Antimicrobial Efficacy Research Articles

Performance of Ag-doped CuO nanoparticles for photocatalytic activity applications: Synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity

The auto-combustion method synthesized CuO NPs and Ag/CuO NPs. The Ag/CuO NPs were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy instrumental analyses. The energy band gap, as determined by DRS properties, decreases from 3.82 to 3.50 eV for pure CuO and 10% Ag/CuO NPs, respectively. The photodegradation efficiency of Rhodamine-B & Carmine by 10% Ag/CuO NPs was nearly 98.9 and 97.8%, respectively. Antimicrobial trials revealed that the antimicrobial efficacy of Ag/CuO NPs at several dosages (20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µg/mL) against human pathogens was initially assessed using the agar well-diffusion method, and then the broth dilution method. Noticeably, the minimum inhibitory concentration of Ag/CuO NPs for all pathogens ranged from 100 to 120 µg/ml, was determined. Generally, the observed minimum microbicide concentration has a wide range of Ag/CuO NPs doses, ranging from 150 to 300 µg/ml, which helps kill (99.99%) all tested pathogenic cells. The largest relative inhibitory activities (%) were recorded against Escherichia coli (81.45 ± 1.39) at 120 g/mL of Ag/CuO NPs and 100 μg/mL (80.43 ± 0.59), followed by 80 µg/mL (72.33 ± 0.82). Additionally, the lowest relative inhibitory activities (%) were monitored versus fungal cells and Gram-positive bacteria at 120 µg/mL of Ag/CuO NPs as 52.17 ± 1.49 and 53.42 ± 1.71; respectively.Graphic abstract

Synergistic bactericidal activity of chlorhexidine loaded on positively charged ionic liquid-protected silver nanoparticles as a root canal disinfectant against Enterococcus faecalis: An ex vivo study

The advancement of nanotechnology and the development of nanocomplexes offer promising solutions to address the limitations in biofilm management within endodontics. Current cleaning and disinfection methods often fail to completely eliminate bacterial biofilms from the complex anatomical structures of root canals, making the invention of new disinfectants or disinfection methods highly relevant. Previously, chlorhexidine-loaded positively charged ionic liquid-protected silver nanoparticles (CHX@AgNPs⁺) were introduced as an innovative root canal irrigation solution, demonstrating significant antibacterial efficacy against Enterococcus faecalis in vitro. This study aimed to further evaluate the antibiofilm activity of CHX@AgNPs⁺ in the root canals of extracted human teeth contaminated with E. faecalis biofilm. Fifty single-rooted human teeth with mature apices were randomly assigned to five experimental groups based on the irrigants used: CHX@AgNPs⁺, AgNPs⁺, 2.5 % NaOCl, 2 % CHX, and normal saline (n = 10 per group). The root canals were contaminated with E. faecalis, and biofilm formation was confirmed. Initial sampling (S1) was performed, followed by mechanical preparation of the root canals using ProTaper F3 files and irrigation with the respective test solutions. Post-instrumentation sampling (S2) was then conducted. The results demonstrated that CHX@AgNPs⁺ exhibited antibiofilm properties comparable to 2.5 % NaOCl, with no significant difference between them. Additionally, CHX@AgNPs⁺ significantly enhanced antimicrobial efficacy compared to CHX alone (P < 0.05), highlighting its potential as an effective root canal disinfectant.

Coriander as a natural antimicrobial for meat products: A One Health perspective review

The demand for safe, high-quality meat products drives the need for effective antimicrobial solutions to combat bacterial contamination, a significant health and economic concern. Synthetic preservatives face increasing scrutiny, leading to interest in natural alternatives such as coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.). Known for its culinary and medicinal uses, coriander essential oils, particularly linalool and pinene, exhibit strong antimicrobial properties against a wide range of pathogens. This review examines the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial mechanisms of coriander, and its practical applications in meat preservation through a One Health perspective, which addresses the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. Coriander offers unique benefits such as a milder flavor and cost-effectiveness. Despite challenges, including variability in antimicrobial efficacy and sensory impacts, its safety profile and regulatory status support its use. Future research should optimize extraction methods, explore synergies with other preservatives, and evaluate long-term safety and efficacy. Coriander is a viable natural solution for improving food safety and quality in the meat industry, aligning with One Health objectives by promoting sustainable practices and reducing health risks across the food production continuum.

A Prospective Observational Study on Assessment of Risk Factors, Complications and Clinical Efficacy of Hepatoprotectives and Antimicrobials in Treatment of Liver Diseases at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Telangana

A Prospective Observational Study on Assessment of Risk Factors, Complications and Clinical Efficacy of Hepatoprotectives and Antimicrobials in Treatment of Liver Diseases at Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Telangana

A realistic approach for evaluating antimicrobial surfaces for dry surface exposure scenarios.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has raised public awareness about the importance of hygiene, leading to an increased demand for antimicrobial surfaces to minimize microbial contamination on high-touch surfaces. This is particularly relevant in public and private transportation settings, where surfaces frequently touched by individuals pose a significant, yet preventable, risk of infection transmission. Typically, the antimicrobial activity of surfaces is tested using test methods of the International Standards Organization, American Society for Testing and Materials, or Japanese Industrial Standards, which involve complete submersion in liquid, elevated temperature (37°C), and prolonged (24 h) contact periods. However, these conditions do not accurately represent real-world scenarios where surfaces are exposed to air. In this study, we propose a modified test method designed to better reflect real-life conditions in the intended end-use setting. The modifications included using deionized water instead of nutrient broth while preparing bacterial inoculum, applying a small test inoculum to the surface and allowing it to dry, maintaining ambient temperature and relative humidity throughout the contact period, and reducing the contact period to 4 h. With this modified approach, the antimicrobial activity of 20 samples was reassessed. This screening revealed that out of 20 samples, only 2 samples were effective against all species, while 8 samples demonstrated partial effectiveness against selected species, and 10 samples showed no significant effect. These findings highlight the inadequacy of the current test standard and emphasize the urgent necessity for revised and adapted testing method to ensure a reliable and accurate evaluation.IMPORTANCEThe recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic has sparked increased demand for antimicrobial surfaces to mitigate the risk of fomites-transmitted infection in both indoors and confined spaces. Commonly, the antimicrobial activity of these surfaces is assessed using test standards established by national standards bodies, which do not distinguish between different application scenarios. While these test standards are suitable for surfaces intended for submerged application, they are inappropriate for antimicrobial surfaces designed for dry surface exposure. The usage of these standards can lead to an overestimation of antimicrobial efficacy. Thus, this study introduces a modified dry exposure test method aimed at better reflecting real-life conditions in the intended end-use setting. Our results revealed the subpar antimicrobial performance of numerous samples, highlighting the necessity to revise and tailor the universal test standard to real-world scenarios in order to ensure a reliable and accurate evaluation.

Cytotoxic Effects of Biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles on Normal fibroblast cells and their antimicrobial effect on pathogenic strains

Nanoparticles, particularly zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs), have garnered substantial interest in biomedical research for their potential applications in therapeutics and antimicrobial therapy. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles on normal fibroblast cells and evaluated their antimicrobial efficacy against pathogenic strains. The biosynthesis of zinc nanoparticles was achieved through an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach utilizing biological agents. The cytotoxicity of biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles was assessed on normal fibroblast cells, serving as a model for evaluating biocompatibility. Our results indicate that biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles exhibited minimal cytotoxicity towards normal fibroblast cells, suggesting their potential safety for biomedical applications. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles was evaluated against pathogenic strains, including antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The antimicrobial efficacy of zinc nanoparticles demonstrated promising results, highlighting their potential as alternative antimicrobial agents. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the cytotoxic effects of biosynthesized zinc nanoparticles on normal fibroblast cells and underscores their antimicrobial potential against pathogenic strains, offering opportunities for the development of nanoparticle-based therapeutics and antimicrobial agents in medicine and healthcare.

Antimicrobial activity of isoxazole derivatives: A brief overview

AbstractDue to their extensive range of biological actions, isoxazole and its analogues stand out among other heterocyclic compounds as a very important class of heterocycles. Over recent years, there has been a growing demand for these heterocyclic nuclei as crucial synthetic intermediates, contributing significantly to the advancement of newly formed chemical entities in the fields of pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry. Furthermore, the significance of N and O‐containing heterocycles from medicinal perspective arises from their inherent ability to readily bind with biological systems, including various enzymes and receptors, through many non‐covalent interactions. The antimicrobial potential of isoxazole compounds has been extensively studied against broad range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, etc. From a research perspective, isoxazoles exhibit antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant, analgesic, anti‐inflammatory, and central nervous system activities. It also exhibits inhibitory, glutamate transporter, and anti‐hypertensive properties, which are similar to GABA (γ‐aminobutyric acid). The current review explores the antimicrobial properties and structure‐activity relationship of different isoxazole derivatives relative to their antimicrobial efficacy. Furthermore, it seeks to highlight the potential applications and future directions in the development of isoxazole‐based antimicrobial agents.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of a 200 ppm Hypochlorous Acid Solution for Ocular Hygiene: In Vitro Analysis Against Microorganisms Linked to Ocular Infections and Dry Eye Disease

Antimicrobial Efficacy of a 200 ppm Hypochlorous Acid Solution for Ocular Hygiene: In Vitro Analysis Against Microorganisms Linked to Ocular Infections and Dry Eye Disease

Green Synthesis of Dracocephalum kotschyi-Coated Silver Nanoparticles: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Potentials.

BACKGROUND The environmentally friendly production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) has gained significant attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical methods. This study focused on synthesizing AgNPs using extract of Dracocephalum kotschyi (D. kotschyi), a medicinal plant. MATERIAL AND METHODS The biosynthesis of AgNPs was monitored using UV-visible spectrophotometry. The role of phytoconstituents from D. kotschyi in stabilizing AgNPs was analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) spectroscopy was used to determine the size, charge, and polydispersity of the nanoparticles, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to assess their morphology. We evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy of the synthesized AgNPs against various bacteria, their antioxidant properties via a 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, and their cytotoxic activity against the HeLa cervical cancer cell line. RESULTS The formation of AgNPs was indicated by a color change and the emergence of a surface plasmon resonance peak at 418 nm. The nanoparticles demonstrated significant antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anticancer activities. Morphology, size, and shape analysis revealed nearly spherical particles with an average size of 43 nm. FTIR confirmed the presence of phenolic compounds in the extract, serving as reducing and capping agents. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the crystalline structure of the nanoparticles. Antimicrobial assessments showed effectiveness against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The DPPH scavenging assay demonstrated efficient antioxidant activity, and potent apoptotic anticancer effects were observed on cervical cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS The extract of D. kotschyi was effective as a reducing agent in the environmentally friendly synthesis of AgNPs, which exhibited noteworthy antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. These findings suggest potential biomedical applications for the synthesized AgNPs.

Targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm with an evolutionary trained bacteriophage cocktail exploiting phage resistance trade-offs

Spread of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains threatens to render currently available antibiotics obsolete, with limited prospects for the development of new antibiotics. Lytic bacteriophages, the viruses of bacteria, represent a path to combat this threat. In vitro-directed evolution is traditionally applied to expand the bacteriophage host range or increase bacterial suppression in planktonic cultures. However, while up to 80% of human microbial infections are biofilm-associated, research towards targeted improvement of bacteriophages’ ability to combat biofilms remains scarce. This study aims at an in vitro biofilm evolution assay to improve multiple bacteriophage parameters in parallel and the optimisation of bacteriophage cocktail design by exploiting a bacterial bacteriophage resistance trade-off. The evolved bacteriophages show an expanded host spectrum, improved antimicrobial efficacy and enhanced antibiofilm performance, as assessed by isothermal microcalorimetry and quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Our two-phage cocktail reveals further improved antimicrobial efficacy without incurring dual-bacteriophage-resistance in treated bacteria. We anticipate this assay will allow a better understanding of phenotypic-genomic relationships in bacteriophages and enable the training of bacteriophages against other desired pathogens. This, in turn, will strengthen bacteriophage therapy as a treatment adjunct to improve clinical outcomes of multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Effect of simethicone on the bactericidal efficacy of a high-level disinfectant.

Introduction. Simethicone is an over-the-counter product that is frequently used by clinicians during endoscopic procedures to reduce foaming and improve visualization. Published studies have found simethicone residue on endoscopes after cleaning and disinfecting the devices as per the manufacturer's instructions. Some literature suggests that simethicone residue may reduce disinfection efficacy and increase the risk of patient infections.Gap Statement. However, there appears to be a lack of direct evidence in the literature to either disprove this or correlate simethicone presence with an increased microbial risk.Aim: Research was conducted to evaluate the in vitro impact of simethicone on disinfection efficacy.Methodology. Bacteria were grown in a microtitre plate assay in the presence of a range of simethicone concentrations and then treated with a disinfectant. Bacterial growth was assessed by spotting each microtitre well onto an agar plate.Results. The results demonstrated that, under the conditions tested, simethicone did not reduce the efficacy of Cidex ortho-phthalaldehyde disinfectant, which demonstrated at least a 6-log unit reduction in bacterial viability. Additional experiments showed that direct exposure to 66 mg ml-1 of simethicone reduced bacterial viability.Conclusion. These results indicate that simethicone may not reduce the bactericidal efficacy of disinfectant during reprocessing, under certain conditions.

Synthesis of new 1,4-benzodioxin derivatives containing thiazolidin-4-one skeleton, molecular modelling and docking as antibacterial agents

In this study, we synthesized a variety of 1,4-benzodioxin derivatives containing the thiazolidin-4-one skeleton and evaluated their antimicrobial properties. Several of the newly synthesized compounds exhibited potent inhibitory effects against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli. By conducting molecular docking simulations and molecular dynamics with the fatty acid synthesis enzyme FabH, we unveiled the potential antimicrobial activity of these compounds, suggesting they interfered with fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. Additionally, we optimized compound 3b and assessed its ability to disrupt biofilms using live/dead cell staining techniques. The results highlighted significant biofilm disruption, enhancing the compounds' antimicrobial efficacy. These findings provided valuable insights for the development of novel antimicrobial agents and presented a promising avenue for addressing antimicrobial resistance through innovative therapeutic approaches.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Disinfectants in Reducing Contamination of Bacterial and Viral Murine Pathogens on Gloved Hands

Disinfectant application to gloved hands before handling SPF mice is standard practice to minimize transmission of pathogens and microbial contamination between cages. The risk of contamination with murine pathogens on gloves as well as the efficacy of disinfectant application for this step is largely unknown. This study aimed to determine if murine norovirus (MNV), Helicobacter spp., and Rodentibacter spp. are detectable on gloved hands and, if they are, to evaluate how effective the application of a hydrogen peroxide-based disinfectant (Rescue) or 70% ethanol is in reducing the transfer of these pathogens while handling multiple cages of mice. Mice with natural infections of these pathogens were handled without the application of any disinfectant and the gloves were swabbed for PCR testing. All pathogens were detected via PCR with Helicobacter spp. the most frequently transferred in 83% of the cages handled. The mice were then divided into 4 treatment groups based on the product applied to gloves before handling: Rescue, 70% ethanol, sterile water, and no product. Mice in each cage were briefly handled, and the gloves were swabbed with ATP swabs after each cage and swabs for PCR testing after handling 4 and 9 cages, consecutively. All pathogens were detected via PCR in all treatment groups, and neither Rescue nor 70% ethanol was superior to water or no product in reducing contamination. Rescue and 70% ethanol were effective in maintaining lower levels of organic microbial contamination than water and no product for consecutive handling of up to 3 and 4 cages of mice, respectively. This study indicates that exposure to MNV, Helicobacter spp., and Rodentibacter spp. from handling mice is a risk and the application of Rescue or 70% ethanol is not completely effective in eliminating transfer of these pathogens.

Biowaste rice husk derived cellulosic hydrogel incorporating industrial cotton waste nonwoven for wound dressing

Bio-wastes are organic materials achieved through biological sources. The rice crop produces a substantial amount of biowaste in the form of rice husk, which is rich in cellulose. In this research, cellulose was extracted from rice husk by alkalization and bleaching process. The rice husk extracted cellulose was further used to develop cellulose hydrogel by using the sol-gel technique. The nonwoven fabric of industrial cotton waste was developed in three different GSM (50, 100, and 150). The nonwoven fabric was incorporated in the cellulose hydrogel having three different concentrations (1 %, 2 %, and 3 %) to develop the hydrogel non-woven cotton fabric composite for sustainable wound dressing applications. Moreover, prepared rice husk extracted cellulose hydrogel loaded with AgNO3 (0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 %) for achieving antibacterial characteristics. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed to confirm the existence of cellulose hydrogel layers within the cotton nonwoven composite. The developed hydrogel S12 exhibited a maximum fluid absorbency of 1281.84 % with a tensile strength of 28.6 N and elongation of 40.96 %. The results show successful rice husk extracted cellulose hydrogel formation, exhibiting structural stability, excellent exudate absorbency and moisture management, antimicrobial efficacy, and sustainability.

An Ecofriendly Nature-Inspired Microcarrier for Enhancing Delivery, Stability, and Biocidal Efficacy of Phage-Based Biopesticides.

In pursuit of sustainable agricultural production, the development of environmentally friendly and effective biopesticides is essential to improve food security and environmental sustainability. Bacteriophages, as emerging biocontrol agents, offer an alternative to conventional antibiotics and synthetic chemical pesticides. The primary challenges in applying phage-based biopesticides in agricultural settings are their inherent fragility and low biocidal efficacy, particularly the susceptibility to sunlight exposure. This study addresses the aforementioned challenges by innovatively encapsulating phages in sporopollenin exine capsules (SECs), which are derived from plant pollen grains. The size of the apertures on SECs could be controlled through a non-thermal and rapid process, combining reinflation and vacuum infusion techniques. This unique feature facilitates the high-efficiency encapsulation and controlled release of phages under various conditions. The proposed SECs could encapsulate over 9 log PFU g-1 of phages and significantly enhance the ultraviolet (UV) resistance of phages, thereby ensuring their enhanced survivability and antimicrobial efficacy. The effectiveness of SECs encapsulated phages (T7@SECs) in preventing and treating bacterial contamination on lettuce leaves is further demonstrated, highlighting the practical applicability of this novel biopesticide in field applications. Overall, this study exploits the potential of SECs in the development of phage-based biopesticides, presenting a promising strategy to enhancing agricultural sustainability.

Enhancement of antimicrobial properties of plasma electrolytic oxidation coatings on aluminum alloy surfaces with CuO nanoparticles

A coating containing copper oxide/cuprous oxide (CuO/Cu2O) nanoparticles with excellent antimicrobial properties was synthesized on the surface of an aluminum alloy substrate by plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technology. This study focuses on the impact of incorporating CuO nanoparticles on the coating's composition, microstructure, mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial efficacy. EDS and XPS analyses confirmed that the primary components of the coating are Al2O3 and Cu2O/CuO, with the Cu element predominantly located in the micropores and microcracks of the coating. The inclusion of CuO nanoparticles significantly increased the coating's thickness, hardness, and densification while reducing surface roughness. Electrochemical tests and antimicrobial experiments demonstrated that the PEO coating with added CuO nanoparticles exhibited excellent corrosion resistance, with an antimicrobial rate against Staphylococcus aureus reaching 99.06 %, compared to 45.12 % for the ordinary PEO coating. The study also investigated the effects of key process parameters (positive voltage, negative voltage, duty cycle, and CuO nanoparticle concentration) on the coating's antimicrobial rate, identifying optimal parameters for maximum antimicrobial performance. Studies have shown that the incorporation of CuO nanoparticles effectively enhances the overall performance of PEO coatings, particularly in terms of antibacterial and corrosion resistance. The process parameters mainly influence the antimicrobial properties of the coating by affecting the state and content of Cu. This coating shows promising application prospects in medical devices, such as orthopedic external fixation frames, microsurgical instruments, and prosthetic devices.

Preparation, characterization and biological activity of Co-doped ZnO nanostructured thin film: A comprehensive study on its photo-physical properties and antimicrobial efficacy against food-borne pathogen

The Co@ZnO thin film deposited on glass substrate with dopant contents of cobalt ranging from 0 to 10 % were fabricated using spray pyrolysis coating method. The prepared nanocomposite thin film was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV–vis and Raman spectroscopy. Some surfaces structural probing of the deposited samples confirmed nanolamination of hexagonal wurtzite phase of ZnO with no other impurity phases and high adherence on the soda lime glass substrate. Average grain sizes (56–43 nm) and lattice strain of the films were found to be tailored with the variation of Co-dopant content, signifying phonon confinement or defect/disorder caused by the Co-dopant impurity on the ZnO host particle owing to the impurity levels and oxygen vacancy states. The film demonstrated high optical transmittance with enhanced photoabsorbtion and narrow optical band gap (3.24–2.64 eV) with increasing Co-dopant content. In evaluating its antibacterial efficacy, the Co@ZnO thin film was tested at different dopant concentration against Bacillus cereus (foodborne pathogen). The result revealed that the films exhibits excellent inhibitory effect on the pathogen, with highest activity obtained at 10 % Co@ZnO. Furthermore, a more improved inhibitory activity was recorded when at 10 % Co@ZnO dopant was exposed to UV irradiation.

Microencapsulation of Azadirachta indica oil and Tinospora cordifolia extracts blend for single-use applications

The innovative utilization of the microencapsulation technique and the antimicrobial properties of Azadirachta Indica (A.I.) and Tinospora cordifolia (T.C.) present a novel approach to producing antiseptic wipes. In this study, microcapsules with A.I. oil and T.C. extracts were synthesized and integrated into non-woven cotton fabric aiming to create disposable antiseptic medical wipes. The T.C. extract and A.I. oil were used in a 1:1 ratio and microencapsulated utilizing sodium alginate as the encapsulation material through an ionic gelation process. The optical microscope analysis of microcapsules revealed diverse microcapsule sizes, ranging from 50 μm to 180 μm in diameter and scanning electron microscopy revealed that the treated fabric has uniform distribution of microcapsules across the entire fabric surface. The antimicrobial efficacy was evaluated through disk diffusion for the extract and oil and the fabric's antimicrobial activity was assessed by measuring bacterial reduction. The treated fabric displayed substantial reductions in both Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus (87 %) and Bacillus cereus (99 %)) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli (81 %) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (99 %)). Although the treated fabric exhibited a slight decrease in whiteness (48.5–39), this alteration did not adversely affect other fabric properties. These findings underscore the potential of microencapsulated natural extracts in producing effective antimicrobial medical wipes, thereby contributing to infection control.

Biocompatibility, antimicrobial efficacy, and therapeutic potential of cobalt carbonate nanoparticles in wound healing, sex hormones, and metabolic regulation in diabetic albino mice

Nanotechnology enables the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale, offering innovative solutions in various fields. Nanoparticles, with their small size and unique properties, have significant applications in the biomedical filed. The current study was designed to assess the biological applications of self-synthesized cobalt carbonate (CoCO3) nanoparticles. The crystalline structure and chemical composition of the CoCO3-NPs were confirmed by SEM, XRD, and FTIR techniques. We observed the 16.58 nm size of novelly synthesized CoCO3 NPS. The scanning electron microscope study confirmed a uniform cubic spinel structure. The biocompatibility and antimicrobial activity were checked in an invitro setup. We exposed albino mice to these synthesized NPs to study wound healing and metabolic effects. The results of biocompatibility analysis indicated hemolytic activity in a dose-dependent way, which showed no cytotoxic effect except at a higher concentration. Furthermore, the results showed enhanced wound healing processes in CoCO3-NP-treated albino mice as compared to the control group. CoCO3-NPs have considerable effect on the thyroid hormone and insulin levels in albino mice. The levels of T3, T4, and insulin were increased in a dose-dependent manner. Interactions between CoCO3-NPs and thyroxine and insulin were confirmed through molecular docking. We confirmed the antimicrobial efficiency of the nanoparticles using MIC values and zones of inhibition against Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Staphylococcus aureus. Despite their concentration-dependent biocompatibility concerns, the results are promising, as CoCO3-NPs hold potential for use in medical practice, particularly in advanced wound management and microbe inhibition.

Development and characterization of nitazoxanide-loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) membrane for GTR/GBR applications

ObjectiveGuided tissue/guided bone regeneration (GTR/GBR) membranes are widely used for periodontal bone regeneration, but their success depends on a bacteria-free environment. Systemic antibiotic treatment often proves inadequate, moreover, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance in oral infections exacerbates this challenge. This study aimed to fabricate antibacterial membranes using a new class of antibiotics for local drug delivery, to eradicate infections and promote tissue regeneration. MethodsMembranes loaded with nitazoxanide (NTZ) were fabricated via electrospinning using poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with varying concentrations of NTZ (0 %, 2.5 %, and 5 % w/w) relative to the polymer weight. Morphochemical of NTZ-loaded membranes were assessed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Mechanical properties were evaluated using universal testing machine and NTZ release profile from membranes was determined by spectrophotometer (λmax = 444) for 14 days. Antimicrobial efficacy against periodontal pathogens, cell compatibility and mineralization were evaluated using periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs). ResultsOptimized spinning parameter maintained a uniform fiber diameter and successful loading of NTZ was confirmed by SEM-EDS and FTIR. NTZ incorporation did not significantly affect mechanical properties, whereas the drug release kinetics showed an initial burst, followed by sustained release over 14 days. NTZ-loaded membranes demonstrated antibacterial activity against Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn). Importantly, the presence of NTZ showed minimal cell toxicity; however, it reduced the mineralization potential compared with that of the pure PCL membrane, which increased over time. SignificanceTaken together, these findings established that NTZ-loaded membranes could be promising barrier membrane to counteract microbial environment and aid periodontal bone regeneration.