Alternating Cationic-Hydrophobic Peptide/Peptoid Hybrids: Influence of Hydrophobicity on Antibacterial Activity and Cell Selectivity

The influence of hydrophobicity on antibacterial activity versus the effect on the viability of mammalian cells for peptide/peptoid hybrids was examined for oligomers based on the cationic Lys-like peptoid residue combined with each of 28 hydrophobic amino acids in an alternating sequence. Their relative hydrophobicity was correlated to activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive species, human red blood cells, and HepG2 cells. This identified hydrophobic side chains that confer potent antibacterial activity (e. g., MICs of 2–8 μg/mL against E. coli) and low toxicity toward mammalian cells (<10 % hemolysis at 400 μg/mL and IC₅₀>800 μg/mL for HepG2 viability). Most peptidomimetics retained activity against drug-resistant strains. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that for related peptidomimetics two hydrophobicity thresholds may be identified: i) it should exceed a certain level in order to confer antibacterial activity, and ii) there is an upper limit, beyond which cell selectivity is lost. It is envisioned that once identified for a given subclass of peptide-like antibacterials such thresholds can guide further optimisation.     

The influence of sodium caseinate on the physical properties of spray‐dried honey

The aim of this work was to spray dry honey (rape and buckwheat varieties) with Arabic gum (AG) as a carrier alone or in combination with sodium caseinate (1% and 2% w/w NaCas) as a drying aid. Powder recovery ranged from 66.2 ± 0.7% to 75.8 ± 4.9%, and the values were significantly higher for samples containing NaCas. Powders were characterised by good flowability, the addition of NaCas had positive impact on this factor. However, the hygroscopicity of protein‐containing powders was higher, especially at 2% w/w of NaCas. Powders hygroscopicity was related to particle size: AG powder of the smallest particle size was the most hygroscopic, while the particle size did not affected flowability, which was strongly related to the feed solution composition. Based on the obtained results, it was concluded that the addition of 1% w/w of NaCas as a drying aid during buckwheat and rape honey spray drying with Arabic gum as a carrier is favourable, while the further increase of protein content does not give additional benefits.     

The Involvement of Xanthone and (E)-Cinnamoyl Chromophores for the Design and Synthesis of Novel Sunscreening Agents

Excessive UV exposure contributes to several pathological conditions like skin burns, erythema, premature skin aging, photodermatoses, immunosuppression, and skin carcinogenesis. Effective protection from UV radiation may be achieved with the use of sunscreens containing UV filters. Currently used UV filters are characterized by some limitations including systemic absorption, endocrine disruption, skin allergy induction, and cytotoxicity. In the research centers all over the world new molecules are developed to improve the safety, photostability, solubility, and absorption profile of new derivatives. In our study, we designed and synthesized seventeen novel molecules by combining in the structures two chromophores: xanthone and (E)-cinnamoyl moiety. The ultraviolet spectroscopic properties of the tested compounds were confirmed in chloroform solutions. They acted as UVB or UVA/UVB absorbers. The most promising compound 9 (6-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-xanthen-2-yl)methyl (E)-3-(2,4-dimethoxyphenyl)acrylate) absorbed UV radiation in the range 290–369 nm. Its photoprotective activity and functional photostability were further evaluated after wet milling and incorporation in the cream base. This tested formulation with compound 9 possessed very beneficial UV protection parameters (SPF_{in vitro} of 19.69 ± 0.46 and UVA PF of 12.64 ± 0.32) which were similar as broad-spectrum UV filter tris-biphenyl triazine. Additionally, compound 9 was characterized by high values of critical wavelength (381 nm) and UVA/UVB ratio (0.830) thus it was a good candidate for broad-spectrum UV filter and it might protect skin against UVA-induced photoaging. Compound 9 were also shown to be photostable, non-cytotoxic at concentrations up to 50 µM when tested on five cell lines, and non-mutagenic in Ames test. It also possessed no estrogenic activity, according to the results of MCF-7 breast cancer model. Additionally, its favorable lipophilicity (miLogP = 5.62) does not predispose it to penetrate across the skin after topical application.     

The influence of the carrier addition and spray drying temperatures on physicochemical properties of microencapsulated carrot juice powder

The objective of this study was to determinate the influence of carrier addition and spray drying temperatures (160 or 200°C) on physicochemical properties of spray-dried carrot juice powder. As carriers, maltodextrin and gum Arabic in different proportions were used. In powders were determined the following: moisture content, water activity, apparent density, size of particles, colour and carotenoids content. The content of carotenoids in powders prepared from solutions with juice to carrier ratio 2:3 was 324.3–406.6 mg/kg d.m., while in powders with a J:C = 3:2 values ranged from 576.7 to 637.7 mg/kg d.m. The highest content of carotenoids and the most yellow colour were observed in powders with 1:3 gum Arabic to maltodextrin ratio. Powders with the highest amount of gum Arabic have the highest diameter and the lowest water activity. High inlet temperature caused brighter colour of powders, higher dry matter content, lower water activity and apparent density of powders.     

A Stochastic Petri Net-Based Model of the Involvement of Interleukin 18 in Atherosclerosis

Interleukin 18 (IL-18) is a proinflammatory and proatherogenic cytokine with pleiotropic properties, which is involved in T and NK cell maturation and the synthesis of other inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules. It plays a significant role in orchestrating the cytokine cascade, accelerates atherosclerosis and influences plaque vulnerability. To investigate the influence of IL-18 cytokine on atherosclerosis development, a stochastic Petri net model was built and then analyzed. First, MCT-sets and t-clusters were generated, then knockout and simulation-based analysis was conducted. The application of systems approach that was used in this research enabled an in-depth analysis of the studied phenomenon. Our results gave us better insight into the studied phenomenon and allow revealing that activation of macrophages by the classical pathway and IL-18-MyD88 signaling axis is crucial for the modeled process.     

Characterisation of flavour compounds in Biska – a herbal spirit produced with mistletoe

Mistletoe (Viscum album) is mostly used in its herbal form owing to its content of diverse biologically active substances. In Croatia's Adriatic region, it is used for production of Biska, a strong alcoholic beverage produced by maceration of mistletoe in spirit or brandy, with or without the addition of honey. In this work, Biska was characterised by analysis of aroma compounds and physicochemical parameters and is the first study of the aroma profile of a strong alcoholic beverage produced with mistletoe. The aroma of 14 samples of Biska – five commercial and nine homemade – was analysed using GC/MS with solid‐phase microextraction. A total of 166 aroma compounds were detected. Major components were ethyl esters (medium and long chain fatty acids), fatty alcohols, isopropyl myristate, aldehyde decanal and some terpenes. The distribution of aroma compounds was evaluated by principal component analysis. Some significant differences in physicochemical properties were observed including ethanol concentration (28–44% v/v) and pH (4.4–6.5). Although the colour of Biska was light brown with greenish reflections, there were differences in chromatic parameters. The commercial samples were darker and were less transparent than homemade Biska, perhaps reflecting more extensive maceration/extraction or the addition of caramel. © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

State of the art in additive manufacturing and its possible chemical and particle hazards—review

Additive manufacturing, enabling rapid prototyping and so-called on-demand production, has become a common method of creating parts or whole devices. On a 3D printer, real objects are produced layer by layer, thus creating extraordinary possibilities as to the number of applications for this type of devices. The opportunities offered by this technique seem to be pushing new boundaries when it comes to both the use of 3D printing in practice and new materials from which the 3D objects can be printed. However, the question arises whether, at the same time, this solution is safe enough to be used without limitations, wherever and by everyone. According to the scientific reports, three-dimensional printing can pose a threat to the user, not only in terms of physical or mechanical hazards, but also through the potential emissions of chemical substances and fine particles. Thus, the presented publication collects information on the additive manufacturing, different techniques, and ways of printing with application of diverse raw materials. It presents an overview of the last 5 years’ publications focusing on 3D printing, especially regarding the potential chemical and particle emission resulting from the use of such printers in both the working environment and private spaces.