• Journal of Applied Biological Chemistry
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• v.58 no.3
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• pp.253-258
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• 2015

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), X. campestris pv. vesicatoria (Xcv), and Pectobacterium carotovorum pv. carotovorum (Pcc) are the causative agents of bacterial blight in rice, bacterial spot in pepper, and bacterial soft rot in carrot and cabbage, respectively. To isolate novel microbial extracts with antimicrobial activities against these bacteria, approximately 5,300 different Streptomyces extracts were prepared and tested. Microbial cultures from various Streptomyces strains isolated from the Jeju Island, Baekam, Mankyoung river, Jiri mountain etc. in Korea were extracted into three different factions -secreted hydrophobic, secreted hydrophilic, and mycelia- using ethyl acetate, water, and methanol. Initially, 34, 29, and 10 extracts were selected as having antibacterial activities against Xoo, Xcv, and Pcc, respectively. Extracts 1169G4, 1172E9, and 1172E10 had the highest growth inhibition activities against both Xoo and Xcv, and extracts 1151H7 and 1152H7 showed the highest growth inhibition activities against Pcc.

• International Journal of Oral Biology
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• v.30 no.4
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• pp.125-130
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• 2005

Thrombin-induced platelet microbicidal proteins (tPMP) are antibacterial proteins released when platelets are stimulated by thrombin. It has been reported that tPMP has antibacterial activity against various bacterial species including causative agents of infective endocarditis. Most of the oral streptococci have resistance to the killing by tPMP and this fact may play an important role as a virulence factor in infective endocarditis. However, the susceptibility and resistance mechanism of oral streptococci for tPMP have not been revealed yet. In this study, the killing mechanism of tPMP for oral streptococci has been investigated. Streptococcus rattus BHT, a susceptible strain, and Streptococcus gordonii DL1, a resistant strain, have been used in this study. tPMP was isolated from platelet after stimulation with thrombin. Cell membrane depolarization was examined with 3,3'-dipropylthiodicarbocyanine iodide ($DiSC_3$), membrane potential-sensitive cyanine dye, by fluorescence spectrophotometry. The permeabilization of cell membrane by tPMP was investigated with propidium iodide (PI) by flow cytometry. tPMP susceptible S. rattus BHT showed the increase of the $DiSC_3$ fluorescence level meaning depolarization of cell membrane and increase of the uptake of PI which means permeabilization of cell membrane. However, tPMP resistant S. gordonii DLI did not show depolarization and permeabilization. These results indicate that the increasing depolarization and permeabilization of oral streptococcal cell membrane are associated with the bactericidal activity of tPMP.

• Macromolecular Research
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• v.17 no.6
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• pp.378-387
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• 2009

This research compared three methods for producing and processing nanocomposite polypropylene filament yarns with permanent antimicrobial efficiency. The three methods used to mix antimicrobial agents based on silver nano particles with PP were as follows: 1) mixing of PP powder and inorganic nanocomposite filler with the appropriate concentration using a twin-screw extruder and preparing granules, 2) method 1 with a singlerather than twin-screw extruder, and 3) producing the masterbatch by a twin-screw extruder and blending it with PP in the melt spinning process. All pure polypropylene samples and other combined samples had an acceptable spinnability at the spinning temperature of $240^{\circ}C$ and take-up speed of 2,000 m/min. After producing as-spun filament yarns by a pilot plant, melt spinning machine, the samples were drawn, textured and finally weft knitted. The physical and structural properties (e.g., linear density, tenacity, breaking elongation, initial modulus, rupture work, shrinkage and crystallinity) of the as-spun and drawn yarns with constant and variable draw ratios (the variable draw ratio was used to gain a constant breaking elongation of 50%) were investigated and compared, while DSC, SEM and FTIR techniques were used to characterize the samples. Finally, the antibacterial efficiency of the knitted samples was evaluated. The experimental results revealed that the crystallinity reduction of the as-spun yarn obtained from method 1 (5%) was more than that of method 2 (3%), while the crystallinity of the modified as-spun yarns obtained with method 3 remained unchanged compared to pure yarn. However, the drawing procedure compensated for this difference. By applying methods 2 and 3, the drawing generally improved the tenacity and modulus of the modified fibers, whereas method 1 degraded the constant draw ratio. Although the biostatic efficiency of the nanocomposite yarns was excellent with all three methods, the modified fabrics obtained from methods 1 and 2 showed a higher bioactivity.

• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2013.02a
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• pp.635-635
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• 2013

We report three-dimensional polycrystalline anatase TiO2 structures (3D a-TiO2) for environmental and bio-medical applications. The 3D a-TiO2 was synthesized without thermal treatment by the growth of rod-like polycrystals on Degussa P25 (P25) via low temperature (< $85^{\circ}C$) modified alkali hydrothermal processing. X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic results showed that the rod-like polycrystals of 3D a-TiO2 possessed the highly anatase nanostructures. The photocatalytic activity of 3D a-TiO2 was found to be 2.2 times higher than that of P25. The recyclability of the 3D a-TiO2 was found to be high: the decolorization rate was 94.8% of the initial value after fifteen cycles. In addition, 3D a-TiO2 exhibited excellent antibacterial activities for the sterilization of gram-negative Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Even at the 10th recycled use, more than 98.4% of E. coli and S. aureus can be killed. These results indicated that 3D a-TiO2 might have utility in several promising applications such as photocatalytic water/air purification and bactericidal agents.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.808-816
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• 2018

Bacterial biofilms have been demonstrated to be closely related to clinical infections and contribute to drug resistance. Berberine, which is the main component of Coptis chinensis, has been reported to have efficient antibacterial activity. This study aimed to investigate the potential effect of a combination of berberine with ciprofloxacin (CIP) to inhibit Salmonella biofilm formation and its effect on expressions of related genes (rpoE, luxS, and ompR). The fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index of the combination of berberine with CIP is 0.75 showing a synergistic antibacterial effect. The biofilm's adhesion rate and growth curve showed that the multi-resistant Salmonella strain had the potential to form a biofilm relative to that of strain CVCC528, and the antibiofilm effects were in a dose-dependent manner. Biofilm microstructures were rarely observed at $1/2{\times}MIC/FIC$ concentrations (MIC, minimal inhibition concentration), and the combination had a stronger antibiofilm effect than each of the antimicrobial agents used alone at $1/4{\times}FIC$ concentration. LuxS, rpoE, and ompR mRNA expressions were significantly repressed (p< 0.01) at $1/2{\times}MIC/FIC$ concentrations, and the berberine and CIP combination repressed mRNA expressions more strongly at the $1/4{\times}FIC$ concentration. The results indicate that the combination of berberine and CIP has a synergistic effect and is effective in inhibiting Salmonella biofilm formation via repression of luxS, rpoE, and ompR mRNA expressions.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.31 no.12
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• pp.1656-1666
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• 2021

Dental pathogens lead to chronic diseases like periodontitis, which causes loss of teeth. Here, we examined the plausible antibacterial efficacy of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) synthesized using Cupressus macrocarpa extract (CME) against periodontitis-causing bacteria. The antimicrobial properties of CME-CuNPs were then assessed against oral microbes (M. luteus. B. subtilis, P. aerioginosa) that cause periodontal disease and were identified using morphological/ biochemical analysis, and 16S-rRNA techniques. The CME-CuNPs were characterized, and accordingly, the peak found at 577 nm using UV-Vis spectrometer showed the formation of stable CME-CuNPs. Also, the results revealed the formation of spherical and oblong monodispersed CME-CuNPs with sizes ranged from 11.3 to 22.4 nm. The FTIR analysis suggested that the CME contains reducing agents that consequently had a role in Cu reduction and CME-CuNP formation. Furthermore, the CME-CuNPs exhibited potent antimicrobial efficacy against different isolates which was superior to the reported values in literature. The antibacterial efficacy of CME-CuNPs on oral bacteria was compared to the synergistic solution of clindamycin with CME-CuNPs. The solution exhibited a superior capacity to prevent bacterial growth. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), and fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) of CME-CuNPs with clindamycin recorded against the selected periodontal disease-causing microorganisms were observed between the range of 2.6-3.6 ㎍/ml, 4-5 ㎍/ml and 0.312-0.5, respectively. Finally, the synergistic antimicrobial efficacy exhibited by CME-CuNPs with clindamycin against the tested strains could be useful for the future development of more effective treatments to control dental diseases.

• Korean Journal of Clinical Laboratory Science
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.119-124
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• 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are typical opportunistic pathogens. Moreover, these bacteria are known to possess multidrug-resistant (MDR) properties. This study investigates the antimicrobial activity of six fermented products, which have varying efficacies against P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and S. aureus. To identify novel candidate genes, differential expression analysis was performed using an annealing control primer. In the disk diffusion method, Fig vinegar (FV) and Diospyros kaki Thunb vinegar (DTV) showed the greatest increase in inhibition compared to other fermented products, whereas fermented Korean traditional nature herb (FKTNH) had no antibacterial effect. This study identified down-regulation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 ompW gene for outer membrane protein W, whereas gene for synthetic construct Lao1 gene for L-amino acid oxidase were up-regulated in E. coli treated with 5% FV. Consuming fermented vinegar helps prevent bacterial infections. Especially, FV and DTV are potentially useful alternative natural products for multidrug resistance. Furthermore, both are expected to be used as effective natural antimicrobial agents, such as disinfectants.

• Animal Bioscience
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• v.37 no.8
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• pp.1440-1451
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• 2024

Objective: This study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a water-soluble microencapsulation method for probiotic strains using gum Arabic (GA) and skim milk (SKM) over a three-month storage period following processing. Methods: Four strains of Pediococcus acidilactici (BYF26, BYF20, BF9, and BF14) that were typical lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from the chicken gut were mixed with different ratios of GA and SKM as coating agents before spray drying at an inlet temperature 140℃. After processing, the survivability and probiotic qualities of the strains were assessed from two weeks to three months of storage at varied temperatures, and de-encapsulation was performed to confirm the soluble properties. Finally, the antibacterial activity of the probiotics was assessed under simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Results: As shown by scanning electron microscopy, spray-drying produced a spherical, white-yellow powder. The encapsulation efficacy (percent) was greatest for a coating containing a combination of 30% gum Arabic: 30% skim milk (w/v) (GA:SKM30) compared to lower concentrations of the two ingredients (p<0.05). Coating with GA:SKM30 (w/v) significantly enhanced (p<0.05) BYF26 survival under simulated gastrointestinal conditions (pH 2.5 to 3) and maintained higher survival rates compared to non-encapsulated cells under an artificial intestinal juices condition of pH 6. De-encapsulation tests indicated that the encapsulated powder dissolved in water while keeping viable cell counts within the effective range of 10⁶ for 6 hours. In addition, following three months storage at 4℃, microencapsulation of BYF26 in GA:SKM30 maintained both the number of viable cells (p<0.05) and the preparation's antibacterial efficacy against pathogenic bacteria, specifically strains of Salmonella. Conclusion: Our prototype water-soluble probiotic microencapsulation GA:SKM30 effectively maintains LAB characteristics and survival rates, demonstrating its potential for use in preserving probiotic strains that can be used in chickens and potentially in other livestock.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.31-38
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• 1990

Cryptosporidium, a coccidian parasite first described by Tyzzer (1907) from a laboratory mouse, has become an important human enteric pathogen causing overwhelming diarrhea especially in immunocompromised patients such as AIDS. This parasite has been reported from over 20 countries and is recognized as a cosmopolitan species. In Korea, however, thEre has been no report on human as well as animal cryptosporidiosis. This study was performed so as to verify the presence of Cryptosporidium in Korea by activating the parasite from laboratory mice by immunosuppression. Total 65 conventionally.bred ICR mice including a control (5 mice) and 3 experimental groups (20 each) were used for this study. Group I was immunosuppressed with Prednisolone injection (1 mg IM, every other day) for 7 weeks. Group II (prednisolone injection and tetracycline administration) and Group III. (prednisolone injection and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole administration) were prepared to observe the effect of antibacterial agents on the activation of cryptosporidiosis. In fecal examinations of mice Cryptosporidium oocysts($4-6{\mu\textrm{m}}$ in size) were detected from 1 week after the start of immunosuppression and the mice began to die. In H-E stained tissue sections of the lower jejunum, numerous very small ($2~4{\;}{\mu\textrm{m}}$), dense, ovoid or spherical, slightly basophilic bodies were seen attached on the free border of mucosal epithelial cells. In scanning and transmission electron microscopic observations, these organisms were identified as various developmental stages of Cryptosperidium. The species is considered to be C. parvum. Cryptosporidiosis was activated not only in Group I but also in Group II and III, indicating no protective effects of the antibacterial agents used, although the mice in Group II and III lived longer than those in Group I. The present study confirmed that Cryptosporidium exists in laboratory mice bred in Korea, and predicts possible occurrence of human cryptosporidiosis in Korea.

• The Plant Pathology Journal
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• v.29 no.4
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• pp.386-396
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• 2013

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in tomato plants by Ralstonia solanacearum infection and the role of hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$) and nitric oxide in tomato bacterial wilt control were demonstrated. During disease development of tomato bacterial wilt, accumulation of superoxide anion ($O_2{^-}$) and $H_2O_2$ was observed and lipid peroxidation also occurred in the tomato leaf tissues. High doses of $H_2O_2$ and sodium nitroprusside (SNP) nitric oxide donor showed phytotoxicity to detached tomato leaves 1 day after petiole feeding showing reduced fresh weight. Both $H_2O_2$ and SNP have in vitro antibacterial activities against R. solanacearum in a dose-dependent manner, as well as plant protection in detached tomato leaves against bacterial wilt by $10^6$ and $10^7$ cfu/ml of R. solanacearum. $H_2O_2$- and SNP-mediated protection was also evaluated in pots using soil-drench treatment with the bacterial inoculation, and relative 'area under the disease progressive curve (AUDPC)' was calculated to compare disease protection by $H_2O_2$ and/or SNP with untreated control. Neither $H_2O_2$ nor SNP protect the tomato seedlings from the bacterial wilt, but $H_2O_2$ + SNP mixture significantly decreased disease severity with reduced relative AUDPC. These results suggest that $H_2O_2$ and SNP could be used together to control bacterial wilt in tomato plants as bactericidal agents.