Eco-friendly chitosan-gelatin/stone wool-ulexite cryogel for the adsorption of crystal violet, norfloxacin, and bacteria from aqueous media.

Deep learning-assisted SERS platform for label-free detection of celecoxib in serum using ag@Pt@porous silicon Bragg mirror composite substrate.

Optimized Biodegradation of Crystal Violet Dye Using Enterobacter soli: Efficiency, Toxicity Reduction, and Potential for Textile Wastewater Treatment

Post-pandemic molecular epidemiology of β-lactam resistance and biofilm formation in multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii from a Brazilian tertiary hospital.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering potential of radiolytically synthesized silver nanoparticles for crystal violet detection

Production of two Kımı pickles using the whey and vinegar as fermentation media and determination of bacterial and fungal microbiota, antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of Kımı pickles.

Synergetic effect of silica on the adsorption performance of aluminum zirconium oxide for the removal of crystal violet and doxycycline: Adsorption kinetics and mechanisms

Metal-substituted ferrites as efficient photocatalysts for the removal of crystal violet from wastewater

Genetic screens are powerful approaches to unveiling new biological insights and ordered redundant transposon libraries have emerged as a primary tool for performing screens with known genetic saturation. Newer sequencing approaches based on combinatorial pooling have lowered the cost and time required to generate these libraries. Caulobacter crescentus is a gram-negative bacterium that has served as a model for understanding bacterial physiology with a myriad of genetic tools. To add to this collection of tools, we created CauloKO-the first ordered, transposon library in C. crescentus. CauloKO includes insertion mutants in 86% of all non-essential genes and 77% of all open reading frames of strain CB15. CauloKO insertion mutants were validated using Sanger sequencing. We also present phenotypic analysis of the CauloKO library using a crystal violet screen for biofilm mutants, which both confirmed previous results and identified new mutants for future studies. This combined approach revealed that the CauloKO library shows promise for screening applications, particularly for phenotypes that require monoclonal populations of cells.IMPORTANCEOrdered transposon mutant libraries have dramatically advanced the ability to study other systems, and the potential for combining such a library with the other genome-wide tools available in Caulobacter crescentus makes such a library particularly important for this system. Our work also establishes a novel method for analyzing sequencing data for ordered library construction purposes, and a first-of-its-kind dynamic, online platform for cataloging mutants within the library. Furthermore, our findings further confirmed results of previously published studies, but also identified potential novel regulators of biofilm formation in C. crescentus that will be important starting points for future investigations.

Infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA), especially chronic infections associated with biofilm formation, have become a major clinical challenge. Phage therapy has received much attention as an alternative strategy, but temperate phages have limited direct application due to their lysogenicity. The aim of this study was to explore the synergistic therapeutic effect of a novel temperate phage combined with antibiotics. A temperate Pseudomonas phage YF1204 was isolated from the patient’s bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and systematically characterized by whole-genome sequencing, transmission electron microscopy, and host range analysis. The synergistic antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of phage with amikacin (AK) were evaluated by using the checkerboard test, a time-killing curve based on optical density (OD600) and crystal violet staining, and the cytocompatibility was analyzed by using the CCK-8 method. The results showed that phage YF1204 belonged to the Siphoviridae family and had typical temperate phage genome characteristics (containing integrase gene). It also showed lytic activity against 41.4% (87/210) of the clinical isolates, especially against carbapenem-resistant strains. When YF1204 was combined with AK, it reduced the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of AK by 2- to 8-fold across all tested strains, respectively. Moreover, the inhibitory effect against CRPA was significantly enhanced (achieving suppression indexes about 80% ) and biofilm formation was inhibited with an inhibition ratio of 48.75%. Cell experiments showed that YF1204 had no significant toxicity to THP-1 cells. The combination of YF1204 and AK exhibited significant synergistic bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities, providing a novel therapeutic strategy with translational potential for CRPA-induced refractory infections.

This study investigated the combined antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of polymyxin B (PB) with intrinsically acidic N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against Klebsiella pneumoniae. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of PB, acidic NAC, and neutralized NAC against 34 K. pneumoniae strains were determined using the broth microdilution. Drug interactions were assessed by checkerboard assays and the fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI), while biofilm inhibition was quantified using crystal violet staining. Polymyxin B resistance was identified in the reference multidrug-resistant strain K. pneumoniae ATCC BAA-1705. The PB-NAC combination showed an additive effect (FICI 0.53-0.63) against PB-resistant and PB-intermediately susceptible strains, whereas indifferent interactions were observed in PB-susceptible strains. Furthermore, sub-inhibitory concentrations of the combination produced significantly stronger biofilm inhibition than either agent alone. Neutralization of NAC markedly reduced its antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities, with substantial inhibition observed only at concentrations ≥ 32 mg/mL. These findings demonstrate that the combination of PB and acidic NAC exerts additive antibacterial effects, particularly against resistant K. pneumoniae strains, and enhances biofilm inhibition. Notably, the intrinsic acidity of NAC is essential for its antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity.

ABSTRACT Precise engineering of surface topography in noble metal nanocrystals is pivotal for advanced applications but remains challenging due to the thermodynamic preference for epitaxial, layer‐by‐layer (Frank‐van der Merwe) growth on lattice‐matched seeds. Here, we report a kinetic‐mediated strategy that disrupts this paradigm, enabling the post‐lattice‐match synthesis of corrugated gold nanoplates with programmable roughness. By introducing trace shape‐mediators (e.g., Pd 2+ ), we create a reduction kinetics disparity that directs sequential deposition, intentionally breaking epitaxial ordering and inducing a Stranski–Krastanov‐like island growth mode under mild, one‐pot conditions. The resulting nanostructures feature a high density of plasmonic hotspots, leading to exceptional surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensitivity with a detection limit down to 10 −7 m for molecules such as crystal violet. Furthermore, these corrugated surfaces exhibit enhanced CO Faraday efficiency in electrocatalytic CO 2 reduction. This work establishes a general approach to transcending thermodynamic constraints in nanocrystal growth, offering a versatile platform for designing functional nanomaterials with customized surface architectures.

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) poses significant health risks to poultry and humans, with biofilm formation often complicating treatment by enhancing bacterial persistence and resistance. Understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying this lifestyle transition is crucial for controlling infections. This study aimed to investigate the effect of biofilm formation on the transcriptional expression of specific biofilm- and virulence-associated genes in chicken-derived ExPEC strains. Biofilm formation conditions for three strong biofilm-producing chicken-derived ExPEC strains were optimized using an orthogonal experimental design (L9(33)), evaluating culture medium, incubation time, and initial inoculum concentration. Biofilm biomass was quantified via crystal violet staining. Subsequently, the transcription levels of 10 biofilm-associated genes and 17 virulence-associated genes were compared between planktonic and biofilm states using Reverse Transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Optimal culture conditions varied among strains, though nutrient-rich media consistently promoted rapid biofilm formation. Transcriptional analysis revealed significant reprogramming in the biofilm state. Among biofilm-associated genes, flhC, tolA, qseC, mhpB, and bdcR were consistently and significantly upregulated across all strains (p < 0.05). Regarding virulence determinants, the expression of eaeA, LT, fimH, ompF, and iss was significantly upregulated (p < 0.05), whereas Sta levels were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Biofilm formation induces a distinct transcriptional shift in chicken-derived ExPEC, simultaneously enhancing the expression of key genes involved in biofilm maintenance and pathogenicity. The conserved upregulation of flhC, tolA, qseC, mhpB, and bdcR suggests these genes are critical drivers of biofilm development. Consequently, they represent potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies aimed at preventing E. coli infections and eradicating biofilms in clinical and agricultural settings.

Dental caries is a complex, polymicrobial disease related to biofilm formation. Carbohydrates in children's diets are essential for biofilm formation. The aim of this study was to compare biofilm production of Streptococcus mutans pre-adapted to lactose (PAL) and non-PAL in the presence of sucrose and/or lactose on polystyrene surfaces coated or not with saliva. S. mutans ATCC 25175 was PAL through daily subcultures in media containing 1% lactose for 96 hours. Biofilm formation by PAL and non-PAL S. mutans were performed in 96-well flat-bottom polystyrene microplates on surfaces sensitized or not with saliva, in the presence of 1% sucrose, 1% lactose, or sucrose+lactose (0.5% + 0.5%). After incubation (24 h, 36 °C, microaerophilic), the biofilm was stained with 0.2% crystal violet and quantified at 490 nm. We observed that the PAL samples formed less biofilm; the presence of sucrose, alone or with lactose, was responsible for greater biofilm production; coating with saliva reduced biofilm in the presence of lactose alone. We conclude that the greatest potential for biofilm formation was observed for the non-PAL samples in the presence of sucrose on surfaces not coated with saliva.

To characterize biofilm-forming capacity, extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), and antibiotic susceptibility (AST) of bacteria isolated from contact lenses (CL) and their accessories. Bacterial isolates from 20 CLs and their cases from asymptomatic participants were assessed for biofilm formation using crystal violet (CV) staining in tubes and tissue culture plates (TCP). AST was performed by the Kirby-Bauer method. EPS production was detected using Congo red agar (CRA) and broth (CRB), with the contents of carbohydrate, protein, and eDNA assessed. Biofilm structures were visualized, and the effect of different physiological conditions on biofilm was studied. The bacterial isolates included A. xylosoxidans, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, S. cohnii, S. epidermidis, and S. saprophyticus, identified and confirmed by MALDI TOF MS. Out of 110 isolates, biofilm production by CV staining showed 28.5% strongly positive, 38.09% moderately positive, and 23.33% weakly positive by the tube method, and 32.07%, 18.57%, and 29.04% respectively by TCP method; 14.28% were non-biofilm producers. The selected isolates were susceptible to the tested antibiotics, but resistance was noted in A. xylosoxidans. The EPS production was confirmed by black coloration in CRA plates, and CRB tubes with carbohydrate content was found to increase, whereas protein content was slightly reduced, and the presence of eDNA was detected after 48 hrs. By Maneval's stain, a pink bacterial cell embedded in blue-colored extracellular matrix (ECM) is observed. The SEM images depicted the presence of branched and sheet-like ECM structures. Physiological conditions like acidic pH and the presence of ribose sugar showed reduced biofilm formation; conversely, incubation at 28°C enhanced bacterial attachment. In Staphylococcus species, increased salt concentration supported biofilm formation. This study shows that bacteria present on contact lenses of asymptomatic users possess significant biofilm-forming capacity. We conclude that A. xylosoxidans and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus were predominant and capable biofilm formers. CRB was found to be a convenient qualitative method for detecting EPS production in this study. The bacterial attachment on CL may vary with physiological conditions. These findings reflect presence of bacteria rather than active infection and highlight the importance of hygiene and preventive strategies during contact lens use.

The rapid development of the textile industry has led to the discharge of large amounts of dyes into aquatic environments, such as rivers and lakes. Long-term exposure to these substances causes many adverse health effects. Therefore, compact, highly sensitive sensors that enable rapid, on-site assessment of water quality have received significant attention. High-performance SERS substrates were successfully fabricated by optimizing and controlling the thickness of the shell of core-shell Au@Ag NPs by using both experimental and FDTD calculations. Results on the individual and simultaneous detection of dyes demonstrate the potential of Au@Ag NPs as substrates for environmental applications, where dyes exist in complex forms. Detection limits for the three organic substances, rhodamine B, crystal violet, and methyl orange, were 1.89 × 10-12, 6.57 × 10-13, and 1.08 × 10-9 M, respectively, demonstrating a significant improvement in sensitivity compared to single Au and Ag NPs. At the same time, tests in Han River water also demonstrated the high applicability of the SERS Au@Ag NP substrate in real samples. This is one of the advances in the development of SERS-based sensors for environmental applications. For the first time, the core-shell Au@Ag NPs were evaluated for their capabilities, including simultaneous detection and sensing in real water samples. This is of great significance in the application of this technique beyond the laboratory scale.

Eco-engineered sodium alginate-bentonite-Fe-ATA aerogels with tunable crosslinking for high-efficiency cationic dye adsorption.

Synergistic Potential of Bacteriophage and Blue Light Therapy Against Biofilm-Associated Klebsiella pneumoniae in Postoperative Gynaecological Infections.

To isolate and cultivate Veillonella parvula (V. parvula) from the supragingival plaque of adult patients intact teeth surfaces with rampant caries, to investigate its growth and metabolic properties, and to preliminarily explore its interaction with Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). V. parvula was isolated from the supragingival plaque of intact teeth surfaces in an adult patient with rampant caries using Veillonella agar medium. Identification was performed based on colony morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The clinically isolated strain was cultured in brain heart infusion broth (BHI) supplemented with 120 mmol/L lactate in an anaerobic chamber. Its growth curve and lactate metabolism over 24 h were assessed. Co-culture with S. mutans was conducted to measure lactate accumulation and pH value changes in the culture system. Biofilm structure was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the biofilm biomass was compared using crystal violet staining, providing initial insights into their interaction. Through biochemical identification and 16S rRNA gene sequencing, one wild type strain of V. parvula was isolated from the supragingival plaque of intact teeth surfaces in an adult patient with rampant caries. When the wild type V. parvula and the reference strain V. parvula were cultured over 24 h, their growth curves and the trends in the residual lactate concentration in the medium differed, with the differences being statistically significant (F=10.431, P < 0.001; F=5.641, P < 0.05). In co-culture with S. mutans, the group with the wild type V. parvula formed a denser bacterial biofilm structure and had a greater biofilm biomass at 12 h compared with the group with the reference strain V. parvula (P < 0.001). At 24 h, the cumulative lactate concentration produced by the co-culture group with the wild type V. parvula reached as high as 65 mmol/L, which was significantly higher than that in the co-culture group with the reference strain V. parvula and the S. mutans mono-culture group (P < 0.001). The strain of V. parvula which we isolated from supragingival dental plaque exhibited superior growth, lactate metabolism, and a greater capacity to promote S. mutans biofilm formation than the reference strain, ultimately accelerating the initiation of early carious lesions.

Abstract Statement of Purpose: Breast cancer bone metastasis remains a major clinical challenge, with a five-year survival rate of only ∼22% following distant recurrence. Treatment is hindered by therapeutic resistance, frequent metastasis relapse, and the emergence of secondary metastases, all of which contribute to poor patient outcomes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving these processes is critical. ZMYND8, a chromatin reader, has emerged as a key player in cancer biology. It is involved in histone modification recognition, DNA repair, and can also promote angiogenesis under hypoxic conditions. Importantly, ZMYND8 has been identified as a prognostic marker in breast and liver cancers. Our preliminary data show that ZMYND8 is significantly upregulated in bone metastases compared to naïve tumor cells in an MCF7 estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer model. This suggests that ZMYND8 may play an active role in metastatic progression.To elucidate its function, we are employing both in vitro and in vivo ER+ breast cancer models. This research will advance our understanding of ZMYND8 in metastasis and potentially uncover new therapeutic targets. Methods: We developed ZMYND8 knockdown in MCF-7 cell lines expressing firefly luciferase. Cell proliferation of knockdown vs control cells was studied with two methods: IVIS imaging of bioluminescence and BrdU assay. Cell migration was studied using a transwell system. The number of cells that migrated was stained with crystal violet and counted. Wound healing assay was performed by scratching cells in culture and measuring area of the scratch after 96h. Immunofluorescence staining was performed on patient samples with ZMYND8 antibody and Pan-Keratin antibody. Tumor vs stomal cells were separated based on Pan-Keratin expression and ZMYND8 expression. ZMYND8 expression was quantified by fluorescence intensity in primary breast tumor vs bone metastasis and in bone tumor vs stroma. DNA damage was quantified based on γH2AX staining. ZMYND8 knockdown and control MCF-7 cells were injected to the intra-iliac artery of nude mice and tumor growth was measured with IVIS. Results: In vitro studies demonstrated that ZMYND8 significantly enhances the metastatic potential of ER+ breast cancer cells. Specifically, knocking down ZMYND8 in MCF7 cells decreased migration, proliferation, and wound healing capacity compared to control cells. In Immunofluorescence analysis on patient bone metastasis samples, ZMYND8 is more highly expressed in bone metastasis than primary breast tumor, and it is also more highly expressed in the tumor cells compared to stromal cells in the bones. ZMYND8 also co-localized with yH2AX staining, and their expression shows a linear correlation, indicating ZMYND8 is highly expressed at DNA damage sites. In vivo study showed less growth of ZMYND8 knockdown cells in mouse compared to control cells at 35 days, suggesting ZMYND8’s role in tumor progression. Conclusion: Collectively, these results implicate ZMYND8 as a critical regulator of breast cancer bone metastatic progression and highlight its potential as a therapeutic target in ER+ breast cancer. Ongoing and future research includes in vivo studies to understand ZMYND8’s role in bone metastasis progression, mechanistic studies to investigate its molecular activities, and its therapeutic implications. Citation Format: T. Qin, I. Bado. Chromatin Reader ZMYND8 Promotes Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2025; 2025 Dec 9-12; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2026;32(4 Suppl):Abstract nr PS1-12-16.