Article
Infectious Diseases
Katja Suster, Andrej Cor
Summary: Prosthetic joint infections are often caused by biofilm formation and the presence of viable but non-culturable bacteria. Conventional sample culturing is the standard for microbiological diagnosis, but it fails to detect non-culturable bacteria. This study investigated the use of bacteriophages to detect non-culturable bacteria.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Hening Wang, Yuanzhe Li, Haoyi Yang, Ken-An Lin, Tiancheng Shao, James Hope
Summary: Biofilm formation and growth is a major concern for water treatment professionals due to its potential contamination of water systems and threat to public health. Biofilms are complex communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and protect harmful organisms. This article highlights factors favoring biofilm growth and strategies for control, such as wellhead protection, system maintenance, filtration, and disinfection, aiming to prevent biofilm formation and ensure high-quality water delivery to industrial processes.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Gabin Piton, Arnaud Foulquier, Laura B. Martinez-Garcia, Nicolas Legay, Cindy Arnoldi, Lijbert Brussaard, Katarina Hedlund, Pedro Martins da Silva, Eduardo Nascimento, Filipa Reis, Jose Paulo Sousa, Jean C. Clement, Gerlinde B. De Deyn
Summary: This study found differences in resistance and recovery of soil microbial communities under different rainfall patterns and soil management. Soil microbial communities under ecological management showed better recovery capacity after facing stress, while those under conventional management exhibited more stable nutrient cycling potential during stress.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED ECOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Yiwei Cai, Jianying Liu, Guiying Li, Po Keung Wong, Taicheng An
Summary: This article systematically reviewed the changes in morphology, physiology, and virulence of VBNC bacteria, as well as the quantitative detection methods available. It also evaluated the health risks, environmental applications, and potential transfer of ARGs associated with VBNC bacteria. Additionally, it highlighted the induction conditions and formation mechanisms of VBNC bacteria, especially under light-based disinfection, and discussed the horizontal gene transfer of ARGs during and after the induction of VBNC bacteria.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zheng Qi, Zaihui Huang, Chunguang Liu
Summary: This study investigated the metabolic characteristics and mechanism of differential metabolism between biofilm-VBNC bacteria and planktonic-VBNC bacteria using chlorine-induced VBNC P. aeruginosa. The results showed that P. aeruginosa in biofilm state was more likely to enter VBNC state. The differential metabolism was related to the difference in reactive oxygen species production and protection of extracellular polymers. This research provides valuable insights for accurate identification, health risk assessment, and scientific control of harmful VBNC bacteria.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Diksha Pokhrel, Hudson T. Thames, Li Zhang, Thu T. N. Dinh, Wes Schilling, Shecoya B. White, Reshma Ramachandran, Anuraj Theradiyil Sukumaran
Summary: Campylobacter jejuni is a common pathogen causing foodborne human gastroenteritis in developed countries. It colonizes in the ceca of chickens, spreads through the poultry production chain, and contaminates poultry products. Despite interventions and treatments, C. jejuni is still frequently found on broiler meat products, suggesting its evolving ability to overcome the stresses in poultry production and processing. Recent studies have shown that C. jejuni can develop aerotolerance, enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, or form biofilm in response to environmental stressors. This review provides an overview of the stressors throughout the poultry production chain and the survival mechanisms of C. jejuni, with a focus on aerotolerance, biofilm formation, and VBNC development.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Chun-Shui Sun, Liu-Yan Zhou, Qi-Yun Liang, Xiao-Man Wang, Yi-Xuan Lei, Zhen-Xing Xu, Feng-Qing Wang, Guan-Jun Chen, Zong-Jun Du, Da-Shuai Mu
Summary: Based on high-throughput sequencing and metabolomics technology, it was found that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were significantly correlated with uncultured bacterial groups during enrichment cultures. Adding SCFAs to media improved the efficiency of isolating uncultured strains from marine sediments. This study provides new insights into SCFAs as resuscitation factors for uncultured marine bacteria.
MARINE LIFE SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Haoyi Yang, Zezheng Xu, Zetong Xu, Yuanzhe Li
Summary: This article systematically analyzes the interactions between biofilms and piping surface materials, focusing on physical convection, biological and chemical adhesion. It discusses the importance of thermodynamics, bacterial surface sensing, and bio-communication in biofilm attachment. The study also includes experimental analysis methods, biofilm control and removal approaches, as well as the challenges associated with biofilm resistance and advanced control methods.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Souradip Mallick, Surajit Das
Summary: Acid-tolerant bacteria have developed various mechanisms to survive in acidic conditions, including changes in environmental pH, acid resistance systems, cell membrane alteration, biofilm formation, and protective genes expression. The acid tolerance behavior of these bacteria has broad prospects for industrial applications and environmental remediation.
APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Dmitriy Berillo, Areej Al-Jwaid, Jonathan Caplin
Summary: Bioremediation is a crucial process for reclaiming polluted soil and water by using biological agents to neutralise or remove harmful pollutants. Immobilised microorganisms are commonly used in this method, with materials such as activated carbon and agricultural waste being acceptable substrates. Macroporous cryogels show promise in applications for water treatment and biotechnology.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Dan Wang, Steve H. Flint, Dragana Gagic, Jon S. Palmer, Graham C. Fletcher, Stephen L. W. On
Summary: Biofilm formation is a survival strategy employed by bacteria, with protein-protein interaction network analysis revealing regulatory mechanisms in V. parahaemolyticus. Analysis also shows a link between the generation of viable but non-culturable cells and the TCA cycle and carbon metabolism pathways, with potential implications for reducing the hazard posed by this foodborne pathogen.
Article
Environmental Sciences
C. Y. Tong, Chai Ying Kee, Kohsuke Honda, C. J. C. Derek
Summary: Bio-coating is an efficient method to enhance microalgal growth in attached cultivation systems. Bacteria-derived coating has been found to significantly promote the growth of both freshwater and marine species. Two distinct adaptation mechanisms were observed between the species, with a positive correlation between cell growth and algal organic matter productivity in marine species. This study demonstrates the influence of bio-coating on algal organic matter yield without physical interaction between microalgae and bacteria, confirming the practical benefits of bio-coating in attached cultivation systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Claire Thom, Cindy J. Smith, Graeme Moore, Paul Weir, Umer Z. Ijaz
Summary: The meta-analysis of Illumina 16S rRNA datasets from drinking water systems showed that treatment significantly reduces species abundance and richness, with chlorination having the greatest impact on individual taxa relationships. The study highlights the potential uses of 16S rRNA sequencing for water utilities, including pathogen detection, risk assessment, and monitoring of microbial community changes.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lizheng Guo, Kun Wan, Jianwen Zhu, Chengsong Ye, Kassim Chabi, Xin Yu
Summary: VBNC bacteria are attracting attention as they cannot be detected by traditional culture-dependent methods and can resuscitate under favorable conditions. This study detected significant quantities of viable/VBNC opportunistic pathogens in full-scale DWTPs, indicating the inadequacy of traditional methods in detecting these bacteria. Development of rapid, accurate methods for detection of VBNC pathogenic bacteria in DWTPs is necessary to ensure drinking water safety.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gonzalo Del Olmo, Natalia Malinowski, Geoffrey J. Puzon, Matthew J. Morgan, Carolina Calero, Isabel Douterelo
Summary: Research in a full-scale chlorinated distribution system in the UK showed the presence of potential pathogenic amoebae and bacteria in biofilms, indicating a potential public health risk if the biofilms are mobilised into bulk water.