uBibliorum
Repositório Digital da Universidade da Beira Interior
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Production and Characterization of a Pullulan-Based Facial Mask Incorporating Grape Seed Flour Extract for Cosmeceutical Applications
Publication . Ferreira, Ester; Encarnação, Bárbara; Cascalheira, José Francisco; Ferreira, Susana; Ramos, Ana; Luís, Ângelo; Gallardo, Eugenia; Domingues, Fernanda; Magni, Chiara
This study aimed to develop and characterize an eco-friendly facial mask based on the pullulan biopolymer incorporating grape seed flour extract, a sustainable source of polyphenols. The extract was characterized by its phenolic content, antioxidant capacity, enzyme inhibition and antimicrobial activity. High total phenolic and flavonoid contents, along with the presence of -resveratrol, conferred strong antioxidant activity. The extract effectively inhibited tyrosinase and elastase enzymes, indicating its anti-aging potential, and exhibited antimicrobial effects particularly against . The incorporation of the extract in pullulan films increased thickness and coloration while maintaining transparency and improving barrier properties. The bioactive films showed strong antioxidant activity and displayed selective antibacterial activity against , including MRSA strains. A facial mask prototype was successfully produced, demonstrating flexibility, solubility, and potential for topical applications. Overall, the developed pullulan-grape seed extract films exhibit multifunctional cosmeceutical potential combining antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-aging effects with sustainable valorization of wine industry by-products.
MicroRNAs in Takotsubo Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Regulatory Networks in Stress-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Publication . Sousa, Domingos; Martins, Filipa Abreu; Luís, Ângelo; Serralheiro, Pedro
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators of gene expression and have been implicated in various physiological and pathological processes, including cardiovascular diseases. The clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and proposed pathophysiological mechanisms of Takotsubo Syndrome (TTS) are discussed, with an emphasis on the emerging evidence implicating miRNAs in its etiology and progression. A systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines was performed on the evidence regarding the interplay between miRNAs and TTS. A search of the Pubmed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases was conducted and resulted in 584 articles. Of these, 14 full-text articles were eligible for inclusion in the qualitative analysis. The reviewed studies suggest that multiple miRNAs are involved in the processes associated with TTS pathophysiology, including acute and chronic myocardial inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, microvascular dysfunction, hypertrophy, and, ultimately, maladaptive cardiac remodelling. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of miRNAs in cardiovascular pathophysiology, with a specific focus on their potential roles in TTS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic exploration of the miRNAs involved in TTS and its modulation as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets.
Multimodal ionic liquid-based chromatographic supports for an effective RNA purification
Publication . Carapito, Ana Rita; Bernardo, Sandra C.; Pereira, Matheus M.; Neves, Márcia C.; Freire, Mara; Sousa, Fani
Nucleic acids have been considered interesting molecules to be used as biopharmaceuticals for the treatment of various diseases, in gene therapy strategies. In particular, RNA arises as the most promising approach because it does not require access to the nucleus of cells to exert its function; however, it is quite challenging due to its labile nature. To increase the possibility of translating RNA-based technology to clinical protocols, the biomanufacturing of RNAs has been intensively exploited in the last few years. However, the standard RNA purification processes remain time-consuming and present limitations regarding recovery yield and purity. This work describes the functionalization of chromatographic silica-based supports with four ionic liquids (ILs) composed of functional moieties that can promote distinct interactions with nucleic acids. After an initial screening to evaluate the binding and elution behavior of nucleic acids in the IL-based supports, SSi[C3C3NH2Im]Cl has shown to be the most promising for further purification assays. This support was studied for the RNA purification from different samples (clarified or more complex) and has shown to be highly effective, for all the conditions studied. Generally, it is here presented a new method for RNA isolation in a single step, using an IL-based chromatographic support, able to eliminate the usage of hazardous compounds often included in standard RNA extraction protocols.
Bioactive Potential of Wild Plants from Gardunha Mountain: Phytochemical Characterization and Biological Activities
Publication . Coimbra, Alexandra; Gallardo, Eugenia; Luís, Ângelo; Gaspar, Pedro Dinis; Ferreira, Susana; Duarte, Ana Paula; Adriana, Irinel
The plants used in folk medicine have been increasingly studied to identify their bioactive properties. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the bioactivity of the hydroethanolic extracts of plants collected in Gardunha Mountain, Portugal. Seven abundant and representative wild plants were studied: , , , , , , and . The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by UHPLC-timsTOF-MS and by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant, in vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity and the biocompatibility of the extracts were tested. The extracts were predominantly composed of flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid and quercetin glycosides. The extracts demonstrated very strong antioxidant activity related to scavenging free radicals (AAI = 2.84 and 2.93). Regarding antimicrobial activity, the extract exhibited inhibitory effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts (MIC = 0.008-0.5 mg/mL). The , , and extracts showed low cytotoxicity (viability > 70%) in the highest concentration tested. These findings highlight and as promising sources of novel bioactive compounds, particularly antimicrobials in controlling microbial growth and promoting associated health benefits, and underscore the value of traditional medicinal plants as a guide for pharmacological studies.
Assessment of the Antimicrobial Activity of L. and (L.) DC Extracts and Their Synergistic Potential with Conventional Antibiotics Against
Publication . Coimbra, Alexandra; Luís, Ângelo; Gaspar, Pedro Dinis; Ferreira, Susana; Duarte, Ana Paula; Hadjikakou, Sotiris K.
This study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of L. and (L.) DC extracts against , including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. To this end, assays were conducted to assess killing kinetics, antibiotic combination effects, modulatory effects on ethidium bromide, inhibition of quorum sensing, and biofilm formation. extract demonstrated the strongest activity, with MIC values ranging from 7.8 to 62.5 µg/mL. When combined with antibiotics such as ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, or vancomycin, the extracts of and predominantly exhibited synergistic (FICI value ≤ 0.5) or additive effects (0.5 < FICI ≤ 1), with some combinations resensitizing resistant strains. The aerial parts of displayed modulatory effects on ethidium bromide MIC, reducing the concentration from 32 to 8 µg/mL, suggesting efflux pump inhibitory activity. In addition, this extract displayed slight quorum-sensing inhibition at a concentration of 125 µg/mL. Moreover, and extracts inhibit the formation of biofilm by strains, even at subinhibitory concentrations (0.5× and 0.25× MIC). The presence of compounds such as myricetin 3 -galactoside, catechin derivatives, gallic acid, kaempferol, and chlorogenic acid in the extracts may contribute to their anti- activity. These results demonstrated the dual antimicrobial and antivirulence potential of and extracts, highlighting their promise as therapeutic agents or adjuvants against These extracts can be promising candidates for further studies on the development of novel strategies targeting multiple pathogenic pathways.