Research Articles (Biotechnology)

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Effects of acidic and alkaline electrolyzed water treatments on the volatilomics and proteomics changes in fresh-cut apple during storage
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2025) Caleb, Oluwafemi James; Belay, Zinash A.; Nkomo, Mbukeni
Electrolyzed water (EW) has shown potential to decontaminate and maintain the quality of fresh-cut apple; however, the underlying response of the product to this treatment remains unclear. Thus, this study aims to identify the possible quality regulation mechanisms of acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) and alkaline electrolyzed water (ALEW) treatments on fresh-cut ‘Granny Smith’ apples via volatile organic compound (VOC) and qualitative proteomics analysis during storage at 2 °C for 10 days. The results identified 43 VOCs, including 10 esters, 9 alcohols, 9 alkanes, 8 carboxylic acids, 6 ketones, and 1 aldehyde. The distribution of VOCs was significantly affected by the pretreatment conditions; fresh-cut apple treated with AEW was characterised by the highest number of esters, alcohols, and carboxylic acids, whereas samples treated with ALEW exhibited predominantly carboxylic acids, alcohols, and alkanes in comparison to control (untreated) samples. Ethyl dodecanoate, which was identified only in the ALEW samples on each sampling day, had the highest concentration among all the individual VOCs. The proteomics results showed that a total of 3434, 3401, and 3313 proteins were identified on day 3, 6, and 10, respectively, across all samples. Until day 6 of storage, no significant differences were observed among the samples. Notably, on day 6, “M16C_associated domain-containing protein” was shown to be unique to the control samples. KH type-2 domain-containing protein, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), and 1,4-alpha-glucan branching enzyme were unique proteins identified after AEW treatment at day 6 and 10 of storage. No unique protein was identified for the ALEW samples. These results provide the first report of the proteomic and volatilomic changes associated with EW-treated fresh-cut apple during storage. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD056621. © 2025 RSC.
Survey and Identification of Fusarium Head Blight Pathogens of Wheat in the Western Cape Region of South Africa
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2025) Ali, Al-Hashimi,; Augustine Innalegwu, Daniel; Omolola, Aina
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a major disease affecting wheat production worldwide, caused by multiple Fusarium species. In this study, seven Fusarium strains were isolated from wheat fields across the Western Cape region of South Africa and identified through phylogenetic analysis. The strains were classified into three species complexes: the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC), Fusarium incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC), and Fusarium tricinctum species complex (FTSC). Disease severity was highest in the South coast regions of Swellendam (42.73%) and Caledon (38.00%), with the dough stage of wheat development showing the highest disease rate (0.3 in Swellendam and Caledon). The phylogenetic analysis showed distinct clustering of these isolates with known species from the NCBI database, confirming their classification. F. ipomoeae was uniquely found in Swellendam and Caledon, while F. tricinctum occurred only in Klipheuwel and Caledon, highlighting geographical variation in species distribution. Mycotoxin profiling revealed that F. culmorum and F. pseudograminearum produced zearalenone, F. culmorum and F. tricinctum produced 15-acetyl-deoxynivalenol (15-ADON), while F. pseudograminearum produced nivalenol (NIV). These findings provide significant insights into the distribution of Fusarium species and their associated trichothecene chemotypes in the Western Cape, which is crucial for developing effective FHB management strategies and ensuring food security and safety. © 2025 by the authors.
Effects of ZnO nanoparticles concentration on the morphology and textural properties of ZnO/NiFe2O4 nanocomposite
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Daniel, Augustine Innalegwu; Keyster, Marshall; Tijani, Jimoh Oladejo
The aim of this study is to synthesize and characterize ZnO and NiFe2O4 nanoparticles via green route and co-precipitation of ZnO/NiFe2O4. X-ray diffraction (XRD) data show no extra diffraction peaks belonging to other phases except wurtzite. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) images showed that the average interplanar distance of wurtzite phase at 3, 5, and 7 % dopant concentration were about 0.28, 0.44 and 0.33 nm respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results show difference in binding energies of the elements present in different concentration of the dopants. Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) spectra show similarities in the shape of Zn, Fe and Ni from zero loss, low loss and core loss region with a little shift in energy. All the elements exhibit multiple oxidation state; +2 and +3 for Fe and +1 and +2 for Zn and Ni. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) plot shows that ZnO belongs to the type II isotherm curve while NiFe2O4 and 3, 5 and 7 % ZnO/NiFe2O4 all belong to type IV isotherm curve indicating ZnO as macroporous while NiFe2O4 and different dopant concentration of ZnO/NiFe2O4 are mesoporous. The study shows the complete synthesis of ternary ZnO/NiFe2O4 nanocomposites using green synthesis and sol-gel approach. • Green synthesis of ZnO and NiFe2O4 using leaf extract of Anacardium occidentale • Co-precipitation method at different concentration of ZnO and NiFe2O4 for the synthesis of ZnO/NiFe2O4. • Nanocomposites was characterized using different analytical tools
Repurposing of apoptotic inducer drugs against mycobacterium tuberculosis
(Nature Research, 2025) Klein, Ashwil; Keyster, Marshall; Nyambo, Kudakwashe
Computational approaches complement traditional in-vitro or in-vivo assays, significantly accelerating the drug discovery process by increasing the probability of identifying promising lead compounds. In this study, the apoptotic compounds were assessed for antimycobacterial activity and immunomodulatory potential in infected THP-1 macrophage cells. The antimycobacterial activity of the apoptotic compounds was evaluated using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay. The immunomodulatory potential of the apoptotic compounds was determined on mycobacterial-infected THP-1 and non-infected THP-1 macrophage cells. The potential binding dynamics of the compounds against InhA were predicted using molecular docking, molecular dynamics, and MM-GBSA binding free energies. The in-vitro MIC assay showed that cepharanthine (CEP) had the highest antimycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis mc2155 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv, with MICs of 3.1 and 1.5 µg/mL, respectively, followed by CP-31398 dihydrochloride hydrate (DIH) (MICs = 6.2 and 3.1 µg/mL, respectively), marinopyrrole A (MAR) (MICs = 25 and 12.5 µg/mL, respectively), and nutlin-3a (NUT) (MICs = 50 and 25 µg/mL, respectively). MICs for the rest of the drugs were > 200 µg/mL against both M. smegmatis mc2155 and M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Furthermore, the growth of M. smegmatis mc2155 in infected THP-1 macrophage cells treated with DIH, CEP, carboxyatractyloside potassium salt (CAR), and NUT was inhibited by the mentioned drugs. Cytokine profiling showed that DIH optimally regulated the secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α which potentially enhanced the clearance of the intracellular pathogen. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that NUT, MAR, 17-(allylamino)-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG), and BV02 strongly bind to InhA. However, 17-AAG and BV02 did not show significant activity in-vitro. This study highlights the importance of probing already existing chemical scaffolds as a starting point for discovery of therapeutic agents against M. tuberculosis H37Rv using both pathogen and host directed approaches. The integration of molecular dynamics simulations provides valuable insights into potential scaffold modifications to enhance the affinity.
High-quality genome assembly and annotation of Thalassiosira rotula (synonym of Thalassiosira gravida)
(Nature Research, 2025) Trindade Marla; Di Costanzo F; Di Marsico M
Diatoms are unicellular eukaryotic microorganisms thriving in most aquatic environments thanks to the expression of biosynthetic pathways for secondary metabolites involved in defence and adaptation to environmental changes. The sequencing of the transcriptome of the cosmopolitan diatom Thalassiosira rotula Meunier 1910 (synonym of Thalassiosira gravida Cleve 1896) and of the metagenome of its associated microbiome revealed the presence of biosynthetic pathways synthesising molecules and compounds useful for the algae survival and with potential biotechnological applications. Here we present the genome of a Neapolitan T. rotula strain, which is 672 Mbp in size due to a high proportion of repetitive elements (63.59%) and segmental duplications (14%), while the number of predicted genes resulted to be comparable to that of smaller diatom genomes. DNA methylation was predominantly located in transposable elements.
Genome-wide characterization of DREB transcription factors in Medicago truncatula: Insights into their roles in development and abiotic stress response
(Elsevier Inc, 2025) Ndiko, Ludidi; Haddoudi, Loua; Ayadi, Mariem
Dehydration-responsive-element binding (DREB) proteins play a crucial role in drought, salt, and environmental stress tolerance. In this study, we identified and annotated fifty-four DREB genes from the Medicago truncatula genome. These genes were analyzed at the molecular level, focusing on gene classification, genomic organization, phylogeny, synteny, structural features, and expression profiles. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that MtDREB proteins are categorized into six subgroups (A1–A6), with highly conserved motif compositions among them. Expression profiling showed that MtDREB genes are differentially expressed in various plant organs and under abiotic stresses (cold, salinity, and dehydration), with 30 % exhibiting high expression during flowering and development. Data from RNA-seq and microarrays demonstrated that 76 % of MtDREB genes are differentially expressed under at least one stress condition, indicating their involvement in various signaling pathways activated by abiotic stresses. Notably, MtDREB05, primarily induced under osmotic stress, appears to be a promising candidate for improving abiotic stress tolerance. These findings will enhance our understanding of the DREB family and aid in functional validation of DREBgenes in M. truncatula and related forage species.
Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using a cocktaila aqueous extract of capparis sepiaria root and tabernaemontana elegans bark
(Wiley, 2025) Mashilo, Cate M.; Sibuyi Nicole RS; Botha, Subelia; Meyer, Mervin; Madiehe, Abram M
The increasing incidence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a serious threat to public health, which necessitates the development of alternative countermeasures to combat it. Green nanotechnology, in particular the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), shows promise in combating AMR. Although the synthesis of AgNPs using medicinal plant extracts has been explored, combining extracts from two medicinal plants to synthesize AgNPs with enhanced properties has received less attention. Therefore, this study addresses this gap by presenting the green synthesis of AgNPs using a cocktail of Capparis sepiaria–Tabernaemontana elegans (CsTe) aqueous extract as reducing, stabilizing, and capping agents. The focus is on assessing the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the synthesized CsTe-AgNPs. Various parameters, such as pH, temperature, extract and silver concentrations, reaction ratio, and synthesis time, were optimized to enhance the efficiency of CsTe-AgNPs synthesis. The CsTe- AgNPs were monodispersed and spherical, with an average core size of 14 ± 2.953 and 7 ± 3.849 nm, and hydrodynamic size of 23 ± 12.260 and 138 ± 2.086 nm for pH = 6 and pH = 11, respectively. The FTIR analysis revealed a shift in peaks of biomolecules present in the CsTe extracts that could be responsible for the reduction of Ag salt to form CsTe-AgNPs. Notably, CsTe-AgNPs_pH11 had potent antimicrobial activity, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 12.5 ± 0 μg/mL against K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa, and a slightly higher MIC for C. albicans of 25 ± 5.449 μg/mL. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of using a mixture of two extracts to synthesize AgNPs with enhanced antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, and therefore, could serve as a promising reagent to combat AMR.
Carbon dynamics in termite mounds: the effect of land use on microbial oxalotrophy
(Elsevier B.V., 2025) Trindade, Marla; Nel, Teneille; Clarke, Catherine E
The semi-arid western region of South Africa hosts extensive earthen mounds known as heuweltjies, which are inhabited by Microhodotermes viator termites and play a critical role in soil biogeochemical cycling. These mounds accumulate significant stores of soil organic and inorganic carbon (C), including pedogenic calcium carbonate, which may form through microbially induced calcite precipitation. In this study, the effects of land use change on C dynamics in heuweltjie soils were assessed by examining soil biogeochemistry and apparent respiratory quotient (ARQ, based on soil pore gas composition). We investigated the oxalate-carbonate pathway (OCP) as a potential mechanism of C sequestration. Topsoils were collected from one pristine and one cultivated termite mound in a semi-arid region of South Africa and incubated for one week. The carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen concentrations of soil pore gas as well as chemical properties of soils treated with termite frass (excrement) or calcium oxalate (CaOx) were monitored. Increases in pH and the calcite saturation index in both CaOx- and frass-treated soils suggested the potential occurrence of the OCP. The ARQ values did not reflect geochemical changes associated with OCP due to competing metabolic pathways, such as potential lignin degradation in frass-treated soils. Higher ARQ values in uncultivated versus cultivated CaOx-treated soils may indicate higher carbon use efficiency in uncultivated soils or destabilization of existing C in cultivated soils. Respiration in frass-treated soils was higher than control and CaOx-treated soils and resulted in production of bicarbonate (via dissociation of carbonic acid formed by dissolution of respired CO2 in water). This implies that termite-affected landscapes may sequester C in inorganic form. Increased total C in both cultivated and uncultivated soils treated with frass suggests that microbial CO2-fixation may occur in termite-affected landscapes, necessitating further investigation of pathways responsible for this process.
Salinity modulates morpho-physiology, biochemical and antioxidant defence system in tetragonia decumbens mill.: a neglected wild leafy vegetable in South Africa
(Springer, 2025) Barker, Adelé Mariska; Keyster, Marshall; Sogoni, Avela
Tetragonia decumbens is an edible halophyte that grows naturally in saline environment; however, its tolerance mechanisms are poorly understood for bio-saline agriculture. So, this research was designed to look into how salinity affects vegetative growth, leaf succulence, chlorophyll content, cation accumulation, oxidative stress indicators, and antioxidative defence mechanisms involved in the salt tolerance of T. decumbens. Saline conditions were prepared by dissolving sodium chlorine (NaCl) in the nutritive solution. The control was maintained and only watered with nutrient solution while the tested treatments contained graded NaCl doses (250, 200, 150, 100, and 50 mM). Results revealed a substantial enhancement in shoot length, number of branches, relative water content, as well as total fresh weight in plants irrigated with 50 and 100 mM NaCl in comparison to the control, while higher saline concentrations (150–250 mM NaCl) reduced plant growth and chlorophyll content. Similarly, these high salt concentrations induced more severe oxidative stress indicated by high amounts of superoxide, cell death viability and malondialdehyde, with the most pronounced effect at the highest NaCl concentration (250 mM). Nevertheless, T. decumbens modulated various defence mechanisms with increasing salinity stress, these include the upregulation of superoxide dismutase, catalase, polyphenols, flavonoids, proanthocyanidins and the build-up of sodium ions in the leaves. These results show that T. decumbens can withstand salinity by modifying its morpho-physiological traits, antioxidant defence systems, and managing ion toxicity and oxidative stress efficiently, since all plants withstand salinity without showing signs of toxicity.
Phytofabrication of silver nanoparticles using ehretia rigida leaf aqueous extract, their characterization, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
(Elsevier Ltd, 2025) Oselusi, Samson; Sibuyi, Nicole; Meyer, Mervin
The green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) offers a sustainable, rapid, and cost-effective alternative to traditional chemical and physical methods, with diverse applications across various fields. This study reports the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Ehretia rigida (Er) leaf aqueous extract and evaluates their biological activities. The formation of the NPs was confirmed by the change in colour from clear to dark brown. The synthesis parameters, such as pH, temperature, Er extract and silver nitrate (AgNO3) concentrations, reaction ratio, and incubation time, were optimized for high yields, controlled size, and stability of the NPs. The optimized Er-AgNPs were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR–TEM). The Er-AgNPs sample presented a characteristic absorbance peak at 408 nm, a hydrodynamic size of 74.02 ± 0.19 nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.39 ± 0.05, and a zeta potential of −25.4 ± 6.26 mV. FTIR analysis revealed the nature of the biomolecules responsible for the reduction and stabilization of the NPs. HR–TEM revealed that the Er-AgNPs were spherical, with core sizes ranging from 6 to 18 nm. The Er leaf aqueous extract and Er-AgNPs possessed antioxidant activities, with the Er leaf extract having higher activity than Er-AgNPs. The Er leaf extract did not exhibit any antimicrobial activity, whereas the Er-AgNPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities against all the tested pathogens. This study provides a sustainable, easy and cost-effective method to produce AgNPs for biomedical applications.
Intervertebral disc degenerative disease in South Africa: a case-control analysis of selected gene variants
(Springer Nature, 2024) Pearce, Keenau; Less, Stephanie; Benjeddou, Mongi
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative disease is a multifactorial disease for which genetics plays an integral role. Several genes, and their variants, associated with the development and progression of IVD degenerative disease have been identified. While several studies have investigated these genes in Asian and European populations, no available evidence exists for the South African population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these parameters.
Unveiling novel contrasting photosynthetic responses in medicago truncatula under combined drought stress and phoma medicaginis infection
(Taylor & Francis, 2024) Maiza, Nourhene; Ludidi, Ndiko; Mnafgui, Wiem
Forage legumes face simultaneous abiotic and biotic stresses, causing substantial yield losses. This study explores the combined impacts of drought and Phoma medicaginis infection on the growth and photosynthetic activity of Medicago truncatula contrasting lines TN6.18 and F83005.5. The tolerant TN6.18 line exhibits superior tolerance to combined drought and P. medicaginis infection, manifesting in minimal leaf area reduction, the highest number of healthy leaves, increased carotenoids content, a consistently high and stable photosynthesis rate, and enhanced performance of photosystems PSI and PSII. On the contrary, the sensitive F83005.5 line shows pronounced leaf chlorosis, particularly under drought stress, and decreased pigment levels under the combination of drought and P. medicaginis infection stresses (combined stress). Moreover, the drought-stressed F83005.5, experiences reduced hydration and photosynthetic performance, linked to diminished gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters. Chlorophyll fluorescence revealed more severe PSI impairment than PSII under combined stress. In conclusion, understanding the Pm8 infection-drought interaction enhances insights into M. truncatula resistance mechanisms to the combination of these stresses.
Afriplex GRTTM extract attenuates hepatic steatosis in an in vitro model of NAFLD
(Public Library of Science, 2024) Gabuza, Kwazi; Mabuda, Thendo Innocent; Patel, Oelfah
Currently, it is acknowledged that vitamin E, insulin sensitizers and anti-diabetic drugs are used to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however, these therapeutic interventions harbour adverse side effects. Pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, is currently the most effective therapy to manage NAFLD. The use of natural medicines is widely embraced due to the lack of evidence of their negative side effects. Rooibos has been previously shown to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental models of diabetes, however, this is yet to be explored in a setting of NAFLD. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of an aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract (Afriplex GRTTM) against markers of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in an in vitro model of NAFLD. Oleic acid [1 mM] was used to induce hepatic steatosis in C3A liver cells. Thereafter, the therapeutic effect of Afriplex GRTTM, with or without pioglitazone, was determined by assessing its impact on cell viability, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of genes and proteins (ChREBP, SREBF1, FASN, IRS1, SOD2, Caspase-3, GSTZ1, IRS1 and TNF-α) that are associated with the development of NAFLD.
Heterocyclic (pyrazine)carboxamide Ru(II) complexes: structural, experimental and theoretical studies of interactions with biomolecules and cytotoxicity†
(Royal Society of Chemistry, 2024) Tsaulwayo, Nokwanda; Sibuyi, Nicole Remaliah Samantha; Meyer, Mervin
Treatments of N-(1H-benzo[d]imidazol-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide (HL1) and N-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)pyrazine-2-carboxamide carboxamide ligands (HL2) with [Ru(p-cymene)Cl2]2 and [Ru(PPh3)3Cl2] precursors afforded the respective Ru(ii) complexes [Ru(L1)(p-cymene)Cl] (Ru1), [Ru(L2)(p-cymene)Cl] (Ru2), [Ru(L1)(PPh3)2Cl] (Ru3), and [Ru(L2)(PPh3)2Cl] (Ru4). These complexes were characterized by NMR, FT-IR spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, elemental analyses, and crystal X-ray crystallography for Ru2. The molecular structure of complex Ru2 contains one mono-anionic bidentate bound ligand and display pseudo-octahedral piano stool geometry around the Ru(ii) atom. The interactions with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated by spectroscopic techniques. The experimental binding studies suggest that complexes Ru1-Ru4 interact with DNA, primarily through minor groove binding, as supported by molecular docking results. Additionally, these complexes exhibit strong quenching of the fluorescence of tryptophan residues in BSA, displaying static quenching. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies of compounds Ru1-Ru4 were assessed in cancer cell lines (A549, PC-3, HT-29, Caco-2, and HeLa), as well as a non-cancer line (KMST-6). Compounds Ru1 and Ru2 exhibited superior cytotoxicity compared to Ru3 and Ru4.
Phytonanotherapeutic applications of plant extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles in wound healing—a prospective overview
(Springer, 2024) Oselusi, Samson Olaitan; Sibuyi, Nicole Remaliah Samantha; Madiehe, Abram Madimabe
Chronic wounds continue to pose severe threats to public health and the global economy. This is because the healing process is hindered by several factors, such as bacterial infections, comorbid conditions, age, and lifestyle. Medical wound therapy is currently based on long-term antibiotic use, and its activity has been limited by various factors, including treatment efficacy, toxicity, and increased risk of opportunistic infections. The advent of novel techniques such as nanotechnology can provide sustainable platforms for developing reliable, cost-effective, and innovative wound healing interventions. In this context, plant extract-synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have become attractive to the clinical community because of their wide range of biological properties, such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing effects. These AgNPs could be used in the development of better dressings for wounds.
Intervertebral disc degenerative disease in South Africa: a case-control analysis of selected gene variants
(Springer Science and Business Media B.V., 2024) Pearce, Keenau; Less, Stephanie; Benjeddou, Mongi
Background: Intervertebral disc (IVD) degenerative disease is a multifactorial disease for which genetics plays an integral role. Several genes, and their variants, associated with the development and progression of IVD degenerative disease have been identified. While several studies have investigated these genes in Asian and European populations, no available evidence exists for the South African population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate these parameters. Methods and results: Biological samples were collected in the form of buccal swabs from patients and DNA was extracted using a standard salt-lysis protocol. DNA purity and quantity was assessed by spectrophotometry, and subsequent genotyping was performed using the MassARRAY®System IPLEX extension reaction. For associations between variants and the presence of IVD degenerative disease, odds ratios (OR), confidence intervals (CI), chi-squared analysis and logistic regression was calculated. Age and sex were adjusted for, and Bonferroni’s correction was applied. This study found statistically significant associations for five of the evaluated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with IVD degenerative disease, whereby IL-1α rs1304037 and rs1800587, ADAMTs-5 rs162509, and MMP-3 rs632478 demonstrated increased odds of a positive diagnosis for IVD degenerative disease, while decreased odds of IVD degenerative disease were seen for GDF-5 rs143383. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first of its kind to investigate the association of gene variants associated with IVD degenerative disease within the South African population. This study has shown that 5 of these gene variants were significantly associated with the presence of IVD degenerative disease, reflecting their integral roles in development and possible progression of the disease.
Novel buffer for long-term preservation of DNA in biological material at room temperature
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Kasu, Mohaimin; Ristow, Peter Gustav; Burrows, Adria Michelle
The collection and preservation of biological material before DNA analysis is critical for inter alia biomedical research, medical diagnostics, forensics and biodiversity conservation. In this study, we evaluate an in-house formulated buffer called the Forensic DNA Laboratory-buffer (FDL-buffer) for preservation of biological material for long term at room temperature. Human saliva stored in the buffer for 8 years, human blood stored for 3 years and delicate animal tissues from the jellyfish Pelagia noctiluca comb jelly Beroe sp., stored for 4 and 6 years respectively consistently produced high-quality DNA. FDL-buffer exhibited compatibility with standard organic, salting out and spin-column extraction methods, making it versatile and applicable to a wide range of applications, including automation
Liposomal-naringenin radiosensitizes triple-negative breast cancer mda-mb-231 cells in vitro
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Pearce, Keenau; Cairncross, Samantha; Benjeddou, Mongi
Naringenin has shown great promise in the realm of cancer therapeutics, demonstrating excellent cytotoxic action toward cancer cells and the enhanced effects of radiation therapy in vitro. However, the medicinal value of naringenin is severely limited clinically by poor bioavailability. Thus, multiple drug-delivery strategies for overcoming this limitation have been developed, of which liposomes are considered the most suitable due to their amphiphilic, modifiable, and biocompatible characteristics. In this study, we investigated the role of naringenin and liposomal-delivered naringenin as adjuncts to radiotherapy in the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line in vitro. Liposomal-naringenin was synthesized by thin-film hydration and extrusion and was characterized by spectrophotometry, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential. The effects of free-from naringenin and liposomal-naringenin were evaluated toward MDA-MB-231 cell viability when combined with varying doses of radiation. Additionally, cell growth patterns, morphology, and colony formation were evaluated. The analysis demonstrated IC50 values of 387.5 and 546.6 µg/ml for naringenin and liposomal-naringenin, respectively. Naringenin and liposomal-naringenin significantly lowered cell viability, proliferation, and colony formation dose-dependently, as compared to radiation in isolation. The findings presented herein concur with previous accounts of the radiosensitizing potential of naringenin and further highlight the considerable biomedical application of liposomal-naringenin within the realm of radiotherapy.
Discovering new genes for alfalfa (Medicago sativa) growth and biomass resilience in combined salinity and Phoma medicaginis infection through GWAS
(Switzerland: Frontiers Media S.A, 2024) Wiem Mnafgui; Ndomelele Ndiko Ludidi; Gerhard Basson3
Salinity and Phoma medicaginis infection represent significant challenges for alfalfa cultivation in South Africa, Europe, Australia, and, particularly, Tunisia. These constraints have a severe impact on both yield and quality. The primary aim of this study was to establish the genetic basis of traits associated with biomass and growth of 129 Medicago sativa genotypes through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) under combined salt and P. medicaginis infection stresses. The results of the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the variation in these traits could be primarily attributed to genotype effects. Among the test genotypes, the length of the main stem, the number of ramifications, the number of chlorotic leaves, and the aerial fresh weight exhibited the most significant variation. The broad-sense heritability (H²) was relatively high for most of the assessed traits, primarily due to genetic factors. Cluster analysis, applied to morpho-physiological traits under the combined stresses, revealed three major groups of accessions. Subsequently, a GWAS analysis was conducted to validate significant associations between 54,866 SNP-filtered single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and seven traits. The study identified 27 SNPs that were significantly associated with the following traits: number of healthy leaves (two SNPs), number of chlorotic leaves (five SNPs), number of infected necrotic leaves (three SNPs), aerial fresh weight (six SNPs), aerial dry weight (nine SNPs), number of ramifications (one SNP), and length of the main stem (one SNP). Some of these markers are related to the ionic transporters, cell membrane rigidity (related to salinity tolerance), and the NBS_LRR gene family (associated with disease resistance). These findings underscore the potential for selecting alfalfa genotypes with tolerance to the combined constraints of salinity and P. medicaginis infection.

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