Background/Objectives: Regardless of the underlying cause, wound infections are among the most common complications associated with wound formation. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in wound management. Due to their favorable therapeutic properties, alginate films have recently emerged as promising biomaterials for wound treatment. Methods: The petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts of the endemic plant Stachys rupestris were prepared using the maceration technique. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and the extract-loaded alginate film was evaluated by agar well diffusion and microdilution assays, while their antibiofilm activity was assessed by crystal violet staining in microplates. The anti-infective potential was investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, the phytochemical composition was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT assay. The alginate film was prepared by the solvent casting method and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and light microscopy. Results: All extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity, with the methanol extract exhibiting the most potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects. Quinic acid was identified as the major constituent. Both the methanol extract and the film displayed no cytotoxic effects and showed significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Conclusions: The S. rupestris methanol extract-loaded film exhibited strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, indicating its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent in supporting wound healing.

The reconstruction of complex soft tissues, such as urethral and nerve tissues, requires constructs that integrate vascularization, lumen integrity, and innervation with clinically relevant mechanical and biophysical properties. Current tissue-engineered tubular constructs often fail due to limited strength, instability under physiological conditions, and insufficient electroactivity. This study demonstrates the unique role of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) in improving the structural fidelity of alginate-gelatin hydrogels for additive manufacturing (3D extrusion printing) and clinical applicability. CNF incorporation improved gel strength, viscoelasticity, printability, and buildability while tailoring stretchability, compressibility, swelling, degradation, antimicrobial activity, vascularization, and inflammatory response in 3D-printed scaffolds. In the 3.5D printing approach, the rapid transformation of flat sheets of the CNF-reinforced hydrogel inks to customized tubular constructs with lumen patency was accomplished. At 0.75% CNF addition, hydrogel inks showed a 1.57- and 2.5-fold improvement in viscoelastic range with respect to shear stress and shear strain and a 1.2-fold increase in elastic recoverability, alongside a 3.6-fold enhancement in fracture stress and a 2-fold increase in elastic modulus under uniaxial tension, and the highest electrical conductivity of 0.5 S/m. Micro-CT confirmed interconnected porous structures with pore volume fraction and pore tortuosity of 0.74 and 1.09, respectively. At the same time, the as-printed tubular grafts (3.8 cm in length, 3 mm internal diameter) exhibited smooth luminal surfaces (∼44-100 nm roughness). NIH-3T3 fibroblasts maintained >80% viability, while antimicrobial analysis revealed strong activity against E. coli and S. aureus. In vivo study in Wistar rats revealed normal regulation of different immune cell markers such as CD8, CD68, TNF-α, COX-2, and IL-6, shifting from acute to chronic inflammation and an ehnacement in vascularization by 30 days as evident from H&E, MTS, and vWF straining. No systemic toxicity in the vital organs was recorded. Collectively, these findings highlight CNF-reinforced alginate-gelatin hydrogels can serve as electroconductive, mechanically robust, and biologically responsive scaffolds with a translational potential for complex soft tissue regeneration.

This comprehensive Review examines recent advances in bioactive glasses (BGs) based on the SiO2-CaO-P2O5-SrO system, highlighting the impact of the incorporation of strontium oxide (SrO) on their structural, thermal, and biological properties. By summarizing a wide range of studies, this work establishes how SrO modification influences the glass network connectivity, mechanical strength, and thermal stability, which are critical for high-temperature applications such as sintering and thermal spray coatings. This Review further explores the effects of SrO on in vitro and in vivo performance, focusing on the dissolution behavior, bioactive phase formation, cellular response, and antimicrobial activity. Special attention is given to the substitution and concentration level of SrO and their influence on bone regeneration and biocompatibility. This work offers insights into the design and optimization of Sr-doped BGs to enhance bone tissue engineering applications and lays the groundwork for future in vivo and clinical investigations.

To summarize the effects of type 2 (T2) cytokine-targeting therapies on respiratory infection risk in patients with allergic diseases, with a focus on the interplay between epithelial barrier restoration and immune rebalancing. T2 inflammation, driven by IL-4, IL-13, IL-5, and IgE, disrupts epithelial integrity and impairs mucosal defenses, increasing susceptibility to infections. Biologics targeting these pathways restore barrier function and modulate immune responses, promoting Th1/Th17-mediated antimicrobial activity. Dupilumab improves epithelial integrity and Th1/Th17 activity, with post hoc analyses from QUEST and SINUS-52 showing fewer respiratory infections compared to placebo. IL-13-specific therapies (tralokinumab, lebrikizumab) reduce excessive Th2 signaling and effector T-cell transdifferentiation, supporting mucosal homeostasis and low infection rates. IL-5-targeted biologics (mepolizumab, benralizumab) decrease eosinophil-mediated tissue injury without significantly increasing respiratory infections, despite theoretical concerns regarding antiviral defense. Omalizumab enhances Th1 antiviral pathways while reducing IgE-mediated inflammation, preserving infection control. T2-modulating biologics not only control allergic inflammation but also restore epithelial and immune homeostasis, contributing to maintained or reduced respiratory infection risk. These therapies represent a dual benefit of barrier repair and immune rebalancing. Further studies are warranted to evaluate long-term infection outcomes in high-risk populations.

This study evaluated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of bovine serum albumin-gold nanoclusters (BSA-GNCs) against planktonic and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. BSA-GNCs were synthesized and characterized using UV spectrofluorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), zeta sizing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT assay. Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities were assessed against four bacterial strains: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. A characteristic UV absorption peak at 500nm, along with a visible color change, confirmed successful GNC formation. FTIR spectra showed prominent functional groups at 598.33, 1102.79, 1261.21, 1637.84, 2923.54, and 3430.76cm-1, and the mean hydrodynamic diameter measured 22.72nm. BSA-GNC exposure induced moderate cytotoxicity in HaCaT cells at concentrations above 40µg/µL. Treatment with 40µg/µL BSA-GNCs significantly enhanced bacterial growth inhibition zones (KP: 28±2.44mm; SA: 27.5±2.45mm; PA: 31.5±1.91mm; EF: 29.75±2.5mm) after 24h. TEM imaging of BSA-GNC-treated bacteria revealed shrunken, disrupted cells with degenerated cytoplasm. Additionally, BSA-GNC treatment markedly reduced biofilm formation at both 24 and 48h compared with untreated controls. These findings indicate that BSA-GNCs enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, leading to impaired bacterial growth and biofilm formations.

The extraction of bioactive compounds from plants has emerged as a promising strategy for developing resource-efficient solutions that are both economically viable and value-driven. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), has become a popular technique for extraction significant plant-based compounds. Our investigation contrasted the yield, biological functions and phytochemical compositions of green cardamom extracts generated with SFE at 100, 200, and 300 bar of pressures. The maximal obtained weight was 0.279 gm upon applying 300 bar. There is a proportional elevation in the levels of most of phenolic compounds which detected using HPLC upon raising the pressure levels for extraction. Gallic acid had a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) upon applying ascending pressure levels The extract obtained at 300 bar demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial activity against Bacillus subtilis and Candida albicans, with inhibition zones of 23.33 ± 0.58mm and 22.17 ± 1.04mm, respectively. Furthermore, antibiofilm and anti-hemolytic assays confirmed that higher extraction pressure enhanced the bioactivity of the extracts, with 300 bar showing the maximum effect. Time-kill kinetics demonstrated a progressive increase in microbial inhibition over time, with the 300-bar extract again displaying the most effective results. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed significant ultrastructural damage in B. subtilis and C. albicans treated with the 300-bar extract, indicating strong antimicrobial action at the cellular level. The molecular docking performance of the main constituents in green cardamom extracts gallic acid and syringic acid against B. subtilis(PDB ID: 5VX6) and S. aureus (PDB ID: 3V8J) using the molecular operating environment (MOE) software was evaluated. The docking scores (S), root mean square deviation (RMSD)_refine values, and energy terms (E_conf, E_place, E_score1, E_refine, E_score2) were analyzed to assess binding affinities. Key interactions, including hydrogen bonds, were identified, with distances and energies quantified. Syringic acid exhibited better binding (S = - 4.27 to - 5.04kcal/mol) compared to gallic acid (S = - 4.11 to - 4.68kcal/mol) across both targets. Interactions with residues like GLU 187 (Glutamic acid residue at position 187 in the protein sequence) and ARG 172 (Arginine residue at position 172) in 5VX6, and ASP 239 (ASP 239: Aspartic acid residue at position 239) in 3V8J, highlighted critical binding motifs. The findings concluded that green cardamom extracts, particularly those obtained at 300 bar, possess enhanced antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, supported by both experimental and computational evidence. These results highlight the therapeutic potential of pressure-optimized SFE in maximizing the bioactivity of plant extracts.

The synthesis of biocidal peptide materials using simple, low-cost, solvent-free methods is a crucial challenge for developing new antimicrobial approaches. In this study, we produced proteinoid nanostructures through simple, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly thermal reactions between glutamic acid (Glu) and tyrosine (Tyr) in various molar ratios. Mechanistically, the thermal cyclization of glutamic acid into pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) facilitated the formation of short peptide chains containing pGlu as the N-terminus moiety and subsequent L-tyrosine or glutamic acid residues, which self-assembled into nanometric spheroidal structures that exhibit blue emission. Spectroscopic (FTIR, UV-Vis, photoluminescence) and mass (LC-MS) analyses confirmed the formation of mixed pGlu-/Tyr/Glu peptides. All products exhibit dose-dependent antimicrobial activity against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 25 mg mL−1 for the GluTyr 1:1 and 2:1 proteinoids. The outcomes observed following 24 h exposure of the HEK293 cell line to the materials indicate their suitability for integration into hybrid systems for antimicrobial surfaces. This work is the first to demonstrate a direct antibacterial activity of proteinoids obtained by thermal condensation, opening up the possibility of designing a new class of synthetic antimicrobial peptides.

Recognition of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is crucial for a strong publication. Drug-resistant microbes, such as Candida albicans, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, pose a significant health threat. There is an urgent need for innovative and synergistic therapies. The new engineered nanocomposite system, zinc oxide/chitosan nanocomposite loaded with vancomycin (VA/ZnO/CS), directly addresses this challenge by aiming to enhance or restore the efficacy of existing drugs. Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) were biosynthesized using Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 4527, and then combined with chitosan (CS) and vancomycin (VA) through a green chemical method. The nanocomposite that was produced was characterized using various techniques. The results of UV-Vis spectroscopy showed an adsorption peak at 348nm. The material matrix of the nanocomposite contains ZnO NPs and numerous active groups, as indicated by the results of X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Images captured by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the VA/ZnO/CS particles were spherical with an average size of 78 ± 2.3nm. The mean crystallite size of the nanocomposite was calculated using the Scherrer equation from the XRD data (79.38nm) which closely matched the dimensions of the ZnO core observed in the TEM images (78 ± 2.3nm). The antimicrobial activity of VA/ZnO/CS was tested against Bacillus cereus ATCC 14,579, MRSA ATCC 33,592, P. mirabilis AUF1, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 11,296, and Candida albicans ATCC 10,231. Compared to common drugs like fluconazole and vancomycin, VA/ZnO/CS demonstrated significantly higher levels of biocidal activity in the agar well-diffusion test, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum microbicidal concentration (MMC). The antimicrobial activity was found to be dependent on the dose of nanocomposite with higher doses resulting in increased antimicrobial inhibition. The prepared nanocomposite achieved a complete biocidal effect against the investigated microorganisms with 5-15µg/ml, while conventional drugs required 25-30µg/ml. The powerful antimicrobial action of VA/ZnO/CS was demonstrated by the TEM micrographs of C. albicans showing malformations and distortions of cell structure, including cell wall destruction and the emergence of vacuoles. Based on the results, the green synergy between ZnO/CS nanocomposite and VA will provide an effective biomaterial for treating infections and microbial diseases.

Investigating Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities with Cu²⁺ Detection of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Litchi Chinensis Peel Ethanol–Water Extract

ABSTRACTThe current study was conducted to investigate the antidiabetic and anti‐inflammatory effectiveness of encapsulated indigenous lactic acid bacteria originating from traditional Iranian cheese. Two out of 40 gram‐positive, catalase‐negative strains were selected and identified as Lactiplantibacillus pentosus and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum. Both strains exhibited strong acid (pH 2.5) and bile (0.3%) tolerance, with survival rates exceeding 64%. In vitro hydrophobicity (> 63%), autoaggregation (> 66%), and coaggregation with Escherichia coli (over 51%) were observed. These strains also demonstrated the highest antimicrobial activity (inhibition zones up to 27 mm) and were selected for in vivo testing. Male Wistar rats (n = 32) were randomly assigned to four groups: normal control, diabetic control (STZ, 35 mg/kg), normal + probiotics, and diabetic + probiotics (1 × 109 CFU/day, orally). At the end of 8 weeks, diabetic rats receiving encapsulated probiotic strains showed significantly lower fasting blood glucose (200.8 ± 8.4 vs. 317.1 ± 10.7 mg/dL in diabetic controls, p < 0.01), higher serum insulin levels (12.3 ± 1.0 vs. 9.3 ± 0.9 μIU/mL, p < 0.01), and better body weight retention (245 vs. 215 g, p < 0.05). Proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α were significantly reduced in probiotic‐treated diabetic rats compared to untreated diabetic controls (p < 0.01). Probiotic delivery was well tolerated in normoglycemic rats, with no adverse effects reported. Overall, these findings support the potential of microencapsulated L. pentosus D1 and L. plantarum D2 as safe and effective adjuncts for managing type 2 diabetes by modulating glycemic and inflammatory responses.

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) disease in rice caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) and Pantoea ananatis (Pan), is a widespread problem that results in substantial economic losses in rice-growing countries, including Malaysia. Farmers commonly rely on chemical controls to treat this disease, which are not safe for human health and the environment. Alternatively, Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have gained attention for their potential in sustainable agricultural practices, benefitting human health and the environment. This study hypothesized that LAB, specifically Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis (RBX7), have antimicrobial activity against phytopathogens, namely Xoo and Pan. The research aims to determine the antimicrobial activity of RBX7 and identify the antimicrobial compounds likely responsible for disease suppression. The antimicrobial cell-free supernatant (CFS) of RBX7 was obtained and tested for antimicrobial activity against Xoo and Pan using multiple methods, i.e. agar well diffusion, time-kill assays, detached leaf assays, and visualized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Metabolomic profiling was conducted to identify potential antimicrobial metabolites using LC-MS/MS-QTOF. Finally, the antibacterial effects of LAB were confirmed by in planta experiment. The detached leaf assay showed no lesions following inoculation with RBX7 live culture and RBX7 CFS, in line with the results from agar well diffusion assays. SEM analysis showed Pan cell rupture and Xoo cell shrinkage when treated with RBX7. Metabolomic analysis of RBX7 identified antimicrobial compounds such as cefixime, cinchonidine, antimycin A, and bufalin. Finally, in planta assays revealed that both RBX7 CFS and the live culture effectively suppressed BLB symptoms in rice seedlings. This study highlights a safer and more sustainable approach for controlling BLB in rice by utilizing RBX7 as a biocontrol agent, advancing efforts toward achieving sustainable development goals in rice farming.

Bile salts play crucial roles in lipid digestion and metabolism, with emerging evidence suggesting their involvement in cell signaling, wound healing, and potential antimicrobial activities. The analysis of bile salts revealed diverse compounds, including fatty acids, methyl esters, glycerol, flavonoids and steroidal derivatives. These findings suggest that the identified compounds are byproducts of lipid metabolism and may reflect dietary influences within the sample. Bile salts demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against resistant and common pathogens. Against MRSA, they produced an inhibition zone of 22 ± 0.33mm, surpassing the standard (18 ± 0.8mm), indicating strong efficacy. For S. aureus and S. epidermidis, bile salts showed robust inhibition zones of 28 ± 1.25mm and 29 ± 1.66mm, respectively, exceeding the activity of the reference standard. Additionally, bile salts exhibited effective antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata, with zones of 23 to 28mm. According to the MIC and MBC/MFC results, bile salts were more effective against S. aureus and MRSA than S. epidermidis, C. glabrata was the most resistant among the tested Candida species. Bile salts significantly enhanced HFB4 cell migration and wound closure over 48h, showing a 57.58% closure compared to 31.23% in the control group, indicating their potential to promote healing. However, bile salts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity on Vero cells (CCL-81) and A-431 cells (IC50 ≈ 74µg/mL). The similar IC50 values indicate low selectivity and a limited therapeutic window, which constrains their anticancer potential at the current stage of investigation. The cell cycle analysis of A-431 human epidermoid carcinoma cells demonstrated that treatment with bile salts induced significant cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Compared to the control group, which showed the majority of cells in the G0/G1 phase (82.04%), bile salt-treated cells exhibited a marked increase in the G2/M population (from 0.81 to 8.63%). These findings highlight the multifaceted bioactivity of bile salts and underscore their relevance in both antimicrobial and anticancer research. Given their broad-spectrum efficacy and bioactive profile, bile salts represent a promising candidate for further therapeutic development and clinical investigation.

Aqueous extract from the peel of Punica granatum (P. granatum) was used to synthesis silver nanoparticles (Pg-AgNPs), and formulate the nanopowder by employing spray-drying process. Preliminary Pg-AgNPs production was validated by color transition from pale to deep brown as well as using an ultraviolet‒visible spectrophotometer. The optimized nanoparticle production was achieved at pH 8, Ag+ 500mM, and 2mL of aqueous P. granatum peel extract. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to validate the physical shape of the spray-dried nanopowder, revealing a spherical, ball-like structure with a uniform size of 1µm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) exposed that the Pg-AgNPs were spherical and oval in form with sizes between 10 and 50nm, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the existence of elemental silver. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the crystalline phase of the Pg-AgNPs, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis implied the occurrence of bimolecular molecules that reduced Ag+ and capped the Pg-AgNPs. The antimicrobial activity against the cariogenic pathogens including bacteria Streptococcus mutans and the fungal strain Candida albicans exhibits potential activity. The DPPH assay indicated that the highest antioxidant activity (72%) occurred at 500µg/mL Pg-AgNPs. A cytotoxicity study of P. granatum peel extract and Pg-AgNPs revealed an IC50 value of 120 ± 1.42 and 82 ± 0.94µg/mL, respectively. These findings confirm that the synthesized Pg-AgNPs have multiple characteristics and can be used for several applications.

Background/Objectives: Flavonoids have been extensively investigated as reducing and stabilizing agents in the green synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. However, studies specifically employing pure naringin (NG) and naringenin (NGN) remain relatively scarce. Methods: In the present work, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized under controlled laboratory conditions using NG and NGN as bioreductants, and critical parameters governing nanoparticle formation were optimized. The synthesized AgNPs were comprehensively characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Results: The characterization analyses confirmed the successful formation of predominantly spherical AgNPs with average particle sizes of 17 nm (AgNG) and 20.4 nm (AgNGN). DLS analysis indicated zeta potentials of approximately −30 mV and PDIs of 0.45 (AgNG) and 0.29 (AgNGN), consistent with stable colloidal dispersions. Biological evaluations revealed that both AgNP systems exhibited notable antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, cytogenetic assessment using the Allium cepa assay demonstrated concentration-dependent alterations in mitotic index and chromosomal integrity, indicating biological activity at cellular level. Conclusions: Collectively, these results underscore the potential of flavonoid-mediated synthesis as an eco-friendly and effective approach for generating stable, bioactive nanomaterials with promising biological applications.

Kallikrein 14 activates the chemoattractant protein chemerin in human skin.

Objective: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of oregano (Lippia graveolens Kunth) essential oil sourced from Saucillo, Chihuahua, against bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical cases of bovine mastitis. Design/Methodology/Approach: Milk samples were collected from cows exhibiting clinical signs of mastitis and subjected to bacterial isolation and identification using standard microbiological techniques. Antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined, and the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was evaluated through the disk diffusion method at four concentrations: 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. Results: The most frequently isolated bacterial species were Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The oregano essential oil demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against both species, with inhibition zones increasing proportionally to concentration, reaching maximum values at 75% and 100%. Negative controls (distilled water and DMSO) showed no inhibitory effect, confirming the efficacy of the essential oil. Limitations/Implications: Antibiotic susceptibility testing revealed that although most bacterial isolates were susceptible to conventional antibiotics, S. aureus exhibited resistance to penicillin and ampicillin, underscoring the need for natural alternatives. Findings/Conclusions: These results confirm the potential of Lippia graveolens essential oil as a natural or complementary antimicrobial agent for the control of bovine mastitis. Its application may contribute to reducing antibiotic overuse and support the adoption of more sustainable practices in dairy production.

This study aimed to isolate acid-tolerant lactic acid bacteria from Suancai, a traditional Chinese fermented vegetable, and evaluate their potential and safety as candidate probiotics. Fifteen dominant lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from spontaneously fermented Suancai, and four isolates were selected based on their tolerance to acid and bile, as well as their autoaggregation, coaggregation, cell surface hydrophobicity, and adhesion capabilities. Based on 16S rRNA and pheS gene sequence analyses, the four strains were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (strain S5) and Levilactobacillus brevis (strains S1, H1, and H2). These strains were further evaluated for multiple in vitro probiotic properties. All four exhibited cholesterol removal capacity, DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activity, gamma-aminobutyric acid production, and nitrite degradation ability. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity was observed in three strains, with the exception of Levilactobacillus brevis S1. Additionally, all strains displayed antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella paratyphi B. Safety assessment revealed that the strains were sensitive to ampicillin, erythromycin, and penicillin, resistant to gentamycin, and negative for indole production and hemolytic activity. In conclusion, the four selected strains demonstrated favorable probiotic characteristics and safety profile, supporting their potential as candidate probiotics for functional food application.

This study evaluated the effects of low-dose electron beam irradiation (EBI) at 50, 100, and 150Gy on the membrane characteristics, growth, and antimicrobial activity of the One Health probiotic strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ZPZ. Findings were compared with those of Lactobacillus acidophilus DDS®-1 to assess strain-specific responses. Results indicated a dose-dependent reduction in growth, with untreated Lpb. plantarum ZPZ cultures averaged 1.26 × 107 CFU/mL, decreasing to 1.45 × 106 CFU/mL at 150Gy (P < 0.05). Antimicrobial efficacy also decreased from 0.16 in untreated samples to 0.31 in samples treated with 150Gy (P < 0.05, OD600). While surface hydrophobicity was initially reduced by 50Gy treatment, it was restored by 150Gy treatment, which correlated with an 82.7% increase in biofilm formation (r = 0.67). The obtained results show that EBI modulates the functional properties of Lpb. plantarum ZPZ and therefore indicates the possibility of its application in food safety and One Health strategies. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Plasmodium-induced malaria infection remains a leading global health threat. Host defense peptides (HDPs), key components of innate immunity, target multiple stages of Plasmodium development through direct antimicrobial activity and immunomodulation. These peptides represent promising agents as antimalarial compounds due to their dual role in directly targeting Plasmodium parasites and modulating host immune responses. Several HDPs, including defensins, cathelicidins, NK-2 peptide, platelet factor 4, macrophage inflammatory protein-3α, and hepcidin play pivotal roles in protecting against malaria infection. However, the roles and specific targets of HDPs in malaria defense remain incompletely understood. This review outlines the key HDPs involved in malaria defense, as well as recent findings about their specific roles towards Plasmodium parasites and infected cells. Furthermore, advancements in understanding HDP interactions with Plasmodium at various infection stages, as well as their roles in modulating the host immune response are discussed. Also, the current limitations in uncovering the full implications of HDPs in malaria infection are highlighted.

ABSTRACT Amomum subulatum Roxb. widely known as black cardamom, has been used in traditional medicine largely due to the presence of bioactive compounds. The effectiveness and yield of these compounds are greatly influenced by the extraction method used. This study examined the effects of four extraction methods: Soxhlet extraction (SE), maceration (MA), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), on the extractability and bioactivity of bioactive compounds from black cardamom. Among the methods, MAE was the most efficient for extracting bioactive compounds with high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities (TPC: 31.217 ± 0.028 mg GAE/g; TFC: 48.86 ± 0.11 mg QE/g; AA: 73.676 ± 0.286%; and AC: 2517.07 ± 35.30 µmol AAE/g). GC-MS analysis of MAE extract revealed the presence of bioactive compounds, including (-)-β-pinene, 1,8-cineole, α-selinene, β-selinene, α-terpineol, nerolidol, isopinocarveol, α-pinocarvone, [E]-3-caren-2-ol, τ-muurolol, ethyl oleate, and carvacrol, which contribute to its antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Beyond extraction efficiency, the sustainability of each extraction method was evaluated using the Analytical Greenness (AGREE) metric tool. MAE achieved the highest sustainability score (AGREE score: 0.73), indicating lower energy consumption, reduced toxic byproduct formation, and improved operator safety, making it the most environmentally friendly and efficient method.