Optimized aptamer-based impedimetric assay for sensitive and selective determination of moxifloxacin.

Most front-line tuberculosis (TB) drugs are ineffective against hypoxic nonreplicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), largely due to poor permeability, leading to reduced drug accumulation and target engagement. To overcome this phenotypic antimicrobial resistance (AMR), we developed nitroheteroaryl prodrugs for Moxifloxacin (MXF), a front-line TB drug. These prodrugs are activated by bacterial nitroreductases (NTR), which are overexpressed in hypoxic Mtb. NTR-mediated electron transfer and protonation facilitate rapid cleavage of the protective group, releasing active MXF. The lead prodrug exhibited comparable efficacy to MXF in replicating Mtb and significantly enhanced lethality in nonreplicating Mtb. Drug accumulation studies confirmed a modest but significant increase in MXF levels in nonreplicating Mtb treated with the prodrug, suggesting improved permeability. A mathematical model integrating growth and drug-killing kinetics further elucidated how permeability differences impact lethality. Together, these findings highlight enzyme-activated prodrugs as a promising strategy to address phenotypic AMR in Mtb.

ABSTRACT Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (FQs) are frequently detected in aquatic environments, posing potential risks to both human and ecological health. Their low removal efficiency in conventional wastewater treatment processes has increased interest in the photo-Fenton process (PFP) due to its high oxidative potential and rapid reaction rate. In this study, a ternary mixture of three FQs – moxifloxacin (MOX), levofloxacin (LEVO), and ciprofloxacin (CIP) – was degraded in aqueous solution using a heterogeneous PFP under UVC (254 nm) irradiation. The process performed optimally at pH 4 with initial H2O2 and Fe2+ concentrations of 10 mmol/L and 0.75 mmol/L, respectively. Under these conditions, degradation efficiencies reached 97% for LEVO and 98% for both MOX and CIP, along with 78% COD removal after 140 min of irradiation. The reactive species •OH, O2•−, and 1O2 were identified as the main oxidants responsible for FQ degradation. The antibacterial activity of the treated solutions, evaluated by the agar diffusion method against Pseudomonas fluorescens and Escherichia coli, was completely eliminated after UVC-assisted PFP treatment, with no additional irradiation applied during antibacterial testing. As a result, the UVC-assisted PFP process demonstrates superior performance compared with conventional methods and represents a promising approach for the efficient removal of fluoroquinolone contaminants from wastewater.

Tuberculosis (TB), an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis), remains a major public health concern, particularly because of the increasing incidence of drug-resistant TB. In Republic of Korea, research on genes related to TB resistance is limited; therefore, in this study, we identified resistance-associated mutations in TB clinical isolates from Republic of Korea. We evaluated and compared phenotypic drug susceptibility testing (pDST) and genotypic drug susceptibility testing (gDST) using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and targeted sequencing in 75 clinical M. tuberculosis isolates collected in Republic of Korea between 2005 and 2009. Specifically, we analyzed mutations associated with resistance against isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RIF), moxifloxacin (MFX), pyrazinamide (PZA), pretomanid (PMD), delamanid (DLM), linezolid (LZD), and bedaquiline (BDQ) and compared them with those in the 2023 WHO mutation catalog. We detected resistance-associated mutations in 98.7% of INH- and RIF-resistant isolates, with a high degree of concordance between the pDST and gDST results for most drugs. However, PZA results were discrepant for 16 isolates. Our findings highlight the potential of WGS and targeted sequencing as powerful tools for diagnosing TB drug resistance and emphasize the need for further validation before their routine implementation in clinical settings.

ABSTRACT Bacterial resistance represents a significant global health threat associated with the development of microbial resistance genes. Nanomedicine emerges as a promising approach to address this challenge by using engineered nanomaterials such as ferrites. This study functionalizes zinc, nickel, and cobalt ferrite nanoparticles with moxifloxacin hydrochloride, a broad‐spectrum antibiotic active against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The functionalization follows established methodologies to maximize chemical interactions between nanoparticles and the antibiotic, which are analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and X‐ray Fluorescence (XRF). Antibiotic release is evaluated in phosphate buffer, and data are analyzed using Analysis of Variance. Antimicrobial activity is assessed through agar disc diffusion against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. The sol–gel synthesis and functionalization method efficiently produces nanoparticles with suitable sizes for biomedical applications. All synthesized nanoparticles inhibit bacterial growth at different concentrations, confirming their potential as antibiotic carrier systems for controlled drug delivery. These findings highlight the importance of ferrite‐based nanostructures as multifunctional platforms for developing innovative antimicrobial strategies in response to the growing challenge of bacterial resistance.

Amide-functionalized cellulose derived from sugarcane bagasse for efficient removal of amoxicillin and moxifloxacin from water.

QbD-derived development of multilayer cellulose based polymeric coated extended-release gastroretentive effervescent floating pellets of moxifloxacin and its in silico PBPK modeling.

Fluoroquinolones are a major issue in aquatic ecosystems due to their persistence, potential to induce antibiotic resistance, and inability to be effectively removed using conventional treatment methods. Several advanced oxidation processes have been studied for their degradation; however, there is still a lack of knowledge about their degradation mechanisms and the precise roles played by reactive species. In this context, the study investigated the heterogeneous activation of persulfate (PS) to degrade fluoroquinolones (FQs), such as moxifloxacin (MFX), in iron-rich soil (Cat) under ultrasound irradiation (US). The analysis of the soil catalyst revealed the presence of quartz (35%), iron oxides (33%), and alumina (26%) as the predominant constituents of the sample. The mineral phase analysis indicated the presence of magnetite, hematite, and alumina. Then, the outcomes of the specific surface area, micropore volume, and total pore volume were determined to be 19 m2 g−1, 6 m3 g−1 and 9.10 m3 g−1, respectively. The MFX/PS/US/Cat system demonstrated 89% degradation and 56% mineralization after 300 min. However, the optimized concentrations of i-PrOH, t-BuOH, and CHCl3 were 50, 100, and 50 mM, respectively, in order to trap the radicals SO4•−, OH•, and O2•−. The study examined the individual contributions of SO4•−, OH•, and O2•− radicals to the overall process of MFX degradation. The results indicated that SO4•− was the primary radical, with a contribution of 52%, followed by OH• with 43%, and O2•− with 5%. Finally, the investigation revealed that laterite exhibited both good catalytic activity and reusability over several cycles. The development of this new process could stimulate the creation of cost-effective technology for water remediation through the effective removal of fluoroquinolones.

Norfloxacin (NFX) and moxifloxacin (MFX) are widely used fluoroquinolone antibiotics that are frequently detected as residues in aquatic environments. Their persistent presence can increase the risk of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) emerging, making the selective removal of these compounds from water systems essential. This study evaluates the adsorption selectivity of NFX and MFX using graphene oxide (GO) as a potential adsorbent. The results show that GO exhibits a higher affinity for NFX than for MFX, indicating selective interactions between the functional groups of GO and NFX molecules. These findings confirm the potential of GO as a selective adsorbent for the removal of specific antibiotics from aqueous solutions and provide a basis for developing more effective wastewater treatment strategies.

Abstract This work demonstrates a validated and well‐established analytical methodology for quantifying Moxifloxacin (MOXF), as it is a native fluorescent pharmaceutical. As the most prescribed antibiotic, MOXF is focused on in terms of quantification in a number of pharmaceutical formulas in the current study. Herein, quantification of MOXF is based on the direct fluorescence measurement and comparison in three different media: namely, an aqueous (pH = 8.3), Lactic acid (Lac), and Lactic acid‐Choline chloride (Lac‐ChCl). The intensity of the fluorescence emission for the MOXF is measurable at 505, 510, and 515 nm after exciting at 290, 300, and 300 nm with respect to aqueous, Lac, and Lac‐ChCl media. Under the aforementioned conditions, the methodology has been given validity as the MOXF can successfully be quantified accurately and precisely within the linear range of 0.1–1.5 mg L −1 using Lac‐ChCl with a detection limit and quantification limit of 0.088 and 0.098 µg L −1 , respectively. The MOXF in various samples has been quantified, such as in Moxday, Muxava, Moksine, and RT‐MOXF as well as blood serum. The use of Lac‐ChCl as the chosen medium of analysis of MOXF in pharmaceutical products and spiked samples can be straightforwardly implemented.

Synergistic moxifloxacin detection: AgNPs/GO electrochemical immunosensor with oriented antibody immobilization.

Background/Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a global health challenge due to long treatment durations, poor adherence, and growing drug resistance. Inhalable co-amorphous systems (COAMS) offer a promising strategy for targeted pulmonary delivery of fixed-dose combinations, improving efficacy and reducing systemic side effects. Methods: Our in-house-developed machine learning (ML) tool identified two promising API-API combinations for TB therapy, rifampicin (RIF)–moxifloxacin (MOX) and RIF–ethambutol (ETH). Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling was used to estimate therapeutic lung doses of RIF, ETH, and MOX following oral administration. Predicted lung doses were translated into molar ratios, and COAMS of RIF-ETH and RIF-MOX at both model-predicted (1:1) and PBPK-informed ratios were prepared by spray drying and co-milling, followed by comprehensive physicochemical and aerodynamic characterization. Results: RIF-MOX COAMS could be prepared in all molar ratios tested, whereas RIF-ETH failed to result in COAMS for therapeutically relevant molar ratios. Spray drying and ball milling successfully produced stable RIF-MOX formulations, with spray drying showing superior behavior in terms of morphology (narrow particle size distribution; lower Sauter mean diameter), aerosolization performance (fine particle fraction above 74% for RIF and MOX), and dissolution. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that PBPK modeling and ML are useful tools to develop COAMS for pulmonary delivery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) routinely applied through the oral route. It was also observed that COAMS may be less effective when the therapeutic lung dose ratio significantly deviates from the predicted 1:1 molar ratio. This suggests the need for alternative delivery strategies in such cases.

Fluoroquinolones (FQs) are potent, broad-spectrum bactericidal antibiotics commonly used to treat infections in both humans and animals. Despite their therapeutic efficacy, their potential reproductive toxicity remains a concern. This study aimed to evaluate the histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical effects of three FQ derivatives—ciprofloxacin (CIP), levofloxacin (LVX), and moxifloxacin (MXF)—on the testicular tissue of rats over different time intervals. Seventy-two male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 18): Control, CIP (80 mg/kg), LVX (40 mg/kg), and MXF (40 mg/kg). Treatments were administered orally, and testicular samples were collected at three time points (Day 1, 7, and 14). Histopathological evaluation was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression was assessed immunohistochemically. Biochemical analyses included measurements of malondyaldehyde (MDA), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and acetylcholine esterase (AChE) levels. FQ exposure led to variable degrees of testicular degeneration and significantly increased COX-2 expression in the testis. MXF administration caused a time-dependent reduction in MDA levels. ADA activity was significantly elevated in the CIP group on Day 1 and in the LVX group on Day 14. AChE levels were notably increased in both the LVX and MXF groups on Day 1 compared to controls. These findings suggest that FQ derivatives may exert time-dependent degenerative and inflammatory effects on testicular tissue, highlighting their potential risk for male reproductive toxicity.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile. An Argentinian multicenter study of isolates from human patients.

Fluoroquinolone susceptibility of wild-type Listeria monocytogenes isolates and the role of FepR and ParC mutations in conferring fluoroquinolone tolerance.

High bone-localized concentrations of antimicrobial agents are necessary for the long-term effective treatment of chronic osteomyelitis, particularly in cases of severe infection and bone loss. This study addressed infection control and bone regeneration simultaneously using hydroxyapatite and natural biopolymers. Moxifloxacin hydrochloride was delivered via composite scaffolds produced from polyvinyl alcohol/gelatin and hydroxyapatite with potential applications in osteomyelitis treatment and bone tissue engineering. The composite scaffolds exhibited a well-defined porous architecture, characterised by macropores (≥100µm) and micropores (≤20µm), facilitating cellular infiltration and drug loading. Biomineralization and cell culture assays were used to evaluate the scaffold's bioactivity and biocompatibility. Analyses of mineralized scaffolds using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy revealed HA nucleation on the scaffold's surface after immersion in simulated bodily fluid for varied time points. Protein adsorption and haemolysis tests were conducted to confirm the blood compatibility of scaffolds. Cell culture studies using human mesenchymal stem cells indicated non-cytotoxicity and robust cell adhesion. These findings suggest the potential suitability of these scaffolds for future clinical applications in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis and bone regeneration.

Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening infection of the meninges, often caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. Symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, photophobia, nausea, vomiting, and altered mental status. Diagnosis is confirmed via cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and treatment requires broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids. This study aimed to develop a thermoreversible in-situ nasal gel for Moxifloxacin HCl to enhance brain targeting and CNS absorption, reducing enzymatic breakdown and side effects. Using polymers like Xanthan gum, HPMC K4M, and Carbopol-940, the optimized gel demonstrated quick gelling, strong bioadhesion, and high ex-vivo absorption. Stability tests confirmed long-term efficacy. Further in-vivo research is needed to validate these results for meningitis treatment.

Naturally derived mucoadhesive nanosuspension for treatment of multiple staged ocular infections.

Mutations in gyrA and gyrB among drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates in South Korea.

BackgroundThe incidence and infection rate of Non-tuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) are increasing across different regions, with regional variations in the types, distribution, and drug resistance profiles. Our objective was to investigate the risk factors, distribution of predominant Mycobacteria species, and phenotypic drug resistance profiles in co-infected HIV/AIDS patients in southern China.MethodsBlood and sputum samples were collected from 2,985 HIV/AIDS patients without prior history of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in five designated hospitals in Guangxi, southern China from January 2019 to December 2020. Univariate analysis and binary logistic regression models were used to explore the related risk factors of HIV/AIDS patients with NTM infection and those with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, respectively. Interferon-γ release assay (IGRA) tests and CD4+ counts were performed on blood samples, Roche medium was used for sputum culture, and positive isolates underwent species identification and drug susceptibility testing.ResultsMycobacterium tuberculosis and NTM culture positivity rates were 1.2% (35/2985) and 2.2% (66/2985), respectively (χ2 = 9.679, p = 0.002). Predominant NTM pathogens were Mycobacterium avium (28.8%, 19/66), Mycobacterium fortuitum (21.2%, 14/66), and Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus complex (16.7%, 11/66). Multivariate analysis revealed cough (Adj. OR: 192.47, 95%CI: 15.71–2357.63, p < 0.001) and farming (Adj. OR: 20.92, 95%CI: 1.33–328.93, p = 0.031) as risk factors for NTM co-infection, whereas other pulmonary symptoms increased risk of MTB infection (Adj. OR: 3.37, 95% CI: 1.03–11.08, p = 0.045). Cough significantly differed between NTM and MTB groups (χ2 = 66.070, p < 0.001). Sixty-six NTM strains were tested for resistance to 10 common antibiotics. The drug resistance rates of para-aminosalicylic acid (PAS), Isoniazid (INH), Levofloxacin (LFX), Kanamycin (K), Ethambutol (EMB), Capreomycin (CPM), Rifampin (RFP), Moxifloxacin (MFX) and Amikacin (AM) exceeded 50.0%., while Protionamide (TH1321) was 25.8%. There was no significant in interferon status distribution across CD4+ counts groups (p = 0.574).ConclusionFor HIV/AIDS patients presenting with cough symptoms, it is recommended that molecular biology techniques be employed concurrently with MTB testing to screen for and identify NTM, thereby clarifying the specific type of mycobacterial infection present. IGRA cannot completely distinguish MTB from NTM, and more auxiliary examinations are needed.