Development, physicochemical characterization, and antimicrobial evaluation of niosome-loaded oregano essential oil against fish-borne pathogens.

Objective: Niosomes have gained attention as a promising drug delivery system for enhancing the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of natural compounds. Oregano essential oil has demonstrated potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm properties against food-borne pathogens. Methods: In this study, researchers aimed to explore the use of niosomes as a delivery system to improve the efficacy of oregano essential oil against food-borne pathogens. The structural and morphological properties of different niosome formulations were examined. Different formulations of niosomes were prepared and their structural and morphological properties were examined. The antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of niosomes containing oregano essential oil were evaluated using microbroth-dilution and microtiter-plate methods, respectively. The biocompatibility of the synthesized niosomes was assessed using the MTT method on human foreskin fibroblasts normal cell line (HFF). Results: The optimal formulation of niosomes had an average size of 219 nm and an encapsulation efficiency of 61.22%. The release study demonstrated that 58% of the essential oil was released from niosomes, while 100% was released from free essential oil. Furthermore, the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of the essential oil were found to be 2-4 times higher when loaded in niosomes. The biocompatibility test confirmed that the synthesized empty niosomes had no cytotoxic effects on HFF cell line. Conclusion: Niosomes encapsulating oregano essential oil demonstrated the capacity to inhibit the activity of genes associated with biofilm formation in pathogenic bacteria. This study highlights the significant antimicrobial and anti-biofilm effects of niosomes containing oregano essential oil, suggesting their potential as a suitable drug delivery system.

Antibacterial effects of extracted corn zein with garlic extract-based nanoemulsion on the shelf life of Vannamei prawn (Litopenaeus vannamei) at refrigerated temperature.

BACKGROUND: Litopenaeus vannamei is one of the most perishable foods due to microorganism growth. Using essential oil-based nanoemulsion as a biodegradable and edible coating can enhance the shelf life of shrimp at refrigerated temperature through retarding microbial growth compared to synthetic coatings. METHODS: Zein was extracted from 50 g dry milled corn with ethanol. Garlic essential oil was prepared by mixing with Tween 80. Nanoemulsion was prepared in an ultrasonic bath. DLS analysis, turbidity, and stability of nanoemulsions were performed. Radical scavenging activity, and total phenol content were done for evaluation of garlic essential oil and nanoemulsion. A 10% zein solution was prepared using ethanol 95% and glycerol plasticizer (2.5%). In the end, various microbial analysis, peroxide value, the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value, the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) values, and sensory evaluations of different shrimp samples were determined. RESULTS: Corn zein along with garlic-based nanoemulsion, had a great impact on the TVB-N, TBARS, and peroxide value (which indicated that z+24% garlic nanoemulsion group was the lowest among other groups on days 3, 7, and 14 (p < 0.05) as well as microbial properties (garlic EO nanoemulsion had significantly better antibacterial effectiveness compared to other groups (p < 0.05)), and sensory evaluation (the z+24% garlic nanoemulsion sample received a significantly higher score than other groups (p < 0.05)) of Litopenaeus vannamei. CONCLUSIONS: Corn zein nanoemulsion functioned as an antioxidant and antimicrobial agent, increasing the shelf life of Litopenaeus vannamei at refrigerated temperature. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Emerging nanotechnology-based approaches with no side-effects on immune system of consumers plays a vital role in bioactive packaging, and on reduction of food spoilage or food poisoning in the transportation, exporting, and distribution stages of food products, especially marine-based products with cold chain transportation. Additionally, it can reduce aquaculture and environmental risks due to the usage of chemical agents used in packaging. Our results showed that administration of a corn zein with nanoemulsion of garlic extract can prolong shelf life of Litopenaeus vannamei. The paper should be of interest to readers such as food microbiologists, aquaculture scientists, fisheries scientists, marine biologists, biomaterial scientists, food packaging industrialists, medical microbiologists, public health managers, and health system managers.

Blood parameters in female Zandi lambs as affected by liver biopsy methodology.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the normal blood parameters of Iranian fat-tailed sheep (Zandi) and their changes due to rapid liver biopsy technique with a tru-cut biopsy needle. In ten ewe lambs, blood samples were collected from jugular vein and biopsy needle was inserted through the dorsal one third of the 11th intercostal space, on the right hand side of the lambs and liver specimen was collected. Physical examinations were performed on alternate days during the experiment. Blood collection was done on both before (day 1) and after (day 17) the biopsy. All animals were slaughtered at day 17. Values were compared using paired t test. While biopsy did not make any significant changes in mean values of body temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, PCV, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, eosinophil, monocyte, total serum protein, AST, ALT, and serum calcium (p > 0.05), it made a significant difference on the values of ALP (p < 0.001), serum inorganic phosphate (p = 0.035), and magnesium (p = 0.013). Necropsy examination revealed the points of hitting the biopsy needles on the diaphragmatic surface of the livers, surrounded by a zone of intense hyperemia. Peritoneal adhesions accompanying with typical strands of fibrous connective tissue between diaphragmatic surface of the liver and adjacent abdominal wall were found in two cases.

The effects of hypervitaminosis A in sheep following intramuscular administrations of vitamin A.

Ten ewe lambs (median age 11 months and average weight 29.2+/-2.5 kg) were used in the present study. They were divided into two groups: test (n=5) and control (n=5). Housing and all diets were identical. In the test group vitamin A was injected into the thigh muscle at a daily dose of 5000 IU/kg body weight for 16 days. The average final body weight of sheep in the test group was significantly (P<0.05) less than the control group. All animals were slaughtered at day 17. The lambs' feet were X-rayed to evaluate any difference for radiographic signs between test and control groups. No significant differences were seen for PCV, WBC, differential leukocyte count, and total serum protein between groups. There were no significant differences for serum AST, ALT, and ALP activities and serum calcium, inorganic phosphate, and magnesium concentrations between groups. Histological examination revealed an increased number of lipid droplets in the cytoplasm of the stellate cells of the liver in the test group. The results showed that daily administrations of vitamin A approximately 150 times greater than the daily requirement were well tolerated by sheep.