Antifungal Characteristics Research Articles

Screening and characterization of lactic acid bacteria with antifungal activity against Penicillium digitatum on citrus

With the appearance of superbug and environment pollution, it is urgent to find a viable alternative to synthetic fungicide for controlling postharvest disease on citrus, especially for the control of the main pathogen Penicillium digitatum. The aim of this study was to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with antifungal activity against P. digitatum and investigate their antifungal characteristics. Sixty-eight LAB were isolated from surface of citrus fruit, leaves of citrus and peanuts, and soil in citrus orchards. Ten strains which belonging to three species (Lactobacillus sucicola, Weissella paramesenteroides, Pediococcus acidilactici) had strong inhibitory effects in vitro. After neutralization and catalase treatment, the cell-free supernatants of the L. sucicola JT03, W. paramesenteroides JT13 and P. acidilactici JY03 still exhibited partial inhibitory effect. However, their antifungal activities were partially lost after treated by proteinases. Moreover, they were especially sensitive to trypsin that antifungal activity of cell-free supernatants of the three LAB strains was totally lost. This result indicated that proteinaceous compounds might play an important role in antifungal activity for the LAB strains.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties of gold nanoparticles produced via a green chemistry synthesis using Gundelia tournefortii L. as a capping and reducing agent

The exploitation of various plant materials for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is considered a green technology because it does not involve any harmful chemicals. The aim of the experiment was chemical characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing activities of gold nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Gundelia tournefortii L. leaves (AuNPs@GT). These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–visible spectroscopy. DPPH free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant properties, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for AuNPs@GT and butylated hydroxytoluene. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. AuNPs@GT indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, AuNPs@GT inhibited the growth of all bacteria and fungi and removed them at 2‐4 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% HAuCl4 ointment, treatment with 0.2% G. tournefortii ointment, and treatment with 0.2% AuNPs@GT ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3 cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of AuNPs@GT ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, fibroblast, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. The synthesized AuNPs@GT had great cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the plant on HUVEC cell line) and revealed this method was nontoxic. The results showed that the leave aqueous extract of G. tournefortii is very good bioreductant in the synthesis of gold nanoparticles for treatment of bacterial, fungal, and skin diseases.

Assessment of Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash influence on possible DNA damage measured by buccal micronucleus cytome assay-preliminary results

Listerine is a brand of mouthwash most used worldwide in oral hygene maintainance. With its antimicrobic and antifungal characteristics, it can stop/diminish plaque and gingivitis development. Among different types of this mouthwash, all 5 ingredients of Listerine Cool Mint, 21.6% ethanol and 4 herbal extracts-thymol, menthol, eucalyptol and methyl salicylate, have shown capacity to cause cell damage and buccal epithelial cells are in direct contact. Buccal micronucleus cytome assay (BMN) measures changes in differentiation as the frequency of basal/differentiated, binuclear, and cells in different phases of cell death-apoptosis/necrosis (cells with condensed chromatin, karriorhectic, pycnotic and karyolitic cells) and changes in genomic instability measured as micronucleus or nuclear buds/broken eggs frequency. Samples from 10 healthy individuals using Listerine Cool Mint mouthwash twice/day during two-week treatment were analyzed before and after the treatment. There was no significant influence on cell differentiation and genomic instability on the group level, although micronucleus frequency (MN) of entire group was higher after the treatment (1 vs. 1.5). We found interindividual differences and showed that strong alcoholic drinks consumers had higher MN. Future studies should include more individuals, especially with regular alcohol consummation for analysis of possible synergistic influence and therefore higher risk of genomic instability, together with genetic polymorphisms in enzymes responsible for metabolism of ethanol, since they can drastically influence the time duration of ethanol exposure and its metabolite acetaldehyde and also have an impact on genomic instability and possible development of oral squamous cell cancer.

Preparation, characterization, and assessment of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing properties of titanium nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves

In recent decades, nanotechnology is growing rapidly owing to its widespread application in science and industry. The aim of the experiment was chemical characterization and evaluation of cytotoxicity, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing activities of titanium nanoparticles using aqueous extract of Ziziphora clinopodioides Lam leaves (TiNPs@Ziziphora). These nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), and UV–visible spectroscopy. The synthesized TiNPs@Ziziphora had great cell viability dose‐dependently (Investigating the effect of the plant on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cell line) and revealed this method was nontoxic. Then, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging test was done to assess the antioxidant properties, which indicated similar antioxidant potentials for TiNPs@Ziziphora and butylated hydroxytoluene. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC), and Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC) were specified by macro‐broth dilution assay. The data were analyzed by SPSS 21 software (Duncan post‐hoc test). TiNPs@Ziziphora indicated higher antibacterial and antifungal effects than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ 0.01). Also, TiNPs@Ziziphora inhibited the growth of all bacteria at 2‐16 mg/ml concentrations and removed them at 2‐32 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In case of antifungal properties of TiNPs@Ziziphora, they prevented the growth of all fungi at 2‐8 mg/ml concentrations and destroyed them at 2‐16 mg/ml concentrations (p ≤ 0.01). In vivo experiment, after creating the cutaneous wound, the rats were randomly divided into six groups: untreated control, treatment with Eucerin basal ointment, treatment with 3% tetracycline ointment, treatment with 0.2% TiO2 ointment, treatment with 0.2% Z. clinopodioides ointment, and treatment with 0.2% TiNPs@Ziziphora ointment. These groups were treated for 10 days. For histopathological and biochemical analysis of the healing trend, a 3 × 3 cm section was prepared from all dermal thicknesses at day 10. Use of TiNPs@Ziziphora ointment in the treatment groups substantially reduced (p ≤ 0.01) the wound area, total cells, neutrophil, and lymphocyte and remarkably raised (p ≤ 0.01) the wound contracture, hydroxyl proline, hexosamine, hexuronic acid, fibrocyte, and fibrocytes/fibroblast rate compared to other groups. In conclusion, the results revealed the useful non‐cytotoxic, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and cutaneous wound healing effects of TiNPs@Ziziphora.

Structural, Physical, and Antifungal Characterization of Starch Edible Films Added with Nanocomposites and Mexican Oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) Essential Oil.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural, physical, and antifungal characteristics of starch edible films added with nanocomposites and Mexican oregano (Lippia berlandieri Schauer) essential oil (EO). Starch edible films were formulated with Mexican oregano EO (0%, 1%, or 2% v/v) and bentonite or halloysite (2%). Physical properties such as L* (luminosity), hue, film thickness, and O2 and CO2 permeability were determined. Structural analysis was carried out via atomic force microscopy (AFM). Antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Fusarium spp., and Rhizopus spp. was evaluated. The addition of EO and nanocomposites reduced luminosity, providing color to the edible films. Film thickness increased through the addition of EO concentration. O2 and CO2 permeability was increased by bentonite/EO films, and for halloysite films, CO2 permeability decreased as EO concentration increased. The addition of EO with both nanocomposites shows an evident morphological change in film structure, decreasing pore density and increasing pore size. In general, Mexican oregano EO added to edible starch films has an adequate fungicidal effect. The most sensitive microorganism tested was A. niger. Edible films added with Mexican oregano EO and nanocomposites show better physical and antifungal properties due to an adequate structural change in the biopolymer matrix.

Green synthesis and chemical characterization of silver nanoparticles obtained using Allium saralicum aqueous extract and survey of in vitro antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial and antifungal properties

Allium saralicum R.M. Fritsch has been used in Iranian traditional medicine as a remedial supplement for microbial diseases. This paper reports the green synthesis, chemical characterization and antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial and antifungal properties of silver nanoparticles obtained using aqueous extract of A. saralicum leaves. In this synthesis, no surfactants or stabilizers were used. For characterization, UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy were used. 2,2‐Diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl was used in experiments to assess the antioxidant potential of the silver nanoparticles, which revealed an impressive prevention in comparison with butylated hydroxytoluene. The synthesized silver nanoparticles at low doses (1–250 μg dl−1) did not show marked cytotoxic activity (against cervical cancer cells (Hela), breast cancer cells (MCF‐7) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK‐293)). Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. Compared with all standard antimicrobials, the silver nanoparticles showed higher antibacterial and antifungal activities (p ≤ 0.01). Also, the silver nanoparticles inhibited the growth of all bacteria and fungi at concentrations of 31–250 μg ml−1, and destroyed them at concentrations of 31–500 μg ml−1 (p ≤ 0.01). Because the silver nanoparticles obtained using aqueous extract of A. saralicum leaves have antioxidant, non‐cytotoxic, antifungal and antibacterial potentials, they can be used as a medical supplement or drug.

Secnidazole-sulfonates: Synthesis, physical, electrochemical, antibacterial & antifungal characteristics

We report secnidazole-sulfonates (nine examples), two synthesis methods which provided moderate to good yields (50–87%) and pure products. The purity of all compounds was confirmed by the spectroscopic methods. All the molecules were investigated by the cyclic voltammetry (CV) and showed variable electroreduction. For the first time, all the compounds were tested and compared with secnidazole for the antibacterial and antifungal properties. Some of the tested compounds have better or unique antibacterial (M1, M5) and antifungal (M4, M5, M6 and M7) properties when compared with the parent secnidazole. The compound M5 exhibited moderate to high antifungal and antibacterial activities when compared to the secnidazole, therefore a good candidate for future research. The study provided new model compounds for pathogen related disease prevention applications.

Chemical characterization and antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of ethanolic extract of Allium Saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaves rich in linolenic acid, methyl ester

The purpose of the recent research was to assess the chemical characterization and antioxidant, cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of Allium Saralicum R.M. Fritsch leaves. After identification of the plant, its ethanolic extract was obtained using Soxhlet extractor without leaving any chemicals in it. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was performed to detect the percentage, retention index, and time of A. Saralicum compounds. Agar diffusion tests were applied to determine the antibacterial and antifungal characteristics. In agar disk diffusion test, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was used as negative control, while antibacterial (Difloxacin, Chloramphenicol, Streptomycin, Gentamicin, Oxytetracycline, Ampicillin, and Amikacin) and antifungal (Fluconazole, Itraconazole, Miconazole, Amphotericin B, and Nystatin) antibiotics were used as positive controls. Macro broth tube test was run to determine Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC). The findings indicated that linolenic acid, methyl ester was the most frequent constituent found in A. Saralicum. Indeed, A. Saralicum showed higher antibacterial and antifungal properties than all standard antibiotics (p ≤ .01). Also, A. Saralicum prevented the growth of all bacteria and fungi at 15–125 mg/mL concentrations and destroyed them at 15–250 mg/mL concentrations (p ≤ .01). DPPH free radical scavenging test was carried out to examine the antioxidant effect, which indicated similar antioxidant activity with butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) as a positive control. The synthesized ethanolic extract had great cell viability dose-dependently and demonstrated this method was nontoxic for synthesizing A. Saralicum. In conclusion, the findings showed the useful antioxidant, non-cytotoxic, antibacterial, and antifungal effects of A. Saralicum ethanolic extract.

Permeability Characteristics of a New Antifungal Topical Amphotericin B Formulation with γ-Cyclodextrins.

Amphotericin B is a low soluble broad-spectrum antifungal agent. Cyclodextrins can be added to amphotericin formulations to enhance both their solubility and antifungal properties. Semisolid amphotericin formulations containing gamma cyclodextrin (AGCD) were prepared and compared with two reference formulations—one of them without any solubility enhancer (A) and the other with DMSO (ADMSO). Rheological, the permeability through hairless mouse skin and antifungal characteristics of the different formulations were evaluated. All three semisolid formulations show low thixotropy characteristics. ADMSO was the formulation with the least consistency, lowest viscosity, and greatest extensibility. The AGCD formulation had the opposite behavior and had both the greatest consistency and viscosity and the lowest extensibility. The lowest permeability was obtained with the reference A formulation while both AGCD and ADMSO had a similar permeability enhancement. According to the antimicrobial in vitro efficacy trials, the AGCD formulation showed 45–60% more activity than the reference A formulation. It can be concluded that γ-cyclodextrin is a useful excipient to improve the solubility, permeability, and antifungal activity of amphotericin B in semisolid topical formulations.

Mini review: Application of supercritical carbon dioxide in extraction of propolis extract

Propolis is a resinous substance produced by bees functioned to seal holes, exclude draught, protect against contamination and external intruders inside their hives has been substantially studied and reported to have numerous health properties such as antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. Propolis cannot be utilized as raw material, due to its complex mixture of compounds. Hence it must be separated by the extraction process. Extraction targets to removes the inert compounds in the propolis sample and preserves the flavonoids and polyphenolic fraction. The most common technique used in propolis extraction is solvent extraction that involves the use of solvents such as ethanol, water, hexane, ethyl-acetate and chloroform. However, this conventional technique has some drawbacks including strong residual flavour, possible adverse reactions, harmful to the environment, low quality of the extract and long process period requirement. Supercritical carbon dioxide (SC-CO2) is one of the alternative techniques to conventional extraction that was reported to be an excellent method to purify and fractionate bioactive compounds from natural sources. SC-CO2 extraction was first introduced for analytical application because of the demand to reduce organic solvent utilization in a laboratory environment. It has now become a favourite technique in extraction, fractionation, refinement, and deodorization of natural sample matrices in laboratory scale and industrial scale. Carbon dioxide is an ideal supercritical solvent due to its non-toxic, non-polluting, non-flammable, recoverable and environmentally benign properties. Therefore, this mini review aims to discuss the application of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction specifically on propolis sample starting with a brief introduction on propolis, methods of propolis extraction, the principle of SC-CO2 extraction, application of SC-CO2 in propolis extraction, advantages of SC-CO2 extraction and lastly comparison between SC-CO2 and conventional extraction techniques.

Synthesis, spectroscopic and X-ray structural characterization of two novel mixed-ligand lead(II) complexes

Two novel mixed-ligand complexes of lead(II), [Pb(Cup)2(Phen)]2](DPE) (1) and [Pb(Cup)(ONO2)(Phen)] (2) (Cup = cupferronato, Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, and DPE = 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene), were synthesized in the presence of common bridging ligands which are usually used in synthesis of lead(II) coordination polymers as well as utilization of Cup and Phen as O,O′- and N,N′- chelates, respectively. Structural features of 1 and 2 in solution were investigated by 1H and 13C NMR experiments. The accurate assignment of these signals was inferred from a series of 1H–1H COSY, 1H–13C HSQC, and 1H–13C HMBC spectra. The solid-state structures of 1 and 2 were also investigated via single crystal XRD. By considering the obtained structural parameters, the coordination of 1 is hemidirected while 2 is suggested to be holodirectional. Additionally, complex 1 consist of dimers which are further associated via π-π stacking to a one-dimensional coordination polymer while complex 2 forming a step-like one-dimensional chain by an intermolecular interaction between each molecule and two nitrato groups of the two adjacent molecules. Both complexes showed significant antibacterial and antifungal characteristics in disc diffusion tests and they could be considered as new potent antimicrobial material.

Garlic (Allium sativum L.) - the content of bioactive compounds

Genus Allium belongs to the family Alliaceae, which contains more than 600 species. Garlic (Allium sativum L.) is the most popular food ingredient widely used all over the world. During the last few decades, garlic has received tremendous attention for their wide range of therapeutic properties and great health benefits. Garlic has possessed antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antiviral, antioxidant, anticholesteremic, anti-cancerous, and vasodilator characteristics. In this work the total polyphenols content, total sulfur content and antioxidant activity was compared and evaluated in four studied varieties of garlic (Mojmír, Lukan, Záhorský and Makoi). The analyzed samples of garlic were collected at the stage of full maturity in the area Bardejov. The total polyphenols content was measured using the spectrophotometric method of Folin-Ciocalteu agents. The total polyphenols content in studied varieties of garlic were determined in the range 612.23 mg.kg-1 (Mojmír) to 566.01 mg.kg-1 (Lukan). The total polyphenols content in garlic can be arranged as follows: Mojmír >Makoi >Záhorský >Lukan. The determination of the total sulfur content is based on dry combustion in the presence of oxygen and allows for the quantitative conversion of sulfur to SO2. Statistically significant highest level of total sulfur content was recorded in 0.638% (Mojmír) and the lowest level was in 0.421% (Makoi). According to determined values of total sulfur content the studied varieties of garlic can be arranged in the following order: Mojmír >Lukan >Záhorský >Makoi. Antioxidant activity was determined by the spectrophotometric method using a compound DPPH (2.2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl). The highest value of antioxidant activity was measured in Mojmír (15.24%). The lowest level was observed in Makoi (11.73%). The antioxidant activity in garlic declined in the following order: Mojmír >Lukan >Záhorský >Makoi. In all studied samples of garlic was confirmed by the strong dependence of the total polyphenols content, total sulfur content and antioxidant activity.

Synthesis and characterization of silver-titania nanocomposites prepared by electrochemical method with enhanced photocatalytic characteristics, antifungal and antimicrobial activity

The paper deals with the synthesis of silver-titania (Ag-TiO2) nanocomposites with enhanced photocatalytic, antifungal and antimicrobial characteristics. Ag nanoparticles have been electrochemically deposited on the commercially available nano-TiO2 powders involving the so-called “sacrificial anode” technique. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, XPS and Raman spectroscopy to get information on their composition and structure. Particle size distribution and stability of Ag-TiO2 based colloidal solutions have been determined from dynamic light scattering and zeta potential measurements. The recorded UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra evidenced the presence of an absorption band located in the range of 475–525nm and the presence of a tail as well, suggesting a better photocatalytic activity. The photoreactivity of the synthesized Ag-TiO2 nanocomposite as well as the influence of Ag content were evaluated for the degradation of Orange II dye under UV irradiation (λ=365nm). The heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation rate follows pseudo first order kinetics. Antifungal and antimicrobial efficacy evaluation showed that the synthesized Ag-TiO2 nanocomposites are significantly more active than pure titania.

A self-assembled clavanin A-coated amniotic membrane scaffold for the prevention of biofilm formation by ocular surface fungal pathogens

Amniotic membrane (AM) is frequently used in ophthalmologic surgery for rapid ocular surface reconstruction. Sometimes it may create a major problem with associated infections after biofilm formation over the membrane. To overcome this problem, AM was coated with the antimicrobial peptide clavanin A. The antifungal activity of clavanin A in the native and self-assembled form was determined against the common ocular surface pathogens Candida albicans, Aspergillus fumigatus, Alternaria sp. and Fusarium sp. Biofilm formation over the coated surface was significantly reduced in comparison with the uncoated membrane. The coated membrane revealed effectiveness in terms of biocompatibility, cell attachment colonization when tested in non-cancerous 3T3 and human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cell lines. Clavanin A-coated AM also exhibited excellent physical, morphological and antifungal characteristics, indicating potential applicability for ocular surface infection control.

In vitro antifungal susceptibility of candidemia agents and detection of their biofilm production by two different methods

Candida bloodstream infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. The most important contribution of biofilm is the higher antifungal resistance than planktonic cells. We aimed to investigate the biofilm formation rate and antifungal susceptibility characteristics of our bloodstream isolates, and evaluate two different biofilm detection methods. A total of 200 bloodstream Candida isolates were included. The biofilms were formed on 96-well microtiter plates and measured by spectrophotometric percent transmittance and 2,3-bis(2- methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfo-phenyl)-2H-tetrazolium- 5-carboxanilide colorimetric assay. In addition antifungal susceptibilities of these isolates were evaluated against caspofungin, anidulafungin and amphotericin B by reference method. Biofilm production rate was considerably high among our bloodstream isolates. The most important biofilm producer species was C. tropicalis; C. glabrata had the lowest biofilm production rate. The consistency rate between biofilm detection methods was 66%. Remarkable antifungal resistance was not observed among our isolates in general. In conclusion, biofilm production in Candida species is an important virulence factor, and its rate is considerably high in bloodstream isolates. At present, a standardized method has not been established to detect the biofilm formation.

Production of proteinaceous antifungal substances from Lactobacillus plantarum ALAC‐4 isolated from Inner Mongolian traditional fermented dairy food

Lactic acid bacteria are of interest to the food industry due to their antimicrobial properties. In this study, five strains of Lactobacillus plantarum were isolated from traditional fermented dairy food in Inner Mongolia; the strains displayed antifungal characteristics. Lactobacillus plantarum ALAC‐4 was selected for further study due to its strong inhibitory effect on fungal development. The antifungal substances produced by L. plantarum ALAC‐4 were characterised based on treatments with heat, pH and enzymes. The antifungal metabolites were analysed using gel‐filtration chromatography and SDS‐PAGE. The results showed that the antifungal substances were heat stable and active against most of the tested fungi, and maximal activity was observed at pH values from 4.0 to 4.5. The antifungal activity was decreased by protease treatments, which indicated the proteinaceous nature of the antifungal substances. Enhanced antifungal activity occurred after 28 h of incubation in de Man, Rogosa, Sharpe (MRS) broth with a 4% inoculum level at 34 °C and initial pH of 7.0, which resulted in an increase from baseline data. The molecular mass of the antifungal substance determined by SDS‐PAGE was approximately 40.32 kDa. This study demonstrated that L. plantarum ALAC‐4 produces a peptide with a remarkable antifungal activity, which can be potentially used as a biopreservative in dairy products.

Applicative effect of glycinin basic polypeptide in fresh wet noodles and antifungal characteristics

We aimed to evaluate applicative effect of glycinin basic polypeptide (GBP) on fresh wet noodles during 5 days storage at 4 °C and to investigate its antifungal characteristics against Aspergillus niger (A. niger) and Penicillium sp.. GBP enhanced the sensory scores for fresh wet noodles and reduced the total plate count of fungi in a dose-dependent manner during storage. More than 2.0 mg/g GBP had well preservative effect on fresh wet noodles with 4 days shelf life at 4 °C. The inhibition zone diameters for A. niger and Penicillium sp. increased with increasing GBP concentration. The minimum inhibition concentrations of GBP against A. niger and Penicillium sp. were 2.0 and 1.5 mg/mL, respectively. GBP could effectively inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of A. niger and Penicillium sp.. The ergosterol content (EC) in the fungal plasma membrane decreased with the increase in GBP concentration. What is more, EC of fungi with 2.4 mg/mL GBP had significant different from other concentrations of GBP (p < 0.05). Thus, GBP had remarkable antifungal effects by inhibiting growth of mycelium and spore germination, and disrupting the plasma membrane of fungi. GBP might be an alternative to synthetic antifungal preservatives in starchy food to extend shelf life.

In Vitro Phototoxicity and Antimicrobial Activity of Volatile Oil Obtained from Some Aromatic Plants

Aromatic plants comprise many biologically active compounds such as mainly anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory characteristics. The demand for these plants and their derivatives has became popular since they are natural and generally recognized as safe products. Thus, chemical composition of volatile oils, obtained from Myrtus communis (Myrtle), Citrus sinensis (Lemon), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon), Laurus nobilis (Laurel), and Lavandula stoechas (Lavender) were analysed. It was reported that the main components of M. communis were 1,8 cineole (29.68 %), linalool (15.03 %), α-pinene (12.41 %) while volatile components of C. sinensis were found to be limonene (57.78 %), β-pinene (10.38 %). C. zeylanicum contained cinnamaldehyde (34.31 %), propylene glycol acetal (26.82 %), cinnamal (16.54 %). The components of L. nobilis were 1,8 cineole (29.75 %), camphor (9.85 %). In addition, L. stoechas contained camphor (36.69 %), α-thujene (21.37 %), 1,8 cineole (11.96 %). In this study, The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimal Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by using microbroth dilution technique. In addiition, in vitro, phototoxicity of volatile oil were researched against Escherichia coli (ATCC 25293), Klebsiella pneumoniae (10031), Salmonella thyphimurium, Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25925), Enterococcus feacalis (ATCC 29212) by using disc diffusion method. We showed that microoganisms were inhibited by volatile oil photoinduced using a standard LED light. Volatile oils of M. communis, L. nobilis and L. stoechas have significantly phototoxic activity against bacteria (P < 0.05), while minor phototoxicity was induced by C. zeylanicum and C. sinensis Consequently, volatile oils of those plant could be utilized as photosensitizer agent in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy.

Functionalization and characterization of cotton with phase change materials and thyme oil encapsulated in beta-cyclodextrins

Abstract The aim of this work was to study the production of comfortable cotton plain-weave fabrics with antibacterial and antifungal characteristics through a simple finishing process, which consists in applying microcapsules of phase change materials (mPCM), monochlorotriazinyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCT-β-CD) and thyme oil. The fabrics were characterized by Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Contact Angle and Infrared Thermography. The thyme oil release was also analyzed, as well as the antibacterial and antifungal activity. The materials treated with 20 μL/mL of thyme oil have shown anomalous oil release mechanisms, according to the Korsmeyer-Peppas model, and activity against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , Trichophyton rubrum , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans . Therefore, it was reached the conclusion that mPCM, conjugated with thyme oil encapsulated in MCT-β-CD, proved to be an interesting option to produce materials possessing thermoregulation properties with putative clinical relevance for the prevention of infections, particularly dermatophytosis.

Biological Control of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Pyricularia oryzae&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; Using Antifungal Compounds Produced by &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Aspergillus niger&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;

Aspergillus spp. has been widely found as useful microorganism in biotechnology. They have a high ability in the production of secondary metabolites. Therefore, isolates of Aspergillus were isolated from healthy rice field located in Selangor State/Malaysia. The obtained strain (UPMZ01) was conducted against Pyricularia oryzea by applying dual culture and culture filtrate technique. The antagonism of strain UPMZ01 in the dual culture was 81.326% inhibition percentage against P. oryzae given the optimum inhibitory percentage 100% at all concentration of secondary metabolites aged 14 days. The isolate (UPMZ01) was identified as Aspergillus niger with accession number (KY698415). The environment factors such as pH and temperature influencing on production of secondary metabolites. The results were shown that pH at level 5.0 and temperature between 21℃ to 29℃ is the optimum condition for A. niger to produce efficient antifungal metabolites which given 100% PIGR against blast pathogen. The secondary metabolites compounds were identified by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Fifteen compounds were recognized as major compounds which may have the possibility of possessing antifungal characteristics. Most of identified compounds are Oleic Acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Hexose, Glycerol, Stearic acid, Tetradecanoic acid, Dodecanoic acid and 5-Hydrxoymethylfurfural.