Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Sara I. Faria, Luciana C. Gomes, Rita Teixeira-Santos, Joao Morais, Vitor Vasconcelos, Filipe J. M. Mergulhao
Summary: The study investigated the impact of using single strains versus mixed populations in in vitro tests for marine biofouling performance. It found that biofilms formed by a combination of Cyanobium and bacteria exhibited the worst-case scenario, indicating that evaluating the AF performance of new coatings under the most stringent conditions may lead to more robust results.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sergey Dobretsov, Hanaa Al-Shibli, Sajeewa S. N. Maharachchikumbura, Abdullah M. Al-Sadi
Summary: Marine fungi were found to be able to grow on antifouling paints, with isolates from the paints showing higher resistance to copper compared to those from unprotected substrates.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mengjing Fu, Yijing Liang, Xue Lv, Chengnan Li, Yi Yan Yang, Peiyan Yuan, Xin Ding
Summary: Bacterial infections associated with biomedical devices and implants pose a significant challenge to global healthcare systems, with bactericidal and antifouling hydrogel coatings emerging as promising strategies to prevent biofilm formation. Various chemical approaches have been developed for immobilizing hydrogels on surfaces, offering potential for both antimicrobial and antifouling activities in future clinical applications.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiaofan Zhai, Peng Ju, Fang Guan, Jizhou Duan, Nan Wang, Yimeng Zhang, Ke Li, Baorong Hou
Summary: Biofilm plays a crucial role in microbial corrosion and biofouling in marine environments. Inhibiting biofilm formation on construction surfaces is important, and BiVO4 is considered a promising material for biofilm inhibition. In this study, zinc matrixes were used as carriers for BiVO4 particles to immobilize them onto metal surfaces. The study showed significantly enhanced biofilm inhibition properties with over 95% decreased bacterial coverage, attributing to the presence of O·2- and (OH)· radicals responsible for high biocidal performance.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Rituparna Saha, Debalina Bhattacharya, Mainak Mukhopadhyay
Summary: Biofouling, the attachment of organisms and their by-products on surfaces, is a severe problem in marine industries. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), as a non-toxic biomaterial, show strong antimicrobial activity and resistance against biofilm formation, making them promising for inhibiting biofouling. This review discusses recent developments in utilizing AMPs as effective antifouling materials, including their properties, modification methods, and future prospects for integration into marine antifouling processes.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Xian Chao Xia, Xiang Kang Cao, Guang Yi Cai, Dan Jiang, Fei Zhang, Ze Hua Dong
Summary: A composite coating with oil-repellent and anticorrosion properties was synthesized using a Glue + Powder strategy. Immersion, electrochemical, and tribocorrosion tests demonstrated the coating's excellent durability, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Additionally, antifouling tests showed the coating's ability to reduce underwater adhesion and prevent biofilm formation.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES A-PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND ENGINEERING ASPECTS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jianang Sha, Xin Liu, Rongrong Chen, Jing Yu, Qi Liu, Jingyuan Liu, Jiahui Zhu, Peili Liu, Rumin Li, Jun Wang
Summary: Traditional self-polishing antifouling coatings release toxic substances, but introducing quaternary ammonium can enhance the effect of coatings. This study successfully introduced the quaternary ammonium component into a butyl ester-based resin, which increased the utilization rate of eugenol and adjusted the resin chain segment conformation on the coating surface, inhibiting primary fouling adhesion.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jiapeng Yang, Bin Xue, Yanyan Zhou, Meng Qin, Wei Wang, Yi Cao
Summary: The article introduces a paintable antifouling hydrogel coating which, through the introduction of an epoxy midcoat layer, provides strong noncovalent adhesion to various surfaces and covalent linkages to hydrogel layers to achieve outstanding antifouling properties against various contaminants. This hydrogel coating degrades slowly in sea water and facilitates the release of fouling biomolecules and organisms, making it a promising solution for marine antifouling and other relevant fields due to its convenient coating processes and high adhesion strength.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Emily Manderfeld, Mauricio N. Kleinberg, Chidambaram Thamaraiselvan, Florian Koschitzki, Patricia Gnutt, Nicolas Plumere, Christopher J. Arnusch, Axel Rosenhahn
Summary: Research has shown that laser-induced graphene can resist marine bacterial attachment and reduce their viability. Superhydrophobic LIG coatings can effectively prevent bacteria accumulation. Electrochemical measurements indicate that treated LIG can reduce bacteria accumulation, thereby combating marine fouling.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Walied M. Alarif, Yasser A. Shaban, Mohammed I. Orif, Mohamed A. Ghandourah, Adnan J. Turki, Hajer S. Alorfi, Hermine R. Z. Tadros
Summary: In this study, a novel eco-friendly approach was used to synthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles using marine natural extracts. These nanoparticles were incorporated as antifouling agents into newly fabricated marine paint formulations. The results showed that the paints prepared with red algae and marine sponge extracts demonstrated excellent antifouling performance, while heavy fouling was observed on the surface of the commercial paint. The marine extract based titanium dioxide nanoparticles with small crystallite sizes and carbon incorporation are promising candidates for eco-friendly antifouling agents.
Review
Polymer Science
Alessandro Pistone, Cristina Scolaro, Annamaria Visco
Summary: The accumulation of marine organisms on ship hulls poses a global problem for maritime industries, with the use of biocide-containing paints threatening marine ecosystems. The focus is shifting towards non-biocidal solutions in protective coatings, particularly in developing hydrophobic coatings based on siloxane and epoxy resin for anti-fouling applications, with an emphasis on environmentally friendly and cost-effective solutions.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jimin Choi, Sejin Lee, Kousaku Ohkawa, Dong Soo Hwang
Summary: Research has shown that reducing adhesive plaque size, adhesion force, and downregulating adhesive proteins on soft surfaces weakens mussel wet adhesion and sometimes prevents mussels from anchoring. Additionally, using soft substrates or antagonists of surface mechanosensing behavior significantly suppresses mussel fouling.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Maria. J. J. Romeu, Luciana. C. C. Gomes, Francisca Sousa-Cardoso, Joao Morais, Vitor Vasconcelos, Kathryn. A. A. Whitehead, Manuel F. R. Pereira, Olivia S. G. P. Soares, Filipe. J. J. Mergulhao
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of graphene nanoplatelet-modified surfaces on cyanobacterial biofilm formation in a simulated marine environment. The results showed that the graphene nanoplatelet composite reduced biofilm formation and coverage, and delayed biofilm development.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Limei Tian, Yue Yin, Wei Bing, E. Jin
Summary: Marine fouling is a global problem, traditional toxic antifouling strategies pose environmental risks, while green eco-friendly antifouling technologies are gaining attention, mainly divided into non-bionic and bionic strategies. Non-bionic technologies include protein resistant polymers, antifoulant releasing coatings, foul release coatings, conductive antifouling coatings and photodynamic antifouling technology.
JOURNAL OF BIONIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Dazhuang Wang, Ruotong Liu, Xiaohui Liu, Guangwen Hu, Zhineng Fu, Miao Dong, Liju Liu, Xinrui Lin, Ping Zhang, Junhua Chen, Jianxin Yang, Xinghua Xue
Summary: This study synthesized a series of acrylic polymers by grafting heterocyclic monomers onto the side chains, and demonstrated their exceptional antibacterial, anti-algae, and antifouling performance.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Mariana C. Almeida, Paulo M. da Costa, Emilia Sousa, Diana I. S. P. Resende
Summary: With the increasing drug resistance, it is crucial to develop effective antimicrobial therapies. One promising approach is the conjugation of antibiotics with relevant molecules to enhance their activity through target-directed delivery. By hijacking microorganisms' iron transport systems, siderophore-antibiotic Trojan horses can carry antibiotics into cells. This Perspective examines the potential of these Trojan horses for infection treatment and the role of siderophores in diagnostic techniques. It also discusses other conjugated compounds, such as those involving vitamin B12, carbohydrates, amino acids, protein degradation, and beta-lactamase activated prodrugs.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Ines Pascoa, Rita Biltes, Joao Sousa, Marco Aurelio Correia Preto, Vitor Vasconcelos, Luis Filipe Castro, Raquel Ruivo, Isabel Cunha
Summary: Cyanobacteria produce secondary metabolites that can act as ligands for PPARs, making them a potential source of bioactive compounds. A cell-based PPAR transactivation activity biosensor was upgraded and used in a screening campaign for drug discovery.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Jesus, Sandra Mota, Ana Torres, Maria T. Cruz, Emilia Sousa, Isabel F. Almeida, Honorina Cidade
Summary: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS). To prevent oxidative damage and reduce skin photoaging, cosmetic industries incorporate antioxidants into sunscreen formulations. While many antioxidants are derived from terrestrial plants, marine organisms are increasingly explored as a source of potent antioxidants. This study analyzes the frequency of antioxidant use in commercial sunscreens, finding that vitamin E and its derivatives are the most common antioxidants used. The effectiveness of these antioxidants is critically evaluated to provide an up-to-date overview for better understanding their advantages in photoprotective formulations.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mariana C. Almeida, Nikoletta Szemeredi, Fernando Duraes, Solida Long, Diana I. S. P. Resende, Paulo Martins da Costa, Madalena Pinto, Gabriella Spengler, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Drug resistance is becoming a major global health threat, with overexpression of efflux pumps and formation of biofilms being common mechanisms. Therefore, it is crucial to develop antimicrobial agents that can counteract resistance. Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones have recently been discovered to have relevant antimicrobial properties.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Catia A. Bonito, Ricardo J. Ferreira, Maria-Jose. U. Ferreira, Fernando Duraes, Emilia Sousa, Jean-Pierre Gillet, M. Natalia D. S. Cordeiro, Daniel J. V. A. dos Santos
Summary: A medicinal chemistry study combined in silico and in vitro methodologies to identify and characterize putative allosteric drug-binding sites (aDBSs) at the interface of the transmembrane-and nucleotide-binding domains (TMD-NBD) of P-glycoprotein. Two aDBSs were identified using in silico fragment-based molecular dynamics and were characterized in terms of size, polarity, and lining residues. Several compounds from a small library of thioxanthone and flavanone derivatives were found to decrease verapamil-stimulated ATPase activity, indicating allosteric efflux modulation in P-glycoprotein. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations provided insights into the binding mode of flavanone derivatives as allosteric inhibitors.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ana Torres, Liliana Rego, Marcia S. Martins, Marta S. Ferreira, Maria T. Cruz, Emilia Sousa, Isabel F. Almeida
Summary: Skin repair includes epidermal barrier repair and wound healing, involving multiple cellular and molecular stages. To characterize the usage frequency of skin repair ingredients in Portugal's pharmacies and parapharmacies, a comprehensive analysis of the products' composition was conducted. The top three most used cosmetic ingredients were metal salts and oxides, vitamin E and its derivatives, and Centella asiatica extract and actives. Metal salts and oxides were also the most used in medicines, followed by vitamin B5 and derivatives, and vitamin A and derivatives. Silicones and derivatives were the most common skin repair ingredients in medical devices, followed by petrolatum and derivatives, and alginate.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sofia N. Sarabando, Andreia Palmeira, Maria Emilia Sousa, Maria Amparo F. Faustino, Carlos J. P. Monteiro
Summary: Photopharmacology is a promising alternative to traditional chemotherapy. This article discusses various photoswitches and photocleavage compounds, as well as their biological applications. It also mentions PROTACs containing azobenzene moieties and photocaged PROTACs. Porphyrins are highlighted as successful photoactive compounds in clinical contexts, such as photodynamic therapy and antimicrobial resistance prevention. The combination of photoswitches and photocleavage systems in porphyrins demonstrates the potential of photopharmacology and photodynamic action. Furthermore, porphyrins with antibacterial activity are described, utilizing the synergistic effect of photodynamic treatment and antibiotic therapy to combat bacterial resistance.
Article
Biology
Martha Martinez-Garcia, Gloria Garduno-Solorzano, Graciliana Lopes, Begona Astrain Sanchez, Ralph Urbatzka, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Jorge E. Campos, Vitor Manuel Oliveira Vasconcelos
Summary: Using molecular markers, we confirmed the taxonomic status of Bacopa monnieri from Mexico and analyzed its chemical content and potential bioactivity. The results show that B. monnieri has great potential as a natural source of compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity properties. This plant's raw material can be effectively used as a nutritional and medicinal supplement.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisca Carvalhal, Ana Cristina Magalhaes, Rita Rebelo, Andreia Palmeira, Diana I. S. P. Resende, Fernando Duraes, Miguel Maia, Cristina P. R. Xavier, Luisa Pereira, Emilia Sousa, Marta Correia-da-Silva, M. Helena Vasconcelos
Summary: This study focuses on the interaction between the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and the ACE2 receptor. Through virtual screening and in vitro assays, five synthetic compounds were identified as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 infection, with xanthene 1 being the most promising. It exhibited antiviral activity without cytotoxicity to human lung cells.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vitoria Ramos, Mariana Reis, Leonor Ferreira, Ana Margarida Silva, Ricardo Ferraz, Monica Vieira, Vitor Vasconcelos, Rosario Martins
Summary: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive and irreversible neuronal loss, and there are currently no available cures. Cyanobacterial compounds have anti-neurodegenerative properties and can be valuable in the field of treatment.
Article
Microbiology
Lamia Benredjem, Joao Morais, Guilherme Scotta Hentschke, Akila Abdi, Hajira Berredjem, Vitor Vasconcelos
Summary: This study isolated and identified cyanobacteria strains from the Cheffia Reservoir, revealing the importance of morphological features and the 16S rRNA gene in species determination. The research also discovered potentially toxic genotypes within this ecosystem, highlighting the need for adapted water treatment methods to prevent toxin release from picocyanobacteria.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Maria Joao Romeu, Joao Morais, Vitor Vasconcelos, Filipe Mergulhao
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of hydrogen peroxide on cyanobacterial biofilms and found that these biofilms were tolerant to hydrogen peroxide treatment, which may even lead to an increase in biomass.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Lia Costa, Emilia Sousa, Carla Fernandes
Summary: Cyclic peptides are already used as drugs in various therapies and have attracted increasing interest due to their improved properties and advancements in synthesis methods. 53 cyclic peptides have been approved by regulatory authorities, with many more in clinical trials. This review presents the potential of cyclic peptides, discusses their synthesis and development, and provides an overview of approved and clinical trial cyclic peptides.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Ana Rita Neves, Joana Freitas-Silva, Fernando Duraes, Elisabete R. Silva, Ines C. Rodrigues, Filipe Mergulhao, Marisa Gomes, Rita Teixeira-Santos, Maria Bernardes Andre, Renata Silva, Fernando Remiao, Eugenia Pinto, Paulo Martins da Costa, Emilia Sousa, Marta Correia da Silva
Summary: Currently, the search for new antimicrobial compounds is driven by the threat of multidrug-resistant infections. Cationic peptide antibiotics (CPAs) and ceragenins (CSAs) have the ability to permeate bacterial and fungal membranes. DOCA-NH2, an amine steroid, was found to be active against both reference strains and multidrug-resistant isolates of various bacteria. It not only had bactericidal and fungicidal activity, but also inhibited biofilm formation.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Catia Vilas-Boas, Elisabete R. Silva, Diana Resende, Beatriz Pereira, Goncalo Sousa, Madalena Pinto, Joana R. Almeida, Marta Correia-da-Silva, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Marine biofouling pollution has negative impacts on ecosystems and the global economy. However, traditional antifouling marine coatings release toxic biocides that accumulate in sediments and aquatic organisms. This study evaluated the environmental fate and efficacy of xanthones 1 and 2, which can inhibit mussel settlement without acting as biocides. The results showed that xanthone 2 had a shorter half-life and suitable leaching behavior compared to xanthone 1. Additionally, the xanthone-based coatings successfully reduced the attachment of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)