Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, necessitating the development of novel antibacterial strategies. Serratiopeptidase (SP), a metalloprotease produced by bacteria such as Serratia marcescens, has gained attention not only for its anti-inflammatory properties but also for its potential antibacterial activity. However, its protein nature makes it susceptible to pH changes and self-proteolysis, limiting its effectiveness. This study aimed to increase both the enzymatic stability and antibacterial activity of serratiopeptidase through immobilization on titanium oxide nanoparticles (TiO₂-NPs), leveraging the biocompatibility and stability of these nanomaterials. Commercial TiO₂-NPs were characterized using TGA/DTG, FT-IR, UV–Vis, and XRD analyses, and their biocompatibility was assessed through cytotoxicity studies. Serratiopeptidase was produced via fermentation using the C8 isolate of Serratia marcescens obtained from the intestine of Bombyx mori L., purified chromatographically, and immobilized on carboxylated nanoparticles via EDC/NHS coupling at various pH conditions. The optimal enzymatic activity was achieved by using pH 5.1 for nanoparticle activation and pH 5.5 for enzyme coupling. The resulting bioconjugate demonstrated stable proteolytic activity at 25 °C for 48 h. Immobilization was confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, and the Michaelis–Menten kinetics were determined. Notably, the bioconjugate exhibited two-fold greater antibacterial activity against E. coli than the free enzyme or TiO₂-NPs at 1000 µg/mL. This study successfully developed a serratiopeptidase–TiO₂ bioconjugate with enhanced enzymatic stability and antibacterial properties. The improved antibacterial activity of the immobilized enzyme presents a promising approach for developing new tools to combat antimicrobial resistance, with potential applications in healthcare, food safety, and environmental protection.

The use of plant extracts and the compounds isolated from them for the treatment of cancer is an area of active research, given their therapeutic potential. This work focused on evaluating the literature related to the antiproliferative activity of extracts obtained from plants of the genus Tabebuia and molecules isolated in vitro or in vivo. For the search, MeSH and DECS terms were employed in the PubMed, Scopus, and SciELO databases. Research has shown that plant extracts derived from plants of the genus Tabebuia exhibit potential applications in the search for new molecules with antiproliferative activity. Among the isolated molecules, the most evaluated correspond to β-lapachone (naphthoquinone); however, molecules with antiproliferative potential belonging to groups such as iridoids, flavonoids, quinones, furanonaphthoquinones, triterpenes, and polysaccharides have also been isolated and reported. Additionally, synthesized molecules have been evaluated on the basis of the modifications made to the structures of molecules isolated from the plant extracts to increase their activity, aiming to develop more potent antitumor agents for future clinical use.

The rapid increase in global energy consumption in recent decades has significantly contributed to higher CO₂ emissions, thereby intensifying environmental challenges. In this context, biofuels—particularly those derived from agricultural residues—have emerged as sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. These residues, typically regarded as inedible and biodegradable, represent a valuable resource for biodiesel production while simultaneously supporting the principles of a circular economy and enhancing energy security. In this study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus and Web of Science databases, complemented by tools such as Bibliometrix and VOSviewer. The search encompassed the years 2010–2024 and focused on publications addressing the recovery of agricultural waste for biodiesel production. A total of 895 relevant articles were identified. The leading research areas included environmental sciences (18%), energy (13.6%), and chemical engineering (10.2%). The most prolific journals were Waste and Biomass Valorization (102 articles) and Green Chemistry. Among the most influential authors in the field were Kwon E. E. and Jung S. Highly cited works included Naik et al. (2010), which provided a foundational discussion on biofuels, and Sheldon (2014), which emphasized catalysis for biomass recovery. Recent studies have increasingly focused on the development of novel technologies and catalysts aimed at improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of biodiesel production. The bibliometric analysis highlights not only the growing scholarly interest in the recovery of agricultural waste for biodiesel but also the broader emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy. The observed increase in publications and international collaborations further reflects significant advancements in research and development within this domain.