Background: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) represents a universal health hazard that contributes to significant morbidity in women. Resistance of Candida to antifungal therapy has been reported as a public health problem. So, the objective of our current study is to detect resistance profile of different candidal strains. Methods: In this study, isolated Candida strains were identified by conventional methods, confirmed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing, and phylogenetically analyzed with reference strains in GenBank. Also, sensitivity of different Candida strains to common antifungal agents was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Results: Candida albicans was identified as the most frequent strain (63%) followed by non-albicans strains, such as C. glabrata (20%), C. tropicalis (13%), and C. krusei (4%). Sensitivity of Candida strains (C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. glabrata) to commonly used antifungal agents was evaluated through the disc diffusion method. C. glabrata was the most resistant strain and considered to be a multidrug-resistant pathogen, while both, C. albicans and C. tropicalis showed high susceptibility to terbinafine. In contrast, C. albicans showed resistance to fluconazole, clotrimazole, and nystatin, while C. tropicalis, considered as the most sensitive strain, was susceptible to all the antifungal agents tested except nystatin. Terbinafine was the most effective antifungal agent against both C. tropicalis and C. albicans, and hence its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) for C. albicans and C. tropicalis were evaluated. MICs of terbinafine against C. albicans and C. tropicalis were 5 μg/ml and 2.5 μg/ml, while their MFCs were 10 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml, respectively. Conclusion: The emergence of resistant Candida strains necessitates conduction of the antifungal susceptibility test prior to deciding the medication regime.

The high prevalence of nosocomial bacterial resistance contributes to significant mortality and morbidity around the world; thus, finding novel antibacterial agents is of vital concern. Accordingly, the present study attempted to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using a green approach. Aqueous leaf extract of Origanum majorana was used to synthesize AgNPs and the antibacterial efficiency against multidrug resistant bacterial strains was detected. Characterization of the biogenic AgNPs was performed using ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The disc diffusion method was used to detect the antibacterial activity of AgNPs against three nosocomial multidrug-resistant strains. Preliminary UV-Vis analysis revealed the biosynthesis of AgNPs due to peak formation at 374 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) of biogenic AgNPs. TEM micrographs detected the synthesis of small AgNPs with an average particle size of 26.63 nm. EDX analysis revealed the presence of the following elements: oxygen (3.69%), carbon (2.93%), aluminum (1.29), silicon (2.83%), chloride (17.89%), and silver (71.37%). Furthermore, XRD analysis revealed the presence of diffraction peaks at 2 theta (θ) degrees of 38.18°, 44.36°, 64.35°, and 77.54°, assigned to the planes of silver crystals (111), (200), (220), and (311), respectively. Collectively, these findings affirm the synthesis of biogenic AgNPs with potential physicochemical characteristics. The antimicrobial efficiency of the biogenic AgNPs indicated that Klebsiella pneumoniae strain was the most susceptible strain at concentrations of 50 and 100 µg/disk, with inhibitory zones of 21.57 and 24.56 mm, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AgNPs against Klebsiella pneumoniae strain was found to be 10 µg/mL, while the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was found to be 20 µg/mL. In conclusion, aqueous leaf extract of O. majorana mediated synthesis of small sized AgNPs, with potential antimicrobial effectiveness against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens.

The high incidence of fungal resistance to antifungal drugs represents a global concern, contributing to high levels of morbidity and mortality, especially among immunocompromised patients. Moreover, conventional antifungal medications have poor therapeutic outcomes, as well as possible toxicities resulting from long-term administration. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to investigate the antifungal effectiveness of biogenic zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) against multidrug-resistant candidal strains. Biogenic ZnO NPs were characterized using physicochemical methods, such as UV-vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X ray (EDX) spectroscopy, FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. UV spectral analysis revealed the formation of two absorption peaks at 367 and 506 nm, which preliminarily indicated the successful synthesis of ZnO NPs, whereas TEM analysis showed that ZnO NPs exhibited an average particle size of 22.84 nm. The EDX spectrum confirmed the successful synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles free of impurities. The FTIR spectrum of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs showed different absorption peaks at 3427.99, 1707.86, 1621.50, 1424.16, 1325.22, 1224.67, 1178.22, 1067.69, 861.22, 752.97 and 574.11 cm⁻¹, corresponding to various functional groups. The average zeta potential value of the ZnO NPs was −7.45 mV. XRD analysis revealed the presence of six diffraction peaks at 2θ = 31.94, 34.66, 36.42, 56.42, 69.54 and 76.94°. The biogenic ZnO NPs (100 µg/disk) exhibited potent antifungal activity against C. albicans, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis strains, with suppressive zone diameters of 24.18 ± 0.32, 20.17 ± 0.56 and 26.35 ± 0.16 mm, respectively. The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ZnO NPs against C. tropicalis strain was found to be 10 μg/mL, whereas the minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) was found to be 20 μg/mL. Moreover, ZnO NPs revealed a potential synergistic efficiency with fluconazole, nystatin and clotrimazole antifungal drugs against C. albicans strain, whereas terbinafine, nystatin and itraconazole antifungal drugs showed a potential synergism with ZnO NPs against C. glabrata as a multidrug-resistant strain. In conclusion, pomegranate peel extract mediated green synthesis of ZnO NPs with potential physicochemical features and antimicrobial activity. The biosynthesized ZnO NPs could be utilized for formulation of novel drug combinations to boost the antifungal efficiency of commonly used antifungal agents.

The high frequency of nosocomial bacterial infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens contributes to significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. As a result, finding effective antibacterial agents is of critical importance. Hence, the aim of the present study was to greenly synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) utilizing Salvia officinalis aqueous leaf extract. The biogenic AgNPs were characterized utilizing different physicochemical techniques such as energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry (UV-Vis), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Additionally, the synergistic antimicrobial effectiveness of the biosynthesized AgNPs with colistin antibiotic against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains was evaluated utilizing the standard disk diffusion assay. The bioformulated AgNPs revealed significant physicochemical features, such as a small particle size of 17.615 ± 1.24 nm and net zeta potential value of −16.2 mV. The elemental mapping of AgNPs revealed that silver was the main element, recording a relative mass percent of 83.16%, followed by carbon (9.51%), oxygen (5.80%), silicon (0.87%), and chloride (0.67%). The disc diffusion assay revealed that AgNPs showed antibacterial potency against different tested bacterial pathogens, recording the highest efficiency against the Escherichia coli strain with an inhibitory zone diameter of 37.86 ± 0.21 mm at an AgNPs concentration of 100 µg/disk. In addition, the antibacterial activity of AgNPs was significantly higher than that of colistin (p ≤ 0.05) against the multidrug resistant bacterial strain namely, Acinetobacter baumannii. The biosynthesized AgNPs revealed synergistic antibacterial activity with colistin antibiotic, demonstrating the highest synergistic percent against the A. baumannii strain (85.57%) followed by Enterobacter cloacae (53.63%), E. coli (35.76%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (35.19%), Salmonella typhimurium (33.06%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13.75%). In conclusion, the biogenic AgNPs revealed unique physicochemical characteristics and significant antibacterial activities against different multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Consequently, the potent synergistic effect of the AgNPs–colistin combination highlights the potential of utilizing this combination for fabrication of highly effective antibacterial coatings in intensive care units for successful control of the spread of nosocomial bacterial infections.

Cancer remains a predominant global health concern, necessitating effective treatment options. Conventional cancer therapies, particularly chemotherapy, often face constraints such as low selectivity, insufficient solubility, and multidrug resistance (MDR), which diminish effectiveness and exacerbate negative effects. Metal oxide nanoparticles (MONPs), such as iron oxide, zinc oxide, and copper oxide, offer a promising solution by enhancing targeted drug delivery, reducing systemic toxicity, and mitigating chemotherapy-induced disabilities like neurotoxicity and cardiotoxicity. Nanocarriers conjugated with drugs can improve drug delivery within the body and enhance their circulation in the bloodstream. Recent advancements in MONP synthesis and functionalization have further improved their stability and drug-loading capacity, making them a valuable tool in cancer treatment. MONPs have distinctive physicochemical characteristics, enabling better imaging, drug encapsulation, and targeted medication delivery to cancerous cells. These nanocarriers enhance treatment effectiveness through focused and controlled drug release, reducing off-target effects and addressing drug resistance. This review aims to explore the potential of MONPs as efficient nanocarriers for anticancer drugs, addressing limitations of traditional chemotherapy such as poor specificity, systemic toxicity, and drug resistance. Additionally, the review discusses recent advancements in MONP synthesis and functionalization, which enhance their stability, drug-loading capacity, and compatibility.

Antimicrobial resistance is a public health concern resulting in high rates of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Furthermore, a high incidence of food poisoning diseases besides harmful implications of applying synthetic food additives in food preservation necessitates fabrication of safe food preservatives. Additionally, damaging effects of free radicals on human health has been reported to be involved in the incidence of serious diseases, including cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases; hence, finding safe sources of antioxidants is vital. Therefore, the present study was carried out to assess the antibacterial, antiradical and carcinopreventive efficacy of different solvent extracts of pomegranate peels. Agar disk diffusion assay revealed that Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, E. coli and S. typhimurium were highly susceptible to methanolic fraction of Punica granatum L. peels recording inhibition zones of 23.7, 21.8, 15.6 and 14.7 mm respectively. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of the methanolic fraction of Punica granatum L. peels against S. aureus were 0.125 and 0.250 mg/mL, respectively. In addition, the pomegranate acetonic and methanolic fractions revealed an impressive antiradical efficiency against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical recording radical scavenging activity percentages of 86.9 and 79.4%, respectively. In this regard, the acetonic fraction of pomegranate peels revealed the highest anti-proliferative efficiency after 48 h incubation against MCF7 cancer cells recording IC₅₀ of 8.15 µg/mL, while the methanolic extract was highly selective against transformed cancer cells compared to normal cell line recording selectivity index of 5.93. GC–MS results demonstrated that 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural was the main active component of methanolic and acetonic extracts of pomegranate peels recording relative percentages of 37.55 and 28.84% respectively. The study recommends application of pomegranate peel extracts in the biofabrication of safe food preservatives, antioxidants and carcinopreventive agents.