Iraqi Journal of Biotechnology

The current study describes an Eco-friendly biosynthesis of copper nano structure (Cu nano
sheets) employing a palm trunk extract extract as a capping agent with copper nitrate. The product was
characterized for structural, morphological and optical properties, XRD results reveal the structural
characteristics of the Cu nano sheets. The results demonstrated that there is no sign of the hexagonal face
and that all of the diffraction peaks are linked to the FCC structure. According to calculations, Cu nano
sheets have a crystallite size of 29 nm. SEM was used to examine the surface morphology formation, and
the synthesized Cu nano sheets had the shape of a layer. According to UV-visible spectroscopy, which
explains the optical absorption shows a sharp absorbance with a peak at 270 nm. Using the agar well disc
diffusion method, the antibacterial activity was assessed against a range of pathogens. The zone of
inhibition measured 40 mm for Staphylococcus aureus and 50 mm for Bacillus subtilis.

This study aimed to detected the antibacterial and antivirulence properties of zine oxide
nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) nanoparticles biosynthesized by Lactobacillus salivarius against bacterial
infections from wounds and burns such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia,
Acinetobacter baumanii and Staphylococcus aureus. By calculating the minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC), the antibacterial activity was assessed. The results indicated that the MIC varied
from 12.5 to 50 mg/ml. The anti-virulence factors were also found to be effective against the studied
bacteria\'s hemolysin, urease, and biofilm formation. Results indicated that after being used in treatment
with biosynthesized ZnO nanoparticles, the capacity to produce urease and hemolysin was reduced. The
best effect was observed in biofilm formation after 72 hours for all isolates, with inhibition(14.07, 25.85,
41.08, 52.85, 46.43, 55.1, 36.9, 43.22 )% for each of isolates P. aeruginosa (P8), P. aeruginosa (P11), A.
baumanii (A3), A. baumanii (A9), K.pneumoniae (K5), K.pneumoniae (K6), S .aureus (S3), S. aureus
(S9) respectively.

Iodine has long 70 years played an essential role in thyroid health, in addition to its uses in
medicine. This element is used in medical applications because of its antiseptic properties. It is considered
an antiseptic for healing and sterilizing wounds, and it has been proven that this element is invaluable in
this field. To study the electronic characteristics, including the energy gap, HOMO-LUMO, nuclear
magnetic resonance, force constant, in addition to the spectral characteristics like infrared and Raman, as
a function of the frequency of iodine, UV-visible, and NMR. The methodology uses DFT and TD-DFT
for all electron levels. The results display The NMR for Iodine showed a positive potential in the center of
the ring due to the number of electrons being insufficient to protect for the nuclear charge The highest
peak is in the high-frequency area (380 cm-1) Iodine uptake analysis is used to evaluate thyroid function,
diagnose benign and malignant tumors, or follow the course and progress of treatment.

Dental caries is mostly caused by Streptocuccus mutans, and the pathogencity of this species is
mainly due to the biofilm formation. Silver nanoparticles were produced using the cinnamon bark extract.
It was noted that the potential for biosynthesizing silver nanoparticles occurred through color change, as
the color of the mixture consisting of the extract of the cinnamon bark and silver nitrate changed from
colorless to yellow within one hour, then after eight hours of incubation, to dark brown. The synthesized
silver nanoparticles were characterized by the formation of a 431 nm wavelength absorption band,
indicating the production of silver nanoparticles. The sizes of the silver nanoparticles were then
determined through a scan electron microscope, where their average sizes ranged between 29.59-53.89
nm, while FTIR determined the functional groups for them and the proteins that can bind to silver
nanoparticles have a ranged between 593.4 - 2978.4 cm-1. Six (24%) isolates belonged to Streptococcus.
mutans were obtained from the dental plaques of patients with tooth decay. S. mutans showed complete
resistance to ampicillin, cefepime, and amoxicillin while demonstrated sensitivity to erythromycin,
tetracycline, and to ciprofloxacin. Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticle revealed that when the
concentrations increase, the inhibition zone of multidrug resistant S. mutant isolates maximized until it
reached a maximum inhibition of 200 µg/ml. when silver nanoparticle mixed with more resistant
antibiotics, the antibacterial properties were strengthened by the presence of silver nanoparticles. of the
majority of resistance antibiotics, such as ampicillin, gentamicin, cefepime, and amoxicillin against S.
mutant.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common bacterium that causes diseases that are problematic to
treat, its pervasiveness and contribution to increased morbidity and mortality have shown the need for
developing and applying natural alternative antimicrobial medicines to control MDR bacteria. The aim of
the study, the efficacy of Vitex agnus-castus leaf extract was experienced against MDR P. aeruginosa.
and examining this extract’s synergistic relationship with drugs to which the target microorganisms were
resistant. Sixteen isolates of P. aeruginosa were obtained from Iraqi patients admitted to the Al Kindy
Teaching Hospital in Baghdad. After testing for antibiotic vulnerability on every isolate, it was found that
7 (43.75%) of the isolates were MDR. After V. agnus leaves were extracted alcoholically, active
compounds were discovered by GC-MS analysis of the Vitex agnus extract. Using the microdilution broth
method, the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of methanolic V. Agnus extract was 512 μg/mL.
The antibacterial activity of plant active components that prevent bacterial growth and decrease resistance
to most tested antibiotics, with the highest effect toward Ciprofloxacin and Meropenem (P
value=0.0001), may be mirrored in the antibacterial activity of the V. agnus extract (at MIC value) when
studied as an antibacterial agent against MDR isolates. There was a synergistic effect of combined V.
agnus extract and antibiotics against P. aeruginosa. This was estimating by the increase in diameters of
fold for the inhibition zones of each antibiotic disk after a combination with Vitex extract. The maximum
increase in the fold was 330% when Meropenem and V. agnus extract were combined. Combining Vitex
extract with antibiotics has the potential to be beneficial as a therapeutic agent for treating bacteria and in
the fight against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the opportunistic bacterial pathogens that has a great
tendency to develop resistance to many types of antibiotics, and contributes to its pathogenicity and
danger to the host , its possession of several virulence factors such as The biofilm, the bacteria have a
biofilm become highly resistant to immune system and antibiotic treatment, therefore, it is believed that
treatment with phages can be effective for eliminating the biofilm and thus reducing the risk and
virulence of bacteria. One hundred clinical samples of wounds and burns were collected from Baghdad
city hospitals for the purpose of outwardly identification it and observing the bacteria on the culture in
terms of its color, shape and distinctive smell in addition to its ability to produce pigment, and to
identification it microscopically, it was stained with Gram stain and biochemical tests (Catalase, Oxidase,
IMVC), and final identification by using VITEK2 system. In this study, 42 clinical isolates of P.
aeruginosa were obtained after phenotypic, microscopic identification, using VITEK2 system to final
identification. Their antibiotics resistance was tested by determining the Minimum Inhibitory
Concentration (MIC). It showed different levels of resistance. The results showed the high sensitivity of
the biofilm towards the bacterial phage and its ability to disperse its biomass, compared to the detection
results before treatment. High inhibition rates were recorded for the biofilm. The results of detection
before treatment were 42.85%. With strong composition, 50% with medium composition, and 7.14% with
weak membrane formation, but it showed a difference in the percentages after treatment, as the
percentage of 4.76%, that is, only two isolates, maintained its effectiveness in forming biofilm at a strong
level, while the rest of the isolates ranged between 57.14% with medium composition. Also, 38.09% are
weakly formed weak.

Cinnamaldehyde is an essential component of cinnamon has antibacterial property, and thus it
provides a potential application to the global problem of antibiotic resistance. The goal of this paper is to
improve the extraction method for cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon and evaluate it antibacterial efficiency
against pathogenic bacteria. The cinnamaldehyde extracted from cinnamon powder with 95% ethanol,
then the cinnamonaldehyd separated by solid phase extraction (SPE) with a carbon based sorbent (CBS)
resin. To obtain better extraction yield, SPE parameters were optimized. The concentration of
cinnamonaldehyde was evaluated by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The extraction
results indicate that the optimum parameters for SPE are pH 9, 10 min contact time, and using
isopropanol as elution solvent. The cinnamaldehyde yield was 0.72%. To evaluate the antimicrobial
activity, clinical specimens were collected and bacterial isolates were identified, then susceptibility to
antibiotics was tested, and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against bacterial strains was
estimated using a microdilution technique. Cinnamaldehyde demonstrated bactericidal activity against
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
Staphylococcus aureus with a MIC ranging from 128 to 2048 µg/ml.

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is always connected with Escherichia coli bacteria; Antibiotic
resistance in these bacteria is an unlimited threat in treating UTI. Plasmids are extrachromosomal
elements for medically important characters, such as antibiotic resistance, in addition to be the main way
of horizontal gene transfer of the in bacteria. The study involved isolating and characterizing bacterial
strains using Methylene Blue (EMB) and MacConkey agar, revealing pink colonies of E. coli indicative
of lactose fermentation. Biochemical tests showed fermentation of glucose, lactose, and sucrose, with
positive results for indole and methyl red, while being negative for Voges-Proskauer and citrate
utilization. E. coli, a common cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs), poses challenges due to
unidentified genetic factors affecting pathogenicity and antibiotic resistance genes found on plasmids.
Meanwhile, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates displayed beta-hemolysis and pigment production.
Antimicrobial susceptibility tests indicated that E. coli was highly sensitive to several antibiotics, whereas
Pseudomonas aeruginosa was resistant to ciprofloxacin but sensitive to others. The recommended
treatment for uncomplicated cystitis includes nitrofurantoin and fosfomycin, with ciprofloxacin reserved
for severe infections. Conjugation experiments confirmed the transfer of ciprofloxacin resistance genes,
suggesting their presence on conjugative plasmids.

Hospitals serve as focal points for the prliferation and dissemination of antimicrobial-resistant
bacteria (ARB), significantly contributing to their emergence and transmission, with a large quantity
discharged through wastewater systems. Antimicrobial-resistant bacteria present a pressing public health
issue in the twenty-first century, primarily driven by the overuse and improper use of antimicrobials. A
variety of bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Escherichia coli (at a low percentage), and Klebsiella pneumoniae, were widespread in
operating rooms, pediatric sections, intensive care, patient rooms, and burn units. Notably, Acinetobacter
baumannii was most prevalent, with rates fluctuating between 16.12% and 40.67% from February to
September, peaking in March and equaling Staphylococcus aureus in April. Drug susceptibility testing
revealed that Acinetobacter was more sensitive to Ceftriaxone and more resistant to Amoxicillin, while
other bacteria exhibited varying susceptibilities and resistances. Klebsiella showed higher resistance to
Tetracycline, and E. coli was notably resistant to Tetracycline as well. These findings underscore the
critical need for effective strategies to combat antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.

The current study carried out to determine the predominance of bacterial isolates responsible
for body fluid infections and determine the antimicrobial resistance patterns of all bacteria which isolated
in this study during a period extended form the first of January, 2021 to the end of December, 2021 at
Teaching Laboratories in the medical city. During this study, 212 body fluids specimens (synovial,
pleural, ascetic, Cerebra spinal fluid (CSF), seminal, peritoneal, BAL, nasal and bronchial fluids) were
collected from both sexes and all ages. Bacterial isolates were isolated according to standard
microbiology methods, then the identification of bacteria was done by Vitek-II system. Out of these 212,
the highest percentage was from ascitic fluid 72(33.96%) while the lowest percentage was from nasal
fluid 2(0.94%). On the other hand 81 (38.21%) of specimens showed positive bacterial growth, while 131
(61.79%) of specimens showed negative bacterial growth. Out of 81 positive bacterial growth, 51(63%)
of the bacteria were Gram-positive and 30(37%) of the bacteria were Gram-negative. Out of those 51
isolates of the gram positive bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates were predominant 9(17.65%),
followed by Staph. hominis ssp hominis 8(15.68%), while Burkholderia capacia isolates 7(23.33%) were
the predominant gram negative bacteria followed by isolates of Escherichia coli 5(16.67%). Isolates of
Gram negative bacteria including Burkholderia capacia, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Acinetobacter
baumannii, Pseudomonas and Entereobacter showed highest resistance rate toward Ampicillin,
Aztreonam, Cefazolin and Ceftriaxone and the highest sensitivity rate was toward Meropenem and
Imipenem. Isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniea ssp. Pneumoniae, Salmonella entrica and Acinetobacter
baumannii isolated in this study were multi-drug resistance and they resist to all antimicrobial agents used
in this study.

Nanotechnology offers new perspectives on the efficient treatment and control of disease
caused by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. Various nanoparticle conjugates have shown wide-
ranging antibacterial activity. The synthesis of copper-cobalt oxide (CuO–CoO) nanoparticles was
achieved using a photo irradiation approach. The structure and crystallographic phase of the nanoparticles
were determined using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The size and shape of the product were
examined using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The
antibacterial efficacy of CuO–CoO NPs was assessed against multidrug resistance (MDR), extensively
drug-resistant (XDR), and potentially pans drug-resistant (PAN) microorganisms using the agar well
diffusion technique. It was found that the average crystallite size of binary CuO-CoO NPs was 16 nm.
The range of particle sizes shown in the (TEM) image is 25- 35 nm. Several agglomerated nanoparticles
with various sizes caused by various metal oxide nanoparticles are apparent in the SEM image of the
binary CuO-CoO NPs. The concentrations of nanoparticles were 10000 µg/ml, which exhibited the
highest inhibitory impact against the MDR isolate, measuring 18 mm However, the least inhibitory effect
against the XDR isolate was seen at a concentration of 10000 µg/ml, measuring 13 mm. The minimum
inhibitory concentration MIC of CuO–CoO NPs was determined using the micro-dilution technique. The
findings revealed that the (MIC) for Cuo-CoO NPs against the (MDR) isolate was 1250 µg/ml, but the
MIC for the (XDR) isolate was 2500 µg/ml. The bacteria that were tested exhibited notable variations in
their susceptibility to Cuo-CoO NPs the bacteria that displayed the highest resistance to Cuo-CoO NPs in
this study were also resistant to all antibiotics (PAN). Conversely, the MDR strain demonstrated the
highest sensitivity to Cuo-CoO NPs.

Acinetobacter baumannii strains can have incredible antibacterial resistance. This species is
resistant to several antibiotics, including aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, fluoroquinolones, β-lactams
(including carbapenems), and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, eventually becoming multidrug-resistant
(MDR). In this study two hundred fifteen specimens were collected from different clinical sites from
Tikrit city Hospitals. The total of 38 Acinetobacter baumannii isolates were isolated using Acinetobacter
HICHROM agar, and confirmed by VITEK2 compact system, and 16s rRNA gene. Antibiotic
susceptibility test was performed. Phenotypic and genotypic biofilm and capsular polysaccharide
formation were investigated. The result showed that this bacterium was resistant for more than two of
drug classes. Also, (94.73%, n=36) of bacterial isolates were phenotypic biofilm formed. The bacterial
isolates that produced capsule were (92.1, n=35). The molecular results were confirmed that (97.36%,
n=37) of bacterial isolates were carried bap gen which one of the most crucial biofilm forming in A.
baumannii. The epsA and ptk genes, which are complicated in capsule association and polymerization.
Molecular detection of these two gens showed that (92.1%, n=35) of isolates carried these two gens. The
result indicated that the isolates which resistant to more antimicrobial agents have ability to produced
biofilm and capsular polysaccharide

Antiseptics are commonly used in surgical settings to reduce the risk of infections. However,
there is growing concern about the potential impact of antiseptics on the skin microbiota, which plays a
crucial role in maintaining skin health and preventing infections. This study aims to explore the effects of
antiseptics on the skin microbiota in surgical settings. Swabs were taken from 340 different sites of skin
divided into four groups including; group 1 included160 swabs, group 2 included 50 swabs, group 3
included 100 swabs, group 4 included 30 swabs, taken from patients’ skin before surgery at the site of
cesarean incision from several positions before and after sterilization with 10% povidone-iodine and with
10% povidone-iodine mixed with 70% ethanol, and from infected surgical sites. The bacterial isolates
were identified by phenotypic and biochemical tests, as well as VITEK-2 assay. Staphylococcus
epidermidis was the prevalent bacteria isolated from skin sample sources in group 1, 2, and 3 with a total
rate 81% followed by Staphylococcus aureus which was dominant in group 4 that included surgical site
infection swabs. In addition, other bacteria species were isolated from different skin sites such as
Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Kocuria kristinae, Enterobacter cloacae, Aerococcus viridans, Pantoea,
and Burkholderia cepacian. Also, the study included the samples of skin microbiota will be collected
from surgical staff and patients before and after exposure to antiseptics. Next-generation sequencing
techniques will be employed to analyze changes in the composition and diversity of the skin microbiota.
The findings of this study were provided valuable insights into the impact of antiseptics on the skin
microbiota in surgical settings. This information can help healthcare professionals make informed
decisions about the use of antiseptics and develop strategies to preserve the skin microbiota while
effectively preventing infections during surgical procedures.

The selenium nanoparticles are known to exhibit diverse biological properties such as
antibacterial, antifungal, and antibiofilm. The study aims to biosynthesize selenium nanoparticles using
Escherichia coli and evaluate their antimicrobial and antibiofilm efficacy. In this study, selenium
nanoparticles was biosynthesized from the precursor (sodium selenite) using Escherichia coli (65)
isolates, and the biofabricated nanoparticles were characterized employing an array of techniques
including UV–visible spectroscopy (at 266 nm), X-ray diffraction (at 2θ of 27.605 , 32.092, 45.652,
56.815). Scanning electron microscope (39.5-50.7 nm) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; also
the Dynamic Light Scattering analysis measured the size distribution and poly dispersity index (PDI). The
data also revealed that E.coli Se-NPs effectively inhibited the growth of pathogens (Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans),
also, the highest inhibition zones (21, 20 and 19 mm) was noticed to Candida albicans, Klebsiella
pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus respectively. The inhibition and degradation of bacterial biofilm
were studied against all the tested strains (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae , E. coli and
Candida albicans. The antibiofilm against all pathogenic microorganisms were strong inhibition and the
antibiofilm activity of SeNPs were statistically significant at concentrations of Minimum inhibitory
concentration (MIC) and sub MIC μg/mL (∗P value <0.05), and this was further confirmed by scanning
electron microscopy (SEM). The current study concluded that E.coli- SeNPs could be used to prepare
biological antimicrobial and antibiofilm agent effective against major pathogenic microbes.