Journal of BioScience and Biotechnology

Exploring the impact of hesperidin on probiotic properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 and its synbiotic interaction with colon cancer cells

2023-12-04T12:02:23+00:00

Probiotics are live microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host when taken in adequate amounts. Hesperidin is a phenolic compound found in banana fruit, lemon fruit, and lemon peel. It exhibits anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and anti-cancer activities. Although these compounds are present in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), their synbiotic interaction on the GIT is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the effects of hesperidin on the probiotic properties of Lactobacillus acidophilus LA-5 (LA-5) and the impact of their synbiotic interaction on the cancer cell line HT-29. Results showed that hesperidin did not negatively affect the auto-aggregation, adhesion, and antioxidant capacity of LA-5. LA-5 grown with hesperidin exhibited greater resistance to pepsin and bile salt compared to LA-5 alone. Furthermore, in vitro cancer studies indicated that bacteria grown in the presence of hesperidin may increase caspase-3 activity in HT-29 cells and thus induce apoptosis in this way. This study suggests that hesperidin may enhance and contribute to the probiotic properties of LA-5. Consequently, LA-5 grown with hesperidin may exert more beneficial effects on the host.

In vitro assay of antagonistic activities of endophytic fungi from Calabash tree leaves against pathogenic Fusarium oxysporum

2024-03-14T15:55:28+00:00

Endophytic fungi are microorganisms known as plant-associated fungi and are typically found asymptomatically inside plant tissue. By directly generating secondary metabolites, endophytic fungi help their host plants grow and become more resistant to plant diseases. Furthermore, they can also biosynthesize bioactive compounds used for antimicrobials, which were previously believed to be produced only by the host plant. Medicinal plants as host plants for endophytic fungi which produce secondary metabolites and their ability as biological agents against pathogens. Calabash tree is a medicinal plant that contains active compounds that function as antifungal and antibacterial. This study aims to determine the antagonistic activity of endophytic fungi from calabash tree leaves against F. oxysporum Fos, the pathogen that causes fusarium wilt in shallot plants. Twelve endophytic fungi were obtained from isolation from the leaves of the calabash tree, namely EnM₆C₂₂, EnM₁₁P₂, EnM₆A₂, EnM₅H₂₁, EnM₁₀H₂₂, EnM₁₂P, EnM₁₁P, EnM₁₁₁, EnM₅H₂₂, EnM₉Pt₂₂, EnM₅H₁ and EnM₅K. Five of the twelve endophytic fungi of calabash tree leaves have been identified, as Fusarium sp., Rhizoctonia sp., Pestalotia sp., Colletotrichum sp., and Bipolaris sp. with inhibition percentages of 36.43%, 32.19%, 25.41%, 32.19%, and 27.53% respectively at 7 days after inoculation.

Co-immunoprecipitation based isolation and identification of Interacting Phytal and Rheumatoid arthritis subject’s serum globulins proteins

2024-05-01T18:16:04+00:00

Phytalproteins have an immense role in plant’s growth and sustenance processes. They can be used as nutritional enhancers of foods we consume. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, prevalent in both sexes of humans and especially those above 50 years. Ayurveda suggests plant oils to reduce the pain and inflammation caused by Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The current study is based on immunoprecipitation interactions between phytal proteins and gamma globulins of Rheumatoid arthritis subjects to assess their role in diagnostics or as immune modulators. A comparative study of proteins of Murraya koenigi, Basal alba (leaves), and Sapindus mukorossi (seed) has been considered for immunoassays. The protein-protein binding capability assessment has shown a positive response with Murraya koenigi phytal proteins than that of Basal alba. The globulins of Sapindus mukorossi seed proteins indicated more specific and prominent interactions than the previous two. The co-immunoprecipitation bands were subjected to LC/MS followed by Bioinformatic studies based on meta Hawkdock and PDB sum. Based on the docking study’s scores, hydrogen bonds and salt bridges, bonding capability between 10 selected gamma globulin proteins and unique proteins, and 4 phytal proteins of Indian soapberry were established. Q3KNS1(sperm function), unique protein Q7Z351(associated with the immune system) and A0A024617 (Alpha-1-antitrypsin) proteins of human serum showed an interaction with A0A0U1XK40, A0A7H1CQR4 of Sapindicus. Studies of RuBISCo (A0A0U1XK40) of Indian soap nut protein and Q3KNS1(Patched domain-containing protein 3 that controls sperm development or sperm function and affects Rheumatoidism of muscles) interactions, can be considered for further studies.

In vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, antibiofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory activities of Scandix pecten-veneris L., Artedia squamata L., Oenanthe pimpinelloides L.

2024-04-15T18:26:03+00:00

Plants have been widely used as a pharmaceutical to treat diseases in many cultures for centuries. In vitro biological activities of some plants consumed as food and used in traditional medicine in Southwestern Anatolia have been reported. The present study focused on the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and quorum sensing (QS) inhibitory activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of aerial parts of Scandix pecten-veneris L., Artedia squamata L., Oenanthe pimpinelloides L. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against fifteen bacteria and one yeast using disc diffusion and microdilution methods. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. squamata showed the highest activity against Staphylococcus aureus MU 47 with 20 and 23 mm zone diameters, respectively. The ethanol extract of S. pecten-veneris inhibited Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 at a 5 mg/mL MIC value. The aqueous extract of O. pimpinelloides inhibited biofilm formation of S. aureus MU 40, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and C. albicans ATCC 10239 at MIC value. All extracts displayed violacein inhibition against Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472 in the concentration range of 1.25 mg/mL to 25 mg/mL. The aqueous extract of A. squamata showed valuable anti-quorum sensing (anti-QS) activity with a pigment inhibition zone of 17 mm on Chromobacterium violaceum CV026. The aqueous extract of S. pecten-veneris inhibited the swarming motility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA01 by 47.6%. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of A. squamata indicated the best antioxidant activity. It was proved that these edible plant extracts could be used as natural alternative inhibitors to control microbial pathogenesis and diseases.

Characterization of α-amylase and antimicrobial activity of Penicillium chrysogenum

2024-05-08T08:27:11+00:00

Fungi have been used to produce a number of bioactive compounds that include enzymes and antibacterial agents with unique characteristics in vitro. Penicillium chrysogenum is a mould with great potentials for producing important secondary metabolites. This study aimed at characterizing α-amylase and antimicrobial activity of P. chrysogenum. The organism was grown in a solid-state fermentation (SSF) medium using cassava peels as only carbon source. The molecular mass of the amylase was estimated to be 59 kDa by combined results of Amicon Ultra-15 filter unit (Sigma) 50 kDa MWCO and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Optimum activity of 93.1 U/mL was noticed at 30^oC and pH of 5.8. Stability assay revealed that the enzyme was stable at 40°C and 50°C by retaining 66% and 37% residual activities, respectively. Also, crude extract of P. chrysogenum was found to inhibit Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of 25 and 12.5 mg/mL respectively. Therefore, these properties make P. chrysogenum an interesting fungus that has the potential of being used to produce both antibacterial agents and α-amylase for the bio-economy.

Estimation of some heavy metals and biochemical variables in blood and soil samples from Kirkuk city, Iraq

2024-05-08T10:11:18+00:00

This study is focused on the determination of some heavy metals levels (Se, Pb and Cd) with the study of biochemical parameters in blood samples such as superoxide dismutases (SOD), catalases (CAT), glutathione peroxidases (GPX), glutathione reductases (GRX), vitamin C and vitamin. The samples have been collected from 50 individuals at four distinct fuel stations in Kirkuk city/Iraq. To obtain the practical data, atomic absorption spectrometer, UV spectrophotometer and high performance liquid chromatography have been used. The results indicated remarkable differences in the concentrations of selenium, lead, and cadmium in the analyzed samples from workers compared to the control group. Selenium levels were lower in fuel station workers, whereas lead and cadmium concentrations were higher in their blood. Additionally, the results of chemical variables showed a decline in antioxidant concentrations (SOD, GPx, Vit C, Vit E). In terms of oxidative stress (MDA), there was a significant increase in its concentration among fuel station workers. In addition, the concentration of toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cd) in the soil of fuel stations was measured. (50) soil samples were taken from the four studied fuel stations and estimated using the graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The lead and cadmium levels in the soil were within the permissible limits, indicating no adverse impact of these metals on the soil.

Water and surfaces as potential sources of pathogenic bacteria in Harare hospitals’ intensive care units

2024-04-15T18:21:22+00:00

Water and contaminated hospital surfaces have been reported as major causes of Hospital acquirеd (nosocomial) infections (HAIs), a significant global safety problem for both patients and medical staff. However, the frequency of Intensive Care Units (ICU)-HAIs has been reported to be at least 2-3 times greater in low- to middle-income countries, particularly in Zimbabwe, than in high-income countries. Thus, this study aimed at determining the presence of pathogenic bacteria in water and surfaces from selected high-risk areas within the intensive care units of three hospitals (A, B, and C) in Harare, Zimbabwe. Water and surface samples were collected and processed within 24 hours of collection. The water samples were tested for the presence of microbial indicators using standard methodology of microbial plating. The surface swabs were also investigated using microbial plating. The organisms that were found to be present in surface samples were then identified using biochemical tests and 16S polymerase chain reaction (16S PCR). The results showed no bacteria present in any of the water samples tested during the study. However, using morphological characteristics, six different types of bacteria were identified in surface samples. The bacteria identified to be present on surfaces were Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and Streptococcus. Hospital A surfaces may be the major cause of some bacterial infection outbreaks, hence, there is a need for better ways of reducing contamination of surfaces in the intensive care units.

Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi under the rhizosphere soil of different cropping systems

2024-05-08T08:33:08+00:00

This study has been conducted to evaluate the diversity of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) under the rhizosphere soil of different monocrops in the grazing and croplands. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was employed to understand the rate of root colonization and diversity of AMF. 23 different types of AMF morphospecies in 12 AMF genera were isolated across 12 different types of land covers. The AMF under the rhizosphere soil of Eucalyptus tree has shown the highest biomass compared to all other land uses, with spore density of 1907.4±0.404 100g^-1 of dry soil. The lowest AMF biomass has been recorded in the rhizosphere soil of the Mango tree, with a spore density of 260.1±0.121 100g^-1 dry soil. The total root colonization (RLC) of the various land covers by AMF ranges from 11.15-85.41%. Finally, further study on the implication of agricultural inputs on the microbial community under different cropping systems is recommended.

Bio-active components of Melaleuca alternifolia, Rosmarinus officinalis, Boswellia serrata essential oil as anti-diabetic therapeutics targeting α-amylase : In-vitro α-amylase inhibition, antioxidant, binding interaction, and docking studies of predominan

2024-05-08T18:19:08+00:00

Tea tree essential oil (TEO) Rosemary Essential Oil (REO) and Guggul essential oil (GEO) (EOs) are is a priceless essential oil that has been linked to several biological activities, including antibacterial, antifungal, immunomodulatory, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory effects. α-amylase inhibition is a hopeful curative target against type-2 diabetes as it can downgrade fierce digestion and absorption of carbohydrates into absorbable monosaccharides. The purpose of the study is in silico molecular docking of principal component of TEO, REO and GEO followed by and in vitro validation of inhibition of α-amylase activity.

For docking Cb-dock2 tool was utilized. Ligand-Protein 2-D interactions were also studied. From the perspective of human health, in-silico ADMET pharmacoinformatic features (Physicochemical, Lipophilicity, Medicinal Chemistry, Druglikeness, Absorption, Water Solubility, Distribution, Metabolism, Pharmacokinetics, Excretion) have prospected. Using α-amylase, wet lab validation was carried out. 2, 2-Diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assay was conducted to ascertain antioxidant role of all EO’s.

Docking investigation demonstrated the effective binding of all the ligands with the α-amylase. The interaction results imply that the enzyme-ligand complexes form hydrogen, hydrophobic, and other interactions. In-silico ADMET examination disclosed that all the ligand molecules have no toxic effect and acceptable absorption as well. Further, TEO, REO and GEO has dose-dependent inhibitory action against α-amylase. All EO’s depicted good antioxidant potential. Kinetic analysis revealed that TEO, REO and GEO competitively inhibited α-amylase.

It was concluded that these substances can function as model molecules for the synthesis of novel anti-diabetic substances.