Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
C. Woo, S. Jung, J. I. I. Fugaban, J. E. V. Bucheli, W. H. Holzapfel, S. D. Todorov
Summary: This study successfully isolated a strain of Leuconostoc citreum with high specific antimicrobial activity against Listeria sp. and Enterococcus sp. The bacteriocin produced by this strain showed specific inhibition of Listeria species and enterococcal species, making it a potential candidate for biopreservation applications or biotherapy of antibiotic resistant infections.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov, Richard Weeks, Igor Popov, Bernadette Dora Gombossy de Melo Franco, Michael Leonidas Chikindas
Summary: This study focuses on two strains of lactic acid bacteria that produce bacteriocin-like inhibitor substances (BLIS) active against Candida albicans. The BLIS showed antimicrobial activity against both Listeria monocytogenes and C. albicans. It was found that the adsorption levels of BLIS to C. albicans were influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of a contraceptive.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Kelly Jobling, David W. Graham, Shamas Tabraiz, Burhan Shamurad, Mohamed Alnakip, Karola Bohme, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Monica Carrera, Pilar Calo-Mata
Summary: This study employed proteomic analysis to rapidly characterize two bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strains and demonstrated the great potential of this workflow in determining and optimizing the bioengineering and biotechnology properties of other LAB strains in the food industry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Srusti Udayakumar, Dissanayake M. D. Rasika, Hasitha Priyashantha, Janak K. Vidanarachchi, Chaminda Senaka Ranadheera
Summary: Maintaining the quality and shelf life of plant-based food and beverages is crucial. Using probiotic microorganisms as biopreservatives can enhance food safety and extend shelf life.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jose Ramos-Vivas, Olga Tapia, Maria Elexpuru-Zabaleta, Kilian Tutusaus Pifarre, Yasmany Armas Diaz, Maurizio Battino, Francesca Giampieri
Summary: Hafnia alvei is a bacterium that has attracted attention in the medical and veterinary field. It produces a wide variety of molecules, which has led to interest in its use as a probiotic, its impact on the microbiota, and its presence in consumer foods. This bacterium is capable of producing Acyl Homoserine Lactones (AHLs), a type of quorum-sensing signaling molecule, and has been found to promote certain enzymatic activities in fermented foods. It also produces molecules that modify the organoleptic properties of products, particularly cheeses. Additionally, some strains of H. alvei have been found to produce antibacterial compounds and other compounds of interest in clinical medicine and the food industry.
Article
Immunology
Diogo Contente, Patricia Diaz-Rosales, Javier Feito, Lara Diaz-Formoso, Felix Docando, Rocio Simon, Juan Borrero, Pablo E. Hernandez, Patricia Poeta, Estefania Munoz-Atienza, Luis M. Cintas, Carolina Tafalla
Summary: Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are frequently used as probiotics in aquaculture and have been shown to positively affect the growth, survival rate, and immunological status of fish. LAB produce antimicrobial peptides called bacteriocins, which have been well-studied for their antimicrobial properties. However, the direct immunomodulatory effects of bacteriocins in fish have not been extensively explored. In this study, the immunomodulatory effects of different bacteriocin-producing LAB strains were compared, and it was found that these strains had varying effects on immune functions, with nisin Z being the most potent immunomodulator.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Samantha Joy D. Valledor, Clarizza May Dioso, Jorge Enrique Vazquez Bucheli, Yu Jin Park, Dong Ho Suh, Eun Sung Jung, Bobae Kim, Wilhelm Heinrich Holzapfel, Svetoslav Dimitrov Todorov
Summary: Enterococcus faecium ST20Kc and ST41Kc isolated from kimchi produce bacteriocins with strong activity against Listeria monocytogenes and various Enterococcus spp. The antimicrobials are proteinaceous and stable, with a bactericidal effect on targeted bacterial strains. Both strains are susceptible to antibiotics and potentially produce additional antimicrobial compounds with metabolomics analysis.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ana C. Almeida-Santos, Carla Novais, Luisa Peixe, Ana R. Freitas
Summary: Enterococcus species are frequent produce bacteriocins, presenting advantages in their natural environment but also pose risks of multidrug-resistant infections. Bacteriocins may serve as a potential solution against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. Studies focus on the application of bacteriocins in combating VRE infections.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sofia Belen Delcarlo, Marie Merly, Maria Fernanda Gliemmo, Marisol Vallejo, Laura Ines Schelegueda, Carmen Adriana Campos
Summary: In this study, essential oils (EOs) were used in combination with the bacteriocinogenic strain E. mundtii STw38 to improve the shelf life of Argentinean hake. The most effective EOs were oregano and lemongrass, showing synergic activity against foodborne pathogens. The synergic mixture of EOs led to changes in cell wall of target microorganisms, while maintaining taste and smell of hake fillets.
Article
Fisheries
Cosmas Nathanailides, Markos Kolygas, Konstantina Choremi, Theodoros Mavraganis, Evangelia Gouva, Kosmas Vidalis, Fotini Athanassopoulou
Summary: Probiotics have significant potential benefits for freshwater fish farming, including disease prevention, improved growth rates, and enhanced feed conversion. While there is variability in reported effects, overall, probiotics appear to offer a practical solution for sustainable freshwater aquaculture.
Article
Fisheries
Huiyu Zhang, Qiwen Zhang, Yan Li, Zhenjiang Zech Xu, Xiaochang Huang
Summary: This study aimed to isolate potential probiotics from freshwater fish and evaluate their effects on the growth, immune response, and disease resistance of juvenile zebrafish. Three strains (Leuconostoc mesenteroides GL-5, Weissella hellenica GJ-1, and Pediococcus claussenii GJ-3) were identified with antagonistic activity against fish pathogens, high bile salt tolerance, and good hydrophobicity. Feeding zebrafish with these probiotics significantly promoted their growth and improved their immune response and disease resistance.
AQUACULTURE INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
Javier Fernando Melo-Bolivar, Ruth Yolanda Ruiz Pardo, Michael E. Hume, Luisa Marcela Villamil Diaz
Summary: This review examines the use of multistrain probiotics in commercial freshwater-cultured fish and their effects on growth parameters, survival after bacterial infection, and immune modulation. Studies show that multistrain probiotics can enhance fish growth performance and resistance to pathogenic bacteria, but more controlled experiments are needed to directly compare the efficacy of multistrain probiotics with monostrain probiotics.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Manav Jain, Gideon Stitt, Luke Son, Elena Y. Enioutina
Summary: Antibiotic resistance is a major global health problem, particularly in treating MRSA and VRE infections. Probiotics and antimicrobial peptides are promising approaches that can inhibit pathogen growth and enhance the host immune system, potentially providing new strategies against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Olubunmi O. Akpomie, Bernard O. Ejechi, Artur M. Banach, Isaiah Adewuyi, Ehwarieme Daniel Ayobola, Kovo G. Akpomie, Soumya Ghosh, Shabnam Ahmadi
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the production of biogenic amines in different types of cooked protein foods. The results showed that the concentration of biogenic amines varied among different types of food and methods of cooking. Microbial contamination of the cooked protein foods led to high levels of biogenic amines.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-MYSORE
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hanwei Zhang, Shanbai Xiong, Xiaoyue Yu, Yueqi An
Summary: This review focuses on the formation mechanism and control methods of fishy odorants in pre-processed freshwater fish products, emphasizing that reducing flavor precursors and adopting appropriate processing methods can effectively reduce fishy odor.
TRENDS IN FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jose M. Miranda, Marcos Trigo, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Santiago P. Aubourg
Summary: This study analyzed the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of red alga flour against food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. The results showed that the extracts had antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In a food model study, the extracts were found to inhibit microbial growth and improve chemical quality indices. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced with higher extract concentrations and longer storage times. This study suggests the potential use of red alga flour as a preserving strategy for chilled fish.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana G. Abril, Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Tomas G. Villa, Pilar Calo-Mata, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Monica Carrera
Summary: Enterococcus species, both beneficial and pathogenic, are Gram-positive bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract and dairy/fermented food products. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium strains, often resistant to antibiotics and capable of biofilm formation, are the leading cause of enterococcal infections. This study utilizes LC-ESI-MS/MS to identify proteins and peptides of opportunistic pathogenic Enterococcus in various food products. The identified virulence factors and antibiotic sensitivity can contribute to effective therapy development. The data from this study can serve as a valuable resource for further research and the development of novel therapeutics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ana G. Abril, Manuel Pazos, Tomas G. Villa, Pilar Calo-Mata, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Monica Carrera
Summary: Bioactive peptides have various health benefits and can be identified and quantified through proteomics. They have the potential to be a source of novel drugs and ingredients in food and pharmaceuticals.
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Kelly Jobling, David W. Graham, Mohamed Alnakip, Karola Bohme, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Pilar Calo-Mata
Summary: In this study, we report the draft genome sequences of two bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from nonfermented animal foods in Spain. The genomes of these strains contain at least three different regions encoding bacteriocins, and the strains comply with the European Food Safety Authority guidance for use in animal nutrition.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Kelly Jobling, David W. Graham, Mariano Gomez-Lopez, Jesus L. Romalde, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Pilar Calo-Mata
Summary: Raoultella ornithinolytica, an increasingly important pathogen in human diseases, was isolated from the effluent of a domestic wastewater treatment plant in Spain. The nearly complete genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant strain, R. ornithinolytica MQB_Silv_108, was reported. Its release into the environment poses a possible exposure risk for humans and animals.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Kelly Jobling, David W. Graham, Shamas Tabraiz, Burhan Shamurad, Mohamed Alnakip, Karola Bohme, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Monica Carrera, Pilar Calo-Mata
Summary: This study employed proteomic analysis to rapidly characterize two bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strains and demonstrated the great potential of this workflow in determining and optimizing the bioengineering and biotechnology properties of other LAB strains in the food industry.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sana Ayari-Riabi, Noureddine Ben Khalaf, Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, Bernard Verrier, Thomas Trimaille, Zakaria Benlasfar, Mehdi Chenik, Mohamed Elayeb
Summary: Leishmaniasis, the 3rd most challenging vector-borne disease, currently lacks an approved vaccine. This study successfully designed a particulate sub-unit vaccine using poly (D,L-lactide) nanoparticles to enhance immunogenicity against leishmaniasis. The results demonstrate that this vaccine formulation effectively adsorbs the target antigen and induces a strong immune response, leading to a significant reduction in disease symptoms upon infection.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jaime Ortiz-Viedma, Jose M. Bastias-Montes, Cielo Char, Camila Vega, Alejandra Quintriqueo, Manuela Gallon-Bedoya, Marcos Flores, Jose M. Aguilera, Jose M. Miranda, Jorge Barros-Velazquez
Summary: A biorefinery process was developed for utilizing freeze-dried pomace of calafate berries. The process involved extraction of lipophilic components using supercritical CO2 and subsequent extraction of the residue using a pressurized mixture of ethanol/water. This eco-friendly process valorizes calafate pomace as a source of ingredients for healthy foods, nutraceuticals, and nutritional supplements.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Susana Maria Alonso Villela, Hazar Kraiem-Ghezal, Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, Carine Bideaux, Cesar Arturo Aceves Lara, Luc Fillaudeau
Summary: Scorpion envenomation is a serious health problem and the availability of scorpion antivenom is limited. The production of recombinant antibody fragments in Escherichia coli is a popular trend for the treatment of scorpion stings. Small recombinant antibody fragments, such as scFv and nanobodies, have been developed to neutralize the neurotoxins responsible for envenomation symptoms. This literature review discusses the current status of the scorpion antivenom market, cross-reactivity of commercial scorpion antiserum, and the production of new recombinant scFv and nanobodies.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Gonzalez Abril, Pilar Calo-Mata, Karola Bohme, Tomas G. Villa, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Manuel Pazos, Monica Carrera
Summary: In this study, shotgun proteomics was used to characterize biogenic-amine-producing bacteria, revealing protein networks and pathways related to energy, putrescine metabolism, and host-virus interaction. Species-specific peptide biomarkers were also identified for bacterial identification. These findings have important implications for the treatment of food intoxication and microbial source tracking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ayoub Ksouri, Anis Klouz, Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, Fathi Moussa, Mounir Bezzarga
Summary: Essential oils have antiviral activity, and the ImmunoDefender compound made from a mixture of essential oils is highly effective in treating SARS-CoV-2 infections. The components of ImmunoDefender were chosen based on their structure and toxicity, and in silico studies showed that key components formed stable complexes with the main protease of the virus. These essential oil bioactive compounds may prevent the attachment of the viral polyprotein to the protease, inhibiting the pathogenesis and transmission of the virus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Castro-Enriquez, Jose M. Miranda, Marcos Trigo, Francisco Rodriguez-Felix, Santiago P. Aubourg, Jorge Barros-Velazquez
Summary: This study investigated the use of pitaya extracts in biodegradable packing films to inhibit quality loss in fish muscle during refrigerated storage. The experiments utilized pitaya-gelatin films for hake muscle storage and pitaya-polylactic acid (PLA) films for Atlantic mackerel muscle storage. The results showed that the presence of pitaya extract led to a significant inhibitory effect on lipid damage, microbial activity development, and growth of bacteria in both systems. The preservation effects were attributed to the presence of betalains and phenolic compounds in the pitaya extracts.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Asma Dhehibi, Abdelmounaaim Allaoui, Amal Raouafi, Mohammed Terrak, Balkiss Bouhaouala-Zahar, Mohamed Hammadi, Noureddine Raouafi, Imed Salhi
Summary: In this study, a nanobody-based magnetofluorescent immunoassay was designed for the sensitive detection of pathogenic E. coli F17-positive strains. The assay recognized E. coli F17 with high specificity and sensitivity, with a detection limit of 1.8 CFU/mL in fecal samples without pretreatment. The immunoassay remained stable for at least one month when stored at 4 degrees C.
