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A 24 kDa leucine-rich protein from ion exchange fractions of Solanum trilobatum, which has anti-bacterial activity against both the Gram-negative Vibrio cholerae and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus bacteria has been purified. In this study, mass spectrometry analysis identified the leucine richness and found a luminal binding protein (LBP). Circular dichroism suggests that the protein was predominantly composed of α- helical contents of its secondary structure. Scanning electron microscopy visualized the characteristics and morphological and structural changes in LBP-treated bacterium. Further in vitro studies confirmed that mannose-, trehalose- and raffinose-treated LBP completely inhibited the hemagglutination ability towards rat red blood cells. Altogether, these studies suggest that LBP could bind to sugar moieties which are abundantly distributed on bacterial surface which are essential for maintaining the structural integrity of bacteria. Considering that Solanum triolbatum is a well-known medicinal and edible plant, in order to shed light on its ancient usage in this work, an efficient anti-microbial protein was isolated, characterized and its in vitro functional study against human pathogenic bacteria was evaluated.

Background/Objectives: Phloroglucinol (PHL), a phenolic compound extracted from the brown alga Rosenvingea intricata, exhibits potent antioxidant and anticancer properties. This study aims to extract, purify, and characterize PHL, and further develop functionalized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) loaded with PHL to enhance its therapeutic potential. Methods: PHL was extracted using acetone and purified through Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, yielding a highly enriched fraction (F-3). The purified compound was characterized by FTIR, HPLC, NMR, and LC-MS. ZnO NPs were synthesized, PEGylated, and conjugated with PHL, forming ZnO-PEG-PHL NPs. Their characterization included DLS, zeta potential, XRD, SEM-EDAX, and encapsulation efficiency studies. Antioxidant assays (DPPH, FRAP, ABTS, RPA) were performed and in vitro cytotoxicity on A549 lung cancer cells were determined to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of PHL. Results: The purified PHL fraction showed a high phenolic content (45.65 PHL mg/g), which was was confirmed by spectral analysis. The ZnO-PEG-PHL NPs increased in size from 32.36 nm to 46.68 nm, with their zeta potential shifting from −37.87 mV to −26.82 mV. The antioxidant activity was superior for the ZnO-PEG-PHL NPs in all assays, while the in vitro cytotoxicity tests showed an IC50 of 40 µg/mL compared to 60 µg/mL for the ZnO NPs and 70 µg/mL for PHL. Apoptotic studies revealed significant cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Conclusions: The synthesized ZnO-PEG-PHL NPs demonstrated enhanced antioxidant and anticancer properties, making them promising candidates for cancer therapy and antioxidant applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research article we report the potentials of chitin-based silver nanoparticles (chitin AgNPs) derived from Indian mimic goatfish (Mulloidichthys ayliffe) scales as an effective food preservation agent. The study comprehensively presents the multifaceted attributes of chitin AgNPs, including their synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial properties. Chitin yield from M. ayliffe scales and three-spot swimming crab (P. sanguinolentus) exoskeleton was determined, with the insoluble content quantified. FTIR analysis unveiled distinct absorption peaks for chitin, and scanning electron microscopy revealed the ultrastructure of chitin from both the sources. Using UV–visible spectroscopy, the biosynthesis of AgNPs was accomplished and characterized, with the color shift of the solution serving as proof of a successful synthesis. UV–vis spectra provided insights into nanoparticle size and shape. SEM micrographs exhibited spherical particle morphology, while FTIR spectra indicated amino group interactions contributing to AgNP stabilization. The antimicrobial potential of chitin AgNPs was assessed against the food pathogen, Vibrio spp. Chitin films displayed significant antimicrobial activity, particularly AgNP-synthesized chitin from M. ayliffe scales, demonstrated the highest Vibrio spp. inhibition activity. Furthermore, chitin AgNPs were incorporated into the common chili, Capsicum annuum and the tomato, Solanum lycopersicum to extend their shelf life at room temperature. This study reveals the efficacy of chitin AgNPs from M. ayliffe scales as potent agents for food preservation, offering insights into their physical, mechanical, and antimicrobial attributes. The application of chitin AgNPs to perishable food items highlights their potential in enhancing shelf life and quality, opening innovative avenues for sustainable food preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]