This study sets out to compare the antibacterial and antibiofilm profiles of Ci/Ca EOs alone and in combination together against infectious bacterial strains. MIC assay was carried out to survey the effectiveness of prepared EOs by two-fold serial dilution method and MTT evaluation. Synergic antibacterial properties of EOs against target strains were studied by using checkerboard titration method. Biofilm growth and development were evaluated using CV and XTT reduction assays. Antibacterial activity was observed for EOs against both bacterial strains with stronger activity for CiEO against both bacteria. The synergistic antibacterial effect was observed only against B. subtilis. Based on the FIC index, combinations could not inhibit the growth of E. coli. The pure EOs and their combination inhibited cell attachment for both studied bacteria with stronger effect on E. coli. CV and XTT reduction assays results showed that Ci EO and its combination with CaEO had the highest antibiofilm activity at lowest MIC value 0.08% and 0.04/0.02% against biofilm formed by E. coli and B. subtilis respectively, indicating a high antibiofilm potential. Computational docking analyses also postulated that the active constituents of evaluated EOs have the potential to interact with different bacterial targets, suggested binding mode of action of EOs metabolites. By and large, synergistic anti-biofilm properties of EOs may provide further options for developing novel formula to inhibit a variety of infectious clinical and industrial strains without (or less) toxicity effects on human body. Graphical Abstract

SummaryCell cycle is an essential process in growth and development of living organisms consists of the replication and mitotic phases separated by two gap phases; G1 and G2. It is tightly controlled at the molecular level and especially at the level of transcription. Precise regulation of the cell cycle is of central significance for plant growth and development and transcription factors are global regulators of gene expression playing essential roles in cell cycle regulation. This study has uncovered TFs that are involved in the control of cell cycle progression. With the aid of multi-parallel quantitative RT-PCR, the expression changes of 1880 TFs represented in the Arabidopsis TF platform was monitored in Arabidopsis synchronous MM2d cells during a 19h period representing different time points corresponding to the four cell cycle phases after treatment of MM2d cells with Aphidicolin. Comparative TF expression analyses performed on synchronous cells resulted in the identification of 239 TFs differentia...

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of extraction method on the size, shape and morphology of synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Silver nanoparticles were prepared by the aqueous and methanolic extracts of lemon balm. The properties of obtained nanoparticles were characterized by UV-Vis, SEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. The UV-Vis spectroscopy confirmed the formation of AgNPs by observing a distinct surface Plasmon resonance band around 450 nm. SEM images showed different shape, size and morphology of AgNPs using two different extracts types. AgNPs derived from the aqueous extract were rod-shaped with a diameter of 19 to 40 nm whereas spherical particles were synthesized by the methanolic extract found smaller with size distribution ranging from 13 to 35 nm. The XRD pattern indicated that AgNPs formed by the reduction of Ag + ions using methanolic extract of M. officinalis were crystal-like in nature. The functional groups of M. officinalis methanolic extract involved in synthesis and stabilization of AgNPs were investigated by FTIR. In addition, AgNPs-containing methanolic extract showed higher antioxidant activity. These particles exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity against gram positive and negative bacteria and a fungus. The nanoparticles produced by the methanolic extract of the lemon balm showed antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. The production of silver nanoparticles using plant extract is rapid, low cost and eco-friendly. Therefore, green chemistry is a good alternative to industrial production of nanoparticles. Silver nanoparticles can be used as an antiseptic to sterilize the surrounding area and the hospital wastes.