Candida species are considered the primary causative agents of denture stomatitis, but their role in colonization and disease in denture wearers remai

Ten new azo Schiff bases 5a-h and 7a-b were prepared in excellent yields via the condensation of different aromatic amines and a new azoaldehyde, 2-hydroxy-3- methoxy-5-(4-methoxyphenylazo)benzaldehyde (4) by two different methods. All new compounds were tested against five microorganisms: Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive and methicillin resistant), Bacillus subtilis (Gram positive), Kelebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli (all Gram negative). Compounds 4, 5a, 5c, 5d and 5g were moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis. Compound 7b was highly active against Bacillus subtilis and moderately active against Staphylococcus aureus. Other compounds were inactive against these strains of bacteria. The antifungal activities of these compounds were also tested against eight different fungal species. None of them were active against the fungi species tested.

Currently, researchers turn to natural processes such as using biological microorganisms in order to develop reliable and ecofriendly methods for the synthesis of metallic nanoparticles. In this study, we have investigated extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using fourAspergillusspecies includingA. fumigatus,A. clavatus,A. niger,andA. flavus. We have also analyzed nitrate reductase activity in the studied species in order to determine the probable role of this enzyme in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles. The formation of silver nanoparticles in the cell filtrates was confirmed by the passage of laser light, change in the color of cell filtrates, absorption peak at 430 nm in UV-Vis spectra, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). There was a logical relationship between the efficiencies of studiedAspergillusspecies in the production of silver nanoparticles and their nitrate reductase activity.A. fumigatusas the most efficient species showed the highest nitrate reductase activity among the studied species whileA. flavusexhibited the lowest capacity in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles which was in accord with its low nitrate reductase activity. The present study showed thatAspergillusspecies had potential for the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles depending on their nitrate reductase activity.

Background: Zataria multiflora Boiss. is a traditional and popular spice in Iran. The effects of 3 ecotypes (ECTPs) of Z. multiflora essential oils (EOs) against most common causes of food-borne and nosocomial infections were evaluated. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial activities of the EOs were examined by broth microdilution method as recommended by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). The chemical compositions of the EOs from 3 ECTPs of Z. multiflora have been analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Analysis of the EOs indicated that 3 chemotypes were present in Z. multiflora, including carvacrol, thymol-carvacrol, and linalool, whereas previous studies have only found carvacrol and thymol. Inhibition studies showed that the tested EOs entirely inhibited the growth of yeasts at concentrations of less than 1 μL/mL. Moreover, the oils exhibited significant bacteriostatic and bactericidal activities against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria at concentrations ranging from 0.12 to 8 μL/mL. Conclusion: These results suggest that the EOs from Z. multiflora should be investigated further for possible use in antimicrobial products and food preservatives.