scholarly journals Apolar Bioactive Fraction ofMelipona scutellarisGeopropolis onStreptococcus mutansBiofilm

2013 ◽  
Vol 2013 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos Guilherme da Cunha ◽  
Marcelo Franchin ◽  
Lívia Câmara de Carvalho Galvão ◽  
Bruno Bueno-Silva ◽  
Masaharu Ikegaki ◽  
...  

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the bioactive nonpolar fraction of geopropolis onStreptococcus mutansbiofilm. The ethanolic extract ofMelipona scutellarisgeopropolis was subjected to a liquid-liquid partition, thus obtaining the bioactive hexane fraction (HF) possessing antimicrobial activity. The effects of HF onS. mutansUA159 biofilms generated on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite discs were analyzed by inhibition of formation, killing assay, and glycolytic pH-drop assays. Furthermore, biofilms treated with vehicle control and HF were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). HF at 250 μg/mL and 400 μg/mL caused 38% and 53% reduction in the biomass of biofilm, respectively, when compared to vehicle control (P<0.05) subsequently observed at SEM images, and this reduction was noticed in the amounts of extracellular alkali-soluble glucans, intracellular iodophilic polysaccharides, and proteins. In addition, theS. mutansviability (killing assay) and acid production by glycolytic pH drop were not affected (P>0.05). In conclusion, the bioactive HF of geopropolis was promising to control theS. mutansbiofilm formation, without affecting the microbial population but interfering with its structure by reducing the biochemical content of biofilm matrix.

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (24) ◽  
pp. 2186-2191
Author(s):  
Lialyz Soares Pereira André ◽  
Renata Freire Alves Pereira ◽  
Felipe Ramos Pinheiro ◽  
Aislan Cristina Rheder Fagundes Pascoal ◽  
Vitor Francisco Ferreira ◽  
...  

Background: Resistance to antimicrobial agents is a major public health problem, being Staphylococcus aureus prevalent in infections in hospital and community environments and, admittedly, related to biofilm formation in biotic and abiotic surfaces. Biofilms form a complex and structured community of microorganisms surrounded by an extracellular matrix adhering to each other and to a surface that gives them even more protection from and resistance against the action of antimicrobial agents, as well as against host defenses. Methods: Aiming to control and solve these problems, our study sought to evaluate the action of 1,2,3- triazoles against a Staphylococcus aureus isolate in planktonic and in the biofilm form, evaluating the activity of this triazole through Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) tests. We have also performed cytotoxic evaluation and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the biofilms under the treatment of the compound. The 1,2,3-triazole DAN 49 showed bacteriostatic and bactericidal activity (MIC and MBC 128 μg/mL). In addition, its presence interfered with the biofilm formation stage (1/2 MIC, p <0.000001) and demonstrated an effect on young preformed biofilm (2 MICs, p <0.05). Results: Scanning Electron Microscopy images showed a reduction in the cell population and the appearance of deformations on the surface of some bacteria in the biofilm under treatment with the compound. Conclusion: Therefore, it was possible to conclude the promising anti-biofilm potential of 1,2,3-triazole, demonstrating the importance of the synthesis of new compounds with biological activity.


Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Michela Relucenti ◽  
Giuseppe Familiari ◽  
Orlando Donfrancesco ◽  
Maurizio Taurino ◽  
Xiaobo Li ◽  
...  

Several imaging methodologies have been used in biofilm studies, contributing to deepening the knowledge on their structure. This review illustrates the most widely used microscopy techniques in biofilm investigations, focusing on traditional and innovative scanning electron microscopy techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), variable pressure SEM (VP-SEM), environmental SEM (ESEM), and the more recent ambiental SEM (ASEM), ending with the cutting edge Cryo-SEM and focused ion beam SEM (FIB SEM), highlighting the pros and cons of several methods with particular emphasis on conventional SEM and VP-SEM. As each technique has its own advantages and disadvantages, the choice of the most appropriate method must be done carefully, based on the specific aim of the study. The evaluation of the drug effects on biofilm requires imaging methods that show the most detailed ultrastructural features of the biofilm. In this kind of research, the use of scanning electron microscopy with customized protocols such as osmium tetroxide (OsO4), ruthenium red (RR), tannic acid (TA) staining, and ionic liquid (IL) treatment is unrivalled for its image quality, magnification, resolution, minimal sample loss, and actual sample structure preservation. The combined use of innovative SEM protocols and 3-D image analysis software will allow for quantitative data from SEM images to be extracted; in this way, data from images of samples that have undergone different antibiofilm treatments can be compared.


2019 ◽  
Vol 67 (10) ◽  
pp. 1708
Author(s):  
Dipankar Das ◽  
Harsha Bhattacharjee ◽  
Krishna Gogoi ◽  
JayantaK Das ◽  
Puneet Misra ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 154 (2) ◽  
pp. 257-263
Author(s):  
Mateusz Rybak ◽  
Łukasz Peszek ◽  
Anita Poradowska

Background and aims – Hustedt (1942) originally described Gomphosphenia tackei from Germany under the name Gomphonema tackei. Because of the small cell size and the lack of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images from the type material, it is often confused with other species from this genus, especially with G. stoermeri. The aim of this paper was to present detailed morphological characteristics of G. tackei based on the analysis of the type material and of several epizoic populations from Central Europe. Material and methods – The material in this study was collected from the shells of the freshwater snails Lymnaea stagnalis, Planorbarius corneus, and Planorbis planorbis. Additionally, for an unambiguous species identification, the type material for Gomphosphenia tackei was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopes.Key results – The presence of Gomphosphenia tackei was confirmed in the studied material. The largest population (up to 19%) was recorded on the shell surfaces of living snails, whereas on empty shells, the diatom did not seem to be present or only in very low numbers. Valves are typically clavate with rounded apices. Valves are frequently observed in girdle view, often joint together in pairs. The valves in the studied populations had a valve length of 7–29 µm, a valve width of 3–4 µm, and a stria density of 25–29 striae in 10 µm. In the type population, valve length ranged from 7.5 to 27 µm with a valve width of 3.0–4.0 µm and a stria density of 23–29 striae per 10 µm. Striae were composed of 2–4 elongated to rounded areolae per stria. At the apices, the striae were composed of one single areola. The cells were attached to the substratum by their footpole.Conclusion – Published illustrations of Gomphosphenia tackei do not always correctly represent this species. Individual cells are attached to the substratum by secreted mucilage, probably via their areolae or girdle band pores located on the footpole.


Author(s):  
Debbie G. Jones ◽  
Albert P. Pisano

A novel fabrication process is presented to create ultra thick ferromagnetic structures in silicon. The structures are fabricated by electroforming NiFe into silicon templates patterned with deep reactive ion etching (DRIE). Thin films are deposited into photoresist molds for characterization of an electroplating cell. Results show that electroplated films with a saturation magnetization above 1.6 tesla and compositions of approximately 50/50 NiFe can be obtained through agitation of the electrolyte. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that NiFe structures embedded in a 500 μm thick silicon wafer are realized and the roughening of the mold sidewalls during the DRIE aids in adhesion of the NiFe to the silicon.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (7) ◽  
pp. 3773-3778
Author(s):  
Keon-Young Kim ◽  
Se-Min Jeong ◽  
Chang-Yull Lee

This paper proposes a new mechanism for detecting microscopic damage of structures based on imitating the sensory organs of spiders. Therefore, it is essential to manufacture sensors that can react sensitively to the micro deformations of structures. Numerous cracks were intentionally generated to improve the sensitivity of the proposed sensor, and an increase in the gap of the crack was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Electrohydrodynamic technology is used to detect deformations in a structure of depositing Ag nano paste on a polyethylene terephtha-late (PET) substrate. Ag nano lines are also observed by SEM images. The sensor is constructed as a grid structure, by forming layers patterned horizontally and vertically. An impact tester is used to verify the mechanism for structural health monitoring using the developed sensor. The resistance changes of the sensors are applied to estimate the structure’s damaged location. The intersections of the lines with varying resistance can be used to accurately detect crack initiation. The proposed mechanism is a powerful methodology for estimating and detecting microscopic deformations and damage to structures.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Masaaki Minami ◽  
Hiroshi Takase ◽  
Masayo Taira ◽  
Toshiaki Makino

Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium that causes dental plaques, forms a biofilm on tooth surfaces. This biofilm can cause gingivitis by stimulating the gingival margin. However, there is no established treatment for biofilm removal. Hainosan (Painongsan), a traditional Japanese Kampo formula, has been used to treat gingivitis. Therefore, we investigated the biofilm suppressive effects of the hainosan extract (HNS) and its components on S. mutans. We conducted scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser microscopy analyses to clarify the anti-biofilm activities of HNS and its crude drugs. We also performed a quantitative RT-PCR assay to assess the biofilm-related gene expression. HNS showed a significant dose-dependent suppressive effect on biofilm formation. Both the scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser microscopy analyses also revealed the significant inhibitory effects of the extract on biofilm formation. Transmission electron microscopy analysis showed that HNS disrupted the surface of the bacterial wall. Furthermore, HNS reduced the hydrophobicity of the bacteria, and suppressed the mRNA expression of β-glucosyltransferase (gtfB), glucosyltransferase-SI (gtfC), and fructosyltransferase (ftf). Among the constituents of hainosan, the extract of the root of Platycodon grandiflorum (PG) showed the strongest biofilm suppression effect. Platycodin D, one of the constituent natural compounds of PG, inhibited S. mutans-associated biofilm. These findings indicate that hainosan eliminates dental plaques by suppressing biofilm formation by S. mutans.


2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (24) ◽  
pp. 2050249
Author(s):  
L. Yoosefi ◽  
V. Setoodeh

High sensitivity and response ratio of magnetoimpedance (MI) sensors have raised interest for using them in different environments for detection of weak magnetic fields of magnetic elements even though the high dependence of the MI response to the surface condition of the MI sensor has limited its application in some environments. In this study, we investigate the effects originating from the MI measurement in moisturized air. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, it is observed that the surface of an Fe-based MI sensor has become rough and granular after the presence of moisture on its surface. Results can be useful for developing MI sensors for use in different environmental conditions.


2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shalini Kulandaivalu ◽  
Zulkarnain Zainal ◽  
Yusran Sulaiman

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxyhiophene) (PEDOT), polyaniline (PANI), and polypyrrole (PPy) were prepared on indium tin oxide (ITO) substrate via potentiostatic from aqueous solutions containing monomer and lithium perchlorate. The concentration of monomers was varied between 1 and 10 mM. The effects of monomer concentration on the polymers formation were investigated and compared by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements. FTIR and Raman spectra showed no changes in the peaks upon the increment of the concentration. Based on the SEM images, the increment in monomer concentration gives significant effect on morphologies and eventually affects the electrochemical properties. PEDOT electrodeposited from 10 mM solution showed excellent electrochemical properties with the highest specific capacitance value of 12.8 mF/cm2.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1779 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Naber ◽  
Florian Kleiner ◽  
Franz Becker ◽  
Long Nguyen-Tuan ◽  
Christiane Rößler ◽  
...  

A new method for the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) surface relaxivity calibration in hydrated cement samples is proposed. This method relies on a combined analysis of 28-d hydrated tricalcium silicate samples by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image analysis and 1H-time-domain (TD)-NMR relaxometry. Pore surface and volume data for interhydrate pores are obtained from high resolution SEM images on surfaces obtained by argon broad ion beam sectioning. These data are combined with T2 relaxation times from 1H-TD-NMR to calculate the systems surface relaxivity according to the fast exchange model of relaxation. This new method is compared to an alternative method that employs sequential drying to calibrate the systems surface relaxivity.


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