• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.715-723
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• 2023

Microbial biofilms are resilient, immune-evasive, often antibiotic-resistant health challenges, and increasingly the target for research into novel therapeutic strategies. We evaluated the effects of a nutraceutical enzyme and botanical blend (NEBB) on established biofilm. Five microbial strains with known implications in chronic human illnesses were tested: Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus simulans (coagulase-negative, penicillin-resistant), Borrelia burgdorferi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strains were allowed to form biofilm in vitro. Biofilm cultures were treated with NEBB containing enzymes targeted at lipids, proteins, and sugars, also containing the mucolytic compound N-acetyl cysteine, along with antimicrobial extracts from cranberry, berberine, rosemary, and peppermint. The post-treatment biofilm mass was evaluated by crystal-violet staining, and metabolic activity was measured using the MTT assay. Average biofilm mass and metabolic activity for NEBB-treated biofilms were compared to the average of untreated control cultures. Treatment of established biofilm with NEBB resulted in biofilm-disruption, involving significant reductions in biofilm mass and metabolic activity for Candida and both Staphylococcus species. For B. burgdorferi, we observed reduced biofilm mass, but the remaining residual biofilm showed a mild increase in metabolic activity, suggesting a shift from metabolically quiescent, treatment-resistant persister forms of B. burgdorferi to a more active form, potentially more recognizable by the host immune system. For P. aeruginosa, low doses of NEBB significantly reduced biofilm mass and metabolic activity while higher doses of NEBB increased biofilm mass and metabolic activity. The results suggest that targeted nutraceutical support may help disrupt biofilm communities, offering new facets for integrative combinational treatment strategies.

• KOREAN JOURNAL OF PACKAGING SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
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• v.29 no.2
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• pp.79-86
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• 2023

In this study, poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and Poly(butylene-adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) composite films containing calcined oyster shell powder (OSP) were evaluated for the applicability of antimicrobial packaging. PLA/PBAT-OSP composite films were prepared using twin-screw extruder. The OSP composite was incorporated into PLA/PBAT blend with different ratios (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10%) and the effect of OSP in the PLA/PBAT matrix was evaluated. The PLA/PBAT-OSP composite films were evaluated for properties using FT-IR, SEM, TGA, DSC, UTM, UV-vis, and Contact angle, as well as antimicrobial property was examined according to ISO 22196 - Antimicrobial Plastic Test. As OSP was added, it showed high antimicrobial activities for both Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. On the other hand, it was found that mechanical properties decreased as OSP was added. For the application of PLA/PBAT-OSP composite films as an antimicrobial packaging material, it is necessary to improve the dispersibility of OSP in the PLA/PBAT composite films and their physical properties at the same time.

• Journal of Digital Convergence
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• v.14 no.8
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• pp.547-553
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• 2016

This study was conducted to look at the antimicrobial synergistic effect of blended oil into the target skin flora. The essential oils used in antimicrobial test were 100% eucalyptus (EU), lemon (LE), lavender (LA) and four blended oils, EU+LE, LE+LA, EU+LA, and, EU+LE+LA in ratio of 1:1 and 1:1:1 respectively. As a result, LE showed the highest, LA showed the lowest antimicrobial activity among single oil group. In blended oil group, antimicrobial activity of the EU + LA showed significantly increasing effect than the sum of the antimicrobial activity of the single oil. However, the antimicrobial effects of the blend of three oils did not show any synergistic effect. This result showed that the interaction between the chemical components constituting the oil than the number of blended oil seems more significant on the synergistic effect. Therefore, blending essential oil based on scientific evidence becomes more necessary in the future.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
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• v.29 no.3
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• pp.391-395
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• 2009

Gelidium corneum - gelatin (GCG) blend films containing fermented pollen extract (FPE) were prepared and used as a packaging material of pork loins. Water vapor permeability (WVP) of the film containing FPE was better than the control film, and the film's antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes increased with increasing FPE concentration. Addition of 0.15% FPE decreased the populations of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes by 2.98 and 3.68 Log CFU/g, respectively, compared to the control. Pork loin samples were inoculated with E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes and packed with the film. The samples packed with the GCG film containing 0.15% FPE had a decrease in the populations of E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes by 1.49 and 1.01 Log CFU/g after 4 d of storage, respectively, compared to the control. The results suggested that shelf life of the pork loins could be extended by packaging with the GCG film containing 0.15% FPE.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.1-7
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• 2018

In this study, 1,2-hexanediol, ethylhexylglycerin, and glyceryl caprylate known as skin conditioning agents with antimicrobial activity in cosmetics were investigated for their antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria when combining them with various ingredients in cosmetic formulations. Seven kinds of substances expected to improve the antibacterial activity in formulations were selected to blend with these three compounds.; 1,3-propanediol, 1,3-butanediol, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, niacinamide, EDTA-2Na, and ethanol. The checkerboard assay was conducted to confirm the antibacterial synergy of these seven substances and the three skin conditioning agents. Consequently, ethanol and EDTA-2Na were detected as the significant materials with synergistic effect as well as ethanol showed antibacterial synergy with all the three compounds. When seven of selected materials were mixed with glyceryl caprylate, there were synergistic or additive activity against S. aureus, gram-positive bacteria and it was suggested that the combination with 1,2-hexanediol and glyceryl caprylate was useful to control both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria when there were four kinds of polyols. This study is meaningful in that it confirmed the antibacterial synergy of the skin conditioning agents with antimicrobial activity and the main raw materials frequently used in cosmetics, thereby contributing to prediction of the antibacterial activity of the skin conditioning agents in cosmetic formulations.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.119-131
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• 2023

Objective: This study was to assess the effects of different doses of an essential oil blend (EOB) on growth performance, diarrhea occurrence (DO), hematological and blood biochemical profile, intestinal morphometry, morphology and microbiology, relative weight and length of organs, digestive content pH, and liver antioxidant status in weaning piglets. Methods: A total of 135 barrows (7.09±0.29 kg body weight) were allotted randomly in a randomized complete block design based on body weight with nine replications and three animals per pen. Dietary treatments were a negative control (NC): basal diet; positive control (PC): NC plus 125 mg performance-enhancing antibiotic (enramycin 8%)/kg diet; NC plus 100 mg EOB/kg diet (EO100); NC plus 200 mg EOB/kg diet (EO200); and NC plus 400 mg EOB/kg diet (EO400). Diarrhea occurrence was monitored daily, and performance at the end of each phase. Results: Gain to feed ratio was greater (p<0.05) in starter II pigs fed EO400 and EO200 than in those fed EO100. Pigs fed EO400 had lower (p<0.05) DO than those fed NC and EO100 in the total period. Pre-starter II pigs fed NC had (p<0.05) lower serum total protein and plasma protein than pigs fed PC. Pigs fed EO100 showed smaller (p<0.05) mean corpuscular volume (MCV) than pigs fed EO400. Starter II pigs fed EO400 had (p<0.05) greater MCV and lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin and erythrocytes than those fed EO100. There was a greater concentration (p<0.05) of band cells for PC, similar to EO400 and EO200. Performance-enhancing antibiotic and EOB to diets increased (p<0.05) liver superoxide dismutase activity. Conclusion: Adding 200 and 400 mg EOB/kg diet decreased DO and was advantageous to hematological and blood biochemical profile and liver antioxidant status without being detrimental to growth performance and gastrointestinal health in nursery pigs.

• Journal of the Korean Wood Science and Technology
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• v.48 no.1
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• pp.95-106
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• 2020

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of coniferous essential oils (EOs) blended films on insect repellence and crop productivity. Low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film is widely used, especially in agriculture and for food packaging. Ethylene vinyl acetate was blended with LDPE to reduce volatilization of EOs. An EO from Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) was incorporated into the blend film to conduct field research on antimicrobial and insect repellent properties. Among the various concentrations of EO, the highest concentration (2.5%) showed the highest efficiency in terms of pesticidal activity. The ability to inhibit microbial growth can be explained by the lipophilic properties of the EO component, and many studies have already demonstrated this. Agricultural films containing all types of EO have been tested on various crops such as chili, cucumber, Korean melon and have been able to verify their effectiveness in avoiding pests and increasing yields. From these results, it was found that it is reasonable to use a modified film such as a composite film containing an EO for agriculture. Thus, the modified film containing EO has undoubtedly shown impressive potential for reducing the use of pesticides in a variety of ways, not only for agricultural mulching film but also for food and agricultural product packaging. This product is an environmentally friendly chemical and is safe for agricultural and industrial and food packaging applications, among others. In particular, the use of agricultural films significantly reduces the use of pesticides, suggesting that farmers can increase their incomes by reducing working hours and costs, and increasing production.

• Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists of Korea
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.166-185
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• 2002

Aroma oils extracted from the natural material have antibacterial, antivirus, antiinflammatory, and preservative effect. The preserve efficacy testing between aroma oils and parabens as an artificial preservative had been performed and then it had been suggested that aroma oil was possibile to apply to the cosmetics. Aroma oils were pine, rosemary, lemon and eucalyptus, and parabens were methylparaben, blitylparaben. Antiseptic concentrations of aroma oils and parabens having 0.0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, 1.0wt% were tested respectively. Escherichia coil(ATCC No.8739), Pseudomonas aeruginosa(ATCC No. 9027) which are gram-negative and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC No. 6538), Bacillus subtilis(ATCC No. 6633) which are gram-positive were used as the test organisms. Disk paper and broth dilution methods were used as the methods of preservative efficacy testing. The antibacterial activity of aroma oils and parabens for gram-positive were better than that for gram-negative. For the antibacterial activity aroma oils were better than parabens. Among the aroma oils, rosemary and pine having superior antibacterial activity were selected and blended to illuminate if there is any synergy, There was synergical effect and optimum ratio of aroma blend is 3 : 1(rosemary pine) in this study.

• Journal of dental hygiene science
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.51-59
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• 2023

Background: Tea tree oil has antiviral, antimicrobial and antifungal effects and Mastic oil has antifungal and anticancer effects. For synergistic effects of oils, blending oil containing a mixture of two to three oils is recommended. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effects of Tea tree oil, Mastic oil, and Blending oil containing the two oils in a mixture, to verify and suggest the potential use of these oils as a substance to prevent dental caries. Methods: Tea tree oil, Mastic oil, and Blending oil with a 1:1 blend of the two oils were diluted in liquid medium to 0% (negative control), 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0%. Streptococcus mutans was applied to each experimental group of the three diluted oils and after 8 h culture, the optical density (OD) was measured and the growth inhibition rate for S. mutans was estimated. Results: Tea tree oil had significantly low OD values across all concentrations (p<0.05) without significant variation among different concentrations (p>0.05). Mastic oil did not significantly vary in OD compared to the negative control across all concentrations (p>0.05) without significant variation among different concentrations (p>0.05). Blending oil, compared to the negative control, did not significantly vary in OD at 0.5% (p>0.05) but significant variation was found as the concentration increased (p<0.05). Additionally, for Tea tree oil and Mastic oil, the growth inhibition rate showed no significant variation according to concentration (p>0.05), whereas for Blending oil, the growth inhibition rate for S. mutans showed a significant difference at 1.0% (p<0.05) and at higher concentrations. Conclusion: Blending oil containing a Tea tree oil and Mastic oil demonstrated a significant growth inhibition effect on S. mutans from the concentration of 1.0%, which suggested its potential use as an effective antibacterial agent for dental caries.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.32 no.1
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• pp.162-169
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• 2024

Particulate matter (PM) constitutes a hazardous blend of organic and inorganic particles that poses health risks. Inhalation of fine airborne PM with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 ㎛ (PM_2.5) can lead to significant lung impairments. (+)-afzelechin (AZC), a natural compound sourced from Bergenia ligulata, boasts a range of attributes, including antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, and cardiovascular effects. However, knowledge about the therapeutic potential of AZC for patients with PM_2.5-induced lung injuries remains limited. Thus, in this study, we investigated the protective attributes of AZC against lung damage caused by PM_2.5 exposure. AZC was administered to the mice 30 min after intratracheal instillation of PM_2.5. Various parameters, such as changes in lung tissue wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio, total protein/total cell ratio, lymphocyte counts, levels of inflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), vascular permeability, and histology, were evaluated in mice exposed to PM_2.5. Data demonstrated that AZC mitigated lung damage, reduced W/D weight ratio, and curbed hyperpermeability induced by PM_2.5 exposure. Furthermore, AZC effectively lowered plasma levels of inflammatory cytokines produced by PM_2.5 exposure. It reduced the total protein concentration in BALF and successfully alleviated PM_2.5-induced lymphocytosis. Additionally, AZC substantially diminished the expression levels of Toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4), MyD88, and autophagy-related proteins LC3 II and Beclin 1. In contrast, it elevated the protein phosphorylation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Consequently, the anti-inflammatory attribute of AZC positions it as a promising therapeutic agent for mitigating PM_2.5-induced lung injuries by modulating the TLR4-MyD88 and mTOR-autophagy pathways.