Among living organisms, higher animals primarily use a combination of vocal and non-verbal cues for communication. In other species, however, chemical signaling holds a central role. The chemical and biological activity of the molecules produced by the organisms themselves and the existence of receptors/targeting sites that allow recognition of such molecules leads to various forms of responses by the producer and recipient organisms and is a fundamental principle of such communication. Chemical language can be used to coordinate processes within one species or between species. Chemical signals are thus information for other organisms, potentially inducing modification of their behavior. Additionally, this conversation is influenced by the external environment in which organisms are found. This review presents examples of chemical communication among microorganisms, between microorganisms and plants, and between microorganisms and animals. The mechanisms and physiological importance of this communication are described. Chemical interactions can be both cooperative and antagonistic. Microbial chemical signals usually ensure the formation of the most advantageous population phenotype or the disadvantage of a competitive species in the environment. Between microorganisms and plants, we find symbiotic (e.g., in the root system) and parasitic relationships. Similarly, mutually beneficial relationships are established between microorganisms and animals (e.g., gastrointestinal tract), but microorganisms also invade and disrupt the immune and nervous systems of animals.
- Klíčová slova
- animals, chemical conversation, interspecies communication, microorganisms, plants, signaling molecules,
- MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- rostliny * chemie metabolismus MeSH
- signální transdukce MeSH
- symbióza MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are excellent antimicrobial agents and promising candidates for preventing or treating bacterial infections caused by antibiotic resistant strains. However, their increasing use in commercial products raises concerns about their environmental impact. In addition, traditional physicochemical approaches often involve harmful agents and excessive energy consumption, resulting in AgNPs with short-term colloidal stability and silver ion leaching. To address these issues, we designed stable hybrid lignin-silver nanoparticles (AgLigNPs) intended to effectively hit bacterial envelopes as a main antimicrobial target. The lignin nanoparticles (LigNPs), serving as a reducing and stabilizing agent for AgNPs, have a median size of 256 nm and a circularity of 0.985. These LigNPs were prepared using the dialysis solvent exchange method, producing spherical particles stable under alkaline conditions and featuring reducing groups oriented toward a wrinkled surface, facilitating AgNPs synthesis and attachment. Maximum accumulation of silver on the LigNP surface was observed at a mass reaction ratio mAg:mLig of 0.25, at pH 11. The AgLigNPs completely inhibited suspension growth and reduced biofilm development by 50% in three tested strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa at a concentration of 80/9.5 (lignin/silver) mg L-1. Compared to unattached AgNPs, AgLigNPs required two to eight times lower silver concentrations to achieve complete inhibition. Additionally, our silver-containing nanosystems were effective against bacteria at safe concentrations in HEK-293 and HaCaT tissue cultures. Stability experiments revealed that the nanosystems tend to aggregate in media used for bacterial cell cultures but remain stable in media used for tissue cultures. In all tested media, the nanoparticles retained their integrity, and the presence of lignin facilitated the prevention of silver ions from leaching. Overall, our data demonstrate the suitability of AgLigNPs for further valorization in the biomedical sector.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Marine fouling poses significant challenges to the efficiency and longevity of marine engineering equipment. To address this issue, developing effective marine antifouling coatings is critical to ensure the economic viability, environmental sustainability, and safety of offshore operations. In this study, we developed an innovative green antifouling and wear-resistant coating based on lignin, a renewable and sustainable resource. Lignin is considered environmentally friendly because it is abundant, biodegradable, and reduces reliance on petroleum-based materials. The coating was formulated with a controlled hydrophilic-to-hydrophobic ratio of 2:8, leveraging lignin's unique properties. Applying lignin increased the water contact angle by 14.5 %, improving surface hydrophobicity and contributing to the coating's antifouling efficacy. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the coating was enhanced by approximately 200 %, significantly boosting its durability in harsh marine environments. Additionally, the friction coefficient was reduced by about 85 %, further preventing organism adhesion. These results demonstrate that lignin-based coatings offer a greener alternative to traditional antifouling solutions. The results of this study not only help advance antifouling coating technology but are also consistent with the broader goal of promoting environmental responsibility in marine engineering practice.
- Klíčová slova
- Antifouling, Coating, Lignin, Polyurethane,
- MeSH
- aceton * chemie MeSH
- bioznečištění * prevence a kontrola MeSH
- hydrofobní a hydrofilní interakce * MeSH
- lignin * chemie MeSH
- povrchové vlastnosti MeSH
- rozpouštědla chemie MeSH
- rozpustnost MeSH
- technologie zelené chemie metody MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- aceton * MeSH
- lignin * MeSH
- rozpouštědla MeSH
The escalating antibiotic resistance observed in bacteria poses a significant threat to society, with the global prevalence of resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the rise. Addressing this challenge necessitates exploring strategies that would complement existing antimicrobial agents, e.g. by substances mitigating bacterial virulence without eliciting selective pressure for resistance emergence. In this respect, free-form chitosan has demonstrated promising efficacy, prompting our investigation into reinforcing its effects through nanoparticle formulations. Our study focuses on the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles under suitable conditions while emphasizing the challenges associated with stability that can affect biological activity. These challenges are mitigated by introducing quaternized chitosan, which ensures colloidal stability in the culture media. Our approach led to the production of trimethylchitosan nanoparticles with a median size of 103 nm, circularity of 0.967, and a charge of 14.9 ± 3.1 mV, stable within a one-month period in a water stock solution, showing promising attributes for further valorization. Furthermore, the study delves into the antimicrobial activity of trimethylchitosan nanoparticles on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and confirms the benefits of both nanoformulation and modification of chitosan, as our prepared nanoparticles inhibit 50% of the bacterial population at concentration ≥160 mg L-1 within tested strains. Additionally, we identified a concentration of 5 mg L-1 that no longer impedes bacterial growth, allowing reliable verification of the effect of the prepared nanoparticles on Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factors, including motility, protease activity, hemolytic activity, rhamnolipids, pyocyanin, and biofilm production. Although trimethylchitosan nanoparticles exhibit promise as an effective antibiofilm agent (reducing biofilm development by 50% at concentrations ranging from 80 to 160 mg L-1) their impact on virulence manifestation is likely not directly associated with quorum sensing. Instead, it can probably be attributed to non-specific interactions with the bacterial surface. This exploration provides valuable insights into the potential of quaternized chitosan nanoparticles in addressing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and underscores the multifaceted nature of their antimicrobial effects.
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
Metal nanoparticle synthesis via environmentally friendly methods is gaining interest for their potential advantages over conventional physico-chemical approaches. Herein, we propose a robust green synthesis route for lignin-modified silver nanoparticles, utilizing the recovery of lignin as a renewable raw material and exploring its application in valuable areas. Through a systematic approach combining UV-Vis spectroscopy with AAS and DLS, we identified repeatable and scalable reaction conditions in an aqueous solution at pH 11 for homogeneous silver nanoparticles with high uniformity. The TEM median sizes ranged from 12 to 15 nm with circularity between 0.985 and 0.993. The silver nanoparticles yield exceeded 0.010 mol L-1, comparable with traditional physico-chemical methods, with a minimal loss of silver precursor ranging between 0.5 and 3.9%. Characterization by XRD and XPS revealed the presence of Ag-O bonding involving lignin functional groups on the pure face-centered cubic structure of metallic silver. Moreover, the lignin-modified silver nanoparticles generated a localized thermal effect upon near-infrared laser irradiation (808 nm), potentially allowing for targeted applications in the biomedical field. Our study showcases the potential of lignin as a renewable reducing and capping agent for silver nanoparticle synthesis, addressing some shortcomings of green synthesis approaches and contributing to the development of suitable nanomaterials.
- Klíčová slova
- green synthesis, lignin-silver nanoparticles, plasmon resonance,
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
This research paper presents a novel approach to the green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using viticultural waste, allowing to obtain NP dispersions with distinct properties and morphologies (monodisperse and polydisperse AgNPs, referred to as mAgNPs and pAgNPs) and to compare their biological activities. Our synthesis method utilized the ethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera pruning residues, resulting in the production of mAgNPs and pAgNPs with average sizes of 12 ± 5 nm and 19 ± 14 nm, respectively. Both these AgNPs preparations demonstrated an exceptional stability in terms of size distribution, which was maintained for one year. Antimicrobial testing revealed that both types of AgNPs inhibited either the growth of planktonic cells or the metabolic activity of biofilm sessile cells in Gram-negative bacteria and yeasts. No comparable activity was found towards Gram-positives. Overall, pAgNPs exhibited a higher antimicrobial efficacy compared to their monodisperse counterparts, suggesting that their size and shape may provide a broader spectrum of interactions with target cells. Both AgNP preparations showed no cytotoxicity towards a human keratinocyte cell line. Furthermore, in vivo tests using a silkworm animal model indicated the biocompatibility of the phytosynthesized AgNPs, as they had no adverse effects on insect larvae viability. These findings emphasize the potential of targeted AgNPs synthesized from viticultural waste as environmentally friendly antimicrobial agents with minimal impact on higher organisms.
- Klíčová slova
- Antibiofilm, Antimicrobial, Cytotoxicity, Insect model, Silver nanoparticle, Vitis vinifera,
- MeSH
- antiinfekční látky farmakologie chemie MeSH
- biofilmy účinky léků MeSH
- bourec MeSH
- buněčné linie MeSH
- gramnegativní bakterie účinky léků MeSH
- keratinocyty účinky léků MeSH
- kovové nanočástice * chemie MeSH
- kvasinky účinky léků MeSH
- larva účinky léků MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- mikrobiální testy citlivosti * MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty farmakologie chemie MeSH
- stříbro * farmakologie chemie metabolismus MeSH
- technologie zelené chemie MeSH
- velikost částic MeSH
- viabilita buněk účinky léků MeSH
- Vitis * chemie MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- zvířata MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antiinfekční látky MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty MeSH
- stříbro * MeSH
INTRODUCTION: Candida albicans is a significant human pathogen with the ability to form biofilms, a critical factor in its resistance to antifungal treatments. This study aims to evaluate the antifungal activity and biofilm inhibition potential of Tea Tree Oil (TTO) derived from Melaleuca alternifolia cultivated in Vietnam. METHODS: The antifungal activity of TTO was assessed by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), Minimum Fungicidal Concentration (MFC), Minimum Biofilm Inhibitory Concentration (MBIC), and Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration (MBEC) using broth dilution methods. The experiments were conducted on C. albicans in both planktonic and biofilm states across concentrations ranging from 0.1 μL/mL to 10 μL/mL. RESULTS: TTO demonstrated significant antifungal efficacy, with a MIC of 0.1 μL/mL (∼91.217 μg/mL) and an MFC of 10 μL/mL (∼9121.7 μg/mL). It effectively inhibited biofilm formation with a recorded MBIC of 2 μL/mL (∼1824.34 μg/mL). However, MBEC values were not determinable as the concentrations tested did not achieve the eradication of more than 50% of mature biofilm within the experimental conditions. DISCUSSION: These findings highlight TTO as a promising natural antifungal agent with strong biofilm-inhibitory properties. However, its limited efficacy in eradicating mature biofilms underscores the need for further studies, potentially involving higher concentrations or synergistic combinations with conventional antifungal agents.
The increasing risk of antibiotic failure in the treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is largely related to the production of a wide range of virulence factors. The use of non-thermal plasma (NTP) is a promising alternative to antimicrobial treatment. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of knowledge about the effects of NTP on the virulence factors production. We evaluated the ability of four NTP-affected P. aeruginosa strains to re-form biofilm and produce Las-B elastase, proteases, lipases, haemolysins, gelatinase or pyocyanin. Highly strains-dependent inhibitory activity of NTP against extracellular virulence factors production was observed. Las-B elastase activity was reduced up to 82% after 15-min NTP treatment, protease activity and pyocyanin production by biofilm cells was completely inhibited after 60 min, in contrast to lipases and gelatinase production, which remained unchanged. However, for all strains tested, a notable reduction in biofilm re-development ability was depicted using spinning disc confocal microscopy. In addition, NTP exposure of mature biofilms caused disruption of biofilm cells and their dispersion into the environment, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. This appears to be a key step that could help overcome the high resistance of P. aeruginosa and its eventual elimination, for example in combination with antibiotics still highly effective against planktonic cells.
- Klíčová slova
- antivirulence factors, biofilm disruption, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP), combined therapy, haemolytic activity,
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky farmakologie MeSH
- biofilmy MeSH
- endopeptidasy farmakologie MeSH
- faktory virulence MeSH
- hemolyziny farmakologie MeSH
- lidé MeSH
- pankreatická elastasa MeSH
- plankton MeSH
- plazmové plyny * farmakologie MeSH
- proteasy MeSH
- pseudomonádové infekce * MeSH
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa MeSH
- pyokyanin MeSH
- quorum sensing MeSH
- želatinasy farmakologie MeSH
- Check Tag
- lidé MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antibakteriální látky MeSH
- endopeptidasy MeSH
- faktory virulence MeSH
- hemolyziny MeSH
- pankreatická elastasa MeSH
- plazmové plyny * MeSH
- proteasy MeSH
- pyokyanin MeSH
- želatinasy MeSH
There is a growing interest in the potential and application of metal nanoparticles across many fields. A vast array of techniques for metal nanoparticle synthesis has been discovered; however, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental concerns favor the green biological approach, using various plant and microbial sources. This review describes the diversity in green methods for nanoparticle biosynthesis, antimicrobial properties of metal nanoparticles and their potential applications. Metal nanoparticle biosynthesis by extracts and solutions obtained from plants, bacteria, fungi and templates such as viruses are discussed. As biosynthesized nanoparticles have been proven to possess antibacterial, antifungal, and even antiviral properties, these are discussed in detail, with silver and gold nanoparticles as the most studied and with the highest potential for medical application. The focus on prospective antimicrobial applications of nanoparticles stems from the arising resistance of many serious pathogens to traditional disinfectants and antibiotics. Other fields for the application of biosynthesized nanoparticles are also stated briefly, such as in agriculture as pesticides, in wastewater treatment and bioremediation. Finally, the limitations and safety issues connected with widespread use of nanoparticles are discussed.
- Klíčová slova
- Antimicrobial properties, Green methods, Limitations and safety, Metal nanoparticles biosynthesis, Nanoparticles application,
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky MeSH
- antiinfekční látky * farmakologie MeSH
- kovové nanočástice * MeSH
- prospektivní studie MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty MeSH
- rostliny MeSH
- technologie zelené chemie MeSH
- zlato MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- přehledy MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antibakteriální látky MeSH
- antiinfekční látky * MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty MeSH
- zlato MeSH
Green methods have become vital for sustainable development of the scientific and commercial sphere; however, they can bring new challenges, including the need for detailed characterization and elucidation of efficacy of their products. In this study, green method of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) production was employed using an extract from grapevine canes. The aim of the study was to contribute to the knowledge about biosynthesized AgNPs by focusing on elucidation of their antifungal efficiency based on their size and/or hypothesized synergy with bioactive substances from Vitis vinifera cane extract. The antifungal activity of AgNPs capped and stabilized with bioactive compounds was tested against the opportunistic pathogenic yeast Candida albicans. Two dispersions of nanoparticles with different morphology (characterized by SEM-in-STEM, DLS, UV-Vis, XRD, and AAS) were prepared by modification of reaction conditions suitable for economical production and their long-term stability monitored for six months was confirmed. The aims of the study included the comparison of the antifungal effect against suspension cells and biofilm of small monodisperse AgNPs with narrow size distribution and large polydisperse AgNPs. The hypothesis of synergistic interaction of biologically active molecules from V. vinifera extracts and AgNPs against both cell forms were tested. The interactions of all AgNPs dispersions with the cell surface and changes in cell morphology were imaged using SEM. All variants of AgNPs dispersions were found to be active against suspension and biofilm cells of C. albicans; nevertheless, surprisingly, larger polydisperse AgNPs were found to be more effective. Synergistic action of nanoparticles with biologically active extract compounds was proven for biofilm cells (MBIC80 20 mg/L of polydisperse AgNPs in extract), while isolated nanoparticles suspended in water were more active against suspension cells (MIC 20 mg/L of polydisperse AgNPs dispersed in water). Our results bring new insight into the economical production of AgNPs with defined characteristics, which were proven to target a specific mode of growth of significant pathogen C. albicans.
- MeSH
- antibakteriální látky farmakologie MeSH
- antifungální látky metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- biofilmy MeSH
- Candida albicans metabolismus MeSH
- kovové nanočástice * MeSH
- mikrobiální testy citlivosti MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- stříbro * metabolismus farmakologie MeSH
- voda metabolismus MeSH
- Publikační typ
- časopisecké články MeSH
- práce podpořená grantem MeSH
- Názvy látek
- antibakteriální látky MeSH
- antifungální látky MeSH
- rostlinné extrakty MeSH
- stříbro * MeSH
- voda MeSH
