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ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2 microspheres and nanostructured TiO2 obtained by hydrothermal and sol–gel methods were tested against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Micrococcus lysodeikticus ATCC 4698 before and after lysozyme (Lys) loading. Morphological characterization of inorganic matrices and hybrid organic–inorganic complexes were performed by microscopy techniques (SEM, AFM and Dark Field Hyperspectral Microscopy). Light absorption properties of ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2 and TiO2 powders were assessed by UV–visible spectroscopy and their ability to generate reactive oxygen species (•OH and O2•−) under visible light irradiation was investigated. Antibacterial activity of ZnSe, ZnSe-TiO2, TiO2, Lys/ZnSe, Lys/ZnSe-TiO2 and Lys/TiO2 samples under exposure to visible light irradiation (λ > 420 nm) was tested against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus lysodeikticus and correlated with ROS photogeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, habitat destruction, exploitation, and climate change are driving biodiversity loss. Glacial relict species - remnants from the last glaciation - most of them cold-adapted, are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. is a typical glacial relict plant species with medicinal uses, protected in situ within Natura 2000 sites. Despite in situ conservation, in Romania the species is declining, therefore complementary conservation measures should be taken. In this respect, we have tested and selected some efficient biotechnological tools such as in vitro culture and cryopreservation, for medium and long-term ex situ conservation of L. sibirica germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irises are valued as ornamental and medicinal plant species, the wild populations being valuable sources of material for horticulture and/or for secondary metabolites extraction. Iris pontica is an endangered plant species with a restricted distribution range from Eastern Europe to Caucasus region. Until recently, the species was recorded in Romania from a few counties from Transylvania only, but a new population was reported, thus extending the species national occurrence to East. The aim of present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of the newly reported population of I. pontica using Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR). The results showed low level of genetic diversity within population as well as a homogeneous spatial distribution of genotypes. We can conclude that supplementary in situ conservation measure should be taken as well as some complementary ex situ approaches in order to preserve the valuable genetic resources of this ornamental and medicinal species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The latest assessment of world vascular plant diversity showed that the current rate of their extinction has reached unprecedented high values. Biodiversity loss is driven mainly by anthropogenic causes as habitat destruction and climate changes. Being adapted to cold climate conditions, glacial relict species are particularly vulnerable to present global warming. Ligularia sibirica (L.) Cass. is a typical glacial relict plant species with medicinal value, native in Romania's Flora and protected under Annex II of Habitats Directive. Although at national level the species is protected in situ within Natura 2000 sites, its natural populations are declining. In order to sustain species in situ protection, complementary ex situ conservation measures should be taken. The aim of present study was to develop an efficient protocol to introduce species seed onto a seed bank, for long-term ex situ conservation of plant germplasm. Banked seeds will be a valuable source of plant material for further studies on species active compounds, natural population reinforcement of for habitat rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Our experiments used a robust plant species (Amaranthus retroflexus), that grows on various types of substrate and in a variety of stress conditions (drought, frost, flooding, etc.) to test its survival on culture media with glycerol as a substitute of sucrose. After aseptic seed germination, plantlets were grown on a calus induction culture medium (Gamborg basal medium enriched with NAA and kinetin). The nonmorphogenetic calus was cultured on four culture media with ascending glycerol concentration replacing sucrose as a carbon source. The survival and the growing rate of the caluses are factors that lead to the conclusion of succesful degradation of glycerol by A. retroflexus. Further biochemical analyses will reveal the biodegradation pathways and the secondary compounds production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]