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Madariaga D, Arro D, Irarrázaval C, Soto A, Guerra F, Romero A, Ovalle F, Fedrigolli E, DesRosiers T, Serbe-Kamp É, Marzullo T. A library of electrophysiological responses in plants - a model of transversal education and open science. PLANT SIGNALING & BEHAVIOR 2024; 19:2310977. [PMID: 38493508 PMCID: PMC10950275 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2024.2310977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Electrophysiology in plants is understudied, and, moreover, an ideal model for student inclusion at all levels of education. Here, we report on an investigation in open science, whereby scientists worked with high school students, faculty, and undergraduates from Chile, Germany, Serbia, South Korea, and the USA. The students recorded the electrophysiological signals of >15 plant species in response to a flame or tactile stimulus applied to the leaves. We observed that approximately 60% of the plants studied showed an electrophysiological response, with a delay of ~ 3-6 s after stimulus presentation. In preliminary conduction velocity experiments, we verified that observed signals are indeed biological in origin, with information transmission speeds of ~ 2-9 mm/s. Such easily replicable experiments can serve to include more investigators and students in contributing to our understanding of plant electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danae Madariaga
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Derek Arro
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Alejandro Soto
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Guerra
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Angélica Romero
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fabián Ovalle
- Colegio (High School) Alberto Blest Gana, San Ramón, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elsa Fedrigolli
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Thomas DesRosiers
- College of Literature, Science, and Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Étienne Serbe-Kamp
- Hirnkastl, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Research and Development, Backyard Brains, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Timothy Marzullo
- Research and Development, Backyard Brains, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Research and Development, Backyard Brains, Seoul, South Korea
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2
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Roy D, Michalet X, Miller EW, Weiss S. Towards optical measurements of membrane potential values in Bacillus subtilis using fluorescence lifetime. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.13.598880. [PMID: 38915670 PMCID: PMC11195253 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.13.598880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
Membrane potential (MP) changes can provide a simple readout of bacterial functional and metabolic state or stress levels. While several optical methods exist for measuring fast changes in MP in excitable cells, there is a dearth of such methods for absolute and precise measurements of steady-state membrane potentials (MPs) in bacterial cells. Conventional electrode-based methods for the measurement of MP are not suitable for calibrating optical methods in small bacterial cells. While optical measurement based on Nernstian indicators have been successfully used, they do not provide absolute or precise quantification of MP or its changes. We present a novel, calibrated MP recording approach to address this gap. In this study, we used a fluorescence lifetime-based approach to obtain a single-cell resolved distribution of the membrane potential and its changes upon extracellular chemical perturbation in a population of bacterial cells for the first time. Our method is based on (i) a unique VoltageFluor (VF) optical transducer, whose fluorescence lifetime varies as a function of MP via photoinduced electron transfer (PeT) and (ii) a quantitative phasor-FLIM analysis for high-throughput readout. This method allows MP changes to be easily visualized, recorded and quantified. By artificially modulating potassium concentration gradients across the membrane using an ionophore, we have obtained a Bacillus subtilis-specific MP versus VF lifetime calibration and estimated the MP for unperturbed B. subtilis cells to be -65 mV and that for chemically depolarized cells as -14 mV. We observed a population level MP heterogeneity of ~6-10 mV indicating a considerable degree of diversity of physiological and metabolic states among individual cells. Our work paves the way for deeper insights into bacterial electrophysiology and bioelectricity research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debjit Roy
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xavier Michalet
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nano Systems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Evan W. Miller
- Departments of Chemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California at Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Shimon Weiss
- UCLA-DOE Institute for Genomics and Proteomics, Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- California Nano Systems Institute, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Physics, Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan 52900, Israel
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3
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Walker RM, Sanabria VC, Youk H. Microbial life in slow and stopped lanes. Trends Microbiol 2024; 32:650-662. [PMID: 38123400 PMCID: PMC11187706 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Microbes in nature often lack nutrients and face extreme or widely fluctuating temperatures, unlike microbes in growth-optimized settings in laboratories that much of the literature examines. Slowed or suspended lives are the norm for microbes. Studying them is important for understanding the consequences of climate change and for addressing fundamental questions about life: are there limits to how slowly a cell's life can progress, and how long cells can remain viable without self-replicating? Recent studies began addressing these questions with single-cell-level measurements and mathematical models. Emerging principles that govern slowed or suspended lives of cells - including lives of dormant spores and microbes at extreme temperatures - are re-defining discrete cellular states as continuums and revealing intracellular dynamics at new timescales. Nearly inactive, lifeless-appearing microbes are transforming our understanding of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Walker
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Valeria C Sanabria
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Hyun Youk
- Department of Systems Biology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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4
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Lo WC, Krasnopeeva E, Pilizota T. Bacterial Electrophysiology. Annu Rev Biophys 2024; 53:487-510. [PMID: 38382113 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-biophys-030822-032215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial ion fluxes are involved in the generation of energy, transport, and motility. As such, bacterial electrophysiology is fundamentally important for the bacterial life cycle, but it is often neglected and consequently, by and large, not understood. Arguably, the two main reasons for this are the complexity of measuring relevant variables in small cells with a cell envelope that contains the cell wall and the fact that, in a unicellular organism, relevant variables become intertwined in a nontrivial manner. To help give bacterial electrophysiology studies a firm footing, in this review, we go back to basics. We look first at the biophysics of bacterial membrane potential, and then at the approaches and models developed mostly for the study of neurons and eukaryotic mitochondria. We discuss their applicability to bacterial cells. Finally, we connect bacterial membrane potential with other relevant (electro)physiological variables and summarize methods that can be used to both measure and influence bacterial electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chang Lo
- Institute of Physics, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | - Teuta Pilizota
- School of Biological Sciences, Centre for Engineering Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom;
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5
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Foster AJ, van den Noort M, Poolman B. Bacterial cell volume regulation and the importance of cyclic di-AMP. Microbiol Mol Biol Rev 2024; 88:e0018123. [PMID: 38856222 PMCID: PMC11332354 DOI: 10.1128/mmbr.00181-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYNucleotide-derived second messengers are present in all domains of life. In prokaryotes, most of their functionality is associated with general lifestyle and metabolic adaptations, often in response to environmental fluctuations of physical parameters. In the last two decades, cyclic di-AMP has emerged as an important signaling nucleotide in many prokaryotic lineages, including Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria. Its importance is highlighted by the fact that both the lack and overproduction of cyclic di-AMP affect viability of prokaryotes that utilize cyclic di-AMP, and that it generates a strong innate immune response in eukaryotes. In bacteria that produce the second messenger, most molecular targets of cyclic di-AMP are associated with cell volume control. Besides, other evidence links the second messenger to cell wall remodeling, DNA damage repair, sporulation, central metabolism, and the regulation of glycogen turnover. In this review, we take a biochemical, quantitative approach to address the main cellular processes that are directly regulated by cyclic di-AMP and show that these processes are very connected and require regulation of a similar set of proteins to which cyclic di-AMP binds. Altogether, we argue that cyclic di-AMP is a master regulator of cell volume and that other cellular processes can be connected with cyclic di-AMP through this core function. We further highlight important directions in which the cyclic di-AMP field has to develop to gain a full understanding of the cyclic di-AMP signaling network and why some processes are regulated, while others are not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Foster
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marco van den Noort
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Bert Poolman
- Department of Biochemistry, Groningen Biomolecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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6
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Bourqqia-Ramzi M, Mansilla-Guardiola J, Muñoz-Rodriguez D, Quarta E, Lombardo-Hernandez J, Murciano-Cespedosa A, Conejero-Meca FJ, Mateos González Á, Geuna S, Garcia-Esteban MT, Herrera-Rincon C. From the Microbiome to the Electrome: Implications for the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6233. [PMID: 38892419 PMCID: PMC11172653 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiome plays a fundamental role in metabolism, as well as the immune and nervous systems. Microbial imbalance (dysbiosis) can contribute to subsequent physical and mental pathologies. As such, interest has been growing in the microbiota-gut-brain brain axis and the bioelectrical communication that could exist between bacterial and nervous cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the bioelectrical profile (electrome) of two bacterial species characteristic of the gut microbiome: a Proteobacteria Gram-negative bacillus Escherichia coli (E. coli), and a Firmicutes Gram-positive coccus Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis). We analyzed both bacterial strains to (i) validate the fluorescent probe bis-(1,3-dibutylbarbituric acid) trimethine oxonol, DiBAC4(3), as a reliable reporter of the changes in membrane potential (Vmem) for both bacteria; (ii) assess the evolution of the bioelectric profile throughout the growth of both strains; (iii) investigate the effects of two neural-type stimuli on Vmem changes: the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu) and the inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA); (iv) examine the impact of the bioelectrical changes induced by neurotransmitters on bacterial growth, viability, and cultivability using absorbance, live/dead fluorescent probes, and viable counts, respectively. Our findings reveal distinct bioelectrical profiles characteristic of each bacterial species and growth phase. Importantly, neural-type stimuli induce Vmem changes without affecting bacterial growth, viability, or cultivability, suggesting a specific bioelectrical response in bacterial cells to neurotransmitter cues. These results contribute to understanding the bacterial response to external stimuli, with potential implications for modulating bacterial bioelectricity as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwane Bourqqia-Ramzi
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Neurosciences “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Jesús Mansilla-Guardiola
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - David Muñoz-Rodriguez
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Elisa Quarta
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Molecular Biotechnology Center “Guido Tarone”, University of Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Juan Lombardo-Hernandez
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group, Neural Plasticity Research Group Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco José Conejero-Meca
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
| | - Álvaro Mateos González
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
- University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, Cavalieri Ottolenghi Neuroscience Institute, University of Turin, Ospedale San Luigi, 10043 Turin, Italy
| | - María Teresa Garcia-Esteban
- Unit of Microbiology, Department of Genetic, Physiology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Celia Herrera-Rincon
- Modeling, Data Analysis &Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Biomathematics Unit, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; (M.B.-R.); (J.M.-G.)
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7
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Biquet-Bisquert A, Carrio B, Meyer N, Fernandes TFD, Abkarian M, Seduk F, Magalon A, Nord AL, Pedaci F. Spatiotemporal dynamics of the proton motive force on single bacterial cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadl5849. [PMID: 38781330 PMCID: PMC11114223 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adl5849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Electrochemical gradients across biological membranes are vital for cellular bioenergetics. In bacteria, the proton motive force (PMF) drives essential processes like adenosine triphosphate production and motility. Traditionally viewed as temporally and spatially stable, recent research reveals a dynamic PMF behavior at both single-cell and community levels. Moreover, the observed lateral segregation of respiratory complexes could suggest a spatial heterogeneity of the PMF. Using a light-activated proton pump and detecting the activity of the bacterial flagellar motor, we perturb and probe the PMF of single cells. Spatially homogeneous PMF perturbations reveal millisecond-scale temporal dynamics and an asymmetrical capacitive response. Localized perturbations show a rapid lateral PMF homogenization, faster than proton diffusion, akin to the electrotonic potential spread observed in passive neurons, explained by cable theory. These observations imply a global coupling between PMF sources and consumers along the membrane, precluding sustained PMF spatial heterogeneity but allowing for rapid temporal changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaïs Biquet-Bisquert
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
| | - Baptiste Carrio
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
| | - Nathan Meyer
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
| | - Thales F. D. Fernandes
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
| | - Manouk Abkarian
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
| | - Farida Seduk
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (UMR7283), IMM, IM2B, 13402 Marseille, France
| | - Axel Magalon
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, Laboratoire de Chimie Bactérienne (UMR7283), IMM, IM2B, 13402 Marseille, France
| | - Ashley L. Nord
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
| | - Francesco Pedaci
- Centre de Biologie Structurale, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM. Montpellier, France
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8
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Kim HS, Noh MH, White EM, Kandefer MV, Wright AF, Datta D, Lim HG, Smiggs E, Locklin JJ, Rahman MA, Feist AM, Pokorski JK. Biocomposite thermoplastic polyurethanes containing evolved bacterial spores as living fillers to facilitate polymer disintegration. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3338. [PMID: 38688899 PMCID: PMC11061138 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47132-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of hybrid engineered living materials seeks to pair living organisms with synthetic materials to generate biocomposite materials with augmented function since living systems can provide highly-programmable and complex behavior. Engineered living materials have typically been fabricated using techniques in benign aqueous environments, limiting their application. In this work, biocomposite fabrication is demonstrated in which spores from polymer-degrading bacteria are incorporated into a thermoplastic polyurethane using high-temperature melt extrusion. Bacteria are engineered using adaptive laboratory evolution to improve their heat tolerance to ensure nearly complete cell survivability during manufacturing at 135 °C. Furthermore, the overall tensile properties of spore-filled thermoplastic polyurethanes are substantially improved, resulting in a significant improvement in toughness. The biocomposites facilitate disintegration in compost in the absence of a microbe-rich environment. Finally, embedded spores demonstrate a rationally programmed function, expressing green fluorescent protein. This research provides a scalable method to fabricate advanced biocomposite materials in industrially-compatible processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sol Kim
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Myung Hyun Noh
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Research Center for Bio-based Chemistry, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT), 406-30 Jongga-ro, Ulsan, 44429, Republic of Korea
| | - Evan M White
- New Materials Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | | | - Austin F Wright
- New Materials Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Debika Datta
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Hyun Gyu Lim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Ethan Smiggs
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Jason J Locklin
- New Materials Institute, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
| | - Md Arifur Rahman
- Thermoplastic Polyurethane Research, BASF Corporation, 1609 Biddle Ave., Wyandotte, MI, 48192, USA.
| | - Adam M Feist
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Biosustainability, Technical University of Denmark, Building 220, Kemitorvet, 2800 Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Jonathan K Pokorski
- Department of NanoEngineering, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
- Institute for Materials Discovery and Design, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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9
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Sun W, Sun J, Ding Q, Qi M, Zhou J, Shi Y, Liu J, Won M, Sun X, Bai X, Dong B, Kim JS, Wang L. Breaking Iron Homeostasis: Iron Capturing Nanocomposites for Combating Bacterial Biofilm. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2024; 63:e202319690. [PMID: 38320965 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202319690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Given the scarcity of novel antibiotics, the eradication of bacterial biofilm infections poses formidable challenges. Upon bacterial infection, the host restricts Fe ions, which are crucial for bacterial growth and maintenance. Having coevolved with the host, bacteria developed adaptive pathways like the hemin-uptake system to avoid iron deficiency. Inspired by this, we propose a novel strategy, termed iron nutritional immunity therapy (INIT), utilizing Ga-CT@P nanocomposites constructed with gallium, copper-doped tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) metal-organic framework, and polyamine-amine polymer dots, to target bacterial iron intakes and starve them. Owing to the similarity between iron/hemin and gallium/TCPP, gallium-incorporated porphyrin potentially deceives bacteria into uptaking gallium ions and concurrently extracts iron ions from the surrounding bacteria milieu through the porphyrin ring. This strategy orchestrates a "give and take" approach for Ga3+/Fe3+ exchange. Simultaneously, polymer dots can impede bacterial iron metabolism and serve as real-time fluorescent iron-sensing probes to continuously monitor dynamic iron restriction status. INIT based on Ga-CT@P nanocomposites induced long-term iron starvation, which affected iron-sulfur cluster biogenesis and carbohydrate metabolism, ultimately facilitating biofilm eradication and tissue regeneration. Therefore, this study presents an innovative antibacterial strategy from a nutritional perspective that sheds light on refractory bacterial infection treatment and its future clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Sun
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jiao Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, Norman Bethune College of Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Qihang Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of, Korea
| | - Manlin Qi
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yujia Shi
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Miae Won
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of, Korea
- TheranoChem Incorporation, Seoul, 02856, Republic of, Korea
| | - Xiaolin Sun
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xue Bai
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Biao Dong
- State Key Laboratory on Integrated Optoelectronics, College of Electronic Science and Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun, 130012, China
| | - Jong Seung Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of, Korea
- TheranoChem Incorporation, Seoul, 02856, Republic of, Korea
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Oral Implantology, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Sciences and Technology for Stomatology Nanoengineering, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
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10
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Gao J, Zhou K, Li H, Li Y, Yang K, Wang W. Intermittent proton bursts of single lactic acid bacteria. Chem Sci 2024; 15:3516-3523. [PMID: 38455010 PMCID: PMC10915832 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc06238d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria are a kind of probiotic microorganisms that efficiently convert carbohydrates to lactic acids, thus playing essential roles in fermentation and food industry. While conventional wisdom often suggests continuous release of protons from bacteria during acidification, here we developed a methodology to measure the dynamics of proton release at the single bacteria level, and report on the discovery of a proton burst phenomenon, i.e., the intermittent efflux of protons, of single Lactobacillus plantarum bacteria. When placing an individual bacterium in an oil-sealed microwell, efflux and accumulation of protons consequently reduced the pH in the confined extracellular medium, which was monitored with fluorescent pH indicators in a high-throughput and real-time manner. In addition to the slow and continuous proton release behavior (as expected), stochastic and intermittent proton burst events were surprisingly observed with a typical timescale of several seconds. It was attributed to the regulatory response of bacteria by activating H+-ATPase to compensate the stochastic and transient depolarizations of membrane potential. These findings not only revealed an unprecedented proton burst phenomenon in lactic acid bacteria, but also shed new lights on the intrinsic roles of H+-ATPase in membrane potential homeostasis, with implications for both fermentation industry and bacterial electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, ChemBIC (Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Kai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, ChemBIC (Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Haoran Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, ChemBIC (Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Yaohua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, ChemBIC (Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Kairong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, ChemBIC (Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, ChemBIC (Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center), Nanjing University Nanjing 210023 China
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11
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Laeverenz-Schlogelhofer H, Wan KY. Bioelectric control of locomotor gaits in the walking ciliate Euplotes. Curr Biol 2024; 34:697-709.e6. [PMID: 38237598 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.12.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Diverse animal species exhibit highly stereotyped behavioral actions and locomotor sequences as they explore their natural environments. In many such cases, the neural basis of behavior is well established, where dedicated neural circuitry contributes to the initiation and regulation of certain response sequences. At the microscopic scale, single-celled eukaryotes (protists) also exhibit remarkably complex behaviors and yet are completely devoid of nervous systems. Here, to address the question of how single cells control behavior, we study locomotor patterning in the exemplary hypotrich ciliate Euplotes, a highly polarized cell, which actuates a large number of leg-like appendages called cirri (each a bundle of ∼25-50 cilia) to swim in fluids or walk on surfaces. As it navigates its surroundings, a walking Euplotes cell is routinely observed to perform side-stepping reactions, one of the most sophisticated maneuvers ever observed in a single-celled organism. These are spontaneous and stereotyped reorientation events involving a transient and fast backward motion followed by a turn. Combining high-speed imaging with simultaneous time-resolved electrophysiological recordings, we show that this complex coordinated motion sequence is tightly regulated by rapid membrane depolarization events, which orchestrate the activity of different cirri on the cell. Using machine learning and computer vision methods, we map detailed measurements of cirri dynamics to the cell's membrane bioelectrical activity, revealing a differential response in the front and back cirri. We integrate these measurements with a minimal model to understand how Euplotes-a unicellular organism-manipulates its membrane potential to achieve real-time control over its motor apparatus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsty Y Wan
- Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK.
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12
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Sundaresan A, Cheong I. Elucidating Bacterial Spore Dynamics through Lanthanide-Enhanced Live Imaging. ACS Sens 2024; 9:789-798. [PMID: 38221734 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c02083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Identifying and distinguishing dormant and active bacterial spores are vital for biosecurity, food safety, and space exploration. Yet, there is a lack of simple, quick, and nondestructive methods to achieve this. The common Schaeffer-Fulton method is both sample-destructive and requires significant operator involvement. In this study, we employed lanthanide-beta-diketonate complexes to directly observe both dormant and germinated single spores. Staining is instantaneous and requires minimal sample processing. The complex stains areas outside the core of dormant spores, leaving the core hollow and nonfluorescent. However, upon germination, the complex enters the core, making it brightly fluorescent. This difference was noted in five bacterial species including Bacillus, Clostridium, and Clostridioides. Various lanthanides and beta-diketonates can be mixed to form a range of spore-visualizing complexes. Due to their low toxicity, these complexes allow for live imaging of single germinating spores. We demonstrate low-cost imaging using a USB microscope as well as imaging of spores in milk matrices. This method provides a valuable tool for studying bacterial spores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajitha Sundaresan
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 117604 Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558 Singapore
| | - Ian Cheong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, National University of Singapore, 117604 Singapore
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117558 Singapore
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13
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Palanisamy V, Thirunavukkarasu P, Wijesuriya R. Recurrent Unilateral E. coli Breast Infection in a Non-Lactating Women: A Rare Case Report. Cureus 2024; 16:e53675. [PMID: 38322095 PMCID: PMC10844769 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast abscess is a common infection of the breast in humans, particularly affecting females who are lactating. Lactation mastitis is present in 2%-3% of women and approximately 5%-11% of patients may develop abscess. However, breast abscess in non-lactating women is extremely rare and there has only been limited literature published on this. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is usually found in the gastrointestinal and urogenital system, with no previous documentation of an E. coli infection in the breast. This case report summarizes the rare case of a fit and healthy adult female healthcare worker who presented with a recurrence of a unilateral E. coli breast abscess within three years. On review, there have not been any similar documented cases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ruwan Wijesuriya
- General Surgery, St. John of God Midland Public and Private Hospital, Perth, AUS
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14
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Wang S, Aljirafi FO, Payne GF, Bentley WE. Excite the unexcitable: engineering cells and redox signaling for targeted bioelectronic control. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2024; 85:103052. [PMID: 38150921 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2023.103052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
The ever-growing influence of technology in our lives has led to an increasing interest in the development of smart electronic devices to interrogate and control biological systems. Recently, redox-mediated electrogenetics introduced a novel avenue that enables direct bioelectronic control at the genetic level. In this review, we discuss recent advances in methodologies for bioelectronic control, ranging from electrical stimulation to engineering efforts that allow traditionally unexcitable cells to be electrically 'programmable.' Alongside ion-transport signaling, we suggest redox as a route for rational engineering because it is a native form of electronic communication in biology. Using redox as a common language allows the interfacing of electronics and biology. This newfound connection opens a gateway of possibilities for next-generation bioelectronic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Wang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Futoon O Aljirafi
- Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Gregory F Payne
- Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - William E Bentley
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, University of Maryland, Rockville, MD, USA; Fischell Institute of Biomedical Devices, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
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15
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Lyon
- Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.
| | - Ken Cheng
- School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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16
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Li YQ, He L, Aryal M, Wicander J, Korza G, Setlow P. Thioflavin-T does not report on electrochemical potential and memory of dormant or germinating bacterial spores. mBio 2023; 14:e0222023. [PMID: 37830807 PMCID: PMC10653816 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.02220-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Bacillus and Clostridium spores cause food spoilage and disease because of spores' dormancy and resistance to microbicides. However, when spores "come back to life" in germination, their resistance properties are lost. Thus, understanding the mechanisms of spore germination could facilitate the development of "germinate to eradicate" strategies. One germination feature is the memory of a pulsed germinant stimulus leading to greater germination following a second pulse. Recent observations of increases in spore binding of the potentiometric dye thioflavin-T early in their germination of spores led to the suggestion that increasing electrochemical potential is how spores "remember" germinant pulses. However, new work finds no increased thioflavin-T binding in the physiological germination of Coatless spores or of intact spores germinating with dodecylamine, even though spore memory is seen in both cases. Thus, using thioflavin-T uptake by germinating spores to assess the involvement of electrochemical potential in memory of germinant exposure, as suggested recently, is questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-qing Li
- School of Electrical Engineering and Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
- Department of Physics, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lin He
- School of Electrical Engineering and Intelligentization, Dongguan University of Technology, Dongguan, Guangdong, China
| | - Makunda Aryal
- Department of Physics, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina, USA
| | - James Wicander
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - George Korza
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
| | - Peter Setlow
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, UConn Health, Farmington, Connecticut, USA
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17
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Dai Y, Zhou Z, Kim K, Rivera N, Mohammed J, Hsu-Kim H, Chilkoti A, You L. Global control of cellular physiology by biomolecular condensates through modulation of electrochemical equilibria. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.19.563018. [PMID: 37904914 PMCID: PMC10614965 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.19.563018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Control of the electrochemical environment in living cells is typically attributed to ion channels. Here we show that the formation of biomolecular condensates can modulate the electrochemical environment in cells, which affects processes globally within the cell and interactions of the cell with its environment. Condensate formation results in the depletion or enrichment of certain ions, generating intracellular ion gradients. These gradients directly affect the electrochemical properties of a cell, including the cytoplasmic pH and hyperpolarization of the membrane potential. The modulation of the electrochemical equilibria between the intra- and extra-cellular environments by biomolecular condensates governs charge-dependent uptake of small molecules by cells, and thereby directly influences bacterial survival under antibiotic stress. The shift of the intracellular electrochemical equilibria by condensate formation also drives a global change of the gene expression profile. The control of the cytoplasmic environment by condensates is correlated with their volume fraction, which can be highly variable between cells due to the stochastic nature of gene expression at the single cell level. Thus, condensate formation can amplify cell-cell variability of the environmental effects induced by the shift of cellular electrochemical equilibria. Our work reveals new biochemical functions of condensates, which extend beyond the biomolecules driving and participating in condensate formation, and uncovers a new role of biomolecular condensates in cellular regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Biomolecular Condensates, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130
| | - Zhengqing Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
| | - Kyeri Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
| | - Nelson Rivera
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
| | - Javid Mohammed
- Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27705
| | - Heileen Hsu-Kim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
| | - Ashutosh Chilkoti
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
- Center for Quantitative Biodesign, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
| | - Lingchong You
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708
- Center for Quantitative Biodesign, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710
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18
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Baradaran-Seyed Z, Mosavari N, Pajoohi RA. A novel biphasic approach to reactivation of dormant Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis. J Microbiol Methods 2023; 212:106807. [PMID: 37573888 DOI: 10.1016/j.mimet.2023.106807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
A new culture technique that involves a potato slice and enriched Middlebrook 7H9 in a two-part glass tube has been developed to revive dormant or persistent Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis and acclimate it to Middlebrook 7H9 liquid media. This method is more efficient than directly introducing the bacteria into the liquid medium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Baradaran-Seyed
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran.
| | - Nader Mosavari
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Aref Pajoohi
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
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19
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Lingam M, Frank A, Balbi A. Planetary Scale Information Transmission in the Biosphere and Technosphere: Limits and Evolution. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1850. [PMID: 37763254 PMCID: PMC10532900 DOI: 10.3390/life13091850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Information transmission via communication between agents is ubiquitous on Earth, and is a vital facet of living systems. In this paper, we aim to quantify this rate of information transmission associated with Earth's biosphere and technosphere (i.e., a measure of global information flow) by means of a heuristic order-of-magnitude model. By adopting ostensibly conservative values for the salient parameters, we estimate that the global information transmission rate for the biosphere might be ∼1024 bits/s, and that it may perhaps exceed the corresponding rate for the current technosphere by ∼9 orders of magnitude. However, under the equivocal assumption of sustained exponential growth, we find that information transmission in the technosphere can potentially surpass that of the biosphere ∼90 years in the future, reflecting its increasing dominance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasvi Lingam
- Department of Aerospace, Physics and Space Sciences, Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, FL 32901, USA
- Department of Physics and Institute for Fusion Studies, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Adam Frank
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Amedeo Balbi
- Dipartimento di Fisica, Università di Roma “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Roma, Italy
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20
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Muñoz-Rodríguez D, Bourqqia-Ramzi M, García-Esteban MT, Murciano-Cespedosa A, Vian A, Lombardo-Hernández J, García-Pérez P, Conejero F, Mateos González Á, Geuna S, Herrera-Rincon C. Bioelectrical State of Bacteria Is Linked to Growth Dynamics and Response to Neurotransmitters: Perspectives for the Investigation of the Microbiota-Brain Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13394. [PMID: 37686197 PMCID: PMC10488255 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Inter-cellular communication is mediated by a sum of biochemical, biophysical, and bioelectrical signals. This might occur not only between cells belonging to the same tissue and/or animal species but also between cells that are, from an evolutionary point of view, far away. The possibility that bioelectrical communication takes place between bacteria and nerve cells has opened exciting perspectives in the study of the gut microbiota-brain axis. The aim of this paper is (i) to establish a reliable method for the assessment of the bioelectrical state of two bacterial strains: Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) and Limosilactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri); (ii) to monitor the bacterial bioelectrical profile throughout its growth dynamics; and (iii) to evaluate the effects of two neurotransmitters (glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid-GABA) on the bioelectrical signature of bacteria. Our results show that membrane potential (Vmem) and the proliferative capacity of the population are functionally linked in B. subtilis in each phase of the cell cycle. Remarkably, we demonstrate that bacteria respond to neural signals by changing Vmem properties. Finally, we show that Vmem changes in response to neural stimuli are present also in a microbiota-related strain L. reuteri. Our proof-of-principle data reveal a new methodological approach for the better understanding of the relation between bacteria and the brain, with a special focus on gut microbiota. Likewise, this approach will open exciting perspectives in the study of the inter-cellular mechanisms which regulate the bi-directional communication between bacteria and neurons and, ultimately, for designing gut microbiota-brain axis-targeted treatments for neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Muñoz-Rodríguez
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Marwane Bourqqia-Ramzi
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa García-Esteban
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (A.V.)
| | - Antonio Murciano-Cespedosa
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Neuro-Computing and Neuro-Robotics Research Group, Neural Plasticity Research Group Instituto Investigación Sanitaria Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandro Vian
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain (A.V.)
| | - Juan Lombardo-Hernández
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Pablo García-Pérez
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Conejero
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro Mateos González
- NYU-ECNU Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Shanghai New York University, Shanghai 200122, China;
| | - Stefano Geuna
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Celia Herrera-Rincon
- Biomathematics Unit, Data Analysis & Computational Tools for Biology Research Group, Department of Biodiversity, Ecology & Evolution, and Modeling, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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21
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Lyu F, Zhang T, Gui M, Wang Y, Zhao L, Wu X, Rao L, Liao X. The underlying mechanism of bacterial spore germination: An update review. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2023; 22:2728-2746. [PMID: 37125461 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.13160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial spores are highly resilient and universally present on earth and can irreversibly enter the food chain to cause food spoilage or foodborne illness once revived to resume vegetative growth. Traditionally, extensive thermal processing has been employed to efficiently kill spores; however, the relatively high thermal load adversely affects food quality attributes. In recent years, the germination-inactivation strategy has been developed to mildly kill spores based on the circumstance that germination can decrease spore-resilient properties. However, the failure to induce all spores to geminate, mainly owing to the heterogeneous germination behavior of spores, hampers the success of applying this strategy in the food industry. Undoubtedly, elucidating the detailed germination pathway and underlying mechanism can fill the gap in our understanding of germination heterogeneity, thereby facilitating the development of full-scale germination regimes to mildly kill spores. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the mechanisms of spore germination of Bacillus and Clostridium species, and update the molecular basis of the early germination events, for example, the activation of germination receptors, ion release, Ca-DPA release, and molecular events, combined with the latest research evidence. Moreover, high hydrostatic pressure (HHP), an advanced non-thermal food processing technology, can also trigger spore germination, providing a basis for the application of a germination-inactivation strategy in HHP processing. Here, we also summarize the diverse germination behaviors and mechanisms of spores of Bacillus and Clostridium species under HHP, with the aim of facilitating HHP as a mild processing technology with possible applications in food sterilization. Practical Application: This work provides fundamental basis for developing efficient killing strategies of bacterial spores in food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengzhi Lyu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Zhang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Gui
- Fisheries Science Institute Beijing Academy of Agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongtao Wang
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Wu
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Rao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Liao
- College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, National Engineering Research Center for Fruit and Vegetable Processing, Key Laboratory of Fruit and Vegetable Processing of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Beijing Key Laboratory for Food Non-Thermal Processing, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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22
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Sawers RG. Perspective elucidating the physiology of a microbial cell: Neidhardt's Holy Grail. Mol Microbiol 2023; 120:54-59. [PMID: 36855806 DOI: 10.1111/mmi.15051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
A living microbial cell represents a system of high complexity, integration, and extreme order. All processes within that cell interconvert free energy through a multitude of interconnected metabolic reactions that help to maintain the cell in a state of low entropy, which is a characteristic of all living systems. The study of macromolecular interactions outside this cellular environment yields valuable information about the molecular function of macromolecules but represents a system in comparative disorder. Consequently, care must always be taken in interpreting the information gleaned from such studies and must be compared with how the same macromolecules function in vivo, otherwise, discrepancies can arise. The importance of combining reductionist approaches with the study of whole-cell microbial physiology is discussed regarding the long-term aim of understanding how a cell functions in its entirety. This can only be achieved by the continued development of high-resolution structural and multi-omic technologies. It is only by studying the whole cell that we can ever hope to understand how living systems function.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Gary Sawers
- Institute of Microbiology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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23
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Moir A. Spore germination receptors - a new paradigm. Trends Microbiol 2023:S0966-842X(23)00165-8. [PMID: 37270332 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2023.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
David Rudner and his team (Gao et al.) predict a pentameric structure for the GerA alanine-responsive germination receptor of Bacillus subtilis and demonstrate that it behaves as a nutrient-gated ion channel, finally establishing a function for this novel family of receptors and focussing research on early ion movements in germination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Moir
- School of Biosciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK.
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24
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Stülke J, Grüppen A, Bramkamp M, Pelzer S. Bacillus subtilis, a Swiss Army Knife in Science and Biotechnology. J Bacteriol 2023; 205:e0010223. [PMID: 37140386 PMCID: PMC10210981 DOI: 10.1128/jb.00102-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Next to Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis is the most studied and best understood organism that also serves as a model for many important pathogens. Due to its ability to form heat-resistant spores that can germinate even after very long periods of time, B. subtilis has attracted much scientific interest. Another feature of B. subtilis is its genetic competence, a developmental state in which B. subtilis actively takes up exogenous DNA. This makes B. subtilis amenable to genetic manipulation and investigation. The bacterium was one of the first with a fully sequenced genome, and it has been subject to a wide variety of genome- and proteome-wide studies that give important insights into many aspects of the biology of B. subtilis. Due to its ability to secrete large amounts of proteins and to produce a wide range of commercially interesting compounds, B. subtilis has become a major workhorse in biotechnology. Here, we review the development of important aspects of the research on B. subtilis with a specific focus on its cell biology and biotechnological and practical applications from vitamin production to concrete healing. The intriguing complexity of the developmental programs of B. subtilis, paired with the availability of sophisticated tools for genetic manipulation, positions it at the leading edge for discovering new biological concepts and deepening our understanding of the organization of bacterial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Stülke
- Department of General Microbiology, Institute for Microbiology and Genetics, GZMB, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Marc Bramkamp
- Institute for General Microbiology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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Gao Y, Amon JD, Artzi L, Ramírez-Guadiana FH, Brock KP, Cofsky JC, Marks DS, Kruse AC, Rudner DZ. Bacterial spore germination receptors are nutrient-gated ion channels. Science 2023; 380:387-391. [PMID: 37104613 PMCID: PMC11154005 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg9829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Bacterial spores resist antibiotics and sterilization and can remain metabolically inactive for decades, but they can rapidly germinate and resume growth in response to nutrients. Broadly conserved receptors embedded in the spore membrane detect nutrients, but how spores transduce these signals remains unclear. Here, we found that these receptors form oligomeric membrane channels. Mutations predicted to widen the channel initiated germination in the absence of nutrients, whereas those that narrow it prevented ion release and germination in response to nutrients. Expressing receptors with widened channels during vegetative growth caused loss of membrane potential and cell death, whereas the addition of germinants to cells expressing wild-type receptors triggered membrane depolarization. Therefore, germinant receptors act as nutrient-gated ion channels such that ion release initiates exit from dormancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Gao
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical ScF(2hool, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston MA 02115
| | - Jeremy D. Amon
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical ScF(2hool, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston MA 02115
- Present Address: Moderna Genomics, 200 Technology Square, Cambridge MA 02139
| | - Lior Artzi
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical ScF(2hool, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston MA 02115
- Present Address: Evolved By Nature, 196 Boston Ave, Medford MA 02155
| | | | - Kelly P. Brock
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115
- Present Address: Kernal Biologics, 238 Main Street, Cambrdige MA 02142
| | - Joshua C. Cofsky
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115
| | - Deborah S. Marks
- Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, 200 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115
| | - Andrew C. Kruse
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, Harvard Medical School, 250 Longwood Avenue, Boston MA 02115
| | - David Z. Rudner
- Department of Microbiology, Harvard Medical ScF(2hool, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Boston MA 02115
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Rezaie M, Choi S. Moisture-Enabled Germination of Heat-Activated Bacillus Endospores for Rapid and Practical Bioelectricity Generation: Toward Portable, Storable Bacteria-Powered Biobatteries. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023:e2301135. [PMID: 36932936 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202301135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Small-scale battery-like microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a promising alternative power source for future low-power electronics. Controllable microbial electrocatalytic activity in a miniaturized MFC with unlimited biodegradable energy resources would enable simple power generation in various environmental settings. However, the short shelf-life of living biocatalysts, few ways to activate the stored biocatalysts, and extremely low electrocatalytic capabilities render the miniature MFCs unsuitable for practical use. Here, heat-activated Bacillus subtilis spores are revolutionarily used as a dormant biocatalyst that can survive storage and rapidly germinate when exposed to special nutrients that are preloaded in the device. A microporous, graphene hydrogel allows the adsorption of moisture from the air, moves the nutrients to the spores, and triggers their germination for power generation. In particular, forming a CuO-hydrogel anode and an Ag2 O-hydrogel cathode promotes superior electrocatalytic activities leading to an exceptionally high electrical performance in the MFC. The battery-type MFC device is readily activated by moisture harvesting, producing a maximum power density of 0.4 mW cm-2 and a maximum current density of 2.2 mA cm-2 . The MFC configuration is readily stackable in series and a three-MFC pack produces enough power for several low-power applications, demonstrating its practical feasibility as a sole power source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Rezaie
- Bioelectronics and Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Seokheun Choi
- Bioelectronics and Microsystems Laboratory, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
- Center for Research in Advanced Sensing Technologies and Environmental Sustainability, State University of New York at Binghamton, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
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de Souza‐Guerreiro TC, Bondelli G, Grobas I, Donini S, Sesti V, Bertarelli C, Lanzani G, Asally M, Paternò GM. Membrane Targeted Azobenzene Drives Optical Modulation of Bacterial Membrane Potential. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2205007. [PMID: 36710255 PMCID: PMC10015841 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202205007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that bacterial membrane potential is dynamic and plays signaling roles. Yet, little is still known about the mechanisms of membrane potential dynamics regulation-owing to a scarcity of appropriate research tools. Optical modulation of bacterial membrane potential could fill this gap and provide a new approach for studying and controlling bacterial physiology and electrical signaling. Here, the authors show that a membrane-targeted azobenzene (Ziapin2) can be used to photo-modulate the membrane potential in cells of the Gram-positive bacterium Bacillus subtilis. It is found that upon exposure to blue-green light (λ = 470 nm), isomerization of Ziapin2 in the bacteria membrane induces hyperpolarization of the potential. To investigate the origin of this phenomenon, ion-channel-deletion strains and ion channel blockers are examined. The authors found that in presence of the chloride channel blocker idanyloxyacetic acid-94 (IAA-94) or in absence of KtrAB potassium transporter, the hyperpolarization response is attenuated. These results reveal that the Ziapin2 isomerization can induce ion channel opening in the bacterial membrane and suggest that Ziapin2 can be used for studying and controlling bacterial electrical signaling. This new optical tool could contribute to better understand various microbial phenomena, such as biofilm electric signaling and antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gaia Bondelli
- Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TeconologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Iago Grobas
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry LaboratoryOxfordOX1 3QZUK
| | - Stefano Donini
- Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TeconologiaMilano20133Italy
| | - Valentina Sesti
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta” Politecnico di MilanoMilano20133Italy
| | - Chiara Bertarelli
- Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering “Giulio Natta” Politecnico di MilanoMilano20133Italy
| | - Guglielmo Lanzani
- Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TeconologiaMilano20133Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di MilanoMilano20133Italy
| | - Munehiro Asally
- School of Life SciencesUniversity of WarwickCoventryCV4 7ALUK
| | - Giuseppe Maria Paternò
- Center for Nanoscience and TechnologyIstituto Italiano di TeconologiaMilano20133Italy
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di MilanoMilano20133Italy
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