Search Results (216)

Background/Objectives: The diminished efficacy of azoles in treating fungal infections is attributed to the emergence of resistance among pathogenic fungi. Employing a synergistic approach with other compounds to enhance the antifungal activity of azoles has shown promise, yet the availability of clinically valuable adjuvants for azoles and allylamines remains limited. Studies have demonstrated that the human host environment provides multiple carbon sources, which can influence the susceptibility of C. albicans to antifungal agents. Therefore, a comprehensive investigation into the mechanisms by which carbon sources modulate the susceptibility of C. albicans to azoles may uncover a novel pathway for enhancing the antifungal efficacy of azoles. Methods: This study explored the impact of various carbon sources on the antifungal efficacy of azoles through methodologies including minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assessments, super-MIC growth (SMG) assays, disk diffusion tests, and spot assays. Additionally, the mechanism by which galactose augments the antifungal activity of azoles was investigated using a range of experimental approaches, such as gene knockout and overexpression techniques, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blot analysis, and cycloheximide (CHX) chase experiments. Results: This study observed that galactose enhances the efficacy of azoles against C. albicans by inhibiting the translation of Erg1. This results in the suppression of Erg1 protein levels and subsequent inhibition of ergosterol biosynthesis in C. albicans. Conclusions: In C. albicans, the translation of Erg1 is inhibited when galactose is utilized as a carbon source instead of glucose. This novel discovery of galactose’s inhibitory effect on Erg1 translation is expected to enhance the antifungal efficacy of azoles. Full article

Candidozyma auris is a multidrug-resistant, thermo- and osmotolerant yeast capable of persisting on biotic and abiotic surfaces, attributes likely linked to its cell wall composition. Here, seven putative genes encoding yapsins, aspartyl proteases GPI-anchored to the membrane or cell wall, were identified in the genomes of C. auris CJ97 and 20-1498, from clades III and IV, respectively. The C. auris YPS1 gene is orthologous to the SAP9 of C. albicans. The YPS7 gene is orthologous to YPS7 in C. glabrata and S. cerevisiae, so that they may share similar roles. An in silico analysis suggested an interaction between pepstatin and the catalytic domain of Yps1 and Yps7. Although this inhibitor, when combined with caffeine, had a subtle effect on the growth of C. auris, it induced alterations in the cell wall. CauYPS1 and CauYPS7 expression increased under nutrient starvation and NaCl, and at 42 °C. The transcriptome of the 20-1498 strain suggests that autophagy may play a role in thermal stress, probably degrading deleterious proteins or maintaining cell wall and vacuolar homeostasis. Therefore, CauYps1 and CauYps7 may play a role in the cell wall integrity of C. auris in stress conditions, and they could be a target of new antifungal or antivirulence agents. Full article

Fungal infections pose a significant yet under-recognised global health burden, affecting over one billion individuals annually and contributing to approximately 2.5 million direct deaths. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently reemphasised this issue through the publication of its Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL) and its 2025 report evaluating current antifungal diagnostics and therapeutics. Among the most prevalent fungal pathogens is Trichophyton rubrum, an anthropophilic dermatophyte responsible for up to 70% of superficial fungal infections, including onychomycosis. The emergence of antifungal resistance further complicates management, necessitating the development of novel, effective, and sustainable treatment alternatives. Natural compounds are increasingly being explored for their antifungal potential due to their broad-spectrum activity and lower toxicity. Coconut oil has gained particular attention for its therapeutic properties attributed to medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), especially lauric acid. The aim of this study was to understand how innate and modified coconut oils can alter the rheological properties of Pluronic hydrogels while retaining antifungal activity for downstream application in treating fungal infections. Results identified hydrophobic interactions by FTIR and DSC between the hydrocarbon chains of the coconut triglycerides and the hydrophobic core of the Pluronic micelles, leading to gel stabilisation as identified by rheological analysis. Full article

This study explores the chemical composition and synergistic anti-fungal properties of essential oils from the aerial parts of Satavari (Asparagus racemosus Willd.), Dill (Anethum graveolens L.), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus Stapf), along with the peels of Lime (Citrus aurantifolia (Christm.)) and Kaffir lime (Citrus hystrix DC), as well as the leaves of Citrus hystrix DC, against Malassezia furfur, a yeast linked to dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) identified key volatile compounds within these oils. In vitro anti-fungal assays evaluated their efficacy individually and in combinations using checkerboard dilution techniques to assess synergy. Results indicated significant antifungal activity, with lemongrass exhibiting the strongest effect (MIC of 0.125% v/v). Notably, a 1:1 combination of lemongrass and kaffir lime essential oils showed synergism, reducing the MIC to 0.0625% v/v. The antifungal activity was primarily attributed to citral and citronellal, with MICs of 0.03125% v/v and 0.125% v/v, respectively. Molecular orbital analysis revealed that the higher energy levels of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) in citral correlate with greater antifungal efficacy, likely due to its enhanced electrophilicity, facilitating nucleophilic interactions with M. furfur’s cellular components. These findings highlight potential applications of essential oil combinations in antifungal therapies. Full article

Background: Cryptococcus species constitute opportunistic fungi that seldom cause infections in individuals with competent immune systems. In the rare case of cryptococcal endocarditis, the fungus infiltrates the endocardium. This disease occurs almost exclusively in patients with active immunosuppression, implanted cardiac devices, or prosthetic valves. Objectives: This study aims to analyze all documented cases of Cryptococcus spp. endocarditis in humans, emphasizing the epidemiology, microbiology, clinical manifestations, therapeutic approaches, and infection outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive review was performed by searching the PubMed and Scopus databases. Results: A total of 16 studies reported data on 16 patients diagnosed with cryptococcal endocarditis. The mean patient age was 46.6 years, with males comprising 81.25% of cases. Immunosuppression was the most prevalent predisposing factor (31.25%), followed by a history of end-stage renal disease and prosthetic cardiac valves (25%). The most commonly affected intracardiac sites were the mitral (60%) and aortic valve (46.6%), while in 33.3% of cases, multiple-valve infection was observed. Cryptococcus neoformans was detected as the causative organism in the majority of cases (87.5%). The most frequently administered antifungal treatments included amphotericin B (87.5%) and fluconazole (43.75%), with combination therapy used in 62.5% of cases. Overall mortality was relatively high at 56.25%, with 50% of deaths directly attributed to the infection. Conclusions: Considering the ability of Cryptococcus spp. to induce severe systemic infections, healthcare providers should consider this pathogen in the differential diagnosis when yeast microorganisms are identified in microbiological samples. This is particularly crucial for patients with underlying comorbidities or immunodeficiency, as early recognition is crucial to ensure precise diagnosis and treatment. Full article

This article investigates the antifungal activity of clove essential oil (CEO) against Candida albicans, as well as its inhibitory effects on C. albicans biofilm formation and the associated developmental processes. Furthermore, it evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of CEO in a mouse model of intestinal C. albicans infection and explores its impact on intestinal microbiota. Additionally, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was conducted to analyze the alterations in the intestinal microbiota. The findings indicate that the administration of CEO in mice infected with C. albicans resulted in a normalization of body weight and an improvement in their symptoms. Histological analysis utilizing HE and PAS staining demonstrated that CEO exerted beneficial effects on the intestinal mucosal status of these infected mice. Furthermore, ELISA results revealed a dose-dependent reduction in the levels of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-17A within the small intestinal tissues of C. albicans-infected mice. Additionally, 16S rRNA gene analysis indicated that CEO effectively enhanced the richness and diversity within the intestinal microbiota of CEO treatment groups of mice that were investigated. Overall, CEO exhibits therapeutic potential against inflammation induced by intestinal C. albicans infection in mice. This effect can be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its capacity to regulate the composition of intestinal flora. Full article

Coordination compounds, characterized by the coordination of metal ions with ligands, represent a pivotal area of research in chemistry due to their diverse structures and versatile applications. This review delves into the synthesis, characterization, biological evaluation, and practical applications of these compounds. A variety of synthetic methodologies (traditional solution-based techniques) are discussed to highlight advancements in the field. Investigations into the structural, electronic, and spectral properties of coordination compounds are emphasized to provide insights into their functional attributes. The biological evaluation section focuses on their roles in antimicrobial, anticancer, and enzyme-inhibitory activities, underscoring their potential in therapeutic development. Attention is paid to nanoparticles, which are increasingly used for the treatment of oncological diseases. The metal complexes have been shown to have antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, and antiproliferative properties. Additionally, the review explores their applications across domains such as catalysis, illustrating their multifaceted utility. By synthesizing recent findings and trends, this article aims to bridge the gap between fundamental chemistry and applied sciences, paving the way for innovative uses of coordination compounds in both biological and industrial contexts. Full article

Macleania rupestris, a fruit-bearing species of the Ericaceae family, has traditionally been used for its potential medicinal properties. Background/Objectives: This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of M. rupestris fruit extract, focusing on its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal effects. Methods: M. rupestris (Kunth) A.C.Sm. berries (code: 4456, Herbario QUPS-Ecuador) were collected from the cloud forest Montano Alto, Cuenca-Ecuador, and the extract was obtained using an ethanolic-based extraction and chemically characterized. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the fruit extract was assessed against seven multidrug-resistant bacteria strains and four fungal strains using the microdilution method. The biofilm inhibition potential was evaluated using a microplate assay with the crystal violet staining method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. Results: The bioactive compounds showed 853.9 mg phenols/100 g DW, 573.2 mg organic acid/100 g DW, and 21.5 mg C-3-gl/100 g DW of anthocyanins. The antibacterial assays demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with MIC values ranging from 1.25 to 5 mg/mL. Additionally, the biofilm inhibition assays confirmed the potential of M. rupestris extract to disrupt bacterial biofilms, particularly in S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. Nevertheless, no significant antifungal activity was observed against Candida spp., suggesting selective antimicrobial properties. Finally, the antioxidant activity was strong (1.62 mmol TE/100 g DW by DPPH and 3.28 mmol TE/100 g DW by ABTS). Conclusions: These findings indicate that M. rupestris possesses promising antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant properties, which may be attributed to its phenolic and organic acid composition. Further fractionation and targeted bioassays are required to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and explore their potential applications in antimicrobial formulations. Full article

Fermented walnut (FW) meal exhibits antifungal activity against Penicillium victoriae (the fungus responsible for prickly pear spoilage), which is mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of antimicrobial peptides and salicylic acid (SA). This study aimed to investigate the synergistic mechanism between YVVPW (YW-5, the peptide with the highest antifungal activity) and SA against the cell membrane of P. victoriae. Treatment enhanced prickly pear’s rot rate, polyphenol concentration, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity by 38.11%, 8.11%, and 48.53%, respectively, while reducing the microbial count by 19.17%. Structural analyses revealed β-sheets as YW-5′s predominant structure (41.18%), which increased to 49.0% during SA interaction. Molecular docking demonstrated YW-5′s stronger binding to β-(1,3)-glucan synthase and membrane protein amino acids via hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic forces, and π-π conjugate interactions. Spectroscopic analyses demonstrated SA’s major role in YW-5 synergy at the interface and polar head region of phospholipids, enhancing lipid chain disorder and the leakage of cell components. Malondialdehyde and SOD levels increased nearly two-fold and six-fold when treated with YW-5/SA, and YW-5 showed a more pronounced effect. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy confirmed that SA caused greater damage to spore morphology and cell ultrastructure. These findings support this formulation’s functions as an efficient antifungal substance in fruit storage. Full article

This study focused on Atlas pistachio (Pistacia atlantica subsp. atlantica), an endangered species from the Moroccan Middle Atlas, analyzing its leaves to assess their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. Essential oils (EOPA) were extracted by distillation using a Clevenger apparatus, and their phytochemical compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antioxidant activity tests were carried out using the DPPH and FRAP methods. In addition, antimicrobial activity was tested against Candida albicans to determine its antifungal effect, and against two Gram-positive strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and three Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae) to determine the antibacterial effect. The results show that the essential oils contained between 23 and 49 compounds, depending on the extraction area, with (-)-germacrene D as the main compound. Antioxidant activity varied by study area, with IC₅₀ ranging from 0.414 mg/mL (Amghas) to 1.520 mg/mL (Ait Naamane), and EC₅₀ from 2.132 mg/mL to 5.4 mg/mL. In terms of antimicrobial activity, Afourgah essential oils showed the best results, with significant inhibition diameters against bacteria and low MIC. In particular, Amghas essential oils inhibited Staphylococcus aureus well, while Ait Naamane essential oils were less effective. This variability in phytochemical composition, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, may be attributed to climatic differences specific to the distribution zones of the Atlas pistachio tree. This study contributes to a better understanding of the botanical and chemical characterization of the Pistacia genus, and highlights its potential as a source of bioactive agents. Full article

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constitute a heterogeneous group of bacteria isolated from fermented foods, animals, plants, and mammalian guts, with many health-promoting properties. Probiotics with antagonistic properties against human pathogens and foodborne bacteria have garnered significant attention from the scientific fraternity. A dedicated review focusing on plant-derived probiotic bacteria and their antagonistic properties has not been comprehensively reviewed. Thus, this review aimed at providing an overview of LAB isolates derived from several unconventional sources such as fruits, seeds, fruit pulp, leaves, roots, vegetables, grasses, and flowers and with their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties. This paper reviewed the antimicrobial properties of different genera, Lactobacillus, Leuconostoc, Weissella, Enterococcus, Pediococcus, Bacillus, and Fructobacillus, their postbiotics, and paraprobiotics. Several important mechanisms, including the secretion of bacteriocins, bacteriocin-like substances, reuterin, organic acids (lactic and acetic), peptides, exopolysaccharides, and hydrogen peroxide, have been attributed to their antimicrobial actions against pathogens. However, their precise mode of action is poorly understood; hence, further research should be conducted to reveal detailed mechanisms. Finally, the review discusses the summary and future implications. Given the significance, LAB and derived antimicrobial compounds can potentially be exploited in food preservation and safety or for medicinal applications after evaluating their safety. Full article

Selenium (Se) biofortification is a promising agronomic strategy to enhance the dietary intake of this essential micronutrient while simultaneously adding value to agricultural by-products like Brassica oleracea L. var. italica leaves. This study evaluated the effects of foliar Se biofortification on a fresh market broccoli cultivar (‘Belstar’) using selenite and selenate (1 and 2 mM). Growth performance, biochemical properties, nutraceutical quality, and phytohormone profiles of broccoli leaves were analyzed, highlighting their potential as functional by-products. Multivariate analysis revealed that 2 mM selenite application was the most effective treatment, significantly improving several parameters. Selenium biofortification with 2 mM selenite increased essential nutrient content, including Se, Ca, S, Fe, Mn, Mg, and Mo. It also enhanced the soluble protein content (+2.2-fold), phenolic compounds (+1.5-fold), and total antioxidant capacity (+1.4-fold) compared to control plants. In this sense, the nutraceutical quality of broccoli leaves was markedly improved, supporting their use as a source of bioactive ingredients. Additionally, to assess practical applications, water-extracted Se-enriched broccoli leaves demonstrated antifungal activity against the plant pathogen Fusarium solani, attributed to Se-induced alterations in phytohormone profiles. These findings suggest that Se-biofortified broccoli leaves can serve as a sustainable source of essential nutrients and bioactive compounds for the food industry. Furthermore, their antifungal properties position them as potential eco-friendly biopesticides to combat plant pathogenic fungi, thereby promoting sustainable agriculture. Full article

This research aims to explore the potential benefits of natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) in formulating translucent NADES-in-oil emulsions (TEs) containing essential oils (EOs) for cosmetic applications. The TEs investigated in this study are based on previous formulations, consisting of 50 wt.% egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC), 20 wt.% ethanol, 20 wt.% olive oil (OlO), thyme oil (TO), or oregano oil (OrO), and 10 wt.% NADES made from a 1:1 or 1:4 ratio of lactic acid and glycerol (LA). These emulsions exhibit high antioxidant activity, attributed to the terpenes present in the essential oils, such as thymol in TO and carvacrol in OrO. The TEs containing TO and OrO demonstrated a more fluid consistency, along with a more appealing texture and fragrance compared to the OlO control. Additionally, these emulsions exhibited the ability to permeate pig skin, as well as significant antifungal and antibacterial activity, and low toxicity in the Galleria mellonella larval model. Overall, the findings expand the potential applications of NADES, particularly in the development of translucent emulsions with EO for treating microbial skin and nail infections. Full article

Enhancing the decay resistance of Populus tomentosa wood through environmentally friendly methods is crucial for improving its durability and market competitiveness. Lignified twigs (LT), typically unsuitable as timber due to their small diameter, are rich in lignin, which degrades during thermal induction to produce antifungal organic compounds. In this context, the objective of this study was to develop a lignified twig preservative (LTP) by thermal induction from the LT of Actinidia chinensis var. Jinyang. The antifungal activity of LTP under varying thermal conditions was analyzed, along with its chemical composition. Enzyme activity, cell membrane integrity, and respiratory metabolism in fungi treated with LTP were examined to elucidate antifungal mechanisms. Additionally, the decay resistance of LTP-treated wood was evaluated. Results revealed that LTP produced under N₂ at 220 °C exhibited robust antifungal activity against Trametes versicolor and Gloeophyllum trabeum, attributed to phenolic compounds such as syringaldehyde, syringone, vanillin, and vanillone. LTP inhibited fungal cellulases, hemicellulases, and ligninases by 30%–60%, disrupted cell membrane functionality, and suppressed respiratory metabolism. Poplar wood treated with LTP demonstrated significantly enhanced decay resistance (mass loss < 10%). This thermal-induced feedback pattern shows great potential for LT in wood preservation. Full article

Although the mitochondrial genome is an attribute of all eukaryotes, some yeast species (called petite-positive) can replicate without mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Strains without mtDNA (known as rho⁻ mutants or petite mutants) are respiration-deficient and require fermentable carbon sources (such as glucose) for their metabolism. However, they are compromised in many aspects of fitness and competitiveness. Nevertheless, a few research groups have reported that some petite mutants of Candida glabrata and Saccharomyces cerevisiae manifested higher levels of tolerance to the antifungal fluconazole than their wild-type (WT) counterparts. In this study, we show that elevated tolerance to two or three out of four tested antifungals is a generic feature of at least five petite-positive species of yeasts including C. glabrata (higher tolerance of petites to clotrimazole and miconazole), S. bayanus (tolerance to clotrimazole, fluconazole, and miconazole), S. cerevisiae (tolerance to clotrimazole and fluconazole), S. paradoxus (tolerance to clotrimazole, fluconazole, and miconazole), and S. pastorianus (tolerance to clotrimazole and fluconazole). Comparing the levels of tolerance to the antifungals in WT and petite mutants was based on measuring the diameters of the zones of inhibition (ZOIs) using disc diffusion assays. The mode of inhibition in the majority of WT strains by all antifungals was fungicidal; most of the rho⁻ mutants manifested fungistatic inhibition. We observed partial (not complete) inhibition in WT, with four different types of ZOI patterns that were species- and antifungal-specific. The partial inhibition was characterised by the presence of antifungal-tolerant colonies within ZOI areas. The inability of these colonies selected from ZOIs to grow on glycerol, as a single source of carbon, proved that they were rho⁻ mutants spontaneously generated in the WT populations. The results on the elevated tolerance of petite strains to antifungals are discussed in terms of the prospective positive selection of respiratory-deficient mutants and the various implications of such selection. Full article