Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Camille Van Camp, Charlotte Fraikin, Elodie Claverie, Rob Onderwater, Ruddy Wattiez
Summary: The freshwater cyanobacterium Gloeothece verrucosa, known for its circadian rhythm and exopolysaccharide production, was studied to understand the impact of carbon to nitrogen ratio on growth, metabolism, and exopolysaccharide production. The results showed that nitrogen concentration played a significant role in promoting growth and influencing exopolysaccharide content, with higher ratios favoring higher production. The findings suggest that the exopolysaccharides of Gloeothece verrucosa could be a sustainable alternative for plant biostimulation.
ALGAL RESEARCH-BIOMASS BIOFUELS AND BIOPRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yomna A. Hagag, Heba Shehta Said, Hany Kenawy, Ramadan Hassan
Summary: Acinetobacter baumannii is a dangerous pathogen with enhanced immune evasion and drug resistance. A reliable vaccine against A. baumannii infections is currently unavailable. This study developed a novel pentavalent vaccine candidate that showed high protective efficacy against different strains in animal experiments.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alexandra P. Breslawec, Shaochi Wang, Kathleen N. Monahan, Lucas L. Barry, Myles B. Poulin
Summary: Bacterial biofilms consist of bacterial cells embedded in a self-produced extracellular polymeric substance. The enzyme Dispersin B (DspB) plays a crucial role in the hydrolysis of a major biofilm polysaccharide called poly-N-acetylglucosamine (PNAG). This study investigates the molecular basis for the endo-glycosidic cleavage activity of DspB and its importance in dispersing Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hui Wang, Jiawei Shen, Kai Ma, Chengfeng Zhu, Mengcheng Fang, Xue Hou, Shijie Zhang, Wenhui Wang, Ting Xue
Summary: This study investigated the mechanisms of desiccation resistance in foodborne S. aureus strains. Transcriptome analysis revealed the upregulation of genes related to capsular polysaccharides (CPs) synthesis after desiccation treatment. The survival ability of a CPs mutant was decreased, while the biofilm formation ability showed no difference compared to the wild type strain.
FOOD RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yongzhen Zhang, Liming Wang, Herman S. Overkleeft, Gijsbert A. van der Marel, Jeroen D. C. Codee
Summary: This study developed a synthetic chemistry method to create well-defined Pel oligosaccharides. These oligosaccharides can be used to investigate the biosynthesis of Pel polysaccharides and may have applications as diagnostic tools or components for glycoconjugate vaccines.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xing Qin, YanZhe Xin, Xiaoyun Su, Xiaolu Wang, Jie Zhang, Tao Tu, Yaru Wang, Bin Yao, Huoqing Huang, Huiying Luo
Summary: The study identified two thermostable chitinolytic enzymes from Caldicellulosiruptor acetigenus, CaChiT and CaHex, which showed optimal activities at high temperatures and broad pH stability. These enzymes were active on various chitin substrates and exhibited a synergistic effect in chitin degradation, indicating their potential for industrial applications in GlcNAc production.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Virology
Clay S. Crippen, Bibi Zhou, Silke Andresen, Robert T. Patry, Artur Muszynski, Craig T. Parker, Kerry K. Cooper, Christine M. Szymanski
Summary: This study isolated new Acinetobacter-infecting phages and determined their cell receptors. Additionally, a new genus of Cystoviruses was described and the membrane-associated glycoconjugates were characterized.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Jing Li, Kunpeng Gao, Francesco Secundo, Xiangzhao Mao
Summary: Chitin is converted to GlcNAc by chitinases, essential for food and pharmaceutical industries. Two novel beta-N-acetylglucosaminidases were cloned and characterized, enabling the one-pot production of pure GlcNAc from chitin through enzymatic reactions.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shuji Gao, Yamin Shen, Shuo Yuan, Yingying Quan, Xingping Li, Yuxin Wang, Li Yi, Yang Wang
Summary: This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of methyl anthranilate (MA) on Streptococcus suis (S. suis) biofilm. The results showed that MA destroyed the structure of S. suis biofilm, hindered biofilm formation, and reduced the synthesis of capsular polysaccharides, leading to weakened adhesion and antiphagocytosis ability. MA competitively bound to S-adenosylhomocysteine nucleosidase, interfering with AI-2 quorum sensing of S. suis. In a mouse model, MA effectively reduced bacterial burden and inflammatory infiltrates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Cornelis H. M. van der Loo, Mark L. G. Borst, Kees Pouwer, Adriaan J. Minnaard
Summary: The study presents the first multi-gram synthesis of enantiopure Di-HAF, achieving high yield and enantiomeric excess in just 30 minutes under optimized conditions. This method opens up possibilities for further research on the bio-renewable building block and its application as a chiral pool synthon. The proposed mechanism sheds light on the formation of Di-HAF and its subsequent dehydration into 3A5AF.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Biophysics
Yohko Gotoh, Toshimasa Yamazaki, Yasuyuki Ishizuka, Hirohiko Ise
Summary: Cytoskeletal proteins desmin and vimentin are expressed on the surface of muscle, mesenchymal and cancer cells with N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosamine residue-binding properties. Through chemical modification, glycoconjugates composed of silk fibroin and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine were prepared and assessed by H-1-NMR measurements, demonstrating potential for tissue engineering applications. This study shows that immobilization of monosaccharide GlcNAc is a useful method for functionalizing SF and enhancing cell interactions.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jingwei Wu, Man Qi, Ning Yan, Yongjun Gao, Xi Chen, Gokalp GOzaydin
Summary: A method has been developed to convert chitin biomass into valuable organic acids at room temperature using common base and oxidant in water, with high yield and tunable product selectivity. This approach requires minimal energy inputs, inexpensive equipment, and reduces carbon emission, capital costs, and safety risks compared to conventional methods at high temperatures and pressures.
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Quanzhen Liu, Guoguang Wei, Pengfan Yang, Chengyong Wang, Kequan Chen, Pingkai Ouyang, Alei Zhang
Summary: In this study, an in vitro multi-enzyme catalysis system was constructed to produce Neu5Ac using affordable chitin as a substrate. It was found that 9.2 g/L Neu5Ac could be obtained from 20 g/L chitin within 24 h under optimal conditions. This work lays a good foundation for the production of Neu5Ac from cheap chitin resources.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Premkumar S. Baviskar, Hitendra S. Mahajan, Sachin M. Chandankar, Yogeeta O. Agrawal
Summary: A study aimed to develop micelles loaded with Resveratrol and Vitamin-E to enhance drug bioavailability and reduce toxicity. The prepared micelles showed suitable particle size, stability, and solubility, and successfully encapsulated Resveratrol. This study contributes to the development of new cancer treatment approaches.
JOURNAL OF DRUG DELIVERY SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Ya'nan Dai, Yulan Wu, Huaying Lan, Wenfeng Ning, Feng Chen, Guiyang Yan, Kaicong Cai
Summary: Molecular dynamics simulations and DFT calculations were used to study the structural dynamics and vibrational features of NAG in solution, revealing the interactions between NAG and solvent molecules as well as the preferred conformations of NAG. The results from normal mode analysis showed that the solvent-induced structural fluctuations of NAG could be reflected in the vibrational features of specific chromophores, allowing for the evaluation of molecular structure based on their vibrational signatures.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Misung Kim, Jaeeun Park, Woojun Park
Summary: The multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain NCCP 16007 shows high resistance to Polymyxin B (PMB) and has acquired resistance through horizontal gene transfer of several antibiotic resistance genes. Despite losing some virulence factors, this strain exhibits high pathogenicity in infection models and has a high adhesion capacity during urinary tract infections.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Minyoung Hong, Indong Jang, Yongjun Son, Chongku Yi, Woojun Park
Summary: Bio-concrete using bacterially produced calcium carbonate can repair microcracks, but cost reduction is a challenge. Adjusting culture medium and growth conditions can create economical materials.
Article
Microbiology
Minkyung Kim, Byoung-Hee Lee, Ki-Eun Lee, Woojun Park
Summary: The novel aerobic bacterial strain MK012(T) isolated from Microcystis aeruginosa belongs to the genus Flavobacterium. It has unique genotypic and phenotypic characteristics, leading to the proposal of a new species name "Flavobacterium phycosphaerae".
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wonjae Kim, Minkyung Kim, Minyoung Hong, Woojun Park
Summary: Deinoxanthin compounds produced by culturing Deinococcus metallilatus under light have shown inhibitory effects on the growth of cyanobacteria like Microcystis aeruginosa, while being non-toxic to other non-cyanobacteria. This specific activity makes Deinoxanthin a potential novel candidate for preventing cyanobacterial blooms.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Biology
Jaeeun Park, Misung Kim, Bora Shin, Mingyeong Kang, Jihye Yang, Tae Kwon Lee, Woojun Park
Summary: The modification of outer membrane charge induced by polymyxin B (PMB) in Acinetobacter baumannii leads to PMB-resistant variants and clinical isolates producing outer membrane vesicles (OMVs). Upregulation of the pmr operon and decreased membrane-linkage proteins result in enhanced biofilm formation and protection of susceptible bacteria from PMB, suggesting OMVs function as decoys against PMB. OMVs also protect the microbial community against PMB treatment in anaerobic conditions, indicating their potential clinical significance in antibiotic resistance.
Article
Microbiology
Minkyung Kim, Wonjae Kim, Woojun Park
Summary: A novel bacterial strain, NIBR3(T), isolated from a Microcystis aeruginosa culture, was identified as a member of a new genus, Aquibium gen. nov. The type strain of the new species, Aquibium microcysteis sp. nov., is NIBR3(T).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yongjun Son, Jihyeon Min, Indong Jang, Chongku Yi, Woojun Park
Summary: A novel bacterial carrier consisting of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) tablets was developed to encapsulate spores and showed promising self-healing efficiency in cementitious materials. Alkaline-resistant and spore-forming bacteria in the tablets could fill microcracks with precipitated calcium carbonate, curing the cracks within 7 days. The MCC tablets, constituting only 3% of the cement mass, allowed for efficient repair of micro-cracks with high crack repair rates.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Minkyung Kim, Junshik Bae, Woojun Park
Summary: A novel bacterial strain, Rhizorhabdus phycosphaerae, was isolated from the phycosphere of Microcystis aeruginosa. It is closely related to Rhizorhabdus wittichii and Rhizorhabdus histidinilytica, with high nucleotide identity. The strain exhibits unique physiological, biochemical, and morphological characteristics, indicating that it represents a new species.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jihyeon Min, Pureun Kim, Sohyeon Yun, Minyoung Hong, Woojun Park
Summary: Animal fecal samples were examined for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. The samples revealed the presence of ARGs and high levels of MDR bacteria in the manure from certain herbivorous animals. The study also identified common ARGs associated with transposons, suggesting a potential role for transposons in the dissemination of ARGs. Interestingly, the number and types of ARGs in the animal manure were found to be lower than expected, indicating that the MDR bacteria in the tested animals may have intrinsic resistance phenotypes in the absence of ARGs.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Yongjun Son, Jihyeon Min, Woojun Park
Summary: A novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, named Chryseobacterium faecale sp. nov., was isolated from camel faeces. The strain has specific growth requirements and genomic characteristics that confirm its classification within the Chryseobacterium genus.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Su-Hyun Kim, Sohyeon Yun, Woojun Park
Summary: This study investigated the degree of polymyxin B (PMB) resistance in clinical Acinetobacter baumannii isolates and identified the characteristics of PMB-resistant strains.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wonjae Kim, Minkyung Kim, Woojun Park
Summary: Lysine toxicity is observed in certain bacterial cells, but the molecular mechanisms behind this phenomenon are still unclear. Cyanobacteria like Microcystis aeruginosa cannot effectively transport and degrade lysine, resulting in its accumulation. The competitive uptake of lysine with arginine or ornithine and the substitution of lysine in the cell wall inhibit transpeptidation, causing irreversible damage to the photosynthetic system and membrane integrity, leading to the death of slow-growing cyanobacteria.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jihye Yang, Sohyeon Yun, Woojun Park
Summary: The presence or absence of BlsA protein in Acinetobacter species genomes has raised curiosity about its role in regulating bacterial lifestyle under light. Genetic and transcriptomic analyses revealed the loss of BlsA in several multidrug-resistant strains and the light-mediated induction of blsA. Furthermore, the study identified a potential interaction partner of BlsA, BipA, and confirmed their direct interactions under specific conditions.
Article
Microbiology
Jinny Wu Yang, Feng-Hsun Chang, Yi-Chun Yeh, An-Yi Tsai, Kuo-Ping Chiang, Fuh-Kwo Shiah, Gwo-Ching Gong, Chih-hao Hsieh
Summary: We studied the kill-the-winner hypothesis in marine bacterial communities and found evidence supporting the existence of competition-resistance trade-offs and their positive effect on bacterial diversity. Our research showed that competition-resistance trade-offs were stronger and more consistent when top-down control was caused by protists+viruses combined. These findings provide new insights into how natural bacterial communities are shaped by top-down controls and competition trade-offs.
Article
Plant Sciences
Yeji Cha, Wonjae Kim, Yerim Park, Minkyung Kim, Yongjun Son, Woojun Park
Summary: Among 43 tested freshwater bacterial species, Paucibacter sp. B51 isolated from cyanobacterial bloom samples exhibited superior antagonistic activity against axenic Microcystis aeruginosa PCC7806. Through complete genome sequencing and chemical analysis, the B51 strain was identified as Paucibacter aquatile, which inhibits the growth of M. aeruginosa cells by interfering with photosynthesis and secreting specific lasso peptides.
JOURNAL OF PHYCOLOGY
(2023)