Cold-Active Enzymes and Their Potential Industrial Applications—A Review

More than 70% of our planet is covered by extremely cold environments, nourishing a broad diversity of microbial life. Temperature is the most significant parameter that plays a key role in the distribution of microorganisms on our planet. Psychrophilic microorganisms are the most prominent inhabitants of the cold ecosystems, and they possess potential cold-active enzymes with diverse uses in the research and commercial sectors. Psychrophiles are modified to nurture, replicate, and retain their active metabolic activities in low temperatures. Their enzymes possess characteristics of maximal activity at low to adequate temperatures; this feature makes them more appealing and attractive in biotechnology. The high enzymatic activity of psychrozymes at low temperatures implies an important feature for energy saving. These enzymes have proven more advantageous than their mesophilic and thermophilic counterparts. Therefore, it is very important to explore the efficiency and utility of different psychrozymes in food processing, pharmaceuticals, brewing, bioremediation, and molecular biology. In this review, we focused on the properties of cold-active enzymes and their diverse uses in different industries and research areas. This review will provide insight into the areas and characteristics to be improved in cold-active enzymes so that potential and desired enzymes can be made available for commercial purposes

Cold-Active Enzymes and Their Potential Industrial Applications—A Review

More than 70% of our planet is covered by extremely cold environments, nourishing a broad diversity of microbial life. Temperature is the most significant parameter that plays a key role in the distribution of microorganisms on our planet. Psychrophilic microorganisms are the most prominent inhabitants of the cold ecosystems, and they possess potential cold-active enzymes with diverse uses in the research and commercial sectors. Psychrophiles are modified to nurture, replicate, and retain their active metabolic activities in low temperatures. Their enzymes possess characteristics of maximal activity at low to adequate temperatures; this feature makes them more appealing and attractive in biotechnology. The high enzymatic activity of psychrozymes at low temperatures implies an important feature for energy saving. These enzymes have proven more advantageous than their mesophilic and thermophilic counterparts. Therefore, it is very important to explore the efficiency and utility of different psychrozymes in food processing, pharmaceuticals, brewing, bioremediation, and molecular biology. In this review, we focused on the properties of cold-active enzymes and their diverse uses in different industries and research areas. This review will provide insight into the areas and characteristics to be improved in cold-active enzymes so that potential and desired enzymes can be made available for commercial purposes

Prosopis juliflora leave extracts induce cell death of MCF-7, HepG2, and LS-174T cancer cell lines

Prosopis juliflora (P. juliflora) is a widespread phreatophytic tree, which belongs to the Fabaceae family. The goal of the present study is to investigate the potential anti-cancer effect of P. juliflora leave extracts and to identify its chemical composition. For this purpose, MCF-7 (breast), HepG2 (liver), and LS-174T (colorectal) cancer cell lines were cultivated and incubated with various concentrations of P. juliflora leave extracts, and its impact on cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle stages was investigated. P. juliflora leave extracts induced concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against all tested cancer cell lines. The calculated IC50 was 18.17, 33.1 and 41.9 μg/ml for MCF-7, HePG2 and LS-174T, respectively. Detailed analysis revealed that the cytotoxic action of P. juliflora extracts was mainly via necrosis but not apoptosis. Moreover, DNA content flow cytometry analysis showed cell-specific anti-proliferative action and cell cycle stages arrest. In order to identify the anti-cancer constituents of P. juliflora, the ethyl extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The major constituents identified in the ethyl extracts of P. juliflora leaves were hydroxymethyl-pyridine, nicotinamide, adenine, and poly-(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In conclusion, P. juliflora ethyl acetate extracts have a potential anti-cancer effect against breast adenocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and colorectal adenocarcinoma, and is enriched with anti-cancer constituents

Exploration of Anti-HIV Phytocompounds against SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease: Structure-Based Screening, Molecular Simulation, ADME Analysis and Conceptual DFT Studies

The ever-expanding pandemic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has gained attention as COVID-19 and caused an emergency in public health to an unmatched level to date. However, the treatments used are the only options; currently, no effective and licensed medications are available to combat disease transmission, necessitating further research. In the present study, an in silico-based virtual screening of anti-HIV bioactive compounds from medicinal plants was carried out through molecular docking against the main protease (Mpro) (PDB: 6LU7) of SARS-CoV-2, which is a key enzyme responsible for virus replication. A total of 16 anti-HIV compounds were found to have a binding affinity greater than −8.9 kcal/mol out of 150 compounds screened. Pseudohypericin had a high affinity with the energy of −10.2 kcal/mol, demonstrating amino acid residual interactions with LEU141, GLU166, ARG188, and GLN192, followed by Hypericin (−10.1 kcal/mol). Moreover, the ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Excretion) analysis of Pseudohypericin and Hypericin recorded a low bioavailability (BA) score of 0.17 and violated Lipinski’s rule of drug-likeness. The docking and molecular simulations indicated that the quinone compound, Pseudohypericin, could be tested in vitro and in vivo as potent molecules against COVID-19 disease prior to clinical trials.This was also supported by the theoretical and computational studies conducted. The global and local descriptors, which are the underpinnings of Conceptual Density FunctionalTheory (CDFT) have beenpredicted through successful model chemistry, hoping that they could be of help in the comprehension of the chemical reactivity properties of the molecular systems considered in this study.Fil: Murali, Mahadevamurthy. University Of Mysore; IndiaFil: Gowtham, Hittanahallikoppal Gajendramurthy. Nrupathunga University; IndiaFil: Shilpa, Natarajamurthy. University Of Mysore; IndiaFil: Krishnappa, Hemanth Kumar Naguvanahalli. University Of Mysore; IndiaFil: Ledesma, Ana Estela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet Noa Sur. Centro de Investigación en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos. - Universidad Nacional de Santiago del Estero. Centro de Investigación en Biofísica Aplicada y Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Jain, Anisha S.. University Of Mysore; IndiaFil: Shati, Ali A.. King Khalid University; Arabia SauditaFil: Alfaifi, Mohammad Y.. Vacsera Holding Company; EgiptoFil: Elbehairi, Serag Eldin I.. Jss Academy Of Higher Education And Research; IndiaFil: Achar, Raghu Ram. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University; RusiaFil: Silina, Ekaterina. Universitat de Les Illesbalears; EspañaFil: Stupin, Victor. Centro de Investigaciónen Materiales Avanzados; MéxicoFil: Ortega Castro, Joaquín. Jss Academy Of Higher Education And Research; IndiaFil: Frau, Juan. Universitat de Les Illesbalears; EspañaFil: Flores Holguín, Norma. Centro de Investigaciónen Materiales Avanzados; MéxicoFil: Amruthesh, Kestur Nagaraj. University Of Mysore; IndiaFil: Shivamallu, Chandan. Jss Academy Of Higher Education And Research; IndiaFil: Kollur, Shiva Prasad. University Of Mysore; IndiaFil: Glossman Mitnik, Daniel. Centro de Investigaciónen Materiales Avanzados; Méxic

Zinc oxide nanoparticles prepared through microbial mediated synthesis for therapeutic applications: a possible alternative for plants

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized through biogenic methods have gained significant attention due to their unique properties and potential applications in various biological fields. Unlike chemical and physical approaches that may lead to environmental pollution, biogenic synthesis offers a greener alternative, minimizing hazardous environmental impacts. During biogenic synthesis, metabolites present in the biotic sources (like plants and microbes) serve as bio-reductants and bio-stabilizers. Among the biotic sources, microbes have emerged as a promising option for ZnO-NPs synthesis due to their numerous advantages, such as being environmentally friendly, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible. Various microbes like bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, and yeast can be employed to synthesize ZnO-NPs. The synthesis can occur either intracellularly, within the microbial cells, or extracellularly, using proteins, enzymes, and other biomolecules secreted by the microbes. The main key advantage of biogenic synthesis is manipulating the reaction conditions to optimize the preferred shape and size of the ZnO-NPs. This control over the synthesis process allows tailoring the NPs for specific applications in various fields, including medicine, agriculture, environmental remediation, and more. Some potential applications include drug delivery systems, antibacterial agents, bioimaging, biosensors, and nano-fertilizers for improved crop growth. While the green synthesis of ZnO-NPs through microbes offers numerous benefits, it is essential to assess their toxicological effects, a critical aspect that requires thorough investigation to ensure their safe use in various applications. Overall, the presented review highlights the mechanism of biogenic synthesis of ZnO-NPs using microbes and their exploration of potential applications while emphasizing the importance of studying their toxicological effects to ensure a viable and environmentally friendly green strategy

Naproxen Based 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Derivatives as EGFR Inhibitors: Design, Synthesis, Anticancer, and Computational Studies

A library of novel naproxen based 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives (8–16 and 19–26) has been synthesized and screened for cytotoxicity as EGFR inhibitors. Among the synthesized hybrids, compound2-(4-((5-((S)-1-(2-methoxynaphthalen-6-yl)ethyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylthio)methyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)phenol(15) was the most potent compound against MCF-7 and HepG2cancer cells with IC50 of 2.13 and 1.63 µg/mL, respectively, and was equipotent to doxorubicin (IC50 1.62 µg/mL) towards HepG2. Furthermore, compound 15 inhibited EGFR kinase with IC50 0.41 μM compared to standard drug Erlotinib (IC50 0.30 μM). The active compound induces a high percentage of necrosis towards MCF-7, HePG2 and HCT 116 cells. The docking studies, DFT and MEP also supported the biological data. These results demonstrated that these synthesized naproxen hybrids have EGFR inhibition effects and can be used as leads for cancer therapy

Synthesis and cytotoxic activity of new indolylpyrrole derivatives

The current approach described the synthesis of a new series of indolylpyrrole derivatives through multicomponent reaction of α-cyano chalcones, appropriate aldehydes, and ammonium acetate in refluxed acetic acid. The chemical structures of the designed compounds were confirmed with spectroscopic data and elemental analysis and then tested for their in vitro cytotoxic activity by SRB assay method towards three cell lines involving human Prostate adenocarcinoma; metastatic cells (PC-3), human ovary adenocarcinoma (SKOV3) and human dukes' type B, colorectal adenocarcinoma (LS 174 T). Most significant activity provided with compounds 5c, 5h and, 5j against prostate cancer cells (PC-3) with IC50s of 3.30 ± 0.20, 3.60 ± 0.10, and 3.60 ± 0.90 µg/ml, respectively. In human ovarian carcinoma (SKOV3), the compounds 5a, and 5i have stronger cytotoxicity with IC50s of 1.20 ± 0.04, 1.90 ± 0.50 µg/ml, respectively than the standard doxorubicin (IC50 = 2.20 ± 0.02 µg/ml). On the other hand, only compound 5a has the ability to diminish the viability of LS174T cells in an active manner with IC50 2.80 ± 0.10 µg/ml. Consequently, this effort offers groundwork for additional examination of nominated indolylpyrroles as antiproliferative agents

Floristic Diversity and Phytogeography of JABAL Fayfa: A Subtropical Dry Zone, South-West Saudi Arabia

The present study surveyed the flora of the Jebel Fayfa region, South-West Saudi Arabia to analyze four elements of the vegetation: floristic diversity, life form, lifespan, and phytogeographical affinities. A total of 341 species of vascular plants were recorded belonging to 240 genera in 70 families, of which 101 species distributed among 40 families were considered as new additions to the flora of Jabal Fayfa. Six species are considered endemic to the study area while 27 are endangered. The most represented families were Fabaceae, Asteraceae, and Poaceae. The flora of Jabal Fayfa exhibited a high degree of monotypism. A total of 20 families (28.57%) were represented by a single species, and 180 genera (75.00%) were monotypic. The recorded flora consists of 70.09% perennials and 29.91% annuals. Phanerophytes and therophytes were the most frequent lifeforms. Phytogeographical analysis revealed that the biregional elements of the Saharo-Arabian/Sudano-Zambezian chorotype are the most dominant chorotypes (35.48%), forming two-thirds of the floristic structure in Jabal Fayfa. The new additions to the local flora of the region indicate that the Jabal Fayfa region and the country need further thorough botanical exploration and documentation which would help in adding several species to the flora of Saudi Arabia

Antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruit in alloxan-induced Swiss albino diabetic mice

The majority of natural diabetic medications come from fruits and vegetables. These natural medications help protect humans from negative impacts of chemical antidiabetics by scavenging free radicals. The present study aimed to explore the antioxidant and antidiabetic properties of methanolic extract of fruits of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. (MEHSF) in alloxan-induced Swiss albino diabetic mice. The dried coarse powder of Hibiscus sabdariffa Linn. fruits was subjected to methanol extraction. The antidiabetic activity was determined by using alloxan-induced (80 mg/kg body weight) diabetic mice. Following a 15-day treatment period, serum biochemical parameters including total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TAG), LDL-cholesterol (LDL), HDL-cholesterol (HDL), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) enzymes were estimated. The antioxidant activity was evaluated through a DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging assay. Total phenolic content and total flavonoid content were assessed using established methods. MESHF, containing polyphenolic and flavonoid compounds, exhibited antioxidant properties. A 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the blood glucose levels and improved biochemical parameters such as TC, TAG, LDL, and HDL in diabetic mice. Further, MESHF significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the activity of the SGPT and SGOT in diabetic mice compared to untreated diabetic mice. These results suggest that MEHSF with promising antioxidant and antidiabetic potentials can be considered to be a probable new resource of the antidiabetic agent

Synthesis, In Vitro Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities of Some New Pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine Derivatives

A new series of pyrazole 4&ndash;7 and pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine 8&ndash;13 were synthesized by using a simple, efficient procedure, and screened for their in-vitro antimicrobial and antitumor activities. Symmetrical and asymmetrical 3,6-diarylazo-2,5,7-triaminopyrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine were synthesized by the conventional method and also subjected to microwave irradiation and under ultrasound conditions. The biological results revealed that most of the tested compounds proved to be active as antibacterial and antifungal agents. The antitumor activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against human cancer cell lines, MCF-7, HCT-116, and HepG-2, as compared with Doxorubicin as a control