Article
Microbiology
Katerina V. Sazanova (nee Barinova), Marina S. Zelenskaya, Vera V. Manurtdinova, Alina R. Izatulina, Aleksei V. Rusakov, Dmitry Yu. Vlasov, Olga V. Frank-Kamenetskaya
Summary: A study was conducted on the accumulation pattern of elements in biodeposits on different bedrocks in historical monuments in Saint Petersburg, using biological and mineralogical methods. It was found that the elemental composition of biodeposits is mainly influenced by the environment and microbial community, with leaching of mineral grains under the action of microbial metabolites playing a significant role.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yong Zhang, Fasi Wu, Min Su, Dongpeng He, Ji-Dong Gu, Qinlin Guo, Mian Adnan Kakakhel, Yue Yang, Wanfu Wang, Huyuan Feng
Summary: Climate and environmental conditions play a crucial role in the biological colonization and deterioration of stone heritage materials at open-air sites. The study found that bacterial and algal community structures were closely correlated with climate parameters, while the influence of fungal community structures was relatively minor.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aziz-Ur-Rahim Bacha, Iqra Nabi, Muhammad Zaheer, Wenbiao Jin, Lei Yang
Summary: Plastic waste has received significant research attention due to its accumulation, environmental issues, and impact on living organisms. There is an urgent need to remove plastic waste from the environment, and biodegradation is a promising treatment method. However, there is limited review on the bio-decomposition of plastics and the existing microbial species involved. This study provides an overview of influencing factors, existing species, and research gaps in biodegradation.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Pankaj Bhatt, Satish Chandra Pandey, Samiksha Joshi, Parul Chaudhary, Vinay Mohan Pathak, Yaohua Huang, Xiaozhen Wu, Zhe Zhou, Shaohua Chen
Summary: Growing human interference has led to an increase in both organic and inorganic contaminants, posing a threat to ecosystems. Removing these toxic pollutants from the environment is challenging. Bioremediation combined with nanotechnology shows promise as a cost-effective method for pollutant removal. Nanomaterials have exceptional properties, such as improved catalysis and adsorption, making them of great interest. By using microbial cultures and nanomaterials, the bioremediation of toxic compounds can be facilitated. Understanding the relationship between microorganisms, contaminants, and nanoparticles is crucial. This review focuses on the removal of toxic pollutants through the combined effects of nanoparticles and microbial technology, highlighting the significance and contribution of this novel nanobioremediation technique to sustainability.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Li, Yalun Yang, Shanshan Yang, Heshan Zheng, Yongjie Zheng, M. Jun, Dillirani Nagarajan, Sunita Varjani, Jo-Shu Chang
Summary: Plastics have become an essential part of life, but when they enter the environment, they break down into smaller fragments called microplastics (MPs) which are detrimental to the environment and human health. Bioremediation is considered the most environmentally friendly and cost-effective method for MP degradation, but there is limited knowledge about it. This review explores the sources and migration behavior of MPs, discusses biodegradation potential and mechanisms, analyzes the factors influencing biodegradation, and discusses the prospects and challenges of biodegradation technologies for MPs.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Prateek Gururani, Pooja Bhatnagar, Vinod Kumar, Mikhail S. Vlaskin, Anatoly Grigorenko
Summary: Urbanization, industrialization and other human-related activities contribute to the discharge of toxic substances into the environment. The use of algae in wastewater treatment has been widely studied and it has been found that algae consortium systems are more effective than monocultures. Microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi in wastewater can form symbiotic relationships with algae, aiding in the removal of pollutants. This review explores the symbiotic relationships between algae and other microorganisms and their applications in wastewater treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Elsa Fuentes, Rafael Carballeira, Beatriz Prieto
Summary: The study characterized the microbial consortium forming biofilms on historical rural granite buildings for the first time, revealing differences compared to urban granite buildings, especially in terms of cyanobacteria and lichenized fungi abundance. Exposure and orientation were identified as important factors influencing the diversity and abundance of microorganisms on walls, with northern orientation favoring a higher diversity of fungi and green algae, and west orientation determining the abundance of lichenized fungi.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Joanna Slusarczyk, Edyta Adamska, Joanna Czerwik-Marcinkowska
Summary: The paper discusses the characteristics of biologically active compounds produced by fungi and algae, emphasizing their importance in the pharmaceutical industry and nutritional value. Further research is needed on the pharmacological properties and bioactive compounds of these organisms for potential use as supplementary medicine.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Aswin Thacharodi, Saqib Hassan, Tripti Singh, Ramkrishna Mandal, Jeganathan Chinnadurai, Hilal Ahmad Khan, Mir Ashiq Hussain, Kathirvel Brindhadevi, Arivalagan Pugazhendhi
Summary: PAHs, a class of organic priority pollutants, pose significant public health and environmental concerns due to their carcinogenic, genotoxic, mutagenic, and cytotoxic properties. With increased awareness of their negative effects on the environment and human health, research on eliminating PAHs from the environment has exponentially increased. Various environmental factors, such as nutrients, microorganisms present and their abundance, and the nature and chemical properties of PAHs, affect the biodegradation of PAHs. While bacteria and fungi have garnered the most attention for their biodegradation capacity, a comprehensive understanding of microbial communities and their enzymatic and biochemical properties is crucial for successful PAH degradation. This review aims to comprehensively discuss the latest findings and advancements in the microbial bioremediation of PAHs to enhance the broader understanding of PAHs bioremediation in the environment.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Esraa E. Ammar, Hadeer A. Rady, Ahmed M. Khattab, Mohamed H. Amer, Sohila A. Mohamed, Nour I. Elodamy, Ammar AL-Farga, Ahmed A. A. Aioub
Summary: Biofertilizers, extracted from a variety of living organisms, are ecofriendly techniques that can increase plant productivity by improving soil fertility and nutrient content. They offer a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, avoiding pollution and heavy metal accumulation in soil. The use of biofertilizers promotes sustainable development in agriculture, mitigating climate change, and reducing the risk of diseases caused by pollution.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Taylor L. Price, Jennifer Harper, Steven N. Francoeur, Halvor M. Halvorson, Kevin A. Kuehn
Summary: Research suggests that autotroph-heterotroph microbial interactions exert bottom-up controls on energy and nutrient transfer in aquatic detrital-based food webs. This study found that litter-associated algal and fungal production rates increased with higher nutrient and light availability, while microbial phosphorus absorption efficiency varied across diets.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qi Wang, Cheng Cheng, Evgenios Agathokleous, Yuanyuan Liu, Xuewei Li, Xiafang Sheng
Summary: This study revealed the significant impact of mosses and lichens on microbial communities inhabiting rock surfaces, enhancing bacterial diversity and rock-weathering activity. Moss-covered and lichen-covered rock surfaces showed higher diversity and greater weathering activity compared to bare rock surfaces.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Steven D. Warren
Summary: Microbes are commonly found in the atmosphere and terrestrial environments, playing significant ecological roles. They can travel through the air and participate in vital functions like condensation nuclei for precipitation.
FRONTIERS IN FORESTS AND GLOBAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jordan M. Myers, Kevin A. Kuehn, Kevin H. Wyatt
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of nutrients and organic carbon on the relative proportion of primary producers and heterotrophic decomposers in aquatic biofilm development in a boreal peatland. The results showed that decomposers could outcompete algae for available nutrients when organic carbon was elevated and nutrient levels remained low, but not when both organic carbon and nutrients were enriched. Fungal biomass was affected by the presence of glucose, showing lower levels when glucose was present alone but stimulated along with algae following nutrient enrichment.
FRESHWATER BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Emma J. Murphy, Emanuele Rezoagli, Catherine Collins, Sushanta Kumar Saha, Ian Major, Patrick Murray
Summary: β-Glucans are complex polysaccharides found in various sources, including cereals, mushrooms, microalgae, bacteria, and seaweeds. They have significant clinical interest and can be used for treating diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Cultivation conditions can be controlled to enhance sustainable production of β-glucans.
MICROBIOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Komar Michal, Nowicka-Krawczyk Paulina, Ruman Tomasz, Niziol Joanna, Konca Piotr, Gutarowska Beata
Summary: The aim of this study was to investigate the biodeteriorative influence of algal biofilms on building materials. The growth of algae led to changes in material color and increased water retention. However, it did not directly affect the mechanical properties of the materials. Metabolome analysis revealed the presence of various metabolites, but not those with well-documented biodeteriorative potential.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Paulina Nowicka-Krawczyk, Joanna Zelazna-Wieczorek, Izabela Skrobek, Maciej Ziulkiewicz, Michal Adamski, Ariel Kaminski, Pawel Zmudzki
Summary: This study investigates the cause of an unusual and persistent algal bloom in a recreational reservoir, highlighting the role of the supplying river in the formation of the bloom. The presence of cyanobacterial toxins in the reservoir water prevents recreational use for about half the year. The bloom is maintained by the inflow of biogenic compounds from the river and the high electric conductivity of the water.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javad Sharifi-Rad, Cristina Quispe, Aknur Turgumbayeva, Zehra Mertdinc, Sena Tutuncu, Elif Feyza Aydar, Beraat Ozcelik, Stepien-Warda Anna, Staniak Mariola, Anna Kozirog, Anna Otlewska, Hubert Antolak, Surjit Sen, Krishnendu Acharya, Natallia Lapava, Simin Emamzadeh-Yazdi, Miquel Martorell, Manoj Kumar, Elena Maria Varoni, Marcello Iriti, Daniela Calina
Summary: Sandalwood, belonging to the Santalaceae family, is a traditional medicine widely distributed in India, Australia, Hawaii, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. It contains bioactive compounds such as essential oil, phenolic compounds, and fatty acids, which contribute to its various biological activities and health-promoting effects. Studies have shown that sandalwood extract possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, neuroleptic, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Safety studies have confirmed the use of sandalwood essential oil and its extracts as safe ingredients for health promotion. Its phytoconstituents, bioactivities, and traditional uses make sandalwood an innovative material for applications in the pharmaceutical, food, and biomedical industry.
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR NATURFORSCHUNG SECTION C-A JOURNAL OF BIOSCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Bartosz Kopka, Bartlomiej Kost, Julia Wrzesniewska, Katarzyna Rajkowska, Slawomir Kadlubowski, Alina Kunicka-Styczynska, Andrzej Baryga, Weronika Gonciarz, Malgorzata Basko, Marek Brzezinski
Summary: Supramolecular hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking PVA with quercetin, which possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties and can form hydrogen bonds with PVA. These hydrogels not only exhibit desired physicochemical properties but also have the ability to eliminate bacterial and fungal strains, including fluconazole-resistant yeast strains. Furthermore, the color change of the hydrogels depending on the bacteria strains indicates their potential as sensors for different bacteria strains. These advantageous features make supramolecular hydrogels highly effective antimicrobial and antifungal materials for food preservation or wound healing applications.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Bartlomiej Kost, Alina Kunicka-Styczynska, Aleksandra Plucinska, Katarzyna Rajkowska, Malgorzata Basko, Marek Brzezinski
Summary: The resistance of microorganisms against antibiotics is an increasingly important problem in the food and pharmaceutical industries. Therefore, there is growing interest in developing novel bactericidal agents and drug delivery systems based on biocompatible and biodegradable materials. Microparticles loaded with quercetin were fabricated using a microfluidic technique, allowing for prolonged release of the antimicrobial agent. These Q-loaded microparticles show antibacterial properties and can be applied in food preservation.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarzyna Rajkowska, Dorota Siminska, Alina Kunicka-Styczynska
Summary: By using various extraction methods and solvents, the study obtained dried goji berry extracts with optimal characteristics, including high antioxidant activity and carotenoid content, as well as low microbial contamination. These findings could be valuable for developing functional foods.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrzej Lysko, Agnieszka Popiela, Pawel Forczmanski, V. Attila Molnar, Balazs Andras Lukacs, Zoltan Barta, Witold Mackow, Grzegorz J. Wolski
Summary: This study combined deep learning techniques with classic discriminant methods to analyze seed morphometric data of six Elatine species. The results showed that the deep machine learning method based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) achieved higher accuracy in identifying different taxa compared to classic discriminant methods.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Justyna Szulc, Robert Cichowicz, Michal Gutarowski, Malgorzata Okrasa, Beata Gutarowska
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the quality of indoor air in a sports facility in Poland, focusing on microclimatic parameters, particulate matter concentrations, gas concentrations, and microbial contamination. Measurements were taken at various locations and times, and compared to air quality standards for sports facilities. The study found that dust pollution exceeded permissible limits, particulate matter concentrations exceeded WHO guidelines, and there were increased levels of bacteria and fungi in certain areas.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Michal Komar, Paulina Nowicka-Krawczyk, Tomasz Ruman, Joanna Niziol, Marta Dudek, Beata Gutarowska
Summary: This article investigates the influence of mixed algal cultures on brick and plaster samples, revealing that algal growth leads to decreased pH values and increased water absorptivity, as well as material discoloration and the presence of various metabolites. These findings suggest that the impact of green algae on building substrates goes beyond aesthetic and indirect biodeterioration and should be further explored.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Thermodynamics
Malgorzata Latos-Brozio, Anna Masek, Malgorzata Piotrowska
Summary: This study investigates the effect of enzymatic polymerization on the thermal stability of oligomeric flavonoids. Oligomeric quercetin, rutin, and catechin were prepared and characterized by various spectroscopic and chromatographic methods. The results show that oligomeric flavonoids exhibit higher oxidation temperature and better thermal stability, as well as antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.
JOURNAL OF THERMAL ANALYSIS AND CALORIMETRY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ewelina Sobolewska, Sebastian Borowski, Paulina Nowicka-Krawczyk
Summary: A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the influence of two light sources on microalgae cultivation and liquid digestate treatment. The R1 photobioreactor operated with LED lighting achieved moderate nutrient removal rates, while soluble COD was reduced by 90%. Upon switching to sunlight, the phosphate removal rate increased to 66%. However, the R2 photobioreactor, exclusively operated under sunlight, exhibited the highest removal rate of both nutrients and sCOD up to 93%. Microglena sp. dominated in the R1 reactor, with Chitinophagaceae, Sphingomonadaceae, and Xanthobacteraceae as the main bacteria families detected. In contrast, Tetradesmus obliquus dominated in the R2 reactor, with Rhodanobacteraceae, Chitinophagaceae, and A4b as the predominant bacteria.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Radoslaw Michal Gruska, Alina Kunicka-Styczynska, Andrzej Jaskiewicz, Andrzej Baryga, Stanislaw Brzezinski, Beata Swiacik
Summary: Food safety has been a major concern in recent years, and methods for rapid identification of contaminants are continuously improving. This study demonstrates the successful use of FT-MIR spectroscopy to identify various contaminants in white sugar production, showing its potential for rapid and accurate detection of sugar contaminants.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michal Komar, Justyna Szulc, Iwona Kata, Krzysztof Szafran, Beata Gutarowska
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a method for reliably assessing the resistance of plaster coatings to the growth of photoautotrophs. Inoculating mineral and silicone plaster substrates with a mixture of certain microorganisms and incubating them in model conditions allowed for the determination of photoautotrophic growth using various techniques. The results proved that visual assessment and spectrophotometric color change evaluation are effective and quick methods for further laboratory studies.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Grzegorz J. Wolski, Aamir Shehzad Khan, Beata Paszko
Summary: A revision of specimens of Plagiothecium collected in Pakistan reveals the presence of five taxa, including a new variety. The specimens exhibit distinct qualitative and quantitative characteristics of their gametophyte, leading to the proposal of two new species within this taxon.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Shaofeng Zhou, Wenwen An, Cuifen Gan, Meiying Xu
Summary: Bacteria generate and release extracellular reactive oxygen species (eROS), which significantly contribute to the natural ROS pool and play a crucial role in metabolic interactions of bacteria with their environment. Understanding the behavior of eROS-generating bacteria and its environmental implications is of great importance in the cycling of biogeochemical elements, transformation of organic matter, and regulation of antibiotic resistance genes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ji-Dong Gu, Tim Ford, Bryce Mitton, Ralph Mitchell
Summary: Plastics and microplastics are widely present and accumulating in the environment, leading to increasing public attention. In addition to packaging plastics, materials from industries such as electronics, space and aviation are also accumulating, but receiving less attention. The production of degradable and biodegradable plastics is seen as a way to reduce environmental impacts, but enhancing the non-degradability of functional polymers is also a feasible option. Microbial colonization and deterioration pose significant challenges to these materials.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justyna Bohacz, Michal Mozejko
Summary: This study evaluated the keratinolytic activity of 37 strains of Trichophyton ajelloi and found that pigmented strains isolated from loamy soil were more efficient in degrading native feather keratin, while non-pigmented strains isolated from chernozem showed better abilities. The keratinolytic activity increased over time, as evidenced by the increase in extracellular keratinase activity and release of soluble proteins and peptides. Protease activity peaked in the first 7 days and again on day 28 of culture. The release of ammonium and sulfate ions, associated with an increase in pH, reached its maximum on day 21. Three pigment-producing strains were among the most active in releasing large amounts of ammonium and sulfate ions. The biodegradation of feather waste by Trichophyton ajelloi strains can be used to produce fertilizers suitable for plants with high sulfur requirements.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joseph M. Suflita, Brenda J. Little
Summary: This article reviews the major achievements of the International Biodeterioration & Biodegradation Society (IBBS) on its 50th anniversary and provides recommendations for addressing new challenges and developments based on personal experiences.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhenyan Lin, Tuo Jin, Xin Xu, Xiao Yin, Dan Zhang, Mengjiao Geng, Chunyu Pang, Gongwen Luo, Lizhi Xiong, Jianwei Peng, Jiangchi Fei
Summary: The incomplete recycle of residual mulch film (RMF) in recent years has led to an increase in plastic fragments in soil, posing a serious threat to the soil ecological environment. In this study, seven potential plastic-degrading microorganisms were screened and identified from film-mulched vegetable fields. The degradation ability experiments showed that both single strains and mixed strains demonstrated varying levels of degradation of RMF.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tiina Belt, Michael Altgen, Muhammad Awais, Martin Nopens, Lauri Rautkari
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of heat-treated wood by brown rot fungi and found that the decay increased the hygroscopicity of wood in the decaying state. Furthermore, it was observed that heat-treated samples were more susceptible to fungal decay compared to untreated samples, which may be related to the increase in moisture content.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Marta Cicardi, Davide Bernasconi, Luca Martire, Linda Pastero, Giulia Caneva, Sergio E. Favero-Longo
Summary: This study investigated the phenomenon of Centimetric circular areas Uncolonized by Microbial Biofilms (CUMBs) on natural and heritage stone surfaces. The analysis revealed a compatibility in distribution and size between CUMBs and lichen thalli, suggesting a lichen origin for some CUMBs. Microscopic analysis also showed similar modifications in marble layers beneath CUMBs and lichens, indicating a possible alteration of stone properties by lichens.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2024)
