Life Sciences Student Journal

Phytotoxicity of xanthotoxin on two weeds, Trifolium and Alfalfa

2023-07-20T07:10:56+0330

Furanocoumarin xanthotoxin is from the phenylpropanoids group, which is actually a type of ketone that was first extracted from the fruit of the Fagoraxanthoxyloides plant. This compound is found In Rutacaec, and Apiacaec, including bergamot and wild carrot extracts. The drug for skin diseases such as leprosy is used under the name psoralen and psoralen. In this study, the effect of xanthotoxin herbicide on the seeds of Trifolium and Alfalfa was investigated. The physiological parameters evaluated include seed germination, as well as stem and root growth of these seeds. First, the mentioned compound was dissolved, and then different concentrations including 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, and 1 mg/ml were prepared by diluting it in distilled water. Also, a sample containing distilled water was considered as a control. The desired treatments were done in three repetitions and every three repetitions included 11 seeds in sterile Petri dishes lined with Whatman paper and the Petri dishes were placed in an incubator at a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius. The results showed that xanthotoxin in all treated concentrations That is, 0.001 mg/ml and above has a negative effect on the germination, root and stem the growth of these seeds, and at a concentration of 1 mg/ml, it completely prevents the germination of Trifolium and Alfalfa seeds.The ultimate goal of these studies is to find natural herbicides to replace them with artificial ones that have many harmful effects on the environment.

Optogenetics as a Mechanistic Probe and Therapeutic Tool for Axon Guidance in Neural Regeneration

2026-02-12T00:41:19+0330

Optogenetic tools have transformed the study of neural circuits, yet their application to axon guidance and neural regeneration remains underexploited. This review critically evaluates how optogenetics has been used—and can be further leveraged—to dissect and control axonal growth mechanisms. We first condense current knowledge of axon guidance cues and intracellular signaling, emphasizing pathways amenable to optogenetic intervention. Next, we analyze optogenetic tools with respect to their suitability for axon guidance studies, highlighting trade-offs between temporal precision, tissue penetration, and signaling specificity. We then synthesize key in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrating what optogenetics has uniquely revealed about growth cone dynamics, receptor signaling, and circuit refinement. Finally, we identify persistent technical barriers, including opsin expression stability, light penetration, and developmental timing, and propose concrete strategies to overcome them. By framing optogenetics not merely as a manipulation tool but as a mechanistic probe, this review aims to accelerate its translation toward regenerative therapies.

A Zn_Ta Nano with Dual Inhibitory and Pseudo-Peroxidase Activity toward Lepidium draba Peroxidase

2026-04-23T19:39:08+0330

Background: Peroxidases play an important role in plant oxidative metabolism and are increasingly explored for biotechnological applications. Nanocomposites containing transition metals may influence enzyme activity and may also exhibit enzyme‑mimicking properties.

Methods: In this study, the effects of a Zn-Ta nanocomposite on the oxidative activity of Lepidium draba peroxidase were investigated using enzyme activity assays complemented by molecular docking analyses. Enzymatic activity was evaluated across different nanocomposite concentrations, and the catalytic properties of the nanocomposite as a pseudo‑peroxidase system were also assessed under varying temperature and pH conditions.

Results: Zinc was associated with an increase in enzyme activity, likely through interactions with the enzyme active site, whereas tantalum showed an inhibitory effect. When combined within the Zn-Ta nanocomposite, an overall reduction in enzyme activity was observed. The highest enzymatic activity was recorded at an optimal concentration of 0.556 mg/mL. In addition, the Zn-Ta nanocomposite exhibited intrinsic pseudo‑peroxidase activity, reaching maximum catalytic performance at 55 °C (pH 3.5) and 70 °C (pH 2.5). Molecular docking analyses indicated interactions among Zn, TMB, H₂O₂, and the enzyme, supporting the activity‑enhancing role of zinc and the inhibitory influence of tantalum.

Conclusion: The Zn-Ta nanocomposite demonstrates dual behavior, functioning both as an inhibitor of Lepidium draba peroxidase and as a pseudo‑peroxidase catalytic system. These findings suggest potential applications of this nanocomposite in biotechnology and diagnostic platforms.

A novel non-invasive combination of nutraceuticals and magnet therapy for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: preclinical evidence

2026-05-20T11:49:03+0330

Abstract

Background: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a common autoimmune disorder with persistent inflammation and elevated anti‑thyroid antibodies. Conventional treatment often fails to resolve symptoms like fatigue and hormonal imbalance. This study evaluated a novel approach combining a natural supplement (vitamin C, vitamin D3, selenium, zinc, and Nigella sativa extract) with localized magnet therapy in an animal model.

Methods: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis was induced in mice. Animals were divided into four groups: healthy controls, untreated disease model, supplement‑only group, and supplement plus magnet therapy group. The supplement was given daily by gavage for 4–6 weeks. Magnet therapy (200–800 Gauss, 20–30 min/day over the neck) was applied. Serum levels of TSH, T3, T4, anti‑TPO, anti‑TG, and CRP were measured, and thyroid tissue was examined histologically.

Results: The natural supplement reduced antibody levels, improved thyroid hormones, and lowered CRP. Adding magnet therapy produced stronger anti‑inflammatory effects and better preservation of thyroid tissue structure. These preliminary results suggest that the combined intervention may offer advantages over supplement alone.

Conclusion: This combined approach may serve as a promising, non‑invasive auxiliary therapy for autoimmune thyroid disease, warranting further research.

Keywords: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Autoimmune thyroiditis, Natural supplement, Magnet therapy, Nigella sativa

Antibacterial Nanoparticles for Biofilm Control in Medical and Food Industries

2026-06-04T19:10:16+0330

Bacterial biofilms represent a structured community of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). These architectures pose severe public health and economic challenges across both the biomedical sector and the food industry due to their profound resistance to conventional antibiotics and sanitizers. Traditional eradication methods often fail to penetrate the protective EPS barrier, driving the selection ofmultidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes.In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm for biofilm control. This review systematically evaluates the implementation of various antibacterial nanoparticles (NPs)—including metallic, metal oxide, and organic polymeric nanosystems—designed to inhibit and eradicate biofilms in medical devices, wound care, and food processing environments. We detail the mechanical pathways of nano-mediated biofilm disruption, such as physical envelope penetration, the generation of reactiveoxygen species (ROS), and targeted drug delivery into the EPS core. Furthermore, we highlight commercialized nano-based configurations (e.g., Acticoat™, AgXcelen) and standardize real-world evaluation protocols like the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) assay. Finally, we address current translational bottlenecks, including cytotoxicity, scalability, and environmental safety, outlining future directions for smart, responsive nano-formulations.

Enhanced Bacterial Nanocellulose Scaffolds in Diabetic Wound Healing

2026-06-30T00:17:38+0330

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) and chronic non-healing wounds present a profound clinical challenge, driven by a complex, interconnected pathophysiology characterized by persistent inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, and dysfunctional cellular responses. Conventional treatment approaches often fail to address this hostile microenvironment. In recent years, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have emerged as pivotal paradigms, shifting the focus toward bioactive, smart biomaterials. Among these, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC)—a highly pure exopolysaccharide synthesized by bacteria such as Komagataeibacter xylinus—has garnered significant attention due to its nanofibrillar network, high water-retention capacity, biocompatibility, and mechanical integrity. However, pristine BNC lacks inherent antimicrobial activity and specific cell-instructive motifs. This review comprehensively examines the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetic wound recalcitrance and systematically evaluates current and emerging therapeutic modalities. We critically analyze the structural advantages of BNC and explore state-of-the-art functionalization strategies, including composite formulation, growth factor loading, and cellular seeding. By integrating bioactive macromolecules and therapeutic cells, enhanced BNC scaffolds serve as a dynamic, synergistic platform capable of modulating the chronic wound bed and accelerating functional tissue regeneration.