Crystal structure of new formamidinium triiodide jointly refined by single-crystal XRD, Raman scattering spectroscopy and DFT assessment of hydrogen-bond network features

Green Synthesized Polymeric Iodophors with Thyme as Antimicrobial Agents

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing concern for the future of mankind. Common antibiotics fail in the treatment of microbial infections at an alarming rate. Morbidity and mortality rates increase, especially among immune-compromised populations. Medicinal plants and their essential oils, as well as iodine could be potential solutions against resistant pathogens. These natural antimicrobials abate microbial proliferation, especially in synergistic combinations. We performed a simple, one-pot synthesis to prepare our formulation with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-complexed iodine (I2), Thymus Vulgaris L. (Thyme), and Aloe Barbadensis Miller (AV). SEM/EDS, UV-vis, Raman, FTIR, and XRD analyses verified the purity, composition, and morphology of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2. We investigated the inhibitory action of the bio-formulation AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 against 10 selected reference pathogens on impregnated sterile discs, surgical sutures, cotton gauze bandages, surgical face masks, and KN95 masks. The antimicrobial properties of AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 were studied by disc diffusion methods and compared with those of the antibiotics gentamycin and nystatin. The results confirm AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as a strong antifungal and antibacterial agent against the majority of the tested microorganisms with excellent results on cotton bandages and face masks. After storing AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 for 18 months, the inhibitory action was augmented compared to the fresh formulation. Consequently, we suggest AV-PVP-Thyme-I2 as an antimicrobial agent against wound infections and a spray-on contact killing agent.

Preparation, photoluminescence and excited state properties of the homoleptic cluster cation [(W6I8)(CH3CN)6]4

Solvated tungsten iodide cluster compounds are presented with the homoleptic cluster cation [(W₆I₈)(CH₃CN)₆]⁴⁺ and the heteroleptic [(W₆I₈)I(CH₃CN)₅]³⁺, synthesized from W₆I₂₂ in acetonitrile. Crystal structures were solved and refined on deep red single-crystals of [(W₆I₈)(CH₃CN)₆](I₃)(BF₄)₃·H₂O, [(W₆I₈)I(CH₃CN)₅](I₃)₂(BF₄), and on a yellow single-crystal of [W₆I₈(CH₃CN)₆](BF₄)₄·2(CH₃CN) on the basis of X-ray diffraction data. The structure of the homoleptic [(W₆I₈)(CH₃CN)₆]⁴⁺ cluster is based on the octahedral [W₆I₈]⁴⁺ tungsten iodide cluster core, coordinated by six apical acetonitrile ligands. The electron localisation function of [(W₆I₈)(CH₃CN)₆]⁴⁺ is calculated and solid-state photoluminescence and its temperature depedence are reported. Additionally, photoluminescence and transient absorption measurements in acetonitrile are shown. Results of the obtained data are compared to compounds containing [(M₆I₈)I₆]^2- and [(M₆I₈)L₆]^2- (M = Mo or W; L = ligand) clusters.

Antimicrobial Biomaterial on Sutures, Bandages and Face Masks with Potential for Infection Control

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a challenge for the survival of the human race. The steady rise of resistant microorganisms against the common antimicrobials results in increased morbidity and mortality rates. Iodine and a plethora of plant secondary metabolites inhibit microbial proliferation. Antiseptic iodophors and many phytochemicals are unaffected by AMR. Surgical site and wound infections can be prevented or treated by utilizing such compounds on sutures and bandages. Coating surgical face masks with these antimicrobials can reduce microbial infections and attenuate their burden on the environment by re-use. The facile combination of Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller (AV), Trans-cinnamic acid (TCA) and Iodine (I₂) encapsulated in a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) matrix seems a promising alternative to common antimicrobials. The AV-PVP-TCA-I₂ formulation was impregnated into sterile discs, medical gauze bandages, surgical sutures and face masks. Morphology, purity and composition were confirmed by several analytical methods. Antimicrobial activity of AV-PVP-TCA-I₂ was investigated by disc diffusion methods against ten microbial strains in comparison to gentamycin and nystatin. AV-PVP-TCA-I₂ showed excellent antifungal and strong to intermediate antibacterial activities against most of the selected pathogens, especially in bandages and face masks. The title compound has potential use for prevention or treatment of surgical site and wound infections. Coating disposable face masks with AV-PVP-TCA-I₂ may be a sustainable solution for their re-use and waste management.