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In this investigation, the bio‐activity and biosafe potential of thiosemicarbazonates of nickel(II) as well as that of ligands are described. Reactions of nickel(II) acetate with a series of thiosemicarbazones, {R1(py)C2=N3‐N2(H)‐C1(=S)‐NHR; R1=py, Me, H and Ph; R=H, Me, Et, Ph}, led to the loss of acidic hydrazinic N2(H) protons, and resulted in the formation of six‐coordinated complexes of stoichiometry, [Ni(N,N,S−L)2], where anionic N,N,S−L=py2tsc‐NHR, 1–4; apytsc‐NHR, 5–8; pytsc‐NHR, 9–12 and bpytsc‐NHR, 13–16. All these complexes have been characterized using analytical data, IR and UV‐visible spectroscopy and ESI‐mass spectrometry. The single crystal X‐ray crystal structure of several complexes {2(Me), 7(Et), 11(Et), 12(Ph), 13(H),14(Me) and 15(Et)} were also determined. Thio‐ligands coordinate to nickel(II) through pyridyl nitrogen‐N4, azomethine nitrogen‐N3 and thiolato sulfur atoms, resulting in the formation of homoleptic complexes with octahedral structures. Complexes 1–16 and uncoordinated thiosemicarbzones, were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity, in terms of ZOI, MIC, time kill assay and in vitro percent cell viability MTT assay, against clinical isolate methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC740), Klebsiella pneumonia (MTCC109), Salmonella typhimurium (MTCC1251), and Candida albicans (MTCC227), a yeast. Both the ligands and their metal complexes exhibited moderate to high bioactivity, and were found to be biosafe with high cell viability, 88–92 %, in several cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Fish can justify a healthy human diet. Spoilage is caused due to microbial degradation and oxidative rancidity. Herbs and spices (H&S) are common ingredients in fish marination to improve quality and appeal to consumers globally. The given review delves into the potential of H&S to extend the freshness of fish while also addressing challenges in maximising their effectiveness for preservation and proposing innovative solutions. H&S with antimicrobial (AM) and antioxidative (AO) effects reduce biogenic amine (BA) formation by inhibiting the decarboxylation of free amino acids through microbial reduction and retarding lipid oxidation of free fatty acids by countering free radicals. Combining organoleptically standardised H&S with diverse microbial hurdle techniques supports extensive domestic utilisation, extending the shelf life of fish significantly compared to using them alone. The present findings recommend that H&S can maintain fish quality for 6–20 days, depending on the fish species, packaging, and AO/AM potential in refrigeration conditions. Thyme, garlic, ginger, stevia, turmeric, laurel, sage, cinnamon, cumin, mint, and rosemary are found to be the most potent preservatives that could be utilised commercially to increase fish's shelf life. Variations in H&S extracts and fish muscle composition pose challenges in optimising the effectiveness of bioactive compounds in fish preservation. Innovative approaches for utilising H&S essential oils (EOs) and advanced delivery techniques offer solutions to these challenges, leading to improved fish quality and limited shelf life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the association of potential risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTI) caused by E. coli producing ESBL vs. not producing ESBL in Iceland. Methods: Observational, case-control study including a cohort of 27,747 patients (22,800 females, 4,947 males; 1207 cases, 26,540 controls) of all ages with UTI caused by E. coli in 2012 to 2021 at the clinical microbiology laboratory covering about 2/3 of the Icelandic population. Clinical patient data was obtained from three national databases. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as a measure of association between ESBL and exposure variables. Results: The proportion of samples with ESBL-producing E. coli increased during the study period, from 2.6% in 2012 to 7.6% in 2021 (p < 0.001). ESBL-positive strains were detected in 1207 individuals (4.4%), 905 females (4.0%) and 302 males (6.1%). The following risk factors were identified: Male sex, higher age, institution type (hospital, nursing home), hospital-associated UTI, Charlson comorbidity index score ≥ 3, history of cystitis or hospitalization in the past year, and prescriptions for certain antibiotics or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs: OR 1.51) in the past half year. The antibiotic associated with the highest risk was ciprofloxacin (OR 2.45). Conclusion: The prevalence of UTIs caused by ESBL-producing E. coli has been increasing in Iceland. The strongest risk factors for ESBL production were previous antibiotic use, especially ciprofloxacin, and previous PPI use, both considered to be overprescribed. It is important to promote the prudent use of these drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrrole is a heterocyclic structure with diverse pharmacophores, enabling the creation of an extensive lead molecule library. Its broad range of pharmacological profiles has concerned significant global research interests. This review highlights recent advancements in pyrrole scaffolds, focusing on their structure active relationship and bioactivities. Pyrrole derivatives recognized for their biological activities, are promising scaffolds for developing antimicrobial, antimalarial, antiviral, antituberculosis, and enzyme‐inhibiting properties. Their unique anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant features have prompted the development of novel cardioprotective and neuroprotective compounds. The review aims to elucidate the SAR of pyrrole mimics, aiding future therapeutic developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cationic ultrashort lipopeptides (USLPs) are promising antimicrobial candidates to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. Using DICAMs, a newly synthesized family of tripeptides with net charges from -2 to +1 and a fatty amine conjugated to the C-terminus, we demonstrate that anionic and neutral zwitterionic USLPs can possess potent antimicrobial and membranedisrupting activities against prevalent human pathogens such as Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus pyogenes. The strongest antimicrobials completely halt bacterial growth at low micromolar concentrations, reduce bacterial survival by several orders of magnitude, and may kill planktonic cells and biofilms. All of them comprise either an anionic or neutral zwitterionic peptide attached to a long fatty amine (16-18 carbon atoms) and show a preference for anionic lipid membranes enriched in phosphatidylglycerol (PG), which excludes electrostatic interactions as the main driving force for DICAM action. Hence, the hydrophobic contacts provided by the long aliphatic chains of their fatty amines are needed for DICAM's membrane insertion, while negative-charge shielding by salt counterions would reduce electrostatic repulsions. Additionally, we show that other components of the bacterial envelope, including the capsular polysaccharide, can influence the microbicidal activity of DICAMs. Several promising candidates with good-to-tolerable therapeutic ratios are identified as potential agents against S. pneumoniae and S. pyogenes. Structural characteristics that determine the preference for a specific pathogen or decrease DICAM toxicity have also been investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel 1,2,3‐triazole acetamide linked quinazolinone derivatives were synthesized via click reaction, by reacting of 3‐methyl‐2‐(prop‐2‐yn‐1‐ylthio)quinazolin‐4(3H)‐one with various aryl azides as prominent fungal pathogen Candida albicans interactions. The prepared triazole compounds were characterized using mass spectrometry, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and IR spectroscopic techniques. Compounds were screened for their in vitro antibacterial and antifungal activity against a variety of microorganisms namely, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida albicans, and Aspergillus clavatus. Quinazolinone linked p‐hydroxyphenyl, o, p‐dihydroxyphenyl and o‐dimethylamino phenyl triazoles showed a remarkable antibacterial activity against E. faecalis with MIC values of 3.20±0.01, 4.01±0.04, and 4.10±0.01 μg mL−1, and screened compounds p‐nitrophenyl substituted triazole, and p‐methylphenyl substituted triazole displayed a significant antifungal activity against C. albicans with MICs of 3.16±0.01, 4.06±0.03 μg mL−1, compared to itraconazole (MIC=3.32±0.02 μg mL−1). For further exploration of the anti‐fungal mechanism of action, molecular docking was carried out for these compounds in C. albicans active site as one of the important antifungal inhibitors (PDB: 1A19). Furthermore, the ADMET profile was evaluated for all the final triazole compounds in contrast to reference drugs moxifloxacin and itraconazole. In conclusion, we discovered a novel quinazolinone linked 1,2,3‐triazoles with promising antimicrobial activity and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanistic investigations are of paramount importance in elucidating the modes of action of antibiotics and facilitating the discovery of novel drugs. We reported a luciferase-based reporter system using bacterial cells to unveil mechanisms of antimicrobials targeting transcription and translation. The reporter gene Nluc encoding NanoLuciferase (NanoLuc) was integrated into the genome of the Gram-positive model organism, Bacillus subtilis, to generate a reporter strain BS2019. Cellular transcription and translation levels were assessed by quantifying the amount of Nluc mRNA as well as the luminescence catalyzed by the enzyme NanoLuc. We validated this system using three known inhibitors of transcription (rifampicin), translation (chloramphenicol), and cell wall synthesis (ampicillin). The B. subtilis reporter strain BS2019 successfully revealed a decline in Nluc expression by rifampicin and NanoLuc enzyme activity by chloramphenicol, while ampicillin produced no observable effect. The assay was employed to characterize a previously discovered bacterial transcription inhibitor, CUHK242, with known antimicrobial activity against drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Production of Nluc mRNA in our reporter BS2019 was suppressed in the presence of CUHK242, demonstrating the usefulness of the construct, which provides a simple way to study the mechanism of potential antibiotic candidates at early stages of drug discovery. The reporter system can also be modified by adopting different promoters and reporter genes to extend its scope of contribution to other fields of work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial infections pose a significant global health threat, affecting millions of individuals and leading to substantial mortality rates. The increasing resistance of microorganisms to conventional treatments requires the development of novel antimicrobial agents. Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ), a natural medicinal drug involved in various cellular processes, holds promise as a potential antimicrobial agent. In the present study, our aim was, for the first time, to explore the antimicrobial activity of PQQ against 29 pathogenic microbes, including 13 fungal strains, 8 Gram-positive bacteria, and 8 Gram-negative bacteria. Our findings revealed potent antifungal properties of PQQ, particularly against Syncephalastrum racemosum, Talaromyces marneffei, Candida lipolytica, and Trichophyton rubrum. The MIC values varied between fungal strains, and T. marneffei exhibited a lower MIC, indicating a greater susceptibility to PQQ. In addition, PQQ exhibited notable antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, with a prominent inhibition observed against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Proteus vulgaris, and MRSA strains. Remarkably, PQQ demonstrated considerable biofilm inhibition against the MRSA, S. epidermidis, and P. vulgaris strains. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed that PQQ caused structural damage and disrupted cell metabolism in bacterial cells, leading to aberrant morphology, compromised cell membrane integrity, and leakage of cytoplasmic contents. These findings were further affirmed by shotgun proteomic analysis, which revealed that PQQ targets several important cellular processes in bacteria, including membrane proteins, ATP metabolic processes, DNA repair processes, metal-binding proteins, and stress response. Finally, detailed molecular modeling investigations indicated that PQQ exhibits a substantial binding affinity score for key microbial targets, including the mannoprotein Mp1P, the transcriptional regulator TcaR, and the endonuclease PvuRTs1I. Taken together, our study underscores the effectiveness of PQQ as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent capable of combating pathogenic fungi and bacteria, while also inhibiting biofilm formation and targeting several critical biological processes, making it a promising therapeutic option for biofilm-related infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the urgent need for new antibiotics, very few innovative antibiotics have recently entered clinics or clinical trials. To provide a constant supply of new drug candidates optimized in terms of their potential to select for resistance in natural settings, in vitro resistance-predicting studies need to be improved and scaled up. In this review, the following in vitro parameters are presented: frequency of spontaneous mutant selection (FSMS), mutant prevention concentration (MPC), dominant mutant prevention concentration (MPC-D), inferior-mutant prevention concentration (MPC-F), and minimal selective concentration (MSC). The utility of various adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) approaches (serial transfer, continuous culture, and evolution in spatiotemporal microenvironments) for comparing hits in terms of the level and time required for multistep resistance to emerge is discussed. We also consider how the hit-to-lead stage can benefit from high-throughput ALE setups based on robotic workstations, do-it-yourself (DIY) continuous cultivation systems, microbial evolution and growth arena (MEGA) plates, soft agar gradient evolution (SAGE) plates, microfluidic chips, or microdroplet technology. Finally, approaches for evaluating the fitness of in vitro-generated resistant mutants are presented. This review aims to draw attention to newly emerged ideas on how to improve the in vitro forecasting of the potential of compounds to select for resistance in natural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the effects of incorporating the commercially available phenylurea-based antimicrobial agent S89 to pre-vulcanised natural rubber latex (NRL). The physical properties of the dipped film derived from the S89 incorporated into pre-vulcanised NRL such as antimicrobial efficacy, wettability properties, surface characteristics, surface morphology and tensile strength were further evaluated. The antibacterial activity of S89 in NRL films was tested using the agar disc diffusion method and S89 had been demonstrated to suppress and prevent bacterial growth even at low loading levels. Moreover, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of S89 was obtained by fitting the inhibition zone diameter and loading of S89 using two mathematical diffusion models, free and dissipative models. In this work, the dissipative model is shown to be the best-described diffusion model for S89. The leaching behaviour of S89 in an artificial sweat was investigated where the leachate of S89 is observed after 20 min of immersion at a very low concentration (0.039 ug/mL). Interestingly, NRL films incorporated with S89 displayed better wettability properties on air facing (AF) surface indicating that the AF surface of the film had been altered to be more hydrophilic. Nonetheless, there were no changes observed to the former facing (FF) surface. In addition, the polarity of the surface was also reduced which corresponds to the contact angle results. Further analysis of the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) surface morphology on the NRL film incorporated with S89 exhibited sufficient miscibility and homogeneity during latex compounding with no agglomeration observed on both surfaces (air and former) and at the cross-sectional surface. Meanwhile, comparative tensile strength (of more than 20Mpa) of NRL films incorporated with S89 was observed for low dosage at 1 phr and 3 phr. In conclusion, antimicrobial natural rubber (NR) films for glove application with satisfactory tensile properties, adequate wettability properties, non-agglomerated surface morphology and good antimicrobial properties were achieved by employing a low loading of S89 in the NRL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the remineralization effect of NaF, NaF with TCP, NaF with CPP‐ACP and NaF with CXP varnishes on newly erupted first permanent molars using laser fluorescence (LF) method. The study was a randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial with four parallel groups. Methods: The study was carried out in 48 high caries‐risk children (DMFS >8), aged 6–7 years with newly erupted permanent first molars (initial lesion with 13 < LF value<30). A total of 140 teeth were divided randomly into four groups (n = 35): G1.Duraphat Varnish containing 5% NaF, G2. Clinpro™ White Varnish containing 5% NaF with TCP, G3.Embrace™ Varnish containing 5% NaF with CXP, G4. MI Varnish containing 5% NaF with CPP‐ACP. All dental treatments of the patients were completed before the varnish application. The varnishes were applied to the targeted teeth at baseline, 1 and 3 months. Patients were called for follow‐up appointments at 1, 3 and 6 months, and LF scanning was used to monitor mineralization changes. Data were analysed statistically by Wilcoxon signed‐rank and Mann–Whitney U‐tests. Results: In total, 40 children (122 teeth) completed the trial. At the end of 6 months, the amount of reduction in LF values (indicating remineralization) are as follows: NaF with CXP(6.87 ± 4.32) < NaF with TCP(7.36 ± 7.05) < NaF(7.40 ± 7.03) < NaF with CPP‐ACP(8.33 ± 4.90). All of the varnishes resulted in significant decrease in LF measurements and there was no significant difference between control (NaF alone) group and other groups. Only MI varnish had a significantly greater remineralization effect than Embrace™ Varnish (p < 0.05). Conclusion: As a non‐invasive approach, CPP‐ACP, TCP and CXP containing NaF varnishes have the potential to remineralize initial caries lesions on permanent first molars in high caries‐risk children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractA new library of quinoline–natural product conjugates bearing 1,2,3-triazole moiety as a linker has been synthesized using the copper(I) catalyzed azide-alkyne [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction (CuAAC) methodology. The structure characterization of the synthesized compounds was achieved using NMR and HRMS analysis. The compounds were subsequently screened for their antimicrobial efficacies against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), MDR Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Cryptococcus neoformans. The studied compounds generally displayed stronger inhibition of microbial cell growth compared to their parent phenolic natural products. Eugenol, thymol, guaiacol, and o-vanillin based 1H-1,2,3-triazole compounds exhibited the best antimicrobial profiles while the pathogen, A. baumannii showed the highest susceptibility to the hybrids. Precisely, hybrids 19a, 20b, and 25b derived from eugenol, thymol, and o-vanillin, respectively, exhibited over 50% growth inhibition of the pathogen. K. pneumoniae was however strongly resistant to the compound series. In silico docking studies of the representative compounds further explored the characteristic binding orientations of these compounds in the active sites of the bacterial and fungal proteins. Overall, we perceive that rational scaffold hopping of these compounds holds promise to offer novel antimicrobial agents with enhanced potency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food industry is increasingly focused on maintaining the quality and safety of food products as consumers are becoming more health conscious and seeking fresh, minimally processed foods. However, deterioration and spoilage caused by foodborne pathogens continue to pose significant challenges, leading to decreased shelf life and quality. To overcome this issue, the food industry and researchers are exploring new approaches to prevent microbial growth in food, while preserving its nutritional value and safety. Active packaging, including antimicrobial packaging, has gained considerable attention among current food packaging methods owing to the wide range of materials used, application methods, and their ability to protect various food products. Both direct and indirect methods can be used to improve food safety and quality by incorporating antimicrobial compounds into the food packaging materials. This comprehensive review focuses on natural and synthetic antimicrobial substances and polymer-based films, and their mechanisms and applications in packaging systems. The properties of these materials are compared, and the persistent challenges in the field of active packaging are emphasized. Specifically, there is a need to achieve the controlled release of antimicrobial agents and develop active packaging materials that possess the necessary mechanical and barrier properties, as well as other characteristics essential for ensuring food protection and safety, particularly bio-based packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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

Background and aims. The individualization of cosmetic products or personalized dermatology preparations are in great demand at the present time. Methods. 24 emulsifying cream bases were proposed which were prepared by the classical, automatic and semi-automatic methods, respectively, and the physical stability resulted from the three types of homogenization was taken into account. Texture parameters were also studied for the most stable cream bases in the preformulation stage and the t - statistical test was applied. In order to choose the most optimal preservative, the effectiveness of the NipaEster solution 0.1%, Cosgard and Euxyl® PE 9010 was tested on the strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. Results. 9 cream bases were stable through all the preparation methods used, and preservation was achieved with Euxyl® PE 9010. Following the texture parameters, significant differences were observed for the same formula in the case of choosing a different preparation method. Conclusions. Formulas F1, with methyl glucose sesquistearate as emulsifier, F8, with cetearyl glucosite as emulsifier, and F14, with Ceteareth-20 can be used as cream bases for customized products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mannheimia haemolytica is a major contributor to bovine respiratory disease (BRD), which causes substantial economic losses to the beef industry, and there is an urgent need for rapid and accurate diagnostic tests to provide evidence for treatment decisions and support antimicrobial stewardship. Diagnostic sequencing can provide information about antimicrobial resistance genes in M. haemolytica more rapidly than conventional diagnostics. Realizing the full potential of diagnostic sequencing requires a comprehensive understanding of the genetic markers of antimicrobial resistance. We identified genetic markers of resistance in M. haemolytica to macrolide class antibiotics commonly used for control of BRD. Genome sequences were determined for 99 M. haemolytica isolates with six different susceptibility phenotypes collected over 2 years from a feedlot in Saskatchewan, Canada. Known macrolide resistance genes estT, msr(E), and mph(E) were identified in most resistant isolates within predicted integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs). ICE sequences lacking antibiotic resistance genes were detected in 10 of 47 susceptible isolates. No resistance-associated polymorphisms were detected in ribosomal RNA genes, although previously unreported mutations in the L22 and L23 ribosomal proteins were identified in 12 and 27 resistant isolates, respectively. Pangenome analysis led to the identification of 79 genes associated with resistance to gamithromycin, of which 95% (75 of 79) had no functional annotation. Most of the observed phenotypic resistance was explained by previously identified antibiotic resistance genes, although resistance to the macrolides gamithromycin and tulathromycin was not explained in 39 of 47 isolates, demonstrating the need for continued surveillance for novel determinants of macrolide resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The presence of antibiotic residues in food products due to the extensive use of antibiotics in animal farming poses significant risks to human health and contributes to antimicrobial resistance. Conventional methods for antibiotic residue detection, such as LC-MS/MS and immunoassays, have limitations in terms of cost, analysis time, and complexity. Graphene-based electrochemical sensors have emerged as promising alternatives for rapid, sensitive, and cost-effective detection of antibiotic residues in food. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the development and application of graphene-based electrochemical sensors for antibiotic residue monitoring. We critically examine the strategies for graphene synthesis, modification, and integration with recognition elements, as well as the fabrication and performance characteristics of these sensors. The unique advantages of graphene, such as high surface area and electrical conductivity, are highlighted, along with the challenges and limitations in practical implementation. Furthermore, we discuss future perspectives and research directions, emphasizing the need for multi-residue detection, sensor miniaturization, and validation in real-world settings. The role of advanced nanomaterial composites, novel recognition elements, and data analysis techniques in improving sensor performance is also explored. By providing a critical assessment of the current state of knowledge and identifying key research gaps and opportunities, this review aims to serve as a valuable resource for researchers and stakeholders interested in developing graphene-based electrochemical sensors for antibiotic residue detection in food safety applications, ultimately contributing to the protection of consumer health and the fight against antimicrobial resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance increases infection morbidity in both adults and children, necessitating the development of new therapeutic options. Telavancin, an antibiotic approved in the United States for certain bacterial infections in adults, has not been examined in pediatric patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the short-term safety and pharmacokinetics (PK) of a single intravenous infusion of telavancin in pediatric patients. Single-dose safety and PK of 10 mg/kg telavancin was investigated in pediatric subjects >12 months to ≤17 years of age with known or suspected bacterial infection. Plasma was collected up to 24-h post-infusion and analyzed for concentrations of telavancin and its metabolite for noncompartmental PK analysis. Safety was monitored by physical exams, vital signs, laboratory values, and adverse events following telavancin administration. Twenty-two subjects were enrolled: 14 subjects in Cohort 1 (12-17 years), 7 subjects in Cohort 2 (6-11 years), and 1 subject in Cohort 3 (2-5 years). A single dose of telavancin was well-tolerated in all pediatric age cohorts without clinically significant effects. All age groups exhibited increased clearance of telavancin and reduced exposure to telavancin compared to adults, with mean peak plasma concentrations of 58.3 µg/mL (Cohort 1), 60.1 µg/mL (Cohort 2), and 53.1 µg/mL (Cohort 3). A 10 mg/kg dose of telavancin was well tolerated in pediatric subjects. Telavancin exposure was lower in pediatric subjects compared to adult subjects. Further studies are needed to determine the dose required in phase 3 clinical trials in pediatrics.

ABSTRACTOne of the main challenges in aquaculture is pathogenic bacterial control. Streptococcus iniae stands out for its ability to cause high mortality rates in populations of commercially important fish populations and its recent recognition as an emerging zoonotic pathogen. The rise in identifying over 80 strains some displaying antibiotic resistance coupled with the emerging occurrence of infections in marine mammal species and wild fish underscores the urgent need of understanding pathogenesis, virulence and drug resistance mechanisms of this bacterium. This understanding is crucial to ensure effective control strategies. In this context, the present review conducts a bibliometric analysis to examine research trends related to S. iniae, extending into the mechanisms of infection, virulence, drug resistance and control strategies, whose relevance is highlighted on vaccines and probiotics to strengthen the host immune system. Despite the advances in this field, the need for developing more efficient identification methods is evident, since they constitute the basis for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract Recently, the days of antibiotic spectrum coverage (DASC) using the antibiotic spectrum coverage (ASC) score was reported as a new tool for measuring antimicrobial use. The days of therapy (DOT) are required to calculate the DASC, making it impossible to use when patient-level information is unavailable. Therefore, we have defined a new measure of antimicrobial use for antimicrobial spectrum coverage (AUSC) using antimicrobial use density (AUD) and ASC scores. In this study, we have investigated the use of antimicrobial agents retrospectively examined for monthly prescriptions between 2016 and 2022, and whether the AUSC could be used as a new measure. Our data showed that the AUD, AUSC, DOT, and DASC increased, whereas AUSC/AUD and DASC/DOT decreased over the study period. In addition, no correlation was found between DOT and DASC/DOT (ρ = − 0.093, p = 0.399), whereas there was a weak correlation between AUD and AUSC/AUD (ρ = − 0.295, p = 0.006). Therefore, in this study, the use of AUSC is considered less beneficial when DASC can be calculated based on DOT. On the other hand, in institutional settings where DOT cannot be calculated, AUSC may be useful as a new measure to evaluate antimicrobial use.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of producing biofilms on various surfaces, medical implants and burn wounds which inhibit the action of antimicrobial agents. This study was undertaken for the screening, identification and purification of a natural antimicrobial compound from the hospital waste sites against P. aeruginosa. The partial purification of the antimicrobial agent was performed with ethyl acetate from the culture supernatant of the isolate and further purified by HPLC. For the characterization of the active compound, we have used Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Electrospray Ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis. The purified compound was tested for anti-biofilm activity in vitro against P. aeruginosa and on various surfaces such as plastic, glass, and steel. The potent isolate was confirmed as Bacillus licheniformis strain RG1002. The HPLC purified compound was characterized as lichenysin using FTIR and ESI-MS analysis. This study identifies and characterize the potent antimicrobial agent against other important human pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli. Purified lichenysin showed strong inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa and other important pathogens and inhibits the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa in vitro on various types of surfaces. The current study suggests the application of lichenysin as a protective coating on various indwelling medical devices and catheters to prevent the biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a pathogenic bacterium widespread in human environments, especially in intensive care units, and is associated with high morbidity and infection rates. Multiple drug resistance in A. baumannii frequently leads to the death of patients, making the development of multi-effect antibacterial agents against this bacterium a research hotspot. We have previously found that the X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide can effectively inhibit the growth of Penicillium digitatum and Candida albicans. Herein, we evaluated the antibacterial activity of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide against A. baumannii by determining the minimum inhibitory concentration, inhibition zone, and growth curve. The increase in extracellular alkaline phosphatase and the leakage of intracellular compounds confirmed the effect of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide on the cell wall and membrane. Changes in reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, ATP, reducing sugar, soluble protein, and pyruvate content demonstrated that the incubation with X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide affected energy metabolism and oxidative stress. Consistent with the physiological characteristics, transcriptomics analysis indicated that incubation with X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide significantly induced changes in the expression of 2339 genes, including 1262 upregulated and 1077 downregulated genes, which participate in oxidative phosphorylation, ribosome, quorum sensing, fatty acid degradation, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and citrate cycle pathways. These results provide a fundamental basis for investigating the mechanism of X33 antimicrobial oligopeptide as a potential drug against A. baumannii.

1,3,4‐Oxadiazole and its derivatives are well known assorted motif in drug design and development. The development of bacterial infection drug resistance serves as justification for the discovery of novel antimicrobial drugs. Thus, a novel series of 1,3,4‐oxadiazole derivatives linked to pyrrolo[2,3‐d]pyrimidine 6 a–f and 7 a–e was designed, synthesized and fully characterized by 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR and mass spectroscopic analysis. All of the compounds′ in‐vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities were reported, and final oxadiazoles 6 d, 6 e, 6 f, and 7 e showed excellent antimicrobial inhibitory activity as compared to standard drugs. The compounds 6 f and 7 a exhibited potent antifungal activity as a potent inhibitor against C. albicans with MICs 4.0±0.03, 7.5±0.02 μg/mL respectively. In order to determine the different binding interactions that the most active oxadiazoles had with the Staphylococcus aureus DHFR enzyme, a docking study was conducted. The results indicated that the residues of amino acid Thr96(X), Leu62(X), Arg44(X), Asn18(X), Glu17(X), Lys45(X), Thr121(X), Gln95(X), Asp120(X), Ser64(X), Gly94(X), and Phe16(X) had promising energy value, within the range of −6.84 to −9.63 kcal/mol (PDB: 3FRA). The most effective inhibitors, 6 and 7, also underwent in silico ADMET tests to predict their pharmacokinetic and physicochemical characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the days of antibiotic spectrum coverage (DASC) using the antibiotic spectrum coverage (ASC) score was reported as a new tool for measuring antimicrobial use. The days of therapy (DOT) are required to calculate the DASC, making it impossible to use when patient-level information is unavailable. Therefore, we have defined a new measure of antimicrobial use for antimicrobial spectrum coverage (AUSC) using antimicrobial use density (AUD) and ASC scores. In this study, we have investigated the use of antimicrobial agents retrospectively examined for monthly prescriptions between 2016 and 2022, and whether the AUSC could be used as a new measure. Our data showed that the AUD, AUSC, DOT, and DASC increased, whereas AUSC/AUD and DASC/DOT decreased over the study period. In addition, no correlation was found between DOT and DASC/DOT (ρ = − 0.093, p = 0.399), whereas there was a weak correlation between AUD and AUSC/AUD (ρ = − 0.295, p = 0.006). Therefore, in this study, the use of AUSC is considered less beneficial when DASC can be calculated based on DOT. On the other hand, in institutional settings where DOT cannot be calculated, AUSC may be useful as a new measure to evaluate antimicrobial use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With respect to other fields, bone tissue engineering has significantly expanded in recent years, leading not only to relevant advances in biomedical applications but also to innovative perspectives. Polycaprolactone (PCL), produced in the beginning of the 1930s, is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer. Due to its mechanical and physicochemical features, as well as being easily shapeable, PCL-based constructs can be produced with different shapes and degradation kinetics. Moreover, due to various development processes, PCL can be made as 3D scaffolds or fibres for bone tissue regeneration applications. This outstanding biopolymer is versatile because it can be modified by adding agents with antimicrobial properties, not only antibiotics/antifungals, but also metal ions or natural compounds. In addition, to ameliorate its osteoproliferative features, it can be blended with calcium phosphates. This review is an overview of the current state of our recent investigation into PCL modifications designed to impair microbial adhesive capability and, in parallel, to allow eukaryotic cell viability and integration, in comparison with previous reviews and excellent research papers. Our recent results demonstrated that the developed 3D constructs had a high interconnected porosity, and the addition of biphasic calcium phosphate improved human cell attachment and proliferation. The incorporation of alternative antimicrobials—for instance, silver and essential oils—at tuneable concentrations counteracted microbial growth and biofilm formation, without affecting eukaryotic cells' viability. Notably, this challenging research area needs the multidisciplinary work of material scientists, biologists, and orthopaedic surgeons to determine the most suitable modifications on biomaterials to design favourable 3D scaffolds based on PCL for the targeted healing of damaged bone tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of antimicrobial drugs with novel structures and clear mechanisms of action that are active against drug-resistant bacteria has become an urgent need of safeguarding human health due to the rise of bacterial drug resistance. The discovery of AMPs and the development of amphipathic peptidomimetics have lay the foundation for novel antimicrobial agents to combat drug resistance due to their overall strong antimicrobial activities and unique membrane-active mechanisms. To break the limitation of AMPs, researchers have invested in great endeavors through various approaches in the past years. This review summarized the recent advances including the development of antibacterial small molecule peptidomimetics and peptide-mimic cationic oligomers/polymers, as well as mechanism-of-action studies. As this exciting interdisciplinary field is continuously expanding and growing, we hope this review will benefit researchers in the rational design of novel antimicrobial peptidomimetics in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is capable of producing biofilms on various surfaces, medical implants and burn wounds which inhibit the action of antimicrobial agents. This study was undertaken for the screening, identification and purification of a natural antimicrobial compound from the hospital waste sites against P. aeruginosa. The partial purification of the antimicrobial agent was performed with ethyl acetate from the culture supernatant of the isolate and further purified by HPLC. For the characterization of the active compound, we have used Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Electrospray Ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis. The purified compound was tested for anti-biofilm activity in vitro against P. aeruginosa and on various surfaces such as plastic, glass, and steel. The potent isolate was confirmed as Bacillus licheniformis strain RG1002. The HPLC purified compound was characterized as lichenysin using FTIR and ESI-MS analysis. This study identifies and characterize the potent antimicrobial agent against other important human pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella flexneri and Escherichia coli. Purified lichenysin showed strong inhibitory effect against P. aeruginosa and other important pathogens and inhibits the biofilm formation of P. aeruginosa in vitro on various types of surfaces. The current study suggests the application of lichenysin as a protective coating on various indwelling medical devices and catheters to prevent the biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diarrhoea remains an important public health concern, particularly in developing countries, and has become difficult to treat because of antibacterial resistance. The development of synergistic antimicrobial agents appears to be a promising alternative treatment against diarrhoeic infections. In this study, the combined effect of tetracycline together with either nitroxoline, sanguinarine, or zinc pyrithione (representing various classes of plant-based compounds) was evaluated in vitro against selected diarrhoeic bacteria (Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Shigella flexneri, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, and Yersinia enterocolitica). The chequerboard method in 96-well microtiter plates was used to determine the sum of the fractional inhibitory concentration indices (FICIs). Three independent experiments were performed per combination, each in triplicate. It was observed that the combination of tetracycline with either nitroxoline, sanguinarine, or zinc pyrithione produced synergistic effects against most of the pathogenic bacteria tested, with FICI values ranging from 0.086 to 0.5. Tetracycline–nitroxoline combinations produced the greatest synergistic action against S. flexneri at a FICI value of 0.086. The combinations of the agents tested in this study can thus be used for the development of new anti-diarrhoeic medications. However, studies focusing on their in vivo anti-diarrhoeic activity and safety are required before any consideration for utilization in human medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial biofilm formation represents a serious problem for both food industry and households. Natural biofilms are formed mostly by multiple species, and show resistance against most of the usual sanitizers. In this study, the effects of cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), marjoram (Origanum majorana) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) essential oils (EOs) and their main components (cinnamaldehyde, terpinene-4-ol, and thymol) were investigated on four-species biofilms of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas putida and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) and killing time were determined by means of the microdilution method. MBC of the investigated EOs and components was between 0.5 mg/mL (cinnamaldehyde) to 25 mg/mL (terpinene-4-ol). Killing times for the four-species suspension were 5 or 10 min, time spans usable in the food industry. For eradication of the mixed-population biofilm from stainless steel (SS), polypropylene (PP), tile and wood surfaces, EO- or EO component-based disinfectant solutions were developed, and their effects were compared to a peracetic acid-based industrial sanitizer (HC-DPE). Total eradication of biofilms (99.9%) was achieved, with solutions containing cinnamon and thyme EO and EO components, from SS and PP, but not from tile or wood surfaces. Apparently, cinnamon EO, terpinene-4-ol and thymol have better disinfectant activity than HC-DPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal plants are hosts to an infinite number of microorganisms, commonly referred to as endophytes which are rich in bioactive metabolites yielding favorable biological activities. The endophytes are known to have a profound impact on their host plant by promoting the accumulation of secondary metabolites which are beneficial to humankind. In the present study, the fungal endophyte, Fusarium solani (ABR4) from the medicinal plant Tinospora cordifolia, was assessed for its bioactive secondary metabolites employing fermentation on a solid rice medium. The crude ABR4 fungal extract was sequentially purified using the solvent extraction method and characterized using different spectroscopic and analytical techniques namely TLC, UV spectroscopic analysis, HRESI-MS, FTIR, and GC-MS analysis. The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of pyridine, benzoic acid, 4-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]-trimethylsilyl ester, hexadecanoic acid trimethylsilyl ester, and oleic acid trimethylsilyl ester. The cytotoxic ability of ABR4 was evaluated by MTT assay against lung cancer (A549) and breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines. The compounds did not exhibit significant cytotoxicity against the tested cell lines. The endophytic ABR4 extract was evaluated for its antimicrobial potential against human pathogens (S. aureus, B. cereus, E. coli, S. typhimurium, P. aeruginosa, and C. albicans) by recording 47 to 54% inhibition. Taken together, the endophytic fungal strain ABR4 demonstrated a remarkable antimicrobial activity against the tested pathogens. Furthermore, the functional metabolites isolated from the endophytic strain ABR4 reveal its broader usage as antimicrobial agents for newer drug development in the pharmaceutical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacteriocins are highly diverse, abundant, and heterogeneous antimicrobial peptides that are ribosomally synthesized by bacteria and archaea. Since their discovery about a century ago, there has been a growing interest in bacteriocin research and applications. This is mainly due to their high antimicrobial properties, narrow or broad spectrum of activity, specificity, low cytotoxicity, and stability. Though initially used to improve food quality and safety, bacteriocins are now globally exploited for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems as sustainable alternatives to antibiotics. Bacteriocins have the potential to beneficially modulate microbiota, providing viable microbiome-based solutions for the treatment, management, and non-invasive bio-diagnosis of infectious and non-infectious diseases. The use of bacteriocins holds great promise in the modulation of food microbiomes, antimicrobial food packaging, bio-sanitizers and antibiofilm, pre/post-harvest biocontrol, functional food, growth promotion, and sustainable aquaculture. This can undoubtedly improve food security, safety, and quality globally. This review highlights the current trends in bacteriocin research, especially the increasing research outputs and funding, which we believe may proportionate the soaring global interest in bacteriocins. The use of cutting-edge technologies, such as bioengineering, can further enhance the exploitation of bacteriocins for innovative applications in human, animal, and food systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) often develop gastrointestinal diseases. Recently, although in general population, clinical guidelines for Helicobacter pylori have strongly recommended its eradication in patients to prevent gastric cancer, optimal eradication regimen and optimal dosage of drugs for patients receiving HD have not been established, due to possible incidence of adverse events. Some antimicrobial agents used in eradication therapy, particularly amoxicillin, can exacerbate renal dysfunction. Given the delayed pharmacokinetics of drugs in patients receiving HD compared with those in healthy individuals, drug regimen and dosage should be considered to minimize adverse effects. Although previous studies have investigated the benefits of eradication therapy for patients receiving HD, because most studies were small in terms of the number of enrolled patients, it is hard to show evidence. The numbers of eradication in HD patients have recently increased, and it is important to provide an optimal regimen. The consideration of eradication in patients undergoing HD with a reduction in the drug dose by 1/2–1/3 may prevent adverse events. Additionally, another important consideration is whether adverse events can be prevented while maintaining a similar eradication rate with reduced drug dosages. Recent meta‐analysis findings indicate comparable eradication rates in patients receiving HD and healthy individuals, both with the same dosage regimen and at a reduced dosage regimen, with no significant differences (relative risk [RR] for successful eradication: 0.85 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.48–1.50]). Unlike with the same dosage regimen (RR for adverse events: 3.15 [95% CI: 1.93–5.13]), the adverse events in the dosage reduction regimen were similar to those in healthy individuals (RR: 1.26 [95% CI: 0.23–6.99]). From a pharmacological perspective, the eradication regimen in patients receiving HD should consider the dosage (1/2–1/3 dosage), dosing number (bid), dosing timing of drugs (after HD), and susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several derivatives carrying thiazolidine-4-one pharmacophore were prepared to evaluate their antimicrobial activities. The set of compounds were shown to possess potential activities as determined by molecular docking studies for both candidal (14-alpha demethylase) and bacterial enzymes (Penicillin binding protein of E. coli). In vitro antimicrobial activities were also performed to confirm the molecular docking results. Molecular characterization by spectral techniques (FT-IR, 13C NMR and ¹H NMR) was carried out to confirm the identity of the synthesized compounds. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for antibacterial and anticandidal activity by comparing them with the reference drugs (positive controls) ceftriaxone and fluconazole respectively. Four bacterial species (Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis, Staphylococcus aureus) and one fungal species (Candida albicans) were inoculated into petri dishes and were expose to the synthesized compounds by well diffusion method. The series of the proposed compounds were successfully synthesized and some of them were proven to have antibacterial activities comparable to the reference drug. Particularly, the compounds 2c and 2a posessed activities against K. pneumomia being higher than ceftriaxone with average inhibition zone diameters of 17 mm and 16 mm at highest concentration respectively. Compound 2b was effective against E. Coli also yielding higher activity than ceftriaxone achieving an average diameter of 17 mm at the highest concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. ex Fr.) P. Kumm mushrooms are cultivated on diverse by-products based on substrates that hold promise for mitigating antibiotic usage in the poultry industry and reducing environmental pollution. By incorporating agricultural by-products into mushroom cultivation, the functionality of the mushroom products can be increased, then the final product can be a more effective feed supplement. After mushroom cultivation, spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can be valorized, due to the presence of huge amounts of bioactive compounds like β-glucan, chitin, polyphenols, and flavonoids related to mycelia. As a prebiotic and antimicrobial feed supplement, these mushrooms positively influence gut microbiota, intestinal morphology, and thus overall poultry well-being. This article underscores the potential of solid-state fermentation (SSF) to enhance the bioactivity of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives, offering a cost-effective and efficient strategy for transforming unconventional feeding materials. Moreover, it emphasizes broader implications, including the reduction of antibiotic dependence in poultry farming, highlighting the promising integration of oyster mushrooms and their derivatives for sustainable and environmentally conscious poultry production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution have prompted the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives to disposable plastic packaging and utensils. Paper-based materials, derived from renewable resources such as wood pulp, non-wood pulp (bamboo pulp, straw pulp, reed pulp, etc.), and recycled paper fibers, are distinguished by their recyclability and biodegradability, making them promising substitutes in the field of plastic food packaging. Despite their merits, challenges like porosity, hydrophilicity, limited barrier properties, and a lack of functionality have restricted their packaging potential. To address these constraints, researchers have introduced antimicrobial agents, hydrophobic substances, and other functional components to improve both physical and functional properties. This enhancement has resulted in notable improvements in food preservation outcomes in real-world scenarios. This paper offers a comprehensive review of recent progress in hydrophobic antimicrobial paper-based materials. In addition to outlining the characteristics and functions of commonly used antimicrobial substances in food packaging, it consolidates the current research landscape and preparation techniques for hydrophobic paper. Furthermore, the paper explores the practical applications of hydrophobic antimicrobial paper-based materials in agricultural produce, meat, and seafood, as well as ready-to-eat food packaging. Finally, challenges in production, application, and recycling processes are outlined to ensure safety and efficacy, and prospects for the future development of antimicrobial hydrophobic paper-based materials are discussed. Overall, the emergence of hydrophobic antimicrobial paper-based materials stands out as a robust alternative to plastic food packaging, offering a compelling solution with superior food preservation capabilities. In the future, paper-based materials with antimicrobial and hydrophobic functionalities are expected to further enhance food safety as promising packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Postbiotic is the term used to define the soluble factors, metabolic products, or byproducts released by live probiotic bacteria or after its lysis. The objective of this study was to carry out the chemical characterization of the postbiotic of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus LR-32 and to evaluate its in vitro effect on the development of the Streptococcus mutans biofilm. After the cultivation of the probiotic strain, the postbiotic was extracted by centrifuging the culture and filtering the supernatant. This postbiotic was characterized by using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and then it was used to determine the growth inhibition of S. mutans in its planktonic form; additionally, its effects on the following parameters in 48 h biofilm were evaluated: viable bacteria, dry weight, and gene expression of glucosyltransferases and VicR gene. The control group consisted of the biofilm without any treatment. A paired t-test was performed for statistical analysis, with the p-value set at 5%. Seventeen compounds of various chemical classes were identified in the postbiotic, including sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and acids. The treatment with the postbiotic led to an inhibition of the growth of S. mutans in its planktonic form, as well as a decrease in the number of viable bacteria, reduction in dry weight, and a negative regulation of the gene expression of gtfB, gtfC, gtfD, and vicR in its biofilm state, compared with the nontreated group (p < 0.05). The postbiotic of L. rhamnosus impaired the development of S. mutans biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tellurium (Te) is the heaviest stable chalcogen and is a rare element in Earth's crust (one to five ppb). It was discovered in gold ore from mines in Kleinschlatten near the present-day city of Zlatna, Romania. Industrial and other applications of Te focus on its inorganic forms. Tellurium can be toxic to animals and humans at low doses. Chronic tellurium poisoning endangers the kidney, liver, and nervous system. However, Te can be effective against bacteria and is able to destroy cancer cells. Tellurium can also be used to develop redox modulators and enzyme inhibitors. Soluble salts that contain Te had a role as therapeutic and antimicrobial agents before the advent of antibiotics. The pharmaceutical use of Te is not widespread due to the narrow margin between beneficial and toxic doses, but there are differences between the measure of toxicity based on the Te form. Nano-tellurium (Te-NPs) has several applications: it can act as an adsorptive agent to remove pollutants, and it can be used in antibacterial coating, photo-catalysis for the degradation of dyes, and conductive electronic materials. Nano-sized Te particles are the most promising and can be produced in both chemical and biological ways. Safety assessments are essential to determine the potential risks and benefits of using Te compounds in various applications. Future challenges and directions in developing nano-materials, nano-alloys, and nano-structures based on Te are still open to debate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bacterial spread can pose a significant risk in the transmission of infectious diseases. Nanomaterials, including synthetic antibacterial nanoparticles, have emerged as a promising solution to combat bacterial infections due to their unique physicochemical properties. Metal nanoparticles have been shown to exhibit potent antimicrobial activity against a broad spectrum of bacteria, including both gram-positive and gram-negative strains. One of the main advantages of using metal nanoparticles as antibacterial agents is their ability to penetrate the bacterial cell wall and disrupt cellular processes. This disruption can lead to the inhibition of bacterial growth and ultimately, bacterial death. Furthermore, metal nanoparticles can be engineered with specific surface modifications that enhance their antibacterial activity and improve their biocompatibility. These modifications can include the attachment of targeting ligands, peptides, or antibodies to the nanoparticle surface, which can increase their specificity toward bacterial cells and reduce their toxicity toward mammalian cells. Overall, the use of metal nanoparticles as antibacterial agents holds great promise for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat bacterial infections, both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper, we highlight the development of metal NPs, particularly those based on Mn, Fe, Co, Zn and Cu for their antimicrobial properties and related mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]