The Caucasian Whortleberry Extract/Myrtle Essential Oil Loaded Active Films: Physicochemical Properties and Effects on Quality Parameters of Wrapped Turkey Breast Meat.

In this research work, the effects of myrtle essential oil (MEO) and Caucasian whortleberry extract (CWE) as natural additives were investigated on mechanical, physico-mechanical and antimicrobial properties of gellan/polyvinyl alcohol (G/PVA) film. Then, optimal blend active films were used for the wrapping of turkey breast meat stored at low temperature (4 ± 1 °C) for 15 days and chemical and sensory properties of wrapped meats were evaluated. The addition of MEO and CWE decreased tensile strength and increased the strain at the break of the films (p ≤ 0.05). Additionally, with increasing the amount of MEO and CWE, the permeability to water vapor (WVP) and the moisture content (MC) of the films decreased (p ≤ 0.05). MIC test showed that MEO and CWE were effective against S. aureus, E. coli, S. typhimurium, and P. fluorescens. at the concentrations of 5-6 and 15-17 mg/mL, respectively. Different microbiological, chemical, and sensory tests indicated that active films significantly enhanced the shelf life of turkey breast meat (p ≤ 0.05). Therefore, based on our finding in this study, the use of these active and biodegradable packagings can be effective and useful for protecting the microbial and sensory quality of turkey breast meat.

Enhanced antimicrobial treatment by a clay-based drug nanocarrier conjugated to a guanidine-rich cell penetrating peptide.

In this study, a novel and efficient drug delivery system is proposed for the enhancement of antimicrobial properties of antibiotic medications such as vancomycin (VCM) and levofloxacin (OFX). The architecture of the designed drug carrier is based on halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) with a rolled-laminate shape, suitable for the encapsulation of drug and further release. In order to make them capable for magnetic direction to the target tissue, the exterior surface of the tubes is composed of iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs), via an in situ process. The main role in the antimicrobial activity enhancement is played by a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP) sequence synthesized in the solid phase, which contains three arginine-tryptophan blocks plus a cysteine as the terminal amino acid (C(WR)3). The drug content values for the prepared nanocargoes named as VCM@Fe3O4/HNT-C(WR)3 and OFX@Fe3O4/HNT-C(WR)3, have been estimated at ca. 10 wt% and 12 wt%, respectively. Also, the drug release investigations have shown that above 90% of the encapsulated drug is released in acetate buffer (pH = 4.6), during a 90 minutes process. Confocal microscopy has corroborated good adhesion and co-localization of the particles and the stained living cells. Moreover, in vitro antimicrobial assessments (optical density, zone of inhibition, and minimum inhibitory concentration) have revealed that the bacterial cell growth rate is significantly inhibited by suggested nanocargoes, in comparison with the individual drugs in the same dosage. Hence, administration of the presented nanocargoes is recommended for the clinical treatment of the infected target organ.

A fluorescence Nano-biosensors immobilization on Iron (MNPs) and gold (AuNPs) nanoparticles for detection of Shigella spp.

The highly sensitive and specificity detection are very important in diagnosis of foodborne pathogens and prevention of spread diseases. Therefore, in the present study, a highly sensitive fluorescence Nano-biosensors was designed for detection of Shigella species. For achieved this purpose, DNA probes and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were designed and synthesized, respectively. Then, two DNA probes as signal reporter were immobilized on surface of AuNPs. On the other hand, Iron nanoparticles (MNPs) were synthesized and modified with SMCC (Sulfosuccinimidyl 4-Nmaleimidomethyl cyclohexane-1- carboxylate). The 3th DNA probe was immobilized on surface of MNPs for separation of target DNA. The MNP-DNA probe and DNA probe-AuNP-fluorescence DNA probe were added to target DNA. The MNP- DNA probe-target DNA-DNA probe-AuNP-fluorescence DNA probe complex was isolated by a magnet. The fluorescence DNA probe was released on surface of AuNPs and the fluorescence intensity was read by fluorescence spectrophotometry. Sensitivity and specificity of designed Nano-biosensor was determined. The results showed that the fluorescence intensity was increased with increasing of target DNA concentration. Linear related between target DNA and fluorescence intensity was observed in 2.3 × 102 up to 2.3 × 107 CFU mL-1. The linear equation and regression were Y = 1.8 X + 23.4 and R2 0.9953. Limit of detection (LOD) were determined 90 CFUmL-1. The specificity of Nano-biosensor in present of other bacteria was confirmed.

Clinical application of ultrasound for preparation of (99m)Tc-sestamibi complex.

OBJECTIVE: The main aim of this investigation is the clinical application of ultrasound irradiation technique as an alternative method to reconstitute sestamibi kits in comparison of water boiling bath method. METHODS: The 740-3700 MBq (20-100 mCi) (99m)Tc-MIBI (sestamibi) complex samples were prepared due to ultrasound irradiation technique or boiled water bath method as a standard method. Twenty patients (8 men and 12 women; age range 30-72, median 52.45 years) have been referred to Golestan hospital for myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). The subjects have been divided randomly into group A (3 men, 7 women, age range 36-67, median 51.7 years) and group B (5 men, 5 women, age range 30-72, median 50.3 years), respectively. The (99m)Tc-MIBI radiopharmaceuticals have been prepared by Ultrasound irradiation technique administrated to group A and (99m)Tc-MIBI complex samples due to the boiled water bath technique administrated to the other group. For all patients, the 2-day stress/rest MPI protocol was performed. RESULTS: The radio-HPLC and TLC studies have indicated that the (99m)Tc-MIBI complex samples with good yields could be prepared successfully due to new developed technique. The scintigraphy imaging studies have demonstrated that the (99m)Tc-sestamibi prepared due to the above-mentioned modalities shows very identical biodistribution in the heart, thyroid, lung, liver, gallbladder, kidneys, stomach, large intestine and bladder of the subjects. Any unexpected accumulation of radiotracer samples have not been observed in our approach. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound irradiation technique is convenient and sufficient method to prepare (99m)Tc-sestamibi. It can be recommended as an alternative method to reconstitute sestamibi kits particularly in emergency situations to reduce potentially medical risk by avoiding any delay in acute therapy for myocardial infarction.