Microbial Surface Research Articles

Influence of a UVA-Activated TiO2 Coating on Bacterial Surface Colonization in Water-Bearing Systems

This study focuses on the use of superhydrophilic titanium dioxide (TiO2) coatings applied to the surfaces of water-bearing systems to prevent surface colonization and biofilm formation. Biofilms in water-bearing systems are a problem in many industrial areas and are associated with risks to hygiene and health, material damage, and high costs for cleaning and maintenance. We investigated the suitability of TiO2 coatings activated by UVA irradiation to achieve a superhydrophilic surface. The well-adherent coatings were deposited on flat and curved substrates (stainless steel, Al2O3) by pulsed magnetron sputtering. Surface characteristics, wettability, and the influence on microbial surface colonization were evaluated by WCA measurements, SEM, and XRD. For microbiological evaluation, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus warneri were used. An adapted and specialized regime for sample conditioning and testing was developed that allows comparability with upcoming studies in this field. The superhydrophilicity was stable for up to 4 days, and an additional UVA reactivation step revealed comparable results. The microbiological studies proved a successful prevention of bacterial colonization on the activated coatings, which is attributed to their superhydrophilicity. The results demonstrate the potential of UV-activated TiO2 as a long-term coating of water-bearing systems, like pipes, on which it assists in avoiding biofilm formation.

A comparative study on heavy metal (cadmium) tolerance and biosorption capacity of locally isolated lactic acid bacteria

Heavy metals (HM) have less biological role but show extreme toxicity in living systems. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are beneficial microorganisms, some of which have the ability to chelate HM and may be used to treat heavy metals poisoning. The aim of the current study was to select and identify Cd-removing probiotic LAB strains, for future pharmaceutical application. Seventeen LAB strains, from human excretions and animal fecal matter, were initially verified for their probiotic properties. The strains which could survive in the presence of Cd (≥100 ppm) were selected. The metal removal efficiency of isolates was compared, through atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS), by measuring the reduction in Cd contents of CdCl2 5 mg/L (3.05 ppm of Cd) supplemented broth following 24 h culturing of the strains. The Cd reduction of 38–75% was recorded in culture broth. The Cd removal ability significantly varied (p < 0.05) with microbial surface charge, incubation period, temperature and pH of media. Levilactobacillus brevis MW362790 and Pediococcus pentosaceus MT323062, identified through 16S rRNA gene sequencing, were recognized as strong Cd chelators. These strains may have application in pharmaceutical or agriculture (farm animals) for protection against cadmium toxicity. Further studies are suggested on in vivo metal detoxification potential.

Virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes detected in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from clinical and non-clinical mastitis using whole-genome sequencing

Staphylococcus spp. are among the most isolated bacteria in clinical and subclinical mastitis cases in dairy cattle. The genus comprises biofilm-forming bacteria capable of producing toxins and acquiring resistance to multiple drugs. This work aimed to evaluate the genetic profile related to virulence and antimicrobial resistance characteristics of Staphylococcus spp., isolated from clinical mastitis and non-clinical fresh cows using whole genome sequencing (WGS). The bacterial collection consisted of 29 Staphylococcus strains isolated from clinical cases of mastitis (n = 7), as well as milk samples collected from fresh cows (n = 22). Strains were identified as Staphylococcus aureus (n = 2), Staphylococcus chromogenes (n = 19), and Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n = 8). A total of 94 virulence genes were observed, including pvl, icaA, icaD genes, and microbial surface components that recognize adhesive matrix molecules (MSCRAMMs). We also detected important resistance genes such as blaZ, ant(4), erm(B), fexA, lnu(D), tet(L), and tet(M). The phylogenetic tree listed the species as expected and presented four clades. A variety of virulence and resistance genes were detected. In addition, the expression of important genes such as those responsible for the formation of biofilms and enterotoxins may represent a risk to the health of consumers. being a concern for public health.

On-chip bioluminescence biosensor for the detection of microbial surface contamination

Detection of microbial pathogens is important for food safety reasons, and for monitoring sanitation in laboratory environments and health care settings. Traditional detection methods such as culture-based and nucleic acid-based methods are time-consuming, laborious, and require expensive laboratory equipment. Recently, ATP-based bioluminescence methods were developed to assess surface contamination, with commercial products available. In this study, we introduce a biosensor based on a CMOS image sensor for ATP-mediated chemiluminescence detection. The original lens and IR filter were removed from the CMOS sensor revealing a 12 MP periodic microlens/pixel array on an area of 6.5 mm × 3.6 mm. UltraSnap swabs are used to collect samples from solid surfaces including personal electronic devices, and office and laboratory equipment. Samples mixed with chemiluminescence reagents were placed directly on the surface of the image sensor. Close proximity of the sample to the photodiode array leads to high photon collection efficiency. The population of microorganisms can be assessed and quantified by analyzing the intensity of measured chemiluminescence. We report a linear range and limit of detection for measuring ATP in UltraSnap buffer of 10–1000 nM and 225 fmol, respectively. The performance of the CMOS-based device was compared to a commercial luminometer, and a high correlation with a Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.98589 was obtained. The Bland-Altman plot showed no significant bias between the results of the two methods. Finally, microbial contamination of different surfaces was analyzed with both methods, and the CMOS biosensor exhibited the same trend as the commercial luminometer.

Microbiome function and neurodevelopment in Black infants: vitamin B12 emerges as a key factor

ABSTRACT The early life gut microbiome affects the developing brain, and therefore may serve as a target to support neurodevelopment of children living in stressful and under-resourced environments, such as Black youth living on the South Side of Chicago, for whom we observe racial disparities in health. Microbiome compositions/functions key to multiple neurodevelopmental facets have not been studied in Black children, a vulnerable population due to racial disparities in health; thus, a subsample of Black infants living in urban, low-income neighborhoods whose mothers participated in a prenatal nutrition study were recruited for testing associations between composition and function of the gut microbiome (16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, and targeted metabolomics of fecal samples) and neurodevelopment (developmental testing, maternal report of temperament, and observed stress regulation). Two microbiome community types, defined by high Lachnospiraceae or Enterobacteriaceae abundance, were discovered in this cohort from 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis; the Enterobacteriaceae-dominant community type was significantly negatively associated with cognition and language scores, specifically in male children. Vitamin B12 biosynthesis emerged as a key microbiome function from shotgun metagenomics sequencing analysis, showing positive associations with all measured developmental skills (i.e., cognition, language, motor, surgency, effortful control, and observed stress regulation). Blautia spp. also were identified as substantial contributors of important microbiome functions, including vitamin B12 biosynthesis and related vitamin B12-dependent microbiome functions, anti-inflammatory microbial surface antigens, competitive mechanisms against pathobionts, and production of antioxidants. The results are promising with respect to the potential for exploring therapeutic candidates, such as vitamin B12 nutritional or Blautia spp. probiotic supplementation, to support the neurodevelopment of infants at risk for experiencing racial disparities in health.

Fluorescent polymer as a biosensing tool for the diagnosis of microbial pathogens

Diseases and diagnoses are predominant in the human population. Early diagnosis of etiological agents plays a vital role in the treatment of bacterial infections. Existing standard diagnostic platforms are laborious, time-consuming, and require trained personnel and cost-effective procedure, though they are producing promising results. These shortcomings have led to a thirst for rapid diagnostic procedures. Fluorescence-based diagnosis is one of the efficient rapid diagnostic methods that rely on specific and sensitive bacterial detection. Emerging bio-sensing studies on conducting polymers (CPs) are gaining popularity in medical diagnostics due to their promising properties of high fluorescence efficiency, good light stability, and low cytotoxicity. Poly[2-methoxy-5-(2′-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV), is the first identified soluble polymer and model material for understanding the fundamental photophysics of conventional CPs. In this present study, MEH-PPV is used as a fluorescent dye for direct pathogen detection applications by interacting with the microbial cell surface. An optimized concentration of MEH-PPV solution used to confirm the presence of selective bacterial structures. The present study endeavours towards bacterial detection based on the emission from bacteria due to interfacial interaction between polymer and bacterial surface.

Transcriptomic analysis of cell envelope inhibition by prodigiosin in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a leading threat to public health as it is resistant to most currently available antibiotics. Prodigiosin is a secondary metabolite of microorganisms with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. This study identified a significant antibacterial effect of prodigiosin against MRSA with a minimum inhibitory concentration as low as 2.5 mg/L. The results of scanning electron microscopy, crystal violet staining, and confocal laser scanning microscopy indicated that prodigiosin inhibited biofilm formation in S. aureus USA300, while also destroying the structure of the cell wall and cell membrane, which was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. At a prodigiosin concentration of 1.25 mg/L, biofilm formation was inhibited by 76.24%, while 2.5 mg/L prodigiosin significantly reduced the vitality of MRSA cells in the biofilm. Furthermore, the transcriptomic results obtained at 1/8 MIC of prodigiosin indicated that 235and 387 genes of S. aureus USA300 were significantly up- and downregulated, respectively. The downregulated genes were related to two-component systems, including the transcriptional regulator LytS, quorum sensing histidine kinases SrrB, NreA and NreB, peptidoglycan biosynthesis enzymes (MurQ and GlmU), iron-sulfur cluster repair protein ScdA, microbial surface components recognizing adaptive matrix molecules, as well as the key arginine synthesis enzymes ArcC and ArgF. The upregulated genes were mainly related to cell wall biosynthesis, as well as two-component systems including vancomycin resistance-associated regulator, lipoteichoic acid biosynthesis related proteins DltD and DltB, as well as the 9 capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis proteins. This study elucidated the molecular mechanisms through which prodigiosin affects the cell envelope of MRSA from the perspectives of cell wall synthesis, cell membrane and biofilm formation, providing new potential targets for the development of antimicrobials for the treatment of MRSA.

Antibody responses to immunoevasion proteins BBK32 and OspE constitute part of the serological footprint in neuroborreliosis but are insufficient to prevent the disease.

Lyme borreliosis, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato, is the most common tickborne disease. Its neuronal form, neuroborreliosis, comprises 3 to 38% of borreliosis cases in Europe. Borrelia outer surface proteins and virulence factors, OspE and BBK32, have been previously reported to help cause infection by promoting attachment to human host epithelial cells and evading complement attack. We assessed the serological responses to BBK32 and OspE in 19 individuals diagnosed with neuroborreliosis to see whether antibodies that could both target the bacteria and neutralize the virulence mechanisms on the microbial surface emerge. Results evaluate levels of total protein, IgG and the chemokine CXCL13, a determinant for B-cell recruitment during neuroinflammation, in patients' cerebrospinal fluid samples. Antibody levels against BBK32 and OspE correlated with those against VlsE, a well-characterized diagnostic serological marker of the disease. A dual serological profile of the patients was observed. K-means clustering split the cohort into two discrete groups presenting distinct serological and CNS responses. One group contained young patients with low levels of anti-BBK32 and OspE antibodies. The other group showed stronger responses, possibly following prolonged infections or reinfections. Additionally, we assessed anti-ganglioside antibodies that could cause autoimmunity or complement dysregulation but observed that they did not correlate with neuroborreliosis in our patient cohort. The dual nature of antibody responses against the virulence factors BBK32 and OspE in neuroborreliosis patients may suggest the necessity of repeated exposures for efficient immune responses. Better protection could be achieved if the virulence factors were formulated into vaccines.

A Comparative Evaluation of Three Methods of Disinfection of Gypsum Casts and the Changes in Surface Roughness and Dimensional Accuracy after Disinfection-An Ex Vivo Study.

One of the major problems of everyday dental practice is cross-contamination. It can place office personnel, dentists, and patients at risk of acquiring serious illness. Disinfection helps in controlling this cross-contamination to an extent. The evaluation was done to find the efficient disinfection method on gypsum casts. The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of three methods of disinfection of gypsum casts, namely, chemical disinfection by immersion, spray method, and microwave method, and also to evaluate and compare changes in surface roughness and dimensional accuracy between the three methods after disinfection. Ex vivo and experimental study. Thirty participants were selected, and impressions of the maxillary arch were made using polyvinyl siloxane impression material. Ninety type IV die stone gypsum casts were poured. It was divided into three groups and was subjected to chemical disinfection by immersion and spray methods, and microwave method. The disinfected casts were evaluated for microbial growth, surface roughness, and dimensional accuracy. It was performed by using the one-way analysis of variance test and paired t-test followed by the Kruskal - Wallis test and Wilcoxon signed rank test (α = 0.05). Microwave disinfection was more effective than both immersion and spray chemical disinfection methods (P < 0.010 and <0.001). The surface roughness of the microwave-irradiated casts had significantly increased after disinfection. However, there were no significant dimensional changes by any of the methods of disinfection. Within the limitations of the study, the microwave method of disinfection is more effective in eradicating microorganisms when compared to chemical methods of disinfection by immersion and spray methods.

Combination of Mollase and Glucose as Substrate for The Production of Biosurfactant by Bacillus subtilis BK7.1

Biosurfactant is a secondary metabolite which has properties and structures such as surfactants that are able to decrease surface tension water and cause microsolubilization or emulsification. Biosurfactants are active compounds that are produced at the microbial cell surface or excreted especially Bacillus. Previous research reported that B. subtilis BK7.1 had ability to form biosurfactant. In this study, B. subtilis BK7.1 produced biosurfactant using a combination of molasse and glucose as a carbon source. The purpose of study was characterized biosurfactant from B. subtilis BK7.1 by counting the emulsification index and the surface tension of supernatant, calculating (CMC) value, and examining stability of biosurfactant. B. subtilis BK7.1 could produce the biosurfactant from molasse and glucose with CMC value was about 4 g/L. Biosurfactant of B. subtilis BK7.1 could reduce the surface tension of medium from 54.68 to 49.2 mN/m, emulsify kerosene around 15.8%, had temperature stability in the range of 27⁰C to 45⁰C, and had stability at pH 6. This study showed that the use of molasses waste combined with glucose in biosurfactant production was very efficient and had potential for further applications.

Application of the Peroxidase‒like Activity of Nanomaterials for the Detection of Pathogenic Bacteria and Viruses.

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic bacteria and viruses pose a significant threat to human life and well-being. The prompt identification of these pathogens, characterized by speed, accuracy, and efficiency, not only aids in the timely screening of infected individuals and the prevention of further transmission, but also facilitates the precise diagnosis and treatment of patients. Direct smear microscopy, microbial culture, nucleic acid-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) based on microbial surface antigens or human serum antibodies, have made substantial contributions to the prevention and management of infectious diseases. Due to its shorter processing time, simple equipment requirements, and no need for professional and technical personnel, ELISA has inherent advantages over other methods for detecting pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Horseradish peroxidase mediated catalysis of substrate coloration is the key for the detection of target substances in ELISA. However, the variability, high cost, and environmental susceptibility of natural peroxidase greatly limit the application of ELISA in pathogen detection. Compared with natural enzymes, nanomaterials with enzyme-mimicking activity are inexpensive, highly environmentally stable, easy to store and mass producing, etc. Based on their peroxidase-like activities and unique physicochemical properties, nanomaterials can greatly improve the efficiency and ease of use of ELISA-like detection methods for pathogenic bacteria and viruses. This review introduces recent advances in the application of nanomaterials with peroxidase-like activity for the detection of pathogenic bacteria (both gram-negative bacteria and gram-positive bacteria) and viruses (both RNA viruses and DNA viruses). The emphasis is on the detection principle and the evaluation of effectiveness. The limitations and prospects for future translations are also discussed.

BIOSURFACTANT-MEDIATED SYNTHESIS OF GRAPHENE FLAKES FROM GRAPHITE FOR MICROBICIDAL ACTIVITY

A biologically prolific procedure involving microbes and biosurfactants as surface-active materials allows for the exfoliation of graphite into graphene flakes, harnessing microbial surface activity. In this study, the production of graphene flake has taken an unusual route with a biosurfactant as it is not the easiest method and is required in huge quantities. The biosurfactant was isolated from Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The microbe was isolated, cultured, and stored for surfactant production. The biosurfactant showed positive results for all the seven screening methods tested. The emulsification capacity was 62.7% indicating the highest stability of the biosurfactant to penetrate inside the kerosene. The production of biosurfactant in the mineral salt medium in a shaking condition provided a better result of the highest production which was then used for extraction purposes by autoclaving the culture. The exfoliation process took place once the production was over. The four main characterization techniques both spectroscopic and microscopic have revealed positive results for graphene flake production. The antimicrobial study was conducted to check the withstand capacity of the produced graphene flakes towards microbes and the results show the antimicrobial activity of the flakes. The sensitivity of graphene flakes against biotic discs was studied by antibiotic disc assay and the results show they are sensitive to the commonly administered antibiotics of today.

Effect of different polishing methods applied to denture base materials on microbial adhesion and surface roughness

Aim: The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of various polishing processes applied to different types of PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) denture base materials on the surface roughness and microbial adhesion of the base material. Methods: Sixty specimens each were prepared from heat-polymerized conventional PMMA (G), heat-polymerized injectable PMMA (E), and prepolymerized CAD/CAM PMMA (C) denture base materials. All sample surfaces were sanded with 800, 1000, 1200, and 2500 grit silicone carbide abrasives. The specimens of each denture base material were divided into three subgroups (n=20) in which different polishing methods were applied. The first group was mechanically polished (M), and the other two groups were chemically polished with light polymerized glaze liquids [Palaseal (Ps), Optiglaze Color (Og)]. A profilometer device was used to evaluate the surface roughness. Colony counting was performed to evaluate bacterial colonization after one day. The data obtained from all these measurements were evaluated using an analysis of variance, and Bonferroni corrected test was used for multiple comparisons of means (p=0.05). The interaction between surface roughness and bacterial colonization was examined by the Pearson correlation test. Regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between them. Results: When PMMA base materials were compared, the lowest average surface roughness (Ra) values and bacterial colonization values were obtained in Group C. When polishing methods were compared, the lowest average surface roughness values were obtained in Group M. As a result of bacterial colonization measurement, lower colonization values were obtained with standardized mechanical polishing compared to other groups. Conclusion: There was no difference between the different PMMA base materials in terms of surface roughness, but there were statistical differences in bacterial colonization. The results of our study showed that mechanical polishing gave better results than light-activated glazing agents. How to cite this article: Yarar S, Değer Y, Tekin S. Effect of different polishing methods applied to denture base materials on microbial adhesion and surface roughness. J Med Dent Invest 2023; 4: e230351. https://doi.org/10.5577/jomdi.e230351

Comparative Assessment of Octenidine and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Gingivitis and Periodontitis Patient: A Clinical Trial

Background: A common and tried-and-true ingredient in mouthwashes that works well against the development of plaque, gingivitis, and oral microbial growth is chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX). However, when it must be taken for an extended period of time, its benefits are limited by the accompanying side effects, which include taste modification, cytotoxicity, supragingival calculus formation, mucosal irritation, and tooth discoloration. In the 1980s, octenidine dihydrochloride (OCT), a new antibacterial cationic surfactant molecule, was produced at the Sterling-Winthrop Research Institute in Rensselaer, NY. OCT binds to negatively charged microbial surfaces and has a strong adherence to lipid components, which causes disruption of the cell membrane of bacteria, yeast, and fungus. Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of mouthwashes with 0.1% octenidine and 0.2% chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis and periodontitis. Material and Method: Participants in this clinical experiment were split into two groups, each consisting of forty patients with periodontitis and gingivitis. Next, as an addition to scaling and root planning (SRP), 20 patients from each group were provided chlorhexidine mouthwash and 20 patients were recommended to use octenidine mouthwash. At baseline and three months later, clinical measures such as the O’Leary plaque index (PI), bleeding index, probing pocket depth (POD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were assessed. Result: All clinical measurements showed that the Octenidine group performed much better than the chlorhexidine group in both the gingivitis and periodontitis groups. Conclusion: When compared to chlorhexidine, Octenidine performed better across all of the previously listed clinical parameters. As a result, it can be regarded as a promising mouthwash for upcoming medical and scientific investigations.

Low Molecular Weight Shuttle Molecules Enhance Polychloramide Antimicrobial Activity.

Investigated were the influences of succinimide (SI), 5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DMH), and 3-(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (HDMH) on the biocidal activity of chlorinated, water-soluble polyamide prepared by the reaction of isopropylamine with poly(styrene-alt-maleic anhydride). The resulting polymer was a negatively charged, water-soluble polymer bearing a carboxylic acid and an isopropylamide moiety on nearly every repeat unit. Subsequent treatment with NaOCl chlorinated the polymers to up to 4.4% Cl while inflicting some polymer chain scission. SI, DMH, or HDMH increased the biocidal activity of polychloramides toward planktonic Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Independent solution studies confirmed that oxidative chlorine spontaneously transferred from aqueous polychloramides to small molecules. We concluded that SI, DMH, and HDMH acted as shuttles that extracted oxidative Cl from the polymer chloramides and transported oxidative Cl more efficiently to microbial surfaces. Succinimide was the most effective shuttle. These results warn that some low molecular weight soluble molecules in antimicrobial testing solutions may exaggerate the effectiveness of the polymer or immobilized antimicrobial agents.

Novel magnetic non-aqueous phase liquid with superior recyclability for efficient and sustainable removal of gaseous n-hexane using two-phase partitioning bioreactor

Two-phase partitioning biotechnology has been recognized as effective alternative in enhancing the purification of hydrophobic waste-gas. However, current available non-aqueous phases (NAPs) are either difficult to be recovered or exhibit low affinity for hydrophobic pollutants, causing secondary pollution, high operating costs, or limited removal efficiency. Herein, nano silicon oil-based ferrofluid (SOF), featured with high pollutants affinity and magnetism, was synthesized and employed as an innovative NAP liquid in airlift reactors for gaseous n-hexane removal. The removal efficiency of n-hexane (540 mg m−3) reached about 90.0% during 90-day operation, and the used SOF could be quickly recovered via magnetism with a high ratio of 95.6%. Mechanism analysis found, the microbial cell surface hydrophobicity was sustainably improved under the induction of SOF, allowing abundant bacteria adhered on SOF-water interface, thereby enhancing the n-hexane mass transfer directly from SOF to microorganisms. Furthermore, the microbial activity was accelerated, and potential n-hexane-degrading functional microorganisms might be domesticated.

Effects of a Temperate Tropical Cruise on the Microbial Surface Community of a Differently Operated Ship

Microbial communities colonizing the hulls of vulnerable vessels, such as those with lengthy harbor residence instances, low speeds, and Long periods of motionlessness in Water changes as a result of environmental variables during ocean voyages are expected but rarely studied. Microbial communities were discovered on the hull of the TS Golden Bear, a ship operated differently during a voyage from the port of San Francisco to the South Pacific and back. We demonstrate that bacterial communities are highly resilient and can withstand physiologically demanding journeys through extreme temperature and salinity changes. After leaving San Francisco Harbor south toward Long Beach, a 42% decrease in biomass from bacteria and a 62% decrease in algal cellular abundance suggest a community-wide negative response to increasing salinity and temperature. The ship lost 36% of its biomass and 26% of its cellular abundance when it reached the hot, high-salinity seas off Hawaii. In Hawaii the efficiency of cellular fluorescence was reduced by 17%. Following a return to temperate seas off the coast of Vallejo, California, biomass rose 230%, cellular abundance remained constant, and intracellular fluorescence efficiency increased. This study's methods for analysing microbial (and macrofouling) populations are efficient and cost-effective. The goal of this paper is to solve Scale weights are based on GRA integers with interval values. The Gray Relational Analysis (GRA) method is used to solve MCDM problems with unknown knowledge. The traditional GRA method's basic idea, Evaluation of scale weights, is used to create some optimisation models. “Vallejo, Long Beach, Lahaina and Vallejo taken this alternative in this method and evaluation parameters is Parameters C1 for evaluating practices is Temp (◦C), C2 for Salinity, C3 for Pelagic cellular abundance (×103 cells/L), C4 for Pelagic biomass (μg Chl a/L), C5 for Pelagic photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm) and C6 for Average speed of advance (kts)”. This analysis's conventional The GRA method's fundamental concept Determines the long-term solution from the short-term and negative-best solutions, but this comparison is not deemed significant. “From the result it is seen that Vallejo 1, CA is got the first rank where as is the Long Beach, CA is having the lowest rank. This paper shows the Vallejo 1 CA highest biofouling regulations recently set by California State Lands.”

Microbial induced calcium precipitation by Zobellella denitrificans sp. LX16 to simultaneously remove ammonia nitrogen, calcium, and chemical oxygen demand in reverse osmosis concentrates

In recent years, with the rapid development of industrial revolution and urbanization, the generation and treatment of a large number of salt-containing industrial wastewater has attracted wide attention. A novel salt-tolerant Zobellella denitrificans sp. LX16 with excellent nitrogen removal and biomineralization capabilities was isolated in this experiment. Kinetic experiments were conducted to determine the optimal condition. Under this condition, chemical oxygen demand (COD) can be entirely removed together with ammonia nitrogen, and the removal efficiency of calcium was 88.09%. Growth curves and nitrogen balance tests showed that strain LX16 not only had good HNAD and MICP capabilities, but also had high nitrite reductase and nitrate reductase activities during this process. Three-dimensional fluorescence results reflected that when external carbon sources were lacking or salinity was high, humic acid could effectively enhance the metabolic activity of heterotrophic nitrifying aerobic denitrifying microorganisms through extracellular electron transfer, and the substances produced in the metabolic process could promote biommineralization. Moreover, combined with SEM, SEM-EDS, XRD and FTIR analysis, it is concluded that the microbial surface can provide nucleation sites to form calcium salts, and with the increase of alkalinity to generate Ca5(PO4)3OH. The theoretical basis for the use of biological treatment in reverse osmosis wastewater have been proved by this experiment.

Microbial Strategies for Heavy Metal Removal from Industrial Wastewater

The contamination of industrial wastewater with heavy metals poses a severe environmental and public health concern. Traditional methods of heavy metal removal often prove costly and environmentally unsustainable. In this context, microbial strategies have emerged as a promising and eco-friendly approach for effective heavy metal remediation from industrial wastewater. Microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and algae, have developed various mechanisms to withstand and sequester heavy metals from their surroundings. This review explores the diverse microbial strategies employed in heavy metal removal, encompassing biosorption, bioaccumulation, bioprecipitation, and bioleaching. These strategies exploit microbial cell surfaces, extracellular polymeric substances, and intracellular compartments to immobilize, transform, or release heavy metals. Moreover, recent advancements in genetic engineering and biotechnology have enabled the development of tailored microbial strains with enhanced metal-removal capabilities. The application of these engineered microbes, as well as naturally occurring strains, in bioremediation processes is discussed. This review also delves into the factors influencing microbial metal removal efficiency, such as pH, temperature, metal concentration, and co-existing contaminants. Additionally, the potential drawbacks and limitations of microbial strategies, including biomass disposal and long-term performance, are addressed. As heavy metal pollution continues to be a pressing global issue, understanding and harnessing microbial strategies for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater holds significant promise for sustainable and cost-effective remediation practices. Integrating microbial processes into existing treatment methods can offer innovative solutions to mitigate the environmental impact of heavy metal contamination, thereby safeguarding ecosystems and public health

Antimicrobial Effects of Edible Mixed Herbal Extracts on Oral Microorganisms: An In Vitro Study.

Background and Objectives: The oral cavity is inhabited by pathogenic bacteria, whose growth can be inhibited by synthetic oral drugs, including antibiotics and other chemical compounds. Natural antimicrobial substances that elicit fewer negative side effects may serve as alternatives to synthetic agents for long-term use. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of edible mixed herbal extracts on the growth of oral pathogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: The yield of each herbal extract was as follows: 5% Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq (STB), 10.94% Mentha piperascens (MP), 5.47% Acanthopanax sessiliflorus Seem (AS), and 10.66% Glycyrrhiza uralensis (GU). The herbal extracts used included 0.5 mg/mL STB, 1.5 mg/mL MP, 1.5 mg/mL AS, and 2.0 mg/mL GU. Antimicrobial tests, morphological analyses (using scanning electron microscopy), microbial surface hydrophobicity measurements, and oral malodor reduction tests were performed using each extract. Statistical analyses were performed with IBM® SPSS® (version 24), using paired t-tests. Results: The mixed herbal extracts significantly inhibited the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, Candida albicans, and Porphyromonas gingivalis compared to the control (p < 0.001). Scanning electron microscopy results further revealed altered cellular morphology in the groups treated with the mixed herbal extracts. Additionally, the hydrophobicity assay results showed that the mixed herbal extracts reduced the oral adhesion capacities of bacteria (p < 0.001). Administration of the mixed herbal extracts also reduced the levels of volatile sulfur compounds, the main contributors to oral malodor (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Edible mixed herbal extracts can effectively eliminate oral pathogens and may be useful for improving oral health. The herbal extracts used were effective against all species of oral pathogens studied in this report.