Search Results (1,204)

Over the past two decades, the meat industry has faced increasing pressure to prevent foodborne outbreaks and reduce economic losses associated with delayed detection of spoilage. This demand has accelerated the development of on-site, real-time sensing tools capable of identifying early signs of contamination. Electrospun nanofiber (NF) platforms have emerged as particularly promising due to their large surface area, tunable porosity, and versatile chemistry, which make them ideal scaffolds for immobilizing enzymes, antibodies, or aptamers while preserving bioactivity under field conditions. These NFs have been integrated into optical, electrochemical, and resistive devices, each enhancing response time and sensitivity for key targets ranging from volatile organic compounds indicating early decay to specific bacterial markers and antibiotic residues. In practical applications, NF matrices enhance signal generation (SERS hotspots), facilitate analyte diffusion through three-dimensional networks, and stabilize delicate biorecognition elements for repeated use. This review summarizes major NF fabrication strategies, representative sensor designs for meat quality monitoring, and performance considerations relevant to industrial deployment, including reproducibility, shelf life, and regulatory compliance. The integration of such platforms with data networks and Internet of Things (IoT) nodes offers a path toward continuous, automated surveillance throughout processing and cold-chain logistics. By addressing current technical and regulatory challenges, NF-based biosensors have the potential to significantly reduce waste and safeguard public health through early detection of contamination before it escalates into costly recalls. Full article

Iron-based catalysts for peroxymonosulfate (PMS) and peroxydisulfate (PDS) activation represent a cornerstone of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) in environmental remediation, prized for their cost-effectiveness, environmental compatibility, and high catalytic potential. These catalysts, including zero-valent iron, iron oxides, and iron-organic frameworks, activate PMS/PDS through heterogeneous and homogeneous pathways to generate reactive species such as sulfate radicals (SO₄•⁻) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). However, their large-scale implementation is constrained by inefficient iron cycling, characterized by sluggish Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ conversion and significant iron precipitation, leading to catalyst passivation and oxidant wastage. This comprehensive review systematically dissects innovative strategies to augment iron cycling efficiency, encompassing advanced material design through elemental doping, heterostructure construction, and defect engineering; system optimization via reductant incorporation, bimetallic synergy, and pH modulation; and external field assistance using light, electricity, or ultrasound. We present a mechanistic deep-dive into these approaches, emphasizing facilitated electron transfer, suppression of iron precipitation, and precise regulation of radical versus non-radical pathways. The performance in degrading persistent organic pollutants—including antibiotics, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and pesticides—in complex environmental matrices is critically evaluated. We further discuss practical challenges related to scalability, long-term stability, and secondary environmental risks. Finally, forward-looking directions are proposed, focusing on rational catalyst design, integration of sustainable processes, and scalable implementation, thereby providing a foundational framework for developing next-generation iron-persulfate catalytic systems. Full article

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), evolutionarily conserved components of the immune system, have attracted considerable attention as promising therapeutic candidates. Derived from diverse organisms, AMPs represent a heterogeneous class of molecules, typically cationic, which facilitates their initial electrostatic interaction with anionic microbial membranes. Unlike conventional single-target antibiotics, AMPs utilize rapid, multi-target mechanisms, primarily physical membrane disruption, which results in a significantly lower incidence of resistance emergence. Their broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, capacity to modulate host immunity, and unique mechanisms of action make them inherently less susceptible to resistance compared with traditional antibiotics. Despite these advantages, the clinical translation of natural AMPs remains limited by several challenges, including poor in vivo stability, and potential cytotoxicity. Bioengineering technology offers innovative solutions to these limitations of AMPs. Two techniques have demonstrated promise: (i) a chimeric recombinant of AMPs with stable scaffold, such as human serum albumin and antibody Fc domain and (ii) chemical modification approaches, such as lipidation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of AMPs, highlighting their origins, structures, and mechanisms of antimicrobial activity, followed by recent advances in bioengineering platforms designed to overcome their therapeutic limitations. By integrating natural AMPs with bioengineering and nanotechnologies, AMPs may be developed into next-generation antibiotics. Full article

This systematic review aims to describe the current state of research on soil remediation utilizing digestates inoculated with fungi, as a cost-effective alternative. This study was performed according to the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, and nine papers were finally selected for review. The application of digestates augments the soil microbial community in terms of bacterial strains, mycorrhizal colonization, and enzymes. Digestates inoculated with fungi have notable impacts on soil stabilization. Some authors reported an improvement of up to 100% in plant growth when using digestates. HM removal rates of 17% for Si, 40% for Cd, and up to 80% for Pb have been achieved. Antibiotics and PFCAs showed low or no accumulation. The biomass source used for anaerobic digestion has a very important impact on the resulting digestate’s quality and effect in soils: the use of cattle manure resulted in an increase in biomass yield from 9% up to 100% when compared to manure co-digested with organic wastes. The fungal strain, environmental conditions, and existing contaminants must be considered with respect to the specific practical application. These insights can contribute to the management of environmental risks and the prevention of negative impacts on human health, ecosystems, and the economy. Full article

The biological accumulation of microcontaminants and associated antibiotic resistance in food poses significant threats to both human and environmental health. Therefore, it is particularly crucial to design and develop methods of efficient identification and detection. Recently, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and aptamers (Apts), as novel hybrid recognition elements, have received widespread attention from researchers. Because the dual recognition-based sensors have demonstrated enhanced performance and desirable characteristics, including high sensitivity, strong binding affinity, a low detection limit, and excellent stability under harsh environmental conditions, which are expected to be applied in food safety fields. This paper compares the characteristics of MIP and Apt, highlighting the significant advantages of molecularly imprinted polymer–aptamer (MIP-Apt) dual recognition in selectivity, sensitivity, and stability, which stems from their symmetric integration, akin to an extension of the ‘lock-and-key’ model. It then systematically discusses three synthetic strategies for MIP-Apt hybrid recognition systems and their applications for food safety detection, focusing on analyzing their detection strategies, sensing mechanisms, construction methodologies, performance evaluations, and potential application value. It also offers substantive perspectives on both the prevailing limitations and promising developmental pathways for MIP-Apt hybrid recognition-based sensing platforms. Full article

Background: The management of infections involving the distal tibia and ankle is a significant challenge in orthopedic surgery due to complex anatomy and the high risk of complications. The study aims to present our clinical experience in managing these infections and focusing on surgical strategies, infection control, and functional outcomes over a minimum 24-month follow-up period. Methods: This is an observational, retrospective case series of 17 patients treated for osteoarticular infections of the distal tibia and/or ankle between January 2020 and May 2023, in a second-level referral trauma center. A staged surgical approach was employed, including radical debridement, temporary stabilization with external fixation, and, in most cases, implantation of a cement spacer loaded with antibiotics. Functional outcomes were assessed using scores such as EQ-5D-5L. Results: The cohort was predominantly male (76.5%), with a high prevalence of elevated BMI and comorbidities. Infection onset was most frequently associated with open fractures (64.7%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most common isolated pathogen (41.2%), and infections caused by Gram-negative or multidrug-resistant bacteria were associated with more reoperations. Overall, complications occurred in 10 patients (58.8%), requiring reintervention in 9 patients (52.9%). Limb salvage was achieved in 16 of 17 patients (94.1%). Conclusions: Our study highlights the critical role of a tailored, multidisciplinary approach in managing these complex infections. Meticulous surgical planning and proactive management of complications are essential for optimizing patient outcomes. Full article

The global spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) poses a severe public health threat, driving growing interest in phage-based precision antibacterial strategies. This systematic review synthesizes recent advances in the field of A. baumannii phage. Modern taxonomy, based on whole-genome phylogeny, has reclassified the majority of A. baumannii phages into the class Caudoviricetes, revealing distinct evolutionary clades that correlate with host tropism and biological properties, superseding the traditional morphological families (Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, Podoviridae). To overcome limitations of natural phage therapy, such as narrow host range, cocktail therapies (ex vivo resistance mutation rates < 5%) and phage-antibiotic synergism (enabling antibiotic efficacy at 1/4 minimum inhibitory concentration) have significantly enhanced antibacterial efficacy. Preclinical models demonstrate that phage therapy efficiently clears pathogens in pneumonia models and promotes the healing of burn wounds and diabetic ulcers via immunomodulatory mechanisms. Technical optimizations include nebulized inhalation delivery achieving 42% alveolar deposition, and thermosensitive hydrogels enabling sustained release over 72 h. Genetic engineering approaches, such as host range expansion through tail fiber recombination and CRISPR/Cas-mediated elimination of lysogeny, show promise. However, the genetic stability of engineered phages requires further validation. Current challenges remain, including limited host spectrum, the absence of clinical translation standards, and lagging regulatory frameworks. Future efforts must integrate metagenomic mining and synthetic biology strategies to establish a precision medicine framework encompassing resistance monitoring and personalized phage formulation, offering innovative solutions against CRAB infections. Full article

Aptamer-based biosensors have emerged as an important and promising technology for applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical analysis. Obtained via Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) screening, these recognition elements exhibit antibody-comparable affinity and specificity, alongside superior chemical stability, easy synthesis, and broad target adaptability. Substantial advances in the field have been marked by the systematic development of food contaminant-specific aptamers, elucidation of their binding mechanisms, and construction of versatile biosensing platforms. The integration of these aptamers with conventional electrochemical and optical sensors has substantially enhanced detection sensitivity and lowered detection limits, particularly for trace-level analytes in complex food matrices. Furthermore, the integration of aptamer technology with novel nanomaterials has facilitated the development of high-performance detection platforms for a wide range of food contaminants, including heavy metals, antibiotics, foodborne pathogens, mycotoxins, pesticides, and food additives. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in SELEX techniques for aptamer screening, highlights the application of aptamer-based biosensors in detecting these contaminants, and discusses current challenges and future prospects in the field of food safety, which establishes a comprehensive framework to advance aptamer-based biosensing technologies for rapid detection and early warning in food safety monitoring. Full article

The microbial removal of antibiotics is an environmentally friendly solution to antibiotic contamination in water. However, the main limitations for its application are the difficulty of direct utilization of antibiotics by bacteria and incomplete removal. In this study, a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis ZY that removed tetracycline (TC) as a sole carbon source was applied. Strain ZY was able to remove 50 mg/L TC at an efficiency higher than 70%, while the removal efficiency was increased to 100% after the immobilization by Loofah (Lfr). Meanwhile, the removal time was shortened from 6 to 4.5 d. Compared with the free ZY, the TC removal efficiency of Lfr-ZY was significantly improved under various conditions (temperature, pH and NaCl concentration). The removal efficiency of Lfr-ZY was still higher than 50% after 11 cycles, with strong removal ability and stability. In addition, the enhancement of TC bio-removal by Lfr-ZY involved the combination of the protection, adsorption, detoxification, putative nutrient release and solubilization effects of Lfr. The promising results suggest that the Lfr-based strategy has the potential for solving the problems of a lack of nutrient substrate for TC removal and the inability to remove it completely. Full article

Background/Objectives: Residual symptoms—such as persistent negative or cognitive symptoms—and relapse remain common in schizophrenia (SCZ) despite the proven efficacy of antipsychotics. As a result, add-on medications are frequently prescribed in real-world clinical practice. Although these agents are often used chronically, most evidence supporting their benefits comes from short-term trials. This systematic review aimed to assess the effect of adjunctive medication on long-term clinical outcomes and relapse prevention. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, we searched PubMed and Scopus (2000–2025) for trials of add-on agents administered for ≥24 weeks in SCZ spectrum disorders. Eligible studies compared antipsychotic treatment as usual with and without an add-on pharmacological agent (or with an added placebo). The primary outcome was long-term symptom change evaluated via established clinical scales, while relapse was the secondary outcome. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2 tool (PROSPERO registration: CRD420251075647). Results: The 22 of 4101 selected studies were classified into a group of frequently used add-on agents in clinical practice (antidepressants, mood stabilizers) and a group of less common agents, encompassing cognitive enhancers, antibiotics and antioxidants/anti-inflammatory agents. Results regarding clinical efficacy were mixed for both groups and respective subcategories. Overall, no drug class produced robust benefits. Relapse was systematically reported in only one study, with low overall relapse rates (2.5%). Risk-of-bias assessment did not reveal significant methodological concerns, apart from high attrition (average 29.5%). Conclusions: Evidence for the long-term efficacy of add-on pharmacological treatments in SCZ is inconsistent, with no agent demonstrating reliable benefits. These findings raise concerns regarding long-term polypharmacy and also highlight the need for further investigations. Future studies should prioritize longer follow-up, relapse outcomes and realistic treatment patterns. Full article

Background: Some lactobacilli strains have been documented to cause bacteremia and sepsis in immunocompromised or critically ill hospitalized patients, challenging the universally presumed safety of lactobacilli. Therefore, strain-specific risk assessments are required for the use of Lactobacillus as a probiotic. Lactobacillus xujianguonis, a novel Lactobacillus species isolated from Marmota himalayana, has probiotic potential but lacks safety data. Objective: To evaluate the preclinical safety of L. xujianguonis for food-grade use. Methods: Systematic safety assessment includes in vitro studies and oral toxicity studies. In vitro studies encompassed gastrointestinal tolerance, auto-aggregation and pathogen inhibition, antibiotic susceptibility, and hemolysis/gelatinase activity assays. Oral toxicity studies contained acute single-dose and repeated-dose 28-day oral toxicity studies in mice based on the OECD toxicity study guidelines. Results: L. xujianguonis strains HT111-2 and 06-2 demonstrated certain probiotic traits, including high acid/bile tolerance, strong auto-aggregation, and antimicrobial activity against common human gastrointestinal pathogens. In vitro safety assessments showed susceptibility to nine antibiotics and absence of hemolytic/gelatinase activity. Acute oral exposure (1 × 10¹¹ CFU/kg) induced no mortality, clinical abnormalities, or organ toxicity. Subchronic 28-day administration (multiple doses) showed absence of adverse clinical signs with body weight stability and no hematological, biochemical, or histopathological deviations in C57BL/6 mice. Inflammatory and immunological markers remained unaffected. Histological staining results and transcriptional level validation revealed no evidence of intestinal tissue damage. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of the safety of L. xujianguonis, supporting its advancement to functional research. Full article

The rapid expansion of global aquaculture has led to wastewater enriched with nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, antibiotics, and heavy metals, posing serious risks such as eutrophication, ecological imbalance, and public health threats. Conventional physical, chemical, and biological treatments face limitations including high cost, secondary pollution, and insufficient efficiency, limiting sustainable wastewater management. Algal–bacterial symbiotic systems (ABSS) provide a sustainable alternative, coupling the metabolic complementarity of microalgae and bacteria for effective pollutant mitigation and concurrent biomass valorization. Immobilizing microbial consortia within carrier materials enhances system stability, tolerance to environmental changes, and scalability. This review systematically summarizes the pollution characteristics and ecological risks of aquaculture effluents, highlighting the limitations of conventional treatment methods. It focuses on the metabolic cooperation within ABSS, including nutrient cycling and pollutant degradation, the impact of environmental factors, and the role of immobilization carriers in enhancing system performance and biomass resource valorization. Despite their potential, ABSS still face challenges related to mass transfer limitations, complex microbial interactions, and difficulties in scale-up. Future research should focus on improving environmental adaptability, regulating microbial dynamics, designing intelligent and cost-effective carriers, and developing modular engineering systems to enable robust and scalable solutions for sustainable aquaculture wastewater treatment. Full article

Background/Objectives: The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant oral pathogens has rendered many conventional therapies increasingly ineffective. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic alternative due to their unique mechanisms of action and low propensity for inducing resistance. The delivery of novel therapeutic AMPs against oral cavity bacterial infections requires effective pharmaceutical dosage formulations. This study investigated the potential of two liposomal formulations for the association and delivery of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) LL17-32 against the dental bacterial pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis. Methods: Liposomes composed of either negatively charged soya lecithin (SL) or neutrally charged dioleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (DOPC) phospholipids were formulated and characterized based on their hydrodynamic size distribution, ζ-potential, morphology, membrane fluidity, peptide association efficiency, stability and release of peptide in vitro under physiological conditions. The characterization of their biological activity included efficiency of bacterial killing, bacterial adherence, and mammalian cell cytotoxicity using human gingival keratinocyte (TIGK) cells. Results: Both liposomal formulations exhibited spherical morphology with hydrodynamic diameters smaller than ~170 nm and demonstrated good colloidal stability. LL17-32 showed high association efficiency with both liposomal membranes, with no detectable LL17-32 in vitro release. In biological assays, peptide-loaded DOPC liposomes exhibited dose-dependent bactericidal activity against P. gingivalis, whereas SL liposomes significantly attenuated the bactericidal effect of LL17-32. Both formulations displayed reduced cytotoxicity toward human gingival keratinocyte (TIGK) cells versus free peptide. Conclusions: These findings suggest that DOPC liposomes represent a promising delivery system for LL17-32 by adhering to P. gingivalis and exhibiting minimal cytotoxicity to mammalian cells. This study emphasises the critical role of lipid charge in designing AMP delivery systems for antibacterial applications, while it additionally demonstrates the utility of flow cytometry as a quantitative tool to assess liposome–bacteria association. Full article

New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-producing Enterobacterales represent a major therapeutic challenge due to their resistance to nearly all β-lactams and frequent co-resistance to other antibiotic classes, leaving clinicians with few effective options. These challenges are amplified in orthopedic infections with hardware involvement, where biofilm formation and the need for prolonged antimicrobial therapy limit success. We describe a 55-year-old female with a history of right type 3 open pilon fracture complicated by hardware failure and revision, who presented with septic tibial nonunion and chronic drainage. During this admission, she underwent irrigation and debridement with hardware removal and intramedullary nail placement. Cultures grew Enterobacter cloacae complex resistant to meropenem, ceftazidime–avibactam, meropenem–vaborbactam, and cefiderocol, as well as Candida parapsilosis. Molecular testing confirmed NDM production, while reference testing showed susceptibility to aztreonam–avibactam (ATM-AVI). The patient was treated with ATM-AVI plus micafungin, achieving clinical stability within three days. Due to outpatient administration barriers with ATM-AVI, the patient was transitioned to eravacycline and micafungin. At eight-week follow-up, the patient remained clinically improved without relapse or adverse effects. This case highlights ATM-AVI as a critical therapy for NDM-producing orthopedic infections involving hardware and supports eravacycline as a feasible step-down option in outpatient management. Full article

This review summarizes the recent developments in titanium suboxide (TSO) doping and the application of doped materials in pollutant degradation and electrochemistry. Doping is mainly limited to transition and rare-earth metals, with some exceptions, of similar ionic radii and charge, that can replace Ti ions in TSO without too much disturbance to the lattice. Consequently, doping is limited to below 10 at%, which predominantly induces oxygen vacancy formation. Doping mechanisms are weighted, and their effect on conductivity, stability, and catalytic activity is overviewed. High-temperature H₂ reduction of TiO₂ is still the dominant preparation method, with carbothermal reduction and Ti reduction gaining ground due to safety and energy concerns. Doping predominantly increases the conductivity 2–5 times, while the stability can be both improved or worsened, depending on the size and charge of the doping ion. Electrochemical oxidation, at positive overpotentials, of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), antibiotics, and other water pollutants, is the main avenue of application. Doping almost exclusively leads to complete selected pollutant degradation and improvement of the pristine TSO, which is summarized in detail. New niche applications of peroxide, hydrogen, and chlorine production are also viable on doped TSO and are touched upon. Complementing experimental results are theoretical calculations, and we give an overview of density functional theory (DFT) results of transition metal-doped TSOs, identifying active centers, degradation trends, and potential new doping candidates. Full article