Review
Microbiology
Mi Nguyen-Tra Le, Miki Kawada-Matsuo, Hitoshi Komatsuzawa
Summary: Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are potential therapeutic drugs against multidrug-resistant bacteria due to their high efficacy and the poor ability of microorganisms to develop resistance to them.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Amr M. Shehabeldine, Salem S. Salem, Omar M. Ali, Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Fathy M. Elkady, Amr H. Hashem
Summary: This study successfully prepared chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles with antibacterial, antibiofilm, antifungal, antioxidant, and wound healing activities, which were confirmed through various tests and analyses.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Gemma C. Porter, Donald R. Schwass, Geoffrey R. Tompkins, Sharan K. R. Bobbala, Natalie J. Medlicott, Carla J. Meledandri
Summary: The synthesis and incorporation of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into an alginate hydrogel showed improved properties and antibacterial effects, with controlled release of silver ions for specific microorganisms and biofilms.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ayesha Firdose, Nur Hazlin Hazrin Chong, Ramliza Ramli, Wan Syaidatul Aqma
Summary: The antimicrobial, antiadhesive, and antibiofilm activities of a rhamnolipid extracted from Pseudomonas aeruginosa UKMP14T, previously isolated from oil-contaminated soil in Malaysia, against ESKAPE bacteria were investigated. The rhamnolipid showed zones of inhibition and significant killing and hindrance in attachment against the tested bacteria. It also exhibited antibiofilm capability. This study highlights the potential of using the rhamnolipid as a commercial source for novel antibiotics.
LETTERS IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sara Silva, Eduardo M. Costa, Manuela Machado, Rui Morais, Conceicao Calhau, Manuela Pintado
Summary: This study investigated the effects of malvidin-3-glucoside and its mixture with neochlorogenic acid on several Staphylococcus strains with varying resistance profiles. The results showed potential for these anthocyanins as alternative options to traditional antimicrobials in preventing adhesion and biofilm formation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Noura El-Ahmady El-Naggar, Marwa Eltarahony, Elsayed E. Hafez, Shimaa I. Bashir
Summary: Chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) have excellent physicochemical, antimicrobial, and biological characteristics, making them ideal for a wide range of applications. In this study, CNPs were biofabricated using a biologically based method with an aqueous extract of Lavendula angustifolia leaves as a reducing agent. The CNPs were spherical in shape, ranging in size from 7.24 to 9.77 nm. They exhibited a positive surface charge and showed effective antibiofilm activity against P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, and C. albicans.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Somaye Rashki, Hossein Safardoust-Hojaghan, Hamed Mirzaei, Waleed K. Abdulsahib, Makarim A. Mahdi, Masoud Salavati-Niasari, Azad Khaledi, Ahmad Khorshidi, Seyyed Gholam Abbas Mousavi
Summary: This study focused on the fabrication of LL37-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CS/LL37-NPs) using an ionotropic gelation method. The results showed that CS/LL37-NPs exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity and prolonged half-life for LL37, as well as inhibitory effects on biofilm formation.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Daniel J. Caruso, Enzo A. Palombo, Simon E. Moulton, Peter J. Duggan, Bita Zaferanloo
Summary: This study found that endophytic fungi from Australian plants have the potential to produce substances that can effectively combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and disrupt biofilm formation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Nowacka, Anna Rygala, Dorota Kregiel, Anna Kowalewska
Summary: Intrinsic hydrophobicity facilitates efficient bacterial settlement and biofilm growth on silicone materials, potentially contributing to pathogen transmission. Development of novel antimicrobial hydrophobic silicones through a new anti-biofilm strategy showed broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties against various bacteria, fungi, and algae, with particularly effective antibiofilm activity demonstrated for certain bacterial strains like Aeromonas hydrophila.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Aaron P. Decker, Yajuan Su, Biswajit Mishra, Atul Verma, Tamara Lushnikova, Jingwei Xie, Guangshun Wang
Summary: This study investigates the effects of peptide stability on antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity and finds that peptide antimicrobial activity is critical for in vivo efficacy. Using a nanofiber/microneedle delivery device can protect peptides from degradation and provide a new approach for direct use of natural peptides or their cocktails for antimicrobial treatment.
MOLECULAR PHARMACEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Oswaldo Pablo Martinez-Rodriguez, Rodolfo Garcia-Contreras, Rodrigo Aguayo-Ortiz, Mario Figueroa
Summary: The study found that fungal natural products isolated from Mexican biodiversity have the potential to inhibit biofilm formation in MRSA, reducing the virulence and pathogenesis of MRSA infections.
Article
Microbiology
Wael El-Deeb, Rory Cave, Mahmoud Fayez, Naser Alhumam, Sayed Quadri, Hermine V. Mkrtchyan
Summary: Our study identified the possible cross-transmission of methicillin resistant staphylococci between goats and their local environments and between goats and humans. The increasing resistance to multiple antibiotics is impacting livestock farming, public health, and the economy globally. Implementing a holistic approach to whole genome sequencing surveillance in livestock and farm environments is crucial for understanding the transmission of methicillin resistant staphylococci and implementing appropriate infection control measures.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Abiodun Ogunsile, Nuttapon Songnaka, Somchai Sawatdee, Monthon Lertcanawanichakul, Sucheewin Krobthong, Yodying Yingchutrakul, Jumpei Uchiyama, Apichart Atipairin
Summary: Five novel anti-MRSA peptides were identified from Brevibacillus sp. STR19, with P2 showing the highest antimicrobial activity and causing membrane disruption. P2 exhibited activity against biofilm formation and eradication of tested pathogens, and showed no toxicity to human erythrocytes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Asif Ullah Khan, Tahir Hussain, Mubarak Ali Abdullah, Mubarak Ali M. Khan, Mervt S. Almostafa, Nancy Younis, Galal Yahya
Summary: The design of this study was inspired by the importance of nanomaterials in biomedicine. A green-chemistry strategy was employed to synthesize calcium oxide nanoparticles (CaONPs) using an extract of Ficus carica as a capping and reducing agent. The diverse antibacterial properties of nanoparticles suggest their potential as alternatives to antimicrobial drugs. The phyto-mediated synthesis of CaONPs using Ficus carica extract showed high yield, stability, non-toxicity, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness. The CaONPs exhibited strong antibacterial activity and inhibition of biofilm formation, indicating their therapeutic potential in future medications.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Lutfur Rahman, Yasra Sarwar, Shazia Khaliq, Wasim Inayatullah, Wasim Abbas, Ameena Mobeen, Ata Ullah, Syed Zajif Hussain, Waheed S. Khan, Maria-Eleni Kyriazi, Irshad Hussain, Antonios G. Kanaras, Asma Rehman
Summary: In this study, surfactin-coated silver nanoparticles were synthesized and applied for the first time as an efficient antibacterial and antibiofilm agent against drug-resistant bacteria. The nanoparticles showed excellent bactericidal and antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, without causing significant dermal irritation or inflammation in vivo. Microscopic analysis also revealed no pathological alterations at the applied concentrations, supporting the potential use of these nanoparticles in combating drug-resistant bacterial biofilms and for skin wound dressings.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Luis M. G. Castro, Elisabete M. C. Alexandre, Jorge A. Saraiva, Manuela Pintado
Summary: Starch modification involves using physical techniques to change the properties of starch, such as decreasing crystallinity and gelatinization temperature, and altering the structure. These modifications can affect starch digestibility.
FOOD REVIEWS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mariana Luz-Veiga, Manuela Amorim, Ines Pinto-Ribeiro, Ana L. S. Oliveira, Sara Silva, Ligia L. Pimentel, Luis M. Rodriguez-Alcala, Raquel Madureira, Manuela Pintado, Joao Azevedo-Silva, Joao Fernandes
Summary: Cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) are phytocannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa L. They have antimicrobial activity against bacteria and biofilms, with CBG showing higher activity than CBD. These findings suggest that phytocannabinoids could be promising topical antimicrobial agents for treating various skin conditions. Further research is needed to understand their mechanisms of action and develop practical applications in dermatology.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria Joao Carvalho, Joana R. Costa, Silvia Santos Pedrosa, Manuela Pintado, Ana L. S. Oliveira, Ana Raquel Madureira
Summary: This study aimed to extract and purify phenolic compounds from sugarcane straw to enhance their potential biological capacity, particularly antioxidant capacity. The use of amberlite microporous resin XAD-2 allowed successful enrichment of polyphenols through adsorption and desorption mechanisms. LC-ESI-QqTOF-HRMS analysis identified 54 secondary metabolites, including hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and flavones, with chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and 3-O-feruloylquinic acid being the main compounds. Purified extract showed higher antioxidant capacity compared to non-purified extract, indicating its promising potential for food and cosmetic applications.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Joana F. Fangueiro, Nelson Mota de Carvalho, Filipa Antunes, Ines F. Mota, Manuela Estevez Pintado, Ana Raquel Madureira, Patricia Santos Costa
Summary: Diet plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of livestock animals. The use of valuable feed additives from by-products can promote circular economy and functional diets. Lignin from sugarcane bagasse has been identified as a potential prebiotic additive for chicken feed, showing positive effects on pellet quality and microbial contamination. Particularly, lignin supplementation in mash feed has a higher prebiotic potential for promoting the growth of Bifidobacterium. This study suggests that lignin from sugarcane bagasse can be a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for chicken feed additives.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Francisca Casanova, Ricardo Freixo, Carla F. Pereira, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Eduardo M. Costa, Manuela E. Pintado, Oscar L. Ramos
Summary: This study compared traditional and green methods for cellulose extraction from sugarcane bagasse (SCB), with autohydrolysis being the most promising approach. Autohydrolysis yielded a solid fraction containing approximately 70% cellulose, with a crystallinity index of 60.4% and typical cellulose functional groups. This approach was shown to be environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable for the valorization of SCB.
Article
Polymer Science
Eduardo M. Costa, Sara Silva, Carla F. Pereira, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Francisca Casanova, Ricardo Freixo, Manuela Pintado, Oscar L. Ramos
Summary: Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is widely used in the industry. However, recent studies have raised concerns about its safety, as in vivo studies have shown evidence of gut dysbiosis associated with its presence. This study aimed to investigate whether CMC has a pro-inflammatory effect on GI tract epithelial cells. The results showed that CMC increased the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that it may have a pro-inflammatory effect in the intestinal lumen. Further studies are needed to fully understand the implications of CMC incorporation in foodstuffs.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuela Machado, Luis M. Rodriguez-Alcala, Ana Maria Gomes, Manuela Pintado
Summary: Bioactive lipids, such as medium-chain fatty acids, have important health benefits. This study aimed to enhance the quality and gastrointestinal resistance of vegetable oil-functionalized yogurts and investigate their potential health effects. Fortification with coconut and avocado vegetable oils improved the nutritional value of the yogurts, particularly those with vegetable oil bigels. Despite the poor stability and bioavailability of bioactive fatty acids, the fortified yogurts showed reduced lipid accumulation in cells and improved secretion of adiponectin, a hormone associated with metabolism regulation. They also demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects. These findings suggest that fortifying yogurt with vegetable oils could be a viable strategy for managing obesity.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sara Silva, Manuela Machado, Marta Coelho, Eduardo M. Costa, Manuela Pintado
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of phenolic rich extracts attained from acorns. The results showed that shell extracts exhibited bactericidal effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Listeria monocytogenes, as well as inhibiting biofilm formation via two S. aureus strains.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Manuela Machado, Sergio Cruz Sousa, Luis Miguel Rodriguez-Alcala, Manuela Pintado, Ana Maria Gomes
Summary: This study aimed to develop novel bigels to protect bioactive fatty acids in vegetable oils during digestion. The bigels, composed of monoglycerides-vegetable oil oleogel and carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogel, demonstrated solid-like behavior and effectively protected fatty acids against degradation. The proportions of oleogel played a crucial role in the viscosity of the final formulation. These results suggest that bigels can be used as an important strategy for delivering bioactive fatty acids in food applications.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Ricardo Freixo, Francisca Casanova, Alessandra B. Ribeiro, Carla F. Pereira, Eduardo M. Costa, Manuela E. Pintado, Oscar L. Ramos
Summary: Sugarcane bagasse, a major by-product of the industry, can be used to produce valuable cellulose-based materials. Pre-treatment processes, such as autohydrolysis and bleaching, were evaluated for their effectiveness in obtaining purified cellulose from sugarcane bagasse. Among the treatments, autohydrolysis at 170 degrees C for 1 hour followed by bleaching showed the best results in terms of cellulose purity, crystallinity, whiteness, and glucose production. This eco-friendly combination provides a promising alternative for valorizing sugarcane bagasse.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Francisca S. Teixeira, Paula T. Costa, Ana M. S. Soares, Ana Luiza Fontes, Manuela E. Pintado, Susana S. M. P. Vidigal, Ligia L. Pimentel, Luis M. Rodriguez-Alcala
Summary: This review discusses the mechanisms and effects of novel bioactive lipid molecules against obesity and mental or neurological disorders. The differences between experimental and computational models are compared, and the importance of considering a broad range of lipids as potential bioactives is highlighted.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Patricia Batista, Manuela Pintado, Patricia Oliveira-Silva
Summary: Mental disorders are increasing worldwide, leading to the development of multidisciplinary research groups that combine knowledge from different areas to promote prevention strategies. Excessive antipsychotic consumption is a public health problem, and innovative strategies are needed. Oral films, as a recent delivery system, offer advantages for mental health treatment and prevention, but regulatory guidelines are necessary to ensure their quality and safety. This review provides a critical overview of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the implementation of oral films in the treatment of mental disorders.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ines F. Mota, Filipa Antunes, Joana F. Fangueiro, Carina A. E. Costa, Alirio E. Rodrigues, Manuela E. Pintado, Patricia S. Costa
Summary: Lignin has been investigated as a potential ingredient for cosmetics due to its UV protection, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. This study presents a simple method to obtain light-colored lignin from sugarcane bagasse and demonstrates its excellent antioxidant and emulsifying capabilities. The safety and stability of lignin in an oil-in-water emulsion are also confirmed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria M. P. Melo, Raquel B. R. Mesquita, Ezequiel R. Coscueta, Manuela E. Pintado, Antonio O. S. S. Rangel
Summary: This work describes the development of a flow injection method for determining hydroxyproline and compares it with the conventional method. The results show that the developed method allows for faster, simpler, and more accurate analysis, with less toxic solutions. The reproducibility of the method was also evaluated and found to be satisfactory.
ANALYTICAL METHODS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadreza Kasravi, Alireza Yaghoobi, Tahereh Tayebi, Mahsa Hojabri, Abdolkarim Talebi Taheri, Fatemeh Shirzad, Bahram Jambar Nooshin, Radman Mazloomnejad, Armin Ahmadi, Fatemeh A. Tehrani, Ghasem Yazdanpanah, Mohammad Hadi Farjoo, Hassan Niknejad
Summary: As a promising approach in translational medicine, the decellularization of discarded livers to produce bioscaffolds that support recellularization has potential in overcoming the limitations of conventional liver transplantation. In this study, the researchers investigated the use of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibition to preserve the extracellular matrix (ECM) during liver decellularization. The results demonstrated that the application of an MMP inhibitor significantly improved the preservation of ECM components and mechanical properties of the bioscaffolds, which supported cell viability and function in vitro. The study also confirmed that the MMP inhibition led to the inhibition of MMP2 and MMP9, providing a novel method to enhance ECM preservation during liver decellularization.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Mohammadsadegh Nadimifar, Weiguang Jin, Clara Coll-Satue, Gizem Bor, Paul Joseph Kempen, Ali Akbar Moosavi-Movahedi, Leticia Hosta-Rigau
Summary: This study presents a metal-phenolic self-assembly approach that can prepare nanoparticles fully made of hemoglobin. The nanoparticles exhibit good oxygen binding and releasing capabilities.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jyoti Kumari, Roel Hammink, Jochem Baaij, Frank A. D. T. G. Wagener, Paul H. J. Kouwer
Summary: Fibrosis is the formation of fibrous connective tissue in response to injury, leading to organ dysfunction. A novel hybrid hydrogel combining synthetic polyisocyanide with hyaluronic acid has been developed, showing strong antifibrotic properties.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Letter
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Melissa Machado Rodrigues, Cristian Padilha Fontoura, Charlene Silvestrin Celi Garcia, Sandro Tomaz Martins, Joao Antonio Pegas Henriques, Carlos Alejandro Figueroa, Mariana Roesch Ely, Cesar Aguzzoli
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Jessica Polak, David Sachs, Nino Scherrer, Adrian Suess, Huan Liu, Mitchell Levesque, Sabine Werner, Edoardo Mazza, Gaetana Restivo, Mirko Meboldt, Costanza Giampietro
Summary: Human skin equivalents (HSEs) play a crucial role in tissue engineering. This study introduces a 3D-printed culture insert to apply a static radial constraint on HSEs and examines its effects on tissue characteristics. The results show that the diameter of the culture insert significantly influences tissue contraction, fibroblast and matrix organization, keratinocyte differentiation, epidermal stratification, and basement membrane formation. This study provides important insights for the design of skin tissue engineering.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
Review
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Shiliang Chen, Tianming Du, Hanbing Zhang, Jing Qi, Yanping Zhang, Yongliang Mu, Aike Qiao
Summary: This paper reviewed the primary methods for improving the overall properties of biodegradable zinc stents. It discussed the mechanical properties, degradation behavior, and biocompatibility of various improvement strategies. Alloying was found to be the most common, simple, and effective method for improving mechanical properties. Deformation processing and surface modification further improved the mechanical properties and biological activity of zinc alloys. Meanwhile, structural design could endow stents with special properties. Manufacturing zinc alloys with excellent properties and exploring their interaction mechanism with the human body are areas for future research.
BIOMATERIALS ADVANCES
(2024)
