Significant Antibacterial Activity Research Articles

Nutritional, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Citrus Peels: A Sustainable Valorization Approach

Background: Citrus peels are often discarded as waste despite being rich in bioactive compounds with potential health benefits. Traditional extraction methods for these compounds are not always sustainable and can lead to environmental harm. Using a sustainable vaporization approach, the bioactive compounds in citrus peels can be efficiently extracted and retained for various applications. Valorization strategies have been used for various waste streams, including agro-industrial by-products and olive mill wastewater. Aims: Using a sustainable vaporization method, this study seeks to examine the antibacterial, antioxidant, and nutritional qualities of citrus peels. Methods: waste valorization remains a promising approach for sustainable waste management and resource recovery. Quantitative studies and antimicrobial activities were carried out using peels of C. aurantifolia (Key Lime), C. maxima (Pomelo), C. sinensis (orange), Citrus limetta (Sweet Lemon), and C. reticulata. Citrus aurantiifolia is believed to be a hybrid of Citrus medica, Citrus grandis, and a Micro-citrus species, with significant antibacterial activity. Result: Citrus limetta Mosambi is gaining popularity due to its delicious taste and high vitamin-C content. Citrus sinensis is a small, spherical fruit rich in vitamin C and vitamin A. Pummelo, or Citrus maxima, is known for its large, sweet fruits with abortifacient and menstrual stimulant properties. Peels of C. maxima exhibit the highest amount of antioxidant activity equivalent to ascorbic acid and display significant antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella species. Citrus reticulata, found mainly in eastern India, has a maximum amount vitamin C among citrus species and exhibits high antimicrobial activity.

Antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxicity, and phytochemical screening of Moringa oleifera leaves

Bacterial resistance to antibiotics remains a significant clinical challenge, contributing to persistently high rates of morbidity and mortality. Achieving treatment success is increasingly difficult, necessitating the evaluation of new antibiotics and complementary approaches, including source control and alternative therapies. This study aimed to investigate the antibacterial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, and phytochemical properties of Moringa oleifera leaf extract using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and to evaluate the pharmacokinetic properties of its major compound. The extract demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against standard strains and foodborne bacterial species. It also showed significant antioxidant potential, supported by the presence of high concentrations of phenolic and flavonoid compounds. HPLC analysis identified multiple bioactive compounds, with quercetin as the predominant component. The cytotoxicity study confirmed the safety of the extract at low and moderate concentrations, and ADMET analysis indicated favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics of quercetin. In conclusion, Moringa oleifera exhibits promising potential for medical and food industry applications due to its significant antibacterial and antioxidant activities, combined with a strong safety profile and rich phytochemical content.

EVALUATION OF INHIBITORY AND TOXICITY EFFECTS OF XYLOPIA AETHIOPICA FRUIT EXTRACT AGAINST ESBL-PRODUCING BACTERIAL STRAINS

This study investigated the inhibitory and toxicity effects of Xylopia aethiopica, widely utilized in traditional medicine, particularly in Nigeria and West Africa. The clinical isolates obtained from Department of Pathology, Federal Medical Center in Nguru, Yobe State which includes Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella boydii and Klebsiella oxytoca were identified and confirmed to produce Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) through standard microbiological methods, followed by genotyping via conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The bioactivity of Xylopia aethiopica fruit extract against Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase producing bacterial isolates was evaluated using the agar well diffusion method. The quantitative phytochemical analysis carried out through Soxhlet extraction revealed a range of bioactive compounds in varying amounts such as flavonoids, tannins, phenols, saponins and steroids, while alkaloids were not detected in the chloroform extract. Both ethanol and chloroform extracts displayed significant antibacterial activity, with inhibition zones of 27.50 mm at 100% concentration, surpassing the reference drug, Amikacin (18.03 mm). Additionally, in vitro toxicity assessment indicated an LD50 of 3,807.9 mg/kg, indicating a slight toxicity level. These findings suggest that Xylopia aethiopica not only has promising antibacterial properties against ESBL-producing bacteria but also warrants caution due to its potential toxicity. The study emphasizes the need for careful consideration when incorporating Xylopia aethiopica into medicinal practices.

GC-MS PROFILING AND In vitro ANTIBACTERIAL EFFICACY OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACTS OF Ocimum gratissimum Linn. AND Vernonia amygdalina Del

The increasing spread, persistence, and prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacterial strains has become a significant global public health challenge, necessitating the need for novel, potent, and alternative antimicrobial agents, particularly from medicinal plants. The study determined the bioactive phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activities of the aqueous leaf extracts of Vernonia amygdalina (ALEVA) and Ocimum gratissimum (ALEOG). In ALEVA using the agar-well diffusion method. The ALEVA contained 35 identified compounds, with cis-thujopsene (20.99%), acetic acid (20.77%), and butanoic acid, 2-methyl (12.87%) being the most abundant. Ethosuximide and cyclohexane, 1, 3-butadienylidene were detected in small amounts. The ALEOG had 44 compounds, with butanoic acid, 3-methyl (13.89%), thymol (12.43%), and butanoic acid, 2-methyl (7.22%) in the highest concentrations, while 1H-cyclopenta[a] pentalen-7-ol and 9-octadecynoic acid methyl ester were present in small amounts. The ALEOG and ALEVA showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition at 40 mg/mL against Helicobacter pylori and other bacterial isolates, with a highest mean (x S.D.) inhibition zone diameter of 17.5 0.5 mm and 18.2 1.1 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values of ALEVA and ALEOG for the isolates ranged between 5 g/mL and 40 g/mL; the minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) values of ALEVA and ALEOG for the isolates ranged between 5 g/mL and 80 g/mL, with an MBC/MIC of 4. The study has demonstrated that aqueous leaf extracts from O. gratissimum and V. amygdalina possess significant antibacterial activity, supporting their traditional medicinal uses.

Cocculus hirsutus trypsin inhibitor (ChTI) as a biocontrol agent for post harvest bacterial disease in tomato

The widespread distribution of proteinase inhibitors (PIs) in various plant parts has made them the most abundant class of defensive proteins. PIs restrict microbial developmental processes by attenuating respective proteases, making them a highly promising area of research. In our current investigation, we evaluated the bactericidal potential of a serine proteinase inhibitor (SPI), specifically the Cocculus hirsutus trypsin inhibitor (ChTI). Recombinant ChTI was expressed, purified using a Sepharose-4B affinity column, and utilized in bioassays against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Pre-incubation of bacterial trypsin-like proteinase (TLP) with 400 TIU/mg of ChTI resulted in TLP inhibition rates of 64%, 61.7%, and 56.4%, with IC50 values of 1.67 µg/ml, 1.74 µg/ml, and 1.90 µg/ml for Xanthomonas axonopodis, Escherichia coli, and Ralstonia solanacearum, respectively. Further evaluation against bacterial pathogens Leuconostoc citreum and Lactobacillius fructivorans, associated with postharvest tomato loss, indicated ChTI's potential in extending tomato shelf life. ChTI-treated tomatoes remained viable for over 20 days compared to 11 days for control fruits. Bacterial populations on treated fruits were significantly reduced, with ChTI inhibiting up to 49% and 36% of TLP for L. citreum and L. fructivorans, respectively. The inhibition pattern of bacterial proteinase was further confirmed through in-gel activity assays and bacterial cell mortality assays conducted by incubating live cells with ChTI. The study confirmed ChTI’s strong affinity for bacterial cell wall proteins, as demonstrated by affinity column purification, SDS-PAGE, and western blotting. Overall, the inhibitory properties of ChTI, demonstrated through bacterial bioassays, indicate its significant antibacterial activity and potential for post-harvest preservation.

Clay minerals-mediated removal of Norfloxacin and Norfloxin-resistant bacteria from water environments and associated mechanisms.

Norfloxacin (NOR) is frequently detected in various water bodies and has the potential to promote the proliferation of NOR-resistant bacteria/genes in the environment. Efficiently removing residual NOR and NOR-resistant bacteria from contaminated water is critical to mitigating their environmental risks. This study investigated the ability of two common clay minerals, kaolinite and montmorillonite, to remove NOR and NOR-resistant bacteria from five different water environments (ultrapure water, simulated and real freshwater, and simulated and real seawater) and explored the underlying removal mechanisms. The results showed that both clays adsorbed NOR according to a pseudo-first-order kinetic model. In simulated and actual freshwater and seawater, the adsorption of NOR by kaolinite was 0.199, 0.120, 0.094, and 0.010mgg-1, while montmorillonite adsorbed NOR at significantly higher levels, with values of 2.880, 2.208, 0.433, and 0.067mgg-1, respectively. The primary mechanisms of adsorption included electrostatic interactions, cation exchange, and cation bonding and bridging. In addition to NOR sorption, culture tests revealed that montmorillonite exhibited significant antibacterial activity against NOR-resistant bacteria, achieving an inhibition ratio of 83.84 ± 4.01% when the initial concentrations of bacteria and montmorillonite were 1.68 ± 1.00 × 105CFU·mL-1 and 40mgmL-1, respectively. Remarkably, montmorillonite maintained its high sorption capacity and antibacterial activity even after multiple reuse cycles. These findings highlight the promising application potential of montmorillonite, particularly in terms of its storage and long-distance distribution capabilities, making it an effective material for removing both NOR and NOR-resistant bacteria from the environment. However, it is important to note that under estuarine conditions, clay-bound NOR could be released if water quality changes. Therefore, we conclude that strategies to degrade and remove antibiotics adsorbed onto clay minerals should be developed to prevent the release of antibiotics when clay particles enter the ocean, thus avoiding further environmental contamination.

Four new flavonoids from Sophora flavescens and their antibacterial activities

Three new flavanones sophoflavanone C (1), sophoflavanone D (2), sophoflavanone E (3), and one new flavanonol, sophoflavanone F (4), were isolated from the ethanol extract of the root bark of Sophora flavescens. The structures of these compounds were identified by UV spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (HRESIMS), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and comparison with previous reports. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of compounds 1–4 against eight bacterial strains, including four Gram-positive bacterial strains and four Gram-negative bacterial strains, was determined using the micro broth dilution method. Both isopentenyl flavones, sophoflavanone C (1) and sophoflavanone F (4) exhibited significant antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive bacterial strains.

Effect of in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion on the antibacterial properties of bovine lactoferrin.

The aim of this research was to investigate the ability of an in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion (SGID) to generate peptides from bovine lactoferrin (LF) that possess antibacterial activity. Escherichia coli was examined as the target pathogen due to its prevalence in foods and the well-documented antibacterial effect of both LF and LF peptides against this organism. Results showed that in-vitro digested LF, specifically gastric LF digesta, exhibited significant antibacterial activity at low concentrations against E. coli compared to its undigested counterpart. Additionally, the highest antibacterial activity in the gastric digesta was associated with a relatively high molecular weight fraction of >30 kDa obtained within the first 30 min of the SGID. This demonstrates that the digestive process can result in the generation of antibacterial LF peptides and contribute to improving the antimicrobial properties of LF exhibited in its undigested state, making it a suitable dairy food additive to potentially provide protection against bacterial pathogens within the gastrointestinal system.

Impact of Moringa oleifera Hydro-Alcoholic Bark Extract on Diabetic Wound Healing: A Topical Approach.

The current study was aimed to evaluate the potential of Moringa oleifera against diabetic foot ulcer, where the wound healing is impaired and susceptible to infection. The effects of M. oleifera hydroalcoholic bark extract (MOHE) on different parameters influencing diabetic wound healing were comprehensively investigated including: anti-inflammatory effects, antibacterial properties, antioxidant activity, anti-diabetic properties, and fibroblast proliferation and migration. Furthermore, in vivo studies were conducted in diabetic rats and Zebrafish to investigate the topical effects of MOHE on wound healing. The findings of this study demonstrated that MOHE has strong anti-diabetic effect, including a significant inhibition of α-amylase activity (IC50 = 0.043 mg/mL) and 2.92-fold increase in 2-NBDG uptake in McCoy cells. MOHE demonstrated considerable antioxidant activity, inhibiting DPPH (IC50: 0.046 mg/mL) and ABTS (IC50: 0.04 mg/mL) free radicals. In in vitro wound healing studies employing MOHE revealed a significant increase in McCoy fibroblast proliferation (148.83%) and improved migration, resulting in a wound closure rate of 46.3%. MOHE exhibited significant antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria species. It efficiently reduced heat-induced RBC hemolysis, with anti-inflammatory effect of 73% at 0.2 mg/mL. Furthermore, MOHE demonstrated better results in the treatment of diabetic wounds in Wistar rats and fin regeneration in Zebra fish compared to Calendula cream. This evidence based pharmacological study highlights the promising potential of MOHE in facilitating the healing of diabetic wounds, offering a topical approach to address this challenging healthcare issue.

PROBIOTIC AND β-LACTAM SENSITIVITY ASSESSMENT OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM TRADITIONALLY FERMENTED PRODUCTS OF MEGHALAYA

Objective: The present study aimed to isolate, identify, and analyze the probiotic properties and β-lactam sensitivity in the Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) prevalent in Tungtap and Lung-seij, common traditionally fermented ethnic products throughout Meghalaya. Methods: Bacterial pure colonies were identified using conventional biochemical tests and 16S rRNA Sanger sequencing. Slightly modified standard protocols were followed for the assessment of different probiotic properties. Results: The selected LAB isolates were found Gram-positive, catalase, and oxidase-negative and exhibited resistance to most of the β-lactam antibiotics used in this study. No significant antibacterial activity was shown against tested strains. However, they showed strong bile salt and acid tolerance, as well as high auto aggregation and moderate hydrophobicity properties, which represent their probiotics properties. Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) yield was highest for the TT2 isolate, while TT10 showed maximal siderophore production. Biofilm formation varied, with BS2 and BS5 showing strong adherence. Sequencing results confirm that the majority of the isolates belonged to the Lactiplantibacillus and Ligilactibacillus genera. Moreover, further genetic analysis confirmed the presence of β-lactamase genes in the selected isolates. Conclusion: The presence of these genes suggests that the isolates may become reservoirs for Antimicrobial Resistance Genes (ARG) in traditional fermented foods. Further study is required to establish whether the isolates are transmitting their antimicrobial resistance genes during co-culture under different stress conditions and transportation.

Evaluation of Spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines-incorporating Isoquinoline Motif as Antitumor, Anti-Inflammatory, Antibacterial, Antifungal, and Antioxidant Agents.

A series of novel 2-(isoquinolin-1-yl)-spiro[oxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines] were synthesized by a one-pot three-component reaction involving dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, 3- phenylimidazo[5,1-a]isoquinoline and N-alkylisatins in chloroform at ∼60 °C for 24 h. This study aimed at the synthesis of novel spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines derivatives and in vitro evaluation of cytotoxicity affinities in cross-correlations with their antiinflammation and radical scavenging capacities. The objective of this study was to use a one-pot, three-component reaction to synthesize a novel set of spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines derivatives. A novel set of spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines (8a-i) was synthesized by a one-pot threecomponent reaction involving dimethyl acetylenedicarboxylate, 3-phenylimidazo[5,1-a]isoquinoline and N-alkylisatins in chloroform at ∼60 °C for 24 h. These new compounds were characterized by 1HNMR, 13C-NMR, and HRMS spectral data and screened for their antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. The new synthetic spirooxindole-3,3'-pyrrolines (8a-i)-tested compounds displayed significant anti-inflammatory properties and were noncytotoxic on PDL fibroblasts. However, they lacked antioxidative-DPPH radical scavenging capabilities. Notably, Doxorubicin and cisplatin demonstrated antiproliferative effects on various cancer monolayers. Moreover, compounds 8b, 8d, 8f, 8h, and 8i exhibited pronounced viability reduction properties in colorectal and pancreatic cancer monolayers, as well as across skin, lung, prostate, and cervical adenocarcinomas, with higher cytotoxicity in mammary cancer cells MCF7 and T47D. None of the tested compounds had significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus or E. coli. However, compounds 8c, 8d, and 8f exhibited notable antifungal properties, indicating potential for further investigation. Eight new synthetic spiro[indoline-3,3-pyrroles] were prepared, characterized, and evaluated for their anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic properties. The compounds showed significant anti-inflammatory effects and promising cytotoxicity against various cancer monolayers, especially in colorectal and pancreatic cancers. Some compounds also exhibited antifungal properties. However, they did not exhibit significant antibacterial activity.

Self-Sustained H2O2 and O2 Generation by Calcium Carbonate/Zinc Peroxide Nanocomposite, Enhancing Osteosarcoma Cell Differentiation and Antibacterial Activity

Calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO3 NPs) show promising osteogenic potential due to their ability to release calcium ions and modulate pH. However, their limited bioactivity, potential cytotoxicity, variable degradation rates, poor mechanical properties, and lack of inherent osteoinductivity present significant challenges. In this study, we hypothesized that decorating CaCO3 NPs with another active material, zinc peroxide (ZnO2), can address some of these challenges and enhance the effectiveness of CaCO3 NPs in the treatment of bone cancer and bone regeneration. For this purpose, CaCO3 NPs with the vaterite polymorph were synthesized and decorated with ZnO2 NPs. These nanostructures were thoroughly characterized and thin films with varying layers were fabricated. The CaCO3/ZnO2 films showed greater initial adhesion of osteosarcoma cells (Saos-2 cells) than the CaCO3 films. While CaCO3 NPs promoted cellular proliferation over time, the CaCO3/ZnO2 nanocomposites (NCs) reduced the proliferation of osteosarcoma cells and triggered apoptosis. Analyses of osteogenic markers, including alkaline phosphatase activity, mineralization, and the expression of Runx-2 and osteocalcin, strongly indicated that CaCO3/ZnO2 NCs possess even greater osteogenic potential than CaCO3 NPs alone. The dual effects of CaCO3/ZnO2 on osteosarcoma cells, promoting both osteogenesis and apoptosis, may be attributed to the self-production of H2O2 and O2, along with the controlled release of calcium and zinc ions. Given their osteogenic potential and significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, CaCO3/ZnO2 NCs are promising candidates for treating bone tumors and regeneration of bone defects.

Ex situ fabrication and bioactivity characterization of Neem and Sage-infused bacterial cellulose membranes for sustainable antimicrobial applications.

This study presents the ex situ development and characterization of bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes loaded with bioactive Sage and Neem extracts for enhanced antimicrobial applications. Utilizing discarded fruit waste as a cost-effective carbon source, BC production was optimized, yielding membranes with improved properties. Neem and Sage extracts, obtained via Soxhlet extraction, exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 3.125 mg/mL and 25 mg/mL, respectively, for Neem extract, and 25 mg/mL and 50 mg/mL for Sage extract. These extracts (20 wt%) were successfully incorporated into BC membranes ex situ, resulting in BC-Neem (BC-N) and BC-Sage (BC-S) composites. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed the chemical interactions between the extracts and the BC matrix, revealing the introduction of new functional groups and enhancing the composite properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated changes in morphology, indicating deeper penetration and attachment of the extracts within the BC structure. Quantitative analysis of water holding capacity demonstrated that BC-N and BC-S absorbed about 90 times water of their dry weight. Antibacterial assays through the colony-forming unit method showed that BC-N significantly inhibited S. aureus growth by 78 % and E. coli by 51 %, while BC-S exhibited a 48 % reduction against S. aureus. Agar disc-diffusion assay showed the formation of inhibition zones of 1.2 cm and 0.1 cm by BC-N against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, in contrast to 0.2 cm and no inhibition by BC-S composite. These results highlight the potential of bioactive plant extract-loaded BC membranes as effective antimicrobial agents, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional materials in medical and food packaging applications.

Effects of Petasitin as Natural Extract on Proliferation and Pathological Changes of Pediatric Neuroblastoma SK-N-SH Cells

Scalp alopecia areata (SAA) is a common non-scarring hair loss condition, associated with factors such as autoimmune responses, genetics, emotional stress, and endocrine imbalances. Current treatments for SAA included minoxidil, topical steroid creams, biologics, and plant extracts. Tea tree oil (TTO), a natural plant extract, is known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and acaricidal properties, and it also provides nourishment for hair. In this research, a natural extract of TTO, was prepared to analyze its antibacterial properties. The hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) of patients with primary SAA were analyzed to understand the influences of TTO on migration of HFSCs. TTO was extracted from fresh tea tree leaves using steam distillation. Quantitative analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) qualitative analysis and its total ion chromatogram using area normalization method were conducted. Meanwhile, its antibacterial activity was tested against five common pathogens (Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Staphylococcus albus (S. albus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Candida albicans (C. albicans)) by measuring the diameter of inhibition zones (DIZ), minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). HFSCs were isolated from patients with SAA and cultured in vitro, with cell identification performed through cytokeratin 15 (K15) immunofluorescent staining. The HFSCs were then exposed to varying concentrations (0.0, 0.5, 2.0, 5.0, 10.0, and 25.0 mmol/L) of TTO for culture, and cell proliferation activity (CPA) was assessed using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay, while migration of HFSCs was evaluated using the Transwell chamber assay. Results demonstrated that the extracted TTO had a content of 0.69 g and an extraction rate of 2.32%. 36 components were identified, constituting 98.67% of the total, with 4-terpineol reaching a high concentration of 48.35%. It exhibited a DIZ of less than 25 mm against all tested pathogens, with MIC values lower than 29 mg/mL and MBC values below 38 mg/mL. Patients with SAA displayed yellow and black dots, broken hair, malnourished and exclamation mark hairs, with few flag hairs observed in skin microscope examination. Isolated and cultured HFSCs expressed K15 primarily in the cytoplasm and exhibited favorable growth dynamics. Treatment with various concentrations of TTO greatly increased CPA and migrated cell numbers in HFSCs, with the optimal effect observed at 5.0 mmol/L concentration of TTO. In conclusion, the plant extract TTO possessed significant antibacterial activity and can promote proliferation and migration in vitro of HFSCs, suggesting its potential therapeutic application for SAA.

Nanomedicine potential of Cymbopogon citratus Linn. –Biogenic synthesized silver nanoparticles: A study on antimicrobial and anticancer efficacy

Green synthesis methods for making nanoparticles using plant extracts have gained considerable attention in recent years, particularly because of their potential applications in nanomedicine. Plant biosynthesized nanoparticles have shown noteworthy biomedical uses in comparison. The silver nanoparticle (AgNP) synthesized using extracts from the leaves and flowers of Cymbopogon citratus Linn was investigated for its antibacterial and anticancer properties. The biosynthesized AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, DLS, EDX and SEM. The presence of alcohol, alkene, and phytochemicals in the AgNPs was confirmed using FTIR analysis. The investigation using SEM with EDX spectroscopy confirmed that the AgNPs were both pure and in the form of nanocrystals. Furthermore, AgNPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity by efficiently suppressing bacterial growth. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited a concentration-dependent reduction in the lung cancer-A549 cell growth. The ethanolic extracts of C. citratus flower-synthesized AgNPs contain a wide range of phytochemical constituents. These components have been shown to effectively modulate antibacterial and anticancer activities, superior tothe effects of leaf extracts synthesized AgNPs. Consequently, additional research is required to investigate the potential biomedical applications of these biosynthesized AgNPs.

Antiphytopathogenic Diphenyl Ethers from the Marine-derived Fungus Aspergillus sydowii

Background: Natural products from the marine-derived Aspergillus sp. have great potential in agricultural usage due to their broad biological activities. Objective: This study was designed to investigate the antiphytopathogenic compounds from marinederived fungus Aspergillus sydowii LW09. Methods: The compounds were isolated and purified by chromatography methods, and their structures were elucidated by analysis of the NMR and MS spectroscopic data as well as comparison with those of literature. All compounds were evaluated for antibacterial activities against phytopathogenic bacteria Pseudomonas syringae and Ralstonia solanacarum, along with spore germination inhibition of phytopathogenic fungi Fusarium oxysporum and Alternaria alternata. Results: Two diphenyl ethers violaceols I (1) and II (2), along with two alkaloids acremolin (3) and WIN 64821 (4) were isolated from the fermentation extracts of A. sydowii LW09. Compound 1 showed significant antibacterial activity against P. syringae and R. solanacarum with the same MIC values of 4 μg/mL, while compound 2 showed obvious antibacterial activity against P. syringae and R. solanacarum with MIC values of 2 and 1 μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, both 1 and 2 could inhibit the spore germination of F. oxysporum in the concentration range of 64–128 μg/mL. In addition, violaceol I (1) also inhibited the spore germination of A. alternata at 128 μg/mL. Conclusion: This study provided the potential antiphytopathogenic drug candidate for further studies.

Synthesis, Structural and Optical Characterizations, and Antibacterial Properties of (NiO)₀.₆(Ag₂O)₀.₄ Nanoparticles in Natural Water

Ensuring access to pristine water is essential for secure domestic and agricultural purposes. Harmful pathogens, especially bacteria, lurking in natural water sources pose a direct threat to human health. Recent breakthrough indicates that nanoparticles (NPs) serve as effective agents for water treatment, harnessing their significant antibacterial properties to purify and safeguard water resources. The current research focused on the synthesis and characterizations of binary (NiO)0.6 (Ag2O)0.4 NPs of varying sizes. Their antimicrobial efficacy was also investigated against total coliform and Escherichia coli in natural surface water samples under both indoor daylight and direct solar radiation conditions. These NPs were synthesized by a simple, cost-effective, and eco-friendly thermal treatment method utilizing variable amounts of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a capping agent. The characterizations verified that decreasing the PVP concentrations from 0.02 to 0.01 g/mL led to an increase in the size of the generated NPs from 20.8 to 25.0 nm. The band gap energy increased with greater PVP concentrations. In indoor daylight, all synthesized NPs revealed a comparable significant antibacterial activity against total coliform and Escherichia coli. Solar radiation enhanced the antibacterial properties, confirming the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized NPs. Under solar radiation, antibacterial efficacy was very high for all particle sizes. Complete inactivation of total coliform and Escherichia coli was achieved after 2 hours of contact time with NPs. This research demonstrates the potential of synthesized NPs for addressing critical water treatment challenges and highlights the importance of ongoing research in this field to safeguard public health and foster sustainable development.

Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 4,6-Substituted 2-Styrylquinoline Derivatives: Potential Antimicrobial and Anticancer Agents

A series of novel 4,6-substituted 2-styrylquinoline derivatives (3a-h) was designed and synthesized based on the substitution in quinoline scaffolds (with Br, H, NO2 at C6 position) as well as the substitution in the styryl moeity (at C4' position). The target compounds were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Enterococcus faecalis (ATCC 29212) and Gram-negative bacterium Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and Candida albicans (ATCC 10231) and anticancer activity against human colon adenocarcinoma HT29 cells. Compared to standard drug ciprofloxacin, compounds 3e, 3b and 3c showed significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli. Additionally, synthesized compound 3e had significant activity against Candida albicans with MIC value of 8 µg/mL. In anticancer study, the maximum cell death rate was found in compounds 3e, 3b and 3c at the dose of 100 µM i.e., 72.9%., 44.01% and 35.46%, respectively and the measured IC50 were 58.84, 114.53 and 130 µM. The cytotoxic potential of compound 3e was confirmed by AO-EtBr dual staining assay in which red fluorescence of necrotic cells lost their membrane integrity due to toxicity induced by compound 3e. This growth inhibition and apoptotic activity of compound 3e was dose-dependent when the colour changed from green to red. Furthermore, in silico studies were conducted on the synthesized compounds to elucidate the potential mechanisms of action against dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from E. coli, DNA gyrase from P. aeruginosa, DHFR from S. aureus, acetolactate synthase from K. pneumoniae and DHFR from C. albicans. The derivatives also exhibited the strongest ligand-receptor binding affinity. Additionally, ADME analysis was performed to predict the pharmacokinetic profiles of the compounds, indicating good oral drug-like properties.

Effect of Using Natural Liquid Soap on the Effectiveness of Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteria Control and Skin Health: A Review

The skin is a protective barrier against environmental disturbances and infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium on human skin that can lead to infections. In light of this, the study investigates the effectiveness of natural liquid soaps in controlling Staphylococcus aureus while promoting overall skin health. The primary objective is to showcase the advantages of using natural ingredients in liquid soap formulations compared to synthetic chemicals. To achieve this, the researchers conducted a systematic literature review (SLR), utilizing reputable databases such as PubMed and Mendeley to gather relevant studies focused on natural liquid soaps. They carefully selected articles based on inclusion criteria established through the PICO framework, emphasizing the antibacterial effectiveness of these natural products against Staphylococcus aureus. The review encompassed ten high-quality studies, revealing that formulations containing natural extracts such as breadfruit leaf, cardamom, aloe vera, and honey exhibited significant antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. These natural ingredients offered effective bacterial control and provided additional benefits, including skin moisturization and reduced irritation, making them preferable to synthetic alternatives. This study introduces a novel perspective by comprehensively reviewing various natural ingredients used in liquid soaps and their comparative effectiveness against Staphylococcus aureus. It underscores the potential of plant extracts and essential oils as safer and more effective alternatives to traditional chemical antibacterial agents in skin cleansers. In conclusion, natural liquid soaps effectively reduce Staphylococcus aureus on the skin while maintaining skin health. Incorporating natural ingredients ensures antibacterial protection without the adverse effects commonly associated with chemical-based soaps, such as dryness or irritation, thereby advocating a shift towards more natural skincare options.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of Selected Contaminant Dyes from Textile Sewage Discharge and Electrochemical Efficiency using Citrus limetta Mediated ZnO Nanopellets

T his study focuses on the phyto mediated synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) using Citrus limetta extract and evaluates their antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and electrochemical properties. Structural analysis by XRD confirmed good nano crystallinity with an average crystallite size of 16.29 nm and the band gap of 3.2–3.33 eV indicated semiconductor behavior. FTIR analysis revealed Zn-O bonds and functional groups. TEM showed a particle size distribution of 20-50 nm. ZnO-NPs demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Vibrio cholerae, suggesting potential for cholera resistance. They also exhibited excellent performance as electrode materials with a specific capacitance of 200.16 F/g and effective photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue and Congo red dyes.