Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ghoson M. Daba, Marwa O. Elnahas, Waill A. Elkhateeb
Summary: Exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by some genera of lactic acid bacteria have diverse applications in food, pharmaceuticals, and diagnostics, contributing to improved shelf-life, enhanced functionalities, and various targeted drug delivery systems. Future prospects focus on enhancing EPS production, reducing production costs, and exploring their potential in further applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
May L. K. Khider, Trygve Brautaset, Marta Irla
Summary: Using methane as a feedstock for biotechnological processes through synthetic methanotrophs shows potential for increasing efficiency and economic feasibility. Functional expression of MMO in non-methanotrophic bacterial species holds great biotechnological promise for industrial synthesis and bioremediation applications.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biology
Laxmi Parwani, Medha Bhatt, Jaspreet Singh
Summary: Cyanobacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) are important biopolymers with ecological, industrial, and biotechnological significance. Despite their potential applications in various fields, limited understanding of their complex structural properties and production processes hinders their commercialization and utilization.
BRAZILIAN ARCHIVES OF BIOLOGY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ahmed Zayed, Mai K. Mansour, Mohamed S. Sedeek, Mohamed H. Habib, Roland Ulber, Mohamed A. Farag
Summary: Bacteria form biofilms through extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and their production is influenced by various factors. EPS derived from marine and terrestrial bacteria have diverse applications but are not yet commercially implemented.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jing Li, Dongru Chen, Huancai Lin
Summary: Biofilms are responsible for most infections, making it crucial to find effective antibiofilm agents with low cytotoxicity. Among 51 peptides classified into 14 categories, 14 representative peptides showed antibiofilm activity against both bacteria and fungi, with 4 peptides having lower MBIC values than their MICs.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Muhammad Bilal, Hairong Cheng, Reyna Berenice Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal
Summary: The recent advancement in nanotechnology has revolutionized the biotech and biomed sectors, with a special focus on nanodiamonds (NDs) for their unique properties and versatile applications. This review highlights the detailed surface chemistry, structural and functional entities of NDs, and their applications in catalysis, sensing, drug delivery, and other areas. The overview includes discussion on market-assisted NDs products, research gaps, and future trends in NDs research.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Songul Yasar Yildiz, Ilaria Finore, Luigi Leone, Ida Romano, Licia Lama, Ceyda Kasavi, Barbara Nicolaus, Ebru Toksoy Oner, Annarita Poli
Summary: Genomic analysis of Parageobacillus thermantarcticus M1 revealed its significant potential in biotechnological and industrial applications, including the production of exopolysaccharides (EPSs), ethanol, and thermostable enzymes. The study also highlighted its use in lignocellulosic transformation and microbial astrobiology research.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrea Muras, Manuel Romero, Celia Mayer, Ana Otero
Summary: Bacillus licheniformis is a Gram positive spore-forming bacterial species with high biotechnological potential, used for producing bioactive compounds and bioproducts in various fields. Its applications include probiotics, bioflocculation, biofuel production, and bioremediation among others, but safety concerns exist due to potential transfer of antibiotic resistance genes. Developing a standardized protocol to describe novel strains is crucial for evaluating the biotechnological potential of this species.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Tamer A. E. Ahmed, Ling Wu, Manar Younes, Maxwell Hincke
Summary: The utilization of eggshell waste has attracted extensive attention and research, covering various fields such as biomedical, chemical, engineering, and environmental technologies. Research in these areas is ongoing and expected to enhance the value of eggshell waste utilization.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Fatma A. Al-Malki, Zahra S. Al-Kharousi, Nejib Guizani, Ismail M. Al-Bulushi, Abdullah M. Al-Sadi
Summary: This study aimed to analyze the microbiological and chemical properties of traditional date vinegar. The results showed that the hygiene quality and chemical contents of home-made samples were lower than laboratory-made samples. However, the study identified a high microbial diversity of yeasts and acetic acid bacteria, indicating the potential of producing a high-quality and safe product.
FRONTIERS IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sergio Pipaon, Marcos Gragera, M. Teresa Bueno-Carrasco, Juan Garcia-Bernalt Diego, Miguel Cantero, Jorge Cuellar, Maria Rosario Fernandez-Fernandez, Jose Maria Valpuesta
Summary: Chaperonins are molecular chaperones present in all kingdoms of life, assisting in the folding of other proteins. Structurally, they are cylinders composed of two back-to-back rings, with open and closed conformations for trapping client proteins and facilitating folding. Their unique structure and controllable aperture have led to various nanotechnological applications.
Article
Anatomy & Morphology
Mohammad Altaf, Salim Manoharadas, Mohammad Tarique Zeyad
Summary: This study demonstrated the effectiveness of cerium oxide nanoparticles synthesized using Acorus calamus aqueous extract against biofilms formed by both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, reducing bacterial growth and colonization on solid supports, as well as decreasing exopolysaccharide production. These nanoparticles have potential as a new alternative antimicrobial agent against bacterial pathogens.
MICROSCOPY RESEARCH AND TECHNIQUE
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Muthukumar Abinaya, Periyasamy Gnanaprakasam, Marimuthu Govindarajan, Mohammad Ahmad Wadaan, Shahid Mahboob, Arwa Mohammad Wadaan, Irfan Manzoor, Baskaralingam Vaseeharan
Summary: Here, we report the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and selenium nanowires (Se NWs) using microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) as a mediator, and examine their antibacterial and ecotoxicity effects in vitro and in vivo. The results show that EPS, EPS-ZnO NPs, and EPS-Se NWs exhibit potent antibacterial properties and inhibit biofilm formation. In vivo toxicity tests on Danio rerio embryos and Ceriodaphnia cornuta reveal that EPS and EPS-ZnO NPs have lower toxicity compared to EPS-Se NWs, and can be used to protect freshwater crustaceans from toxins in aquatic environments.
FERMENTATION-BASEL
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Joan Planas-Iglesias, Sergio M. Marques, Gaspar P. Pinto, Milos Musil, Jan Stourac, Jiri Damborsky, David Bednar
Summary: Enzymes are natural catalysts that execute biochemical reactions, and their effectiveness has been optimized through evolution. Biocatalysts from various sources are used in industrial production, environmental protection, and biomedical applications. Protein engineering and computational techniques can improve enzyme function for diverse applications.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zimo Jin, Asia Vighi, Yueming Dong, Jean-Alexandre Bureau, Codruta Ignea
Summary: Cellular membranes are dynamic bilayers composed of lipids, trans-membrane proteins, and carbohydrates. Research in this field focuses on identifying, characterizing, and understanding the different components of biological membranes. Recent advancements in metabolic engineering and synthetic biology have led to the production of essential medicines through microbial production. However, challenges such as long pathways, low yields, and host adaptation hinder efficient scale-up production. Strategies for improving enzyme performance and facilitating pathway reconstruction directly involve cellular membranes, which are also targeted for manipulation in lipid research and synthetic biology. This review summarizes engineering strategies applied to cellular membranes and discusses the challenges and future perspectives in host engineering and bioproduction.
BIOTECHNOLOGY ADVANCES
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Patricia Bernal, Marina Murillo-Torres, Luke P. Allsopp
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Microbiology
Jose Manuel Borrero de Acuna, Patricia Bernal
Summary: A deeper understanding of the complex relationship between plants and their microbiota allows for the improvement of crops using chemical-free alternatives based on beneficial microorganisms. By studying the interactions between plant-microbe and microbe-microbe, researchers can enhance plant fitness and bacterial communities simultaneously. The delivery systems in plant-associated bacteria, such as the T6SS and membrane vesicles, have the potential to boost green agriculture.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Patricia Bernal, R. Christopher D. Furniss, Selina Fecht, Rhoda C. Y. Leung, Livia Spiga, Despoina A. Mavridou, Alain Filloux
Summary: The T6SS is a nanomachine primarily involved in interbacterial competition, with TssA being a key component for its assembly. Researchers have found unexpected diversity in TssA proteins, with a short form and a long form existing. The discovery of structural components that interact with short TssA proteins sheds light on the mechanisms for T6SS assembly and functioning.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David Duran, Patricia Bernal, David Vazquez-Arias, Esther Blanco-Romero, Daniel Garrido-Sanz, Miguel Redondo-Nieto, Rafael Rivilla, Marta Martin
Summary: The genome of Pseudomonas fluorescens F113 encodes three putative type VI secretion systems (T6SS) - F1-, F2- and F3-T6SS. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that these systems are similar to those in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RNA-Seq analysis showed that F1- and F3-T6SS are active under all conditions, while F2-T6SS did not show relevant expression in the tested conditions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Letter
Microbiology
Patricia Bernal, Leo Eberl, Ronnie de Jonge, Viviana C. Lepek, Jacob G. Malone
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
R. Christopher D. Furniss, Nikol Kaderabkova, Declan Barker, Patricia Bernal, Evgenia Maslova, Amanda A. A. Antwi, Helen E. McNeil, Hannah L. Pugh, Laurent Dortet, Jessica M. A. Blair, Gerald Larrouy-Maumus, Ronan R. McCarthy, Diego Gonzalez, Despoina A. Mavridou
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria poses a major threat to global health, and the development of new antibacterial strategies is urgently needed. This study demonstrates that disrupting cell envelope protein homeostasis can simultaneously compromise multiple classes of resistance determinants, laying the foundation for the development of broad-acting antibiotic adjuvants.
Article
Microbiology
Patricia Bernal, Cristina Civantos, Daniel Pacheco-Sanchez, Jose M. Quesada, Alain Filloux, Maria A. Llamas
Summary: The type VI secretion system (T6SS) is a widespread antimicrobial molecular weapon in Proteobacteria, and the K1-T6SS in Pseudomonas putida KT2440 is used to outcompete phytopathogens and protect plants from pathogen infections. This study experimentally defined two transcriptional units and identified a complex regulatory network that governs T6SS expression, providing insights into controlling and manipulating this system for biological control of bacteria.
Article
Biology
Amaia Gonzalez-Magana, Jon Altuna, Maria Queralt-Martin, Eneko Largo, Carmen Velazquez, Itxaso Montanchez, Patricia Bernal, Antonio Alcaraz, David Albesa-Jove
Summary: This study reveals the molecular mechanism of Tse5-CT, the toxic product of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa T6SS. Tse5-CT is a pore-forming toxin that depolarizes the bacterial membrane, leading to bacterial death. This finding highlights the importance of membrane depolarization as a competitive strategy in polymicrobial environments.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Carlos Molina-Santiago, Patricia Bernal
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ana Sanchez-Jimenez, Francisco J. J. Marcos-Torres, Maria A. Llamas
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that can infect any human tissue by maintaining iron homeostasis through various mechanisms. Due to its ability to cause life-threatening infections and develop resistance to antibiotics, new strategies are being developed to eradicate this pathogen. Targeting iron homeostasis mechanisms, such as using iron chelators and disruptors of siderophore production, has shown promising results in reducing viability and virulence of P. aeruginosa. The 'Trojan-horse' strategy of using siderophore uptake systems is also emerging as an efficient method to deliver antibiotics into bacterial cells.
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Juan Luis Ramos, Patricia Bernal, Davinia Salvachua
MICROBIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ana Sanchez-Jimenez, Maria A. Llamas, Francisco Javier Marcos-Torres
Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a versatile pathogen capable of colonizing human tissues. Its colonization and virulence are driven by various regulated virulence factors. This study reviews the transcriptional regulators that control the expression of these factors and proposes blocking these regulators as a promising strategy to combat this clinically relevant pathogen.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Luke P. Allsopp, Patricia Bernal
Summary: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the T6SS, highlighting recent discoveries of its structure and the diversity of its effectors. The identification and characterization of novel components of the T6SS, combined with biochemical and structural studies, have revealed fascinating mechanisms governing its assembly, loading, firing and disassembly processes. Recent findings have also demonstrated the efficacy of this system against fungal and Gram-positive cells, expanding its scope.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Joaquin R. Otero-Asman, Ana Sanchez-Jimenez, Karlijn C. Bastiaansen, Sarah Wettstadt, Cristina Civantos, Alicia Garcia-Puente, Wilbert Bitter, Maria A. Llamas
Summary: Cell-surface signaling (CSS) is a signal transfer system in Gram-negative bacteria that activates the sigma(ECF) factor in response to an extracellular signal. This activation involves regulated proteolysis of the associated anti-sigma factor by Prc and RseP proteases. In this study, we have discovered another protease, CtpA, that modulates CSS activity by preventing Prc-mediated proteolysis of the anti-sigma factor. Importantly, mutations in rseP and ctpA proteases of Pseudomonas aeruginosa attenuate virulence, while the prc mutation increases virulence by enhancing membrane vesicle production.
