Foliar Applications of Bacillus subtilis HA1 Culture Filtrate Enhance Tomato Growth and Induce Systemic Resistance Against Tobacco mosaic virus Infection

The application of microbial products as natural biocontrol agents for inducing systemic resistance against plant viral infections represents a promising strategy for sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural applications. Under greenhouse conditions, the efficacy of the culture filtrate of Bacillus subtilis strain HA1 (Acc# OM286889) for protecting tomato plants from Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection was assessed. The results showed that the dual foliar application of this culture filtrate (HA1-CF) 24 h before and 24 h after TMV inoculation was the most effective treatment for enhancing tomato plant development, with substantial improvements in shoot and root parameters. Furthermore, compared to non-treated plants, HA1-CF-treated tomato had a significant increase in total phenolic and flavonoid contents of up to 27% and 50%, respectively. In addition, a considerable increase in the activities of reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes (PPO, SOD, and POX) and a significant decrease in non-enzymatic oxidative stress markers (H2O2 and MDA) were reported. In comparison to untreated control plants, all HA1-CF-treated plants showed a significant reduction in TMV accumulation in systemically infected tomato leaves, up to a 91% reduction at 15 dpi. The qRT-PCR results confirmed that HA1-CF stimulated the transcription of several defense-related tomato genes (PR-1, PAL, CHS, and HQT), pointing to their potential role in induced resistance against TMV. GC–MS analysis showed that phenol, 2,4-bis (1,1-dimethylethyl)-, Pyrrolo [1,2-a] pyrazine-1,4-dione, hexahydro-3-(2-methylpropyl)- and eicosane are the primary ingredient compounds in the HA1-CF ethyl acetate extract, suggesting that these molecules take part in stimulating induced systemic resistance in tomato plants. Our results imply that HA1-CF is a potential resistance inducer to control plant viral infections, a plant growth promoter, and a source of bioactive compounds for sustainable disease management

Paclitaxel and Sorafenib: The Effective Combination of Suppressing the Self-Renewal of Cancer Stem Cells

Combination therapy, which is a treatment modality combining two or more therapeutic agents, is considered a cornerstone of cancer therapy. The combination of anticancer drugs, of which functions are different from the other, enhances the efficiency compared to the monotherapy because it targets cancer cells in a synergistic or an additive manner. In this study, the combination of paclitaxel and sorafenib in low concentration was evaluated to target cancer stem cells, miPS-BT549cmP and miPS-Huh7cmP cells, developed from mouse induced pluripotent stem cells. The synergistic effect of paclitaxel and sorafenib on cancer stem cells was assessed by the inhibition of proliferation, self-renewal, colony formation, and differentiation. While the IC(50)values of paclitaxel and sorafenib were approximately ranging between 250 and 300 nM and between 6.5 and 8 mu M, respectively, IC(50)of paclitaxel reduced to 20 and 25 nM, which was not toxic in a single dose, in the presence of 1 mu M sorafenib, which was not toxic to the cells. Then, the synergistic effect was further assessed for the potential of self-renewal of cancer stem cells by sphere formation ability. As a result, 1 mu M of sorafenib significantly enhanced the effect of paclitaxel to suppress the number of spheres. Simultaneously, paclitaxel ranging in 1 to 4 nM significantly suppressed not only the colony formation but also the tube formation of the cancer stem cells in the presence of 1 mu M sorafenib. These results suggest the combination therapy of paclitaxel and sorafenib in low doses should be an attractive approach to target cancer stem cells with fewer side effects

Characterization and genomics identification of key genes involved in denitrification-DNRA-nitrification pathway of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Serratia marcescens OK482790)

Abstract Background A wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, live in the rhizosphere zone of plants and have an impact on plant development both favorably and adversely. The beneficial outcome is due to the presence of rhizobacteria that promote plant growth (PGPR). Results In this study, a bacterial strain was isolated from lupin rhizosphere and identified genetically as Serratia marcescens (OK482790). Several biochemically and genetically characteristics were confirmed in vitro and in vivo to determine the OK482790 strain ability to be PGPR. The in vitro results revealed production of different lytic enzymes (protease, lipase, cellulase, and catalase), antimicrobial compounds (hydrogen cyanide, and siderophores), ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate and its ability to reduce nitrate to nitrite. In silico and in vitro screening proposed possible denitrification-DNRA-nitrification pathway for OK482790 strain. The genome screening indicated the presence of nitrite and nitrate genes encoding Nar membrane bound sensor proteins (NarK, NarQ and NarX). Nitrate and nitrite reductase encoding genes (NarI, NarJ, NarH, NarG and NapC/NirT) and (NirB, NirC, and NirD) are also found in addition to nitroreductases (NTR) and several oxidoreductases. In vivo results on wheat seedlings confirmed that seedlings growth was significantly improved by soil inoculation of OK482790 strain. Conclusions This study provides evidence for participation of S. marcescens OK482790 in nitrogen cycling via the denitrification-DNRA-nitrification pathway and for its ability to produce several enzymes and compounds that support the beneficial role of plant-microbe interactions to sustain plant growth and development for a safer environment

Toxicity of mercuric oxide nanoparticles on freshwater microalgae : comprehensive analysis on their interactive effects and detoxification pathways

Abstract: So far, there is limited research on the potential risks and environmental consequences of mercuric oxide nanoparticles (HgO-NPs) on phytoplankton. To this end, we investigated the moderate and acute concentrations of HgO-NPs (0.8 and 1.6 mg/L, respectively) on the growth, photosynthesis, and detoxification processes in two microalgae, namely Scenedesmus obliquus and Nostoc muscorum. Compared to N. muscorum, S. obliquus had greater accumulation and removal efficiencies of HgO-NPs (92.8 %, 91.4 %) at moderate and acute levels. HgONPs accumulation inhibited the growth and decreased photosynthesis, RuBisCo activity and chlorophyll a content in a dose-dependent manner. At oxidative damage level, acute level of HgO-NPs evoked severe lipid and protein peroxidation, and increased NADPH oxidase activity particularly in N. muscorum. Exposure to HgO-NPs also resulted in distinct metabolic perturbations in both microalgal species. Notably, there was a dose-dependent increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes (e.g., peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), as well as metabolites like tocopherols and flavonoids in S. obliquus. However, the activity of catalase, ascorbate peroxidase and dehydroascorbate reductase enzymes, and ascorbate levels were significantly increased in N. muscorum. At HgONPs detoxification level, S. obliquus increased glutathione level and glutathione-S-transferases activity. However, N. muscorum showed high levels of metal chelator (phytochelatins and metalothionine). Investigating the HgONPs bioremediation capacity and stress tolerance mechanisms opens possibilities to introduce S. obliquus as a promising bioremediator to relieve ecological risk of HgO-NPs

Bio_Fabricated Levan Polymer from <i>Bacillus subtilis</i> MZ292983.1 with Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Burn Healing Properties

The biopolymer levan has sparked a lot of interest in commercial production and various industrial applications. In this study, a bacterial isolate with promising levan-producing ability was isolated from a soil sample obtained from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia. The isolate has been identified and submitted to GenBank as Bacillus subtilis MZ292983.1. The bacterial levan polymer was extracted using ethyl alcohol (75%) and CaCl2 (1%) and then characterized using several approaches, such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The IR spectrum of the levan polymer showed characteristic peaks confirming characteristics of polysaccharides, including a broad stretching peak of OH around 3417 cm−1 and aliphatic CH stretching was observed as two peaks at 2943, and 2885 cm−1. In addition, the FTIR spectrum featured an absorption at 2121 cm−1, indicating the fingerprint of the β-glycosidic bond. Based on 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy analysis, six unexchanged proton signals related to fructose as a forming monomer of levan were observed. Evaluation of levan’s antibacterial effect against two pathogenic bacteria, S. aureus (ATCC 33592) and E. coli (ATCC 25922), showed inhibition zones of 1 cm and 0.8 cm in diameter, respectively, with MICs of more than 256 μg mL−1 for both strains. Moreover, the antibiofilm property of the levan polymer was assessed and the results showed that the inhibition rate was positively proportional to the levan concentration, as the inhibition percentages were 50%, 29.4%, 29.4%, 26.5%, and 14.7% at concentrations of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mg mL−1, respectively. Levan showed a significant role in burn healing properties since it accelerated the process of healing burn-induced areas in rats when compared with those either treated with normal saline or treated with the cream base only

Bio_Fabricated Levan Polymer from Bacillus subtilis MZ292983.1 with Antibacterial, Antibiofilm, and Burn Healing Properties

The biopolymer levan has sparked a lot of interest in commercial production and various industrial applications. In this study, a bacterial isolate with promising levan-producing ability was isolated from a soil sample obtained from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Saudi Arabia. The isolate has been identified and submitted to GenBank as Bacillus subtilis MZ292983.1. The bacterial levan polymer was extracted using ethyl alcohol (75%) and CaCl2 (1%) and then characterized using several approaches, such as Fourier transform infrared spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. The IR spectrum of the levan polymer showed characteristic peaks confirming characteristics of polysaccharides, including a broad stretching peak of OH around 3417 cm&minus;1 and aliphatic CH stretching was observed as two peaks at 2943, and 2885 cm&minus;1. In addition, the FTIR spectrum featured an absorption at 2121 cm&minus;1, indicating the fingerprint of the &beta;-glycosidic bond. Based on 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy analysis, six unexchanged proton signals related to fructose as a forming monomer of levan were observed. Evaluation of levan&rsquo;s antibacterial effect against two pathogenic bacteria, S. aureus (ATCC 33592) and E. coli (ATCC 25922), showed inhibition zones of 1 cm and 0.8 cm in diameter, respectively, with MICs of more than 256 &mu;g mL&minus;1 for both strains. Moreover, the antibiofilm property of the levan polymer was assessed and the results showed that the inhibition rate was positively proportional to the levan concentration, as the inhibition percentages were 50%, 29.4%, 29.4%, 26.5%, and 14.7% at concentrations of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, and 0.125 mg mL&minus;1, respectively. Levan showed a significant role in burn healing properties since it accelerated the process of healing burn-induced areas in rats when compared with those either treated with normal saline or treated with the cream base only

Simple dihydropyridine-based colorimetric chemosensors for heavy metal ion detection, biological evaluation, molecular docking, and ADMET profiling

Abstract In this study, two novel chemosensors containing dihydropyridine fragment namely; (2E, 2Eʹ)-1,1ʹ-(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-diyl)bis(3-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one) (1), (2E,2E',4E,4E')-1,1ʹ -(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-diyl)bis(5-(4-(dimethylamino)phenyl)penta-2,4-dien-1-one) (2) have been synthesized and characterized. The solvatochromic behavior was explored in different solvents of various polarities. The visual detection, as well as UV–Vis and fluorescence measurements were carried out to explore the colorimetric and optical sensing properties of the investigated chemosensors towards various metal ions such as Al3+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, Hg2+ and Zn2+. The chemosensors 1 and 2 have strong detecting abilities, with excellent sensitivity and selectivity for Cu2+ and Fe3+, respectively, over the other metal ions. The chemosensors were totally reversible upon addition of EDTA to the formed complexes and displayed a turn on–off-on fluorescence response based on an effect of chelation-quenching fluorescence. The antioxidant activities of the investigated chemosensors were assessed. They were examined in-silico for their capacity to block the Akt signaling pathway, which is involved in cancer proliferation with interpreting their pharmacokinetics aspects. Furthermore, in-vitro antitumor evaluation against a panel of cancer cell lines for the investigated chemosensors has been examined. Conclusively, chemosensor 1 was more effective at scavenging free radicals and as an anticancer agent and could be exploited as a therapeutic candidate for cancer therapy than chemosensor 2 due to its potential inhibition of Akt protein

Green synthesis, characterization, anti-SARS-CoV-2 entry, and replication of lactoferrin-coated zinc nanoparticles with halting lung fibrosis induced in adult male albino rats

Abstract The ethanolic extract of Coleus forskohlii Briq leaves was employed in the green synthesis of zinc nanoparticles (Zn-NPs) by an immediate, one-step, and cost-effective method in the present study. Zn-NPs were coated with purified bovine lactoferrin (LF) and characterized through different instrumental analysis. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs were white in color revealing oval to spherical-shaped particles with an average size of 77 ± 5.50 nm, whereas LF-coated Zn-NPs (LF-Zn-NPs) revealed a larger particles size of up to 98 ± 6.40 nm. The biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs revealed negatively charged surfaces with zeta-potentials of – 20.25 ± 0.35 and – 44.3 ± 3.25 mV, respectively. Interestingly, the LF-Zn-NPs showed potent in vitro retardation for SARS-CoV-2 entry to host cells by binding to the ACE2-receptor and spike protein receptor binding domain at IC50 values of 59.66 and μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, the results indicated the ability of LF-Zn-NPs to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by interfering with RNA-dependent RNA polymerase “RdRp” activity at IC50 of 49.23 μg/mL. In vivo, the LF-Zn-NPs displayed a protective and therapeutic activity against induced pulmonary fibrosis in Bleomycin-treated male albino rats owing to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and significant reduction in CRP, LDH, ferritin, and D-dimer levels. The obtained findings offer a promising route for biosynthesized Zn-NPs and LF-Zn-NPs as promising candidates against COVID-19

Myco-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles as Wound Healing and Antibacterial Agent: An In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation

Bacterial-associated wound infections are an obstacle for individuals and the medical industry. Developing versatile, antibiotic-free therapies helps heal wounds more quickly and efficiently. In the current study, fungal metabolites were employed as a reducing agent in fabricating selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for improved antibacterial and wound healing properties. Utilizing UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopic examination, the properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were extensively evaluated. Myco-synthesized SeNPs demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3125 mg/mL, reducing cell number and shape distortion in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. SeNPs’ topical administration significantly reduced wound area and healing time, exhibiting the least bacterial load after six days compared to controls. After six and 11 days of treatment, SeNPs could decrease proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α production. The histopathological investigation showed a healed ulcer with moderate infiltration of inflammatory cells after exposing mice’s skin to SeNPs for six and 11 days. The docking interaction indicated that SeNPs were highly efficient against the IL-6 and TNF-α binding receptors. These findings imply that myco-fabricated SeNPs might be used as topically applied antimicrobial agents for treating skin infections and wounds