Antimicrobial Activity Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity of Clindamycin/BPO in Combination With Adapalene

Introduction: Acne guidelines recommend the addition of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) to antibiotics to reduce resistance in Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes). Pairing the antibiotic/BPO combination with a retinoid, such as adapalene, may further increase treatment efficacy, although research on adapalene’s antibacterial activity is limited. To determine if adapalene improves antimicrobial activity, this in vitro study evaluated minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of clindamycin, adapalene, and BPO alone or in combination against both susceptible and resistant C. acnes isolates. Methods: Part 1a: C. acnes sensitivity to clindamycin, adapalene, or BPO was assessed via MIC values obtained by the broth microdilution method, with lower MIC indicating higher susceptibility. Part 1b: The effect (synergistic, additive, antagonistic, or indifferent [no interaction]) of combining adapalene with clindamycin or BPO on C. acnes inhibition was evaluated using a checkerboard assay, wherein two test compounds are combined in varying concentrations. Part 2: Susceptibility to single formulations of clindamycin, adapalene, and BPO, and fixed-dose combination formulations of an antibiotic (clindamycin or erythromycin) with BPO was determined by measuring antibacterial zone of inhibition using agar diffusion method, with larger diameter indicating increased bacterial inhibition. Results: Part 1a: Clindamycin demonstrated strain-dependent activity (MIC range: <0.125-64 μg/ml), while BPO and adapalene had no/low activity as indicated by high MIC (>512 and >64, respectively) against the 6 acne-associated strains tested. Part 1b: The combination of adapalene with clindamycin resulted in an additive effect for 3 and no interaction for 1 strain, whereas adapalene with BPO did not result in any interaction against the 4 acne-associated strains tested. Part 2: Activity of single formulations varied, with adapalene 0.1% having no activity (zone of inhibition: 0 cm) against any of the 8 acne-associated C. acnes strains tested. The fixed-dose combination formulations had generally similar activity against all strains tested (range: 0.9-5 cm). Conclusions: In these in vitro analyses, adapalene and BPO had no/low activity against C. acnes, whereas clindamycin alone or in combination formulations demonstrated strain-dependent activity. The relatively high MIC of BPO is not unexpected and aligns with previous studies in which the in vitro activity of BPO was low compared to its high in vivo antimicrobial activity. Further, addition of the retinoid adapalene had an additive effect on the antimicrobial activity of clindamycin against 3 out of 4 C. acnes strains tested, but no effect on the activity of BPO in vitro. Taken together, these data suggest that when combined with clindamycin/BPO, adapalene may enhance antimicrobial activity, while also bringing its own, unique retinoid mechanism of action to the triple combination, adding to clindamycin's bacteriostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Funding: Ortho Dermatologics

Cinnamaldehyde in Focus: Antimicrobial Properties, Biosynthetic Pathway, and Industrial Applications

Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA), a major bioactive compound derived from cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.), has garnered significant attention for its diverse therapeutic properties. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria as well as various fungi, positions TCA as a potent natural antimicrobial agent. Beyond its antimicrobial effects, TCA demonstrates promising antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a valuable compound in medicinal and cosmetic applications. Recent studies have highlighted its role in disrupting microbial membranes, inhibiting biofilm formation, and modulating key metabolic pathways in pathogens. Furthermore, TCA has gained popularity in cosmetics due to its antimicrobial activity, antioxidant properties, and skin-friendly profile. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TCA’s antimicrobial potential, focusing on its mechanisms of action and its market and industrial applications. We also discuss the biosynthetic pathway of TCA, exploring both its natural production in cinnamon and advances in biotechnological production methods. As the demand for sustainable and natural antimicrobial agents grows, TCA emerges as a promising candidate for diverse applications. Finally, this review explores future directions for optimizing TCA production through metabolic engineering and synthetic biology approaches to meet industrial-scale demands.

Progress in the Identification and Design of Novel Antimicrobial Peptides Against Pathogenic Microorganisms

Abstract The occurrence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) pose a looming threat to human health around the world. Novel antibiotics are urgently needed to address the AMR crisis. In recent years, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have gained increasing attention as potential alternatives to conventional antibiotics due to their abundant sources, structural diversity, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and ease of production. Given its significance, there has been a tremendous advancement in the research and development of AMPs. Numerous AMPs have been identified from various natural sources (e.g., plant, animal, human, microorganism) based on either well-established isolation or bioinformatic pipelines. Moreover, computer-assisted strategies (e.g., machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL)) have emerged as a powerful and promising technology for the accurate prediction and design of new AMPs. It may overcome some of the shortcomings of traditional antibiotic discovery and contribute to the rapid development and translation of AMPs. In these cases, this review aims to appraise the latest advances in identifying and designing AMPs and their significant antimicrobial activities against a wide range of bacterial pathogens. The review also highlights the critical challenges in discovering and applying AMPs.

Orange Peel Lactiplantibacillus plantarum: Development of A Mucoadhesive Nasal Spray with Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Background/Objectives: Due to the high frequency and severity of upper respiratory bacterial infections, probiotics could offer a new medical approach. We explored the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of the new strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum BIA and formulated a nasal spray. Methods: L. plantarum BIA was isolated from orange peel and taxonomically identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Its antibacterial activity was tested against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, while anti-inflammatory potential was evaluated by Griess assay. BIA genome was fully sequenced and analyzed to assess its safety. BIA was formulated in a freeze-dried matrix, containing prebiotics and cryoprotectants, to be reconstituted with a polymer solution. Solutions containing two types of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and hyaluronic acid were evaluated as resuspending media and compared in terms of pH, viscosity, and mucoadhesion ability. The biological activity of BIA formulated as nasal spray was verified together with the stability of the selected formulations. Results: L. plantarum BIA inhibited human pathogens’ growth and showed anti-inflammatory activity and a safe profile. In the best-performing formulation, the probiotic is lyophilized in 10% fructooligosaccharides, 0.1% ascorbic acid, and 0.5% lactose and reconstituted with HPMC high viscosity 1% w/v. This composition ensured the probiotic’s viability for up to six months in its dried form and one week after reconstitution. It also allowed interaction with the nasal mucosa, preserving its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities. Conclusion: The developed nasal spray could become a promising formulation in the field of nasal infectious and inflammatory diseases.

The impact of Ag dopant on the photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue and antimicrobial activities of g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposite

The impact of Ag dopant on the photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue and antimicrobial activities of g-C3N4/ZnO nanocomposite

Antimicrobial activity of Petivera alliacea L. root and its constituents: in vitro and in silico studies

Antimicrobial activity of Petivera alliacea L. root and its constituents: in vitro and in silico studies

Antimicrobial activity of C. intybus leaves extract in different solvent systems: a green approach for sustainable biomedicine

Antimicrobial activity of <i>C. intybus</i> leaves extract in different solvent systems: a green approach for sustainable biomedicine

Isolation of Bacillus Velezensis from Leepuram Sea Sediment and Its Bioactive Compound and Antimicrobial Activity

Research into marine bacteria in India for their potential active chemicals is essential for the creation of medications derived from marine sources. The objective of this research was to collect Bacillus velezensis from Leepuram Sea Sediment, test their antibacterial efficacy with the agar diffusion method, and find secondary metabolites by GC-MS spectroscopy.Traditional microbiological methods and phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences were used to successfully identify Bacillus velezensis from sediment samples obtained in the Leepuram Sea, Kanyakumari. Using the agar well diffusion method, we tested the isolated metabolites for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results showed that the extract had a strong antibacterial effect, inhibiting the growth of harmful bacteria with zones of inhibition as large as 19 mm for E. coli and Pseudomonas.Bacillus velezensis produces secondary metabolites with pharmacological potential, according to this study. These metabolites may have useful uses in biocontrol, agriculture, and medicine. The implications of these results for human health and the creation of new antimicrobial drugs are likely to grow substantially when more worldwide research is carried out.

ZnO‐CuS/F127 Hydrogels with Multienzyme Properties for Implant‐Related Infection Therapy by Inhibiting Bacterial Arginine Biosynthesis and Promoting Tissue Repair

AbstractImplant‐related infections are characterized by the formation of bacterial biofilms. Current treatments have various drawbacks. Nanozymes with enzyme‐like activity can produce highly toxic substances to kill bacteria and remove biofilms without inducing drug resistance. However, it is difficult for current monometallic nanozymes to function well in complex biofilm environments. Therefore, the development of multimetallic nanozymes with efficient multienzyme activities is crucial. In the present study, bimetallic nanozyme, ZnO‐CuS nanoflowers with peroxidase (POD), glutathione oxidase (GSH‐Px), and catalase (CAT) activity are successfully synthesized via calcination and loaded into F127 hydrogels for the treatment of implant‐related infections. The ability of ZnO‐CuS nanoflowers to bind bacteria is key for efficient antimicrobial activity. In addition, ZnO‐CuS nanoflowers with H2O2 disrupt the metabolism of MRSA, including arginine synthesis, nucleotide excision repair, energy metabolism, and protein synthesis. ZnO‐CuS/F127 hydrogel in combination with H2O2 has been demonstrated to be effective in clearing biofilm infection and facilitating the switch of M1 macrophages to M2‐repairative phenotype macrophages for the treatment of implant infections in mice. Furthermore, ZnO‐CuS/F127 hydrogels have favorable biosafety, and their toxicity is negligible. ZnO‐CuS/F127 hydrogel has provided a promising biomedical strategy for the healing of implant‐related infections, highlighting the potential of bimetallic nanozymes for clinical applications.

A Comprehensive Review on the Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral, and Antiparasitic Potential of Silybin

Silybin, a flavonolignan extracted from the seeds of the plant species Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn., has a variety of pharmacological activities, including antimicrobial activity against several microorganisms of clinical interest. This review analyzes the existing studies on silybin’s antimicrobial activity and possible mechanisms of action. Silybin has been shown to inhibit the growth of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as some fungi, viruses, and protozoa. In general, possible mechanisms of antimicrobial action include the inhibition of efflux pumps, prevention of biofilm formation, reduction of the expression of virulence factors, induction of apoptosis-like effects, and plasma membrane damage, as well as the inhibition of nucleic acid and protein synthesis. Silybin has been shown to have synergistic effects when combined with conventional antibiotics against both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant microorganisms. However, the low bioavailability observed for this flavonolignan has been a challenge to its clinical use. In this context, nanotechnology has been used to increase silybin’s bioavailability while enhancing its antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, certain structural modifications have been able to enhance its antimicrobial activity in comparison to that of the natural molecule. Overall, this review provides insights into the scientific understanding of the mechanism of action of silybin and its desired properties for the effective treatment of infections.

ANTIOXIDANT, INHIBITION OF ADVANCED GLYCATION END-PRODUCT FORMATION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES OF OCIMUM GRATISSIMUM (SCENT LEAF) METHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT AGAINST Escherichia coli AND Bacillus SPP

The study investigates the antioxidant, inhibition of advanced glycation end-product formation and antimicrobial activities of methanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum. GC-MS, qualitative, antioxidant scavenging and antiglycation activities of the extract of Ocimum gratissimum were determined using standard procedures. The antimicrobial activity was evaluated by agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined using standard methods. The GC-MS analysis of Ocimum gratissimum leaf revealed the presence of 49 compounds with P –cymene been the most abundant. The phytochemical screening of the extract shows the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phenolic, flavonoids, saponins etc. The in-vitro antioxidant assay of the extract was found to have ?-carotene, lycopene, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid compounds, reducing power and DPPH scavenging activities. The extract showed significant inhibitory effects on the formation of compounds containing two carbonyl groups and Advanced Glycated End products formation with IC50 of 75.85 ±4.87 µg/mL. Agar well diffusion assay was characterized by inhibition zones of 21.0 ± 0.30, 19.66 ± 0.20, 33.78± 0.30 and 33.25 ± 0.40 mm for Escherichia coli and Bacillus spp respectively at 250 mg/ml for Ocimum gratissimum and 25 mg/ml for tetracycline solution. The MIC values for E.coli and Bacillus spp were 33.33, 66.67, 0.78 and 0.78 for both extract and tetracycline while their MBC values were 66.67, 133.00, 1.56 and 1.56 respectively. MBC/ MIC values showed that Ocimum gratissimum extract and tetracycline had bactericidal effects. These results indicated that Ocimum gratissimum possesses antioxidant, prevents glycation and has antimicrobial activities.

Synthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP): effect of CH-CH-TPP ratio on size and stability of NPs

In the face of a pressing global issue-the escalating threat of antibiotic resistance-the development of new antimicrobial agents is urgent. Nanotechnology, with its innovative approach, emerges as a promising solution to enhance the efficacy of these agents and combat the challenge of microbial resistance. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) stand out in biomedical applications, particularly in the controlled release of antibiotics, with their unique properties such as biocompatibility, stability, biodegradability, non-toxicity, and simple synthesis processes suitable for sensitive molecules. This study synthesized CSNPs using the ionotropic gelation method, with tripolyphosphate (TPP) as the crosslinking agent. Various CS: TPP ratios (6:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1) were tested, and the resulting nanoparticles were evaluated using dynamic light scattering (DLS). The CS: TPP ratio of 4:1, with an average hydrodynamic diameter (DHP) of (195 ± 10) nm and a zeta potential of (51 ± 1) mV, was identified as the most suitable for further analysis. The characterization of NPs by Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed diameters of (65 ± 14) nm and (102 ± 18) nm, respectively. Notably, CSNPs exhibited significant aggregation during centrifugation and lyophilization, leading to diameter increases of up to 285% as measured by AFM. The antibacterial activity of CSNPs against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was assessed using the resazurin assay. It was found that CSNPs not subjected to centrifugation, freezing, and lyophilization retained their antimicrobial activity. In contrast, those that underwent these processes lost their efficacy, likely due to aggregation and destabilization of the system. This study presents a straightforward and effective protocol for encapsulating sensitive active agents and synthesizing chitosan nanoparticles, a potential system with significant implications in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Comparative Multi-Omics Survey Reveals Novel Specialized Metabolites and Biosynthetic Gene Clusters Under GacS Control in Pseudomonas donghuensis Strain SVBP6.

In Pseudomonas donghuensis SVBP6, isolated from an agricultural field, the well-conserved Gac-Rsm pathway upregulates biosynthesis of the antifungal compound 7-hydroxytropolone (7-HT). However, 7-HT does not fully explain the strain's Gac-Rsm-dependent antimicrobial activity. Here, we combined comparative transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic approaches to identify novel GacS-dependent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGC) and/or extracellular specialized metabolites. Our data revealed a broad impact of GacS on gene expression and extracellular metabolite profile of SVBP6. At both the mRNA and polypeptide levels, specialized metabolism was the main affected functional category in the gacS mutant. The major extracellular MS/MS spectral families promoted by GacS were fatty acid amides, fatty acids, and alkaloids. GacS was required for the production of the antimicrobial compound pseudoiodinine and to activate expression of the corresponding BGC. We also detected GacS-dependent production of 2,3,4-trihydro-β-carboline-1-one, which may add to the antimicrobial arsenal of SVBP6. Furthermore, transcriptomics and proteomics pinpointed several GacS-activated BGCs that had escaped in silico genome mining tools. Altogether, comparative multi-omics analyses of gacS loss-of-function mutants in Pseudomonas isolates are a promising strategy to uncover bioactive metabolites and/or their BGCs. Discovery of novel natural products is important for harnessing the potential of microbiota to improve crop plant growth and health.

A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the genus Duhaldea DC

The botanical drugs of genus Duhaldea DC. have been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for the treatment of a wide array of illnesses, encompassing fractures, bone wounds, carbuncles and poisoning, bronchitis, bruises, giddy with hypertension of qi, and lung deficiency cough. The genus Duhaldea DC. comprises 15 species widespread in Central, East, and Southeast Asia and 7 species (2 endemic) in China. The review aims to provide a systematic overview of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of Duhaldea DC. and to explore the future therapeutic potential and scientific potential of this genus. The data were systematically collected from books and scientific databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CNKI, and doctoral and master’s theses. To date, a total of 352 metabolites have been isolated from this genus, and terpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, and inositol angelates are the primary contributors to the pharmacological activities of Duhaldea DC. The crude extracts and isolated phytochemical metabolites from this genus have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-osteoporotic, anticancer, and antioxidant activities. Despite notable advancements in our understanding of the chemical constituents and pharmacological properties of Duhaldea DC., it is absolutely crucial to conduct additional research into the pharmacology and toxicology of these species to definitively ascertain their safety, efficacy, and quality.

Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of 3-Alkylidene-2-Indolone Derivatives

The escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi underscores an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents. This study aimed to synthesize and evaluate the antimicrobial activities of two series of 3-alkylidene-2-indolone derivatives. We synthesized 32 target compounds, among which 25 exhibited moderate to high antibacterial or antifungal activities. Notably, compounds 10f, 10g, and 10h demonstrated the highest antibacterial activity with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.5 μg/mL, matching the activity of the positive control gatifloxacin against three Gram-positive bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, 4220, and Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300. Moreover, the three most active compounds 10f, 10g, and 10h were evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity in the HepG2 cancer cell line and L-02; only compound 10h was found to exert some level of cytotoxicity. These findings suggest that the synthesized 3-alkylidene-2-indolone derivatives hold potential for further development as antibacterial agents.

Combining the Powerful Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Pomegranate Waste Extracts with Whey Protein Coating-Forming Ability for Food Preservation Strategies

Different solvents water, ethanol and ethanol/water (6:4 v/v), were compared in the extraction of pomegranate peels and seeds (PPS) in terms of recovery yields, antioxidant properties, and antimicrobial action against typical spoilage bacterial and fungal species. The best performing extract (ethanol/water (6:4 v/v) was shown to contain mostly ellagic acid and punicalagin as phenolic compounds (5% overall) and hydrolysable tannins (16% as ellagic acid equivalents) and was able to inhibit the growth of the acidophilic Alicyclobacillus acidoterrestris at a concentration as low as 1%. The preservation of the organoleptic profile of A. acidoterrestris-inoculated apple juice with extract at 1% over 20 days was also observed thanks to the complete inhibition of bacterial growth, while the extract at 0.1% warranted a significant (40%) inhibition of the enzymatic browning of apple smoothies over the first 30 min. When incorporated in whey proteins’ isolate (WPI) at 5% w/w, the hydroalcoholic extract conferred well appreciable antioxidant properties to the resulting coating-forming hydrogel, comparable to those expected for the pure extract considering the amount present. The WPI coatings loaded with the hydroalcoholic extract at 5% were able to delay the browning of cut fruit by ca. 33% against a 22% inhibition observed with the sole WPI. In addition, the functionalized coating showed an inhibition of lipid peroxidation of Gouda cheese 2-fold higher with respect to that observed with WPI alone. These results open good perspectives toward sustainable food preservation strategies, highlighting the potential of PPS extract for the implementation of WPI-based active packaging.

Enhancing the wound healing potential using earthworm clitellum factors and elucidating its molecular mechanism in an in-vitro and earthworm model.

Earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae cannot survive and regenerate without clitellum segments. In regenerating worms, the clitellum's epithelial and circular muscular layers are reduced to one-third, and longitudinal cell layers to half. In C2C12 cells, Clitellum Factors (CF - 5, 25 and 50%) and Regenerative Clitellum Factors (RCF - 5, 25, 50, 75%) ameliorate the cell viability up to 20-28% and 30-38% respectively than the control. In contrast, extracts from body segments negatively influence cell viability up to 80%. In a scratch-wound assay, 25% RCF and 5% CF achieved 99.86% and 81.54% wound closure in 24h, respectively, compared to 40% in controls. RCF and CF also possess enhanced anti-microbial activity against gram + ve bacteria. Western Blotting reveals that Wnt3a, HoxD3 and VEGF were remarkably upregulated in RCF and CF treated samples and their upregulated stemness property is effectively regulated by p53, TCTP, H2AX, Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins. Immunofluorescence data clearly states that Wnt3a and Caspase-3 signals are more profoundly observed in nuclear over cytoplasm in RCF treated samples and H2AX shows less nuclear signals than CF. In in-vivo earthworm model conditions, RCF remarkably promotes the survivability and wound healing ability by promoting the Wnt3a and VEGF expression together with downregulation of Cox2.

Antibacterial activity of the biogenic volatile organic compounds from three species of bamboo

Plant biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) possess ecological functions in antimicrobial benefits and air purification. The objectives of the study were to determine the differences in antimicrobial capacity of bamboo forests at different sampling sites. Three common bamboo species—Phyllostachys edulis, Bambusa emeiensis, and Phyllostachys violascens—were selected to determinate the antimicrobial activity of bamboo forests as well as under ex vivo conditions. Natural sedimentation method was used to determine the microbe counts in bamboo forests, and the microbe counts in grassland in the same area was measured as control treatment. The results showed that except for the P. violascens in Ya’an, the airborne microbial content of the sampling sites in bamboo forests was significantly lower relative to that of grassland in the same area, and inhibition rate reached 74.14% in the P. violascens forest in Dujiangyan. P. edulis forest and P. violascens forest in Ya'an had significantly lower inhibition rates than the other sampling sites, and there was no significant difference in the inhibition rates among the rest of the bamboo forest. The bacterial inhibition rate of bamboo leaves under ex vivo conditions varied with bamboo species and bacterial strains, with higher antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria overall. Escherichia coli was sensitive to B. emeiensis leaves, while Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis were sensitive to P. violascens leaves. Moreover, Candida albicans, S. cremoris, and Shigella Castellani were sensitive to P. edulis leaves. An analysis of the BVOCs composition from P. edulis collected in Changning by SPME-GC/MS revealed that the relative content of ocimene was obviously higher than other components. This study showed that P. edulis BVOCs have strong inhibitory ability to the tested microorganisms, and its main constituent, ocimene, has health benefit. P. edulis has the potential to become a forest recreation bamboo species.

Design, Synthesis, ssDNA Binding Affinities, and Evaluation of Novel Metal‐Centered Ferrocene as an Effective Antimicrobial and DNA Cleavage Agent

ABSTRACTMetal (Co3+, Ni2+, and Pt2+)–centered and noncentered ferrocene–Schiff bases were prepared. They have been structurally characterized by spectroscopic methods, elemental analysis, conductivity, and magnetic moment. Electron spin resonance was used for the characterization of the Co3+‐centered complex. All synthesized compounds showed antibacterial activity against all tested Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative strains, as well as potent antifungal effect against Candida species. Remarkably, these compounds demonstrated greater efficacy against Gram‐positive bacteria than Gram‐negative. Without an additional oxidant or reductant, the compounds exhibited DNA cleavage capability in the dark. The development of synthesized novel chemical compounds having DNA cleavage and antimicrobial activity plays a profound role in the advancement of medical therapeutics.

Thermosensitive Injectable Dual Drug-Loaded Chitosan-Based Hydrogels for Treating Bacterial Endometritis.

Endometritis, a prevalent obstetric condition primarily caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), significantly threatens the reproductive performance of female animals. In this study, thermosensitive injectable chitosan (CS)/β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) hydrogels loaded with berberine (BBR) and carvacrol (CAR) were prepared for endometritis treatment. In vitro, BBR/CAR-CS/β-GP hydrogels exhibited rapid gelation within 5 min at 37 °C, excellent injectability, and more than 90% degradation within 30 days under enzymatic action. The dual drug-loaded system also exhibited controlled release of BBR and CAR and demonstrated the antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus. In vivo, uterine injection of BBR/CAR-CS/β-GP hydrogels alleviated infection-induced injuries and reduced the bacterial load in infected uterine tissues. In summary, these findings highlight the potential of BBR/CAR-CS/β-GP hydrogels as innovative carriers for drug delivery targeting endometritis.