Characterisation of physical, chemical and antimicrobial properties of allicin-chitosan complexes

Ultrasensitive and selective colorimetric and smartphone-based detection of arsenic ions in aqueous solution using alliin-chitosan-AgNPs

In this study, we developed a highly selective and sensitive colorimetric sensor for arsenic [As(iii)] detection using alliin-chitosan-stabilized silver nanoparticles (AC-AgNPs). The AC-AgNPs were synthesized using a complex prepared by mixing aqueous garlic extract containing alliin and chitosan extracted from shrimp. The synthesis of AC-AgNPs was confirmed by UV-vis spectroscopy, which showed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band at 403 nm, and TEM analysis revealing spherical nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 7.57 ± 3.52 nm. Upon the addition of As3+ ions, the brownish-coloured solution of AC-AgNPs became colourless. Moreover, the computational study revealed that among all the metal ions, only As3+ was able to form a stable complex with AC-AgNPs, with a binding energy of 8.7 kcal mol-1. The sensor exhibited a linear response to As(iii) concentrations ranging from 0.02 to 1.4 fM, with a detection limit of 0.023 fM. The highest activity was observed at pH 7 and temperature 25 °C. Interference studies demonstrated high selectivity against common metal ions. The study also demonstrated that the concentration of As3+ ions can be estimated by the decrease in red intensity and increase in green intensity in smartphone optical transduction signals. These results indicate the potential of the AC-AgNP-based sensor for reliable and efficient arsenic detection in environmental monitoring.

Inherent and Composite Hydrogels as Promising Materials to Limit Antimicrobial Resistance

Antibiotic resistance has increased significantly in the recent years, and has become a global problem for human health and the environment. As a result, several technologies for the controlling of health-care associated infections have been developed over the years. Thus, the most recent findings in hydrogel fabrication, particularly antimicrobial hydrogels, could offer valuable solutions for these biomedical challenges. In this review, we discuss the most promising strategies in the development of antimicrobial hydrogels and the application of hydrogels in the treatment of microbial infections. The latest advances in the development of inherently and composite antimicrobial hydrogels will be discussed, as well as hydrogels as carriers of antimicrobials, with a focus on antibiotics, metal nanoparticles, antimicrobial peptides, and biological extracts. The emergence of CRISR-Cas9 technology for removing the antimicrobial resistance has led the necessity of new and performant carriers for delivery of the CRISPR-Cas9 system. Different delivery systems, such as composite hydrogels and many types of nanoparticles, attracted a great deal of attention and will be also discussed in this review.

Natural Biocidal Compounds of Plant Origin as Biodegradable Materials Modifiers

The article presents a literature review of the plant origin natural compounds with biocidal properties. These compounds could be used as modifiers of biodegradable materials. Modification of polymer material is one of the basic steps in its manufacturing process. Biodegradable materials play a key role in the current development of materials engineering. Natural modifiers are non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and renewable. The substances contained in natural modifiers exhibit biocidal properties against bacteria and/or fungi. The article discusses polyphenols, selected phenols, naphthoquinones, triterpenoids, and phytoncides that are natural antibiotics. Due to the increasing demand for biodegradable materials and the protection of the natural environment against the negative effects of toxic substances, it is crucial to replace synthetic modifiers with plant ones. This work mentions industries where materials containing natural modifying additives could find potential applications. Moreover, the probable examples of the final products are presented. Additionally, the article points out the current world's pandemic state and the use of materials with biocidal properties considering the epidemiological conditions.

Influence of the packaging material and storage temperature on the shelf life of garlic powder

The effect of the packaging materials and storage temperatures on the quality characteristics of the (convective dried at 55 °C and mechanical grounded) garlic powder, was studied for a period of 120 days. The quality parameters such as moisture content, flavour strength, pH, total soluble solids, titrable acidity, change in colour etc. as affected by the packaging materials (LDPE and HDPE) and storage temperatures (Room temperature, refrigerated storage at 4 °C, storage at - 10 °C). The results showed that there was a significant effect of the storage temperature and packaging materials on the quality parameters of the garlic powder. The quality characteristics of garlic powder namely, moisture content (from 6.54 to 7.31 per cent), pH (from 5.57 to 5.69), total soluble solids (from 36.6 to 38.9°BX) and change in colour (from 7.07 to 17.12 per cent) were increased whereas flavour strength (from 0.219 to 0.192 per cent) and titrable acidity (from 0.67 to 0.62) of garlic powder were decreased with the increase of the storage period. Garlic powder packed in low density polyethylene and stored at - 10 °C retained the quality after storage.

Antibacterial Hydrogels

Antibacterial materials are recognized as important biomaterials due to their effective inhibition of bacterial infections. Hydrogels are 3D polymer networks crosslinked by either physical interactions or covalent bonds. Currently, hydrogels with an antibacterial function are a main focus in biomedical research. Many advanced antibacterial hydrogels are developed, each possessing unique qualities, namely high water swellability, high oxygen permeability, improved biocompatibility, ease of loading and releasing drugs, and structural diversity. Here, an overview of the structures, performances, mechanisms of action, loading and release behaviors, and applications of various antibacterial hydrogel formulations is provided. Furthermore, the prospects in biomedical research and clinical applications are predicted.

Preparation and characterization of polyelectrolyte complex nanoparticles based on poly (malic acid), chitosan. A pH-dependent delivery system

The main objective of this work was to develop polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) nanoparticles based on poly (malic acid), chitosan (PMLA/CS) as pH-dependent delivery systems. The results indicated that the PMLA/CS Nps were successfully prepared. The prepared PMLA/CS Nps showed spherical morphology with a mean diameter of 212.81 nm and negative surface charge of -24.60 mV, and revealing significant pH-sensitive properties as the mass ratio of PMLA to CS was 5:5. The prepared PMLA/CS Nps were characterized by FT-IR, TEM and DLS. The prepared PMLA/CS Nps remained stable over a temperature range of 4-53 °C. Doxorubicin (Dox) as a model drug was loaded on the nanoparticles through the physical adsorption method. The high drug loading efficiency (16.9%) and the sustained release patterns in acidic media were observed, and the release accelerated in alkaline solutions. MTT based cytotoxic analysis also depicted the non-toxic nature of PMLA/CS Nps, while Dox-PMLA/CS Nps showed dose-dependent cytotoxicity towards MDA-MB-231 cells. Hence, the nanoparticles could be potentially applied as pH sensitive drug vehicles for controlled release.