Search Results (1,377)

Background: Prebiotics are selectively used by host microorganisms to promote health. Because effective prebiotic doses (1.5–30 g/day) often require inconvenient delivery formats, this study aims to explore whether capsule-compatible doses of galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) can effectively modulate the gut microbiome. Methods: The impact of Bimuno^® GOS (Reading, UK) at 0.5, 0.75, 1.83, and 3.65 g on the adult gut microbiome was assessed using the ex vivo SIFR^® technology (n = 8), a clinically validated, bioreactor-based technology. Results: The GOS were rapidly fermented and significantly increased beneficial Bifidobacterium species (B. adolescentis, B. bifidum, and B. longum), even at the lowest tested dose. In doing so, GOS strongly promoted SCFA production, particularly acetate (significant from 0.5 g) and butyrate (significant from 0.75 g). Gas production only mildly increased, likely as Bifidobacterium species do not produce gases. Based on the ability of the SIFR^® technology to cultivate strictly anaerobic, hard-to-culture gut microbes, unlike in past in vitro studies, we elucidated that GOS also enriched specific Lachnospiraceae species. Besides Anaerobutyricum hallii, this included Bariatricus comes, Blautia species (B. massiliensis, Blautia_A, B. faecis), Oliverpabstia intestinalis, Mediterraneibacter faecis, and Fusicatenibacter species. Finally, GOS also promoted propionate (significant from 0.75 g), linked to increases in Phocaeicola vulgatus. Conclusions: GOS displayed prebiotic potential at capsule-compatible doses, offering greater flexibility in nutritional product formulation and consumer convenience. Notably, the strong response at the lowest dose suggests effective microbiome modulation at lower levels than previously expected. Full article

Heavy metal pollution represents a pervasive environmental challenge that significantly exacerbates the ever-increasing crisis of antimicrobial resistance and the capacity of microorganisms to endure and proliferate despite antibiotic interventions. This review examines the intricate relationship between heavy metals and AMR, with an emphasis on the underlying molecular mechanisms and ecological ramifications. Common environmental metals, including arsenic, mercury, cadmium, and lead, exert substantial selective pressures on microbial communities. These induce oxidative stress and DNA damage, potentially leading to mutations that enhance antibiotic resistance. Key microbial responses include the overexpression of efflux pumps that expel both metals and antibiotics, production of detoxifying enzymes, and formation of protective biofilms, all of which contribute to the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains. In the soil environment, particularly the rhizosphere, heavy metals disrupt plant–microbe interactions by inhibiting beneficial organisms, such as rhizobacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and actinomycetes, thereby impairing nutrient cycling and plant health. Nonetheless, certain microbial consortia can tolerate and detoxify heavy metals through sequestration and biotransformation, rendering them valuable for bioremediation. Advances in biotechnology, including gene editing and the development of engineered metal-resistant microbes, offer promising solutions for mitigating the spread of metal-driven AMR and restoring ecological balance. By understanding the interplay between metal pollution and microbial resistance, we can more effectively devise strategies for environmental protection and public health. Full article

The oral–gut microbiota axis is a relatively new field of research. Although most studies have focused separately on the oral and gut microbiota, emerging evidence has highlighted that the two microbiota are interconnected and may influence each other through various mechanisms shaping systemic health. The aim of this review is therefore to provide an overview of the interactions between oral and gut microbiota, and the influence of diet and related metabolites on this axis. Pathogenic oral bacteria, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum, can migrate to the gut through the enteral route, particularly in individuals with weakened gastrointestinal defenses or conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease, contributing to disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Bile acids, altered by gut microbes, also play a significant role in modulating these microbiota interactions and inflammatory responses. Oral bacteria can also spread via the bloodstream, promoting systemic inflammation and worsening some conditions like cardiovascular disease. Translocation of microorganisms can also take place from the gut to the oral cavity through fecal–oral transmission, especially within poor sanitary conditions. Some metabolites including short-chain fatty acids, trimethylamine N-oxide, indole and its derivatives, bile acids, and lipopolysaccharides produced by both oral and gut microbes seem to play central roles in mediating oral–gut interactions. The complex interplay between oral and gut microbiota underscores their crucial role in maintaining systemic health and highlights the potential consequences of dysbiosis at both the oral and gastrointestinal level. Some dietary patterns and nutritional compounds including probiotics and prebiotics seem to exert beneficial effects both on oral and gut microbiota eubiosis. A better understanding of these microbial interactions could therefore pave the way for the prevention and management of systemic conditions, improving overall health outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Green tripe (GRET) is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients and contains various beneficial microorganisms, including lactobacillus, along with feed components consumed by ruminants. Methods: In this study, Latilactobacillus sakei and L. curvatus were isolated from GRET and evaluated for their potential as probiotics, focusing on their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to modulate inflammatory responses. Results: When heat-killed L. sakei or L. curvatus (10⁸ CFU/mL) and their metabolites (0.5 mg/mL) were applied to RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with LPS, nitric oxide (NO) production was reduced by approximately 10–35% and 2–11%, respectively. Furthermore, the expression levels of key anti-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-6, were suppressed by more than 5%. These effects were not due to cytotoxicity but instead due to genuine anti-inflammatory activity. In addition, both strains exhibited antioxidant activity, as demonstrated by their performance in ABTS and FRAP assays. Conclusions: These findings suggest that L. sakei and L. curvatus have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their potential as probiotics and prebiotics. Moreover, these newly isolated strains from GRET are expected to serve as valuable functional ingredients for developing health-promoting foods and dietary supplements. Full article

Ecological restoration in the cold and high-altitude mining areas of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau is faced with dual challenges of extreme environments and insufficient microbial adaptability. This study aimed to screen local microbial resources with both extreme environmental adaptability and plant-growth-promoting functions. Local fungi (DK; F18-3) and commercially available bacteria (B0) were used as materials to explore their regulatory mechanisms for plant growth, soil physicochemical factors, microbial communities, and metabolic profiles in the field. Compared to bacterial treatments, local fungi treatments exhibited stronger ecological restoration efficacy. In addition, the DK and F18-3 strains, respectively, increased shoot and root biomass by 23.43% and 195.58% and significantly enhanced soil nutrient content and enzyme activity. Microbiome analysis further implied that, compared with the CK, DK treatment could significantly improve the α-diversity of fungi in the rhizosphere soil (the Shannon index increased by 14.27%) and increased the amount of unique bacterial genera in the rhizosphere soil of plants, totaling fourteen genera. Meanwhile, this aggregated the most biomarkers and beneficial microorganisms and strengthened the interactions among beneficial microorganisms. After DK treatment, twenty of the positively accumulated differential metabolites (DMs) in the plant rhizosphere were highly positively associated with six plant traits such as shoot length and root length, as well as beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Apodus and Pseudogymnoascus), but two DMs were highly negatively related to plant pathogenic fungi (including Cistella and Alternaria). Specifically, DK mainly inhibited the growth of pathogenic fungi through regulating the accumulation of D-(+)-Malic acid and Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (Cistella and Alternaria decreased by 84.20% and 58.53%, respectively). In contrast, the F18-3 strain mainly exerted its antibacterial effect by enriching Acidovorax genus microorganisms. This study verified the core role of local fungi in the restoration of mining areas in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and provided a new direction for the development of microbial agents for ecological restoration in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. Full article

Allergy is recognized as a public health problem with pandemic consequences and is estimated to affect more than 50% of Europeans in 2025. Prebiotic and probiotic food implementation has recently emerged as an alternative strategy to promote immunomodulatory beneficial effects in allergic patients. Among prebiotics, Phaeophyceae algae represent a niche of research with enormous possibilities. The present study aims to evaluate the in vitro prebiotic potential of fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus, Macrocystis pyrifera, and Undaria pinnatifida algae, to promote the growth of Limosilactobacillus reuteri and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG as probiotic bacteria added to the formulation of a novel yogurt. Concentrations of fucoidan of 100 and 2000 µg/mL were added to reference growth media and kinetic growth curves for both microorganisms were fitted to the Gompertz equation. Optimized prebiotic conditions for fucoidan were selected to validate in vitro results by means of the formulation of a novel fermented prebiotic yogurt. Conventional yogurts (including Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subs. bulgaricus) were formulated with the different fucoidans, and production batches were prepared for L. rhamnosus and L. reuteri. Increased L. reuteri and L. rhamnosus populations in 1.7–2.2 log₁₀ cycles just after 48 h of in vitro exposure were detected in fucoidan supplemented yogurt. M. pyrifera and U. pinnatifida fucoidans were the most effective ones (500 µg/mL) promoting probiotic growth in new formulated yogurts (during the complete shelf life of products, 28 days). Diet supplementation with fucoidan can be proposed as a strategy to modulate beneficial microbiota against allergy. Full article

Managing soil-borne pathogens and diseases in plants is particularly challenging because the pathogens that cause them can persist in the soil for extended periods, often resulting in repeated crop damage in affected areas. These destructive diseases compromise plant health by weakening the root systems, which makes the plants more susceptible to environmental stress and nutritional deficiencies. Every year in the United States, a whopping $9.6 million is allocated to reverse the harmful effects of pesticides on humans, plants, animals, and the environment. On the contrary, disease-suppressive soils offer an effective strategy for controlling pathogens while ensuring the least contamination of the environment. These soils can be managed by both conventional and advanced methods, such as reduced tillage, crop rotation, organic amendments, nanoparticles, omics approaches, and biofumigation. However, these soils can be local in nature, and their properties might be disrupted by common agricultural practices like tillage and agro-chemical application. This review synthesizes the concepts and mechanisms of disease suppression in soils and explores the ways that can be improved through the management of soil health for enhanced plant health and yield. Full article

Biological control employs beneficial microorganisms to suppress phytopathogens and mitigate the incidence of associated plant diseases. This study investigated the in vitro development and survival of Trichoderma spp. isolates derived from commercial formulations under different temperatures, pH levels, and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentrations and with synthetic fungicides with distinct modes of action. Three isolates were analyzed: URM-5911 and TRA-0048 (T. asperellum) and TRL-0102 (T. longibrachiatum). The results revealed substantial variability among the isolates, with the optimal mycelial growth temperatures ranging from 24.56 to 29.42 °C. All the isolates exhibited broad tolerance to the tested pH (5–9) and salinity levels (250–1000 mM), with TRL-0102 demonstrating the highest salt resistance. The fungicide treatments negatively affected mycelial growth across all the isolates, with Azoxystrobin + Difenoconazole and Boscalid causing growth reductions of up to 50%. Notably, Boscalid enhanced conidial production more compared to the control (126.0% for URM-5911, 13.7% for TRA-0048, and 148.5% for TRL-0102) and decreased the percentage of inactive conidia to less than 10% in all the isolates. These results provide strategic information for the application of Trichoderma spp. in agricultural systems, supporting the selection of more adapted and suitable isolates for integrated disease management programs. Full article

The long-term monocropping of red kidney beans in agricultural fields can lead to the occurrence of soil-borne diseases. Alterations in the composition of the soil microbial community are a primary cause of soil-borne diseases and a key factor in continuous cropping obstacles. Research exploring how different cultivation modes can modify the diversity and composition of the rhizosphere microbial community in red kidney beans, and thus mitigate the effects of continuous cropping obstacles, is ongoing. This study employed three cultivation modes: the continuous monocropping of red kidney beans, continuous monocropping of soybeans, and red kidney bean–soybean intercropping. To elucidate the composition and diversity of rhizosphere microbial communities, we conducted amplicon sequencing targeting the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the ITS1 region of fungal ribosomal DNA across distinct growth stages. The obtained sequencing data provide a robust basis for estimating soil microbial diversity. We observed that, under the intercropping mode, the composition of both bacteria and fungi more closely resembled that of soybean monocropping. The monocropping of red kidney beans increased the richness of rhizosphere bacteria and fungi and promoted the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms. In contrast, intercropping cultivation and soybean monocropping favored the accumulation of beneficial bacteria such as Bacillus and Streptomyce, reduced pathogenic fungi including Alternaria and Mortierell, and exhibited less microbial variation across different growth stages. Compared to the monocropping of red kidney beans, these systems demonstrated more stable microbial structure and composition. The findings of this study will inform sustainable agricultural practices and soil management strategies. Full article

Background: The gut health of livestock and poultry is of utmost importance as it significantly impacts their growth performance, disease resistance, and product quality. With the increasing restrictions on antibiotic use in animal husbandry, probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics (PPSP) have emerged as promising alternatives. This review comprehensively summarizes the roles of PPSP in promoting gut health in livestock and poultry. Results: Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Saccharomyces, modulate the gut microbiota, enhance the gut barrier, and regulate the immune system. Prebiotics, including fructooligosaccharides, isomalto-oligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, and inulin, selectively stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria and produce short-chain fatty acids, thereby improving gut health. Synbiotics, combinations of probiotics and prebiotics, have shown enhanced effects in improving gut microbiota and animal performance. Postbiotics, consisting of inanimate microorganisms and their constituents, restore the gut microbiota balance and have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Additionally, the review looks ahead to the future development of PPSP, emphasizing the importance of encapsulation technology and personalized strategies to maximize their efficacy. Conclusions: Our aim is to provide scientific insights for PPSP to improve the gut health of livestock and poultry. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial rhizosphere microorganisms for plants. They can promote plant absorption of nutrients, inhibit pathogenic microorganisms, enhance plant tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses, and improve plant growth. Isolating new beneficial microbes and elucidating their promoting mechanisms can facilitate the development of microbial fertilizers. This study combined transcriptome sequencing and related experiments to analyze the mechanism by which the endophytic fungus ‘BF-F’ promotes the growth of Sesuvium portulacastrum. We inoculated the ‘BF-F’ fungus beside S. portulacastrum seedlings as the experimental group. Meanwhile, S. portulacastrum seedlings not inoculated with ‘BF-F’ were set as the control group. After inoculation for 0 d, 7 d, 14 d, 21 d, and 28 d, the plant height and the number of roots were measured. Furthermore, transcriptome sequencing on the roots and leaves of the S. portulacastrum was conducted. Differentially expressed genes were screened, and KEGG enrichment analysis was performed. Nitrogen metabolism-related genes were selected, and qRT-PCR was conducted on these genes. Furthermore, we analyzed the metabolomics of ‘BF-F’ and its hormone products. The results showed that inoculation of ‘BF-F’ significantly promoted the growth of S. portulacastrum. After ‘BF-F’ inoculation, a large number of genes in S. portulacastrum were differentially expressed. The KEGG pathway enrichment results indicated that the ‘BF-F’ treatment affected multiple metabolic pathways in S. portulacastrum, including hormone signal transduction and nitrogen metabolism. The auxin signaling pathway was enhanced because of a decrease in AUX expression and an increase in ARF expression. Contrary to the auxin signal transduction pathway, the zeatin (ZT) signaling pathway was suppressed after the ‘BF-F’ treatment. ‘BF-F’ increased the expression of genes related to nitrogen metabolism (NRT, AMT, NR, and GAGOT), thereby promoting the nitrogen content in S. portulacastrum. The metabolites of ‘BF-F’ were analyzed, and we found that ‘BF-F’ can synthesize IAA and ZT, which are important for plant growth. Overall, ‘BF-F’ can produce IAA and enhance the nitrogen use efficiency of plants, which could have the potential to be used for developing a microbial fertilizer. Full article

Apple pomace, a by-product from the production of concentrated juice, is a major contributor to global food waste. Despite its beneficial nutritional profile, apple pomace is predominantly disposed of in landfills. Rapid fermentation and spoilage caused by microorganisms are compounding factors in this demise, despite significant research into upcycling strategies. Thus, there is an unmet need for economical approaches that allow for the preservation of pomace during storage and transportation to centralized processing facilities from regional hubs. To address this challenge, we investigated the potential of different preservatives for preventing microbial growth and the spoilage of apple pomace, including antimicrobials (natamycin and iodine), polysaccharides (chitosan and fucoidan), and acetic acid. Spread plates for total microbial and fungal counts were employed to assess the effectiveness of the treatments. High concentrations (10,000 ppm) of chitosan were effective at reducing the microbial load and inhibiting growth, and in combination with antimicrobials, eliminated all microbes below detectable levels. Nevertheless, acetic acid at an equivalent concentration to commercial vinegar displayed the highest economic potential. Apple pomace submerged in 0.8 M acetic acid (3 kg pomace per liter) resulted in a five-log reduction in the microbial colony-forming units (CFUs) out to 14 days and prevented fermentation and ethanol production. These results provide a foundation for the short-term storage and preservation of apple pomace that could contribute to its upcycling. Full article

Vanillin is a compound of great utility, and its production is, among others, based on using microorganisms such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast. The effect of vanillin on cells is not fully understood. It has been demonstrated that vanillin induces oxidative stress; however, evidence also suggests its beneficial effects, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. For this reason, the present study was designed to elucidate the mechanism of vanillin’s action and to ascertain the extent to which its toxic effect is attributable to oxidative stress. The studies were conducted using wild-type and Δsod1 mutant strains. SOD1 deficiency results in cell hypersensitivity to oxidative factors, thus making the mutant strain a valuable model for investigating various aspects of oxidative stress. Based on an evaluation of cell vitality, Yap1p activation, ROS content, and glutathione and NADP(H) content, it can be concluded that oxidative stress is a secondary effect of metabolic and redox perturbations in cells rather than a direct consequence of vanillin reactivity. Furthermore, alterations observed in the redox couples GSH/GSSG and NADPH/NADP⁺ are one of the reasons for oxidative stress and suggest that vanillin may induce the utilization of NADPH for cellular needs other than antioxidant effects. Full article

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are beneficial soil microorganisms that enhance plant growth and stress tolerance through various mechanisms, including phytohormone production, EPS production, phosphate solubilization, and extracellular enzyme production. These bacteria establish endosymbiotic relationships with plants, improving nutrient availability and overall crop productivity. Despite extensive research on PGPR isolation, their practical application in agricultural fields has faced challenges due to environmental stresses and limited survival during storage. To address these limitations, the present study aimed to isolate salt-tolerant bacterial strains and formulate them with organic carriers to enhance their stability and effectiveness under saline conditions. The isolated bacterial strains exhibited high salt tolerance, surviving NaCl concentrations of up to 850 millimolar. These strains demonstrated basic key plant growth-promoting traits, including phosphate solubilization, auxin production, and nitrogen fixation. The application of carrier-based formulations with both strains, Bacillus wiedmannii (RR2) and Bacillus paramobilis (RR3), improved physiological and biochemical parameters in wheat plants subjected to salinity stress. The treated plants, when subjected to salinity stress, showed notable increases in chlorophyll a (73.3% by Peat + RR3), chlorophyll b (41.1% by Compost + RR3), carotenoids (51.1% by Peat + RR3), relative water content (77.7% by Compost + RR2), proline (75.8% by compost + RR3), and total sugar content (12.4% by peat + RR2), as compared to the stressed control. Plant yield parameters such as stem length (35.1% by Peat + RR3), spike length (22.5% by Peat + RR2), number of spikes (67.6% by Peat + RR3), and grain weight (39.8% by Peat + RR3) were also enhanced and compared to the stressed control. These results demonstrate the potential of the selected salt-tolerant PGPR strains (ST-strains) to mitigate salinity stress and improve wheat yield under natural field conditions. The study highlights the significance of carrier-based PGPR applications as an effective and sustainable approach for enhancing crop productivity in saline-affected soils. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children with an oral presence of Candida spp. have an elevated prevalence of dental caries. As an alternative to conventional antifungal drugs, the use of biofilm-modulating strategies, such as probiotic bacteria, may be a sustainable option. Probiotics are live microorganisms that have beneficial health effects, while prebiotics are compounds in food that foster the growth or activity of the beneficial microorganisms. The aim of this paper was to review current clinical findings regarding the antifungal effects of pre- and probiotic supplements, including syn- and postbiotics, in children. Methods: We searched two databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) for controlled clinical trials published in English up to 20 April 2025, and two authors scanned the abstracts independently for relevance. The selected full-text papers were reviewed and assessed for risk of bias. Results: Four articles published between 2013 and 2025 were included in this review, covering a total number of 208 caries-active children between 3 and 14 years of age. Study designs were heterogeneous, and we observed conflicting results: two studies with probiotic streptococci failed to demonstrate any beneficial effects on the counts of salivary C. albicans, while interventions with L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus significantly reduced C. albicans compared with controls. None of the included reports displayed a low risk of bias. No clinical studies utilizing prebiotics, synbiotics, or postbiotics were retrieved. Conclusions: We found insufficient evidence concerning the antifungal effects of probiotic supplements in children. Therefore, we recommend future clinical trials to explore the ability of pre-, pro-, and postbiotic interventions to affect cross-kingdom biofilms in order to support a balanced and health-associated composition of the dental biofilm in children. Full article