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Design and development of novel eco-friendly materials with outstanding antimicrobial properties have transpired to impede and regulate the growth of pathogenic microorganisms. Bionanocomposites are the propitious aspirant to circumvent the global warming emanates and proliferation in pollution attributed to biocompatibility, degradability, and environmental benign primacy. Undoubtedly, silver nanoparticles are the magic bullet that has efficient antimicrobial properties against various bacterial strains. The synchronous existence of chitosan and Ag nanoparticles are the two crucial protruding antibacterial agents that divulged imperious antibacterial properties against gram-positive strains in comparison to gram-negative strains. This indagation will shed light on the experimentation and analysis of chitosan/PVA biohybrid grafted with graphene and silver nanoparticles for screening of antibacterial efficiency. The tensile strength of 15% GO/CS/Ag/PVA was found to be 81.99 MPa as compared to pristine chitosan which was 36 MPa. The active resultant bio-nano hybrid fabricated via a biomimetic approach evinced magnificently thermostable, mechanically robust, and antibacterial properties which make it a potential candidate for packaging applications. The results revealed that the inhibition is relatively dependent upon concentration. It has been noticed that a better antibacterial effect was shown by gram-positive bacteria contrary to gram-negative strains for GO-reinforced CS films owing to the presence of silver nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study intended to synthesize Nickel-doped Cerium oxide (Ni-CeO2 NPs) nanoparticles using Pedalium Murex leaf extract. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the structure of the Ni-CeO2 NPs. The XRD measurements showed that the Ni-CeO2 NPs crystallized into the face-centered cubic system. The Ni(1%)-CeO2 and Ni(3%)-CeO2 NP’s crystallite sizes were between 47nm and 59nm. FTIR and Raman spectral studies were conducted to investigate the sample’s atomic vibrations and chemical bonding. Energy-dispersive X-ray study and field-emission scanning electron microscopy were performed to examine the surface texture and chemical assembly of the Ni-CeO2 NPs. UV–Vis DRS spectrum study was performed to ascertain the reflectance characteristics and bandgap of Ni-CeO2 NPs. The Ni(1%)-CeO2 and Ni(3%)-CeO2 NPs were found to have bandgaps of 2.73eV and 2.82eV, respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were employed to explore the electrochemical nature of Ni-CeO2 NPs and their capacitive properties at various scanning rates. Using the agar well-diffusion technique, the antifungal activities of Ni-CeO2 NPs were assessed. The experimental findings illustrate the utility of Ni-CeO2 NPs for supercapacitor electrode material and healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research have examined the facile bio-fabrication of the rutile phase of TiO2-NPs nanoparticles using phytoconstituents of Phyllanthus emblica seeds as a reducer and stabilizers under microwave irradiations. XRD confirmed the incidence of phase with the formation of nanostructured crystals with average crystallite size ∼ 19 nm. FTIR spectra exhibited the attendance of the O–Ti–O band with a remnant of phytoconstituents. SEM and HRTEM have shown an almost spherical morphology with smooth particle surfaces in the 30–50 nm size range. The results of the antimicrobial tests were determined with the zone of inhibitions observed in the incubated culture plates. The effective zone of inhibitions were noted to be 23.33 ± 0.5, 24.67 ± 0.5, and 22.67 ± 0.5 mm against Bacillus sp., Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. This research has demonstrated an inexpensive, rapid, and facile technique for the formation of rutile TiO2-NPs with suitable structural and morphology features for antimicrobial applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background The wound healing process, restoring the functionality of the damaged tissue, can be accelerated by various compounds. The recent experimental analysis highlights the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in improving skin regeneration and wound healing. In traditional medicine, one of the widespread plants used for treating different injuries or skin afflictions is Galium aparine L. (GA). Besides, previously reported chemical compounds of GA suggested its therapeutic effects for the wound healing process, yet its regulatory effects on the cellular and molecular stages of the wound healing process have not been investigated. Methods In the present study, the phytochemical profile of the GA extract was analyzed using HPTLC fingerprinting, and further scientific evaluation of its phytochemicals was done. The wound-healing effects of GA extract were explored at the cellular and molecular levels while accounting for cell toxicity. The wound closure enhancing effect, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity were assessed. Results The HPTLC fingerprinting of the GA extract proved its previously reported phytochemical profile including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, plant acids, ergot alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, sterols, salicin, lipophilic compounds, saponins, iridoids, and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. Antimicrobial assessment, of the extract, indicated the more susceptibility of S. aureus to the inhibitory effects of GA rather than E. coli and S. epidermidis. DPPH test results revealed the antioxidant property of GA extract, which was comparable to ascorbic acid. The results of the viability assay showed no cytotoxicity effects on human umbilical endothelial cell (HUVEC) and normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell lines treated with different concentrations of whole plant extract and cell viability increased in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the scratch assay showed improved cell migration and wound closure. Conclusions This study shows the anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and in vitro wound healing wound-healing effects of GA hydroalcoholic extract, which aligns with its use in traditional medicine. No cytotoxicity effects were shown. The results from this study can be the basis for further investigations such as animal models and phytochemical studies. Further evaluation of its effects on mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the wound healing processes such as angiogenesis and cell proliferation can provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic effects of the GA extract.

Background: The wound healing process, restoring the functionality of the damaged tissue, can be accelerated by various compounds. The recent experimental analysis highlights the beneficial effects of phytochemicals in improving skin regeneration and wound healing. In traditional medicine, one of the widespread plants used for treating different injuries or skin afflictions is Galium aparine L. (GA). Besides, previously reported chemical compounds of GA suggested its therapeutic effects for the wound healing process, yet its regulatory effects on the cellular and molecular stages of the wound healing process have not been investigated. Methods: In the present study, the phytochemical profile of the GA extract was analyzed using HPTLC fingerprinting, and further scientific evaluation of its phytochemicals was done. The wound-healing effects of GA extract were explored at the cellular and molecular levels while accounting for cell toxicity. The wound closure enhancing effect, antibacterial activity, and antioxidant activity were assessed. Results: The HPTLC fingerprinting of the GA extract proved its previously reported phytochemical profile including phenols, flavonoids, tannins, plant acids, ergot alkaloids, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids, sterols, salicin, lipophilic compounds, saponins, iridoids, and heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. Antimicrobial assessment, of the extract, indicated the more susceptibility of S. aureus to the inhibitory effects of GA rather than E. coli and S. epidermidis. DPPH test results revealed the antioxidant property of GA extract, which was comparable to ascorbic acid. The results of the viability assay showed no cytotoxicity effects on human umbilical endothelial cell (HUVEC) and normal human dermal fibroblast (NHDF) cell lines treated with different concentrations of whole plant extract and cell viability increased in a dose-dependent manner. The results of the scratch assay showed improved cell migration and wound closure. Conclusions: This study shows the anti-oxidant, anti-microbial, and in vitro wound healing wound-healing effects of GA hydroalcoholic extract, which aligns with its use in traditional medicine. No cytotoxicity effects were shown. The results from this study can be the basis for further investigations such as animal models and phytochemical studies. Further evaluation of its effects on mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in the wound healing processes such as angiogenesis and cell proliferation can provide novel insights into the potential therapeutic effects of the GA extract. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chitosan is one of the most abundant biopolymers in nature with high economic value due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, lack of toxicity, and antifungal activity. In this study, chitosan was extracted from three different sources: Blaps lethifera (CSB), Pimelia fernandezlopezi (CSP), and Musca domestica (CSM). The ash content (AC), moisture content (MC), fat binding capacity (FBC), water binding capacity (WBC), and deacetylation degree (DD) were determined for the prepared chitosans. The effect of the DD of chitosan on the antibacterial activity of gram (positive/negative) bacteria and the azo dyes (methylene blue, MB) removal from wastewater was also investigated. Chitosan extracts showed good antibacterial activity against Listeria innocua, Bacillus subtiliis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The MB dye removal of CSB-chitosan, CSP-chitosan, and CSM-chitosan reached 37%, 87%, and 26%, respectively, at a contact time of 2 h, a low initial dye concentration MB of 13 ppm, a solution temperature of 25 °C, and a pH = 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used ascorbic acid for the preparation of bimetallic platinum-selenium nanoparticles (Pt-Se NPs). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectra confirmed the co-existence of Pt and Se in Pt-Se NPs. The spherical-shaped Pt-Se NPs sized < 20 nm without agglomeration were evidenced transmission electron microscope (TEM). Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum indicated the presence of Pt (20%) and Se (10%) in Pt-Se NPs. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the heterogenous Pt-enriched Pt-Se NPs with an atomic ratio of 0.32% / 0.06% of Pt/Se. The binding energies at 54.64 eV and 71.46 eV were assigned for Se (Se3d) and Pt (Pt4f) of Pt species, respectively. The zeta size of 117.9 ± 1.8 d. nm, with a poly-dispersion index (PDI) of 0.156 and a zeta potential of -20.7 mV, were measured for Pt-Se NPs. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed the peaks in Pt-Se NPs related to characteristic peaks of ascorbic acid. The Pt-Se NPs (100 µg) significantly inhibited S. enterica, E. coli, L. monocytogenes, S. aureus, and B. cereus. The hemolytic and cytotoxicity assays revealed that Pt-Se NPs (0–80 µg/mL) were non-toxic to red blood cells (RBCs) and the mouse fibroblast (NIH3T3) cell line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The current study was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial potential of leaf and fruit extracts of Zanthoxylum armatum against two pathogenic bacterial isolates, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Methods: Twelve commercially available antibiotics were tested S. aureus and S. epidermidis by antimicrobial susceptibility test (AST). Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals was performed to evaluate the presence of certain secondary metabolites. The activity of Z. armatum extracts against S. aureus and S. epidermidis was measured as a maximum zone of inhibition exhibited by each leaf and fruit extract. An in-silico study was conducted on flavonoids and alkaloids to show their binding affinity with the PBP2a receptor protein of S. aureus and TcaR of S. epidermidis. Results: The AST revealed that S. aureus was resistant to Penicillin, Ampicillin, Clindamycin, Vancomycin, Rifampicin, Novobiocin, and Oxacillin, whereas S. epidermidis was resistant to Streptomycin, Oxacillin, Tetracycline, and Novobiocin. Qualitative analysis of phytochemicals resulted in the presence of Saponins, fixed oils, flavonoids, alkaloids, starch, and fatty acids in both leaf and fruit extracts. The maximum zone of inhibition against S. aureus was produced by methanolic leaf extracts of Z. armatum and chloroform fruit extracts. For S. epidermidis, the best activity was exhibited by benzene leaf extracts and methanolic fruit extracts. An in-silico study showed that flavonoids Nitidine and Nevadensin exhibited binding affinity with the PBP2a receptor protein higher than selected antibiotics, ie, Penicillin, Chloramphenicol, and Oxacillin. TcaR of S. epidermidis interacted with Tambuletin, followed by Nitidine and Kaempferol. Conclusion: After in vitro testing, in silico analysis advised extracting and purifying the bioactive components from Z. armatum extracts that showed significant interaction with bacterial virulence proteins for use as natural antibiotics against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from Tecoma capensis flower aqueous extract (TcAqFE). The impact of AgNPs on microstructural, optical, antibacterial and antiproliferative properties have been investigated through UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), fourier infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR), agar well diffusion technique assay and MTT. The particles size estimated from TEM and XRD is in the range of 1–10 nm. The XRD pattern reveals that the Tecoma capensis silver nanoparticles (TcAgNPs) have a cubic crystal structure. FTIR spectra showed band positions at 1071, 1358, 1620, 1962, 2150, 2920 and 3361 cm−1. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in AgNPs became evident with an absorption peak at 407 nm. GC‐MS analysis of ethanolic flower extract revealed the presence of major phytochemical constituents, including Butanal (57.14 %), Propanol (20.23 %), Ethanone (4.88 %), Mesitylene (3.70 %), Hexanal (3.33 %), 4‐Cyclopentene‐1,3‐diol, trans (3.16 %), Furan (2.94 %), 5‐Hepten‐2‐one (2.58 %), and Acetic acid (1.68 %). The antibacterial assay results clearly indicate that the TcAgNPs exhibited the maximum activity against Salmonella typhi, with inhibition zone (IZ) values of (40±1.4 mm), followed by Bacillus subtilis (35.66±2.0 mm), Staphylococcus aureus (32.6±0.64 mm), Escherichia. coli (29.66±2.05 mm), Listeria monocytogenes (27±1.63 mm), and Klebsiella pneumoniae exhibiting the least IZ values (23±1.6 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranged from 0.20 to 2.81 mg/mL. The highest MIC value 2.81 mg/mL was observed in case of Salmonella typhi, while Staphylococcus aureus (0.20 mg/mL), displayed the lowest MIC values. The MIC of Gentamycin also ranged from 0.012 to 0.024 mg/mL. MTT assay demonstrated that the aqueous extract was potent against the cancer cell line A549, with a GI50 of 71.79 μg/mL. These results suggest that TcAgNPs have therapeutic potential and can serve as antibacterial and antiproliferative agents to protect against several ailments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential toxicity of acetonic and methanolic extracts derived from the Euphorbia esula L. plant on various cell lines of human colorectal cancer (HCT116 and SW480), human embryonic kidney normal cells (HEK293), Artemia salina larvae, and its bactericidal effects. The cytotoxic effect of E. esula extracts on cell lines was performed using the MTT assay. In vitro toxicity and biocompatibility of extracts were also evaluated on A. salina and red blood cells by hemolysis test, respectively. The ability of the extracts to inhibit bacterial growth was examined by using the disc diffusion method, as well as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the microtiter broth dilution method. Results showed acetonic extract contains the highest concentration of flavonoid (16.17 µg Qu/mg) and phenol (34.84 µg GA/mg) compared to methanolic extract. The anti-proliferative effects of acetonic extract had the highest effect on HCT116 and HEK293 with IC50 of 64.80 µg/mL and 47.82 µg/mL at 72h, respectively. The hemolysis degree of the methanolic extracts was

The intention of this study was to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) via bottom‐up approach and evaluate their physiochemical, antimicrobial and anticancer properties. ZnO‐NPs were first prepared by the direct precipitation method with zinc sulphate heptahydrate, followed by characterization tests using sophisticated analytical and imaging instruments. Upon characterization, ZnO‐NPs were studied for their antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as well as their anticancer activity against breast cancer cell line (MDA‐MB 231). The ZnO‐NPs possessed a mean particle diameter of 225.2 nm and a zeta potential of −15.8 mV. A sharp absorption peak of ZnO was recorded at 354 nm via UV‐Visible spectroscopy. Hexagonal wurtzite shape of ZnO‐NPs has been observed and confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X‐Ray diffraction (XRD). ZnO‐NPs exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against the Gram‐positive bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus. In an in vitro cell cytotoxicity study, ZnO‐NPs showed a dose‐dependent relationship against MDA‐MB 231 breast cancer cells. It was observed that as the concentration of ZnO‐NPs increased (0.25 μg to 35 μg), there was a sharp reduction in the proliferation rate of the cancer cell line. Overall, our study reported successful synthesis of ZnO‐NPs, which can be efficient antibacterial and anticancer agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine algae are sources of bioactive components with defensive properties of great value against microbial infections. This study investigated the bioactivity of extracts from brown algae Fucus vesiculosus against rotavirus, the worldwide leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Moreover, one of the extracts was tested against four foodborne bacteria: Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and the non-pathogenic: E. coli K12. In vitro tests using MA104 cells revealed that both whole algae extracts and crude fucoidan precipitates neutralized rotavirus in a dose-responsive manner. The maximum neutralization activity was observed when the rotavirus was incubated with 100 μg mL−1 of the hydrochloric acid-obtained crude fucoidan (91.8%), although crude fucoidan extracted using citric acid also demonstrated high values (89.5%) at the same concentration. Furthermore, molecular weight fractionation of extracts decreased their antirotaviral activity and high molecular weight fractions exhibited higher activity compared to those of lower molecular weight. A seaweed extract with high antirotaviral activity was also found to inhibit the growth of C. jejuni, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes at a concentration of 0.2 mg mL−1. Overall, this study expands the current knowledge regarding the antimicrobial mechanisms of action of extracts from F. vesiculosus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential toxicity of acetonic and methanolic extracts derived from the Euphorbia esula L. plant on various cell lines of human colorectal cancer (HCT116 and SW480), human embryonic kidney normal cells (HEK293), Artemia salina larvae, and its bactericidal effects. The cytotoxic effect of E. esula extracts on cell lines was performed using the MTT assay. In vitro toxicity and biocompatibility of extracts were also evaluated on A. salina and red blood cells by hemolysis test, respectively. The ability of the extracts to inhibit bacterial growth was examined by using the disc diffusion method, as well as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the microtiter broth dilution method. Results showed acetonic extract contains the highest concentration of flavonoid (16.17 µg Qu/mg) and phenol (34.84 µg GA/mg) compared to methanolic extract. The anti-proliferative effects of acetonic extract had the highest effect on HCT116 and HEK293 with IC50 of 64.80 µg/mL and 47.82 µg/mL at 72h, respectively. The hemolysis degree of the methanolic extracts was <2% at 400 µg/mL. LC50 for the acetonic and methanolic extracts exhibited moderate and low toxicities on the brine shrimp larvae, with LC50 of 381.969 µg/mL and 1905.77 µg/mL, respectively. The bactericidal effect of 50 mg/mL acetonic extracts showed a clear zone inhibitory growth on Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae with 34 mm and 35mm at the MIC and MBC values of 1000 and 2000 mg/mL, respectively. These findings could help to elucidate the anti-tumor, antibacterial, and toxic properties of E. esula extracts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-healing wounds are a global health problem. Substances that enhance cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and prevention of bacterial infections accelerate the wound healing process. In this study, the wound healing potential of Ziziphus oenoplia, is investigated for its ability in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and antibacterial potential. The potential of cell proliferation enhancement (mean percent wound closure) and angiogenic response (mean vascular index) of hexanes, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and methanol extracts of leaf and bark of Z. oenoplia were evaluated by scratch wound assay (SWA) using Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells and chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay, respectively. The antibacterial activity of these extracts was evaluated against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by disc diffusion method. Enhanced cell proliferation was shown by the hexanes, dichloromethane, and ethyl acetate extracts of leaf and the hexanes extract of bark. An enhanced angiogenic response was shown by the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of leaves and the methanol and hexanes extracts of bark. Dichloromethane extract of both leaf and bark showed considerable antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa which is less susceptible to common antibiotics. SWA-directed fractionation of the hexanes extract of the leaf has resulted in the isolation and identification of an active fraction showing mean percent wound closure of 86.4% (positive control 90.2%) and mean vascular index of 34.5 (positive control 48.6). This fraction contained lupeol, α-amyrin, β-amyrin, hexacosanol, and octacosanol. The present study provides supportive evidence for the potential of wound healing enhancement of leaf and bark extracts of Z. oenoplia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are several potential uses for green nanoparticle amalgamated in the medicinal and environmental sciences. Green synthesis specifically tries to reduce the use of harmful chemicals. For instance, it is often acceptable to employ organic resources like plants. In a single green synthesis step, biomolecules found in plant extract may transform metal ions into nanoparticles. This naturally occurring conversion of a metal ion to a base metal may be carried out quickly, conveniently, and at ambient temperature and pressure. In the current study, the production of CuNPs utilizing different-sized Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract has been reported. In order to determine how CuNPs generated, several techniques including UV-Visible, XRD, SEM, EDAX, FTIR, and cyclic voltammetry studies were used. The UV-Visible spectra of the amalgamated CuNPs show a peak between 250 and 450 nm. The morphology of CuNPs are spike in shapes with sizes of 33nm for 10mM and 25nm for 50mM, and the nanoparticles are crystalline in nature, according to the XRD and SEM examinations. The amalgamated CuNPs contain 37.55% copper, according to EDAX, and FTIR shows the absorption peak of copper at 1640 and 576 cm-1.The oxidation and reduction of amalgamated CuNPs are visible by cyclic voltammetry. CuNPs have been put to the test against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa for their antibacterial properties. CuNPs show the greatest zone of inhibition when used against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans have been used as test subjects for the antifungal testing of CuNPs. The CuNPs against Candida albicans show the largest zone of inhibition. CuNPs demonstrate strong antibacterial and antifungal efficacy, which means they have a considerable potential for application in the development of medications used to treat bacterial and fungal infections. The electrical potential difference of amalgamated CuNPs has been measured using a voltmeter and it is found that as concentration rises, so does the electrical potential difference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This present study involves the formation and investigation of the characteristics of a fabricated mat from a PVA-betel leaf mixture. Under ideal processing parameters, nanofibrous mat is synthesized from the PVA-betel leaf blended solution by using the electrospinning technique. Afterwards, the produced nanofibrous mat is assessed for its thermal, antibacterial, morphological, moisture management and chemical interaction behavior using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), antibacterial assay, scanning electron microscope (SEM), moisture management tester (MMT) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) respectively. The antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria has been assessed using the agar diffusion technique, which reveals the creation of zones of inhibition with a value of about 20 mm. Besides, the fabricated nanomat reveals an average diameter of 183.4 nm with improved moisture and thermal characteristics. Furthermore, the generated nanofibrous mat has all the necessary components, as evidenced by the distinctive peaks in the FTIR spectra. Hence, the recently developed nanofibrous mat exhibits promising potential as a suitable material for wound dressing applications.

Antimicrobial resistance related to the misuse of antibiotics is a well-known current topic. Their excessive use in several fields has led to enormous selective pressure on pathogenic and commensal bacteria, driving the evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes with severe impacts on human health. Among all the possible strategies, a viable one could be the development of medical features that employ essential oils (EOs), complex natural mixtures extracted from different plant organs, rich in organic compounds showing, among others, antiseptic properties. In this work, green extracted essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was included in cyclic oligosaccharides cyclodextrins (CD) and prepared in the form of tablets. This essential oil has been shown to have a strong transversal efficacy both as an antifungal and as an antibacterial agent. Its inclusion allows its effective use because an extension of the exposure time to the active compounds is obtained and, therefore, a more marked efficacy, especially against biofilm-producing microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, was registered. The efficacy of the tablet against candidiasis opens their possible use as a chewable tablet against oral candidiasis and as a vaginal tablet against vaginal candidiasis. Moreover, the registered wide efficacy is even more positive since the proposed approach can be defined as effective, safe, and green. In fact, the natural mixture of the essential oil is produced by the steam current method; therefore, the manufacturer employs substances that are not harmful, with very low production and management costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate a potential new antibacterial agent to combat increasing antimicrobial resistance, undoped and 1% manganese doped Zinc Sulphide quantum dots (ZnS and Zn0.99Mn0.01S QDs, respectively) were synthesised by co-precipitation method and capped with increasing amounts of Zinc Oxide and Silica in aqueous media to prepare ZnS@ZnO, Zn0.99Mn0.01S@ZnO, and Zn0.99Mn0.01S@SiO2 nanostructures. P-XRD analysis confirmed the cubic zinc-blende phase of the seed ZnS QDs, Zn0.99Mn0.01S QDs, and Zn0.99Mn0.01S@SiO2 nanostructures, and the wurtzite phase of the ZnO in the ZnS@ZnO and Zn0.99Mn0.01S@ZnO nanostructures, further confirmed using TEM studies, which also revealed the size of the largest nanostructures to be in the range of a hundred nanometres. FTIR spectroscopy illustrated the quenching of characteristic ZnS peaks with increasing capping material. UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and subsequent Tauc analysis illustrated the strong size confinement of the synthesised ZnS and Zn0.99Mn0.01S QDs; Brus equation calculations revealed that the particle size of the samples increases with increasing capping material. Photoluminescent emission spectroscopy illustrated the tuneable emission properties of the prepared nanostructures; manganese doping induced the characteristic orange emission in the Zn0.99Mn0.01S QDs, which was enhanced by ZnO, but quenched by SiO2. The antimicrobial activity of all the prepared samples was qualitatively evaluated using well known Agar well diffusion method against six human pathogenic bacteria: Gram positive Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus; Gram negative Salmonella Typhi, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Qualitative antibacterial assay confirmed the high antibacterial potential of the synthesised ZnS and Zn0.99Mn0.01S QDs, especially against E. coli. Increasing ZnO amount improves the antibacterial activity of the nanostructures against different Gram-positive bacterial strains, while increasing SiO2 amount improves the antibacterial activity of the nanostructures against both Gram positive strains and three of the four Gram negative bacterial strains. Thus, the positive results suggest that the prepared ZnS@ZnO, Zn0.99Mn0.01S@ZnO, and Zn0.99Mn0.01S@SiO2 nanostructures should be further studied as antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Addition of Ca and Zn into silica network was done. • Impact of temperature on various biological properties of silica composites were investigated. • Sintering at 900 °C reduced the leaching of ions from silica composites and thus cell viability was elevated. • Addition of Ca to silica enhanced the bioactivity by making them excellent candidate for orthopedic applications. Various ceramics have been used over the years for the treatment of bone-related issues and finding a suitable ceramic for bone repair is still a question since it is an arduous task to find a synthetic alternative for natural bone that can meet all the required criteria. Silica and its various composites have been used over the years for bone repair and regeneration due to its excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. This paper briefly analyses the temperature dependence on the bioactivity and other characteristics of various silicate compounds such as calcium silicate and zinc silicate considering various properties. XRD and FTIR analysis of the samples proved the incorporation of Ca2+ and Zn2+ into the silica structure. The composites prepared with 20 % Ca and Zn provided better bioactivity than pure silica even on the third day and the ICP-OES analysis proved that dissociation of ions played an important role in the biological properties of the compounds. Among all the samples, CS600 and CS900 had a thicker layer of apatite formation within three days of SBF treatment. Antibacterial analysis of the samples showed better activity against E. coli than S. aureus due to the ability of cell wall rupture of E. coli by the positive ions present in the samples. Temperature dependence on the cell viability of the samples were observed and samples sintered at 900 °C had an elevated rate of cell viability than those sintered at 600 °C. Increasing the sintering temperature of the sample provided stabilization of the product and desired biological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuing chemical investigation of the Red Sea sponge Spongia sp. led to the isolation of four new 3,4-seco-3,19-dinorspongian diterpenoid lactones, secodinorspongins A−D (1−4), along with a classical spongian diterpenoid lactone, sponginolide (5). The chemical structures, including the absolute configurations of these compounds, were elucidated using the extensive spectroscopic study composed of 1D and 2D NMR data analyses, and a comparison between calculated-electronic-circular-dichroism (ECD) and experimental-circular-dichroism (CD) spectra. A plausible biosynthetic pathway of 1−4 was also proposed. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities of 1−5 were evaluated. Compound 1 was found to exhibit inhibitory activity against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and 4 and 5 exhibited suppression of superoxide-anion generation and elastase release in fMLF/CB-induced human neutrophils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was initiated during the summers of 2015-2019 to characterize the floral and chemical components in a local honey (clinical honey) that was being used in a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved clinical study designed to evaluate effectiveness in controlling topical community acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (caMRSA) infections. Floral sources were determined by collecting nectar and pollen from plants visited by bees within the area where the local honey is being produced (Study Area). Pollen characteristics were determined by using both light microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This information was compared to pollen collected by a pollen trap on hives within the study area. The nectars and the medical honey were analyzed for biologically active compounds using Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). This equipment allows a researcher to extract, separate, and identify chemical components of a honey or nectar sample. Fourteen biologically active compounds were identified from the eighteen floral sources and the clinical honey. Nine of the fourteen compounds were selected for standard minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) antibacterial assay using CAMRSA ATCC BAA-44 strain. Phenylethyl alcohol and phenylacetaldehyde were the only compounds exhibiting promising activity against caMRSA. Both exhibited bacteriostatic activity. A variety of antibiotic compounds were unique to clinical honey. This suggests that the various nectars provide a large chemical base for antibiotic compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antibacterial nanofibrous mat is crucial in biomedicine as it enhances infection control, expedites wound healing, and mitigates health hazards by decreasing antibiotic usage. A novel synergistic antibacterial and hydrophilic nanofibrous mat successfully fabricated by solution electrospinning from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated Croton bonplandianum Baill (CBB) leaves extract. Antioxidant-enriched leaf extract of the CBB plant was integrated with PVA in varying proportions of 30% (CBB-30), 40% (CBB-40), and 50% (CBB-50) to manufacture antibacterial nanofibrous mat. The zone of inhibition (ZOI) was recorded at 16, 18, and 21 mm for CBB-30, CBB-40, and CBB-50, respectively. The wetted radius, a key parameter for moisture management properties, reached up to 20 mm for CBB-40 and CBB-50. This demonstrates the rapid absorption and quick-drying characteristics, highlighting the exceptional hydrophilicity of the nanofibrous mat. The increased dozing of CBB extract into the PVA also reduced its fiber diameter. The diameters of pure PVA, CBB-30, CBB-40, and CBB-50 were found as 396, 388, 279, and 241 nm, correspondingly. The developed nanofibrous mat, exhibiting ZOI of up to 21 mm, efficient moisture management properties, and a nanoscale fiber diameter of 241 nm, may possess significant uses in the biomedical domain., (© 2025 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

The antimicrobial nature of honey and its related apiological origins typically focus on basic chemical analysis without attempting to understand the diversity of the microbial component. The antibacterial activity, chemical characterization, and diversity of bacteria isolated from Apis mellifera honey stomachs and hive honey collected throughout the honey production season are presented. After screening >2,000 isolates, 50 isolates were selected and characterized by 16S rRNA gene homology, Gram stain, catalase and protease tests, as well as for antibacterial activity against select indicators. Antibacterial-producing isolates were predominantly from the Pseudomonas, Paenibacillus, Lonsdalea, Serratia, and Bacillus genera. Isolates collected from honey stomachs in April displayed the highest level of activity (27%). While April isolates did not demonstrate activity against the Gram-negative bacteria tested. Whereas 59% of July isolates, 33% of September isolates, and 100% of the honey isolates did. The predominant honey stomach isolates were Pseudomonas spp. (April), Paenibacillus polymyxa (July, Sept.), and Lonsdalea iberica (Sept.). Chemical characterizations of the antimicrobial compounds show most to be antibiotic in nature with the minority being potential bacteriocins. This study offers the first glimpse into the variability and diversity of the bacteria/host interactions found within the honey stomach of the domestic honey bee while revealing a novel source of potentially beneficial antimicrobial compounds.

Manufacturing of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles (M/MO NPs) in large quantities needed a strong reliable, sustainable, and eco-friendly protocol. Present work represents on biogenic approaches to fabricate green nanoparticles using green technology. The fabrications of M/MO NPs using natural bio-resources were engaged by means of alternative technique in place of conventional methods. These methods are naturally benign, straightforward, economical, and renewed technology; they does not content harmful chemicals, zero contaminants, and eco-friendly. The extracts from the biogenic resources are widely accepted owing to its capability to minimise and control the size and shape of metal and metal oxides NPs because of different structure directing agents, usually bioorganic phyto-chemicals. In this present review, we have summarized fabrication of different NPs like silver, gold, copper oxide, cobalt oxide, titanium oxide, cerium oxide, bismuth oxide, zinc oxide and nickel oxide nanoparticles using natural resources. The challenges, limiting factors and future directions of the bioinspired synthesis of metal/metal oxide NPs are also highlighted in this review. Moreover, biogenic materials has explored for further environmental remediation in terms of photocatalytic activity, elimination of organic waste, and antibacterial, antioxidant assay, and protein-metal complexes binding affinities by molecular docking.

In this paper, we used green and hydrothermal methodology to prepare zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoflakes (NFs) with jute stick extract (J–ZnO NFs) as growth substrate. The prepared materials were characterized using different analytical techniques including ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The characteristic absorption peak for ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs were observed from the UV–vis spectrum at 373 and 368 nm respectively. The hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs was confirmed by XRD analysis. FESEM and TEM analyses of synthesized J–ZnO NFs confirmed their NFs shape and collectively flower-like structure formation by the assembly of NFs of J–ZnO on cellulose of jute stick extract substrate. The FTIR analysis revealed the functional groups of jute stick extract biomolecules, mainly cellulose, are responsible for the formation of collectivel flower like J–ZnO NFs structure. The XPS analysis revealed the surface and chemical compositions (Zn, C, and O) of J–ZnO NFs. The photocatalytic performance of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs samples was carried out by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye solution under UV light irradiation. The degradation efficiency of ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs was obtained 79 % and 89 %, respectively, for 5 h. Notably, the degradation efficiency of the J–ZnO NFs was 98 % after 8 h of irradiation, which is very inspiring. The both NFs exhibited first-order kinetics with MB photodegradation. We also examined the possible antibacterial activity of both samples against Escherichia coli (E. coli) pathogens, which demonstrated a significant result with a 17 mm and 19 mm zone of inhibition by ZnO NFs and J–ZnO NFs respectively.

From very old times plants were used for man or animal health, with good results in slightly, functional injuries or in incipient stages of diseases. In chronic, when already appeared organic affection, officinal plants has an adjuvant part and can contributes to a partial reversibility of symptoms or lesions. This study was been performed using aqueous solutions or essential oils from Mentha spicata, Ocimum basilicum, Thymus vulgaris and Rosa sp. with bacterial cultures on usual or special culture mediums of Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus. In view of antibacterial assay emphasizing were been used small pieces of absorbent paper immersed in solutions or essential oils above mentioned officinal plants. These pieces of papers then were been deposed in usual and special culture mediums containing the mentioned species of bacteria and then incubated 24 hours. The obtained result emphasized by the inhibition areas development recommend the antibacterial effect of essential oils of Rosa sp. (25.5 mm inhibition area), Mentha spicata (16.5 mm), Thymus vulgaris (7.3 mm) and Ocimum basilicum (5.1 mm) in therapeutic purpose, both in intern and extern way in infections caused by Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica and Staphylococcus aureus, in incipient stages.

Marine algae are sources of bioactive components with defensive properties of great value against microbial infections. This study investigated the bioactivity of extracts from brown algae Fucus vesiculosus against rotavirus, the worldwide leading cause of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young children. Moreover, one of the extracts was tested against four foodborne bacteria: Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes, and the non-pathogenic: E. coli K12. In vitro tests using MA104 cells revealed that both whole algae extracts and crude fucoidan precipitates neutralized rotavirus in a dose-responsive manner. The maximum neutralization activity was observed when the rotavirus was incubated with 100 μg mL−1 of the hydrochloric acid-obtained crude fucoidan (91.8%), although crude fucoidan extracted using citric acid also demonstrated high values (89.5%) at the same concentration. Furthermore, molecular weight fractionation of extracts decreased their antirotaviral activity and high molecular weight fractions exhibited higher activity compared to those of lower molecular weight. A seaweed extract with high antirotaviral activity was also found to inhibit the growth of C. jejuni, S. Typhimurium, and L. monocytogenes at a concentration of 0.2 mg mL−1. Overall, this study expands the current knowledge regarding the antimicrobial mechanisms of action of extracts from F. vesiculosus.

Three new 5,5,6,6,5-pentacyclic spongian diterpenes, spongenolactones A–C (1–3), were isolated from a Red Sea sponge Spongia sp. The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and the absolute configurations of 1–3 were determined on the basis of comparison of the experimental circular dichroism (CD) and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1–3 are the first 5,5,6,6,5-pentacyclic spongian diterpenes bearing an β-hydroxy group at C-1. These metabolites were assayed for their cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. All three compounds were found to exert inhibitory activity against superoxide anion generation in fMLF/CB-stimulated human neutrophils. Furthermore, 1 showed a higher activity against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to 2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phyto-mediated nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted great attention in recent times due to their unique properties such as high biocompatibility, eco-friendliness, and cost-effectiveness. In this study, silver- zinc oxide nanoparticles (Ag/ZnO-NPs) were prepared using the fruit extract of Capsicum Chinense. The results obtained from both structural, and optical characterization of the nanoparticles confirmed the purity of the composites and their high crystallinity. The nanoparticles exhibited two absorption peaks at 376 and 258 nm with a bang gap energy of 3.53 eV, and the nanoparticulate size of the materials exhibited antibacterial and cytotoxic activities. The Ag/ZnO-NPs exhibited better proliferative activity against HEK 293 cells than HeLa cells. The antibacterial study showed that both the pristine and the composite nanoparticles (ZnO and Ag/ZnO-NPs) have high bactericidal effect on all tested bacterial pathogens, with Ag/ZnO-NPs displaying better antibacterial activity. Cytotoxicity studies showed a dose-dependent proliferative relationship between Ag/ZnO-NPs and tested cancer cells (HEK 293 and HeLa). Antibacterial results showed significant zones of bactericidal inhibition for all tested bacterial pathogens using the biosynthesized ZnO and Ag/ZnO-NPs. These findings demonstrated two-fold applications of biosynthesized Ag/ZnO-NPs, as anticancer and antibacterial agents.

Phytochemical screening and antibacterial activity of aqueous extracts of bark and leaf of eighteen mango varieties growing in the village Hanavadi, Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, Karnataka state were conducted. They showed the presence of alkaloids, steroids, flavonoids, tannins, cardiac glycosides, saponnins, resins, carbohydrates and proteins. Antibacterial activity tested against six human pathogens-Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, by disc diffusion method showed significant inhibition zone against pathogens compared to control. These results disclose the inhibiting property of leaf and bark of wild varieties of mangoes against potential pathogens and thus can be subjected to further investigations for their applications in human phytomedicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to explore the morphologies of porous poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers through liquid–liquid phase separation, and investigate the relationship among pore formation, physical properties, and antibacterial activities of the fibers for identifying their potential as drug delivery carriers. Antibacterial activities of gentamicin-, kanamycin-, and amikacin-loaded PLA fibers against E. coli and S. epidermidis were evaluated. The antibacterial activity of drugs against E. coli showed the following profile: gentamicin > amikacin > kanamycin; however, S. epidermidis growth was almost completely inhibited immediately after the administration of all three drugs. The efficiency of gentamicin can be attributed to the electrostatic interactions between the positively and negatively charged antibiotic and bacterial cell membrane, respectively. Furthermore, gentamicin-loaded porous PLA fibers were evaluated as drug delivery systems. The cumulative amount of gentamicin in porous PLA nanofibers was considerably higher than that in other PLA fibers for 168 h, followed by 7:3 PLA > 6:4 PLA > 5:5 PLA > non-porous PLA. The 7:3 PLA fibers were projected to be ideal drug carrier candidates for controlled antibiotic release in delivery systems owing to their interconnected internal structure and the largest surface area (55.61 m2 g−1), pore size (42.19 nm), and pore volume (12.78 cm3 g−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ethiopian honey is used not only as food but also for treatment in traditional medicine. For its valorization, bioactive compounds were analyzed in nine types of monofloral Ethiopian honey. Therefore, a non-target effect-directed profiling was developed via high-performance thin-layer chromatography combined with multi-imaging and planar effect-directed assays. Characteristic bioactivity profiles of the different honeys were determined in terms of antibacterial, free-radical scavenging, and various enzyme inhibitory activities. Honeys from Hypoestes spp. and Leucas abyssinica showed low activity in all assays. In contrast, others from Acacia spp., Becium grandiflorum, Croton macrostachyus, Eucalyptus globulus, Schefflera abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina, and Coffea arabica showed more intense activity profiles, but these differed depending on the assay. In particular, the radical scavenging activity of Croton macrostachyus and Coffea arabica honeys, the acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity of Eucalyptus globulus and Coffea arabica honeys, and the antibacterial activity of Schefflera abyssinica honey are highlighted. Bioactive compounds of interest were further characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Identifying differences in bioactivity between mono-floral honey types affects quality designation and branding. Effect-directed profiling provides new insights that are valuable for food science and nutrition as well as for the market, and contributes to honey differentiation, categorization, and authentication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, helminthiasis, thrombosis, anxiety and insomnia are some of the major global health concerns. Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper (VM) has been used traditionally to treat microbial infection, helminthic disorder, schizophrenia, memory loss, and blood circulatory problem. This research aims to discover antibacterial, anthelmintic, thrombolytic and neuropharmacological effects of the methanol extract of Vigna mungo seeds (MESVM), and also in-silico prediction of relevant lead compounds by molecular docking and ADME/T analysis. The crude extracts and subsequent fractions of MESVM were investigated for antibacterial activity by disc diffusion method, anthelmintic activity by paralysis and death test on earthworms, and thrombolytic activity by in vitro blood clot dissolution test. Open-field test and elevated plus maze test were performed for evaluating anxiolytic activity of the extracts. Using molecular docking, ligand poses of selected VM seeds' phytoconstituents were predicted targeting tubulin, GlcN-6-P synthase, and human tissue plasminogen activator proteins for anthelmintic, antibacterial, and thrombolytic activity, respectively. In the antibacterial activity test, the MESVM at 10000 μg/mL concentration created highest and significant (P < 0.001) zone of inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus (15.42 mm) and Escherichia coli (12 mm) compared with tetracycline. The MESVM exhibited remarkable anthelmintic activity at 50 mg/mL concentration with 35.4 min paralysis time, 75.2 min death time and were closer to the durations of standard drug albendazole. No test extract showed anxiolytic activity. In thrombolytic activity test, all concentrations of MESVM produced clot lytic activity with high significance (P < 0.001) in comparison with the blank. In docking, 2′-hydroxygenistein, cyclokievitone hydrate, and aureol displayed maximum affinity to the target proteins for anthelmintic, antibacterial, and thrombolytic activity, respectively. This research revealed that the MESVM demonstrated potential anthelmintic, antibacterial and thrombolytic effects that confirmed the folkloric uses of VM and the found relevant lead compounds might be further optimized in future drug development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study reports for the first time the chemical composition of the headspace volatiles (HS) and essential oils obtained from fresh Chaerophyllum bulbosum roots and aerial parts, as well as biological activities of the essential oils. Generally, monoterpene hydrocarbons were found to be the main class of all investigated samples, with (E)-β-ocimene being the most abundant component. The results of antibacterial assay showed that both investigated samples exhibit bactericidal activity against two tested Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis subs. spizizenii) while they were inactive against tested Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli and Salmonella abony). Regarding the antioxidant activity, it was found that the essential oils showed low antioxidant capacities in comparison with standard antioxidant compounds (such as butylated hydroxytoluene). The obtained results were expected given the fact that the main components in both samples were monoterpene hydrocarbons.

A polyoxygenated and halogenated labdane, spongianol (1); a polyoxygenated steroid, 3β,5α,9α-trihydroxy-24S-ethylcholest-7-en-6-one (2); a rare seven-membered lactone B ring, (22E,24S)-ergosta-7,22-dien-3β,5α-diol-6,5-olide (3); and an α,β-unsaturated fatty acid, (Z)-3-methyl-9-oxodec-2-enoic acid (4) as well as five known compounds, 10-hydroxykahukuene B (5), pacifenol (6), dysidamide (7), 7,7,7-trichloro-3-hydroxy-2,2,6-trimethyl-4-(4,4,4-trichloro-3-methyl-1-oxobu-tylamino)-heptanoic acid methyl ester (8), and the primary metabolite 2'-deoxynucleoside thymidine (9), have been isolated from the Red Sea sponge Spongia sp. The stereoisomer of 3 was discovered in Ganoderma resinaceum, and metabolites 5 and 6, isolated previously from red algae, were characterized unprecedentedly in the sponge. Compounds 7 and 8 have not been found before in the genus Spongia. Compounds 1–9 were also assayed for cytotoxicity as well as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tropical fruits such as Sapota (Manilkara zapota) are highly perishable. The main reasons for the quality deterioration of these fruits are field heat and microbial attack, which can be reduced by proper cooling techniques and by using antimicrobial agents. The present study was undertaken to extend the shelf life of Sapota using evaporative cooling and antimicrobial coating, namely, neem leaves (Azadirachta indica) and tamarind leaves (Tamarindus indica), at different concentrations (20, 50 and 100%). Coated Sapota fruits were stored for 24 days, whereas uncoated fruits were stored for only 7 days. Both the selected antimicrobial extracts showed antimicrobial activity, and the cooling efficiency of the evaporative cooling chamber was 81-85%. Fruits were cooled to 15-18°C (core temperature), which could enable retention of physio-chemical properties. The results indicated that fruits coated with the highest level (100%) of antimicrobial extract coating (neem leaves and tamarind leaves) and stored under evaporative cooling conditions had the lowest percentage loss in weight (5-7% after 24 days of storage) and good retention of total soluble solids (1-2%), pH (2-3%) and total sugars (3-5%). Thus, coating Sapota fruits with neem leaves and tamarind leaf extracts and storing them under evaporative cooling conditions can be a better way to enhance the shelf life of sapota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance related to the misuse of antibiotics is a well-known current topic. Their excessive use in several fields has led to enormous selective pressure on pathogenic and commensal bacteria, driving the evolution of antimicrobial resistance genes with severe impacts on human health. Among all the possible strategies, a viable one could be the development of medical features that employ essential oils (EOs), complex natural mixtures extracted from different plant organs, rich in organic compounds showing, among others, antiseptic properties. In this work, green extracted essential oil of Thymus vulgaris was included in cyclic oligosaccharides cyclodextrins (CD) and prepared in the form of tablets. This essential oil has been shown to have a strong transversal efficacy both as an antifungal and as an antibacterial agent. Its inclusion allows its effective use because an extension of the exposure time to the active compounds is obtained and, therefore, a more marked efficacy, especially against biofilm-producing microorganisms such as P. aeruginosa and S. aureus, was registered. The efficacy of the tablet against candidiasis opens their possible use as a chewable tablet against oral candidiasis and as a vaginal tablet against vaginal candidiasis. Moreover, the registered wide efficacy is even more positive since the proposed approach can be defined as effective, safe, and green. In fact, the natural mixture of the essential oil is produced by the steam current method; therefore, the manufacturer employs substances that are not harmful, with very low production and management costs.

Radiation based sterilization is a common tool for microbial inactivation in different products on a commercial scale. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of gamma radiation on cephradine antibiotic in the solid-state to enhance its biological response. Cephradine drug in powder form was treated with different doses (25, 50, 75, 100 and 125 kGy) of the cobalt-60 source in a Gamma cell-220 at a current rate of 8.5 gray/h. The effect of radiation doses on antibiotic was assessed with the help of different analytical techniques such as FT-IR, UV, XRD, SEM and HPLC. The UV spectra of radiated cephradine show some changes in the absorption peak by increasing the intensity of radiations while only slight changes were observed in the other peaks. The crystallinity of antibiotics was tested by the XRD and SEM, it shows a little morphological change. The FT-IR data disclosed significant changes in the absorption bands. The HPLC analysis showed reports an insignificant change which revealed that the radiolytic products are not formed. The radiated cephradine exposes a remarkable antibacterial activity against bacteria; indicating the enhancement of a biological response. In summary, a slight change was observed in cephradine drug with the radiation but the drug was chemically stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Nano-silver synthesized via solution evaporation method with octahedral crystal structure and crystallite size of 28 to 39 nm. • Irregular and non-uniform surface morphology. • Different functional on the surface of nano-silver included CH, CH 2 , OH, alkyne, and an alkyl halide. • Nano-silver synthesized at 70 °C and a dose of 3.0 g/L caused effective inhibition of E. coli. The modulation of antimicrobial properties of nanomaterials can be achieved through various physical and chemical processes, which ultimately affect subsequent properties. In this study, the antibacterial potential of nano-silver was investigated at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0 g/L, and its differential temperature synthesis was achieved at 20, 50, and 70 °C using the solvent evaporation method. Nano-silver particles exhibited FCC (octahedral) crystalline structure with crystallite sizes ranging between 28 and 39 nm calculated using XRD analysis. Moreover, irregular and non-uniform surface morphology was evident from SEM micrographs. The UV–Vis absorbance spectrum of nano-silver exhibited wave maxima at 433 nm, while the FTIR analysis depicted different modes of vibration indicating the CH, OH, C≡C, C-Cl, and CH 2 functional groups attached to the surface. Lastly, nano-silver caused prominent inhibition (12.5 mm) in the Escherichia coli growth, particularly at 70 °C synthesis temperature and 3.0 g/L dose. It is concluded that both the nano-silver crystal growth temperature and dose contributed substantially to bacterial growth inhibition linked with subsequent size, shape-dependent properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental caries, a multifactorial, microbial disease of calcified portion of tooth, can be controlled by controlling the microbial factor either by synthetically derived or naturally derived antibacterial components. Aim: Antibacterial assay of three whole plant ethanolic extracts against two cariogenic bacteria to find out a plant extract which could be used as therapeutically effective method of controlling dental caries by controlling its microbial factor. Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial activity of 1000 µg/ml, 750 µg/ml, 500 µg/ml and 250 µg/ml concentration of Amaranthus viridis (A1), Aerva sanguinolanta (A2), Cynodon dactylon (A3) ethanolic whole plant extracts were measured by agar disc diffusion and broth microdilution method against Streptococcus mutans, and Lactobacillus acidophilus, 5% DMSO (negative control) and 30% Vancomycin (positive control). Result: The 1000 µg/ml (100%), ethanolic extracts of (A2) showed greatest inhibition zone (mean-11.860 mm) against Streptococcus mutans and (mean= 9.730 mm) against Lactobacillus acidophillus which were more than negative control but less than positive control. (A2) exhibited the lowest MIC of 0.02050 µg/ml and 0.02050 µg/ml against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophillus respectively. Conclusion: Aerva sanguinolenta whole plant ethanolic extract can be used to inhibit growth of cariogenic bacteria, thereby can be used for controlling microbial factor of dental caries in human being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the welfare of living being, water is essential. The contaminated or used water after sanitation are best source for the water borne pathogens and sometimes it directly or indirectly mixed/ discharged in the river/ ponds/ ground water causes many diseases to human being. For the assurance of the clean and safe palatable water, it must be treated properly. Application of nanotechnology led the new foundation in treatment of palatable water. The present study enlightened the quality of water supply by different sources in Prayagraj District, Uttar Pradesh, India. Various physico-chemical analysis was performed on collected water samples such as TDS, water hardness, electrical conductivity, bicarbonate ion test, etc. The screened water borne pathogens were further identified and tested against the metal oxide nanoparticles viz., Copper oxide nanoparticles and zinc oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were showed more promising results at low doses (in range of 0.020 µg/ml – 0.101 µg/ml). The anti-bacteria activity of the nano-metal oxides on water borne pathogens showed that both nanometal oxides of copper oxide and zinc oxide could inhibit bacteria activity dependent on their concentration. Notwithstanding the many areas to be explored further, the outlook of progressing intense and diverse research on ZnO NP and CuO NP is evidence of its potential as a water disinfectant at the industrial level as well as at local levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present article portrayed on the killing kinetic of human pathogenic bacteria using bioinspired mesoporous CuAl 2 O 4 nanocomposites (NCs). The NCs was fabricated using leaf extract of medicinal plant Catharanthus roseus (CR) as a green reducer and stabilizer. As bio-fabricated material was calcined at 800 °C and characterized by several analytical techniques like X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-DRS), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Raman, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) to authenticate its structure, phase, chemical bonding, chemical state, size and morphology behaviors. XRD and TEM revealed a reduced crystallite and nanoscale sizes of biosynthesized NCs. Moreover, XRD study exposed a cubic-structure of material, while transmission electron microscopy rendered an average particles size in range 10–15 nm. However, BET profile advocates a mesoporous nature of the particles. An effective biological molecular docking modulation assessed by substituting natural inhibitor by bioinspired NCs, while the protein PDB ID 4Z8D FabH as a receptor site for the present investigation. After assessment of molecular docking examination, the antibacterial activity of bioinspired NCs were performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtillis, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli using agar-well method. The broth culture method was employed on different pathogenic strains by kinetic growth assays and colony forming unit. [Display omitted] • Bioinspired mesoporous nature of Catharanthus roseus- mediated CuAl 2 O 4 nanocomposites. • The molecular modulation revealed outstanding docking energies −9.589 to −11.2456 kcal mol−1 for non-GA and GA (PDB ID 4Z8D FabH). • The killing kinetics study revealed, a significant growth decline after 4–12 h against gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. • An admirable and outstanding cytotoxicity was observed for E. coli and K. pneumoniae. • The gram-positive bacteria show initial growth at 2–4 h, while growth declines after 4–12 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new 5,5,6,6,5-pentacyclic spongian diterpenes, spongenolactones A–C (1–3), were isolated from a Red Sea sponge Spongia sp. The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis and the absolute configurations of 1–3 were determined on the basis of comparison of the experimental circular dichroism (CD) and calculated electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra. Compounds 1–3 are the first 5,5,6,6,5-pentacyclic spongian diterpenes bearing an β-hydroxy group at C-1. These metabolites were assayed for their cytotoxic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory activities. All three compounds were found to exert inhibitory activity against superoxide anion generation in fMLF/CB-stimulated human neutrophils. Furthermore, 1 showed a higher activity against the growth of Staphylococcus aureus in comparison to 2.

Crocus sativus L. is one of the world's most famous saffron production crops and its enormous by-products, such as leaves, are an excellent source of bioactive compounds with potential nutritional applications. The total phenolic content of Crocus leaves was 5.44 ± 0.01 mg GAE/g, and the total flavonoid content was 2.63 ± 0.05 mg RE/g, respectively. The main bioactive compounds in the leaves, such as polyphenols, flavonoids by HPLC and carboxylic acids, and amino acids, were also identified by GC-MS. HPLC analyses revealed mangiferin as a dominant constituent (1.26 ± 0.02 mg/g). C. sativus contains seven essential amino acids (ILE, LEU, LYS, MET, PHE, THR, TRP, VAL) in high concentration. Among them, isoleucine (7965 μg/g) was the dominant compound. In addition, the K and Ca concentrations in the leaves were significant (p < 0.05). The chemical composition revealed α-linolenic acid (22,490 μg/g) and linoelaidic acid (9880 μg/g) to be major constituents among all the acids found in the Crocus leaves. The extracts of C. sativus leaves showed the highest inhibitory activity for Gram-positive (B. subtilis and S. aureus) bacteria in the in vitro assay. The current results identify and underline the potential of natural products from C. sativus leaves that can add value to saffron production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stachys pilifera Benth is an endemic species of Stachys family found in Iran with a wide application as an herbal tea. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of the essential oil from the aerial parts of S. pilifera. Essential oil (EO) composition analysis showed that cis-Chrysanthenyl acetate (24.9%), viridiflorol (18.3%), trans-Caryophyllene (9.8%), caryophyllene oxide (4.6%), α-terpineol (3.3%) and linalool (3.1%) were the most abundant components. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the EO showed a higher antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus) than Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli , Shigella sonnei , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Salmonella enterica subsp. Enterica). The antioxidant activity of EO was studied using DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene/linoleic acid assays. IC50 for the DPPH, FRAP and β-carotene/linoleic acid tests were 23.2, 28.7 and 16.1 µg/mL, respectively, that it was higher than the results for BHT (P   ≤  0.05). The cytotoxic activity of the EO was evaluated using HT29 and HUVEC cells and it was observed that by increasing in EO concentration from 0.026 to 19.4 ug/mL, the viability of the cells for HT29 and HUVEC reduced to 6.8 and 7.1%, respectively. The results from this study suggest the possibility to use the essential oils from S. pilifera Benth as a natural preservative in processed or packaged food due to its high antibacterial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to explore the morphologies of porous poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers through liquid–liquid phase separation, and investigate the relationship among pore formation, physical properties, and antibacterial activities of the fibers for identifying their potential as drug delivery carriers. Antibacterial activities of gentamicin-, kanamycin-, and amikacin-loaded PLA fibers against E. coli and S. epidermidis were evaluated. The antibacterial activity of drugs against E. coli showed the following profile: gentamicin > amikacin > kanamycin; however, S. epidermidis growth was almost completely inhibited immediately after the administration of all three drugs. The efficiency of gentamicin can be attributed to the electrostatic interactions between the positively and negatively charged antibiotic and bacterial cell membrane, respectively. Furthermore, gentamicin-loaded porous PLA fibers were evaluated as drug delivery systems. The cumulative amount of gentamicin in porous PLA nanofibers was considerably higher than that in other PLA fibers for 168 h, followed by 7:3 PLA > 6:4 PLA > 5:5 PLA > non-porous PLA. The 7:3 PLA fibers were projected to be ideal drug carrier candidates for controlled antibiotic release in delivery systems owing to their interconnected internal structure and the largest surface area (55.61 m2 g−1), pore size (42.19 nm), and pore volume (12.78 cm3 g−1).

Ethiopian honey is used not only as food but also for treatment in traditional medicine. For its valorization, bioactive compounds were analyzed in nine types of monofloral Ethiopian honey. Therefore, a non-target effect-directed profiling was developed via high-performance thin-layer chromatography combined with multi-imaging and planar effect-directed assays. Characteristic bioactivity profiles of the different honeys were determined in terms of antibacterial, free-radical scavenging, and various enzyme inhibitory activities. Honeys from Hypoestes spp. and Leucas abyssinica showed low activity in all assays. In contrast, others from Acacia spp., Becium grandiflorum, Croton macrostachyus, Eucalyptus globulus, Schefflera abyssinica, Vernonia amygdalina, and Coffea arabica showed more intense activity profiles, but these differed depending on the assay. In particular, the radical scavenging activity of Croton macrostachyus and Coffea arabica honeys, the acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting activity of Eucalyptus globulus and Coffea arabica honeys, and the antibacterial activity of Schefflera abyssinica honey are highlighted. Bioactive compounds of interest were further characterized by high-resolution mass spectrometry. Identifying differences in bioactivity between mono-floral honey types affects quality designation and branding. Effect-directed profiling provides new insights that are valuable for food science and nutrition as well as for the market, and contributes to honey differentiation, categorization, and authentication.