Actinobacteria as Microbial Cell Factories and Biocatalysts in The Synthesis of Chiral Intermediates and Bioactive Molecules; Insights and Applications.

Actinobacteria are one of the most intriguing bacterial phyla in terms of chemical diversity and bioactivities of their reported biomolecules and natural products, including various types of chiral molecules. Actinobacterial genera such as Detzia, Mycobacterium, and Streptomyces are among the microbial sources targeted for selective reactions such as asymmetric biocatalysis catalyzed by whole cells or enzymes induced in their cell niche. Remarkably, stereoselective reactions catalyzed by actinobacterial whole cells or their enzymes include stereoselective oxidation, stereoselective reduction, kinetic resolution, asymmetric hydrolysis, and selective transamination, among others. Species of actinobacteria function with high chemo-, regio-, and enantio-selectivity under benign conditions, which could help current industrial processing. Numerous selective enzymes were either isolated from actinobacteria or expressed from actinobacteria in other microbes and hence exploited in the production of pure organic compounds difficult to obtain chemically. In addition, different species of actinobacteria, especially Streptomyces species, function as natural producers of chiral molecules of therapeutic importance. Herein, we discuss some of the most outstanding contributions of actinobacteria to asymmetric biocatalysis, which are important in the organic and/or pharmaceutical industries. In addition, we highlight the role of actinobacteria as microbial cell factories for chiral natural products with insights into their various biological potentialities.

Geraniol ameliorates the progression of high fat-diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats via regulation of caspase-3, Bcl-2, and Bax expression.

The study was designed to evaluate the geraniol's effect on the kidney and liver damage triggered by a high-fat diet (HFD)/streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. Firstly, in vitro inhibitory geraniol's effect against α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities was confirmed by in-silico molecular docking, which revealed higher binding affinity toward α-amylase than for α-glucosidase. The protective effect of geraniol with two separate doses (100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt) against diabetes' kidney and liver dysfunctions in Wistar rats was then evaluated. Results indicate that geraniol treatment for 6 weeks instigated a remarkable retrieval of the lipid profile, liver, and kidney function. Geraniol noticeably reinforced the antioxidant enzymes, parameters of oxidative stress of the kidney and liver in this type of diabetes. Also, geraniol treatment prompted a significant reduction in the expression levels of caspase-3 (Casp3) and Bax mRNA. In conclusion, geraniol ameliorates the progress of HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats via dependently upregulating the expression of Bcl-2 and downregulating Casp3 and Bax expression. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Geraniol is a naturally occurring substantial acyclic monoterpenoid compound that has numerous pharmacological activities. The positive effect of geraniol in inhibiting in vitro diabetic markers by a silico molecular docking study was evidenced by illustrating the binding sites of geraniol with both α-amylase and α-glucosidase. This study also focused on the therapeutic impact of geraniol against the damage caused by high fat-diet/streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic complications in Wistar rats. Geraniol limits the oxidative stress of liver and kidney tissue, and it might be used as an antiapoptotic agent in type 2 diabetes.

Banana plant as a source of valuable antimicrobial compounds and its current applications in the food sector.

Bananas (Musaceae) are one of the world's most common fruit crops and the oldest medicinal plants that are used to treat a variety of infections. There has been recent interest in elucidating the efficiency of the naturally active ingredients, particularly the antimicrobials, in this plant. This review begins with a short background of the banana plant and its cultivars as well as a brief description of its parts. Different experimental tests of the antimicrobial effects and the responsible bioactive compounds of the banana part extracts are then elaborated. A variety of recent and evolving applications of banana parts in the development of functional bakery, dairy, beverage, and meat products as a wheat substitute, fiber/prebiotic source, fat/sucrose substitute, and natural antioxidant are also discussed. Finally, the recent challenges and opportunities presented by different banana parts in creating bio-packaging materials and bactericidal nanoparticles are addressed. This plant contains a variety of antimicrobial substances, including dopamine, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, lupeol, and 3-carene. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a bio-preservative in food products; it should also be seen as a natural source of both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. It offers a potentially simple eco-friendly alternative to antibacterial and fungicidal agents rather than chemicals. Low cost, reliable methods for purifying these compounds from banana waste could be useful for food storage and creating more value-added bio-packaging products for perishable food goods.