Search Results (7,119)

The rhizosphere is a complex microecosystem where soil, roots, and microbes interact to maintain soil ecological functions. Blueberry (Vaccinium spp.), an economically important fruit, has a shallow, fibrous root system with few root hairs, limiting its nutrient absorption. It thrives in acidic, high-organic matter soils, restricting its cultivation in many soil types worldwide. Enhancing blueberry productivity and adaptation by leveraging beneficial rhizosphere microbial communities offers a sustainable solution. This review summarizes the composition of blueberry rhizosphere microbial community across different microenvironments and the blueberry rhizosphere core microbiome. We detail the functional roles of beneficial microorganisms in stimulating nutrient bioavailability and secreting phytohormones. Furthermore, factors influencing microbiome assembly, including cultivars, planting age, and metabolites, are evaluated alongside agricultural management practices. Despite extensive taxonomic characterization, a critical gap remains in understanding the functional synergism between blueberry and its rhizosphere microbiome, particularly the ecological mechanisms underlying host adaptation to acidic and nutrient-limited environments. Overall, future research should focus on developing targeted agricultural practices and synthetic microbial communities to reshape the rhizosphere microbiome, thereby establishing productive, resilient rhizosphere-based microbial systems that support eco-friendly and sustainable agricultural ecosystems. Full article

Glucosamine (GlcN) is an essential amino monosaccharide widely used in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics. Microbial fermentation presents a sustainable alternative to its traditional chemical production. However, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, competitive carbon flux towards ethanol significantly limits GlcN yields. In this study, an S. cerevisiae strain for GlcN biosynthesis was engineered by integrating heterologous GlmD (glucosamine-6-phosphate deaminase) and GlmP (glucosamine-6-phosphate phosphatase) genes. To redirect carbon flux, the pyruvate decarboxylase genes pdc1, pdc5, and pdc6 were sequentially knocked out using the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) approach, generating strains S. cerevisiaeGlmDP/pdc1Δ, GlmDP/pdc1Δpdc5Δ, and GlmDP/pdc1Δpdc5Δpdc6Δ. S. cerevisiae GlmDP/pdc1Δpdc5Δpdc6Δ achieved a GlcN titer of 2.20 ± 0.11 g/L, a 1.54-fold increase over the parental S. cerevisia GlmDP strain, while its ethanol yield decreased by 26%. This enhancement was achieved without significantly affecting cell growth or glucose consumption. Comparative transcriptomics between the triple-knockout and parental yeasts revealed 892 differentially expressed genes. Pathways related to glycolysis and ethanol formation were predominantly downregulated, whereas pathways potentially supporting GlcN synthesis were upregulated. The engineered strain demonstrated high genetic stability over 50 generations. Our findings demonstrate that disrupting ethanol formation is an effective strategy to enhance GlcN production in S. cerevisiae, providing valuable insights for carbon flux redistribution. Full article

With the large-scale cultivation of transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops, the Bt toxin released from Bt crops is continuously introduced into the soil. Its environmental fate represents a key indicator for assessing the ecological safety of transgenic crops. However, the persistence of Bt toxin in soil is influenced by both biotic and abiotic processes, and their respective contributions under natural conditions remain unclear. This study measured water-dissolved Bt toxin concentrations in paddy soil (PS) and red soil (RS) to compare the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the dynamic retention of exogenous Bt toxin under different sterilization methods: no sterilization, heat sterilization (HT), and irradiation sterilization (IS). The water-dissolved Bt toxin exhibited a dynamic decrease–increase–decrease trend across all three treatments in both soil types during the 30 day experimental period. Bt toxin displayed rapid adsorption during the initial 2 h stage in RS, but subsequently showed a high desorption, whereas PS probably achieved more stable bonding through soil organic matter (SOM). Different sterilization methods significantly influenced the results by altering abiotic factors: Compared to CK, HT affected soil physicochemical properties and enhanced adsorption resilience, whereas IS caused minimal impact on the soil physicochemical properties, thereby providing a more accurate reflection of abiotic processes. And microbial, as biotic facters, also influence the reduction process of Bt toxin by participating in the adsorption–desorption–degradation equilibrium process. Therefore, we infer that over time, the concentration of water-soluble Bt proteins in the soil will tend toward zero. Additionally, the initial Bt toxin concentration influenced dynamic balance by adjusting adsorption site saturability, with more pronounced desorption reversibility at 500 ng/g concentrations. Overall, this study systematically reveals the effects of soil properties, microorganisms, and sterilization methods on Bt toxin persistence. The findings underscore the importance of selecting and justifying sterilization methods in related environmental behavior studies, while providing essential guidance for the scientific assessment of environmental risks posed by transgenic crops. Full article

Promoting the agricultural recycling of biogas slurry (BS) is crucial for sustainable development, yet its long-term ecological impacts remain unclear. Through a multi-year field trial in a sugarcane system, this study examined the effects of BS application (0, 3, and 6 years) on the soil properties, bacterial communities, and functional genes for C, N, P, and S cycling. The results revealed distinct two-phase patterns of changes in soil properties, microbial communities, and functional genes. Short-term (3-year) application induced a “disturbance” phase, characterized by significant acidification (pH decreased by 17.91%), a surge in nitrate-N (increased by 757.27%), and a transient decline in bacterial richness. Long-term (6-year) application drove a “functional restructuring” phase, reversing acidification and significantly increasing soil organic matter (29.05%) and total nitrogen (TN) (20.81%). Bacterial richness recovered, and community composition distinctively restructured. Functional gene analysis revealed shifts in gene abundance that transitioned from high abundance in the short term to a new balance favoring processes like N fixation. Co-occurrence network analysis indicated that this functional shift was associated with core microbial modules (e.g., Firmicutes) and changes in soil pH and SOM. This study suggests that, although short-term application causes significant adjustments, sustained and appropriate BS application can ultimately enhance soil fertility and promote a functionally reorganized state by reshaping microbial interaction networks. It presents a microbial ecological basis for the safe and sustainable use of BS in circular agriculture. Full article

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) is a long-established biotechnological approach gaining renewed interest for its ability to enhance nutrient availability and improve the functional properties of agro-industrial by-products. This strategy is particularly relevant for early post-weaning piglets, which are highly susceptible to weaning stress due to an immature digestive system and a gut microbiota not yet adapted to solid feed. In this study, the fermentation parameters of flaxseed cake were optimized using a Plackett–Burman experimental design. Protease activity was selected as the response variable due to its relevance for improving protein degradation and potential digestibility in fermented feed ingredients. Accordingly, based on the statistical analysis, the conditions selected for the in vivo trial were 1% molasses, 0.5% yeast extract, 0.05% CaCl₂, 0.5% NaCl, 7.5% inoculum (4.12 × 10⁹ CFU/mL), 60% moisture, and 72 h fermentation. Fermentation time was identified as the main factor positively influencing protease production, while higher CaCl₂ concentrations and inoculum levels negatively affected enzyme activity. Optimization increased protease activity, microbial viability and free amino acid content. In addition, SSF reorganizes the carbohydrate profile by reducing structural fiber fractions, with neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber decreasing by 27% and 29%, respectively, while simultaneously increasing soluble carbohydrates by 14.67%. Phytic acid content being also reduced by 23.81%. A pilot nutritional trial on post-weaned piglets (35 days old) showed that including 8% fermented flaxseed cakes (FFSC group) improved body weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio, and diarrhea score, without affecting average daily feed intake, compared with 8% unfermented flaxseed cakes (FSC group). These performance improvements were accompanied by changes in fermentation metabolites and gut microbial composition. Lower isovalerate concentrations suggested reduced proteolysis, while higher propionate levels may contribute to increased blood glucose availability in the FFSC group. These changes coincided with a shift in microbial composition, characterized by a reduced abundance of methanogenic archaea and increased abundances of taxa such as Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and members of the Lachnospiraceae and Eubacteriaceae families. Full article

Sustainable ridge-based peanut production following winter wheat requires soil preparation technologies capable of simultaneously ensuring precise ridge formation, reduced energy consumption and efficient in situ utilisation of crop residues. This study aimed to develop and experimentally validate a combined soil preparation technology integrating shallow tillage, deep loosening and ridge formation within a single field pass, and to quantify its technological and biological performance. Field experiments were conducted using a prototype combined machine with analytically justified geometric parameters of the working tools, followed by multifactor optimisation and statistical modelling. Technological performance was assessed by soil fragmentation degree and draft resistance, while biological effects were evaluated using residue incorporation (Pz), biodegradation coefficient after 60 days (k₆₀) and dehydrogenase activity after 30 days (DHA₃₀). The results showed statistically significant nonlinear relationships between tool parameters and technological responses, with coefficients of determination exceeding 0.94 for soil fragmentation and 0.97 for draft resistance. The proposed technology increased residue incorporation efficiency by 15–20%, enhanced biodegradation intensity (k₆₀) by up to 18%, and reduced energy consumption due to single-pass operation compared with conventional multi-pass systems. A strong relationship between Pz and biological indicators confirmed the key role of residue placement in controlling microbial processes. These findings demonstrate that integrated control of soil processing and residue placement enables energy-efficient single-pass technologies for ridge-based peanut production systems. Full article

Plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) and microbial biocontrol agents have emerged as key tools for improving crop productivity while maintaining environmental sustainability. However, central questions remain regarding which factors determine their consistent field performance and how these factors interact under real agronomic conditions. Previous research has demonstrated that PGPMs enhance nutrient acquisition, regulate phytohormone balance, improve stress tolerance, and suppress plant pathogens through diverse biochemical and ecological mechanisms. Advances in omics technologies, genome mining, and synthetic microbial communities have further expanded understanding of their functional potential. Nevertheless, many studies rely on laboratory-scale experiments or short-term trials, with limited multi-season and cross-regional validation. This gap contributes to inconsistent field outcomes and restricts large-scale agricultural adoption. Long-term multi-season validation and reproducibility assessment remain essential priorities for improving reliability of microbial agricultural products. This review synthesizes recent advances in PGPM-based biofertilizers and microbial biocontrol technologies, critically examining their mechanisms of action, scalability constraints, formulation challenges, and regulatory limitations. It identifies major translational barriers, including context dependency, mechanistic uncertainties, reproducibility gaps, and insufficient systems-level integration. Full article

Bacillus subtilis is aerobic or facultatively anaerobic. After entering the gastrointestinal tract, its spores germinate and colonize the gut, inhibiting the growth of harmful aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus). However, it remains unclear whether B. subtilis can inhibit Clostridium perfringens type A infection. In this study, B. subtilis PB6 was added to the diets of pregnant sows infected with Clostridium perfringens type A, which significantly improved the reproductive performance and reduced the incidence of bloat in sows and diarrhea in neonatal piglets. The treatment significantly increased the abundance of intestinal probiotics (B. subtilis, Lactobacillus, Limosilactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus johnsonii, Muribaculaceae, Lactobacillus amylovorus, and Lactobacillus reuteri) in sows and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium perfringens type A after feeding B. subtilis administration. These probiotics can repair the intestinal tissue and improve intestinal histomorphology, and enhance the expression of MUC2 and sIgA in sows, thereby further strengthening the mucosal immune function. B. subtilis can also reduce the levels of inflammatory factors (CRP, IL-1β, and IFN-γ) and attenuate the inflammatory response in sows and neonatal piglets. Taken together, our results suggest that dietary supplementation with B. subtilis PB6 could reduce bloat in sows and diarrhea in piglets while improving intestinal barrier function and microbial balance in sows. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of feeding high-moisture corn (HMC) on weight performance, serum immune and antioxidant indices, rumen fermentation, microbial community, and metabolomics in Kazakh rams. A total of 32 healthy Kazakh rams were randomly divided into a control group (CT, diet with only ordinary crushed corn) and an experimental group (GS, diet with 50% ordinary crushed corn + 50% HMC), following a 7-day adaptation period and a 120-day trial period. Results showed that the F/G was significantly lower in the GS group than in the CT group (p < 0.05). FBW, net weight gain and ADG increased by 4.58%, 8.69%, and 8.70%, respectively, while ADFI decreased by 7.04% (p > 0.05). Regarding serum immune indices, IgA in the GS group was significantly higher at 40 d (p < 0.01), and IgM was significantly higher at 40, 80, and 120 d (p < 0.05). For antioxidant indices, the SOD activity in the GS group was significantly higher than that in the CT group at 120 d (p < 0.01). The CAT activity in the GS group was significantly higher at 40, 80, and 120 d (p < 0.01). Among rumen fermentation parameters, the concentration of butyric acid in the GS group was significantly lower than in the CT group (p < 0.01). Microbial diversity analysis indicated no significant differences in Alpha- and Beta-diversity of rumen microorganisms between the two groups. However, the relative abundance of Firmicutes_A at the phylum level was significantly higher in the GS group (p < 0.05), and the abundance of Cryptobacteroides was significantly higher than in the CT group (p < 0.01). Rumen metabolomic analysis identified a total of 1357 differential metabolites, among which 1130 showed significant differences, with 459 upregulated and 671 downregulated. These were mainly enriched in pathways such as Glutathione metabolism, Beta-alanine metabolism, Sphingolipid metabolism, and lysine degradation. In conclusion, feeding HMC can improve feed conversion efficiency and weight performance in Kazakh rams, regulate the structure of dominant rumen microorganisms, and enhance immune and antioxidant capacities. Full article

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) relies on hydroponic systems to achieve high yields, yet optimizing plant performance remains a challenge. Beneficial endophytic bacteria offer a sustainable solution by promoting growth and nutrient uptake. Here, we investigated the mechanistic basis of growth enhancement in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) inoculated with Pseudomonas psychrotolerans IALR632 in a nutrient film technique (NFT) system. Growth measurements showed significant increases in shoot and root biomass and leaf greenness. RNA-seq profiling at 4, 10, and 15 days after transplanting revealed dynamic transcriptional reprogramming, with 38, 796, and 7642 differentially expressed genes, respectively. MapMan and GO analyses indicated up-regulation of pathways related to cell wall remodeling, lipid metabolism, nitrogen assimilation, and stress adaptation, alongside modulation of ethylene signaling. Root bacterial microbiome through 16S metabarcoding sequencing demonstrated distinct community shifts, confirmed by analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) (R = 1, p = 0.028), with enrichment of genera linked to nutrient cycling and plant growth promotion. These findings provide integrated molecular and ecological evidence that IALR632 enhances lettuce growth by coordinating host gene expression and rhizobiome restructuring, offering a mechanistic framework for microbial inoculant strategies in hydroponic horticulture. Full article

Fenton-based processes are widely used advanced oxidation methods that are known for degrading persistent pollutants. However, these techniques often generate significant amounts of iron-containing sludge, which poses environmental disposal challenges due to its complex composition. Furthermore, the sludge produced by the Fenton process contains a high content of Fe(III) compounds, which can serve as an iron source to stimulate dissimilatory iron reduction (DIR), enhancing the performance of anaerobic digestion. Based on the characterization results from a previous study, this work investigated the use of the ferrous precipitate generated by the electrochemical peroxidation process applied to tannery wastewater treatment as an additive to enhance volatile fatty acids (VFAs) production during dark fermentation. The performance of ferrous precipitate (R-Fe₃O₄) was compared to that of conventional magnetite (Fe₃O₄) during dark fermentation under high organic loading conditions, emphasizing their potential to enhance hydrolysis efficiency and VFAs production yields, while promoting sustainable resource recovery and reuse within a circular bioeconomy framework. The results showed that the addition of both Fe₃O₄ and R-Fe₃O₄ significantly increased the VFAs yields, with a predominance of long-chain fatty acids. The presence of CaCO₃ in the ferrous precipitate contributed to maintaining a stable pH environment, supporting microbial activity and enhancing the hydrolysis of soluble compounds. Moreover, the availability of essential micronutrients within the ferrous precipitate favored greater microbial diversity. Consequently, the addition of R-Fe₃O₄ promoted VFAs production, even at higher organic loading rates, suggesting a promising application of Fenton-based by-products as functional additives to improve the economic and environmental performance of the dark fermentation process. Full article

The relationship between epilepsy, obesity, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) has emerged as a rapidly evolving area of neurobiology inquiry. Emerging evidence suggests that epilepsy extends beyond neuronal hyperexcitability, reframing it as a systemic condition characterized by significant metabolic dysregulation. Converging supports a bidirectional relationship while seizures, antiseizure medications (ASM), and neuroinflammation induce exacerbate potentiate epileptogenesis through shared molecular pathways. At the cellular level, chronic epileptic activity induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the activation of microglia and astrocytes. This, in turn, leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. These mediators traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB), subsequently modifying insulin signaling, and disrupting glucose homeostasis, which collectively fosters a pro-inflammatory and insulin-resistant environment. Furthermore, antiseizure medications such as valproate can exacerbate these effects by directly impairing insulin receptor signaling and altering adipokine production, ultimately contributing to weight gain and systemic metabolic dysregulation. Obesity and MetS induce neuroinflammatory and excitotoxic states that promote seizure onset via leptin resistance, reduced adiponectin levels, and compromised AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. Emerging evidence emphasizes the gut-brain axis as a crucial regulator in this reciprocal interaction. Dysbiosis, altered microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), and heightened intestinal permeability facilitate systemic inflammation and BBB disruption, enhancing neuronal excitability. Insulin resistance in the brain disrupts synaptic transmission, impairs mitochondrial biogenesis, and compromises redox equilibrium, perpetuating a pathological cycle linking metabolic stress to epileptic activity. This review synthesizes the cellular, molecular, and systemic pathways connecting epilepsy, obesity, and MetS, and proposes that epilepsy be reconceptualized as a neuro-metabolic disorder. Insights into these convergent pathways provide a rationale for novel therapeutic strategies that simultaneously target seizure control and metabolic regulation, encompassing microbiota modulation, antioxidant therapy, and insulin-sensitizing interventions with the overarching aim of restoring neuro-metabolic homeostasis. Full article

Arsenic (As) is a ubiquitous and highly toxic metalloid with well-established carcinogenicity. Its accumulation and secondary release from lake sediments pose potential risks to lake ecosystem integrity and human health. Meanwhile, the ongoing intensification of lake eutrophication at the global scale has altered the sources, composition, and environmental behavior of internally derived dissolved organic matter (DOM). These changes have profoundly influenced As mobilization and transformation at the sediment-water interface (SWI). To advance understanding of the regulatory roles and underlying mechanisms of algal dissolved organic matter (ADOM) and submerged macrophyte dissolved organic matter (SMDOM) in As biogeochemical cycling under lake ecosystem regime shifts, extensive findings from the international literature were synthesized. The characteristic properties and environmental behaviors of ADOM and SMDOM were systematically compared, and their distinct regulatory pathways in lacustrine systems were further summarized. Results indicate that ADOM is typically characterized by low molecular weight, weak aromaticity, and high bioavailability. It can enhance As dissolution and mobilization from sediments through direct complexation, competition for adsorption sites, and stimulation of microbial metabolism and Fe(III) reduction. In contrast, SMDOM exhibits higher molecular weight, greater aromaticity, and a higher degree of humification. It tends to form stable complexes with mineral phases. Under the influence of radial oxygen loss (ROL) from submerged macrophyte roots during the growth phase, its capacity to promote mineral reduction is relatively limited. This process favors stable As retention in sediments. The regulatory effects of ADOM and SMDOM on As behavior are strongly modulated by environmental factors such as pH, redox potential (Eh), temperature, and light conditions, as well as by microbial communities. ADOM is more sensitive to reducing environments and photochemical processes. SMDOM, in contrast, exerts more persistent control under oxidizing conditions and at mineral-water interfaces. In addition, ADOM more readily drives microbial community shifts toward assemblages with enhanced capacities for Fe(III) reduction and As reduction or methylation. SMDOM is less likely to trigger strongly reducing processes. Based on these mechanisms, the outbreak and decay phases in algal-dominated lakes often correspond to critical periods of enhanced As mobilization and elevated ecological risk. In submerged macrophyte-dominated lakes, the decay phase may represent an important window for sedimentary As release. Finally, a conceptual framework describing the differential regulation of As biogeochemical cycling by ADOM and SMDOM is proposed. This framework provides a theoretical basis for As risk identification, the determination of critical risk periods, and the development of management strategies across lakes with different trophic states. Full article

The integration of appropriate tillage practices with straw returning can effectively mitigate soil degradation in Northeast China. However, limited research has explored the impacts of different tillage practices combined with varying straw incorporation depths on the structure and diversity of soil microbial communities. In 2016, a field experiment was initiated using a two-factor split-plot design, featuring six treatments: two tillage depths of 10 cm (D10) and 30 cm (D30) combined with three straw management practices—straw mixing incorporation (SM), straw deep burial (SB), and straw removal (SR). Soil samples collected in 2019 were analyzed for multiple soil properties and microbial indices. Results indicated that both straw returning and tillage depth significantly influenced soil organic carbon (SOC), soil total nitrogen (STN), total phosphorus (TP), and total potassium (TK), with the D30 treatment combined with straw returning optimizing soil nutrient contents most effectively. Under straw returning, D10 significantly increased urease activity in the 0–10 cm soil layer, whereas D30 enhanced this enzyme activity in the 10–30 cm soil layer, while β-glucosidase activity was less responsive to tillage depth. For the D10 treatment with straw returning, acid phosphatase activity was markedly higher than that in the straw removal treatment, whereas N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase activity exhibited the opposite trend. Straw-returning methods had no significant effects on the bacterial and fungal Chao1 indices, while the Shannon index was positively correlated with key soil properties. Redundancy analysis (RDA) of microbial community composition at the phylum level and soil environmental factors revealed that soil nutrients in the 0–10 cm soil layer were positively correlated with Actinobacteriota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota, whereas the explanatory power of soil nutrients for microbial community variation decreased in the 10–30 cm soil layer. Our results highlight that tillage depth and straw returning can regulate soil microbial community composition and enhance soil nutrient cycling, thereby providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the combined application mode of tillage and straw-returning practices in Northeast China. Full article

Premium coffee depends on high-quality beans, influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and postharvest factors. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying coffee bean quality, with an emphasis on the genetic differences between Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora, as well as the integrated roles of environmental conditions, agronomic practices, including nutrient and shade management, and postharvest processing technologies. The allotetraploid genome of C. arabica is influenced by homoeologous exchanges and subgenome-biased expression (such as decreased DXMT activity that reduces caffeine), which contribute to its complex flavor profile. Key lipid metabolism genes, particularly FADS2, play a critical role in regulating lipid metabolism. The effects of altitude (1600–2000 m) and shade influence various metabolic pathways. Cooler temperatures promote sugar accumulation, while excessive shading hinders carbon assimilation and the development of flavor precursors. Postharvest processing significantly influences flavor, where microbial or enzymatic treatments enhance sensory attributes. In addition, methods like natural, washed, or honey processing modulate various nonvolatile compounds, impacting lipid emulsification and aroma retention. Multi-omics analyses suggest that MYB proteins play a key role in regulating pathways involved in caffeine, chlorogenic acids, and terpenes. Effective hermetic packaging prevents oxidation, thereby preserving freshness. Overall, superior coffee quality stems from synergistic interactions across genetic, ecological, agronomic, and processing factors, highlighting the need for the development of an integrated strategy to support the sustainable production of premium coffee. Full article