Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lihua Guo, Xingyu Ouyang, Weiwei Wang, Yiqun Huang, Xiaoyu Qiu, Ping Xu, Hongzhi Tang
Summary: A novel aromatic ring-hydroxylating oxygenase named NarA2B2, capable of degrading multiple polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and derivatives, was identified from the thermophilic microorganism Hydrogenibacillus sp. N12. The degradation characteristics of NarA2B2 were characterized by adding one or two atoms of molecular oxygen to the substrate. Key catalytic amino acids played pivotal roles in catalysis, and the catalytic activity of NarA2B2 could be restored by adding L-ascorbic acid.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Andrea Bagi, Kamila Knapik, Thierry Baussant
Summary: Monitoring environmental status through molecular investigation of microorganisms in the marine environment is suggested as a potentially very effective method for biomonitoring, with great potential for automation. However, there are some challenges to this approach, including primer design, geographical locations, seasons, and types of environmental pollution. The study showed that using qPCR analysis of genes involved in oil degradation has potential for oil leakage detection, but further improvement of degenerate primers is needed.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Prerna J. Yesankar, Ayurshi Patil, Atya Kapley, Asifa Qureshi
Summary: Hydrophobic organic compounds, whether natural or anthropogenic, are a serious threat to life in all spheres, including humans. Microorganisms have evolved metabolic and degradative potential to handle these recalcitrant compounds. Pseudomonas species play a multipotential role in the biodegradation of aromatic hydrocarbons using aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases (ARHDs). This review focuses on the molecular characterization of ARHDs from Pseudomonas species and their ability to accommodate various low and high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) substrates through flexible catalytic pockets and channels.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Raul A. Donoso, Ricardo Corbinaud, Carla Garate-Castro, Sandra Galaz, Danilo Perez-Pantoja
Summary: In this study, a phylogenetically divergent VanOD from Rhodococcus ruber R1 was identified, which is significantly different from previously described homologues and is correlated with the ability to grow on other methoxylated aromatics. Heterologous expression and resting cell assays suggested that the vanAB genes of R1 strain encode a proficient VanOD acting on different vanillate-like substrates, with a methoxy group in the meta position and a carboxylic acid moiety in the aromatic ring being key for substrate recognition. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that R1 VanOD and its type III homologues expand the range of methoxylated aromatics used as substrates by bacteria.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Shuzhen Li, Wenli Shen, Shengyang Lian, Yueni Wu, Yuanyuan Qu, Ye Deng
Summary: This study established a sequence database for the ARHD alpha subunit, and found the lack of understanding on the diversity and primer coverage of ARHD alpha subunit. The results showed low coverage of most published primers.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jachym Suman, Michal Strejcek, Andrea Zubrova, Jan Capek, Jiri Wald, Klara Michalikova, Miluse Hradilova, Kamila Sredlova, Jaroslav Semerad, Tomas Cajthaml, Ondrej Uhlik
Summary: This study assessed the diversity of bphA genes in microbial populations in legacy PCB-contaminated soil through stable isotope probing, identifying a high homology sequence variant with potential substrate specificity related properties. This BphA variant was further investigated for its involvement in the metabolism of flavonoid compounds, providing new insights into the interactions between plants, microbes, and anthropogenic compounds in soil.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Andrea Zubrova, Klara Michalikova, Jaroslav Semerad, Michal Strejcek, Tomas Cajthaml, Jachym Suman, Ondrej Uhlik
Summary: The bacterial aromatic ring-hydroxylating dioxygenases (ARHDs) are involved in the degradation of aromatic pollutants and natural plant-derived aromatics. This study supports the hypothesis that ARHDs participate in ecological processes mediated by secondary plant metabolites (SPMs). The involvement of biphenyl 2,3-dioxygenase (BPDO) in the metabolism of SPMs in soil bacterium Pseudomonas alcaliphila JAB1 has been demonstrated, with a wide range of SPMs inducing the bphA gene in the strain JAB1.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michael Frenklach, Alexander M. Mebel
Summary: This study investigates the formation mechanism of a molecular structure called E-bridge in the formation of soot particles during combustion and pyrolysis of hydrocarbons. The study finds that acetylene can react with the fused five-membered ring part of the E-bridge to form a seven-membered ring, and this reaction occurs frequently. However, the reaction frequency is limited by the migration and splitting of the fused five-membered ring. The study also shows that the migration of the seven-membered ring is rapid but short-lived.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY A
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mohammed I. L. Abutaqiya, Ali A. AlHammadi, Caleb J. Sisco, Francisco M. Vargas
Summary: The article introduces a new characterization factor, ARI, which can clearly distinguish between different hydrocarbon families in crude oils and provide a quantitative measure of aromaticity. Applying the ARI concept to hydrocarbon mixtures and data from bitumen and heavy oils shows that ARI exhibits reasonable trends consistent with the current understanding of petroleum fractions.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Pablo Antonio Moreno-Perez, Marivel Hernandez-Tellez, Arely Bautista-Galvez
Summary: The study evaluated the environmental status of the Great Mayan Aquifer beneath the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, and found that the majority of cenotes are contaminated with various pollutants. Over 92% of the cenotes detected one or more classes of pollutants. Only a small number of cenotes were reported to be free of the target pollutants.
ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Ella T. Sieradzki, Michael Morando, Jed A. Fuhrman
Summary: The study investigated the diversity and functional potential of a seed community in the chronically polluted Port of Los Angeles (POLA), demonstrating the ability of degraders at POLA to incorporate carbon from naphthalene and shift microbial community composition. The findings suggest that promiscuous dehydrogenases may replace canonical naphthalene degradation enzymes at this site, calling for further research. Additionally, genomic-based recommendations for future optimization of PAH bioremediation at POLA were proposed, targeting specific metabolic pathways to stimulate the activity of oil-degrading bacteria in case of an oil spill.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Guoqing Hou, Xiaoli Zhao, Tianhui Zhao, Xiaowei Wu, Shengyan Pu, Zhi Tang, Fengchang Wu
Summary: Plastic debris, especially microplastics (MPs), can bind with pollutants and be ingested by humans, increasing the health risks. This study investigated the adsorption and desorption behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on different types of MPs, and assessed the potential carcinogenic risk. The results showed that higher molecular weight PAHs were more easily adsorbed on MPs, with polyethylene (PE) having higher adsorption efficiency than polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The desorption experiments in a simulated digestive system revealed that the activity of digestive enzymes affected the desorption, with PMMA showing higher desorption efficiency than PE. Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed enzyme-induced desorption. Risk assessment indicated that PAHs desorption from PMMA posed a higher carcinogenic risk compared to PE. This study enhances understanding of the interactions between pollutants, MPs, and human health risks.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mingna Zheng, Yanwei Li, Qingzhu Zhang, Wenxing Wang
Summary: This study investigated the metabolism mechanism of benzo[a]anthracene (BA) by P450 1A1 using computational methods. The major metabolites were identified and the selective activation was found to be influenced by the oxy-gen-carbon distance and the intrinsic electric field of the enzyme. Based on these findings, a high-throughput strategy was developed to predict the metabolites of other PAHs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan Li, Ziquan Wang, Haixia Tian, Mallavarapu Megharaj, Hanzhong Jia, Wenxiang He
Summary: This study investigated the effects of two typical lower-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), naphthalene (Nap) and anthracene (Ant), on the activity and kinetic characteristics of FDA hydrolases in six soils. The results showed that both Nap and Ant significantly inhibited the activity of FDA hydrolase, and the inhibition was influenced by soil organic matter.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenting Sun, Jiaxiang Guo, Zengming Fan, Liuzhong Yuan, Kaiqi Ye, Chuandong Dou, Yue Wang
Summary: This paper presents an effective strategy to develop boron-doped molecular ribbons (MRs) and successfully synthesizes a series of new boron-doped MRs. These boron-doped MRs exhibit photochromism property and demonstrate their potential utility as organic semiconductors.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Fernando Espinola, Hebe M. Dionisi, Sharon Borglin, Colin J. Brislawn, Janet K. Jansson, Walter P. Mac Cormack, JoLynn Carroll, Sara Sjoling, Mariana Lozada
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Priscila A. Calderoli, Fernando J. Espinola, Hebe M. Dionisi, Monica N. Gil, Janet K. Jansson, Mariana Lozada
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
F. V. Ferreira, A. M. Herrmann-Andrade, C. D. Calabrese, F. Bello, D. Vazquez, M. A. Musumeci
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Mariana Lozada, Maria C. Dieguez, Patricia E. Garcia, Gregorio Bigatti, Juan Pablo Livore, Erica Giarratano, Monica N. Gil, Hebe M. Dionisi
Summary: The exudates from the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida have significant effects on the quality and optical properties of seawater, stimulating microbial growth and polysaccharide degrading activity. The changes in microbial community structure, including the increase of copiotrophic and fermentative genera, indicate potential synergistic effects between invasive macroalgae and human activities.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Flavia Ferreira, Matias A. Musumeci
Summary: A major challenge currently is increasing food production while preserving natural resources. Agricultural practices that enhance productivity and improve soil quality are relevant. Trichoderma species are widely used in agriculture to stimulate plant growth and control pathogens, representing useful tools for sustainable food production.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Flavia V. Ferreira, Andreina M. Herrmann-Andrade, Andres Binolfi, Carla D. Calabrese, Walter P. Mac Cormack, Matias A. Musumeci
Summary: This study successfully identified a novel cold-adapted L-glutaminase from an Antarctic bacterium with excellent performance and promising applications, especially in the food industry.
APPLIED BIOCHEMISTRY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Georgina Cordone, Mariana Lozada, Elisabet Vilacoba, Bettina Thalinger, Gregorio Bigatti, Dario A. Lijtmaer, Dirk Steinke, David E. Galvan
Summary: The study revealed that the European green crab in Golfo Nuevo has a broad omnivorous diet, with a major contribution from the phytoplankton chain rather than direct consumption of algae. By combining three complementary techniques, differences in the diet between male and female crabs were detected, suggesting that they are not as ecologically equivalent as previously thought. Additionally, sequences corresponding to C. aestuarii were found, indicating that the Patagonian green crab population may be a hybrid of both sister species.
BIOLOGICAL INVASIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariana Lozada, Maria Soledad Zabala, Patricia E. Garcia, Maria C. Dieguez, Gregorio Bigatti, Paulina Fermani, Fernando Unrein, Hebe M. Dionisi
Summary: This study analyzed the microbial communities associated with Undaria pinnatifida in a coastal site in Patagonia. The presence of U. pinnatifida was found to have a significant impact on seawater quality, bacterial abundance, and microbial community structure.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mariana Lozada, Maria C. Dieguez, Patricia E. Garcia, Hebe M. Dionisi
Summary: This study found that kelp biomass significantly impacts sediment microbial communities and water chemistry, and the response varies among different algae species and sediment sources. The changes in microbial community structure were closely related to the kelp treatment and, to a lesser extent, to sediment provenance. Additionally, specific microbial populations were enriched in the kelp-amended treatments, indicating niche differentiation in the degradation of different substrates in kelp cell walls. This research expands our knowledge of microbial assemblages in intertidal sediments in response to kelp biomass inputs.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Virginia Galvan, Federico Pascutti, Natalia E. E. Sandoval, Mariana P. P. Lanfranconi, Mariana Lozada, Ana L. L. Arabolaza, Walter P. Mac P. Cormack, Hector M. Alvarez, Hugo C. C. Gramajo, Hebe M. M. Dionisi
Summary: The prevalence and diversity of bacteria with the potential to synthesize wax ester and triacylglycerol in marine sediments were explored in two high latitude environments. Homolog sequences of the key enzyme wax ester synthase/acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (WS/DGAT) were found in these sediments. These results suggest the presence of abundant and taxonomically diverse bacterial populations capable of synthesizing lipid storage compounds in marine sediments.
Article
Biology
Hebe M. Dionisi, Mariana Lozada, Eleonora Campos
Summary: Bacteria from coastal habitats are a promising source of enzymes with novel catalytic properties for the hydrolysis of complex carbohydrates. In this study, we investigated the sequence and structural diversity of putative enzymes related to the glycoside hydrolase family 51 (GH51) from intertidal sediments in a subantarctic environment. The majority of the identified sequences belong to the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidases family and show high diversity. Three-dimensional models of the enzymes reveal distinctive structural characteristics and differences in surface electrostatic potential, indicating adaptation to the environmental conditions.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Clara Natalia Rodriguez-Florez, Andrea Malits, Mariana Lozada
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)