Search Results (299)

Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) is an important source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial properties. However, these compounds are susceptible to degradation by light, oxygen, pH, and temperature, which limits their functionality. This study evaluated the microencapsulation of CCN-51 cocoa extracts by spray drying, using maltodextrin (MD) and gum arabic (GA) as encapsulating agents, with the aim of preserving their bioactive activity and promoting their application in food. Microcapsules formulated with 5%GA showed the highest encapsulation efficiency (77.5%) and the highest phenolic content (92.7 GAE/g), showing significant differences compared to formulations with MD (p < 0.0001). Antioxidant capacity, quantified using the ABTS method, reached 583.3 µmol TE/g for 5% GA, significantly exceeding that of microcapsules with 10%MD (230.9 µmol TE/g; p < 0.0001). In terms of antimicrobial activity, microcapsules containing 5%MD showed greater inhibition against Escherichia coli (22.1 mm) and Staphylococcus aureus (12.3 mm), while those containing GA recorded halos of 10.1 mm and 12.1 mm. When applied to chicken muscle, treatments with 5%GA significantly reduced microbial growth for 72 h, demonstrating that the prepared microcapsules have high bioactivity, stability, and antimicrobial capacity in samples of meat products that are widely consumed and potentially susceptible to spoilage due to microbial growth. Full article

Endophyte fungi (EF) are considered a new and valuable reservoir of bioactive molecules of biotechnological interest for pharmacy, agricultural and forestry industries. In this study, thirty EFs, isolated from three Chilean Nothofagus species (N. alpina, N. dombeyi, N. oblicua) were identified and cultured in submerged liquid fermentations aimed at searching for natural active substances. The extracts obtained were evaluated against pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Sixteen extracts (53.3%) presented antibacterial and fourteen (46.6%) presented antifungal activities in different intensities. Extracts from isolates Coryneum sp.-72 and P. cinnamomea-78 exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity. Using bioautography, the compounds responsible for the antimicrobial activity exhibited by Coryneum sp.-72 and P. cinnamomea-78 were detected and characterized. Coryneum sp.-72 showed bactericidal properties at 200 μg/mL and bacteriostatic effects at 50 μg/mL against B. cereus, B. subtilis, L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. MIC values indicated that P. cinnamomea-78 exhibited a strong fungistatic and fungicidal effect against B. cinerea and C. gloesporioides at 10–50 μg/mL. Isolates were grouped in the following order: Botryosphaeriales, Diaporthales, Eurotiales, Helotiales, Hypocreales, Pleosporales, Magnaporthales, Sordariales and Polyporales. EF isolated, identified and evaluated constitute the first report for Chilean Nothofagus genus. Full article

The global shift toward antibiotic-free poultry production has created an urgent need for sustainable feed additives that promote gut health and productivity. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a novel double-layered microencapsulated phytosynbiotic (DMP) comprising Tiliacora triandra extract, probiotics, and cereal by-products using lyophilization. In Experiment 1, we investigated the effects of cell wall materials (corn, defatted rice bran, and wheat bran) and different particle sizes (0.6 and 1.0 mm) on the physicochemical characteristics and probiotic encapsulation efficiency. Results revealed that wheat bran, particularly at the smaller particle size of 0.6 mm, enhanced probiotic viability, probiotic stability under simulated gastrointestinal and thermal conditions, and nutrient retention. Compared with other materials, wheat bran also provided superior powder flowability, lower density, and favorable color attributes. In Experiment 2, we assessed the influence of probiotic strains (P. acidilactici, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum TISTR 926, and Streptococcus thermophilus TISTR 894) on functional properties of the DMP. All strains exhibited high encapsulation efficiency and stability during gastrointestinal simulation, thermal exposure, and storage. However, P. acidilactici had superior fermentation kinetics and produced greater levels of beneficial short-chain fatty acids, especially acetic and butyric acids. Antibacterial activity was strain-dependent, with notable inhibitory effects against Gram-positive pathogens, primarily through bacteriostatic mechanisms. Overall, these findings confirm that the developed DMP formulations effectively stabilize probiotics and bioactive phytochemicals, offering a promising strategy for enhancing gut health and performance in antibiotic-free broiler production systems. Full article

This review provides a comprehensive overview of dental materials that promote tissue healing while exhibiting antimicrobial properties. The focus is on materials that are biocompatible, bioactive, and non-toxic to host cells, with demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities. Current advances in natural bactericides, antimicrobial polymers, and bioactive glass/polymer composites are summarized, along with techniques employed for surface modification and the coating of dental implants. Three major categories of antimicrobial coatings were identified: antibacterial phytochemicals, synthetic antimicrobial agents (including polymers and antibiotics), and metallic nanoparticles. Bioactive coatings were further examined to identify potential antimicrobial strategies within these materials, and existing research gaps were highlighted. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for articles published between January 2010 and June 2025. Overall, this review underscores the growing potential of multifunctional dental materials that integrate bioactivity with antimicrobial performance, offering promising directions for the development of next-generation restorative and implant materials. Full article

A combination of surface wettability and antibacterial performance is highly imperative for construction of antibacterial coatings. In this study, motivated by the antibacterial properties of zwitterionic polymer, mussel-inspired adhesion, and the “grafting to”, a novel DOMA-SBMA copolymer with adhesion and wettability is developed for constructing a bacteriostatic surface. Specifically, the antibacterial coating is prepared via free radical polymerization and grafting to methods on the surface of stainless steel, and characterized by SCA, FTIR, XPS, SEM, and AFM to confirm the modification process. Antibacterial activity evaluation using Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) shows that the coating presents satisfactory antibacterial performance. The results showed that DOMA-SBMA coating is enough for antibacterial application, with high antibacterial efficiency against E. coli (92.2%) and S. aureus (95.0%). In summary, the bioinspired coating developed here may improve the stability of zwitterionic coatings and provides a simple preparation strategy for constructing antibacterial coatings. Full article

Background/Objectives: Orthopaedic infections associated with implant surgery remain a major public health concern, often caused by bacterial colonization of implant surfaces. Staphylococcus epidermidis is among the most common pathogens involved. Developing antimicrobial bone implants that prevent infection without compromising bone regeneration is therefore essential. This study investigates the antimicrobial and osteointegrative performance of calcium phosphate (CaP) materials functionalized with vanillin, an essential oil component with known antimicrobial properties. Methods: Commercial CaP regenerative materials were covalently coated with vanillin. Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A using viability assays. In vivo osseointegration was assessed in New Zealand female rabbits implanted with vanillin-coated and uncoated CaP scaffolds. Results: Vanillin-functionalized CaP scaffolds exhibited strong bactericidal activity at 24 h and bacteriostatic effects at 48 h at a concentration of 10 mg/mL. In vivo analyses showed no significant differences in osseointegration between vanillin-coated implants and control CaP materials. Conclusions: Vanillin-functionalized CaP materials maintain a high safety profile without impairing bone integration, supporting their potential use in clinical applications. Full article

Magnesium aluminate spinel nanoparticles (MgAl₂O₄-S-NPs) represent a promising class of nanoceramics with potential biomedical applications due to their physicochemical stability and antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to determine the structural characteristics, composition, and biological performance of MgAl₂O₄ spinel nanoparticles that were synthesized via a mechanochemical method. Structural and compositional characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). Antibacterial activity was evaluated against Helicobacter pylori and Enterococcus faecalis using bacterial viability assays. Structural and morphological analyses confirmed the successful formation of single-phase cubic MgAl₂O₄ with a polyhedral morphology and nanoscale size distribution. Bacterial viability was quantified through optical density measurements following exposure to MgAl₂O₄-S-NPs at different concentrations. The nanoparticles exhibited both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects, with activity being demonstrated against the tested bacterial strains. Mechanochemically synthesized MgAl₂O₄-S-NPs are promising candidates for biomedical applications, including dental materials, antimicrobial coatings, and infection-control strategies. Overall, the findings highlight the potential of MgAl₂O₄-S-NPs as effective antimicrobial agents that can be produced through an environmentally friendly synthesis route. Full article

Composite materials based on polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and carbon nanoparticles are used in aviation, construction, medical and other fields of activity. Carbon nanotubes and carbon nano-dots are mainly used as carbon nanoparticles. Both carbon nanotube and carbon nano-dots are difficult to obtain materials with considerable cost. Amorphous carbon nanoparticles, on the contrary, are easy to obtain and have a low cost. The purpose of this work is to study the physico-chemical and biological characteristics of polymethylmethacrylate modified with amorphous carbon nanoparticles. Laser ablation was used to obtain the nanoparticles. Dynamic light scattering, measurement of the electrokinetic potential, TEM, AFM, and Raman microscopy are used to characterize nanoparticles. FTIR, MIM, AFM, UV-visual diagnostics, ROS tests, and biopolymer regeneration tests were used to analyze the combined sensors. The bacteriostatic effect was evaluated using turbodimetry, and the antibacterial effect was evaluated using precision cytofluorometry. Mammalian cells were examined using fluorescence microscopy. Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) have been obtained and characterized. A protocol has been developed for the introduction of CNPs into photolithographic resin. Printed samples of complex geometry. It is shown that the printed samples are amenable to polishing, have pro-oxidant properties, and are able to prevent damage to biopolymers. Printed samples inhibit the development of bacteria and cause loss of viability. At the same time, the printed samples do not affect the development of mammalian cells. The obtained resins based on PMMA with CNPs can potentially serve as the basis for the creation of non-toxic materials in biomedicine and pharmacology. Full article

Background/Objectives: Postbiotics derived from lactic acid bacteria are emerging as promising antimicrobial agents due to their antibacterial, antibiofilm, and immunomodulatory properties. Among their metabolites, lactic acid (LA) is thought to play a major role in antimicrobial activity. This study investigated the proteomic response of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus to Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus cell-free supernatant (CFS) and compared it with that elicited by LA alone. Methods: Overnight bacterial cultures were exposed to sub-MIC LA or CFS (1:10 for P. aeruginosa and 1:8 for S. aureus; ~12.5–15.6 mM LA) for 6 h at 37 °C. Intracellular proteins were harvested and subsequently quantified and purified to be analysed by HPLC–MS/MS, for quantitative label-free proteomics. Results: Proteomic analysis revealed clear separation of treated samples from controls, with largely overlapping responses to CFS and LA. Hallmark acid-stress adaptations were observed, including urease-mediated pH buffering, confirming that part of the response was driven by mild organic acid. In P. aeruginosa, treatments suppressed virulence pathways (phenazines, T3SS), while shifting metabolism toward lactate utilisation and reinforcing the outer membrane (lipid A, polyamine). In S. aureus, decreased abundance of the SaeRS-regulated immune-evasion factor Sbi, together with changes in envelope, ROS and translation-related proteins, suggested a bacteriostatic-like state. S. aureus differences between CFS and LA were more pronounced; CFS uniquely increased cell-wall defences, oxidative stress (SodA, SodM) and chaperone expression (GroS, GrpE), suggesting stress beyond acidification alone. Conclusions: These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying bacterial adaptation to CFS and highlight their potential as a novel antimicrobial approach. Full article

This work reports the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an autoclave method with Tagetes erecta extract (TEE) as a source of reducing agents, silver nitrate (AgNO₃) as the metal precursor, and a nucleating agent (i.e., sodium chloride [S]) or a structure director agent (i.e., gum Arabic [G] or hydrous magnesium silicate/talc powder [T]) to tailor the morphology of AgNPs. Since the properties and potential applications of AgNPs depend on their size and shape, these additives were employed to achieve morphological control. Phytochemical screening tests and UPCL-Qtof-MS/MS profiling of TEE were performed to identify the compounds present in the extract, indicating that highly polar phenolic compounds such as saponins, tannins, and flavonoids are present in TEE, allowing it to act as a source of reducing/stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited different morphologies (i.e., spheres, rods, ribbons, and wires) depending on the modifying agent used (i.e., S, G, or T). Characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the successful use of S, G, and T in modulating AgNP morphology. The results of the antibacterial activity evaluation demonstrated that both TEE and AgNPs possess bacteriostatic activity against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, with the use of S as a nucleating agent increasing the inhibitory effect of AgNPs. Full article

Calcium silicate-based cement is commonly used for bone repair and regeneration. Current research focuses on developing innovative antibacterial materials with radiopacity, which is essential for ensuring successful clinical outcomes in procedures like vertebroplasty and endodontic treatments. Strontium (Sr) has emerged as a powerful additive, stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption. In this study, we evaluated the impact of varying levels of Sr—5, 10, and 20 mol% (designated as CSSr5, CSSr10, and CSSr20) on critical attributes of bone cement, including radiopacity, setting time, in vitro bioactivity, antibacterial efficacy, and osteogenic activity. The findings indicated that as the Sr content increased, the setting time and radiopacity of the cement increased. Remarkably, the cement formulations containing over 10 mol% Sr achieved radiopacity values surpassing the 3 mm aluminum threshold mandated by ISO 6876:2001 standards. Furthermore, incorporating Sr significantly improved MG63 cell attachment, proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization, while also boosting antibacterial properties in a dose-dependent manner. After 48 h of inoculation with E. coli or S. aureus, the CSSr10 and CSSr20 cements showed a bacteriostatic ratio exceeding 1.7 or 2 times that of the control without Sr. In conclusion, the CSSr10 cement could be a promising bone filler, exhibiting favorable setting time, radiopacity, antibacterial ability, and osteogenic activity. Full article

Oral diseases pose a major public health challenge, especially in low-income countries where dental care is limited due to high costs. In this context, phytotherapy has gained attention as a complementary approach due to its bacteriostatic, anti-inflammatory, healing, and analgesic properties. These therapeutic effects are mainly attributed to plant-derived bioactive metabolites, which interact with cellular structures, especially the plasma membrane, to modulate inflammation, stimulate tissue regeneration, and support antimicrobial defense. This review systematically examined the scientific literature to identify Latin American medicinal plants with therapeutic potential in dentistry. Based on their clinical and ethnobotanical applications, the analysis focused on species with anti-inflammatory, healing, analgesic, and relaxing effects, particularly in conditions such as dental pain, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Given the close relationship between pain, inflammation, and periodontal disease, these conditions cannot be studied in isolation. Gingivitis and periodontitis often present with painful symptoms and inflammatory responses that overlap with mechanisms of tissue damage and repair. Therefore, broadening the scope of this review allows for a more comprehensive understanding of how Latin American medicinal plants can contribute not only to pain relief but also to periodontal health, inflammation control, and wound healing. Fifty plant species were identified. Among these, 35 exhibited anti-inflammatory activity, 28 had healing properties, 20 showed analgesic effects, and 12 were associated with relaxing properties. Mexico accounted for the highest proportion of species (60%), followed by Colombia and Peru (54%) and then Brazil (32%). These percentages represent the proportion of plant species reported in studies originating from each country, relative to the total number of species identified in the review. The most studied species were Salvia rosmarinus Spenn. (Lamiaceae), Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae), Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. (Asphodelaceae), and Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). Latin American medicinal plants demonstrate strong potential not only in dental therapy but also in the management of periodontal inflammation and oral diseases. However, further research and clinical validation are needed to ensure their safe integration into conventional treatments. Full article

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a 25 kDa glycoprotein that has been shown to be a multifunctional player in the metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In physiological contexts, LCN2 exhibits bacteriostatic properties and plays key roles in iron homeostasis and the transport of hydrophobic molecules. However, several studies have shown that aberrant LCN2 expression is associated with poor prognosis in various malignancies, including breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women worldwide and can be classified into four molecular subtypes. Among these, TNBC represents a disproportionately aggressive subtype characterized by poor prognosis and high metastatic potential. Although LCN2 has been extensively studied in breast cancer overall, its specific role in TNBC progression and metastasis is only beginning to be understood. Recent evidence suggests that LCN2 contributes to several tumor-promoting processes such as angiogenesis, therapy resistance and modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, LCN2 appears to influence organ-specific metastasis, particularly to the lung and brain, while its role in liver and bone dissemination remains unclear. Collectively, current data identify LCN2 as a critical mediator of TNBC progression and highlight its potential as a prognostic factor and modulator of disease progression. This review aims to summarize insights from both in vitro and in vivo studies, with particular focus on the role of LCN2 in the metastatic cascade, while also addressing existing research gaps and critically evaluating the current findings. Full article

Despite the widespread use of photopolymerizable methacrylate resins in additive manufacturing, their potential for creating functional biomedical materials remains untapped. Standard resins, while possessing good technological properties, are typically biologically inert and unable to combat such a critical problem as bacterial colonization. In this work, we propose incorporating selenium nanoparticles (Se NPs) into a photopolymerizable resin based on methacrylate monomers to obtain functional composite materials in the MSLA printing process. Composite material samples made from modified resins showed no structural surface defects and were characterized by a non-uniform distribution of NPs in volume and demonstrated a higher degree of monomer conversion. The materials demonstrated significant antioxidant activity, removing OH-radicals and H₂O₂ and reducing the level of biomarkers of oxidative damage (8-oxoguanine in DNA and long-lived reactive protein species). A dose-dependent bacteriostatic effect was observed in E. coli cell cultures against a background of high cytocompatibility with human cell cultures. The developed photopolymerizable resins modified with Se NPs allow obtaining products that combine the properties of a bacteriostatic agent with antioxidant properties and high biocompatibility, which is of considerable interest in terms of materials for biomedical applications. Full article

In this study, pure myristic acid (MA) polycrystals and those doped with Co and Cu were synthesized and characterized to evaluate their structural features, thermal properties, and antimicrobial effects against the bacterium Xanthomonas citri. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that doping with Co and Cu altered the crystal surfaces. Specifically, pure MA polycrystals exhibited rougher and more porous surfaces, whereas Co and Cu doped MA polycrystals displayed more compact and less porous morphologies. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Co and Cu in the samples. X-ray diffraction indicated that all samples crystallized in the same monoclinic structure; however, Co and Cu doping led to a slight decrease in unit cell volume and average crystallite size. Raman spectroscopy revealed changes in the vibrational bands of the crystalline lattice. Thermal analyses demonstrated that the addition of Co and Cu ions influenced the thermal stability of pure MA. In microbiological assays, all samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against X. citri. In particular, Co-doped MA polycrystals showed bactericidal properties at all tested concentrations, while pure MA polycrystals exhibited bacteriostatic action at lower concentrations (≤15.6 µg/mL) and bactericidal action at higher concentrations. Cu-doped MA polycrystals did not inhibit bacterial growth at lower concentrations (7.8 µg/mL) but were bactericidal at higher concentrations. These results demonstrated increased lethality against X. citri, particularly for Co-doped MA polycrystals, which exhibited the lowest LD₅₀ value (the toxicological dose required to inhibit 50% of the tested population). Overall, these findings indicate that metal-doped MA polycrystals may be effective for future antimicrobial applications. Full article