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    Exploring the Multifaceted Biological Activities of Anthocyanins Isolated from Two Andean Berries
    (MDPI AG, 2024-08-21)
    Carlos Barba-Ostria
    ;
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
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    ; ;
    Natural pigments extracted from plant species are used in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study evaluates the comprehensive biological activities of anthocyanins isolated from Andean blueberry (Vaccinium floribundum Kunth) and Andean blackberry (Rubus glaucus Benth), focusing on their antimicrobial, antioxidant, antitumoral, anti-inflammatory, and hemolytic properties. Chemical characterization revealed significant anthocyanin content with complex mass spectrometric profiles indicating diverse glycosylation patterns that may influence their bioactivity. The antimicrobial assays showed that the extracts were particularly effective against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) as low as 1 mg/mL for Rubus glaucus, indicating strong potential for therapeutic use. The antioxidant capacity of the berries was substantial, albeit slightly lower than that of ascorbic acid. The extracts also exhibited notable antitumoral activity in various cancer cell lines, showing promise as adjunctive or preventive treatments. The anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed by inhibiting nitric oxide production in macrophage cells, highlighting their potential in managing inflammatory diseases. In terms of hemolytic activity, Rubus glaucus exhibited dose-dependent effects, potentially attributable to anthocyanins and phenolics, while Vaccinium floribundum demonstrated no significant hemolytic activity, underscoring its safety. These findings suggest that anthocyanins from Andean berries possess potent biological activities, which could be leveraged for health benefits in pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Further studies are needed to isolate specific bioactive compounds and investigate their synergistic effects in clinical and real-world contexts.
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    Experimental and computational studies of Schiff bases derived from 4-aminoantipyrine as potential antibacterial and anticancer agents
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-01-31) ; ;
    Saskya E. Carrera Pacheco
    ;
    Cristina Rodríguez-Pólit
    ;
    Carlos Barba-Ostria
    Schiff bases are organic compounds recognized for their biological activities, including antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer properties, making them promising candidates in medicinal chemistry. In this studio, a series of Schiff bases derived from 4-aminoantipyrine and substituted cinnamaldehydes were evaluated in vitro against liver (HepG2) and thyroid (THJ29T) cancer cells, Gram-positive and Gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria, and biofilm-forming pathogens. Six compounds demonstrated anticancer activity, though some exhibited toxicity to non-tumor cells. Compounds showed notable anticancer potential, while also exhibited strong antibacterial effects, with being the most effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria strains. These Schiff bases also inhibit biofilm formation, suggesting their potential for treating biofilm-related infections. analyses of their ADME properties, global reactivity descriptors, and binding affinities corroborated these findings. The Schiff base has a strong binding affinity for DNA gyrase and vitamin D receptor, suggesting potential mechanisms for its antibacterial and anticancer activities.
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    Phytochemical Composition and Biological Properties of Macleania rupestris Fruit Extract: Insights into Its Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Activity
    (MDPI AG, 2025-03-27) ; ;
    Elena Coyago-Cruz
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    ;
    Jéssica Guamán-Bautista
    Macleania rupestris, a fruit-bearing species of the Ericaceae family, has traditionally been used for its potential medicinal properties. Background/Objectives: This study investigates the phytochemical composition and antimicrobial activity of M. rupestris fruit extract, focusing on its antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antifungal effects. Methods: M. rupestris (Kunth) A.C.Sm. berries (code: 4456, Herbario QUPS-Ecuador) were collected from the cloud forest Montano Alto, Cuenca-Ecuador, and the extract was obtained using an ethanolic-based extraction and chemically characterized. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of the fruit extract was assessed against seven multidrug-resistant bacteria strains and four fungal strains using the microdilution method. The biofilm inhibition potential was evaluated using a microplate assay with the crystal violet staining method. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and ABTS assays. Results: The bioactive compounds showed 853.9 mg phenols/100 g DW, 573.2 mg organic acid/100 g DW, and 21.5 mg C-3-gl/100 g DW of anthocyanins. The antibacterial assays demonstrated significant inhibitory activity against Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus epidermidis, with MIC values ranging from 1.25 to 5 mg/mL. Additionally, the biofilm inhibition assays confirmed the potential of M. rupestris extract to disrupt bacterial biofilms, particularly in S. aureus and L. monocytogenes. Nevertheless, no significant antifungal activity was observed against Candida spp., suggesting selective antimicrobial properties. Finally, the antioxidant activity was strong (1.62 mmol TE/100 g DW by DPPH and 3.28 mmol TE/100 g DW by ABTS). Conclusions: These findings indicate that M. rupestris possesses promising antibacterial, antibiofilm, and antioxidant properties, which may be attributed to its phenolic and organic acid composition. Further fractionation and targeted bioassays are required to elucidate the specific bioactive compounds responsible for these effects and explore their potential applications in antimicrobial formulations.
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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
    ;
    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.
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    Bacteriophage-mediated approaches for biofilm control
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024-10-07) ;
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
    ;
    Carlos Barba Ostria
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    Biofilms are complex microbial communities in which planktonic and dormant bacteria are enveloped in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) such as exopolysaccharides, proteins, lipids, and DNA. These multicellular structures present resistance to conventional antimicrobial treatments, including antibiotics. The formation of biofilms raises considerable concern in healthcare settings, biofilms can exacerbate infections in patients and compromise the integrity of medical devices employed during treatment. Similarly, certain bacterial species contribute to bulking, foaming, and biofilm development in water environments such as wastewater treatment plants, water reservoirs, and aquaculture facilities. Additionally, food production facilities provide ideal conditions for establishing bacterial biofilms, which can serve as reservoirs for foodborne pathogens. Efforts to combat antibiotic resistance involve exploring various strategies, including bacteriophage therapy. Research has been conducted on the effects of phages and their individual proteins to assess their potential for biofilm removal. However, challenges persist, prompting the examination of refined approaches such as drug-phage combination therapies, phage cocktails, and genetically modified phages for clinical applications. This review aims to highlight the progress regarding bacteriophage-based approaches for biofilm eradication in different settings.
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    Mxenes as a versatile nanoplatform: Synthesis and emerging biomedical applications
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-09-25)
    Ali Mohammad Amani
    ;
    Ehsan Vafa
    ;
    Maryam Mirzae
    ;
    Milad Abbasi
    ;
    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.
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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.
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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
    ;
    Orestes López
    ;
    Alexis Debut
    ;
    ;
    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 (&lt;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>
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    Designing cytochrome P450 enzymes for use in cancer gene therapy
    (Frontiers Media SA, 2024-05-24)
    Saskya E. Carrera-Pacheco
    ;
    Alexander Mueller
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    Juan A. Puente-Pineda
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    Cancer is a significant global socioeconomic burden, as millions of new cases and deaths occur annually. In 2020, almost 10 million cancer deaths were recorded worldwide. Advancements in cancer gene therapy have revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment. An approach with promising potential for cancer gene therapy is introducing genes to cancer cells that encode for chemotherapy prodrug metabolizing enzymes, such as Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, which can contribute to the effective elimination of cancer cells. This can be achieved through gene-directed enzyme prodrug therapy (GDEPT). CYP enzymes can be genetically engineered to improve anticancer prodrug conversion to its active metabolites and to minimize chemotherapy side effects by reducing the prodrug dosage. Rational design, directed evolution, and phylogenetic methods are some approaches to developing tailored CYP enzymes for cancer therapy. Here, we provide a compilation of genetic modifications performed on CYP enzymes aiming to build highly efficient therapeutic genes capable of bio-activating different chemotherapeutic prodrugs. Additionally, this review summarizes promising preclinical and clinical trials highlighting engineered CYP enzymes’ potential in GDEPT. Finally, the challenges, limitations, and future directions of using CYP enzymes for GDEPT in cancer gene therapy are discussed.