The human fungal pathogen Candida albicans is notorious for causing oral infectious diseases, notably oral thrush, particularly in immunocompromised individuals with conditions such as hyposalivation, diabetes mellitus, and prolonged use of antibiotics or immunosuppressive medications, often compounded by poor oral hygiene practices. Addressing such infections often involves anti-fungal medications, with Clotrimazole being a prominent choice. However, Clotrimazole, classified as a BCS class II drug, poses challenges due to its high permeability coupled with low solubility in water.

Traditionally available in lozenge form, Clotrimazole's efficacy is hindered by its uneven distribution within saliva, necessitating frequent dosing and potentially compromising patient compliance. To overcome these limitations, this study proposes a novel approach: a niosomal-based subgingival film formulation of Clotrimazole. By leveraging the advantages of niosomes, including enhanced drug solubilization capacity and prolonged release kinetics, this formulation aims to improve drug efficacy while simultaneously enhancing patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency.

Initial findings from the study are promising. The prepared niosomal film demonstrates favorable characteristics, including high entrapment efficiency and potent anti-fungal activity. Moreover, the release profile of the drug from the niosomal film exhibits superior performance compared to conventional drug-loaded films. These results suggest that the niosomal-based formulation holds significant potential for enhancing the therapeutic outcomes of Clotrimazole in the treatment of oral fungal infections.

By addressing the limitations of conventional Clotrimazole formulations through innovative niosomal technology, this study offers a promising avenue for improving the management of oral fungal infections. Further research and clinical trials are warranted to validate these findings and pave the way for the development of effective, patient-friendly treatments in this important area of healthcare.

This work presents a comprehensive investigation into the synthesis and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers modified to enhance antimicrobial efficacy through glutaraldehyde crosslinking and the incorporation of silver nanoparticles. The nanofibers were synthesized using the electrospinning technique, followed by a crosslinking process employing the vapor chamber method with glutaraldehyde/HCl solvent evaporation for 24 h, resulting in a nanofiber mat resistant to water. The introduction of silver nanoparticles was achieved via the chemical reduction method using NaBH₄ as a reducing agent, yielding nanoparticles with a size distribution ranging from 5 to 9 nm and uniformly dispersed within the crosslinked nanofiber matrix. The antimicrobial activity of the resulting composite nanofiber mat was thoroughly evaluated, revealing significantly improved efficacy against a range of microbial pathogens. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced antimicrobial activity, attributed to the synergistic effects of crosslinking and silver nanoparticle incorporation, are discussed in detail. Moreover, the physicochemical properties of the nanofiber mat, including morphology, structure, and composition, were analyzed using various characterization techniques such as SEM, STEM, FTIR, Raman, and EDS. The findings elucidate the potential of this approach for developing advanced antimicrobial materials applicable in diverse fields, including biomedical textiles, wound dressings, and medical devices. This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance and improve infection control strategies in healthcare and other relevant sectors.

Introduction: The poultry industry is a major contributor to global food security, providing a huge amount of dietary protein. Its rapid expansion has played a crucial role in addressing food shortages worldwide. However, infectious diseases remain a significant challenge in the poultry industry, leading to reduced production and an increased economic burden. Antibiotics are widely used to overcome the problem of infectious diseases, which leads to antimicrobial resistance. Developing new antimicrobial drugs is crucial to combating antimicrobial resistance. CuO and ZnO nanoparticles exhibit promising antimicrobial activity against bacteria. This study aimed to assess the antimicrobial activity of CuO and ZnO nanoparticles against Salmonella gallinarum.

Methods: Ninety one-day-old chicks were divided equally into six groups: negative control, positive control, FLOR-A, CZNP-1, CZNP-2, and CZNP-3. On the 19th day, all the groups except the negative control group were challenged with S. gallinarum. Following the onset of clinical signs, treatment consisting of Florfenicol (50mg/L) for group FLOR-A and CuO and ZnO nanoparticles for groups CZNP-1, CZNP-2, and CZNP-3 was administered at varying doses: 10 + 25, 15 + 37.5, and 20 + 50 mg/kg/d, respectively. Live body weight, carcass weight, relative organ weight, and the ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels were determined. The collected data were analyzed using an ANOVA technique with a completely randomized design.

Results: The results revealed that the feed conversion ratio improved (p < 0.001), the live body weight and carcass weight increased (p < 0.001), and the relative organ weight and serum concentrations of ALT, AST, creatinine, and urea decreased (p < 0.001) after treatment with CuO and ZnO nanoparticles in the treatment groups.

Conclusion: The study concluded that CuO and ZnO nanoparticles exhibit antibacterial activity against S. gallinarum and can serve as a substitute for Florfenicol. Optimal efficacy was observed with CuO and ZnO nanoparticles at a dose level of 15 + 37.5 mg/kg/d.

Abstract

The global coronavirus epidemic increased awareness of infectious diseases and the need of developing hygienic textile materials with antimicrobial properties [1].

Considering bioactive textiles, which can kill microorganisms or inhibit their growth, various materials, modifiers, and modification methods have to be tested. The complex process of designing antimicrobial textiles includes, among others, selecting: the structure and composition of the textile material, a compatible bioactive modifier and an effective method of its application. Non-woven structures offer great potential for use in filtration systems, protective systems and covering materials. The modifiers, such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and copper (Cu) nanoparticles, have a high ability to change the biological and physicochemical properties of textile structures [2].

We developed the multifunctional non-woven fabric composed of hydrophobic (polyester) and hydrophilic (viscose) fibers, two nanomodifiers (2.5% of ZnO or/and Cu) and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VIN) applied by dip-coating method.

The modification effects were rated based on the complex analysis: SEM/EDS microscopy, AAS, Raman and FTIR spectroscopy and DSC and TG/DTG techniques. The wettability and surface free energy were determined using the goniometric method. The bioactive properties were studied against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria and HCoV 229E human coronavirus. The new functional non-woven fabric with antibacterial and antiviral activity is non-toxic against non-tumorigenic, immortalized human keratinocyte cells (HaCat) and human lung adenocarcinoma cells (A549).

References

[1] Y. Oguz-Gouillart et.a , Advanced and Smart Textiles during and after the COVID-19 Pandemic: Issues, Challenges, and Innovations, Healthc., 11(8), 2023, doi: 10.3390/healthcare11081115.

[2] M. Cieślak et al., Effect of Cu Modified Textile Structures on Antibacterial and Antiviral Protection, Materials, 15(17), 1–16, 2022, doi: 10.3390/ma15176164.

Acknowledgment

The research was carried out within the National Centre for Research and Development project number DOB-SZAFIR/02/B/004/02/2021 and on the apparatus purchased in projects: POIG.01.03.01-00-004/08 Functional nano- and micro textile materials—NANOMITEX and WND-RPLD.03.01.00-001/09.

In the context of the WHO's list of priority pathogens and the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance (AMR), the development of antibacterial biomaterials presents a promising avenue for combating drug-resistant bacteria. Antibacterial biomaterials can be designed specifically to target the pathogens listed in the ESKAPE acronym, such as Staphylococcus aureus. There is a huge potential for natural extract-based biomaterials (such as chitosan, starch, and alginate) to combat infections caused by drug-resistant strains of S. aureus by leveraging the antimicrobial properties of medicinal plant-derived compounds (e.g. essential oils, phenolic-rich extracts from herbs). Incorporating these extracts into biomaterials offers innovative strategies for developing effective antimicrobial formulations for medical and healthcare applications. Nanocomposite materials composed of biodegradable polymers and antimicrobial nanoparticles were functionalized with natural extracts to target S. aureus infections. Electrospun nanofibers composed of biocompatible polymers were loaded with antimicrobial plant extracts. Surfaces of medical devices, implants, or catheters can be coated with antibacterial coatings containing natural extracts to prevent colonization and biofilm formation by S. aureus. Hydrocolloid-based dressings or cryotropic gels, commonly known as cryogels, containing antimicrobial plant extracts have been developed for wound care applications. Nanocomposites are utilized for various biomedical applications, including tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, and implant coatings, to prevent and treat S. aureus infections. Consideration is given also to the sustainability and environmental impact of antibacterial biomaterials. Sustainable sourcing of raw materials, eco-friendly manufacturing processes, and biodegradable materials are minimizing the environmental footprint associated with their production and disposal.

The extensive utilization of antibiotics has precipitated the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in recent years. The revelation of Host Defense Peptides （HDPs） has provided a promising avenue for addressing antibiotic-resistant infections. Nevertheless, the practical application of these natural peptides has been impeded by their constrained stability, intricate synthesis process, and elevated cost. Consequently, designing and discovering antimicrobial compounds, including peptide polymers, that mimic HDPs has become a promising solution. A structural design approach has emerged as a classical strategy for developing HDP mimetics. By altering the chemical structure of main chains and side chains, various types of HDP mimetics have been developed, such as α-peptide polymers, β-peptide polymers, polyoxazolines, etc., with high efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Furthermore, a mechanism-guided approach is proposed for the design of antimicrobial peptide polymers, taking into account the potential variations in antimicrobial mechanisms associated with chiral and enantiomeric peptides. Helical β-peptide polymers forming α-helical structures upon interaction with bacterial membranes are more effective in disrupting the bacterial membrane, whereas heterochiral β-peptide polymers demonstrate attenuated interactions with cell membranes, thereby facilitating their penetration of bacterial membranes for internal action. This finding has spurred the development of peptide polymers tailored from modifying antimicrobial mechanisms. Additionally, by incorporating biocompatible amino acid residues into the peptide polymers, a class of β-peptide polymers with high efficacy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and excellent biocompatibility has been identified, offering a promising approach for addressing antibiotic resistance.

Silver nanoparticles, due to their ability to inhibit bacterial proliferation, are highly attractive for medical antibacterial applications. The development of nanotechnology in biomaterials production allows for the fabrication of alternatives to traditional treatment strategies. Therefore, silver nanoparticles hold promise as an antibacterial strategy in tissue engineering.

The preparation conditions are crucial for achieving optimal results with silver nanoparticles. Particle size is a key property, and the use of water-soluble, mild reagents along with proper temperature control promotes the fabrication of particles within the desired nanoscale range. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), a non-toxic and inert polymer, is often used to stabilize nanoparticles during synthesis due to its mild properties. This study investigated the involvement of PEG in the synthesis process.

In this work, PEGylated silver nanoparticles were synthesized via a chemical route using silver nitrate (AgNO3) as a starting material. Their size and efficacy were evaluated using physical-chemical characterization and in vitro antimicrobial activity test.

UV-VIS and FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of silver nanoparticles. Particle size and the influence of synthesis parameters were determined using DLS and AFM techniques. The results showed that the prepared PEGylated silver nanoparticles exhibit a monodisperse distribution with sizes below 100 nm. We can therefore conclude that this type of PEG-synthesized nanoparticle has the potential to be an effective antibacterial agent.

Over the last decade, the field of green nanotechnology has received a great deal of research attention due to its cost-effectiveness and environmental friendliness. The green approach has been successfully used to develop metallic nanoparticles of various sizes and morphologies for various biomedical applications and has resulted in the successful development of these particles. By combining two different types of proteins in this work and synthesizing them in a balanced manner, we have been able to synthesize spherical gold nanoparticles with low polydispersity, namely peptone and whey. Due to the presence of a large number of chemical functional moieties, proteins have a great deal of variety and can act in a variety of ways such as reducing and stabilizing. The formation of gold nanoparticles was studied by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, and a strong surface plasmon resonance peak centered at 520 nm confirmed the presence of the nanoparticles in the solution. The size and morphology was studied using transmission electron microscopy. The particles were spherical and contained an organic protein coat which offered stability against aggregation in solution. It is currently being studied as to whether these nanoparticles can produce fluorescence and antibacterial properties in order to broaden the range of biomedical applications of these colloidal materials.

The exploration of biocompatible and sustainable materials for nanotechnology-based formulations with pharmaceutical and cosmetic applications is rapidly expanding. Among these formulations, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have garnered significant attention due to their biocompatibility and potential to enhance transcutaneous penetration, rendering them suitable for skin applications [1]. However, they present some issues, such as low stability. On the other hand, biobased ionic liquids (ILs) are versatile compounds, known to improve the incorporation of sparingly soluble compounds, improve stability, or enhancepermeation across the skin barrier [2]. Therefore, their incorporation in nanodelivery systems has the potential to improve the overall properties of nanoparticles. This work aimed to produce and evaluate the performance of SLNs incorporating choline-based ILs.

Different SLNs were prepared using two commercial lipids, Gelucire® 43/01 and Precirol ATO® 5. Moreover, (2-hydroxyethyl)trimethylammonium phenylalaninate – [Cho][Phe] was incorporated in both types of SLNs. The nanosystems were characterized concerning size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential. Stability studies were conducted for 90 days. Additionally, the impact of the nanoparticles on cell viability was also evaluated using the HaCaT cell line via the MTT assay.

The results showed that ILs improve the colloidal stability of the nanoparticles and the physicochemical properties towards a topical application. The data also showed that the impact of ILs is dependent on the solid lipid used to prepare the SLNs. In conclusion, the production of innovative lipid nanocarriers combined with biobased ILs seems to open a new paradigm for skin delivery.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is considered one of the most versatile oxide nanoparticles, mainly because of its particularities regarding its biocompatibility, photosolubility, and low toxicity, and is listed by the USFDA as a generally recognized as safe (GRAS) material. The applicative capacity of ZnO is strongly influenced by the synthesis method (with both large-scale chemical and physical methods being reported), which involves polluting reagents, toxic solvents, and surfactants, which have an influence on the size, morphology, and physicochemical properties.

In this context, our research aimed to find alternative ways to synthesize ZnO particles via green methods (biosynthesis) using active constituents from plant extracts (i.e., aqueous solutions of Hibiscus, Green Tea, Sea buckthorn, etc.) with reducing, capping, and stabilizing effects. These synthesized ZnO NPs have demonstrated their effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth and their better bioactivity and biocompatibility as a result of the functional groups derived from the phytochemical substances present on their surface according to the FTIR results, which highlighted the formation of reactive oxygen species and the direct interaction of the particles with bacterial surfaces. Also, a morphological analysis showed that the particles have a predominantly spherical shape, with particle sizes below 50 nm.

The decrease in toxicity through the use of eco-friendly methods and the multifunctional properties make these particles ideal candidates for applications in biomedical fields, such as targeted drug/gene delivery systems, antimicrobial coatings, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, bioimaging, tissue engineering, skin protection applications, development of cancer therapies, biosensors, etc.

Acknowledgements:

This work was supported by Core Program within the National Research Development and Innovation Plan 2022-2027, carried out with the support of MCID, project no. 2307 (µNanoEl).