Antibacterial Effect Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of carrimycin in ten patients with severe pneumonia following solid organ transplantation

BACKGROUND The number of patients undergoing solid organ transplantation has increased annually. However, infections in solid organ transplant recipients can have a severe effect on patient survival owing to the continued use of immunosuppressants. Carrimycin is a novel macrolide antibiotic produced by genetically engineered streptomyces spiramyceticus harboring a 4’’-O-isovaleryltransferase gene (ist) from streptomyces thermotoleran. Carrimycin has good antibacterial and antiviral effects. However, no relevant studies have been conducted on the efficacy and safety of carrimycin in patients with severe pneumonia (SP) after solid organ transplantation. AIM To explore the efficacy and safety of carrimycin in patients with SP after solid organ transplantation to provide a medication reference for clinical treatment. METHODS In March 2022, ten patients with SP following solid-organ transplantation were treated at our hospital between January 2021 and March 2022. When the condition was critical and difficult to control with other drugs, carrimycin was administered. These ten patients' clinical features and treatment protocols were retrospectively analyzed, and the efficacy and safety of carrimycin for treating SP following solid organ transplantation were evaluated. RESULTS All ten patients were included in the analysis. Regarding etiological agent detection, there were three cases of fungal pneumonia, two cases of bacterial pneumonia, two cases of Pneumocystis pneumonia, and three cases of mixed infections. After treatment with carrimycin, the disease in seven patients significantly improved, the course of the disease was significantly shortened, fever was quickly controlled, chest computed tomography was significantly improved, and oxygenation was significantly improved. Finally, the patients were discharged after curing. One patient died of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and two patients discontinued treatment. CONCLUSION Carrimycin is a safe and effective treatment modality for SP following solid organ transplantation. Carrimycin may have antibacterial and antiviral effects in patients with SP following solid organ transplantation.

Screening Antibacterial Photodynamic Effect of Monascus Red Yeast Rice (Hong-Qu) and Mycelium Extracts.

The fungus Monascus is a well-known source of secondary metabolites with interesting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. In particular, Monascus pigments possess awide range of biological activities (e.g. antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or antitumoral). To broaden the scope of their possible application, this study focused on testing Monascus pigment extracts as potential photosensitizing agents efficient in antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) against bacteria. For this purpose, eight different extracts of secondary metabolites from the liquid- and solid-state fermentation of Monascus purpureus DBM 4360 and Monascus sp. DBM 4361 were tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative model bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli and further screened for ESKAPE pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To the bacterial culture, increasing concentration of extracts was added and it was found that all extracts showed varying antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria in dark, which was further increased after irradiation. Gram-negative bacteria were tolerant to the extracts' exposure in the dark but sensitivity to almost all extracts that occurred after irradiation. The Monascus sp. DBM 4361 extracts seemed to be the best potential candidate for aPDT against Gram-positive bacteria, being efficient at low doses, i.e. the lowest total concentration of Monascus pigments exhibiting aPDT effect was 3.92 ± 1.36 mg/L for E.coli. Our results indicate that Monascus spp., forming monascuspiloin as the major yellow pigment and not-forming mycotoxin citrinin, is apromising source of antimicrobials and photoantimicrobials.

Effects of bamboo leaf flavonoids on growth performance, antioxidants, immune function, intestinal morphology, and cecal microbiota in broilers.

Bamboo leaf flavonoids (BLF) are the main bioactive ingredients in bamboo leaves. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and other effects. In this study, the effects of dietary BLF on growth performance, immune response, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal microbiota of broilers were investigated. A total of 288 broilers were divided into three groups with eight replicates and 12 birds in each replicate. Broilers were fed a basic diet or the basic diet supplemented with 1000 or 2000 mg kg-1 BLF for 56 days. The results showed that supplementation of BLF increased body weight (BW) and average daily weight gain (ADG), and reduced average daily feed intake (ADFI) (P < 0.05). The serum immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interleukin 10 (IL-10) content of broilers in the BLF1000 group was increased and the interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) content was decreased (P < 0.05). The levels of IgM and IL-10 in jejunum mucosa were found to be enhanced by BLF (P < 0.05). The BLF1000 group exhibited a significant reduction in the concentration of TNF-α (P < 0.05). Serum and jejunum mucosa total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) levels in the BLF1000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The serum catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) effects of the BLF1000 group and serum CAT effects of BLF2000 group were increased (P < 0.05). The CON group demonstrated a lower relative abundance of Christensenellaceae_R-7_group and Oscillibacter than the BLF group (P < 0.05). Dietary BLF inclusion enhanced the growth performance, immune, and antioxidant functions, improved the intestinal morphology, and ameliorated the intestinal microflora structure in broiler. Adding 1000 mg kg-1 BLF to the broiler diet can be considered as an effective growth promoter. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antibacterial and photocatalytic effects of newly synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles derived from Mongolian honey

Development of bio-compatible, bio-safe and environmentally friendly nanoparticles is a matter of urgency for research in the field of nanotechnology. In this study, we aimed to prepare zinc oxide nanoparticles from Mongolian honey as raw material and to determine its biological activities. Honey-based zinc oxide nanoparticles were obtained by green synthesis method, and their characteristics and biological activities were evaluated. Developed zinc oxide nanoparticles from Khentii honey and Selenge honey were at a size of 16.02 nm and 95.23 nm, respectively. A characteristic band of Khentii honey-based zinc oxide nanoparticles was observed at 466 cm–1 and a band of Selenge honey-based zinc oxide nanoparticles was also observed at 434 cm–1. Antibacterial and photocatalytic effects were detected for the developed nanoparticles. The study suggested that newly synthesized honey-based zinc oxide nanoparticles might be an effective tool against bacterial infection.

Tetrahedral DNA Enhanced Antibacterial Effect of Lysozyme

Tetrahedral DNA Enhanced Antibacterial Effect of Lysozyme

Biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate microfiber membranes decorated with photoactive Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles for enhanced antibacterial and anti‐biofouling activities

AbstractDeveloping advanced materials with antibacterial and antifouling activities offers an adequate protection solution against surface bacterial contamination—a common cause of infection threatening human health. The current work reports the preparation of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) microfiber membranes decorated with photoactive Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles using electrospinning coupled with dip‐coating methods. The decoration of Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles strongly enhances the antibacterial properties of prepared membranes, particularly under light illumination, thanks to their photocatalytic activity. The best‐performing sample exhibits potent antibacterial efficiency exceeding 99% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis after 3 and 1 h of exposure to low‐power commercial LED light, respectively. The prepared samples also display excellent reusability with an insignificant antibacterial activity decrease after three cycles (&lt;2% loss in antibacterial efficiency). Furthermore, these samples effectively prevent bacterial fouling due to their potent antibacterial properties. Notably, despite the strong antibacterial effect, decorated Ag‐TiO2 nanoparticles promote the adhesion of microorganisms, accelerating the biodegradation of PHB microfibers. As a result, the prepared microfiber membranes with nanoparticle decoration exhibit biodegradability comparable to the non‐decorated membrane, with the soil degradation rates reaching almost 99% after only 6 weeks.

Mechanical-enhanced and Durable Zwitterionic Hydrogel Coating for Inhibiting Coagulation and Reducing Bacterial Infection.

Blood-contact medical devices are indispensable for clinical interventions, yet their susceptibility to thrombosis and bacterial infections poses substantial risks to treatment efficacy and patient well-being. In this study, we introduce a polysulfobetaine/alginate-CuII (SAC) zwitterionic hydrogel coating on polyurethane (PU) surfaces. This approach retained the superhydrophilic and antifouling nature of pSBMA while conferring the antibacterial effects of copper ions. Meanwhile, the copper alginate network intertwines with the polysulfobetaine (pSBMA) network, enhancing its mechanical properties and overcoming inherent weaknesses, thereby improving coating durability. Compared to the substrate, the SAC hydrogel coating significantly reduces thrombus adhesion mass by approximately 81.5% during extracorporeal blood circulation and effectively prevents bacterial biofilm formation even in a high-concentration bacterial milieu over 30 days. Moreover, the results from an isolated blood circulation model in New Zealand white rabbits affirm the impressive anticoagulant efficacy of the SAC hydrogel coating. Our findings suggest that this hydrogel coating and its application method hold promise as a solution for blood-contact material surface modification to address thrombosis and bacterial biofilm formation simultaneously. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Synergistic antibacterial effect of ginsenoside Rh2 and calcium hydroxide on Enterococcus faecalis.

Treatment of root canal infections becomes more challenging due to the extremely high tolerance of Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) to calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2). Ginsenoside is a Chinese herbal extract that has been proven to have antimicrobial properties and synergistic activities. And this study evaluated the antibacterial activity of ginsenoside Rh2 in combination with Ca(OH)2 against E. faecalis and its preliminary mechanism of action. Broth microdilution method, checkerboard dilution method, time-inhibition curve, drug resistance assays, scanning electron microscopy, and biofilm inhibition and removal assays indicated that Rh2 in combination with Ca(OH)2 exhibited potent antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. Rh2 exerted significant in vitro antibacterial activity against E. faecalis, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 3.125μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 6.25μg/mL, and significantly enhanced the susceptibility of E. faecalis to Ca(OH)2 (FICI = 0.5). Furthermore, cell membrane permeability assays, surface hydrophobicity assays, ATPase activity assays, and intra-biofilm extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) assays revealed that Rh2 and Ca(OH)2 synergistically inhibit bacteria mainly by increasing membrane permeability. Ultimately, cytotoxicity assays showed that Rh2 exhibited only low toxicity, the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of Rh2 was 19.75μg/mL. This study confirmed the synergistic antibacterial activities of Rh2 and Ca(OH)2 against E. faecalis. Our findings indicate that the Rh2 and Ca(OH)2 combination may be a promising alternative approach to treating root canal infections.

Magnetic detachable catalyst of Ag-decorated Fe3o4 nanocomposites using agro-waste extracts towards photocatalytic degradation of organic dye and their bactericidal effect

Magnetic detachable catalyst of Ag-decorated Fe3o4 nanocomposites using agro-waste extracts towards photocatalytic degradation of organic dye and their bactericidal effect

Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. Extract as a Natural Additive in Food Packaging Biodegradable Films to Improve Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Physicochemical Properties.

In this study, biodegradable active films were prepared from potato starch and polyvinyl alcohol at different proportions, mixed with acetone extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HS) and using glycerol as a plasticizer. Functional properties, antimicrobial, and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Potato starch films with a proportion of polyvinyl alcohol up to 50% and HS extract had significant antioxidant capacity and antibacterial effect against most of the analyzed strains. Adding polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and HS extract improved the mechanical performance and reduced water vapor permeability of the materials. The active biobased films with HS extract presented good physicochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. These materials are considered as suitable for food packaging, and the active compounds in the roselle extract are a natural antibacterial option for the food area. The materials based entirely on biodegradable products are an excellent alternative when developing and marketing biobased materials, minimizing the environmental impact of food packaging.

Antimicrobial Peptide‐Modified Liquid Metal Nanomaterials for Enhanced Antibacterial Photothermal Therapy

The misuse of antibiotics has led to antibiotic‐resistant “superbugs,” prompting the exploration of alternative antibacterial strategies. This study focuses on the promising avenue of photothermal therapy (PTT). Despite numerous advantages, the clinical applicability of PTT as a sole sterilization strategy is hindered by the necessity for higher temperatures, potentially causing harm to healthy tissues. To overcome this challenge, this study introduces antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) to modify the surface of gallium‐based liquid metal (LM) nano‐antimicrobial agents, thereby enhancing their photothermal antibacterial effects within a lower temperature range. First, a novel LM composite nanomaterial, LM@AMP nanoparticles, is synthesized through a sonication process involving 1,2‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoethanolamine‐N‐[carboxy(polyethylene glycol)], AMP, and LM in an aqueous solution. Herein, AMPs not only contribute to the structural stability of LM nanoparticles but also enhance their selective interaction with bacterial cell membranes. Then, a thorough characterization of LM@AMP nanoparticles is performed, encompassing analyses through electron microscopy, determination of particle size, and assessment of zeta potential. Moreover, the exceptional photothermal properties exhibited by these nanoparticles are validated. Finally, this investigation demonstrates that LM@AMP nanoparticles selectively target bacterial cell membranes, showcasing efficient bactericidal effects (near 100%) at relatively low temperatures under near‐infrared irradiation.

The high-throughput solid-phase extraction of cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) and cis-cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro) from Lactobacillus plantarum demonstrates efficacy against multidrug-resistant bacteria and influenza A (H3N2) virus

Introduction: 2,5-diketopiperazines are the simplest forms of cyclic dipeptides (CDPs) and have diverse frameworks with chiral side chains that are useful for drug development. Previous research has investigated the antimicrobial properties of proline-linked CDPs and their combinations in the culture filtrate (CF) of Lactobacillus plantarum LBP-K10 using anion exchange chromatography (AEC). However, the quantity of CDPs showcasing notable anti-influenza virus activity derived from AECs was generally lower than those originating from Lactobacillus CF.Methods: To address this issue, the study aims to propose a more efficient method for isolating CDPs and to introduce the antiviral combinations of CDPs obtained using a new method. The study employed a novel technique entailing high-throughput C18-based solid-phase extraction with a methanol gradient (MeSPE). The MeSPE method involved increasing the methanol concentration from 5% to 50% in 5% increments.Results: The methanol SPE fractions (MeSPEfs) eluted with methanol concentrations between 35% and 45% evinced substantial efficacy in inhibiting the influenza A/H3N2 virus via plaque-forming assay. MeSPEf-45, the 45% MeSPEf, exhibited exceptional efficacy in preventing viral infections in Madin-Darby kidney cells, surpassing both individual CDPs and the entire set of MeSPEfs. To identify the specific antiviral components of MeSPEf-45, all MeSPEfs were further fractionated through preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (prep-HPLC). MeSPEf-45 fractions S8 and S11 presented the highest activity against multidrug-resistant bacteria and influenza A/H3N2 virus among all MeSPEfs, with 11 common fractions. Antiviral fractions S8 and S11 were identified as proline-based CDPs, specifically cis-cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) and cis-cyclo(L-Phe-L-Pro), using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The combination of MeSPEf-45 fractions S8 and S11 displayed superior antibacterial and anti-influenza virus effects compared to the individual fractions S8 and S11.Discussion: High-throughput MeSPE-derived MeSPEfs and subsequent HPLC-fractionated fractions presents an innovative approach to selectively purify large amounts of potent antimicrobial CDPs from bacterial CF. The findings also show the effectiveness of physiologically bioactive combinations that utilize fractions not containing CDP. This study provides the initial evidence demonstrating the antimicrobial properties of CDPs acquired through high-throughput SPE techniques.

Design, synthesis, biological evolution and in silico studies of a novel 1,2,3,4‐tetrazole fused with 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐amine derivatives

AbstractA new series of tetrazole fused with 1,3,4‐thiadiazole‐2‐amine (4a–j) moiety have been synthesized. A thorough characterization of each compound was carried out using mass spectrum data, FT‐IR, 1H, and 13C NMR studies. The antibacterial effectiveness of these prepared substances was assessed in vitro against Gram‐(−) strains of P. aeruginosa and E. coli, as well as Gram‐(+) strains of B. subtilis and S. aureus. Molecules 4f and 4h showed exceptional effectiveness against both types of strains when compared to the reference antibiotic Streptomycin. Moreover the evolution of the molecular docking (in silico) studies also helpful for all the synthesized compounds and reference amoxicillin. The investigation included a look at protein stability, APO‐protein dynamics, and interactions. Using Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations with Desmond Maestro version 11.3 for this inquiry, a potential lead molecule was found.

A membrane-targeting magnolol derivative for the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections

Multidrug-resistant bacterial infections are a major global health challenge, especially the emergence and rapid spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) urgently require alternative treatment options. Our study has identified that a magnolol derivative 6i as a promising agent with significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and clinical MRSA isolates (MIC = 2–8 μg/mL), showing high membrane selectivity. Unlike traditional antibiotics, 6i demonstrated rapid bactericidal efficiency and a lower propensity for inducing bacterial resistance. Compound 6i also could inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate bacteria within biofilms. Mechanistic studies further revealed that 6i could target bacterial cell membranes, disrupting the integrity of the cell membrane and leading to increased DNA leakage, resulting in potent antibacterial effects. Meanwhile, 6i also showed good plasma stability and excellent biosafety. Notably, 6i displayed good in vivo antibacterial activity in a mouse skin abscess model of MRSA-16 infection, which was comparable to the positive control vancomycin. These findings indicated that the magnolol derivative 6i possessed the potential to be a novel anti-MRSA infection agent.

Influence of Cu doping on the functionality of spray coated SnS2 thin films and its photocatalytic degradation of dyes and antibacterial activity

Tin sulfide (SnS2) is a material known for its effective photocatalytic activity due to its affordability and wide light spectrum response. To enhance and optimize its optical and chemical characteristics, doping is a straightforward approach that can improve its photocatalytic efficiency. This work focuses on the effect of Cu doping on the structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties of the thin films prepared by the spray-coating approach. XRD confirms the hexagonal SnS2 structure. As the amount of Cu added increases, the crystallite size decreases while dislocation density rises. The XPS findings show that a low concentration of copper (2%) within the SnS2 thin films exhibits both high solubility and exclusively a monovalent state, in contrast to the 4% concentration. The effective band gap is in the range of 1.9–2.2 eV. SEM image reveals a variety of morphologies, and the porosity is reduced with increasing Cu doping. Furthermore, the FTIR study confirms the Sn-S bond present at 753 cm−1. EPR studies reveal the existence of sulfur vacancies in Cu-doped SnS2. Mechanical properties were also affected, with an observed decrease in microhardness as the dopant concentration increased. The photocatalytic activity of the samples is studied by photocatalytic degradation of malachite green and Congo red dyes under visible light irradiation. Additionally, their antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli was examined. This study shows that an optimal amount of Cu doping can significantly increase the photocatalytic performance of SnS2 for efficiently decomposing organic pollutants and enhancing antibacterial activities.

Pharmacological Profile Analysis of a Vegetable Crop Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Linn.) Seeds

The seeds of pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima Linn.) can be utilized as both a conventional and multifunctional dietary constituent. In this study the antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic effects of various fractions such as petroleum ether soluble fraction (PESF), chloroform soluble fraction (CFSF), dichloromethane soluble fraction (DCMSF), and aqueous soluble fraction (AQF) were obtained from crude extract (CE) of the C. maxima seeds were assessed by using 1,1-Diphenyl-2- Picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method, disc diffusion technique, and brine shrimp lethality bioassay respectively. The results showed that all the fractions have remarkable antioxidant, antibacterial, and cytotoxic activities. The study revealed that both the AQF and PESF and the CF confirmed significant antioxidant properties. The antibacterial activity of different fractions against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria was examined to determine their significant effect. PESF and CFSF fractions exhibited substantial inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria, particularly Bacillus cereus. Bacillus subtilis exhibited significant susceptibility to both CFSF and AQF. Salmonella typhi and Shigella dysenteriae exhibited significant susceptibility to PESF and CFSF, while Escherichia coli was the Gram-negative bacterium most effectively inhibited by CFSF. The IC50 values revealed that the DCMSF exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, followed by other fractions. The new study emphasizes the significance of pumpkin seeds in terms of their pharmacological and biological properties, which may encourage more research on the potential benefits of this plant for human health. Jagannath University Journal of Life and Earth Sciences, 9(1): 7-18, 2023 (June)

Mechanistic insights into the antibacterial property of MIL-100 (Fe) metal-organic framework

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained immense importance regarding water treatment in the last decade. In this work, an iron (Fe) based highly porous MOF (MIL-100 (Fe)) has been explored for its antibacterial property. The synthesis of the said MOF was carried out in a facile green route without using hydrofluoric acid. MIL-100 (Fe) was characterized in terms of its surface area (1704 m2/g) and surface zeta potential (pHZPC = 7.6, 21.6mV at pH 2). The stuctural integrity of the prepared MOF was verified by XRD analysis. The prepared MOF was subjected to antibacterial study in simulated as well as real life sample. In the simulated study, effect of MIL-100 (Fe) on both gram positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram negative (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria was observed. It can be inferred from the study that the bactericidal effect of MIL-100 (Fe) can be attributed to the generation of reactive oxygen species and the MOF was more effective towards the gram negative strain.

A novel conductive microtubule hydrogel for electrical stimulation of chronic wounds based on biological electrical wires

Electrical stimulation (ES) is considered a promising therapy for chronic wounds via conductive dressing. However, the lack of a clinically suitable conductive dressing is a serious challenge. In this study, a suitable conductive biomaterial with favorable biocompatibility and conductivity was screened by means of an inherent structure derived from the body based on electrical conduction in vivo. Ions condensed around the surface of the microtubules (MTs) derived from the cell’s cytoskeleton are allowed to flow in the presence of potential differences, effectively forming a network of biological electrical wires, which is essential to the bioelectrical communication of cells. We hypothesized that MT dressing could improve chronic wound healing via the conductivity of MTs applied by ES. We first developed an MT-MAA hydrogel by a double cross-linking method using UV and calcium chloride to improve chronic wound healing by ES. In vitro studies showed good conductivity, mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability of the MT-MAA hydrogel, as well as an elevated secretion of growth factors with enhanced cell proliferation and migration ability in response to ES. The in vivo experimental results from a full-thickness diabetic wound model revealed rapid wound closure within 7d in C57BL/6J mice, and the wound bed dressed by the MT-MAA hydrogel was shown to have promoted re-epithelization, enhanced angiogenesis, accelerated nerve growth, limited inflammation phases, and improved antibacterial effect under the ES treatment. These preclinical findings suggest that the MT-MAA hydrogel may be an ideal conductive dressing for chronic wound healing. Furthermore, biomaterials based on MTs may be also promising for treating other diseases.

Ultrasmall gold Nanoparticles/Carboxymethyl chitosan composite hydrogel: Tough, restorable, biocompatible antimicrobial dressing for wound healing

Bacterial infection is one of the most challenging tasks in biomedical fields and still remains a serious threat to human lives today. Antibacterial hydrogel has attracted increasing scholarly interest as a promising wound dressing material. The antibacterial properties of ultrasmall gold nanoparticles (UsAuNPs) have also been widely recognized. Developing a tensile, self-healable, biocompatible composite hydrogel with desirable antibacterial properties to facilitate wound recovery is essential to improve treatment outcomes. However, UsAuNPs self-aggregate easily, resulting in decreased antibacterial effectiveness and limited clinical application. To address this problem, a composite material, UsAuNPs and carboxymethyl chitosan (UsAuNPs@CMCS) was designed. CMCS limit the self-aggregation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) at the size of 1–3 nm and attracts bacteria carrying negative charge on the surface, which renders the high antibacterial efficacy of the composite material. When the composite was crosslinked with the highly compatible polyacrylic acid (PAA) backbone of the hydrogel, the resulting PAA-CMCS-Au hydrogel displayed desirable antibacterial properties and facilitated wound recovery in vivo. This research establishes a new strategy to prevent the self-aggregation of UsAuNPs, and provides new insights in treating wounds with antibacterial composite hydrogels.

Essential oils as promising treatments for treating Candida albicans infections: research progress, mechanisms, and clinical applications

Candida albicans: (C. albicans) is a prevalent opportunistic pathogen that can cause severe mucosal and systemic fungal infections, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Traditional chemical drug treatments for C. albicans infection have limitations, including the potential for the development of drug resistance. Essential oils, which are secondary metabolites extracted from plants, have gained significant attention due to their antibacterial activity and intestinal regulatory effects. It makes them an ideal focus for eco-friendly antifungal research. This review was aimed to comprehensively evaluate the research progress, mechanisms, and clinical application prospects of essential oils in treating C. albicans infections through their antibacterial and intestinal regulatory effects. We delve into how essential oils exert antibacterial effects against C. albicans infections through these effects and provide a comprehensive analysis of related experimental studies and clinical trials. Additionally, we offer insights into the future application prospects of essential oils in antifungal therapy, aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the development of safer and more effective antifungal drugs. Through a systematic literature review and data analysis, we hope to provide insights supporting the application of essential oils in antifungal therapy while also contributing to the research and development of natural medicines. In the face of increasingly severe fungal infections, essential oils might emerge as a potent method in our arsenal, aiding in the effective protection of human and animal health.