Antimicrobial Activity Research Articles

Fabrication, characterisation, physicochemical and biological studies of gelatin/PVA/ silk fibre with manganese substituted hydroxyapatite scaffold for bone tissue engineering application

In recent years, researchers have been aiming for the development of multifunctional materials to repair bone tissue. The development of metal, ceramic, glass, and composite implants is the subject of interest in bone tissue engineering. Among these, HAP (ceramic) is either combined with other components, such as polymers or doped with ions to give improved properties or to add novel characteristics. The present study is focused on fabricating a novel scaffold with the required properties. Here gelatin/PVA/SF-Mn-HAP (MGPS) was fabricated by electrospinning to prepare a nano-level scaffold. The manganese-hydroxyapatite (Mn-HAP) was prepared by hydrothermal method. The nano scaffold was fabricated using various wt % (20, 40, 60) of Mn-HAP (Ca5-x Mnx (PO4)3 OH) (x = 0.1, 0.5) with gelatin/PVA/silk fibre. The fabricated nano scaffold phase formation was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), the functional group belonging to the nano scaffold was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the topography of the nano scaffold was seen by scanning electron microscopy and the composition of elements was noted from energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). From the results, the fabricated scaffold MGPS 16 (60 wt% of Mn-HAP (x = 0.5 M) with gelatin-PVA-silk fibre) showed the highest tensile strength of 95.61 MPa. The antimicrobial activity of MGPS 16 showed the zone of inhibition against S. aureus – 62 ± 1.36 mm,E. coli – 71 ± 1.24 mm and C. albicans – 70 ± 1.22 mm. The hemolytic (%) of the MGPS 16 was 1.86 %. The SEM images of biomineralized samples showed the formation of apatite on the surface of the nano-composite.

Optimization of chitosan-gelatin-based 3D-printed scaffolds for tissue engineering and drug delivery applications

The combination of biocompatible materials and advanced three-dimensional (3D) additive manufacturing technologies holds great potential in the development of finely tuned complex scaffolds with reproducible macro- and micro-structural characteristics for biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering and drug delivery. In this study, biocompatible printable inks based on chitosan, collagen and gelatin were developed and 3D-printed with a pneumatic-based extrusion printer. The printability of various chitosan–gelatin (CS-Gel) hydrogel inks was assessed by evaluating the quality of the printed constructs. The inks required an extrusion pressure of 150 ± 40 MPa with G22 and G25 nozzles for optimal printing. Inks with low chitosan concentrations (<4% w/v) exhibited poor printability, while inks with 4 % w/v chitosan and 1 % w/v gelatin (CG) demonstrated satisfactory extrusion and printing quality. The addition of collagen (0.1 % w/v) to the optimized ink (CGC) did not compromise printability. Post-printing stabilization using KOH produced self-supporting scaffolds with consistent morphological integrity, while weaker bases like NaOH/EtOH and ammonia vapors resulted in lower pore sizes and reduced structural stability. Water evaporation studies showed that neutralized samples had slower evaporation rates due to the strong intermolecular interactions formed during the neutralization process, contributing to a stable crosslinked network. FTIR spectra confirmed the formation of polyelectrolyte complexes in the CS-Gel and CS-Gel-Collagen blends, further enhancing structural stability. Swelling tests indicated that neutralized constructs maintained stability in different pH environments, with KOH-treated samples exhibiting the lowest swelling ratios and the highest structural stability. After optimizing the ink composition, 10 wt% Levofloxacin was loaded in the constructs as a model antibiotic and it’s in vitro release rate was quantified. Drug loading was approximately 4 % for both ink compositions GC and CGC. CG Levo released over 80 % of levofloxacin within the first hour, reaching full release in 24 h, indicating inadequate control, while CGK Levo exhibited slower initial release (55 % in 15 min) followed by stabilized release after 4 h, likely due to controlled diffusion from expanded constructs. These findings demonstrate that the developed hydrogel inks and optimized printing parameters can produce scaffolds suitable for tissue engineering applications. Finally, the cell compatibility of the 3D-printed constructs was confirmed with MTT assay on fibroblasts and the antimicrobial activity of the drug-loaded constructs was tested against E. coli and S. aureus, showing an increase of the bacteria free zone from 8 ± 0.4 mm of the control against E. coli up to 16.4 ± 0.37 mm in the presence of the KOH-treated CG Levo printed construct.

Analyzing antimicrobial activity of ZnO/FTO, Sn-Cu-doped ZnO/FTO thin films: Production and characterizations.

In the developing field of nanotechnology, ZnO (zinc oxide) based semiconductor samples have emerged as the foremost choice due to their immense potential for advancing the development of cutting-edge nanodevices. Due to its excellent chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity to biological systems, it is also utilized in various investigations. In this study, the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method was used to generate FTO (fluorine-doped tin oxide)/ZnO, and tin (Sn)-copper (Cu)-doped ZnO thin films at varying concentrations on FTO substrates. After being stacked 40 times in varying concentrations on the FTO substrate, FTO/ZnO thin films and Sn-Cu-doped thin films were annealed at 300°C. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy-(EDS), the agar diffusion test, and the viability cell counting method, the minimum inhibitory concentration, structural properties, surface morphology, antibacterial properties, bacterial adhesion, and survival organism count of FTO/ZnO thin films and Sn-Cu-doped thin films were investigated. Both doped and FTO/ZnO films with varying Sn-Cu concentrations expanded harmonically on the FTO substrate, according to the SEM-EDS investigation. The doping concentration affected their morphological properties, causing changes depending on the doping level. Antibacterial activity was observed in the powder metals, but no antibacterial activity was found in the thin film form. The highest adhesion rate of bacterial organisms on the produced samples was observed when the FTO/ZnO/Sn-Cu doping rate was 1%. In addition, the lowest adhesion rate was observed when the FTO/ZnO/Sn-Cu additive ratio was 3%. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: ZnO based semiconductors highlight significant potential in advancing nanodevice technology due to their chemical stability, cost-effectiveness, and biocompatibility. Employing the SILAR method, the study innovatively fabricates FTO/ZnO and Sn-Cu-doped ZnO thin films on FTO substrates, exploring a novel approach in semiconductor manufacturing. Post annealing at 300°C, the research examines the structural and surface morphological changes in the films, contributing to the understanding of semiconductor behavior under varying conditions. The study delves into the antibacterial properties of ZnO thin films, offering insights into the potential biomedical applications of these materials. SEM-EDS analysis reveals that doping concentrations crucially influence the morphological properties of ZnO thin films, shedding light on the optimization of semiconductor performance. Findings indicate a specific doping rate (1% Sn-Cu) enhances bacterial adhesion, while a 3% additive ratio minimizes it, suggesting implications for biomedical device engineering and antibacterial surface design.

Therapeutic Potential of Syzygium aromaticum in Gut Dysbiosis via TMAO Associated Diabetic Cardiomyopathy.

Dysbiosis of the gastrointestinal microbiota is not only related to the pathogenesis of intestinal disorders but also associated with extra-intestinal diseases. Various studies have revealed the role of an imbalance of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites including bile acids, indole derivatives, polyamines, and trimethylamine in the progression of various diseases. The elevated plasma level of the oxidized form of trimethylamine is associated with the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Literature supports that herbal medicines can modulate human health by altering the diversity of gut microbiota and their metabolites and proposes the use of prebiotics to improve dysbiotic conditions as a new way of therapeutic strategy. In silico studies including drug likeliness, toxicity prediction, and molecular interaction of phytochemicals against trimethylamine lyase enzyme have been done. Antimicrobial activity of extracts of selected plant i.e. Syzygium aromaticum was done by disc diffusion and the protective effects of plant compounds were examined on trimethylamine-n-oxide a bacterial metabolic product and high glucose induced toxicity. The current study has found that the phytochemicals of S. aromaticum identified as nontoxic and followed the standard rules of drug likeliness and showed a significant binding affinity against trimethylamine-n-oxide producing enzymes. Furthermore, S. aromaticum extract was found to have antimicrobial potential and cardioprotective effects by reducing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species and correcting the distorted nuclear morphology in the presence of high trimethylamine-n-oxide. Conclusively, our study explored the herbal intervention in intestinal dysbiosis and suggested a natural therapy against dysbiosis associated with cardiac disease, and S, aromaticum was found to have exceptional cardioprotective potential against TMAO induced gut dysbiosis, which provides a novel future therapeutic intervention for treating cardiovascular complications.

Antioxidant, antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities of alcoholic extracts from Piper aequale Vahl leaves

Piper is a large plant genus containing essential oils rich in mono and sesquiterpenes and other secondary metabolites showing different biological activities. Piper aequale, cordoncillo, is used in México for urinary and prostate ailments, suggesting a potential therapeutic effect against prostate cancer. Due to the lack of chemical and pharmacological information on this species, in this work antimicrobial and antiproliferative activities were evaluated. Leaves ethanol and methanol extracts were used to assess antioxidant activity (DPPH, FRAP), antimicrobial activity (Kirby-Bauer) against clinically relevant strains and antiproliferative activity on prostate cancer cell line PC-3 (MTT assay). Methanolic extract exhibited the highest antioxidant activity, with 69.08% (DPPH) and inhibitory effects on pathogenic bacterial strains associated with urinary tract infections. Ethanolic extract displayed moderate antiproliferative activity (IC50 81.28 μg/mL), showing cytotoxicity from 100 μg/mL. This study demonstrates P. aequale exhibits inhibitory effects against bacteria associated with urinary problems and antiproliferative properties in prostate cancer cells.

Determination of antimicrobial activities and DNA protection properties of Scytosiphon lomentaria extracts

Scytosiphon lomentaria is a brown algae that has many promising biological activities in medicine as well as being consumed as food in many countries. This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial, antimutagenic and DNA damage protective activity of S. lomentaria by obtaining hexane, methanol and water extracts. To evaluate the antimicrobial effect of the extracts, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests were performed on both yeasts and bacteria. The antimutagenic activities of the extracts were investigated by the Ames test, and their protective effects against oxidative DNA damage were investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis using pBR322 plasmid DNA. Antimicrobial results showed that hexane methanol and aqueous extract were more effective on Candia albicans (5, 2.5 and 2.5 mg/mL, respectively) compared to all strains used. All concentrations of the methanol extract exhibited strong antimutagenicity (more than 40% inhibition) on both TA98 and TA100 mutant strains. It was determined that the extracts protected DNA against oxidative DNA damage. The results show that S. lomentaria extracts have antimicrobial activity and DNA protection properties, making them have the potential to be evaluated as new natural resources that can be used in antimicrobial and anticancer formulations

Determination of some Biochemical Properties of Taraxacum scaturiginosum and Asparagus officinalis extracted with Lactobacillus plantarum

In this study analyzed the effects of Taraxacum scaturiginosum (T) and Asparagus officinalis (A) on Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp). In the study, fatty acid, flavonoid, resveratrol content, vitamin, phytosterol levels and the antimicrobial activities of T and A the fatty acid, flavonoid, resveratrol content, vitamin, phytosterol levels and antimicrobial activities of Lp extracts treated with T and A were determined and compared. For this purpose, the control (T and A), Lp treated with T and A (T+Lp, A+Lp) and Lp only cultures were used. According to experimental results; the fatty acid of the T (dandelion) and A (asparagus) extracts significantly increased after being treated with Lp whereas in the controls that the flavonoid and resveratrol levels decreased while the antimicrobial activity showed variations. Some vitamin levels of extracts significantly decreased after being treated with Lp whereas in the controls. A herbal diet is recommended to maintain the vitality of probiotic bacteria, which are necessary for a healthy life

Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. & Viv. growing wild at different sites in Morocco: ADME-Tox, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations

ABSTRACT This study investigates the chemical variability and antimicrobial activity of essential oils (EOs) from Asphodelus microcarpus Salzm. & Viv. flowers, collected from five Moroccan regions. Analysis by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) revealed EO yields ranging from 0.01% to 0.12%. One hundred forty-four compounds, comprising 90.24–97.31% of the total content, were identified. A new chemotype, trans-Ferruginol (58.33%), was identified in the Meknes region. This is the first study to assess the antibacterial activity of EOs from these flowers, showing significant activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli, with MICs between 0.78 and 25 mg. mL−1. Theoretical studies, including ADME-Tox, molecular docking and dynamics, indicated that trans-Ferruginol is non-toxic and strongly interacts with antimicrobial target proteins. The findings suggest that these EOs could serve as an alternative to antibiotics, potentially mitigating bacterial resistance.

Evaluation of Meropenem and Gentamicin Synergy on Klebsiella pneumonaie

Objective: Antimicrobial resistance is a severe global problem, causing both medical and economic results. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) is a gram-negative bacterium that plays a major role in these burdens due to its widespread resistance mechanisms. This study searchs for the synergy and antagonism between meropenem and gentamicin using the disk diffusion method and compares these findings with results from the checkerboard method. If the results are consistent, validating the reliability of the disk diffusion method, it could be a cost-effective alternative to other testing methods. Methods: The checkerboard method is used to assess the interaction of two antimicrobial agents (synergistic, indifferent, or antagonistic) by preparing a grid of wells containing varying concentrations of the agents. The fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) is calculated to evaluate the combination's efficacy. In the disc diffusion method, the antimicrobial activity of an agent is determined by placing discs soaked in the agent on an agar plate inoculated with bacteria. After incubation, the diameter of the inhibition zone is measured to assess susceptibility. Results: No synergy or antagonism was detected in any of the 30 Klebsiella pneumaniae isolates by either method. Conclusion: The disc diffusion method is a cost-effective and reliable alternative to other in vitro synergy tests, especially when facilities are limited.

Assessment of Bioactivity of Homalomena aromatica Essential Oil from Northeast India through Combinative in vitro and in silico Approaches.

Homalomena aromatica Schott is a valuable medicinal aromatic plant having wide range of applications in ethnobotany, pharmacology, perfumery and flavor industry. The present study is subjected to assess anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, tyrosinase inhibitory, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), antimicrobial, and genotoxic efficacies of H. aromatica rhizome essential oil (HAEO). To validate the findings of biological assays, in-silico methods including PASS tool, target prediction and molecular docking were employed.The chemical profiling was performed using GC/MS where HAEO yield was 1.09±0.641% (v/w) with 12 compounds where linalool was identified as major compound (76.29%). Anti-inflammatory activity showed IC50 value for protease inhibitor 19.59 µL/mL and albumin denaturation assay 32.16 µL/mL. Tyrosinase inhibitory activity showed 73.62 µL/mL. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEase) activity revealed an IC50 value of 38.13 µL/mL. Antimicrobial activity showed MIC values of 10±0.47µg/mL, and 45±0.47µg/mL against S.aureus and C.albicans. Genotoxicity analysis showed HAEO has moderate toxic effect. In-silico results identified six potential targets via swiss target prediction: (ACHE, CYP51, PPAR, COX-2 and TYRP1). Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed Linalool -7.4 kcal/mol, Spathulenol -8.5 kcal/mol, Aromadendrene oxide-(2) -8.3 kcal/mol better docking scores. For the first time, this study reports on anti-diabetic, anti-tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities and genotoxicity of HAEO.

Preservative for High Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity and Low Toxicity.

There is an urgent need for highly efficacious and minimally toxic preservatives for vegetables and fruits to ensure extended freshness and safety. Using natural polymer starch as the matrix, we produced nicotinated starch-ethylamine (NSA) based on N,N'-carbonyldiimidazole (CDI) acting as the catalyst and 2-chloroethylaminehydrochloride as the nucleophile. To strengthen the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, NSA was reacted with three different cinnamic acids to prepare starch derivatives bearing cinnamyl (CNSA, DNSA, and ENSA). With a grafting rate of 27%, ENSA demonstrated notable antioxidant capability reaching ∼85% at 1.6 mg/mL. Also, it displayed inhibitory indices of 88.14%, 89.11%, and 77.90% against Botrytis cinerea, Phomopsis asparagi, and Glomerella cingulate, respectively, at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL. The cytotoxicity test showed that the 293T cell survival ratio reached 101.5%. In addition, the sample was able to extend the shelf life of the cherry tomatoes by three days. This study has successfully developed a novel starch-based preservative for fruits and vegetables that not only possesses excellent antioxidant and antimicrobial properties but also effectively extends the shelf life of produce, demonstrating its broad application prospects in the field of fruit and vegetable storage and preservation.

Results of the experimental study of the antimicrobial activity of therapeutic waters from various wells managed by the federation of trade unions of Uzbekistan

Introduction. Currently, in addition to the traditional use of mineral waters (MW) for the treatment of gastrointestinal tract and renal diseases, they are also used to correct metabolic disorders, normalize lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. However, many of its properties remain poorly studied, and there is a very limited number of works in the scientific literature concerning the analysis of their antibacterial action. Aim. Study of sensitivity of common microorganisms to the action of some MW. Materials and methods. The following test samples from different wells (DW) served as materials for determining the antimicrobial activity of mineral waters: Sample 1. Sodium bicarbonate weakly alkaline mineral water from SW No. 7 (Chinobod Sanatorium, Tashkent); Sample 2. Radon mineral water mineral water from SW No. 2 (Abu Ali ibn Sino Sanatorium, Samarkand Region); Sample 3. Iodine-bromine mineral water from SW No. 4 (Chartak Sanatorium, Namangan Region); Sample 4. Sulfate-sulfur mineral water from SW No. 14 (Chimen Sanatorium, Fergana Region); Sample 5. Concentrated iodine-bromine brine from SCW No. 2 (Chartak Sanatorium, Namangan Region). Results and discussion. Sample No. 5 (concentrated brine) showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 22 ± 0.26 and 18 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. Also, sample No. 4 (Sanatorium Chimen DW No = 14, sulfate-sulfur mineral water) showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 16 ± 0.11 mm. The samples did not show antimicrobial activity against the other test cultures. The antimicrobial action of water samples was determined by the agar diffusion method against some types of opportunistic bacteria: Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and the yeast fungus Candida albicans. All microorganism cultures were obtained from the collection of the Institute of Microbiology of the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The determination was achieved through the use of the agar diffusion method on a dense nutrient medium. Conclusion. It was found that sample No. 5 concentrated brine «Iodine-shifo» from the Chartak Sanatorium showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, i. e. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 22 ± 0.26 and 18 ± 0.35 mm, respectively. Also, sample No. 4 sulfate-sulfur mineral water from the Chimen Sanatorium showed antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, the diameter of the growth inhibition zone was 16 ± 0.11 mm. The samples did not show antimicrobial activity against the other test cultures.

Antimicrobial Activity of Glycyrrhizinic Acid Is pH-Dependent.

In recent years, antimicrobial hydrogels have attracted much attention in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and high water content. Glycyrrhizin (GA) is an antimicrobial that can form pH-dependent hydrogels due to the three carboxyl groups of GA that differ in pKa value. The influence of GA protonation on the antimicrobial activity, however, has never been studied before. Therefore, we investigated the effect of the pH on the antimicrobial activity of GA against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella aerogenes, and two strains of Escherichia coli. In general, the antimicrobial activity of GA increases as a function of decreasing pH (and thus increasing protonation of GA). More specifically, fully protonated GA hydrogels (pH = 3) are required for growth inhibition and killing of E. coli UTI89 and Klebsiella in the suspension above the hydrogel, while the staphylococci strains and A. baumannii are already inhibited by fully deprotonated GA (pH = 6.8). P. aeruginosa and E. coli DH5α showed moderate susceptibility, as they are completely inhibited by a hydrogel at pH 3.8, containing partly protonated GA, but not by fully deprotonated GA (pH = 6.8). The antimicrobial activity of the hydrogel cannot solely be attributed to the resulting pH decrease of the suspension, as the presence of GA significantly increases the activity. Instead, this increased activity is due to the release of GA from the hydrogel into the suspension, where it directly interacts with the bacteria. Moreover, we provide evidence indicating that the pH dependency of the antimicrobial activity is due to differences in GA protonation state by treating the pathogens with GA solutions differing in their GA protonation distribution. Finally, we show by LC-MS that there is no chemical or enzymatic breakdown of GA. Overall, our results demonstrate that the pH influences not only the physical but also the antimicrobial properties of the GA hydrogels.

Synthesis, Spectral Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity, DFT Calculations, Molecular Docking and ADME Studies of Novel Schiff Base Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) Complexes Derived from 4-nitro-ortho-phenylenediamine.

A condensation reaction was carried out between 4-nitro-ortho-phenylenediamine and 5-bromosalicyaldehyde to synthesize a novel Schiff base ligand 2,2'-[(1E,1'E)-(4-nitro-1,2-phenylene) bis (azaneylylidene) bis (methaneylylidene)] bis (4-bromophenol) [NB] in the current investigation. This was followed by the synthesis of metallic complexes comprising the Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) transition metal ions. A hexadentate environment encircling metal complexes was corroborated by the results of varied spectroscopic methods that were employed to unravel the structure of the ligand and metal complexes. The Tauc's plot and Urbach energy were utilized for quantifying the optical energy band gap to provide insight into optical characteristics. The Coats-Redfern method of thermal analysis was implemented to do the kinetic and thermodynamic calculations. Furthermore, DFT studies were performed to predict geometrical structures and the stability of the compounds. Thorough investigation to evaluate their biological efficacies, docking studies was executed against COVID-19 main protease (PDB-7VAH), Dengue virus NS2B/NS3 protease (PDB-2FOM) and Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (PDB-5AF3). Apart from this, in silico ADMET studies were also accomplished for elucidation of drug likeness characteristics and the results attained disclose the significant proficiency of synthesized compounds. Besides this, antimicrobial studies were assessed with different microbial strains and result validates cobalt and zinc complexes as most potent against the selected bacterial and fungal strains.

Synthesis and Characterization of Two Sparfloxacin Crystalline Salts: Enhancing Solubility and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Sparfloxacin

Background: To improve the solubility and permeability of Sparfloxacin (SPX) and enhance its antimicrobial activity in vitro, two unreported pharmaceutical crystalline salts were synthesized and characterized in this paper. One is a hydrated crystal of Sparfloxacin with Pimelic acid (PIA), another is a hydrated crystal of Sparfloxacin with Azelaic acid (AZA), namely, SPX-PIA-H2O (2C19H23F2N4O3·C7H10O4·2H2O) and SPX-AZA-H2O (4C19H23F2N4O3·2C9H14O4·5H2O). Methods: The structure and purity of two crystalline salts were analyzed using solid-state characterization methods such as single-crystal X-ray diffraction, powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared spectroscopy. Additionally, the interaction characteristics between two crystal salt molecules were examined by constructing Hirshfeld surfaces and mapping specific real-space functions through Hirshfeld surface analysis. The solubility under physiological conditions, diffusivity across simulated biological membranes, and in vitro antibacterial activity against specific bacterial strains of two crystalline salts were evaluated using established assays, including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) tests. Results: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction and Hirshfeld surface analysis indicate that SPX forms stable crystal structures with PIA through charge-assisted hydrogen bonds N1-H1e···O10 (1.721 Å, 173.24°), N5-H5a···O11 (1.861 Å, 169.38°), and with AZA through charge-assisted hydrogen bonds N5-H5B···O8 (1.810 Å, 154.55°), N4-H4B···O6 (1.806 Å, 174.97°). The binding sites of two crystalline salts were at the nitrogen atoms on the piperazine ring of SPX. Compared with SPX, the equilibrium solubility of the two crystalline salts was improved by 1.17 and 0.33 times, respectively, and the permeability of the two crystalline salts was increased by 26.6% and 121.9%, respectively. In addition, SPX-AZA-H2O has much higher antibacterial activity on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis than SPX. Conclusions: This research yielded the successful synthesis of two crystalline salts of Sparfloxacin (SPX), significantly improving its solubility and diffusivity, and bolstering its antibacterial efficacy against targeted bacterial species. These breakthroughs set the stage for innovative advancements in the realm of antimicrobial drug development.

Jatropha Curcas: A Dual Purpose Plant for Bio Fuel and Medicinal Applications

Jatropha curcas, commonly known as the physic nut or purging nut, is a member of the Euphorbiaceae family that has garnered significant interest due to its potential as a sustainable biofuel source and its diverse medicinal applications. This hardy, drought-resistant shrub thrives in arid and semi-arid regions, making it suitable for cultivation in poor soils and harsh climates. The plant's seeds, containing approximately 30-40% oil, are primarily utilized for biodiesel production, providing an alternative energy source that does not compete with food crops. Traditionally, various parts of Jatropha curcas, including its leaves, seeds, bark, and roots, have been employed in folk medicine to treat ailments ranging from wounds and digestive disorders to skin diseases. The therapeutic properties of Jatropha curcas are attributed to its rich phytoconstituents, including alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, and tannins, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. Notably, the latex derived from the plant contains compounds such as jatrophine, which have shown promising results in cancer treatment and wound healing. This abstract highlights the multifunctional nature of Jatropha curcas, emphasizing its potential in both sustainable agriculture and as a valuable resource in traditional medicine, while underscoring the need for further research to fully explore its therapeutic applications.

SUSTAINABLE AND SCALABLE ENZYMATIC PRODUCTION, STRUCTURAL ELUCIDATION, AND BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF NOVEL PHLORIZIN ANALOGUES.

It is not unusual for naturally occurring compounds to be limited for their use in cosmetics due to their low water solubility. Recently, aiming at accessing novel phlorizin analogues, we reported the synthesis of very promising - but low water-soluble - biomass-derived chalcones (CHs) and dihydrochalcones (DHCs) exhibiting antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase activities. Glycosylating bioactive compounds being one of the most common strategies to increase water solubility, herein we report the enzymatic glycosylation of the aforementioned CHs, as well as DHC, using cyclodextrin glycosyltransferases (CGTase), enzymes well-known for catalyzing the selective ⍺(1→4)transglycosylation. Indeed,while most natural glycosides areβ-glycosides (such as phlorizin), the selected enzyme produces selectively newα-glycosides, thus expanding their structural diversity. A first separation using Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) led to mono-, di- or triglycosides-enriched fractions, which were then submitted to a comprehensive purification strategy for an in-depth chemical profiling of the synthesizedα-glycosides, revealingas major compounds. Surprisingly, among the diglycosides characterized, besides the expected maltoside compounds, nigeroside derivatives were also identified in significant amounts, depending on the starting compound structure. Finally, evaluating the antiradical, anti-tyrosinase and antimicrobial activities of the major glycosides revealed them as potential sustainable alternatives to current petro-sourced cosmetic ingredients.

Surface-Functionalised Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: A Pathway to Multidrug-Resistant Pathogen Control in Medical Devices

Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) offer promising antimicrobial properties against a range of pathogens, addressing the urgent issue of antibiotic resistance. This study details the synthesis of glutamic acid-coated CuONPs (GA-CuONPs) and their functionalisation on medical-grade silicone tubing, using an oxysilane bonding agent. The resulting coating shows significant antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains, while remaining non-toxic to human cells and exhibiting stable adherence, without leaching. This versatile coating method can be applied during manufacturing, or for ad hoc modifications, enhancing the antimicrobial properties of medical devices.

Recombinant Production of Ib-AMP4 and Oncorhyncin II Antimicrobial Peptides and Antimicrobial Synergistic Assessment on the Treatment of Staphylococcus aureus Under in vitro Condition.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant and prevalent pathogen that poses a major challenge in healthcare environments. In light of the growing threat posed by multidrug-resistant organisms like MRSA, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. One promising avenue of research involves the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). These naturally occurring molecules, which are part of the innate immune response in many organisms, have garnered attention for their ability to combat a wide range of pathogens. This study aimed to produce recombinant versions of Ib-AMP4 and Oncorhyncin II and to evaluate their combined effects against MRSA (NCTC10442). Escherichia coli BL21(DE3] served as the expression host for the synthesized variants of the Ib-AMP4 and Oncorhyncin II genes. The antimicrobial efficacy of these peptides against MRSA S. aureus (NCTC1042] was evaluated using a comprehensive methodology that encompassed the determination of the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the performance of time-kill assays, and the analysis of growth kinetics. The individual antimicrobial activities of Ib-AMP4 and Oncorhyncin II were assessed, revealing minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 27.75 μg/mL and 40.125 μg/mL against S. aureus (MRSA) (NCTC10442), respectively. The application of a checkerboard assay to evaluate the combination of these antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) demonstrated a synergistic interaction, which was further validated through time-kill and growth kinetic studies. When administered at double the MIC, a significant reduction in the log10 CFU/mL of MRSA (NCTC 10442) was observed, underscoring the synergistic bacteriostatic effect mediated by the fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of the two peptides. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted significant interest owing to the growing intricacy of microbial infections. They constitute a promising category of novel antibiotics that warrant further investigation for the treatment of S. aureus infections and the enhancement of wound healing. Although certain AMPs can operate autonomously, others may necessitate a synergistic approach alongside conventional antibiotics. Studies examining the combined efficacy of Oncorhyncin II and Ib-AMP4 against MRSA in vitro have revealed their effectiveness.

New Biocompatible Ti-MOF@hydroxyapatite Composite Boosted with Gentamicin for Postoperative Infection Control.

The standard clinical management of osteomyelitis involves prolonged antibiotic therapy, which frequently necessitates the excision of infected tissues. However, the efficacy of such treatments is increasingly compromised by the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, underscoring an urgent need for innovative approaches. This study introduces a novel composite material designed to offer dual functionality: robust antimicrobial activity and promotion of bone regeneration. The composite integrates biocompatible hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA) with a titanium(IV)-metal-organic framework, MIL-125(Ti)-NH2, impregnated with gentamicin (GM). The solvothermally synthesized MIL-125-NH2@HA composite demonstrates high cytocompatibility, as evidenced by assays using osteoblasts (U2-OS) and fibroblasts (L929), alongside an absence of hemolytic activity at concentrations of up to 1000 μg/mL. Importantly, the introduction of GM into the composite significantly amplifies its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Additionally, nanoindentation assessments reveal enhanced mechanical properties of the MIL-125-NH2@HA composite, indicating the superior elastic performance relative to unmodified HA. The findings of this research are poised to generate significant interest in the development of metal-organic framework (MOF)-based composites for antimicrobial implant applications, presenting a promising avenue for addressing the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance in bone infections.