Potential Candidate Research Articles

Serum Levels of Long Non-coding RNAs NEAT1, GAS5, and GAPLINC Altered in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune joint inflammatory disease, presents a significant challenge due to its prevalence, particularly among women, affecting around 6% of individuals over the age of 65. Novel insights into disease mechanisms are crucial for improved diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as potential contributors to the pathogenesis of various autoimmune diseases, including RA. This study aims to investigate the unique roles of four lncRNAs-NEAT1, GAS5, TMEVPG1, and GAPLINC-in the etiology of RA. Leveraging isolated serum samples from RA patients and healthy controls, we comprehensively evaluated the expression profiles of these lncRNAs. Notably, our findings unveil a distinctive landscape of lncRNA expressions in RA. Among them, GAPLINC exhibited a significantly elevated average expression in the serum samples of RA patients, suggesting a potential biomarker candidate for disease stratification. Importantly, reduced expression of NEAT1 and GAS5 was observed in RA patients, highlighting their possible roles as diagnostic and prognostic markers. Conversely, TMEVPG1 displayed unaltered expression levels in RA samples. Our study introduces a novel dimension to RA research by identifying NEAT1, GAS5, and GAPLINC as promising serological biomarkers. These findings hold significant clinical implications, offering potential avenues for improved diagnosis, disease monitoring, and therapeutic interventions in RA.

A Contemporary Review on the Critical Role of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents in Colorectal Cancer Therapy.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are widely recognized as effective pain relievers and function by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COXs). Moreover, they have been found to participate in various cellular processes through different signaling pathways, such as WNT, MAPK, NF-KB, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. This makes them potential candidates for chemoprevention of several malignancies, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the use of NSAIDs in cancer prevention and treatment is a complex issue due to their adverse effects and gastrointestinal toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to explore combination therapies that can minimize side effects while maximizing synergistic effects with other agents and to evaluate the success rate of such approaches in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the effects of NSAIDs in the prevention and treatment of CRC. We will focus on elucidating the possible mechanisms of action of these drugs, the signaling pathways involved in CRC, and the potential synergistic effects when combined with other therapeutic agents.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Antidiabetic Capacity of Moringa oleifera LAM Leaves

Nowadays, phyto-medicine is considered the best form of modern, scientific herbal medicine, relying on scientific research and the highest professional standards to find effective remedies for diseases including diabetes, since this disease is principally linked to impaired insulin function. The work aimed to evaluate inhibitory capacity of Moringa oleifera LAM (MEMO) (Moringaceae). Methanol extract of this plant was prepared and was delivered to rats and revealed a remarkable decrease in glycaemia state (vs. Glibenclamide, 5 mg/kg). Noting that the biochemical parameters were also evaluated. In addition, the plant extract also inhibited enzymes activities comparing to acarbose (standard). This plant possesses antidiabetic properties. The results showed that the activity of this plant represents a potential candidate to develop new drugs to prevent/treat diabetes and this type of pharmacological research is likely to lead to the industrial pharmaceutical development of new active bio-compounds in countries where tradition remains strong.

Therapeutic Intervention of Serine Protease Inhibitors against Hepatitis C Virus.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a globally prevalent and hazardous disorder that is responsible for inducing several persistent and potentially fatal liver diseases. Current treatment strategies offer limited efficacy, often accompanied by severe and debilitating adverse effects. Consequently, there is an urgent and compelling need to develop novel therapeutic interventions that can provide maximum efficacy in combating HCV while minimizing the burden of adverse effects on patients. One promising target against HCV is the NS3-4A serine protease, a complex composed of two HCV-encoded proteins. This non-covalent heterodimer is crucial in the viral life cycle and has become a primary focus for therapeutic interventions. Although peginterferon, combined with ribavirin, is commonly employed for HCV treatment, its efficacy is hampered by significant adverse effects that can profoundly impact patients' quality of life. In recent years, the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has emerged as a breakthrough in HCV therapy. These agents exhibit remarkable potency against the virus and have demonstrated fewer adverse effects when combined with other DAAs. However, it is important to note that there is a potential for developing resistance to DAAs due to alterations in the amino acid position of the NS3-4A protease. This emphasizes the need for ongoing research to identify strategies that can minimize the emergence of resistance and ensure long-term effectiveness. While the combination of DAAs holds promise for HCV treatment, it is crucial to consider the possibility of drug-drug interactions. These interactions may occur when different DAAs are used concurrently, potentially compromising their therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, carefully evaluating and monitoring potential drug interactions are vital to optimize treatment outcomes. In the pursuit of novel therapeutic interventions for HCV, the field of computational biology and bioinformatics has emerged as a valuable tool. These advanced technologies and methodologies enable the development and design of new drugs and therapeutic agents that exhibit maximum efficacy, reduced risk of resistance, and minimal adverse effects. By leveraging computational approaches, researchers can efficiently screen and optimize potential candidates, accelerating the discovery and development of highly effective treatments for HCV, treatments.

Nucleoside‐Based Drug Target with General Antimicrobial Screening and Specific Computational Studies against SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease

AbstractThis review article aims to significantly advance the scientific community's efforts to develop effective nucleoside‐based drugs for treating severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) and other emerging infectious diseases. This study concentrates on the main viral protease (Mpro) and explores nucleoside‐based compounds as potential therapeutic agents. This investigation investigated the impact of acylation‐induced modifications on the nucleoside hydroxyl group and subsequent properties. Nucleoside analogs, which are recognized for their diverse biochemical properties, were synthesized and rigorously screened to evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy. In the domain of pharmaceutical research, computational pharmacokinetics has emerged as a critical tool, especially in the pursuit of nucleoside analogs as potential therapeutics. In silico methods aid in predicting pharmacokinetic traits, interactions with crucial enzymes, and the stability of these analogs in biological environments, thereby streamlining drug design and reducing experimental costs. Concurrently, computational studies revealed the intricate interactions between the analogs and the active site of the main protease. The amalgamation of experimental screening and computational insights underscores the emergence of potent nucleoside candidates with inhibitory activity against SARS‐CoV‐2 Mpro. Additionally, this review integrates computational studies that provide valuable insights into the interactions between nucleoside analogs and the main protease of SARS‐CoV‐2.

Electrospun silk fibroin/polylactic acid conduit filled with proangiogenic carboxylated silk fibroin/chitosan hydrogel facilitates peripheral nerve regeneration

Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in peripheral nerve regeneration after injury. We introduce a proangiogenic hydrogel-filled nerve conduit, designed to promote peripheral nerve regeneration. The hydrogel was synthesized by chemically crosslinking carboxylated silk fibroin (cSF) and chitosan (CS), enriched with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to initiate angiogenesis. Complementarily, a nerve conduit was fabricated using coaxial electrospinning of poly-lactic acid (PLA), silk fibroin (SF), and ibuprofen (IBU) was incorporated to further support nerve regeneration. The hydrogel exhibited optimal properties including rapid gelation, uniform porosity and full biodegradation within four weeks. The nerve conduit, on the other hand, displayed enhanced mechanical strength, elasticity, and controlled biodegradability. In vitro assays demonstrated a sustained release of VEGF and IBU, which significantly enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation, migration and angiogenesis in Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), as well as promoted adhesion and proliferation in rat Schwann cells (RSC96). This proangiogenic hydrogel-filled nerve conduit thus emerged as a potent candidate for advancing peripheral nerve regeneration.

Design, Synthesis, Biological Evaluation and in Silico Studies of Curcumin Pyrrole Conjugates.

Curcumin conjugated heterocyclic compounds are potent candidates with drug likeness against various bacterial pathogens. A set of curcumin-based pyrrole conjugates (CPs) were synthesized and characterized by FT-IR, 1H and 13C NMR and HR-MS techniques. The results of free radical scavenging activity of the synthesized CPs, evaluated by FRAP and CUPRAC assays, showed the potency of these compounds as effective antioxidants. CP3 exhibits the highest antioxidant activity amongst the CPs. The bactericidal efficacy of CPs was screened against ESKAP bacterial pathogens, and CPs were found to possess better antibacterial property than curcumin, specifically against staphylococcus aureus bacteria. In addition, serum albumin (BSA and HSA) binding interaction of these CPs were determined by UV-visible and fluorescence spectrophotometric techniques. In-silico molecular docking study was performed to determine the binding patterns of molecular targets against Staphylococcus aureus tyrosyl tRNA synthetase, and serum albumin proteins. The structure-activity relationship showed that the presence of multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups, and electron withdrawing groups on the structure of CP molecule, enhances its antioxidant and antibacterial activity, respectively.

Discovery of a Novel Potent Tetrazole Antifungal Candidate with High Selectivity and Broad Spectrum.

Thirty-one novel albaconazole derivatives were designed and synthesized based on our previous work. All compounds exhibited potent in vitro antifungal activities against seven pathogenic fungi. Among them, tetrazole compound D2 was the most potent antifungal with MIC values of <0.008, <0.008, and 2 μg/mL against Candida albicans, Cryptococcus neoformans, and Aspergillus fumigatus, respectively, the three most common and critical priority pathogenic fungi. In addition, compound D2 also exhibited potent activity against fluconazole-resistant C. auris isolates. Notably, compound D2 showed a lower inhibitory activity in vitro against human CYP450 enzymes as well as a lower inhibitory effect on the hERG K+ channel, indicating a low risk of drug-drug interactions and QT prolongation. Moreover, with improved pharmacokinetic profiles, compound D2 showed better in vivo efficacy than albaconazole at reducing fungal burden and extending the survival of C. albicans-infected mice. Taken together, compound D2 will be further investigated as a promising candidate.

Photocatalytic Activity of BaAl2O4 for Water Purification.

Degradation of dyes under natural light sources is one of the most active research areas in basic science for greener technology. In this context, the photocatalytic activity of semiconductors has received massive attention in solving water treatment-related issues as these possess enormous potential for degrading organic impurities. Here, we report that barium aluminate (BaAl2O4, BAO), which has been extensively studied for photoluminescence applications, is found to be a highly potent candidate for photocatalytic activities. We have explored the degradation of dyes (meant for water purification) by using the photocatalytic properties of pure and Dy- and Yb-codoped BAO. Crystal structure, electron microscopy, and Raman analysis of the autocombustion-synthesized pure and codoped BAO samples revealed significant morphological changes such as increased particle size and stabilization of rod-like structures. UV-vis absorbance measurements confirm the presence of multiple bandgaps in the BAO samples, which is substantiated by X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements. Photocatalytic degradation studies of methylene blue (MB) dye (with different catalyst concentrations, dopings, and MB dye concentrations) have been carried out by using BAO. The kinetics of the photocatalytic degradation measurements has been explained by the Boltzmann distribution function, and the fastest (in less than 40 min), with more than 99% degradation of MB impurity, is reported here for the first time in BAO compounds. Synthesized BAO samples show excellent cyclic stability, which is essential for their potential applications in environmental remediation. The trade-off between the enhancement of surface area and increased particle size is considered the key parameter for controlling the photocatalytic performance of the BAO catalyst after Dy and Yb codopings.

Sebetralstat: A Rapidly Acting Oral Plasma Kallikrein Inhibitor for the On-Demand Treatment of Hereditary Angioedema

Sebetralstat is a novel, potent, and selective oral plasma kallikrein inhibitor drug candidate in clinical development for the on-demand treatment of hereditary angioedema (HAE). Upon binding, sebetralstat induces a conformational change in the active site of plasma kallikrein, which contributes to its high potency (Ki 3 nM) and selectivity (&gt;1500 fold) against other serine proteases. Its physiochemical properties promote both rapid dissolution in the stomach and rapid absorption in the upper intestine that contribute to its fast and efficient absorption. A single oral administration of sebetralstat rapidly provides near-complete inhibition of plasma kallikrein and blockade of high-molecular-weight kininogen cleavage as early as 15 min, which drives its clinical efficacy. In a phase 2 clinical trial, sebetralstat significantly reduced the time to beginning of symptom relief (p &lt; 0.0001) with median times of 1.6 h (95% CI: 1.5–3.0) with sebetralstat versus 9.0 h (4.0–17.2) with placebo. KONFIDENT (NCT05259917) is a phase 3 clinical trial assessing the on-demand use of sebetralstat for HAE. If successful, this trial could support the approval of sebetralstat as the first noninvasive, on-demand treatment option to rapidly halt HAE attacks and provide fast symptom relief.

Covalent docking-driven virtual screening of extensive small-molecule libraries against Bruton tyrosine kinase for the identification of highly selective and potent novel therapeutic candidates

Bruton tyrosine kinases (BTKs) play critical roles in various diseases, including chronic lymphatic leukemia (CLL), Waldenström Macroglobulinemia, Marginal Zone Lymphoma, Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), and Graft Versus Host diseases. BTKs are a family of tyrosine kinases involved in B lymphocyte signal transduction, development, and maturation. Their overexpression can lead to cancer as they are essential for the activation of the B Cell Receptor (BCR) signaling pathway. Blocking the activation of BTKs presents a promising approach for treating CLL. This study was centered around the identification of small-molecule therapeutics that have an impact on human BTK. The covalently bound Ibrutinib molecule, recognized for its ability to inhibit BTK, was used as the query molecule. IUPAC text files containing molecular fragments of Ibrutinib were employed to virtually screen five different libraries comprising small-molecules, resulting in the screening of over 2.4 million synthesized compounds. Covalent docking simulations were applied to the selected small-molecules obtained through text mining from databases. Potent hit molecules capable of inhibiting BTKs through virtual screening algorithms were identified, paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies in the treatment of CLL.

The application of MD simulation to lead identification, vaccine design, and structural studies in combat against leishmaniasis - A review.

Drug discovery, vaccine design, and protein interaction studies are rapidly moving toward the routine use of molecular dynamics simulations (MDS) and related methods. As a result of MDS, it is possible to gain insights into the dynamics and function of identified drug targets, antibody-antigen interactions, potential vaccine candidates, intrinsically disordered proteins, and essential proteins. The MDS appears to be used in all possible ways in combating diseases such as cancer, however, it has not been well documented as to how effectively it is applied to infectious diseases such as Leishmaniasis. As a result, this systematic review aims to survey the application of MDS in combating leishmaniasis. We have systematically collected articles that illustrate the implementation of MDS in drug discovery, vaccine development, and structural studies related to Leishmaniasis. Of all the articles reviewed, we identified that only a limited number of studies focused on the development of vaccines against Leishmaniasis through MDS. Also, the PCA and FEL studies were not carried out in most of the studies. These two were globally accepted utilities to understand the conformational changes and hence it is recommended that this analysis should be taken up in similar approaches in the future.

A Review on Diverse Biological Activity of Heterocyclic Nucleus Pyrazine and its Derivatives: A Key for the Researchers

Abstract: Pyrazine belongs to the 1, 4-diazines family, which is a significant class of heterocyclic compounds. Various pyrazine derivatives have been produced and successfully confirmed as medicines with various pharmacological activities like anti-inflammatory, antitubercular, anticancer, antibacterial, and neurological activity, with some of them becoming clinically utilized pharmaceuticals globally. This review includes a survey on pyrazine derivatives possessing different pharmacological activities. The class of pyrazine-based potential medications has grown rapidly in terms of both the absolute quantity of studied compounds and the range of various biological activities. Additionally, there is a lot of potential for this scaffold, which medicinal chemists ought to investigate for the creation of novel potential drug candidates.

Role of TBK1 Inhibition in Targeted Therapy of Cancer.

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a serine/threonine protein that plays a crucial role in various biological processes like immunity, autophagy, cell survival, and proliferation. The level and kinase activity of the TBK1 protein is regulated through post-translational modifications (PTMs). TBK1 mainly mediates the activation of IRF3/7 and NF-κB signaling pathways while also participating in the regulation of cellular activities such as autophagy, mitochondrial metabolism, and cell proliferation. TBK1 regulates immune, metabolic, inflammatory, and tumor occurrence and development within the body through these cellular activities. TBK1 kinase has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for tumor immunity. However, its molecular mechanism of action remains largely unknown. The identification of selective TBK1 small molecule inhibitors can serve as valuable tools for investigating the biological function of TBK1 protein and also as potential drug candidates for tumor immunotherapy. The current research progress indicates that some TBK1 inhibitors (compounds 15,16 and 21) exhibit certain antitumor effects in vitro culture systems. Here, we summarize the mechanism of action of TBK1 in tumors in recent years and the progress of small molecule inhibitors of TBK1.

5-Methylthiopentyl Isothiocyanate, a Sulforaphane Analogue, Inhibits Pro-inflammatory Cytokines by Regulating LPS/ATP-mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation.

Pro-inflammatory cytokines secreted from activated macrophages and astrocytes are crucial mediators of inflammation for host defense. Among them, the secretion of IL-1β, a major pro-inflammatory cytokine, is especially mediated by the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Pro-IL-1β, which is produced in response to the invaded pathogens, such as LPS, is cleaved and matured in the NLRP3 inflammasome by the recognition of ATP. Excessively activated IL-1β induces other immune cells, resulting in the up-regulation of inflammation. Therefore, regulation of NLRP3 inflammasome can be a good strategy for alleviating inflammation. Our study aimed to examine whether 5-methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate, a sulforaphane analogue (berteroin), has an anti-inflammatory effect on the NLRP3 inflammasome activation induced by LPS and ATP. Primary bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and astrocytes were stimulated by LPS and ATP with the treatment of 5-methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate, a sulforaphane analogue. The secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines was measured by ELISA, and the expression level of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins was detected by western blot. The association of NLRP3 inflammasome was assessed by co-immunoprecipitation, and the formation of ASC specks was evaluated by fluorescent microscope. 5-Methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate, a sulforaphane analogue (berteroin), decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, and IL-6 in the BMDMs. Berteroin notably prevented the formation of both NLRP3 inflammasome and ASC specks, which reduced the secretion of IL-1β. Additionally, berteroin reduced the IL-1β secretion and cleaved IL-1β expression in the primary astrocytes. These results indicated the anti-inflammatory effects of 5-methylthiopentyl isothiocyanate (berteroin) by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that berteroin could be the potential natural drug candidate for the regulation of inflammation.

Color Tunable Single-phase Cyclosilicate KBaScSi3O9: Eu2+/Tb3+/Sm3+ for n-UV pumped wLEDs

The exploration of stable/efficient phosphor for n-UV chip pumped white light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) remains an arduous task. Herein, a novel series of color tunable Eu2+/Tb3+/Sm3+ tridoped Sc-based cyclosilicate phosphors (KBaScSi3O9: Eu2+/Tb3+/Sm3+) have successfully designed and obtained via facile solid-state reaction based on comprehensive consideration of rigidly structural network of host, weak electron-phonon coupling strength and spectral adjustability of codopants via energy transfer (ET). The crystallographic occupancies of Eu, Tb and Sm primary in Ba/K, Ba and Ba sites in the monoclinic host, respectively were determined on the basis of the Rietveld refinements and crystal chemistry rules. The photoluminescence (PL) properties were systematically investigated in conjunction with structural analyses, implying that the ‘warm’ white light with excellent thermal stability is stemmed from combination of optimized blue (Eu2+), green (Tb3+) and red (Sm3+) emissions via Eu → Tb → Sm ET strategy. Interestingly, Tb ions play both roles of green light luminescent center and ET bridge to achieve cascade ET for connecting Eu/Sm ion pairs because of the adverse metal-metal charge transfer (MMCT) effect (Eu2+ + Sm3+ → Eu3+ + Sm2+). Furthermore, the phosphor-converted wLEDs (pc-wLEDs), by encapsulating the optimal KBS: 4%Eu/4%Tb/6%Sm with commercial n-UV LED chip, show high thermal stability with satisfactory electroluminescence (EL) performances. These results indicate the KBS: Eu/Tb/Sm phosphors are potential candidates for application in high power n-UV pumped pc-wLEDs.

Investigation of Cytotoxic, Antimetastatic and Apoptotic Activities of Jerusalem Artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) Extracts: Comparison with MCF-7 and MCF-12A Cells

Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus L.) is an important medicinal plant due to its composition of several bioactive substances, high antioxidant activity, rich inulin content and produces functional food ingredients. Complementary alternative medicine therapies become more popular for cancer treatments because of higher efficiency, lower cost and minimum side effects. This study reported anti-cancer efficiency of both shell and tuber extract of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) on different breast cell lines with the purpose of discovering new alternative medicine therapies. Cytotoxic effects of JA were evaluated by XTT method by using different concentrations on different incubation times (24h, 48h and 72h). Invasion, adhesion and apoptotic studies were performed with IC50 values for 48h and 72h. JA extracts do not show cytotoxic activity on healthy human breast cell, while they induce tumoral cell death with dose and time-dependent manner. The most effective doses of tuber and shell extracts were 108.8 µM and 134.2 µM at 48h and 20 µM ve 5 µM at 72h, respectively. It demonstrated robust anti-metastatic activity on MCF-7 cell lines because it inhibited adhesion, and invasion, significantly. TMRE and AnnexinV/7AAD staining were used for determine to mitochondrial membrane potential and nuclear morphology, respectively The results were found consistent with each other. Overall, this paper which first in literature demonstrates the anti-cancer efficacy of the JA both tuber and shell extract which can be proposed as a potent candidate for the treatment of breast cancer.

Endothelial cell-derived extracellular vesicles induce pro-angiogenic responses in mesenchymal stem cells.

Angiogenesis is a central component of vital biological processes such as wound healing, tissue nourishment, and development. Therefore, angiogenic activities are precisely maintained with secreted factors such as angiopoietin-1 (Ang1), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). As an element of intracellular communication, extracellular vesicles (EVs)-particularly EVs of vascular origin-could have key functions in maintaining angiogenesis. However, the functions of EVs in the control of angiogenesis have not been fully studied. In this study, human umbilical vein endothelial cell line (HUVEC)-derived small EVs (<200 nm; HU-sEVs) were investigated as a potential pro-angiogenic agent. Treating mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and mature HUVEC cells with HU-sEVs induced their tube formation under in vitro conditions and significantly increased the expression of angiogenesis-related genes, such as Ang1, VEGF, Flk-1 (VEGF receptor 2), Flt-1 (VEGF receptor 1), and vWF (von Willebrand Factor), in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that HU-sEVs take part in angiogenesis activities in physiological systems, and suggest endothelial EVs as a potential therapeutic candidate for the treatment of angiogenesis-related diseases.

Design of a Novel Lysine Isopeptide 1018KI11 with Potent Antimicrobial Activity as a Safe and Stable Food Preservative Candidate.

Antimicrobial peptides are potent food additive candidates, but most of them are sensitive to proteases, which limits their application. Therefore, we substituted arginine for lysine and introduced a lysine isopeptide bond to peptide IDR-1018 in order to improve its enzymatic stability. Subsequently, the protease stability and antimicrobial/antibiofilm activity of the novel peptides (1018K2-1018KI11) were investigated. The data revealed that the antienzymatic potential of 1018KI11 to bromelain and papain increased by 2-8 folds and 16 folds, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1018KI11 against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC43300 and Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC25922 was reduced 2-fold compared to 1018K11. Mechanism exploration suggested that 1018KI11 was more effective than 1018K11 in disrupting the cell barrier and damaging genomic DNA. Additionally, 1018KI11 at certain concentration conditions (2-64 μg/mL) reduced biofilm development of MRSA ATCC43300 by 4.9-85.9%. These data indicated that novel peptide 1018KI11 is a potential food preservative candidate.

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 (&gt; 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.