Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jounghyun Um, Jean Manguy, Joao Anes, Jean-Christophe Jacquier, Daniel Hurley, Eugene T. Dillon, Kieran Wynne, Seamus Fanning, Michael O'Sullivan, Denis C. Shields
Summary: Research enriching cationic antimicrobial peptides from milk hydrolysates using pectin/alginate gels showed strong antimicrobial effects against various bacterial strains, highlighting the potential of pectin/alginate food-gels based processes as safe and cost-effective methods for separating and enriching antimicrobial peptides.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
David C. Thorn, Elmira Bahraminejad, Aidan B. Grosas, Tomas Koudelka, Peter Hoffmann, Jitendra P. Mata, Glyn L. Devlin, Margaret Sunde, Heath Ecroyd, Carl Holt, John A. Carver
Summary: Bovine milk alpha(S2)-casein, an intrinsically disordered protein, readily forms amyloid fibrils in vitro. The disulfide-linked dimer of this protein has a greater propensity to form amyloid fibrils than its monomeric counterpart when incubated at 37 degrees Celsius. Experimental results suggest that the dimer structure of this protein exhibits amyloid-like characteristics.
BIOPHYSICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Review
Genetics & Heredity
Siham A. Rahmatalla, Danny Arends, Gudrun A. Brockmann
Summary: This article provides an overview of the diversity of milk casein protein variants and non-coding DNA sequence variations that affect gene expression in goats. The enormous variation in casein proteins is crucial for producing milk and dairy products with different properties for human health and nutrition. Additionally, haplotypes of the genetically linked casein gene cluster can serve as valuable tools for breed discrimination, managing genetic diversity, and breeding strategies.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ellynes Amancio Correia Nunes, Maria Claudia da Silva, Marlon Henrique Cardoso, Sergio Leandro Espindola Preza, Lucas Silva de Oliveira, Breno Emanuel Farias Frihling, Sebastien Olivier Charneau, Philippe Grellier, Octavio Luiz Franco, Ludovico Migliolo
Summary: This study found that synthetic polyalanine peptides Pa-MAP1.9 and Pa-MAP2 derived from polar fish can inhibit the growth of sleeping sickness pathogens, suggesting their potential as a treatment for sleeping sickness.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Xiaxia Wang, Zhongna Yu, Xiaowei Zhao, Rongwei Han, Dongwei Huang, Yongxin Yang, Guanglong Cheng
Summary: In this study, cows producing different beta-casein variants were identified using a high-resolution melting method and their milk samples were analyzed using label-free proteomics. The study identified specific protein components associated with different beta-casein variants, providing new insights into their potential biological functions in dairy products and implications for human health. Hierarchical clustering and principal components analysis were used to visualize differences in protein components in milk containing different beta-casein variants.
JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE
(2021)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Seyi Fridaius Ulrich Vanvanhossou, Isabella Jasmin Giambra, Tong Yin, Kerstin Brugemann, Luc Hippolyte Dossa, Sven Konig
Summary: This study identified significant genetic variations in milk protein genes in Beninese indigenous cattle, forming various predominant haplotypes. In addition, polymorphisms within regulatory regions were found to affect microRNA and transcription factor binding sites, suggesting potential implications for milk production traits. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the impact of these genetic variations on milk production.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcelo D. T. Torres, Jicong Cao, Octavio L. Franco, Timothy K. Lu, Cesar de la Fuente-Nunez
Summary: Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge, with the need for innovative strategies becoming more urgent. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer a natural template for the discovery, design, and production of antibiotics, potentially leading the way for future advancements in peptide drug discovery through computational and synthetic biology approaches.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Eman Ali, Gisele LaPointe
Summary: The hydrolysis of milk proteins produces bioactive peptides that can decrease the expression of virulence genes in Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica typhimurium. Five synthetic peptides derived from milk showed antivirulence activity and exhibited a synergistic interaction in downregulating the expression of virulence genes.
PROBIOTICS AND ANTIMICROBIAL PROTEINS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Davor Daniloski, Noel A. McCarthy, Tatijana Markoska, Martin J. Auldist, Todor Vasiljevic
Summary: This study highlights differences in conformational and physicochemical characteristics of bovine skim milk and micellar casein from cows of different beta-casein phenotypes, with FTIR and NMR spectroscopies used for analysis. Results showed significant variations in the secondary structure of milk proteins among genetic variants, which were slightly affected by temperature.
FOOD HYDROCOLLOIDS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Shizhe Qi, Shan Zhao, Huiyan Zhang, Shiwen Liu, Jiaxin Liu, Jian Yang, Yanxia Qi, Qiancheng Zhao, Yan Jin, Fangjun Wang
Summary: In this study, active casein antimicrobial peptide (CAMPs) mixtures with high antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis were generated through optimized proteolytic cleavage of milk casein. The CAMPs mixtures also effectively inhibited microbial biofilm attachment and development. Unbiased proteomic analysis identified 301 potential CAMPs sequences, and 4 novel CAMPs were successfully confirmed using synthetic standards. This study provides a promising milk CAMPs resource for the development of safe agents against oral bacteria and functional foods.
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Ricardo Ribeiro, Eugenia Pinto, Carla Fernandes, Emilia Sousa
Summary: Marine cyclic peptides are a diverse group of compounds with broad antimicrobial activities, showing promising potential as novel therapeutic agents. These compounds have unique structural characteristics and have demonstrated interesting antimicrobial activities against drug-resistant microorganisms. Marine cyclic peptides are not only potent in vitro, but also show promising results in vivo, making them an important resource for the development of new antimicrobial agents.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Aliah Zannierah Mohsin, Rashidah Sukor, Jinap Selamat, Anis Shobirin Meor Hussin, Intan Hakimah Ismail, Farah Asilah Azri, Radhiahtul Raehan Mustafa, Muzammeer Mansor
Summary: This study developed a sandwich ELISA method for the quantification of α(S1)-casein in goat milk, which showed high sensitivity and accuracy. The ELISA was able to discriminate α(S1)-casein from other proteins and achieved acceptable recovery rates. This method can be used by goat breeders, milk product manufacturers, diagnostic laboratories, and consumers to assess the content of α(S1)-casein in goat milk products.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Peng-Wei Wei, Chao-Rong Song, Xu Wang, Ming Chen, Yong-Xin Yang, Cong Wang, Zu-Quan Hu, Hong-Mei Liu, Bing Wang
Summary: This study synthesized a housefly larval antimicrobial peptide, Phormicin C-NS, and found that it exhibited anti-C. albicans activity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed the mechanism by which Phormicin C-NS inhibited C. albicans. The peptide was able to inhibit bud-to-hyphal transition and biofilm formation, and reduce C. albicans propagation in pasteurized milk. Therefore, Phormicin C-NS has potential as a new preservative in the milk industry.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Yun-Qi Song, Su Min Kyung, Suji Kim, Gun Kim, So Yeong Lee, Han Sang Yoo
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in nosocomial infections, which are difficult to handle due to its biofilm-forming ability and carbapenem resistance. Antimicrobial peptides, such as RP557, have shown effectiveness in inhibiting biofilms. Our study assessed the effectiveness of RP557 on carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa planktonic cells and biofilms, providing a potential treatment option for carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa infection. This treatment could be helpful in managing severe nosocomial infections caused by carbapenem-resistant bacteria and improving patients' survival rates.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bency Thankappan, Jeyarajan Sivakumar, Sridhar Asokan, Mahendran Ramasamy, Mamatha M. Pillai, R. Selvakumar, Jayaraman Angayarkanni
Summary: The study demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity of a newly designed peptide against Pseudomonas, with no toxicity to human red blood cells and anti-survivability effects on cancer cells.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Miroslav Ducic, Coral Barcenilla, Jose F. Cobo-Diaz, Mercedes Lopez, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Miguel Prieto
Summary: The study examined the effects of high pressure processing (HPP) and a functional starter culture on the quality of chorizo de Le'on dry fermented sausages (DFS). The results showed that independent or combined use of HPP and the starter culture significantly reduced Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium. The additional measures also decreased the presence of undesirable microbiota and improved the sensory preferences of the DFS.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Paula Fernandez-Gomez, Marcia Oliveira, Jose F. Cobo-Diaz, Montserrat Gonzalez-Raurich, Rodolfo Mugica-Vidal, Fernando Alba-Elias, Miguel Prieto, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Mercedes Lopez
Summary: This study evaluates the anti-biofilm activity of a coating applied with an atmospheric-pressure plasma jet system on stainless steel against multispecies biofilms containing Listeria monocytogenes. The results show that the coating is effective against L. monocytogenes in mono-species biofilms, but its activity is reduced in multispecies biofilms. The disinfection treatments with sodium hypochlorite or peracetic acid effectively control L. monocytogenes growth, with sodium hypochlorite providing stronger control on multispecies biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Konstantinos Koutsoumanis, Ana Allende, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Declan Bolton, Sara Bover-Cid, Marianne Chemaly, Alessandra De Cesare, Friederike Hilbert, Roland Lindqvist, Maarten Nauta, Luisa Peixe, Giuseppe Ru, Marion Simmons, Panagiotis Skandamis, Elisabetta Suffredini, Pier Sandro Cocconcelli, Pablo Salvador Fernandez Escamez, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Amparo Querol, Lolke Sijtsma, Juan Evaristo Suarez, Ingvar Sundh, Just Vlak, Fulvio Barizzone, Sandra Correia, Lieve Herman
Summary: The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach is a regularly updated generic pre-evaluation of the safety of microorganisms in the food or feed chains. It is used to support the work of EFSA's Scientific Panels. In this study, 52 microorganisms were evaluated between April and September 2022.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Konstantinos Koutsoumanis, Ana Allende, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Sara Bover-Cid, Marianne Chemaly, Alessandra De Cesare, Lieve Herman, Friederike Hilbert, Roland Lindqvist, Maarten Nauta, Luisa Peixe, Giuseppe Ru, Marion Simmons, Panagiotis Skandamis, Elisabetta Suffredini, Bojan Blagojevic, Inge Van Damme, Michaela Hempen, Winy Messens, Declan Bolton
Summary: This study examines the impact of dry-ageing of beef and wet-ageing of beef, pork, and lamb on microbiological hazards and spoilage bacteria, and describes current practices. It differentiates between 'standard fresh' and wet-aged meat based on duration. The study collates data on key parameters (time, temperature, pH, and a(w)) using a literature survey and questionnaires. Various microbiological hazards and spoilage bacteria are identified in aged meats, and methods to prevent their growth are discussed. The study concludes that ageing meat under defined and controlled conditions can achieve similar or lower levels of microbiological hazards and spoilage bacteria than standard fresh meat preparation.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Oliver W. Bayfield, Andrey N. Shkoporov, Natalya Yutin, Ekaterina V. Khokhlova, Jake L. R. Smith, Dorothy E. D. P. Hawkins, Eugene V. Koonin, Colin Hill, Alfred A. Antson
Summary: CrAssphage and related crassviruses are the most abundant viruses in the human gut, with some individuals having up to 95% of viral sequences from these viruses. By reconstructing Bacteroides intestinalis virus fcrAss001 using cryo-electron microscopy, we gained insights into the structure and function of its proteins. The muzzle protein forms a new fold called the 'crass fold' and acts as a gatekeeper for controlling cargo release. Additionally, the fcrAss001 virus provides ample storage space for cargo proteins in both the capsid and the tail, with a mechanism for protein ejection involving partial unfolding during extrusion through the tail.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Colin Buttimer, Ekaterina V. Khokhlova, Lisa Stein, Cara M. Hueston, Bianca Govi, Lorraine A. Draper, R. Paul Ross, Andrey N. Shkoporov, Colin Hill
Summary: This study isolates and characterizes six bacteriophages that can infect Ruminococcus gnavus, a gut microbe associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The phages have a temperate lifestyle and can coexist with the host bacterium without causing a significant reduction in its abundance. Analysis of gut virome data reveals a high abundance of these phages in individuals with IBD. This work provides insight into the interaction between phages and R. gnavus in the human gut microbiome.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Marcia Oliveira, Pilar Truchado, Rebeca Cordero-Garcia, Maria I. Gil, Manuel Abellan Soler, Amador Rancano, Francisca Garcia, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Ana Allende
Summary: In this study, the occurrence of indicator antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) was monitored for 12 months. The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of current wastewater treatment practices in reducing ARB and ARGs and preventing their spread to the environment. The results showed high concentrations of ARB and ARGs in the influent samples, but the reclamation treatments implemented in the WWTPs were effective in reducing their occurrence. However, WWTP effluents may still serve as a source of ARGs and disseminate antimicrobial resistance.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Konstantinos Koutsoumanis, Ana Allende, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Declan Bolton, Sara Bover-Cid, Marianne Chemaly, Robert Davies, Alessandra De Cesare, Lieve Herman, Friederike Hilbert, Roland Lindqvist, Maarten Nauta, Luisa Peixe, Panagiotis Skandamis, Elisabetta Suffredini, Michael W. Miller, Atle Mysterud, Maria Noremark, Marion Simmons, Michael A. Tranulis, Gabriele Vaccari, Hildegunn Viljugrein, Angel Ortiz-Pelaez, Giuseppe Ru
Summary: The European Commission requested an analysis of the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) monitoring programme in multiple European countries. The disease was detected in reindeer, moose, and red deer, with two different phenotypes observed. Finland, Sweden, and other areas of Norway reported the first detections of CWD. The data suggests the need for revised surveillance strategies and criteria for assessing the probability of CWD presence.
Article
Microbiology
Neda Nezam-Abadi, Christopher J. R. Turkington, Lorraine A. Draper, Andrey N. Shkoporov, R. Paul Ross, Colin Hill
Summary: Here, we present the draft genome sequence of Legionella pneumophila subsp. pneumophila strain DSM 25199, a serogroup 1 strain with a genome size of 3,426,844 bp. The assembly consists of 24 contigs with an N-50 of 300,843 bp.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paula Fernandez-Gomez, Jose F. Cobo-Diaz, Marcia Oliveira, Montserrat Gonzalez-Raurich, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Miguel Prieto, James L. Walsh, Morten Sivertsvik, Estefania Noriega-Fernandez, Mercedes Lopez
Summary: Plasma-Activated Water (PAW) was generated from tap water and its antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated. PAW generated at 36 W-30 min showed the most effective inactivation, reducing the cell count by 4.6 log in planktonic state. Although the antimicrobial activity in biofilms was lower, increasing the exposure time to 30 min resulted in a reduction of >4.5 log cycles. The mechanisms of action of PAW involved changes in carbon metabolism, virulence, and stress response genes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Coral Barcenilla, Alba Puente, Jose F. Cobo-Diaz, Elena-Alexandra Alexa, Enriqueta Garcia-Gutierrez, Paula M. O'Connor, Paul D. Cotter, Montserrat Gonzalez-Raurich, Mercedes Lopez, Miguel Prieto, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez
Summary: This study found that using lactic acid bacteria for food preservation can meet consumers' demands for natural foods and control foodborne pathogens effectively. Six different strains of lactic acid bacteria were selected for their strong antimicrobial activity and showed significant inhibitory effects on pathogens in cooked meat products such as ham.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Shona Uniacke-Lowe, Fergus W. J. Collins, Colin Hill, R. Paul Ross
Summary: With the increase in antimicrobial resistance, the deep-sea fish microbiome can serve as a potential source of antimicrobials, including bacteriocins. In this study, bacterial isolates recovered from deep-sea fish were screened for antimicrobial activity and their genomic DNA was analyzed for bacteriocin and other antimicrobial metabolite genes. The study identified 147 candidate biosynthetic gene clusters, including 35 bacteriocin clusters, and discovered unique bacteriocin gene clusters encoding novel peptides. This dual approach provided insights into the bacteriocinogenic potential and antimicrobial molecules of the deep-sea isolates.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Friederike Uhlig, Alicja K. Warda, Cara M. Hueston, Lorraine A. Draper, Gilles Chauviere, Erik Eckhardt, Colin Hill, Niall P. Hyland
Summary: Lactobacillus LB, generated through fermentation, has beneficial effects on intestinal ion transport and motility, alleviating acute diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Low-lactose Lactobacillus LB (LL-LB) increases baseline short-circuit current and is partially mediated by sodium-D-glucose transporter 1. Preparations produced from a single strain fermentate of L. fermentum have a stronger effect on baseline short-circuit current and carbachol-induced contractions compared to LL-LB.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Konstantinos Koutsoumanis, Ana Allende, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Declan Bolton, Sara Bover-Cid, Marianne Chemaly, Alessandra De Cesare, Friederike Hilbert, Roland Lindqvist, Maarten Nauta, Romolo Nonno, Luisa Peixe, Giuseppe Ru, Marion Simmons, Panagiotis Skandamis, Elisabetta Suffredini, Pier Sandro Cocconcelli, Pablo Salvador Fernandez Escamez, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Amparo Querol, Lolke Sijtsma, Juan Evaristo Suarez, Ingvar Sundh, Fulvio Barizzone, Sandra Correia, Lieve Herman
Summary: The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) approach assesses the safety of microorganisms based on published data for each agent, including taxonomic identity, relevant knowledge, and safety concerns. No new information was found during the period covered by this statement to change the status of previously recommended QPS TUs. Out of the 38 microorganisms notified to EFSA, 34 were not evaluated, and 20 of them already have a QPS status.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Konstantinos Koutsoumanis, Ana Allende, Avelino Alvarez-Ordonez, Declan Bolton, Sara Bover-Cid, Marianne Chemaly, Alessandra de Cesare, Friederike Hilbert, Roland Lindqvist, Maarten Nauta, Luisa Peixe, Giuseppe Ru, Marion Simmons, Panagiotis Skandamis, Elisabetta Suffredini, Pier Sandro Cocconcelli, Pablo Salvador Fernandez Escamez, Miguel Prieto Maradona, Amparo Querol, Lolke Sijtsma, Juan Evaristo Suarez, Ingvar Sundh, Just Vlak, Fulvio Barizzone, Michaela Hempen, Sandra Correia, Lieve Herman
Summary: The qualified presumption of safety (QPS) is a generic pre-assessment method that supports the work of EFSA's Scientific Panels by evaluating the safety of microorganisms in the food or feed chains. The evaluation is based on the body of knowledge and safety concerns of the microorganisms. Some strains, such as filamentous fungi, bacteriophages, oomycetes, and certain bacteria, are excluded from the QPS assessment due to their potentially harmful traits. The QPS list is regularly reviewed and updated, and new TUs can receive QPS status if they meet the necessary qualifications.