Search Results (904)

Patulin (PAT) is a fatal mycotoxin that exerts serious threats to human and animal health. Biodegradation of PAT is considered to be one of the promising ways for controlling its contamination. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 6076 (LP 6076) with reliable removal efficiency on PAT was screened out from three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains. It was found that the PAT was eliminated through degradation by LP 6076, and the intracellular proteins played a crucial role in PAT degradation with the induction of PAT. The proteomic analysis showed that the response of LP 6076 to PAT was by a concerted effort to repair DNA damage, in parallel to adaptive changes in cell wall biosynthesis and central metabolism. Eleven differentially expressed proteins with high fold changes were picked out and identified as PAT degradation candidate enzymes. The 3D structures of the candidate enzymes were predicted, and molecular docking between the enzymes and PAT was performed. Five enzymes, including Acetoin utilization AcuB protein (AU), GHKL domain-containing protein (GHLK), Dihydroneopterin aldolase (DA), YdeI/OmpD-associated family protein (YDEL), and Transcription regulator protein (TR), could dock with PAT with lower affinity and shorter distance. Through molecular docking analysis, DA was ultimately identified as a potential key degrading enzyme. The choice of DA was substantiated by its superior combination of strong binding affinity and a productive binding pose with PAT. VAL84 and GLN51 residues of DA were likely the active sites, forming four hydrogen bonds with PAT. Our study could accelerate the commercial application of biodegradation toward PAT decontamination. Full article

In view of the technical bottleneck of microbial dynamic monitoring during the solid-state fermentation of traditional Baijiu, this study introduced green fluorescent protein (GFP) labeling technology into the dominant Saccharomyces cerevisiae of Jiang-flavored Baijiu to construct the chromosomal integration engineering strain named FSC01. By designing an integrated recombinant plasmid containing the GFP gene and the geneticmycin resistance gene, an engineered strain that stably expresses fluorescent proteins was obtained by electroconversion. Flow cytometry verification showed that FSC01 showed excellent linear responses in the pure microbial system (R² = 0.998) and the complex matrix of Baijiu jiupei (R² = 0.981), with a detection limit of 10² cells/mL, and the detection cycle was shortened to 10 min. Solid-state fermentation simulation experiments show that the inoculation volume of FSC01 of 10⁵ cells/kg can not only ensure the effective identification of fluorescence signals, but also does not significantly interfere with the growth and growth patterns of the original yeast (p > 0.05), which is highly consistent with the results of the traditional plate counting method. Dynamic monitoring shows that Saccharomyces cerevisiae during fermentation presents a typical succession pattern of “increase first and then decrease”, reaching a peak on the 7th day (1.2 × 10⁷ cells/g), which is positively correlated with the base alcohol yield rate (26.7%). Compared with metagenomic (72 h) and PMA-qPCR (4 h) methods, this technology breaks through the limitations of specificity and timeliness of live bacteria detection, and provides a single-cell-level dynamic analysis tool for the digitization of traditional brewing processes. In the future, it will be expanded to monitor key functional microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria through a multi-color fluorescent labeling system, and optimized pretreatment to eliminate starch granule interference, and promote the in-depth application of synthetic biology technology in the traditional fermentation industry. Full article

Background: Peri-implantitis, a condition characterized by inflammation and progressive bone loss around dental implants, presents a significant challenge in contemporary dentistry. Conventional non-surgical treatments often fail to fully eliminate bacterial biofilms, particularly on complex implant surfaces. Laser therapies have emerged as potential adjuncts due to their antimicrobial and bio-modulatory properties. However, their microbiological effectiveness and suitability for individualized patient treatment planning remain unclear. Objective: Τhis study aims to systematically assess and synthesize the microbiological effects of various laser-assisted non-surgical treatments for peri-implantitis compared to conventional mechanical debridement. Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251035354). Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating microbiological changes following laser-assisted non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis, with a minimum follow-up of one month, were identified through searches in multiple databases and registries up to February 2025. The ncluded studies used lasers such as diode, Er: YAG, and photodynamic therapy (PDT) either alone or as adjuncts to mechanical debridement. Outcomes of interest included bacterial counts. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB2 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated via GRADE. Quantitative synthesis used random-effects meta-analysis, with standardized mean differences (SMDs) calculated. Results: Eight RCTs involving 266 patients and 335 implants were included in the systematic review. Quantitative synthesis of three pathogens (counts of Fusobacterium nucleatum, P. gingivalis, T. denticola) across three studies displayed no statistically significant differences between laser and control groups at 3 and 6 months (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). When examining individual study findings, PDT, particularly in patients with diabetes or acute abscess, showed short-term reductions in red complex bacteria (e.g., Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola). In contrast, diode and Er: YAG lasers demonstrated inconsistent or transient effects. The quality of evidence was rated as very low according to GRADE. Conclusions: Laser-assisted therapies, especially PDT, may provide targeted microbiological benefit in selected patient groups, supporting their adjunctive use within personalized treatment planning rather than as replacements for mechanical debridement, which remains the gold standard. Further high-quality RCTs incorporating well-defined patient risk profiles, such as systemic conditions and behavioral factors, and precision treatment algorithms are needed. Full article

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) prevalent in fuel gases such as natural gas and biogas necessitates removal prior to utilization or pipeline distribution. Biological desulfurization is considered a green purification technology employing sulfur-oxidizing bacteria (SOB) under ambient conditions to eliminate sulfur compounds, offering advantages including high efficiency, simplified equipment, and minimal chemical consumption. A highly efficient SOB TYWJ-2 was isolated in this study. Genomic analysis revealed that strain TYWJ-2 possesses a complete set of sulfur metabolism genes, enabling the metabolism of various inorganic sulfides, along with salt-tolerance genes that support adaptation to high osmolarity environments. The optimal conditions for desulfurization were determined through single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken response surface methodology. Long-term desulfurization performance demonstrated stable operational efficiency, with H₂S removal rates consistently reaching 99.72~99.87%. System performance remained robust under varying sulfur loads, elevated salinity, and intermittent operational shutdowns, with no significant decline in desulfurization efficiency observed. These findings indicate that strain TYWJ-2 holds considerable potential for the biological desulfurization of sulfur-containing biogas and natural gas. Full article

During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, global awareness of infectious diseases increased markedly. Many infectious diseases are transmitted through direct or indirect contact with biological fluids containing pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. This risk is particularly pronounced in environments used by large numbers of unspecified individuals. Public restrooms, therefore, raise significant hygienic concerns, as toilet seats may serve as vectors for indirect transmission. To mitigate this risk, this study proposes a novel toilet seat equipped with an automatic cleaning function. Specifically, after use, the seat surface is automatically wiped by a cleaning cloth, eliminating the need for manual cleaning by staff. A fundamental operational concept is established, emphasizing the determination of an appropriate cleaning initiation timing that allows the cleaning sequence to be completed without compromising user convenience. Based on this concept, a belt–pulley type prototype is developed, and the effectiveness of the proposed cleaning sequence is verified. Subsequently, the prototype is further improved through the introduction of a flexible-rack mechanism. The control methodology, including the design of the electronic circuitry, is described in detail. Using the improved prototype, extensive simulations and experimental evaluations were conducted. The results showed that battery capacity declined at an approximately constant rate of 3% per 10 cycles, with about 70% remaining after 100 cycles. In addition, a single reciprocating cleaning cycle removed over 95% of artificially applied stains across the entire toilet seat. Additional evaluation results are presented in detail. Full article

Bacteriophage therapy, which employs bacterial viruses to selectively eliminate pathogenic bacteria, has re-emerged as a promising strategy in the face of increasing antimicrobial resistance. However, its widespread clinical implementation is constrained by concerns regarding safety, standardisation, and predictable efficacy. In this review, we examine the key role of genomics in transforming phage therapy from an empirical practice into a standardised and personalised modality of contemporary medicine. We describe how whole-genome sequencing (WGS) provides a basis for safety assessment by enabling systematic screening to exclude virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and markers of lysogeny. WGS also facilitates the prediction of therapeutic efficacy and supports more rational phage selection by identifying receptor-binding proteins and characterising bacterial defence systems. In clinical settings, WGS data are increasingly used to monitor the evolution of bacterial populations and to adapt phage cocktails during treatment, thereby supporting personalised, adaptive phage therapy. Looking ahead, further progress is likely to come from integrating synthetic biology and artificial intelligence to engineer phage-based therapeutics with programmable specificity and predictable properties. Together, these developments are shaping a new paradigm of phage therapy as a scientifically grounded, standardised and controlled strategy to treat infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Full article

Background: Nebulized polymyxin B (PMB) therapy is widely used in intensive care units for treating hospital-acquired and ventilator-associated pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, yet its pulmonary delivery performance during invasive mechanical ventilation remains poorly characterized. Methods: An in vitro adult mechanical ventilation model was used. We evaluated two nebulizers (vibrating mesh nebulizer [VMN] and jet nebulizer [JN]) at three positions (standalone nebulizer, 15 cm from the Y-piece, and the humidifier’s dry end) with two artificial airway types (endotracheal and tracheostomy tubes). Lung deposition was predicted using the multiple-path particle dosimetry model, incorporating the Yeh/Schum five-lobe adult lung model. Results: In the standalone setup, the percentage of delivered dose of VMN and JN was approximately 40% and 34%, respectively. Mechanical ventilation significantly reduced the delivered dose (all p ≤ 0.0085), with VMN at the humidifier’s dry end delivering only 2.14–2.99% of the nominal dose. In all the tested ventilation scenarios, both the use of the JN and positioning the nebulizer 15 cm from the Y-piece significantly increased aerosol delivery (all p ≤ 0.021). While the ventilator circuit reduced the total drug amount, it filtered larger aerosols. This resulted in a smaller mass median aerodynamic diameter and a higher fine particle fraction (all p < 0.0001), which doubled the predicted alveolar deposition fraction (from 13–14% in standalone to 23–28% in ventilation scenarios) and eliminated extrathoracic deposition. Conclusions: This study provides the first in vitro and in silico assessment of PMB aerosol delivery during invasive mechanical ventilation. Nebulizer type, its placement within the circuit, and the artificial airway are critical factors that significantly alter the pulmonary delivery of PMB aerosol and subsequently impact its lung deposition. Full article

In this study, the authors focus on optimizing the processing parameters for the fabrication of biodegradable polymer filaments intended for subsequent 3D printing of biomedical structures and implants. Following extrusion and additive manufacturing, the produced materials underwent a comprehensive evaluation that included mechanical, microbiological, biofilm formation, and electron microscopy analyses. The complexity of these tests aimed to determine the potential of the developed materials for biomedical applications, particularly in the field of scaffold fabrication. At the initial stage, three types of filaments (technical designations 111, 145, and 146) were produced using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) technology. These filaments were based on a PLA/PHB matrix with varying types and concentrations of plasticizers. Standardized destructive tensile and compressive mechanical tests were conducted using an MTS Insight 1 kN testing system equipped with an Instron 2620-601 extensometer. Among the tested samples, the filament labeled 111, composed of PLA/PHB thermoplastic starch and a plasticizer, exhibited the most favorable mechanical performance, with a Young’s modulus of elasticity of 4.63 MPa for 100% infill. The filament labeled 146 had a Young’s modulus of elasticity of 4.53 MPa for 100% infill and the material labeled 145 had a Young’s modulus of elasticity of 1.45 MPa for 100% infill. Microbiological assessments were performed to evaluate the capacity of bacteria and fungi to colonize the material surfaces. During bacterial activity assessment, we observed biofilm formation on the examined sample surfaces of each material from the smooth and rough sides. The colony-forming units (CFUs) increased directly with the exposure time. For all samples from each material, the Log10 (CFU) value reached above 9.41 during 72 h of incubation for the activity of each type of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans). Scanning electron microscopy provided insight into the surface quality of the material and revealed its local quality and purity. Surface defects were eliminated by this method. Overall, the results indicate that the designed biodegradable filaments, especially formulation 111, have promising properties for the development of scaffolds intended for hard tissue replacement and could also be suitable for regenerative applications in the future after achieving the desired biological properties. Full article

The detection of environmental toxicants is transitioning from centralized laboratory methods to decentralized, point-of-care (POC) monitoring. A highly innovative approach in this field is the repurposing of commercially available, low-cost, and portable personal glucose meters (PGMs) as universal biosensing platforms. This strategy leverages the widespread availability and ease of use of PGMs to develop rapid, on-site detection methods for a wide array of non-glucose targets, significantly reducing both cost and development time. This systematic review comprehensively examines the various strategies employed to adapt PGMs for the detection of a wide array of ecotoxicants, including chemical targets (antibiotics, mycotoxins, pesticides, heavy metals, persistent organic pollutants) and biological ones (pathogenic bacteria, and viruses). The systematic review critically evaluates different sensor designs, highlighting that while aptamer-based and non-enzymatic biosensors offer advantages in stability and cost, antibody-based sensors provide high specificity. A significant finding is the persistent trade-off between analytical sensitivity and practical field deployment; many of the most sensitive assays require multi-step procedures, precise temperature control, magnetic separation, centrifugation, and the use of additional equipment, factors that undermine true POC utility. To address this gap, we propose four essential criteria for POC readiness: (i) ambient-temperature operation, (ii) no reliance on magnetic or centrifugal separation, (iii) total assay time, and (iv) robustness in complex environmental matrices. This systematic review confirms the feasibility of this approach across a broad spectrum of targets. However, the key challenge for future research lies in simplifying the assay protocols, eliminating cumbersome sample preparation steps, and enhancing robustness to make these biosensors truly practical for routine, on-site environmental monitoring. Full article

Background/Objectives: Important goals of endodontic treatment procedures are to effectively eliminate microorganisms from the root canal system and prevent reinfection. Despite advances in techniques, these goals continue to be difficult to achieve due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system and bacterial invasion into the dentinal tubules of the surrounding root dentin. This pilot study aimed to refine a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) model with LIVE/DEAD staining to quantitatively assess the depth of effective disinfection by endodontic disinfection measures. Methods: Thirty caries-free human teeth underwent standardized chemo-mechanical root canal preparation and were inoculated with Enterococcus faecalis. Following treatment, CLSM-guided imaging with LIVE/DEAD staining allowed for differentiation between vital and dead bacteria and quantification of the depth of effective disinfection. Results: An average depth of bacterial eradication of 450 µm for conventional and 520 µm for sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) could be observed with significant differences (p < 0.05) in the coronal and medial positions. Conclusions: The results indicated that sonically activated irrigation (EDDY) provided a more homogeneous (omnidirectional) irrigation pattern compared to conventional irrigation. The study highlights the importance of effective disinfection strategies in endodontics, emphasizing the need for further research on the depth of effective disinfection of endodontic disinfection measures and the optimization of disinfection protocols. Full article

The growth of microalgae poses a significant threat to the preservation of stone heritage, particularly in ornamental fountains and water-related architecture. Traditional chemical cleaning methods, such as quaternary ammonium compounds and chlorine-based solutions, are often ineffective and can be harmful to both the environment and cultural properties. In response, biocleaning, which involves the use of live microorganisms and is part of biorestoration, is gaining prominence in cultural heritage conservation, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional methods. The use of microorganisms antagonistic to microalgae growth has been extensively studied in environmental biotechnology to eliminate harmful algae, though its application in heritage conservation remains limited. This review summarizes current knowledge on bacteria capable of inhibiting microalgae growth, discussing their mechanisms, effectiveness, and potential applications, alongside the environmental and economic benefits and challenges of these methods. By collating and critically assessing available information, this paper aims to serve as a comprehensive resource for conservators, restorers, and researchers interested in innovative and sustainable approaches to combat biodeterioration in stone heritage, thereby fostering the development of effective and environmentally sustainable treatments for such culturally significant properties. Full article

The problems of food waste and packaging waste production currently force us to search for new solutions that are safe for people and the environment. Applying edible coatings directly onto food offers a sustainable method of maintaining shrimp freshness, eliminating the need for artificial preservatives and avoiding the high energy demands of conventional chemical or physical preservation techniques. In this study, starch materials modified with natural extracts from plants with proven health-promoting and antibacterial properties—rooibos and garlic—were obtained and tested. The structure, hydrophilicity, water vapor permeability, and thermal and mechanical properties of the obtained starch films were determined. The study further revealed that Escherichia coli was absent in all shrimp samples coated with starch-based films following seven days of refrigerated storage, in contrast to uncoated samples. For Staphylococcus aureus, coatings with rooibos extract resulted in a significant reduction in bacterial counts. Coatings with garlic extract showed a marginally reduced antibacterial effect. The effect of the coatings on the overall numbers of lactic acid bacteria and aerobic mesophilic bacteria was evaluated as well. Coatings enriched with rooibos were more effective in the early days of storage, while garlic-based coatings exhibited a less intense but more enduring antimicrobial effect. Full article

Background: The escalating global crisis of antibiotic resistance necessitates the discovery of novel antimicrobial agents. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising alternative to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Because traditional AMP discovery is labour-intensive and costly, machine learning (ML) is applied to identify AMPs effective against MDR bacteria and skin infections. Methods: The ML-based CalcAMP model predicts the antimicrobial activity of 16,384 unique 14-amino-acid peptide sequences, resulting in a novel Guided Designed Smart antimicrobial Therapeutic (GDST) peptide catalogue. Parent sequences and retro-inverso (RI) variants of two prime GDST peptides undergo extensive testing against MDR bacteria and in skin infection models. Results: GDST-038 and GDST-045, along with their RI variants, show potent antimicrobial activity against Acinetobacter baumannii and Staphylococcus aureus, rapidly depolarizing the cytoplasmic membrane, exhibiting broad-spectrum bactericidal effects against ESKAPE pathogens, and causing minimal haemolysis. RI variants display superior A. baumannii biofilm killing compared to parent sequences, while all GDST peptides achieve >3-log reductions in S. aureus biofilm CFU within 24 h. Potent efficacy is observed in a 3D human skin epidermal infection model, with elimination of S. aureus at ≥15 μM. No resistance develops after 22 passages. Conclusions: ML-driven screening enables rapid identification of two novel candidate AMPs, highlighting the therapeutic potential of GDST peptides for MDR bacterial infections. Full article

The viable bacterial count is a crucial quality indicator for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) starters and fermented foods. Metabolic activity is an integral component of stress tolerance pathways. Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus exhibits enhanced heat and oxidative stress tolerance in tryptone-free media. To investigate the stress tolerance mechanisms from a metabolic perspective, the heat and oxidative stress tolerance and transcriptomic changes in L. rhamnosus hsryfm 1301 and its ccpA deficient strain (ΔccpA) were analyzed under different nitrogen source conditions. Slower growth, decreased heat stress tolerance, and enhanced oxidative stress tolerance were observed in ΔccpA in MRS. Compared to the wild-type strain, 260 genes were upregulated and 55 genes were downregulated in ΔccpA, mainly including carbon source transport and metabolism genes, but no typical stress tolerance genes. The regulation of pfk, pyk, dnaK, and groEL was different from that in other lactic acid bacteria. The pathways related to acetate production were regulated solely by ccpA deletion, while dnaK, groEL, and de novo pyrimidine synthesis genes were only regulated by tryptone. Fatty acid and purine synthesis genes and glmS were co-regulated by ccpA and tryptone. The deletion of ccpA eliminated the nitrogen source-induced oxidative stress tolerance changes. It was found that ccpA in L. rhamnosus can affect both carbon and nitrogen source metabolism, altering stress tolerance. Full article

Polygala tenuifolia Willd., a widely used traditional Chinese medicine, has the function of coordinating heart and kidney and eliminating swelling. However, its renal-protective efficacy and possible material basis remain unknown. The aim of the study was to investigate the renal-protective effect of Polygala tenuifolia Willd. and identify the potential active substance and molecular mechanism. A gentamicin-induced kidney injury model was established to investigate efficacy. Secondly, potential active substances and molecular mechanisms were studied through integrated gut microbiota–drug interaction analysis and network pharmacology at a cellular level. Finally, 16S rRNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were used to elucidate the gut microbiota composition and metabolic profile change. Polygala tenuifolia Willd. extracts (PWE), with tenuifoliside A (TFSA) as the key compound, significantly reversed gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury in mice. The gut microbiota-derived carboxylesterase metabolized TFSA into four characteristic metabolites (M1–M4). Notably, both TFSA and M4 were detected in kidney and exerted protective effects via inhibiting TLR4–NF-κB pathway. Furthermore, metabolic pathways and gut microbiota composition change were identified. PWE treatment significantly increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Blautia, while reducing the abundance of harmful bacteria such as Oscillospira. Subsequently, PWE can reverse amino acid metabolic abnormalities by regulating the biosynthesis of phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan and ameliorating tryptophan metabolism disorder. This study was the first to verify the renal-protective effect of PWE and identify the effective substance basis (TFSA) and the molecular mechanism, providing a scientific foundation for the development of kidney drug treatment strategies targeting the intestinal flora. Full article