Ozonated water and chlorine effects on the antioxidant properties of organic and conventional broccoli during postharvest.

There is growing interest in studies on sanitizers other than chlorine that can maintain the quality of organic products without affecting their phytochemical content. The effects of using chlorinated and ozonized water treatments, as sanitizing procedures, on the post-harvest quality of organic and conventional broccoli (Brassica oleracea L.) cv. Italica was evaluated. The biochemical parameters (chlorophyll, polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamin C and antioxidant capacity) of the broccoli samples were analyzed at day 0 (arrival of the plant from the field, original features), and 1, 4 and 7 days after harvest. The polyamine analysis was performed on arrival of the plant from the field and on the first and seventh days. The cultivation procedure influenced polyphenol, vitamin C and total chlorophyll content, and the highest value was observed in organic broccoli after the fourth day. Flavenoid content was higher in organic broccoli. The use of ozone appears not to have had an influence on the amount of polyphenolic, flavonoids and vitamin C during storage. Total chlorophyll content was less affected by ozonized water than by the chlorine treatment as at the first and fourth days of storage. The highest content of putrescine was found in conventional broccoli, while the highest levels of spermidine and spermine were found in organic broccoli. Antioxidant capacity was highest in organic broccoli after day 4 of storage and was affected by the bioactive compounds analyzed. Methods of cultivation influenced natural antioxidant and chlorophyll contents in broccoli under cold storage

Magnetically-extractable hybrid of magnetite, mesoporous silica and titania for the photo-degradation of organic compounds in water

This work addresses the development of a magnetically extractable magnetite-silica-titania photocatalyst to be applied in the degradation of organic compounds in water. MCM-41 silica was successfully deposited on magnetite, providing large surface area for anchoring of TiOx species, and preventing thermally induced conversion of magnetite to hematite. A good correlation between the calculated values and amount of titania deposited on the silica-covered magnetite particles was obtained for a synthesis route involving the treatment of magnetite-silica in boiling ethanolic Ti-precursor solution. Photocatalytic activity in conversion of 4-chlorophenol could only be observed for compositions containing larger than ∼50 wt% titania, whereas increasing the titania content did not significantly improve performance. Experiments carried out at pH ∼ 3.0 and ∼7.2 demonstrated the performance is relatively pH-independent. The structure activity-correlation of the materials is briefly discussed.</p

Diferentes técnicas de imobilização enzimática para obtenção de catalisadores

As lipases, também chamadas de glicerol éster hidrolases, são enzimas que fazem parte do grupo das serina hidrolases, tendo como substrato, triglicerídeos. O modo de ação das lipases assemelha-se ao das esterases, realizando a hidrólise das ligações ésteres-carboxílicas de acilgliceróis, formando ácidos graxos e glicerol. Processos de bioconversão enzimática têm sido bastante utilizados na produção, transformação e valorização de matérias-primas. Avanços na tecnologia enzimática, como a imobilização de enzimas, possibilitaram a modificação das propriedades cinéticas e da estabilidade destas moléculas contribuindo com o aumento no potencial de aplicações das mesmas. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo estudar diferentes métodos de imobilização de lipases em suportes de sílica, bem como os efeitos deste procedimento, visando melhorar a funcionalidade das enzimas e o maior rendimento econômico nos processos industriais. Os métodos de imobilização escolhidos para os estudos foram: adsorção física, ligação covalente e encapsulação. O processo de imobilização de lipase em Celite (adsorção física) foi otimizado levando em conta o pH, porcentagem da concentração enzima:suporte e temperatura ótimos de atividade enzimática. Também se utilizou Celite como suporte para a imobilização de lipase por ligação covalente, onde se obteve os melhores resultados com atividade enzimática 20% a 40 ºC e eficiência de imobilização de 50%. A celite foi ativada com 3-aminopropiltrietoxisilano e glutaraldeído. Por último, foi avaliada a possibilidade de encapsulação da lipase utilizando o precursor tetraetilortossilicato (TEOS). Os resultados obtidos nesta última metodologia não se mostraram satisfatórios. Logo, com os dados obtidos, podemos dizer que uma boa manutenção da atividade catalítica depende do tipo de retenção (química ou física) e da força de interação entre a enzima e o suporte utilizado, força esta que pode, em alguns casos, causar distorções estruturais na proteína, levando a manutenção ou diminuição da atividade catalítica

Renewable nanocomposite layer-by-layer assembled catalytic interfaces for biosensing applications

A novel, easily renewable nanocomposite interface based on layer-by-layer (LbL) assembled cationic/anionic layers of carbon nanotubes customized with biopolymers is reported. A simple approach is proposed to fabricate a nanoscale structure composed of alternating layers of oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes upon which is immobilized either the cationic enzyme organophosphorus hydrolase (OPH; MWNT−OPH) or the anionic DNA (MWNT−DNA). The presence of carbon nanotubes with large surface area, high aspect ratio and excellent conductivity provides reliable immobilization of enzyme at the interface and promotes better electron transfer rates. The oxidized MWNTs were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the surface functionalization of the MWNTs and successful immobilization of OPH on the MWNTs. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed that MWNTs were shortened during sonication and that LbL of the MWNT/biopolymer conjugates resulted in a continuous surface with a layered structure. The catalytic activity of the biopolymer layers was characterized using absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical analysis. Experimental results show that this approach yields an easily fabricated catalytic multilayer with well-defined structures and properties for biosensing applications whose interface can be reactivated via a simple procedure. In addition, this approach results in a biosensor with excellent sensitivity, a reliable calibration profile, and stable electrochemical response

A fast and highly sensitive method for the detection of canine distemper virus by the naked eye

An easy, low cost method for the detection of canine distemper virus (CDV) that requires no instrumentation and uses gold nanoparticle-labeled antibodies is presented. The proposed method shows a linear relationship between the concentration and signal in the range of 0 to 1.5 mu g L-1 with a detection limit of 0.7 ng mL(-1). The method was successfully applied to the detection of CDV in real samples of urine and the results from these studies correlate with values obtained using conventional methods. Our results offer the possibility of easy, rapid and reliable clinical diagnosis of CDV by monitoring the colorimetric changes and measuring linear surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) changes in urine samples. The rapid visual detection of the virus using a test assay may offer a simple and cost-effective alternative to highly complex and instrument-dependent commercial methods.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Comprehensive Profiling and Therapeutic Insights into Differentially Expressed Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background: Drug repurposing is a strategy that complements the conventional approach of developing new drugs. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly prevalent type of liver cancer, necessitating an in-depth understanding of the underlying molecular alterations for improved treatment. Methods: We searched for a vast array of microarray experiments in addition to RNA-seq data. Through rigorous filtering processes, we have identified highly representative differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between tumor and non-tumor liver tissues and identified a distinct class of possible new candidate drugs. Results: Functional enrichment analysis revealed distinct biological processes associated with metal ions, including zinc, cadmium, and copper, potentially implicating chronic metal ion exposure in tumorigenesis. Conversely, up-regulated genes are associated with mitotic events and kinase activities, aligning with the relevance of kinases in HCC. To unravel the regulatory networks governing these DEGs, we employed topological analysis methods, identifying 25 hub genes and their regulatory transcription factors. In the pursuit of potential therapeutic options, we explored drug repurposing strategies based on computational approaches, analyzing their potential to reverse the expression patterns of key genes, including AURKA, CCNB1, CDK1, RRM2, and TOP2A. Potential therapeutic chemicals are alvocidib, AT-7519, kenpaullone, PHA-793887, JNJ-7706621, danusertibe, doxorubicin and analogues, mitoxantrone, podofilox, teniposide, and amonafide. Conclusion: This multi-omic study offers a comprehensive view of DEGs in HCC, shedding light on potential therapeutic targets and drug repurposing opportunities

Development of a Gold Nanoparticle-Based ELISA for Detection of PCV2

In this new methodology, plasmonic ELISA (pELISA) was used to detect Circovirus porcine2 (PCV2) in serum samples without the need for plate reading equipment. This process occurs by adapting the conventional ELISA test with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to promote a color change on the plate and quickly identify this difference with the naked eye, generating a dark purple-gray hue when the samples are positive and red when the samples are negative. The technique demonstrated high efficiency in detecting samples with a viral load ≥ 5 log10 copies/mL. Plasmonic ELISA offers user-friendly, cost-effective, and reliable characteristics, making it a valuable tool for PCV2 diagnosis and potentially adaptable for other pathogen detection applications