Molecules

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23 pages, 7492 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Green Synthesis of Chitosan-Capped Gold Nanoparticles Using Salvia officinalis Extract: Biochemical Characterization and Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities

by Faisal Al-Sarraj, Ibrahim Alotibi, Majid Al-Zahrani, Raed Albiheyri, Mashail A. Alghamdi, Nada M. Nass, Sawsan Abd-Ellatif, Raafat T. M. Makhlof, Mohammad A. Alsaad, Bayan H. Sajer and Hazem S. Elshafie

Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7762; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28237762 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1190

Abstract

Increasing antimicrobial resistance to the action of existing antibiotics has prompted researchers to identify new natural molecules with antimicrobial potential. In this study, a green system was developed for biosynthesizing gold nanoparticles (BAuNPs) using sage (Salvia officinalis L.) leaf extract bioconjugated with [...] Read more.

Increasing antimicrobial resistance to the action of existing antibiotics has prompted researchers to identify new natural molecules with antimicrobial potential. In this study, a green system was developed for biosynthesizing gold nanoparticles (BAuNPs) using sage (Salvia officinalis L.) leaf extract bioconjugated with non-toxic, eco-friendly, and biodegradable chitosan, forming chitosan/gold bioconjugates (Chi/BAuNPs). Characterization of the BAuNPs and Chi/BAuNPs conjugates takes place using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray spectra, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and zeta potential (Z-potential). The chemical composition of S. officinalis extract was evaluated via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). This study evaluated the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of human pathogenic multidrug-resistant (MDR) and multisensitive (MS) bacterial isolates using the agar diffusion method. Chi/BAuNPs showed inhibition of the MDR strains more effectively than BAuNPs alone as compared with a positive standard antibiotic. The cytotoxicity assay revealed that the human breast adenocarcinoma cancer cells (MCF7) were more sensitive toward the toxicity of 5-Fu + BAuNPs and 5-Fu + Chi/BAuNPs composites compared to non-malignant human fibroblast cells (HFs). The study shows that BAuNPs and Chi/BAuNPs, combined with 5-FU NPs, can effectively treat cancer at concentrations where the free chemical drug (5-Fu) is ineffective, with a noted reduction in the required dosage for noticeable antitumor action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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21 pages, 6014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Illicium verum L. (Star Anise) Essential Oil: GC/MS Profile, Molecular Docking Study, In Silico ADME Profiling, Quorum Sensing, and Biofilm-Inhibiting Effect on Foodborne Bacteria

by Emira Noumi, Iqrar Ahmad, Mohd Adnan, Harun Patel, Abderrahmen Merghni, Najla Haddaji, Nouha Bouali, Khulood Fahad Alabbosh, Adel Kadri, Lucia Caputo, Flavio Polito, Mejdi Snoussi and Vincenzo De Feo

Molecules 2023, 28(23), 7691; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28237691 - 21 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1646

Abstract

Illicium verum, or star anise, has many uses ranging from culinary to religious. It has been used in the food industry since ancient times. The main purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities [...] Read more.

Illicium verum, or star anise, has many uses ranging from culinary to religious. It has been used in the food industry since ancient times. The main purpose of this study was to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial, antibiofilm, and anti-quorum sensing activities of the essential oil (EO) obtained via hydro-distillation of the aerial parts of Illicium verum. Twenty-four components were identified representing 92.55% of the analyzed essential oil. (E)-anethole (83.68%), limonene (3.19%), and α-pinene (0.71%) were the main constituents of I. verum EO. The results show that the obtained EO was effective against eight bacterial strains to different degrees. Concerning the antibiofilm activity, trans-anethole was more effective against biofilm formation than the essential oil when tested using sub-inhibitory concentrations. The results of anti-swarming activity tested against P. aeruginosa PAO1 revealed that I. verum EO possesses more potent inhibitory effects on the swarming behavior of PAO1 when compared to trans-anethole, with the percentage reaching 38% at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. The ADME profiling of the identified phytocompounds confirmed their important pharmacokinetic and drug-likeness properties. The in silico study using a molecular docking approach revealed a high binding score between the identified compounds with known target enzymes involved in antibacterial and anti-quorum sensing (QS) activities. Overall, the obtained results suggest I. verum EO to be a potentially good antimicrobial agent to prevent food contamination with foodborne pathogenic bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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23 pages, 3569 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. as a Potential Source of Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Anti-Enzymatic Bioactive Molecules: Phytochemical Constituents, In Vitro and In Silico Pharmacological Analysis

by Mousa Alreshidi, Mohammad A. Abdulhakeem, Riadh Badraoui, Giuseppe Amato, Lucia Caputo, Laura De Martino, Filomena Nazzaro, Florinda Fratianni, Carmen Formisano, Vincenzo De Feo and Mejdi Snoussi

Molecules 2023, 28(21), 7439; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28217439 - 05 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1348

Abstract

Plants with medicinal benefits are a crucial source of compounds for developing drugs. This study was designed to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic activities of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. We also reported the molecular interaction between identified molecules and [...] Read more.

Plants with medicinal benefits are a crucial source of compounds for developing drugs. This study was designed to determine the chemical composition, antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic activities of Pulicaria incisa (Lam.) DC. We also reported the molecular interaction between identified molecules and several receptors associated with antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. A total of seventeen and thirteen compounds were identified in aqueous and methanolic extracts of P. incisa, respectively. The methanolic extract yielded a higher total content of polyphenols and flavonoids of about 84.80 ± 2.8 mg GAE/g and 28.30 ± 1.2 mg QE/g, respectively. Significant antibacterial activity was recorded for both extracts, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 30 to 36 µg/mL, and the result was comparable to the reference antibiotic control. Antibiofilm assays revealed that both extracts were able to reduce the attachment of bacterial cells to 96-well plates, but the highest antibiofilm activity was recorded against Staphylococcus aureus. The methanolic extract also showed anti-enzymatic potency and high antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by all assays used, including DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS. These results were further validated by in silico approaches, particularly the molecular interaction of the identified compounds with the targeted receptors. These findings present P. incisa as a significant source of antibacterial, antibiofilm, antioxidant, and anti-enzymatic molecules. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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22 pages, 6962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Assessment of Antimicrobial Composites of Ag Nanoparticles or AgNO₃ and Egg Shell Membranes

by Samuel Tomi Aina, Hilda Dinah Kyomuhimbo, Shatish Ramjee, Barend Du Plessis, Vuyo Mjimba, Ali Maged, Nils Haneklaus and Hendrik Gideon Brink

Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4654; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28124654 - 08 Jun 2023

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 1429

Abstract

Engineering research has been expanded by the advent of material fusion, which has led to the development of composites that are more reliable and cost-effective. This investigation aims to utilise this concept to promote a circular economy by maximizing the adsorption of silver [...] Read more.

Engineering research has been expanded by the advent of material fusion, which has led to the development of composites that are more reliable and cost-effective. This investigation aims to utilise this concept to promote a circular economy by maximizing the adsorption of silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate onto recycled chicken eggshell membranes, resulting in optimized antimicrobial silver/eggshell membrane composites. The pH, time, concentration, and adsorption temperatures were optimized. It was confirmed that these composites were excellent candidates for use in antimicrobial applications. The silver nanoparticles were produced through chemical synthesis using sodium borohydride as a reducing agent and through adsorption/surface reduction of silver nitrate on eggshell membranes. The composites were thoroughly characterized by various techniques, including spectrophotometry, atomic absorption spectrometry, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, as well as agar well diffusion and MTT assay. The results indicate that silver/eggshell membrane composites with excellent antimicrobial properties were produced using both silver nanoparticles and silver nitrate at a pH of 6, 25 °C, and after 48 h of agitation. These materials exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis, resulting in 27.77% and 15.34% cell death, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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14 pages, 2432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Optimized Extraction, Identification and Anti-Biofilm Action of Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis) Extracts against Vibrio parahaemolyticus

by Zongyi Zhang, Yanan Zhao, Jing Cai, Tong Wang, Yujie Song, Jingyi Lu, Hairuo Du, Wenfang Wang, Yan Zhao and Lei Guo

Molecules 2023, 28(5), 2268; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28052268 - 28 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1195

Abstract

The pathogenicity of foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major concern for global public health. This study aimed to optimize the liquid–solid extraction of Wu Wei Zi extracts (WWZE) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, identify its main components, and investigate the anti-biofilm action. The extraction [...] Read more.

The pathogenicity of foodborne Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a major concern for global public health. This study aimed to optimize the liquid–solid extraction of Wu Wei Zi extracts (WWZE) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, identify its main components, and investigate the anti-biofilm action. The extraction conditions optimized by the single-factor test and response surface methodology were ethanol concentration of 69%, temperature at 91 °C, time of 143 min, and liquid–solid ratio of 20:1 mL/g. After high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis, it was found that the main active ingredients of WWZE were schisandrol A, schisandrol B, schisantherin A, schisanhenol, and schisandrin A–C. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of WWZE, schisantherin A, and schisandrol B measured by broth microdilution assay was 1.25, 0.625, and 1.25 mg/mL, respectively, while the MIC of the other five compounds was higher than 2.5 mg/mL, indicating that schisantherin A and schizandrol B were the main antibacterial components of WWZE. Crystal violet, Coomassie brilliant blue, Congo red plate, spectrophotometry, and Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to evaluate the effect of WWZE on the biofilm of V. parahaemolyticus. The results showed that WWZE could exert its dose-dependent potential to effectively inhibit the formation of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm and clear mature biofilm by significantly destroying the cell membrane integrity of V. parahaemolyticus, inhibiting the synthesis of intercellular polysaccharide adhesin (PIA), extracellular DNA secretion, and reducing the metabolic activity of biofilm. This study reported for the first time the favorable anti-biofilm effect of WWZE against V. parahaemolyticus, which provides a basis for deepening the application of WWZE in the preservation of aquatic products. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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12 pages, 2490 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Potent Inhibitory Activity of Natural Product Anaephene B and Analogues against Leishmania tarentolae In Vitro

by Shariq M. Zaman and Marjorie A. Jones

Molecules 2023, 28(3), 946; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28030946 - 18 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1435

Abstract

In this study, a specific alkylphenol natural product, anaephene B, and its unique synthesized derivatives were tested for their inhibitory effect on the protozoan parasite Leishmania tarentolae. In a series of cell viability tests and enzyme assays, these test compounds have produced [...] Read more.

In this study, a specific alkylphenol natural product, anaephene B, and its unique synthesized derivatives were tested for their inhibitory effect on the protozoan parasite Leishmania tarentolae. In a series of cell viability tests and enzyme assays, these test compounds have produced interesting results with regard to their antibiotic effect, showing similar potency against L. tarentolae as they do against drug-resistant bacteria such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). All compounds tested in this study have shown the ability to completely inhibit our model system, L. tarentolae, in vitro. This study helps increase our understanding of the structure-activity relationship (SAR) between anaephene B and its analogues for a new class of potential pharmaceuticals for the treatment of Leishmania infections. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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14 pages, 4358 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Chemical Composition, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Essential Oil from Centipeda minima

by Fan Su, Gan Yang, Datong Hu, Chen Ruan, Jing Wang, Yingying Zhang and Qingjun Zhu

Molecules 2023, 28(2), 824; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules28020824 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1643

Abstract

This study elucidated the chemical composition of essential oil from Centipeda minima (EOCM) and its antibacterial and antioxidant activities with two chemical monomers thymol and carvacrol. The main chemical composition of EOCM, analyzed by GC-MS, were trans-chrysanthenyl acetate, thymol, aromadendrene and β-caryophyllene. In [...] Read more.

This study elucidated the chemical composition of essential oil from Centipeda minima (EOCM) and its antibacterial and antioxidant activities with two chemical monomers thymol and carvacrol. The main chemical composition of EOCM, analyzed by GC-MS, were trans-chrysanthenyl acetate, thymol, aromadendrene and β-caryophyllene. In the screening of antibacterial activity against S. aureus, two monomers with antibacterial activity were obtained: thymol and carvacrol. The MIC of EOCM, thymol and carvacrol were 0.625 mg/mL, 0.156 mg/mL and 0.156 mg/mL, respectively. The experimental results were shown that three drugs could inhibit the growth of S. aureus and inhibit the formation of biofilm by changing the permeability of cell membrane and interfering with the metabolic activities in bacteria. The scavenging effects of the three drugs on DPPH radical and hydroxyl radical showed that the antioxidant effect of the three drugs was EOCM > carvacrol > thymol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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11 pages, 2420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Polyoxygenated Terpenoids and Polyketides from the Roots of Flueggea virosa and Their Inhibitory Effect against SARS-CoV-2-Induced Inflammation

by Ju-Chien Cheng, Yi-Ju Chen, Chi-Wen Chuang, Ya-Hsuan Chao, Hui-Chi Huang, Chia-Chi Lin and Chih-Hua Chao

Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8548; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/molecules27238548 - 05 Dec 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1594

Abstract

Six new polyoxygenated terpenoids, podovirosanes A–F (1–6), and two known polyketides (7 and 8) were isolated from the roots of F. virosa. Their structures, along with absolute configurations, were deduced using spectroscopic analysis as well as [...] Read more.

Six new polyoxygenated terpenoids, podovirosanes A–F (1–6), and two known polyketides (7 and 8) were isolated from the roots of F. virosa. Their structures, along with absolute configurations, were deduced using spectroscopic analysis as well as computational calculations, including TDDFT calculation of ECD spectra and GIAO NMR calculations combined with DP4+ probability analysis. Compounds 2, 3, 5, and 8 were found to reduce the phosphorylation levels of NF-κB p65 in SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus-stimulated PMA-differentiated THP-1 cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Natural Products: Isolation, Analysis and Biological Activity)

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