Human skin is inhabited by commensal microbiota comprising bacteria, fungi, viruses, and demodex mites. The skin microbiome is associated with several vital functions for the host, such as maintaining barrier integrity, modulating lipid homeostasis, eliminating pathogens, and stimulating the immune reactions. However, alterations in the composition of the skin microbiome are often found to be linked with inflammatory dermatological conditions like atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne vulgaris, rosacea, and wound-associated infections. These conditions can be diagnosed using culture-dependent and advanced culture-independent analyses, including multi-omics platforms and high-throughput sequencing technologies. Developments in microbiome research and biotechnology have catalysed initiatives to modify the skin microbiota as a therapeutic intervention. Current strategies encompass precision medicine utilising biomarkers, transplantation of complete microbial consortia, application of specific commensal microbes, bacteriophage therapy, use of pre- and probiotic metabolites, as well as sanitizers and antibiotics. This study consolidates existing knowledge regarding the composition and functional roles of the skin microbiome, investigates dysbiosis in skin pathologies, and examines potential microbiome-targeted therapeutic interventions. The study intends to address the challenges and future directions related to the clinical implementation of microbiome-targeted approaches, encompassing the regulatory aspects necessary to guarantee the efficacy and safety of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Pectinases are enzymes which are widely distributed in microbes that are present in pectin enriched sites. The agro-industrial residues can be utilized in the industrial scale for low-cost and efficient pectinase production in an eco-friendly approach. This study employs low-cost substrates (i.e. culinary fruit peels) for maximum pectinase production from novel Streptomyces fumigatiscleroticus VIT-SP4. The extraction and characterization of pectin from different fruit peels were investigated and pectinase activity was analyzed. The orange pectin gave maximum pectinase activity of about 45.93 (U/mL). Further, statistical optimization of process parameters was studied by using Taguchi method showed optimum values of pH-6, temperature −35 °C, orange pectin% − 2.5, incubation time- 48 h and RPM- 200 rpm and pectinase activity was found to be 98.65 (U/mL). The response surface methodology (RSM) was used for the optimization of media components which revealed that starch −1.17%, yeast extract-2%, and orange pectin% − 0.75% produces maximum pectinase of about 170.05 (U/mL). The drug-delivery study showed drug release was not observed at initial pH 3 after 4 h. The immediate drug release was noted at pH 6 caused due to disintegration of pectin by the pectinase activity. The self-healing of cracks by spray culture technique was investigated. The crack healing was observed up to 0.50 mm wide after 12 days. This confirms the ability of actinomycete spores to survive and they react to form calcite complex directly helps in crack healing process. This low-cost microbial pectinase can be used in drug delivery and concrete crack-healing applications sectors in future.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection is currently a great cause of concern for the healthcare sector around the globe. SARS-CoV-2 is an RNA virus that causes a serious infection that is associated with numerous adverse effects and multiple complications associated with different organs and systems during its pathogenic cycle in humans. Individuals affected by COVID-19, especially elderly populations and immunocompromised people, are greatly vulnerable to opportunistic fungal pathogens. Aspergillosis, invasive candidiasis, and mucormycosis are widespread fungal coinfections in COVID-19 patients. Other fungal infections that are rare but are exhibiting increased incidence in the current scenario include infections caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii, Histoplasma sp., Cryptococcus sp., etc. By producing virulent spores, these pathogens increase the severity of the disease and increase the morbidity and fatality rates in COVID-19 patients globally. These infections generally occur in patients recovering from COVID-19 infection, resulting in rehospitalization. Older and immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk of developing opportunistic fungal infections. This review focuses on understanding the opportunistic fungal infections prevalent in COVID-19 patients, especially elderly people. We have also highlighted the important preventive methods, diagnostic approaches, and prophylactic measures for fungal infections.