Search Results (3,155)

The economic viability of second-generation (2G) bioethanol production depends on the availability of robust, multistress-tolerant yeast strains capable of withstanding harsh industrial conditions. This study investigates animal manure as a novel ecological niche for discovering such strains, as microbes in these environments naturally adapt to high organic loading and fluctuating temperatures. From eighty-six initial isolates, twenty-nine demonstrated superior xylose fermentation at 37 °C. Eight high-performing isolates (C2-1, B1-2, B1-6, B2-6, B2-8, G1-4, G1-5, and G2-4) exhibited exceptional tolerance to ethanol, high temperatures, and lignocellulosic-derived inhibitors (acetic acid, formic acid, furfural, and vanillic acid). Molecular identification classified isolate C2-1 as Pichia kudriavzevii and the remaining seven as Candida tropicalis. In synthetic media, C. tropicalis B2-8 produced up to 16.33 g/L of ethanol using xylose (60 g/L) as the sole carbon source. While the undetoxified, highly acidic sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate completely inhibited yeast growth, the industrial potential of these strains was successfully validated using the concentrated, undetoxified enzymatic hydrolysate derived from the acid-pretreated sugarcane bagasse solids, which contained 30.15 g/L glucose and 25.58 g/L xylose. P. kudriavzevii C2-1 achieved ethanol titers of 6.02 g/L and 5.71 g/L at 37 °C and 40 °C, respectively. The C. tropicalis strains outperformed P. kudriavzevii, yielding 6.12–6.35 g/L at 37 °C and maintaining 5.75–6.19 g/L at 40 °C. These findings underscore the potential of manure-derived yeasts as resilient biocatalysts. Although their fermentation yields remain relatively low and require further metabolic optimization, their ability to survive and ferment in this concentrated, undetoxified enzymatic hydrolysate at elevated temperatures makes them promising candidates for further development in high-temperature ethanol fermentation (HTEF), offering a potential pathway toward reducing cooling costs associated with 2G biorefineries. Full article

Cultivated-meat production relies on robust animal cell-line engineering, scalable tissue-engineering strategies, and clearly defined regulatory standards. This review examines the developmental pipeline from primary tissue biopsy to large-scale expansion and regulatory evaluation, focusing on stable and safe immortalized cell platforms. We compare muscle satellite cells, mesenchymal stromal/adipogenic progenitors and induced pluripotent stem cells, highlighting trade-offs among proliferative capacity, lineage commitment, genomic stability, and food-safety considerations. We then analyze immortalization strategies, including spontaneous senescence bypass, telomerase reactivation and CRISPR-based checkpoint modulation, highlighting their impact on genomic stability and food-safety risks. Recent advances in serum-free media, extracellular matrix-mimetic biomaterials and staged co-culture protocols have enabled centimeter-scale tissues with improved texture and marbling; however, cost, reproducibility and scalability remain bottlenecks. Integrating multi-omics surveillance with life-cycle assessment reveals that environmental benefits (land, water and antibiotic reduction) are attainable only when energy inputs and growth-factor sourcing are optimized. Finally, we examine regulatory frameworks that distinguish food-grade immortalized cells from pharmaceutical substrates and genetically modified crops. By integrating cell biology, animal biotechnology, and bioprocess engineering, this review identifies technical priorities for advancing cultivated meat from laboratory development to industrial implementation, positioning genomic monitoring as an essential framework for assessing biological stability, functional predictability, and food-production suitability. Full article

Ungernia victoris and U. sewerzowii (Amaryllidaceae J.St.-Hil.) are rare medicinal species of Central Asia known as sources of biologically active alkaloids, including galantamine. In this study, antioxidant activity was comparatively evaluated across different types of plant material, including natural populations, botanical garden specimens, in vitro regenerants, callus cultures, in vitro obtained bulbs, and seeds. Micropropagation systems based on direct and indirect organogenesis were developed using Murasige and Skoog and Vollosovich et al. media with various plant growth regulator combinations. Antioxidant activity was determined with the use of DPPH and ABTS assays and expressed as IC₅₀ values. Significant variability was observed depending on population origin, type of biological material, and in vitro cultivation conditions. U. sewerzowii demonstrated higher antioxidant activity than U. victoris in natural populations. The highest activity was recorded in callus cultures, whereas in vitro-derived bulbs showed relatively low activity. A strong positive correlation between DPPH and ABTS assays confirmed the reliability of the results and indicated the contribution of multiple types of secondary metabolites. These findings highlight the potential of Ungernia callus cultures as a promising biotechnological platform for the production of antioxidant-active compounds and support sustainable utilization strategies. Full article

Background: Chronic kidney disease presents a significant health challenge among the elderly, with recent data indicating a 13.9% prevalence for early stages (1–3) and a lower 0.6% prevalence for advanced stages. Notably, many geriatric patients die from cardiovascular complications before reaching end-stage kidney disease, highlighting the critical interplay between renal and cardiovascular health. Central to this connection is endothelial dysfunction, considered the initial trigger for cardiovascular mortality. We aimed to investigate the correlation between different measurement methods demonstrating endothelial dysfunction and sVE-cadherin levels. Another objective was to examine the relationship between decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and sVE-cadherin levels. We hypothesized an inverse relationship between impaired renal function, endothelial dysfunction, and sVE-cadherin. Methods: The study included geriatric patients with CKD who were not receiving RRT. Non-geriatric patients, those with cardiovascular disease, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, active immunosuppressive use, active infection, history of active malignancy, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and renal transplantation patients were excluded. Demographic data of the patients, nailfold capillary measurements, carotid intima-media thickness, flow-mediated dilatation, sVE-cadherin, and serum fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels were measured. Results: We analyzed 96 patients. Key findings revealed a significant inverse correlation between serum sVE-cadherin levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), suggesting that, as kidney function declines, endothelial integrity is compromised. Interestingly, patients treated with sodium–glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors had notably lower sVE-cadherin levels, indicating the possible modulatory effect of these drugs on endothelial function. Additional correlations were observed: fibroblast growth factor 23 levels were positively related to capillary diameter, and carotid intima-media thickness was associated with mean platelet volume. Declining GFR corresponded to reductions in capillary count, while use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors was linked to higher capillary density. Over a 2.3-year follow-up, survivors had higher lymphocyte counts (p = 0.088, not statistically significant) and baseline sVE-cadherin levels tended to be higher in those who died, although this was not statistically significant. Conclusions: These findings suggest that uremic toxins may worsen endothelial injury by disrupting intercellular connections, highlighting the complex pathogenic environment in CKD. Given these insights, the need for standardized diagnostic thresholds for endothelial dysfunction in geriatric CKD patients is clear. Serum sVE-cadherin emerges as a promising novel biomarker for assessing endothelial health, offering potential for earlier intervention and improved cardiovascular outcomes. It may be a potent indicator of endothelial dysfunction and should be featured in future studies of elderly CKD patients. Full article

Aqueous zinc–iodine batteries (AZIBs) are emerging as highly promising candidates for next-generation, grid-scale energy storage due to the intrinsic safety of water-based electrolytes, the high theoretical capacity of the zinc anode, and the rapid conversion kinetics of the iodine cathode. However, the practical commercialization of AZIBs is severely impeded by formidable interfacial instabilities, including the uncontrollable growth of zinc dendrites, parasitic hydrogen evolution reactions (HER), and the notorious polyiodide (I₃⁻, I₅⁻) shuttle effect. These macroscopic degradation modes are fundamentally rooted in the robust [Zn(H₂O)₆]²⁺ primary solvation sheath and the immense thermodynamic driving force for polyiodide dissolution in highly polar aqueous media. To address these interconnected challenges, electrolyte engineering has evolved into the most potent, holistic strategy. This comprehensive review systematically evaluates the latest advancements in electrolyte engineering for AZIBs. We first deeply decipher the fundamental thermodynamic mechanisms governing Zn²⁺ desolvation and iodine multiphase conversion. Subsequently, we critically analyze cutting-edge regulation paradigms, including water-in-salt (WIS) and localized high-concentration electrolytes (LHCE), cosolvent networks, functional molecular additives, deep eutectic solvents (DES), and quasi-solid-state hydrogels. By integrating in situ/operando spectroscopic characterizations with multiscale theoretical computations (such as MD and DFT), we elucidate the structure–activity relationships at the atomic level. Finally, we provide strategic perspectives on the future trajectories of the field, emphasizing the stabilization of multi-electron (I⁻/I⁰/I⁺) halogen chemistry, AI-driven high-throughput screening, and the rigorous standardization of Ah-level pouch cell engineering for extreme-environment applications. Full article

Large-scale production of Bacillus thuringiensis, one of the most widely used biopesticides, is often limited by the high cost of conventional culture media. In this study, fermented cassava paste water (EFM), ripe mango pulp juice (CM), and cashew apple juice (JPC) were evaluated as alternative substrates for the liquid fermentation of B. thuringiensis var. kurstaki HD-1. Physicochemical analyses revealed acidic pH values and classified the substrates into two clusters: CM with high C/N ratios, organic matter, total sugars, and proteins, and EFM and JPC with lower C/N ratios and nutrient levels. Fermentation results indicated that JPC supported the highest biomass production (8.29 × 10¹³ CFU mL⁻¹), exceeding that in the standard Tryptone Soy Broth (TSB) medium. However, CM promoted the highest sporulation rate (1.46 × 10¹³ CFU mL⁻¹) and the greatest bioactive lipopeptides—iturins (102.2 mg L⁻¹) and surfactins (554.7 mg L⁻¹)—surpassing TSB. The antifungal activity of crude fermented CM, EFM, and TSB was evaluated against Sclerotium rolfsii. All samples significantly inhibited mycelial growth of the pathogen with no significant differences among substrates or concentrations tested. This study highlights the potential of B. thuringiensis-fermented agrowaste as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly biocontrol tool for Sclerotium rolfsii. Full article

Tomato crop residues (TCR) from soilless greenhouses are treated as waste, causing greenhouse gas emissions and biomass loss. Within a circular economy framework, gasification converts TCR into renewable energy and biochar; however, its high pH and electrical conductivity (EC) limit its use as a substrate. This study evaluated whether pre-treatment could enable TCR biochar to act as a substrate component and nutrient source in tomato and pepper seedlings. Biochar was produced by gasification and pre-treated by water incubation plus nitric acid, reducing EC from 27 to 8.7 dS m⁻¹ and pH from 10.4 to 8.2 while achieving nitrate loading without leaching. Pristine biochar severely restricted growth. Subsequent experiments evaluated pre-treated biochar mixed with perlite or cocopeat, with or without external N and K. The 15/85% (w/w) pre-treated biochar/cocopeat mixture (PTB/C) showed the best overall performance. In the absence of additional N/K, PTB/C produced shoot biomass and shoot N concentrations comparable to N-/K-supplemented cocopeat; shoot K was comparable in tomato and higher in pepper. With N and K supplementation, PTB/C exceeded supplemented cocopeat biomass by 1.41- and 1.95-fold in tomato and pepper, respectively. These results indicate that pre-treated TCR biochar can reduce dependence on imported cocopeat and external N/K supply. Full article

The rapid growth of photovoltaic panels installations has led to a dramatic increase in the end-of-life (EoL) panels, creating an urgent need for efficient recycling strategies. In the present study, a pretreatment system consisting of hydrochloric acid was developed to remove impurity metals such as aluminum and iron from EoL PV panel powder prior to the precious metals leaching step. Response surface methodology (RSM) based on a central composite design (CCD) was employed to optimize the effects of main operational parameters, i.e., HCl concentration, leaching time, and solid-to-liquid (S/L) ratio on the dissolution of Al, Fe, Pb, Sn, and Cu. Thermodynamic analysis with the help of HSC Chemistry^® 10 software, confirmed the feasibility of dissolution of the Al, Fe, Pb, Sn, and Cu in chloride media. Experimental results demonstrated that the dissolution rate of Al and Fe under optimal conditions were 86.05 and 91.77 percent, respectively. In all of the tests, copper dissolution remained negligible (<4%), and no silver was detected which confirms the selectivity of the pretreatment. The optimized conditions (1.5 M HCl, 198 min, 20% S/L) enabled effective impurity removal while preserving silver in the solid residue. This study highlights the importance of selective pretreatment in enhancing downstream silver recovery and provides a practical approach for the hydrometallurgical recycling of end-of-life PV waste. Full article

The integration of diatom cultivation with aquaculture systems offers a promising strategy to simultaneously address nutrient-rich effluent discharge and the high costs of synthetic media. This study evaluates the growth performance, nutrient removal, CO₂ fixation, and fucoxanthin production of the marine diatom Thalassiosira sp. cultivated in three media: nitrified effluent from a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS; denoted as Aqua), synthetic F/2 medium, and a mixed medium (F/2 + Aqua, 1:1 v/v). The mixed medium demonstrated the best overall performance, indicating a synergistic effect between aquaculture-derived nutrients and targeted supplementation. After 8 days, biomass concentration reached 655 mg L⁻¹, representing a 30% and 317% increase compared with F/2 and Aqua, respectively, with a CO₂ fixation rate of 152.89 mg CO₂ L⁻¹ d⁻¹. This medium also achieved high nutrient removal efficiencies (93.67% nitrate and 97.94% phosphate) and enhanced fucoxanthin production (4.15 mg L⁻¹). In addition, biomass contained essential fatty acids, including arachidonic acid (7.12% of total fatty acid (TFA)) and eicosapentaenoic acid (7.58% TFA), supporting its suitability for aquaculture. Importantly, partial substitution of synthetic nutrients with RAS effluent reduced medium-input costs by approximately 62% while maintaining high productivity. Overall, this study demonstrates a resource-efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable approach for integrating wastewater treatment with high-value diatom biomass production, supporting circular aquaculture systems. Full article

In Mexico, cheese whey (CW) is commonly treated as a dairy wastewater despite its high lactose and nutrient content. This study evaluated cheese whey (CW) and ultrafiltered cheese whey (UF-CW) as low-cost substrates for the cultivation of the probiotic strains Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactococcus lactis. The proposed bioprocess simultaneously enables the production of probiotic biomass and lactic acid, a high-value platform chemical with broad applications in the food, pharmaceutical, and biopolymer industries. In the first experimental trials, in which CW and UF-CW were used solely as media, fermentations lasted 36 h at 30 and 37 °C, with initial pH levels of 5 and 7. CW demonstrated a greater capacity to support the growth of lactic acid bacteria. Thus, to increase the fermentative capability of UF-CW, it was supplemented with yeast extract (YE) or corn steep liquor (CSL), and CaCO₃ was added to stabilize pH, as low pH values inhibit growth and lactic acid production. The proposed strategy notably improved microbial growth in UF-CW, increasing Lc. lactis and L. acidophilus populations from 8.3 and 8.2 Log₁₀ CFU/mL to 9.3 Log₁₀ CFU/mL, respectively. The findings suggest that dairy wastewater can be effectively repurposed as a low-cost cultivation medium for these bacteria. ASPEN simulation analyses demonstrated that lactose conversion efficiency and final product concentration were key factors affecting process performance and economic feasibility. Among the evaluated scenarios, a 45% lactose-to-lactic acid conversion yielded the most economically favorable process performance compared with conversions of 10% and 25%. Future research should focus on enhancing fermentation yields and adopting more efficient downstream recovery techniques. Full article

As the use of electronics and mobile devices increases, indium and its related compounds are increasingly prevalent in consumer products. However, the effects of the ionic form of indium on the mammalian renal cells are unclear. Understanding indium toxicity in these cells is important, as it relates to kidney health. Kidneys remove heavy metals, maintain electrolyte balance, and perform other vital functions. This in vitro study examines the effects of indium chloride (InCl₃) on Vero cells, focusing on cell morphology, viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and expression of key focal adhesion proteins. Cells were incubated in culture media with InCl₃ concentrations ranging from 0 to 3.2 mM for 24 h. Fluorescence confocal microscopy analyses revealed that concentrations above 0.8 mM caused the cells to become more compact and display decreased actin filament lengths, suggesting cellular degeneration, which was further supported by the AlamarBlue^® Cell Viability Reagent. Using a 2′,7′–dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFDA/H2DCFDA) assay, we show that ROS levels increase with InCl₃ concentration, accompanied by significant increases in focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin at InCl₃ concentrations above 0.8 mM. Interestingly, the level of α-actinin detected is not affected by exposure to InCl₃. Our findings demonstrate that InCl₃ has negative impacts on the growth and behaviour of Vero cells at concentrations exceeding 0.8 mM, underscoring the need for further investigation into the biological effects of indium-containing compounds. Full article

This study aimed to isolate, characterize, and evaluate bacterial consortia capable of degrading the diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole in aqueous systems and to assess their bioremediation potential under environmentally relevant conditions. Four bacterial consortia, each comprising six isolates, demonstrated significant growth in mineral media containing cyantraniliprole as the sole carbon source, and the isolates were identified using conventional microbiological techniques in combination with MALDI-TOF-MS analysis. The bacterial consortia were enriched from pesticide-contaminated environments and systematically evaluated using microbiological, physiological, and analytical approaches to determine their degradation potential and environmental adaptability. The degradation performance of the consortia was systematically assessed under varying environmental parameters, including temperature, pH, salinity, and incubation time, with optimal degradation observed at 30–35 °C, pH 7.0–8.0, 0.5–5.0% NaCl, and 11 days of incubation at 150 rpm using an initial cyantraniliprole concentration of 50 mg/L. Biodegradation efficiency was further evaluated using DCPIP reduction assays, alongside measurements of biofilm formation and biomass production, indicating enhanced metabolic activity and adaptive responses under pesticide-induced stress. The consortia also exhibited the capacity to degrade structurally related diamide pesticides, including flubendiamide, chlorantraniliprole, cyclaniliprole, and fluchlordiniliprole, suggesting broad-spectrum biodegradation potential. Their performance was further validated in a simulated water microcosm system designed to mimic environmentally relevant contamination scenarios. In simulated contaminated water (60 mg/L cyantraniliprole), bacterial inoculants standardized to 10⁷ CFU/mL achieved substantial degradation after 20 days of incubation at 30 °C, as confirmed by HPLC analysis, with the six-strain consortium (T4), comprising Bacillus subtilis subsp. subtilis AZFS3, Bacillus pumilus AZFS5, Bacillus mojavensis AZFS15, Bacillus paramycoides AZFS18, Pseudomonas aeruginosa KZFS4, and Alcaligenes aquatilis KZFS11, demonstrating the highest removal efficiency (98.27%) and reducing the pesticide concentration to 1.00 mg/L, followed by consortium T3 (96.72%), which consisted of Bacillus subtilis Ht1, Bacillus subtilis Ht2, Bacillus mojavensis Ht3, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ht4, Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ht5, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa Ht6. Residue analysis and predictive bioinformatic assessment further supported the biodegradation capacity of the selected bacterial communities and suggested the formation of simpler transformation products. Overall, the investigated bacterial consortia exhibited high degradation efficiency and environmental adaptability, highlighting their potential as effective and eco-friendly agents for the bioremediation of cyantraniliprole-contaminated water systems. Full article

Background: Enterococcus faecalis is one of the most frequent causes of catheter-associated urinary tract infections, largely due to its ability to form biofilms on indwelling urinary catheter surfaces, which enhance bacterial persistence and antimicrobial tolerance. Sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (sub-MICs) of antimicrobials frequently occur in clinical settings, and growing evidence suggests that such suboptimal exposures can induce bacterial biofilm formation. We hypothesized that exposure to sub-MICs of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin, antimicrobials commonly employed in the treatment of urinary tract infections, would enhance the biofilm-forming capacity of E. faecalis strains. Objective: To investigate the effects of sub-MICs of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin on biofilm formation and biofilm-associated gene expression. The study focused on key biofilm-related genes, including those encoding aggregation substance protein (asa1), collagen adhesin (ace), E. faecalis surface protein (esp), gelatinase (gelE), cytolysin activator A (cylA), endocarditis antigen A (efaA), and the endocarditis- and biofilm-associated pili subunit A (ebpA) in E. faecalis. Methods: Two strains, E. faecalis ATCC 29212 and strain 54, were exposed to 1/8× and 1/4× MIC of amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin in either artificial urine medium (AUM) or tryptone soya broth (TSB). Bacterial growth kinetics were monitored by optical density measurements, while biofilm formation was quantified using a microtiter plate biofilm assay. The expression of biofilm-associated genes was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) at 24 and 48 h following exposure to sub-MICs of amoxicillin under flow conditions mimicking the urinary tract milieu. Results: Exposure to sub-MICs of the three antimicrobials did not significantly affect bacterial growth in either strain or culture medium. Sub-MICs of amoxicillin significantly enhanced biofilm formation, with the most pronounced effect observed at 1/4× MIC in both AUM and TSB. In contrast, ciprofloxacin and nitrofurantoin exerted inhibitory effects on biofilm formation across both media. Gene expression analysis demonstrated time- and strain-dependent responses to amoxicillin exposure. E. faecalis ATCC 29212 exhibited a moderate, coordinated upregulation of adhesion- and biofilm-associated genes, particularly at 48 h. By comparison, E. faecalis strain 54 showed a stronger and more dynamic transcriptional response, characterized by early and sustained induction of key biofilm-related genes, including esp and gelE, as well as a pronounced late upregulation of ebpA. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining therapeutically effective antimicrobial concentrations, as sub-inhibitory amoxicillin exposure may promote biofilm-associated persistence and potentially compromise treatment efficacy. Full article

Soilless horticultural media offer a solution to limited arable land but are often nutrient-inert, requiring efficient nutrient management strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of seaweed biochar-amended vermicompost (VC) as a nutrient-supplying growing medium for tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) seedling establishment and vegetative growth. Coco peat was progressively replaced with VC (0–100%, w/w) under fertilized and unfertilized conditions during seedling development, and selected treatments were further evaluated during vegetative growth. Growth parameters, including emergence, plant height, leaf area, stem diameter, biomass, and chlorophyll content, were measured. Treatments significantly affected (p < 0.05) all parameters. The highest VC level (100%) reduced seedling emergence by 10.42% compared to the control but significantly improved seedling height (13.69 cm) and leaf area (49.45 cm² plant⁻¹) under fertilized conditions. During vegetative growth, the control (0% VC) produced the highest biomass (9.55 g) and plant height (67.43 cm), while higher VC rates (75–100%) enhanced chlorophyll content and maintained acceptable plant growth. Overall, VC showed potential as a sustainable growing medium component for tomato production, although plant responses varied according to growth stage and incorporation rate. Reduced emergence at higher VC levels indicates that further research is needed to optimize substrate management strategies for seedling establishment. Full article

Halitosis is caused by volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) produced by periodontopathogens. The aim of this study is to examine the mechanism by which Ligilactobacillus salivarius WB21 inhibits halitosis. A susceptibility assay for Porphyromonas gingivalis was conducted using spent culture media (SCM) from L. salivarius WB21, and VSCs from the suspension of P. gingivalis were analyzed in the presence or absence of the SCM. After co-cultivating P. gingivalis and L. salivarius, P. gingivalis growth and VSC levels were measured using a spectrophotometer and a gas chromatograph, respectively. Additionally, levels of methyl mercaptan in the suspension and in the mgl gene of P. gingivalis were investigated. The SCM from L. salivarius WB21 significantly inhibited growth of P. gingivalis (p < 0.05) and significantly reduced emission of VSCs from the suspension of P. gingivalis (p < 0.05). When L. salivarius WB21 was present in a co-culture condition, P. gingivalis growth was significantly inhibited, and levels of methyl mercaptan in the culture medium were also reduced (p < 0.05). Finally, expression of the mgl gene of P. gingivalis was significantly reduced under co-cultivation with L. salivarius WB21 (p < 0.05). L. salivarius WB21 may inhibit colonization of periodontopathogens in the oral cavity and suppress production and emission of VSCs. Therefore, L. salivarius WB21 may be effective in treating halitosis when applied to the oral cavity. Full article