https://www.biotechrep.ir/ Journal of Applied Biotechnology Reports en daily 1 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0330 Tue, 30 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0330 https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247315.html https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247320.html https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247330.html There are significant challenges for the development of an efficient antibacterial agent for the prevention or treatment of post-surgical infections, especially with synthetic scaffolds for surgical implants. This problem has been further exacerbated by the extensive use of antibiotics in healthcare settings, which has led to an increased incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. Despite several successes in developing novel antibacterial agents, there are ongoing efforts to find effective and safe ones. Recently, the development of oxygen-generating nanomaterials has been proposed as a promising approach for antibacterial applications. The preliminary investigation demonstrated that such materials could exhibit strong antibacterial activity, minimize postsurgery-induced hypoxia, and prevent infections. Regenerative medicine is a multibillion-dollar industry, and the lack of suitable materials, such as 3D scaffolds, has hindered its application in clinical settings. A critical review of the different kinds of oxygen-generating reagents, as well as their mechanisms of oxygen release and antimicrobial potential, is presented, following an appraisal of the literature. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247331.html Plant antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small, naturally occurring biomolecules that play crucial roles in the plant innate immune system. Their structural diversity, cationic nature, and stability under adverse conditions enable them to act effectively against a broad spectrum of pathogens, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Beyond biotic defense, AMPs also contribute to tolerance against abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and ultraviolet radiation. This review integrates findings from peer-reviewed studies and biological databases focusing on plant AMPs, with an emphasis on bioinformatics tools and computational approaches. Both conventional sequence-based analyses (e.g., BLAST, HMMER) and recent advances in machine learning and structural modeling (e.g., Deep-AmPEP, AlphaFold) were assessed to illustrate their role in AMP discovery and functional characterization. Comparative analyses reveal the evolution of bioinformatics methodologies and their successful application in crop species for large-scale AMP identification and in silico characterization. Case studies demonstrate how integrative computational pipelines can accelerate AMP discovery and provide practical insights for agricultural improvement. Additionally, the review highlights the potential for developing a comprehensive Iranian plant AMP database and species-specific predictive models to facilitate regional research. Plant AMPs represent promising molecules for biotechnology, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. The integration of computational prediction, genetic engineering, and applied research will accelerate their use in crop improvement and therapeutic development. Future studies focusing on database expansion and machine learning applications are expected to further enhance our understanding and utilization of plant-derived AMPs. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247336.html Emerging biotechnologies hold great promise but also pose risks from accidental or deliberate misuse. Assessing these threats requires a systematic approach to examine potential dangers and plan for future developments. Effective biosecurity policies demand an understanding of current biotechnological capabilities and anticipation of their evolution. This qualitative thematic review analyzes biosecurity threats from emerging biotechnologies reported in the scientific literature between 2014-2024. We conducted comprehensive literature searches in PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar using terms related to core biotechnologies (e.g., "synthetic biology," "gene editing") and threat concepts (e.g., "biosecurity," "dual-use"). Relevant publications were analyzed to identify and synthesize recurring themes and governance challenges. The analysis identified dual-use potential as the most prominent biosecurity concern associated with emerging biotechnologies. The review synthesizes the literature to critically evaluate key threats, including biological weapons, environmental impacts, and governance challenges. It further discusses how national and global biosecurity policies can be adapted to maximize the benefits of these technologies while minimizing risks. Establishing governance policies to bridge the gap between the security of previous-generation biotechnology and the scientific and technological capabilities of the next decade’s emerging biotechnologies, as well as to maximize the benefits of deploying and minimize the potential for dual use of emerging biotechnologies, is essential to address the challenges and concerns associated with emerging biotechnologies https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247493.html Introduction: Black Soldier Fly (BSF) (Hermetia illucens) larvae contain protein in varying amounts depending on the age at harvest. Due to their high protein content, BSF larvae represent a promising alternative protein source with potential bioactivities, including tyrosinase inhibitory activity. This study aimed to evaluate the tyrosinase inhibitory activity of BSF larval protein hydrolysates as a function of larval age and the fractionation process.Materials and Methods: The larvae were dried and defatted using the Soxhlet extraction method. The defatted larvae were characterized by determining ash, moisture, and soluble protein contents. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out using AlcalaseⓇ. Soluble protein content in the hydrolysates was analyzed using the Bradford assay. The degree of hydrolysis (DH) of the hydrolysates was analyzed using the o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) method. The hydrolysates were then freeze-dried and fractionated using C18 Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) before tyrosinase inhibition assays.Results: The highest tyrosinase inhibitory activity among the samples was observed in the 15-day-old (D15 larvae) hydrolysate at a concentration of 40,000 ppm, showing 88.98% inhibition. In comparison, inhibition at the same concentration was 75.77% for 5-day-old (D5 larvae), 82.07% for 10-day-old (D10 larvae), and 87.78% for 13-day-old (D13 larvae) hydrolysates.Conclusions: BSF larval protein hydrolysates exhibit varying levels of soluble protein depending on larval age. Moreover, the C18 SPE fractionation process yielded a higher percentage and more uniformity of tyrosinase inhibition than the unfractionated sample. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247513.html Introduction: Umbilical cord–derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) are widely utilized in regenerative medicine owing to their proliferative and secretory capabilities. However, the effects of alcohol- and tobacco-derived metabolites, specifically acetaldehyde and cotinine, on UCMSC viability and function remain poorly understood. This study aimed to compare the cytotoxic and secretory responses of rat UCMSCs following in vitro exposure to acetaldehyde and cotinine.Materials and Methods: Rat UCMSCs were cultured in DMEM/F12 and seeded at 5×10⁵ cells per T-25 flask. A total of 40 flasks were allocated to three groups: acetaldehyde (30 µM, n = 15), cotinine (14 µM, n = 15), and untreated controls (n = 10). Cells were incubated for 5 days under standard conditions. Cell counts were recorded daily, and the levels of VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, SDF-1/CXCL12, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were quantified using a multiplex immunoassay. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way ANOVA.Results: Acetaldehyde exposure resulted in a progressive decline in UCMSC numbers from 4.8×10⁵ to 2.8×10⁵ over 5 days, whereas cotinine increased cell numbers from 5.4×10⁵ to 9.0×10⁵. Acetaldehyde induced an early peak, followed by subsequent declines in VEGF, HGF, IGF-1, SDF-1/CXCL12, and IL-6, while TNF-α and IL-1β showed variable patterns. In contrast, cotinine led to significantly less expansion compared with untreated controls, although it did induce a modest increase from baseline.Conclusions: Acetaldehyde exerts a markedly more pronounced cytotoxic and suppressive effect on rat UCMSCs compared with cotinine, which induces a gradual increase in cell proliferation and secretory activity. However, cotinine's effect is less inhibitory than acetaldehyde, yet it still significantly reduces expansion relative to untreated cells. These findings underscore the differential biological impacts of alcohol- and tobacco-related metabolites on stem cell function in vitro. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247498.html Introduction: Breast cancer remains one of the most prevalent malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although chemotherapeutic agents such as tamoxifen are widely employed, their therapeutic efficacy is often limited by poor bioavailability and adverse side effects. Combining tamoxifen with curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound with well-documented anticancer potential, may enhance treatment outcomes through synergistic interactions. However, the clinical application of both agents is restricted due to issues such as low solubility and rapid degradation. To address these challenges, niosomal nanoparticles were designed and evaluated for the codelivery of tamoxifen and curcumin.Materials and Methods: To fabricate niosomal nanoparticles, various surfactants (Span 20, Span 60, and Span 80) in combination with cholesterol were used to optimize particle size, stability, and encapsulation efficiency. The formulations were characterized for morphology, particle size distribution, zeta potential, and drug loading capacity using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally, in vitro drug release studies were performed under physiological (pH 7.4) and acidic (pH 5) conditions to simulate the tumor microenvironment. Cytotoxicity of the formulations was assessed using MCF-7 breast cancer cells and HEK-293 normal cells via the MTT Assay. Results: The optimized niosomal formulation demonstrated high stability, efficient dual-drug encapsulation, and a controlled release profile. Cytotoxicity studies showed that Tmx/Cur-loaded niosomes exhibited stronger inhibitory effects on MCF-7 cells compared to free drug solutions, while demonstrating low toxicity toward HEK-293 cells. The physicochemical characterization confirmed uniform particle morphology and favorable zeta potential values, supporting the stability of the prepared niosomes.Conclusions: These findings suggest that niosomal nanoparticles provide a promising carrier system for the co-delivery of tamoxifen and curcumin in breast cancer therapy, enhancing anticancer efficacy while minimizing adverse effects associated with conventional chemotherapy. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247514.html Introduction: Inter-individual variability in response to atorvastatin may be influenced by genetic polymorphisms affecting drug transport. The ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) gene encodes P-glycoprotein, a transporter involved in the absorption, distribution, and elimination of atorvastatin. This study investigated the association of ABCB1 rs1045642 (C3435T) and rs2032582 (G2677T) polymorphisms with atorvastatin efficacy and hepatic safety in Iraqi patients with dyslipidemia.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 Iraqi patients with dyslipidemia receiving atorvastatin monotherapy (40 mg/day) for at least six months and 100 healthy controls. Lipid profile parameters and liver enzyme activities were measured using standard biochemical methods. Genotyping of rs1045642 and rs2032582 was performed using allele-specific polymerase chain reaction. Associations between genotypes, lipid parameters, liver enzymes, and treatment response were analyzed.Results: Patients with dyslipidemia exhibited significantly higher levels of triglycerides, VLDL-C, ALP, and AST, along with significantly lower HDL-C concentrations, compared with healthy controls (all p < 0.05). No significant associations were observed between rs1045642 genotypes and lipid profile parameters or achievement of the LDL-C treatment target. However, rs1045642 was significantly associated with ALT concentrations (p = 0.0152). In contrast, rs2032582 was significantly associated with treatment response (P = 0.0124), and carriers of the T allele were less likely to achieve the LDL-C target under the dominant genetic model (p = 0.0175). Furthermore, rs2032582 was significantly associated with ALP levels (p = 0.0432).Conclusions: The ABCB1 rs2032582 polymorphism was associated with atorvastatin treatment response, whereas rs1045642 showed no significant association with lipid-lowering efficacy. Both polymorphisms were associated with selected liver enzyme parameters, suggesting a potential role in atorvastatin disposition and hepatic handling. Further large-scale studies incorporating pharmacokinetic assessments are required to confirm these findings. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247499.html Introduction: Current treatments for gastric cancer (GC) involve chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, with chemotherapy being the primary method despite its side effects and potential for drug resistance. Some plants are recognized as valuable sources for anticancer drug development, providing therapeutic benefits and reducing side effects economically. This study aims to investigate the anticancer effects of Baneh gum essential oil (BGEO) alone and in combination with doxorubicin on hsa-mir-181a-5p expression in AGS cells as a GC cell line, addressing the significant burden of late-diagnosed gastric cancer. Materials and Methods: After culturing the AGS cells as a GC cell model, they were treated with different concentrations of BGEO (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 μl) to determine the IC50 over a period of 72 hours, with the initial concentration held constant at 25 μg/ml. Subsequently, cell viability, apoptosis, and the expression of the hsa-mir-181a-5p gene were investigated alone and in combination with doxorubicin (0.025 μM). Results: Our results showed that treatment with BGEO causes a significant decrease in cell viability and a significant increase in the apoptosis of AGS cells compared to the control group (p ˂ 0.05). Also, the results showed that the expression level of hsa-mir-181a-5p was significantly decreased in comparison to the control group (p ˂ 0.05). The results of investigating the simultaneous effects of BGEO in combination with doxorubicin (DXR) showed that both agents in combination have more effects than single treatment (p ˂ 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, BGEO significantly reduces cell viability and increases apoptosis in AGS cells, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent. The notable decrease in hsa-mir-181a-5p expression indicates its influence on key regulatory pathways in GC. Additionally, this activity was enhanced in combination with DXR. These findings underscore the promise of BGEO in cancer treatment and call for further research into its mechanisms and clinical applications. https://www.biotechrep.ir/article_247500.html Introduction: Over the past decade, research on small molecules such as cannabidiol (CBD) has expanded due to their ability to modulate biological pathways through protein interactions. Understanding how mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into neural-like cells is crucial for developing effective therapies for neurological disorders. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of cannabidiol, as a cost-effective small-molecule inducer, in promoting the neural differentiation of human Wharton’s jelly MSCs (hWJ-MSCs) in vitro and to determine the optimal non-cytotoxic dose for this purpose.Materials and Methods: The optimal CBD dose (5 μg/ml) was first determined using the MTT assay and acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining. To evaluate neural differentiation potential, the expression of neural marker genes, MAP-2, NSE, Oligo-2, β-tubulin III, and GFAP, was assessed by real-time PCR at 7 and 14 days’ post-induction.Results: The results demonstrated significant upregulation of neural marker genes at 7 and 14 days after CBD treatment, confirming successful induction of neural differentiation.Conclusions: The designed protocol is highly effective and efficient for inducing neural differentiation. Further in vivo studies using biocompatible scaffolds are necessary to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications of these findings.