Aida Iraji

Bio: Aida Iraji is an academic researcher from Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Medicine & Chemistry. The author has an hindex of 17, co-authored 75 publications receiving 674 citations. Previous affiliations of Aida Iraji include Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman & Shiraz University.

Antiviral activity of the oseltamivir and Melissa officinalis L. essential oil against avian influenza A virus (H9N2)

Abstract: Lemon balm derivatives are going to acquire a novelty as natural and potent remedy for treatment of viral infections since the influenza viruses are developing resistance to the current antivirals widely. Oseltamivir, Melissa officinalis essential oil (MOEO) and their synergistic efficacy against avian influenza virus (AIV) subtype H9N2 were evaluated in vitro in MDCK cells at different time exposure by using TCID50, HA, Real Time PCR and HI assay. The results showed that MOEO could inhibit replication of AVI through the different virus replication phase (P ≤ 0.05). Also the highest antiviral activity of MOEO was seen when AIV incubated with MOEO before cell infection. The TCID50/ml was reduced 1.3–2.1, 2.3–2.8, 3.7–4.5 log 10 than control group (5.6 log 10), HAU/50 µl was decreased 85–94, 71.4–94, 71.4–94 % and viral genome copy number/µl was brought down 68–95, 90–100, 89.6–99.9 % at pre-infection, post-infection and simultaneous stage, respectively. Hemagglutination inhibition result showed the MOEO was not able to inhibit agglutination of the chicken red blood cell (cRBC). Replication of the AVI was suppressed by the different concentration of oseltamivir completely or near 100 %. Also oseltamivir showed a synergistic activity with MOEO especially when oseltamivir concentration reduced under 0.005 mg/ml. The chemical composition was examined by GC–MS analysis and Its main constituents were identified as monoterpenaldehydes citral a, citral b. In conclusion, the findings of the study showed that lemon balm essential oil could inhibit influenza virus replication through different replication cycle steps especially throughout the direct interaction with the virus particles.

Synthesis of novel sepiolite-iron oxide-manganese dioxide nanocomposite and application for lead(II) removal from aqueous solutions.

Abstract: In this study, the sepiolite-iron oxide-manganese dioxide (Sep-Fe3O4-MnO2) nanocomposite was synthesized and applied as a magnetically separable adsorbent for removal of Pb(II) ions from water in a batch system. The effects of initial Pb(II) concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, pH value, and temperature were investigated to optimize the conditions for maximum adsorption. The equilibrium adsorption data were analyzed with the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin models. The adsorption process closely agreed with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and the monolayer saturation adsorption value was achieved as 131.58 mg g-1. The adsorption kinetics follow the pseudo-second-order (PSO) model that illustrated the rate controlling step might be chemisorption. Thermodynamic investigations for the removal process were conducted by determining the values of ∆G°, ∆H°, and ∆S°. The adsorption behavior of Pb(II) on the Sep-Fe3O4-MnO2 was a spontaneous and endothermic process. Several consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles confirmed that the proposed Sep-Fe3O4-MnO2 nanocomposite could be reused after successive lead removal. Furthermore, the practical application of the adsorbent was successfully realized by the treatment of real Pb-contaminated water samples.

Antimicrobial Properties of Plant Essential Oils against Human Pathogens and Their Mode of Action: An Updated Review.

Abstract: A wide range of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs) have been explored for their essential oils in the past few decades. Essential oils are complex volatile compounds, synthesized naturally in different plant parts during the process of secondary metabolism. Essential oils have great potential in the field of biomedicine as they effectively destroy several bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. The presence of different types of aldehydes, phenolics, terpenes, and other antimicrobial compounds means that the essential oils are effective against a diverse range of pathogens. The reactivity of essential oil depends upon the nature, composition, and orientation of its functional groups. The aim of this article is to review the antimicrobial potential of essential oils secreted from MAPs and their possible mechanisms of action against human pathogens. This comprehensive review will benefit researchers who wish to explore the potential of essential oils in the development of novel broad-spectrum key molecules against a broad range of drug-resistant pathogenic microbes.

Recent Advances and Challenges towards Sustainable Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) Production

Abstract: Sustainable biofuels, biomaterials, and fine chemicals production is a critical matter that research teams around the globe are focusing on nowadays. Polyhydroxyalkanoates represent one of the biomaterials of the future due to their physicochemical properties, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Designing efficient and economic bioprocesses, combined with the respective social and environmental benefits, has brought together scientists from different backgrounds highlighting the multidisciplinary character of such a venture. In the current review, challenges and opportunities regarding polyhydroxyalkanoate production are presented and discussed, covering key steps of their overall production process by applying pure and mixed culture biotechnology, from raw bioprocess development to downstream processing.

Cholinesterase inhibitors as Alzheimer's therapeutics (Review).

Abstract: Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common forms of dementia. AD is a chronic syndrome of the central nervous system that causes a decline in cognitive function and language ability. Cholinergic deficiency is associated with AD, and various cholinesterase inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of AD, including naturally‑derived inhibitors, synthetic analogues and hybrids. Currently, the available drugs for AD are predominantly cholinesterase inhibitors. However, the efficacy of these drugs is limited as they may cause adverse side effects and are not able to completely arrest the progression of the disease. Since AD is multifactorial disease, dual and multi‑target inhibitors have been developed. The clinical applications and the limitations of the inhibitors used to treat AD are discussed in the present review. Additionally, this review presents the current status and future directions for the development of novel drugs with reduced toxicity and preserved pharmacological activity.