Growth Of Microorganisms Research Articles

Refrigerated Storage-Induced Quality Deterioration of Mandarin Fish (Siniperca chuatsi): Analyzing the Role of Endogenous Enzymes through TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomics

Tandem Mass Tag (TMT)-based proteomics was employed to elucidate the pivotal role of endogenous enzymes in the quality deterioration of Mandarin fish (Siniperca chuatsi) during refrigerated storage. Proclean 300 was used to inhibit the growth of psychrophilic microorganisms, emphasizing the contribution of endogenous enzymes. Quality characteristics, including pH, water-holding capacity, color, texture, and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI), were compared between the Proclean 300-treated group (P-group) and the control group (C-group). Correlation analysis underscored the collaborative role of calpain and cathepsin B in postmortem degradation. Pearson correlation analysis showed that texture characteristics were significantly negatively correlated with MFI and significantly positively correlated with whiteness and L* in the P-group. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) analysis identified 66 DEPs, with 40 exhibiting low abundance, including cytoskeleton proteins and hemoglobin subunits, and 26 showing high abundance, primarily metabolic enzymes. Bioinformatics analysis revealed significant enrichment of DEPs within the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway. Furthermore, protein-protein interaction analysis highlighted key proteins linked to the quality deterioration of Mandarin fish, including beta-enolase, phosphoglycerate kinase 1, and triosephosphate isomerase B. These findings offer valuable insights into the mechanisms behind the quality deterioration of refrigerated Mandarin fish and the intricate relationship with endogenous enzymes.

Response processes to water quality changes driven by the dynamic regeneration of the surface microlayer film in slow-flowing freshwater bodies

The freshwater surface microlayer film (SMF) is a dynamically evolving micro-ecosystem closely related to water quality and microbial growth in water. However, the mechanisms of dynamic regeneration of SMF after their destruction and their impacts on the aquatic environment are still largely unknown. Herein, we modeled the dynamic processes of SMF destruction and recovery in the natural environment by constructing a water-SMF ecosystem. Chemical and biological changes in the dynamic regeneration of SMF were investigated. The results showed that the dynamic regeneration of SMF was very fast, with a regeneration thickness of up to 300±50 μm in two days, and at the same time, it would rapidly enrich organic matter and Fe ions. In addition, the cyclic dynamic regeneration process of SMF is significantly correlated with the surge metabolic growth of microorganisms associated with organic matter metabolism (e.g., Methylophilus, Nevskia) and iron-redox-associated (e.g., Curvibacter). The experimental results suggest that the microbial-mediated process of iron-organic matter coupled oxidation-reduction in SMF may be another important mechanism driving water quality changes. Overall, our study provides valuable theoretical guidance for predicting changes in water quality in slow-flowing water bodies.

Bacterial profile of wound site infections and evaluation of risk factors for sepsis among road traffic accident patients from Apex Trauma Centre, Northern India.

Background. Among the most significant yet often ignored health issues worldwide are trauma and accidental injuries. India accounts for 11% of global deaths in road accidents, the highest in the world, according to the World Bank report. There are limited data about the bacterial contamination of road traffic accident (RTA) wounds and their antibiotic susceptibility patterns. Materials and Methods. This prospective study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in northern India from January 2023 to January 2024. Wound deep swabs or aspirates were collected from RTA patients with traumatic injuries at different time intervals. Gram stain and culture were performed, and positive aerobic culture was subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing. Organism identification was done using MALDI-TOF MS and routine biochemical tests. Blood samples were also collected to rule out bloodstream infections during follow-up if the patient became febrile or showed symptoms of systemic infection. Sepsis was defined in those patients who had two or more scores in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria with a positive microbiological culture. Risk factors were evaluated for sepsis on the basis of the patient's vitals, injury characteristics, procalcitonin, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, need for mechanical ventilation and complete blood count, which were obtained from the patient's admission file. Results. A total of 189 wound samples were collected, of which 99 (52.38%) samples showed the growth of microorganisms. The aerobic isolates included 69 (69.69%) Gram-negative bacilli, of which the majority were Klebsiella pneumoniae, 28 (28.28%) Gram-positive cocci, of which the majority were Staphylococcus aureus and 2 (2.02%) anaerobic isolates. Among the Gram-negative isolates, none of the isolates were resistant to colistin. All S. aureus isolates were susceptible to vancomycin, teicoplanin and levonadifloxacin. Sepsis developed in 50 (26.45 %) patients. Significant risk factors evaluated for sepsis were a raised procalcitonin level, a low GCS score, a higher injury severity score, the need for mechanical ventilation and a raised quick sequential organ failure assessment score. Conclusion. It is essential to ascertain the profile of microorganisms isolated from RTA wounds in order to reduce antibiotic resistance and deliver efficient treatment.

Recent trends and open questions regarding the effects of microplastics on soil, plants and soil microorganisms

In recent years, microplastics have been extensively detected in sea, freshwater, soils and organisms. The microplastics pollution is of increasing concerns for soil health. Microplastics are considered as an emerging threat to the agroecosystems, where soils may represent a reservoir for plastics pollution. Microplastics in soils could alter soil properties, plant growth, soil invertebrate, abundance and activity of soil microorganisms. Further investigations are needed to evaluate the overall effect of microplastics on soil ecosystems services.

Evaluation of the Causative Microorganisms and Antibiogram Results in Women with Vaginal Swab Culture Taken with Prediagnosis of Vaginitis

Aim: Vaginitis occurs when the vaginal flora is disturbed. This study aimed to evaluate the demographic data, causative microorganisms, and antibiogram results of women who underwent vaginal swab culture with a prediagnosis of vaginitis. Methods: Vaginal swab samples from 314 women who visited the Kafkas University Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology were included in the study. Women with immunosuppressive diseases, gynecological malignancies, and IUD use were excluded. Vaginal discharge or swab samples were Gram stained and cultured on various media. Microorganisms were identified using conventional and biochemical methods, and antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, according to the EUCAST guidelines. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, with categorical variables assessed using the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, and continuous variables assessed using the Mann-Whitney U test. The study complied with the recommendations of the Declaration of Helsinki for human biomedical research and was approved by the Non-Interventional Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the Kafkas University Faculty of Medicine. Results: The median age of 314 women included in this study was 39 (20-69) years. . In total, 73.6% (n=231) were premenopausal, 24.5% (n=77) were postmenopausal, and 1.9% (n=6) were pregnant. The most common complaint was abdominal/pelvic pain (142, 45.2%). Vaginal cultures from 123 women (39.1%) showed the growth of different microorganisms. The most common causative microorganism was Escherichia coli (41.5%). According to the antibiogram results, the most sensitive antibiotic was gentamicin (65.9%), and ampicillin (52.8 %) was the most resistant. Conclusion: It is important to quickly and accurately identify microorganisms involved in the etiology of the correct treatment.

Identification of novel natural anti-browning agents based on phenotypic and metabolites differences in potato cultivars

This study aimed to elucidate the changes of browning-related metabolite in fresh-cut potato and to identify anti-browning agents. Metabolomics and weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify metabolites and correlate them with potato browning traits. A total of 79 browning trait-positive-related metabolites and 19 browning trait-negative-related metabolites were obtained from four key modules via WGCNA. The accumulation of metabolites with rich reducing groups and acidic groups were found to enhance anti-browning activity in potatoes. Among these metabolites, only L-pyroglutamic acid (L-PA) and ascorbic acid had variable importance for the projection (VIP) values greater than 1.5. In addition, it was found that L-PA inhibited polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity by lowering pH and interacting with amino acid residues of PPO. L-PA also inhibited the growth of microorganisms in fresh-cut potato. Our results show that L-AP is an effective novel anti-browning agent with antibacterial activity.

Investigation of cold-resistance mechanisms in cryophylactic yeast Metschnikowia pulcherrima based on comparative transcriptome analysis.

Low temperature inhibits the growth of most microorganisms. However, some microbes can grow well in a low temperature, even a freezing temperature. In this study, the mechanisms conferring cold resistance in the cryophylactic yeast Metschnikowia (M.) pulcherrima MS612, an isolate of the epidermis of ice grapes, were investigated based on comparative transcriptome analysis. A total of 6018 genes and 374 differentially expressed genes (> 2-fold, p < 0.05) were identified using RNA-Seq. The differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in carbohydrate and energy metabolism, transport mechanisms, antifreeze protection, lipid synthesis, and signal transduction. M. pulcherrima MS612 maintained normal growth at low temperature (5°C) by enhancing energy metabolism, sterol synthesis, metal ion homeostasis, amino acid and MDR transport, while increased synthesis of glycerol and proline transport to improve its resistance to the freezing temperature (-5°C). Furthermore, cAMP-PKA and ERAD signaling pathways contribute to resist the low temperature and the freezing temperature, respectively. This study provides new insights into cold resistance in cryophylactic microorganisms for maneuvering various metabolism to resist different cold environment.

Spider web-reinforced chitosan/starch biopolymer for active biodegradable food packaging

In this study, starch (ST), chitosan (CH), spider silk (SW), and their hybrid composite bioplastics were fabricated and examined for physicochemical and mechanical properties. The essential oils (EOs) of Rosmarinus officinalis were encapsulated to enhance their biological application. The prepared composite films were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques such as XRD, SEM, GCMS–, UV–VIS, TGA, and FTIR spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activity of the prepared film was tested against S. aureus bacterial and C. albican fungal strains which showed a greater zone of inhibition for the composite film encapsulated with EOs. The biodegradability of the synthesized film was evaluated for 60 days in soil under laboratory conditions. The composite film containing spider web and essential oil significantly improved mechanical properties. The physicochemical results, such as moisture, solubility, swelling, transmittance, opacity, and water vapor permeability, of the prepared bioplastic were comparable with those of the control plastic. The EO-based film had greater antioxidant activity against DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, and phosphomolybdenum assays, with an inhibition range of 60–70 %. The addition of spider web and essential oil to the chitosan/ starch film significantly increased the shelf life of injera and tomatoes for 7 and 10 days, respectively for the EO-based film. The biodegradability of the synthesized film has shown a great reduction in the weight and growth of microorganisms. In general, the CH/ST/SW and CH/ST/SW/EOs composite films have greater mechanical, biological, physicochemical, and potential improvement of food shelf life applied as either coating or packaging material.

Green fabrication of biomass-derived carbon dots and bio-based coatings: Potential of enhancing postharvest quality on Chinese flowering cabbage

The objective of this study was to develop a bio-nanocomposite coating (CQSC) by combining chitosan quaternary ammonium salt (CQAS) and sericin (SC) with biomass-derived carbon dots (CDs) to extend the shelf life of Chinese flowering cabbage (CFC). The effects of different concentrations of CDs (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 mg/mL) on the physicochemical, structural, and functional activity of nanocomposite particles were evaluated. CQAS exhibited strong inhibitory effects against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Moreover, the application of CQSC on CFC significantly reduced mass losses, slowed the increase in lignin content, maintained ascorbic acid and chlorophyll levels, inhibited the growth of microorganisms, and preserved the unique texture and aroma of CFC during storage at 10 °C compared with uncoated CFC. The results will contribute to the further development of CDs coatings to improve the postharvest preservation effect of fruits and vegetables.

Bifunctional electrode materials: Enhancing microbial fuel cell efficiency with 3D hierarchical porous Fe3O4/Fe-N-C structures

The rational development of high-performance anode and cathode electrodes for microbial fuel cells (MFCs) is crucial for enhancing MFC performance. However, complex synthesis methods and single-performance electrode materials hinder their large-scale implementation. Here, three-dimensional hierarchical porous (3DHP) Fe3O4/Fe-N-C composites were prepared via the hard template method. Notably, Fe3O4/Fe-N-C-0.04-600 demonstrated uniformly dispersed Fe3O4 nanoparticles and abundant Fe-Nx and pyridinic nitrogen, showing excellent catalytic performance for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with a half-wave potential (E1/2) of 0.74 V (vs. RHE), surpassing Pt/C (0.66 V vs. RHE). Moreover, Fe3O4/Fe-N-C-0.04-600 demonstrated favorable biocompatibility as an anode material, enhancing anode biomass and extracellular electron transfer efficiency. Sequencing results confirmed its promotion of electrophilic microorganisms in the anode biofilm. MFCs employing Fe3O4/Fe-N-C-0.04-600 as both anode and cathode materials achieved a maximum power density of 831.8 ± 27.7 mW m−2, enduring operation for 38 days. This study presents a novel approach for rational MFC design, emphasizing bifunctional materials capable of serving as anode materials for microorganism growth and as cathode catalysts for ORR catalysis.

Composting and Liquid Formulations: Panacea to Better Yield in Agriculture: A Review

Liquid formulations, including aqueous, oil, and polymer-based products, often use polysaccharides to alter fluid properties. Liquid inoculants offer cost-effective alternatives to solid carriers, particularly benefiting small producers in India by overcoming transportation and processing challenges. Ideal liquid inoculants are non-toxic, low-cost, uniform, nutrient-supplemented, and support rapid microorganism release and growth. Effective formulations stabilize organisms, ensure easy field delivery, protect against environmental factors, and enhance microbial activity. Rich in nutrients and organic matter, compost enhances the texture, structure, and moisture retention of soil, improving soil qualities and crop productivity. It boosts soil enzyme activity and microbial populations, promoting nitrogen fixation and nutrient availability. Organic manure applications increase soil fertility, water retention, and reduce bulk density. Field and horticultural crops, such as potatoes, chillies, and tomatoes, show significant yield improvements with compost, which also suppresses plant diseases and weed populations. These findings underscore the importance of adopting liquid formulations and composting as sustainable agricultural practices.

Green synthesis of Titanium dioxide nanoparticle using combination of plants and its antimicrobial study with their characterization

Abstract The characteristics and biological qualities of the nanomaterial rely heavily on how it was made. Green nanoparticle production has been developed to minimize pollution, cut expenses, and enhance safety for both human health and the environment by reducing metal ions using plant extracts as opposed to industrial chemical agents. The goal of the current work is to synthesize titanium dioxide nanoparticles in an environmentally friendly manner by using an extract from the combined shells of Stone apples (Aegle marmelos) and Wood apples (Limonia acidissima). Titanium dioxide nanoparticle formation was verified using various characterization techniques. Well diffusion was used to measure the antimicrobial activity. The fungal strains that were employed were Aspergillus Niger, Candida Albicans, and Aspergillus Flavus. All fungul strains were successfully inhibited by both the crudely prepared extract and the biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles; however, the biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles exhibited a high zone of inhibition ranging from 25 to 30 mm, while the crudely prepared extract had a low zone of inhibition ranging from 13 to 19 mm. A moderately sized zone of inhibition was observed in both the crude produced extract and the biosynthesized Titanium dioxide nanoparticles at a dilution of 100 μg/ml. Lower dilutions demonstrated less noticeable inhibition. Overall, these results showed that treatment with biosynthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles significantly slowed the growth of many microorganisms.

CONTROL OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES AND STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS IN MEAT AND MEAT PRODUCTS BY CELL-FREE SUPERNATANT OF BREVIBACILLUS LATEROSPORUS BGSP7 AND BGSP9

The presence of pathogens in food has increased awareness of food safety, but it also causes large economic losses. Fresh meat and meat products contain a sufficient quantity of proteins, lipids, water, and a favorable pH that stimulates the growth of various microorganisms, including pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of Brevibacillus laterosporus BGSP7 (CFS-BGSP7) and BGSP9 (CFS-BGSP9) cell-free supernatants in the control of Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in raw meat and meat products. Raw meat and meat products were sliced and then aseptically treated by immersion for 2 minutes into solutions containing: i) CFS-BGSP7; ii) CFS-BGSP9; iii) no treatment. The samples were then artificially contaminated with: Group I – L. monocytogenes (~4 log cfu g-1); Group II – S. aureus LMM322 (~4 log cfu g-1). Each sample was individually aseptically vacuum-packed and stored at 4°C for 8 weeks. The number of surviving bacteria in the samples were analyzed immediately after contamination with L. monocytogenes and S. aureus and at regular time-intervals: after 1, 3, 5 and 8 weeks of storage at 4°C. Meat samples treated with CFS-BGSP7 and CFS-SP9 showed a significant decrease in the cell counts of L. monocytogenes and S. aureus. When meat samples treated with CFS-BGSP7 and CFS-BGSP9 are compared, the results show a more intense reduction rate of both L. monocytogenes and S. aureus in all samples treated with CFS-BGSP7.

Particle Size Effect on Anaerobic Digestion of Fruit and Vegetable Waste

During the anaerobic digestion (AD) of fruit and vegetable waste (FVW), excessive particle size reduction can lead to the overproduction and inhibition of methanogenic microorganisms. This paper presents an in-depth analysis through experimental assays, modeling, and response surface analysis of the effect of particle size on methane production. A simple model was proposed considering the inhibition of the growth of methanogenic microorganisms and surface-based hydrolysis kinetics. The model parameters were estimated using experimental data from batch systems fed with FVW of varying particle sizes (ranging from 1.8 to 1000 μm). Response surface methodology establishes a statistical model for estimating methane production based on particle size and concentration. Numerical and statistical analyses were conducted using Matlab R2024a and Minitab 24 software. A model with an R2 of 0.89 was obtained, which determined an optimal concentration of 8.2 kg·m−3 and a particle size of 742.3 μm, yielding a methane production of 303.3 m3·kg−1 VS, similar to the experimentally obtained range of 300.95 to 316.7 m3·kg−1 VS.

Optimization of fermentation conditions and analysis of the changes in flavor compounds for lemon vinegar

The flavor composition is an important index to evaluate the quality of fruit vinegar, including volatile and non-volatile components. The flavor quality of fruit vinegar is related to fermentation technology. This study analyzed the acetic acid fermentation conditions and the changes in the flavor composition of lemon vinegar. After optimization, the pH, alcohol content, and inoculum were 3.0, 6%, and 10%. The statistical analysis showed significant changes in flavor components during the whole fermentation. After acetic acid fermentation, the highest organic acid changed from citric acid to acetic acid. The content of amino acids showed a decreasing trend, mainly used for the growth and metabolism of microorganisms and the precursor of aroma compounds. Terpenoids were the main aroma compounds before the fermentation, while the main aroma compounds were esters after the fermentation. Linalool, the characteristic aroma compound in lemon, was well preserved. Isoamyl acetate was the main aroma compound during the fermentation. Almost all the flavor compounds had significant changes during the lemon vinegar fermentation. This study helps to understand the changes in flavor compounds during lemon vinegar brewing and lays the foundation for further improving the quality of lemon vinegar.

A dual-layer nano dressing with enhanced antimicrobial and healing properties via sesame nanoemulgel with efficient levofloxacin delivery for wound management

Creating suitable wound dressings is considered a promising approach for treating severe skin injuries, as they can provide the environment for healing and protection against infection. The optimum wound dressing should possess biocompatibility, high absorbency, antimicrobial activity, breathability, and mechanical strength. So, in this study, we created a two-layer dressing that includes a surface layer composed of xanthan, polyvinyl alcohol, and sesame oil, as well as a nanofibrous sublayer that contains polyvinyl alcohol, collagen, levofloxacin, and sesame oil nanoemulsion (Video 1). This dual structure is designed to offer antimicrobial properties and facilitate wound healing while having suitable physical stability. The films showed desirable morphological features and significantly increased flexibility (less than 1000). These features were respectively proven through scanning electron microscopy and tensile strength. Laboratory investigations were conducted to examine the precise compatibility and anti-inflammatory features. According to the obtained results, the nanosystems showed compatibility with hemolysis below 5 percent and by adding sesame oil to the films, their anti-inflammatory properties (88 ± 0.19 %) and blood compatibility (1.3507 ± 0.20) increased. In-vivo studies using the rat skin defect model showed that the dressings significantly accelerate the closure of skin wounds and enhance the reconstruction of skin appendage structures. The therapeutic effect resulted from reducing inflammatory factors, and the film's antimicrobial properties effectively prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. In conclusion, the study suggests that the new nano-biocomposite films suit wound management.

Developing a novel calcium silver zeolite for caries management

ObjectiveTo develop a novel calcium silver zeolite (Ca-Ag-Zeo) and assess its biocompatibility, physiochemical properties and antimicrobial effects.MethodsCa-Ag-Zeo was synthesized using ion-exchange method with calcium chloride, silver nitrate and Zeolite X (Zeo). Silver zeolite X (Ag-Zeo) and Zeo were set as control. The chemical structure, morphology, crystal structure and elemental composition of Ca-Ag-Zeo was characterized by X-ray diffraction spectrum, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. Its biocompatibility on the human gingival fibroblasts was assessed by cell counting kit-8 assay. Its physiochemical properties were determined by the released calcium and silver ion using Inductive Coupled Plasma Emission Spectrometry for up to 12 weeks. The antimicrobial properties on Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, and Candida albicans were assessed by minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) or minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) assay.ResultsCa-Ag-Zeo with a hexagonal cage structure was synthesized. As for biocompatibility, the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (± SD in mg/mL) of Ca-Ag-Zeo, Ag-Zeo and Zeo in human gingival fibroblasts were 0.52 ± 0.05, 0.15 ± 0.01 and 3.35 ± 0.58, respectively (Zeo > Ca-Ag-Zeo > Ag-Zeo; p < 0.05). As for physiochemical properties, the accumulated ion release (± SD in mg) of Ca-Ag-Zeo, Ag-Zeo and Zeo were 0.011 ± 0.003, 0 and 0 for calcium ion, respectively (Ca-Ag-Zeo > Ag-Zeo, Zeo; p < 0.001), and 0.213 ± 0.032, 0.209 ± 0.019 and 0 for silver ion, respectively (Ca-Ag-Zeo, Ag-Zeo > Zeo; p < 0.001). As for anti-microbial ability, the MBC/MFC (mg/mL) of Ca-Ag-Zeo, Ag-Zeo and Zeo were 32, 16 and > 256 against Streptococcus mutans; 32, 16, > 256 against Lactobacillus acidophilus; 16, 16, and 256 against Lactobacillus casei; 0.25, 0.125; and 2, 1, > 256 against Candida albicans, respectively.ConclusionA novel Ca-Ag-Zeo was developed. It presented better biocompatibility compared to Ag-Zeo. It released calcium and silver ions sustainably, and it could inhibit the growth of common cariogenic microorganisms.

Dynamics of Nakaseomyces glabratus biofilm formation

Formation of biofilms of microorganisms, including those of Nakaseomyces glabratus, is responsible for the development of local and systemic pathologies in humans and animals. The system of gene expression coordination (quorum sensing) in the representation of signaling molecules allows regulation of the amount and composition of biofilm populations thus expanding the adaptive capacity of microorganisms. In the presence of gingivitis and odontolithiasis clinical signs in dogs, excessive growth of gram-positive yeast microorganisms is a differential sign of the decreased resistance of the digestive system mucous membranes to colonization. Examination of the densitometric and morphometric parameters revealed general patterns of biofilm formation, regardless of the source of Nakaseomyces glabratus isolates. Depending on the time of cultivation of the microorganisms, a gradual increase in the optic density absolute values was established. Intercellular communications were achieved by coaggregation of the heteromorphic structures, which formed clusters with rounded liquid-containing formations detected among them. The population immobilization of the architectonics of the mature three-dimensional biofilm, as consistent with cultivation conditions, was accompanied by the differentiation of numerous cells of different sizes and shapes depending on the stage of the cell cycle. Results of the examination of the general patterns of the heterogeneous micromycete population development are promising for expanding the boundaries of knowledge of the adaptation mechanisms of ubiquitous microorganisms to long-term in vivo and in vitro persistence. Methods for studying morphometric and densitometric indicators avoiding interfering into the natural biofilm architectonics are recommended to optimize the long-term and retrospective mycological studies, as well as to develop effective mycosis treatment and prevention regimens.

Immune and microbiome modulatory effects of Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 in an immunocompromised mouse model

The present study was aimed to assess and validate the safety and functional efficacy of an indigenous probiotic strain Limosilactobacillus fermentum NCDC 400 (hereafter, LFN400) in an immunocompromised murine model. The study included four groups; a normal control (NC) group without immune suppression; an experimental model control (MC) with immune suppression induced via intraperitoneal cyclophosphamide (Cy) administration; and two MC groups orally administered with either low dose (LD) or high dose (HD) of LFN400 at dose 108 and 1010 CFU/mouse/day, respectively, for 15-days. Both control groups received normal saline as placebo control. LFN400 improved specific experimental characteristics including hematological and serum biochemical markers. Compared to MC group, LFN400-fed groups showed markedly (P < 0.05) decreased arrays of detrimental caecal enzymes. We did not observe instances of bacterial translocation of LFN400 from gut to bloodstream or extra-intestinal organs. LFN400 intake significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced spleen cell differentiation, immune and oxidative stress markers, and restored Cy-induced histopathological changes in multiple tissues, including the spleen. There was no genotoxic effect of LFN400 on bone marrow cells. Although not statistically significant, LFN400 feeding moderately increased gut microbiome diversity, supporting the growth of beneficial saccharolytic microorganisms and reducing the presence of pathobionts. The findings demonstrate that the probiotic strain LFN400 possesses in vivo safety and immunomodulatory potency and thus should be considered a potential candidate for future human clinical studies.

Gallium: a decisive "Trojan Horse" against microorganisms.

Controlling multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MRM) has a long history with the extensive and inappropriate use of antibiotics. At the cost of these drugs being scarce, new possibilities have to be explored to inhibit the growth of microorganisms. Thus, metallic compounds have shown to be promising as a viable alternative to contain pathogens resistant to conventional antimicrobials. Gallium (Ga3+) can be highlighted, which is an antimicrobial agent capable of disrupting the essential activities of microorganisms, such as metabolism, cellular respiration and DNA synthesis. It was observed that this occurs due to the similar properties between Ga3+ and iron (Fe3+), which is a fundamental ion for the correct functioning of bacterial activities. The mimetic effect performed by Ga3+ prevents iron transporters from distinguishing both ions and results in the substitution of Fe3+ for Ga3+ and in adverse metabolic disturbances in rapidly growing cells. This review focuses on analyzing the development of research involving Ga3+, elucidating the intracellular incorporation of the "Trojan Horse", summarizing the mechanism of interaction between gallium and iron and comparing the most recent and broad-spectrum studies using gallium-based compounds with antimicrobial scope.