Article
Biology
Sandra Olenic, Lim Heo, Michael Feig, Lee Kroos
Summary: This study reveals a novel mechanism of inhibition for intramembrane proteases, which has implications for relief from inhibition in vivo and the design of potential therapeutic inhibitors.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Srijana Mukhia, Anil Kumar, Rakshak Kumar
Summary: The cold-adapted bacterium-produced protease showed broad activity ranges for temperature and pH, generating antioxidant peptides with high radical scavenging activities. It is a promising catalyst for high-value functional food production.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tuan-Anh Nguyen, Thomas F. Gronauer, Timon Nast-Kolb, Stephan A. Sieber, Kathrin Lang
Summary: We used genetic code expansion, photocrosslinking, and proteomics to identify substrates of mitochondrial human caseinolytic protease P (hClpP). Our approach allowed us to trap substrate proteins of hClpP and reveal its involvement in maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis. We also discovered new proteins in the hClpP interactome and found that hClpP counteracts oxidative stress by processing proteins related to respiratory chain complex synthesis and maturation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna Maria Sardanelli, Camilla Isgro, Luigi Leonardo Palese
Summary: The study analyzed substances in the human metabolome capable of binding the active site of SARS-CoV-2 main protease. It revealed that silybin and silymarin, derived from milk thistle, have antiviral activities and potential as a therapeutic strategy against COVID-19.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xiaoxia Sun, Bin Wang, Peilei Zhou, Hongyuan Yu, Zhengwei Cai, Jia Xu
Summary: In this study, a novel substrate-floating interfacial polymerization (SFIP) method was proposed to fabricate a defect-free polyamide skin layer on a macro-porous substrate. The addition of inorganic salt such as NaCl during SFIP process enhanced the diffusion of MPD molecules, resulting in an excellent ethanol flux/reverse LiCl flux value for the fabricated FO membrane. Additionally, the hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of the substrate was found to control the forming position of the polyamide skin layer via SFIP method. This work provides a feasible strategy for fabricating high-quality desalted membranes and demonstrates their potential in organic solvent recovery.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Obaha, Marko Novinec
Summary: This comprehensive review explores the intricate regulation of peptidase activity in human health and disease, focusing on mechanisms such as exosites, allosteric sites, and zymogen activation. The review also discusses the influence of glycosaminoglycans and non-inhibitory binding proteins on enzyme activities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Rahel Dani, Gabor Oroszlan, Robert Martinusz, Bence Farkas, Bernadett Dobos, Evelin Vadas, Peter Zavodszky, Peter Gal, Jozsef Dobo
Summary: Complement factor D (FD) is a self-inhibited protease that is continuously converted from pro-FD by circulating active MASP-3. FD has low activity towards free FB but is highly efficient towards C3bB. The cleavage rate of FB is enhanced 20 million-fold when it forms a complex with C3b.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Terry Z. H. Gani, Zachariah J. Berkson, Ran Zhu, Jong Hun Kang, John R. Di Iorio, Ka Wing Chan, Daniel F. Consoli, Sohel K. Shaikh, Christophe Coperet, Yuriy Roman-Leshkov
Summary: The authors identify a dynamic site renewal and decay cycle, mediated by proton transfers involving proximal BrOnsted acidic OH groups, which operates concurrently with the Chauvin cycle and could address roadblocks associated with industrial metathesis processes. This cycle can be manipulated using small quantities of promoter olefins to drastically increase steady-state propylene metathesis rates, with negligible promoter consumption, showing potential applicability to other reactions. The increase in activity and reduction of operating temperature requirements were also observed on MoOx/SiO2 catalysts, indicating the broad scope of this strategy in addressing major challenges in industrial metathesis processes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Astrid Illigmann, Marie-Theres Vielberg, Markus Lakemeyer, Felix Wolf, Taulant Dema, Patrik Stange, Wolfgang Kuttenlochner, Elisa Liebhart, Andreas Kulik, Nicole D. Staudt, Imran Malik, Stephanie Grond, Stephan A. Sieber, Leonard Kaysser, Michael Groll, Heike Broetz-Oesterhelt
Summary: The caseinolytic protease, known as a crucial enzyme in protein homeostasis, shows promising potential as a target for antibacterial and anticancer drugs. The discovery of cystargolides as the first natural beta-lactone inhibitors of the proteolytic core ClpP opens up new possibilities for research in this field. The inhibition of ClpP by cystargolide A and B is demonstrated through different biochemical methods, and further experiments confirm the specificity of ClpP as a target in Staphylococcus aureus cells.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jing He, Peiwen Wu, Linlin Chen, Hongping Li, Mingqing Hua, Linjie Lu, Yongqing Wei, Yanhong Chao, ShuaiShuai Zhou, Wenshuai Zhu, Huaming Li
Summary: Ti3C2 MXene with dynamically-generated TiO2 active site shows enhanced catalytic oxidative desulfurization performance, attributed to its abundant interface engineering and loosely layered structure. The expanded slit layer in Ti3C2 MXene provides more pores and cavities for accelerated mass transfer, leading to efficient removal of sulfides in diesel. Additionally, the dynamically-generated active sites from continuous activation of molecular oxygen and Ti3C2 MXene play a key role in enhancing the catalytic activity.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Chen Wang, Wei-Jian Wang, Qian Wang, Zhen-Yuan Wang, Xiang-Yu Yan, Liu-Lin Zhao, Xue-Li Cao, Shi-Peng Sun
Summary: Organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) is a new paradigm technology for small-molecule separation in organic solvent systems. This study successfully constructed a high-performance composite membrane by preparing solvent-resistant nanofibrous substrates and optimizing their physical properties, achieving high permeability and rejection properties.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Emmajay Sutherland, Christopher John Harding, Clarissa Melo Czekster
Summary: Cyclodipeptide synthases (CDPSs) generate a wide range of cyclic dipeptides using aminoacylated tRNAs as substrates. However, the substrate selection mechanism is not yet known. Here, the authors investigate the substrate promiscuity of two histidine-incorporating CDPSs to generate an extensive library of products which complement the chemical realm of histidine-containing cyclic dipeptides.
COMMUNICATIONS CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tasneem Elamin, Hans Brandstetter, Elfriede Dall
Summary: This study investigates the regulatory mechanisms of Legumain enzyme activity, substrate structures, and conformations. The research reveals that extended active site residues and substrate conformation can influence the protease and ligase activities of Legumain. Understanding these mechanisms is important for designing proteases with enhanced enzymatic activity and improved ligase substrates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kristina Schell, Heng Li, Lukas Lauterbach, Kizerbo A. Taizoumbe, Jeroen S. Dickschat, Bernhard Hauer
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple structure-guided strategy to create alternative active site confinement in the squalene-hopene cyclase enzyme. By modifying the substrate tunnel to increase proximity between the substrate and catalytic site, the enzyme's catalytic efficiency was significantly improved.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Foram J. Thakrar, Gopi A. Koladiya, Satya P. Singh
Summary: A highly thermostable alkaline serine protease gene was successfully cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21. The recombinant protease showed optimal activity at 65 degrees C and a wide pH range of 7.0-13.0.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Shiv Shankar, Lily Jaiswal, Jong-Whan Rhim
Summary: Interest in sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs) has grown due to their antibacterial and anticancer activity in food, agriculture, and biomedical fields, but concerns have been raised about potential risks to the environment and health. Recent research has focused on the effects of SNPs on plant and animal cells, with limited understanding of their mechanism of action on other microorganisms and human cells. This review aims to discuss the synthesis, properties, characterization, and biological applications of SNPs to enhance understanding of their applicability.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paula Criado, Carole Fraschini, Shiv Shankar, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: Edible coatings can help extend the shelf-life of food products, while nanomaterials can improve the barrier capacity of packaging materials. Incorporating cellulose nanocrystals into a coating for Agaricus bisporus mushrooms was found to decrease oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production rates, thus extending the shelf-life of the mushrooms.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shiv Shankar, Diako Khodaei, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study demonstrated the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using tyrosine and the preparation of chitosan-based films with antimicrobial properties through blending essential oils and synthesized AgNPs. These composite films showed high water barrier properties and preservation effects when used for packaging strawberries, with gamma irradiation helping to reduce decay and firmness during storage.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Farah Hossain, Peter Follett, Shiv Shankar, Tofa Begum, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The combination of Eucalyptus or Tea tree essential oils with gamma-irradiation or X-ray irradiation significantly increased mortality of rice weevils, showing a synergistic insecticidal effect. The efficacy of the treatment was influenced by the dose rate and irradiation source used.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jiali Ji, Shiv Shankar, Fiona Royon, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: Meat and meat products are prone to microbial and pathogen growth, leading to economic loss and health hazards. Natural preservatives such as essential oils (EOs), especially thyme, cinnamon, rosemary, and garlic, have shown strong antimicrobial activity. Encapsulation of EOs in wall materials improves their stability and antimicrobial ability in meat products.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadjat Ardjoum, Nacera Chibani, Shiv Shankar, Yosra Ben Fadhel, Hocine Djidjelli, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study developed antimicrobial films based on polylactic acid (PLA) by incorporating Thymus vulgaris essential oil (TV-EOs) and ethanolic extract of Mediterranean propolis (EEP), showing good inhibition effects against Staphylococcus aureus and Penicillium sp.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Jiali Ji, Shiv Shankar, Jorge Fernandez, Emma Juillet, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study evaluated the interactions between different essential oils for antimicrobial formulations using a full factorial design. Certain combinations showed high interactions, leading to the development of efficient formulations for combating bacteria and molds.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Nadjat Ardjoum, Shiv Shankar, Nacera Chibani, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study successfully synthesized silver nanoparticles in a pectin matrix using gamma-irradiation, creating antibacterial pectin-based nanocomposite films. The incorporation of AgNPs resulted in changes in color values, improved mechanical properties, and water vapor permeability of the composite films. Additionally, the nanocomposite films exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tofa Begum, Peter A. Follett, Shiv Shankar, Jumana Mahmud, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study found that Mediterranean EO and citrus extracts have high antimicrobial and antifungal activity, and the combination of Mediterranean EO and citrus extract acts synergistically against all pathogens. Two active formulations were developed through mixture design to effectively kill foodborne pathogens.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jiali Ji, Shiv Shankar, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The combined treatments of encapsulated essential oils and gamma-irradiation demonstrated significant inhibitory effects on bacteria and fungi in dry fermented sausages, while maintaining the texture and color of the sausages.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Jumana Mahmud, Elham Sarmast, Shiv Shankar, Monique Lacroix
Summary: Active food packaging is an innovative technology that improves food preservation and meets consumer demands. The use of nano-sized materials has a significant impact on active food packaging, enhancing the performance of packaging films and overcoming their shortcomings.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Shiv Shankar, Salwa Karboune, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: This study demonstrates the development of essential oils formulation for increasing the shelf life of food. The combination of certain essential oils with gamma irradiation has been found to effectively extend the shelf life of chicken samples.
RADIATION PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Nadjat Ardjoum, Nacera Chibani, Shiv Shankar, Stephane Salmieri, Hocine Djidjelli, Monique Lacroix
Summary: The study investigated the influence of Thymus vulgaris essential oils (TEOs), ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP), and their combination on corn starch-based films as antimicrobial packaging materials using the casting method. The results showed no structural change in the composite films after incorporating TEOs and EEP. However, the color properties of the films were significantly affected. The addition of TEOs and EEP increased the film's elongation at break, but decreased tensile strength and modulus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Tofa Begum, Peter A. Follett, Shiv Shankar, Lana Moskovchenko, Stephane Salmieri, Monique Lacroix
Summary: A low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) encapsulated with a bioactive formulation (cinnamon essential oil + silver nanoparticles) was developed for preserving fresh strawberries. The active LDPE films demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against tested microbes. The most effective film for reducing microbial growth was LDPE + CNCs + Glycerol + active formulation, which significantly reduced decay and weight loss of strawberries during storage.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)
Correction
Food Science & Technology
Shiv Shankar, Faustine Danneels, Monique Lacroix
FOOD PACKAGING AND SHELF LIFE
(2021)