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Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials

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A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2022) | Viewed by 17583

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Prof. Dr. Shujun Li

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Bio-Based Material Science and Technology of Ministry of Education, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China
Interests: biomass; lignin; natural phenolics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Plant phenols are important secondary metabolites of plants, and they are natural aromatic substances, second only to lignin in nature. They can be used to synthesize multifunctional, high-performance, and renewable polymers and composites. Therefore, their efficient utilization is of great significance. In addition to the tanning function of plant polyphenols (plant tannins), the traditional research on plant phenols mainly focuses on biological activities such as antioxidation, scavenging free radicals, and UV-protection. With the deepening understanding of the structure and properties of plant phenols, plus the increasing demand for bio-based multi-functional materials, an increasing number of new functional materials based on plant phenols (such as metal–phenolic network nano-films and capsules, etc.) are being reported. As multi-functional, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly materials, they are bound to make greater contributions to the functions of the human body.

This Special Issue “Plant Phenols and Their Impact on Human Health and Performance” will cover all aspects of plant phenols including: new methods of separation and purification, characterization and identification, bioactivity, bioavailability, polyphenol depolymerization, and plant phenol-based new functional materials. Experimental papers, review articles, and commentaries are all welcome.

Prof. Dr. Shujun Li
Guest Editor

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Keywords

polyphenols
plant phenols
separation and purification
characterization and identification
bioactivity
bioavailability
polyphenol depolymerization
new functional materials

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 3212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Matrices for Enhanced Encapsulation and Controlled Release of Anti-Inflammatory Bioactive Compounds in Wound Healing

by Raluca Nicu, Diana Elena Ciolacu, Anca-Roxana Petrovici, Daniela Rusu, Mihaela Avadanei, Andreea Cristina Mihaila, Elena Butoi and Florin Ciolacu

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(4), 4213; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24044213 - 20 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2135

Abstract

Current trends in the development of wound dressings are oriented towards the use of biopolymer-based materials, due to their unique properties such as non-toxicity, hydrophilicity, biocompatibility and biodegradability, properties that have advantageous therapeutic characteristics. In this regard, the present study aims to develop hydrogels based on cellulose and dextran (CD) and to reveal their anti-inflammatory performance. This purpose is achieved by incorporating plant bioactive polyphenols (PFs) in CD hydrogels. The assessments include establishing the structural characteristics using attenuated total reflection Fourier transformed infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy, the morphology by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the swelling degree of hydrogels, the PFs incorporation/release kinetics and the hydrogels’ cytotoxicity, together with evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of PFs-loaded hydrogels. The results show that the presence of dextran has a positive impact on the hydrogel’s structure by decreasing the pore size at the same time as increasing the uniformity and interconnectivity of the pores. In addition, there is an increased degree of swelling and of the encapsulation capacity of PFs, with the increase of the dextran content in hydrogels. The kinetics of PFs released by hydrogels was studied according to the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, and it was observed that the transport mechanisms depend on hydrogels’ composition and morphology. Furthermore, CD hydrogels have been shown to promote cell proliferation without cytotoxicity, by successfully culturing fibroblasts and endothelial cells on CD hydrogels (over 80% viability). The anti-inflammatory tests performed in the presence of lipopolysaccharides demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of the PFs-loaded hydrogels. All these results provide conclusive evidence on the acceleration of wound healing by inhibiting the inflammation process and support the use of these hydrogels encapsulated with PFs in wound healing applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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13 pages, 23424 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Active Bio-Based Food Packaging Material of ZnO@Plant Polyphenols/Cellulose/Polyvinyl Alcohol: DESIGN, Characterization and Application

by Da Song, Li-Wei Ma, Bo Pang, Ran An, Jing-Heng Nie, Yuan-Ru Guo and Shujun Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(2), 1577; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24021577 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2121

Abstract

Active packaging materials protect food from deterioration and extend its shelf life. In the quest to design intriguing packaging materials, biocomposite ZnO/plant polyphenols/cellulose/polyvinyl alcohol (ZnPCP) was prepared via simple hydrothermal and casting methods. The structure and morphology of the composite were fully analyzed using XRD, FTIR, SEM and XPS. The ZnO particles, plant polyphenols (PPL) and cellulose were found to be dispersed in PVA. All of these components share their unique functions with the composite’s properties. This study shows that PPL in the composite not only improves the ZnO dispersivity in PVA as a crosslinker, but also enhances the water barrier of PVA. The ZnO, PPL and cellulose work together, enabling the biocomposite to perform as a good food packaging material with only a 1% dosage of the three components in PVA. The light shielding investigation showed that ZnPCP−10 can block almost 100% of both UV and visible light. The antibacterial activities were evaluated by Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with 4.4 and 6.3 mm inhibition zones, respectively, being achieved by ZnPCP−10. The enhanced performance and easy degradation enables the biocomposite ZnPCP to be a prospect material in the packaging industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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15 pages, 3059 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biological Activity of Picrorhiza kurroa: A Source of Potential Antimicrobial Compounds against Yersinia enterocolitica

by Anju Thapa, Ravinder Kaushik, Smriti Arora, Sundeep Jaglan, Varun Jaswal, Virendra Kumar Yadav, Manjeet Singh, Aarti Bains, Prince Chawla, Azhar Khan, Melinda Fogarasi and Szabolcs Fogarasi

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(22), 14090; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232214090 - 15 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3029

Abstract

Yersiniosis, caused by Yersinia enterocolitica, is the third most rampant zoonotic disease in Europe; the pathogen shows high antibiotic resistance. Herbs have multiple anti–microbial components that reduce microorganism resistance. Therefore, an extract of Picrorhiza kurroa (P. kurroa) was evaluated for potential antimicrobial activity. We report that the ethanolic extract of P. kurroa showed effective antimicrobial activity (zone of inhibition: 29.8 mm, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC): 2.45 mg/mL, minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC): 2.4 mg/mL) against Yersinia enterocolitica. Potential bioactive compounds from P. kurroa were identified using LC–MS, namely, cerberidol, annonidine A, benzyl formate, picroside–1, and furcatoside A. P. kurroa showed effective antimicrobial potential in skim milk at different pH, acidity, and water activity levels. P. kurroa affected the physiology of Yersinia enterocolitica and reduced the number of live cells. Yersinia enterocolitica, when incubated with P. kurroa extract, showed lower toxin production. Picroside–1 was isolated and showed higher antimicrobial potential in comparison to the standard antibiotic. Picroside–1 lysed the Yersinia enterocolitica cells, as observed under scanning electron microscopy. Docking revealed that picroside–1 (ligand) showed both hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions with the dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) protein of Yersinia enterocolitica and that DHFR is a possible drug target. The high activity and natural origin of Picroside–1 justify its potential as a possible drug candidate for Yersinia enterocolitica. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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15 pages, 3207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Safety of Stewart’s Wood Fern (Dryopteris stewartii) and Its Anti-Hyperglycemic Potential in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Mice

by Uzma Hanif, Chand Raza, Iram Liaqat, Maryam Rani, Sherif M. Afifi, Tuba Esatbeyoglu, Saraj Bahadur and Sara Shahid

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(20), 12432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms232012432 - 17 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1996

Abstract

Diabetes has become a critical challenge to the global health concerns. Cytotoxicity and development of resistance against available drugs for management of diabetes have shifted the focus of global scientific researchers from synthetic to herbal medications. Therefore, the current study was conducted to investigate the possible anti-hyperglycemic potential of Dryopteris stewartii using Swiss albino mice. To evaluate any possible toxic effect of the plant, acute oral toxicity test was performed while the anti-diabetic effects of aqueous and ethanol extracts at 500 mg/kg, positive, negative and normal control were assessed simultaneously. The anti-diabetic study revealed that aqueous extract has higher anti-diabetic potential than ethanol extract while lowered blood glucose level at second week reaching 150 mg/dL, exerting stronger anti-diabetic effects, compared to ethanol extract (190 mg/dL). Oral glucose tolerance findings revealed that aqueous extract decreased blood glucose level by −0.41-fold, compared to ethanol extract showing a decrease by only −0.29-folds. The histopathological evaluation of liver and pancreas of all groups revealed normal cell architecture with no morphological abnormalities. These results suggested the possible use of D. stewartii as anti-diabetic herbal drug in near future. However, these recommendations are conditioned by deep mechanistic studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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13 pages, 4298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Juniperus sabina L. as a Source of Podophyllotoxins: Extraction Optimization and Anticholinesterase Activities

by Shengnan Xu, Xinru Li, Shi Liu, Peilin Tian and Dengwu Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(18), 10205; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231810205 - 6 Sep 2022

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2221

Abstract

Juniperus sabina L. (J. sabina) has been an important plant in traditional medicine since ancient times. Its needles are rich in podophyllotoxin, a precursor compound to anti-tumor drugs. However, no systematic research has been done on J. sabina as a source of podophyllotoxins or their biological action. Hence, extracts of podophyllotoxin and deoxypodophyllotoxin were the main optimization targets using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The total phenol content and antioxidant activity of J. sabina needle extract were also optimized. Under the optimal process conditions (ratio of material to liquid (RLM) 1:40, 90% methanol, and ultrasonic time 7 min), the podophyllotoxin extraction rate was 7.51 mg/g DW, the highest level reported for Juniperus spp. distributed in China. To evaluate its biological potential, the neuroprotective acetyl- and butyrylcholinease (AChE and BChE) inhibitory abilities were tested. The needle extract exhibited significant anti-butyrylcholinesterase activity (520.15 mg GALE/g extract), which correlated well with the high levels of podophyllotoxin and deoxypodophyllotoxin. This study shows the potential medicinal value of J. sabina needles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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12 pages, 2928 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silver@quercetin Nanoparticles with Aggregation-Induced Emission for Bioimaging In Vitro and In Vivo

by Yuanyuan Li, Daming Xiao, Shujun Li, Zhijun Chen, Shouxin Liu and Jian Li

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(13), 7413; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23137413 - 3 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2552

Abstract

Fluorescent materials based on aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) have unique advantages for in situ and real-time monitoring of biomolecules and biological processes because of their high luminescence intensity and resistance to photobleaching. Unfortunately, many AIEgens require time-consuming and expensive syntheses, and the presence of residual toxic reagents reduces their biocompatibility. Herein, silver@quercetin nanoparticles (Ag@QCNPs), which have a clear core–shell structure, were prepared by redox reaction of quercetin (QC), a polyphenolic compound widely obtained from plants, including those used as foods, and silver ions. Ag@QCNPs show both aggregation-induced luminescence and the distinct plasma scattering of silver nanoparticles, as well as good resistance to photobleaching and biocompatibility. The Ag@QCNPs were successfully used for cytoplasmic labeling of living cells and for computerized tomography imaging in tumor-bearing mice, demonstrating their potential for clinical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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15 pages, 3842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of ZnO@Plant Polyphenols/Cellulose as Active Food Packaging and Its Enhanced Antibacterial Activity

by Jingheng Nie, Ziyang Wu, Bo Pang, Yuanru Guo, Shujun Li and Qingjiang Pan

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23(9), 5218; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23095218 - 7 May 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2508

Abstract

To investigate the efficient use of bioresources and bioproducts, plant polyphenol (PPL) was extracted from larch bark and further applied to prepare ZnO@PPL/Cel with cellulose to examine its potential as an active package material. The structure and morphology were fully characterized by XRD, SEM, FTIR, XPS and Raman spectra. It was found that PPL is able to cover ZnO and form a coating layer. In addition, PPL cross-links with cellulose and makes ZnO distribute evenly on the cellulose fibers. Coating with PPL creates a pinecone-like morphology in ZnO, which is constructed by subunits of 50 nm ZnO slices. The interactions among ZnO, PPL and cellulose have been attributed to hydrogen bonding, which plays an important role in guiding the formation of composites. The antibacterial properties against Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were tested by the inhibition zone method. Our composite ZnO@PPL/Cel has superior antibacterial activity compared to ZnO/Cel. The antibacterial mechanism has also been elaborated on. The low cost, simple preparation method and good performance of ZnO@PPL/Cel suggest the potential for it to be applied as active food packaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Phenols and Their Diverse Functional Materials)

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