Search Results (5)

Meat spoilage caused by temperature abuse is a major problem for producers, retailers, and consumers that can generate large economic losses to industries. Microbial growth of Pseudomonas spp. is the main source of spoilage during storage. Cinnamon has antimicrobial properties that may potentially be used to reduce the spoilage caused by Pseudomonas. The objectives of this study were to determine the inhibitory effect of cinnamon extract (CE) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 27853) and evaluate the treatment of CE on meat quality during different storage temperatures (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, and 25 °C). The anti-Pseudomonas result showed that 100% (w/v) CE concentration produced a 13.50 mm zone of inhibition in a disc diffusion assay. The minimum inhibitor concentration (MIC) of CE was noted at 25% (v/v), whereas the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) value was observed at 50% (v/v) concentration of CE. The time-kill showed the growth of P. aeruginosa decreased from 7.64 to 5.39 log CFU/mL at MIC concentration. Total phenolic content and IC₅₀ value of the cinnamon extract was expressed as 6.72 ± 0.87 mg GAE/g extract and 0.15 mg/mL, respectively. When the meat was marinated with 50% (v/v) CE and stored at various temperatures, the total viable count (TVC) and growth of Pseudomonas spp. were lowered as compared to the control sample. However, the reduction in microbial count in all samples was influenced by the storage temperature, where the lowered microbial count was noted in the sample treated with CE and stored at 5 and 10 °C for 48 h. The pH of meat treated with or without CE ranged from pH 5.74 to 6.48. The sensory attributes of colour, texture, and overall acceptability have a significant difference, except for odour, between marinated meat and control. The results indicate that the use of cinnamon extract as the marination agent for meat could reduce the growth of Pseudomonas spp. and therefore assist in extending the shelf life of meat at 5 and 10 °C storage temperatures. Full article

A total of 40 pyrazine compounds of cocoa and chocolate were discovered through a literature analysis. Data on the alkylpyrazines’ antibacterial properties were gathered. It was discovered that 12 substances were effective against bacteria, fungus and oomycetes. Following calculations using PASS and AntiBac-Pred, 15 substances were identified as potentially having the ability to inhibit the growth of the Picornavirus, Yersinia pestis, Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium bovis BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin), Micrococcus luteus and Corynebacterium jeikeium. The study of odour qualities led to the identification of the most potent odourants among alkylpyrazines as well as the aroma composition of cocoa and chocolate. Pyrazines have been given GRAS (generally recognized as safe) status by the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) for use as flavouring additives in food, demonstrating that this class of chemicals is a secure substitute for managing and combating microbial contamination, which also provides beneficial odour properties to the recipient. A statistical evaluation of the correlation between the odour threshold and the probability of antibacterial activity was performed. A more in-depth investigation of the antimicrobial and olfactory activities of alkylpyrazines is required in the future. Full article

Non-healing wounds are usually colonised by various types of bacteria. An alternative to antibiotic treatment in patients with infected wounds with local signs of inflammation may be medical-grade honey (MGH), which favourably affects the healing process with its antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of MGH therapy on the healing process of non-healing wounds of various aetiologies and different wound colonisations. Prospective, observation–intervention case studies (n = 9) of patients with wounds of various aetiologies (venous leg ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, surgical wound dehiscence) are presented. All wounds were treated with MGH and the healing trajectory was rigorously and objectively monitored. In all cases, pain, odour, and exudation were quickly resolved, which led to an improvement in the quality of life of patients. Despite the proven bacterial microflora in wounds, antibiotic treatment was not necessary. The effects of MGH alleviated the signs of local infection until their complete elimination. In eight out of nine cases, the non-healing wound was completely healed. MGH has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects in wounds of various aetiologies and forms an effective alternative for the use of antibiotics for treating locally infected wounds. Full article

(1) Background: Cyclodextrins are used in various areas due to their ability to form inclusion complexes and to modify some properties of the guest molecule. The characteristics that can be improved are related to the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, the stabilization of labile guests against the degradative effects of the environment (oxidation, light and heat), bioavailability, decreasing side effects, taste modification or odour elimination and controlling of drug release. Additionally, ibuprofen is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in treating pain and inflammation, but the long-term use of this drug has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects and nephrotoxicity. This led to the introduction of new compounds of ibuprofen with an improved profile. Aim. The research project combines two actual topics in the pharmaceutical area: developing new safer drugs and improving the pharmacokinetic and pharmacotoxicological profile through complexation with cyclodextrins. The main objective was to develop drug delivery systems based on cyclodextrins and new ibuprofen thiazolidin-4-ones as potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs. (2) Methods: Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives of ibuprofen were included in β-cyclodextrin complexes by co-precipitation (1:1M) and lyophilization methods. The inclusion complexes were characterized using spectral methods such as infrared analysis (FTIR), NMR spectroscopy and phase solubility studies. The surface morphology was studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (3) Results and Conclusions: Four inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin and new ibuprofen derivatives with a thiazolidin-4-one structure were obtained and characterized. These can confirm the theoretical premises for an improved pharmacological and safety toxicological profile and can continue with future studies (in vivo biological evaluation of pharmacokinetic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory profile). Full article

Filtering nonwovens loaded with activated carbon are among the most popular materials used in the construction of filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) with anti-odour properties that can be used for respiratory protection at workplaces where the occupational exposure limits of harmful substances are not exceeded. Such FFRs, in addition to a polymer filter material of varying effectiveness, also contain a layer of activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter, which limits the quantity of chemical compounds entering the breathing zone. The aim of this work was to analyse the influence of challenge concentration (20–120 ppm), relative humidity (2–70%), flow rate (20–55 L/min), and flow pattern (steady-state and pulsating) on the breakthrough of polymer/carbon nonwovens. A commercial activated-carbon-loaded nonwoven filter was used in this study. Its morphology and textural parameters were determined using optical microscopy, image processing, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements at 77 K. Breakthrough experiments were carried out using cyclohexane vapours to assess adsorption characteristics of polymer/carbon media. The results showed that the breakthrough times decreased with increasing challenge concentration (up to 30%), relative humidity (up to 73%), and flow rate (up to 72%). The pulsating flow pattern was found to be more favourable in terms of odour reduction efficiency (up to 30%). The results indicate that all of these factors should be considered during selection and performance assessment of respirators used for odour relief. Full article