Antifungal Activity Research Articles

Heterojunction of titanate nanotubes enhanced by curcumin: synthesis, characterization, and evaluation of hemolytic activity and cytotoxicity

Curcumin, the active compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), is responsible for various therapeutic properties of the plant, such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, wound-healing, and digestive activities, among others. In vitro studies have revealed that curcumin exhibits no toxicity against human red blood cells, highlighting its biological safety. A daily dose of up to 12g/day does not cause adverse effects in healthy individuals. However, despite good oral tolerance, its low bioavailability limits its applications, which can be overcome by incorporating curcumin powder (CCMP) into nanoformulations. Many studies have been reported with the aim of improving the bioavailability of CCMP using nanoformulations. However, there still need to be reports on using titanate nanotubes for this purpose. This work aimed to formulate a nanocomposite between sodium titanate nanotubes (NaTiNT) and CCMP. The NaTiNTs were synthesized using the alkaline hydrothermal method and subjected to heterojunction with CCMP, forming the NaTiNT@CCMP sample. The structural characterization of the material was carried out using XRD, FT-IR, TG, XPS, and TEM techniques, which confirmed the union and the intact physical integrity of both after the junction. The results obtained from thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated the thermal stability that CCMP acquired upon bonding with the titanate nanotubes. XPS detected the bond formed between CCMP and the titanium of NaTiNTs. The biological evaluation was conducted through in vitro assays of Residual Hemolytic Activity (%HR) and cytotoxicity assessment (MTT), which was performed with rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). The biological test results showed that the NaTiNT sample exhibited hemolytic activity at 50mgmL-1. In comparison, the CCMP sample showed reduced viability at 50mgmL-1 and 25mgmL-1 concentrations and slightly reduced viability at 6.25mgmL-1. The NaTiNT@CCMP sample, on the other hand, did not have hemolytic activity at any of the concentrations studied. In the cytotoxicity test, samples with varying concentrations of NaTiNT and CCMP demonstrated reduced overall viability over 48hours. However, in the meantime, the heterojunction of the two samples, at most concentrations used, exhibited viability similar to that of the control and did not show cytotoxicity to the cells studied. In summary, the heterojunction of the two structures leads to low hemolytic activity and minimal cytotoxicity compared to both isolated structures.

Synthesis, Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity of Some New Pyrazolines Containing Azo Linkages.

Pyrazolines and azo-pyrazolines are influential groups of heterocyclic compounds with two nitrogen atoms inside the five-membered ring. They play an important role in a wide range of biological processes, such as antifungal, antioxidant, antimalarial and other antimicrobial activities. The main objective of this study is to synthesize some new heterocyclic compounds with antioxidant and antimicrobial activity Methods: One-pot three components and traditional synthesis of new azo-pyrazoline compounds were achieved in this work. The preparation process has been started by diazotizing 4-(6-methylbenzothiazol-2-yl) benzamine and its coupling reaction with 4-hydroxy acetophenone producing azo-acetophenone, followed by benzylation with benzyl chloride to form the starting material, azo-benzyloxy acetophenone. A series of substituted benzaldehydes were reacted with the latter compound via one pot and classical methods, forming new chalcones containing azo linkages and benzyloxy moieties, which were then converted into new target azo-pyrazoline derivatives. The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic techniques using FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and 13C- DEPT- 135 spectra. Finally, the synthesized compounds were screened for their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Overall, the one-pot three-component synthesis of pyrazoline compounds generally provides advantages in terms of efficiency, simplicity, and time-consumption compared to classical synthesis methods. Hence, the study advocates the one-pot method because it eliminates the tedious process of making chalcones, which takes time, materials, and unnecessary effort. Therefore, this is the most convenient and effective approach to green chemistry.

Antimicrobial activity of CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4/ZnO: Squaring colorimetric and traditional microbiology assays with atomic force- and holotomography-microscopies

Intensive research efforts seek the discovery of efficient antimicrobial compounds to fight microbial resistance. Magnetic nanoparticles represent a promising option due to their multifunctional antimicrobial properties, as well as their versatility, stability, and the limited microbial resistance they generate. In this study, magnetic nanomaterials (MNMs) are synthesized using a microwave-activated solvothermal method. Characterization data indicate the crystalline nature (cubic spinel CuFe2O4 NMs), superparamagnetic behavior (MCF = 52 emu/g and MCF-ZnO = 29 emu/g) nanometric and regular size (spherical particles with a mean size of 7.4 ± 1.3 nm) of the MNMs. The antimicrobial activity of the as-prepared (naked) MNMs is moderate against bacteria, yeast, and fungal strains due to the aggregation of the MNMs in the exposure media. However, citrate-functionalized MNMs (CuFe2O4-Cit, CF-Cit) show enhanced antimicrobial activity, further increasing upon activation under a high-frequency magnetic field (magnetic hyperthermia). CF-Cit exerts stronger antibacterial activity towards S. aureus (MIC <25 μg/mL) than E. coli (MIC <50 μg/mL In addition, CuFe2O4-ZnO composites were synthesized and fully characterized. The MNMs under study exhibit efficient antifungal and anti-biofilm activity. Working towards the sustainable development of multifunctional (CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4-ZnO) MNMs, their compatibility and bioactivity was evaluated using traditional assays and advanced microscopy techniques (Atomic Force Microscopy-AFM and Holotomographic Microscopy -HTM). Because of their chemical composition, the MNMs under study lixiviate transition metal ions to the exposure media, interfering with traditional colorimetric assays used to evaluate the bioactivity of the MNMs (antimicrobial, biocompatibility). Thus, AFM and HTM studies render complementary information during the interpretation of the bioactivity mechanisms exhibited by the MNMs.

Advancements in Combating Fungal Infections: A Comprehensive Review on the Development of Azole Hybrid Antifungals.

In this review, we have summarized antifungal agents containing potent azole analogues. The provided literature is related to the development and application of azole derivatives and has been accessed from electronic data bases such as Science direct, Google Scholar, and Pubmed using keywords such as "design, synthesis and evaluation", "azole hybrids", "diazole hybrids", "indazole derivatives", "imidazole derivatives", "triazole derivatives", "tetrazole derivatives" and related combinations. From this review, it was identified that azole derivatives with promising antifungal activity play a vital role in drug discovery and development. The literature revealed that azole derivatives can effectively fight several types of microorganisms, such as Candida albicans, Aspergillus niger, and others. The rational design and structure‒activity relationship of these compounds are discussed in this paper, highlighting their potential as effective therapeutic options against various fungal pathogens. Moreover, this work addresses the challenges and future directions in the development of azole hybrids. The results of docking studies of several of the hybrids that the researchers provided are also summarized. The current work attempts to review such innovations, which may lead to the preparation of novel therapeutics. More research is required to confirm their safety and effectiveness in clinical practices.

ENDOPHYTIC MICROORGANISMS AS BIOCONTROL AGENTS: AN ALTERNATIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION SYSTEM

Endophytic microorganisms emerge as a sustainable alternative, offering benefits to plants, such as increased resistance to stress and pathogens. This research aims to conduct a literature review on the potential of endophytic microorganisms in the biological control of pathogens in agricultural systems, as a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Endophytes can act directly on insects or colonize plants, creating a natural defense against pests. They also show promise in the control of phytopathogens, helping to reduce the use of chemical fungicides and encouraging more sustainable agricultural practices, producing bioactive compounds with effective antifungal activity against pathogens. In addition, they show potential as natural herbicides, negatively affecting the germination and development of weeds. Although more research is needed on the potential of endophytes in agricultural systems, they show great promise for more sustainable management.

Repurposing the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal as an adjunct therapy with amphotericin B against mucoralean fungi.

Introduction. Mucormycosis is an aggressive, angioinvasive infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. The disease remains difficult to treat, with limited available antifungal drugs. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop alternate therapeutics against mucormycosis. In an earlier study, we demonstrated that the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal impacted the actin cytoskeleton and quorum sensing and inhibited the formation of filopodia-/cytoneme-like extensions in Rhizopus arrhizus.Hypothesis. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug diflunisal could exhibit potential antifungal activity.Aim. This study aimed to investigate the plausible antifungal activity of diflunisal against a range of medically important Mucorales and its combination effect with antifungal drugs.Methodology. The antifungal activity of diflunisal against Rhizopus arrhizus, Lichtheimia corymbifera, Rhizomucor pusillus, Cunninghamella bertholletiae, Mucor indicus, Mucor irregularis and Apophysomyces elegans was evaluated by broth microdilution assay. Allied salicylates were also screened. A combination assay with amphotericin B deoxycholate and posaconazole was performed by fractional inhibitory concentration test.Results. Exposure to diflunisal inhibited Rhizopus arrhizus spore germination in a dose-dependent manner. MICs of diflunisal against different Mucorales ranged from 64 to 2048 µg ml-1. Remarkably low levels of diflunisal (0.03-2 µg ml-1), depending on the strain/species tested, improved the antifungal activity of amphotericin B against mucoralean fungi by twofold (ΣFIC ≈ 0.5-0.508; P<0.01). Field-emission scanning electron micrographs further confirmed these observations. MICs of posaconazole were unchanged by this compound.Conclusion. Considering that amphotericin B remains the first-line drug against mucormycosis and exhibits dose-dependent side effects in clinical practice, especially nephrotoxicity, the observed additive interaction at remarkably low, clinically achievable levels of diflunisal demonstrates its potential utility as an adjunct therapy against mucoralean fungi.

Cover Feature: Synthesis and Antifungal Activities of Glucosamine Aromatic Derivatives Against Four Phytopathogenic Fungi of Crops (Chem. Biodiversity 11/2024)

Cover Feature: Synthesis and Antifungal Activities of Glucosamine Aromatic Derivatives Against Four Phytopathogenic Fungi of Crops (Chem. Biodiversity 11/2024)

Unraveling the Antifungal Mechanisms of Clonostachys rosea: Morpho-Molecular Characterization and its Bioactive Compounds against Macrophomina phaseolina in-vitro and in-silico

Clonostachys rosea is recognized for its potential as a biocontrol agent against soil-borne pathogens, yet its antifungal mechanisms remain underexplored. In the present study, five strains of Clonostachys rosea were isolated from rhizhosphere soil samples from various agroecosystem. They were and characterized morphologically using taxonomical keys, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and molecularly using Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) primers. The antagonistic activity of C. rosea against Macrophomina phaseolina (Mp) was evaluated through a dual culture assay. Additionally, bioactive compounds were identified using GC-MS analysis and their antifungal potential was analyzed using molecular docking simulations to predict interactions with M. phaseolina. In silico docking studies identified key bioactive compounds viz., (5S, 8R, 9S, 10S, 13S, 14S, 17S)-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17 tetradecahydrocyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one and 2-oxochromene-6-carbaldehyde with high binding affinity to fungal targets with low binding energy, suggesting their role in the observed antifungal activity.

Antifungal activity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on Fusarium equiseti phytopathogen isolated from tomato plant in Nepal

Fungal diseases pose a major threat to global agriculture, leading to reduced crop yields, health issues and significant economic impact. Application of nanoparticles are being explored in agriculture because of its ecofriendly as well as enhanced antimicrobial properties. In this study, using an aqueous extract of air-dried tea leaves, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are synthesized and it was characterized using various techniques such as X-ray diffraction, UV-Vis, FTIR spectroscopy and microscopic analysis. The growth inhibition activity of the ZnO-NPs was investigated against a phytopathogenic fungus, which was isolated and identified as Fusarium equiseti from tomato plant leaves. Our result showed that application of ZnO NPs at 750 ppm to 1200 ppm concentration range inhibited the growth of F. equiseti by 77.6% to 85.1% at 7 days of seeding the fungi in PDA media. Microscopic observation of the fungal strain treated with ZnO NPs showed that the presence of the nanoparticles agglomerates the normal hyphae of F. equiseti and formed curve tips and breakage of mycelia. Hence, our study shows that application ZnO NPs is promising approach for fungal growth inhibition and can be deployed to inhibit other plant diseases causing microbes in agriculture.

Antifungal Activity of Citrus Essential Oil in Controlling Sour Rot in Tahiti Acid Lime Fruits.

Sour rot, caused by Geotrichum citri-aurantii, is a significant post-harvest disease in citrus, resulting in economic losses due to the lack of effective fungicides. This study investigates the antifungal activity of citrus essential oils in controlling sour rot in Tahiti acid lime fruits. Essential oils were extracted via hydrodistillation with chemical composition analyzed by CG-MS and tested in vitro and in vivo. In vitro assays evaluated mycelial growth inhibition at 2 to 32 µL mL-1 concentrations. In vivo trials involved preventive and curative treatments on artificially inoculated fruits stored at 25 °C ± 2, and the results showed that Pera IAC sweet orange oil, at 32 µL mL-1, reduced disease severity by 96% in curative treatments. In contrast, Late IAC 585 willowleaf mandarin oil demonstrated moderate inhibition (44%) at the highest concentration in vitro. The oils did not affect key fruit quality parameters such as juice yield and total soluble solids. These findings suggest that citrus essential oils could be natural alternatives to synthetic fungicides for post-harvest sour rot management, combining effectiveness with maintaining fruit quality.

Unveiling Bacillus rugosus CRI: A multi-stress tolerant endophyte revolutionizing rice resilience

The application of endophytes to mitigate stress in plants, particularly drought and salinity stress, has gained considerable attention, yet their role in rice remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the isolation and characterization of multi-stress-tolerant endophytic isolates with multiple plant growth-promoting attributes, including biocontrol potential against plant pathogens, from surface-sterilized leaf, stem, and root samples of various rice cultivars in Kerala. A total of 20 bacterial endophytes were isolated from rice plants and assessed for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) capabilities, biocontrol potential, and resilience to drought and salinity stress. Of these, 7 endophytic isolates exhibited notable PGP traits, and 3 demonstrated antifungal activity against Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum. Notably, only 3 endophytic isolates showed significant tolerance to drought conditions (−1.0 MPa) and salinity (150 mM), alongside strong growth-promoting abilities. The selected isolates significantly increased seed germination and seedling vigour (p ≤ 0.05), highlighting their effectiveness. Among these, the isolate CRI, identified as Bacillus rugosus through morphological, biochemical, and molecular (16S rRNA) analysis, stood out for its remarkable performance. Under stress conditions, rice seedlings treated with the multi-stress-tolerant CRI showed significant improved biomass, resilience, and enhanced biochemical processes, including better photosynthetic pigment levels and maintained membrane integrity. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed the presence of these bacteria within the rice roots, underscoring their potential as a novel approach for enhancing stress tolerance and promoting rice growth. This study represents the first discovery of Bacillus rugosus as a potent multi-stress-tolerant endophyte, with dual benefits of promoting plant growth and exhibiting biocontrol activity. These findings pave the way for innovative strategies aimed at enhancing crop resilience and productivity, particularly in the face of increasing abiotic stressors in agricultural systems.

Design, Synthesis, and Docking Study of Potentially Active Antimicrobial Pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine Derivatives

AbstractCompound 4,4′‐(1,4‐phenylenebis(thiazole‐4,2‐diyl))bis(1H‐pyrazol‐5‐amine) (5) was used in the preparation of novel pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidines incorporating a thiazole moiety (6, 7b, 8, 9, and 13–18). the reactions were described via the following reactions: acetylacetone, acetanilide, diethyl malonate, ethyl cyanoacetate, 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐phenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one, 2‐((dimethylamino)methylene)‐3‐oxopentane‐nitrile, 3‐(dimethylamino)‐1‐(thiophen‐3‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one, 2‐((dimethylamino)methylene)‐5,5‐dimethylcyclo‐hexane‐1,3‐dione, dimethylformamide‐dimethylacetal, and with a mixture of p‐nitro benzaldehyde/cyclohexanone, respectively. Gram‐positive bacteria B. subtilis and B. thuringiensis, as well as Gram‐negative bacteria E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were tested for the newly synthesized compounds' in vitro antibacterial activity. Their in vitro antifungal activity against fungus strains B. Fabae and F. oxysporum was also assessed. The compounds 16–18 had the strongest activity against Gram‐positive bacteria, with MIC values = 3.125 µg/mL against B. subtilis, which is equipotent to the drug reference Chloramphenicol, and MIC values = 6.25 µg/mL against B. thuringiensis, which is equipotent to the drug reference Cephalothin. Compounds (13–18) were shown to be superimposable to CNB based on their docking results, with the exception of derivative 18. Furthermore, they demonstrated a strong binding mode with DNA gyrase B's active pocket (PDB: 1KZN) by forming several contacts with the enzyme's essential amino acids in a way that was comparable to CNB.

In silico modeling and experimental validation of 2-oxoimidazolidin-4-sulfonamides as low-toxicity fungicides against Phytophthora infestans

Phytophthora infestans control is a long-standing problem that has caused ongoing difficulties and brought limited success for over a century. Traditional methods, such as fungicides, have drawbacks including high cost, restrictions on organic farming, potential risks to the environment and human health, and the development of resistant strains. In this study, we employed cutting-edge computer-based techniques, including Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) modeling and molecular docking simulations, to uncover new fungicidal compounds and gain insights into their specific mechanisms of action against P. infestans. QSAR modeling on the number of compounds tested as P. infestans inhibitors was performed using an interactive OCHEM web platform. The predictive ability of the developed classification models had a balanced accuracy (BA) of 77–85 % for the training set and BA = 89–93 % for the validation external test set. During the in vitro testing against P. infestans, thirteen synthesized 2-oxoimidazolidine-4-sulfonamides demonstrated inhibition rates, ranging from 23.6 % to 87.4 %. The fungicidal potential of six of these fungicides ranged from 79.3 % to 87.4 %, which is comparable to the activity of known fungicides. Acute toxicity results using the well-known aquatic marker Daphnia magna showed that the most active sulfonamides 3d, 3f, 3h, 3j, 3k, and 3l, with LC50 values ranging from 13.7 to 52.9 mg/L, are low-toxicity compounds. The molecular docking results demonstrated a potential mechanism of the antifungal action of the studied 2-oxoimidazolidin-4-sulfonamide derivatives via the inhibition of fungal CYP51, a sterol biosynthesis enzyme.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of Metabolites from Basidiomycetes: A Review.

Background/Objectives: The search for new antimicrobial molecules is important to expand the range of available drugs, as well as to overcome the drug resistance of pathogens. One of the promising sources of antibacterial and antifungal metabolites is basidial fungi, which have wide biosynthetic capabilities. Methods: The review summarized the results of studying the antimicrobial activity of extracts and metabolites from basidiomycetes published from 2018-2023. Results: In all studies, testing for antibacterial and antifungal activity was carried out in in vitro experiments. To obtain the extracts, mainly the fruiting bodies of basidiomycetes, as well as their mycelia and culture liquid were used. Antimicrobial activity was found in aqueous, methanol, and ethanol extracts. Antimicrobial metabolites of basidiomycetes were isolated mainly from the submerged culture of basidiomycetes. Metabolites active against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and mycelial and yeast-like fungi were identified. Conclusions: Basidiomycete extracts and metabolites have shown activity against collectible strains of bacteria and fungi and multi-resistant and clinical strains of pathogenic bacteria. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the most active metabolites ranged from 1 to 16.7 µg/mL.

Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from coconut leaf extract and their antifungal activity against Ganoderma boninense mycelia

Basal stem rot disease caused by Ganoderma is a major problem in palm cultivation in Indonesia, so an appropriate solution is needed to overcome this problem. One of the solutions that can be applied is through silver nanoparticles. Synthesis of silver nanoparticles can use coconut leaves as a source of flavonoids. Flavonoids are one of the phenolic compounds that are widely used in the process of synthesizing silver nanoparticles. Flavonoid compounds have a hydroxyl group (OH), which can be reduced by donating electrons to the Ag+ ion from AgNO3 to Ag0. This research aims to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using coconut leaf water extract and its assessment as an antifungal for Ganoderma boninense. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by mixing coconut leaf extract in 1 mM of AgNO3 solution with a ratio of 1:9 (v/v). The concentrations of coconut leaf water extract were 1% and 3% with a heating temperature of 60°C. Silver nanoparticles were characterized using a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, PSA, FTIR, TEM, and SEM-EDS. The AgNPs had a maximum wavelength of 430 nm, with morphologies like a ball, triangle, and square, a mass percentage of Ag of 51.77%, smallest particle size of 63.29 nm, PdI value of 0.3361, and a zeta potential of -16.98 mV. The FTIR spectra show that the functional group that plays a role in the reduction process is the –OH group. The antifungal activity assay produced the highest percentage of colony growth inhibition (68.37%) at a concentration of 4.9 ppm in the 10-day incubation.

Antifungal activity mechanisms of venturicidin A against Botrytis cinerea contributes to the control of gray mould.

Gray mould caused by Botrytis cinerea, an airborne phytopathogenic pathogen, infects many economically important fruits and vegetables. Secondary metabolic products of microorganisms are potential resources for developing fungicide alternatives. Venturicidin A (VentA) is produced by a biocontrol strain Streptomyces pratensis S10. Although a broad spectrum of antifungal activity has been reported for VentA, little is known about its antifungal mechanisms against B. cinerea. Venturicidin A exhibited a strong hyphal inhibition of B. cinerea with an EC50 (effective concentration causing 50% growth inhibition) value of 1.08 μg mL-1 on PDA medium. Different concentrations of VentA inhibited spore germination with an inhibition rate of 49-86%. Venturicidin A also displayed protective and curative activity against the development of B. cinerea infection on tomato fruit, reducing disease incidence by ≈28-78%. Additionally, VentA effectively reduced the disease index and lesion length of gray mould on tomato plant. Meanwhile, VentA downregulated the expression levels of six genes related to pathogenicity in B. cinerea. As observed by scanning electron microscopy, B. cinerea spores and hyphae are abnormal after treatment with VentA. Propidium iodide staining revealed that VentA destroyed cell membrane integrity, causing cytoplasmic leakage. Furthermore, VentA induced accumulation of reactive oxygen species and upregulated the genes encoding subunits for NADPH oxidase in B. cinerea. This study indicated that VentA displayed strong inhibitory activity against B. cinerea and effectively reduced gray mould disease. Thus, VentA has the potential to manage gray mould caused by B. cinerea. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Green Synthesis, Characterization and Pharmaceutical Applications of Biocompatible Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Heliotropium rariflorum Stocks.

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles are safe, non-toxic, and biocompatible. These NPs are used in food packaging materials, self-cleaning glass, ceramics, deodorants, sunscreens, paints, coatings, ointments, lotions, and as preservatives. This study explored the biological potential of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using H. rariflorum. Methods: In vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus solani were determined. Antioxidant activity was explored using the DPPH radical scavenging method. In vivo analgesic, antipyretic and sedative potential of synthesized nanoparticles was investigated using a mouse model. Results: SEM with various magnification powers showed that some particles were spherical while some were aggregated, flake-shaped, and hexagonal with rough and irregular surfaces. The EDX analysis revealed Zn (12.63%), O (22.83%) and C (63.11%) with trace quantities of Si (0.40%), Ca (0.54%) and P (0.49%). The XRD pattern indicated an amorphous state, with no peaks observed throughout the spectrum. The UV-visible spectrophotometry revealed a characteristic absorption peak at 375 nm, indicating the presence of ZnO nanoparticles. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) displayed several small peaks between 1793 and 2370 cm-1, providing evidence of the presence of different kinds of organic compounds with different functional groups. ZnO-NPs showed dose-dependent antibacterial and antifungal potential against all strains. Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were the most susceptible strains. The nanoparticles exhibited a maximum antioxidant effect of 85.28% at 100 μg/mL. In this study, the acute toxicity test showed no mortality, and normal behavior was observed in mice at ZnO-NP doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg. For analgesic and antipyretic activities, a two-way ANOVA revealed that dose, time, and the interaction between dose and time were significant. In contrast, the samples had a non-significant effect on sedative activity. Conclusions: This innovative study suggests a potential use of plant resources for managing microbes and treating various diseases, providing a scientific basis for the traditional use of H. rariflorum.

Characterization of Chayotextle Starch Films Supplemented with Essential Oils and Their Effect as a Coating on the Shelf Life of Bread

AbstractStarch extracted from chayote root is a carbohydrate polymer ideal for producing edible films, especially when combined with essential oils. This study develops starch‐based edible films incorporating rosemary (E‐RO) or cinnamon (E‐CO) essential oil and assesses their effectiveness in extending bread's shelf life. Films with essential oils exhibit significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05) water vapor permeability compared to control films without oil. Tensile strength and elongation tests show that films stored at low water activity (aw &lt; 0.443) have greater strength and lower elongation (p &lt; 0.05) than those stored at high water activity. Additionally, essential oils significantly enhance the films' antimicrobial and antifungal activity against selected microorganisms. Edible films with essential oils are fully degraded around day 18, while control films degraded by day 15. Bread coated with these films is stored at different temperatures to analyze effects on physicochemical properties and hardness. Sensory analyses reveal that coated bread receives overall acceptance scores (7.61–8.64) similar to control bread and show delayed mould growth during the 15‐day storage period. These findings suggest that chayote root starch‐based films with essential oils have strong potential as active food coatings, effectively extending the shelf life of stored bread.

Determination of Total Flavonoid Content from Extract and Fractions of Mangrove Leaves (Rhizopora mucronata)

Indonesia is an archipelagic country with a very wide coastal area. Lombok Island has a coastal area with quite extensive mangrove forest areas. Rhizopora mucronata was the most dominant species found in the region. The Rhizopora mucronata species was a plant from the Rhizoporaceae family reported to have antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activity. These biological activities were caused by the presence of secondary metabolite compounds in R. mucronata, one of which is flavonoids. Research regarding the flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves has not been explored. Therefore, the study aimed to determine the total flavonoid content in extracts and fractions of R. mucronata leaves using the spectrophotometric UV-Vis method. R. mucronata mangrove leaves simplicia were extracted using the sonication method using 96% ethanol solvent, then fractionated using the liquid-liquid extraction method with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water. The percentage yield of 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction respectively were 42.33%; 43.147%; 40.49%; 9.74%; and 32.49%. The TLC test showed the presence of flavonoid compounds detected in the extract and fractions which were marked with blue spots. The total flavonoid contents in the 96% ethanol extract, water fraction, ethyl acetate fraction, and n-hexane fraction were respectively (12,980; 14,160; 23,880; and 25,350) mg Quercetin equivalent/gram sample (mg QE/ g). The total flavonoid content of the extract and fractions of R. mucronata leaves were analyzed using the One-way ANOVA test method. The total flavonoid content in the n-hexane fraction and ethyl acetate fraction was significantly higher than the 96% ethanol extract and water fraction. The total flavonoid content of R. mucronata leaves was relatively high, which contributes to several of its biological activities.

Formulation of Ethanol Extract Cream of Sikkam Leaves (Bischofia javanica Blume) as an Antifungal Against Candida albicans

Skin health issues in Indonesia, including those caused by fungal infections such as (Candida albicans), can lead to various conditions like candidiasis, scabies, tungiasis, and leprosy. This study aims to evaluate the potential of sikkam leaf extract in developing an antifungal cream to combat (Candida albicans). Fungi are eukaryotic organisms that cannot photosynthesize and reproduce through branching filaments composed of hyphae. Fungi can thrive in diverse environments such as water, soil, and decaying organic matter. A cream is a semi-solid emulsion preparation in which one or more medicinal substances are dissolved or dispersed within a base. This formulation determines the cream’s effectiveness, including the optimal ethanol extract concentration needed for antifungal activity. Extraction of sikkam leaves was conducted using maceration with 70% ethanol, and creams were formulated with extract concentrations of 5%, 10%, and 15%. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. The study results showed that sikkam leaf-based creams meet quality standards, including organoleptic properties, homogeneity, pH, spreadability, and physical stability. Effectiveness testing indicated that creams with 5%, 10%, and 15% concentrations produced inhibition zones against (Candida albicans) with average diameters of 6.3 mm, 9 mm, and 15.3 mm, respectively. The higher the extract concentration, the stronger the inhibition of fungal growth. The cream with a 15% concentration proved to be the most effective, with inhibition classified as strong. Thus, sikkam leaf extract shows potential as a key ingredient for antifungal cream formulations.