Article
Chemistry, Physical
Anthony J. Slate, Niall A. Hickey, Jonathan A. Butler, Daniel Wilson, Christopher M. Liauw, Craig E. Banks, Kathryn A. Whitehead
Summary: This study demonstrates the successful application of additively manufactured graphene macroelectrodes in a Pseudomonas aeruginosa microbial fuel cell (MFC) configuration, producing power outputs comparable to carbon cloth electrodes. The incorporation of graphene in the electrodes shows potential for enhancing power outputs without negatively affecting bacterial viability.
JOURNAL OF POWER SOURCES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Fernanda Jimenez Otero, Dianne K. Newman, Leonard M. Tender
Summary: Biofilms provide a protective environment but also present challenges to the cells living within them. Pseudomonas aeruginosa overcomes oxygen limitation by secreting redox active phenazines, which act as electron shuttles. Blocking the re-oxidation of one of these electron shuttles, pyocyanin, decreases cell survival within biofilms and enhances the effect of gentamicin in killing cells. The study highlights the importance of redox cycling of electron shuttles in P. aeruginosa biofilms.
Article
Immunology
Zuoji Ye, Liumei Ye, Dingbin Li, Shunsheng Lin, Wusheng Deng, Li Zhang, Jinhua Liang, Jinlong Li, Qingjun Wei, Ke Wang
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that Daphnetin (DAP) can effectively inhibit and eradicate biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. DAP also reduced bacterial motility and pyocyanin production. These findings suggest that DAP may serve as a natural anti-biofilm therapeutic agent.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ahmed A. Abdelaziz, Amal M. Abo Kamer, Khaled B. Al-Monofy, Lamiaa A. Al-Madboly
Summary: The discussion focuses on the bioprospecting of microorganisms and their bioactive byproducts, specifically pigments. Microbial pigments, such as pyocyanin produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, have various benefits including their natural composition, therapeutic effects, and year-round production. This article concentrates on the production, extraction, and biological applications of pyocyanin pigment in biotechnology, engineering, and biology fields.
MICROBIAL CELL FACTORIES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Chelsey M. VanDrisse, Rosalie Lipsh-Sokolik, Olga Khersonsky, Sarel J. Fleishman, Dianne K. Newman
Summary: This study demonstrates that by engineering the structure of PodA protein and combining it with tobramycin, the killing effect on P. aeruginosa can be enhanced, especially on biofilms that are resistant to conventional antibiotic treatment.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julie Oziat, Thibaut Cohu, Sylvie Elsen, Maxime Gougis, George G. Malliaras, Pascal Mailley
Summary: Fast identification of bacterial strains is crucial during infections, and electrochemical analysis of culture supernatants can provide a fingerprint of the strain based on the redox peaks observed. Peaks corresponding to known toxins and signals can be identified, along with potential new biomarkers for strain differentiation.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Avi Flamholz, Samuel Saccomano, Kevin Cash, Dianne K. Newman
Summary: From a metabolic perspective, molecular oxygen (O-2) is vital in microbial physiology, but its measurement can be complicated by interactions with bacterial secretions. This study found that certain bacterial metabolites, such as phenazines and flavins, quench phosphorescent O-2 probes, leading to inaccurate measurements. Careful control and custom probe design are necessary for accurate O-2 measurements in the presence of bacteria.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Adilson Jose da Silva, Josivan de Souza Cunha, Teri Hreha, Kelli Cristina Micocci, Heloisa Sobreiro Selistre-de-Araujo, Blanca Barquera, Mattheos A. G. Koffas
Summary: This study engineered the pyocyanin biosynthetic pathway for high production in a heterologous host for the first time. Optimized culture and induction parameters led to a 3.5-fold increase in pyocyanin accumulation, while pathway balancing through testing plasmids with different copy numbers resulted in a fourfold difference in product titer among the engineered strains. Co-expression of Vitreoscilla hemoglobin Vhb further improved pyocyanin production to a final titer of 18.8 mg/L, demonstrating the potential of using Escherichia coli for phenazines production in electro-fermentation systems.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Trevor Franklin, Yinan Wu, Jiayan Lang, Sijin Li, Rong Yang
Summary: The study reported the design of insoluble pyridine-rich polymer surfaces synthesized using initiated chemical vapor deposition, which successfully modulated biofilm growth and virulence in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This research indicates a rich potential for materials-based strategies to direct the behavior of naturally occurring biofilms.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tamara Carevic, Dejan Stojkovic, Marija Ivanov
Summary: Flavonoids, secondary metabolites found abundantly in plants, have been extensively studied for their potential health-beneficial effects. While there is data on their antimicrobial potential, less is known about their antivirulence traits. This review aims to present the newest research on the antivirulence effects of flavonoids, highlighting their diverse attributes and potential for development in novel antimicrobial strategies.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Obinna Markraphael Ajunwa, Olubusola Ayoola Odeniyi, Emmanuel Oluwaseun Garuba, Mrinalini Nair, Enrico Marsili, Abiodun Anthony Onilude
Summary: This study determined the production of pyocyanin, NAD, and NAD synthetase in the electrogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa using a Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). The co-expression of nadD and nadC genes increased the activity of NAD synthetase and resulted in higher pyocyanin concentration, NAD/NADH levels, and MFC potential in PA-A4 strain. This finding advances our understanding of NAD biosynthetic genes in PA electrogenicity.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Genetics & Heredity
Tatyana L. Povolotsky, Alona Keren-Paz, Ilana Kolodkin-Gal
Summary: For bacteria, the transition from unicellular entities to multicellular biofilm communities generates distinct metabolic microenvironments. Dynamic and programmed metabolic responses allow the biofilms to react to local changes in nutrient levels and contribute to phenotypic antibiotic resistance of the community. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting biofilms may stem from these metabolic adaptations.
TRENDS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Korbinian O. Thalhammer, Dianne K. Newman
Summary: While the number of small molecules secreted by environmental microbes is increasing, our understanding of their biological functions in their natural environment is limited. It is necessary to develop a framework to understand the significance and application of these secondary metabolites, particularly redox active metabolites (RAMs), such as phenazines. By studying the chemical, physical, and biological characteristics of the microenvironments where these molecules are produced, along with their basic properties, we can make significant progress in understanding the specific roles of novel RAMs.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Pankhuri Srivastava, Madhulika Ramesh, Pragya Kaushik, Arti Kumari, Sunita Aggarwal
Summary: Artificial colours are widely used in various industries. However, synthetic pigments pose toxicity threats, leading to an interest in microbial colours and dyes. Microorganisms that produce pigments offer biodegradable and eco-friendly alternatives. This review focuses on the antimicrobial and antifungal activity of pyocyanin from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its potential applications in medical and textile industries.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIAN NATIONAL SCIENCE ACADEMY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Selene Garcia-Reyes, Miguel Cocotl-Yanez, Martin Paolo Soto-Aceves, Abigail Gonzalez-Valdez, Luis Servin-Gonzalez, Gloria Soberon-Chavez
Summary: This study characterized the PqsE-dependent production of PYO in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and found that PqsE promotes the RhlR-dependent production of PYO, although this production is not strictly dependent on PqsE. The interaction between PqsE and RhlR modifies the transcription of genes involved in PYO production, highlighting the variability of the quorum-sensing response among different P. aeruginosa clades and strains.
MOLECULAR MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)