Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 9

Targeted Delivery of Atractylodin via PLGA Nanoparticles Enhances Therapeutic Efficacy in Cholangiocarcinoma

2026-07-15T09:43:37+00:00

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a major health challenge in the Greater Mekong subregion, particularly in north-eastern Thailand, where chronic infection with the liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini is a principal cause. Limited treatment options and the absence of reliable early diagnostic tools impede effective CCA management. This study investigated Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., a plant traditionally used in Thai and East Asian medicine. Atractylodin (ATD)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (ATD-PLGA NPs) were developed to improve anticancer activity against CCA. The nanoparticles were prepared using a modified nanoprecipitation method and characterised for particle size, surface charge, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, loading capacity, and in vitro drug-release profile. Anticancer activity was evaluated in CL-6 and HuCCT-1 CCA cell lines using MTT cytotoxicity, real-time migration and invasion, and caspase-3/7-mediated apoptosis assays. A CCA xenograft model was established by implanting CL-6 cells into nude mice, and tumour-related gene expression was assessed using quantitative real-time PCR. The nanoparticles had a mean diameter of 229.8 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 83%, with a biphasic release profile reaching 92% cumulative release over seven days. They selectively reduced CL-6 and HuCCT-1 cell viability, with selectivity indices of 3.53 and 2.61, inhibited migration and invasion by up to 90% within 12 hours, and induced apoptosis in 83% of cells. Micronucleus assays indicated lower mutagenic potential than the positive control. In vivo, ATD-PLGA NPs inhibited tumour growth in a dose-dependent manner and prolonged survival. Gene-expression analysis showed downregulation of pro-tumorigenic and pro-inflammatory factors and upregulation of IL-10. These findings support further evaluation of ATD-PLGA NPs as a targeted nanotherapeutic platform for CCA.

Epidemiology and Associated Risk Factors of Tuberculosis (TB)

2026-07-15T09:49:47+00:00

Worldwide, tuberculosis (TB) remains a major cause of death resulting from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. During the past decade, despite several effective treatment options and preventive strategies, the incidence of TB has increased. The epidemiology of tuberculosis is shaped by dynamic interactions among the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, host behavioural vulnerabilities, comorbid conditions, environmental determinants, and socioeconomic status. The infectious agent has several critical characteristics, including efficient airborne transmission, the ability to survive within host immune cells, slow replication, latent persistence, and the capacity to develop drug resistance. Collectively, these attributes enable Mycobacterium tuberculosis to infect and persist successfully within human populations. A detailed understanding of TB epidemiology is necessary for the effective implementation of prevention and treatment strategies. Several demographic, medical, behavioural, occupational, and socioeconomic risk factors play important roles in the initiation of infection and the development of active TB disease. Comprehensive knowledge of TB epidemiology and its risk factors can link early diagnosis with effective treatment, help prevent recurrence, and support the development of context-specific policies based on population characteristics. This chapter provides updated TB statistics and a broad overview of associated risk factors. Tobacco use should be rigorously controlled among both healthy individuals and patients with existing medical conditions, as smoking significantly increases the risk of TB infection, disease progression, and poor treatment outcomes. Consequently, public health policies and clinical management strategies should be regularly reviewed and strengthened to improve TB prevention, control, and treatment outcomes. In addition, individuals undergoing immunosuppressive therapy should be systematically evaluated for a history of active or latent TB before treatment is initiated. Early identification and appropriate management of latent or previous TB infection may substantially reduce the risk of TB reactivation and associated complications in immunocompromised patients.

Effect of Propionic Acid and Bee–Carnauba Wax on Purple Passion Fruit Quality and Stability During Ambient Storage

2026-07-15T09:53:15+00:00

This study aimed to determine the effects of different concentrations of propionic acid combined with mixed wax (beeswax and carnauba wax; MW) on the quality and storage life of postharvest purple passion fruit under ambient conditions (25 ± 2 °C and 70%–80% relative humidity). After washing and air-drying, the fruits were dipped for 1 min in propionic acid solutions at concentrations of 0.15%, 0.25%, or 0.35% (v/v), or in 0.2% carbendazim, and were then manually coated with 2.5% MW. After drying, the fruits were stored under the stated ambient conditions for 18 days. Untreated and uncoated fruits served as controls. The assessed parameters included the isolation and identification of microorganisms, total microorganism counts, fruit decay, weight loss, total soluble solids (TSS), total sugars, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content, measured at 3-day intervals. Two microorganisms, Fusarium moniliforme var. subglutinans and Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht., were identified. Treatment with 0.25% propionic acid followed by MW coating reduced total microorganism counts, fruit decay, and weight loss during 18 days of storage. This treatment also maintained TSS, total sugars, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid content throughout the storage period.