The Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology for Postgraduate Studies at the University of Baghdad discussed the PhD dissertation of student Ziyad Shallal Abbas, titled:
“The Effect of Chitosan Nanoparticles Prepared Using Cinnamomum cassia Bark Extract on the Gene Expression of Some Virulence Factors in Klebsiella pneumoniae,”
under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Imad Hamdi Jassim.
The study aimed to prepare nanoparticles using cinnamon bark extract and to evaluate their inhibitory effectiveness against Klebsiella pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for urinary tract infections. The expected results indicated an inhibitory effect of the nanoparticles on the studied bacteria and on the gene expression of certain virulence factors.
The study demonstrated that cinnamon is one of the most widely used spices globally and is a valuable source of many bioactive antibacterial compounds.
Key findings of the study include:
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A high percentage of K. pneumoniae isolates from urinary tract infections were multidrug-resistant and strong biofilm producers.
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The study identified the presence of biofilm-forming genes in all examined K. pneumoniae isolates.
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The green-synthesized CHE-CSNPs (chitosan nanoparticles with C. cassia extract) showed significant antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae isolates from urinary tract infections.
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The study revealed high levels of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in the prepared extracts.
The research recommended further investigation into the effect of CHE-CSPs and CHE on the expression of other virulence genes in K. pneumoniae, as well as exploring their antioxidant, antidiabetic, antifungal, and antiviral activities in both in vivo and in vitro settings.
Additional recommendations included:
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Exploring the cardioprotective and cytoprotective effects of CHE-CSPs and CHE.
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Studying the pharmacological impact of C. cassia essential oils.
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Investigating the angiogenesis-stimulating effects of C. cassia extracts.
