Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bryan Mendes, Stefan Kassumeh, Alan Aguirre-Soto, Qing Pei, Belinda Heyne, Irene E. Kochevar
Summary: The study investigated the photochemical efficiencies of monomeric and dimeric rose Bengal photosensitized protein crosslinking and the optimal pH conditions for anaerobic photosensitization. Results showed that the optimal anaerobic photosensitization occurred at pH 8.5 in solutions containing Arg. The study also found that the concentrations of RBM2- and RBD2- were equal in 1 mm RB2- solutions.
PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anna A. Rubekina, Polina N. Kamzeeva, Vera A. Alferova, Elena Yu Shustova, Ekaterina S. Kolpakova, Elizaveta Yakovchuk, Evgenia Karpova, Maria O. Borodulina, Evgeny S. Belyaev, Alexei A. Khrulev, Vladimir A. Korshun, Evgeny A. Shirshin, Liubov Kozlovskaya, Andrey Aralov
Summary: Rose Bengal derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antiviral photoinactivation, showing promising activities against SARS-CoV-2, CHIKV, and HIV. Compounds with C4-6 alkyl chains exhibited submicromolar-to-subnanomolar activities and high selectivity indices, indicating potential for further development as viral inactivators for vaccine preparations.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Erton Gomes da Silva, Leonardo Ereno Tadielo, Thiago Henrique Belle, Emanoelli Aparecida Rodrigues dos Santos, Jhennifer Arruda Schmiedt, Fabio Sossai Possebon, Juliano Goncalves Pereira, Luciano dos Santos Bersot
Summary: This study found that reducing the water flow in the final wash of chicken slaughter process does not affect the microbiological quality of the chicken carcasses.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Olusola Jeje, Akamu J. Ewunkem, Liesl K. Jeffers-Francis, Joseph L. Graves Jr
Summary: This study examines the influence of resistance to excess iron (III) on the evolution of bacteriophage resistance in Escherichia coli bacteria. The research finds that populations with resistance to both excess iron (III) and bacteriophage show better growth performance under certain stress conditions and are more likely to develop resistance to multiple antibiotics. This underscores the importance of considering the potential risks of combination antimicrobial treatments.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Monika Simoliuniene, Darius Kazlauskas, Aurelija Zajanckauskaite, Rolandas Meskys, Lidija Truncaite
Summary: This study reveals that DNA replication of phages from Felixonuvirus genus relies on the host trxA gene, which can be used as a molecular marker for genome engineering. The research presents a strategy for targeted engineering of this unexplored phage group, facilitating both basic and applied research in the field. Additionally, the functional interactions between phage and host proteins detected in this study are significant for understanding DNA replication at a basic level.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENERAL SUBJECTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Stanley Brown, Namiko Mitarai, Kim Sneppen
Summary: Bacteriophage A is a temperate virus that infects Escherichia coli. The protection provided by A lysogen against A-sensitive bacteria is sensitive to the growth state of the mixed culture and is dependent on bacterial energy metabolism. However, a mutant of the A tail protein, AJ, is not affected by these factors and retains its protective function.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Grant A. Rybnicky, Nicholas A. Fackler, Ashty S. Karim, Michael Kopke, Michael C. Jewett
Summary: Researchers have developed a software package called Spacer2PAM to predict and guide the experimental determination of functional PAM sequences for CRISPR-Cas systems. This package can generate targeted PAM libraries small enough to screen in difficult-to-transform organisms, thereby facilitating the use of endogenous CRISPR-Cas systems in industrial biotechnology and synthetic biology.
NUCLEIC ACIDS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohamad Eshaghi Gorji, Dan Li
Summary: Bivalve molluscan shellfish such as oysters play an important role in the transmission of foodborne pathogens. Photoinactivation is a potential method for cold sterilization, but its effectiveness is often compromised by the presence of food matrix. To address this issue, the study encapsulated a food-grade photosensitizer, rose bengal (RB), in alginate microbeads and coated them with chitosan to enhance the selectivity of photoinactivation. The treatment of oysters with microencapsulated RB resulted in significantly higher reductions of pathogens compared to free RB and non-RB carrying microbeads, demonstrating a new strategy for delivering biochemical sanitizers in bivalve shellfish to mitigate foodborne pathogen contamination.
FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Mohamad Eshaghi Gorji, Dan Li
Summary: Bivalve molluscan shellfish such as oysters play an important role in the transmission of foodborne pathogens. Photoinactivation can provide a cold-sterilization option, but its efficacy is often compromised by the presence of food matrix. This study presents a new strategy using microencapsulation and chitosan coating to enhance the selectivity and effectiveness of photoinactivation, resulting in significant reductions of MS2 phage, Tulane virus, and V. parahaemolyticus in oysters.
FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Akiyo Suga, Marina Kawaguchi, Tetsuro Yonesaki, Yuichi Otsuka
Summary: This study identified key amino acid residues important for the interaction between gp37 protein in the distal tip (DT) region of T4 long tail fibers and OmpC of Escherichia coli, shedding light on the mechanism underlying phage host specificity. The results suggest that the shapes of both proteins at the binding interface play crucial roles in their interactions. Multiple phage mutants capable of adsorbing to various E. coli receptors were successfully isolated using a mutant T4 phage library with artificial modifications in the DT region, providing a basis for altering host specificity in phage therapy development.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Veterinary Sciences
Napakhwan Imklin, Pattaraporn Sriprasong, Sahathat Phuttapatimok, Tanyanant Kaminsonsakul, Yonlayong Woonwong, Pichai Jirawattanapong, Porntippa Lekcharoensuk, Narut Thanantong, Rujikan Nasanit
Summary: In this study, 6 phages were isolated and tested for their efficacy against E. coli strains isolated from diarrheal pigs. Phage therapy was found to significantly reduce fecal E. coli counts and restore the gut's bacterial composition. Additionally, giving phage cocktails resulted in higher average daily gain in piglets.
RESEARCH IN VETERINARY SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Marianne Nicolas, Angelina Trotereau, Antoine Culot, Arshnee Moodley, Robert Atterbury, Jeroen Wagemans, Rob Lavigne, Philippe Velge, Catherine Schouler
Summary: Colibacillosis, the most common bacterial disease affecting poultry, is primarily treated with antibiotics. However, the rise of multidrug-resistant avian-pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) necessitates the exploration of alternative treatments, such as phage therapy. This study isolates and characterizes 19 genetically diverse coliphages, and demonstrates their efficacy in controlling APEC infections in ovo.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Meng Meng, Ying Jiang, Wang Li, Qian Wen, Ying Xiong, Qi Chen, Jiali Ren
Summary: In this study, a rapid and sensitive detection method for E. coli based on M13K07 phage was reported. The method was able to detect as low as 4 cfu/mL of E. coli in a short period of time, and specific analysis and practical application were successfully confirmed.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anupam Das, K. R. Justin Thomas
Summary: This report presents a sustainable and greener method for Knoevenagel condensation reaction using rose bengal as a photosensitizer in an aqueous medium. The protocol works smoothly for aromatic aldehydes and ketones containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Rafael Tabla, Antonia Gomez, Jose Emilio Rebollo, Felipe Molina, Isidro Roa
Summary: This study found that using a cocktail of four selected coliphages can effectively inhibit the growth of E. coli in cheese and reduce early blowing of cheese. In addition to reducing E. coli growth at the beginning of fermentation, treatment with phages also significantly decreased the number of cheese eyes and the area occupied by gas holes in cheese slices during cheese ripening.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Yue Ma, Thais Melo Ramos, Lucinda Amador, Nitin Nitin, Gang Sun
Summary: The study focuses on the development of materials with chlorine refreshable biocidal functions to combat pathogenic microbial contaminations in the food supply chain. By fabricating a chlorine rechargeable antimicrobial composite material, with a halamine cellulose fabric as the reinforcement and active chlorine reservoir, along with an amine-halamine polymer as the coating component, the researchers successfully demonstrated prolonged shelf life of prepackaged strawberries by reducing cross-contamination risks and achieving rapid biocidal efficacy even under high chemical oxygen demand conditions.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Setareh Shiroodi, Michael H. Schwarz, Nitin Nitin, Reza Ovissipour
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of nanobubbles and neutral electrolyzed water on different microbial biofilms, finding that nanobubbles alone or in combination with neutral electrolyzed water could effectively remove biofilms, reduce bacterial adhesion, and show potential as a new technology to enhance the efficacy of conventional sanitizers.
FOOD AND BIOPROCESS TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erick F. de Oliveira, Xu Yang, Nikeshala Basnayake, Cuong Nguyen Huu, Luxin Wang, Rohan Tikekar, Nitin Nitin
Summary: This study investigated synergistic antibacterial activity between UV-A light and various food grade compounds, with cinnamic acid derivatives and one benzoic acid derivative showing strong activity at lower concentrations. Only propyl gallate among gallates showed strong antibacterial synergy with UV-A light, while the presence of antioxidants mitigated the antibacterial activity of certain compounds. The antimicrobial synergism between ferulic acid and UV-A light was not affected by antioxidants or the metabolic state of bacterial cells.
JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY B-BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hongchao Zhang, Shawn Tsai, Rohan Tikekar
Summary: The study demonstrated that ultrasound combined with carvacrol and carbonated water can effectively remove bacteria from fresh produce, while maintaining the quality of blueberries. The washing processes did not affect the total phenolic and anthocyanin content of blueberries, but had a significant impact on color and texture.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Martin P. Walsh, Rohan Tikekar, Nitin Nitin, Steven Wrenn
Summary: This study investigates the effectiveness of high-frequency ultrasound-induced microbubble cavitation on bacterial inactivation using liposomal bilayers as a model for bacterial cell membranes. The addition of a positive charge on micmbubbles increased their proximity to liposomes, but dampened microbubble's oscillation. Microstreaming from stable cavitation at 3.3 MHz led to approximately 19% mixing of phospholipids, while inertial cavitation at 1.0 MHz increased this mixing to 50%.
JOURNAL OF FOOD ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jiyoon Yi, Kang Huang, Nitin Nitin
Summary: This study used numerical simulation to evaluate the inactivation of Escherichia coli biofilms by chlorine-charged yeast microparticles, and validated the simulation results with experimental data. The study found that the chlorine stability and binding affinity of yeast microparticles were key factors in enhancing biofilm inactivation.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jiyoon Yi, Kang Huang, Nitin Nitin
Summary: This study developed a mechanistic modeling approach to understand the targeted delivery of chlorine to an Escherichia coli biofilm using bioaffinity-based yeast microparticles. Numerical simulations showed that the targeted delivery system achieved a 7 log reduction within 16.2 min, outperforming conventional free chlorine which only achieved a 3.6 log reduction in the same treatment time.
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND BIOENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hongchao Zhang, Abraham M. Montemayor, Stratton T. Wimsatt, Rohan V. Tikekar
Summary: This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of a photo-irradiated chitosan-gallic acid coating on strawberries. The coating was found to effectively reduce the presence of E. coli O157:H7 when exposed to UV-A light. Additionally, the coating did not significantly impact mold decay incidence but did slightly reduce the redness and yellowness of the strawberries, which returned to normal after storage.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Zhujun Gao, Chongtao Ge, Robert C. Baker, Rohan Tikekar, Robert L. Buchanan
Summary: Previous studies have shown that parabens can enhance the thermal inactivation of foodborne pathogens in model systems, but their effects in actual food systems have not been well evaluated. This study found that butyl para-hydroxybenzoate (BPB) does not enhance thermal inactivation of Cronobacter sakazakii in powdered infant formula when rehydrated, but does enhance it in nonfat dry milk when the concentration of milk is low. This suggests an interaction between proteins and BPB.
JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luyao Ma, Jiyoon Yi, Nicharee Wisuthiphaet, Mason Earles, Nitin Nitin
Summary: This study demonstrates that the real-time object detection and classification algorithm YOLOv4 combined with phase-contrast microscopic imaging can accurately identify the presence of E. coli at the microcolony stage after a 3-h cultivation. It provides a rapid and user-friendly bacterial sensing approach with potential applications in food industries.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Correction
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Luyao Ma, Jiyoon Yi, Nicharee Wisuthiphaet, Mason Earles, Nitin Nitin
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qiao Ding, Chongtao Ge, Robert C. Baker, Robert L. Buchanan, Rohan V. Tikekar
Summary: Increased thermal resistance of Salmonella at low water activity (aw) is a significant concern in low-moisture foods (LMFs). This study evaluated the effect of trans-cinnamaldehyde (CA) and eugenol (EG) on Salmonella Typhimurium adapted to low aw in different LMF components. The results showed that CA and EG accelerated thermal inactivation of S. Typhimurium in certain LMF components at 0.9 aw, but not in bacteria adapted to lower aw (0.4). The resistance mechanism may be related to changes in bacterial membrane composition.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Hefei Zhao, Yoonbin Kim, Roberto J. Avena-Bustillos, Nitin Nitin, Selina C. Wang
Summary: This study extracted phenolic compounds from hexane-defatted Arbequina olive pomace using acidified methanolic-water gradients and evaluated their antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. The results showed that the total phenolic contents increased with the increase of methanol percentage, but the polar phenolic compounds decreased while less-polar phenolic compounds increased. The water fractions exhibited higher in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities compared to the higher methanolic fractions. This study provides data foundations for the practical valorization and industrial food applications of olive pomace extracts.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Qiao Ding, Chongtao Ge, Robert C. Baker, Robert L. Buchanan, Rohan Tikekar
Summary: Our study found that the resistance of Salmonella Typhimurium to antimicrobial-assisted heat treatment in low moisture foods (LMFs) is influenced by water activity (aw) and matrix. To understand the molecular mechanism behind this resistance, gene expression analysis was conducted. The upregulation of rpoH and dnaK and downregulation of ompC were observed, likely contributing to bacterial resistance during the combined treatment. The upregulation of rpoE, otsB, proV, and fadA might contribute to desiccation resistance, but not to bacterial resistance during the combined heat treatment. The results can aid in the development of more efficient processing methods against Salmonella Typhimurium in LMFs.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Shawn Tsai, Rohan V. Tikekar
Summary: High water activity oil-in-water emulsions promote the growth of Salmonella Typhimurium, and the effects of emulsifier type and oil content on growth and inactivation differ. Emulsions with high oil content prolonged the lag phase of bacterial growth, while emulsifier type had no significant effect. During thermal inactivation, certain emulsifiers offered protection, but high oil content did not provide additional protection.
JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE
(2023)