Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David Rios, Jaime A. Valderrama, Gonzalo Quiroga, Jonathan Michea, Felipe Salas, Eduardo Alvarez Duarte, Edmundo A. Venegas-Casanova, Rafael Jara-Aguilar, Carlos Navarro-Retamal, Pedro Buc Calderon, Julio Benites
Summary: The limited antifungal options and high toxicity of drugs contribute to the high rates of morbidity and mortality caused by fungal infections. This study evaluated the antifungal activity of two acylphenols series in vitro and found that some compounds showed comparable MIC values to standard antifungal treatments for certain Candida strains. One compound also exhibited moderate antioxidant activity.
Article
Dermatology
Michael A. Pfaller, Cecilia G. Carvalhaes, Mariana Castanheira
Summary: We tested the efficacy of different antifungal drugs against invasive moulds collected worldwide from 2018 to 2021. Most Aspergillus isolates remained susceptible to the tested drugs, but resistance to azoles was increasing in both North America and Europe, especially in A. fumigatus. Amphotericin B and caspofungin showed potential activity against azole-resistant A. fumigatus and posaconazole and amphotericin B were most effective against Mucorales.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Heitor B. S. Bento, Cristiano E. R. Reis, Pietro G. Cunha, Ana K. F. Carvalho, Heizir F. De Castro
Summary: This study evaluated a microbial-based biodiesel production process using ethanol as both extractor and acyl acceptor through simultaneous esterification and transesterification of lipid-rich fungal biomass. The molar ratio of ethanol to the oil and the concentration of a heterogeneous acid catalyst were found to significantly impact the reaction yield, with higher ratios and catalyst concentrations favoring higher ester content in the reaction system.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kaimin Cui, Yuqing Wen, Xiaoyu Han, Zhenbang Hao, Jihong Zhang, Jun Xie
Summary: Suitable incorporation of Zn2+ ions into CsPbBr3 quantum dots enhances luminescence efficiency and chemical stability, as well as modifies the emission bands. This study successfully introduced high content Zn2+ ions into CsPbBr3 quantum dots, resulting in a new intense blue emission and green emission, depending on the ZnBr2/PbBr2 precursor ratio. The analysis confirmed the formation of CsZnxPb1-xBr3 alloyed quantum dots with different Zn alloy compositions.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Viorica Maria Corbu, Irina Gheorghe, Ioana Cristina Marinas, Elisabeta Irina Geana, Maria Iasmina Moza, Ortansa Csutak, Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficiency of garlic extract against over 200 biodeteriogenic microbial strains isolated from cultural heritage objects and buildings, with a particular emphasis on fungal strains. The major compounds in garlic extract include thiosulfinate, flavonoids, and polyphenols, showing inhibitory effects on planktonic growth, biofilm formation, and microbial enzyme production. This eco-friendly solution has promising potential for the conservation of tangible cultural heritage, effectively combating biodeteriogenic microorganisms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Weisong Zhao, Hong Chi, Shiyun Zhang, Xue Zhang, Tianduo Li
Summary: In this study, a porous adsorbent containing cellulose nanocrystals, Ti3C2Tx MXene and polyvinyl alcohol was prepared by a simple and environmentally-friendly foaming method. The adsorbent showed high adsorption capacity for methylene blue, fitting well with Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The adsorption process was found to be spontaneous and endothermic, and the mechanism was attributed to electrostatic interaction.
Review
Microbiology
Maryam Roudbary, Roya Vahedi-Shahandashti, Andre Luis Souza dos Santos, Shahla Roudbar Mohammadi, Peyman Aslani, Cornelia Lass-Floerl, Celia F. Rodrigues
Summary: Biofilms are organized microbial communities attached to surfaces, contributing to resistance to antifungal therapies and suppression of the host immune system. While yeast biofilms are well-described, biofilm formation in clinically relevant filamentous fungi remains less understood.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
George Ashton, Fei Sang, Martin Blythe, Daniel Zadik, Nadine Holmes, Sunir Malla, Simone M. T. Camps, Victoria Wright, Willem J. G. E. Melchers, Paul S. Verweij
Summary: This study successfully identified the genetic basis of itraconazole resistance in A. fumigatus through mating experiments and bulk segregant analysis. Strategies such as successive backcrossing and increasing the number of progeny in pools were shown to enhance the efficiency and resolution of BSA.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhiwei Ying, Xinwei Chen, He Li, Xinqi Liu, Chi Zhang, Jian Zhang, Guofu Yi
Summary: In this study, porous biochar adsorbent was prepared from soybean dreg, showing high specific surface area and pore volume, and exhibiting good adsorption capacity for methylene blue. It has significant potential for future applications in dye wastewater treatment.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Michael A. Pfaller, Cecilia G. Carvalhaes, Shawn A. Messer, Paul R. Rhomberg, Mariana Castanheira
Summary: The study evaluated the activity of posaconazole against invasive moulds worldwide, showing similar effectiveness against common Aspergillus species but high resistance in Fusarium and Scedosporium. Posaconazole was found to be very effective against most Aspergillus species and could serve as a useful addition to antifungal agents.
DIAGNOSTIC MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Chananchida Khaokhajorn, Pongsaton Amornpitoksuk, Chamnan Randorn, Tanattha Rattana, Sumetha Suwanboon
Summary: An In2O3/ZnO nanocomposite was synthesized and applied in the photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The nanocomposite showed two phases, In2O3 and ZnO, and had an increased specific surface area with higher content of In2O3. The nanocomposite exhibited good photocatalytic activity in degrading cationic and anionic dyes under different pH conditions.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Roxana G. Vitale, Silvana L. Giudicessi, Stella M. Romero, Abdullah M. S. Al-Hatmi, Qirui Li, G. Sybren de Hoog
Summary: Fungal infections have been on the rise in recent years due to factors such as oncohaematological and transplant-related disorders, immunosuppressive therapy, and AIDS. Reports on less-known and difficult-to-treat fungal diseases have emerged, with many fungi being multi-resistant to antifungal drugs.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Francisco Patricio de Andrade Jr, Rawny Galdino Gouveia, Cassio Ilan Soares Medeiros, Braulio de Almeida Teixeira, Brenda Kercya da Silva Farias, Nayana da Rocha Oliveira, Daniele de Figueredo Silva, Edeltrudes de Oliveira Lima
Summary: The present study found that citronellal has antifungal activity against T. rubrum and its mechanism of action may involve interaction with crucial enzymes for fungal cell membrane.
NATURAL PRODUCT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jianchao Gong, Tingting Wang, Wei Zhang, Lin Han, Mingxiao Gao, Tianen Chen, Tao Shen, Yaxiong Ji
Summary: In this study, the effect of spacer structure on the adsorption capability of organo-vermiculites (organo-Vts) was explored. A series of aza-containing gemini surfactants were used to modify Na-vermiculite (Na-Vt). The results showed that organo-Vts with larger interlayer spacing, stronger binding strength, and higher modifier availability exhibited superior adsorption capacity for 2-naphthol (2-NP) and bromophenol blue (BPB). The adsorption processes were well fit by the PSO model and Freundlich isotherm. The study also revealed the adsorption mechanism, demonstrating the versatile applicability of aza-based organo-Vts and providing theoretical guidance for structural optimization and mechanistic exploration of organo-Vt adsorbents.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joanna Ivy Irorita Fugaban, Eun Sung Jung, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Wilhelm Heinrich Holzapfel
Summary: This study aimed to select and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) with potential antifungal activities. Key metabolites identified were beta-phenyllactic acid, alpha-hydroxyisobutyric acid, 1,3-butanediol, phenethylamine, and benzoic acid. It was found that pH neutralization significantly reduced antifungal activity, and the bioactive compounds were not stable under high temperatures and pressure.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
K. G. Akpomie, J. Conradie
Summary: This research evaluated the potential of Populus nigra leaf (PNL) waste as a low-cost sorbent for the decontamination of vegetable oil from water. PNL was characterized and its uptake of vegetable oil was studied. The results showed that PNL has a porous structure and can effectively adsorb vegetable oil from water. The study also explored the kinetics, isotherm modeling, and thermodynamic evaluation of the vegetable oil uptake on PNL.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
A. O. Adeola, K. O. Iwuozor, K. G. Akpomie, K. A. Adegoke, K. O. Oyedotun, J. O. Ighalo, J. F. Amaku, C. Olisah, J. Conradie
Summary: Anthropogenic activities release radioactive materials into the environment, posing serious health concerns. Limited research has been conducted on the occurrence, sources, distribution, and remedial solutions for radioactive contamination. Reports show higher concentrations of radionuclides in rivers and potable water than allowed levels, especially in parts of Europe and Asia. Adsorption is the common method for decontaminating polluted sites, but integrated approaches need to be investigated. Future research should focus on cost-effectiveness, waste minimization, sustainability, and rapid decontamination. Proper infrastructure is crucial for harnessing radioactive materials for nuclear power generation and preventing catastrophic disasters.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alhadji Malloum, Jeanet Conradie
Summary: In this work, the solvation of manganese(III) ion in water and in ammonia was studied using three levels of theory: MP2, MN15, and omega B97XD associated with the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set. The solvation process was examined in terms of locating the Jahn-Teller elongated and compressed configuration, calculating spin state energies, performing QTAIM analysis, and determining solvation free energies. The solvation enthalpy of the manganese(III) ion in water was found to be in good agreement with an experimental estimate.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Alhadji Malloum, Jeanet Conradie
Summary: In this study, we investigated the solvation of phenol in water using classical molecular dynamics and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis. The results showed that phenol-water clusters have similar structures to neutral water clusters and are stabilized by strong OH···O, weak CH···O hydrogen bonding, and OH···π bonding interactions. The hydration free energy and enthalpy of phenol were calculated using the located structures of phenol-water clusters and the cluster continuum solvation model. It was found that explicit solvation had negligible effects on the hydration properties of phenol, and the hydration free energy exhibited a linear dependence on temperature while the hydration enthalpy was temperature independent. The estimated hydration free energy slightly underestimated the experimental estimate previously reported.
MOLECULAR SIMULATION
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
Jeanet Conradie
Summary: This study discusses and compares the redox behavior of three different series of molecules. One series consists of 24 differently substituted benzophenones (BPs), while the other two series are 11 differently substituted hydroxybenzophenones (HBPs) and 9 differently substituted bis(2-hydroxybenzophenone)copper Cu (HBP)2, molecules. Theoretical density functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to complement and better understand the observed reduction process of the molecules, as observed experimentally by cyclic voltammetry. In conclusion, highly accurate linear relationships between experimentally measured reduction potentials and DFT calculated energies and potentials are presented and compared for each series.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Soumya Ghosh, Iryna Rusyn, Olena V. Dmytruk, Kostyantyn V. Dmytruk, Helen Onyeaka, Marieka Gryzenhout, Yusufjon Gafforov
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the latest research in bioremediation with filamentous fungi, with a focus on pharmaceutical compounds, heavy metal treatment, and oil hydrocarbons mycoremediation. It discusses the various cellular mechanisms and processes involved in bioremediation, including bio-adsorption, bio-surfactant production, and enzymatic processes. The review also presents the species diversity of filamentous fungi used in pollutant removal and the beneficial byproducts they produce, and mentions the challenges, future prospects, and innovative technologies for enhancing fungi's abilities in wastewater remediation.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Conrad Chibunna Achilonu, Gert Johannes Marais, Soumya Ghosh, Marieka Gryzenhout
Summary: The study aimed to identify the causative agents of Alternaria black spot and seedling wilt in South African pecan orchards. Molecular techniques were used to retrieve thirty Alternaria isolates from symptomatic and non-symptomatic pecan plant organs. The isolates were all members of Alternaria alternata sensu stricto and showed pathogenicity in detached nuts and leaves, confirming that A. alternata causes black spot disease and seedling wilt of pecans. This study provides one of the first documentations of Alternaria black spot disease in South African pecan trees.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Evangelia Athanasopoulos, Jeanet Conradie
Summary: Structure, reactivity, and redox properties of iron(II) compounds were studied using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The optimized geometries and electronic properties of the iron(II)-terpyridine and iron(II)-tris-azinyl derivatives were determined. The relationships between experimental and DFT calculated redox potentials were analyzed, showing high accuracy.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
David Izuchukwu Ugwu, Jeanet Conradie
Summary: This review focuses on the synthesis and applications of metal complexes containing bidentate ligands, which have shown various medicinal properties such as anticancer, antiproliferative, antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal activities. These metal complexes exhibit selective complexation with central metal atoms to inhibit the activities of metalloenzymes. They have also been identified as versatile catalysts in organic synthesis. Remarkably, some of these complexes have demonstrated better efficacy compared to existing commercial therapeutic agents.
INORGANICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Conrad Chibunna Achilonu, Marieka Gryzenhout, Gert Johannes Marais, M. Thabang Madisha, Soumya Ghosh
Summary: This study investigated the genetic variation of black spot disease in pecans caused by A. alternata in South Africa. The results showed low genetic diversity among A. alternata isolates and significant differences between populations. However, there was no apparent relationship between the isolates and their geographic locations or prevalence of distribution.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Elisa Tomat, Clayton J. Curtis, Andrei V. Astashkin, Jeanet Conradie, Abhik Ghosh
Summary: This study reports the synthesis of square planar platinum(ii) tripyrrindiones, in which the biopyrrin binds as a tridentate radical. The properties of these complexes, including redox potentials and intermolecular interactions, can be modulated through changes in the redox state of the biopyrrin ligand or the nature of the monodentate ligand. The formation of diamagnetic pi dimers at low temperatures and the stacking of tripyrrindiones in the solid state were observed.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lukasz Kielesinski, Francesco F. Summa, Jeanet Conradie, Hilah C. Honig, Ariel Friedman, Gugliemo Monaco, Lior Elbaz, Abhik Ghosh, Daniel T. Gryko
Summary: The new naphthocorrole ligands combine the cavity size of corroles and the dianionic character of porphyrins. They possess nonaromatic properties but exhibit optical spectra similar to porphyrins, and can be easily synthesized using a simple protocol.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abhik Ghosh, Jeanet Conradie
Summary: High-quality density functional theory calculations show that the ionization potentials (IPs) of neutral, low-valent carbon compounds, such as carbenes, ylides, and carbones, have a range of nearly 6 eV. Adiabatic IPs as low as 5.5 +/- 0.1 eV are predicted for carbodiphosphoranes (CDPs), which are lower than those of phosphorus and sulfur ylides. In contrast, N-heterocyclic carbenes have IPs around 8.0 eV, while simple singlet carbenes range from about 9.0 eV to over 11.0 eV.
ACS ORGANIC & INORGANIC AU
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tabouli Eric Da-yang, Alhadji Malloum, Jean Jules Fifen, Mama Nsangou, Jeanet Conradie
Summary: In this study, the potential energy of different glycine tautomers and their interaction with Cu2+ cations was investigated. The results showed that the solvation medium and the presence of Cu2+ cations influenced the stability of glycine tautomers.
JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR LIQUIDS
(2024)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Helen Onyeaka, Soumya Ghosh, KeChrist Obileke, Taghi Miri, Olumide A. Odeyemi, Ogueri Nwaiwu, Phemelo Tamasiga
Summary: This article discusses the issue of chemical contamination in food, highlighting its potential harm to human health and the importance of reducing it. The article suggests measures such as appropriate legislation, strong surveillance, and enforcement, as well as advocating for the production of food with minimal chemical contamination. Additionally, the article emphasizes the economic impact of diseases caused by toxic chemical exposure and the goals of global sustainability.