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Püskürtmeli Kurutma Tekniği Kullanarak Flurbiprofenin Kitosan ile Enkapsülasyonu ve İn Vitro İlaç Salınımı ve Moleküler Modelleme Çalışmaları
(2016) Akyüz, Lalehan; Duman, Fatih; Kaya, Murat
Bu çalışma, herhangi bir çapraz-bağlama ajanı kullanmadan püskürterek kurutma tekniği ile ilaç salınımı için, kitosan-flurbiprofen mikro ve nano küreleri hazırlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Ayrıca moleküler modelleme kullanarak kitosan ve flurbiprofen arasındaki bağlanma geometrisini açıklamayı amaçlamaktadır.Gereç ve Yöntemler: Bu çalışmada, püskürterek kurutma tekniği kullanarak flurbiprofenin kitosan ile enkapsülasyonu yapıldı. Kullanılan kitosan, flurbiprofen ve elde edilen kürecikler fourier dönüşümlü kızılötesi spektroskopisi (FT-IR), termogravimetrik analiz (TGA), X-ray difraktometre ve taramalı elektron mikroskopisi (SEM) ile karakterize edildi. Mikro-nano küreciklerdeki ilaç miktarının belirlenmesi için ilaç tutunma verimi çalışıldı. İn vitro salınım çalışmaları pH 7.4 te simüle edilmiş biyolojik sıvı içerisinde gerçekleştirildi. Flurbiprofenin enkapsülasyon prosesi, kitosanın muhtemel bağlanma bölgelerini açıklamak için doking çalışmaları ile birleştirildi.Bulgular: FT-IR sonuçları kitosan ve flurbiprofen arasında H-bağ sisteminin oluştuğunu göstermektedir. Küresel şekilde CS-FP kürecikler SEM ile açıklandı. TGA analizi sonuçları flurbiprofen ve kitosanın termal kararlılıklarının enkapsülasyon sonrası azaldığını göstermektedir. Kürecikler simüle edilmiş biyolojik sıvıda in vitro olarak salınım çalışmaları için kullanılmıştır. Tüm bu analizler enkapsülasyonun %73.28 etki ile başarılı bir şekilde gerçekleştirildiğini göstermektedir. Moleküler modelleme çalışmaları bağlanma enerjisi -3.90 kcal/mol olarak kitosan OH grubu ile ilacın hidroksil (OH) grubu arasında H-bağ sisteminin oluşması ile CS-FP kararlı kompleks yapısının oluştuğunu göstermektedir. Bilgisayar hesaplamaları sonuçları FT-IR dan elde ettiğimiz spektroskopik sonuçları desteklemektedir.Sonuç: Bu çalışma püskürterek kurutma yöntemi ile çapraz-bağ ajanı kullanmadan mikro ve nano küreciklerin hazırlanabileceğini göstermiştir. İlaç salınım çalışması sonuçları, enkapsüle olmuş flurbiprofenin salınımının 48 saat içinde tamamlandığını göstermiştir. Doking analizi sonuçları kitosan ile yeni ilaç taşıyıcı sistemlerin tasarlanması için önerilebilir.
Metilen mavisi boyar maddesinin sentetik atıksulardan cu-alg hidrojel boncuklar kullanılarak uzaklaştırılması
(Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi Mühendislik Fakültesi, 2024) Akyüz, Lalehan; Sönmez, Gamze
Son zamanlarda su kirliliğinde meydana gelen artış, artan çevresel endişeleri de beraberinde getirmektedir. Bu nedenle kirleticilerin sulardan uzaklaştırılması hem çevresel hem de insan sağlığı açısından gün geçtikçe önem kazanmaktadır. Kirleticilerin sulardan uzaklaştırılması için uygulaması kolay ve düşük maliyetli bir yöntem olan adsorpsiyon prosesi yoğun olarak kullanılmaktadır. Adsorpsiyon prosesinde kullanılacak adsorbanların tasarımı ve geliştirilmesi ise araştırmacılar arasında büyük ilgi görmektedir. Bu adsorbanlardan biri de aljinat bazlı hidrojel boncuklardır. Bu çalışmada bakır (II) iyonları ile çapraz bağlanarak elde edilen aljinat hidrojel boncuklar metilen mavisinin sudan uzaklaştırılması için kullanılmıştır. Sodyum aljinat ile bakır (II) iyonları çapraz bağlanarak Cu-Alg adı verilen aljinat hidrojel boncuklar sentezlenmiş ve FTIR ile karakterize edilmiştir. Cu-Alg adsorban olarak kullanılarak kesikli adsorpsiyon prosesi ile metilen mavisinin sudan uzaklaştırılmasına adsorban dozu, pH, sıcaklık, temas süresi ve boya konsantrasyonunun etkisi araştırılmıştır. Denemeler sonucunda 0,1 g/50 mL adsorban dozu, 12 pH seviyesi, 30°C sıcaklık, 120 dakika temas süresi ve 10 mg/L metilen mavisi konsantrasyonu optimum koşullar olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu koşullarda, maksimum metilen mavisi giderimi %90,07 olmuştur. Ek olarak, çeşitli kinetik izoterm modelleri kullanılarak Cu-Alg hidrojel boncuklar üzerine metilen mavisi adsorpsiyonunun kemisorpsiyon ve fizisorpsiyon yoluyla gerçekleştiği gösterilmiştir. Termodinamik analiz ile adsorpsiyon sürecinin ekzotermik ve spontan bir yapı sergilediği ortaya konulmuştur.
Development of a natural cream additive containing an extract of aronia melanocarpa berries and a probiotic to inhibit microbial development and increase solar protection
(University Pannonia, 2025) Sağlam, Ali; Aşan Özüsağlam, Meltem
Natural products have been used in cosmetics for centuries for skincare purposes. One of the most effective ways to protect skin flora and keep the skin healthy is to use plant extracts in cosmetic products. This study aimed to investigate the biological activities of an aronia berries ethanol extract (ABEE) obtained from Aronia melanocarpa (Aronia) as well as determine its potential use in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. In the study, disc diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal or bactericidal concentration (MFC or MBC) tests were applied to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of ABEE. Next, the antimicrobial activity of ABEE was accurately determined by counting live cells against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 using the macrodilution method. The sun protection factor (SPF) of ABEE and ABEE + commercial cream mixtures was obtained in vitro. Finally, cream formulations containing ABEE and a probiotic were developed for the treatment and prevention of clinical infections. In this context, the antimicrobial activities of the developed cream mixtures were determined using the well diffusion test. The inhibition zone diameter of ABEE against test microorganisms was measured to be between 8.32 and 14.49 mm. MIC and MBC or MFC values of the extract were measured to be within 12.5-50.0 mu g/mu l. ABEE exhibited the best antimicrobial activity against S. aureus ATCC 25923. At an ABEE concentration of 50 mg/ml, a significant decrease in the number of viable cells of S. aureus ATCC 25923 was observed compared to the control. An ABEE concentration of 100 mg/ml inhibited all bacterial growth. The SPF value of ABEE determined in vitro was high (25) and those of the cream mixtures also increased as the ABEE concentration increased. ABEE and probiotic-containing cream mixtures exhibited high antimicrobial activities on the tested microorganisms. With the synergistic effect of the extract and probiotic, the highest antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli O157:H7 with an inhibition zone diameter of 25.40 mm. ABEE may be used as a natural antimicrobial agent to prevent or treat clinical infections in the pharmaceutical industry and as a natural ingredient in sunscreen in the cosmetic industry.
Strong Amphoteric Adsorption of Reactive Red-141 onto Modified Orange Peel Derivatives: Optimization, Characterization, and Mechanism
(MDPI, 2025) Koç Bilican, Behlül; Bilican, İsmail; Çelebi, Hakan
first_pagesettingsOrder Article Reprints Open AccessArticle Strong Amphoteric Adsorption of Reactive Red-141 onto Modified Orange Peel Derivatives: Optimization, Characterization, and Mechanism by Behlul Koc-Bilican 1ORCID,Ismail Bilican 2 andHakan Çelebi 3,*ORCID 1 Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Letters, Aksaray University, 68100 Aksaray, Türkiye 2 Department of Electronics and Automation, Technical Vocational School, Aksaray University, 68100 Aksaray, Türkiye 3 Department of Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Aksaray University, 68100 Aksaray, Türkiye * Author to whom correspondence should be addressed. Polymers 2025, 17(13), 1875; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17131875 Submission received: 2 June 2025 / Revised: 2 July 2025 / Accepted: 3 July 2025 / Published: 4 July 2025 (This article belongs to the Section Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers) Downloadkeyboard_arrow_down Browse Figures Versions Notes Abstract This study investigates the adsorption performance of Reactive Red-141 (ReR-141) using three modified orange peel derivatives: raw orange peel (ROP), oil-free orange peel (NOOP), and cellulose extract (CE). The adsorbents were prepared through sequential treatments and characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy to investigate their surface morphology and functional groups. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted under varying conditions of pH, temperature, time, and adsorbent amount. NOOP displayed the highest adsorption capacity (99.72% removal efficiency), followed by CE (86.99%) and ROP (77.55%), under optimal conditions. The adsorption kinetics followed a PSO model, while the equilibrium data were best described by Langmuir, indicating monolayer adsorption. Thermodynamic factors confirmed that the process was self-generated and primarily determined by physisorption. Desorption studies using 0.2 M NaOH demonstrated that NOOP retained 98.16% efficiency after three cycles, indicating its strong reusability. The adsorption mechanism is determined by different interactions, such as electrostatic forces, H-bonding, and π–π stacking. These findings suggest that orange peel derivatives, particularly NOOP, serve as optimal and environmentally sustainable adsorbents for the yield of ReR-141 from synthetic aqueous media.
Mitigation effect of grape seed extract against cadmium-induced hormonal toxicity in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)
(Springer Nature, 2025) Korkmaz, Nuh; Erdoğan, Kenan; Örün, Gül Nihal; Erkmen, Belda; Doğru, Mehmet ilker; Doğru, Arzu; Polat, Hüseyin; Örün, İbrahim
Background Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, poses a significant threat to aquatic organisms by disrupting endocrine and metabolic processes. Its bioaccumulation in fish can impair hormonal regulation, leading to growth suppression, stress, and thyroid dysfunction. Alternative strategies using natural compounds are being explored to mitigate these toxic effects in aquaculture. Objective In this study, the protective potential of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seed extract (GSE) against the toxic effects of cadmium (Cd) on growth hormone, stress hormones, and thyroid hormones in common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) was investigated for the first time. Methods A total of 420 common carp (average weight: 75±5.0 g; average length: 15±2.0 cm) were used, and the experiments were conducted over acute (4 days) and subchronic (30 days) periods. The fish were randomly divided into seven groups, including a control group, a vehicle group (ethanol), a cadmium-only group (20 ppb), two groups receiving GSE alone (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg), and two groups receiving cadmium combined with GSE (5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg). The GSE dosages were calculated based on the body weight of each fish (mg of extract per kg of fish body weight) and administered daily via gavage. Results Cadmium exposure caused significant hormonal disruptions in common carp, including reductions in growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and triiodothyronine levels, along with elevations in cortisol and thyroxine levels during both acute and subchronic exposure periods (P<0.05). Grape seed extract treatment mitigated many of these effects, particularly in the acute phase. It improved growth hormone and insulin-like growth factor 1 levels, reduced elevated cortisol concentrations, and notably increased free triiodothyronine levels, thereby contributing to the partial restoration of thyroid hormone balance. However, in the subchronic period, some hormonal disruptions-especially reduced growth hormone levels-persisted despite GSE administration. Conclusions These findings suggest that GSE may serve as a natural protective agent against heavy metal toxicity (Cd) and offer an alternative solution in aquaculture.
Maybe a New Target for Gliomas: AQP1
(Bingöl Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Enstitüsü, 2025) Öztürk, Saniye Elvan
Gliomas are the most common and aggressive tumors of the central nervous system, with poor prognosis. Studies on their diagnosis and treatment are critical. This study investigates the roles of Aquaporin family members, specifically AQP1 and AQP4, in gliomas using in silico methods. Expression levels of AQPs in Low-Grade Glioma (LGG) and Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM) glioma subtypes were analyzed using GEPIA, UCSC Xena, Gliovis, cBioPortal, and Ivy GAP tools. Findings revealed that AQP1 and AQP4 expressions were significantly higher in tumor tissues compared to normal tissues in LGG and GBM datasets. Survival and prognosis analyses showed AQP1 levels were lower in the Oligodendrogram subtype of LGG, whereas both AQP1 and AQP4 levels were elevated in other subtypes. These results highlight AQP1 and AQP4 as key contributors to glioma pathogenesis and patient survival. While AQP4 is already known, AQP1 emerges as a potential novel biomarker or drug target for aggressive gliomas. Future studies should further explore its therapeutic potential.
Comprehensive assessment of phytochemical profile and biological activity of local endemic species Kalidium wagenitzii extracts
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2025) Şen, İsmail; Zengin, Gökhan; Çakmak, Yavuz Selim
Plant bioactive compounds are promising natural alternatives to synthetic drugs due to their important biological activities. These phytochemicals are involved in plant metabolism and serve as adaptive responses to environmental changes. Especially, plants that grow under extreme environmental conditions often have unique phytochemical profiles and strong biological effects. This study focused on the biological activities of different extracts from Kalidium wagenitzii, a rare species of the Amaranthaceae family endemic to the Salt Lake basin in Aksaray, Turkey. Due to its limited habitat, the plant is thought to possess a distinctive phytochemical composition. Antioxidant activities were assessed using DPPH, ABTS, CUPRAC, FRAP, PBD, and MCA assays, along with total phenolic and flavonoid content analysis. Enzyme inhibitory activities were evaluated for cholinesterases, α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and tyrosinase. Aqueous extract showed strong acetylcholinesterase (0.31 ± 0.02 mg GALAE/g) and tyrosinase (29.82 ± 0.92 mg KAE/g) inhibition. Methanolic extract was most effective against butyrylcholinesterase (1.93 ± 0.16 mg GALAE/g), while ethyl acetate extract had the highest α-amylase (308.51 ± 0.58 mg ACAE/g) and α-glucosidase (498.30 ± 3.07 mg ACAE/g) inhibition. HPLC analysis revealed epicatechin in ethyl acetate, catechin in methanol, and both in aqueous extract. These results suggest that K. wagenitzii has strong therapeutic potential, especially in managing diabetes.
Development of edible films containing aronia (aronia melanocarpa) and probiotic
(Slovak University of Agriculture, 2025) Sağlam, Ali; Aşan Özüsağlam, Meltem
The application of herbal extracts and probiotics to edible films has the potential to improve food safety. This study aims to investigate the usage possibility of food packaging film prepared by combining aronia fruit ethanol extract (AEE) and probiotic candidate strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 in the food industry. Firstly, the antimicrobial activity of AEE was determined. The extract showed antimicrobial activities against all tested microorganisms except Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal or fungicidal (MBC or MFC) concentration values of the extract against test microorganisms were determined between 12.5 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL. Secondly, inhibitory activity of AEE on lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains from human milk was determined. Then, the antimicrobial activity of the films obtained by adding AEE (10%) or L. fermentum MA-7 separately or together was determined. The results showed that the AEE and probiotic mixture showed a synergistic effect and the highest antimicrobial activity was determined to be in the Gum-Extract-Probiotic (GEP) group. The thickness, density, moisture content, transparency, swelling degree, water solubility and light transmittance of the developed edible film were also determined. The mechanical properties of the films have improved the quality in food applications and prevented food spoilage. The GEP group extended the shelf life of its fruits by reducing mass loss by 35.88% at +4°C and 40.96% at +25°C compared to the control. The developed film can be used as bioactive antimicrobial food packaging as an alternative to synthetic packaging in the food industry.
Functional Bacterial Cellulose-Based MXene (Ti3C2Tx) Electronic-Skin Patch for Accelerated Healing and Monitoring
(American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2025) İlhan, Saliha Nur; Akyüz Yılmaz; Çiftçi, Fatih
This study aims to develop and characterize electroactive hydrogels based on reduced bacterial cellulose (BC) and Ti3C2Tx-MXene for their potential application in wound healing and real-time monitoring. Impact Statement: The integration of Ti3C2Tx-MXene into BC matrices represents a novel approach to creating multifunctional hydrogels that combine biocompatibility, electrical conductivity, and mechanical durability. These properties make the hydrogels promising candidates for advanced wound care and real-time monitoring applications. Introduction: Wound healing requires materials that support cell growth, promote tissue regeneration, and enable real-time monitoring. MXenes, a class of 2-dimensional materials, offer unique electrical and mechanical properties, making them suitable for biomedical applications. This study explores the integration of Ti3C2Tx-MXene with BC, a biopolymer known for its excellent biocompatibility and mechanical strength, to create electroactive composite hydrogel films for advanced wound care. Methods: Ti3C2Tx-MXene was synthesized by etching Ti3AlC2 with hydrofluoric acid and integrated into BC pellicles produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinum. The composite hydrogel films underwent characterization through x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) to determine structural, chemical, and thermal properties. Mechanical testing assessed tensile and compressive strengths. Biological assessments, including cell viability, hemolysis rate, and protein expression, evaluated biocompatibility and regenerative potential. Results: XRD confirmed the crystallographic structure of MXene and BC composite film. XPS and FTIR validated the successful incorporation of MXene into the film matrix. Composite hydrogel films demonstrated a tensile strength of 3.5 MPa and a compressive strength of 4.2 MPa. TGA showed stability up to 350 °C, and the electrical conductivity reached 9.14 × 10−4 S/m, enabling real-time monitoring capabilities. Cell viability exceeded 95%, with a hemolysis rate below 2%. Protein expression studies revealed the ability to promote skin regeneration through collagen I, K10, K5, and filaggrin expression. Conclusion: The BC/MXene composite hydrogel films exhibit important potential as electronic-skin patches for accelerating wound healing and enabling real-time monitoring. Their unique combination of mechanical durability, electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility highlights their promise for advanced wound care applications.
Anti-cancer effect of Thymus vulgaris based synthesized gold nanoparticles in giant macroporous silica: impact on MCF-7 breast cancer cells
(Springer, 2025) Koç Bilican, Behlül; Benarous, Samiha; Koca, Fatih Dogan; Cansaran-Duman, Demet; Sørensen, Martin Vinther; Bilican, Ismail; Kaya, Murat
Conventional cancer therapies, while effective, are frequently associated with significant adverse effects owing to their lack of selectivity, impacting both malignant and healthy cells. To address these challenges, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have emerged as a promising platform for targeted drug delivery. Giant macroporous silica (GMS) is a recently developed material, with its drug delivery potential explored in only a single study to date. In this study, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) synthesized using Thymus vulgaris (garden thyme) extract were incorporated into GMS, forming GMS-AuNPs. Additionally, AuNPs coated with chitosan (AuNPs@CS) were similarly loaded into GMS, resulting in GMS-AuNPs@CS composites. The synthesized materials were characterized through light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The anti-cancer effects of GMS-AuNPs and GMS-AuNPs@CS were assessed against breast cancer cells using real-time cell analysis. Notably, no cytotoxic effects were observed on MCF-12 A normal breast epithelial cells at any of the tested concentrations. GMS-AuNPs demonstrated a dose- and time-dependent cytotoxic effect on breast cancer cells. These findings suggest that GMS-AuNPs hold promise as a potential therapeutic strategy for breast cancer treatment.
High nuclear genetic diversity of Birecik semi-wild population of endangered Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) from Turkey
(Resilience Alliance, 2025) Çakmak, Emel; Pekşen, Çiğdem Akın; Boran, Beril; Hatipoğlu, Taner; Bilgin, C. CanÇakmak
The Northern Bald Ibis (Geronticus eremita) is an endangered species. The western population is estimated to be approximately 700 individuals, located in the Souss Massa region of Morocco. In contrast, the eastern population, now semi-wild, is approximately 300 birds, situated in Birecik, Turkey. Recent reintroduction attempts in Europe have relied exclusively on captive populations derived from the western population and have been accompanied by research on their genetic structure and diversity. However, to date there has been no comprehensive study of a similar nature on the eastern population. In this study, we used five polymorphic microsatellite markers that are specific to the Bald Ibis to investigate the genetic diversity in 100 individuals of the Birecik population. We further sequenced the mitochondrial ND5 fragment in 46 adult individuals in order to reveal genetic differences between the eastern and western populations. Despite the limited number of founder individuals, the nuclear diversity of the Birecik population exhibited a high level of diversity, as measured by allelic richness and expected heterozygosity. However, mtDNA ND5 sequencing revealed a single haplotype (eastern haplotype 1) in all individuals of the eastern population, which differs from the haplotype (western haplotype 1) found in the western population by a single nucleotide. A specific mutation in mtDNA haplotypes, different migratory behavior, and highly restricted gene flow resulting from a long period of breeding as a semi-wild population, combined with geographical isolation, suggest that the eastern population (now only represented by the Birecik semi-wild population) is distinct from the western population. This unexpectedly high genetic diversity indicates the Birecik semi-wild population could act as the source population for reintroduction elsewhere.
Exploring Phlomis crinita extracts: HPLC analysis, phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial potentials
(Pamukkale University, 2025) Chelgham, Abdelhakim; Saadi, Abdelkader; Merouane, Abdelaziz; Bensouici, Chawki; ÇçAKakmak, Yavuz Selim
Phlomis crinita Cav. (P. crinita), known as " Khayat el-djerah " in Algerian folk medicine, is used for wound healing and abdominal pain relief. This study assessed the phytochemical profile, phenolic content, antimicrobial activity against five Gram-negative and three Gram-positive clinical bacterial strains, as well as in vitro antioxidant activity of hydroethanolic extracts from leaves (HLE), flowers (HFE), and rhizomes (HRE) of P. crinita. Fifteen phenolic compounds such as four flavonoids, trans-cinnamic acid, six cinnamic acid derivatives, and four benzoic acid derivatives were identified for the first time in P. crinita by HPLC-DAD, with quantitative differences among the analyzed parts._HRE exhibited high levels of total phenolics (262.97 ± 16.2 μg GAE/mg DW) and flavonoids (71.87 ± 3.25 μg QE/mg DW), while HLE had the highest flavonols content (18.89 ± 5.12 μg QE/mg DW). All extracts demonstrated strong antioxidant properties. HLE exhibited the highest potency, with IC50 values of 15.46 ± 0.45 µg/mL (DPPH) and 11.71 ± 0.50 µg/mL (ABTS). HLE exhibited good reducing power (FRAP A0.5 = 40.07 ± 2.82 µg/mL), while HRE showed the best reducing power (Phenanthroline A0.5 = 7.88 ± 1.63 µg/mL). All extracts revealed broad-spectrum antibacterial effects, and HRE exhibited the most potent activity against Enterococcus faecalis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value of 1.25 mg/mL. These results showed that P. crinita could be useful as source of bioactive compounds for pharmaceutical and food industry.
Natural sporopollenin microcarriers: Morphological insights into their functional performance for drug encapsulation and release
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Aylanc, Volkan; Peixoto, Andreia F.; Akyüz, Lalehan; Vale, Nuno; Freire, Cristina; Freire, Cristina; Vilas-Boas, Miguel
Natural sporopollenin microcapsules (SMCs) derived from pollen offer versatility and efficiency for different applications, from environmental remediation to food and therapeutics delivery. A critical gap remains in understanding the relationship between SMCs morphologies and their effectiveness in drug loading and delivery. Herein, we encapsulated 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a model anticancer drug, into SMCs derived from seven bee monofloral pollens, each exhibiting distinct morphological features, and examined how their loading and release performance correlated with their morphology. Microscopic and particle size analyses revealed that the chemically purified SMCs were hollow, with sizes ranging from 11.0 to 35.6 μm, without significant size changes after drug loading. Encapsulation efficiency achieved through vacuum-assisted loading (18–28 %) generally surpassed that of passive and compression loading techniques. Moreover, there was a trend of increasing encapsulation efficiency with larger SMC sizes, albeit with some exceptions. In a sequential release environment simulating the in vitro gastrointestinal tract and colonic fermentation, smaller SMCs exhibited a faster release profile, whereas larger ones demonstrated a slower sustained release. The quantity and shape of apertures on SMCs walls significantly impacted their drug-loading capacity and release characteristics. Additionally, natural SMCs remained structurally intact even in the presence of digestive enzymes, varying pH levels, and colonic bacteria, indicating minimal degradation under these conditions. Overall, the findings highlight the significant influence of SMCs morphologies on their functional performance and provide a list of SMCs-based microstructures to guide drug release applications.
Nanoliposomal Encapsulation and Purification of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor Peptides from Ulva rigida
(American Chemical Society, 2025) Şensu, Eda; Koku, Harun; Demircan, Evren; Şişman, Sebahat; Gülseren, İbrahim; Karaduman, Tuğçe; Çakır, Bilal; Okudan, Emine Şükran; Duruksu, Gökhan; Özçelik, Beraat; Yücetepe, Aysun
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitory peptides derived from natural sources may be effective in the treatment of hypertension without causing side effects compared with existing angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Naturally derived antihypertensive peptides are therefore considered a promising alternative for the prevention or treatment of hypertension. Therefore, the study aimed to purify and identify ACE-inhibitory peptides from the green macroalgae Ulva rigida. In addition, the encapsulation of the purified peptides showed the highest ACE-inhibitory activity by chitosan-coated nanoliposomes, and the characterization of nanoliposomes was evaluated. Protein hydrolysates were obtained from U. rigida through enzymatic hydrolysis. The hydrolysates were separated into molecular weights of <3, <5, and <10 kDa through ultrafiltration membrane separation (UFMS). The <3 kDa fraction (UFMS-3) that exhibited the highest ACE-inhibitory activity (77.02%, 1 mg/mL) was purified using ion-exchange chromatography. Fraction-1 (IEC-F1) obtained from the ion-exchange purification showed an impressive 82.03% ACE-inhibitory activity. Moreover, peptide sequences of IEC-F1 were identified by LC-MS/MS, and their bioactive properties were determined in silico. After that, IEC-F1, with a strong ACE-inhibitory activity, was loaded into chitosan-coated nanoliposomes to improve their stability for encapsulation. Physical stability (ζ-potential, polydispersity index, particle size), thermal (DSC) and morphological properties (SEM), and FT-IR analyses were carried out for the characterization of nanoliposomes. Encapsulation efficiency was found to be 92.0 ± 4.5%. After encapsulation, the ACE-inhibitory activity of IEC-F1 was protected by 37.5%. Overall, the obtained findings indicate that the hydrolysate produced by the successive hydrolysis of U. rigida macroalgae with pepsin and trypsin contains peptides with strong ACE-inhibitory action. Furthermore, the chitosan-coated nanoliposome method was determined to be an effective carrier for the delivery of peptide fractions, showing ACE-inhibitory activity. The formulation of chitosan-coated nanoliposomes for peptide fractions from U. rigida represents an innovative approach that allows the development of functional and stable products.
MXene-modified PMMA/chitosan composite e-skin scaffold: Bioelectronic and antibacterial assessment
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Gürbüz, Berfin; Çiftçi, Fatih; Özarslan, Ali Can; Akyüz Yılmaz, Bahar
In tissue engineering, e-skin patches serve as wearable wound dressings for healing. In this study, electrospun nanofiber composites were developed by integrating PMMA, MXene, and chitosan (CS) to fabricate multifunctional e-skin scaffolds. The resulting PMMA–MXene–CS composite e-skin scaffolds exhibited a uniform fibrous morphology with average diameters of 600 ± 50 nm and high porosity (>85 %), providing an optimal microenvironment for tissue interfacing. Mechanical testing revealed that the PMMX:CS composite e-skin scaffold achieved a tensile strength of 13 MPa, a Young's modulus of 0.38 GPa, and elongation at break of 200 %, representing increases of 225 %, 36 %, and 43 %, respectively, over pure PMMA. Dielectric spectroscopy demonstrated a minimal loss tangent (<0.05) across 10–100 kHz and a built-in potential of 1.19 V, while electrochemical impedance measurements showed a charge-transfer resistance of 1.38 kΩ and a low leakage current, indicating excellent signal fidelity for sensing applications. Thermal conductivity tests under 10 GPa pressure yielded 28 W/m·K, ensuring rapid heat dissipation. Antimicrobial assays against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans confirmed inhibition rates of 95 %, 92 %, and 99 %, respectively, significantly outperforming control samples. Furthermore, antibacterial assays also demonstrated broad-spectrum efficacy, with inhibition zones up to 27.8 mm against Streptococcus pneumoniae and 26.4 mm against Listeria monocytogenes, and zones exceeding 25 mm for both Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. Thus, obtained results revealed that the combination of PMMA, MXene and CS significantly enhanced inhibition against gram-negative bacteria compared to the control groups. Overall, PMMA-MXene-CS composite e-skin scaffold demonstrated promising mechanical, electrical, and antimicrobial properties, positioning them as strong candidates for next-generation flexible, durable, and multifunctional e-skin applications.
Fabrication of smart chitosan composite beads for alleviate boron toxicity in a model plant (Lemna gibba): Characterization, toxicity assessment, and boron removal
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Yakar, Anıl; Türker, Onur Can; Çakmak, Emel; Yılmaz Baran, Nuray; Baran, Talat
Excessive boron (B) in aquatic ecosystems poses a significant threat to environmental health and biodiversity. In this respect, an attractive strategy should be evaluated to reduce B toxicity in the water environment and protect aquatic organisms. The study aims to reduce B-induced toxicity in a model plant, Lemna gibba, using smart chitosan-magnetic composite beads enriched with keratin, and further enhanced with boron-tolerant bacteria (Acinetobacter sp.). We tested different chitosan-magnetic composite beads for their B adsorption capacity, focusing on a specific type enriched with keratin for the first time in the literature. The effects of adding chitosan-magnetic composite beads in a test solution containing B mine effluent to alleviate B toxicity on L. gibba's growth parameters (frond number, biomass production, and EC50 value) were detailly evaluated in the experiment period. Accordingly, the chitosan-magnetic composite beads with keratin (Mag-Ch-K) demonstrated high B adsorption, with a maximum loading capacity of 2.875 mg/g at pH 7. The relative growth rate of L. gibba in a reactor containing Mag-Ch-K beads was measured to be approximately 2-fold (0.2065) higher than that of the control reactor (0.1212) without composite beads at 64 mg L−1 B concentration. More importantly, Mag-Ch-K bead significantly increased the plant's tolerance against B in the reactor matrix, as indicated by an EC50 value of 44.18 mg L−1 compared to 17.17 mg L−1 in the control. This study provides a promising approach to mitigate B toxicity in water bodies, offering a practical operation, high growth production, and preventing B pollution shock via modified bead with Acinetobacter sp. High B removal (76 %) was also achieved from reactors containing Mag-Ch-K-D through the high B-loading capacities and plant uptake. These dual benefits encourage designers to design chitosan and duckweed-based treatment systems for ecological conservation and pollution management in B-rich waters, such as B mine effluent pollution.
Production and characterization of chitosan-based superhydrophobic film bio-inspired by Verbascum sp. leaf
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Al-jaf, Ivan; Akyüz Yılmaz, Bahar; Karaduman Yeşildal, Tuğçe; Akyüz, Lalehan; Kaya, Murat
Chitosan, a biodegradable and biocompatible biopolymer, is widely favored in film production as an eco-friendly alternative to petroleum-based films. However, its limited water resistance restricts its applications. To address this issue, the water resistance of chitosan films was enhanced by coating their surfaces with hair derived from the leaves of the Verbascum sp. plant, a species that is abundant and easy to cultivate. Natural superhydrophobic films were successfully produced by embedding needle-like hairs onto the surfaces of chitosan matrices. The resulting films were characterized using standard analytical techniques, including FTIR, TGA, SEM, XRD, elemental analysis, and contact angle measurements. The results indicated that the water contact angle values for the CVH100 and CVH200 films, recorded at 143.01° and 146.83° respectively, exhibited an increase as the quantity of needle-like hairs. However, the contact angle of the chitosan film without needle-like fibrils was 103.44°. Additionally, biocompatibility was confirmed through MTT testing, and blood compatibility was validated via hemolysis assays. These results highlight the potential of these superhydrophobic chitosan films as innovative surface coatings for diverse applications, particularly in the biomedical field.
Phytochemical Characterization and Assessment of Antioxidant and Anti-Alzheimer Effects of Algerian Seseli Tortuosum
(Wiley, 2025) Slimani, Abdelkader; Akkal, Wail; Benmekhbi, Ahmed Acheraf; Mosbah, Asma; Çakmak, Yavuz Selim; Lefahal, Mostefa; Bousetla, Ahlem; Bensouici, Chawki; Laouer, Hocine; Akkal, Salah; Nieto, Gema
HPLC analysis, phytochemical screening, thin layer chromatography, polyphenols and flavonoid contents were conducted to determine the bioactive contents of the Algerian Seseli tortuosum plant. Antioxidant activity was tested using DPPH and ABTS scavenging assays, reducing power, phenanthroline and silver nanoparticle (SNP) assays. The anti-Alzheimer's activity of extracts was also performed invitro and in silico. Phytochemical analysis highlighted the richness ofthe extracts in terms of coumarins, terpenoids and quercetin. The quantitative determination of total polyphenols and flavonoids showed that the highest amounts occurredinthe dichloromethane (DCME) and methanolic (MeOH) extracts. The antioxidant activities indicated a moderate potential. Compared with galantamine, DCME had a significantly greater anti-Alzheimer effect on BChE(CI50=9.14 +/- 1.74 mu g/ml and 34.75 +/- 1.99 mu g/ml respectively). An in silicostudy of anti-Alzheimer activity revealed a significant effect of quercetin(-30,13KJ/mol). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the richness of the phytochemical components of seseli tortuosum,which are responsible for several biological properties, mainly their anti-Alzheimer potential.
Antimicrobial activity and mechanical properties of edible film enriched with fingered citron water extract and probiotic
(Univ Vasile Alecsandri Bacau, 2024) Taşbaşı, Hilal; Aşan Özüsağlam, Meltem
Food consumption is vital, so edible and biodegradable materials are being developed against environmental factors. The aim of the study was to develop edible film containing fingered citron leaf extract and determine its biological activities and mechanical properties. In the study, the antimicrobial effect of fingered citron water (FCW) extract against pathogens was determined by disc diffusion, micro and macro dilution tests. Additionally, the antimicrobial activity of edible films containing the extract and Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 was determined by well diffusion assay. The highest and lowest inhibition diameter of extract against pathogens was detected for Escherichia coli O157:H7 (11.61 mm) and Vibrio anguillarum A4 (9.09 mm). Minimal inhibition and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) values ranged between 5- 40 mu gmu L-1. Also, it was determined that FCW extract prepared at 50 and 100 mgmL(-1) concentration had an inhibitory effect against E. coli O157:H7 at 0, 24 and 48(th) hours by viable cell count. Then, the antimicrobial activity of the prepared films was evaluated and the highest and lowest inhibition zone diameters against E. coli O157:H7 (12.85 mm) and Streptococcus agalactiae Pas. Ins. (4.02 mm) were determined. It was determined that the edible film prepared with FCW extract and probiotics has the potential to protect against food spoilage.
Bioactive rich fingered citron leaves: investigation of usage potential in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products
(Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, 2024) Taşbaşı, Hilal; Aşan Özüsağlam, Meltem
Fingered citron is one of the important plants attracting attention with its important bioactive components. The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential for use of fingered citron leaves in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Materials and Methods. The antimicrobial activity of fingered citron leaf ethanol extract was determined by disc diffusion and micro-dilution methods against clinical pathogens. Furthermore, fingered citron leaf ethanol extract sun protection factor (SPF) was spectrophotometrically evaluated. Results and Discussion. The inhibition zone diameters obtained as a result of the disc diffusion method were 9.16 mm against Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and 9.63 mm against C. glabrata RSKK 04019. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 was inhibited by fingered citron leaf ethanol extract with 7.76 mm of inhibition zone. Minimal inhibition (MIC) and bactericidal or fungicidal (MBC or MFC) concentrations values varied between 2.5 and 40 mg/mL. Additionally, the biological activity of the cream formulation obtained with cream, probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 and fingered citron leaf extract was evaluated using the well diffusion method. The inhibition zone diameters of cream, L. fermentum MA-7, and fingered citron leaf extract cream group against C. albicans ATCC 10231, C. glabrata RSKK 04019 and S. aureus ATCC 25923 were determined as 2.73 mm, 4.37 mm, and 5.21 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the SPF value of fingered citron leaf ethanol extract was determined as 25.82. Then, fingered citron leaf ethanol extract-cream mixtures were prepared at various concentrations. It was determined that the SPF values of the extract and cream mixtures were higher at all concentrations compared to the commercial cream (control). The highest SPF value was determined as 6.7 at 10 mL concentration. Conclusion. The results indicated that fingered citron leaf ethanol extract can be a valuable resource for the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries in the development of natural origin and effective products.

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