Molecular Docking Analysis of Anti-Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 Ligands against Spike Glycoprotein and the 3-Chymotrypsin-Like Protease

Anti-bacterial activity of green synthesized and surface modified silver nanoparticles with silica and dopamine for efficient cadmium removal from aqueous solutions

Background

Antibiotic resistance is a challenging worldwide health issue. Cadmium (Cd) contamination in aqueous environments poses a significant threat to human health and ecosystem integrity because of its toxic and nonbiodegradable nature.

Aim

The current study aimed to understand the antibacterial activity of green synthesized and surface-modified silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with silica and dopamine (DA) for efficient Cd removal from aqueous solutions.

Methods

A green and ecofriendly nanosorbent, AgNPs@TEOS@DA, was synthesized to study its antibacterial activity and efficient removal of Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions. The nanosorbent synthesis process adheres to green chemistry principles, utilizing biologically derived reducing agents. AgNPs@TEOS@DA exhibit a uniform spherical morphology, providing a high surface area for interactions with target Cd (II) ions.

Results

SP nanoparticles exhibited the highest inhibition zones for various bacteria and were most effective. The study established a 15-minutes incubation time as optimal for rapid and consistent Cd (II) ion absorption. The adsorption efficiency was pH-dependent, with the maximum absorption observed at a pH of approximately 6.0. The concentration-dependent adsorption behavior was also observed in accordance with the established adsorption kinetics. The environmentally friendly synthesis process and efficient Cd (II) ion removal capability of AgNPs@TEOS@DA make them promising candidates for addressing environmental and water quality challenges. This study contributes to the advancement of ecofriendly materials for heavy metal removal while supporting sustainable and environmentally conscious practices.

Conclusion

This study paves the way for the utilization of ecofriendly materials for heavy metal removal, fostering a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to wastewater treatment.

Molecular docking as a tool for the discovery of novel insight about the role of acid sphingomyelinase inhibitors in SARS- CoV-2 infectivity

Recently, COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and its variants, caused > 6 million deaths. Symptoms included respiratory strain and complications, leading to severe pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2 attaches to the ACE-2 receptor of the host cell membrane to enter. Targeting the SARS-CoV-2 entry may effectively inhibit infection. Acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) is a lysosomal protein that catalyzes the conversion of sphingolipid (sphingomyelin) to ceramide. Ceramide molecules aggregate/assemble on the plasma membrane to form "platforms" that facilitate the viral intake into the cell. Impairing the ASMase activity will eventually disrupt viral entry into the cell. In this review, we identified the metabolism of sphingolipids, sphingolipids' role in cell signal transduction cascades, and viral infection mechanisms. Also, we outlined ASMase structure and underlying mechanisms inhibiting viral entry 40 with the aid of inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMAs). In silico molecular docking analyses of FIASMAs with inhibitors revealed that dilazep (S = - 12.58 kcal/mol), emetine (S = - 11.65 kcal/mol), pimozide (S = - 11.29 kcal/mol), carvedilol (S = - 11.28 kcal/mol), mebeverine (S = - 11.14 kcal/mol), cepharanthine (S = - 11.06 kcal/mol), hydroxyzin (S = - 10.96 kcal/mol), astemizole (S = - 10.81 kcal/mol), sertindole (S = - 10.55 kcal/mol), and bepridil (S = - 10.47 kcal/mol) have higher inhibition activity than the candidate drug amiodarone (S = - 10.43 kcal/mol), making them better options for inhibition.

Molecular docking analysis of FDA approved drugs with the glycoprotein from Junin and Machupo viruses

Arenaviruses, Junin and Machupo are pathogenic viruses in regions of South America including Argentina and Bolivia causing haemorrhagic fever among humans. They have been transmitted to humans through mouse causing chronic illness with high mortality. Therefore, it is of interest to acquittance the molecular docking analysis data of FDA approved drugs with the glycoprotein from Junin and Machupo viruses for consideration in drug discovery. Thus, we report the optimal binding features of MK-3207 and Dihydro ergotamine with the protein target for further validation and consideration.

Update on Functional Inhibitors of Acid Sphingomyelinase (FIASMAs) in SARS-CoV-2 Infection

The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak is characterized by the need of the search for curative drugs for treatment. In this paper, we present an update of knowledge about the interest of the functional inhibitors of acid sphingomyelinase (FIASMAs) in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Forty-nine FIASMAs have been suggested in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection using in silico, in vitro or in vivo studies. Further studies using large-sized, randomized and double-blinded controlled clinical trials are needed to evaluate FIASMAs in SARS-CoV-2 infection as off-label therapy.