Search

The genus Tamarix consists of about 54 species that mainly grow in saline areas of deserts and semi-deserts. This genus is chemically characterized by the presence of tannins, flavonoids, anthocyanins and essential oils which interfere with the extraction of pure genomic DNA. Thus it is necessary to optimize extraction protocols to minimize the influence of these compounds to the lowest level. The present study compares the efficiency of five different approaches to extract total genomic DNA in Tamarix species, showing significant differences in the extracted DNA contents and quality,by using Kit (DNP TM Kit), CTAB DNA extraction method by Murray and Thompson, Sahu et al., Nalini et al. and Bi et al., for the extraction of DNA from Tamarix species. Our results showed significant differences in DNA contents between these five methods. The quantity and quality of extracted genomic DNA were checked by the spectrophotometer, Nano-Drop and and agarose gel electrophoresis analysis. Finally, a PCR-based method was also applied to verify the amplification efficiency for two molecular markers (ITS and ISSR).. In the present study, the genetic diversity of 96 Tamarix individuals species and 8 populations were studied using 10 ISSR markerswhile for nrDNA ITS 8 species samples were used. The method of Nalini et al., provided best results (207 ng/μL) in terms of quantity and quality ofDNA. Our results proposed that this method could be effective for plants with the same polysaccharides, proteins and polyphenols components. The advantage of this method is simple and fast as it does not involve time consuming steps such as incubation at higher temperatures, and also do not requires expensive chemicals such as proteinase K, liquid nitrogen. ,. The success of this method in obtaining high-quality genomic DNA has been demonstrated in the Tamarix species group and the reliability of this method has been discussed.

(1) Introduction: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is estimated to be the cause of a major number of deaths by 2050 if we do not find strategies to slow down the rise of drug resistance. Reviews on Mediterranean wild edible plants (MWEPs) with antimicrobial properties are scarce in the main databases (PubMed, Scopus, and WoS). Hence, we proceeded to conduct a new review of the studies on MWEPs. (2) Methods: We used ‘wild edible plant’ and ‘antimicrobial’ as keywords. Within this group, exclusion criteria were reviews, studies concerning non-Mediterranean plants or non-edible plants, studies on topics other than plants or containing no description of antimicrobial properties, or off-topic studies. (3) Results: Finally, out of the one hundred and ninety-two studies we had started with, we reviewed thirty-eight (19.8%) studies concerning the antimicrobial properties of seventy-four MWEPs species belonging to twenty-five Families. Fifty-seven (77%) species out of seventy-four proved to be antimicrobial, with a stringent threshold selection. (4) Conclusions: Studies are still very heterogeneous. We still know too little about MWEPs’ properties; however, what we already know strongly recommends carrying on investigation.

This study aimed to compare different protocols (Protocol 1: P1; Protocol 2: P2; Protocol 3: P3; Protocol 4: P4) for the extraction of spongin-like collagen (SC) from marine sponges. The SEM micrographs demonstrated a fibrillar structure for the extracts from Chondrilla caribensis and the nodular/particulate aggregates for Aplysina fulva. FTIR showed for all samples peaks similar to collagen for both species. For C. caribensis, the extracts obtained using P2, P3, and P4 protocols presented higher values of extraction yield, TPQ, and GAGs. P2 and P4 showed higher values of SC concentration and for antioxidant analysis. For A. fulva, P2, P3, and P4 provided a higher extraction yield besides an increase in the antioxidant assay. For both species, no difference was observed for Col quantification and TPQ analysis; also, higher values of GAGs were found using P2 and P4. Fibroblast proliferation observed for C. caribensis was lower for P1 on day 1 and for P2 and P3 on day 3 (for 50%) compared to the control group. There was a significant reduction in fibroblast cell proliferation for all A. fulva extracts evaluated. It can be concluded that protocols P2 and P4 were more efficient for extracting SC from C. caribensis.

The marine environment represents a prosperous existing resource for bioprospecting, covering 70% of the planet earth, and hosting a huge biodiversity. Advances in the research are progressively uncovering the presence of unknown microorganisms, which have evolved unique metabolic and genetic pathways for the production of uncommon secondary metabolites. Fungi have a leading role in marine bioprospecting since they represent a prolific source of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites. Several bioactive compounds from marine fungi have already been characterized including antibiotics, anticancer, antioxidants and antivirals. Nowadays, the search for natural antioxidant molecules capable of replacing those synthetic currently used, is an aspect that is receiving significant attention. Antioxidants can inactivate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, preventing the insurgence of several degenerative diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, they also find applications in different fields, including food preservation, healthcare and cosmetics. This review focuses on the production of antioxidants from marine fungi. We begin by proposing a survey of the available tools suitable for the evaluation of antioxidants, followed by the description of various classes of marine fungi antioxidants together with their extraction strategies. In addition, a view of the future perspectives and trends of these natural products within the “blue economy” is also presented.

Dextran or xanthan were used as model exocellular polysaccharides (EPS) to compare the extraction efficiency of EPS from skim milk acid gels using three different protocols. Extraction yields, residual protein concentrations and the macromolecular properties of extracted EPS were determined. For both model EPS, the highest extraction yield (∼80%) was obtained when samples were heated in acidic conditions at the first step of extraction (Protocol 1). Protocols that contained steps of acid/ethanol precipitation without heating (Protocols 2 and 3) show lower extraction yields (∼55%) but allow a better preservation of the EPS macromolecular properties. Changing the pH of acid gels up to 7 before extraction (Protocol 3) improved the extraction yield of anionic EPS without effect on the macromolecular properties of EPS. Protocol 1 was then applied for the quantification of EPS produced during the yogurt fermentation, while Protocol 3 was dedicated to their macromolecular characterization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plant tissues, enzymes implicated in the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway are responsible for the hydroperoxydation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, ultimately leading to the production of small chemical species involved in several physiological processes. During industrial olive oil production, these enzymes are activated upon crushing and grinding of olive fruit tissue, subsequently leading to the synthesis of volatile compounds responsible for the positive aroma and flavor of the oil. An investigation of LOX activity during olive fruit ripening and malaxation could assist in the production of oils with favorable aroma and taste. Therefore, a reliable method for olive LOX purification is crucial. Here we report a critical review of six LOX extraction protocols, two of which have shown minimum enzyme activity, possibly leading to misconceptions in the interpretation of experimental data. Future research concerning olive LOX should employ extraction methods that preserve enzyme activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In plant tissues, enzymes implicated in the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway are responsible for the hydroperoxydation of polyunsaturated fatty acids, ultimately leading to the production of small chemical species involved in several physiological processes. During industrial olive oil production, these enzymes are activated upon crushing and grinding of olive fruit tissue, subsequently leading to the synthesis of volatile compounds responsible for the positive aroma and flavor of the oil. An investigation of LOX activity during olive fruit ripening and malaxation could assist in the production of oils with favorable aroma and taste. Therefore, a reliable method for olive LOX purification is crucial. Here we report a critical review of six LOX extraction protocols, two of which have shown minimum enzyme activity, possibly leading to misconceptions in the interpretation of experimental data. Future research concerning olive LOX should employ extraction methods that preserve enzyme activity.

(1) Introduction: Bacterial resistance to antibiotics is estimated to be the cause of a major number of deaths by 2050 if we do not find strategies to slow down the rise of drug resistance. Reviews on Mediterranean wild edible plants (MWEPs) with antimicrobial properties are scarce in the main databases (PubMed, Scopus, and WoS). Hence, we proceeded to conduct a new review of the studies on MWEPs. (2) Methods: We used 'wild edible plant' and 'antimicrobial' as keywords. Within this group, exclusion criteria were reviews, studies concerning non-Mediterranean plants or non-edible plants, studies on topics other than plants or containing no description of antimicrobial properties, or off-topic studies. (3) Results: Finally, out of the one hundred and ninety-two studies we had started with, we reviewed thirty-eight (19.8%) studies concerning the antimicrobial properties of seventy-four MWEPs species belonging to twenty-five Families. Fifty-seven (77%) species out of seventy-four proved to be antimicrobial, with a stringent threshold selection. (4) Conclusions: Studies are still very heterogeneous. We still know too little about MWEPs' properties; however, what we already know strongly recommends carrying on investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare different protocols (Protocol 1: P1; Protocol 2: P2; Protocol 3: P3; Protocol 4: P4) for the extraction of spongin-like collagen (SC) from marine sponges. The SEM micrographs demonstrated a fibrillar structure for the extracts from Chondrilla caribensis and the nodular/particulate aggregates for Aplysina fulva. FTIR showed for all samples peaks similar to collagen for both species. For C. caribensis, the extracts obtained using P2, P3, and P4 protocols presented higher values of extraction yield, TPQ, and GAGs. P2 and P4 showed higher values of SC concentration and for antioxidant analysis. For A. fulva, P2, P3, and P4 provided a higher extraction yield besides an increase in the antioxidant assay. For both species, no difference was observed for Col quantification and TPQ analysis; also, higher values of GAGs were found using P2 and P4. Fibroblast proliferation observed for C. caribensis was lower for P1 on day 1 and for P2 and P3 on day 3 (for 50%) compared to the control group. There was a significant reduction in fibroblast cell proliferation for all A. fulva extracts evaluated. It can be concluded that protocols P2 and P4 were more efficient for extracting SC from C. caribensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The marine environment represents a prosperous existing resource for bioprospecting, covering 70% of the planet earth, and hosting a huge biodiversity. Advances in the research are progressively uncovering the presence of unknown microorganisms, which have evolved unique metabolic and genetic pathways for the production of uncommon secondary metabolites. Fungi have a leading role in marine bioprospecting since they represent a prolific source of structurally diverse bioactive metabolites. Several bioactive compounds from marine fungi have already been characterized including antibiotics, anticancer, antioxidants and antivirals. Nowadays, the search for natural antioxidant molecules capable of replacing those synthetic currently used, is an aspect that is receiving significant attention. Antioxidants can inactivate reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, preventing the insurgence of several degenerative diseases including cancer, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, they also find applications in different fields, including food preservation, healthcare and cosmetics. This review focuses on the production of antioxidants from marine fungi. We begin by proposing a survey of the available tools suitable for the evaluation of antioxidants, followed by the description of various classes of marine fungi antioxidants together with their extraction strategies. In addition, a view of the future perspectives and trends of these natural products within the "blue economy" is also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoliths are microscopic siliceous particles that precipitate within epidermal cells of plant leaves. Phytolith morphology and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) are often used to understand the past vegetation composition. To extract phytoliths from modern plants, two different wet-oxidation, dry ashing and microwave digestion techniques have been used. However, the impact of these techniques on the δ13C value of phytoliths of different plant species (trees, shrubs and grasses) is not well understood. The present study compares the recovered materials (RM) from these four extraction methods by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and carbon isotopic composition (δ13C RM). We find that the recovery yield is high in one of the wet-oxidation methods, showing significant organic residues (tissues) as evident from the SEM images. In other three methods, the SEM images show near-complete removal of bulk plant residues. However, the wide variation (up to 14‰) seen in the δ13C RM values (even within a species) suggests a difference in response of bulk tissues and phytoliths towards the extraction methods. The difference in organic constituents within the cell wall and lumen phytoliths also possibly contribute to the variation in δ13C RM values. The characteristic difference observed in 13C/12C ratio between the RM and bulk tissue (Δ13C RM-Bulk) suggests the predominance of lumen phytoliths in grasses and cell wall phytoliths in trees/shrubs species. Since the same extraction methods are also used to remove the organic residues adhering to the phytoliths in soils/paleosols, careful consideration is required before employing phytolith δ13C value for vegetation reconstruction in paleoecological and archeological studies. • Wide variation in the amount of recovery among extraction processes. • Recovered material δ13C value varied among extraction methods within a species. • Organic residue, heating, structural change during extraction affects δ13C RM value. • Grasses produce robust lumen phytoliths, while trees/shrubs consist cell wall types. • Phytolith-δ13C based paleoecology/archeology studies associated with uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]