Comprehensive insights into the impact of bacterial indole-3-acetic acid on sensory preferences in Drosophila melanogaster

Several bacteria of environmental and clinical origins, including some human-associated strains secrete a cross-kingdom signaling molecule indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA is a tryptophan (trp) derivative mainly known for regulating plant growth and development as a hormone. However, the nutritional sources that boost IAA secretion in bacteria and the impact of secreted IAA on non-plant eukaryotic hosts remained less explored. Here, we demonstrate significant trp-dependent IAA production in Pseudomonas juntendi NEEL19 when provided with ethanol as a carbon source in liquid cultures. IAA was further characterized to modulate the odor discrimination, motility and survivability in Drosophila melanogaster. A detailed analysis of IAA-fed fly brain proteome using high-resolution mass spectrometry showed significant (fold change, ± 2; p ≤ 0.05) alteration in the proteins governing neuromuscular features, audio-visual perception and energy metabolism as compared to IAA-unfed controls. Sex-wise variations in differentially regulated proteins were witnessed despite having similar visible changes in chemo perception and psychomotor responses in IAA-fed flies. This study not only revealed ethanol-specific enhancement in trp-dependent IAA production in P. juntendi, but also showed marked behavioral alterations in flies for which variations in an array of proteins governing odor discrimination, psychomotor responses, and energy metabolism are held responsible. Our study provided novel insights into disruptive attributes of bacterial IAA that can potentially influence the eukaryotic gut-brain axis having broad environmental and clinical implications.

Sphingomicrobium clamense sp. nov., Isolated from Sediment of Clam Island Beach in China

A Gram-stain-negative, non-flagellated, aerobic, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterium with motility, designated B8T, was isolated from the sediment of Clam Island beach, Liaoning province, China. The optimum growth of strain B8T occurred at 35 oC, pH 7.0, and in the presence of 4.0-5.0% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain B8T formed a distinct lineage within the genus Sphingomicrobium and was closely related to Sphingomicrobium nitratireducens O-35T (98.3% sequence similarity), Sphingomicrobium aestuariivivum KCTC 42286T (96.9%), and Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens JCM 18551T (96.5%). The digital DNA-DNA hybridization and average nucleotide identity values between strain B8T and closely related strains were lower than 21.0% and 78.0%, much lower than the cutoff values of 70.0% and 95.0%, respectively, for bacterial species delineation. The dominant respiratory quinone of strain B8T was ubiquinone-10. The major fatty acids were Sum In Feature 8 (C18:1ω7c and/or C18:1ω6c), Sum In Feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C17:1ω6c, C18:1 2-OH, and C16:0. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, glycolipids, and four unknown polar lipids. The DNA G + C content of strain B8T was 63.9%. Based on the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain B8T is considered a new species of Sphingomicrobium, for which the name Sphingomicrobium clamense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is B8T (= CGMCC 1.19486T = KCTC 92052T).

Astaxanthin: Past, Present, and Future

Astaxanthin (AX), a lipid-soluble pigment belonging to the xanthophyll carotenoids family, has recently garnered significant attention due to its unique physical properties, biochemical attributes, and physiological effects. Originally recognized primarily for its role in imparting the characteristic red-pink color to various organisms, AX is currently experiencing a surge in interest and research. The growing body of literature in this field predominantly focuses on AXs distinctive bioactivities and properties. However, the potential of algae-derived AX as a solution to various global environmental and societal challenges that threaten life on our planet has not received extensive attention. Furthermore, the historical context and the role of AX in nature, as well as its significance in diverse cultures and traditional health practices, have not been comprehensively explored in previous works. This review article embarks on a comprehensive journey through the history leading up to the present, offering insights into the discovery of AX, its chemical and physical attributes, distribution in organisms, and biosynthesis. Additionally, it delves into the intricate realm of health benefits, biofunctional characteristics, and the current market status of AX. By encompassing these multifaceted aspects, this review aims to provide readers with a more profound understanding and a robust foundation for future scientific endeavors directed at addressing societal needs for sustainable nutritional and medicinal solutions. An updated summary of AXs health benefits, its present market status, and potential future applications are also included for a well-rounded perspective.

Sphingomicrobium nitratireducens sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat in Guangxi

An aerobic, yellow-pigmented and Gram-stain-negative strain, designated as O-35 ^T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment collected in Dangjiang Town, the southern China. Colonies of strain O-35 ^T were circular with 0.5-1.0 mm in diameter, convex and smooth. Cells of strain O-35 ^T were coccoid-shaped, non-spore forming, non-motile and the strain could reduce nitrate. Growth of strain O-35 ^T was observed at 15-40 °C (optimum 30 °C), at pH 6.0-9.5 (optimum 7.5-8.0) and in 0.5-5.0% NaCl (optimum 2%, w/v). Strain O-35 ^T showed 16S rRNA gene sequence identities of 97.3-97.5% with Sphingomicrobium lutaoense CC-TBT-3 ^T and Sphingomicrobium aestuariivivum AH-M8^T, higher than the rest of Sphingomicrobium type strains. Phylogenetic trees based on the 16S rRNA gene and the core-genome sequences demonstrated that strain O-35 ^T was affiliated within the genus Sphingomicrobium. Overall genome relatedness index calculations revealed that strain O-35 ^T had < 75.8% of average nucleotide identity and < 19.2% of digital DNA-DNA hybridization values with Sphingomicrobium type strains. The sole isoprenoid quinone was ubiquinone-10. The major fatty acids (> 10%) were summed feature 8, summed feature 3, C_16:0 and C_18:1 2-OH. The polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, two unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified lipid and one unidentified phospholipid. On the basis of the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic properties, strain O-35 ^T represents a novel species in the genus Sphingomicrobium, for which the name Sphingomicrobium nitratireducens sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is O-35 ^T (= KCTC 92308 ^T = MCCC 1K07589^T).

Volatile 1-octanol of tea (Camellia sinensis L.) fuels cell division and indole-3-acetic acid production in phylloplane isolate Pseudomonas sp. NEEL19

Tea leaves possess numerous volatile organic compounds (VOC) that contribute to tea's characteristic aroma. Some components of tea VOC were known to exhibit antimicrobial activity; however, their impact on bacteria remains elusive. Here, we showed that the VOC of fresh aqueous tea leaf extract, recovered through hydrodistillation, promoted cell division and tryptophan-dependent indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production in Pseudomonas sp. NEEL19, a solvent-tolerant isolate of the tea phylloplane. 1-octanol was identified as one of the responsible volatiles stimulating cell division, metabolic change, swimming motility, putative pili/nanowire formation and IAA production, through gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, microscopy and partition petri dish culture analyses. The bacterial metabolic responses including IAA production increased under 1-octanol vapor in a dose-dependent manner, whereas direct-contact in liquid culture failed to elicit such response. Thus, volatile 1-octanol emitting from tea leaves is a potential modulator of cell division, colonization and phytohormone production in NEEL19, possibly influencing the tea aroma.

Reprogramming microorganisms for the biosynthesis of astaxanthin via metabolic engineering

There is an increasing demand for astaxanthin in food, feed, cosmetics and pharmaceutical applications because of its superior anti-oxidative and coloring properties. However, naturally produced astaxanthin is expensive, mainly due to low productivity and limited sources. Reprogramming of microorganisms for astaxanthin production via metabolic engineering is a promising strategy. We primarily focus on the application of synthetic biology, enzyme engineering and metabolic engineering in enhancing the synthesis and accumulation of astaxanthin in microorganisms in this review. We also discuss the biosynthetic pathways of astaxanthin within natural producers, and summarize the achievements and challenges in reprogramming microorganisms for enhancing astaxanthin production. This review illuminates recent biotechnological advances in microbial production of astaxanthin. Future perspectives on utilization of new technologies for boosting microbial astaxanthin production are also discussed.

An Overview on Industrial and Medical Applications of Bio-Pigments Synthesized by Marine Bacteria

Marine bacterial species contribute to a significant part of the oceanic population, which substantially produces biologically effectual moieties having various medical and industrial applications. The use of marine-derived bacterial pigments displays a snowballing effect in recent times, being natural, environmentally safe, and health beneficial compounds. Although isolating marine bacteria is a strenuous task, these are still a compelling subject for researchers, due to their promising avenues for numerous applications. Marine-derived bacterial pigments serve as valuable products in the food, pharmaceutical, textile, and cosmetic industries due to their beneficial attributes, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and cytotoxic activities. Biodegradability and higher environmental compatibility further strengthen the use of marine bio-pigments over artificially acquired colored molecules. Besides that, hazardous effects associated with the consumption of synthetic colors further substantiated the use of marine dyes as color additives in industries as well. This review sheds light on marine bacterial sources of pigmented compounds along with their industrial applicability and therapeutic insights based on the data available in the literature. It also encompasses the need for introducing bacterial bio-pigments in global pigment industry, highlighting their future potential, aiming to contribute to the worldwide economy.

Structures of Astaxanthin and Their Consequences for Therapeutic Application

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are continuously generated as a by-product of normal aerobic metabolism. Elevated ROS formation leads to potential damage of biological structures and is implicated in various diseases. Astaxanthin, a xanthophyll carotenoid, is a secondary metabolite responsible for the red-orange color of a number of marine animals and microorganisms. There is mounting evidence that astaxanthin has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. Hence, its consumption can result in various health benefits, with potential for therapeutic application. Astaxanthin contains both a hydroxyl and a keto group, and this unique structure plays important roles in neutralizing ROS. The molecule quenches harmful singlet oxygen, scavenges peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals and converts them into more stable compounds, prevents the formation of free radicals, and inhibits the autoxidation chain reaction. It also acts as a metal chelator and converts metal prooxidants into harmless molecules. However, like many other carotenoids, astaxanthin is affected by the environmental conditions, e.g., pH, heat, or exposure to light. It is hence susceptible to structural modification, i.e., via isomerization, aggregation, or esterification, which alters its physiochemical properties. Here, we provide a concise overview of the distribution of astaxanthin in tissues, and astaxanthin structures, and their role in tackling singlet oxygen and free radicals. We highlight the effect of structural modification of astaxanthin molecules on the bioavailability and biological activity. These studies suggested that astaxanthin would be a promising dietary supplement for health applications.

Description of novel members of the family Sphingomonadaceae: Aquisediminimonas profunda gen. nov., sp. nov., and Aquisediminimonas sediminicola sp. nov., isolated from freshwater sediment

Two Gram-stain-negative bacterial strains, DS48-3^T and CH68-4^T, were isolated from freshwater sediment taken from the Daechung Reservoir, Republic of Korea. Cells of strains DS48-3^T and CH68-4^T were aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming and rod-shaped. Strain DS48-3^T was isolated from a sediment surface sample at a depth of 48 m from the Daechung Reservoir and was most closely related to the genus Sphingopyxis according to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis (94.5-95.9 % similarity). Strain CH68-4^T was isolated from the very bottom of a 67-cm-long sediment core collected from Daechung Reservoir at a water depth of 17 m and was most closely related to the genus Sphingopyxis (16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 93.7-95.0 %). Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that the two strains formed a separate lineage within the order Sphingomonadales showing similarity values below 95.9 % with their closest phylogenetic neighbours, and sharing 97.3 % similarity with each other. The combined genotypic and phenotypic data showed that strains DS48-3^T and CH68-4^T could be distinguished from all genera within the family Sphingomonadaceae and represented two distinct species of a novel genus, Aquisediminimonas profunda gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain DS48-3^T=KCTC 52068^T=CCTCC AB 2018061^T) and Aquisediminimonas sediminicola sp. nov. (type strain CH68-4^T=KCTC 62205^T=CCTCC AB 2018062^T).

Sphingomicrobium arenosum sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, motile by one single flagellum, dark-orange pigmented and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated CAU 1457^T, was isolated from marine sediment in the Republic of Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. The isolate grew optimally at 30 °C, at pH 6.0 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequences similarity, strain CAU 1457^T belonged to the genus Sphingomicrobium and was related most closely to Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens JCM 18551^T (98.2 % similarity). Strain CAU 1457^T contained ubiquinone-10 as the predominant isoprenoid quinone and 11-methyl C18 : 1ω7c and summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/ω6c) as the major cellular fatty acids. Triamine sym-homospermidine was detected as the major compound in the polyamine pattern. The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid, four unidentified glycolipids, one unidentified aminophospholipid, two unidentified phospholipids, one unidentified aminolipid and one unidentified lipid. DNA-DNA relatedness between strain CAU 1457^T and the closely related strains, Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens JCM 18551^T and Sphingomicrobium aestuariivivum KCTC 42286^T were 32.7 and 28.4 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain was 68.8 mol%. The phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data indicated that strain CAU 1457^T represents a novel species of the genus Sphingomicrobium, for which the name Sphingomicrobium arenosum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CAU 1457^T (=KCTC 62233^T=NBRC 113094^T).

Screening and profiling of natural ketocarotenoids from environmental aquatic bacterial isolates

Ketocarotenoids are high-value natural pigments. The red diketocarotenoid astaxanthin particularly exhibits an extraordinary antioxidant activity, which raises its market demand for foods and nutraceuticals. We screened for ketocarotenoid-producing bacteria from both marine and freshwater environments. Phylogenetic analysis, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence, revealed 37 potential producers of ketocarotenoids that are related to α-proteobacteria, comprising 32 strains of Brevundimonas and 5 strains of Erythrobacter. Carotenoids analysis by HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS revealed two groups; astaxanthin-producers (28 Brevundimonas strains) and adonixanthin-producers (Five Brevundimonas and 5 Erythrobacter strains). Strain FrW-Asx16 exhibited the highest carotenoid production (1060 µg g^-1 dry cells with 16.6% astaxanthin). Strain FrW-Asx-5 producing 946.1 µg g^-1 dry cells carotenoid exhibited the highest astaxanthin content (∼46%). The most intriguing result is the potential of producing natural colorants from freshwater bacterial isolates, and with high productivity and selectivity, suggesting a great promise for their application in food.

Isolation and Characterization of a Novel, Highly Selective Astaxanthin-Producing Marine Bacterium

A high-throughput screening approach for astaxanthin-producing bacteria led to the discovery of a novel, highly selective astaxanthin-producing marine bacterium (strain N-5). Phylogenetic analysis based on partial 16S rRNA gene and phenotypic metabolic testing indicated it belongs to the genus Brevundimonas. Therefore, it was designated as Brevundimonas sp. strain N-5. To identify and quantify carotenoids produced by strain N-5, HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS methods were used. The culture conditions including media, shaking, and time had significant effects on cell growth and carotenoids production including astaxanthin. The total carotenoids were ∼601.2 μg g^-1 dry cells including a remarkable amount (364.6 μg g^-1 dry cells) of optically pure astaxanthin (3S, 3'S) isomer, with high selectivity (∼60.6%) under medium aeration conditions. Notably, increasing the culture aeration enhanced astaxanthin production up to 85% of total carotenoids. This is the first report that describes a natural, highly selective astaxanthin-producing marine bacterium.

The novel oleaginous bacterium Sphingomonas sp. EGY1 DSM 29616: a value added platform for renewable biodiesel

Oleaginous microorganisms are regarded as efficient, renewable cell factories for lipid biosynthesis, a biodiesel precursor, to overwhelm the cosmopolitan energy crisis with affordable investment capital costs. Present research highlights production and characterization of lipids by a newly isolated oleaginous bacterium, Sphingomonas sp. EGY1 DSM 29616 through an eco-friendly approach. Only sweet whey [42.1% (v/v)] in tap water was efficiently used as a growth medium and lipid production medium to encourage cell growth and trigger lipid accumulation simultaneously. Cultivation of Sphingomonas sp. EGY1 DSM 29616 in shake flasks resulted in the accumulation of 8.5 g L^-1 lipids inside the cells after 36 h at 30 °C. Triglycerides of C16:C18 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids showed a similar pattern to tripalmitin or triolein; deduced from gas chromatography (GC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), and Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight-mass spectra analysis (MALDI-TOF-MS) analyses. Batch cultivation 2.5 L in a laboratory scale fermenter led to 13.8 g L^-1 accumulated lipids after 34 h at 30 °C. Present data would underpin the potential of Sphingomonas sp. EGY1 DSM 29616 as a novel renewable cell factory for biosynthesis of biodiesel.

Carotenoid Distribution in Nature

Carotenoids are naturally occurring red, orange and yellow pigments that are synthesized by plants and some microorganisms and fulfill many important physiological functions. This chapter describes the distribution of carotenoid in microorganisms, including bacteria, archaea, microalgae, filamentous fungi and yeasts. We will also focus on their functional aspects and applications, such as their nutritional value, their benefits for human and animal health and their potential protection against free radicals. The central metabolic pathway leading to the synthesis of carotenoids is described as the three following principal steps: (i) the synthesis of isopentenyl pyrophosphate and the formation of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate, (ii) the synthesis of geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate and (iii) the synthesis of carotenoids per se, highlighting the differences that have been found in several carotenogenic organisms and providing an evolutionary perspective. Finally, as an example, the synthesis of the xanthophyll astaxanthin is discussed.

Paenibacillus medicaginis sp. nov. a chitinolytic endophyte isolated from a root nodule of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

A Gram-stain-variable, short-rod-shaped, endospore-forming, strictly aerobic, non-motile, chitinolytic and endophytic bacterium, designated strain CC-Alfalfa-19T, exhibiting unusual bipolar appendages was isolated from a root nodule of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) in Taiwan and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain CC-Alfalfa-19T was found to be most closely related to Paenibacillus puldeungensis CAU 9324T (95.2 %), whereas other species of the genus Paenibacillus shared ≤ 95.0 % sequence similarity. The phylogenetic analysis revealed a distinct phyletic lineage established by strain CC-Alfalfa-19T with respect to other species of the genus Paenibacillus. Fatty acids comprised predominantly anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 0, anteiso-C17 : 0 and iso-C16 : 0. Menaquinone 7 (MK-7) was identified as the sole respiratory quinone and the genomic DNA G+C content was 42.7 mol%. Polar lipids included diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified lipid. The diagnostic diamino acid found in the cell-wall peptidoglycan was meso-diaminopimelic acid. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic evidence that was in line with the genus Paenibacillus and additional distinguishing characteristics, strain CC-Alfalfa-19T is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Paenibacillus medicaginis sp. nov. (type strain CC-Alfalfa-19T = BCRC 80441T = JCM 18446T) is proposed.

Sphingomicrobium aestuariivivum sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, non-spore-forming, non-flagellated and coccoid, ovoid or rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated AH-M8T, was isolated from a tidal flat sediment collected from Aphae Island in the south-western sea, South Korea. Strain AH-M8T grew optimally at 35 °C, at pH 7.0-8.0 and in the presence of 2.0-3.0% (w/v) NaCl. A neighbour-joining phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain AH-M8T belonged to the genus Sphingomicrobium, clustering with the type strain of Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens, with which it shared 99.0% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity. Sequence similarities to the type strains of other species of the genus Sphingomicrobium were 95.4-96.0%. Strain AH-M8T contained Q-10 as the predominant ubiquinone and C18 : 1ω7c, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and C16 : 0 as the major fatty acids. The major polar lipids of strain AH-M8T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, sphingoglycolipid and one unidentified glycolipid. The major polyamine is triamine sym-homospermidine. The DNA G+C content of strain AH-M8T was 66.7 mol% and its mean DNA-DNA relatedness value with S. astaxanthinifaciens JCM 18551T was 21%. The differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic and genetic distinctiveness, revealed that strain AH-M8T is separated from other species of the genus Sphingomicrobium. On the basis of the data presented, strain AH-M8T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Sphingomicrobium, for which the name Sphingomicrobium aestuariivivum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is AH-M8T ( = KCTC 42286T = NBRC 110678T).

Hanstruepera neustonica gen. nov., sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from estuarine water, and emendation of Sediminibacter furfurosus Khan et al. 2007 emend. Kwon et al. 2014, Mangrovimonas yunxiaonensis Li et al. 2013, Antarcticimonas flava Yang et al. 2009 and Hoppeia youngheungensis Kwon et al. 2014

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, yellowish-orange, flexirubin-positive, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming and non-gliding marine bacterium, designated strain CC-PY-50T, was isolated from estuarine water off Pingtung, Taiwan. The strain produced zeaxanthin as a major carotenoid pigment, and showed highest pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Bizionia hallyeonensis T-y7T (93.9 %) followed by Corallibacter vietnamensis KMM 6217T (93.8 %), Geojedonia litorea YCS-16T (93.7 %) and other members of the family Flavobacteriaceae (<93.7 %). Strain CC-PY-50T established a distinct phyletic lineage associated with Mangrovimonas yunxiaonensis LYYY01T (93.1 % sequence similarity) with poor bootstrap support during neighbour-joining and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses (37 % for each). The polar lipid profile of strain CC-PY-50T was determined to accommodate large numbers of unknown lipids including major amounts of three unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids, and moderate amounts of an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified glycolipid and an unidentified lipid. In addition, phosphatidylethanolamine was also detected in significant amounts. The major (>5 % of total) fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, C16 : 0 and C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c. The DNA G+C content was 37.1 mol% and menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was the sole respiratory quinone. Based on the phylogenetic evidence and several distinguishing phenotypic and chemotaxonomic features, strain CC-PY-50T is proposed to represent a novel genus and species of the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Hanstruepera neustonica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species Hanstruepera neustonica gen. nov., sp. nov. is CC-PY-50T ( = JCM 19743T = BCRC 80747T). Emended descriptions of the species Sediminibacter furfurosus , Mangrovimonas yunxiaonensis , Antarcticimonas flava and Hoppeia youngheungensis are also proposed.

Oricola cellulosilytica gen. nov., sp. nov., a cellulose-degrading bacterium of the family Phyllobacteriaceae isolated from surface seashore water, and emended descriptions of Mesorhizobium loti and Phyllobacterium myrsinacearum

A Gram-stain negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, motile cellulolytic bacterium, designated strain CC-AMH-0(T), was isolated from surface seashore water of Hualien, Taiwan and subjected to polyphasic taxonomy. Strain CC-AMH-0(T) exhibited enzymatic saccharification of cellulose and active growth particularly during log-phase under nutrient-limited conditions, whereas enhanced saccharification was found in the declining growth phase under copiotrophic conditions. The novel strain shared high pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Mesorhizobium loti USDA 3471(T) (96.2 %), Phyllobacterium myrsinacearum IAM 13584(T) (95.9 %), Hoeflea marina LMG 128(T) (94.0 %) and other Phyllobacteriaceae members. However, phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA, atpD and recA gene sequences clearly distinguished strain CC-AMH-0(T) from other representatives of related genera. In addition, strain CC-AMH-0(T) was distinguished from the above mentioned species by significantly lacking phosphatidylcholine besides accommodating major amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol; moderate amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine and trace amounts of an unidentified phospholipid, an unidentified aminolipid and an unidentified phosphoglycolipid. Strain CC-AMH-0(T) possessed C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c (summed feature 8) as predominant fatty acids, 63.3 mol% DNA G+C content and ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as the sole respiratory quinone. On the basis of polyphasic taxonomic evidences, strain CC-AMH-0(T) is proposed to represent a novel genus and species of the family Phyllobacteriaceae, for which the name Oricola cellulosilytica gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the type species is CC-AMH-0(T) (=JCM 19534(T) =BCRC 80694(T)). Emended descriptions of M. loti and P. myrsinacearum are also proposed.

Cribrihabitans neustonicus sp. nov., isolated from coastal surface seawater, and emended description of the genus Cribrihabitans Chen et al. 2014

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod- or oval-shaped, motile, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain CC-AMHB-3(T), was isolated from coastal surface seawater off Hualien, Taiwan. The novel strain showed high pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities to Ruegeria mobilis NBRC 101030(T) (96.5%), Ruegeria scottomollicae LMG 24367(T) (96.4%), Phaeobacter aquaemixtae SSK6-1(T) (96.2%), Phaeobacter daeponensis TF-218(T) (96.2%), Cribrihabitans marinus CZ-AM5(T) (96.1%) and other species of the family Rhodobacteraceae (≤ 95.9%). However, strain CC-AMHB-3(T) formed a distinct phyletic lineage associated with C. marinus CZ-AM5(T) during phylogenetic analyses. The polar lipid profile of strain CC-AMHB-3(T) included major amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylcholine; moderate amounts of phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified lipid; and trace amounts of an unidentified lipid and an unidentified phospholipid, which was qualitatively almost in line with that of C. marinus CZ-AM5(T) but remarkably distinct as compared with the type species of the genera Ruegeria (Ruegeria atlantica JCM 21234(T)) and Phaeobacter (Phaeobacter gallaeciensis JCM 21319(T)). In line with the fatty acid profile of C. marinus CZ-AM5(T), the major (>5% of total) fatty acids of strain CC-AMHB-3(T) were C(18:1)ω7c and/or C(18:1)ω6c (summed feature 8), 11-methyl C(18:1)ω7c and C(16:0). The DNA G+C content was 66.7 mol%. Ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) was the sole respiratory quinone. Thus, based on the results of the polyphasic study presented here, strain CC-AMHB-3(T) is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Cribrihabitans, for which the name Cribrihabitans neustonicus sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is CC-AMHB-3(T) ( = JCM 19537(T) =BCRC 80695(T)). In addition, an emended description of the genus Cribrihabitans is also proposed.

Gramella oceani sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from marine sediment

A Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, strictly aerobic, zeaxanthin-producing, rod-shaped, non-endospore-forming, appendaged bacterial strain that exhibits gliding motility, designated CC-AMSZ-TT, was isolated from marine sediment off coastal Kending, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMSZ-TT shared 94.9 % and 96.7–94.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities with Gramella echinicola KMM 6050T and other species of the genus Gramella , respectively, and formed a distinct phyletic lineage in phylogenetic trees. The major (≥5 % of the total) fatty acids were C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0, anteiso-C15 : 0, C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c and iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or C16 : 0 10-methyl. Phosphatidylethanolamine, six unidentified lipids and three unidentified aminolipids were the polar lipid components. The DNA G+C content was 38.6 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). Based on the phylogenetic distinctiveness and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics, strain CC-AMSZ-TT represents a novel species of the genus Gramella , for which the name Gramella oceani sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-AMSZ-TT ( = JCM 18809T = BCRC 80547T).

Youngimonas vesicularis gen. nov., sp. nov., of the family Rhodobacteraceae, isolated from surface seawater, reclassification of Donghicola xiamenensis Tan et al. 2009 as Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis gen. nov., comb. nov. and emended description of the genus Donghicola Yoon et al. 2007

A Gram-staining-negative, non-pigmented, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, non-motile bacterium, devoid of bacteriochlorophyll, designated strain CC-AMW-ET, was isolated from surface seawater off the coast at Kending, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMW-ET shared 95.7 and 93.9 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, respectively, with the type strains of the type species of the genera Donghicola ( Donghicola eburneus SW-277T) and Roseovarius ( Roseovarius tolerans EL-172T). The predominant (>75 % of the total) fatty acid was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω6c and/or C18 : 1ω7c). The polar lipid profile included major amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified aminolipid. In addition, moderate amounts of an unidentified lipid and trace amounts of an unidentified phospholipid were detected. The DNA G+C content was 67.9 mol%. Ubiquinone Q-10 was the sole respiratory quinone. Based on its phylogenetic distinctiveness and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics (in particular its polar lipid pattern), we conclude that strain CC-AMW-ET represents a novel genus and species of the family Rhodobacteraceae , for which the name Youngimonas vesicularis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Youngimonas vesicularis is CC-AMW-ET ( = JCM 18819T = BCRC 80549T). In addition, an emended description of the genus Donghicola Yoon et al. 2007 and the reclassification of Donghicola xiamenensis Tan et al. 2009 as Pseudodonghicola xiamenensis gen. nov., comb. nov. (type strain Y-2T = MCCC 1A00107T = LMG 24574T = CGMCC 1.7081T) are proposed.

Pseudomonas hussainii sp. nov., isolated from droppings of a seashore bird, and emended descriptions of Pseudomonas pohangensis, Pseudomonas benzenivorans and Pseudomonas segetis

Two Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strains that are motile by a monopolar flagellum, designated CC-AMH-11(T) and CC-AMHZ-5, were isolated from droppings of a seashore bird off the coast of Hualien, Taiwan. The strains showed 99.7% mutual pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, while exhibiting <96.2% sequence similarity to strains of other species of the genus Pseudomonas (95.7-95.9% similarity with type species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa LMG 1242T), and formed a distinct co-phyletic lineage in the phylogenetic trees. The common major fatty acids (>5% of the total) were C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8), C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c (summed feature 3), C16 : 0 and C12 : 0. Phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylserine, an unidentified lipid and an unidentified phospholipid were detected as common polar lipids. The DNA G+C contents of strains CC-AMH-11(T) and CC-AMHZ-5 were 61.1 and 61.6 mol%, respectively. The common major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone 9 (Q-9), and the predominant polyamine was putrescine. The DNA-DNA hybridization obtained between the two strains was 79.0% (reciprocal value 89.4% using CC-AMHZ-5 DNA as the probe). The very high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and DNA-DNA relatedness and the poorly distinguishable phenotypic features witnessed between CC-AMH-11(T) and CC-AMHZ-5 suggested unambiguously that they are two distinct strains of a single genomic species. However, the strains also showed several genotypic and phenotypic characteristics that distinguished them from other closely related species of Pseudomonas. Thus, the strains are proposed to represent a novel species of Pseudomonas, for which the name Pseudomonas hussainii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-AMH-11(T) ( = JCM 19513(T) = BCRC 80696(T)); a second strain of the same species is CC-AMHZ-5 ( = JCM 19512 = BCRC 80697). In addition, emended descriptions of the species Pseudomonas pohangensis, Pseudomonas benzenivorans and Pseudomonas segetis are also proposed.

Gramella planctonica sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing bacterium isolated from surface seawater, and emended descriptions of Gramella aestuarii and Gramella echinicola

A Gram-stain negative, strictly aerobic, zeaxanthin-producing, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strain which is motile by gliding, designated CC-AMWZ-3(T), was isolated from surface seawater off coastal Kending, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMWZ-3(T) was found to share 93.3 % and 96.0-92.4 % pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Gramella echinicola KMM 6050(T) and other Gramella species, respectively, and formed distinct phyletic lineage during phylogenetic analysis. The major fatty acids were identified as C16:0, iso-C15:0, anteiso-C15:0, C16:1 ω6c and/or C16:1 ω7c and iso-C17:1 ω9c and/or C16:0 10-methyl. Polar lipids were found to include phosphatidylethanolamine, six unidentified lipids and three unidentified aminolipids. The DNA G+C content was determined to be 40.6 mol%. Menaquinone-6 was the sole respiratory quinone identified and triamine-sym-homospermidine was the predominant polyamine. Based on the polyphasic characteristics that are in line with those of Gramella species, in addition to distinguishing phylogenetic and phenotypic features, strain CC-AMWZ-3(T) appears to represent a novel species of the genus Gramella, for which the name Gramella planctonica sp. nov. (type strain CC-AMWZ-3(T) = JCM 18807(T) = BCRC 80553(T)) is proposed. In addition, emended descriptions of the species Gramella aestuarii and Gramella echinicola are also proposed.

Robertkochia marina gen. nov., sp. nov., of the family Flavobacteriaceae, isolated from surface seawater, and emended descriptions of the genera Joostella and Galbibacter

A Gram-staining-negative, orange-pigmented, strictly aerobic, carotenoid-producing, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming bacterium, motile by gliding, designated strain CC-AMO-30DT, was isolated from surface seawater collected near Taichung harbour, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMO-30DT shared pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 94.8, 93.7 and 92.5 % with the type strains of the type species of the genera Joostella , Pustulibacterium and Galbibacter , respectively, and formed a distinct monophyletic lineage in phylogenetic trees. The major fatty acids (≥5 % of total) were iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C16 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified lipids, two unidentified aminolipids and an unidentified phospholipid. The major polyamine was the triamine sym-homospermidine. The DNA G+C content was 47.1 mol% and the predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6). Based on the phylogenetic distinctiveness and distinguishing phenotypic characteristics, strain CC-AMO-30DT represents a novel genus and species of the family Flavobacteriaceae , for which the name Robertkochia marina gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of the type species Robertkochia marina is CC-AMO-30DT ( = JCM 18552T = BCRC 80469T). Emended descriptions of the genera Joostella and Galbibacter are also proposed.

Kordia aquimaris sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing member of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from surface seawater, and emended description of the genus Kordia

A Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming and gliding marine bacterium designated strain CC-AMZ-301T was isolated from coastal surface seawater near Taichung harbour, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMZ-301T predominantly synthesized zeaxanthin and thus formed yellow colonies on marine agar. The novel strain showed high pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to Kordia periserrulae IMCC1412T (95.0 %), K. algicida KCTC 8814PT (94.4 %) and K. antarctica IMCC3317T (94.2 %), and formed a phylogenetic lineage tightly associated with species of the genus Kordia . The polar lipid profile of strain CC-AMZ-301T consisted of three unidentified lipids, three unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified phospholipid. The major fatty acids (>5 % of total) were iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c) and summed feature 9 (iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 36.4 mol%. Menaquinone 6 (MK-6) was the predominant respiratory quinone. The major polyamine was the triamine sym-homospermidine. Based on evidence from the present polyphasic study, strain CC-AMZ-301T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus Kordia , for which the name Kordia aquimaris sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is CC-AMZ-301T ( = JCM 18556T = BCRC 80464T). An emended description of the genus Kordia is also proposed.

Shimia biformata sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater, and emended description of the genus Shimia Choi and Cho 2006

A novel, Gram-staining-negative, non-flagellated, oval or short-rod-shaped, strictly aerobic and non-spore-forming marine bacterium, designated strain CC-AMW-CT, was isolated from coastal surface seawater in Kending County, Taiwan. Cells of strain CC-AMW-CT displayed unusual morphology and formed colourless or beige colonies on marine agar. The isolate shared pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 97.2 and 97.1 % with Shimia marina BCRC 80068T and Shimia isoporae BCRC 80085T, respectively, and established a discrete phyletic lineage closely associated with the members of the genus Shimia . DNA–DNA hybridization values indicated <18.2 % genomic relatedness with species of the genus Shimia . The polar lipid profile of strain CC-AMW-CT comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, two unidentified aminolipids, four unidentified lipids and an unidentified phospholipid. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c (summed feature 8; 75.5 %). The DNA G+C content was 61.2 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10 and the major polyamine was cadaverine. The chemotaxonomic evidence, including extraordinary amounts of C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c, major polar lipids, polyamine, quinone and DNA G+C contents of CC-AMW-CT, was in line with that of the members of the genus Shimia . Thus, strain CC-AMW-CT should be classified as a novel species of the genus Shimia , for which the name Shimia biformata sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is CC-AMW-CT ( = JCM 18818T = BCRC 80548T). An emended description of the genus Shimia is also proposed.

Aquibacter zeaxanthinifaciens gen. nov., sp. nov., a zeaxanthin-producing bacterium of the family Flavobacteriaceae isolated from surface seawater, and emended descriptions of the genera Aestuariibaculum and Gaetbulibacter

A Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming and gliding marine bacterium, designated strain CC-AMZ-304(T), was isolated from coastal surface seawater near Taichung harbour, Taiwan. Strain CC-AMZ-304(T) predominantly synthesized zeaxanthin and thus formed yellow colonies on marine agar. The novel strain showed an unstable phylogenetic position, although sharing high pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.9-94.9, 95.7 and 95.1-93.9 % with Gaetbulibacter species (n = 4), Aestuariibaculum suncheonense SC17(T) and Bizionia species (n = 7), respectively. The polar lipid profile of strain CC-AMZ-304(T) consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, five unidentified lipids, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and one unidentified glycolipid. The major (>5 % of the total) fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and C15 : 1ω5c. The DNA G+C content was 36.0 mol%. Menaquinone-6 (MK-6) was the sole respiratory quinone and the major polyamine was triamine sym-homospermidine. Phylogenetic distinctiveness, unique polar lipid composition, presence of significant amounts of branched hydroxyl fatty acids (iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 0 3-OH) and a low amount of anteiso-C15 : 0, and several additional distinguishing biochemical features clearly discriminated strain CC-AMZ-304(T) from the type species of the genera Aestuariibaculum and Gaetbulibacter. Thus, based on data from the present polyphasic study, strain CC-AMZ-304(T) is considered to represent a novel species of a new genus within the family Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Aquibacter zeaxanthinifaciens gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of Aquibacter zeaxanthinifaciens is CC-AMZ-304(T) ( = JCM 18557(T) = BCRC 80463(T)). Emended descriptions of the genera Aestuariibaculum and Gaetbulibacter are also proposed.

Luteibaculum oceani gen. nov., sp. nov., a carotenoid-producing, lipolytic bacterium isolated from surface seawater, and emended description of the genus Owenweeksia Lau et al. 2005

A yellow-pigmented, Gram-staining-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming, lipolytic and gliding marine bacterium designated strain CC-AMWY-103B(T) was isolated from surface seawater collected at Kending, Taiwan. The strain shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 89.4% with Owenweeksia hongkongensis JCM 12287(T) and Brumimicrobium mesophilum YH207(T), and established a distinct phyletic lineage associated with the members of the family Cryomorphaceae. The polar lipid profile of strain CC-AMWY-103B(T) consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, ten unidentified lipids and four unidentified aminolipids. The major fatty acids (>5% of the total) were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 1 G, C15 : 1ω5c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and C15 : 1ω8c. The DNA G+C content was 44.2 ± 0.3 mol%. The predominant respiratory quinone was menaquinone-6 (MK-6) and the major polyamine was spermidine. Based on its genetic, phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic distinctiveness, strain CC-AMWY-103B(T) is proposed to represent a distinct member of the family Cryomorphaceae, for which the name Luteibaculum oceani gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain of Luteibaculum oceani is CC-AMWY-103B(T) ( = JCM 18817(T) = BCRC 80551(T)). An emended description of the genus Owenweeksia is also proposed.

Sphingomicrobium marinum sp. nov. and Sphingomicrobium flavum sp. nov., isolated from surface seawater, and emended description of the genus Sphingomicrobium

Two Gram-staining-negative, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped, strictly aerobic, non-flagellated and non-spore-forming amylolytic marine bacterial strains, designated CC-AMZ-30M(T) and CC-AMZ-30N(T), were isolated from coastal surface seawater in Taiwan. Strain CC-AMZ-30M(T) shared pairwise 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 95.8, 95.0 and <94.0 % to Sphingomicrobium lutaoense CC-TBT-3(T), Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens CC-AMO-30B(T) and other sphingomonads, respectively. Strain CC-AMZ-30N(T) shared 97.0, 96.7, 95.0 and <95.1 % similarities to strain CC-AMZ-30M(T), Sphingomicrobium lutaoense CC-TBT-3(T), Sphingomicrobium astaxanthinifaciens CC-AMO-30B(T) and other sphingomonads, respectively. The common polar lipids of the two strains include a signature glycolipid (GL2), diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and sphingoglycolipid in major amounts besides moderate-to-trace amounts of an unidentified aminolipid and several unidentified glycolipids. Both strains contained C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c, C16 : 1ω7c/C16 : 1ω6c, C16 : 0 and C18 : 1 2-OH as major (>5 % of the total) fatty acids. Strains CC-AMZ-30M(T) and CC-AMZ-30N(T) had DNA G+C contents of 64.2 and 65.2 mol%, respectively. The major polyamine was spermidine in strain CC-AMZ-30M(T) and triamine sym-homospermidine in strain CC-AMZ-30N(T). Both strains contained ubiquinone Q-10 as the predominant respiratory quinone. Differential phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic evidence including the presence of characteristic GL2, C18 : 1 2-OH and several other phenotypic features supported the classification of strains CC-AMZ-30M(T) and CC-AMZ-30N(T) as two novel species of the genus Sphingomicrobium, for which we propose the names Sphingomicrobium marinum sp. nov. and Sphingomicrobium flavum sp. nov., respectively; corresponding type strains are Sphingomicrobium marinum CC-AMZ-30M(T) ( = JCM 18554(T) = BCRC 80466(T)) and Sphingomicrobium flavum CC-AMZ-30N(T) ( = JCM 18555(T) = BCRC 80467(T)). An emended description of the genus Sphingomicrobium is also proposed.