Article
Microbiology
Zachary J. Butz, Alexander Hendricks, Kanda Borgognoni, Christopher J. Ackerson
Summary: A Rhodococcus erythropolis bacterium was identified to tolerate normally lethal concentrations of various metal ions, with a mycothione reductase (Mtr) showing remarkable selectivity for TeO32- reduction. The selectivity for TeO32- is attributed to aromatic residues near the active site of the enzyme, resulting in a Te-0 enzymatic product resembling Te nanowires.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Claire E. Anderson, Jiwei Zhang, Lye Meng Markillie, Hugh D. Mitchell, William B. Chrisler, Matthew J. Gaffrey, Galya Orr, Jonathan S. Schilling
Summary: Earth's aboveground terrestrial biomass is primarily wood, and fungi dominate wood decomposition. This study focused on a common brown rot-type fungus, Rhodonia placenta, and revealed its pathway for extracting sugars from wood lignin. The researchers used high-resolution transcriptome sequencing to uncover that many genes previously assumed to be constitutively expressed were actually turned off before being upregulated during the decay process. Additionally, they found that the benzoquinone reductase gene was activated in the early stages of decay and quickly downregulated, indicating its key role in initiating brown rot.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hussein N. Nassar, Hager R. Ali, Nour Sh El-Gendy
Summary: A novel method using superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles prepared from mandarin peels was applied to enhance the desulfurizing activity of Rhodococcus erythropolis HN2. The biofunctionalized nanoparticles proved to be non-toxic for HN2 and improved its desulfurization efficiency at high oil feed concentrations, with easy separability.
Article
Microbiology
Luong Thi Mo, Puntus Irina, Suzina Natalia, Nechaeva Irina, Akhmetov Lenar, Filonov Andrey, Akatova Ekaterina, Alferov Sergey, Ponamoreva Olga
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the adaptation of rhodococci to the degradation of hydrophobic hydrocarbons at low temperatures in solid states. It is revealed that the actinobacteria Rhodococcus erythropolis can efficiently degrade hexadecane at 10 degrees C, even when it is in a solid state. Specialized cellular structures, such as intracellular multimembrane structures and surface vesicles connected to the cell by fibers, are formed during the degradation process. These structures contribute to the enlargement of the contact area between membrane-bound enzymes and the hydrophobic substrate.
Review
Microbiology
Kristopher Abdullah, Daniel Wilkins, Belinda C. Ferrari
Summary: Hydrocarbon spills in cold climates are a significant and long-lasting form of pollution caused by human activities. Bioremediation is an efficient and cost-effective strategy to transform these contaminants into less harmful products in soil. However, the molecular mechanisms behind these microbial processes are not well understood.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yanchen Wei, Jixiang Chen, Yonggang Wang, Tongtong Meng, Mei Li
Summary: The combination of bioaugmentation with R. erythropolis cells, biostimulation with nitrogen and phosphorus, was the most effective way to remediate petroleum-contaminated soils.
GEOMICROBIOLOGY JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Biology
Zheng Syuen Lim, Chiew-Yen Wong, Siti Aqlima Ahmad, Nurul Aini Puasa, Lai Yee Phang, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Faradina Merican, Peter Convey, Azham Zulkharnain, Hasrizal Shaari, Alyza Azzura Azmi, Yih-Yih Kok, Claudio Gomez-Fuentes
Summary: Phytoremediation is a plant-based approach to extract, stabilise, eliminate, or render pollutants into less harmful form. This laboratory study proved that Antarctic microalga was capable of removing diesel (57.6%) through biodegradation and biosorption in the span of nine days.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kallayanee Naloka, Duangporn Polrit, Chanokporn Muangchinda, Honglada Thoetkiattikul, Onruthai Pinyakong
Summary: Three nonpathogenic effective bacterial hydrocarbon degraders were isolated from PAH-enriched sediments, showing broad substrate specificities and potential for bioremediation. The mixed bacterial consortium immobilized on plastic balls achieved efficient degradation and removal of fuel oil, highlighting the cooperative interaction between Rhodococcus and Mycolicibacterium for bioremediation applications.
Article
Microbiology
Irina B. Ivshina, Elena A. Tyumina, Grigory A. Bazhutin, Maxim A. Polygalov, Anastasiia V. Krivoruchko
Summary: We report a draft genome sequence of Rhodococcus erythropolis IEGM 746 isolated from oil-polluted soil from an oil-extracting enterprise, Udmurt Republic, Russia. This strain was able to degrade ketoprofen, a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Putative genes encoding enzymes for ketoprofen degradation were revealed using the obtained sequence.
MICROBIOLOGY RESOURCE ANNOUNCEMENTS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Peng Wu, You-Shao Wang
Summary: The study found serious pollution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Pearl River estuary, China. However, the fluorene-degrading bacterium strain A2-3 showed high efficiency in degrading fluorene, especially when the pH value ranged from 5.5 to 8.5. Therefore, strain A2-3 may have potential applications in bioremediation.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shazra Khalid, Aneela Iqbal, Asif Javed, Jamshaid Rashid, Ihsan ul Haq, Mohamed Abou El-Fetouh Barakat, Rajeev Kumar
Summary: The study tested the survival and biodegradation capabilities of 15 bacterial isolates in a diesel environment, and found that only two bacteria could effectively consume diesel hydrocarbons, with one capable of degrading heavier C24 and C26 compounds. The research demonstrated that the isolated bacterial strain Bacillus sp. E-5 has bioremediation potential and can be used as an alternative method for cleaning contaminated petroleum hydrocarbon field sites.
KOREAN JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rishikesh Bajagain, Prakash Gautam, Seung-Woo Jeong
Summary: This study demonstrated that using foam spraying with vertical soil holes can enhance the efficiency of remediation of unsaturated diesel-contaminated soil, improve the uniform distribution of remedial agents in the soil, and significantly increase the removal efficiency of TPH from bottom soils.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Renjie Li, Huiling Zheng, Dong Li, Kun Zhao, Jianmei Li, Yongsheng Chen, Xuehua Yu, Jian Liu, Zhen Zhao
Summary: In this study, a series of 3DOM La1-xKxMnO3 catalysts with high activity for simultaneous removal of soot and NOx from diesel engine emissions were synthesized. The catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic performance due to the strong oxidizability of high valence B-site ions, abundance of active oxygen species and suitable acid sites, good reducibility, and the 3DOM structure. The reaction mechanism of the catalyst was proposed based on characterization results and DFT calculation, contributing to the understanding of the catalyst's high catalytic activity.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sandor Vaczi, Lilla Barna, Krisztian Laczi, Ferenc Tomosi, Gabor Rakhely, Botond Penke, Livia Fulop, Ferenc Bogar, Tamas Janaky, Maria A. Deli, Zsofia Mezei
Summary: This study examined the effects of sigma-1 receptor ligands on platelet and vascular eicosanoid synthesis. The results showed that these ligands can modify the synthesis of eicosanoids in platelets and vessels and play a role in multiple steps of arachidonic acid metabolism.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Eniko Meszaros, Attila Bodor, Adam Szierer, Etelka Kovacs, Katalin Perei, Csaba Tolgyesi, Zoltan Batori, Gabor Feigl
Summary: Personal protective equipment, especially disposable masks, used during the COVID-19 pandemic has heavily burdened the environment and can affect plant growth. Further research is urgently needed to understand the effects of plastic pollution on plant-soil interactions.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Nikolett Miklovics, Agnes Duzs, Fanni Balogh, Gabor Paragi, Gabor Rakhely, Andras Toth
Summary: This study reports the characteristics of the quinone binding site (QBS) of a type VI sulfide:quinone oxidoreductases (SQR) from the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Thiocapsa roseopersicina. The study identifies the amino acids near the enzyme-bound quinone ring and their interaction with the quinone head group. Mutant experiments further confirm the importance of these interactions.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Etelka Kovacs, Csilla Szucs, Attila Farkas, Mark Szuhaj, Gergely Maroti, Zoltan Bagi, Gabor Rakhely, Kornel L. Kovacs
Summary: This study investigated the decomposition of lignocellulosic plant biomass by four filamentous fungi. It was found that the Penicillium aurantiogriseum strain exhibited excellent hydrolytic enzyme production and generated the highest biogas yield from partially degraded substrates. Corn stover was the most suitable substrate for biomass decomposition and biogas production.
JOURNAL OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Vaishali Rani, Gergely Maroti
Summary: In this study, Chlamydomonas sp. MACC-216 was used to investigate the removal of nitrate in TAP medium under different light conditions. It was found that both light color and intensity affected the efficiency of nitrate removal. Specifically, the blue + red light combination showed the highest nitrate removal efficiency and nitrate reductase activity in synthetic wastewater. These results suggest that the blue + red light combination, together with high light intensity, is a promising light condition for nitrate removal.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sandor Vaczi, Lilla Barna, Krisztian Laczi, Ferenc Tomosi, Gabor Rakhely, Botond Penke, Livia Fulop, Ferenc Bogar, Tamas Janaky, Maria A. Deli, Zsofia Mezei
Summary: S1R ligands regulate cellular functions and local blood circulation by influencing arachidonic acid metabolism. Sub-chronic, in vivo administration of S1R ligands in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats had different effects, some of which were protective and some promoted the recovery of diabetes.
Article
Ecology
Roland Wirth, Zoltan Bagi, Prateek Shetty, Mark Szuhaj, Teur Teur Sally Cheung, Kornel L. Kovacs, Gergely Maroti
Summary: Multi-omics analysis was used to study inter-kingdom interactions in biogas-producing microbial communities. The microbiomes of three biogas digesters were analysed using a metagenomics framework, revealing the relationship between methanogenic communities and their bacterial partners. The study identified high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes and found that the abundance of microorganisms was independent of their activity. The most active metabolic pathway was found to be methanogenesis.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alajos Berczi, Zsuzsanna Marton, Krisztina Laskay, Andras Toth, Gabor Rakhely, Agnes Duzs, Krisztina Sebok-Nagy, Tibor Pali, Laszlo Zimanyi
Summary: Cytochrome b561 proteins are integral membrane proteins that have ascorbate reducibility and trans-membrane electron transferring capability. They have been found in various animal and plant phyla and are localized in different membranes. Two homologous proteins in humans and rodents are thought to be involved in cancer pathology. This paper presents the physical-chemical properties of the homologues in mice and humans, providing insights into the CYB561 protein family.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Gyorgyi Varadi, Zoltan Kele, Andras Czajlik, Attila Borics, Gabor Bende, Csaba Papp, Gabor Rakhely, Gabor K. Toth, Gyula Batta, Laszlo Galgoczy
Summary: Due to the fast spread of drug resistance, only a limited number of drugs can be used to treat fungal infections. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new antifungal treatment strategies. The NFAP2 protein secreted by the mold Neosartorya shows promise as a template for future antifungal drug design, but it is difficult to determine its disulfide linkage pattern using traditional mass spectrometry-based methods.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Balint Racz, Annamaria Kincses, Krisztian Laczi, Gabor Rakhely, Enrique Dominguez-alvarez, Gabriella Spengler
Summary: Recently, the anticancer activity of symmetrical selenoesters was investigated in sensitive and resistant human colon adenocarcinoma cells. The compounds showed synergistic interaction with doxorubicin and exhibited ABCB1 inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects. Transcriptome analysis revealed that symmetrical selenoesters may influence the redox state of cells and interfere with metastasis formation.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Bettina Hupp, Gabriella Huszar, Attila Farkas, Gergely Maroti
Summary: Biohydrogen production from wastewater using eukaryotic green algae can be enhanced by selecting appropriate bacterial partners and cultivation conditions. The study found that specific Bacillus bacterial partners, especially Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus mycoides, and Bacillus cereus, promoted algal biomass yield and hydrogen production. Co-culture combinations of Chlorella sp. MACC-360 with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens showed the highest algal hydrogen yields. The formation of co-culture-specific exopolysaccharides and tight physical interactions between the algal and bacterial partners were observed.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mark Szuhaj, Balazs Kakuk, Roland Wirth, Gabor Rakhely, Kornel Lajos Kovacs, Zoltan Bagi
Summary: This study investigated the biomethane formation from 4 H-2 + CO2 by two methanogens, Methanocaldococcus fervens and Methanobacterium thermophilum. The research aimed to understand the regulation of biomethane biosynthesis by H-2. It was found that the autotrophic methanogen M. fervens could be easily controlled by H-2/CO2, while the heterotrophic methanogen M. thermophilum was less sensitive to H-2/CO2, suggesting the importance of the biomethane-generating methanogenic community in renewable excess electricity conversion and storage systems.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Akos Ferenc Fazekas, Tamas Gyulavari, Zsolt Pap, Attila Bodor, Krisztian Laczi, Katalin Perei, Erzsebet Illes, Zsuzsanna Laszlo, Gabor Vereb
Summary: Six different TiO2/CNT nanocomposite-coated PVDF microfilter membranes were evaluated for filtering oil-in-water emulsions. The membranes coated with functionalized CNT-containing composites showed higher fluxes in the early stages of filtration, indicating the beneficial effect of surface modifications of the CNTs. Notable flux enhancements were achieved with both TiO2 and TiO2/CNT-coated membranes compared to the uncoated membrane. The hydrophilicity and surface charge played a crucial role in membrane fouling.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Gyula Kajner, Adam Belteki, Martin Cseh, Zsolt Geretovszky, Tibor Ajtai, Lilla Barna, Maria A. Deli, Bernadett Pap, Gergely Maroti, Gabor Galbacs
Summary: In this study, a completely 3D-printed polymer sample introduction system was developed for single particle ICP-MS analysis. The new system showed significant improvements in particle detection efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio, size detection limit, and the upper limit of transportable particle diameters.
