Pathogenic Gram-positive Bacteria Research Articles

The “Carpenter,” a substrate for green synthesis: Biosynthesis and antimicrobial potential

The frequent use of antibiotics has created favorable conditions for bacteria to develop resistance. Bacterial resistance is an issue for global health killing at least 1 million people worldwide annually. The quest for new and effective antimicrobials with activities against resistance bacteria demands immediate attention. The use of nanoparticles as antimicrobials alternatives to conventional antibiotics may have the potential to combat bacterial resistance. Silver nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles have captivated the interest of most researchers by virtue of their broad-range antimicrobial activity against bacteria due to their strong biocidal effect against microorganisms. Silver nanoparticles have been traditionally synthesized by physical chemical and biological process. However, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from wings of carpenter bees Xylocopa virginica, which is abundantly available in summer in the United States of America, is yet to be explored. Herein, we report the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using wing extract of carpenter bees X. virginica. Subsequently the biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by UV–Visible absorption spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of the biosynthesized nanoparticles was investigated against two common Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria viz Klebsiella pneumonia, Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and Staphylococcus aureus using microdilution method. The results of this study indicate that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from X. virginica wing extract showed an absorption band at 440 nm and SEM revealed spherical nanoparticles 20- 60 nm in size. Additionally, biosynthesizes silver nanoparticles from the wings of X. virginica exhibited antimicrobial activity against all the tested bacteria signifying their biomedical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural potential.

Quaternary nanorods: promising versatile agents for cancer therapy, antimicrobial strategies and free radical neutralization

Cu2XSnS4 (CXTS; X: Zn, Mn or Co) nanorods (NRs) were prepared by a simple hot-injection method and their cytotoxic activities on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7), metastatic melanoma (451Lu) and embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell lines were investigated for the first time. The antibacterial activities of these nanoparticles on both gram-positive (S. aureus) and gram-negative (E. coli) pathogenic bacteria as well as their DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl) scavenging activities were evaluated. The structural characterizations show that the obtained nanoparticles have the same crystal structure and are shaped as nanorods with an average 10–40 nm edge length. The data obtained in cytotoxicity studies revealed that the synthesized CXTS NRs have a significant inhibition effect, especially on cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and 451Lu), in a dose-dependent manner over a period of 24 h, demonstrating their potential for use as anticancer agents. In addition, the findings indicate that the synthesized nanorods possess strong antibacterial properties against the pathogenic microorganisms tested and display a marked antioxidant effect through efficient elimination of DPPH activity. This comprehensive study sheds light on the creation and development of CXTS NRs as promising versatile agents in various biomedical and environmental applications such as cancer therapy, antimicrobial strategies and the neutralization of free radicals.

RlmQ: a newly discovered rRNA modification enzyme bridging RNA modification and virulence traits in Staphylococcus aureus.

rRNA modifications play crucial roles in fine-tuning the delicate balance between translation speed and accuracy, yet the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Comparative analyses of the rRNA modifications in taxonomically distant bacteria could help define their general, as well as species-specific, roles. In this study, we identified a new methyltransferase, RlmQ, in Staphylococcus aureus responsible for the Gram-positive specific m7G2601, which is not modified in Escherichia coli (G2574). We also demonstrate the absence of methylation on C1989, equivalent to E. coli C1962, which is methylated at position 5 by the Gram-negative specific RlmI methyltransferase, a paralog of RlmQ. Both modifications (S. aureus m7G2601 and E. coli m5C1962) are situated within the same tRNA accommodation corridor, hinting at a potential shared function in translation. Inactivation of S. aureus rlmQ causes the loss of methylation at G2601 and significantly impacts growth, cytotoxicity, and biofilm formation. These findings unravel the intricate connections between rRNA modifications, translation, and virulence in pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aggregatimonas sangjinii F202Z8T and Their Biological Characterization.

The aim of this study is to describe the general features and eco-friendly biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from the marine bacterium Aggregatimonas sangjinii F202Z8T. To the best of our knowledge, no previous study has reported the biosynthesis of AgNPs using this strain. The formation of AgNPs using F202Z8T was synthesized intracellularly without the addition of any disturbing factors, such as antibiotics, nutrient stress, or electron donors. The AgNPs were examined using UV-vis spectrophotometry, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The UV-vis spectrum showed a peak for the synthesized AgNPs at 465 nm. The AgNPs were spherical, with sizes ranging from 27 to 82 nm, as denoted by TEM and NTA. FTIR showed various biomolecules including proteins and enzymes that may be involved in the synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs. Notably, the AgNPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antibacterial effects against various pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the F202Z8T-formed AgNPs were 80 and 100 µg/mL, 40 and 50 µg/mL, and 30 and 40 µg/mL against E. coli, B. subtilis, and S. aureus, respectively. This study suggests that A. sangjinii F202Z8T is a candidate for the efficient synthesis of AgNPs and may be suitable for the formulation of new types of bactericidal substances.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, DFT, and in silico pharmacokinetic profiling of nitroaldol quinoline derivatives: A comprehensive exploration for designing potential oral antibacterial agents targeting DNA-gyrase

This study presents a thorough exploration of the synthesis, biological activities, and molecular properties of a novel series of β-nitroaldol quinoline derivatives (4a-4i). Structural characterization utilized FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and mass spectrometry, providing a comprehensive understanding of the synthesized derivatives. Moreover, anti-microbial properties were evaluated using agar disk diffusion assay against five pathogenic strains, including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as a fungal strain. Notably, compound 4e demonstrated strong anti-fungal and anti-bacterial activities (MIC = 25 µg/ml). A detailed analysis of molecular orbitals, total density of state, vibrational characteristics, global reactivity descriptors, molecular electrostatic potential, topological QTAIM analysis, and molecular docking provided nuanced insights into the reactivity, electronic properties, and potential interactions of the synthesized compounds. These findings contribute valuable information to the design and synthesis of compounds targeting bacterial DNA-gyrase. Furthermore, in silico predictions using the SwissADME online server indicated that all compounds comply with Lipinski's rule of five, suggesting their potential as orally active drugs. The compounds demonstrated commendable water solubility, passed various filters, and exhibited bioavailability scores, indicating promising oral bioavailability. The percentage of oral absorption ranged from 75.39% to 78.58%, signifying high permeability. Computational analysis of pharmacokinetic parameters revealed favorable characteristics, including gastrointestinal absorption and minimal inhibitory effects on specific enzymes.

Synthesis of Some New 1,3,4-Thiadiazole Derivatives Derived from Cholic Acid and Evaluation of their Biological Activity

In this work, several oxadiazole, thiadiazole, and triazole derivatives, as well as new Schiff bases, were prepared. Cholic acid was used as a starting material to prepare the five-membered heterocyclic compounds. The synthesized compounds were identified by FTIR and 1H,13C-NMR spectroscopy, which elucidated and confirmed the structure of the target molecules. Estimation of the biological activity of the newly produced compounds has been conducted against two types of Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria.

Evaluation of a novel surface-coating formulation with time-extended antimicrobial activity for healthcare environment disinfection

BackgroundThe importance of environmental contamination in the transmission of pathogens among hospitalized patients is universally recognized, and disinfection of surfaces is a widely accepted modality for reducing healthcare-associated infections. Nevertheless, hospital disinfection is still suboptimal. In this study, we evaluated the sustained effects of the novel formulation OxiLast™ which extends the antimicrobial effects of chlorine-based disinfectants.MethodsIn an experimental lab phase, PVC surfaces were coated with OxiLast™ and then inoculated with representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. Cells were recovered at different contact times (5, 15, 30 min) to assess the reduction in bacterial counts compared to uncoated surfaces and also subject to various challenges to assess robustness. A similar methodology was then applied in an unoccupied hospital room to evaluate the sustained effect of OxiLast™ on high-touch surfaces.ResultsOxiLast™ demonstrated notable activity against the range of bacterial strains tested with ≥ 4 log10 reduction in bacterial counts observed for up to seven days following one surface application, for various strains and contact times. Similar results were observed following challenges such as simulated abrasion of coated surfaces, organic contamination or successive inoculations. The results were confirmed in a simulated patient care environment.ConclusionsThe addition of OxiLast™ to common chlorine-based disinfectants has shown a substantial and sustained reduction in bacterial pathogen counts for up to 7 days following one application. The consistent results in the laboratory and hospital are promising and should be tested in a real-life clinical scenario.

Study of the Antibacterial Activity of Rich Polyphenolic Extracts Obtained from Cytisus scoparius against Foodborne Pathogens.

Natural extracts containing high polyphenolic concentrations may act as good antimicrobials for their antibacterial and antibiofilm activity. The present research characterizes two hydro-organic extracts with high polyphenolic content, obtained from the shrub Cytisus scoparius as antipathogenic candidates. As a result of their own composition, both extracts, LE050 and PG050, have shown pronounced bioactivities with potential uses, especially in agricultural, livestock production, food manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries. Polyphenolic compounds were extracted by using adjusted hydro-organic solvent mixtures. These extracts' in vitro antimicrobial activity was evaluated on Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria, giving special attention to those involved in food contamination. Due to this, the biofilm dispersion was assessed on Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The extracts showed antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic species tested, presenting IC50 values between 0.625-20% v/v. Different behaviors have been detected between both extracts, probably linked to their distinct polyphenol composition, being LE050 extract the one with most promising bioactive applications. Finally, the results from the biofilm dispersion assays reveal that the extracts exhibit a good antibiofilm activity against the pathogenic bacteria tested.

Serine-rich repeat proteins: well-known yet little-understood bacterial adhesins.

Serine-rich-repeat proteins (SRRPs) are large mucin-like glycoprotein adhesins expressed by a plethora of pathogenic and symbiotic Gram-positive bacteria. SRRPs play major functional roles in bacterial-host interactions, like adhesion, aggregation, biofilm formation, virulence, and pathogenesis. Through their functional roles, SRRPs aid in the development of host microbiomes but also diseases like infective endocarditis, otitis media, meningitis, and pneumonia. SRRPs comprise shared domains across different species, including two or more heavily O-glycosylated long stretches of serine-rich repeat regions. With loci that can be as large as ~40 kb and can encode up to 10 distinct glycosyltransferases that specifically facilitate SRRP glycosylation, the SRRP loci makes up a significant portion of the bacterial genome. The significance of SRRPs and their glycans in host-microbe communications is becoming increasingly evident. Studies are beginning to reveal the glycosylation pathways and mature O-glycans presented by SRRPs. Here we review the glycosylation machinery of SRRPs across species and discuss the functional roles and clinical manifestations of SRRP glycosylation.

Investigating the electrochemical and antibacterial activities of nickel pyrophosphate [a-Ni2P2O7] nanostructures

Nickel pyrophosphate nanostructures have been synthesized by a simple co-precipitation method. Annealing temperature affected the crystal structure formation of α-Ni2P2O7 and altered the surface morphology. By increasing the annealing temperature from 350 °C to 900 °C, the morphology of the material varies from irregularly shaped agglomerated particles to dumbbell-shaped nanoparticles respectively. The electrochemical performance of α-Ni2P2O7 nanoflakes (NP-2) and dumbbell-shaped (NP-3) nanoparticles is tested at 1 M KOH electrolyte solution, which provides the maximum specific capacitance of 146 and 121 F g−1 at a current density of 0.8 A g−1 respectively. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of NP-2 nanoflakes is tested against different pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The highest value of the inhibition zone exhibits the good antibiotic nature of the α-Ni2P2O7 nanoflakes.

Investigation into the mechanism of action of the antimicrobial peptide epilancin 15X.

Addressing the current antibiotic-resistance challenge would be aided by the identification of compounds with novel mechanisms of action. Epilancin 15X, a lantibiotic produced by Staphylococcus epidermidis 15 × 154, displays antimicrobial activity in the submicromolar range against a subset of pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria. S. epidermidis is a common member of the human skin or mucosal microbiota. We here investigated the mechanism of action of epilancin 15X. The compound is bactericidal against Staphylococcus carnosus as well as Bacillus subtilis and appears to kill these bacteria by membrane disruption. Structure-activity relationship studies using engineered analogs show that its conserved positively charged residues and dehydroamino acids are important for bioactivity, but the N-terminal lactyl group is tolerant of changes. Epilancin 15X treatment negatively affects fatty acid synthesis, RNA translation, and DNA replication and transcription without affecting cell wall biosynthesis. The compound appears localized to the surface of bacteria and is most potent in disrupting the membranes of liposomes composed of negatively charged membrane lipids in a lipid II independent manner. Epilancin 15X does not elicit a LiaRS response in B. subtilis but did upregulate VraRS in S. carnosus. Treatment of S. carnosus or B. subtilis with epilancin 15X resulted in an aggregation phenotype in microscopy experiments. Collectively these studies provide new information on epilancin 15X activity.

Engineered probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum WCSF I for monitoring and treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection.

Bacterial infection and the emergence of drug-resistant strains are major problems in clinical treatment. Staphylococcus aureus, which typically infects the skin and blood of animals, is also a potential intestinal pathogen that needs to be addressed by the emergence of a new treatment approach. Probiotic therapy is the most likely alternative to antibiotic therapy to solve the problem of bacterial drug resistance in clinical practice. In this study, the engineered Lactobacillus plantarum can not only sense the signal AIP to detect S. aureus but also kill S. aureus by secreting the lysostaphin enzyme. Our strategy employed an Agr quorum-sensing genetic circuit to simultaneously detect and treat pathogenic bacteria, which provided a theoretical possibility for solving practical clinical bacterial infection cases in the future.

Physico-Chemical Characterization, Phenolic Compound Extraction and Biological Activity of Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) Canes

Annual grapevine pruning produces large amounts of unused waste as woody canes. The current study is aimed at the sustainable valorization of viticultural waste by establishing phenolic compound extraction conditions, composition, and biological potential of crude and purified cane extracts of three Vitis vinifera L. cultivars growing in temperate climate conditions. Grapevine canes proved to be rich in carbohydrates and minerals; chlorophyll and carotenoids were also quantified. The highest yield of phenolic compounds was obtained when dry canes (<0.5 mm) were subjected to liquid–solid extraction (1:20 w/v) with 70% (v/v) ethanol, for 4 h at 35 °C, after a preliminary ultrasound treatment (6 min., 42 KHz); Pinot Gris canes showing the highest concentration of flavonoids and non-flavonoids. Stilbenes (resveratrol) and flavan-3-ols (catechin and epicatechin) were the main phenolic representative, resveratrol concentrations varying significantly between red-black (419.01–425.60 μg/g d.w.) and white (282.19 ± 4.14 μg/g d.w.) grape cultivars. Purified extracts (C-18 cartridge) exhibited higher antioxidant and antiradical activities compared to the crude extracts, and a higher antimicrobial effect, especially against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Oenococcus oeni showed a reduced susceptibility even at high extract concentrations (>100 mg/mL). These findings indicate that grapevine canes represent a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, that are currently insufficiently known and not exploited to their true functional and economic potential.

Computational and Experimental Investigation of Antibacterial Properties of Some Fluorinated Thioureas

Herein, fluorinated thioureas with various substituents (F1-F3) were synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and analytically to investigate their properties as antibacterial agents. Prior to experimental studies, Density Functional Theory (DFT) modeling was performed at B3LYP/6-31G (d,p) to complement and offer comparative overview with the experimental findings. With regards to all theoretical analyses, the Frontier Molecular Orbital (FMO) demonstrated a desirable low HOMO-LUMO gap for all three designated derivatives, particularly F1 (1.60 eV), which is consistent with its GCRDs values, namely its high electronegativity and low hardness values that corresponds to low LUMO energy, suggesting higher bacterial activity. Agar diffusion assay was used for the preliminary screening of in-vitro antibacterial activity against pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. All three derivates successfully inhibit at least two bacterial strains (B. cereus, S. aureus), but none were able to penetrate into E. coli. The highest inhibition rate was exhibited by F3 at 33.33 ± 0.71% against S. aureus, whilst F1 only managed to gain 29.63 ± 0.00% of inhibition rate for the same bacterium. Meanwhile, the lowest penetration rate was recorded at 1.53 ± 0.35% by F2 against B. cereus.

Vitex negundo and Euphorbia milii leaf extracts aided green synthesis of copper oxide nanostructures for effective inactivation of pathogenic bacteria

A facile and green route was followed to synthesize copper oxide (CuO) nanostructures using Vitex negundo and Euphorbia milii leaf extracts. Structural, elemental, chemical, spectral and morphological features of the CuO nanostructures were determined by XRD, EDS, FTIR spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometer and FESEM, respectively. The CuO nanostructures disclosed considerably higher antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria over commercial antibiotic (Vancomycin). This enhanced antibacterial activity could be credited to the generation of more ROS associated with oxygen vacancy and size of the CuO nanostructures. Particularly, hierarchical CuO nanoparticles/nanorods prepared using V. negundo leaf extract exhibited the highest antibacterial activity due to their lower size range.

Antibacterial and antibiofilm activity of nanocomposite (BJ-Ag0.6@GO0.4) synthesized from animal-derived liquid waste against ESKAPE pathogen

Herein, Ag nanoparticles were prepared by fish bile juice as a reducing and capping agent. Then Ag/ graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite was fabricated. The nanocomposite (BJ-Ag0.6 @GO0.4) showed remarkable antibacterial activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria. The MIC values of the nanocomposite were recorded as 10 and 8 µg/mL for S.aureus (MTCC 1430) and P. auregenosa (MTCC-1688), respectively. Antibacterial mechanism study of the synthesized nanocomposite excavates that, BJ-Ag0.6 @GO0.4 caused extensive membrane damage and cytoplasmic leakage, leading to cell’s metabolic arrest. Increased ROS generation is observed, causing disruption in the antioxidant defense mechanism of the bacterial cell. The synthesized nanocomposite also showed excellent destruction of preformed biofilm up to 96.52% and 61.23% for S.aureus (MTCC 1430) and P. auregenosa (MTCC-1688), respectively, at MIC concentration of the nanocomposite.

The Importance of Visceral Hypersensitivity in Irritable Bowel Syndrome-Plant Metabolites in IBS Treatment.

The visceral stimuli from the digestive tract are transmitted via afferent nerves through the spinal cord to the brain, where they are felt as pain. The overreaction observed in the brain of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients may be due to increased peripheral sensitivity to stimuli from the gastrointestinal tract. Although the exact pathway is uncertain, attenuation of visceral hypersensitivity is still of interest in treating IBS. It has been shown that stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system while inhibiting the vagus nerve (VN). In addition, stress factors lead to dysbiosis and chronic low-grade inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, which can lead to lower gastrointestinal visceral hypersensitivity. Therefore, an important goal in the treatment of IBS is the normalization of the intestinal microflora. An interesting option seems to be nutraceuticals, including Terminalia chebula, which has antibacterial and antimicrobial activity against various pathogenic Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, short-term transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation can reduce the stress-induced increase in intestinal permeability, thereby reducing inflammation. The conducted studies also indicate a relationship between the stimulation of the vagus nerve (VN) and the activation of neuromodulatory networks in the central nervous system. Therefore, it seems reasonable to conclude that a two-way action through stimulating the VN and using nutraceuticals may become an effective therapy in treating IBS.

Effect of steam sterilisation on physico-chemical properties of antibacterial covalently cross-linked ε-polylysine/hyaluronic acid hydrogels

Sterilisation of implantable biomaterials such as hydrogels remains a key step towards their clinical translation. Standard sterilisation methods can significantly alter hydrogels' physicochemical and biological performance. Previously, we developed composite hydrogels based on ε-polylysine (ε-PL) and hyaluronic acid (HA). The developed hydrogels demonstrated promising antibacterial activity and in vitro cell viability and their variable properties depending on the chosen ε-PL to HA ratio. In this study, we fabricated a series of chemically cross-linked ԑ-PL/HA hydrogels with expanded ԑ-PL to HA mass ratios.Using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), we unravelled the topological differences between physically and chemically crosslinked hydrogels. We then selected the chemically crosslinked hydrogel ԑ-PL/HA series of 60:40 wt%, 70:30 wt%, and 80:20 wt% ratios, with similar network topologies, to evaluate the impact of steam sterilisation on their physicochemical and viscoelastic properties. The antibacterial activity of the sterilized hydrogels was also evaluated against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Our results showed that steam sterilisation minimally affects structure and physicochemical properties of ԑ-PL/HA hydrogels. Furthermore, the developed hydrogel ԑ-PL/HA series of 60:40 wt%, 70:30 wt%, and 80:20 wt% ratios showed pronounced antibacterial activity against Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogenic bacteria. We expect our results will contribute to the growing understanding of using sterilisation methods for antibacterial hydrogels that have the potential for wider tissue engineering applications.

Controlling bacterial biofilm formation by native and methylated lupine 11S globulins.

The antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of the 11S globulins isolated from lupin seeds (Lupinus termis), and its methylated derivative (M11S), were investigated against seven pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The MIC of 11S ranged from 0.1 to 4.0 μg/ml against 0.025 to 0.50 μg/ml for M11S, excelling some specific antibiotics. The MICs of M11S were 40-80 times lower than some specific antibiotics against gram-positive bacteria and 2-60 times lower than some specific antibiotics against gram-negative bacteria. One MIC of 11S and M11S highly reduced the liquid growth of all tested bacteria during 24 h at 37°C. They also inhibited biofilm formation by 80%-86% and 85%-94%, respectively (gram-positive), and 29%-44% and 43%-50%, respectively (gram-negative). M11S prevented biofilm formation by gram-positive bacteria at minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), 0.025-0.1 μg/ml against 0.1-0.5 μg/ml for gram-negative bacteria, i.e., 4-20 times and 4-7 times anti-biofilm inhibitory action compared with 11S, respectively. Biofilm formation of two bacteria revealed no adhered cells on glass slides for 24 h at 37°C, i.e., was entirely prevented by one MBIC of 11S and M11S. Scanning electron microscopy indicated microbial biofilm deformation under the action of 11S and M11S, indicating their broad specificity and cell membrane-targeted action.

Green synthesis of Multifunctional Zinc oxide Nanoparticles from Cordia myxa gum; and their Catalytic Reduction of Nitrophenol, Anticancer and Antimicrobial Activity

In situ exfoliated natural polysaccharide Cordia myxa (CMX) is used to promote the utilization of zinc-oxide nanoparticles for eco-friendly catalytic hydrogenation of p-nitrophenol (p-NP) and microbial growth inhibition. Polysaccharide-mediated biosynthetic nanocomposite materials are interesting because they are cheap, green, and environmentally friendly. This study uses CMX gum as a bioreduction to produce multifunctional, environmentally friendly zinc-oxide nanocomposites (ZnO NPs). The process involves a low reaction time and temperature and utilizes CMX as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The structural, morphological, and optical properties of the CMX-ZnO nanocomposite were characterized. The biosynthetic CMX-ZnO NPs exhibited robust catalytic activity and recycling capacity for rapidly oxidizing hazardous p-NPs. The complete reduction of 4-NP to CMX-ZnO NPs in excess NaBH4 was achieved within 15 min, with recyclability and pseudo-first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.2571 min−1. Additionally, human colon cancer (HCT116) and 3T3L1 cell lines were remarkably sensitive to the cytotoxic effects of ZnO nanoparticles. CMX-ZnO NPs exhibited potent antibacterial properties against human pathogenic gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria (Bacillus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) based on the zone of inhibition measured by the disc-diffusion method. The significant antibacterial activity of CMX-ZnO NPs can overcome the current limitations associated with removing water-soluble organic pollutants and microbiological contaminants for long-term environmental sustainability.