In vitro antimicrobial properties of apis mellifera L. and Meliponulla beccarii L. honeys from Kellem and West Wollega Zones, Western Ethiopia

Acute wounds may require cleansing to reduce the risk of infection. Stabilized hypochlorous acid in acetic buffer (HOCl + buffer) is a novel wound irrigation solution with antimicrobial properties. We performed a first-in-man, prospective, open-label pilot study to document preliminary safety and performance in the treatment of acute wounds. The study enrolled 12 subjects scheduled for a split-skin graft transplantation, where the donor site was used as a model of an acute wound. The treatment time was 75 s, given on 6 occasions. A total of 7 adverse events were regarded as related to the treatment; all registered as pain during the procedure for 2 subjects. One subject had a wound infection at the donor site. The mean colony-forming unit (CFU) decreased by 41% after the treatment, and the mean epithelialization was 96% on both days 14 (standard deviation [SD] 8%) and 21 (SD 10%). The study provides preliminary support for the safety, well-tolerance, and efficacy of HOCl + buffer for acute wounds. The pain was frequent although resolved quickly. Excellent wound healing and satisfying antimicrobial properties were observed. A subsequent in vitro biofilm study also indicated good antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a 96% mean reduction of CFU, when used for a treatment duration of 15 min ( P < .0001), and a 50% decrease for Staphylococcus aureus ( P = .1010). Future larger studies are needed to evaluate the safety and performance of HOCl + buffer in acute wounds, including the promising antimicrobial effect by prolonged treatment on bacterial biofilms.

Download Full-text

Nanovesicles Loaded with Origanum onites and Satureja thymbra Essential Oils and Their Activity against Food-Borne Pathogens and Spoilage Microorganisms

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26082124 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (8) ◽

pp. 2124

Author(s):

Giulia Vanti ◽

Ekaterina-Michaela Tomou ◽

Dejan Stojković ◽

Ana Ćirić ◽

Anna Rita Bilia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Essential Oils ◽

Propylene Glycol ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Spherical Shape ◽

Food Borne Pathogens ◽

Food Borne ◽

Spoilage Microorganisms ◽

Satureja Thymbra ◽

Origanum Onites

Food poisoning is a common cause of illness and death in developing countries. Essential oils (EOs) could be effective and safe natural preservatives to prevent and control bacterial contamination of foods. However, their high sensitivity and strong flavor limit their application and biological effectiveness. The aim of this study was firstly the chemical analysis and the antimicrobial evaluation of the EOs of Origanum onites L. and Satureja thymbra L. obtained from Symi island (Greece), and, secondly, the formulation of propylene glycol-nanovesicles loaded with these EOs to improve their antimicrobial properties. The EOs were analyzed by GC-MS and their chemical contents are presented herein. Different nanovesicles were formulated with small average sizes, high homogeneity, and optimal ζ-potential. Microscopic observation confirmed their small and spherical shape. Antibacterial and antifungal activities of the formulated EOs were evaluated against food-borne pathogens and spoilage microorganisms compared to pure EOs. Propylene glycol-nanovesicles loaded with O. onites EO were found to be the most active formulation against all tested strains. Additionally, in vitro studies on the HaCaT cell line showed that nanovesicles encapsulated with EOs had no toxic effect. The present study revealed that both EOs can be used as alternative sanitizers and preservatives in the food industry, and that their formulation in nanovesicles can provide a suitable approach as food-grade delivery system.

Download Full-text

Safety Assessment of Polypyrrole Nanoparticles and Spray-Coated Textiles

Nanomaterials ◽

10.3390/nano11081991 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (8) ◽

pp. 1991

Author(s):

Rossella Bengalli ◽

Luisa Fiandra ◽

Claudia Vineis ◽

Diego Omar Sanchez-Ramirez ◽

Nuno G. Azoia ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Wound Care ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Spray Coating ◽

Skin Toxicity ◽

In Vitro Models ◽

Skin Contact ◽

Artificial Sweat ◽

Coated Fabrics ◽

Textile Coating

Polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles (NPs) are used for the coating of materials, such as textiles, with biomedical applications, including wound care and tissue engineering, but they are also promising antibacterial agents. In this work, PPy NPs were used for the spray-coating of textiles with antimicrobial properties. The functional properties of the materials were verified, and their safety was evaluated. Two main exposure scenarios for humans were identified: inhalation of PPy NPs during spray (manufacturing) and direct skin contact with NPs-coated fabrics (use). Thus, the toxicity properties of PPy NPs and PPy-coated textiles were assessed by using in vitro models representative of the lung and the skin. The results from the materials’ characterization showed the stability of both the PPy NP suspension and the textile coating, even after washing cycles and extraction in artificial sweat. Data from an in vitro model of the air–blood barrier showed the low toxicity of these NPs, with no alteration of cell viability and functionality observed. The skin toxicity of PPy NPs and the coated textiles was assessed on a reconstructed human epidermis model following OECD 431 and 439 guidelines. PPy NPs proved to be non-corrosive at the tested conditions, as well as non-irritant after extraction in artificial sweat at two different pH conditions. The obtained data suggest that PPy NPs are safe NMs in applications for textile coating.

Download Full-text

Development and Evaluation of Rifampicin Loaded Alginate–Gelatin Biocomposite Microfibers

Polymers ◽

10.3390/polym13091514 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (9) ◽

pp. 1514

Author(s):

Ameya Sharma ◽

Vivek Puri ◽

Pradeep Kumar ◽

Inderbir Singh ◽

Kampanart Huanbutta

Keyword(s):

Wound Healing ◽

Xanthan Gum ◽

In Vitro Release ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Entrapment Efficiency ◽

Tissue Proliferation ◽

Naturally Occurring ◽

Reinforcing Material ◽

Vitro Release

Various systematic phases such as inflammation, tissue proliferation, and phases of remodeling characterize the process of wound healing. The natural matrix system is suggested to maintain and escalate these phases, and for that, microfibers were fabricated employing naturally occurring polymers (biopolymers) such as sodium alginate, gelatin and xanthan gum, and reinforcing material such as nanoclay was selected. The fabrication of fibers was executed with the aid of extrusion-gelation method. Rifampicin, an antibiotic, has been incorporated into a biopolymeric solution. RF1, RF2, RF3, RF4 and RF5 were coded as various formulation batches of microfibers. The microfibers were further characterized by different techniques such as SEM, DSC, XRD, and FTIR. Mechanical properties and physical evaluations such as entrapment efficiency, water uptake and in vitro release were also carried out to explain the comparative understanding of the formulation developed. The antimicrobial activity and whole blood clotting of fabricated fibers were additionally executed, hence they showed significant results, having excellent antimicrobial properties; they could be prominent carriers for wound healing applications.

Download Full-text

Synthesis, Quantification, and Characterization of Fatty Acid Amides from In Vitro and In Vivo Sources

Molecules ◽

10.3390/molecules26092543 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 26 (9) ◽

pp. 2543

Author(s):

Ruidong Ni ◽

Suzeeta Bhandari ◽

Perry R. Mitchell ◽

Gabriela Suarez ◽

Neel B. Patel ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Drosophila Melanogaster ◽

Fatty Acid ◽

Apis Mellifera ◽

Chemical Synthesis ◽

Acid Amide ◽

Fatty Acid Amides ◽

Fatty Acid Amide

Fatty acid amides are a diverse family of underappreciated, biologically occurring lipids. Herein, the methods for the chemical synthesis and subsequent characterization of specific members of the fatty acid amide family are described. The synthetically prepared fatty acid amides and those obtained commercially are used as standards for the characterization and quantification of the fatty acid amides produced by biological systems, a fatty acid amidome. The fatty acid amidomes from mouse N18TG2 cells, sheep choroid plexus cells, Drosophila melanogaster, Bombyx mori, Apis mellifera, and Tribolium castaneum are presented.

Download Full-text

Antimicrobial Activity of Curcumin in Nanoformulations: A Comprehensive Review

International Journal of Molecular Sciences ◽

10.3390/ijms22137130 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 (13) ◽

pp. 7130

Author(s):

Jeffersson Krishan Trigo-Gutierrez ◽

Yuliana Vega-Chacón ◽

Amanda Brandão Soares ◽

Ewerton Garcia de Oliveira Mima

Keyword(s):

Polymeric Nanoparticles ◽

Graphene Quantum Dots ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Antimicrobial Effect ◽

Clinical Scenarios ◽

Low Cytotoxicity ◽

Bacteria And Fungi ◽

Drug Resistant Strains

Curcumin (CUR) is a natural substance extracted from turmeric that has antimicrobial properties. Due to its ability to absorb light in the blue spectrum, CUR is also used as a photosensitizer (PS) in antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). However, CUR is hydrophobic, unstable in solutions, and has low bioavailability, which hinders its clinical use. To circumvent these drawbacks, drug delivery systems (DDSs) have been used. In this review, we summarize the DDSs used to carry CUR and their antimicrobial effect against viruses, bacteria, and fungi, including drug-resistant strains and emergent pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2. The reviewed DDSs include colloidal (micelles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, cyclodextrins, chitosan, and other polymeric nanoparticles), metallic, and mesoporous particles, as well as graphene, quantum dots, and hybrid nanosystems such as films and hydrogels. Free (non-encapsulated) CUR and CUR loaded in DDSs have a broad-spectrum antimicrobial action when used alone or as a PS in aPDT. They also show low cytotoxicity, in vivo biocompatibility, and improved wound healing. Although there are several in vitro and some in vivo investigations describing the nanotechnological aspects and the potential antimicrobial application of CUR-loaded DDSs, clinical trials are not reported and further studies should translate this evidence to the clinical scenarios of infections.

Download Full-text

Antimicrobial Screening, in Silico Studies and QSAR of Chalcone-based 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazole Hybrids

Drug Research ◽

10.1055/a-1296-7751 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Pinki Yadav ◽

Kashmiri Lal ◽

Ashwani Kumar

Keyword(s):

Topoisomerase Ii ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Qsar Model ◽

Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship ◽

Binding Modes ◽

E Coli ◽

Structure Activity ◽

In Silico Studies ◽

Microbial Strains

AbstractThe in vitro antimicrobial properties of some chalcones (1a–1c ) and chalcone tethred 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles (2a–2u) towards different microbial strains viz. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus niger and Candida albicans are reported. Compounds 2g and 2u exhibited better potency than the standard Fluconazole with MIC values of 0.0063 µmol/mL and 0.0068 µmol/mL, respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to investigate the binding modes of two potent compounds 2q and 2g with E. coli topoisomerase II DNA gyrase B and C. albicans lanosterol 14α-demethylase, respectively. Based on these results, a statistically significant quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) model was successfully summarized for antibacterial activity against B. subtilis.

Download Full-text

Antimicrobial Properties and Release Profile of Ampicillin from Electrospun Poly(εepsilon;-caprolactone) Nanofiber Yarns

Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics ◽

10.1177/155892501000500402 ◽

2010 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 155892501000500 ◽

Cited By ~ 7

Author(s):

Hang Liu ◽

Karen K. Leonas ◽

Yiping Zhao

Keyword(s):

In Vitro Release ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

Fiber Surface ◽

Electrospun Nanofibers ◽

Release Profile ◽

Burst Release ◽

Spun Yarns ◽

Surgical Sutures ◽

Release Model

Poly(εepsilon;-caprolactone) (PCL) electrospun fibers containing ampicillin sodium salt have been produced and twisted into nanofiber yarns. The fiber diameters and crystallinity, the in vitro antimicrobial properties of the yarns, and the in vitro release of ampicillin from yarns containing various ampicillin concentrations are studied. Decreased fiber diameters and reduced diameter variation are observed with the addition of ampicillin salt into the polymer solution. The results from the zone of inhibition test of the yarns against both gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae indicate that the released ampicillin retains its effectiveness after the production processes, therefore the as-spun yarns are antimicrobial active. A burst release of ampicillin from the yarns has been observed in the first hour, and the release is almost completed in 96 hours. The burst release is believed to be due to the low compatibility of ampicillin with PCL, the accumulation of ampicillin on fiber surface and the small fiber diameters. An empirical release model is developed to describe the release profile. The results indicate that the electrospun nanofibers yarns will have a great potential to be used for biomaterials, such as surgical sutures, to decrease the surgical site infection rate.

Download Full-text

An In Vitro Study on the Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oil Modified Resin Composite against Oral Pathogens

Materials ◽

10.3390/ma13194383 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (19) ◽

pp. 4383

Author(s):

Barbara Lapinska ◽

Aleksandra Szram ◽

Beata Zarzycka ◽

Janina Grzegorczyk ◽

Louis Hardan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Antimicrobial Activity ◽

Antibacterial Activity ◽

Antifungal Activity ◽

Antimicrobial Agents ◽

Resin Composite ◽

Antimicrobial Properties ◽

In Vitro Study ◽

Diffusion Method ◽

Oral Pathogens

Modifying the composition of dental restorative materials with antimicrobial agents might induce their antibacterial potential against cariogenic bacteria, e.g., S.mutans and L.acidophilus, as well as antifungal effect on C.albicans that are major oral pathogens. Essential oils (EOs) are widely known for antimicrobial activity and are successfully used in dental industry. The study aimed at evaluating antibacterial and antifungal activity of EOs and composite resin material (CR) modified with EO against oral pathogens. Ten EOs (i.e., anise, cinnamon, citronella, clove, geranium, lavender, limette, mint, rosemary thyme) were tested using agar diffusion method. Cinnamon and thyme EOs showed significantly highest antibacterial activity against S.mutans and L.acidophilus among all tested EOs. Anise and limette EOs showed no antibacterial activity against S.mutans. All tested EOs exhibited antifungal activity against C.albicans, whereas cinnamon EO showed significantly highest and limette EO significantly lowest activity. Next, 1, 2 or 5 µL of cinnamon EO was introduced into 2 g of CR and microbiologically tested. The modified CR showed higher antimicrobial activity in comparison to unmodified one. CR containing 2 µL of EO showed the best antimicrobial properties against S.mutans and C.albicans, while CR modified with 1 µL of EO showed the best antimicrobial properties against L.acidophilus.

Download Full-text