Search Results (444)

Microbial fermentation stands as the foundational technology in modern biorefineries, yet its industrial scalability is critically constrained by product inhibition, prohibitive downstream separation costs, and substrate inhibition. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) offer a tunable material platform to address these challenges through rational design of pore size, shape, and chemical functionality. This review systematically chronicles the evolution of MOF applications in biomass fermentation across four generations, demonstrating a synergistic mapping where the core fermentation challenges—product toxicity, substrate toxicity, and separation energy intensity—align with the inherent MOF advantages of high adsorption capacity, programmable selectivity, and tunable functionality. The applications progress from first-generation passive adsorbents for in situ product removal, to second-generation protective agents for mitigating inhibitors, and third-generation immobilization scaffolds enabling continuous processing. The fourth-generation systems transcend passive scaffolding to position MOFs as active metabolic partners in microbe-MOF hybrids, driving cofactor regeneration and tandem biocatalysis. By synthesizing diverse research streams, ranging from defect engineering to artificial symbiosis, including defect engineering strategies, this review establishes critical design principles for the rational integration of programmable materials in next-generation biorefineries. Full article

The rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complex fac-[Re(CO)₃(5,6-epoxy-5,6-dihydro-1,10-phenanthroline)Br] (ReL) has previously demonstrated promising luminescent properties, enabling its direct application as a probe for walled cells such as Candida albicans and Salmonella enterica. In this new study, we present a significantly expanded and comprehensive characterization of ReL, incorporating a wide range of experimental and computational techniques not previously reported. These include variable-temperature ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, CH-COSY, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT calculations, Fukui functions, non-covalent interaction (NCI) indices, and electrochemical profiling. Structural analysis confirmed a pseudo-octahedral geometry with the bromide ligand positioned cis to the epoxy group. NMR data revealed the coexistence of cis and trans isomers in solution, with the trans form being slightly more stable. DFT calculations and aromaticity descriptors indicated minimal electronic differences between isomers, supporting their unified treatment in subsequent analyses. Electrochemical studies revealed two oxidation and two reduction events, consistent with ECE and EEC mechanisms, including a Re(I) → Re(0) transition at −1.50 V vs. SCE. Theoretical redox potentials showed strong agreement with experimental data. Biological assays revealed a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells, contrasting with previously reported low toxicity in microbial systems. These findings, combined with ReL’s luminescent and antimicrobial properties, underscore its multifunctional nature and highlight its potential as a bioactive and imaging agent for advanced therapeutic and microbiological applications. Full article

The green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) by bacteria is a strategic route for sustainable nanobiotechnology; however, the genomic and biochemical mechanisms that make it possible remain poorly defined. In this study, bacteria native to silver-bearing mine tailings in Taxco (Mexico) were isolated, capable of tolerating up to 5 mM of AgNO₃ and producing extracellular AgNPs. Spectroscopic (430–450 nm) and structural (XRD, fcc cubic phase) characterization confirmed the formation of AgNPs with average sizes of 17–21 nm. FTIR evidence showed the participation of extracellular proteins and polysaccharides as reducing and stabilizing agents. Genomic analyses assigned the isolates as Lysinibacillus fusiformis 31HCl and L. xylanilyticus G1-3. Genome mining revealed extensive repertoires of genes involved in uptake, transport, efflux and detoxification of metals, including P-type ATPases, RND/ABC/CDF transporters, Fe/Ni/Zn uptake systems, and metal response regulators. Notably, homologues of the silP gene, which encode Ag⁺ translocator ATPases, were identified, suggesting convergent adaptation to silver-rich environments. Likewise, multiple nitroreductases (YodC, YdjA, YfKO) were detected, candidates for mediating electron transfer from NAD(P)H to Ag⁺. These findings support the role of Lysinibacillus as microbial nanofactories equipped with specialized molecular determinants for silver tolerance and AgNP assembly, providing a functional framework for microorganism-based nanobiotechnology applications. Full article

The microbiota–gut–organ axis is widely recognized as a pivotal mediator of systemic health, primarily through gut-derived immune, metabolic, and inflammatory signaling. Fucoidans, a class of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharides predominantly composed of L-fucose and exclusively found in brown seaweeds, have been demonstrated to modulate gut microbiota composition and function, resulting in the enrichment of beneficial bacteria and the suppression of harmful species. They enhance the production of beneficial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids and specific bile acids, while suppressing harmful metabolites, including lipopolysaccharide, thereby ameliorating organ damage via key mechanisms such as the mitigation of oxidative stress and inhibition of inflammatory responses. Furthermore, fucoidan supplementation was found to restore intestinal barrier integrity. Using disease models including Parkinson’s disease, alcoholic liver disease, diabetic kidney disease, and obesity, the mechanisms through which fucoidans ameliorate extraintestinal diseases via the microbiota–gut–organ axis were elucidated. Microbiota-dependent mechanisms have been confirmed via experimental approaches such as fecal microbiota transplantation and specific bacterial strain supplementation. Fucoidans represent promising prebiotic agents for the restoration of microbial ecology and the treatment of extraintestinal diseases, highlighting the need for further clinical investigation. Full article

Siderophores are low-molecular-weight chelating agents secreted by microorganisms under iron-limiting conditions, playing a crucial role in metal bioavailability and microbial survival. In this study, siderophores produced by Glutamicibacter sp. strain Al-Teq-24-F2, isolated from plant-associated samples, were characterized through a combination of spectroscopic and analytical methods. ESI-MS analysis of the crude extract revealed several abundant ions between 175 and 800 m/z, suggesting a mixture of secondary metabolites. After chromatographic purification, FT-IR and NMR analyses indicated the presence of amide, hydroxyl, and carboxylate functional groups. Integrating these data allowed for the proposal of a siderophore structure with a molecular weight of 438.25 Da. Thermogravimetric analysis showed thermal stability below 115 °C. During Fe (III) complexation, the zeta potential shifted from −21.15 mV to +42 mV, confirming strong interaction between the ligand and the metal. UV–Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy displayed characteristic bathochromic and hypochromic shifts, together with pronounced fluorescence quenching upon iron binding. These findings provide new insight into the structural and physicochemical properties of siderophores produced by Glutamicibacter sp. and highlight their potential applications in biosensing and metal chelation processes. Full article

Seed coating, which involves the application of materials such as nutrients, growth regulators, and protective agents, can significantly enhance seed germination. This review introduces and assesses a paradigm shift in seed technology: the conceptualization of seed coatings as engineered biofilm micro-habitats. This approach moves beyond mere physical protection and chemical delivery by utilizing the coating matrix to host beneficial microbial consortia that form functional biofilms, thereby creating the potential for a dynamic, living interface at the seed–root junction. Furthermore, guided by perspectives from chemistry biology, we synthesize design principles for these micro-habitats at a systems level. Within this framework, we demonstrate their potential to enhance crop growth, stress resilience, and pathogen suppression. By framing seed coating as a dynamic microbial environment, this review aims to guide future research and development toward ecology-driven seed enhancement strategies. Full article

Peptidoglycan (PG) is a polymer that makes up the cell wall of most bacteria. In this study, the peptidoglycan of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 was extracted, and its prebiotic function as well as its effects on intestinal health and inflammation reduction in a colitis murine model were investigated. PG was extracted from L. casei ATCC 393 using the ultrasonic-assisted enzymatic method. A structural characterization and assessment of its antioxidant capacity were subsequently performed to evaluate its functional properties. In a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis model, dietary supplementation with PG (100 mg/kg) demonstrated significant protective effects. Specifically, the PG intervention group exhibited reduced inflammatory symptoms, improved disease activity indices, suppressed weight loss, and colon shortening compared to the DSS-induced group. Intestinal barrier injury was reversed and the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was increased. These clinical improvements were accompanied by decreased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β). These findings revealed that PG modulated gut microbial ecology by enhancing bacterial diversity and promoting the enrichment of beneficial taxa, particularly the Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus species. Additionally, PG intervention increased fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, especially the concentration of propionic acid and butyric acid, which increased by 13% and 42%, respectively, compared to the DSS-induced group, suggesting enhanced microbial metabolic activity. Furthermore, these findings emphasize the potential of peptidoglycan as a functional component for preventing colitis through microbial-mediated pathways. This study underscores the prebiotic promise of peptidoglycan in the development of interventions targeting intestinal inflammation and supports its further exploration as a functional agent for promoting human health. Full article

Background: Hearing loss (HL) affects more than 1.5 billion people worldwide and represents a major global health concern. Recent evidence suggests that alterations in gut microbial composition and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) may be linked to inflammatory and metabolic pathways that could influence auditory physiology. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the relationship between auditory function and the antimicrobial resistance in the gut microbiome of young adults. Methods: Fecal and auditory data were collected from young adults. Auditory function was assessed through pure-tone audiometry, and participants were classified according to the presence or absence of HL based on the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) criteria. Bacterial resistance was analyzed under aerobic and anaerobic conditions using disk diffusion and E-test methods to determine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for a panel of antibiotics. Gut microbiota composition was further characterized using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to quantify 15 key microbial taxa. Results: Overall, 40.9% of participants presented some degree of HL, with mild or slight HL being more frequent in women (53.3%) than in men (14.3%). Participants with HL exhibited significantly higher MICs for nalidixic acid, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin, as well as trends toward increased MIC variability for several other agents. Principal component analysis demonstrated distinct clustering of individuals without HL and greater dispersion among those with HL, suggesting higher interindividual variability in resistance profiles. These findings suggest potential associations between antimicrobial resistance and auditory function, possibly mediated through gut microbiome alterations. qPCR analyses demonstrated that Faecalibacterium prausnitzii abundance was significantly higher in individuals with HL and in those exhibiting greater resistance to amoxicillin. Conclusions: These findings provide preliminary evidence connecting the gut resistome with auditory function, supporting the emerging concept of a gut–ear–brain axis and underscoring the need for further research into microbiome-related mechanisms underlying HL. Full article

Background/Objectives: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver condition closely associated with gut microbial dysbiosis and hepatic metabolic abnormalities. Poria cocos polysaccharide (PCP), a bioactive component derived from the medicinal fungus Poria cocos, possesses hepatoprotective properties, yet the therapeutic mechanisms of PCP in NASH, particularly those involving microbial and metabolic regulation, remain incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of PCP on improving NASH and explore its mechanisms related to prebiotic activity. Methods: Mice were induced to develop NASH using a Western diet, followed by PCP intervention for 12 weeks. Hepatic function, including liver enzymes and lipids, glucose metabolism, and liver histopathological changes, was assessed. Fatigue and neurobehavioral alterations were evaluated via rotarod, open field, and tail suspension tests. Hepatic pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured using RT-qPCR. Gut microbiota were analyzed through 16S RNA gene sequencing, and metabolites of liver tissue were analyzed through untargeted metabolomics. Results: PCP decreased blood glucose and hepatic lipid levels in NASH mice, alleviating liver inflammation, ballooning degeneration, and fibrosis. It also improved fatigue-like performance on rotarod test and reduced the hepatic expression of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-18. Microbiota analysis revealed that PCP restored gut microbial diversity, promoted the growth of beneficial taxa such as Alistipes and Butyricoccaceae_UCG-009, and inhibited harmful bacteria, including Romboutsia ilealis. Liver metabolomics showed that PCP normalized key metabolites like taurocholate and regulated taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, which were correlated with reduced inflammation, fatigue-like performance, and fibrosis. Conclusions: PCP, as a promising edible agent, alleviates hepatic damage, metabolic disorders, and fatigue-like performance on rotarod test in NASH mice, probably by reshaping gut microbiota and modulating hepatic taurine and hypotaurine metabolism. Full article

The growing demand for sustainable food packaging has driven the development of active packaging systems using biopolymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and natural antimicrobials. This study focuses on creating novel nanohybrids by loading carvacrol (CV) and trans-cinnamaldehyde (tCN) onto ZnO nanorods for incorporation into PLA/triethyl citrate (TEC) films. The CV@ZnO and tCN@ZnO nanohybrids were synthesized and characterized using XRD, FTIR, desorption kinetics, and by assessing their antioxidant and antibacterial properties. These nanohybrids were then integrated into PLA/TEC films via extrusion. The resulting active films were evaluated for their physicochemical, mechanical, barrier, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. The tCN@ZnO nanohybrid exhibited a stronger interaction with the ZnO surface and a slower release rate compared to CV@ZnO. While this strong interaction limited its direct antioxidant activity, it proved highly beneficial for the final film’s performance. Films containing 10% tCN@ZnO demonstrated the strongest antibacterial efficacy in vitro against Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli and functioned as potent mechanical reinforcement fillers. Crucially, in a practical application, the PLA/TEC/10tCN@ZnO film significantly extended the shelf-life of fresh minced pork during 6 days of refrigerated storage. It effectively suppressed microbial growth (TVC), delayed lipid oxidation (lower TBARS values), and preserved the meat’s colour and nutritional quality (higher heme iron content) compared to control packaging. The developed tCN@ZnO nanohybrid is confirmed to be a highly effective active agent for creating PLA/TEC-based packaging that can enhance the preservation of perishable foods. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sepsis-associated liver injury (SALI) is a critical and often early complication of sepsis, defined by distinct hyper-inflammatory and immunosuppressive phases that shape patient phenotypes. Methods: Characterizing these phases establishes a foundation for immunomodulation strategies tailored to individual immune responses, as discussed subsequently. Results: The initial inflammatory response activates pathways such as NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to a cytokine storm that damages hepatocytes and is frequently associated with higher SOFA scores and a higher risk of 28-day mortality. Kupffer cells and infiltrating neutrophils exacerbate hepatic injury by releasing proinflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species, thereby causing cellular damage and prolonging ICU stays. During the subsequent immunosuppressive phase, impaired infection control and tissue repair can result in recurrent hospital-acquired infections and a poorer prognosis. Concurrently, hepatocytes undergo significant metabolic disturbances, notably impaired fatty acid oxidation due to downregulation of transcription factors such as PPARα and HNF4α. This metabolic alteration corresponds with worsening liver function tests, which may reflect the severity of liver failure in clinical practice. Mitochondrial dysfunction, driven by oxidative stress and defective autophagic quality control, impairs cellular energy production and induces hepatocyte death, which is closely linked to declining liver function and increased mortality. The gut-liver axis plays a central role in SALI pathogenesis, as sepsis-induced gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability allow bacterial products, including lipopolysaccharides, to enter the portal circulation and further inflame the liver. This process is associated with sepsis-related liver failure and greater reliance on vasopressor support. Protective microbial metabolites, such as indole-3-propionic acid (IPA), decrease significantly during sepsis, removing key anti-inflammatory signals and potentially prolonging recovery. Clinically, SALI most commonly presents as septic cholestasis with elevated bilirubin and mild transaminase changes, although conventional liver function tests are insufficiently sensitive for early detection. Novel biomarkers, including protein panels and non-coding RNAs, as well as dynamic liver function tests such as LiMAx (currently in phase II diagnostics) and ICG-PDR, offer promise for improved diagnosis and prognostication. Specifying the developmental stage of these biomarkers, such as identifying LiMAx as phase II, informs investment priorities and translational readiness. Current management is primarily supportive, emphasizing infection control and organ support. Investigational therapies include immunomodulation tailored to immune phenotypes, metabolic and mitochondrial-targeted agents such as pemafibrate and dichloroacetate, and interventions to restore gut microbiota balance, including probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation. However, translational challenges remain due to limitations of animal models and patient heterogeneity. Conclusion: Future research should focus on developing representative models, validating biomarkers, and conducting clinical trials to enable personalized therapies that modulate inflammation, restore metabolism, and repair the gut-liver axis, with the goal of improving outcomes in SALI. Full article

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent and heterogeneous functional gastrointestinal disorder with a complex and multifactorial pathophysiology. Traditional treatment approaches have focused on symptom relief, often overlooking the underlying biological mechanisms driving the disease. Τhis review summarizes the current evidence linking core pathophysiological pathways of IBS with mechanism- and diet- based therapeutic strategies to guide personalized treatment. Serotonergic signaling, microbial dysbiosis, immune activation, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and bile acid malabsorption interact to shape the diverse phenotypes of IBS, contributing to altered motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and gut-brain axis dysregulation. Increasing evidence supports that targeted dietary and biological interventions including low-FODMAP and Mediterranean low-FODMAP diets, targeted use of probiotics and psychobiotics, and vitamin D supplementation can modulate microbial composition, reduce luminal irritants, support barrier integrity, and attenuate immune system activation. Similarly, pharmacologic therapies including serotonergic receptor modulators, bile acid sequestrants and neuroimmune agents act on specific mechanistic pathways, reflecting a shift from symptom-based to mechanism-driven management. Collectively, these findings highlight that integrating dietary, microbial, neuroimmune, and serotonergic modulation within a unified therapeutic framework can support a more rational and individualized approach to IBS management and long term symptom control. Full article

Cowpea Fusarium wilt (CFW) is a soilborne fungal disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum (Fot), leading to substantial yield losses globally. This study evaluates the biocontrol potential of Bacillus velezensis HAB-2 and develops a microbial combination for effective disease management. B. velezensis HAB-2 suppressed F. oxysporum f. sp. tracheiphilum AIQBFO93 growth by 69.8% in vitro and exhibited multiple plant growth-promoting traits. Pot experiments demonstrated that HAB-2 alone achieved a 47.62% control rate against CFW. Furthermore, two compatible plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), Pseudomonas hunanensis HD33 and Enterobacter soli HD42, were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of cowpea previously treated with HAB-2. These two strains were combined with HAB-2 at different concentrations in 15 microbial combinations. The combined application of the three strains provided more consistent disease control, with the optimal combination demonstrating a 15.15% higher control rate than HAB-2 alone. Compared to the untreated control, this combination significantly increased cowpea fresh weight, leaf area, and plant height by 10.60%, 8.04%, and 7.81%, respectively, and upregulated the expression of defense-related genes, indicating enhanced resistance. These results confirm that B. velezensis HAB-2 is an effective biocontrol agent against wilt disease, and its synergistic application with functionally complementary PGPR strains provides a viable strategy for sustainable crop disease management. Full article

The secondary metabolite 2,4-diacetylphloroglucinol (2,4-DAPG), which is produced by Pseudomonas bacteria, is a potent antimicrobial agent with well-documented properties that suppress phytopathogens. However, its broader ecological impact on soil microbial communities is not understood. Through a combination of controlled microcosm and field trials, we have demonstrated that the effects of 2,4-DAPG are highly context-dependent. Laboratory exposure (10 mg kg⁻¹) altered the abundance of 8.53% of bacterial and 6.91% of fungal amplicon sequence variants, and simplified the bacterial co-occurrence networks (reduced number of nodes and links). In contrast, field conditions amplified bacterial sensitivity (the Shannon index decreased from 4.77 to 4.17, p < 0.05) but maintained fungal stability (Shannon index varied from 3.93 to 3.97, p > 0.05); these conditions affected a smaller proportion of fungal ASVs (4.23%). Taxonomic analysis revealed consistent suppression of fungi of the Mucoromycota (e.g., Mortierella) and context-dependent shifts in bacteria, with an enrichment of Bacillota (e.g., Bacillus, Paenibacillus) in the laboratory but not in the field. Enzymatic responses revealed a dose-dependent activation of the C-cycle, with up to 7.4-fold increases in the laboratory and up to a 10.5-fold increase in the field. P- and N- cycles showed more complex dynamics, with acid phosphatase activity increasing 3.8-fold in laboratory conditions and recovering from initial suppression to an increase of 144% in field conditions, while N-acetylglucosaminidase activity increased and L-leucine aminopeptidase decreased under laboratory conditions. Our results suggest that the response of microorganisms to 2,4-DAPG in natural soils is reduced, probably due to functional redundancy and pre-adaptation to abiotic stresses. This difference between laboratory and field studies warns against extrapolating data from controlled experiments to predict outcomes in agricultural ecosystems, and emphasizes the need for a context-specific evaluation of biocontrol agents. Full article

Bioactive peptides (BAPs) from dairy products have garnered increasing attention as natural agents with health-promoting properties, including antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, immunomodulatory, opioid, and antidiabetic activities. This systematic review synthesizes research published between 2014 and 2024, retrieved from Scopus and PubMed, and selected according to PRISMA guidelines. A total of 192 studies met the inclusion criteria, collectively reporting over 3200 distinct peptides, with antihypertensive sequences, predominantly angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, constituting the largest category (n = 1237). β-casein was the principal precursor across bioactivities, followed by αs1-casein, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin. Peptides were primarily produced via enzymatic hydrolysis, microbial fermentation, and gastrointestinal digestion, with peptide profiles influenced by the type of milk, microbial strains, and processing conditions. While cow’s milk remained the dominant source, investigations into goat, sheep, camel, buffalo, and donkey milk revealed species-specific biopeptides. Recent advances in proteomics have enhanced peptide identification and bioactivity prediction, enabling the discovery of novel sequences. These findings underscore the significant potential of dairy-derived BAPs as functional food components and nutraceutical ingredients, while highlighting the need for further in vivo validation, bioavailability studies, and broader exploration of underrepresented milk sources. Full article