This study explores the antioxidant activity of green tea (Camellia sinensis, GT) and peppermint (Mentha × piperita, PM) infusions, individually and in combination, focusing on how preparation methods affect their efficacy. Antiradical and intracellular antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH, ABTS, and DCF assays, alongside interaction analysis via combination index (CI) and dose reduction index (DRI). HPLC analysis determined the polyphenolic profiles of GT and PM. GT showed the strongest antioxidant activity, with the lowest IC₅₀ values (4.81 µg/mL in DPPH, 2.70 µg/mL in ABTS, 3.71 µg/mL in DCF), indicating potent radical-scavenging potential. PM exhibited moderate antiradical capacity but similar intracellular activity (IC₅₀ = 3.80 µg/mL). Co-maceration followed by lyophilization of GT:PM extracts led to nearly additive interactions (CI~1.0) and allowed significant dose reduction (DRI up to 4.44). In contrast, post-mixed extracts showed assay-dependent effects, including antagonism in intracellular ROS inhibition (CI = 1.83). Equimolar mixtures of model polyphenols: EGCG, quercetin, and rosmarinic acid demonstrated enhanced effects, with the strongest synergy in ternary mixtures (CI = 0.67–0.86), potentially achievable in GT:PM combinations. These findings highlight that extract preparation critically influences antioxidant efficacy, supporting co-maceration as a promising strategy for developing effective functional formulations based on plant extract combinations.

Objectives: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy, antibiofilm activity, cytocompatibility, and biomaterial compatibility of 1% acetic acid (AA), including its application within acellular dermal matrix (ADM) for advanced wound management. Methods: Antimicrobial activity of 1% AA was assessed using broth microdilution, isothermal microcalorimetry, and an in vitro disc-based antimicrobial model against clinically relevant bacterial strains, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis. Biofilm susceptibility was evaluated at multiple exposure times. Cytocompatibility was tested in dermal fibroblasts and NIH 3T3 fibroblasts following exposure to 1% AA and ADM impregnated with 1% AA. Results: Acetic acid showed consistent antimicrobial activity with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 0.06-0.12%, whereas Betadine (povidone-iodine) exhibited higher values (3.16-6.25%). Isothermal microcalorimetry confirmed concentration-dependent inhibition of bacterial metabolism, with complete suppression at concentrations ≥0.25%. In planktonic assays, 1% AA fully inhibited P. aeruginosa and MRSA growth, while partially reducing E. coli and E. faecalis. In biofilm models, the highest susceptibility was observed in P. aeruginosa, with complete eradication after short exposure. Cytotoxicity testing showed negligible effects of 1% AA on fibroblast viability, in contrast to the strong cytotoxicity of Betadine. ADM impregnated with 1% AA maintained cytocompatibility and supported fibroblast proliferation. Conclusion: 1% acetic acid demonstrates broad-spectrum antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity with favourable cytocompatibility. Its incorporation into acellular dermal matrix may represent a promising strategy for localized, biomaterial-based wound therapy.

Dipsacus fullonum L. (teasel) is a traditional medicinal plant, known to be a supplement in the treatment of Lyme disease. However, its scientific evaluation remains limited. This study investigates the phytochemical composition, antioxidant capacity and antibacterial properties of D. fullonum leaf and root ethanolic extracts. Ultrasound-assisted extraction with 70% ethanol was performed, and the extracts were analysed for total polyphenols, tannins and hydroxycinnamic acids. Antioxidant activity was assessed using the DPPH radical scavenging method, while antibacterial activity was evaluated via the broth microdilution method against various bacterial reference strains. Results indicate that leaf extract contains higher levels of bioactive compounds and exhibits stronger antioxidant activity than root extract. A combination of both extracts showed an additive effect. The leaf extract displayed weak antibacterial activity against selected Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, whereas the root extract demonstrated no antibacterial effects.