GONZÁLEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA

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Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud Eugenio Espejo

CENBIO - Centro de Investigación Biomédica

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ORCID

0000-0002-5630-6645

Scopus Author ID

56516826700

Now showing 1 - 10 of 20

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Green Synthesis of Silver Oxide Nanoparticles from Mauritia flexuosa Fruit Extract: Characterization and Bioactivity Assessment
(MDPI AG, 2024-11-22)
ZUÑIGA MIRANDA, JOHANA JANINA
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David Vaca-Vega
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Karla Vizuete
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Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
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 14
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Current Landscape of Methods to Evaluate Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Extracts
(MDPI AG, 2023-01-20)
GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
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Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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ZUÑIGA MIRANDA, JOHANA JANINA
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Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
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MAYORGA RAMOS, ARIANNA CAROLINA
<jats:p>Natural extracts have been and continue to be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions, from infectious diseases to cancer, based on their convenience and therapeutic potential. Natural products derived from microbes, plants, and animals offer a broad variety of molecules and chemical compounds. Natural products are not only one of the most important sources for innovative drug development for animal and human health, but they are also an inspiration for synthetic biology and chemistry scientists towards the discovery of new bioactive compounds and pharmaceuticals. This is particularly relevant in the current context, where antimicrobial resistance has risen as a global health problem. Thus, efforts are being directed toward studying natural compounds’ chemical composition and bioactive potential to generate drugs with better efficacy and lower toxicity than existing molecules. Currently, a wide range of methodologies are used to analyze the in vitro activity of natural extracts to determine their suitability as antimicrobial agents. Despite traditional technologies being the most employed, technological advances have contributed to the implementation of methods able to circumvent issues related to analysis capacity, time, sensitivity, and reproducibility. This review produces an updated analysis of the conventional and current methods to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of natural compounds.</jats:p>
Scopus© Citations 90
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Graphene Quantum Dots from Natural Carbon Sources for Drug and Gene Delivery in Cancer Treatment
(MDPI AG, 2024-09-30)
Henrry M. Osorio
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Fabián Castillo-Solís
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Selena Y. Barragán
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Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
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GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
Cancer therapy is constantly evolving, with a growing emphasis on targeted and efficient treatment options. In this context, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as promising agents for precise drug and gene delivery due to their unique attributes, such as high surface area, photoluminescence, up-conversion photoluminescence, and biocompatibility. GQDs can damage cancer cells and exhibit intrinsic photothermal conversion and singlet oxygen generation efficiency under specific light irradiation, enhancing their effectiveness. They serve as direct therapeutic agents and versatile drug delivery platforms capable of being easily functionalized with various targeting molecules and therapeutic agents. However, challenges such as achieving uniform size and morphology, precise bandgap engineering, and scalability, along with minimizing cytotoxicity and the environmental impact of their production, must be addressed. Additionally, there is a need for a more comprehensive understanding of cellular mechanisms and drug release processes, as well as improved purification methods. Integrating GQDs into existing drug delivery systems enhances the efficacy of traditional treatments, offering more efficient and less invasive options for cancer patients. This review highlights the transformative potential of GQDs in cancer therapy while acknowledging the challenges that researchers must overcome for broader application.
Scopus© Citations 39
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Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Shell as a Source of Polyphenols: Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities
(MDPI AG, 2026-06-03)
Barba-Ostria, Carlos
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MAYORGA RAMOS, ARIANNA CAROLINA
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ZÚÑIGA MIRANDA, JOHANA JANINA
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Coyago-Cruz, Elena
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Viteri, Antonella
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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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GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
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Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
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HEREDIA MOYA, JORGE HUMBERTO
<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 144
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Bioactive Phenolic Compounds from Rambutan - Nephelium lappaceum L. - Shell: Encapsulation, Structural Stability, and Multifunctional Activities
(MDPI AG, 2025-11-09)
Carlos Barba Ostria
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Orestes López
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Alexis Debut
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MAYORGA RAMOS, ARIANNA CAROLINA
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ZÚÑIGA MIRANDA, JOHANA JANINA
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) shell, an agro-industrial by-product, is a rich source of phenolic acids and minor anthocyanins, but its direct use is limited by instability and low bioavailability. We extracted phenolic-rich fractions and produced maltodextrin microcapsules by spray drying, then confirmed chemical entrapment and amorphization by FTIR, SEM, and XRD. The formulation showed high encapsulation efficiency and high antioxidant capacity (DPPH), selective bactericidal activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Burkholderia cepacia, and strong inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria monocytogenes biofilms, while exhibiting negligible hemolysis (<2%) across tested concentrations. Antitumor effects were moderate with low selectivity in vitro, indicating that phenolic-acid-driven redox modulation may require fractionation or delivery optimization for oncology applications. Overall, spray-dried microcapsules provided structural stability and safety while concentrating multifunctional activities relevant to food and biomedical uses. By valorizing a tropical waste stream into a bioactive, hemocompatible ingredient, this work aligns with societal goals on health and sustainable production (SDG 3 and SDG 12) and offers a scalable route to deploy underutilized phenolic resources.</jats:p>
Scopus© Citations 7
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Dimerocostus strobilaceus (Caña Agria) as an Emerging Reservoir of Bioactive Metabolites with Potential Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Anti-Inflammatory Health Benefits
(MDPI AG, 2025-10-29)
Coyago Cruz Elena Del Rocío
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GONZÁLEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
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Gabriela Méndez
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Jeico Usinia-Carranza
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JUAN ANDRÉS
The Amazon region is home to a wide variety of plant species that are of interest for their medicinal and nutritional properties. This study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, bioactive compound profile, and antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer and anti-inflammatory activity of Dimerocostus strobilaceus leaves, stems, and seeds. Vitamin C, organic acids, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds were quantified using RPLC. Antioxidant activity was determined using ABTS and DPPH, while antimicrobial activity was assessed against pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria. Anticancer activity was evaluated in tumour cell lines (HeLa, HCT116, HepG2, and THJ29T), and anti-inflammatory activity was examined in RAW 264.7 macrophages. The seeds stood out for their content of ferulic, caffeic and chlorogenic acids, while kaempferol and quercetin predominated in the leaves. The leaves exhibited greater antimicrobial efficacy and antiproliferative activity (IC50 < 0.2 mg/mL), albeit with limited selectivity. These findings suggest that ‘caña agria’ is a promising source of bioactive metabolites with biotechnological and therapeutic applications.
Scopus© Citations 2
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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
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GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
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Gabriela Méndez
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Mateo Moya Coyago
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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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Detection of Adenoviral E1A Gene in Guthrie Cards for Insights into Pediatric Cancer Origin
(MDPI AG, 2026-04-30)
Mendoza, Gracia
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Guerrero, Rebeca
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Strunk, Mark
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Calvo, Carlota
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González-Irazabal, Yolanda
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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)
ZUÑIGA MIRANDA, JOHANA JANINA
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Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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GONZALEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA
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MAYORGA RAMOS, ARIANNA CAROLINA
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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 13

GONZÁLEZ PASTOR, REBECA EUGENIA

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