SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Background: Antibiotic resistance is currently one of the biggest problems in public health. Infectious diseases are the second human death cause, and the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria increases mortality and morbidity rates. There is a growing clinical need for the development of new antibiotics. In this line, WHO issued an alert about 12 bacteria with an urgent need to develop new antibiotics. Aims: This review aims to analyze the current knowledge of their antibacterial activity against the gram-positive pathogens listed by WHO and their extraction techniques. Methods: We systematically reviewed the literature in PubMed, searching publications describing the use of natural extracts as antibiotics over bacteria. The exclusion criteria consisted of limiting papers on natural extracts tested over the bacteria culture related to eleven selected bacteria, according to an alert issued by WHO in 2017, and seven plant extracts. Results: All the gram-positive bacteria present in the WHO alert have been treated, with different degrees of advance, with some of the plant extracts and plant-based compounds reviewed. Currently, they are in the preclinical stage. Edible herbs are more often used, as well as artemisia and wine byproducts. Discussion: Natural products based on plants have shown to be efficient in inhibiting bacterial growth, even in antibiotic-resistant strains. The classical extraction methods are still in use and have been improved with the available technology to improve efficiency and yield. Conclusions: Ongoing evidence shows that plant extracts and plant-based compounds are effective as antibacterial, with minimal effects on the host cell, a promising antibiotic source. Furthermore, they are sustainable, environmentally friendly, and renewable.

Background: Candidiasis, caused mainly by Candida albicans yeast, is a pathology that affects a significant amount of people in the world, mainly women, thus being a public health issue. In addition, clinical practice has found it difficult to treat candidiasis for two reasons: the multidrug resistance associated with the exacerbated use of available drugs and the high number of side effects caused by current antifungal drugs. In this scenario, this work is a literature review on the antifungal activity of metal complexes against C. albicans since they are extensively studied for their varied applications in health sciences, as an object of study in the area of inorganic chemistry, in the subareas of bioinorganic chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. Aim: The present work consists of a literature review in electronic databases on the potential antifungal action against Candida albicans presented by metal complexes. Methods: Data was collected using the Capes, PubMed, Cochrane Reviews and Virtual Health Library (BVS) databases. Results: The results obtained through bibliographic surveys show the importance of studies of metal complexes against the strain of C. albicans, which have promising inhibitory activities and in some cases, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values lower than 20µg/mL Discussion: The results obtained through bibliographic surveys show the importance of studies of metal complexes against the strain of C. albicans, which have promising inhibitory activities, and in some cases, with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) values lower than 20µg/mL. Conclusion: Highlighting the activity performed by ruthenium complexes and Schiff bases when coordinated to metallic ions arouses great interest in a future study of a complex of this metal with a Schiff base in its coordination site.

Background: The interview with Professor Dr. Fernando Luiz Pellegrini Pessoa covers his extensive career and contributions to chemical engineering, focusing on innovations and sustainability. Objectives: To explore Professor Pellegrini's experiences in various areas of chemical engineering, including teaching methods, research in supercritical extraction, biodiesel production, and process intensification. Methods: Semi-structured interview addressing topics such as academic and industrial career, teaching methods, ongoing research, and future perspectives for the chemical industry. Results: Professor Pellegrini highlighted the importance of practical application of theoretical knowledge, the development of the Water Source Diagram method, advances in supercritical extraction and biodiesel production, and the need for process intensification in the industry. Discussion: The interview revealed the importance of integration between academia and industry, the need for teaching methods that facilitate learning, and the challenges in implementing sustainable and efficient technologies in the chemical industry. Conclusion: Professor Pellegrini emphasizes the importance of process intensification and sustainability in the evolution of the chemical industry. He highlights the need for greater collaboration between academia and industry to address future challenges and implement innovative solutions.