Antibacterial Efficacy Research Articles

Evaluation of antimicrobial activity of plant extracts and column fractions of hexane extract against Mycobacterium kansaii

The aim of this study is to assess the antibacterial efficacy of aerial parts of the Ageratum conyzoides plant extracts and column fractions against Mycobacterium kansaii. The antimicrobial experiments were performed using five doses (0.1 µg/ml, 1 µg/ml, 10 µg/ml, 100 µg/ml, 1000 µg/ml) of plant extracts and column fractions. The results showed notable inhibitory effects on Mycobacterium kansaii. The results indicated that the extract of A. conyzoides exhibited action against all the tested bacterial isolates, with the level of activity varying depending on the concentration. The hexane extract exhibited antibacterial activity, with mean zones of inhibition measuring 97.88±9.46 and 27.1±3.33, while the ethanol extract showed a mean zone of inhibition of 100.6±3.42 and 36.77±1.74 against M.kansaii, respectively. Nevertheless, the hexane extract's three column fractions exhibited average inhibition zones of 98.60±1.0 and 23.11±4.35, 90.02±10.22 and 21.94±6.77, 99.32±3.04 and 17.23±5.26 for the third, fourth, and fifth (last sample) respectively. The findings of this study provide evidence for the conventional utilization of the Ageratum plant and emphasize the necessity for further comprehensive research to explore potential alternatives to current antibacterial medications.

Antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity of human recombinant H1 histones against bacterial infections.

Histones possess significant antimicrobial potential, yet their activity against biofilms remains underexplored. Moreover, concerns regarding adverse effects limit their clinical implementation. We investigated the antibacterial efficacy of human recombinant histone H1 subtypes against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, both planktonic and in biofilms. After the in vitro tests, toxicity and efficacy were assessed in a P. aeruginosa PAO1 infection model using Galleria mellonella larvae. Histones were also evaluated in combination with ciprofloxacin (Cpx) and gentamicin (Gm). Our results demonstrate antimicrobial activity of all three histones against P. aeruginosa PAO1, with H1.0 and H1.4 showing efficacy at lower concentrations. The bactericidal effect was associated with a mechanism of membrane disruption. In vitro studies using static and dynamic models showed that H1.4 had antibiofilm potential by reducing cell biomass. Neither H1.0 nor H1.4 showed toxicity in G. mellonella larvae, and both increased larvae survival when infected with P. aeruginosa PAO1. Although in vitro synergism was observed between ciprofloxacin and H1.0, no improvement over the antibiotic alone was noted in vivo. Differences in antibacterial and antibiofilm activity were attributed to sequence and structural variations among histone subtypes. Moreover, the efficacy of H1.0 and H1.4 was influenced by the presence and strength of the extracellular matrix. These findings suggest histones hold promise for combating acute and chronic infections caused by pathogens such as P. aeruginosa.IMPORTANCEThe constant increase of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a critical global concern. The inefficacy of current therapies to treat bacterial infections is attributed to multiple mechanisms of resistance, including the capacity to form biofilms. Therefore, the identification of novel and safe therapeutic strategies is imperative. This study confirms the antimicrobial potential of three histone H1 subtypes against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Furthermore, histones H1.0 and H1.4 demonstrated in vivo efficacy without associated toxicity in an acute infection model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 in Galleria mellonella larvae. The bactericidal effect of these proteins also resulted in biomass reduction of P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. Given the clinical significance of this opportunistic pathogen, our research provides a comprehensive initial evaluation of the efficacy, toxicity, and mechanism of action of a potential new therapeutic approach against acute and chronic bacterial infections.

Fabrication of Novel Porous Nano-pesticides by Modifying MPN onto Cu-TCPP MOFs to Enhance Bactericidal Efficacy and Modulate Its Bioavailability.

Nano-pesticides have attracted much attention in the field of agriculture, due to existing problems such as decreased bactericidal effect and poor adhesion. An environmentally friendly metal porphyrin (Cu-TCPP)-based nanocarrier pesticide release of diniconazole (DIN) was designed to enhance bactericidal efficacy and modulate its bioavailability in a multidimensional manner by constructing a metal phenolic network (MPN) encapsulation. The introduction of the MPN prevents the DIN from prematurely escaping from the Cu-TCPP@DIN@MPN in the environment and gives it strong interfacial adhesion to resist rain washing. The resulting Cu-TCPP@DIN@MPN nanoparticles (NPs) showed a lamellar stacked embedded structure, which improved the inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum (90.9%) and photostability (67.2%), while they do not affect healthy plant growth and meet the relevant food safety requirements for DIN residues. This work provides new ideas for the development of superior photostable, adhesive, rainwater erosion-resistant, and sustainable nanocarrier pesticides.

Cytocompatibility, Antibacterial, and Anti-Biofilm Efficacy of Grape Seed Extract and Quercetin Hydrogels Against a Mature Endodontic Biofilm Ex Vivo Model

Background/Objectives: To assess the cytocompatibility, antibacterial and anti-biofilm efficacy of grape seed extract (GSE) and quercetin hydrogels versus calcium hydroxide (CH) as intracanal medications (ICMs) against an endodontic ex vivo biofilm model. Methods: Single-rooted teeth (n = 50) were prepared and sterilized before being infected with E. faecalis to develop a mature biofilm. They were divided into five equal groups according to the ICM used: G1: medicated with CH paste, G2: medicated with GSE hydrogel, G3: medicated with quercetin hydrogel, G4: positive control group that was infected and not medicated, and G5: negative control group that was neither infected nor medicated. After 1 week, the ICM was removed, and the root canals were cultured to assess the antibacterial efficacy by counting the colony-forming units and the anti-biofilm efficacy by the crystal violet assay. Dead/live bacterial viability was assessed by CFLSM examination, while the cytocompatibility was assessed using the MTT assay. Results: CH had the best antibacterial efficacy, followed by GSE and quercetin hydrogels (p < 0.001). Regarding the anti-biofilm efficacy, GSE was superior, followed by quercetin and CH (p < 0.001). CFLSM examination showed CH and GSE hydrogel to be highly effective in comparison to the positive control (p < 0.0001), with no statistical difference between them (p > 0.05). CH showed significantly higher cell viability percentages using a 500 μg/mL, while quercetin and GSE started to show cell viability > 70% at concentrations of 125 μg/mL and 62.5 μg/mL. Conclusions: CH fulfilled the ideal requirements of ICM as being both antibacterial and non-cytotoxic compared to the other materials tested.

Novel Antibacterial Resin Coating for Dental Provisional Crowns to Suppress Biofilms and Inhibit Secondary Caries

Provisional crowns are often used in dentistry for prolonged periods, but bacterial attachment and dental plaque often lead to gingival inflammation and secondary caries. The aims of this research were to develop a novel resin-based antibacterial provisional crown coating to prevent secondary caries and investigate the physical properties and antibacterial efficacy. The resin-based coating was prepared by addition of triethylene glycoldivinylbenzyl ether and urethane dimethacrylate, with the antibacterial monomer dimethylaminododecyl methacrylate (DMADDM) incorporated at different mass fractions. Surface characteristics including surface roughness and contact angle were assessed. The antibacterial effects were evaluated by 48 h biofilms of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) on provisional crowns coated with the resin-based coating. No statistically significant difference was observed in surface roughness across all groups (p > 0.05), showing that adding DMADDM did not have a negative impact on surface roughness. The contact angle results revealed a significant difference in hydrophilicity between different concentrations of DMADDM (p < 0.01), but overall hydrophilicity did not negatively affect the performance of the coating. The incorporation of 5% DMADDM demonstrated a significant antibiofilm effect on S. mutans biofilm CFU with a 4-log reduction compared to controls (p < 0.01). Significant reductions of 4–5 folds were observed in biofilm metabolic activity and lactic acid production (p < 0.01). The findings suggest that the novel coating material could enhance the long-term performance and clinical outcomes of provisional crowns, contributing to better patient oral health.

Bone Healing via Carvacrol and Curcumin Nanoparticle on 3D Printed Scaffolds.

Carvacrol is a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, while curcumin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These phytochemicals have poor solubility, bioavailability, and stability in their free form. Nanoencapsulation can reduce these limitations with enhanced translational capability. Integrating nanocarriers with 3D-printedcalcium phosphate (CaP)scaffolds presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration. Carvacrol and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (CC-NP) synthesized with melt emulsification produced negatively charged, monodispersed particles with a hydrodynamic diameter of ≈127nm. Their release from the scaffold shows a biphasic release under physiological and acidic conditions. At pH 5.0, the CC-NP exhibits a 53% release of curcumin and nearly 100% release of carvacrol, compared to 19% and 36% from their respective drug solutions. At pH 7.4, ≈40% of curcumin and 76% of carvacrol releases, highlighting their pH-sensitive release mechanism. In vitro studies demonstrate a 1.4-fold increase in osteoblast cell viability with CC-NP treatment. CC-NP exhibit cytotoxic effects against osteosarcoma cells, reducing cell viability by ≈2.9-fold. The antibacterial efficacy of CC-NP evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) exhibiting 98% antibacterial efficacy. This approach enhances therapeutic outcomes and minimizes the potential side effects associated with conventional treatments, paving the way for innovative applications in regenerative medicine.

VARIOUS SOLVENT EXTRACTS OF Ipomoea pes-caprae: A PROMISING SOURCE OF NATURAL BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS COMPARE WITH VITAMIN C

This research investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial efficacy of Ipomoea pes-caprae extracts collected from Pantai Talang Siring Pamekasan, Madura. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, tannins, and saponins in the extracts, indicating their rich bioactive profile. Antioxidant activity assessed via the DPPH assay demonstrated concentration-dependent scavenging of free radicals, with methanol and ethanol extracts exhibiting superior activity compared to the aqueous extract. Antibacterial assays against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus revealed significant inhibitory effects, with methanol and ethanol extracts displaying greater potency than the aqueous extract. These findings underscore the potential of Ipomoea pes-caprae as a source of natural antioxidants and antimicrobial agents, warranting further investigation into its pharmacological applications and therapeutic potential.

Recent Advances in Antibacterial Strategies Based on TiO2 Biomimetic Micro/Nano-Structured Surfaces Fabricated Using the Hydrothermal Method

Ti and its alloys, widely utilized in orthopedic and dental implants, inherently lack antibacterial properties, posing significant infection risks, especially in the context of growing antibiotic resistance. This review critically evaluates non-antibiotic antibacterial strategies, with a particular focus on surface modifications and micro/nano-structured surfaces. Micro/nano-structured surfaces, inspired by natural topographies, utilize physical mechanisms to eradicate bacteria. Despite their potential, the antibacterial efficacy of these surfaces remains insufficient for clinical application. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), known for its excellent photocatalytic antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, is emerging as an ideal candidate for enhancing micro/nano-structured surfaces. By combining the photocatalytic antibacterial effects of TiO2 with the mechanical bactericidal properties of micro/nano-structured surfaces, superior antibacterial performance can be achieved. The hydrothermal method is frequently employed to fabricate TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces, and this area of research continues to thrive, particularly in the development of antibacterial strategies. With demonstrated efficacy, combined antibacterial strategies based on TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces have become a prominent focus in current research. Consequently, the integration of physical stimulation and chemical release mechanisms may represent the future direction for TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces. This review aims to advance the study of TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces in antibacterial applications and to inspire more effective non-antibiotic antibacterial solutions.

Multiscale modeling-driven synthesis of Cu40Zn24Ni24Ag8Hg4 high entropy alloy with antibacterial properties

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are promising materials across various sectors, yet their potential as antibacterial powders remain underexplored. In this study, we synthesized a novel Cu-Zn-Ni-Ag-Hg-based HEA using CALPHAD and DFT methods coupled with mechanical alloying. The HEA's antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. Coli) was systematically evaluated. Computational and experimental analyses confirmed the HEA's single-phase FCC structure. Mechanical alloying for 8 h facilitated the formation of the single-phase HEA, with Ni and Cu initially dissolving into each other, followed by Zn, Ag, and Hg. Antibacterial testing demonstrated minimum inhibitory concentrations of 400 µg/mL for S. aureus and 600 µg/mL for E. coli, highlighting the broad-spectrum antibacterial properties of the synthesized HEA. These results underscore the potential of HEAs in advancing antibacterial materials for biomedical applications.

Developing a High-Throughput Platform for the Discovery of Sustainable Antibacterial Materials.

Healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) pose a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by the rising threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study introduces a high-throughput platform designed to identify sustainable antibacterial surfaces, exemplified by a copper-silver-zirconium (CuAgZr) alloy library. Utilizing combinatorial synthesis and advanced characterization techniques, material libraries (MatLibs) are generated and evaluated to rapidly screen diverse alloy compositions. The results demonstrate the ability to reproducibly create alloys with significant antimicrobial properties and high hardness, making them suitable for biomedical applications. The study highlights the critical role of compositional precision in developing materials that balance mechanical strength with antibacterial efficacy. Additionally, this approach ensures significant cost-effectiveness, facilitating the identification of economically viable alloy compositions. This research underscores the potential of high-throughput materials science to expedite the discovery of sustainable solutions for reducing HCAIs and addressing AMR, signaling a leap forward in sustainable healthcare material development.

Antimicrobial activity of ceftibuten/polymyxin B combination against polymyxin/carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

To evaluate the synergistic effect of a ceftibuten and polymyxin B combination and to determine its capacity to overcome polymyxin B resistance in polymyxin/carbapenem-resistant (PC-R) Klebsiella pneumoniae. To investigate the combination's antibacterial efficacy, antimicrobial susceptibility tests using broth microdilution methods, chequerboard assays and time-kill testing were performed. Antibiofilm activity was also assessed. The treatment's effect on the bacterial cell membrane was examined by quantifying intracellular protein leakage and conducting scanning electron microscopy. Haemocompatibility tests were conducted to evaluate toxicity. Additionally, an infection model was established using Swiss mice to assess in vivo antimicrobial activity. The ceftibuten/polymyxin B combination demonstrated synergistic effects against several PC-R strains of K. pneumoniae, as determined by the FIC index (FICI) values, which ranged from 0.15 to 0.37. This combination was efficacious, exhibiting bactericidal activity at twice the MIC. Ceftibuten/polymyxin B also demonstrated antibiofilm activity. Additionally, ceftibuten/polymyxin B neither damaged the bacterial membrane nor exhibited haemolytic activity. Based on these findings, the in vivo therapeutic potential was investigated and it was found that ceftibuten/polymyxin B significantly decreased the bacterial load in the peritoneal lavage fluid of mice, revealing its effectiveness in treating infections caused by PC-R K. pneumoniae. The ceftibuten/polymyxin B combination exhibited synergistic effects in vitro and in vivo, and thus might be a promising therapeutic alternative for treating PC-R K. pneumoniae infections. As the combination was efficacious in preclinical models, researchers may further investigate its potential in clinical studies.

Advancements in Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Various Separation Applications: State of the Art and Future Prospects

Integrating nanomaterials into membranes has revolutionized selective transport processes, offering enhanced properties and functionalities. Mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) are nanocomposite membranes (NCMs) that incorporate inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into organic polymeric matrices, augmenting mechanical strength, thermal stability, separation performance, and antifouling characteristics. Various synthesis methods, like phase inversion, layer-by-layer assembly, electrospinning, and surface modification, enable the production of tailored MMMs. A trade-off exists between selectivity and flux in pristine polymer membranes or plain inorganic ceramic/zeolite membranes. In contrast, in MMMs, NPs exert a profound influence on membrane performance, enhancing both permeability and selectivity simultaneously, besides exhibiting profound antibacterial efficacy. Membranes reported in this work find application in diverse separation processes, notably in niche membrane-based applications, by addressing challenges such as membrane fouling and degradation, low flux, and selectivity, besides poor rejection properties. This review comprehensively surveys recent advances in nanoparticle-integrated polymeric membranes across various fields of water purification, heavy metal removal, dye degradation, gaseous separation, pervaporation (PV), fuel cells (FC), and desalination. Efforts have been made to underscore the role of nanomaterials in advancing environmental remediation efforts and addressing drinking water quality concerns through interesting case studies reported in the literature.

Dual Antimicrobial Activity of HTCC and Its Nanoparticles: A Synergistic Approach for Antibacterial and Antiviral Applications Through Combined In Silico and In Vitro Studies

N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC), a quaternized chitosan derivative, has been shown to exhibit a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity, especially against bacteria and enveloped viruses. Despite this, molecular docking studies showing its atomic-level mechanisms against these microorganisms are scarce. Here, for the first time, we employed molecular docking analyses to investigate the potential antibacterial activity of HTCC against Staphylococcus aureus and its antiviral activity against human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1). According to the findings, HTCC exhibited promising antibacterial activity with high binding affinities; however, it had limited antiviral activity. To validate these theoretical outcomes, experimental studies were conducted. Different derivatives of HTCC were synthesized and characterized using NMR, XRD, FTIR, and DLS. The in vitro assays validated the potent antibacterial efficacy of HTCC against S. aureus, whereas the antiviral studies did not show good antiviral activity. However, our research also revealed a promising avenue for further exploration of the antimicrobial activity of HTCC nanoparticles (NPs), since, thus far, no studies have been conducted to show the antiviral activity of HTCC NPs against HIV-1. The nanosized HTCC exhibited superior antiviral performance compared to the parent polymers, with complete (100%) inhibition of HIV-1 viral activity at the highest tested concentration (0.33 mg/mL).

Eco-Friendly and Low-Cost Synthesis of Transparent Antiviral- and Antibacterial-Coated Films Based on Cu2O and MIL-53(Al).

This research presents the development of an innovative antimicrobial coating consisting of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) integrated with the metal-organic framework MIL-53(Al) through an eco-friendly and low-cost synthesis method that employs glucose as a reducing agent under mild conditions. The microstructural properties of the composite materials were characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial efficacy of the Cu2O-MIL-53(Al) (CuM) composite was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, achieving a reduction efficacy of 99.99% with 5% copper incorporated into the MIL-53(Al) framework within a contact time of 24 h. The incorporation of CuM into a macromolecular host matrix of polyurethane-carboxymethylcellulose (CuM/PUD-CMC), applied as a coating on a low-cost plastic film, produced a transparent film with 87.10% transparency. This coating demonstrated a 99.99% reduction in E. coli and S. aureus populations within a contact time of 24 h. The CuM/PUD-CMC coating demonstrated substantial antiviral efficacy, achieving inactivation rates of 99.35% for Human Coronavirus 229E, 99.40% for Influenza A virus, and 97.76% for Enterovirus 71 within a contact time of 5 min. The CuM nanoparticles exhibited low toxicity toward zebrafish while effectively eradicating bacteria and inactivating viruses. The proposed low-cost material and coating method demonstrate significant potential as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antiviral agent, highlighting its suitability for various applications in biomedical and healthcare formulations.

Synergistic effect of fosfomycin and colistin against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae: pharmacokinetics-pharmacodynamics combined with transcriptomic approach

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify the synergistic effect and mechanisms of fosfomycin (FM) combined with colistin (COL) against KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp).MethodsThe bactericidal effects, induced drug resistance and cytotoxicity of FM combined with COL were evaluated by time-kill assays and mutation rate test. Time-kill assays and transcriptomics analysis were used to further clarify the mechanism of FM combined with COL. The bacteria were taken from different points in time-kill assays, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide and redox related enzymes were detected. The mechanism of synergistic bactericidal action was analyzed by transcriptome.ResultsThe bactericidal effect of FM combined with COL was better than that of monotherapy. The mutation frequency of FM alone at low dose (8 mg/L) was higher than that at high dose (64 mg/L). COL induced resistant isolates resulted in FM and COL resistance, while FM alone or combined with COL only resulted in FM resistance. The survival rate of Thp-1 cells in FM combined with COL against K. pneumoniae was higher than that of monotherapy. The intracellular nitric oxide, activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase were increased along with the increase of FM concentration against KPC-Kp. FM combined with COL induced ROS accumulation and antioxidant capacity increase. Transcriptome analysis showed FM combined with COL could regulate the levels of soxRS and oxidative phosphorylation, in order to clear ROS and repair damage. In addition, FM combined with COL could result in synergetic bactericidal efficacy by inhibiting ribosomal transcription.ConclusionsFM combined with COL mediated synergistic bactericidal effect by regulating ROS accumulation and inhibiting ribosomal protein transcription, resulting in lower resistance and cytotoxicity.

Colistin–niclosamide-loaded nanoemulsions and nanoemulsion gels for effective therapy of colistin-resistant Salmonella infections

Colistin (COL) is regarded as a last-resort treatment for infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. The emergence of colistin-resistant Enterobacterales poses a significant global public health concern. Our study discovered that niclosamide (NIC) reverses COL resistance in Salmonella via a checkerboard assay. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of NIC pose challenges. In this study, we prepared a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) co-encapsulating NIC and COL. We characterized the physicochemical properties of the resulting colistin–niclosamide-loaded nanoemulsions (COL/NIC-NEs) and colistin–niclosamide-loaded nanoemulsion gels (COL/NIC-NEGs), assessing their antibacterial efficacy in vitro and in vivo. The COL/NIC-NEs exhibited a droplet size of 19.86 nm with a zeta potential of −1.25 mV. COL/NIC-NEs have excellent stability, significantly enhancing the solubility of NIC while also demonstrating a pronounced sustained-release effect. Antimicrobial assays revealed that the MIC of COL in COL/NIC-NEs was reduced by 16–128 times compared to free COL. Killing kinetics and scanning electron microscopy confirmed enhanced antibacterial activity. Antibacterial mechanism studies reveal that the COL/NIC-NEs and COL/NIC-NEGs could enhance the bactericidal activity by damaging cell membranes, disrupting proton motive force (PMF), inhibiting multidrug efflux pump, and promoting oxidative damage. The therapeutic efficacy of the COL/NIC-NEs and COL/NIC-NEGs is further demonstrated in mouse intraperitoneal infection models with COL-resistant Salmonella. To sum up, COL/NIC-NEs and COL/NIC-NEGs are a potentially effective strategies promising against COL-resistant Salmonella infections.

Sweat‐Permeable, Microbiota‐Preserving, Mechanically Antibacterial Patch for Long‐Term Interfacing with Perspiring Skin

AbstractThe prolonged health monitoring using wearable technology faces challenges stemming from perspiration, including bacterial proliferation, compromised adhesion, signal quality deterioration, and user discomfort. Notably, excessive sweat fosters bacterial colonization, escalating infection risks, and compromising biomarker analysis. Existing antibacterial approaches, unfortunately, risk disrupting the delicate balance of skin microbiota. To address this, a Janus patch featuring Zn‐Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) modification is developed, which exhibits sustained antibacterial properties while preserving the epidermal microecology. It integrates a hydrophobic LDH fabric that mechanically eradicates bacteria via a nanoknife effect, and a laser‐engraved medical adhesive with microholes for unidirectional sweat transport. This innovative design not only enhances adhesion stability but also safeguards the skin microbiome by preventing direct contact with Zn‐Al LDH. Moreover, the patch seamlessly interfaces with sweat‐monitoring technologies like microfluidic paper‐based analytical devices (uPADs) sensors, ensuring 100% antibacterial efficacy and efficient sweat redirection for reliable detection while prioritizing user comfort. It can serve as a durable bridge between perspiring skin and epidermal sensors, revolutionizing the realm of long‐term health monitoring.

A Review of Antimicrobial Peptides: Structure, Mechanism of Action, and Molecular Optimization Strategies

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are bioactive macromolecules that exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory functions. They come from a wide range of sources and are found in all forms of life, from bacteria to plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates, and play an important role in controlling the spread of pathogens, promoting wound healing and treating tumors. Consequently, AMPs have emerged as promising alternatives to next-generation antibiotics. With advancements in systems biology and synthetic biology technologies, it has become possible to synthesize AMPs artificially. We can better understand their functional activities for further modification and development by investigating the mechanism of action underlying their antimicrobial properties. This review focuses on the structural aspects of AMPs while highlighting their significance for biological activity. Furthermore, it elucidates the membrane targeting mechanism and intracellular targets of these peptides while summarizing molecular modification approaches aimed at enhancing their antibacterial efficacy. Finally, this article outlines future challenges in the functional development of AMPs along with proposed strategies to overcome them.

Nanoscale Multipatterning Zn,Co-ZIF@FeOOH for Eradication of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria and Antibacterial Treatment of Wounds.

The rising incidence of infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria highlights the urgent need for innovative bacterial eradication strategies. Metal ions, such as Zn2+ and Co2+, have bactericidal effects by disrupting bacterial cell membranes and interfering with essential cellular processes. This has led to increased attention toward metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as potential nonantibiotic bactericidal agents. However, the uniform and enhanced localized release of bactericidal metal ions remains a challenge. Herein, we introduce a nanoscale multipatterned Zn,Co-ZIF@FeOOH, featuring a multipod-like morphology with spiky corners, and dual-bactericidal metal ions. Compared to pure Zn,Co-ZIF, the multipod-like morphology of Zn,Co-ZIF@FeOOH exhibits enhanced adhesion toward bacterial surfaces via topological and multiple interactions of electrostatic interaction, significantly increasing the local release of Zn2+ and Co2+. Additionally, the spiky corners of the spindle-shaped FeOOH nanorods physically penetrate bacterial membranes, causing damage and further enhancing adhesion to bacteria. Nine Gram-negative and one Gram-positive bacteria were selected for in vitro test. Notably, the nanoscale multipatterned Zn,Co-ZIF@FeOOH exhibited high bactericidal efficacy against various multidrug-resistant bacteria, including extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL+) bacteria and carbapenem-resistant bacteria, performing well in both acidic and neutral environments. The wound healing activity of Zn,Co-ZIF@FeOOH was further demonstrated using female Balb/c mouse models infected with bacteria, where the materials show robust antibacterial efficacy and commendable biocompatibility. This study showcases the assembly of metal oxide/MOF composites for nanoscale multipatterning, aims at synergistic bacterial eradication and offers insights into developing nanomaterial-based strategies against multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Synthesis and characterization of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3‐NPs) and analysis of their antimicrobial efficacy against selected pathogenic microbes

AbstractThis present paper assesses the chemical synthesis of aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3‐NPs) using a modified sol–gel process. Aluminum nitrate and citric acid were heated to 180 °C until a gel was produced. After that, the dehydrated amorphous gel was sintered at 800 °C for 2 h. The formation of nano‐sized α‐Al2O3 particles was investigated using several characterized methodologies, encompassing Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering, and X‐ray fluorescence (XRF). Then, the antibacterial and antifungal activity of synthesized nanoscale Al2O3 particles against pathogens like Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Trichophyton rubrum has been investigated. The successful synthesis of alumina nanoparticles has been validated by several analytical techniques. Nanoparticles of Al2O3‐NPs with a rhombohedral structure and an average crystallite size of 26 nm were revealed by XRD research. Their zeta potential was −8.65 mV, and their size distribution measured 68.6 nm in diameter. The elemental composition of sample was identified with the use of XRF, which indicates that the Al2O3‐NPs powder is quite pure. Furthermore, the antimicrobial experiment showed that the Al2O3‐NPs exhibited the greatest antibacterial efficacy, S. aureus, E. Coli, and T. rubrum exhibited significant inhibition zones with diameters of 13, and 15 mm, and a high inhibition percentage of 70% when exposed to 100 mg/mL of Al2O3 nanoparticles.