scholarly journals Activity of the Lichen Usnea steineri and its Major Metabolites against Gram–positive, Multidrug–resistant Bacteria

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1601100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos G. Tozatti ◽  
Daniele S. Ferreira ◽  
Lúzio G. Bocalon Flauzino ◽  
Thaís da Silva Moraes ◽  
Carlos H. G. Martins ◽  
...  

The antimicrobial activity and possible synergistic effects of extracts and compounds isolated from Usnea steineri were evaluated against four resistant bacterial species. A phytochemical study of the acetone extract of U. steineri resulted in the isolation and characterization of difractaic acid and (+)–usnic acid as the main compounds. The acetone extract showed strong activity (less than 10 μg/mL) against resistant strains of Staphylococcus epidermidis and Enterococcus faecalis, and (+)–usnic acid exhibited strong activity against S. epidermidis (MIC 3.12 μg/mL), S. aureus and S. haemolyticus (MIC 12.5 μg/mL). Combinations of penicillin and tetracycline with (+)–usnic acid did not show any synergistic antimicrobial effects. Difractaic acid was inactive. Our results showed that the acetone extract of U. steineri possesses significant in vitro antimicrobial activity, which is likely related to the presence of (+)–usnic acid.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 216-219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sureshrajan Soundararajan ◽  
Poornima Shanmugam ◽  
Nagarjun Nagarajan ◽  
Divya Palanisamy ◽  
Ponmurugan Ponnusamy

The aim of the present study is to investigate the antimicrobial and anti-oxidant potential of lichen Ramalina fastigiata collected from Kolli hills, Eastern Gahts of Tamil Nadu, India. Phytochemical study revealed that acetone extract of Ramalina fastigiata confirmed the presence of flavonoids, glycosides and phenols. Acetone extract of Ramalina fastigiata was tested against human pathogens, which exposed antimicrobial activity against Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida krusei with the inhibition rate of 2.1 mm and 1.3 mm respectively. The acetone extract of lichen Ramalina fastigiata exhibited significant antioxidant activity as well. Radical scavenging ability of Ramalina fastigiata was reported in terms of 61.53 % inhibition. Keywords: Lichen, Ramalina fastigiata, acetone extract, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammatory potential


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 751
Author(s):  
Marwa Reda Bakkar ◽  
Ahmed Hassan Ibrahim Faraag ◽  
Elham R. S. Soliman ◽  
Manar S. Fouda ◽  
Amir Mahfouz Mokhtar Sarguos ◽  
...  

COVID-19 is a pandemic disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2, which continues to cause global health and economic problems since emerging in China in late 2019. Until now, there are no standard antiviral treatments. Thus, several strategies were adopted to minimize virus transmission, such as social distancing, face covering protection and hand hygiene. Rhamnolipids are glycolipids produced formally by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and as biosurfactants, they were shown to have broad antimicrobial activity. In this study, we investigated the antimicrobial activity of rhamnolipids against selected multidrug resistant bacteria and SARS-CoV-2. Rhamnolipids were produced by growing Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain LeS3 in a new medium formulated from chicken carcass soup. The isolated rhamnolipids were characterized for their molecular composition, formulated into nano-micelles, and the antibacterial activity of the nano-micelles was demonstrated in vitro against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive drug resistant bacteria. In silico studies docking rhamnolipids to structural and non-structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 was also performed. We demonstrated the efficient and specific interaction of rhamnolipids with the active sites of these proteins. Additionally, the computational studies suggested that rhamnolipids have membrane permeability activity. Thus, the obtained results indicate that SARS-CoV-2 could be another target of rhamnolipids and could find utility in the fight against COVID-19, a future perspective to be considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 1249
Author(s):  
Johannes Koehbach ◽  
Jurnorain Gani ◽  
Kai Hilpert ◽  
David J Craik

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) the development of resistance against antibiotics by microbes is one of the most pressing health concerns. The situation will intensify since only a few pharmacological companies are currently developing novel antimicrobial compounds. Discovery and development of novel antimicrobial compounds with new modes of action are urgently needed. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are known to be able to kill multidrug-resistant bacteria and, therefore, of interest to be developed into antimicrobial drugs. Proteolytic stability and toxicities of these peptides are challenges to overcome, and one strategy frequently used to address stability is cyclization. Here we introduced a disulfide-bond to cyclize a potent and nontoxic 9mer peptide and, in addition, as a proof-of-concept study, grafted this peptide into loop 6 of the cyclotide MCoTI-II. This is the first time an antimicrobial peptide has been successfully grafted onto the cyclotide scaffold. The disulfide-cyclized and grafted cyclotide showed moderate activity in broth and strong activity in 1/5 broth against clinically relevant resistant pathogens. The linear peptide showed superior activity in both conditions. The half-life time in 100% human serum was determined, for the linear peptide, to be 13 min, for the simple disulfide-cyclized peptide, 9 min, and, for the grafted cyclotide 7 h 15 min. The addition of 10% human serum led to a loss of antimicrobial activity for the different organisms, ranging from 1 to >8-fold for the cyclotide. For the disulfide-cyclized version and the linear version, activity also dropped to different degrees, 2 to 18-fold, and 1 to 30-fold respectively. Despite the massive difference in stability, the linear peptide still showed superior antimicrobial activity. The cyclotide and the disulfide-cyclized version demonstrated a slower bactericidal effect than the linear version. All three peptides were stable at high and low pH, and had very low hemolytic and cytotoxic activity.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1808-1818
Author(s):  
Xiuli Li ◽  
Jigang Wang ◽  
Xin Li ◽  
Xiaoqian Hou ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
...  

In our current study, porous heparin-polyvinylpyrrolidone/TiO2 nanocomposite (HpPVP/TiO2) bandage were prepared via the incorporation of TiO2 into HpPVP hydrogels for biomedical applications such as burn infection. The effect of the HpPVP hydrogels and the nanoparticles of TiO2 composition on the functional group and the surface properties of the as-fabricated bandages were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The presence of TiO2 nanoparticles created the internal structure of the HpPVP hydrogel that aids in a homogeneous porous structure, as indicated by the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The size distribution of the TiO2 nanoparticles was measured using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The studies on the mechanical properties of the HpPVP hydrogel indicate that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles increases its strength. The prepared HpPVP/TiO2 nanocomposite dressing has excellent antimicrobial activity were tested against bacterial species (Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) and has good biocompatibility against human dermal fibroblast cells (HFFF2) for biological applications. In addition, in vivo evaluations in Kunming mice exposed that the as-fabricated HpPVP/TiO2 nanocomposite bandages increased the wound curing and facilitated accelerate skin cell construction along with collagen development. The synergistic effects of the HpPVP/TiO2 nanocomposite hydrogel dressing material, such as its excellent hydrophilic nature, good bactericidal activity, biocompatibility and wound closure rate through in vivo test makes it a suitable candidate for burn infections.


2017 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 368-378 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jusciêne B. Moura ◽  
Agueda C. de Vargas ◽  
Gisele V. Gouveia ◽  
João J. de S. Gouveia ◽  
Juracy C. Ramos-Júnior ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT: Cladonia substellata Vainio is a lichen found in different regions of the world, including the Northeast of Brazil. It contains several secondary metabolites with biological activity, including usnic acid, which has exhibited a wide range of biological activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of the organic extract of C. substellata and purified usnic acid. Initially, Staphylococcus spp., derived from samples of skin and ears of dogs and cats with suspected pyoderma and otitis, were isolated and analyzed. In antimicrobial susceptibility testing against Staphylococcus spp., 77% (105/136) of the isolates were resistant to the antimicrobials tested. In the assessment of biofilm production, 83% (113/136) were classified as producing biofilm. In genetic characterization, 32% (44/136) were positive for blaZ, no isolate (0/136) was positive for the mecA gene, and 2% (3/136) were positive for the icaD gene. The in vitro antimicrobial activity of the organic extract of C. substellata and purified usnic acid against Staphylococcus spp. ranged from 0.25mg/mL to 0.0019mg/mL, inhibiting bacterial growth at low concentrations. The substances were more effective against biofilm-producing bacteria (0.65mg/mL-0.42mg/mL) when compared to non-biofilm producing bacteria (2.52mg/mL-2.71mg/mL). Usnic acid and the organic extract of C. substellata can be effective in the treatment of pyoderma and otitis in dogs and cats caused by Staphylococcus spp.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 229-237
Author(s):  
Istiaq Ahmed ◽  
Md Tofazzal Islam ◽  
Md Akhter Hossain Chowdhury ◽  
Md Kamruzzaman

This study was carried out to isolate, screen and characterize arsenic (As) resistant bacteria from As contaminated soils of Dumrakandi and Matlab under Faridpur and Chandpur districts and to evaluate their efficiency in reducing As toxicity against rice seedlings during germination. Thirteen strains were isolated from the soils which showed resistance to different levels of sodium arsenite (viz. 5, 10, 20 and 40 mM) in both agar plate and broth assay using BSMY I media. Among the isolates, BTL0011, BTL0012, BTL0015 and BTL0022 showed highest resistance to 40 mM sodium arsenite. Gram staining and KOH solubility test revealed that five strains were gram positive and rest eight was gram negative. They grew well in the liquid media at pH 5.5 to 8.5. In-vitro rice seedling bioassay with two superior isolates (BTL0011 and BTL0022) revealed that As resistant strains significantly enhanced seed germination of BRRI dhan29 and BRRI dhan47 at 60 ppm As. This study was laid out in CRD with three replications. The performance of BTL 0022 was superior to BTL0011. The overall results suggest that BTL0011 and BTL0022 can be used for bioremediation of As contaminated soils and to increase the germination and seedling growth of rice in As contaminated soils.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 229-237, August 2015


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (16) ◽  
pp. 4958
Author(s):  
Jessa Marie V. Makabenta ◽  
Jungmi Park ◽  
Cheng-Hsuan Li ◽  
Aritra Nath Chattopadhyay ◽  
Ahmed Nabawy ◽  
...  

Biofilm infections are a global public health threat, necessitating new treatment strategies. Biofilm formation also contributes to the development and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains. Biofilm-associated chronic infections typically involve colonization by more than one bacterial species. The co-existence of multiple species of bacteria in biofilms exacerbates therapeutic challenges and can render traditional antibiotics ineffective. Polymeric nanoparticles offer alternative antimicrobial approaches to antibiotics, owing to their tunable physico-chemical properties. Here, we report the efficacy of poly(oxanorborneneimide) (PONI)-based antimicrobial polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) against multi-species bacterial biofilms. PNPs showed good dual-species biofilm penetration profiles as confirmed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity was observed, with reduction in both bacterial viability and overall biofilm mass. Further, PNPs displayed minimal fibroblast toxicity and high antimicrobial activity in an in vitro co-culture model comprising fibroblast cells and dual-species biofilms of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study highlights a potential clinical application of the presented polymeric platform.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Flora T. Mambe ◽  
Jean Na-Iya ◽  
Ghislain W. Fotso ◽  
Fred Ashu ◽  
Bathélémy Ngameni ◽  
...  

The present study aimed to assess the in vitro antibacterial and antibiotic modifying activities of methanol extracts prepared from the leaf (APL) and bark (APB) of Acacia polyacantha, fractions (APLa-d) and compounds isolated from APL against a panel of multidrug resistant (MDR) Gram-negative bacteria. Leaf extract was subjected to column chromatography for compounds isolation; antibacterial assays were performed on samples alone and with an efflux pump inhibitor (EPI), respectively, and several antibiotics on the tested bacteria. The phytochemical investigation of APL led to the isolation of stigmasterol (1), β-amyrin (2), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosylstigmasterol (3), 3-O-methyl-D-chiro-inositol (4), epicatechin (5), quercetin-3-O-glucoside (6), 3-O-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (7), and 3-O-[β-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranosyl]-oleanolic acid (8). APL and APB had minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ≤ 1024 μg/mL on 73.3% and 46.7% of the tested bacteria, respectively. APLb and APLd were effective against 88.9% of tested bacterial species with compound 8 showing the highest activity inhibiting 88.9% of tested bacteria. The EPI, phenylalanine-arginine-β-naphthylamide (PAßN), strongly improved the activity of APL, APLb, APLd, and compound 8 on all tested bacteria. Synergistic effects were obtained when APL and compounds 7 and 8 were combined with erythromycin (ERY), gentamycin (GEN), ciprofloxacin (CIP), and norfloxacin (NOR). The present study demonstrates the antibacterial potential of Acacia polyacantha and its constituents to combat bacterial infections alone or in combination with EPI.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mark A. T. Blaskovich ◽  
Alysha G. Elliott ◽  
Angela M. Kavanagh ◽  
Soumya Ramu ◽  
Matthew A. Cooper

Abstract Acne is a common skin affliction that involves excess sebum production and modified lipid composition, duct blockage, colonization by bacteria, and inflammation. Acne drugs target one or more of these steps, with antibiotics commonly used to treat the microbial infection for moderate to severe cases. Whilst a number of other acne therapies are purported to possess antimicrobial activity, this has been poorly documented in many cases. We conducted a comparative analysis of the activity of common topical acne drugs against the principal etiological agent associated with acne: the aerotolerant anaerobic Gram-positive organism Propionibacterium acnes (recently renamed as Cutibacterium acnes). We also assessed their impact on other bacteria that could also be affected by topical treatments, including both antibiotic-sensitive and antibiotic-resistant strains, using broth microdilution assay conditions. Drugs designated specifically as antibiotics had the greatest potency, but lost activity against resistant strains. The non-antibiotic acne agents did possess widespread antimicrobial activity, including against resistant strains, but at substantially higher concentrations. Hence, the antimicrobial activity of non-antibiotic acne agents may provide protection against a background of increased drug-resistant bacteria.


2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hala A. Farrag ◽  
Nagwa Abdallah ◽  
Mona M. K. Shehata ◽  
Ebthag M. Awad

Abstract Background This study sought to develop new strategies for reverting the resistance of pathogenic Gram-negative bacilli by a combination of conventional antibiotics, potent permeabilizers and natural beta lactamase inhibitors enhancing the activity of various antibiotics. Methods The antibiotic susceptibility in the presence of natural non-antibacterial tested concentrations of phytochemicals (permeabilizers and natural beta lactamase inhibitors) was performed by disk diffusion and susceptibility assays. Thymol and gallic acid were the most potent permeabilizers and facilitated the passage of the antibiotics through the outer membrane, as evidenced by their ability to cause LPS release, sensitize bacteria to SDS and Triton X-100. Results The combination of permeabilizers and natural beta lactamase inhibitors (quercetin and epigallocatechin gallate) with antibiotics induced greater susceptibility of resistant isolates compared to antibiotic treatment with beta lactamase inhibitors alone. Pronounced effects were detected with 24.4 Gy in vitro gamma irradiation on permeability barrier, beta lactamase activity, and outer membrane protein profiles of the tested isolates. Conclusions The synergistic effects of the studied natural phytochemicals and antibiotics leads to new clinical choices via outer membrane destabilization (permeabilizers) and/or inactivation of the beta lactamase enzyme, which enables the use of older, more cost-effective antibiotics against resistant strains.


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