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Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a semiconductor metal oxide extensively studied due to its photocatalytic properties that can be applied in various areas. However, the catalytic performance of TiO2 is limited at the UV spectrum, and the silver doping to titanium dioxide (Ag-TiO2) can increase the catalytic performance for visible light. In this work, Ag-doped TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized to evaluate photocatalytic activity against sensitive and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus frequently associated with skin infections. The sol-gel method followed by Ag doping was applied to NPs synthesis. NPs were characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry (DRS), Semi-quantitative energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR and EDS results confirmed the doping of silver in TiO2. MEV analysis evidenced spherical nanoparticles between 8.5 - 25.6 nm. The TiO2 nanoparticles combined with silver improved the antimicrobial effect of TiO2 under visible light at 180 min, however, the greatest antimicrobial effect was observed under UV light at 120 min.

O TiO2 é um dos semicondutores mais estudados recentemente devido às suas propriedades fotocatalíticas. Assim, foi realizado um estudo de prospecção baseado em artigos publicados mundialmente e em pedidos de patente sobre o uso do TiO2. O estudo foi através dos sites científicos Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo, Medline e Bireme. Os bancos de patentes da Espacenet e do INPI foram utilizados para pesquisar o número de patentes depositadas, a distribuição por país e a evolução anual. No Bireme com o assunto "antibacteriano" para o termo "Dióxido de Titânio", destacaram os EUA, Taiwan e Japão. Para "TiO2", China, EUA e Índia foram destacadas. A análise dos pedidos de patentes no banco de dados do INPI foi obtida com um grande número para todos os termos procurados, enquanto no banco da Espacenet foram encontrados apenas resultados para o termo "Dióxido de Titânio" que obteve dominância nos EUA e na OMPI. Embora o número de publicações sobre esse tema seja grande, o número de estudos ainda é pequeno para a importância do uso das propriedades fotocatalíticas como método terapêutico e biológico. Portanto, o tema tem uma grande relevância para a ciência e a tecnologia.

With the utilisation of algae, wastewater reuse is becoming a viable option for the energy industry, especially green energy. The growth of these algae in these wastewaters provides an alternative source for bioenergetics, however, the growth of other microorganisms can directly affect the production of bioenergy, requiring the removal and reduction of contaminants in these waters, in addition to being a source of contamination for workers. Therefore, the use of nanoparticles in bioremediation has been an alternative to mitigate the contamination of these wastewaters that have microorganisms capable of reducing the algae growth capacity. The objective of this work was to verify in the United States Patent and Trademarker office database (USPTO) patents that used chitosan nanoparticles as a form of wastewater treatment and to carry out the analysis of patent US20190134086, which addresses the use of zinc oxide nanoparticles associated with chitosan that was developed and used to evaluate their antibacterial activity against resistant microorganisms and biofilm producers present in wastewater. Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecium, and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa are the microorganisms involved in the evaluated invention, bacteria present in the gastrointestinal tract, of clinical and environmental importance. The synthesized nanoparticles are arranged as a pharmaceutically acceptable and toxic vehicle against resistant bacteria, thus being described as nanoremediators. Given the analyzed patent, it was possible to verify the importance of alternatives to reduce the impact that pollution, in general, has on the environment, in addition to the proposed technology serving to maintain the survival and development capacity of the algae that will be able to produce green energy, the nanoparticles with antibacterial potential can help indirectly reduce these pathogenic strains with resistance to several antibiotics in the environment.

Xanthan gum (XG) production using three Xanthomonas sp. strains (290, 472, and S6) was evaluated by applying a 23 full factorial central composite design response to study the interactive effects of the fermentation medium component concentrations as parameters to determine the efficiency of the gum production in batch experiments. The experimental variables were the carbon source (demerara sugar or sucrose), potassium phosphate dibasic, and magnesium sulfate. Experimental results showed the K2HPO4 concentration as the important parameter for XG production by using Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. manihotis IBSBF 290 and X. campestris pv. campestris IBSBF 472, while for the Xanthomonas sp. S6 strain, the MgSO4∙7H2O concentration was the determining factor in XG production using demerara sugar or sucrose as a carbon source. The strains of Xanthomonas 472 and S6, using demerara sugar and higher concentrations of salts, exhibited a higher yield of XG (36 and 32%) than when using sucrose and the same concentration of salts. The experimental outcomes highlighted demerara sugar as a suitable and efficient alternative carbon and micronutrient source for XG production. Despite the bacterial strain influence, the medium composition is crucial for this fermentation process. Therefore, the evaluated salts are important factors for XG production, and the demerara sugar can partially replace this mineral salt requirement as indicated by the face-centered composite experimental design due to its chemical composition. Overall, demerara sugar provides promising properties for XG production., The authors acknowledge the financial assistance from the Brazilian research funding agencies including the Co-ordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) under Finance Code 001, a Brazilian foundation within the Ministry of Education (MEC); the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), a Brazilian foundation associated to the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovations (MCTI); the Foundation of Support to Research and Technological Innovation of the State of Sergipe (FAPITEC/SE); and the Regional Co-operative of Agrarian Reform Settlers of Sergipe’s Semi-Arid. The authors acknowledge the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT, Portugal) for the financial support to the CISAS UIDB/05937/2020 and UIDP/05937/2020, including the postdoc grant and the contract of the two authors., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis is the etiologic agent of Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA), a disease leading to severe damage in sheep and goats farming due to the lack of serological diagnosis, treatment, and effective prophylaxis. In this context, several strategies in an attempt to discover new antigens to compose diagnosis assays or vaccines are fundamental. Therefore, this study aimed to use bioinformatics software to evaluate the critical chemical characteristics of unknown proteins of C. pseudotuberculosis by selecting them for heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. For this purpose, six protein sequences of ascorbate transporter subunit, UPF protein, MMPL family transporter, Ribonuclease, Iron ABC transporter domain-containing permease, and fimbrial subunit were obtained. In silico analyses were performed using amino acid sequences to access immunodominant epitopes and their antigenic and allergenic potential and physicochemical characterization. The expressed proteins were used as an antigen for serological diagnosis by ELISA. All proteins showed distinct immunodominant epitopes and potential antigenic characteristics. The only proteins expressed were PTS and Ribonuclease. In parallel, we expressed CP40 and all were used with ELISA antigen in 49 CLA positive sera and 26 CLA negative sera. The proteins alone showed 100% sensitivity and 96.2%, 92.3%, and 88.5% specificity for rPTS, rRibonuclease, and rCP40, respectively. When proteins were combined, they showed 100% sensitivity and 84.6%, 92.3%, 88.5%, and 92.3% specificity for rPTS/rCp40, rRibonuclease/rCP40, rPTS/rRibonuclease, and rPTS/rRibonuclease/rCP40, respectively. The results of this study show an excellent correlation of sensitivity and specificity with all proteins. None of the specificity values preclude the potential of rPTS, rRibonuclease, or rCP40 for use in ELISA diagnostic assays since the results of this work are superior to those of other studies on CLA diagnosis described in the literature.

INTRODUCAO: A Linfadenite Caseosa (LC) e uma doenca infecciosa causada pela bacteria Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis e vem ocasionando inumeros prejuizos a industria de carne ovinocaprina. Ela possui duas formas clinicas, a forma superficial, quando ha a presenca de abscessos em linfonodos perifericos ou forma visceral, quando esses abscessos encontram-se nos orgaos internos. A antibioticoterapia hoje existente se torna ineficaz por nao conseguir cruzar essa barreira, como tambem, a vacina comercial hoje disponibilizada possui baixo poder de protecao, necessitando assim de uma nova dose a cada ano o que ocasiona um alto custo. OBJETIVO: realizar um desenho vacinal em busca de potenciais alvos proteicos de Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis para formular uma vacina contra a Linfadenite Caseosa. METODOLOGIA: Para isso, analises in silico utilizando o Vaxign para busca de proteinas secretadas foram feitas e subsequentes analises relacionadas ao potencial antigenico, alergenico e caracterizacoes fisico-quimicas serviram para filtrar as proteinas de interesse. Das proteinas selecionadas foram obtidos os epitopos imunodominantes e sua interacao com o TLR-2 foi determinada. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas pelo Vaxign um total de 26 proteinas putativas secretadas, sendo realizada as suas caracterizacoes a fim de selecionar as proteinas aptas para possivel formulacao de uma vacina. Destas, nove delas se mostraram antigenicas e nao alergenicas e apos analise fisico-quimicas apenas duas seguiram para analise dos epitopos imunodominantes de celulas B. As proteinas ADL20140.1 e ADL20298.1 apresentaram um total de 2 e 5 epitopos, respectivamente. Apos determinacao do potencial antigenico apenas os epitopos 4, 6 e 7 foram utilizados para o docking molecular com o TLR-2. Os epitopos 4 e 7 apresentaram possiveis interaooes atraves dos dominios LRR enquanto o epitopo 6 apresentou possivel interacoo com o dominio TIR do TLR-2. CONCLUSAO: Diante do uso de bioinformatica e possivel verificar previsoes in silico que possam diminuir etapas dispendiosas experimentais. Com isso, nesse trabalho foi possivel selecionar uma proteina com caracteristicas importantes para compor uma vacina contra LC e ate epitopos imunodominantes que podem servir para formular uma vacina peptidica, esses epitopos apresentaram potenciais interacoes com o TLR-2 indicando uma possivel ativacao da imunidade inata, importante passo para um alvo vacinal. Portanto, esse trabalho fornece informcoes importantes que poderm servir para formular, de fato, uma vacina contra LC.

Evidence that otoliths, mineral-rich limestone concrescences present in the inner ear of bone fishes, can accelerate bone formation in vivo has been previously reported. The goal of this work was the development, characterization, and evaluation of the cytocompatibility of otoliths-incorporated sodium alginate and gelatin scaffolds. Cynoscion acoupaderived otoliths were characterized by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (FRX), particle size, free lime, and weight loss by calcination. Furthermore, otoliths were incorporated into sodium alginate (ALG/OTL-s) or gelatin (GEL/OTL-s) scaffolds, previously developed by freeze-drying. Then, the scaffolds were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transform (FTIR), swelling tests, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity assays were run against J774.G8 macrophages and MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. Data obtained from TGA/DTG, DSC, and FTIR analyses confirmed the interaction between otoliths and the polymeric scaffolds. SEM showed the homogeneous porous 3D structure rich in otolith micro-fragments in both scaffolds. Swelling of the GEL/OTL-s (63.54±3.0%) was greater than of ALG/OTL-s (13.36±9.9%) (p0.05) and significantly higher than that treated with Triton-X (p0.05). However, by 48 h, only ALG/OTL-s showed growth similar to control (p>0.05), whereas GEL/OTL showed a significantly lower growth index (p, We would like to thank the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) and the Foundation for Research and Technological Innovation Support of the State of Sergipe for the financial support in this study. EMBS acknowledges the sponsorship of the projects M-ERA-NET-0004/2015-PAIRED and UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), received support from the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) through national funds, and was co-financed by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Biomateriais sao bastante estudados para tratamento de lesoes teciduais, como a quitosana, fibroina e goma xantana. Estudos potencialmente inovadores precisam passar por busca de anterioridade por meio de prospeccao tecnologica, de forma a direcionar a pesquisa e possivel desenvolvimento de patentes a ela relacionado. Desta forma, este estudo objetivou a prospeccao tecnologica de quitosana, fibroina e goma xantana como biomateriais aplicaveis em scaffolds-3D. A busca realizou-se entre os meses de janeiro a julho de 2017, tendo como base os pedidos de patentes no United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), European Patent Office (EPO), no banco de patentes latino-americanas e espanholas (LATIPAT), e banco de dados do Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Industrial (INPI), do Brasil. As patentes depositadas para cada biomaterial evidenciam a vasta aplicabilidade deles, com numerosos depositos em variadas areas. Delimitando a busca para os biomateriais separados em scaffolds, percebeu-se que o numero de patentes diminuiu significativamente. Alem disso, quando os tres foram combinados durante a pesquisa, percebeu-se que nao ha patente depositada que proponha a uniao destes biomateriais em scaffolds. Quando pesquisado scaffold associado a enxertia, foi identificado que os paises Japao e Estados Unidos detem a maioria dos depositos no EPO, tendo o Brasil apenas um deposito publicado. Conclui-se que, ainda que o cenario da pesquisa e desenvolvimento do Brasil venha mudando gradativamente, o volume de patentes depositadas e baixo. Alem disso, foi evidenciado que scaffolds baseados em quitosana, fibroina e goma xantana possuem carater inovador, demonstrando potencial para submissao de patente.

The use of liposomes for drug release has demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic platform for biomedical applications. In this study, intravesical administration of OXI (1.5 mM) and RTX (100 nM) was used to compare histological changes caused in Wistar female rats by the drugs both unloaded and loaded in liposomes. After instillation of formulations by intravesical catheter, bladders were removed and histological analysis carried out at pre-determined time intervals over a period of 60 days. Urinalysis was performed to verify the presence of infection and of liposomes. Results showed that RTX caused a higher bladder damage, with inflammatory reaction that reached all bladder layers. After 60 days, RTX-treated group showed urothelial alterations, collagen replacement by fibrosis and also abdominal adherence, but not the OXI-treated group. At the end of the assay, the liposomal-treated groups showed a minimal inflammatory reaction and significantly increased bladder size. Moreover, urinalysis confirmed the presence of liposomes in rat urine. RTX promoted higher bladder damage than OXI. Intravesical administration of liposomal OXI or RTX formulations minimized inflammatory reaction, with an extended drug effect on bladders. After a single intravesical administration, liposomes were found in rat urine samples after 60 days., This research was funded by Coordenacao Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES), Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sergipe (FAPITEC), and Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (CNPq). This work was also financed by the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation, Ministry of Science and Education (FCT/MEC) for the project UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund), from national funds, and cofinanced by FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Devido à falha dos protocolos de biossegurança nas cooperativas de reciclagem, os separadores de resíduos se expõem a agentes biológicos, como vírus, fungos e bactérias, tornando-se mais susceptíveis a infecções por estes agentes. Este estudo objetivou estudar o risco biológico ao qual estão expostos os cooperados na atividade de triagem/separação dos resíduos recicláveis, avaliando o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual e a ocorrência de acidentes e da prática da higienização das mãos. Para isso, realizou-se um estudo descritivo quantitativo no Estado de Alagoas, nas Cooperativas de Reciclagem de Resíduos COOPREL e COOPLUM. A ocorrência de microrganismos, provenientes do manuseio dos resíduos foi investigada através da coleta de material das mãos dos cooperados, com auxílio de swab, antes e após do processo de higienização habitual, seguida da orientada. O material coletado foi transportado e analisado quanto à presença de bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias, bolores e leveduras. Após o cultivo e análise microbiológica, verificou-se a presença de microrganismos da família Enterobacreriaceae, bolores e leveduras. Entretanto, a coleta realizada após a higienização orientada houve significativa redução do número de bactérias em 88%; em relação à amostra inicial da coleta antes ou depois da higienizaçao habitual. Referente à presença de bolores e leveduras observou-se uma redução de 37,50%. Logo, este estudo identificou que 54% dos cooperados sofreram acidentes com material perfurocortante nos últimos doze meses, e identificou bactérias da família Enterobacteriaceae nas mãos dos cooperados (56,41%), refletindo além do risco biológico, a exacerbação do risco social representado pelas precárias condições de trabalho.

Multiresistant bacteria represent a global health problem, encouraging the development of effective antimicrobial treatments. In this context, metallic nanoparticles like silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can serve as an alternative to the pathogenic bacterial growth control since AgNPs have minimal risk of promoting bacterial resistance. The chemical methods to synthesize AgNPs involves toxic agents however, an alternative way to obtain them would be employing plant extract due to its redox ability. In the current study, Spondias tuberosa hydroethanolic leaf extract (StHE) was used to assist silver nanoparticle synthesis (AgNP) and to evaluate the antimicrobial effect of both StHE and AgNP against antibiotic-resistant bacterias Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. The StHE phytochemical analysis displayed significant polyphenol and flavonoids contents, identified by HPLC. Synthesized AgNPs were spherical with an average size of 3.44–19.46 nm, characterized by UV-Vis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The AgNPs antimicrobial activity displayed higher capacity than the crude StHE, mainly against Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, StHE is an effective source of reducing agents for the AgNPs synthesis, which exhibit high antibacterial potential against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Hancornia speciosa has bioactive molecules such as phenolic compounds which exhibit antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Nevertheless, the separation of these substances from a medicinal plant can be different according to the extraction process and solvent used. Thus, the present study aimed was to separate phenolic compounds from Hancornia speciosa leaves in three steps by using a sequential pressurized liquid extraction and evaluated their antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Results showed that the temperature increase from 25 to 60° C provides a significative enhancement in the extraction yield. The raw ethanol extract (39.0 ± 0.2%) showed the highest overall extraction yield. However, fractionated ethanol extract (FEE) at 60 °C exhibited the highest amount of total phenolic compounds (347.0 ± 4.12 mg/g extract). Fractionated ethyl acetate extract (FAE) at 60 °C presented improved quantity of total flavonoids (230.4 ± 3.5 mg/g extract) and rutin content (16.6 ± 0.3 mg/mL extract). The antioxidant activity results for IC50 of DPPH indicated that FEE (3.8 ± 0.1 µg/mL) was the best free radical scavenger. FAE and FEE were able to inhibit the growth of multidrug-resistant E. coli.

Residues from wine and juice processing still contain about 70% of the phenolic compounds in grapes. These compounds are valued for having several bioactive properties that are explored in the pharmaceutical and food sectors. This paper aims to summarize the most recent advances in the use of enzymatic techniques for the recovery of bioactive compounds from GP for industrial application. For this, we analyzed scientific articles and patent applications from the last 20 years in the main indexed and patent databases. Among the most used enzymes in the recovery of bioactive compounds in wastes, cellulases, pectinases, tannases, glucoamylases, and proteases such as trypsin and chymotrypsin, are the most important. As a result, extracts are obtained with greater retrieval of compounds such as anthocyanins, gallic acid, catechins, epicatechins, and trans-resveratrol and the improvement of coloring, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and vasoprotective properties. Although the use of enzymes for the recovery of phenolics is an old strategy, the number of studies focusing on the functional characteristics and industrial applicability of the extracts obtained has been recently growing. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Phenolic compounds have acted as anti-inflammatories, antioxidants, anticarcinogens, and antimicrobials, being additives or relevant ingredients for various products in the food and pharmaceutical industry. Although there are several techniques for extracting/recovering phenolics from grape pomace, there is still no agreement on which method is ideal. In recent years, several extractions methods have been applied in seeking optimized conditions to recover phenolics from grape residues. Among them, the use of enzymes has been gaining attention for being considered a green and promising technology. The present study aims to carry out a review that would bring a new perspective to the recovery of bioactive compounds from grape residues by enzymatic techniques, with a view to industrial purpose.

Propolis has various pharmacological properties of clinical interest, and is also considered a functional food. In particular, hydroalcoholic extracts of red propolis (HERP), together with its isoflavonoid formononetin, have recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with known added value against dyslipidemia. In this study, we report the gastroprotective effects of HERP (50&ndash, 500 mg/kg, p.o.) and formononetin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) in ethanol and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced models of rat ulcer. The volume, pH, and total acidity were the evaluated gastric secretion parameters using the pylorus ligature model, together with the assessment of gastric mucus contents. The anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of HERP were evaluated using the agar-well diffusion method. In our experiments, HERP (250 and 500 mg/kg) and formononetin (10 mg/kg) reduced (p &lt, 0.001) total lesion areas in the ethanol-induced rat ulcer model, and reduced (p &lt, 0.05) ulcer indices in the indomethacin-induced rat ulcer model. Administration of HERP and formononetin to pylorus ligature models significantly decreased (p &lt, 0.01) gastric secretion volumes and increased (p &lt, 0.05) mucus production. We have also shown the antioxidant and anti-Helicobacter pylori activities of HERP. The obtained results indicate that HERP and formononetin are gastroprotective in acute ulcer models, suggesting a prominent role of formononetin in the effects of HERP.

The immunomodulatory properties of Brazilian red propolis (BRP) have been already described. Also, propolis have been proved to have antibacterial activity on Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. An adjuvant effect of red propolis oil was able to induce a significant anti-C. pseudotuberculosis humoral immune response. Here, we demonstrate for the first time the immunostimulant property of BRP hydroalcoholic extract (BRPHE) in a recombinant vaccine against caseous lymphadenitis. Mice BALB/c were allocated in three groups inoculated with: sterile saline solution (G1); BRPHE (G2); or BRPHE combined with the C. pseudotuberculosis rCP01850 recombinant protein (G3) in two doses within a 21-days-interval. Blood samples were collected for the total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a measurement. Mice were challenged with a virulent C. pseudotuberculosis strain, and other 6 mice were used for IFN-γ and IL-10 levels determination after splenocyte stimulation with the recombinant antigen. G3 showed higher significant levels of antibodies on the 42nd experimental day, with a high IgG2a/IgG1 proportion. G2 and G3 presented significant production of IFN-γ and IL-10, while G3 presented the higher levels of IFN-γ (p 0.05). After challenge, G2 showed a survival rate of 20%, while 70% of mice from G3 survived the experimental challenge. In conclusion, BRPHE used alone has immunostimulant properties specially on cellular immune response, and when used in combination with the recombinant protein rCP01850 induces cellular and humoral immune responses as well as a significant survival of inoculated mice.

Microbial biofilms, structured communities of microorganisms, have been often associated to the infection and bacterial multiresistance problem. Conventional treatment of infection involves the use of antibiotics, being an alternative approach is the use of red propolis, a natural product, to prepare polymer nanoparticles. The aim of the present study was to encapsulate red propolis extract in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles for destruction in vitro of pathogenic biofilms. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) containing red propolis hydroethanolic extract (2 mg/mL) were produced by emulsification solvent diffusion method. The extract and developed nanoparticles were analyzed for antimicrobial activity and inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Transmission electron microscopy images confirmed spherical nanoparticles in the range size from 42.4 nm (PLGA NPs) to 69.2 nm (HERP PLGA NPs), with encapsulation efficiencies of 96.99%. The free extract and encapsulated in polymer nanoparticle presented antimicrobial potential, with a minimum inhibitory concentration from 15.6 to 125 μg mL−1 and from 100 to 1560 μg mL−1 to inhibit biofilm formation for the Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, respectively.

The aim of this study was to develop and characterize a double layer biomembrane for dual drug delivery to be used for the treatment of wounds. The membrane was composed of chitosan, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and lidocaine chloride (anesthetic drug) in the first layer, and of sodium alginate-polymyxin B sulphate (antibiotic) nanoparticles as the second layer. A product with excellent thickness (0.01-0.02 mm), adequate mechanical properties with respect to elasticity, stiffness, tension, and compatible pH for lesion application has been successfully obtained. The incorporation of the drugs was confirmed analysing the membrane cross-sections by scanning electron microscopy. A strong interaction between the drugs and the functional groups of respective polymers was confirmed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. Microbiological assays showed a high antimicrobial activity when polymyxin B was present to act against the Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. Low cytotoxicity observed in a cell viability colorimetric assay and SEM analysis suggest biocompatibility between the developed biomembrane and the cell culture. The in vivo assay allowed visualizing the healing potential by calculating the wound retraction index and by histological analysis. Our results confirm the effectiveness of the developed innovative biomaterial for tissue repair and regeneration in an animal model., The authors acknowledge the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES/Brazil), Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sergipe (FAPITEC, MS/CNPq/FAPITEC/SE/SES N◦06/2018) e do Conselho Nacional de Pesquisas (CNPq, Apoio a Projetos de Pesquisa/MCTI/CNPQ/Universal 14/2014) for supporting funds. EBS acknowledges the Portuguese Science and Technology Foundation (FCT) for the funded projects M-ERA-NET/0004/2015 (PAIRED) and UIDB/04469/2020 (strategic fund) financed from national funds, and co-financed Education (FCT/MEC) from national funds and FEDER, under the Partnership Agreement PT2020., info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

Brazilian red propolis has been proposed as a new source of compounds with cytotoxic activity. Red propolis is a resinous material of vegetal origin, synthesized from the bees of the Appis mellifera family, with recognized biological properties. To obtain actives of low polarity and high cytotoxic profile from red propolis, in this work, we proposed a new solvent accelerated extraction method. A complete 23 factorial design was carried out to evaluate the influence of the independent variables or factors (e.g., temperature, number of cycles, and extraction time) on the dependent variable or response (i.e., yield of production). The extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the identification of chemical compounds. Gas chromatography analysis revealed the presence of hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, ethers, and terpenes, such as lupeol, lupenone, and lupeol acetate, in most of the obtained extracts. To evaluate the cytotoxicity profile of the obtained bioactives, the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazole)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay was performed in different tumor cell lines (HCT116 and PC3). The results show that the extract obtained from 70 °C and one cycle of extraction of 10 min exhibited the highest cytotoxic activity against the tested cell lines. The highest yield, however, did not indicate the highest cytotoxic activity, but the optimal extraction conditions were indeed dependent on the temperature (i.e., 70 °C)., FCT -Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia(UIDB/04469/2020), info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

The petroleum hydrocarbon contamination represents a worldwide problem, since its accumulation promotes a serious environmental impact. Thereby, the use of microorganisms, such as those from mangrove micro biota, as degrading agents of various carbon sources is poorly exploited in environmental remediation processes. Thus, this in vitro study evaluated the degrading potential of isolated bacteria from mangrove sediments in the degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons. Analysis of the genetic diversity using the 16S rRNA marker revealed closely related (99%) sequences with Proteobacterium, Pseudomonas and Exiguobacterium. Results showed the bacterial growth in the mineral saline medium (MSM) containing 1% petroleum or diesel, as carbon sources. This growth was determinated by optical density at 595 nm for 15 days, with sample withdrawal every 48 h. Bacterial growth indicated the hydrocarbon metabolization. However, bacteria were more efficient at degrading petroleum. Overall, experimental data displayed the potential application of these bacteria in bioremediation processes, due to their metabolic and adaptive capacities to grow in a rich hydrocarbon medium., Los hidrocarburos de petróleo representan un problema mundial, pues su acumulación promueve un serio impacto ambiental. Así, el uso de microorganismos, por ejemplo los de la microbiota de manglares, como agentes degradadores de diversas fuentes de carbono, es poco explotado en procesos de remediación ambiental. Así, este estudio evaluó in vitro el potencial degradador de bacterias aisladas de sedimento de manglar en la degradación de hidrocarburos. El análisis genético usando el marcador 16S rRNA reveló secuencias íntimamente relacionadas (99%) con Proteobacterium, Pseudomonas y Exiguobacterium. Los resultados mostraron el crecimiento de bacterias en medio salino mineral (MSM) conteniendo petróleo o diesel al 1%, como fuentes de carbono. Este crecimiento, determinado por densidad óptica (DO) a 595 nm durante 15 días, con toma de muestras a cada 48 h, indicó la matabolización de hidrocarburos. Sin embargo, las bacterias fueron más eficientes en degradarlos. Por lo tanto, los resultados muestran la potencial aplicación de las bacterias en procesos de biorremediación por su capacidad metabólica y adaptativa de crecimiento usando hidrocarburos.

The present study aims to evaluate the influence of triphenyltin (TPT) exposure on reproductive physiology on Calomys laucha species, since this species inhabits regions susceptible to exposure to this contaminant. Animals exposed to the highest dose (10.0 mg/kg) presented signs of severe intoxication in only 7 days of exposure, demonstrating a higher sensitivity of this species to triphenyltin. The 10.0 mg TPT/kg dose was analyzed separately for short-term exposure and results suggest that exposure to this dose was severely detrimental to sperm activity. Among the main results obtained in the evaluation of sperm kinetics, a reduction in total motility was observed from the 0.5 mg TPT/kg group, accentuated according to the increase in the doses of TPT. In progressive motility, there was a decrease from the dose of 0.5 mg TPT/kg and maintained the plateau until the dose of 5.0 mg TPT/kg. It was also observed an increase in the distances and velocities average path, rectilinear and curvilinear in doses of 2.5 and 5.0 mg/kg. From the flow cytometry, evaluation a decrease in mitochondrial functionality was observed as the dose increased. Increased membrane fluidity was also observed from the 5.0 mg TPT/kg dose and the acrosome reaction presented higher values at doses of 0.5 and 5.0 mg TPT/kg. We can conclude that TPT causes impairment of the sperm activity, reducing it in individuals exposed in the adult phase.

Punica granatum, specifically the fruit, has a long ethno medical history and is a phytochemical reservoir of great medicinal value. The phytochemistry and pharmacological actions of all P. granatum components suggest a wide range of clinical applications. The aim of the present study is to investigate the anticancer potential of aqueous extract of P. granatum (AEPG) in experimental models. The chemical composition of the AEPG was assessed by HPLC-DAD. In vivo antitumor activity was assessed in sarcoma 180 bearing mice. To evaluate the toxicological aspects related to the AEPG treatment, hematological, biochemical, histopathological and morphological analyses of treated animals were performed. Gallic acid, punicalagin α, punicalagin β, and ellagic acid were identified as the major phytochemical compounds of the extract. AEPG and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) induced significant inhibition of tumor growth when compared with saline (p < 0.05). The percentage of apoptotic cells was significantly increased in 5-FU (p < 0.01) and AEPG treated groups (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed between 5-FU and the three doses of AEPG. 5-FU induced toxic effects, such as decrease of body weight, splenic atrophy, and leukopenia, but these effects were not found in AEPG treated groups. The results provide evidence that AEPG exhibits comparable antitumor effects as 5-FU in a murine model, likely the result of increased apoptotic rate, but with no remarkable side effects presented by 5-FU. Key words: Cancer, chemotherapy, Punica granatum, sarcoma 180.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has attracted attention as a photosensitizer in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT) due to its low toxicity and high photostability. In the present work, nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) nanoparticles had their photokilling efficiency evaluated on a murine melanoma cell line (B16-F10) and fibroblasts (NIH 3T3). The N-TiO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a modified hydrogen peroxide sol-gel process using triethylamine as nitrogen precursor. XRD measurements showed that all TiO2 and N-TiO2 samples consisted of an anatase crystalline phase and no trace of rutile was detected. N-TiO2 nanoparticles showed higher absorbance in the visible region than pure TiO2. Nanoparticle dosage increase from 0.1 mg/ml to 0.5 mg/ml played a role in cell viability, causing high cytotoxicity in melanoma and fibroblast cells. The cytotoxic potential of N-TiO2 on cells was analyzed using visible light, UV-A irradiation and dark conditions. All samples were cytotoxic in a PDT test, and N-TiO2 caused 93% death in melanoma cells under UV irradiation treatment at 0.5 mg/ml. Gene expression analysis of this sample showed, under ultraviolet photoexcitation, an increase of pro-apoptotic BAX gene expression, suggesting cell death by apoptosis.

Osteossarcoma (OS) é um tumor ósseo maligno, cujo sua terapêutica é realizada através da remoção cirúrgica associado a quimioterapia combinada, a qual incluem a utilização de medicamentos. Com intuito de verificar a importância da imunoterapia no cunho científico, foram realizadas pesquisas a fim de se confirmar a relevância que o estudo apresenta como inovação tecnológica. Para isso as bibliotecas de artigos do PubMed e Science Direct foram acessadas para a realização de uma prospecção científica, um quantitativo de 278 e 40 com as associações dos descritores “Bone Neoplasms AND cancer vaccines” e “Osteosarcoma AND cancer vaccines" foram obtidos, respectivamente. Em relação a prospecção tecnológica utilizou-se os mesmos descritores e as buscas foram realizadas no Google Patents selecionando os escritórios WO e BR quando necessário, com o uso dos descritores “bone neoplasms”, “osteosarcoma” e “cancer vaccines”, apresentando um total de 62.610, 20410 e 34337 patentes, respectivamente para o escritório WO. Já no escritório BR foram encontrados 687, 613 e 585 respectivamente. Dentre esses achados foi possível perceber que a busca por imunoterapias para OS é crescente, no entanto, o uso de vacinas para OS foi mais presente na prospecção científica do que na tecnológica, isso pode ser atribuído a tecnologia das vacinas terapêuticas serem recentes. A partir desses resultados pode-se concluir que o estudo forneceu dados de prospecção científico-tecnológico, que pode auxiliar no direcionamento de pesquisas, ressaltando a relevância da análise prospectiva tecnológica, como oportunidade de investir na propriedade intelectual como solução das necessidades sociais e econômicas.

Caseous Lymphadenitis (CLA) is a chronic disease that affects also small ruminants. CLA is caused by Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and is responsible for high economic losses due to the formation of superficial and visceral granulomas, the latter is considered as asymptomatic CLA causing high levels of dissemination. Several vaccination strategies, in which the use of synthetic peptides stands out. Thus, this work aimed to evaluate the protective potential of peptide vaccines designed to determine the immunodominant epitopes of CP40 against CLA in mice. The animals were divided into eight groups separated in controls (G1—PBS, G2—Saponin and G9—rCP40) and experimental (G3—pep1, G4- pep2, G5-pep3, G6-pep4, G7-pep5 and G8-pep6), these were vaccinated on days 0 and 15 by a subcutaneous route. 60 days after the first immunization, all animals were challenged with C. pseudotuberculosis. On days 0, 15, 60, and 120 after the first immunization, blood samples were taken to measure immunoglobulins. On the same day of the challenge, the splenocytes were isolated and assayed for the production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, and IL-10. After vaccinations, the animals were challenged and all of them were affected by the disease which led to their death. The G6 and G8 groups provided 10% protection and the G7 provided 20%. The G3 and G4 groups provided 30% and 40% protection respectively. The peptides showed the production of Total IgG antibodies and cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α), indicating a possible activation of the Th1 type response. However, groups G3, G5, G6, and G8 showed production of IL-17. None of the study groups showed IL-10 production. The immunogenicity of the peptides was not enough to protect these animals and it is believed that the use of adjuvants based on PAMPs may improve the immune response offered by these peptides.

A Tabebuia roseoalba, conhecida popularmente como Ipê-branco, uma planta nativa do cerrado e pantanal brasileiro. Por possuir inúmeras substâncias de interesse terapêutico, há perspectivas de servirem como alternativa no controle de infecções. Com o intuito de verificar a importância dos extratos de Tabebuia roseoalba no cunho científico, foram feitas pesquisas a fim de se confirmar a relevância que o presente trabalho apresenta como inovação tecnológica. Os resultados encontrados nas bases de dados Science Direct e Pubmed, assim como patentes encontradas nos bancos de patentes World Intelectual Property Organization (WIPO) e Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI), foram métodos eficazes para a construção dessa Prospecção. A partir das palavras-chaves antimicrobianos, resistência bacteriana, Bignoniaceae, Tabebuia e Tabebuia roseoalba, na língua inglesa e portuguesa, quando necessário, na base de patentes WIPO revelou 135.638 patentes para antimicrobial, 78.108 para bacterial resistence, 69 para Bignoniaceae, 167 para Tabebuia e 0 para Tabebuia roseoalba. No INPI foram obtidas 1.377 para antimicrobiano, 2.510 para resistência bacteriana, 38 para Bignoniaceae, 31 para Tabebuia e 3 para Tabebuia roseoalba. A partir dos resultados obtidos mediante as buscas de patentes acerca da utilização de potenciais antimicrobiano de Tabebuia roseoalba para o combate de agentes patogênicos, pode-se concluir que o estudo forneceu dados de prospecção científico-tecnológico, visto que auxiliou como uma boa ferramenta para a realização da presente pesquisa pode-se ressaltar a importância da análise prospecção tecnológica, como um meio benéfico no qual pode promover a capacidade de organizar a pesquisa inovadora com base nos interesses e necessidades da sociedade.

As bactérias multirresistentes têm sido uma das maiores causas de infecção e permanência nosocomial. Isso está atribuído a sua capacidade em adquirir resistência a diversos antibióticos, tanto pelo uso incorreto desses medicamentos, como a acomodação ao tratamento proposto. Assim, desta maneira, para essas bactérias, o tratamento convencional com antibióticos não tem o potencial de eliminá-las, sendo assim, diferentes estratégias vêm sendo estudadas, como exemplo a utilização de extratos naturais de plantas medicinais. Diante disso, palavras-chave como: extratos naturais, antibacteriano, Myracrodruon, Myracrodruon urundeuva, Anacardiaceae foram utilizadas para análise prospectiva nos seguintes bancos de dados Science direct, PubMed, SciELO, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) e Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI). Os resultados permitiram identificar um significativo número de artigos científicos em relação às palavras-chave utilizadas, enfatizando que houve uma diferença no quantitativo apresentado por cada base de dados em decorrência das suas particularidades referente a suas áreas de estudo. Nessa perspectiva, o Science Direct apresentou um maior número de achados em comparação aos demais bancos de dados. Referente à atividade antibacteriana da Myracrodruon urundeuva, o PubMED demonstrou um melhor direcionamento, descrevendo em seus registros a presença de compostos farmacológicos encontrados em extratos da planta que configuram seus efeitos relatados na literatura. Com relação ao depósito de patentes, o INPI por ser nacional, apresentou um quantitativo de patentes menor que o WIPO, em contexto mundial, a China é o país que mais apresentou pedidos de patentes até o momento, seguida da Coreia do Sul e EUA. Os achados remetem a uma carência de investimentos tecnológicos por parte da indústria brasileira. Mesmo diante da baixa aplicabilidade terapêutica da Myracrodruon urundeuva, o Brasil ainda se destaca em relação aos demais países. Seu principal uso refere-se a atividades anti-inflamatória, cicatrizante, analgésica e bactericida aplicada à odontologia. A realização da prospecção científica e tecnológica é uma ferramenta indispensável para a cadeia produtiva do conhecimento, sendo necessária para um melhor direcionamento da pesquisa.