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
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
Yang He, Junfeng Zhao, Hua Yin, Yuan Deng
Summary: The study found that beer-spoilage yeast can be induced into a viable but non-culturable state by treatment with hop bitter acids, and can be recovered to a culturable state within a short period of time by the addition of catalase. Transcriptome profiling showed that certain genes were downregulated during the viable but non-culturable state, while others were upregulated during the recovery process.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Food Science & Technology
Hanxu Pan, Qing Ren
Summary: The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state is a survival strategy for bacteria in unfavorable conditions. Resuscitation is the recovery of VBNC cells, which is necessary for proof of their existence. The resuscitation of VBNC cells has been widely studied for risk control and potential applications in the food industry.
Article
Microbiology
Takashi Hamabata, Mitsutoshi Senoh, Masaaki Iwaki, Ayae Nishiyama, Akihiko Yamamoto, Keigo Shibayama
Summary: This study revealed that Corynebacterium diphtheriae can enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under low temperature conditions, and can be rescued from this state with catalase treatment. Differences in morphology and gene expression were observed between culturable and VBNC cells, with gene expression showing changes upon resuscitation.
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Xiao-Hua Zhang, Waqar Ahmad, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Jixiang Chen, Brian Austin
Summary: The inability to culture many microorganisms in marine environments is a common challenge, with VBNC state being a unique survival strategy for bacteria in response to harsh environmental conditions. Resuscitation of VBNC cells is seen as a critical step in cultivating otherwise uncultured microorganisms. Various resuscitation stimuli have been identified, such as sodium pyruvate and quorum sensing autoinducers, which promote the restoration of culturability of VBNC cells.
MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Kaihong Bai, Xiaoli Xu, Xudong Wang, Yao Li, Chengxuan Yu, Na Jiang, Jianqiang Li, Laixin Luo
Summary: This study used RNA-seq technology to investigate the mechanism of VBNC state induced by copper ion in Xcc. The results showed significant changes in gene expression and enriched metabolism-related pathways in different VBNC stages. Genes associated with cell motility were down-regulated, while pathogenicity related genes were up-regulated. This study not only summarized the related pathways of VBNC state, but also provided new ideas for studying gene expression profiles in different survival states under stress.
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
Canh Phung, Robert J. Moore, Van Thi Thu Hao
Summary: Campylobacter hepaticus causes Spotty Liver Disease (SLD) in layer hens, resulting in mortality and productivity losses. This study found that C. hepaticus can enter a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, which has implications for understanding its environmental reservoirs and routes of transmission.
VETERINARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mengqi Xie, Luning Xu, Rong Zhang, Yan Zhou, Yeyuan Xiao, Xiaomei Su, Chaofeng Shen, Faqian Sun, Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi, Hongjun Lin, Jianrong Chen
Summary: The study revealed that a yeast strain capable of degrading phenol entered the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under high concentrations of contaminants, and the resuscitation of VBNC cells restored their degradation performance. Compared to normal cells, significant morphological, surface, and physiological changes were observed in the VBNC cells.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
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
Environmental Sciences
Jiahui Fan, Yangyang Jia, Dongdong Xu, Zhe Ye, Jiahang Zhou, Jionghao Huang, Yulong Fu, Chaofeng Shen
Summary: It was found that Rhodococcus biphenylivorans TG9 enters a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state under anaerobic conditions, leading to a significant reduction in metabolic activity and degradation ability. However, resuscitation by providing oxygen can restore the degrading capacity of TG9 in the VBNC state, providing a new strategy to cope with survival under anaerobic conditions.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Haiyang Yan, Meng Li, Lingling Meng, Feng Zhao
Summary: The viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state of Staphylococcus aureus can be induced in citric acid buffer at -20 degrees C, causing changes in some biological characteristics, but can be successfully resuscitated under various conditions. The food industry should pay attention to the potential hazard posed by VBNC S. aureus under frozen conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Qiuhua Bao, Xiaoyu Bo, Lu Chen, Yan Ren, Huiying Wang, Lai-Yu Kwok, Wenjun Liu
Summary: This study investigated the molecular composition of a viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state of a probiotic strain, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang, using single-cell Raman spectroscopy (SCRS). The results showed that active cells could still be observed under a fluorescence microscope even though the viable plate count was zero after cold incubation for 220 days, indicating the entry of Lacticaseibacillus paracasei Zhang into the VBNC state. Raman spectra analysis revealed obvious differences in the intracellular biochemical constituents between normal and VBNC cells, with 12 main differential peaks identified.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junyan Liu, Liang Yang, Birthe Veno Kjellerup, Zhenbo Xu
Summary: This article discusses the importance and controversies surrounding the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, and proposes the need to redefine and standardize the term and accurately determine VBNC cells.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenbo Xu, Tengyi Huang, Du Min, Thanapop Soteyome, Haifeng Lan, Wei Hong, Fang Peng, Xin Fu, Gongyong Peng, Junyan Liu, Birthe V. Kjellerup
Summary: Microorganisms exist in nature mainly in the form of biofilm, which poses a potential threat to public health safety. Among them, Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen causing severe infections with high mortality. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the regulatory network controlling microbial biofilm development, with C. albicans as a representative, serving as a reference for therapeutic targets.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yan-Xia Liu, Yan-He Zhou, Chang-Hong Jiang, Junyan Liu, Ding-Qiang Chen
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing and countries such as China have been widely using herbal medicine for prevention and treatment with positive outcomes. However, the clinical and economic value of herbal medicine in COVID-19 treatment has not been fully evaluated.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shuangxia Huang, Chengdeng Chi, Xiaoxi Li, Yiping Zhang, Ling Chen
Summary: In this study, the effects of xanthan and dodecyl gallate (DG) on the structures, digestibility, texture, and aromas of rice noodles were investigated. Results showed that these additives increased slowly digestible starch and resistant starch, while reducing glycemic index and glycemic load values, and improving texture and aroma qualities.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jiaqi Li, Jiayu Chen, Gengsheng Xiao, Ling Chen, Xinbo Guo
Summary: This study investigated the changes in phenolic profiles during the kernel development of two Castanea henryi varieties. It was found that the total phenolic content increased and was influenced by gallic acid and (-)-epicatechin levels. Gene expression levels also played a role in the accumulation of specific phenolic compounds. The antioxidant quality of the extracts was evaluated and found to be better in the kernels at stage 4 of development. The concentrations of gallic acid and (-)-epicatechin affected the FRAP and ORAC values, respectively.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Thilini Rathnathilaka, Mahesh Premarathna, Sumedha Madawala, Anura Pathirana, Kumuduni Karunaratne, Gamini Seneviratne
Summary: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers has negative impacts on agroecosystems and human health. Biofilm biofertilizers are being promoted as an ecofriendly alternative to improve soil quality and crop yields. This study conducted in Sri Lankan rice fields found that the application of biofilm biofertilizers increased soil nutrient contents, microbial communities, and grain yield compared to the use of chemical fertilizers alone.
JOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xixi Zeng, Bo Zheng, Tianjie Li, Ling Chen
Summary: This study proposes a new idea on the synchronous delay of starch digestion and retrogradation, and explores the regulation mechanism from the perspective of structural evolution. The results show that chestnut starch treated with hot extrusion and 8% catechins has the highest anti-retrogradation rate and the lowest rapidly digestible starch content at day 24. The slowing down of starch digestion is achieved by increasing the single/double helix, V-type crystallinity, and compactness of aggregates, while the retrogradation process is suppressed by inhibiting the packing of short-range ordered structure into long-range ordered structure. The main driving force for the interactions between flavonoid polyphenols and starch molecules is hydrogen bonding and van der Waals forces.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zhipeng Qiu, Bo Zheng, Jinchuan Xu, Jin Chen, Ling Chen
Summary: High-hydration hydrogels based on carbohydrate polymers and green preparation methods have recently attracted significant research attention. In this study, oxidized maize starch (OMS) was used to construct a 3D-OMS hydrogel via hot-extrusion 3D printing (HE-3DP). The effect of different OMS concentrations on printability, structure, and hydration properties was investigated. The results showed that 3D-OMS exhibited excellent hydration properties, with the maximum water absorption capacity and water holding capacity reaching 3013.43% and 93.53%, respectively. The 13% OMS concentration was found to be the most suitable for HE-3DP. Additionally, 3D-OMS demonstrated good biodegradability and cytocompatibility, suggesting its potential for developing starch-based biomedical hydrogels with excellent hydration properties through HE-3DP technology.
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Fengyi Chen, Chengdu Miao, Qingfei Duan, Shuai Jiang, Hongsheng Liu, Litao Ma, Zhongxian Li, Xianyang Bao, Bifeng Lan, Ling Chen, Long Yu
Summary: A novel method for developing slow-release fertilizers by in-situ radiation-synthesizing urea-embedded starch-based hydrogels was introduced. The effects of irradiation intensity on hydrogels with different AM/starch ratios, concentrations, and urea loading were studied. The structures and performances of the gel were investigated, and the relationships between the gel structures and properties, and release rate were established.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Junyan Liu, Tengyi Huang, Yuzhu Mao, Thanapop Soteyome, Gongliang Liu, Gamini Seneviratne, Birthe V. Kjellerup, Zhenbo Xu
Summary: This study aimed to develop a rapid detection assay for MRSA and toxins using PSR targeting housekeeping genes (mecA and femA) and virulence factors (sea, seb, sec, see and pvl), compared with PCR. The PSR assay was optimized and evaluated in rice and flour products, showing higher sensitivity than PCR. PSR assay is an efficient tool for rapid and accurate testing of MRSA, suitable for point-of-care detection.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Zengjiang Zhang, Bo Zheng, Anlin Du, Jin Chen, Ling Chen
Summary: This study investigated the retrogradation of chestnut starch and found that it can be inhibited by heat-moisture treatment (HMT) combined with flavonoid addition. Different flavonoids showed varying degrees of retardation, with epicatechin being the most effective. Structural analysis and theoretical calculations showed that the retardation effect was due to hydrogen bond interactions between starch and flavonoids, which prevented the aggregation of starch molecules. The findings of this study are important for the production of high-quality chestnut products.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zhipeng Qiu, Xixi Zeng, Jinchuan Xu, Bo Zheng, Ling Chen
Summary: The regioselective oxidation of native maize starch (NMS) using the laccase-TEMPO system resulted in the development of oxidized maize starch (OMS) with enhanced water absorption properties. The regioselective oxidation caused a shift from ordered to disordered structures, leading to a slight degradation of OMS chains and destruction of part of the short-range ordered structure, aggregate structure, and crystalline structure. However, the crystalline type, amorphous lamellae thickness, and morphology of the starch granules were largely maintained.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junyan Liu, Liang Yang, Birthe Veno Kjellerup, Zhenbo Xu
Summary: This article discusses the importance and controversies surrounding the viable but nonculturable (VBNC) state, and proposes the need to redefine and standardize the term and accurately determine VBNC cells.
TRENDS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Junyan Liu, Zhenbo Xu, Yulong Tan, Ren-You Gan, Guanggang Qu, Dingqiang Chen
Article
Infectious Diseases
Junyan Liu, Tengyi Huang, Thanapop Soteyome, Jian Miao, Guangchao Yu, Dingqiang Chen, Congxiu Ye, Ling Yang, Zhenbo Xu
Summary: In this study, a large-scale investigation was conducted on nosocomial Staphylococcus aureus strains in Southern China from 2009 to 2015. The study focused on antibiotic resistance, virulence gene acquisition, and molecular types. The findings revealed an increase in MRSA resistance, significant differences in virulence genes, and molecular types. Importantly, this study fills a gap in previous research since 2006 or 2010.
