Search Results (45)

Cyclodextrins in metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) serve as stabilizing, dispersing, and functionalizing agents that enhance antimicrobial performance through better nanoparticle stability, synergistic action, and potential controlled release mechanisms, making them ideal for advanced biomedical and environmental antimicrobial applications. In this study, NPs of vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) were obtained by the precipitation method, and, following a supramolecular assembly, were synthesized using the impregnation method via addition of β-cyclodextrin (BCD) and its derivatives, such as hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HCD) and methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MCD). The formation of the V₂O₅:CDs was driven by non-covalent host–guest interactions, leading to a stable supramolecular structure with enhanced physicochemical properties. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed uniformly distributed V₂O₅ NPs within the CD matrix. Structural characterization was further supported by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which confirmed the inclusion interactions between V₂O₅ and CDs. The synthesized NPs demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and fungal strains, indicating a synergistic enhancement in bioactivity due to the supramolecular architecture. This work highlights the potential of CD-assisted V₂O₅ NPs as promising antimicrobial agents for biomedical and environmental applications. Full article

Noccaea species (formerly Thlaspi) are Brassicaceae plants renowned for their capacity to hyperaccumulate zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni), which has made them model systems in studies of metal tolerance, phytoremediation, and plant adaptation to extreme environments. While their physiological and genetic responses to metal stress are relatively well characterised, the extent to which these traits influence microbiome composition and function remains largely unexplored. These species possess compact genomes shaped by ancient whole-genome duplications and rearrangements, and such genomic traits may influence microbial recruitment through changes in secondary metabolism, elemental composition, and tissue architecture. Here, we synthesise the current findings on how genome size, metal hyperaccumulation, structural adaptations, and glucosinolate diversity affect microbial communities in Noccaea roots and leaves. We review evidence from bioimaging, molecular profiling, and physiological studies, highlighting interactions with bacteria and fungi adapted to metalliferous soils. At present, the leaf microbiome of Noccaea species remains underexplored. Analyses of root microbiome, however, reveal a consistent taxonomic core dominated by Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria among bacterial communities and Ascomycetes, predominantly Dothideomycetes and Leotiomycetes among fungi. Collectively, these findings suggest that metal-adapted microbes provide several plant-beneficial functions, including metal detoxification, nutrient cycling, growth promotion, and enhanced metal extraction in association with dark septate endophytes. By contrast, the status of mycorrhizal associations in Noccaea remains debated and unresolved, although evidence points to functional colonisation by selected fungal taxa. These insights indicate that multiple plant traits interact to shape microbiome assembly and activity in Noccaea species. Understanding these dynamics offers new perspectives on plant–microbe co-adaptation, ecological resilience, and the optimisation of microbiome-assisted strategies for sustainable phytoremediation. Full article

Significant heavy metals contamination is often caused by rapid industrialization, which is devastating to both public health and the environment. Conventional processes of metal removal also result in the accumulation of secondary waste. This work proposes the use of a novel fungal biomass (microwave heat dried) from Arthrinium malaysianum for the biosorption of toxic chromium. We have meticulously explored and investigated the interactions of hexavalent chromium with dried biomass using several cutting-edge techniques like FTIR for studying the involvement of functional groups on the biomass surface, XRD for the surface architecture changes after metal binding, XPS to unravel the reduction of hexavalent chromium into its non-toxic form, and FESEM-EDX for the visualization of the ultra-structure of fungal cell surface. The Langmuir isotherm demonstrates that the maximum removal capacity Q_max of Cr(VI) is 102.310 mgg⁻¹, at a pH of 3.5 with 100% removal of Cr(VI). There were substantial changes in the surface architecture during adsorption, confirmed by FESEM and AFM studies. FTIR and XPS data analysis indicated that carbonyl, hydroxyl, phosphate, and amine groups were responsible for the conversion of Cr(VI) (toxic) to Cr(III) (non-toxic). The IR spectra of biomass treated with Cr showed a decreased C-O stretching intensity and slight shriveling of the -OH band, and the bands in the FTIR spectra at 1642 cm⁻¹ to 1635 cm⁻¹ and at 1549 cm⁻¹ to 1547 cm⁻¹ shifted and appeared quite distinct. XRD revealed that the chromium-treated biomass had greater crystalline features and also the appearance of a wide peak where 2θ = 20°, approximately, indicating an amorphous nature at 576.0 eV and in highly loaded chromium (500 mg/L) biomass, with the Cr2p level displaying a slight shift, eventually terminating in a (576.0 eV) Cr₂O₃ to Cr(III) peak. Since the FTIR and XPS data obtained revealed that Cr(VI) reduces to Cr(III), this fungal biomass can also be used for generating metallic nanoparticles during biosorption. Thus, we suggest that the above-mentioned fungal biomass could be a very useful biomaterial for future translational research. We are in the process of fabricating beads with powdered biomass for further studies. Full article

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy is a straightforward analytical technique capable of providing detailed information about metabolites in biological samples. The objective of this study was to perform a SERS analysis of ergothioneine (EGT), an amino acid synthesized by microbes and fungi, across a range of pH values (acidic to alkaline) and concentrations (2 × 10⁻⁵ M to 2 × 10⁻⁷ M), to understand the dynamic interactions between EGT and silver (Ag) nanoparticles. Furthermore, SERS was applied in situ on mushroom fruiting bodies to detect the presence of EGT. The SERS spectra revealed that the interaction of EGT with Ag nanoparticles underwent significant alterations at varying pH levels, primarily due to isomerization. These changes were associated with modifications in the aromaticity and ionization of the imidazole ring, driven by both metal adsorption and alkaline conditions. Our results indicated the formation of distinct tautomeric forms of the imidazole group, namely the thione and thiol forms, in aqueous solution and on the Ag surface, respectively. Furthermore, the EGT spectra at different concentrations suggested that ionization occurred at lower concentrations. Notably, the SERS spectra of the mushroom fruiting bodies were dominated by prominent bands attributable to EGT, as corroborated by the comparison with the EGT fungal extract and EGT standard. These findings underscore the utility of SERS spectroscopy as a rapid and effective tool for obtaining comprehensive molecular fingerprints, even directly from complex biological matrices such as mushroom fruiting bodies. Full article

Microplastics (MPs) and heavy metals are commonly present in soil at significant concentrations and can interact in complex ways that pose serious threats to environmental and ecological systems. The effects of combined contamination by different types of heavy metals and microplastics on plants, as well as on soil microbial communities and their functions, remain largely unexplored. In this study, a series of pot experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of composite contamination involving two heavy metals (Cd and Pb) and two types of microplastics polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) at varying concentrations (0.1% and 0.5%, w/w). The impacts on water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica) growth and heavy metal accumulation were evaluated, and the rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing. The presence of Cd, Pb, and microplastics significantly inhibited the growth of water spinach, reducing both its length and biomass. Under combined microplastic–heavy metal contamination, phytotoxicity increased with rising concentrations of PLA and PBS. Microplastics were found to alter the mobility and availability of heavy metals, thereby reducing their accumulation in plant tissues and decreasing the levels of available potassium and phosphorus in the soil. Furthermore, microplastic–heavy metal interactions significantly influenced the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities, leading to an increased abundance of heavy-metal-tolerant and potential plastic-degrading microorganisms. A strong correlation was observed between microbial community structure (both bacterial and fungal), soil physicochemical properties, and plant growth. Functional predictions using PICRUSt2 suggested that the type and concentration of microplastics significantly affected rhizosphere microorganisms’ metabolic functions. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that combined microplastic and heavy metal contamination exerts a detrimental effect on soil nutrient availability, resulting in alterations to soil microbial community composition and function. Furthermore, this study shows that these contaminants can inhibit plant growth and heavy metal uptake. The findings provide a valuable contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the ecotoxicological impacts of microplastic–heavy metal composite pollution in terrestrial ecosystems. Full article

Glyphosate based-herbicides are stressors of great concern because they can impact aquatic ecosystems. Similarly, lithium, a metal, is currently of concern because of its increasing use worldwide. Because glyphosate-based herbicides and lithium might co-occur in aquatic environments, there is a need to assess their impacts on aquatic organisms, such as aquatic fungi, as they play a key role in plant litter decomposition in streams. Microcosm assays were used to examine the effects of lithium and the herbicide isopropylammonium glyphosate (IPAG), alone or in mixtures, on microbial leaf mass loss, total fungal sporulation and biomass production. IPAG (alone and combined with LiCl) neither affected plant litter decomposition nor fungal biomass production, but boosted total fungal sporulation. Dimorphospora foliicola, the most tolerant species among the twelfth leaf inhabitant fungal species, is the major contributor to total fungal sporulation. IPAG interacts with LiCl in the total fungal sporulation and sporulation of D. foliicola, A. tetracladia, and F. curvula, indicating a species dependent-effect. IPAG alone or combined with LiCl greatly decreased the diversity of spores, as did as LiCl alone, but to a lesser extent. Finally, aquatic fungal communities reveal redundancy and resiliency to IPAG and LiCL, maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. Full article

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems of great ecological importance, located in transition areas between marine and terrestrial environments, predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. In Brazil, these biomes are present along the entire coastline, playing essential environmental roles such as sediment stabilization, coastal erosion control, and the filtration of nutrients and pollutants. The unique structure of the roots of some mangrove tree species facilitates sediment deposition and organic matter retention, creating favorable conditions for the development of rich and specialized biodiversity, including fungi, bacteria, and other life forms. Furthermore, mangroves serve as important nurseries for many species of fish, crustaceans, and birds, being fundamental to maintaining trophic networks and the local economy, which relies on fishing resources. However, these ecosystems have been significantly impacted by anthropogenic pressures and global climate change. In recent years, the increase in average global temperatures, rising sea levels, changes in precipitation patterns, and ocean acidification have contributed to the degradation of mangroves. Additionally, human activities such as domestic sewage discharge, pollution from organic and inorganic compounds, and alterations in hydrological regimes have accelerated this degradation process. These factors directly affect the biodiversity present in mangrove sediments, including the fungal community, which plays a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter and nutrient cycling. Fungi, which include various taxonomic groups such as Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Zygomycota, are sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, making the study of their diversity and distribution relevant for understanding the impacts of climate change and pollution. In particular, fungal bioremediation has gained significant attention as an effective strategy for mitigating pollution in these sensitive ecosystems. Fungi possess unique abilities to degrade or detoxify environmental pollutants, including heavy metals and organic contaminants, through processes such as biosorption, bioaccumulation, and enzymatic degradation. This bioremediation potential can help restore the ecological balance of mangrove ecosystems and protect their biodiversity from the adverse effects of pollution. Recent studies suggest that changes in temperature, salinity, and the chemical composition of sediments can drastically modify microbial and fungal communities in these environments, influencing the resilience of the ecosystem. The objective of this narrative synthesis is to point out the diversity of fungi present in mangrove sediments, emphasizing how the impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pollution influence the composition and functionality of these communities. By exploring these interactions, including the role of fungal bioremediation in ecosystem restoration, it is expected that this study would provide a solid scientific basis for the conservation of mangroves and the development of strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts on these valuable ecosystems. Full article

Oral fungal homeostasis is closely related to the state of human health, and its composition is influenced by various factors. At present, the effects of long-term soil heavy metal exposure on the oral fungi of local populations have not been adequately studied. In this study, we used inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to detect heavy metals in agricultural soils from two areas in Gansu Province, northwestern China. ITS amplicon sequencing was used to analyze the community composition of oral buccal mucosa fungi from local village residents. Simultaneously, the functional annotation of fungi was performed using FUNGuild, and co-occurrence networks were constructed to analyze the interactions of different functional fungi. The results showed that the species diversity of the oral fungi of local populations in the soil heavy metal exposure group was lower than that of the control population. The relative abundance of Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon was higher in the exposure group than in the control group. In addition, Cutaneotrichosporon is an Animal Pathogen, which may lead to an increased probability of disease in the exposure group. Meanwhile, there were significant differences in the co-occurrence network structure between the two groups. The control group had a larger and more stable network than the exposure group. Eight keystone taxa were observed in the network of the control group, while none were observed in that of the exposure group. In conclusion, heavy metal exposure may increase the risk of diseases associated with Apiotrichum and Cutaneotrichosporon infection in the local populations. It can also lead to the loss of keystone taxa and the reduced stability of the oral fungal network. The above results illustrated that heavy metal exposure impairs oral fungal interactions in the population. This study extends our understanding of the biodiversity of oral fungi in the population and provides new insights for further studies on the factors influencing oral fungal homeostasis. Full article

This study aimed to synthesize palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) using bioactive compounds from aqueous extracts of Quercus species (Quercus dalechampii, Quercus frainetto, and Quercus petraea) with potential biomedical applications. To optimize PdNPs biosynthesis, various parameters were explored, including the concentration of PdCl₂, the extract-to-PdCl₂ ratio, and the pH of the solution. The nanoparticles were characterized using ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy (UV/Vis), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Total polyphenol content was measured using the Folin–Ciocâlteu method, while antioxidant capacity was evaluated through radical neutralization assays, including ABTS and DPPH, and through iron and copper reduction tests. Antimicrobial activity was tested against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as Candida species. Phenolic compounds and flavonoids from the extracts were essential for the reduction in palladium ions and the stabilization of the nanoparticles. UV/Vis spectroscopy showed a distinct surface plasmon resonance peak, indicating the successful formation of PdNPs. FTIR analysis confirmed the interaction between the bioactive compounds and PdNPs, revealing characteristic peaks of phenolic groups. DLS analysis indicated a hydrodynamic diameter of 63.9 nm for QD-PdNPs, 48 nm for QF-PdNPs, and 63.1 nm for QP-PdNPs, highlighting good dispersion and stability in solution. Although the PdNPs did not exhibit strong antioxidant properties, they demonstrated selective antimicrobial activity, especially against Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). PdNPs also exhibited significant antifungal activity against Candida krusei, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 0.63 mg/mL, indicating their ability to compromise fungal cell integrity. This study contributes to developing eco-friendly biosynthesis methods for metallic nanoparticles and underscores the potential of PdNPs in various applications, including in the biomedical field. Full article

Identifying the relationship between the microbiomes of urban dust particles from different biotopes is important because the state of microorganisms can be used to assess the quality of the environment. The aim of this work was to determine the distribution and interaction patterns of microorganisms of dust particles in the air and on leaf surfaces. Metabarcoding of bacterial and fungal communities, PAH, and metal content analyses and electron microscopy were used in this work. The results obtained allowed us to characterise the biological and chemical components of the dust particles. Some bacterial and fungal genera were correlated with benzanthracene, fluoranthene, and Cu, Ni, Co, Zn, and Mn contents. Bacterial communities were found to be more sensitive to all the pollutants studied. PM10 microbial communities circulated between biotopes and study areas due to air flows, as evidenced by the presence of similar ASVs in fungi and bacteria. The results could help to understand the effects of climate change and anthropogenic activities. Full article

Soil organic pollution (such as heavy metals, PAHs, etc.) has caused serious environmental problems, which have resulted in unexpected effects on contaminated soil ecosystems. However, knowledge of the interactions between environmental PAHs and bacterial and fungal communities is still limited. In this study, soil samples from different PAH-contaminated areas including non-contaminated areas (NC), low-contaminated areas (LC), and high-contaminated areas (HC) were selected. Results of toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) indicated that Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBahA) constituted the main TEQs of ∑16PAHs. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment revealed that the main pathway of exposure to soil PAHs was dermal contact in adults and children. Furthermore, adults faced a higher total cancer risk (including dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation) from soil PAHs than children. The microbial community composition analysis demonstrated that soil PAHs could decrease the diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. The relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Fimicutes, Bacteroidota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota exhibited varying degrees of changes under different concentrations of PAHs. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) and Chrysene (Chr) drove the bacterial community composition, while BaP and DBahA drove the fungal community compositions. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the high contamination levels of PAHs that could change the relationships among different microorganisms and reduce the complexity and stability of fungal and bacterial networks. Overall, these findings provide comprehensive insight into the responses of bacterial and fungal communities to PAHs. Full article

Alginate-based materials have gained significant recognition in the medical industry due to their favorable biochemical properties. As a continuation of our previous studies, we have introduced a new composite consisting of cellulose nonwoven fabric charged with a metallic copper core (CNW-Cu⁰) covered with a calcium alginate (ALG⁻Ca²⁺) layer. The preparation process for these materials involved three main steps: coating the cellulose nonwoven fabric with copper via magnetron sputtering (CNW → CNW-Cu⁰), subsequent deposition with sodium alginate (CNW-Cu⁰ → CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Na⁺), followed by cross-linking the alginate chains with calcium ions (CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Na⁺ → CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Ca²⁺). The primary objective of the work was to supply these composites with such biological attributes as antibacterial and hemostatic activity. Namely, equipping the antibacterial materials (copper action on representative Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and fungal strains) with induction of blood plasma clotting processes (activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) and prothrombin time (PT)). We determined the effect of CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Ca²⁺ materials on the viability of Peripheral blood mononuclear (PBM) cells. Moreover, we studied the interactions of CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Ca²⁺ materials with DNA using the relaxation plasmid assay. However, results showed CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Ca²⁺’s cytotoxic properties against PBM cells in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, the CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Ca²⁺ composite exhibited the potential to interact directly with DNA. The results demonstrated that the CNW-Cu⁰/ALG⁻Ca²⁺ composites synthesized show promising potential for wound dressing applications. Full article

The search for the ideal metallic material for an implant is still a difficult challenge for scientists due to the phenomenon of corrosion and the consequent disruption of the implant structure. Prevention is the application of coatings that protect the implant, activate the tissues for faster regeneration, and also prevent inflammation through antibacterial and antiviral effects. The present study focuses on the selection of components for a Ti-6Al-4V alloy coating. These days, researchers are taking an intense interest in extracts of natural origin. It was decided to take a look at Sideritis raeseri, which contains vitamins and valuable elements and is rich in polyphenols, as well as antioxidants. The composition of coatings based on a PEG polymer reinforced with brushite and the S. raeseri extract with the proteins L-carnosine, fibroin, or sericin was developed. The samples were subjected to detailed physiochemical analysis, including potentiometry and electrical conductivity analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and UV-VIS spectroscopy. The study demonstrated that polyphenols were successfully released from the coatings during incubation in vitro. The osteointegration process can be supported by a number of factors, such as the release of polyphenols from implant coatings to prevent bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Subjecting the samples to 14 days of incubation demonstrated their interactions with the incubation fluids, an ion exchange between the medium and the materials. An analysis of the surface morphology exhibited the presence of brushite crystals and their increased number after incubation, indicating the bioactivity of the formed coatings. Full article

Endophytes play an important role in helping plants resist heavy metal stress. However, little is known about the effects of different heavy metals on the diversity and composition of endophyte communities. In this study, we used 16S and ITS amplicon sequencing to reveal the structure and function of endophytes in Symphytum officinale under different heavy metal stressors. The results showed that the endophytic fungal diversity decreased compared with the control under the different heavy metals stressors, while the diversity of endophytic bacteria showed an increasing trend. The biomarker analysis indicated that Zn and Pb stress led to obvious branches. Specific OTUs analysis showed that there were 1224, 597, and 1004 OTUs specific under Zn, Pb, and Cd stress in the bacterial community and 135, 81, and 110 OTUs specific under Zn, Pb, and Cd stress in the fungal community. The co-occurrence network showed changes in microbial interactions under heavy metal contamination conditions, suggesting that endophytic bacteria play an important role in the resistance of host plants. The Spearman analysis showed that the correlation between endophytic bacteria and endophytic fungi in relation to heavy metal transport exhibited variations. Our results expand the knowledge of the relationships of plant–microbe interactions and offer pivotal information to reveal the role of endophytes under different heavy metal stress conditions. Full article

Copper oxide nanoparticles (NCuO) have emerged as an alternative to pesticides due to their antifungal effect against various phytopathogens. Combining them with fungicides represents an advantageous strategy for reducing the necessary amount of both agents to inhibit fungal growth, simultaneously reducing their environmental release. This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of NCuO combined with three fungicide models separately: Iprodione (IPR), Tebuconazole (TEB), and Pyrimethanil (PYR) against two phytopathogenic fungi: Botrytis cinerea and Fusarium oxysporum. The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) was calculated as a synergism indicator (FIC ≤ 0.5). The NCuO interacted synergistically with TEB against both fungi and with IPR only against B. cinerea. The interaction with PYR was additive against both fungi (FIC > 0.5). The B. cinerea biomass was inhibited by 80.9% and 93% using 20 mg L⁻¹ NCuO + 1.56 mg L⁻¹ TEB, and 40 mg L⁻¹ NCuO + 12 µg L⁻¹ IPR, respectively, without significant differences compared to the inhibition provoked by 160 mg L⁻¹ NCuO. Additionally, the protein leakage and nucleic acid release were also evaluated as mechanisms associated with the synergistic effect. The results obtained in this study revealed that combining nanoparticles with fungicides can be an adequate strategy to significantly reduce the release of metals and agrochemicals into the environment after being used as antifungals. Full article