Article
Microbiology
Filomena De Leo, Irene Dominguez-Monino, Valme Jurado, Laura Bruno, Cesareo Saiz-Jimenez, Clara Urzi
Summary: This study reports a sudden fungal outbreak observed in a corridor near the entrance of the Catacombs of SS. Marcellino and Pietro in Rome, Italy. The colonization occurred after a restoration treatment of the walls of the entrance and some artifacts placed in situ. The analysis of samples taken from the fungal biofilm revealed a complex composition of fungal species, with Coniophora sp. being the predominant genus responsible for the deterioration of the stone surfaces.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Elsa Fuentes, Daniel Vazquez-Nion, Beatriz Prieto
Summary: The study of biodeterioration of building materials is hindered by the difficulty of accessing and sampling protected buildings. Therefore, there is a recognized need to develop a laboratory mesocosm that accurately represents nature and allows for the study and analysis of both the substrate and the organisms involved. Currently, there is a lack of consensus in the methods and protocols used in studying the formation of biofilms on building materials, which makes it difficult to compare results. This review aims to identify different methods reported in the scientific literature and organize them according to different factors, providing a guide for selecting the most appropriate methods based on different objectives.
BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paloma Reboah, Clarisse Balland Bolou-Bi, Sophie Nowak, Aurelie Verney-Carron
Summary: Buildings and monuments can be damaged by microorganisms, causing color change and aesthetical and physico-chemical damages. The colonization of these microorganisms depends on the material and environment. This study measured the concentration of green algae and cyanobacteria on the wall of a private residence in the Parisian region at different locations and during different seasons. The results showed that rainfall events had a rapid and intense effect on microorganism development, with a stronger response in winter. Cyanobacteria were less affected by seasonal changes compared to green algae. Dose-response functions were established to correlate environmental parameters with green algae concentration, and this approach could be useful in anticipating the impact of climate change.
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Filomena De Leo, Valme Jurado
Summary: This editorial focuses on the studies presented in the current Special Issue, highlighting advances in the field of microbial biodeterioration of cultural heritage, with a particular emphasis on new methods for their elimination and control.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Michal Komar, Paulina Nowicka-Krawczyk, Tomasz Ruman, Joanna Niziol, Marta Dudek, Beata Gutarowska
Summary: This article investigates the influence of mixed algal cultures on brick and plaster samples, revealing that algal growth leads to decreased pH values and increased water absorptivity, as well as material discoloration and the presence of various metabolites. These findings suggest that the impact of green algae on building substrates goes beyond aesthetic and indirect biodeterioration and should be further explored.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yali Wang, Xiaobo Liu
Summary: The Leizhou Stone Dog is a unique stone sculpture with a history of over two thousand years, but is facing severe physical, chemical, and biological deterioration. This study found that bacterial communities in the biofilms on the sculptures were dominated by Proteobacteria, with sulfur-oxidizing bacteria like Sulfurovum and Acidiphilium being prevalent in the black biofilms. Analysis also showed higher levels of Cl-, SO42?, and NO3? ions in the soil under the sculptures, indicating potential chemical evidence for the involvement of sulfuroxidizing bacteria in the blackening of the basalt sculptures.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Edinson Puentes-Cala, Valentina Tapia-Perdomo, Daniela Espinosa-Valbuena, Maria Reyes-Reyes, Diego Quintero-Santander, Silvia Vasquez-Dallos, Henry Salazar, Pedro Santamaria-Galvis, Ramon Silva-Rodriguez, Genis Castillo-Villamizar
Summary: This paper discusses the issue of microbiologically influenced corrosion and highlights the limitations of current monitoring methods. It suggests the integration of novel molecular approaches for an accurate assessment of the microbial threat.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fernando Bolivar-Galiano, Oana Adriana Cuzman, Clara Abad-Ruiz, Pedro Sanchez-Castillo
Summary: This work introduces a helpful tool for dealing with the biodiversity of monumental fountains and other wet lithotype surfaces, emphasizing the importance of phototrophic microorganisms in fountains and their impact on stone materials. The paper summarizes research on phototrophic biodiversity and provides simplified identification methods for professionals in the field of stone conservation.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Joao Trovao, Fabiana Soares, Diana Sofia Paiva, Igor Tiago, Antonio Portugal
Summary: This study describes the discovery of two unknown fungi in the underground Roman crypts in Coimbra, Portugal, and proposes a new genus and species called Circumfusicillium cavernae.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Judith Stiefelmaier, Dorina Strieth, Susanne Schaefer, Bjoern Wrabl, Daniel Kronenberger, Ulrich Broeckel, Roland Ulber
Summary: An easy-to-implement method for analyzing biofilm adhesion was developed using a flow chamber combined with optical coherence tomography and computational fluid dynamics simulation. The cultivation time of the biofilms was found to be positively correlated with adhesion strength. The role of extracellular polymeric substances in surface adhesion was evaluated. The comparability of results obtained from the flow chamber with other methods was successfully tested using a rotational rheometer.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Yali Wang, Huan Zhang, Xiaobo Liu, Xiaoqing Liu, Wei Song
Summary: The study investigated the fungal communities in biofilms on the basalt sculptures of the Leizhou Stone Dogs in China, identifying predominant fungi genera and analyzing the chemical composition susceptible to microbial corrosion. Testing of antimicrobial agents over two years concluded that a mixture of biocide and water repellent showed the best effectiveness in protecting the sculptures. Overall, the findings provide insight into the fungal diversity, mineral leaching, and conservation measures for the unique folk art creations on the Leizhou Peninsula.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Daniele De Luca, Roberta Piredda, Giorgio Trojsi, Paola Cennamo
Summary: In this study, we used metabarcoding to analyze the microbial communities in Roman nymphaea. The results showed differences in communities between sites and within one site, with marine taxa present due to marine aerosols and submerged water. Extremophiles commonly found in cave environments were also identified. Overall, this study provided insight into the community colonizing the nymphaea and highlighted the usefulness of metabarcoding for restoration purposes.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anna Depetris, Hannes Peter, Ankur Deep Bordoloi, Hippolyte Bernard, Amin Niayifar, Michael Kuhl, Pietro de Anna, Tom Jan Battin
Summary: Biofilms are surface-attached microbial communities that dominate microbial life in ecosystems. This study investigated the morphogenesis of phototrophic biofilms under different hydraulic conditions and found that the morphological differentiation was linked to biomass displacement and interactions with hydraulics. Mapping oxygen concentrations within biofilm structures provided evidence for biofilm-induced alterations of oxygen mass transfer, suggesting that architectural plasticity, efficient mass transfer, and resistance to shear stress contribute to the success of phototrophic biofilms.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Roberta Ranaldi, Lorenza Rugnini, Francesco Gabriele, Nicoletta Spreti, Cinzia Casieri, Gabriele Di Marco, Angelo Gismondi, Laura Bruno
Summary: The development of phototrophic biofilms deteriorates stone cultural heritage, and essential oils have emerged as successful natural biocides. Thyme essential oil suspended in alginate hydrogel shows significant inhibitory effects on photosynthetic efficiency, with the main plant compound identified as thymol.
INTERNATIONAL BIODETERIORATION & BIODEGRADATION
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Martina Colapietro, Andrea Ianni, Francesca Bennato, Giuseppe Martino
Summary: This study investigated the effects of three different light-color temperatures of LEDs (Neutral, Cool, and Warm) on the attributes of chicken breast meat. The results showed that the LEDs caused changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the meat. Specifically, significant variations were observed in the fatty acid profiles and accumulation of volatile compounds in the meat. These findings highlight the potential impact of LED lighting on the quality of chicken breast meat.
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)
