Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
7.4
4.1
Journals
Microorganisms
Special Issues
Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition
share announcement

Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Antimicrobial Agents and Resistance".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 18033

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Svetla Trifonova Danova

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of General Microbiology, The Stephan Angeloff Institute of Microbiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 26 Acad. Georgi Bonchev Str., 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: probiotics; parabiotics; biological activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a continuation of our 2023 Special Issue "Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials".

Microorganisms and their role in life on the planet have always been the focus of scientists. The COVID-19 pandemic and the growing antibiotic resistance among us have put the search for new approaches in the fight against pathogens back on the agenda. Scientists are paying more and more attention to alternative antimicrobial substances and approaches for health prevention and prophylaxis. Various groups of antimicrobials, from new antibiotics and bacteriocin-like substances to recently discussed parabiotics, are being evaluated as an alternative or new class of biotherapeutics. They are produced by different groups of microorganisms—probiotics (pro-for and bio-life), such as lactic acid, Bifidobacteria, Actinomycetes, Cyanobacteria and yeast.

A new understanding of the beneficial contributions microbes and microbial communities provide in reducing disease transmission is also needed. In this regard, various modes of action of beneficial microorganisms and their role for the healthy homeostasis of humans and animals have been discovered. They are a part of understanding the role of the microbiome in health and disease prevention. The key is the knowledge of the complex metabolic processes and their regulation, the synthesis of active metabolites in situ and in vivo.

In parallel, the biotechnologies for obtaining antimicrobials or other biologically active substances are also part of the One Health strategy.

With this concept in mind, MDPI has created a Special Issue of the journal Microorganisms, titled “BENEFICIAL MICROORGANISMS AND ANTIMICROBIALS”.

Potential topics in this issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Antimicrobials and its producers: Useful and original approaches for characterization of antimicrobials;
  • Exploration of the putative activity in the cascade of events controlling virulence factors of pathogens development of disease;
  • New natural formulations, production study and delivery of microbial compounds with high stability and potential to support effective barrier mechanisms against pathogens;
  • Probiotic—mode of action and benefits for human and animal health;
  • New candidate for probiotics—selection and improvement;
  • Postbiotics/parabiotics, other natural compounds—new horizon and promising bridge between pharmabiotics and bioterapeutics;
  • Omics technologies (genomics, transcriptomic, proteomics and metabolomics) to understand functionality and beneficial role of microorganisms.

We kindly invite you to send your latest research results or review articles to this Special Issue, which will clarify the highly discussed beneficial bacteria and their antimicrobials, as well as in vitro characterization of the mechanisms using various experimental model systems to simulate in vivo their biological activity, in parallel with probiotic phenomena that are not well recognized. Underlying their safety and efficacy, high productivity based on innovative and reliable technologies allows for the advancement of new therapeutics, limits the invasion of pathogens and paves the way for new approaches in limiting the expansion of antibiotic resistance.

Prof. Dr. Svetla Trifonova Danova
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • antimicrobials
  • beneficial bacteria
  • probiotics
  • parabiotics
  • biological activity
  • biotherapeuticals

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (8 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 5026 KiB  
Article
Inhibitory Effects of Nisin and Gallium (III) Nitrate Hydrate on Planktonic and Adhered Cells and Implications for the Viable but Non-Culturable State
by Valeria Poscente, Luciana Di Gregorio, Roberta Bernini and Annamaria Bevivino
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020276 - 26 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 745
Abstract
Effective antimicrobial and biofilm control strategies require an understanding of the differential effects of antimicrobial agents on the viability and culturability of microbial cells. A viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, a survival strategy of non-spore-forming bacteria in response to adverse conditions, poses a [...] Read more.
Effective antimicrobial and biofilm control strategies require an understanding of the differential effects of antimicrobial agents on the viability and culturability of microbial cells. A viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state, a survival strategy of non-spore-forming bacteria in response to adverse conditions, poses a significant challenge for public health and food safety. In the present study, we investigated the antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects of nisin and gallium (III) nitrate hydrate against the Gram-positive strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum DSM 20174 and the Gram-negative strain Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC 13525, respectively. Both strains were chosen as model systems for their relevance to food and clinical settings. Culture-based methods and flow cytometry (FCM) were used to evaluate the culturability and viability of both planktonic and sessile cells, providing insights into their physiological response to antimicrobial treatment-induced stress at different concentrations (100, 250, 350, and 500 ppm). The findings highlight the strain-specific action of nisin on L. plantarum and the promising antibiofilm effects of Ga (III) against P. fluorescens. This study underscores the promising potential of FCM as a powerful tool for high-throughput analyses of antimicrobial efficacy, providing valuable insights into developing targeted biofilm control strategies for food safety and clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

21 pages, 2387 KiB  
Article
Characterization and Probiotic Potential of Levilactobacillus brevis DPL5: A Novel Strain Isolated from Human Breast Milk with Antimicrobial Properties Against Biofilm-Forming Staphylococcus aureus
by Ivan Iliev, Galina Yahubyan, Elena Apostolova-Kuzova, Mariyana Gozmanova, Daniela Mollova, Iliya Iliev, Lena Ilieva, Mariana Marhova, Velizar Gochev and Vesselin Baev
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 160; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010160 - 14 Jan 2025
Viewed by 1341
Abstract
Lactobacillus is a key genus of probiotics commonly utilized for the treatment of oral infections The primary aim of our research was to investigate the probiotic potential of the newly isolated Levilactobacillus brevis DPL5 strain from human breast milk, focusing on its ability [...] Read more.
Lactobacillus is a key genus of probiotics commonly utilized for the treatment of oral infections The primary aim of our research was to investigate the probiotic potential of the newly isolated Levilactobacillus brevis DPL5 strain from human breast milk, focusing on its ability to combat biofilm-forming pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus. Employing in vitro approaches, we demonstrate L. brevis DPL5′s ability to endure at pH 3 with survival rates above 30%, and withstand the osmotic stress often found during industrial processes like fermentation and freeze drying, retaining over 90% viability. The lyophilized cell-free supernatant of L. brevis DPL5 had a significant antagonistic effect against biofilm-producing nasal strains of Staphylococcus aureus, and it completely eradicated biofilms at subinhibitory concentrations of 20 mg·mL−1. Higher concentrations of 69 mg·mL−1 were found to have a 99% bactericidal effect, based on the conducted probability analysis, indicating the production of bactericidal bioactive extracellular compounds capable of disrupting the biofilm formation of pathogens like S. aureus. Furthermore, genome-wide sequencing and analysis of L. brevis DPL5 with cutting-edge Nanopore technology has uncovered over 50 genes linked to probiotic activity, supporting its ability to adapt and thrive in the harsh gut environment. The genome also contains multiple biosynthetic gene clusters such as lanthipeptide class IV, Type III polyketide synthase (T3PKS), and ribosomally synthesized, and post-translationally modified peptides (RiPP-like compounds), all of which are associated with antibacterial properties. Our study paves the way for the further exploration of DPL5, setting the stage for innovative, nature-inspired solutions to combat stubborn bacterial infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3605 KiB  
Article
Heterologous Expression of the Antiviral Lectin Griffithsin in Probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii and In Vitro Characterization of Its Properties
by Jie Tang, Ran Li, Tingyu Jiang, Jiachen Lv, Yuwei Jiang, Xingjian Zhou, Hong Chen, Meiliang Li, Aimin Wu, Bing Yu, Timo M. Takala, Per E. J. Saris, Shuhong Li and Zhengfeng Fang
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2414; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122414 - 25 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1177
Abstract
In this study, the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii was engineered to secrete the antiviral lectin griffithsin. Twelve genetic tools with the griffithsin gene were cloned into the vector pSF-TEF1-URA3 and introduced into S. boulardii. In the recombinant strains, a 16.9 kDa band [...] Read more.
In this study, the probiotic yeast Saccharomyces boulardii was engineered to secrete the antiviral lectin griffithsin. Twelve genetic tools with the griffithsin gene were cloned into the vector pSF-TEF1-URA3 and introduced into S. boulardii. In the recombinant strains, a 16.9 kDa band was detected using SDS-PAGE and further recognized by griffithsin antibody with Western blotting. S. boulardii strains FM, FT, HC, and HE with a high yield of griffithsin were acquired for property characterization in vitro. The four recombinant strains displayed a similar growth pattern to that of the control strains, while their morphological characteristics had changed according to scanning electron microscopy. In simulated gastrointestinal digestive fluids, the survival rates of S. boulardii FM, FT, and HC were significantly decreased (86.32 ± 1.49% to 95.36 ± 1.94%) compared with those of the control strains, with survival rates between 95.88 ± 0.00% and 98.74 ± 1.97%. The hydrophobicity of S. boulardii FM, the strain with the highest griffithsin production, was significantly increased to 21.89 ± 1.07%, and it exhibited a reduced auto-aggregation rate (57.64 ± 2.61%). Finally, Vero cells infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) were used to evaluate the strains’ antiviral activity, and the rate at which S. boulardii FM inhibited PEDV reached 131.36 ± 1.06%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2965 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Effects of Postmetabolites from Limosilactobacillus fermentum 53 on the Survival and Proliferation of HT-29 Cells
by Veselina Moskova-Doumanova, Anita Vaseva, Ralitsa Veleva, Kirilka Mladenova, Denitsa Melniska, Jordan Doumanov, Pavel Videv, Tanya Topouzova-Hristova, Lili Dobreva, Nikoleta Atanasova and Svetla Danova
Microorganisms 2024, 12(7), 1365; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12071365 - 3 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1349
Abstract
Naturally fermented dairy products are an important component of the human diet. They are a valuable source of nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Their importance as a source of probiotic bacterial strains should not be overlooked. A number of studies highlight [...] Read more.
Naturally fermented dairy products are an important component of the human diet. They are a valuable source of nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals. Their importance as a source of probiotic bacterial strains should not be overlooked. A number of studies highlight the positive effects of species of the probiotic lactic acid bacteria on the intestinal microbiome and the overall homeostasis of the body, as well as a complementary treatment for some diseases. However, data on the effects on the intestinal epithelial cells of postmetabolites released by probiotic bacteria are incomplete. This is likely due to the fact that these effects are species- and strain-specific. In the present study, we investigated the effects of postmetabolites produced by a pre-selected candidate probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum on HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells. Our data showed a pronounced proliferative effect, evaluated by flow cytometry, quantification of the cell population and determination of the mitotic index. This was accompanied by the stabilization of the cell monolayer, measured by an increase in TEER (transepithelial electric resistance) and the reorganization of actin filaments. The data obtained are a clear indication of the positive effects that the products secreted by L. fermentum strain 53 have on intestinal epithelial cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 5244 KiB  
Article
Lactic Acid Production by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AC 11S—Kinetics and Modeling
by Petya Popova-Krumova, Svetla Danova, Nikoleta Atanasova and Dragomir Yankov
Microorganisms 2024, 12(4), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040739 - 4 Apr 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4295
Abstract
Lactic acid is a versatile chemical with wide application in many industries. It can be produced by the fermentation of different sugars by various lactobacilli and investigations on lactic acid production from different substrates and by different strains are still in progress. The [...] Read more.
Lactic acid is a versatile chemical with wide application in many industries. It can be produced by the fermentation of different sugars by various lactobacilli and investigations on lactic acid production from different substrates and by different strains are still in progress. The present study aimed to study lactic acid production from lactose by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum AC 11S and to choose a mathematical model describing in the best way the experimental data obtained. The influence of initial substrate concentration was investigated, and optimal pH and temperature were determined. An unstructured mathematical model was developed comprising equations for bacterial growth, substrate consumption, and product formation. The model was solved with different terms for specific growth rates considering substrate and/or product inhibition. The best bacterial growth and lactic acid production were achieved at pH = 6.5 and 30 °C. Production of lactic acid was mainly growth-associated, and at initial substrate concentration over 15 g/L, a considerable product inhibition was observed. The parameters of different models were determined and compared. The modified Gompertz equation gave the best fit when solving only the equation for biomass growth at different initial substrate concentrations. Solving the entire set of differential equations for bacterial growth, substrate consumption, and product formation, the best results were obtained when using a variant of the logistic equation for biomass growth. This variant included a term for product inhibition and described in the best way all experimental data. Solving the model for different biomass concentrations showed that an increase in biomass led to a shorter lag phase and the stationary phase was reached faster. The results obtained, optimum conditions and the kinetic model, are good bases for studying pH-controlled fermentation, as well as a continuous process. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

20 pages, 3045 KiB  
Review
HNP-1: From Structure to Application Thanks to Multifaceted Functions
by Jiaqi Zhang, Zhaoke Liu, Zhihao Zhou, Zile Huang, Yifan Yang, Junzhu Wu and Yanhong Liu
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020458 - 19 Feb 2025
Viewed by 781
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are critical components of innate immunity in animals and plants, exhibiting thrilling prospectives as alternatives to traditional antibiotics due to their ability to combat pathogens without leading to resistance. Among these, Human Neutrophil Peptide-1 (HNP-1), primarily produced by human neutrophils, [...] Read more.
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are critical components of innate immunity in animals and plants, exhibiting thrilling prospectives as alternatives to traditional antibiotics due to their ability to combat pathogens without leading to resistance. Among these, Human Neutrophil Peptide-1 (HNP-1), primarily produced by human neutrophils, exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria and viruses. However, the clinical application of HNP-1 has been hampered by challenges associated with mass production and inconsistent understanding of its bactericidal mechanisms. This review explores the structure and function of HNP-1, discussing its gene expression, distribution, immune functions and the regulatory elements controlling its production, alongside insights into its antimicrobial mechanisms and potential clinical applications as an antimicrobial agent. Furthermore, the review highlights the biosynthesis of HNP-1 using microbial systems as a cost-effective alternative to human extraction and recent studies revealing HNP-1’s endogenous bactericidal mechanism. A comprehensive understanding of HNP-1’s working mechanisms and production methods will pave the way for its effective clinical utilization in combating antibiotic-resistant infections. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 281 KiB  
Review
Effect of the Darolac® (Oralis SB®) Probiotic Formulation on Oral Health: A Narrative Review
by Lya Blais, Noémie Auclair-Ouellet, Annie Tremblay and Sylvie Binda
Microorganisms 2025, 13(2), 408; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13020408 - 13 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1030
Abstract
Gingivitis and periodontitis are prevalent periodontal conditions associated with dysbiosis of the oral cavity, which leads to inflammation and bleeding of gums, loss of tooth attachment, and degradation of the underlying bone structure. The standard adjunctive treatment for periodontal conditions, chlorhexidine mouthwash, is [...] Read more.
Gingivitis and periodontitis are prevalent periodontal conditions associated with dysbiosis of the oral cavity, which leads to inflammation and bleeding of gums, loss of tooth attachment, and degradation of the underlying bone structure. The standard adjunctive treatment for periodontal conditions, chlorhexidine mouthwash, is effective but is associated with several side effects. Probiotics have been explored as an alternative solution that promotes oral health by restoring homeostasis in the oral cavity. This review presents a summary of clinical trials using the Darolac® (Oralis SB®) probiotic formulation (Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell®-52, Lactobacillus rhamnosus Rosell®-11, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell®-175 and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-1079) as a mouthwash to support the maintenance of oral health or the restoration of its balance. In reviewed studies, Darolac® is compared to a placebo or other common solutions for periodontal conditions, including chlorhexidine mouthwash. Studies show that Darolac® is as effective or even superior to other available solutions, which supports its use as an effective adjuvant to oral health. The effects of Darolac® on the reduction in oral pathogens and markers of oral dysbiosis are reviewed, and the association between periodontitis, inflammation, and systemic diseases, as well as their implications and the use of probiotics in the periodontal field, are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
13 pages, 1905 KiB  
Review
Brevibacillus laterosporus: A Probiotic with Important Applications in Crop and Animal Production
by Yucheng Liu, Xueying Zai, Guangying Weng, Xianyong Ma and Dun Deng
Microorganisms 2024, 12(3), 564; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12030564 - 12 Mar 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4826
Abstract
Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and [...] Read more.
Brevibacillus laterosporus (B. laterosporus) is widely distributed in nature and demonstrates significant potential for applications in biological control, environmental protection, agricultural production, and clinical medicine. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the applications of B. laterosporus in crop cultivation and animal feeding, as well as an examination of the antimicrobial peptides produced by B. laterosporus and their antibacterial mechanisms. B. laterosporus enhances crop cultivation by secreting hydrolases to improve nutrient absorption capabilities, synthesizing hormones to promote crop growth, and producing proteins to inhibit the reproduction of harmful organisms. B. laterosporus has been used to improve animal production by regulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota and inhibiting the growth of pathogenic bacteria through the secretion of various antimicrobial peptides. The bactericidal activity of Brevilaterins secreted by B. laterosporus is attributed to their ability to bind to lipopolysaccharide/lipid II molecules on the cell membrane, thereby altering permeability. Brevilaterins also inhibit bacterial reproduction by affecting relevant gene pathways in the cell membranes of pathogenic bacteria. These pathways include ATP synthesis, peptidoglycan biosynthesis, membrane transport, and cellular metabolism. In conclusion, B. laterosporus exhibits substantial potential as a probiotic activity in crop and animal production. However, applications of B. laterosporus in animal production could be improved, necessitating further research to elucidate the underlying probiotic mechanisms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Beneficial Microorganisms and Antimicrobials: 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-8
Back to TopTop