Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Edvin Blomstrand, Anand K. Rajasekharan, Saba Atefyekta, Martin Andersson
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential alternatives to traditional antibiotics, with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity and low probability of resistance. However, poor serum stability limits their clinical use. This study demonstrates a method to improve serum stability of AMPs by covalently bonding them to micro-sized particles of cross-linked lyotropic liquid crystals, while maintaining their antibacterial effect.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Alfred Ngenge Tamfu, Gokhan Kocak, Ozgur Ceylan, Funda Citak, Vural Butun, Huseyin Cicek
Summary: In this study, antimicrobial polymers with greater applications than traditional antibiotics were developed. The modified polymeric microparticles showed good antibiofilm activity and can be used to reduce the spread of microbial infections and resistance.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Cristian Piras, Pierluigi Aldo Di Ciccio, Alessio Soggiu, Viviana Greco, Bruno Tilocca, Nicola Costanzo, Carlotta Ceniti, Andrea Urbani, Luigi Bonizzi, Adriana Ianieri, Paola Roncada
Summary: Biofilm formation is a highly effective form of bacterial persistence in nutrient-rich surfaces or living organisms, primarily due to the high antimicrobial resistance of the shell conformation. The mechanisms of biofilm formation involve the control of catabolites, production of proteins with moonlighting activities, and detoxification of compounds with antimicrobial properties. Enhanced antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge in the future, requiring a multidisciplinary One Health approach to address its spread.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ran Tao, Yin Lu, Wubing Xia, Changwei Zhang, Chengzhang Wang
Summary: This study successfully prepared a ruthenium coordination polymer composite with chitosan quaternary ammonium polymers and shikimic acid. The composite showed good antibacterial properties, with a strong inhibitory effect against S. aureus and the ability to disrupt their biofilm formation. Further mechanism studies revealed that the composite influenced the cell membrane integrity and intracellular Ca2+ levels of S. aureus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Chang Xu, Pan Xu, Yang Gao, Feng Gao, Xijing Zhuang, Hao Zhang, Xufeng Dong
Summary: The development of ideal hemostatic materials is crucial for promoting wound healing and reducing patient pain. In this study, gelatin/tannic acid/Laponite (GTL) hydrogels with excellent mechanical and antimicrobial properties were prepared. The hierarchical cross-linking structure of Laponite and tannic acid endowed the hydrogel with satisfactory mechanical properties, while the introduction of Laponite effectively controlled the release of tannic acid, providing excellent biocompatibility. Moreover, the GTL hydrogel exhibited ideal antimicrobial effect and good inhibition against both E. coli and S. aureus, making it promising for use as a hemostatic antimicrobial dressing.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cheng Wang, Tingting Hong, Pengfei Cui, Jianhao Wang, Jiang Xia
Summary: This article reviews recent studies on the delivery and formulation of antimicrobial peptides, categorizing strategies driven by physical interactions or chemical conjugation reactions, and covering carriers from inorganic solid nanoparticles to organic micelles, liposomes, and hydrogels. Targeted delivery, responsive release, and strategies to increase oral bioavailability of antimicrobial peptides are discussed, highlighting the recent progress towards clinical application.
ADVANCED DRUG DELIVERY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Bing-Yi Hou, Be-Jen Wang, Yih-Ming Weng
Summary: To enhance mechanical properties and antimicrobial activity, novel active tilapia collagen (TC) films were prepared by using transglutaminase (TGase) as a cross-linking agent and lysozyme (LYS) as an antimicrobial agent. The addition of LYS increased the opacity of TC films, while maintaining their visual appearance. TGase cross-linking significantly improved the water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of TC films, but decreased their elongation at break. Moreover, LYS incorporation endowed TC films with antimicrobial activity against various bacteria.
Article
Immunology
Laia Fernandez-Barat, Nil Vazquez Burgos, Victoria Alcaraz, Leticia Bueno-Freire, Ruben Lopez-Aladid, Roberto Cabrera, Albert Gabarrus, Andrea Palomeque, Patricia Oscanoa, Adrian Ceccato, Ana Motos, Rosanel Amaro, Thierry Bernardi, Christian Provot, Alba Soler-Comas, Laura Munoz, Jordi Vila, Antoni Torres
Summary: The aim of this study was to validate and identify additional applications of the BioFilm Ring Test (BRT) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) isolates from patients with bronchiectasis (BE), and evaluate its relationship with antimicrobial stewardship. The results showed that a BPI value below 14.75 at 5 hours predicted the mucoid PA phenotype. In conclusion, the BRT has the potential to reveal biofilm features with clinical implications.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Elena Piacenza, Alessandro Presentato, Rosa Alduina, Antonino Scurria, Mario Pagliaro, Lorenzo Albanese, Francesco Meneguzzo, Rosaria Ciriminna, Delia F. Chillura Martino
Summary: Pectin recovered from lemon and grapefruit waste using hydrodynamic cavitation was used to produce eco-friendly films that inhibit the growth of Gram-negative pathogens. These films contain antimicrobial bioactive substances and can sustainably release them in an aqueous environment, effectively combating antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shreya Kanth, Yashoda Malgar Puttaiahgowda, Thivaharan Varadavenkatesan, Supriya Pandey
Summary: A water-soluble cross-linked polymer based on polyvinyl alcohol was synthesized via an economical and facile approach and characterized using various techniques. The antimicrobial properties of the polymer were studied and its potential applications in wound dressing and textiles were evaluated. The proposed strategy provides a low-cost and environmentally friendly method for creating a new cross-linked polymer with antimicrobial activity.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xingyue Yang, He Ren, Jiexin Li, Boyang Sun, Di Lu, Shuying Li, Yumiao Zhang
Summary: A combined therapy using bactericidal nano-micelles Ce6-ZnFeO4@ABCsi-micelles was developed to address biofilm infections. The nano-micelles could penetrate the external barrier of the biofilm and disrupt its barrier through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the photosensitizer Ce6, facilitating the distribution of antibiotics and achieving a high clearance rate of bacteria. In a murine abscess model, the targeted driving effect of an external magnetic field, along with the chemotherapeutic and photodynamic effects, enabled the clearance of wound infection.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biology
Sabrina Sommatis, Maria Chiara Capillo, Elsa Liga, Cristina Maccario, Raffaele Rauso, Martha Herrera, Nicola Zerbinati, Roberto Mocchi
Summary: The study confirmed the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anti-inflammatory activities of a non-cross-linked HA formulation against common microorganisms on the scalp. The HA-based formulation showed potential effectiveness in a 3D reconstructed human epidermis model and can be considered for mesotherapy in the treatment of scalp disorders.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Qun Li, Jinbiao Liu, Yingying Xu, Huijie Liu, Jiao Zhang, Yanan Wang, Yue Sun, Mengzhen Zhao, Lan Liao, Xiaolei Wang
Summary: This study developed an injectable hydrogel membrane for the simultaneous removal of biofilm and tooth whitening through photodynamic therapy. The hydrogel could form a biofilm removal coating on the tooth surface and release reactive oxygen species under green light, resulting in non-destructive tooth whitening and biofilm eradication.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Georgia C. Lainioti, Anthi Tsapikouni, Denisa Druvari, Pavlos Avramidis, Ioannis Prevedouros, Alexios Glaropoulos, Joannis K. Kallitsis
Summary: The synthesis of environmentally friendly antimicrobial polymeric coatings, specifically for aquaculture, can inhibit the growth of bio-deposits and reduce cleaning costs while protecting marine wealth. The combination of two types of antimicrobial polymers provides effective materials with self-polishing capabilities, showing high antifouling activity in lab and scale-up conditions. The coated nets performed efficiently for 35 days in lab-scale and 66 days in scale-up conditions, demonstrating their effectiveness in preventing fouling compared to uncoated nets.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taj Muhammad, Adam A. A. Stromstedt, Sunithi Gunasekera, Ulf Goransson
Summary: By designing backbone-cyclized dimers cross-linked via a disulfide bond, the structural stability and biological activity of truncated antimicrobial peptide KR-12 derived from LL-37 were improved. One of the cross-linked dimers showed significantly increased antimicrobial activity against human pathogens and retained activity under physiologically relevant conditions. This study provides insight into the structure-activity relationship of KR-12 and demonstrates its potential as a potent antimicrobial peptide drug lead.
Article
Ophthalmology
Parthasarathi Kalaiselvan, Muhammad Yasir, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Mark D. P. Willcox, Shyam Tummanapalli
Summary: This study evaluated the persistence of disinfection of three different hand sanitizers. The results showed that hand sanitizers containing capric acid or alcohol had better microbial inhibitory effects, which could help reduce the spread of microbes.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTOMETRY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Rajesh Kuppusamy, Muhammad Yasir, Tsz Tin Yu, Florida Voli, Orazio Vittorio, Michael J. Miller, Peter Lewis, David StC Black, Mark Willcox, Naresh Kumar
Summary: There is an urgent need for new antimicrobial agents to address the global increase in antibiotic resistance. This study focused on producing short amphiphilic antibacterial and antibiofilm agents by modifying the hydrophobic and cationic groups of anthranilamide peptidomimetics. The addition of a lysine cationic group at the tail position significantly enhanced activity against E. coli and reduced cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. These compounds demonstrated notable disruption of preformed biofilms of S. aureus at micromolar concentrations.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Fanyi Li, Tao Huang, Paul Pasic, Christopher D. Easton, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Daniel E. Heath, Neil M. O'Brien-Simpson, Andrea J. O'Connor, Helmut Thissen
Summary: All indwelling and implantable medical devices are at risk of infection. Strategies that combine multiple layers of defense, such as a copolymer coating with antimicrobial selenium nanoparticles, show promise in providing effective protection against pathogen colonization and biofilm formation. The antimicrobial coating demonstrated low attachment of bacteria and additional bactericidal functionality against commonly found pathogens. It also exhibited effective inhibition of bacterial growth in areas where the coating had been removed. The research shows the feasibility of modulating the release of selenium nanoparticles from the coating and confirms their superior biocompatibility compared to silver nanoparticles.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katrina Browne, Rajesh Kuppusamy, William R. Walsh, David StC Black, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar, Renxun Chen
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a global challenge, and combination therapies using antibiotics and antimicrobial peptidomimetics can mitigate the development of resistance in bacteria. This strategy demonstrates synergistic activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and has significant potential in clinical applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Anuja Dahal, Kamal Shrestha, Rashmi Karki, Saraswati Bhattarai, Shiva Aryal, Satish Kumar Deo, Balmukunda Regmi, Mark Willcox, Shyam Kumar Mishra
Summary: This study analyzed the antibiotic sensitivity and biofilm-forming ability of urinary tract infection strains from renal disease patients. The results showed that the most common uropathogens in renal disease patients were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterococcus spp. Some antibiotics such as amikacin, meropenem, and cefoperazone-sulbactam were effective against Gram-negative bacteria, while doxycycline, nitrofurantoin, and tetracycline were effective against Gram-positive bacteria. Additionally, most strains were capable of forming biofilms, and 70.8% were multidrug-resistant. Therefore, aminoglycoside, carbapenem, beta-lactam combination agents, and nitrofuran group of antibiotics may be the optimal first-line empirical therapies for uropathogens in hospitalized renal disease patients. Regular surveillance of resistance patterns and the study of biofilm formation in uropathogens are important for effective management of the patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PHARMACY AND THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sudip Chakraborty, Georgio Katsifis, Iman Roohani, Cyrille Boyer, David McKenzie, Mark D. P. Willcox, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar
Summary: This study demonstrates the efficacy of an antibacterial polymer as a coating material for hydroxyapatite and glass surfaces, which are widely used in orthopedics and biomedical sciences. Both physical and covalent attachment modes of the polymer to the material surfaces were explored. The modified surfaces showed significant antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacterium E. coli, and the activity persisted for a prolonged period on the covalently modified materials' surfaces.
Article
Crystallography
Christopher E. Marjo, Anne M. Rich, Mohan M. Bhadbhade, Saroj Bhattacharyya, Songyan Yin, David M. Miskovic, Vina R. Aldilla, Naresh Kumar
Summary: This study investigates a layered crystal system with hydrogen-bonded chloro-s-triazine rings functionalised with alkyl or fluoroalkyl chains. The results show that the crystal undergoes a thermally-induced phase transition when substituted with N-propyl chains, but the phase transition is successfully suppressed when replaced with fluorinated N-propyl chains. The study also suggests that short-chain fluoroalkanes can exert strong control over the assembly and stability of an organic crystal.
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
Infectious Diseases
Sahil Shandil, Tsz Tin Yu, Shekh Sabir, David StC. Black, Naresh Kumar
Summary: As bacteria develop resistance against antimicrobials, alternative methods to tackle this issue must be developed. In this study, quinazolinone inhibitors were designed using molecular docking to target the pqs system in P. aeruginosa. Compound 6b showed the highest pqs inhibitory activity and no bacterial growth inhibition.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Shakeel Shahzad, Mark D. P. Willcox, Binod Rayamajhee
Summary: The global rise in antibiotic resistance in bacteria has become a major challenge in treating infectious diseases. This literature review aims to decipher the evolving mechanisms of resistance to polymyxins among clinically significant pathogens. Understanding these mechanisms may help develop suitable methods for detecting polymyxin resistance determinants and the development of novel antimicrobial molecules.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Umme Laila Urmi, Samuel Attard, Ajay Kumar Vijay, Mark D. P. Willcox, Naresh Kumar, Salequl Islam, Rajesh Kuppusamy
Summary: The development of potent antiviral agents is crucial for combating viral infections worldwide. In this study, the antiviral potential of 17 peptidomimetic compounds was evaluated against MHV-1 and HSV-1. Compounds 11 and 14 showed the most potent inhibitory effects, and they were found to directly influence the viral envelope. These findings suggest that peptidomimetic compounds could offer a new approach for the development of potent antiviral agents.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zeyu Shao, Karen Hakobyan, Jiangtao Xu, Renxun Chen, Naresh Kumar, Mark Willcox, Edgar H. H. Wong
Summary: This study reports the development of a smart antimicrobial polymer that can be activated under UV light to exhibit antimicrobial activity. The polymer showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria, as well as the ability to disrupt bacterial membranes and kill biofilms. Furthermore, the polymer effectively killed cancer cells, demonstrating its potential in cancer therapy.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2023)