This study explores a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil, known for its rich fatty acid composition and diverse biological activities. This study aimed to characterise a nanoemulsion formulated with açaí seed oil and explore its cytotoxic effects on HeLa and SiHa cervical cancer cell lines, alongside assessing its antioxidant and toxicity properties both in vitro and in vivo. Extracted from fruits sourced in Brazil, the oil underwent thorough chemical characterization using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The resulting nanoemulsion was prepared and evaluated for stability, particle size, and antioxidant properties. The nanoemulsion exhibited translucency, fluidity, and stability post centrifugation and temperature tests, with a droplet size of 238.37, PDI -9.59, pH 7, and turbidity 0.267. In vitro assessments on cervical cancer cell lines revealed antitumour effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation. Toxicity tests conducted in cell cultures and female Swiss mice demonstrated no adverse effects of both açaí seed oil and nanoemulsion. Overall, açaí seed oil, particularly when formulated into a nanoemulsion, presents potential for cancer treatment due to its bioactive properties and safety profile.

Cervical cancer is caused by a persistent and high-grade infection. It is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which, when entering cervical cells, alters their physiology and generates serious lesions. HPV 18 is among those most involved in carcinogenesis in this region, but there are still no drug treatments that cause cure or total remission of lesions caused by HPV. It is known that L-asparaginase is an amidohydrolase, which plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the treatment of specific cancers. Due to its antitumor properties, some studies have demonstrated its cytotoxic effect against cervical cancer cells. However, the commercial version of this enzyme has side effects, such as hypersensitivity, allergic reactions, and silent inactivation due to the formation of antibodies. To mitigate these adverse effects, several alternatives have been explored, including the use of L-asparaginase from other microbiological sources, which is the case with the use of the fungus Aspergillus niger, a high producer of L-asparaginase. The study investigated the influence of the type of fermentation, precipitant, purification, characterization, and in vitro cytotoxicity of L-asparaginase. The results revealed that semisolid fermentation produced higher enzymatic activity and protein concentration of A. niger. The characterized enzyme showed excellent stability at pH 9.0, temperature of 50 °C, resistance to surfactants and metallic ions, and an increase in enzymatic activity with the organic solvent ethanol. Furthermore, it exhibited low cytotoxicity in GM and RAW cells and significant cytotoxicity in HeLa cells. These findings indicate that L-asparaginase derived from A. niger may be a promising alternative for pharmaceutical production. Its attributes, including stability, activity, and low toxicity in healthy cells, suggest that this modified enzyme could overcome challenges associated with antitumor therapy.

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE; EC 3.1.1.7) inhibition in vitro is an effective method for monitoring pesticide contamination, particularly organophosphates, offering advantages over in vivo approaches. Environmental factors like temperature, age, and stress can alter enzyme activity in vivo, making controlled in vitro studies necessary. This research focused on the brain AChE of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), a key species in global aquaculture, to detect organophosphate contamination. The study examined pesticides such as chlorpyrifos, fenitrothion, malathion, and temephos. Optimal pH (8.0) and temperature (55°C) conditions were determined for AChE activity. The enzyme also showed sensitivity to several heavy metals, including Co²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺, with mercury causing 100% inhibition. AChE exhibited high substrate affinity, with a Vmax of 0.651 ± 0.26 mU/mg and a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 399 mU/mg. Pesticide inhibition varied, with chlorpyrifos and temephos showing the highest efficacy at lower concentrations. IC20, IC50, and Ki values ranked pesticide potency as follows: malathion, fenitrothion, temephos, and chlorpyrifos. These results support the use of Nile tilapia AChE as a reliable environmental biomarker for detecting pesticides, offering valuable insights for environmental monitoring and filling gaps in the existing literature.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), cancer is one of the leading causes of death in the Americas, with cervical cancer being the third most common, affecting over 56 thousand women in Latin America, and unfortunately, over 28 thousand of them do not survive this disease. This review study aims to present the enzyme L-asparaginase produced by the fungus Aspergillus niger, supplemented with the seed of Euterpe oleracea Mart (açaí), as an alternative treatment source against cervical cancer caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), thus encouraging biotechnological studies with natural products, promoting future benefits that significantly contribute to the treatment of women affected by HPV. Much research has been conducted on the species of fungus Aspergillus niger, which are widely distributed in nature and have the ability to produce various metabolites, notably L-asparaginase. In this sense, studies confirming the efficacy of this enzyme against HPV could signify a breakthrough in the remission or cure of cervical cancer cases in women with such a diagnosis. The flour from the seed of Euterpe oleracea Mart, when used as a substrate for Aspergillus niger, may possess excellent nutritional value, making it a potential producer of L-asparaginase. Additionally, the pulp of E. oleracea fruits is a source of agro-industrial waste, and with the opportunity for utilization, it becomes a source of promising substances for commercial use. This review sought to present L-asparaginase produced by a natural fungus (Aspergillus niger) as an alternative source for in-depth studies on its potential for treating HPV-induced cervical cancer, discussing the use of Euterpe oleracea Mart seed as a supplement for this fungus, drawing attention to the utilization of this agro-industrial waste and proposing a reduction in environmental pollution.

Obesity is a chronic disease with a high prevalence, now recognized as a global epidemic. Studies show a strong association between high body mass index (BMI) and various chronic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, musculoskeletal disorders, chronic kidney disease, and mental health issues. These conditions negatively impact quality of life and elevate healthcare costs (Boutari et al., 2022). Objective: This study explores exogenous lipase produced by the fungus Fusarium solani as a biotechnological alternative for aesthetic and health applications, particularly for women with excess abdominal fat. Methods: F. solani was cultivated on solid medium, followed by submerged and semi-solid fermentation. The lipolytic activity of the extracts was evaluated through pH and temperature tests, surfactant effects, and storage stability. Additionally, we assessed cell viability in normal and cancer cells, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial properties, and fat degradation. Results: Submerged fermentation with olive oil yielded Lipase F2, which exhibited significant lipolytic activity. Lipase F2 demonstrated stability at pH 8.0, maintaining an activity of 135.89 U/mg and a purity of 3.63. It remained active between 35 and 70°C, with optimal stability at 35°C, and showed resistance to various surfactants and ions. The enzyme degraded chicken fat from 10g to 0.89g in 96 hours. Conclusion: An enzymatic formulation with F. solani lipase is viable for intradermal and surface applications, proving to be safe and non-toxic for human use.