Search Results (1,920)

Background: Since 2008, the kiwifruit industry has been significantly impacted by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa), the agent responsible for bacterial canker in kiwifruit. Existing treatments, such as copper-based compounds and antibiotics, have faced challenges related to resistance and soil contamination. Phage therapy is a promising and safe alternative for controlling this pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate the use of a mixture of four isolated and characterized bacteriophages as potential biocontrol agents against Psa. Methods: Trials were conducted at two locations in Chile, where Psa presence was reported during the 2019/2020 and 2020/2021 seasons, with a focus on the spring stages. Different formulations were tested each season to evaluate possible improvements in effectiveness. Pseudomonas spp. isolates obtained from epiphyte populations were characterized using morphological, biochemical (LOPAT), and molecular techniques. Results: Field trials demonstrated that the phage mixture effectively reduced the damage associated with Psa on kiwi leaves, resulting in a decrease in the Pseudomonas spp. bacterial load (42.9% for Peumo and 25% for Linares) at both locations during the first season trials. This decrease is associated with a reduction in the incidence and severity of the disease in kiwi plants in the Peumo orchard. In both seasons, bacteriophages reduce Psa symptoms in treated kiwi plants compared to untreated controls, at least at one location and evaluation. In both orchards during the first season, bacteriophages also outperformed copper- and antibiotic-based treatments used by farmers. Bacteriophage therapy is eco-friendly and safe for both applicators and consumers. Full article

The Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) is a cellulose-based biofilm resulting from the fermentation of sweetened tea by a microbial consortium of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts. This study applies the Methodi Ordinatio technique to systematically identify, rank, and analyze the most relevant scientific publications on the applications of SCOBY. A comprehensive search in SCOPUS and Web of Science yielded 179 articles, after manual filtration. The InOrdinatio index, which combines citation count, publication year, and journal impact factor, was used for ranking to select a representative sample of the most important contributions (117 articles). The highest-ranked article scored 128.9, and the lowest 42.6. China led in scientific output (14.01%), followed by India (11.46%), the UK and USA (5.10% each), and Brazil (4.46%). The International Journal of Biological Macromolecules was the most frequently used journal for publications in this field. “Bacterial cellulose” was the most cited keyword (61 times), followed by “kombucha” (41) and “fermentation” (29). A consistent rise in publications has been observed over the past five years. Four main application areas were identified: bacterial cellulose (BC) (38%), biosustainable materials (28%), biomedical (17%), and food-related uses (17%). Most of the studies related to BC production (52%) searched for alternative substrates, and 18% focused on the isolation and identification of the most productive microorganisms within SCOBY. For biomedical applications, a unifying theme is the development of SCOBY-based materials with intrinsic antibacterial properties. These findings emphasize SCOBY’s emerging role in sustainable innovation and circular economic frameworks. Full article

N-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), the predominant form of sialic acids (Sias), is extensively utilized in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. Microbial fermentation serves as a critical production method for its economical, eco-friendly, and scalable production. Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, as primary industrial workhorses for Neu5Ac production, have been extensively investigated owing to their well-characterized genetic frameworks and mature molecular toolkits. Nevertheless, the intricate regulatory networks inherent to microbial systems present formidable obstacles to the high-efficiency biosynthesis of Neu5Ac. This review delineates the genetic and molecular mechanisms underlying Neu5Ac biosynthesis in both E. coli and B. subtilis. Furthermore, the rational and irrational strategies for constructing Neu5Ac microbial cell factories are systematically summarized, including the application of rational metabolic engineering to relieve feedback regulation, reconfigure metabolic networks, implement dynamic regulation, and optimize carbon sources; as well as the use of irrational strategies including directed evolution of key enzymes and high-throughput screening based on biosensors. Finally, this review addresses current challenges in Neu5Ac bioproduction and proposes integrative solutions combining machine learning with systems metabolic engineering to advance the construction of high-titer Neu5Ac microbial cell factory and the refinement of advanced fermentation technologies. Full article

Infectious diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms have caused serious economic losses to animal husbandry, and the use of appropriate disinfectants is crucial for eliminating these pathogens. Plant essential oils (PEOs), as natural bioproducts, have the characteristics of safety, non-toxicity, and broad spectrum. In this study, the inhibition efficacies against bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasmas of a compound PEO disinfectant (designated as Lei-Huo-Fu) were evaluated through determination of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and bactericidal rate against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp.; inactivation rate of avian infectious bronchitis virus (IBV); as well as determination of MIC of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). The results showed that the MIC values of the PEO disinfectant against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus, and Salmonella spp. were as low as 0.00375 µg/mL to 0.03 µg/mL. The bactericidal rates against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella spp. reached over 95% within 30 min at a concentration of 0.03 µg/mL. For three dominant prevalent genotype strains of LX4-type, Mass-type, and Taiwan-type of IBV, the inactivation rates achieved by the PEO disinfectant at a concentration of 0.015 µg/mL and a disinfection time of 30 min were all above 99.9%. The MIC of the PEO disinfectant against MG and MS was 0.001875 µg/mL and 0.00375 µg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, the compound PEO disinfectant (Lei-Huo-Fu) has significant inhibitory effects on bacteria, viruses, and mycoplasmas, and possesses broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. However, it is important to note that these findings are based on laboratory assays, and the efficacy in practical settings, along with the exact mechanisms of action, require further investigation. In this study, the compound PEO disinfectant demonstrates promising in vitro efficacy, suggesting its potential as a candidate for development into a safe, efficient, and natural disinfectant, pending further validation. Full article

Background: Pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.) is a rich source of phenols, particularly ellagitannins, highlighting punicalagin, a bioactive compound with recognized antioxidant potential. However, efficient recovery and purification methods are required to enable its application in food and health-related products. This study aimed to obtain a partially purified fraction of punicalagin from pomegranate peel using optimized extraction and purification strategies. Methods: A Taguchi L9 (3)³ experimental design was employed to optimize ultrasound-assisted extraction, evaluating extraction time (10, 20, 30 min), ethanol concentration (20, 40, 80%), and solid-to-solvent ratio (1:12, 1:14, 1:16). Total polyphenol content was quantified using the Folin–Ciocalteu method. Extracts obtained under optimized conditions were concentrated by rotary evaporation and subjected to semipurification using flash chromatography with Amberlite XAD-16 resin. Subsequently, the fractions were lyophilized and analyzed by HPLC/ESI/MS. Results: The Statistica software determined the optimal conditions for polyphenol extraction (20 min, 40% ethanol, 1:12), with the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio reaching 88.43 ± 0.66, surpassing the predicted value of 77.42. Flash chromatography yielded four fractions, and HPLC/ESI/MS analysis revealed the presence of ellagitannins in all of them, with fraction number 2 showing the highest relative abundance of punicalagin (89.25%). Conclusions: The combination of ultrasound-assisted extraction and flash chromatography proved effective for obtaining punicalagin-rich fractions from pomegranate peel, supporting its potential for nutraceutical applications. Full article

Chitin, one of the most abundant natural polysaccharides, has gained increasing attention for its structural diversity and potential in biomedicine, agriculture, food packaging, and advanced materials. Conventional chitin production from crustacean shell waste faces limitations, including seasonal availability, allergenic protein contamination, heavy metal residues, and environmentally harmful demineralization processes. Chitin from fungi and microalgae provides a sustainable and chemically versatile alternative. Fungal chitin, generally present in the α-polymorph, is embedded in a chitin–glucan–protein matrix that ensures high crystallinity, mechanical stability, and compatibility for biomedical applications. Microalgal β-chitin, particularly from diatoms, is secreted as high-aspect-ratio microrods and nanofibrils with parallel chain packing, providing enhanced reactivity and structural integrity that are highly attractive for functional materials. Recent progress in green extraction technologies, including enzymatic treatments, ionic liquids, and deep eutectic solvents, enables the recovery of chitin with reduced environmental burden while preserving its native morphology. By integrating sustainable sources with environmentally friendly processing methods, fungal and microalgal chitin offer unique structural polymorphs and tunable properties, positioning them as a promising alternative to crustacean-derived chitin. Full article

Corn is one of the most widely cultivated cereal crops and is rich in antioxidant compounds, especially phenolics. However, many of these are bound to cell wall components, requiring pre-treatment for release. Solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Rhizopus oryzae has been used to enhance antioxidant capacity in grains and legumes, though its application in pigmented corn (PC) has not been reported. This study evaluated R. oryzae growth on PC via SSF and its effect on phenolic compound release and antioxidant capacity (AC). Variables such as temperature, pH, inoculum, and medium salts were tested for their influence on phenolic release and AC. Nutrient changes in PC due to SSF were also examined. HPLC-MS was used to analyze the phenolic compounds’ profile. R. oryzae grew effectively on PC, increasing total phenolic content (TPC) and AC by 131 and 50%, respectively. The pH was found to negatively impact phenolic release. The SSF also raised protein content by 10% and reduced carbohydrates and fiber by 3 and 8%. Thirteen phenolic compounds were identified, including Feruloyl tartaric acid ester and p-Coumaroyl tartaric acid glycosidic ester, with known anti-inflammatory properties. This process offers a sustainable method for enhancing the functional properties of pigmented corn. Full article

Peripheral nerve injuries remain a major clinical problem, and cell-free therapies using stem cell-derived bioproducts have emerged as promising alternatives. This study evaluated the influence of neurogenic differentiation and passage number on the secretomic and exosomal profile of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPCSs). Conditioned media from undifferentiated and neurodifferentiated hDPSCs, and exosomes derived from undifferentiated hDPSCs at passages 4 and 7, were analyzed using multiplex immunoassays, RT-PCR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Neurodifferentiated hDPSCs at early passages secreted higher levels of neurotrophic, angiogenic and immunomodulatory factors, including FGF-2, IL-6, IL-8, and PDGF-AA. Exosomes from early-passage undifferentiated cells showed a more abundant and relevant neuroregenerative mRNA cargo in comparison to the later passages. Both cell types and exosomes adhered to the Reaxon^® nerve guidance conduit, confirming the permissive nature of the materials regarding cells and cellular products, allowing adhesion and survival. Neurite outgrowth assays performed on neurodifferentiated hDPSCs confirmed functional neural behavior. In later passages, a decline in secretory and exosomal activity was noted. These results highlight the relevance of early-passage hDPSCs as a source of bioactive factors and support their application in cell-free approaches for peripheral nerve regeneration. Full article

This review consolidates recent advancements in microbial biotechnology for sustainable food systems. It focuses on the fermentation processes used in this sector, emphasizing precision fermentation as a source of innovation for alternative proteins, fermented foods, and applications of microorganisms and microbial bioproducts in the food industry. Additionally, it explores food preservation strategies and methods for controlling microbial contamination. These biotechnological approaches are increasingly replacing synthetic additives, contributing to enhanced food safety, nutritional functionality, and product shelf stability. Examples include bacteriocins from lactic acid bacteria, biodegradable microbial pigments, and exopolysaccharide-based biopolymers, such as pullulan and xanthan gum, which are used in edible coatings and films. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, covering publications from 2014 to 2025. A structured Boolean search strategy was applied, targeting core concepts in microbial fermentation, bio-based food additives, and contamination control. The initial search retrieved 5677 articles, from which 370 studies were ultimately selected after applying criteria such as duplication removal, relevance to food systems, full-text accessibility, and scientific quality. This review highlights microbial biotransformation as a route to minimize reliance on synthetic inputs, valorize agri-food byproducts, and support circular bioeconomy principles. It also discusses emerging antimicrobial delivery systems and regulatory challenges. Overall, microbial innovations offer viable and scalable pathways for enhancing food system resilience, functionality, and environmental stewardship. Full article

Pollution and freshwater scarcity, coupled with the energy sector’s continued dependence on fossil fuels, constitute a dual challenge to sustainable development. A promising response is biosystems that jointly address wastewater treatment and the production of renewable products. This review centers on a managed consortium of aquatic macrophytes and microalgae, in which the spatial architecture of plant communities, rhizosphere processes, and the photosynthetic activity of microalgae act in concert. This configuration simultaneously expands the spectrum of removable pollutants and yields biomass suitable for biorefinery, thereby linking remediation to the production of energy carriers and bioproducts within a circular bioeconomy. The scientific novelty lies in treating the integrated platform as a coherent technological unit, and in using the biomass “metabolic passport” to align cultivation conditions with optimal valorization trajectories. The work offers a practical framework for designing and scaling such consortia that can reduce the toxicological load on aquatic ecosystems, return macronutrients to circulation, and produce low-carbon energy carriers. Full article

Background: Glioblastomas (GBMs) are the most aggressive and common neoplasms that affect glial cells, presenting rapid growth, invasion, and resistance to treatments. Studies have demonstrated the potentially inhibitory effect of flavonoids on glioblastoma cells’ stemness and viability. However, further research is needed to explore sensitivity and the mechanism of action in chemoresistant cells. Methods: In this study, we characterized the impact of apigenin treatment on the viability and differentiation of human GBM cells in vitro and its effects on tumorigenesis and regulation of the inflammatory response in vivo. Results: The flavonoid apigenin reduced the viability of U-251 cells, patient-derived cells TG-1 and OB-1 stem cells in a dose-dependent manner, associated with the induction of acidic vesicle organelles formation and apoptosis. Treatment with apigenin also inhibited migration and induced neural differentiation in the remaining viable cells, characterized by a decrease in the expression of the precursor marker nestin and an increase in the expression of astrocyte and neuron markers, GFAP and β-III tubulin, respectively. The xenotransplantation of apigenin-pretreated U251 cells into rat brains did not lead to tumor formation, unlike untreated cells. The surrounding area of transplanted untreated U251 cells exhibited reactive microglia and astrocytes, along with increased VEGF expression, which was absent in implant sites of apigenin-pretreated GBM cells. Moreover, in this implant area, we observed a significant decrease in the expression of mRNA for inflammatory factors IL-1β, TNF, and NOS2, and the downregulation of IL-10 and IL-4. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that apigenin inhibits the growth of tumoral cells, affecting the viability of tumor stem cells and impairing tumorigenicity, while altering the regulatory profile of immunomodulatory proteins. Therefore, this flavonoid can be considered for further studies to determine its use as an adjuvant to the treatment of human GBMs. Full article

As the demand for chitin grows, new chitin sources with unique physicochemical properties are required. Abundant biofouling species, such as amphipods and hydroids, have chitinous skeletal systems that can be utilized for chitin production. However, little is known about these chitin sources. This study investigated the viability of amphipods (Jassa sp.) and hydroids (Coryne sp.) obtained from aquaculture biofouling assemblages as novel sources of chitin. Chitin was extracted from these sources and characterized in terms of its degree of acetylation (DA), crystallinity index (CrI), molecular weight (MW), thermal stability, and surface morphology. Physiochemical characteristics where then compared against commercially available shrimp chitin. Results show that a 32.75% chitin yield can be obtained from hydroids. The percentage DA for amphipod (AC) and hydroid (HC) chitin is 58.4–59.2% and 64.8–66.7%, respectively. AC is characterized as α-chitin with a low molecular weight (MW), while HC is medium-MW β-chitin. This finding is significant because it shows hydroids to be a new source of rare β-chitin. In addition, AC has higher thermal stability than HC. AC and HC greatly differ in terms of surface morphology. Therefore, the chitin biomaterials extracted from amphipods and hydroids have different but favorable properties that can be used for diverse applications. Full article

Lignin, as one of the three primary components of renewable lignocellulosic biomass, can be converted into aromatic platform chemicals and holds significant potential for high-value applications. p-Hydroxybenzaldehyde is a compound derived from lignin. In this study, the mutant Δ60 of the glycosyltransferase UGT_BL1 derived from Bacillus licheniformis was adopted to catalyze the glycosylation reaction of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, producing a bioactive compound Helicid analogue (p-hydroxybenzaldehyde β-glucoside). Truncation mutations targeting loop regions may reduce local flexibility, thereby facilitating enhanced access of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde to the active site pocket and promoting relative activity. Under optimal conditions (35 °C, pH 7.5, and glucose 200 mM), a high yield of 97.8% for p-hydroxybenzaldehyde β-glucoside was achieved from 2 mM p-hydroxybenzaldehyde within 10 h. The conversion of 3 mM p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (366.4 mg/L) yielded up to 2.7 mM (767.5 mg/L) of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde β-glucoside within 48 h. According to the molecular docking results, the CDOCKER energy value of mutant Δ60 was lower than that of the wild-type, at −16.0 kcal/mol. To our knowledge, this is the first example of an efficient and environmentally sustainable approach for the synthesis of p-hydroxybenzaldehyde β-glucoside, providing a new insight for the valorization of lignin into valuable biobased chemicals. Full article

Pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs), obtained from abundant yet underutilized pineapple leaf residues, represent a promising feedstock for producing fibrillated cellulose. In this work, cellulosic fibers were isolated and characterized by Fiber Quality Analysis (FQA), showing lengths between 0.33 and 0.47 mm and widths of 12.2 µm after organosolv pulping using ethanol and acetic acid as a catalyst, followed by hydrogen peroxide bleaching with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid as a chelating agent. The cellulosic fibers were then subjected to TEMPO-mediated oxidation and subsequently disintegrated by microfluidization to produce micro-/nanofibrillated cellulose (MNFC) with a carboxylate content of 0.85 and 1.00 mmol COO⁻/g, zeta potential of −41 and −53 mV, and average widths of 15 and 12 nm for unbleached and bleached nanofibrils, respectively. The nanofibrillation yields were 73% and 68% for the bleached and unbleached MNFC samples, indicating the presence of some non-fibrillated or partially fibrillated fractions. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed preservation of cellulose type I crystalline structure, with increased crystallinity, reaching 85% in the bleached MNFC. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of a sequential process, combining organosolv pulping, hydrogen peroxide bleaching, TEMPO-mediated oxidation, and microfluidization, for preparing MNFC from pineapple leaf fibers. Overall, this study highlights pineapple leaf residues as a sustainable source of MNFC, supporting strategies to transform agricultural waste into valuable bio-based materials. Full article

Food waste (FW) presents a critical issue, representing an environmental liability and a largely untapped resource. Its heterogeneity and low valorization rate among main-stream alternative treatments challenge its integration into economically and environmentally sustainable bioprocesses. We explore biorefineries as a solution that can address the complexity of urban food waste through biological strategies capable of converting food waste into valuable products. Exploring the current landscape of FW biorefineries, this study focused on the interplay between feedstock heterogeneity, pretreatment strategies, microbial dynamics, and integration potential. We propose a framework distinguishing between robust fermentations that can use minimally treated FW and tailored fermentations, which require refined media pretreatment and/or supplementation to yield higher-value compounds. Drawing on recent techno-economic and life cycle assessments, this article evaluates process viability and environmental impacts across multiple scales, reinforcing the need for robust analysis to support decision-making. Real-world initiatives and policy frameworks are analyzed to contextualize technological advances within regulatory and infrastructural realities. By linking practical constraints to biochemical and operational strategies, this work outlines how food waste biorefineries can contribute meaningfully to circular economy goals. Instead of treating FW as an intractable problem, it is seen as a versatile feedstock that demands integration, investment, and adaptive process design. Full article