Transition metal complex laminated bioactive implant alleviates Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus virulence

Novel thiazolinyl-picolinamide-based palladium(II) complex extenuates the virulence and biofilms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) causing Candida

Candida infections are growing all over the world as a result of their resistance to anti-fungal drugs. This raises concerns about public health, particularly in cases of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC). Therefore, the need for effective treatment options for Candida infections has become crucial. The main goal of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of novel palladium metal complexes against fluconazole-resistant Candida spp., particularly C. albicans and C. auris. The process begins with identifying the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), followed by growth curve assays, colony morphology analysis, characterization, and gene expression analysis. The investigation revealed that sub-MIC of Pd(II) complex B (250 μg/mL) inhibited Candida spp. more effectively than amphotericin B (500 μg/mL). Further, Pd(II) complex B drastically reduced the growth of Candida spp. biofilms by 70-80% for nascent biofilms and 70-75% for mature biofilms. Additionally, the yeast-to-hyphal switch and SEM studies revealed that Pd(II) complex B effectively hinders the growth of drug-resistant Candida cells. The gene expression investigation also evidenced that Pd(II) complex B downregulated virulence genes in C. albicans (ERG, EFG, UME6, and HGC) and C. auris (ERG, CDR, and HGC). The findings showed that Pd(II) complex B effectively inhibited the growth of Candida biofilm formation and was reported as a potential anti-biofilm agent against Candida spp. that are resistant to drugs.

Palladium(II) Metal Complex Fabricated Titanium Implant Mitigates Dual-Species Biofilms in Artificial Synovial Fluid

Metallodrugs have a potent application in various medical fields. In the current study, we used a novel Palladium(II) thiazolinyl picolinamide complex that was directly fabricated over the titanium implant to examine its potency in inhibiting dual-species biofilms and exopolysaccharides. Additionally, inhibition of mono- and dual-species biofilms by coated titanium plates in an in vitro joint microcosm was performed. The study was carried out for 7 days by cultivating mono- and dual-species biofilms on titanium plates placed in both growth media and artificial synovial fluid (ASF). By qPCR analysis, the interaction of co-cultured biofilms in ASF and the alteration in gene expression of co-cultured biofilms were studied. Remarkable alleviation of biofilm accumulation and EPS secretion was observed on the coated titanium plates. The effective impairment of biofilms and EPS matrix of biofilms on Pd(II)-E-coated titanium plates were visualized by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Moreover, coated titanium plates improved the adhesion of osteoblast cells, which is crucial for a bone biomaterial. The potential bioactivity of coated plates was also confirmed at the molecular level using qPCR analysis. The stability of coated plates in ASF for 7 days was examined with FESEM-EDAX analysis. Collectively, the present study provided an excellent anti-infective effect on Pd(II)-E-coated titanium plates without affecting their biocompatibility with bone cells.