Endophytic Bacillus amyloliquefaciens surfactin possesses anti-inflammatory potential through acetylcholinesterase and lipoxygenase inhibitory activities

Aims@#This study was aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid effects of the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens derived surfactin.@*Methodology and results@#Crude and biosurfactant extracts were analyzed using thin-layer chromatography to determine the presence of biosurfactant. Both extracts were evaluated for their inhibitory effects against the acetylcholinesterase and 5-lipoxygenase enzymes. Human synovial cells were induced with TNF-α and IL-1β. The percentages of the cell viability for both normal and induced cells were determined with an MTT assay. Results showed that surfactin was detected in the biosurfactant extract and demonstrated higher inhibitory effects compared to the crude extract against both inhibitory enzymes acetylcholinesterse (IC50=30.60 μg/mL) and lipoxygenase (IC50=110.10 μg/mL). Both crudes showed no cytotoxic effects at the highest concentration used (50 μg/mL) against normal human synovial cells but showed active reactions against the induced cells. The anti-proliferative effects of biosurfactant and crude extracts were in dose-dependent manner.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#Notably, surfactin obtained from B. amyloliquefaciens has shown an inhibitory effect against pro-inflammatory enzymes and cell viability of the induced rheumatoid arthritis cell line. These results highlighted the therapeutic potential of surfactin application as an anti-inflammatory agent for arthritis treatment. Further study is needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of surfactin.

Administración de surfactante mediante técnica mínimamente invasiva en neonatos / Administration of Surfactants by Minimally Invasive Technique in Neonates

Introducción: La administración de surfactante pulmonar tradicionalmente se realiza mediante un tubo endotraqueal, pero desde hace años existen técnicas menos invasivas como la administración mediante másscara laríngea, aerosolización y cateterización traqueal. Objetivos: Demostrar la evolución de tres neonatos que recibieron surfactante pulmonar mediante una cateterización traqueal y describir la técnica empleada para su administración. Presentación de casos: Se atendieron tres recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer, que ingresaron en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales del Hospital General Docente Iván Portuondo, San Antonio de los Baños, con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del prematuro. Todos se trataron con surfactante pulmonar exógeno, Surfacen®, el cual se administró mediante cateterización traqueal empleando un catéter umbilical. Se trata de una técnica mínimamente invasiva que se realizó sin dificultades y siempre en el primer intento. Los tres pacientes mostraron mejoría clínica, gasométrica y radiográfica con esta forma de administración y solo uno de ellos tuvo una complicación durante el proceder, que no constituyó una limitante para su realización. Este método permitió mantener una ventilación no invasiva, y fue innecesaria la intubación endotraqueal en los neonatos. Los profesionales encargados de la ejecución de esta técnica recibieron entrenamiento previo. Conclusiones: La administración mínimamente invasiva de surfactante pulmonar resultó un método eficaz con el que se consiguió la resolución total del cuadro de dificultad respiratoria en los neonatos. El procedimiento empleado permitió una administración rápida y segura del Surfacen®(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary surfactant administration is traditionally performed by endotracheal tube, but for years there have been less invasive techniques such as administration by laryngeal mask, aerosolization and tracheal catheterization. Objectives: To demonstrate the evolution of three neonates who received pulmonary surfactant via tracheal catheterization and to describe the technique used for its administration. Case presentation: Three very low birth weight newborns were attended and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Iván Portuondo General Teaching Hospital, at San Antonio de los Baños municipality, with preterm respiratory distress syndrome. All were treated with exogenous pulmonary surfactant, Surfacen®, which was administered by tracheal catheterization using an umbilical catheter. This is a minimally invasive technique that was performed without difficulty and always on the first attempt. The three patients showed clinical, gasometric and radiographic improvement with this form of administration and only one of them had a complication during the procedure, which did not constitute a limitation for its performance. This method allowed maintaining non-invasive ventilation, and endotracheal intubation was unnecessary in neonates. The professionals in charge of performing this technique received previous training. Conclusions: Minimally invasive administration of pulmonary surfactant was an effective method that achieved total resolution of respiratory distress in neonates. The procedure used allowed rapid and safe administration of Surfacen®(AU)

Anti-inflammatory effects and acute oral toxicity of Copaifera spp. essential oil-loaded nanoemulsion / Efectos antiinflamatorios y toxicidad oral aguda de nanoemulsión cargada de aceite esencial de Copaifera spp

Copaifera spp. essential oil (EOC) was extracted by hydrodistillation of Copaifera oleoresin (COR). The EOC was characterized by GC/MS and a novel EOC-loaded nanoemulsion was developed to enhance the EOC solubility and to evaluate its utility as antinflammatory. EOC contain 14 volatile compounds (including ß-caryophyllene: 51.52%) having a required HLB of 11. The Surfactant: EOC: Water ratio of 13:15:75 (%, w:w:w) produced the optimal formulation (particle size: 94.47 nm). The EOC-loaded nanoemulsion presented a pseudoplastic/thixotropic behavior with excellent shelf stability for 6 months. The anti-inflammatory effect of the nanoemulsion was more potent than that of the EOC, and statistically equal to diclofenac (50 mg/kg). The EOC-loaded nanoemulsion showed no oral acute toxicity (in mice) at 2000 mg/kg; hence, it is considered a nontoxic product. The development of the EOC-loaded nanoemulsion added value to both the COR and the EOC by providinga suitable formulation that could be used as an anti-inflammatory product.

El aceite esencial (EOC) fue extraído por hidrodestilación de oleoresina de Copaifera spp. El EOC fue caracterizado químicamente por GC/MS. Se formuló una nanoemulsión con EOC para mejorar la solubilidad del EOC y evaluar su utilidad como antiinflamatorio. El EOC contiene 14 compuestos volátiles (incluido el ß-cariofileno: 51,52%) con un HLB requerido de 11. La relación Tensioactivo: EOC: Agua de 13:15:75 (%, p:p:p) produjo la formulación óptima (tamaño de partícula: 94,47 nm).. La nanoemulsión cargada con EOC presentó un comportamiento pseudoplástico/tixotrópico con una excelente estabilidad en almacenamiento durante 6 meses. El efecto antiinflamatorio de la nanoemulsión fue más potente que el del EOC y estadísticamente igual al diclofenaco (50 mg/kg). La nanoemulsión cargada con COE no mostró toxicidad aguda oral (en ratones) a 2000 mg/kg; por lo tanto, se considera un producto no tóxico. El desarrollo de la nanoemulsión cargada con EOC agregó valor tanto al COR como al EOC al proporcionar una formulación adecuada que podría usarse como un producto antiinflamatorio.

Compatibility and efficiency of preservatives in emulsive cosmetics containing high surfactant content

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the influence of nonionic surfactants on the effectiveness of preservatives used in emulsions containing high surfactant content. Mixtures of different concentrations were prepared between polyethoxylated (40) hydrogenated castor oil (PHCO) and polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (PSO), with methylparaben, phenoxyethanol, methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and isobutylparaben (PMEPBI) blend, phenoxyethanol and benzoic acid (BP) blend, and phenoxyethanol and caprylyl glycol (PC) blend. Subsequently, the compatibility of the formulation ingredients and the effectiveness of the preservatives were evaluated by the challenge test. It was found that PHCO and PSO inactivated the antimicrobial action of methylparaben and PMEPBI. Paraben-free preservatives BP and PC had less influence on surfactants than systems containing parabens. When incorporated into microemulsions and nanoemulsions containing 40% and 20% surfactants, methylparaben and BP 0.2% and 0.5% were only effective against Aspergillus niger. The PMEPBI 0.2% was effective as a preservative in nanoemulsified formulations against A. niger, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. The results demonstrate that the efficacy of the preservative system in formulations containing nonionic surfactant excipients depends on the type of excipient, the components of the formulation, the preservative systems composition, the excipient to preservative ratio, and the availability in the formulation.

Impact of the use of surfactant and Nasal CPAP in the reduction of mortality among very low birth weight preterm babies in Ile-Ife, south western Nigeria

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome causes significant morbidity and death especially among very low birth weight babies. Though the use of CPAP and surfactant have been shown to improve survival, these interventions were scarcely available in the past. This study aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes of preterm babies with RDS delivered at the Ife Hospital Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex at two different periods. Objective: To compare the birth weight specific mortality rates and overall mortality rates of preterm babies with RDS between two periods in the neonatal ward of the Ife Hospital Unit of OAUTHC. Methods: A retrospective study comparing outcomes of 92 babies with RDS at GA 26 to 33+6 weeks between January 2015 and May 2016 and managed with intranasal oxygen alone to 104 babies of same gestational age characteristics between January 2019 and May 2020 who were managed withCPAP/surfactant. Results: The mean weight and gestational age of the babies respectively were 1.36 (±0.37) kg and 31.14 (±2.3) weeks in 2015/2016 and 1.35 (±0.322) kg and 30.95 (±2.24) weeks in 2019/2020. The overall case fatality rate and birth-weight specific mortality rates for ELBW, VLBW and LBW were 33.7%, 62.5%, 35.2% and 9.1% in 2015/2016 and 18.3%, 58.3%, 15.5% and 9.7% respectively in 2019/2020. Conclusion: While the use of CPAP and the administration of surfactant clearly show improved survival among very low birth weight babies who are at increased risk of death from RDS, this was not the case for extreme low birth weight babies.

Comparison of nutrient-rich and limited media in the production of biosurfactant by Achromobacter xylosoxidans BP(1)5

Aims@#This study aims to produce Achromobacter biosurfactant in nutrient-rich and nutrient-limited media.@*Methodology and results@#This study conducted fermentation on nutrient-rich and nutrient-limited media using a minimal salt medium (MSM). Dextrose and sodium citrate were used as sole carbon supplemented with 0.5% yeast extract for nutrient-rich media, while nutrient-limited media used molasses and rice straw hydrolysate (RSH) at variations of concentrations of 100 ppm and 200 ppm. The research was performed over 120 h and evaluated from growth response, surface tension and emulsification activity. The study revealed that the best surface tension value was when 2% (w/v) sodium citrate was used as C-source and 0.5% (w/v) yeast extract as N-source, after 72 h upon incubation at 30 °C/120 rpm having 45.45 ± 2.19 mN/m with emulsification activity 24.54 ± 3.42%. Whereas the best result of the nutrient-limited medium was obtained by RSH at a concentration of 200 ppm having 48.86 ± 5.36 mN/m.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The experiment showed that nutrient-limited medium from rice straw hydrolysate could compete with the nutrient-rich medium. The use of rice straw will contribute to the reduction of biosurfactant production costs and valorisation of agricultural waste.

Isolation and characterization of biosurfactant producing bacteria from Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoons, Nigeria

Aims@#This study was aimed to isolate and characterize biosurfactant producing bacteria from Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon which are sinks for domestic and industrial waste waters and potential source of value added bioresources such as biosurfactants, hydrocarbon degraders and organisms with potential for biotechnological applications.@*Methodology and results@#Physicochemical parameters of the two lagoon waters were analyzed using standard procedures. Bacteria were isolated using enrichment techniques on 1% Escravos light crude oil, palm oil and groundnut oil on mineral salt medium (MSM). Biosurfactant production by the isolates was assayed by hemolytic activity, oil spread test, blue agar test and emulsification activity. Isolates were identified using their colony morphologies and biochemical characteristics, while the antibiotic susceptibility of the isolates was determined using multidisc. The physicochemistry of the lagoon water showed high nitrate content of 15.7 mg/L and 19.6 mg/L for Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon, respectively. Total hydrocarbon content (THC) of both lagoon waters was low, with values 0.53 mg/L for Mile 2 Lagoon and 0.44 mg/L for Ologe Lagoon. The predominant genera of bacteria identified include Micrococcus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Stomatococcus and Moraxella. A total of 23 bacterial isolates were tested for hemolytic activity, of which 13 showed β-hemolysis which is presumptive for biosurfactant production, 5 showed α-hemolysis and the remaining 5 exhibited γ-hemolysis. Majority of the isolates were positive for oil spread assay and blue agar test (19) indicating production of anionic biosurfactant. The isolates showed good emulsification activity; AGG3 (67.7%), AGG1 (62.3%), AGG2 (60%), AGG4 (60%), MTP2 (56%), AGC4 (54%) and the least emulsification value of 23.3% for strain AGP1. Most of the isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, perfloxacin and showed resistance to septrin and erythromycin.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#This study showed that Mile 2 and Ologe Lagoon are a potential source of biosurfactant producers with diverse emulsification properties and prospective industrial applications. This would have implication for economic empowerment, as well as sustainable and environmentally friendly clean-up technology in both locally and globally.

Disfunción del transportador del surfactante pulmonar ABCA3: reporte de un caso peruano / Surfactant ABCA3 transporter dysfunction: a case report from Peru

Resumen Introducción: Los trastornos genéticos que afectan la homeostasis del surfactante pulmonar son una causa importante del síndrome de dificultad respiratoria en el recién nacido a término y de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial difusa en niños. El transportador ABCA3 (ATP binding cassette A3) interviene en la producción normal del surfactante que recubre el interior de las paredes alveolares y funciona como agente tensioactivo. Caso clínico: Recién nacido a término que presentó dificultad respiratoria a los 3 días de vida y requirió ventilación mecánica. Los estudios para determinar otras causas de enfermedad pulmonar fueron negativos. Se realizó una biopsia de pulmón para realizar estudios de microscopía óptica y microscopía electrónica. Esta última mostró pequeños cuerpos lamelares anómalos, además de condensaciones electrodensas periféricas, características de las mutaciones del transportador ABCA3. Se inició tratamiento con pulsos de metilprednisolona, hidroxicloroquina, azitromicina y corticoides inhalados a dosis altas, y la respuesta clínica y radiológica fue favorable durante el seguimiento. Conclusiones: La correlación de las características clínicas y de las imágenes (tomografía y microscopía electrónica) puede ser útil para el diagnóstico de la disfunción del surfactante pulmonar, especialmente en los países de bajos y medianos recursos que no disponen de estudios genéticos para determinar las diferentes mutaciones del transportador ABCA3. Este es uno de los primeros casos reportados en Perú con respuesta adecuada al tratamiento y evolución favorable durante el seguimiento.

Abstract Background: Genetic disorders affecting pulmonary surfactant homeostasis are a major cause of respiratory distress syndrome in full-term newborn and childhood interstitial lung disease. The ABCA3 transporter (ATP binding cassette A3) intervenes in the normal production of surfactant that covers the interior of alveolar walls and plays a fundamental role as a surfactant. Case report: Male term newborn who presented respiratory distress 3 days after birth and required mechanical ventilation. Studies to determine other causes of lung disease were negative. Lung biopsy was performed for the study with light microscopy and electron microscopy. Electron microscopy showed small abnormal lamellar bodies in addition to peripheral electrodense condensations characteristic of ABCA3 transporter mutation. Treatment was started with pulses of methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine, azithromycin, and high-dose inhaled corticosteroids, finding a favorable clinical and radiological response to follow-up. Conclusions: Correlation of clinical characteristics and images (tomography and electron microscopy) can be useful for the diagnosis of lung surfactant dysfunction, especially in low and medium-income countries where genetic studies to determine the different ABCA3 transporter mutations are not available. This is one of the first cases reported in Peru with an adequate response to treatment and favorable evolution to follow-up.

Production of green surfactants: market prospects

Science has greatly contributed to the advancement of technology and to the innovation of production processes and their applications. Cleaning products have become indispensable in today's world, as personal and environmental hygiene is important to all societies worldwide. Such products are used in the home, in most work environments and in the industrial sectors. Most of the detergents on the market are synthesised from petrochemical products. However, the interest in reducing the use of products harmful to human health and the environment has led to the search for detergents formulated with natural, biodegradable surfactant components of biological (plant or microbiological) origin or chemically synthesised from natural raw materials usually referred to as green surfactants. This review addresses the different types, properties, and uses of surfactants, with a focus on green surfactants, and describes the current scenario as well as the projections for the future market economy related to the production of the different types of green surfactants marketed in the world.

Exploration of emulsifying material basis of Angelicae Sinensis Radix volatile oil based on partial least squares and hydrophile-lipophile balance value / 中国中药杂志

This study explores the emulsifying material basis of Angelicae Sinensis Radix volatile oil (ASRVO) based on partial least squares (PLS) method and hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB) value.The turbidity of ASRVO emulsion samples from Gansu,Yunnan,and Qinghai was determined and the chemical components in the emulsion were analyzed by GC-MS.The PLS model was established with the chemical components as the independent variable and the turbidity as the dependent variable and evaluated with indexes R~2X and R~2Y.The chemical components which were in positive correlation with the turbidity were selected and the HLB values were calculated to determine the emulsification material basis of ASRVO.The PLS models for the 81 emulsion samples had high R~2X and R~2Y values,which showed good fitting ability.Seven chemical components,2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol,trans-ligustilide,3-butylidene-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone,dodecane,1-methyl-4-(1-methylethylidene)-cyclohexene,trans-beta-ocimene,and decane,had positive correlation with turbidity.Particularly,the HLB value of 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol was 4.4,which was the HLB range of surfactants to be emulsifiers and 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol was positively correlated with turbidity of the ASRVO emulsion samples from the main producing area.Therefore,2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol was the emulsifying material basis of ASRVO.The selected emulsifying substances can lay a foundation for exploring the emulsification mechanism and demulsification solution of ASRVO.

Aeromonas immobilized on chitosan for treating high-oil wastewater from kitchens / 生物工程学报

To effectively solve the serious impact of high oil in the kitchen wastewater on the downstream treatment process, an excellent oil-degrading strain Aeromonas allosaccarophila CY-01 was immobilized to prepare Chitosan-Aeromonas pellets (CH-CY01) by using chitosan as a carrier. Oil degradation condition and efficiency of CH-CY01 pellets were assessed. The growth of immobilized CH-CY01 was almost unaffected, and the maximum degradation rate of soybean oil was 89.7%. Especially at 0.5% NaCl concentration, oil degradation efficiency of CH-CY01 was increased by 20% compared with free cells. In the presence of a surfactant (sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate) at 1 mg/L, the degradation efficiency of oil by CH-CY01 was increased by 40%. Moreover, using the high-oil catering wastewater as the substrate, more than 80% of the solid oil was degraded with 1% (V/V) CH-CY01 pellets treatment for 7 days, significantly higher than that of free cells. In summary, immobilized CH-CY01 significantly improved the efficiency of oil degradation.

Extraction and antimicrobial activity of rhamnolipid biosurfactant produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa UKMP14T

Aims@#Rhamnolipids are seeking utmost attention as a new class of biosurfactants having promising potential in diverse fields as they offer a wide range of advantages over chemically synthesised surfactants. However, the high extraction costs make large scale production face difficulty. In present study, hydrocarbon degrading bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa UKMP14T was exploited for its biosurfactant producing ability including a comparative study between different extraction procedures for its recovery. In addition to this, the recovered biosurfactant was explored for its potential application as an antimicrobial agent. @*Methodology and results@#The production of rhamnolipid biosurfactant was confirmed through various detection methods which are drop-collapse test, oil spreading assay, emulsification index, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) assay and hemolytic assay. The test strain P. aeruginosa UKMP14T showed positive results for all the detection assays. Following this, shake flask cultivation was carried out for several time intervals (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 days) to discover the optimum time for rhamnolipid biosurfactant production. The results were evaluated by quantifying the rhamnolipid yield using Anthrone method and maximum yield was obtained on day 7. Then, three commonly employed rhamnolipid biosurfactant extraction methods (acid precipitation, solvent extraction and zinc sulphate precipitation) were incorporated for the extraction of rhamnolipid biosurfactant. Among these methods, organic solvent extraction (using methanol, chloroform and acetone in 1:1:1 ratio) gave the highest yield (7.37 ± 0.81 g/L) of biosurfactant, followed by zinc sulphate precipitation (5.83 ± 0.02 g/L), whereas acid precipitation gave the lowest yield (2.8 ± 0.12 g/L) and required longer time (30 days). Finally, the antimicrobial activity of several concentrations of rhamnolipid was tested using modified microdilution method and highest antibacterial activity (in the form of percent reduction in growth) of 95.05% and 91.89% was recorded for Escherichia coli ATCC 10536 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 11632, respectively, at 100 µg/mL concentration of rhamnolipid biosurfactant.@*Conclusion, significance and impact of study@#The ability of P. aeruginosa UKMP14T in producing rhamnolipid biosurfactant was confirmed. Despite the higher yield obtained by organic solvent extraction method, the recovery technique (involving the separation of solvent system) caused some loss in product. In addition, the transfer and storage of rhamnolipid was challenging using solvent extraction in comparison to acid precipitation and zinc sulphate precipitation. On the other hand, recovery using acid precipitation suffered from lowest yield of rhamnolipid. Therefore, zinc sulphate precipitation is prioritised over the other two methods. Furthermore, the antimicrobial potential of rhamnolipid biosurfactant was tested successfully for as low as 10 µg/mL concentration against E. coli ATCC 10536 and S. aureus ATCC 11632. Therefore, the recovery cost of a high value product like rhamnolipid can be reduced by incorporating the results of this study in the downstream processing and promote rhamnolipid biosurfactant as a potential antimicrobial agent.

A green approach for the treatment of dye and surfactant contaminated industrial wastewater / Uma abordagem verde para o tratamento de águas residuais industriais contaminadas por tintas e surfactantes

Abstract Synthetic dyes, particularly reactive and acid dyes, are commonly used in the textile industry because of their advantages as excellent color fastness and brightness. Also, surfactants are used for an increment of coloring success in the textile industry. One of the major problems concerning textile wastewater is the treatment of the effluents containing both dyes and surfactants. Biological treatment systems are recommended as useful, economic and eco-friendly methods for treatment of industrial wastewater. The purpose of this study was to investigate the binary removal of a textile dye and a surfactant by growing Aspergillus versicolor culture in molasses medium. The effect of dye and surfactant concentration on the removal of dye and surfactant was determined. This study resulted that 100% of the surfactant and dye molecules removed together with the formation of a dye-surfactant complex by fungus. It is concluded that binary removal systems are very efficient for industrial wastewater treatment.

Resumo Os corantes sintéticos, particularmente corantes reativos e ácidos, são comumente usados ​​na indústria têxtil devido às suas vantagens como excelente solidez da cor e brilho. Além disso, os surfactantes são usados ​​para incrementar o sucesso da coloração na indústria têxtil. Um dos principais problemas relativos às águas residuais têxteis são o tratamento dos efluentes contendo corantes e surfactantes. Os sistemas de tratamento biológico são recomendados como métodos úteis, econômicos e ecológicos para o tratamento de efluentes industriais. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a remoção binária de um corante têxtil e um surfactante, cultivando a cultura Aspergillus versicolor em meio de melaço. O efeito das concentrações de corante e surfactante nas remoções de corante e surfactante foi determinado. Este estudo resultou na remoção de 100% das moléculas de surfactante e corante juntamente com a formação de um complexo corante-surfactante por fungos. Conclui-se que os sistemas de remoção binária são muito eficientes no tratamento de efluentes industriais.

Biosurfactant and bioemulsifier as promising molecules produced by Mucor hiemalis isolated from Caatinga soil

BACKGROUND: The present study describes the production of biosurfactant (BS) and emulsifier (BE) by the filamentous fungus Mucor hiemalis UCP 0039, as well as the characterization and stability of the both biomolecules for environmental or industrial applications. RESULTS: Biosurfactants and bioemulsifiers are amphiphilic compounds and are produced as extracellular molecules. The results showed that bioproduct obtained by shaker condition reduced the water surface tension of 72 to 32 mN/m and reached an emulsification index of 96%, while the static cultivation resulted in a biomolecule with a surface tension of 40 mN/m and an emulsification index of 96%, suggesting the production of a biosurfactant and bioemulsifier, respectively. The compounds showed glycolipid nature but the biosurfactant presented cationic charge, while the bioemulsifier, anionic charge. Thus, the results confirmed that M. hiemalis produced two distinct biomolecules under different parameters and in the same culture medium. CONCLUSIONS: It is the first time that biosurfactant and emulsifier production has been described in the same medium and under different physical conditions by Mucor hiemalis. Both biomolecules showed thermal stability, as well as have significant effect on the viscosity of hydrophobic compounds, indicating the excellent potential for environmental safety or industrial applications to improve the efficiency of sustainable and economic technologies.

Biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis UFPEDA1009 with potential application in cookie formulation

BACKGROUND: Biosurfactants are biomolecules that have the potential to be applied in food formulations due to their low toxicity and ability to improve sensory parameters. Considering the ability of yeasts to produce biosurfactants with food-friendly properties, the aim of the present study was to apply a biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis in the formulation of cookies. RESULTS: The biosurfactant was obtained with a yield of 24.22 ± 0.23 g/L. The characterization analysis revealed that the structure of a metabolized fatty acid with high oleic acid content (68.63 ± 0.61%), and the thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated good stability at temperatures lower than 200°C, potential for food applications. The biosurfactant also exhibited satisfactory antioxidant activity at concentrations evaluated, without cytotoxic potential for cell strains, L929 and RAW 264.7, according to the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2- yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The incorporation of the surfactant into the dough of a standard cookie formulation to replace animal fat was carried out, achieving a softer, spongier product without significantly altering the physical and physicochemical properties or energy value. CONCLUSION: The thermal stability and antioxidant activity of the biosurfactant produced by C. utilis were verified, besides the positive contribution in the texture analysis of the cookies. Therefore, this biomolecule presents itself as a potential ingredient in flour-based sweet food formulations.

Snappe ii: analysis of accuracy and determination of the cutoff point as a death predictor in a brazilian neonatal intensive care unit / Snappe ii: análise da acurácia e determinação do ponto de corte como preditor de óbito em uma unidade de terapia inensiva neonatal brasileira

ABSTRACT Objective: To analyze the accuracy of the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE II) as a death predictor, to determine the cutoff point for mortality, and to analyze the association of independent variables with death. Methods: Prospective, longitudinal, hospital-based study on newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for the first time from November 1, 2016 to April 30, 2017. Newborns with less than 12 hours of length of stay at the NICU, out-of-hospital births, major congenital malformations, and inter-hospital transfer were excluded. Variables were grouped according to hierarchical framework, related to maternal characteristics (distal level), prenatal and childbirth care (intermediate level), and birth conditions (proximal level). Descriptive analyses of SNAPPE II score ranges, Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (ROC curve) to define the cutoff point for mortality, and bivariate analysis by the Wald test and multiple logistic regression were conducted. Results: After selection, the sample consisted of 247 newborns. In this study, the SNAPPE II cutoff point for mortality was 27, with sensitivity of 84.1% and specificity of 82.4%. 61% of those with a score ≥27 died. Multiple logistic regression showed an association between death and proximal-level variables: sepsis (Odds Ratio [OR] 10.68; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.82-40.48; p<0.001); SNAPPE II ≥27 (OR 5.85; 95%CI 1.90-18.05; p=0.002); birth weight 750-999 g (OR 4.15; 95%CI 1.06-16.14; p=0.040); and nonuse of surfactant (OR 0.159; 95%CI 0.04-0.53; p=0.003). Conclusions: Neonatal mortality was directly proportional to increase in SNAPPE II. Score≥27 increased the odds of dying by six times compared with neonates with lower scores. The proximal variables related to health conditions and neonatal care were associated with death.

RESUMO Objetivo: Analisar a acurácia do Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE II) como preditor de óbito, determinar o ponto de corte para mortalidade e analisar a associação das variáveis independentes com óbito. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo, longitudinal, de base hospitalar com recém-nascidos admitidos pela primeira vez na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN) entre 1° de novembro de 2016 e 30 de abril de 2017. Foram excluídos recém-nascidos com permanência menor que 12 horas na UTIN, nascimento extra-hospitalar, malformações congênitas maiores e transferência inter-hospitalar. As variáveis foram agrupadas sob determinação hierarquizada, relacionadas a características maternas (nível distal), assistência ao pré-natal e parto (nível intermediário) e condições do nascimento (nível proximal). Foram conduzidas análises descritivas dos graus de pontuação do SNAPPE II, Receiver Operating Characteristics Curve (curva ROC) para definição do ponto de corte para mortalidade e análise bivariada pelo teste de Wald e regressão logística múltipla. Resultados: Após seleção, a amostra constituiu-se de 247 recém-nascidos. Neste estudo, o ponto de corte do SNAPPE II para mortalidade foi 27, com sensibilidade de 84,1% e especificidade de 82,4%. Evoluíram a óbito 61% daqueles com pontuação ≥27. A regressão logística múltipla mostrou associação entre óbito e variáveis de nível proximal: sepse (Odds Ratio [OR] 10,68; intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%] 2,82-40,48; p<0,001); pontuação ≥27 (OR 5,85; IC95% 1,90-18,05; p=0,002); peso ao nascer entre 750 e 999 g (OR 4,15; IC95% 1,06-16,14; p=0,040); e não uso de surfactante (OR 0,159; IC95% 0,04-0,53; p=0,003). Conclusões: A mortalidade neonatal foi diretamente proporcional ao aumento do SNAPPE II. Escore≥27 aumentou seis vezes a chance de óbito em relação aos neonatos com escore inferior. As variáveis proximais relacionadas às condições de saúde e da atenção neonatal associaram-se ao óbito.

Progress in applying surfactants to lignocellulose hydrolysis for sugar production / 生物工程学报

Lignocellulose is a major biomass resource for the production of biofuel ethanol. Due to its abundance, environmental friendliness and renewability, the utilization of lignocellulose is promising to solve energy shortage. Surfactant can effectively promote the enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulose. By discussing the influence and mechanism of different surfactants on the enzymatic hydrolysis, we provide references for finding appropriate surfactants in enzymatic hydrolysis process.

Efficacy and safety of less invasive surfactant administration in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a Meta analysis / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the efficacy and safety of less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS).@*METHODS@#PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China Biology Medicine disc, China Scientific Journal Database, CNKI Database, and Wanfang Database were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of LISA strategy in the treatment of NRDS. Literature screening and quality assessment were performed according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Review Manager 5.3 software was used to perform the Meta analysis.@*RESULTS@#A total of 9 RCTs were included, with a total of 1 212 children with NRDS. There were 611 children in the experimental group (treated with LISA strategy) and 601 children in the control group [treated with intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE) strategy]. The Meta analysis showed that the use of LISA strategy reduced the rate of mechanical ventilation within 72 hours after birth (OR=0.39, 95%CI: 0.29-0.51, P0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of repeated use of pulmonary surfactant (PS) between the two groups (P>0.05), but there was a higher incidence rate of PS reflux observed by LISA strategy (OR=2.60, 95%CI: 1.64-4.12, P<0.001).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Compared with INSURE strategy, LISA strategy has advantages in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation and the incidence rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pneumothorax in children with NRDS.

Preparation and in vitro quality evaluation of curcumin supersaturated self-nanoemulsion / 中国中药杂志

In order to improve the supersaturation and maintenance time of drug dispersion in curcumin self-nanoemulsion(CUR-SNEDDS), precipitation inhibitors(PPIs) were introduced to prepare curcumin supersaturated self-emulsion(CUR-SSNEDDS). The composition of CUR-SNEDDS prescriptions was selected through the solubility test, the compatibility of oil phase and surfactant, the investigation of the emulsifying ability of the surfactant and the drawing of the pseudo-ternary phase diagram. Analytic hierarchy process was used in combination with central composite design-response surface method to optimize the prescription. The type and dosage of precipitation inhibitors(PPIs) were selected to maintain the supersaturated concentration and duration of CUR in artificial gastrointestinal fluids. At the same time, polarizing microscope was used to evaluate the crystallization inhibition effect and the quality and in vitro release behavior of CUR-SSNEDDS. The prepared CUR-SSNEDDS prescription was capryol 90-kolliphor RH40-transcutol HP-Soluplus(7.93∶66.71∶25.36∶5), with the drug loading of(65.12±1.25) mg·g~(-1). CUR-SSNEDDS was transparent yellow, and the nanoemulsion droplets were spherical with uniform distribution. The emulsification time was(21.02±0.13) s, the average particle size was(57.03±0.35) nm, the polydispersity index(PDI) was(0.23 ± 0.01), and the Zeta potential was(-18.10±1.30) mV. CUR-SSNEDDS significantly inhibited the generation and growth of crystals after in vitro dilution. The supersaturation could be maintained above 10 within 2 h, and the dissolution rate and degree of CUR in artificial gastrointestinal fluid were significantly increased. Soluplus could effectively maintain the supersaturated state of CUR and enhance CUR dissolution in vitro.

Preparation and in vitro quality evaluation of self-microemulsion co-loaded with tenuifolin and β-asarone / 中国中药杂志

To prepare and optimize the self-microemulsion co-loaded with tenuifolin and β-asarone(TF/ASA-SMEDDS) and evaluate its quality. The prescription compositions of TF/ASA-SMEDDS were screened by solubility test, single factor test and pseudo-tern-ary phase diagram, and the prescriptions were further optimized by Box-Behnken response surface method, with the drug loading and particle size as the evaluation indexes. Then the optimized TF/ASA-SMEDDS was evaluated for emulsified appearance, particle size, morphology and drug release in vitro. The optimized prescription for TF/ASA-SMEDDS was as follows: caprylic citrate triglyceride polyoxyethylene castor oil-glycerol(10.8∶39.2∶50), drug loading of(5.563±0.065) mg·g~(-1) for tenuifolin and(5.526±0.022) mg·g~(-1) for β-asarone; uniform and transparent pan-blue nanoemulsion can be formed after emulsification, with particle size of(28.84±0.44) nm. TEM showed that TF/ASA-SMEDDS can form spherical droplets with a uniform particle size after emulsification; In vitro release test results showed that the drug release rate and cumulative release of tenuifolin and β-asarone were significantly improved. The preparation process of TF/ASA-SMEDDS was simple and can effectively improve in vitro release of tenuifolin and β-asarone.