Speakers

Abstract: Antibacterial Potential and mechanism of Crude Extracts from Cylindrospermum alatosporum NR125682 and Loriellopsis cavernicola NR117881 isolated from fresh water

The challenges of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to human health have pushed for the discovery of a new antibiotics’ agent from natural products. Cyanobacteria are oxygen-producing photosynthetic prokaryotes found in a variety of water habitats. Secondary metabolites are produced by cyanobacteria to survive extreme environmental stress factors, including microbial competition. This study presents the antibacterial activity and mechanism of the crude extracts from Cylindrospermum alatosporum NR125682 (A) and Loriellopsis cavernicola NR117881 (B) isolated from freshwater. The cyanobacteria were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing. Crude extracts were sequentially prepared using hexane, dichloromethane, and ethanol consistently. The minimum inhibition concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) using the CSLI microdilution test protocol, and crude extract potential to inhibit the growth of the tested clinical bacteria strains were evaluated. The mechanism of action of the extracts including membrane damage, efflux pump, β-lactamase activity, DNA degradation, and extract–drug interaction was investigated using standard procedures. The hexane extract of B performed the best with a MIC (0.7–1.41 mg/mL) and MBC (1.41–2.81 mg/mL) range. All the crude extracts inhibited efflux pump activity against the bacteria tested. However, the extracts poorly inhibited β-lactamase. The ethanol extract of B exhibited the most appreciable antibacterial activity. The dichloromethane extract of B showed the highest significant DNA degradation potential, when compared with other samples. The extracts exhibited synergism when combined with erythromycin against some test bacteria, indicating primary microbial activity through membrane interactions. Hence, this study demonstrates the significance of cyanobacteria for antibiotic development.

Abstract: Provide a brief and informative title that clearly represents the core idea of your presentation.

Healthcare-associated infections are among the most significant complications in hospitalized patients, posing a major challenge due to the antimicrobial resistance of pathogenic agents such as Staphylococcus spp. The study aims to identify and evaluate the phenotypic and molecular resistance profile of Staphylococcus spp. in co-infection with respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, as a respiratory virus, in samples from children admitted to ICUs. Nasopharyngeal samples from the biorepository were stored at -80 °C in medium containing gentamicin and amphotericin B. Bacterial strains were isolated, and antibiograms were performed using the Kirby-Bauer method with antimicrobials specific to Staphylococcus spp. and the method of evaluating molecular resistance, carrying out the amplification of resistance genes, using specific oligonucleotides. A multidrug-resistant profile was observed in Staphylococcus spp., highlighting the need for monitoring to ensure appropriate treatment. Antimicrobial resistance emphasized the importance of strict control over antibiotic use in hospital environments. This study contributes to the understanding of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial co-infections, providing insights for more effective treatments and HAI control strategies

Abstract: Nanotechnology-Based Therapeutic Strategies for Biofilm-Associated Antimicrobial Resistance

The escalating prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens represents a critical global health challenge, demanding the development of innovative and mechanistically driven therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. This work presents a novel integrative approach combining nanotechnology, natural bioactive compounds, and targeted delivery systems to engineer multifunctional nanoplatforms for combating resistant microbial infections. Building upon our research on bovine serum albumin–chitosan nanocarriers encapsulating fungal bioactives, cerium-doped magnesium oxide nanoparticles, bioengineered Cordyceps militaris–MgO nanocomposites, Centella asiatica-fabricated MgO nanoparticles, and curcumin-loaded mesoporous superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), the study investigates their synthesis, physicochemical characterization, antimicrobial mechanisms, and therapeutic efficacy against MDR pathogens. The novelty of this work lies in the rational design of biofunctionalized, compositionally engineered, and magnetically targetable nanostructures that enhance antimicrobial potency, bioavailability, and site-specific delivery. Green synthesis and bioengineering strategies enabled precise control over nanoparticle size, morphology, and surface properties, facilitating efficient microbial interaction and cellular internalization. The developed nanoplatforms demonstrated potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity against MDR pathogens through multimodal mechanisms, thereby reducing the likelihood of resistance development. In particular, curcumin-loaded mesoporous SPIONs exhibited targeted disruption of biofilm-associated MDR bacteria, highlighting the importance of nanocarrier- mediated delivery for overcoming biofilm-mediated resistance. Mechanistic investigations revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative stress serves as a primary bactericidal pathway, inducing lipid peroxidation, protein denaturation, and nucleic acid damage. Additionally, nanoparticle-induced membranolytic effects, including bacterial membrane disruption and flippase-mediated lipid leakage, contribute to enhanced antimicrobial activity. Protein–polysaccharide nanocarrier systems improved controlled drug release and biocompatibility, while cerium doping significantly enhanced redox activity and antimicrobial performance, underscoring the role of compositional modification in optimizing therapeutic outcomes. Beyond antimicrobial efficacy, selected nanoplatforms demonstrated promising anticancer potential and favorable safety profiles supported by physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling. Collectively, this study establishes a mechanistically guided and sustainable framework for next-generation nanotherapeutics, offering significant translational potential in targeted antimicrobial therapy, antibiofilm interventions, biomedical coatings, and precision nanomedicine strategies for the clinical management of MDR infections.

Abstract: Helminth-Driven Immune Modulation Shapes Viral Disease Pathology and TCell Responses with Implications for Vaccine Performance

Helminth infections are highly prevalent in regions disproportionately affected by emerging infectious diseases. However, their influence on antiviral immunity and vaccine-induced protection remains insufficiently characterised. Elucidating how helminth-driven immune modulation alters viral disease outcomes is critical for addressing persistent challenges in
vaccine performance in endemic settings. Clinical and immunological analyses were conducted. A retrospective cohort study evaluated the association between helminth seropositivity, COVID-19 disease severity, systemic cytokine profiles, and SARS-CoV-2– specific antibody responses. In parallel, functional in vitro assays using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from individuals infected with Onchocerca volvulus assessed the impact of helminth antigens on SARS-CoV-2–induced T-cell activation. Helminth seropositivity was associated with asymptomatic COVID-19 infection (p = 0.018). Helminth–SARS-CoV-2 coexposure was associated with attenuated Th1 and Th17 cytokine responses, reduced SARSCoV-2–specific IgA and IgG levels, and diminished neutralising capacity, accompanied by increased Th2 cytokines and IL-10 expression. Helminth antigens significantly modulated SARS-CoV-2-induced T-cell activation, characterised by reduced CD4⁺CD154⁺ T-cell responses and altered CD8⁺ T-cell activation in O. volvulus–infected individuals. Consistently, helminth-specific IgG levels inversely correlated with SARS-CoV-2–induced CD4⁺ T-cell activation. These findings provide mechanistic evidence that helminth infections profoundly shape antiviral immune responses, simultaneously limiting cytokine-mediated immunopathology while impairing immune functions critical for robust vaccine-induced protection. This dual effect poses a significant challenge to vaccine efficacy and the identification of immune correlates of protection in helminth-endemic regions. Integrating helminth-associated immune modulation into vaccine design, evaluation, and deployment strategies will be essential for improving global infectious disease control.

Abstract: MOLECULAR FARMING FOR PANDEMIC RESPONSES

Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens or parasites that spread in communities through direct or indirect contact with infected individuals or contaminated materials. These diseases account for about 17% of all human deaths, and their management and control place an immense burden on the healthcare system. The emergence of novel infectious diseases and the spread of pandemics pose significant challenges to global public health systems, necessitating innovative strategies for rapid, scalable production of vaccines and therapeutics. The production of vaccines and biological drugs, such as antibodies, is hampered by the high costs and limited scalability of traditional manufacturing platforms, particularly in developing countries where infectious diseases are prevalent and poorly controlled. Molecular farming harnesses the genetic engineering capabilities of plants to produce pharmaceutical proteins, including vaccines, antibodies, and antiviral agents. Plants, such as tobacco, maize, and rice, are transformed with recombinant genes encoding target proteins, enabling them to synthesize pharmaceutical compounds within their tissues. The plant-based production platform is scalable and cost-effective, with a rapid production timeline. Therefore, leveraging the inherent advantages of plant-based production systems offers a promising solution to address the urgent demands of the pandemic response. We have successfully produced candidate vaccines and diagnostic reagents using the plant-based production platform.

Abstract: Curcumin-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles to Overcome Biofilm-Mediated Antibiotic Resistance

Biofilm-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens remain a critical global health challenge due to enhanced antibiotic tolerance and protection by the extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) matrix. In this study, a multifunctional nanoplatform comprising curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (CUR–mSiO₂–SPIONs) was engineered to specifically target biofilm-forming MDR bacteria. The synthesized nanoparticles were systematically characterized using TEM, XRD, FTIR, VSM, and DLS analyses, confirming successful silica coating, curcumin loading, preserved superparamagnetic behavior, and improved colloidal stability. The nanocarriers exhibited pH-responsive drug release, with ~52% curcumin release at acidic pH (5.5) compared to ~22% at physiological pH (7.4), favoring infection-site targeting. Antibiofilm evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecium, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae demonstrated significant biofilm suppression. CUR–mSiO₂–SPIONs achieved up to 83% biofilm inhibition, markedly higher than SPIONs or mSiO₂–SPIONs alone. Crystal violet and EPS quantification assays revealed substantial reduction in biofilm biomass and matrix components. Mechanistic studies showed enhanced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation (up to ~17-fold increase) and increased membrane permeability, indicating oxidative stress-mediated biofilm disruption and bacterial cell death. The synergistic integration of mesoporous silica coating and curcumin loading significantly enhanced antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy. Overall, CUR–mSiO₂–SPIONs represent a promising nanotherapeutic strategy for the targeted eradication of biofilm-associated MDR infections.

Abstract: Combating antimicrobial resistance via bacterial biofilm degradation using complex carbohydrate-active enzymes

The escalating prevalence of drug-resistant pathogens not only jeopardizes the effectiveness of existing treatments but also increases the complexity and severity of infectious diseases. Biofilms (BFs) shield microbial communities from various environmental and imunological threats, including antimicrobial agents. Such protection renders bacterial cells within biofilms significantly more resistant to antimicrobial agents than their planktonic counterparts. Degradation of the exopolysaccharides of the BF matrix using glycoside hydrolases (GH) might strongly increase the efficacy of antimicrobials against biofilms. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli re the leading cause of infections in both humans and animals. Many of S. aureus strains produce BFs rich in β-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (PNAG) as the primary component of the extracellular matrix, whereas Escherichia coli strains in addition to PNAG frequently also synthesize cellulose as one of its main exopolysaccharides. In our presentation we describe our results on enzymatic degradation of S. aureus biofilms using recombinant glycoside hydrolases (GHs) form the families GH20 [1] and GH153 [2]. We also describe successful Escherichia coli biofilms degradation using fungal cellulases [3]. Our results reveal that sensibility of the pathogenic bacterial strains to antibiotics can be significantly improved via enzymatic degradation of their BFs paving a way to novel strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance.