Hybrid bacterial cellulose-collagen membranes production in culture media enriched with antioxidant compounds from plant extracts

Bioactive, structural, and mechanical properties were measured of a cellulose biopolymer produced by Gluconacetobacter xylinus using hydrolyzed collagen and phenolic compounds from teas and grape pomace (GP) in an optimized culture medium. Biopolymers were impregnated with an antibiotic to investigate possible antibacterial activities. Hybrid bacterial cellulose (BC)-collagen membranes obtained from cultures with green tea and a ternary mixture (TM) of teas with GP presented a high concentration of phenolic compounds (879.7 and 1312.8 mg gallic acid equivalent per liter) and antioxidant activity (973.3 and 575.9 mmol/g), respectively. BC membranes included a nanodimensional network of microfibrils, and the addition of hydrolyzed collagen in the TM of teas in situ resulted in thicker structures with improved mechanical properties. BC-collagen membranes pretreated with cephalexin exhibited significant inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The enrichment of the culture media with plant phenolic compounds and collagen resulted in the formation of hybrid BC membranes in a shorter time when compared to those produced without these components. Membranes modified with bioactive compounds in situ and antibiotics ex situ can be turned into potential products for application in biomaterials with antioxidant activity.     

Transdermal Delivery Systems for Ibuprofen and Ibuprofen Modified with Amino Acids Alkyl Esters Based on Bacterial Cellulose

The potential of bacterial cellulose as a carrier for the transport of ibuprofen (a typical example of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) through the skin was investigated. Ibuprofen and its amino acid ester salts-loaded BC membranes were prepared through a simple methodology and characterized in terms of structure and morphology. Two salts of amino acid isopropyl esters were used in the research, namely L-valine isopropyl ester ibuprofenate ([ValOiPr][IBU]) and L-leucine isopropyl ester ibuprofenate ([LeuOiPr][IBU]). [LeuOiPr][IBU] is a new compound; therefore, it has been fully characterized and its identity confirmed. For all membranes obtained the surface morphology, tensile mechanical properties, active compound dissolution assays, and permeation and skin accumulation studies of API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) were determined. The obtained membranes were very homogeneous. In vitro diffusion studies with Franz cells were conducted using pig epidermal membranes, and showed that the incorporation of ibuprofen in BC membranes provided lower permeation rates to those obtained with amino acids ester salts of ibuprofen. This release profile together with the ease of application and the simple preparation and assembly of the drug-loaded membranes indicates the enormous potentialities of using BC membranes for transdermal application of ibuprofen in the form of amino acid ester salts.     

Feeding responses ofChilo partellus (Swinhoe) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) larvae to sorghum plant phenolics and their analogs

Phagostimulatory responses of third-instar larvae ofChilo Partellus to phenolic components identified in an ethyl acetate extract of the leaf whorls of 3-week-old plants ofSorghum bicolor cultivar IS 18363 were studied in no-choice bioassays. The major components in the extract were identified as 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, with 4-hydroxy-3-methoxycinnamic acid, 3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid, and 4-hydroxycinnamic acid present in minor amounts. All but 4-hydroxycinnamic acid were stimulatory at the doses tested. 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde was more stimulatory than other potential biogenetic analogs. Hydroxybenzoic acids generally elicited greater feeding response than cinnamic acids, and the pattern of oxygen substitution in the benzene ring was related to bioactivity.     

Effect of lipid unsaturation on the antioxidative activity of some phenolic acids

Antioxidative properties ofp-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic, 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic,p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic and caffeic acids were studied in the concentration range 0.02–0.20 wt% during autoxidation at 100°C of lard and sunflower oil methyl esters (MEL and MESO, respectively). In both lipid systems, the derivatives of benzoic acid had weaker inhibiting properties than did the corresponding analogues of cinnamic acid. The effectiveness and strength of the antioxidative action were considerably lower in the lipid system MESO, which was rich in linoleic acid and was more easily oxidized. Thep-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic, syringic andp-coumaric acids in this system exercised no inhibiting effect. We established that the molecules of the investigated phenolic acids initiated the chain radical process of autoxidation, and the formed antioxidant radicals propagated the chains as a result of the reaction with the lipid substrate. These reactions proceeded at a higher rate in MESO than in MEL.     

细菌纤维素面贴膜对营养物的吸收及释放行为研究

利用细菌纤维素(BC)膜为护肤营养物载体,制备面贴膜,对载体膜吸附营养物的能力进行研究,利用体外透皮实验,考察了BC膜对小分子的传递行为。同时,对不同厚度的BC膜进行优选,并与市售产品对比。结果发现,BC膜对物质的吸收能力与膜厚度成正比,而对物质的输送速度与膜厚度成反比;1.0~1.5 mm的膜在20~30 min内,对物质的传递量最高。结果表明,BC在制备面贴膜应用上,性能要优于以往的材质,是一种能用于护肤品行业的新型有前景的材料。     

Primary Metabolites and Polyphenols in Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Cultivars in China

Defatted meals of 10 rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) varieties were investigated for their total phenolic, phenolic acid (free, esterified, and insoluble-bound forms), and tannin contents. The antioxidant capacities (AC) of methanol extracts from samples were assessed using the 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•), Folin–Ciocalteu method and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and β-carotene–linoleic acid tests. In the fraction of free phenolic acids, sinapic, caffeic, ferulic, syringic, gallic, and p-coumaric acids were identified. In the fraction of esterified phenolic acids, sinapine, sinapoyl glucoside, and disinapoyl gentiobiose were identified. After basic hydrolysis, sinapic, ferulic, cinnamic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids were identified, and sinapic acid (SA) constituted 98.3% to 99.6% of the total esterified phenolic acids. Eleven components (sinapic, protocatechuic, p-coumaric, syringic, vanillic, gallic, caffeic, ferulic, salicylic, cinnamic, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acids) in the fraction of insoluble-bound phenolic acids were identified. The AC of the samples correlated with the total phenolic content. Overall, the total phenolics showed a better correlation with AC than the individual phenolic compounds. Moreover, SA, sinapoyl glucoside, and disinapoyl gentiobiose showed a highly significant and strong positive correlation with the AC of rapeseed meals, and the derivatives of cinnamic acid showed a higher correlation with AC than the derivatives of benzoic acid. The change in the canolol content in rapeseeds under microwave irradiation is discussed. The correlation of the canolol formed with SA and its derivatives is discussed.     

Characterization and antimicrobial properties of ferulic acid grafted self-assembled bacterial cellulose-chitosan membranes

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biomaterial with many excellent properties, but its application as a food packaging and biomedical material is limited due to its lack of antibacterial properties. In this study, ferulic acid (FA) grafted self-assembled bacterial cellulose-chitosan (BCF) membranes were prepared by soaking BC films in chitosan-ferulic acid (CF) solution to synthesize antibacterial biomaterials. ¹H NMR confirmed that FA grafted onto chitosan successfully. The results of field emission scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile analysis showed that CF were successfully incorporated into BC matrix and the BCF membranes had good physical properties. The antibacterial experiments demonstrated that BCF membranes had an excellent antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Therefore, combining all these properties, BCF composite membranes would have potential application in food packaging or wound-healing materials.     

Lithosepermic Acid Restored the Skin Barrier Functions in the Imiquimod-Induced Psoriasis-like Animal Model

(1) Background: Psoriasis is a T helper 1/T helper 17 cells-involved immune-mediated genetic disease. Lithospermic acid, one of the major phenolic acid compounds of Danshen, has antioxidation and anti-inflammation abilities. Due to the inappropriate molecular weight for topical penetration through the stratum corneum, lithospermic acid was loaded into the well-developed microemulsion delivery system for IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis treatment. (2) Methods: BALB/c mice were administered with topical imiquimod to induce psoriasis-like dermatitis. Skin barrier function, disease severity, histology assessment, autophagy-related protein expression, and skin and spleen cytokine expression were evaluated. (3) Results: The morphology, histopathology, and skin barrier function results showed that 0.1% lithospermic acid treatment ameliorated the IMQ-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis and restored the skin barrier function. The cytokines array results confirmed that 0.1% lithospermic acid treatment inhibited the cutaneous T helper-17/Interleukin-23 axis related cytokines cascades. (4) Conclusions: The results implied that lithospermic acid might represent a possible new therapeutic agent for psoriasis treatment.     

Antioxidant Activity of the Phenolic Leaf Extracts from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Monechma ciliatum</Emphasis> in Stabilization of Corn Oil

The total phenolic content and the antioxidant potential of methanolic extract (ME), ethyl acetate extract (EAE), and hexane extract (HE) from Monechma ciliatum leaves (MCL) were evaluated. The Folin-Ciocalteu, β-carotene bleaching, the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging and the accelerated oxidation methods were used for evaluation. Both the extraction yield and the antioxidant activity (AOA) were strongly dependent on the solvent. Among the extracts, ME exhibited highest total phenolic compounds (TPC) and IC₅₀ values for DPPH, followed by EAE and HE, respectively. Peroxide value (PV), anisidine value (AV) conjugated dienes (CD), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were taken as the parameters for evaluation of stabilization efficacy of MCL extracts and results revealed MCL to be a potent antioxidant for the stabilization of corn oil. As a general trend, increased AOA was observed for increased extract concentration. The predominant phenolic compounds identified by HPLC-DAD in MCL extracts were p-coumaric acid, vanillin and ferulic acid.     

Biodegradable composites with improved barrier properties and transparency from the impregnation of PLA to bacterial cellulose membranes

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was impregnated in bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes. BC/PLA films were prepared by solvent casting and mechanical, optical and barrier properties, and biodegradation process were investigated. The transparency of processed films was higher than that of neat BC and increased with PLA content. Moreover, the incorporation of PLA to BC enhanced significantly the water vapor barrier properties of the BC membranes. The bionanocomposites contained a high percentage of cellulose due to the impregnation method that leads to the film with a BC content of 94%, which practically maintains the excellent mechanical properties of BC. However, when increasing the PLA content in the bionanocomposites the mechanical properties decreased slightly with respect to BC. Biodegradation under real soil conditions was determined indirectly through the study of the visual degradation and disintegration, demonstrating that the bionanocomposites were degraded faster than the neat PLA. The successful production of BC/PLA bionanocomposites suggested the possible application of them for active food packaging. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43669.     

Effects of Piptoporus betulinus Ethanolic Extract on the Proliferation and Viability of Melanoma Cells and Models of Their Cell Membranes

Piptoporus betulinus is a fungus known for its medicinal properties. It possesses antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer activity. In this study, several tests were performed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the ethanolic extract of Piptoporus betulinus on two melanoma human cell lines, WM115 primary and A375 metastatic cell lines, as well as Hs27 human skin fibroblasts. The extract proved to affect cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner, and at the same time showed a low cytotoxicity towards the normal cells. The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined spectrophotometrically by the Folin-Ciocalteu method (F-C), and the potential antioxidant activity was measured by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. One of the active compounds in the extract is betulin. It was isolated and then its cytotoxic activity was compared to the results obtained from the Piptoporus betulinus extract. To further understand the mechanism of action of the extract’s anticancer activity, tests on model cell membranes were conducted. A model membrane of a melanoma cell was designed and consisted of 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, disialoganglioside-GD_1a and cholesterol: DMPC:GD_1a:chol (5:2:3 mole ratio). Changes in a Langmuir monolayer were observed and described based on Π-A_mol isotherm and compressibility modulus changes. LB lipid bilayers were deposited on a hydrophilic gold substrate and analyzed by IR and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Our study provides new data on the effect of Piptoporus betulinus extract on melanoma cells and its impact on the model of melanoma plasma membranes.     

Synthesis of molecularly imprinted polymer by suspension polymerization for selective extraction of p-hydroxybenzoic acid from water

Molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) for selective extraction of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-HB) was synthesized by suspension polymerization using p-HB as template, 4-vinyl pyridine as functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker. As characterized by scanning electron microscopy, the MIP particles are spherical, with size ranging from 1 to 8 μm. Compared with the non-imprinted polymer (NIP), the MIP shows higher binding capacity toward p-HB: maximum binding capacity for p-HB being 8.07 μmol g⁻¹ over MIP and 3.88 μmol g⁻¹ over NIP. The adsorption of p-HB on MIP follows the Freundlich model and displays pseudo-second-order kinetics. The results of selective and competitive binding experiments confirm that the molecularly imprinted sites have excellent recognition ability toward p-HB. The results reveal that the MIP is a promising adsorbent for selective extraction of p-HB from water samples. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 46984.     

Rosmarinic Acid,as an NHE1 Activator,Decreases Skin Surface pH and Improves the Skin Barrier Function

Stratum corneum (SC) pH regulates skin barrier functions and elevated SC pH is an important factor in various inflammatory skin diseases. Acidic topical formulas have emerged as treatments for impaired skin barriers. Sodium proton exchanger 1 (NHE1) is an important factor in SC acidification. We investigated whether topical applications containing an NHE1 activator could improve skin barrier functions. We screened plant extracts to identify NHE1 activators in vitro and found Melissa officinalis leaf extract. Rosmarinic acid, a component of Melissa officinalis leaf extract, significantly increased NHE1 mRNA expression levels and NHE1 production. Immunofluorescence staining of NHE1 in 3D-cultured skin revealed greater upregulation of NHE1 expression by NHE1 activator cream, compared to vehicle cream. Epidermal lipid analysis revealed that the ceramide level was significantly higher upon application of the NHE1 activator cream on 3D-cultured skin, compared to application of a vehicle cream. In a clinical study of 50–60-year-old adult females (n = 21), application of the NHE1 activator-containing cream significantly improved skin barrier functions by reducing skin surface pH and transepidermal water loss and increasing skin hydration, compared to patients who applied vehicle cream and those receiving no treatment. Thus, creams containing NHE1 activators, such as rosmarinic acid, could help maintain or recover skin barrier functions.     

A Two-Step Nanofiltration Process for the Production of Phenolic-Rich Fractions from Artichoke Aqueous Extracts

Commercial nanofiltration (NF) membranes in spiral-wound configuration (NP030 from Microdyn Nadir and Desal DK from GE Water & Process Technologies) were used in a sequential design in order to produce a separated fraction of phenolic and sugar compounds from an aqueous artichoke extract. For both membranes, the effect of transmembrane pressure (TMP) on the permeation flux was evaluated. In optimized conditions of TMP, the NP030 membrane exhibited high rejections of apigenin, cynarin and chlorogenic acid (higher than 85%); on the other hand, very low rejections of fructose, glucose and sucrose (lower than 4%) were measured. Starting from an extract with a total antioxidant activity (TAA) of 5.28 mM trolox a retentate fraction with a TAA of 47.75 mM trolox was obtained. The NF permeate from the NP030 membrane was processed with the Desal DK membrane in optimized conditions of TMP producing a permeate stream free of phenolic and sugar compounds. Accordingly, as most part of phenolic compounds was removed in the first NF step, the concentration of sugar compounds in the NF retentate had much higher results than that of phenolic compounds.     

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDC) Degrades Rapidly under Oxidative Stress but Can Be Stabilized by Acetyl Zingerone to Enhance Collagen Production and Antioxidant Effects

Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (THDC) is an L-ascorbic acid precursor with improved stability and ability to penetrate the epidermis. The stability and transdermal penetration of THDC, however, may be compromised by the oxidant-rich environment of human skin. In this study, we show that THDC is a poor antioxidant that degrades rapidly when exposed to singlet oxygen. This degradation, however, was prevented by combination with acetyl zingerone (AZ) as a stabilizing antioxidant. As a standalone ingredient, THDC led to unexpected activation of type I interferon signaling, but this pro-inflammatory effect was blunted in the presence of AZ. Moreover, the combination of THDC and AZ increased expression of genes associated with phospholipid homeostasis and keratinocyte differentiation, along with repression of MMP1 and MMP7 expression, inhibition of MMP enzyme activity, and increased production of collagen proteins by dermal fibroblasts. Lastly, whereas THDC alone reduced viability of keratinocytes exposed to oxidative stress, this effect was completely abrogated by the addition of AZ to THDC. These results show that AZ is an effective antioxidant stabilizer of THDC and that combination of these products may improve ascorbic acid delivery. This provides a step towards reaching the full potential of ascorbate as an active ingredient in topical preparations.     

Flavonoid and Phenolic Acids Content and In Vitro Study of the Potential Anti-Aging Properties of Eutrema japonicum (Miq.) Koidz Cultivated in Wasabi Farm Poland

Skin aging is a natural, unavoidable, and complex process caused by oxidative stress. As a consequence, it leads to an increase in the activation of extracellular matrix disruption enzymes and DNA damage. The search for natural sources that inhibit these mechanisms can be a good approach to prevent skin aging. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the composition of flavonoids and phenolic acids in the extracts obtained from the flowers, roots, and leaves of Eutrema japonicum cultivated in Poland. Then, the resultant extracts were subjected to an assessment of antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, anti-hyaluronidase, antibacterial, and cytotoxic properties. It was demonstrated that the extract from the flowers had the highest content of flavonoid glycosides (17.15 mg/g DE). This extract showed the greatest antioxidant, anti-collagenase, anti-elastase, and anti-hyaluronidase activities compared to the other samples. Importantly, the collagenase inhibitory activity of this extract (93.34% ± 0.77%) was better than that of positive control epigallocatechin gallate (88.49% ± 0.45%). An undeniable advantage of this extract was also to possess moderate antibacterial properties and no cytotoxicity towards normal human skin fibroblasts. Our results suggest that extracts from E. japonicum flowers may be considered as a promising antiaging compound for applications in cosmetic formulations.     

Effects of pH and ferric ions on the antioxidant activity of olive polyphenols in oil-in-water emulsions

The effects of four phenolic compounds occurring in olives and virgin olive oil, namely, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol-elenolic acid (3,4-DHPEA-EA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol-elenolic acid dialdehyde (3,4-DHPEA-EDA), on the oxidative stability of stripped olive oil-in-water emulsions were studied at three pH values in the presence or absence of ferric chloride at 60°C. In the stability test, the addition of phenolic compounds in emulsions at pH 5.5 significantly extended the induction time of lipid oxidation, and the activities in decreasing order were 3,4-DHPEA-EA> 3,4-DHPEA-EDA>hydroxytyrosol>α-tocopherol∼oleuropein ≫control. The effect of concentration, iron, and pH on the antioxidant activity of the phenolic compounds in stripped olive oil-in-water emulsions was analyzed by response surface methodology. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol enhanced the prooxidant effect of ferric chloride at pH 3.5 and pH 5.5 but not at pH 7.4. The 3,4-DHPEA-EDA reduced the prooxidant effect of ferric chloride at pH 5.5 and pH 7.4, but at pH 3.5 prooxidant effects were evident at higher phenol concentration. The 3,4-DHPEA-EA reduced the prooxidant effect of ferric ions at all pH values tested. Differences in activity of the phenols may be explained by consideration of their free radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing capacity.     

In situ deposition of platinum nanoparticles on bacterial cellulose membranes and evaluation of PEM fuel cell performance

In situ deposition of platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on bacterial cellulose membranes (BC) for a fuel cell application was studied. The platinum/bacterial cellulose (Pt/BC) membranes under different experimental conditions were characterized by using SEM (scanning electron microscopy), TEM (transmission electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffractometry) and TG (thermo-gravimetric analysis) techniques. TEM images and XRD patterns both lead to the observation of spherical metallic platinum nanoparticles with mean diameter of 3–4 nm well impregnated into the BC fibrils. TG curves revealed these Pt/BC composite materials had the high thermal stability. The electrosorption of hydrogen was investigated by CV (cyclic voltammetry). It was found that Pt/BC catalysts have high electrocatalytic activity in the hydrogen oxidation reaction. The single cell performance of Pt/BC was tested at 20 °C, 30 °C, and 40 °C under non-humidified conditions. Preliminary tests on a single cell indicate that renewable BC is a good prospect to be explored as membrane in fuel cell field [B.R. Evans, H.M. O’Neill, V.P. Malyvanh, I. Lee, J. Woodward, Biosens. Bioelectron. 18 (2003) 917].     

酚酸类化合物在化妆品中的研究进展

简单介绍了酚酸类化合物的来源和生物活性,综述了酚酸类化合物作为一种天然化合物,通过清除自由基、抑制炎症反应、抑菌、抑制酪氨酸酶活性、加速分解肌肤中的晚期糖化终末产物等途径起到的美白淡斑、抗衰老、抗炎、屏障修护等多重护肤功效,并介绍了酚酸类化合物的安全性问题,提出了酚酸类化合物生物利用度低、低水溶性等实际应用问题,采用生物基纳米颗粒负载酚酸类化合物可使部分实际应用问题得到改善。最后阐述了目前酚酸类化合物在化妆品行业应用中存在的问题,以期为酚酸类化合物在护肤领域的应用提供参考。