Development of novel thioethers (5a-g), thioesters (6a-g), and bis-thioethers (8a-h) with antibacterial potential.

&lt;b&gt;Background and Objective:&lt;/b&gt; Amaranth microgreens are increasingly recognized as valuable functional foods due to their rapid growth, short cultivation cycle, high nutritional density and rich phytochemical content. This study investigated how cultivar and harvest stage affect growth performance and the accumulation of key phytochemical compounds in amaranth microgreens grown under greenhouse conditions. &lt;b&gt;Materials and Methods:&lt;/b&gt; Two amaranth cultivars, red amaranth and small red-centered amaranth, were grown under greenhouse conditions and harvested at 7, 10 and 14 days after sowing. Growth parameters, including plant height, fresh weight and dry weight, were measured. Chlorophyll content, dietary fiber, vitamin C, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity were also determined. Data was analyzed using analysis of variance and treatment means were compared at p<0.05. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Harvest stage significantly affected most growth and biochemical traits. In both cultivars, plant height, dry weight, chlorophyll content, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity increased with plant age. At 14 days after sowing, red amaranth showed the highest chlorophyll content (0.49 mg/g fresh weight), total phenolic content (4.51 mg GAE/g fresh weight) and antioxidant activity (52.27%). Small red-centered amaranth showed slightly higher dietary fiber (3.18%) and vitamin C content (94.44 mg/g fresh weight) at the same harvest stage. &lt;b&gt;Conclusion:&lt;/b&gt; Both cultivar and harvest stage influenced the nutritional and phytochemical quality of amaranth microgreens. Harvesting at 14 days after sowing provided the most favorable balance between growth and bioactive compound accumulation, with red amaranth showing superior overall phytochemical performance.

Carbon-based materials are widely used in electrochemical applications due to their excellent conductivity and surface activity. In this work, a novel carbon quantum dots (CQDs) were used as a matrix to enhance the electrochemical properties of Zn-NB. The Zn-NB@CQD composite was successfully synthesised using a sonochemical method, where L-ascorbic acid served as the precursor for CQDs and Zn-NB was prepared through a one-pot hydrothermal process. The formation of the Zn-NB@CQD composite was confirmed through structural analyses such as XRD, Raman, and XPS, while its morphology was examined using SEM and TEM. The resulting composite was employed to modify a glassy carbon electrode (GCE), creating an efficient electrochemical sensor for selective detection of 2-nitro-1,4-phenylenediamine (2NPED). The Zn-NB@CQD modified electrode demonstrated a lower solution resistance of 87.25 Ω and charge transfer resistance is 77.82 Ω, indicating significantly improved conductivity compared to pristine materials and bare GCE. Square-wave and differential pulse voltammetry revealed a high sensitivity of 0.444 μAμM-1cm-2 within the linear range of 0.02-2800.4 μM. The LOD of Zn-NB@CQD is 2.200 μM. Real-sample analysis using river, wastewater, and tap water spiked with 100-500 μM of 2NPED yielded recovery values near 99%, confirming the sensor's strong selectivity, minimal interference, and excellent reproducibility.

A novel series of 5-chloro-N-alkyl-1',1″-dimethyl-4'-aryldispiro[indene-2,3'-pyrrolidine-2',3″-indoline]-1,2″(3H)-diones (4a-r) was rationally designed and synthesized via a one-pot multicomponent reaction of N-alkylated 5-chloroisatin derivatives, 2-(arylmethylidene)-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-1-ones (2a-i), and sarcosine (3). To assess their potential therapeutic efficacy, the entire library of synthesized compounds was screened for its inhibitory profiles against both acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), where most derivatives exhibited moderate to potent cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Notably, derivatives 4b, 4f, and 4o emerged as the most effective dual inhibitors, displaying strong potent activity against AChE (IC50 = 0.91 ± 0.02, 0.89 ± 0.01, and 0.74 ± 0.01 µM, respectively; donepezil IC50 = 0.68 ± 0.005 µM) alongside significant BChE inhibition (IC50 = 10.19 ± 0.16, 9.59 ± 0.08, and 9.11 ± 0.01 µM, respectively; donepezil IC50 = 2.97 ± 0.01 µM). The structure of the most active derivatives (4b, 4f, and 4o) was further confirmed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. In addition, antioxidant evaluation of compounds 4b, 4f, and 4o demonstrated that derivative 4f possessed the most superior radical scavenging profile (IC50 = 23.18 ± 0.33 µM), representing approximately a 5.5-fold enhancement in potency relative to ascorbic acid (IC50 = 128.20 ± 0.82 µM). Molecular docking studies revealed favorable binding interactions of the lead derivatives within the catalytic binding pockets of both AChE and BChE, with docking scores comparable to those of the standard inhibitor. Furthermore, in silico ADME profiling demonstrated promising pharmacokinetic behavior, characterized by robust gastrointestinal absorption and excellent predicted blood-brain barrier penetration, supporting the potential of these derivatives as promising multifunctional candidates for the development of anti-Alzheimer agents.

Electrochemical sensing is a promising route to non-invasive, point-of-care health monitoring, yet practical multiplexing remains limited by electrode materials that cannot simultaneously deliver high conductivity, high densities of electrochemically active sites, and modular surface chemistry for targeted analyte specificity. Here, we introduce a hybrid nanocarbon architecture that decouples charge transport from surface reactivity by grafting oxygen-rich carbon quantum dots (CQDs) as a chemically active "skin" onto a conductive multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffold (CQD@CNT), then applying in situ electrochemical reduction to strengthen interfacial electronic coupling while preserving functional groups that promote analyte adsorption and catalysis. By systematically tuning the reduction potential, we identify an optimal regime that maximizes CQD-CNT interfacial coupling and charge transport while avoiding over-reduction that compromises sensor activity. Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization reveals partial deoxygenation and restoration of conjugation within the hybrid material, increased electrochemically active surface area, and a pronounced decrease in charge-transfer resistance after in situ reduction. Using differential pulse voltammetry, the reduced molecular hybrids exhibit enhanced sensitivity toward uric acid and support multiplexed detection of uric acid, dopamine, and ascorbic acid within a single voltammetric scan. Sensor modularity is further demonstrated by covalently grafting 18-crown-6 to CQDs to enable Pb2+ and Cd2+ detection via anodic stripping voltammetry while preserving the same conductive CNT scaffold. This result illustrates how molecular recognition motifs can be integrated into the CQD skin without re-engineering the electron-transport network. We further validate the CQD@CNT platform on screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs), demonstrating its compatibility with low-cost, disposable electrode formats relevant to deployable sensing. Together, these results establish in situ electrochemical reduction as a scalable, post-fabrication strategy to overcome the conductivity-activity trade-off in electrochemical sensing and provide a generalizable CQD@CNT platform for multiplexed biosensing and environmental monitoring across multiple electrode platforms.

Biocompatible and biodegradable electrode platforms were developed using laser-scribed poly(lactic acid)/graphene oxide (PLA/GO) composites, prepared via an innovative waterborne dispersion method. Laser treatment enabled the formation of graphene/graphite-like structures. By varying the fluence of the laser used, it was possible to modulate the physico-chemical properties of the conductive traces obtained, finally leading to materials characterized by tunable sheet resistance, chemical structure, and morphology. Thanks to the low charge transfer resistance and the peculiar electrocatalytic and antifouling properties observed, the platforms were applied as electrochemical sensors for the detection of various biomarkers in biological fluids, namely ascorbic and uric acid, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and catecholamine-based neurotransmitters, outperforming commercial carbon screen-printed electrodes. Contextually, laser-scribed electrodes were used to demonstrate the effectiveness of a novel approach for selectively stimulating Ca[2] [+] signaling in astrocytes. The results here reported open the possibility to apply laser-scribed PLA/GO as innovative eco-sustainable solutions for simultaneous treatment of pathological conditions and monitoring of the resulting neurotransmitter expression in in vitro and in vivo models.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of edible coatings combined with natural essential oils in improving the postharvest quality, nutritional value, and microbial stability of artichokes under different storage conditions. The experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (2024-2025) using a French hybrid cultivar. Artichokes were coated with whey protein, gum Arabic (GA), or carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and stored under refrigeration (0 °C), individual quick freezing (IQF) (-30 °C), and combined freezing-thawing conditions in polyethylene and polypropylene packaging. Results showed that all edible coatings significantly enhanced physicochemical and microbiological quality compared with uncoated controls. Coated samples exhibited reduced weight loss, respiration rate, and ethylene production, along with improved retention of key nutrients, including carbohydrates, sugars, protein, folic acid, inulin, cynarin, phenolics, and ascorbic acid. GA and whey protein coatings demonstrated the most pronounced effectiveness. Microbial analyses revealed substantial reductions in total bacterial count, yeasts, and molds in coated samples, consistent with the antimicrobial activity of essential oil enriched formulations. Additionally, coatings reduced oxidative stress indicators, including malondialdehyde, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anion levels, while suppressing polyphenol oxidase activity. Overall, edible coatings enriched with natural essential oils effectively preserved quality and extended the shelf life of artichokes by limiting physiological deterioration, microbial growth, and oxidative damage. These results highlight their potential as sustainable postharvest preservation strategies for fresh-cut horticultural products.

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) is a vital polyphenol-metabolizing enzyme responsible for the enzymatic browning of fruits and vegetables. This study assessed the anti-PPO activity of protocatechualdehyde (PCA), yielding an IC50 value of 94 μM (95% CI: 91.8 to 96.4 μM). Kinetic analysis revealed that PCA acted as a reversible and competitive inhibitor of PPO. Molecular docking indicated that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions were the main driving forces for PCA-PPO binding. Fluorescence spectroscopy further demonstrated that PCA binding altered the microenvironments around tyrosine and tryptophan residues, leading to conformational rearrangements and partial unfolding of the enzyme, evidenced by significant fluorescence quenching. Molecular dynamics simulation demonstrated that PCA perturbed the secondary structure of PPO and caused stretching of its overall structure, thereby inhibiting the catalytic activity of the enzyme. Furthermore, PCA demonstrated excellent anti-browning activity by regulating phenolic metabolism, reducing membrane lipid peroxidation, enhancing the ascorbic acid-glutathione cycle, and modulating cell wall metabolism to delay cellular senescence. Collectively, these findings offer some valuable insights into the development of PPO inhibitor and anti-browning agent, and provide a theoretical foundation for the potential application of PCA in the area of food preservation.

This study examined how protein source and redox treatment influence structural properties and peptide profiles of high-moisture extruded (HME) meat analogs. Wheat gluten (WG) was blended with soy protein (SP) or pea protein (PP) and L-cysteine/ascorbic acid (LC/AA) followed by HME. The optimum feed moisture content (FMC) was selected based on the degree of texturization, which was subsequently analyzed for structural, thermal, digestibility, bioactivity, and celiac-related peptide. WG-SP formed stronger β-sheet-rich networks, whereas WG-PP showed more molecular flexibility with higher β-turn and random coil. LC/AA treatment promoted intermolecular disulfide bond rearrangement and re-polymerization, resulting in increased β-sheet formation, a higher denaturation temperature, and improved hardness. Peptide analysis revealed that WG-PP produced more predicted bioactive peptides and fewer celiac-related epitopes than WG-SP. The immuno-dominant 33-mer celiac-related peptide was detected only in WG-SP. Overall, structural strengthening through redox-mediated modification did not sufficiently reduce potential celiac-related risks in WG-based meat analogs.

Chilled shrimp deteriorate rapidly because post-mortem biochemical spoilage, oxidative deterioration and microbial growth continue during refrigeration; however, practical set-points that integrate oligochitosan (COS) coating solvent and packaging geometry remain insufficiently defined. This study aimed to establish an implementable COS-based preservation strategy for chilled slender shrimp (Metapenaeus brevicornis). Shrimp were stored at 4 ± 1 °C and evaluated in three experimental branches: (a) COS concentration screening (0.75-1.50%, w/v; 3-min dip in reverse-osmosis water), (b) solvent comparison at 1.0% COS (reverse-osmosis water vs. seawater) and (c) packaging comparison at 1.0% COS in seawater (sealed polyethylene bag vs. basket-in-bag), with untreated or water-dipped controls as appropriate. Independent batches (n = 3 per treatment) were analysed for ammonia (NH3), pH, total antioxidant activity (TAA), total plate count (TPC) and weighted sensory score using linear mixed-effects models (α = 0.05). The 1.0% COS treatment was the most robust concentration over 13 days, and seawater improved performance compared with reverse-osmosis water. In the day-13 packaging comparison, COS-basket-in-bag had lower NH3 than COS-polyethylene (PE) bag (0.169 ± 0.01% vs. 0.189 ± 0.03% w/w), although it was statistically comparable to the untreated control (0.153 ± 0.02%). COS-basket-in-bag also produced the lowest TPC (approximately 1.7 × 10[4] CFU g[-1], vs. 4.3 × 10[5] and 2.8 × 10[6] CFU g[-1] for COS-PE bag and control, respectively), the highest TAA (2.582 ± 0.21 mg ascorbic acid equivalents (AAE) g[-1], vs. 2.205 ± 0.17 and 2.034 ± 0.15 mg AAE g[-1]) and the highest sensory score (16.1 ± 1.78, vs. 15.16 ± 1.43 and 11.6 ± 1.24). These findings define a practical set-point, 1.0% COS in seawater, 3-min dipping, basket-in-bag packaging and storage at 4 ± 1 °C, that supports an approximately 12-day refrigerated shelf-life and demonstrates how coating dose, solvent and packaging geometry can be integrated to improve the microbial, antioxidant and sensory stability of chilled shrimp.

Pinus pinea L. is a widespread Mediterranean conifer whose bark-derived tissues remain poorly investigated as potential sources of bioactive secondary metabolites. In this study, a hydroalcoholic crude extract of the periderm, an outer renewable bark layer compatible with sustainable collection, was evaluated as an underexplored natural matrix. HPLC-DAD identified taxifolin as the main quantified marker compound, corresponding to 21.1 mg/g of dry extract. Untargeted UPLC-QTOF-MS analysis revealed a polyphenol-rich profile, mainly represented by condensed tannins and flavonoids in ESI(-) mode, while terpenoids were more evident in ESI(+) mode. The extract showed concentration-dependent DPPH radical-scavenging activity, with an IC50 of 12.31 µg/mL, comparable to ascorbic acid. Comparison with taxifolin tested at concentrations equivalent to those estimated in the extract indicated that taxifolin accounted for only part of the observed antioxidant response. In SH-SY5Y cells, the extract was cytocompatible up to 1 µg/mL and partially counteracted H2O2-induced reduction in cell viability within this non-cytotoxic range. TXRF analysis provided a preliminary safety-oriented elemental profile, with regulated elements detected at low levels. Overall, these findings support P. pinea periderm as a renewable Mediterranean source of secondary metabolites with antioxidant potential, while further mechanistic and toxicological studies are required to confirm its functional applicability.

The development of efficient photocatalysts for converting carbon dioxide into valuable chemicals is crucial for sustainable energy. Porphyrin-based covalent organic frameworks (COFs) represent a promising class of materials for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. In this work, a novel synthetic strategy termed "warp-weft stack" is presented and utilized to design and synthesize a series of 2D porphyrin-based COFs from 1D chain precursors. The strategy employs low-symmetry (C2) porphyrin and dialdehyde monomers, which first form 1D chains via imine bonds and are then woven into 2D frameworks through axial metal coordination. Comprehensive characterization confirms that the cobalt-porphyrin-based COFs exhibit a partially ordered layered structure with moderate crystallinity, suggesting that the metal center plays a key role in directing the dimensional evolution from chains to sheets. In contrast, the metal-free analog forms an amorphous aggregate. In a photocatalytic system with [Ru(bpy)3]Cl2 and ascorbic acid, the cobalt-porphyrin COF demonstrates markedly enhanced activity and selectivity for CO2 reduction. This study not only provides a novel pathway for the bottom-up construction of dimensionally controlled porous materials but also underscores the importance of integrated metal sites in directing framework assembly and optimizing catalytic function for sustainable chemical synthesis.