA sequence. Its antifungal activity was determined by agar well-diffusion assays. Results: The isolate DW102 phenotypic and molecular characterization was identified as Streptomyces cavourensis DW102 and sequencing results were deposited in GenBank under accession number MK508855. Furthermore, the fermented broth of Streptomyces isolate DW102 inhibited the growth of Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans in vitro. Conclusions: Phenotypic, molecular, and phylogenetic analysis of DW102 identified the strain to be S. cavourensis. The antifungal assay showed that DW102 fermentation broth was active against both C. albicans and A. niger in vitro. Further studies are required to use the Streptomyces isolate DW102 as a promising source for the development of antifungal drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]