Effect of using kiwi fruit and heart of date palm slurries as a novel acceleration ripening enzyme source on the physicochemical, textural, and sensorial properties of Ras cheese.

Microbial enzymes have revolutionized food processing by offering efficient, sustainable, and scalable biocatalytic solutions for enhancing product quality, texture, flavor, and shelf life. This review explores the shift from traditional animal and plant-derived enzymes to microbial sources, driven by advancements in industrial biotechnology, fermentation technologies, and genetic engineering. Key enzyme classes, including proteases, glycosyl hydrolases, lipases, and extremozymes, are discussed in the context of their applications in dairy, baking, starch conversion, and beverage industries. The global market for food enzymes is projected to grow from USD 4.6 billion in 2024 to USD 6.7 billion by 2030, fueled by consumer demand for clean-label products and natural processing aids. Challenges in production methods (submerged vs. solid-state fermentation), enzyme stabilization through immobilization and directed evolution, and regulatory frameworks (FDA GRAS vs. EU EFSA) are analyzed. Emphasis is placed on sustainability, with enzymes enabling valorization of agri-food byproducts and green extraction technologies. Future prospects highlight the integration of AI-driven engineering and extremozyme discovery to address emerging industrial needs, positioning microbial enzymes as pivotal for a circular economy in food systems.

Background: The human gut microbiome is a dynamic ecosystem, playing a central role in host metabolism. In Type 2 Diabetes, gut dysbiosis-characterized by a reduction in microbial diversity and function-is now considered not only a consequence but also a major contributor to the development of complications such as Diabetic Kidney Disease. Indeed, the gut-kidney axis represents a key route through which microbial metabolites affect renal health. Aim: The aim of this review is to collate recent evidence (2015-2025) on the mechanisms through which gut dysbiosis drives DKD pathogenesis and to assess novel, microbiome-targeted therapeutic strategies. Methods: Extensive literature review focused on microbial taxonomic and functional shifts in T2D and DKD. Review design uses a microbiological approach to dissect the gut-kidney axis, focusing on specific microbial metabolites and pathways. Results: Diabetic dysbiosis is characterized by the depletion of saccharolytic, SCFA-producing bacteria and the expansion of proteolytic pathobionts, which produce uremic toxins, such as indoxyl sulfate and TMAO. These metabolites foster renal inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Therapeutic approaches using pre/probiotics, FMT, and microbial enzyme inhibitors have shown promising potential for the restoration of microbial ecology and mitigation of renal injury. Conclusion: The gut-kidney axis requires a deep microbiological understanding for the elaboration of novel biomarkers and ecologically-based interventions, with the aim of reducing the burden of DKD in the T2D population.

In traditional horticulture, fermented nettles (FN) enhance plant growth and resilience. However, their precise mode of action remains unclear. This study aims to characterize the bioactive profile of FN and to evaluate their potential as biostimulants beyond organic fertilizers. For this purpose, FN samples were prepared from Urtica dioica L. harvested in different seasons and analyzed by mass spectrometry (ICP-MS, LC-MS/MS, and GC×GC-MS), electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry to quantify macro- and micronutrients, nitrogen compounds, phytohormones, antioxidant capacity, enzyme activities, and microbial viability. The results show that FN are rich in essential nutrients (N, K, Ca, Fe, and Zn), hydrolytic enzymes (proteases, glycosidases and phosphatases), and phytohormones (auxins, cytokinins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and salicylic acid). FN contain volatile compounds with potential antimicrobial effects, in addition to strong antioxidant properties. The monitored parameters support the dual role of FN as fertilizers and biostimulants, suggesting that FN act synergistically through nutrient enrichment, enzymatic degradation of macromolecules, hormonal signaling, and microbial priming. Based on our data, particularly because of the highest microbial viability and enzyme activities, the summer FN seem like the most suitable option. Moreover, the seasonal variability in composition highlights the importance of timing the harvest to optimize FN efficacy in sustainable agriculture.

Context: Eastern Himalayan Region (EHR) exhibits strongly acid soils due to pedogenic and topographical matrix under sustained high precipitation regime. Prevalence of diverse and spatially varied land-use systems is the fundamental characteristics across these montane ecosystems and it plays a key role on its impact on different soil nutrient pools. Aim: The study was conducted to elucidate the impact of varied land use systems on nutrient mineralization dynamics, including carbon (C) and its associated pools. Methods: We selected fourteen ( 14) discrete land use systems and throughout all 14 land use systems, a random stratified sampling method was utilized in 56 quadrates that were exposed layer-wise up to a depth of 1.0 m. Result: The analytical results indicated that the land use systems had a significant impact on the pH of soil. Likewise, the total organic carbon (TOC) content indicated the significant variation (p <0.01) across land uses (0.40 to 4.61%) and along the soil depth. Irrespective of land use types, the soil profile up to a depth of 0.60m had high TOC concentration (2.35 to 6.01%) and carbon mediated microbial biomass nutrients (26.7 to 688.1 μg g -1 ). The bacterial and fungal populations were more concentrated at the top 0.6m depth, but they suddenly decreased beyond that depth. Conclusion: The association and clustering pattern of soil properties and different land use types identified through principal component analysis (PCA), suggest forest area, oak, alder, and apple plantations favoured the buildup of microbial biomass, enzyme activities, and bacterial viable populations.

A Review on CO2 Mitigation by Modified Microbial Carbonic Anhydrase Enzyme (CA)

Environmental imbalances caused by pollution and climate change has led to extreme erratic change in weather patterns and widespread ecosystem distress. In order to mitigate these imbalances, numerous sustainable methods have been adopted, among which microbial remediation strategy mediated through microbial enzymes holds significant promise. One such class of enzyme- laccase (EC 1.10.3.2) is known multicopper oxidase enzymes, naturally reported from bacteria, fungi, insects, plants can catalyze the oxidation of a wide range of phenolic and non-phenolic substrates by reducing molecular oxygen to water which imparts antioxidant properties to the enzyme, making it valuable in combating oxidative stress-a condition increasingly prevalent due to climate-induced environmental distress. The enzyme is also known for its multifarious applications of laccase, including heavy metal degradation and detoxification, decolorization of dyes, degradation of plastics, and optimization of food stability. The present review focuses on emphasising the role of laccase in improving the environmental health by balancing the oxidative status and remediation the pollutants.

Ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) catalyzes a reaction that sets it apart from other iron(II)- and 2-oxoglutarate-dependent (Fe/2OG) oxygenases. In this reaction, all four oxidizing equivalents of O2 are unleashed upon 2OG, fragmenting it to ethylene (from C3 and C4) and three fully oxidized C1 equivalents (from C1, C2, and C5), while the would-be "prime substrate", l-arginine, escapes unmodified. We previously proposed that ethylene formation proceeds by a radical-polar-crossover mechanism involving three unusual steps: (1) formal insertion of O2 between C1 and C2 of 2OG, forming a succinylperoxycarbonatoiron(II) complex and appending an additional oxygen to C1; (2) radical C-O coupling between a C3-C5-derived propionate-3-yl radical and a C1-derived Fe(III)-coordinated carbonate; and (3) polar fragmentation of the resultant (2-carboxyethyl)carbonatoiron(II) complex to ethylene, CO2, and carbonate. Here, we used isotopic labeling to distinguish the three C1 products and stopped-flow infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to track their formation. The results confirm the prediction that C1 is not directly converted to CO2, implying that it must indeed become (bi)carbonate. Comparable kinetic data on the A198L variant, which produces ethylene and the abortive product, 3-hydroxypropionate, in similar quantities, reveal that these two products do not, as we had originally proposed, form in competing reactions of a common (2-carboxyethyl)carbonatoiron(II) intermediate. Rather, as suggested by a pair of computational studies separately led by Sayfutyarova and Christov, ethylene is formed in competition with radical coupling by an olefin-forming fragmentation that reduces the Fe(III) cofactor. In other words, crossover to the polar manifold thwarts rather than enables ethylene formation.

The environmental impact of microplastics in aquatic ecosystems is an escalating concern due to their persistence and potential harm to aquatic life and human health. Hence, the objective of this paper was to investigate the functional potential of microbial communities and their roles in degrading microplastics and other compounds in the Winam Gulf of Lake Victoria, Kenya using appropriate standard procedures entailing shotgun metagenomics analysis. The findings identified diverse functional categories within the microbial community, with clustering-based subsystems showing the highest abundance at 14%. Other prominent categories included carbohydrate metabolism (13%), amino acids and derivatives (9%), and miscellaneous functions (8%). Notably, pathways related to protein metabolism, cofactors, vitamins, and pigments were also well-represented, each comprising 6% of the abundance. These findings suggest the microorganisms' adaptability and versatility in this environment, enabling them to perform various metabolic functions. Further analysis using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) provided comprehensive insights into the microbial characteristics in the Winam Gulf. The mean scores for the three processes showed metabolism at 49.25, genetic information processing at 61.875 and signaling and cellular processes at 115.6923. These findings suggest that microorganisms in the Gulf could play a crucial role in mitigating microplastic pollution, offering promising prospects for bioremediation strategies. Future studies should explore specific microbial taxa and enzymes involved in plastic degradation to develop targeted bioremediation strategies. This study contributes to knowledge by providing functional metagenomic insight into microbial communities in Winam Gulf, highlighting their potential role in mitigating microplastic pollution.

ABSTRACT Exploring invasive plant and soil phosphorus cycling is an important objective in ecological research. We collected soil and plant samples from three abandoned farmlands containing three invasive and native species. We examined soil microbial communities, enzyme activities, and soil phosphorus fractions and we tested plant phosphorus concentrations and foliar phosphorus fractions. The results showed that invasive plants had higher levels of alkaline phosphomonoesterase in their rhizosheath soil. Soil alkaline phosphomonoesterase activity in invasive Mikania micrantha, Bidens pilosa, and Ipomoea cairica was 1.6, 1.9 and 2.4 times greater than that in native Persicaria chinensis, Paederia scandens and Pluchea indica, respectively. Moreover, the abundance of soil glucose dehydrogenase genes of invasive plants was greater than that of native plants, allowing soil microbes to release gluconic acid. Additionally, invasive plants released more root carboxylates than native plants, and both the nucleic acid phosphorus and metabolic phosphorus concentrations in their leaves were higher. Our study suggests that invasive plants can enhance organic phosphorus decomposition by altering soil microbial communities, and their phosphorus utilization efficiency is potentially higher than that of native plants. These findings provide a novel mechanistic explanation for the rapid expansion of invasive species.

Microbial and flavor dynamics of medium-high temperature Daqu: regional influences and implications for Daqu quality optimization.

Preparation, characterization, fermentation properties of pectin with specific structures, and the analysis of microbial enzymes and genes involved in their degradation.

Residue carbon and C-degradation gene indicated the increase of soil organic carbon following vegetation restoration on the Loess Plateau, China.

Exploring the potential of microwave processing for improved microbial safety and nutritional quality of liquid milk.

Evidence for a polyphosphatase-like enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of long-chain polyphosphates in the rhizosphere.

ABSTRACT Aim Woody plant encroachment is reshaping grassland ecosystem functions worldwide. While its aboveground impacts are well documented, how this process alters microbial communities—key drivers of belowground processes—remains poorly understood. We aimed to (1) quantify the general effects of global woody plant encroachment on soil microbial community attributes in grasslands and (2) identify the abiotic and biotic factors driving these changes. Location Global grassland ecosystems. Time Period 2000–2024. Major Taxa Studied Soil microbial communities (bacteria, fungi). Methods We conducted a meta‐analysis of 241 paired observations to evaluate changes in microbial composition, diversity, biomass, activity and enzyme activity under woody plant encroachment. Results Woody plant encroachment significantly altered soil properties. Woody plant encroachment also promoted a comprehensive increase in microbial community diversity, biomass, microbial activity and enzyme activity, as well as changes in community composition. The nitrogen‐fixing status of the encroaching species (biotic factor) significantly affected microbial responses: encroachment by nitrogen‐fixing plants resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, fungal richness, microbial biomass phosphorus and phosphatase activity compared to non‐nitrogen‐fixing plants. In addition, abiotic factors, such as mean annual temperature, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were identified as key factors driving microbial responses. Specifically, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature and elevation jointly regulated the effects of woody plant encroachment on soil microbial community attributes by influencing plant and soil properties. Main Conclusions This meta‐analysis demonstrated that woody plant encroachment significantly reshaped soil microbial communities in grassland ecosystems. Our findings highlight the role of abiotic factors (climate, elevation, organic carbon and total nitrogen), and biotic factors (nitrogen‐fixing status) in mediating the response of soil microbial communities. These insights contribute to a better understanding of belowground ecological processes and provide valuable guidance for grassland management and predictions of biogeochemical cycles under global change.

The need to maintain high turf quality on golf courses often leads to extensive use of inputs that can have negative financial and environmental consequences. The use of oxygenated nanobubble water has been proposed to help reduce inputs by improving turfgrass growth and soil health; however, there is limited research evaluating its applications. A 5-month field study was conducted over 2 years in Johns Creek, GA, USA, to evaluate the impacts of oxygenated nanobubble water on turfgrass growth and quality as well as soil biological health. Field plots under randomized complete block design were assigned two treatments: irrigation with oxygenated nanobubble water vs. untreated water. Shoot and root growth parameters were measured regularly to evaluate turfgrass growth, whereas turfgrass quality was evaluated with digital image analysis and visual rating. Soil health was assessed by measuring microbial abundance, inorganic nitrogen, enzyme assays, and soil respiration. Average root weight showed significant treatment effect in 2022, with nanobubble treatment yielding a higher mean than control, but these results were not consistent in both years. There were no significant treatment effects on other turfgrass or soil health parameters. Overall, the use of oxygenated nanobubble water did not consistently impact turfgrass growth, turfgrass quality, or soil biological health parameters likely because either the oxygen was lost during irrigation or the oxygen did not stay in the soil long enough to have any effect.

Abstract Recycling organic waste products (OWPs) is known to influence soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, yet few studies have compared the long-term effects of different OWP type across multiple sites. This study examined the impacts of repeated OWP application on soil properties in two French long-term field experiments: QualiAgro and PROspective (20 and 18 years, respectively). The OWP included dehydrated urban sewage sludge (SLU), green waste and SLU compost, biowaste compost from source-separated municipal organic waste co-composted with green waste, municipal solid waste compost, farmyard manure from a dairy cow farm (FYM), and composted FYM from open-air composting on a concrete platform. The application of OWP led to increased soil nutrient levels and trace element availability, and stimulated microbial biomass and enzyme activities, while the response of nematode varied depending on site and OWP type. Biological properties were less affected than physico-chemical properties, though the OWP application enhanced soil microbial biomass and specific enzyme activities. The impact on soil nematode communities varied depending on OWP type and site. Strong correlations were observed among soil property changes, with exogenous carbon and nutrient inputs from OWP identified as key drivers. Larger changes were noted in QualiAgro, where OWP application rates were higher and initial soil quality lower. These findings highlight that OWP applications, depending on their type, rate, and initial soil conditions, can significantly alter soil properties.

Microbial uricase enzymes in hyperuricemia management: Sources, challenges, and technological advances.

ABSTRACT Despite being key indicators of soil fertility and quality, microbial enzyme activities are rarely assessed spatially due to the high number of samples required and labour‐intensive assays. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of on‐the‐go visible–near infrared (vis–NIR) spectroscopy to predict and map the spatial distribution of β‐1,4‐glucosidase (BG), acid phosphatase (ACP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and arylsulphatase (ARS) activities. An on‐the‐go (tractor‐pulled sensor platform) vis–NIR spectroscopy sensor, coupled with partial least squares regression (PLSR), was used to estimate microbial enzyme activities in two fields, namely, Cayenne and Mortier, Belgium. Spatial maps were developed for both measured and predicted enzyme activities and analyzed using Local Moran's I and Bivariate Moran's I spatial statistics. Results showed strong correlations between total organic carbon (TOC), pH, and enzyme activities for samples from these two sites. A notable negative correlation existed between soil pH and TOC. PLSR model prediction accuracy varied by enzyme, with the highest for ARS ( R 2 = 0.70, ratio of performance to interquartile distance [RPIQ] = 2.79), followed by BG ( R 2 = 0.69, RPIQ = 2.93), ACP ( R 2 = 0.64, RPIQ = 2.95), and ALP ( R 2 = 0.60, RPIQ = 1.81). Spatial analysis demonstrated a strong agreement between measured and predicted enzyme activity maps, except for ARS in the Mortier field. Bivariate Moran's I indicated positive spatial correlations between observed and predicted enzyme activities. In the Cayenne field, the highest Bivariate Moran's I was 0.64 for ACP, while in the Mortier field, the highest value was 0.58 for ALP. Overall, PLSR models performed better in the Cayenne field; hence, spatial predictions of enzyme activities were generally reliable, except for ARS in the Mortier field. These findings demonstrate that on‐the‐go line vis–NIR spectroscopy can provide reliable, high‐resolution maps of soil microbial activities, offering a practical tool for guiding precision fertilizer recommendations.