Structure of prodigiosin from Serratia marcescens NJZT-1 and its cytotoxicity on TSC2-null cells

Prodigiosin/celecoxib-loaded into zein/sodium caseinate nanoparticles as a potential therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Nowadays, breast cancer is considered one of the most upsetting malignancies among females. Encapsulation of celecoxib (CXB) and prodigiosin (PDG) into zein/sodium caseinate nanoparticles (NPs) produce homogenous and spherical nanoparticles with good encapsulation efficiencies (EE %) and bioavailability. In vitro cytotoxicity study conducted on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines revealed that there was a significant decline in the IC50 for encapsulated drugs when compared to each drug alone or their free combination. In addition, results demonstrated that there is a synergism between CXB and PDG as their combination indices were 0.62251 and 0.15493, respectively. Moreover, results of scratch wound healing assay revealed enhanced antimigratory effect of free drugs and fabricated NPs in comparison to untreated cells. Furthermore, In vitro results manifested that formulated nanoparticles exhibited induction of apoptosis associated with reduced angiogenesis, proliferation, and inflammation. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation of multiple drugs into nanoparticles might be a promising approach to develop new therapies for the managing of triple negative breast cancer.

The Sustainable Bioactive Dyeing of Textiles: A Novel Strategy Using Bacterial Pigments, Natural Antibacterial Ingredients, and Deep Eutectic Solvents

The textile industry stands as a prominent contributor to global environmental pollution, primarily attributable to its extensive reliance on synthetic dyes, hazardous components, and solvents throughout the textile dyeing and treatment processes. Consequently, the pursuit of sustainable textile solutions becomes imperative, aimed at replacing these environmentally unfriendly constituents with biobased and bioactive pigments, antibacterial agents, and, notably, natural solvents. Achieving this goal is a formidable yet indispensable challenge. In this study, the dyeing ability of the crude gel prodigiosin, produced by non-pathogenic bacteria Serratia plymuthica, was investigated on various multifiber fabrics at different conditions (temperature and pH) and by using salts and alternative mordants (the conventional Ferrous Sulphate (FeSO4) and a new bio-mordant, L-Cysteine (L-Cys)). Additionally, a novel gel-based Choline chloride (ChCl)/Lactic acid (LA) (1:2) deep eutectic solvent (DES) dyeing medium was studied to replace the organic solvents. Nylon fabrics dyed with 3.0% over the weight of the fiber (owf) L-Cys at pH = 8.3 had improved color fastness to washing, while the gel-based ChCl/LA (1:2) DES dyebath provided a better color fastness to light. Moreover, nylon fabrics under these conditions exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa). In conclusion, the utilization of the crude gel-based prodigiosin pigment demonstrates a distinct advantage in dyeing textile materials, aligning with the growing consumer demand for more eco-friendly and sustainable products. Additionally, the application of the natural reducing agent L-Cys, previously untested as a bio-mordant, in conjunction with the use of gel-based DES as a dyeing medium, has showcased improved colorimetric and antibacterial properties when applied to nylon that is dyed with the crude gel prodigiosin pigment.

Potential use of bacterial pigments as anticancer drugs and female reproductive toxicity: a review

Abstract Natural bioactive compounds obtained from microorganisms, have awakened particular interest in the industry nowadays. This attention comes when natural resources depletion is pronounced, and the acquisition of both new plant origin resources and bioactive products, represents a challenge for the next generations. In this sense, prospecting for large-scale production and use of bacterial pigments is a necessary strategy for the development of novel products. A wide variety of properties have been attributed to these substances and, among them, their therapeutic potential against important diseases, such as cancer. There is consensus that available chemotherapy protocols are known to detrimentally affect cancer patients fertility. Hence, considerable part of the deleterious effects of chemotherapy is related to the drugs cytotoxicity, which, in addition to cancer cells, also affect normal cells. Therefore, the intrinsic properties of bacterial pigments associated with low cytotoxicity and relevant cell selectivity, certified them as potential anticancer drugs. However, little information is available about reproductive toxicity of these new and promising compounds. Thus, the present review aims to address the main bacterial pigments, their potential uses as anticancer drugs and their possible toxic effects, especially on the female gonad.

Uso potencial de pigmentos bacterianos como drogas anticâncer e toxicidade reprodutiva feminina: uma revisão

Resumo Os compostos bioativos naturais obtidos de microrganismos têm despertado especial interesse da indústria nos últimos anos. Esta atenção ocorre em um momento em que o esgotamento de recursos naturais é pronunciado, e a aquisição de novos insumos e produtos bioativos de origem vegetal representa um desafio para as próximas gerações. Neste sentido, a prospecção para a produção e uso em larga escala dos pigmentos bacterianos tem representado uma importante estratégia para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Uma grande variedade de propriedades foi atribuída a estas substâncias, entre elas, o potencial terapêutico contra doenças importantes, como o câncer. Existe um consenso de que os protocolos quimioterápicos disponíveis são conhecidos por afetarem negativamente a fertilidade de pacientes com câncer. Grande parte dos efeitos deletérios da quimioterapia está relacionado à citotoxicidade das drogas usadas para este fim, que além das células cancerosas, afetam as células normais. Nesse sentido, as propriedades naturais atribuídas aos pigmentos bacterianos associadas à baixa citotoxicidade e relevante seletividade, os qualificaram como potenciais drogas anticâncer. No entanto, pouco se tem de informação a respeito da toxicidade reprodutiva destes novos e promissores compostos. Dessa forma, a presente revisão tem o objetivo de abordar os principais pigmentos bacterianos, suas utilizações potenciais como drogas anticâncer, bem como os seus possíveis efeitos tóxicos, sobretudo, sobre a gônada feminina.