Review
Infectious Diseases
Firzan Nainu, Ayu Masyita, Muh. Akbar Bahar, Muhammad Raihan, Shajuthi Rahman Prova, Saikat Mitra, Talha Bin Emran, Jesus Simal-Gandara
Summary: Bee products have been traditionally used for treating various disorders, including cancer and microbial-related diseases. Compounds found in bee products show potential in anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, and antiparasitic activity, making them promising for cancer and infectious disease management.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Claudio Pettinari, Riccardo Pettinari, Corrado Di Nicola, Alessia Tombesi, Stefania Scuri, Fabio Marchetti
Summary: This article discusses the recent advances in antimicrobial MOFs, covering various aspects of their biomedical applications. It outlines the potential offered by MOFs and composite materials containing MOFs in the field of antimicrobial materials, along with describing the key parameters in the design and production of antimicrobial MOFs.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2021)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Felix Zulhendri, Kavita Chandrasekaran, Magdalena Kowacz, Munir Ravalia, Krishna Kripal, James Fearnley, Conrad O. Perera
Summary: Propolis is a complex phytocompound with antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic properties. It acts by disrupting the pathogens' ability to invade host cells and inhibiting their replication and metabolic processes. Additionally, propolis functions as an immunomodulator, upregulating innate immunity and maintaining cellular antioxidant status.
Review
Biology
Nelly Rivera-Yanez, C. Rebeca Rivera-Yanez, Glustein Pozo-Molina, Claudia F. Mendez-Catala, Julia Reyes-Reali, Maria I. Mendoza-Ramos, Adolfo R. Mendez-Cruz, Oscar Nieto-Yanez
Summary: Propolis, a beekeeping product with a complex chemical composition, has shown promising effects in treating infectious diseases. However, challenges remain in assessing its effects in clinical studies for safe and effective use.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mosad A. El-ghamry, Fatma M. Elzawawi, Ayman A. Abdel Aziz, Khadija M. Nassir, Samy M. Abu-El-Wafa
Summary: A new Schiff base ligand derived from antiviral valacyclovir and its metal complexes (Cr(III), Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II)) were synthesized. The type of bonding between the ligand and metal ions was clarified and the complexes showed high thermal stability and antimicrobial and antitumor activity.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meijie Xu, Ziwei Huang, Wangjie Zhu, Yuanyuan Liu, Xuelian Bai, Huawei Zhang
Summary: Fungal microbes, particularly Fusarium spp., have been identified as a prolific source of secondary metabolites (SMs) with diverse chemical structures and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. A thorough literature search and data analysis revealed the discovery of 185 antimicrobial natural products derived from Fusarium strains by the end of 2022. These substances exhibit various antimicrobial effects, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities. Furthermore, suggestions for future research on efficient discovery of novel bioactive SMs from Fusarium strains are proposed.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zihao Zhu, Shujuan Zhao, Changhong Wang
Summary: This paper reviews the antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic activities of Peganum harmala, aiming to contribute to research on medicinal applications of P. harmala and provide a reference in the field of antimicrobial while also providing a basis for the development of natural antimicrobial agents for the treatment of infectious diseases.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christina Kannigadu, David. D. N'Da
Summary: Curcumin, a natural compound, has been used in traditional Asian medicine for centuries and shows promising biological and pharmacological activities. Despite being investigated for its potential in treating various diseases, including infectious ones, curcumin is still in clinical trials. Recent research focuses on the discovery, synthesis, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological effects of curcumin and its derivatives as potential agents for infectious disease treatment.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Joao Franco Machado, Fernanda Marques, Teresa Pinheiro, Maria J. Villa J. de Brito, Gonzalo Scalese, Leticia Perez-Diaz, Lucia Otero, Joao P. M. Antonio, Dinorah Gambino, Tania S. Morais
Summary: Four new Cu(I) complexes were synthesized and characterized, and their anti-trypanosome and anticancer activities were evaluated. The complexes showed higher cytotoxicity against T. cruzi and chemoresistant prostate PC3 cells compared to benchmark drugs nifurtimox and cisplatin. They also exhibited high cellular internalization and activation of apoptosis in ovarian OVCAR3 cells. However, the production of reactive oxygen species was not significant.
Article
Polymer Science
Alba Cano-Vicent, Andrea Martinez-Agut, Alberto Tunon-Molina, Hamid Bakshi, Roser Sabater i Serra, Iman M. Alfagih, Murtaza M. Tambuwala, Angel Serrano-Aroca
Summary: Alginate crosslinked with calcium cations is a promising hydrogel for biomedical applications due to its non-toxicity, suitable mechanical properties, and insolubility in water. This study explored the biological properties of alginate films crosslinked with Ca2+ and Co2+ ions, including antiviral capacity, antibacterial properties, and anticancer activity. The results showed that the hydrogel exhibited biocompatibility in vivo and in vitro, as well as antibacterial and antiviral activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and a surrogate of SARSCoV-2. Additionally, the hydrogel showed anticancer properties against melanoma and colon cancer cells.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johana Zuniga-Miranda, Julio Guerra, Alexander Mueller, Arianna Mayorga-Ramos, Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco, Carlos Barba-Ostria, Jorge Heredia-Moya, Linda P. Guaman
Summary: The inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents has led to the rise of antimicrobial resistance, posing a global health threat. Nanotechnology provides a potential solution through the synthesis of nanoparticles with antimicrobial activity, such as iron oxide nanoparticles. This review highlights key findings in the green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using bacteria, fungi, plants, and organic waste, discusses challenges encountered in green synthesis with diverse organisms and materials, and explores the applications of these nanoparticles as promising antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antiviral agents.
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Nan Zhang, Xiang-rong Liu, Shun-sheng Zhao, Zai-wen Yang
Summary: A new pyrazole acylhydrazone (C11H11N5O, HL) and its four transition metal complexes [Co(HL)L]NO3(C1), [Ni(HL)L]NO3(C2), [Cu(HL)L]NO3(C3), [Zn(HL)L]NO3(C4) were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of these compounds were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The UV-vis absorption spectra showed that HL and C1-C4 could bind to CT-DNA by intercalations, while fluorescence spectroscopy indicated that they could bind to BSA through a static mechanism. The microcalorimetric studies indicated that the interactions of HL and C1-C4 with CT-DNA/BSA were exothermic and had spontaneous entropic reduction reactions. The molecular docking simulations further confirmed the binding modes and interactions of HL and C1-C4 with CT-DNA and BSA.
Review
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Federica De Castro, Erik De Luca, Michele Benedetti, Francesco Paolo Fanizzi
Summary: The emergence of new epidemic viruses has raised new questions about viral infection treatment. There are high expectations for answers and fast solutions from scientists. The potential of platinum compounds in viral diseases is an unexplored field that warrants further research.
COORDINATION CHEMISTRY REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Azizollah Beheshti, Maryam Bahrani-Pour, Maryam Kolahi, Ehsan Shakerzadeh, Hossein Motamedi, Peter Mayer
Summary: Two new mono- and dinuclear zinc (II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized with tetrahedral coordination structure. Both complexes exhibit antibacterial and anticancer properties, with complex 1 showing higher DNA cleavage activity.
APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Somali Mukherjee, Sili Hansda, Sudeshna Nandi, Tonmoy Chakraborty, Debabrata Samanta, Krishnendu Acharya, Debasis Das
Summary: A new end-off compartmental Mannich ligand HL1 was synthesized and found to form a Cu(II) complex with Cu(ClO4)2, while a new Cu(II) complex HLF was formed through chemical reactions. The two complexes exhibited different anticancer activities on lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549), with complex 1 showing stronger inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis in A549 cells.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Noluthando V. Gamede, Tsitsi A. Kapfunde, Edward Ocansey, Denis M. Ngumbu, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela
TRANSITION METAL CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Zelinda Engelbrecht, Kim Elli Roberts, Ayesha Hussan, Gershon Amenuvor, Marianne Jaqueline Cronje, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela, Lungile Sitole
BIOORGANIC & MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Edward Ocansey, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Paloma Santos de Campos, Luiza Deitos Menti, Luise Pazutti, Natalia Angela Bortoli, Leonildo Alves Ferreira, Juanita Lizele van Wyk, James Darkwa, Henri Stephan Schrekker, Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers
Summary: The study found that C(16)MImCl has a better inhibitory effect on proliferation and cell-cell adhesion of oral squamous cell carcinoma, showing stronger effects on more aggressive tumor cells but minimal effects on keratinocytes. Compared to cisplatin, C(16)MImCl has similar effects on inducing cell death.
JOURNAL OF ORAL PATHOLOGY & MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Edward Ocansey, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela
Summary: Bimetallic catalytic systems, particularly heterogeneous ones, have been found to be effective for CO2 hydrogenation due to synergistic effects. These systems can catalyze the reduction of CO2 to formate selectively. Ir-Sn catalysts can effectively hydrogenate CO2 directly or bicarbonate ions formed in solution during the catalytic cycle.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Raynold Techie-Menson, Charles K. Rono, Anita Etale, Gift Mehlana, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela
Summary: Monomers derived from renewable sources, such as bio-based furfural, glycerol and lactic acid, were used to prepare methacrylate monomers with high yield and purity via transesterification reactions. The resulting co-polymers had considerable molecular weights and thermal properties, with some crystalline regions identified. Reinforced with cellulose triacetate and polysulfone, the polymer composites showed hydrolytic degradation and were applied as coatings and water filtration membranes.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fiona M. Nermark, Mmilili M. Mapolelo, James Darkwa, Ola F. Wendt, Charlotta Turner
Summary: The optimal conditions for extracting sulfur from sub-bituminous coal involve using ethanol/water (90/10, v/v %) at 129 degrees C (105 bars) for 10 minutes. However, this method is not efficient in removing ash.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Oluwasegun E. Olaoye, Olayinka Oyetunji, Banothile C. E. Makhubela, Apollinaire Muyaneza, Gopendra Kumar, James Darkwa
Summary: The study prepared various complexes by reacting different pyrazole-based compounds with palladium and nickel compounds, which were then used as catalysts in the hydrogenation of sorbic acid. The active catalysts showed significant activities and selectivity in reducing sorbic acid, indicating a sequential hydrogenation process with preference for less hindered C=C bonds.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY-SUID-AFRIKAANSE TYDSKRIF VIR CHEMIE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Divambal Appavoo, Lara C. Spencer, Ilia A. Guzei, Carlos J. Gomez-Garcia, Juanita L. van Wyk, James Darkwa
Summary: In this study, four copper complexes were synthesized and characterized, showing the ability to catalyze the ring opening polymerization of ε-caprolactone and d,l-lactide to obtain polymers with low molecular weights and polydispersity indices. The end group analysis revealed the presence of benzoate, hydroxyl, methoxy, and cyclic end groups in the polymers.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Edward Ocansey, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Anelisa Matiwane, Collins Obuah, James Darkwa
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pamela N. Sekoto, Tseliso M. Magengenene, Leah C. Matsinha, Richard Tia, James Darkwa, Banothile C. E. Makhubela
NEW JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christian K. Adokoh, Frankline K. Keter, Henok H. Kinfe, Robert Tshikhudo, James Darkwa
RSC MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Piwai Tshuma, Banothile C. E. Makhubela, Lars Ohrstrom, Susan A. Bourne, Nabanita Chatterjee, Isaac N. Beas, James Darkwa, Gift Mehlana
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stephen O. Ojwach, James Darkwa
CATALYSIS SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2019)