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    Gene silencing based on RNA-guided catalytically inactive Cas9 (dCas9): a new tool for genetic engineering in Leptospira
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2019-02-12)
    L. G. V. Fernandes
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    S. A. Vasconcellos
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    Marcos B. Heinemann
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    M. Picardeau
    <jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonosis caused by pathogenic bacteria of the genus <jats:italic>Leptospira</jats:italic>, which also includes free-living saprophyte strains. Many aspects of leptospiral basic biology and virulence mechanisms remain unexplored mainly due to the lack of effective genetic tools available for these bacteria. Recently, the type II CRISPR/Cas system from <jats:italic>Streptococcus pyogenes</jats:italic> has been widely used as an efficient genome engineering tool in bacteria by inducing double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the desired genomic targets caused by an RNA-guided DNA endonuclease called Cas9, and the DSB repair associated machinery. In the present work, plasmids expressing heterologous <jats:italic>S. pyogenes</jats:italic> Cas9 in <jats:italic>L. biflexa</jats:italic> cells were generated, and the enzyme could be expressed with no apparent toxicity to leptospiral cells. However, <jats:italic>L. biflexa</jats:italic> cells were unable to repair RNA-guided Cas9-induced DSBs. Thus, we used a catalytically dead Cas9 (dCas9) to obtain gene silencing rather than disruption, in a strategy called CRISPR interference (CRISPRi). We demonstrated complete gene silencing in <jats:italic>L. biflexa</jats:italic> cells when both dCas9 and single-guide RNA (sgRNA) targeting the coding strand of the β-galactosidase gene were expressed simultaneously. Furthermore, when the system was applied for silencing the <jats:italic>dnaK</jats:italic> gene, no colonies were recovered, indicating that DnaK protein is essential in <jats:italic>Leptospira</jats:italic>. In addition, flagellar motor switch FliG gene silencing resulted in reduced bacterial motility. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work applying the CRISPRi system in <jats:italic>Leptospira</jats:italic> and spirochetes in general, expanding the tools available for understanding leptospiral biology.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 37
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    Tracking SARS-CoV-2: Novel Trends and Diagnostic Strategies
    (MDPI AG, 2021-10-26) ;
    Erick Moreta-Urbano
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    Claudia G. Oña-Arias
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    Marbel Torres-Arias
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    Nikolaos C. Kyriakidis
    <jats:p>The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact on economies and health systems globally, therefore a top priority is the development of increasingly better diagnostic and surveillance alternatives to slow down the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In order to establish massive testing and contact tracing policies, it is crucial to have a clear view of the diagnostic options available and their principal advantages and drawbacks. Although classical molecular methods such as RT-qPCR are broadly used, diagnostic alternatives based on technologies such as LAMP, antigen, serological testing, or the application of novel technologies such as CRISPR-Cas for diagnostics, are also discussed. The present review also discusses the most important automation strategies employed to increase testing capability. Several serological-based diagnostic kits are presented, as well as novel nanotechnology-based diagnostic methods. In summary, this review provides a clear diagnostic landscape of the most relevant tools to track COVID-19.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 12
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    Advances in environmental biotechnology with CRISPR/Cas9: bibliometric review and cutting-edge applications
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-02-22)
    Jessica Verdezoto Prado
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    Cristhian Chicaiza Ortiz
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    Ana Belén Mejía Pérez
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    Camila Freire Torres
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    Marco Viteri Yánez
    CRISPR/Cas9 has emerged as the predominant method for genome editing due to its cost-effectiveness and broad applicability, playing a crucial role in advancing sustainable practices across various sectors. This systematic review employs the PRISMA methodology to evaluate the impact of CRISPR/Cas9 on environmental protection and on achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as SDG 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, 13, and SDG15. These goals focus on the responsible use of natural resources, reducing the negative effects of climate change and ensuring safe food for the entire population. Analyzing data from the Web of Science, the review found significant growth in related publications, with a 30% increase since 2014, predominantly from the US, China, Germany, and the UK. The study categorizes the scientific developments into these trends, the enhancement of plant tolerance to environmental stresses, as evidenced by the consistent focus on terms such as “tolerance” and “plant” since 2021. Furthermore, the relevance of “Gene Editing” has increased significantly since 2022, underscoring the importance of CRISPR/Cas9 in developing resilient crops that can withstand extreme conditions. These trends underscore the growing significance of biotechnological advancements in the mitigation of climate change’s effects and the improvement of ecosystem stability. Key discussions include CRISPR/Cas9’s role in the development of fourth-generation biofuels and environmental biosensors, as well as its applications in enhancing genetic resilience and controlling invasive species. These innovations highlight CRISPR/Cas9’s potential in promoting sustainable resource management and energy generation, making a significant contribution to ecological conservation and sustainability efforts.
    Scopus© Citations 22
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    The Impact of Bioactive Molecules from Probiotics on Child Health: A Comprehensive Review
    (MDPI AG, 2024-10-30) ;
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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    Enrique Teran
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    Cesar Erazo
    <jats:p>Background: This review investigates the impact of bioactive molecules produced by probiotics on child health, focusing on their roles in modulating gut microbiota, enhancing immune function, and supporting overall development. Key metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides (EPSs), vitamins, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), are highlighted for their ability to maintain gut health, regulate inflammation, and support neurodevelopment. Objectives: The aim of this review is to examine the mechanisms of action and clinical evidence supporting the use of probiotics and postbiotics in pediatric healthcare, with a focus on promoting optimal growth, development, and overall health in children. Methods: The review synthesizes findings from clinical studies that investigate the effects of probiotics and their metabolites on pediatric health. The focus is on specific probiotics and their ability to influence gut health, immune responses, and developmental outcomes. Results: Clinical studies demonstrate that specific probiotics and their metabolites can reduce gastrointestinal disorders, enhance immune responses, and decrease the incidence of allergies and respiratory infections in pediatric populations. Additionally, postbiotics—bioactive compounds from probiotic fermentation—offer promising benefits, such as improved gut barrier function, reduced inflammation, and enhanced nutrient absorption, while presenting fewer safety concerns compared to live probiotics. Conclusions: By examining the mechanisms of action and clinical evidence, this review underscores the potential of integrating probiotics and postbiotics into pediatric healthcare strategies to promote optimal growth, development, and overall health in children.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 31
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    Scopus© Citations 319
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    Evaluation of Biological Activity of Natural Compounds: Current Trends and Methods
    (MDPI AG, 2022-07-13)
    Carlos Barba-Ostria
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    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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    Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
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    <jats:p>Natural compounds have diverse structures and are present in different forms of life. Metabolites such as tannins, anthocyanins, and alkaloids, among others, serve as a defense mechanism in live organisms and are undoubtedly compounds of interest for the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Plants, bacteria, and insects represent sources of biomolecules with diverse activities, which are in many cases poorly studied. To use these molecules for different applications, it is essential to know their structure, concentrations, and biological activity potential. In vitro techniques that evaluate the biological activity of the molecules of interest have been developed since the 1950s. Currently, different methodologies have emerged to overcome some of the limitations of these traditional techniques, mainly via reductions in time and costs. These emerging technologies continue to appear due to the urgent need to expand the analysis capacity of a growing number of reported biomolecules. This review presents an updated summary of the conventional and relevant methods to evaluate the natural compounds’ biological activity in vitro.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 139
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    Phytosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Mansoa alliacea (Lam.) A.H. Gentry (Bignoniaceae) Leaf Extract: Characterization and Their Biological Activities
    (MDPI AG, 2024-09-25) ;
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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    ; ;
    Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
    Background. Mansoa alliacea is a native plant renowned for its medicinal properties in traditional healing in the Amazon Region. This plant is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, tannins, ketones, triterpenes, as well as other bioactive compounds. Objectives. This study aims to develop an innovative, eco-friendly method for synthesizing silver nanoparticles using an aqueous extract of M. alliacea (Ma-AgNPs), enhancing the biological activities of AgNPs by leveraging the therapeutic potential of the plant’s bioactive compounds. Methods. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized using the aqueous extract of M. alliacea. The biological activities of Ma-AgNPs were assessed, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-biofilm effects, along with evaluating their hemolytic activity. Results. Quantitative analysis revealed that Ma-AgNPs exhibit potent antibacterial activity against multidrug and non-multidrug-resistant bacteria, with MIC values ranging from 1.3 to 10.0 µg/mL. The Ma-AgNPs significantly reduced NO production by 86.9% at 4 µg/mL, indicating strong anti-inflammatory effects. They demonstrated robust antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 5.54 ± 1.48 µg/mL and minimal hemolytic activity, with no hemolysis observed up to 20 µg/mL and only 4.5% at 40 µg/mL. Their antitumor properties were notable, with IC50 values between 2.9 and 5.4 µg/mL across various cell lines, and they achieved over 50% biofilm inhibition at concentrations of 30–40 µg/mL. Conclusions. These findings underscore the potential of Ma-AgNPs for biomedical applications, particularly in developing new antimicrobial agents and bioactive coatings with reduced toxicity. This research highlights a sustainable approach that not only preserves but also amplifies the inherent biological activities of plant extracts, paving the way for innovative therapeutic solutions.
    Scopus© Citations 12
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    Chemical Properties and Biological Activity of Bee Pollen
    (MDPI AG, 2023-11-25)
    Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
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    Roberto Vallejo-Imbaquingo
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    Carlos Barba-Ostria
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    <jats:p>Pollen, a remarkably versatile natural compound collected by bees for its abundant source of proteins and nutrients, represents a rich reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds with noteworthy chemical and therapeutic potential. Its extensive biological effects have been known and exploited since ancient times. Today, there is an increased interest in finding natural compounds against oxidative stress, a factor that contributes to various diseases. Recent research has unraveled a multitude of biological activities associated with bee pollen, ranging from antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antifungal properties to potential antiviral and anticancer applications. Comprehending the extensive repertoire of biological properties across various pollen sources remains challenging. By investigating a spectrum of pollen types and their chemical composition, this review produces an updated analysis of the bioactive constituents and the therapeutic prospects they offer. This review emphasizes the necessity for further exploration and standardization of diverse pollen sources and bioactive compounds that could contribute to the development of innovative therapies.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 49
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    Mxenes as a versatile nanoplatform: Synthesis and emerging biomedical applications
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-09-25)
    Ali Mohammad Amani
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    Ehsan Vafa
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    Maryam Mirzae
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    Milad Abbasi
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    Ahmad Vaez
    Recently, MXenes have garnered significant attention in academic research due to their remarkable structural, electrical, magnetic, optical, mechanical, and chemical properties. New advancements and emerging findings indicate that MXene, classified as a two-dimensional (2D) layered material, exhibits significantly more potential in the field of biomedicine and biotechnology compared to existing nanosystems. These applications include acting as antibacterial agents, biosensor systems, the delivery and loading of drugs, bioimaging, and therapeutic interventions. The unique characteristics of MXenes, such as their significant electrical conductivity, large surface area, low toxicity, magnetism, luminescence, and high biocompatibility, make them highly promising candidates for diagnostic, therapeutic, and theranostic applications. Surface modifications of MXenes exhibit biocompatibility and have multifunctional functions, including the ability to direct ligands towards specific spots for preferential aggregation, hence enabling their utilization in specialized applications. This paper provides an overview of the characteristics, modifications, and synthesis methods of MXene nanomaterials. The present article also delivers a comprehensive assessment of the practical uses of MXene-based nanomaterials in biomedicine, with a particular focus on biosensing, bioimaging, antibacterial effects, implants, and multifunctional therapeutic platforms. This paper also presents a discussion of the future prospects and challenges associated with the applications of MXenes in the biomedicine field.
    Scopus© Citations 36
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    Scopus© Citations 166