: pABA (p-aminobenzoic acid or 4-aminobenzoic acid) is a chemical component of the folate mole-cule produced by plants and bacteria, and found in many foods. It is best known as a UV-blocking sunscreen applied to the skin, and is sometimes taken orally for certain medical conditions. Today it is known that many organic molecules in the human body can react with biometals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, iron and others. This study was performed to investigate the interaction of Cu(II) ions with p-aminobenzoic acid. Spectroscopic methods (FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy) were used to characterize the product obtained. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized complex was tested by diffusion techniques. The results of spectroscopic analysis indicate the interaction of Cu(II) ions with pABA. Interaction is realized through oxygen donor atom of ligand. It was found that the Cu(II) complex has significant antimicrobial activity compared to the pABA ligand.

Origanum compactum (O. compactum) is an endemic Moroccan medicinal herb. Numerous studies have shown that O. compactum organic extracts, essential oil and its main components possess a broader spectrum of pharmacological and therapeutic activities such as antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant and antitumour activity. This research was designed to examine the antibacterial activity of O. compactum essential oil tested on clinical bacterial strains isolated from vaginal and cervical swabs. First, antibacterial activity was tested against standard bacterial cultures: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 51299, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, and after that on clinical strains. For testing the antibacterial activity, agar diffusion and microdilution methods were used. The inhibition zones (IZ) for standard bacterial cultures were from 31.0 ± 0.57 mm to 35.0 ± 1.15 mm. The minimum inhibitory concentracion (MIC) for essential oil was tested using the broth dilution method. The values were in the range of 0.098 mg/ml - 1.562 mg/ml. O. compactum essential oil provided strong antibacterial activity for all tested microorganisms. The antibacterial activity of essential oil depends largely on the main components: carvacrol and thymol. Clinical isolates, which are more resistant in comparison with laboratory strains, are almost equally sensible to O. compactum essential oil. This essential oil could be an ideal replacement for conventional antimicrobial products, especially if we consider the increasing resistance to implemented antibiotics. In the future, O. compactum essential oil could be an option in the treatment of gynecological infections.

The aim of this work was to investigate the interaction of Imatinib mesylate with biological ions Cu(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) in ethanol/water solutions. Structures of synthesized complexes were characterized by spectroscopy methods. Stereo-microscopy was used for determination of morphological properties of obtained crystals. The results of IR spectroscopy showed that biogenic metal complexes with ImM were formed through the oxygen donors of mesylate ion. Changes of crystals colours and sizes of the parent ligand and complexes were clearly seen. Antimicrobial screening revealed a significant effect of Co(ImM)2 complex on the tested microorganisms. This complex also showed significant antioxidant activity compared to Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes.

Ciprofloxacin, CFL is a drug that belongs to the second generation of fluoroquinolone antibiotics with a wide range of effects on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this work was to investigate the interaction of CFL as ligand with divalent biological cations (Mn2+, Ni2+ and Co2+) in approximate physiological conditions. Synthesized complexes were characterized using FTIR and stereo-microscopy. Antimicrobial screening was performed on bacterial strains of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus aureus. The results of FTIR spectroscopy showed that the M(II) complexes with CFL were formed through the oxygen donors of the carboxyl and carbonyl group of the ligand. Stereo-microscopic characterization revealed the difference in color and size of crystals of the ligand and metal complexes. Antimicrobial screening has shown that CFL and complexes have almost similar antimicrobial activity against investigated bacterial strains.

The aim of this study was to determine the total phenolic content, evaluate antioxidant propertie and antimicrobial potential, and identify phenolic compounds in alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the wild cherry (Prunus avium L.) stems collected in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Alcoholic extracts had higher contents of phenolic and flavonoid components, as well as the antioxidant and ferric reducing antioxidant capacity in comparison to aqueous extracts. All extracts were characterized by HPLC analysis. Furthermore, for the first time, the antimicrobial properties of wild cherry stem extracts were evaluated. Quercetin and (+)-catechin were the main compounds identified in the alcoholic extract, followed by chlorogenic acid and rutin. Quercetin was also the major component detected in aqueous extracts. Besides, alcoholic extract showed better antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus as a representative gram-positive bacteria than infusion, whereas none of the samples showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and fungus Candida albicans.

UDK: 574.5:579.68(285)(497.6) In the spring and summer season of 2014, the change in the number of coliform and heterotrophic bacteria in specific localities of lake Bistarac and lake Vidara were observed and analyzed. Lake Bistarac was formed after the cessation of surface mining in the open pit, while lake Vidara is the artificial lake in the area of Gradacac made in order to protect the industrial zone of flooding. Both of these lakes, placed in Tuzla Canton, are very attractive for tourist and frequently are used for swimming, fishing and recreation. Results of this study showed an increased number of coliform bacteria in both periods, and the presence of Escherichia coli as a direct indicator of fecal pollution, while, as an additional indicator of fecal pollution, Citrobacter and Enterobacter were identified. From the total number of analyzed water samples of the lake Bistarac, 60% of samples belonged into to the second class, and 40% into the first class of water quality. Lake Vidara showed poor quality as the 80% of the analysed samples belonged to the second class and only 20% into the first class of water quality. For the microbiological assessment of the water quality standard microbiological procedures and methods were used. One of the main reasons for poor hygienic state of these two lakes is unregulated sewage network of the villages, restaurants and camping areas placed near the lakes. The increased number of fecal bacteria was found in the water of both lakes, which can be highly dangerous for the human population. Since both lakes are used for recreational purposes it is necessary to establish an appropriate monitoring system on the basis of which is possible to take measures and to protect and improve water quality.