Biodegradable bacterial cellulose hesperetin nanoparticle composite films for food packaging with antibacterial, antioxidant, and UV-blocking properties.

The increasing awareness of the relationship between diet and health has driven a growing demand for functional foods enriched with bioactive compounds. These compounds, including polyphenols, carotenoids, vitamins, minerals, peptides, and unsaturated fatty acids, provide countless health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. However, their direct use in food matrices is often limited due to challenges related to instability, poor solubility, and insufficient bioavailability. The past decade has witnessed extensive exploration of plant-based delivery systems as effective carriers for bioactive compounds due to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, low toxicity, and sustainable sourcing. Despite the enormous efforts and booming growth of scientific publications, our understanding of the precise release mechanisms of plant-based delivery systems within complex food matrices is limited. This review presents a unified and comprehensive description of plant-based delivery systems, dissecting their structural composition, formation mechanisms, and functional characteristics. We also explore how different plant-based carrier modalities, such as micro- and nanoparticles, emulsions, hydrogels, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and vesicular systems, can be engineered to enhance the stability, solubility, and targeted release of bioactive substances. Additionally, this review comparatively examines the mechanisms underpinning controlled release, including diffusion, swelling, enzymatic degradation, and stimuli-responsive triggers. Lastly, we highlight key hurdles that hampered the practical implementation of plant-based delivery systems and propose some future directions to overcome them. The mechanistic insight of this paper is envisioned to enhance the health benefits of bioactive compounds and support sustainability in the food and healthcare industries.

Efficient dyeing and antimicrobial properties with molecular docking performance of fluorescent reactive disperse dye on polyester and nylon fabrics

Fabrication and characterization of cinnamon essential oil Pickering emulsions stabilized by dual-modified waxy maize starches: combining alcohol-thermal treatments and octenyl succinic anhydride (OSA) esterification, its preservation on blueberry.

Propolis, a natural wax-like resinous substance present in bee hives, has been extensively used in dietary supplements and as folk medicine for the treatment of several diseases, including neurological disorders. Propolis has been used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of depression and other neurological disorders. This review aims to investigate the clinical studies and various therapeutic potentials associated with propolis, direct the future scope of research, and discuss possible clinical implications. A total of 143 papers were selected using a database comprising Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science. Diverse keywords, such as propolis, bee, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical study, were used to search the content. This review highlights the diverse biological activities of propolis, as evidenced by preclinical and clinical studies. In experimental models, propolis extract exhibited antidepressant-like and vasculoprotective effects, primarily through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. These benefits were associated with the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and angiogenic factors. Propolis extract was found to delay the progression of atherosclerosis by improving lipid metabolism and modulating apoptosis. Furthermore, both in vitro and in vivo investigations suggest that propolis may protect vascular endothelial function due to its antiproliferative activity. Notably, anticancer potential was observed against the ovarian cancer cell line M12.C3.F6. Clinical studies also provided encouraging findings. In patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, propolis extract has been shown to improve wound healing parameters in diabetic foot ulcers. Another trial reported promising outcomes with propolis extract formulated as niosomal oromucosal-adhesive films for recurrent aphthous ulcers. Overall, these results underline the multifaceted therapeutic promise of propolis across neurological, vascular, oncological, and wound-healing domains. This review summarizes clinical and experimental evidence on the therapeutic potential of propolis. It highlights its immunomodulatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anticancer (skin, oral, lung, breast, cervical), antidepressant, anxiolytic, cardiovascular, chemopreventive, and anti-angiogenic properties. Several studies, including clinical trials, suggest its potential role in combating COVID-19 and other health conditions. Overall, findings indicate that propolis possesses significant medicinal promise and may serve as a lead candidate for developing novel therapeutic agents.

Comparative phytochemical evaluation, antioxidant, antimicrobial and enzyme inhibitory properties of crude extracts of Ficus spp.

Ulva spp., commonly known as sea lettuce, are versatile green macroalgae that offer strong potential for integration into emerging blue and circular bioeconomies. Ulva is a fast-growing and nutrient-tolerant species that produces renewable biomass rich in bioactive compounds with economic potential. This review summarizes advances in the characterization, extraction, and industrial utilization of Ulva biomass, highlighting opportunities for scalable biorefinery approaches. Key bioactive classes include sulfated polysaccharides (ulvans), proteins and peptides, polyunsaturated fatty acids, pigments, and phenolic compounds, which exhibit diverse antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Recent developments in green extraction technologies, such as ultrasound-, microwave-, and enzyme-assisted methods, as well as supercritical fluids and deep eutectic solvents, have improved yields in processing Ulva biomass while reducing environmental impact. Beyond laboratory studies, industrial applications are expanding across the food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and biomaterial sectors, supported by growing interest in sustainable marine ingredients. However, challenges remain in biomass standardization, taxonomy, large-scale cultivation, and regulatory approval. Integrating Ulva within a circular bioeconomy requires harmonized methodologies and life-cycle assessments to ensure economic and environmental sustainability. Ulva spp. combine rapid growth, carbon capture, and a unique spectrum of bioactive compounds, making them a versatile and scalable marine feedstock for sustainable, circular biorefineries across food, health, and material applications.

Recent advances in chemistry and bioactivity of decalin-containing natural products (2014-2025).

Acute and subacute oral toxicity of Stachys schtschegleevii extract in rats: Safety evaluation of a traditionally used medicinal plant.

Integrated transcriptomic and phenotypic analysis reveals the multi-target antibacterial mechanism of sulforaphane against Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola.

AI-Driven nanofiber platforms for essential oil delivery in dry period cows: a sustainable strategy against mastitis and antimicrobial resistance.

Introduction: The oral cavity is the second largest microbial niche in the human body, following the gut. The colonisation of microorganisms on the teeth and gums harbours harmful bacteria, which can trigger inflammation, potentially leading to periodontal breakdown and tooth loss. To eliminate bacterial biofilms, several methods are employed. Among these, the most effective are chemical methods, which include antiseptic and antimicrobial agents. Although these agents can have potential benefits, they also come with side-effects. To minimise the sideeffects of chemical-based plaque control, there is a paradigm shift towards herbal alternatives. One such plant known for its medicinal properties is Commiphora myrrha, which possesses antimicrobial properties that improve plaque control. Aim: To assess the efficacy of Commiphora myrrha in the management of gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted using Medline via PubMed, Cochrane, ProQuest and Google Scholar. The combination of keywords used was: Myrrh OR Commiphora myrrha OR Herbal extract AND Gingivitis AND Plaque AND Inflammation, Myrrh AND Commiphora myrrha AND Gingivitis. Articles published from January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2024, were included to identify the efficacy of Commiphora myrrha in the management of gingivitis. After a thorough search, a total of five articles were included in the review. The inclusion criteria were: patients aged between 18-35 years, signs of chronic gingivitis in at least six sites, Bleeding on Probing (BOP) and periodontal pockets with a depth of no more than 3 mm. Exclusion criteria included patients with periodontal pockets greater than 3 mm, those with severe malocclusion, use of antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication, pregnant or breastfeeding women, oral prophylaxis in the past six months, a history of allergy to chemical or herbal products and patients using smoking or smokeless tobacco. The reporting of this systematic review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool for Randomised Controlled Trials (RCT), the Risk of Bias in Non randomised Studies (ROBINS) tool for non randomised trials and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) framework. Results: A total of five studies were included (four randomised and one non randomised controlled trial), comprising 166 patients who met the inclusion criteria. One of these studies was conducted in India, three in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and one in Egypt. Diagnoses in all five studies were based on clinical and histological examination. The p-values of the included studies were as follows: p<0.006, p<0.05, p=0.08, p<0.001 and Zahid p>0.05. All five studies found Commiphora myrrha to be effective in reducing gingival inflammation, with results comparable to chemical plaque control and minimal side-effects. Therefore, Commiphora myrrha shows promise as an effective adjunct therapy for managing gingivitis. Conclusion: The present systematic review demonstrates that Commiphora myrrha exhibits significant anti-inflammatory properties. When used in combination with other oral healthcare regimens, Commiphora myrrha could offer beneficial effects in improving overall oral health and managing gingivitis.

Introduction: Preserving the health and structure of primary teeth is crucial for a child’s growth and development. Premature extraction of primary teeth can lead to unfavourable changes in the eruption pattern and alignment of permanent teeth. To ensure the success of endodontic therapy in primary teeth, it is essential to use a biocompatible obturating material with effective antimicrobial properties. An ideal root canal filling material for primary teeth should not harm the periapical tissues, should promote the normal development of the permanent successor tooth and should undergo resorption simultaneously with root resorption. Additionally, it should be easy to place, adhere to the root canal walls, resorb if extruded beyond the apex, appear radiopaque on radiographs and not cause tooth discolouration. Zinc oxide Eugenol (ZnOE), iodoform-based pastes and calcium hydroxide are commonly used obturating materials for primary teeth. However, ZnOE has several disadvantages, including slow resorption, potential tissue irritation, bone and cementum necrosis and interference with the eruption of permanent teeth. Theobromine is a crystalline, water-insoluble alkaloid found in cacao plants. It has been shown to strengthen tooth enamel and exhibit antibacterial activity against microorganisms such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecalis. Need of the study: There is a need to identify root canal filling materials suitable for primary teeth that combine effective antimicrobial activity with biocompatibility and appropriate resorbability. Existing materials, such as zinc oxide eugenol, possess limitations that may compromise treatment outcomes. Therefore, investigating formulations enhanced with theobromine may represent a potential advancement in paediatric endodontics. Aim: To assess and compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of root canal filling materials, including zinc oxide eugenol and calcium hydroxide, combined with theobromine in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study will be conducted at the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research (DMIHER), Sawangi, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, involving 25 patients aged 4-8 years. Microbial samples will be collected from infected primary molar teeth. The antimicrobial efficacy of four different root canal filling materials—zinc oxide mixed with theobromine, zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide mixed with theobromine and calcium hydroxide mixed with saline—will be evaluated. Vaseline will serve as the negative control. The mean zone of inhibition will be considered the primary outcome measure. Data will be tested for normality using the Shapiro– Wilk test. If the data are normally distributed, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test will be applied. If the data are not normally distributed, the Kruskal– Wallis test followed by the Mann-Whitney U test with Bonferroni correction will be used. A p-value of <0.05 will be considered statistically significant.

Baicalin inhibits Chlamydia trachomatis growth by impairing elementary body infectivity.

Research note: Antimicrobial properties of commercial black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) meal against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic skin disease manifested by seborrhea, inflammatory lesions, papules, blackheads, and pustules. Most teenagers experience acne lesions of varying severity, and in some cases, they persist into adulthood. Although dermatological treatment is necessary for severe forms of the disease, mild acne lesions can be effectively alleviated by using natural herbal extracts or cosmetic preparations to care for the skin. In this article, five medicinal plant species (Sanguisorba officinalis, Filipendula ulmaria, Artemisia absinthium, Hypericum perforatum, Tanacetum vulgare) are described. These plants were chosen for their phytochemical composition which has been proven to possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They have a high potential for the treatment of acne-prone skin, but they have not yet been utilized in the production of cosmetics. A comprehensive review of the literature published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted using scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect and Web of Science.

Oriental sweetgum balsam or Storax oil (Styrax liquidus) naturally exudes from wounds made on the tree trunk of Liquidambar orientalis. It is a natural material with antibacterial, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antioxidant properties. In traditional folk medicine, it has long been used in the treatment of gastric and skin diseases, therefore it is a good candidate for wound care applications. Electrospinning offers a platform to combine storax oil with poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers together with hydrophilic absorbent polysaccharides. In this study, a single-step fabrication of flexible, lightweight, fibrous membranes was achieved which combined compatible formulations of PCL, storax oil, and either sodium alginate or chitosan as absorbent additives. PCL–Styrax–Chitosan and PCL–Styrax–Alginate membranes were compared to assess their morphology, surface wettability, and mechanical properties, with a focus on achieving homogeneous oil distribution and suitable exudate management through the absorbents. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed relatively uniform fibrous structures for PCL–Styrax and PCL–Styrax–Chitosan combinations, whereas alginate led to partially fused fibers. Hydrophilicity increased significantly with the addition of chitosan or alginate. Mechanical testing showed that chitosan improved flexibility and yielded an elastic modulus very close to skin elasticity, while alginate sharply increased the stiffness. In conclusion, PCL–Styrax–Chitosan membranes may prove to be a promising functional wound dressing opportunity that integrates a traditionally used natural balsam with favorable functions. Furthermore, the fiber morphology, wettability, mechanical strength and flexibility of the membranes are also suitable for this purpose. Future work should address storax oil release kinetics and membrane handling features as wound dressing, prior to in vitro and in vivo wound-healing evaluations.

Biogenic nanoparticles are distinguished by their unique physical and chemical attributes, notably their potent antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal pathogens, as well as their cytotoxic effects on cancer cells. These nanoparticles are characterized by their biocompatibility, indicating their potential as effective antimicrobial agents and in oncological therapies. This article examines the existing literature on the antimicrobial and cytotoxic properties of nanoparticles derived from cyanobacteria, with particular emphasis on their implications for human health.

Chronic bacterial-infected wounds are difficult to treat due to persistent inflammation, biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance. Conventional therapeutic approaches, such as systemic or topical antibiotics, are limited by the inability to dynamically monitor drug release at the wound site. To address this issue, we have designed a dual-functional photonic crystal hydrogel (PP/DG@MOF) that not only promotes wound healing by modulating local immune responses and facilitating tissue regeneration but also enables real-time, noninvasive monitoring of drug release and wound healing progress. The PP/DG@MOF hydrogel is embedded with a metal-organic framework possessing both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties (DG@MOF), combined with photonic crystals (PAM-PCH) for visual monitoring of drug release. The DG@MOF hydrogel responds to collagenase activity at the wound site, releasing a mixture composed of ZIF-8 encapsulating the Salvianolic acid B and antimicrobial quaternary ammonium groups, effectively combating bacterial infection at the wound site. As the drug-loaded hydrogel degrades, the embedded photonic crystal layer undergoes tunable structural color changes, providing real-time, noninvasive feedback on drug release and wound healing. This strategy offers a novel approach for the management of chronic infected wounds and holds significant promise for translation into clinical practice as a next-generation wound care material.

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) offers a novel, nonpharmacological approach with potent antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties without harming healthy tissue. Invitro studies have demonstrated its antimicrobial efficacy against key pathogens implicated in canine otitis externa (OE), a condition prone to chronicity if poorly managed. This study evaluated CAP's therapeutic efficacy and safety in treating canine acute OE. Twenty-two dogs with bilateral acute OE. Dogs were divided into two equal groups with different bilateral treatment protocols. In Group 1, one ear was treated twice daily with topical antibiotic/antifungal/corticosteroid for 10 days (STD1), while the opposite ear was treated with CAP on Day (D)0 and D5 (CAP1). In Group 2, one ear received the same topical drug protocol (STD2), while CAP was applied to the opposite ear on D0, D3, D6 and D9. 0-3 otitis index score (OTIS-3) and cytological score were assessed on D0, D5, D10 and D15. Treatment response was assessed by the investigator and owners on D5, D10 and D15. Significant reductions in OTIS-3 and cytological score were observed over time in both CAP groups, similar to STD groups (p < 0.01). Treatment response in CAP groups was rated good-to-excellent by nearly all investigators and owners. CAP demonstrated high tolerability, with no adverse effects. CAP may represent a promising adjunctive therapy in the management of acute OE.