Molecules最新文献

The colonizing of temporary soft lining materials in the oral cavity by yeast-like fungi, particularly Candida albicans, poses a significant risk of complications during prosthetic treatment. Various experimental materials incorporating antimicrobial additives, such as drugs, natural oils, and inorganic particles, have been tested. However, these components are not chemically bonded to a polymer network, making them prone to being easily released into the surrounding environment. This study aimed to evaluate experimental soft lining materials containing liquid components with 2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl-2-decylhydroxyethylmethylammonium bromide, a monomethacrylate monomer with a quaternary ammonium group, added at concentrations of 8.54%, 8.75%, and 14.90% by weight. The adherence of Candida albicans, cytotoxicity, glass transition temperature (Tg), sorption (WS), solubility (WSL), Shore A hardness (SHA), tensile strength (TS), and tensile bond strength (TBS) were tested. Two tested materials did not show cytotoxicity for the 2-day undiluted extracts. The Candida albicans adhesions were reduced for two materials. The SHA values compared to the control were varied but all decreased with time. WS and WSL increased compared to the control. The TBS values were at an acceptable level.

Several polyphenol-rich Terminalia species (Combretaceae) are known to accelerate wound healing. Recently, the Omani medicinal plant Anogeissus dhofarica (now Terminalia dhofarica) was attributed to the genus Terminalia based on phylogenetic studies. Leaves, bark, and extracts of T. dhofarica are traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including wound treatment and personal hygiene. In the present study, the phytochemical profile of leaves from T. dhofarica was evaluated by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Simple phenolics, polyphenolics (e.g., flavonoids and tannins) and their glucosides were characterized as major metabolite classes. In addition, 20 phenolics were isolated and structurally identified. Nine of these compounds were never described before for T. dhofarica. For the first time, we provide complete NMR data for 1-O-galloyl-6-O-p-coumaroyl-d-glucose (1). Biological screening demonstrated moderate efficacy against the Gram-negative bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri, the phytopathogenic fungus Septoria tritici, and the oomycete Phytophthora infestans. In summary, the data expand the knowledge of the phytochemistry of the underexplored species T. dhofarica and underscore its potential for therapeutic applications, particularly in the context of traditional medicine.

Diplopterys pubipetala (Malpighiaceae) is a liana native to the Brazilian Cerrado biome, traditionally used in Ayahuasca preparations. Despite its cultural importance, research on its chemical composition and biological activities, which may have therapeutic potential, is limited. This study investigated the volatile and non-volatile secondary metabolites of D. pubipetala leaves, their antioxidant capacity, and their antibacterial and antifungal activities. Volatile compounds were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) coupled to solid-phase microextraction (SPME), while non-volatile compounds were annotated using UHPLC-MS/MS-ESI-Q-TOF. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated by DPPH assay, and antimicrobial activity was assessed in vitro against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida species (C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata). GC-MS analysis revealed 25 predominant volatile compounds, including ethyl dodecanoate, ethyl tetradecanoate, nonanoic acid, and 5-methylhexan-2-one, with documented antifungal, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. The crude extract and ethyl acetate fraction showed strong antioxidant capacity (EC₅₀ 9.83 µg/mL and 6.42 µg/mL, respectively), and antifungal effects were observed against Candida species. This study provides the first comprehensive investigation of the antioxidant capacity and antibacterial and antifungal activities of D. pubipetala, together with a detailed chemical profile of its volatile compounds.

Two bis-ruthenium(II) complexes, namely N,N'-{5,17-diamino-4(24),6(10),12(16),18(22)-tetramethylenedioxy-2,8,14,20-tetrapentylresorcin[4]arene}-bis-[dichloro-(p-cymene)-ruthenium(II)] (1) and N,N'-{5,11-diamino-4(24),6(10),12(16), 18(22)-tetramethylenedioxy-2,8,14,20-tetrapentylresorcin[4]arene}-bis-[dichloro-(p-cymene)-ruthenium(II)] (2) were synthesized and tested as catalysts in the N-alkylation of primary amines with arylmethyl alcohol using the green "hydrogen borrowing" methodology. The catalytic results were compared with those obtained when the N-{5-amino-4(24),6(10),12(16),18(22)-tetramethylenedioxy-2,8,14,20-tetrapentyl-resorcin[4]arene}-[dichloro-(p-cymene)-ruthenium(II)] (3) complex was employed as catalyst. The rate of the N-alkylation of aniline with benzyl alcohol increased in the order 3 < 1 ≪ 2, which highlights the importance of the relative positioning of the two metal centers on the upper rim of the resorcin[4]arene. Theoretical investigations suggest that the grafting of the two "RuCl₂(p-cymene)NH₂" moieties on two distal aromatic rings of the cavitand allows a cooperative effect between a ruthenium atom and the coordinated amine of the second metal center.

Experimental investigations of the diode-laser-induced ignition of potassium picrate (KP) with a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) additive are presented in this article. KP/MWNT composites with varying contents were prepared directly by adding different quantities of MWNTs to a KP solution after the last synthesis step. Due to capillary action, the MWNTs homogeneously coated the surface of the KP, and some KP crystallized inside the MWNTs. The samples were characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, differential thermal analysis, and laser ignition tests. At a constant laser power density, the doped KP showed a much shorter ignition delay time than the undoped KP (from 28.8 ms to 4.5 ms). Therefore, the higher the dopant MWNT ratio is, the shorter the ignition delay time is. Additionally, the more MWNTs are used to dope KP, the lower the required ignition power is.

Cannabidiol (CBD), derived from the Cannabis plant, has shown potential in dentistry for its antimicrobial properties, particularly against oral bacteria. Denture-associated infections, a common issue among denture wearers, present a challenge in antimicrobial enhancements to poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), the primary material for dentures due to its favorable physical and aesthetic qualities. To address this, researchers developed PMMA denture coatings infused with CBD nanoparticles. The CBD coatings were synthesized using UV curing and characterized via ¹H NMR, SEM, and FTIR spectroscopies. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Streptococcus agalactiae. CBD demonstrated significant bactericidal effects on Gram-positive bacteria with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 2-2.5 µg/mL and a minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of 10-20 µg/mL but was ineffective against planktonic Gram-negative bacteria. However, biofilm studies revealed a 99% reduction in biofilm growth for both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria on CBD-infused PMMA compared to standard PMMA. The CBD disrupted bacterial cell walls, causing lysis. Dissolution studies indicated effective release of CBD molecules, crucial for antimicrobial efficacy. This study highlights CBD's potential for antibiotic-free denture coatings, reducing dental biofilms and plaque formation, and improving oral health outcomes.

Advancements in biological and medical science are intricately linked to the biological central dogma. In recent years, gene editing techniques, especially CRISPR/Cas systems, have emerged as powerful tools for modifying genetic information, supplementing the central dogma and holding significant promise for disease diagnosis and treatment. Extensive research has been conducted on the continuously evolving CRISPR/Cas systems, particularly in relation to challenging diseases, such as cancer and HIV infection. Consequently, the integration of CRISPR/Cas-based techniques with contemporary medical approaches and therapies is anticipated to greatly enhance healthcare outcomes for humans. This review begins with a brief overview of the discovery of the CRISPR/Cas system. Subsequently, using CRISPR/Cas9 as an example, a clear description of the classical molecular mechanism underlying the CRISPR/Cas system was given. Additionally, the development of the CRISPR/Cas system and its applications in gene therapy and high-sensitivity disease diagnosis were discussed. Furthermore, we address the prospects for clinical applications of CRISPR/Cas-based gene therapy, highlighting the ethical considerations associated with altering genetic information. This brief review aims to enhance understanding of the CRISPR/Cas macromolecular system and provide insight into the potential of genetic macromolecular drugs for therapeutic purposes.

Citrus x limonia is an aromatic species belonging to the Rutaceae family. In the present study, the chemical composition, enantiomeric distribution, and biological activity of the essential oil isolated from leaves of Citrus x limonia were determined. The essential oil was extracted through hydrodistillation. The chemical composition of the essential oil was determined by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to a flame ionization detector (GC-FID), and a mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS) using a nonpolar column. The enantiomeric distribution was performed using two enantioselective chromatographic columns. Antimicrobial activity was determined using the broth microdilution method. The antimicrobial activity was tested against eight bacteria and two fungi. The antioxidant activity was determined through ABTS and DPPH methods. The spectrophotometric method was used to determine anticholinesterase activity. In the essential oil, forty-three compounds were identified. These compounds represent 99.13% of the total composition. Monoterpene hydrocarbons were the most representative group in number of compounds (fourteen) and in terms of relative abundance (65.67%). The main constituent is found to be limonene (25.37 ± 0.80%), β-pinene (23.29 ± 0.15%) and sabinene (8.35 ± 0.10%). Six pairs of enantiomers were identified in the essential oil from fruits of Citrus x limonia. The essential oil showed moderate antibacterial activity against Gram-positive cocci Enterococcus faecalis, and Gram-positive bacillus Lysteria monocytogenes with a MIC of 1000 μg/mL. The oil exhibited strong antifungal activity against fungi Aspergillus niger, and yeasts Candida albicans with a MIC of 250 and 500 μg/mL, respectively. The antioxidant activity of essential oil was weak in ABTS method with a SC₅₀ of 9.12 mg/mL. Additionally, the essential oil presented moderate anticholinesterase activity with an IC₅₀ of 71.02 ± 1.02 µg/mL.

Recently, nitrostilbenes characterized by two different or differently substituted aryl moieties, obtainable from the initial ring-opening of 3-nitrobenzo[b]thiophene with amines, have proved, by means of a stepwise double coupling with phenolic-type bidentate C/O nucleophiles, to be valuable precursors of oxygen-containing heteropolycycles and of fully conjugated systems therefrom via an efficient 6π-electrocyclization and final aromatization. Herein, the methodology is extended, after suitable optimization, to diverse heterophenols to afford new appealing heteropolycyclic systems of potential interest as drug leads. The synthetic results are fully consistent with up-to-date quantomechanical calculations. For some of the new molecules, a significant fluorescence is reported, with a potential for future applications, e.g., in the field of optical devices.

Bos frontalis (Mithun) and Bos grunniens (yak) are crucial to the culture, food security, and economy of Southeast Asia, especially in India and China, respectively. Their genetic closeness to Bos indicus (indicine cattle) and Bos taurus (taurine cattle) necessitates precise methods for meat origin authentication. This study introduces a DNA-based technique to distinguish Mithun and yak species using the alkaline lysis (AL) protocol for DNA extraction, followed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify unique mitochondrial D-loop regions, yielding 489 bp and 422 bp amplicons, respectively. The AL-PCR method showed high specificity for both species, with no cross-amplification with other related species. The method's effectiveness was validated across various sample preparations, including raw, cooked, autoclaved, microwaved, and fried samples. The AL-PCR assay is highly sensitive, detecting as little as 1 pg of Mithun DNA and 100 pg of yak DNA, and can identify down to 0.1% of these species in binary mixtures. This approach is rapid and cost-effective, offering significant benefits for consumer protection, promoting Mithun and yak farming, and addressing food safety and traceability issues.