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The high mortality rate of candidemia and the limited option for the treatment of Candida spp. infection have been driving the search for new molecules with antifungal property. In this context, coordination complexes of metal ions and ligands appear to be important. Therefore, this study aimed to synthesize two new copper(II) complexes with 2-thiouracil and 6-methyl-2-thiouracil ligands and to evaluate their mutagenic potential and antifungal activity against Candida. The complexes were synthesized and characterized by infrared vibrational spectroscopy, CHN elemental analysis, UV-Vis experiments and ESI-HRMS spectrometry studies. The antifungal activity was evaluated by broth microdilution against 21 clinical isolates of Candida species. The mutagenic potential was evaluated by the Ames test. The complexes were Cu(Bipy)Cl2(thiouracil) (Complex 1) and Cu(Bipy)Cl2(6-methylthiouracil) (Complex 2). Complex 1 showed fungicidal and fungistatic activities against all isolates. Furthermore, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) from 31 to 125 µg/mL and inhibition percentage of 9.9% against the biofilms of C. krusei and C. glabrata were demonstrated. At the concentrations tested, complex 1 exhibited no mutagenic potential. Complex 2 and the free ligands exhibited no antifungal activity at the concentrations evaluated. Since complex 1 presented antifungal activity against all the tested isolates and no mutagenic potential, it could be proposed as a potential new drug for anti-Candida therapy.

Use of groundwater from private wells in households has increased considerably, owing to a better cost/benefit ratio than that of water provided by local utilities for a fee. However, this water is usually untreated, which makes it a vehicle for diseases. Thus, monitoring this water is necessary to ensure its integrity and quality. We aimed to evaluate the physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters of untreated groundwater drawn from different types of wells, and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of the bacteria isolated from this water. Wellwater samples were collected in two Brazilian cities. Although physical and chemical parameters of the water were suitable for drinking, Escherichia coli was detected in 33% of the samples. E. coli contaminated 65% of dug wells and 10.25% of drilled wells. Many bacteria isolated were resistant to multiple antibacterial agents, including β-lactams. Microbial contamination of this water was related to the well depth, and was more common in dug wells, making this water unfit for human consumption. Consumption of such contaminated and untreated water is a public health concern. Thus, individuals who regularly use such water must be alerted so they may either take preventive measures or connect to the water distribution system operated by local utilities.

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Typha domingensis (Cattail) fiber is a significant natural resource, abundant in cellulose. The study reports the useful utilization of T. domingensis fiber for physicochemical impregnation of silver nanoparticles and benzalkonium chloride, in the development of a material with antimicrobial activity. The fibers were pre‐treated with alkaline hydrogen peroxide (bleaching) for partial removal of lignin, pectin and waxes. Subsequently treated in a solution of different concentrations of benzalkonium chloride and Tollens' reagent. The new materials obtained were carefully investigated for their structure and thermal stability, morphology and susceptibility to antimicrobials (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimuruim, and Salmonella enteritidis). Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the presence of benzalkonium chloride. The morphology analysis showed the silver nanoparticles on the surface of the bleached fibers. The susceptibility profile to antimicrobials was confirmed by the formation of inhibition halos (≅11.26 mm). Based on the properties of the materials obtained, it can be concluded that the modified cattail fibers have the potential to be used as a functional filler, or coating, in the development of antimicrobial composites.