Evaluation of phytotherapeutic activities and phytochemical content of Phormidium autumnale Gomont from natural freshwater sources.

The information available on microalgae-sourced compounds, especially antibiotics and other bioactive compounds, and their potential commercial applications is still insufficient. In this study, antibacterial activity, metabolites, and molecular characterization of Phormidium autumnale, which was isolated from samples collected from different natural freshwater sources in Ankara, Turkey, were investigated. Sequencing results of 16s rDNA confirmed the molecular identification of P. autumnale by 99%. It was determined that the peak values of some phenolic compounds and cyclic peptides were consistent with the 1653-1389 cm-1 band regions in the FTIR spectra of the species. The antibacterial activities of P. autumnale cyanobacteria (CBA) extracts that were obtained by using different solvents were tested on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermidis, methicillin-resistant (MR) Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, and Enterococcus faecalis by using a disc diffusion method. Also, the minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and antimicrobial indexes of all extracts were determined. It was found that P. autumnale methanol extracts showed antibacterial activity on all test bacteria, whereas acetone extracts showed effects only on E. coli. For the inhibition of MR S. aureus, the control methanol extract was found to give very similar results to those exhibited by the control antibiotics, and the antimicrobial index results were determined to be 58.7-67.5%. According to the results of the analysis of methanol extract, gentisic acid, vanillic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, p-coumaric acid, and catechin (especially phenolic compounds) were determined to be the active compounds. It can be concluded that P. autumnale is an alternative to current commercial applications as an antibacterial agent in phytotherapy.

Biological Activities and Biocompatibility Properties of Eu(OH)3 and Tb(OH)3 Nanorods: Evaluation for Wound Healing Applications.

Rare earth elements have shown promising results in both bio-imaging and therapy applications due to their superior magnetic, catalytic, and optical properties. In recent years, since lanthanide-based nanomaterials have effective results in wound healing, it has become necessary to investigate the different properties of these nanoparticles. The aim of this study is to investigate the antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and biocompability of Eu(OH)3 and Tb(OH)3 nanorods, which have a high potential by triggering angiogenesis and providing ROS activity, especially in wound healing. For this purpose, nanorods were obtained by the microwave-assisted synthesis method. Structural characterizations of Eu(OH)3 and Tb(OH)3 nanorods were performed by FT-IR, XRD, and TG-DTA methods, and morphological characterizations were performed by SEM-EDX. Microorganisms that are likely to be present in the wound environment were selected for the antimicrobial activities of the nanorods. The highest efficiency of nanorods with the disc diffusion method was shown against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27,853 and Candida albicans ATCC 10,231 microorganisms. One of the problems frequently encountered in an infected wound environment is the formation of bacterial biofilm. Eu(OH)3 nanorods inhibited 77.5 ± 0.43% and Tb(OH)3 nanorods 76.16 ± 0.60% of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27,853 biofilms. These results show promise for the development of biomaterials with superior properties by adding these nanorods to wound dressings that will be developed especially for wounds with microbial infection. Eu(OH)3 nanorods are more toxic than Tb(OH)3 nanorods on NCTC L929 cells. At concentrations of 500 µg/ml and above, both nanorods are toxic to cells.

Effects of microalgae Chlorella species crude extracts on intestinal adaptation in experimental short bowel syndrome.

AIM: To evaluate the effects of chlorella crude extract (CCE) on intestinal adaptation in rats subjected to short bowel syndrome (SBS). METHODS: Wistar rats weighing 230-260 g were used in the study. After anesthesia a 75% small bowel resection was performed. Rats were randomized and divided into groups. Control group (n = 10): where 5% dextrose was given through a gastrostomy tube, Enteral nutrition (EN) group (n = 10): Isocaloric and isonitrogen EN (Alitraq, Abbott, USA), study group (n = 10): CCE was administrated through a gastrostomy tube. Rats were sacrificed on the fifteenth postoperative day and blood and tissue samples were taken. Histopathologic evaluation, intestinal mucosal protein and DNA levels, intestinal proliferation and apoptosis were determined in intestinal tissues, and total protein, albumin and citrulline levels in blood were studied. RESULTS: In rats receiving CCE, villus lengthening, crypt depth, mucosal DNA and protein levels, intestinal proliferation, and serum citrulline, protein and albumin levels were found to be significantly higher than those in control group. Apoptosis in CCE treated rats was significantly reduced when compared to EN group rats. CONCLUSION: CCE has beneficial effects on intestinal adaptation in experimental SBS.

Removal of cadmium(II) ion from aqueous system by dry biomass, immobilized live and heat-inactivated Oscillatoria sp. H1 isolated from freshwater (Mogan Lake).

Oscillatoria sp. H1 (Cyanobacteria, microalgae) isolated from Mogan Lake was used for the removal of cadmium ions from aqueous solutions as its dry biomass, alive and heat-inactivated immobilized form on Ca-alginate. Particularly, the effect of physicochemical parameters like pH, initial concentration and contact time were investigated. The sorption of Cd(II) ions on the sorbent used was examined for the cadmium concentrations within the range of 25-250 mg/L. The biosorption of Cd(II) increased as the initial concentration of Cd(II) ions increased in the medium up to 100 mg/L. Maximum biosorption capacities for plain alginate beads, dry biomass, immobilized live Oscillatoria sp. H1 and immobilized heat-inactivated Oscillatoria sp. H1 were 21.2, 30.1, 32.2 and 27.5 mg/g, respectively. Biosorption equilibrium was established in about 1 h for the biosorption processes. The biosorption was well described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherms. Maximum adsorption was observed at pH 6.0. The alginate-algae beads could be regenerated using 50 mL of 0.1 mol/L HCl solution with about 85% recovery.

Antimicrobial activity and pollen composition of honey samples collected from different provinces in Turkey.

The antibacterial activity of honey samples from different sources were collected and investigated against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 27736, Morganella morganii, Micrococcus luteus NRRL B-4375, Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, and Candida albicans. Pathogens exhibited different sensitivities towards the honey samples. The results showed that majority of the honey samples (75%) generally inhibitied the bacteria tested. The honey samples which were obtained from Izmir (samples 1 and 2) proved more effective as inhibitors against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus. The honey which was obtained from Mugla (sample 5) exhibited high anticandidal activity on C. albicans. A comparison of the honey samples on the basis of pollen content revealed that they were heterofloral, and samples which had highest antibacterial activity against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus were dominated by pollen from Chenopodiaceae/Amaranthaceae (sample 1), and Trifolium, Trigonella, Cyperaceae, Zea mays and Anthemis taxa (sample 2). The honey proved more effective on bacteria than antibiotics.

Evaluation of anti-biofouling potential of Viburnum opulus extracts / Evaluación del potencial anti bioincrustante de extractos de Viburnum opulus

In this study the in vitro investigation of the inhibitory effect of ethanol extract of Viburnum opulus L. bark sample on Streptococcus mutans planctonic cells and biofilm has been intended. A Scanning electron microscopy analysis has been performed in order to investigate the inhibitory effect of the extract on Streptococcus mutans biofilms. Furthermore, the Exopolysaccharide and dextran production of this bacteria have been identified in the presence of the extract. It has been found out that the bark extract with the concentration of 2,5 mg/mL is able to inhibit more than 50% of the cells in the different times development phases. According to this, the exopolymeric matrix on the biofilm surface disperses and the Exopolysaccharide and dextran production get lowered in the presence of bark extract compared to the control group. It is considered that this extract can be used as an alternative approach for the new chemotherapeutic strategies against tooth decay.

En este estudio se investigó el efecto inhibitorio in vitro del extracto de etanólico de una muestra de corteza de Viburnum opulus L. en biopelículas de células planctónicas de Streptococcus mutans. Se realizó un análisis de microscopía electrónica de barrido para investigar el efecto inhibitorio del extracto sobre las biopelículas de Streptococcus mutans. Además, se identificó la producción de exopolisacárido y dextrano de esta bacteria en presencia del extracto. Se descubrió que el extracto de corteza con una concentración de 2,5 mg/ml inhibió más del 50% de las células en las diferentes fases de desarrollo. Consecuentemente, la matriz exopolimérica en la superficie de la biopelícula se dispersa y la producción de exopolisacárido y dextrano se reduce en presencia de extracto de corteza en comparación con el grupo de control. Se sugiere que este extracto puede ser usado como un enfoque alternativo para las nuevas estrategias quimioterapéuticas contra la carie dental.

Water quality and impacts of pollution sources for Eymir and Mogan Lakes (Turkey).

Mogan and Eymir Lakes are two shallow lakes, interconnected hydrologically in the close vicinity of Ankara, Turkey. A total of 245 km(2) of the total 971.4 km(2) watershed is under environmental protection status as "Gölbasi Specially Protected Area". Potential impacts from extensive agriculture, recreation, incomplete infrastructure and other human activities, such as residential settlements, are discussed with reference to previous and more recent pollution monitoring. Six monitoring stations enabling follow-up of previous work were selected in this study. These were on the creeks feeding the lake systems. Generally, summer months showed heavier pollution loads, with Eymir Lake concentrating the pollutants due to flow from Mogan Lake. When compared with the 1995 study; COD, total-P, Kjeldahl-N in the six stations were close or slightly decreased in the present study. Suspended solids significantly decreased; possibly due to erosion control measures and decreased domestic wastewater. The improvement in the pollution state of the lakes is attributed to the construction of a sewage system going around Mogan Lake and collecting wastewater discharges and restrictions to urban settlement development around the lakes brought by the 1/25,000 land use plan controlling further impact from residential developments within the protected area boundaries. The study, while addressing water quality and interactions due to human activities in shallow lakes, also discusses problems associated with human impacts in protected areas with the aim of presenting a complicated case study.

Administration of Chlorella sp. microalgae reduces endotoxemia, intestinal oxidative stress and bacterial translocation in experimental biliary obstruction.

RATIONALE: Endotoxemia has long been documented in obstructive jaundice, and altered intestinal barrier function is considered to be one of the important mechanisms for this phenomenon. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of different microalgae (Chlorella sp. and Spirulina sp.) extracts in intestinal barrier function and oxidative stress in experimentally jaundiced rats. METHODS: A total of 60 male wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups of 15 each: I, sham operated; II, bile duct ligation (BDL); III, BDL+Chlorella sp.; IV, BDL+Spirulina sp. Rats were fed rat chow or microalgae extracts supplemented enteral diet ten days after sham operation or BDL. Main outcome measures were endotoxin concentrations in plasma, evidence of bacterial translocation (BT) in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) and liver, oxidative stress, and histology. RESULTS: Compared to the group I, a significant increase in contamined MLNs, liver, and spleen samples and increased endotoxemia were noted in group II (P<0.01) but were significant reduced in group III (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in BT rate between the group II and group IV (P>0.05). Moreover, Chlorella sp. administration protected in jaundiced rats against oxidative stress, as demonstrated by reduction of intestinal lipid peroxidation, increase of the antioxidant reduced glutathione (GSH), and decrease of the oxidized glutathione (GSSG). The intestinal mucosa in control rats was atrophic with significantly decreased villous density and total mucosal thickness. Chlorella sp. caused a significant reduction in villous atrophy compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: Chlorella sp. microalgae supplemented enteral diet has significant protective effects on intestinal mucosa barrier in obstructive jaundice, and reduces intestinal translocation of bacteria and endotoxin.

Synthesis, characterization and antimicrobial activity of new aliphatic sulfonamide.

A series of novel aliphatic sulfonamide derivatives (1-7) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR and LC-MS techniques. All the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro as antimicrobial agents against representative strains of Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25953, Bacillus cereus ATCC 6633 and Listeria monocytogenes ATCC Li6 (isolate), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 11230) and antifungal agent against Candida albicans (clinical isolate) by both disc diffusion and minimal inhibition concentration (MIC) methods. All these bacteria and fungus studied were screened against some antibiotics to compare with our chemicals' zone diameters. Our aliphatic sulfonamides have highest powerful antibacterial activity for Gram-negative bacteria than Gram-positive bacteria and antibacterial activity decreases as the length of the carbon chain increases.