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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
    ;
    ; ;
    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 13
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    Nude and Modified Electrospun Nanofibers, Application to Air Purification
    (MDPI AG, 2023-02-01)
    Patricio J. Espinoza-Montero
    ;
    Marjorie Montero-Jiménez
    ;
    Stalin Rojas-Quishpe
    ;
    Christian David Alcívar León
    ;
    <jats:p>Air transports several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), which can produce cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Thus, it is a challenge to control pollutant emissions before releasing them to the environment. Until now, filtration has been the most efficient processes for removing PM. Therefore, the electrospinning procedure has been applied to obtain membranes with a high filtration efficiency and low pressure drop. This review addressed the synthesis of polymers that are used for fabricating high-performance membranes by electrospinning to remove air pollutants. Then, the most influential parameters to produce electrospun membranes are indicated. The main results show that electrospun membranes are an excellent alternative to having air filters due to the versatility of the process, the capacity for controlling the fiber diameter, porosity, high filtration efficiency and low-pressure drop.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 22
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    Bioactive Composition of Tropical Flowers and Their Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties
    (MDPI AG, 2024-11-24)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    Alejandro Barrigas
    ;
    Aida Guachamin
    ;
    ;
    This study evaluated tropical flower petals’ bioactive compounds and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. The physicochemical characteristics, carotenoids, phenolics, anthocyanins, organic acids, and antioxidant activity of 67 flowers were analyzed. In addition, the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Candida tropicalis of 35 species was determined. A 2 × 3 experimental design was used for the extraction of carotenoids and phenolics, including solvents and ultrasonic agitation times. The mixture of methanol–acetone–dichloromethane (1:1:2) and acetone–methanol (2:1) resulted in the highest concentration of carotenoids, while acidified 80% methanol favoured phenolic extraction. Renealmia alpinia was extremely rich in carotenoids (292.5 mg β-carotene/g DW), Pleroma heteromallum in anthocyanins (7.35 mg C-3-gl/g DW), while a high content of citric acid was found in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (17,819 mg/100 g DW). On the other hand, Thibaudia floribunda showed the highest antioxidant activity (7.8 mmol Trolox equivalent/g DW). The main phenolics were m-coumaric acid in Acalypha poiretii (12,044 mg/100 g DW), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid in Brugmansia arborea (10,729 mg/100 g DW), and kaempferol in Dahlia pinnata (8236 mg/100 g DW). The extract of Acalypha poiretii, Brownea macrophylla, and Cavendishia nobilis showed antibacterial activity, while the extract of Pleroma heteromallum was the only one active against Candida albicans. These findings highlight the potential health benefits from certain tropical flowers.
    Scopus© Citations 13
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    Characterization of Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and Leishmanicidal Activities of Schiff Base Derivatives of 4-Aminoantipyrine
    (MDPI AG, 2019-07-24)
    Rommy Teran
    ;
    Rommel Guevara
    ;
    Jessica Mora
    ;
    Lizeth Dobronski
    ;
    Olalla Barreiro-Costa
    <jats:p>Our main interest is the characterization of compounds to support the development of alternatives to currently marketed drugs that are losing effectiveness due to the development of resistance. Schiff bases are promising biologically interesting compounds having a wide range of pharmaceutical properties, including anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antimicrobial activities, among others. In this work, we have synthesized 12 Schiff base derivatives of 4-aminoantipyrine. In vitro antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxicity properties are analyzed, as well as in silico predictive adsorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and bioactivity scores. Results identify two potential Schiff bases: one effective against E. faecalis and the other with antioxidant activity. Both have reasonable ADME scores and provides a scaffold for developing more effective compounds in the future. Initial studies are usually limited to laboratory in vitro approaches, and following these initial studies, much research is needed before a drug can reach the clinic. Nevertheless, these laboratory approaches are mandatory and constitute a first filter to discriminate among potential drug candidates and chemical compounds that should be discarded.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 83
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    Relationship Between Bioactive Compounds and Biological Activities (Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antihaemolytic) of ‘Colcas’ Fruits at Different Stages of Maturity
    (MDPI AG, 2025-09-10)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
    ;
    Aida Guachamin
    ;
    Ruth Escobar-Quiñonez
    The genus Miconia is used in traditional medicine, but there are few studies supporting the bioactive potential of Miconia crocea. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound content, and antioxidant, antimicrobial and antihaemolytic activities at four different phenological stages of M. crocea. The pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture and ash content were determined. Mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption. Vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls and derivatives and phenols were determined by chromatography. Total anthocyanins were determined by spectrophotometry. The antioxidant capacity was evaluated using ABTS and DPPH assays, and the antimicrobial activity was tested against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Potassium was the predominant mineral (&gt;1000 mg/100 g DW), while malic acid was the predominant organic acid. Lutein was the most abundant carotenoid, as among the phenolic compounds, m-coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid were most abundant (&gt;1000 mg/100 g DW). The optimal method for preparing the extract for antimicrobial and haemolytic activity, with a focus on phenols, involved using 50% ethanol, applying ultrasound for six minutes, and carrying out three extractions. The M0% extract exhibited the most potent antimicrobial activity against S. mutans (MIC: 7.8 mg/mL). Anti-haemolytic activity indicates biocompatibility. The results emphasise the bioactive and antimicrobial potential of M. crocea, suggesting its possible application in various industries. However, further research is needed in the form of in vivo studies.
    Scopus© Citations 5
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    Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Gleichenella pectinata, a Bioprospecting of Medicinal Ferns
    (MDPI AG, 2025-11-12)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
    ;
    Mateo Moya Coyago
    ;
    Juan A. Puente Pineda
    Gleichenella pectinata, known as ‘Star fern’, is a species traditionally used by Amazonian indigenous communities to treat various diseases. The objective of this study was to evaluate the bioactive compounds and antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory activities of G. pectinata leaves. The study included the determination of physicochemical parameters (pH, soluble solids, titratable acidity, moisture, and ash), phytochemical screening, mineral analysis by atomic absorption and quantification of bioactive compounds (vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, chlorophylls, and phenols) by liquid chromatography (RRLC). Antioxidant (ABTS and DPPH), antimicrobial (ATCC bacteria and fungi, and multi-resistant strains), antitumor and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. The results showed the presence of acetogenins, high concentrations of malic acid (56,559.7 mg/100 g DW), β-carotene (266.6 mg/100 g DW), chlorophyll b (684.7 mg/100 g DW), ferulic acid (3163.5 mg/100 g DW) and quercetin glucoside (945.9 mg/100 g DW). The freeze-dried ethanolic extracts showed greater efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC (12.0 mg/mL) and multidrug-resistant strains of E. coli (6.6 mg/mL) and P. aeruginosa (6.6 mg/mL). In addition, the extract exhibited moderate antiproliferative activity (IC50: 0.98–1.98 mg/mL) in hepatocellular and cervical carcinoma cell lines. In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence of the antitumor and bioactive potential of G. pectinata, supporting its value as a natural source of functional compounds with potential pharmacological applications.
    Scopus© Citations 2
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    Functional and Antioxidant Evaluation of Two Ecotypes of Control and Grafted Tree Tomato (Solanum betaceum) at Different Altitudes
    (MDPI AG, 2023-09-20)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    Aida Guachamin
    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
    ;
    Melany Moya
    ;
    Aníbal Martínez
    <jats:p>Tree tomato (Solanum betaceum) is susceptible to nematode attack; for this reason, grafting is used as an alternative to reduce this impact. In this study, the bioactive compounds of the fruit (shell, pulp, and seed jelly) of two tree tomato ecotypes (‘giant orange’ and ‘giant purple’) were evaluated in both control and grafted plants grown at different altitudes (2010–2250, 2260–2500, 2510–2750 and 2760–3000 masl). Commercial quality, vitamin C, organic acids, phenolics, carotenoids and antioxidant activity were determined by microextraction and quantified by liquid chromatography (RRLC) or spectrophotometry (microplate reader). The results showed high concentrations of vitamin C, organic acids and antioxidant activity in the seed jelly, organic acids in the pulp and phenolic compounds, carotenoids, and antioxidant activity in the shell. The main phenolics were ferulic acid, caffeic acid and luteolin, while the main carotenoids were lutein, B-cryptoxanthin and B-carotene. Multivariate analysis showed that tree tomato quality was mainly influenced by altitude and fruit part and that grafting positively affected soluble solids for both ecotypes and all altitudes.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 22
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    Functional, Antioxidant, Antibacterial, and Antifungal Activity of Edible Flowers
    (MDPI AG, 2024-10-25)
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
    ;
    Alejandro Alarcón
    ;
    Aida Guachamin
    ;
    Gabriela Méndez
    ;
    Edison Osorio
    Edible flowers have been used since ancient times, but their potential for improving human health has not been explored. This study aimed to evaluate the profile of bioactive compounds (organic acids, phenolics, and carotenoids) and the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of nine flower varieties with high concentrations of carotenoids or total phenolic compounds. Ninety-three edible flowers were analysed for physicochemical characteristics, total phenolic and carotenoid concentrations, and antioxidant activity (ABTS). Bioactive profiles were determined by rapid resolution liquid chromatography (RRLC), and antimicrobial activity was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus mutans, and Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis. Chrysanthemum x hybrid orange, Helianthus annuus yellow, Tagetes patula orange, Canna indica red, and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (orange1 and yellow) showed significant concentrations of total carotenoids. In contrast, Pelargonium hortorum orange2, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1, and Rosa x hybrid variety medium yellow showed high levels of total phenolics. The predominant compounds in these species were citric acid (991.4 mg/g DW in Hibiscus rosa-sinensis red1), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (936.2 mg/100 g DW in P. hortorum orange2), kaempferol (971. 9 mg/100 g DW in T. patula orange), quercetin glucoside (958.8 in C. x hybrid), quercetin (919.3 mg/100 g DW in T. patula), α-carotene, and β-carotene in T. patula orange (989.5 and 601.2 mg/100 g DW, respectively). Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. patula orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited bacterial growth, while C. x hybrid orange and P. hortorum orange2 inhibited Candida albicans, and the latter inhibited Candida tropicalis. These results indicate the potential of edible flowers as a natural source of bioactive compounds and as a tool in the fight against antimicrobial resistance.
    Scopus© Citations 22
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    Evaluation of the Anti-Leishmania mexicana and -Trypanosoma brucei Activity and Mode of Action of 4,4′-(Arylmethylene)bis(3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-ol)
    (MDPI AG, 2022-08-07)
    Olalla Barreiro-Costa
    ;
    Cristina Quiroga Lozano
    ;
    Erika Muñoz
    ;
    Patricio Rojas-Silva
    ;
    Andrea Medeiros
    <jats:p>Trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis are neglected infections caused by trypanosomatid parasites. The first-line treatments have many adverse effects, high costs, and are prone to resistance development, hence the necessity for new chemotherapeutic options. In line with this, twenty five 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ols) derivatives were synthesized and evaluated in vitro for their anti-trypanosomatid activity. Ten and five compounds from this series showed IC50 ≤ 10 µM against the promastigote and the bloodstream stage of Leishmania mexicana and Trypanosoma brucei brucei, respectively. Overall, derivatives with pyrazole rings substituted with electron-withdrawing groups proved more active than those with electron-donating groups. The hits proved moderately selective towards L. mexicana and T. brucei (selectivity index, SI, compared to murine macrophages = 5–26). The exception was one derivative displaying an SI (&gt;111–189) against T. brucei that surpassed, by &gt;6-fold, the selectivity of the clinical drug nifurtimox (SI = 13–28.5). Despite sharing a common scaffold, the hits differed in their mechanism of action, with halogenated derivatives inducing a rapid and marked intracellular oxidative milieu in infective T. brucei. Notably, most of the hits presented better absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties than the reference drugs. Several of the bioactive molecules herein identified represent a promising starting point for further improvement of their trypanosomatid potency and selectivity.</jats:p>
    Scopus© Citations 12
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    Green Synthesis of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles from Mauritia flexuosa Fruit Extract: Characterization and Bioactivity Assessment
    (MDPI AG, 2024-11-22) ;
    David Vaca-Vega
    ;
    Karla Vizuete
    ;
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
    ;
    The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens, persistent biofilms, oxidative stress, and cancerous cell proliferation poses significant challenges in healthcare and environmental settings, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and sustainable therapeutic solutions. The exploration of nanotechnology, particularly the use of green-synthesized nanoparticles, offers a promising avenue to address these complex biological challenges due to their multifunctional properties and biocompatibility. Utilizing a green synthesis approach, Mauritia flexuosa Mf-Ag2ONPs were synthesized and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy coupled with scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM), UV-Vis spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The Mf-Ag2ONPs exhibited potent antibacterial effects against both non-resistant and MDR bacterial strains, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 11.25 to 45 µg/mL. Mf-Ag2ONPs also demonstrated significant antifungal efficacy, particularly against Candida glabrata, with an MIC of 5.63 µg/mL. Moreover, the nanoparticles showed strong biofilm inhibition capabilities and substantial antioxidant properties, underscoring their potential to combat oxidative stress. Additionally, Mf-Ag2ONPs exhibited pronounced anticancer properties against various cancer cell lines, displaying low IC50 values across various cancer cell lines while maintaining minimal hemolytic activity at therapeutic concentrations. These findings suggest that Mf-Ag2ONPs synthesized via an eco-friendly approach offer a promising alternative for biomedical applications, including antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancer therapies, warranting further in vivo studies to fully exploit their therapeutic potential.
    Scopus© Citations 15