Potential use of Sargassum muticum as source of plant biostimulants after three different drying methods

Seaweed derived biostimulants are gaining attention as an important tool in sustainable agriculture. This offers a unique opportunity to alleviate the environmental impact of Sargassum muticum (Ochrophyta, Phaeophyceae) as an invasive species by finding new applications for its biomass. In this sense, incorporating green extraction technologies is fundamental to ensure environmental-friendly goals. This research was initiated in an attempt to contribute to an integral valorization system of S. muticum biomass, exploring the biostimulant potential of the solubles obtained from pressed solids, through an autohydrolysis treatment. In addition, we compared the effect of three different liquid phase drying techniques (spray-drying, freeze-drying and convective air-drying). Low stress drying techniques as spray-drying showed better conservation of bioactive compounds and biostimulant potential. A bioassay with Nastrium officinale showed no phytotoxic effects despite high electric conductivity in most of the extracts and concentrations. Dried extracts showed mainly an amorphous structure but occasional crystal formation when spray-dried at low temperatures (T out  = 50 ºC) and after convective air drying (T = 40 ºC). Significant increases in root development were achieved at a concentration of 5 mg L −1 of spray-dried extracts and 50 mg L −1 in case of freeze-dried extracts. Munoo-Liisa vitality index showed best results with 50 mg L −1 of freeze-dried extracts. This study provides important information about the influence of different drying techniques on the physicochemical properties and biostimulant potential of S. muticum aqueous extracts and contributes to the integral valorization of its biomass.Agencia Estatal de Investigación | Ref. RYC2018-024454-IXunta de Galicia | Ref. ED431F 2020/01Xunta de Galicia | Ref. ED481D-2022/018Universidade de Vigo/CISU

Quantum superpositions of crystalline structures

A procedure is discussed for creating coherent superpositions of motional states of ion strings. The motional states are across the structural transition linear-zigzag, and their coherent superposition is achieved by means of spin-dependent forces, such that a coherent superposition of the electronic states of one ion evolves into an entangled state between the chain's internal and external degrees of freedom. It is shown that the creation of such an entangled state can be revealed by performing Ramsey interferometry with one ion of the chain.Comment: 10 pages, 9 figure

Cellular characterisation of the GCKR P446L variant associated with type 2 diabetes risk

Aims/hypothesis Translation of genetic association signals into molecular mechanisms for diabetes has been slow. The glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP; gene symbol GCKR) P446L variant, associated with inverse modulation of glucose- and lipid-related traits, has been shown to alter the kinetics of glucokinase (GCK) inhibition. As GCK inhibition is associated with nuclear sequestration, we aimed to determine whether this variant also alters the direct interaction between GKRP and GCK and their intracellular localisation. Methods Fluorescently tagged rat and human wild-type (WT)- or P446L-GCKR and GCK were transiently transfected into HeLa cells and mouse primary hepatocytes. Whole-cell and nuclear fluorescence was quantified in individual cells exposed to low- or high-glucose conditions (5.5 or 25 mmol/l glucose, respectively). Interaction between GCK and GKRP was measured by sensitised emission-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency