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Haystead J, Gilmour K, Sherry A, Dade-Robertson M, Zhang M. Effect of (in)organic additives on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxad309. [PMID: 38111211 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to understand the morphological effects of (in)organic additives on microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). METHODS AND RESULTS MICP was monitored in real time in the presence of (in)organic additives: bovine serum albumin (BSA), biofilm surface layer protein A (BslA), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and poly-l-lysine. This monitoring was carried out using confocal microscopy to observe the formation of CaCO3 from the point of nucleation, in comparison to conditions without additives. Complementary methodologies, namely scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, were employed to assess the visual morphology, elemental composition, and crystalline structures of CaCO3, respectively, following the crystals' formation. The results demonstrated that in the presence of additives, more CaCO3 crystals were produced at 100 min compared to the reaction without additives. The inclusion of BslA resulted in larger crystals than reactions containing other additives, including MgCl2. BSA induced a significant number of crystals from the early stages of the reaction (20 min) but did not have a substantial impact on crystal size compared to conditions without additives. All additives led to a higher content of calcite compared to vaterite after a 24-h reaction, with the exception of MgCl2, which produced a substantial quantity of magnesium calcite. CONCLUSIONS The work demonstrates the effect of several (in)organic additives on MICP and sets the stage for further research to understand additive effects on MICP to achieve controlled CaCO3 precipitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Haystead
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Katie Gilmour
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Angela Sherry
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn Dade-Robertson
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape, The Quadrangle, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU, United Kingdom
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Architecture and Built Environment, Northumbria University, NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
| | - Meng Zhang
- Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment, Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Ellison Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 8ST, United Kingdom
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2
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Carter MS, Tuttle MJ, Mancini JA, Martineau R, Hung CS, Gupta MK. Microbially Induced Calcium Carbonate Precipitation by Sporosarcina pasteurii: a Case Study in Optimizing Biological CaCO 3 Precipitation. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0179422. [PMID: 37439668 PMCID: PMC10467343 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01794-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Current production of traditional concrete requires enormous energy investment that accounts for approximately 5 to 8% of the world's annual CO2 production. Biocement is a building material that is already in industrial use and has the potential to rival traditional concrete as a more convenient and more environmentally friendly alternative. Biocement relies on biological structures (enzymes, cells, and/or cellular superstructures) to mineralize and bind particles in aggregate materials (e.g., sand and soil particles). Sporosarcina pasteurii is a workhorse organism for biocementation, but most research to date has focused on S. pasteurii as a building material rather than a biological system. In this review, we synthesize available materials science, microbiology, biochemistry, and cell biology evidence regarding biological CaCO3 precipitation and the role of microbes in microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) with a focus on S. pasteurii. Based on the available information, we provide a model that describes the molecular and cellular processes involved in converting feedstock material (urea and Ca2+) into cement. The model provides a foundational framework that we use to highlight particular targets for researchers as they proceed into optimizing the biology of MICP for biocement production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Carter
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
- Biological and Nanoscale Technologies Division, UES, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew J. Tuttle
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
- Biological and Nanoscale Technologies Division, UES, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Joshua A. Mancini
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
- Biological and Nanoscale Technologies Division, UES, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Rhett Martineau
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
- Biological and Nanoscale Technologies Division, UES, Inc., Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Chia-Suei Hung
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Maneesh K. Gupta
- Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Air Force Research Lab, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Dayton, Ohio, USA
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3
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Calcareous deposit formation under cathodic polarization and marine biocalcifying bacterial activity. Bioelectrochemistry 2022; 148:108271. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2022.108271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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4
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Leeprasert L, Chonudomkul D, Boonmak C. Biocalcifying Potential of Ureolytic Bacteria Isolated from Soil for Biocementation and Material Crack Repair. Microorganisms 2022; 10:963. [PMID: 35630407 PMCID: PMC9143465 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 04/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been highlighted for its application in civil engineering, and in the environmental and geotechnical fields. Ureolytic activity is one of the most promising bacterial mechanisms in terms of inducing calcium carbonate formation. In this study, four bacterial isolates with high-yield urease production capabilities were obtained from two-step screening using a high-buffered urea medium. The highest urease activity and calcium carbonate formation was observed in Lysinibacillus fusiformis 5.1 with 4.40 × 103 unit/L of urease and 24.15 mg/mL of calcium carbonate, followed by Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus 4.3 with 3.93 × 103 unit/L of urease and 22.85 mg/mL of calcium carbonate. The microstructure of the precipitated crystalline calcium carbonate was observed using scanning electron microscopy. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the main polymorph of the calcium carbonate particle obtained from both isolates was calcite. Examination of the material-crack filling in mortar specimens showed that calcite layers had formed along the crack edges and inside after 10 days, and gradually filled the cracks up to the upper surface. These results showed that these two isolates presented robust characteristics of potential MICP-inducing bacteria for civil engineering and material engineering applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laxmi Leeprasert
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (L.L.); (D.C.)
| | - Duenrut Chonudomkul
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (L.L.); (D.C.)
- Biodiversity Center Kasetsart University (BDCKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
| | - Chanita Boonmak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Kasetsart University, Bangkok 10900, Thailand; (L.L.); (D.C.)
- Biodiversity Center Kasetsart University (BDCKU), Bangkok 10900, Thailand
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5
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Smercina D, Zambare N, Hofmockel K, Sadler N, Bredeweg EL, Nicora C, Markillie LM, Aufrecht J. Synthetic Soil Aggregates: Bioprinted Habitats for High-Throughput Microbial Metaphenomics. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10050944. [PMID: 35630387 PMCID: PMC9146112 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10050944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamics of microbial processes are difficult to study in natural soil, owing to the small spatial scales on which microorganisms operate and to the opacity and chemical complexity of the soil habitat. To circumvent these challenges, we have created a 3D-bioprinted habitat that mimics aspects of natural soil aggregates while providing a chemically defined and translucent alternative culturing method for soil microorganisms. Our Synthetic Soil Aggregates (SSAs) retain the porosity, permeability, and patchy resource distribution of natural soil aggregates—parameters that are expected to influence emergent microbial community interactions. We demonstrate the printability and viability of several different microorganisms within SSAs and show how the SSAs can be integrated into a multi-omics workflow for single SSA resolution genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, lipidomics, and biogeochemical assays. We study the impact of the structured habitat on the distribution of a model co-culture microbial community and find that it is significantly different from the spatial organization of the same community in liquid culture, indicating a potential for SSAs to reproduce naturally occurring emergent community phenotypes. The SSAs have the potential as a tool to help researchers quantify microbial scale processes in situ and achieve high-resolution data from the interplay between environmental properties and microbial ecology.
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6
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Influence of Culture Medium on Cementation of Coarse Grains Based on Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation. CRYSTALS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/cryst12020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
A main challenge in the large-scale application of the microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) technique includes the low efficiency of the cementation of coarse grains. Actually, in the MICP treatment process, the cementation effect of the bonding points was more important than pore filling due to the large porosity for coarse grains. To achieve a better cementation effect at bonding points between coarse particles, the quick formation and growth of a biofilm is necessary. In this study, an optimized medium was proposed to improve the cementation effects for coarse materials. The optimized medium and other different media were used for bio-cementation tests with MICP. The viable cell concentrations, strengths, microscopic characteristics, biofilm contents, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) contents were used to evaluate the bio-cementation and its effects. In bio-cementation tests, the optimized medium led to increased CaCO3 precipitation at the bonding points and better cementation effects compared to other media. Indeed, the strength of the sample treated with the optimized medium was more than 1.2–4 times higher that of the values for other media. The advantages of the optimized medium were demonstrated via bio-cementation tests.
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7
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Jimenez-Martinez J, Nguyen J, Or D. Controlling pore-scale processes to tame subsurface biomineralization. RE/VIEWS IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND BIO/TECHNOLOGY 2022; 21:27-52. [PMID: 35221831 PMCID: PMC8831379 DOI: 10.1007/s11157-021-09603-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Microorganisms capable of biomineralization can catalyze mineral precipitation by modifying local physical and chemical conditions. In porous media, such as soil and rock, these microorganisms live and function in highly heterogeneous physical, chemical and ecological microenvironments, with strong local gradients created by both microbial activity and the pore-scale structure of the subsurface. Here, we focus on extracellular bacterial biomineralization, which is sensitive to external heterogeneity, and review the pore-scale processes controlling microbial biomineralization in natural and engineered porous media. We discuss how individual physical, chemical and ecological factors integrate to affect the spatial and temporal control of biomineralization, and how each of these factors contributes to a quantitative understanding of biomineralization in porous media. We find that an improved understanding of microbial behavior in heterogeneous microenvironments would promote understanding of natural systems and output in diverse technological applications, including improved representation and control of fluid mixing from pore to field scales. We suggest a range of directions by which future work can build from existing tools to advance each of these areas to improve understanding and predictability of biomineralization science and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquin Jimenez-Martinez
- Department of Water Resources and Drinking Water, Eawag, Dübendorf, Switzerland
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Jen Nguyen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Dani Or
- Division of Hydrologic Sciences, Desert Research Institute, Reno, NV USA
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8
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9
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Ekprasert J, Pongtharangkul T, Chainakun P, Fongkaew I, Khanthasombat K, Kamngam R, Boonsuan W, Ditta ZM, Seemakram W, Boonlue S. Kinetic model of a newly-isolated Lysinibacillus sp. strain YL and elastic properties of its biogenic CaCO 3 towards biocement application. Biotechnol J 2021; 17:e2100124. [PMID: 34592060 DOI: 10.1002/biot.202100124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biocement, calcifying bacteria-incorporated cement, offers an environmentally-friendly way to increase the cement lifespan. This work aimed to investigate the potential use of Lysinibacillus sp. strain YL towards biocement application in both theoretical and experimental ways. METHODS AND RESULTS Strain YL was grown using calcium acetate (Ca(C2 H3 O2 )2 ), calcium chloride (CaCl2 ) and calcium nitrate (Ca(NO3 )2 ). Maximum bacterial growth of ~0.09 hr-1 and the highest amount of CaCO3 precipitation of ~8.0 g/L were obtained when using Ca(C2 H3 O2 )2 . The SEM and XRD results confirmed that biogenic CaCO3 were calcites. The bulk, Young's and shear moduli of biogenic CaCO3 calculated via the VRH approximation were ~1.5-2.3 times larger than those of ordinary Portland cement. The Poisson's ratio was 0.382 and negative in some directions, suggesting its ductility and auxetic behaviors. The new model was developed to explain the growth kinetic of strain YL in the presence of Ca(C2 H3 O2 )2 , whose concentration was optimized for biocement experiments. Strain YL could increase the compressive strength of cement up to ~50% higher than that of the uninoculated cement. CONCLUSION Strain YL is a promising candidate for biocement applications. This work represents the trials of experiments and models allowing quantitatively comparison with large-scale production in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jindarat Ekprasert
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | | | - Poemwai Chainakun
- School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Ittipon Fongkaew
- School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Advanced Functional Materials, School of Physics, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Kamonwan Khanthasombat
- School of Physics, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand
| | - Rungtiwa Kamngam
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wachiraya Boonsuan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Zerlinda Mara Ditta
- Biological Science Program, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Wasan Seemakram
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Sophon Boonlue
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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10
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Zambare NM, Naser NY, Gerlach R, Chang CB. Mineralogy of microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitates formed using single cell drop-based microfluidics. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17535. [PMID: 33067478 PMCID: PMC7568533 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-73870-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbe-mineral interactions are ubiquitous and can facilitate major biogeochemical reactions that drive dynamic Earth processes such as rock formation. One example is microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) in which microbial activity leads to the formation of calcium carbonate precipitates. A majority of MICP studies have been conducted at the mesoscale but fundamental questions persist regarding the mechanisms of cell encapsulation and mineral polymorphism. Here, we are the first to investigate and characterize precipitates on the microscale formed by MICP starting from single ureolytic E. coli MJK2 cells in 25 µm diameter drops. Mineral precipitation was observed over time and cells surrounded by calcium carbonate precipitates were observed under hydrated conditions. Using Raman microspectroscopy, amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) was observed first in the drops, followed by vaterite formation. ACC and vaterite remained stable for up to 4 days, possibly due to the presence of organics. The vaterite precipitates exhibited a dense interior structure with a grainy exterior when examined using electron microscopy. Autofluorescence of these precipitates was observed possibly indicating the development of a calcite phase. The developed approach provides an avenue for future investigations surrounding fundamental processes such as precipitate nucleation on bacteria, microbe-mineral interactions, and polymorph transitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neerja M Zambare
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
| | - Nada Y Naser
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Robin Gerlach
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
| | - Connie B Chang
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, 59717, USA.
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11
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Zambare NM, Lauchnor EG, Gerlach R. Controlling the Distribution of Microbially Precipitated Calcium Carbonate in Radial Flow Environments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2019; 53:5916-5925. [PMID: 31008588 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b06876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Bacterially driven reactions such as ureolysis can induce calcium carbonate precipitation, a well-studied process called microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). MICP is of interest in subsurface applications such as sealing leaks around wells. For effective field deployment, it is important to study MICP under radial flow conditions, which are relevant to near-well environments. In this study, a laboratory-scale radial flow reactor of 23 cm diameter, with a 1 mm glass bead monolayer serving as a porous medium, was used to investigate the effects of fluid flow rates and calcium concentrations on the mass and distribution of MICP by the ureolytic bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii. Experiments were performed at hydraulic residence times of 14, 7, and 3.5 min and calcium to urea molar ratios of 0.5:1, 1:1, and 2:1. The total amount of CaCO3 precipitated in the reactor increased with increasing residence time and with decreasing Ca2+ to urea molar ratios. Increased bacterial attachment and increased CaCO3 precipitation were observed with distance from the center inlet of the reactor in all experiments. More uniform calcium distribution was achieved at lower flow rates. The relationship between reaction and transport rate (i.e., the Damköhler number) is identified as a useful parameter for the prediction of MICP in radial flow environments.
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12
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Physiological and genetic characterization of calcium phosphate precipitation by Pseudomonas species. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10156. [PMID: 29976945 PMCID: PMC6033914 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28525-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial biomineralization is a widespread phenomenon. The ability to induce calcium precipitation around bacterial cells has been reported in several Pseudomonas species but has not been thoroughly tested. We assayed 14 Pseudomonas strains representing five different species for the ability to precipitate calcium. Calcium phosphate precipitated adjacent to the colonies of all the Pseudomonas strains tested and also precipitated on the surface of colonies for several of the Pseudomonas strains assayed. The precipitate was commonly precipitated as amorphous calcium phosphate, however seven of the 14 Pseudomonas strains tested precipitated amorphous apatite in agar adjacent to the colonies. Out of the seven Pseudomonas strains that precipitated amorphous apatite, six are plant pathogenic. The formation of amorphous apatite was commonly observed in the area of the agar where amorphous calcium phosphate had previously formed. A transposon mutagenesis screen in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 revealed genes involved in general metabolism, lipopolysaccharide and cell wall biogenesis, and in regulation of virulence play a role in calcium precipitation. These results shed light on the common ability of Pseudomonas species to perform calcium precipitation and the underlying genetic regulation involved in biomineralization.
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13
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Lee YS, Park W. Current challenges and future directions for bacterial self-healing concrete. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:3059-3070. [PMID: 29487987 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-8830-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) has been widely explored and applied in the field of environmental engineering over the last decade. Calcium carbonate is naturally precipitated as a byproduct of various microbial metabolic activities. This biological process was brought into practical use to restore construction materials, strengthen and remediate soil, and sequester carbon. MICP has also been extensively examined for applications in self-healing concrete. Biogenic crack repair helps mitigate the high maintenance costs of concrete in an eco-friendly manner. In this process, calcium carbonate precipitation (CCP)-capable bacteria and nutrients are embedded inside the concrete. These bacteria are expected to increase the durability of the concrete by precipitating calcium carbonate in situ to heal cracks that develop in the concrete. However, several challenges exist with respect to embedding such bacteria; harsh conditions in concrete matrices are unsuitable for bacterial life, including high alkalinity (pH up to 13), high temperatures during manufacturing processes, and limited oxygen supply. Additionally, many biological factors, including the optimum conditions for MICP, the molecular mechanisms involved in MICP, the specific microorganisms suitable for application in concrete, the survival characteristics of the microorganisms embedded in concrete, and the amount of MICP in concrete, remain unclear. In this paper, metabolic pathways that result in conditions favorable for calcium carbonate precipitation, current and potential applications in concrete, and the remaining biological challenges are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Suk Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Woojun Park
- Laboratory of Molecular Environmental Microbiology, Department of Environmental Science and Ecological Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Li X, Chopp DL, Russin WA, Brannon PT, Parsek MR, Packman AI. Spatial patterns of carbonate biomineralization in biofilms. Appl Environ Microbiol 2015; 81:7403-10. [PMID: 26276112 PMCID: PMC4592860 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01585-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 07/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbially catalyzed precipitation of carbonate minerals is an important process in diverse biological, geological, and engineered systems. However, the processes that regulate carbonate biomineralization and their impacts on biofilms are largely unexplored, mainly because of the inability of current methods to directly observe biomineralization within biofilms. Here, we present a method for in situ, real-time imaging of biomineralization in biofilms and use it to show that Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms produce morphologically distinct carbonate deposits that substantially modify biofilm structures. The patterns of carbonate biomineralization produced in situ were substantially different from those caused by accumulation of particles produced by abiotic precipitation. Contrary to the common expectation that mineral precipitation should occur at the biofilm surface, we found that biomineralization started at the base of the biofilm. The carbonate deposits grew over time, detaching biofilm-resident cells and deforming the biofilm morphology. These findings indicate that biomineralization is a general regulator of biofilm architecture and properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobao Li
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - David L Chopp
- Department of Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - William A Russin
- Biological Imaging Facility, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Paul T Brannon
- Biological Imaging Facility, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Matthew R Parsek
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Aaron I Packman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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15
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Connolly JM, Jackson B, Rothman AP, Klapper I, Gerlach R. Estimation of a biofilm-specific reaction rate: kinetics of bacterial urea hydrolysis in a biofilm. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2015; 1:15014. [PMID: 28721232 PMCID: PMC5515221 DOI: 10.1038/npjbiofilms.2015.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Biofilms and specifically urea-hydrolysing biofilms are of interest to the medical community (for example, urinary tract infections), scientists and engineers (for example, microbially induced carbonate precipitation). To appropriately model these systems, biofilm-specific reaction rates are required. A simple method for determining biofilm-specific reaction rates is described and applied to a urea-hydrolysing biofilm. Methods: Biofilms were grown in small silicon tubes and influent and effluent urea concentrations were determined. Immediately after sampling, the tubes were thin sectioned to estimate the biofilm thickness profile along the length of the tube. Urea concentration and biofilm thickness data were used to construct an inverse model for the estimation of the urea hydrolysis rate. Results/Conclusions: It was found that urea hydrolysis in Escherichia coli MJK2 biofilms is well approximated by first-order kinetics between urea concentrations of 0.003 and 0.221 mol/l (0.186 and 13.3 g/l). The first-order rate coefficient (k1) was estimated to be 23.2±6.2 h−1. It was also determined that advection dominated the experimental system rather than diffusion, and that urea hydrolysis within the biofilms was not limited by diffusive transport. Beyond the specific urea-hydrolysing biofilm discussed in this work, the method has the potential for wide application in cases where biofilm-specific rates must be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- James M Connolly
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Benjamin Jackson
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Adam P Rothman
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Isaac Klapper
- Department of Mathematics, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robin Gerlach
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Lauchnor EG, Topp DM, Parker AE, Gerlach R. Whole cell kinetics of ureolysis by Sporosarcina pasteurii. J Appl Microbiol 2015; 118:1321-32. [PMID: 25809221 DOI: 10.1111/jam.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Ureolysis drives microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP). MICP models typically employ simplified urea hydrolysis kinetics that do not account for cell density, pH effect or product inhibition. Here, ureolysis rate studies with whole cells of Sporosarcina pasteurii aimed to determine the relationship between ureolysis rate and concentrations of (i) urea, (ii) cells, (iii) NH4+ and (iv) pH (H(+) activity). METHODS AND RESULTS Batch ureolysis rate experiments were performed with suspended cells of S. pasteurii and one parameter was varied in each set of experiments. A Michaelis-Menten model for urea dependence was fitted to the rate data (R(2) = 0·95) using a nonlinear mixed effects statistical model. The resulting half-saturation coefficient, Km , was 305 mmol l(-1) and maximum rate constant, Vmax , was 200 mmol l(-1) h(-1) . However, a first-order model with k1 = 0·35 h(-1) fit the data better (R(2) = 0·99) for urea concentrations up to 330 mmol l(-1) . Cell concentrations in the range tested (1 × 10(7) -2 × 10(8) CFU ml(-1) ) were linearly correlated with ureolysis rate (cell dependent Vmax' = 6·4 × 10(-9) mmol CFU(-1) h(-1) ). CONCLUSIONS Neither pH (6-9) nor ammonium concentrations up to 0·19 mol l(-1) had significant effects on the ureolysis rate and are not necessary in kinetic modelling of ureolysis. Thus, we conclude that first-order kinetics with respect to urea and cell concentrations are likely sufficient to describe urea hydrolysis rates at most relevant concentrations. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY These results can be used in simulations of ureolysis driven processes such as microbially induced mineral precipitation and they verify that under the stated conditions, a simplified first-order rate for ureolysis can be employed. The study shows that the kinetic models developed for enzyme kinetics of urease do not apply to whole cells of S. pasteurii.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Lauchnor
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Civil Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - D M Topp
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - A E Parker
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Mathematical Sciences, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - R Gerlach
- Center for Biofilm Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
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Pan ZY, Li G, Hong CY, Kuang HL, Yu Y, Feng FX, Liu DM, Du H. Modified recycled concrete aggregates for asphalt mixture using microbial calcite precipitation. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c5ra04203h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) was pretreated by microbial calcite precipitation. The surface treatment reduced the porosity and permeability of RCA by 32% and 86.5%, respectively. The treatment improved the bonding strength of RCA–asphalt binder by 55%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yao Pan
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Shantou University
- Shantou 515063
- China
| | - Gengying Li
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Shantou University
- Shantou 515063
- China
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
| | - Cheng-Yu Hong
- Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
- China
| | - Hui-Ling Kuang
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Shantou University
- Shantou 515063
- China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Shantou University
- Shantou 515063
- China
| | - Fo-Xiong Feng
- Department of Civil Engineering
- Shantou University
- Shantou 515063
- China
| | - Dong-Ming Liu
- Department of Biology
- Shantou University
- Guangdong 515063
- P. R. China
| | - Hong Du
- Department of Biology
- Shantou University
- Guangdong 515063
- P. R. China
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