Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from G. stearothermophilus GF16: stable and versatile nanomaterials with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and catalytic properties.

Background: Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have attracted considerable interest for their distinctive physicochemical properties and wide-ranging applications in nanomedicine, environmental catalysis, and antimicrobial applications. However, sustainable and robust biosynthesis methods remain a challenge.

Results: In this study, we report the biosynthesis of thermostable AgNPs using the secretome of Geobacillus stearothermophilus GF16, a thermophilic and metal-resistant bacterium isolated from the hydrothermal volcanic area of Pisciarelli, Italy.

The effect of post-biotics-enriched diet on the antioxidant capacity in Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to CuO.

This study explores the effects of copper (I) oxide (Cu₂O) nanoparticle exposure on Mytilus galloprovincialis gills and the modulation of oxidative stress by a diet enriched with a postbiotic derived from kefir microorganisms. Postbiotics, which include components such as proteins, lipopolysaccharides, and short-chain fatty acids, have shown biological benefits, including enhancing gut health and modulating immunity. They are known for their antioxidant properties, which can counteract oxidative stress by scavenging free radicals, making them useful in both human and animal health.

Biotechnological Potential of a Novel Strain of Fusarium proliferatum, a Terrestrial Fungus Adapted to Marine Environment.

Marine habitats represent hostile environments for the majority of microorganisms. Nonetheless, in the last decades, the study of the microbial diversity of the halophylic environments has reported that fungi constitute a quantitatively relevant component. The research reports the isolation of a novel strain of Fusarium proliferatum from seawater, within a monitoring campaign conducted in the South Calabrian coasts (Regione Calabria, Italy): the microorganism presumably adapted from a terrestrial to a marine niche, potentially changing its metabolism in response to the environmental stress.

Masks and gloves: The silent impact of pandemic waste on marine life.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has determined a global health crisis. To control its spread, countries implemented several measures including social distancing and mask-wearing. Single-use face masks, gloves, and face shields made from various synthetic materials can significantly accumulate in the marine environment, along with other substances such as plasticizers, lubricants, and stabilizers, many of which are classified as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs).

Antifungal and Antibiofilm Activities of 2-Aminobenzoic Acid Derivatives Against a Clinical Ocular Isolate for Biomedical Applications.

Ocular fungal infections are slow-progressing conditions that primarily affect the cornea but can also involve the entire eyeball. is one of the most involved species. Both diagnosing and treating these infections require prompt and effective action.

Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Phenyllactic Acid Against Foodborne Pathogens Serotype Derby and O26.

Nowadays, the spread of foodborne diseases and the growing concerns about antibiotic resistance have shifted the focus of researchers towards the use of substances of natural origin. Phenyllactic acid (PLA), a naturally produced compound, has already demonstrated antimicrobial properties against pathogenic microorganisms and those responsible for food spoilage. This study examines the antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of PLA against foodborne pathogens such as Derby and O26.

The Biotherapeutic Potential of a Novel Probiotic Isolated from a Sourdough Starter Against Vaginal Strains.

There is an increasing interest in yeasts isolated from natural sources to be used as probiotics. -based probiotics have been proposed as a valid alternative to the conventional drug therapy for the prevention and treatment of vulvovaginal candidiasis, also considering the resistance of some strains to many antifungals. Here, we isolated from an artisanal sourdough a new yeast strain which was identified as and assessed its probiotic and safety properties, which resulted in comparable properties to all those exhibited by the commercial probiotic .

Microplastics, microfibers and associated microbiota biofilm analysis in seawater, a case study from the Vesuvian Coast, southern Italy.

The growing concerns regarding pollution from microplastics (MPs) and microfibers (MFs) have driven the scientific community to develop new solutions for monitoring ecosystems. However, many of the proposed technologies still include protocols for treating environmental samples that may alter plastic materials, leading to inaccurate results both in observation and in counting. For this reason, we are refining a protocol, based on optical microscopy without the use of pretreatments, applicable to different environmental matrices, which allows not only counting but also a complete morphological characterization of MPs and MFs.

Sublethal and lethal toxicity assessment of lanthanum and gadolinium to Daphnia magna in a 7-day test method.

The use of rare earth elements has increased in recent years, leading to a rise in environmental concentrations. Despite the growth in number of studies regarding toxicity, knowledge gaps remain. For Daphnia magna, standardized test methods involve exposure periods of either 48 h or 21 days to assess toxicological effects.

Sphaeropsidin A Loaded in Liposomes to Reduce Its Cytotoxicity and Preserve Antifungal Activity Against .

species constitute the most common cause of fungal infections in humans; the emergence of resistance and biofilm formation by species further threaten the limited availability of antifungal agents. Over the past decade, . has caused significant outbreaks worldwide and has emerged as a human pathogenic fungus that causes diseases ranging from superficial to life-threatening disseminated infections.

Biological activities, biosynthetic capacity and metabolic interactions of lactic acid bacteria and yeast strains from traditional home-made kefir.

Given the widespread industrial and domestic use of probiotic blends based on combinations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts to produce fermented foods or beverages that are supposed to provide health benefits, this study aimed to generate knowledge and concepts on biologically relevant activities, metabolism and metabolic interactions in yeast/LAB communities. For this, the postbiotic capabilities of three probiotic candidates, including two lactic acid bacteria (i.e.

Species sensitivity distribution of rare earth elements: A full overview.

Rare earth elements (REEs) encompass 15 lanthanides and play a crucial role in modern technology. Despite their essential uses, REEs are emerging environmental contaminants due to their growing presence in industrial, agricultural, and medical applications. For the first time, the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach was applied to REEs considering 58 papers including toxicity about Ce, Dy, Er, Gd, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, and Y.

Nutritional Composition, Fatty Acid Content, and Mineral Content of Nine Sorghum () Inbred Varieties.

is a self-pollinating species belonging to the Poaceae family characterized by a resistance to drought higher than that of corn. Sorghum ( L. Moench) has been grown for centuries as a food crop in tropical areas where it has an increasing importance, particularly as a cereal option for people with celiac disease.

Trophic organization of the benthic communities off the South Italian coasts: A review with a modelistic approach.

Limited data are available about the coastal ecology of the Calabria region, in the southern Italy. As well, data about the levels of biodiversity and the structure of food webs in these environments are totally missing. However, considering the wide range of physical and ecological conditions distinguishing these ecosystems, a remarkable spread of biodiversity is expected.

Ecotoxicity and Mutagenicity Assessment of Novel Antifungal Agents VT-1161 and T-2307.

Antifungal substances are essential for managing fungal infections in humans, animals, and plants, and their usage has significantly increased due to the global rise in fungal infections. However, the extensive application of antifungal agents in pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and agriculture has led to their widespread environmental dissemination through various pathways, such as excretion, improper disposal, and agricultural runoff. Despite advances in wastewater treatment, many antifungal compounds persist in the environment, affecting non-target organisms and contributing to resistance development.

A multi-disciplinary approach based on chemical characterization of foreshore sediments, ecotoxicity assessment and statistical analyses for environmental monitoring of marine-coastal areas.

The present work aims at providing a multi-disciplinary approach for environmental monitoring in marine-coastal areas. A monitoring campaign of 13 months (October 2022-October 2023) was carried out on sandy foreshore sediments (SFSs). The SFSs were analysed for potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and rare earth elements (REEs) content determination.

Ecotoxicological and metabolomic investigation of chronic exposure of Daphnia magna (Straus, 1820) to yttrium environmental concentrations.

In order to estimate the effects on aquatic organisms of long-term exposure to low doses of yttrium (Y) as a potential emerging contaminant, ecotoxicological and metabolomic data were collected on the model organism Daphnia magna, a keystone species in freshwater ecosystems. Following an initial acute toxicity assessment, a 21-day chronic exposure experiment was conducted using a sublethal concentration of 27 μg L⁻¹ of Y, corresponding to the effective concentrations inducing 10 % effect (EC) value for mortality endpoint and simulating the environmental Y level in aquatic systems. Results from the 21-day two-factor experiment combining microcrustacean survival, growth and reproduction bioassays and targeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics indicated significant adverse effects of chronic exposure to Y on D.

Assessment of ecological risks posed by veterinary antibiotics in European aquatic environments: A comprehensive review and analysis.

The extensive use of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine has led to the emergence of antibiotic contaminants in the environment, posing significant risks to ecosystems and public health. This contamination arises from the persistence of antibiotics in aquatic environments, particularly in aquifer systems, where they contribute to the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. Despite increasing research, the understanding of the ecological and human health implications of these contaminants remains incomplete.

Percarbonate mediated advanced oxidation of irbesartan: A suitable alternative to chlorination?

This study aims to investigate the environmental fate of irbesartan when subjected to activated percarbonate treatment. The investigation delves into the formation of disinfection byproducts (DBPs) and evaluates their toxicity, and it seeks to draw comparisons with outcomes from treatment with sodium hypochlorite, already characterized in previous findings. The proposed treatment indicates the formation of at least 11 DBPs - eight identified for the first time - which have been isolated by various chromatographic techniques, identified by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Mass Spectrometry studies and for which a mechanism has been proposed to elucidate their formation.

Health-Promoting Properties of Natural Flavonol Glycosides Isolated from L.

, also called bladdernuts, is a genus of plants belonging to the family Staphyleaceae, widespread in tropical or temperate climates of America, Europe, and the Far East. spp. produce bioactive metabolites with antioxidant properties, including polyphenols which have not been completely investigated for their phytotherapeutic potential, even though they have a long history of use for food.

Ecotoxicological assessment of cyclic peptides produced by a Planktothrix rubescens bloom: Impact on aquatic model organisms.

Cyanobacterial blooms, a natural phenomenon in freshwater ecosystems, have increased in frequency and severity due to climate change and eutrophication. Some cyanobacteria are able to produce harmful substances called cyanotoxins. These metabolites possess different chemical structures and action mechanisms representing a serious concern for human health and the environment.