Search Results (597)

An ethyl acetate extract from the deep-sea bacterium Galbibacter orientalis strain ROD011 (GOEE), collected from international waters, was investigated as a potential anti-inflammatory agent. In lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages, nitric oxide (NO) production fell by 72–87% at 5–20 µg/mL GOEE without detectable cytotoxicity. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2 protein abundance decreased in a dose-dependent manner and was nearly absent at 20 µg/mL. In zebrafish embryos, survival was maintained up to 40 µg/mL, and LPS-induced signals were attenuated; the cell-death rate declined from 10 µg/mL onward, and at 20 µg/mL GOEE, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO decreased by 85% and 27%, respectively. To explain these effects, untargeted metabolomics with pathway enrichment and network mapping were performed in LPS-driven macrophages. Of the 58 KEGG pathways evaluated, 18 reached significance, notably purine and pyrimidine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, and the one-carbon pool via folate. Coordinated shifts also involved amino-acid/tricarboxylic acid (TCA)-cycle linkages, glutathione and glyoxylate/dicarboxylate, and sphingolipid pathways. Network analysis identified hubs that were concomitantly reprogrammed. Collectively, GOEE achieved multi-level suppression of inflammatory outputs while preserving viability, and the metabolomic signature provides a mechanistic scaffold for its action. These findings nominate a deep-sea microbial extract as a promising anti-inflammatory lead and motivate fractionation and targeted validation of the highlighted metabolic nodes. Full article

The incorporation of bioactive natural compounds into biomedical applications offers a promising route to enhance therapeutic efficacy while supporting sustainability. In this study, we investigated the synergistic potential of Sericin, a silk-derived biopolymer, and Chelidonium majus L. (C. majus), a medicinal plant with a diverse phenolic profile, in relation to biological activities relevant for wound care and infection control. A combined experimental strategy was applied, integrating detailed chemical characterization of C. majus extracts with antimicrobial and cytocompatibility assays across different Sericin–plant extract ratios (1:1, 1:2, 2:2, and 2:1). Phytochemical analysis identified and quantified 57 phenolic compounds, including high levels of flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, isorhamnetin) and phenolic acids (caffeic and ferulic acid). Salicylic acid (123.6 µg/g), feruloyltyramine (111.8 µg/g), and pinocembrin (98.4 µg/g) were particularly abundant, compounds previously reported to disrupt microbial membranes and impair bacterial viability. These metabolites correlated with the strong antimicrobial activity of C. majus against Gram-positive strains (MIC = 5–10 mg/mL). In combination with Sericin, antimicrobial performance was ratio-dependent, with higher proportions of C. majus (2:1) retaining partial inhibitory effects. Cytocompatibility assays with HFF1 fibroblasts demonstrated low antiproliferative activity across most formulations (GI₅₀ > 400 µg/mL), supporting their potential safety in topical applications. Collectively, the results indicate a concentration-dependent interaction between C. majus phenolics and the Sericin protein matrix, reinforcing their suitability as candidates for natural-based wound healing materials. Importantly, the valorization of Sericin, an underutilized byproduct of the silk industry, together with a widely accessible medicinal plant, underscores the ecological and economic sustainability of this approach. Overall, this work supports the exploration of the development of biomaterials with potential for advancing tissue repair and wound management. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dysbiosis of the vaginal microbiota, particularly the loss of Lactobacillus spp. dominance, is linked to female infertility. While community state types (CSTs) I–III and V have been studied extensively, CST IV remains underexplored. The aim of this prospective study was to compare vaginal microbiota composition—specifically CST IVA and IVB—between fertile and infertile women. Methods: Vaginal samples were collected from 22 women (15 infertile, 7 fertile) using cervical brushes and analyzed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. DNA was extracted, and V3–V4 regions were sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Taxonomic classification was performed with QIIME 2 and the Greengenes database. Differences in microbial composition were assessed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test (p < 0.05) in SPSS v21.0. Results: Infertile women showed lower relative abundances of Lactobacillus spp. (31.54% vs. 42.32%) and Oscillospira spp. relative to fertile women. CST IV was more frequent in the infertile group (29.75% vs. 21.61%). Within CST IV, CST IVA accounted for a higher proportion in infertile women (7.0% vs. 0.94%), with Prevotella spp. representing 95.18% of CST IVA in infertile subjects, as opposed to the figure of 69.77% in fertile counterparts. No clear differences in CST IVB were observed between groups. Conclusions: Increased prevalence of Prevotella spp. in CST IVA may contribute to an unfavorable vaginal environment in infertile women, potentially affecting sperm viability. The presence of Oscillospira spp. in fertile women suggests it is associated with a healthy vaginal microbiota profile. Full article

Background: Bile salt hydrolase (BSH) is a key probiotic trait, as it facilitates both host metabolism and bacterial survival into the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), through bile acid (BA) deconjugation, keeping intestinal homeostasis. Objectives: The present study aims to investigate the viability of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus VB4 strain and its effects on bile acid deconjugation during the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) passage, under a fed condition, using the in vitro SHIME^® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) model. Methods: Gastric, small intestinal and colonic fractions were monitored and a fecal slurry from a healthy donor was inoculated into the colonic compartment to establish the intestinal microbiota. Samples were collected at the end of stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum phases, and colon after 0, 16 and 24 h. Strain survival was assessed by culturing method, and bsh gene expression was revealed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). In addition, UHPLC/HR-MS was performed to reveal the hypothetical changes in BAs profile after strain administration. Results: Good survivability of the VB4 strain in the upper GIT was revealed. Furthermore, VB4-inculated sample showed sustained expression of bsh in both the stomach/small intestine and colon fractions at all sampling times. Analysis of the BAs profile shown that the VB4 strain reduced the levels of the main conjugated BAs in the small intestine under fed condition and improved the deconjugation efficiency during colonic transit compared with the control. Conclusions: These findings highlight the survivability of L. rhamnosus VB4 strain inside the gut and its potential as biotherapeutic BAs-mediator candidate, demonstrating that transcriptomic and metabolomic approaches coupled to a dynamic in vitro gut model represent a robust tool for selection of a BSH-positive probiotic candidate. Full article

The poultry industry requires sustainable strategies to improve gut health and nutrient utilization while reducing antibiotic use. This study assessed the effects of dietary supplementation with a microencapsulated phytosynbiotic from Yanang (Tiliacora triandra) leaf extract fermented with Pediococcus acidilactici V202 (YEP) on broiler ileal digestibility, microbial viability, and cecal fermentation using an in vitro gastrointestinal simulation model. Six YEP inclusion levels (0–2.5%) were tested. Results revealed significant improvements in ileal dry matter and gross energy digestibility and enhanced survival and proliferation of beneficial lactic acid bacteria in the ileum. Increased gas production, lactic acid, and volatile fatty acid concentrations, including acetate, propionate, and butyrate, indicated that cecal fermentation was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner. Moderate YEP levels optimized fermentation speed and butyrate synthesis, while higher levels enhanced total gas and acetate production. YEP also shifted the cecal microbiota toward a healthier profile, enhancing Lactobacillaceae counts and the Lactobacillaceae-to-Enterobacteriaceae ratio. Overall, protective microencapsulation, synergistic phytochemical interactions, and balanced nutrient supply had positive effects at the gut level. Thus, the data highlight YEP as a promising synbiotic feed additive that can enhance nutrient utilization, microbial balance, and gut health in broilers, warranting future in vivo validation. Full article

The development of algal bioplastics offers a promising pathway toward sustainable materials that can mitigate reliance on fossil fuel-derived plastics. This article reviews recent advances in algal cultivation, strain optimization, biopolymer extraction, and processing technologies, alongside techno-economic and life cycle assessments. Special emphasis is placed on integrated biorefinery models, innovative processing techniques, and the role of government–industry–academia partnerships in accelerating commercialization. The analysis incorporates both demonstrated algal systems and theoretical applications derived from established microbial processes, reflecting the emerging nature of this field. The environmental advantages, market readiness, and scalability challenges of algal bioplastics are critically evaluated, with reference to peer-reviewed studies and industrial pilot projects. The analysis underscores that while technical feasibility has been demonstrated, economic viability and large-scale adoption depend on optimizing yield, reducing production costs, and fostering collaborative frameworks. Future research priorities include enhancing strain performance via AI-enabled screening, expanding product valorization streams, and aligning regulatory standards to support global market integration. Full article

Fermented beverages have been highlighted for their beneficial effects on health, especially due to the presence of probiotic microorganisms. This study aimed to develop and characterize a beverage fermented from the aqueous extract of licuri (Syagrus coronata) with grains of milk kefir and water kefir. Physical–chemical properties, microbial viability, storage stability, and in vitro resistance to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), as well as microbiological safety and identification of isolated bacteria, were evaluated. The grains were fermented in licuri for 24 and 48 h, and the samples were compared with their respective controls. The analyses revealed that the licuri drink favored the growth of kefir grains, maintaining adequate microbial viability (>7 log CFU mL⁻¹ for lactic acid bacteria and >4 log CFU mL⁻¹ for yeasts), with good resistance to GIT (>60%) and physical–chemical properties for 20 days. The bacterial isolate was identified as Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, with a satisfactory safety profile. Licuri extract is therefore a promising matrix for the development of non-dairy functional beverages with potential probiotic properties. Full article

Food waste (FW) presents a critical issue, representing an environmental liability and a largely untapped resource. Its heterogeneity and low valorization rate among main-stream alternative treatments challenge its integration into economically and environmentally sustainable bioprocesses. We explore biorefineries as a solution that can address the complexity of urban food waste through biological strategies capable of converting food waste into valuable products. Exploring the current landscape of FW biorefineries, this study focused on the interplay between feedstock heterogeneity, pretreatment strategies, microbial dynamics, and integration potential. We propose a framework distinguishing between robust fermentations that can use minimally treated FW and tailored fermentations, which require refined media pretreatment and/or supplementation to yield higher-value compounds. Drawing on recent techno-economic and life cycle assessments, this article evaluates process viability and environmental impacts across multiple scales, reinforcing the need for robust analysis to support decision-making. Real-world initiatives and policy frameworks are analyzed to contextualize technological advances within regulatory and infrastructural realities. By linking practical constraints to biochemical and operational strategies, this work outlines how food waste biorefineries can contribute meaningfully to circular economy goals. Instead of treating FW as an intractable problem, it is seen as a versatile feedstock that demands integration, investment, and adaptive process design. Full article

Processing economically and socio-culturally significant Amazonian fruits—andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.), açai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), and babassu (Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng.)—generates substantial biomass waste, posing critical environmental and waste management challenges. This study explored the valorization of these abundant residual biomasses as sustainable feedstocks for biosurfactant production by bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa P23G-02, while simultaneously profiling their nutritional value and broader implications for a circular bioeconomy. Through liquid fermentation, biosurfactants were produced at an approximate yield of 6 mg/mL. The isolated biosurfactants exhibited favorable properties, including emulsification indices of around 60% and surface tension reduction to below 30 mN/m, with the andiroba-derived biosurfactant identified as a rhamnolipid type. Nutritional profiling of the residues revealed significant energy values, reaching up to 656 kcal/100 g, with açai and babassu residues being carbohydrate-rich (exceeding 80%), and andiroba residues exhibiting a high lipid profile (up to 57%). These distinct compositions critically influenced biosurfactant yield. These findings underscore the viability of Amazonian fruit biomass as valuable resources for developing eco-friendly bioproducts and innovative waste management solutions. While highlighting a promising pathway for circular bioeconomy development, future research should address biosafety and explore alternative microbial hosts for applications in sensitive sectors such as food and nutrition. Full article

Bioactive peptides have garnered increasing interest in recent years due to their potential applications in the medical field, for example, as promising adjuvant therapeutic agents to modulate the host immune response and counteract microbial dysbiosis in chronic pathologies. Primarily derived from protein hydrolysates of food waste, these components exhibit beneficial properties, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects. This narrative review focuses on bioactive peptides with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their mechanisms of action, sources, and therapeutic potential in the context of chronic conditions, particularly periodontal disease, especially when comorbidities are present (i.e., type 2 diabetes mellitus). The mechanisms of action and sources, as well as preclinical and clinical studies evaluating bioactive peptides efficacy, are discussed. Further research is warranted to establish their clinical viability and integration into conventional therapeutic strategies. Full article

The most significant barrier against biopolymers’ commercialization is their sensitivity to external factors and poor material properties. In recent years, significant progress has been made to enhance these materials so that they are able to provide their unique physiological benefits while maintaining acceptable material performance. As these materials have developed, so too has their application in the food and medical industry, which often requires them to undergo sterilization. Sterilization is a process in which all microbial life and spores are removed from the surface and within materials and is a regulatory requirement for some food packaging products and all medical applications. Sterilization is carried out primarily using radiation, chemical, and heat treatment, which are all effective in disrupting cell regulation and causing cell death. These processes are known to induce structural and/or chemical changes in materials as well as potential migratory or leaching effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of these sterilization processes and the effects they have on polysaccharides, while established data is discussed that provides insight into their market viability post-sterilization and the importance of further characterization using sterilization. Full article

The Altai Republic remains a geographic region with an uncovered microbial diversity hiding yet undescribed potential species. Here, we describe the strain al37.1^T from the Altai soil. It showed genomic similarity with the Bacillus mycoides strain DSM 2048^T. However, the in silico DNA–DNA hybridization (DDH) was 61.6%, which satisfies the accepted threshold for delineating species. The isolate formed circular, smooth colonies, in contrast to the rhizoidal morphology typical of B. mycoides. The strain showed optimal growth under the following conditions: pH 6.5, NaCl concentration 0.5% w/v, and +30 °C. The major fraction of fatty acids was composed of C_16:0 (34.77%), C_18:1 (15.20%), C_14:0 (9.06%), and C_18:0 (7.88%), which were sufficiently lower in DSM 2048^T (C_16:0–15.6%, C_14:0–3.7%). In contrast to DSM 2048^T, al37.1^T utilized glycerol, D-mannose, and D-galactose, while being unable to assimilate D-sorbitol, D-melibiose, and D-raffinose. The strain contains biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) associated with the production of fengycin, bacillibactin, petrobactin, and paeninodin, as well as loci coding for insecticidal factors, such as Spp1Aa, chitinases, Bmp1, and InhA1/InhA2. The comparative analysis with the 300 closest genomes demonstrated that these BGCs and Spp1Aa could be considered core for the whole group. Most of the strains, coupled with al37.1^T, contained full nheABC and hblABC operons orchestrating the synthesis of enteric toxins. We observed a cytotoxic effect (≈19 and 22% reduction in viability) of the strain on the PANC-1 cell line. Given the unique morphological features and genome-derived data, we propose a new species, B. altaicus, represented by the type strain al37.1^T. Full article

Electric fields (EFs) have emerged as effective, non-chemical tools for modulating microbial populations in complex matrices such as wastewater. This review consolidates current advances on EF-induced alterations in microbial structures and functions, focusing on both vegetative cells and spores. Key parameters affected include membrane thickness, transmembrane potential, electrical conductivity, and dielectric permittivity, with downstream impacts on ion homeostasis, metabolic activity, and viability. Such bioelectrical modifications underpin EF-based detection methods—particularly impedance spectroscopy and dielectrophoresis—which enable rapid, label-free, in situ microbial monitoring. Beyond detection, EFs can induce sublethal or lethal effects, enabling selective inactivation without chemical input. This review addresses the influence of field type (DC, AC, pulsed), intensity, and exposure duration, alongside limitations such as species-specific variability, heterogeneous environmental conditions, and challenges in achieving uniform field distribution. Emerging research highlights the integration of EF-based platforms with biosensors, machine learning, and real-time analytics for enhanced environmental surveillance. By linking microbiological mechanisms with engineering solutions, EF technologies present significant potential for sustainable water quality management. Their multidisciplinary applicability positions them as promising components of next-generation wastewater monitoring and treatment systems, supporting global efforts toward efficient, adaptive, and environmentally benign microbial control strategies. Full article

Improving the quality of oil-contaminated soils remains a critical challenge, and bioaugmentation using allochthonous bacteria offers promising perspectives. This study proposes a framework for exogenous bioaugmentation using a bacterial consortium, composed of strains from diverse climates, immobilized in alginate beads and combined with calcium peroxide as an oxygen-releasing compound. Two conditions were tested: freshly prepared beads (BA) and lyophilized beads (LA). Their performance was compared to natural attenuation (NA) and to landfarming coupled with bioaugmentation using a free autochthonous consortium. Hydrocarbon degradation was assessed through total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and alkane depletion (GC-MS), microbial community dynamics (amplicon sequencing), and abundance of the alkB gene (qPCR). In three months, the BA treatment achieved a 44% TPH reduction, outperforming LA (34%) and NA (10% less than BA). However, LA induced a marked increase in alkB gene copies and microbial biomass at the end of the experiment, suggesting greater long-term potential. Dominant genera varied across treatments: Rhodococcus in NA, Gordonia in BA, and Pseudomonas in LA. In parallel, the autochthonous consortium achieved up to 80% oil degradation. This study demonstrates the viability of lyophilized microbial consortia in scalable, ready-to-use formulations and provides an operational methodology for exogenous bioaugmentation as a tool for the remediation of hydrocarbon-contaminated soils. Full article

The plants used in folk medicine have been increasingly studied to identify their bioactive properties. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the bioactivity of the hydroethanolic extracts of plants collected in Gardunha Mountain, Portugal. Seven abundant and representative wild plants were studied: Cistus salviifolius, Clinopodium vulgare, Coincya monensis, Glandora prostrata, Helichrysum stoechas, Rubia peregrina, and Umbilicus rupestris. The phytochemical composition of the extracts was determined by UHPLC-timsTOF-MS and by spectrophotometric methods. The antioxidant, in vitro anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity and the biocompatibility of the extracts were tested. The extracts were predominantly composed of flavonoids and phenolic acids, such as gallic acid, neochlorogenic acid and quercetin glycosides. The C. salviifolius extracts demonstrated very strong antioxidant activity related to scavenging free radicals (AAI = 2.84 and 2.93). Regarding antimicrobial activity, the H. stoechas extract exhibited inhibitory effects, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria and yeasts (MIC = 0.008–0.5 mg/mL). The C. monensis, R. peregrina, and U. rupestris extracts showed low cytotoxicity (viability > 70%) in the highest concentration tested. These findings highlight C. salviifolius and H. stoechas as promising sources of novel bioactive compounds, particularly antimicrobials in controlling microbial growth and promoting associated health benefits, and underscore the value of traditional medicinal plants as a guide for pharmacological studies. Full article