This study aimed to examine the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) profile, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral properties of sesame oils extracted from ANKSE3 and UMA cultivars of Sri Lanka. Cold press extraction of the raw seed yielded good quality oil and edible grade defatted residues. Proximate compositional analysis showed that fat was the main constituent of the raw seeds regardless of the cultivar, while protein was the predominant constituent of the defatted residues. The color intensity of the oil of the UMA cultivar was stronger than that of ANKSE3. High iodine values and lower saponification values were observed in the oils of both cultivars. Both oils contained approximately 85% unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), and 15% saturated fatty acids (SFAs), with oleic and linoleic acids being the most abundant. The existence of triacylglycerols (TAGs) of varying melting temperatures was clearly exhibited by distinct exothermic and endothermic peaks of the DSC curves. The occurrence of organic functional groups like alkanes, alkenes, fatty esters, etc. was clearly demonstrated by FTIR spectra of sesame oils. The findings highlighted the superiority of sesame oils of ANKSE3 and UMA as nutritious oils due to their high content of USFAs, and defatted residues of sesame as a good source of alternative vegetable protein for value-added product formulations.

In pre-antibiotic times, various highly contagious diseases like cholera, smallpox and tuberculosis were widespread worldwide. Penicillin discovery in the late 1920s was a groundbreaking moment in medical history, saving countless lives. However, over the next few decades, microbes developed antibiotic resistance, leading to a global public health threat known as antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major contributor to hospital-acquired infections, affecting millions of patients and causing numerous deaths annually. Several non-beta-lactam antibiotics combat these infections effectively, while their effect on P. aeruginosa quorum sensing (QS) has been insufficiently explored. We have undertaken comprehensive research to understand the effect of non-beta-lactam antibiotics on various targets of P. aeruginosa. Using molecular simulations, we scrutinize these antibiotics" dynamic behavior and stability. Based on toxicity, binding energy and binding site, platensimycin and sulfasalazine were identified as promising candidates against various targets of P. aeruginosa. The binding energies for sulfasalazine and platensimycin with LasA were found to be -8.1 and -8.6 kcal/mol, respectively. Both of these leading antibiotics were interacting at the active sites of all tested proteins (LasA, LasI and PqsR). The examination of molecular dynamics confirmed the stable complex formation of the lead non-beta-lactam antibiotics with all selected target proteins under normal physiological conditions. These findings emphasize the potential efficacy of platensimycin and sulfasalazine. They could potentially be repurposed for targeting the QS of P. aeruginosa.

Quorum sensing (QS) is a crucial mechanism employed by bacteria for intercellular communication, regulating various physiological processes including biofilm formation, virulence factor production, and antibiotic resistance. Biofilm-associated infections pose immense in healthcare as well as in the food industry due to their resilience against conventional antibiotics. Since several phytocompounds hold promise as QS and biofilm inhibitors, Mangiferin a natural polyphenol, was investigated as an anti-quorum sensing and biofilm inhibitory agent against bacterial pathogens in vitro. In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies were also undertaken to determine the interaction of Mangiferin with CviR, LasI and LasR. Mangiferin reduced QS regulated virulence functions such as violacein (C. violaceum), prodigiosin (S. marcescens), pyocyanin, pyoverdine, rhamnolipid and elastase (P. aeruginosa) significantly at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Further, mangiferin impaired biofilm formation by 22%-81% and disrupted preformed mature biofilms by 24%-63% in all the test strains. Moreover, production of vital functions such as exopolysaccharide production, cell surface hydrophobicity and exoprotease production also decreased significantly upon amendment of mangiferin. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations data confirmed the stable nature of mangiferin complexes with CviR, LasI and LasR. The overall binding energy for interaction of mangiferin with CviR, LasI and LasR was -7.4, -6.9 and -6.9kcal/mol, respectively. Thus, the findings clearly indicate that mangiferin demonstrates broad-spectrum quorum sensing, virulence and biofilm inhibition. Overall, this study underscores the promising role of mangiferin in combating bacterial infections by targeting QS and biofilm formation, paving the way for the development of novel strategies for the management of biofilm-associated infections and food spoilage.

Tartrazine (synthetic food dye) has been known to exert oxidative stress-related effects, yet its direct impact on antioxidant enzymes like catalase remains poorly understood. This study explores the interaction between tartrazine (synthetic dye) and catalase using various spectroscopic and in silico techniques. UV-visible as well as spectrofluorometric analysis revealed the formation of a catalase-tartrazine complex with a static mode of quenching. A moderate binding affinity ranging from 0.35 to 1.66 × 104 M-1 was calculated for the complex. Positive ΔH (23.72 kcal/mol) and ΔS (28.57-29.72 kcal/mol) with negative ΔG (-4.84 to -5.99 kcal/mol) suggest the binding process is endothermic and spontaneous, driven by a favorable entropy change. Circular dichroism (CD) indicates the percent α-helix in catalase decreased from 28.06% to 23.29% upon tartrazine binding, indicating some structural alterations. In turn, the catalase activity was decreased (60%) at a higher concentration (100 μM) of tartrazine. Molecular docking analysis identified several active site residues, including Met349, Gly352, Arg353, and Thr360, as key players in the binding process. Further, simulation studies demonstrated that the complex of tartrazine with catalase maintained stability in an aqueous environment. Our findings hinted that the use of additives should be cautious as they may compromise the antioxidant defense mechanisms critical to human health.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a model organism for studying social behaviors in bacteria, such as the exploitation of exoprotease by social cheaters. The current paradigm holds that continuous culture of exoprotease-producing individuals with protein as the sole carbon source selects for exoprotease non-producers mutants with an impaired quorum-sensing regulator, LasR, which controls exoprotease expression. However, recent studies reveal that some isolates lacking functional LasR still produce exoproteases under the control of another regulator, RhlR. Here, we extended this study to two clinical strains, AUS 411 and AUS 531, isolated from cystic fibrosis patients and harboring functional LasR. Surprisingly, in AUS 411, exoprotease-non-producers appeared from the first growth passage, but most cells lost exoprotease production only transiently, with stable non-producers isolated only in late passages. In contrast, AUS 531 slowly selected stable non-producers with limited cheating ability, which neither accumulated to high proportions nor caused population collapses. Contrary to the paradigm, these non-producers had no inactivating mutations in lasR yet were more fit than laboratory-derived lasR deletion mutants in both casein and casamino acid media. Our findings demonstrate that social behavior can differ significantly from that in reference strains, suggesting that some P. aeruginosa strains evolve quorum-sensing networks with robust resistance to exploitation.

Terminalia catappa Linn., also referred to as tropical almond or Indian almond, can play a significant role in improving food and nutritional security. The objective of this research was to assess the antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, and antiobesity potentials of the defatted residues from seed kernels of purple and yellow cultivars. The defatted residues obtained using a micro–screw‐press oil extractor were subjected to sequential extraction using n‐hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and methanol (MeOH) as solvents. The crude extracts of both cultivars were subjected to the evaluation of total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidant activities, namely, DPPH, ABTS + , and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). They were also subjected to enzyme inhibitory activities against α ‐amylase and lipase. Among the extracts, the MeOH extract of the yellow cultivar showed the highest TPC, superior antioxidant activities (DPPH and ABTS + ), and strongest enzyme inhibitory activities. In contrast, the purple cultivar exhibited the highest FRAP activity. Gallic acid was the major phenolic constituent occurring in high concentrations in the defatted residues. These findings enlighten the potential uses of defatted residues of the T. catappa seed kernels, particularly those from the yellow cultivar as an ingredient for nutraceutical and functional food applications.

This study investigates the comprehensive characterization of the interaction between beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) and Silibinin using various spectroscopic techniques. Fluorescence quenching experiments at different temperatures (298, 303, 308, and 313 K) revealed substantive interactions between beta-LG and Silibinin, as indicated by a reduction in fluorescence intensity and a red shift in emission maxima. Further analysis, including Stern-Volmer quenching constants (KSV), bimolecular quenching rate constants (kq), and thermodynamic parameters demonstrated static quenching mechanism and strong binding affinities (Ka range: 0.138-1.483 x 105 M- 1) between BLG-Silibinin complex. Thermodynamic study suggested positive enthalpy and entropy changes (Delta Ho=43.31 kcal mol- 1; Delta So=164.33 cal mol- 1 K- 1), suggesting a spontaneous reaction with negative Delta Go values (-5.66 to -7.30 kcal mol- 1). Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements confirmed optimal distances (r and Ro) for FRET occurrence, endorsing the static quenching mechanism. Molecular docking supported these findings, showcasing a 1:1 stoichiometric binding ratio for beta-LG: Silibinin. The beta-LG and Silibinin complex is primarily stabilized by hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions. Molecular dynamics simulations over 200 ns highlighted stability in the beta-LG-Silibinin complex, indicated by RMSD convergence, consistent RMSF values, and compactness illustrated by Rg. Conformational changes in beta-LG upon Silibinin binding were further confirmed through UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, FTIR, far-UV CD, synchronous fluorescence, and 3D fluorescence analyses. Functionally, the antioxidant capacity of beta-LG increased after complexation with silibinin as quantified by DPPH assay. These results collectively depict the intricate network of interactions between Silibinin and beta-LG, shedding light on the molecular details of their binding and offering insights into potential functional implications in biological contexts.

Understanding the molecular basis of drug-protein interactions is essential for predicting pharmacokinetics and potential off-target effects. Here, we employ a combined experimental and computational approach to characterize the binding of Nilvadipine (a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker) to hemoglobin (Hb). Using Soret band absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy across 298-310 K, we observed pronounced static quenching of Hb's intrinsic fluorescence, yielding Stern-Volmer constants (K SV) in the order of 104 M-1 and 1 : 1 binding stoichiometry. Thermodynamic parameters derived from van't Hoff analysis (ΔH° > 0, ΔS° > 0, and ΔG° < 0) highlighted hydrophobic interactions as the primary driving force and confirmed the spontaneity of complex formation. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) measurements further positioned Nilvadipine at ∼3.0 nm from Hb's fluorophores, consistent with a static, ground-state complex. Molecular docking identified a preferential binding pose stabilized by hydrogen bonds with ASN68 and ASP64, hydrophobic contacts involving ALA82, LEU83, and LEU86, and interactions with the heme group, yielding a computed binding energy of -5.50 kcal mol-1 in close agreement with spectroscopically derived ΔG°. Over 100 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the Hb-Nilvadipine complex remained structurally robust, with backbone RMSD values <0.2 nm, minor radius of gyration (R g) reduction, limited per-residue fluctuations (RMSF < 0.3 nm), and negligible changes in solvent-accessible surface area (SASA). Together, these data demonstrate that Nilvadipine forms a stable, hydrophobically driven complex with Hb without perturbing its global fold, suggesting that Hb may serve as a transient reservoir for the drug in circulation. This integrative study provides a detailed roadmap for interrogating small-molecule binding to blood proteins and offers insights valuable for drug delivery, safety assessment, and the design of Hb-based carriers.

Root-knot nematode (RKN) (Meloidogyne incognita) is a major plant parasitic nematode that severely damages crops, leading to significant yield losses and substantial economic impact globally. This study aims to investigate an environmentally sustainable biological strategy for mitigating parasitic populations of the root-knot nematode, M. incognita. Specifically, the research focuses on assessing the nematicidal efficacy of Acalypha indica against M. incognita mortality and second-stage juveniles' (J2) hatching under controlled in vitro conditions. A. indica leaf aqueous extract was applied at varying concentrations (250, 500, 750, and 1000 ppm) to J2s and egg masses of M. incognita. Notably, at 1000 ppm, a significant increase in J2 mortality and hatching inhibition was observed, while 250 ppm concentration showed the least favorable outcome; with mortality rates ranging from 22-82%. Chemical analysis via gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) identified Benzoic acid, Cyclooctasiloxane, and 3-Isopropoxy-1,1,1,7,7,7-hexamethyl-3,5,5-tris (trimethylsiloxy) tetrasiloxane as predominant compounds. The nematicidal activity of A. indica leaf extract was further validated through in silico molecular docking, revealing that benzoic acid, Cyclooctasiloxane, and 3-Isopropoxy-1,1,1,7,7,7-hexamethyl-3,5,5-tris (trimethylsiloxy) tetrasiloxane bind to the ODR 3 protein of M. incognita with binding energies of -15.72, -8.91, and -7.35 kJ/mol, respectively. These findings hold promise for environmentally benign root-knot nematode management, contributing to improved soil health.

BackgroundBacteriophage therapy is becoming part of mainstream Western medicine since antibiotics of clinical use tend to fail. It involves applying lytic bacteriophages that self-replicate and induce cell lysis, thus killing their hosts. Nevertheless, bacterial killing promotes the selection of resistant clones which sometimes may exhibit a decrease in bacterial virulence or antibiotic resistance.MethodsIn this work, we studied the Pseudomonas aeruginosa lytic phage φDCL-PA6 and its variant φDCL-PA6α. Additionally, we characterized and evaluated the production of virulence factors and the virulence in a Galleria mellonella model of resistant mutants against each phage for PA14 and two clinical strains.ResultsPhage φDCL-PA6α differs from the original by only two amino acids: one in the baseplate wedge subunit and another in the tail fiber protein. According to genomic data and cross-resistance experiments, these changes may promote the change of the phage receptor from the O-antigen to the core lipopolysaccharide. Interestingly, the host range of the two phages differs as determined against the Pseudomonas aeruginosa reference strains PA14 and PAO1 and against nine multidrug-resistant isolates from ventilator associated pneumonia.ConclusionsWe show as well that phage resistance impacts virulence factor production. Specifically, phage resistance led to decreased biofilm formation, swarming, and type III secretion; therefore, the virulence towards Galleria mellonella was dramatically attenuated. Furthermore, antibiotic resistance decreased for one clinical strain. Our study highlights important potential advantages of phage therapy’s evolutionary impact that may be exploited to generate robust therapy schemes.

The advent of nanotechnology has been instrumental in the development of new drugs with novel targets. Recently, metallic nanoparticles have emerged as potential candidates to combat the threat of drug-resistant infections. Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the dreadful complications of diabetes mellitus due to the colonization of numerous drug-resistant pathogenic microbes leading to biofilm formation. Biofilms are difficult to treat due to limited penetration and non-specificity of drugs. Therefore, in the current investigation, SnO2 nanoparticles were biosynthesized using Artemisia vulgaris (AvTO-NPs) as a stabilizing agent and were characterized using ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Furthermore, the efficacy of AvTO-NPs against biofilms and virulence factors of drug-resistant Candida albicans strains isolated from DFUs was assessed. AvTO-NPs displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 1 mg/mL to 2 mg/mL against four strains of C. albicans. AvTO-NPs significantly inhibited biofilm formation by 54.8%–87%, germ tube formation by 72%–90%, cell surface hydrophobicity by 68.2%–82.8%, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) production by 69%–86.3% in the test strains at respective 1/2xMIC. Biosynthesized NPs were effective in disrupting established mature biofilms of test strains significantly. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in the AvTO-NPs-treated C. albicans could be the possible cause of cell death leading to biofilm inhibition. The useful insights of the present study could be exploited in the current line of treatment to mitigate the threat of biofilm-related persistent DFUs and expedite wound healing.

In the realm of corrosion mitigation, the search for sustainable and ecologically accountable inhibitors attracts significant interest from the environmental point of view. This study investigates the intriguing possibilities presented by Erigeron bonariensis (EB) as a green and innovative corrosion inhibitor for weathering steel in 1 M H2SO4. EB, a naturally abundant plant species, holds promise as a green and sustainable inhibitor due to its inherent chemical composition in the environment. The intricate interplay between the phytochemical constituents of the extract and the corrosive environment is meticulously deciphered. Furthermore, the environmentally benign nature of the inhibitor adds an extra layer of significance to its application, aligning with contemporary green chemistry principles. The inhibition effect of Erigeron bonariensis (EB) extract on the corrosion of mild steel in acidic media (H2SO4) was studied using weight loss, absorption studies, phytochemical analysis, electrochemical methods, and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental findings revealed that an increase in inhibitor concentration is correlated with higher inhibition efficiency. The adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the mild steel surface was found to agree with the UV-Vis adsorption spectrum. Additionally, a surface study conducted using scanning electron microscopy indicated notable differences in the presence and absence of inhibitors for weathering steel. At 2000 mg L-1, EB extract has the best inhibitory efficiency for weathering steel in 1 M H2SO4 of 99.50% by the leaf part, followed by 94.35% by the flower part, and 85.22% by the stem part. Overall, this study suggests that EB extract serves as a promising alternative for corrosion prevention, demonstrating significant inhibition efficiency.

Free radicals, products of oxidative processes, induce cellular damage linked to diseases like Parkinson's and diabetes due to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Catalase, crucial for scavenging ROS, emerges as a therapeutic agent against ailments including atherosclerosis and tumor progression. Its primary function involves breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Research on catalase-drug interactions reveals structural changes under specific conditions, affecting its activity and cellular antioxidant balance, highlighting its pivotal role in defending against oxidative stress-related diseases. Hence, targeting catalase is considered an effective strategy for controlling ROS-induced cellular damage. This study investigates the interaction between bovine liver catalase and glipizide using spectroscopic and computational methods. It also explores glipizide's effect on catalase activity. More than 20

A series of 1-(3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-1-(naphthalen-2-yl)allyl)-1,4-dihydroquinoline-4-carboxylic acid analogues (Va-j) were prepared, then tested for anticonvulsant efficacy. The analogues were tested using "gold standard procedures," which showed notable activity, particularly in chemically induced seizures. In the maximal electroshock seizure (MES) and the subcutaneous pentylenetetrazol (scPTZ) models, compounds Vf, Ve, Vg, and Vc were identified to be the most potent of the series. In order to assess motor damage, all synthetic analogues were also tested for acute neurotoxicity using the rotarod method. For the most part, all synthetic counterparts passed the test. The research also offers absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) predictions for all 10 congeners produced and carefully analysed each parameter. Additionally, the gamma Aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) target protein was used in research on molecular docking. The results of molecular docking revealed significant interactions at the active site of GABA-A with Val B: 199, Arg A: 180, Phen B: 200, Ala B: 201 and Lys A: 173, and the outcomes were good and in agreement with in vivo findings. The compounds with electron donating group (EDG) at position 6 or unsubstituted analogues were found to be most active where as those with electron donating group have less activity. New anticonvulsant medications may be created as a result of more research on these substances.

The research aims to elucidate how drug interactions affect the activity of L-asparaginase (L-ASNase), an essential enzyme in cancer treatment, especially for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Understanding these interactions is crucial for optimizing treatment effectiveness and reducing adverse effects. This study explores the intricate molecular interactions and structural dynamics of L-ASNase upon binding with colchicine. Fluorescence quenching experiments were conducted at various temperatures (298, 303, and 310 K), revealing notable interactions between L-ASNase and colchicine. These interactions were characterized by a reduction in fluorescence intensity and a blue shift in emission maxima. Additional analyses, including the determination of Stern-Volmer quenching constants (KSV), bimolecular quenching rate constants (kq), and thermodynamic parameters, indicated a static quenching mechanism with moderate binding affinities (Ka: 1.40-2.71 × 104 M-1) across different temperatures. Thermodynamic study suggested positive enthalpy and entropy changes (ΔH° = -10.26 kcal mol-1; ΔS° = -14.19 cal mol-1 K-1), suggesting a spontaneous reaction with negative ΔG° values (-5.86 to -6.03 kcal mol-1). FRET measurements supported optimal distances (r and Ro) for FRET occurrence, reinforcing the static quenching mechanism. Molecular docking further supported these findings, revealing a 1:1 stoichiometric binding ratio for L-ASNase:colchicine and elucidating specific binding orientations and interactions critical for complex stability. Subsequent molecular dynamics simulations spanning 100 ns underscored the stability of the L-ASNase-colchicine complex, with minimal deviations observed in key structural parameters such as RMSD, RMSF, Rg, and SASA. Additionally, spectroscopic analyses, including circular dichroism (CD), synchronous fluorescence, and 3D fluorescence provided insights into the conformational changes and alterations in the microenvironment of aromatic amino acid residues in L-ASNase upon colchicine binding. Moreover, L-ASNase activity was slightly reduced by 25% in the presence of colchicine. This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the molecular intricacies of the L-ASNase-colchicine complex, advancing our understanding of drug-target interactions and offering potential avenues for therapeutic applications.

The seed kernel of Terminalia catappa Linn (T. catappa) is an underutilized plant food with promising potential. This study investigated the physicochemical properties, fatty acid composition, thermal behavior, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectral characteristics of oils extracted from kernels of yellow and purple cultivars of T. catappa and proximate compositions of their defatted residues. The oils extracted through a cold press micro-expeller, differed in color, with yellow oil being lighter than purple oil. Both cultivars demonstrated high iodine values and lower saponification values. Thermal profiles displayed major exothermic and endothermic peaks associated with the crystallization and melting of triacylglycerols (TAGs). Both oils were rich in unsaturated fatty acids (USFAs), particularly oleic and linoleic acids, with palmitic acid being the predominant saturated fatty acid (SFA). FTIR spectra indicated the presence of functional groups such as methyl, methylene and esters representing the complex composition of the oils. Proximate composition analysis revealed that whole kernels were high in fat, while defatted residues were richer in protein and minerals. These findings suggest that T. catappa kernels from both cultivars were good sources of plant oils with potential for high-fat products, and defatted residues could be used in protein-rich supplements, offering diverse industrial applications.

Over the last two decades, the sharp escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a formidable threat to human health. This pressing situation demands innovative interventions to combat infectious diseases. Aerogels, characterized by their nanostructured composition and high porosity, present a promising avenue. In this study, we manufactured curcumin loaded starch-based aerogels (CSA) and evaluated their impact on the quorum sensing (QS) mechanism in Gram-negative bacteria. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis highlighted the presence of cellulose hydroxyl groups engaged in hydrogen bond formation. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that over 50 % of the initial mass was lost when CSA underwent heating to 350 degrees C. Microscopic examination showcased a uniform and compact pattern, suggesting reduced pore distribution. The elemental composition analysis indicated that carbon and oxygen constituted 23.00 % and 77.00 % of the weight, respectively. The presence of CSA resulted in over 30.4 % inhibition of violacein pigment production. Furthermore, CSA modulated pyocyanin production, pyoverdin production, LasB elastase activity, and rhamnolipid production by 34.4 %, 31.07 %, 22.7 %, and 19.7 %, respectively. The total exoproteases, cell surface hydrophobicity and exopolysaccharide production in E. coli, L. monocytogenes, S. marcescens, and P. aeruginosa, experienced a significant decrease at sub-MICs. Production of biofilms as well as the mature biofilms in test bacteria were reduced in dose-dependent manner significantly. Due to their antibiofilm and anti-quorum sensing properties, these CSAs could prove to be functional biomaterials with versatile applications, particularly in the food industry.

The green approach of synthesizing nanoparticles is an efficient, cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and rapid technique in which plant sources act as capping/stabilizing and reducing agents. The current study aimed to investigate the anticancer potential of biosynthesized Cu4O3 NPs against the human ovarian teratocarcinoma cell line (PA-1). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) were used to predict the size and morphology of the biosynthesized nanoparticles. The SEM image revealed a 200 nm size of Cu4O3 NPs; however, TEM data showed the spherical shape of the Cu4O3 NPs in the range of ≤ 100 nm. A range of biological evaluations, such as cytotoxicity assay, morphological alteration, induction of apoptosis by three different staining techniques (AO/EB dual staining, DAPI, and PI staining), ROS production, and alteration in mitochondrial membrane potential were performed. We observed a dose-dependent cytotoxicity of Cu4O3 NPs in the PA-1 cell line with an IC50 dose of 9.5 µg/ml. Furthermore, Cu4O3 NP treatment induced apoptosis, which was confirmed by all three adopted staining techniques while inducing ROS production and modulating mitochondrial membrane potential. Our findings highlight the anticancer potential of Cu4O3 NPs against the studied cell line, which needs to be further explored because of its cost-effectiveness and eco-friendly nature.

The development of antibiotic resistant microbial pathogens has become a global health threat and a major concern in modern medicine. The problem of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has majorly arisen due to sub-judicious use of antibiotics in health care and livestock industry. A slow progress has been made in last two decades in discovery of new antibiotics. A new strategy in combatting AMR is to modulate or disarm the microbes for their virulence and pathogenicity. Plants are considered as promising source for new drugs against AMR pathogens. In this study, fraction-based screening of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum extract was performed followed by detailed investigation of antiquorum sensing and antibiofilm activities of the most active fraction that is, C. zeylanicum hexane fraction (CZHF). More than 75% reduction in violacein pigment of C. violaceum 12472 was overserved. CZHF successfully modulated the virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 by 60.46%-78.35%. A similar effect was recorded against Serratia marcescens MTCC 97. A broad-spectrum inhibition of biofilm development was found in presence of sub-MICs of CZHF. The colonization of bacteria onto the glass coverslips was remarkably reduced apart from the reduction in exopolymeric substances. Alkaloids and terpenoids were found in CZHF. GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of cinnamaldehyde dimethyl acetal, 2-propenal, coumarin, and α-copaene as major phytocompounds. This study provides enough evidence to support potency of C. zeylanicum extract in targeting the virulence of Gram -ve pathogenic bacteria. The plant extract or active compounds can be developed as successful drugs after careful in vivo examination to target microbial infections. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Hexane fraction of Cinnamomum zeylanicum is active against QS and biofilms. The broad-spectrum antibiofilm activity was further confirmed by microscopic analysis. Dimethyl acetal, 2-propenal, coumarin, α-copaene, and so forth are major phytocompounds.