Article
Electrochemistry
Kayode Olaifa, Jasmina Nikodinovic-Runic, Biljana Glisic, Francesco Boschetto, Elia Marin, Francesco Segreto, Enrico Marsili
Summary: Candida albicans is a common fungal pathogen, and analyzing biofilms and assessing antifungal therapy quickly is a critical challenge in clinical practice. This study demonstrates the use of electrochemical methods to evaluate the activity of antifungal compounds on C. albicans biofilms, indicating the suitability of electrochemical testing for assessing antifungal drugs.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Yu Wang, Zejun Pei, Zaixiang Lou, Hongxin Wang
Summary: The study demonstrated the inhibitory and eradicating effects of cordycepin on Candida albicans biofilms, reducing their metabolic activity and damaging the biofilm structure. Furthermore, cordycepin showed low acute toxicity in mice, suggesting its safety as a potential antifungal agent.
INFECTION AND DRUG RESISTANCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Virginia Barreto Lordello, Andreia Bagliotti Meneguin, Sarah Raquel de Annunzio, Maria Pia Taranto, Marlus Chorilli, Carla Raquel Fontana, Daniela Cardoso Umbelino Cavallini
Summary: The orodispersible film developed in this study successfully delivered probiotic Enterococcus faecium CRL 183 into the oral cavity, demonstrating good antifungal activity against Candida albicans and reducing biofilm formation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tara Pourseif, Robabehbeygom Ghafelehbashi, Mohammadreza Abdihaji, Niloufar Radan, Ehsan Kaffash, Maryam Heydari, Maryam Naseroleslami, Neda Mousavi-Niri, Iman Akbarzadeh, Qun Ren
Summary: This study aims to develop a niosomal platform for the delivery of TCH to treat bacterial infections in wounds. Chitosan was used to obtain controlled drug release and antibacterial activity. The optimized TCH-Nio showed a controlled release rate, and TCH-Nio@CS, with chitosan coating, exhibited 2-fold higher antibacterial activity compared to TCH-Nio. The formulated niosomes showed no in vitro toxicity towards human cells and down-regulated biofilm genes in tested bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Emerenziana Ottaviano, Giovanna Baron, Laura Fumagalli, Jessica Leite, Elisa Adele Colombo, Angelica Artasensi, Giancarlo Aldini, Elisa Borghi
Summary: The study demonstrated the efficacy of urinary cranberry metabolites VAL and 4-HBA in inhibiting Candida adhesion and biofilm formation in vitro. These metabolites interfered with yeast adhesion by modulating key gene expression, leading to a significant reduction in biofilm biomass and metabolic activity. The findings suggest that VAL and 4-HBA could be potential targets for drug development in preventing genitourinary Candida infections.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Hanne Haslene-Hox, Guro Kruge Naerdal, Yrr Morch, Gunhild Hageskal, Anne Tondervik, Anette Vikenes Turoy, Heidi Johnsen, Geir Klinkenberg, Havard Sletta
Summary: This study developed a high-throughput robotic microtiter plate-based screening assay that mimics the filamentous morphology of C. albicans. The assay demonstrated the effectiveness of nutritional drinks in promoting the growth of C. albicans and showed that amphotericin B had a reduced inhibitory effect in the presence of these drinks. This assay can facilitate efficient antifungal drug discovery and development.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Angela Maione, Marianna Imparato, Annalisa Buonanno, Federica Carraturo, Antonetta Schettino, Maria Teresa Schettino, Marilena Galdiero, Elisabetta de Alteriis, Marco Guida, Emilia Galdiero
Summary: Candida albicans is a common microorganism in the human microbiota that can cause vulvovaginal infections. The development of drug resistance in C. albicans isolates is a complication that requires new therapeutic strategies. The study found that phenyllactic acid (PLA) has strong antifungal and antivirulence activities against C. albicans, including reducing biofilm formation and affecting gene expression. PLA shows promise as a novel and safe antifungal agent for the treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Quan Lin, Yanxin Li, Maokun Sheng, Jiaman Xu, Xiaoyan Xu, Jintae Lee, Yulong Tan
Summary: In recent years, there has been an increasing trend in Candida contamination caused by Candida mastitis, which has a significant impact on the hygienic quality of raw milk and dairy products. The biofilm produced by Candida albicans plays a critical role in fungal infection by protecting the fungus from host defense and drug attacks. Therefore, finding effective means to reduce the biofilm and drug resistance of Candida albicans has become an urgent problem. This study investigated the anti-biofilm effect of berberine-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on Candida albicans and explored the antifungal mechanism of released berberine.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Fateme Abedini, Shahla Roudbar Mohammadi, Mostafa Dahmardehei, Marjan Ajami, Maryam Salimi, Halala Khalandi, Monireh Mohsenzadegan, Farhad Seif, Bahador Nikoueian Shirvan, Sanaz Yaalimadad, Maryam Roudbary, Celia F. Rodrigues
Summary: Beta-glucan ointment has efficacy in burn wound healing and has a significant impact on IL-4 levels.
Article
Microbiology
Eunsoo Do, Max Cravener, Manning Y. Huang, Gemma May, C. Joel McManus, Aaron P. Mitchell
Summary: In this study, natural variation in the fungal pathogen Candida albicans was investigated to understand the gene regulatory control of biofilm formation, an important aspect of its virulence. Collaboration between the transcription factors Efg1 and Wor1 was found to drive natural variation in biofilm formation and gene expression. These findings highlight the importance of studying natural isolates to uncover unexpected features of gene function.
Article
Biology
Lesia Guinn, Evan Lo, Gabor Balazsi
Summary: Microbial drug resistance is a global challenge, and current detection methods overlook the complexity of resistance mechanisms. Experimental and mathematical modeling can reveal the mechanisms of multicellular and molecular resistance, leading to more effective treatments for microbial infections and potentially even cancer.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Yasmine H. Tartor, Gamal A. Elmowalid, Mohamed N. Hassan, Asmaa Shaker, Dalia F. Ashour, Taisir Saber
Summary: This study investigated the inhibition of Candida albicans biofilms and the interactions between biofilms and phagocytes in the presence of essential oils, biological and chemical agents, or fluconazole. The results showed that cinnamon oil, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) were the most effective inhibitors of C. albicans biofilms, while fluconazole was ineffective. Additionally, it was found that phagocytes could rapidly engulf C. albicans cells in biofilms treated with cinnamon oil, Enterococcus faecalis cell-free supernatant (CFS), or SDS.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lana Glerieide Silva Garcia, Maria Gleiciane da Rocha, Laysa Rocha Lima, Arcelina Pacheco Cunha, Jonathas Sales de Oliveira, Ana Raquel Colares de Andrade, Nagila Maria Pontes Silva Ricardo, Waldemiro Aquino Pereira-Neto, Jose Julio Costa Sidrim, Marcos Fabio Gadelha Rocha, Rodrigo Silveira Vieira, Raimunda Samia Nogueira Brilhante
Summary: The study aimed to produce and characterize chitosan microparticles loaded with essential oils, evaluate their anti-Candida activity, and assess essential oil release profile. The results showed that these microparticles have promising antibiofilm activity against Candida.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Florian Weber, Louise Morais Dornelas-Figueira, Nora Hafiane, Daria Zaytseva-Zotova, Alejandro Barrantes, Fernanda Cristina Petersen, Hanna Tiainen
Summary: Oral biofilms can cause infections and diseases, and the role of fungi is often overlooked in research. Plant-derived polyphenolic coatings may be effective in resisting microbial growth and adhesion, but further research is needed.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Natalia Gomez-Casanova, Angela Martin-Serrano Ortiz, Irene Heredero-Bermejo, Javier Sanchez-Nieves, Jose Luis Copa-Patino, F. Javier de la Mata
Summary: The development of biofilms on different surfaces is a significant public health issue, and the resistance to antimicrobial drugs necessitates the search for compounds that can prevent cell adhesion and establishment of these complex communities. Zwitterionic modification of nanomaterials shows promise in preventing microbial adhesion and inhibiting biofilm formation in Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS AND BIOPHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Khaoula Mkadmini Hammi, Rym Essid, Nadine Khadraoui, Riadh Ksouri, Hatem Majdoub, Olfa Tabbene
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of different fractions obtained from edible Tunisian Ziziphus Lotus leaves of Tozeur region. The dichloromethane fraction showed the highest activity against S. aureus and Methicillin-resistant S. aureus strains, as well as antileishmanial activity against L. major and L. infantum. Major flavonoids catechin, rutin, and luteolin 7-O-glucoside were found in the dichloromethane fraction, which may explain its antibacterial and antileishmanial activities. The butanolic fraction exhibited moderate antifungal activity, possibly due to the presence of chlorogenic acid. Additionally, both dichloromethane and butanolic fraction showed good DPPH scavenging activity and Ferric reducing power, indicating their potential as antioxidant and antimicrobial agents.
ARCHIVES OF MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Loretta Ferrera, Floriana Cappiello, Maria Rosa Loffredo, Elena Puglisi, Bruno Casciaro, Bruno Botta, Luis J. Galietta, Mattia Mori, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: A study identified antimicrobial peptides (Esc peptides) with the ability to increase ion currents in CFTR and eradicate lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients, providing a new pharmacological approach for addressing CF lung disease.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Federica Sacco, Camilla Bitossi, Bruno Casciaro, Maria Rosa Loffredo, Guendalina Fabiano, Luisa Torrini, Flavia Raponi, Giammarco Raponi, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: Multidrug-resistant microbial infections and the scarcity of new antibiotics pose a serious threat to global health security. In this study, we found that a combination of a frog-skin antimicrobial peptide, Esc(1-21), and colistin exhibited synergistic effects against colistin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates, suggesting a potential clinical application of this combination therapy.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Bruno Casciaro, Francesca Ghirga, Floriana Cappiello, Valeria Vergine, Maria Rosa Loffredo, Silvia Cammarone, Elena Puglisi, Carola Tortora, Deborah Quaglio, Mattia Mori, Bruno Botta, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: In this study, a cheminformatics approach was used to cluster a library of natural products and their derivatives, leading to the identification of a novel antimicrobial compound, ferruginin A. The activity of ferruginin A against Gram-positive bacteria was found to be the most potent, and it showed better therapeutic index compared to two analogues.
Review
Microbiology
Arianna Pompilio, Marco Scocchi, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Samira Shirooie, Annalisa Serio, Ygor Ferreira Garcia da Costa, Maria Silvana Alves, Gokce Seker Karatoprak, Ipek Suntar, Haroon Khan, Giovanni Di Bonaventura
Summary: Most human infectious diseases are caused by microorganisms in biofilms, which have increased resistance to antibiotics and the immune system. Therefore, there is a need for new strategies to control biofilm-associated infections. Natural products with a wide range of chemical structures and biological activities have been explored as potential biofilm inhibitors. This review discusses the bioactive compounds isolated from various natural sources that have the potential to inhibit biofilm formation and disperse established biofilms. However, the exact mechanism of action of these compounds is often unclear.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Michela Terri, Nicoletta Mancianti, Flavia Trionfetti, Bruno Casciaro, Valeria de Turris, Giammarco Raponi, Giulio Bontempi, Claudia Montaldo, Alessandro Domenici, Paolo Mene, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Raffaele Strippoli
Summary: The study aimed to analyze the effects of blue LED on both bacteria and human keratinocytes. The results demonstrated that blue LED had cytotoxic activity against bacteria and induced complex responses in keratinocytes, including cell cycle arrest, chromatin damage, and epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Raffaella Scotti, Bruno Casciaro, Annarita Stringaro, Fabrizio Morgia, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Roberta Gabbianelli
Summary: New strategies are needed to fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria caused by the overuse of antibiotics. Antibiofilm peptides derived from amphibian skin, such as Esc(1-21) and Esc(1-18), have shown potential to treat infections by inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. These peptides also induce the expression of genes associated with biofilm regulation and stress response in E. coli O157:H7.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Elena Marcocci, Bianka Gabriela Jackowska, Carla Prezioso, Virginia Protto, Marta De Angelis, Francesco Saverio Di Leva, Bruno Casciaro, Alfonso Carotenuto, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Anna Teresa Palamara, Valeria Pietropaolo, Giovanna De Chiara, Lucia Nencioni
Summary: Natural occurring peptides like temporin G (TG) could be potential drugs to combat diseases caused by HSV-1 and JCPyV.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
J. Michael Conlon, Lauren Hunter, Samir Attoub, Bruno Casciaro, Milena Mechkarska, Yasser H. A. Abdel-Wahab
Summary: Ocellatin-3N is a peptide that inhibits the growth of various bacteria and pathogens, and has potential therapeutic effects. It also regulates insulin release and intracellular calcium ion concentration.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Rosa Loffredo, Lucia Nencioni, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Bruno Casciaro
Summary: The recent pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has highlighted the urgent need for new antiviral compounds. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), particularly those derived from amphibian skin, are a promising class of molecules due to their diverse mechanisms of action against viruses. This review describes the physicochemical characteristics of AMPs, their antiviral activities, and emphasizes their potential for developing new antiviral agents that can reduce the selection of resistant strains.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cassandra Troiano, Adele De Ninno, Bruno Casciaro, Francesco Riccitelli, Yoonkyung Park, Luca Businaro, Renato Massoud, Maria Luisa Mangoni, Paolo Bisegna, Lorenzo Stella, Federica Caselli
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising compounds to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, as they kill bacteria by permeabilizing their membrane and exhibit low propensity for inducing bacterial resistance. However, limited understanding of AMPs' interactions with bacteria and human cells hinders their clinical applications. This study proposes the use of microfluidic impedance cytometry to rapidly explore the action of AMPs on bacteria and host cells, providing single-cell resolution.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Floriana Cappiello, Sudhir Verma, Xiao Lin, Isabel Y. Moreno, Bruno Casciaro, Debarun Dutta, Alison M. McDermott, Mark Willcox, Vivien J. Coulson-Thomas, Maria Luisa Mangoni
Summary: The corneal epithelium is essential for both vision and immune defense. Corneal abrasion can lead to severe eye infections, but recent research has discovered peptides that not only treat keratitis but also promote corneal wound healing, which could have potential clinical applications.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sarra Kefi, Rym Essid, Adele Papetti, Ghassen Abid, Lamjed Bouslama, Ezzedine Aouani, Olfa Tabbene, Ferid Limam
Summary: This study focused on the antibacterial and antileishmanial potential of Micromeria nervosa extracts. The active compound, ursolic acid, exhibited strong inhibitory effects on the promastigote and amastigote forms of L. infantum and L. major without cytotoxicity. Its molecular mode of action seems to involve the expression of specific genes.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)