Search Results (3,676)

Licania tomentosa leaf extract was used to synthesize zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) which were systematically analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Visible (UV-Vis) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopies and energy-dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) methods. Based on XRD scans, the green NPs have an average crystallite size of 15.9 nm as estimated using the Scherrer equation and have a roughly spherical shape with an average diameter of 25.15 ± 1.2 nm as calculated from SEM data. As estimated from the Tauc plot based on UV-Vis absorption spectra, ZnO NPs have a small band gap of 3.0 eV. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs were effectively utilized for the photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) dyes under UV illumination with resulting MB and CV degradation efficiencies of ~94% and ~81% after 60 min and 70 min, with pH = 12 and pH = 10, respectively. Different experimental parameters such as NPs quantity, experimental pH, light intensity and initial concentration of dyes were varied to test the performance of the catalyst. Furthermore, efficient recycling of the catalyst was demonstrated. We also undertook antimicrobial studies of the green ZnO NPs. The ZnO NPs demonstrated broad-spectrum antimicrobial efficacy against Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29737, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, P. aeruginosa B3, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, and S. aureus SA01, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and the inhibitory concentrations associated with 50% effect (IC50) values ranging from 250 to 2000 µg/mL and 7.74 to 283.14 µg/mL, respectively. The nanoparticles also significantly inhibited biofilm formation by E. faecalis ATCC 29737, P. aeruginosa ATCC 27856, and S. aureus SA03. The antimicrobial efficiency of the ZnO NPs against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus SA03 isolates was also assessed using the disk diffusion assays. Taken together, our results reveal that the biosynthesized ZnO NPs are promising multifunctional materials with potential applications in antimicrobial treatments, biofilm control, and photocatalytic remediation. Full article

Stone heritage deteriorates through physical, chemical, and biological processes driven by water, climate, and microbial colonization. Multifunctional polymeric coatings combining hydrophobic and antimicrobial moieties have emerged as a promising conservation strategy, yet a substantial gap remains between laboratory innovation and real-world performance. This review critically examines advances from 2021 to 2026, covering wetting theory, antimicrobial mechanisms, and material architectures, including molecularly integrated systems, Sol–Gel hybrids, nanocomposites, and layered systems. Long-term studies on the Aurelian Walls in Rome and stone in Reims show that biocidal efficacy typically declines within one to two years despite the chemical persistence of the coatings. In parallel, hydrophobic performance often deteriorates over time due to UV exposure, particulate deposition, and surface chemical changes, leading to increased wettability and reduced protective efficiency. Substrate porosity governs durability and visual compatibility (ΔE* < 5 threshold), while treatments can reshape microbial communities, favoring stress-tolerant meristematic fungi. Regulatory pressure on fluorinated compounds drives the development of more sustainable alternatives. Emerging directions include stimuli-responsive systems, self-healing materials, slippery interfaces, and precision polymer architectures. However, future progress will depend on tailoring formulations to major lithotypes, improving compatibility with porous substrates, and validating performance through standardized accelerated aging and multi-year field trials. Bridging laboratory design with environmental exposure data and conservation practice will be essential for achieving durable and culturally acceptable protection strategies. Full article

Punica granatum L. is a nutritionally relevant fruit with a complex phytochemical profile that varies across its anatomical fractions, including peel, arils, juice, seeds, and seed oil. Although pomegranate is widely recognized for its health-promoting potential, the nutritional significance of its matrix-dependent composition, bioavailability, and gut microbiota-mediated metabolism remains insufficiently integrated. This review aimed to critically evaluate the phytochemical diversity of pomegranate and its nutrition-related multi-target biological functions, with particular emphasis on food matrices, bioaccessibility, and translational relevance. A structured review of peer-reviewed studies indexed in major scientific databases from 2000 to January 2026 was conducted. Eligible reports included analytical, preclinical, and clinical studies addressing the composition of pomegranate-derived materials and their biological effects, with attention to extraction matrix, processing, bioavailability, microbial biotransformation, and mechanisms of action. Pomegranate exhibits marked matrix-specific phytochemical diversity. Peel is particularly rich in ellagitannins, especially punicalagin and punicalin; arils and juices are enriched in anthocyanins and flavonols; and seed oil contains high levels of punicic acid. Reported biological activities include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, metabolic, anti-aging, and anticancer effects. These actions appear to result from synergistic interactions among multiple bioactive compounds rather than from a single dominant constituent. Importantly, gut microbiota-driven conversion of ellagitannins and ellagic acid into urolithins is a major determinant of systemic bioactivity and may contribute to interindividual variability in response. The health effects of pomegranate should be interpreted within a nutrition-focused, matrix-dependent framework integrating composition, processing, bioavailability, and microbiota-derived metabolism. Full article

The genus Siccibacter consists primarily of environmental bacteria, with strains of Siccibacter colletis previously isolated only from plant materials and related environments. This study aims to characterize the first clinical isolate of S. colletis and explore its genomic evolution and clinical relevance. Strain S25242 was isolated from the urine of a 64-year-old male with a severe urinary tract infection. The genome of S25242 is 4.19 Mb, containing 4012 coding sequences, 73 tRNAs, 10 rRNAs, and 38 snRNAs. Phylogenetic and phylogenomic analyses indicated that strain S25242 is closely related to S. colletis type strain 1383^T. The strain shared >70% of digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH) values and >96% of average nucleotide identity (ANI) values with the type strain of S. colletis 1383^T, thereby confirming its taxonomic status. The isolate was susceptible to all 11 tested antimicrobials. Comparative genomics identified 1942 S. colletis-specific genes (including multidrug efflux systems) and 13 unique genes in S25242 related to transposition and DNA integration. This study reports the first clinical isolate of S. colletis, providing evidence that genomic plasticity facilitates its transition from an environmental inhabitant to an opportunistic pathogen. The findings highlight the need for enhanced clinical surveillance of the Siccibacter genus and offer insights into its genomic evolution and clinical adaptation. Full article

This study focuses on the development and characterization of advanced composite materials based on poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), with or without silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), planned for peripheral nerve or bone regeneration. The complementary properties of PCL (biocompatibility and biodegradability) and PVDF (mechanical stability and piezoelectric functionality) were exploited by blending the polymers in different ratios, resulting in binary (PCL/PVDF) and ternary (PCL/PVDF/AgNPs) composites. Green-synthesized AgNPs were integrated to enhance antimicrobial activity and to support tissue repair through improved signal transmission. Functional thin films and electrospun fibres were obtained and subjected to advanced characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermal analysis. The results demonstrated appropriate morphology, chemical composition, structural stability, and favourable interactions with simulated physiological media. Preliminary biocompatibility assays confirmed good cell viability, supporting the biomedical applicability of the designed scaffolds. Overall, the obtained results highlight the potential of AgNPs-functionalized PCL/PVDF binary and ternary composites as promising candidates for flexible, durable, and bioactive implants in peripheral nerve or bone regeneration. Full article

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous biocompatible radical molecule with demonstrated biomedical and antimicrobial benefits. Developing adaptable, long-lasting delivery systems for NO has become an essential goal for both combating resistant bacterial growth and providing sustained medical benefits. Silsesquioxane (SQ)-based organogels were chosen and synthesized as robust, tunable NO-release platforms. These highly stable SQ gel frameworks, composed of silicon–oxygen backbones with variable R groups, exhibited high porosity and surface area and offered chemical versatility, enabling control over NO loading and release. 3-Mercaptopropyl groups were utilized as sulfur-based NO-releasing substituents (-RSNOs), with additional R groups capable of altering accessibility to RSNO sites through hydrophobicity and steric hindrance. The NO release profile, rate, and duration of the functionalized gels were also tailored by adjusting the number of RSNO sites in the elastomeric system, thereby enabling a customizable release profile. This combination of NO-releasing silsesquioxanes with silicone elastomers yields composite materials that are integratable into biomedical applications, offering NO release up to 40 days within modeled physiological conditions in PBS buffer. Full article

The growing need for sustainable strategies to reduce agro-industrial waste has stimulated interest in valorizing winery by-products as sources of high-value bioactive compounds. Wine lees, rich in phenolic compounds with well-documented antimicrobial activity, remain largely underutilized in the development of functional materials. In most cases, incorporation of bioactive agents relies on physical adsorption, which often results in weak adhesion and limited durability. In this study, phenolic extracts derived from wine lees and grape seed extract were incorporated into bacterial cellulose (BC) to develop bioactive materials with antimicrobial and antioxidant functionality. Two strategies were investigated: (i) direct immersion of BC in phenolic extracts and (ii) incorporation of extracts in BC membranes pre-modified with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) to enhance phenolic affinity and retention. The resulting materials were characterized for total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial performance against bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus). CMC-pretreated membranes significantly enhanced phenolic incorporation and antimicrobial performance, achieving a 99.9% reduction in E. coli after 24 h, while S. Typhimurium and S. aureus counts were below the detection limit (LOD < 1.0 log₁₀ CFU/mL). These findings demonstrate the potential of wine lees as a sustainable source of bioactive compounds for the development of antimicrobial cellulose-based materials, supporting circular bioeconomy strategies and their potential application in food packaging. Full article

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the rapid development and deployment of novel strategies and methodologies to manage the dissemination of microorganisms. Understanding the crucial role that contaminated surfaces play in the spread of viruses highlights the importance of having effective cleaning and disinfection protocols in place for inanimate objects. A variety of antimicrobial agents have shown strong effectiveness against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Various factors can impact on the performance of these agents. As a result, technologies utilizing ozone’s microbicidal effects have been developed or improved for cleaning indoor areas, surfaces, and materials, despite ozone’s diverse uses being known for years. Ozone offers the advantage of adaptability for both gaseous and aqueous use, depending on the nature of the decontaminated surfaces. Moreover, ozone-infused water is ecologically benign, possesses microbial-fighting capabilities, and synergistically reinforces the biocidal action of other chemical disinfectants. This review aims to summarize the efforts dedicated to harnessing gaseous and aqueous ozone as a valuable means to eliminate the SARS-CoV-2 virus from environments, surfaces, clinical equipment, and office supplies. This review sourced evidence-based articles from electronic databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, the Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), and preprint repositories. The findings illustrated that ozone could serve as an additional tool for curbing the proliferation of COVID-19 and other viral infections. Additionally, we elucidated the operational attributes of ozone, the variables that influence its disinfection potency, and the mechanisms of its virucidal action. Notably, this review does not encompass the disinfection of the COVID-19 virus in wastewater. Full article

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting is a promising approach for endodontic tissue engineering, enabling scaffolds with controlled architecture and bioactivity to support pulp regeneration. Objectives: This systematic review assessed the following: “What 3D bioprinting applications are reported in endodontics-related studies?” Materials and Methods: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, SciELO, LILACS, and Google Scholar were searched up to January 2026 with no date or language limits. Two reviewers independently screened studies; risk of bias in in vitro studies was assessed with the QUIN tool. As only one study reported complete antimicrobial outcomes, an intra-study quantitative comparison (MD, 95% CI) of inhibition halos was performed (not a meta-analysis). Results: From 518 records, nine studies were included. Outcomes mainly addressed physicochemical properties (n = 9), cell viability (n = 7), biocompatibility (n = 5), and cell differentiation (n = 5); antimicrobial activity was evaluated in two studies. Most used hDPSCs and extrusion-based printing, testing calcium silicate composites, alginate hydrogels, functionalized PCL, and modified PLA. Modified PLA scaffolds showed greater antimicrobial activity, strongest with naringin and nHA formulations. Overall risk of bias was moderate (58.33%), largely due to limited reporting of randomization, blinding, and sampling. Conclusion: 3D-bioprinted scaffolds/bioinks generally improved cellular responses and bioactivity, especially with MTA, Biodentine, nHA, or naringin; antimicrobial effects were most evident in functionalized PLA (PLA/NAR and PLA/nHA/NAR). Full article

Hydrophilic colloids are ideal materials for preparing edible films; however, their intrinsic hydrophilicity leads to poor hydrophobicity in the resulting films. Emulsion-based films can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of films made from hydrophilic colloids, but this approach tends to disrupt intermolecular interactions within the film matrix. Phenolic compounds can compensate for this drawback by promoting crosslinking among film-forming polymers. In this study, hemp seed protein was used as the film-forming matrix, and rose essential oil was incorporated to prepare emulsion-based films. Different amounts of propolis flavonoids were added to investigate their effects on the physicochemical properties of the films. The results show that the addition of propolis flavonoids significantly reduced film whiteness (9%–45%), thickness (6%–37%), light transmittance (9%–60%), water vapor transmission rate (34%–65%), and peroxide value (25%–76%) of oil, while increasing tensile strength (15%–149%), elongation at break (24%–95%), Young’s modulus (26%–140%), surface hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Furthermore, pork wrapped with flavonoid-containing films exhibited inhibition of microbial growth, lipid oxidation, protein degradation, and maintained firmness. Therefore, propolis flavonoids represent a potential active ingredient for improving the physicochemical properties and preservative performance of emulsion-based films. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global public health concern, with Acinetobacter baumannii recognized as one of the most problematic multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This Gram-negative bacterium is highly persistent in the environment, possesses a remarkably adaptable cell envelope, and forms biofilms. As the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics declines, alternative strategies are being actively explored, particularly membrane-targeting approaches based on synthetic copolymers. These compounds mimic antimicrobial peptides, offer enhanced stability and structural tunability, and have a lower propensity to develop resistance. Recent advances in polymer chemistry have led to the design of antibacterial polymers with activity against MDR A. baumannii. Some of these act synergistically with existing antibiotics, restoring bacterial susceptibility or disrupting biofilms. However, their non-degradability remains a concern due to its potential implications for body/environment accumulation and related toxicity and/or selection of resistant strains. This review examines the biology of the A. baumannii cell envelope, its resistance mechanisms, and treatment limitations, while emphasizing the promise of membrane-active copolymers. By bridging materials science and microbiology, these approaches offer promising strategies for combating World Health Organization priority pathogens. Full article

Biofilms rapidly form on medical devices such as urinary catheters and surgical materials. These biofilms compromise patient safety and undermine infection prevention and control (IPC). Biofilms also reduce the effectiveness of antibiotics and disinfectants. As a result, they increase healthcare-associated infections and increase costs through device failure and the need for maintenance or replacement. Researchers are increasingly exploring biosurfactants (BSs) as surface coatings and cleaning additives to prevent microbial attachment and disrupt early biofilm formation on medical devices and healthcare-related surfaces. This review examines the translational potential of biosurfactants as preventive, disruptive, and adjunctive antibiofilm agents for medical devices and healthcare-related surfaces. Literature evidence on glycolipids (rhamnolipids, sophorolipids) and lipopeptides (surfactin) from static, flow-based, and microfluidic in vitro models that used clinically relevant materials, such as silicone and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), were examined. In our literature search, we focused on pathogens central to IPC, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus spp., and Candida spp., and it was generally noted that BSs reduced microbial adhesion and delayed early biofilm formation on medical devices and healthcare-related surfaces. Significant evidence also suggests that they partially disrupt biofilms and improve antimicrobial penetration when co-applied, mainly through membrane disruption, destabilization of extracellular substances, interfering with quorum sensing, and synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions with other molecules. Their performance varied with class, formulation, hydrodynamic conditions, and microbial composition. BSs function better as preventive and adjunctive IPC tools than stand-alone antimicrobial agents and can help to reduce biofilm formation on devices and improve surface disinfection. However, translating this promise into practice demands more robust data on long-term safety, stability, and product quality. Full article

The rapid emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most critical challenges in modern healthcare and has stimulated intense research into alternative antimicrobial strategies. Antibacterial hydrogels have emerged as versatile biomaterials due to their high water content, tunable physicochemical properties, and ability to function as multifunctional platforms for drug delivery and tissue regeneration. This review analyzes recent advances in antibacterial hydrogel systems through a conceptual framework based on three complementary pillars: biological antibacterial agents, inorganic functional components, and structural material engineering. Biological strategies, particularly bacteriophage-based approaches, provide highly specific antibacterial activity capable of targeting multidrug-resistant pathogens and disrupting bacterial biofilms. Inorganic components such as hydroxyapatite nanoparticles contribute additional functionalities including drug adsorption, modulation of the ionic microenvironment, and osteoconductive behavior relevant for bone-related infections. Structural design strategies based on electrospinning enable the fabrication of fibrous architectures that enhance mechanical stability, regulate therapeutic release, and mimic extracellular matrix organization. The integration of these three pillars within multifunctional hydrogel platforms offers promising opportunities for developing advanced antibacterial biomaterials capable of addressing infection control while supporting tissue regeneration. Full article

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is widely used in pediatric dentistry for caries arrest; however, concerns exist regarding its cytotoxicity. Green-synthesized nano-silver fluoride (NSF) is a potential alternative to SDF, offering antimicrobial efficacy with improved biocompatibility. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro safety profile of green-synthesized NSF with 5% (w/v) fluoride using Camellia sinensis extract and to compare it with 38% SDF + potassium iodide (KI) formulation in human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs). Eluates of NSF and SDF+KI were tested at serial concentrations of 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01% and 0.005%. Cell viability was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h using the MTT assay. Additionally, the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in HGFs was detected through fluorescence microscopy. Exposure to 5% SDF+KI resulted in almost complete loss of cell viability at all time points, whereas NSF demonstrated significantly higher viability under the same conditions. Lower concentrations of both materials maintained acceptable biocompatibility. ROS analysis revealed increased oxidative stress in response to 5% SDF+KI, while NSF induced significantly lower ROS levels. NSF exhibited superior biocompatibility compared to SDF+KI, supporting its potential as a safer silver-based material for caries management. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to confirm its clinical safety profile. Full article