Myxobacteria are tiny soil organisms that can attack and destroy disease-causing fungi, bacteria, and water molds that harm plants. These bacteria produce natural enzymes and chemical compounds that break down pathogen cell walls and stop them from growing. This makes myxobacteria promising candidates for environmentally friendly pest control in farming.
Scientists have developed a greener way to coat medical devices like wound dressings and catheters with antibacterial materials using electrospun fibers. These tiny fibers are made from natural, renewable materials and release antimicrobial agents slowly and effectively to prevent infections. Unlike traditional antibiotics that can create resistance, these coatings use multiple attack methods against bacteria, making them harder for microbes to develop resistance against.
Baicalein, a natural compound from a traditional medicinal plant, is significantly more effective at fighting Candida albicans infections than its parent compound baicalin. When combined with the common antifungal drug fluconazole, baicalein creates a powerful synergistic effect that is especially useful against drug-resistant fungal strains. Scientists discovered that a beneficial probiotic bacterium, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, can efficiently convert the abundant baicalin into baicalein, providing a sustainable and safe way to produce this potent antifungal compound at scale.
Honey contains many beneficial microorganisms that can survive its harsh environment of high sugar and low pH. These microorganisms have the ability to produce useful compounds like lactic acid, citric acid, and other valuable substances used in food, medicine, and industry. Scientists believe these honey-derived microbes have significant potential for industrial applications but need more research to fully unlock their benefits.
Mold and fungal toxins spoil food and threaten human health, costing billions globally. While chemical preservatives work, many consumers want natural alternatives. Lactic acid bacteria (the same organisms used in yogurt production) produce natural antimicrobial compounds that can prevent mold growth and neutralize harmful toxins, offering a safer, more natural way to keep food fresh longer.
Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that causes tooth loss and affects overall health. This review examines how polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates) from plants and fungi can help treat periodontitis by reducing inflammation, fighting bacteria, and helping gum tissue repair. These natural compounds work through multiple biological pathways to improve oral health outcomes while avoiding the side effects and resistance problems associated with conventional drugs.
This research demonstrates that clove oil, a natural and FDA-approved dietary supplement, can effectively combat Candida albicans infections that cause vaginal yeast infections. The study found that clove oil works by preventing the fungus from forming protective biofilms and by reducing inflammation. In mice with vaginal yeast infections, clove oil treatment significantly improved symptoms and reduced fungal levels, suggesting it could serve as a safer alternative to conventional antifungal medications.
This research examines why some fungal infections of the nails resist treatment with the antifungal drug itraconazole. Scientists found that resistant fungi produce more proteins that pump the drug out of their cells (efflux pumps) and form protective biofilm structures. Understanding these resistance mechanisms could help develop better combination treatments that work alongside antifungal drugs to overcome resistance.
Certain types of fungi can produce tiny metal particles called nanoparticles that have useful properties. These fungi-made nanoparticles can kill bacteria, fight cancer cells, clean pollutants from water and soil, and be used in medicines and agriculture. Unlike traditional chemical methods for making nanoparticles, using fungi is cleaner and safer for the environment, though scientists still need to understand more about how they work and ensure they are safe to use widely.
Clove oil, a common kitchen spice, shows promise as a treatment for vaginal yeast infections caused by Candida albicans. The oil contains eugenol, which blocks the fungus’s ability to form protective biofilms and reduces inflammation. In mouse studies, clove oil treatment decreased yeast infection symptoms and lowered inflammatory markers, suggesting it could be a safe, natural alternative to conventional antifungal drugs.