From an anthropocentric perspective, aquatic environments are important to maintain health and survival, however, as they are sometimes managed based on misconception, they are considered a convergent pathway for anthropogenic residues and sanitation. Thus, it is observed that these ecosystems have been threatened by chemical pollution due to xenobiotics, especially from a more contemporary approach, by the selective pressure associated with antimicrobials. There are several studies that report the enrichment of antimicrobial resistant bacteria and mobilizable antimicrobial resistance genes in aquatic and adjacent ecosystems. From the perspective of the emerging and reemerging number of diseases related to the interplay of human, animal, and environmental factors, a new conception arose to address these issues holistically, which is known as the One Health approach. Scientific and political discourse on this conception should lead to effective action plans for preventing and controlling the spread of infectious diseases in open environment, including those impacted by anthropogenic activities. Therefore, nowadays, discussions on antimicrobial resistance are becoming broader and are requiring a multi-disciplinary view to address health and environmental challenges, which includes aquatic environment management. Water may represent one of the most important ecosystems for the in antimicrobial resistance phenomenon that arises when a dynamic and singular microbial community may be influenced by several characteristics. As antimicrobial substances do not all degrade at the same time under the same treatment, strategies concerning their removal from the environment should consider their individualized chemical characteristics.

Polymeric films containing pomegranate peel extract (PPE) can act as a drug-delivery platform for topical treatment of candidiasis. The composition, mechanical resistance, and in vitro antifungal activity of a polymeric film containing PPE at 1.25 mg.mL⁻¹ were investigated. Films were prepared using a solvent casting technique. The incorporation of PPE in the polymeric matrix gave rise to homogeneous, smooth, shiny, and yellowish-brown films. FTIR spectra of the film containing PPE showed differences without compromising the stability of the extract and the matrix. SEM analysis showed the existence of interruptions in the continuity of the films with extract, which promoted a reduction in the mechanical parameters without significantly changing the tensile strength and elongation at break. Films showed adequate mechanical properties and antifungal activity against Candida albicans, C. glabrata, C. krusei and C. tropicalis. Graphical Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant challenge in human and veterinary medicine, primarily due to the overuse and misuse of antimicrobial agents. This issue is especially problematic when treating bovine mastitis, a prevalent infection in dairy cattle often caused by Staphylococcus aureus. We developed a sterile emulsion incorporating essential oils (EOs) of Origanum vulgare and Thymus vulgaris, known for their antimicrobial properties. The formulation based on poloxamer 407 was designed for intramammary or topical application on bovine teats. The most promising emulsion was subjected to preliminary stability testing at various temperature conditions over a 35-day period, during which its physicochemical characteristics, texture profile, and film-forming capacity were assessed. In vitro assays were used to evaluate its efficacy against both antimicrobial-sensitive and -resistant S. aureus strains. Thymol was identified as the predominant bioactive compound in the EOs. The formulation, containing 10% (w/w) EOs, exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested strains and remained stable without phase separation. The emulsion demonstrated film-forming properties along with a satisfactory texture profile. These findings suggest that the emulsion has potential as an alternative therapeutic approach for the treatment of antimicrobial-resistant S. aureus infections in bovine mastitis, highlighting the potential of natural compounds in combating AMR. Further clinical studies are necessary to confirm the safety and therapeutic efficacy of the emulsion in vivo.