Crystal Violet Research Articles

Efficient photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye using time-dependent ZnO nano spindle

Photocatalysis, utilizing metal–semiconductor oxides, has emerged as a promising technique for the oxidation of organic molecules due to its efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendly nature. This study presents the synthesis and application of time-dependent ZnO nano spindles for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet dye. ZnO nanostructures, known for their high photocatalytic activity, were synthesized using a simple and low-cost coprecipitation method, with the spindle morphology being fine-tuned by varying reaction times. The resulting nano spindles were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy to confirm their structural, morphological, and optical properties. XRD analysis revealed that the ZnO samples possess a hexagonal wurtzite crystal structure with a space group of P63mc. SEM analysis confirmed the formation of spindle-like morphologies, with the synthesized samples measuring just a few nanometers in size. The surface area and porosity of the ZnO samples have been observed by using the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis. The obtained surface area of all ZnO samples is in the range of 15 to 30 m2g−1. Photocatalytic performance was evaluated under UV light irradiation, demonstrating that the degradation efficiency of CV dye significantly depends on the exposure duration and the morphological attributes of the ZnO nano spindles. The degradation kinetics followed a pseudo-first-order model, with the optimized ZnO nano spindles achieving up to 99 % degradation efficiency within 150 min. This study highlights the potential of time-dependent morphological control in ZnO nanostructures to enhance photocatalytic processes, presenting a viable solution for the treatment of dye-laden wastewater.

Green synthesis of Zn-doped TiO2 nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet and methylene blue dyes under sunlight

Green synthesis of Zn-doped TiO2 nanomaterials for photocatalytic degradation of crystal violet and methylene blue dyes under sunlight

From cornfield to catalyst support: Eco-friendly synthesis of Cu/CuO nanoparticles, immobilization on the waste corn husk fibers, photocatalytic exploration and bioactivity evaluation

This study presents an innovative approach to eco-friendly synthesis and utilization of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for photocatalytic applications, employing waste corn husk fibers as sustainable catalyst support. The synthesis of CuNPs was achieved through a green synthesis method utilizing myrtle extract. Subsequently, the remarkable photocatalytic activity of the CuNPs explored (76% removal efficiency of Crystal Violet), showcased their potential in environmental remediation applications. Furthermore, the immobilization of CuNPs onto waste corn husk fibers was investigated, aiming to develop a novel composite material with enhanced catalytic performance. A distinctive approach was introduced by immobilizing CuNPs onto fibers derived from corn husks, and waste biomass material, leading to a significant enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency, surpassing 95.1%. Furthermore, bioactivity evaluation studies revealed the significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, DNA fragmentation, cell viability, antibiofilm and antimicrobial properties of CuNPs. The antioxidant ability was determined at 100 mg/L as 87.12%. The most powerful antimicrobial activity of CuNP was found as a MIC value of 8 mg/L against E. faecalis. The cell viability inhibition of CuNP was 90.05% at 20 mg/L. CuNP exhibited biofilm inhibition activity at different concentrations. The antibiofilm ability was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus compared to Pseudomonas aureginosa. While the DNA cleavage activity of CuNP observed double-strand breaks at 50 and 100 mg, complete fragmentation occurred at 200 mg concentrations. The bioactivity of the synthesized CuNPs shed light on their potential biomedical applications. The synthesized CuNPs are characterized using various analytical techniques to elucidate their structural and morphological properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis provided insights into the chemical composition and surface properties of the synthesized materials. EDS analysis confirmed their successful integration into waste corn husk fibers. Overall, this interdisciplinary study highlights the potential of CuNPs immobilized on waste corn husk fibers for addressing environmental pollution, advancing sustainable technologies and paving the way for the development of efficient catalysts with diverse functionalities.

Synthesis and characterization of AlxCu0.7Mn0.3Fe2-xO4 ferrite and its application in adsorption of dyes

The increasing presence of artificial dyes in industrial wastewater has necessitated the development of efficient and sustainable adsorption materials. This work explores the synthesis and characterization of Al-doped Cu-Mn (AlxCu0.7Mn0.3Fe2-xO4, where x = 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 0.9) ferrite as a new adsorbent for the removal of dyes from aqueous solutions. The Al-doped Cu-Mn ferrite was prepared using the solution combustion method and meticulously characterized using various physiochemical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Brunauer-Emmer-Teller (BET). Adsorption studies tested the material's ability to remove hazardous dyes such as congo red, methyl orange, methylene blue, and crystal violet from aqueous solutions. The effects of various parameters, including temperature, contact time, and initial dye concentration, were systematically studied. To understand the mechanism of interaction between the adsorbent and the dyes, the adsorption isotherms were examined using the Langmuir, Temkin, D-R, and Freundlich models. The Freundlich isotherms provided the best fit for the experimental data. To clarify the kinetics of the adsorption process, kinetic experiments were conducted using pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order. According to the results of the kinetics analysis, pseudo-second-order kinetics fit the data better, with a higher coefficient of determination values (R2 = 0.981, 0.983, 0.984 & 0.984). Thermodynamic parameters, including enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and entropy changes, were calculated to determine the nature of the adsorption process, and the result demonstrates that the adsorption process was endothermic and naturally spontaneous. The results indicate that Al-doped Cu-Mn ferrite exhibits high adsorption capacities and favourable thermodynamic properties, making it a promising material for the removal of dyes from industrial wastewater effluents. The study contributes to the field by providing insights into the adsorption mechanisms and potential applications of Al-doped Cu-Mn ferrite in environmental remediation.

Peganum Harmala seeds extract: A green synthesis route for Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles as an adsorbent for crystal violet dye removal

Peganum Harmala seeds extract: A green synthesis route for Mn-doped ZnO nanoparticles as an adsorbent for crystal violet dye removal

Functional electrospun polylactic acid core-shell thermochromic fibers with modified cellulose nanocrystals for enhanced temperature-responsive applications

Core-shell electrospun fibers with thermochromic materials are suitable for temperature sensing due to their customizable properties. However, the beneficial effect of bio-based thermochromic fibers incorporating sustainable nanomaterials needs to be further demonstrated, especially regarding their thermal stability and mechanical properties. In this study, core-shell structured nanofibers were produced through a co-axial electrospinning process using polylactic acid (PLA) and surface-modified cellulose nanocrystals (mCNCs) as the shell, and crystal violet lactone (CVL), bisphenol A, and 1-dodecanol as the core. Chemical characterization confirmed the successful grafting of vinyl siloxane within mCNCs, enhancing CNC dispersion in the PLA matrix. The thermochromic fibers exhibited smooth, uniform surfaces, with minimal impact of mCNCs on the glass transition temperature (Tg). Compared with neat electrospun PLA fibers, mCNC-added fibers showed improved thermal stability. Although the core material negatively affected mechanical properties, mCNCs enhanced tensile strength and Young’s modulus. The fibers demonstrated rapid and sensitive responses to temperature changes from 0 to 20 ˚C, indicating their potential as effective temperature sensors with improved properties.

Micro‐Raman Spectroscopy for the Identification of Drawing Materials Used Throughout the 17th and 20th Centuries

ABSTRACTThe study explores drawing materials from the 17th century to the present using noninvasive techniques like Raman spectroscopy in selected cases supplemented by x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. This publication is an effort to expand knowledge across diverse periods and materials. A collection of six drawings spanning from 1700 to 1899 from the National Museum in Krakow and a 20th‐century birch bark artifact were analyzed. Noninvasive techniques facilitated the systematic analysis of drawing materials, providing insights into diverse substances over centuries. Identified materials include hematite, calcite, graphite, bister, sepia, iron gall ink, and crystal violet dye. Understanding the chemical composition aids conservation and is a reference for future art history and preservation studies.

Exploring the hepatoprotective properties of citronellol: In vitro and in silico studies on ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells.

Citronellol (CT) is a monoterpene alcohol present in the essential oil of plants of the genus Cymbopogon and exhibits diverse pharmacological activities. The aim of the current study was to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of CT against ethanol-induced toxicity in HepG2 cell lines. Silymarin (SIL) was used as a standard drug. MTT, crystal violet assay, DAPI, and PI staining were carried out to assess the effect of ethanol and CT on cell viability. RT-PCR determined the molecular mechanisms of hepatoprotective action of CT. CT ameliorated cell viability and restricted ethanol-induced cell death. DAPI and PI staining showed distinct differences in cell number and morphology. Less cell viability was observed in the diseased group obviously from strong PI staining when compared to the CT- and SIL-treated group. Moreover, CT showed downregulation of interleukin (IL-6), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), collagen type 1 A 1 (COL1A1), matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) and glutathione peroxidase-7 (GPX-7) levels. Molecular docking studies supported the biochemical findings. It is concluded that the cytoprotective activity of CT against ethanol-induced toxicity might be explained by its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and collagen-regulating effects.

A TCM formula assists temozolomide in anti-melanoma therapy by suppressing the STAT3 signaling pathway

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTemozolomide (TMZ) is a first-line therapeutic medication for melanoma. Nonetheless, it exhibits a relatively elevated toxicity profile, and falls short in terms of both effectiveness and median survival rate. Clinical research has demonstrated that the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with chemotherapy in the treatment of melanoma can enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity. A TCM formula (SLE) containing Lonicera japonica Thunb. and Robinia pseudoacacia L. has shown anti-melanoma properties through the inhibition of STAT3 phosphorylation. In the genesis and advancement of melanoma, the STAT3 signaling pathway is essential. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SLE combined with TMZ (SLE/TMZ) in inhibiting melanoma, and to explore the contribution of inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway in this effect. Materials and methodsBoth A375 cells and B16F10 tumor-bearing mice were used for in vitro and in vivo experiments, respectively. In vitro assays included CCK8, crystal violet staining, flow cytometry, qRT-PCR, and Western blotting. Animal experiment indicators included tumor volume, tumor weight, mouse weight, and the proportion of mouse immune cells. ResultsSLE/TMZ inhibited the proliferation and growth of A375 cells, and also induced apoptosis. Additionally, SLE/TMZ synergistically inhibited tumor growth in the B16F10 melanoma mouse model and had immunomodulatory effects, increasing the proportion of Th, Tc, and NK cells and decreasing the proportion of MDSCs in the spleen of melanoma-bearing mice. qRT-PCR and Western blotting results confirmed that SLE/TMZ inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation and regulated its downstream factors, including Bcl2, Mcl1, CCND1, MYC, MMP2, MMP9, VEGFA, and FGF2. The inhibitory effect of SLE/TMZ on melanoma cell growth was considerably lessened when STAT3 was overexpressed at the cellular level. ConclusionSynergistic anti-melanoma effects of SLE/TMZ have been observed in animal and cellular models. One of the mechanisms of SLE/TMZ that underlies its anti-melanoma actions is inhibition of the STAT3 pathway. This work offers pre-clinical pharmacological backing for the advancement of SLE as a therapeutic agent to be used in conjunction with TMZ for the treatment of melanoma.

Mechanistic insights into the impact of WIN 55, 212-2, a synthetic cannabinoid, on adhesion molecules PECAM-1 and VE-cadherin in HeLa cells: implications on cancer processes

The endocannabinoid (eCB) system comprises endogenous ligands, cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), and their regulatory proteins; its alteration leads to many diseases including cancer. Thus, becomes a therapeutic target for synthetic cannabinoids aimed to control cancer cell proliferation, migration, adhesion, and invasion. However, little is known about adhesion molecules regulation through CBRs activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a CB1/CB2 agonist, WIN-55, 212-2 (WIN), on the regulation of adhesion molecules platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) and vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) in HeLa cells. CBRs expression was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining in HeLa cells and cell viability (thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide), cell adhesion (crystal violet), adhesion molecules expression and location (Western blot and immunofluorescence staining assays) were all assessed on cells treated with different WIN concentrations. Receptors CB1, CB2, and G-protein-coupled receptor 55 were expressed in HeLa cells. Additionally, biphasic effects were observed in their metabolic activity and adhesive properties: low WIN concentrations resulted in significant increases whereas, high ones decreased them compared to controls (p < 0.0001), demonstrating that WIN elicits opposite effects depending on the concentration and exposure time. PECAM-1 was detected in HeLa cell’s cytoplasm, membrane, and perinuclear region, whereas VE-cadherin had a nuclear distribution. There were no significant differences in PECAM-1 and VE-cadherin expression and location, suggesting that WIN does not modulate these proteins. These findings support the potential use of WIN due to its anticancer properties without dysregulating adhesion molecules. WIN possible contribution to inhibit cancer progression should be further investigated.

Phenotypic and genotypic determination of resistance to common disinfectants among strains of Acinetobacter baumannii producing and non-producing biofilm isolated from Iran

BackgroundNosocomial infections are a global problem in hospitals all around the world. It is considered a major health problem, especially in developing countries. The increase in the patient’s stay in hospitals has increased the mortality rate, and consequently, the costs drastically increase. The main purpose of using disinfectants in the hospital environment is to reduce the risk of nosocomial infections. Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) causes lysis and increases susceptibility to antimicrobial agents in the planktonic form of bacteria. This substance affects the permeability of the outer membrane of bacteria. It also prevents the formation of biofilms by bacteria.Materials and methodsIn the current study, 120 isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) were confirmed by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Antibiogram was performed and then the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of isolates against 5% sodium hypochlorite, ethanol %70, sayasept-HP 2%, chlorhexidine 2%, dettol 4/8% were evaluated. In addition, the disinfectant effect was re-evaluated with the mixture of EDTA solution. All isolates were examined for biofilm presence by crystal violet staining method in triplicates and repeated three times for each strain. Also for all isolates detection of efflux pump genes (Qac-E, qacE-Δ1, SUG-E) by PCR technique was done.ResultsAntibiogram results of A. baumannii showed that 6.7% were Multi-drug-resistant (MDR), and 89.2% were Extensively drug-resistant (XDR) isolates. The highest effect of disinfectants was related to 5% sodium hypochlorite, and the least effect was 70% ethanol. EDTA increases the efficacy of selected disinfectants significantly. The highest prevalence of the efflux pump genes was related to SUG-E (95%) and Qac-E (91.7%), and, the qacE-Δ1 gene with 12.5%. The biofilm production rate was 91.3% among all isolates.ConclusionThe best and safest way to disinfect hospital floors and surfaces is to choose the right disinfectants, and learn how to use them properly. In this study, a mixture of disinfectants and EDTA had a significant effect on bactericidal activity. it was found that improper use of disinfectants, especially the use of sub-inhibitory dilutions, increases the resistance of bacteria to disinfectants.

Sol-gel synthesis of Tb-doped lithium-nickel ferrite anchored onto g-C3N4 sheets for efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes

Due to the advancement of industrialization, water pollution has become an alarming global issue. Many organic dyes, such as crystal violet and rhodamine B, present in industrial wastewater are causing severe health problems. Both of these dyes are carcinogenic. For their degradation, ferrites are synthesized in this research. Ferrites have high absorbing potential in visible regions and fast movement of charge carrier species. Therefore, the ferrites are potentially used in photocatalysis to purify contaminated water. Graphitic carbon nitride shows enhanced separation of charges, which lowers the rate of recombination of charge carrier species. Lithium nickel ferrite, lithium nickel ferrite doped with terbium, and its composite with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) are synthesized by sol-gel and ultra-sonication methods, respectively. The prepared samples are analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and Mott-Schottky analysis. The bandgap of LiNiFe2O4 and LiNiTbFe2O4 was 2.35 eV, and 1.87 eV, respectively. LiNiTbFe2O4@g-C3N4 degraded 86 % crystal violet and 83 % rhodamine B in 120 min. The LiNiTbFe2O4@g-C3N4 composite showed the maximum degradation and can be potentially used in wastewater treatment.

Exploring the antibacterial efficacy of Satureja hortensis and Bacillus subtilis extracts in combating Xanthomonas citri

Biofilm plays a critical role in protecting the associated bacterial colonies. Citrus canker caused by Xanthomonas citri, resulted in remarkable yield reduction in citrus orchards. This study aims to evaluate the anti-biofilm properties of S. hortensis and B. subtilis extracts against X. citri. The antibacterial effects of both extracts were evaluated using the disk diffusion method and 96-well microdilution plates. Crystal violet and XTT procedures were employed to assess the inhibition of adhesion and antibiofilm effects of both extracts. The checkboard titration method was applied to determine the synergistic effects of the plant-bacterial extracts. The antibiofilm effects were confirmed by the light microscopy method. The results showed that the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of both extracts varied. The MIC values of S. hortensis and B. subtilis extracts were 6.25 and 50 mg/ml, respectively. In these concentrations the inhibition of adhesion effects of S. hortensis and B. subtilis were 70% and 80%, whereas their antibiofilm effects were 60% and 72%. S. hortensis and B. subtilis extracts showed 63% and 76% antibiofilm activity, respectively, using the XTT test. The extracts showed synergistic effects, resulting in higher inhibition rates in combinatorial applications. Molecular docking results also confirmed that the secondary metabolites of S. hortensis could interact with different X. citri proteins differentially. Further large-scale studies on combinatorial antibiofilm effects of plant and bacterial extracts against citrus pathogens will provide new opportunities to develop safe and applicable reagents to control these destructive diseases.

Virulence factors, antibiotic susceptibility and sequence type distribution of hospital-associated Clostridioides difficile isolates in Israel, 2020–2022

Biofilm formation and toxin production are some of the virulence factors of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), which causes hospital-acquired C. difficile infection (HA-CDI). This work investigated the prevalence and distribution of different strains recovered from HA-CDI patients hospitalized in 4 medical centres across Israel, and characterized strains' virulence factors and antibiotic susceptibility. One-hundred and eighty-eight faecal samples were collected. C. difficile 's toxins were detected by the CerTest Clostridium difficile GDH + Toxin A + B combo card test kit. Toxin loci PaLoc and PaCdt were detected by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) was performed to classify strains. Biofilm production was assessed by crystal violet. Antibiotic susceptibility was determined using Etest. Fidaxomicin susceptibility was tested via agar dilution. Sequence type (ST) 42 was the most (13.8%) common strain. All strains harboured the 2 toxins genes; 6.9% had the binary toxin. Most isolates were susceptible to metronidazole (98.9%) and vancomycin (99.5%). Eleven (5.85%) isolates were fidaxomicin-resistant. Biofilm production capacity was associated with ST (p < 0.001). In conclusion, a broad variety of C. difficile strains circulate in Israel's medical centres. Further studies are needed to explore the differences and their contribution to HA-CDI epidemiology.

Antibacterial and Anti-Biofilm Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized from Origanum majorana and Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench Plants via Green Synthesis

Objective: Nanotechnology has gained importance in the fight against epidemics and antibiotic resistance. Nanotechnology is a potential way to prevent the increase of multidrug-resistant bacterial species. The aim of this study was to determine the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities of Origanum majorana and Echinacea purpurea silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli (E.coli) 25922, Pseudomonas aureginosa (P.aureginosa) 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) 700603. Methods: Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values of silver nanoparticles were determined by microdilution method in 96-well ELISA plates. The anti-biofilm effect of silver nanoparticles was performed by crystal violet method in 96-well microplates. Results: The MIC value of four isolates was determined as 128 µg/ml for two nanoparticles. Only 256 µg/ml and 512 µg/ml were found for S. aureus. In vitro, anti-biofilm effect of AgNPs against biofilm forming bacteria was evaluated in a dose-dependent manner. S. aureus, AgNP synthesized from Origanum majorana plant extract (512 µg/ml) reduced biofilm formation by 92% after 24 hours of incubation. As a result of 24 hours incubation of S. aureus with AgNP (512 µg/ml) synthesized from Echinacea purpurea (L.) It was determined that biofilm formation decreased by 85%. It was observed that both different nanoparticles significantly inhibited the biofilm mass. Conclusion: AgNPs showed antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects for standard strains. The use of AgNPs as antimicrobials is promising for the future.

Preparation of Zn-based MOFs photoluminescent coatings on cotton fabrics and their application in anti-counterfeiting

In this paper, a series of new photoluminescent coatings on cotton fabrics were prepared by integrating Zn-based MOFs (ZnBDC), and ZnBDC was encapsulated with luminescent guests (Eu3+ and crystal violet (CV)). The results showed that a large amount of ZnBDC nanomaterials could effectively grow on cotton fabric, and the encapsulation of luminescent guests did not damage their structural integrity and morphology. The emission spectra of different encapsulated samples exhibited different fluorescence under excitation at 321 nm. Notably, different from the single Eu3+ emission observed in single Eu3+-encapsulated ZnBDC cotton fabric, the emission intensity of Eu3+ in dual (Eu3+ and CV) encapsulated sample changed significantly at different bands, and it dominated by an unusual 5D0 → 7F4 transition (693 nm). The transformation of a specific symmetric site of Eu3+ is responsible for this unusual emission. Moreover, the fluorescence color of encapsulated samples could be coded by regulating the concentration of encapsulated CV according to the special features of Eu3+ photoluminescence. Therefore, photoluminescent cotton fabrics have a potential application in the anti-counterfeiting of textiles.

Effective removal of different dyes using run-of-mine and processed coal samples

Coal, traditionally utilised solely for combustion, is now being investigated for its potential as an adsorbent in purifying drinking water by eliminating hazardous metal ions. Limited research exists regarding its effectiveness in reducing organic dye levels. Presented here are the outcomes of an extensive investigation into various carbon samples' efficacy as adsorbents for wastewater color removal. Samples of coal sourced from Western Coalfield Limited (WCL) were meticulously processed and characterized, encompassing run-of-mine coal and acid-leached coal. A comprehensive array of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, was employed for coal characterization. Proximate analysis and gross calorific value (GCV) were employed to assess coal's physical attributes. The adsorption behavior of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) on coal was scrutinized, varying factors such as contact time, pH, initial MB and CV concentrations, and adsorbent doses. Optimal adsorption parameters for MB were determined as pH 2, initial concentration of 1 ppm, 0.2 g adsorbent dose, and 60 min contact time. For CV, optimal conditions were pH 8, initial concentration of 6 ppm, 0.4 g adsorbent dose, and 45 min contact time. MB adsorption kinetics favored the pseudo-second-order reaction model, with Freundlich isotherms providing a better fit than Langmuir isotherms. Conversely, CV adsorption kinetics favored the pseudo-second-order reaction model, with Langmuir isotherms exhibiting a superior fit compared to Freundlich isotherms.

EFFECT OF MORINGA (Moringa oleifera) LEAF EXTRACT ON IN VITRO INHIBITION OF Candida albicans BIOFILM

Background: Oral candidiasis is an opportunistic infection in the oral cavity. This infection is caused by the fungus Candida albicans. The most important virulent attribute of this fungus is its ability to form biofilms, which can adhere to mucosa, epithelial lining, organs, prostheses or dentures. The formed biofilm is resistant to antifungal drugs. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaf extract on the inhibition of Candida albicans biofilm formation in vitro. Methods: This type of research is experimental study using post tests with control group design. Fungus used in this study was Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Determination of minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were conducted by microdilution method. Inhibition test of C. albicans biofilm formation was carried out using the polystyrene microplate assay method. Concentration of extracts used in this study were 12.5%, 6.25%, 3.13% and 1.57%. Inhibitory activity of biofilm was measured using a crystal violet (CV) assay. Results: The results showed that MIC of Moringa leaf extract against the fungus C. albicans was at a concentration of 6.25%. Moringa leaf extract starting at a concentration of 3.13% already has had ability to inhibit formation of C. albicans biofilm. Conclusion: It can be concluded that Moringa leaf extract can inhibit formation of Candida albicans biofilm, so it can be developed as an alternative herbal ingredient to prevent oral candidiasis.EFFECT OF MORINGA (Moringa oleifera) LEAF EXTRACT ON IN VITRO INHIBITION OF Candida albicans BIOFILM

Polyphenolic extracts from Diospyros kaki and Vitis vinifera by-products stimulate cytoprotective effects in bacteria-cell host interactions by mediation of transcription factor Nrf2

BackgroundThe intestinal and skin epithelium play a strong role against bacterial stimuli which leads to inflammation and oxidative stress when overwhelmed. Polyphenols from fruit-rich diets and by-products show promise against bacterial deleterious effects; however, their antibacterial and health-promoting effects remain understudied. PurposeThis study aimed to assess the impact of polyphenolic extracts of grape (GrPE), persimmon (PePE) and pomegranate (PoPE) by-products on bacterial pathogen-host interactions, focusing beyond growth inhibition to explore their effects on bacterial adhesion, invasion, and modulation of host responses. MethodsThe microdilution method, as well as the tetrazolium based MTT cell proliferation and cytotoxicity assay with crystal violet staining were used to identify extracts sub-inhibitory concentrations that interfere with bacterial adhesion, invasion or lipopolysaccharides (LPS) effect on cell hosts without compromising host viability. The cytoprotective effects of extracts were assessed in a knock-down model of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). ResultsAll extracts demonstrated significant reductions in pathogen adhesion to Caco-2 and HaCaT cells while preserving cellular integrity. Notably, PePE exhibited specific efficacy against Salmonella enterica adhesion, attributed mostly to its gallic acid content, whereas PoPE reduced S. enterica invasion in Caco-2 cells. The extracts supported the prevalence of non-pathogenic and commensal strains of intestinal and skin surfaces, selectively reducing pathogenic adhesion. The extracts mitigated the oxidative stress, enhanced the barrier function, and modulated the pro-inflammatory cytokines in LPS-challenged cells. GrPE, rich in anthocyanins, and PePE were found to mediate their protective effects through Nrf2 activation, while PoPE exerted multifaceted actions independent of Nrf2. ConclusionOur results highlight the therapeutic potential of GrPE, PePE, and PoPE in shaping bacterial-host interactions, endorsing their utility as novel nutraceuticals for both oral and topical applications to prevent potential bacterial infections through innovative mechanisms.

Vibriocidal efficacy of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus cell-free supernatants encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles against multi-drug resistant Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor

BackgroundCholera is a diarrheal disease recognized for being caused by toxin-producing Vibrio (V.) cholerae. This study aims to assess the vibriocidal and immunomodulatory properties of derived cell-free supernatants (CFSs) of Bifidobacterium (B.) bifidum and Lactobacillus (L.) acidophilus encapsulated in chitosan nanoparticles (CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs) against clinical multi-drug resistance (MDR) isolates of V. cholerae O1 El Tor.MethodsWe synthesized CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs using the ionic gelation technique. The newly nanostructures were characterized for size, surface zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficacy (EE), stability in different pH values and temperatures, release profile, and in vitro cytotoxicity. The antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of the obtained nanocomposites on clinical MDR isolates (N = 5) of V. cholerae E1 Tor O1 were investigated by microbroth dilution assay and crystal violet staining, respectively. We conducted quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) to analyze the relative gene expressions of Bap, Rbmc, CTXAB, and TCP in response to CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs. Additionally, the immunomodulatory effects of formulated structures on the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 genes in human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) were studied.ResultsNano-characterization analyses indicated that CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibit spherical shapes under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging, with mean diameters of 98.16 ± 0.763 nm and 83.90 ± 0.854 nm, respectively. Both types of nanoparticles possess positive surface charges. The EE% of CFSb-CsNPs was 77 ± 4.28%, whereas that of CFSa-CsNPs was 62.5 ± 7.33%. Chitosan (Cs) encapsulation leads to increased stability of CFSs in simulated pH conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in which the release rates for CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs were reached at 58.00 ± 1.24% and 55.01 ± 1.73%, respectively at pH = 7.4. The synergistic vibriocidal effects observed from the co-administration of both CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs, as evidenced by a fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of 0.57, resulting in a significantly lower MIC of 2.5 ± 0.05 mg/mL (p < 0.0001) compare to individual administration. The combined antibacterial effect of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs on Bap (0.14 ± 0.05), Rbmc (0.24 ± 0.01), CTXAB (0.30 ± 0.09), and TCP (0.38 ± 0.01) gene expression was significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, co-administration of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs also demonstrated the potency of suppressing TLR 2/4 (0.20 ± 0.01 and 0.12 ± 0.02, respectively) gene expression (p = 0.0019) and reduced Caco-2 cells attached bacteria to 526,000 ± 51,46 colony-forming units/mL (11.19%) (p < 0.0001).ConclusionOur study revealed that encapsulating CFSs within CsNPs enhances their vibriocidal activity by improving stability and enabling a controlled release mechanism at the site of interaction between the host and bacteria. Additionally, the simultaneous use of CFSb-CsNPs and CFSa-CsNPs exhibited superior vibriocidal potency against MDR V. cholerae O1 El Tor strains, indicating these combinations as a potential new approach against MDR bacteria.