Phosphatase-Mediated Hydrolysis of Linear Polyphosphates

Engineering a two-dimensional metal-carbon nanozyme-based portable paper-based colorimetric chip for onsite and visual analysis of pyrophosphate

Sensitive and accurate analysis of pyrophosphate (PPi) is of great importance for preventing health hazard in environment. Nevertheless, most of sensors focus on sensitivity and selectivity, but practicality is also a significant quota. How to reconciling sensitivity, selectivity and practicability in one single sensor is desirable but remains challenging. Here, we created a novel metal-carbon nanozyme V2O5@C with two-dimensional (2D) morphology and high yet exclusive peroxidase (POD)-like activity via a glucose and NH4NO4-co-directed avenue, and further showed its application in constructing a portable and disposable paper-based analytical chip (PA-chip) for rapid, visual and onsite analysis of PPi. PPi etched V2O5 to prevent the decomposition of H2O2 into ·OH, resulting in weakened POD-like activity. In comparison with PPi deficiency, colorless TMB couldn't be oxidized into oxidized TMB with a dropped absorption at 652 nm. Therefore, obviously shallowed blue color on PA-chip surface was recorded, and demonstrated a negative relationship with PPi dosage, enabling rapid and visual detection of PPi with a limit of detection of 2.6 nM. This study demonstrated the burgeoning applications of nanozymes with POD-like activity in construction of PA-chips for PPi and will quicken the advancement of practical sensors, guaranteeing environmental safety.

Dissolved organic phosphorus bond-class utilization by Synechococcus

Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) contains compounds with phosphoester, phosphoanhydride, and phosphorus-carbon bonds. While DOP holds significant nutritional value for marine microorganisms, the bioavailability of each bond-class to the widespread cyanobacterium Synechococcus remains largely unknown. This study evaluates bond-class specific DOP utilization by Synechococcus strains from open and coastal oceans. Both strains exhibited comparable growth rates when provided phosphate, a phosphoanhydride [3-polyphosphate and 45-polyphosphate], or a DOP compound with both phosphoanhydride and phosphoester bonds (adenosine 5'-triphosphate). Growth rates on phosphoesters [glucose-6-phosphate, adenosine 5'-monophosphate, bis(4-methylumbelliferyl) phosphate] were variable, and neither strain grew on selected phosphorus-carbon compounds. Both strains hydrolyzed 3-polyphosphate, then adenosine 5'-triphosphate, and lastly adenosine 5'-monophosphate, exhibiting preferential enzymatic hydrolysis of phosphoanhydride bonds. The strains' exoproteomes contained phosphorus hydrolases, which combined with enhanced cell-free hydrolysis of 3-polyphosphate and adenosine 5'-triphosphate under phosphate deficiency, suggests active mineralization of phosphoanhydride bonds by these exoproteins. Synechococcus alkaline phosphatases presented broad substrate specificities, including activity toward the phosphoanhydride 3-polyphosphate, with varying affinities between strains. Collectively, these findings underscore the potentially significant role of compounds with phosphoanhydride bonds in Synechococcus phosphorus nutrition and highlight varied growth and enzymatic responses to molecular diversity within DOP bond-classes, thereby expanding our understanding of microbially mediated DOP cycling in marine ecosystems.

Quantification of Polyphosphate in Environmental Planktonic Samples Using a Novel Fluorescence Dye JC-D7

Polyphosphate (polyP) is found in plankton of diverse aquatic ecosystems and is important for plankton ecology and biogeochemical cycling. However, our knowledge of polyP in aquatic environments is hindered by a lack of data due to the limitations of quantification methods. The estimate of polyP in model organisms using phenol-chloroform extraction followed by enzymatic hydrolysis is complicated and fails for environmental samples. The commonly used 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) fluorescence method for environmental studies, on the contrary, severely overestimates polyP due to interference. In this paper, we develop a plankton lysis buffer to extract polyP and a quantification method using a novel polyP-specific fluorescence dye JC-D7. We test the methods using cultured algae and bacteria, as well as natural samples from marine and freshwater environments. We show that our plankton lysis extracts polyP with high recovery while requiring substantially less time and effort. Subsequent polyP quantification using JC-D7 fluorescence overcomes the interference encountered by the DAPI method and provides an accurate measurement of polyP down to <0.5 μmol L-1. This novel method enables more accurate quantification of polyP in aquatic environments and will profoundly enhance our knowledge of polyP, plankton ecology, and biogeochemistry.

Spontaneous Tumor Regression and Reversion: Insights and Associations with Reduced Dietary Phosphate

Tumors that spontaneously shrink from unknown causes in tumor regression, and that return to normal cells in tumor reversion, are phenomena with the potential to contribute new knowledge and novel therapies for cancer patient survival. Tumorigenesis is associated with dysregulated phosphate metabolism and an increased transport of phosphate into tumor cells, potentially mediated by phosphate overload from excessive dietary phosphate intake, a significant problem in Western societies. This paper proposes that reduced dietary phosphate overload and reregulated phosphate metabolism may reverse an imbalance of kinases and phosphatases in cell signaling and cellular proliferation, thereby activating autophagy in tumor regression and reversion. Dietary phosphate can also be reduced by sickness-associated anorexia, fasting-mimicking diets, and other diets low in phosphate, all of which have been associated with tumor regression. Tumor reversion has also been demonstrated by transplanting cancer cells into a healthy microenvironment, plausibly associated with normal cellular phosphate concentrations. Evidence also suggests that the sequestration and containment of excessive phosphate within encapsulated tumors is protective in cancer patients, preventing the release of potentially lethal amounts of phosphate into the general circulation. Reducing dietary phosphate overload has the potential to provide a novel, safe, and effective reversion therapy for cancer patients, and further research is warranted.

Enzymatically Driven Mineralization of a Calcium-Polyphosphate Bleaching Gel

To examined alkaline phosphatase enzyme (ALP) activity and the effects of incorporating it in the thickener solution of a hydrogen-peroxide-based bleaching gel containing calcium-polyphosphate (CaPP) on the orthophosphate (PO43-) levels, bleaching effectiveness, and enamel microhardness. ALP activity was assessed at different pH levels and H2O2 concentrations, and in H2O- and Tris-based thickeners. Circular dichroism (CD) was used to examine the ALP secondary structure in water-, Tris-, or H2O2-based mediums. The PO43- levels were evaluated in thickeners with and without ALP. Enamel/dentin specimens were allocated into the following groups: control (without bleaching); commercial (Whiteness-HP-Maxx); Exp-H (H2O-based); CaPP-H; ALP-H (CaPP+ALP); Exp-T (Tris-based); CaPP-T; and ALP-T (CaPP+ALP). Color changes (ΔE/ΔE00) and the bleaching index (ΔWID) were calculated, and surface (SMH) and cross-sectional microhardness (CSMH) were assessed. The two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc tests were used to compare ALP and PO43- levels; generalized linear models were used to examine: ΔE/ΔE00/SMH/CSMH; and Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn's tests were used for ΔWID (α = 5%). The ALP activity was higher at pH 9, lower in H2O2-based mediums, and similar in both thickeners. The CD-spectra indicated denaturation of the enzyme upon contact with H2O2. The PO43- levels were higher after incorporating ALP, and the ΔE/ΔE00/ΔWID were comparable among bleached groups. SMH was lower after bleaching in Exp-H, while CSMH was highest in ALP-T.

Maintenance of enamel properties after bleaching with high-concentrated hydrogen-peroxide gel containing calcium polyphosphate sub-microparticles

OBJECTIVE

To assessed the physical and chemical properties of human-enamel after treatment with an experimental bleaching gel containing 35%-hydrogen peroxide (HP) and calcium polyphosphate sub-microparticles (CaPP).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Enamel/dentin specimens (4 × 4 × 3 mm) were obtained (n = 120) and allocated to different groups: control (saliva only); experimental (HP35%); commercial (whiteness-HP-Maxx); CaPP0.5% (HP35% + CaPP0.5wt%); CaPP1.5% (HP35% + CaPP1.5wt%). Three sessions were performed. The specimens' color was assessed using a spectrophotometer and the color (ΔE/ΔE00) and bleaching index (ΔWID) determined. The surface roughness and microhardness were assessed with a roughness tester and Knoop indenter. Raman spectroscopy was performed to obtain the ratios between the areas under the 431, 580, and 1070 cm-1 and the 960 cm-1 bands (430:960, 580:960, 1070:960). Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn compared the color, Ra, and SMH data. The Raman data was analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn (α = 5%).

RESULTS

The ΔE, ΔE00, and ΔWID were similar among the bleached groups (p > 0.05). The roughness was not different between the groups (p > 0.05). After the 3rd session, CaPP0.5% had higher microhardness than the experimental (p < 0.05). The 1070:960 was higher in the experimental than in the CaPP1.5% and control (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In human enamel, CaPP did not alter the bleaching effectiveness or roughness, and additionally, CaPP-containing gels increased the microhardness and preserved the mineral content when compared to the experimental without CaPP.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Experimental bleaching gels containing calcium polyphosphate sub-microparticles as a mineral source reduce the mineral content alteration and superficial microhardness reduction, known potential side effects of the in-office bleaching treatments.

Hydrolysis Mechanism of Water-Soluble Ammonium Polyphosphate Affected by Zinc Ions

Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) as a chelated and controlled-release fertilizer has been widely used in agriculture, and its hydrolysis process is of significance for its storage and application. In this study, the hydrolysis regularity of APP affected by Zn²⁺ was explored systematically. The hydrolysis rate of APP with different polymerization degrees was calculated in detail, and the hydrolysis route of APP deduced from the proposed hydrolysis model was combined with the conformation analysis of APP to reveal the mechanism of APP hydrolysis. The results show that Zn²⁺ decreased the stability of the P-O-P bond by causing a conformational change in the polyphosphate due to chelation, which in turn promoted APP hydrolysis. Meanwhile, Zn²⁺ caused the hydrolysis of polyphosphates with a high polymerization degree in APP to be switched from a terminal chain scission to an intermediate chain scission or various coexisting routes, affecting orthophosphate release. This work provides a theoretical basis and guiding significance for the production, storage, and application of APP.

Phosphatase-degradable nanoparticles: A game-changing approach for the delivery of antifungal proteins

HYPOTHESIS

Polyphosphate nanoparticles as phosphatase-degradable carriers for Penicillium chrysogenum antifungal protein (PAF) can enhance the antifungal activity of the protein against Candida albicans biofilm.

EXPERIMENTS

PAF-polyphosphate (PP) nanoparticles (PAF-PP NPs) were obtained through ionic gelation. The resulting NPs were characterized in terms of their particle size, size distribution and zeta potential. Cell viability and hemolysis studies were carried out in vitro on human foreskin fibroblasts (Hs 68 cells) and human erythrocytes, respectively. Enzymatic degradation of NPs was investigated by monitoring release of free monophosphates in the presence of isolated as well as C. albicans-derived phosphatases. In parallel, shift in zeta potential of PAF-PP NPs as a response to phosphatase stimuli was determined. Diffusion of PAF and PAF-PP NPs through C. albicans biofilm matrix was analysed by fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). Antifungal synergy was evaluated on C. albicans biofilm by determining the colony forming units (CFU).

FINDINGS

PAF-PP NPs were obtained with a mean size of 300.9 ± 4.6 nm and a zeta potential of -11.2 ± 2.8 mV. In vitro toxicity assessments revealed that PAF-PP NPs were highly tolerable by Hs 68 cells and human erythrocytes similar to PAF. Within 24 h, 21.9 ± 0.4 μM of monophosphate was released upon incubation of PAF-PP NPs having final PAF concentration of 156 μg/ml with isolated phosphatase (2 U/ml) leading to a shift in zeta potential up to -0.7 ± 0.3 mV. This monophosphate release from PAF-PP NPs was also observed in the presence of C. albicans-derived extracellular phosphatases. The diffusivity of PAF-PP NPs within 48 h old C. albicans biofilm matrix was similar to that of PAF. PAF-PP NPs enhanced antifungal activity of PAF against C. albicans biofilm decreasing the survival of the pathogen up to 7-fold in comparison to naked PAF. In conclusion, phosphatase-degradable PAF-PP NPs hold promise as nanocarriers to augment the antifungal activity of PAF and enable its efficient delivery to C. albicans cells for the potential treatment of Candida infections.

Legacy phosphorus in Alabama Hartsells soil after long-term amendment with broiler litter

Numerous studies have investigated effects of long-term manure application on total phosphorus (P) and inorganic P (P_i ), but few have evaluated soil organic P (P_o ). Little is known about crop management effects on P_o in soils with varying minerology. In this study, sequential fractionation was used to characterize specific P forms after 25 years of broiler litter (BL) or ammonium nitrate (Con) applications to an Alabama Hartsells soil. Crops (corn [Zea mays L.], soybean [Glycine Willd.], and corn or soybean with a wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] cover crop) were under conventional tillage (CT) or no-tillage (NT). Regardless of crop, tillage, or fertilizer type, the proportion of extractable P_i was relatively stable at 21%-49% at 0-5 cm and 25%-45% at 5-10 cm. Extractable P_i ranged from 0.69 to 2.4 mg g^-1 . BL increased total extractable P_i (p ≤ 0.001) at 0-5 cm and 5-10 cm. Total extractable P was influenced at 0-5 cm (p ≤ 0.006) by both tillage and fertilization type, but not at 5-10 cm or at either depth in soybean plots. Long-term BL application increased total extractable soil P at 0-5 cm. In corn systems, CT did not reduce P loading to topsoil or result in P leaching to lower soil depths, compared to NT. Soybean and soybean-wheat reduced P loading in BL plots, compared to corn and corn-wheat. Soil P_o was classed in the order of monoesters > phytate and polyphosphates, where most was extractable with NaOH. BL increased extractable P_o in all fractions. Care should be taken when applying BL to highly weathered soils to avoid legacy P_o accumulation. Soybean rotations and cover crops could help remediate P-laden soils after repeated BL application.

Selectivity in Enzymatic Phosphorus Recycling from Biopolymers: Isotope Effect, Reactivity Kinetics, and Molecular Docking with Fungal and Plant Phosphatases

Among ubiquitous phosphorus (P) reserves in environmental matrices are ribonucleic acid (RNA) and polyphosphate (polyP), which are, respectively, organic and inorganic P-containing biopolymers. Relevant to P recycling from these biopolymers, much remains unknown about the kinetics and mechanisms of different acid phosphatases (APs) secreted by plants and soil microorganisms. Here we investigated RNA and polyP dephosphorylation by two common APs, a plant purple AP (PAP) from sweet potato and a fungal phytase from Aspergillus niger. Trends of δ¹⁸O values in released orthophosphate during each enzyme-catalyzed reaction in ¹⁸O-water implied a different extent of reactivity. Subsequent enzyme kinetics experiments revealed that A. niger phytase had 10-fold higher maximum rate for polyP dephosphorylation than the sweet potato PAP, whereas the sweet potato PAP dephosphorylated RNA at a 6-fold faster rate than A. niger phytase. Both enzymes had up to 3 orders of magnitude lower reactivity for RNA than for polyP. We determined a combined phosphodiesterase-monoesterase mechanism for RNA and terminal phosphatase mechanism for polyP using high-resolution mass spectrometry and ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance, respectively. Molecular modeling with eight plant and fungal AP structures predicted substrate binding interactions consistent with the relative reactivity kinetics. Our findings implied a hierarchy in enzymatic P recycling from P-polymers by phosphatases from different biological origins, thereby influencing the relatively longer residence time of RNA versus polyP in environmental matrices. This research further sheds light on engineering strategies to enhance enzymatic recycling of biopolymer-derived P, in addition to advancing environmental predictions of this P recycling by plants and microorganisms.

A potential phosphorus fertilizer to alleviate the coming "phosphorus crisis"-biochar derived from enhanced biological phosphorus removal sludge

The coming crisis of phosphate rock depletion initiates the development of various solid waste derived P fertilizer. Enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) sludge is ideal waste biomass to produce biochar-P-fertilizer. Here, the form and transformation pattern of released phosphorus (P) of EBPR sludge biochar pyrolyzed at different temperatures were comprehensively investigated. As pyrolysis temperature increased, the proportion of released polyphosphates (Poly-P) increased. The main Poly-P released from low-temperature biochar was tripolyphosphates (Tri-P), while those released from high-temperature were Tri-P and cyclic Poly-P. The presence of Ca²⁺ could strongly inhibit P-release of low-temperature biochar (e.g., pyrolyzed at 400 °C, E400) but had little effect on that of high-temperature biochar (e.g., 700 °C, E700). All the P species released from E400 and E700 could be efficiently utilized by Pseudomonas putida. Except for the cyclic Poly-P released from E700, the other P species could also be efficiently utilized by Escherichia coli. In short, Poly-P in biochar could hardly precipitate with Ca²⁺ and can be utilized by certain soil microorganisms. Therefore, high-temperature EBPR sludge biochar (>600 °C) containing a high proportion of Poly-P could be ideal P fertilizer. This study provides a new insight on pyrolysis way to recover P from the sludge.

Changes of phosphorus species during (hydro) thermal treatments of iron-rich sludge and their solubilization mediated by a phosphate solubilizing microorganism

This study systematically evaluated phosphorus (P) solubilization from pyrochar and hydrochar derived from both raw sludge and iron-rich sludge. The data indicated, that an increase in thermal treatment temperature and the presence of iron promoted the accumulation of P in both pyrochar (derived at 300, 500, and 800 °C) and hydrochar (derived at 100, 200, and 280 °C). After incubating pyrochar and hydrochar with a phosphate solubilizing microorganism (PSM) (Pseudomonas aeruginosa) for 30 days, PSM significantly promoted the solubilization of P in pyrochar and hydrochar synthesized at low temperatures rather than those at high temperatures, with a 59 % increase for the pyrolysis of raw sludge at 300 °C than that pyrolyzed at 800 °C and a 62 % increase for the hydrothermal treatment of raw sludge at 100 °C than that treated at 280 °C. And the phenomena were more obvious on the char samples derived from iron-rich sludge. The mass balance of different P species in the solid and liquid phases indicated that after incubating with PSM for 30 days, NaOH-P was the main P solubilized from the solid phase of pyrochar and HCl-P was the main P solubilized from the solid phase of hydrochar. Considering P availability to plants, the preliminary economic analysis indicated that the hydrothermal treatment of iron-rich sludge at 100 °C showed the highest economic benefits for P recovery, with the net cost of 28.79 USD/ton wet sludge. This study was useful in giving novel insights into the reuse of char samples as P fertilizer, and also suggested the importance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and other bacteria in sludge application, particularly in terms of P solubilization.

Rethinking the biotic and abiotic remineralization of complex phosphate molecules in soils and sediments

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for all living organisms. Despite a diversity of P compounds in the environment, orthophosphate is the most bioavailable form of P. Remineralization of complex P molecules (e.g., organic P and phosphoanhydrides) into orthophosphate is traditionally considered to be carried out primarily by enzymes. Natural minerals are recently viewed to be abiotic catalysts (as compared to the organic phosphatases) to facilitate the cleavage of terminal P-O-C/P bonds and remineralization of complex P compounds. However, quantitative comparison between biotic and abiotic remineralization pathways of complex P molecules is still missing, impeding our capability to assess the importance and contribution of abiotic P remineralization in the environment. This study compares the hydrolysis rates of six organic phosphates and three inorganic phosphoanhydrides by representative enzymes (acid and alkaline phosphatases) and natural oxide minerals (hematite, birnessite, and boehmite). The results show that enzymes and minerals have different substrate preferences. Specifically, alkaline phosphatase hydrolyzes phosphate monoesters faster than phosphoanhydrides, whereas acid phosphatase and minerals show higher hydrolysis rates toward phosphoanhydrides than phosphate monoesters. Although the hydrolysis rates by enzymes (~μM hr^-1) are orders of magnitude higher than those by minerals (~μM d^-1), normalization of the rates by the natural abundance of enzymes and minerals leads to comparable contributions of both processes in soils and sediments. These results highlight the significance of natural minerals in the remineralization of complex P compounds, a process that was traditionally overlooked but with important implications for constraining P biogeochemical cycling in the environment.

A perspective on the role of lanthanides in biology: Discovery, open questions and possible applications

Because of their use in high technologies like computers, smartphones and renewable energy applications, lanthanides (belonging to the group of rare earth elements) are essential for our daily lives. A range of applications in medicine and biochemical research made use of their photo-physical properties. The discovery of a biological role for lanthanides has boosted research in this new field. Several methanotrophs and methylotrophs are strictly dependent on the presence of lanthanides in the growth medium while others show a regulatory response. After the first demonstration of a lanthanide in the active site of the XoxF-type pyrroloquinoline quinone methanol dehydrogenases, follow-up studies showed the same for other pyrroloquinoline quinone-containing enzymes. In addition, research focused on the effect of lanthanides on regulation of gene expression and uptake mechanism into bacterial cells. This review briefly describes the discovery of the role of lanthanides in biology and focuses on open questions in biological lanthanide research and possible application of lanthanide-containing bacteria and enzymes in recovery of these special elements.

Total Oxidation of Light Alkane over Phosphate-Modified Pt/CeO2 Catalysts

Developing efficient catalysts for the total oxidation of light alkane at low temperatures is challenging. In this study, superior catalytic performance in the total oxidation of light alkane was achieved by modulating the acidity and redox property of a Pt/CeO₂ catalyst through phosphorus modification. Surface modification with phosphorus resulted in electron withdrawal from Pt, leading to platinum species with high valency and the generation of Brönsted acid sites, leading to increased acidity of the Pt/CeO₂ catalyst. Consequently, the ability of the Pt/CeO₂ catalyst to activate the C-H bond increased with increasing P content in the catalyst owing to the synergistic effect of Pt^δ+-(CeO₂-PO_x)^δ- dipolar catalytic sites. In contrast, the redox property of the Pt/CeO₂ catalyst weakened at first; subsequently, it was partially restored owing to the recovery of a part of the bare ceria surface with increasing P content. The turnover frequency in propane oxidation over the phosphate-modified Pt/CeO₂ catalyst with a P/Ce atomic ratio of 0.06 was 10-fold higher than that over the unmodified Pt/CeO₂ catalyst at 220 °C. This comprehensive study not only sheds light on the mechanism underlying the surface modification process but also offers a strategy for realizing higher catalytic activity in the total oxidation of light alkanes.

Polyphosphate application influences morpho-physiological root traits involved in P acquisition and durum wheat growth performance

BACKGROUND

Among phosphate (P) fertilizers, polyphosphates (PolyPs) have shown promising results in terms of crop yield and plant P nutrition. However, compared to conventional P inputs, very little is known on the impact of PolyPs fertilizers on below- and above-ground plant functional traits involved in P acquisition. This study aims to evaluate agro-physiological responses of durum wheat variety ´Karim´ under different PolyPs applications. Three PolyPs fertilizers (PolyA, PolyB, and PolyC) versus one orthophosphate (OrthoP) were applied at three doses; 30 (D30), 60 (D60), and 90 (D90) kg P/ha under controlled conditions. The PolyPs (especially PolyB and PolyC) application at D60 significantly increased morphophysiological root traits (e.g., RL: 42 and 130%; RSA:40 and 60%), shoot inorganic P (Pi) content (159 and 88%), and root P acquisition efficiency (471 and 296%) under PolyB and PolyC, respectively compared to unfertilized plants. Above-ground physiological parameters, mainly nutrient acquisition, chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters were also improved under PolyB and PolyA application at D60. A significant and positive correlation between shoot Pi content and rhizosphere soil acid phosphatase activity was observed, which reveal the key role of these enzymes in PolyPs (A and B) use efficiency. Furthermore, increased P uptake/RL ratio along with shoot Pi indicates more efficient P allocation to shoots with less investment in root biomass production under PolyPs (especially A and B).

CONCLUSIONS

Under our experimental conditions, these findings report positive impacts of PolyPs on wheat growth performance, particularly on photosynthesis and nutrient acquisition at D60, along with modulation of root morpho-physiological traits likely responsible of P acquisition efficiency.

Phosphate solubilizing bacteria can significantly contribute to enhance P availability from polyphosphates and their use efficiency in wheat

Rhizosphere microbes significantly enhance phosphorus (P) availability from a variety of unavailable P pools in agricultural soils. However, little is known about the contribution of root-associated microorganisms, notably P solubilizing bacteria (PSB), to enhance the use of polyphosphate (PolyP) fertilizers as well as the key mechanisms involved. This study assesses the ability of four PSB (Bacillus siamensis, Rahnella aceris, Pantoea hericii, Bacillus paramycoides) and their consortium (Cs) to enhance the release rate of available P from two types of PolyP ("PolyB" and "PolyC") with a focus on the key role of phosphatase enzyme activities and organic acids production. Wheat growth performance and P acquisition efficiency were evaluated in response to co-application of PSB and PolyP. Results showed that inoculation with PSB, notably Cs, significantly enhanced available P from PolyC, PolyB and tri-calcium P. Increased available P in response to inoculation with PSB significantly correlated with medium acidification, organic acids production (notably glycolic acid) and induced activities of acid phosphatase and pyrophosphatase. In planta, the co-application of PSB-PolyP improved wheat plant biomass, root growth and P acquisition, with best results obtained from Cs-PolyP co-application as compared to uninoculated and unfertilized plants. At seedling stage, the co-application of Cs-PolyP (PolyB and PolyC) enhanced root hairs length (125 % and 131 %), root length (26 % and 37 %) and root inorganic P (Pi) content (160 % and 182 %), respectively compared to uninoculated plants. Similarly, at tillering stage, plant biomass (35 % and 47 %), Pi content (43 % and 253 %), P translocation (215 % and 315 %) and soil phosphatases (213 % and 219 %) significantly improved under PolyB and PolyC application, respectively. Findings from this study demonstrate the key role of PSB to enhance the use of PolyP through production of organic acids and phosphatases, exhibiting differential traits patterns between the two PolyP. Improved wheat growth and root P acquisition in response to PSB-PolyP co-application can be attributed to induced rhizosphere processes leading to enhanced available P taken up by roots.

Effect of salinity on the determination of dissolved non-reactive phosphorus and total dissolved phosphorus in coastal waters

The salinity may affect the phosphorus (P) determination accuracy in coastal waters, especially for the dissolved non-reactive P (DNRP) and total dissolved P (TDP). In this work, the competition mechanism between NaCl and DNRP for oxidants (K₂ S₂ O₈ , the most commonly used and recognized oxidant) was identified in different DNRP determinations. Furthermore, salinity influences on determinations of tetrasodium pyrophosphate decahydrate, glyphosate, phytic acid sodium salt hydrate, adenosine-5'-nomophosphate disodium, and TDP were investigated. The results indicated that approximately 10% IHP6 and AMP would be transferred to dissolved reactive P (DRP) during digestion without K₂ S₂ O₈ . When NaCl increased from 0% to 3.5% with fresh water method, the determination of Gly + K₂ HPO₄ and IHP6 + K₂ HPO₄ decreased by 8.0% ± 0.00% and 24% ± 0.01%, respectively. In addition, the determinations of DNRPs and TDP with different salinities in natural coastal waters by fresh water method and seawater method were performed. It showed that when the salinity >5.0 PSU, the DNRPs and TDP determination results presented deviations. At a salinity of 35.0 PSU, the TDP (KH₂ PO₄  + Gly + IHP6 + AMP) reduction measured by two methods was more than 12.3% ± 0.46%. Furthermore, oxidants with higher digestion efficiency than K₂ S₂ O₈ should be developed. PRACTITIONER POINTS: ~10% IHP6 and AMP could be transferred to DRP during digestion without K₂ S₂ O₈ addition. Salinity affects the DNRPs determination results mainly due to competition for oxidants and complexation with metal ions. More than 12.3% TDP in coastal waters could not be measured when the salinity was 35.0 PSU.

Dissolved organic phosphorus utilization by the marine bacterium Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS-3 reveals chain length-dependent polyphosphate degradation

Dissolved organic phosphorus (DOP) is a critical nutritional resource for marine microbial communities. However, the relative bioavailability of different types of DOP, such as phosphomonoesters (P‐O‐C) and phosphoanhydrides (P‐O‐P), is poorly understood. Here we assess the utilization of these P sources by a representative bacterial copiotroph, Ruegeria pomeroyi DSS‐3. All DOP sources supported equivalent growth by R. pomeroyi, and all DOP hydrolysis rates were upregulated under phosphorus depletion (−P). A long‐chain polyphosphate (45polyP) showed the lowest hydrolysis rate of all DOP substrates tested, including tripolyphosphate (3polyP). Yet the upregulation of 45polyP hydrolysis under −P was greater than any other substrate analyzed. Proteomics revealed three common P acquisition enzymes potentially involved in polyphosphate utilization, including two alkaline phosphatases, PhoD and PhoX, and one 5′‐nucleotidase (5′‐NT). Results from DOP substrate competition experiments show that these enzymes likely have broad substrate specificities, including chain length‐dependent reactivity toward polyphosphate. These results confirm that DOP, including polyP, are bioavailable nutritional P sources for R. pomeroyi, and possibly other marine heterotrophic bacteria. Furthermore, the chain‐length dependent mechanisms, rates and regulation of polyP hydrolysis suggest that these processes may influence the composition of DOP and the overall recycling of nutrients within marine dissolved organic matter.

Enzyme Responsive Vaginal Microbicide Gels Containing Maraviroc and Tenofovir Microspheres Designed for Acid Phosphatase-Triggered Release for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis of HIV-1: A Comparative Analysis of a Bigel and Thermosensitive Gel

The challenges encountered with conventional microbicide gels has necessitated the quest for alternative options. This study aimed to formulate and evaluate a bigel and thermosensitive gel, designed to combat the challenges of leakage and short-residence time in the vagina. Ionic-gelation technique was used to formulate maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres. The microspheres were incorporated into a thermosensitive gel and bigel, then evaluated. Enzyme degradation assay was used to assess the effect of the acid phosphatase enzyme on the release profile of maraviroc and tenofovir microspheres. HIV efficacy and cytotoxicity of the microspheres were assessed using HIV-1-BaL virus strain and HeLa cell lines, respectively. Maraviroc and tenofovir release kinetics followed zero-order and Higuchi model kinetics. However, under the influence of the enzyme, maraviroc release was governed by first-order model, while tenofovir followed a super case II transport-mechanism. The altered mode of release and drug transport mechanism suggests a triggered release. The assay of the microspheres suspension on the HeLa cells did not show signs of cytotoxicity. The thermosensitive gel and bigel elicited a progressive decline in HIV infectivity, until at concentrations of 1 μg/mL and 0.1 μg/mL, respectively. The candidate vaginal gels have the potential for a triggered release by the acid phosphatase enzyme present in the seminal fluid, thus, serving as a strategic point to prevent HIV transmission.

Molecular Coordination, Structure, and Stability of Metal-Polyphosphate Complexes Resolved by Molecular Modeling and X-ray Scattering: Structural Insights on the Biological Fate of Polyphosphate

Polyphosphate-accumulating organisms (PAOs), which can store high levels of phosphate (P_i) in the form of polyphosphate (polyP), are employed to engineer enhanced biological P removal (EBPR) from wastewaters. Co-localization of Mg and K in polyP granules of PAOs has been reported, and higher abundance of Mg-polyP granules relative to other metal complexes was correlated positively with EBPR performance stability. However, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we obtained molecular structural information of hydrated polyP complexes with four physiologically relevant metal cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, and Mg²⁺) using computational and experimental techniques. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that Mg-polyP and K-polyP complexes were the most and least stable of the complexes, respectively, suggesting that the co-occurrence of these complexes facilitates variable polyP bioavailability. The relative thermodynamic stability reflected the strength of metal chelation whereby the coordination distance between the polyP ligand O and the metal was 1.71-2.01 Å for Mg²⁺ but this distance was 2.64-2.70 Å for K⁺. Pair distribution function analysis of X-ray scattering data obtained with a Mg-polyP solution corroborated the theoretical Mg-polyP coordination geometry. These findings implied a possible mechanistic role of metal complexation in the P cycling traits of PAOs in engineered and natural systems.

Role of Cell Wall Polyphosphates in Phosphorus Transfer at the Arbuscular Interface in Mycorrhizas

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi provide plants with soil mineral nutrients, particularly phosphorus. In this symbiotic association, the arbuscular interface is the main site for nutrient exchange. To understand phosphorus transfer at the interface, we analyzed the subcellular localization of polyphosphate (polyP) in mature arbuscules of Rhizophagus irregularis colonizing roots of Lotus japonicus wild-type (WT) and H⁺-ATPase ha1-1 mutant, which is defective in phosphorus acquisition through the mycorrhizal pathway. In both, the WT and the ha1-1 mutant, polyP accumulated in the cell walls of trunk hyphae and inside fine branch modules close to the trunk hyphae. However, many fine branches lacked polyP. In the mutant, most fine branch modules showed polyP signals compared to the WT. Notably, polyP was also observed in the cell walls of some fine branches formed in the ha1-1 mutant, indicating phosphorus release from fungal cells to the apoplastic regions. Intense acid phosphatase (ACP) activity was detected in the periarbuscular spaces around the fine branches. Furthermore, double staining of ACP activity and polyP revealed that these had contrasting distribution patterns in arbuscules. These observations suggest that polyP in fungal cell walls and apoplastic phosphatases may play an important role in phosphorus transfer at the symbiotic interface in arbuscules.

Sequential pretreatment to recover carbohydrates and phosphorus from Desmodesmus sp. cultivated in municipal wastewater

This study focused on the simultaneous recovery of carbohydrates (CHO) and phosphorus (P) from Desmodesmus sp. biomass cultivated in municipal wastewater, through a sequential pretreatment. The pretreatment consisted first of ultrasound to trigger cell disruption followed by ozonation to recover CHO and P. For ozone pretreatment, three different parameters were considered: ozone concentration (9, 15, 21, 27, 36, and 45 mg O₃/L), contact time (15, 25 and 35 min), and pH (8 and 11). The maximum simultaneous release of 84% of CHO and 58% of P was achieved at the experimental parameters of ozone concentration of 45 mg O₃/L, contact time of 35 min, and pH of 11. Also, P was concentrated in solution by 8- to 14-fold with respect to municipal wastewater. The sequential pretreatment was conducted at alkaline pH of 11 and atmospheric conditions, which may considerably reduce energy demand and reagents, in comparison to a traditional hydrolysis pretreatment. The results found suggest that the sequential pretreatment could be feasible on a large scale.

Effects of suspended particular matters, excess PO43-, and salinity on phosphorus speciation in coastal river sediments

Phosphorus (P) is an essential biogenic element in aquatic ecosystem, and its speciation in sediment may influence the water quality. The composition of P in suspended particular matters (SPM) and sediments were analyzed. Metal ions bonding PO₄^3- and chelating organic P (OP) were explored by Visual MINTEQ simulation and infrared spectroscopy. Inorganic P (IP) mainly comprises orthophosphate and pyrophosphate in SPM. OP mainly includes α-glycerol phosphate, β-Gly, monophosphate, and mononucleotides from aquatic plants in SPM. Cyclotella, Nitzschia, Amphiprore, and terrestrial C₃ plants are the main source of aquatic plants in JH, while they are from Oscillatoria and Merismopedia in JL. These aquatic plants directly determine whether OP or IP is taken to surface sediments during the setting of SPM. The bonding between PO₄^3- and Ca is more preferential than Al and Fe, so the excess PO₄^3- makes Ca compounds bonding IP (Ca-IP) and Al/Fe/Mn (hydr) oxides associated IP (Al/Fe/Mn-IP) dominant, but limited PO₄^3- preferentially contributes more Ca-IP. Metal ions in saline water can firmly cheat with OP via P-OH and/or P=O groups to promote the burial of OP.

Polyphosphate: A Multifunctional Metabolite in Cyanobacteria and Algae

Polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer of orthophosphate (PO4 3-) of varying lengths, has been identified in all kingdoms of life. It can serve as a source of chemical bond energy (phosphoanhydride bond) that may have been used by biological systems prior to the evolution of ATP. Intracellular polyP is mainly stored as granules in specific vacuoles called acidocalcisomes, and its synthesis and accumulation appear to impact a myriad of cellular functions. It serves as a reservoir for inorganic PO4 3- and an energy source for fueling cellular metabolism, participates in maintaining adenylate and metal cation homeostasis, functions as a scaffold for sequestering cations, exhibits chaperone function, covalently binds to proteins to modify their activity, and enables normal acclimation of cells to stress conditions. PolyP also appears to have a role in symbiotic and parasitic associations, and in higher eukaryotes, low polyP levels seem to impact cancerous proliferation, apoptosis, procoagulant and proinflammatory responses and cause defects in TOR signaling. In this review, we discuss the metabolism, storage, and function of polyP in photosynthetic microbes, which mostly includes research on green algae and cyanobacteria. We focus on factors that impact polyP synthesis, specific enzymes required for its synthesis and degradation, sequestration of polyP in acidocalcisomes, its role in cellular energetics, acclimation processes, and metal homeostasis, and then transition to its potential applications for bioremediation and medical purposes.

Effects of macro metals on alkaline phosphatase activity under conditions of sulfide accumulation

Alkaline phosphatase (AP) is commonly found in aquatic ecosystems as an extracellular enzyme closely related to the biogeochemical cycling of phosphorus. Although the AP activity (APA) is conventionally thought to be a main response to PO₄^3- starvation, significant effects of macro metal elements (Al, Fe, and Ca) and S on the APA were found in this study. The APA was reduced by Al primarily through the adsorption of the enzyme onto AlOOH colloids. Fe²⁺ inhibited the APA via a mechanism involving free radical oxidation. The main mechanism by which Ca²⁺ inhibited the APA was by competing with Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ for the active sites of the enzyme. Excessive S^2- could reduce the APA by removing Zn²⁺ from the active sites of the enzyme. The inhibition of APA could be reversed if some metal ions (e.g., Fe²⁺) were precipitated by S^2- under reducing conditions. Therefore, in anaerobic ecosystems, the effects of macro metals on APA under conditions of sulfide accumulation may have innovative implications for phosphorus management.

Picoplankton accumulate and recycle polyphosphate to support high primary productivity in coastal Lake Ontario

Phytoplankton can accumulate polyphosphate (polyP) to alleviate limitation of essential nutrient phosphorus (P). Yet polyP metabolisms in aquatic systems and their roles in P biogeochemical cycle remain elusive. Previously reported polyP enrichment in low-phosphorus oligotrophic marine waters contradicts the common view of polyP as a luxury P-storage molecule. Here, we show that in a P-rich eutrophic bay of Lake Ontario, planktonic polyP is controlled by multiple mechanisms and responds strongly to seasonal variations. Plankton accumulate polyP as P storage under high-P conditions via luxury uptake and use it under acute P stress. Low phosphorus also triggers enrichment of polyP that can be preferentially recycled to attenuate P lost. We discover that picoplankton, despite their low production rates, are responsible for the dynamic polyP metabolisms. Picoplankton store and liberate polyP to support the high primary productivity of blooming algae. PolyP mechanisms enable efficient P recycling on ecosystem and even larger scales.

Redox-dependent phosphorus burial and regeneration in an offshore sulfidic sediment core in North Yellow Sea, China

Phosphorus (P) pollution can trigger severe marine eutrophication, which further leads to harmful algal blooms, and a deterioration of sea water quality. The P burial and regeneration in offshore sediments can directly affect the eutrophication levels of estuarine and coastal ecosystems. Although many researches on redox-dependent P burial and regeneration were studied, such process in the presence of silicate is still poorly understood, and the effects of pyrite formation on organic P (OP) burial and regeneration also remain unclear. In this study, a sulfidic sediment core was collected in the offshore of an estuary in the north Yellow Sea, China. Results indicated that indigenous biological input was found to be the primary source of organic matter in upper sediments. The regenerated P under reducing conditions was dominated by labile FeP and OP. The PO₄^3- released from FeP and OP that could be captured by Al/Fe/Mn (oxyhydr) oxides in surface sediments and Ca minerals in deep sediments. CaP, AlP, unreactive Al/Fe-Si-P and some stable metal chelated OP were the main burial P fractions. Sulfate reduction and formation of insoluble metal sulfides including the pyrite promoted OP decomposition by anaerobic decomposition, removing metal ions from the "metal-OP" chelates and restoring the phosphatase activity.

Low-temperature-steam activation of phosphorus in biochar derived from enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) sludge

The property and release behavior of phosphorus in biochar derived from enhanced biological phosphorus removal sludge (EBPR sludge) were investigated. A low-temperature-steam (LTS) activation method was developed to increase the P availability in the biochar. The results demonstrate that the P content in the biochar is comparable to that in typical P fertilizers. The biochar contained a considerable portion of fast-release P. Polyphosphates (poly-P) were the predominant P species in the biochar. LTS greatly improved P availability in biochar produced at 700 °C by hydrolyzing insoluble poly-P to soluble pyro-P and ortho-P. In addition, the presence of Ca²⁺ could greatly reduce the P-release from biochar produced at lower temperature, e.g. 400 °C, due to that Ca²⁺ could facilitate the precipitation/adsorption of orthophosohates/pyrophosphates released from the low temperature biochars. Such phenomena was not observed with high temperature biochar, as the soluble poly-P released from 700 °C biochar could complex with Ca²⁺ rather than precipitated with it. Other environmental conditions, i.e., environmental pH, ionic strength of the soil porewater, and presence of low-molecular-weight acid, only had minor or negligible effects on the P-release of most studied biochars. This study concludes that LTS-activated-700 °C biochar could be a promising P fertilizer given its high, rapid, and unaffected P-release under various environmentally relevant conditions.

Schistosomes can hydrolyze proinflammatory and prothrombotic polyphosphate (polyP) via tegumental alkaline phosphatase, SmAP

Schistosoma mansoni is a long-lived intravascular trematode parasite that can infect humans causing the chronic debilitating disease, schistosomiasis. We hypothesize that the action of host-interactive proteins found at the schistosome surface allows the worms to maintain a safe, anti-thrombotic and anti-inflammatory environment around them in the bloodstream. One such protein is the ˜60 kDa alkaline phosphatase SmAP which is known to be expressed in the outer tegument of all intravascular life stages. We demonstrate in this work that the parasites (schistosomula as well as adult males and females) can hydrolyze polyphosphate (polyP) - an anionic, linear polymer of inorganic phosphates that is produced and released by immune cells as well as by activated platelets and that induce proinflammatory and prothrombotic pathways. Purified recombinant SmAP can likewise cleave polyP and with a Km of 6.9 ± 1 mM. Finally, parasites whose SmAP gene has been suppressed by RNAi are significantly impaired in their ability to hydrolyze polyP. SmAP-mediated cleavage of polyP may contribute to the armamentarium of schistosomes that promotes their survival in the hostile intravascular habitat. This is the first report of any pathogen cleaving this bioactive metabolite.

Polyphosphate Adsorption and Hydrolysis on Aluminum Oxides

The geochemical behaviors of phosphate-containing species at mineral-water interfaces are of fundamental importance for controlling phosphorus mobility, fate, and bioavailability. This study investigates the sorption and hydrolysis of polyphosphate (a group of important long-chained phosphate molecules) on aluminum oxides in the presence of divalent metal cations (Ca²⁺, Cu²⁺, Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺, and Zn²⁺) at pH 6-8. γ-Al₂O₃ with three particle sizes (5, 35, and 70 nm) was used as an analogue of natural aluminum oxides to investigate the particle size effect. All metal cations enhanced polyphosphate hydrolysis at different levels, with Ca²⁺ showing the most significant enhancement, and the difference in the enhancement might be due to the intrinsic affinity of metal cations to polyphosphate. In the presence of Ca²⁺, the hydrolysis rate decreased with increasing mineral particle size. Solid-state ³¹P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) revealed the main surface P species to be amorphous calcium phosphate precipitates, phosphate groups in polyphosphate that formed direct bonds with the mineral surface as inner-sphere complexes, and phosphate groups in polyphosphate that were not directly bonded to the mineral surfaces. Our results reveal the critical roles of mineral-water interface processes and divalent metal cations on controlling polyphosphate speciation and transformation and phosphorus cycling.

Transformation of Construction Cement to a Self-Healing Hybrid Binder

A new biomimetic strategy to im prove the self-healing properties of Portland cement is presented that is based on the application of the biogenic inorganic polymer polyphosphate (polyP), which is used as a cement admixture. The data show that synthetic linear polyp, with an average chain length of 40, as well as natural long-chain polyP isolated from soil bacteria, has the ability to support self-healing of this construction material. Furthermore, polyP, used as a water-soluble Na-salt, is subject to Na+/Ca2+ exchange by the Ca2+ from the cement, resulting in the formation of a water-rich coacervate when added to the cement surface, especially to the surface of bacteria-containing cement/concrete samples. The addition of polyP in low concentrations (<1% on weight basis for the solids) not only accelerated the hardening of cement/concrete but also the healing of microcracks present in the material. The results suggest that long-chain polyP is a promising additive that increases the self-healing capacity of cement by mimicking a bacteria-mediated natural mechanism.

Extraction and quantification of polyphosphates in activated sludge from waste water treatment plants by 31P NMR spectroscopy

Polyphosphate (poly-P) is a major constituent in activated sludge from wastewater treatment plants with enhanced biological phosphorus removal due to poly-P synthesis by poly-P accumulating organisms where it plays an important role for recovery of phosphorus from waste water. Our aim was to develop a reliable protocol for poly-P quantification by ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. This has so far been complicated by the risks of inefficient extraction and poly-P hydrolysis in the extracts. A protocol for complete extraction, identification and quantification of poly-P in activated sludge from a waste water treatment plant was identified based on test and evaluation of existing extraction protocols in combination with poly-P determination and quantification by solution and solid state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. The total poly-P middle group content was quantified by solid state NMR for comparison with the poly-P middle groups quantified by solution NMR, which is novel. Three different extraction protocols previously used in literature were compared: 1) a single 0.25 M NaOH-0.05 M EDTA extraction, 2) a 0.05 M EDTA pre-extraction followed by a 0.25 M NaOH main extraction and 3) a 0.05 M EDTA pre-extraction followed by a 0.25 M NaOH-0.05 M EDTA main extraction. The results showed that the extraction protocol 2 was optimal for fresh activated sludge, extracting 10.8 ± 0.4 to 11.4 ± 1.2 mgP/gDW poly-P. Extraction protocols 1 and 3 extracted less than 9.4 ± 0.5 mgP/gDW poly-P. A comparison of the quantification of poly-P by ³¹P solution NMR and by ³¹P solid state NMR spectroscopy of lyophilised activated sludge showed 86 ± 9% extraction efficiency of poly-P, which confirms that the extraction protocol recovered most of the poly-P from the samples without pronounced poly-P degradation.

Unbiased Measurement of Phosphate and Phosphorus Speciation in Surface Waters

Trace-level phosphate analysis and phosphorus speciation in surface water remained challenging due to adsorption and phosphate uptake by microorganisms. In this study a two-dimensional ion chromatography separation coupled to electrospray ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (2D-IC-ESI-MS) allowed isotope dilution quantitation of phosphate with simultaneous analysis of 11 phosphate-containing metabolites and two inorganic condensed phosphates. Samples were collected from Lake St. Clair, Lake Ontario, and Georgian Bay (ON, Canada). Comparative experiments showed lower phosphate results for samples not immediately spiked and for external calibration quantitation. Field spiking with ¹⁸O-labeled phosphate combined with isotope dilution quantitation allows measurement of the phosphate levels existent at the collection time instead of the phosphate concentrations remaining in the samples at the analysis time. This is a significant advantage against the traditional colorimetric and ion chromatographic (IC) analysis methods, which are unable to compensate for the adsorption loss occurring in standards and samples, especially when phosphate is present at levels below 20 μg L^-1 as P (61 μg L^-1 as PO₄^3-). Two phosphate-containing metabolites, adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP) and d-glucose 6-phosphate (Glucose-P), were detected in a subset of samples collected from Lake St. Clair, with no statistically significant correlation between them and the simultaneously measured phosphate. Directly bioavailable P (phosphate), indirectly bioavailable P (phosphatase-hydrolyzed P) and nonbioavailable P (nonhydrolizable P) fractions were quantified by measuring phosphate, phosphate after phosphatase addition and total phosphorus. The proposed 2D-IC-ESI-MS method developed for a QExactive MS instrument with field spiking of the internal standard provides accurate phosphate results and eliminates quantitation errors caused by phosphate adsorption. This setup allows simultaneous collection of targeted and nontargeted analysis data and thus the detection of trace polar organic phosphorus metabolites as well.