Characterization of Gold-Enhanced Titania: Boosting Cell Proliferation and Combating Bacterial Infestation.

BACKGROUND: In this study an approach was made to efficaciously synthesize gold enhanced titania nanorods by electrospinning. This study aims to address effects of gold enhanced titania nanorods on muscle precursor cells. Additionally, implant related microbial infections are prime cause of various disastrous diseases. So, there is predictable demand for synthesis of novel materials with multifunctional adaptability. METHODS: Herein, gold nanoparticles were attached on titania nanorods and described using many sophisticated procedures such as XRD, SEM, EDX and TEM. Antimicrobial studies were probed against Gram-negative Escherichia coli. C2C12 cell lines were exposed to various doses of as-prepared gold enhanced titania nanorods in order to test in vitro cytotoxicity and proliferation. Cell sustainability was assessed through Cell Counting Kit-8 assay at regular intervals. A phase-contrast microscope was used to examine morphology of exposed C2C12 cells and confocal laser scanning microscope was used to quantify cell viability. RESULTS: The findings indicate that titania nanorods enhanced with gold exhibit superior antimicrobial efficacy compared to pure titania. Furthermore, newly synthesized gold-enhanced titania nanorods illustrate that cell viability follows a time and concentration dependent pattern. CONCLUSION: Consequently, our study provides optimistic findings indicating that titania nanorods adorned with gold hold significant potential as foundational resource for developing forthcoming antimicrobial materials, suitable for applications both in medical and biomedical fields. This work also demonstrates that in addition to being extremely biocompatible, titania nanorods with gold embellishments may be used in a range of tissue engineering applications in very near future.

Computational evaluation of efflux pump homologues and lignans as potent inhibitors against multidrug-resistant Salmonella typhi.

Typhoid fever, caused by Salmonella enterica serovar typhi, presents a substantial global health threat, particularly in regions with limited healthcare infrastructure. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains of S. typhi exacerbates this challenge, severely compromising conventional treatment efficacy due to over activity of efflux pumps. In our study, a comprehensive exploration of two fundamental aspects to combat MDR in S. typhi is carried out; i.e. employing advanced bioinformatics analyses and AlphaFold AI, We successfully identified and characterised a putative homologue, ABC-TPA, reminiscent of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) known for its role in multidrug resistance in diverse pathogens. This discovery provides a critical foundation for understanding the potential mechanisms driving antibiotic resistance in S. typhi. Furthermore, employing computational methodologies, We meticulously assessed the potential of lignans, specifically Schisandrin A, B, and C, as promising Efflux Pump Inhibitors (EPIs) against the identified P-gp homologue in S. typhi. Noteworthy findings revealed robust binding interactions of Schisandrin A and B with the target protein, indicating substantial inhibitory capabilities. In contrast, Schisandrin C exhibited instability, showing varied effectiveness among the evaluated lignans. Pharmacokinetics and toxicity predictions underscored the favourable attributes of Schisandrin A, including prolonged action duration. Furthermore, high systemic stability and demanished toxicity profile of SA and SB present their therapeutic efficacy against MDR. This comprehensive investigation not only elucidates potential therapeutic strategies against MDR strains of S. typhi but also highlights the relevance of computational approaches in identifying and evaluating promising candidates. These findings lay a robust foundation for future empirical studies to address the formidable challenges antibiotic resistance poses in this clinically significant infectious diseases.

Effect of Bio-Fertilizer Application on Agronomic Traits, Yield, and Nutrient Uptake of Barley (Hordeum vulgare) in Saline Soil.

Under salinity conditions, growth and productivity of grain crops decrease, leading to inhibition and limited absorption of water and elements necessary for plant growth, osmotic imbalance, ionic stress, and oxidative stress. Microorganisms in bio-fertilizers have several mechanisms to provide benefits to crop plants and reduce the harmful effect of salinity. They can be effective in dissolving phosphate, fixing nitrogen, promoting plant growth, and can have a combination of all these qualities. During two successful agricultural seasons, two field experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of bio-fertilizer applications, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB), nitrogen fixation bacteria and a mix of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria and nitrogen fixation bacteria with three rates, 50, 75 and 100% NPK, of the recommended dose of minimal fertilizer on agronomic traits, yield and nutrient uptake of barley (Hordeum vulgare) under saline condition in Village 13, Farafra Oasis, New Valley Governorate, Egypt. The results showed that the application of Microbein + 75% NPK recorded the highest values of plant height, spike length, number of spikes/m2, grain yield (Mg ha-1), straw yield (Mg ha-1), biological yield (Mg ha-1), protein content %, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) uptakes in grain and straw (kg ha-1), available nitrogen (mg/kg soil), available phosphorus (mg/kg soil), total microbial count of soil, antioxidant activity of soil (AOA), dehydrogenase, nitrogen fixers, and PSB counts. The application of bio-fertilizers led to an increase in plant tolerance to salt stress, plant growth, grain yield, and straw yield, in addition to the application of the bio-fertilizers, which resulted in a 25% saving in the cost of mineral fertilizers used in barley production.