Platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes: synthesis, antimicrobial and antifungal activity

The study aims to synthesize and examine the biological activity of mono- and binuclear platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes containing terminal and bridging nitrite ligands against the test cultures of Bacillus subtilis B4647, Aspergillus brasiliensis (niger) F679, Pseudomonas aeruginosa B8243, and Escherichia coli. Through the interaction of mononuclear platinum (II) and palladium (II) complexes, dimeric complexes having nitrite ligands were synthesized. The composition and structure of these complexes were established using elemental analysis, conductometry, potentiometry, cryoscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and X-ray fluorescence analysis. A way to coordinate nitrite ligands with the central atom was established. Antimicrobial and antifungal properties were evaluated according to the capability of the synthesized complexes to inhibit the activity of bacteria and fungi via diffusion in agar and in vitro dilution. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations of the complexes suppressing the visible growth of microorganisms and fungi, as well as exhibiting their bactericidal effect, ranged from 62.5–125 μmol/dm3. The obtained results revealed a high activity of the palladium (II) binuclear complex of the non-electrolytic type and the platinum (II) binuclear complex of the cationic type. Unlike mononuclear complexes, palladium and platinum binuclear complexes demonstrate higher antibacterial activity. Antibacterial effectiveness exhibited by the palladium complex of the non-electrolytic type against bacteria Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli, as well as fungi Aspergillus niger, is more pronounced. The only exception is the antimicrobial activity of the palladium complex against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is comparable to that of the binuclear platinum complex of the cationic type. By changing the structure of the complex, the composition and charge of the inner sphere, the number of coordination centers, as well as the nature and denticity of ligands, it is possible to achieve a higher toxic effect of the complexes against bacteria and fungi.

Sterility Test of Syringes As A Pharmaceutical Preparation That Obtained From Pasar Pramuka

Syringes are one of the pharmaceutical preparations that are in high demand. In healthcare institutions, syringes are used to aid in patient care and examination. Pharmaceutical preparations, such as various syringes, are widely available in the Pasar Pramuka. Syringes must be free from microbes and used syringes should not be reused. Microbiological sterility tests can be performed on a syringe to determine whether it is sterile or not. The purpose of the study is to test the sterility of syringes obtained from the Pasar Pramuka. A random sample of a syringe is being used in the study as an experimental method. The syringes were isolated and incubated for 14 days in Fluid Thioglycollate Medium (FTM) and Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) at 30-35 oC and 20-25 oC, respectively, with frequent observations. If FTM and TSB media were turbid, then isolated into selective media based on their microbe as controls, namely Clostridium sporogenes ATCC 19404, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Escherichia coli ATCC 8739, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Salmonella typhi. The results showed that the B syringe was turbid on FTM media and did not contain pathogenic microbes after being identified on selective media, as in controls. The A and C syringes on TSB media were turbid, and after identification on selective media, Candida albicans and Aspergillus brasiliensis were found. In conclusion, the A, B, and C syringes are not steril.

Salix spp. Bark Hot Water Extracts Show Antiviral, Antibacterial, and Antioxidant Activities—The Bioactive Properties of 16 Clones

Earlier studies have shown that the bark of Salix L. species (Salicaceae family) is rich in extractives, such as diverse bioactive phenolic compounds. However, we lack knowledge on the bioactive properties of the bark of willow species and clones adapted to the harsh climate conditions of the cool temperate zone. Therefore, the present study aimed to obtain information on the functional profiles of northern willow clones for the use of value-added bioactive solutions. Of the 16 willow clones studied here, 12 were examples of widely distributed native Finnish willow species, including dark-leaved willow (S. myrsinifolia Salisb.) and tea-leaved willow (S. phylicifolia L.) (3 + 4 clones, respectively) and their natural and artificial hybrids (3 + 2 clones, respectively). The four remaining clones were commercial willow varieties from the Swedish willow breeding program. Hot water extraction of bark under mild conditions was carried out. Bioactivity assays were used to screen antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, yeasticidal, and antioxidant activities, as well as the total phenolic content of the extracts. Additionally, we introduce a fast and less labor-intensive steam-debarking method for Salix spp. feedstocks. Clonal variation was observed in the antioxidant properties of the bark extracts of the 16 Salix spp. clones. High antiviral activity against a non-enveloped enterovirus, coxsackievirus A9, was found, with no marked differences in efficacy between the native clones. All the clones also showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, whereas no antifungal (Aspergillus brasiliensis) or yeasticidal (Candida albicans) efficacy was detected. When grouping the clone extract results into Salix myrsinifolia, Salix phylicifolia, native hybrid, artificial hybrid, and commercial clones, there was a significant difference in the activities between S. phylicifolia clone extracts and commercial clone extracts in the favor of S. phylicifolia in the antibacterial and antioxidant tests. In some antioxidant tests, S. phylicifolia clone extracts were also significantly more active than artificial clone extracts. Additionally, S. myrsinifolia clone extracts showed significantly higher activities in some antioxidant tests than commercial clone extracts and artificial clone extracts. Nevertheless, the bark extracts of native Finnish willow clones showed high bioactivity. The obtained knowledge paves the way towards developing high value-added biochemicals and other functional solutions based on willow biorefinery approaches.

Killing efficacy of a new hypothermic corneal storage medium against the micro-organisms frequently found in human donor cornea intended for transplantation

ObjectiveTo study the in vitro killing efficacy of Kerasave (AL.CHI.MI.A Srl), a medium provided with amphotericin B tablet for hypothermic storage of human donor corneas, against relevant contaminants associated with postkeratoplasty infections.Methods and AnalysisThe antimicrobial activity of Kerasave was determined after 0, 3 and 14 days of incubation at 2°C–8°C, inoculating Kerasave and the control medium with 105–106 colony forming units (CFU) of Candida albicans (CA), Fusarium solani (FS), Aspergillus brasiliensis (AB), Staphylococcus aureus (SA), Enterococcus faecalis (EF), Bacillus subtilis spizizenii (BS), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Enterobacter cloacae (EC) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP). Log10 reductions at different time intervals were determined by assessing the number of viable CFU using the serial dilution plating technique.ResultsAfter 3 days, Kerasave induced the highest log10 decrease in the concentrations of KP, PA, CA and EC (5.37, 4.15, 2.97 and 2.67, respectively; all p<0.001). The log10 decreases of SA and EF were 2.27 and 2.11, respectively (all p<0.001). The lowest log10 decrease was observed in BS, AB and FS concentrations (0.25, 0.30 and 0.67, respectively; p<0.001 for BS and AB and p=0.004 for FS). After 14 days, the microbial count of CA, FS, SA, EF, PA and EC further decreased (p=0.006 for FS; p<0.001 for the others).ConclusionKerasave effectively reduced or kept unchanged the microbial concentration of almost all tested strains after 3 days. Thus, this novel medium represents a valuable tool to control the microbial contamination of human donor corneas during hypothermic storage for up to 14 days before transplantation.

Bioactive Collagen Hydrolysate-Chitosan/Essential Oil Electrospun Nanofibers Designed for Medical Wound Dressings

In this study, lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.) and dill (Anethum graveolens L.) essential oils (EOs) were encapsulated into collagen hydrolysates extracted from bovine tendons and rabbit skins, both mixed with chitosan (CS) by using the coaxial electrospinning technique for potential wound dressing applications. The morphology and chemical composition of the electrospun nanofibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). The antimicrobial activity of the dill EO and lemon EO, as well as the electrospun samples loaded with essential oils was determined by disk diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 29212, and Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 bacterial strains; Candida albicans ATCC 10231 and Candida glabrata ATCC 90028 yeast strains; and Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 9642 fungal strain. In vivo biocompatibility testing of the collagen hydrolysate-chitosan/essential oil electrospun nanofibers was based on the determination of the hematological, biochemical, and immunological profile and the evaluation of the influence produced on the oxidative stress in white Swiss mice. The synergetic effect of dill and lemon balm EOs can improve the antimicrobial activity of collagen hydrolysate-chitosan nanofibers against the most important bacterial strains. The in vivo test results suggested a good biocompatibility of electrospun samples based on collagen hydrolysate extracted from bovine tendons or rabbit skin mixed with chitosan and containing dill and/or lemon balm essential oils as encapsulated bioactive compounds.

Technological Aptitude and safety of Enterococus faecium Bioactive Strains Isolated from south Algerian Camel Milk

Twenty strains of Enterococcus faecium were isolated from raw camel milk (Camelus dromedarius) These bacteria are classified as lactic acid bacteria. After isolating Enterococci from milk of camel, we selected three strains and identificated by phenotypic characteristic and FTIR analysis. In vitro studies have shown that the strains of Enterococcus faecium selected have a remark-able probiotic characteristic, and they can survive at low pH (2 and 4). The strains were able to survive at pH 3 in the presence of 3mg/mL pepsin, and able to produce dextran, the strains have a proteolytic activity (degradation of milk casein). These conditions (temperature, pH, concentration of salt, etc.), are ideal for the growth and proliferation of enterococci. This study sought to identify the species and describe the antimicrobial resistance fea-tures of Enterococci isolated from camel milk. The antimicrobial activity was investigated by isolating strains from camel milk of south Algeria and testing them against certain microorganism strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Candida albicans, Aspergillus brasiliensis, and Alternaria. We concluded that these strains have a techno-logical efficiency and have potential for use as new probiotic starters.

Potential use of lemongrass essential oil as fungicide against Aspergillus brasiliensis and as post-harvest protectant of wheat

Fungi are among the main responsible for damage and loss in stored grains, its control has been done through synthetic substances, which are harmful to man and the environment. Brazil, one of the leading countries in agriculture, has optimal environmental conditions for the development of mycotoxigenic fungi. Most of the synthetic chemicals used as preservatives have often been realized to be toxic to humans and also cause adverse environmental effects. Thus, it is necessary to search for alternative methods of controlling. In this study the aimed was to evaluate the efficacy of lemongrass essential oil in the control of the Aspergillus brasiliensis. In vitro and serial microdilution tests were carried out at different concentrations of essential oil and citral, which corresponds to 72% of the total oil composition. Inhibition of fungal growth on contaminated wheat grain was evaluated. The in vitro test results showed that the essential oil has fungicidal potential at concentrations from 0.6 μL mL-1, the minimum inhibitory concentration was determined at 0.8 μL mL-1. The tests with citral showed fungal control at concentrations from 0.6 μL mL-1 onwards. For wheat grain, fungal growth inhibition was obtained at the concentration of 1.6 μL mL-1. The essential oil of Cymbopogon flexuosus showed fungicidal activity against the fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis.

Effect of Aspergillus and Bacillus Concentration on Cotton Growth Promotion

There are no studies in literature on the effect of inoculant concentrations on plant growth promotion. Therefore, in the present study, two experiments were carried out, one under pot conditions and the other in the field with cotton crop, in order to verify the effect of Aspergillus and Bacillus concentrations on the biometric and nutritional parameters of plant and soil, in addition to yield. The pot experiment evaluated the effect of different concentrations, ranging from 1 × 104 to 1 × 1010 colony-forming units per milliliter (CFU mL–1) of microorganisms Bacillus velezensis (Bv188), Bacillus subtilis (Bs248), B. subtilis (Bs290), Aspergillus brasiliensis (F111), Aspergillus sydowii (F112), and Aspergillus sp. versicolor section (F113) on parameters plant growth promotion and physicochemical and microbiological of characteristics soil. Results indicated that the different parameters analyzed are influenced by the isolate and microbial concentrations in a different way and allowed the selection of four microorganisms (Bs248, Bv188, F112, and F113) and two concentrations (1 × 104 and 1 × 1010 CFU mL–1), which were evaluated in the field to determine their effect on yield. The results show that, regardless of isolate, inoculant concentrations promoted the same fiber and seed cotton yield. These results suggest that lower inoculant concentrations may be able to increase cotton yield, eliminating the need to use concentrated inoculants with high production cost.

Efficient production of isomaltose and isomaltooligosaccharides from starch using 1,4-α-glucan 6-α-glucosyltransferase and isopullulanase

We attempted to develop an efficient method for producing isomaltose, a disaccharide consisting of an α-(1→6)-linkage, from starch by combining enzymes of known activity. We found that the combination of 1,4-α-glucan 6-α-glucosyltransferase from Bacillus globisporus N75 and isopullulanase from Aspergillus brasiliensis ATCC 9642 led to the efficient synthesis of isomaltose. Inclusion of isoamylase and cyclomaltodextrin glucanotransferase resulted in increased efficiency, with production yields exceeding 70%. Furthermore, we considered that isomaltooligosaccharides could be synthesized from starch by combining 1,4-α-glucan 6-α-glucosyltransferase from Paenibacillus sp. PP710 and isopullulanase. In reactions that additionally utilized isoamylase and α-amylase, the total concentration of product, which included a series of isomaltooligosaccharides from isomaltose to isomaltodecaose, was 131 mM, and the ratio of 6-linked glucopyranosyl bonds to all bonds was 91.7% at a substrate concentration of 10%. The development of these manufacturing methods will accelerate the industrial production of isomaltose and isomaltooligosaccharides.