Search Results (18,727)

Chronic osteomyelitis and infected bone defects are driven by recurrent infection, biofilm persistence, and dysregulated inflammation, but conventional “eradicate bacteria and fill the defect” approaches often fail to restore a regenerative microenvironment. Herein, we review biofilm-associated immune dysfunction in impaired angiogenesis/osteogenesis and summarize biomaterials that couple infection control with tissue regeneration. We integrate representative platforms into a “Time–Space–Control” framework: (i) time-programmed systems that sequence early antibiofilm/antibacterial actions with later pro-angiogenic and osteogenic cues; (ii) space-focused designs that enhance defect localization, penetration, and coverage of infected niches; and (iii) controllable strategies that enable pathology-responsive and/or externally triggered, on-demand modulation. Based on this synthesis, we propose a practical 4P principle to guide programmable therapeutic biomaterials. Overall, explicitly managing timing, localization, and controllability may improve the alignment of antimicrobial therapy, immune reprogramming, and regenerative support for chronic infected bone repair. Full article

The scientific community has addressed a wide range of research areas regarding the biotechnological potential of the silkworm silk gland of the Bombyx mori species. The silk gland has a remarkable capacity to synthesize two proteins, fibroin and sericin, each with a well-defined role. Recent research highlights fibroin as being used in the medical and pharmaceutical fields, with the possibility of expanding into nanotechnology. Sericin also has antibacterial, antioxidant, and moisturizing properties with use in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. This paper highlights the importance of the two proteins synthesized by the silkworm silk gland of Bombyx mori by highlighting their structure, chemical composition, and properties. The utilization of the silk gland from a biotechnological perspective can facilitate remarkable progress in various fields of research, the most important of which would be the medical field. Full article

Imide derivatives constitute an interesting group of compounds exhibiting broad biological activity. Structures containing the imide moiety [–CO–N(R)–CO–] occur in both natural and synthetic compounds. Several drugs containing an imide moiety are in therapeutic use. In this review, we present the structures and describe the effects of cyclic imide derivatives, which primarily exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Some of the presented derivatives have been studied in detail, and their additional analgesic, anticancer, and antibacterial effects have been described. The relative neuroprotective properties of imide derivatives are also described, as are reports of their effect on lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In this review, we discuss monocyclic imide derivatives (succinimide, glutarimide, maleimide, and hydantoin), bicyclic derivatives (e.g., phthalimide), and polycyclic imides. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is a major global health threat, creating an urgent need for effective non-antibiotic antimicrobial strategies. In this study, CS–AgNPs were synthesized by electron-beam radiolysis, providing a clean, dose-controllable route that avoids additional chemical reducing agents. The effects of irradiation dose and chitosan concentration on nanoparticle formation, physicochemical properties, and antibacterial activity were systematically evaluated. Spectroscopic and structural analyses confirmed the formation of highly crystalline, face-centered cubic silver nanoparticles uniformly dispersed within the chitosan matrix, with Ag–polymer coordination involving –NH₂ and –OH functional groups. Under the optimal conditions (8 kGy, 0.06 mmol AgNO₃, and 0.05% w/v chitosan), ultrasmall, well-dispersed CS–AgNPs were obtained, with an average size of 5.30 ± 2.01 nm and high phase purity. Antibacterial evaluation demonstrated potent, concentration-dependent activity against both Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative Escherichia coli, with low minimum inhibitory and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC = 1.96 µg/mL). These findings define a clear structure–property–activity relationship and support a synergistic antibacterial effect between nanosilver and chitosan, while maintaining favorable in vitro cytocompatibility and hemocompatibility within the effective concentration range. Overall, electron-beam radiolysis represents a promising scalable platform for producing broad-spectrum antimicrobial nanomaterials with potential utility in addressing antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study provides the first comprehensive evaluation of the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitory activities of Onosma alboroseum subsp. alboroseum var. alboroseum, including a novel nanoformulation-based comparative assessment of its most active extract. The study further aimed to investigate whether nanoparticles modulate the biological performance of the extract. Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, FRAP, and CUPRAC assays, and total phenolic content was determined by the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated using agar well diffusion and microdilution assays, while enzyme inhibitory activities were assessed through anticholinesterase and anti-urease assays. The most biologically active extract was subjected to LC–QTOF–MS-based tentative metabolite profiling and subsequently formulated into nanoparticles for comparative biological evaluation. Results: Among the extracts studied, the methanol extract had the highest total phenolic content and demonstrated superior antioxidant, antimicrobial, and enzyme inhibitor activities. LC–QTOF–MS profiling indicated a phenolic-rich composition, with rosmarinic acid as the predominant compound based on relative peak area. The methanol extract was encapsulated within alginate nanoparticles for subsequent comparative biological assessment. While the crude extract showed superior activity in antioxidant assays, nanoparticles enhanced cholinesterase and urease inhibition (28.03% and 12.11%, respectively) and improved antibacterial efficacy in microdilution assays (MIC range: 3.13–12.5 µg/mL), although no inhibition was observed in agar diffusion tests. Conclusions: These findings indicate the first time that the methanol extract of Onosma alboroseum subsp. alboroseum var. alboroseum represents a phenolic-rich source of bioactive constituents and a nanoparticle formulation that can modulate specific biological activities depending on the assay system, highlighting the relevance of formulation strategy in phytochemical-based pharmaceutical applications. Full article

Objective: The therapeutic efficacy of the classic antibiotic combination trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMZ) is often limited by the significant pharmacokinetic mismatch. In this study, a polyethylene glycol-polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PEG-PLGA) nanodelivery system was employed to improve the pharmacokinetic matching of TMP and SMZ. The investigation also evaluated the enhanced in vivo antibacterial efficacy of this formulation. Methods: Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was employed to systematically characterize the absorption, distribution, and excretion profiles of PEG-PLGA-loaded TMP nanoparticles (NPs) in rats. In vitro antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In vivo efficacy and biosafety of the TMP NPs/SMZ regimen were evaluated using a murine E. coli infection model via survival monitoring, biochemical assays, and histopathology. Results: Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed that TMP NPs achieved a relative bioavailability of 193.05% and extended the elimination half-life by 3.37-fold compared to free TMP. Tissue distribution showed significantly increased drug accumulation in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, with renal clearance as the primary excretion pathway (73.89%). In vitro, the nano-formulation reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) by 2-4-fold and shortened the bactericidal duration from 12 to 8 h. In vivo, the TMP NPs/SMZ combination significantly improved survival rates, accelerated recovery, and alleviated infection-induced organ damage without systemic toxicity. Conclusions: This nanotechnology-based strategy effectively aligns the pharmacokinetics of TMP and SMZ, prolongs their synergistic window, and enhances biosafety, offering a viable approach to revitalize classic antibiotic combinations. Full article

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a secondary metabolite produced by Penicillium and Aspergillus species, contaminates food and feed globally, posing serious threats to both livestock and human health. Among current detoxification strategies, probiotic-based degradation of OTA has emerged as a key research focus. This study aimed to isolate safe probiotic strains with high OTA-detoxifying efficacy to support their potential application in feed and food industries. A total of 57 bacterial strains were isolated from environmental samples, including soil, moldy feed, and animal feces. Among these, a novel strain identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MM28 demonstrated strong OTA-degrading activity, removing 86.31% of OTA (0.4 µg/mL) within 48 h. Whole-genome analysis indicated that B. amyloliquefaciens MM28 harbors functional genes related to glucose metabolism, membrane transport, and properties associated with antibacterial, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory activities, suggesting multiple beneficial traits. In a 28-day chronic exposure study, mice were administered B. amyloliquefaciens MM28 via gavage (1 × 10⁸ CFU/mL). Results showed that both female and male mice in the MM28 group exhibited higher body weight and improved growth performance compared to the PBS control group. Furthermore, intestinal morphology was enhanced in the MM28 group, as indicated by greater villus length and villus-length-to-crypt-depth ratio. The expression of proinflammatory cytokines was also reduced in the treated animals. Moreover, analysis of gut microbiota composition revealed that MM28 supplementation led to an increased abundance of Bacteroides and Desulfovibrio, alongside a reduction in Lachnospira and Oscillospira. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Bacillus amyloliquefaciens MM28 is a safe and efficient strain capable of degrading OTA. These findings highlight its promising potential as a biological detoxifying agent in food and feed industries. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a major threat to modern medicine, fueled by the excessive use of antibiotics and the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In this study, we designed and synthesized a series of 2-aryl-4-aminoquinazoline derivatives bearing an aminoalkylimidazole linker, combining two pharmacophoric motifs associated with antimicrobial activity. Starting from anthranilamide, the compounds were prepared in three straightforward steps, affording good yields and high purity. Their structures were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS). Biological evaluation showed that series 5 exhibited strong selectivity toward S. aureus, with compounds 5c and 5d displaying minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) between 2.2 and 4.4 µM. No significant activity was observed against other tested strains. Cytotoxicity assays in HepG2 cells revealed moderate to low inhibition. Molecular docking indicated preferential binding to dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) and relevant interactions with topoisomerase IV, resembling reference inhibitors. ADME analysis predicted favourable absorption, blood–brain barrier permeability, and compliance with Lipinski’s rules. Full article

This study develops a visible-light-driven heterogeneous Fenton-like system for the efficient degradation and detoxification of the persistent fluoroquinolone antibiotic gatifloxacin (GAT) in water. Three Fe-based metal–organic frameworks (MIL-53(Fe), MIL-88A(Fe), and MIL-101(Fe)) were synthesized and systematically evaluated as catalysts in a visible-light/H₂O₂ process. The three MOFs were systematically characterized, and a comparative analysis was conducted to elucidate how their structural differences influence catalytic performance. Among three MOFs, MIL-88A(Fe) exhibited superior photocatalytic activity, stability, recyclability, and low energy consumption in the visible-light-driven photo-Fenton process, which was attributed to its favorable structural and photo-induced redox properties. Under the optimal conditions (pH 7.2, H₂O₂ dosage of 1.2 mL·L⁻¹, and catalyst loading of 0.1 g·L⁻¹), 95.6% of GAT was degraded within 90 min. Radical scavenging experiments demonstrated that hydroxyl radicals (•OH) dominated the oxidation process. Based on intermediate identification, plausible degradation pathways were proposed, accompanied by a pronounced reduction in the ecological risks of transformation products. Furthermore, toxicity assays revealed that both the antibacterial activity and acute toxicity of the treated solutions were significantly alleviated. Overall, the Light/MIL-88A(Fe)/H₂O₂ system offers an effective and sustainable strategy for the removal and detoxification of fluoroquinolone antibiotics from aquatic environments. Full article

Proteins can be methylated at either of the two N atoms of the imidazole ring of histidine, yielding 1-methylhistidine (or pi-methylhistidine) or 3-methylhistidine (tau-methylhistidine). While protein histidine methylation in mammals was discovered more than 50 years ago, the first histidine methyltransferases were identified only recently. So far, four different human protein histidine methyltransferases have been uncovered, and one of these is METTL9, which is responsible for introducing 1-methylhistidine in a number of proteins. The minimal sequence motif that is required, though not always sufficient, for METTL9-mediated methylation is His-X-His (HxH), where X is preferentially a small uncharged residue. Many METTL9 substrates are methylated at stretches of alternating histidines, i.e., several adjoining HxH motifs, such as HxHxH. Histidines are frequently involved in binding metal ions, such as zinc. Accordingly, it has been shown for several sequences targeted by METTL9, for example, in the immunomodulatory and antibacterial protein S100A9 and the zinc transporter SLC39A7, that histidine methylation diminishes zinc binding and thereby modulates protein function. In this review, we present a detailed account of METTL9-mediated histidine methylation, regarding its discovery, biochemical mechanism, structural features, and biological significance. Full article

Although the eradication of Helicobacter pylori is critical for preventing gastric cancer, current therapies often overlook the restoration of the gastric microenvironment, leading to a prevalence of delayed tissue healing and dysbiosis. Consequently, many patients remain in a persistent pathological state despite successful H. pylori clearance, presenting a major bottleneck in clinical treatment. This review summarizes recent advancements in gastric-targeted drug delivery systems, illustrating the evolution from a singular antibacterial approach to an integrated sequential strategy encompassing clearance, repair, and homeostasis reconstruction. We examine smart gastro-retentive and nanodelivery systems designed to overcome physiological barriers, highlighting formulations that extend gastric residence time and maintain local drug concentrations above the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration for prolonged periods. Furthermore, we discuss spatiotemporally controllable biomaterials, such as Janus hydrogels and ROS-responsive carriers. These systems demonstrate distinct pH-dependent release kinetics and high stability in simulated gastric fluids, effectively preserving bioactive payloads to modulate the immune microenvironment. By facilitating the transition from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory phenotypes, these biomaterials support epithelial regeneration. The review concludes with an analysis of postbiotics and the proposed holistic strategy, offering a promising therapeutic framework for mitigating the inflammation-to-cancer transition and promoting gastric health remodeling. Full article

Chimonanthus salicifolius and Chimonanthus nitens are widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Traditionally, their stems and leaves have been consumed as herbal tea substitutes in folk practices, possessing both medicinal and edible values. They represent typical dual-purpose plants for both medicinal and tea applications and are distinctive ethnic She medicinal resources. This study used the flowers, stems, and leaves of C. salicifolius and C. nitens as materials to analyze the chemical components of six essential oils and evaluate their antioxidant and antibacterial activities. We extracted their essential oils through steam distillation, followed by an analysis of their volatile chemical components using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Hydroxyl radical (•OH), 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) were used to evaluate the antioxidant activities of the different essential oils. The results showed that the extraction rates of both Chimonanthus species followed the order of leaf > flower > stem. Among them, the essential oil extraction rate from the leaves of C. salicifolius was the highest (2.22%), followed by that from the leaves of C. nitens (0.84%). A total of 83 volatile components were identified from the six extracted essential oils, demonstrating significant compositional differences (p < 0.05). Eucalyptol is the main component and has the highest relative content in the essential oils of both plant leaves, with (54.65 ± 1.03%) in C. salicifolius and (52.28 ± 1.03%) in C. nitens. Antioxidant experiments revealed that the leaf essential oil exhibited the strongest •OH scavenging activity (IC50 = 39.47 ± 5.57 μL·mL⁻¹), while the stem of C. salicifolius showed the highest DPPH scavenging activity (IC50 = 20.78 ± 3.86), and the flower part demonstrated the best FRAP power. Additionally, a preliminary evaluation of the antibacterial activity of these two Chimonanthus leaf essential oils indicated that their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus pumilus, and Bacillus subtilis was consistently 50 µL·mL⁻¹. This study systematically analyzed the chemical composition, antioxidant activity, and antibacterial activity of essential oils from different parts of C. salicifolius and C. nitens, revealing differences in yield, component composition, and biological activity between the two species. The findings provide scientific evidence for the development and application of essential oils from Chimonanthus plants. Full article

Green-synthesis routes for producing CuO nanoparticles offer a simplified, sustainable, and low-cost replacement for conventional chemical methods, eliminating the need for harsh chemicals and providing an easily scalable process for industrial-level production. Although numerous studies have investigated synthesizing CuO nanoparticles from single plant extracts, comparative assessments of multi-plant-mediated CuO nanoparticles alongside synthetic CuO remain limited. In this work, CuO nanoparticles were green-synthesized from three different plant sources, namely ginger, red onion peels, and garlic, and their physicochemical and biological properties were tested against the synthetic CuO. All plant extracts produced pure-phased monoclinic CuO nanoparticles as confirmed by UV–Vis, XRD, FTIR, and SEM/EDX analyses. SEM showed distinct nanoparticle morphologies, with CuO from ginger extract exhibiting uniform nanocubes, while nanoparticles from red onion and garlic extracts exhibited more aggregated and irregular structures. Their crystallite sizes were 8–9 nm lower than the ~11 nm observed for the synthetic CuO, highlighting the phytochemical role in shaping the nanoparticles’ morphology. The antibacterial efficacy against S. aureus and E. coli showed that ginger-derived and synthetic CuO had the strongest bacterial inhibition and bactericidal potency compared to onion- and garlic-derived CuO samples. However, synthetic CuO had the highest cytotoxicity risk, hindering its suitability for biological uses, while CuO-ginger maintained good cell viability at moderate concentrations. CuO-onion and CuO-garlic gave lower antibacterial cytocompatibility performance due to their thicker capping layers, which led to decreased Cu²⁺ release and ROS production. Ginger-derived CuO achieved an optimal trade-off between antibacterial and cytotoxic efficiency, highlighting its prospects as a candidate for biomedical applications. Full article

In this study, sol–gel-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various physicochemical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TG). The as-obtained powders were tested for their antimicrobial activity against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, as well as the fungal strains Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Additionally, the photocatalytic performance of the samples was evaluated under simulated solar light. The results are promising for possible environmental applications. The antimicrobial assessment also revealed notable effects, with varying degrees of growth inhibition observed across the tested microorganisms. The main approach in this study consists of the combination of physicochemical characterization with antibacterial and photocatalytic evaluations, resulting in promising multifunctional materials. Full article

Surface damage occurring during surgery can compromise coating integrity, leaving exposed areas susceptible to bacterial colonization. However, the impact of partial coating loss on antibacterial performance has not yet been investigated. In this work, a multifunctional UV-activated coating composed of hydroxyapatite, magnesium phosphate, and zinc oxide (HMZ) was developed and electrodeposited onto AZ31 and MgCa magnesium alloys. Its antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was evaluated under three conditions: adhered bacteria, planktonic cells, and biofilm. In the absence of UV activation, coated surfaces exhibited no significant antibacterial activity. In contrast, fully coated and UV-activated surfaces achieved bacterial reductions above 98% in all scenarios. Surfaces with 60% coverage showed antibacterial efficacy equivalent to that of fully coated surfaces, even against established biofilm. Surfaces with 30% coverage also exhibited moderate activity, particularly against adhered and planktonic bacteria. These results demonstrate that full surface coverage is not required to preserve the coating’s antibacterial effectiveness. This strategy provides a clinically relevant solution to maintain antibacterial protection even when coating integrity is compromised. Full article