Development and Application of Antimicrobials

A special issue of Life (ISSN 2075-1729). This special issue belongs to the section "Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (21 January 2025) | Viewed by 2529

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences BIOMETEC, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: probiotics; bacteriocins; antimicrobial activity; drug delivery development; essential oils; antiviral activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences BIOMETEC, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: antibacterial activity; antimycoplasma activity; antiviral activity; natural extract; essential oils; coronavirus; probiotics; drug delivery development
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences BIOMETEC, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Interests: antiviral activity; natural extract; essential oils; Coronavirus; HCV; drug delivery development

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In the realm of healthcare, the relentless pursuit of advancements has led to groundbreaking developments in the field of antimicrobials. These powerful agents, designed to combat microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, have become indispensable tools in the fight against infectious diseases. As the global community faces evolving health challenges, the ongoing development and application of antimicrobials play a central role in shaping the future of medicine.

One of the key areas of focus in antimicrobial development lies in addressing antibiotic resistance, a pressing concern that threatens to render once-effective treatments obsolete. Researchers are actively exploring innovative compounds and novel approaches to counteract this resistance, ensuring the continued efficacy of antimicrobials. From synthetic compounds to bioengineered solutions, the landscape of antimicrobial development is diverse and dynamic.

Moreover, the application of antimicrobials extends beyond traditional medicine. With the advent of nanotechnology, researchers are exploring nano-sized antimicrobial particles that exhibit enhanced efficacy and targeted delivery, minimizing collateral damage to healthy cells. This precision in treatment marks a significant stride towards personalized medicine and more effective healthcare interventions.

As we navigate a world marked by emerging infectious threats, the continuous development and application of antimicrobials stand as a beacon of hope. This progress not only fortifies our arsenal against existing diseases but also positions us to effectively combat unforeseen health challenges that may arise. In the relentless pursuit of a healthier future, the collaborative efforts of scientists, healthcare professionals, and technological innovators ensure that antimicrobials remain a cornerstone in the foundation of modern medicine.

Dr. Virginia Fuochi
Dr. Pio Maria Furneri
Dr. Adriana Garozzo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • antiviral activity
  • antimicrobial activity
  • probiotics
  • bacteriocins
  • essential oils
  • natural extracts
  • drug delivery systems
  • drug development

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 1738 KiB  
Article
An Examination of the Ethnobotanical, Phytochemical, Antimicrobial, and Biological Properties of Zygophyllum coccineum, Emphasizing Its Potential as a Valuable Forage Shrub
by Fawziah M. Albarakaty, Mashail N. AlZain and Rehab M. A. El-Desoukey
Life 2025, 15(4), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/life15040661 - 17 Apr 2025
Viewed by 214
Abstract
The growing issue of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge for microbiological research, driving the need for alternative antibiotics with minimal side effects. Zygophyllum coccineum, commonly referred to as “Tebtab” in Arabic and “Red Spinepod” in English, has traditionally been utilized as [...] Read more.
The growing issue of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge for microbiological research, driving the need for alternative antibiotics with minimal side effects. Zygophyllum coccineum, commonly referred to as “Tebtab” in Arabic and “Red Spinepod” in English, has traditionally been utilized as forage for camels and ruminants. While its antimicrobial activity against human pathogens has been documented, its efficacy against animal pathogens remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate the phytochemical composition, biological activities, and antimicrobial potential of water and organic-solvent extracts of Zygophyllum coccineum against a range of reference microbial strains and animal pathogens. The findings revealed that all extracts exhibited notable antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities attributed to their bioactive constituents. Among them, the ethyl acetate extract displayed the strongest antimicrobial effects against bacterial and fungal strains. Additionally, this extract demonstrated the highest antioxidant capacity and showed promising cytotoxic activity against lung (A549) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines. These results underscore the potential of Zygophyllum coccineum as a valuable natural resource for developing antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic therapies for applications in both human and veterinary medicine. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Application of Antimicrobials)
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10 pages, 1430 KiB  
Article
Antiviral Efficacy of Coridothymus capitatus Essential Oil Against HSV-1 and HSV-2
by Virginia Fuochi, Pio Maria Furneri, Salvatore Furnari and Adriana Garozzo
Life 2024, 14(8), 1023; https://doi.org/10.3390/life14081023 - 18 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1471
Abstract
Coridothymus capitatus is a perennial herb with aromatic leaves and flowers, distinct from Thymus vulgaris in its chemical composition, resulting in a unique Thymus Essential Oil (TEO). A main component of TEO, carvacrol, is known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal activity. Carvacrol has [...] Read more.
Coridothymus capitatus is a perennial herb with aromatic leaves and flowers, distinct from Thymus vulgaris in its chemical composition, resulting in a unique Thymus Essential Oil (TEO). A main component of TEO, carvacrol, is known for its antimicrobial and insecticidal activity. Carvacrol has potent antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal properties, generating interest in traditional medicine. However, studies on its antiviral activity are limited. Given the rise in viral infections and limitations of synthetic antiviral drugs, natural antiviral agents are promising due to their efficacy, lower resistance development, and reduced side effects. This study assessed the antiviral efficacy of TEO compared to that of pure carvacrol. We tested various viruses, revealing significant inhibitory effects of TEO on the replication of only Simplexvirus humanalpha1 (HSV-1) and Simplexvirus humanalpha2 (HSV-2), with specific interference during the early stages of the viral replication cycle after the adsorption period. TEO exhibited inhibitory effects at doses below the cytotoxic threshold, with IC50 values of 47 μg/mL for HSV-1 and 40 μg/mL for HSV-2. Maximum virus inhibition was achieved when TEO was added within 90 min post-infection, indicating interference with early viral replication steps. These findings highlight the potential of TEO as a natural antiviral agent and suggest further research into its mechanisms and clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Development and Application of Antimicrobials)
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