Review
Microbiology
Nathan E. Wideman, James D. Oliver, Philip Glen Crandall, Nathan A. Jarvis
Summary: This article discusses the detection, enumeration, and virulence potential of VBNC pathogens, highlighting the importance of supplementing routine Lm testing methods with methods designed to enumerate VBNC cells. Five methods for enumerating VBNC Lm are summarized, with Live/Dead BacLight(TM) staining and CFDA-DVC staining appearing to be the most accurate. Understanding the impact of the VBNC state on the virulence of Lm and identifying environmental triggers that can cause Lm to become virulent are important for public health risk assessment.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Zhenbo Xu, Kan Wang, Ziqi Liu, Thanapop Soteyome, Yang Deng, Ling Chen, Gamini Seneviratne, Wei Hong, Junyan Liu, Janette M. Harro, Birthe Kjellerup
Summary: This study confirmed that spoilage bacteria can enter the VBNC state and identified a case of beer spoilage caused by VBNC Pediococcus damnosus cells using a novel procedure. The combination of genomic sequencing, flow cytometry, and routine culturing can provide direct evidence of VBNC cells in spoiled food samples and aid in further research on food safety issues caused by VBNC microbes.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marianna Arvaniti, Panagiotis Tsakanikas, Vasiliki Papadopoulou, Artemis Giannakopoulou, Panagiotis Skandamis
Summary: The dormancy continuum hypothesis suggests cells can enter different stages of dormancy in response to stress to ensure long-term survival. This study found that exposure to PAA induced L. monocytogenes into VBNC state, potentially leading to underestimation of microbial load in food products.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Samantha Bolten, Joseph Mowery, Ganyu Gu, Marina Redding, Brenda Kroft, Yaguang Luo, Xiangwu Nou
Summary: Raw carrot has antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, with exposure resulting in a decrease in cultivability of the bacteria. The reduction in L. monocytogenes levels on fresh-cut carrot is not due to a loss of cell membrane integrity or viability. The formation of mesosome-like structures upon exposure to carrot may be associated with the loss of cultivability in L. monocytogenes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Huiying Wang, Yuhong Zhang, Lixia Dai, Xiaoyu Bo, Xiangyun Liu, Xin Zhao, Jie Yu, Lai-Yu Kwok, Qiuhua Bao
Summary: This study investigated the metabolomic differences between VBNC and recovered L. paracasei Zhang cells, revealing the altered physiology of VBNC cells. The results showed that the liquid MRS medium was the most effective in reversing the VBNC state in L. paracasei Zhang.
Article
Microbiology
Banhong Liu, Xiaolin Zhu, Ning Zhang, Hui Zhang, Hongbo Li, Yonghua Qi, Haizhen Mo, Liangbin Hu
Summary: In this study, it was discovered that L. monocytogenes entered a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state in the presence of FeSO4 and remained virulent to Caenorhabditis elegans. Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased gene transcription in the VBNC cells compared to dormant cells, specifically related to stress response and ribosome binding. The formation of the VBNC state in L. monocytogenes was found to be dependent on intracellular Fe2+ and other cascades related to ferroptosis.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Samantha Bolten, Anna Sophia Harrand, Jordan Skeens, Martin Wiedmann
Summary: This study evaluated the tolerance of produce-associated L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. to benzalkonium chloride (BC) and found that they can acquire heritable adaptations to low concentrations of BC. However, these adapted isolates remain sensitive to the concentrations of BC used for food contact surface sanitation.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shogo Yamaki, Yuji Kawai, Koji Yamazaki
Summary: Bacterial cell filamentation occurs in response to sublethal stress in Listeria monocytogenes, leading to potential underestimation of viable cell counting. Filamentous cells can revert to normal morphology and show faster growth in limited nutrient media. The thermal resistance of filamentous cells increases, indicating higher stress tolerance and potential risk for rapid increase in colony-forming units after stress release.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jingxiao Cai, Mengqing Zhou, Yuanxing Zhang, Yue Ma, Yibei Zhang, Qiyao Wang
Summary: In this study, the marine bacterium Vibrio alginolyticus was shown to enter the VBNC state when exposed to low nutrient concentrations for prolonged periods of time. 635 determinants governing the formation of the VBNC state were identified, including genes with defective effects on VBNC formation and genes contributing to entry into the VBNC state. Genes involved in metabolic pathways were found to have an inhibitory effect on VBNC formation, while genes related to chemotaxis or folate biosynthesis promoted entry into the VBNC state.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Sariqa Wagley, Helen Morcrette, Andrea Kovacs-Simon, Zheng R. Yang, Ann Power, Richard K. Tennant, John Love, Neil Murray, Richard W. Titball, Clive S. Butler
Summary: Members of the Proteobacteria can enter a viable but non culturable (VBNC) state as a survival strategy under stressful conditions. Using Vibrio parahaemolyticus as a model organism, distinct subpopulations in the VBNC state with different resuscitation potentials and proteomic profiles were identified. Deletion of the lactate dehydrogenase gene triggered cells to enter VBNC state, while lactate addition extended resuscitation potential. The ability to survive in VBNC state may be linked to overcoming oxidative stress.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cora Chmielowska, Dorota Korsak, Magdalena Szuplewska, Monika Grzelecka, Elzbieta Mackiw, Monika Stasiak, Adrian Macion, Krzysztof Skowron, Dariusz Bartosik
Summary: Resistance to benzalkonium chloride (BC), cadmium, and arsenic was tested in 287 Listeria monocytogenes strains isolated from fish, fish products, and food-producing factories in Poland. The results showed that 40% of the isolates were resistant to BC, 56% to cadmium, and 41% to arsenic, with 57% displaying resistance to more than one compound. Various resistance determinants were identified, including qacH for BC, cadA for cadmium, and arsA for arsenic, indicating diversity among the bacterial populations.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yue Wang, Zihui Chen, Fengnian Zhao, Hongshun Yang
Summary: In recent years, chlorine-based sanitizers have been widely used for decontamination of fresh produce to address the increasing occurrence of big six Escherichia coli outbreaks. However, a latest finding suggests that chlorine may induce E. coli cells into a viable but nonculturable state, posing a new challenge to the fresh produce industry. Understanding the metabolic characteristics of these viable but nonculturable cells can provide insights for their eradication and inspire the development of targeted measures. This study collected VBNC pathogenic E. coli cells from chlorine-treated pea sprouts and characterized them using NMR-based metabolomics, elucidating the mechanisms underlying E. coli's VBNC induction and providing potential strategies for inhibition of VBNC E. coli cells.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Cristina Rodriguez-Melcon, Victor Serrano-Galan, Rosa Capita, Carlos Alonso-Calleja
Summary: The aim of this research was to investigate the effect of subinhibitory concentrations of disinfectants on the resistance of Listeria monocytogenes to tetracycline. The results showed that exposure to subinhibitory doses of the disinfectants could lead to increased resistance to tetracycline. The use of disinfectants at subinhibitory concentrations should be avoided to prevent the development of resistance.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Manyun Yang, Xiaobo Liu, Yaguang Luo, Arne J. Pearlstein, Shilong Wang, Hayden Dillow, Kevin Reed, Zhen Jia, Arnav Sharma, Bin Zhou, Dan Pearlstein, Hengyong Yu, Boce Zhang
Summary: The system developed integrates paper chromogenic arrays (PCAs) and machine learning to automatically recognize PCA patterns on multiplexed viable pathogens with strain-level specificity. This approach has the potential to advance non-destructive pathogen detection and identification on food.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sarah Azinheiro, Dipak Ghimire, Joana Carvalho, Marta Prado, Alejandro Garrido-Maestu
Summary: A multiplex RT-qPCR method was developed to specifically detect live bacteria, with two genetic targets co-amplified for improved specificity and an Internal Amplification Control to rule out false negative results due to reaction inhibition. The method demonstrated high sensitivity in smoked salmon samples inoculated with live and dead bacteria, showing almost complete concordance with the reference standard ISO 11290.
Article
Microbiology
Sarah Muszynski, Florian Maurer, Sina Henjes, Marcus A. Horn, Matthias Noll
Summary: The study found that natural diversity of wood decaying communities were more effective at decomposing wood compared to reduced species richness, but the latter increased wood pH. In environments with reduced species richness, there were more mutual exclusions in microbial co-occurrence networks, but microbial communities can recover previous ecosystem functions through reassembly.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan, Anna Heintz-Buschart, Chakriya Sansupa, Benjawan Tanunchai, Yu-Ting Wu, Martin Schaedler, Matthias Noll, Witoon Purahong, Francois Buscot
Summary: The relationship between active microbes and soil ecosystem functions in a grassland ecosystem is significant, with active microbes playing a crucial role in defining soil functions. The study reveals that total and active microbiomes respond differently to variations in soil physicochemical factors, with nitrogen fixing bacteria being highly active in this system. The findings suggest a stronger link between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in soil than previously believed.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Matthias Noll, Michael Jager, Leonie Lux, Christian Buettner, Michaela Axt-Gadermann
Summary: Daily synbiotic or prebiotic baths can significantly reduce the SCORAD of AD patients over time, improve pruritus and skin dryness, and enrich the bacterial microbiome with LAB.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Marie-Louise Heymich, Laura Nissl, Dominik Hahn, Matthias Noll, Monika Pischetsrieder
Summary: The study found that antimicrobial peptides Leg1 and Leg2 from chickpea have the potential to be used as preservatives against bacterial, fungal, and oxidative spoilage in food and other products, without cytotoxic effects on human cells. Additionally, Leg2 showed antioxidative activity by radical scavenging and reducing mechanisms.
Article
Microbiology
Alice Roedel, Szilvia Vincze, Michaela Projahn, Uwe Roesler, Caroline Robe, Jens Andre Hammerl, Matthias Noll, Sascha Al Dahouk, Ralf Dieckmann
Summary: This study characterized ESBL-/AmpC-producing and NON-ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli isolates from German broiler farms, analyzing their genomic features and virulence profiles. While some isolates showed reduced biocide susceptibility, most biocide-tolerant isolates were rare on the tested farms. The majority of ESBL-/AmpC-producing isolates carried specific genes, indicating concerns about selection pressure for strains with acquired resistance determinants.
Article
Microbiology
Laura Nissl, Florian Westhaeuser, Matthias Noll
Summary: Food safety is crucial in reducing foodborne pathogens. This study investigated the inhibitory effects of essential oils and their components on food spoilage molds and yeasts, with cinnamaldehyde showing the lowest minimal inhibitory concentration. Combinations of cinnamaldehyde with other essential oil components demonstrated synergistic effects, reducing the concentrations needed while maintaining effectiveness against fungi.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lydia Kipping, Martin M. Gossner, Matthias Koschorreck, Sarah Muszynski, Florian Maurer, Wolfgang W. Weisser, Nico Jehmlich, Matthias Noll
Summary: Deadwood is a crucial part of the global carbon cycle and its decomposition releases CO2 and CH4 into the atmosphere. However, the main factors driving these greenhouse gas emissions from deadwood are not well understood. In this study, we investigated the drivers of CO2 and CH4 emission rates from deadwood specimens of different tree species exposed in forest and grassland habitats. We found that tree species identity, habitat type, management intensity, wood traits, and climate variables all play a role in determining emission rates.
GLOBAL BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sarah-Maria Scheid, Kantida Juncheed, Benjawan Tanunchai, Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan, Francois Buscot, Matthias Noll, Witoon Purahong
Summary: This study evaluated the influence of bio-based and biodegradable plastic PBSA on plant development and health. The results showed that PBSA and nitrogen fertilizer treatment in non-sterile soil significantly increased the disease incidence caused by F. solani on mung bean plants.
JOURNAL OF POLYMERS AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Biology
Witoon Purahong, Benjawan Tanunchai, Sarah Muszynski, Florian Maurer, Sara Fareed Mohamed Wahdan, Jonas Malter, Francois Buscot, Matthias Noll
Summary: This study investigated the role of microbial community members in wood decay by placing wood specimens in different forest sites. The findings demonstrate the interplay between fungal and bacterial communities, impacting mass loss and nitrogen content in wood. Furthermore, certain bacterial groups were found to influence the decay rates of beech wood.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY B-BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexander Kettner, Matthias Noll, Carola Griehl
Summary: In this study, the PHB formation, biomass, and elemental composition of Leptolyngbya sp. NIVA-CYA 255 were investigated. The highest PHB yields were detected in NP- and N-deficiency conditions. The glycogen pool was reduced during mixotrophy, while lipid composition was not affected. This suggests that Leptolyngbya sp. NIVA-CYA 255 is a promising candidate for PHB production.
Article
Polymer Science
Vusal Guliyev, Benjawan Tanunchai, Matthias Noll, Francois Buscot, Witoon Purahong, Evgenia Blagodatskaya
Summary: The incomplete degradation of bio-based and biodegradable plastics in soils poses threats to soil quality, human health, and food security. Bacteria show a broader functional spectrum than fungi in the degradation process of these plastics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christina Gross, Shakhawat Hossen, Henrik Hartmann, Matthias Noll, Werner Borken
Summary: This study investigated biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) rates and nifH gene abundances in deadwood of different tree species, and found that diffuse-porous angiosperms had higher BNF rates and nifH gene abundances. Relationships with nutrient concentrations and non-structural carbohydrates indicated that BNF in deadwood was co-limited by multiple nutrients, while high carbon availability was beneficial for diazotrophs. Water content was also found to be important for BNF and nifH gene abundance. The study suggests that BNF is a common microbial process in deadwood of native European tree species, and high nitrogen deposition does not down-regulate BNF in Central Europe.
Article
Microbiology
Angeline Hoffmann, Thomas Mueller, Volker Fingerle, Cornelia Silaghi, Matthias Noll
Summary: The study investigated the prevalence and diversity of potential human pathogenic bacteria in tick microbiomes. Rickettsia helvetica was found to be the most common species in tick microbiomes.
Article
Microbiology
Markus Thamm, Fabienne Reiss, Leon Sohl, Martin Gabel, Matthias Noll, Ricarda Scheiner
Summary: This study found that the cuticular microbiomes of solitary bees are more complex than those of social honeybees. The microbiome composition is similar among different honeybee subspecies, but subspecies adapted to warmer climates have different numbers of fungi and higher diversity. These results suggest that the cuticular microbiome of bees is influenced by visited plants, lifestyle, and climate, which is important for maintaining bee health under global change conditions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nadine Kiefer, Moritz Nichterlein, Fabienne Rei, Madeleine Runge, Ulf Biermann, Thomas Wieland, Matthias Noll, Stefan Kalkhof
Summary: This study examined the ecotoxicological effects of leachates containing biocides from building materials on sediment and aquatic organisms. The results showed that in-can preservatives leach out rapidly at the beginning of a facade lifetime and impose a significant stress factor on the environment.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
