Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Abobakr Almansob, Ali H. Bahkali, Fuad Ameen
Summary: The drug resistance of filamentous fungi to antifungal agents is a major concern in medicine. This study investigated the effectiveness of AuNPs synthesized using Mentha piperita against multi-drug resistant Aspergillus species. The results show that these nanoparticles do not possess particularly effective antifungal properties, but they did inhibit some fungal isolates and caused significant alterations in the extracellular enzyme activity of the nosocomial fungi.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Linglong Fu, Mengning Sun, Weizhang Wen, Na Dong, Defa Li
Summary: This study describes an efficient and simple method for extracellular production of Ulp1 tool enzyme using a leaky E. coli strain. It was found that the addition of glycine increased the extracellular production of Ulp1 approximately four fold. The extracellular Ulp1 had high activities for cleaving SUMO fusion proteins and the cleaved peptide pBD2 exhibited antimicrobial activity. This method of extracellular production of tool enzymes is cost-effective and has potential applications in pharmaceutical, industrial, and biotechnological fields.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Heidi N. Koenig, Gregory M. Durling, Danica J. Walsh, Tom Livinghouse, Philip S. Stewart
Summary: The study describes the synthesis and biological activity of several novel nitrothiazole, nitrobenzothiazole, and nitrofuran containing antimicrobial agents for the eradication of biofilm-forming Gram-negative and Gram-positive pathogens. Structural modification improved activity toward planktonic bacteria and biofilms, with some compounds showing significant enhancement in activity against biofilms formed by pathogens.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xin Liao, Liqun Teng, Wei Li
Summary: Organic solvent-resistant proteases are effectively synthesized using Staphylococcus aureus KP091274 isolated from burn infection and optimized for incubation time, Mg2+ concentration, glycerol, and sorbitol using the response surface methodology. The statistical results indicate that incubation time has the most significant impact on enzyme secretion, while glycerol concentration has the least positive effect. Applying the optimized conditions in the bacterial culture medium results in maximum enzyme secretion.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Christine A. Pybus, Christina Felder-Scott, Victor Obuekwe, David E. Greenberg
Summary: The study compared the antimicrobial activity of Cefiderocol with seven commonly used antibiotics against multidrug-resistant pathogens, finding that Cefiderocol had potent inhibitory effects on biofilms of various pathogens, with consistently lower MIC90 values compared to other antibiotics.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh, Bhagya Turakani, Jay Malpani, Susmita Goudar, Mater H. Mahnashi, Rasha Hamed Al-Serwi, Mohammed M. Ghoneim, Mohamed El-Sherbiny, Basheerahmed Abdulaziz Mannasaheb, Fahad Alsaikhan, Vaishani Sindagimath, Aejaz Abdullatif Khan, Uday M. Muddapur, Solafa Azzouz, Tasneem Mohammed, S. M. Shakeel Iqubal
Summary: The study aimed to isolate bacteria that synthesize protease enzymes from a soil sample in Dandeli, Karnataka, India. Screening, production, and optimization of medium components were conducted to maximize protease activity. Partial purification of crude enzymes and application of protease produced by Bacillus nakamurai were carried out. The optimized parameters for protease production can enhance its application in various industries.
JOURNAL OF KING SAUD UNIVERSITY SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Lorena G. Calvo, Aly Castillo, Rosa-Antia Villarino, Jose Luis R. Rama, Ana G. Abril, Trinidad de Miguel
Summary: This study characterized two hydro-organic extracts with high polyphenolic content, which showed pronounced antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. These extracts have potential uses in agricultural, livestock production, food manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries, with LE050 extract being the most promising for bioactive applications.
Article
Microbiology
Fergus Watson, C. William Keevil, John Chewins, Sandra A. Wilks
Summary: This study developed a novel culture medium, artificial human sweat (AHS), to mimic the biofilm formation on dry hospital surfaces. The AHS model showed similar characteristics to clinical biofilms and can be used for efficacy testing of cleaning products against dry surface biofilms. Accurate modeling of dry surface biofilms is crucial for understanding their role in hospital-acquired infections and surface contamination.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xiangyu Han, Jiaman Wang, Jingjing Zhang, Baohong Han, Ning Mei, Runchuan Fan, Jing Zhao, Hong Yao, Xiaohua Yu, Weiwei Cai
Summary: In this study, the role of exDNA in anodic biofilm formation was investigated by digesting exDNA with DNase I enzyme. The results showed that exDNA digestion promotes biofilm formation and enhances anodic coulombic efficiency. Furthermore, the addition of DNase I enzyme improves the abundance of various species but has minimal impact on the relative abundance of exoelectrogens.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jihen Elleuch, Farah Hadj Kacem, Faten Ben Amor, Bilel Hadrich, Philippe Michaud, Imen Fendri, Slim Abdelkafi
Summary: The study identified a novel extracellular neutral protease produced from Arthrospira platensis with strong proteolytic activity; statistical modeling was used to predict the growth kinetic values of A. platensis and optimal culture conditions for protease production were found; the neutral protease could be easily used in the food industry due to its important activity at neutral pH and low production cost.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Michael P. Ryan, Ludmila Sevjahova, Rachel Gorman, Sandra White
Summary: Comamonas spp. are non-fermenting Gram-negative bacilli that are commonly found in soil, water sources, and animal intestines. While they are primarily associated with environmental bioremediation, they can cause infections in humans. Treatment of infections associated with Comamonas species is generally not difficult, but antibiotic resistance is a concern. Therefore, it is important to include these pathogens in hospital screening programs.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Santosh Pandit, Mengyue Li, Yanyan Chen, Shadi Rahimi, Vrss Mokkapati, Alessandra Merlo, August Yurgens, Ivan Mijakovic
Summary: The study presented a simple sensor based on pristine, non-functionalized graphene, capable of detecting and distinguishing different bacterial species. The sensor's fabrication is straightforward, can be easily miniaturized, and is effective in cases where precise species identification is not required.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Sirijan Santajit, Phuangthip Bhoopong, Thida Kong-Ngoen, Witawat Tunyong, Dararat Horpet, Wanfudhla Paehoh-ele, Tasneem Zahedeng, Pornpan Pumirat, Nitat Sookrung, Woranich Hinthong, Nitaya Indrawattana
Summary: This study characterized the genetic traits of biofilm-forming carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii clinical isolates in a tertiary care hospital. The prevalence of biofilm-producing A. baumannii isolates was determined and their association with biofilm-related and antibiotic resistance-associated genotypes was investigated. The predominance of biofilm-producing CRAB isolates identified in this study is concerning, and understanding the risk factors could help control the selection and spread of A. baumannii in hospitals, thereby improving patient care quality.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Diana R. Baidamshina, Elena Yu. Trizna, Svetlana S. Goncharova, Andrey V. Sorokin, Maria S. Lavlinskaya, Anastasia P. Melnik, Leysan F. Gafarova, Maya A. Kharitonova, Olga V. Ostolopovskaya, Valeriy G. Artyukhov, Evgenia A. Sokolova, Marina G. Holyavka, Mikhail I. Bogachev, Airat R. Kayumov, Pavel V. Zelenikhin
Summary: In this study, the antibiofilm properties of immobilized ficin and soluble ficin on carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCh) were investigated. It was found that the CMCh carrier with a molecular weight of 200 kDa could bind the maximum amount of ficin. Treatment with CMCh led to the destruction of biofilms formed by certain bacteria and fungi. The combined treatment of oral Streptococci biofilm by ficin and chlorhexidine showed a significant decrease in biofilm-embedded cell viability.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Juntao Zhao, Feng Li, Shutian Kong, Tao Chen, Hao Song, Zhiwen Wang
Summary: By synthesizing riboflavin and overexpressing the outer membrane cytochrome MtrC and the cell division inhibitor sulA, Shewanella oneidensis achieves enhanced extracellular electron transfer (EET). Moreover, a hybrid biofilm composed of riboflavin, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and graphene oxide (GO) significantly increases power generation and reduces charge-transfer resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: The high tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms in respiratory tract infections in cystic fibrosis contributes to the failure of antibiotic therapy. This study identified carbon sources that could enhance the inhibiting and/or eradicating activity of tobramycin, ciprofloxacin, and ceftazidime against P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms. The mechanisms underlying the enhanced biofilm eradicating activity were strain-dependent.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Adrien Knoops, Florence Vande Capelle, Laetitia Fontaine, Marie Verhaegen, Johann Mignolet, Philippe Goffin, Jacques Mahillon, Andrea Sass, Tom Coenye, Laura Ledesma-Garcia, Pascal Hols
Summary: In bacteria, phenotypic heterogeneity compensates for the lack of genetic diversity, allowing for the adoption of multiple survival strategies. This study reveals that the CovRS system controls the ComRS system to generate bimodality in Streptococcus salivarius and Streptococcus thermophilus. The intracellular concentration of ComR determines the proportion of competent cells in the population. Furthermore, a functional positive-feedback loop and specific permeases are required for bimodal activation. CovRS is identified as a direct repression system of comR expression. This research highlights how bacteria sense and transmit external stimuli for fine-tuning collective behaviors.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Sass, Ian Vandenbussche, Barbara Bellich, Paola Cescutti, Tom Coenye
Summary: The chemosensory signal transduction system Wsp regulates biofilm formation and related phenotypes by influencing c-di-GMP levels. The expression of wspH and pellicle biofilm formation are epigenetically regulated in Burkholderia cenocepacia J2315. Mutants with increased expression of wspH show accelerated pellicle biofilm formation, reduced swimming motility and increased c-di-GMP levels, independent of WspR phosphorylation.
JOURNAL OF BACTERIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mona Bove, Tom Coenye
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of FR900098 against B. cenocepacia, showing its ability to enhance the activity of colistin and various β-lactam antibiotics, slow down the development of resistance, and demonstrate anti-virulence effect in insect and nematode models.
Review
Infectious Diseases
Jan J. De Waele, Jerina Boelens, Dirk Van De Putte, Diana Huis In't Veld, Tom Coenye
Summary: Intra-abdominal infections are common in hospitalized patients and require antimicrobial therapy and source control. The use of abdominal drains is increasing for treating these infections, but biofilm formation in the drains makes using abdominal fluid for diagnosis unreliable.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Rosalie C. D. Swimberghe, Rizos Tzourmanas, Roeland J. G. De Moor, Kevin Braeckmans, Tom Coenye, Maarten A. Meire
Summary: This study investigated the working mechanism of laser-activated irrigation (LAI) and its effect on bacterial biofilms in a root canal model. High-speed imaging revealed that LAI generates small cavitation bubbles throughout the entire canal, resulting in rapid vertical movement of the root canal content and detachment of biofilms.
INTERNATIONAL ENDODONTIC JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Mona Bove, Mette Kolpen, Mads Lichtenberg, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, the fitness, antimicrobial susceptibility, metabolic activity, gene expression, in vitro production of virulence factors and in vivo virulence of experimentally evolved Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 were evaluated. Mutations in mexT and fusA1 were found in the evolved strains, leading to altered fitness, metabolic activity, mexE expression, and antimicrobial susceptibility. However, the in vitro production of virulence factors and virulence in vivo were unchanged compared to the wild-type strains. These evolved strains also showed reduced susceptibility to tobramycin in an in vivo mouse model. Overall, this study highlights the impact of experimental evolution on the fitness and antimicrobial susceptibility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Article
Microbiology
Andrea M. Sass, Tom Coenye
Summary: This study aimed to characterize the biological role of the conserved small RNA NcS25 and its cognate target, outer membrane protein BCAL3473, in Burkholderia cenocepacia bacteria. NcS25 strongly represses the expression of BCAL3473, while other factors such as a LysR-type regulator and nitrogen-depleted growth conditions activate its expression. BCAL3473 is involved in the transport of arginine, tyrosine, tyramine, and putrescine across the outer membrane, playing an important role in nitrogen metabolism.
Article
Microbiology
Xuerui Bao, Ellen Goeteyn, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: D,L-malate enhances ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa, improving antibiotic therapy in infection environments. The choice of model system influences the outcome of the experiment, emphasizing the importance of using models that closely mimic the in vivo environment. This study confirms the potential of D,L-malate to enhance ciprofloxacin activity against P. aeruginosa-associated infections.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Tom Coenye
Summary: Our understanding of biofilm biology has greatly increased, but it has not yet resulted in major changes in clinical practice. The lack of standardized tools for studying biofilms in the clinical microbiology laboratory, particularly in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), is a major obstacle. Biofilm lifestyle significantly impacts antibiotic susceptibility, but AST is still typically conducted using planktonic cells. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of biofilm AST, highlight knowledge gaps, discuss potential ways to improve AST, and address the bottlenecks preventing its use in clinical practice.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Luciana Meneses, Ana Catarina Brandao, Tom Coenye, Ana Cristina Braga, Diana Priscila Pires, Joana Azeredo
Summary: This systematic review summarizes and analyzes the published data on the use of bacteriophages to control pre-formed biofilms in vitro, providing recommendations for future experiments. The findings suggest that phage concentration, burst size, and latent period can influence the efficacy of biofilm control, with higher concentrations and specific characteristics leading to better outcomes.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Amber De Bleeckere, Sara Van den Bossche, Pieter-Jan De Sutter, Tine Beirens, Aurelie Crabbe, Tom Coenye
Summary: In this study, a high throughput method was developed to determine the antimicrobial concentration required to prevent Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm formation using a synthetic cystic fibrosis sputum medium (SCFM2). Significant differences were observed between biofilm preventing concentrations (BPCs) and minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of three antibiotics, with the BPCs consistently higher than the MICs. This high throughput assay could be a valuable addition to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility in P. aeruginosa biofilms in the context of cystic fibrosis (CF).
Review
Microbiology
Mads Lichtenberg, Tom Coenye, Matthew R. Parsek, Thomas Bjarnsholt, Tim Holm Jakobsen
Summary: In vitro biofilms are distinct microbial communities characterized by physical traits, phenotypic features, and antibiotic tolerance. The importance of these traits varies depending on the environment and bacterial species. Mechanisms enabling antibiotic resistance in biofilms include physical barriers, physiological adaptations, and changes in gene expression. However, there is little consensus on gene expression profiles in biofilms, and a definitive "biofilm signature transcriptome" has not been identified. Spatial and temporal variability in biofilms greatly differs across systems or environments. Clinical biofilms may differ from those cultivated in laboratories and found in the environment, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of their characteristics.
FEMS MICROBIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Tom Coenye, Karl-Jan Spittaels, Yvonne Achermann
Summary: C. acnes is a commonly found bacterium on the skin, known for its role in acne and other infections. It forms biofilms and plays a significant role in vivo, being associated with treatment failure.
Article
Microbiology
Adrien Knoops, Florence Vande Capelle, Laetitia Fontaine, Marie Verhaegen, Johann Mignolet, Philippe Goffin, Jacques Mahillon, Andrea Sass, Tom Coenye, Laura Ledesma-Garcia, Pascal Hols
Summary: This study explores the phenomenon of bimodal activation in salivarius streptococci and elucidates the molecular mechanisms governing cell fate. It reveals that an environmental sensor controlling virulence in pathogenic streptococci is diverted to control competence in commensal streptococci. These results showcase how bacteria can sense and transmit external stimuli to complex communication devices for fine-tuning collective behaviors.