Search Results (34,225)

Polytrichadelphus purpureus is a bryophyte distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. It represents an underexploited source of bioactive metabolites. In this study, the volatile fraction (VF) obtained by steam distillation was analyzed by gas chromatography (GC-MS and GC-FID) on a DB-5ms capillary column, identifying 86 volatile compounds, representing the 97% of the volatile profile. Sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (23.6%), alcohols (15.6%), and alkanes (14.1%) were the major group compounds. Major components include (Z)-falcarinol (14%), hexacosane (4%), β-Curcumene (3%), and oleic acid (3%), among others. In addition, the volatile fraction exhibited moderate in vitro inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria (E. faecium, S. aureus), fungus A. niger at concentrations of 250 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively, and E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes (250–500 µg/mL) and a weak inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (IC₅₀: 392 µg/mL). These effects were evaluated for the first time in this species. While they are within the range reported for other plant-derived volatile fraction, they do not, on their own, justify claims of therapeutic efficacy. This study primarily advances our understanding of the genus Polytrichadelphus, suggesting potential as a source of bioactive sesquiterpenes for future phytochemical screening. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nature-inspired therapeutic strategies that promote biological regenerative mechanisms and replicate the native structural microenvironment conductive to formation of healthy tissue are increasingly recognized as a promising platform for skin tissue regeneration and wound healing. This study proposes an innovative design of novel multifunctional scaffolds composed entirely of natural components—gelatin, L-ascorbic (ASA) acid and allantoin—as a bioinspired approach for skin tissue regeneration through pro-regenerative, antimicrobial, and keratinocyte-supportive properties. Methods: The biocompatible, skin-adhesive scaffolds were prepared via a simple and environmentally friendly heat-induced crosslinking of gelatin with varying ASA contents, and by enriching the system with allantoin. The influence of ASA content on scaffold properties was investigated through characterization of their morphology, porosity, swelling behavior, skin tissue adhesion, and allantoin release potential. Biocompatibility was evaluated in vitro using human keratinocyte (HaCaT) cells, while antibacterial activity was assessed against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis. Results: The scaffolds revealed a highly porous, interconnected structure with tunable porosity (87.37–92.39%) and soft-tissue-matched mechanical properties (0.81–1.47 MPa). Incorporation of allantoin into the scaffolds enhanced their mechanical performance and swelling capacity. All scaffolds demonstrated antibacterial activity against both tested bacteria, supported keratinocyte viability and provided sustained release of allantoin for up to 76 h, confirming their multifunctional pro-regenerative potential. Conclusions: The novel gelatin/ascorbic acid scaffolds enriched with allantoin combine a porous replicated structure of native extracellular matrix, fluid absorption capacity, soft-tissue-like mechanical properties, stable skin tissue adhesion, cytocompatibility and antibacterial functionality with the pro-regenerative properties of allantoin, thereby representing a multifunctional and biologically inspired platform for advanced skin tissue regeneration and wound-healing applications. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) emerges and circulates across interconnected human, animal, food, and environmental reservoirs; however, food fermentation systems remain underexplored as indicators of local AMR pressure, even though artisanal dairy fermentations may function as natural sentinels of AMR. In this study, we used an artisanal dairy fermentation chain as a One Health model to investigate whether environmentally exposed lactobacilli can reflect stage-associated shifts in resistance. A total of 1.085 isolates representing 16 Lactobacillus species were recovered from the same artisanal dairy matrix at two fermentation stages: day 5 (“Tyrovolia”; n = 518) and day 30 (“Kopanisti”; n = 567). Susceptibility to 14 antibiotics was evaluated by broth micro-dilution, and L. acidophilus was further screened for selected resistance genes. Overall resistance increased significantly from 69.88% (362/518) at day 5 to 77.25% (438/567) at day 30 (p = 0.0059), while multidrug resistance rose from 37.57% to 60.73% of resistant isolates (p < 0.001). Across the 224 species–antibiotic combinations examined, 129 (57.58%) showed an increased upper MIC limit at day 30, and resistance increased significantly for 9 of the 14 antibiotics tested, with the largest rises observed for metronidazole (RR = 7.67), chloramphenicol (RR = 5.74), quinupristin/dalfopristin (RR = 4.11), vancomycin (RR = 2.78), and trimethoprim (RR = 2.43). In contrast, erythromycin and oxytetracycline resistance declined significantly at the ripened stage. In L. acidophilus, 21 resistance genes were detected in 14/70 day-5 isolates and 19 genes in 13/71 day-30 isolates, but marked genotype–phenotype discordance was observed, including matrix-dependent expression patterns for tetM, ermB, and blaTEM. Collectively, these findings show that environmentally exposed artisanal dairy fermentations can enrich resistance phenotypes and may serve as sensitive sentinels of AMR dynamics at the human–animal–environment interface. Full article

Terpenoids represent a large class of bioactive natural compounds with promising pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer activities. However, their clinical application is often limited by poor aqueous solubility, low membrane permeability, and suboptimal bioavailability. Phytosomal delivery systems have emerged as a promising strategy to enhance the pharmacokinetic performance of plant-derived compounds by forming molecular complexes between bioactive molecules and phospholipids. This review critically examines the structural principles, preparation methods, physicochemical characterization, and biological performance of terpenoid phytosomes. Particular attention is given to the molecular interactions between terpenoids and phospholipids that govern complex formation and vesicular assembly. The review also summarizes current analytical techniques used to confirm phytosome formation and discusses the influence of formulation parameters, including phospholipid composition and molar ratios, on stability and biological activity. In addition, emerging insights from molecular modeling and membrane interaction studies are considered to better understand the mechanisms underlying improved drug delivery. Finally, challenges related to safety assessment, manufacturing scalability, and clinical translation of phytosomal systems are discussed. Overall, terpenoid phytosomes represent a promising nanodelivery platform capable of improving the pharmacokinetic profile and therapeutic potential of terpenoid compounds. Full article

(1) Research Highlights: This study provides the first integrated assessment of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) growing in the urban forests of Karaganda, Kazakhstan, a city consistently ranked among the most air-polluted cities globally. We examined the adaptive phyto-chemical response of needles to extreme technogenic stress and evaluated their dual potential as biological filters and renewable sources of bioactive compounds. (2) Background and Objectives: Urban forests are critical for mitigating air pollution; however, the biochemical responses of trees in heavily industrialized environments remain poorly understood. Karaganda faces severe atmospheric pollution from mining, metallurgy, and energy sectors, with particulate matter (PM) levels exceeding permissible limits by up to 20-fold. This study aimed to evaluate the state of Pinus sylvestris, a key component of local protective plantations, by studying heavy metal accumulation, anatomical localization of secondary metabolites, and the phytochemical profile and biological activity of needle extracts obtained using different extraction techniques. (3) Materials and Methods: Needles were collected from 15 trees across three sites in Karaganda’s industrial green zones. Heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, As, and Hg) was determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy and voltammetry. Anatomical–histochemical analysis localizes major metabolite classes. Liquid extracts were prepared using four methods, percolation (PER), vortex-assisted (VAE), microwave-assisted (MAE), and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction, and analyzed by GC-MS. Antimicrobial activity was tested against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, and C. albicans using the disk diffusion method. The antioxidant capacity (water- and fat-soluble) was measured amperometrically. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD test (p < 0.05). Results: Despite extreme ambient pollution, heavy metal concentrations remained below pharmacopoeial limits (Pb < 0.1, Cd < 0.05, As < 0.01, Hg < 0.001 mg/kg), indicating effective biofiltration without toxic accumulation. Histochemistry confirmed the active synthesis of protective phenolics, flavonoids, and essential oils in the mesophyll, epidermis, and schizogenic cavities. GC-MS identified 72 compounds in the PER extract, 70 (the VAE), 72 in (MAE), and 46 in (UAE). The PER extract exhibited the highest relative abundance of bioactive terpenoids: α-cadinol (5.24%), α-muurolene (4.32%), and caryo-phyllene (2.20%). UAE extracts exhibited elevated 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (6.90%), indicating degradation. Antimicrobial testing revealed that PER produced the largest inhibition zone against S. aureus (15.0 ± 1.0 mm), significantly exceeding that of the other methods (p < 0.001). PER extract also demonstrated the highest water-soluble antioxidant capacity (3600 ± 0.40 mg quercetin equiv./dm³) and substantial fat-soluble activity (1633 ± 0.23 mg gallic acid equiv./dm³). (4) Conclusions: Pinus sylvestris in Karaganda exhibits remarkable adaptive resilience, maintaining safe heavy metal levels while accumulating a rich repertoire of stress-induced secondary metabolites. Classical percolation optimally preserves this native phytocomplex, yielding extracts with superior antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. These findings support a dual-use model wherein urban pine plantations simultaneously serve as living biofilters and renewable sources of standardized bioactive extracts, a concept with direct implications for circular bioeconomy strategies in industrial regions worldwide. This supports the strategic importance of coniferous plantations for bioremediation and sustainable resource use in industrial regions. Full article

At present, the development of antimicrobial systems requires ongoing and consistent improvement in their efficacy and versatility. Polymeric nanogels can serve as an efficient tool for this purpose, as they have become an excellent alternative for the design of tissue engineering and bone regeneration scaffolds, in addition to vehicles for the delivery of drugs or active substances, and they have recently been investigated as wound dressings. Nanogels have also been shown to be an excellent alternative for nanomedicine due to their antimicrobial activity and specific properties, such as swelling, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. In this review, we present an analysis of the use of polymeric nanogels for antimicrobial therapy and provide a discussion focused on different types of nanogels and their advantages and disadvantages, which will serve as a reference point for the future development of nanogels with antimicrobial properties. We also focus on the analysis of the different methodologies employed to prepare nanogels. Full article

The transition from passive containment to active, responsive management is defining the next generation of intelligent packaging. This evolution creates a critical demand for materials that can be precisely engineered to monitor, regulate, and protect. Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) have emerged as a uniquely versatile platform in this regard, owing to their synthetically tunable porosity, inherent biocompatibility, and exceptional solution processability derived from reversible supramolecular assembly. This review moves beyond cataloging applications to dissect the fundamental mechanisms by which HOFs enable smart packaging functions, including the following: (i) selective gas capture and atmosphere tailoring via molecular recognition within designed pores; (ii) high-sensitivity optical and electrochemical sensing for real-time quality and safety signaling; and (iii) stimuli-responsive release of active agents (e.g., antimicrobials). We further explore the frontier of integrating HOFs as functional fillers or coatings within polymeric matrices, a key step toward practical devices. Despite challenges such as structural stability and maintaining permanent porosity due to relatively weak hydrogen bonds, this work aims to provide a design blueprint for advancing HOFs from laboratory curiosities to core components of sustainable, multifunctional packaging systems. Full article

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most frequent infections in hospitalized and outpatient settings, where Escherichia coli is the predominant pathogen. Conventional diagnostic and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) methods are time-consuming, often requiring 48 h, leading to empirical antibiotic therapy and contributing to antimicrobial resistance (AMR). FASTinov^® developed a rapid phenotypic method that enables AST directly from urine samples within two hours using flow cytometry. In this study, 154 inoculated urine samples were analyzed to evaluate the performance of two diagnostic panels: FASTgramneg for Gram-negative bacteria and FASTgrampos for Gram-positive bacteria. Data analysis was performed using bioFAST^® software (version 3.0), providing results in accordance with EUCAST guidelines. The FASTgramneg panel allows detection of resistance mechanisms, including extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), and screening of AmpC β-lactamases and carbapenemases; the FASTgrampos panel additionally determines the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of vancomycin for Staphylococcus aureus. Overall agreement with conventional AST methods was 97.5% for Gram-negative bacteria and 95.0% for Gram-positive bacteria. All resistance mechanisms were correctly identified with no false positives. The essential agreement for vancomycin’s MIC was 95.2%, with a BIAS of +14.3%. Reproducibility was 99.5% for FASTgramneg and 95.0% for FASTgrampos. These results demonstrate that the FASTinov^® kit significantly reduces turnaround time while maintaining high accuracy, supporting improved UTI management and antimicrobial stewardship. Full article

P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an efflux transporter highly expressed in renal tubules, plays a crucial role in the detoxification and protection of barrier/excretory tissues from harmful xenobiotics. Xanthones and thioxanthones (TXs) are known for their antimicrobial and antitumor activities and for their ability to modulate membrane transporters such as P-gp. Previous studies have reported that (thio)xanthonic derivatives enhance P-gp expression and/or activity in intestinal cells, reducing the intracellular accumulation of toxic substrates; however, their capacity to modulate P-gp in renal cells remains poorly explored. This study aimed to predict, in silico, TXs’ binding sites within P-gp and to evaluate, in vitro, in human kidney (HK)-2 cells, the effects of selected TXs (TX1–5) on P-gp activity and expression, and protection against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. Computational studies identified preferential TX1–5 binding to the drug-binding pocket, particularly the rhodamine 123 (R) or modulator (M) sites, and to nucleotide-binding domain 1. In vitro, rhodamine 123 accumulation assays revealed increased P-gp transport activity after 120 min or 24 h exposure to TX1–5, except TX4. TX2 elicited the strongest effect (141% increase, p < 0.0001), upregulated P-gp expression (24 h, p < 0.0001), and significantly protected HK-2 cells from cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity (increased IC₅₀, p < 0.0001). Altogether, these findings position thioxanthones as promising scaffolds for the development of P-gp-targeted strategies to mitigate drug-induced nephrotoxicity. Full article

Piper aduncum L. (Piperaceae) is a neotropical species widely recognized for its bioactive essential oils (EOs), which exhibit antifungal, insecticidal, larvicidal, and antimicrobial properties. This study investigates the influence of circadian rhythms on the chemical composition and yield of P. aduncum EOs cultivated under agroecological conditions in the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden. Fresh leaves were collected every three hours over a 24 h cycle during both dry (July 2023) and rainy (February 2024) seasons. EOs were extracted by hydrodistillation and analyzed using GC-MS and GC-FID. A total of 20 compounds were identified in the dry season, while 10 were detected in the rainy season. Dillapiole was the predominant constituent in both periods, ranging from 75.78% to 88.27% (dry) and 75.90% to 90.86% (rainy). The highest EO yield was observed at 3:00 p.m. (0.73%) in the dry season and at 12:00 p.m. (0.61%) in the rainy season. Despite seasonal variations in chemical diversity, dillapiole content remained stable, reinforcing its biotechnological potential. The results highlight the importance of optimized harvesting times to maximize EO yield and composition, contributing to the sustainable exploitation of P. aduncum for medicinal and agricultural applications. Full article

Limited availability of veterinary medicinal products (VMPs) for small ruminants is a long-standing challenge. This mixed-methods study provides the first systematic definition and assessment of (i) shortages, (ii) lack of availability and (iii) unmet needs for sheep and goats across Europe. Survey data from 96 European veterinarians in 13 European countries (the majority of whom were from Spain, Germany, France, and Greece), a market analysis of authorized and available VMPs via the EMA Union Products Database (UPD) and expert knowledge elicitation (EKE) by 23 specialists were combined. Antimicrobials (36.7%) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (19.9%) were identified as the VMP categories most commonly perceived as critically important. Although nearly 5000 VMPs are authorized for small ruminants at the EU level, UPD market research reveals that there is a reported market availability of 28.9% of ovine and 32.7% of caprine authorized VMPs. Validation by EKE confirmed lack of VMP authorization to be the leading root cause of the lack of availability of ovine (31%) and caprine (43%) VMPs at both the national and EU level. The European Veterinary Medicines Gaps and Needs Compass identifies four highest-priority medicine groups lacking in availability for sheep (anthelmintics and endectocides, bacterial and viral vaccines) and two for goats (anthelmintics and bacterial vaccines). Moreover, 13 highest-priority unmet needs were identified for sheep and 14 for goats across antibacterials, analgetics and anti-inflammatories, antiparasitics and vaccines. Potential actionable solutions advised through EKE include harmonized market access pathways and targeted development (especially for vaccines, NSAIDs, and antibiotic teat injectors) to secure animal health, welfare, and One Health objectives. Full article

Background: Although pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) have substantially reduced invasive pneumococcal disease, the emergence of non-vaccine serotypes and antimicrobial-resistant strains has driven the development of higher-valency vaccines. To support functional immune evaluation of these vaccines, we developed and validated a sixplexed opsonophagocytic killing assay (OPA) covering 24 pneumococcal serotypes. Methods: Eight additional serotypes, beyond the 16 included in the conventional fourplex OPA, were generated through stepwise natural mutation under increasing concentrations of ciprofloxacin or doxycycline. Assay conditions were optimized by evaluating multiple effector-to-target (E:T) ratios and baby rabbit complement (BRC) concentrations to minimize non-specific killing (NSK). Validation assessed (1) specificity using inhibition OPA with homologous and heterologous polysaccharides, (2) accuracy by comparison with the single-serotype OPA (SOPA), and (3) precision across five independent experiments using the coefficient of variation (CV). Results: An E:T ratio of 200:1 combined with 10% BRC consistently maintained NSK below 30% across all assay sets. High serotype specificity was demonstrated by near-complete inhibition following homologous polysaccharide adsorption for all serotypes except serotypes 4 and 8, which exhibited very low opsonic indices. Results from the sixplexed OPA showed strong concordance with SOPA, and overall assay precision was acceptable, with CVs generally below 30% when serotypes with very low opsonic activity were excluded. Conclusions: The sixplexed OPA expands functional antibody assessment from 16 to 24 serotypes within four assay sets, providing an efficient and scalable platform for immunogenicity evaluation of current and next-generation high-valency pneumococcal vaccines. Full article

Objective: This study compared the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of Er: YAG laser-assisted versus conventional scalpel frenectomy, while evaluating the adjunctive impact of postoperative antimicrobial mouthwashes on wound healing and periodontal parameters. Methods: A total of 102 patients who underwent labial frenectomy were included in this retrospective longitudinal cohort study. Participants were allocated into four groups based on the surgical approach (Er: YAG laser or conventional scalpel) and the postoperative mouthwash protocol (Kloroben^® or Klorhex Plus^®). Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and at 7, 14, and 28 days postoperatively. Wound healing, evaluated using the Wound Healing Index, was defined as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included periodontal clinical parameters, epithelialization status, postoperative pain, bleeding, and analgesic consumption. To control potential confounders, multivariable regression analysis was performed alongside standard parametric and nonparametric tests, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: All treatment protocols resulted in significant improvements over time (p < 0.001). However, Er: YAG laser–assisted frenectomy was associated with significantly better periodontal indices, superior wound-healing scores, and more favorable patient-reported outcomes than the conventional scalpel technique at all postoperative evaluations (p < 0.001). On day 7, ‘Very Good’ healing was observed in 70.2% of the laser groups, compared with 14.4% in the CS groups (p = 0.001). Group 4 showed the lowest mean VAS scores (0.04 ± 0.20) and the lowest analgesic consumption by day 7. Multivariable analysis confirmed that the surgical technique was the strongest independent predictor of superior wound healing (p < 0.05), regardless of age, gender, smoking, or systemic disease. Notably, frenulum type was not significantly associated with wound healing or pain outcomes (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study, Er: YAG laser-assisted frenectomy was observed to provide favorable wound healing outcomes compared to the conventional technique. Furthermore, our findings show that anatomical variations in frenulum type do not significantly influence the quality or speed of recovery. These findings suggest that the choice of surgical modality and postoperative chemical support are more critical determinants of early clinical success than the anatomical variations of the frenulum. Full article

Carotenoproteins from marine sponges represent an underexplored class of pigment–protein complexes with distinctive structural and functional properties. Here, we report the isolation and biophysical characterization of a blue carotenoprotein from the sponge Tedania ignis, termed Ti-CP. The protein was purified and shown to consist of two closely related isoforms with molecular masses of approximately 27–29 kDa. Reverse-phase chromatography enabled separation of the apoprotein (ApoTi-CP) and its associated carotenoids, which were identified as oxygenated carotenoids consistent with astaxanthin and mytiloxanthin. Circular dichroism analysis revealed that both Ti-CP and ApoTi-CP are dominated by β-sheet secondary structure and display highly similar conformational profiles. In contrast, dynamic light scattering demonstrated that carotenoid binding is critical for protein stability, as the native form exhibited a compact and monodisperse organization, whereas ApoTi-CP showed pronounced aggregation. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed that Ti-CP, but not ApoTi-CP, interacts with tetracycline, oxacillin, and streptomycin, indicating that pigment-mediated stabilization modulates ligand binding. Both Ti-CP and ApoTi-CP reduced bacterial viability and biofilm formation in a strain-dependent manner and enhanced antibiotic activity, including synergistic effects against resistant bacteria. Together, these results provide a comprehensive description of a previously uncharacterized sponge carotenoprotein and highlight the dual role of carotenoids in structural stabilization and antimicrobial modulation, reinforcing the biotechnological relevance of marine pigment–protein complexes. Full article

Adsorption is a promising solution to the presence of contaminants in water resources that involves the use of adsorbent materials, such as granular activated carbon (GAC) and nanoparticles like silver (Ag) and copper (Cu). However, the practical challenge of using pure GAC lies in its susceptibility to biofouling. This study aimed to develop a multifunctional GAC/AgCu nanocomposite to address the dual challenge of pharmaceutical contamination and bacterial activity of Escherichia coli. Characterization by SEM, XRF, XRD and FTIR confirmed the successful impregnation of nanoparticles. Kinetic studies showed that the pseudo-first-order model was more suitable for both caffeine and paracetamol contaminants. The Langmuir model provided the best fit for isotherms, achieving maximum adsorption capacities of 138.35 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{g} {\mathrm{g}}^{-1}$ for caffeine and 92.21 $\mathrm{m}\mathrm{g} {\mathrm{g}}^{-1}$ for paracetamol. In antibacterial tests, GAC/AgCu achieved a bacterial reduction of over 97%, whereas pure GAC showed no inhibitory effect, confirming that the antimicrobial properties are derived from the Ag and Cu nanoparticles. These results highlight GAC/AgCu as a promising multifunctional material for the simultaneous removal of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants and biological contaminants, offering a solution to mitigate biofouling and enhance water treatment efficiency. Full article