Article
Food Science & Technology
Qian Li, Ying Zhao, Xiaoman Zhu, Yanli Xie
Summary: Paeonol, a natural compound, effectively inhibits the growth of Aspergillus flavus by damaging cell walls and compromising cell membrane integrity, altering the chemical composition of the cells. Additionally, paeonol reduces total lipid content, induces lipid peroxidation, changes glycerol content, and disrupts trehalose. Furthermore, it also decreases the pathogenicity of A. flavus in peanuts and corn kernels.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qian Li, Xiaoman Zhu, Yanli Xie, Yue Zhong
Summary: The study demonstrates that o-vanillin effectively inhibits the growth of Aspergillus flavus mycelia by disrupting the integrity of cell walls and cell membranes. Changes in ultrastructural morphology and content of specific components in cell walls play key roles in the inhibition mechanism.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Abeer S. Elsherbiny, Alyaa Galal, Khalid M. Ghoneem, Nehal A. Salahuddin
Summary: Novel bio-based nanocomposites were developed as carriers for loading and sustained-release of vanillin and cinnamaldehyde antioxidants. The composites showed good antifungal activity and potential for promoting seedling growth of tomato.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Fanyue Meng, Xing Liu, Cui Li, Xudong Peng, Qian Wang, Qiang Xu, Jialin Sui, Guiqiu Zhao, Jing Lin
Summary: This study investigates the adverse effects of hinokitiol on the disruption of the cell wall and cell membrane of Aspergillus fumigatus. Results show that hinokitiol negatively alters mycelium morphology, growth density, and cell plasma composition. It increases cell membrane permeability, disrupts the cell wall, and increases chitin degradation and chitinase activity. Hinokitiol is recommended as an effective anti-A. fumigatus agent.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ryland N. Spence, Walker Huso, Harley Edwards, Alexander Doan, Samantha Reese, Steven D. Harris, Ranjan Srivastava, Mark R. Marten
Summary: Septation in filamentous fungi, specifically the formation of cross-hyphal bulkheads, is critical for survival during cell wall stress. Deficiencies in septation make fungi more susceptible to cell wall-perturbing compounds, emphasizing the important role septa play in enabling resistance to these drugs.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Yangyang Xu, Jiuyi Wei, Yingying Wei, Peipei Han, Kun Dai, Xiurong Zou, Shu Jiang, Feng Xu, Hongfei Wang, Jincai Sun, Xingfeng Shao
Summary: This study revealed that tea tree oil showed the strongest antifungal activity against Monilinia fructicola, the most pathogenic fungal isolate in post-harvest peaches. It affects the composition of the fungal cell membrane, leading to changes in mycelial morphology, membrane permeability, and levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species. Tea tree oil may be a viable substitute for conventional fungicides in controlling peach rot.
POSTHARVEST BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Nivea Pereira de Sa, Kalani Jayanetti, Dominick Rendina, Timothy Clement, Veronica Soares Brauer, Caroline Mota Fernandes, Iwao Ojima, Michael V. Airola, Maurizio Del Poeta
Summary: Invasive fungal infections are a leading cause of death in immunocompromised patients. We studied the fungus-specific enzyme SglA as a therapeutic target and identified selective inhibitors that delay filamentation in the pathogenic fungus and increase survival in a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis.
Review
Microbiology
Dilan Andres Pimienta, Freiser Eceomo Cruz Mosquera, Isabella Palacios Velasco, Maria Giraldo Rodas, Jose Onate-Garzon, Yamil Liscano
Summary: The global prevalence of fungal infections, particularly aspergillosis which was previously limited to immunosuppressed individuals, is on the rise. Aspergillus fumigatus, resistant to antimycotics such as fluconazole, poses a public health threat by causing allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. Antifungal peptides, by forming pores in membranes through electrostatic interactions with phospholipids and inducing cell death as well as inhibiting protein synthesis and replication, offer a viable alternative. Engineering these peptides using nanotechnology can enhance efficacy, reduce dosages, and minimize immune responses.
Article
Microbiology
Hamid Badali, Connie Canete-Gibas, Dora McCarthy, Hoja Patterson, Carmita Sanders, Marjorie P. David, James Mele, Hongxin Fan, Nathan P. Wiederhold
Summary: Aspergillus fumigatus is the most prevalent species causing infections in the United States, and there is growing concern about resistance to azole drugs. This study evaluated the distribution and susceptibility profiles of isolates within Aspergillus section Fumigati, finding that most isolates were susceptible to antifungal drugs, but mutations associated with azole resistance were present in a significant proportion of resistant isolates.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
N. Van Rhijn, M. Bromley, M. Richardson, P. Bowyer
Summary: This study identified a novel CYP51 paralogue named CYP51D in azole-resistant fungi, and demonstrated the presence of this new gene in resistant species. Additionally, introduction of the CYP51A paralogue from azole-resistant fungi into azole-sensitive species resulted in the development of drug resistance.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Simon D. P. Baugh, Anna Chaly, Damian G. Weaver, Jeffrey C. Pelletier, Sandeep Thanna, Katie B. Freeman, Allen B. Reitz, Richard W. Scott
Summary: The research team has developed a series of non-peptide antifungal analogs through chemical optimization, resulting in highly potent, broad-spectrum compounds with low mammalian cell cytotoxicity. These compounds have the potential to become new antifungal agents.
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Connie F. Canete-Gibas, Hoja P. Patterson, Carmita J. Sanders, James Mele, Hongxin Fan, Marjorie David, Nathan P. Wiederhold
Summary: Aspergillus section Terrei consists of multiple cryptic species, including A. terreus sensu stricto, which pose a unique challenge in the treatment of invasive infections due to clinical resistance to amphotericin B. Limited data exists on the species distributions and susceptibility profiles of these isolates in the United States. This study reports the species distributions and susceptibility profiles of 278 clinical isolates collected over 52 months, with Posaconazole demonstrating the most potent activity among the azoles.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhi Li, Fangwang Shen, Lili Song, Shicui Zhang
Summary: NP20 is a novel antifungal peptide that has the ability to kill spores of Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus and directly damage their surface, membrane, cytoplasm, organelle, and nucleus. It is active under temperature stress and a wide range of pH. The mechanisms underlying NP20's antifungal activity include binding with and passing through the fungal cell wall, interfering with the lipid membrane, inducing intracellular ROS production, DNA fragmentation, and protein synthesis inhibition of the fungal cells.
MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lynn Miesel, Melanie T. Cushion, Alan Ashbaugh, Santiago R. Lopez, Voon Ong
Summary: Rezafungin, a novel echinocandin, has shown efficacy against Candida, Aspergillus, and Pneumocystis in prophylactic studies. By reducing fungal burden and preventing infection, it has the potential to be a single-agent prophylaxis against invasive fungal diseases caused by these pathogens.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sheng-Fa Li, Shuai-Bing Zhang, Yang-Yong Lv, Huan-Chen Zhai, Na Li, Yuan-Sen Hu, Jing-Ping Cai
Summary: This study demonstrated that hexanal inhibits the growth of Aspergillus flavus by affecting metabolite production and inducing cell membrane leakage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in A. flavus mycelia.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Zoran M. Markovic, Milica D. Budimir, Martin Danko, Dusan D. Milivojevic, Pavel Kubat, Danica Z. Zmejkoski, Vladimir B. Pavlovic, Marija M. Mojsin, Milena J. Stevanovic, Biljana M. Todorovic Markovic
Summary: In this study, carbon quantum dots were prepared from o-phenylenediamine dissolved in toluene by a solvothermal route, and then encapsulated into polyurethane films by a swelling-encapsulation-shrink method. The precursor was found to have a significant influence on the structural, chemical, and optical properties. Antibacterial and cytotoxicity tests showed low antibacterial potential and dark cytotoxicity, while cellular uptake experiments confirmed the potential use of these dots as bioimaging probes.
BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tamires Barlati Vieira da Silva, Maria Ines Dias, Carla Pereira, Filipa Mandim, Marija Ivanov, Marina Sokovic, Isabel C. F. R. Ferreira, Lillian Barros, Flavio Augusto Vicente Seixas, Adelar Bracht, Rosane Marina Peralta
Summary: Kenyan purple tea is a variety of green tea plant exclusive to Kenya, known for its purple color and high content of anthocyanin polyphenols. This study aimed to identify and quantify the major anthocyanin polyphenols in the purple tea leaves and test its ability to inhibit triglyceride absorption. The results showed that the purple tea extract had strong inhibitory effects on pancreatic lipase and triglyceride digestion, suggesting that regular consumption of Kenyan purple tea may be beneficial for obesity control.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexis Pereira, Mikel Anibarro-Ortega, Marina Kostic, Antonio Nogueira, Marina Sokovic, Jose Pinela, Lillian Barros
Summary: This study aimed to upcycle quince peel into bioactive extracts (BEs) and fiber concentrates (FCs) by optimizing the multicomponent extraction processes using response surface methodology (RSM). The BEs were analyzed for phenolic compounds, organic acids, and other constituents, while FCs were characterized for their color and dietary fiber content. The validated extraction conditions resulted in high yields of bioactive constituents and FCs, demonstrating in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial effects.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mihai Babota, Oleg Frumuzachi, Alexandru Nicolescu, Maria Ines Dias, Jose Pinela, Lillian Barros, Mikel Anibarro-Ortega, Dejan Stojkovic, Tamara Carevic, Andrei Mocan, Victor Lopez, Gianina Crisan
Summary: This study analyzed the phenolic composition, antioxidant, enzyme-inhibitory, and antimicrobial activity of hydroethanolic extracts from five Romanian wild thyme species. High rosmarinic acid contents were quantified in all species, and all species showed strong antioxidant potential and moderate anti-enzymatic effects.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lucas Vinicius Cavichi, Angela Liberal, Maria Ines Dias, Filipa Mandim, Jose Pinela, Marina Kostic, Marina Sokovic, Daneysa Lahis Kalschne, Angela Fernandes, Cristiane Canan, Lillian Barros, Joana S. S. Amaral
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increased interest in using plants as food and sources of bioactive compounds, specifically wild plants that have been traditionally used for various purposes in different cultures. The study focused on Commelina erecta, a wild edible plant that has limited research, aiming to enhance knowledge about its nutritional, chemical, and bioactive profile. The results showed that this plant species has a similar nutritional profile to other frequently consumed wild edible plants in Brazil. Additionally, it exhibited promising antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, supporting its traditional use as food and medicine and promoting food sovereignty and sustainability.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vakhtang Barbakadze, Maia Merlani, Lali Gogilashvili, Lela Amiranashvili, Anthi Petrou, Athina Geronikaki, Ana Ciric, Jasmina Glamoclija, Marina Sokovic
Summary: The antimicrobial activities of biopolymers extracted from six plants of Boraginaceae family were studied. Moderate antibacterial activities were observed, with only three plants showing activities against all tested bacteria. On the other hand, better antifungal activity was observed, with the biopolymers from Borago officinalis stems exhibiting the best activities.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Anthi Petrou, Athina Geronikaki, Victor Kartsev, Antonios Kousaxidis, Aliki Papadimitriou-Tsantarliotou, Marina Kostic, Marija Ivanov, Marina Sokovic, Ioannis Nicolaou, Ioannis S. Vizirianakis
Summary: In this study, the antimicrobial activity of seventeen new derivatives was evaluated. The compounds exhibited strong antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, surpassing the activity of ampicillin and streptomycin by 10-50 fold. The most sensitive bacterium was En. Cloacae, while E. coli and M. flavus were the most resistant ones. Compound 8 was found to be the most potent, and exhibited excellent antifungal activity. Docking studies revealed that the antibacterial activity was likely due to the inhibition of E. coli MurB, while the antifungal mechanism involved inhibition of 14a-lanosterol demethylase of CYP51Ca. Drug-likeness and ADMET profile prediction were also performed, and cytotoxicity studies against normal MRC5 cells were conducted for the most active compounds.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mihai Babota, Oleg Frumuzachi, Alexandru Nicolescu, Dejan Stojkovic, Marina Sokovic, Gabriele Rocchetti, Leilei Zhang, Luigi Lucini, Gianina Crisan, Andrei Mocan, Oliviu Vostinaru
Summary: This study evaluated the diuretic effect and antimicrobial properties of herbal preparations obtained from Thymus comosus. The results showed that all the extracts exhibited a mild diuretic action, with TCT and OpTC inducing the most intense diuretic effect. In terms of antimicrobial activity, certain bacterial and fungal strains showed sensitivity to the extracts. The composition analysis revealed that the extracts contained significant amounts of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and other phenolics.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Zoran M. Markovic, Aleksandra S. Misovic, Danica Z. Zmejkoski, Nemanja M. Zdravkovic, Janez Kovac, Danica V. Bajuk-Bogdanovic, Dusan D. Milivojevic, Marija M. Mojsin, Milena J. Stevanovic, Vladimir B. Pavlovic, Biljana M. Todorovic Markovic
Summary: Developing new medicines for infectious diseases is currently a major challenge. Carbon quantum dots, a new member of the carbon nanomaterials family, show potential as visible-light-triggered antibacterial agents. This study investigates the antibacterial and cytotoxic activities of gamma-ray-irradiated carbon quantum dots, finding that they have antibacterial activity and are non-toxic to human cells.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Dejan Stojkovic, Jovana Petrovic, Tamara Carevic, Marina Sokovic, Konstantinos Liaras
Summary: This narrative review provides an overview of the potential of novel synthetic and semisynthetic compounds as antibacterials that target virulence traits in antibiotic-resistant strains. The review focuses on recent research and discusses a range of compounds that show promise in combating antibiotic resistance by targeting bacterial virulence factors. The findings suggest that further research is needed to identify and optimize new compounds with the potential to combat antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Blessy Joseph, Amrit Jose John, Jasmina Glamoclija, Dejan Stojkovic, Marina Sokovic, Sasa Lazovic, Jayachandran Kochupurackal, Nandakumar Kalarikkal, Sabu Thomas
Summary: Electrospun fibers with large surface area are beneficial in tissue engineering due to their porous structure which promotes cell adhesion, proliferation, and migration. This study developed polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds incorporated with zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles using a simple approach. The scaffolds exhibited interconnected pore structure and the incorporation of nanoparticles was confirmed. Mechanical studies showed that 1 wt% Zirconium dioxide nanoparticles had the highest tensile strength. Furthermore, the scaffolds demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus lugdunensis but not against Proteus vulgaris. These ZrO2 loaded PCL scaffolds with desirable properties have potential applications in tissue engineering.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Jelena Bozunovic, Marija Ivanov, Jovana Petrovic, Uros Gasic, Dura Nakarada, Milica Milutinovic, Neda Anicic, Zlatko Giba, Danijela Misic, Dejan Stojkovic
Summary: This study found that ethanol-water-based extraction was the most efficient in isolating polyphenols, while less polar butanol extract contained the highest amount of iridoids. Antioxidant potential analysis revealed stronger activity in extracts with higher polyphenol content. The extracts from Centaurium spicatum showed antimicrobial and wound healing effects without cytotoxicity to human cells.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Barbara Menezes, Cristina Caleja, Ricardo C. Calhelha, Jose Pinela, Maria Ines Dias, Dejan Stojkovic, Marina Sokovic, Odinei Hess Goncalves, Fernanda Vitoria Leimann, Eliana Pereira, Lillian Barros
Summary: This study compared the extracts of dehydrated yerba mate and bio-waste of yerba mate leaves from the Brazilian industry. The incorporation of the functional extract as a preservative/functional ingredient in pancakes was tested. The results showed that the yerba mate extracts had strong antimicrobial potential, as well as promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, the extracts exhibited cytotoxic effects on tumor cell lines. The chemical and nutritional characteristics of the pancakes remained unchanged after 3 days of storage, confirming the preservative efficiency of the extract. This study highlights the benefits of utilizing bio-waste from the agro-industrial sector for sustainable production and circular economy development.
Article
Horticulture
Angela Fernandes, Nikolaos Polyzos, Filipa Mandim, Carla Pereira, Jovana Petrovic, Marina Sokovic, Spyridon A. Petropoulos
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different biostimulant formulations with various application regimes, combined with or without mineral fertilizers, on the yield parameters and fruit quality of watermelon plants. The results showed that the W5 treatment resulted in the highest yield due to increased fruit formation. Different treatments had varying effects on the content of fat, proteins, carbohydrates, sugars, and acids in the watermelon fruit.
Article
Plant Sciences
Aleksandra Petrovic, Visnja Madic, Gordana Stojanovic, Ivana Zlatanovic, Bojan Zlatkovic, Perica Vasiljevic, Ljubisa Dordevic
Summary: This study aimed to validate the ethnopharmacological value of a polyherbal mixture in treating diabetes by evaluating its phytochemical composition, potential in vivo toxicity, and effect on diabetes complications. The results showed that the polyherbal mixture had high antioxidant, cytoprotective, and antidiabetic activities.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2024)
