Search Results (3,800)

The escalating global concern regarding bacterial antibiotic resistance in animal production has intensified the search for sustainable and effective alternatives to conventional antimicrobials. In this study, two L. reuteri strains (LBM-Ti195 and LBM-Ti173) are isolated from broiler cecal microbiota that were characterized through an integrated approach, combining phenotypic assays with comparative genomic analysis. Both strains exhibited antibacterial activity against relevant veterinary and foodborne pathogens, including Listeria monocytogenes CECT 934, Staphylococcus aureus CECT 239, Clostridium perfringens Type A, and Campylobacter jejuni CCAMP 162. The inhibitory activity anti-S. aureus increased by more than 10% modifying cultivation conditions, while comparative genomic analysis identified an M23-family metallopeptidase as a potential candidate for pathogen inhibition. Phenotypically, both strains produced folate and metabolized fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin, supporting their potential compatibility with synbiotic formulations. Genome reconstruction reinforces these functional findings by revealing a complete predicted de novo folate biosynthesis pathway. In addition, CAZyme annotation identified higher copy numbers of glycosyltransferases GT2 and GT4 compared with the reference strains, suggesting differences in cell-surface carbohydrate metabolism and exopolysaccharide (EPS)-associated traits. Safety profiling revealed no hemolytic activity or conserved virulence factors under the tested conditions. However, phenotypic tetracycline resistance was detected, and in silico analysis identified an acquired tetW gene in a putative plasmid-associated context, highlighting the importance of an in-depth evaluation of strains with probiotic potential. Collectively, these findings position LBM-Ti195 and LBM-Ti173 as promising avian-derived L. reuteri candidates for next-generation zootechnical probiotic development, while highlighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR) mitigation and further functional validation as essential steps toward safe application. Full article

Several sensitive bioactive substances are potent antioxidants that protect the skin from free radicals but are often rapidly degraded, limiting their effectiveness. Encapsulating these substances in liposomes improves their bioavailability and solubility and protects them from harmful environmental factors. The influence of liposomes as advanced lipid nanocarriers is increasing enormously due to their remarkable properties and protection of bioactive substances. For this reason, mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel extract (MPE), previously characterized and rich in various natural substances, including ellagic acid, gallic acid, and catechin, has been encapsulated in liposomes. The investigation focused on the impact of different liposome synthesis process parameters on their size, size distribution, stability, and encapsulation efficiency, and on in vitro release as a potential advanced MPE delivery system with suitable characteristics. An important study on the influence of the organic solvent used in liposome synthesis on the above properties is described. The thin lipid film hydration method using 5-mm glass beads and ethanol as an organic solvent was the most favorable method for synthesizing a stable and monodisperse lipid–MPE delivery system. MPE was successfully encapsulated in liposomes with the highest encapsulation efficiency of 53.7%. The sustained release of MPE from the liposomes was achieved, and the antibacterial properties of MPE, incorporated into the liposomes, were retained. For the first time, MPE has been encapsulated in liposomes, and with the remarkable results obtained, the extract represents a formulation with high added value that can be used in various fields, especially for the enrichment of different products such as cosmetic creams and lotion. Full article

Xanthotoxin (8-methoxypsoralen) belongs to the group of naturally occurring furanocoumarin (furocoumarin) compounds and is a product of plant secondary metabolism. Analysis of the available literature indicates that xanthotoxin exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and antibacterial effects. Xanthotoxin has been shown to stimulate autophagy via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR pathway, as well as to block cell migration by modulating RIG-1 and NF-κB signaling. Moreover, its effects on JNK/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, Calcium–CaMYK/PYK2, and other signaling cascades have been confirmed. Among its most promising properties is the ability to inhibit ABC transporters, thereby preventing the reduction of chemotherapeutic agent concentrations within tumor cells and enhancing their intracellular accumulation. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate xanthotoxin as a potential anticancer agent. The literature review was based on publications indexed in Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed and published between 2010 and 2026. Studies describing the biological properties of xanthotoxin, its toxicity, anticancer mechanisms of action, and modulation of ABC transporters were included. This literature review summarizes the pharmacological profile of xanthotoxin, and its biological activities and therapeutic potential, as well as its antitumor effects in various cancer cell lines. The available evidence may provide a foundation for the future development of xanthotoxin as a lead compound for anticancer drug discovery. Full article

Resins printed via stereolithography are increasingly common in digital dentistry, yet the impact of production parameters on their performance remains considerable. This study examined the mechanical, tribological, and antibacterial performance of two stereolithography resins intended for restoration (white) and denture (pink) applications, selecting three different exposure times (4.5, 6, and 7.5 s) as the fabrication parameter. Compression tests showed that the white resin lost ductility with increasing exposure time, presenting statistically significant decreases in failure strain and toughness. In contrast, the pink resin maintained a stable failure strain and reached its peak energy absorption capacity at 4.5 s. Statistical analysis confirmed that the two resins responded differently to UV exposure, demonstrating that the impact of exposure time varied depending on the resin type. Furthermore, increasing exposure time significantly reduced surface roughness without a statistically significant effect on hardness. Antibacterial assessment revealed contact-mediated growth-inhibitory effects depending on strain and resin type. Accordingly, optimal exposure time was resin- and property-dependent: 7.5 s favored white resin surface quality, whereas 4.5 s maximized pink resin strength and toughness. Tailoring exposure time to both the specific resin and targeted property is crucial for enhancing the clinical longevity and structural reliability of dental applications. Full article

Six lactic acid bacteria isolated from São Jorge PDO cheese were characterised for technological, safety, antimicrobial, and probiotic properties. All isolates fermented a broad range of carbohydrates and lacked lipolytic activity, while SJC115 and SJC119 showed proteolysis. Safety profiling (γ-haemolysis, no DNase or gelatinase activity, and generally favourable antibiotic susceptibility) is promising, but tetracycline resistance warrants caution and genomic confirmation. L. paracasei and L. brevis isolates inhibited a wide range of foodborne pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus spp.) and spoilage fungi (Penicillium and Aspergillus spp.). Notably, two isolates (SJC117 and SJC120) exhibited antibacterial activity in neutralized cell-free supernatants, indicating putative bacteriocin-like inhibitory substances (BLIS). The isolates survived intestinal conditions above the probiotic threshold, yet only SJC117 and SJC120 tolerated gastric acidity (pH 2.5, 1 h) with >5 log CFU/mL. Despite low hydrophobicity, strains showed good autoaggregation and pathogen coaggregation. All isolates produced exopolysaccharides (EPS) and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides, whereas some exhibited moderate conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) production and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) activity. L. paracasei SJC117 stood out by combining BLIS/antifungal activity, superior gastric tolerance, and an exceptional bioactive profile, making it a promising candidate for biopreservation and functional food applications that warrants further in vivo validation to confirm its efficacy and safety. Full article

Fritillaria species are rich in steroidal alkaloids and are traditionally used for various medicinal purposes. This study investigated the biological activities of methanol, tertiary alkaloid, and quaternary alkaloid extracts obtained from the bulbs of Fritillaria imperialis and Fritillaria pinardii. Methanol, tertiary alkaloid, and quaternary alkaloid extracts prepared from the bulbs of both species were analyzed for secondary metabolites using LC-HRMS. Antimicrobial, cytotoxic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase activities were evaluated using standard in vitro assays. LC-HRMS analysis identified fumaric acid as the major metabolite in both species, together with (-)-epigallocatechin, cynarin, herniarin and several pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides. Antibacterial activity was restricted to Staphylococcus aureus, whereas alkaloid-rich fractions displayed strong antifungal activity, particularly against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida spp., with inhibition zones reaching 40 mm. At 80 μg/mL, the most pronounced reductions in cell viability were observed for F. imperialis methanol extract in A549 cells (55.19 ± 2.74%) and for F. pinardii tertiary alkaloid extract and F. imperialis quaternary alkaloid extract in MCF-7 cells (49.68 ± 1.83% and 49.76 ± 1.09%, respectively), whereas all extracts maintained J774 macrophage viability above 94%. Antioxidant activity was most pronounced in the quaternary alkaloid extract of F. pinardii (DPPH IC₅₀ = 90.42 μg/mL; ABTS IC₅₀ = 57.22 μg/mL), although all extracts were less active than the reference antioxidants. The tertiary alkaloid extract of F. pinardii exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity, showing 5-LOX inhibition comparable to indomethacin (IC₅₀ = 20.05 ± 0.23 μg/mL) and suppressing LPS-induced nitric oxide production by up to 62.22%. Among the tested samples, the tertiary alkaloid extract of F. pinardii exhibited the strongest cholinesterase inhibitory activity against AChE (IC₅₀ = 13.39 ± 0.02 μg/mL). The results indicate that both F. imperialis and F. pinardii extracts exhibit measurable biological activities under in vitro conditions, with the alkaloid-rich extracts of F. pinardii showing comparatively stronger antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and anticholinesterase effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cholera remains an important global health problem. Inactivated oral cholera vaccines (OCVs) are essential in the WHO/GTFCC (World Health Organization/Global Task Force on Cholera Control) strategy to end cholera by 2030; however, global supply is insufficient, they require partial cold-chain storage, and their formulation and antigen contents leave room for improvement. We describe here the development and preclinical evaluation of DuoChol OCV, a next-generation thermostable oral vaccine designed to address these gaps. Methods: DuoChol is a lyophilized dry-powder formulation in enteric capsules containing formalin-inactivated Vibrio cholerae O1 El Tor Ogawa and Inaba isogenic bacteria, recombinant cholera toxin B subunit (rCTB), and sucrose as stabilizer. Methods describe the construction of the novel vaccine strains, processes for the preparation and characterization of vaccine components, and the final dry formulation in enteric capsules, and in vitro and in vivo vaccine stability analyses. Results: The newly engineered vaccine strains, together with a high-yield mixed-mode chromatography process for rCTB purification, enabled efficient and cost-effective vaccine production. Stability studies demonstrated complete preservation of O1 LPS and rCTB antigens for at least 21 months across temperatures of 4–40 °C. Moreover, regardless of storage duration or temperature, oral immunization of mice with DuoChol elicited strong serum and mucosal antibacterial and antitoxin responses that were similar to those induced by the licensed Dukoral^® OCV. Conclusions: Its heat stability, practical enteric capsule formulation, and potential for improved efficacy compared to inactivated whole-cell only OCVs support positioning DuoChol as a promising next-generation OCV, suitable for national cholera control programs and particularly advantageous for outbreak response, where rapid deployment and early, robust protection are essential. Full article

Due to Ludwigia octovalvis’ aquatic habitat’s vulnerability to climate change, this study developed an in vitro regeneration system using indirect organogenesis to ensure sustainable production of biomass and secondary metabolites. Treatment T16 (0.1 mg/L BAP and 1.0 mg/L NAA) was identified as the optimal hormonal regimen for callus induction and shoot differentiation. Phytochemical analysis by GC-MS revealed that seedlings regenerated under treatment T16 exhibited a diverse profile of 18 phytoconstituents, enhancing the accumulation of phytosterols, terpenes, and tocopherols. In vitro biological evaluation demonstrated that T16 extract possesses significant antibacterial activity (MIC < 62.5 µg/mL) against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and moderate antioxidant capacity. T16 extract showed anti-inflammatory effects superior to indomethacin at a low quantity (0.5 mg/ear) in adult CD1 mice of both sexes. In conclusion, the indirect organogenesis of L. octovalvis not only conserves the species but also optimizes its pharmacological potential, consolidating it as an efficient biotechnological platform for the development of advanced phytopharmaceuticals. Full article

Laural (Laurus nobilis) is a Mediterranean plant with reported antibacterial properties, yet the genetic basis of its antibacterial efficacy remains largely unexplored. This study evaluated the antibacterial activity of Laurus nobilis methanolic extracts against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus, combined with genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and machine learning (ML) approaches to identify genetic markers and predict antibacterial efficacy in 92 plant samples. Antibacterial tests revealed significant variability in inhibition zones, with E. coli showing the highest inhibition (Canakkale2: 24.5 mm), followed by S. aureus (Aydin2: 26.0 mm). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) analysis demonstrated notable regional differences; extracts from Mersin3 showed the highest efficacy (MIC = 6.25 mg/mL), while Aydin1 exhibited the lowest activity (MIC = 100 mg/mL). Population structure and neighbor joining tree analysis split the germplasm into two groups. GWAS identified significant genetic markers associated with antibacterial traits, including marker 26557159 for EC-MEAN (Escherichia coli-Mean) (p = 1.10 × 10⁻⁴, MarkerR² = 0.1799, genetic variance = 9.41792) and marker 26584774 for BC-MEAN (Bacillus cereus-Mean) (p = 8.89 × 10⁻⁵, MarkerR² = 0.18512, genetic variance = 12.48948). Protein–protein interaction network of loci associated with marker trait association (MTA) marker (26557159) indicated involvement in high-affinity secondary active ammonium transmembrane transporter activity, providing insights into genetic regions influencing antibacterial properties. ML models predicted antibacterial activity with high accuracy. XGBoost achieved the best performance for MIC predictions (R² = 0.999, RMSE = 0.434), while random forest (R² = 0.984) demonstrated robust performance for both MIC and disc diffusion assays. LightGBM performed well for MIC prediction (R² = 0.988) but showed limited accuracy for disc diffusion outcomes (R² = 0.695). This study is the first to combine GWAS and ML for predicting antibacterial efficacy in L. nobilis, identifying specific genetic markers (e.g., 26557159, 26584774) and demonstrating that XGBoost achieves near-perfect MIC prediction (R² = 0.999). These findings provide a genomic and computational foundation for marker-assisted breeding of laurel with enhanced antibacterial properties and support the sustainable use of plant-derived anti-microbials. Full article

Aromatic medicinal plants are a constant focus of interest for scientists and producers. One example is Monarda didyma L., an aromatic perennial with proven health benefits. During the distillation process, hydrophobic (essential oils) and hydrophilic (hydrosols) fractions were obtained from the leaves, flowers and aerial parts (herb) of bee balm (M. didyma) in our study. The highest yield of essential oil (mL·100 g⁻¹ DM) was obtained from the flowers, whilst the highest yield of hydrosol was obtained from the leaves (42.46 mL·100 g⁻¹ DM). The dominant compound in both distillation products was thymol, with contents ranging from 51.55% to 68.63% (essential oils) and 90.31 to 100% (hydrosols). The essential oils that we analyzed were characterized by a higher polyphenol content than hydrolates. The highest polyphenol content among the essential oils was found in the flower essential oil (415.84 mg GAE·mL⁻¹). All the essential oils tested were characterized by a high antioxidant activity (DPPH IC50 from 0.77 (leaf essential oil) to 0.92 μL (flower essential oil)). The essential oils tested also exhibited a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts, while hydrosols showed selective antifungal activity, without significant antibacterial activity. Full article

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are renewable and biodegradable nanomaterials that can stabilize Pickering emulsions through steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion. However, pristine CNCs show limited interfacial anchoring because of their strong hydrophilicity and high surface charge density, making the emulsions susceptible to coalescence, phase separation, and structural instability under environmental stresses. This review summarizes two major strategies for stabilizing and functionally regulating CNC-based Pickering emulsions: chemical modification and synergistic stabilization. Chemical modification regulates CNC surface charge, wettability, interfacial anchoring, and functional group composition through oxidation, amination, esterification, graft copolymerization, desulfation, and etherification, whereas synergistic stabilization constructs composite interfacial films or continuous-phase networks through noncovalent interactions between CNCs and proteins, polysaccharides, cyclodextrins, surfactants, inorganic nanomaterials, or functional molecules. The ability of these emulsion systems to compartmentalize oil-soluble bioactives within structured droplets also provides a basis for improving bioactive stability and release behavior in food-related formulations. These strategies improve emulsion stability and introduce antibacterial, antioxidant, responsive, and controlled-release properties, highlighting the potential of CNC-based Pickering emulsions in active food systems, including food preservation, active packaging, and the stabilization, protection, and release regulation of food bioactives. Remaining challenges in green preparation, structural regulation, release mechanisms, scalable production, and practical evaluation are also discussed. Full article

Plant essential oils are widely utilized as natural preservatives, flavoring agents, and nutritional supplements owing to their remarkable antibacterial, antioxidant, and aroma-enhancing properties. However, their low abundance in plant matrices, together with the compositional complexity and thermal sensitivity of volatile constituents, poses significant challenges for efficient extraction and purification. In recent years, membrane separation technology has emerged as a promising green strategy for the extraction, purification, and concentration of plant essential oils. Membrane-based processes, including microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration, reverse osmosis, and pervaporation, enable selective separation under mild operating conditions based on differences in molecular size, polarity, and diffusivity. Compared with conventional thermal- and solvent-based methods, membrane processes offer lower energy consumption, reduced solvent usage, and superior retention of thermolabile bioactive compounds and natural aroma profiles. Moreover, recent advances in membrane materials and surface modification strategies have significantly improved membrane selectivity, permeability, and fouling resistance, thereby enhancing process stability and industrial applicability. This review systematically summarizes the theoretical principles, separation mechanisms, membrane classifications, and recent applications of membrane technologies in plant essential oil processing. Based on a comparative analysis of more than 120 published studies, the performance of different membrane processes is evaluated in terms of flux, selectivity, energy consumption, and product quality. Particular attention is given to current challenges, including the lack of standardized performance metrics and comprehensive techno-economic assessments. Recent advances in membrane materials and surface modification strategies, together with future research directions and industrial prospects, are also discussed. This review provides valuable guidance for membrane selection, process optimization, and sustainable industrial implementation in plant essential oil extraction and purification. Full article

Background: Buddleja globosa Hope (matico) is a Chilean medicinal plant traditionally used in Mapuche and Aymara ethnomedicine. However, no systematic synthesis of its phytochemical composition and pharmacological evidence has been previously reported. Methods: A PRISMA 2020-compliant systematic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Springer Nature databases from inception to March 2026. Studies reporting phytochemical characterization and/or biological activities of B. globosa were included. Methodological quality was assessed using an adapted five-criterion tool for non-clinical studies. The protocol was registered in OSF. Results: Fourteen studies (1989–2026), mainly from Chilean research groups, identified 27 bioactive compounds across leaves, roots, and flowers. These included phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., verbascoside/acteoside, echinacoside, forsitoside B, and linarin), flavonoids (luteolin 7-O-glucoside, apigenin 7-O-glucoside, myricetin, catechin, and epicatechin), pentacyclic triterpenes (α/β-amyrins and β-sitosterol), iridoid glycosides, and clerodane diterpenoids (buddledines A–C), as well as four newly reported phenylethanoids. Antioxidant activity was the most frequently evaluated endpoint (11/14 studies), mainly mediated through hydrogen atom transfer and single-electron transfer mechanisms linked to caffeoyl and flavonoid structures. Anti-inflammatory effects (five studies) involved COX and 5-LOX inhibition and reduced PGE₂ production in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Additional reported activities included antihepatotoxic, antiplatelet, wound-healing, antibacterial, and antifungal effects. Conclusions:B. globosa exhibits a coherent phytochemical profile supporting strong preclinical antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The main limitation for clinical translation is the low oral bioavailability of phenylethanoid glycosides. Nanoformulation strategies, investigation of colonic metabolites, and topical delivery systems represent promising approaches to bridge the preclinical-to-clinical gap. Full article

The antimicrobial effect of Eucalyptus radiata essential oil nanoemulsion (EON) on Staphylococcus aureus and spoilage microorganisms was evaluated on fresh beef chunks during cold storage at days 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8. For this purpose, nanoemulsion was prepared using 2% eucalyptus oil combined with high methoxyl pectin, glycerol, and Tween 80, employing high shear force. Then the following were evaluated: (1) the essential oil’s chemical profile and in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial capacities; (2) the nanoemulsion characteristics; and (3) the microbial counts of the beef treatments. The results showed that the essential oil’s primary components were o-cymene (45.4%), 2-bornene (26.29%), 1,8-cineole (11.31%), and α-pinene (9.25%). The EON had a particle size of 52.04 nm and a zeta potential of −9.16 mV. The in vitro studies revealed that both the essential oil and its nanoemulsion demonstrated significant antibacterial activity. Similarly, in in situ examinations, when the meat samples were spiked with S. aureus (0.1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL), the EON-treated meat samples had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower microbial counts than the untreated meat samples throughout the storage period; the difference between the treatments ranged between 1.62 and 2.44 log CFU/g. Additionally, the EON exhibited excellent antimicrobial efficacy against spoilage microorganisms on beef pieces during shelf life. On day 4, the maximum inhibitory activity was observed against total coliform, Pseudomonas spp., and yeast in reductions of 1.96, 2.09, and 2.18 log CFU/g in microbial counts, respectively. Moreover, application of meat samples with the EON delayed spoilage by 4 days. Therefore, the results of this study showed that coating beef chunks with the EON enhanced both product safety and shelf life. Full article

The accumulation of histamine in fish products represents a significant food safety issue, particularly in skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis), due to its elevated histidine content. This study sought to isolate histamine-producing bacteria from skipjack tuna and assess the inhibitory effects of six plant-derived essential oils on bacterial proliferation and histamine synthesis. Seven bacterial isolates were obtained and screened, with histamine concentrations quantified via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) following dansyl chloride derivatization. The isolate exhibiting the highest histamine production (1.2 ± 0.2 mM) was identified as Aeromonas hydrophila through 16S rDNA sequencing. Essential oils were administered to bacterial cultures prior to histamine quantification, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were determined in vitro. Among the tested oils, oregano and cinnamon demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity, with MIC and MBC values below 1 mg/mL. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed pronounced structural damage to bacterial cells treated with these oils. At the MBC, histamine production was entirely suppressed; at half the MBC, histamine synthesis was reduced by more than 90%, whereas lower concentrations yielded moderate inhibition ranging from 15% to 22%. These findings suggest that selected essential oils, notably oregano and cinnamon, possess considerable potential as natural preservatives to reduce histamine formation in skipjack tuna. However, further investigation is necessary to confirm their effectiveness under practical storage conditions. Full article