Aims To analyze the non‐glycosylated protein fraction from Melipona beecheii honey for antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7. Methods and Results The proteins from M. beecheii honey were separated according to their degree of glycosylation using Concanavalin A‐affinity chromatography. The total protein extract and its fractions were analyzed by 1D and 2D electrophoresis. We also determined the antimicrobial and antihemolytic activities of the total protein extract and the non‐glycosylated fraction. Furthermore, we evaluated the effect of this non‐glycosylated fraction for the expression of the Stx1, Stx2, EAE and HlyA pathogen genes. M. beecheii honey contained at least 24 proteins with molecular weights ranging between 7.6 and 95 kDa and isoelectric points between 3 and 10, three proteins from the 24 are non‐glycosylated. The non‐glycosylated fraction had an MIC₉₀ of 1.128 µg mL^‐1, and this fraction inhibited the hemolytic activity of the pathogen, as well as reduced the expression of Stx1, Stx2 and HlyA. The MbF1‐2 protein from the non‐glycosylated fraction was sequenced and identified as a homolog of the royal jelly‐like protein of M. quadrifasciata. Conclusions The non‐glycosylated protein fraction from Melipona beecheii honey greatly contributes to antibacterial activity and it is composed of at least 3 proteins, of which MbF1‐2 provided over 50% of the antimicrobial activity

The increasing interest in innovative solutions for addressing bone defects has driven research into the use of Bioactive Mesoporous Glasses (MBGs). These materials, distinguished by their well-ordered mesoporous structure, possess the capability to accommodate plant extracts with well-established osteogenic properties, including bovine lactoferrin (bLF), as part of their 3D scaffold composition. This harmonizes seamlessly with the ongoing advancements in the field of biomedicine. In this study, we fabricated 3D scaffolds utilizing MBGs loaded with extracts from parsley leaves (PL) and embryogenic cultures (EC), rich in bioactive compounds such as apigenin and kaempferol, which hold potential benefits for bone metabolism. Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMa) served as the polymer, and bLF was included in the formulation. Cytocompatibility, Runx2 gene expression, ALP enzyme activity, and biomineralization were assessed in preosteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cell cultures. MBGs effectively integrated PL and EC extracts with loadings between 22.6 ± 0.1 and 43.6 ± 0.3 µM for PL and 26.3 ± 0.3 and 46.8 ± 0.4 µM for EC, ensuring cell viability through a release percentage between 28.3% and 59.9%. The incorporation of bLF in the 3D scaffold formulation showed significant differences compared to the control in all assays, even at concentrations below 0.2 µM. Combinations, especially PL + bLF at 0.19 µM, demonstrated additive potential, with superior biomineralization compared to EC. In summary, this study highlights the effectiveness of MBGs in incorporating PL and EC extracts, along with bLF, into 3D scaffolds. The results underscore cytocompatibility, osteogenic activity, and biomineralization, offering exciting potential for future in vivo applications.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring alternative treatments for bone defects. Bone tissue engineering has turned its attention to plant extracts containing osteogenic flavonoids as potential promoters of bone regeneration. In our study, we specifically investigated the extract of Petroselinum crispum, a plant known for its abundance of osteogenic flavonoids such as apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Our objective was to compare the total flavonoid content (TFC) and their accumulation in different sources. We obtained hydrolyzed aqueous extracts from the leaves of parsley plants (grown for 12 weeks in the field), weekly embryogenic cultures, and suspension cell cultures. The TFC, measured in mg quercetin equivalent per gram of dry weight (QE mg/g dw), was found to be 53.81 ± 0.97 for 52 g dw of leaves (1 kg plant fw), 31.10 ± 1.52 for 420 g dw of embryogenic cultures, and 11.80 ± 0.76 for 210 g dw of cell suspensions. Notably, only the leaves and embryogenic cultures showed significant accumulation of osteogenic flavonoids, with apigenin levels of 1.8 ± 0.3 and 0.32 ± 0.02 mg/g dw, and kaempferol levels of 1.0 ± 0.18 and 0.2 ± 0.01 mg/g dw, respectively. Our findings indicate that embryogenic cultures have the potential to produce up to 40% more apigenin in 12 weeks compared to 1 kg of parsley plant, thanks to their superior biomass reproductive competence. These results present a promising biotechnological approach for generating extracts enriched with bioactive compounds, which can be further utilized in in vitro osteogenic testing.

Green mold caused by Penicillium digitatum is a major post-harvest disease in citrus fruits. Therefore, the search for sustainable and low-environmental-impact alternatives for the management of these fungi is of utmost importance. Physalis peruviana L. is a native fruit of the Peruvian Andes with rich bioactive components present throughout the plant. Its antifungal activity stands out, attributed to its high content of phenols, coupled with its antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Plants were cultivated aeroponically under a combination of red, mixed (50% red, 50% blue), and green LED lights. Additionally, in vitro-habituated roots free of plant growth regulators were also cultivated. An ethanol extraction assisted by ultrasound for 30 min followed by maceration for 72 h was performed, and the extract was filtrated and evaporated in an extraction hood. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH method, total polyphenols were measured using the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, and an antifungal test in vitro by the poisoned food method was conducted against P. digitatum. In vitro assays revealed that extracts from leaves, roots, and fruits exerted a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of P. digitatum, as evidenced by a reduction in colony radius when cultured employing the poisoned food method, with IC₅₀ values of 62.17, 53.15, and 286.34 µg·mL⁻¹, respectively, compared to 2297 µg·mL⁻¹ for the commercial fungicide Captan 50WP. Although leaves had higher total polyphenol content, no direct correlation with antifungal activity was found. Colored LEDs enhanced phenol accumulation, antioxidant capacity, and antifungal properties in plant parts compared to white LEDs and in vitro roots. These findings suggest P. peruviana as a new alternative biological production system to provide natural compounds for post-harvest disease management.