Search Results (372)

Ensuring bacterial safety of blood transfusions remains a critical focus in medicine. We investigated a novel pathogen reduction technology utilizing nylon functionalized with synthetic dyes (nylon affinity networks) to capture and remove bacteria from plasma. In the initial screening process, we spiked phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and human plasma (1 mL each) with 10 or 100 colony forming units (cfu) of either Escherichia coli or Staphylococcus epidermidis, exposed the suspensions to affinity networks and assessed the extent of bacterial reduction using agar plate cultures as the assay output. Nineteen synthetic dyes were tested. Among these, Alcian Blue exhibited the best performance with both bacterial strains in both PBS and plasma. Next, bacterial suspensions of approximately 1 and 2 cfu/mL in 10 and 50 mL, respectively, were treated with Alcian Blue affinity networks in three sequential capture steps. This procedure resulted in complete bacterial depletion, as demonstrated by the lack of bacterial growth in the remaining fraction. The viability of the captured bacteria was confirmed by plating the post-treatment affinity networks on agar. Alcian Blue affinity networks captured and sequestered a few plasma proteins identified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. These findings support the potential applicability of nylon affinity networks to enhance transfusion safety, although additional investigations are needed. Full article

Chemical products, including cleaning agents, disinfectants, stain removers, and cosmetics, release harmful chemicals that pose a risk to human health and the environment, necessitating alternative sources. The objective of this research was to identify the most effective phytoextract from food production waste for use in sustainable aerosol hygiene technology as an electrostatic bio-disinfectant. The investigation was performed through wipe tests and airborne microbial collection techniques. The upgraded coffee silverskin phytoextract demonstrated superior disinfection potential for various surfaces and airborne microbes compared to the hot trub phytoextract, with an industrial disinfectant serving as the control. Log reduction analyses revealed a more significant killing efficacy (p ≤ 0.05, using the ANOVA test) against Gram-positive organisms (Bacillus subtilis and Listeria monocytogenes) than against Gram-negative organisms (Escherichia coli and Vibrio parahaemolyticus), with the log reductions ranging from 3.08 to 5.56 and 3.72 to 5.81, respectively. Chemical characterization by LC-ESI-QTOF-MS, ¹H NMR, and FTIR showed that CGAs and chalcones are the most bioactive compounds in CSS and HT, respectively. The innovation in this work involves an integrated approach that combines waste-derived phytoextracts, advanced chemical profiling, and scalable aerosol disinfection. Furthermore, this research offers a greener, cost-effective, and industrially relevant alternative to synthetic chemical disinfectants. The interdisciplinary approach contributes to the development of bio-based disinfectants for use in the food industry, hospitals, and public health settings. This investigation supports a paradigm shift toward sustainable disinfection practices, thereby improving food and environmental safety. Full article

Free-standing copper oxide (Cu₂O)-copper hydroxide (Cu(OH)₂) nanocomposites with enhanced catalytic and antibacterial functionalities were synthesized on copper mesh using a green method based on spinach leaf extract and glycerol. EDX, SEM, and TEM analyses confirmed the chemical composition and morphology. The resulting Cu2O-Cu(OH)₂@Cu mesh exhibited notable hydrophobicity, achieving a contact angle of 137.5° ± 0.6, and demonstrated the ability to separate thick oils, such as HD-40 engine oil, from water with a 90% separation efficiency. Concurrently, its photocatalytic performance was evaluated by the degradation of methylene blue (MB) under a weak light intensity of 5 mW/cm², achieving 85.5% degradation within 30 min. Although its application as a functional membrane in water treatment may raise safety concerns, the mesh showed significant antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria under both dark and light conditions. Using the disk diffusion method, strong bacterial inhibition was observed after 24 h of exposure in the dark. Upon visible light irradiation, bactericidal efficiency was further enhanced—by 17% for S. aureus and 2% for E. coli. These findings highlight the potential of the Cu₂O-Cu(OH)₂@Cu microfibers as a multifunctional membrane for industrial wastewater treatment, capable of simultaneously removing oil, degrading organic dyes, and inactivating pathogenic bacteria through photo-assisted processes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Ureteral stents are indispensable tools in contemporary urological practice; however, their prolonged indwelling is frequently associated with a spectrum of complications. This study aims to evaluate the correlation between indwelling duration and the extent of stent encrustation, as well as the impact on extraction difficulty. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 33 patients treated at Clinical County Emergency Hospital of Brașov between December 2023 and December 2024. All patients had polyurethane double-J ureteral stents placed. Parameters assessed included the degree of stent encrustation, discoloration, incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs), and extraction difficulty. These were analyzed in relation to indwelling time and patient comorbidities. Statistical processing was performed using SPSS 23.0 software, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: A statistically significant association was observed between longer stent indwelling times and higher grades of encrustation, particularly for the intervals of 45–90 days and over 90 days (p = 0.008 and p = 0.01, respectively). Low encrustation demonstrated correlations with certain comorbidities, whereas no statistically relevant associations were found for moderate and severe encrustation. Black coloration of the stents was strongly associated with UTIs caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., and Enterococcus spp. (p < 0.001), as well as with extended indwelling durations (p < 0.001). No significant correlation was identified between the presence of UTIs and the degree of stent encrustation. Conclusions: Indwelling time is a critical determinant of both ureteral stent encrustation and discoloration, with direct implications for clinical decision-making regarding stent management and extraction planning. Timely removal and close monitoring are essential to reduce the risk of complications associated with long-term stent placement. Full article

The objective of this research was to assess the first flush of rainwater harvested from a fibre–cement roof in southern Brazil. Runoff samples were collected for quantifying pH, total suspended solids, turbidity, conductivity, apparent colour, total coliforms, and Escherichia coli. Statistical methods were employed to describe the data, establish correlations between variables, and assess if the antecedent dry weather periods and rainfall intensity affected water quality. The qualitative characterisation of the first flush was performed using principal component analysis and simple regression analyses. The results show that rainwater runoff can be highly contaminated. Hypothesis tests showed that initial rainfall intensity and antecedent dry weather periods affect the quality of the first flush. Principal component analysis suggested that the most significant variables to characterise the first flush were turbidity and apparent colour. Using first-flush diverters in rainwater harvesting systems does not ensure E. coli removal, but it may reduce the risk of users’ contamination. Practical implications include discussions on the suggested first flush and the consequential impact on the quantity and quality of rainwater harvested. Future studies may consider using the method used in this research to develop guidelines based on more samples across the country. As novelty, one includes a statistically robust qualitative study in a region that lacks research on the quantification and quality of first flush. Such assessment helps to build up Brazilian data for a better understanding of first flush management in rainwater harvesting. Full article

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) significantly increase morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Among HAIs, catheter-associated infections are particularly prevalent due to the susceptibility of catheters to microbial contamination and biofilm formation, especially with prolonged use. Biofilms act as infection reservoirs, complicating treatment and often requiring catheter removal, thus extending hospital stays and increasing costs. Recent technological advances in catheter design have focused on integrating antifouling and antimicrobial coatings to mitigate or prevent biofilm formation. Methods: We developed COPESIL^®, a novel silicone rubber embedded with PEGylated copper nanoparticles designed to reduce microbial contamination on catheter surfaces. We conducted in vitro assays to evaluate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy of COPESIL^® against pathogens commonly implicated in catheter-associated urinary tract infections. Additionally, the safety profile of the material was assessed through cytotoxicity evaluations using HepG2 cells. Results: COPESIL^® demonstrated substantial antimicrobial activity, reducing contamination with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae by >99.9% and between 93.2% and 99.8%, respectively. Biofilm formation was reduced by 5.2- to 7.9-fold for E. coli and 2.7- to 2.8-fold for K. pneumoniae compared to controls. Cytotoxicity assays suggest the material is non-toxic, with cell viability remaining above 95% after 24 h of exposure. Conclusions: The integration of PEGylated copper nanoparticles into a silicone matrix in COPESIL^® represents a promising strategy to enhance the antimicrobial properties of catheters. Future studies should rigorously evaluate the long-term antimicrobial efficacy and clinical safety of COPESIL^®-coated catheters, with a focus on their impact on patient outcomes and infection rates in clinical settings. Full article

The industrial processing of broiler chickens has become increasingly automated to scale up meat production. However, certain procedures may cause rupture of the gastrointestinal tract, contaminating the products. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the removal of visible contaminated broiler carcasses from the slaughter line based on their microbiological quality compared to non-contaminated ones. Carcasses were analyzed for Escherichia coli and aerobic mesophilic microorganisms counts, as well as Salmonella spp. detection. Carcasses with gastrointestinal contamination had significantly higher counts of aerobic mesophilic microorganisms and E. coli than those without contamination. However, carcasses without visible contamination also showed high counts of bacteria, indicative of the hygiene and sanitary concerns during slaughter. Salmonella spp. were detected in both types of carcasses, with no significant difference in the frequency of positive samples. The most frequently identified serovar was Salmonella Minnesota. The most frequently detected bacteria were E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In conclusion, both contaminated and non-contaminated carcasses exhibited high bacterial counts, including potentially pathogenic microorganisms, highlighting the need for post-evisceration steps to reduce microbial contamination. Full article

Mentions of microplastics (MPs) are increasingly frequent, for they are present in all environments, including wastewater. Knowing their possible harmful effects on the food chain, the fact that they appear in crops is concerning. The ways by which they are transported and stored, as well as their final destination, are still unclear. The issue of MPs in wastewater and how they are carried into agricultural crops are little-known facts. This study aims to evaluate whether horizontal subsurface flow wetlands with ornamental plants (Hippeastrum hybridum hort and Heliconia bihai marginata) can retain microplastics present in domestic wastewater while at the same time recirculating water for irrigation of the Phaseolus vulgaris crop. On average, the ornamental plants Hippeastrum hybridum hort and Heliconia bihai marginata removed contaminants such as COD, NH₄⁺, TN, NO₂⁻, TP, PO₄³⁻, and TSS, with an efficiency of 84% and 98%, respectively. The presence of MPs was identified via FTIR analysis and visual characterization in domestic wastewater, treated wastewater, and well water; the quality of the fruit for human consumption was determined using safety tests for Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Full article

Lysosomal enzymes are synthesized as N-glycosylated glycoproteins with mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) moieties, which are responsible for their binding to M6P receptors and transporting to the lysosome. In the M6P biosynthetic pathway, a Man₈GlcNAc₂ glycoform is converted to M6P groups through two consecutive enzymatic reactions, including N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc)-1-phosphotransferase (GNPT), transferring GlcNAc-1-phosphate from UDP-GlcNAc to the C6 hydroxyl groups of mannose residues, and then, removal of the covering GlcNAc moiety from the GlcNAc-P-mannose phosphodiester was carried out using an α-N-acetylglucosaminidase (referred to as ‘uncovering enzyme’, UCE) in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). Here, we expressed differently tailored versions of the UCE, including four truncated variants, in Escherichia coli. The four variants with the signal peptide, transmembrane domain, propiece and cytoplasmic tail truncated, respectively, were purified by affinity chromatography, and their enzymatic activities were assayed using a UDP-Glo kit. By fusing a maltose-binding protein (MBP) in the N-terminus of the UCE variants, the fusion proteins could be soluble when expressed in E. coli. The highest concentration of the purified enzyme was 80.5 mg/L of fermentation broth. Furthermore, the UCE with the core catalytic domain exhibited the highest uncovering activity. Full article

Heavy metal cadmium causes significant contamination in aquatic ecosystems. The biomineralization of cadmium represents a vital biological mechanism for handling cadmium stress in diverse microorganisms. To improve the biomineralization capacity of cadmium by microorganisms in aquatic environments, Tetrahymena cysteine synthetase 1 (TtCsa1) was overexpressed in E. coli. The tolerance of E. coli/pET-28a-TtCSA1 to cadmium was enhanced by expressing TtCsa1. Upon addition of cysteine, E. coli/pET-28a-TtCSA1 generated more H₂S, which reacted with Cd²⁺ to form CdS quantum dots (QDs), resulting in a stronger fluorescence signal. The UV-visible absorption and fluorescence spectra of the culture supernatant of E. coli/pET-28a-TtCSA1 showed characteristic peaks corresponding to CdS QDs. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) images confirmed that the formation of CdS QDs and their agglomeration in the E. coli cells. X-ray Diffraction Analysis (XRD) analysis further confirmed the presence of QDs and their crystalline nature. In rich medium, E. coli/pET-28a-TtCSA1 achieved removal rates of 99.5%, 98.2%, 56.5%, and 49.4%, respectively, for Cd²⁺ concentrations of 0.15, 0.3, 0.45, and 0.6 mM within 48 h. In simulated wastewater, E. coli/pET-28a-TtCSA1 achieved removal rates of 99.4%, 94.3%, 90.1%, and 89.8%, respectively, for Cd²⁺ concentrations of 0.3, 0.45, 0.6, and 0.75 mM within 12 h. These results demonstrate that overexpressing TtCsa1 in E. coli can significantly enhance its ability to biomineralize Cd²⁺ in rich medium and simulated wastewater, which has potential applications in bioremediation of aquatic environments contaminated with heavy metals. Full article

Microalgae are gaining increasing attention for wastewater (WW) depuration thanks to their ability to remove pollutants from WW. As environmental conditions change widely geographically and throughout the year, also reaching growth-limiting temperatures during the cold season, sites and seasons specific tests are needed to assess the actual implementation of microalgae phytoremediation. In this paper, two site-specific prototype-scale experiments were performed to test the ability of an autochthonous microalga to depurate urban WW efficiently during winter. Two setups were tested: one indoor and one outdoor. We evaluated dry biomass production, photosynthetic stress, and nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) removals from WW. In addition, Escherichia coli concentration was monitored on the effluent. Despite the limited growth in both conditions, N was largely removed from the medium, with the highest result recorded outdoors (almost 70%). No P removal was recorded, although P content in biomass increased both indoors and outdoors, meaning that multiple processes could occur at the same time. Moreover, a huge decrease in E. coli content was recorded in both conditions, suggesting potential for effluent disinfection. Full article

This research investigates the enhanced photocatalytic activity of cuprous oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticles (NPs)-titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanotube (NT) composites for air purification, focusing on the removal of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria under simulated sunny light. Cu₂O-NPs were successfully deposited onto TiO₂-NTs via the successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction method. The resulting p- and n-type semiconductor heterojunction nanocomposites were characterized using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible-light spectroscopy, and chlorinated radicals. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated for different VOCs present in indoor air (butadione, chloroform, and butyraldehyde) in the presence of E. coli bacteria. The results showed that the Cu₂O-NPs/TiO₂-NTs composites exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity compared to pure TiO₂-NTs. The Langmuir–Hinshelwood model was used to describe the degradation kinetics, revealing that Cu₂O loading and the nature of the target pollutant influence the photocatalytic efficiency. This study has also highlighted the role of chlorinated radicals in the degradation process, especially for chloroform. The degradation process of chloroform generated chlorine radicals, which not only contributed to the degradation of other VOCs, but also enhanced the overall oxidative capacity of the system. This synergistic effect was observed to accelerate pollutant removal and improve the antibacterial efficacy against E. coli. The Cu₂O-NPs/TiO₂-NTs composites demonstrated significant reusability and antibacterial properties, highlighting their potential for sustainable indoor air purification applications. Full article

This study assesses the environmental status and water quality of the Saraswati River, an ancient and endangered waterway in Bengal, using an integrated approach. By combining traditional knowledge, advanced geospatial tools, and field analysis, it examines natural and human-induced factors driving the river’s degradation and proposes sustainable restoration strategies. Tools such as the Garmin Global Positioning System (GPS) eTrex10, Google Earth Pro, Landsat imagery, ArcGIS 10.8, and Google Earth Engine (GEE) were used to map the river’s trajectory and estimate its water quality. Remote sensing-derived indices, including the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI), Normalized Difference Salinity Index (NDSI), Normalized Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI), Floating Algae Index (FAI), and Normalized Difference Chlorophyll Index (NDCI), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), were computed to evaluate parameters such as the salinity, turbidity, chlorophyll content, and water extent. Additionally, field data from 27 sampling locations were analyzed for 11 critical water quality parameters, such as the pH, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Electrical Conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), and microbial content, using an arithmetic weighted water quality index (WQI). The results highlight significant spatial variation in water quality, with WQI values ranging from 86.427 at Jatrasudhi (indicating relatively better conditions) to 358.918 at Gobra Station Road (signaling severe contamination). The pollution is primarily driven by urban solid waste, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage. A microbial analysis revealed the presence of harmful species, including Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus, and Entamoeba, with elevated concentrations in regions like Bajra, Chinsurah, and Chandannagar. The study detected heavy metals, fertilizers, and pesticides, highlighting significant anthropogenic impacts. The recommended mitigation measures include debris removal, silt extraction, riverbank stabilization, modern hydraulic structures, improved waste management, systematic removal of water hyacinth and decomposed materials, and spoil bank design in spilling zones to restore the river’s natural flow. Full article

In the process of ginger deep processing, a lot of waste is generated which is rich in biopolymers and active ingredients such as cellulose, starch, gingerol, and gingerol, but its low utilization rate leads to waste of resources. In this study, ginger waste residue, cellulose, and bioactive substances were spun into fiber materials by wet electrospinning technology with 1-butyl-3-methylimidazole acetate ([Bmim]Ac) as solvent. Fiber plasticization and [Bmim]Ac removal were achieved by dynamic deionized water coagulation bath. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and tensile strength analysis showed that the obtained GC-1 and GC-2 films have a non-uniform diameter, with a clear fiber structure and strong tensile strength. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that cellulose transforms from type I to type II crystal structure, and [Bmim]Ac is effectively removed. The inhibition rate of 6-Shogaol-impregnated GC film against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 99%. The experiment of strawberry preservation verified the potential of GC film in food preservation. In this study, the high-value utilization of ginger waste in food packaging was realized by preparing antibacterial electrospun fiber films. Full article

Background: The aim of this study is to determine which types of microorganisms influence the onset and development of colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans. Methods: In patients with CRC, three swabs were taken for microbiological analysis during surgical removal of the cancer: the first swab from the surface of the healthy intestinal mucosa, the second from the surface of the tumor, and the third from the middle of the tumor tissue. Results: In the healthy mucosa of the colon, the most prevalent microorganism was Escherichia coli at 70.5%, followed by Enterococcus spp. (47.7%) and Klebsiella/Enterobacter (20.5%). Microbiological analysis of the swabs from the surface of the tumor tissue showed that E. coli was the most prevalent at 72.7%, followed by Enterococcus spp. at 40.9%, Klebsiella/Enterobacter at 25%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 20%. In the center of tumor tissue, E. coli was the most prevalent at 77.3%, followed by Enterococcus spp. at 47.7%, Klebsiella at 27%, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa at 18.2%. Conclusion: Certain types of bacteria can influence the emergence and development of cancer, while other types can suppress the development of tumor tissue. Microbiological analysis of human stool samples can prevent the development of CRC. Full article