Search Results (3,441)

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), an emerging metal-free semiconductor material, has attracted considerable attention in the field of photoelectrochemical (PEC) sensing due to its unique electronic structure, excellent chemical stability, and visible-light responsiveness. This article systematically reviews recent advances in research on g-C₃N₄-based PEC sensors applied to water environment monitoring. First, the fundamental physicochemical properties of g-C₃N₄ are introduced, along with its advantages and limitations in PEC sensing applications. Subsequently, four main performance enhancement strategies are outlined: heterojunction construction (including type II, Z-scheme, and S-scheme heterojunction), elemental doping and defect engineering, morphology control and nanostructure design, as well as various signal amplification approaches such as self-powered systems, dual-mode detection, and cyclic amplification. Furthermore, the current application status of these sensors in detecting typical water pollutants, including heavy metal ions (e.g., Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺), antibiotics (e.g., tobramycin, norfloxacin, kanamycin), pesticide residues (e.g., chlorpyrifos, atrazine, glyphosate), and pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., Salmonella, Candida albicans), is comprehensively reviewed, with particular emphasis on detection sensitivity, selectivity, and real-sample performance. Finally, the remaining challenges in terms of long-term stability, anti-interference capabilities in complex matrices, portability, and multifunctional integration are analyzed, and future development directions are proposed, including smartphone-based intelligent sensing, CRISPR/Cas12a-assisted signal amplification, and multi-target high-throughput detection. This review aims to provide a reference for the rational design and practical application of g-C₃N₄-based PEC sensors in the field of water environment monitoring. Full article

Acrylic resin is widely used in the fabrication of complete dentures, interacting significantly with the intraoral environment. However, complete dentures face challenges such as stability issues and biofilm accumulation. Glaze application is a common method to reduce surface porosity and microbial adhesion, but it also decreases surface wettability, potentially impairing salivary film formation essential for peripheral sealing. This study aimed to incorporate titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles into the glaze applied to thermally activated acrylic resin (TAAR) via spray coating to enhance surface wettability and antifungal activity. Four groups were tested: G (TAAR + commercial glaze − control); AlG (TAAR + commercial glaze + aluminum oxide − roughness control); TiG (TAAR + commercial glaze + titanium dioxide); and ZnG (TAAR + commercial glaze + zinc oxide). Evaluations included flexural strength, color and translucency, surface analysis and antibiofilm activity against Candida albicans. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. No statistically significant differences in mechanical strength (MPa) were observed (G: 108.54 ± 8.36; AlG: 113.60 ± 11.95; ZnG: 111.98 ± 9.27; TiG: 113.66 ± 10.41). Surface roughness significantly increased, and contact angle decreased, indicating improved wettability. Regardless of the antifungal activity no improvement was detected (G: 6.71 ± 0.10; AlG: 6.82 ± 0.08; ZnG: 6.72 ± 0.20; TiG: 6.66 ± 0.18). In conclusion, the incorporation of nanoparticles into the glaze improves the wettability of acrylic resin surfaces, potentially enhancing peripheral sealing and denture retention, which is beneficial for patients with reduced alveolar ridge height. Full article

Candida albicans-associated denture stomatitis is a common inflammatory condition in denture wearers. Conventional tissue conditioners provide temporary relief but lack intrinsic antifungal activity, allowing persistent microbial colonization and biofilm formation. Functionalization with bioactive agents represents a promising preventive strategy. This study evaluated the antifungal efficacy and biocompatibility of pterostilbene (PTE), a natural stilbenoid compound, incorporated into a commercially available tissue conditioner. Antifungal activity of PTE against C. albicans ATCC 10231 was evaluated using broth microdilution and XTT biofilm assays. Tissue conditioner discs containing 1% and 2.5% (w/w) PTE were fabricated and tested after 24 h, 72 h, and 1 week using colony-forming unit (CFU) counts and metabolic activity assays. Biocompatibility was assessed by exposing mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells to conditioned eluates followed by an MTT viability assay. PTE inhibited biofilm formation in a concentration-dependent manner, with significant suppression observed at ≥8 µg/mL (p < 0.001). A time-dependent antifungal effect was observed over one week. PTE-functionalized tissue conditioners significantly reduced fungal adhesion compared with controls at all-time points (p < 0.001). Cell viability remained above 70%, meeting ISO 10993-5 criteria for non-cytotoxicity, indicating potential for localized prevention of denture stomatitis. Full article

The emerging threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens and the limitations that conventional cancer chemotherapies display have created an urgent need for the development of innovative therapeutic strategies. Combining the pleiotropic biological roles of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and nanomaterials through their conjugation presents a promising possibility of targeting both microbial membranes and malignant cells. In the present study, we engineered a novel bioactive material by immobilizing the insect-derived AMP Papiliocin onto multi-walled—decorated with polyethylene–glycol—carbon nanotubes (PEG-MWCNTs) to prevent proteolytic degradation of the peptide and enhance its cellular delivery. Recombinant Papiliocin was cloned, heterologously expressed, purified and conjugated onto the PEG-MWCNT carrier. Successful expression and conjugation were validated via immunoblotting and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. Further physicochemical characterization of the bionanocomposites was conducted using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Zeta potential measurements. Biologically, the biofunctionalized material exhibited potent, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity both on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, inhibiting almost 90% of the latter’s growth, highlighting the bioconjugate’s specific interactions with the Gram-negative pathogens’ membranes. Furthermore, it significantly reduced biofilm formation in Candida albicans, as indicated by the TCP assay. In parallel with its antimicrobial effects, CNTs-PEG–Papiliocin significantly reduced cancer cell viability and induced apoptosis via the extrinsic apoptosis pathway in HeLa cells, a response assisted by efficient intracellular delivery. Notably, cytotoxicity assays demonstrated lesser cytotoxic effect against non-tumorigenic HaCaT cells relative to the cancerous cell line. Collectively, these findings indicate the Papiliocin–biofunctionalized CNTs as a versatile, dual-action therapeutic agent with potential for antimicrobial activity and anticancer mode of action. Full article

Background: A compact, in-house-developed ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) system using eight 36 W Philips low-pressure mercury UV-C lamps with a peak emission at 253.7 nm was developed for effective sterilization of bacteria and fungi using a wireless mode of operation. Methods: Under controlled laboratory conditions, the system was tested against representative biofilm-forming microorganisms, including Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli K12, and a multidrug-resistant Candida albicans M-207 isolate. Microbial viability was assessed using colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, with structural changes analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Cultures were exposed to 253.7 nm UV-C radiation at distances of 1–5 m for 15–90 min. Results: UV-C exposure resulted in time- and distance-dependent reductions in viable counts for all tested organisms, as determined by CFU analysis. At 1 m and 15 min exposure, viable counts for all tested organisms were reduced below the limit of detection (LOD) of the CFU assay, indicating substantial microbial inactivation under the tested conditions. Reduced efficacy was observed at increased distances (3 m and 5 m), with log₁₀ reductions varying depending on organism and exposure conditions. Residual metabolic activity detected by the MTT assay suggests the presence of non-proliferating or damaged cells, consistent with the different endpoints measured by the two assays. The SEM analysis further revealed disruption of biofilm architecture and reduction in cell density with increasing UV dose. Conclusions: The UVGI system demonstrated dose-dependent inactivation of biofilm-forming microorganisms under controlled conditions, supporting its proof-of-concept efficacy. Further studies are required to evaluate performance under real-world conditions. Full article

Candida albicans is the causal agent of invasive candidiasis, which might be lethal in immunocompromised patients. Biofilm formation is considered a key virulence factor of C. albicans and is associated with its elevated resistance to antifungals. C. albicans and bacteria like E. coli are frequently found to form mixed biofilms on biotic or abiotic surfaces, rendering them more refractory to existing antifungals. To investigate how E. coli endogenous indole interplaying with exogenous IAA exerts modulatory effects on dual-species biofilm with C. albicans, an E. coli strain deficient in the indole biosynthetic gene tnaA was constructed, and the enzyme TnaA inhibitor was administered to block the indole production in E. coli monoculture and/or E. coli–C. albicans dual culture. Phenotypic assay revealed that indole deficiency attenuated E. coli mono-species biofilm by 12% (tnaA∆ versus WT E. coli), and the lack of indole in the E. coli cell-free culture filtrate abolished the ability to promote C. albicans biofilms, evidenced by the fact that the treatment with WT E. coli culture supernatants exhibited a 1.7-fold promotive effect, while treatment with tnaA∆ displayed no significant difference from the broth control towards C. albicans biofilms. Furthermore, impaired E. coli indole production might disrupt E. coli–C. albicans biofilm, as examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). Moreover, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) was found to exhibit more potent biofilm-modulatory activity than indole by CLSM imaging with dual biofilms of WT E. coli–C. albicans, in contrast to those of E. coli tnaA∆–C. albicans post-supplemented with exogenous IAA. This study provides evidence for indole as a signaling molecule mediating bacterial–fungal communication during mixed-biofilm formation. Indole and its derivatives, particularly in combination with existing antifungals, have potential in the development of anti-biofilm strategies to eradicate refractory fungal infections. Full article

Miconazole is a commonly used imidazole antifungal drug with a broad spectrum of activity against Candida strains and other microorganisms. However, its poor solubility and low bioavailability have limited its use to topical infections. To overcome this limitation through the use of cocrystalization techniques, the present work focuses on the relatively less explored class of heterocyclic carboxylic acid coformers, containing two nitrogen atoms in the ring, aimed at developing alternative multicomponent forms of miconazole. Five new forms of miconazole were subjected to in-depth structural analysis, including an evaluation of the effect of hydrate formation. Furthermore, layered motifs in the supramolecular crystal architectures were subjected to qualitative and quantitative surface analysis using CSD-Particle. All new forms of miconazole were also characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Water solubility was identified as the most important physicochemical property, and significant improvements were obtained for four of the five salts studied. Notably, the newly synthesized miconazole salts with heterocyclic (di)carboxylic acids exhibited high antifungal activity. The tested compounds effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans and C. parapsilosis at concentrations several times lower than the parent drug and also showed activity against the important C. auris strain. Therefore, the obtained salts may constitute attractive alternatives to currently used antifungal therapies. Full article

Candida species, particularly Candida albicans (C. albicans), are the leading cause of vulvovaginal candidosis (VVC) among women of reproductive age. In recent years, the epidemiology of VVC has shifted toward non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, accompanied by increasing antifungal resistance. This retrospective study evaluated the epidemiological profile of VVC and antifungal susceptibility patterns in Greece between 2020 and 2024 at a tertiary maternity and gynecological hospital. Species identification was performed using the VITEK^® 2 system, and antifungal susceptibility followed EUCAST guidelines. A total of 526 vaginal swab samples were analyzed, comprising C. albicans (57.9%) and NAC species (42.1%). The median age was 36.3 years (range: 18–92). Among NAC isolates, Nakaseomyces glabratus (26.4%) predominated, followed by Pichia kudriavzevii (7.6%), Candida parapsilosis (5.1%), and Candida tropicalis (3.0%). Resistance rates among C. albicans isolates increased from 9.3% in 2020 to 22.3% (fluconazole) and 20.9% (itraconazole) in 2024. Voriconazole resistance was not detected until 2023 and 2024, when rates rose to 3.2% and 15.2%. Fluconazole resistance was observed in C. parapsilosis (3.5%) and C. tropicalis (12.5%). Echinocandin resistance remained low overall, except for N. glabratus, which demonstrated a 13.8% resistance rate to caspofungin. These findings highlight the need for surveillance, improved diagnostics and antifungal stewardship. Full article

In this study, a hierarchical design strategy is introduced for tuning the release of rosmarinic acid (RA) from electrospun poly(L-lactide) (PLA) fibrous materials via surface engineering with chitosan/hyaluronic acid (Ch/HA) polyelectrolyte complexes (PECs). RA was selectively incorporated within the fiber bulk, the PEC coating, or both, enabling control over its spatial distribution. The PEC coating, formed by sequential dip coating, was shown to act as a diffusion-regulating layer with a dual role—either retarding RA release or promoting rapid initial release when functioning as a surface-associated reservoir. As a result, the release kinetics could be systematically tuned depending on the coating architecture and RA localization. Thorough characterization confirmed successful coating formation, enhanced surface hydrophilicity, and improved mechanical performance. All RA-loaded materials retained high antioxidant activity and exhibited pronounced antibacterial and antifungal effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. This work introduces PEC-modified electrospun systems as a versatile platform for the rational design of multifunctional fibrous biomaterials with controlled release profiles, with potential applications in wound healing and drug delivery. Full article

Digestive candidiasis is a major opportunistic infection among people living with HIV (PLHIV). In Gabon, data on antifungal resistance remain limited. This study aimed to characterise Candida colonisation and antifungal resistance according to anatomical site and species in Libreville. In this cross-sectional study, 108 PLHIV provided paired oral and stool samples. Candida spp. was identified using conventional phenotypic methods. Antifungal susceptibility to azoles and polyenes was assessed by disc diffusion following CLSI guidelines. Resistance burden was classified by drug class and by cumulative number of antifungal agents involved. Digestive colonisation was detected in 97 (89.8%) participants. Oral and intestinal colonisation rates were 78.7% and 66.7%, respectively, with dual-site involvement in 55.6%. Among resistant isolates, Candida albicans accounted for 55.2% (oral) and 48.9% (intestinal), while non-albicans Candida represented 29.8% and 44.4%, respectively. Multidrug resistance was significantly higher in intestinal than oral isolates (36.2% vs. 11.8%; OR = 4.99; 95% CI: 2.04–12.16; p < 0.01). Resistance was predominantly azole-driven, with complex cumulative resistance profiles in intestinal isolates. The intestinal tract showed resistance profiles consistent with a preferential accumulation of MDR Candida populations in PLHIV. Site-specific resistance patterns underscore the importance of targeted sampling and antifungal stewardship strategies in resource-limited settings. Full article

This study explored the impact of ethanol as a co-solvent in supercritical fluid extraction on the recovery of bioactive compounds from carrot seeds and assessed the resulting extracts for antimicrobial, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Ethanol supplementation significantly improved extraction performance, with the yield increasing from 110 mg in the absence of ethanol to 134 mg at 5% ethanol, followed by a slight decrease to 132 mg at 10%. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) revealed pronounced phytochemical enrichment at 5% ethanol, particularly for chlorogenic acid (1541.24 µg/g), gallic acid (1279.27 µg/g), and hesperetin (1513.68 µg/g), indicating enhanced recovery of phenolic and flavonoid constituents. The 5% ethanol extract demonstrated superior antimicrobial activity, producing inhibition zones of 19 mm against Enterococcus faecalis, 26 mm against Klebsiella pneumoniae, 25 mm against Staphylococcus aureus, and 29 mm against Candida albicans. Values of both minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were markedly reduced, while antibiofilm activity reached 93.11% for E. faecalis and 91.00% for K. pneumoniae. The extract also exhibited potent inhibitory effects with IC₅₀ values of 7.74 and 13.37 µg/mL, against α-amylase and α-glucosidase, correspondingly, as well as strong butyrylcholinesterase inhibition (IC₅₀ = 2.51 µg/mL), highlighting promising α-amylase/α-glucosidase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory potential. Molecular docking further supported these findings, showing that chlorogenic acid bound more strongly than vanillin to OmpK36, lysosomal acid-α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase, with docking scores ranging from −6.1 to −6.9 kcal/mol. These findings identify ethanol-modified supercritical fluid extraction as a sustainable and effective green strategy for improving the recovery of carrot seed bioactives and enhancing their multifunctional in vitro biological properties. Notably, this study provides the first comprehensive evidence that 5% ethanol modification selectively enriches key phenolic constituents, including chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, and hesperetin, in carrot seed extracts, with corresponding enhancement of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitory activities. Full article

The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-associated infections has intensified the search for alternative anti-infective strategies. Short peptide-based molecules have attracted growing interest due to their structural simplicity, biocompatibility, and multifunctional biological properties. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities of two dipeptides, glycyl–histidine and methionyl–glycine, were evaluated against reference microorganisms, including Escherichia coli ATCC 35218, Klebsiella pneumoniae MTCC 109, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, and Candida albicans ATCC 10231. Antimicrobial activity was determined using broth microdilution and disk diffusion assays, while antibiofilm effects were evaluated at sub-inhibitory concentrations using a crystal violet-based biofilm inhibition assay supported by light microscopy. In addition, the electronic structure, binding interactions, and pharmacokinetic properties of the dipeptides were investigated using integrated density functional theory (DFT), molecular docking, and ADME analyses. Glycyl–histidine exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested bacterial strains (MIC: 12.5 mg/mL) and against C. albicans (MIC: 50 mg/mL), whereas methionyl–glycine showed no detectable antimicrobial activity. Both dipeptides demonstrated microorganism-dependent antibiofilm effects, with glycyl–histidine consistently displaying stronger activity. Notably, glycyl–histidine reduced biofilm formation by up to 88% in K. pneumoniae and by 54% in P. aeruginosa at 0.5 × MIC. In C. albicans, biofilm formation decreased by 22–39% under conditions where the reference antibiotic solution showed no antibiofilm effect. Computational analyses supported the experimental findings and provided molecular-level insights into the antimicrobial and antibiofilm potential of glycyl–histidine. Overall, these results identify glycyl–histidine as a promising anti-infective dipeptide and highlight its potential as a promising building block for the development of novel anti-infective agents. Full article

Background/Objectives: The increasing resistance of Candida species to conventional antifungals, particularly azoles, poses a critical public health challenge due to high mortality rates associated with candidemia. This study aimed to describe the chemical composition of the essential oil from Haplopappus foliosus (EO-BAI) and evaluate its antifungal properties, along with its nanoemulsion (NE-BAI) and major constituents, against a panel of clinical Candida isolates. Methods: EO-BAI was extracted via steam distillation and analyzed using GC-MS. A nanoemulsion was synthesized through ultrasonic emulsification and characterized by DLS and microscopy (SEM/STEM). Antifungal activity (MIC/MFC) was determined following CLSI M27-A3 guidelines. Time–kill kinetic studies were conducted on C. albicans, and an in silico approach was used to describe interactions with Als9-2 and CYP51 targets. Results: The EO-BAI profile was dominated by terpinen-4-ol (27.27%) and α-bisabolol (10.40%). The NE-BAI exhibited a droplet size of approximately 22 nm with an encapsulation efficiency of 88.72%. Among the tested samples, α-bisabolol emerged as the core bioactive driver (MIC = 16 µg/mL against C. albicans). While NE-BAI showed reduced initial activity at 24 h, it demonstrated enhanced efficacy by 48 h, matching fluconazole’s potency and maintaining a definitive fungicidal effect. Docking analysis confirmed that α-bisabolol establishes stabilizing interactions with key virulence and membrane homeostasis targets. Conclusions: The NE-BAI provides a sustained delivery of its bioactive terpenes, preserving their fungicidal nature and positioning them as robust therapeutic alternatives to conventional treatments. Full article

Candida albicans is a common opportunistic pathogen. Long-term use of azole antifungals faces challenges like resistance, necessitating novel agents. Tea tree oil (TTO), a natural broad-spectrum antimicrobial, shows promise, but its molecular mechanisms, particularly concerning novel cell death pathways, require clarification. This study comprehensively evaluated the antifungal mechanism of TTO against C. albicans using transcriptomics. Antifungal susceptibility assays were conducted to assess the effects of TTO and its components (4-terpineol, terpenes, and γ-pinene) on the growth of C. albicans hyphae and biofilms. Fluorescent labeling and biochemical analysis were employed to detect ferroptosis markers. Transcriptomic results indicate that TTO induces 423 differentially expressed genes and systematically inhibits the development of C. albicans hyphae through mechanisms such as oxidative stress, iron homeostasis disruption, disruption of cell wall integrity, and interference with ergosterol metabolism. Notably, the significant enrichment of redox enzyme activity and iron ion binding functions, along with changes in the glutathione metabolic pathway, suggest that ferroptosis may be involved in this process. Subsequent studies revealed that the compound 4-pinene most effectively inhibits the pathogenicity of C. albicans by suppressing its adhesion, hyphae formation, and biofilm formation, whereas terpinene induces the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and increases lipid peroxidation in C. albicans; furthermore, following treatment with an iron-mediated apoptosis inhibitor, terpinene enhances the viability of the treated C. albicans cells. Full article

Background: Candida isolation is common in critically ill patients, but its clinical interpretation depends strongly on microbiological source, host factors, and clinical context. Bloodstream isolation, candiduria, respiratory tract isolation, surveillance cultures, catheter-tip cultures, and wound/skin cultures have different clinical implications. We aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics, microbiological sources, species distribution, antifungal treatment patterns, and outcomes among adult ICU patients with Candida-positive ICU cultures. Methods: This single-center retrospective observational cohort study was conducted in the medical intensive care unit of Marmara University Faculty of Medicine between 1 October 2022 and 5 September 2025. Adult ICU patients with at least one Candida-positive ICU culture were included. Non-Candida fungal isolates and duplicate patient-level records were excluded. The primary outcome was all-cause 28-day mortality. ICU mortality was defined as all-cause death during ICU stay. Source-stratified analyses and expanded multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate factors associated with mortality. Results: A total of 349 adult ICU patients were included. Median age was 71 years [IQR, 62–82], and 185 patients were male (53.0%). Overall, 28-day mortality was 59.0% (206/349), and ICU mortality was 65.9% (230/349). Candida colonization was identified in 247 patients (70.8%), whereas Candida infection was identified in 102 patients (29.2%). The most common species were Candida albicans (48.4%), Candida glabrata (13.8%), and Candida auris (12.9%). The most frequent microbiological sources were urine (42.4%), lower respiratory tract samples (26.4%), and blood cultures (14.9%). Blood/sterile-site isolation was associated with higher ICU mortality than non-blood/non-sterile-site isolation (79.2% vs. 63.5%, p = 0.026), whereas the difference in 28-day mortality was not statistically significant (66.0% vs. 57.8%, p = 0.260). Antifungal treatment was more frequent among patients with blood/sterile-site isolation (94.3% vs. 16.9%, p < 0.001). In the expanded 28-day mortality model, lactate, NLR, and carbapenem exposure were independently associated with mortality. In the expanded ICU mortality model, lactate and CRRT/hemodialysis were independently associated with mortality. Candida score was not independently associated with either 28-day mortality or ICU mortality after broader adjustment. Conclusions:Candida-positive ICU cultures represent a heterogeneous clinical and microbiological spectrum. Source-specific interpretation is essential, particularly when distinguishing bloodstream or sterile-site isolation from non-sterile-site colonization. Candida score may reflect a higher-risk clinical phenotype, but it should not be interpreted as a stand-alone mortality prediction tool. Full article