Review
Plant Sciences
Huayan Zhao, Dylan K. Kosma, Shiyou Lu
Summary: Fatty acids play crucial roles in plants as components of lipid membranes, sources of energy, and signaling molecules. Changes in LACS activity can lead to pleiotropic phenotypes. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of LACS family enzymes and highlights areas for future research.
FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rashmi Chandra, Aranksha Thakor, Tizazu H. Mekonnen, Trevor C. Charles, Hyung-Sool Lee
Summary: The production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with high carboxylate concentration accumulated from solid-state fermentation (SSF) of food waste (FW) was tested using Pseudomonas putida strain KT2440. The mixed-culture SSF of FW supplied in a high carboxylate concentration led to a high PHA production of 0.56 g PHA/g CDM under nutrients control. The dominant PHA building block produced was 3-hydroxybutyrate, followed by 3-hydroxy-2-methylvalerate and 3-hydroxyhexanoate, indicating that acetate, butyrate, and propionate were the main precursors to PHA.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maria-Tsampika Manoli, Francisco G. Blanco, Virginia Rivero-Buceta, Ryan Kniewel, Sandra Herrera Alarcon, Sergio Salgado, M. Auxiliadora Prieto
Summary: Designing cell factories through smart metabolic engineering is crucial for the efficient production of customized polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA). In this study, we used the versatile and stress-tolerant bacterium P. putida KT2440 as a chassis and successfully engineered an orthogonal switch for producing different types of PHA.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Christopher Dartiailh, Warren Blunt, Parveen K. Sharma, Song Liu, Nazim Cicek, David B. Levin
Summary: The study found that monomer composition and molecular weight of mcl-PHAs are influenced by substrate choice but do not affect the thermal properties of the material; polymers with the highest molecular weight come from medium chain-length fatty acids, exhibiting the highest crystallinity and tensile strength; while polymers produced from unsaturated, long-chain fatty acids remain amorphous.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qiang Yan, William T. Cordell, Michael A. Jindra, Dylan K. Courtney, Madeline K. Kuckuk, Xuanqi Chen, Brian F. Pfleger
Summary: The study introduces a novel strategy of acyl transferase by heterologous expression of PhaG enzyme, enabling the transfer of acyl chains from ACP to CoA thioesters, thus improving the efficiency of microbial lipid metabolism for producing oleochemicals.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Linh Thanh Nguyen, Dung Hoang Anh Mai, Arslan Sarwar, Eun Yeol Lee
Summary: This study constructed a production pathway for short-chain-length polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) in P. putida KT2440 and enhanced the product yield by reconstructing the ethanol catabolic pathway. Transcriptome analysis was conducted to gain insights into central metabolic pathways and gene expression patterns in response to substrate changes. Furthermore, the potential of P. putida KT2440 for producing copolymers from different carbon sources was demonstrated.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ekaterina Kozaeva, Svetlana Volkova, Marta R. A. Matos, Mariela P. Mezzina, Tune Wulff, Daniel C. Volke, Lars K. Nielsen, Pablo Nikel
Summary: By using an in silico-guided rewiring program of central carbon metabolism, the acetyl-CoA levels in P. putida were increased for bioproduction purposes. The use of CRISPR interference to silence key genes led to the accumulation of acetyl-CoA and biopolymer production.
METABOLIC ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jing Quan, Can Cheng, Yue Tan, Nian Jiang, Chaoliang Liao, Weihua Liao, Ya Cao, Xiangjian Luo
Summary: Cancer cells frequently undergo metabolic reprogramming, and alterations in fatty acid metabolism have received increasing concerns. Recent research shows that ACSL3 plays a role in energy metabolic reprogramming and promotes metastasis in colorectal carcinoma cells through FAO pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sakuntala Mutyala, Changman Kim, Young Eun Song, Himanshu Khandelwal, Jiyun Baek, Eunhee Seol, You-kwan Oh, Jung Rae Kim
Summary: The study found that the obligate aerobe, Pseudomonas putida, can utilize acetate as the sole carbon and energy source, and respire via an anode as the terminal electron acceptor under anoxic conditions. Electrode-based respiration enables P. putida to metabolize acetate anaerobically and regulate the bacterial redox balance without oxygen.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Tatiana Z. Esikova, Tatiana O. Anokhina, Nataliya E. Suzina, Tatiana V. Shushkova, Yonghong Wu, Inna P. Solyanikova
Summary: In this work, a new strain named Ch2 was isolated from polluted soils and found to have the unique capability of utilizing toxic compounds like CAP and GP as carbon and energy sources. Analysis of Ch2's 16S rRNA gene revealed its belonging to the Pseudomonas putida species. The strain could degrade CAP through a megaplasmid, and intensive GP utilization occurred during active growth with unique changes in the cytoplasm, indicating the potential role of metabolosomes. Additionally, Ch2 showed the ability to produce PHAs, highlighting its potential in bioremediation and the production of bioplastics.
Article
Microbiology
Lorena Martinez-Alcantar, Gabriela Orozco, Alma Laura Diaz-Perez, Javier Villegas, Homero Reyes-De la Cruz, Ernesto Garcia-Pineda, Jesus Campos-Garcia
Summary: The pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa has high metabolic versatility, with the fadD4 gene playing a role in acyclic terpene and fatty acid assimilation, affecting pathogenicity. Mutations in fadD paralogs modulate quorum-sensing systems and the content of virulence factors, highlighting the importance of FadD genes in the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa PAO1.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Horticulture
Yifei Wang, Jin Zhao, Hong Chen, Qing Zhang, Yusheng Zheng, Dongdong Li
Summary: In this study, a full-length cDNA encoding EgLACS9 was cloned from oil palm mesocarp and its subcellular localization in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) was confirmed. Overexpression of EgLACS9 was shown to rescue LACS gene deficiency in S. cerevisiae and regulate fatty acid accumulation in oil palm, indicating its important role in lipid metabolic pathways.
SCIENTIA HORTICULTURAE
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Justine Turlin, Oscar Puiggene, Stefano Donati, Nicolas T. Wirth, Pablo I. Nikel
Summary: This study investigated the genetic and molecular basis of C1 metabolism in Pseudomonas putida using a systems-level approach. The results identified oxidoreductases encoded by PP_0256 and PP_4596 that were transcriptionally active in the presence of formate and played an important role in C1 tolerance. The study also revealed the detoxification process for methanol and formaldehyde in P. putida. Overall, this research expands our understanding of microbial metabolism and provides a foundation for engineering C1 biomanufacturing.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Franziska Kratzl, Andreas Kremling, Katharina Pflueger-Grau
Summary: Rationally designed synthetic microbial consortia show great potential for biotechnological applications, but tight individual controllability of the involved microbes is required. This study streamlines a co-cultivation process for the production of polyhydroxyalkanoates using Synechococcus elongatus cscB and Pseudomonas putida, by improving the process and addressing individual controllability through providing different nitrogen sources. The optimized process resulted in an increased maximal PHA titer and production rate.
ENGINEERING IN LIFE SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Hongye Zhang, Shan Zhang, Meng Li, Juan Wang, Tian Wu
Summary: Tree peony, known for its excellent drought tolerance, shows a thickening of its cuticle and an increase in LACS enzyme activity in response to drought stress. The LACS gene family is found to be involved in the synthesis of cuticle wax, with PoLACS4 identified as a crucial gene that rapidly responds to drought stress in tree peony.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Berna Neidhart, Malwina Kowalska, Jules D. P. Valentin, Flavio Max Gall, Qun Ren, Rainer Riedl, Simon Pot, Markus Rottmar
Summary: A cyclic tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) peptidomimetic downregulates MMP-9 expression and activity, showing potential to reduce tissue damage in infectious keratitis.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Rashid Nazir, Dambarudhar Parida, Joel Borgstadt, Sandro Lehner, Milijana Jovic, Daniel Rentsch, Ezgi Bulbul, Anja Huch, Stefanie Altenried, Qun Ren, Patrick Rupper, Simon Annaheim, Sabyasachi Gaan
Summary: This research developed a facile methodology to durably modify cellulose fibers by forming in-situ phosphine oxide macromolecular physical networks. The treated fibers exhibited excellent flame retardant and antimicrobial properties, and remained durable after 50 laundry cycles. NMR and SEM analysis confirmed the in-situ formation of phosphine oxide macromolecules within the cellulose fibers.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenli Feng, Guofeng Li, Xiaoxu Kang, Ruibai Wang, Fang Liu, Dongdong Zhao, Haofei Li, Fanqiang Bu, Yingjie Yu, T. Fintan Moriarty, Qun Ren, Xing Wang
Summary: A cascade-targeting drug delivery system has been developed to sequentially target macrophages and intracellular bacteria, allowing on-site drug delivery. The system encapsulates rifampicin into mannose-decorated nanoparticles, which are designed to specifically target macrophages and then release the drug in acidic environments to effectively eliminate intracellular bacteria. The system also modulates the innate immune response of infected macrophages, enhancing antibacterial capacity.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Jules D. P. Valentin, Herve Straub, Franziska Pietsch, Marion Lemare, Christian H. Ahrens, Frank Schreiber, Jeremy S. Webb, Henny C. van der Mei, Qun Ren
Summary: The study demonstrates that the deficiency of flagellar proteins like FlgE in Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms and in cystic fibrosis infections represents phenotypic and evolutionary adaptations that alter the structure of P. aeruginosa biofilms, conferring increased antibiotic tolerance.
Article
Physics, Applied
Dirk Hegemann, Barbara Hanselmann, Flavia Zuber, Fei Pan, Sandra Gaiser, Patrick Rupper, Katharina Maniura-Weber, Kurt Ruffieux, Qun Ren
Summary: In this study, plasma technology was used to deposit Ag nano islets on defective TiOx films for rapid antibacterial effects, with ROS generation maintained and restored by exposure to visible light. The study found that the rapid-acting antibacterial properties strongly correlate with ROS generation, which can be maintained by functionalization with hydrophobic plasma polymer films. These cytocompatible coatings offer promising applications for implants and other medical devices.
PLASMA PROCESSES AND POLYMERS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Fei Pan, Giorgia Giovannini, Sixuan Zhang, Stefanie Altenried, Flavia Zuber, Qian Chen, Luciano F. Boesel, Qun Ren
Summary: pH-sensitive silica nanoparticles were developed for targeted drug release on alkaline chronic wounds. The loaded chlorhexidine exhibited high antibacterial efficacy and no cytotoxicity in alkaline conditions. The study demonstrated the potential of pH-triggered drug release for the treatment of chronic wound infections.
ACTA BIOMATERIALIA
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Fangwei Guo, Fei Pan, Wenchen Zhang, Tian Liu, Flavia Zuber, Xing Zhang, Yali Yu, Ruiji Zhang, Markus Niederberger, Qun Ren
Summary: The increased occurrence of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant burden on patients, the healthcare system, and society. This study proposes a new strategy of developing antimicrobial materials by doping rare earth elements. An antibacterial film containing CeO2-x-TiO2, xanthan gum, poly(acrylic acid), and hyaluronic acid is designed, with CeO2-x-TiO2 integrated into a hexagonal grid for transparency. The antibacterial film demonstrates high efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, as well as excellent antifog performance. The study also reveals the involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ce3+ ions in the antibacterial activity.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fei Pan, Mengdi Liu, Stefanie Altenried, Min Lei, Jiaxin Yang, Herve Straub, Wolfgang W. Schmahl, Katharina Maniura-Weber, Orane Guillaume-Gentil, Qun Ren
Summary: This study investigates the influence of surface physicochemistry on bacterial attachment and detachment under flow through empirical and simulation studies. The results show that different materials have similar effects on the number of attached bacteria, but the number of residual bacteria after detachment varies, which is determined by the interfacial physicochemistry.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fei Pan, Stefanie Altenried, Subas Scheibler, Irene Rodriguez Fernandez, Giorgia Giovannini, Qun Ren
Summary: This study aimed to develop a platform for rapid isolation and efficient identification of Staphylococcus aureus, the most common pathogen in sepsis, to aid in treatment decision-making. By conjugating a peptide (SA51) specifically binding to S. aureus with PEGylated magnetic nanoclusters, the specific capture and enrichment of S. aureus from blood serum were successfully achieved. Fast detection of the collected S. aureus's antimicrobial resistance was achieved within 30 minutes using a novel luminescent probe.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Herve Straub, Flavia Zuber, Leo Eberl, Katharina Maniura-Weber, Qun Ren
Summary: To better understand the impact of biomaterial mechanical properties and growth medium on bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation under flow, we investigated the biofilm formation ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in different media on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) of different stiffness in real time using a microfluidic platform. We found that PDMS material stiffness had negligible impact on biofilm development, while culture media significantly influenced the kinetics, morphology, and structure of biofilms. Magnesium, instead of previously reported calcium, was found to play a crucial role in the formation of dense P. aeruginosa aggregates and high levels of c-di-GMP. This study highlights the importance of long-term evaluations and presents a valuable application potential for studying biofilm development in situ with the microfluidic system developed.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Biophysics
Fei Pan, Stefanie Altenried, Subas Scheibler, Alexandre H. C. Anthis, Qun Ren
Summary: Urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially those caused by antimicrobial-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are a significant healthcare burden. This study developed a platform for rapid purification and accurate identification of P. aeruginosa to combat UTIs. By grafting a P. aeruginosa-binding peptide onto PEGylated magnetic nanoclusters, P. aeruginosa could be successfully captured and enriched from artificial human urine, and antimicrobial resistance could be identified within 30 minutes. These functionalized magnetic nanoclusters have a promising diagnostic potential for P. aeruginosa associated UTIs and other P. aeruginosa infections.
BIOSENSORS & BIOELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tara Pourseif, Robabehbeygom Ghafelehbashi, Mohammadreza Abdihaji, Niloufar Radan, Ehsan Kaffash, Maryam Heydari, Maryam Naseroleslami, Neda Mousavi-Niri, Iman Akbarzadeh, Qun Ren
Summary: This study aims to develop a niosomal platform for the delivery of TCH to treat bacterial infections in wounds. Chitosan was used to obtain controlled drug release and antibacterial activity. The optimized TCH-Nio showed a controlled release rate, and TCH-Nio@CS, with chitosan coating, exhibited 2-fold higher antibacterial activity compared to TCH-Nio. The formulated niosomes showed no in vitro toxicity towards human cells and down-regulated biofilm genes in tested bacteria.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Maryam Moghtaderi, Saba Bazzazan, Ghazal Sorourian, Maral Sorourian, Yasaman Akhavanzanjani, Hassan Noorbazargan, Qun Ren
Summary: Non-healing wounds impose significant economic burden on patients, healthcare, and society due to biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Thymol, an herbal antimicrobial agent, was encapsulated in a hydrophilic polymeric hydrogel with niosome for efficient delivery. The optimized formulation, Nio-Thymol@GelMa, exhibited high antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity, as well as enhanced wound healing process and expression of growth factors. These findings suggest that Nio-Thymol@GelMa has the potential to be a promising drug preparation for improving wound healing and antibacterial efficacy.
Article
Microbiology
Jules D. P. Valentin, Stefanie Altenried, Adithi R. R. Varadarajan, Christian H. H. Ahrens, Frank Schreiber, Jeremy S. S. Webb, Henny C. C. van der Mei, Qun Ren
Summary: This study identified several genes associated with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm tolerance to antibiotics through a novel screening approach and the use of a transposon insertion library. These findings contribute to a better understanding of P. aeruginosa antibiotic tolerance and provide important insights for the detection of antibiotic resistance and the development of antibiofilm strategies.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Fei Pan, Sixuan Zhang, Stefanie Altenried, Flavia Zuber, Qian Chen, Qun Ren
Summary: A hydrogel made of PNIPAM-co-PMPC was designed for controlled drug release and antifouling properties, which showed 25-fold more release of octenidine, an antimicrobial agent, at infected wound temperature compared to normal skin temperature. The hydrogel also displayed distinctive antifouling properties against proteins, mammalian cells, and bacteria. This promising design of a hydrogel can be applied for preventing and treating wound infections, as well as other clinical applications related to biofilm-associated infections.
BIOMATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
