Search Results (189)

Mediterranean organic viticulture requires sustainable pest management strategies that leverage local soil biodiversity. This study isolated endemic entomopathogenic fungi from vineyard soils in Nemea, Greece, using a dual-insect baiting system with Tribolium confusum and Sitophilus spp. The recovered isolates caused complete mortality in bait insects, with mycelial emergence from 93.75% of cadavers. DNA sequencing of the ITS1 region identified the recovered isolates as Purpureocillium lilacinum. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that Nemea isolates (TD and TM series) form a monophyletic clade with 100% bootstrap support, showing distinct genetic divergence from the reference strain P. lilacinum NRRL 895—evidence of a unique “microbial terroir.” Virulence assays demonstrated species-dependent mortality against stored-product pests: Sitophilus granarius was the most susceptible (76.7% mortality; LT₅₀ = 1.9 days), followed by Sitophilus zeamais (61.1%; LT₅₀ = 2.7 days), Tribolium confusum (56.7%; LT₅₀ = 2.8 days), and Sitophilus oryzae (50.0%; LT₅₀ = 3.3 days). Mycosis confirmation (65–83%) and 0% control mortality confirmed pathogenicity. As locally adapted biological control agents, these endemic P. lilacinum strains are highly suitable for protecting crops from major insect pests. Full article

Ornamental fountains in the Alhambra and Generalife (Granada, Spain) constitute complex socio-ecological systems where water, stone, and biological communities interact, making them highly vulnerable to biodeterioration caused by phototrophic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae, and diatoms. Conventional chemical biocides, although widely applied, present significant drawbacks including toxicity, material degradation, ecological imbalance, and limited long-term effectiveness. In this context, this study evaluated the potential of algicidal bacteria as a sustainable alternative for controlling phototrophic growth in heritage environments. Water samples from eight ornamental fountains were analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing to characterize bacterial communities and identify taxa previously reported with algicidal activity. Statistical analyses were conducted to assess relationships between microbial community structure and biofilm development. In parallel, functional screening assays using filtered fountain waters against Chlorella vulgaris were performed to evaluate intrinsic inhibitory capacity. The most active sample was selected for bacterial isolation and further validation through co-culture assays, cell density measurements, and pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) fluorometry. A total of 18 genera with reported algicidal capacity were detected, representing a substantial fraction of the microbiome across all samples. However, no significant association was found between these taxonomic metrics and biofilm development, highlighting a decoupling between taxonomic composition and functional activity. The most active isolate, identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia strain LIG25, caused a rapid decline in photosynthetic efficiency and achieved more than 98% inhibition of algal growth. These findings demonstrate that ornamental fountain microbiomes represent a reservoir of native biocontrol agents and support the development of eco-friendly strategies for cultural heritage conservation. Full article

This review examines Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) as both a highly selective microbial larvicide and a biological platform for protein storage and delivery, enabled by the structural features of its prokaryotic insect larvicidal organelle (PILO). Bti remains the most widely deployed biological agent for mosquito control. Decades of operational use demonstrate substantial public health benefits and only limited, manageable ecological tradeoffs within integrated vector management programs (IVMP). Its narrow host range underlies an excellent safety record for humans and other vertebrates. Moreover, laboratory and field studies consistently show that collateral effects are minimal, context dependent, reversible, and largely restricted to closely related non-target aquatic dipterans. These attributes have established Bti as a cornerstone of environmentally sustainable IVMP worldwide. Here, we synthesize current knowledge on Bti biology, ecological selectivity, field performance, and the resistance-management properties embedded in the molecular architecture of the PILO. Finally, we assess emerging opportunities and technical constraints in repurposing the PILO as an in vivo microbial factory for packaging heterologous proteins with potential pharmaceutical and industrial applications. Full article

The gut microbiota is increasingly recognized as a key contributor in the pathogenesis and progression of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Compared with healthy individuals, patients with IBD show marked dysbiosis, characterized by reduced microbial diversity, an expansion of facultative anaerobes such as Proteobacteria, and a depletion of obligate anaerobes within the Firmicutes phylum. These changes have been implicated in the perpetuation of intestinal inflammation, disruption of mucosal immune homeostasis, and altered metabolic functions, further underscoring the microbiota’s relevance in IBD pathophysiology. However, microbiota-driven insights have not yet been consistently translated into therapeutic stratification or clinical decision-making. A major challenge lies in the complex and dynamic interplay between the gut microbiota and various treatment modalities, including conventional immunosuppressants, biologics, and small-molecule inhibitors. While accumulating evidence suggests that IBD treatments may modulate microbial composition and function, it remains unclear whether these changes represent a direct pharmacological effect or are secondary to inflammation control. Additionally, there is a lack of comparative data on microbiota profiles associated with differential responses to various therapeutic classes, limiting the implementation of microbiota-informed precision medicine. In this review, we synthesize current evidence on the association between gut microbiota composition and treatment outcomes, focusing on biologic agents and small-molecule therapies. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of microbiota-targeted strategies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and precision probiotics, in enhancing therapeutic response. A deeper understanding of host–microbe interactions could enable a more personalized and effective approach to IBD management. Full article

This contribution examines how contemporary exhibition practices engage with biological otherness through the interplay of material, technological mediation and curatorial practice. It explores how organisms and materials often considered marginal, such as viruses, microbial life, dust, and ash, can operate as co-authors in exhibition-making, unsettling hierarchies and binary frameworks that privilege human perception and control. Biological matter becomes a medium for thinking with and through nonhuman perspectives, revealing entangled temporalities, rhythms, and ecologies that exceed conventional scales of perception. Through three case studies: Living Ashes II, Studies of Interbeing—Trance 1:1, and The Materialised Temporality of Dust, the paper interrogates how decomposition, infection, and microscopic life are translated into relational, multisensory experiences. In Living Ashes II, protocells and ash are staged as agents of emergent vitality; in Studies of Interbeing—Trance 1:1, SARS-CoV-2 is re-materialised through textile and performative practices, fostering intimacy and affective encounter; and in The Materialised Temporality of Dust, immersive VR and spatial sound render microbial and dust temporalities perceptible within architectural space. Across these projects, digital technologies function not as neutral instruments but as active mediators, shaping the conditions under which nonhuman agency, vibrancy, and unpredictability are apprehended. Collectively, these works demonstrate that exhibitions can operate as relational laboratories in which biological otherness is co-produced, negotiated and experienced. They foreground an ethic of care and attunement, emphasising the multispecies, temporal, and technological entanglements that redefine what it means to exhibit living and non-living matter in the digital age. Full article

The Wannachawee Recipe (WCR) is a traditional Thai herbal formulation with a clinical history of use in psoriasis. An observational study conducted at Prapokklao Hospital reported that 93% of psoriasis patients showed good clinical responses. However, the absence of standardized quality control parameters remains a critical barrier to its pharmaceutical reproducibility, safety, and integration into mainstream clinical practice. This study established robust quality specifications and a phytochemical profiling for WCR, in accordance with the Thai Herbal Pharmacopoeia (THP) guidelines, to support its development from traditional use to a standardized therapeutic agent. A multimodal analytical approach was employed, integrating microscopic characterization, physicochemical evaluation, and advanced instrumental techniques. Phytochemical characterization was conducted using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) fingerprinting and Compact Mass Spectrometry (CMS). A validated HPLC method was developed to quantify trans-p-coumaryl alcohol, a key bioactive marker. Anti-inflammatory activity was further assessed by measuring inhibition of nitric oxide production. Physicochemical analysis established rigorous benchmarks, including ethanol-soluble extractive (8.73 ± 0.15% w/w), water-soluble extractive (18.89 ± 0.09% w/w), and loss on drying (<10%), which ensure long-term stability and microbial safety. CMS analysis successfully identified key chemical constituents, including alpha-amyrin, stemone, protocatechuic acid, and trans-p-coumaryl alcohol. HPLC fingerprinting demonstrated high batch-to-batch consistency, while quantitative analysis determined a trans-p-coumaryl alcohol content of 8.77 mg/g extract. Critically, biological evaluation showed that WCR exhibited potent anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting nitric oxide production, with a superior inhibitory effect compared with the reference drug indomethacin. This study provides a preliminary scientific framework for the standardization of WCR. It defines precise quality specifications and a potential bioactive marker, establishing the rigor needed for regulatory certification and industrial production. This work connects traditional Thai medicine with evidence-based pharmaceutics, positioning WCR as a promising therapy for psoriasis. Full article

Microbial communities associated with the rhizosphere and phyllosphere are recognized as fundamental components influencing essential plant processes, including nutrient acquisition, growth promotion, and tolerance to stress. Biological control agents (BCAs), such as Trichoderma spp. and Bacillus spp., are widely applied in citrus crops. However, while BCAs effectiveness against plant pathogens is widely established, their resulting impact on indigenous, non-target bacterial and fungal communities remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the non-target effects of two commercial microbial formulations—one containing Trichoderma asperellum ICC 012 and T. gamsii ICC 080, and the other Bacillus amyloliquefaciens QST 713—on the resident microbiomes of Citrus volkameriana seedlings by using the amplicon-based metagenomic analysis, targeting the 16S rRNA and ITS1 regions. The application of the Trichoderma formulation as a soil drench in the rhizosphere resulted in minimal changes to the overall composition and diversity (α- and β-diversity) of the bacterial communities. This stability is considered a desirable trait for overall soil health. However, specific taxonomic changes were observed, such as a notable decrease in the genus Rhodococcus (0.4% vs. 1.5% in controls) among bacteria. In the fungal communities, the treatment led to a significant shift in phylum relative abundance, characterized by an increase in Basidiomycota (38% vs. 28% in controls) and a corresponding decrease in Ascomycota (51% vs. 56% in controls). Successful colonization was confirmed by a substantially higher relative abundance of the inoculated Trichoderma genus compared to control plants (1.4% vs. 0.1% in controls). Conversely, the foliar application of the Bacillus product induced a substantial restructuring of the phyllosphere bacterial community. This treatment caused a statistically significant reduction in bacterial α-diversity and a clear differentiation in community composition (β-diversity) relative to untreated controls. The successful colonization by the BCA resulted in the dominance of the Bacillus genus in the treated samples (27% vs. 2% in controls). Importantly, this ecological shift was accompanied by the enrichment of other beneficial bacterial taxa, including Sphingomonas (15% vs. 4% in controls) and the Burkholderia-Caballeronia-Paraburkholderia group (4% vs. 2% in controls). While fungal phyla abundances remained generally stable in the phyllosphere, specific genera such as Cladosporium (15% vs. 23% in controls) and Symmetrospora (21% vs. 13% in controls) prevailed post-treatment. In conclusion, these findings highlight the importance of considering non-target microbiome shift when implementing microbial biocontrol strategies in citrus production systems, since in this study was demonstrated that commercial BCAs exert a markedly differential influence based on the compartment of application: Trichoderma promoted ecological stability in the rhizosphere, whereas Bacillus induced a directional community shift in the phyllosphere. Full article

Mungbean (Vigna radiata) is an important cash crop, yet the production is significantly compromised by continuous cropping. Beneficial microbial inoculation offers a promising strategy to alleviate the stresses through rhizosphere modulation and host physiological reprogramming. This study evaluated the efficacy of two biological control agents, Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Trichoderma harzianum (T. harzianum), in promoting mungbean growth under continuous-cropping conditions. Both individual applications of B. subtilis and T. harzianum significantly improved plant biomass, root system architecture, and yield. Combined metagenomic and transcriptomic analyses were conducted to unravel the underlying mechanisms. According to metagenomic analysis, both B. subtilis and T. harzianum were responsible for significant changes in beta diversity without significantly affecting the alpha diversity of the rhizosphere microbial community. T. harzianum recruited Chitinophagaceae unclassified, Abditibacterium, Hydrogenophilaceae unclassified, Methylophilaceae unclassified, and Chimaeribacter, while Bs recruited Candidatus Saccharibacteria unclassified. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that T. harzianum induced more extensive transcriptional reprogramming than B. subtilis. The enrichment analysis revealed both shared and distinct responses triggered by the two treatments. These findings suggest that B. subtilis and T. harzianum alleviate continuous-cropping stress through distinct yet complementary mechanisms involving rhizosphere microbiome modulation and mungbean transcriptional reprogramming. This study provides a sustainable strategy for legume cultivation. Full article

Coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix) is a major constraint on coffee production, while reliance on chemical fungicides raises environmental concerns and may become less sustainable over time. This review critically analyzes the available evidence on the potential of Lecanicillium uredinophilum as a biological control agent against H. vastatrix, with comparative consideration of other microbial agents evaluated for coffee leaf rust management. A structured literature review was conducted using searches in Scopus and PubMed, complemented by manual searches and reference screening. The available evidence indicates that L. uredinophilum shows affinity for urediniospore structures and exhibits mycoparasitic activity against rust fungi under controlled conditions. However, direct evidence against H. vastatrix remains limited and is still concentrated mainly in laboratory and greenhouse studies. In comparison with more established biocontrol agents, L. uredinophilum should be regarded as a promising but still early-stage candidate whose practical relevance has not yet been validated. Future progress will depend on robust field-based studies, improved understanding of its mechanisms of action, evaluation of its environmental stability, and the development of viable formulations compatible with integrated disease management strategies. Full article

Sustainable indoor growing management requires biological alternatives that protect against pathogens, preserve fruit quality and minimise chemical inputs in strawberries. We compared the impacts of a four-strain Bacillus consortium (BacMix) and chemical fungicides on two cultivars (cv. Elsanta and cv. Sonsation) by evaluating the metabolite outcomes—the free amino acids (FAAs) in the leaves and the sugars in the fruits. Furthermore, the descriptive shotgun metagenomics provides a functional context for these biochemical traits. The BacMix increased the total FAAs in the leaves and stabilised the fruit sugar profiles, maintaining moderate–high sucrose with controlled glucose and fructose. The chemically treated plants showed significant reductions in both FAAs and sugars. The metagenomic data showed BacMix-related shifts in the microbial functional potential in the leaves, but the biological agent did not affect diversity. An increased representation of genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis (aminoacyl tRNA pathway) and secondary metabolite biosynthesis was observed, along with changes in the relative CAZy signals. The direction of these metagenomic trends aligned with the metabolite outcomes, suggesting that BacMix influences the endophytic microbiome in a way that supports nitrogen-related metabolism and carbohydrate stability during the vegetation period. The cultivar-independent metabolic improvements emphasise the benefits of BacMix and highlight microbiome-based interventions as promising tools for sustainable, chemical-reduced strawberry production. Full article

Biologically controlling Microcystis aeruginosa blooms in saline–alkaline environments remains a major challenge in aquatic ecosystem management. Here, the algicidal performance of an indigenous algicidal bacterium, Bacillus cereus strain PT1 isolated from a sulfate-type saline–alkaline pond, against M. aeruginosa was evaluated, and the underlying metabolic mechanisms were elucidated using non-targeted metabolomics. PT1 exhibited pronounced, stable algicidal activity under saline–alkaline conditions, decreasing the algal cell density from 2 × 10⁶ to 1.25 ± 0.5 × 10⁵ cells mL⁻¹ within 4 days at a rate of 93.75 ± 2.5% (p < 0.05). The above results demonstrate that strain PT1 has a significant lytic effect on M. aeruginosa. Non-targeted liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis identified 298 PT1-induced accumulated metabolic features, and the top 30 candidates comprised organic acids and aromatic compounds, including benzoic acid, coumarin, malonic acid, and signaling-related molecules, including indoleacetaldehyde and nitroprusside. These differential metabolites were associated with algicidal-related pathways, including quorum sensing, two-component systems, ABC transporters, and tryptophan metabolism, outlining a coordinated “regulation–transport–metabolic remodeling” framework. Our findings demonstrate the potential of the indigenous algicidal strain PT1 from saline–alkali ponds to control M. aeruginosa blooms. They also provide an important theoretical basis and data foundation for further elucidating the molecular characteristics of algae solubilizing activity under saline–alkali conditions and developing microbial agents for preventing and controlling Microcystis blooms in saline–alkali ponds. Full article

Biological control agents (BCAs) have emerged as a key strategy to mitigate maize diseases while reducing dependence on synthetic agrochemicals, which pose risks to human health, ecosystems, and microbial diversity. This review synthesizes advances from 63 research articles published between 2020 and 2025, selected through a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach to capture studies with in vitro, greenhouse, or field validation. The analysis highlights major fungal and bacterial threats to maize production and evaluates BCAs, including Bacillus, Trichoderma, Streptomyces, and entomopathogenic or endophytic microorganisms, tested across multiple experimental levels. Results show that many agents demonstrate strong antagonism under controlled conditions, promoting plant growth, reducing pathogen incidence, and lowering mycotoxin contamination. Field trials, however, reveal inconsistent performance due to environmental variability, formulation instability, and incomplete understanding of strain-specific mechanisms. Emerging approaches such as microbial consortia, metabolite-based biocontrol, biochar–microbe combinations, and evaluations under dual-stress conditions offer promising avenues to improve reliability and expand applicability. Overall, the review underscores that although microbial biocontrol holds substantial potential for sustainable maize protection, progress toward scalable implementation requires integrating omics-based characterization, optimized formulations, genotype-specific evaluations, and multi-season field trials to bridge the gap between laboratory efficacy and field performance. Full article

Wheat Fusarium crown rot (FCR), predominantly caused by Fusarium species, is a devastating fungal disease that severely threatens global wheat production. In this study, we combined phytopathological assays, molecular techniques, and bioinformatic analyses to systematically identify the causal agents of FCR in Xinjiang and to screen for potential biocontrol bacteria. A total of 296 fungal isolates were obtained from 195 FCR samples, collected from Yumin County and Xinhe County. Morphological and phylogenetic analyses revealed that Fusarium culmorum was the predominant pathogen, accounting for 73.6% of the total isolates. To evaluate the resistance of local wheat cultivars, F. culmorum XN22-1, a highly virulent strain from Xinhe County, was inoculated to 30 wheat varieties. The results demonstrated that most cultivars lacked resistance to FCR, with the exception of three varieties—Xinchun 19, Xinchun 50, and Youpi 23, which showed a mid-resistance. Given the scarcity of resistant cultivars, we focused on biological control. To control FCR, Pseudomonas aeruginosa J-7, exhibiting broad-spectrum antagonistic activity, was successfully isolated from rhizosphere soil based on the analysis of healthy rhizosphere soil microbial diversity. Subsequently, pot experiments showed that P. aeruginosa J-7 could significantly reduce the disease incidence and lower the disease index of wheat FCR. Furthermore, whole-genome sequencing, in-plate metabolite analysis, and observation on inhibition of spores and mycelium revealed that P. aeruginosa J-7 mediates its biocontrol activity primarily through the production of phenazine and siderophores, which collectively inhibit conidial germination and cause structural damage to the mycelium. This study not only clarifies the composition of FCR pathogens in Xinjiang but also provides a promising biocontrol agent and new strategic insights for the management of wheat crown rot. Full article

The design of new medical devices in biomedical engineering often necessitates the control of microbial load at the point of application, making antibacterial action valuable for numerous applications in the biomedical field. Nanotechnology products, such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), represent highly promising yet underexplored bioactive and antimicrobial agents that have attracted researchers’ interest for integration into medical devices. This study focuses on stable suspensions of silver nanoparticles, characterized by using a range of complementary physicochemical techniques as well as bacterial cell cultures, while also demonstrating controlled entrapment of the nanoparticles in collagen-based gels. The findings reveal that highly stable suspensions of negatively charged AgNPs (~6 nm in size) consistently exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with minimum inhibitory concentration values of 10–20 ppm, whilst, importantly, close contact between the nanoparticles and bacterial cells turns out to be essential for their antibacterial action. Controlled entrapment of the nanoparticles in collagen-based gels enables regulation of nanoparticle release and their antimicrobial efficacy. This work highlights the promising prospects of silver nanoparticles in designing novel biomedical engineering products, while underscoring the need for a more comprehensive understanding of their biological activity to ensure optimal utilization. Full article

This study aims to construct a nattokinase (NK) high-yielding strain using the multiple-scale breeding method. First, an NK-producing strain Bacillus subtilis A-1 was isolated from fermented soybean, which produces 254 FU/mL of NK. Subsequently, ARTP mutagenesis was employed to screen high-yield mutants with resistance to rifampicin (i.e., strain R-F7), kanamycin (i.e., strain K-E11), and gentamicin (i.e., strain G-D5), and the resulted strains showed NK activity increases of 113.78%, 76.38%, and 62.99%, respectively. Moreover, a fusion strain C-D7 with resistant to the above three antibiotics (i.e., rifampicin, kanamycin, and gentamicin) was obtained by protoplast fusion, which produced 610 FU/mL of NK and represents a 140.16% higher that of strain A-1. The fermenting property of strain C-D7 was also done in a 5-L bioreactor, and results indicated that strain C-D7 produced 1020 ± 35 FU/mL of NK under a two-stage pH control strategy and a two-step feeding strategy. To elucidate the genetic basis for the high-yield phenotype of C-D7. comparative whole-genome analysis was performed between C-D7 and the parental strain A-1. The results revealed that C-D7 harbors specific mutations across multiple functional categories, primarily in genes related to transcription, translation, global regulation, as well as metabolism and secretion. The biological processes affected by these mutations show a strong correlation with the high-yield trait, suggesting their potential collective role in contributing to the observed increase in nattokinase production. Lastly, ituD and srfAC were knocked out to reduce foam during fermentation, thus reducing the use of antifoaming agents and mitigating the negative effects on cell growth. In a word, a genetically stable, high-yield, and low-foaming Bacillus subtilis strain C-D7-ΔDouble was constructed in this study, which provides a core microbial resource and process foundation for the low-cost industrial production of nattokinase. Full article