Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Minji Kim, Karen Shapiro, Veronica B. Rajal, Andrea Packham, Beatriz Aguilar, Lezlie Rueda, Stefan Wuertz
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of RT-qPCR for selective detection of viable protozoan pathogens in spinach. Among the methods tested, RT-qPCR was more effective in discriminating viable from inactivated pathogens. The application of viability methods on leafy greens can be adopted by the produce industry and regulatory agencies for screening purposes.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Ivan Benito-Vazquez, Ignacio Belda, Javier Ruiz, Javier Vicente, Eva Navascues, Domingo Marquina, Antonio Santos
Summary: A conventional PCR method targeting B. bruxellensis was developed in this study, using a polyvinylpyrrolidone pre-treatment to allow for low detection limit of 10(2) UFC/mL in wine samples. The procedure was simplified by avoiding time-consuming DNA extraction steps, making it easy for application in wineries.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Domenico De Bellis, Alessio Di Stefano, Pasquale Simeone, Giulia Catitti, Simone Vespa, Antonia Patruno, Marco Marchisio, Eleonora Mari, Lisa Granchi, Carlo Viti, Piero Chiacchiaretta, Angelo Cichelli, Rosanna Tofalo, Paola Lanuti
Summary: A flow cytometry kit for the rapid detection of B. bruxellensis in wine has been developed, which allows for the rapid detection of B. bruxellensis in simple and complex mixtures, indicating its potential for reducing wine spoilage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Lida Chen, Lei Li, Xuewen Xie, Ali Chai, Yanxia Shi, Tengfei Fan, Jianming Xie, Baoju Li
Summary: A new detection method was developed to quantify viable Fusarium cells in contaminated soil by pretreating tissue fluid with PMA and extracting DNA. The method showed high sensitivity, efficiency, and time saving.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Elise Da-Silva, Anais Surribas, Cyril Gambari, Daniel Granes, Lucile Pic, Lise Barthelmebs
Summary: This study describes the development of a colorimetric molecular diagnostic test for the rapid and specific detection of Brettanomyces bruxellensis in red wine. The test shows high specificity and sensitivity, and can detect the presence of B. bruxellensis in wine samples.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Izmari Jasel Alvarez Gaona, Mariela Vanesa Assof, Viviana Patricia Jofre, Mariana Combina, Ivan Francisco Ciklic
Summary: A mutant screening method was designed to isolate B. bruxellensis mutants with reduced 4-EP production, leading to the selection of a strain with significantly lower 4-EP production and higher diversity and concentration of ethyl esters. This selected mutant strain shows promise as a candidate for producing wines and beers with novel aromatic properties.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lisa F. Stinson, Michelle L. Trevenen, Donna T. Geddes
Summary: This study characterized the viable bacterial content and total bacterial DNA content in fresh human milk, finding that the majority of DNA recovered was from non-viable organisms. Samples treated with PMA showed significant differences in bacterial composition compared to untreated samples. These results suggest that the total bacterial DNA content in human milk does not accurately represent the viable human milk microbiome, raising questions about the validity of previous conclusions in this field.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Haibo Zhou, Xinmei Liu, Zhaoxin Lu, Antuo Hu, Wenjie Ma, Changzheng Shi, Xiaomei Bie, Yiyu Cheng, Haijing Wu, Jun Yang
Summary: A new method called PMA-duplex ddPCR was developed for the quantitative determination of viable Vibrio parahaemolyticus in aquatic products, with lower limit of detection and high accuracy. This method allows for the detection of V. parahaemolyticus without pre-enrichment.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yao Liu, Caijiao Wei, Hui Wan, Sarengaowa Sarengaowa, Xiaoping Liang, Tao Jiang, Yuhe Dong, Xihong Zhao, Tian Zhong
Summary: A rapid and practical technique (PMA-mPCR) was developed for the simultaneous detection of viable E. coli O157:H7, S. aureus, and Salmonella in pure culture and in a food matrix. The use of propidium monoazide (PMA) at an optimum concentration of 5.0 μg/mL successfully eliminated false positive results. The PMA-mPCR assay showed a detection limit of 10(4) CFU/mL for both pure culture and food matrix samples.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Paul Le Montagner, Morgan Guilbaud, Cecile Miot-Sertier, Lysiane Brocard, Warren Albertin, Patricia Ballestra, Marguerite Dols-Lafargue, Vincent Renouf, Virginie Moine, Marie-Noelle Bellon-Fontaine, Isabelle Masneuf-Pomarede
Summary: Brettanomyces bruxellensis is a harmful spoilage yeast in the wine industry, affecting the sensory qualities of wine. This study found that the yeast has the ability to persist and survive in the environment through bioadhesion phenomena. By studying over 50 representative strains, the researchers discovered variations in morphology and physico-chemical surface properties.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Chih-Hung Wang, Jia-Ru Chang, Shang-Cheng Hung, Horng-Yunn Dou, Gwo-Bin Lee
Summary: Tuberculosis is a serious global public health issue and early diagnosis is challenging due to the slow growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study presents an integrated microfluidic system that can automatically detect live M. tuberculosis and distinguish dead bacteria. The system offers automation, high speed, low cost, low sample/reagent consumption, and reduced infection risk for medical staff.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Adriana Nunes de Lima, Rui Magalhaes, Francisco Manuel Campos, Jose Antonio Couto
Summary: The research aimed to evaluate the survival and metabolism of Dekkera bruxellensis in monovarietal wines, showing differences in survival capacity in different wines.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jules Harrouard, Chris Eberlein, Patricia Ballestra, Marguerite Dols-Lafargue, Isabelle Masneuf-Pomarede, Cecile Miot-Sertier, Joseph Schacherer, Warren Albertin
Summary: Human-associated microorganisms are ideal models for studying the effects of environmental changes on species evolution and adaptation. The yeast Brettanomyces bruxellensis is a fascinating organism that has faced anthropogenic-driven selective pressures. In this review, the authors highlight the genetic and phenotypic diversity of this species, which is only beginning to be understood. They discuss the coexistence of different ploidy levels and their association with specific fermented processes, suggesting independent adaptation events to human-modified environments. The authors also emphasize the phenotypic traits of B. bruxellensis and their potential relevance to human activities.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Jessica Lleixa, Maria Martinez-Safont, Isabelle Masneuf-Pomarede, Maura Magani, Warren Albertin, Albert Mas, Maria C. Portillo
Summary: Brettanomyces bruxellensis is the most commonly reported spoilage yeast in aged wines due to phenolic off-flavors. A study on 64 B. bruxellensis strains isolated from Catalonian aging wines revealed high intraspecific diversity and varying levels of tolerance to sulfur dioxide. The strains were also capable of producing volatile phenols even as they lost culturability over time.
Review
Food Science & Technology
Vincenzina Fusco, Francesca Fanelli, Daniele Chieffi
Summary: This review focuses on the DNA-based techniques for authenticating probiotic, PDO, and PGI fermented foods and beverages. The specific DNA markers of microorganisms have been used for authentication, and advanced detection tools such as propidium monoazide (PMA) real-time PCR and DNA-based lab-on-a-chips are promising for on-time and quantitative detection. PCR-DGGE and metagenomics combined with PMA are valuable for fingerprinting microbial communities and detecting mislabeled species. These methods need to be combined with PMA, culturomics, or flow cytometry for enumeration of viable microorganisms.
Article
Biology
Lucilla Iacumin, Am Stefania Jayasinghe, Michela Pellegrini, Giuseppe Comi
Summary: The study looks at increasing the shelf life of gutted sea bass and sea bream packaged under vacuum through the use of bioprotective starter cultures. By washing the fish with a culture of Latilactobacillus sakei and dextrose, an increase in shelf life up to 14 days was observed. The use of bioprotective starter cultures reduced the growth of spoilage microorganisms and improved the overall quality of the fish.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lucilla Iacumin, Andrea Colautti, Giuseppe Comi
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the behavior of Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, the main microorganism responsible for MBIC spoilage, and to inhibit its growth by selecting antimicrobial agents. It was found that only 2% v/v ethanol was effective in inhibiting the growth of Z. rouxii, while other antimicrobials tested were not able to stop yeast spoilage and changed the color and flavor of the products. Ethanol was recommended due to its extreme effectiveness against osmotolerant yeasts, and the treated MBICs remained stable until the end of their shelf-life.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrea Colautti, Martina Arnoldi, Giuseppe Comi, Lucilla Iacumin
Summary: Lactobacilli are widely used bacteria with various applications in the food and medical sectors, despite being classified as safe microorganisms. Some studies suggest potential health risks for certain individuals, highlighting the importance of proper assessment before use.
Article
Microbiology
Patrizia Romano, Gabriella Siesto, Angela Capece, Rocchina Pietrafesa, Rosalba Lanciotti, Francesca Patrignani, Lisa Granchi, Viola Galli, Antonio Bevilacqua, Daniela Campaniello, Giuseppe Spano, Andrea Caridi, Marco Poiana, Roberto Foschino, Ileana Vigentini, Giuseppe Blaiotta, Viviana Corich, Alessio Giacomini, Gianluigi Cardinali, Laura Corte, Annita Toffanin, Monica Agnolucci, Francesca Comitini, Maurizio Ciani, Ilaria Mannazzu, Marilena Budroni, Vasileos Englezos, Kalliopi Rantsiou, Lucilla Iacumin, Giuseppe Comi, Vittorio Capozzi, Francesco Grieco, Maria Tufariello
Summary: This paper reports on an experiment conducted by the Italian Group of Microbiology of Vine and Wine to validate a protocol for characterizing wine strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The experiment involved inter-laboratory-scale comparative fermentations using synthetic medium and grape musts. The results showed that comparable outcomes could be obtained using the same strains in different laboratories.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Colautti, Giuseppe Comi, Emanuele De Paoli, Enrico Peterlunger, Marta Novello, Elena Braidotti, Daniele Pasini, Lucilla Iacumin
Summary: The study of ancient bacilli provides insights into the evolutionary phenomena in bacteria.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Andrea Colautti, Elisabetta Orecchia, Giuseppe Comi, Lucilla Iacumin
Summary: Studies have shown that pathogens are becoming more resistant to antibiotic therapies, highlighting the need for effective alternatives. Lactobacilli, a type of microorganism, have been found to reduce pathogen virulence. Further research on lactobacilli could lead to improved treatments for infections.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Giovanni Mian, Nicola Belfiore, Rita Musetti, Diego Tomasi, Pierpaolo Cantone, Lorenzo Lovat, Stefania Lupinelli, Lucilla Iacumin, Emilio Celotti, Fabrizio Golinelli
Summary: Biostimulants are organic compounds that can influence the biochemical activity of plants. This study investigated the effect of foliar application of a biostimulant containing amino acids, peptides, and natural triacontanol on a woody perennial crop, the 'Ribolla Gialla' grapevine. The treated plants showed earlier ripening, veraison, and harvest, as well as higher enological parameters compared to the non-treated plants. Additionally, the biostimulant promoted the growth of the microbial community on the berry skin, which had a positive effect on must quality for winemaking.
PLANT PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Lucilla Iacumin, Michela Pellegrini, Andrea Colautti, Elisabetta Orecchia, Giuseppe Comi
Summary: A microbial characterization of cocoa powder and chocolate bars sold in Italian markets revealed the presence of mesophilic and thermophilic spore-forming microbial populations, as well as contamination with molds of environmental origin in the chocolate bars.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Maria Messina, Lucilla Iacumin, Giulia Pascon, Francesca Tulli, Emilio Tibaldi, Gloriana Cardinaletti
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of fasting and refeeding on body condition, gut physiology, and microbiota in reared rainbow trout. The results showed that fasting and refeeding had significant effects on the fish's weight, visceral condition, and liver condition, as well as the gut microbiota. Feed deprivation led to dysbiosis in the gut microbiota, but these effects were gradually mitigated by refeeding.
FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Francesco Salini, Lucilla Iacumin, Giuseppe Comi, Leon M. T. Dicks
Summary: Bacteriocins are proteinaceous toxins produced by bacteria and archaea, which have antimicrobial activity against closely related species. In this study, a new bacteriocin gene cluster was discovered, providing insights into understanding the production mechanism of thermophilin 13.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Michela Pellegrini, Lucilla Iacumin, Jelka Pleadin, Greta Kresic, Elisabetta Orecchia, Andrea Colautti, Ana Vulic, Nina Kudumija, Cristian Bernardi, Giuseppe Comi
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the microbial and physico-chemical characteristics of cold smoked sea bass (CSSB), a novel italian fish product. The results showed the presence of bacterial contamination from raw materials, the environment, and the production process. High levels of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and total bacteria count (TBC) were observed during storage, but did not significantly affect the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N). Pathogenic bacteria were not detected. Cold smoked sea bass offers high nutritional value and excellent microbial quality, making it a beneficial food source.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Colautti, Nicolo Rossi, Carla Piazza, Giuseppe Comi, Lucilla Iacumin, Steven R. Gill
Summary: Lactobacilli play a vital role in the food industry as starters and probiotics. This study presents 14 strains selected from a collection of 200 strains based on their genetic fingerprint and physiological characteristics.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Colautti, Giuseppe Comi, Enrico Peterlunger, Lucilla Iacumin
Summary: Thanks to the development of whole-genome sequencing technologies, researchers now have access to rapid and effective resources for genetic analysis of prokaryotes. However, the use of reliable reference databases containing high-quality sequences is crucial for accurate analysis. In this study, the genomes of reference strains were resequenced to obtain correct and reliable sequences, allowing successful identification of an unknown bacterial strain. Further genetic characterization and comparison were conducted to evaluate the impact of time on the evolution of the species.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sabrina Voce, Lucilla Iacumin, Piergiorgio Comuzzo
Summary: Non-Saccharomyces yeasts contribute significantly to the composition of lees biomass and can increase wine polysaccharide content. Certain non-Saccharomyces yeast strains have the ability to release antioxidants and polysaccharides, which is beneficial for managing aging on lees or producing inactive yeast for winemaking.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
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.
