Surface-active compounds (SACs), biomolecules produced by bacteria, yeasts, and filamentous fungi, have interesting properties, such as the ability to interact with surfaces as well as hydrophobic or hydrophilic interfaces. Because of their advantages over other compounds, such as biodegradability, low toxicity, antimicrobial, and healing properties, SACs are attractive targets for research in various applications in medicine. As a result, a growing number of properties related to SAC production have been the subject of scientific research during the past decade, searching for potential future applications in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic fields. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential of biosurfactants and emulsifiers as antimicrobials, modulators of virulence factors, anticancer agents, and wound healing agents in the field of biotechnology and biomedicine, to meet the increasing demand for safer medical and pharmacological therapies.

This study aimed to evaluate the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in developing alginate-based gel formulations to inhibit Staphylococcus aureus. Initially, the antagonistic actions of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus ATCC 10863, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum ATCC 14917, Limosilactobacillus fermentum ATCC 23271) were evaluated against S. aureus ATCC 25923. All tested LAB inhibited S. aureus, but the highest activity was observed for L. plantarum ATCC 14917 (p < 0.05). The antimicrobial effects of L. plantarum ATCC 14917 cell suspensions, sonicate cells extract, and cell-free supernatants (pH 5 or 7) were analyzed using a broth-based assay. The cell suspensions inhibited S. aureus at concentrations ≥ 10%, and these effects were confirmed by a time-kill assay. Alginate-based gels were formulated with cell suspensions, sonicate cells extract, and cell-free supernatant (pH 5). These formulations inhibited S. aureus growth. Based on the results, the alginate gel with cell suspensions at 10% was selected for further characterization. L. plantarum ATCC 14917 survived in the alginate-based gel, especially when stored at 5 °C. At this temperature, the L. plantarum-containing alginate gel was stable, and it was in compliance with microbiological standards. These findings suggest it can be a promising agent for the topical treatment of infections induced by S. aureus.

Surface-active compounds (SACs) of microbial origin are an active group of biomolecules with potential use in the formulation of emulsions. In this sense, the present study aimed to isolate and select yeasts from fruits that could produce SACs for essential oil emulsions. The Candida krusei M4CK was isolated from the Byrsonima crassifolia fruit to make SACs. This emulsification activity (E₂₄) was equal to or greater 50% in all carbon sources, such as olive oil, sunflower oil, kerosene, hexane, and hexadecane. E₂₄ followed exponential growth according to the growth phase. The stability of emulsions was maintained over a wide range of temperatures, pH, and salinity. The OMBE4CK (melaleuca essential oil emulsion) had better and more significant inhibitory potential for biofilm reduction formation. In addition, bioemulsifier BE4CK alone on Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm showed few effective results, while there was a significant eradication for Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. The biofilms formed by S. aureus were eradicated in all concentrations of OMBE4CK. At the same time, the preformed biofilm by E. coli and P. aeruginosa were removed entirely at concentrations of 25 mg/mL, 12.5 mg/mL, and 6.25 mg/mL. The results show that the bioemulsifier BE4CK may represent a new potential for antibiofilm application.

O buriti é uma fruta de alto valor nutritivo, usada para desenvolvimento de novos produtos naturais, como sucos fermentados. O objetivo do trabalho foi preparar um suco fermentado da polpa de buriti utilizando o gênero Lactobacillus. Para a fermentação foram inoculadas células (4 g/mL) de L. plantarum ATCC 14917. Os testes foram de curva de crescimento; atividade antimicrobiana por meio de difusão em ágar. Os físicos e químicos foram pH, solúvel sólidos, cinzas, proteínas, carboidratos, lipídios e coloração. Os resultados foram que L. plantarum ATCC 14917 cresceu ≥ 12,36 logs UFC (mg/mL) ao longo de dez dias de fermentação. O teste de difusão em ágar mostrou baixa capacidade de inibição. O pH foi 7, sólidos solúveis o valor foi 1, taxa normal para o teor de açúcar de frutas cítricas, e o teor de cinzas foi de 18%, mostrando que o suco possui muitos resíduos. A concentração de carboidratos foi de 0,031 mg/mL, considerada baixa devido ao fruto ser cítrico e a frutose ser utilizada como primeiro substrato para fermentação. O valor proteico foi de 0,08 mg/mL, considerado bom para suco fermentado, e o lipídico foi de 0,064 mg/mL. A coloração teve alteração de cor à medida que os substratos eram consumidos. No sétimo dia de fermentação, sua cor laranja tornou-se mais acastanhada. O L. plantarum ATCC 14917 pode ser considerado adequado para fermentação de suco de buriti e pode efetivamente melhorar suas atividades probióticas, sendo este o primeiro estudo realizado.

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the action of Melaleuca essential oil emulsion on two isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae as a new alternative. Theoretical Framework: K. pneumoniae resistance to antibiotics is an urgent public health problem. Melaleuca alternifolia oil appears as a promising therapeutic alternative, with potential to combat the bacteria. Method: The methodology adopted for this research includes evaluating the minimum inhibitory concentration of the isolates, evaluating the elimination time of microorganisms by Time kill curve, biofilm formation and biofilm eradication. Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that Melaleuca alternifolia oil together with a bioemulsifier appears as a promising therapeutic alternative, with the potential to combat the bacteria and save lives. More research is needed, but the future of medicine against bacterial resistance may lie in the power of nature. Implications of the Research: The research demonstrates the effectiveness of Melaleuca essential oil emulsion together with a bioemulsifier in combating multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This discovery is crucial for public health as it offers a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics, which are becoming increasingly less effective due to bacterial resistance. Originality/Value: Research on Melaleuca essential oil emulsion together with a bioemulsifier to combat multi-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae presents significant originality and value for public health.

As feiras livres, tradicionais mercados ao ar livre, desempenham um papel fundamental na economia informal, gerando emprego, renda e promovendo a socialização nas comunidades. No entanto, em países subdesenvolvidos, frequentemente enfrentam problemas de infraestrutura. Neste artigo, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura de 2014 a 2024 sobre como aspectos socioambientais e higiênico-sanitários afetam a saúde dos feirantes em feiras municipais brasileiras, utilizando as bases de dados SCIELO, Google Acadêmico e PubMed. Embora as feiras livres promovam práticas agrícolas sustentáveis e ofereçam acesso a alimentos frescos, a gestão inadequada de resíduos e as condições higiênico-sanitárias precárias são desafios significativos. Muitos feirantes são obrigados a trabalhar em um ambiente sujo e mal estruturado. A modernização e a implementação de políticas públicas eficazes são essenciais para superar esses desafios e maximizar os benefícios ambientais e sociais das feiras livres