Search

Essential oils (EOs) from plants have attracted the attention of scientists due to their multiple biological activities. Antimicrobial activity of essential oils is the main reason for their widespread use in industries, which is determined through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by using in vitro models. Therefore, the MIC is a crucial parameter to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of EOs. 492 papers were screened through the critical review of the related literatures in the past 50 years using four databases and read deeply for an outline. This review first listed common MIC determination methods of EOs, including agar diffusion method, agar dilution method, broth dilution method, E-Test, thin-layer chromatography-bioautography, etc. and their merits and demerits were introduced in detail. Agar and broth dilution methods are the gold standards in a more exact approach for MIC determination. Then, their functions and factors influencing the accuracy were listed and analyzed deeply. The application of the MIC determination in food and pharmaceuticals was finally discussed. This study is believed to help researchers to choose the right method and conditions for research and development of the tested EOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been growing as an emerging “hot” topic in antimicrobial applications. However, optimizing antimicrobial activity by enhancing ROS generation remains a formidable challenge. Here, using bassanite as a proof of concept, the facet engineering of bassanite matrix can enhance the ROS generation efficiency via tuning the d‐band center of Cu atom is proposed. Theoretical calculation and experimental investigations reveal that the d‐band center of Cu atoms is significantly shifted upward when Cu doped into the (204) facet of bassanite compared to the (400) facet. A higher d‐band center facilitates adsorption and activation between Cu and O2 through the formation of stronger d‐π* orbital hybridization, resulting in increased ROS production. Through engineering, the material exhibits better antimicrobial activity when Cu doped into the (204) facet, which presents a clear potential in construction materials and personal protection. This work shed light on designing new materials with high antimicrobial activity and the application of facet engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metagenomic library consisting of 15,000 clones was constructed from the mangrove sediment. An antimicrobially active clone from the metagenomic library PS49 was identified by function- based screening. This paper presents the results of the biochemical characterization and metagenomic library screening of the marine-derived antibiotic, 8-demethoxy-10-deoxysteffimycin. Plasmid libraries were constructed, and clones were produced using a metagenomic approach. Out of 15,000 clones, 81 clones were screened for antimicrobial activity, and five potential clones were selected. The activity of one clone was characterized and named as PS49. The bioactive compounds from the selected clone were checked for antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The clone PS49 was tested against various pathogens including bacteria and fungi and it showed inhibitory effects against all the tested pathogens. The antimicrobially active fractions were then crystallized and subjected to spectroscopic analysis such as FTIR, NMR and LC–MS analysis. The substance from clone PS49 has finally been recognized, and the compound from clone PS49 has been identified as 8-demethoxy-10-deoxysteffimycin. The substances isolated from the PS49 clone exhibited strong anticancer activity against skin cancer-cell lines SK-MEL2. The compounds showed a reduction in cell viability with an increase in the compound concentration. The compounds obtained from clone PS49 showed an IC50 value of 85 µg/ml. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A nanocomposite scaffold was developed using gelzan, a natural extracellular polysaccharide, as the biopolymer matrix. Gelzan (GZ) was combined with Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped hydroxyapatite (HAp) particles to enhance the scaffold’s biological properties. The aim of incorporating Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp was to utilize the combined antibacterial and bioactive properties of these components. The synthesized Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp nanoparticles, along with the gelzan-based nanocomposite scaffold produced via freeze-drying, underwent comprehensive analyses. These included Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and biological assessments for antibacterial activity and bioactivity. The results demonstrated that the Ag/Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp nanocomposite scaffold possessed favourable physicochemical properties. Furthermore, the integration of Ag and Fe2⁺ co-doped HAp into the gelzan matrix was confirmed, revealing the scaffold’s structural and compositional characteristics. Tests of apatite formation in simulated body fluid (SBF) indicated the development of layered apatite precipitates after 7 days. The scaffold also exhibited significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 7.35 ± 0.70 mm and 5.54 ± 0.60 mm against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, respectively. These findings suggest the scaffold’s promising potential as a biomaterial for bone tissue regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This investigation aimed to study the effects of ZnO-added fluorophosphate glass on in vitro degradation, apatite-forming ability, cytotoxicity, antioxidant efficacy, and antibacterial activity. In this regard, fluorophosphate glasses with varying zinc oxide (ZnO) content (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mol%) were synthesized by the standard melt quenching technique and subsequently in vitro degradation of the glass samples was analyzed by water solubility test. The apatite-forming ability of the glasses was studied by simulated body fluid (SBF) immersion analysis. Variations in the elemental and structural properties of the glasses before and after SBF immersion were assessed using an X-ray diffractometer, a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and a scanning electron microscope coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. The cytotoxicity assessment for ZnO-added fluorophosphate glasses was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) method. The antioxidant efficacy of the glass samples was evaluated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Variations were observed in lower concentrations of ZnO compared to higher concentrations in mechanical, structural, and biological properties. Amongst the concentrations, 2 mol% ZnO-added fluorophosphate glass demonstrated superior antioxidant activity compared to the zinc-free fluorophosphate glass. The optimized 2 mol% of ZnO was evaluated against different bacterial strains such as Escherichia coli , Klebsiella pneumonia , Proteus vulgaris , Staphylococcus epidermidis , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Staphylococcus aureus using the agar diffusion method. A distinct transparent inhibitory zone was observed against all the bacterial strains, following exposure to the 2 mol% of ZnO containing fluorophosphate glass compared to the zinc-free glass sample. These findings suggest that 2 mol% of ZnO containing fluorophosphate glass is well-suited for biomedical applications involving cellular activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble fluorescent N-doped carbon quantum dots (N-CQDs) were hydrothermally prepared through a green synthesis route using castor seeds as a single precursor and a hydrothermal method. Several experimental techniques have been used to characterize synthesized N-CQDs to confirm their structure and to verify their applicability in cell imaging and pH sensing. The synthesized N-CQDs were found to have are characterized by amorphous nature with a spherical shape with an average particle size of 6.57 nm as revealed from XRD and TEM measurements. The FTIR results reveal the presence of carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups on the surface of the CQDs, which was also confirmed by XPS analysis. The fluorescence characterization of the synthesized N-CQDs showed blue emission and excitation dependence with good photostability. It was found that the optimal excitation and emission wavelengths were (λEx = 360) and (λEm = 432) nm, respectively. The fluorescence quantum yield (QY) of about 9.6% at the optimum excitation wavelength 360 nm. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of N-CQDs showed good linear dependence with the pH values in ranges of 3.5 − 7.5 and 8 − 12 as well as high sensitivity for slight changes of pH values. According to these results, two fluorescent pH sensors were created based on acidic and basic media. The obtained N-CQDs have zeta potential of -21.86 mV and thus have excellent stability in water. Moreover, N-CQDs derived from the castor seeds have antimicrobial activity and exhibits low cytotoxicity to WI-13 cells with IC50 = 394.4 ± 13.8 µg/mL. The results of this study demonstrated that the synthesized N-CQDs derived from castor seeds can be used as pH sensing and antimicrobial materials. On the other hand, they are also promising in applications in cell imaging, thermo-sensing and optoelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates a novel nanocomposite material composed of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and nickel-5,15-bisdodecylporphyrin (Ni-BDP) nanoparticles for the effective removal of methyl orange (MO), a harmful synthetic dye, from water. The structure and composition of the synthesized rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), Raman spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy. The study demonstrates the material's efficacy as both a catalyst and adsorbent for MO removal. Optimal performance was observed at pH 3.0, where the positively charged nanocomposite surface facilitated strong interactions with negatively charged MO molecules, leading to enhanced photocatalytic activity. Under these conditions, 0.01 g of the nanocomposite achieved an impressive 86.2% MO removal efficiency. Furthermore, the study explored the reusability of the rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite in repeated cycles of photocatalytic MO degradation under visible light irradiation. While exhibiting some decrease in efficiency over five cycles, the nanocomposite maintained a respectable degradation rate even after multiple uses. Finally, the antimicrobial properties of the nanocomposite were evaluated against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria exhibiting a zone of inhibition measuring 23 mm and 26, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2.50 µg/ml and 1.25 µg/ml for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The results revealed significant antibacterial activity, demonstrating the broad-spectrum efficacy of the rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite. This research underscores the potential of the rGO/Ni-BDP nanocomposite as a versatile material for environmental remediation and antibacterial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The present work focuses on Annona muricata leaf extract–mediated green synthesis of pure and nickel‐doped tin oxide nanoparticles for 3%, 5% and 7% concentrations. The properties of the obtained nanoparticles were investigated through XRD, FTIR, XPS, HRTEM–SAED, SEM–EDX and UV–visible spectroscopy techniques. The XRD pattern reveals all samples have tetragonal structures with high crystallinity. The Sn–O stretching vibration has been confirmed through FTIR spectra. The XPS results demonstrate that Sn0.93Ni0.07O2 nanoparticles have Sn3d, Ni2p and O1s oxidation states. EDX spectra contain Ni, Sn and O elements, which indicate the purity of the samples. UV–visible absorption spectrum shows decreases in optical energy bandgap with increases in nickel dopant concentration. The samples exhibit notable antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Also, Sn0.93Ni0.07O2 nanoparticle has higher antifungal activity against A. niger than against C. albicans. Moreover, SnO2 nanoparticles have considerable antioxidant activity in DPPH scavenging compared to Sn0.93Ni0.07O2 nanoparticles. Furthermore, SnO2 nanoparticles have a better cytotoxic effect for L929 normal fibroblast cell lines with an LD50 value of 146.42 μg/mL. Additionally, the photocatalytic activity of SnO2 and Sn0.93Ni0.07O2 nanoparticles was done against methylene blue dye under direct sunlight irradiation. Overall, environmentally friendly synthetic pure and Ni‐doped SnO2 nanoparticles can be used in wastewater filter technologies as well as in medical aids due to their better cytotoxic, antioxidant and antimicrobial effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive Summary: TAG‐assisted peptide synthesis technology enables optimal conservation of Fmoc amino acid raw materials and chemical solvents while eliminating the need for intricate chromatographic purification processes. This work presents a 4,4'‐diphenylphosphonoxy diphenylcarbinol tag‐mediated liquid‐phase synthesis approach for preparing side‐to‐tail cyclopeptides macolacin which has strong activity against gram‐negative bacteria, and its 15 analogues containing four N‐methylation modified cyclopeptides, as well as an investigation of their structure‐activity relationship (SAR). The synthesis of macolacin analogues primarily focuses on the modifications of the N‐methylation group of Ile‐7 and the tail fatty acyl chain of macolacin. The incorporation of N‐methylation for Ile‐7, along with the dihalogenated or monohalogenated benzoic acids for tail modification, exhibited remarkable antibacterial efficacy and minimal hepatocellular toxicity in vitro. The present study identified an N‐methylation‐modified antimicrobial cyclopeptide Ma14 that exhibits rapid bactericidal efficacy against A. baumanii, etc., while showing reduced hepatocellular toxicity. Molecular docking simulations were conducted to investigate the binding of cyclopeptides to the outer membrane protein BamA of A. baumannii. The findings demonstrated the stable binding interactions of the cyclopeptides with the BamA protein and then presented a novel approach to explain the bacteriostatic mechanism of macolacin‐based cyclopeptide antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioceramics composed of calcium and magnesium silicates have garnered increasing attention for the development of porous scaffolds in bone tissue engineering (BTE). This heightened interest is primarily attributed to their remarkable bioactivity and their capacity to form strong bonds with hard tissue. Fabricating nanocomposite scaffolds is a recognized approach for improving the characteristics of scaffolds used in BTE. This research investigates the mechanical and biological properties, antibacterial activity, and drug-release characteristics of scaffolds composed of akermanite (AKT), monticellite (MON), and monticellite-akermanite (MON-AKT). These scaffolds were fabricated utilizing the space holder process. Additionally, the in vitro drug release profile and antimicrobial activity of Azithromycin (AZT)-loaded MON-AKT composite scaffolds were investigated. The findings showed that the Mon-15 wt% AKT nanocomposite scaffold had the highest density, the smallest grain and micropore sizes, and the lowest porosity. In contrast, integrating AKT into MON-based composite scaffolds resulted in materials characterized by high mechanical strength and stability within physiological environments. The MON-AKT nanocomposite scaffolds exhibited cytocompatibility and demonstrated a high level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in osteogenic studies. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity assessments revealed that the AZT-encapsulated MON-AKT composite scaffolds effectively inhibited the growth of both S. aureus and E. coli bacteria. The outcomes showed that the antibacterial efficacy of the scaffold depends on both the amount of AZT and the type of bacteria. Overall, MON-AKT/3AZT scaffolds exhibited significantly superior bacterial inhibition compared to other scaffolds, making it a promising option for treating bone tissue defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractCopper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) are promising biologically active materials due to their broad-spectrum antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. In this study, CuO NPs were synthesized using a green synthesis method employing Juglans regia L. (walnut) leaf extract under ambient conditions. A Box-Behnken design (BBD) was applied within the framework of response surface methodology to optimize the synthesis process, focusing on three critical parameters: copper salt concentration, extract volume, and calcination temperature. The structural and morphological characteristics of the synthesized CuO NPs were systematically investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The antimicrobial efficacy of the CuO NPs was also assessed by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) against a range of bacterial strains, yeasts, and filamentous fungi. The findings demonstrated the successful formation of highly dispersed crystalline CuO NPs, with average crystallite sizes ranging from 13.39 to 25.26 nm. SEM analysis confirmed the presence of spherical, homogeneous NPs with an average diameter of 14 µm. The optimized synthesis conditions (0.125 M copper salt, 5% Juglans regia L. extract, and a calcination temperature of 300 °C) yielded CuO NPs with a mean crystallite size of 24.51 nm and an MFC of 113.051 µg/mL. Notably, the synthesized CuO NPs exhibited broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, with some samples demonstrating superior antifungal efficacy compared to the control antifungal antibiotic at a concentration of 125 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agrifood wastes derived from fruits and vegetables are a major source of valuable bioactive compounds. They are therefore a potential functional ingredient that can be used for improving the physicochemical, and sensory, properties; health benefits; and shelf life of food. This study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and antimicrobial potential of tomato seed (Solanum lycopersicum) meal derived from agrifood waste to be used as a functional ingredient for food preservation. To this end, proximate composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial ability, and functional properties were evaluated using relevant methods. The seeds are the most nutrient‐rich part of the tomato. They contain major macronutrients such as proteins (29.97%, dw), lipids (28.32%, dw), carbohydrates (17.19%, dw), and dietary fibers (20.93%, dw). They are rich in minerals (3.57%, dw), and bioactive molecules include total phenolic (4.8 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (with 43.65 μg/g for lycopene and 23.62 μg/g for β‐carotene). Owing to their content of biomolecules, tomato seed meal extracts inhibited the growth of certain food‐borne pathogens and food spoilage microorganisms with inhibition diameters of up to 25 cm. Methanolic extracts of these meals showed significant antioxidant activity (25.03% inhibition percentage of diphenyl‐picryl‐hydrazyl). Our findings highlight the importance of making better valorization of tomato seeds. Tomato seed meal has interesting potential as a functional ingredient, capable of improving the physicochemical properties, enriching the nutritional quality, and extending the shelf life of foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Foeniculum vulgare Miller is a highly valued aromatic and nutritious plant. The unique compositions of its essential oil make it more valuable in the flavor, fragrance, and medicinal industries. However, the potential of superheated steam distillation for obtaining essential oils from its seeds has not been explored in detail. This study assessed the composition, yield, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities of essential oils distilled from F. vulgare seeds using traditional hydrodistillation, steam distillation, and superheated steam distillation. Superheated steam distillation resulted in the maximum quantity of essential oil (5.24%) compared to steam (3.47%) and hydrodistillation (2.47%). Trans‐anethole, fenchone, estragole, and limonene were the main identified by GC–MS analysis in the essential oils, and these compounds were abundant in the essential oil produced by superheated steam distillation. Essential oil distilled by superheated steam distillation presented the highest antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pastrulla multocida, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli. The highest antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani, Aspergillus flavus, and Alternaria alternate was also demonstrated by the same essential oil. These findings demonstrated the potential of superheated steam distillation as a highly effective and efficient technique for distilling high‐quality essential oils from Foeniculum vulgare Miller seeds. It is suitable for various applications in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to provide new data on the chemical composition and biological properties of Corrigiola. telephiifolia Pourr., demonstrating the influence of different extraction solvents and geographic locations on these properties. It presents novel findings on the phytochemical contents, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial effects of various fractions of Corrigiola telephiifolia Pourr. roots collected from three distinct regions in Morocco. The obtained results reveal significant variations in TPC, TFC, and antioxidant activity depending on the extraction fraction and geographic origin. Notably, the fraction of raw extract exhibited the highest TPC values in all sampled sites (44.76 ± 0.05 in Agouray, 35.89±0.02 in Sefrou, and 14.99 ± 0.03 mg·GAE/g·dw in Azrou). The peak values of TFC were recorded in the fraction of raw extracts for all sampling sites (20.80 ± 0.01 in Agouray, 18.62 ± 0.01 in Sefrou, and 11.54 ± 0.01 mg QAE/g dw in Azrou). The highest values of FRAP were recorded in the fraction of raw extract of Agouray (2.00±0.00). Furthermore, the hexane fraction showed the highest DPPH and Chelating power with IC50 equal to 0.46 ± 0.02 mg·mL-1 and 0.10 ± 0.00 mg·mL-1, respectively. All fractions showed significant and variable antibacterial activities. The highest antimicrobial activity was recorded in in ethyl acetate fraction of the sample from Agouray against E. coli (MIC = 0.039). The highest anti-microbial effect was recorded also in ethyl acetate fraction against E. coli and P. aeruginosa, and raw fraction against B. subtilis and P. aeruginosa (MBC = 0.313 against both microorganisms). Agouray consistently demonstrated superior results across multiple parameters, indicating it as the best region for the highest phytochemical and bioactive properties. This study evaluated the chemical compounds and biological properties of Corrigiola. telephiifolia Pourr. and demonstrated the effect of the sampled area and solvent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaves of Citrus deliciosa Tenore were collected in southern Brazil, dried, and subjected to the hydrodistillation process to obtain the essential oil. The extraction of essential oil yielded 0.97% ± 0.04. The chromatographic profile of this compound revealed 11 substances, being methyl N-methyl-anthranilate (75.1%), γ-terpinene (13.8%), and Limonene (7%) as major substances. The essential oil shows antifungal action against all tested yeasts, with promising action against Cryptococcus neoformans, Cryptococcus gattii, and Trichosporon asahii. This compound was also able to inhibit the biofilm production of Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Candida parapsilosis, and T. asahii. The essential oil of tangerine showed weak antioxidant action. It did not show cytotoxicity in human mononuclear cells. It is hoped that these results may guide future studies for the production of formulations that can be used in the treatment of biofilms caused by yeasts, as well as in candidiasis, cryptococcosis, and/or trichosporonosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discovery of novel antimicrobial drugs is one of the hottest topics in the field of medicinal chemistry. An efficient and catalyst free synthesis of novel fluorinated 5‐substituted 1,2,4‐oxadiazole‐3‐yl benzoxazole derivatives is described. A series of novel compounds have been synthesized and characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LCMS. When tested for antibacterial activity, the synthesized benzoxazole derivatives exhibited outstanding to good activities in comparison to the conventional medications. Moreover, the theoretical forecasts grounded in molecular docking against microbial DNA gyrase may offer a glimpse into the conceivable mode of operation and establish a connection between the detected antimicrobial efficacy and the binding affinity, illuminating particular thermodynamic (bonded and nonbonded) interactions that regulate the activity. The produced compounds also exhibited promising qualities to develop into viable oral medication candidates when their absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion were examined. In summary, the research proposes that these novel compounds have emerged as interesting contender for the development of next generation antimicrobial drugs. Our protocol demonstrates broad substrate scope, dramatic decrease of synthesis time, and energy consumption with excellent yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a green synthesis approach for synthesis of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) using Grewia Asiatica L. berries through a phytosynthesis method. In this synthesis procedure the Grewia Asiatica L. berry extract served as a natural reducing agent in the phytosynthesis of GA‐Ag NPs. The synthesized Ag NPs were characterized using various physico‐chemical techniques, revealing their spherical morphology of average size of ∼20 nm. These Ag NPs exhibited significant antibacterial activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial strains. Additionally, the GA‐Ag NPs demonstrated anticancer properties, with an IC50 value of approximately 5 µM. The study highlights the potential of Grewia Asiatica L. berry extract as a novel, nontoxic, eco‐friendly, and cost‐effective method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles with promising antibacterial and anticancer activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to isolate Streptomyces sp. from Moroccan terrestrial ecosystems and identify bioactive compounds through GC–MS analysis. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against various pathogenic microorganisms including Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Candida albicans ATCC 60193, and multi-drug resistant strains comprising Listeria monocytogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae 19K 929, Proteus sp. 19K1313, Klebsiella pneumoniae 20B1572, Proteus vulgaris 16C1737, and Klebsiella pneumoniae 20B1572. Based on the results of the gene sequencing of gene 16S rRNA and phylogenetic analysis, the E2 isolate belongs to the genus Streptomyces with the highest degree of resemblance (97.51%) to the Streptomyces africanus strain NBRC 101005 (NR_112600.1). The isolate exhibited broad-spectrum antibacterial activity, with maximum efficacy against Klebsiella pneumoniae 20B1572 indicated by an inhibition zone diameter of 22.5 ± 0.71mm and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.0625 mg/mL. The in vitro antioxidant potential of E2 strain was determined through screening of its ethyl acetate extract against sets of antioxidant assays. The results were indicative of E2 strain displaying strong antioxidant activity against ABTS, DPPH free radicals, and FRAP. Furthermore, there was a high significant correlation (p < 0.0001) between the total phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activities. The GC–MS analysis of the extract identified six volatile compounds, with Eugenol (96%) and Maltol (93%) being the most prominent. Additionally, the HPLC–UV/vis analysis revealed six phenolic compounds: gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, trans-ferulic acid, ellagic acid, and cinnamic acid. Overall, the study highlights Streptomyces sp. strain E2 as a potential source of potent antimicrobial and antioxidant metabolites, offering promise in addressing antibiotic resistance and oxidative stress-related conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, active packaging which was made of all-natural component hydrogels from nanocellulose composited with silver nanoparticles at various concentrations (AgH) was studied. The concentration of silver nanoparticles ranged from 0.0078 to 0.0624 phr. AgH was characterized in terms of basic properties, functional properties, and packaging applications. Biocompatibility testing with the Caco-2 cell line showed that higher concentrations of silver (higher than 0.0312 phr) provided a lower cell viability rate (lower than 70% cell viability). Here, 0.0156 phr of silver nanoparticle concentration was the maximum loading that is safe for the target cell (82% cell viability) and was thus selected for use as active packaging. The antimicrobial activity showed that AgH at all concentrations inhibited both Gram bacteria up to 99.99%. Total volatile basic nitrogen compound testing showed that chicken meat preserved by AgH had the lowest values, indicating that AgH can prolong the shelf life in freshness level 1 (15% TVB-N) for 6.2 days compared to 3.9 and 4.1 days of blank and neat cellulose hydrogel. In addition, all AgH were gradually degraded over time and eventually disappeared within 15–30 days in organic soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although there are many uses for metal–organic framework (MOF) based nanocomposites, research shows that these materials have received a lot of interest in the field of water treatment, namely in the photodegradation of water contaminants, and disinfection of some pathogenic bacteria and fungi. This is brought on by excessive water pollution, a lack of available water, low-quality drinking water, and the emergence of persistent micro-pollutants in water bodies. Photocatalytic methods may be used to remove most water contaminants, and pathogenic microbes, and MOF is an excellent modifying and supporting material for photocatalytic degradation. Methods: This work involved the fabrication of a unique Cu-MOF based nanocomposite that was exposed to gamma radiation. The nanocomposite was subsequently employed for photocatalytic degradation and as an antimicrobial agent against certain harmful bacteria and fungi. The produced Cu-MOf nanocomposite was identified by XRD, SEM, and EDX. Growth curve analysis, UV lighting impact, and antibiofilm potential have been carried out to check antimicrobial potential. Additionally, the membrane leakage test was used to determine the mechanism of the antimicrobial action. In an experimental investigation of photocatalytic activity, a 50 mL aqueous solution including 10.0 ppm of Rhodamine B (RB) was used to solubilize 10 mg of Cu-MOF. It has been investigated how pH and starting concentration affect RB elimination by Cu-MOF. Ultimately, RB elimination mechanism and kinetic investigations have been carried out. Results: SEM images from the characterization techniques demonstrated the fact that the Cu-MOF was synthesized effectively and exhibited the Cu-MOF layers' flake-like form. Uneven clusters of rods make up each stratum. The primary peaks in the Cu-MOF's diffraction pattern were found at 2θ values of 8.75◦, 14.83◦, 17.75◦, 21.04◦, 22.17◦, 23.31◦, 25.41◦, and 26.38◦, according to the XRD data. After 135 min of UV irradiation, only 8% of RB had undergone photolytic destruction. On the other hand, the elimination resulting from adsorption during a 30-min period without light was around 16%. Conversely, after 135 min, Cu-MOF's photocatalytic breakdown of RB with UV light reached 81.3%. At pH 9.0, the greatest removal of RB at equilibrium was found, and when the amount of photocatalyst rose from 5 to 20 mg, the removal efficiency improved as well. The most sensitive organism to the synthesized Cu-MOF, according to antimicrobial data, was Candida albicans, with a documented MIC value of 62.5 µg mL−1 and antibacterial ZOI as 32.5 mm after 1000 ppm treatment. Cu-MOF also showed the same MIC (62.5 µg mL−1) values against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and 35.0 and 32.0 mm ZOI after 1000 ppm treatment, respectively. Ultimately, it was found that Cu-MOF (1000 µg/mL) after having undergone gamma irradiation (100.0 kGy) was more effective against S. aureus (42.5 mm ZOI) and E. coli (38.0 mm ZOI). Conclusion: From the obtained results, the synthesized MOF nanocomposites had promising catalytic degradation of RB dye and high antimicrobial potential which encouraging their use in wastewater treatment against some pathogenic microbes and polluted dyes. Due to the exceptional physicochemical characteristics of MOF nanocomposites, it is possible to create and modify photocatalytic nanocomposites in a way that improves their recovery, efficiency, and recyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cascade phosphorylation cycloisomerization of readily accessible ynones and diphenylphosphine oxides facilitated by potassium phosphate is described, allowing for the straightforward synthesis of C4‐phosphorylated quinoline scaffolds. The formation of a C−P bond and a C−N bond is achieved in a single procedure without the need for pre‐assembled quinoline cores prior to phosphorylation. This transformation operates without the requirement for metals or oxidants and exhibits excellent compatibility with various functional groups. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity evaluation demonstrated that the synthesized C4‐phosphorylated quinoline derivatives exhibited potent inhibitory activity against Staphylococcus aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles have gained worldwide attention as a new alternative to chemical control agents due to their special physiochemical properties. The current study focused on the environmentally friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Lycopersicon esculentum peel. In addition to studying the intrinsic cytotoxic effectiveness of Le-AgNPs contribute to their antibacterial, and antifungal activities and the effect of nanoparticles on the integrity of their morphological behavior. The initiative biosynthesis of L. esculentum silver nanoparticles (Le-AgNPs) was indicated by the color change of L. esculentum (Le) extract mixed with silver nitrate (AgNO3) solution from faint pink to faint brown. UV–visible spectroscopy, Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and X-ray diffraction techniques were used to characterize biosynthesized Le-AgNPs. Results of UV–visible spectroscopy recorded surface plasmon resonance at 310 nm for SPR of 2.5. The DLS results showed particles of 186 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.573. The FTIR spectrum indicated the existence of carboxyl, hydroxyl, phenolic, and amide functional groups. The HR-TEM analysis revealed quasi-spherical crystal particles of Le-AgNPs. Le-AgNPs had a negative zeta potential of − 68.44 mV, indicating high stability. Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 were the most susceptible pathogens to Le-AgNPs inhibition, with inhibition zone diameters (IZDs) of 4.0 and 0.92 cm, respectively. However, Listeria monocytogenes NC 013768 and Shigella sonnei DSM 5570 were the most resistant pathogens, with IZDs of 0.92 and 0.90 cm, respectively. Le-AgNPs demonstrated good inhibitory potential against pathogenic fungi, with IZDs of 3.0 and 0.92 cm against Alternaria solani ATCC 62102 and Candida albicans DSM 1386, respectively. The cytotoxicity effect was observed at a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 200.53 μg/ml on human colon NCM460D normal cells. Key points: Le-AgNPs exhibit strong antimicrobial activity, which has a significant impact on a variety of pathogenic bacteria. Le-AgNPs have a bactericidal/fungicidal mode of action for various pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Le-AgNPs at concentrations below 200.53 μg/ml are safe and tolerated by normal human colon cells (NCM460D). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The design of super‐antimicrobially active multipurpose nanocarriers as polymeric nanocomposites embedded with metal oxides with sustained drug release is beneficial in medical treatment for controlling inflammation and targeting a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms. Brilliant metal oxide nanoparticles (MOx) involving selenium dioxide, titanium dioxide, and vanadium pentoxide were well prepared in good yields, and their morphologies and structures were specified. Then they were embedded in copolymeric nanocomposites through in situ microemulsion polymerization of (E)‐2‐cyano‐N‐cyclohexyl‐3‐(dimethylamino)acrylamide (CHAA) with methyl methacrylate (MMA), dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), and acrylic acid (AA). In addition, ibuprofen was then loaded into the synthesized polymers and their nanocomposites to achieve high drug entrapment efficiency EE%, and its release behavior was studied in various simulated fluids. The produced drug‐loaded polymers and their nanocomposites were characterized using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TG). Well‐defined nanospheres of polymeric‐metal oxide nanocomposites were generated in a size range of 50 nm, with ibuprofen loaded at a high encapsulation efficiency of approximately 97%. In vitro drug release was inspected for the polymer and its nanocomposites revealing that the presence of metal oxide nanoparticles resulted in prolonged and sustained release behavior for wound dressing. The antimicrobial study based on the zone of inhibition against various pathogenic microorganisms showed excellent activity against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Helicobacter pylori, and Candida albicans. These findings validate the potential of these nanocomposites to serve as a viable upcoming antimicrobial agent for the treatment of human ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine 4–15 derivatives were synthesized starting from 3,5‐diaminopyrazole derivatives 3 a,b as precursor using a simple, efficient procedure, and screened for their in‐vitro antimicrobial activities. All the synthesized compounds were fully characterized by IR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, MS spectral data, and elemental analysis. Among the investigated against the antimicrobial activity, compounds 4 b, 4 d, 4 e, 8 b, 9 and 12 showed the best activity. The remaining compounds were found to have weak activity against gram‐positive and gram‐negative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles has proven to be an effective alternative to avoid agglomeration and improve their physic-chemical properties. In this work, we studied the functionalization of ZnO nanoparticles using citric acid (CA) through two methods: in situ functionalization and sonochemical functionalization to compare the effects on the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of functionalized commercial ZnO nanoparticles with those synthesized and functionalized at the same time. Both methods are considered environmentally friendly (green chemistry) since the use of chemical toxic agents was avoided and the reaction medium was water. The in situ method demonstrated the ability of CA to act as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and RAMAN spectroscopy analyses confirmed the functionality of ZnO nanoparticles, through the formation of the COO−/ZnO complex. The wurtzite-type hexagonal crystalline structure of the ZnO nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis showed that in situ functionalization was more favored than sonochemical functionalization since 46.66 % and 27.22 % of the organic ligand were obtained on the surface of the nanoparticles, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results revealed the chemical and electronic state of the zinc which was 2+ and atomic percentages of carbon of 40.64 % and 38.35 %, as well as atomic percentages of oxygen of 38.67 and 36.78 % for ZnO-AC and ZnO-AC-R1 nanoparticles, respectively. The evaluation of the antibacterial efficiency of the nanoparticles functionalized by both methods demonstrated that they possess a superior antimicrobial activity when compared with non-fuctionalized nanoparticles. The ZnO nanoparticles synthesized and functionalized via in situ showed an efficiency of 99.99 % starting concentrations of 200 ppm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boswellia serrata produces oleo gum resin, a rich source of essential oil (EO). EOs, produced as secondary metabolites by medicinal plants, are employed for medicinal and therapeutic purposes. The present study aimed to investigate the yield, chemical composition, antioxidant (AO), antimicrobial, and hemolytic activity of B. serrata EO and its fractions and sub‐fractions (SFs). The EO was extracted using the superheated steam extraction (SHSE) method at 140°C. Short‐path molecular vacuum distillation was used to separate the EO into fractions and SFs. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis showed α‐pinene, α‐thujene, trans verbenol, and linalool as major components of EO. The AO potential was evaluated using a 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl assay, % inhibition in a linoleic acid assay, H2O2 scavenging assay, and total AO content (TAOC) using a ferric reducing AO power assay. F2b SF exhibited the highest scavenging activity, with percentages of 95.77%, 96.20%, and 83.54%, respectively, whereas EO revealed the highest TAOC value of 115.94%. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion, resazurin microtiter plate, and microdilution broth assays. F1c SF showed maximum antibacterial potential (high inhibition zone 17.65–38.28 mm and low minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] 2.20–84.44 µg/mL). The EO showed the highest antifungal activity (high inhibition zone 12.58–25.81 mm and low MIC 35.18–225.17 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity was assessed by hemolytic assay, with the F1c SF showing the highest activity at 10.89%. It is concluded that SHSE is an effective technique for B. serrata EO extraction, and this EO can be utilized for various medicinal purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The frequent and irrational use of antibiotics by humans has led to the escalating rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with a high rate of morbidity-mortality worldwide, which poses a challenge to the development of effective treatments. A large number of host defense peptides from different organisms have gained interest due to their broad antibacterial spectrum, rapid action, and low target resistance, implying that these natural sources might be a new alternative to antimicrobial drugs. As important effectors of prey capture, defense against other animal attacks, and competitor deterrence, scorpion venoms have been developed as important candidate sources for modern drug development. With the rapid progress of bioanalytical and high throughput sequencing techniques, more and more scorpion-venom-derived peptides, including disulfide-bridged peptides (DBPs) and non-disulfide-bridged peptides (NDBPs), have been recently identified as having massive pharmacological activities in channelopathies, pathogen infections, and cancer treatments. In this review, we summarize the molecular diversity and corresponding structural classification of scorpion venom peptides with antibacterial, antifungal, and/or antiparasitic activity. We also aim to improve the understanding of the underlying mechanisms by which scorpion-venom-derived peptides exert these antimicrobial functions, and finally highlight their key aspects and prospects for antimicrobial therapeutic or pharmaceutical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A convenient and effective synthesis of imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives has been developed under microwave irradiations using Al2O3 as a catalyst in solvent-free conditions. The functionalized imidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidine derivatives are useful in biochemistry and medical science. In our investigation, the antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against 13 microorganisms, including 6 Gram-positive bacteria, 4 Gram-negative bacteria, and 3 pathogenic fungi. Bioactivity tests revealed that the majority of the compounds exhibited good antimicrobial activity. Finally, molecular docking simulations and ADME-T predictions were performed, showing that the most active compounds have good binding modes with microbial targets and promising pharmacokinetic safety profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SAAP-148, a derivative of LL-37, exhibits a well-defined amphipathic structure and enhanced antimicrobial activity; however, it also displays significant cytotoxicity towards human cells. In this study, we employed Lys-scan to produce a series of amphiphilic SAAP-148 analogs derived from the SAAP-148 sequence to investigate the impact of the distribution of positively charged residues on the biological viability of the antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The physical properties and biological activity of the designed peptides were subsequently compared. The substitution of lysine resulted in an increase in the overall charge of SAAP-148 and a decrease in its overall hydrophobicity and hyd. moment, except for SAAP-10 where an analogue substitution occurred at the 18th residue. The replacement of lysine led to a reduction in hemolytic activity compared to SAAP-148, with slightly higher haemolysis rates observed in SAAP-11 and SAAP-13. The cytotoxicity of peptides towards human normal lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) was closely linked to their haemolytic activity, indicating that substituting lysine may mitigate the cytotoxic effects of SAAP-148. Additionally, the arrangement of positively charged residues in the peptides significantly influenced its antimicrobial activity. Our findings suggest that the positioning of a positively charged residue has a significant impact on the biophysical properties of the peptide. Additionally, the substitution of lysine at different positions demonstrates an influence on the anti-lipopolysaccharide (anti-LPS) activity of SAAP-148. These discoveries provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of antimicrobial peptides, which will be advantageous for the future development of antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental concerns have consistently been a focal point for the scientific community. Pollution is a critical ecological issue that poses significant threats to human health and agricultural production. Contamination with heavy metals and pesticides is a considerable concern, a threat to the environment, and warrants special attention. In this study, we investigated the significant issues arising from sub-chronic exposure to imidacloprid (IMI), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd), either alone or in combination, using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. Additionally, we assessed the potential protective effects of polyfloral honey enriched with natural ingredients, also called honey formulation (HF), against the combined sub-chronic toxic effects of the three contaminants. The effects of IMI (0.5 mg·L−1), Hg (15 μg·L−1), and Cd (5 μg·L−1), both individually and in combination with HF (500 mg·L−1), on zebrafish were evaluated by quantifying acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation (MDA), various antioxidant enzyme activities like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (SOD and GPx), 2D locomotor activity, social behavior, histological and immunohistochemical factors, and changes in body element concentrations. Our findings revealed that all concentrations of pollutants may disrupt social behavior, diminish swimming performances (measured by total distance traveled, inactivity, and swimming speed), and elevate oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers of SOD, GPx, and MDA in zebrafish over the 21-day administration period. Fish exposed to IMI and Hg + Cd + IMI displayed severe lesions and increased GFAP (Glial fibrillary acidic protein) and S100B (S100 calcium-binding protein B) protein expression in the optic tectum and cerebellum, conclusively indicating astrocyte activation and neurotoxic effects. Furthermore, PCNA (Proliferating cell nuclear antigen) staining revealed reduced cell proliferation in the IMI-exposed group, contrasting with intensified proliferation in the Hg + Cd group. The nervous system exhibited significant damage across all studied concentrations, confirming the observed behavioral changes. Moreover, HF supplementation significantly mitigated the toxicity induced by contaminants and reduced OS. Therefore, the exposure to chemical mixtures offers a more complete picture of adverse impacts on aquatic ecosystems and the supplementation with bioactive compounds can help to reduce the toxicity induced by exposure to environmental pollutants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC), a quaternized chitosan derivative, has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, especially against bacteria and enveloped viruses. Despite this, molecular docking studies showing its atomic-level mechanisms against these microorganisms are scarce. Here, for the first time, we employed molecular docking analyses to investigate the potential antibacterial activity of HTCC against Staphylococcus aureus and its antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). According to the findings, HTCC exhibited promising antibacterial activity with high binding affinities; however, it had limited antiviral activity. To validate these theoretical outcomes, experimental studies were conducted. Different derivatives of HTCC were synthesized and characterized using NMR, XRD, FTIR, and DLS. The in vitro assays validated the potent antibacterial efficacy of HTCC against S. aureus, whereas the antiviral studies did not show good antiviral activity. However, our research also revealed a promising avenue for further exploration of the antimicrobial activity of HTCC nanoparticles (NPs), since, thus far, no studies have been conducted to show the antiviral activity of HTCC NPs against HIV-1. The nanosized HTCC exhibited superior antiviral performance compared to the parent polymers, with complete (100%) inhibition of HIV-1 viral activity at the highest tested concentration (0.33 mg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Strained (Torba) yoghurts were produced using cow milk exclusively or a blend of cow, sheep, and goat milk. These yoghurts were enhanced with probiotics and infused with medicinal and aromatic plants. • The yogurts containing plants demonstrated notable antimicrobial effects. • The formulation incorporating plants showcased protective and stimulatory effects on the probiotics. • The probiotic-strained yogurt enriched with medicinal plants exhibited adverse effects on sensory properties during the storage period. Strained (Torba) yogurts were produced using cow milk as well as the blends of cow-sheep, cow-goat, and cow-sheep-goat milk in equal proportions, combined with probiotic bacteria (Lacticaseibacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum). These yogurts were fortified with medicinal and aromatic plants, including thyme (Origanum onites L.), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and mint (Mentha piperita L.). The antimicrobial activity and probiotic-enhancing effects of these probiotic-strained yogurts were evaluated over a 30-day storage period. The yogurts containing these plants showed significant antimicrobial effects (P < 0.05) against Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus , and Candida albicans. Additionally, the plant-containing formulation demonstrated probiotic protective and stimulatory effects. However, the inclusion of medicinal plants in the probiotic strained yoghurt negatively impacted the sensory properties over the storage period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the genera in this family, Styrax is unique in that it yields benzoin resin, a resinous substance. Usually, when sharp items lacerate the bark, this resin is secreted. Because of its fragrant qualities, it has been used for centuries in cosmetics and fragrances all over the world. Additionally, Styrax species have long been employed in herbal remedies for a variety of ailments. The antibacterial characteristics of Styrax tonkinensis essential oil (STEO) were the focus of this study. The antimicrobial activity was compared to bacteria, both Gram-positive (G+) and Gram-negative (G-), using inhibition zones in agar media, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) bioassays and in vapour phase on fruits and vegetables model. The findings showed that STEO was very successful in inhibiting bacteria that were G+ (Bacillus sutbtilis subsp. Spizizenii CCM 1999, Bacillus thuringiensis CCM 19, and Priestia (Bacillus) megaterium CCM 2007) as well as G- (Citrobacter koseri CCM 2535, Enterobacter aerogenes CCM 2531, Escherichia coli CCM 3954). The range of maximal inhibition zones and MIC values was determined to be 4.67 to 8.33 mm and 3.49 to 7.71 mg.mL-1, respectively. Furthermore, B. thiriangensis, P. megaterium, and E. coli were all susceptible to the antimicrobial effects of the (STEO) on the fruit and vegetable model. According to research findings, STEO is a valuable source of organic chemicals that have the potential to be innovative antibacterial agents against microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food sector has become interested in grape pomace for its numerous health benefits and high concentration of bioactive chemicals. In this study, the antibacterial properties of grape pomace obtained from by-products of white and blue grapes were investigated. The aim of our study was antimicrobial activity of grape pomace extracts from blue varieties (Alibernet, Dornfelder, Cabernet Sauvignon), and white varieties (Blaufränkisch, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, Weisser Riesling, Irsai Oliver, Pinot Blanc, Palava, Müller-Thurgau, Grűner Veltliner, and Feteasca Regala). The antimicrobial activity of grape pomace extracts was evaluated against nine microorganisms Gram-positive, Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts with disc diffusion method. The best antimicrobial activity of blue grape pomace extract was found against Bacillus subtilis. White varieties Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling, Weisser Riesling, Irsai Oliver, Pinot Blanc pomace extracts were the most effective ones against B. subtilis and Müller-Thurgau grape pomace extract was the most effective one against C. koseri and Grűner Veltliner and Feteasca Regala against B. subtilis. The most sensitive bacteria were B. subtilis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A unique species of pine, Cedrus deodara is known for its wood oil. Its traditional therapeutic use is mainly antibacterial and anti-inflammatory. The aim of this study was to investigate the antibacterial properties of Cedrus deodara essential oil (CDEO) obtained from the crushed wood. The antimicrobial activity of CDEO was evaluated against Gram-negative (G-) bacteria which included Pseudomonas aeruginosa CCM 1595, Salmonella enterica subs. enterica CCM 3807 and Gram-positive (G+) bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica CCM 5671. Listeria monocytogenes CCM 4699, Staphylococcus aureus subs. aureus CCM 2461 and Streptococcus consellatus CCM 4043 in vitro and in situ. The best antimicrobial activity for the disc diffusion method ranged from 4.67 to 9.67 mm and the minimum inhibitory concentration ranged from 1.48 to 5.44 mg.mL-1. The most effective antimicrobial effect was found against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. The vapour phase used showed the best antimicrobial effect against P. aeruginosa in the kiwifruit model and L. monocytogenes in the banana model at a lower CDEO concentration of 62.5 µg.L-1 and against P. aeruginosa in the potato model and Y. enterocolitica in the cucumber model at a higher CDEO concentration of 500 µg.L-1. CDEO showed good antimicrobial activity against bacteria on vegetable and fruit model and may be a new preservative for storage of vegetables and fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of new 4-hydroxy-2-thioxo-4-trifluoromethyl-hexahydro-pyrimidin-5-yl]-p-tolyl-methanone derivatives were synthesized through one-pot three-component method using 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-p-tolyl-butane-1,3-dione, thiourea, and various substituted benzaldehydes. The structures of newly synthesized products were elucidated by spectroscopic studies such as IR, NMR (proton and carbon), mass spectra, and elemental analyses. The final products were screened for their antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity against LPS-induced cell death in RAW 264.7 macrophage cell lines, antibacterial and antifungal activity using in vitro methods. The results revealed that the compounds such as 10e and 10i against DPPH and H2O2; 10a, 10e, 10h, and 10i against LPS induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 cell lines; 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d, and 10e against all the microbial strains tested have exhibited higher content of activity in vitro than the rest of the title compounds when compared to the standard drugs. In overall, 10a, and 10e have shown the most promising activity against all the systems tested. Hence, among all the title compounds, at least a few will stand as next generation antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agents in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peptides are relatively small macromolecules, and their functionalities are usefully combined with organic or inorganic materials to design highly-efficient biomedical devices. Marine organisms are potential resources to identify a novel peptide with such functionalities, which can be employed to improve both of the inorganic and organic properties, essential for biomaterial design. This study reported and characterized a newly-found peptide, TO, derived from marine diatom, Thalassiosira oceanica. The peptide exhibited extraordinary dual functions: silica deposition and antimicrobial activity. It has not yet been reported that a peptide had both silica synthesis ability and antibacterial activity. When the peptide was incorporated into polyurethane (PU) foam, this dual-functionality was employed, and each function varied by peptide and silica precursor concentrations. In particular, the PU form (PU@mTO@SiO 2) with silica deposited by modified TO (mTO) showed increased water capacity by 200 %. Antimicrobial activities of PU@mTO@SiO 2 and control PU@SiO 2 (made w/o peptide) were evaluated against E. coli , P. aeruginosa , S. aureus , and B. subtilis. PU@mTO@SiO 2 exhibited significant antibacterial activity toward the tested bacteria. The TO or mTO peptide will facilitate the designing of novel biosilica-embedded materials or systems with antimicrobial activity required in the biomedical field. [Display omitted] • mTO peptide from marine diatom was characterized as a novel dual-functional peptide. • mTO peptide showed a high silicification activity and antimicrobial activity. • mTO-incorporated polyurethane (PU) foam showed dual-functionalities. • Such biosilica-embedded materials with antimicrobial activity will be useful in biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new cladosporol derivative xylophilum A (1), together with 10 known compounds (2–11), were isolated from the rice fermentation of the fungus Cladosporium xylophilum. Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods and comparison of their NMR data with literatures. The antimicrobial activity of compound 1 against 11 kinds of pathogenic microbial was evaluated, but no significant activity was found (MIC >100 μg/ml). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of leukocyte‐ and platelet‐rich fibrin (L‐PRF) against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Infections can hinder wound healing posing challenges. L‐PRF's potential for regeneration and antimicrobial action has been studied. Considering the increasing concern about antibiotic resistance, assessing the antimicrobial properties of L‐PRF provides valuable insights into its potential as a therapeutic agent in postoperative infections. Twenty volunteers were enrolled in the study, following ethical guidelines, and obtaining informed consent. Blood samples were collected and L‐PRF was prepared. Microbial suspensions were prepared, and susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby‐Bauer agar diffusion method. The study revealed significant heterogeneity in the susceptibility to L‐PRF. All L‐PRF membrane samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zones of 13 mm ± 3.85 SD. Enterococcus faecalis displayed inhibition diameter of 7.25 mm ± 5.15 SD. Candida albicans susceptibility to L‐PRF varied among samples, with both inhibitory and non‐inhibitory results. Results showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, particularly against P. aeruginosa, and highlight the complexity of the L‐PRF‐microorganism interaction. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the clinical implications and optimize the use of L‐PRF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research aimed to produce microemulsions loaded with garlic essential oil (5, 10, and 15% w/w) to improve the mechanical and antimicrobial properties of Persian gum and k-carrageenan-based microemulgels against food pathogens. Microemulsions loaded with 10% garlic essential oil had an average particle size of 88.59 ± 2.59 mm and an encapsulation efficiency of 95.61 ± 1.38%. Microemulsions loaded with 10% garlic essential oil with levels of 3, 5, and 7% were used in the structure of hydrogels. Using garlic essential oil microemulsion (up to 50%) in microemulgels structure led to an increase in viscosity and consistency index. The rheological data were well-fitted by the power law model, and all samples had pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior. The mechanical properties of microemulgels were improved by using microemulsions, and a 5% microemulsion of garlic essential oil was associated with an increase in hardness, cohesiveness, and chewiness indices. FTIR analysis confirmed that garlic essential oil is well placed in the microemulsion structure, and microemulsions containing garlic essential oil will strengthen the mechanical properties of microemulgels by establishing hydrogen bonds with the hydrogel matrix. The modeling of the release of garlic essential oil in food simulants showed that the highest amount of release occurs in aqueous media, and the Peleg model is the best description of the release behavior of the essential oil from the structure of microemulgels. The dominant mechanism involved in the garlic essential oil release in the food simulants was the Fickian release mechanism. Staphylococcus aureus showed the highest sensitivity against microemulgels loaded with garlic essential oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sesquiterpene lactones (SL) of Inula helenium (I. helenium) roots were extracted using high-pressure homogenization (HPH) and compared against those derived from maceration. The effect of process conditions on the extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds (alantolactone, isoalantolactone, total phenols, and flavonoids); the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical-scavenging activity, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and antimicrobial activity of the extract; and the inhibition of advanced glycated end product (AGE) formation were assessed. The HPH of 90 MPa for 4 passes demonstrated the highest alantolactone (38.1 ± 0.7 mg/g) and isoalantolactone yields (34.4 ± 0.2 mg/g), respectively, which were significantly higher than the rates obtained using maceration (20.0 ± 0.2 mg/g and 18.9 ± 0.7 mg/g). Under optimal extraction conditions of 90 MPa for 4 passes, inhibition of AGE formation in the extract reached a rate of 97.16 ± 1.86%, with the highest DPPH and FRAP of 231.63 ± 2.96 µg/mL and 949.43 ± 1.86 µmol TE/100 mL, respectively. HPH exhibited lethal activity against all tested bacteria and fungi strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Aspergillus niger, Fusarium oxysporum, and Penicillum expansum) at a concentration of 15 µL. SEM results proved that HPH severely damaged the cell structures of roots, increased solvent permeability, and improved the extraction rate of bioactive compounds. Additionally, this study also demonstrated that HPH yields high recovery with a specific energy consumption of 0.22 kWh/kg, which is close to the recommended minimum energy demand for an extraction procedure within industrial production processes. Therefore, these findings showed that HPH can be used as an efficient extraction technique for the production of SL in related industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel compounds with pharmacological activity were synthesized from Pd(II), Fe(III), Cr(III), Ni(II), and Cu(II) ions with 1‐cyclopropyl‐6‐fluoro‐4‐(2‐hydroxy‐phenylimino)‐7‐piperazin‐1‐yl‐1,4‐dihydro‐quinoline‐3‐carboxylic acid (CFAP). The ligand's NH and OH groups allowed it to interact with the metals as a neutral tridentate. The investigated novel compounds were described using 1H and 13C NMR spectra, FT‐IR spectrums, TGA and UV–Vis (conductance of molecules), and CHN‐analysis. Additionally, the pH profile of the CFAP complexes indicated great stability, and the complexes' stability constant was discovered in the solution. To extract important properties for CFAP and its complexes, computational research was used, CFAPCu, CFAPCr, CFAPNi, and CFAPFe have octahedral geometry, while CFAPPd has square planar geometry. To investigate the molecular geometry, density functional theory calculations (DFT) were carried out. The molar ratio and continuous fluctuation data confirmed that the (M:L) ratio was (1:1). In vitro tests were conducted to evaluate Schiff base's antimicrobial action ligand and its metal chelates against fungal and bacterial infections. The findings showed that the antimicrobial efficacy is as follows: When CFAPPd is compared to fluconazol and ofloxacin as reference medications, it is the highly inhibitor complex. The novel CFAP ligand and its complexes were investigated for In vitro carcinogenic potential against Hep‐G2, MCF‐7, and HCT‐116 cell lines. As compared to the medication vinblastine, the results once again demonstrated that CFAPPd is the most active agent. Moreover, the complexes demnstrated strong reactivity in capturing free radicals when their antioxidant activity was investigated. Viscosity, spectral investigations, and gel electrophoreses were used to identify the interaction between metal chelates and DNA. Every examined compound is shown to be an enthusiastic DNA binder by viscosity and spectrophotometric titration investigations. The heightened hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between aromatic rings could be the cause of this. Ultimately, these compounds could be regarded as promising bioactive substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates organotin (IV) complexes derived from the recently synthesized quinazoline Schiff base ligand (L). The research involves synthesizing and characterizing these complexes, including elemental analysis, UV–visible, FT‐IR, mass spectra, and conductometric measurements. Advanced studies such as density functional theory (DFT) are employed to gain insights into the stable electronic configuration. Specifically, the study explores the proposed geometry, revealing a distorted octahedral structure for the complexes. The findings contribute as critical molecular characteristics of these newly synthesized complexes, paving the way for potential applications in diverse fields, including medicinal chemistry. Through an investigation into the antimicrobial properties, the efficacy of the synthesized compounds was assessed against a diverse range of bacterial and fungal strains. Remarkably, the complexes demonstrated significant antimicrobial activities, showing potential applications in combating various microbial infections. In an extended exploration of their medical utility, the compounds were examined for their antibiotic properties against Helicobacter pylori. The Schiff base and its metal complexes emerged as promising antibiotics with notable efficacy against H. pylori, suggesting their potential in addressing infections associated with this bacterium. Furthermore, the antitumor potential of the synthesized complexes was investigated, focusing on their impact on MCF‐7 (Breast carcinoma) cells. The organotin (IV) Schiff base complexes in this research showed remarkable efficacy, evidenced by their notably low IC50 values (9, 10, 11 μg/mL) in comparison with cisplatin. In addition to their potent antitumor effects, these complexes exhibited reduced cytotoxicity toward normal cells (VERO cells) compared with cisplatin. The investigation extends to molecular docking, where this approach aims to elucidate their interactions with specific protein structures, including (2JFZ, 1SC7, and 6W41). The primary objective is to clarify the potential properties of these compounds, focusing on their antibiotic efficacy, anti‐H. pylori activity, antitumor potential, and anti‐COVID‐19 properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of an eco-friendly, cost-effective and highly efficient bio-based catalyst is of great significance in organic transformations. Traditionally and currently used catalysts and solvents persist some limitations including high cost, toxicity, less stability, or eco-destructive. Herein, we report an eco-friendly green approach for synthesizing arylidene propanedinitrile (malononitrile) by using carbon dots as a novel precursor derived from waste peels of Citrus limetta. A series of arylidene propanedinitrile compounds were synthesized and subjected to in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The compounds displayed a potent effect against clinical isolates of Escherichia coli (gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive). Furthermore, the antioxidant assays for these arylidene propanedinitrile derivatives were performed where 3b, 3c, 3e and 3i yielded the most promising results against DPPH and compound 3a, 3f, 3 h and 3j gave best results against ABTS free radical. These preliminary bioassay results clearly represent that these compounds have great potential in medical science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to characterise the chemical composition of the essential oil extracted from a Chinese traditional aromatic herb, Artemisia sieversiana Ehrhart ex Willd and investigate its antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, the test bacterium, using thin-layer chromatography-direct bioautography (TLC-DB). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that the essential oil was dominated by chamazulene (44.44%). Undeveloped TLC-DB enabled the measurement of zone of inhibition as valid as and more sensitive than the traditional agar diffusion method. The overall antimicrobial effect was weak at the tested concentration range and the antimicrobial strength did not exhibit concentration dependence. At high essential oil concentration (>1000μg/ml), size of zone of inhibition was all <7mm. Developed TLC-DB separated the components and visualised the inhibition of bacterial growth on the plate surface where the active antimicrobials were determined to be the minor components, hydroxylated terpenes, rather than the dominant component, chamazulene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The enzyme-assisted approaches for plant phenolics extraction are more eco-friendly methods compared to acid or alkaline hydrolysis. Carbohydrase enzymes can release free phenolics from plant materials by cleaving the glycosidic bonds between phenolic compounds and cell wall polymers. In this study, the efficiency of carbohydrase-assisted treatment approaches was evaluated to extract bioactive phenolics from hawthorn (Crataegus orientalis) fruit residues. Enzymatic treatment of the fruits was operated by using a crude cellulolytic enzyme cocktail from Rhizomucor miehei NRRL 5282 and a pectinase preparate from Aspergillus niger. Both cellulase and combined cellulase–pectinase treatments improved the total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity of extracts. The TPC increased to 1899 ± 27 mg gallic acid equivalents/100 g dry matter during the combined enzyme treatment, showing a strong correlation with the average antioxidant capacity determined by ferric-reducing antioxidant power (1.7-fold increment) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (1.15-fold increment) reagents. The major phenolics in enzyme-treated extracts were vanillic and ferulic acids, the concentrations of which increased 115.6-fold and 93.9-fold, respectively, during carbohydrase treatment. The planktonic growth of Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Chromobacterium violaceum was slightly inhibited by the extracts with minimum inhibitory concentration values between 15.0 and 77.9 mg/mL, while the yeasts tested were quite resistant to the samples. B. subtilis and yeast biofilms were sensitive to the enzyme-treated extracts, which also showed quorum-sensing inhibitory effects against C. violaceum. The obtained bioactive hawthorn extracts hold potential as a natural source of antioxidants and antimicrobials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of medicinal plants in the management of microbial infections is significant to the health of the indigenous people in many Angolan communities. The present study provides a comprehensive overview of medicinal plants used for the management of microbial infections in Angola. Relevant information was extracted from research articles published and associated with the use of medicinal plants in the management of microbial infections in Angola (from January 1976 to November 2023). Data or information were gathered from the literature sourced from Wiley Online, SciFinder, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, BMC, Elsevier, SpringerLink, PubMed, books, journals and published M.Sc. and Ph.D. thesis. A total of 27 plant species, representing 19 families, were recorded in this study. Hypericaceae (11%), Lamiaceae (11%), Malvaceae (11%), Phyllanthaceae (11%), Fabaceae (16%) and Rubiaceae (16%) were the most predominant families. The leaves are the most used parts (96%), followed by bark (74%) and root (70%). The data revealed that medicinal plants continue to play significant roles in the management of microbial infections in Angola. In order to explore the benefits of the therapeutic potential of indigenous medicinal plants for diseases related to infections; further scientific research studies are important to produce data on their effectiveness using appropriate test models. This approach might assist with the continuing drive regarding the integration of Angolan traditional medicine within mainstream healthcare systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bambara groundnut is the indigenous legume in the southern part of Thailand. It contains a seed coat rich in polyphenols, which can serve as natural antimicrobial agents. The extracts from red and white seed coats of Bambara groundnuts, namely RSC and WSC, respectively, were prepared using an ultrasound-assisted extraction process. The extraction yield, total phenolic content (TPC), and antimicrobial activity of both extracts were examined. The RSC extract demonstrated a significantly higher extraction yield (8.35%) than WSC extract (2.34%) (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the TPC of RSC extract (420.98 ± 0.27 mg of gallic acid/g dry extract) was higher than that of WSC extract (28.29 ± 0.91 mg of gallic acid/g dry extract). The RSC extract exhibited stronger inhibition against Shewanella putrefaciens and S. algae than its WSC counterpart. Liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF/MS) analysis indicated that the RSC extract was rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, while the WSC extract contained more triterpenoid saponins. Time–kill kinetics showed that the RSC extract reduced bacterial loads in a dose-dependent manner. Scanning electron microscopic images revealed that drastic bacterial cell membrane damage with a rough surface and the deformation of cells was caused by the extract. Furthermore, confocal laser scanning microscopic (CLSM) images confirmed the inhibition of S. algae biofilm formation by RSC extract. RSC extract also suppressed bacterial motility, induced protein leakage, and reduced extracellular protease activity, thus highlighting its potent bactericidal effects. These findings suggested that the RSC extract rich in phenolic compounds could serve as an antimicrobial agent and hold promise as a natural preservative for perishable foods, especially seafoods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptophytes are a promising source of bioactive compounds that have not been fully explored. This research investigated the antimicrobial activity of total phenolic compounds (TPC) and exopolysaccharides (EPS) extracted from several cryptophytes against a range of harmful foodborne bacteria and fungi. To measure the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value, the broth microdilution method was used. In the antibacterial evaluation of TPC, the MIC ranged between 31.25 and 500 µg/mL, while for the antifungal activity test, it varied from 31.25 to 125 µg/mL. In the antibacterial activity test of EPS, the MIC values ranged from 125 to 1,000 µg/mL, whereas in the antifungal susceptibility test, it ranged between 62.5 and 1,000 µg/mL. The most resistant pathogen against TPC was Escherichia coli, while Campylobacter jejuni was the most susceptible. In the case of EPS, the most resistant pathogen was Salmonella Typhimurium, while Aspergillus versicolor exhibited the highest susceptibility. Overall, in terms of antimicrobial activity, TPC was more effective than EPS. Finally, the tolerance level (TL) for TPC and EPS was =4 in all tested samples, indicating their bactericidal/fungicidal mechanism of action. In conclusion, TPC and EPS isolated from cryptophytes demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial properties and ability to fully eradicate pathogens, and could be considered as natural preservatives in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tigecycline (TGC) is currently used to treat carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infections, while eravacycline (ERV), a new-generation tetracycline, holds promise as a novel therapeutic option for these infections. However, differences in resistance mechanism between ERV and TGC against A. baumannii remain unclear. This study sought to compare the characteristics and mechanisms of ERV and TGC resistance among clinical A. baumannii isolates. A total of 492 isolates, including 253 CRAB and 239 carbapenemsensitive A. baumannii (CSAB) isolates, were collected from hospitalized patients in China. The MICs of ERV and TGC against A. baumannii were determined by broth microdilution. Genetic mutations and expressions of adeB, adeG, adeJ, adeS, adeL, and adeN in resistant strains were examined by PCR and qPCR, respectively. The in vitro recombination experiments were used to verify the resistance mechanism of ERV and TGC in A. baumannii. The MIC90 of ERV in CRAB and CSAB isolates were lower than those of TGC. A total of 24 strains resistant to ERV and/or TGC were categorized into three groups: only ERVresistant (n = 2), both ERV- and TGC-resistant (n = 7), and only TGC-resistant (n = 15). ST208 (75%, n = 18) was a major clone that has disseminated in all three groups. The ISAba1 insertion in adeS was identified in 66.7% (6/9) of strains in the only ERV-resistant and both ERV- and TGC-resistant groups, while the ISAba1 insertion in adeN was found in 53.3% (8/15) of strains in the only TGC-resistant group. The adeABC and adeRS expressions were significantly increased in the only ERV-resistant and both ERV- and TGC-resistant groups, while the adeABC and adeIJK expressions were significantly increased and adeN was significantly decreased in the only TGC-resistant group. Expression of adeS with the ISAba1 insertion in ERV- and TGC-sensitive strains significantly increased the ERV and TGC MICs and upregulated adeABC and adeRS expressions. Complementation of the wildtype adeN in TGC-resistant strains with the ISAba1 insertion in adeN restored TGC sensitivity and significantly downregulated adeIJK expression. In conclusion, our data illustrates that ERV is more effective against A. baumannii clinical isolates than TGC. ERV resistance is correlated with the ISAba1 insertion in adeS, while TGC resistance is associated with the ISAba1 insertion in adeN or adeS in A. baumannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]