A Jhi-g-Aloe-Chi composite hydrogel based on jhingan gum was synthesized for the removal of NOVACRON® RUBY S3B azo dye from aqueous solutions. The hydrogel was prepared using jhingan gum, chitosan, and aloe vera extract (3:1:1) with glutaraldehyde as a crosslinking agent, and characterized by FTIR, DSC, SEM, XRD, pHPZC, and swelling studies, which showed maximum pH-responsive swelling at pH 7. Batch adsorption experiments investigated the effects of pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and contact time. Equilibrium data fitted the Dubinin Radushkevich isotherm (R2 = 0.852-0.999), yielding a theoretical adsorption potential of 28.22 mg g-1 at pH 4. Kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model. The multi-step adsorption mechanism involved initial physical interactions, intraparticle diffusion exhibiting less Fickian behavior (n = 0.37). Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic. The process was spontaneous at higher temperatures and lower dye concentrations. The hydrogel demonstrates a sustainable, biodegradable, and low-cost solution for efficient dye removal from aqueous textile effluents.

This study developed an innovative collagen-aloe-emodin-chitosan (CAS) ternary complex as a bio-based Pickering stabilizer for ultra-stable emulsions. The CAS complex showed exceptional interfacial engineering capabilities, with near-neutral wettability (θ = 60.6°), strong electrostatic stabilization (ζ-potential: +31.05 mV), and superior surface activity (interfacial tension: 17.57 mN/m). Confocal microscopy revealed a continuous particle-rich interfacial architecture. Emulsions with 50% lipid remained stable for 20 days at 4 °C and withstood pH (3.0-11.0), ionic (0-200 mM NaCl), thermal (30-90 °C), and centrifugal (10,000×g) stresses, exhibiting high emulsifying activity (EAI = 41.47 m2/g), prolonged stability (ESI = 805.01 min), and a viscoelastic network. As a 75% fat replacer in biscuits, it improved moisture retention and maintained superior texture, demonstrating potential in developing low-lipid baked goods.

The management of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) remains a formidable clinical challenge due to its complex, multipathway immunopathogenesis. Although conventional steroid therapy and advanced biologic agents have improved outcomes, a substantial proportion of patients, particularly those with severe, progressive ulceration, exhibit treatment-refractory disease, highlighting a critical unmet need for novel strategies capable of network-level immune modulation. To address this, we designed and implemented a self-regulating, integrative meta-therapeutic system centered on a nanostructured, herbo-metallic core of traditionally processed mercury sulfide (HgS) called Linga Chenduram, a compound characterized by its stable crystalline lattice and a toxicokinetic profile favoring particulate clearance. This system synergistically combines the nanocore with adjunctive phytocompounds (Allium sativum and Aloe vera), a transient low-dose glucocorticoid pulse, and an optimized anti-inflammatory, antioxidant-rich physiological milieu delivered within a stress-free environment. In a cohort of four patients with PG refractory to conventional immunosuppressants, this 30-day protocol elicited a rapid and profound clinical response. Objective metrics demonstrated a mean ulcer area reduction exceeding 61% by Day 30, progressing to complete and sustained re-epithelialization in all subjects. This robust cutaneous healing occurred concurrently with the normalization of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein) and a significant restoration of functional capacity, evidenced by a mean improvement of 35 points on the Anterior Knee Pain Scale. Critically, clinical remission was maintained throughout a 6-month surveillance period, establishing a definitive steroid-sparing effect. We propose this multisystem improvements emerge from rational polypharmacology, wherein the nanoengineered HgS core serves as a pivotal immunomodulatory node, potentially engaging master regulatory pathways like NF-κB to disrupt dysregulated cytokine circuitry. It transcends conventional combination therapy, introducing a paradigm for managing refractory autoinflammation through integrative systems and compelling a rigorous reappraisal of pharmaceutically refined traditional nanomedicines. This preliminary evidence establishes a compelling rationale for future research to deconstruct the system's architecture and validate its therapeutic potential.

The efficacy of postbiotics varies significantly between different strains and preparation processes. We aimed at evaluating the effect of an innovative postbiotic product (iPB) generated through the sequential fermentation of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG and Lacticaseibacillus paracasei NPB-01, compared to single-strain postbiotics, on epithelial barrier integrity and innate immunity in human enterocytes using a Caco-2-cell-based experimental model by measuring human enterocyte proliferation and differentiation (lactase expression), tight junction proteins (occludin and zonula occludens 1, ZO-1), and mucus protein Mucin-2 (Muc-2) expression. The modulatory action on the major innate immunity peptide, Human Beta-Defensin 2 (HBD-2), production was also assessed. The iPB exposure resulted in a higher up-regulation of human enterocyte proliferation and differentiation, as suggested by higher lactase expression, and of occludin, ZO-1, and MUC2 expression compared with the single-strain postbiotics, suggesting a beneficial synergistic action in modulating the epithelial gut barrier. Furthermore, iPB induced a higher production of HBD-2, suggesting a synergistic enhancement of innate immune response. Our findings suggested that the sequential fermentation process could act as a biotechnological catalyst, optimizing the gut-barrier-protective properties and the immunomodulatory action of Lacticaseibacillus strains. This study introduces iPB as a high-performance postbiotic candidate for the prevention and management of conditions characterized by alterations in epithelial gut barrier and innate immunity.

Plant-based biomaterials are increasingly recognized as bio-instructive platforms capable of actively modulating immune responses rather than functioning solely as passive structural supports. In this context, the term plant-based refers to photosynthetic biomass-derived platforms, including both terrestrial plants and marine macroalgae, reflecting their shared richness in polysaccharides and secondary metabolites relevant to immune engineering and regenerative medicine. This review critically synthesizes current evidence on plant-derived polysaccharides and phytochemicals, including algal sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginate, carrageenan, and ulvan), terrestrial plant polysaccharides (e.g., Lycium barbarum and Aloe vera derivatives), polyphenols, and other secondary metabolites such as terpenoids and alkaloids, highlighting their roles as immunomodulators in biomedical contexts. Key mechanisms include macrophage polarization along an M1-M2 continuum, pattern recognition receptor engagement, redox and metabolic regulation, and crosstalk between innate and adaptive immunity, with emphasis on context-dependent signaling and structural heterogeneity. Material design parameters, including molecular weight and chemical functionalization, are critical determinants of immune responses. Advanced delivery systems, such as hydrogels, nanocomposites, phytosomes, and plant-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), enable improved stability and spatiotemporal control. Applications in wound and musculoskeletal regeneration are discussed alongside translational challenges, including variability, reproducibility, regulatory issues, and the need for standardized characterization and immune validation.

Abiotic stresses, particularly acid and salt stress, severely limit plant productivity. Conventional detection is often hindered by physiological lags and phenotypic latency. Here, we develop a machine learning-enabled implantable plant biomarker sensor (MLIPBS) for early stress diagnosis. Featuring a foldable design, MLIPBS enables conformal integration into plant tissues for continuous monitoring of H2O2, K[+], and pH. We confirm the robust sensing capabilities and favorable biocompatibility of MLIPBS through cross-species validation in lettuce, tomato, and Aloe vera. Additionally, leveraging the LightGBM architecture, we demonstrate that MLIPBS successfully classifies combined stress conditions and varying intensity levels of acid and salt stress, achieving an average accuracy of 90.5%. We further show that the system identifies stress types and intensities within 8 hours of onset, providing an early-warning window at least 48 hours before symptom manifestation. Our study provides reliable wearable tools for stress-resistant crop screening and precision management in smart agriculture.

Aloe-emodin (AE), known as 1,8-dihydroxy-3-hydroxymethyl-anthraquinone, is a naturally occurring anthraquinone that has attracted attention for its diverse pharmacological applications. AE is mainly found in plant species, such as Aloe vera, Rheum palmatum, and Polygonum multiflorum. Accumulating preclinical studies suggest that AE exerts anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and anti-inflammatory properties. In particular, its anticancer effects, involving apoptosis induction, oxidative stress inhibition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inhibition of proliferative and metastatic pathways across multiple cancer cell lines, are especially well-characterized. AE demonstrates promising preclinical results, with a range of effective in vitro doses of 0.05 to 100 µM and in vivo doses of 25-100 mg/kg in animals; however, higher micromolar concentrations have been reported to have cytotoxic and hepatotoxic effects, highlighting AE's translational potential while necessitating further safety evaluation. Simultaneously, proliferative signaling pathways, such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK, are widely investigated; some potential signaling pathways, like PIP2 stimulation, which also activates the AKT/mTOR pathway, are still unexplored. AE combats various infectious diseases targeting gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, influenza A, herpes simplex virus, Japanese encephalitis virus, enterovirus 71, and parasites such as Leishmania. Despite the promising pharmacological effects of AE, its clinical application is limited by poor pharmacokinetics, such as low bioavailability, rapid clearance, and inadequate intestinal absorption, along with safety risks like liver, kidney, and light-induced toxicity. Overcoming these challenges require improved delivery systems, structural modifications, and detailed toxicity profiling. Our review consolidates current pharmacological evidence, identifies research gaps, and suggests modifications and future directions for AE as a potential therapeutic agent.

Wound infections caused by bacterial pathogens remain a major health concern, often delaying tissue repair and increasing morbidity. This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and antibacterial activity of methanolic leaf extracts from Aloe vera, Lawsonia inermis, Azadirachta indica, Curcuma longa, and Achyranthes aspera as potential natural alternatives for managing wound-associated infections. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, phenolics, saponins, and steroids in all extracts, with L. inermis and C. longa showing particularly high levels of phenolics, tannins, and flavonoids, while A. Indica exhibited abundant alkaloids and saponins. From 123 wound samples, six bacterial species were isolated: Staphylococcus aureus (38; 30.9%), Streptococcus agalactiae (17; 13.8%), Proteus mirabilis (22; 17.9%), Escherichia coli (18; 14.6%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15; 12.2%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (13; 10.6%). Antibacterial activity assessed using the agar well diffusion method showed that A. indica produced the highest inhibition zones (12.5 ± 0.5 mm to 20.4 ± 0.9 mm), followed by C. longa (11.6 ± 0.5 mm to 19.2 ± 0.7 mm). The positive control, ciprofloxacin (10 μg), exhibited inhibition zones ranging from 20.8 ± 0.5 mm to 26.1 ± 0.4 mm, whereas the negative control (10% DMSO) produced no inhibition. The observed antibacterial activity is likely due to the synergistic effects of bioactive phytochemicals, which disrupt bacterial cell membranes and inhibit bacterial growth. These findings indicate that A. indica and C. longa possess strong antibacterial potential and may serve as promising natural agents for managing wound infections caused by clinically relevant pathogens. Further in vivo and toxicity studies are recommended to validate their therapeutic applicability.

The development of biomimetic skin phantoms is critical for reliable biopotential measurements in wearable sensor applications. A major limitation is hydration instability, as moisture loss alters ionic conductivity and leads to unpredictable impedance behavior. Building on prior work using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) cryogels as benchtop analogs for electrode evaluation, this study investigates hydrophilic additive integration and freeze-thaw processing as complementary strategies to improve hydration retention and electrical stability. Seven commercial hydrophilic additives were screened for their ability to reduce mass loss and stabilize impedance over time. Aloe Vera proved most effective, reducing mass loss and impedance variability and extending phantom electrical lifespan from approximately 4 days for untreated controls to up to 18 days under optimized conditions. Embedded additive testing identified an optimal concentration of approximately 0.75 g (5.5--6.5% w/w), while higher concentrations produced oversaturation and electrical drift. Freeze-thaw optimization demonstrated that a single cycle preserved structural integrity and minimized dehydration, whereas repeated cycling (≥ 2 cycles) increased mass loss, permittivity decay, and electrical instability. Differential scanning calorimetry quantified the distribution of freezable and bound water within the cryogel matrix. Samples containing the additive exhibited markedly reduced endothermic peak magnitudes during melting, indicating a lower fraction of freezable water and a corresponding increase in tightly bound water. These results establish a combined chemical-physical framework that extends phantom functional lifespan by more than fourfold and provides long-term hydration stability and consistent impedance behavior suitable for repeatable wearable biosensor testing.

The failure of remyelination in demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), is profoundly exacerbated by the accumulation of lipid-rich myelin debris, which sustains an inhibitory microenvironment. Efficient clearance of this debris by microglia is a critical step for myelin repair. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of Aloe-emodin (AE), a natural anthraquinone, in promoting remyelination. Using a cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination mouse model and primary microglial cultures, we systematically assessed the effects of AE on myelin debris clearance and structural myelin regeneration. Transcriptomic profiling (RNA-seq) and pharmacological blockade were employed to elucidate the precise molecular mechanisms. We show that in vivo administration of AE significantly accelerated behavioral recovery and structural remyelination in CPZ-intoxicated mice. Both in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that AE robustly enhanced microglial phagocytosis, accelerating the clearance of myelin debris. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that AE specifically reprogrammed microglia from a generalized pro-inflammatory state toward a specialized lipid-scavenging phenotype. Mechanistically, AE activated the CD36-PPARγ signaling axis to promote myelin debris clearance by microglia. Moreover, pharmacological inhibition of CD36 with sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate (SSO) completely abolished the AE-induced microglial phagocytosis in vitro and effectively reversed the neuroprotective and pro-remyelinating benefits in vivo. Our findings identify AE as a potent pharmacological modulator that drives microglial myelin debris clearance, potentially involving the CD36-PPARγ cascade. Targeting this specific metabolic-immune axis with AE represents a highly promising therapeutic strategy for demyelinating CNS disorders.