Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
4.1
Journals
Microorganisms
Special Issues
Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentials of Plant Extracts, Natural Products and...
share announcement

Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentials of Plant Extracts, Natural Products and Their Formulations

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 October 2025 | Viewed by 10418

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Valentina Puca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Interests: natural antimicrobials; anti-biofilm strategies; bacterial pathogens; anti-microbial resistance; medical microbiology
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Marilisa Pia Dimmito

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy, University “G. d'Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
Interests: antimicrobials; anti-biofilm strategies; drug delivery systems; formulations; lipid-based nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Anti-microbial resistance (AMR) is a global health issue, declared by the World Health Organization as one of the top ten global public health threats facing humanity. The AMR phenomenon is also linked to the capability of microorganisms to live in a polymicrobial community called biofilm which represents a survival strategy to promote long-term successful infection. The currently used antimicrobials are becoming ineffective; therefore, there is a huge effort to find new antimicrobials capable of eradicating microbial biofilms, avoiding the increase in  drug-resistant bacteria. Plant extracts and natural products represent a source of compounds which can be studied biologically and chemically to bring to light bioactive compounds endowed with antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activities. Furthermore, new drug delivery technologies can be used to improve biological activities, as well as the physio-chemical properties, overcoming pharmacokinetic issues.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to provide a platform to showcase the most recent advances in new antimicrobial and anti-biofilm approaches based on natural products and their extracts, as well as their formulations. As part of the Special Issue, we encourage the submission of original research papers, short communications and reviews describing new antimicrobial and anti-biofilm strategies to overcome the AMR phenomenon.

Dr. Valentina Puca
Dr. Marilisa Pia Dimmito
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antimicrobials
  • natural products
  • anti-biofilm strategies
  • anti-microbial resistance
  • drug delivery
  • formulations

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (4 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

15 pages, 2497 KiB  
Article
Sclareolide as Antifungal Strategy Against Cryptococcus neoformans: Unveiling Its Mechanisms of Action
by Arumugam Ganeshkumar, Patricia Michelle Nagai de Lima, Jebiti Haribabu, Bruno Montanari Borges, Nycolas Willian Preite, Flavio Vieira Loures, Arunachalam Arulraj and Juliana Campos Junqueira
Microorganisms 2024, 12(11), 2324; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12112324 - 15 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1067
Abstract
Cryptococcal infection commonly begins as an opportunistic infection in humans, however, this can escalate to a systemic or life-threatening form in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we aim to identify novel antifungal molecules from plants resources. Sclareolide, a phytochemical classified as a sesquiterpene lactone, was [...] Read more.
Cryptococcal infection commonly begins as an opportunistic infection in humans, however, this can escalate to a systemic or life-threatening form in immunocompromised individuals. Here, we aim to identify novel antifungal molecules from plants resources. Sclareolide, a phytochemical classified as a sesquiterpene lactone, was assessed against Cryptococcus neoformans H99. Sclareolide exhibited promising antifungal properties with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 16 µg/mL. Additionally, the C. neoformans growth rate was significantly affected by sclareolide treatment in a concentration-dependent manner, as observed through a time killing assay, with a significant reduction at MIC × 8 compared to the control by 48 h. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of sclareolide antifungal activity, fluorescence-based methods were employed. Propidium iodide (PI) accumulation assay indicated a reduction in C. neoformans membrane integrity, with values as low as 6.62 ± 0.18% after treatment. Moreover, sclareolide at MIC × 4 and MIC × 8 significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), suggesting oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in C. neoformans. Sclareolide did not induce caspase-dependent apoptosis, suggesting a non-apoptotic mechanism. Further, a checkerboard experiment was performed to assess potential synergistic interaction with Amphotericin B, however, no synergism was observed. Moving on, sclareolide at 128 µg/mL did not exhibit toxicity in Galleria mellonella, further supporting its potential as a safe antifungal agent. These findings suggest that the antifungal activity of sclareolide against C. neoformans is mediated by oxidative stress. Further in vivo and pharmacokinetic studies are recommended to explore the potential of sclareolide as a prototype for the development of novel anti-cryptococcal therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentials of Plant Extracts, Natural Products and Their Formulations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5953 KiB  
Article
Synthesis of Tellurium Nanoparticles Using Moringa oleifera Extract, and Their Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Effects against Bacterial Pathogens
by Bo Ao, Honglin Jiang, Xuan Cai, Decheng Liu, Junming Tu, Xiaoshan Shi, Yanxiang Wang, Fei He, Jing Lv, Jingjing Li, Yuanliang Hu, Xian Xia and Jianjun Hou
Microorganisms 2024, 12(9), 1847; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12091847 - 6 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1598
Abstract
Today, pathogenic microorganisms are increasingly developing resistance to conventional drugs, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies. In addressing this challenge, nano-based antibacterial agents offer a promising avenue of research. In the present study, we used an extract of Moringa oleifera, a widely [...] Read more.
Today, pathogenic microorganisms are increasingly developing resistance to conventional drugs, necessitating the exploration of alternative strategies. In addressing this challenge, nano-based antibacterial agents offer a promising avenue of research. In the present study, we used an extract of Moringa oleifera, a widely recognized edible and medicinal plant, to synthesize biogenetic tellurium nanoparticles (Bio-TeNPs). Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering analyses revealed that the obtained Bio-TeNPs had diameters between 20 and 50 nm, and zeta potential values of 23.7 ± 3.3 mV. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Bio-TeNPs consisted primarily of Te(0), along with some organic constituents. Remarkably, these Bio-TeNPs exhibited potent antibacterial activity against a spectrum of pathogens, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhimurium, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus agalactiae. In addition, findings from growth curve experiments, live/dead cell staining, and scanning electron microscopy observations of cell morphology demonstrated that Bio-TeNPs at a concentration of 0.07 mg/mL effectively disrupted E. coli and K. pneumoniae cells, leading to cell rupture or shrinkage. The biofilm inhibition rates of 0.7 mg/mL Bio-TeNPs against E. coli and K. pneumoniae reached 92% and 90%, respectively. In addition, 7 mg/mL Bio-TeNPs effectively eradicated E. coli from the surfaces of glass slides, with a 100% clearance rate. These outcomes underscore the exceptional antibacterial efficacy of Bio-TeNPs and highlight their potential as promising nanomaterials for combating bacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentials of Plant Extracts, Natural Products and Their Formulations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5830 KiB  
Article
Pfaffia paniculata Extract, a Potential Antimicrobial Agent against Candida spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Streptococcus mutans Biofilms
by Diego Garcia Miranda, Lucas de Paula Ramos, Nina Attik, Thaís Cristine Pereira, Luciane Dias de Oliveira, Maria Cristina Marcucci, Flavia Pires Rodrigues, Graziella Nuernberg Back Brito and Florence Carrouel
Microorganisms 2024, 12(6), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12061165 - 8 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2183
Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritized developing new drugs against specific bacteria and fungi, such as Enterobacteriaceae and Candida spp. While Pfaffia paniculata is commonly called the “cure-everything”, its scientifically proven benefits are limited to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Therefore, this study [...] Read more.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has prioritized developing new drugs against specific bacteria and fungi, such as Enterobacteriaceae and Candida spp. While Pfaffia paniculata is commonly called the “cure-everything”, its scientifically proven benefits are limited to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions. Therefore, this study aims to determine the spectrum of antimicrobial activity of Pfaffia paniculata and assess its cytotoxicity. Thus, broth microdilution test was conducted according to the CLSI M7-A9 and M27-A3 reference methods. After screening, microbial species with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were selected for biofilm tests. These tests evaluated biomass using the crystal violet (CV) test, metabolic activity using the MTT assay, and structural analysis via Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Cytotoxicity was evaluated in human gingival fibroblasts (FMM-1). There were reductions of 29.4 and 42.7% in CV and MTT assays for Candida spp. biofilm. S. mutans and P. aeruginosa biofilms showed a decrease of 15.7 and 28.6%, respectively. Cell viability tests indicated 55.1, 56.9, and 65.5% of viability after contact with 1.93, 0.96, and 0.48 mg/mL of the extract, respectively. The P. paniculata extract showed antimicrobial action, displayed MIC values, and antibiofilm action on P. aeruginosa, S. mutans, and C. albicans. The cytotoxicity on the FMM-1 cell line was dose-dependent. Therefore, P. paniculata extract holds significant potential for developing new drugs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentials of Plant Extracts, Natural Products and Their Formulations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

23 pages, 6173 KiB  
Review
Antibacterial, Antifungal, Antiviral Activity, and Mechanisms of Action of Plant Polyphenols
by Slavena Davidova, Angel S. Galabov and Galina Satchanska
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2502; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122502 - 4 Dec 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4840
Abstract
This review describes the enhanced classification of polyphenols into flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and tannins. Its focus is the natural sources of polyphenols and an in-depth discussion of their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. Besides a broad literature overview, this paper contains [...] Read more.
This review describes the enhanced classification of polyphenols into flavonoids, lignans, phenolic acids, stilbenes, and tannins. Its focus is the natural sources of polyphenols and an in-depth discussion of their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity. Besides a broad literature overview, this paper contains authors’ experimental data according to some daily consumed vegetables such as tomatoes, different varieties of onion, garlic, parsley, and cayenne pepper and the probable relation of these activities to polyphenols. The isolation of polyphenols via conventional and ultrasonic, pressurized liquids and pulse-field extractions, as well as their methods for detection and determination, are interpreted as well. The main mechanisms by which polyphenols inhibit the growth of bacteria, fungi, and viruses, such as protein synthesis, cell membrane destabilization, and ROS production induction, are in focus. Data on polyphenol concentrations and their respective MIC or the inhibition zone diameters of different bacterial and fungal species and suppressing viral replication are depicted. The toxicity of polyphenols in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo towards microorganisms and human/animal cells, and the safety of the polyphenols applied in clinical and industrial applications are expanded. This review also characterizes the antimicrobial effects of some chemically synthesized polyphenol derivatives. Biotechnological advances are also reported, especially the entrapment of polyphenols in biocompatible nanoparticles to enhance their bioavailability and efficacy. Polyphenols are promising for exploring molecules’ novel antimicrobial substances and paving the path for effective novel antimicrobial agents’ discovery, taking into consideration their positives and negatives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Antimicrobial and Anti-Biofilm Potentials of Plant Extracts, Natural Products and Their Formulations)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-4
Back to TopTop