Several studies have demonstrated that the effectiveness of carbapenems against drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections has been decreasing. Combination therapy with two or more drugs is currently under investigation to overcome the emerging resistance against carbapenems. In this study, we tested the possible synergistic interactions of a potent antibacterial flavonoid, baicalein, with meropenem to illustrate this duo’s antibacterial and antibiofilm effects on 15 extensively drug resistant or pan-drug-resistant (XDR/PDR) A. baumannii clinical isolates in vitro. Isolates included in the study were identified with MALDI-TOF MS, and antibiotic resistance patterns were studied according to EUCAST protocols. Carbapenem resistance was confirmed with the modified Hodge test, and resistance genes were also analyzed with genotypical methods. Then, checkerboard and time-kill assays were performed to analyze antibacterial synergism. Additionally, a biofilm inhibition assay was performed for screening the antibiofilm activity. To provide structural and mechanistic insights into baicalein action, protein–ligand docking, and interaction profiling calculations were conducted. Our study shed light on the remarkable potential of the baicalein–meropenem combination, since either synergistic or additive antibacterial activity was observed against every XDR/PDR A. baumannii strain in question. Furthermore, the baicalein–meropenem combination displayed significantly better antibiofilm activity in contrast to standalone use. In silico studies predicted that these positive effects arose from inhibition by baicalein of A. baumannii beta-lactamases and/or penicillin-binding proteins. Overall, our findings highlight the prospective potential benefits of baicalein in combination with meropenem for the treatment of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii infections.

This review explores the burgeoning field of microbially enhanced construction materials, with a special focus on self-healing concrete, through the lens of microbial biotechnology. Central to this discourse is the innovative use of bacteria, particularly Bacillus species, to address the pervasive issue of microcracks in concrete, a fundamental material in the construction industry. Traditional remedies, such as chemical admixtures and fiber reinforcements, offer partial solutions; however, self-healing concrete represents a paradigm shift, harnessing the natural calcite-precipitating ability of bacteria to autonomously repair cracks, thereby augmenting structural durability and longevity. Delving into the mechanics, the bacteria, embedded within the concrete matrix, remain dormant until crack formation triggers their metabolic pathways, leading to calcite production that effectively seals the fissures. This bio-mediated repair mechanism not only enhances the structural integrity of concrete but also aligns with sustainable construction practices by minimizing maintenance requirements and material wastage. The review extends beyond self-healing phenomena, encompassing broader applications of microbial technology in construction, including bio-concrete, bio-cement, and soil stabilization methods. These applications underscore the versatility of microbes in enhancing material properties such as compressive strength, tensile resilience, and water impermeability. Empirical evidence underscores the necessity of optimizing bacterial dosages and curing conditions to maximize the self-healing efficiency. Future research trajectories should aim to elucidate the complex interactions between microbial agents and concrete matrices, assess long-term performance, and evaluate the environmental and economic sustainability of microbial interventions in construction. The integration of microbial technology in construction materials heralds a new epoch of innovation, offering robust, sustainable, and resilient solutions to enduring challenges in the industry.

This research describes a sustainable method for water purification using antimicrobial cellulose filters functionalized with silver and zinc oxide nanoparticles. Using the coordination chemistry of main group elements, citric acid and chitosan were employed to modify a biodegradable cellulose scaffold (Group 14 and 16 biopolymers). Tannic acid, an oxygen-rich plant polyphenol, served as a reducing and capping agent to immobilize nanoparticles. The resulting composites were characterized via FT-IR ATR, XRD, and SEM-EDX, confirming successful grafting and uniform distribution within the biopolymer matrix. Filtration assays against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Candida albicans demonstrated significant efficacy. Silver-loaded filters achieved near-complete inactivation of E. coli (∼99.84%), while zinc-loaded filters excelled against S. aureus (∼99.78%) and C. albicans (∼96.79%). Dual-metal filters provided balanced antimicrobial action (90.28–95.13%). Release assays confirmed minimal leaching, with negligible nanoparticle detachment and only trace organic release, ensuring environmental safety. This work highlights how the manipulation of main group chemical environments, specifically carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen-based ligands, facilitates metal stabilization. These eco-friendly filters offer a cost-effective solution for water disinfection in low-resource settings.

Nasal septal deviation (NSD) may facilitate bacterial colonization by impairing airflow. The relationship between specific anatomical types (Mladina classification) and Staphylococcus aureus colonization, including methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility profiles of Staphylococcus aureus, within the altered microenvironments created by different Mladina-classified nasal septal deviations (NSD). We further sought to determine if specific clinical comorbidities and environmental exposures serve as independent catalysts for staphylococcal niche colonization.A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted (November 2023–June 2024) in Northern Cyprus. 105 patients with NSD underwent endoscopic examination and were classified using Mladina’s system. Nasal swabs were cultured, and antibiotic susceptibility was determined via EUCAST guidelines.MRSA colonization was detected in 21.0% of patients. Although colonization rates varied across Mladina types (7.7%–29.4%), no statistically significant association was found (p>0.05). Chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and smoking showed numerically higher MRSA rates but lacked statistical significance.Mladina’s NSD classification does not independently predict MRSA colonization risk. Preoperative screening protocols should incorporate comprehensive risk assessments beyond anatomical classification alone.