Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Francesco Gabriele, Alice Vetrano, Laura Bruno, Cinzia Casieri, Raimondo Germani, Lorenza Rugnini, Nicoletta Spreti
Summary: By developing innovative methodologies using alginate hydrogels with titanium dioxide and sodium dichloroisocyanurate, the problem of biodeterioration on stone monuments has been effectively addressed with promising results in inhibiting cyanobacterial photosynthesis without side effects on the substrates tested.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Archaeology
Sergio E. Favero-Longo, Marisa Laurenzi Tabasso, Francesco Brigadeci, Maria-Concetta Capua, Alessandra Morelli, Paolo Pastorello, Mohammad Sohrabi, Alireaza Askari Chaverdi, Pierfrancesco Callieri
Summary: Plant essential oils have biocidal efficacy against lichen, though species-specific resistance may be encountered. The formulation of application protocols is crucial for ensuring the effectiveness of essential oil treatments, especially when targeting lichens in semi-arid areas and planning interventions during humid seasons.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2022)
Review
Polymer Science
Patricia Melchionna Albuquerque, Sidney Gomes Azevedo, Cleudiane Pereira de Andrade, Natalia Correa de Souza D'Ambros, Maria Tereza Martins Perez, Lizandro Manzato
Summary: Essential oils have diverse applications, but their instability and degradation due to external factors can be prevented through nanoencapsulation, which also enhances their bioavailability and efficiency.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alba Patrizia Santo, Beatrice Agostini, Oana Adriana Cuzman, Marco Michelozzi, Teresa Salvatici, Brunella Perito
Summary: In recent years, there has been a search for sustainable strategies to combat biodeterioration of stone cultural heritage. This study tested the application of oregano and thyme essential oils to control microbial growth on the external marble of Florence Cathedral. The essential oils were found to inhibit the microbial community at a low concentration and did not interfere with the physical properties of the marble. The treatments with oregano and thyme essential oils were effective against the microbial community, comparable to the commercial biocide.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dina M. R. Mateus, Eduardo Ferraz, Vera Perna, Pedro Sales, Virgilio Hipolito-Correia
Summary: Biodeterioration of monumental complexes is caused by microorganisms that attack the support materials. This study aims to assess new biocides from Mediterranean plants for the preservation of cultural heritage, contributing to the sustainable use of ecosystems and local communities. Essential oils from four plants showed biocidal activity and can be considered as alternatives to commercial biocides.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Anthoula A. Argyri, Agapi I. Doulgeraki, Eftychia G. Varla, Vasiliki C. Bikouli, Pantelis I. Natskoulis, Serkos A. Haroutounian, Georgios A. Moulas, Chrysoula C. Tassou, Nikos G. Chorianopoulos
Summary: The study found that essential oils extracted from Greek plants have antimicrobial activity against cave microorganisms, with oregano and savory oils proving most effective by inhibiting the growth of all tested bacteria and fungi. This demonstrates the potential commercial use of herbal biocides as alternatives to conventional biocides.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Roberta Ranaldi, Lorenza Rugnini, Francesco Gabriele, Nicoletta Spreti, Cinzia Casieri, Gabriele Di Marco, Angelo Gismondi, Laura Bruno
Summary: The development of phototrophic biofilms deteriorates stone cultural heritage, and essential oils have emerged as successful natural biocides. Thyme essential oil suspended in alginate hydrogel shows significant inhibitory effects on photosynthetic efficiency, with the main plant compound identified as thymol.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Parisa Bolouri, Robab Salami, Shaghayegh Kouhi, Masoumeh Kordi, Behnam Asgari Lajayer, Javad Hadian, Tess Astatkie
Summary: Essential oils and plant extracts are valuable sources of chemical compounds with applications in medicine, food, cosmetics, and agriculture. Extracting essential oils is an important step in their preparation, and modern methods are efficient in developing these compounds. The compounds extracted from plants have natural antimicrobial activity and are used in cosmetics and hygiene products. Additionally, they can be used as ingredients in plant antipathogens, biopesticides, and bioherbicides in the agricultural industry.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Francesco Gabriele, Roberta Ranaldi, Laura Bruno, Cinzia Casieri, Lorenza Rugnini, Nicoletta Spreti
Summary: A research field focused on developing innovative and sustainable methods to prevent the biodeterioration of stone monuments caused by microbial growth is discussed. It is important to consider the bioreceptivity of different substrates in addition to the efficacy of biocides. By studying five different lithotypes, researchers correlated the structural properties of stones with the photosynthetic yields of cyanobacterial biofilms, providing a method to estimate stone bioreceptivity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rubens Candido Zimmermann, Carolina Gracia Poitevin, Thaisa Siqueira da Luz, Edson Jose Mazarotto, Jason Lee Furuie, Carlos Eduardo Nogueira Martins, Wanderlei do Amaral, Roger Raupp Cipriano, Joatan Machado da Rosa, Ida Chapaval Pimentel, Maria A. C. Zawadneak
Summary: We evaluated the fungicidal activity of essential oils (EOs) from different plant species against mycotoxin-producing strains. The chemical composition of the EOs was analyzed, and multiple compounds were identified in each oil. Contact and volatilization bioassays showed that certain EOs had strong fungicidal effects. Minimum inhibitory concentration, medium inhibitory concentration, and sporulation were evaluated, and the combined use of EOs was also studied. The EOs interacted differently, either enhancing or inhibiting the antifungal effects depending on the specific strain. Cymbopogon nardus EO showed effective control against storage pathogens.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Archaeology
Annalaura Casanova Municchia, Maria Rosaria Fidanza, Giulia Caneva
Summary: This study compares and evaluates the interference of biocides on stone materials, considering different types of biocides, stones, and modes of application. It provides a guidance standard for the methods used, both in situ and in-laboratory analysis.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Julia Diaz-Alonso, Andrea Bernardos, Jose Luis Regidor-Ros, Ramon Martinez-Manez, Pilar Bosch-Roig
Summary: In this study, Tea tree and Thyme essential oils were diffused in unventilated lab and real Cultural Heritage spaces, with Tea tree oil showing the best results in reducing air bacterial and fungi contamination. The diffusion system's risks on CH artworks were studied, with Tea tree oil vaporization reducing air contamination by 77.3% for fungi and 95.0% for bacteria, without any negative impact on the environment.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Magdalena Kapustova, Giuseppe Granata, Edoardo Napoli, Andrea Puskarova, Maria Buckova, Domenico Pangallo, Corrada Geraci
Summary: Nanotechnology, specifically nanoencapsulation of plant essential oils with antifungal activity, shows promise in overcoming resistance in fungal species. The essential oil nanosystems exhibited lower MIC and MFC values compared to pure essential oils, indicating their potential as ecofriendly alternatives to synthetic products.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ludmila Motelica, Bogdan-Stefan Vasile, Anton Ficai, Adrian-Vasile Surdu, Denisa Ficai, Ovidiu-Cristian Oprea, Ecaterina Andronescu, Gabriel Mustatea, Elena Loredana Ungureanu, Alina Alexandra Dobre
Summary: The overuse of antibiotics leads to the development of drug resistance in microorganisms. Researchers are actively exploring new antimicrobials to overcome this problem. The combination of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and essential oils can produce a strong antimicrobial effect and may have potential applications in wound dressings or food packaging.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Betty A. Ogwaro, Elizabeth A. O'Gara, David J. Hill, Hazel Gibson
Summary: The combination of black pepper and cinnamon bark essential oils showed inhibitory effects on the growth of E. fergusonii during fermentation and storage in pasteurized full cream milk. The bacterium growth rate was lower in samples treated with the mixed essential oils, and it was undetectable after storage in samples treated with the oils.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Magdalena Kapustova, Andrea Puskarova, Maria Buckova, Giuseppe Granata, Edoardo Napoli, Adriana Annusova, Monika Mesarosova, Katarina Kozics, Domenico Pangallo, Corrada Geraci
Summary: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) nanocapsules loaded with thyme and oregano essential oils in reducing microbial and biofilm growth without cytotoxicity on human keratinocyte cells, as well as the absence of DNA damage induction.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Amel Boudjelal, Edoardo Napoli, Abderrahim Benkhaled, Louiza Benazi, Rahima Bey, Davide Gentile, Giuseppe Ruberto
Summary: Pistacia vera oleoresin, traditionally used for wound management, has been proven to have high effectiveness in wound healing based on in vivo experiments. Italian and Algerian oleoresins both showed significant wound contraction and were comparable to a reference drug. These results support its traditional use and provide scientific evidence for traditional healers.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Laura Siracusa, Edoardo Napoli, Giuseppe Ruberto
Summary: Inositols are natural compounds widely found in plants and animals. They play important roles as both cellular components and signaling molecules. The most important compound in this family is myo-inositol, which is derived from glucose, and other inositols are metabolically produced from this molecule. This review provides new insights into the occurrence and biological effectiveness of inositols and their derivatives in nature, with a particular focus on Mediterranean plants.
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Grazia Maria Letizia Consoli, Giuseppe Granata, Giovanna Ginestra, Andreana Marino, Giovanni Toscano, Antonia Nostro
Summary: The high incidence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm-associated infections necessitates the search for new antimicrobial drugs and strategies. This study found that a self-assembling amphiphilic choline-calix[4]arene derivative (Chol-Calix) exhibited inherent antibacterial effects against Gram negative bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant strains, and affected bacterial biofilm and motility. The activity is likely due to the amphipathicity and cationic surface of Chol-Calix nanoassembly.
ACS MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Giuseppe Granata, Carla Riccobene, Edoardo Napoli, Corrada Geraci
Summary: Plant essential oils have limited direct use in pharmaceutical applications due to their volatility, stability issues, and low toxicity. However, nanoencapsulation can overcome these limitations by improving bioaccessibility and bioavailability. In this study, nanocapsules containing Foeniculum vulgare Mill. essential oil were successfully prepared using a preformed polymer method. The nanocapsules exhibited good stability and high encapsulation efficiency, making them suitable for potential applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carmelo Drago, Raffaele Morrone, Nicola D'Antona, Giuseppe Ruberto, Edoardo Napoli
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate two different procedures for the conversion of lemon seed oil to a mixture of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) and glycerol derivatives for biofuel application. The first procedure involved irreversible transesterification using lipase B from Candida antarctica, while the second procedure utilized an acid-catalyzed transformation. Both procedures resulted in complete conversion of triglycerides to FAMEs and glycerol derivatives.
BIOFUELS BIOPRODUCTS & BIOREFINING-BIOFPR
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Giancarlo Fascella, Francesca D'Angiolillo, Michele Massimo Mammano, Giuseppe Granata, Edoardo Napoli
Summary: The petals of Rosa rugosa Thunb. are rich in bioactive compounds with high antioxidant properties and are widely used in the food and beverage industry. This study evaluated the morphological and phytochemical characteristics of different cultivars of R. rugosa petals and their impact on the quality of rose liqueur. The results showed that R. rugosa petals are suitable for use in the beverage industry due to their high antioxidant activity.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Edoardo Napoli, Giuseppe Ruberto, Alessandra Carrubba, Mauro Sarno, Claudia Muscara, Antonio Speciale, Mariateresa Cristani, Francesco Cimino, Antonella Saija
Summary: This study evaluated the phytochemical composition of wastewaters from hydrodistillation of five aromatic plants belonging to the Lamiaceae family and assessed their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The results showed that the wastewaters contained various phenolic compounds with good biological activities. This research contributes to the understanding of the polyphenolic composition of these wastewaters and their potential applications in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical fields.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Loredana Ferreri, Grazia M. L. Consoli, Gabriele Clarizia, Daniela C. Zampino, Antonia Nostro, Giuseppe Granata, Giovanna Ginestra, Maria L. Giuffrida, Stefania Zimbone, Paola Bernardo
Summary: Supramolecular chemistry is used to embed an amphiphilic choline-calix[4]arene with antibacterial properties in polymeric thin films. The developed films exhibit antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and also have increased crystallinity, wettability, and gas permeability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Hofbauerova, Magdalena Ruskova, Andrea Puskarova, Maria Buckova, Adriana Annusova, Eva Majkova, Peter Siffalovic, Giuseppe Granata, Edoardo Napoli, Corrada Geraci, Domenico Pangallo
Summary: The colonization of building materials by microorganisms is a major cause of degradation, posing health risks from fungal and bacterial products. The study evaluated the efficacy of oregano and thyme essential oils encapsulated in nanocapsules for protection and disinfection against various microorganisms. The results showed that these nanocapsules effectively disinfect and inhibit biofilm formation without causing visible color changes in the materials.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Grazia M. L. Consoli, Giuseppe Forte, Ludovica Maugeri, Valeria Consoli, Valeria Sorrenti, Luca Vanella, Gianpiero Buscarino, Simonpietro Agnello, Massimo Camarda, Giuseppe Granata, Loredana Ferreri, Salvatore Petralia
Summary: This study presents a novel method to prepare water-dispersible gold nanostructures with near-infrared localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties. These nanostructures were synthesized using NADH as a reducing agent and an amphiphilic choline-calix[4]arene derivative (CholCalix) forming micelles as a template. Characterization of the CholCalix-Au nanostructures was performed using UV-visible spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The agglomeration of the nanostructures due to multiple crosslinking interactions was observed and supported by modeling simulation. The CholCalix-AuNPs demonstrated effective anticancer photothermal-induced effect on human breast cancer cells irradiated with biofriendly light at 808 nm.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)