Topic Review
Biotechnological Versatility of Bacillus spp.
The genus Bacillus represents a diverse group of Gram-positive, endospore-forming bacterial species with the well-deserved fame of being potent, versatile, and one of the most promising industrial microorganisms yet discovered. They have an average genome size between 3.4 and 6.0 Mbp. Genetically modified B. subtilis and, to a lesser extent, B. licheniformis, B. amyloliquefaciens, and B. megaterium have been used for the heterologous expression of numerous proteins (enzymes, vaccine components, growth factors), platform chemicals, and other organic compounds of industrial importance.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Oleogels as a Promising Alternative in Meat Products
The surge in chronic diseases is closely linked to heightened levels of saturated and trans fatty acids in processed foods, particularly meat products. Addressing this concern, various strategies have been employed to alleviate the impact of these detrimental fats. Among these, oleogels have emerged as a novel and promising approach in the food industry.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Nematicidal Activity of Essential Oils and Root-Knot Nematodes
The Meloidogyne genus is widely recognized for its significant economic and scientific importance within the group of plant-parasitic nematodes. The chemical management of nematodes presents its challenges and heavily depends on employing soil fumigants containing toxic and costly nematicides. However, plant-derived essential oils offer promising alternatives, demonstrating a wide range of biological activities that affect nematodes through a range of mechanisms, including disrupting their nervous systems, inducing detrimental effects on plasma membrane permeability, penetrating the gelatinous matrix of nematode eggs, and disturbing intracellular redox status. Most of the extracted essential oils were predominantly sourced from the Lamiaceae family (32%), followed by Asteraceae (11%), Apiaceae (9%), and Poaceae (8%), and with genera Thymus, Mentha, Ocimum, Artemisia, Cymbopogon being the most common. The nematicidal activity of EOs primarily arises from their chemical groups, such as terpenes, phenylpropanoids, and organosulfur compounds. 
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Topic Review
Nanoparticles for Brain Protection
Strokes rank as the second most common cause of mortality and disability in the human population across the world. Currently, available methods of treating or preventing strokes have significant limitations, primarily the need to use high doses of drugs due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier. In the last decade, increasing attention has been paid to the capabilities of nanotechnology. However, the vast majority of research in this area is focused on the mechanisms of anticancer and antiviral effects of nanoparticles.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Microbe Interactions within the Skin Microbiome
The skin is the largest human organ and is responsible for many important functions, such as temperature regulation, water transport, and protection from external insults. It is colonized by several microorganisms that interact with each other and with the host, shaping the microbial structure and community dynamics. Through these interactions, the skin microbiota can inhibit pathogens through several mechanisms such as the production of bacteriocins, proteases, phenol soluble modulins (PSMs), and fermentation. Furthermore, these commensals can produce molecules with antivirulence activity, reducing the potential of these pathogens to adhere to and invade human tissues. Microorganisms of the skin microbiota are also able to sense molecules from the environment and shape their behavior in response to these signals through the modulation of gene expression. 
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
The Establishment of Pregnancy and Placental Formation
The continuing progress in our understanding of the complexity of interactions between the maternal organism and the early embryo is changing the overall outlook on the initial steps in establishing a pregnancy through placental formation. The first two weeks after fertilization must today be viewed as the critical period during which a major embryo selection process takes place in which a proportion that may surpass 50% of them is physiologically eliminated because they are unfit to progress toward birth.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Synthetic Proteins in Dental Applications
Biotechnology and artificial intelligence have sparked a revolution in dentistry, with a focus on restoring natural tissue functions. This transformation has given rise to bioactive materials, inspired by biomimetics, aimed at replicating the processes found in nature. As synthetic biology advances, there is a heightened focus on signaling systems crucial for bio-based diagnostics and therapeutics. Dentistry now harnesses synthetic proteins for tissue regeneration and dental material enhancement. A current research priority is bacterial biofilm inhibition, vital for dental health. Given the role of Streptococcus mutans in dental caries, the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides targeting this bacterium is underway. The balance of dental enamel between demineralization and remineralization impacts caries formation. Factors such as the presence of hydroxyapatite and salivary peptides influence enamel health. Recent studies have spotlighted salivary protein-inspired peptides for enhanced remineralization.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Tree Trunk Injection
Traditional spraying of pesticides causes significant drift losses, and the residues of pesticides can also affect non-targeted organisms in the environment. Tree injection technology is a precise and targeted pesticide delivery method used in the prevention and treatment of tree and fruit tree pest infestations. It uses the tree’s xylem to transport the injected pesticides throughout the entire plant, reducing pesticide exposure in an open environment.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
P2X7R and Microglia
P2X receptors are a family of seven ATP-gated ion channels that trigger physiological and pathophysiological responses in various cells. Five of the family members are sensitive to low concentrations of extracellular ATP, while the P2X6 receptor has an unknown affinity. The last subtype, the P2X7 receptor, is unique in requiring millimolar concentrations to activate in humans fully. This low sensitivity imparts the agonist with the ability to act as a damage-associated molecular pattern that triggers the innate immune response in response to the elevated extracellular ATP levels accompanying inflammation and tissue damage.
  • 177
  • 29 Jan 2024
Topic Review
Neuroprotective Effect of Fullerenes
The use of carbon nanomaterials including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, carbon nano-onions, carbon dots and carbon quantum dots for environmental applications has increased substantially. These nanoparticles are now used in the development of sensors and switches, in agriculture as smart fertilizers and in the biomedical realm for cancer therapy intervention, as antioxidants, in gene delivery and as theranostics.
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  • 29 Jan 2024
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