Immobilization of bacteria in microgel grafted onto macroporous polyethylene

The development of “Green Chemistry” requires new materials to replace the conventional organic chemistry by biological catalysts, to produce fine chemicals in an environmentally friendly manner. Microbial whole cells can be directly used as biocatalysts, providing a simple and cheap methodology since enzyme isolation and purification are avoided.High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a very stable polymer though it can be activated by gamma radiation to induce grafting. Glycidyl methacrylate was grafted onto macroporous HDPE and PP in the range of 1–6%, proportional to the initial monomer concentration. Grafted polymers were further chemically modified with ethylenediamine to generate a cationic hydrogel of micron-size thickness onto the internal polymer surfaces. Modified polymers were able to immobilize Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria that can catalyze a chemical reaction as efficient as free cells do.     

Localizing Antifungal Drugs to the Correct Organelle Can Markedly Enhance their Efficacy

A critical aspect of drug design is optimal target inhibition by specifically delivering the drug molecule not only to the target tissue or cell but also to its therapeutically active site within the cell. This study demonstrates, as a proof of principle, that drug efficacy can be increased considerably by a structural modification that targets it to the relevant organelle. Specifically, by varying the fluorescent dye segment an antifungal azole was directed from the fungal cell mitochondria to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), the organelle that harbors the drug target. The ER‐localized azole displayed up to two orders of magnitude improved antifungal activity and also dramatically reduced the growth of drug‐tolerant fungal subpopulations in a panel of Candida species, which are the most prevalent causes of serious human fungal infections. The principle underlying the “target organelle localization” approach provides a new paradigm to improve drug potency and replenish the limited pipeline of antifungal drugs.     

Cellulose Acetate-g-Polycaprolactone Copolymerization Using Diisocyanate Intermediates and the Effect of Polymer Chain Length on Surface,Thermal, and Antibacterial Properties

The need for biodegradable and biocompatible polymers is growing quickly, particularly in the biomedical and environmental industries. Cellulose acetate, a natural polysaccharide, can be taken from plants and modified with polycaprolactone to improve its characteristics for a number of uses, including biomedical applications and food packaging. Cellulose acetate-g-polycaprolactone was prepared by a three-step reaction: First, polymerization of ε-caprolactone via ring-opening polymerization (ROP) reaction using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and functionalization of polycaprolactone(PCL) by introducing NCO on the hydroxyl end of the HEMA-PCL using hexamethyl lenediisocyanate(HDI) were carried out. Then, the NCO–HEMA-PCL was grafted onto cellulose acetate (using the “grafting to” method). The polycaprolactone grafted cellulose acetate was confirmed by FTIR, the thermal characteristics of the copolymers were investigated by DSC and TGA, and the hydrophobicity was analyzed via water CA measurement. Introducing NCO-PCL to cellulose acetate increased the thermal stability. The contact angle of the unreacted PCL was higher than that of cellulose acetate-g-PCL, and it increased when the chain length increased. The CA-g-PCL50, CA-g-PCL100, and CA-g-PCL200 showed very high inhibition zones for all three bacteria tested (E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa).     

In Vitro Activity of Essential Oils Distilled from Colombian Plants against Candida auris and Other Candida Species with Different Antifungal Susceptibility Profiles

Multi-drug resistant species such as Candida auris are a global health threat. This scenario has highlighted the need to search for antifungal alternatives. Essential oils (EOs), or some of their major compounds, could be a source of new antifungal molecules. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro activity of EOs and some terpenes against C. auris and other Candida spp. The eleven EOs evaluated were obtained by hydro-distillation from different Colombian plants and the terpenes were purchased. EO chemical compositions were obtained by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Antifungal activity was evaluated following the CLSI standard M27, 4th Edition. Cytotoxicity was tested on the HaCaT cell line and fungal growth kinetics were tested by time–kill assays. Candida spp. showed different susceptibility to antifungals and the activity of EOs and terpenes was strain-dependent. The Lippia origanoides (thymol + p-cymene) chemotype EO, thymol, carvacrol, and limonene were the most active, mainly against drug-resistant strains. The most active EOs and terpenes were also slightly cytotoxic on the HaCaT cells. The findings of this study suggest that some EOs and commercial terpenes can be a source for the development of new anti-Candida products and aid the identification of new antifungal targets or action mechanisms.     

Purification and Partial Characterization of Bacillomycin L Produced by Bacillus amyloliquefaciens K103 from Lemon

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens K103 isolated from a lemon sample was used as a biocontrol agent to suppress Rhizoctonia solani Kühn and other fungal plant pathogens. Two antifungal compounds were purified from the culture broth using acid precipitation, gel permeation chromatography, and reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry analysis indicated that the antifungal compounds were two isomers similar to bacillomycin L. One of the predominant active fractions was subjected to quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and amino acid analysis to determine its structural characteristics, revealing that the antifungal compound with a molecular mass of 1,034.5464 was identical to bacillomycin L. This is the second report of lemon microflora producing bacillomycin L or any antifungal compound, suppressing the growth of R. solani Kühn. Meanwhile, the study provided insights into the enormous potential of food microbial resources and bacillomycin L antibiotics in biological control and sustainable agriculture.     

Antibacterial modification of cellulose fibers by grafting β-cyclodextrin and inclusion with ciprofloxacin

Antibacterial-modified cellulose fiber was prepared by covalently bonding β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) with cellulose fiber via citric acid (CA) as crosslinking agent, followed by the inclusion of ciprofloxacin hydrochloride (CipHCl) as antibiotic. Effects of reaction time, temperature, concentration of β-cyclodextrin citrate (CA-β-CD) and pH on the grafting reaction were investigated, and the grafting ratio of β-CD onto cellulose fibers was 9.7 % at optimal conditions; the loading and releasing behaviors of CipHCl into/from β-CD grafted cellulose fibers were also revealed, the load amount of CipHCl into grafted cellulose fibers increased remarkably, and the release of CipHCl from the grafted cellulose fibers was prolonged. The microstructure, phase and thermal stability of modified cellulose fibers were characterized by FT-IR, ¹³C CPMAS NMR, X-ray diffraction and TGA. Considerably longer bacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus was observed for grafted fibers loading CipHCl compared to virgin ones. Optical and mechanical properties of the paper sheets decreased generally with more antibacterial-modified fibers added.     

Antifungal Activity and In Silico Studies on 2-Acylated Benzo- and Naphthohydroquinones

The high rates of morbidity and mortality due to fungal infections are associated with a limited antifungal arsenal and the high toxicity of drugs. Therefore, the identification of novel drug targets is challenging due to the several resemblances between fungal and human cells. Here, we report the in vitro antifungal evaluation of two acylphenols series, namely 2-acyl-1,4-benzo- and 2-acyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinones. The antifungal properties were assessed on diverse Candida and filamentous fungi strains through the halo of inhibition (HOI) and minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). The antifungal activities of 2-acyl-1,4-benzohydroquinone derivatives were higher than those of the 2-acyl-1,4-naphthohydroquinone analogues. The evaluation indicates that 2-octanoylbenzohydroquinone 4 is the most active member of the 2-acylbenzohydroquinone series, with MIC values ranging from 2 to 16 μg/mL. In some fungal strains (i.e., Candida krusei and Rhizopus oryzae), such MIC values of compound 4 (2 and 4 μg/mL) were comparable to that obtained by amphotericin B (1 μg/mL). The compound 4 was evaluated for its antioxidant activity by means of FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assays, showing moderate activity as compared to standard antioxidants. Molecular docking studies of compound 4 and ADMET predictions make this compound a potential candidate for topical pharmacological use. The results obtained using the most active acylbenzohydroquinones are promising because some evaluated Candida strains are known to have decreased sensitivity to standard antifungal treatments.     

Pre-irradiation grafting of cellulose and slightly carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC) fibres

Acrylamide, hydroxypropyl acrylate, hydroxypropyl methacrylate and 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate vinyl monomers were grafted onto cellulose as well as onto cellulose of improved accessibility (slightly carboxymethylated cellulose (CMC)) by the pre-irradiation grafting technique. The effect of dose, monomer structure, crosslinking agent and carboxymethylation on the grafting yield was studied and the optimal conditions for the grafting were established. Grafting, with the exception of acrylamide (AAm), decreased the swelling of the samples, which is advantageous for some applications. In case of AAm decrease in swelling was observed only when crosslinking agent was applied. At low doses (<5 kGy) the high accessibility of carboxymethylated cellulose resulted in a higher grafting yield.     

Synthesis and antifungal property of N-(aryl) and quaternary N-(aryl) chitosan derivatives against Botrytis cinerea

A series of N-(aryl) and their quaternary N-(aryl) chitosan derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for their antifungal activity against crop-threatening fungus Botrytis cinerea. Schiff bases were firstly synthesized by the reaction of chitosan with cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde and 4-dimethylaminobenzaldehyde followed by reduction with sodium borohydride to form N-(aryl) chitosans. Quaternary N-(aryl) chitosans were then obtained by reaction of N-(aryl) chitosan compounds with ethyl iodide. The chemical structures were characterized by ¹H-NMR, FT-IR and UV spectroscopic techniques. The antifungal activity was evaluated in vitro against B. cinerea by mycelial growth inhibition method and in vivo by application of compounds to tomato plants prior to inoculation with fungal spores. In an in vitro experiment, all quaternized chitosans were more active than N-(aryl) chitosan derivatives and N,N,N-(diethylcinnamyl) chitosan (QC1) was the most potent (EC₅₀ = 1,147 mg/L) against mecelia however, N,N,N-(diethyl-p-dimethylaminobenzyl) chitosan (QC3) was the most potent (EC₅₀ = 334 mg/L) against spores. In an in vivo study, no disease incidence (0.0 %) was observed with QC1 and QC3 at 1,000 mg/L. Spray liquid chitosan enhanced total phenolics and guaiacol peroxidase in inoculated leaves.     

Crosslinked fibrous composites based on cellulose nanofibers and collagen with in situ pH induced fibrillation

Collagen and cellulose nanofiber based composites were prepared by solution casting followed by pH induced in situ partial fibrillation of collagen phase and crosslinking of collagen phase using gluteraldehyde. Microscopy studies on the materials confirmed the presence of fibrous collagen and cellulose nanofibers embedded in the collagen matrix. The cellulose nanofiber addition as well as collagen crosslinking showed significant positive impact on the nanocomposite’s mechanical behaviour. The synergistic performance of the nanocomposites indicated stabilization and reinforcement through strong physical entanglement between collagen and cellulose fibres as well as chemical interaction between collagen matrix and collagen fibrils. The mechanical performance and stability in moist conditions showed the potential of these materials as implantable scaffolds in biomedical applications. The collagen-cellulose ratio, crosslinking agent and crosslinking level of collagen may be further optimised to tailor the mechanical properties and cytocompatibility of these composites for specific applications such as artificial ligament or tendon.     

First total synthesis of the antifungal antibiotic thiobutacin

The first total synthesis of thiobutacin, a butanoic acid with antifungal activity recently isolated from the culture broth of a soil actinomycete, Lechevalieria aerocolonigenes strain VK-A9, is described. The five-step procedure involves readily available and cheap starting materials and can easily be transposed to the large scale. Fungal growth inhibition of thiobutacin is mediated by the pH of the growth medium. Maximum inhibitory activity was obtained between pH 6 and 7.     

Cellulose functionalization via high-energy irradiation-initiated grafting of glycidyl methacrylate and cyclodextrin immobilization

Cotton-cellulose was functionalized using gamma-irradiation-induced grafting of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) to obtain a hydrophobic cellulose derivative with epoxy groups suitable for further chemical modification. Two grafting techniques were applied. In pre-irradiation grafting (PIG) cellulose was irradiated in air and then immersed in a GMA monomer solution, whereas in simultaneous grafting (SG) cellulose was irradiated in an inert atmosphere in the presence of the monomer. PIG led to a more homogeneous fiber surface, while SG resulted in higher grafting yield but showed clear indications of some GMA-homopolymerization. Effects of the reaction parameters (grafting method, absorbed dose, monomer concentration, solvent composition) were evaluated by SEM, gravimetry (grafting yield) and FTIR spectroscopy. Water uptake of the cellulose decreased while adsorption of a pesticide molecule increased upon grafting. The adsorption was further enhanced by β-cyclodextrin immobilization during SG. This method can be applied to produce adsorbents from cellulose based agricultural wastes.     

Graft Copolymers from Natural Polymers Using Free Radical Polymerization

The present research work deals with the surface modification of natural cellulosic polymers to develop novel materials for different applications. Natural cellulose-graft-poly (methyl acrylate) copolymers were prepared using the free radical induced graft copolymerization technique. Different reaction parameters were optimized to achieve the highest percentage of grafting of natural cellulose-graft-poly (methyl acrylate) copolymers. The natural cellulose graft copolymers were characterized by FT-IR, SEM, TGA, and physicochemical studies. For the evaluation of swelling and the physicochemical mechanism, swelling and chemical resistance studies were carried out in different solvents as well as chemicals.     

Grafting of cellulose by ring-opening polymerisation – A review

In this review, homogeneous and heterogeneous grafting from cellulose and cellulose derivatives by ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) are reported. Cellulose is biorenewable and biodegradable as well as a stiff material with a relatively low specific weight, foreseen to be an excellent replacement for synthetic materials. By utilising ROP of monomers such as ε-caprolactone or l-lactide from cellulose, composite materials with new and/or improved properties can be obtained. Grafting of solid cellulose substrates, such as cotton, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) or cellulose nanocrystals, renders cellulose that can easily be dispersed into polymer matrices and may be used as reinforcing elements to improve mechanical and/or barrier properties of biocomposites. A surface grafted polymer can also tailor the interfacial properties between a matrix and the fibrillar structure of cellulose. When derivatives of cellulose are grafted with polymers in homogenous media, amphiphilic materials with interesting properties can be achieved, anticipated to be utilised for applications such as encapsulation and release.     

Synthesis,properties, and fungal degradation of castor-oil-based polyurethane composites with different cellulose contents

Different contents of bonded cellulose were dispersed in a matrix of castor-oil-based polyurethane to produce composites with high susceptibility to fungal attack. We chose to bond the cellulose filler with free diisocyanate, to increase the crosslinking density. Measurements indicated physical and chemical interactions between the polyurethane matrix and cellulose filler. The cellulose network significantly enhanced the interfacial adhesion and thus improved the thermal stability and Young’s modulus of the composites. The influences of the amount of cellulose on the surface chemical structure, surface morphology, and mechanical properties after fungal attack were also investigated. The tensile strength and elongation at break of these composites substantially decreased after exposure to fungus. These composites with high content of renewable raw materials present an optimal balance of physical properties and biodegradability, with potential applications as ecofriendly biomaterials.     

Isolation and Identification of Pennogenin Tetraglycoside from Cestrum nocturnum (Solanaceae) and Its Antifungal Activity against Fusarium kuroshium,Causal Agent of Fusarium Dieback

Antifungal assay-guided fractionation of the methanolic crude extract of Cestrum nocturnum (Solanaceae), popular known as ‘lady of the night’, led the isolation and identification of the steroidal saponin named pennogenin tetraglycoside, which was identified for the first time in this plant species by spectroscopic means. The crude extract, fractions and pennogenin tetraglycoside exhibited mycelial growth inhibition of Fusarium solani and F. kuroshium. F. solani is a cosmopolitan fungal phytopathogen that affects several economically important crops. However, we highlight the antifungal activity displayed by pennogenin tetraglycoside against F. kuroshium, since it is the first plant natural product identified as active for this phytopathogen. This fungus along with its insect symbiont known as Kuroshio shot hole borer (Euwallacea kuroshio) are the causal agents of the plant disease Fusarium dieback that affects more than 300 plant species including avocado (Persea americana) among others of ecological relevance. Scanning electron microscopy showed morphological alterations of the fungal hyphae after exposure with the active fractions and 12 phenolic compounds were also identified by mass spectrometry dereplication as part of potential active molecules present in C. nocturnum leaves.     

Comparison of pre-irradiation and mutual grafting of 2-chloroacrylonitrile on cellulose by gamma-irradiation

Radiation-induced graft polymerization is one of the best methods for obtaining materials with new properties. In this work, radiation grafting of 2-chloroacrylonitrile to cellulose by mutual and pre-irradiation grafting methods was investigated. The grafting yield was enhanced by applying the emulsion grafting method. The grafting yield determined in the above systems was observed as 27% at highest and 6% at lowest. The effects of concentration of monomer, reaction time and reaction temperature on grafting yield were studied. Evidence of grafting has been based on the comparative studies of cellulose and grafted cellulose by infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and contact angle measurement. Grafting enhances thermal stability of cellulose backbone.     

A completely green approach to the synthesis of dendritic silver nanostructures starting from white grape pomace as a potential nanofactory

A simple, eco-friendly, cost-effective and rapid microwave-assisted method has been developed to synthetize dendritic silver nanostructures, composed of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), using white grape pomace aqueous extract (WGPE) as both reducing and capping agent. With this aim, WGPE and AgNO₃ (1 mM) were mixed at different ratio, and microwave irradiated at 700 W, for 40 s. To understand the role of bioactive compounds involved in the green synthesis of AgNPs, preliminary chemical characterization, FT-IR analysis and ¹H NMR metabolite profiling of WGPE were carried out. The effects of bioactive extract concentration and stability over time on AgNPs formation were also evaluated. WGPE-mediated silver nanostructures were then characterized by UV–vis, FTIR analyses, and scanning electron microscopy. Interestingly, the formation of dendritic nanostructures, originated from the self-assembly of Ag rounded nanoparticles (average diameter of 33 ± 6 nm), was observed and ascribed to the use of microwave power and the presence of organic components within the used WGPE, inducing an anisotropic crystal growth and promoting a diffusion-limited aggregation mechanism. The bio-dendritic synthetized nanostructures were also evaluated for potential applications in bio-sensing and agricultural fields. Cyclic voltammetry measurements in 0.5 M phosphate + 0.1 M KCl buffer, pH 7.4 showed that green AgNPs possess the electroactive properties typical of AgNPs produced using chemical protocol. The biological activity of synthetized AgNPs was evaluated by in-vitro antifungal activity against F. graminearum. Additionally, a phytotoxicity evaluation of synthetized green nanostructures was carried out on wheat seed germination. Results highlighted the potential of WGPE as green agent for bio-inspired nanomaterial synthesis, and of green Ag nanostructures, which can be used as antifungal agent and in biosensing applications.     

Biosynthesis, production and applications of bacterial cellulose

Bacterial cellulose (BC) as a never-dried biopolymer synthesized in abundance by Gluconacetobacter xylinus is in a pure form which requires no intensive processing to remove unwanted impurities and contaminants such as lignin, pectin and hemicellulose. In contrast to plant cellulose, BC, with several remarkable physical properties, can be grown to any desired shape and structure to meet the needs of different applications. BC has been commercialized as diet foods, filtration membranes, paper additives, and wound dressings. This review article presents an overview of BC structure, biosynthesis, applications, state-of-the-art advances in enhancing BC production, and its material properties through the investigations of genetic regulations, fermentation parameters, and bioreactor design. In addition, future prospects on its applications through chemical modification as a new biologically active derivative will be discussed.     

Phyllostictines A-D, oxazatricycloalkenones produced by Phyllosticta cirsii, a potential mycoherbicide for Cirsium arvense biocontrol

Phyllosticta cirsii, a fungal pathogen isolated from Cirsium arvense and proposed as biocontrol agent of this noxious perennial weed, produces in liquid cultures different phytotoxic metabolites with potential herbicidal activity. Four new oxazatricycloalkenones, named phyllostictines A-D, were isolated and characterized using essentially spectroscopic and chemical methods. Tested by leaf-puncture assay on the fungal host plant phyllostictine A proved to be highly toxic. The phytotoxicity decreases when both the dimension and the conformational freedom of the macrocyclic ring change, as in phyllostictines B and D, and it is totally lost when also the functionalization of the same ring is modified, as in phyllostictine C. Beside its phytotoxic properties, phyllostictine A has no antifungal activity, an interesting antibiotic activity only against Gram+ bacteria, and a noticeable zootoxic activity when tested at high concentrations. The integrity of the oxazatricycloalkenone system appears to be an important feature to preserve these activities.