Culturable Bacteria Research Articles

Characterization of gut symbionts from wild-caught Drosophila and other Diptera: description of Utexia brackfieldae gen. nov., sp. nov., Orbus sturtevantii sp. nov., Orbus wheelerorum sp. nov, and Orbus mooreae sp. nov.

Non-culture based surveys show that the bacterial family Orbaceae is widespread in guts of insects, including wild Drosophila. Relatively few isolates have been described, and none has been described from Drosophila. We present the isolation and characterization of five strains of Orbaceae from wild-caught flies of the genera Drosophila (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Neogriphoneura (Diptera: Lauxaniidae). Cells are generally rod-shaped, mesophilic, and measure 0.8-2.0 µm long by 0.3-0.5 µm wide. Optimal growth was observed under ambient atmosphere. Reconstruction of phylogenies from the 16S rRNA gene and from single-copy orthologs verify placement of these strains within Orbaceae. Cells exhibited similar fatty acid profiles to those of other Orbaceae. Strain lpD01T shared 74% average nucleotide identity (ANI) with its closest relatives Ca. Schmidhempelia bombi Bimp and Zophobihabitans entericus IPMB12T. Results from multiple genome-wide similarity comparisons indicate lpD01T should be classified as a novel species within a novel genus. The major respiratory quinone for lpD01T is ubiquinone Q-8. lpD02T, lpD03, lpD04T, and BiBT are more closely related to Orbus hercynius CN3T (76, 77, 76, and 77% ANI, respectively) than to other described Orbaceae. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses suggest that lpD03 and lpD04T belong to the same species and that lpD02T, lpD03/lpD04T, and BiBT are each novel species of the genus Orbus. The proposed names of these strains are Utexia brackfieldae gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain lpD01T =NCIMB 15517T =ATCC TSD-399T), Orbus sturtevantii sp. nov (type strain lpD02T =NCIMB 15518T =ATCC TSD-400T), Orbus wheelerorum sp. nov. (type strain lpD04T =NCIMB 15520T =ATCC TSD-401T), and Orbus mooreae sp. nov (type strain BiBT=NCIMB 15516T =ATCC TSD-402T). The isolation and characterization of these strains expands the repertoire of culturable bacteria naturally associated with insects, including the model organism D. melanogaster.

Effects of gradual increase of ciprofloxacin and cefotaxime on nitrogen and phosphorus removal and microbial community in moving bed biofilm reactor

To clarify the effects of trace amount of antibiotics in wastewater on biofilm reactor, this study explored the effects of gradual increase of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and cefotaxime (CTX) ranging from 100 to 1000 ng·L−1 on the nitrogen and phosphorus removal and microbial community in a moving bed biofilm reactor (MBBR). Under different phases of CIP and CTX gradual increase, the resilience of culturable functional bacteria including ammonifying bacteria, nitrite oxidizing bacteria, aerobic denitrifying bacteria and phosphorus accumulating organisms in the biofilm was analyzed. High-throughput sequencing analysis was used to reveal the microbial community structure and species composition of functional bacteria. The results indicated that the treatment performance of MBBR was temporarily affected by trace CIP and CTX and returned to its original level within 1–2 days. Ammonifying bacteria exhibited strong resilience in trace CIP and CTX stress environments. Trace CIP and CTX altered the microbial community structure in biofilm, but the performance of nitrogen and phosphorus removal in MBBR was slightly affected. This might attribute to the rapid proliferation of Thauera, Dechloromonas and Candidatus_Accumulibacter on the carrier biofilm. The research results help to deepen the understanding of the impact of trace antibiotics on the MBBR and to provide a reference for the development of microbial germplasm resources for biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal from wastewater under antibiotic stress conditions.

Potentially pathogenic bacteria in the plastisphere from water, sediments, and commercial fish in a tropical coastal lagoon: An assessment and management proposal

Microplastics in aquatic ecosystems harbor numerous microorganisms, including pathogenic species. The ingestion of these microplastics by commercial fish poses a threat to the ecosystem and human livelihood. Coastal lagoons are highly vulnerable to microplastic and microbiological pollution, yet limited understanding of the risks complicates management. Here, we present the main bacterial groups, including potentially pathogenic species, identified on microplastics in waters, sediments, and commercial fish from Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (CGSM), the largest coastal lagoon in Colombia. DNA metabarcoding allowed identifying 1760 bacterial genera on microplastics, with Aeromonas and Acinetobacter as the most frequent and present in all three matrices. The greatest bacterial richness and diversity were recorded on microplastics from sediments, followed by waters and fish. Biochemical analyses yielded 19 species of potentially pathogenic culturable bacteria on microplastics. Aeromonas caviae was the most frequent and, along with Pantoea sp., was found on microplastics in all three matrices. Enterobacter roggenkampii and Pseudomonas fluorescens were also found on microplastics from waters and fish. We propose management strategies for an Early Warning System against microbiological and microplastic pollution risks in coastal lagoons, illustrated by CGSM. This includes forming inter-institutional alliances for research and monitoring, accompanied by strengthening governance and health infrastructures.

Tiny silver bullets: silver nanoparticles are insecticidal to Culicoides sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) biting midge larvae.

Insecticide formulations with safer environmental profiles and limited off-target effects are desirable to manage medical and veterinary pests. Silver nanoparticles are insecticidal against mosquitos, nonbiting midges, and other insects. The biting midge, Culicoides sonorensis Wirth and Jones, is a vector of agriculturally important pathogens in much of the United States, and this study aimed to examine the insecticidal properties of silver nanoparticles in larvae of this species. Mortality of third-instar larvae was assessed daily for 7 days after exposure to concentrations of silver nanoparticles, sorghum polymer particles, and hybrid silver-sorghum polymer particles. Both silver nanoparticles and silver-sorghum polymer particles were insecticidal, but sorghum polymer particles alone did not significantly contribute to larval mortality. Concentrations of 100mg/liter of silver nanoparticles achieved >50% mortality at day 7, and 200mg/liter treatments achieved >75% larval mortality within 24h. The antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles were also examined, and culturable bacteria were recovered from larval-rearing media at 200mg/liter but not at 400mg/liter of silver nanoparticles. These data suggest that C. sonorensis larval mortality is primarily caused by silver nanoparticle toxicity and not by the reduction of bacteria (i.e., a larval food source). This work describes the first use of silver nanoparticles in C. sonorensis and shows the potential insecticide applications of these nanoparticles against this agricultural pest. The grain-polymer particles also successfully carried insecticidal silver nanoparticles, and their utility in loading diverse compounds could be a novel toxin delivery system for biting midges and similar pests.

Antibiotic Susceptibility of Bacteria Isolated from Livestock-exposed and Unexposed Areas in Perlite-rich Soil in Thailand

Antibiotic resistant bacteria are present in various environments and are concerning for public health. Antibiotic resistance genes in soil may proliferate throughout different ecosystems and be acquired by pathogens that pose health risks to humans and animals. This study investigated the antibiotic resistance of cultivable bacteria isolated from livestock-exposed and unexposed areas in a former perlite mining area in the Fa-La-Mee Mountain range, Lopburi, Thailand. Soil samples were collected in five different locations. Soil bacteria were isolated and tested for susceptibility against seven antibiotics, followed by 16S rRNA gene-based identification. A total of 56 bacterial isolates were isolated from the perlite-rich soil samples, including 34 isolates from the livestock-exposed areas and 22 isolates from the unexposed areas. Most of the isolates were resistant to cefepime (26.5% in exposed areas and 22.7% in unexposed areas) and ampicillin (23.5% in exposed areas and 22.7% in unexposed areas). 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that most of the resistant bacteria isolated from perlite-rich soil were Bacillus spp. A multidrug-resistant isolate of Bacillus cereus resistant to ampicillin, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, and cefepime was found in a livestock-unexposed area. The majority of the culturable antibiotic-resistant bacteria isolated from perlite-rich soil were cefepime-resistant Bacillus. Interestingly, the pattern of antibiotic resistance in exposed and unexposed areas was not different, which indicated that antibiotic resistance in perlite-rich soil is likely caused by other factors, such as physicochemical characteristics and/or the microbial population of the soil rather than by antibiotics used in livestock husbandry.

Biofilms from the Kapova Cave Walls as a Source of Hydrolase Producers

The studies of bacterial communities from extreme econiches are presently aimed mainly at analyzing the biodiversity of microorganisms using molecular biology methods. Cultivated bacteria from karst caves represent a unique group of microorganisms, the biochemical potential of which has been poorly studied. In the present work, bacteria from biofilms on the walls of the Kapova Cave (Shulgan-Tash Nature Reserve, Bashkortostan) were isolated and characterized in order to assess the ability of identified isolates to produce extracellular hydrolytic enzymes. Most of the isolates (89%) were members of the phylum Proteobacteria, with the remaining ones belonging to the phyla Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes, which accounted for 5, 4, and 2% of the isolates, respectively. Strains with high levels of secreted protease, RNase, and amylase activity were identified as Stenotrophomonas rhizophila, Lysinibacillus fusiformis, and Pseudomonas stutzeri, respectively.

Dynamic cytokine profiles of bloodstream infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in China

ObjectivesThe aim of this work was to assess dynamic cytokine profiles associated with bloodstream infection (BSI) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) and investigate the clinical features associated with mortality.MethodsA total of 114 patients with positive BSI-Kpn and 12 sepsis individuals without blood positive bacteria culture were followed up. Cytokine profiles were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay on the first, third, seventh and fourteenth day after diagnosis. The test cytokines included arginase, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12 (p70), and IL-23. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 24 antibiotics were tested for BSI-Kpn. Risk factors associated with the 30-day mortality and 120-day mortality were evaluated using logistic analyses and nomogram.ResultsThere were 55 out of 114 patients with BSI-Kpn were included. All isolates showed high susceptibility rate to novel avibactam combinations. The level of arginase was the highest in carbapenem-resistant Kpn (CRKP) patients. The AUCs of arginase, TNF-α and IL-4 reached 0.726, 0.495, and 0.549, respectively, whereas the AUC for the combination of these three cytokines was 0.805. Notably, 120-day mortality in patients with CRKP was higher than carbapenem-sensitive K. pneumoniae (CSKP). Furthermore, the long-term and high levels of IL-6 and IL-10 were associated with death.ConclusionsHigh expression of arginase is correlated with CRKP. In addition, BSI-CRKP could result in indolent clinic course but poor long-term prognosis. Continuous increase of IL-6 and IL-10 were associated with mortality.

Analysis of Differences in Functional Groups in Green Tea Kombucha (Camellia sinensis) and Rosella Flower Kombucha (Hibiscus sabdariffa) Using FTIR Spectrophotometer Instrument

Functional groups are groups that determine the properties of organic compounds. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from tea and sugar to which a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY) is added. The aim of this study was to analyze the differences in functional groups found in green tea kombucha and rosella flower kombucha (Hibiscus sabdariffa). This research includes experimental research by analyzing functional groups in test samples using the FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) instrument. The results of the study showed that green tea kombucha has functional groups C-N amine, C=C alkene, C=C (triple) alkyne, and O-H alcohol, while the functional groups of rosella kombucha tea are produced as many as 5 functional groups, including the functional group C - O (Alcohol, ether, carboxylic acid, ester).

Study on the Combined Effects of Bromelain (Ananas comosus) Enzyme Treatment and Bacteria Cultures on the Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Horse Meat

Study on the Combined Effects of Bromelain (Ananas comosus) Enzyme Treatment and Bacteria Cultures on the Physicochemical Properties and Oxidative Stability of Horse Meat

Survival of Probiotic Bacterial Cells in the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract and the Effect of the Surviving Population on the Colonic Microbial Community Activity and Composition.

Many health-promoting effects have been attributed to the intake of probiotic cells. However, it is important that probiotic cells arrive at the site of their activity in a viable state in order to exert their beneficial effects. Careful selection of the appropriate probiotic formulation is therefore required as mainly the type of probiotic species/strain and the administration strategy may affect survival of the probiotic cells during the upper gastrointestinal (GIT) passage. Therefore, the current study implemented Simulator of the Human Microbial Ecosystem (SHIME®) technology to investigate the efficacy of different commercially available probiotic formulations on the survival and culturability of probiotic bacteria during upper GIT passage. Moreover, Colon-on-a-Plate (CoaP™) technology was applied to assess the effect of the surviving probiotic bacteria on the gut microbial community (activity and composition) of three human donors. Significantly greater survival and culturability rates were reported for the delayed-release capsule formulation (>50%) as compared to the powder, liquid, and standard capsule formulations (<1%) (p < 0.05), indicating that the delayed-release capsule was most efficacious in delivering live bacteria cells. Indeed, administration of the delayed-release capsule probiotic digest resulted in enhanced production of SCFAs and shifted gut microbial community composition towards beneficial bacterial species. These results thus indicate that careful selection of the appropriate probiotic formulation and administration strategy is crucial to deliver probiotic cells in a viable state at the site of their activity (distal ileum and colon).

Characterization of SCOBY-fermented kombucha from different regions and its effect on improving blood glucose

Kombucha is a healthy fermented beverage made by fermenting sugar tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The fermentation performance and antioxidant capacity of kombucha fermented by SCOBY from five different regions were compared in this study. Two kinds of high-quality SCOBY were selected, GKT and XKT. Next, the metabolite profiles of GKT and XKT were analyzed, and 18 and 36 different metabolites were screened from GKT and XKT, respectively. The correlation analysis of the differential metabolites with the antioxidant indexes identified three metabolites with potential hypoglycemic efficacy, 1-O-Sinapoyl-beta-D-glucose, Actinodaphnine, and Biochanin A. Moreover, the potential of GKT and XKT for anti-diabetes was verified by cell experiments. At the same time, the microbiome of GKT and XKT analysis found that Gluconobacter, Komagataeibacter and Pseudomonas were the most common bacteria genera. Differently, the composition of fungal genera in GKT and XKT was differentiated, with the dominant genera being Filobasidium and Starmerella, respectively. Finally, correlation analysis of microbial composition with volatile and functional metabolites showed that Gluconobacter and Komagataeibacter were closely related to flavor substances. In addition, the dominant strain of GKT, Filobasidium, seems to contribute to its good sensory quality, and the dominant strain of XKT, Starmerella, is positively associated with several metabolites with hypoglycemic effects, particularly Biochanin A and Rhoifolin. In this study, XKT was screened with good fermentation performance and strong antioxidant capacity, as well as had anti-diabetic potential. These results provide microbial resources and theoretical support for the development of kombucha starter culture.

Cultivation in long-term simulated microgravity is detrimental to pyocyanin production and subsequent biofilm formation ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Given plans for humans to engage in prolonged space travel, we investigated biofilm and pigment/virulence factor formation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa when cultivated in microgravity. These bacteria are opportunistic pathogens in immunocompromised individuals. Previous studies of space travelers have shown some immune system diminutions. Hence, our studies shed some light on how prolonged cultivation of bacteria in simulated microgravity conditions affect their growth characteristics.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I Induces Gonad Growth in the Queen Scallop Aequipecten opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758) under Conditions of Climate Change

Climate change has presented a serious problem in recent times, which is why a new approach is being sought in terms of aquacultural food quality. In this study, the influence of temperature increase (by 2 °C) and pH decrease (by 0.2) was investigated on the queen scallop, Aequipecten opercularis (Linnaeus, 1758). Furthermore, the effect of a food-enriched diet with the probiotic culture Lactiplantibacillus plantarum I was assessed in climate-changed conditions. Scallops’ morphometric parameters were measured before the experimental setup and after one month of being kept in controlled conditions. Morphometric parameters included the elongation index, compactness index, convexity index, density index, condition index, meat yield, gonadosomatic index, adductor muscle index, and hepatosomatic index. Climate-changed conditions had no effect on the scallop condition index, meat yield, or hepatosomatic index. Nevertheless, the addition of probiotics to their diet had a positive effect on the queen scallops cultivated under conditions of climate change, influencing positive allometry and the increase of the gonadosomatic indices. On the other hand, the same conditions negatively affected the adductor muscle index of the scallops. To conclude, in the context of climate change conditions, queen scallops could be a good organism of choice that can be very well adapted to the changed environmental conditions, especially with the addition of the lactic acid bacteria culture Lpb. plantarum I.

Relative Health Risk Reduction from an Advanced Multi-Modal Air Purification System: Evaluation in a Post-Surgical Healthcare Setting.

Advanced air treatment systems have the potential to reduce airborne infection risk, improve indoor air quality (IAQ) and reduce energy consumption, but few studies reported practical implementation and performance. PlasmaShield®, an advanced multi-modal HVAC-integrated system, was directly compared with a standard MERV-13 system in a post-surgical paediatric healthcare setting. The evaluation entailed monitoring of multi-size airborne particles, bioaerosols and key IAQ parameters. Measurements were taken for outside air, supply air and air in the occupied space for 3 days prior to, and after, the installation of the PlasmaShield system. Compared with the existing arrangement, very significant reductions in particle number concentrations were observed in the occupied space, especially with virus-like submicron particles. Significant reductions in airborne culturable bacteria and fungi were observed in the supply air, with more modest reductions in the occupied space. In the case of virus-like particles, there was an eight-fold improvement in equivalent clean air, suggesting a five-fold infection risk reduction for long-range exposure. The data suggest multiple benefits of airborne particle and bioaerosol reduction, with applications beyond healthcare. Long-term studies are recommended to confirm the combined IAQ, health and energy benefits.

Development of probiotic functional food and evaluation of its functional properties

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that enhance human health by improving intestinal microbial balance. It helps in improving digestive health, enhances immunity, and improves psychiatric health, cardiac health and weight management. The present study explores the potential of using probiotic microorganisms from lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) and colocasia (Colocasia esculenta) leaves as sources for starter culture bacteria for curd preparation. Four types of curd were developed: cow's milk with colocasia leaf starter culture (MC), cow's milk with lotus leaf starter culture (ML), red sorghum and cow's milk mixture with colocasia leaf starter (MRC), and red sorghum and cow's milk mixture with lotus leaf starter (MRL). Metagenomic analysis showed that MC curd contained Acetobacter sp., (51%), Lactococcus sp., (26%), and Leuconostoc sp., (18%), while ML curd had Lactococcus sp., (67%), Leuconostoc sp. (20%), and Lactobacillus sp., (10%). Physicochemical study of MRC and MRL showed 2.94 ± 0.84 % and 2.84 ± 0.14 % of carbohydrate content, respectively. The analysis of MRC and MRL showed a significant increase in the color parameter “a*” probably due to the presence of anthocyanin in red sorghum milk. The MRC and MRL showed higher antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The MRL curd showed the highest glucose uptake and cytotoxicity in the L6 cell line and also demonstrated potent α-amylase inhibition (IC50 = 2.383 ± 0.286 μg/ml) compared to MRC (IC50 = 13.02 ± 0.112 μg/ml). Thus, in-vitro anti-diabetic activity of red sorghum-fortified curds was found superior to MC and ML curds. This study suggests that red sorghum fortification enhances curd quality and provides notable health benefits.

Heterotrophic activity and hydrocarbon degradation in crude oil-contaminated coastal soil augmented with indigenous biosurfactant producing Pseudomonas sp.

The enhanced bioremediation of the petroleum-contaminated soil from the Ibeno coastal area was investigated using standard microbiological and biotechnological methods. Soil samples were simulated with 200ml, 400ml, and 800ml of Bonny Light crude oil representing 5%, 10%, and 20 % contamination levels respectively, and allowed to mimic natural crude oil degradation for 48 hours. The contaminated soil was bioaugmented with 15 ml of 24-hour culture of potent biosurfactant-producing bacteria – Pseudomonas aeruginosa with a viable cell count of 2.6 x 103 CFU/ml and monitored for 12 weeks. Analysis of the fate of the hydrocarbon contamination in soil augmented with the biosurfactant-producing pseudomonad revealed that the degradation of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was faster in augmented soils. At the end of the degradation, the augmentation process induced a reduction in the TPH content and PAH levels of soil exposed to 20% contamination from 32.85 mg/kg to 15.14 mg/kg and from 16.34 mg/kg to 5.35 mg/kg respectively. These represent 45.9% and 32.7% remediation rates of TPH and PAH, respectively. The findings of this study also indicate that bioaugmentation of crude oil-contaminated soil with a culture of P. aeruginosa, does not only influence the density of heterotrophic and hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in the soil but increases the natural attenuation potentials of the contaminated soil.

Effects of Fermentation with Kombucha Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeasts on Antioxidant Activities, Bioactive Compounds and Sensory Indicators of Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza Beverages.

Kombucha is a well-known fermented beverage traditionally made from black tea infusion. Recent studies have focused on finding alternative materials to create novel kombucha beverages with various health benefits. In this study, we prepared and evaluated two novel kombucha beverages using Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza as materials. The effects of fermentation with the residue of these plants on the kombucha were also investigated. The antioxidant activities, total phenolic contents, and concentrations of the bioactive compounds of the kombucha beverages were determined by the Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity test, ferric-reducing antioxidant power test, Folin-Ciocalteu method, and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. The results revealed that the kombucha beverages made with Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza had strong antioxidant capacities and abundant phenolic contents. Additionally, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had higher FRAP, TEAC and TPC values than that fermented without residue. On the other hand, the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha fermented with residue had similar FRAP and TEAC values but lower TPC values compared to that fermented without residue. The correlation analysis showed that gallic acid, salidroside, and tyrosol were responsible for the antioxidant abilities and total phenolic contents of the Rhodiola rosea kombucha, and salvianolic acid A and salvianolic acid B contributed to the antioxidant abilities of the Salvia miltiorrhiza kombucha. Furthermore, the kombucha fermented with Rhodiola rosea residue had the highest sensory scores among the kombucha beverages studied. These findings suggest that Rhodiola rosea and Salvia miltiorrhiza are suitable for making novel kombucha beverages with strong antioxidant abilities and abundant phenolic contents, which can be used in preventing and managing oxidative stress-related diseases.

Quality improvement of nata bioedible film using Acetobacter xylinum and kombucha symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast as starter

The trend towards bio-edible films is being promoted to reduce the use of plastic packaging, specifically as primary packaging for food. Therefore, this study aimed to improve the quality of nata as bioedible film by using a starter during fermentation to produce microbial metabolites such as the cellulose matrix, “nata”. The fermentation of nata was carried out using coconut water as substrate, while the starter used single culture (Acetobacter xylinum) and multiculture (kombucha symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY)). The starter (15% v/v) was inoculated on the coconut water substrate which had been formulated and adjusted at pH 3-4, then incubated for 14, 18 and 22 days. Fermentation using the kombucha SCOBY for 22 days of fermentation resulted in good quality nata biofilm. The results showed that the yield of nata reached 35.44% w/v with 14.76 mm of thickness, 5 cm of diameter, 0.86 N/nm2 of elasticity, 34.02-52.01 MPa of tensile strength, and 2.3-2.6% of elongation. The functional groups profile of nata edible film was OH, CH, C=C, and aromatic rings. The results of this study showed that kombucha SCOBY has good potential as a starter for producing bioedible films

Multidisciplinary advances in kombucha fermentation, health efficacy, and market evolution.

Kombucha, a fermented tea beverage, has seen a significant rise in global popularity. This increase is attributed to its reported health benefits and extensive cultural heritage. The comprehensive review examines kombucha through microbiology, biochemistry, and health sciences, highlighting its therapeutic potential and commercial viability. Central to kombucha production is the symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts (SCOBY), which regulates a complex fermentation process, resulting in a bioactive-rich elixir. The study examines the microbial dynamics of SCOBY, emphasizing the roles of various microorganisms. It focuses the contributions of acetic acid bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, and osmophilic yeasts, including genera such as Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, Brettanomyces/Dekkera, and Pichia. These microorganisms play crucial roles in producing bioactive compounds, including organic acids, polyphenols, and vitamins. These bioactive compounds confer therapeutic properties to kombucha. These properties include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, cancer prevention, hepatoprotective, and detoxifying effects. The review also explores the growing market for kombucha, driven by consumer demand for functional beverages and opportunities for innovative product development. It emphasizes the necessity of standardized production to ensure safety and validate health claims. Identifying research gaps, the review highlights the importance of clinical trials to verify therapeutic benefits. Ultimately, this study integrates traditional knowledge with scientific research, providing directions for future studies and commercial expansion, emphasizing the role of kombucha in health and wellness.

Hyperthermophilic composting of livestock waste drastically reduces antimicrobial resistance

Composting is the most common method for managing livestock waste. However, it often fails to effectively eliminate antimicrobial resistance, resulting in potential antimicrobial resistance in livestock waste. Hence, a more effective livestock waste management strategy is warranted. The hyperthermophilic composting method uses recycled compost containing hyperthermophilic microbes to raise the compost temperature up to approximately 100 °C (compost temperature in normal composting: 50–70 °C). This study clarifies the effectiveness of hyperthermophilic composting method in attenuating antimicrobial resistance during livestock waste composting in both a composting simulator and on a field dairy farm. We analyzed bacterial abundance and community composition, performed PCR analysis, and evaluated the concentration of residual antimicrobials in the compost. Hyperthermophilic composting significantly reduced the abundance of culturable bacteria and Escherichia coli including that of antimicrobial-resistant culturable bacteria and E. coli in both the simulated and field dairy farms. The copy numbers of the tested antimicrobial resistance genes (tetA, tetB, blaTEM, and blaCTX-M) decreased substantially. Residual antimicrobials (tetracyclines and β-lactams) were not detected in the field dairy farms, and network analysis showed that potential hosts of antimicrobial-resistance genes were eliminated. These results indicate that hyperthermophilic composting significantly reduces the abundance of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, antimicrobial-resistance genes, and residual antimicrobials at low cost and easy operation while generating valuable agricultural resource as the final output.