Ecotoxicological and metabolomic investigation of chronic exposure of Daphnia magna (Straus, 1820) to yttrium environmental concentrations.

In order to estimate the effects on aquatic organisms of long-term exposure to low doses of yttrium (Y) as a potential emerging contaminant, ecotoxicological and metabolomic data were collected on the model organism Daphnia magna, a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems. Following an initial acute toxicity assessment, a 21-day chronic exposure experiment was conducted using a sublethal concentration of 27 μg L⁻¹ of Y, corresponding to the effective concentrations inducing 10 % effect (EC) value for mortality endpoint and simulating the environmental Y level in aquatic systems. Results from the 21-day two-factor experiment combining microcrustacean survival, growth and reproduction bioassays and targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics indicated significant adverse effects of chronic exposure to Y on D.

Extracellular Vesicles from a Biofilm of a Clinical Isolate of Negatively Impact on Adherence and Biofilm Formation.

The opportunistic human fungal pathogen produces and releases into the surrounding medium extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are involved in some processes as communication between fungal cells and host-pathogen interactions during infection. Here, we have conducted the isolation of EVs produced by a clinical isolate of during biofilm formation and proved their effect towards the ability of the Gram-negative bacterial pathogen to adhere to HaCaT cells and form a biofilm in vitro. The results represent the first evidence of an antagonistic action of fungal EVs against bacteria.

and against and Mono- and Polymicrobic Biofilms in In Vitro Static and Dynamic Models.

The present study assesses the in vitro antibiofilm potential activity of extracts of wild and . The active ingredients of the extracts were obtained with a technique named Naviglio (rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction, RSLDE) which is based on an innovative and green solid-liquid extraction methodology. The extracts were tested against models of mono- and polymicrobial biofilm structures of clinically antibiotic-resistant pathogens, ATCC 10031 and ATCC 90028.

Prevention of Biofilm Formation on Soft Contact Lenses by Fermented Extract (BGE) and Cannabinol Oil Extract (CBD).

Two natural mixtures, fermented extract (BGE) and cannabinol oil extract (CBD), were assessed for their ability to inhibit and remove biofilms on soft contact lenses in comparison to a multipurpose Soft Contact Lens-care solution present on the Italian market. (ATCC 9027 strain) and clinical strains isolated from ocular swabs were tested. Quantification of the biofilm was done using the microtiter plate assay and the fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated.

Melittin Inhibition and Eradication Activity for Resistant Polymicrobial Biofilm Isolated from a Dairy Industry after Disinfection.

The emerging concern about the increase of antibiotic resistance and associated biofilm has encouraged scientists to look for alternative antibiotics such as antimicrobial peptides (AMPs). This study evaluated the ability of melittin to act as an antibacterial biofilm inhibitor and biofilm remover considering isolates from dairy industry. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs), minimum biofilm inhibitory concentrations (MBICs), and biofilm removal activities were studied in polymicrobial biofilms produced from isolates.

Protamine-like proteins have bactericidal activity. The first evidence in Mytilus galloprovincialis.

The major acid-soluble protein components of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis sperm chromatin consist of the protamine-like proteins PL-II, PL-III and PL-IV, an intermediate group of sperm nuclear basic proteins between histones and protamines. The aim of this study was to investigate the bactericidal activity of these proteins since, to date, there are reports on bactericidal activity of protamines and histones, but not on protamine-like proteins. We tested the bactericidal activity of these proteins against Gram-positive bacteria: Enterococcus faecalis and two different strains of Staphylococcus aureus, as well as Gram-negative bacteria: Proteus mirabilis, Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhmurium, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae, and Escherichia coli.

Efficiency of gold nanoparticles coated with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin against biofilm formation and development of spp. clinical isolates.

Background: This article examines the use of a novel nano-system, gold nanoparticles coated with indolicidin (AuNPs-indolicidin), against pathogenic biofilms. species cause frequent infections owing to their ability to form biofilms, primarily on implant devices.

Materials And Methods: We used an integrated approach, evaluating the effect of AuNPs-indolicidin on prevention and eradication of biofilms formed in multi-well polystyrene plates, with relative gene expression assays.

Ecotoxicological survey of MNEI and Y65R-MNEI proteins as new potential high-intensity sweeteners.

Low-calorie sweeteners are widespread. They are routinely introduced into commonly consumed food such as diet sodas, cereals, and sugar-free desserts. Recent data revealed the presence in considerable quantities of some of these artificial sweeteners in water samples qualifying them as a class of potential new emerging contaminants.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Swimming Pool Water: Evidences and Perspectives for a New Control Strategy.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is frequently isolated in swimming pool settings. Nine recreational and rehabilitative swimming pools were monitored according to the local legislation. The presence of P.

An integrated study on antimicrobial activity and ecotoxicity of quantum dots and quantum dots coated with the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin.

This study attempts to evaluate the antimicrobial activity and the ecotoxicity of quantum dots (QDs) alone and coated with indolicidin. To meet this objective, we tested the level of antimicrobial activity on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, and we designed an ecotoxicological battery of test systems and indicators able to detect different effects using a variety of end points. The antibacterial activity was analyzed against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 1025), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11229), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 10031), and the results showed an improved germicidal action of QDs-Ind.

Integrated analysis of the ecotoxicological and genotoxic effects of the antimicrobial peptide melittin on Daphnia magna and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.

Melittin is a major constituent of the bee venom of Apis mellifera with a broad spectrum of activities. Melittin therapeutical potential is subject to its toxicity and the assessment of ecotoxicity and genotoxicity is of particular interest for therapeutic use. Here we analyzed the biological effects of melittin on two aquatic species, which are representative of two different levels of the aquatic trophic chain: the invertebrate Daphnia magna and the unicellular microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.