Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zuntao Xiao, Weilong Wang, Wenfang Cui, Gaowu Qin
Summary: Microbiologically influenced corrosion poses a serious threat to titanium alloys used in marine engineering. This study aims to explore methods to prevent microbial corrosion of titanium alloy. A ZrTiO4 coating was formed on the Ti56Zr44 alloy surface through thermal oxidation treatment. The formation of biofilm on the alloy surface with and without oxide coating was investigated, along with the evaluation of microbial corrosion behavior using electrochemical methods. Results showed pitting corrosion occurring on the Ti56Zr44 alloy surface after 10-day immersion, with a maximum depth of 3.7 μm after 30 days. The pitting corrosion was attributed to the oxygen-poor environment under the biofilm and the transfer of bacteria-induced extracellular electrons. On the contrary, no pitting corrosion was observed on the coating surface despite the presence of biofilm. The corrosion rate of the alloy with oxide coating decreased by nearly five times after 30-day immersion. The improved chemical stability of the coated alloy was due to the presence of more covalent and hydrogen bonds in the lattice unit cell of ZrTiO4. The resistance of the oxide coating to microbiological corrosion enhances the application potential of the Ti56Zr44 alloy in marine engineering.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jinkun Chen, Zifeng Wang, Jiachen Sun, Renwu Zhou, Li Guo, Hao Zhang, Dingxin Liu, Mingzhe Rong, Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
Summary: In this study, plasma-activated hydrogel (PAH) was developed as a carrier for reactive species to achieve long-term antibacterial effects. AVC showed better antimicrobial performance than PAW and the other two hydrogels, with excellent stability for more than 14 days. The study revealed the mechanisms of PAH as an effective and long-term disinfectant for biomedical applications.
Article
Immunology
Qi Tan, Qing Ai, Yu He, Fang Li, Jialin Yu
Summary: The ability of P.aeruginosa biofilms to activate inflammasomes and increase inflammatory response contributes to chronic infection. This study found that P.aeruginosa biofilms significantly enhance the production of IL-1β and IL-18, possibly through the regulation of NLRP3 inflammasomes rather than NLRC4 inflammasomes.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Samuel Namonyo, Karen D. Weynberg, Jianhua Guo, Gilda Carvalho
Summary: This study investigated the role of phages in disrupting and inactivating clinical P. aeruginosa biofilms. Four previously isolated phages were effective in disrupting the formed biofilms at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 10. Phage treatments reduced the biofilms' biomass and led to the detachment of cells. The phages were also able to kill the cells from the biofilms, reducing the living cell counts.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biology
Kasidid Ruksakiet, Balazs Stercz, Gergo Toth, Pongsiri Jaikumpun, Ilona Grof, Roland Tengolics, Zsolt M. Lohinai, Peter Horvath, Maria A. Deli, Martin C. Steward, Orsolya Dobay, Akos Zsembery
Summary: The study reveals that bicarbonate modulates bacterial second messenger concentrations, inhibits biofilm formation, and could be used as a supportive treatment for CF and other respiratory diseases associated with chronic bacterial infections and viscous mucus production.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wenwen Dou, Yanan Pu, Tingyue Gu, Shougang Chen, Zhaoyang Chen, Zixuan Xu
Summary: The headspace to liquid volumetric ratio affects bacterial activity and corrosion behavior of microbial biofilms. A larger headspace volume leads to lower ammonium concentration, higher cell counts, deeper pits, and higher corrosion rate. Ammonia acts as a complexing agent, and nitrate is the terminal electron acceptor. Cu corrosion by the nitrate reducing P. aeruginosa biofilm belongs to EET-MIC.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Aref Shariati, Zahra Chegini, Ehsanollah Ghaznavi-Rad, Ehsan Nazarzadeh Zare, Seyed Mostafa Hosseini
Summary: The biofilm community is the dominant mode of microbial growth in nature and contributes to the prevalence of multidrug-resistant strains. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoplatforms show promise in delivering anti-biofilm agents (ABAs) for the destruction of microbial biofilms. However, further research is needed to evaluate the exact interaction between PLGA and biofilms.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biophysics
Leslie K. Daille, Javiera Aguirre, Javiera Anguita, Carlos Galarce, Luis Caro-Lara, Francisco Armijo, Ignacio T. Vargas, Gonzalo Pizarro, Magdalena Walczak, Rodrigo De la Iglesia
Summary: The composition of the passive film on alloys affects the selection of microbial biofilms, but the mechanism is not fully understood or incorporated into the analysis of corrosive biofilms. The degradation of stainless steel exposed to natural seawater was studied to investigate how the oxide layer composition influences the bacterial community. Austenitic and superferritic stainless steel grades were exposed to natural seawater, and the corrosion and biofilm formation were monitored. Bacterial communities were analyzed through massive sequencing, and the results showed that the similarity of bacterial community correlated with the variability of corrosion rate, with higher representation of certain bacterial families in stainless steels with an increased Fe/Cr ratio. Iron content in the oxide layer is found to be a key feature in selecting bacterial assemblages in marine environments.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biology
Masak Takaine, Hiromi Imamura, Satoshi Yoshida
Summary: This study demonstrates the importance of cellular ATP homeostasis in maintaining protein stability, and identifies AMPK and ADK as key factors in preventing proteinopathies.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Didem Kart, Tuba Recber, Emirhan Nemutlu, Meral Sagiroglu
Summary: The study demonstrates the potential of plant-derived compounds such as curcumin, baicalein, esculetin, and cinnamaldehyde in combination with ciprofloxacin as effective anti-biofilm agents against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These combinations not only reduce the minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), but also modulate the metabolic pathways and quorum sensing gene expressions of P. aeruginosa.
Article
Immunology
Mohamed Eladawy, Mohammed El-Mowafy, Mohamed M. A. El-Sokkary, Rasha Barwa
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates collected from clinical samples were characterized for biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence genes. Strong biofilm producers exhibited higher virulence scores and a significant correlation between overall virulence score and biofilm formation was observed. ERIC-PCR genotyping revealed genetic diversity and potential for cross-colonization in P. aeruginosa infections.
MICROBIAL PATHOGENESIS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shihang Lu, Yi He, Rongchang Xu, Nianxin Wang, Shiqiang Chen, Wenwen Dou, Xin Cheng, Guangzhou Liu
Summary: The microbial corrosion of marine structural steels (09CrCuSb LAS and Q235 CS) in Desulfovibrio vulgaris medium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa medium based on seawater was investigated. The weight loss and maximum pit depth of 09CrCuSb LAS were lower than those of Q235 CS in both media. The alloying elements in 09CrCuSb LAS inhibited sessile bacteria growth and resulted in fewer live sessile cells on the steel surface.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Electrochemistry
M. Moradi, G. Ghiara, R. Spotorno, D. Xu, P. Cristiani
Summary: This study used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy to analyze and discuss case studies on microbial corrosion and microbial corrosion inhibition. The results showed that bacterial biofilms have a significant impact on both the corrosive and inhibitive processes, but do not constitute an additional time constant.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Christine Gaylarde, Brenda Little
Summary: The fundamental processes for the biodeterioration of stone and metal involve similar microbially mediated reactions, but the differences lie in the nature of the substratum and the composition of the surroundings. Biofilms play a significant role in the deterioration of metals, while phototrophic organisms are important in the deterioration of stone. The reactions and time frames for failure are distinct for stone and metal structures.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sanjay Kumar, Dijendra Nath Roy, Vidyut Dey
Summary: This article discusses the impact of biofilms on microbial attachment and how modifying the antimicrobial properties of biomaterial surfaces can inhibit microbial-mediated corrosion. Techniques such as vapor deposition, sol-gel process, and plasma deposition are used to create surfaces that repel microbes and prevent corrosion.
COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
S. I. Ekonomou, F. F. Parlapani, M. Kyritsi, C. Hadjichristodoulou, I. S. Boziaris
Summary: This study monitored the storage of vacuum-packed hot smoked rainbow trout fillets from two different smokehouses in Greece at different temperatures and observed changes in microbiology. The shelf-life of the products differed between the two smokehouses. The study also identified and classified microbial communities grown at different pH levels.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Sotirios Ekonomou, Pooja Akshay Thanekar, Dimitrios A. Lamprou, Edward Weaver, Olena Doran, Alexandros Ch Stratakos
Summary: The study found that geraniol can effectively inhibit the in vitro colonization of Salmonella, increasing the safety of the food supply chain. Additionally, the feasibility of microfluidics for preparing stable liposomes was determined.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
John T. Hancock, Grace Russell, Alexandros Ch Stratakos
Summary: The use of molecular hydrogen for the treatment of post-harvest produce is proposed. It has been found to have positive effects on plant growth and postharvest preservation. Molecular hydrogen is safe to use and expected to become more affordable with its adoption in other industries.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cid Ramon Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Mark Hansen, Alexandros Ch Stratakos
Summary: This study presents a practical method for identifying foodborne pathogenic bacteria using a Raman handheld device. The method is simple, low-cost, and achieves high accuracy in identifying monocultures in a shorter time.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Sotirios Ekonomou, Shwe Soe, Alexandros Ch Stratakos
Summary: Antimicrobial 3D printed surfaces loaded with copper and silver nanoparticles were developed and evaluated for their antimicrobial effect against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Staphylococcus aureus. The mechanical characteristics, water absorption capacity, and surface wettability of the printed surfaces were also assessed. The results showed that the copper and silver-loaded surfaces exhibited a higher inhibitory effect against S. aureus and L. monocytogenes biofilms, and had a slightly stiffer response than plain PLA. These surfaces showed potential for preventing bacterial colonization in biomedical and food production settings.
JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Sotirios I. Ekonomou, Damien J. Leech, Sonny Lightfoot, David Huson, Alexandros Ch Stratakos
Summary: Incorporating natural antimicrobial agents in antimicrobial coatings has the potential to improve the quality and safety of raw chicken during storage. This study developed coatings with incorporated natural antimicrobial compounds (linalool, eugenol) and found that they reduced spoilage and increased the microbiological shelf-life of the chicken. Furthermore, the coatings also exhibited lower levels of Listeria monocytogenes compared to the control samples.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Robert Barber, James Davis, Pagona Papakonstantinou
Summary: Developing a noninvasive skin peroxide monitoring technology using laser-induced graphene (LIG) and Prussian blue (PB)-chitosan (CS) network for stable and sensitive detection of H2O2 in human eccrine perspiration. The sensor operates at a low potential in unmodified human eccrine perspiration, ensuring high specificity and stability.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jessica Ghodke, Sotirios I. Ekonomou, Edward Weaver, Dimitrios Lamprou, Olena Doran, Alexandros Ch. Stratakos
Summary: Liposomes enclosing eugenol were prepared using microfluidics in this study. Different lipids and microfluidic chip designs were used for the liposomal formulation. The encapsulation efficiency, stability, and eugenol release rate of the liposomes were evaluated. The results showed that the liposomal formulations can be used as delivery vehicles to enhance food safety.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anastasios Karakassides, Abhijit Ganguly, Constantinos E. Salmas, Preetam K. Sharma, Pagona Papakonstantinou
Summary: The study demonstrates the first-time use of a hierarchical network of vertically oriented graphene nanoflakes with nanoconfined silicon carbide nanocrystals self-assembled on carbon fibers to enhance the thermal conductivity of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer composites. This approach significantly improves the through-thickness thermal conductivity of the composites by 56% while maintaining tensile strength, benefiting applications in the aviation industry.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Jan Smolka, Kamila Kempna, Petr Kucera, Kamil Kempny, Eleni Asimakopoulou, Pavel Danihelka
Summary: This research focuses on the development of a 3D printed wind tunnel and relevant equipment for calibrating BDVP, which are used for measuring velocity flow during fires. The aim is to develop an inexpensive and easy-to-build wind tunnel for fast and effective calibration of BDVP. The wind tunnel system includes a data-logging system and an Arduino-based measuring unit for precise measurements.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sotirios Konomou, Miroslav Hadnadev, Aristea Gioxari, Olawoyin Rantimi Abosede, Shwe Soe, Alexandros Ch. Stratakos
Summary: This study aimed to develop a nutritious meal for dysphagia patients using 3D printing technology. The addition of different thickeners was found to affect the texture and rheological behavior of the meal, and the formulations were classified into different levels of dysphagia diet according to international standards.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2024)
