Article
Microbiology
Julie D. Pourtois, Michael J. Kratochvil, Qingquan Chen, Naomi L. Haddock, Elizabeth B. Burgener, Giulio A. De Leo, Paul L. Bollyky
Summary: A mathematical model was used to study the competition between Pf+ and Pf- strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different environments, revealing that the benefits of phage production may not always outweigh the metabolic cost for bacterial fitness. Frequent administration of intermediate doses of antibiotics can favor Pf+ strains over Pf-, suggesting potential treatment strategies for combating antibiotic tolerance.
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Celia Sahli, Sergio E. Moya, John S. Lomas, Christine Gravier-Pelletier, Romain Briandet, Miryana Hemadi
Summary: This article introduces the spatially-organized communities of microorganisms called biofilms and their interactions with antimicrobials. The limitations of antibiotic treatments are discussed, and alternative approaches using nanoparticles are presented. The aim of this article is to eradicate bacterial biofilms and fight antimicrobial tolerance using nanobiotechnology-based approaches.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Sanchez-Perez, Mar Torralva, Jose Manuel Zamora-Marin, Francisco Javier Bravo-Cordoba, Francisco Javier Sanz-Ronda, Francisco Jose Oliva-Paterna
Summary: River connectivity is crucial for the resilience of fish assemblages and populations, and is a top priority for achieving good ecological status in river systems. The assessment of different types of multispecies fishways in a Mediterranean-type river showed clear ecological contributions, including their use as migration corridors and compensatory habitats for small and juvenile fish.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Annika Vaksmaa, Katrin Knittel, Alejandro Abdala Asbun, Maaike Goudriaan, Andreas Ellrott, Harry J. Witte, Ina Vollmer, Florian Meirer, Christian Lott, Miriam Weber, Julia C. Engelmann, Helge Niemann
Summary: This study found dense microbial biofilms on the surface of microplastics in the ocean, with different plastic types attracting specific microbial communities; moreover, PS showed a higher abundance of archaea and all investigated plastic types contained hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
George A. Naclerio, Herman O. Sintim
Summary: HP-29, a newly developed halogenated phenazine, exhibits potent antimicrobial activity with a remarkable minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.08 mu M against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). In addition to eradicating preformed biofilm through iron starvation, HP-29 is also non-toxic to mammalian cell lines and efficacious in wound infection models.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Modestas Ruzauskas, Julija Armalyte, Egle Lastauskiene, Rita Siugzdiniene, Irena Klimiene, Raimundas Mockeliunas, Elena Bartkiene
Summary: This study found that wild carp have a greater diversity of bacterial species in their gut compared to aquacultured fish, with the latter harboring more bacteria that are considered pathogens. The frequency of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial indicators was also higher in aquacultured fish, indicating that fish farming could be a potential source of environmental contamination with antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Vedran Milosavljevic, Ludmila Kosaristanova, Kristyna Dolezelikova, Vojtech Adam, Martin Pumera
Summary: Bacterial biofilms are protected by an extracellular matrix formed through quorum sensing communication, but self-propelled microrobots show promise in their removal. This study demonstrates the design of multifunctional microrobots using antimicrobial peptides for eradicating MRSA-produced biofilms. The microrobots can navigate, enter the biofilms, and block bacterial DNA replication, showcasing their potential for biomedical research.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yiqing Zou, Xiaonan Chen, Yingying Sun, Pengyu Li, Mao Xu, Pengchao Fang, Shuqi Zhang, Gang Yuan, Xin Deng, Haiyan Hu
Summary: In this study, fucoidan-coated nanoparticles were developed to target and destroy Helicobacter pylori biofilms, as well as kill the bacteria inside host cells. These nanoparticles not only improved bacterial eradication but also alleviated oxidative stress and reduced gastric mucosal damage.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Catherine Dunyach-Remy, Florian Salipante, Jean-Philippe Lavigne, Maxime Brunaud, Christophe Demattei, Alex Yahiaoui-Martinez, Sophie Bastide, Claire Palayer, Albert Sotto, Anthony Gelis
Summary: This pilot study aimed to characterize the evolution of the cutaneous microbiota of pressure ulcers in spinal cord injury patients. The results suggest that certain bacterial genera may be associated with wound degradation, with Proteus potentially representing a promising target in pressure ulcer management.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mohammad J. Hajipour, Amir Ata Saei, Edward D. Walker, Brian Conley, Yadollah Omidi, Ki-Bum Lee, Morteza Mahmoudi
Summary: The emergence of nanotechnology has brought unprecedented hopes for addressing issues such as antibiotic resistance in medicine. Nanotechnologies have shown promising applications in identifying, discriminating, and removing various pathogens, with recent insights in bacterial nanotechnology contributing to a better understanding of nanoparticle and bacteria interactions. Developed nanotechnology-based approaches for bacterial detection, removal, and biofilm eradication are summarized, along with a review of the challenging effects on beneficial bacteria and mechanisms of bacterial resistance to nanotherapeutics.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Michael G. Hadfield, Marnie L. Freckelton, Brian T. Nedved
Summary: The serpulid worm Hydroides elegans is a model organism for studying marine biofouling, development, and larval settlement induced by microbial films. Settlement can be induced by natural biofilms, biofilms formed by specific bacterial species, or a bacterial extract. Larvae lose their cilia and undergo morphogenesis during the settlement process, which can be induced by a bacterial extract containing complex tailocin arrays. Loss of cilia before attachment may result in larvae being swept away by turbulent flows in marine habitats.
Article
Microbiology
Rosanna Floris, Gabriele Sanna, Laura Mura, Myriam Fiori, Jacopo Culurgioni, Riccardo Diciotti, Carmen Rizzo, Angelina Lo Giudice, Pasqualina Lagana, Nicola Fois
Summary: The study aimed at isolating and testing intestinal microbial strains capable of producing biosurfactants and exhibiting antibacterial activity to select probiotic bacteria for aquaculture use. The results indicated that fish gut is a potential source of bioactive compounds that deserve further exploration.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Huan Wang, Fanghan Li, Yuan Yong, Mingzhu Lv, Chenghui Liu, Qiqi Xu, Guobo Du, Jiani Xie, Yong You, Jiangwei Xiao, Guohui Jiang
Summary: In this study, full-spectrum photoreactive tungsten disulfide quantum dots were prepared to kill bacteria and promote wound healing through photocatalytic reactive oxygen species generation and glutathione depletion. These nanoplatforms exhibit excellent full-spectrum catalytic performance by hindering electron-hole recombination and can be further enhanced by redox reactions for accelerated wound healing. This work not only provides an effective full-spectrum photocatalytic reagent for antibacterial therapy and wound healing, but also offers a rational idea for the development of novel antibacterial agents in the field of biomedicine.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xufeng Zhu, Jiaqi Guo, Yonglan Yang, Jie Liu
Summary: In this study, antibiotic-loaded mesoporous nanozymes (HA@MRuO2-Cip/GOx) were developed to overcome bacterial resistance and activate local immunosuppression in the biofilm microenvironment (BME). The nanocatalyst effectively disrupted the biofilm and enhanced the killing of planktonic bacteria by cleaving extracellular DNA (eDNA). It also induced macrophage polarization and enhanced phagocytosis, ultimately leading to an efficient treatment of MRSA bacterial lung infections.
Article
Microbiology
Fernanda Jimenez Otero, Dianne K. Newman, Leonard M. Tender
Summary: Biofilms provide a protective environment but also present challenges to the cells living within them. Pseudomonas aeruginosa overcomes oxygen limitation by secreting redox active phenazines, which act as electron shuttles. Blocking the re-oxidation of one of these electron shuttles, pyocyanin, decreases cell survival within biofilms and enhances the effect of gentamicin in killing cells. The study highlights the importance of redox cycling of electron shuttles in P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Amanda Pereira da Costa Araujo, Thiarlen Marinho da Luz, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim Ahmed, Mir Mohammad Ali, Md Mostafizur Rahman, Bojan Nataraj, Daniela de Melo e Silva, Damia Barcelo, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: Recent studies have indicated that microplastic pollution can exert additional stress on amphibian populations. However, our understanding of the effects of microplastics on amphibians, especially in combination with other emerging pollutants, is limited. This study aimed to assess the potential toxicity of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs), alone or in combination with a mixture of pollutants, on the health of Physalaemus cuvieri tadpoles. The results showed that exposure to the combination of PE-MPs and pollutants induced enhanced stress responses in tadpoles, although the uptake and accumulation of PE-MPs in the animals was reduced. This study provides new insights into the risks posed by microplastics coexisting with other pollutants in aquatic environments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Carlos Perez-Lopez, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz, Albert Serra-Compte, Diana Alvarez-Munoz, Antoni Ginebreda, Damia Barcelo, Roma Tauler
Summary: In this study, the ROIMCR method is proposed for the analysis of non-target metabolomics data. The effects of SMX exposure and seasonal conditions on marine mussels were studied using HPLC-HRMS. The results showed that seasonal conditions had a greater impact on metabolite concentrations compared to SMX exposure and the interaction of these factors.
Article
Environmental Sciences
D. P. Manjarres-Lopez, J. M. Pena-Herrera, L. Benejam, N. Montemurro, S. Perez
Summary: Riverine fish in densely populated areas are exposed to wastewater-borne contaminants, which can enter the organism through the skin, gills, or ingestion. This study analyzed a panel of tissues to provide a comprehensive overview of the distribution of pollutants. High-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry was used to detect the presence of 600 pharmaceutically active compounds in four fish species. A total of 30 compounds were detected in at least one tissue, with a prevalence of antidepressants. The study identified specific compounds and recommended which tissues should be included in biomonitoring studies of pharmaceutically active compounds in riverine fish.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paolo Pastorino, Silvia Colussi, Katia Varello, Arianna Meletiadis, Silvia Alberti, Alessia Di Blasio, Giovanni Tedde, Mattia Begovoeva, Andrea Peano, Luca Rossi, Monia Renzi, Pier Luigi Acutis, Damia Barcelo, Marino Prearo
Summary: Unusual mortality events of frogs occurred in two high-mountain ponds in Italy. Analysis of water and frog samples revealed a correlation between the isolation of bacteria and frog mortalities, which was likely caused by high water temperatures.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Uttpal Anand, Tarun Pal, Alessandra Zanoletti, Suresh Sundaramurthy, Sunita Varjani, Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha, Damia Barcelo, Elza Bontempi
Summary: The World Health Organization (WHO) identified the variant B.1.1.529 of SARS-CoV-2 as a variant of concern, named Omicron, due to its multiple mutations that enhance its ability to spread globally and evade immunity, posing serious threats to public health.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xia Yu, Wentao Zhao, Shuguang Lyu, Zhenxiao Cai, Gang Yu, Hualin Wang, Damia Barcelo, Qian Sui
Summary: This study excavated and analyzed the refuse from the largest municipal solid waste landfill in Shanghai, revealing the presence of 42 pharmaceuticals with concentrations ranging from 0.30 to 116 μg/kg. Different concentration variations of individual pharmaceuticals were observed in refuse samples excavated at different depths and positively correlated to their sorption ability. The estimated mass of pharmaceuticals in the investigated landfill was 80-220 tons based on Monte Carlo analysis, providing the first estimate of pharmaceutical mass in an MSW landfill.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Vinay Kumar, Neha Sharma, Lucky Duhan, Ritu Pasrija, Jithin Thomas, Mridul Umesh, Sivarama Krishna Lakkaboyana, Rodrigo Andler, Alisa S. Vangnai, Meththika Vithanage, Mukesh Kumar Awasthi, Wen Yi Chia, Pau LokeShow, Damia Barcelo
Summary: This paper reviews the origin and dispersal of microplastics in aquatic systems, their biodegradation and the factors affecting it, as well as the major engineering approaches applied in microbial biotechnology. It also discusses the major challenges associated with plastic removal by evaluating recent reports.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lucia H. M. L. M. Santos, Ana Luisa Maulvault, Adrian Jaen-Gil, Antonio Marques, Damia Barcelo, Sara Rodriguez-Mozaz
Summary: A non-target metabolomics approach was used to investigate changes in the metabolome of juvenile meagre exposed to venlafaxine. Tissue-dependent variations were observed in the metabolic profile, with significant changes in endogenous metabolites identified in the liver, brain, and plasma of the exposed fish. Dysregulation of neurotransmitter-related amino acids was observed, particularly in the fish brain metabolome.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yolanda Pico, Damia Barcelo
Summary: Evidence shows an increase in emerging contaminants, such as PPE, disinfectants, and pharmaceuticals, in the environment due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This article discusses the various pathways through which these contaminants enter the environment, including wastewater treatment plants, improper disposal of PPE, and surface runoff from disinfectant-treated areas. The potential harmful effects of these emerging contaminants on aquatic organisms and human health are also addressed, highlighting the need for further research to understand their impacts and develop effective mitigation strategies.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fulgence Jacob Macha, Hyungjoon Im, Kyungtae Kim, Kyunghwa Park, Jeong-Eun Oh, Damia Barcelo
Summary: Cresols are commonly found in freshwater systems and are used as disinfectants. However, their long-term toxicity effects on reproduction and gene expression patterns of aquatic species are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate the chronic toxic effects of cresols on reproduction and gene expression using D. magna, and also examined the bioconcentration behavior of cresol isomers. The results showed that cresols had negative effects on offspring quantity and reproduction delay, but did not significantly affect body weight and gene transcription in Daphnia. The bioconcentration experiments indicated that cresol isomers are unlikely to accumulate in aquatic species.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Mahalaxmi Iyer, Uttpal Anand, Saranya Thiruvenkataswamy, Harysh Winster Suresh Babu, Arul Narayanasamy, Vijay Kumar Prajapati, Chandan Kumar Tiwari, Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan, Elza Bontempi, Christian Sonne, Damia Barcelo, Balachandar Vellingiri
Summary: Carcinogenic metals, particularly chromium (Cr) and its derivatives, including Cr(VI)-induced, have widespread distribution and pose a concern for adverse environmental and human health effects. They cause DNA epigenetic alterations resulting in heritable changes in gene expression. This review discusses the role of Cr(VI) in epigenetic changes, highlighting the importance of considering epigenetics as a possible mechanism underlying Cr(VI) toxicity and cell-transforming ability. More clinical and preventative measures are needed to better understand the toxicity and safeguard employees against cancer.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Joao Pinto da Costa, Ana Luisa Silva, Damia Barcelo, Teresa Rocha-Santos, Armando Duarte
Summary: As the world slowly emerges from the ongoing pandemic, war has broken out in Europe as Russia invades Ukraine. The military conflict in Ukraine has had far-reaching consequences on human, social, economic, and environmental levels, affecting not only the involved nations but also Europe and the world. Damaged infrastructures, disrupted economic activity, and forced migration have negatively impacted sustainability. The COVID-19 pandemic adds complexity to the situation, further disrupting economic activity and straining healthcare systems. This study examines the impact of the intersection of war and COVID-19 on the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and assesses its global implications.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Raissa de Oliveira Ferreira, Abraao Tiago Batista Guimaraes, Thiarlen Marinho da Luz, Aline Sueli de Lima Rodrigues, Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul Islam, Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Chinnasamy Ragavendran, Chinnaperumal Kamaraj, Ives Charlie-Silva, Edison Luiz Durigon, Helyson Lucas Bezerra Braz, Andres Hugo Arias, Omar Cruz Santiago, Damia Barcelo, Guilherme Malafaia
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented negative impacts. The potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 and microplastics in the aquatic environment are not well known. This study evaluated the ecotoxicological effects of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 and polyethylene microplastics in male adult Poecilia reticulata. The results showed behavioral changes, nephrotoxic and hepatotoxic effects, imbalances in ion homeostasis, and anticholinesterase effects induced by SARS-CoV-2 exposure. Polyethylene microplastic exposure caused genotoxic effects and increased enzyme activity. The combined exposure did not show synergistic effects. The study highlights the need for attention to the impacts of COVID-19 on aquatic biota.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Evgenios Agathokleous, Damia Barcelo, Edward J. Calabrese
Summary: Contaminants of emerging concern and other chemicals are widely present in the environment, and they can induce various effects at concentrations/doses smaller than the toxicological threshold. These low-dose effects pose challenges for wastewater reuse and reclamation, and stakeholders have made efforts to address this issue. To effectively tackle the low-dose issue, the improvement of treatment/remediation sites, better control/prevention of chemical release, and involvement of citizen-science approach should be considered.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Ana M. Oliveira, Ana L. Patricio Silva, Amadeu M. V. M. Soares, Damia Barcelo, Armando C. Duarte, Teresa Rocha-Santos
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the increased use of disposable face masks has led to a significant environmental burden. This critical review discusses the degradation and toxicity of face mask contaminants and emphasizes the need for more research in this area. The lack of studies on biodegradation and ecotoxicity, as well as the uncertainties in experimental procedures, hinder the comparison with conventional plastic debris. Further studies on the abundance and composition of face mask-released contaminants and the development of methodological strategies are crucial to understand their environmental impact.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)