Microorganism response to atmospheric pressure helium plasma DBD treatment

The effect of an atmospheric pressure plasma dielectric barrier discharge on some microorganisms was investigated, due to the possible extent of plasma applications in controlling microbial contamination. The present investigation involved both Gram-positive and Gram-negative germs – bacteria and yeasts – treated in helium plasma (asymmetric dielectric barrier discharge) for various time durations between 25 s and 100 s. Circular growth inhibition zones were measured for two distances between the discharge electrodes, the correlations with the plasma treatment time being analyzed. Differences between the sensitivities of the four tested microorganisms to helium plasma in open atmosphere were discussed.     

Spectroscopic,thermal and antimicrobial properties of the copper(II) complex of Schiff base derived from 2‐(salicylidene) aminopyridine

Schiff bases and their complex combinations with metallic ions represent a class of compounds with antimicrobial activity. A ligand was prepared by condensation of the salicylaldehyde with 2‐aminopyridine obtaining 2‐(salicylidene) aminopyridine (SB) with a high capacity for complexing Cu(II) ions. The new compound has been characterized by physical constants (melting point, solubility, stability) and the chemical structure was confirmed by elemental, spectral (IR, UV–visible, ¹H NMR and ¹³C‐NMR) and thermal analyses. The elemental analysis gives a coordination ratio of 1:2 metal:Schiff base. Lethal dose 50 (DL₅₀) values of new Schiff base and their complex with metallic ions were established. The antimicrobial activity of this complex was tested in comparison with the activity of the corresponding Schiff base on strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and Klebsiella. These were compared with the activity of the reference drugs (chloramphenicol, tetracycline, ofloxacin and nystatin) on the above‐mentioned strains. It has been established that all compounds tested were very active against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pyridazine and phthalazine derivatives with potential antimicrobial activity

Fifteen new pyridazine and phthalazine derivatives were prepared (in good to excellent yields) and tested in vitro as antimicrobial compounds. All the compounds have proved to have a remarkable activity against Gram positive germs, the results on Sarciria Luteea being spectacular. Correlation structure ‐ biological activity have been done. Stereo‐ and region‐ chemistry involved in these reactions are discussed.     

Chemical composition and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of flower heads and leaves of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. from Romania

The essential oils of the flower heads and leaves of Santolina rosmarinifolia L. (Compositae) cultivated in Romania were obtained through hydrodistillation and analysed by GC-MS. Forty-two components were identified, representing 92.3-94.0% of the whole composition of the samples. Their in vitro antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria strains and the fungus Candida albicans was determined using the agar-diffusion method and the broth dilution method.