Nanoemulsion of cinnamon oil to combat colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and cancer cells

This study aimed to investigate the potential of cinnamon oil nanoemulsion (CONE) as an antibacterial agent against clinical strains of colistin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and its anticancer activity. The prepared and characterized CONE was found to have a spherical shape with an average size of 70.6 ± 28.3 nm under TEM and a PDI value of 0.076 and zeta potential value of 6.9 mV using DLS analysis. The antibacterial activity of CONE against Klebsiella pneumoniae strains was investigated, and it was found to have higher inhibitory activity (18.3 ± 1.2-30.3 ± 0.8 mm) against the tested bacteria compared to bulk cinnamon oil (14.6 ± 0.88-20.6 ± 1.2) with MIC values ranging from 0.077 to 0.31 % v/v which equivalent to 0.2-0.82 ng/ml of CONE. CONE inhibited the growth of bacteria in a dose and time-dependent manner based on the time-kill assay in which Klebsiella pneumoniae B-9 was used as a model among the bacterial strains under investigation. The study also investigated the expression of the mcr-1 gene in the Klebsiella pneumoniae strains and found that all strains were positive for the gene expression and subsequently its presence. The level of mcr-1 gene expression among the B-2, B-4, B-9, and B-11 control strains and that treated with colistin was similar, but it was different in both B-5 and B-2. However, all strains exhibited a significant downregulation in gene expression (ranging from 3.97 to 8.7-fold) after their treatment with CONE. Additionally, the CONE-treated bacterial cells appeared with a great deformation compared with control cells under TEM. Finally, CONE exhibited selective toxicity against different cancer cell lines depending on comparison with the normal cell lines.

The use of proteins and peptides-based therapy in managing and preventing pathogenic viruses

Therapeutic proteins have been employed for centuries and reached approximately 50 % of all drugs investigated. By 2023, they represented one of the top 10 largest-selling pharma products ($387.03 billion) and are anticipated to reach around $653.35 billion by 2030. Growth hormones, insulin, and interferon (IFN α, γ, and β) are among the leading applied therapeutic proteins with a higher market share. Protein-based therapies have opened new opportunities to control various diseases, including metabolic disorders, tumors, and viral outbreaks. Advanced recombinant DNA biotechnology has offered the production of therapeutic proteins and peptides for vaccination, drugs, and diagnostic tools. Prokaryotic and eukaryotic expression host systems, including bacterial, fungal, animal, mammalian, and plant cells usually applied for recombinant therapeutic proteins large-scale production. However, several limitations face therapeutic protein production and applications at the commercial level, including immunogenicity, integrity concerns, protein stability, and protein degradation under different circumstances. In this regard, protein-engineering strategies such as PEGylation, glycol-engineering, Fc-fusion, albumin conjugation, and fusion, assist in increasing targeting, product purity, production yield, functionality, and the half-life of therapeutic protein circulation. Therefore, a comprehensive insight into therapeutic protein research and findings pave the way for their successful implementation, which will be discussed in the current review.

Characterization and optimization of exopolysaccharide extracted from a newly isolated halotolerant cyanobacterium, Acaryochloris Al-Azhar MNE ON864448.1 with antiviral activity

Several antiviral agents lost their efficacy due to their severe side effects and virus mutations. This study aimed to identify and optimize the conditions for exopolysaccharide (EPS) production from a newly isolated cyanobacterium, Acaryochloris Al-Azhar MNE ON864448.1, besides exploring its antiviral activity. The cyanobacterial EPS was purified through DEAE-52 cellulose column with a final yield of 83.75%. Different analysis instruments were applied for EPS identification, including Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Plackett-Burman's design demonstrated that working volume (X1), EDTA (X2), inoculum size (X3), CaCl2 (X4), and NaCl (X5) are the most important variables influencing EPS production. Central composite design (CCD) exhibited maximum EPS yield (9.27 mg/mL) at a working volume of 300 mL in a 1 L volumetric flask, EDTA 0.002 g/L, inoculum size 7%, CaCl2 0.046 g/L, and NaCl 20 g/L were applied. EPS showed potent antiviral activities at different stages of herpes simplex virus type-1 and 2 (HSV-1, HSV-2), adenovirus (ADV) and coxsackievirus (A16) infections. The highest half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) (6.477 µg/mL) was recorded during HSV-1 internalization mechanism, while the lowest IC50 (0.005669 µg/mL) was recorded during coxsackievirus neutralization mechanism.

In vitro and in vivo studies of Syzygium cumini-loaded electrospun PLGA/PMMA/collagen nanofibers for accelerating topical wound healing

This work aims to develop plant extract-loaded electrospun nanofiber as an effective wound dressing scaffolds for topical wound healing. Electrospun nanofibers were fabricated from Syzygium cumini leaf extract (SCLE), poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), collagen and glycine. Electrospinning conditions were optimized to allow the formation of nanosized and uniform fibers that display smooth surface. Morphology and swelling behavior of the formed nanofibers were studied. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the nanofibers against multidrug-resistant and human pathogens was assessed by agar-well diffusion. Results showed that nanofibers containing Syzygium cumini extract at concentrations of 0.5 and 1% w/v exhibited greater antibacterial activity against the tested Gram-positive (i.e., Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans, Candida glabrata and Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative (i.e., Salmonella paratyphi and Escherichia coli) pathogens compared to the same concentrations of the plain extract. Furthermore, in vivo wound healing was evaluated in Wistar rats over a period of 14 days. In vivo results demonstrated that nanofiber mats containing SCLE and collagen significantly improved wound healing within two weeks, compared to the control untreated group. These findings highlight the potential of fabricated nanofibers in accelerating wound healing and management of topical acute wounds.

Developing a new multi-featured chitosan-quinoline Schiff base with potent antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic activities: design and molecular modeling simulation

A new chitosan Schiff base was developed via the reaction of chitosan (CH) with 2-chloro-3-formyl-7-ethoxy quinoline (Q) derivative. The alteration in the chemical structure and morphology of CHQ derivative was confirmed by 1H NMR, FT-IR spectroscopy and SEM analysis. The antibacterial activity was considerably promoted with increasing quinoline concentration up to 1 M with maximal inhibition reached 96 and 77% against Staphylococcus haemolyticus and Escherichia coli, respectively. Additionally, CHQ derivative afforded higher ABTS·+ radical scavenging activity reached 59% compared to 13% for native chitosan, approving its acceptable antioxidant activity. Moreover, the developed CHQ derivative can stimulate the glucose uptake in HepG-2 and yeast cells, while better inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase was accomplished with maximum values of 99.78 and 92.10%, respectively. Furthermore, the molecular docking simulation clarified the binding mode of CHQ derivative inside the active site of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, suggesting its potential use as diabetes mellitus drug. The DFT calculations indicated an improvement in the electronic properties of CHQ with a lower energy band gap reached 4.05eV compared to 5.94eV for CH. The cytotoxicity assay revealed the safety of CHQ towards normal HSF cells, hypothesizing its possible application as non-toxic antibacterial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic agent for biomedical applications.

Can antibody conjugated nanomicelles alter the prospect of antibody targeted therapy against schistosomiasis mansoni?

BACKGROUND

CLA (conjugated linoleic acid)-mediated activation of the schistosome tegument-associated sphingomyelinase and consequent disruption of the outer membrane might allow host antibodies to access the apical membrane antigens. Here, we investigated a novel approach to enhance specific antibody delivery to concealed surface membrane antigens of Schistosoma mansoni utilising antibody-conjugated-CLA nanomicelle technology.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

We invented and characterised an amphiphilic CLA-loaded whey protein co-polymer (CLA-W) as an IV injectable protein nanocarrier. Rabbit anti-Schistosoma mansoni infection (anti-SmI) and anti-Schistosoma mansoni alkaline phosphatase specific IgG antibodies were purified from rabbit sera and conjugated to the surface of CLA-W co-polymer to form antibody-conjugated-CLA-W nanomicelles (Ab-CLA-W). We investigated the schistosomicidal effects of CLA-W and Ab-CLA-W in a mouse model of Schistosoma mansoni against early and late stages of infection. Results showed that conjugation of nanomicelles with antibodies, namely anti-SmI, significantly enhanced the micelles' schistosomicidal and anti-pathology activities at both the schistosomula and adult worm stages of the infection resulting in 64.6%-89.9% reductions in worm number; 72.5-94% and 66.4-85.2% reductions in hepatic eggs and granulomas, respectively. Treatment induced overall improvement in liver histopathology, reducing granuloma size and fibrosis and significantly affecting egg viability. Indirect immunofluorescence confirmed CLA-W-mediated antigen exposure on the worm surface. Electron microscopy revealed extensive ultrastructural damage in worm tegument induced by anti-SmI-CLA-W.

CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE

The novel antibody-targeted nano-sized CLA delivery system offers great promise for treatment of Schistosoma mansoni infection and control of its transmission. Our in vivo observations confirm an immune-mediated enhanced effect of the schistosomicidal action of CLA and hints at the prospect of nanotechnology-based immunotherapy, not only for schistosomiasis, but also for other parasitic infections in which chemotherapy has been shown to be immune-dependent. The results propose that the immunodominant reactivity of the anti-SmI serum, Schistosoma mansoni fructose biphosphate aldolase, SmFBPA, merits serious attention as a therapeutic and vaccine candidate.

Identification and statistical optimization of a novel alginate polymer extracted from newly isolated Synechocystis algini MNE ON864447 with antibacterial activity

Cyanobacteria are a potential source of promising secondary metabolites with different biological activities, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal, and anticancer activities. To combat the emergence of antibiotic resistance, there is an urgent requirement for new drugs, and cyanobacteria metabolites can constitute alternative new antibacterial medication. The chemical complexity of their exopolysaccharides indicates that they have the potential to be bioactive molecules with many biological activities. The present study aimed to produce and optimise a novel alginate polymer from a newly isolated cyanobacterium, S. algini MNE ON864447, in addition to its promising antibacterial activity. We successfully isolated a new cyanobacterium strain, S. algini MNE ON864447 from the Nile River, which produces alginate as an extracellular polymeric substance. The isolated cyanobacterial alginate was identified using a set of tests, including FTIR, TLC, HPLC, GC-MS, and 1H NMR. Plackett-Burman statistical design showed that working volume (X1), the incubation period (X2), and inoculum size (X3) are the most significant variables affecting the production of alginate. The highest alginate production (3.57 g/L) was obtained using 4% inoculum size in 400 mL medium/L conical flask after 20 days of the incubation period. The extracted alginate showed potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria and Streptococcus mutants (NCTC10449) are the most sensitive tested pathogen for purified cyanobacterial alginate with inhibition zone diameters of 34 ± 0.1 mm at 10 mg/mL of purified alginate while Vibro cholera (NCTC 8021) the lowest sensitive one and showed inhibition zone diameters of 22.5 ± 0.05 mm at the same cyanobacterial alginate concentration. This antibacterial activity is a critical step in the development of antibacterial drugs and presents a new challenge to fight against multi-resistant bacteria.

Green synthesis, characterization, anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry, and replication of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles with halting lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.50 nm, whereas LF-coated Zn-NPs (LF-Zn-NPs) revealed a larger particles size of up to 98 ± 6.40 nm. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs revealed negatively charged surfaces with zeta-potentials of – 20.25 ± 0.35 and – 44.3 ± 3.25 mV, respectively. Interestingly, the LF-Zn-NPs showed potent in vitro retardation for SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells by binding to the ACE2-receptor and spike protein receptor binding domain at IC50 values of 59.66 and μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated the ability of LF-Zn-NPs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase “RdRp” activity at IC50 of 49.23 μg/mL. In vivo, the LF-Zn-NPs displayed a protective and therapeutic activity against induced pulmonary fibrosis in Bleomycin-treated male albino rats owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and significant reduction in CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer levels. The obtained findings offer a promising route for biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs as promising candidates against COVID-19.

Green synthesis, characterization, anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry, and replication of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles with halting lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.50 nm, whereas LF-coated Zn-NPs (LF-Zn-NPs) revealed a larger particles size of up to 98 ± 6.40 nm. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs revealed negatively charged surfaces with zeta-potentials of - 20.25 ± 0.35 and - 44.3 ± 3.25 mV, respectively. Interestingly, the LF-Zn-NPs showed potent in vitro retardation for SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells by binding to the ACE2-receptor and spike protein receptor binding domain at IC50 values of 59.66 and μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated the ability of LF-Zn-NPs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase "RdRp" activity at IC50 of 49.23 μg/mL. In vivo, the LF-Zn-NPs displayed a protective and therapeutic activity against induced pulmonary fibrosis in Bleomycin-treated male albino rats owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and significant reduction in CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer levels. The obtained findings offer a promising route for biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs as promising candidates against COVID-19.

Synthesis and cytotoxicity evaluation of novel 1,8-acridinedione derivatives bearing phthalimide moiety as potential antitumor agents

In this study, we aimed to develop hybrid antitumor compounds by synthesizing and characterizing novel N-substituted acrididine-1,8-dione derivatives, designed as hybrids of phthalimide and acridine-1,8-diones. We employed a three-step synthetic strategy and characterized all compounds using IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and LC-MS. The cytotoxicity and antitumor activity of five compounds (8c, 8f, 8h, 8i, and 8L) against four cancer cell lines (H460, A431, A549, and MDA-MB-231) compared to human skin fibroblast cells were evaluated. Among the synthesized compounds, compound 8f showed promising activity against skin and lung cancers, with favorable IC50 values and selectivity index. The relative changes in mRNA expression levels of four key genes (p53, TOP2B, p38, and EGFR) in A431 cells treated with the five synthesized compounds (8c, 8f, 8h, 8i, and 8L) were also investigated. Additionally, molecular docking studies revealed that compound 8f exhibited high binding affinity with TOP2B, p38, p53, and EGFR, suggesting its potential as a targeted anticancer therapy. The results obtained indicate that N-substituted acrididine-1,8-dione derivatives have the potential to be developed as novel antitumor agents with a dual mechanism of action, and compound 8f is a promising candidate for further investigation.

In Vitro and In Vivo Synergistic Antitumor Activity of Albumin-Coated Oleic Acid-Loaded Liposomes toward Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal and prevalent cancers, closely associated with cirrhosis and fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the antitumor activity of oleic acid-liposomes (uncoated liposomes) upon coating with albumin against HCC. The in vitro studies revealed the high safety of the prepared uncoated and albumin-coated liposomes to normal HFB-4 cells (EC100 of 35.57 ± 0.17 and 79.133 ± 2.92 µM, respectively) with significant anticancer activity against HepG-2 cells with IC50 of 56.29 ± 0.91 and 26.74 ± 0.64 µM, respectively. The albumin-coated liposomes revealed superior apoptosis induction potential (80.7%) with significant upregulation of p53 gene expression (> 7.0-fold), compared to OA. The in vivo study revealed that the administration of uncoated or albumin-coated liposomes (100 mg/kg) for six weeks markedly retarded the DENA-induced HCC in Wistar albino rates through regulating the liver enzymes, total bilirubin level, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Accordingly, the current study supports the in vitro and in vivo chemo-preventive feature of albumin-coated liposomes against HCC through modulation of apoptosis, improvement of the immune response, reduction of inflammation, and restoration of impaired oxidative stress, which is the first reported to the best of our knowledge.

Purification and fractionation of phycobiliproteins from Arthrospira platensis and Corallina officinalis with evaluating their biological activities

Phycobiliproteins (PBPs) are a class of water-soluble pigments with a variety of biological functions that are present in red macroalgae and cyanobacterial species. The crude forms of phycocyanin (C-PC) from the blue green alga Arthrospira platensis and allophycocyanin (APC) from the red macroalga Corallina officinalis were extracted and purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation, anion exchange chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography methods, respectively. The obtained C-PC and APC from A. platensis and C. officinalis were 0.31 mg/mL and 0.08 mg/mL, respectively, with molecular masses of "17.0 KDa and 19.0 KDa" and "15.0 KDa and 17.0 KDa" corresponding to α and β subunits, respectively. FT-IR was used to characterize the purified APC and C-PC in order to look into their structures. Highly purified extracts (A620/A280 > 4.0) were obtained from subtractions' PC3 and PC4 that were tested for their biological activities. APC and C-PC crude extracts plus their fractions exhibited potent anti-oxidant in different ratios by using three techniques. PC1 showed high anti-inflammatory (75.99 and 74.55%) and anti-arthritic (78.89 and 76.92%) activities for C. officinalis and A. platensis, respectively compared with standard drugs (72.02 and 71.5%). The methanolic and water extracts of both species showed greater antibacterial efficacy against Gram +ve than Gram -ve marine bacteria. Our study shed light on the potential medical uses of C-PC and APC extracted from the tested species as natural substances in a variety of foods and drugs. Further investigations are required to explore the diverse chemical natures of distinct PBPs from different cyanobacteria and red algae because their amino acid sequences vary among different algal species.

Therapeutic efficacy of α-lactalbumin coated oleic acid based liposomes against colorectal carcinoma in Caco-2 cells and DMH-treated albino rats

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor recognized as a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Therefore, novel liposomes of oleic acid coated with camel α-lactalbumin (α-LA coated liposomes) were developed for their potential antitumor activity against CRC, both in vitro and in DMH-induced CRC-modeled animal. In vitro results indicated the high safety of α-LA coated liposomes towards normal human cells with potent antitumor activity against Caco-2 cells at an IC50 value of 57.01 ± 3.55 µM with selectivity index of 6.92 ± 0.48. This antitumor activity has been attributed to induction of the apoptotic mechanism, as demonstrated by nuclear condensation and arrest of Caco-2 cells in sub-G1 populations. α-LA coated liposomes also revealed a significant up-regulation of the p53 gene combined with a down-regulation of the Bcl2 gene. Moreover, in vivo results revealed that treatment of induced-CRC modeled animals with α-LA coated liposomes for six weeks markedly improved the CRC-disorders; this was achieved from the significant reduction in the values of AFP, CEA, CA19.9, TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and NO coupled with remarkable rise in SOD, GPx, GSH, CAT, and CD4+ levels. The histopathological findings asserted the therapeutic potential of α-LA coated liposomes in the treatment of CRC. Therefore, the present results proved the antitumor activity of α-LA coated liposomes against CRC through the restoration of impaired oxidative stress, improved immune response, and reduced inflammation.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Inhibitory effect of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry along with improvement of lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

Severe acute respiratory syndrome 2019-new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is a major global challenge caused by a pandemic disease, named 'COVID-19' with no effective and selective therapy available so far. COVID-19-associated mortality is directly related to the inability to suppress the viral infection and the uncontrolled inflammatory response. So, we investigated the antiviral efficiency of the nanofabricated and well-characterized lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles (Lf-Zn-NPs) on SARS-CoV-2 replication and entry into host cells. Lf-Zn-NPs showed potent inhibition of the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into the host cells by inhibition of ACE2, the SARS-CoV-2 receptor. This inhibitory activity of Lf-Zn-NPs to target the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and the ACE2 receptor offers potent protection against COVID-19 outbreaks. Moreover, the administration of Lf-Zn-NPs markedly improved lung fibrosis disorders, as supported by histopathological findings and monitored by the significant reduction in the values of CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer, with a remarkable rise in CD4+, lung SOD, GPx, GSH, and CAT levels. Lf-Zn-NPs revealed therapeutic efficiency against lung fibrosis owing to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and ACE2-inhibiting activities. These findings suggest a promising nanomedicine agent against COVID-19 and its complications, with improved antiviral and immunomodulatory properties as well as a safer mode of action.

Anticancer activity of lactoferrin-coated biosynthesized selenium nanoparticles for combating different human cancer cells via mediating apoptotic effects

The present study aims to develop a novel nanocombination with high selectivity against several invasive cancer cells, sparing normal cells and tissues. Bovine lactoferrin (bLF) has recently captured the interest of numerous medical fields owing to its biological activities and well-known immunomodulatory effects. BLF is an ideal protein to be encapsulated or adsorbed into selenium nanocomposites (Se NPs) in order to produce stable nanocombinations with potent anticancer effects and improved immunological functions. The biosynthesis of the functionalized Se NPs was achieved using Rhodotorula sp. strain MZ312359 via a simultaneous bio-reduction approach to selenium sodium salts. The physicochemical properties of Se NPs using SEM, TEM, FTIR, UV Vis, XRD, and EDX confirmed the formation of uniform agglomerated spheres with a size of 18-40 nm. Se NPs were successfully embedded in apo-LF (ALF), forming a novel nanocombination of ALF-Se NPs with a spherical shape and an average nanosize of less than 200 nm. The developed ALF-Se NPs significantly displayed an effective anti-proliferation efficiency against many cancer cells, including MCF-7, HepG-2, and Caco-2 cell lines, as compared to Se NPs and ALF in free forms. ALF-Se NPs showed a significant selectivity impact (> 64) against all treated cancer cells at IC₅₀ 63.10 ≤ μg/mL, as well as the strongest upregulation of p53 and suppression of Bcl-2, MMP-9, and VEGF genes. Besides, ALF-Se NPs were able to show the maximum activation of transcrition of key redox mediator (Nrf2) with suppression in reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels inside all treated cancer cells. This study demonstrates that this novel nanocombination of ALF-Se NPs has superior selectivity and apoptosis-mediating anticancer activity over free ALF or individual form of Se NPs.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, Antimicrobial, and Anticancer Activities of Pomegranate Juice Concentrate

Pomegranate juice concentrate (PJC) is a rich source of polyphenols, which exhibit significant antioxidant activity and potential health benefits for disease prevention and therapy. In this study, the polyphenolic profile of PJC was investigated for the first time, and it was found that PJC can inhibit oxidative damage to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), as well as acetylcholinesterase, α-amylase, and tyrosinase activities. The primary polyphenols identified in PJC were 4-Hydroxy-3-Methoxybenzoate, epicatechin, catechin, rutin, ferulic acid, P-coumaric acid, and cinnamic acid. Additionally, PJC demonstrated potent antibacterial effects against human pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans and Aeromonas hydrophila and dose-dependently reduced the proliferation of colorectal, breast, and hepatic cancer cells via apoptosis. Furthermore, PJC blocked B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCl-2) and the expression of a potent cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (P21) and enhanced tumor protein (P53) expression, compared to both untreated cells and cells treated with fluoropyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). As a result, PJC may be a beneficial ingredient in the formulation of emerging natural-compound-based chemotherapy and functional foods and could be utilized by the food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries.

Palm Fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Pollen Extract Inhibits Cancer Cell and Enzyme Activities and DNA and Protein Damage

Palm fruit pollen extract (PFPE) is a natural source of bioactive polyphenols. The primary aim of the study was to determine the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, enzyme inhibition, bovine serum albumin (BSA), and DNA-protective properties of PFPE and identify and quantify the phenolic compounds present in PFPE. The results demonstrated that PFPE exhibited potent antioxidant activity in various radical-scavenging assays, including (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) (DPPH^•), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS^•), nitric oxide (NO), ferric-reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). PFPE also displayed antimicrobial activity against several pathogenic bacteria. Similarly, PFPE reduced acetylcholinesterase, tyrosinase, and α-amylase activities. PFPE has been proven to have an anticancer effect against colon carcinoma (Caco-2), hepatoma (HepG-2), and breast carcinoma (MDA) cancer cells. Apoptosis occurred in PFPE-treated cells in a dose-dependent manner, and cell cycle arrest was observed. Furthermore, in breast cancer cells, PFPE down-regulated Bcl-2 and p21 and up-regulated p53 and Caspase-9. These results show that PFPE constitutes a potential source of polyphenols for pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and functional food applications.

Topically Applied Biopolymer-Based Tri-Layered Hierarchically Structured Nanofibrous Scaffold with a Self-Pumping Effect for Accelerated Full-Thickness Wound Healing in a Rat Model

Wound healing has grown to be a significant problem at a global scale. The lack of multifunctionality in most wound dressing-based biopolymers prevents them from meeting all clinical requirements. Therefore, a multifunctional biopolymer-based tri-layered hierarchically nanofibrous scaffold in wound dressing can contribute to skin regeneration. In this study, a multifunctional antibacterial biopolymer-based tri-layered hierarchically nanofibrous scaffold comprising three layers was constructed. The bottom and the top layers contain hydrophilic silk fibroin (SF) and fish skin collagen (COL), respectively, for accelerated healing, interspersed with a middle layer of hydrophobic poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) containing amoxicillin (AMX) as an antibacterial drug. The advantageous physicochemical properties of the nanofibrous scaffold were estimated by SEM, FTIR, fluid uptake, contact angle, porosity, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity and cell healing were assessed by MTT assay and the cell scratching method, respectively, and revealed excellent biocompatibility. The nanofibrous scaffold exhibited significant antimicrobial activity against multiple pathogenic bacteria. Furthermore, the in vivo wound healing and histological studies demonstrated complete wound healing in wounded rats on day 14, along with an increase in the expression level of the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and a decrease in the expression level of interleukin-6 (IL-6). The results revealed that the fabricated nanofibrous scaffold is a potent wound dressing scaffold, and significantly accelerates full-thickness wound healing in a rat model.

Green valorization of end-of-life toner powder to iron oxide-nanographene nanohybrid as a recyclable persulfate activator for degrading emerging micropollutants

The sustainable management of toner waste (T-raw) was performed via carbonization at 500 °C (T-500) and 600 °C (T-600) to produce iron oxide-nanographene nanohybrid (FeO-NG) for activating persulfate (PS) to efficiently degrade dyes (methylene blue, MB), antibiotics (sulfamethazine, SMZ), and pesticides (diazinon, DZN). Morphology, crystallinity, chemical structure, chemical composition, surface area, and pore size distribution of the synthesized materials were investigated using various analyses. High degradation ratios of MB were attained over a wide pH range (2-7), and the optimum operating conditions were determined. The FeO-NG/PS system was tested in different water matrices. MB degradation efficiency dropped from 80.13% to 78.56% after five succeeding experiments, proving the high stability of T-500. Trapping experiments proved the major role of sulfate radicals and the minor contribution of singlet oxygen. The toxicity evaluation of the treated and untreated MB solutions was conducted via measuring the cell viability, showing an increase in cell viability ratio after the degradation of MB. The degradation efficiencies of DZN and SMZ were 97.54% and 83.7%, respectively and the mineralization ratios were 74.08% and 60.37% at initial concentrations of sulfamethazine and diazinon of 50 and 100 mg/L, respectively. The high degradation efficiency of emerging micropollutants as well as the inexpensiveness, and facile synthesis of the catalyst boost the prospect of applying the proposed system on an industrial scale.

Empagliflozin inhibits autophagy and mitigates airway inflammation and remodelling in mice with ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma

Empagliflozin, a selective inhibitor of Na⁺-glucose cotransporter-2, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in addition to autophagy modulation. Addressing the role of autophagy in allergic asthma revealed controversial results. The potential effect of empagliflozin treatment on airway inflammation and remodelling as well as autophagy modulation in a murine model of allergic asthma was investigated. Over a 7-week period, male BALB/c mice were sensitized and challenged by intraperitoneal injection and inhalation of ovalbumin, respectively. Animals were treated with empagliflozin (10 mg/kg; orally) and/or rapamycin (an autophagy inducer; 4 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) before every challenge. Methacholine-induced airway hyperresponsiveness was evaluated one day after the last challenge. After euthanasia, serum, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lung tissues were collected for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessment. Results revealed that empagliflozin decreased airway hyperresponsiveness, serum ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin E, and bronchoalveolar lavage total and differential leukocytic counts. Levels of inflammatory and profibrotic cytokines (IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-17, and transforming growth factor-β1) were all inhibited. Moreover, empagliflozin preserved pulmonary microscopic architecture and alleviated bronchiolar epithelial thickening, goblet cell hyperplasia, fibrosis and smooth muscle hypertrophy. These effects were associated with inhibition of ovalbumin-activated autophagic flux, as demonstrated by decreased LC3B expression and LC3BII/I ratio, as well as increased P62 expression. However, the therapeutic potential of empagliflozin was inhibited when rapamycin was co-administered. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that empagliflozin has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and anti-remodelling properties in ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma and suggests that autophagic flux inhibition may play a role in empagliflozin's anti-asthmatic effects.

Statistical optimization and characterization of fucose-rich polysaccharides extracted from pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) along with antioxidant and antiviral activities

Biologically active phytochemicals from pumpkin reveal versatile medical applications, though little is known about their antiviral activity. The fucose-rich polysaccharide extraction conditions were optimized through Box-Behnken design and purified by column chromatography. The purified fucose-rich polysaccharide was characterized through SEM, FT-IR, ¹H NMR, XRD, TGA, and GS-MS. The analysis results revealed an irregular and porous surface of the purified polysaccharide with high fucose, rhamnose, galactose, and glucose contents. The tested fucose-rich polysaccharides revealed significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity at very low concentrations. The purified fucose-rich polysaccharides exerted a broad-spectrum antiviral activity against both DNA and RNA viruses, accompanied by high safety toward normal cells, where the maximum safe doses (EC₁₀₀) were estimated to be about 3-3.9 mg/mL for both Vero and PBMC cell lines. Treatment of HCV, ADV7, HSV1, and HIV viruses with the purified polysaccharides showed a potent dose-dependent inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ values of 95.475, 20.96, 5.213, and 461.75 μg/mL, respectively. This activity was hypothesized to be through inhibiting the viral entry in HCV infection and inhibiting the reverse transcriptase activity in HIV. The current study firstly reported the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral activities of Cucurbita maxima fucose-rich polysaccharide against several viral infections.

Optimization of bacterial cellulose production from prickly pear peels and its ex situ impregnation with fruit byproducts for antimicrobial and strawberry packaging applications

Bacterial cellulose (BC) is currently among the most promising natural polymers. However, the production costs and biological inactivity are still challenges. The current study exploited the enzymatically hydrolyzed prickly pear peels (PPP) for BC production, which supported about 2.94 g/L as the sole production medium. The BC production was further optimized through a central composite design, where the maximum BC production was 6.01 g/L at 68 % PPPE at pH 4 after 11 days of incubation at 20 °C. The produced BC was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM analysis, and the results showed that PPPE is a promising carbon source for pure BC production. The BC membrane was separately loaded with several fruit byproduct extracts to enhance its biological activity for multiple applications. BC loaded with pomegranate peel extract (BC/PPE) revealed significant broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, followed by BC loaded with pomegranate molasses (BC/PM). The BC/PPE membrane enhanced the shelf-life storage of strawberry fruits by about 5 days, with a reduction in the fruits' weight loss of 15 % compared to the uncovered group. The current study revealed the successful application of PPE for sustainable BC production with its packaging potential for enhancing strawberry shelf-life when loaded with PPE or PM.

Polyphenol-Rich Date Palm Fruit Seed (Phoenix Dactylifera L.) Extract Inhibits Labile Iron, Enzyme, and Cancer Cell Activities, and DNA and Protein Damage

Date palm fruit seed (Phoenix dactylifera L.) extract (DSE), an under-utilized resource, is a rich source of polyphenols with high potency for disease prevention and antioxidative activities. For the first time, the present study demonstrated that DSE inhibits labile iron activity and DNA and BSA damage and inhibits acetylcholinesterase and tyrosinase activities. Moreover, DSE reduces the proliferation of hepatic, colorectal, and breast cancer cells dose-dependently through apoptotic mechanisms. Furthermore, DSE significantly suppressed the expression of both BCl-2 and P21 genes and increased the P53 expression level when compared with the untreated cells and the 5-FU treated cells. These findings suggest a strong potential for DSE in protecting against the iron-catalyzed ferroptosis that results in programmed cell death. The results also confirm the efficacy of DSE against cancer cells. Therefore, DSE constitutes a valuable candidate for developing functional foods and for natural compound-based chemotherapy for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

Therapeutic efficacy of Nano-formulation of lactoperoxidase and lactoferrin via promoting immunomodulatory and apoptotic effects

This study identifies promising potential of a novel and safer nanocombination of bovine milk lactoperoxidase (LPO) and lactoferrin (LF) to target breast cancer in vitro and in adult female albino rat model. Favorable selective anticancer effects of the prepared nanocombination were observed, in a dose-dependent manner, against both MCF-7 and MDA cell lines, sparing normal HFB-4 cells. The administration of LPO + LFNPs markedly improved the induced-breast cancer disorders, prolonged survival and reduced the values of serum TNF-α, IL1β, CD4⁺, ALAT, ASAT, urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglycerides with remarkable elevation in mammary SOD and GPx activity and GSH level. Moreover, the histopathological findings showed that LPO + LFNPs succeeded in prevention of mammary gland tumorigenesis. Superior efficacy of LPO + LFNPs was observed against pro-inflammatory cytokines through their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. The treatment of LPO + LFNPs more significantly modulated the apoptosis and enhanced the expression of cell cycle regulator genes, which demonstrates a successful tumor therapy in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study provided evidence that the chemo-preventive feature of LPO + LFNPs may offer a novel alternative therapy for the treatment of breast cancer through enhances apoptosis pathway, improvement of immune response, reduction of inflammation and restoration of the impaired oxidative stress.

Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract inhibits DNA and protein damage and labile iron, enzyme, and cancer cell activities

Grape seed extract from (Vitis vinifera) (VGSE) is an excellent source of various polyphenols that exhibit highly potent antioxidant and disease prevention properties. Although numerous biological activities, with potential for improving human health, have been reported for VGSE, there is a lack of data relating to the health benefits of VGSE on DNA damage, protein damage, labile iron activity, and enzyme inhibitory effects. This investigation demonstrated, for the first time, that VGSE inhibits DNA and BSA damage and labile iron activity in-vitro. Moreover, VGSE also inhibited in-vitro activities of AChE, tyrosinase, and α-amylase. VGSE treatment significantly reduced viability of MCF-7, Hep-G2, Caco-2, and Huh-7 cells after 48-h treatments. The results obtained provide additional support for the purported health benefits of VGSE and reinforce its potential in disease prevention and therapy, especially in relation to cancer.

Antibacterial activity of essential oils for combating colistin-resistant bacteria

OBJECTIVES

Colistin (polymyxin E) is a bactericidal antibiotic used to treat severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The product of the mcr1 gene generates transferrable plasmid-mediated colistin resistance, which has arisen as a worldwide healthcare problem. This study aimed to isolate, and identify colistin-resistant bacteria, and evaluate the ability of essential oils its fights.

METHODS

: Twenty-seven bacterial isolates were collected from patients who were admitted to National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt, and processed by standard microbiological methods. Essential oils were purchased from AB chem company, Egypt, screened for antibacterial, cytotoxic activity, and (GC-MS) analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 5 bacterial isolates were resistant to colistin with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 6.25->200µg/ml. Cinnamon oil exhibited the highest activity against colistin-resistant strains followed by thyme and eucalyptus oil. The (MIC) of cinnamon oils against resistant strains ranged from 4.88 to 312.5 µg/ml. Moreover, mcr-1 gene expression was extremely down-regulated after treatment of bacterial strains with cinnamon oil and decreased to 20-35-fold. Examination of treated bacterial cells with sub-inhibitory concentrations under transmission electron microscopy showed various abnormalities occurred in most of these cells.

CONCLUSIONS

cinnamon oil exhibits antibacterial activity against colistin-resistant strains, showing as a promising natural alternative in clinical therapy.

Azides in the Synthesis of Various Heterocycles

In this review, we focus on some interesting and recent examples of various applications of organic azides such as their intermolecular or intramolecular, under thermal, catalyzed, or noncatalyzed reaction conditions. The aforementioned reactions in the aim to prepare basic five-, six-, organometallic heterocyclic-membered systems and/or their fused analogs. This review article also provides a report on the developed methods describing the synthesis of various heterocycles from organic azides, especially those reported in recent papers (till 2020). At the outset, this review groups the synthetic methods of organic azides into different categories. Secondly, the review deals with the functionality of the azido group in chemical reactions. This is followed by a major section on the following: (1) the synthetic tools of various heterocycles from the corresponding organic azides by one-pot domino reaction; (2) the utility of the chosen catalysts in the chemoselectivity favoring C−H and C-N bonds; (3) one-pot procedures (i.e., Ugi four-component reaction); (4) nucleophilic addition, such as Aza-Michael addition; (5) cycloaddition reactions, such as [3+2] cycloaddition; (6) mixed addition/cyclization/oxygen; and (7) insertion reaction of C-H amination. The review also includes the synthetic procedures of fused heterocycles, such as quinazoline derivatives and organometal heterocycles (i.e., phosphorus-, boron- and aluminum-containing heterocycles). Due to many references that have dealt with the reactions of azides in heterocyclic synthesis (currently more than 32,000), we selected according to generality and timeliness. This is considered a recent review that focuses on selected interesting examples of various heterocycles from the mechanistic aspects of organic azides.

New Series of VEGFR-2 Inhibitors and Apoptosis Enhancers: Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation

Background

Cancer is still a major world health threat, causing a high rate of mortality. VEGFR-2 inhibitor anticancer agents are of great significance. However, they showed some serious side effects.

Purpose

To discover new effective and safer anticancer agents, a new series of piperazinylquinoxaline-based derivatives was designed and synthesized on the basis of the pharmacophoric features of VEGFR-2 inhibitor drugs.

Methods

The new candidates were evaluated against A549 lung cancer cells, HepG-2 hepatoma cells, Caco-2 colon cancer cells, MDA breast cancer cells, and VEGFR-2 kinase. Moreover, cell cycle kinetics and apoptosis rates were studied in HepG-2 cells treated with compound 11, which was the most promising candidate.

Results

The new derivatives revealed better antitumor results (IC₅₀ from 6.48 to 38.58 µM) against the aforementioned cancer cell lines than sorafenib. Also, the new candidates showed VEGFR-2 inhibition with IC₅₀ values ranging from 0.19 to 0.60 µM compared to 0.08 µM for sorafenib. Compound 11, meanwhile, showed IC₅₀ values equal to 10.61, 9.52, 12.45, 11.52, and 0.19 µM against the cancer cell lines and VEGFR-2, respectively. Moreover, compound 11 raised the apoptosis rate in HepG-2 cells from 5% to 44% and caused 4, 2.3, and 3-fold increases in BAX/Bcl-2 ratio, caspase-3 level, and P53 expression, respectively, compared to control untreated cells. Finally, the new derivatives displayed the correct binding mode into VEGFR-2 kinase pocket, giving interactions with the essential residues.

Conclusion

This work suggests that compound 11 is a very significant anticancer candidate, and piperazinylquinoxaline is an important scaffold in the development of new potential effective and safer VEGFR-2 inhibitor agents.

Synthesis, and docking studies of novel heterocycles incorporating the indazolylthiazole moiety as antimicrobial and anticancer agents

The current study was directed toward developing a new series of fused heterocycles incorporating indazolylthiazole moiety. The newly synthesized compounds were characterized through elemental analysis and spectral data (IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and Mass Spectrometry). The cytotoxic effect of the newly synthesized compounds was evaluated against normal human cells (HFB-4) and cancer cell lines (HepG-2 and Caco-2). Among the synthesized compounds, derivatives 4, and 6 revealed a significant selective antitumor activity, in a dose-dependent manner, against both HepG-2 and Caco-2 cell lines, with lower risk toward HFB-4 cells (normal cells). Derivative 8 revealed the maximum antitumor activity toward both tumor cell lines, with an SI value of about 26 and IC50 value of about 5.9 μg/mL. The effect of these derivatives (8, 4, and 6) upon the expression of 5 tumor regulating genes was studied through quantitative real-time PCR, where its interaction with these genes was simulated through the molecular docking study. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity results revealed that compounds 2, 7, 8, and 9 have a potential antimicrobial activity, with maximum broad-spectrum activity through compound 3 against the three tested pathogens: Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. The newly prepared compounds also revealed anti-biofilm formation activity with maximum activity against Streptococcus mutans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans, respectively.

Fabrication, characterization and in vitro evaluation of disulfiram-loaded cellulose acetate/poly(ethylene oxide) nanofiber scaffold for breast and colon cancer cell lines treatment

Cancer and microbial infections threaten human health. Currently, chemotherapeutic drugs for cancer lack selectivity between normal and cancer cells, exacerbating this problem. Effective anticancer drug encapsulation is the golden key to solving this issue. Disulfiram (DS), an anticancer drug, has low solubility and selectivity and to tackle this concern, cellulose acetate (CA) and poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) was selected as a matrix to prepare nanofiber containing DS (DS@CA/PEO) via electrospinning technique. DS@CA/PEO nanofiber was characterized by SEM, FTIR, TGA, and X-rd patterns and the results confirmed DS incorporation in CA/PEO nanofiber. DS@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold showed higher safety than DS-free on human normal cells (Wi-38) with revealing similar anticancer activity of DS-free against colon cancer line (Caco-2) and breast cancer line (MDA-MB 231). This higher selectivity of DS@CA/PEO towards cancer cells than normal cells was associated with maintaining apoptotic activity and aldehyde dehydrogenase-inhibitory potency of DS. The latter efficacy led to eradicating colon and breast cancer stem cells, as evidenced by flow cytometry. Moreover, DS@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold showed potent antibacterial activity (in vitro) against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. These results investigated that DS@CA/PEO nanofiber scaffold could be a potential dual candidate as a selective anticancer and antimicrobial agent.

Methyl Orange Biodegradation by Immobilized Consortium Microspheres: Experimental Design Approach, Toxicity Study and Bioaugmentation Potential

Methyl orange (MO) is categorized among the recalcitrant and refractory xenobiotics, representing a significant burden in the ecosystem. To clean-up the surrounding environment, advances in microbial degradation have been made. The main objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which an autochthonous consortium immobilized in alginate beads can promote an efficient biodegradation of MO. By employing response surface methodology (RSM), a parametric model explained the interaction of immobilized consortium (Raoultella planticola, Ochrobactrum thiophenivorans, Bacillus flexus and Staphylococcus xylosus) to assimilate 200 mg/L of MO in the presence of 40 g/L of NaCl within 120 h. Physicochemical analysis, including UV-Vis spectroscopy and FTIR, and monitoring of the degrading enzymes (azoreductase, DCIP reductase, NADH reductase, laccase, LiP, MnP, nitrate reductase and tyrosinase) were used to evaluate MO degradation. In addition, the toxicity of MO-degradation products was investigated by means of phytotoxicity and cytotoxicity. Chlorella vulgaris retained its photosynthetic performance (>78%), as shown by the contents of chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b and carotenoids. The viability of normal lung and kidney cell lines was recorded to be 90.63% and 99.23%, respectively, upon exposure to MO-metabolic outcomes. These results reflect the non-toxicity of treated samples, implying their utilization in ferti-irrigation applications and industrial cooling systems. Moreover, the immobilized consortium was employed in the bioremediation of MO from artificially contaminated agricultural and industrial effluents, in augmented and non-augmented systems. Bacterial consortium remediated MO by 155 and 128.5 mg/L in augmented systems of agricultural and industrial effluents, respectively, within 144 h, revealing its mutual synergistic interaction with both indigenous microbiotas despite differences in their chemical, physical and microbial contents. These promising results encourage the application of immobilized consortium in bioaugmentation studies using different resources.

A Comprehensive Insight into Fungal Enzymes: Structure, Classification, and Their Role in Mankind's Challenges

Enzymes have played a crucial role in mankind's challenges to use different types of biological systems for a diversity of applications. They are proteins that break down and convert complicated compounds to produce simple products. Fungal enzymes are compatible, efficient, and proper products for many uses in medicinal requests, industrial processing, bioremediation purposes, and agricultural applications. Fungal enzymes have appropriate stability to give manufactured products suitable shelf life, affordable cost, and approved demands. Fungal enzymes have been used from ancient times to today in many industries, including baking, brewing, cheese making, antibiotics production, and commodities manufacturing, such as linen and leather. Furthermore, they also are used in other fields such as paper production, detergent, the textile industry, and in drinks and food technology in products manufacturing ranging from tea and coffee to fruit juice and wine. Recently, fungi have been used for the production of more than 50% of the needed enzymes. Fungi can produce different types of enzymes extracellularly, which gives a great chance for producing in large amounts with low cost and easy viability in purified forms using simple purification methods. In the present review, a comprehensive trial has been advanced to elaborate on the different types and structures of fungal enzymes as well as the current status of the uses of fungal enzymes in various applications.

Mercaptopurine-Loaded Sandwiched Tri-Layered Composed of Electrospun Polycaprolactone/Poly(Methyl Methacrylate) Nanofibrous Scaffolds as Anticancer Carrier with Antimicrobial and Antibiotic Features: Sandwich Configuration Nanofibers, Release Study and in vitro Bioevaluation Tests

BACKGROUND

6-Mercaptopurine (6-MP) is a potential anti-cancer agent which its therapeutic and limitation applicability due to its high toxicity.

OBJECTIVE

Herein, 6-MP was loaded into tri-layered sandwich nanofibrous scaffold (the top layer composed of poly methyl methacrylate/polycaprolactone (PMMA/PCL), the middle layer was PCL/PMMA/6-MP, and the bottom layer was PCL/PMMA to improve its bioactivity, adjusting the release-sustainability and reduce its toxicity.

METHODS

Electrospun tri-layered nanofibers composed of PCL/PMMA were utilized as nano-mats for controlling sustained drug release. Four groups of sandwich scaffold configurations were investigated with alteration of (PMMA: PCL) composition.

RESULTS

The sandwich scaffold composed of 2%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP showed the best miscibility, good homogeneity and produced the smoothest nanofibers and low crystallinity. All fabricated 6-MP-loaded-PCL/PMMA scaffolds exhibited antimicrobial properties on the bacterial and fungal organisms, where the cytotoxicity evaluation proved the safety of scaffolds on normal cells, even at high concentration. Scaffolds provided a sustained-drug release profile that was strongly dependent on (PCL: PMMA). As (PCL: PMMA) decreased, the sustained 6-MP release from PCL/PMMA scaffolds increased. Results established that ~18% and 20% of 6-MP were released after 23h from (4%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP) and (2%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP), respectively, where this release was maintained for more than 20 days. The anti-cancer activity of all fabricated scaffolds was also investigated using different cancerous cell lines (e.g., Caco-2, MDA, and HepG-2) results showed that 6-MP-loaded-nanofibrous mats have an anti-cancer effect, with a high selective index for breast cancer. We observed that viability of a cancer cell was dropped to about 10%, using nanofibers containing 2%PCL/4%PMMA/1%6-MP.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the PCL: PMMA ratio and sandwich configuration imparts a tight control on long-term release profile and initial burst of 6-MP for anticancer treatment purposes.

Novel Nanocombinations of l-Tryptophan and l-Cysteine: Preparation, Characterization, and Their Applications for Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activities

Tungsten oxide WO3 nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared in a form of nanosheets with homogeneous size and dimensions in one step through acid precipitation using a cation exchange column. The resulting WO3 nanosheet surface was decorated with one of the two amino acids (AAs) l-tryptophan (Trp) or l-cysteine (Cys) and evaluated for their dye removal, antimicrobial, and antitumor activities. A noticeable improvement in the biological activity of WO3 NPs was detected upon amino acid modification compared to the original WO3. The prepared WO3-Trp and WO3-Cys exhibited strong dye removal activity toward methylene blue and safranin dyes with complete dye removal (100%) after 6 h. WO3-Cys and WO3-Trp NPs revealed higher broad-spectrum antibacterial activity toward both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with strong antifungal activity toward Candida albicans. Anticancer results of the modified WO3-Cys and WO3-Trp NPs against various kinds of cancer cells, including MCF-7, Caco-2, and HepG-2 cells, indicate that they have a potent effect in a dose-dependent manner with high selectivity to cancer cells and safety against normal cells. The expression levels of E2F2 and Bcl-2 genes were found to be suppressed after treatment with both WO3-Cys and WO3-Trp NPs more than 5-FU-treated cells. While expression level of the p53 gene in all tested cells was up-regulated after treatment 5-8 folds more as compared to untreated cells. The docking results confirmed the ability of both NPs to bind to the p53 gene with relevant potency in binding to other tested gens and participation of cysteine SH-functional group in such interaction.

Light-cured hyaluronic acid composite hydrogels using riboflavin as a photoinitiator for bone regeneration applications

Objective

Self-healing of bone from damage caused by infection, trauma, or surgical removal of cysts is limited. Generally, external intervention is needed to increase bone repair and regeneration. In this study, biocompatible light-cured hyaluronic acid hydrogels loaded with nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan were prepared using a new photoinitiating system based on riboflavin for bone regeneration applications.

Method

Four light-cured hydrogel groups were prepared as follows: Group I, a control group with no additions; Group II, loaded with nano-hydroxyapatite; Group III, loaded with chitosan; and Group IV, loaded with both nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan. The new photoinitiating system consisted of riboflavin as a photoinitiator, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) as a coinitiator (being used with riboflavin for the first time), and diphenyliodonium chloride as an accelerator. For each group, X-ray-diffraction, surface morphology by scanning electron microscope, mechanical properties, water uptake (%), and cell viability (%) were tested. The osteogenic potential was then tested in a rabbit model, and histomorphometric assessment was conducted.

Results

In the four groups, the light-cured hydrogels were obtained after a short irradiation time of 10 s using a dental light-curing unit. The prepared hydrogels were biocompatible. Simultaneous addition of nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan increased the mechanical properties threefold and the osteogenic potential, twofold, with a statistically significant difference compared with the control group.

Conclusions

Light-cured hyaluronic acid composite hydrogels loaded with nano-hydroxyapatite and chitosan—prepared by using the new photoinitiating system—are promising materials that can be used in bone regeneration applications.

Potential Privilege of Maltodextrin-α-Tocopherol Nano-Micelles in Seizing Tacrolimus Renal Toxicity, Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis and Accelerating Bone Regeneration

Background

Tacrolimus (TAC) is a powerful immunosuppressive agent whose therapeutic applicability is confined owing to its systemic side effects.

Objective

Herein, we harnessed a natural polymer based bioconjugate composed of maltodextrin and α-tocopherol (MD-α-TOC) to encapsulate TAC as an attempt to overcome its biological limitations while enhancing its therapeutic anti-rheumatic efficacy.

Methods

The designed TAC loaded maltodextrin-α-tocopherol nano-micelles (TAC@MD-α-TOC) were assessed for their physical properties, safety, toxicological behavior, their ability to combat arthritis and assist bone/cartilage formation.

Results

In vitro cell viability assay revealed enhanced safety profile of optimized TAC@MD-α-TOC with 1.6- to 2-fold increase in Vero cells viability compared with free TAC. Subacute toxicity study demonstrated a diminished nephro- and hepato-toxicity accompanied with optimized TAC@MD-α-TOC. TAC@MD-α-TOC also showed significantly enhanced anti-arthritic activity compared with free TAC, as reflected by improved clinical scores and decreased IL-6 and TNF-α levels in serum and synovial fluids. Unique bone formation criteria were proved with TAC@MD-α-TOC by elevated serum and synovial fluid levels of osteocalcin and osteopontin mRNA and proteins expression. Chondrogenic differentiation abilities of TAC@MD-α-TOC were proved by increased serum and synovial fluid levels of SOX9 mRNA and protein expression.

Conclusion

Overall, our designed bioconjugate micelles offered an excellent approach for improved TAC safety profile with enhanced anti-arthritic activity and unique bone formation characteristics.

Novel oxygen-generation from electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds with anticancer properties: synthesis of PMMA-conjugate PVP-H2O2 nanofibers, characterization, and in vitro bio-evaluation tests

Released oxygen plays a critical role in reducing destructive tumor behavior. This study aims to utilize decomposed hydrogen peroxide as an oxygen source by conjugating it with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP-hydrogen peroxide complex (PHP) composed of different ratios of (PVP : H₂O₂) (0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, 1 : 1.5, 1 : 5, and 1 : 10) were successfully synthesized. PHP complex with a ratio of 1 : 1.5 was chosen as the optimized ratio, and it was incorporated into the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) nanofibrous scaffold via the electrospinning technique. Results have revealed that the PMMA-10% PHP complex provided a significant morphological structure of nanofibrous scaffolds. The mechanical properties of PMMA-10% PHP nanofibers showed the most suitable mechanical features such as Young's modulus, elongation-at-break (%), and maximum strength, in addition to the highest degree of swelling. All PHP complex scaffolds released oxygen in a sustained manner. However, the PMMA-10% PHP complex gave the highest concentration of released-oxygen with (∼8.9 mg L^-1, after 2.5 h). PMMA-10% PHP nanofibers provided an ideal model for released-oxygen scaffold with anti-cancer effect and high selectivity for cancer cells, especially for breast cancer cells. Nanofibrous scaffolds with different composition revealed high cell viability for normal cells. Such outcomes support the suitability of using synthesized nanofibrous scaffolds as released-oxygen biomaterials to enhance cancer cells' sensitivity and maximize the treatment effect.

Lectins purified from medicinal and edible mushrooms: Insights into their antiviral activity against pathogenic viruses

For thousands of years, fungi have been a valuable and promising source of therapeutic agents for treatment of various diseases. Mushroom is a macrofungus which has been cultivated worldwide for its nutritional value and medicinal applications. Several bioactive molecules were extracted from mushroom such as polysaccharides, lectins and terpenoids. Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins with non-immunologic origin. Lectins were classified according to their structure, origin and sugar specificity. This protein has different binding specificity with surface glycan moiety which determines its activity and therapeutic applications. A wide range of medicinal activities such as antitumor, antiviral, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory and antidiabetic were reported from sugar-binding proteins. However, glycan-binding protein from mushroom is not well explored as antiviral agent. The discovery of novel antiviral agents is a public health emergency to overcome the current pandemic and be ready for the upcoming viral pandemics. The mechanism of action of lectin against viruses targets numerous steps in viral life cycle such as viral attachment, entry and replication. This review described the history, classification, purification techniques, structure-function relationship and different therapeutic applications of mushroom lectin. In addition, we focus on the antiviral activity, purification and physicochemical characteristics of some mushroom lectins.

Design and synthesis of new 4-(2-nitrophenoxy)benzamide derivatives as potential antiviral agents: molecular modeling and in vitro antiviral screening

Novel benzamide derivatives as anti adenovirus, HSV-1, coxsackievirus, and SARS-CoV-2: in vitro and in silico study.

Nanoformulation approach for improved stability and efficiency of lactoperoxidase

Lactoperoxidase is a glycosylated protein with a molecular mass of 78 kDa, which being excreted in several mammalian secretions. Lactoperoxidase is included in many biological processes and well-known to have biocidal actions, attending as active antibiotics and antiviral agents. This wide-spectrum of biocidal activities mediates via a definite inhibitory system named lactoperoxidase system which acts a potent role in the innate immune response since its activity is not restricted by the antimicrobial effect, but might act a significant role in the hydrolysis of many toxins like aflatoxin. Hence with the current progresses in technology, nanoparticles can offer chances as an active candidate that might be utilized for stabilizing and potentiating the activity of LPO for use in several applications. Due to the variability functions of LPO, this enzyme considers an active target to be encapsulated or coated to NPs for developing novel nanocombinations with controlled surface characteristics. The development of approaches which might enhance conformational stabilization for several weeks of LPO via nanoformulation could improve the biopharmaceutical applicability of this bioactive ingredient. Nanoformulation of LPO enhances novel functions that can be useful in many biotechnological applications like food industry, cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications or to deliver and encapsulate bioactive components.

In vitro assessment of dual (antiviral and antitumor) activity of a novel lectin produced by the newly cyanobacterium isolate, Oscillatoria acuminate MHM-632 MK014210.1

A novel lectin was purified from newly cyanobacterium isolate, Oscillatoria acuminate MHM-632 MK014210.1 using affinity chromatography with a molecular weight of 120 kDa under native-PAGE and 30 kDa on reducing-PAGE, represented tetramer nature of this lectin. Oscillatorial lectin showed stability at 60 °C for 30 min, pH-dependent, with the highest activities over the pH range of 6-8, and required zinc ions to express its full activity. Oscillatorial lectin is a glycan-binding protein with a neutral carbohydrate content of 7.0% as evaluated by the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Polyols and α- glycosides polymer of mannose sugar or sugars alcohol were completely inhibited oscillatorial lectin with MIC of 0.195 mM, while β-glycosides sugars did not show any inhibition effect. The oscillatorial lectin has anti-proliferative activity against Huh-7 and MCF-7 cancer cells and inhibited their proliferation with EC₅₀ values of 106.75 µg/ml and 254.14 µg/ml, respectively. Besides the anticancer effect, oscillatorial lectin also has potent antiviral activity against HSV-1 in a dose-dependent manner via virions neutralization and inhibition of viral replication with IC₅₀ values of 90.95 ng/ml and 131.3 ng/ml, respectively. The unique carbohydrate affinity of oscillatorial lectin provides insight into its use as a promising candidate in many biotechnological applications, like fighting viral infection and combating cancer disease.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The use of cyanobacterial metabolites as natural medical and biotechnological tools: review article

Cyanobacteria are photosynthetic, Gram-negative bacteria that are considered one of the most morphologically diverse groups of prokaryotes with a chief role in the global nutrient cycle as they fixed gaseous carbon dioxide and nitrogen to organic materials. Cyanobacteria have significant adaptability to survive in harsh conditions due to they have different metabolic pathways with unique compounds, effective defensive mechanisms, and wide distribution in different habitats. Besides, they are successfully used to face different challenges in several fields, including industry, aquaculture, agriculture, food, dairy products, pollution control, bioenergy, and pharmaceutics. Analysis of 680 publications revealed that nearly 1630 cyanobacterial molecules belong to different families have a wide range of applications in several fields, including cosmetology, agriculture, pharmacology (immunosuppressant, anticancer, antibacterial, antiprotozoal, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anticoagulant, anti-tuberculosis, antitumor, and antiviral activities) and food industry. In this review, we nearly mentioned 92 examples of cyanobacterial molecules that are considered the most relevant effects related to anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anticancer activities as well as their roles that can be used in various biotechnological fields. These cyanobacterial products might be promising candidates for fighting various diseases and can be used in managing viral and microbial infections.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Electrospun PVA/hyaluronic acid/L-arginine nanofibers for wound healing applications: Nanofibers optimization and in vitro bioevaluation

Hyaluronic acid (HA) based nanofibers (NFs) represented a novel class of bioactive wound dressings that have a vital role in wound management due to their unique properties as an extracellular-matrix and accelerating wound healing. Novel L-arginine-loaded citric acid crosslinked PVA-HA NFs were fabricated by electrospinning and proposed for potential wound healing purposes. However, poor mechanical properties of HA NFs might limit its biological usage, thus this study aims to develop reinforced PVA/HA NFs by incorporation of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as nanofiller and loading L-arginine as wound healing accelerator. Results revealed that incorporation of CNCs into PVA/HA significantly improved mechanical and swelling properties of NFs, compared to CNC-free NFs. Biological performance of NFs was evaluated on normal human skin melanocyte (HFB-4) and lung fibroblast (WI38) cell-lines. PVA/HA/CNC/L-arginine NFs exhibited excellent hemocompatibility, high protein adsorption, outstanding proliferative and adhesive potential on HFB-4 cells expressed by high wound gap-closure 99.9% after 48 h of exposure. Released arginine from PVA/HA/CNC NFs showed sustained release about 46.5% and ~90% after 24 h and 48 h, respectively. Briefly, PVA/HA/CNCs/L-arginine showed adequate antibacterial activity especially against Klebsiella pneumonia, as an acute popular pathogen causing a skin infection. These results indicate that PVA/HA/CNC/L-arginine could act as promising and multifunctional wound dressings.

Protein-lipid complexes: molecular structure, current scenarios and mechanisms of cytotoxicity

Some natural proteins can be complexed with oleic acid (OA) to form an active protein-lipid formulation that can induce tumor-selective apoptosis. The first explored protein was human milk α-lactalbumin (α-LA), called HAMLET when composed with OA in antitumor form. Several groups have prepared active protein-lipid complexes using a variety of approaches, all of which depend on target protein destabilization or direct OA-protein incubation to alter pH to acid or alkaline condition. In addition to performing vital roles in inflammatory processes and immune responses, fatty acids can disturb different metabolic pathways and cellular signals. Therefore, the tumoricidal action of these complexes is related to OA rather than the protein that keeps OA in solution and acts as a vehicle for transferring OA molecules to tumor cells. However, other studies have suggested that the antitumor efficacy of these complexes was exerted by both protein and OA together. The potential is not limited to the anti-tumor activity of protein-lipid complexes but extends to other functions such as bactericidal activity. The protein shell enhances the solubility and stability of the bound fatty acid. These protein-lipid complexes are promising candidates for fighting various cancer types and managing bacterial and viral infections.