Article
Microbiology
Shu Li, Ping He, Huacai Fan, Lina Liu, Kesuo Yin, Baoming Yang, Yongping Li, Su-Mei Huang, Xundong Li, Si-Jun Zheng
Summary: This study identified key genes showing strong antibiotic activity against Fusarium wilt of banana in five Bacillus strains, providing insights into different mechanisms involved in combating the TR4 pathogen.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Peter Braun, Martin Duy-Thanh Nguyen, Mathias C. Walter, Gregor Grass
Summary: A real-time PCR assay targeting a specific single nucleotide polymorphism in Bacillus anthracis genomes was validated, showing high specificity, linearity, and sensitivity. Adapting the assay for reverse transcription PCR on 16S rRNA transcripts significantly increased sensitivity compared to DNA-targeting assays, offering great potential for molecular diagnostics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Di Wang, Xinya Jiao, Haijiang Jia, Shumei Cheng, Xi Jin, Youhua Wang, Yunhua Gao, Xiaofeng Su
Summary: This study developed a droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay for accurate and sensitive detection and quantification of Verticillium dahliae and V. longisporum, showing that ddPCR is more sensitive and accurate than qPCR for quantifying trace amounts of these pathogens in field samples.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Chang-Hun Choi, Eiseul Kim, Seung-Min Yang, Da-Som Kim, Seung-Man Suh, Ga-Young Lee, Hae-Yeong Kim
Summary: This study evaluated the applicability of a ddPCR assay for detecting lactic acid bacteria and compared its performance characteristics to those of a qPCR. The results showed that ddPCR is more sensitive than qPCR, but it has limitations in quantifying high bacterial concentrations.
Article
Immunology
Xiaolin Jiang, Yong Jiang, Feng Ye
Summary: This study used real-time quantitative PCR to detect Mucorales and Aspergillus in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples. The combination of Mucorales RQ-PCR and Aspergillus RQ-PCR was recommended as a screening tool for detecting suspected mucormycosis and/or aspergillosis samples.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Bingqian Zhou, Guangpu Yang, Zhe Hu, Kewei Chen, Wei Guo, Xiaojun Wang, Cheng Du
Summary: A new qPCR method was developed to detect T. haneyi infection in horses, showing high specificity and sensitivity. Its accuracy was further validated by comparison with the traditional nested PCR method.
Article
Microbiology
Agata Anna Cisek, Iwona Bak, Bozena Cukrowska
Summary: Methanogenic archaea are important but often ignored in studies of human and animal intestinal microbiota. This research focused on improving the quantification of methanogens using qPCR, by refining the protocol and increasing the specificity and sensitivity of the assay. The results showed increased detection range and successful validation parameters, allowing for improved detection and quantification of methanogens in stool samples, such as chicken droppings in this study.
Article
Plant Sciences
Nicholas LeBlanc, Frank Martin, Vanina Castroagudin, Jo Anne Crouch
Summary: Impatiens downy mildew (IDM) disease is a major constraint on the production of Impatiens walleriana. A hydrolysis-probe-based PCR diagnostic assay was developed for the detection and quantification of the pathogen Plasmopara destructor. The assay specifically targets P. destructor infecting both I. walleriana and I. balsamina. This research is important for disease control and detection in the production of Impatiens walleriana.
Article
Virology
Ana Banko, Gordana Petrovic, Danijela Miljanovic, Ana Loncar, Marija Vukcevic, Dragana Despot, Andja Cirkovic
Summary: The study compared the detection performance of three different commercially available SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detection kits and found that their results were statistically similar, with high similarity in analytical sensitivities. However, the SanSure Biotech kit showed slightly better diagnostic performance.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Byoung-Hoon Kang, Youngseop Lee, Eun-Sil Yu, Hamin Na, Minhee Kang, Hee Jae Huh, Ki-Hun Jeong
Summary: The rapid and accurate molecular diagnostics are crucial in the face of pandemic diseases, and the nanoplasmonic PCR provides a new solution for rapid and quantitative molecular diagnostics at point-of-care level.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jing Tu, Yi Qiao, Yuhan Luo, Naiyun Long, Zuhong Lu
Summary: DNA quantification is crucial in life sciences research, and real-time MDA technology can provide template amount information during whole-genome amplification with a very low detection limit, offering a promising tool to quantify entire DNA without sacrificing sample completeness or introducing redundant steps.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Liang Gong, Siyue Yao, Yidong He, Chengliang Liu
Summary: A new qPCR data analysis method called AERKM is proposed to achieve more accurate results by introducing amplification efficiency (AE) for error correction. It has been verified to have higher precision and stability in 5-point 10-fold gradient qPCR tests of 63 genes.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yao Liu, Ling Li, Yuanmiao Wei, Hanyue Zhang, Shuna Xiang, Ying Shang
Summary: The article introduces a detection method for T. albuminosus mushrooms using the TSA gene as an endogenous reference gene. The method is validated through qualitative and quantitative PCR, providing a fast and accurate way to detect T. albuminosus and protect consumers' rights while promoting the industry.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Shuaijie Li, Kui Guo, Xuefeng Wang, Yuezhi Lin, Jinhui Wang, Yaoxin Wang, Cheng Du, Zhe Hu, Xiaojun Wang
Summary: A tat-gag-based real-time quantitative PCR (TG-qPCR) was developed as an effective tool for early diagnosis of clinical Equine Infectious Anemia (EIA) disease. The TG-qPCR showed high specificity, sensitivity, and reproducibility, and had better inclusivity compared to the traditional qPCR method.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
SungJun Park, Cheonghoon Lee, Kyuseon Cho, Hye Young Ko, Sung Jae Jang, GwangPyo Ko
Summary: The study suggests that employing inhibitor-removal treatment can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of RT-qPCR detection methods for noroviruses in water and produce.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gabriel Miguez-Suarez, Alejandra Cardelle-Cobas, Laura Sinisterra-Loaiza, Beatriz Vazquez, Alberto Cepeda, Carolina Nebot
Summary: The use of veterinary drugs in animal production is a common practice to ensure animal and human health. However, residues of these drugs could be found in animal food products, as well as in the environment, exposing humans to these substances. This study developed a multiclass method to analyze various pharmaceuticals in human feces, revealing the involuntary exposure of human gut microbiota to active substances such as pharmaceuticals.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jose M. Miranda, Marcos Trigo, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Santiago P. Aubourg
Summary: This study analyzed the antimicrobial effect of aqueous extracts of red alga flour against food pathogenic and spoilage bacteria. The results showed that the extracts had antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. In a food model study, the extracts were found to inhibit microbial growth and improve chemical quality indices. The inhibitory effect was more pronounced with higher extract concentrations and longer storage times. This study suggests the potential use of red alga flour as a preserving strategy for chilled fish.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Salvador Fernandez-Rico, Alicia del Carmen Mondragon, Aroa Lopez-Santamarina, Alejandra Cardelle-Cobas, Patricia Regal, Alexandre Lamas, Israel Samuel Ibarra, Alberto Cepeda, Jose Manuel Miranda
Summary: Despite increasing global milk consumption, there has been a consistent decline in some regions, causing a major crisis for milk producers and the dairy industry. Possible solutions include encouraging non-consumers to drink milk again or promoting milk and dairy products with higher added value, such as A2 milk. However, A2 milk releases smaller amounts of the bioactive opioid peptide beta-casomorphin 7, which can have harmful effects on human health, and it also has poorer technological properties in the production of some dairy products. Therefore, there are doubts about whether the dairy industry should invest in this product.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Carlos Franco, Cristina Fente, Cristina Sanchez, Alexandre Lamas, Alberto Cepeda, Rosaura Leis, Patricia Regal
Summary: The functionality of breast milk in terms of immunity is well-known, however, many breastfed infants exhibit sensitization to potential allergens and clinical reactivity before the introduction of complementary feeding. The potential induction of early oral tolerance through allergen exposure in breast milk remains controversial. This scoping review critically appraised the content of cow's milk antigens in human milk to better understand their impact on allergic disease development.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana G. Abril, Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Tomas G. Villa, Pilar Calo-Mata, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Monica Carrera
Summary: Enterococcus species, both beneficial and pathogenic, are Gram-positive bacteria found in the gastrointestinal tract and dairy/fermented food products. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium strains, often resistant to antibiotics and capable of biofilm formation, are the leading cause of enterococcal infections. This study utilizes LC-ESI-MS/MS to identify proteins and peptides of opportunistic pathogenic Enterococcus in various food products. The identified virulence factors and antibiotic sensitivity can contribute to effective therapy development. The data from this study can serve as a valuable resource for further research and the development of novel therapeutics.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Ana G. Abril, Manuel Pazos, Tomas G. Villa, Pilar Calo-Mata, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Monica Carrera
Summary: Bioactive peptides have various health benefits and can be identified and quantified through proteomics. They have the potential to be a source of novel drugs and ingredients in food and pharmaceuticals.
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Kelly Jobling, David W. Graham, Mohamed Alnakip, Karola Bohme, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Pilar Calo-Mata
Summary: In this study, we report the draft genome sequences of two bacteriocin-producing Enterococcus faecium strains isolated from nonfermented animal foods in Spain. The genomes of these strains contain at least three different regions encoding bacteriocins, and the strains comply with the European Food Safety Authority guidance for use in animal nutrition.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marcos Quintela-Baluja, Kelly Jobling, David W. Graham, Mariano Gomez-Lopez, Jesus L. Romalde, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Pilar Calo-Mata
Summary: Raoultella ornithinolytica, an increasingly important pathogen in human diseases, was isolated from the effluent of a domestic wastewater treatment plant in Spain. The nearly complete genome sequence of a multidrug-resistant strain, R. ornithinolytica MQB_Silv_108, was reported. Its release into the environment poses a possible exposure risk for humans and animals.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jaime Ortiz-Viedma, Jose M. Bastias-Montes, Cielo Char, Camila Vega, Alejandra Quintriqueo, Manuela Gallon-Bedoya, Marcos Flores, Jose M. Aguilera, Jose M. Miranda, Jorge Barros-Velazquez
Summary: A biorefinery process was developed for utilizing freeze-dried pomace of calafate berries. The process involved extraction of lipophilic components using supercritical CO2 and subsequent extraction of the residue using a pressurized mixture of ethanol/water. This eco-friendly process valorizes calafate pomace as a source of ingredients for healthy foods, nutraceuticals, and nutritional supplements.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Gonzalez Abril, Pilar Calo-Mata, Karola Bohme, Tomas G. Villa, Jorge Barros-Velazquez, Manuel Pazos, Monica Carrera
Summary: In this study, shotgun proteomics was used to characterize biogenic-amine-producing bacteria, revealing protein networks and pathways related to energy, putrescine metabolism, and host-virus interaction. Species-specific peptide biomarkers were also identified for bacterial identification. These findings have important implications for the treatment of food intoxication and microbial source tracking.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Castro-Enriquez, Jose M. Miranda, Marcos Trigo, Francisco Rodriguez-Felix, Santiago P. Aubourg, Jorge Barros-Velazquez
Summary: This study investigated the use of pitaya extracts in biodegradable packing films to inhibit quality loss in fish muscle during refrigerated storage. The experiments utilized pitaya-gelatin films for hake muscle storage and pitaya-polylactic acid (PLA) films for Atlantic mackerel muscle storage. The results showed that the presence of pitaya extract led to a significant inhibitory effect on lipid damage, microbial activity development, and growth of bacteria in both systems. The preservation effects were attributed to the presence of betalains and phenolic compounds in the pitaya extracts.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Laura Sinisterra-Loaiza, Patricia Alonso-Lovera, Alejandra Cardelle-Cobas, Jose Manuel Miranda, Beatriz I. Vazquez, Alberto Cepeda
Summary: Various studies have found that specific groups or dietary compounds play a role in the onset and progression of obesity, and gut microbiota serves as a mediator between these compounds and the associated inflammation. This study aimed to evaluate the dietary intake of overweight, obese, and normal-weight individuals and analyze their gut microbiota profile in relation to changes in Body Mass Index (BMI) and diet. The results showed significant differences in fiber and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) intake among different BMI groups, with better intake adequacy observed in the normal-weight group. The analysis of gut microbiota revealed distinct microbial composition in overweight and obese individuals compared to normal-weight individuals, with specific genera identified as biomarkers for each group.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Yuliya Pronina, Talgat Kulazhanov, Zhanar Nabiyeva, Olga Belozertseva, Anastasiya Burlyayeva, Alberto Cepeda, Erik Askarbekov, Gulzhan Urazbekova, Elmira Bazylkhanova
Summary: The proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is crucial for strengthening the immune system. Lactic acid microorganisms are necessary for this proper functioning, mainly sourced from dairy products. However, lactose digestibility poses a problem, leading to the interest in alternative sources and carriers of probiotics. Protein marshmallow can serve as such a carrier due to its dietary and natural properties. This study aims to identify the dependence of technological factors on the rheological properties of the product and the growth of lactic acid microorganisms in confectionery products enriched with lyophilised strains.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lihan Huang, Nurul Hawa Ahmad, Vijay Juneja, Erika Stapp-Kamotani, Jose Gabiola, Udit Minocha, Robert Phillips, Marie Hooker, Isabel Walls, Kim Cook, James Lindsay
Summary: This study investigated the growth kinetics of foodborne pathogen B. cereus during the commercial production of liquid egg yolk using PLA(2) treatment. The results showed that B. cytotoxicus NVH391-98 can grow prolifically at 50 degrees C, with estimated minimum, optimum, and maximum temperatures of 16.7-18.5, 47.8-48.1, and 52.1-52.4 degrees C, respectively. The dynamic model was validated with isothermal curves and it was found that holding the temperature below 15 degrees C or above 55 degrees C can effectively prevent the growth of B. cytotoxicus in egg yolk.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Giacomo Mantegazza, Robin Duncan, Nicolo Telesca, Giorgio Gargari, Susanna Perotti, Patrizia Riso, Simone Guglielmetti
Summary: This study investigates whether salad-associated LAB can survive the gastrointestinal transit (GIT) and contribute to the gut microbiota. The results suggest that salad-associated LAB can survive in the gastrointestinal tract, but their quantity does not significantly alter the composition of the gut microbiota.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Itsaso Baztarrika, Adrian Salazar-Sanchez, Lorena Laorden, Ilargi Martinez-Ballesteros, Rodrigo Alonso, Irati Martinez-Malaxetxebarria
Summary: The infection mechanisms of Arcobacter are still uncertain. This study found that Arcobacter isolates from food and water sources were able to adhere and invade Caco-2 cells, and carried at least two virulence markers. A. butzleri showed higher virulent activity compared to A. cryaerophilus, while A. lanthieri, A. skirrowii, and A. vitoriensis exhibited even higher adhesion and invasion values. Sewage isolates were more adherent and invasive, and had a higher gene content. The association between cadF and hecA with high adhesion capability was identified for the first time.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Balaji Sundararaman, Karen Shapiro, Andrea Packham, Lauren E. Camp, Rachel S. Meyer, Beth Shapiro, Richard E. Green
Summary: Pathogenic bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa can cause food and waterborne diseases, and surveillance methods are needed. In this study, CNER method was used to prepare enrichment baits for difficult-to-grow pathogens. This method allows direct sequencing of pathogens from samples.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Guanghui Zhou, Pengcheng Dong, Xin Luo, Lixian Zhu, Yanwei Mao, Yunge Liu, Yimin Zhang
Summary: Interactions between bacterial species in the formation of dual-species biofilms in the food industry are affected by environmental stresses, such as temperature and pH. This study found that the combination of cold and acid stresses significantly increased biofilm formation, and different temperatures resulted in variations in the presence of specific bacterial species and the secretion of extracellular substances. The findings provide valuable insights for addressing mixed biofilms in food processing under diverse stressful conditions.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carmen Sanchez, Sonia Garde, Jose Maria Landete, Javier Calzada, Dave J. Baker, Rhiannon Evans, Arjan Narbad, Melinda J. Mayer, Marta Avila
Summary: This study sequenced and compared the genomes of bacteriophages active against C. tyrobutyricum, identifying novel species and phage proteins. A phage showed high lytic activity against C. tyrobutyricum cells and remained stable under different environmental conditions. Additionally, engineered strains successfully delivered endolysin and fluorescent protein to dairy products without affecting their technological properties.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Danai Etter, Michael Biggel, Mariella Greutmann, Nicole Cernela, Sophia Johler
Summary: Bacillus cytotoxicus is a thermotolerant bacterium that is linked to rare but sometimes fatal cases of diarrheal disease. It is mostly found in dehydrated foods containing potato starch or insects and may be missed in routine screening.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tong Jin, Xiangjun Zhan, Liuxin Pang, Bo Peng, Xinpeng Zhang, Wenxiu Zhu, Baowei Yang, Xiaodong Xia
Summary: The study found that CpxAR TCS is an important regulatory mechanism for the virulence of C. sakazakii. Mutants showed weakened adhesion, invasion, and survival ability, and exhibited attenuated virulence in animal models. In addition, CpxAR TCS is involved in regulating the expression of genes associated with bacterial virulence and cellular invasion.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Soo-Hwan Kim, Sang-Hyun Park, Jun-Bae Ahn, Dong-Hyun Kang
Summary: In this study, a semi continuous SHS system was developed to inactivate foodborne pathogens on radish seed surfaces and enhance the seeds' salinity tolerance. The results showed that higher temperature and more treatments led to a significant reduction in microbial count on the seed surface.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yujun Zhai, Weina Tian, Kewei Chen, Linshu Lan, Jianquan Kan, Hui Shi
Summary: This research investigates the role of flagella-related genes in the adhesion of E. coli O157:H7 and the effects of certain cations on bacterial adhesion and motility. The results demonstrate that flagellar-mediated motility is critical in the early stage of adhesion, and the presence of Fe2+, Ca2+, and Mn2+ affects the adhesion and motility of wildtype strains but not flagellar function-impaired strains. These findings provide new insights into the mechanisms of bacterial adhesion and have implications for the development of anti-adhesion agents.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mariana Marggraf, Andrea Barac, Jens Andre Hammerl, Stefan Hertwig
Summary: Isolating Yersinia enterocolitica from food is challenging due to overgrowth by other microflora and the lack of a selective medium. The authors improved the standard isolation procedure, resulting in a more sensitive method, reduced background bacteria, and time savings.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Rafael D. Chaves, Samuel H. Kumazawa, Amin Mousavi Khaneghah, Veronica O. Alvarenga, Humberto M. Hungaro, Anderson S. Sant'Ana
Summary: This study investigated the susceptibility to sanitizers and biofilm-forming ability of 43 Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes strains on stainless steel surfaces. The results showed variations in susceptibility to sanitizers and biofilm resistance among different strains of the pathogens, with chlorine compounds being more effective in inactivating planktonic cells and biofilms.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
So Yeong Mun, Wooje Lee, Soo-Young Lee, Ji Yoon Chang, Hae Choon Chang
Summary: This study reveals that lactobacilli with a strong defense system dominate the final stage of kimchi fermentation and proposes a model for the succession mechanism of kimchi lactobacilli.