Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mayuko Mishima, Shiro Takeda, Masaki Nagane, Takehito Suzuki, Masaya Ogata, Ayaka Shima, Naoyuki Aihara, Junichi Kamiie, Rimina Suzuki, Hinano Mizugaki, Yuko Okamatsu-Ogura, Takumi Satoh, Tadashi Yamashita
Summary: Obesity is a global health problem caused by various factors and is associated with multiple health disorders. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in these diseases and has become a therapeutic target. In this study, we found that the prebiotic PHB could effectively alleviate obesity-associated dyslipidemia by promoting beneficial gut bacteria and suppressing fatty degradation and oxidative stress in the liver.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lingli Xiang, Xiangyuan Mi, Yingchao Dang, Yu Zeng, Wei Jiang, Hao Du, William M. Twardek, Steven J. Cooke, Jianghui Bao, Ming Duan
Summary: Differences in individual personality are common among animals and play an important role in ecology and evolution. This study focused on Siberian Sturgeon and found that shy individuals had better swimming performance, higher recovery ability after exercise fatigue, and streamlined morphological features. These findings contribute to the understanding of fish behavior biology and highlight the relationship between personality and swimming performance.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Seubsakul Phuegyod, Sasivimon Pramual, Nungnit Wattanavichean, Supasuda Assawajaruwan, Taweechai Amornsakchai, Panithi Sukho, Jisnuson Svasti, Rudee Surarit, Nuttawee Niamsiri
Summary: In this study, 3D porous scaffolds of poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) with 50% HV content were fabricated and their in vitro proliferation of dental cells for tissue engineering application was evaluated. The results showed that the P(HB-50HV) scaffold exhibited excellent cell compatibility and could be applied as a biomaterial for periodontal tissue engineering and stem cell applications.
Article
Polymer Science
Tao Zhang, Yunjae Jang, Eunhye Lee, Sooan Shin, Ho-Jong Kang
Summary: This study investigates the supercritical carbon dioxide foaming characteristics of the biodegradable polymer P(3HB-co-4HB) for environmentally friendly packaging materials. The effect of the 4HB composition on the foaming conditions, such as pressure and temperature, is studied, and the resulting foam density and expansion ratio are evaluated. Increasing the 4HB content reduces the crystallinity and tan delta value required for foam cell growth. Lower foaming temperatures are needed to maintain a suitable tan delta value. However, foaming is not possible when the 4HB content exceeds 50% due to a high tan delta value. Crystalline P(3HB-co-4HB) with low 4HB content results in lower foam density and higher expansion ratio compared to non-crystalline P(3HB-co-4HB) with high 4HB content. The addition of a chain extender slightly increases the expansion ratio by reducing crystallinity and tan delta, most effectively with a 4HB content of 16%.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shiyong Yang, Wenqiang Xu, Langkun Feng, Chaoyang Zhang, Chaozhan Yan, Jiajin Zhang, Jiansheng Lai, Taiming Yan, Zhi He, Xiaogang Du, Zongjun Du, Wei Luo, Xiaoli Huang, Jiayun Wu, Yunkun Li
Summary: In this study, resveratrol supplementation in the diet of Siberian sturgeon was found to enhance digestive ability and improve intestinal health. It also showed the potential to modulate the microbial community in the intestine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Orpheus M. Butler, Stefano Manzoni, Charles R. Warren
Summary: This study investigates the dynamics and drivers of three carbon storage compounds across a soil fertility gradient in eastern Australia. The results show that in infertile soils, the allocation of neutral lipid fatty acids and polyhydroxybutyrate is higher by 2-3 times compared to fertile soils. The allocation of neutral lipid fatty acids is positively correlated with fungal:bacterial ratios, while polyhydroxybutyrate allocation is positively correlated with belowground biological phosphorus demand.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Leizhen Zhao, Jiachen Pan, Yi Ding, Shu Cai, Tianming Cai, Liwei Chen, Xiao-Ming Ji
Summary: An aerobic membrane bioreactor was constructed for consecutive PHB synthesis. The presence of piperazine in wastewater affected the efficiency of PHB synthesis, and contaminating microbes such as Flavobacterium collumnare, Herbaspirillum aquaticum, and Microbacterium enclense were identified as the dominant strains. These strains obtained nitrogenous substrates from Paracoccus sp. TOH for nutrient accumulation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Taku Omura, Tatsuya Goto, Akira Maehara, Satoshi Kimura, Hideki Abe, Tadahisa Iwata
Summary: The thermal degradation behavior of P(3HB-co-16 mol%-4HB) was investigated using spectroscopic analysis and kinetic modeling. Results showed the generation of various degradation products during thermal degradation, with the process occurring in at least two steps. Unzipping degradation of 3HB units was observed, which may cease or evaporate an oligomer when reaching a randomly present 4HB unit.
POLYMER DEGRADATION AND STABILITY
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Natalia Kodzik, Andrzej Ciereszko, Miros Law Szczepkowski, Halina Karol, Sylwia Judycka, Agata Malinowska, Bianka Swiderska, Mariola A. Dietrich
Summary: This study provides an in-depth characterization of the seminal plasma proteins in Siberian sturgeon using gel-based and gel-free proteomic approaches. Many proteins were identified, and several key proteins were determined. The functional analysis indicates the involvement of these proteins in immune system processes, reproductive processes, and other physiological functions.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Carlos R. Cattaneo, Yadira Rodriguez, Eldon R. Rene, Octavio Garcia-Depraect, Raul Munoz
Summary: Biogas-based biopolymer production is a potential approach to reduce plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This study investigated the continuous bioconversion of methane in biogas into poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) using a high mass-transfer Taylor flow bioreactor, and examined the effects of different operational conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Minki Jo, Yunjae Jang, Eunhye Lee, Sooan Shin, Ho-Jong Kang
Summary: Crystalline and noncrystalline mixtures of poly(3-hyroxybutylate-co-4-hyroxybutylate) (P(3HB-co-4HB)) were obtained by melt blending with different 4HB contents. The study found that the mixtures had better crystalline properties and melt processing properties compared to the copolymers. The mechanical properties of the mixtures also changed with increasing 4HB content.
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elodie Vlaeminck, Evelien Uitterhaegen, Koen Quataert, Tom Delmulle, Karel De Winter, Wim K. Soetaert
Summary: This review discusses the use of various industrial side streams as sustainable and economical carbon sources for microbial PHB production. It provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments and remaining challenges, considering technical, environmental, and economic aspects to shed light on their industrial feasibility.
WORLD JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Toan Van Nguyen, Toshiteru Nagata, Kosei Noso, Kenshiro Kaji, Hiroyasu Masunaga, Taiki Hoshino, Shinichi Sakurai, Sono Sasaki
Summary: Isothermal crystallization kinetics of microbial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBH) were successfully studied in ultrathin films. The nucleation and crystallization rates were lower in the ultrathin films compared to the bulk. The first-formed metastable crystal structures were more disordered in the ultrathin films and the molecular diffusion rate for crystallization was also lower.
Review
Polymer Science
Catalina Diana Usurelu, Stefania Badila, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Denis Mihaela Panaitescu
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a promising material for packaging and biomedical fields due to its biodegradability, biocompatibility, and good properties. The addition of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) can improve its weaknesses and enhance its performance. Choosing the right processing technology and surface treatment for CNCs is crucial for obtaining good properties and interfacial adhesion in the resulting nanocomposites.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Minji Kim, Jiseon Kang, Seok Il Yun
Summary: Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)/poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) composite aerogel monoliths were prepared and treated with sodium alginate (ALG) to enhance their compressive modulus and adsorption capacity for water, soybean oil, and the cationic dye methylene blue (MB). The adsorption of MB was influenced by the ALG content, initial concentration, pH, and temperature, and followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. Ca2+-cross-linking of ALG increased compressive strength but decreased MB adsorption via pseudo-first-order kinetics, indicating a slower internal diffusion step due to the tightened network structure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cindy Ka Y. Law, Kankana Kundu, Luiza Bonin, Lorena Penacoba-Antona, Eduardo Bolea-Fernandez, Frank Vanhaecke, Korneel Rabaey, Abraham Esteve-Nunez, Bart De Gusseme, Nico Boon
Summary: In this study, biogenic palladium nanoparticles were used for the reductive transformation and/or dehalogenation of persistent micropollutants. The size of the nanoparticles and their catalytic activity could be controlled by adjusting the H-2 flow rate. The results showed that the nanoparticles with larger sizes exhibited higher catalytic activity and more efficient removal of micropollutants.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Fisheries
Shanshan Zhang, Jana Van Haesebroeck, Qian Yang, Tom Defoirdt
Summary: This study investigated the use of indole-3-acetic acid to control disease caused by Harveyi clade vibrios. Indole-3-acetic acid significantly decreased the virulence of 10 strains without affecting their growth. It also increased the survival rate of brine shrimp larvae and decreased swimming motility and biofilm formation in the strains.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2023)
Review
Fisheries
Shanshan Zhang, Qian Yang, Mieke Eggermont, Tom Defoirdt
Summary: To control bacterial diseases in aquaculture without relying on antibiotics, interference of quorum-sensing systems has been widely studied as an alternative therapy. This review provides an overview of the quorum-sensing systems in vibrios belonging to the Harveyi clade and the Splendidus clade, and discusses different agents that interfere with these systems to protect aquatic animals from diseases caused by these vibrios. It also identifies knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions in this field.
REVIEWS IN AQUACULTURE
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Wannes Van Holm, Rita Carvalho, Lize Delanghe, Tom Eilers, Naiera Zayed, Fabian Mermans, Kristel Bernaerts, Nico Boon, Ingmar Claes, Sarah Lebeer, Wim Teughels
Summary: Several oral diseases are caused by changes in the oral microbiome, and antibiotics are commonly used to treat them. However, due to antibiotic resistance, alternatives such as probiotics are being explored. This study compared the effects of different strains of Lactobacillus and Streptococcus salivarius on oral biofilms. It was found that certain Lactobacillus strains reduced the pathobiont A. actinomycetemcomitans, while S. salivarius strains were more effective against other pathobionts.
NPJ BIOFILMS AND MICROBIOMES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Xuejiao Zhu, Myrsini Sakarika, Ramon Ganigue, Kim Van Tittelboom, Yusuf Cagatay Ersan, Nico Boon, Nele De Belie
Summary: A sequential batch reactor (SBR) was used to produce a self-protected CaCO3-precipitating biomass powder (CPB) that can hydrolyze urea and reduce nitrate. The addition of CPB to mortar showed higher crack healing ratio compared to Bacillus sphaericus spores. CPB also revealed a corrosion inhibition effect equivalent to nitrite, making it a suitable bio-additive for crack closure and corrosion inhibition in cementitious composites.
CEMENT & CONCRETE COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Puput Risdanareni, Jianyun Wang, Nico Boon, Nele De Belie
Summary: A bacteria-based self-healing concrete was proposed for autonomous repair of micro-cracks, using vegetative cells of Bacillus sphaericus encapsulated in alkali activated lightweight aggregate (LWA) made from fly ash and Sidoarjo volcanic Mud (Lusi). The study showed that the healing performance of the bacteria decreased significantly when cracks were fabricated at a later age. Additionally, the fly ash-based LWA carrier exhibited excellent autogenous healing in young mortar.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Naiera Zayed, Joana Figueiredo, Wannes Van Holm, Nico Boon, Kristel Bernaerts, Wim Teughels
Summary: This study investigates the effect of exposing living oral bacteria to their dead siblings after being killed by heat or hydrogen peroxide. The tested bacterial species showed different responses towards the dead cells depending on the mode of killing, nutritional value of the culture media, and dead cells density. The study suggests that dead bacteria resulting from antiseptics use may imbalance the nutrient availability in the oral cavity, resulting in overgrowth of opportunistic species and ecological changes in oral communities.
JOURNAL OF ORAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Water Resources
Amber Baele, Fien Waegenaar, Katrien De Maeyer, Bart De Gusseme, Han Vervaeren, Pieter Spanoghe, Nico Boon
Summary: Providing safe and high-quality drinking water is increasingly important due to climate change and population growth. Water towers are commonly used for storage and distribution, but microbial regrowth and the presence of insects such as flies pose a challenge. A study in Belgium monitored ten water towers for fly species diversity, abundances, and activity. The results found three fly species present, and they entered the towers in autumn and sought shelter on the highest floors where the water tank is located. Prevention measures are crucial to avoid contact between flies and drinking water in water towers, and effective methods such as sealing ventilation and covering water tanks with insect screens are discussed.
FRONTIERS IN WATER
(2023)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Justien Ghesquiere, Kenneth Simoens, Erin Koos, Nico Boon, Wim Teughels, Kristel Bernaerts
Summary: This study established a drip flow biofilm reactor to mimic the natural environment of the oral cavity and successfully created a complex multispecies periodontal model similar to that of a healthy individual. Using this model, the researchers validated the multifaceted effects of L-arginine on the oral biofilm, including inhibiting the growth and incorporation of pathogenic species, reducing biofilm thickness and volume, and producing specific metabolic products. This drip flow reactor setup shows promising potential for studying the spatiotemporal behavior of a multispecies periodontal community.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miao Peng, Maaike Vercauteren, Charlotte Grootaert, Andreja Rajkovic, Nico Boon, Colin Janssen, Jana Asselman
Summary: This study investigated the cellular and bioenergetic effects of microplastics (MPs) on four types of human cell lines in different exposure scenarios. The results showed that even after a single intake, MPs had significant long-term impacts on cellular and mitochondrial functions, potentially leading to chronic stress and harmful effects.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Chupao Lin, David Schaubroeck, Roel Baets, Nico Boon, Nicolas Le Thomas
Summary: We propose a photonic integrated circuit design that adds practicality and new functionalities to optical applications like optical microscopy. This design enables the generation of a far-field structured UV illumination pattern with a fringe period of 370 nm, a fringe visibility of 0.83, and a radiant intensity of 0.49 mW. By using single mode waveguides with low propagation losses, diffraction gratings, a beam splitter, a phase shifter, fluorescent gratings, and a collecting lens, the current PICs experimentally demonstrate the Moiré pattern at the heart of optical resolution enhancement and achieve a doubling of optical resolution in the direction of illumination.
IEEE JOURNAL OF SELECTED TOPICS IN QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Wannes Van Holm, Katalina Lauwens, Pieter De Wever, Art Schuermans, Naiera Zayed, Ferda Pamuk, Mehraveh Saghi, Pedro Fardim, Kristel Bernaerts, Nico Boon, Wim Teughels
Summary: Probiotics may have oral health benefits, but their current use is restricted due to issues with product preparation, viability, and colonization capacity. Many commercial products lack the claimed amounts of viable cells and have inadequately characterized strains without clinical evidence. Lyophilized probiotics also demonstrate lower adhesive capacity compared to fresh or reactivated ones, raising questions about their usage.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Cristina Garcia-Timermans, Bram Malfroot, Cameron Dierendonck, Zoe Mol, Thomas Pluym, Fien Waegenaar, Jan B. A. Arends, Kristof Demeestere, Christophe Walgraeve, Nico Boon, Bart De Gusseme
Summary: Researchers have developed a novel pilot plant design that mimics distribution networks to monitor changes in drinking water quality, such as taste and odor events and microbial regrowth. The pilot plant includes sensors and instrumentation, with three independent loops allowing simultaneous testing of three different conditions. Real-time measurements and biofilm sampling inside the pipes are feasible, making it suitable for studying various factors affecting DW quality in the distribution network.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Valentin Faust, Nico Boon, Ramon Ganigue, Siegfried E. Vlaeminck, Kai M. Udert
Summary: Nitrification in urine stabilization requires controlling pH within an appropriate range. A narrow pH control band increases microbial diversity and improves process robustness, but is more susceptible to external disturbances.
FRONTIERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Ruben Van den Eeckhoudt, An-Sofie Christiaens, Frederik Ceyssens, Vasileios Vangalis, Kevin J. Verstrepen, Nico Boon, Filip Tavernier, Michael Kraft, Irene Taurino
Summary: This paper introduces a microfluidic device for full-electric cell capturing, analyzing, and selectively releasing single cells. The device was experimentally demonstrated on Saccharomyces cerevisiae, showing potential for small-scale, high-throughput single-cell analysis and sorting.
