Incorporating synthetic and natural polymers with metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) can significantly alter electrical, optical, catalytic, antibacterial, mechanical, physical, and magnetic properties. In this study, nanocomposites (NCs) containing polyaniline (PANI), a conducting polymer, Chitosan (CS), a natural polymer, and ZnO metal NPs were synthesized using in situ chemical oxidative polymerisation technique. The multifunctional properties of these NCs, including antibacterial, photocatalytic, anticorrosive, and magnetic, were investigated. The photocatalytic degradation efficiency of methylene blue dye (MBD) was evaluated under UV and sunlight and found to be higher in sunlight. The MBD degradation efficiency reached 74.57% in 6.4 h in UV light and 89.62% in 5.0 h in sunlight. The synthesized NCs exhibited a 'magnetic susceptibility' (chi) of 0.035, indicating paramagnetic behavior. The optical band gap of the NCs was 2.9 eV, lower than that of pure PANI (3.8 eV) and ZnO NPs (3.35 eV). The zone of inhibition (14.0 mm) was measured against S. aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria at a concentration of 4.5 mg/mL. The NCs demonstrated anticorrosive activity against mild steel in 1.0 M H2SO4, achieving an inhibition efficiency of 90.34% at 10 ppm. This study leads to the development of NCs with significant potential for water purification, environmental remediation, anticorrosive coatings, and applications requiring conductive and magnetic properties.

In view of exploring copper-based bioactive agents, we report the preparation of new pyrazolylcarbohydrazidelinked ligands and their Cu(II) complexes. The structures of the compounds were established using advanced spectroscopic techniques and thermogravimetric analysis. Further structural insights were explained on the basis of results obtained from DFT studies. The synthesized copper(II) complexes were found to decompose up to 365 degrees C, demonstrating high thermal stability. Scanning electron microscope data indicated that the ligands possessed a rough and bar-like surface, whereas copper(II) complexes showed a homogeneous, smooth morphology with bundled, road-like structures. Biological screening demonstrated the potential of these compounds as anticancer agents against A549 lung cancer and Vero cells, antimicrobial agents against fungal (Candida albicans) and bacterial (Escherichia coli & Staphylococcus aureus) strains. On anticancer screening, compounds 4c, 4d, and 4e were found to show excellent potential with IC50 value 97.75 f 7.34 & micro;g/mL, 67.82 f 1.56 & micro;g/mL, and 55.66 f 5.05 & micro;g/mL, respectively towards A549 cells, in contrast to the commonly used drug, Carboplatin (93.67 f 4.57 & micro;g/mL). Furthermore, copper complex 4d displayed remarkable antimicrobial potential at MICs of 0.5418 and 0.5114 mg/mL against S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, whereas ligands 3a and 3c exhibited substantial effectiveness against S. aureus at MICs of 1.142 and 0.4867 mg/mL, respectively. The antimalarial potential was evaluated by molecular docking with the Plasmodium falciparum dihydrofolate reductase-thymidylate synthase (PDB ID:1j3i), a wild-type mutant. The results suggested that all compounds exhibit a high binding ability to this wild-type mutant.

In view of our ongoing efforts to develop new bioactive agents, we report the synthesis and structural characterization of a new hippuric acid-linked Schiff base (2) and its metal complexes (3a–g). All prepared compounds were characterized using advanced techniques, such as 1H, 13C NMR, FT-IR, & UV–Vis spectroscopy, HR-Mass spectrometry, SEM-EDX, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Furthermore, these compounds were evaluated for their anticancer and antimicrobial potential. In vitro anticancer screening against the lung cancer cell line (A549) and Vero cells indicated that ligand 2, complexes 3a, and 3f displayed the highest potential with IC50 values of 76.16 ± 1.3, 118.30 ± 0.3, and 30.67 ± 1.0 μg/ml, respectively, higher than the standard drug, Dexamethasone (136.55 ± 19.0 μg/ml). In addition, complex 3f, with a value of 30.67 ± 1.0 μg/ml, exhibited greater potential than another standard, Carboplatin (51.07 ± 1.1 μg/ml). According to toxicity assessments, all compounds, except 3g (64 μg/ml), were well tolerated in the concentration range of 123–550 μg/ml and were non-toxic compared to the widely used drug, Carboplatin. The results of antibacterial screening revealed that compounds 3a and 3f are potent antibacterial agents against S. aureus at MICs of 0.0122 and 0.0325 mg/ml, respectively, while 3c and 3f were found effective against E. coli. at MIC of 0.0086 mg/ml and 0.0115 mg/ml, respectively. Compounds 3b and 3d have the highest antifungal potential, with MIC values of 0.0123 and 0.0212 mg/ml against C. albicans.

Infectious diseases driven by increasingly resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens demand diagnostics that are faster and more accessible than conventional culture-based methods. This review traces the evolution of lateral flow assays (LFAs) from simple qualitative strips to sophisticated, molecularly enhanced diagnostic platforms. This review synthesizes literature mostly published between 2010 and 2025, identified through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using search terms including 'lateral flow assay,' 'point-of-care diagnostics,' 'CRISPR diagnostics,' 'nanozyme biosensor,' 'antimicrobial resistance,' 'Candida auris,' and 'invasive aspergillosis. It highlights how advances in materials science (including quantum dots and nanozymes), isothermal amplification (RPA, LAMP), and CRISPR/Cas-based recognition have pushed LFAs toward laboratory-comparable sensitivity while preserving their simplicity. The clinical impact of these next-generation LFAs is illustrated using high-threat pathogens such as MRSA, Candida auris, and invasive Aspergillus, where rapid, point-of-care identification improves outcomes and supports antimicrobial stewardship. The review also examines the digital transformation of LFAs through smartphone-based readouts and artificial intelligence, which enable quantitative analysis and real-time epidemiological surveillance, even in remote settings. Despite ongoing challenges, including the hook effect, cross-reactivity, and regulatory fragmentation, the emerging technologies described here suggest that LFAs can help decouple high-quality infectious disease diagnostics from centralized laboratories, supporting a more equitable, global access to precision microbiological testing.

Cancer drug development faces major challenges, including high costs, long timelines, and multidrug resistance, creating a need for repurposing strategies. Here, we explored rezafungin (RF), a long-acting echinocandin antifungal, as a hypothesis-generating anticancer candidate using an integrated computational framework combining pharmacokinetic assessment, target prediction, kinome profiling, transcriptomic modeling, docking, molecular dynamics, and machine learning. The analyses suggest that RF may benefit from albumin-associated distribution and P-glycoprotein-mediated transport, while its long half-life and chemical stability may support metronomic dosing. SuperPred predicted TDP1 as the highest-probability target, with additional predicted interactions involving NF-κB, Cathepsin D, and HIF-1α. Kinome profiling indicated high selectivity and predicted activity against hematological cancer-associated and drug-resistant kinase variants. Transcriptomic analysis suggested coordinated suppression of DNA repair and metabolic regulators, consistent with a synthetic lethality hypothesis, whereas ferroptosis remained exploratory due to limited pathway support. Docking, binding-site analysis, molecular dynamics, and MM-PBSA provided structural support for stable interactions with TDP1 and HIF-1α, with known inhibitor controls strengthening the interpretation. Benchmarking against anidulafungin showed that each module of the pipeline produced coherent outputs for a related echinocandin scaffold. Overall, RF emerges as a mechanistically grounded, hypothesis-generating repurposing candidate for further experimental validation in cancer models.

A total of twenty-four 2-(bromo/dibromo/tribromophenylamino)-4-arylthiazole derivatives (3a-x) were prepared to explore their biological potential, particularly to evaluate the effect of bromine substituent(s) on the phenylamino group attached at position-2 of the thiazole nucleus. The reaction of alpha-bromoacetophenones with different N-bromoarylthioureas at room temperature in alcohol afforded the target products in good yields. Their structures were established based on analysis of spectroscopic data and results of single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The anticancer evaluation revealed that compound 3p exhibited excellent selectivity (SI = 8.86) with an IC50 value of 129.37 +/- 8.0 mu M toward lung cancer cells (A549), surpassing the standard drug, Carboplatin (IC50 = 128.83 +/- 2.0 mu M, SI = 1.21). It was observed that compounds possessing a 2,4-dibromophenylamino moiety linked at position-2 of the thiazole ring demonstrated the highest selectivity for A549 cells and the lowest cytotoxicity against Vero cells. Antimicrobial screening revealed that compounds 3g and 3h were highly effective against the bacterial strain, Staphylococcus aureus, and the fungal strain Candida albicans, with MIC values of 0.038 mu g/mL (Ampicillin = 1 mu g/ml) and 0.021 mu g/ml (Fluconazole = 0.31 mu g/ml), respectively. Furthermore, molecular docking studies were conducted on the newly synthesized candidates, which support their potential as effective biological agents. ADMET analysis for key pharmacokinetic and toxicological properties of these compounds was also conducted to assess their drug-likeness nature.

Echinocandin B (ECB) biosynthesis in Aspergillus nidulans is primarily governed by multiple genes located within the biosynthetic echinocandin (ecd) gene cluster. The contributory functions of many genes, including transcription factors and tailoring enzymes of the ecd gene cluster, have been previously studied. The present study focused on determining the role of transporter proteins, EcdLp, EcdCp, and EcdDp, in ECB efflux using in silico and biochemical approaches. The molecular docking analysis revealed that ECB relatively showed higher binding affinity for EcdLp than the other co-clustered MFS transporters EcdCp and EcdDp, suggesting a preferred substrate of EcdLp. These results were further confirmed by heterologous integration of the ecdL gene in the ABC transporters-deficient Saccharomyces cerevisiae AD1-8u⁻, confirming active efflux. However, the binding of ECB in EcdLp is distinct from the R6G binding, overlapping the promiscuous site of farnesol, resulting in inhibition of R6G efflux in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, these results decipher the ECB binding and efflux mechanism and unveil the evolutionarily specialized architecture of EcdLp that permits targeted metabolite export in addition to environmental responsiveness, and lay the groundwork for optimizing ECB production via transporter engineering.

Green leafy vegetables play a crucial role in the diet of the tribal communities in Central India, offering significant nutritional and medicinal benefits. This study investigates the phytochemical composition of Cordia dichotoma, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Marsilea vestita, and Portulaca oleracea, focusing on phenolic and flavonoid content using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE). Various UAE parameters, including vessel position, depth, frequency, time, and solvent ratio, were optimized to enhance extraction efficiency. Antioxidant activity was assessed using UV-Vis spectroscopy, while gallic acid and ellagic acid were quantified via reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (RP-HPLC-DAD). Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified functional groups and analyzed polyphenol composition in the extracts. The results showed that UAE significantly improved the yield of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC). H. sabdariffa exhibited the highest TPC (16.897±0.052 mg GAE/g) and TFC (92.522±0.081 mg RUE/g), while C. dichotoma had the lowest levels. DPPH radical scavenging activity ranged from 80.648±1.332% to 89.416±1.753% at 10 µg/mL extract, confirming strong antioxidant potential. This study highlights UAE as a sustainable method for extracting bioactive compounds, reinforcing the nutritional and pharmacological value of these vegetables as natural antioxidants for health benefits.

Echinocandin B (ECB) is the precursor of a first-line antifungal, anidulafungin, widely used to treat systemic and invasive fungal infections in nosocomial and community-acquired settings. This potent antifungal is naturally synthesized in Aspergillus nidulans in trace amounts, which can be improved by optimizing growth and physiological conditions. The current study is focused on optimizing the fermentation medium by employing statistical and artificial neural network (ANN)-based model to improve ECB activity in fermentation broth. In the present study, the most significant parameters for ECB activity (i.e., molasses, dextrose, casein, and pH) were identified through the Plackett-Burman design and were further optimized using different statistical models based on central composite design experiments. Process optimization with a reduced quadratic (RQ) model and ANN model (architecture: 4-6-2-1) suggested a 3.64- and 3.03-fold increase in ECB activity, respectively. However, prediction from the RQ model (R2: 0.93) could be unreliable when compared to the ANN model (R2: 0.99), effectively capturing the complex relationships. The study concludes that the ANN-based predicted model displayed more accuracy and provided optimum levels of the analyzed factors for a 3-fold increase in ECB activity.

Reduced graphene oxide@Al2O3-CuO-TiO2 (ACT) based nanocomposites (NCs) were combined by regulated hydrothermal technique to create novel rGO@metal oxides-based NCs. The resultant NCs showed excellent photocatalytic, antibacterial, anticorrosive, and magnetic characteristics. The use of FTIR, TEM, UV-visible, Xray diffraction, and SEM aids the structural examination of NCs. The synergistic pairing of ACT NPs with rGO exhibits enhanced photocatalytic, magnetic, anticorrosive, and antibacterial characteristics. The NCs exhibited paramagnetic character (chi = 0.140) and increased induced current with applied magnetic field. The photocatalytic properties of NCs were examined for decomposing methylene blue dye in UV and Sunlight. 94.7 % and 70.5 % dye degradation was observed under UV and Sunlight after 335 and 110 min. of exposure, respectively. The Zone of Inhibition was examined against S. aureus (Gram-positive) and E. coli (Gram-negative) bacteria and was found comparable with standard antibiotics (Ampicillin) against S. aureus bacterial strain. The NCs show 99 % corrosion inhibition efficiency at a low concentration (10 ppm). The potential applications of ACT@rGO NCs in environmental rehabilitation, the medical field, anticorrosive coatings, and impure water purification, contribute toward the development of advanced nanomaterials-based devices.

A series of thirteen new Thiazol-2-yl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one derivatives (5a-m) has been designed and synthesized to explore their biological potential. The reaction of pyrazolylthiocarboxamide with different alpha-bromoacetophenones in refluxing ethanol yielded new thiazole-pyrazolone hybrids in good yields and their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. On exploring anticancer potential against two different cell lines (A549 and Vero), it was found that compound 5h expresses highest antiproliferative activity with IC50 value of 37.83 +/- 0.6 mu M as compared to the standard drug, Carboplatin. Selectivity index (SI) displayed excellent cancer cell selectivity (SI >3) for several compounds (5h, 5c, 5d, 5l) surpassing the standard drug. Antibacterial activity studies revealed that some of the compounds exhibited excellent antibacterial potential against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC values 0.249 and 0.16 mu g/ml of 2 and 5l, respectively) and Escherichia coli (MIC value 0.383 mu g/ml of 5h) bacterial strains as compared to the standard drug, Ampicillin. Further, all synthesized compounds (5a-m) showed adequate protection of DNA under UV-irradiation at 50 mu g/ml concentration. Molecular docking simulations revealed strong bindning affinities to cancer related protein targets, supporting the in vitro results, whereas the Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Toxicity (ADMET) study assessed their pharmacokinetics and toxicity to determine their suitability for drug development.

The COVID-19 pandemic is primarily caused by the SARS-CoV-2 or coronavirus with a significant higher morbidity and mortality all around the globe. More than 3.78 million individuals have been killed, leaving almost no region untouched worldwide. The SARS-CoV-2 is a positive sense ssRNA, a zoonotic origin virus which commonly habitats in horseshoe bats. Since, the advent of this pandemic, the major agencies worldwide has started research for developing therapeutics and medicine against this disease. Many medicines have been repurposed for its effective treatment. However, clinical trials for many more drugs are on the way. In this review, we propose the use of RNAi technology for silencing the genome of the virus once it gets inside the cells and for its site-specific delivery. Artificial cells and a nanotechnology technique to use micelleplexes have been proposed to deliver siRNA to the susceptible cells. The site specific delivery could be achieved by harnessing the antigenic peptide of the viral spike protein. The proposed delivery system may help to elicit an immune response against the virus and provide protection tool against the COVID-19 infections.

A novel multifunctional biofilm was developed based on starch/whey protein isolate (WPI) combined with Ag2O nanoparticles (NPs). The biofilm was synthesized via the Lee-Meisel method, facilitating the production of silver nanoparticles. The resulting composite exhibits promising properties as an antioxidant, antibacterial, photocatalytic, and anticancer agent. The effect of different concentrations of Ag2O NPs was thoroughly investigated. The biofilm was comprehensively characterized, including thermal stability (TGA/DTA), light transmittance, film broadness, and water absorption capacity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and imaging studies were performed to assess the structural integrity and morphology of the biofilm. Dampness uptake and water vapor permeability studies were also conducted to evaluate the biofilm's potential for real-world applications. Major weight loss of all three biofilms takes from 40 to 200 degrees C. The XRD pattern proves the presence of cubic and hexagonal phases of Ag2O NPs in biofilm. The 1 % Ag2O NPs showed higher cytotoxicity against A549 cells than 2 % Ag2O NPs with IC50 values of 15.66 f 0.9 mu g/mL and 32.14 f 0.6 mu g/mL, respectively. In Vero cells, 2 % Ag2O NPs showed the higher cytotoxicity with IC50 value 131.3 f 0.3 mu g/mL, followed by 1 % Ag2O NPs (IC50 = 185.6 f 0.3 mu g/mL). St/WPI/Ag2O 2 % shows better DPPH scavenging action, ranging from 70-73 %. The antibacterial activity of biofilm was investigated against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. The multi-functionality and biocompatibility of the film open new pathways for its use in biomedical, food packaging, bio-degradable plastic, and environmental fields.

Rapidly emerging antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Staphylococcus aureus is a global health issue that causes life-threatening infections in nosocomial and community-acquired settings. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus (VRSA) infections is higher in clinical practices, which causes a major hurdle in the treatment. The epidemiology of such systemic and invasive infections results in higher morbidity and mortality, especially in middle-income countries where hospitalization rates and improper drug use escalate the threat. Nanotechnology has gained more attention for preventing acute and chronic microbial infections. The present study aimed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the cell-free extract of B. subtilis and to examine their antimicrobial effect against MRSA. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by spectroscopy (UV-VIS, FT-IR) and imaging spectroscopy (SEM, TEM), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. The efficacy of AgNPs was examined with different Gram-negative and Gram-positive strains, including MRSA with 0.4 mg/mL MIC, and was significantly potent against other pathogens. The AgNPs also displayed bactericidal effects assessed by ROS production, macromolecule leakage, and biofilm formation inhibition, which was inhibited up to 82% at 1.6 mg/mL AgNPs concentration. Our findings suggest that green-synthesized AgNPs show a potent antimicrobial activity against a diverse range of bacterial pathogens by greatly reducing cell susceptibility via elevating ROS production, DNA, and protein leakage. AgNPs equally hamper biofilm inhibition, suggesting the emergence of drug-resistant infections in S. aureus. Further research is warranted to explore their potential in clinical applications.

Exceptional reduced graphene oxide-based nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized using Al2O3-CuO-ZnO (ACZ) nanoparticles (NPs) through a controlled hydrothermal method. Nanomaterials with improved optical, magnetic, antibacterial, adsorption, anticorrosive, and photocatalytic characteristics were synthesized, showing synergistic behavior. To understand key structural features, the NCs were thoroughly examined using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, SEM, X-ray diffraction, FTIR, and UV-Vis. spectroscopy. Adding ACZ NPs in the rGO matrix, increased magnetic, anticorrosive, improved antibacterial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, and photocatalytic activities. The NCs were exposed to sunlight and UVA and UVB light to degrade methylene blue (MB) dye i.e., 89.21 % in 75 min. The anti-corrosive characteristics (95.9 %) were examined against mild steel using a 1.0 N H2SO4 at room temperature at a very low concentration i.e., 10 ppm. The magnetic behavior of the NCs was examined with the help of Gouy’s balance. The induced current showed a clear relationship to the applied magnetic field strength, indicating that the NCs are paramagnetic. The antibacterial effects of the NCs were evaluated against S. aureus and E. coli at different concentrations. The ACZ@rGO NCs exhibited exceptional versatility, showing great promise for water purification, adsorption, corrosion protection, photocatalytic processes, biomedical technologies, and environmental restoration.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a serious metabolic disease having a high growth rate and becoming a global threat. An unhealthy lifestyle, food intake, and genetic susceptibility are the major factors responsible for this metabolic disorder. This disease results in hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, glucose intolerance, restricted insulin synthesis, and insulin resistance. Despite a variety of treatments currently available, cases of diabetes and resulting complications are on the rise. One promising approach to diabetes focuses on gut microflora and their associated metabolites. Gut microbiota has attracted widespread attention due to its crucial role in disease pathophysiology. This study explores the dysbiosis in the human gut microflora in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and how the gut microbiota influences metabolites related to T2DM. It also sheds light on early identification and targeted intervention for this. Understanding these mechanisms could potentially lead to more effective strategies for managing and preventing T2DM. The findings of our literature study are that gut microbiota can serve as biomarkers for early disease detection. Finally, we also highlight gut microecological therapeutic strategies focused on shaping the gut flora to emphasize the improvement of T2DM progression.

This study details the development of a method for separating essential oils using ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and quantifying (3-caryophyllene in 14 plant samples via reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Extraction efficiencies of methods like hydrodistillation, Soxhlet extraction, and ultrasonic extraction were compared, with n-hexane, methanol, and ethyl acetate as solvents. Notably, UAE with nhexane showed the highest (3-caryophyllene yield in HPLC analysis. Separation was achieved within 20 min using isocratic elution on a C-18 reverse-phase column, with a mobile phase of acetonitrile and water (70:30) at room temperature and detection at 210 nm via diode array. The method showed excellent linearity (0.1-5 mu g/mL), with LOD and LOQ values of 0.02 and 0.07 mu g/mL, respectively, achieving high accuracy (recovery rate of 102.1%) and precision (RSD 0.45%). Additionally, the insecticidal potential of (3-caryophyllene, isolated from Hyptis suaveolens essential oil, was tested against two storage pests, Sitophilus granarius and Corcyra cephalonica larvae, demonstrating significant insecticidal activity. This suggests that (3-caryophyllene could serve as an effective natural insecticide.

Fungal secondary metabolites (SMs) represent a vast reservoir of bioactive compounds with immense therapeutic, agricultural, and industrial potential. These small molecules, including antibiotics, immunosuppressants, and anticancer agents, are synthesized through dedicated biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) regulated by various epigenetic, transcriptional, and environmental mechanisms. However, their cryptic biosynthesis and low natural yields pose significant challenges for large-scale production. This review comprehensively analyzes the regulatory landscape governing fungal SMs biosynthesis, advanced OMICS-driven approaches for identification of cryptic BGCs, and significantly emphasizes strategies to enhance SMs production. Furthermore, the integration of statistical and computational models (e.g., response surface methodology, artificial neural networks) is discussed for optimizing fermentation processes. The review underscores the diverse applications of fungal SMs in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and cosmetics, while advocating for interdisciplinary innovations in synthetic biology and AI-driven metabolic engineering to sustainably harness fungal biodiversity.

Multicomponent reactions have long been recognized as some of the most versatile tools in organic chemistry, with extensive applications in biomedical science and the pharmaceutical industry. In this study, we explored the potential of the Passerini reaction by designing and synthesizing new low molecular mass gelators that can serve as novel formulations for prolonged anesthesia. These gelators address critical issues like poor solubility, low bioavailability, and short plasma half-life, all of which hinder therapeutic efficacy. To further understand the gelation mechanism, we performed density functional theory (DFT) calculation for confirming the presence of non-covalent interactions during gel formation. Additionally, we evaluated the antimicrobial properties of the synthesized compounds, aiming to counter the rise of infectious diseases. These innovative antimicrobial agents could offer solutions to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which renders many existing therapies ineffective. Overall, this study aims to develop advanced formulations and antimicrobial agents through the Passerini reaction, providing new strategies for treating infections, minimizing side effects, and combating antibiotic resistance.