Antimicrobial Effects Research Articles

3D Printed Porous Okara-Based Sponge with Hemostatic and Antimicrobial Effects for Wound Healing

3D Printed Porous Okara-Based Sponge with Hemostatic and Antimicrobial Effects for Wound Healing

Influence of the Glutaraldehyde-based and Quaternary Ammonium Compounds Based Aerosol Disinfectant on Some of the Physiological and Zootechnical Indices in Broiler Chickens

Introduction. A huge number of disinfectants are used for aerosol disinfection of poultry premises, most of them are recommended for preventive or terminal disinfection carried out in the absence of poultry. At the same time, some products available to veterinary services are recommended for concurrent disinfection and are used in the presence of poultry, although, not all of them meet the requirements on composition, purpose and mode of use. The one of interest is a glutaraldehyde-based and quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) based disinfectant, which has already been investigated in the scientific sources, however the influence of this agent on the physiological and zootechnical status of poultry treated therewith has not been fully studied. The aim of this research is to study the physiological status and productive qualities of the broiler chickens exposed to direct aerosol treatment with the glutaraldehydeand QAD based disinfectant.Materials and Methods. The research was conducted from October to November 2019 in the industrial poultry farm settings in a large flock of broiler chickens of the Cobb 500 cross, divided into two groups — experimental and control one. In the experimental poultry house, on the 10th day after putting the broiler chickens in the house, a preventive aerosol disinfection was carried out by means of the Nebulo cold fogger in the presence of poultry. A 0.5% solution of glutaraldehydeand QAD based disinfectant was used in a dosage of 5 ml per 1 m3 (the maximum permissible concentration exceeding the recommended one). In the control poultry house the aerosol disinfection was not carried out. The biochemical tests of blood serum (alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin, total protein, creatinine, blood urea, blood uric acid) were made using a biochemical analyser. The zootechnical indices were also studied (livability, mortality, average daily gain, feed and water consumption during the full growing life cycle, feed conversion ratio).Results. The time history of the blood serum biochemical indices showed that the use of the glutaraldehydeand QAD based aerosol disinfectant in the specified above dosage in the presence of broiler chickens did not cause a negative, toxic effect on chickens’ metabolic indicators — all changes fluctuated slightly within the physiological norm. The zootechnical monitoring data have revealed the positive effect of the aerosol disinfection on the growth and maturing of chickens, enhancement of the livestock livability and poultry average daily gain due to the decrease of microbial burden on the growing organisms of chickens. The broiler chickens livability during the entire growing period in the experimental group was 0.84% higher than in the control group. Also, the average daily gain by the end of the growing period in the experimental group was 1.52% higher than in the control group, and the average liveweight of one bird was 2 137.7 g (experimental group) and 2 111.1 g (control group). At the same time, the feed costs in the experimental group were 0.11% less than in the control group.Discussion and Conclusion. It was found that the use of a glutaraldehydeand QAD based aerosol disinfectant, even in the maximum permissible concentration in the presence of poultry, not only didn’t have a negative effect on the physiological and zootechnical status of the broiler chickens, but, on the contrary, fostered creation of the more comfortable conditions for their keeping and growing. The obtained research results allow us to confidently recommend this method of aerosol disinfection to be used in the animal and poultry keeping premises.

Imaging Mass Spectrometry and Genome Mining Reveal Antimicrobial Peptides of Novel Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM18

The mechanism of metabolites produced by lactic acid bacteria in mediating microbial interactions has been difficult to ascertain. This study comparatively evaluated the antimicrobial effect of the novel bacterium Pediococcus acidilactici CCFM18 and explored the global chemical view of its interactions with indicator bacteria. P. acidilactici CCFM18 had sufficiently strong antimicrobial activity to effectively inhibit the growth of the indicator bacteria and enhance their intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. The emerging technique of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) imaging mass spectrometry indicated that P. acidilactici CCFM18 increased the production of pediocin PA-1 and the penocin A profile during its interaction with the indicator bacteria, thus differing from P. acidilactici CCFM28 (a commonly used laboratory strain). Strikingly, the production of coagulin A was triggered only by signaling molecules made by the competing strain L. thermophilus, suggesting an idiosyncratic response from P. acidilactici CCFM18. Bioinformatic mining of the P. acidilactici CCFM18 draft genome sequence revealed gene loci that code for the complex secondary metabolites analyzed via MSI. Taken together, these results illustrate that chemical interactions between P. acidilactici CCFM18 and indicator bacteria exhibit high complexity and specificity and can drive P. acidilactici CCFM18 to produce different secondary metabolites.

Enhancing the Physical, Antimicrobial, and Osteo/Odontogenic Properties of a Sol–Gel-Derived Tricalcium Silicate by Graphene Oxide for Vital Pulp Therapies

Objectives: This study developed a sol–gel tricalcium silicate/graphene oxide (TCS-GO) composite and examined its physicochemical properties, antimicrobial activity, and osteo/odontogenic effect on dental pulp stem cells. Methods: Tricalcium silicate was synthesized and combined with graphene oxide at three different concentrations, namely 0.02%, 0.04%, and 0.08% w/w, while tricalcium silicate and mineral trioxide aggregate served as controls. The setting time, compressive strength, pH, and calcium ion release of the composites were evaluated, as well as antimicrobial properties against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. Additionally, the viability of dental pulp stem cells; apatite forming ability; and the gene expression of Alkaline phosphatase, Dentin sialophosphoprotein, and Runt-related transcription factor 2 were assessed. Results: TCS-GO (0.08%) showed a significantly shorter setting time and higher compressive strength when compared to MTA (p < 0.05). Additionally, tricalcium silicate and TCS-GO groups showed a higher release of Ca ions than MTA, with no significant difference in pH values among the different groups. TCS-GO (0.08%) also demonstrated a significantly stronger antimicrobial effect against Lactobacillus acidophilus compared to MTA (p < 0.05). ALP expression was higher in TCS-GO (0.08%) than MTA on days 3 and 7, while DSPP expression was higher in TCS-GO (0.08%) than MTA on day 3 but reversed on day 7. There was no significant difference in RUNX2 expression between TCS-GO (0.08%) and MTA on days 3 and 7. Conclusions: The TCS-GO (0.08%) composite demonstrated superior physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial properties compared to MTA. Moreover, the early upregulation of ALP and DSPP markers in TCS-GO (0.08%) indicates that it has the potential to promote and enhance the osteo/odontogenic differentiation of DPSCs.

Longitudinal lung function trajectories in response to azithromycin therapy for chronic lung disease in children with HIV infection: a secondary analysis of the BREATHE trial

BackgroundChronic lung disease (CLD) is common among children with HIV (CWH) including in those taking antiretroviral therapy (ART). Azithromycin has both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects and has been effective in improving lung function in a variety of lung diseases. We investigated lung function trajectories among CWH with CLD on ART enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of adjuvant azithromycin. We also investigated factors that modified the effect of azithromycin on lung function.MethodsThe study used data from a double-blinded placebo-controlled trial conducted in Malawi and Zimbabwe of 48 weeks on azithromycin (BREATHE: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02426112) among CWH aged 6 to 19 years taking ART for at least six months who had a forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) z-score <-1.0. Participants had a further follow-up period of 24 weeks after intervention cessation. FEV1, forced vital capacity (FVC) and FEV1/FVC were measured at baseline, 24, 48 and 72-weeks and z-scores values calculated. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) models were used to determine the mean effect of azithromycin on lung-function z-scores at each follow-up time point.ResultsOverall, 347 adolescents (51% male, median age 15 years) were randomized to azithromycin or placebo. The median duration on ART was 6.2 (interquartile range: 3.8–8.6) years and 56.2% had an HIV viral load < 1000copies/ml at baseline. At baseline, the mean FEV1 z-score was − 2.0 (0.7) with 44.7% (n = 155) having an FEV1 z-score <-2, and 10.1% had microbiological evidence of azithromycin resistance. In both trial arms, FEV1 and FVC z-scores improved by 24 weeks but appeared to decline thereafter. The adjusted overall mean difference in FEV1 z-score between the azithromycin and placebo arms was 0.004 [-0.08, 0.09] suggesting no azithromycin effect and this was similar for other lung function parameters. There was no evidence of interaction between azithromycin effect and baseline age, lung function, azithromycin resistance or HIV viral load.ConclusionThere was no observed azithromycin effect on lung function z-scores at any time point suggesting no therapeutic effect on lung function.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT02426112. First registered on 24/04/2015.

Native Microalgae-Bacteria Consortia: A Sustainable Approach for Effective Urban Wastewater Bioremediation and Disinfection

Native Microalgae-Bacteria Consortia: A Sustainable Approach for Effective Urban Wastewater Bioremediation and Disinfection

Protein hydrolysates of millets: an effective therapeutic to wide range of diseases

Purpose Millets are underused crops that have the potential to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Recent research has proved immense nutritional benefits associated with millets which have increased their utilization to some extent but yet their sole potential is left to be exploited. Different millet varieties have exceptional nutritional and nutraceutical properties which can ameliorate even the deadly conditions of cancers. They have significant protein composition ranging from 10% to 12% which possess effective bioactive potential. Protein hydrolysates containing bioactive peptides have been evaluated for their therapeutic effects against a variety of diseases. This review aims to discuss the bioactive potential of different millet protein hydrolysates to encourage research for development of effective natural therapeutics. Design/methodology/approach The present article elaborates on effective studies on the therapeutic effects of millet protein hydrolysates. Findings Several effective millet peptides have been reported for their therapeutic effect against different diseases and their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial and antidiabetic effects have been investigated. Originality/value This review focuses on millet bioactive peptides and their significance in treating variety of diseases. Thus, will further encourage research to explore the novel therapeutic effects of millet proteins hydrolysates which can eventually result in the development of natural and safe therapeutics.

Durable antibacterial coatings on Kirschner wires via redox-assisted co-deposition

The Kirschner wire (K-wire) is a versatile and effective external fixator in orthopedic surgery. However, a recognized challenge associated with the use of K-wires is the potential for bacterial migration and subsequent infection as the wire passes through the skin and penetrates the bone. In this study, we developed a straightforward method for depositing antibacterial ions on K-wires by redox-assisted co-deposition. This method offers several advantages over conventional coating techniques, including uniformity, high coverage, strong adhesion, and scalability. As a result, K-wires treated with this method have a rapid and long-lasting antimicrobial effect. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated that these antimicrobial K-wires have an excellent bacterial elimination. The results of this study provide new opportunities for the application of robust and multifunctional antibacterial coating materials on implantable devices with great potential in the fields of orthopedics, transplantation and surgery.

Antibacterial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles against Oral Biofilms in Subjects with Motor and Intellectual Disabilities

Background: Motor and intellectual disabilities (MIDs) represent a great challenge for maintaining general health due to physical and cognitive limitations, particularly in the maintenance and preservation of oral health. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic tool for bacterial control, including oral biofilms; however, knowledge of the bactericidal effectiveness of oral biofilms from patients with MIDs is insufficient. This study aims to determine the antimicrobial effect of AgNPs on different oral biofilms taken from patients with and without MIDs. Methods: Two sizes of AgNPs were prepared and characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Through consecutive sampling, biofilm samples were collected from 17 subjects with MIDs and 20 subjects without disorders. The antimicrobial effect was determined by obtaining the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs, and the identification and distribution of oral bacterial species were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Finally, correlations between sociodemographic characteristics and the antimicrobial levels of AgNPs were also explored. The values of the MIC results were analyzed with IBM-SPSS software (version25) using non-parametric tests for independent groups and correlations, with statistical significance being considered as p &lt; 0.05. Results: Both sizes of AgNPs exhibited tight particle size distributions (smaller: 10.2 ± 0.7 nm; larger: 29.3 ± 2.3 nm) with zeta potential values (−35.0 ± 3.3 and −52.6 ± 8.5 mV, respectively) confirming the stability that resulted in little to no agglomeration of nanoparticles. Although both sizes of AgNPs had good antimicrobial activity in all oral biofilms, the smallest particles had the best antimicrobial effects on the oral biofilm samples from patients with and without MIDs, even better than chlorhexidine (CHX) (p &lt; 0.05). Likewise, the patients with disabilities showed higher levels of antimicrobial sensitivity to AgNPs compared with CHX (p &lt; 0.05). Although the microorganisms included in the biofilms of females had a statistically higher growth level, the AgNP antimicrobial effect was statistically similar in both genders (p &gt; 0.05). The most frequent bacteria for all oral biofilms were S. mutans (100%), P. intermedia (91.6%), T. forsythia (75.0%), T. denticola (75.0%), P. gingivalis (66.6%), F. nucleatum (66.6%), S. sobrinus (50.0%), and A. actinomycetemcomitans (8.3%). Conclusions: AgNPs exhibited considerable antimicrobial potential to be used as a complementary and alternative tool in maintaining and preserving oral health in patients with MIDs.

Effective degradation of various bacterial toxins using ozone ultrafine bubble water.

Infectious and foodborne diseases pose significant global threats, with devastating consequences in low- and middle-income countries. Ozone, derived from atmospheric oxygen, exerts antimicrobial effects against various microorganisms, and degrades fungal toxins, which were initially recognized in the healthcare and food industries. However, highly concentrated ozone gas can be detrimental to human health. In addition, ozonated water is unstable and has a short half-life. Therefore, ultrafine-bubble technology is expected to overcome these issues. Ultrafine bubbles, which are nanoscale entitles that exist in water for considerable durations, have previously demonstrated bactericidal effects against various bacterial species, including antibiotic-resistant strains. This present study investigated the effects of ozone ultrafine bubble water (OUFBW) on various bacterial toxins. This study revealed that OUFBW treatment abolished the toxicity of pneumolysin, a pneumococcal pore-forming toxin, and leukotoxin, a toxin that causes leukocyte injury. Silver staining confirmed the degradation of pneumolysin, leukotoxin, and staphylococcal enterotoxin A, which are potent gastrointestinal toxins, following OUFB treatment. In addition, OUFBW treatment significantly inhibited NF-κB activation by Pam3CSK4, a synthetic triacylated lipopeptide that activates Toll-like receptor 2. Additionally, OUFBW exerted bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus, including an antibiotic-resistant strain, without displaying significant toxicity toward human neutrophils or erythrocytes. These results suggest that OUFBW not only sterilizes bacteria but also degrades bacterial toxins.

Ultrasensitive Dual ELONA/SERS-RPA Multiplex Diagnosis of Antimicrobial Resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat concern, necessitating healthcare practitioners to accurately prescribe the most effective antimicrobial agents with correct doses to combat resistant infections. This is necessary to improve the therapeutic outcomes for patients and prevent further increase in AMR. Consequently, there is an urgent need to implement rapid and sensitive clinical diagnostic methods to identify resistant pathogenic strains and monitor the efficacy of antimicrobials. In this study, we report a novel proof-of-concept magnetic scaffold-recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) technique, coupled with an enzyme-linked oligonucleotide assay (ELONA) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection, aimed at selectively amplifying and detecting the DNA signature of three resistant carbapenemase genes, VIM, KPC, and IMP. To achieve this, streptavidin-coated magnetic beads were functionalized with biotin-modified forward primers. RPA was conducted on the surface of the beads, resulting in an immobilized duplex amplicon featuring a single overhang tail specific to each gene. These tails were subsequently hybridized with recognition HRP probes conjugated to a complementary single-stranded oligonucleotide and detected colorimetrically. Additionally, they underwent hybridization with similar selective SERS probes and were measured using a handheld Raman spectrometer. The resulting quantification limits were at subpicomolar level for both assays, allowing the potential for early diagnosis. Moreover, we demonstrated the platform capability to conduct a multiplex RPA-SERS detection of the three genes in a single tube. Compared to similar approaches like PCR, RPA offers advantages of speed, affordability, and isothermal operation at 37 °C, eliminating the need for a thermal cycler. The whole assay was completed within <2 h. Therefore, this novel magnetic scaffold ELONA/SERS-RPA platform, for DNA detection, demonstrated excellent capability for the rapid monitoring of AMR in point-of-care applications, in terms of sensitivity, portability, and speed of analysis.

Comparable Antibacterial Effects of Silver and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Urinary Calculi Obtained After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Background: In recent years, science and industry have focused on preparing nanoparticles (NPs). Due to the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, there is an overwhelming need to find effective antimicrobials with fewer side effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize silver and iron oxide NPs and investigate their antimicrobial effects on bacteria isolated from urinary stones. Methods: Cases of urolithiasis from 45 patients with staghorn stones, extracted through percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), were included in the study. Urinary stone cultures were performed, and the isolation and identification of bacteria were done using standard microbiological techniques. Silver and iron oxide NPs were synthesized, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were evaluated for the isolates. Results: Seventeen (60.7%) out of 28 positive cultured cases of the isolated bacteria were gram-negative, and 11 (39.3%) were gram-positive. The most abundant isolated bacterium was Escherichia coli, with 13 cases (46.4%). The antibacterial effects of silver and iron oxide NPs revealed that the maximum inhibitory zone for Ag NPs at 1000 ppm was 23 mm, and for Fe3O4 NPs, it was 18.5 mm. The MIC was 180 µg/mL for Ag and 250 µg/mL for Fe3O4. The MBC was 228 µg/mL for Ag and 300 µg/mL for Fe3O4. Conclusions: Nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial effects on the bacteria studied in a concentration-dependent manner. Ag NPs showed a more pronounced bactericidal effect than Fe3O4 NPs. As a result, these two NPs demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Comparable Antibacterial Effects of Silver and Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Urinary Calculi Obtained After Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy

Background: In recent years, science and industry have focused on preparing nanoparticles (NPs). Due to the resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, there is an overwhelming need to find effective antimicrobials with fewer side effects. Objectives: The aim of this study was to synthesize silver and iron oxide NPs and investigate their antimicrobial effects on bacteria isolated from urinary stones. Methods: Cases of urolithiasis from 45 patients with staghorn stones, extracted through percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), were included in the study. Urinary stone cultures were performed, and the isolation and identification of bacteria were done using standard microbiological techniques. Silver and iron oxide NPs were synthesized, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) were evaluated for the isolates. Results: Seventeen (60.7%) out of 28 positive cultured cases of the isolated bacteria were gram-negative, and 11 (39.3%) were gram-positive. The most abundant isolated bacterium was Escherichia coli, with 13 cases (46.4%). The antibacterial effects of silver and iron oxide NPs revealed that the maximum inhibitory zone for Ag NPs at 1000 ppm was 23 mm, and for Fe3O4 NPs, it was 18.5 mm. The MIC was 180 µg/mL for Ag and 250 µg/mL for Fe3O4. The MBC was 228 µg/mL for Ag and 300 µg/mL for Fe3O4. Conclusions: Nanoparticles exhibited antibacterial effects on the bacteria studied in a concentration-dependent manner. Ag NPs showed a more pronounced bactericidal effect than Fe3O4 NPs. As a result, these two NPs demonstrated effective antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaves) against Xenobiotics, Heavy Metals, and Hepatotoxic Agents: A Comprehensive Review.

Liver disease, responsible for two million annual deaths, causes Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) and cirrhosis, causing roughly a million deaths yearly. Treatment options for liver injury induced by hepatotoxicity vary, including medication (N-acetylcysteine, corticosteroids, and ursodeoxycholic acid), lifestyle changes, and sometimes liver transplant. However, effectiveness varies, and some treatments carry risks and side effects, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic approaches. Murraya koenigii (MK) is known for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, wound-healing, anti-cancerous and immunomodulatory effects, etc. This review highlights the effectiveness of MK against liver damage induced by heavy metals, drug abuse, xenobiotics, etc. A comprehensive search across multiple databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and others for articles on various hepatotoxicants and hepatoprotective activity of MK was conducted. The researchers applied specific search terms and limits, resulting in 149 eligible articles for final analysis, meeting predetermined inclusion criteria and excluding irrelevant studies. According to the available literature, the phytochemical components of MK, such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids present in various extracts, play a crucial role in reversing the hepatotoxic effects by modifying oxidative and ER stresses, re-establishing the hepatic biochemical markers and enzymes involved in metabolism denoting ameliorative activity, and controlling the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To conclude, this review highlights that MK has great potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent, providing a versatile defense against a range of injuries caused by heavy metals, xenobiotics, and common hepatotoxic agents.

With Blue Light against Biofilms: Berberine as Natural Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Inactivation of Human Pathogens

Evolving antibiotic resistance of bacteria is a prevailing global challenge in health care and requires the development of safe and efficient alternatives to classic antibiotics. Photodynamic Inactivation (PDI) has proven to be a promising alternative for treatment of a broad range of microorganisms. Photodynamic Inactivation uses photoactive molecules that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon illumination and in the presence of oxygen, which immediately kill pathogenic target organisms. Relevant photoactive properties are provided by berberine. Originally extracted from Barberry (Berberis vulgaris), it is a natural compound widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. With this study, we demonstrated the potential of berberine chloride hydrate (Ber) as a photosensitizer for PDI of important human pathogens, Gram(+) Staphylococcus capitis subsp. capitis, Gram(+) Staphylococcus aureus, and Gram(−) Escherichia coli. In vitro experiments on planktonic and biofilm cultures were conducted focusing on Ber activated with visible light in the blue wavelength range. The number of planktonic S. capitis cells was reduced by 7 log10 steps using 100 µM Ber (5 min incubation, illumination with 435 nm LED array, radiant exposure 25 J/cm2). For an antibacterial effect of 4 log10 steps, static S. capitis biofilms required 1 mM Ber, a drug-to-light interval of 60 min, and illumination with 100 J/cm2. Almost all planktonic cells of Staphylococcus aureus could be photokilled using 100 µM Ber (drug-to-light interval of 30 min, radiant exposure 25 J/cm2). Biofilms of S. aureus could be phototreated (3 log10 steps inactivation) when using 1 mM Ber incubated for 5 min and photoactivated with 100 J/cm2. The study is highlighted by the proof that PDI treatment using Ber showed an antibacterial effect on Gram(−) E. coli. Planktonic cells could be reduced by 3 log10 steps with 100 µM Ber (5 min incubation, 435 nm, 25 J/cm2). With 5 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid disodium salt dihydrate (Na2EDTA) or 1.2% polyaspartic acid (PASA) in addition, a relative inactivation of 4 log10 steps and 7 log10 steps, respectively, was detectable. Furthermore, we showed that an antibacterial effect of 3.4 log10 towards E. coli biofilms was given when using 1 mM Ber (5 min incubation, 435 nm, 100 J/cm2). These results underscore the significance of PDI-treatment with Ber as a natural compound in combination with blue light as valuable antimicrobial application.

Antibacterial power of Pomegranate extracts against Beta-Lactamase producing Escherichia coli

Herbs, as the pomegranate (Punica granatum L.)(P. granatum), has significant chemical constituents with distinct pharmacological properties. These chemicals confer neuroprotective, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties to the plant. Pomegranate has specific components that enable its pharmacological actions; one of the functions of pomegranate extracts is to deactivate what is called extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) that makes Escherichia coli (E. coli) resistant to standard antibiotics. Twenty E. coli strains identified as beta-lactamase producers, the strains isolated from urine samples collected from patients with symptomatic urinary tract infection (UTI) and molecularly characterised using 16S rDNA. The study evaluated the antibiotic sensitivity and antibacterial activities of acetone and ethanolic pomegranate leaf and peel extracts, assessing their antimicrobial susceptibility against nineteen antibiotics. The ehanolic peel (EP) and leave (EL) extracts showed inhibitory potential inhibition zones spanning (9.0-12.6-18.3 mm) against E. coli pathogen producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase as compared with (10.2-15.3 mm) inhibition scale exhibited by acetone peel (AP) and leave (AL) extracts treatment. Pomegranate leaves and peel extracts contain bioactive compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and other biological effects, and can be fractionated for the identification of new antibacterial bioactive compounds for the development of drugs against ESBL- E. coli, in addition to their synergy with antibiotics for combination therapy that may have effective management and treatment of multidrug-resistant infections such as urinary tract infection.

Hepatoprotective Potential of Murraya koenigii (Curry Leaves) against Xenobiotics, Heavy Metals, and Hepatotoxic Agents: A Comprehensive Review.

Liver disease, responsible for two million annual deaths, causes Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) and cirrhosis, causing roughly a million deaths yearly. Treatment options for liver injury induced by hepatotoxicity vary, including medication (N-acetylcysteine, corticosteroids, and ursodeoxycholic acid), lifestyle changes, and sometimes liver transplant. However, effectiveness varies, and some treatments carry risks and side effects, highlighting the need for improved therapeutic approaches. Murraya koenigii (MK) is known for its hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, wound-healing, anti-cancerous and immunomodulatory effects, etc. This review highlights the effectiveness of MK against liver damage induced by heavy metals, drug abuse, xenobiotics, etc. A comprehensive search across multiple databases like PubMed, Google Scholar, and others for articles on various hepatotoxicants and hepatoprotective activity of MK was conducted. The researchers applied specific search terms and limits, resulting in 149 eligible articles for final analysis, meeting predetermined inclusion criteria and excluding irrelevant studies. According to the available literature, the phytochemical components of MK, such as flavonoids, tannins, and alkaloids present in various extracts, play a crucial role in reversing the hepatotoxic effects by modifying oxidative and ER stresses, re-establishing the hepatic biochemical markers and enzymes involved in metabolism denoting ameliorative activity, and controlling the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To conclude, this review highlights that MK has great potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent, providing a versatile defense against a range of injuries caused by heavy metals, xenobiotics, and common hepatotoxic agents.

Phytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and antimicrobial potential of extracts with gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles obtained from pteridophyte spores

Investigating the toxicity of naturally occurring or synthesized nanoparticles for various applications is absolutely necessary for environmental protection and safety use. The aim of these research was to investigated the phytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and antibacterial potential of the extracts with gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Au-Ag NPs) obtained from green synthesis in Asplenium scolopendrium L. and Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott spores extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the Au-Ag NPs phytosynthesis based on extracts obtained from fern spores. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis of the samples revealed the maximum absorbance, characteristic of samples with bimetallic nanoparticles, which varied depending on the Au:Ag ratio. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence and distribution of Au, Ag and other chemical elements. The presence of specific secondary metabolites in the extracts that helped in NPs biosynthesis stimulated growth processes. Good results were recorded for some Dryopteris filix-mas samples, correlated with a significantly increased mitotic index. Cell viability decreased significantly in three of the nanoformulations. Only extracts with Au-Ag NPs showed antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. The testing of the antibacterial potential of these extracts must be extended to other bacterial strains and other microorganisms, the search of new antimicrobial resources being an urgent necessity nowadays.

Phytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and antimicrobial potential of extracts with gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles obtained from pteridophyte spores

Investigating the toxicity of naturally occurring or synthesized nanoparticles for various applications is absolutely necessary for environmental protection and safety use. The aim of these research was to investigated the phytotoxicity, cytogenotoxicity and antibacterial potential of the extracts with gold-silver bimetallic nanoparticles (Au-Ag NPs) obtained from green synthesis in Asplenium scolopendrium L. and Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott spores extracts. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the Au-Ag NPs phytosynthesis based on extracts obtained from fern spores. UV-Vis spectroscopy analysis of the samples revealed the maximum absorbance, characteristic of samples with bimetallic nanoparticles, which varied depending on the Au:Ag ratio. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence and distribution of Au, Ag and other chemical elements. The presence of specific secondary metabolites in the extracts that helped in NPs biosynthesis stimulated growth processes. Good results were recorded for some Dryopteris filix-mas samples, correlated with a significantly increased mitotic index. Cell viability decreased significantly in three of the nanoformulations. Only extracts with Au-Ag NPs showed antimicrobial effect against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633 and Escherichia coli ATCC 8739. The testing of the antibacterial potential of these extracts must be extended to other bacterial strains and other microorganisms, the search of new antimicrobial resources being an urgent necessity nowadays.

A novel antibiotic: the antimicrobial effects of CFBSA and its application on electronspun wound dressing

N-chloro-N-fluorobenzenesulfonylamide (CFBSA), was a novel chlorinating reagent, which exhibits potential antibacterial activities. In this study, CFBSA was confirmed as a wide-broad antimicrobial and bactericidal drug against different gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria and fungi, while it was found to have low cytotoxicity for eukaryotic cells. In addition, microorganism morphology assay and oxidative stress test was used to determine the antimicrobial mechanisms of CFBSA. According to the results, CFBSA probably had a target on cell membrane and killed microorganism by disrupting its cell membrane. Then, CFBSA was first combined with poly(L-lactide-co-caprolactone) (PLCL)/SF via electrospinning and applied in wound dressings. The characterization of different PLCL/SF of CFBSA-loaded nanofibrous mats was investigated by SEM, water contact angle, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cell compatibility and antimicrobial test. CFBSA-loaded PLCL/SF nanofibrous mats showed excellent antimicrobial activities. In order to balance of the biocompatibility and antibacterial efficiency, SP-2.5 was selected as the ideal loading concentration for further application of CFBSA-loaded PLCL/SF. In conclusion, the electrospun CFBSA-loaded PLCL/SF nanofibrous mat with its broad-spectrum antimicrobial and bactericidal activity and good biocompatibility showed enormous potential for wound dressing.