Article
Microbiology
Yuan Liu, Ye Lin, Ning Guan, Yuting Song, Youguo Li, Xianan Xie
Summary: In this study, a deletion mutant and functional complementary strain of the ADP-L-glycerol-D-mannoheptosyl-6-exoisomerase (rfaD) gene in Mesorhizobium huakuii 7653R were constructed. The results showed that the deletion of rfaD affected the synthesis of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and increased sensitivity to abiotic stress. The rfaD gene was mainly expressed in the infection zone of mature nodules, and the rfaD mutant strain exhibited delayed nodulation and loss of symbiotic nitrogen fixation ability when interacting with Astragalus sinicus.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Yvette Hill, Elena Colombi, Emma Bonello, Timothy Haskett, Joshua Ramsay, Graham O'Hara, Jason Terpolilli
Summary: Rhizobia are important soil bacteria capable of forming N-2-fixing symbioses with legumes, but introduction with exotic plants may lead to transfer and evolution of ineffective rhizobia. In Australia, chickpeas inoculated with Mesorhizobium ciceri CC1192 harbor a large symbiosis ICE in their genome, showing potential for environmental transfer and maintaining N-2 fixation efficiency across diverse Mesorhizobium backgrounds.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Songhua Long, Min Su, Xiaohong Chen, Aiqi Hu, Fuyan Yu, Qian Zou, Guojun Cheng
Summary: Hydrogenases play an important role in mediating symbiotic interactions and protecting against oxidative damage. The hypE mutant in M. huakuii showed decreased antioxidative capacity and impaired symbiotic ability, resulting in abnormal nodulation and reduced nitrogen fixation capacity. Proteomics analysis identified differentially expressed proteins involved in stress response, virulence, transporter activity, and energy and nitrogen metabolism. The HypE protein is essential for symbiotic nitrogen fixation and is involved in energy supply, detoxification, and bacteroid control.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Wangsuo Liu, Kaiyang Qiu, Yingzhong Xie, Ruixia Wang, Haichao Li, Wenfen Meng, Yi Yang, Yeyun Huang, Yayuan Li, Yi He
Summary: This study analyzed the rhizosphere microbiome of C. korshinskii using high-throughput sequencing and investigated the composition, diversity, and functions of microbes at different sand-fixing ages. The results showed a close relationship between the abundance of rhizosphere bacteria and fungi and the physicochemical properties of rhizosphere soil, as well as their involvement in carbon and nitrogen cycling.
Article
Biology
Kenjiro W. Quides, Yoobeen Lee, Teresa Hur, Hagop S. Atamian
Summary: This research investigates the symbiotic relationship between Lotus japonicus and three rhizobia strains from Mesorhizobium japonicum. It is found that the plant selectively favors the highly beneficial rhizobia, excluding the moderately beneficial and non-beneficial rhizobia. However, when only the moderately beneficial and non-beneficial rhizobia are present, the plant cannot choose the moderately beneficial ones. Further studies on this interaction will help develop highly beneficial rhizobia for increased agricultural productivity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Shailesh Nair, Zenghu Zhang, Hongmei Li, Hanshuang Zhao, Hui Shen, Shuh-Ji Kao, Nianzhi Jiao, Yongyu Zhang
Summary: Mutualism between Synechococcus and heterotrophic bacteria can support their survival in nutrient-depleted conditions. However, exogenous nutrients can disrupt their established mutualism. Once the exogenous nutrients are exhausted, the mutualism and the health of Synechococcus can gradually be reestablished, with nitrogen fixation by associated bacteria playing a crucial role in this process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xueting Feng, Jiyuan Liu, Long Chen, Ya Kong, Zedong Zhang, Zixuan Zhang, Dingsheng Wang, Wen Liu, Shuzhou Li, Lianming Tong, Jin Zhang
Summary: Realizing efficient hydrogenation of N2 molecules in the electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction is crucial but rarely reported. A new study presents a highly efficient electrocatalyst with a hydrogen radical-transferring mechanism, which can greatly reduce the potential and maintain high activity and selectivity in NRR.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bin Jia, Li Jia, Yanming Zhang, Xiao Ming Mou, Xiao Gang Li
Summary: Planting nitrogen-fixing leguminous plants can increase the accumulation of microbial synthesized substances in soil, thereby increasing the soil organic carbon content in dryland soils.
Article
Microbiology
Xiaohong Chen, Aiqi Hu, Qian Zou, Sha Luo, Hetao Wu, Chunlan Yan, Tao Liu, Donglan He, Xiaohua Li, Guojun Cheng
Summary: The AbiEi TA system in M. huakuii functions as a key transcriptional regulator in mediating root nodule symbiosis. The mutant strain shows impaired competitive ability in rhizosphere colonization and reduced nitrogen-fixing capacity, with down-regulation of genes related to symbiosis nitrogen fixation, electron transport chain, antioxidant responses, and type VI secretion system.
Editorial Material
Biochemical Research Methods
Andrew D. Hanson, Viictor de Lorenzo
Summary: Synthetic biology has attracted the attention of researchers, intellectuals, think-tanks, and investors due to its potential to revolutionize biotechnology and expand into new industries. However, there are challenges related to basic information availability, the inherent mutability of cells, exaggerated claims, and the need for social science involvement. It is important for SynBio to address these issues and foster a partnership between technology and society.
ACS SYNTHETIC BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Annalena Gaertner, Uhut S. Karaca, Maximilian Rang, Myron Heinz, Philipp D. Engel, Ivo Krummenacher, Merle Arrowsmith, Alexander Hermann, Alexander Matler, Anna Rempel, Robert Witte, Holger Braunschweig, Max C. Holthausen, Marc-Andre Legare
Summary: We present a comprehensive study on the fixation and reductive coupling of dinitrogen with low-valent boron compounds, combining computational and experimental approaches. The results demonstrate that the selectivity of nitrogen fixation or coupling can be controlled by steric bulk or reaction conditions, enabling the synthesis of nitrogen chains as needed. Furthermore, we elucidate the electronic structure and magnetic properties of intermediates and products of the reaction using high-level computational methods.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shuai Shao, Jun Zhang, Likun Li, Yuanhang Qin, Zhao-Qing Liu, Tielin Wang
Summary: The 2D/2D BiVO4/rGO hybrid developed in this study is a highly efficient photocatalyst with a high nitrogen fixation rate and significant quantum efficiency.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Jagdish K. Ladha, Mark B. Peoples, Pallavolu M. Reddy, Jatish C. Biswas, Alan Bennett, Mangi L. Jat, Timothy J. Krupnik
Summary: This review examines the importance of biological nitrogen fixation in crop production and the contribution of nitrogen sources on a global scale. Strategies to enhance the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation are discussed, along with the challenges and potential of introducing biological nitrogen fixation into conventional and alternative crop management systems.
FIELD CROPS RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Imane Benjelloun, Imane Thami Alami, Mohamed El Khadir, Allal Douira, Sripada M. Udupa
Summary: In dry areas of Morocco with phosphorus-deficient soils, co-inoculation of chickpea with rhizobia and phosphate solubilizing bacteria led to significantly increased nodulation, growth, and yield, as well as higher nitrogen, phosphorus, and protein content in grains. Combining certain strains like Mesorhizobium sp. MA72 with E. aerogenes P1S6 showed the most pronounced effects, equivalent to the combined application of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gang Dong, Peng Qiu, Qingze Chen, Cong Huang, Feiyang Chen, Xueqin Liu, Zhen Li, Yang Wang, Yanli Zhao
Summary: This research addresses the kinetic problem of nitrogen fixation by using K+-intercalated crystalline carbon nitride (KCCN) with electron storage property. The study constructs a photocatalytic nitrogen fixation system using KCCN-NVs, which demonstrates high NH3 production rate.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Correction
Ecology
K. Tougeron, J. van Baaren, J. Town, D. Nordin, T. Dumonceaux, T. Wist
EVOLUTIONARY ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Soil Science
Jennifer R. Town, Edward G. Gregorich, Craig F. Drury, Reynald Lemke, Lori A. Phillips, Bobbi L. Helgason
Summary: This study found that long-term diverse crop rotations can improve soil organic matter composition, nutrient cycling, and the composition of bacterial and fungal microbiomes, leading to reduced yields in monocropped wheat and corn systems.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Onu Onu Olughu, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Edmund Mupondwa, Duncan Cree
Summary: The study demonstrated that fungal pretreatment of switchgrass can significantly improve pellet tensile strength, especially when treated with PC. Fungal pretreatment also enhances the microstructural properties of the pellets, reducing pores and enhancing particle bonding.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Christine Hammond, Edel Perez-Lopez, Jennifer Town, Charles Vincent, Debra Moreau, Tim Dumonceaux
Summary: A new LAMP assay was developed for rapid and cost-effective detection of Blueberry stunt phytoplasma. The study validated the assay's accuracy and reproducibility, and survey results showed widespread presence of the pathogen in blueberry plants across two Canadian provinces, with varying detection rates in different tissues of individual plants.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Scott J. Dos Santos, Zahra Pakzad, Chelsea N. Elwood, Arianne Y. K. Albert, Soren Gantt, Amee R. Manges, Tim J. Dumonceaux, Evelyn J. Maan, Janet E. Hill, Deborah M. Money
Summary: This study aimed to define the microbial composition of meconium under controlled conditions and found that there were no significant differences in bacterial content between meconium and controls. Most isolated bacteria were associated with healthy skin, supporting the argument against meaningful bacterial colonization in utero.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Daphne Albert, Tim Dumonceaux, Odile Carisse, Carole Beaulieu, Martin Filion
Summary: This review presents the latest discoveries on microorganisms and biocontrol mechanisms used against white mold. It highlights the importance of identifying biocontrol desirable traits and understanding the mechanisms and conditions for their action. The best control strategies against S. sclerotiorum, including combining biocontrol desirable traits, are discussed.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Duncan Cree, Edmund Mupondwa, Phani Adapa, Chithra Karunakaran
Summary: Steam explosion pretreatment improves the quality of biomass pellets made from sawdust and oat straw. The mechanical properties of the pellets are influenced by temperature, time, and moisture content. The treated biomass has higher heating value and tensile strength, and exhibits a more compact and cemented microstructure.
Article
Microbiology
Karolina Pusz-Bochenska, Edel Perez-Lopez, Tyler J. Wist, Harvinder Bennypaul, Daniel Sanderson, Margaret Green, Tim J. Dumonceaux
Summary: Phytoplasmas are insect-vectored bacterial pathogens that infect a wide range of crops, causing significant yield losses. Accurate diagnostics is crucial for managing diseases associated with these microorganisms. PCR-based methods are commonly used for detection, but they have limitations. To overcome these limitations, a PCR-independent multilocus sequence typing (MLST) assay was developed, which proved to be an efficient way to differentiate Phytoplasma species/strains.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Chukwuka Onyenwoke, Lope G. Tabil, Tim Dumonceaux, Duncan Cree, Edmund Mupondwa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of torrefaction and binders on the quality of oat straw pellets. The results showed that torrefaction improved the physiochemical and thermal properties of the pellets, but not the tensile strength. The addition of binders during pelletization increased the tensile strength and improved several other properties of the pellets.
BIOENERGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Scott J. J. Dos Santos, Zahra Pakzad, Arianne Y. K. Albert, Chelsea N. N. Elwood, Kirsten Grabowska, Matthew G. G. Links, Jennifer A. A. Hutcheon, Evelyn J. J. Maan, Amee R. R. Manges, Tim J. J. Dumonceaux, Zoe G. Hodgson, Janet Lyons, Sheona M. M. Mitchell-Foster, Soren Gantt, K. S. Joseph, Julie E. E. Van Schalkwyk, Janet E. E. Hill, Deborah M. M. Money
Summary: Birth mode has a significant effect on the composition of neonatal gut microbiome within 10 days postpartum, but this effect is not influenced by maternal vaginal microbiome composition. There is no correlation between the vaginal and stool microbiome communities of newborns. Intrapartum antibiotic administration is associated with lower abundances of specific bacterial strains in infant stool.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Cuong Ngoc Dao, Lope G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Tim Dumonceaux
Summary: Advancing microbial pretreatment of lignocellulose offers the opportunity to reduce environmental impacts, increase biomass valorization, and support the bioeconomy. Mathematical modeling provides insights into microbial metabolism and facilitates the optimization of solid-state-fermentation (SSF) bioreactors. This study investigated the growth of three fungal strains on camelina straw and switchgrass during SSF, and provided a baseline for developing large-scale SSF systems for agricultural residue utilization in biofuel production.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jennifer R. Town, Tim Dumonceaux, Breanne Tidemann, Bobbi L. Helgason
Summary: Long-term canola monoculture affected root exudate profiles and soil nutrient fluxes differently in the three geographic locations. Bacterial communities were less impacted by rotation compared to the fungal communities, which consistently exhibited changes in composition in all ecological niches at all sites, in both years. Soil management decisions should include consideration of the effects on the microbial ecosystems associated with the plants in order to inform best management practices.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOME
(2023)
Editorial Material
Microbiology
Tim Dumonceaux
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peyman Alizadeh, Tim Dumonceaux, Lope G. G. Tabil, Edmund Mupondwa, Majid Soleimani, Duncan Cree
Summary: This study explores steam explosion pre-treatment of wood sawdust for high-quality biofuel pellets. Optimal conditions were determined for steam-treated biomass, resulting in improved pellet density and tensile strength, as well as lower nitrogen and sulfur contents for cleaner energy production.
CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
