A strain of Vibrio sp. isolated from marine sediments produced large quantities of bright red pigments that could be used to dye many fibers including wool, nylon, acrylics, and silk. Characterization of the pigments by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed three prodiginine-like structures with nonpolar characteristics and low molecular mass. UV-visible spectra of the major constituent in methanol solution showed absorbance at λ max 530 nm wavelength. The accurate mass result showed that the main isolated product has a molecular mass of m/z 323.1997. Further analysis using mass fragmentation (MS/MS), 1 H NMR, COSY, HMQC NMR and DEPT confirmed the detailed structure of the pigment with an elementary composition of C 20 H 25 N 3 O. Fabrics dyed with the microbial prodiginines demonstrated antibacterial activity.

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A B S T R A C TIn the present study, we coated cotton fabrics with protein-based nanoparticles containing vitamin E (αtocopherol) by the pad-cure method. Scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy, and air permeability analysis of coated samples confirmed the fixation of the nanoparticles onto the fabric's surface. The antioxidant activity of the coated fabrics was evaluated by 2,2′-Azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulfonic acid) (ABTS) free radicals reduction. Samples coated with nanoparticles containing the highest amount of encapsulated vitamin E (20% of the oil phase) showed the highest antioxidant activity. The protein-based coating was maintained for at least 10 washing cycles, demonstrating the reliability of the pad-cure method for the fixation of nanoparticles onto cotton surfaces. A methodology for nanoparticles release from the coated surfaces and their transfer to other substrates was demonstrated by the simple crock meter rubbing in the presence of sweat and protease. A high amount of material can be transferred and released to other substrates, such as textiles and skin, through the synergistic effect of sweat/protease and abrasion. An array of cosmetic and medical applications are possible with the developed coating and release methodology in which vitamin E would impart vital benefits as skin protection, anti-ageing product, or skin moisturizer.

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Our earlier studies showed that the Acorn Polysaccharides (AP), as a forest byproduct, have a good prebiotic properties and antioxidant activity, hence can be used as an ingredient to produce functional foods. Three drying methods (freeze, hot air and vacuum drying) in different temperatures were comparatively studied on the physicochemical properties (solubility, water and oil-holding capacity [OHC/WHC]), bioactivity (resistance to acidic and enzymatic digestions, effect on a probiotic strain growth) and antioxidant activity of AP along with the structural changes. Results suggest that the drying methods in combinations of temperatures and time of drying process affect physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity and bioactivities of AP. Freeze dried AP exhibited the highest solubility, WHC, OHC and antioxidant activity, digestibility with simulated gastrointestinal juices and fermentable by a Lactobacillus plantarum. Whereas, hot