Search

In this study, a novel antimicrobial formula that incorporates Listeria bacteriophage P100 and silver nanoparticles into an alginate matrix was successfully developed. Paper coated with the antimicrobial formula inhibited the growth of Listeria monocytogenes. The effects of alginate concentration on the formation of silver nanoparticles, silver concentration on the infectivity of phages, and of low alginate concentrations on the sustained release of silver and phages were explored. The highest antimicrobial activity of the alginate–silver coating was achieved with an alginate concentration of 1%. Adding phage P100 (109 PFU/mL) into the alginate–silver coating led to a synergic effect that resulted in a 5-log reduction in L. monocytogenes. A bioactive paper was then developed by coating a base paper with the antimicrobial formula at different coating weights, followed by infrared drying. The higher coating weight was a crucial factor for the maintenance of phage infectivity throughout the coating and drying processes. Phages incorporated into the alginate matrix remained functional even after high-temperature infrared drying. Taken together, an optimized coating matrix is critical in improving the antimicrobial performance of bioactive paper as well as maintaining phage infectivity during the paper manufacturing process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study used a plant-based antimicrobial agent (Trachyspermum ammi or Ajowan essential oil) to develop a water-based coating emulsion with polyvinyl alcohol as a binder. The emulsion was spray-coated onto the packaging paper to achieve antimicrobial properties and prevent disease transmission during the e-commerce supply chain. The coated papers were studied for their morphological, chemical, mechanical, barrier, and antimicrobial behaviors. The presence of Ajowan oil on coated paper was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and surface morphology. In parallel, the time-bound release of volatile Ajowan oil from the coated papers was demonstrated when stored in a controlled environment using UV–vis spectroscopy. Both bending stiffness and tear strength significantly increased for coated papers due to the presence of polyvinyl alcohol in the coating, whereas the high concentration of oil resulted slight decrease in tensile and burst strength of coated papers. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of coated paper was checked against S. aureus and E. coli at different concentrations of Ajowan oil in coating and was found to be effective for 10 days. The coated papers also showed remarkable antimicrobial activity when tested against all unknown microbes on bare human hands. [Display omitted] • A water-based antimicrobial coating emulsion was developed for paper packaging. • Ajowan essential oil was utilized as an antimicrobial agent with PVA as a binder. • The coated paper showed antimicrobial properties against E. coli and S. aureus. • The coated paper showed antimicrobial activity against unknown microbes in human hands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigates four paper-based materials designed for short-time wrapping of meat products by determining morpho-structure, capillary-hydroscopic, barrier and antibacterial properties, wettability and migration into food simulants. The paper-based materials are coded as RO, SP, IT and SLO. RO and SLO samples exhibit the best barrier properties against water vapors. The low solubility and contact angles of RO, IT and SLO in A simulant (distilled water) make them suitable for aqueous food storage. The extremely high solubility of SP and SLO in simulant B (acetic acid) shows that wax and hydrophobized starch, respectively are carried by the acidic media, thus these agents are unlikely to coat the paper designed to package acidic food. SLO inhibits E. coli, Salmonella enterica, Lysteria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and fluorescens. Polyethylene coated on RO and IT surface and wax impregnated on SP have a lower antimicrobial activity in comparison with hydrophobized starch coated on SLO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial activity of paper-based packaging materials including coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) essential oil. Three types of packaging papers (bleached, unbleached, and recycled) are treated with an essential oil and then stored for 2 h, 24 h, and 5 days. The antibacterial activity of coriander oil is tested against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633); Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, and Salmonella abony NTCC 6017); an yeast (Candida albicans ATCC 10231), and a fungal strain (Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 16404). A high fungicidal potential is observed in case of all packaging materials. The antimicrobial action of the bleached paper coated with coriander oil against Gram-positive bacteria during the five-day storage period decreases slightly from 100 % - 94 % to 79 % - 81 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: A paper by Araújo et al. (2018) claims that a variety of compounds present in pyroligneous acid (guaiacol, phenols and furfural) are responsible for the observed antimicrobial activity. We show, on the other hand, that the low pH due to acetic acid present in pyroligneous acid is the real cause of the activity. Methods and Results: Pyroligneous acid (PA) was synthesized according to a previous method (Medeiros et al. 2019) with its inhibition activity tested on Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus via the agar diffusion method. The activity of acetic acid at different concentrations was also evaluated for comparison. As expected, crude PA (pH 3.0) and acetic acid produced inhibition halos whose diameters varied according to their employed concentration. However, any PA inhibitory activity completely vanished upon neutralization (pH 7.0), a behaviour also observed for neutralized acetic acid. Conclusions: The claim that guaiacol, phenols and furfural are responsible for any inhibitory activity is unsubstantiated. The authors should have neutralized the pyroligneous acid if any activity was to be discovered. Significance and Impact of Study: To increase awareness that interfering species may play a detrimental role on the interpretation of results. In this case, the action of acetic acid is vastly more important for the inhibitory activity than any other compound present in PA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs) have attracted considerable interest as antimicrobial agents in a wide variety of applications. We report a simple synthetic route towards MgO NPs (average diameter 10 nm) possessing potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Detailed electron microscopy studies show how these particles induce oxidative stress, cell membrane leakage and cell death in bacteria at low NP concentrations, but remain non-toxic to eukaryotic cells. Applying a homogeneous dispersion of these nanoparticles on 18th century paper proved to be a highly effective means of preventing bacterial colonisation without altering the appearance of the paper samples, thus opening the doors to the use of these colourless, low-cost, and scalable nanoparticles for preventing biodeterioration in a range of paper-based objects and surfaces. • Nano-magnesium oxide particles (MgO NPs) of average size of around 10 nm have been synthesised using a simple one-pot synthesis. • The MgO NPs offer potent bactericidal activity but are non-toxic to mammalian cells at the same concentrations. • A combination of electron microscopy techniques shows how these nanoparticles produce oxidative stress, followed by cell membrane leakage and death. • The MgO NPs prevented bacterial colonisation of 18th century papers from the Archives of the Spanish Royal Botanic Garden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, we report the synthesis of chitosan:starch‑silver nanoparticle (Cht:St-AgNPs) coated papers for antimicrobial packaging applications. The starch-assisted synthesized St-AgNPs are spherical in shape with an average particle size of 7 nm. Chitosan was mixed into the synthesized St-AgNPs solution with different ratios of 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 5:5 by weight. Further, the influence of different ratios of Cht:St-AgNPs on the various paper properties such as mechanical properties, water and oil resistance, and antimicrobial activities was investigated. It was observed that the properties of the coated papers were strongly dependent on the composition of Cht:St-AgNPs. The Cht:St-AgNPs-coated paper prepared with the ratio of 9:1 showed excellent mechanical properties and good resistance properties against water and oil. The Cht:St-AgNPs coated papers showed a remarkable enhancement in mechanical strength, oil and water resistance, and antibacterial and antifungal activity, which can make them a potential candidate for functional antimicrobial packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanidinylated chitosan (GCS) was prepared by grafting guanidine oligomers onto chitosan under microwave irradiation. The structure of GCS characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR verified the covalent bonding between the guanidine oligomers and chitosan; the effects of molar ratio, reaction temperature, and time were investigated and the degree of substitution of GCS reached a maximum of 25.5% under optimized conditions in this work. The resulting GCS showed significantly enhanced antimicrobial activities. The results obtained from the dynamic UV absorption of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the deactivation of E. coli by GCS was due to the destructing of the cell membrane and the prompt release of cytoplasm from the bacterial cells. The adsorption of GCS onto cellulose fibers and the antimicrobial efficiency of the hygiene papers with GCS were also investigated. Microwave irradiation as a green assisted method was applied to promote this reaction. This facile approach allowed chitosan to be guanidinylated without tedious preparation procedures and thus broadened its application as a biocompatible antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guanidinylated chitosan (GCS) was prepared by grafting guanidine oligomers onto chitosan under microwave irradiation. The structure of GCS characterized by FT-IR and 1H NMR verified the covalent bonding between the guanidine oligomers and chitosan; the effects of molar ratio, reaction temperature, and time were investigated and the degree of substitution of GCS reached a maximum of 25.5% under optimized conditions in this work. The resulting GCS showed significantly enhanced antimicrobial activities. The results obtained from the dynamic UV absorption of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the deactivation of E. coli by GCS was due to the destructing of the cell membrane and the prompt release of cytoplasm from the bacterial cells. The adsorption of GCS onto cellulose fibers and the antimicrobial efficiency of the hygiene papers with GCS were also investigated. Microwave irradiation as a green assisted method was applied to promote this reaction. This facile approach allowed chitosan to be guanidinylated without tedious preparation procedures and thus broadened its application as a biocompatible antimicrobial agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Till a few decades ago, chemical pesticides proved to be a boon in reviving our country from the food crisis, but we soon came to know that these chemicals also have side effects, which is causing great harm to the living being and environment. To avoid these side effects the best substitutes are biopesticides, but the use of biopesticides is much less as compared to chemical pesticides. There are many reason for this, one of the main reason is the lack of their resources, so it is necessary that new resources of the biopesticides should be discovered. For this review article we have collected research papers from 2010 to 2022. All these research papers collected are based on antimicrobial activities, chemical analysis etc. of weed plants extracts. We have tabulated some important information related to the weed plants used in these research articles. All research papers gathered from the authentic sources. Through this review article, we want to highlight "Weed Plants" as a resource for biopesticides formulation. After reviewing all the selected research articles, it comes to the fore that weed plants have the potential to be a good source for biopesticides formulation in future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using nest extract of paper wasp ( Polistes sp) was investigated in this work. The AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal, dye degradation, blood anticoagulation, and blood clot dissolution (thrombolytic) activities. The crystalline polydispersed AgNPs with size range of 12.5-95.55 nm absorbed maximally at 428 nm and showed anisotropic structures of sphere, triangle, hexagon, rod, and rhombus. The FTIR data showed prominent peaks at 3426 and 1641 cm, which indicate the involvement of phenolics compounds and proteins in the synthesis of AgNPs. The prominence of Ag in the EDX spectra showed that indeed, AgNPs were formed. The AgNPs showed potent antibacterial activities (12-35 mm) against three multi-drug strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella granulomatis. While the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger was completely suppressed, the AgNPs produced growth inhibition of 75.61 % against Aspergillus fumigatus at 100 µg/ml. Furthermore, the AgNPs degraded malachite green to the tune of 93.1 %. The AgNPs also prevented coagulation of blood, while it completely dissolved preformed blood clots within 5 min showing the potent anticoagulation and thrombolytic activities. This study, which is the first of its kind to use nest extract of paper wasp for the synthesis of nanoparticles, has shown that the biosynthesized AgNPs could be deployed for biomedical and catalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banana sap is currently designated as a waste subsequent to utilization of pseudo stem in pulp and paper industry as well as other applications which is contributing to the environmental pollution. In the present study, banana sap and its crude extracts were evaluated for antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. The role of oxidized and un-oxidized banana sap for its antimicrobial potential against a microbial test panel comprising gram positive as well as gram negative bacteria and Candida albicans using in vitro micro broth dilution assay. The un-oxidized banana sap exhibited a significantly higher antibacterial potential as evident by a lower minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging between 15.625 to 62.5 mg/mL. In vitro radical scavenging activity of dichloromethane (DCM) extract of banana sap by DPPH method exhibited 54.62 ± 1.09 (µg/mL) IC50 value at the concentration of 1 mg/mL. Dichloromethane extract of banana sap showed maximum cytotoxic effect with human breast cancer (MCF-7) cell proliferation at the concentration of 100 µg/mL which was 78.37 ± 0.05% and the cytotoxic effect significantly increased with increasing concentration of banana sap extract. Furthermore, LCMS studies revealed the presence of bioactive compounds in dichloromethane extract of banana sap, such as rescinnamine derivative, dihydrorescinnamine and epimedin A. The present study suggested that banana sap is a promising source of bioactive compounds with relevant antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper items from historical archives and libraries are frequently colonized by biodeteriogens, the management of which is a major concern. Essential oil Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of thymol, carvacrol and eugenol, with high levels of antimicrobial and insect repellent activity, were stabilized within crystalline networks of β-cyclodextrins and phenazine-based cocrystals, as a new tool for the control of paper-degrading agents. These formulations were obtained via solvent-free methodologies and resulted as easy handling powders, suitable for the treatment of paper items by indirect contact. Their antimicrobial activity was evaluated on the following species isolated from a book depository at Forte Belvedere (Florence, IT): Alternaria alternata , Aspergillus sp., Cladosporium sp., Trichoderma orientale , Metschnikowia sp., and Bacillus sp. Both formulates displayed a significant antimicrobial activity in vitro , with cocrystals showing higher efficacy than β-cyclodextrins. The formulates were also tested against the pest Lasioderma serricorne , towards which the cocrystals entrapping carvacrol and thymol exhibited repellent activity. Overall, the phenazine-carvacrol cocrystal was the best-performing formulate, also giving favourable outcomes in terms of antifungal activity in an on-paper in vitro experiment designed to reproduce on a small-scale the critical conditions of an infested archive. These promising results pave the way towards further experimentations of VOC-based solid formulates, to shed light on such products applicability for the preservation of paper items. [Display omitted] • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) trapped into β-cyclodextrins and cocrystals. • Solid formulates of thymol, carvacrol and eugenol to combat paper biodeteriogens. • Powdery formulates releasing VOCs with high antimicrobial activity. • VOC-based formulates showing insect repellent activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biodegradable polymer resembling paper after being dried. It finds a growing number of applications in many branches of industry and in medicine. In the present study, BC was produced after Gluconacetobacter hansenii ATCC 23769 strain culture and used as a matrix for plant extracts (tulsi, brahmi, lemon, blackberry, nettle root, and nettle leave) and essential oils (cinnamon, sage, clove, mint, thyme, lemongrass, rosemary, lemon, anise, tea tree, lime, grapefruit, and tangerine), and the antimicrobial properties of these biomaterials was determined. The growth-inhibiting effects of plant extracts and essential oils combined with BC were analyzed against five Cronobacter species isolated from food matrix and two reference strains from the ATCC (513229 and 29544). Additional analyses were conducted for BC water activity and for its capability to absorb biologically active plant compounds. The cellulose matrix with a 50% extract from brahmi was found to effectively inhibit the growth of the selected Cronobacter strains. The other plant water extracts did not show any antimicrobial activity against the tested strains. It was demonstrated that BC soaked with thyme essential oil was characterized with the strongest antimicrobial activity in comparison to the other tested EOs. These study results indicate the feasibility of deploying BC impregnated with natural plant components as an active and environmentally-friendly packaging material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modified composites, blends, polymers and copolymers are some of those engineered materials which are playing a major and remarkable role in achieving our present sustainable environment. Mechanical, electrical, and biological properties of carbon and native metal nanoparticles are distinctive from others and provide plentiful scaffolds for a wide-range of applications in our lives, including medical devices, pharmaceutical, polymer industry, biomedical field, coating of kitchen appliances, food packaging, clothing, gifts, optical devices, biosensors, antimicrobial objects etc. Distinct chemical and physical properties of silver and carbon-based NPs are considered to act in this way. The antimicrobial and conducting nature of Gr and AgNPs are studied here. There is a vast history of these properties; however, beginners still have a bright future. The antimicrobial activity of these two incorporates antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, antistatic and antibiotic nature. Additionally, both nanomaterials exhibit notable thermal conductivity. Based on these characteristics novel composite/blend materials with enhanced electrical, thermal, antimicrobial, antistatic, and antibiotic effect can be engineered with innovative ideas. This paper expresses the worldwide applications of such nanomaterials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of graphene–polymer composites, focusing on their mechanical and antibacterial properties. Graphene flakes were obtained via an electrochemical method and integrated into polyamide 6 (PA6) matrices using melt intercalation. Various characterization techniques confirmed the quality of the graphene flakes, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) imaging. Mechanical tests showed an increase in the elastic modulus with graphene incorporation, while the impact strength decreased. The SEM analysis highlighted the dispersion of the graphene flakes within the composites and their impact on fracture behavior. Antimicrobial tests demonstrated significant antibacterial properties of the composites, attributed to both oxidative stress and mechanical damage induced by the graphene flakes. The results suggest promising applications for graphene–polymer composites in advanced antimicrobial materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was oxidized to form dialdehyde CMC (DCMC). [•] Guanidine hydrochloride (GH) was grafted onto the DCMC to obtain DCMC-GH. [•] The coating of DCMC-GH onto paper resulted in the improvement of paper strength. [•] The DCMC-GH-coated paper exhibited excellent antimicrobial activities. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The development of antimicrobial polymeric materials has evolved into one of the more promising methods for preventing the growth of microbes and mitigating the spread of infectious diseases in several applications including the health and food packaging sectors. The outbreak of global pandemics, and particularly the recent COVID-19 pandemic, further strengthen the importance of developing such solutions. This review paper presents a fundamental understanding of how antimicrobial polymers are developed, describes the possible surface modification approaches to render polymers with antimicrobial properties, highlights the potential mechanism of action against a range of microorganisms (bacterial, viral, and fungal), and details some of the international standard protocols and procedures to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of modified materials (such as plastics and textiles). In addition, this review paper discusses the toxicity of antimicrobial additives when used in healthcare and food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we fabricated a starch-based flexible coating for food packaging papers with excellent hydrophobicity and antimicrobial properties. FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) and XRD (X-ray diffraction) spectra revealed the homogeneous dispersion of the ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) in the composite film within 5% ZnO NP dosage. SEM (scanning electron microscope) and AFM (atomic force microscope) micrographs confirmed the increased roughness on the composite film with the increased dosages of ZnO NPs. Hydrophobic characteristics showed that dramatic enhancement was obtained in the values and stabilities of DCAs (dynamic contact angles) in the resultant film and coated paper. TG (thermogravimetry) results demonstrated the increased thermal stabilities of the composite films. Significantly, a decreased water vapor transmission rate was observed in the coated paper. When 20% guanidine-based starch and 2% CMC (carboxy methyl cellulose) was added, a flexible coating with excellent antimicrobial activity towards Escherichia coli can be obtained. Furthermore, the migration of ZnO NPs into the food simulants was well below the overall migration legislative limit. The resultant starch-based flexible composite film and coated paper established an effective approach to develop a green-based material for food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for increasing the shelf life of fresh food as well as the need for protecting the food against foodborne infections warrant the demand for increasing the shelf life of fresh food. The incorporation of nanoparticles into the packaging material can enhance the preservation of perishable foods. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), in particular, have antibacterial, anti-mold, anti-yeast, and anti-viral activities can be embedded into the biodegradable packaging materials for this purpose. This study focuses on antimicrobial packaging materials for food by mixing the extracts of different plants with silver nitrate and depositing this mixture as a layer on the blotting papers, which are thick sheets of paper made of cellulose. Because the blotting papers are highly absorbent and porous, silver nitrate solution along with the plant extracts can be easily applied and allowed for in situ synthesis of AgNPs. Subsequently, these papers were analyzed and characterized using scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The coated paper exhibited good antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, the coated paper when used as a packaging material for tomatoes and coriander leaf, the shelf life was extended to about 30 days and 15 days respectively. The prepared cost-effective silver packing material can be used in food packaging for various perishable foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the study concerning the preparation and physio-chemical and biological properties of wool–copper (WO-Cu) materials obtained by the sputter deposition of copper onto the wool fibers. The WO-Cu material was subjected to physio-chemical and biological investigations. The physio-chemical investigations included the elemental analysis of materials (C, N, O, S, and Cu), their microscopic analysis, and surface properties analysis (specific surface area and total pore volume). The biological investigations consisted of the antimicrobial activity tests of the WO-Cu materials against colonies of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria, Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungal mold species (Chaetomium globosum). Biochemical–hematological tests included the evaluation of the activated partial thromboplastin time and pro-thrombin time. The tested wool–copper demonstrated the ability to interact with the DNA in a time-dependent manner. These interactions led to the DNA's breaking and degradation. The antimicrobial and antifungal activities of the WO-Cu materials suggest a potential application as an antibacterial/antifungal material. Wool–copper materials may be also used as customized materials where the blood coagulation process could be well controlled through the appropriate copper content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Rambutan peel (RP), an agricultural by‐product from rambutan trading, contains the red pigment anthocyanin. This research explores developing a colouring agent from RP, utilising cardamom oil (CM) to enhance colour stability, improve antimicrobial functionality, and create a new high‐value red colouring agent from fruit waste. A colouring agent was produced by placing 50 g of RP inside a 1 L glass box, and varying amounts of CM (5 μL, 25 μL, 50 μL, and 100 μL) on filter paper were placed inside the box lid. The box was sealed and left closed for 8 h to allow CM vapour to release onto the surface of RP before being dried at 30 °C and ground into powder. The antibacterial impact of CM‐treated RP on Staphylococcus aureus was assessed using the nutrient broth. The CM‐treated RP powder was used as a food colouring agent in shrimp paste to evaluate the shelf life of shrimp paste during storage at 30 °C. Results revealed that treated RP with 25 μL of CM showed the best red colour appearance in the dried powder. RP with 25 μL of CM exhibited time killing against S. aureus (approximately 4 log10cfu g−1) after being added to the medium for 6 h, disrupting the cell membrane integrity of S. aureus and leading to cell lysis. RP treated with 25 μL of CM also prevented darkening in shrimp paste, maintaining higher values for L* and a*, resulting in increased lightness and a more red appearance. It also inhibited pathogenic bacteria, extending shelf life, and preserving colour stability for 14 days, compared to the control's 7 days. These insights provide valuable guidance for the sustainable utilisation of agricultural waste in the food colouring industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Several biologically active compounds involved in the green synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles have been isolated from snail mucus and characterized. This paper presents a successful method for the application of snail mucus from Cornu aspersum as a bioreducing agent of copper sulfate and as a biostabilizer of the copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs-Muc) obtained. The synthesis at room temperature and neutral pH yielded nanoparticles with a spherical shape and an average diameter of 150 nm. The structure and properties of CuONPs-Muc were characterized using various methods and techniques, such as ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), one-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (1D-PAGE), up-conversion infrared spectroscopy Fourier transform (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), Raman spectroscopy and imaging, thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC), etc. Mucus proteins with molecular weights of 30.691 kDa and 26.549 kDa were identified, which are involved in the biogenic production of CuONPs-Muc. The macromolecular shell of proteins formed around the copper ions contributes to a higher efficiency of the synthesized CuONPs-Muc in inhibiting the bacterial growth of several Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis NBIMCC2353, Bacillus spizizenii ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Listeria innocua NBIMCC8755) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli ATCC8739, Salmonella enteitidis NBIMCC8691, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia ATCC 17666) bacteria compared to baseline mucus. The bioorganic synthesis of snail mucus presented here provides CuONPs-Muc with a highly pronounced antimicrobial effect. These results will expand knowledge in the field of natural nanomaterials and their role in emerging dosage forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chestnut industry generates large quantities of by-products, including the chestnut shell, which is a source of phenolic compounds. In this study, the MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) of chestnut shell extract was determined using the disk diffusion method. The chestnut shell was freeze-dried and milled. The extract was obtained using an ultrasound-assisted technique using water 70%: ethanol 30% (v/v) and subsequently lyophilized. Muller–Hinton plates were inoculated with ~105 CFU/mL of microorganisms. Sterile paper discs (6 mm) were placed on the inoculated culture medium and impregnated with 10 µL of each extract. Seven concentrations of extract between 0.3% and 2.1% were tested. The plates were incubated for 24 h at 37 °C. The antibacterial efficacy of the extracts was indicated by a halo formed around the paper disk. This work was carried out in triplicate. Halos were found at 1.5%, 1.8%, and 2.1% on Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7973 (8.32 ± 0.06 mm for 2.1%), Enterococcus faecalis 19433 (8.94 ± 0.41 mm for 2.1%), and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC (10.26 ± 0.19 mm at 2.1%). For the remaining microorganisms, no halos were observed. The tested extract showed antimicrobial activity, demonstrating its potential for the control of pathogens in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we designed paper sheets coated with chitosan, bacterial cellulose (nanofibers), and ZnO with boosted antibacterial and mechanical activity. We investigated the compositions, with ZnO exhibiting two different sizes/shapes: (1) rods and (2) irregular sphere-like particles. The proposed processing of bacterial cellulose resulted in the formation of nanofibers. Antimicrobial behavior was tested using E. coli ATCC® 25922™ following the ASTM E2149-13a standard. The mechanical properties of the paper sheets were measured by comparing tearing resistance, tensile strength, and bursting strength according to the ISO 5270 standard. The results showed an increased antibacterial response (assigned to the combination of chitosan and ZnO, independent of its shape and size) and boosted mechanical properties. Therefore, the proposed composition is an interesting multifunctional mixture for coatings in food packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, for the first time, photopolymers were synthesized from glycerol acrylates with different numbers of functional groups, 2-hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate, glycerol dimethacrylate or glycerol trimethacrylate, without and with the addition of vanillin styrene. The photocuring kinetics were monitored by real-time photorheometry. The mechanical, rheological, thermal, antimicrobial and shape-memory properties of the photopolymers were investigated. All polymers synthesized demonstrated antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as antifungal activity against Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. 2-Hydroxy-3-phenoxypropyl acrylate-based polymers showed thermoresponsive shape-memory behavior. They were able to maintain their temporary shape below the glass transition temperature and return to their permanent shape above the glass transition temperature. Synthesized photopolymers have potential to be used as sustainable polymers in a wide range of applications such as biomedicine, photonics, electronics, robotics, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the synthesis of graphene oxide nanosheet (GONS) through the modified Hummer's method. The characterization was done by X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-Visible, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic methods. Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM) was employed to study morphological features of the nanosheet showing the formation of firmly suspended GONS. The photocatalytic activity of the GONS was tested against methylene blue (MB) dye and 63% degradation was obtained in 60 minutes. The antibacterial activity was also tested against Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) with zone of inhibition values of 12±0 and 14±0.4 mm respectively. Through the density functional theory (DFT) calculations, important parameters like highest and lowest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMO and LUMO), absolute softness and hardness, etc. were calculated. The HOMO-LUMO difference was found to be 2.806 eV which was correlated with the bioactivity and stability of the nanosheet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature, the chemical composition of Rhododendron tomentosum is mainly represented by the study of isoprenoid compounds of essential oil. In contrast, the study of the content of flavonoids will contribute to the expansion of pharmacological action and the use of the medicinal plant for medical purposes. The paper deals with the technology of extracts from Rh. tomentosum shoots using ethanol of various concentrations and purified water as an extractant. Extracts from Rh. tomentosum were obtained by a modified method that combined the effects of ultrasound and temperature to maximize the extraction of biologically active substances from the raw material. Using the method of high-performance thin-layer chromatography in a system with solvents ethyl acetate/formic acid/water (15:1:1), the following substances have been separated and identified in all the extracts obtained: rutin, hyperoside, quercetin, and chlorogenic acid. The total polyphenol content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) were estimated using spectrophotometric methods involving the Folin-Ciocalteu (F-C) reagent and the complexation reaction with aluminum chloride, respectively. A correlation analysis was conducted between antioxidant activity and the polyphenolic substance content. Following the DPPH assay, regression analysis shows that phenolic compounds contribute to about 80% (r2 = 0.8028, p < 0.05) of radical scavenging properties in the extract of Rh. tomentosum. The extract of Rh. tomentosum obtained by ethanol 30% inhibits the growth of test cultures of microorganisms in 1:1 and 1:2 dilutions of the clinical strains #211 Staphylococcus aureus and #222 Enterococcus spp. and the reference strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 10145. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper reports about binary chitosan/quaternized chitosan nanofibers obtained by direct electrospinning of their solution, without using co-spinning polymers. Both quaternary salts, N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan chloride and N-(2- hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride, were used in the electrospinning process and provided nanofibers with a mean diameter lower than 100 nm. A morphological evaluation of the nanofibers prepared with quaternized chitosan and chitosan of different molecular weights indicated that chitosan of lower molecular weight yielded fibers of higher diameter, due to the necessity to increase the concentration of the electrospinning solution in order to reach chain entanglement. Polarized light microscopy suggested that the fibers were semicrystalline in nature, in line with the ability of the macromolecular chains to align in an electrical field. Furthermore, the investigation of the antimicrobial and antifungal activities against relevant gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, as well as yeast strains, revealed the strong effects of the nanofibers, improved by the presence of quaternary chitosan and the lower diameter of the fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the main problems faced by libraries, archives and collectors is the mold degradation of the paper-based documents, books, artworks etc. Microfungi (molds) emerge in regular storage conditions of such items (humidity, usually over 50%, and temperatures under 21 °C). If the removal of the visible mycelium is relatively easy, there is always the problem of the subsequent appearance of mold as the spores remain trapped in the cellulosic, fibrillary texture, which acts as a net. Moreover, due to improper hand hygiene bacteria contamination, old books could represent a source of biohazard, being colonized with human pathogens. An easy and accessible method of decontamination, which could offer long term protection is therefore needed. Here, we present a facile use of the ZnO nanopowders as antimicrobial agents, suitable for cellulose-based products, conferring an extended antibacterial and anti-microfungal effect. The proposed method does not adversely impact on the quality of the cellulose documents and could be efficiently used for biodegradation protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, thanks to nanotechnological progress, which itself guides us more and more closely toward not only the efficient design of innovative nanomaterials or nanostructures, but to the improvement of their functionality, we benefit from an important asset in the battle against pathogenic illnesses. Herein, we report a versatile biocompatible plasmonic nanoplatform based on a Whatman paper incorporating positively-charged gold nanospherical particles via the immersion approach. The morphological characterization of the as-engineered-plasmonic paper was examined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and HRTEM (high-resolution transmission electron microscopy) investigations, while its surface chemical modification with a synthetic polypeptide, specifically RRWHRWWRR-NH2 (P2), was proved by monitoring the plasmonic response of loaded gold nanospheres and the emission signal of P2 via fluorescence spectroscopy. The as-functionalized plasmonic paper is non-cytotoxic towards BJ fibroblast human cells at bactericidal concentrations. Finally, the antimicrobial activity of the P2-functionalized plasmonic paper on both planktonic bacteria and biofilms was tested against two reference strains: Gram-positive Bacteria, i.e., Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-negative Bacteria, i.e., Escherichia coli, determining microbial inhibition of up to 100% for planktonic bacteria. In line with the above presented nanoplatform's proper design, followed by their functionalization with active antimicrobial peptides, new roads can be open for determining antibiotic-free treatments against different relevant pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is a product of high nutritional value, used as a raw material for obtaining mead. However, adding fruit juices, including chokeberry juice, can improve mead quality. This paper aims to assess the effects that adding different quantities of chokeberry juice, with the variation of 3 amounts of inoculated yeast, has on the fermentation and physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of mead. The parameters analyzed are the dry matter content, pH value, and content of volatile acids, ethanol and methanol, total phenols and flavonoids, FRAP, DPPH, and ABTS tests, and antimicrobial properties. The results obtained in this paper show that adding chokeberry juice improves the antioxidant properties of the final product and positively affects the course of mead fermentation, i.e., it has led to an increase in the maximum concentration of ethanol. Regarding the chemical composition of mead, there is no significant difference, except in the obtained ethanol content, which is the highest in samples with 10% of added chokeberry juice. Furthermore, the control sample showed the best antimicrobial activity, while the sample with 5% added chokeberry juice showed the weakest effect. Finally, the strongest effect was seen in the sample with 20% of added chokeberry juice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of the synthesis, a detailed kinetics study, and an investigation of the biological activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in aqueous solutions of N-reacetylated oligochitosan hydrochloride. UV–visible spectrophotometry and dynamic light scattering were employed to control silver ion reduction. The process was observed to follow a pseudo-first-order law. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that AgNPs ranging in size from 10 to 25 nm formed aggregates measuring 60 to 90 nm, with the aggregate surface coated by a 2–4 nm chitosan shell. X-ray microanalysis and powder X-ray diffractometry were used to study the phase composition, identifying two crystalline phases, nanocrystalline silver and AgCl, present in the dispersions. The antibacterial effect was assessed using the serial dilution method for dispersions with varying degrees of Ag+ conversion. Nanodispersions exhibited significant activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, and Staphylococcus aureus. Interestingly, the activity did not appear to be heavily influenced by the presence of the AgCl phase or the concentration of Ag+ ions. These synthesized dispersions hold promise for the development of materials tailored for biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioactive edible packaging films have attracted the attention of many researchers in the recent past due to the concerns over the heavy use of petroleum-based synthetic packaging materials for food. Among various other materials such as proteins, carbohydrates and fats, chitosan stands out to be the most suitable polysaccharide for this purpose mainly due to its biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, its poor barrier and mechanical properties are limiting factors for its application as a food packaging material. Several studies have been conducted to improve the poor characteristics of chitosan film to the industrial standard by adopting various strategies. This paper provides an overview of modification made to the film preparation techniques of pure chitosan films and the incorporation of other natural substances to chitosan to make composite films with the focus on their role on the improvement of physicochemical and biological properties of the chitosan-composite edible films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile dyeing is known to have major environmental concerns, especially with the high use of toxic chemicals. The use of alternatives such as natural dyes rich in phenolic compounds has become extremely appealing in order to move towards a more sustainable circular economy. Phenolic dyes have the potential to functionalize textile fabrics with properties such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, and UV protection. Wastes/residues from the agri-food industries stand out as highly attractive sources of these compounds, with several by-products showing promising results in textile dyeing through the implementation of more sustainable and eco-friendly processes. This review presents an up-to-date exploration of the sources of phenolic compounds used in the textile industry over the past two decades, with a primary focus on the functional properties they provide to different fabrics. The research highlights a surge in interest in this theme since 2017, accentuating a noticeable upward trend. Throughout this review, emphasis is given to by-products from the agri-food industry as the sources of these compounds. The reviewed papers lay the foundation for future research, paving the way for exploring the potential of raw materials and by-products in the creation of functional and smart textiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to prepare new modified alkyd resins and use it as an antimicrobial binder for surface coating applications. Design/methodology/approach: Various modified alkyd resins were prepared by partial replacement of 3,6-dichloro benzo[b]thiophene-2-carbonyl bis-(2-hydroxy ethyl)-amide as a source of polyol with glycerol and confirmed by acid value, FT-IR, 1H-NMR. The modified alkyd resins were covering a wide range of oil lengths and hydroxyl content (0%, 10%, 20% and 30% excess-OH). The antimicrobial activity of the prepared alkyds was also investigated. The coatings of 60 ± 5 µm thickness were applied to the surface of glass panels and mild steel strips by means of a brush. Physico-mechanical tests, chemical resistance and antimicrobial activities were investigated. Findings: The obtained results illustrate that the introduction of benzo[b]thiophene derivative as a modifier polyol within the resin structure improved the film performance and enhanced the physico-mechanical characteristics, chemical resistance and the antimicrobial activities. Practical implications: The modified alkyd resins can be employed as antimicrobial binders in paint compositions for a variety of surfaces, particularly those that are susceptible to a high number of bacteria. Originality/value: Modified alkyd resins based on antimicrobial heterocyclic compounds have the potential to be promising in the manufacturing of antimicrobial coatings and development of paints, allowing them to function to prevent the spread of microbial infection, which is exactly what the world requires at this time. Also, they can be applied in different substrates for industrial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruits of Tamarindus indica L. are consumed worldwide, with various parts of the plant being used for medicinal purposes. The residues (pericarp and seeds) generated during cellulose processing are of significant value as they contain bioactive compounds with diverse biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical constituents of the ethyl acetate fraction as possible substitutes for synthetic compounds with biological properties using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS/MS) analysis and the evaluation of the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP], 2,2'‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid [ABTS], and 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH]), total phenolic compounds (TPC), and antimicrobial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract and tamarind seed fractions were also performed. The chemical investigation of the acetate fraction using UHPLC‐HRMS/MS resulted in the putative identification of 14 compounds, including flavonoids, (+)‐catechin/(−)‐epicatechin, procyanidin B2, procyanidin C2, isoquercetin, quercetin, luteolin, rutin, taxifolin, eriodictyol, kaempferide, hydroxybenzoic acid, protocathecuic acid, and protocathecuic acid methyl and ethyl esters derivatives. The crude hydroalcoholic extract exhibited the best results in terms of TPC: 883.87 gallic acid equivalent (GAE; mg/g) and antioxidant activity: FRAP: 183.29 GAE (mg/g), ABTS: 39.67%, and DPPH: 91.08%. The extract exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)/minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC; 62.5/125 g/mL) and Bacillus cereus MIC/MBC (125/250 g/mL), and gram‐negative bacteria, specifically Aeromonas hydrophila MIC/MBC (125/250 µg/mL) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MIC/MBC (250/500 g/mL). Morphological damage to cells was observed using flow cytometry and scanning electron microscopy. Tamarind seeds contain unique bioactive compounds that should be explored for their use as novel food preservatives. Practical Application: Original data were obtained regarding the Tamarindus indica L. seed extract and the ethyl acetate and hexane fractions. This research aimed to investigate the potential of these for food preservation and as alternatives to additives and synthetic compounds added to cattle feed. This paper reports novel findings regarding the chemical composition of the extract and its antioxidant activity, along with its antimicrobial activity against bacteria (gram‐positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and gram‐negative: Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Aeromonas hydrophila) and yeasts (Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal nanoparticles (NPs) have garnered considerable attention, due to their unique physicochemical properties, that render them promising candidates for various applications in medicine and industry. This article offers a comprehensive overview of the most recent advancements in the manufacturing, characterization, and biomedical utilization of metal NPs, with a primary focus on silver and gold NPs. Their potential as effective anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial agents, drug delivery systems, and imaging agents in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of disorders is reviewed. Moreover, their translation to therapeutic settings, and the issue of their inclusion in clinical trials, are assessed in light of over 30 clinical investigations that concentrate on administering either silver or gold NPs in conditions ranging from nosocomial infections to different types of cancers. This paper aims not only to examine the biocompatibility of nanomaterials but also to emphasize potential challenges that may limit their safe integration into healthcare practices. More than 100 nanomedicines are currently on the market, which justifies ongoing study into the use of nanomaterials in medicine. Overall, the present review aims to highlight the potential of silver and gold NPs as innovative and effective therapeutics in the field of biomedicine, citing some of their most relevant current applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For this study, a paper impregnated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was prepared. To prepare the substrates, aqueous suspensions of pulp fines, a side product from the paper production, were mixed with AgNP suspensions. The nanoparticle (NP) synthesis was then carried out via laser ablation of pure Ag in water. After the sheet formation process, the leaching of the AgNPs was determined to be low while the sheets exhibited antimicrobial activity toward Escherichia coli (E. coli). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the synthesis, structural analysis, as well as the magnetic and spectroscopic characterizations of three new dicopper(II) complexes with dinucleating phenol-based ligands containing different thioether donor substituents: aromatic (1), aliphatic (2) or thiophene (3). Temperature-dependent magnetometry reveals the presence of antiferromagnetic coupling for 1 and 3 (J = −2.27 cm−1 and -5.01 cm−1, respectively, H = -2JS 1 S 2) and ferromagnetic coupling for 2 (J = 5.72 cm−1). Broken symmetry DFT calculations attribute this behavior to a major contribution from the d z2 orbitals for 1 and 3 , and from the d x2-y2 orbitals for 2 , along with the p orbitals of the oxygens. The bioinspired catalytic activities of these complexes related to catechol oxidase were studied using 3,5-di- tert -butylcatechol as substrate. The order of catalytic rates for the substrate oxidation follows the trend 1 > 2 > 3 with k cat of (90.79 ± 2.90) × 10−3 for 1 , (64.21 ± 0.99) × 10−3 for 2 and (14.20 ± 0.32) × 10−3 s−1 for 3. The complexes also cleave DNA through an oxidative mechanism with minor-groove preference, as indicated by experimental and molecular docking assays. Antimicrobial potential of these highly active complexes has shown that 3 inhibits both Staphylococcus aureus bacterium and Epidermophyton floccosum fungus. Notably, the complexes were found to be nontoxic to normal cells but exhibited cytotoxicity against epidermoid carcinoma cells, surpassing the activity of the metallodrug cisplatin. This research shows the multifaceted properties of these complexes, making them promising candidates for various applications in catalysis, nucleic acids research, and antimicrobial activities. The paper reports three dicopper(II) complexes with ligands containing different thioether donor groups. These complexes demonstrate catalytic activities related to catechol oxidation, also DNA oxidative cleavage (minor-groove preference), and antimicrobial effects. Remarkably, they exhibit potent cytotoxicity against cancer cells, surpassing cisplatin, while non-toxicity was found in normal cells. [Display omitted] • Synthesis, X-ray structure, magnetic and solution studies of dicopper(II) complexes with thioether-substituted ligands. • Ability of the complexes to catalyze the oxidation of the catechol substrate as metalloenzyme mimics • DNase activity though an oxidative mechanism • The complexes revealed potent cytotoxic activity against tumoral cells and antimicrobial properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photothermal therapy has the advantages of non-invasiveness, low toxicity, simple operation, a broad spectrum of antibacterial ability, and non-proneness to developing drug resistance, which provide it with irreplaceable superiority in fighting against microbial infection. The effect of photothermal therapy is closely related to the choice of photothermal agent. Conjugated nanomaterials are potential candidates for photothermal agents because of their easy modification, excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, good photostability, and biodegradability. In this paper, the application of photothermal agents based on conjugated nanomaterials in photothermal antimicrobial treatment is reviewed, including conjugated small molecules, conjugated oligomers, conjugated polymers, and pseudo-conjugated polymers. At the same time, the application of conjugated nanomaterials in the combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) is briefly introduced. Finally, the research status, limitations, and prospects of photothermal therapy using conjugated nanomaterials as photothermal agents are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout history, medicinal and aromatic plants have been used extensively to cure a variety of ailments. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Cannabis sativa, specifically focusing on its legislative status, decriminalization, phytochemistry, antimicrobial activity, and safety. The study begins by briefly outlining the plant's history, including its cultivation, harvesting, and storage methods. The review analyzes extensively the antimicrobial properties of Cannabis sativa and its derivatives, specifically examining their reported antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic capabilities, which have been documented in databases such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science. The paper also discusses trends in studies about the plant object of the study, the different bioactive compounds that were identified in the plant (phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, cannabinoids, and terpenes), and safe consumption in several cannabis-based products including candies, desserts, wine and as food flavoring. Furthermore, this study has reported information about the legalization and decriminalization of cannabis use across the globe with a specific focus on Morocco because it has the largest cultivated area of C. sativa plant. However, some substances with potential antimicrobial properties were not investigated in this review due to the lack of data on their activity. The authors hope that their efforts will inspire future studies on the therapeutic uses of Cannabis sativa and its derivatives, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bryophytes constitute a heterogeneous group of plants which includes three clades: approximately 14,000 species of mosses (Bryophyta), 6000 species of liverworts (Marchantiophyta), and 300 species of hornworts (Anthocerotophyta). They are common in almost all ecosystems, where they play important roles. Bryophytes lack developed physical barriers, yet they are rarely attacked by herbivores or pathogens. Instead, they have acquired the ability to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites with diverse functions, such as phytotoxic, antibacterial, antifungal, insect antifeedant, and molluscicidal activities. Secondary metabolites in bryophytes can also be involved in stress tolerance, i.e., in UV-absorptive and drought- and freezing-tolerant activities. Due to these properties, for centuries bryophytes have been used to combat health problems in many cultures on different continents. Currently, scientists are discovering new, unique compounds in bryophytes with potential for practical use, which, in the age of drug resistance, may be of considerable importance. The aim of this review is to present bryophytes as a potential source of compounds with miscellaneous possible uses, with a focus on volatile compounds and antibacterial, antifungal, and cytotoxic potential, and as sources of materials for further promising research. The paper also briefly refers to the methods of compound extraction and acquisition. Formulas of compounds were drawn by the authors using ChemDraw software (PerkinElmer, Boston, MA, USA) with reference to data published in various papers, the ACD/Labs dictionary database, PubChem, and Scopus. The data were gathered in February 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xenorhabdus is a kind of symbiotic bacteria living in the intestinal tract of entomopathogenic nematodes and produces a variety of secondary metabolites with different biological activities, some of which have the potential to develop new pesticides. Antimicrobial compounds found in the secondary metabolites from Xenorhabdus genus in recent decades and representative strains that produced antimicrobial secondary metabolites were summarized in this paper. The mechanisms of some antimicrobial compounds produced by Xenorhabdus were discussed and the inhibition of protein synthesis was an important way for some compounds against microorganisms. The methods of exploring new compounds and improving the yield of specific antimicrobial compounds from secondary metabolites of genus Xenorhabdus were summarized based on their biosynthesis pathway and related regulatory factors. The research prospects of Xenorhabdus were generalized and some countermeasures were put forward in this article in view of the current problems in the research and application of Xenorhabdus and its secondary metabolites. This paper provides a reference for the reasonable and effective application of antimicrobial secondary metabolites of Xenorhabdus, which is of great significance in promoting the utilization of Xenorhabdus and its secondary metabolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigated the chemical composition of the essential oil (EO) of Origanum floribundum Munby. by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and evaluated its antimicrobial activity. The compositional analysis identified 33 compounds representing 97.26% of the total composition, of which the majority component was carvacrol at 41.092%. The antimicrobial activity evaluated deduced that O. floribundum EO affects all tested strains, of which the most susceptible were Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans, with growth inhibition zones of 25.83 mm and 23.25 mm, respectively. A bactericidal effect was recorded on Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus at 1.56 mg/mL and 3.125 mg/mL EO, respectively, and a fungistatic effect on Candida albicans at 1.56 mg/mL of EO. The intestinal microbiota strains, Bifidobacterium animalis subsp lactis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus LbRE-LSAS, were not affected by O. floribundum EO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research paper, the total phenols (TP), flavonoids (TF), and tannins (TT) content in the acetone and ethyl acetate extracts of Najas marina L. and the identification and quantification of phenolic acids and flavonoids from the ethyl acetate extract were performed. Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of the mentioned extracts were investigated in vitro. The genotoxic potential was analyzed in cultured human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL). The TP and TF content was higher in the ethyl acetate extract, dominated by quercetin (172.4 µg mg−1) and ferulic acid (22.74 µg mg−1), while the TT content was slightly higher in the acetone extract. Both extracts tested showed limited antioxidant effects compared to ascorbic acid. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed with Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Staphylococcus aureus (MIC and MMC at 0.31 mg ml−1) and S. aureus ATCC 25923 (MIC at <0.02 mg ml−1), while antifungal activity was limited. Both extracts tested showed better activity on preformed biofilms. Acetone extract had no genotoxic activity but showed significant genoprotective activity against mitomycin C-induced DNA damage in cultured PBLs. Results of our research demonstrate the potential for the development of plant-based antibacterial and biofilm agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the reaction of 3-aminothymoquinone and aromatic aldehydes, two benzoxazole derivatives viz. 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-methyl-7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazol-5-ol (1) and 2-(4- trifluoromethyl)-4-methyl 7-isopropyl-1,3-benzoxazol-5-ol (2) were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared and 1 H, and 13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Proteus hauseri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina lutea, Clostridium sporogenes and Bacillus subtilis was tested. Synthesized compounds show the best activity on Sarcina lutea, and the lowest against Proteus hauseri and Clostridium sporogenes. The paper assesses in silico methods of the possible ways selected derivatives bind to the enzyme deoxyribonucleic acid gyrase (1KZN). The docking results were compared with those obtained from in vitro antimicrobial activity. Molecular properties and absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion parameters were also calculated for compounds. The difference in the obtained values reflects differences in the derivatives structures. In the future, tests on a number of enzymes crucial for bacterial life as well as a number of derivatives may offer further information on the mechanisms of action of these substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of plant extracts are well known, but their use is limited because they affect the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of products. Encapsulation presents an option to limit or prevent these changes. The paper presents the composition of individual polyphenols (HPLC–DAD-ESI-MS) from basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) extracts (BE), and their antioxidant activity and inhibitory effects against strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Geobacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus cereus, Candida albicans, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella Abony. The BE was encapsulated in sodium alginate (Alg) using the drop technique. The encapsulation efficiency of microencapsulated basil extract (MBE) was 78.59 ± 0.01%. SEM and FTIR analyses demonstrated the morphological aspect of the microcapsules and the existence of weak physical interactions between the components. Sensory, physicochemical and textural properties of MBE-fortified cream cheese were evaluated over a 28-day storage time at 4 °C. In the optimal concentration range of 0.6–0.9% (w/w) MBE, we determined the inhibition of the post-fermentation process and the improvement in the degree of water retention. This led to the improvement of the textural parameters of the cream cheese, contributing to the extension of the shelf life of the product by 7 days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we describe the synthesis of integrated pyrazole derivatives carrying quinolone moiety by conventional technique. Pyrazole derivatives were synthesized by condensation of hydrazide and ethyl-3-oxo-2-(2-phenylhydrazilidiene) butanoate. Fourier transforms infrared (FT-IR), 1H-Nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C-Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LCMS) studies were used to confirm the structure of the compounds. Docking studies were carried out against the antimicrobial target to know the interaction of the molecules (ligands) with the docked target. Among the docked compounds pyrazole derivative brominated compounds 4d, 4e, 4f, 4g, and 4h violated Lipinski's Rule of Five and thus were not suitable leads. Comparing the synthetic compounds 4c, 4g, and 4i to the reference drug ofloxacin, they exhibit excellent antibacterial activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]