Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lingling Pan, Dawei Jiang, Luqi Pan, Zhizhen Meng, Yangyang Zhuang, Yueyue Huang, Fanrong Ye, Changcan Shi, Jie Chen, Jingye Pan
Summary: This study reports a strategy to specifically target inflammation sites using anti-ICAM-1 antibody bonded antibacterial peptide polymeric nanoparticles. The nanoparticles exhibit ideal antibacterial properties and targeting capabilities to inflammation endothelial cells, offering a potential treatment for sepsis.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yin Wang, Hui Sun
Summary: Bacterial infections have been a serious issue for thousands of years, and the emergence of multidrug resistance has made the treatment of these infections more urgent. Polymeric nanomaterials as carriers for antimicrobial agent delivery systems have shown advantages such as high targeting specificity and biocompatibility. Recent research highlights the potential of these systems in combating multidrug-resistant bacteria, anti-biofilms, promoting wound healing, tissue engineering, and cancer treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shengsheng Liu, Yingui Cao, Lingli Ma, Jianfeng Sun, Lorenzo Ramos-Mucci, Ya Ma, Xiao Yang, Zhenhua Zhu, Jianxiang Zhang, Bo Xiao
Summary: Smart epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)-loaded silk fibroin-based nanoparticles can restore colonic epithelial barriers, relieve oxidative stress, promote epithelial migration, alleviate immune responses, and eliminate lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in ulcerative colitis (UC). Oral administration can modulate intestinal microbiota and increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria.
JOURNAL OF CONTROLLED RELEASE
(2022)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shixian Lv, Meilyn Sylvestre, Alexander N. Prossnitz, Lucy F. Yang, Suzie H. Pun
Summary: Peptides as promising cancer therapeutics have shown robust antitumor efficacy, but the translation into clinical therapies is hindered by inherent limitations in their structure, hindering intracellular delivery. Strategies to engineer polymeric materials for increased peptide delivery efficiency, especially cytosolic delivery, play a crucial role in potentiating peptide-based cancer therapies. Future opportunities for peptides in cancer treatment lie in the design of polymer nanocarriers for optimized peptide delivery.
Article
Microbiology
Fu-Chen Huang, Shun-Chen Huang
Summary: Probiotics and active vitamin D play important roles in the immune response to Salmonella infection, with synergistic effects that can reduce the severity of Salmonella colitis and block bacterial translocation in the body.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Li-Long Pan, Ming Zhang, Zhengying Li, Binbin Li, Xiaohua Pan, Xiaopei Chen, Bo Yang, Hao Zhang, Wei Chen, Le Zhang, Jia Sun
Summary: In this study, engineered probiotics encoding CRAMP were shown to increase colonic CRAMP production, reduce colon shortening and weight loss, and suppress inflammatory responses in experimental colitis. These findings suggest that CRAMP-encoding L. plantarum may have therapeutic potential for colitis through modulation of colonic CRAMP production.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Riccardo Capecchi, Paola Migliorini, Federico Zanzi, Simona Maltinti, Ilaria Puxeddu, Nicola de Bortoli, Massimo Bellini, Francesco Costa, Santino Marchi, Lorenzo Bertani
Summary: The study demonstrated a correlation between Ig glycosylation and disease activity in UC patients, suggesting a potential role for lectin-selected Ig in predicting therapeutic effectiveness. If confirmed, Ig glycosylation could serve as a biomarker in UC.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Miriam E. van Gent, Muhanad Ali, Peter H. Nibbering, Sylvia N. Klodzinska
Summary: The review critically evaluates the potential of lipid and polymeric AMP delivery systems and coatings in enhancing the efficacy of AMPs, reducing limitations, and prolonging half-life. However, most studies have only evaluated the antibacterial activities in vitro against planktonic bacteria, with limited research on antibiofilm activities and antibacterial effects in animal models. Further improvements in functionalization and testing in biologically relevant environments are suggested for better targeting infections.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Xiu-Zhen Shi, Ming-Chong Yang, Xin-Le Kang, Yan-Xue Li, Pan-Pan Hong, Xiao-Fan Zhao, Gerardo R. Vasta, Jin-Xing Wang
Summary: The activation of the IMD pathway, critical for host immunity, is mediated by the receptor SRB2 in crustaceans. Depletion of SRB2 leads to increased bacterial proliferation, shrimp mortality, and decreased expression of antimicrobial peptides. This previously unrecognized SRB2-IMD axis provides insight into the innate immune response in crustaceans and has implications for prevention and treatment strategies against shrimp diseases.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Iulia Babutan, Alexandra-Delia Lucaci, Ioan Botiz
Summary: Pathogenic microbes are the main cause of infections, particularly in hospital environments where antimicrobial resistance is a concern. Society is currently researching for more effective antimicrobial solutions, with natural and synthetic polymers showing promise for the development of next-generation antimicrobial systems.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Tianran Lin, Yunping Lai, Gaoyan Jiang, Xinlian Chen, Li Hou, Shulin Zhao
Summary: A novel probe for bacteria was synthesized using a simple method without complicated modification. The probe showed good sensitivity in colorimetric detection of Escherichia coli with the assistance of a smartphone-based app.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takeshi Mori, Miyako Yoshida, Mai Hazekawa, Daisuke Ishibashi, Yoshiro Hatanaka, Rie Kakehashi, Makoto Nakagawa, Toshihiro Nagao, Miki Yoshii, Honami Kojima, Rio Uno, Takahiro Uchida
Summary: This study evaluated the antifungal activity of CKR12-PLGA-MCZ micelles using nanotechnology and found that they showed higher antifungal activity compared to CKR12-PLGA micelles and MCZ solution. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy indicated that the micelles disrupted both the cell wall and cell membrane of Candida albicans, revealing a synergistic effect of antifungal activity using a combination of antimicrobial peptide fragment analogues and MCZ for targeted drug delivery.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Danelya N. Makhayeva, Galiya S. Irmukhametova, Vitaliy V. Khutoryanskiy
Summary: This review focuses on the ability of iodine to form complexes with water-soluble polymers and other molecules, and its remarkable antimicrobial properties against various pathogens. It covers historical information on iodine and iodophors, existing iodine-containing products available in the market, physicochemical methods employed to study polymer-iodine complexes, and recent studies on iodophors.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sanhu Gou, Beibei Li, Xu Ouyang, Zufang Ba, Chao Zhong, Jingman Ni
Summary: The research involved modifying anoplin by dendrimerization on the C-terminal and lipidation on the N-terminal to improve antibacterial activity, but with an increase in hemolytic activity. Ultimately, a simple lipopeptide A-C8 with a high therapeutic index was obtained, showing potential as an antibiotic.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Annarita Falanga, Valentina Del Genio, Stefania Galdiero
Summary: The alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance and recent viral pandemics have increased the demand for novel approaches, such as antimicrobial peptides, cell-penetrating peptides, antiviral peptides, and dendrimers, to combat bacteria and viruses effectively. Nanoplatforms constructed with peptides and dendrimers show promising potential for advanced nanosystems with diverse applications.
Article
Toxicology
Janneke Elzinga, Menno Grouls, Guido J. E. J. Hooiveld, Meike van der Zande, Hauke Smidt, Hans Bouwmeester
Summary: There is a need for standardized in vitro models of the human intestinal tract to study intestinal health without using animals. The Caco-2 cell line is a widely accepted and characterized model for studying intestinal drug transport, host-microbe interactions, and toxicity. We investigated the effect of different experimental variables on gene expression using transcriptome analysis of Caco-2 cells grown on permeable membranes. Our analysis revealed a weak association between experimental variables and gene expression, possibly due to heterogeneity in cell culture practice and inadequate reporting. This highlights the need for improved reporting protocols and serves as a template for future comparative studies.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mandy L. Ballinger, Swetansu Pattnaik, Piyushkumar A. Mundra, Milita Zaheed, Emma Rath, Peter Priestley, Jonathan Baber, Isabelle Ray-Coquard, Nicholas Isambert, Sylvain Causeret, Winette T. A. van der Graaf, Ajay Puri, Florence Duffaud, Axel Le Cesne, Beatrice Seddon, Coonoor Chandrasekar, Joshua D. Schiffman, Andrew S. Brohl, Paul A. James, Jean-Emmanuel Kurtz, Nicolas Penel, Ola Myklebost, Leonardo A. Meza-Zepeda, Hilda Pickett, Maya Kansara, Nicola Waddell, Olga Kondrashova, John Pearson, Andrew P. Barbour, Shuai Li, Tuong L. Nguyen, Diane Fatkin, Robert M. Graham, Eleni Giannoulatou, Melissa J. Green, Warren Kaplan, Shyamsundar Ravishankar, Joseph Copty, Joseph E. Powell, Edwin Cuppen, Kristel van Eijk, Jan Veldink, Jin-Hee Ahn, Jeong Eun Kim, R. Lor Randall, Kathy Tucker, Ian Judson, Rajiv Sarin, Thomas Ludwig, Emmanuelle Genin, Jean-Francois Deleuze, Michelle Haber, Glenn Marshall, Murray J. Cairns, Jean-Yves Blay, David M. Thomas
Summary: Cancer genetics has focused on epithelial malignancies, but this study explores specific pathways related to sarcomas, rare malignancies derived from embryonic mesoderm. Germline sequencing of sporadic cases and healthy controls reveals two sarcoma-specific pathways involved in mitotic and telomere functions. Centrosome gene variants are linked to specific tumors, while heritable defects in the shelterin complex increase susceptibility to sarcomas, melanomas, and thyroid cancers. These findings highlight the role of heritable defects in mitotic and telomere biology in sarcoma risk.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
M. Atasoy, W. T. Scott Jr., K. van Gijn, J. J. Koehorst, H. Smidt, A. A. M. Langenhoff
Summary: Optimizing bioreactor performance is crucial for sustainable and energy-efficient removal of micropollutants in tertiary treatment. The resident microbial community plays a significant role in bioreactor performance, hence a deeper understanding of community dynamics is essential. By characterizing the microbial communities in three different bioreactors used for organic matter removal, an interdependency between bioreactor performance and microbial community profile was observed. A generalized Lotka-Volterra model was established to understand the interactions in the microbial community and develop strategies for improving bioreactor performance.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Yangwenshan Ou, Clara Belzer, Hauke Smidt, Carolina de Weerth
Summary: The study investigated the development of gut microbiota in children during the first 14 years of life and its relation to mental health problems in puberty. The analysis of fecal microbiota composition revealed the presence of four distinct microbial clusters in puberty. Prevotella 9 and Faecalibacterium were found to be associated with externalizing behavior and social anxiety, respectively. Further studies are needed to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms.
EUROPEAN CHILD & ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY
(2023)
Review
Pediatrics
Desiree F. Baaleman, Carrie A. M. Wegh, Tessa J. M. de Leeuw, Faridi S. van Etten-Jamaludin, Elaine E. Vaughan, Margriet H. C. Schoterman, Clara Belzer, Hauke Smidt, Merit M. Tabbers, Marc A. Benninga, Ilan J. N. Koppen
Summary: A systematic review was conducted to estimate normal reference values for defecation frequency and stool consistency in healthy children up to age 4. The results showed that younger infants have a higher frequency of defecation compared to young children, and the type of feeding and age also have an impact on defecation frequency and stool consistency.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Julien Tap, Franck Lejzerowicz, Aurelie Cotillard, Matthieu Pichaud, Daniel McDonald, Se Jin Song, Rob Knight, Patrick Veiga, Muriel Derrien
Summary: By analyzing over 35,000 samples, the study identifies three major branches of the human gut microbiome and reveals differential abundances of species and metabolic functions among these branches. The study also demonstrates the importance of considering both intrinsic and extrinsic factors when studying the gut microbiome.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
R. Martin, A. Benitez-Cabello, S. Kulakauskas, M. V. C. Viana, C. Chamignon, P. Courtin, C. Carbonne, F. Chain, H. P. Pham, Muriel Derrien, L. G. Bermudez-Humaran, M. P. Chapot-Chartier, T. Smokvina, P. Langella
Summary: In this study, ten variants of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus CNCM I-3690 with different EPS production were generated and studied. It was found that increased EPS production impairs the protective effects of this strain, highlighting the importance of correct EPS synthesis.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Muriel Derrien, Nadja Mikulic, Mary A. Uyoga, Empar Chenoll, Eric Climent, Adrian Howard-Varona, Suzane Nyilima, Nicole U. Stoffel, Simon Karanja, Robert Kottler, Bernd Stahl, Michael B. Zimmermann, Raphaelle Bourdet-Sicard
Summary: The gut microbiome of 6- to 11-month-old Kenyan infants is characterized by a high prevalence of Bifidobacterium longum, particularly the subspecies B. infantis. The composition and functional features of the gut microbiome are associated with the prevalence of specific human milk oligosaccharide groups.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Andrea Aldas-Vargas, Jannigje G. G. Kers, Hauke Smidt, Huub H. M. Rijnaarts, Nora B. B. Sutton
Summary: Groundwater in The Netherlands is the main source of drinking water, but pesticide presence threatens its quality. Biodegradation is a natural process that can help remove pesticides. However, the oligotrophic groundwater conditions may limit biodegradation due to the lack of microbial communities capable of degrading pesticides. In this study, bioaugmentation with enriched mixed inocula was used to enhance pesticide biodegradation, and the effect of different redox conditions on biodegradation was observed.
Article
Ecology
Asimenia Gavriilidou, Burak Avci, Anastasia Galani, Michelle A. Schorn, Colin J. Ingham, Thijs J. G. Ettema, Hauke Smidt, Detmer Sipkema
Summary: Using genome-centric metagenomics, researchers revealed the phylogenomic placement of the candidate phylum Dadabacteria and predicted the metabolism of sponge-associated members. The results showed that these strains are aerobic heterotrophs capable of synthesizing amino acids, vitamins and cofactors, degrading complex carbohydrates, and exhibiting host-specific gene adaptations. Additionally, fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed the morphology and lifestyle of a member of Ca. Desulfobacterota.
Review
Microbiology
Angela Sessitsch, Steve Wakelin, Michael Schloter, Emmanuelle Maguin, Tomislav Cernava, Marie-Christine Champomier-Verges, Trevor C. Charles, Paul D. Cotter, Ilario Ferrocino, Aicha Kriaa, Pedro Lebre, Don Cowan, Lene Lange, Seghal Kiran, Lidia Markiewicz, Annelein Meisner, Marta Olivares, Inga Sarand, Bettina Schelkle, Joseph Selvin, Hauke Smidt, Leo van Overbeek, Gabriele Berg, Luca Cocolin, Yolanda Sanz, Wilson Lemos Fernandes, S. J. Liu, Matthew Ryan, Brajesh Singh, Tanja Kostic
Summary: Microbiomes play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning, supporting planetary health through nutrient cycling, climate regulation, and water filtration. They are closely associated with complex multicellular organisms and contribute to the health of their hosts. However, there is still limited understanding of microbiome transfer and connectivity.
MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
James M. Tiedje, Yuhao Fu, Zhi Mei, Andreas Schaeffer, Qingyuan Dou, Wulf Amelung, Martin Elsner, Joseph Adu-Gyamfi, Lee Heng, Marko Virta, Xin Jiang, Hauke Smidt, Edward Topp, Fang Wang
Summary: The imprudent use of antibiotics in food production contributes to the spread of antibiotic resistance. This review emphasizes the need for collaborative efforts and preventive measures to mitigate the problem. Strategies such as heightened awareness, strengthened governance, and integrated surveillance systems are proposed to alleviate the burden of antibiotic resistance.
CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Caifang Wen, Mirelle Geervliet, Hugo de Vries, Lluis Faba, Petra J. Roubos-van den Hil, Kerstin Skovgaard, Huub F. J. Savelkoul, Henk A. Schols, Jerry M. Wells, Edwin Tijhaar, Hauke Smidt
Summary: The study found that adding a fermented feed additive - rye overgrown with mycelium of Agaricus subrufescens can modulate gut microbiota and immune system development in pigs. This supplementation may contribute to improving the health of piglets during the weaning transition period and reducing the use of antibiotics.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Sara N. Jimenez-Volkerink, Maria Jordan, Hauke Smidt, Cristina Minguillon, Joaquim Vila, Magdalena Grifoll
Summary: By studying a specific microbial consortium in PAH-contaminated soils, it was discovered that the degradation of the carcinogenic compound BaAQ may occur through the Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase (BVMOs) pathway, and that horizontal gene transfer may play a significant role in this degradation process.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2024)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yangwenshan Ou, Eline Rots, Clara Belzer, Hauke Smidt, Carolina de Weerth
Summary: An increasing number of studies have shown the connection between gut microbiota and mental health. This study investigated the composition of gut microbiota in low-risk children during early puberty, and explored the behavioral associations with gut microbiota composition and metabolites. The study also explored the potential role of sex in these associations.
