Antibacterial Properties Research Articles

Injectable hydrogel harnessing foreskin mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for treatment of chronic diabetic skin wounds

Chronic skin wounds are a serious complication of diabetes with a high incidence rate, which can lead to disability or even death. Previous studies have shown that mesenchymal stem cells derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have beneficial effects on wound healing. However, the human foreskin mesenchymal stem cell (FSMSCs)-derived extracellular vesicle (FM-EV) has not yet been isolated and characterized. Furthermore, the limited supply and short lifespan of EVs also hinder their practical use. In this study, we developed an injectable dual-physical cross-linking hydrogel (PSiW) with self-healing, adhesive, and antibacterial properties, using polyvinylpyrrolidone and silicotungstic acid to load FM-EV. The EVs were evenly distributed in the hydrogel and continuously released. In vivo and vitro tests demonstrated that the synergistic effect of EVs and hydrogel could significantly promote the repair of diabetic wounds by regulating macrophage polarization, promoting angiogenesis, and improving the microenvironment. Overall, the obtained EVs-loaded hydrogels developed in this work exhibited promising applicability for the repair of chronic skin wounds in diabetes patients.

New promising routes in peptic ulcers: Toll-like receptors and semaphorins.

Peptic ulcers (PU) are one of the commonest yet problematic diseases found to be existing in the majority of the population. Today, drugs from a wide range of therapeutic classes are available for the management of the disease. Still, the complications of the condition are difficult to tackle and the side effect profile is quite a concern. The literature indicates that Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and Semaphorins (SEMAs) have been under study for their various pharmacological actions over the past few decades. Both these signalling pathways are found to regulate immunological and inflammatory responses. Moreover, receptors and signalling molecules from the family of TLRs and SEMAs are found to have bacterial recognition and antibacterial properties which are essential in eradicating Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), one of the major causative agents of PU. Our understanding of SEMAs, a class of proteins involved in cell signalling, is relatively less developed compared to TLRs, another class of proteins involved in the immune response. SEMAs and TLRs play different roles in biological processes, with SEMAs primarily involved in guiding cell migration and axon guidance during development, while TLRs are responsible for recognizing pathogens and initiating an immune response. Here, in this review, we will discuss in detail the signalling cascade of TLRs and SEMAs and thereby understand its association with PU for future therapeutic targeting. The review also aims at providing an overview of the study that has been into exploring the role of these signalling pathways in the management of PU.

Identification of Bioactive Compounds of Streptomyces spp. Isolated from Qom Lake Sediments and Evaluation of its Antimicrobial Activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Background: Marine sediments are rich sources for isolating active secondary metabolites from microorganisms. Among the microorganisms, Actinomycetes are highly important due to the production of various chemical compounds in a wide range of biological activities, such as antibacterial activity. Streptomyces is the most important genera in the family of Actinomycetes. As a member of this group, it has great potential in the production of secondary metabolites such as antibiotics, enzymes, herbicides, anti-carcinogenic, and other useful compounds. Objective: This study aims to identify bioactive compounds of Streptomyces isolated from sediments of the Salt Lake of Qom and to study their antimicrobial properties against standard strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Methods: In this study, 20 samples were collected from a depth of 5 to 15-20 cm of sediment in the Salt Lake of Qom. Pure cultivations were then provided from these samples. This study used starch casein agar (SCA) to isolate streptomyces, and 35 Streptomyces were isolated. The disc diffusion method was used to explore the antimicrobial properties of Streptomyces against clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and strains standard of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1310. Results: Seven strains, including SCA3 SCB1, SCB4, SCB8, SCC15, SCC18, and SCC28 strains, had antimicrobial properties. In this study, the results show that SCC15 with the halo diameter of 17, 17, 15, and 19 contains the best antibacterial properties against clinical strains 1, 2 and 3 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PTCC 1310. among the 16 peaks observed by GC/MS to identify bioactive compounds of Streptomyces, it was found that Bis (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate, with 69.06 percent, had the highest peak production, which reflects the importance of phthalates in microbial activities. Conclusion: According to the results, the Salt Lake of Qom was one of the sources of Streptomyces. In addition, the isolated Streptomyces had antimicrobial properties against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates. It was also found that phthalate was the most bioactive substance of Streptomyces isolated.

Eosin Y derivatives for visible light-mediated free-radical polymerization: Applications in 3D-photoprinting and bacterial photodynamic inactivation

This study reports the design and the subsequent use of mono-allylated (EY-MA) and di-allylated (EY-DA) derivatives of eosin Y (EY) as highly efficient visible light-sensitive photosensitizers (PS) of bio-based H-donor molecules (cysteamine (Cys) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC)) and an electron donor (N-methyldiethanolamine, MDEA) for free-radical and thiol-acrylate polymerizations of a biobased monomer derived from soybean oil (SOA) upon exposure to visible light. High final acrylate conversions for SOA polymerization (up to 80 %) evidence the efficient photoinitiating properties of the eosin derivatives systems under irradiation with light emitting diodes (LEDs) centred at 405, 455 and 505 nm, and outperform those obtained with EY and other common photosensitizers such as camphorquinone or benzophenone. As described by fluorescence and phosphorescence analyses, laser flash photolysis (LFP) and electron paramagnetic resonance spin-trapping (EPR-ST) experiments, EY-MA and EY-DA can react via a proton/proton-coupled electron transfer reaction with Cys (or NAC) and MDEA respectively. The efficient singlet oxygen generation of the EY-MA-based materials upon exposure to visible light leads to excellent antibacterial properties, against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). A 3-log decrease of E. coli adhesion on the surface of the materials is observed and 100 % adhesion inhibition of S. aureus is also demonstrated. The co-polymerization of the eosin-derived PS with the polymer matrix ensures sustainable antibacterial properties against both bacteria strains upon visible light exposure as it prevents their leakage out of the polymer network. Finally, finely complex 3D structures are successfully obtained by a 3D-photoprinting technology with the investigated EY-MA-based formulation using LED@405 nm.

Phytochemical Profiling, Evaluation of Heavy Metal Load, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Various Medicinal Plants

In Ethiopia, medicinal herbs have played a prominent role in relieving pain and curing various diseases for humans and animals for many years. However, consumers don't know what kinds of phytochemicals are in the plants or the amount of metal they contain. Thus, in this study, polyphenol content, flavonoid content, antioxidant capacities, antibacterial activity and the level of metals in Asparagus africanus root, Ferula communis, Stephania abyssinia, Brucea antidysenterica and Vernonia amygdalina, were analyzed. Identifying the phytochemicals, antioxidant and antibacterial activities, and levels of metals in medicinal plants ensures their safety and efficacy and provides a deeper understanding of the healing properties of plants in areas where modern medicines are not easily accessible. The antioxidant activity was determined by 2,2-diphenyl- 1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical assay, and the antibacterial activity was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Among the studied plant extracts, Vernonia amygdalina displayed the maximum phenolic content (810 mg GAE/100 g), flavonoid content (515.78 mg QE/100 g), and DPPH radical scavenging activity (14.42 mg AAE/g), whereas the least level of total phenolic (160.82 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoid (30.65 mg QE/100 g), and DPPH radical scavenging (1.14 mg AAE/g) were recorded in Asparagus africanus. The highest inhibition zone was recorded, with an inhibitory zone of 11 mm for S. aurous and 11 mm for E. coli. The least zone of inhibition was obtained in gram-negative bacteria (K. pneumonia) with a diameter less than 8 mm. Asparagus africanus contained the highest levels of Mn and Fe, while Cu and Zn were found to be the highest in Stephania abyssinia. Cr was only detected in Ferula communis, and Cd was found to be below the detection limit. Due to their better antioxidant and antibacterial properties, the extracts of these plants might be used as a natural starting material in treating cancer and to prepare anti-cancer drugs.

Evaluation of biological properties and phytochemical profile of Vitex trifolia L. extract and its infused oil as a value-added product for health promotion

Vitex trifolia L., a shrub plant, has long been used as a massage oil to treat a variety of ailments, particularly pain relief. Despite its long history of use, there has not been enough research done on its phytochemical profile and biological properties to validate its traditional use. Therefore, this current research aimed to evaluate its phytochemical profile and biological properties in two forms: Vitex trifolia L. ethanolic extract (VTE) and Vitex trifolia L. oil (VTO), which could be advantageous for clinical usage. Quality control of raw plant material, total phenolic, total flavonoid, and casticin of VTE and VTO were investigated. Furthermore, the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and cytotoxicity of VTE and VTO were evaluated. The study indicated that VTE contained more total phenolics (66.74±15.52 mg GAE/g), total flavonoids (29.68±2.05 mg CE/g extract), and casticin (2.45±0.02 mg/mL) than VTO. VTE consistently demonstrated stronger antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties than VTO. Taken together, VTE possessed remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial activities with no cytotoxic effects on cells. Even VTO had weak biological abilities. However, its stability testing revealed that the modestly accepted adjustments remained stable. Therefore, this study suggests that Vitex trifolia L. could be used as a natural product for health promotion and therapy.

Evaluation of Flavonoid-rich Fraction of Portulaca Grandiflora Aerial Part Extract in Atherogenic Diet-induced Atherosclerosis.

Portulaca grandiflora is a tiny, upright herb that contains a variety of chemical components, including alkaloids, glycosides, mucilage, proteins, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, polysaccharides, and triterpenoids possessing properties that may help with atherosclerosis. The reported pharmacological properties of Portulaca grandiflora are antioxidant, antidiabetic, antiasthmatic, antibacterial, antiulcer and anti-inflammatory properties. The yield of methanol extract is higher than that of ethanol and acetone, and its phytoconstituents, like flavonoids and polyphenols, and has potent antioxidant properties. In order to determine the effectiveness ofPortulaca grandiflora methanol extract fraction against high-fat diet (HFD)-induced hyperlipidemia, hemodynamic change, antioxidant levels, and vascular dysfunction in rats, a study was carried out on a flavonoid-rich methanol extract fraction of the aerial part of Portulaca grandiflora Hook. This method involves a study of 30 days involving male Wistar rats (240-250 g) (n=5) that were fed with an Ath diet. Study groups were divided into (i) The Control Group, (ii) the Diseases Control Group, (iii) Disease + Standard drug (Atorvastatin 20mg/kg, orally, (iv) Disease + Test Extract dose 1 (Portulaca grandiflora 200mg/kg orally), and (v) Disease + Test Extract dose 2 (Portulaca grandiflora 400mg/kg orally). Both the test drug Portulaca grandiflora and the standard drug Atorvastatin were given orally for 30 days. At the end of the study, blood samples were taken to measure the serum lipid profile, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and levels of oxidative tissue stress. Hemodynamic parameters and aortic staining were performed. Portulaca grandiflora treatment improved the lipid profile and considerably reduced oxidative stress levels. Aortic staining examination revealed a marked reduction in atherosclerotic lesions. These results revealed that Portulaca grandiflora is an effective treatment approach in preventing atherosclerotic lesion progression, which is attributed to its protection against oxidative stress and various enzymatic activities in the Atherogenic model.

Universal antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment using chitosan-prussian blue nanozyme

Bacterial infections are a growing global public health problem, exacerbated by the widespread and often inappropriate use of antibiotics, leading to the emergence of non-antibiotic pathogens. Herein, we synthesized a chitosan-Prussian blue nanozyme (CS@PB), a non-antibiotic agent, for universal antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment of bacterial infections. Confocal microscopy images showed that CS@PB significantly enhanced the physical interaction between chitosan and bacteria, thereby increasing the antibacterial ability. Moreover, these nanozymes exhibited potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, promoting macrophage polarization toward the M2-like phenotype, reducing oxidative stress, and alleviating inflammation. This dual-action approach effectively accelerates the healing of bacteria-infected inflammatory wounds. The synergistic bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties of CS@PBs inhibited wound infection and promoted the healing of skin infections in a mouse model. In addition, CS@PB displayed remarkable lung retention and potent bactericidal effects, resulting in significantly improved survival rates in mouse models of acute pulmonary bacterial infections. In conclusion, CS@PBs exhibited exceptional bactericidal capabilities, anti-inflammatory properties, and minimal toxicity, suggesting that they are promising candidates for a new generation of non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents for the treatment of bacterial infections.

The Antimicrobial Activity of Cu/CuxO Composites Synthesized by Thermal Oxidation of Copper Tablets

Introduction: One of common bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus, which is a gram- positive, coagulasepositive, golden color in culture. That causes a wide range of clinical infections, resistance to β-lactam antibiotics. Objectives: In this paper, we investigate the ability of copper nanoparticles in Cu/CuxO composites to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and the effect of oxidation temperature on the inhibition efficacy. Methods: Cu/CuxO composites were synthesized on the surfaces of copper samples by thermal oxidation of copper pressed tablets at various temperatures. The optical reflectivity spectra of the Cu/CuxO composites were measured. The edges of the plasma in these spectra were observed in the range 526-600 nm. In order to verify the antibacterial behavior of these composites, inhibition zone tests were realized for Staphylococcus aureus. Results: The results showed that, the widest zone of inhibition was for the treated sample at temperature 100°C. In addition, we found that the thermal oxidation reduces the ability of copper nanoparticles to inhibit bacteria. Conclusions: The results we obtained are summarized in the following points: 1) Thermal oxidation reduces the reflectivity of copper samples. 2) The plasma edge increases with the increase in the oxidation temperature. 3) Increasing the oxidation temperature leads to a decrease in bacterial inhibition rates

Theranostic antibacterial hydrogel based on biopolymers cross-linked and doped with phytic acid from rice bran for wound healing

Theranostic antibacterial wound dressing is highly recommended in practical applications. The conventional methods of integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions have the disadvantages of complicated preparation, mutual interference, inability to effectively broad spectrum antibacterial property, and easy to induce drug-resistant bacteria. Herein, a pH and light-responsive theranostic antibacterial hydrogel is developed by biopolymers polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyaniline (PANI), and cross-linking with phytic acid (PA), which is widely present in rice bran. The biological polymer-based conductive hydrogel enables timely diagnosis and photothermal sterilization in-situ for wound healing. Because PANI is highly sensitive to pH changes in the bacterial microenvironment, the hydrogel can detect bacterial infections at concentrations as low as 103 CFU/mL. Subsequently, PANI absorbs near-infrared light to achieve on-demand exothermic sterilization (under 808 nm irradiation for 20 min, the killing ratios for Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli reached almost 100 %). In addition, the hydrogel can monitor the intensity of joint movement to avoid wound re-tearing sensitively. In vitro cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility experiments and in vivo full-thickness infected wound model indicate that the hydrogel has good biocompatibility, antibacterial ability, and can accelerate the wound healing effectively. This work will promote the development of wearable electronic devices and precision medicine.

HSA, free Radicals, and antibacterial interaction with ferrous oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius

This work provides a sustainable method for producing iron oxide nanoparticles (FeONPs) using an extract from Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (AP) tubers. The nanoparticles were then thoroughly characterized by TGA/DSC, UV, FTIR, and SEM examination. They demonstrated their strong antibacterial properties against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes. The sizes of the ZOI were found to be 19, 25, 16 and 14 at 100 mg/mL as compared to cefoxitin as 18, 23, 8 and 12 mm for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis (B. subtils) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) respectively. Their interaction with 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) revealed their free radical scavenging up to 70 %. NPs at 260 nm (λmax) have shown a hypo-chromic effect in the spectrophotometric approach, suggesting that FeONPs are intercalating in nature. The fluorescence quenching tests indicated the development of a non-fluorescent complex, implying FeONPs interaction with human serum albumin (HSA). As per Scatchard parameters, five binding sites observed in HSA during the interaction with FeONPs, where the Kb value indicated the NPs strong binding strength. The HSA and DPPH interaction nature of FeONPs suggests that they might be helpful in medical applications.

Moxifloxacin-loaded nanoparticles of thiolated xyloglucan for ocular drug delivery: Permeation, mucoadhesion and pharmacokinetic evaluation

The current study goal was to improve mucoadhesive potential and ocular pharmacokinetics of nanoparticles of thiolated xyloglucan (TXGN) containing moxifloxacin (MXF). Thiolation of xyloglucan (XGN) was achieved with esterification with 3-mercaptopropionic acid. TXGN was characterized by NMR and FTIR analysis. The nanoparticles of TXGN were prepared using ionic-gelation method and evaluate the antibacterial properties. TXGN and nanoparticles were determined to possess 0.06 and 0.08 mmol of thiol groups/mg of polymer by Ellman's method. The ex-vivo bioadhesion time of TXGN and nanoparticles was higher than XGN in a comparative assessment of their mucoadhesive properties. The creation of a disulfide link between mucus and TXGN is responsible for the enhanced mucoadhesive properties of TXGN (1-fold) and nanoparticles (2-fold) over XGN. Improved MXF penetration in nanoparticulate formulation (80 %) based on TXGN was demonstrated in an ex-vivo permeation research utilizing rabbit cornea. Dissolution study showed 95 % release of MXF from nanoparticles. SEM images of nanoparticles showed spherical shape and cell viability assay showed nontoxic behavior when tested on RPE cell line. Antibacterial analysis revealed a zone of inhibition of 31.5 ± 0.5 mm for MXF, while NXM3 exhibited an expanded zone of 35.5 ± 0.4 mm (p < 0.001). In conclusion, thiolation of XGN improves its bioadhesion, permeation, ocular-retention and pharmacokinetics of MXF.

Mussel-inspired tissue adhesive composite hydrogel with photothermal and antioxidant properties prepared from pectin for burn wound healing

Biodegradable self-healing hydrogels with antibacterial property attracted growing attentions in biomedication as wound dressings since they can prevent bacterial infection and promote wound healing process. In this research, a biodegradable self-healing hydrogel with ROS scavenging performance and enhanced tissue adhesion was fabricated from dopamine grafted oxidized pectin (OPD) and naphthoate hydrazide terminated PEO (PEO NH). At the same time, Fe3+ ions were incorporated to endow the hydrogel with near-infrared (NIR) triggered photothermal property to obtain antibacterial activity. The composite hydrogel showed good hemostasis performance based on mussel inspired tissue adhesion with biocompatibility well preserved. As expected, the composition of FeCl3 improved conductivity and endowed photothermal property to the hydrogel. The in vivo wound repairing experiment revealed the 808 nm NIR light triggered photothermal behavior of the hydrogel reduced the inflammation response and promoted wound repairing rate. As a result, this composite FeCl3/hydrogel shows great potential to be an excellent wound dressing for the treatment of infection prong wounds with NIR triggers.

Carbon nanotube incorporated quaternized lignin-based loose nanofiltration membrane toward dye/salt separation

Lignin is a promising raw material for membrane fabrication due to its abundant oxygen-containing functional groups, branched molecular structure, and high abundance in the botanic field. In this report, polydopamine (PDA) coated carbon nanotubes (PCNTs) are synthesized. Then, a PCNT-incorporated lignin-based loose nanofiltration membrane is fabricated using quaternized lignin (QL) as a raw material, triphosgene (TP) as a crosslinker, and PCNTs as nanoadditive by interfacial polymerization. The results show that the PCNTs uniformly distribute in the QL-based separation layer providing quick diffusion paths for water molecules and salt ions. The coated PDA layer improves the chemical compatibility between the PCNTs and the separation layer. The incorporated PCNTs optimize the membrane microstructure and elevate the pure water permeance to 45.5 LMH bar-1. The membrane exhibits high rejections to various dyes (> 90%) and high salt permeation (> 90%), demonstrating an excellent dye/salt separation performance. Moreover, it has satisfactory capabilities for resisting dye adsorption and fouling, and its separation capability also has good tolerances to the acid, alkali, and active chlorine treatments. The quaternary ammonium ions and hydrophilic surface endow the membrane with favorable bactericidal property (99.3%) and bacteria-adhesion resistance. Besides, TP is a better crosslinker than trimesoyl chloride for optimizing the membrane microstructure and crosslinking degree in terms of dye/salt separation.

Research on: Formulation and evaluation of polyherbal soap

People have been using medicinal plants for centuries to treat various ailments. The extract from the leaves, stems, and roots of these plants has been a natural remedy for many health issues. Commercial soaps often contain harmful ingredients, making natural herbal soaps a good alternative. Bacterial skin infections are common and require proper treatment and skincare. Some herbal plant extracts and oils have been found to have antibacterial properties. To address this, an antibacterial Polyherbal soap was formulated using ingredients like curcumin, neem, lemon juice, aloe vera, and almond oil. Neem leaves have traditionally been used to treat skin disorders due to their antioxidant properties. Lemon water has antibacterial and antioxidant capabilities that keep the skin healthy and rejuvenated. Aloe vera is known for preventing aging, reducing acne, and moisturizing the skin. Turmeric is beneficial for treating skin injuries and conditions like psoriasis. The Polyherbal soap was tested for its antibacterial activity and showed positive results. So, the use of medicinal plants in soap production offers cost-effective benefits with minimal side effects.

Formulation and evaluation of antifungal herbal gel using Aloe Vera and Betel leaves extract for the treatment of candidiasis

The primary objective of the current study was to develop and evaluate an antifungal herbal gel for the treatment of candidiasis using an extract from aloe vera and betel leaves. Herbal remedies are now widely used for both medicinal and commercial reasons. The antibacterial gel made from herbal plants works better than synthetic medications and has fewer side effects. Aloe vera belongs to the Asphodelaceae family, which also includes Aloe barbadensis. One species in the Piper betle L. family of Piperaceae is the betel leaf. Aloe vera and betel leaf products, such as plant branches, roots, and leaves, have also been shown to be abundant in phytochemicals. The most popular herbs for treating fungus infections are aloe vera and betel leaves, which also contain potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. Methods: Hydroalcoholic extract was prepared by the maceration method. Carbopol 940 was used as a gelling agent to create the gel formulation. Candida albicans has been used to test its antifungal properties. Evaluation:The pH, viscosity, homogeneity, grittiness, extrudability, spreadability, antifungal activity and in vitro drug release research were assessed for the optimally designed herbal gel. Results:In comparison to marketed 1% clotrimazole gel 25 mm and marketed herbal gel 20 mm, the aloe vera and betelleaf extract herbal gel (S4 Batch) was found to be brown in color, homogenous, had good extrudability, no grittiness, pH 6.8, viscosity of 3424±0.45, spreadability of 4.3±0.3, and zone of inhibition of 23 mm. After being stored for 60 days, the herbal gel mixture, including extracts of aloe vera, tulsi, and peppermint leaves, did not alter in appearance. The pH has not changed in two months.

GARLIC: Nature's potent antifungal and antibacterial ally - cream formulation and evaluation

In the pursuit of effective and safe treatments for infectious diseases, herbal remedies have garnered significant attention due to their diverse phytochemical composition and potential therapeutic properties. This study aimed to explore the phytochemical profile and evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of herbal garlic extracts. Traditional natural products continue to be sought after for their bioactive compounds, which offer promising avenues for therapeutic intervention in both human and veterinary medicine. Our investigation not only sheds light on the regional variation of stomach disease occurrence, highlighting the role of dietary factors, but also underscores the importance of herbal preparations in medicinal practice. By combining various plant classes, herbal formulations can exert localized effects upon application, penetrating the skin or mucous membranes to target underlying conditions. The effectiveness of these combined medications may lie in their synergistic mechanisms, offering a comprehensive therapeutic approach. This research contributes valuable insights into the potential of herbal remedies as adjuncts or alternatives to conventional treatments, paving the way for further exploration in infectious disease management and prevention strategies.

Antimicrobial and Anti-Cancerous Effects of Saponin from Andrographis paniculata Root

ABSTRACT This study examined the saponin extracted from the roots of Andrographis paniculata for the phytochemical content and antimicrobial and anticancer effects. The phytochemicals present in the methanol and aqueous root extracts included alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, glycosides, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins, proteins, steroids, chlorogenics and carbohydrates. A. paniculata root saponin expressed antibacterial properties against four Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, and Klebsiella pneumoniae), four Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Micrococcus luteus), and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans); the saponin also inhibited the proliferation of HePG2 cells, with an IC50 value of 125 µg mL−1.

Self-Healing Guar Gum-Based Nanocomposite Hydrogel Promotes Infected Wound Healing through Photothermal Antibacterial Therapy.

Preventing bacterial infections is a crucial aspect of wound healing. There is an urgent need for multifunctional biomaterials without antibiotics to promote wound healing. In this study, we fabricated a guar gum (GG)-based nanocomposite hydrogel, termed GBTF, which exhibited photothermal antibacterial therapy for infected wound healing. The GBTF hydrogel formed a cross-linked network through dynamic borate/diol interactions between GG and borax, thereby exhibiting simultaneously self-healing, adaptable, and injectable properties. Additionally, tannic acid (TA)/Fe3+ nanocomplexes (NCs) were incorporated into the hydrogel to confer photothermal antibacterial properties. Under the irradiation of an 808 nm near-infrared laser, the TA/Fe3+ NCs in the hydrogel could rapidly generate heat, leading to the disruption of bacterial cell membranes and subsequent bacterial eradication. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibited good cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility, making them a precandidate for preclinical and clinical applications. Finally, they could significantly promote bacteria-infected wound healing by reducing bacterial viability, accelerating collagen deposition, and promoting epithelial remodeling. Therefore, the multifunctional GBTF hydrogel, which was composed entirely of natural substances including guar gum, borax, and polyphenol/ferric ion NCs, showed great potential for regenerating infected skin wounds in clinical applications.

Hemostatic Dressing Immobilized with ε-poly-L-lysine and Alginate Coated Mesoporous Bioactive Glass Prevents Blood Permeation by Pseudo-Dewetting Behavior.

The integration of hemostats with cotton fabrics has been recognized as an effective approach to improve the hemostatic performance of dressings. However, concerns regarding the uncontrollable absorption of blood by hydrophilic dressings and the risk of distal thrombosis from shed hemostatic agents are increasingly scrutinized. To address these issues, we developed an advanced dressing (AQG) with immobilized nano-scale mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) to safely and durably augment hemostasis. The doubly immobilized MBGs, pre-coated with ε-poly-L-lysine and alginate, demonstrated less than 1% detachment after ultrasonic washing. Notably, this MBG layer significantly promoted the adhesion, aggregation, and activation of red blood cells and platelets, adhered 5 times more red blood cells and 29 times more platelets than raw dressing, respectively. Specially, with the rapid formation of protein corona and amplification of thrombin, dense fibrin network was built on MBG layer and then blocked blood permeation transversely and longitudinally, showing an autophobic pseudo-dewetting behavior and allowing AQG to concentrate blood in situ and culminate in faster hemostasis with lower blood loss. Furthermore, the potent antibacterial properties of AQG extend its potential for broader application in daily care and clinical setting. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.