Antimicrobial properties of porphyrins

AMP-Mimetic Antimicrobial Polymer-Involved Synergic Therapy with Various Coagents for Improved Efficiency

The misuse of antibiotics contributes to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Infections caused by MDR bacteria are rapidly evolving into a significant threat to global healthcare due to the lack of effective and safe treatments. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity kill bacteria generally through a membrane disruption mechanism; hence, they tend not to induce resistance readily. However, AMPs exhibit disadvantages, such as high cost and susceptibility to proteolytic degradation, which limit their clinical application. AMP-mimetic antimicrobial polymers, with low cost, stability to proteolysis, broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, negligible antimicrobial resistance, and rapid bactericidal effect, have received extensive attention as a new type of antibacterial drugs. Lately, AMP-mimetic polymer-involved synergic therapy provides a superior alternative to combat MDR bacteria by distinct mechanisms. In this Review, we summarize the AMP-mimetic antimicrobial polymers involved in synergic therapy, particularly focusing on the different combinations between the polymers with commercially available antimicrobials, organic small molecule photosensitizers, inorganic nanomaterials, and nitric oxide.

The flavohemoglobin Yhb1 is a new interacting partner of the heme transporter Str3

Nitric oxide (˙NO) is a free radical that induces nitrosative stress, which can jeopardize cell viability. Yeasts have evolved diverse detoxification mechanisms to effectively counteract ˙NO-mediated cytotoxicity. One mechanism relies on the flavohemoglobin Yhb1, whereas a second one requires the S-nitrosoglutathione reductase Fmd2. To investigate heme-dependent activation of Yhb1 in response to ˙NO, we use hem1Δ-derivative Schizosaccharomyces pombe strains lacking the initial enzyme in heme biosynthesis, forcing cells to assimilate heme from external sources. Under these conditions, yhb1+ mRNA levels are repressed in the presence of iron through a mechanism involving the GATA-type transcriptional repressor Fep1. In contrast, when iron levels are low, the transcription of yhb1+ is derepressed and further induced in the presence of the ˙NO donor DETANONOate. Cells lacking Yhb1 or expressing inactive forms of Yhb1 fail to grow in a hemin-dependent manner when exposed to DETANONOate. Similarly, the loss of function of the heme transporter Str3 phenocopies the effects of Yhb1 disruption by causing hypersensitivity to DETANONOate under hemin-dependent culture conditions. Coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays demonstrate the interaction between Yhb1 and the heme transporter Str3. Collectively, our findings unveil a novel pathway for activating Yhb1, fortifying yeast cells against nitrosative stress.

Photodynamic treatment of Staphylococcus aureus with non-iron hemin analogs in the presence of hydrogen peroxide

Bacteria subjected to antiseptic or antibiotic stress often develop tolerance, a trait that can lead to permanent resistance. To determine whether photodynamic agents could be used to counter tolerance, we evaluated three non-iron hemin analogs (M-PpIX; M = Al, Ga, In) as targeted photosensitizers for antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI) following exposure to sublethal H2O2. Al-PpIX is an active producer of ROS whereas Ga- and In-PpIX are more efficient at generating singlet oxygen. Al- and Ga-PpIX are highly potent aPDI agents against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant strains (MRSA) with antimicrobial activity (3 log reduction in colony-forming units) at nanomolar concentrations. The aPDI activities of Al- and Ga-PpIX against S. aureus were tested in the presence of 1 mM H2O2 added at different stages of growth. Bacteria exposed to H2O2 during log-phase growth were less susceptible to aPDI but bacteria treated with H2O2 in their postgrowth phase exhibited aPDI hypersensitivity, with no detectable colony growth after treatment with 15 nM Ga-PpIX.

Toxicological assessment of photoactivated tetra-cationic porphyrin molecules under white light exposure in a Caenorhabditis elegans model

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizes the potential of photosensitizing substances to absorb light energy and produce reactive oxygen species. Tetra-cationic porphyrins, which have organic or coordination compounds attached to their periphery, are heterocyclic derivatives with well-described antimicrobial and antitumoral properties. This is due to their ability to produce reactive oxygen species and their photobiological properties in solution. Consequently, these molecules are promising candidates as new and more effective photosensitizers with biomedical, environmental, and other biomedical applications. Prior to human exposure, it is essential to establish the toxicological profile of these molecules using in vivo models. In this study, we used Caenorhabditis elegans, a small free-living nematode, as a model for assessing toxic effects and predicting toxicity in preclinical research. We evaluated the toxic effects of porphyrins (neutral and tetra-cationic) on nematodes under dark/light conditions. Our findings demonstrate that tetra-methylated porphyrins (3TMeP and 4TMeP) at a concentration of 3.3 µg/mL (1.36 and 0.93 µM) exhibit high toxicity (as evidenced by reduced survival, development, and locomotion) under dark conditions. Moreover, photoactivated tetra-methylated porphyrins induce higher ROS levels compared to neutral (3TPyP and 4TPyP), tetra-palladated (3PdTPyP and 4PdTPyP), and tetra-platinated (3PtTPyP and 4PtTPyP) porphyrins, which may be responsible for the observed toxic effects.

Refining antimicrobial photodynamic therapy: effect of charge distribution and central metal ion in fluorinated porphyrins on effective control of planktonic and biofilm bacterial forms

Antibiotic resistance represents a pressing global health challenge, now acknowledged as a critical concern within the framework of One Health. Photodynamic inactivation of microorganisms (PDI) offers an attractive, non-invasive approach known for its flexibility, independence from microbial resistance patterns, broad-spectrum efficacy, and minimal risk of inducing resistance. Various photosensitizers, including porphyrin derivatives have been explored for pathogen eradication. In this context, we present the synthesis, spectroscopic and photophysical characteristics as well as antimicrobial properties of a palladium(II)-porphyrin derivative (PdF2POH), along with its zinc(II)- and free-base counterparts (ZnF2POH and F2POH, respectively). Our findings reveal that the palladium(II)-porphyrin complex can be classified as an excellent generator of reactive oxygen species (ROS), encompassing both singlet oxygen (Φ△ = 0.93) and oxygen-centered radicals. The ability of photosensitizers to generate ROS was assessed using a variety of direct (luminescence measurements) and indirect techniques, including specific fluorescent probes both in solution and in microorganisms during the PDI procedure. We investigated the PDI efficacy of F2POH, ZnF2POH, and PdF2POH against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. All tested compounds proved high activity against Gram-positive species, with PdF2POH exhibiting superior efficacy, leading to up to a 6-log reduction in S. aureus viability. Notably, PdF2POH-mediated PDI displayed remarkable effectiveness against S. aureus biofilm, a challenging target due to its complex structure and increased resistance to conventional treatments. Furthermore, our results show that PDI with PdF2POH is more selective for bacterial than for mammalian cells, particularly at lower light doses (up to 5 J/cm2 of blue light illumination). This enhanced efficacy of PdF2POH-mediated PDI as compared to ZnF2POH and F2POH can be attributed to more pronounced ROS generation by palladium derivative via both types of photochemical mechanisms (high yields of singlet oxygen generation as well as oxygen-centered radicals). Additionally, PDI proved effective in eliminating bacteria within S. aureus-infected human keratinocytes, inhibiting infection progression while preserving the viability and integrity of infected HaCaT cells. These findings underscore the potential of metalloporphyrins, particularly the Pd(II)-porphyrin complex, as promising photosensitizers for PDI in various bacterial infections, warranting further investigation in advanced infection models.

Blue Light Potentiates Antibiotics in Bacteria via Parallel Pathways of Hydroxyl Radical Production and Enhanced Antibiotic Uptake

In the age of antimicrobial resistance, the urgency by which novel therapeutic approaches need to be introduced into the clinical pipeline has reached critical levels. Antimicrobial blue light (aBL), as an alternative approach, has demonstrated promise as a stand-alone therapeutic method, albeit with a limited window of antimicrobial activity. Work by others indicates that treatment with antibiotics increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which may, in part, contribute to the bactericidal effects of antibiotics. These findings suggest that there may be potential for synergistic interactions with aBL, that similarly generates ROS. Therefore, in this study, the mechanism of aBL is investigated, and the potential for aBL to synergistically promote antibiotic activity is similarly evaluated. Furthermore, the translatability of using aBL and chloramphenicol in combination within a mouse model of Acinetobacter baumanii burn infection is assessed. It is concluded that porphyrins and hydroxyl radicals driven by "free iron" are paramount to the effectiveness of aBL; and aBL is effective at promoting multiple antibiotics in different multidrug-resistant bacteria. Moreover, rROS up-regulation, and promoted antibiotic uptake are observed during aBL+antibiotic exposure. Lastly, aBL combined with chloramphenicol appears to be both effective and safe for the treatment of A. baumannii burn infection. In conclusion, aBL may be a useful adjunct therapy to antibiotics to potentiate their action.

Influence of Light Conditions on the Antibacterial Performance and Mechanism of Waterborne Fluorescent Coatings Based on Waterproof Long Afterglow Phosphors/PDMS Composites

Marine microbial adhesion is the fundamental cause of large-scale biological fouling. Low surface energy coatings can prevent marine installations from biofouling; nevertheless, their static antifouling abilities are limited in the absence of shear forces produced by seawater. Novel waterborne antifouling coatings inspired by fluorescent coral were reported in this paper. Waterproof long afterglow phosphors (WLAP) were introduced into waterborne silicone elastomers by the physical blending method. The composite coatings store energy during the day, and the various colors of light emitted at night affect the regular physiological activities of marine bacteria. Due to the synergistic effect of fouling-release and fluorescence antifouling, the WLAP/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite coating showed excellent antifouling abilities. The antibacterial performance of coatings was tested under simulated day-night alternation, continuous light, and constant dark conditions, respectively. The results illustrated that the antibacterial performance of composite coatings under simulated day-night alternation conditions was significantly better than that under continuous light or darkness. The weak lights emitted by the coating can effectively inhibit the adhesion of bacteria. C-SB/PDMS showed the best antibacterial effect, with a bacterial adhesion rate (BAR) of only 3.7%. Constant strong light also affects the normal physiological behavior of bacteria, and the weak light of coatings was covered. The antibacterial ability of coatings primarily relied on their surface properties under continuous dark conditions. The fluorescent effect played a vital role in the synergetic antifouling mechanism. This study enhanced the static antifouling abilities of coatings and provided a new direction for environmentally friendly and long-acting marine antifouling coatings.

Staph wars: the antibiotic pipeline strikes back

Antibiotic chemotherapy is widely regarded as one of the most significant medical advancements in history. However, the continued misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rapid rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) globally. Staphylococcus aureus, a major human pathogen, has become synonymous with multidrug resistance and is a leading antimicrobial-resistant pathogen causing significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. This review focuses on (1) the targets of current anti-staphylococcal antibiotics and the specific mechanisms that confirm resistance; (2) an in-depth analysis of recently licensed antibiotics approved for the treatment of S. aureus infections; and (3) an examination of the pre-clinical pipeline of anti-staphylococcal compounds. In addition, we examine the molecular mechanism of action of novel antimicrobials and derivatives of existing classes of antibiotics, collate data on the emergence of resistance to new compounds and provide an overview of key data from clinical trials evaluating anti-staphylococcal compounds. We present several successful cases in the development of alternative forms of existing antibiotics that have activity against multidrug-resistant S. aureus. Pre-clinical antimicrobials show promise, but more focus and funding are required to develop novel classes of compounds that can curtail the spread of and sustainably control antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus infections.

Photodynamic Activity of Chlorophyllin and Polyethylenimine on Pseudomonas aeruginosa Planktonic, Biofilm and Persister Cells

Antimicrobial photodynamic inactivation is considered a promising antimicrobial approach that may not develop resistance in the near future. Here, we investigate the influence of the photosensitizer chlorophyllin (CHL) and the cationic permeabilizer polyethylenimine (PEI), exposed to a red light-emitting diode, on the human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa free-living planktonic cells, the sessile biofilm and persister cells. The broth microdilution checkerboard method was used to test antimicrobial susceptibility. As a substrate for biofilms, the Calgary biofilm device was used, and the quantification of the biofilm biomass was carried out using a crystal violet assay. Serine hydroxamate was used for the induction of persisters. Our findings reveal that PEI ameliorates the antimicrobial activity of CHL against P. aeruginosa planktonic and biofilm states, and the concentration required to eradicate the bacteria in the biofilm is more than fourfold that is required to eradicate planktonic cells. Interestingly, the persister cells are more susceptible to CHL/PEI (31.25/100 µg mL-1) than the growing cells by 1.7 ± 0.12 and 0.4 ± 0.1 log10 reduction, respectively, after 15 min of illumination. These data demonstrate that CHL excited with red light together with PEI is promising for the eradication of P. aeruginosa, and the susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to CHL/PEI is influenced by the concentrations and the exposure time.

G-Quadruplexes in c-MYC Promoter as Targets for Cancer Therapy

Cancer is a societal burden demanding innovative approaches. A major problem with the conventional chemotherapeutic agents is their strong toxicity and other side effects due to their poor selectivity. Uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells is due to mutations, deletions, or amplifications in genes (oncogenes) encoding for proteins that regulate cell growth and division, such as transcription factors, for example, c-MYC. The direct targeting of the c-MYC protein has been attempted but so far unsuccessfully, as it lacks a definite binding site for the modulators. Meanwhile, another approach has been explored since the discovery that G-quadruplex secondary DNA structures formed in the guanine-rich sequences of the c-MYC promoter region can downregulate the transcription of this oncogene. Here, we will overview the major achievements made in the last decades towards the discovery of a new class of anticancer drugs targeting G-quadruplexes in the c-MYC promoter of cancer cells.

Evaluation of carboxylic acid-derivatized corroles as novel gram-positive antibacterial agents under non-photodynamic inactivation conditions

Herein, we report the synthesis and evaluation of carboxylic acid corroles bearing either one, two, three of four carboxylic groups as gram-positive antibacterial agents against two strains of S. aureus, one methicillin-sensible (MSSA) and the other methicillin-resistant (MRSA). Lead compounds 5 and 6 show low minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.78 μg/mL against both MSSA and MRSA. These molecules, previously underexplored as antibacterial agents, can now serve as a new scaffold for antimicrobial development.

Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Activity of Electrospun Fibrous Materials Based on PHB and Modified with Hemin

The effect of the hemin (Hmi) on the structure and properties of nanocomposite electrospun materials based on poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is discussed in the article. The additive significantly affected the morphology of fibers allowed to produce more elastic material and provided high antimicrobial activity. The article considers also the impact of the hemin on the biocompatibility of the nonwoven material based on PHB and the prospects for wound healing.

The inherent antibiotic activity of myxobacteria-derived autofluorescent outer membrane vesicles is switched on and off by light stimulation

Outer membrane vesicles are small, lipid-based vesicles shed from the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. They are becoming increasingly recognised as important factors for resistance gene transfer, bacterial virulence factors and host cell modulation. The presence of pathogenic factors and antimicrobial compounds in bacterial vesicles has been proven in recent years, but it remains unclear, if and how environmental factors, such as light specifically regulate the vesicle composition. We report the first example of autofluorescent vesicles derived from non-pathogenic soil-living myxobacteria. These vesicles additionally showed inherent antibiotic activity, a property that is specifically regulated by light stimulation of the producing bacteria. Our data provide a central basis for better understanding the environmental impact on bacteria-derived vesicles, and design of future therapeutic options.

The mechanism of metal-based antibacterial materials and the progress of food packaging applications: A review

Food packages have been detected carrying novel coronavirus in multi-locations since the outbreak of COVID-19, causing major concern in the field of food safety. Metal-based supported materials are widely used for sterilization due to their excellent antibacterial properties as well as low biological resistance. As the principal part of antibacterial materials, the active component, commonly referred to Ag, Cu, Zn, etc., plays the main role in inhibiting and killing pathogenic microorganisms by destroying the structure of cells. As another composition of metal-based antibacterial materials, the carrier could support and disperse the active component, which on one hand, could effectively decrease the usage amount of active component, on the other hand, could be processed into various forms to broaden the application range of antibacterial materials. Different from other metal-based antibacterial reviews, in order to highlight the detailed function of various carriers, we divided the carriers into biocompatible and adsorptable types and discussed their different antibacterial effects. Moreover, a novel substitution antibacterial mechanism was proposed. The coating and shaping techniques of metal-based antibacterial materials as well as their applications in food storage at ambient and low temperatures are also comprehensively summarized. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and reference for researchers in this field to develop new metal-based antibacterial materials.

Bioinspired Electropun Fibrous Materials Based on Poly-3-Hydroxybutyrate and Hemin: Preparation, Physicochemical Properties, and Weathering

The development of innovative fibrous materials with valuable multifunctional properties based on biodegradable polymers and modifying additives presents a challenging direction for modern materials science and environmental safety. In this work, high-performance composite fibrous materials based on semicrystalline biodegradable poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) and natural iron-containing porphyrin, hemin (Hmi) were prepared by electrospinning. The addition of Hmi to the feed PHB mixture (at concentrations above 3 wt.%) is shown to facilitate the electrospinning process and improve the quality of the electrospun PHB/Hmi materials: the fibers become uniform, their average diameter decreases down to 1.77 µm, and porosity increases to 94%. Structural morphology, phase composition, and physicochemical properties of the Hmi/PHB fibrous materials were studied by diverse physicochemical methods, including electronic paramagnetic resonance, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, elemental analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy, mechanical analysis, etc. The proposed nonwoven Hmi/PHB composites with high porosity, good mechanical properties, and retarded biodegradation due to high antibacterial potential can be used as high-performance and robust materials for biomedical applications, including breathable materials for wound disinfection and accelerated healing, scaffolds for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

Zn (II)-porphyrin-based photochemically green synthesis of novel ZnTPP/Cu nanocomposites with antibacterial activities and cytotoxic features against breast cancer cells

This study focuses on synthesizing novel nanocomposites, zinc(II)tetrakis(4-phenyl)porphyrin/Cu nanoparticles (ZnTPP/Cu-NPs),with antibacterial activity, fabricated through a single-step green procedure. In this regard, the self-assembly of ZnTPP was carried out through an acid-base neutralization method to prepare ZnTPP nanoparticles. Then, the copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) were grown on ZnTPP nanoparticles through a visible-light irradiated photochemical procedure in the absence and presence of polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a modulator. The effect of PAA on the morphological properties of the prepared nanocomposites was evaluated. Eventually, the antibacterial activity of nanocomposites with different morphologies was investigated. In this way, the average zone of inhibition growth of diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration, and minimum bactericidal concentration values was determined. Besides, the cytotoxicity of the nanocomposites was evaluated by (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay MCF-7and (HEK-293) cell lines. The specific features of the synthesized nanocomposites identified them as antibacterial compounds which have therapeutic effects on breast cancer.

Kribbellichelins A and B, Two New Antibiotics from Kribbella sp. CA-293567 with Activity against Several Human Pathogens

Current needs in finding new antibiotics against emerging multidrug-resistant superbugs are pushing the scientific community into coming back to Nature for the discovery of novel active structures. Recently, a survey of halophilic actinomyectes from saline substrates of El Saladar del Margen, in the Cúllar-Baza depression (Granada, Spain), led us to the isolation and identification of 108 strains from the rhizosphere of the endemic plant Limonium majus. Evaluation of the potential of these strains to produce new anti-infective agents against superbug pathogens was performed through fermentation in 10 different culture media using an OSMAC approach and assessment of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of their acetone extracts. The study allowed the isolation of two novel antibiotic compounds, kribbellichelin A (1) and B (2), along with the known metabolites sandramycin (3), coproporphyrin III (4), and kribelloside C (5) from a bioassay-guided fractionation of scaled-up active extracts of the Kribbella sp. CA-293567 strain. The structures of the new molecules were elucidated by ESI-qTOF-MS/MS, 1D and 2D NMR, and Marfey’s analysis for the determination of the absolute configuration of their amino acid residues. Compounds 1–3 and 5 were assayed against a panel of relevant antibiotic-resistant pathogenic strains and evaluated for cytotoxicity versus the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 (ATCC HB-8065). Kribbellichelins A (1) and B (2) showed antimicrobial activity versus Candida albicans ATCC-64124, weak potency against Acinetobacter baumannii MB-5973 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa MB-5919, and an atypical dose-dependent concentration profile against Aspergillus fumigatus ATCC-46645. Sandramycin (3) confirmed previously reported excellent growth inhibition activity against MRSA MB-5393 but also presented clear antifungal activity against C. albicans ATCC-64124 and A. fumigatus ATCC-46645 associated with lower cytotoxicity observed in HepG2, whereas Kribelloside C (5) displayed high antifungal activity only against A. fumigatus ATCC-46645. Herein, we describe the processes followed for the isolation, structure elucidation, and potency evaluation of these two new active compounds against a panel of human pathogens as well as, for the first time, the characterization of the antifungal activities of sandramycin (3).

Charge effect of water-soluble porphyrin derivatives as a prototype to fight infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii by aPDT approaches

In the last decade, Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a pathogen associated with infections in intensive care units worldwide, especially due to its ability to resist an extensive list of antibiotics. In this context, porphyrins have emerged as an important strategy in photodynamic therapy, since they are a group of tetrapyrrolic compounds with important photochemical and photobiological activities. In this study, the antimicrobial photodynamic activity of meso-tetra(4-N-methyl-pyridyl)porphyrin (H₂TMePyP⁺) and meso-tetra(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (H₂TPPS^‒) was evaluated against A. baumannii by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), anti-biofilm activity, and the interaction with antibiotics after exposure to white-light LED irradiation. The cationic derivative H₂TMePyP⁺ was more potent (MIC = 0.61 µM) than H₂TPPS^‒, with anti-biofilm activity and increased the antimicrobial activity of ciprofloxacin and amikacin. Given these findings, the tetra-cationic porphyrins can be assumed as prototypes to optimize and develop new agents by promoting oxidative stress and inducing free radical production.

Light-emitting-diode-based antimicrobial photodynamic therapies in the treatment of periodontitis

The use of light-emitting diode (LED)-based photodynamic therapies in the treatment of periodontitis is increasing because these modalities are effective, safe, and painless. They are not subject to acquired drug resistance or environmental issues and are associated with no complications when used appropriately. These light sources have also been used in combination with pharmacological measures to synergize their effects and optimize therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on optical devices used in treating periodontitis and delineates the current applications of various methods, including their utility and efficacy. The application of LEDs in periodontology is described.

Limited Heme Oxygenase Contribution to Modulating the Severity of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium Infection

An important virulence trait of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is the ability to avoid the host immune response, generating systemic and persistent infections. Host cells play a crucial role in bacterial clearance by expressing the enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (Hmox1), which catalyzes the degradation of heme groups into Fe2+, biliverdin, and carbon monoxide (CO). The role of Hmox1 activity during S. Typhimurium infection is not clear and previous studies have shown contradictory results. We evaluated the effect of pharmacologic modulation of Hmox1 in a mouse model of acute and persistent S. Typhimurium infection by administering the Hmox1 activity inductor cobalt protoporphyrin-IX (CoPP) or inhibitor tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP) before infection. To evaluate the molecular mechanism involved, we measured the colocalization of S. Typhimurium and autophagosome and lysosomal markers in macrophages. Administering CoPP reduced the bacterial burden in organs of mice 5 days post-infection, while SnPP-treated mice showed bacterial loads similar to vehicle-treated mice. Furthermore, CoPP reduced bacterial loads when administered after infection in macrophages in vitro and in a persistent infection model of S. Typhimurium in vivo, while tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP) treatment resulted in a bacterial burden similar to vehicle-treated controls. However, we did not observe significant differences in co-localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)-labeled S. Typhimurium with the autophagic vesicles marker microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (LC3) and the lysosomal marker lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP-1) in macrophages treated with CoPP. Our results suggest that CoPP can enhance antimicrobial activity in response to Salmonella infection, reducing bacterial dissemination and persistence in mice, in a CO and autophagy- independent manner.

Cecal Metabolomic Fingerprint of Unscathed Rats: Does It Reflect the Good Response to a Provocative Decompression?

On one side, decompression sickness (DCS) with neurological disorders lead to a reshuffle of the cecal metabolome of rats. On the other side, there is also a specific and different metabolomic signature in the cecum of a strain of DCS-resistant rats, that are not exposed to hyperbaric protocol. We decide to study a conventional strain of rats that resist to an accident-provoking hyperbaric exposure, and we hypothesize that the metabolomic signature put forward may correspond to a physiological response adapted to the stress induced by diving. The aim is to verify and characterize whether the cecal compounds of rats resistant to the provocative dive have a cecal metabolomic signature different from those who do not dive. 35 asymptomatic diver rats are selected to be compared to 21 rats non-exposed to the hyperbaric protocol. Because our aim is essentially to study the differences in the cecal metabolome associated with the hyperbaric exposure, about half of the rats are fed soy and the other half of maize in order to better rule out the effect of the diet itself. Lower levels of IL-1β and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity are registered in blood of diving rats. No blood cell mobilization is noted. Conventional and ChemRICH approaches help the metabolomic interpretation of the 185 chemical compounds analyzed in the cecal content. Statistical analysis show a panel of 102 compounds diet related. 19 are in common with the hyperbaric protocol effect. Expression of 25 compounds has changed in the cecal metabolome of rats resistant to the provocative dive suggesting an alteration of biliary acids metabolism, most likely through actions on gut microbiota. There seem to be also weak changes in allocations dedicated to various energy pathways, including hormonal reshuffle. Some of the metabolites may also have a role in regulating inflammation, while some may be consumed for the benefit of oxidative stress management.

Unique Properties of Heme Binding of the Porphyromonas gingivalis HmuY Hemophore-like Protein Result from the Evolutionary Adaptation of the Protein Structure

To acquire heme, Porphyromonas gingivalis uses a hemophore-like protein (HmuY). HmuY sequesters heme from host hemoproteins or heme-binding proteins produced by cohabiting bacteria, and delivers it to the TonB-dependent outer-membrane receptor (HmuR). Although three-dimensional protein structures of members of the novel HmuY family are overall similar, significant differences exist in their heme-binding pockets. Histidines (H134 and H166) coordinating the heme iron in P. gingivalis HmuY are unique and poorly conserved in the majority of its homologs, which utilize methionines. To examine whether changes observed in the evolution of these proteins in the Bacteroidetes phylum might result in improved heme binding ability of HmuY over its homologs, we substituted histidine residues with methionine residues. Compared to the native HmuY, site-directed mutagenesis variants bound Fe(III)heme with lower ability in a similar manner to Bacteroides vulgatus Bvu and Tannerella forsythia Tfo. However, a mixed histidine-methionine couple in the HmuY was sufficient to bind Fe(II)heme, similarly to T. forsythia Tfo, Prevotella intermedia PinO and PinA. Double substitution resulted in abolished heme binding. The structure of HmuY heme-binding pocket may have been subjected to evolution, allowing for P. gingivalis to gain an advantage in heme acquisition regardless of environmental redox conditions.

The Comparison of Advanced Electrospun Materials Based on Poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate) with Natural and Synthetic Additives

The comparison of the effect of porphyrins of natural and synthetic origin containing the same metal atom on the structure and properties of the semi-crystalline polymer matrix is of current concern. A large number of modifying additives and biodegradable polymers for biomedical purposes, composed of poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate)-porphyrin, are of particular interest because of the combination of their unique properties. The objective of this work are electrospun fibrous material based on poly(-3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB), hemin (Hmi), and tetraphenylporphyrin with iron (Fe(TPP)Cl). The structure of these new materials was investigated by methods such as optical and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Electron paramagnetic resonance method, and Differential scanning calorimetry. The properties of the electrospun materials were analyzed by mechanical and biological tests, and the wetting contact angle was measured. In this work, it was found that even small concentrations of porphyrin can increase the antimicrobial properties by 12 times, improve the physical and mechanical properties by at least 3.5 times, and vary hydrophobicity by at least 5%. At the same time, additives similar in the structure had an oppositely directed effect on the supramolecular structure, the composition of the crystalline, and the amorphous phases. The article considers assumptions about the nature of such differences due to the influence of Hmi and Fe(TPP)Cl) on the macromolecular and fibrous structure of PHB.

Sedimentary Cobalt Protoporphyrin as a Potential Precursor of Prosthetic Heme Group for Bacteria Inhabiting Fossil Organic Matter-Rich Shale Rock

This study hypothesizes that bacteria inhabiting shale rock affect the content of the sedimentary cobalt protoporphyrin present in it and can use it as a precursor for heme synthesis. To verify this hypothesis, we conducted qualitative and quantitative comparative analyses of cobalt protoporphyrin as well as heme, and heme iron in shale rock that were (i) inhabited by bacteria in the field, (ii) treated with bacteria in the laboratory, and with (iii) bacterial culture on synthetic cobalt protoporphyrin. Additionally, we examined the above-mentioned samples for the presence of enzymes involved in the heme biosynthesis and uptake as well as hemoproteins. We found depletion of cobalt protoporphyrin and a much higher heme concentration in the shale rock inhabited by bacteria in the field as well as the shale rock treated with bacteria in the laboratory. Similarly, we observed the accumulation of protoporphyrin in bacterial cells grown on synthetic cobalt protoporphyrin. We detected numerous hemoproteins in metaproteome of bacteria inhabited shale rock in the field and in proteomes of bacteria inhabited shale rock and synthetic cobalt protoporhyrin in the laboratory, but none of them had all the enzymes involved in the heme biosynthesis. However, proteins responsible for heme uptake, ferrochelatase and sirohydrochlorin cobaltochelatase/sirohydrochlorin cobalt-lyase were detected in all studied samples.

Phototherapy and optical waveguides for the treatment of infection

With rapid emergence of multi-drug resistant microbes, it is imperative to seek alternative means for infection control. Optical waveguides are an auspicious delivery method for precise administration of phototherapy. Studies have shown that phototherapy is promising in fighting against a myriad of infectious pathogens (i.e. viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa) including biofilm-forming species and drug-resistant strains while evading treatment resistance. When administered via optical waveguides, phototherapy can treat both superficial and deep-tissue infections while minimizing off-site effects that afflict conventional phototherapy and pharmacotherapy. Despite great therapeutic potential, exact mechanisms, materials, and fabrication designs to optimize this promising treatment option are underexplored. This review outlines principles and applications of phototherapy and optical waveguides for infection control. Research advances, challenges, and outlook regarding this delivery system are rigorously discussed in a hope to inspire future developments of optical waveguide-mediated phototherapy for the management of infection and beyond.

Heme auxotrophy in abundant aquatic microbial lineages

Heme, a porphyrin ring complexed with iron, is a metalloprosthetic group of numerous proteins involved in diverse metabolic and respiratory processes across all domains of life, and is thus considered essential for respiring organisms. Several microbial groups are known to lack the de novo heme biosynthetic pathway and therefore require exogenous heme from the environment. These heme auxotroph groups are largely limited to pathogens, symbionts, or microorganisms living in nutrient-replete conditions, whereas the complete absence of heme biosynthesis is extremely rare in free-living organisms. Here, we show that the acI lineage, a predominant and ubiquitous free-living bacterial group in freshwater habitats, is auxotrophic for heme, based on the experimental or genomic evidence. We found that two recently cultivated acI isolates require exogenous heme for their growth. One of the cultured acI isolates also exhibited auxotrophy for riboflavin. According to whole-genome analyses, all (n = 20) isolated acI strains lacked essential enzymes necessary for heme biosynthesis, indicating that heme auxotrophy is a conserved trait in this lineage. Analyses of >24,000 representative genomes for species clusters of the Genome Taxonomy Database revealed that heme auxotrophy is widespread across abundant but not-yet-cultivated microbial groups, including Patescibacteria, Marinisomatota (SAR406), Actinomarinales (OM1), and Marine groups IIb and III of Euryarchaeota Our findings indicate that heme auxotrophy is a more common phenomenon than previously thought, and may lead to use of heme as a growth factor to increase the cultured microbial diversity.

Photodynamic control of Aedes aegypti larvae with environmentally-friendly tetra-platinated porphyrin

This work evaluated the photosensitizing activity of isomeric tetra-cationic porphyrins with peripheral [Pt(bpy)Cl]⁺ to control the larval population of Aedes aegypti by photodynamic action. The photolarvicidal activity of the tetra-platinated porphyrins at meta and para position (3-PtTPyP and 4-PtTPyP) was evaluated under blue (450 nm), green (525 nm), and red (625 nm) light illumination at 55.0 J cm^-2. The meta isomer presented an efficient photolarvicidal activity even at a low concentration (1.2 ppm) in the presence of light, while the para counterpart was inactive regardless of the concentration and illumination. The different responses were related to the improved optical features and higher water solubility of 3-PtTPyP compared to 4-PtTPyP. Additionally, the potential environmental toxicity of 3-PtTPyP was tested in a plant model (Allium cepa test), with no toxicity detected for all used concentrations (1.2 to 12 ppm). Hence, this work reveals that 3-PtTPyP has a great potential to be employed to photodynamically control the insect vector population in an environmentally safe way.

SARS-CoV-2 Proteins Bind to Hemoglobin and Its Metabolites

(1) Background: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been linked to hematological dysfunctions, but there are little experimental data that explain this. Spike (S) and Nucleoprotein (N) proteins have been putatively associated with these dysfunctions. In this work, we analyzed the recruitment of hemoglobin (Hb) and other metabolites (hemin and protoporphyrin IX-PpIX) by SARS-Cov2 proteins using different approaches. (2) Methods: shotgun proteomics (LC-MS/MS) after affinity column adsorption identified hemin-binding SARS-CoV-2 proteins. The parallel synthesis of the peptides technique was used to study the interaction of the receptor bind domain (RBD) and N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S protein with Hb and in silico analysis to identify the binding motifs of the N protein. The plaque assay was used to investigate the inhibitory effect of Hb and the metabolites hemin and PpIX on virus adsorption and replication in Vero cells. (3) Results: the proteomic analysis by LC-MS/MS identified the S, N, M, Nsp3, and Nsp7 as putative hemin-binding proteins. Six short sequences in the RBD and 11 in the NTD of the spike were identified by microarray of peptides to interact with Hb and tree motifs in the N protein by in silico analysis to bind with heme. An inhibitory effect in vitro of Hb, hemin, and PpIX at different levels was observed. Strikingly, free Hb at 1mM suppressed viral replication (99%), and its interaction with SARS-CoV-2 was localized into the RBD region of the spike protein. (4) Conclusions: in this study, we identified that (at least) five proteins (S, N, M, Nsp3, and Nsp7) of SARS-CoV-2 recruit Hb/metabolites. The motifs of the RDB of SARS-CoV-2 spike, which binds Hb, and the sites of the heme bind-N protein were disclosed. In addition, these compounds and PpIX block the virus's adsorption and replication. Furthermore, we also identified heme-binding motifs and interaction with hemin in N protein and other structural (S and M) and non-structural (Nsp3 and Nsp7) proteins.

The Photosensitizing Efficacy of Micelles Containing a Porphyrinic Photosensitizer and KI against Resistant Melanoma Cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative to overcome the resistance of melanoma to conventional therapies. Currently applied photosensitizers (PS) are often based on tetrapyrrolic macrocycles like porphyrins. Unfortunately, in some cases the use of this type of derivative is limited due to their poor solubility in the biological environment. Feasible approaches to surpass this drawback are based on lipid formulations. Besides that, and inspired in the efficacy of potassium iodide (KI) for antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), the combined effect of singlet oxygen (1 O2 ) with KI was assessed in this work, as an alternative strategy to potentiate the effect of PDT against resistant melanoma cells.

Competition between abiogenic and biogenic metal cations in biological systems: Mechanisms of gallium's anticancer and antibacterial effect

Metal cations are key players in a plethora of essential biological processes. Over the course of evolution specific biological functions have been bestowed upon two dozen of (biogenic) metal species, some of the most frequently found being sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, manganese, iron, and copper. On the other hand, there is a group of less studied abiogenic metals like lithium, strontium and gallium that possess not known functions in living organisms, but, by mimicking the native ions and/or competing with them for binding to key metalloenzymes, may exert beneficial effect on humans in particular medical conditions. This review summarizes and critically examines the mechanisms of gallium's therapeutic action in anticancer and antibacterial therapies by exploiting the tools of molecular modeling and experimental biochemistry. These approaches allow for identifying key factors for Ga³⁺ beneficial effect such as the electrostatic interactions with the protein ligands, substrates or bacterial siderophores, intramolecular hydrogen bond formation, and pH and dielectric properties of the medium. Several intriguing questions concerning the gallium competition with the native ferric ion have found their answers.

Antibacterial Activity of Synthetic Cationic Iron Porphyrins

Widespread antibiotic resistance demands new strategies for fighting infections. Porphyrin-based compounds were long ago introduced as photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy, but light-independent antimicrobial activity of such compounds has not been systematically explored. The results of this study demonstrate that synthetic cationic amphiphilic iron N-alkylpyridylporphyrins exert strong bactericidal action at concentrations as low as 5 μM. Iron porphyrin, FeTnHex-2-PyP, which is well tolerated by laboratory animals, efficiently killed Gram-negative and Gram-positive microorganisms. Its bactericidal activity was oxygen-independent and was controlled by the lipophilicity and accumulation of the compound in bacterial cells. Such behavior is in contrast with the anionic gallium protoporphyrin IX, whose efficacy depends on cellular heme uptake systems. Under aerobic conditions, however, the activity of FeTnHex-2-PyP was limited by its destruction due to redox-cycling. Neither iron released from the Fe-porphyrin nor other decomposition products were the cause of the bactericidal activity. FeTnHex-2-PyP was as efficient against antibiotic-sensitive E. coli and S. aureus as against their antibiotic-resistant counterparts. Our data demonstrate that development of amphiphilic, positively charged metalloporphyrins might be a promising approach in the introduction of new weapons against antibiotic-resistant strains.

Photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy in mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa-infected wounds

This study examined the antibacterial effect of protoporphyrin IX–ethylenediamine derivative (PPIX-ED)–mediated photodynamic antimicrobial chemotherapy (PPIX-ED-PACT) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro and in vivo. PPIX-ED potently inhibited the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa by inducing reactive oxygen species production via photoactivation. Atomic force microscopy revealed that PPIX-ED-PACT induced the leakage of bacterial content by degrading the bacterial membrane and wall. As revealed using acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining, PPIX-ED-PACT altered the permeability of the bacterial membrane. In addition, the antibacterial effect of PPIX-ED-PACT was demonstrated in an in vivo model of P. aeruginosa-infected wounds. PPIX-ED (100 μM) decreased the number of P. aeruginosa colony-forming units by 4.2 log₁₀. Moreover, histological analysis illustrated that the wound healing rate was 98% on day 14 after treatment, which was 10% higher than that in the control group. According to the present findings, PPIX-ED-PACT can effectively inhibit the growth of P. aeruginosa in vitro and in vivo.

Bioactivity studies of porphyrinoids against microsporidia isolated from honeybees

Microsporidian infections are dangerous to honeybees due to the absence of an efficient treatment for nosemosis. In the present work, the abilities of several porphyrins to directly inactivate microsporidia derived from Nosema-infected honeybees were studied in vitro. Amide derivatives of protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) conjugated with one and two amino acid moieties were synthesized, and their activities were compared with those of two cationic porphyrins, TMePyP and TTMePP. The most active porphyrins, PP[Lys-Asp]₂, PP[Lys-TFA]₂, PP[Asp(ONa)₂]₂ and PP[Lys-Lys]₂ at concentrations as low as 10–50 µM exerted significant effects on microsporidia, reducing the number of spores by 67–80% compared to the control. Live-cell imaging of the spores treated with porphyrins showed that only 1.6% and 3.0% of spores remained alive after 24 h-incubation with 50 µM PP[Asp(ONa)₂]₂ and PP[Lys-Asp]₂, respectively. The length of the amino acid side chains and their identity in the PPIX molecules affected the bioactivity of the porphyrin. Importantly, the irradiation of the porphyrins did not enhance their potency in destroying Nosema spores. We showed that the porphyrins accumulated inside the living spores but not inside dead spores, thus the destruction of the microsporidia by non-metallated porphyrins is not dependent on photosensitization, but is associated with their active transport into the spore cell. When administered to honeybees in vivo, PPIX[Lys-TFA]₂ and PPIX[Lys-Lys]₂ reduced spore loads by 69–76% in infected individuals. They both had no toxic effect on honeybees, in contrast to zinc-coordinated porphyrin.

The Red Color of Life Transformed - Synthetic Advances and Emerging Applications of Protoporphyrin IX in Chemical Biology

Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) is the porphyrin scaffold of heme b, a ubiquitous prosthetic group of proteins responsible for oxygen binding (hemoglobin, myoglobin), electron transfer (cytochrome c) and catalysis (cytochrome P450, catalases, peroxidases). PPIX and its metallated derivatives frequently find application as therapeutic agents, imaging tools, catalysts, sensors and in light harvesting. The vast toolkit of accessible porphyrin functionalization reactions enables easy synthetic modification of PPIX to meet the requirements for its multiple uses. In the past few years, particular interest has arisen in exploiting the interaction of PPIX and its synthetic derivatives with biomolecules such as DNA and heme-binding proteins to evolve molecular devices with new functions as well as to uncover potential therapeutic toeholds. This review strives to shine a light on the most recent developments in the synthetic chemistry of PPIX and its uses in selected fields of chemical biology.

Insight into light-driven antibacterial cotton fabrics decorated by in situ growth strategy

Development of ease-fabricated and effectively self-disinfecting textile materials for antimicrobial and infection prevention has been urgently desired by both consumers and industry. However, some nonresponsive antibacterial agents finished fabrics may be harmful to human. To address this issue, we developed a facile finishing method to endow woven cotton fabrics (WCF) with light-driven antibacterial property. Here in, porphyrinic metal-organic frameworks (PCN-224) were in situ synthesized on WCF (termed PCN-224/WCF) and PCN-224/WCF was proven to be used for antibacterial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI). aPDI studies indicated no difference in bacterial inactivation, the inactivation was 99.9999% of Gram-negative Escherichia coli 8099 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa CMCC (B) 10104 as well as Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-6538 and Bacillus subtilis CMCC (B) 63501 under visible light illumination (500 W, 15 cm vertical distance, λ ≥ 420 nm, 45 min). Cytotoxicity tests revealed PCN-224/WCF had low biological toxicity and good biocompatibility. Mechanism study revealed that singlet oxygen (¹O₂) was produced by PCN-224/WCF and caused severe damage to bacteria which was observed from the SEM images. This study provided a facile guideline to functionalize cotton fabrics with responsive bactericidal property which showed great potential for new generation of textiles with practical applications.

Genetic Regulation of Metal Ion Homeostasis in Staphylococcus aureus

The acquisition of metal ions and the proper maturation of holo-metalloproteins are essential processes for all organisms. However, metal ion homeostasis is a double-edged sword. A cytosolic accumulation of metal ions can lead to mismetallation of proteins and cell death. Therefore, maintenance of proper concentrations of intracellular metals is essential for cell fitness and pathogenesis. Staphylococcus aureus, like all bacterial pathogens, uses transcriptional metalloregulatory proteins to aid in the detection and the genetic response to changes in metal ion concentrations. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which S. aureus senses and responds to alterations in the levels of cellular zinc, iron, heme, and copper. The interplay between metal ion sensing and metal-dependent expression of virulence factors is also discussed.

Carbon quantum dots: A bright future as photosensitizers for in vitro antibacterial photodynamic inactivation

Carbon nanomaterials have increasingly gained the attention of the nano-, photo- and biomedical communities owing to their unique photophysical properties. Here, we facilely synthesized carbon quantum dots (CQDs) in a one-pot solvothermal reaction, and demonstrated their utility as photosensitizers for in vitro antibacterial photodynamic inactivation (aPDI). The bottom-up synthesis employed inexpensive and sustainable starting materials (citric acid), used ethanol as an environmentally-friendly solvent, was relatively energy efficient, produced minimal waste, and purification was accomplished simply by filtration. The CQDs were characterized by both physical (TEM, X-ray diffraction) and spectroscopic (UV-visible, fluorescence, and ATR-FTIR) methods, which together confirmed their nanoscale dimensions and photophysical properties. aPDI studies demonstrated detection limit inactivation (99.9999 + %) of Gram-negative Escherichia coli 8099 and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC-6538 upon visible light illumination (λ ≥ 420 nm, 65 ± 5 mW/cm2; 60 min). Post-illumination SEM images of the bacteria incubated with the CQDs showed perforated and fragmented cell membranes consistent with damage from reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mechanistic studies revealed that the bacteria were inactivated by singlet oxygen, with no discernable roles for other ROS (e.g., superoxide or hydroxyl radicals). These findings demonstrated that CQDs can be facilely prepared, operate via a Type II mechanism, and are effective photosensitizers for in vitro aPDI.

The complexity of porphyrin-like pigments in a marine annelid sheds new light on haem metabolism in aquatic invertebrates

True green pigments in the animal kingdom are scarce and are almost invariably porphyrinoids. Endogenous porphyrins resulting from the breakdown of haem are usually known as “bile pigments”. The pigmentation of intertidal Polychaeta has long gained attention due to its variety and vivid patterning that often seems incompatible with camouflage, as it occurs with Eulalia viridis, one of the few truly green Polychaeta. The present study combined UV and bright-field microscopy with HPLC to address the presence and distribution of pigments in several organs. The results showed two major types of porphyrin-like pigments, yellowish and greenish in colour, that are chiefly stored as intraplasmatic granules. Whereas the proboscis holds yellow pigments, the skin harbours both types in highly specialised cells. In their turn, oocytes and intestine have mostly green pigments. Despite some inter-individual variation, the pigments tend to be stable after prolonged storage at −20 °C, which has important implications for future studies. The results show that, in a foraging predator of the intertidal where melanins are circumscribed to lining the nervous system, porphyrinoid pigments have a key role in protection against UV light, in sensing and even as chemical defence against foulants and predators, which represents a remarkable adaptive feature.

Chlorophyll and Chlorophyll Derivatives Interfere with Multi-Drug Resistant Cancer Cells and Bacteria

Multidrug resistance (MDR) causes challenging tasks in medicine. Human cancer cells, as well as microorganisms, can acquire multiresistance due to the up-regulation of efflux pumps (ABC transporters) and are difficult to treat. Here, we evaluated the effects of chlorophyll, the most abundant pigment on the globe, and its derivative, pheophytin, on cancer cells and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We found that both substances have significant reversal effects on multidrug-resistant CEM/ADR5000 cells (RR_pheophytin = 3.13, combination index (CI)_pheophytin = 0.438; RR_chlorophyll = 2.72, CI_chlorophyll < 0.407), but not on drug-sensitive CCRF-CEM cells when used in combination with doxorubicin. This indicates that the porphyrins could interact with efflux pumps. Strong synergism was also observed in antimicrobial tests against MRSA when combining ethidium bromide with chlorophyll (FICI = 0.08). As there is a strong need for new drugs in order to reliably treat MDR cells, our research provides potential candidates for further investigation.

Trends and targets in antiviral phototherapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a well-established treatment option in the treatment of certain cancerous and pre-cancerous lesions. Though best-known for its application in tumor therapy, historically the photodynamic effect was first demonstrated against bacteria at the beginning of the 20^th century. Today, in light of spreading antibiotic resistance and the rise of new infections, this photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, is gaining considerable attention. This review focuses on the PDI of viruses as an alternative treatment in antiviral therapy, but also as a means of viral decontamination, covering mainly the literature of the last decade. The PDI of viruses shares the general action mechanism of photodynamic applications: the irradiation of a dye with light and the subsequent generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are the effective phototoxic agents damaging virus targets by reacting with viral nucleic acids, lipids and proteins. Interestingly, a light-independent antiviral activity has also been found for some of these dyes. This review covers the compound classes employed in the PDI of viruses and their various areas of use. In the medical area, currently two fields stand out in which the PDI of viruses has found broader application: the purification of blood products and the treatment of human papilloma virus manifestations. However, the PDI of viruses has also found interest in such diverse areas as water and surface decontamination, and biosafety.

Application of Porphyrins in Antibacterial Photodynamic Therapy

Antibiotics are commonly used to control, treat, or prevent bacterial infections, however bacterial resistance to all known classes of traditional antibiotics has greatly increased in the past years especially in hospitals rendering certain therapies ineffective. To limit this emerging public health problem, there is a need to develop non-incursive, non-toxic, and new antimicrobial techniques that act more effectively and quicker than the current antibiotics. One of these effective techniques is antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This review focuses on the application of porphyrins in the photo-inactivation of bacteria. Mechanisms of bacterial resistance and some of the current 'greener' methods of synthesis of meso-phenyl porphyrins are discussed. In addition, significance and limitations of aPDT are also discussed. Furthermore, we also elaborate on the current clinical applications and the future perspectives and directions of this non-antibiotic therapeutic strategy in combating infectious diseases.

Connecting iron regulation and mitochondrial function in Cryptococcus neoformans

Iron acquisition is essential for the proliferation of microorganisms, and human pathogens such as the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans must use sophisticated uptake mechanisms to overcome host iron sequestration. Iron is of particular interest for C. neoformans because its availability is an important cue for the elaboration of virulence factors. In fungi, extracellular iron is taken up through high affinity, low affinity, siderophore-mediated, and heme uptake pathways, and the details of these mechanisms are under active investigation in C. neoformans. Following uptake, iron is transported to intracellular organelles including mitochondria where it is used in heme biosynthesis and the synthesis of iron-sulfur (Fe-S) cluster precursors. One Fe-S cluster binding protein of note is the monothiol glutaredoxin Grx4 which has emerged as a master regulator of iron sensing in C. neoformans and other fungi through its influence on the expression of proteins for iron uptake or use. The activity of Grx4 likely occurs through interactions with Fe-S clusters and transcription factors known to control expression of the iron-related functions. Although the extent to which Grx4 controls the iron regulatory network is still being investigated in C. neoformans, it is remarkable that it also influences the expression of many genes encoding mitochondrial functions. Coupled with recent studies linking mitochondrial morphology and electron transport to virulence factor elaboration, there is an emerging appreciation of mitochondria as central players in cryptococcal disease.