Maximum Activity Research Articles

Bioremediation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol by extracellular enzymes of white rot fungi immobilized with sodium alginate/hydroxyapatite/chitosan microspheres

Hydroxyapatite, a calcium phosphate biomass material known for its excellent biocompatibility, holds promising applications in water, soil, and air treatment. Sodium alginate/hydroxyapatite/chitosan (SA-HA-CS) microspheres were synthesized by cross-linking sodium alginate with calcium chloride. These microspheres were carriers for immobilizing extracellular crude enzymes from white rot fungi through adsorption, facilitating the degradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP) in water and soil. At 50 oC, the immobilized enzyme retained 87.2% of its maximum activity, while the free enzyme activity dropped to 68.86%. Furthermore, the immobilized enzyme maintained 68.09% of its maximum activity at pH 7, surpassing the 51.16% observed for the free enzyme. Under optimal conditions (pH 5, 24 h), the immobilized enzymes demonstrated a remarkable 94.7% removal rate for 160 mg/L 2,4,6-TCP, outperforming the 62.1% achieved by free crude enzymes. The degradation of 2,4,6-TCP by immobilized and free enzymes adhered to quasi-first-order degradation kinetics. Based on LC-MS, the plausible biodegradation mechanism and reaction pathway of 2,4,6-TCP were proposed, with the primary degradation product identified as 1,2,4-trihydroxybenzene. The immobilized enzyme effectively removed 72.9% of 2,4,6-TCP from the soil within 24 h. The degradation efficiency of the immobilized enzyme varied among different soil types, exhibiting a negative correlation with soil organic matter content. These findings offer valuable insights for advancing the application of immobilized extracellular crude enzymes in 2,4,6-TCP remediation.

Fabrication, characterization and antioxidant activities of pectin and gelatin based edible film loaded with Citrus reticulata L. essential oil

AbstractIn the present work, pectin and gelatin‐based edible films (EFs) loaded with Citrus reticulata L. (tangerine) essential oil were fabricated and evaluated for their potential application in food packaging. GC–MS analysis and physiochemical, mechanical, and antioxidant analysis of the synthesized edible films and oil extract were carried out. GC–MS analysis of the tangerine essential oil revealed the presence of around 40 different chemical constituents, and among them, limonene (43.85%), linalyl acetate (19.16%), linalool (18.38%), and beta‐Myrcene (3.41%) were found as the major constituent. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the interaction between the functional groups of the film components. Mechanical parameter assessment showed that the tensile strength of the edible film increases and elongation at break values decreases with oil addition. The thickness of the EFs increased with oil addition, while water solubility, water vapor permeability, and transparency decreased. In antioxidant potential assessment assays, maximum activity (DPPH• and ABTS•+ reducing potential) was reported for edible film samples containing a maximum amount (60 μL) of tangerine oil. We found that pectin and gelatin‐based edible films loaded with tangerine essential oil exhibit better characteristics and could be used as a food packaging material.Practical ApplicationsThis study presents a potentially effective method for producing edible films using pectin and gelatin composite, that have been incorporated with tangerine essential oil. These films demonstrate superior properties and may serve as an effective choice for food packaging material.

Identification of a potent PCNA-p15-interaction inhibitor by autodisplay-based peptide library screening.

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential factor for DNA metabolism. The influence of PCNA on DNA replication and repair, combined with the high expression rate of PCNA in various tumours renders PCNA a promising target for cancer therapy. In this context, an autodisplay-based screening method was developed to identify peptidic PCNA interaction inhibitors. A 12-mer randomized peptide library consisting of 2.54 × 106 colony-forming units was constructed and displayed at the surface of Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells by autodisplay. Cells exhibiting an enhanced binding to fluorescent mScarlet-I-PCNA were enriched in four sorting rounds by flow cytometry. This led to the discovery of five peptide variants with affinity to mScarlet-I-PCNA. Among these, P3 (TCPLRWITHDHP) exhibited the highest binding signal. Subsequent flow cytometric analysis revealed a dissociation constant of 0.62 μM for PCNA-P3 interaction. Furthermore, the inhibition of PCNA interactions was investigated using p15, a PIP-box containing protein involved in DNA replication and repair. P3 inhibited the PCNA-p1551-70 interaction with a half maximal inhibitory activity of 16.2 μM, characterizing P3 as a potent inhibitor of the PCNA-p15 interaction.

Evaluation of the wound healing efficacy of new antibacterial polymeric nanofiber based on polyethylene oxide coated with copper nanoparticles and defensin peptide: An in-vitro to in-vivo assessment

ObjectiveToday, designing nanofibers with antibacterial properties using electrospinning technology is one of the attractive approaches for wound healing. Methods& analysis: This study aims to fabricate a nanocomposite from polyethylene oxide (PEO) coated with copper nanoparticles (NPs) and defensin peptide with wound healing and antimicrobial properties in different ratios of CuNPs/defensin (2/0 mg), (1.5/0.5 mg), and (1/1 mg) in the fixed contain polymer (98 mg). Then, the nanofiber properties were investigated by SEM, tensile, DSC, and BET analysis. Also, the antibacterial properties against S. aureus and E. coli, antioxidant, and in-vivo wound healing effects and histological analysis of the designed nanocomposites were evaluated in rat models. ResultsOur SEM images showed that CuNPs and defensin were properly coated on the PEO surface. According to the tensile, DSC, and antibacterial analysis results, the most appropriate feature was related to CuNPs/defensin (1.5/0.5 mg), with maximum elasticity, heat resistance, and antibacterial activity. Furthermore, the designed nanocomposites showed the best performance as a wound closure agent by increasing dermis and epidermis volume density, stimulating fibroblast cells and collagen fiber production, and improving skin vessels. ConclusionAccording to our results, PEO nanofibers loaded with CuNPs and defensin have the best potential for wound healing, and they can be used as antibacterial materials in the textile, drug, and medical industries.

Phytochemical Composition and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Salvadora persica Root Extracts Against Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.

Background Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are difficult to eradicate from the environment and are virtually immune to all antibiotics. Consequently, CRABmay culminate in severe outbreaks and fatal infections among people attending hospitals and nursing homes. Salvadora persicahas been used as an herbal remedy and chewing sticks for dental cleansing.Evaluating S.persica's efficacy against CRABmay provide an alternative approach to treating CRAB infections in healthcare environments, considering its traditional application in dental hygiene. Employing S. persica as an herbal remedy could be a part of a more sustainableapproach to control CRAB infections. Aim To investigate the phytochemical composition of S. persica and evaluate its antimicrobial properties. Materials and methods The roots were extracted by Soxhlet apparatus using n-hexane, chloroform, and methanol. Each extract was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) and characterized using WN908.Land National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) libraries.The antimicrobial activity of each extract against CRAB was evaluated using a broth microdilution assay to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Results The GCMS analysis of different solvent extracts of S. persica roots showed the presence of various phytochemical compounds such as steroids, phenolic compounds, fatty acids, alcohols, terpenoids, and vitamin E. Both chloroform and hexane extracts showed the most effective antimicrobial activity with a MIC valueof 3.13 mg/mL and an MBC value of 12.50 mg/mL, respectively. Benzoic acid was the major phytochemical compound identified from S. persica extract. N-hexane, chloroform, and methanol extracts exhibited maximum antimicrobial activity due to the presence of active compounds in them. Conclusion Chloroform and hexane extracts showed the most potent antibacterial activities against CRAB.

Sintering activation energies of anisotropic layered and particle alumina/zirconia-based composites and their mechanical response

Sintering activation energies of anisotropic layered and particle alumina/zirconia-based composites and their mechanical response

Influence of enzyme activity on domestic wastewater amelioration in a hybrid subsurface flow constructed wetland.

Wastewater treatment in a constructed wetland is achieved by the presence of plant species, the metabolism of microorganisms, and the enzyme activities. Three small-scale hybrid subsurface flow constructed wetlands (HSFCWs) planted with Arundo donax and one unplanted HSFCW were constructed near a water resource recovery facility at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. The purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between soil enzymatic activities and the removal of contaminants from domestic wastewater. Enzyme activity of phosphatase, protease, urease, and cellulase increased with an increase in temperature. A strong correlation between enzyme activities and TKN and surfactant removal was observed, whereas moderate correlation was observed with phosphate in planted HSFCW during the study. The correlation between COD removal and enzyme activities was low to moderate. In unplanted HSFCW, the correlation between enzyme activities and COD removal was negative, negligible to moderate to strong in the case of TKN, low to moderate in the case of phosphate, and negligible to low in the case of surfactants. The increased removal efficiency of the planted system compared with that of the unplanted system indicated a positive impact on enzyme activities with the growth of plants and their roots. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Protease, urease, and cellulase activities: Planted HSFCW exhibited higher protease, urease, and cellulase activities than unplanted, signifying enhanced breakdown. July displayed maximum enzyme activities, correlating with heightened biological breakdown in both systems. Fluctuations in enzyme activities reflected seasonal changes, influencing nutrient degradation rates. Planted HSFCW consistently showed higher enzymatic activities across protease, urease, and cellulase than unplanted.

Sapindus Mukurossi – An Effective Biocleanser for Removable Dental Prostheses? An In vitro Study

ABSTRACT This study aims to determine the efficient concentration of Sapindus mukorossi that can be used as a denture cleanser. 60 heat cure denture base resin specimens of dimensions 10*10*2 mm were fabricated. Among these, 30 were fabricated by compression moulding technique and the remaining 30 by an injection moulding technique. The samples inoculated with Candida albicans and Streptococcus mutans were subjected to denture cleansing protocols using a medicinal herbal extract from the Sapindus mukorossi, at various concentrations [15%, 20%, and 25%]. The colony-forming unit [CFU] values were evaluated using a microprocessor colony counter. The statistical analysis was performed. The intragroup comparison showed a statistically significant difference between all groups except the compression moulded samples inoculated with Streptococcus mutans. The intergroup comparison revealed no statistically significant differences between the compared groups. The reduction in CFU values is evident in the effective anti-microbial activity of Sapindus mukorossi. A concentration of 25% Sapindus mukorossi solution showed the greatest efficiency. The maximum anti-microbial activity was observed against Candida albicans in a 25% concentration of Sapindus mukorossi. Among all, injection moulded samples showed better results.

Purification and characterization of lipase from a new strain Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 (MTCC 12820)

The lipase enzyme was isolated and purified from Staphylococcus argenteus MG2 (MTCC 12820) to homogeneity using ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by chromatographic techniques. This process resulted in a purification factor of 40.96-fold and a 26.25% recovery with a specific activity of 744.68 U mg-1. The molecular weight of the purified lipase was determined by SDS-PAGE to be 45 kDa. The Km and Vmax values of the purified lipase were calculated to be 4.95 mM and 79.36 µmol/min/mg-1, respectively. The maximum lipase activity was observed at pH 7.0 and 30 ºC with 100% stability, and it was also found to be stable in a broad range of pH (5-12) and temperature (30-90 ºC). The enzymatic activity of this Staphylococcal lipase was increased by Ca2+ to 105.71% at a concentration of 1 mM CaCl2. Additionally, it exhibited marked stability and activity in organic solvents. In the presence of 1% SDS surfactant, it retained 85.16% residual activity, while the metal chelator EDTA (inhibitor) reduced the lipase activity to 83.87% residual activity at a concentration of 1% w/v. This alkali-stable and thermo-stable lipase can be exploited by extending its use in the preparation of detergents and in various industrial and biotechnological applications.

An assessment of the role of nanosilica in thermal/thermo‐oxidative degradation mechanism of poly(lactic acid)/polybutylene adipate terephthalate blend nanocomposites

AbstractAs a packaging materials candidate, based on a polylactic acid/ polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PLA/PBAT) blends (90/10 and 75/25 wt/wt) containing 1, 3, and 5 phr hydrophilic (HPL) and hydrophobic (HPB) nanosilica (NS) particles in the presence of a multifunctional epoxide compatibilizer were prepared by melt mixing, in a twin‐screw extruder. Scanning electron microscopic studies confirmed a matrix‐droplet morphology with finer dispersed domains at higher NS content. Energy dispersive spectroscopy mapping also indicated uniform dispersion of NS in blends, with some agglomerates at higher content of nanoparticles. Moreover, transmission electron microscope was applied to study the impact of nanofillers' localization on the systems' morphology. It was observed that NS particles localized at the PLA‐PBAT interface. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to investigate thermal stability and thermal degradation kinetics. Data indicates that hydrophobic NS improved thermal stability. The activation energy of degradation was calculated using several techniques of data modeling, including Friedman, Flynn‐Ozawa‐Wall, and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose models. Among blend nanocomposites, 75/25 blend containing 5 phr HPB NS had the maximum degradation activation energy, suggesting that this sample had the most resistance to heat degradation. The intensity of the TGA/FTIR peaks of the evolved products was found to be correlated with the activation energy. The Criado's technique was also used to investigate the changes in the thermal degradation mechanism.

Biological Activities of Crude Extracts of Some Plant Leaves Cultivated in Vinh Long, Vietnam

This study carried on assessing the in vitro bioactivities of leaf extracts from five plants collected in Vinh Long Province, Vietnam, including extraction yield, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities. Five crude leaf extracts were obtained by maceration with ethanol. The antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of five extracts were evaluated separately. The results showed that the leaf extraction yields of Vitex negundo, Acrostichum aureum L., Vitex rotundifolia, Bouea macrophylla Griff, and the highest Jasminum subtriplinerve, respectively, were 1.32%, 1.4%, 1.54%, 1.72%, and 2.95%. The leaf extract of B. macrophylla Griff (BLE) had the highest antioxidant capacity, with an IC50 of 6.4 ± 0.08 μg/ml. Except for A. aureum L. and J. subtriplinerve, the other leaf extracts exhibited antibacterial properties against two Gram-positive bacteria and two Gram-negative bacteria. Notably, BLE demonstrated the maximum antibacterial activity against Listeria monocytogenes and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, with inhibition zones ranging from 15 to 16 mm and a MIC of 12.5 µg/ml. Accordingly, BLE was chosen to test for anticancer potential because its activities seemed to be greater than those of the other extracts. Especially, BLE suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells with an IC50 of 72.33 ± 0.68 μg/ml. In addition, the phenotype of BLE-stimulated HepG2 cell death was typical of apoptotic cell death by analyzing the morphology and DNA fragmentation assay. Overall, the results indicated that five leaf extracts, particularly BLE, were efficient against all tested bacteria and effectively depressed the viability of HepG2 cancer cells. Furthermore, this study’s findings provide foundations for future research into the mechanisms behind these antibacterial and anticancer capabilities, as well as the knowledge of specific treatment pathways.

Fatty acid amides of plant origin in elastomeric compositions

One of the strategic directions of chemical technology eco-modernization is the use of renewable natural raw materials to create ingredients for elastomeric composites. The use of fatty acids amides of sunflower oil, such as monoethanolamide and diethanolamide of sunflower oil fatty acids, and oleic acid amide, has been proposed for the rubber industry; their main characteristics have been determined. The effectiveness of the action of fatty acid amides in sulfur vulcanization system has been studied in unfilled and filled elastomeric composites of a model type based on butadiene--methylstyrene rubber with the presence of the investigated substances at a dosage of 1.5 phr per 100.0 phr of the rubber base. Using the rheometry method, it has been shown that the investigated fatty acid amides significantly activate and deepen the degree of sulfur vulcanization, and their activity in the composition of accelerated sulfur vulcanization activators depends on the structure. Fatty acid diethanolamide with a tertiary nitrogen atom exhibited the maximum activity. A positive effect of fatty acid amides on the gain coefficient, complex dynamic modulus, and mechanical loss tangent of rubber has been established.

A 13-year long strokes statistical analysis over the Central Mediterranean area

This paper presents the first detailed analysis of cloud-to-ground (CG) and intra-cloud (IC) strokes characteristics from the Lightning Detection Network (LINET) over Italy and the Central Mediterranean area, a lightning active area in south Europe. We study the strokes over a 13-year period from 2010 to 2022, aiming to understand how it varies with different temporal scales (hourly, monthly, seasonally, and yearly), surface types (sea and land), and ground levels (0–100 m; 100–200 m; 200–400 m; 400–800 m; 800–1200 m; 1200–2000 m and above 2000 m).We found that the stroke's maximum activity was observed in August; specifically, July has the maximum activity over the land with a maximum diurnal peak in the afternoon, while in September, the convection shifts over the sea with a secondary daily maximum in the morning. The largest current intensities are observed in January, over sea and during nighttime. Moreover we found that stroke current intensities, polarity and IC height emissions are influenced by ground altitude level. Our paper provides new insights into the spatio-temporal patterns and characteristics of lightning over Italy and the Central Mediterranean area, which can be useful for improving weather forecasting, climate modeling, risk assessment, and damage mitigation strategies in this area.

Anticandidal activity and chemicals of commiphora Gileadensis (l.) C. Chr. (burseraceae) growning in south Western region of saudi arabia

Anticandidal activities of stem extracts of C. gileadensis growing in various locations and chemicals had been evaluated. Methanol extract of fresh and dry solvent extracts in Tathleeth A region had the highest activity (2.2 ± 0.3cm) and (1.7 ± 0.2cm), respectively. Cyclohexanone of fresh stem extract and diethyl ether of dry extract showed inhibition activities (2.1 ± 0.1cm) of Tathleeth B. The highest activity gained from fresh hot water extract (1.4 ± 0.1 cm) and from dry extract of dichloromethane (1.7 ± 0.0 cm) in Tabala C. The maximum inhibiting activity obtained from hot water extract (1.8 ± 0.4 cm) and from chloroform of dry extract (2.0 ± 0.0cm) in Tabala D. GC-MS analysis showed that the dominant compound in Thathleeth A and Thathleeth B is Bisethylamine, Tabala C are 5-Methyl-2(5H)-furanone and palmatic acid and Tabala D is Amitrole. HPLC showed that Tabala D had the highest amount from B1 and folic acid. Thus, plant's biochemical parameters are profoundly influenced by their locations. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(1): 1-8, 2024 (March)

Degradation of Dimethyl Phthalate and Diethyl Phthalate by Bacteria Isolated from Jazan, Saudi Arabia

P hthalate esters (PAEs) are commonly utilized in commercial, industrial, and medical applications. Various concentrations of PAEs have been detected in seawater samples and treated wastewater obtained from wastewater treatment plants in Saudi Arabia. Since these compounds pose adverse effects to human health, it is vital to develop efficient strategies to eliminate phthalate contamination from environments. In the present study, an enrichment technique was used to isolate phthalate-degrading bacteria from seawater and from activated sludge collected at Jazan Wastewater Treatment Plant, Saudi Arabia. Bacteria with the capability of degrading dimethyl phthalate (DMP) or diethyl phthalate (DEP) were isolated using minimum salt medium supplemented with these compounds as the sole carbon and energy source. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was utilized to evaluate the residual concentration of DMP and DEP. Using the 16S rRNA gene sequencing technique, the isolates with maximum DMP biodegradation activity were identified as Achromobacter sp. M1 and Pseudomonas sp. M2, while the isolates with maximum DEP biodegradation activity were identified as Pseudomonas sp. E2 and Pseudomonas sp. E3. The optimum bacterial growth was achieved at 30°C, pH 7.0, and 2% NaCl, except for Pseudomonas sp. E3, which demonstrated its maximum growth in the absence of NaCl. The highest biodegradation rate for all the bacterial strains (> 99.0%) was achieved at 30°C, pH 7.0, and up to 2% NaCl within 4 days. Concurrently, Pseudomonas sp. M2 and Pseudomonas sp. E2 exhibited remarkable degradation rates (97.5% and 56.7%, respectively) at 4% NaCl whereas Pseudomonas sp. E3 showed its highest DEP degradation (82.4%) after 4 days in the absence of NaCl. This study offers potential candidates, including Achromobacter sp. M1, Pseudomonas sp. M2, Pseudomonas sp. E2, and Pseudomonas sp. E3, for the proficient biodegradation of DMP and DEP.

Гидролиз и окисление трудноразлагаемых субстратов микробными изолятами термальных источников

Traditional energy sources pollute the environment. Microbial fuel cells are an alternative energy source that can reduce the environmental burden. Microbial fuel cells also remove recalcitrant wastes from wastewater. This research featured the enzymatic potential of microbial isolates obtained from the Abakan Arzhan thermal spring.
 The study involved isolates of the genera Geobacter, Thermomonas, and Rhodopseudomonas. The keratinolytic analysis was in line with State Standard R 55987-2014. The chitinolytic activity was determined by injecting a bacterial suspension on Petri dishes with a chitin-containing medium. The lipolytic analysis involved cultivating the isolates in Stern’s glycerol fuchsin broth. The xylan hydrolysis depended on the reducing sugars. The cellulase activity was measured according to the standard method recom mended by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). The catalase potential was evaluated by the gasometric method on 1% gasoline media. The optimal parameters of consortium cultivation were determined by the voltage generated.
 The Geobacter isolate had the maximal keratinolytic activity while the Thermomonas isolate demonstrated the maximal protein hydrolysis (80.1 ± 1.5%). Both Geobacter and Rhodopseudomonas showed good lytic activity against chitin with the lysis zone of ≥ 3 mm. The Geobacter isolate demonstrated as many as 350 units of xylanase activity and 365 units of cellulase activity; Ther momonas had 350 units of xylanase activity and 360 units of cellulase activity; Rhodopseudomonas showed 310 units of xylanase activity and 304 units of cellulase activity. The maximal catalase properties belonged to Geobacter (1.40 units) and Thermomonas (1.38 units). The maximal energy generation by bacterial consortia occurred at pH 8 and 45°C after 48 h of cultivation. 
 In this research, isolates of the genera Geobacter, Thermomonas, and Rhodopseudomonas from the Abakan Arzhan thermal spring were able to remove recalcitrant components, thus demonstrating good prospects for biological treatment of industrial wastewater.

Antimicrobial Activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS4 against Gram-Negative Pathogenic Bacteria.

Worldwide, bacterial resistance is one of the most severe public health problems. Currently, the failure of antibiotics to counteract superbugs highlights the need to search for new molecules with antimicrobial potential to combat them. The objective of this research was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS4 against Gram-negative bacteria. Thirty yeasts and thirty-two Bacillus isolates were tested following the agar well-diffusion method. Four Bacillus sp. strains (BS3, BS4, BS17, and BS21) showed antagonistic activity against E. coli ATCC 25922 using bacterial culture (BC) and the cell-free supernatant (CFS), where the BS4 strain stood out, showing inhibitory values of 20.50 ± 0.70 mm and 19.67 ± 0.58 mm for BC and CFS, respectively. The Bacillus sp. BS4 strain can produce antioxidant, non-hemolytic, and antimicrobial metabolites that exhibit activity against several microorganisms such as Salmonella enterica, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella flexneri, Enterobacter aerogenes, Proteus vulgaris, Yersinia enterocolitica, Serratia marcescens, Aeromonas sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis. According to the characterization of the supernatant, the metabolites could be proteinaceous. The production of these metabolites is influenced by carbon and nitrogen sources. The most suitable medium to produce antimicrobial metabolites was TSB broth. The one-factor-at-a-time method was used to standardize parameters such as pH, agitation, temperature, carbon source, nitrogen source, and salts, resulting in the best conditions of pH 7, 150 rpm, 28 °C, starch (2.5 g/L), tryptone (20 g/L), and magnesium sulfate (0.2 g/L), respectively. Moreover, the co-culture was an excellent strategy to improve antimicrobial activity, achieving maximum antimicrobial activity with an inhibition zone of 21.85 ± 1.03 mm. These findings position the Bacillus amyloliquefaciens BS4 strain as a promising candidate for producing bioactive molecules with potential applications in human health.

Phytogenic-Mediated Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using the Seed Extract of Citrullus lanatus and Its Integrated Potency against Multidrug Resistant Bacteria.

In the current research study, zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) were synthesized via a green synthesis technique using the seed extract of Citrullus lanatus. The study further intended to evaluate the potential synergistic effects of ZnO-NPs with antibiotics against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria. It was observed that C. lanatus seed extracts obtained by n-hexane and methanolic solvents revealed the presence of constituents, such as tannins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Furthermore, the extract of n-hexane displayed the strongest antibacterial activity against Yersinia species (17 ± 1.2 mm) and Escherichia coli (17 ± 2.6 mm), while the methanolic extract showed the maximum antibacterial activity against E. coli (17 ± 0.8 mm). Additionally, the ZnO-NP synthesis was confirmed by ultraviolet-visible analysis with a characteristic absorption peak at 280 nm. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis suggested the absorption peaks in the 500-3800 cm-1 range, which corresponds to various groups of tertiary alcohol, aldehyde, amine, ester, aromatic compounds, thiol, amine salt, and primary amine. The scanning electron microscopy spectra of ZnO-NPs demonstrated the presence of zero-dimensional spherical particles with well-dispersed character. Moreover, encapsulation with ZnO-NPs improved the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics against the panel of MDR bacteria, and the increases in the effectiveness of particular antibiotics against MDR bacteria were significant (P = 0.0005). In essence, the synthesized ZnO-NPs have the potential as drug carriers with powerful bactericidal properties that work against MDR bacterial strains. These outcomes are an indication of such significance in pharmaceutical science, giving possibilities for further research and development in this field.

Efficient antidermatophytic agents to fight clinical Tinea spp. using Salvia multicaulis and Hypericum scabrum-based sustainable NCs

Increased problems associated with side effects and microbial resistance of chemical drugs have promoted the research focus of herbs and herbs-based medicines as renewed interest. The present study studied the antifungal potential of Hypericum scabrum (H. scabrum), Salvia multicaulis (S. multicaulis) plants and their derived sustainable NCs against dermayophyton species. These plants were used as free-toxic solvent media and phytogradiant reductants to fabricate nanoformulations as alternative antimycotic drugs. Analysis of antifungal activity showed a noticeable inhibition of the trychophyton mycelial growth when cultured on SDA mixed with different doses of the plant extract, particularly 50% H. scabrum that stopped mycelial growth of T. mentagrophytes and T. verrcuosum thoroughly after 10-day incubation by of 100 % MGI, followed by Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2 with particle size around 20 to 60 nm, that record ( 67.64 and 63,.33 % of MGI) by 50 µg ml−1 application respectively. The lowest effect of H. scabrum and Ag@Fe3O4@SiO2 at high concentrations was against T. simii (44.44 % and 16 % MGI). The maximum antifungal activity of 50 % Salvia multicaulis and 50 µg ml−1 CuO@SiO2 NC with an average diameter of 60 nm was found against T. mentagrophytes and T. verrcuosum with (66.66 and 51.47 % MGI), respectively, while the minimum activity was found against T. quinckeanum and T. simii (33.33 and 13.33 % MGI), respectively. Thus, these plant extracts and NCs could be used to develop a new medication for dermatophytosis.

Preparation and Characterization of Ginseng Gel and In Vivo Evaluation of Its Clinical Efficacy in Generalized Chronic Gingivitis Patients.

Aim The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize ginseng gel and then to evaluate its clinical efficacy in terms of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) among generalized chronic gingivitis patients. Materials and methods Ginseng gel was prepared using 250 g of ginseng powder. The antimicrobial activity of prepared ginseng gel and chlorhexidine gel was checked at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 and 275 µg) against anaerobic organisms to find the concentration with maximum antimicrobial activity. The concentration with highest antimicrobial activity was subjected to in vivo analysis. A total of 30 generalized chronic gingivitis patients were subjected to scaling and then divided into two groups for intraoral gel application - Group I (ginseng gel) and Group II (chlorhexidine gel) for one month. The clinical parameters PI, GI were measured at baseline (pre scaling) and one month (post scaling) comparing ginseng gel and chlorhexidine gel (Hexigel - chlorhexidine gluconate 1.0% w/w). Independent t test and paired t test were done for statistical analysis. Results At 275 µg, ginseng gel showed highest antibacterial action against anaerobic oral microorganisms. In Group I, the reduction in PI from baseline was (2.52±0.02) to follow up after one month (0.75±0.05), GI from baseline (2.2±0.35) to follow up after one month (0.9±0.02). In Group II, the reduction in PI from baseline was (2.54±0.01) to follow up after one month (0.79±0.02), GI from baseline (2.1±0.42) to follow up after one month (0.8±0.01). Conclusion Ginseng gel showed equal clinical efficacy to chlorhexidine gel in terms of PI and GI. Though chlorhexidine was effective in lower concentrations, it has considerable adverse effects such as taste alteration. Hence it is better to encourage the use of herbal-based products for the management of gingivitis to prevent side effects of synthetic preparations.