Inhibition Diameter Research Articles

Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Insecticidal Activities of Scolymus Grandiflorus Essential Oil Rich in Davanoid Compounds

Background: This study explores the antimicrobial, antifungal, and insecticidal properties of Scolymus grandiflorus essential oil, examining its potential uses in the fields of pharmacology and agriculture. Materials and Methods: The essential oil obtained by hydrodistillation was studied by GC and GC/MS. The antibacterial capacity of the essential oil was determined against two Gram-positive and three Gram-negative bacterial species. The antifungal activity of the essential oil was investigated against two fungi responsible for many fruit and vegetable diseases. The insecticidal activity of essential oil was evaluated against larvae, pupae, and adult flies of Ceratitis capitata. Results: The GC and GC-MS analysis of the essential oil of the roots of S. grandiflorus revealed the predominant presence of davanoids, representing more than 80% of its chemical composition. The results of the disc diffusion test showed significant antimicrobial activity. The essential oil inhibited the growth of Salmonella typhi (25 mm), Staphylocoque aureus (18 mm), and Escherichia coli (17 mm), with inhibition diameters comparable to those of gentamicin. The essential oil significantly inhibited mycelial growth, with up to 98% inhibition for Fusarium solani and 73% for Alternaria alternata at 8 μL/mL. Insecticidal activity was most pronounced on adult flies, followed by pupae and finally larvae. Conclusion: Tests on the essential oils of S. grandiflorus revealed promising characteristics as insecticidal, antifungal, and antimicrobial agents. These results could be used in the development of new solutions to control pathogens responsible for plant diseases and mycotoxin-producing organisms.

Assessing the Optimal Antibacterial Action of Lavandula stoechas L., Thymus zygis L., and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh Essential Oils

The use of combined essential oils (EOs) is a new technique that can improve their preservative effects while minimizing their sensory impact in foods. The aim of this study was to determine the chemical profile of three essential oils (EOs) extracted from Lavandula stoechas L. (Ls), Thymus zygis L. (Tz), and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh (Ec) and to evaluate their synergistic antibacterial activity for optimal inhibition against Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus using an augmented Simplex centroid mixing scheme. The essential oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Anti-bacterial potency was evaluated by disk diffusion. Chemical analysis revealed the main compounds in Lavandula stoechas (Ls) essential oil: camphor (36.15%), followed by fenchone (16.57%) and Z-8-hydroxy linalool (8.28%). The Thymus zygis (Tz) essential oil is dominated by δ-terpineol (27.64%), δ-3-carene (15.7%), and thymol (14.17%). In contrast, the Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Ec) essential oil contains mainly 1,8-cineole (43.61%), γ-terpinene (11.71%), and α-terpineol (10.58%). The optimal mixture is the binary association of 40% E. camaldulensis EO and 60% T. zygis EO, which provides an effective inhibition diameter (ID) of 13.37 mm to inhibit S. aureus. Furthermore, the formulation of 27% and 73% EOs of E. camaldulensis and T. zygis, respectively, corresponds to the mixture required to achieve the optimum inhibition diameter (ID = 11.55 mm) against E. coli. In addition, the mixture of 29% EO of E. camaldulensis and 71% EO of T. zygis is the optimum mixture to inhibit B. subtilis, with an inhibition diameter of 12.31 mm. These findings highlight the potency of antibacterial formulations of these essential oils and suggest that they might be used as substitutes for conventional drugs to prevent the development of bacteria responsible for serious infections and food spoilage.

Detection of the antibacterial role of Achillea millefolium against Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections

Despite the fact that the pharmaceutical industry has developed numerous novel antibiotics over the last three decades, bacteria have developed resistance to these medications. Bacteria have the genetic potential to transfer and develop resistance to medications used as therapeutic agents. Therefore, the present study aimed to reveal the antibacterial role of Achillea millefolium against Escherichia coli isolated from urinary tract infections. Between February and July of 2024, 130 clinical samples were taken from individuals who were admitted to Kirkuk Hospital in Kirkuk City after visiting a specialist and being sent to the laboratory. Urine samples were taken from patients with UTI ranging in age from (1-60 years) of women, after which they were transferred directly to the laboratory to be cultured on the culture media, then A. millefolium extract was tested against Escherichia coli, compared with some standard antibiotics. Results showed that 57 (43.8%) of the total samples showed positive results for bacterial growth when cultured on the best culture media, which included blood and MacConkey agars. 73 (or 56.2%) of the total samples had results that showed no bacterial growth. E. coli showed total resistance (100%) to Ampicillin. While, a low sensitive toward Nalidixic acid (20.0%), Clindamycin (20.0%) 21.5%. Otherwise, E. coli showed a high sensitive to Gentamycin (87.7%), Imipenem (96.9%), and Amikacin (90.8%). While Tobromycin showed high sensitive 100.0% respectively. Based on the results, it was shown that the extract of A. millefolium at a dosage of 100 mg induced an inhibition diameter rate of 18.7±3.45, while at a concentration of 150 mg, it produced an inhibition diameter rate of 29.49±2.97. It is concluded from that the alcoholic extract of A. millefolium has an antibacterial effect and is very effective in treating cases of urinary tract infection resulting from infection with Escherichia coli.

Exploring dermatological applications of Ammoides pusilla essential oil: evaluation of anti-aging, dermatoprotective and antimicrobial properties against dermatopathogenic microorganisms

The aim of this study was the phytochemical characterization of essential oil extracted from the aerial parts (stems, leaves, and flowers) of Ammoides pusilla (Brot.) Breistr (APEO) by use of GC–MS. Importantly, GC–MS results revealed that APEO oil composed of 10 terpene compounds, of which carvacrol (52.84%), d-limonene (17.78%), β-Cymene (13.18%) and γ-Terpinene (8.46%) predominate. These compounds are recognized for their important biological properties. APEO demonstrated remarkable antimicrobial activity, outperforming positive controls in all cases. Inhibition diameters ranged from 30.20 mm against Candida glabrata to 49.80 mm against Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 0.25% against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus to 4.00% against Candida glabrata. This antimicrobial efficacy is attributed to the oil's rich bioactive molecules. The essential oil also showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of anti-tyrosinase activity, with IC50 of 29.59 ± 1.89 µg/mL for monophenolase activity and 17.56 ± 0.76 µg/mL for diphenolase activity. At the same time, APEO showed significant inhibition of elastase, with an IC50 of 20.90 ± 3.16 µg/mL. The sun protection factor (SPF) of the essential oil was determined to be 4.323. This SPF value corresponds to an estimated 76.88% effectiveness in blocking UVB radiation. These results suggest that APEO possesses promising dermatoprotective and anti-aging properties. In conclusion, APEO exhibits notable antimicrobial, anti-tyrosinase and anti-elastase activities, paving the way for new natural therapeutic options for skin problems, with anti-aging and dermatoprotective dermal applications.

Preservative Properties of Antimicrobial Peptides of Germinated Seeds of Pisum sativum (Garden Pea) On Roselle Flowers (Hibiscus sabdarifa L.) Drink

Study’s Excerpt This research presents the use of antimicrobial peptides derived from Pisum sativum (pea) seeds as natural preservatives for extending the shelf life of local African beverages. It demonstrated that peptides, particularly from germinated peas on day four, exhibits strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria. Plant-derived peptides could replace synthetic preservatives in the food and beverage industry. Full Abstract The demand for natural and effective food preservatives has increased due to the growing concern over the safety and quality of processed beverages. Antimicrobial peptides have gained significant attention as natural alternatives to synthetic preservatives, offering potential benefits such as broad-spectrum activity and lower toxicity. Germinating seeds of Pisum sativum were harvested on days 2, 4, 6 and 8 and peptides were extracted and purified using Ammonium Sulphate Precipitation at 70% saturation, Dialysis, Gel filtration and the peaks were obtained. The molecular weight of peptides was determined using SDS-PAGE while Six (6) Bacteria and Four (4) Fungal species were isolated and characterized using standard procedures. The highest protein concentration was obtained with germinated peas day four (P4) with a value of 1.7866mg/mL, while the highest zone diameter of inhibition was recorded with peptide of germinated pea seeds day six fraction three (P6:3) with a value of 17.000±0.577mm against B. cereus. The least MIC value, expressed in protein concentration (mg/mL), was obtained as 0.0253mg/mL with 100% concentration of the peptide of germinated peas on day four (P4). All four (4) fungal species recorded no activity/zone diameter of inhibition. Sanitizing activity of the peptides on the ‘Zobo’ drink adjusted to pH 2.3, at 0hr, 24hr, 48hr and 72hrs was carried out, and all the purified peptides extended the shelf life of the drink except for peptide of germinated peas on day two. Sensory evaluation equally indicated that the drink was preserved with 10% (P4:4) at pH 2.3, being the most preferred treatment by the judges with a percentage likeness of 72.22% after 72hrs of storage. Findings from this study highlight the potential of these peptides in developing innovative and safe preservation techniques for extending the shelf life of local African beverages. This study further offers promising insights into the application of Pisum sativum peptides in preserving traditional drinks like 'Zobo.'

Chitosan enriched with ZnO[sbnd]nanoparticles fabricated using Synadenium glaucescens (Pax) aqueous leaf extract maintains postharvest quality of banana

Applications of edible coatings containing metallic nanoparticles for the preservation of post-harvest fruit quality have emerged as one of the most preferable strategies because of their enhanced antimicrobial properties. In the current study, zinc oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using Synadenium glaucescens leaf extract and added to chitosan for the post-harvest quality preservation of banana. The synthesized zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnOSydlNPs) were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), elemental dispersive x-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The nanoparticles were found to form large particles due to aggregations of small particles of an average size of 11 ± 4 nm. The coating solution containing a mixture of chitosan and zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibited higher antimicrobial effects against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Puccinia asparagi and Candida albicans compared to chitosan. The inhibition diameters of chitosan and chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs against E. coli were 6 and 15 mm, respectively. Similarly, the average inhibition diameters of chitosan, chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs (0.1%) and chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs (0.3%) against Staphylococcus aureus, Puccinia asparagi and Candida albicans were 10 ± 2, 15 ± 0.5 and 16 ± 3 mm, respectively. The banana coated with chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs solutions exhibited higher titratable acid (maleic) than control and chitosan-coated samples. Additionally, banana coated with chitosan-ZnOSydlNPs films showed lower total soluble solids, weight loss and ripening index compared to chitosan-coated and control samples. The findings from the current study indicated that ZnOSydlNPs incorporated in polymeric materials (chitosan) could serve as a potential preservative of post-harvest qualities for banana and related fruits.

No effects of cerebellar transcranial random noise stimulation on cerebellar brain inhibition, visuomotor learning, and pupil diameter.

Cerebellar brain inhibition (CBI) is an inhibitory output from the cerebellum to the primary motor cortex, which is decreased in early motor learning. Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) is a noninvasive brain stimulation to induce brain plastic changes; however, the effects of cerebellar tRNS on CBI and motor learning have not been investigated yet to our knowledge. In this study, whether cerebellar tRNS decreases CBI and improves motor learning was examined, and pupil diameter was measured to examine physiological changes due to the effect of tRNS on motor learning. Thirty-four healthy subjects were assigned to either the cerebellar tRNS group or the Sham group. The subjects performed visuomotor tracking task with ten trials each in the early and late learning stages while receiving the stimulus intervention. CBI and motor evoked potentials were measured before the learning task, after the early learning stage, and after the late learning stage, and pupil diameter was measured during the task. There was no change in CBI in both groups. No group differences in motor learning rates were observed at any learning stages. Pupil diameter was smaller in the late learning stage than in the early learning stage in both groups. The cerebellar tRNS was suggested not to induce changes in CBI and improvement in motor learning, and it did not affect pupil diameter.

Isolation and evaluation of Pediococcus acidilactici YH-15 from cat milk: Potential probiotic effects and antimicrobial properties

The study aimed to screen for the possible presence of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in cat milk in order to evaluate their probiotic properties. The isolates were characterized by biochemical identification, morphological tests and 16S rDNA sequencing. Afterward, gastrointestinal passage, in vitro safety and probiotic properties were evaluated. The results showed that the isolates had 10 strains of Pediococcus acidilactici permitted in the feed additive catalog. The high survival rate in the acid and bile salt resistance test reflected the good strain tolerance of the isolates to the simulated gastrointestinal conditions of the host in vitro. The mean inhibitory diameters of the 10 strains against chloramphenicol and tetracycline were 23.6 mm and 17.4 mm, respectively; none of the hemolytic tests showed α/β hemolytic ring. The bacteriostatic test showed that P. acidilactici YH-9, YH-14 and YH-15 had inhibitory effects on four common pathogenic bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus. The adhesion test showed that P. acidilactici YH-15 had good adhesion to HT-29 cells. Based on these results, we concluded that P. acidilactici YH-15 extracted from cat milk has potential application as a clinical probiotic therapy and health care product.

Effectiveness Evaluation of the aqueous and alcoholic Mesembry-anthemum crystallinum L extract on the fungus Candida albicans

Scientific studies indicate the use of medicinal plants as antibiotics for some pathogenic fungi, as they do not cause side effects when used in the specified doses, either by extracting the active ingredients from each plant alone or by extracting them from more than one plant species. Thus, this study targeted the effect of inhibiting the active ingredients of Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. on the activity of the fungus Candida albicans using polar solvents, namely water, ethyl alcohol and methanol, and detecting its content of active compounds. The results showed that the Ghassoul plant contains saponins and resins, as well as alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids and tannins in the aqueous extract, while its content was phenols, proteins, amino acids and tannins in the ethylene and methanol alcoholic extracts. The results also showed that the ethyl alcohol extract has an effect on the activity of Candida albicans, as the highest average inhibition diameter was 17 mm, and thus it can be used as a new antifungal material, while the methanol and aqueous extracts of Ghassoul have the lowest average inhibition diameters on Candida albicans, which are 16 mm and 15 mm, respectively. Keywords: medicinal plants, Ghassoul plant, aqueous extract, alcoholic extract, Candida albicans.

Preliminary Study to Assess the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Extracts from the Leaves of Morelia Senegalensis (A Rich)

frican populations rely heavily on traditional medicine, which uses plants to treat human and animal diseases. However, scientific validation of this empirical knowledge concerning the efficacy, toxicity and dosage of the proposed treatments is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Morelia senegalensis leaf extracts on the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrawyl (DPPH) radical and the (2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic) acid) ABTS cation radical and on four reference bacterial strains (E. coli 25922, E. coli 35218, E. faecalis 29212 and S. aureus 29213) using protocols already described in the literature. The phytochemical screening test revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, reducing compounds and sterols in Morelia senegalensis leaves. All the extracts showed antioxidant activity to varying degrees. The most active ethyl acetate (AE) extract had half-maximum inhibition concentration (IC50 )of 0.33 and 0.62 mg/mL for the ABTS and DPPH tests respectively, followed by DCM and EB extracts with IC50 of 0.86 and 0.88 mg/mL for the ABTS test respectively, while the vitamin C used as a reference was more active with IC50 of 0.04 and 0.06 mg/mL. Antibacterial activity showed inhibition diameters ranging from 7 to 16 mm depending on the concentration and strain considered. The ethyl acetate fraction was the most active on S aureus 29213 with an inhibition diameter of 16 mm at 50 mg/mL. These interesting results were confirmed by the Minimal Inhibitory Concentration inhibitory (MIC) and Minimal Bacterial Concentration (MBC) studies, which showed that all the extracts had a bactericidal effect on all the studied strains. Morelia senegalensis plant has shown promising preliminary results in the treatment of bacterial infections. Further studies are needed to isolate and characterize the secondary metabolites contained in the leaves of this plant.

Preparation and evaluation activity of silica nanoparticles against bacterial oral infections: in vitro study

Background: Oral infections are commonly encountered among populations and frequently result in chronic inflammatory conditions that impact the dental structures (e.g., caries), the gingival tissues surrounding the dental elements (e.g., gingivitis and endodontic lesions), as well as the supporting structures of the teeth (e.g., periodontitis). Objectives: The objective of this study is to ascertain the minimum inhibitory concentrations of silica nanoparticles in order to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of these nanoparticles against oral pathogens. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 clinical samples were collected from individuals suffering from diverse oral infections. They were diagnosed based on the culture and microscopic characteristics, as well as the diagnosis with Vitek2 device for the purpose of diagnosis for the level of species. Molecular identification of Viridians Streptococci was performed using PCR to detect the 16sRNA gene. The study also involved the synthesis of silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) using the sol-gel technique. Characterization of the SiNPs was conducted through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (FESEM-EDX). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the SiNPs against viridans Streptococci was evaluated using a microdilution assay with the blue-resazurin staining method. The agar well diffusion technique was utilized to assess the antibacterial efficacy of biosynthesized silica nanoparticles against Viridans Streptococci in comparison to a standard antibiotic, utilizing the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) as a metric. Results: Fifty pathogenic bacterial strains were obtained from clinical specimens, with the genus Streptococcus comprising 27 of these isolates, which corresponds to 54% of the overall total, thereby constituting the highest proportion observed among all species. Molecular identification of Viridans Streptococci in this study, showed that 10/10(100%) isolates were PCR positive for 16sRNA gene has been applied to pathogenic viridians streptococcal only, which include S. mitis, S. oralis and S. sanguinis. Multidrug-resistant isolates showed significant resistance to various antibiotics, including Erythromycin, Cefotaxime, Cefepime, Ceftriaxone, and Penicillin. Clindamycin also showed resistance. Augmentin showed the highest antimicrobial activity, while Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, Ampicillin, and Vancomycin showed commendable activity. The MIC for the synthesized silica nanoparticles against Viridans Streptococci was determined to be 3.13 mg/mL across all bacterial isolates. The study showed that the bio-synthesized silica nanoparticles had a higher inhibition than the standard antibiotic disc Vancomycin (VA) at a concentration of 3.13 mg/ml, as the average diameter of inhibition reached 26.2 mm, respectively. Conclusion: Silica nanoparticles demonstrated significant efficacy in combating Viridans Streptococci, which are implicated in the etiology of oral infections.

The activity of silver nanoparticles produced by Aerococcus spp. against some Acinetobacter baumannii isolates

Nanoparticles are among the fine materials that have an important role in many medical and health sciences such as medicine, biology, physics, chemistry and others. The purpose of this study was to create silver nanoparticles from Aerococcus spp. then used it against isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii. The method included growing Aerococcus spp in a culture medium. Silver nanoparticles were created when the color of medium changed to brown. Some structural properties of these materials were measured using TEM, FTIR, UV-Vis and XRD to characterize the AgNPs. The results showed the ability of Aerococcus spp to produce silver nanoparticles after adding alkaline silver nitrate solution to the culture medium and then the color change occurred. The biochemical tests showed the ability of bacteria; silver nanoparticles (NPs AgNO3) to absorb ultraviolet radiation at 200 nm. X-ray diffraction test showed that these nanoparticles formed radial peaks of 200, 202 and 311 at a wavelength of 25.94 nm depending on the crystalline state of the particles. The Scanning electron microscope test also showed these nanoparticles forming spherical nanoparticles at size of 32.78 nm. The Ag NPS antibacterial activity shows the ability of these nanoparticles at concentration 250μg/ml against inhibition of the growth of some A. baumannii isolates with an inhibition diameter of 30.32. Finally, the antibiofilm forming test showed the ability of Aerococcus spp. (NPs AgNO3) to reduce biofilm forming of A. baumannii at 100%.

Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of AgNPs from Lactobacillus plantarum against Acinetobacter baumannii

In this study, we isolated Acinetobacter baumannii in wounds and burn infections and assessed the impact of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) produced from an external extract of Lactobacillus plantarum secretion on the bacterial growth. Characterization of AgNPs was done using TEM, XRD and FTIR spectroscopy. Inhibition diameters of five concentrations of AgNPs were prepared from Lactobacillus plantarum extracts against A. baumannii. A diameter of 20mm was observed for the highest concentration of 500mg\ml while 16 mm was observed for a concentration of 250mg\ml and 8 mm for the lowest concentration of 50mg\ml. The highest concentration of 500mg\ml showed the most significant inhibition. All concentrations of AgNPs were effective in inhibiting the growth of A. baumannii.

Antibacterial Activity of Ethanol Extract of Red Spinach Leaves (Amaranthus tricolor L.) Extracted Using Microwave-Assisted Extraction Against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes

Background: Humans are among the most susceptible living beings to bacterial infections. Infectious wounds on the skin surface are easily colonized by various kinds of bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Red spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) contains flavonoids with antimicrobial properties. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of red spinach leaves (Amaranthus tricolor L.) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes. Methods: This research includes the preparation, characterization, phytochemical screening of dried powder and extract. Extraction was performed by microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method using 70% and 96% ethanol variations and then antibacterial activity of ethanol extract of red spinach leaves against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria was carried out by paper disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer test) to obtain the diameter of inhibition. Results: The 70% ethanol extract of red spinach leaves has the lowest concentrations of 0.78 mg/ml and 25 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria with diameters of 7.23 mm, and 7.90 mm respectively. While the 96% ethanol extract of red spinach leaves has the lowest concentration of 0.78 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes bacteria with a same diameter of 7.43 mm. Conclusion: Ethanol extract of red spinach leaves has antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus pyogenes.

Evaluation of fatty acid composition and antimicrobial activity of supercritical fluid extract of Rubus ulmifolius Schott fruits

In this study, we continue our research on Rubus ulmifolius Schott extracts obtained by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) using CO2 as solvent. Extraction experiments were carried out at pressures of 300 bar and a temperature of 40 °C, SFE [300:40], on mature fruits of R. ulmifolius. The fatty acid (FA) profile of extracts was assessed by reversed-phase HPLC-DAD/ELSD analysis. The most represented fatty acids in the extract were linoleic acid (386 mg/g), oleic acid (210 mg/g), linolenic acid (112 mg/g), palmitic acid (48 mg/g), and stearic acid (40 mg/g). SFE extraction showed a total FA amount of 795.8 mg/g of dry weight. The chemical and biological characteristics of this extract were compared with those obtained with different extraction methods. Following the diffusion-susceptibility test, three fruit extracts, SFE [300:40], Sx, and MEtOH, didn’t show an inhibition profile against Streptococcus mutans. Kirby-Bauer analysis showed only the methanolic extract demonstrated antimicrobial activity with 11-mm inhibition diameter.

Protein‐Based Polymeric Metal–Nanocomposite Derived From Egg Albumin: A Highly Effective Antimicrobial Agent Against Bacteria

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of four distinct protein‐based metal nanocomposites has been fabricated by employing egg albumin and zinc metal through a simple, straightforward two‐step method. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses confirmed the successful incorporation of zinc nanoparticles into the protein matrix and revealed an irregular microporous structure with average crystallite sizes of less than 100 nm. Thermal stability was assessed via thermogravimetric (TG) and derivative thermal gravimetry (DTG) analysis, revealing a notable increase in thermal stability in a high‐temperature range (300°C°C–700°C), suggesting remarkable stability at elevated temperatures. Antimicrobial efficacy against both gram‐positive (B. cereus and Lactobacillus spp.) and gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) was evaluated using paper disk diffusion, pour plate, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) methods. All samples exhibited antibacterial efficacy, with zone of inhibition (ZOI) diameters ranging from 12 to 35 mm, and demonstrated a bactericidal effect by eliminating 93 to 98% of bacteria within 8 to 20 h at their MICs. Notably, protein–ZnO–PANI exhibited potent antimicrobial activity against all four bacterial strains and among all the samples, demonstrated higher antimicrobial activity than the unpolymerized nanocomposites. The disk diffusion study confirmed that a concentration of 25 μg/mL of protein–ZnO–PANI resulted in ZOI measurements of 25 mm and 35 mm, whereas MIC values of 300 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL were observed against Bacillus cereus and E. coli, respectively, and killed 95% of B. cereus and 98% of E. coli within 24 h. Based on the obtained results, a plausible mechanism was also proposed.

Isolation and Diagnosis of Dermatophytes of the Hand Tinea and Sensitivity Study to the Antifungals Griseofulvin

The study was conducted during the month of October 2022 until April 2023, with the aim of isolating and diagnosing the fungi that cause skin diseases from patients visiting the dermatology consultation affiliated with Salah al-Din General Hospital who were diagnosed as infected by dermatologists for the period from 1/6/2022 to 1/ 12/2023 For both sexes, aged between 10 and 60 years, by taking skin samples from the area of infection after wiping them with cotton saturated with 70% alcohol for the purpose of sterilization to get rid of any contaminants. Which was diagnosed clinically by a dermatologist in the dermatology consultation at Salah al-Din General Hospital and outpatient clinics. To evaluate the effectiveness of anti-griseofulvin in inhibiting the isolated fungi, the percentage of dermatophyte infections recorded by positive direct microscopic examination was only (88) patients, representing (88%) of the total number of patients. While the number of negative cases by negative direct microscopic examination was (59), or (59%). As for positive laboratory culture results, there were (79) patients, in the rate of (79%). While the number of negative cases by laboratory culture was (21), in the rate of (21%). The fungal genera that cause skin infections, such as Trychophyton and Microsporum, were isolated, with the genus Trichophyton being the most frequent, with 76 isolates belonging to several species, such as T. mentagrophytes, with a number of 29 isolates, then the fungus T. rubrum, with a number of isolates of 22, then the fungus T. terreste, with a number of isolates of 15, and then fungus T. schoenleinii, with a number of 10 isolates, while only three isolates of the M. canis type were recorded in the genus Microsporum. The results of the susceptibility test of the isolated fungi to Griseofulvin showed that the fungus T. mentagrophytes is more sensitive to the antichrysofulvin, as the average diameter of inhibition reached 32 mm compared to the control, followed by T. rubrum, which had an average diameter of inhibition of 16 mm compared to the control.

Exploring the antimicrobial potential of Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin - an in vitro study.

This study investigates the antimicrobial properties of leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) against Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853), and Candida albicans (ATCC 90028). Infections can hinder wound healing posing challenges. L-PRF's potential for regeneration and antimicrobial action has been studied. Considering the increasing concern about antibiotic resistance, assessing the antimicrobial properties of L-PRF provides valuable insights into its potential as a therapeutic agent in postoperative infections. Twenty volunteers were enrolled in the study, following ethical guidelines, and obtaining informed consent. Blood samples were collected and L-PRF was prepared. Microbial suspensions were prepared, and susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer agar diffusion method. The study revealed significant heterogeneity in the susceptibility to L-PRF. All L-PRF membrane samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against P. aeruginosa, with inhibition zones of 13 mm ± 3.85 SD. Enterococcus faecalis displayed inhibition diameter of 7.25 mm ± 5.15 SD. Candida albicans susceptibility to L-PRF varied among samples, with both inhibitory and non-inhibitory results. Results showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity, particularly against P. aeruginosa, and highlight the complexity of the L-PRF-microorganism interaction. Further investigations are needed to elucidate the clinical implications and optimize the use of L-PRF.

Salmonella Enterica Diarozoniae Strain's Pattern of Increased Antibiotic Resistance

Salmonella enterica subsp. diarizonae is a bacterial strain that has been of amassed alarm due to its influence on community health. This bacteria is frequently isolated from cold-blooded reptiles, sheep and monkeys. Lately, it has been identified from birds migrating transversely the continent of Asia and Europe. This study is the first of its kind in Iraq to diagnose this serotype of Salmonella from chicken meat and study the level of its resistance to antibiotics. Ten types of antibiotics were used, and this bacteria was extremely unaffected to seven antibiotics out of a total of ten antibiotics and sensitive to only three, with an average diameter of inhibition of Tetracycline 10 mm and Chloramphenicol 7mm. Salmonella were used as a comparison sample, and this bacteria was sensitive to a large number of antibiotics notwithstanding its high resistance to antibiotics, according to a large number of research. The occurrence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella enterica diarizonae additional confuses the controlling of infections and increases distresses about the efficiency of antibiotic treatment.

Strategically engineered multifunctional graphene oxide hybrid nanomaterials for efficient catalytic degradation and emerging contaminants treatment

The use of functional textiles is growing in all fields of science and technology. Surface functionalization is mainly used to impart conventional textiles with new functionalities and improved performances. In the present study, a cobalt ferrite nanoparticle/graphene oxide (CoFe2O4/GO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with excellent catalytic and antibacterial properties, has been successfully developed. The PET-coated CoFe2O4/GO samples, ranging from 1 % to 5 % wt. were obtained using a simple dip-coating method in CoFeO/GO solution (1 mg/mL), and were investigated through several physiochemical characterization techniques. CoFe2O4/GO and PET fabric have been shown to establish an interfacial connection by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that CoFe2O4/GO coating did not affect the PET crystallinity and that CoFe2O4/GO hybrid was incorporated in the PET samples, which was proved as well by the morphological study through Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, thermogravimetric characterisation (TGA) verified that the coating does not change or impair the quality of the fibre and that the PET@CoFe2O4/GO as made is thermally stable. Tensile strength tests demonstrated that coated fabrics exhibited outstanding mechanical properties in comparison with pristine PET. Moreover, the coated PET@CoFe2O4/GO fabric was used as a model catalytic system for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) activation in the rhodamine B (RhB) degradation reaction. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) measurements showed that TOC removal reached 89.82 % in only 12 min reaction. The results confirmed that the coated fabrics exhibited high catalytic performances, good stability and reusability in consecutive degradation experiments with a degradation rate over 60 % even after 7 degradation cycles; Moreover, it is easily and simply separated from the mixture, by removing the textile sample from the aqueous solution. It is worth mentioning that the PET@CoFe2O4/GO fabrics showed outstanding antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria with an inhibition diameter zone of up to 13 mm for PET@CoFe2O4/GO (5 %). Overall, these findings are of great importance as they permit the development of a novel multifunctional textile fabric, combining anti-bacterial activity, catalytic performance and mechanical properties. The study provides a textile-based catalyst with improved catalytic performance, re-usability in consecutive degradation reactions and easy catalyst separation compared to traditional supports. Thus, a huge potential application in several fields such as medicine, heterogeneous catalysis, and wastewater treatment.