Search Results (395)

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. italica) by-products represent an abundant and underutilized source of bioactive compounds with potential applications in sustainable food systems. This study aimed to characterize the microbiota associated with different plant fractions (leaves, stems, and heads) of broccoli (Parthenon and Tritón cultivars) and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of their extracts, using cauliflower as a reference. Microbial counts and fungal identification (ITS sequencing) were performed, while phytochemical profiles were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-QTOF. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH and ABTS assays, and antimicrobial activity under in vitro conditions was evaluated against selected foodborne bacteria and phytopathogenic fungi. Broccoli by-products, particularly leaves, showed lower microbial loads in certain cultivars and were rich in phenolic compounds and glucosinolates; however, higher phenolic content did not always correlate with greater antioxidant activity, highlighting the importance of compound composition. All extracts showed strong antibacterial activity at higher concentrations, especially against Listeria spp. Notably, antifungal activity was selective but relevant, with consistent inhibition observed against Alternaria alternata, while Penicillium purpurogenum and Botrytis cinerea exhibited higher resistance. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of broccoli by-products as sustainable sources of natural bioactive compounds for food applications, particularly in the development of preservation strategies and postharvest treatments. Further studies focusing on individual compounds and their specific biological activities are needed to better understand the mechanisms underlying these effects and to support their application in real food systems. Full article

Background/Objective: The introduction of Ketoconazole (KZ, Nizoral^®) in 1977 by Janssen Pharmaceutica marked a significant milestone in medical mycology as the first broad-spectrum oral antifungal agent. However, KZ is a highly lipophilic compound, presenting significant challenges in the development of efficient topical formulations. Moreover, oral KZ has undergone labeling revisions and market withdrawal due to serious hepatic side effects. This study aimed to design, optimize, and evaluate KZ-loaded nanoemulsions (NEs; KZ-NEs) as a delivery platform that could improve skin bioavailability and antifungal activity. Methods: Optimized KZ-NEs were converted to a mucoadhesive formulation (KZ-NEC) by the addition of Carbopol^® 940 NF to enhance the adherence of the formulations to the skin surface. NEs were evaluated concerning physical appearance, globule size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and drug content. Optimized KZ-NE and lead KZ-NEC formulations were further evaluated for in vitro release, ex vivo skin permeation and deposition, skin irritation, and in vivo studies. Results: In vitro release studies revealed that nanocarrier systems provided a sustained release of KZ over 24 h. The ex vivo permeability coefficients of KZ from the optimized KZ-NE and lead KZ-NEC formulations were approximately four- and three-fold greater than that achieved with the marketed cream formulation, respectively. In addition, the C_max of the lead KZ-NEC formulation (14.4 ± 1.1 μg/mL) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared with the marketed cream formulation (10.5 ± 0.5 μg/mL). Moreover, in vitro antifungal susceptibility testing showed that KZ demonstrated improved antifungal efficacy when incorporated into the KZ-NE and KZ-NEC formulations. Neither of the NE-based formulations caused any alterations in skin color or morphology during the 24 h visual observation period. Both NE-based formulations were stable for 90 days (the last time-point tested) at three different storage conditions. Conclusions: NE-based formulation could serve as an effective topical delivery platform for KZ and could improve therapeutic outcomes for patients with topical fungal infections. Full article

Bacterial membrane vesicles (BMVs), encompassing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) released from Gram-negative bacteria and extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from Gram-positive bacteria, have emerged as promising vaccine platforms owing to their intrinsic immunostimulatory properties and capacity to deliver a wide range of antigens. Although conventional vaccines effectively prevent infectious diseases, their long-term efficacy is often limited by antigenic variation and reliance on a restricted number of licensed adjuvants. BMVs, as self-adjuvanting systems, enable both antigen delivery and innate immune activation. BMVs are nanoscale lipid bilayer structures enriched with pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), facilitating their recognition and uptake by antigen-presenting cells. This leads to the activation of pattern recognition receptors and the induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines, type I interferons, and adaptive immune responses, including antibody production and Th1- and Th17-biased cellular immunity. Recent studies highlight the versatility of BMVs as vaccine platforms across bacterial, fungal, and viral infection models. BMVs induce protective immunity by promoting both systemic and mucosal immune responses, thereby reducing bacterial burden and limiting pathogen colonization across diverse infection models. These properties have supported their application in viral vaccine development, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, with the potential to enhance mucosal immunity. Despite these advantages, challenges remain in standardization, safety, and antigen-loading efficiency. Engineered BMVs incorporating protein or mRNA antigens may further enhance antigen presentation and CD8⁺ T cell responses. This review summarizes the biological features, immunological mechanisms, and future potential of BMVs in vaccine development. Full article

Fungal infections are an escalating health threat, especially in hard-to-treat biofilm-associated infections. Candida species are the most widespread drivers of wound biofilm and biomedical device-associated infections. In this study, biodegradable nanoemulsions (BNEs) were fabricated by encapsulating active components of three different essential oils—carvacrol (C-BNE), geraniol (G-BNE), and eugenol (E-BNE)—in a polymeric scaffold with a biodegradable crosslinker. The antibiofilm efficacy of BNEs was assessed against 2-day-old biofilms of multiple Candida species. C-BNE showed maximum effectiveness against all fungal biofilms as compared to G-BNE and E-BNE. Confocal microscopy further demonstrated that C-BNE efficiently penetrated the biofilm and killed the fungal cells by compromising cell membrane integrity. Overall, this study highlights the potential of essential oil-loaded nanoemulsions against drug-resistant biofilm-associated fungal infections. Full article

There is growing concern about the quality of sand on beaches, as users tend to spend most of their time on the sand rather than in the water. Numerous pathogenic agents have reportedly been isolated from sand, including bacteria, nematodes and opportunistic fungi. The ability of sand to retain pollutants and facilitate the transmission of pathogens raises public health concerns. We analysed sand-monitoring data from the 2024 and 2025 bathing seasons on Blue Flag beaches to find trends and patterns in total fungal counts, enterococci, and E. coli. The values recorded for microorganisms showed considerable variability, which may reflect the possible combined influence of multiple climatic, environmental, and anthropogenic factors contributing to their presence in beach sand. Our findings suggest that the total fungal count on coastal beaches may be influenced by periods of rainfall, which increases the fungal load in the sand. Values recorded from inland beaches vary considerably between beaches which may reflect the influence of local environmental characteristics, particularly vegetation and beach morphology, although the smaller number of inland samples also makes it difficult to define clear patterns and consistent reference values for this parameter. Bacterial indicators may be particularly influenced by occasional anthropogenic disturbances and contamination events. This study adds significantly to the understanding of the microbiological quality of beach sand, encouraging the integration of sand monitoring into environmental surveillance and management programmes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Natamycin is an effective antifungal limited by poor solubility. This study aimed to develop and characterize natamycin-loaded liposomal vesicles as a biocompatible delivery system to improve stability and achieve controlled release for potential topical application in the treatment of fungal infections. Methods: Formulations were prepared using two phospholipid mixtures (Lipoid S100 and Phospholipon 90H) via standard (thin-film) and proliposome methods. Evaluation included encapsulation efficiency (EE%), particle size, zeta potential, the polydispersity index (PDI), and rheological properties. In vitro release kinetics were compared to a natamycin solution. Antifungal efficacy was tested against four Candida strains to determine minimum inhibitory and fungicidal concentrations (MICs and MFCs, respectively) and biofilm inhibition, while biocompatibility was assessed via keratinocyte viability assays. Results: Formulations achieved high encapsulation (~90%). Natamycin incorporation improved homogeneity and reduced particle diameters, particularly in proliposome-derived vesicles, suggesting strong drug–lipid interactions. Preparation method and lipid type significantly influenced properties; thin-film formulations showed a lower PDI and higher stability. Diffusion was twofold slower than the control, with Lipoid S100 proliposomes providing the most sustained release. The liposomes demonstrated robust antifungal activity (MICs: 0.00625–0.2 mg/mL) and effective biofilm inhibition against C. krusei. While high concentrations moderately reduced keratinocyte viability, lower doses remained biocompatible and slightly stimulatory. Conclusions: Lipid composition and preparation methods have minimal impact on the physical properties and in vitro release profiles of natamycin liposomes. These vesicles provide a dose-dependent, biocompatible platform for the controlled delivery of antifungals, showing significant in vitro inhibitory activity against Candida growth and biofilm formation. Full article

Cellulose-derived gel films are promising matrices for the immobilization and delivery of beneficial microorganisms in sustainable plant protection. This study evaluated the effects of polymer molecular weight and chemical structure on the physicochemical properties and biocontrol performance of hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) films of low, medium, and high molecular weight, as well as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na), loaded with Bacillus subtilis. The films were characterized in terms of morphology, swelling behavior, mechanical properties, microbial viability, and antifungal activity against Fusarium avenaceum and Alternaria solani. Increasing HEC molecular weight produced progressively denser and more homogeneous gel networks, resulting in improved structural integrity, whereas CMC-Na formed dense but less stable networks. Swelling studies at pH 4, 7, and 9 showed high water uptake for all HEC systems, with enhanced structural stability observed in high-molecular-weight films, whereas CMC-Na dissolved rapidly under all conditions. Mechanical testing further confirmed that increasing molecular weight enhanced stiffness and tensile strength but reduced flexibility. Immobilized in gel matrices, B. subtilis remained viable after 12 months of storage and rapidly reactivated after rehydration. All biohybrid films inhibited fungal growth, with stronger formulation-dependent responses against F. avenaceum than against A. solani. In general, polymer molecular weight and structure were identified as key parameters controlling network organization, hydration behavior, mechanical performance, and biological functionality. These findings highlight the potential of cellulose-derived gel matrices as tunable carriers for microbial biocontrol applications. Full article

Kiwifruit soft rot is a major cause of postharvest loss owing to rapid fruit decay during storage. This study focused on kiwifruit soft rot during the postharvest storage stage, when fungal development may be promoted by room temperature and high humidity. Soft rot symptoms were observed in the pericarp and fruit flesh. In this study, carvacrol-loaded nanoliposomes (CAR@NL) were prepared by an O/W emulsification–solvent evaporation method to control kiwifruit soft rot. The physicochemical properties of CAR@NL were characterized by laser particle size analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Their antifungal activity and preservation efficacy were evaluated by in vitro antifungal assays and fruit storage experiments. The prepared CAR@NL showed an average particle size of approximately 280 nm, an encapsulation efficiency of 85.75%, and a drug loading capacity of 20.14%, along with favorable sustained-release properties. CAR@NL exhibited strong antifungal activity, with an EC₅₀ value of 41.76 mg/L. DAPI staining indicated no obvious effect on fungal DNA, whereas propidium iodide (PI) staining revealed increased fluorescence intensity with increasing concentration and treatment time, indicating disruption of hyphal membrane integrity and severe structural damage. Flow cytometric analysis further showed that, at 50 mg/L, the total apoptosis rate was 2.96% in the untreated control group, 5.22% in the CAR@NL-treated group, and 33.6% in the carbendazim-treated group, demonstrating the lower cytotoxicity of CAR@NL toward mammalian cells. In addition, CAR@NL showed good stability and preservation performance during fruit storage. Overall, CAR@NL may serve as a safe and effective postharvest agent for the control of kiwifruit soft rot. Full article

Nosema ceranae is a common and highly contagious fungal pathogen that primarily infects the gut of adult honeybees, causing nosemosis. As a chronic disease of the digestive system, it poses a global threat to honeybee health and colony sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of different concentrations of Scutellaria baicalensis aqueous extract on N. ceranae in the intestines of infected Apis cerana through feeding experiments. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of its major active component, baicalin, was evaluated, and its potential molecular mechanisms of action were explored. The results showed that, compared with the control group, administration of S. baicalensis aqueous extract at concentrations of 1 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL, and 10 mg/mL significantly reduced midgut spore loads (p < 0.05). Further experiments showed that a 0.5 mg/mL baicalin sucrose solution, prepared with 0.5% (v/v) DMSO as co-solvent, exhibited optimal solubility and significantly inhibited the proliferation of spores in the honeybee midgut. Transcriptomic analysis of A. cerana revealed varying numbers of significantly differentially expressed genes among the baicalin-treated (HG) group, the co-solvent control (DMSO) group, and the blank control (C) group. Four candidate DEGs associated with the effects of baicalin were further identified, namely LOC108003965, LOC108000905, LOC107996681, and CYP4G11. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis showed that, in the comparison between the HG group and the C group, these DEGs were significantly enriched in six functional categories: iron ion binding, phosphoric ester hydrolase activity, heme binding, tetrapyrrole binding, hydrolase activity (acting on ester bonds), and oxidoreductase activity (acting on paired donors, with incorporation or reduction of molecular oxygen). Collectively, these results demonstrate that S. baicalensis aqueous extract effectively inhibits the proliferation of N. ceranae within the host, and its active component, baicalin, exhibits a similar inhibitory effect. The present study proposes a novel strategy in which baicalin may enhance host endogenous chitinase-related activity to target and disrupt the spore wall, offering a new perspective for the prevention and control of honeybee nosemosis. Full article

Objective: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a globally distributed infectious disease affecting the liver. This literature review aims to summarize all available relevant information on the PubMed database about HBV’s connection to the microbiome and to consider possible treatment adjuncts. Materials and methods: Database used: PubMed. Keywords used: “HBV”, “Hepatitis B”, “microbiome”. In the PubMed database, 179 research publications were identified using these keywords; 69 studies were excluded as they were irrelevant or retracted. Of the remaining, 110 were analyzed in this literature review, and four additional literature sources were used to supply background information and context. Information was summarized. The analysed studies in total included 14,814 participants (excluding animal studies), of whom 8564 were HBV-infected individuals. Results: Results characterizing abundance or decrease in specific bacterial, viral, and fungal species are heterogeneous; multiple studies support that the HBV patient oral and fecal microbiome is different from that in healthy controls (HCs) and varies throughout disease progression. The HBV seems to transform the microbiome negatively, leading to dysbiosis and decreased microbial diversity in most studies. Evidence links HBV microbiome changes with influence on HbeAg seroconversion, HBV-DNA load, metabolic pathways, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The research proposes that members of microbiota could potentially promote or protect against liver injury in HBV. Four studies proposed that the plasma virome in HBV patients was primarily composed of members of the Anelloviridae. One study researched a parasite (Entamoeba gingivalis) in HBV patients. Two studies analyzed HBV patients’ fungal profiles. Conclusions: Microbiota research, although promising, at the present moment is heterogeneous. HBV patients’ microbiota is distinguishable from HCs, and multiple studies have tried to identify the HBV characteristic microbiome; however, more precise information is needed to draw conclusions. Fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics have the potential to be therapy adjuncts for HBV patients, but more research is needed. Full article

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease influenced by several factors, including immune system imbalance, impairment of the epidermal barrier, and alterations in the composition of the gut and skin bacterial and fungal microbiota. This study combines metagenomic sequencing and culture-based methods to explore the impact of probiotic supplementation on the cutaneous microbiota and mycobiota of AD patients. Twenty-five adults diagnosed with AD were enrolled, and skin swabs were analyzed to characterize microbial diversity and load. Culturomic analyses identified 42 bacterial and 6 fungal species, confirming Staphylococcus aureus and Candida parapsilosis as predominant taxa. High-throughput sequencing revealed Staphylococcus spp. and Malassezia spp. as dominant genera, with notable interindividual variability. While probiotic use did not significantly influence bacterial diversity, it was associated with higher richness and evenness in fungal communities, as shown by alpha and beta diversity metrics. Malassezia restricta was more prevalent among probiotic users, whereas Candida parapsilosis and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were enriched in non-users. These findings indicate an association between probiotic use and differences in the composition and diversity of the skin mycobiota compared with the bacterial microbiota, suggesting that fungal communities may be more responsive to probiotic-associated factors. Integrating metagenomic and culturomic approaches offers valuable insights into the complex interactions among host factors, microbial communities, and probiotic use in AD, paving the way for targeted microbiome-based therapeutic strategies. Full article

Basil essential oil (BEO) has emerged as a promising natural alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. BEO has shown antimicrobial, antifungal, anticoccidial, antioxidant, and insecticidal properties. BEO exhibits broad antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, and modulates gut microbiota by decreasing Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. Anticoccidial effects include reduced oocyst shedding, improved intestinal morphology, and downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Antifungal activity reduces fungal load and inhibits Aspergillus spp., with implications for control spoilage and aflatoxin risk. BEO at a concentration of 40 ppm was effective in preventing E. tenella invasion, showing an average reduction in invasion by 36% in primary chicken epithelial cells. Antioxidant benefits include enhanced intestinal and systemic antioxidant status. Advanced nanoformulation technologies, particularly nano-encapsulation, have substantially overcome several limitations for BEO application in poultry. Further research is still required to assess the efficacy of nano-encapsulated BEO for enhancing overall poultry industry productivity. This review synthesizes current evidence on BEO integration in the poultry production sections, from nutrition and disease control to product preservation and farm hygiene, and evaluates technological solutions that address formulation barriers. Moreover, it discusses critical research gaps and proposes future directions for enhancing BEO applications in sustainable poultry production systems. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are gaining attention as sustainable alternatives to conventional materials because they are grown biologically rather than produced through resource-intensive extraction and processing. This study evaluates MBCs for non-load-bearing wall panels and environmentally responsible substitutes for traditional building materials. A reproducible manufacturing process is presented, and heat-pressed panels are characterised for physical, mechanical, and chemical performance. Novelty lies in species-driven evaluation using rice-husk waste as the sole lignocellulosic substrate and a Queensland-native Amauroderma species. Five fungal species, Trametes hirsuta, Ganoderma sp., Amauroderma sp., Pycnoporus coccineus and Trametes versicolor, were cultivated on rice husks and compared under identical processing conditions. Statistical analysis showed species selection significantly influenced tensile strength, whereas flexural and compressive performance showed no significant interspecies differences. Panels achieved tensile, compressive, and flexural strengths up to approximately 0.47, 0.35, and 1.35 MPa, respectively, with Amauroderma exhibiting the highest stiffness and compressive performance. Composites from four of the five species showed low moisture sensitivity and favourable thermal behaviour relative to previously reported mycelium materials. These results demonstrate that fungal species selection is a key design lever and supports rice-husk-derived MBCs as sustainable insulation and non-load-bearing construction materials. Full article

Lipid nanodiscs are synthetic nanoparticles capable of solubilizing lipophilic drugs and have been shown to improve the potency of the antifungal Amphotericin B (AmphB) against various fungal pathogens. In this study, the SpyCatcher–SpyTag covalent labeling system was used to couple AmphB-loaded Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) lipid nanodiscs to the receptor domain of Dectin-1, which binds to β-1,3/1,6 glucans present in many fungal cell walls. Denaturing protein gel electrophoresis demonstrated that ApoA1-SpyTag003 lipid nanodiscs could be covalently labeled with SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-superfolder GFP (sfGFP). In microtiter growth assays with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Dectin-1 AmphB nanodiscs displayed an IC₅₀ 1.5-fold lower than uncoupled AmphB nanodiscs and 2.8-fold lower than AmphB-only controls. Nanodiscs without AmphB and SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-sfGFP themselves did not inhibit yeast growth. Fluorescence microscopy showed that SpyCatcher003-Dectin-1-sfGFP binds to yeast cell walls and accumulated at hot spots, matching the budding scar enrichment pattern previously described for other Dectin-1 fusion proteins. Together these results indicate that Dectin-1 fusions can target AmphB-loaded lipid nanodiscs to fungal cell walls and improve drug delivery. The results here establish the use of a modular SpyCatcher–SpyTag coupling system for targeting drug-loaded lipid nanodiscs to different cells or tissues, thereby increasing drug retention at infection sites, increasing drug potency, and reducing harmful side-effects. Full article

Background/Objectives: Fungal keratitis remains a vision-threatening infection, and current amphotericin B (AmphB) eye drops suffer from low corneal residence time, poor aqueous solubility, and the need for frequent dosing. This study develops electrospun nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts combining polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gamma-cyclodextrin (γ-CD), and sodium taurocholate (STC) to enhance AmphB solubility and provide a non-invasive, rapidly dissolving ophthalmic dosage form. Methods: γ-CD and STC-enhanced AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts with varying γ-CD and STC concentrations were prepared by electrospinning and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Drug content, in vitro release (Weibull modeling), antifungal activity against Candida albicans, Fusarium solani, and Aspergillus fumigatus, ocular cytocompatibility using the Hen’s Egg Test on Chorioallantoic Membrane (HET-CAM), and accelerated stability (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity, 4 weeks) were evaluated. Results: Bead-free nanofibers with mean diameters between 216 ± 33 nm and 310 ± 35 nm were obtained, and XRD confirmed complete amorphization of AmphB within the PVA nanofiber matrix, forming an amorphous solid dispersion. All formulations showed rapid and nearly complete AmphB release (≈100% within 60 min), with Weibull β values < 0.75, indicating Fickian diffusion-controlled release. AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts produced inhibition zones and broth susceptibility profiles comparable to AmphB in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), demonstrating preserved antifungal activity. HET-CAM scores (0–0.9) classified the inserts as practically non-irritant, and SEM/FTIR after accelerated storage showed no relevant morphological or physicochemical changes. Conclusions: These γ-CD and STC-enhanced AmphB-loaded PVA nanofiber-based ophthalmic inserts provide a non-invasive, rapidly dissolving ophthalmic dosage form that combines amorphous AmphB, immediate drug availability, and good ocular tolerance, supporting their further development as a patient-friendly treatment option for fungal keratitis. Full article