scholarly journals Elastic Nanofibrous Membranes for Medical and Personal Protection Applications: Manufacturing, Anti-COVID-19, and Anti-Colistin Resistant Bacteria Evaluation

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (22) ◽  
pp. 3987
Author(s):  
Latifah Abdullah Alshabanah ◽  
Nada Omran ◽  
Bassma H. Elwakil ◽  
Moaaz T. Hamed ◽  
Salwa M. Abdallah ◽  
...  

Herein, in the present work two series of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) nanofibers were manufactured using the electrospinning techniques with ZnO and CuO nanoparticles for a potential use as an elastic functional layer in antimicrobial applications. Percentages of 0%, 2 wt%, and 4 wt% of the nanoparticles were used. The morphological characterization of the electrospun TPU and TPU/NPs composites nanofibers were observed by using scanning electron microscopy to show the average fiber diameter and it was in the range of 90–150 nm with a significant impact of the nanoparticle type. Mechanical characterization showed that TPU nanofiber membranes exhibit excellent mechanical properties with ultra-high elastic properties. Elongation at break reached up to 92.5%. The assessment of the developed nanofiber membranes for medical and personal protection applications was done against various colistin resistant bacterial strains and the results showed an increment activity by increasing the metal oxide concentration up to 83% reduction rate by using TPU/ZnO 4% nanofibers against K. pneumoniae strain 10. The bacterial growth was completely eradicated after 8 and 16 h incubation with TPU/ZnO and TPU/CuO nanofibers, respectively. The nanofibers SEM study reveals the adsorption of the bacterial cells on the metal oxides nanofibers surface which led to cell lysis and releasing of their content. Finally, in vitro study against Spike S-protein from SARS-CoV-2 was also evaluated to investigate the potent effectiveness of the proposed nanofibers in the virus deactivation. The results showed that the metal oxide concentration is an effective factor in the antiviral activity due to the observed pattern of increasing the antibacterial and antiviral activity by increasing the metal oxide concentration; however, TPU/ZnO nanofibers showed a potent antiviral activity in relation to TPU/CuO.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stéphane Pont ◽  
Nathan Fraikin ◽  
Yvan Caspar ◽  
Laurence Van Melderen ◽  
Ina Attrée ◽  
...  

AbstractsBacterial bloodstream infections (BSI) are a major health concern and can cause up to 40% mortality. Pseudomonas aeruginosa BSI is often of nosocomial origin and is associated with a particularly poor prognosis. The mechanism of bacterial persistence in blood is still largely unknown. Here, we analyzed the behavior of a cohort of clinical and laboratory Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in human blood. In this specific environment, complement was the main defensive mechanism, acting either by direct bacterial lysis or by opsonophagocytosis, which required recognition by immune cells. We found highly variable survival rates for different strains in blood, whatever their origin, serotype, or the nature of their secreted toxins and despite their detection by immune cells. We identified and characterized a complement-tolerant subpopulation of bacterial cells that we named “evaders”. Evaders represented 0.1-0.001% of the initial bacterial load and displayed transient tolerance. Although evaders shared some features with bacterial persisters, which tolerate antibiotic treatment, they appear to have evolved distinct strategies to escape complement. We detected the evaders for five other major human pathogens: Acinetobacter baumannii, Burkholderia multivorans, enteroaggregative Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Yersinia enterocolitica. Thus, the evaders could allow the pathogen to persist within the bloodstream, and may be the cause of fatal bacteremia or dissemination, notably in the absence of effective antibiotic treatments.Author summary for “Complement evaders”Blood infections by antibiotic resistant bacteria, notably Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are major concerns in hospital settings. The complex interplay between P. aeruginosa and the innate immune system in the context of human blood is still poorly understood. By studying the behavior of various P. aeruginosa strains in human whole blood and plasma, we showed that bacterial strains display different rate of tolerance to the complement system. Despite the complement microbicide activity, most bacteria withstand elimination through phenotypic heterogeneity creating a tiny (<0.1%) subpopulation of transiently tolerant evaders. While genetically identical to the rest of the complement-sensitive population, evaders allow the bacteria to persist in plasma. This phenotypic heterogeneity thus prevents total elimination of the pathogen from the circulation, and represent a new strategy to disseminate within the organism.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Asma S. Algebaly ◽  
Afrah E. Mohammed ◽  
Mudawi M. Elobeid

Introduction: Fabrication of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) has recently gained a great concern for their varied applications in remediation technologies of the environment. Objective: The current study aimed to fabricate iron nanoparticles by green technology approach using different plant sources, Azadirachta indica leaf and Calligonum comosum root following two extraction methods. Methods: Currently, a mixture of FeCl2 and FeCl3 was used to react with the plant extracts which are considered as reducing and stabilizing agents for the generation of FeNPs in one step. Different techniques were used for FeNPs identification. Results: Immediately after mixing of the two reaction components, the color changed to dark brown as an indication of safe conversion of Fe ions to FeNPs, that later confirmed by zeta sizer, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). FeNPs fabricated by C. comosum showed smaller size when compared by those fabricated by A. indica. Using both plant sources, FeNPs fabricated by the aqueous extract had smaller size in relation to those fabricated by ethanolic extract. Furthermore, antibacterial ability against two bacterial strains was approved. Conclusion: The current results indicated that, at room temperature plant extracts fabricated Fe ion to Fe nanoparticles, suggesting its probable usage for large scale production as well as its suitability against bacteria. It could also be recommended for antibiotic resistant bacteria.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 2047
Author(s):  
Magda Ferreira ◽  
Maria Ogren ◽  
Joana N. R. Dias ◽  
Marta Silva ◽  
Solange Gil ◽  
...  

Antimicrobial drugs are key tools to prevent and treat bacterial infections. Despite the early success of antibiotics, the current treatment of bacterial infections faces serious challenges due to the emergence and spread of resistant bacteria. Moreover, the decline of research and private investment in new antibiotics further aggravates this antibiotic crisis era. Overcoming the complexity of antimicrobial resistance must go beyond the search of new classes of antibiotics and include the development of alternative solutions. The evolution of nanomedicine has allowed the design of new drug delivery systems with improved therapeutic index for the incorporated compounds. One of the most promising strategies is their association to lipid-based delivery (nano)systems. A drug’s encapsulation in liposomes has been demonstrated to increase its accumulation at the infection site, minimizing drug toxicity and protecting the antibiotic from peripheral degradation. In addition, liposomes may be designed to fuse with bacterial cells, holding the potential to overcome antimicrobial resistance and biofilm formation and constituting a promising solution for the treatment of potential fatal multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In this review, we aim to address the applicability of antibiotic encapsulated liposomes as an effective therapeutic strategy for bacterial infections.


Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 166
Author(s):  
Aswathi Soni ◽  
Jonghyun Choi ◽  
Gale Brightwell

Plasma-activated water (PAW) is generated by treating water with cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) using controllable parameters, such as plasma-forming voltage, carrier gas, temperature, pulses, or frequency as required. PAW is reported to have lower pH, higher conductivity, and higher oxygen reduction potential when compared with untreated water due to the presence of reactive species. PAW has received significant attention from researchers over the last decade due to its non-thermal and non-toxic mode of action especially for bacterial inactivation. The objective of the current review is to develop a summary of the effect of PAW on bacterial strains in foods as well as model systems such as buffers, with a specific focus on fruit and vegetables. The review elaborated the properties of PAW, the effect of various treatment parameters on its efficiency in bacterial inactivation along with its usage as a standalone technology as well as a hurdle approach with mild thermal treatments. A section highlighting different models that can be employed to generate PAW alongside a direct comparison of the PAW characteristics on the inactivation potential and the existing research gaps are also included. The mechanism of action of PAW on the bacterial cells and any reported effects on the sensory qualities and shelf life of food has been evaluated. Based on the literature, it can be concluded that PAW offers a significant potential as a non-chemical and non-thermal intervention for bacterial inactivation, especially on food. However, the applicability and usage of PAW depend on the effect of environmental and bacterial strain-based conditions and cost-effectiveness.


Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 311
Author(s):  
Chen Chen ◽  
Weili Hong

Due to the inappropriate use and overuse of antibiotics, the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria are increasing and have become a major threat to human health. A key factor in the treatment of bacterial infections and slowing down the emergence of antibiotic resistance is to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of infecting bacteria rapidly to prescribe appropriate drugs and reduce the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Current phenotypic AST methods based on the detection of bacterial growth are generally reliable but are too slow. There is an urgent need for new methods that can perform AST rapidly. Bacterial metabolism is a fast process, as bacterial cells double about every 20 to 30 min for fast-growing species. Moreover, bacterial metabolism has shown to be related to drug resistance, so a comparison of differences in microbial metabolic processes in the presence or absence of antimicrobials provides an alternative approach to traditional culture for faster AST. In this review, we summarize recent developments in rapid AST methods through metabolic profiling of bacteria under antibiotic treatment.


Author(s):  
Trâm Quế Anh

TÓM TẮT Đặt vấn đề: Xác định đúng căn nguyên gây NKĐTN và mức độ kháng kháng sinh của các vi khuẩn sẽ giúp cho việc điều trị có hiệu quả, giảm được chi phí điều trị, hạn chế sự gia tăng vi khuẩn đề kháng kháng sinh. Đối tượng và phương pháp nghiên cứu: Các chủng VK gây nhiễm khuẩn đương tiết niệu phân lập được tại bệnh viện Hữu nghị Đa khoa Nghệ An từ 1/2020 đến 12/2020. Thiết kế nghiên cứu: Cắt ngang mô tả. Kết quả: Phân lập được 473 chủng vi khuẩn gây NKĐTN, trong đó, E. coli 38,48%; P. aeruginosa 14,15; Enterococcus sp 10,57; K. pneumoniae 13,32%. E. coli: kháng các kháng sinh Cephalosporine, Quinolones từ 56,7 - 63,8%, Carbapenem 4,5 - 6,2%, sinh ESBL 49,4%. P. aeruginosa: đã kháng các kháng sinh thử nghiệm từ 59,1 - 69,2%. Enterococcus sp: kháng với các kháng sinh nhóm Quinolone 73,5%, kháng Vancomycin 8,3%; Chưa ghi nhận đề kháng Linezolid. K. pneumoniae: kháng nhóm Cephalosporin, Quinolone từ 66,7 - 74,6%, đề kháng với Carbapenem từ 46,0 - 50,8%. Kết luận: Các vi khuẩn gây nhiễm khuẩn tiết niệu thường gặp là: E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Enterococcus sp. K. pneumoniae. Các vi khuẩn phân lập được đã đề kháng với nhiều kháng sinh thường dùng với các mức độ khác nhau. Xuất hiện các chủng vi khuẩn Gram âm kháng Carbapenem, Gram dương kháng Vancomycin. Từ khóa: Nhiễm khuẩn tiết niệu, E.coli, Klebsiella, P.aeruginosa, Enterococcus sp ABSTRACT RESEARCH OF ANTIBIOTICS RESISTANCE OF BACTERIA STRAINS CAUSING URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS ISOLATED AT NGHEAN FRIENDSHIP GENERAL HOSPITAL Background: The good identification of UTI microorganism and their antimicrobial susceptibility would promote the effective treatment, reduce the cost as well as the emergence of drug resistant bacteria. Methods: Bacterial strains causing urinary tract infections were isolated at Nghe An Friendship General Hospital from 1/2020 to 12/2020. Study design: Descriptive cross section. Results: 473 bacterial strains causing UTIs were isolated, in which, E. coli 38.48%; P. aeruginosa 14.15; Enterococcus sp 10.57; K. pneumoniae 13.32%. E. coli: resistant to Cephalosporin antibiotics, Quinolones from 56.7 - 63.8%, Carbapenem 4.5 - 6.2%, producing ESBL 49.4%. P. aeruginosa: was resistant to the tested antibiotics from 59.1 - 69.2%. Enterococcus sp: resistant to Quinolone antibiotics 73.5%, resistant to Vancomycin 8.3%; Linezolid resistance has not been recorded. K. pneumoniae: resistant to Cephalosporin, Quinolone from 66.7 - 74.6%, resistant to Carbapenem from 46.0 - 50.8%. Conclusion: Common bacteria causing urinary tract infections are: E. coli, P. aeruginosa, Enterococcus sp. K. pneumoniae. The isolates were resistant to many commonly used antibiotics to varying degrees. Occurrence of strains of Gram - negative bacteria resistant to Carbapenem, Gram - positive resistant to Vancomycin. Keywords: Urinary Tract infections, E. coli, Klebsiella, P. aeruginosa, Enterococcus sp.


Antibiotics ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kattia Núñez-Montero ◽  
Leticia Barrientos

The recent emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a critical public health problem. It is also a concern for industries, since multidrug-resistant microorganisms affect the production of many agricultural and food products of economic importance. Therefore, discovering new antibiotics is crucial for controlling pathogens in both clinical and industrial spheres. Most antibiotics have resulted from bioprospecting in natural environments. Today, however, the chances of making novel discoveries of bioactive molecules from various well-known sources have dramatically diminished. Consequently, unexplored and unique environments have become more likely avenues for discovering novel antimicrobial metabolites from bacteria. Due to their extreme polar environment, Antarctic bacteria in particular have been reported as a potential source for new antimicrobial compounds. We conducted a narrative review of the literature about findings relating to the production of antimicrobial compounds by Antarctic bacteria, showing how bacterial adaptation to extreme Antarctic conditions confers the ability to produce these compounds. We highlighted the diversity of antibiotic-producing Antarctic microorganisms, including the phyla Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, which has led to the identification of new antibiotic molecules and supports the belief that research on Antarctic bacterial strains has important potential for biotechnology applications, while providing a better understanding of polar ecosystems.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 ◽  
pp. 00103
Author(s):  
Oleg Fomenko ◽  
Evgeny Mikhailov ◽  
Nadezhda Pasko ◽  
Svetlana Grin ◽  
Andrey Koshchaev ◽  
...  

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is considered a serious problem. The resistance of bacteria against antimicrobial substances becomes important in the repair systems for damage to DNA and RNA molecules. The role of the antioxidant system in the development of bacterial resistance against antibiotics is not yet practically studied. The article studied the expression regulation of the genes of antioxidant enzymes and enzymes involved in the genetic information in E. coli cells with the antibiotic resistance against apramycin and cefatoxime. The study was conducted on bacterial cells resistant against these two antibiotics. The genes blaOXA-1, blaSHV, blaTEM, mdtK, aadA1, aadA2, sat, strA, blaCTX, blaPER-2, tnpA, tnpR, intC1 and intC1c were identified in bacterial cell case. This indicates the presence of plasmids in bacteria with these genes, which provide bacterial resistance to apramycin and cefatoxime. It was established that during the formation of cefotaxime resistance, there was a sharp increase in the expression of the Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase gene: in comparison with the control group, the representation of its transcripts increased 141.04 times for cefotoxime and 155.42 times for apramycin. It has been established that during the formation of resistance to the studied antibiotics in E. coli, an increase in the expression of the end4 and end3 genes is observed. There is tendency toward an increase in the number of transcripts of the pol3E gene observed in the formation of resistance against cefotaxime and apromycin.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-52
Author(s):  
Tran Vu Phuong ◽  
Dang Thi Ngoc Thanh ◽  
Cao Ngoc Diep

Antibiotic has frequently been used in the shrimp-farming process in Vietnam. This leads to the status that antibiotic-resistant bacteria and products do not receive in the market. Bacteria had the resistant ability to pathogenic bacteria in water, and they have an important role in sustainable aquaculture. This study aimed to isolate and select good bacterial strains against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, pathogenic bacteria, on shrimp from 8 samples of shrimp pond water at 3 villages Ngu Lac, Phuoc An and Long Toan of Duyen Hai district, Tra Vinh province on NB agar medium. As a result, fifty-nine bacterial isolates were isolated and 10/59 isolates (16.95%) were identified as resistant to Vibrio parahaemolyticus by the well diffusion method. In 10 isolates, there were 7 isolates had good resistance to select for PCR technique and sequencing. The result indicated that these seven strains, including DH1m, DH2f, DH4d, DH8i, DH8m, DH8n, belonged to Bacilli and DH1n strain belonged to Streptomyces sp.


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