Nasrin Samadi

Food poisoning originating from contaminated foods by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria causes concern to society and to the industry. Spices have been used safely since ancient times as food flavoring agents and also as herbal medicines and are now mainly considered “generally regarded as safe” (GRAS). Antimicrobial effects of two spices used in Iranian traditional medicine were investigated against some pathogenic food-borne bacteria. Hydroalcoholic extracts of Rhus coriaria L. (sumac) and Zataria multiflora Boiss. (avishan-e shirazi or zaatar) obtained from Tehran botanicals market were prepared by cool percolation method using 80% (v/v) aqueous alcohol. Antimicrobial activities of the extracts were tested against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Proteus vulgaris, and Shigella flexneri. All the extracts were primarily screened for their possible antimicrobial effects using disc and well diffusion methods. Both R. coriaria L. and Z. multiflora Boiss. showed considerable antibacterial effects. The potential antibacterial activities of the two herbal extracts were further investigated at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.8% and 1.6% (w/v) and minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) as well as minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of the extracts were elucidated. Sumac showed better activity against the tested bacteria compared to avishan-e shirazi inhibiting Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus at concentrations of 0.05% and 0.1%, respectively while Gram-negative bacteria were affected by higher concentrations of sumac ranging 0.1–2%. The MICs of avishan-e shirazi against the tested bacteria ranged from 0.4% to 0.8%. Salmonella typhi was found to be the most resistant showing the MICs of 0.2% and 0.8% with sumac and avishan-e shirazi, respectively. Both popular Iranian spices which are traditionally used as astringent agents have promising inhibitory effects on food-borne bacteria and could be considered as natural food preservatives.

Propolis is a resinous natural hive product derived from plant exudates collected by honeybees. Due to biological and pharmacological activities, it has been extensively used in folk medicine. The present study was designed to investigate the chemical composition, subchronic toxicity, antimicrobial activity of Iranian propolis ethanolic extract, which has not been studied previously. One hundred and nine compounds were identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. Forty-five days subchronic toxicity of oral propolis extract was investigated in male rats. During the study no significant behavioral and clinical toxicity has been seen in animals however, hematologic, blood biochemistry and histopathologic data studies exhibited some significant differences between the groups. The ethanolic extract of propolis inhibited the growth of all examined microorganisms including bacteria and fungi with the highest antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The objective of this work was to prepare chitosan/polyethylene glycol fumarate (chitosan/PEGF) blend films as wound dressings and to evaluate the influence of composition ratio on the blending properties of the films. Blending chitosan with PEGF obviated the brittleness of neat chitosan film. Film topography performed by atomic force microscopy illustrated that blending could increase and control the surface roughness of the neat film. Their water vapor transmission rates were close to the range of 904–1447 g−2 day−1 found to be proper candidates for dressing the wounds with moderate exudates. Controlled water solubility, swelling, wettability and surface tension of the blend films were also evaluated. The blend films showed a powerful antibacterial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (Kill% > 99.76 ± 0.16%). Physical properties as well as antibacterial activity assessments showed that among different compositions, the film comprising 80 wt% chitosan and 20 wt% PEGF is a suitable candidate for biomedical applications as a wound dressing material.

There is an enormous interest in developing green synthesis procedures for production of nanoparticles by using biomimetic approaches. In our research focus has been given to the development of an efficient and eco-friendly viable process for the synthesis of nanoscale silver particles using Proteus mirabilis PTCC 1710, a bacterial strain that was isolated during a screening program from photographic waste. A significant result of this study is our observation that silver nanoparticles could be induced to synthesis intra and extracellulary. The silver nanoparticles were characterized by means of UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS). The nanoparticles exhibited maximum absorbance at 400-410 nm in UV-Vis spectroscopy. TEM images showed formation of stable silver nanoparticles of spherical shape with most of the particles in the size range of 10-20 nm. It was found that incubation of bacterial cells in Muller-Hinton broth medium resulted in higher extracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles, whereas intracellular synthesis of silver nanoparticles effectively increased in tryptic soy broth. The method of extraction of intracellular silver nanoparticles was inexpensive, simple and effective in large scale with no need to complex instruments. The bacteria work as a bionanofactory which continued to grow after synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The silver reduction by this strain is occurred through energy-dependent processes that lead to the high output of this reaction. Hence this new approach of using a non-pathogenic bacterial strain for the successful synthesis of nanosized silvers could be easily scaled up which establishes its commercial viability.

In this paper, Cu2O nanoparticles were in situ synthesized on cotton fabric through a new simple and cost-effective chemical reduction method using copper sulfate, sodium hydroxide and ammonia. Cotton fabric participates as a reducing agent in reduction of copper sulfate and facilitates synthesis of cuprous oxide in nano-scale as a stabilizer. The produced cotton/nano Cu2O composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Interaction of Cu2O with cotton fabric in addition to alteration of cotton functional groups were studied by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. The intermediate solution, copper-amine complex, was analyzed by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the cotton/nano Cu2O composite were studied using Instron indicated a higher tensile strain. The antibacterial activity of the fabric samples showed considerable behavior against S. aureus and E. coli. Further, the treated fabric became highly hydrophobic and sensed ammonia and hydrogen peroxide chromatically.

Biodegradable polymers such as poly lactide-co-glycolides (PLGA) have been considered for the preparation of nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, rifampicin (RIF)-loaded PLGA NPs were fabricated by an emulsification/solvent diffusion method. The effect of several variables on the NPs' characteristics were evaluated, including the amount of RIF, amount of the poly vinyl alcohol as surfactant, and internal-phase volume and composition. The RIF encapsulation efficacy and the particle size distribution were optimized by varying these parameters. NPs were spherical with a relatively monodispersed size distribution. The effect of nanoencapsulation of RIF on the antibacterial activity of RIF against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria was evaluated. It was shown that RIF NPs could considerably improve the RIF antibacterial efficacy.

Some foods are prone to contamination with aflatoxins, with detrimental effect on human health. Lactic acid bacteria have been reported to bind aflatoxins and remove them from foods and feeds. Reduction of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) from the liquid media by the autochthonous lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lactobacillus fermentum) isolated from traditional Iranian sourdough and dairy products is reported in the current study. The effect of incubation time on the binding capacity of the strains to AFB1 was also investigated. Duplicates of individual bacteria with population equivalent to 2 X 10(10) CFU/ml were incubated in the presence of AFB1 at 37 degrees C for a period of 72 h, and the amounts of unbound AFB1 were quantitated by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. All the strains were capable of removal of AFB1, and the reduction of AFB1 ranged from 25 to 61% throughout the incubation period. Removal of AFB1 was a rapid process, with approximately 61 and 56% of the toxin taken instantly by L. fermentum and L. plantarum, respectively. Binding was of a reversible nature, and some of the bound AFB1 was released into the media by the repeated centrifugation and resuspension of the cell pellets. The stability of the bacteria-toxin complex was strain dependent, and L. casei was a stronger binder of AFB1 compared with the other bacteria. No toxin release was observed after 24 h. These findings tend to suggest that certain novel probiotic bacteria with high aflatoxin binding capacity could be selected for detoxification of foods.

Abstract Alkali hydrolysis of polyester along with application of nano silver/nano TiO 2 to produce hydrolyzed polyester fabric with antibacterial and self‐cleaning properties is a very interesting subject. In this article, a novel idea is introduced to achieve a polyester fabric with self‐cleaning and antibacterial properties with a good feeling handle in one step. The polyester fabric is hydrolyzed in alkali media to enhance the surface activity, improve nanoparticle absorption, and produce ethylene glycol for reducing silver nitrate into nano silver. XRD pattern confirms the presence of nanoparticles with crystal size of 10 nm on the fabric surface and FESEM pictures show the distribution of nanocomposite particles on the fiber surfaces with average size of 54 nm. The degradation of Methylene Blue under daylight irradiation confirms the photoactivity of nano TiO 2 on the polyester fabric. Also, very good bactericidal efficiency is obtained against S. aureus and E. coli . Interestingly, the fabric tensile strength improves even with the action of alkali in surface hydrolysis of polyester. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013

Silver nanoparticles are being used increasingly in various applications because of their antibacterial properties. It is necessary to lower their direct contact with the skin by embedding in a polymer reducing their side effects. In this study, silver nanoparticles were synthesized inside the wool fibers acted as a polyfunctional ligands. Lecithin as a biological lipid was used to enhance the diffusion of silver ions and nanoparticles into the wool fibers reducing cytotoxicity effects of the nano silver loaded wool. The highest loading efficiency and inhibition zone was observed on the wool with the highest lecithin concentration. Presence of lecithin reduced the rate of nano silver release which results in decreasing the specific coefficient of lethality. Also, the extracted solution of the synthesized silver nanoparticles on the wool has not altered the morphology of L929 fibroblast cells.

Herein we reported the structure and several properties of a new biosurfactants produced by Corynebacterium xerosis strain NS5. This strain was capable of producing a novel lipopeptide biosurfactant that we have named coryxin. The biosurfactant structure was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), and Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). It contained a hydrophobic moiety of 3-hydroxydecanoic acid and a peptide part predicted as a sequence of seven amino acids including Asn-Arg-Asn-Gln-Pro-Asn-Ser. Coryxin lowered the surface tension of water to 31.4 mN/m, with a critical micelle concentration of 25mg/l. It was a strong emulsifier with an emulsification index of 61% against n-hexane. Coryxin showed antibacterial activity against test organisms belonging to Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and disrupted preformed biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus (82.5%), Streptococcus mutans (80%), Escherichia coli (66%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (30%). In conclusion, microbial surfactant from C. xerosis exhibited inhibitory and disruptive activities against biofilm formation that could be of use in biofilm-related menace.

This study examined the effect of different salt concentrations (0.05–3 M of NaCl) on the kinetics of growth, total carotenoids and β-carotene (all-trans and 9-cis) accumulated in Dunaliella tertiolecta DCCBC26, a microalgae strain isolated from the Urmia hypersaline lake, northwest of Iran. Results indicated that the highest amount of carotenoids detected (11.73 mg/l) was in the salinity of 0.5 M NaCl during the stationary growth phase. The percentage of the all-trans and 9-cis-β-carotene in the exponential phase were 92% and 32% in salinities of 3 M and 0.5 M, respectively. However, only 23% of the β-carotene was detected in the stationary growth phase of the microalgae in 0.5 M salinity and was 9-cis isomer.

N-(Phenethyl)piperazinyl quinolone derivatives that bear a methoxyimino-substituent have been synthesized and evaluated for antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms. In addition, to define structure–activity relationships, ciprofloxacin derivatives containing 2-oxo-2-phenylethyl or 2-hydroxyimino-2-phenylethyl moieties at N-4 position of piperazine ring were prepared and tested. Ciprofloxacin derivatives, containing a N-(chloro-substituted phenethyl) residue, showed in vitro Gram-positive and Gram-negative activity generally comparable or superior to that of reference quinolones.

Pruritus is one of the most bothersome symptoms in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD), however little progress is seen in our understanding of its pathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of pruritus in HD patients in Tehran, Iran, and to correlate its presence and intensity with relevant clinical and laboratory parameters. One hundred sixty-seven patients on maintenance HD at three out-patient HD units were enrolled in the study. Itch intensity was scored as mild, moderate and severe. Some relevant clinical and laboratory parameters (age, sex, xerosis, presence of neuropathy, duration of dialysis, history of atopy and laboratory findings including hematocrit, creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone [PTH] and alkaline phosphatase) were evaluated. Pruritus was found in 41.9% of patients. The intensity of itching was mild, moderate and severe, in 51.4%, 11.4% and 37.7% of patients, respectively. In 22 patients (31.4%) pruritus intensified during and after dialysis. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, PTH and hematocrit between patients with and without pruritus. Age, sex, xerosis, underlying renal disease, history of atopy and duration of haemodialysis were not significantly different between the two groups. However, neuropathy was significantly more common in the pruritic group (63.8% versus 42.1%) (pv = 0.006). Clinical neuropathy was the only significant finding in the pruritic group in our study. This finding justifies further research on nerve function and neurotransmitters in hemodialysis patients and the introduction of new drugs targeting neuropathy.

A new series of (Z)-2-(1-methyl-5-nitroimidazole-2-ylmethylene)-3(2H)-benzofuranones (11a–p) and (Z)-2-(1-methyl-4-nitroimidazole-5-ylmethylene)-3(2H)-benzofuranones (12a–m) were synthesized and assayed for their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Most of the 5-nitroimidazole analogues (11a–p) showed a remarkable inhibition of a wide spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus epidermidis, MRSA, and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative Klebsiella pneumoniae, whereas 4-nitroimidazole analogues (12a–m) were not effective against selected bacteria. The quantitative structure–activity relationship investigations were applied to find out the correlation between the experimentally evaluated activities with various parameters of the compounds studied. The QSAR models built in this work had reasonable predictive power and could be explained by the observed trends in activities.

Carbon nanotubes are a kind of new carbon-based nanomaterials, which have drawn great attention in many application fields. The potential of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) adsorbent for the preconcentration of environmental pollutants has been investigated in recent years. In the present study, the feasibility of SWCNTs as SPME adsorbent for the determination of monobutyltin, dibutyltin and tributyltin in seawater samples was studied. To achieve this aim, the potential factors affecting the SPME efficiency, including extraction time, extraction temperature, desorption time, desorption temperature, and salinity were optimized. The developed method showed good performance according to the ICH (International Conference on Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Analytical Methods) criteria. The acquired calibration curves were linear (r > or = 0.992) over the concentration range from < or = 12 to 2000 ng L(-1). For all of the analytes, the limit of detection at signal-to-noise ratio of 3 was below 5 ng L(-1). Furthermore, in comparison with the commercial carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane fiber, the developed SWCNT fiber showed better thermal stability (over 350 degrees C) and longer life span (over 150 times). The application of the proposed method in environmental analyses was shown by analyzing seawater samples from the harbors on the Persian Gulf for butyltin residues. Some of the butyltins were detected in the analyzed samples. Results of the present study demonstrate the feasibility of the SWCNTs as SPME adsorbent for the determination of butyltins in seawater samples.

Novel Mannich bases of 7-piperazinylquinolones with kojic acid and chlorokojic acid were designed as new quinolone antibacterials. All compounds showed significant in vitro antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Particularly, chlorokojic derivative 2b was the most potent compound against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MIC values≤0.19 μg/mL). Its activity was 4-8 times more than that of standard drug norfloxacin. The molecular docking study of compound 2b further supported the molecular basis of the designed compounds.

A number of linezolid analogues containing a nitroaryl-1,3,4-thiadiazole moiety, were prepared and evaluated as antibacterial agents against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Among synthesized compounds, nitrofuran analogue 1b exhibited more potent inhibitory activity, with respect to other synthesized compounds and reference drug linezolid. The target compounds were also assessed for their cytotoxic activity against normal mouse fibroblast (NIH/3T3) cells using MTT assay. The results indicated that compound 1c exhibit potent antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria at non-cytotoxic concentrations.

Biosurfactants, the microbial originated surface active agents, can modify the physicochemical properties of surfaces and reduce the bacterial adhesion via changing bacterial adhesion interactions on surfaces. They were also able to block oxidative chain reactions and might show antioxidant properties. The goal of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant and antibiofilm activities of biosurfactants which were derived from two autochthonous biosurfactant-producing strains, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NS6 (surfactin), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MN1 (rhamnolipids). Their antioxidant activities were determined by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Ferric thiocyanate (FTC) assay was used for determination of their lipid peroxidation inhibition capacity. Their effect to reduce the adhesion of Streptococcus mutans on polystyrene surfaces and disruption of its pre-formed biofilms were also investigated. Our results indicated that surfactin showed higher antioxidant activity than rhamnolipids and showed relatively similar efficiency to BHA that suggests it as a good alternative for synthetic antioxidants. In other hand, rhamnolipid conditioned surfaces showed higher antiadhesive and antibiofilm activity in comparison with surfactin treated surfaces.

Cucurbita moschata Duchesne (pumpkin) is a well-known plant with several pharmacological effects. The aim of the present study was to assess burn wound healing activity of C. moschata peel extract (CE). Also, standardized CE was assessed for antioxidant activity and antibacterial effects against major pathogens of burns.Healing properties of topical preparation of 10% and 20% concentrations of CE were assessed on second degree burn in rats during a 14-day period as well as histological studies, total antioxidant power, lipid peroxidation and total thiol content of skin tissue samples.Radical scavenging IC50 and ferric-reducing antioxidant power value were 4.015±0.20 mg/ml and 142.63±2.65 mmol Fe2+/g, respectively. Total mucilage content was 13.8%. The optimal results were obtained by 20% CE that showed 90.80±5.86 % wound closure and tissue repair as well as significant reduction of tissue oxidative stress biomarkers. Histological analyses confirmed wound healing activity of pumpkin peel extract.Considering the high mucilage content of the plant, providing a moist environment for wound, C. moschata peel extract could be a natural remedy for treatment of burns. Further clinical studies are suggested to confirm C. moschata peel extract as a wound healing agent.

A new series of quinolone-based compounds containing a coumarin moiety have been synthesized and studied for their antibacterial activity against a panel of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The results of the antibacterial evaluation of N-[2-(coumarin-3-yl)ethyl]piperazinyl quinolone derivatives in comparison with parent quinolones (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enoxacin) indicated that N-[2-(coumarin-3-yl)-2-oxoethyl]ciprofloxacin derivative (compound 8b) showed comparable or more potent antibacterial activity with respect to the reference drugs against the test strains. Generally, in both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, better results are obtained with cyclopropyl at the N-1 position of the quinolone ring and 2-oxo- on the ethyl spacer of coumarin and piperazine rings.

It is well-known that the typical protein's three-dimensional structure is relatively unstable in harsh conditions. A practical approach to maintain the folded state and thus improve the stability and activity of proteins in unusual circumstances is to directly apply stabilizing substances such as osmolytes to the protein-containing solutions. Osmolytes as natural occurring organic molecules typically called "compatible" solutes, based on the concept that they do not perturb cellular components. However, urea and guanidine hydrochloride (GuHCl) as denaturing osmolytes destabilize many macromolecular structures and inhibit functions. Several studies have been so far performed to explain the actual interaction of an osmolyte with a protein. The present review is aimed to achieve a collective knowledge of the progress arise in the field of osmolyte-protein interactions. The following is also an overview of the main techniques to measure protein stability in the presence of osmolytes.

Laccase-catalyzed oxidation was applied in the biotransformation of levofloxacin (a potentially environmental antibiotic contamination); however, the enzyme may denature in urea-containing wastewater and lead to the formation of an inactive form followed by decreasing the yield of the bio-removal. In this study, the osmolytes-stabilized laccase was used to eliminate levofloxacin in the urea-containing solution. Sorbitol and proline 100 mM appeared to be the two most efficient laccase protectants against the urea-induced denaturation. In a 1-M urea solution, the maximum velocity (Vmax) of laccase was estimated to be 39.1 μmol min–1 mg–1. This value was improved to 101.7 and 51.8 μmol min–1 mg–1 in the presence of sorbitol and proline, respectively. In optimal conditions for the elimination of levofloxacin, sorbitol- and proline-treated laccase led to 82.9 % and 76.2 % bio-removal of the applied fluoroquinolone in 1 M urea solution, respectively. Biotransformation products of the parent antibiotic were spectroscopically analyzed that assigned to different reaction pathways including demethylation, defluorination, decarboxylation, deamination, and hydroxylation. A micro-toxicity study concerning the growth of some Gram+ and Gram– bacteria exhibited decreasing in inhibition of laccase-treated levofloxacin after a 10-h incubation at 37 °C.

Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) has been used increasingly in various applications because of antibacterial properties; however, its cytotoxicity hampers application. On the other hand, there is a high affinity between the cell membrane complexes (CMCs) in wool structure and phospholipids of cationic nanoliposomes, leading to the transmission of cationic nanoliposomes into the wool. In this research, a novel method for PHMB controlled release is introduced by combining these facts. Firstly, PHMB was encapsulated into cationic liposome and then permeated into the wool to establish a highly controlled release then characterized through diverse methods. SEM images revealed successful transmission of cationic-liposome-encapsulated PHMB into the wool. The prepared wound dressings demonstrated highly sustained release for days and subsequently, long-term perfect antibacterial activity and biocompatibility.

The essential oil of Oliveria decumbens was investigated for its components and antimicrobial activity against six bacteria and two fungal strains. The essential oil was characterized by a high amount of oxygenated monoterpene components of which thymol (47.06%) and carvacrol (23.31%) were the major components. The oil exhibited high antimicrobial activity against all tested Gram+ and Gram- bacteria and fungal strains.

Silver nanoparticles were synthesized and stabilized by a simple, environment-friendly method in a liposomes structure. Liposomes were prepared by facing lecithin to the aqueous-phase solutions while stirring vigorously. The ratio of lecithin concentration to silver nitrate (KLec/Ag = [Lecithin]/[AgNO3]) is the influencing factor in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. The stability, size distribution, and antibacterial properties of synthesized silver nanoparticles were studied by ultraviolet (UV)-visible, dynamic light scattering, and antibacterial assay. The UV spectra indicated a single symmetric extinction peak at 400 nm, confirming the spherical shape of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. A high KLec/Ag value leads to a reduction in the intensity of extinction spectra and increases the size of Ag-liposomes nanocomposites. The large Ag-liposomes nanocomposites are transformed to the smaller Ag-liposomes nanocomposites (from 342 to 190 nm) due to sonication treatment. The stabilized silver nanoparticles with various lecithin concentrations showed a good antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, and Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative bacterium.

A series of novel 3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)flavanones were synthesized based on the N-phenethylazole pharmacophore of azole antifungals. The results of antifungal assay revealed that 4'-fluoroflavanone derivative 4c exhibited the best profile of activity against Candida and Saccharomyces strains. Compound 4c was 4-16 times more potent than reference drug fluconazole against Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The molecular docking study with lanosterol 14α-demethylase, in silico toxicity risks and drug-likeness predictions were used to better define of title compounds as antifungal agents. The favorable drug-like property of compound 4c makes 3-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)flavanone prototype as a promising lead for the future development of azole antifungal agents.

The antimicrobial property of stabilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) with phospholipid membrane was investigated on both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacterial strains. The influence of phospholipid concentrations on antibacterial kinetics actions of AgNPs was studied with two different methodologies in order to understand the bactericidal and bacteriostatic effects. The bacterial inactivation of synthesized AgNPs fitted well to the Chick-Watson model with a high regression coefficient, R2 > 0.91. The antibacterial properties of AgNPs depend on the particle size, stabilizer and lecithin concentrations. Only the stabilized AgNPs that have the Klec/Ag values of 1 and 2 presented the inhabitation zone, while unstabilized AgNPs agglomerated quickly, settled on the wells and did not diffuse in agar. In addition, the specific coefficient of lethality depends on the lecithin concentration. An increase in lecithin concentration caused multilayer creation on the AgNPs' surface and reduced the release of AgNPs which led to low bacterial killing rate.

The presence of recalcitrant synthetic dyes in environment is a major concern due to their possible threat on living organisms and aquatic ecosystems. To investigate the potential of combined thermal and enzymatic decolorization, betaine was applied to protect the secondary and tertiary structures as well as the enzymatic activity of laccase under thermal stress. At 60 °C, betaine 1 M significantly enhanced the stability of laccase in addition to keeping its catalytic efficiency (p < 0.05). Differential scanning calorimetry showed a 20 °C increase in Tm of laccase in the presence of betaine. Once incubated at 60 °C, betaine exhibited superior protein-stabilizing properties than at 25 °C. Furthermore, fluorescence spectroscopy supported this concept that the overall folded structure of laccase became more rigid in the presence of betaine at 60 °C. Betaine-stabilized laccase was used for combined thermal and enzymatic decolorization of some recalcitrant organic dyes. This osmolyte could improve the enzymatic removal of most dyes at 60 °C. A detoxification study with respect to the inhibition of bacterial growth showed a decrease in microtoxicity of the laccase-treated dye solution in the presence of betaine at 60 °C.

As a part of continuing search for potential antibacterial agents in the quinolones field, we have synthesized novel quinolone agents bearing N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)ethyl] piperazinyl moiety in the 7-position of the quinolone ring. In vitro antibacterial evaluation of the target compounds showed that N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)ethyl] group attached to piperazine ring served as promising C-7 substituent for piperazinyl quinolone antibacterials. Among these derivatives, ciprofloxacin analogues, containing N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)-2-hydroxyiminoethyl] or N-[2-(thiophen-3-yl)-2-methoxyiminoethyl] residue provided a high inhibition against all the tested Gram-positive organisms including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus comparable or superior with respect to the reference drugs norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin.

Lactobacilli are the well known friendly bacteria for their probiotic activities against pathogens. The inhibitory activity of different strains of lactobacilli either obtained as commercial products or isolated from human feces was investigated against the clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The isolates were selected as the most resistant strains when challenged with anti-pseudomonal antibiotics already in clinical practice.Both the plate spot test as well as the agar cup method were used for screening of Lactobacillus strains against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.A Lactobacillus acidophilus strain isolated from feces of an Iranian child showed a strong anti-pseudomonal activity (90 percent after 72h incubation) against the multi-drug resistant clinical isolates while a Lactobacillus reuteri strain isolated from a commercial oral product resulted in relatively weak response and a Lactobacillus acidophilus strain isolated from a commercial vaginal product did not show any inhibitory activity. In a kinetic study the lactobacillus sensitive Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed a significant bacteriostatic activity in vitro in the presence of lactobacillus supernatants.Some lactobacilli exhibit significant inhibitory activity against the multidrug resistant clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Geum iranicum Khatamsaz, belonging to the Rosaceae family, is an endemic plant of Iran. The methanol extract of the roots of this plant showed signifi cant activity against one of the clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori which was resistant to metronidazole. The aim of this study was the isolation and evaluation of the major compounds of G. iranicum effective against H. pylori. The compounds were isolated using various chromatographic methods and identifi ed by spectroscopic data ( 1 H and 13 C NMR, HMQC, HMBC, EI-MS). An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed employing the disk diffusion method against clinical isolates of H. pylori and a micro dilution method against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria; additionally the inhibition zone diameters (IZD) and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) values were recorded. Nine compounds were isolated: two triterpenoids, uvaol and niga-ichigoside F1, three sterols, β-sitosterol, β-sitosteryl acetate, and β-sitosteryl linoleate, one phenyl propanoid, eugenol, one phenolic glycoside, gein, one fl avanol, (+)-catechin, and sucrose. The aqueous fraction, obtained by partitioning the MeOH extract with water and chloroform, was the most effective fraction of the extract against all clinical isolates of H. pylori. Further investigation of the isolated compounds showed that eugenol was effective against H. pylori but gein, diglycosidic eugenol, did not exhibit any activity against H. pylori. The subfraction D4 was the effective fraction which contained tannins. It appeared that tannins were probably the active compounds responsible for the anti-H. pylori activity of G. iranicum. The aqueous fraction showed a moderate inhibitory activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The MIC values indicated that Gram-positive bacteria including Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus subtilis are more susceptible than Gram-neagative bacteria including Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Mushrooms are considered one of the richest sources of natural antibiotics, and various species of them inhibit the growth of a wide diversity of microorganisms. Ganoderma lucidum, a well-known medicinal mushroom. has many pharmacological and biological activities including an antimicrobial effect, although few studies have investigated the antibacterial and antifungal effects of its purified compounds. The chemical structure of the purified compounds from the hexane fraction was elucidated as ergosta-7,22-dien-3β-yl acetate, ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-yl acetate (isopyrocalciferol acetate), ergosta-7,22-dien-3-one, ergosta-7,22-dien-3β-ol, and ergosta-5,7,22-trien-3β-ol (ergostrol). In addition, the structure of ganodermadiol was demonstrated after purification from the chloroform fraction. The fractions inhibited Gram-positive bacteria and yeast, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 6.25 mg/mL, but were ineffective against Gram-negative bacteria in the tested concentrations. The results were comparable for isolated compounds, whereas the mixture of ergosta-7,22-dien-3β-yl acetate and isopyrocalciferol acetate was weakly effective against Escherichia coli (minimum inhibitory concentration, 10 mg/mL). It could be assumed that the antimicrobial effect of crude fractions is the consequence of mixing triterpenoid and steroid compounds.

Abstract A number of 7‐piperazinylquinolones carrying a functionalized 2‐(furan‐3‐yl)ethyl moiety attached to the piperazine ring have been synthesized and evaluated as antibacterial agents against a panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Most of the synthesized compounds exhibited significant antibacterial activity, and this activity can be modulated through the nature of the functionality on ethyl spacer attached to piperazine ring and the type of side chain present at the N‐1 position of quinolone ring.

Efficacy of commercial detergent and disinfectants to eliminate microorganisms associated with fresh vegetables eaten raw in Iran, including radish, parsley, basil, coriander (cilantro), Allium porrum (leek), and peppermint were studied. The raw vegetables were subjected to a triple wash treatment of washing in tap water for mud removal, washing in water containing a detergent (dishwashing liquid) or disinfectant individually, and rinsing in tap water. The population of total mesophilic microbes on the surface of untreated vegetables ranged from 10(5) to 10(6) CFU/g. Washing in tap water or treatment with detergent (333 ppm for 10 min) or benzalkonium chloride (92 ppm for 15 min) reduced the total microbial count, most probable number (MPN) of coliforms, MPN of fecal coliforms, and MPN of fecal streptococci by about 1.2 to 2.3 log. No significant differences in microbial populations were found on vegetables after decontamination with tap water, detergent, or benzalkonium chloride (P > 0.05). Treatments with peracetic acid (100 ppm for 15 min) and hydrogen peroxide (133 ppm for 30 min) reduced the total mesophilic microbial counts by about 2.8 log. The microbial reductions with calcium hypochlorite (300 ppm for 15 min) and combined hydrogen peroxide and silver ion (133 ppm for 30 min) were significantly higher than those obtained after rinsing in tap water or after detergent or benzalkonium chloride wash (P < 0.05). Pretreatment with detergent slightly enhanced the efficacy of all decontamination treatments, but results were not significantly different from those obtained after individual application of disinfectants.

Abstract There is an increasing interest in using pomegranate juice as a natural antioxidant rather than synthetic compounds. In this study, the antioxidant capacities of probioticated and nonprobioticated aril juices of sweet (SWV) and sour (SV) pomegranate cultivars were determined by two different methods: ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl assay. Total counts of Lactobacillus casei GG increased by about 3 log in SWV and 2 log in SV juices after incubation for 48 h. Probiotication improved the antioxidant activity of SWV juice from 74.4% to 91.82%, and SV juice from 82.64% to 97.8%. Based on the FRAP value, the reducing power of the probioticated pomegranate juices was also much stronger than the nonprobioticated juices. The FRAP values for SWV and SV probioticated juices were 97.34 and 120.7 mmol L−1, respectively, which were notably higher than 85.87 and 93.4 mmol L−1 for SWV and SV nonprobioticated juices. Both fermentated and nonfermentated juices exhibited a potent and wide-spectrum antibacterial effect, with the highest activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. SV juice showed wider zones of growth inhibition. The results of this study verify for the first time that probiotication of SWV and SV pomegranate juices can add to their beneficial antioxidant activities. Keywords: pomegranateprobiotication Lactobacillus casei antibacterial activityantioxidant activity

The essential oil obtained from the flowering parts of Anthemis altissima L. var. altissima was analysed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography mass spectroscopy. In this study, 34 compounds representing 98.76% of the essential oil were identified. The main components were α-terpineol (26.42%), β-pinene (9.23%), cis-chrysanthenyl acetate (6.30%), globulol (5.36%), n-tricosane (4.41%), terpinen-4-ol (4.08%) and 1,8 cineole (3.84%). Antibacterial activities of the essential oil and its two major components (α-terpineol and β-pinene) were determined using microdilution method against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus epidermidis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae) bacteria. The essential oil showed a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity (MICs ranged from 3.13 to 6.25 µL mL(-1)). It was found that α-terpineol with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of the range 0.87-1.56 µL mL(-1) was a more potent antibacterial agent than β-pinene with MIC values of the range 1.56-6.25 µL mL(-1). All of them, the essential oil, β-pinene and α-terpineol, were more effective against Gram-positive bacteria than Gram-negative ones.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum cells were encapsulated in a mixture of cationic and anionic polymers, with the final composition stabilized through freeze-drying. A D-optimal design was used to examine the effects of different polymer concentrations as well as adding prebiotics on the probiotic viability and swelling behavior of the formulations. Scanning electron micrographs revealed stacked particles capable of rapidly absorbing significant amounts of water. These images corresponded to initial swelling percentages of around 2000% for the optimal formulation. The optimized formula had a viability percentage of more than 82%, with the stability studies suggesting that the powders should be stored at refrigerated temperatures. The physical characteristics of the optimized formula were examined to ensure compatibility with its application. According to antimicrobial evaluations, the difference in pathogen inhibition between formulated and fresh probiotics was less than a logarithm. The final formula was tested in vivo and showed improved wound healing indicators. The optimized formula resulted in a higher rate of wound closure and infection clearance. Furthermore, the molecular studies for oxidative stress indicated that the formula could modify wound inflammatory responses. In histological investigations, the probiotic-loaded particles functioned exactly as efficaciously as silver sulfadiazine ointment did.

The schematic representation of the overall methodology.

The purpose of this study was to prepare pegylated poly lactide-co-glycolide (PEG-PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with roxithromycin (RXN) with appropriate physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity. Roxithromycin, a semi-synthetic derivative of erythromycin, is more stable than erythromycin under acidic conditions and exhibits improved clinical effects.RXN was loaded in pegylated PLGA NPs in different drug;polymer ratios by solvent evaporation technique and characterized for their size and size distribution, surface charge, surface morphology, drug loading, in vitro drug release profile, and in vitro antibacterial effects on S. aureus, B. subtilis, and S. epidermidis.NPs were spherical with a relatively mono-dispersed size distribution. The particle size of nanoparticles ranged from 150 to 200 nm. NPs with entrapment efficiency of up to 80.0±6.5% and drug loading of up to 13.0±1.0% were prepared. In vitro release study showed an early burst release of about 50.03±0.99% at 6.5 h and then a slow and steady release of RXN was observed after the burst release. In vitro antibacterial effects determined that the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of RXN loaded PEG-PLGA NPs were 9 times lower on S. aureus, 4.5 times lower on B. subtilis, and 4.5 times lower on S. epidermidis compared to RXN solution. In conclusion it was shown that polymeric NPs enhanced the antibacterial efficacy of RXN substantially.

There is a special focus on using natural materials and herbal plants to prevent dental caries. Previous studies showed that some herbal plants have antimicrobial effects on oral pathogens. Thus we investigated the antimicrobial effects of three herbal extracts (Carum copticum, Phlomis bruguieri, and Marrubium parviflorum) on the growth of Streptococcus mutans, as the most important bacteria causing dental caries. First, plant methanolic extracts were prepared. Then, to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the three herbal extracts, the agar well diffusion method and MIC were performed. The biofilm formation was carried out using a broth dilution method with 2% glucose-supplemented BHIS in sterile 96-well microplates. Serial dilutions (50, 25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.12 mg/ml) of extracts were prepared. Next, a 0.5 McFarland Suspension of S. mutans was added to wells. The inhibitory effect on biofilm formation was measured by the ELISA reader apparatus. The assay was repeated three times, and the average was calculated as 3. The results were compared with those of Chlorhexidine 0.2%. Carum copticum showed a better effect in the agar well diffusion method than others. MIC of the extracts of Carum coptimum, Phlomis bruguieri, and Marrubium parviflorum were 3.12, 6.25, and 12.5 mg/ml, respectively. Overall, the highest activity belonged to Carum copticum extract. For the anti-biofilm effect, the OD values of Carum copticum and Marrubium parviflorum were significantly different from that of Phlomis bruguieri. Although all of the methanolic herbal extracts can inhibit S. mutans growth and remove the biofilm, the effect of Carum copticum was better than Phlomis bruguieri and Marrubium parviflorum. Further studies are recommended to indicate how these extracts perform against the bacteria.

Piperazinyl quinolones such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin and levofloxacin are an important group of quinolone antimicrobials which are widely used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. In the present study, we synthesized a new series of levofloxacin derivatives and evaluated their antibacterial activities.The N-substituted analogs of levofloxacin 6a-j were prepared by nucleophilic reaction of N-desmethyl levofloxacin 11 with thienylethyl bromide derivatives 8 or 9. All target compounds were tested using conventional agar dilution method in comparison to levofloxacin and N-desmethyl levofloxacin and their MIC values were determined against a panel of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.All compounds showed significant antibacterial activities against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC = 0.04-6.25 μg/mL); however, the activity against Gram-negative bacteria was lower (MIC = 1.56-100 μg/mL). As is evident from the data, oxime derivatives 6e, 6h and 6i are superior in inhibiting the growth of Gram-positive bacteria (MIC = 0.04-0.19 μg/mL), and their activities were found to be 5-25 times better than N-desmethyl levofloxacin 11 and equal or better than levofloxacin 4.We have designed and synthesized novel quinolone derivatives bearing functionalized thienylethyl moiety on the piperazine ring of levofloxacin. The results of antibacterial screening against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria revealed that the introduction of functionalized thienylethyl moiety on the piperazine ring of levofloxacin can improve the activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria are responsible for a wide range of infectious diseases, and rising resistance in this group is causing increasing concern. Thus, this study introduces structural features of levofloxacin scaffold for development of new candidates in the field of anti-Gram positive chemotherapy.

A bacteriocin-like inhibitory substance producing Lactococcus lactis subsp lactis strain, ST1, isolated from goat milk of Iranian origin and with broad spectrum of activity and desirable technical properties was used for evaluating some futures of bacteriocin inhibitory activity. Cell growth and bacteriocin production studies were carried out in MRS medium incubated statically under uncontrolled pH condition. The antibacterial activity presented a primary metabolite pattern and showed a rapid decrease at the stationary phase. Microaerobiosis and capnophily growth conditions resulted in higher bacteriocin production while aerobiosis showed negative effect on both cell growth and bacteriocin production. Bacteriocin production, on the other hand, was favored in MRS broth (pH; 6.5) inoculated with 0.1 ml l-1 fresh culture when incubation was carried out at 30 °C. This indicated that the conditions resulted in higher levels of growth were frequently favoring bacteriocin production by ST1 as well. Decrease in activity, at the stationary growth phase, was much pronounced in favored growth condition. Nutrient depletion, deferent effect of low pH on bacteriocin production and/or protein degradation seemed more responsible for this phenomenon. The study also provided further data on new method for bacteriocin release from the cell wall of producer. It was clearly shown that both heating and ultrasound shock for 5 min at pH 2 could increase bacteriocin activity significantly. The release was more pronounced in the presence of 0.5% Tween80.

Rosa damascena, Tripleurospermum disciforme and Securigera securidaca were used as disinfectant agents and for treatment of some disease in folk medicine of Iran. The antimicrobial effects of different fractions of seeds extract of S. securidaca, petals extract of R. damascena and aerial parts extract of T. disciforme were examined against some gram positive, gram negative and fungi by cup plate diffusion method. The petroleum ether and chloroform fractions of S. securidaca showed antibacterial activities against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while its methanol fraction had no antibacterial effects. R. damascena petals extract demonstrated antibacterial activities against Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. T. disciforme aerial parts extract exhibited antimicrobial effects only against S. aureus and S. epidermidis. None of the fractions had any antifungal activities. Therefore, present study confirmed utility of these plants as disinfectant agents. Six flavonoids were isolated from T. disciforme: Luteolin, Quercetin-7-O-glucoside, Kaempferol, Kaempferol-7-O-glucoside, Apigenin and Apigenin-7-O-glucoside. The flavonoids and the antimicrobial activity of T. disciforme are reported for the first time.

Ferula cupularis (Boiss.) Spalik et S. R. Downie (Apiaceae) is a common plant in Iran that grows in the foothills of Dena Mountain. In traditional folk medicine, this plant has different applications, but there are no studies proving their uses.This study is the first attempt to investigate the chemical composition and antibacterial effect of the essential oils of F. cupularis.The essential oils from flower, leaf, and stem of F. cupularis were analyzed by using GC and GC-MS. Antibacterial activity of essential oils was determined by microdilution method against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.The essential oil from flower of F. cupularis contained 15 monoterpene, 13 oxygenated monoterpene, and 2 sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The leaf essential oil contained 12 monoterpene, 13 oxygenated monoterpene, 2 sesquiterpene, 6 oxygenated sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, and 3 non-terpenoid components. Stem essential oil contained one monoterpene, 23 oxygenated monoterpene, 2 sesquiterpene, and 6 oxygenated sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. The MIC value of stem essential oil was 2.85 mg/mL against both Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria except P. aeruginosa which was inhibited at 22.75 mg/mL. The MIC values of leaf and flower essential oils were higher than 5.69 and 22.75 mg/mL, respectively.This study highlighted the strong antibacterial effect of Ferula cupularis's essential oil which might be due to its high content of oxygenated monoterpene hydrocarbons.Our results suggested that this plant may be a good candidate for further biological and pharmacological investigations.

The aim of the present work was to encapsulate 18-β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GLA) in albumin conjugated poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles by a modified nanoprecipitation method. Nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by different drug to polymer ratios, human serum albumin (HSA) content, dithiothreitol (as producer of free thiol groups) content, and acetone (as non-solvent in nanoprecipitation). NPs with a size ranging from 126 to 174 nm were achieved. The highest entrapment efficiency (89.4±4.2%) was achieved when the ratio of drug to polymer was 1:4. The zeta potential of NPs was fairly negative (−8 to −12). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry proved the conjugation of HSA to PLGA NPs. In vitro release profile of NPs showed 2 phases: an initial burst for 4 h (34–49%) followed by a slow release pattern up to the end. The antibacterial effects of NPs against <i>Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> were studied by microdilution method. The GLA-loaded NPs showed more antibacterial effect than pure GLA (2–4 times). The anticancer MTT test revealed that GLA-loaded NPs were approximately 9 times more effective than pure GLA in Hep G2 cells.

The cosmetic, hygienic, or pharmaceutical applications of laccase are hampered by its sensitive nature to processing and storage conditions. In this context, the present study introduced a design of experiment approach using spray drying as an ideal technique for producing an active laccase mouthwash dry powder. Optimization by applying the desirability function method resulted in the starch concentration of 0.73% w/w, magnesium stearate of 0.50% w/w, betaine concentration of 3.0% w/w, and outlet temperature of 60 °C as the optimum processing conditions. Laccase residual activity and yield value were obtained 64.8 ± 2.4% and 50.3 ± 0.3%, respectively. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Circular Dichroism (CD) results showed that the native structure of laccase was largely restored upon reconstitution of the spray-dried powder in water. The laccase mouthwash effectively reduced viable counts of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and showed lower cytotoxicity than chlorhexidine mouthwash on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF1-PI 1). Tooth whitening (ΔE) in each concentration of the enzymatic mouthwash showed a significant difference from control (p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that the laccase mouthwash could be a natural, safe, and effective alternative to the existent chemical mouthwashes.

There is possibility of microbial contamination of any single-dose vials (SDVs), multiple-dose vials (MDVs) and admixtures (ADXs) during the preparation and injection to the patients that could be resulted in bloodstream infection. The goal of this study was to investigate the microbial contamination of MDVs and SDVs after multiple use and ADXs prepared by nursing staff in the treatment room versus those prepared by the hospital pharmacist in the clean room. The sterility of 43 opened MDVs and SDVs, 92 prepared ADXs in treatment room and 17 prepared ADXs in clean room were studied by membrane filtration method. Only one of 92 ADXs prepared in treatment room was contaminated with Bacillus subtilis (%1.1) and none of the ADXs prepared in clean room, MDVs and SDVs had microbial contamination. Although good sanitization practices and training of nurses could reduce the risk of microbial contamination in traditional units, using clean room for preparation of parenteral products could be the best strategy.

In this study, a red pigment of Serratia marcescens PTCC 1111 was purified and identified for antiproliferative activities in HT-29 and T47D cancer cell lines. 1H-NMR spectroscopy and LC/MS analysis confirmed prodigiosin structure. The antiproliferative effects of prodigiosin were determined by employing the MTT assay. The changes in cell cycle pattern were studied with 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) reagent using flow cytometry assay, and Annexin V-PI method was used for apoptotic analysis. Results of MTT assay showed that HT-29 cells were more sensitive to prodigiosin than T47D cells. Prodigiosin-treated HT-29 cells showed increase in S phase and decrease in G2/M, but treated T47D cells showed cell cycle pattern relatively similar to Roswell Park Memorial Institute medium (RPMI). Apoptotic effect of prodigiosin was higher than doxorubicin in HT-29 cells. The data reported here indicate that prodigiosin is a promising antineoplastic agent that triggers apoptosis in different cancer cell lines.

The Lactococcus lactis is known as a probiotic bacterium and also as a producer of nisin. Nisin has been approved by related legal agencies to be used as an antimicrobial peptide in food preservation. In fact, the L. lactis is present in different food products along with other micro-organisms especially pathogenic bacteria. So, it is important to predict the behavior of nisin-producer strain in contact with other pathogens. In this regard, nisin gene expression and the level of secreted biologically active form of nisin by L. lactis subsp. lactis in modified MRS broth and whey solution in co-culture with Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella enterica were studied. The nisin concentration was determined by microbiological assay method and the transcription level of nisin gene was assayed through quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). According to our results, the highest concentration of nisin and its gene transcription level were detected in mono- and co-cultures after 16 h of incubation, concurrent with the end of L. lactis exponential phase of growth. The nisin mRNA copies in co-cultures were higher than mono-cultures only at 16 h of incubation. But, differences between nisin concentrations in mono- and co-cultures were significant at 16, 24 h and at 12, 16, 24 h of incubation in the modified MRS medium and whey solution, respectively. This incompatibility could be related to the low availability of components required for nisin precursor modification, transportation and processing in mono-cultures. Overall, the L. lactis produced more mature and active nisin when it was in contact with pathogenic bacteria.

The present investigation reports an in-vitro study using combination of laccase and an enhancer capable of inhibiting the growth of pathogenic microorganisms, preventing biofilm formation, and whitening teeth. Laccase-cinnamic acid system remarkably inhibited the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Candida albicans, S. aureus, and Streptococcus mutans whilst showed no significant effects on Gram-negative bacteria. Data presented that cinnamic acid (10 mM) with laccase (0.125 U ml−1) led to a maximum decrease of about 90%, in S. mutans biofilm formation. The confocal laser scanning microscopy showed considerable detachment of S. mutans cells from glass substratum. The combined laccase-cinnamic acid system could remove teeth discoloration caused by coffee. SEM of the teeth surface exhibited no damages such as surface cracking or fracture. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies showed that laccase can catalyze the one-electron oxidation of cinnamic acid to the respective radical. This radical can then undergo several fates, including recombination with another radical to form a dimeric species, dismutation of the radical back to cinnamic acid or decarboxylation to give various reduced oxygen species. Therefore, the redox potential values of phenolic monomers/oligomers are related with their biological activities.

To assess the antibacterial effects of an Iranian endemic essential oil, Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad (SKJ) when used as an intracanal antiseptic and interappointment medicament.Antimicrobial activity and minimum inhibition concentrations (MICs) of SKJ essential oil with and without calcium hydroxide (CH) against eleven aerobic, microaerophilic and anaerobic bacteria were assessed. The evaluation was carried out by agar dilution and well diffusion methods. The results were measured and recorded by an independent observer. Data were analyzed statistically using student t-test.The MIC for eight species was recorded in 0.31 mg/mL of essential oil. Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a MIC value of 1.25 mg/mL appeared to be the most resistant bacterium; while only 0.16 mg/mL of essential oil was sufficient to inhibit the growth of Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The inhibition zone of the antiseptic oil (at 0.31 mg/mL) with E. faecalis in the well diffusion method was 13 mm; this was comparable with 12.5 mm inhibition zone value of the tetracycline disc (30 µg). No synergistic effect was found in combination of essential oil and CH powder.SKJ essential oil with the concentration of 0.31 mg/mL is effective against most of oral pathogens including E. faecalis.

Background: Fruits of Bunium persicum (Boiss.) B. Fedtsch (Apiaceae) has been used as spice, anti-flatulence and antiseptic agent for many years. In recent years the wild resources of the plant have been threatened by extinction. Domestication of such a plant saves its genetic resources from depletion. However, concerns remain about the possible changes due to development of chemotypes and changes in the composition and biological and pharmacological potentials. Methods: Analyses of essential oils from fruits of wild and cultivated types was performed using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy. Antimicrobial assessment was done by agar diffusion method Results: The main compounds of both oils were included γ-terpinene (30.77% and 27.57%), cuminaldehyde (20.49% and 21.1%), ρ-cymene (20.1% and 18.32%) and γ-terpinen-7-al (8.29% and 7.84%) respectively. Analytical results of both tested oils exhibited very close similarities in major compounds, whereas some differences in their percentages were observed. In vitro antimicrobial evaluation of volatile oils, total extract and the resultant fractions against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans demonstrated some similarities and differences. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of wild grown fruits essential oils ranged between 0.375-1.5 mg/ml, while those of cultivated one were 0.75-6.25 mg/ml. All extracts and fractions showed similarly minor antibacterial potential while anti-Candida albicans activity was much remarkable with MICs calculated 2.5-5 mg/ml for cultivated and 5 mg/ml for wild grown extracts and fractions. Conclusion: In conclusion, despite the substantial similarities in composition of both oils, the alteration in antimicrobial results may be caused by variety in concentration of major and minor compounds and their synergism or antagonism in mixture.

Cedrus deodara (Roxb. Ex Lamb.) G. Don possesses various biological activities, which have been documented in modern and traditional medicine. In this study, burn wound healing activity of the methanol extract of C. deodara wood was evaluated via a burn wound model in Wistar rats.The methanol extract of C. deodara was evaluated for the contents of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and tannins. Also, its antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH assay. Then, a topical ointment containing the methanol extract of C. deodara (10%) was used to evaluate the healing effects on a model of second-degree thermal burn in 4 groups of 7 rats within 21 days. In this respect, average wound surface area, wound closure, and various histological features were examined.Our findings revealed that the wounds treated with the methanol extract of C. deodara showed higher wound contraction (33.6, 87.1, and 93.4% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively) compared with the positive control (27.6, 80.7, and 88.3% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively) and the negative control (20.1, 77.9, and 80.2% on days 7, 14, and 21, respectively). According to the results from epitheliogenesis score, the number of inflammatory cells, neovascularization, and collagen density, good burn wound healing activity of the methanol extract of C. deodarawas demonstrated.Using the methanol extract of C. deodara in an ointment formulation can be developed to prevent or reduce burn injury progression.

Background: Oliveria decumbens Vent. is an endemic plant of Flora Iranica that grows in high temperature areas of south and west of Iran. It is used for indigestion, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever in traditional medicine. Objective: In this investigation, chemical composition and antimicrobial effects of Oliveria decumbens has been studied. Methods: The essential oil of aerial parts of Oliveria decumbens was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. The antimicrobial activity of the essential oil was also investigated against three Gram positive bacteria, two Gram negative bacteria and two fungi using disc diffusion method. Results: 10 components were identified in the essential oil of Oliveria decumbens. The main components were γ-terpinene, myristicin, thymol, ρ-cymene and carvacrol. The essential oil showed high antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Escherichia coli, Aspergilus niger and Candida albicans but low antibacterial effect against Pseudomonas aeroginosa. Conclusion: High amount of thymol, carvacrol and ρ-cymene in Oliveria decumbens essential oil may be a reason of antimicrobial effects of the plant and the plant essential oil can be considered as a natural source of preservatives in food and cosmetic industries.

Abstract A series of novel quinolone agents bearing a particular bulky and conformationally constrained bicyclic substituent (2,3‐dihydro‐4‐hydroxyimino‐4 H ‐1‐benzopyran‐3‐yl‐ moiety) on the piperazine ring of 7‐piperazinyl quinolones (norfloxacin, enoxacin, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin) were synthesized and evaluated against a panel of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. Among these derivatives, ciprofloxacin counterpart 9c , highly inhibited the tested Gram‐positive bacteria, superior to that of the reference drugs, and displayed antibacterial activity at non‐cytotoxic concentrations.

Abstract The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Ajuga chamaecistus Ging. subsp. tomentella Rech. f..was analyzed by using GC and GC-MS. Forty four compounds representing 95.13 % of the oil were identified. The main ones were thymol (34.45 %), exo-fenchol (15.58 %), β-pinene (8.26 %), 1-octen-3-ol (5.92 %), α-terpineol (3.88 %), 2-hexanol (3.85 %), α-thujene (2.66 %), and α-pinene (2.54 %). The oil was rich in oxygenated monoterpenes. Antibacterial activity of the essential oil was determined using disc diffusion method against both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) bacteria. The experiments showed that the pure essential oils had no antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at 25 μl/disc.

A novel series of ciprofloxacin‐dithiocarbamate hybrids 7a – 7l were designed, synthesized, and evaluated against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. A significant part of the title compounds showed considerable antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive species. The most potent compound against Gram‐positive bacteria was 2‐chloro derivative 7h and the most potent derivative against Gram‐negative bacteria was 3‐chloro compound 7i . In vitro antibacterial evaluation of compound 7h against clinically isolated bacteria methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ) and methicillin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus ( MSSA ) showed that this compound acted better than ciprofloxacin against the latter bacteria. Docking study of compound 7h in the active site of S . aureus DNA gyrase revealed that this ciprofloxacin‐dithiocarbamate derivative interacted with the main components of the active site of the enzyme.

The objective of this work was to prepare hydrogel films, as semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPN), based on polyethylene glycol- co -fumarate (PEGF) and chitosan (Ch) blends. Hydrogel films were prepared by free radical cross-linking of PEGF, an unsaturated aliphatic polyester, in the presence of N -vinyl pyrrolidone (NVP), camphorquinone (CQ), and N,N -dimethyl- p -toluidine (DMPT) as a cross-linking, photoinitiating, and accelerating agent, respectively. The effect of NVP concentration on physicochemical and biological properties of semi-IPN film properties was evaluated. The sol fraction, water vapor transmission rate, and swelling degree of the hydrogel films were also investigated. Antibacterial activity against S. aureus was observed for the photocured blend hydrogels of Ch/PEGF with no toxicity to L929 cells according to the cell viability assays. Blend hydrogel films showing 600 ± 88% of equilibrium swelling degree in water and the lowest sol fraction (3.14 ± 1.22%) were obtained at 20 wt% of NVP content whilst preserving their own cytocompatibility and antibacterial activity. Therefore, this formulation was considered as an optimal semi-IPN blend hydrogel film composition with potential application for wound dressing.

Background and objectives: Ferula assa-foetida (asafoetida) is a native Iranian species which grows in different regions and climates in Iran. The plant is well known in Iranian Traditional Medicine as well as folk medicine for treatment of diseases. Several studies have been carried out on the essential oil of this species collected from different areas of Iran. This study is the first report about the essential oil of the plant collected from Neishabour mountains that is a potent area for growing this valuable plant species. Methods: Essential oil of the aerial part of Ferula assa-foetida which was collected from Neishabour, Iran, was analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of the essential oil was investigated against both Gram- positive (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia) bacteria using microdilution method. Results: Twenty three components representing 97.06% of the total oil were identified. (E)- 1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (53.77%), (Z)-1-propenyl sec-butyl disulfide (35.6%) and α-pinene (3.4%) were identified as major components. The MIC of the essential oil ranged from 12-24 mg/mL against all tested bacteria. Conclusion: The results indicated that among various compounds identified in the essential oil of F. assa-foetida L. from Neishabour mountains, disulphide compounds were the major constituents of the oil. In comparison to other reports of this plant around the country, disulphide compounds could be the reason of its moderate antibacterial effect.

Wounds are unavoidable events of life which result in damage to the structure and function of skin. Plants and their phytochemicals have immense potential for the management of different types of wound. Salvia multicaulis Vahl. is an evergreen shrub species, traditionally used as a wound healing agent. The aim of the present study is to evaluate phytochemicals and wound healing activity of S. multicaulis in an excision wound model. Preliminary phytochemical screening tests were performed on the methanol (80%) extract. Total phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent. Antioxidant activity of the extract was assessed by DPPH free radical scavenging test. In vitro antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans were tested using macrodilution method. 2 × 2 excision wounds were induced in the dorsal area of 30 Wistar rats. Animals were received topical eucerine, 1% phenytoin as well as 5%, 10% and 20% ointments of the plant extract in eucerine base. Wound areas were photographed and wound contraction was calculated as the reduction percentage of wound size compared with zero days. Last day skin samples of wounded area were used for histological evaluations. Collagen deposition for positive control group and A20% were low fibrils and A10% high fibrils and A5% highest fibrils. Total phenolic content was 262.083 ± 47.15 mg GAE/g extract. IC50 was 54.02 µg/mL. All concentrations of the extract ointments were significantly effective in the animal model of excision wound (P < 0.05) which was also confirmed in histological study. It is concluded that S. multicaulis methanolic extract could act as a wound healing agent. This activity is possibly due the high concentrations of antioxidant phenolic compounds.

Laccase is a blue enzyme with a remarkable ability to eliminate environmental pollutants. The use of the eco-friendly enzyme for removing ecological contaminants is extensive. In addition, there are some restrictions like its deactivation in various environmental conditions. Researchers have applied many strategies to improve the Laccase stability in different conditions, but those ways are expensive or demanding. Herein, we used betaine, a co-solvent, to increase the enzyme stability in various temperatures and pHs as an appropriate alternative strategy to improve the Laccase stability. The experimental results showed that the enzyme's stability would increase in the presence of betaine at high temperatures. Although no significant changes were detected for the enzyme secondary structure contents, betaine at high temperatures exhibited a protective effect on the enzyme's alpha-helical contents. The simulation results indicated that betaine and ion molecules could be excluded from the enzyme surface and help Laccase maintain its stability and activity. Increasing the betaine concentration up to 0.5 M increased the Tm value of laccase. The molecular dynamics (MD) simulation results also demonstrated that the enzyme's polar amino acids play essential roles in making hydrogen bonds with betaine molecules. Lys377 was also recognized as the most critical residue for electrostatic interactions with the osmolyte at low and high temperatures. At the same time, the higher temperatures could not considerably affect the electrostatic interactions between the carboxyl group of betaine and the basic residues. The results indicated that the negatively charged amino acids could strengthen electrostatic interactions with betaine at high temperatures. The computational analyses also demonstrated that the hydrated state of betaine would not change even at high temperatures. This study's outcomes could be valuable to researchers who seek to use a more affordable approach to increase Laccase activity in severe environmental conditions.

Adenocarcinoma arising from adenomyosis uteri is rare. Herein, we reported a patient with papillary serous carcinoma arising from adenomyosis. The patient was a 61-year-old woman who received tamoxifen for treatment of her breast cancer over the past five years. In hysterectomy specimen taken for investigating her uncontrolled bleeding with suspicion of uterine myoma, multiple adenomyotic foci were found in the uterine wall. In one of these foci, papillary serous carcinoma was found. No evidence of tumor was seen in endometrial surface, peritoneum, and both adnexa.

Based on the N ‐(phenethyl)azole backbone of azole antifungals, we designed 1‐[(2‐benzyloxy)phenyl]‐2‐(azol‐1‐yl)ethanone derivatives 2 and 3 , containing benzyloxyphenyl scaffold of croconazole. Also these compounds can be considered as flexible analogs, resulted from C2–C3 disconnection of 3′‐chloro‐3‐imidazolylflavanone 1 , recently described as antifungal agent. Thus, in this report, we describe the synthesis of 1‐[(2‐benzyloxy)phenyl]‐2‐(azol‐1‐yl)ethanone derivatives 2 and 3 and their biological evaluation against different pathogenic fungi. By comparing the antifungal activity profile of flexible compounds 2 and 3 with that of rigid analog 1 , it can be inferred that lower susceptibilities (higher minimum inhibitory concentrations) were observed with flexible compounds. However, among the synthesized compounds, 1‐[2‐(2,4‐dichlorobenzyloxy)phenyl]‐2‐(1 H ‐imidazol‐1‐yl)ethanone hydrochloride ( 2g ) showed comparable or more potent antifungal activity in comparison with fluconazole as a standard drug.

With the aim of finding new bioactive compounds, a series of phenoxyacetophenone derivatives 2 were designed and synthesized as oxygen analogs of dihydrochalcones. Also, phenoxyacetophenones were converted to (Z)-oxime derivatives 3 and their geometry were characterized by ¹H-NMR spectroscopy. The in vitro antifungal activity of compounds 2 and 3 was evaluated against Candida albicans, Candida glabrata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus niger using micro-dilution method. In general, oxime derivative 3d containing 4-fluorophenoxy moiety showed comparable or more potent antifungal activity (MICs = 15.63-31.25 μg/mL) with respect to the reference drug fluconazole against all tested yeasts. In addition, the antileishmanial activity of title compounds was determined against pormastigote form of Leishmania major. All compounds showed mild growth inhibitory activity against promastigotes. The most active compound was unsubstituted phenoxyacetophenone 2a (IC₅₀ = 80 μg/mL). To anticipate the potential use as drugs, the target compounds were evaluated in their drug-like properties. The in silico values of molecular descriptors for bioactive compounds 2a and 3d revealed that these compounds are within the range set by Lipinski's 'Rule of 5' and show no violation of these rules. Moreover, bioactive compounds 2a and 3d are supposed to be non-mutagenic and non-tumorigenic, with no irritating or reproductive effects.

Abstract Background: This study aimed at comparing the colonization and passage of Streptococcus mutans and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) through polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and acellular dermal matrix (ADM) membranes loaded with tetracycline, amoxicillin, and chlorhexidine. Methods: In this in vitro study, PTFE and ADM membranes were loaded with tetracycline, amoxicillin, and chlorhexidine. The colonization and crossing of S. mutans and Aa through these membranes were evaluated using vials containing culture medium. Three-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test were used for the statistical analyses (p&lt;0.05). Results: The membranes loaded with antimicrobial agents significantly decreased bacterial passage compared with the control membranes (not loaded with antimicrobial agents). Significant differences were also detected between membranes in their inhibitory properties (p=0.011). PTFE membrane had higher barrier effect than ADM. Tetracycline had greater antibacterial activity against both species compared with amoxicillin (p=0.021) but had no significant difference with chlorhexidine in this respect (p=0.068). The antimicrobial efficacy of chlorhexidine was in between those of tetracycline and amoxicillin, but the difference between amoxicillin and chlorhexidine in this respect was not statistically significant (p=0.992). Aa had better penetration into the membranes compared with S. mutans . Conclusions: The study results demonstrated that the penetration of S. mutans and Aa decreased into the membranes loaded with tetracycline, amoxicillin, and chlorhexidine and PTFE membrane had a greater barrier effect than ADM. Loading membranes with antimicrobial agents can effectively reduce membrane-associated infections during regenerative procedures.

Abstract In this study the essential oil of Thymus kotschyanus Boiss. & Hohen, which is endemic of Iran, was investigated for its antibacterial activity and its combined effects with oxacillin or methicillin against several clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentrations of oxacillin, methicillin and essential oil against MRSA strains were determined by the micro-dilution method. Synergy testing of each antibiotic and essential oil against MRSA was performed by the checkerboard technique. The results indicated that T. kotschyanus essential oil had synergistic effect with oxacillin or methicillin against MRSA strains. The best synergistic effect obtained against MRSA5 and S. aureus ATCC 33591 which resulted in 32 times decrease in MIC values of oxacillin and methicillin. The synergistic activity showed that this non-antibiotic agent manifests a broad spectrum of activity against MRSA bacteria which might open a new therapeutic approach to combat drug-resistance in bacterial infections.

Abstract Hamburgers with high nutrient supply and a loosely-packed structure present favourable conditions for microbial growth. In this study, the chemical composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Zataria multiflora and its potential application as a natural preservative in reducing the indigenous microbial population of hamburgers were investigated. Carvacrol, thymol and linalool were found to be the most abundant constituents of the essential oil using GC-MS analysis. The essential oil exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Addition of Z. multiflora essential oil in concentrations higher than MIC values influenced the microbial population of hamburgers stored at 25°C, 4°C and –12°C. The significant results of this study are our observations that the use of Z. multiflora essential oil at 0.05% v/w increases the time needed for the natural microflora of hamburgers to reach concentrations able to produce a perceivable spoilage at refrigerator and room temperatures without any inverse effect on their sensory attributes. Freezing of essential oil-treated hamburgers may also reduce the risk of diseases associated with consumption of under-cooked hamburgers through significant microbial reduction by more than 3 log. Keywords: hamburgernatural preservativemicrobial contaminationessential oil Acknowledgements The authors are thankful to Tehran University of Medical Sciences for funding in support of this work (Grant No. 3650).

The essential oil obtained from the aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. was analyzed by using GC and GC-MS. Fourteen compounds representing 93.34 % of the oil were identified. The main ones were Isobornyl isobutyrate (38.06%), β-pinene (30.13 %), dl-Limonene (6.23%), δ-3- Carene (4.80%), α-pinene (4%), δ-Terpinene (2.76%) and trans-Rose oxide (2.00%).

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized with lecithin through a simple chemical reduction method. The prepared AgNPs/lecithin was then loaded into the wool fabric by exhaustion and pad-dry-cure methods. The surface morphology of the loaded wool fabrics was characterized by low-voltage scanning electron microscopy, and the loading efficiency was determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Further, the effect of the different lecithin concentrations was examined on the antibacterial activity, cytotoxicity, and color of the loaded wool fabrics. The loaded fabric with AgNPs at a higher lecithin ratio presented higher antibacterial activity due to the higher loading efficiency and smaller nanoparticle size. Also, the morphology of the fibroblast cells in cytotoxicity test was not changed in presence of extracted solution from the treated wool fabrics with different lecithin concentration.

Honey is a promising source of bacterial strains producing metabolites with antimicrobial activity. There is a great variety in the antimicrobial activity of honey from different areas of nature. Therefore, the aim of present study was to investigate the antibacterial activity of Iranian honey from different regions and to optimize the culture condition for the highly potent bacterial isolate.Honey samples were collected from ten different regions of Iran and were screened for bacteriocin-producing bacteria. The best bacteriocin-producing strain was characterized and identified by 16S rDNA analysis. One-factor-at-a-time method was used for optimization of culture medium and the yield and time-course of bacteriocin production were compared in both shake flask and bio-reactor.The Bacillus subtilis SB1 that was isolated from Sabalan honey showed potent antibacterial activity with prominent thermal stability. The optimum medium for the bacteiocin production was a yeast extract-based medium. The optimum incubation temperature for bacteriocin production was 34 °C. Bacteriocin production was higher near neutral pH conditions than that produced at acidic or alkaline environment. The results of cell growth and bacteriocin assays revealed that the exponential phase of growth and antibacterial compounds production was started rapidly in bioreactor than flask.Findings of this study supported the folkloric application of honey against some infectious diseases. B.subtilis SB1 that isolated from Sabalan honey was a potential source for bacteriocins-like compounds. Our studies suggested a simple buffered nitrogen-based medium for SB1 growth and bacteriocin activity in both shake flask and bioreactor.

The stabilizing effect of some osmolytes including betaine, mannitol, proline, sorbitol, and trehalose (each 0.5 M) was investigated on the ultrasound-irradiated (60 kHz and 138 W, for 240 min) lipase by determination of the enzyme half-life time, evaluation of the enzymatic reaction velocity (Vmax), and hydrolysis of coconut oil for production of lauric acid (the main saturated fatty acid of the oil). The enzyme conformational stability was also assessed by circular dichroism (CD) and fluorescence spectroscopy. The average half-life time of mannitol- and sorbitol-treated lipase under the ultrasound irradiation was 511 ± 3 min and 531 ± 2 min, respectively; 3-fold higher than the unirradiated enzyme. The Vmax value of the ultrasound-treated lipase increased from 100 ± 3 nmol min-1 in the absence of osmolyte to 500 ± 7 nmol min-1 and 500 ± 9 nmol min-1 in the presence of mannitol and sorbitol, respectively. CD and fluorescence spectra indicated that mannitol and sorbitol enhanced the rigidity of the lipase molecular conformational structure, increasing the enzyme stability against the ultrasonic field. The ultrasound-irradiated lipase was then used to hydrolyze coconut oil in the absence or presence of the selected osmolytes, which led to liberate 310 ± 6 mg g-1, 413 ± 7 mg g-1, and 420 ± 4 mg g-1 of lauric acid in the absence or presence of sorbitol and mannitol, respectively. In the absence of an ultrasonic field, the non-osmotically-treated lipase was able to liberate only 211 ± 5 mg g-1 of lauric acid. These promising results indicate that sorbitol and mannitol stabilize the structural conformation of lipase under an ultrasonic field which in turn could improve the enzymatic hydrolysis of coconut oil.

The aim of the present study was to formulate poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles loaded with 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GLA) with appropriate physicochemical properties and antimicrobial activity. GLA loaded PLGA nanoparticles were prepared with different drug to polymer ratios, acetone contents and sonication times and the antibacterial activity of the developed nanoparticles was examined against different gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. The antibacterial effect was studied using serial dilution technique to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration of nanoparticles. Results demonstrated that physicochemical properties of nanoparticles were affected by the above mentioned parameters where nanoscale size particles ranging from 175 to 212 nm were achieved. The highest encapsulation efficiency (53.2 ± 2.4%) was obtained when the ratio of drug to polymer was 1:4. Zeta potential of the developed nanoparticles was fairly negative (-11±1.5). In-vitro release profile of nanoparticles showed two phases: an initial phase of burst release for 10 h followed by a slow release pattern up to the end. The antimicrobial results revealed that the nanoparticles were more effective than pure GLA against P. aeuroginosa, S. aureus and S. epidermidis. This improvement in antibacterial activity of GLA loaded nanoparticles when compared to pure GLA may be related to higher nanoparticles penetration into infected cells and a higher amount of GLA delivery in its site of action. Herein, it was shown that GLA loaded PLGA nanoparticles displayed appropriate physicochemical properties as well as an improved antimicrobial effect.

The aim of this study was to compare the antibacterial efficacy of endemic Satureja Khuzistanica Jamzad (SKJ) essential oil as root canal irrigation versus 2.5% sodium hypochlorite and 2% chlorhexidine gluconate.In current in vitro experimental study, fifty four single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into 6 groups of 9 samples: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), 0.31 mg/ml SKJ, 0.62 mg/ml SKJ, positive and negative controls. Each tooth was instrumented, sealed and autoclaved. Then, test groups were inoculated with E. faecalis, treated with irrigation solution and viable bacterial counts in intracanal dentin chips were determined. Utilizing SPSS 18 software, collected data were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis one way analysis of variance (P = 0.05).99.94 % and 99.50% reduction in bacteria load after 5 min treatment with NaOCl and CHX were detected, respectively. Similarly, 99.97% and 99.96% reduction in bacterial counts were observed after 5 min application of 0.62 mg/ml and 0.31 mg/ml SKJ essential. No significant differences were detected among the four irrigation solutions (P = 0.755).SKJ essential oil with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.31 mg/ml could be an effective antibacterial irrigation solution.

Burns are complicated traumatic injuries caused by several physical or chemical factors. Plants with a wide range of secondary metabolites, with valuable properties like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, can be a promising source of wound healing agents.Effects of hydromethanolic extracts of Lythrum salicaria and Hypericum scabrum, individually and in combination, were assessed in second-degree burn wounds in rats in comparison to a white oleaginous base (negative control) and silver sulfadiazine (positive control). Histological assessments as well as total thiol molecules, lipid peroxidation, and total antioxidant power were evaluated in skin tissue samples. Total phenol, flavonoids, and tannins along with the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of the extracts were also as- sessed.Total phenol, total flavonoid, and total tannin amounts for L. salicaria and H. scabrum were 331 ± 3.7 and 308.1 ± 5.2 μg gallic acid/mg extract, 5.8 ± 0.4 and 4.3 ± 0.3 μg quercetin/mg extract, and 430 ± 2.33 and 13.4 ± 0.5 μg tannic acid/mg extract, respectively. H. scabrum significantly inhibited S. aureus and L. salicaria moderately suppressed Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans growth. Wound contraction percentage with L. salicaria and H. scabrum was 89.5 ± 3.7 and 77.6 ± 4.1, respectively. A well-organized epidermal layer and normal appearance in dermis layer were more observable in the L. salicaria group. Moreover, L. salicaria ointment individually displayed better influence on tissue oxidative stress parameters than H. scabrum and the negative control (P < 0.05).Results of this study clearly confirm the effectiveness of L. salicaria topical ointment as a wound healing agent, possibly due to the considerable polyphenolic content and antioxidant properties.

Pure primary ovarian choriocarcinoma is an extremely rare condition of gestational or nongestational origin. The possibility of gestational origin can be suspected by the presence of a corpus luteum of pregnancy but definite diagnosis would be based on genetic analysis. Here, we present two cases of pure ovarian choriocarcinoma in the forth decade of life with the possibility of gestational origin.