Preparation, Characterization, and Antibacterial Properties of Cu-Fibreboards.

In the present study, copper modified fibreboards were prepared and their existing phase, morphology, and antibacterial behaviour were investigated. The copper content and the physical and mechanical properties of fibreboards (thickness, bending strength, and swelling) were determined. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) showing diffraction peaks typical for cellulose, Cu2S, and Na2SO4, depended on the preparation conditions. The average size of the Cu2S crystals varied between 20 and 50 nm. The morphology of the obtained fibreboards, as well as the size and shape of copper particles, were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transition electron microscopy (TEM). The antibacterial activity was tested against Gram-positive (Bacillus subtilis 3562) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli K12 407) bacteria. The tests showed that the materials had higher antibacterial activity against E. coli, which depended on their preparation conditions. Based on these results, the obtained copper fibreboards can be used as antibacterial agents in the packaging and building industry.

Effect of B2O3 on the Structure, Properties and Antibacterial Abilities of Sol-Gel-Derived TiO2/TeO2/B2O3 Powders.

This paper studies the influence of B2O3 on the structure, properties and antibacterial abilities of sol-gel-derived TiO2/TeO2/B2O3 powders. Titanium(IV) butoxide, telluric(VI) acid and boric acid were used as precursors. Differences were observed in the degree of decomposition of Ti butoxide in the presence of H3BO3 and H6TeO6 acids. The phase transformations of the obtained gels in the temperature range of 200-700 °C were investigated by XRD. Composite materials containing an amorphous phase and different crystalline phases (metallic Te, α-TeO2, anatase, rutile and TiTe3O8) were prepared. Heating at 400 °C indicated a crystalline-to-amorphous-phase ratio of approximately 3:1. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the preparation of plate-like TiO2 nanoparticles. The IR results showed that the short-range order of the amorphous phases that are part of the composite materials consists of TiO6, BO3, BO4 and TeO4 structural units. Free B2O3 was not detected in the investigated compositions which could be related to the better connectivity between the building units as compared to binary TiO2/B2O3 compositions. The UV-Vis spectra of the investigated gels exhibited a red shift of the cut-off due to the presence of boron and tellurium units. The binary sample achieved the maximum photodegradation efficiency (94%) toward Malachite green dye under UV irradiation, whereas the ternary sample photoactivity was very low. The compositions exhibited promising antibacterial activity against E. coli NBIMCC K12 407.

Recent Progress in Antioxidant Active Substances from Marine Biota.

BACKGROUND: The well-recognized but not fully explored antioxidant activity of marine-biota-derived, biologically active substances has led to interest in their study as substitutes of antibiotics, antiaging agents, anticancer and antiviral drugs, and others. The aim of this review is to present the current state of the art of marine-biota-derived antioxidants to give some ideas for potential industrial applications. METHODS: This review is an update for the last 5 years on the marine sources of natural antioxidants, different classes antioxidant compounds, and current derivation biotechnologies. RESULTS: New marine sources of antioxidants, including byproducts and wastes, are presented, along with new antioxidant substances and derivation approaches. CONCLUSIONS: The interest in high-value antioxidants from marine biota continues. Natural substances combining antioxidant and antimicrobial action are of particular interest because of the increasing microbial resistance to antibiotic treatments. New antioxidant substances are discovered, along with those extracted from marine biota collected in other locations. Byproducts and wastes provide a valuable source of antioxidant substances. The application of optimized non-conventional derivation approaches is expected to allow the intensification of the production and improvement in the quality of the derived substances. The ability to obtain safe, high-value products is of key importance for potential industrialization.

Synthesis and Biological Studies on (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 Analog Containing Unnatural Amino Acid ß-Ala and Conjugates with Second Pharmacophore.

(1) Background: Peptides are good candidates for anticancer drugs due to their natural existence in the body and lack of secondary effects. (KLAKLAK)2 is an antimicrobial peptide that also shows good anticancer properties. (2) Methods: The Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (Fmoc-strategy) was used for the synthesis of target molecules, analogs of (KLAKLAK)2-NH2. The purity of all compounds was monitored by HPLC, and their structures were proven using mass spectrometry. Cytotoxicity and antiproliferative effects were studied using 3T3 NRU and MTT tests, respectively. For determination of antimicrobial activity, the disc-diffusion method was used. Hydrolytic stability at three pH values, which mimic the physiological pH in the body, was investigated by means of the HPLC technique. (3) Results: A good selective index against MCF-7 tumor cell lines, combined with good cytotoxicity and antiproliferative properties, was revealed for conjugates NphtG-(KLAKLAK)2-NH2 and Caf-(KLAKLAK)2-NH2. The same compounds showed very good antifungal properties and complete hydrolytic stability for 72 h. The compound Caf-(KLß-AKLß-AK)2-NH2 containing ß-Ala in its structures exhibited good antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli K12 407 and Bacillus subtilis 3562, in combination with very good antiproliferative and cytotoxic properties, as well as hydrolytic stability. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results reveal that all synthesized conjugates could be useful for medical practice as anticancer or antimicrobial agents.

The Influence of Nd and Sm on the Structure and Properties of Sol-Gel-Derived TiO2 Powders.

TiO2 nanopowders modified by Nd and Sm were prepared using the sol-gel technique. It was found by XRD analysis that the samples containing Sm are amorphous up to 300 °C, while those with Nd preserve a mixed organic-inorganic amorphous structure at higher temperatures (400 °C). The TiO2 (rutile) was not detected up to 700 °C in the presence of both modified oxides. TiO2 (anatase) crystals found at about 400 °C in the Sm-modified sample exhibited an average crystallite size of about 25-30 nm, while doping with Nd resulted in particles of a lower size-5-10 nm. It was established by DTA that organic decomposition is accompanied by significant weight loss occurring in the temperature range 240-350 °C. Photocatalytic tests showed that the samples heated at 500 °C possess photocatalytic activity under UV irradiation toward Malachite green organic dye. Selected compositions exhibited good antimicrobial activity against E. coli K12 and B. subtilis.

Synthesis, Antitumor and Antibacterial Studies of New Shortened Analogues of (KLAKLAK)2-NH2 and Their Conjugates Containing Unnatural Amino Acids.

(1) Background: (KLAKLAK)2 is a representative of the antimicrobial peptide group which also shows good anticancer properties. (2) Methods: Herein, we report synthesis using SPPS and characterization by HPLC/MS of a series of shortened analogues of (KLAKLAK)2. They contain single sequence KLAKLAK as C-terminal amides. In addition, substitution of some natural amino acids with unnatural ß-Ala and nor-Leu is realized. In addition, these structures are conjugated with second pharmacophore with well proven anticancer properties 1,8-naphthalimide or caffeic acid. Cytotoxicity, antiproliferative effect and antimicrobial activity of newly synthesized structures were studied. (3) Results: The obtained experimental results reveal significant selective index for substances with common chemical structure KLßAKLßAK-NH2. The antibacterial properties of newly synthesized analogues at two different concentrations 10 µM and 20 µM, were tested against Gram-negative microorganisms Escherichia coli K12 407. Only two of the studied compounds KLAKLAK-NH2 and the one conjugated with second pharmacophore 1,8-naphthalimide and unnatural amino acid nor-Leu showed moderate activity against tested strains at concentration of 20 µM. (4) Conclusions: The obtained results reveal that the introducing of 1,8-naphthalimideGly- and Caf- increase the cytotoxicity and antiproliferative activity of the peptides but not their selectivity. Only two compounds KLAKLAK-NH2 and 1,8-naphthalimideGKnLAKnLAK-NH2 show moderate activity against Escherichia coli K12 at low concentration of 20µM.

Functional characteristics of lactobacilli from traditional Bulgarian fermented milk products.

After oral administration, probiotic lactobacilli meet a number of protection systems in the human body, such as exposure to gastric, pancreatic, and small intestinal juices. Overcoming these detrimental barriers allows living bacteria to adhere to the intestinal epithelium and permanently colonize the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), providing health benefits to the host. Based on this, the transit tolerance of 25 candidate probiotic lactobacilli from katak, yoghurt, and white-brined and yellow cheese to simulated bile and small intestinal juices of variable pH was investigated. To establish their resistance, in vitro model systems based on modified MRS media and a longer duration of action (up to 24 h of incubation) were designed. Six of the strains studied were found to show strain-specific survival capacity with low viability in conditions simulating stomach acidity and high resistance to bile and intestinal juices. In addition, the adherence capability (autoaggregation and hydrophobicity) of the strains was determined. Obtained results allowed to select Lactobacillus strains with high survival ratios while passing through the GIT and good adherence properties, which make them suitable for the development of new probiotics.

Study of potential biomedical application of sol-gel derived Zn-doped SiO2-hydroxypropyl cellulose nanohybrids.

A series of Zn-doped hybrid materials based on silica from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) were prepared by a sol-gel route. The structure, morphology and thermal behavior of synthesized hybrids were characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential thermal analysis with thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TG). The obtained materials were investigated for a potential biomedical application. The antibacterial properties of hybrids were investigated by measuring the inhibition zones formed around the materials containing different zinc content in presence of reference strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The biocompatibility tests showed no cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, as well as no changes in actin cytoskeleton organization for hybrids with Zn content below 5 wt%.

Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial assessment of SiO2-hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose hybrid materials with embedded silver nanoparticles.

Antibacterial SiO2 hybrid materials based on tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) and silver were prepared by the sol-gel method. The content of cellulose derivate was 5 wt% and the silver concentration varied from 0.5 wt% to 2.5 wt%. The amorphous nature, morphology and antibacterial behaviour were studied. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the hybrids showed characteristic peaks for SiO2 network. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis confirmed the formation of spherically shaped silver nanoparticles with a size of 30 nm on the matrix surfaces. Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli K12 were used as model microorganisms. The hybrid materials demonstrated bacteriostatic and bactericidal effect on the tested bacteria. Highest sensitivity to the obtained hybrids was observed in B. subtilis with significant lag-phase delay and biggest inhibition zone sizes.

The oxidative stress response of the filamentous yeast Trichosporon cutaneum R57 to copper, cadmium and chromium exposure.

Despite the intensive research in the past decade on the microbial bioaccumulation of heavy metals, the significance of redox state for oxidative stress induction is not completely clarified. In the present study, we examined the effect of redox-active (copper and chromium) and redox-inactive (cadmium) metals on the changes in levels of oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme defence in Trichosporon cutaneum R57 cells. This filamentous yeast strain showed significant tolerance and bioaccumulation capability of heavy metals. Our findings indicated that the treatment by both redox-active and redox-inactive heavy metal induced oxidative stress events. Enhanced concentrations of Cu2+, Cr6+ and Cd2+ caused acceleration in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), increase in the level of oxidatively damaged proteins and accumulation of reserve carbohydrates (glycogen and trehalose). Cell response against heavy metal exposure also includes elevation in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase and catalase, which are key enzymes for directly scavenging of ROS. Despite the mentioned changes in the stress biomarkers, T. cutaneum did not show a significant growth diminution. Probably, activated antioxidant defence contributes to the yeast survival under conditions of heavy metal stress.

Preparation and characterization of SiO2/CMC/Ag hybrids with antibacterial properties.

Amorphous hybrids based on sodium salt of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) containing silver nanoparticles were prepared by sol-gel method. The amorphous structure, morphology and antibacterial behavior were clarified. The thermal stability of obtained hybrids decreased with the increase in silver content from 0.5 to 1.5 wt%. Infrared spectra of the material suggest that the main interaction between the cellulose ether and silica network is via hydrogen bonds (bands at approximately 3,540 and 3,625 cm(-1)). According to UV-vis spectra the silver is present in two different states Ag(+) (absorption band at approximately 210 nm) and Ag(0) (band at approximately 300 nm). The different sizes of silver particles are present as clusters. It was demonstrated that these hybrids have a well pronounced antibacterial activity against B. subtilis and E. coli K12. Even the hybrid with 0.5 wt% Ag has efficient antibacterial activity for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.

Kinetics of the biodegradation of phenol in wastewaters from the chemical industry by covalently immobilized Trichosporon cutaneum cells.

A simple method for the preparation of the biocatalyst with whole cells is presented, and the applicability of the technique for biodegradation of phenol in wastewater from the chemical industries using the basidomycetes yeast Trichosporon cutaneum is explored. Kinetic studies of the influence of other compounds contained in wastewater as naphthalene, benzene, toluene and pyridine indicate that apart from oil fraction, which is removed, the phenol concentration is the only major factor limiting the growth of immobilized cells. Mathematical models are applied to describe the kinetic behavior of immobilized yeast cells. From the analysis of the experimental curves was shown that the obtained values for the apparent rate parameters vary depending on the substrate concentration (mu(maxapp) from 0.35 to 0.09 h(-1) and K (sapp) from 0.037 to 0.4 g dm(-3)). The inhibitory effect of the phenol on the obtained yield coefficients was investigated too. It has been shown that covalent immobilization of T. cutaneum whole cells to plastic carrier beads is possible, and that cell viability and phenol degrading activity are maintained after the chemical modification of cell walls during the binding procedure. The results obtained indicate a possible future application of immobilized T. cutaneum for destroying phenol in industrial wastewaters.

Selection and characterization of L-ethionine resistant mutants of Trichosporon cutaneum.

Trichosporon cutaneum R57 and its L-ethionine resistant mutant NZ94 strain were investigated. The amino acid analyses of cell content of both strains were carried out. The pool of free methionine in the mutant strain is enhanced 16.5 times. The total amount of sulphur-containing amino acids in the mutant cells was significantly increased from 36.8 in the wild strain to 113.4 mg/g protein in the mutant strain. In the process of mutant strain cultivation there was found a high excretion of free methionine (259 microg/ml) in the medium. It was shown that the amino acid content of both wild and mutant strains would be helpful for formulating of new improved animal nutritional diets.