Effect of amikacin-humic acid combination on Acinetobacter baumannii biofilm: an in vitro and in silico study.

Aim: Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) is a clinically important bacterial pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections. The biofilm-forming capability of these pathogens reduces the antibiotic penetration and its efficacy, thereby complicating the treatment. The current work aims to isolate the most potent biofilm-forming Acinetobacter species from clinical isolates of the patient samples and to evaluate the efficacy of the amikacin-humic acid combination against it.Methods: The combination effect of Amikacin-Humic (AMK-HUM) acid against the highest biofilm-producing A. baumannii SLMK001 was studied via in-vitro (microscopic analysis) and in-silico (Network Pharmacology) analysis.Results: The amikacin-humic acid combination significantly inhibited both the biofilm formation and cell viability of A. baumannii SLMK001. The images observed via Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) showed a significant decrease in the biofilm matrix. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM) confirmed a reduction of the Z value of its three-dimensional structure. Further, the Network Pharmacology approach supported these experimental findings by identifying the key targets of the amikacin-humic acid combination against the biofilm pathways of A. baumannii.Conclusion: The in-vitro results aligned with the in-silico findings, indicating that the AMK-HUM combination is a promising treatment that significantly activates the key proteins against A. baumannii biofilm formation and pathogenesis.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a type of bacteria that forms protective sticky layers and causes an illness that is difficult to treat. This study looked at 15 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from sick patients. We identified one that was particularly good at forming the protective layer and was difficult to kill. We tried two drugs in the study: one called Amikacin (AMK), and a natural substance called Humic Acid (HUM). Both were used alone and as a mixture. The AMK and HUM mixture worked well, stopping the formation of the protective sticky layer and killing the bug. This might be a potential treatment for difficult Acinetobacter baumannii infections.

Biodegradation of sugarcane bagasse biomass using recombinant alpha-galactosidase overexpressing whole-cell E.coli: a sustainable method of agricultural waste utilization.

Whole-cell bacteria overexpressing a combo of enzymes capable of breaking down complex lignocellulosic components of cell wall is a path-breaking innovation that is eco-friendly for agricultural waste processing and sustainable environment. In this study, a whole-cell E. coli overexpressing the enzyme alpha-galactosidase is used to biodegrade sugarcane bagasse, presenting a sustainable approach for agricultural waste utilization. Alpha-galactosidase is an enzyme that breaks down alpha-D-galactose residues at the non-reducing ends of oligosaccharides (such as raffinose, stachyose, and verbascose), complex galactomannans, and galactolipids. Submerged and solid-state fermentation-mediated hydrolysis of bagasse waste using recombinant E. coli overexpressing α-galactosidase shows a decrease in the level of α-galactosides releasing sucrose and reducing sugars, indicating a continuous breakdown of the cell wall. Scanning electron microscopy indicates substantial disintegration of cell wall fibers under both submerged (12 h) and solid-state (7 days) fermentation, confirming the disruption of bagasse cell wall structural integrity. The 2XM9 media was found competent for both total protein and enzyme activity; the total protein concentration was 2553 µg/ml after 28 h of induction with an enzyme activity of 0.445 gal units/µg of protein after 16 h of induction at 24 °C. The results show that using whole-cell recombinant systems that express different cell wall-degrading enzymes could be a sustainable way to use agricultural waste, which would help with both waste management and protecting the environment.

Current treatment strategies for targeting virulence factors and biofilm formation in Acinetobacter baumannii.

A higher prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii infections and mortality rate has been reported recently in hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The biofilm-forming capability of A. baumannii makes it an extremely dangerous pathogen, especially in device-associated hospital-acquired infections (DA-HAI), thereby it resists the penetration of antibiotics. Further, the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was exacerbated in DA-HAI during the epidemic. This review specifically examines the complex interconnections between several components and genes that play a role in the biofilm formation and the development of infections. The current review provides insights into innovative treatments and therapeutic approaches to combat A. baumannii biofilm-related infections, thereby ultimately improving patient outcomes and reducing the burden of HAI.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a type of bacteria that spreads quickly in the hospital environment. It is extremely dangerous, as it can form protective communities on the surface of medical devices, known as a biofilm. Biofilms can affect the ability of antibiotics to kill the bacteria. This review looks at how A. baumannii forms biofilms and ways that biofilms can be disrupted to kill the bacteria.

Machine learning, conventional and statistical physics modeling of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) herbicide removal using biochar prepared from Vateria indica fruit biomass.

The adsorption properties of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) onto biochar, obtained through HCl-assisted hydrothermal carbonization process of Vateria indica fruits (VI-BC), were extensively studied using traditional and statistical physics approaches. The traditional adsorption investigations encompassed kinetics, equilibrium, and thermodynamics studies. Subsequently, the Hill statistical physics model was employed to interpret the mechanism. Also, artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) machine learning tools were successfully employed to model the adsorption data wherein both models had high prediction potential (R2 > 0.99). The outcomes demonstrated that the produced VI-BC exhibited remarkable adsorptive traits, having a considerable specific surface area (111.54 m2/g), pore size (5.89 nm), a variety of functional groups, and appropriate attributes for efficiently adsorbing 2,4-D. For 10 mg/L 2,4-D, at pH 2.0 and with 0.3 g/L dose, an impressive 91.67% adsorption efficiency was achieved within a 120-min. Pseudo-second-order model aptly depicted the kinetic behavior of 2,4-D adsorption, while the Freundlich model provided a more accurate representation of the isotherms. 2,4-D maximum adsorption capacity stood at 131.39 mg/g at 303 K. The Hill statistical physics model elucidated that the adsorption primarily occurred via physisorption mechanisms, involving electrostatic attractions, π-π conjugation, and pore filling. This conclusion was further substantiated by post-adsorption characterization of the VI-BC. Thermodynamic analysis indicated that the interactions between VI-BC and 2,4-D were favorable, spontaneous, and exothermic. The calculated low energy of adsorption (1.255 kJ/mol) and ΔH° value (-20.49 kJ/mol) further supported physisorption as the dominant mechanism. In summary, this study underscores the significant potential of the newly developed biochar as a promising alternative material for efficiently removing the 2,4-D herbicide from polluted environments.

A narrative review on Naringin and Naringenin as a possible bioenhancer in various drug-delivery formulations.

Naringenin belongs to the flavanones and is mainly found in fruits (grapefruit and oranges) and vegetables. Naringenin exhibits lipid-lowering and insulin-like characteristics and is used to treat osteoporosis, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Their incorporation into drug formulations offers several advantages, including enhanced solubility, improved bioavailability and targeted delivery. Naringin-based formulations are beneficial in cancer, for example controlling breast and prostate cancer by inhibition of CYP19. Naringin suppresses the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, it triggers autophagy, which effectively halts the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Naringin and naringenin co-administration or pre-administration has enhanced the target drug's potency and produced a synergistic effect. This published study demonstrates the potential applications of Naringin and Naringenin as recognized bio-enhancers.

This work investigates the possible uses of Naringenin, a substance found in fruits such as grapefruit and oranges. Naringenin has some exciting qualities ­ it can help lower lipids (fats), act similarly to insulin, and has the potential to fight cancer. Because of these properties, it could be helpful in treating conditions like osteoporosis, cancer, and heart problems. When we include Naringenin in medicine formulations, it can have benefits such as being easier to dissolve, getting absorbed better by the body, and reaching specific target areas effectively.

Genetic insights into cardiac tumors: a comprehensive review.

Cardiac neoplasms are rare, however, also a curable form of the disease once detected early. In recent years the viscus tumors have gained their highlights, due to the advancement in techniques like echocardiography both 2D and 3D, MRI, etc. These cardiac tumors are divided based on their benign and malignant nature and also as well as primary and secondary cardiac tumors. Largely the primary cardiac tumors are often than secondary cardiac tumors. The secondary tumor happens anywhere in the body involving the heart. The most common malignant tumors are sarcoma, some are angiosarcomas, fibromas, rhabdosarcoma, and leiomyosarcoma. The primary sarcoma affects both men and women at an equal rate with non-specific symptoms. These conditions led to high demand in genomic testing that helps in spot the mutation that leads to the particular type of cardiac neoplasm and it additionally helps to screen the mutated sequence and stop it from being inherited. Recent studies on cardiac tumors have revealed many genes that are involved in tumorigenesis and technologies have enabled the right screening of the tumor location within the heart and their histopathological studies were also studied. This review principally focuses on the understanding of the various forms of cardiac tumors, genetic variants involved and their influence, genetic testing, and different diagnostic approaches in cardiac tumors.

Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye using newly synthesized zirconia nanoparticles.

Zirconium oxide nanoparticles (ZrO2NPs) were prepared using the leaf extract of Muntingia calabura as a reductant. The absorption peak at 232 nm confirmed the signature peak for ZrO2NPs with band energy at 5.07 eV. The ZrO2NPs were tetragonal and highly crystalline, possessing a mean diameter of 14.83 nm as confirmed by XRD studies. The lattice constants (a = 0.362 nm and c = 0.511 nm) were consistent with the literature. Spherical nanoaggregates (29.25 nm) were seen in FESEM image and the specific signals for Zr and O were noticed in EDS image. The tetragonal phase of the ZrO2NPs were further confirmed from the XPS and Raman studies. PL spectrum had a sharp emission at 493 nm. The FTIR spectrum revealed the presence of various functional groups. ZrO2NPs were thermally stable with 5.76% total weight loss - as revealed from TGA profile. The photocatalytic breakdown of methylene blue (MB) dye under the influence of solar irradiation was performed using ZrO2NPs which exhibited 89.11% degradation within 5 h. Hence, the synthesized ZrO2NPs can be used as an alternate potential photocatalyst for the degradation of various dyes present in waste streams.

Synthesis, characterization and anticancer activity of the green-synthesized hematite nanoparticles.

The conventional synthesis of hematite nanoparticles (HNPs) is expensive and creates secondary contaminants. Therefore, to combat these issues, there is a requirement for a cheap, effective, and eco-friendly technique. Herein, HNPs were prepared using the fruit extract of Spondias pinnata - an abundant source available in Western-coastal India. The polyphenolic compounds aided the synthesis process and the entire procedure was very rapid. The obtained HNPs had needle-like morphology with agglomerations due to the magnetic interactions as seen in FESEM and HRTEM images. Fe and O elements were noticed in EDS results. The crystalline nature and crystal phase were confirmed from XRD and SAED patterns. The lattice parameters of HNPs were in tandem with the literature. Fe-O crystalline vibrations were noticed in FTIR studies. VSM results portrayed the superparamagnetic nature of HNPs with a high magnetic saturation value of 8.949 emu/g and a negligible hysteresis loop. Thermal stability was ascertained using TGA results with 32% overall weight loss. XPS studies revealed the existence of pure HNPs with signature peaks. Raman spectrum showed the bands specific for HNPs, comparable to the commercial one. In addition, the HNPs were mesoporous with a high surface area (72.04 m2/g) - higher than the commercial one. The anticancer potential of the HNPs was successfully demonstrated against two mammalian cancer cell lines. Therefore, the HNPs synthesized in this study could be applied in various biomedical fields, especially for anticancer formulations.

Superparamagnetic hematite spheroids synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity.

The leaf extract of Muntingia calabura is being first reported to be used for the synthesis superparamagnetic hematite nanoparticles by following the green-chemistry approach. Field Emission - Scanning Electron Microscopic image revealed the formation of irregular nano spheroids averaging at 48.57 nm in size and characteristic of Fe and O atoms, as revealed by Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectrum. X-ray diffraction analysis results proved the crystallinity of hematite diffraction planes with crystallite sizes averaging at 30.68 nm. The lattice parameter values stayed concordant with the literature. The superparamagnetic nature was attested by the high value of saturation magnetism (2.20 emu/g) with negligible coercivity and retentivity. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy results affirmed numerous moieties involved in the synthesis of hematite nanoparticles and the existence of signature Fe-O bands. Thermogravimetric analysis studies portrayed the thermal behavior nanoparticles with 28% weight loss and thermal stability was attained after 700 °C. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the valence states of Fe and O in the hematite nanoparticles and ascertained the purity. The mesoscopic structure was revealed by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller studies with considerable surface area (112.50 m2/g). The Fenton-like catalysis mediated by the nanoparticle sample was demonstrated by degrading methylene blue dye. The remarkable degradation efficiency of 93.44% was obtained and the kinetics was conformed to a second-order model with a high R2 value. Therefore, the highly crystalline and mesoporous superparamagnetic hematite spheroids prepared using the leaf extract of M. calabura would find promising applications in various catalysis processes.

Purification, biochemical, and thermal properties of fibrinolytic enzyme secreted by Bacillus cereus SRM-001.

The discovery of microbial fibrinolytic enzymes is essential to treat cardiovascular diseases. This study reports the discovery of a fibrinolytic enzyme secreted by Bacillus cereus SRM-001, a microorganism isolated from the soil of a chicken waste-dump yard. The B. cereus SRM-001 was cultured and the secreted fibrinolytic enzyme purified to show that it is a ∼28 kDa protein. The purified enzyme was characterized for its kinetics, biochemical and thermal properties to show that it possesses properties similar to plasmin. A HPLC-MS/MS analysis of trypsin digested protein indicated that the fibrinolytic enzyme shared close sequence homology with serine proteases reported for other Bacillus sp. The results show that the B. cereus SRM-001 secreted enzyme is a ∼28 kDa serine protease that possesses fibrinolytic potential.

Fibrinolytic enzyme production by newly isolated Bacillus cereus SRM-001 with enhanced in-vitro blood clot lysis potential.

The discovery of plasmin-like microbial fibrinolytic enzymes having high specificity and negligible side effects is crucial for thrombolytic therapy. Herein, we report one such extra-cellular fibrinolytic enzyme producing Bacillus cereus SRM-001 isolated from the blood-laden soil of a chicken dump yard. The potency of the enzyme was established with fibrin plate assay and in-vitro blood clot lysis assay. The shake-flask operating parameters and media composition were optimized for maximizing the productivity of the enzyme. The operating parameters, pH 7, 37°C, 1% inoculum volume and 24 h inoculum age, were found to be the optimum. The levels of media components, corn flour (0.3% w/v), soyabean powder (1.9% w/v) and MnSO4 (11.5 mM) were optimized by statistical analysis using Box-Behnken design derived RSM. This resulted in an almost 1.8 fold increase in fibrinolytic enzyme productivity. The 3D response surface plots showed soyabean powder and MnSO4 to be the key ingredients for enhancing the enzyme productivity, whereas corn flour had a marginal effect. The in-vitro blood clot lysis assay conducted at near physiological pH 7 at 37°C showed the enzyme to be a potential therapeutic thrombolytic agent.

In vitro Analysis of Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and Antiproliferative Activity of Enteromorpha antenna, Enteromorpha linza and Gracilaria corticata Extracts.

BACKGROUND: Seaweeds are taxonomically diverse benthic algae, which are rich in bioactive compounds. These compounds have a potential application in medicine. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to investigate the bioactive properties of three seaweed samples, Enteromorpha antenna, Enteromorpha linza and Gracilaria corticata were collected from the shoreline of Mahabalipuram, Tamilnadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bioactive components were extracted by using various solvents. Antioxidant analysis methods like scavenging activity of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, free radical scavenging (DPPH), FRAP (ferric reducing ability plasma) ability and reducing power were carried out. MTT assay was employed to study the anticancer activity against cancer cell lines Hep-G2, MCF7 and normal VERO cell lines. RESULTS: It was found that methanolic extracts elicited higher total phenolic content, higher percentage scavenging activity of nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radicals, free radical scavenging (DPPH), FRAP (ferric reducing ability plasma) ability and reducing power. Different concentrations of crude methanolic extracts of seaweeds showed potential antimicrobial activity by well diffusion method. Crude methanolic extract of G. corticata had significant anticancer activity followed by E. antenna and E. linza on cancer cell lines Hep-G2, MCF7 and normal VERO cell lines by MTT assay. CONCLUSIONS: The methanolic extracts of seaweeds Enteromorpha antenna, Enteromorpha linza and Gracilaria corticata possess high total phenolic content and shows a good free radical scavenging activity and hence are proven to have better antioxidant activity and they might be good candidates for further investigations in order to develop potential anticancer drugs.