Aim: The present study aimed to formulate novel cremophore-decorated chitosan nanoparticles of colistin, integrated with Siwa propolis extract, to solve bacterial resistance to colistin. Materials & methods: The novel nanoformula was prepared using an incorporation method. Physicochemical assessment and in vivo studies of the selected nanoformulations were performed. Results: The nanoformulation exhibited a nanosize of 48.3 nm, high ζ potential (43.6 mV), high entrapment efficiency (75%) and complete bacterial growth eradication within 2 h (minimum inhibitory concentration = 6.25 μg/ml). Histological examination showed that incorporation of colistin into the nanoformulation could successfully prevent its nephrotoxicity. Conclusion: Tailoring of proper nanocarrier could successfully revert bacteria from being colistin-resistant to colistin-sensitive. The developed nanoformulation can be considered as a potential antibacterial agent in pneumonia treatment.
Aim: To investigate the prospective anti COVID-19 activity of Egyptian propolis. Material & methods: Propolis samples were collected from different Egyptian geographical areas and characterized using standardized methods, scanning electron microscope and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry along with computational modeling to predict the anti-COVID-19 activity. Results & conclusion: Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of Menoufia propolis proved the presence of Octatriacontyl pentafluoropropionate (4.2%). Docking analyses declared that Octatriacontyl pentafluoropropionate is well oriented inside the enzyme pockets, in addition to excellent binding manner with the active site of the target macromolecules (RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, Spike protein S1 and main protease) in relation to some broad-spectrum antiviral agents. Menoufia propolis could be a promising candidate in the combat against the pandemic COVID-19.
Healthcare textiles are gaining great attention in the textile industry. Electrospun nanofibers are considered the golden soldiers due to their strength, flexibility, and eco-friendly properties. The present study aimed to evaluate the potency of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofibers loaded with newly biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) as a wound healing dressing. Chocolate-band snail (Eobania vermiculata) mucus (which is part of the Mollusca defense system) was used as a novel reducing and stabilizing agent. Data indicated the effectiveness of Eobania vermiculata’s mucus in silver nanoparticle synthesis after a 24 h incubation time. The biosynthesized AgNPs-SM showed a 13.15 nm particle size, −22.5 mV ζ potential, and 0.37 PDI, which proved the stability of the synthesized nanoparticles. Eobania vermiculata mucus and AgNPs-SM showed potent antibacterial activity, especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The electrospinning technique was applied in the fabrication of PVA/AgNPs-SM nanofibers, which were homogenous with a fine diameter of about 100–170 nm and showed a significantly high antimicrobial activity. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that PVA/AgNPs-SM nanofibers were safe and efficiently enhanced the wound healing process (typical histological picture of the proliferative phase with compact and well aligned collagen fibers in the dermal tissue after 12 days) together with bacterial growth inhibition in the infected skin area.
Background and aim In vitro activity evaluation of Egyptian Olea europaea leaves extracts, and in vivo healing activity assessment of the newly prepared ointment of Olea europaea leaves extracts mingled with Shea butter. Experimental procedure Different extraction methods and solvents were used to extract Egyptian Olea europaea bioactive agent(s). Antibacterial, scavenging activity and in-vivo evaluation of wound repair potentiality of Olea europaea extract were examined in normal and diabetic experimental rat models with induced circular excisions. Results and conclusion Olive leaves extract of Tanta was selected as the most active agent against Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), with MIC value 15.6 μg/ml. Moreover, checkerboard dilution technique approved that the interaction between Tanta LEM crude extract and Ciprofloxacin was synergistic. Scavenging activity of the extract against DPPH free radicals was 87.55% at concentration of 50 μg/ml. In vivo normal and diabetic experimental rats treated with Shea butter: Tanta LEM extract (1:3 w/v) showed the maximum wound contraction and healing activity.
Ultra-small gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs) “≤ 10 nm diameters” have potent biomedical applications. Hence, the present study aimed to greenly synthesize ultra-small gold nanoparticles using Egyptian propolis extract. Different biological activities, in vivo bio-distribution and acute toxicity study were assessed. Results revealed that, Egyptian propolis extract can successfully synthesize the highly pure and stable ultra-small Au-NPs with average diameter 7.8 nm. In vitro antimicrobial and antimycobacterial activities revealed the powerful effect of the prepared Au-NPs. Moreover, the cytotoxic effect on human cancer cell lines revealed the potent inhibition of the cancer cells’ proliferation with high reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis induction. In vivo bio-distribution and acute toxicity studies were performed (10 and 100 mg/kg doses) in male albino rats. The ultra-small Au-NPs showed low or no toxicity upon using the Au-NPs low dose. The mean area accumulation (%) of the Au-NPs was higher in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues (4.41, 2.96, and 0.3 times, respectively) treated with high Au-NPs dosage compared to those treated with the low dose. Surprisingly, Au-NP accumulation in brain tissue was observed in the glial cells only. Accordingly, the low dose (10 mg/kg) of Au-NPs can be used safely in a variety of biomedical applications.
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