Cuminum cyminum L. Essential Oil: A Promising Antibacterial and Antivirulence Agent Against Multidrug-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Eco-friendly synthesis of copper nanoparticles by using Ralstonia sp. and their antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and antivirulence activities

Biosynthesized nanoparticles (NPs) created through environmentally friendly and low-toxicity methods show great potential for various nanotechnology applications. In particular, copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) are promising for medical uses. This study aims to explore the eco-friendly synthesis of Cu-NPs and their potential as a novel strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance. Cu-NPs were synthesized using Ralstonia sp. KF264453 and characterized with techniques including ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The antibacterial properties of the NPs and their synergistic effects with common antibiotics were assessed. The study also investigated their impact on bacterial cell membrane disruption, biofilm formation, efflux pump activity, and motility. UV-Vis analysis indicated a significant absorption peak at 552 nm, confirming surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for Cu-NPs. FESEM images revealed predominantly spherical NPs with an average size of 69.7 nm. DLS measurements indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 78.2 nm due to stabilizing biomolecules. A zeta potential of -5.1 mV suggested moderate colloidal stability, suitable for short-term biomedical applications. XRD analysis confirmed a face-centered cubic (FCC) crystalline structure with an average crystallite size of 45 nm. FT-IR spectra detected functional groups, indicating that proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids may have contributed to the synthesis and stabilization of the NPs. Cu-NPs showed notable antibacterial efficacy, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) between 0.625 and 5 μg/mL and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) ranging from 5 to 20 μg/mL. They improved the effectiveness of penicillin and cefixime, enhanced membrane permeability, inhibited biofilm formation, disrupted efflux pump activity in Staphylococcus aureus SA-1199B, and decreased swarming motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Cu-NPs demonstrate strong antimicrobial activity, inhibit biofilm formation and efflux pump function, and enhance the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics. While they show promise in combating antimicrobial resistance, further research is needed to assess their clinical potential and safety for medical use.

Chemical profile, virtual screening, and virulence-inhibiting properties of Sphagneticola trilobata L. essential oils against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The escalating threat of microbial resistance underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions, including natural agents capable of attenuating virulence. This study explores the antimicrobial and anti-virulence potential of essential oils (EOs) derived from Sphagneticola trilobata against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Through GC/MS analysis, volatile metabolites from the flower heads and leaves/stems of Egyptian S. trilobata were identified, revealing 43 and 62 components, respectively. Key compounds included α-phellandrene, α-pinene, D-limonene, and α-thujene. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MIC) of flower head and leaf/stem EOs against P. aeruginosa were 1.17% and 1.75% v/v, respectively. At sub-MIC doses (1/8th of the MIC), the EOs exhibited significant anti-virulence properties, including complete inhibition of protease activity and disruption of biofilm formation, which are crucial for bacterial survival and pathogenicity. Additionally, they effectively suppressed the expression of quorum sensing genes, which are essential for bacterial communication and virulence. Virtual screening of four major EO components (+)-(R)-limonene, (±)-α-pinene, α-phellandrene, and α-thujene against five critical protein targets involved in biofilm formation, quorum sensing, virulence, and protease activity in P. aeruginosa further supported their anti-virulence and antibiofilm actions, showing high affinity for these targets. These findings suggest that the EOs of S. trilobata hold great potential as natural virulence attenuating agents, particularly against biofilm-forming pathogens like P. aeruginosa.

The Therapeutic Potential of West Indian Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) Essential Oil-Based Ointment in the Treatment of Pitted Keratolysis

Background: Due to their antibacterial activities, essential oils can be potential alternatives to antibiotics in certain cases. West Indian lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil (LEO) is effective against a broad range of bacteria by inhibiting spore formation, and is considered safe. In this study, we demonstrated its therapeutical potential in the treatment of pitted keratolysis (PK), a superficial skin infection affecting the pressure-bearing areas of plantar surfaces. Methods: For in vitro antibacterial efficacy testing, LEO was mixed into different ointment bases, including Hydrogelum methylcellulose FoNo VIII., Ungentum oleosum FoNo VIII. (Ung. oleoso), Unguentum stearini FoNo VIII. (Ung. stearin), and Vaselinum cholesterinatum FoNo VIII. (Vasel. cholest.), at different concentrations of 1, 3, and 5%. These formulations were tested on representatives of three bacterial species associated with PK: Kytococcus sedentarius, Dermatophilus congolensis, and Bacillus thuringiensis. Results: In the in vitro tests, Hydrogelum methylcellulose (HM) gel best supported the antibacterial effects of LEO, reducing the number of living bacteria on agar plates by 4-5 orders of magnitude in a concentration-dependent manner during the 30 min exposure times. This was also confirmed by the Franz diffusion cell drug release test; after 30 min, several active compounds could be detected in the HM samples, in contrast to the other bases. Shelf-life experiments showed that the HM base supported the antibacterial features of 3% LEO for at least 2 years without significant loss of efficacy. Conclusions: Our study highlights that ointments containing essential oils potentially have a place in the treatment of PK. Therefore, antibiotics may potentially be replaced for the treatment of PK, thereby reducing environmental antibiotic pressure, which is one of the driving forces behind the spread of antibiotic resistance.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal and aromatic plants used by the population of Settat Province, Morocco

To promote Morocco's medicinal and aromatic plants, an ethnobotanical study was conducted in the Settat Province, part of the Casablanca-Settat region, Morocco. The methodology employed in this study involved a direct, oral survey conducted with 30 herbalists from various villages in the Settat province, after obtaining their informed consent. Additionally, an online survey was distributed, to which 212 individuals from the local population, representing different age groups, responded. The sample size was chosen to ensure a confidence level of 88 %. The results provided a database on the modes of use, plant parts utilized, treated pathologies, and recommended dosages for 51 medicinal and aromatic plants from the Settat province and enabled us to calculate their Familiarity Index (FI). The data collected showed that the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae, and Fabaceae families are the most represented. The calculated Familiarity Index indicated that the most commonly used species were Verbena, Pimpinella anisum L., and Origanum vulgare, with Familiarity Index of 0.22, 0.22, and 0.18, respectively. The most frequently utilized plant part was the leaves, and 70.59 % of respondents preferred drying the plants before preparing them as infusions or decoctions. The results highlighted the primary ailments treated with these plants, such as diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular diseases, oral conditions, cancers, insomnia, and stress. Additionally, the study referenced traditional medicinal uses from various national studies and international scientific research that validated the therapeutic properties of each plant.

The Prevalence and Comparative Analysis of Adhesion and Biofilm-Related Genes in Staphylococcus aureus Isolates: A Network Meta-Analysis

Staphylococcus aureus is a versatile pathogen capable of causing a wide range of infections, from minor skin infections to life-threatening invasive diseases. The pathogenicity of S. aureus is attributed to its ability to produce various virulence factors, including adhesion and biofilm-related proteins. Understanding the prevalence and distribution of these genes among S. aureus isolates from different sources is crucial for devising effective strategies to combat biofilm-associated contamination. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive network meta-analysis to assess the prevalence of adhesion and biofilm-related genes in S. aureus isolates and investigate the impact of the isolate source on their occurrence. A systematic search of multiple databases was performed, and a total of 53 relevant studies were included. The prevalence of adhesion and biofilm-related genes in S. aureus isolates was determined, with the highest prevalence observed for clfB (p-estimate = 85.4, 95% confidence interval [CI] 78-90.6), followed by eno (p-estimate = 81.1, 95% CI 61.7-91.9), and icaD (p-estimate = 77, 95% CI 68.6-83.6). Conversely, bap and bbp genes exhibited the lowest prevalence rates (p-estimate = 6.7 and 18.7, respectively). The network meta-analysis allowed us to examine the pairwise co-study of adhesion and biofilm-related genes in S. aureus isolates. The most frequently co-studied gene pairs were icaA-icaD (30 times) and fnbA-fnbB (25 times). Subgroup analysis showed that the occurrence of icaC and icaB genes was significantly lower in animal isolates compared to human and food isolates (p < 0.05). It is worth noting that there was limited data available for the analysis of sasG, bbp, bap, eno, and fib genes. In conclusion, the study revealed varying prevalence rates of adhesion and biofilm-related genes in S. aureus isolates. Genes such as clfB, eno, and icaD were found to be highly prevalent, while bap and bbp were less common. Limited existing data on the prevalence of genes like sasG, bbp, bap, eno, and fib highlights the need for further research to determine their exact prevalence rates. Our results contribute to a better understanding of S. aureus pathogenesis and can facilitate the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of S. aureus infections.

Green-synthesized α-Fe2O3-nanoparticles as potent antibacterial, anti-biofilm and anti-virulence agent against pathogenic bacteria

BACKGROUND

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents a serious threat to health, highlighting the urgent need for more effective antimicrobial agents with innovative mechanisms of action. Nanotechnology offers promising solutions by enabling the creation of nanoparticles (NPs) with antibacterial properties. This study aimed to explore the antibacterial, anti-biofilm, and anti-virulence effects of eco-friendly synthesized α-Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles (α-Fe₂O₃-NPs) against pathogenic bacteria.

METHODS

The α-Fe2O3-NPs were synthesized using a green synthesis method that involved Bacillus sp. GMS10, with iron sulfate as a precursor. The NPs were characterized through ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Zeta Potential Analysis, X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). Their antimicrobial activity was assessed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The study also evaluated the effect of the α-Fe2O3-NPs on bacterial cell membrane disruption, biofilm formation, efflux pump inhibition, and swarming motility.

RESULTS

The UV-Visible spectrum showed a peak at 228 nm, indicating plasmon absorbance of the α-Fe2O3-NPs. FESEM revealed spherical NPs (~ 30 nm), and DLS confirmed a hydrodynamic size of 36.3 nm with a zeta potential of -25.1 mV, indicating good stability. XRD identified the rhombohedral α-Fe2O3 phase, and FTIR detected O-H, C-H, C = O, and Fe-O functional groups, suggesting organic capping for stability. Antibacterial assays demonstrated that the α-Fe2O3-NPs had MIC values ranging from 0.625 to 5 µg/mL and MBC values between 5 and 20 µg/mL, with a strong effect against Gram-positive bacteria. The NPs significantly increased membrane permeability, inhibited biofilm formation in S. aureus and E. coli, and disrupted efflux pumps in S. aureus SA-1199B (a fluoroquinolone-resistant strain overexpressing norA). Additionally, the α-Fe2O3-NPs inhibited P. aeruginosa swarming motility.

CONCLUSION

The bacteria-synthesized α-Fe2O3-NPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, and exhibited strong potential for inhibiting biofilm formation and efflux pump activity, offering a promising strategy to address AMR. Focus on further evaluating their therapeutic potential in clinical settings and conducting comprehensive assessments of their safety profiles to ensure their applicability in medical treatments.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

Not applicable.

Antibiofilm and antivirulence potentials of iodinated fmoc-phenylalanine against Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus poses significant risks to public health due to its ability to form biofilm and produce virulence factors, contributing to the increase in antibiotic resistance and treatment complications. This emphasizes the urgent need for novel antimicrobial controls. Based on the premise that halogenation improves antimicrobial efficacy, this study investigated the ability of halogenated phenylalanine to effectively inhibit S. aureus biofilm formation and virulence activities. Among 29 halogenated compounds, Fmoc-4-iodo-phenylalanine (Fmoc-Iodo-Phe) displayed the highest antibiofilm effect against S. aureus, achieving 94.3 % reduction at 50 μg/mL. Microscopic studies confirmed its ability to prevent and disrupt mature biofilms. At 10 μg/mL, Fmoc-Iodo-Phe markedly inhibited virulence factors, such as cell surface hydrophobicity, hemolysin and slime production. It showed low propensity for resistance development and effectively inhibited biofilms formed by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and S. epidermidis, but was inactive against Gram-negative bacteria. Gene expression analysis complemented by molecular docking suggest that Fmoc-Iodo-Phe could target the AgrA quorum sensing cascade due to strong interactions with key residues at its DNA binding sites. Notably, it was non-cytotoxic in Caenorhabditis elegans model and satisfied drug-likeliness criteria based on ADMET prediction. Therefore, our findings position Fmoc-Iodo-Phe as a promising antimicrobial candidate against S. aureus infections, underscoring its potential as an alternative to traditional antibiotics.

A review of chemical signaling mechanisms underlying quorum sensing and its inhibition in Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a significant bacterium responsible for multiple infections and is a primary cause of fatalities among patients in hospital environments. The advent of pathogenic bacteria such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus revealed the shortcomings of employing antibiotics to treat bacterial infectious diseases. Quorum sensing enhances S. aureus's survivability through signaling processes. Targeting the key components of quorum sensing has drawn much interest nowadays as a promising strategy for combating infections caused by bacteria. Concentrating on the accessory gene regulator quorum-sensing mechanism is the most commonly suggested anti-virulence approach for S.aureus. Quorum quenching is a common strategy for controlling illnesses triggered by microorganisms since it reduces the pathogenicity of bacteria and improves bacterial biofilm susceptibility to antibiotics, thus providing an intriguing prospect for drug discovery. Quorum sensing inhibition reduces selective stresses and constrains the emergence of antibiotic resistance while limiting bacterial pathogenicity. This review examines the quorum sensing mechanisms involved in S. aureus, quorum sensing targets and gene regulation, environmental factors affecting quorum sensing, quorum sensing inhibition, natural products as quorum sensing inhibitory agents and novel therapeutical strategies to target quorum sensing in S. aureus as drug developing technique to augment conventional antibiotic approaches.

In Vitro Methods for Assessing the Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Properties of Essential Oils as Potential Root Canal Irrigants-A Simplified Description of the Technical Steps

BACKGROUND

Essential oils have gained in significance due to their various biological activities, and there is a growing demand for them in many industries. The present article focuses on the technical steps for an in vitro evaluation of the antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of essential oils for potential use as root canal irrigant in dentistry.

METHODS

The bioactivities of the essential oil were investigated through in vitro assays. The gram-positive bacterium Enterococcus faecalis was used as a micro-organism model. The antibacterial activity of the essential oil was assessed using the microdilution method, and resazurin staining to determine the minimal inhibition concentrations (MICs) and the minimal bactericidal concentrations (MBCs). The antibiofilm effect was evaluated spectrophotometrically at 570 nm using the microplate cultivation technique and crystal violet staining.

CONCLUSIONS

This article features a detailed in vitro protocol to facilitate the preparation of the essential oil samples, the bacterial suspension, and the methods used for assessment of the antibiofilm and antibacterial activities of the essential oil. The advantages of these approaches are presented in relation to the limits linked to the choice of the bacteria and the essential oil.

Staphylococcus aureus biofilm: Formulation, regulatory, and emerging natural products-derived therapeutics

Staphylococcus aureus can readily form biofilm which enhances the drug-resistance, resulting in life-threatening infections involving different organs. Biofilm formation occurs due to a series of developmental events including bacterial adhesion, aggregation, biofilm maturation, and dispersion, which are controlled by multiple regulatory systems. Rapidly increasing research and development outcomes on natural products targeting S. aureus biofilm formation and/or regulation led to an emergent application of active phytochemicals and combinations. This review aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of biofilm formation and regulation mechanisms for S. aureus, outlining the most important antibiofilm strategies and potential targets of natural products, and summarizing the latest progress in combating S. aureus biofilm with plant-derived natural products. These findings provided further evidence for novel antibiofilm drugs research and clinical therapies.

Nanomaterials Regulate Bacterial Quorum Sensing: Applications, Mechanisms, and Optimization Strategies

Anti-virulence therapy that interferes with bacterial communication, known as "quorum sensing (QS)", is a promising strategy for circumventing bacterial resistance. Using nanomaterials to regulate bacterial QS in anti-virulence therapy has attracted much attention, which is mainly attributed to unique physicochemical properties and excellent designability of nanomaterials. However, bacterial QS is a dynamic and multistep process, and there are significant differences in the specific regulatory mechanisms and related influencing factors of nanomaterials in different steps of the QS process. An in-depth understanding of the specific regulatory mechanisms and related influencing factors of nanomaterials in each step can significantly optimize QS regulatory activity and enhance the development of novel nanomaterials with better comprehensive performance. Therefore, this review focuses on the mechanisms by which nanomaterials regulate bacterial QS in the signal supply (including signal synthesis, secretion, and accumulation) and signal transduction cascade (including signal perception and response) processes. Moreover, based on the two key influencing factors (i.e., the nanomaterial itself and the environment), optimization strategies to enhance the QS regulatory activity are comprehensively summarized. Collectively, applying nanomaterials to regulate bacterial QS is a promising strategy for anti-virulence therapy. This review provides reference and inspiration for further research on the anti-virulence application of nanomaterials.

The prevalence of adhesion and biofilm genes in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine mastitis: A comprehensive meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Mastitis poses significant challenges to the dairy industry, resulting in economic losses and increased veterinary expenses. Staphylococcus aureus is a common cause of bovine mastitis, relying on efficient adhesion and biofilm formation for infection.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to employ meta-analysis to investigate the occurrence of adhesion and biofilm genes in S. aureus associated with bovine mastitis, as documented in previous studies.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was done according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, examined 22 eligible articles and revealed varying prevalence rates of adhesion and biofilm genes in S. aureus isolates from bovine mastitis.

RESULTS

Among the genes, clfB showed the highest prevalence (p-estimate = 0.905), followed by fnbA (p-estimate = 0.689) and fnbB (p-estimate = 0.502). The icaA and icaD genes also showed a relatively high prevalence (p-estimate = 0.694 and 0.814, respectively). Conversely, the biofilm-associated proteins gene had the lowest prevalence (p-estimate = 0.043). Subgroup analyses based on mastitis types and publication years revealed no significant differences in gene prevalence. Insufficient data hindered the analysis of fib, sasG , eno and bbp genes.

CONCLUSION

This study provides valuable insights for managing S. aureus-induced bovine mastitis. Additionally, larger-scale research, particularly on less-studied genes, is necessary to comprehend the molecular roles of adhesion and biofilm genes in S. aureus-induced bovine mastitis.

Ameliorative Effects of Essential Oils on Diabetes Mellitus: A Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder and is responsible for the death of more than 4.2 million people in 2019. Synthetic drugs for DM like metformin have been reported to induce numerous complications and side effects. Reports suggested that essential plant oil has been used as an herbal remedy to lower blood glucose levels. Essential oils (EOs) are complex combinations of small molecules obtained from plants via the process of steam distillation and several solvents. EOs have already shown great efficacy as antimicrobials, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and anti-hypertensive. This review aims to summarize some potential EOs that have been reported to have anti-diabetic activity both in preclinical and clinical aspects while summarizing the probable mechanism of action. The authors went through a vast number of articles from various scientific databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, and Web of Science. It was found that EO from a total of 20 plants has been pre-clinically investigated to have anti-diabetic potential. Besides this, clinical studies have reported the antidiabetic efficacy of EOs from Nigella sativa and Cuminum cyminum at different concentrations. Bioactive phytoconstituents like carvacrol, thymol, α- pinene, via . obtained from EOs ameliorate DM by inhibiting α-GLUC, α-amylase, lipase enzymes and increasing GLUT-4 expression, AKT phosphorylation, via . Although fewer in number, EOs from plant sources have demonstrated significant efficacy in DM. Proper elucidation of the anti-diabetic efficacy of the EOs may open up new avenues for drug discovery and development subjected to clinical studies.

Fighting antibiotic resistance in the local management of bovine mastitis

Bovine mastitis is a widespread infectious disease with a significant economic burden, accounting for 80 % of the antibiotic usage in dairy animals. In recent years, extensive research has focused on using biomimetic approaches such as probiotics, bacteriocins, bacteriophages, or phytochemicals as potential alternatives to antibiotics. The local administration of therapeutic molecules through the intramammary route is one of the most commonly strategies to manage bovine mastitis. This review highlights the most important findings in this field and discusses their local application in mastitis therapy. In contrast to antibiotics, the proposed alternatives are not limited to promote bacterial death but consider other factors associated to the host microenvironments. To this end, the proposed biomimetic strategies can modulate different stages of infection by modifying the local microbiota, preventing oxidative stress, reducing bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells, modulating the immune response, or mediating the inflammatory process. Numerous in vitro studies support the antimicrobial, antibiofilm or antioxidant properties of these alternatives. However, in vivo studies incorporating these components within pharmaceutical formulations with potential clinical application are limited. The development of secure, stable, and effective drug delivery systems based on the proposed options is necessary to achieve real alternatives to antibiotics in the clinic.

Assessment of anticancer properties of cumin seed (Cuminum cyminum) against bone cancer

Introduction

Early-life osteosarcoma is associated with severe morbidity and mortality, particularly affecting young children and adults. The present cancer treatment regimen is exceedingly costly, and medications like ifosfamide, doxorubicin, and cisplatin have unneeded negative effects on the body. With the introduction of hyphenated technology to create medications based on plant molecules, the application of ayurvedic medicine as a new dimension (formulation, active ingredients, and nanoparticles) in the modern period is rapidly growing. The primary source of lead compounds for the development of medications for avariety of ailments is plants and their products. Traditionally, Cuminum cyminum (cumin) has been used as medication to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions.

Methods

The cumin seed was successfully extracted with solvents Hexane, Chloroform, Methanol, Ethanol and Acetone. Following the solvent extraction, the extract residue was assayed in MG63 cells for their anti-proliferative properties.

Results

First, we used the [3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide] (MTT) assay to test the extracted residue's cytotoxicity. The results show that hexane extract Half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50 86 µG/mL) effciently inhibits cells by causing programmed cell death. Furthermore, using the Acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) staining method, the lactate dehydrogenase assay, and the reactive oxygen species assay using the Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCHFDA) staining method, we have demonstrated that the hexane extract causes apoptosis in MG63 cells. Furthermore, flow cytometry research revealed that the hexane extract stops the cell cycle in the S phase. In addition, the hexane extract limits colony formation and the migration potential as shown by the scratch wound healing assay. Furthermore, the extract from cumin seeds exhibits remarkable bactericidal properties against infections that are resistant to drugs. Gas chromatography analysis was used to quantitatively determine the hexane and methanolic extract based on the experimental data. The primary chemical components of the extract are revealed by the study, and these help the malignant cells heal. The present study finds that there is scientific validity in using cumin seeds as a novel method of anticancer therapy after undergoing both intrinsic and extrinsic research.

In silico design and mechanistic study of niosome-encapsulated curcumin against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms

Curcumin, an important natural component of turmeric, has been known for a long time for its antimicrobial properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-biofilm action of the niosome-encapsulated curcumin and explore the involved anti-biofilm mechanism. In silico investigations of ADME-Tox (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity) were first performed to predict the suitability of curcumin for pharmaceutical application. Curcumin showed low toxicity but at the same time, low solubility and low stability, which, in turn, might reduce its antimicrobial activity. To overcome these intrinsic limitations, curcumin was encapsulated using a biocompatible niosome system, and an encapsulation efficiency of 97% was achieved. The synthesized curcumin-containing niosomes had a spherical morphology with an average diameter of 178 nm. The niosomal curcumin was capable of reducing multi-drug resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus biofilm 2-4-fold compared with the free curcumin. The encapsulated curcumin also demonstrated no significant cytotoxicity on the human foreskin fibroblasts. To understand the interaction between curcumin and S. aureus biofilm, several biofilm-related genes were analyzed for their expression. N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase (IcaD), a protein involved in the production of polysaccharide intercellular adhesion and known to play a function in biofilm development, was found to be downregulated by niosomal curcumin and showed high binding affinity (-8.3 kcal/mol) with curcumin based on molecular docking analysis. Our study suggests that the niosome-encapsulated curcumin is a promising approach for the treatment of MDR S. aureus biofilm and can be extended to biofilms caused by other pathogens.

Advances in the Discovery of Efflux Pump Inhibitors as Novel Potentiators to Control Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens

The excessive use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens in clinical settings and food-producing animals, posing significant challenges to clinical management and food control. Over the past few decades, the discovery of antimicrobials has slowed down, leading to a lack of treatment options for clinical infectious diseases and foodborne illnesses. Given the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance and the limited availability of effective antibiotics, the discovery of novel antibiotic potentiators may prove useful for the treatment of bacterial infections. The application of antibiotics combined with antibiotic potentiators has demonstrated successful outcomes in bench-scale experiments and clinical settings. For instance, the use of efflux pump inhibitors (EPIs) in combination with antibiotics showed effective inhibition of MDR pathogens. Thus, this review aims to enable the possibility of using novel EPIs as potential adjuvants to effectively control MDR pathogens. Specifically, it provides a comprehensive summary of the advances in novel EPI discovery and the underlying mechanisms that restore antimicrobial activity. In addition, we also characterize plant-derived EPIs as novel potentiators. This review provides insights into current challenges and potential strategies for future advancements in fighting antibiotic resistance.

Effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil and its nanoemulsion on oxidative stability and microbial growth in mayonnaise during storage

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (CEO) and its nanoemulsion (CEON) on oxidative stability and microbial growth of mayonnaise during storage. The GC analysis indicated that Cuminaldehyde (27.99%), o-Cymene (17.31%), γ-Terpinen (16.67%), and β-Pinene (9.35%) were the major components of CEO, respectively. The assessments of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) showed that Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (MBCCEO = 12 and MBCCEON = 6 mg/mL) was the most resistant bacteria, and in contrast, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (MBCCEO = 6 and MBCCEON = 3 mg/mL) was the most sensitive bacteria. In the radical-scavenging assay, CEON (IC50 = 5 ± 0.07 μg/mL) exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than CEO (IC50 = 10 ± 0.13 μg/mL). The results showed that applying the MBC of CEO and CEON in mayonnaise led to a significant decrease (p < .05) in acidity, peroxide value, number of acid-resistant bacteria and fungi, and total microbial count compared with the control sample. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that using CEON resulted in oxidative stability, microbial growth control, and desirable sensorial attributes in mayonnaise compared with CEO and control samples.

Green label marinades: A solution to salmonella and campylobacter in chicken products?

Introduction

The presence of meat-borne pathogens entering the home remains a concern for consumers, despite advances made in improving antimicrobial interventions and systems within the processing line. Naturally antibacterial food ingredients including citrus juice and essential oils have been proven to inhibit the proliferation of microbial growth with varying success.

Aims

This study aims to investigate the antimicrobial and sensory effects of mixtures of essential oils, fruit juices and herbs at established Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) for their biopreservative effect on general microbiota of chicken and against chicken challenged with selected pathogenic/surrogate microorganisms.

Materials and methods

Three marinade compositions were designed for use on chicken meat; lemon juice, thyme oil and black pepper (M1), lime juice, lemongrass oil and chilli paste (M2), and olive oil, oregano oil, basil oil and garlic paste (M3). These marinades were assessed for antibacterial effects against Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter jejuni and Listeria innocua on marinaded chicken drumsticks stored in aerobic conditions at 4 °C. Consumer tasting sessions were also conducted with a small focus group using selected final marinades.

Results

M1 and M2 were effective at significantly reducing initial pathogen carriage from 6 Log CFU/g to 2 Log CFU/g on refrigerated chicken meat as well as increasing the shelf-life of the product during cold-storage from 2 days to 7 days. However, consumer studies indicate that the flavours these marinades impart to treated products can be strong.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that these designed marinades have shown excellent potential to improve food safety as well as shelf-life for the consumer, particularly in settings where food safety is often compromised such as barbecuing or in care settings. However, further recipe optimisation is required to make these marinades acceptable to consumers.

Bornyl acetate: A promising agent in phytomedicine for inflammation and immune modulation

BACKGROUND

Bornyl acetate (BA), as a bicyclic monoterpene, is an active volatile component widely found in plants across the globe. BA can be used as essence and food flavor agent and is widely used in perfumes and food additives. It remains a key component in several proprietary Chinese medicines.

PURPOSE

This review summarized the pharmacological activity and research prospects of BA, making it the first of its kind to do so. Our aim is to provide a valuable resource for those pursuing research on BA.

METHODS

Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI were used based on search formula "(bornyl acetate) NOT (review)" from 1967 to 2022. For the relevant knowledge of TCM, we quoted Chinese literature. Articles related to agriculture, industry, and economics were excluded.

RESULTS

BA showed rich pharmacological activities: It inhibits the NF-κB signal pathway via affecting the phosphorylation of IKB and the production of IKKs, inhibits the MAPK signal pathway via inhibiting the phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38, down-regulates pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, up-regulates IL-11, reduces NO production, regulates immune response via up-regulating CD86⁺, decreases catecholamine secretion, and reduces tau protein phosphorylation. In addition to the pharmacological activities of BA, its toxicity and pharmacokinetics were also discussed in this paper.

CONCLUSION

BA has promising pharmacological properties, especially anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. It also has sedative properties and potential for use in aromatherapy. Compared to traditional NSAIDs, it has a more favorable safety profile while maintaining efficacy. BA has potential for developing novel drugs for treating various conditions.

Antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of carvacrol alone and in combination with cefixime against Escherichia coli

BACKGROUND

Plant-derived compounds can be used as antimicrobial agents in medicines and as food preservatives. These compounds can be applied along with other antimicrobial agents to strengthen the effect and/or reduce the required treatment dose.

RESULTS

In the present study, the antibacterial, anti-biofilm and quorum sensing inhibitory activity of carvacrol alone and in combination with the antibiotic cefixime against Escherichia coli was investigated. The MIC and MBC values for carvacrol were 250 μg/mL. In the checkerboard test, carvacrol showed a synergistic interaction with cefixime against E. coli (FIC index = 0.5). Carvacrol and cefixime significantly inhibited biofilm formation at MIC/2 (125 and 62.5 μg/mL), MIC/4 (62.5 and 31.25 μg/mL) and MIC/8 (31.25 and 15.625 μg/mL) for carvacrol and cefixime, respectively. The antibacterial and anti-biofilm potential effect of carvacrol confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR revealed significant down-regulation of the luxS and pfs genes following treatment with a MIC/2 (125 μg/mL) concentration of carvacrol alone and of only pfs gene following treatment with MIC/2 of carvacrol in combination with MIC/2 of cefixime (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the significant antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of carvacrol, the present study examines this agent as an antibacterial drug of natural origin. The results indicate that in this study the best antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties are for the combined use of cefixime and carvacrol.

Nanoemulsion and Nanogel Containing Cuminum cyminum L Essential Oil: Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antibacterial, and Antilarval Properties

Cuminum cyminum L. is a widespread medicinal plant with a broad spectrum of biological activity. In the present study, the chemical structure of its essential oil was examined utilizing GC-MS analysis (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). Then, a nanoemulsion dosage form was prepared with a droplet size and droplet size distribution (SPAN) of 121 ± 3 nm and 0.96. After that, the dosage form of the nanogel was prepared; the nanoemulsion was gelified by the addition of 3.0% carboxymethyl cellulose. In addition, the successful loading of the essential oil into the nanoemulsion and nanogel was approved by ATR-FTIR (attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared) analysis. The IC50 values (half maximum inhibitory concentration) of the nanoemulsion and nanogel against A-375 human melanoma cells were 369.6 (497-335) and 127.2 (77-210) μg/mL. In addition, they indicated some degrees of an antioxidant activity. Interestingly, after treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa with 5000 µg/mL nanogel, bacterial growth was completely (∼100%) inhibited. In addition, the growth of Staphylococcus aureus after treatment with the 5000 μg/ml nanoemulsion was decreased by 80%. In addition, nanoemulsion and nanogel LC50 values for Anopheles stephensi larvae were attained as 43.91 (31-62) and 123.9 (111-137) µg/mL. Given the natural ingredients and promising efficacy, these nanodrugs can be regarded for further research against other pathogens or mosquito larvae.

Paeoniflorin combined with norfloxacin ameliorates drug-resistant Streptococcus suis infection

BACKGROUND

The increased resistance of bacterial pathogens to fluoroquinolones (FQs), such as norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin, supports the need to develop new antibacterial drugs and combination therapies using conventional antibiotics. The LuxS/AI-2 quorum sensing (QS) system can regulate the complex group behaviour of Streptococcus suis and impact its susceptibility to FQs.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the combination of paeoniflorin and norfloxacin as a novel and effective strategy against FQ-resistant S. suis.

METHODS

FIC, AI-2 activity assay, real-time RT-PCR and biofilm inhibition assays were performed to investigate the in vitro effect of paeoniflorin combined with norfloxacin. Mouse protection and mouse anti-infection assays were performed to investigate the in vivo effect of paeoniflorin combined with norfloxacin.

RESULTS

FIC results showed that paeoniflorin and norfloxacin exert a synergistic bactericidal effect. Evidence was brought that paeoniflorin reduces the S. suis AI-2 activity and significantly down-regulates the transcription of the FQ efflux pump gene. In addition, paeoniflorin can inhibit biofilm formation, thereby promoting the ability of norfloxacin to kill S. suis. Finally, we showed in a mouse model that paeoniflorin in association with norfloxacin is effective to treat S. suis infections.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlighted the inhibitory potential of paeoniflorin on the LuxS/AI-2 QS system of S. suis, and provided evidence that it can inhibit the FQ efflux pump and prevent biofilm formation to cooperate with norfloxacin in the treatment of resistant S. suis-related infections.

Potential of Aromatic Plant-Derived Essential Oils for the Control of Foodborne Bacteria and Antibiotic Resistance in Animal Production: A Review

Antibiotic resistance has become a severe public threat to human health worldwide. Supplementing antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) at subtherapeutic levels has been a commonly applied method to improve the production performance of livestock and poultry, but the misuse of antibiotics in animal production plays a major role in the antibiotic resistance crisis and foodborne disease outbreaks. The addition of AGPs to improve production performance in livestock and poultry has been prohibited in some countries, including Europe, the United States and China. Moreover, cross-resistance could result in the development of multidrug resistant bacteria and limit therapeutic options for human and animal health. Therefore, finding alternatives to antibiotics to maintain the efficiency of livestock production and reduce the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks is beneficial to human health and the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Essential oils (EOs) and their individual compounds derived from aromatic plants are becoming increasingly popular as potential antibiotic alternatives for animal production based on their antibacterial properties. This paper reviews recent studies in the application of EOs in animal production for the control of foodborne pathogens, summarizes their molecular modes of action to increase the susceptibility of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and provides a promising role for the application of nanoencapsulated EOs in animal production to control bacteria and overcome antibiotic resistance.

1,8-Cineole inhibits biofilm formation and bacterial pathogenicity by suppressing luxS gene expression in Escherichia coli

In recent years, with frequent reports of multi-drug resistant strains, bacteria antibiotic resistance has become an increasingly serious health problem worldwide. One of the most promising ways for combating bacterial infections and antibiotic resistance is development of quorum-sensing (QS) interfering drugs. In this study, the results show that 1,8-cineole inhibited the expression of QS as well as the virulence genes in Escherichia coli O101 (E. coli O101) with a 65% inhibition rate against luxS gene. Therefore, we hypothesized that 1,8-cineole may inhibit the biofilm formation and reduce the pathogenicity of E. coli O101 by inhibiting the expression of luxS gene. To confirm our hypotheses, a luxS gene deleted E. coli O101 was constructed. The results show that the biofilm formation, motility, structure and pathogenicity of E. coli O101 were significantly inhibited following deletion of the luxS gene. In addition, the transcript levels of QS and virulence genes of E. coli O101 were also significantly down-regulated. Interestingly, 1,8-cineole no longer had a significant inhibitory effect on the related phenotype and gene expression of E. coli O101 without luxS gene. In conclusion, the results show that 1,8-cineole can affect bacterial biofilm formation and pathogenicity by suppressing the expression of luxS gene in E. coli O101, which could provide a new perspective for dealing with the biofilm problem of pathogenic bacteria.

In Vitro and In Silico Screening of Anti-Vibrio spp., Antibiofilm, Antioxidant and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activities of Cuminum cyminum L. Volatile Oil

Cuminum cyminum L. essential oil (cumin EO) was studied for its chemical composition, antioxidant and vibriocidal activities. Inhibition of biofilm formation and secretion of some virulence properties controlled by the quorum sensing system in Chromobacterium violaceum and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains were also reported. The obtained results showed that cuminaldehyde (44.2%) was the dominant compound followed by β-pinene (15.1%), γ-terpinene (14.4%), and p-cymene (14.2%). Using the disc diffusion assay, cumin EO (10 mg/disc) was particularly active against all fifteen Vibrio species, and the highest diameter of growth inhibition zone was recorded against Vibrio fluvialis (41.33 ± 1.15 mm), Vibrio parahaemolyticus (39.67 ± 0.58 mm), and Vibrio natrigens (36.67 ± 0.58 mm). At low concentration (MICs value from 0.023–0.046 mg/mL), cumin EO inhibited the growth of all Vibrio strains, and concentrations as low as 1.5 mg/mL were necessary to kill them (MBCs values from 1.5–12 mg/mL). Using four antioxidant assays, cumin EO exhibited a good result as compared to standard molecules (DPPH = 8 ± 0.54 mg/mL; reducing power = 3.5 ± 0.38 mg/mL; β-carotene = 3.8 ± 0.34 mg/mL; chelating power = 8.4 ± 0.14 mg/mL). More interestingly, at 2x MIC value, cumin EO inhibited the formation of biofilm by Vibrio alginolyticus (9.96 ± 1%), V. parahaemolyticus (15.45 ± 0.7%), Vibrio cholerae (14.9 ± 0.4%), and Vibrio vulnificus (18.14 ± 0.3%). In addition, cumin EO and cuminaldehyde inhibited the production of violacein on Lauria Bertani medium (19 mm and 35 mm, respectively). Meanwhile, 50% of violacein inhibition concentration (VIC50%) was about 2.746 mg/mL for cumin EO and 1.676 mg/mL for cuminaldehyde. Moreover, elastase and protease production and flagellar motility in P. aeruginosa were inhibited at low concentrations of cumin EO and cuminaldehyde. The adopted in-silico approach revealed good ADMET properties as well as a high binding score of the main compounds with target proteins (1JIJ, 2UV0, 1HD2, and 3QP1). Overall, the obtained results highlighted the effectiveness of cumin EO to prevent spoilage with Vibrio species and to interfere with the quorum sensing system in Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the flagellar motility, formation of biofilm, and the secretion of some virulence enzymes.

NWMN2330 May Be Associated with the Virulence of Staphylococcus aureus by Increasing the Expression of hla and saeRS

Introduction

Staphylococcus aureus is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause life-threatening bloodstream infections such as sepsis and endocarditis. In recent years, the emergence and increase of methicillin-resistant and multidrug-resistant S. aureus has posed a great challenge to the antibiotic treatment of infectious diseases. Anti-virulence strategies targeting virulence factors are an effective new therapy for the treatment of S. aureus infections.

Results

In this study, we constructed a NWMN2330 deletion mutant (Newman-ΔNWMN2330) and a complement (Newman-ΔNWMN2330-C) of S. aureus Newman to study the role of NWMN2330 in the virulence of S. aureus. Through transcriptome sequencing, it was found that the expression of 224 genes in Newman-ΔNWMN2330 was significantly different (>2-fold) compared with S. aureus Newman, and these differentially expressed genes were related to multiple functions of S. aureus. And we found that NWMN2330 could positively regulate the expression of S. aureus hla gene. Therefore, the deletion mutant Newman-ΔNWMN2330 exhibited lower hemolytic activity and lower α-toxin production than Newman. Newman-ΔNWMN2330 also exhibited lower lethality and pathogenicity in worm survival experiments and nude mouse skin abscess model. RT-qPCR results showed that compared with the wild-type strain, the expression of saeRS and hla in Newman-ΔNWMN2330 strain was significantly reduced at the mRNA level, which preliminarily indicated that NWMN2330 promoted the expression of hla by up-regulating saeRS.

Discussion

In general, our results indicated that NWMN2330 may be associated with the virulence of Staphylococcus aureus by increasing the expression of hla and saeRS.

Application of Nanomaterials in the Prevention, Detection, and Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Due to differences in geographic surveillance systems, chemical sanitization practices, and antibiotic stewardship (AS) implementation employed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many experts have expressed concerns regarding a future surge in global antimicrobial resistance (AMR). A potential beneficiary of these differences is the Gram-positive bacteria MRSA. MRSA is a bacterial pathogen with a high potential for mutational resistance, allowing it to engage various AMR mechanisms circumventing conventional antibiotic therapies and the host’s immune response. Coupled with a lack of novel FDA-approved antibiotics reaching the clinic, the onus is on researchers to develop alternative treatment tools to mitigate against an increase in pathogenic resistance. Mitigation strategies can take the form of synthetic or biomimetic nanomaterials/vesicles employed in vaccines, rapid diagnostics, antibiotic delivery, and nanotherapeutics. This review seeks to discuss the current potential of the aforementioned nanomaterials in detecting and treating MRSA.

Chemical Composition of Kickxia aegyptiaca Essential Oil and Its Potential Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities

The exploration of new bioactive compounds from natural resources as alternatives to synthetic chemicals has recently attracted the attention of scientists and researchers. To our knowledge, the essential oil (EO) of Kickxia aegyptiaca has not yet been explored. Thus, the present study was designed to explore the EO chemical profile of K. aegyptiaca for the first time, as well as evaluate its antioxidant and antibacterial activities, particularly the extracts of this plant that have been reported to possess various biological activities. The EO was extracted from the aerial parts via hydrodistillation and then characterized by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The extracted EO was tested for its antioxidant activity via the reduction in the free radicals, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS). In addition, the EO was tested as an antibacterial mediator against eight Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial isolates. Forty-three compounds were identified in the EO of K. aegyptiaca, with a predominance of terpenoids (75.46%). Oxygenated compounds were the main class, with oxygenated sesquiterpenes attaining 40.42% of the EO total mass, while the oxygenated monoterpenes comprised 29.82%. The major compounds were cuminic aldehyde (21.99%), caryophyllene oxide (17.34%), hexahydrofarnesyl acetone (11.74%), ar-turmerone (8.51%), aromadendrene oxide (3.74%), and humulene epoxide (2.70%). According to the IC₅₀ data, the K. aegyptiaca EO revealed considerable antioxidant activity, with IC₅₀ values of 30.48 mg L^-1 and 35.01 mg L^-1 for DPPH and ABTS, respectively. In addition, the EO of K. aegyptiaca showed more substantial antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacterial isolates compared to Gram-negative. Based on the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), the EO showed the highest activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus, with an MIC value of 0.031 mg mL^-1. The present study showed, for the first time, that the EO of K. aegyptiaca has more oxygenated compounds with substantial antioxidant and antibacterial activities. This activity could be attributed to the effect of the main compounds, either singular or synergistic. Thus, further studies are recommended to characterize the major compounds, either alone or in combination as antioxidants or antimicrobial agents, and evaluate their biosafety.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Reduces Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Expression of Virulence-Related Exoproteins and Inhibits the Biofilm Formation

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen of nosocomial infection, which is resistant to most antibiotics. Presently, anti-virulence therapy and anti-biofilm therapy are considered to be promising alternatives. In the current work, we investigated the influence of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on the virulence-related exoproteins and the biofilm formation using a reference strain and clinic isolated strains. Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release assay were performed to assess the efficacy of BDMC in reducing the expression of Staphylococcus enterotoxin-related exoproteins (enterotoxin A, enterotoxin B) and α-toxin in MRSA. The anti-biofilm activity of BDMC was evaluated through a biofilm inhibition assay. The study suggests that sub-inhibitory concentrations of BDMC significantly inhibited the expression of sea, seb, and hla at the mRNA level in MRSA. Moreover, the expression of virulence-related exoproteins was significantly decreased by down-regulating accessory gene regulator agr, and the inhibition of biofilms formation was demonstrated by BDMC at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Consequently, the study suggests that BDMC may be a potential natural antibacterial agent to release the pressure brought by antibiotic resistance.

The Role of Essential Oils in the Inhibition of Efflux Pumps and Reversion of Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobials

Due to the deaths from infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms worldwide, the World Health Organization considers antibiotic resistance to be a critical global public health problem. Bacterial resistance mechanisms are diverse and can be acquired through the overexpression of transmembrane proteins that are called efflux pumps, which act by expelling drugs from the intracellular environment, thereby preventing their action and contributing to the severity of infections. Efflux pumps are one of the main mechanisms of bacterial resistance, and it is important to identify new molecules that are capable of inhibiting the action of efflux pumps and circumvent the problem of resistance linked to the expression of these transmembrane proteins. The plants are promising candidates for obtaining biologically active substances, such as essential oils, with antimicrobial activity and inhibitors of efflux pumps, which can help in the resensitization of bacterial strains resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, this review aims to present the recently reported inhibitory activity of essential oils against bacterial pathogens that produce efflux pumps.