Research Keyword: biocatalysis

Enhancing the Substrate Adaptability of Laccase through Ancestral Sequence Reconstruction for Applications in Mycotoxin Detoxification

Researchers used evolutionary analysis to redesign a fungal enzyme called laccase to better detoxify harmful mold toxins found in grains. The new engineered enzyme (LacANC278) can break down both aflatoxin and zearalenone toxins much more effectively than the original enzyme, and converts them into less harmful substances. This enzyme works without expensive helper chemicals and works well at room temperature, making it practical for treating contaminated corn and other grains.

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A Review of Synthetic Access to Therapeutic Compounds Extracted from Psilocybe

Scientists have discovered that magic mushrooms contain compounds called psilocybin and psilocin that show promise in treating depression and other psychiatric conditions. However, extracting enough of these compounds from mushrooms is difficult, so chemists have developed multiple ways to synthesize them in laboratories. This review examines different chemical and biological methods for producing these therapeutic compounds, from traditional synthesis techniques to modern approaches using special catalysts and enzymes, making these medicines more accessible for clinical research.

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Comparative Characterization of Oxidative Enzymes for Arabinoxylan and Protein Cross-Linking via Ferulic Acid and Tyrosine in Model Systems

Scientists tested different enzymes to see which ones work best at linking proteins and fiber molecules together in bread dough. They found that combining certain enzymes, especially peroxidase with glucose oxidase, works better than using them alone. By adjusting the amounts of ferulic acid and tyrosine (compounds in food), they could control whether the cross-links formed within the same molecule or between different molecules. This research helps food makers choose the right enzymes to improve bread texture without extra processing steps.

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Natural-selected plastics biodegradation species and enzymes in landfills

Landfills contain billions of tons of plastic waste that can take centuries to decompose naturally. This research discovered that landfill microorganisms have evolved to break down plastics through natural selection. Using advanced computer analysis of microbial DNA, scientists identified thousands of potential plastic-degrading enzymes that could be engineered for industrial applications to help clean up plastic pollution.

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Scalable Hybrid Synthetic/Biocatalytic Route to Psilocybin

Researchers developed a new method to manufacture psilocybin, a promising therapeutic compound from magic mushrooms being tested to treat depression. Instead of using toxic chemicals, they replaced a difficult chemical step with an enzyme from the mushroom itself called PsiK. This approach produced gram amounts of pure psilocybin efficiently and could eventually lower costs for future medical use.

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Functional Approaches to Discover New Compounds via Enzymatic Modification: Predicted Data Mining Approach and Biotransformation-Guided Purification

Scientists are developing faster ways to discover new medicines from plants using two innovative methods. The first approach uses computer programs to predict which plant compounds can be chemically modified by enzymes to create new medicines with better properties. The second approach combines enzyme chemistry with traditional purification to directly isolate these modified compounds from plant extracts. These methods have successfully created new compounds with improved effectiveness against diseases like diabetes and cancer, often with much better solubility for medical use.

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Electricity generation and oxidoreductase potential during dye discoloration by laccase-producing Ganoderma gibbosum in fungal fuel cell

Scientists used a special fungus called Ganoderma gibbosum to clean contaminated water and generate electricity at the same time. The fungus produces an enzyme called laccase that breaks down textile dyes while the fuel cell converts the chemical energy into electrical power. This eco-friendly technology could help industries treat wastewater while producing clean energy, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatment methods.

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Research Progress on Nutritional Components, Functional Active Components, and Pharmacological Properties of Floccularia luteovirens

Floccularia luteovirens is a special mushroom from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau that has been used in traditional Tibetan medicine for centuries. It is extremely nutritious, containing as much protein as meat and numerous beneficial compounds. Scientific research shows it can help fight disease, boost immunity, and even preserve food naturally, making it promising for development as a health supplement and functional food.

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