Bacterial Strains Research Articles (Page 1)

In this study, we characterized 86 plant growth-promoting bacterial strains belonging to the genus Nitrospirillum, isolated from diverse host plants and geographic regions. We investigated their evolutionary relationships through phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rRNA and recA genes, complemented by phylogenomic approaches incorporating genomic similarity metrics, such as ANI and dDDH. The classification of type strains was further supported by in silico analyses of chemotaxonomic markers, particularly genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis and elongation, phospholipid and quinone production, and nitrogen fixation (nifHDK operon). Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characterization was performed using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling, and physiological assays. These included evaluations of nitrogen fixation capacity, antibiotic resistance, carbon source utilization, and enzymatic activities. This integrative approach provided detailed insight into the characteristics and diversity of the studied strains. Phylogenetic and genomic analyses revealed six novel taxa within the genus Nitrospirillum, in addition to the previously described species N. amazonense, N. iridis, and N. viridazoti. The distinctiveness of these new lineages was supported by both genomic metrics and phenotypic traits. All novel strains also exhibited activity of nitrogenase enzyme, confirming their nitrogen-fixing ability under in vitro conditions. Based on these findings, we propose the formal description of six novel species: Nitrospirillum bahiense sp. nov. (= BR 11865T, = UCCCB 233T), Nitrospirillum guanabarense sp. nov. (= BR 11163T, = UCCCB 228T), Nitrospirillum guaranorum sp. nov. (= BR 11164T, = UCCCB 229T), Nitrospirillum karajorum sp. nov. (= BR 11752T, = UCCCB 231T), Nitrospirillum goiasense sp. nov. (= BR 11828T, = UCCCB 232T), and Nitrospirillum pindoramense sp. nov. (= BR 11622T, = UCCCB 230T).

Electroactive biofilms from activated sludge: Mechanistic insights into electron transport on nanostructured electrodes for the development of biosensors and microbial fuel cell devices.

Aquaculture temperatures vary depending on the fish species, and probiotics used in aquaculture must remain effective under these conditions. Therefore, our study developed host-associated low-temperature probiotics (HALP) adapted to temperature conditions relevant to aquaculture. Three bacterial strains, Rahnella inusitata NBL2302 (RI), Pseudoalteromonas arctica NBL2303 (PA), and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum NBL2306 (LP), were isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii). Safety assessments, in vitro probiotic characterization (including antioxidant activity, acid/salt/bile tolerance, antimicrobial activity, and adhesion), and a feeding trial were conducted. All three strains were confirmed to be safe, exhibiting no hemolytic or cytotoxic activity. Among the three strains, LP exhibited the highest adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells and showed antimicrobial activity against fish pathogens. RI supplementation significantly enhanced innate immune markers such as serum total protein (TP), triglycerides (TG), and myeloperoxidase (MPO), along with the upregulation of immune-related genes (HSP70, IL-1β, TNF-α) (p < 0.05). PA supplementation resulted in the greatest weight gain and significantly improved specific growth rate (SGR), likely due to increased digestive enzyme activity. LP promoted immunostimulatory responses (elevated expression of MPO, TP, HSP70, and TNF-α) and pronounced changes in the beta diversity of the gut microbiota. Microbiome analysis revealed that LP-fed fish harbored higher abundances of beneficial genera such as Pseudomonas, Ralstonia, and Sphingomonas. Overall, each strain displayed unique characteristics and exerted distinct effects during feeding trials. These findings, which take host temperature preferences into account, underscore the potential of HALP in aquaculture and highlight the need for further research into optimized combination strategies.

Selenium (Se) is known as the "king of cancer prevention" and is an essential trace element for the human body. However, due to the low Se content and limited bioavailability in soils, crops or food products that can meet the daily Se intake requirements for humans remain scarce. A lactic acid bacterium strain with good Se tolerance capacity was selected to prepare Se-enriched bacterial fertilizer with sawdust and pine-derived biochar, supplemented with Na2SeO3 (5mg/kg dry soil). The Se-enriched LAB fertilizer demonstrated significant growth-promoting effects on both root architecture and overall plant development in tomato. Specifically, it enhanced chlorophyll content (by 85.6% compared to control), soluble sugar accumulation (89.3% increase), and elevated total Se as well as organic Se levels in fruits (organic Se/total Se ratio reached 84.3%). Biochemical analysis revealed that the Se-enriched bacteria in fertilizer also reduced oxidative stress induced by Na2SeO3, evidenced with less activities of superoxide dismutase and other antioxidant enzymes compared with that in the plants from other treatment added with fertilizer without Se-enriched bacteria. Metatranscriptomic sequencing of rhizosphere soil of tomato plant further indicated that the Se-enriched LAB fertilizer application enriched beneficial bacterial taxa, including Paracoccus (1.75% increase), Stutzerimonas (1.79% increase), and Streptomyces (1.12% increase). Differential gene expression analysis identified significant enrichment in metabolic pathways related to "membrane-bounded organelle" (GO: 0043227, P < 0.01) and "protein digestion and adsorption" (ko04974, P < 0.05) through GO and KEGG ontology analysis, respectively. These findings will provide insights into utilizing Se-enriched bacteria and biochar to increase biomass and Se absorption of crops, vegetables and fruits in the sustainable and healthy agriculture.

Two heteroaromatic hybrid compounds were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. The results indicate that the benzimidazole/oxadiazole (BZ/OZ) metal derivative exhibits a tridentate coordination mode, where the carbonyl, imidazole and oxadiazole groups participate in coordination with the metal, in a ratio of 2:1 of the ligand to the metal. The antibacterial activities of the organic ligand and its metal complex were determined by in vitro tests against both Gram-positive bacterial strains and Gram-negative bacterial strains using the broth microdilution method. The metal complex showed greater antibacterial activities compared to the precursor ligand against all evaluated microorganisms. The results obtained through in silico predictions revealed significant toxicological differences among the analyzed molecules, suggesting special attention in the use of the ligand due to its possible carcinogenicity in mice and a need for structural modifications in the complex to reduce its carcinogenicity and toxicity. Furthermore, a biophysical study of the interaction of the BZ/OZ derivatives with different model membranes was explored through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), simultaneous small- and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (SAXD and WAXD) and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The results indicate that the compounds influenced membrane properties without significantly altering the lamellar organization. The findings suggest potential applications in understanding lipid interactions, elucidating toxicology and developing antibacterial agents.

To clarify the diversity of glyphosate-degrading bacteria and genes in arid and alkaline soil environments, an efficient bacterial community, named CW, was enriched from the long-term continually cropped saline-alkali cotton soil in Xinjiang. This community could degrade 500mg/L of glyphosate within 36h in MSM medium with a pH of 8.0. The CW community was mainly composed of over 20 genera belonging to the phyla Pseudomonadota, Bacillota, and Bacteroidota. Notable genera include Hyphomicrobium, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Aquamicrobium. From this community, twenty-four strains showing glyphosate-degrading ability, representing 9 different genera, were successfully isolated. Notably, 14 strains belonging to six specific genera- Aquamicrobium (6), Shinella (2), Pseudoxanthomonas (2), Nocardioides (1), Chitinophaga (1), and Pseudomonas (2)- displayed complete degradation (100%). In addition, this study marks the first report confirming Aquamicrobium and Shinella as novel genera degrading glyphosate. During the degradation of glyphosate by the bacterial community CW, intermediate metabolites such as AMPA and phosphate were detected. Besides, sarcosine was detected during the degradation by the bacterial strain W6/W7. A detailed analysis of the glyphosate-degrading genes revealed that, besides the thiO, GAT, and phnY gene sequences, the genome of bacterial strain W6/W7 also harbors sequences with high similarity to the previously reported glyphosate-degrading genes soxA, aroA, dadA, phnJ, phnD, and phnA. Notably, the community CW efficiently expressed all the genes. Additionally, genes associated with phosphonate, hypophosphonate, oxalate, and dicarboxylate metabolism were co-expressed during glyphosate degradation. This study reveals that, even in the unique soil environment of Xinjiang, there exists a highly diverse bacterial community which can completely and efficiently degrade glyphosate.

Discovery and characterization of novel polyacrylic urethane-degrading bacteria from intestine of the red-veined darter (Sympetrum fonscolombii).

The present study demonstrates the isolation of pure cellulose (CU) from Cedrus deodara (C. deodara) wood wool. Further, CU and modified mercaptobenzothiazole-functionalized CU (CU-MBT) were evaluated for adsorptive removal of Hg(II), Pb(II), Cd(II) ions and bacterial strains from water. Advanced characterizations through TGA, HR-TEM, FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD, EDX, BET and XPS were performed to analyze the adsorbents. The optimal pH for Pb(II) adsorption observed was 6, and for Cd(II) and Hg(II) was 7 with adsorption capacities 89.22, 103.09, 80.64mg/g for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) with CU, while CU-MBT exhibited 185.18, 178.57, and 140.84mg/g for Pb(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) respectively. CU and CU-MBT followed pseudo-second-order kinetics (R2 = 0.99) with equilibrium achieved in 90min, showing high regeneration efficiency (9898.71%, 98.8% and 96.21%) and minimal loss over five cycles. Thermodynamic studies confirmed favourable adsorption (ΔG° values of -2.364, -2.338 and -12.781kJ/mol), while DFT analysis revealed CU-MBT's superior stability, lower energy gap (5.09eV), and enhanced reactivity. Later, in the antibacterial analysis, the developed adsorbents revealed good antibacterial properties. In conclusion, CU-MBT has considerable calibre to adsorb Pb(II), Cd(II), and Hg(II) as well as bacterial species from water, demonstrating its potential in water treatment.

This study investigates the phytochemical composition and biological activities of five ethnomedicinal plants: Zingiber officinale (Ginger), Ocimum basilicum (Basil), Origanum syriacum (Za'atar), Origanum vulgare (Oregano), and Salvia rosmarinus (Rosemary). These plants are traditionally used for their therapeutic properties, yet a comparative evaluation of their bioactivities is limited. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were quantified using standard colorimetric assays. Antimicrobial activity was assessed against selected bacterial and fungal strains using the agar well diffusion method. Antioxidant capacity was evaluated via the DPPH assay, and cytotoxicity was tested on HCT-116 (colorectal cancer) and HNO-97 (tongue carcinoma) cell lines using MTT assays. Rosemary exhibited the highest phenolic content (189.28mg/g), while Ginger had the highest flavonoid content (43.13mg/g). Rosemary demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity, notably against S. aureus (31 ± 0.5mm), and Oregano showed significant inhibition against S. enterica (23 ± 0.1mm). In antifungal assays, Rosemary had the largest inhibition zones against A. flavus (40 ± 0.6mm) and A. niger (36 ± 0.3mm). Basil and Za'atar also exhibited notable antifungal activity. Rosemary showed moderate antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 37.42µg/mL. Cytotoxicity testing revealed IC50 values of 14.91µg/mL and 22.3µg/mL for Rosemary against HCT-116 and HNO-97 cells, respectively. The findings highlight S. rosmarinus as a potent source of antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anticancer compounds. The diverse phytochemical profiles and bioactivities across the studied plants suggest that each offers unique therapeutic potential. These results support further investigation into their clinical applications, particularly concerning bioavailability, mechanisms of action, and potential synergistic effects.

Rice is a major food crop in China as well as Asia, yet its production is threatened by microbial diseases including blast disease caused by fungal pathogen (Magnaporthe oryzae) and bacterial blight caused by several bacterial pathogens. To screen for bacterial microbiota associated with rice blast occurrence, and/or contributing to disease resistance, we performed microbiota analysis with rhizosphere soil, root, stem, and leaf samples of blast susceptible (CO39) and resistant (Y33R) rice grown in a blast disease nursery garden. Our result showed no significant difference in microbiota of rhizosphere soil, root, or leaf between these two rice cultivars, but stem microbiota were significantly different. Pantoea spp. were enriched in stem of blast susceptible rice, suggesting that it may play a role after fungal infection. A total of 822 bacterial strains were isolated from the phyllospheric (including leaf and stem) samples of Y33R and CO39 rice. Based on 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and phylogenic analysis using 16S rRNA, gyrB, leuS, and rpoB gene sequences, the 3 isolated strains and 1 strain were identified as P. ananatis and P. dispersa, respectively. The strains A25-H1 and B10-A1 were selected for genome sequencing, and based on Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI) analysis, we confirmed that A25-H1 was P. ananatis and B10-A1 was P. dispersa. The P. ananatis consortium (A25-F1, A25-G1, and A25-H1 combination) A25-11 and P. dispersa strain B10-A1 displayed suppressive effect on blast disease when they were applied to the susceptible rice CO39. Although a P. ananatis strain SC7 has been reported to cause bacterial blight in rice, A25-11 or B10-A1 was non-pathogenic to rice under experimental conditions. Furthermore, they could also suppress bacterial blight caused by SC7 or Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae strain Pxo99A. A25-11 and B10-A1 did not affect the growth of M. oryzae mycelia in confrontation culture analysis, but induced transcription of rice immunity genes and promoted ROS accumulation, suggesting that the biocontrol effect of A25-11 or B10-A1 may lie on immunity priming. We further showed that A25-11 and B10-A1 possessed growth promoting capacity including indole 3-acetic acid (IAA) production, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and siderophore production. Under field condition, the consortium A25-11 and strain B10-A1 could effectively suppress leaf and panicle blast. Overall, this study established a microbiome method for identifying the rice bacterial communities of agricultural significance, with capacity of rice disease management and/or growth promotion.

Mirabegron is a beta 3-adrenoceptor agonist that can help with incontinence, dysuria, and bladder overactivity. It alleviates the symptoms of prostate enlargement and urinary tract infections (UTIs) in the elderly. We aimed to explore Mirabegron's antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, trying to benefit people suffering from urinary tract infections and having an overactive bladder. Mirabegron's putative antibacterial activity was investigated using the well diffusion method (In Vitro). Infected rats were treated with mirabegron (10mg/kg, oral) and used for evaluation of immunomodulatory actions (In Vivo). We tested the antibacterial activity in vitro against numerous bacterial strains, including Escherichia coli (E. coli). The phagocytic activity and survival of peritoneal macrophages were examined. Also, serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and interferon-γ (INF-γ) were estimated in E. coli-infected rats. We found that mirabegron exhibited significant antibacterial activity, particularly against E. coli. Phagocytic activity increased notably in vivo, indicating an improved innate immune response. Mirabegron also demonstrated a substantial rise in immunoglobulin and cytokine levels, enhancing acquired immunity. According to our findings, in vitro and in vivo tests of mirabegron revealed possible antibacterial activity as well as immunomodulatory properties. Mirabegron could alleviate symptomatic UTIs.

Salmonella has caused widespread foodborne disease risks in China. Studies suggest that plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) is the main route for the spread of Salmonella's drug resistance. To establish a method for rapid detection of the genus gene invA carried by foodborne Salmonella and four PMQR genes carried by drug-resistance strains based on multiplex PCR combined with liquid chip technology. The detection limits, sensitivity, specificity, and repeatability of the method were evaluated. Our findings revealed that in terms of detection sensitivity, this method can detect the invA and qnrS with a limit as low as 5 colony forming unit per milliliter (CFU/mL). The detection limits for aac(6')-Ib-cr, oqxA, and oqxB genes were 25 CFU/mL, 10 CFU/mL, and 10 CFU/mL respectively. In terms of specificity, no positive signals were detected for the non-target bacteria strains and the negative control. In the repeatability experiments, the coefficient of variation (CV) for all target gene detections was less than 5%. In the simulation sample verification, the concordance rate with the results of conventional PCR reached 100%. Therefore, this method can provide technical support for the detection of foodborne Salmonella and PMQR genes, as well as the monitoring of drug resistance.

Background: Acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease (AHPND) is a serious bacterial infection that causes high mortality in whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei), leading to significant losses in shrimp farming. In recent years, the disease has severely impacted the aquaculture industry in Gia Lai province and across Vietnam. The primary causative agents of AHPND are strains of Vibrio spp., particularly V. parahaemolyticus, which produce PirAB toxins that damage the hepatopancreas of infected shrimp. Methods: To investigate the bacterial pathogens associated with AHPND, six bacterial strains were isolated: five from live shrimp exhibiting typical AHPND symptoms and one from a shrimp that had died from the disease. Shrimp samples were collected from May to August 2024 in Hoai Nhon district, Gia Lai province, Vietnam. Morphological observations of colonies after isolation were first used to select strains with characteristics consistent with Vibrio spp. These strains were then subjected to 16S rRNA gene sequencing for molecular identification. In addition, antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the standard disk diffusion method to evaluate resistance to commonly used antibiotics in aquaculture. Result: Two bacterial isolates, designated VhnT5 and VhnT6, were identified as V. parahaemolyticus based on 16S rRNA gene analysis. Antibiotic susceptibility tests revealed that both strains were completely resistant (100%) to Ampicillin (10 μg) and Erythromycin (15 μg), but remained sensitive to Chloramphenicol (30 μg) and Levofloxacin (5 μg). These findings suggest a concerning pattern of antibiotic resistance potentially linked to overuse or misuse of antibiotics in shrimp farming practices. The results emphasize the need for better antibiotic management and informed strategies to handle bacterial infections in aquaculture.

The Mediterranean mussel ( Mytilus galloprovincialis ) is the most valuable shellfish farmed and consumed in the Western Mediterranean. Like any other filter-feeding organism, mussels are exposed to a wide range of microorganisms. Before consumption, bivalves are subject to depuration to purge the gastrointestinal content, thus minimizing the risk of pathogens’ circulation. Over time, this strategy revealed several shortcomings, most notably concerning Vibrio spp. In this study, the potential use of autochthonous predatory bacteria as a biocontrol strategy to mitigate Vibrio spp. overgrowth in mussels during depuration was evaluated. Moreover, a polyphasic approach based on conventional and culture-independent strategies was used to assess the impact of predation and of depuration on the mussel microbiome during controlled depuration studies. The depuration greatly impacted the bivalve microbiota, jeopardizing its innate resilience. Moreover, the addition of a bacterial predator strain to mussels resulted in the disturbance of the microbiome. Therefore, even though the biotechnological application of bacterial predation in this context may appear promising when monitored by culture-dependent methods, the effect on the mollusks’ microbiome does not seem to be easily predictable, above all when mussels are subject to depuration after the harvest.

A microbiological survey of the snow cover in Tashkent was conducted. The chemical and microbiological parameters of samples with varying degrees of contamination were determined. It was demonstrated that contaminated samples exhibited higher microbial colonization compared to uncontaminated ones. The microbiological examination of the Chirchik River basin in Tashkent and the Tashkent region revealed the presence of a total number of microorganisms reaching up to 6.0x10³, including up to 1.0x10² coliform bacteria. The microbiological analysis of soil samples from roadside areas and recreational zones in Tashkent indicated a diversity of identified microbiocenoses, which significantly influence their activity and development in the context of impending urbanization. The microbiological survey highlighted changes in the qualitative composition of soil microbiocenoses in the city, particularly those located at short distances from transport systems. The most representative cultures from the roadside and recreational zones of Tashkent have been identified and characterized, along with their physiological and biochemical indicators. These microorganisms have been classified down to the species level based on morphological features and certain physiological-biochemical characteristics, with confirmation provided through Maldi Tof analysis. A collection has been established comprising the most representative strains of microorganisms from various ecosystems in Tashkent and the Tashkent region, which includes 23 strains of bacteria, 2 strains of actinomycetes, and 3 strains of microscopic fungi, all possessing significant industrial value. This collection may serve as a valuable resource for the study and further utilization of these microorganisms.

Abstract This study reports a carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite film that incorporates titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO 2 NPs) and silicone microemulsion (SiME). Mechanical properties are used as a judgment tool to select the optimum ratio of the CMC/PVA. Different experiments are used to fully investigate the morphological, physical, hydrophilic, and antimicrobial properties of CMC/PVA loaded with 1% TiO 2 NPs composite films with various SiME concentrations (1, 3, and 5%). Higher SiEM concentrations significantly affect the composite films’ structure and surface morphology. Fourier Transforms Infrared Spectroscopy–Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR–ATR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirm the structural interactions among CMC, PVA, TiO 2 NPs, and SiEM. Furthermore, the addition of SiEM was playing a role in improving films mechanical, microstructure, and wettability. Increasing the concentration of SiEM to 5% decreases the contact angle from 61.72° to 25.46° this due to the film surface roughness. Remarkably, 3 and 5% SiEM incorporation significantly improves the inhibition ability of the CMC/PVA composite films against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and unicellular and filamentous fungi as well. CMC/PVA composite film containing 1% TiO 2 NPs and 5% SiEM exhibits functional properties for hydrophobic broad-spectrum antimicrobial applications. Additionally, the MIC values for bacterial strains, unicellular fungi, and filamentous fungi were recorded as a maximum of 3.125, 6.25, and 12.5 mg/mL, respectively. This work highlights the use of biopolymers in a new approach for the fabrication of new multifunctional films, which are suitable for large-scale production and multipurpose applications.

The Bacillusgenus comprises spore-forming, Gram-positive bacteria widely recognized for their capacity to produce bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. This activity is primarily attributed to the synthesis of diverse molecules, including peptides, non-ribosomal peptides, and polyketides, which exhibit inhibitory effects against various pathogens. Bacillus species are ubiquitous and highly diverse, encompassing strains with significant biotechnological potential. Bac-9 is a bacterial strain belonging to Bacillus genus isolated from kefir in Escárcega, Campeche, México. This strain exhibits strong antifungal activity against Fusarium equiseti, F. solani, Curvularia sp. and the oomycete, Phytophthora capsici. The genome comprises 4,059,427bp, with a total of 4,195 coding sequences and a GC content of 46.3%. A total of 21 biosynthetic gene clusters were identified: 55% were non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs), 36% were polyketides (PKs) and 9% were NRP + PK hybrids. This bacterium produces compounds with insecticidal properties, such as thietane and acenaphthylene, which were detected by GC-MS. In tomato plants, different Bac-9 extracts activate genes involved in defense against insects and pathogens, including genes associated with the biosynthesis of jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. In addition, the extracts reduce oviposition by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci in Lycopersicon esculentum. This study offers valuable insights into bioactive compounds with potential for the biological control of phytopathogens and whiteflies. Overall, the bacterium emerges as a promising candidate for use in biological control strategies.

The prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, particularly Staphylococcus aureus , poses a significant threat to global health. The ability of S. aureus to form biofilms reduces the efficacy of antibiotics. Therefore, the need for innovative anti-biofilm strategies to improve the efficacy of antibiotic therapy is crucial, particularly when biofilms cause treatment failure. In this study, we investigated the effects of glucosamine (GAM) and its acetylated derivative, N-acetylglucosamine (NGAM), on the biofilm formation of the multidrug-resistant S. aureus strain Wood 46. The minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) assay was used to evaluate the inhibition of biofilm formation. The results indicated that 2–8% of GAM significantly inhibited S. aureus biofilm formation. However, only a high concentration of NGAM (8%) showed partial inhibition of biofilm formation. The RNA sequencing analysis of the treated biofilms indicated that, compared to NGAM, GAM leads to a more pronounced downregulation of S. aureus adhesion genes ( eno, ebps, and sraP ) and genes involved in arginine biosynthesis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) pathways, which are essential for biofilm proteinaceous structure. The decreased pH in the biofilm environment treated with higher GAM concentrations supports its observed anti-biofilm activity and is likely linked to impaired pH homeostasis resulting from the downregulation of ureABC genes and disruption of urea metabolism, a process interconnected with arginine biosynthesis. In conclusion, unlike its acetylated form (NGAM), GAM is a potent anti-biofilm agent that effectively inhibits the biofilm formation of S. aureus Wood 46 and significantly alters the gene expression profile associated with biofilm formation.

The use of Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) is one of the alternative strategies to mitigate the effects of drought. This study aimed to determine the effects of the Partial Root-Zone Drying (PRD) and conventional deficit irrigation techniques on dwarf bean by reducing drought stress through microbial fertilizer applications. The parameters evaluated included yield, plant water consumption, water use efficiency (WUE), irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), plant growth characteristics, chlorophyll content and biochemical properties. The Gina dwarf bean variety (Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Gina) was used in the research conducted at Akdeniz University. Biofertilizers consisting of Pantoea agglomerans RK-92, Paenibacillus polymyxa TV-12E, Bacillus megaterium TV-6D and Pseudomonas fluorescens FDG-37 bacterial strains were supplied by Atatürk University Plant Protection Department. The study was planned with and without biofertilizer (BF) application, and five irrigation treatments were considered. Three conventional irrigation treatments were applied: 100% of the evaporation (I100), 75% of the evaporation (I75), and 50% of the evaporation (I50). And, two treatments were applied to Partial Root Zone Drying (PRD): 75% of the evaporation (PRD75) and 50% of the evaporation (PRD50). According to the research results, remarkable results were obtained from the biofertilizer treatments. The highest first-class (8.44 t ha-1) and total yield (10.50 t ha-1) was recorded from the BF-I100 treatment. Compared to the control treatment (I100) with a first-class yield of 4.40 t ha-1 and a total yield of 9.31 t ha-1, the BF-I100 treatment provided a 14.5% higher first-class yield and a 12.78% higher total yield. Similarly, compared to the control, the BF-I75 resulted in higher first-class (7.36 t ha-1; 6.6%) and total yields (9.34 t ha-1; 9.88%). Among the deficit irrigation treatments, the highest total yield was recorded in the BF-PRD75 (9.54 t ha-1) treatment with biofertilizer. The total yield obtained from BF-PRD75 was 2.47% higher than that of the I100 treatment and was one of the most striking results. The BF-PRD50 treatment exhibited the highest WUE (11.26kg m-3) and IWUE (13.88kg m-3) for both first-class and total yield, with no statistically significant differences among BF-I50, BF-I100, and BF-PRD50 treatments. In conclusion, growth, yield, and quality characteristics were significantly influenced by the irrigation treatments. Biofertilizer applications were effective under both optimized and deficit irrigation conditions. The ameliorative and drought-reducing effects of biofertilizer treatments were clearly observed. This study found that biofertilizers positively impact yield and quality, potentially enabling water savings of 25-50%. They can be effectively used in regions with drought-related water shortages.

The human endometrium, previously considered a sterile environment, is now recognized as a low-biomass but biologically active microbial niche critical to reproductive health. Advances in sequencing technologies, particularly shotgun metagenomics, have provided unprecedented insights into the taxonomic and functional complexity of the endometrial microbiome. While 16S rRNA sequencing has delineated the distinction between Lactobacillus-dominant and non-dominant microbial communities, shotgun metagenomics has revealed additional diversity at the species and strain level, uncovering microbial signatures that remain undetected by amplicon-based approaches. Current evidence supports the association of Lactobacillus dominance with endometrial homeostasis and favorable reproductive outcomes. Dysbiosis, characterized by increased microbial diversity and enrichment of anaerobic taxa such as Gardnerella, Atopobium, Prevotella, and Streptococcus, is linked to chronic endometritis, implantation failure, and adverse IVF results. Beyond compositional differences, the endometrial microbiome interacts with the host through immunological, metabolic, and epigenetic mechanisms. These interactions modulate cytokine signaling, epithelial barrier integrity, and receptivity-associated gene expression, ultimately influencing embryo implantation. However, discrepancies between published studies reflect the lack of standardized protocols for sampling, DNA extraction, and bioinformatic analysis, as well as the inherent challenges of studying low-biomass environments. Factors such as geography, ethnicity, hormonal status, and antibiotic exposure further contribute to interindividual variability. Culturomics approaches complement sequencing by enabling the isolation of viable bacterial strains, offering perspectives for microbiome-based biotherapeutics. Emerging 3D endometrial models provide additional tools to dissect microbiome–host interactions under controlled conditions. Taken together, the growing body of data highlights the potential of endometrial microbiome profiling as a biomarker for reproductive success and as a target for personalized interventions. Future research should focus on integrating multi-omics approaches and functional analyses to establish causal relationships and translate findings into clinical practice. This review gives a new insight into current knowledge on the uterine microbiome and its impact on implantation success, analyzed through the lenses of microbiology, immunology, and oxidative stress.