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Browsing by Author "Lima, Cláudio"

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  • Harvesting the power of green synthesis: gold nanoparticles tailored for prostate cancer therapy
    Publication . Oliveira, Marco; Sousa, André; Sá, Sara; Soares, Sílvia; Pereira, Ana Cláudia; Rocha, Ana Catarina; Pais, Patrick; Ferreira, Diogo; Almeida, Cátia; Luís, Carla; Lima, Cláudio; Almeida, Fábio; Gestoso, Álvaro; Duarte, Miguel-Correa; Barata, Pedro; Martins-Mendes, Daniela; Baylina, Pilar; Pereira, Carla F.; Fernandes, Rúben
    Biosynthetic gold nanoparticles (bAuNPs) present a promising avenue for enhancing biocompatibility and offering an economically and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional production methods, achieved through a reduction in the use of hazardous chemicals. While the potential of bAuNPs as anticancer agents has been explored, there is a limited body of research focusing on the crucial physicochemical conditions influencing bAuNP production. In this study, we aim to identify the optimal growth phase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultures that maximizes the redox potential and coordinates the formation of bAuNPs with increased efficiency. The investigation employs 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCIP) as a redox indicator. Simultaneously, we explore the impact of temperature, pH, and incubation duration on the biosynthesis of bAuNPs, with a specific emphasis on their potential application as antitumor agents. Characterization of the resulting bAuNPs is conducted using ATR-FT-IR, TEM, and UV-Vis spectroscopy. To gain insights into the anticancer potential of bAuNPs, an experimental model is employed, utilizing both non-neoplastic (HPEpiC) and neoplastic (PC3) epithelial cell lines. Notably, P. aeruginosa cultures at 9 h/OD600 = 1, combined with biosynthesis at pH 9.0 for 24 h at 58 ◦C, produce bAuNPs that exhibit smaller, more spherical, and less aggregated characteristics. Crucially, these nanoparticles demonstrate negligible effects on HPEpiC cells while significantly impacting PC3 cells, resulting in reduced viability, migration, and lower IL-6 levels. This research lays the groundwork for the development of more specialized, economical, and ecologically friendly treatment modalities.
    2024-02-14Journal article Open access Show more
  • The history and applications of phage therapy in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
    Publication . Silva, Carina; Sá, Sara; Guedes, Carla; Oliveira, Carla; Lima, Cláudio; Oliveira, Marco; Mendes, João; Novais, Gonçalo; Baylina, Pilar; Fernandes, Rúben
    The Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the bacteria that cause serious infections due to resistance to many antibiotics can be fatal in severe cases. Antimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern. To solve this problem, interest in phage therapy has revived; some studies are being developed to try to prove the effectiveness of this therapy. Thus, in this opinion article, several historical aspects are addressed as well some applications of phage therapy against P. aeruginosa.
    2021-12-28Journal article Open access Show more