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Numerous case studies have shown that nanoparticles (NPs) can help address raw material challenges in biomedical as well as healthcare‐related fields. The NPs derived from metal as well as metal oxide have exhibited remarkable therapeutic potential in clinical research. The strategies for nanomaterials interaction with cells can be employed to demonstrate their significance as well as enhance their optimistic potential in the health as well as medical domain. There have been numerous scientific initiatives to discuss antibiotic resistance as well as the antibacterial properties of metal‐based NPs. Regardless of such advancements; there is still a need to investigate their achievement to address current challenges in this field. Thus, this review looks into the contributions of various types of nanoparticles, as well as potential biological and biomedical applications. According to recent advancements as well as applications, metal oxide, and metal‐based NPs are predicted to play a significant part in the healthcare system. The opportunities, as well as challenges for NP commercial advancement, are linked to improving production with optimized scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, acid‐treated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were decorated with silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), and Ag@Zn nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using plant extract for reducing and stabilizing NPs. The nanocomposites were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‐energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), Raman spectroscopy, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of functionalized MWCNTs (f‐MWCNTs) and NP‐decorated MWCNTs was visually evaluated for seven days in ethanol. The antimicrobial efficacy against Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram‐negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli) bacteria, and fungi (Candida albicans) was determined using the agar well diffusion assay. Results indicated that Ag‐MWCNTs and Ag@Zn‐MWCNTs nanocomposites exhibited superior antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa and C. albicans compared to other tested microorganisms. Conversely, f‐MWCNTs and Zn‐MWCNTs showed no antimicrobial effects [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Structural modification is an advanced strategy to improve the biological activity of selected compounds and is effectively used to overcome the adverse properties of phytochemicals (e.g., curcumin), such as poor bioavailability and solubility, which limit their clinical use. Considering the fact that ferrocene is a very good candidate for organometallic derivatization of natural products, we have synthesized six new ferrocenylpyrazole analogs of curcumin 8–13. The new compounds were characterized by FT‐IR, 1H, and 13C NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS, HRMS), and their antioxidant and electrochemical properties as well as their biological activity were investigated. The best antioxidant activity evaluated with the DPPH assay was shown by compound 13, but it was lower than the activity achieved by curcumin. The prepared compounds showed no activity against the Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria tested, but the pyrazoles 8, 10, and 11 and the β‐diketone precursors 5, 6, and 7 caused weaker inhibition of the growth of the yeast Candida utilis compared to nystatin. The higher antiproliferative activity in tumorous Hepa 1–6, HeLa, and MCF‐7 cells compared to normal HaCaT and CHO‐K1 cells was achieved by 10, 12, and 13. Compound 12 showed the strongest inhibitory effect in HeLa cells with an IC50 value of 25.20 μM, while the proliferation of normal cells was significantly less affected. In view of the higher selectivity index, compounds 10 and 12 could be considered for further research in the sense of therapeutic use in neoplasms of reproductive tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, snail mucus (SM) has become popular as an active ingredient in cosmetic and pharmaceutical products. In turn, snail eggs (SEs) also seem to be a promising active compound, but the biological activities of SEs are significantly less known. Therefore, our preliminary study aimed to compare the biological activities of the SEs and SM of Helix aspersa Müller. The metabolomic analysis (LC–MS technique), determination of the antimicrobial activity (agar diffusion test, broth microdilution methods), antioxidant activity (ABTS assay), cytotoxicity assay (MTT), and proapoptotic properties (flow cytometry) of the SEs and SM were evaluated. It was found that the SEs and SM contain 8005 and 7837 compounds, respectively. The SEs showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus (MIC 12.5 mg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 3.12 mg/mL). The EC50 estimation of the antioxidant activity is 89.64 mg/mL and above 100 mg/mL for the SEs and SM, respectively. The SEs also inhibited the cell proliferation of cancer cell lines (HCT-116, MCF-7, HT-29) more strongly compared to the SM. The highest proportion of apoptotic cells in HCT-116 was observed. The reach composition of the compounds in the SEs and SM may be crucial for the creation of new cosmetic and pharmaceutical raw materials with different biological activities. However, further extended studies on the biological activities of H. aspersa-delivered materials are still necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, research on functional packaging films and their application to food preservation has been actively conducted. This review discusses recent advances and opportunities for using quercetin in developing bio-based packaging films for active food packaging. Quercetin is a plant-based yellow pigment flavonoid with many useful biological properties. Quercetin is also a GRAS food additive approved by the US FDA. Adding quercetin to the packaging system improves the physical performance as well as the functional properties of the film. Therefore, this review focused on quercetin's effect on the various packaging film properties, such as mechanical, barrier, thermal, optical, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and so on. The properties of films containing quercetin depend on the type of polymer and the interaction between the polymer and quercetin. Films functionalized with quercetin are useful in extending shelf life and maintaining the quality of fresh foods. Quercetin-added packaging systems can be very promising for sustainable active packaging applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbal medicines are important for ensuring sustainable development goals (SDGs) in healthcare, particularly in developing countries with high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and little access to medical facilities. Thymus vulgaris is a widely used herbal medicinal plant known for its secondary metabolites and antimicrobial properties. The present study involved a comprehensive examination of the isolation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of Thymus vulgaris obtained from Ethiopia. The aerial part of the plant Thymus vulgaris was successively extracted with hexane, chloroform, and methanol based on differences in polarity. Phytochemical screening tests conducted against hexane, chloroform and MeOH crude extracts indicated the presence of some secondary metabolites. Based on the thin-layer chromatography tests, the chloroform extract was subjected to column chromatography, yielding Tv-2 compounds, namely 5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol. The structures of the compounds were elucidated via spectroscopic methods (UV–Vis, FT-IR and NMR). We investigated the antibacterial properties of hexane crude extract, chloroform crude extract, MeOH crude extract, and isolated fractions derived from T. vulgaris against various bacterial strains. This study contributes to a better understanding of the bioactive components present in Thymus vulgaris crude extracts and their potential role in tackling microbial infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThis paper describes the synthesis and in vitro biological evaluation of new compounds designated as 5(a-h) and 8(a-f). These compounds were synthesized by the reaction of thiazole derivative (3) or thiadiazole derivative (7) with urea and various aromatic aldehydes 4(a-h) in ethanol. The structures of the synthesized compounds were checked by IR,1H,13C NMR, and Mass spectroscopy. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the compounds were evaluated against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive), and Candida albicans (fungus) using agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal/fungicidal concentration methods. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds against HT-29 and A-549 cancer cell lines were assessed in vitro by the MTT method. Our studies showed compounds 8c and 8f to have the most expressed antibacterial activity against S. aureus, while compounds 8c and 8d were the most potent against E. coli. Compounds 5h and 8e showed the highest antifungal activity against C. albicans, and compound 5f showed the most potent activity against the tested cancer cell lines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitin (Ct) is a crucial biopolymer present in fungi, algae, arthropods, and is usually obtained from crustacean shells. Chitosan (Cs) is a derivative from Ct deacetylation, and possesses numerous uses in various agro-industrial fields. Research on fungal-derived Ct and Cs is mostly focused on pharmaceutical uses, however their uses for plant disease control remain less explored. The main objective of the current study is to evaluate the possibility of using chitosan obtained from mushroom Pleurotus eryngii (Cs-Pe) for controlling some phytopathogens compared to commercial chitosan (C.Cs). This study is focused on the following key areas: (i) extracting Ct from P. eryngii mycelium and converting it to Cs through deacetylation, using both bleaching and non-bleaching methods; (ii) conducting a physico-chemical characterization and in vitro evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of the obtained Cs; (iii) performing an in vivo assessment of the phytotoxic and cytotoxic effects of Cs; and (iv) investigating in vivo the impact of the studied chitosan on fruit quality and its biocontrol efficacy against Monilinia laxa infections in plum fruits. Results showed that Cs-Pe, especially the unbleached one, displayed promising in vitro antimicrobial activity against the majority of tested pathogens. Regarding the cytotoxicity, the highest significant increase in cell abnormality percentage was observed in the case of C.Cs compared to Cs-Pe. In the in vivo study, Cs-Pe acted as a protective barrier, lowering and/or preventing moisture loss and firmness of treated plums. The studied Cs-Pe demonstrated notable efficacy against M. laxa which decreased the fruits' percentage decline. These results strongly suggest that Cs derived from P. eryngii is a potential candidate for increasing plums' shelf-life. This research shed light on the promising applications of P. eryngii-derived Cs in the agri-food field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing represents a complex biological process often hampered by bacterial infections, in particular those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, which is already multiresistant to many antibiotics. In this sense, enzybiotics have additional advantages over conventional antibiotics, since they provide pathogen specificity and do not contribute to antibiotic resistance. However, their soluble administration at the wound site would result in enzyme leakage. On the other hand, bacterial cellulose (BC) pellicles present a very promising dressing and scaffold, given its high purity, water retention capacity, and barrier effect in the wound against possible contaminants. In this study, we present a novel approach that incorporates the enzybiotic CHAPK into BC to develop functionalized membranes that exhibit targeted and controlled antimicrobial activity against S. aureus. The kinetic tests revealed a continuous loading of the enzybiotic into BC until it reaches a maximum and a two-stage release process, characterized by an initial fast release followed by a sustained release. Attenuated total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) confirmed the incorporation and the preferential surface localization of CHAPK within the BC membranes. Finally, the BC/CHAPK materials demonstrated the sustained reduction of up to 4 logarithmic units in the viability of S. aureus. Overall, the biomaterials developed here exhibit promising antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus, offering a potential strategy for wound management and skin infection control while maintaining unharmed the commensal skin microbiota, which impairment could compromise the integrity of the skin barrier function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With increase in population and urbanization, some issues have become alarming which include the water pollution and fresh food due to poor mechanism of storage. In this work, a facile green synthesis process for silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles via Vitis vinifera leaf extract as stabilizing and reducing agent explored as less hazardous has been used for useful applications. XRD pattern explored the crystal structure, cubic silver, and hexagonal ZnO with diffraction peaks. The optimal sample Ag-ZnO (1.5%) showed an average size of 22.5 nm. Different techniques, SEM, EDX, FTIR, PL, and UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed the successful biosynthesis of the silver-doped nanoparticles with various doping concentrations (i.e., 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2%). Examination of photocatalytic potential of these novel nanoparticles in the removal of methylene blue under sunlight irradiations unconcealed its powerful photodegradation enhancement that reached 97%. Rate constants k = 0.00723, 0.01192, 0.01301, 0.01434, and 0.01370 min−1 have been perceived for the disintegration of MB using pure ZnO and Ag-doped ZnO (0.5 to 2%) respectively. The reusability of silver-doped ZnO (1.5%) was noticeable as it approaches 77% after eight cycles of regeneration. Ag-doped ZnO (1.5%) nanoparticles checked for pathogenic bacteria (E. coli and Staphlyococcus aureus) and fungal strains (Fusarium spp. and Rosellinia nscatrix) to examine antimicrobial activity. Experiment results show that Ag-doped ZnO nanoparticles boost up the shelf life as compare to the control center which attribute to the fact that such nanoparticle worked well against antifungal and antimicrobial aspect. The band gap calculation 3.36 eV and rate constant k= 0.0745 min−1 is also calculated by COMSOL simulation for ZnO which nearly matches with experimental results gives confirmation about the purity and structure of synthesized nanomaterial. The present study will have revolutionary influence for elimination of water pollution and cater the food consumption quite efficiently which are awfully need of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new alkaloid named aspergilalkaloid A (1) with pyridoindole hydroxymethyl piperazine dione structure along with six known compounds 2-7 were isolated from deep-sea derived fungus Aspergillus sp. HDN20-1401. The structure including absolute configuration was elucidated by extensive NMR analyses, HRESIMS, ECD calculation, and theoretical NMR calculation with DP4+ analysis. All isolated compounds were tested for antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Aspergilalkaloid A (1) showed inhibitive activity against Bacillus cereus with MIC value of 12.5 μM and weak activity against MRCNS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is a widely used culinary herb. In this study, ethanol, dichloromethane, and sunflower oil were used separately as solvents with distinct polarities for the extraction of basil aerial parts to simulate the different polarity conditions in domestic food processing. The oil extract (OE) was re-extracted with acetonitrile, and the chemical composition, antioxidant potential, and antimicrobial activities of the ethanol (EE), dichloromethane (DCME), and acetonitrile (ACNE) extracts were determined. A total of 109 compounds were tentatively identified in EE, DCME, and ACNE by HPLC–DAD/ESI-ToF-MS. Fatty acids were present in all extracts. Phenolic acids and flavonoids dominated in EE. DCME was characterised by triterpenoid acids, while diterpenoids were mainly found in ACNE. The extracts were analysed for their antioxidant capacity using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) assay. EE and DCME showed significant radical scavenging potential. Antimicrobial activity was explored in eight bacterial, two yeast, and one fungal species. All extracts exhibited high antifungal activity, comparable to or better than that of the commercial drug nistatin. Antibacterial activities were notable for EE and ACNE, while DCME showed no activity against bacteria in the applied concentration ranges. The different polarities of the solvents led to distinctive phytochemical compositions and bioactivities in the extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green synthesis of nanoparticles using lichen extracts offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Known for their medicinal properties, lichens can effectively reduce and stabilise metallic salts, providing an eco-friendly approach to producing nanomaterials with potential antimicrobial applications. In this study, the lichen Rhizoplaca chrysoleuca was utilised in the green synthesis of nanoparticles, successfully creating lichen-derived silver-zinc oxide (Ag–ZnO), silver-strontium oxide (Ag–SrO), and silver-nickel oxide (Ag–NiO) nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy revealed that the characteristic light absorption of the NCs occurred within the range of 300–400 nm for each synthesis, and dynamic light scattering measurements indicated that the hydrodynamic diameters of the nanoparticles were below 100 nm. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the constituent elements. Imaging with field-emission scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy showed that the nanoparticles had spherical shapes with dimensions measuring below 50 nm. X-ray diffraction analysis of the synthesised nanocomposite materials revealed the presence of Ag–ZnO (22 nm), Ag–SrO (48 nm), and Ag–NiO (21 nm) nanoparticles. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy identified functional groups in the nanoparticles, confirming their compositions, while thermogravimetric analysis determined the thermal decomposition temperatures of the NCs. The antibacterial efficacy of these materials was assessed, with Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 11.0 mm) and Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 10.0 mm) showing significant effectiveness against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In contrast, Ag–SrO (inhibition zone 6.5 mm) exhibited comparatively lower antibacterial activity. Additionally, the study highlighted the antifungal properties of Ag–NiO (inhibition zone 19.0 mm) and Ag–ZnO (inhibition zone 8.5 mm) nanomaterials. This research advances the understanding of lichen-based nanotechnology and its potential for developing sustainable antimicrobial solutions. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study addresses the critical need for efficient and sustainable methods to tackle organic pollutants and microbial contamination in water. The present work aim was to investigate the potential of multi-structured zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) for the combined photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and antimicrobial activity. A unique fusion of precipitation-cum-hydrothermal approaches was precisely employed to synthesize the ZnO NPs, resulting in remarkable outcomes. The synthesized CTAB/ZnO NPs demonstrated exceptional properties: they were multi-structured and crystalline with a size of 40 nm and possessed a narrow band gap energy of 2.82 eV, enhancing light absorption for photocatalysis. These nanoparticles achieved an impressive degradation efficiency of 91.75% for Reactive Blue-81 dye within 105 min under UV irradiation. Furthermore, their photocatalytic performance metrics were outstanding, including a quantum yield of 1.73 × 10–4 Φ, a kinetic reaction rate of 3.89 × 102 µmol g–1 h–1, a space–time yield of 8.64 × 10–6 molecules photon–1 mg–1, and a figure-of-merit of 1.03 × 10–9 mol L J–1 g–1 h–1. Notably, the energy consumption was low at 1.73 × 10–4 J mol–1, compared to other systems. Additionally, the ZnO NPs exhibited effective antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. This research underscores the potential of tailored ZnO NPs as a versatile solution for addressing both organic pollution and microbial contamination in water treatment processes. The low energy consumption further enhances its attractiveness as a sustainable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), essential in fermenting milk, produce an array of antimicrobial compounds, notably bacteriocins, which contribute to the extended shelf life of dairy goods. Bacteriocins, ribosomally synthesized peptides, display broad or narrow-spectrum antimicrobial activity, thus holding promise in food preservation. The classification of LAB bacteriocins is intricate, reflecting evolving genomic insights and biosynthesis mechanisms. Strategies for integrating bacteriocins into dairy products include purified forms, bacteriocin-producing LAB, and bacteriocin-containing fermentates, each with distinct advantages and considerations. Optimization of fermentation conditions, encompassing time, temperature, pH, and culture medium, is essential for maximizing bacteriocin production. This optimization facilitates enhanced quality and safety of fermented dairy items, aligning with the growing consumer preference for natural, minimally processed foods. Furthermore, the incorporation of bacteriocins into a hurdle approach alongside thermal and non-thermal treatments holds promise for augmenting food bioprotection while reducing reliance on chemical preservatives. This comprehensive overview underscores the potential of LAB bacteriocins as a natural, effective alternative to conventional food preservatives, offering insights into their application and optimization in dairy product preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhamnolipids, simply divided into mono‐rhamnolipids and di‐rhamnolipids, their physicochemical properties are structure‐dependent. This study explored to increase the proportion of di‐rhamnolipids biosynthesized from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and evaluate the relationship between activity and di‐rhamnolipids proportions. P. aeruginosa SGrhlC was constructed by increasing the rhlC gene in P. aeruginosa SG. HPLC‐MS results indicated that SGrhlC produced more di‐rhamnolipids (62.32%) than that of the wild‐type strain SG (45.24%). Both the species and proportion of di‐rhamnolipids were increased, mainly Rha‐Rha‐C8‐C10 and Rha‐Rha‐C10‐C10. The rhamnolipids produced by SGrhlC was thermostable and salt‐tolerant. The SGrhlC rhamnolipids decreased surface tension of water to 27.0 mN/m with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 50 mg/L and emulsified crude oil with an emulsification index of 66.9 ± 1.5%. The SGrhlC rhamnolipids exhibited antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Cladosporium sp. with IC50 (half maximal inhibitory concentration) values less than 15 mg/L, and washed 73.02% ± 1.77% of oil from petroleum‐contaminated soil. Physicochemical activities of three bacterial rhamnolipids varied with their di‐rhamnolipids proportions. Results indicated that the higher proportions of di‐rhamnolipids were, the lower CMC, better surface activity and higher washing oil rate were, while the weaker emulsifying activity and lower antimicrobial activity were. The SGrhlC rhamnolipids showed better surface activity and a lower critical micelle concentration, which was superior for wetting, foaming, desorbing and dispersing. This study revealed that P. aeruginosa can be genetically regulated to biosynthesize rhamnolipids with specific structure. Perspectives of the customized biosynthesis and applications of rhamnolipids were also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tendency toward natural herbal products has increased due to the antibiotic resistance developed by microorganisms and the severe side effects of antibiotics commonly used in infectious diseases worldwide. Although antimicrobial studies have been conducted with several species of the Iris genus, this study is the first in the literature to be performed with Iris persica L. subsp. persica aqueous and methanol extracts. In this study, the phenolic content of I. persica was determined by LC–MS/MS analysis, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of I. persica aqueous and methanol extracts was examined, and this study was supported by in silico analysis. Consequently, methanol and aqueous extracts were observed to have inhibitory effects against all tested microorganisms except Candida krusei. Although the MIC values of aqueous extract and methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the same (22.5 and 11.25 mg/mL, respectively), the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract is generally more potent (MIC value is 11.25 mg/mL for Candida parapsilosis and other bacterial species, and 90 mg/mL for Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis) than that of methanol extract. In silico results showed that hydroxybenzaldeyde, vanillin, resveratrol, isoquercitrin, kaempferol‐3‐glucoside, fisetin, and luteolin were more prone to antifungal activity. Hence, shikimic, gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, o‐coumaric, trans‐ferulic, sinapic acids, and hesperidin were more prone to antibacterial activity. In vitro and in silico results show that the antibacterial activity of our extracts may be higher than the antifungal activity. This preliminary study indicates the anti‐infective potential of I. persica extracts and their usability in medicine and pharmacology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review examines the potential applications of peptides in biotechnology, medicine, and pharmacy, while highlighting the important antibacterial and antiviral properties of peptides. Peptides and chemical peptide synthesis have become a field of study that is gaining great momentum today. Some of the main reasons for this are high specificity, biodegradability and versatility of peptides. Peptides also have some specific properties that make them attractive for pharmaceutical development. As a case study, it can be used to create peptides that can be used to replace or fix damaged proteins in the body by mimicking the action of naturally occurring proteins. Delivering drugs or other therapeutic agents to specific cells or tissues is another method that can help increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce unwanted effects. Various types of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), such as defensins and cathelicidins, and their anti‐infective properties are also discussed. Finally, peptides (melittin, lactoferricin, etc.) can be used to trigger an immune response against certain infections, such as COVID‐19 and Zika virus, by acting as vaccines. In our study, a comprehensive review was made on antiviral and AMPs, and especially peptides containing arginine and lysine were mentioned. The properties of these peptides, examples of these peptides and their developments in the pharmaceutical field are emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel approach to the therapeutic enhancement of probiotics is their integration with distinctive (having a positive effect on living organisms) nanoparticles. The aim of the study was to examine the impact of nanoceria (nano-CeO2) on the growth of probiotic bacilli, as well as on their antimicrobial activity and antioxidant potential, with the intention of developing a biocomposite preparation for the prevention and treatment of infections. Methods. The number of viable bacterial cells was determined by the tenfold dilution method. The antimicrobial activity of probiotics was evaluated by disk diffusion, well diffusion tests, and measurement of growth inhibition zones of test cultures (Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa). The antioxidant potential of cell-free supernatants of probiotic bacteria was studied using spectrophotometric methods. Results. The growth activity of probiotic strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum IMV B-7142 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum IMV B-7143 reached its maximum when grown with 0.01 mM nano-CeO2. This concentration was determined to be optimal. When testing the antimicrobial activity of probiotic bacilli under the influence of nano-CeO2, its stimulating effect was revealed, but to a different degree for each of the two studied strains. B. amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum IMV B-7142 inhibited the growth of opportunistic pathogenic test cultures more actively than strain IMV B-7143. The antioxidant potential of cell-free supernatants of the studied bacteria was enhanced by nano-CeO2, although to varying degrees. In particular, the activity of hydroxyl radical scavenging markedly increased compared to the control. Conclusions. Consequently, nano-CeO2, due to its stimulatory effect on the physiological and biochemical activity of B. amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum IMV B-7142 and IMV B-7143, may be a promising component of a biocomposite preparation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New azo pyrimidine and pyrazole derivatives containing a quinazolin-4(3H)-one moiety were synthesized, and their antioxidant and antimicrobial effects were studied. The target compounds were obtained starting from ethyl 2-[2-(4-methoxyphenyl)-4-oxo-3,4-dihydroquinazolin-3-yl]acetate which was reacted with p-phenylenediamine, followed by diazotization, coupling with acetylacetone, and condensation with urea, thiourea, and substituted hydrazines. The synthesized compounds were characterized by melting points, FT-IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectra, and elemental analyses. Some of them showed high antioxidant activity compared to ascorbic acid as standard drug, while the others exhibited moderate to low activity. The title compounds were also evaluated for antimicrobial activity by the well diffusion method and were found to be effective against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichiacoli, Bacilluscereus, and Staphylo-coccus aureus, as well as against the fungi Candida albicans and Rhizopus microsporum, at a concentration of 80 µg/mL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of novel thiazolinone derivatives have been synthesized and characterized, and their biological activities have been studied. The title compounds were synthesized by condensation of different aldehydes 11a–11e with thiosemicarbazide to give thiosemicarbazones 12a–12e, which were cyclized with ethyl bromoacetate in the presence of sodium acetate to afford new thiazolinone derivatives 13a–13e. The structure of all newly synthesized compounds was elucidated by elemental analysis and FT–IR and multinuclear NMR (1H and 13C) spectroscopy. Newly synthesized compounds 13a–13e showed weak or no antimicrobial activity against bacterial strains Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and fungal strain Candida albicans. Furthermore, the ADME properties of compounds 13a–13e were examined, and derivatives 13a and 13b but not 13c–13e were found to conform to Lipinskiʼs and Veberʼs rules without violations. The promising compounds 13a and 13b were docked against EGFR and VEGFR-2 binding sites with reduced energy scores, higher fitting, and stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study includes the synthesis of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazole 3-12 on creatinine derivatives that have antioxidant and microbial properties. The reaction of creatinine with hydrazine hydrate in absolute ethanol was successfully achieved to afford hydrazide derivatives 1,2. The desired 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-oxadiazoles 3- 12 were obtained by the reaction of hydrazide derivatives with different aliphatic and aromatic acid derivatives in the presence of POCl3. FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy were used to determine the structures of some compounds. The antioxidant activity of compounds 8, 9, 11, and 12, and the antimicrobial activity of compounds 1, 5, 11, and 12 were tested in vitro and showed good results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

18-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is regarded as the principal active component isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant of licorice root, and it has considerable anticancer actions. This work was built on the discovery and design of brand-new 18-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) amino acid peptides and peptide ester analogs. The cytotoxic evaluation exhibited that despite the promising cytotoxic activity of the tested peptides 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7 in MCF-7 and HCT-116 cancer cells, with IC50 values ranging from 5.1-7.4 and 6.6-72.7 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, all freshly produced GA-peptides with moderate to high activity on tumor cell lines produced a favorable safety profile versus typical human dermal fibroblasts (BJ-1) cellular lineage. Interestingly, 2, 4 and 6 demonstrated excellent multitargeting inhibitory profiles against CDK-2, VEGFR-2, and PDGFR-a kinases. Moreover, since peptide 6 was the most active cytotoxic agent, it was chosen as an illustrative candidate to examine its influence on many apoptotic markers in invitro studies, including Bax, caspase-3 and 7, DNA fragmentation, BCl-2, p53, and tubulin polymerization inhibition. All novel analogs were tested for their antimicrobial efficacy versus a panel of microbial strains. The peptide 6 was also subjected to molecular docking simulations in the active sites of the prior kinases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New biodegradable packaging has been developed from renewable sources, mainly of vegetable origin. Arrowroot starch has been recently used to produce high-quality biodegradable films capable of behaving well when incorporating oils, extracts, metal, and metal nanocomposites. The study aimed to verify the impact of incorporating metals in the sulfate and chloride forms in a biopolymeric matrix from arrowroot starch in terms of biodegradability, physicochemical and microbiological parameters. Different arrowroot films were produced to incorporate solutions with a concentration of 1 Mol L-1 of sulfate and chloride metals. The action of biodegradability in soil, UV transmittance, and visible light were observed in UV-Vis spectrophotometry and antimicrobial action on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella serovar Typhimurium, and Salmonella serovar Enteritidis. Good results were obtained, such as biodegradability time between 81.70 to 100% (30 days), a low transmission rate of UV radiation and visible light between 250 to 890 nm, high capacity for bacterial inhibition between 22.08 to 10.05 mm for E. coli, among 25.59 to 11.10 mm for S. aureus, between 22.14 to 11.66 mm for S. serovar Typhimurium and between 21.11 to 8.26 mm for S. serovar Enteritidis. It is concluded that the biodegradable films of arrowroot starch incorporated with metals showed potential in all the evaluated tests, thus characterizing possible new products for different uses, such as low time available in the environment, preservation of the characteristics of special products, and antimicrobial capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study describes the discovery and characterization of raffinocyclicin, a novel plasmid-encoded circular bacteriocin, produced by the raw milk isolate Lactococcus raffinolactis APC 3967. This bacteriocin has a molecular mass of 6,092 Da and contains 61 amino acids with a three-amino acid leader peptide. It shows the highest identity to the circular bacteriocins bacicyclicin XIN-1 (42.62%), aureocyclicin 4185 (42.62%), and garvicin ML (41.53%). A broad inhibitory spectrum includes strains from Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus, Micrococcus, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, and Listeria, in addition to a pronounced inhibitory effect against Lactococcus and Clostridium. It displays low sensitivity to trypsin, most likely as a result of its circular nature. The raffinocyclicin gene cluster is composed of 10 genes: 6 core genes, genes encoding an accessory three-component ABC transporter (rafCDE), and a putative transcriptional regulator related to the MutR family. A lack of inhibitory activity in the cell-free supernatant combined with the pronounced activity of cell extracts suggests that the majority of raffinocyclicin is associated with the cell rather than being released to the extracellular environment. This is the first report of a bacteriocin produced by the L. raffinolactis species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In our study, the biological activity of Hylocereus polyrhizus obtained from Türkiye was determined. Firstly, antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts obtained from H. polyrhizus against test microorganisms was determined by disc diffusion susceptibility assay, minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal or bactericidal concentration (MFC or MBC) tests. Then, viable cell counting against Limosilactobacillus fermentum MA-7 using the macro-dilution method was used to determine the probiotic-promoting effect of the fruit extracts. Finally, the photo-protective activity of the extracts and extract-cream mixtures was obtained spectrophotometrically. The inhibition zone diameter of the peel extract against the test microorganisms is in the range of 9.60-12.37 mm and the fruit extract is in the range of 7.85-12.00 mm. MBC values ranged from 40 µg/µl to 80 µg/µl in peel extract and between 10 µg/µl and >80 µg/µl in the fruit extract. The inhibition zone diameters of the extracts against probiotics were determined as 6.10 -10.25 mm. As a result of the viable cell count, the viability rate of L. fermentum MA-7 increased as the fruit methanol extract concentration and time increased. The photoprotective activities of the peel and fruit extracts were determined as 13.17 and 12.26. It was determined that the extracts increased sun protection factor (SPF) value of the cream. The results indicated that H. polyrhizus extracts may have potential for use in the nutraceutical products, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis infection has become a global concern. There is a demand for alternative antibacterial agents, such as herbal alternatives, such as Cannabidiol, that are cost-effective, non-toxic and efficient. This study investigates the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) for planktonic cells and the Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) for biofilm formation in multidrug- resistance isolates of E. faecalis isolates, particularly focusing cannabidiol activity. E. faecalis isolates with strong biofilm presence, vancomycin, levofloxacin, and daptomycin displayed high MIC and MBEC values. Cannabidiol exhibited a significantly lower MIC (1 µg/mL) for planktonic cells and a low MBEC (2 µg/mL). Moreover, at low concentrations (2 µg/mL), cannabidiol demonstrated notable reductions in biofilm biovolume, bacterial cell viability and colonyforming unit compared to vancomycin, levofloxacin, and daptomycin. The mice treated with cannabidiol (100 mg/kg) exhibited a significant reduction in E. faecalis bacterial load in internal organs and increased the survival. In conclusion, the findings underscore the promising antibiofilm properties of cannabidiol against E. faecalis, indicating its potential as a novel therapeutic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black soldier fly is a valuable resource insect capable of transforming organic waste while producing antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). The inhibition zone assay (IZA) is a method used to demonstrate the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. This study aimed to examine the experimental principles and establish a standardized IZA method. Results indicated that the AMPs extract consisted of proteins ranging in molecular weights from 0 to 40 kDa. The AMPs diffused radially on an agar plate through an Oxford cup. The diffusion radius was influenced by the concentration and volume of the AMPs but ultimately determined by the mass of the AMPs. The swabbing method was found to be effective for inoculating bacteria on the agar plate. Among the conditions tested, the plate nutrient concentration was the most sensitive factor for the IZA, followed by bacterial concentration and incubation time. Optimal conditions for the IZA included a nutrient plate of 0.5× TSA, a bacterial concentration of 106 CFU/mL, and an incubation time of 12 h, with oxytetracycline (OTC) at 0.01 mg/mL serving as the positive control. The antimicrobial-specific activity of AMPs could be standardized by the ratio of inhibition zone diameters between AMPs and OTC. These findings contribute to the standardization of the IZA method for profiling the antimicrobial activity of AMPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO3 volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten. is a plant from the Asteraceae family that is commonly used in traditional medicine. The purpose of this work was to investigate the antioxidant and antimicrobial characteristics of phenolic compounds found in ethanol and dry extracts of C. vulgare leaves, inflorescence, and roots during various phenological stages. Apigenin-7-O-glucoside and chlorogenic acid were identified in practically all C. vulgare extracts. Extracts from leaves collected at the end of the phenological dormancy period and in the first growing year had the highest antioxidant (cupric ion-reducing antioxidant capacity of 12,938 Trolox equivalents/g dry weight) and antimicrobial activity (against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Candida albicans) with MIC values of ethanol extract from 16.7 mg/mL to 8.35 mg/mL. These extracts included a high concentration of chlorogenic acid and apigenin-7-O-glucoside. Also, dry extracts from C. vulgare roots and inflorescences showed a higher antimicrobial effect compared to ethanolic extracts with MIC values from 5.57 mg/mL to 3 mg/mL. The study emphasizes the critical role of phenological stages and raw material composition in the accumulation of phenolic compounds and their biological activity in C. vulgare. The findings suggest that extracts from C. vulgare leaves, especially those collected at the end of the phonological dormancy period, are promising candidates for further research into bioactive compounds with potential medicinal applications. The strong antioxidant and antibacterial properties of these extracts highlight their potential for development into natural pharmaceutical products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since ancient times, turmeric, scientifically known as Curcuma longa, has been renowned for its therapeutic properties. Recently, extensive documentation has highlighted the prevalence of microbial diseases without effective treatments, the increased expense of certain antimicrobial medications, and the growing occurrence of antimicrobial drug resistance. Experts predict that drug resistance will emerge as a significant global cause of death by the middle of this century, thereby necessitating intervention. Curcumin, a major curcuminoid molecule, has shown extensive antimicrobial action. Improving and altering the use of natural antimicrobial agents is the most effective approach to addressing issues of targeted specificity and drug resistance in chemically synthesized medicines. Further research is required to explore the efficacy of curcumin and other natural antimicrobial substances in combating microbial infections. The solubility and bioavailability of curcumin impede its antimicrobial capability. To enhance curcumin's antimicrobial effectiveness, researchers have recently employed several methods, including the development of curcumin-based nanoformulations. This review seeks to compile the latest available literature to assess the advantages of curcumin as a natural antimicrobial agent (particularly antiviral and antibacterial) and strategies to enhance its medical efficacy. The future application of curcumin will help to alleviate microbial infections, thereby promoting the sustainability of the world's population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Imidazole derivatives are considered potential chemical compounds that could be therapeutically effective against several harmful pathogenic microbes. The chemical structure of imidazole, with a five-membered heterocycle, three carbon atoms, and two double bonds, tends to show antibacterial activities. In the present study, novel imidazole derivatives were designed and synthesized to be evaluated as antimicrobial agents owing to the low number of attempts to discover new antimicrobial agents and the emerging cases of antimicrobial resistance. Two imidazole compounds were prepared and evaluated as promising candidates regarding in vitro cytotoxicity against human skin fibroblast cells and antimicrobial activity against several bacterial strains. The synthesized imidazole derivatives were chemically identified using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results demonstrated a relatively high cell viability of one of the imidazole derivatives, i.e., HL2, upon 24 and 48 h cell exposure. Both derivatives were able to inhibit the growth of the tested bacterial strains. This study provides valuable insight into the potential application of imidazole derivatives for treating microbial infections; however, further in vitro and in vivo studies are required to confirm their safety and effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial DNA gyrase is considered one of the validated targets for antibacterial drug discovery. Benzopyrones have been reported as promising derivatives that inhibit bacterial DNA gyrase B through competitive binding into the ATP binding site of the B subunit. In this study, we designed and synthesized twenty-two benzopyrone-based derivatives with different chemical features to assess their antimicrobial and photosensitizing activities. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Compounds 6a and 6b (rigid tetracyclic-based derivatives), 7a-7f (flexible-linker containing benzopyrones), and 8a-8f (rigid tricyclic-based compounds) exhibited promising results against B. subtilis, S. aureus, and E. coli strains. Additionally, these compounds demonstrated photosensitizing activities against the B. subtilis strain. Both in silico molecular docking and in vitro DNA gyrase supercoiling inhibitory assays were performed to study their potential mechanisms of action. Compounds 8a-8f exhibited the most favorable binding interactions, engaging with key regions within the ATP binding site of the DNA gyrase B domain. Moreover, compound 8d displayed the most potent IC50 value (0.76 μM) compared to reference compounds (novobiocin = 0.41 μM and ciprofloxacin = 2.72 μM). These results establish a foundation for structure-based optimization targeting DNA gyrase inhibition with antibacterial activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction of thiophene-2-carbohydrazide 1 or 5-bromothiophene-2-carbohydrazide 2 with various haloaryl isothiocyanates and subsequent cyclization by heating in aqueous sodium hydroxide yielded the corresponding 4-haloaryl-5-(thiophen-2-yl or 5-bromothiophen-2-yl)-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thione 5a-e. The triazole derivatives 5a and 5b were reacted with different secondary amines and formaldehyde solution to yield the corresponding 2-aminomethyl-4-haloaryl-2,4-dihydro-3H-1,2,4-triazole-3-thiones 6a–e, 7a–e, 8, 9, 10a and 10b in good yields. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of compounds 5a–e, 6a–e, 7a–d, 8, 9, 10a and 10b was evaluated against a panel of standard pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains. Compounds 5a, 5b, 5e, 5f, 6a–e, 7a–d, 8, 9, 10a and 10b showed marked activity, particularly against the tested Gram-positive bacteria and the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, and all the tested compounds were almost inactive against all the tested fungal strains. In addition, compounds 5e, 6a–e, 7a–d and 10a exhibited potent anti-proliferative activity, particularly against HepG-2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines (IC50 < 25 μM). A detailed structural insight study based on the single crystals of compounds 5a, 5b, 6a, 6d and 10a is also reported. Molecular docking studies of the highly active antibacterial compounds 5e, 6b, 6d, 7a and 7d showed a high affinity for DNA gyrase. Meanwhile, the potent anti-proliferative activity of compounds 6d, 6e and 7d may be attributed to their high affinity for cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens in clinical settings has intensified the search for new probiotic strains with both health benefits and technological utility. This study aims to identify and characterize promising antimicrobial cultures derived from milk and dairy products, capable of inhibiting opportunistic pathogens. The samples of dairy products were collected from various markets across Kazakhstan. Microorganisms isolated from these samples underwent identification through 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing, using the BLAST algorithm. Their antimicrobial activity was assessed using the delayed antagonism method against pathogenic microorganisms including E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas sp., Candida sp., and B. subtilis. Additionally, the isolates were evaluated for resistance to environmental stress factors such as temperature, pH, salt, ethanol, glucose, and peroxide. From 24 distinct samples, 33 isolates were purified, with 15 demonstrating high viability (108–109 CFU/mL) and stress resistance. Notably, Lacticaseibacillus casei AK and Enterococcus faecium KS exhibited resistance to all tested stress conditions. Antimicrobial screening revealed strong activity by strains LP, LB, and S-2 against multiple pathogens. Genotyping and carbohydrate fermentation tests identified these effective isolates as belonging to the genera Lactobacillus, Lactococcus, Enterococcus, Lactiplantibacillus, Streptococcus, and the yeast genus Pichia. This study underscores the industrial and health potential of the identified microorganisms. Prominent among the strains, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus LP, Lacticaseibacillus casei AK, Lactiplantibacillus argentoratensis LB, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum S-2, and Enterococcus faecium KS have been recognized as potent probiotics. These strains exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity coupled with robust stress tolerance, making them suitable candidates for probiotic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic infections often involve notorious pathogens like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus, demanding innovative antimicrobial strategies due to escalating resistance. This investigation scrutinized the antibacterial prowess of bile salts, notably taurocholic acid (TCA), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), and ox bile salt (OBS), against these pathogens. Evaluations encompassed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination, scrutiny of their impact on biofilm formation, and anti-virulence mechanisms. UDCA exhibited the highest efficacy, suppressing S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms by 83.5% and 78%, respectively, at peak concentration. TCA also significantly reduced biofilm development by 81% for S. aureus and 75% for P. aeruginosa. Microscopic analysis revealed substantial disruption of biofilm architecture by UDCA and TCA. Conversely, OBS demonstrated ineffectiveness against both pathogens. Mechanistic assays elucidated UDCA and TCA's detrimental impact on the cell membrane, prompting the release of macromolecular compounds. Additionally, UDCA and TCA inhibited protease and elastase synthesis in P. aeruginosa and staphyloxanthin and lipase production in S. aureus. These results underscore the potential of UDCA and TCA in impeding biofilm formation and mitigating the pathogenicity of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to use recycled waste materials to modify the performance of composites used as dental fillings. For this purpose, depolymerized polyethylene terephthalate (DPET) polymers were prepared by recycling waste polyethylene terephthalate (PET) using the glycolysis process. DPET was then blended with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) at different weight percentages. Polymer blends were subjected to mechanical, physical, and biological tests. It is evident that PMMA blended with a 5 wt% of DPET exhibits the highest compressive strength which is approximately two times that obtained from neat PMMA, highlighting the suitability of these resins to replace amalgam and to be considered for dental restorations. It was also found that the water absorption of the blends investigated is relatively stable at 5 wt% DPET. The SEM images showed no distinguishable phases, highlighting the high compatibility between DPET and PMMA. The biological tests, including in vitro cytotoxicity, showed that the cell viability mean values of PMMA containing 5 wt% DPET is higher than that of control group. Interestingly, in dental practice, the reliable in vitro cytotoxic approach is considered as an important aid in clinical procedures in the use of dental filling systems. The microbiology study has shown that the inhibition zones against Streptococcus mutans of PMMA: 5 wt% DPET is higher than the control group. According to the obtained results, the blend of PMMA: 5 wt% DPET was selected as an optimum blend, which was then reinforced with various weight percentages of nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2). The composites were then tested under compression, microhardness, and impact tests. The results demonstrated the significant impact of TiO2 on enhancing the properties of the composites investigated. This can provide a new protocol for synthesizing nanocomposite materials for dentistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helianthemum nummularium (HN) and Helianthemum oelanticum subsp. incanum (HO) are plant species, among Cistaceae, that are highly distributed in the Mediterranean region. In the current study, extracts of the aerial parts from both species have been analyzed phytochemically. The non-polar extract analysis resulted in the identification of 15 compounds in each species, mainly terpene and fatty acid derivatives, through GC–MS. The methanolic extract analysis, conducted through UHPLC–MS/MS, led to the identification of 39 metabolites in HN and 29 in HO, respectively, the majority of which were phenolics. Among the identified compounds, several have also been isolated and structurally determined (from HN: rutin, linoleic acid, gallic acid, and isoquercetin, and from HO: quercetin-3-O-(2″-O-galloyl)-galactopyranoside, methyl gallate, catechin-3-O-glucopyranoside, and astragalin, while hyperoside, and cis- and trans-tiliroside have been determined in both species). Furthermore, the methanolic extracts of HN and HO displayed a high total phenolic content (177.2 mg GA/g extract and 150.6 mg GA/g extract, respectively) and considerable free-radical scavenging activity against the DPPH radical (94.6% and 94.0% DPPH inhibition, respectively). Antimicrobial testing showed stronger inhibition of HN against Gram (+) bacterial strains (MIC values 0.07–0.15 mg/mL), while both extracts exhibited low tyrosinase-inhibitory activity. Considering the lack of studies conducted on the chemistry and biological activities of the genus Helianthemum, the chemical characterization of extracts could contribute to new sources of bioactive metabolites to be explored and exploited for further potential applications such as food and/ or the cosmetic industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects of the Mentha arvensis L. essential oil (EO). The biological activity of M. arvensis EO depended on the analyzed variable and the tested oil concentration. Higher concentrations of EO (20 and 30 µg mL−1) showed a moderate inhibitory effect on the germination and growth of seedlings of tested weed species (Bellis perennis, Cyanus segetum, Daucus carota, Leucanthemum vulgare, Matricaria chamomilla, Nepeta cataria, Taraxacum officinale, Trifolium repens and Verbena × hybrida). The results obtained also indicate that the EO of M. arvensis has some genotoxic, cytotoxic and proliferative potential in both plant and human in vitro systems. Similar results were obtained for antimicrobial activity against eight bacteria, including multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains [Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing (ESBL) E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Enteritidis], with the effect on multidrug-resistant bacterial strains. Research indicates that the EO of M. arvensis shows phytotoxic, genotoxic, cytotoxic and antimicrobial effects, as well as its potential application as a herbicide and against various human diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A range of fused heterocyclic compounds are generated utilizing the crucial intermediary 2-cyano-N-(2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl) acetamide 4. Spectral analysis was executed to support the structures of the newly synthesized compounds, which is expected to have a potential biological activity. The antimicrobial activity of the recently synthesized compounds and their derivatives has been tested against B. subtilis, S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, S. typhimurium, C. albicans, and A. niger, as reference antibiotics, ampicillin and mycostatin, were used against test bacteria and fungi, respectively. In general, the novel produced compounds demonstrated a good antibacterial action against the previously indicated pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The urgent need for new, efficient solutions to antibiotic resistance is a serious worldwide healthcare concern. Recently, new classes of antimicrobials known as antimicrobial polymers have played a significant role in tackling multidrug‐resistant bacteria. To achieve this purpose, antimicrobial biodegradable materials made from affordable renewable resources, including polysaccharides, are extensively applied. Here, this study presents a simple one‐pot method for generating powerful antimicrobial polymer using soluble starch and an easily accessible chemical pyridine. The quaternary pyridine‐grafted starch (St‐QP) is prepared and characterized using structural and thermal techniques. To assess the antimicrobial capabilities of the St‐QP for textile application, antimicrobial activities of the St‐QP, antimicrobial activity of the St‐QP‐coated fabric, cytotoxicity, durability of the St‐QP coated fabric, surface morphology of St‐QP coated fabric and antimicrobial activity after washing cycles are also examined. According to the findings, St‐QP and its modified materials have shown good antimicrobial activity against three bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Mycobacterium smegmatis, and the fungus Candida albicans. The St‐QP displays low toxicity to human fibroblasts, and after being coated on fabrics, it shows good durability and antimicrobial activity. The St‐QP coated fabric material shows 80% inhibition for all four microorganisms even after 25 washing cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health is essential for both overall health and quality of life. The mouth is a window into the body's health, and nutrition can strongly impact the state of general and oral health. A healthy diet involves the synergistic effect of various nutraceutical agents, potentially capable of conferring protective actions against some inflammatory and chronic-degenerative disorders. Nutraceuticals, mostly present in plant-derived products, present multiple potential clinical, preventive, and therapeutic benefits. Accordingly, preclinical and epidemiological studies suggested a protective role for these compounds, but their real preventive and therapeutic effects in humans still await confirmation. Available evidence suggests that plant extracts are more effective than individual constituents because they contain different phytochemicals with multiple pharmacological targets and additive/synergistic effects, maximizing the benefits for oral health. Moreover, nutritional recommendations for oral health should be personalized and aligned with valid suggestions for overall health. This review is aimed to: introduce the basic concepts of nutraceuticals, including their main food sources; examine the logic that supports their relationship with oral health, and summarize and critically discuss clinical trials testing the utility of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of oral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chalcones, secondary plant metabolites, exhibit various biological properties. The introduction of a chlorine and a glucosyl substituent to the chalcone could enhance its bioactivity and bioavailability. Such compounds can be obtained through a combination of chemical and biotechnological methods. Therefore, 4-chloro-2′-hydroxychalcone and 5′-chloro-2′-hydroxychalcone were obtained by synthesis and then glycosylated in two filamentous fungi strains cultures, i.e., Isaria fumosorosea KCH J2 and Beauveria bassiana KCH J1.5. The main site of the glycosylation of both compounds by I. fumosorosea KCH J2 was C-2′ and C-3 when the second strain was utilized. The pharmacokinetics of these compounds were predicted using chemoinformatics tools. Furthermore, antimicrobial activity tests were performed. Compounds significantly inhibited the growth of the bacteria strains Escherichia coli 10536, Staphylococcus aureus DSM 799, and yeast Candida albicans DSM 1386. Nevertheless, the bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa DSM 939 exhibited significant resistance to their effects. The growth of lactic acid bacteria strain Lactococcus acidophilus KBiMZ 01 bacteria was moderately inhibited, but strains Lactococcus rhamnosus GG and Streptococcus thermophilus KBM-1 were completely inhibited. In summary, chalcones substituted with a chlorine demonstrated greater efficacy in inhibiting the microbial strains under examination compared to 2′-hydroxychalcone, while aglycones and their glycosides exhibited similar effectiveness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research studied the phenolic content compared with the antioxidant properties of various O. vulgare (Lamiaceae) cultivars grown in Poland. The research results in this paper indicate that the dominant ingredient in all oregano cultivars was rosmarinic acid, known for its strong antioxidant properties. The highest amounts of rosmarinic acid (87.16 ± 4.03 mg/g dm) were identified in the O. vulgare spp. hirtum (Link) Ietsw. Other metabolites identified in the studied extracts include luteolin O-di-glucuronide-O-di-pentoside (30.79 ± 0.38 mg/g dm in the 'Aureum' cultivar), 4′-O-glucopyranosyl-3′, 4′-dihydroxy benzyl-protocatechuate (19.84 ± 0.60 mg/g dm in the 'Margerita' cultivar), and p-coumaroyl-triacetyl-hexoside (25.44 ± 0.18 mg/g dm in the 'Margerita' cultivar). 'Hot & spicy' and 'Margerita' cultivars were characterized by the highest activity in eliminating OH• and O2•− radicals. Extracts from Greek oregano had the highest ability to scavenge DPPH radicals and chelate iron ions. This research has also provided new evidence that oregano has anti-migratory, cytotoxic properties and influences the viability of gastric cancer cells (the highest cytotoxicity was attributed to the 'Hot & spicy' cultivar, which performed the worst in antioxidant properties tests). Extracts from the tested cultivars at a concentration of 0.625% effectively inhibited the growth of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacteria. It seems that the oregano grown in Poland is of good quality and can be successfully grown on a large scale if the appropriate use is found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several novel copper (II) complexes of reduced Schiff bases containing fluoride substituents were prepared and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The complexes exhibited diverse structures, with the central atom in distorted tetrahedral geometry. The biological effects of the products were evaluated, specifically their cytotoxicity, antimicrobial, and antiurease activities, as well as affinity for albumin (BSA) and DNA (ct-DNA). The complexes showed marked cytotoxic activities in the HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, considerably higher than the standard cisplatin. The cytotoxicity depended significantly on the substitution pattern. The best activity was observed in the complex with a trifluoromethyl group in position 4 of the benzene ring—the dichloro[(±)-trans-N,N′-bis-(4-trifluoromethylbenzyl)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine]copper (II) complex, whose activity (IC50 28.7 μM) was higher than that of the free ligand and markedly better than the activity of the standard cisplatin (IC50 336.8 μM). The same complex also showed the highest antimicrobial effect in vitro. The affinity of the complexes towards bovine serum albumin (BSA) and calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) was established as well, indicating only marginal differences between the complexes. In addition, all complexes were shown to be excellent inhibitors of the enzyme urease, with the IC50 values in the lower micromolar region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriocins are a class of proteins produced by bacteria that are toxic to other bacteria. These bacteriocins play a role in bacterial competition by helping to inhibit potential competitors. In this study, we isolated and purified a novel bacteriocin Pkmh, different from the previously reported bacteriocin PA166, from Pseudomonas sp. strain 166 by ammonium sulfate precipitation, dialysis membrane method, ion exchange chromatography, and gel filtration chromatography. SDS-PAGE (sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) revealed that the molecular weight of Pkmh is approximately 35 kDa. Pkmh exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against bovine Mannheimia haemolytica (M. haemolytica) with low cytotoxicity, and lower hemolytic activity was observed. In addition, Pkmh retained antimicrobial activity at different pH ranges (2–10) and temperature conditions (40, 60, 80, 100 °C). Our analysis of its antimicrobial mechanism showed that Pkmh acts on bacterial cell membranes, increasing their permeability and leading to cell membrane rupture and death. In conclusion, Pkmh exhibited low hemolytic activity, low toxicity, and potent antibacterial effects, suggesting its potential as a promising candidate for clinical therapeutic drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important small organic molecule, cyclopropane is widely used in drug design. In this paper, fifty-three amide derivatives containing cyclopropane were designed and synthesized by introducing amide groups and aryl groups into cyclopropane through the active splicing method, and their antibacterial and antifungal activities were evaluated in vitro. Among them, thirty-five compounds were new compounds, and eighteen compounds were known compounds (F14, F15, F18, F20–F26, F36, and F38–F44). Bioassay results disclosed that four, three, and nine of the compounds showed moderate activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, respectively. Three compounds were sensitive to Candida albicans, with excellent antifungal activity (MIC80 = 16 μg/mL). The molecular docking results show that compounds F8, F24, and F42 have good affinity with the potential antifungal drug target CYP51 protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the results of studying dilute aqueous solutions of commercial Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O salts with Ln = Ce-Lu using X-ray diffraction (XRD), IR spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS: EXAFS/XANES), and pH measurements. As a reference point, XRD and XAS measurements for characterized Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O microcrystalline powder samples were performed. The local structure of Ln-nitrate complexes in 20 mM Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O aqueous solution was studied under total external reflection conditions and EXAFS geometry was applied to obtain high-quality EXAFS data for solutions with low concentrations of Ln3+ ions. Results obtained by EXAFS spectroscopy showed significant contraction of the first coordination sphere during the dissolution process for metal ions located in the middle of the lanthanide series. It was established that in Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O solutions with Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Yb (c = 134, 100, 50 and 20 mM) there are coordinated and, to a greater extent, non-coordinated nitrate groups with bidentate and predominantly monodentate bonds with Ln ions, the number of which increases upon transition from cerium to ytterbium. For the first time, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Ln(NO3)3 · xH2O Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Tb, Yb solutions with different concentrations and pH was presented. Cross-relationships between the concentration of solutions and antimicrobial activity with the type of Ln = Ce, Sm, Gd, Tb, Yb were established, as well as the absence of biocidal properties of solutions with a concentration of 20 mM, except for Ln = Yb. The important role of experimental conditions in obtaining and interpreting the results was noted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus L.) revealed a variety of active molecules and examined their biological characteristics. However, most of these studies were conducted on wild varieties, while cultivated plants were addressed less. This study aimed to characterize the biomolecules and biological activities of lemon grass growing under North African conditions in Morocco. Phenolic compound profiles of aqueous (AE), ethanol (EE), and methanol (ME) extracts and their fractions were obtained with steric exclusion chromatography on Sephadex G50 gel and identified by LC-MS/MS. Then, total polyphenols (TPC), flavonoids (TFC), and antioxidant activities (FRAP: scavenging value and TAC: Total Antioxidant Capacity) of the fraction were evaluated, as well as the antimicrobial activity. The obtained results showed that the ME contained eight major compounds (i.e., apigenine-7-O-rutinoside and myricitine-3-O-rutinoside). The AE showed the presence of five molecules (i.e., kaempferol-3-O-glucuronide), while EE showed the presence of three molecules (i.e., quercetine-3-O-rutinoside). Regarding the chemical characterization, the highest value of total phenolic content (TPC) was obtained in AE (25) (4.60 ± 0.29 mg/g), and the highest value of total flavonoid content (TFC) was obtained in ME (29) (0.7 ± 0.08 mg/g). Concerning the antioxidant activity, the highest FRAP was obtained in ME (29) (97.89%), and the highest total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was obtained in ME (29) (89.89%). Correlation between FRAP, TPC, and TFC was noted only in fractions of AE and ME. All tested extracts of C. citratus and their fractions showed a significant antimicrobial effect. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was recorded for ME against E. coli. Extracts' biological activities and their fractions were governed by their active molecules. These data are new and clarify a novel aspect of bioactive molecules in the extracts of cultivated C. citratus. Equally, throughout this research, we clarified the relationship between identified molecules and their biological properties, including antioxidant and anti-microbial activities, which is new for the study area. This study is suggested as a reference for comparative studies and other assays of other biological activities for the study plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]