Identification of self-incompatibility alleles in Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.).

The Quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill.), typically known for its self-compatibility, surprisingly presents a degree of self-incompatibility. This research focused on exploring the diversity within the self-incompatibility gene locus (S) in various C. oblonga genotypes. Through meticulous DNA sequencing, the study sought to unearth potential novel S alleles. In the process of genotyping the S gene across multiple quince genotypes, not only were the previously documented S1 and S2 alleles identified, but this investigation also uncovered two previously unrecognized alleles, termed S4 and S5. These alleles, particularly S4, emerged as the most prevalent among the tested genotypes. To corroborate the findings derived from DNA sequencing, the study employed pollen tube growth germination assays. These assays elucidated a higher pollen germination rate in the Ardabil2 genotype in contrast to Behta. Additionally, the study involved assessing pollen tube growth in both Ardabil2 and Behta through cross-pollination techniques, meticulously tracking the development of pollen tubes at various stages. Remarkably, the outcomes demonstrated that the Behta genotype possesses self-incompatibility, whereas the Ardabil2 genotype showcases a notable degree of self-compatibility. This groundbreaking discovery of new S alleles in quince not only affirms the species' self-compatibility but also sheds light on the complexities of allelic diversity and its impact on self-incompatibility. Such insights are invaluable for enhancing the yield of quince orchards through strategic breeding programs.

Use of Fish Oil Nanoencapsulated with Gum Arabic Carrier in Low Fat Probiotic Fermented Milk.

Fish oil consists of omega-3 fatty acids which play an important role in human health. Its susceptibility to oxidation causes considerable degradation during the processing and storage of food products. Accordingly, encapsulation of this ingredient through freeze drying was studied with the aim of protecting it against environmental conditions. Gum arabic (GA) was used as the wall material for fish oil nanoencapsulation where tween 80 was applied as the emulsifier. A water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared by sonication, containing 6% fish oil dispersed in aqueous solutions including 20% and 25% total wall material. The emulsion was sonicated at 24 kHz for 120 s. The emulsion was then freeze-dried and the nanocapsules were incorporated into probiotic fermented milk, with the effects of nanocapsules examined on the milk. The results showed that the nanoparticles encapsulated with 25% gum arabic and 4% emulsifier had the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) (87.17%) and the lowest surface oil (31.66 mg/100 kg). Using nanoencapsulated fish oil in fermented milk significantly (p<0.05) increased the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents. The fermented milk sample containing fish oil nanoencapsulated with 25% wall material and 4% emulsifier yielded the greatest probiotic bacterial count (8.41 Log CFU/mL) and the lowest peroxide value (0.57 mEq/kg). Moreover, this sample had the highest EPA and DHA contents. Utilizing this nanoencapsulated fish oil did not adversely affect fermented milk overall acceptance. Therefore, it can be used for fortification of low fat probiotic fermented milk.

Changes in Cytomorphology, Expression of Retinoblastoma Related Gene, and Superoxide Dismutase Enzyme Activity in Maize Cell Culture Exposed to Silver Nanoparticles.

The ever-increasing use of silver nanoparticles (nAg) in various products necessitates investigation of the behavior of biological systems encountering these particles. In this paper, considering maize as a biological model, the effects of colloidal nAg (<80nm) on its cell culture were investigated. For comparison purposes, silver nitrate was used as a representative of silver ion (Ag+). After stabilization of cell suspensions, they were treated with nAg and Ag+ (1 mg/l), then cell suspension growth was measured and the microscopic analysis and a cell viability test were performed. In addition, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme was explored. Owing to the key role of retinoblastoma-related protein (RBR) in cell cycle as well as in development and differentiation processes, the relative expression of ZmRBR1 was studied in nAg and Ag+ exposure. Microscopic analyses revealed that cells in suspensions treated by nAg and Ag+ were morphologically classified into five types: embryogenic; larvae-like; long; swollen; and polarized. The results showed an increase in percentages of large and live cells in the treated suspensions. Remarkably, we observed some cells which were differentiated into trichomes along with some stages of trichome development in the treated cell suspensions. Moreover, exposure to nAg and Ag+ did not elevate the activity of SOD enzyme in the treated cells. Also, the relative expression of ZmRBR1 was slightly reduced in the treated cells. The findings of these experimentations indicated that nAg affected maize suspension-cultured cells in the same manner as Ag+.

Optimal fabrication of nanofiber membranes from ionized-bicomponent cellulose/polyethyleneoxide solutions.

The effect of cellulose acetate (CA)/polyethyleneoxide (PEO) ratio (0.5-1.5 wt%) and lithium chloride (LiCl) content (0.25-0.75%, w/v) on the viscosity, surface tension and electrical conductivity (EC) of the solutions and diameter of the fabricated nanofiber membranes (NFMs) were optimized using response surface methodology-central composite rotatable design (RSM-CCRD). The NFMs were composed of non-woven fibers with maximum diameter of 121.70 ± 33.40. Second-order polynomial models with high R(2) values (0.977-0.998) were developed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results showed that the NFMs diameter and morphology were significantly affected by CA and LiCl contents (p<0.0001). The overall optimum region was found to be at the combined level of CA to PEO ratio of 1.5 wt% and LiCl content of 0.5% (w/v). At the optimum point, the viscosity, surface tension, EC and diameter were 0.425 ± 0.036 Pas, 36.21 ± 1.25 mN/m, 0.383 ± 0.014 ms/cm, and 82.19 ± 3.01 nm, respectively. The most uniform and bead-free NFMs were fabricated from the solution formulated with 1 wt% CA/PEO and 0.85% (w/v) of LiCl content.

Stability of vitamin D(3) encapsulated in nanoparticles of whey protein isolate.

Vitamin D(3) was entrapped in whey protein isolate (WPI) nanoparticles prepared by different calcium concentration and aggregation pH. Its stability was investigated in presence of air for 7days. Residual of vitamin D(3) in nanoparticles was higher compared to control samples (water, native WPI and denaturized WPI). Presence of calcium in composition of particles resulted in formation of compact structure and inhibition of oxygen diffusion in particle. Lower concentration of vitamin D(3) (280µg/ml versus 560µg/ml) had negative effect on residual amount of vitamin. The loss of vitamin D(3) during storage time was described by a second order reaction. The results illustrate that these nanoparticles can be used in clear or non clear beverages as enriching agent.

A rapid biosynthesis route for the preparation of gold nanoparticles by aqueous extract of cypress leaves at room temperature.

In the present study, green synthesis of gold nanoparticles was reported using the aqueous extract of cypress leaves. The reduction of gold salt with the extract of cypress leaves resulted in the formation of gold nanoparticles. Effects of extract concentration and extract pH were investigated on the size of the nanoparticles. It was found that the average particle size of synthesized gold nanoparticles depends strongly on extract concentration and extract pH. FT-IR spectroscopy showed that bioorganic capping molecules were bound to the surface of particles. X-ray techniques confirmed the formation of gold nanoparticles and their crystalline structure. The inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy analysis displayed that the reaction progress is higher than 90% at room temperature. Gold nanoparticles were mostly spherical in shape along with some irregular shapes. Cypress is an evergreen plant and its leaves are easily available in all four seasons. Also, the rate of the reaction was high and it was completed in only 10min. For these reasons, this method is cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Thus, it can be used in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles instead of chemical methods and other biosynthesis approaches.

Rapid green synthesis of gold nanoparticles using Rosa hybrida petal extract at room temperature.

This study reports a green method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of rose petals. The effects of gold salt concentration, extract concentration and extract quantity were investigated on nanoparticles synthesis. Gold nanoparticles were characterized with different techniques such as UV-vis spectroscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy experiments showed that these nanoparticles are formed with various shapes. FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that gold nanoparticles were functionalized with biomolecules that have primary amine group (-NH2), carbonyl group, -OH groups and other stabilizing functional groups. X-ray diffraction pattern showed high purity and face centered cubic structure of gold nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering technique was used for particle size measurement, and it was found to be about 10nm. The rate of the reaction was high and it was completed within 5 min.