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Perelomov L, Rajput VD, Gertsen M, Sizova O, Perelomova I, Kozmenko S, Minkina T, Atroshchenko Y. Ecological features of trace elements tolerant microbes isolated from sewage sludge of urban wastewater treatment plant. STRESS BIOLOGY 2024; 4:8. [PMID: 38273092 PMCID: PMC10810767 DOI: 10.1007/s44154-023-00144-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Worldwide wastewater treatment plants generate enormous amounts of sewage sludge, and their further disposal depends on the treatment technologies applied and spontaneously occurring microbiological processes. From different ages urban sewage sludge, 12 strains of bacteria with simultaneous tolerance to two or more trace elements: Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb at concentration of 3-5 mmol were isolated and identified by PCR of target genes and Sanger sequencing methods. The isloated metal(loids) tolerant strains belong to the species, i.e., Serratia fonticola, Rhodococcus qingshengii, Pseudomonas fragi, Pseudomonas extremaustralis, Pseudomonas cedrina, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Serratia liquefaciens and Citrobacter freundii. The ecological features of the isolated strains were studied. The optimal growth temperatures for most strains was 15-30°C at pH range of 5-9, although some strains grew at 7°C (Pseudomonas fragi SS0-4, Serratia fonticola SS0-9 and Serratia fonticola SS12-11). Satisfactory growth of two strains (Serratia fonticola SS0-1and Citrobacter freundii SS60-12) was noted in an acidic medium at pH 4. Most of the strains grew in the NaCl concentration range of 1-5%. The isolated bacteria resistant to high concentrations of trace elements can be used for the effective mineralization of sewage sludge and for the decontamination of wastewater.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Perelomov
- Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University (Lev Tolstoy University), Lenin Avenue, 125, Tula, 300026, Russia.
| | - V D Rajput
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, 344006, Russia
| | - M Gertsen
- Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University (Lev Tolstoy University), Lenin Avenue, 125, Tula, 300026, Russia
| | - O Sizova
- Federal Research Center "Pushchino Scientific Center for Biological Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences", G. K. Skryabin Institute of Biochemistry and Physiology of Microorganisms of RAS, Pushchino, 142290, Russia
| | - I Perelomova
- Tula State University, Lenin Avenue, 92, Tula, 300026, Russia
| | - S Kozmenko
- Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University (Lev Tolstoy University), Lenin Avenue, 125, Tula, 300026, Russia
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, 344006, Russia
| | - T Minkina
- Academy of Biology and Biotechnology, Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, 344006, Russia
| | - Y Atroshchenko
- Tula State Lev Tolstoy Pedagogical University (Lev Tolstoy University), Lenin Avenue, 125, Tula, 300026, Russia
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2
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Microbial silver resistance mechanisms: recent developments. World J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 38:158. [PMID: 35821348 DOI: 10.1007/s11274-022-03341-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
In this mini-review, after a brief introduction into the widespread antimicrobial use of silver ions and nanoparticles against bacteria, fungi and viruses, the toxicity of silver compounds and the molecular mechanisms of microbial silver resistance are discussed, including recent studies on bacteria and fungi. The similarities and differences between silver ions and silver nanoparticles as antimicrobial agents are also mentioned. Regarding bacterial ionic silver resistance, the roles of the sil operon, silver cation efflux proteins, and copper-silver efflux systems are explained. The importance of bacterially produced exopolysaccharides as a physiological (biofilm) defense mechanism against silver nanoparticles is also emphasized. Regarding fungal silver resistance, the roles of metallothioneins, copper-transporting P-type ATPases and cell wall are discussed. Recent evolutionary engineering (adaptive laboratory evolution) studies are also discussed which revealed that silver resistance can evolve rapidly in bacteria and fungi. The cross-resistance observed between silver resistance and resistance to other heavy metals and antibiotics in bacteria and fungi is also explained as a clinically and environmentally important issue. The use of silver against bacterial and fungal biofilm formation is also discussed. Finally, the antiviral effects of silver and the use of silver nanoparticles against SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses are mentioned. To conclude, silver compounds are becoming increasingly important as antimicrobial agents, and their widespread use necessitates detailed understanding of microbial silver response and resistance mechanisms, as well as the ecological effects of silver compounds. Figure created with BioRender.com.
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Njoku KL, Ude EO, Jegede TO, Adeyanju OZ, Iheme PO. Characterization of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms from Glycine max and Zea mays phytoremediated crude oil contaminated soil. Environ Anal Health Toxicol 2022; 37:e2022008-0. [PMID: 35878916 PMCID: PMC9314210 DOI: 10.5620/eaht.2022008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbe-plant partnership in phytoremediation involves a synergistic interaction that leads to degradation of contaminants. The identification and characterization of these microorganisms is fundamental in environmental management. This study is aimed at investigating the influence of Glycine max and Zea mays on microbial make-up and differentiation of soil bacterial and fungal isolates in crude oil contaminated soil. We employed conventional technique of microbial isolation and gene sequencing to evaluate the microbial composition in crude oil contaminated soil. The microorganisms were isolated from crude oil contaminated soil (0%, 4%, 8%) and were identified using 16S rRNA gene (for bacteria) and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene (for fungi). We observed a change in the microbial cell density with respect to treatment conditions implying a shift in microbial dynamics to total hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria as the dominant microbes. The sequence data revealed five bacteria strain; Klebsiella aerogenes strain 77, Klebsiella aerogenes strain UISO178, Salmonella enterica strain ABUH7, Klebsiella aerogenes strain M242 and Enterobacter sp. NCCP-607 and three fungi strains; Galactomyces geotrichum strain CBS, Aspergillus niger strain YMCHA73 and Trichoderma virens isolate A701. Annotation analysis using FGENESB and gene scan revealed proteins involved in various metabolic processes and hydrocarbon utilization. GHOSTKOLA output revealed several genetic elements and pathways such as DnaA, PYG, mrcA, environmental, cellular and genetic information processing and degradation enhancers. Our findings show that G. max and Z. mays in association with bacteria can enhance ecosystem restoration of crude oil contaminated soil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelechi L Njoku
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos,
Nigeria
- Correspondence:
| | - Eme O Ude
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos,
Nigeria
- Helmholtz Zentrum UFZ, Department of Environmental Biotechnology, Leipzig,
Germany
| | - Temitope O Jegede
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos,
Nigeria
| | - Omotoyosi Z Adeyanju
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos,
Nigeria
| | - Patricia O Iheme
- Environmental Biology Research Unit, Cell Biology and Genetics Department, University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos,
Nigeria
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4
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Uqab B, Nazir R, Ganai BA, Rahi P. In vitro Sequestration of Molecular and Mass Spectra Characterized Metallophilic Cadmium Tolerant Bacteria for Sustainable Agriculture. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:845853. [PMID: 35479643 PMCID: PMC9038000 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.845853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to industrialization, the contamination of toxic metals in soils is currently one of the major concerns to scientists worldwide. The presence of high concentrations of heavy metals including cadmium in the environment is mainly attributed to human activities. Being a highly toxic metal, cadmium can enter plant cell transporters usually used for the uptake of essential cations, such as iron, calcium, and zinc. This study deals with the appraisement of response and tolerance shown by various bacteria in varied cadmium concentrations (100-1,000 ppm). The optical density (OD) of the isolates was measured to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cadmium. Isolated bacteria have been identified using 16S rRNA gene sequence and Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Among the 72 isolates, 07 (Bacillus pumilus, Enterobacter kobei, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas mandelii, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas avellanae, and Staphylococcus equorum), isolates had efficacy for cadmium tolerance and showed sequestration potential at varying MIC. Furthermore, K. pneumonia was observed to have the highest (900 ppm) tolerance for cadmium and the lowest (600 ppm) was shown by E. kobei. Besides, K. pneumonia showed the highest (75.2%) sequestration potential while the least (52.4%) potential was observed for P. putida. These cadmium tolerant species can be implemented in contaminated environments for detoxification and elimination of cadmium from these agricultural fields. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baba Uqab
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Ruqeya Nazir
- Center of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India,*Correspondence: Ruqeya Nazir,
| | - Bashir Ahmad Ganai
- Center of Research for Development, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Praveen Rahi
- National Center for Microbial Resource, National Center for Cell Science, Pune, India
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5
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Heavy metal resistant bacteria from coal dumping site with plant growth promoting potentials. Biologia (Bratisl) 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11756-021-00963-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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6
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Ehrlich H, Bailey E, Wysokowski M, Jesionowski T. Forced Biomineralization: A Review. Biomimetics (Basel) 2021; 6:46. [PMID: 34287234 PMCID: PMC8293141 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics6030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically induced and controlled mineralization of metals promotes the development of protective structures to shield cells from thermal, chemical, and ultraviolet stresses. Metal biomineralization is widely considered to have been relevant for the survival of life in the environmental conditions of ancient terrestrial oceans. Similar behavior is seen among extremophilic biomineralizers today, which have evolved to inhabit a variety of industrial aqueous environments with elevated metal concentrations. As an example of extreme biomineralization, we introduce the category of "forced biomineralization", which we use to refer to the biologically mediated sequestration of dissolved metals and metalloids into minerals. We discuss forced mineralization as it is known to be carried out by a variety of organisms, including polyextremophiles in a range of psychrophilic, thermophilic, anaerobic, alkaliphilic, acidophilic, and halophilic conditions, as well as in environments with very high or toxic metal ion concentrations. While much additional work lies ahead to characterize the various pathways by which these biominerals form, forced biomineralization has been shown to provide insights for the progression of extreme biomimetics, allowing for promising new forays into creating the next generation of composites using organic-templating approaches under biologically extreme laboratory conditions relevant to a wide range of industrial conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Ehrlich
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor Materials, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61614 Poznan, Poland
- Centre for Climate Change Research, Toronto, ON M4P 1J4, Canada
- ICUBE-University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Bailey
- Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Marcin Wysokowski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Teofil Jesionowski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
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7
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Zaki SAEF, Kamal A, Ashmawy NA, Shoeib AA. Nano-metals forming bacteria in Egypt. I. Synthesis, characterization and effect on some phytopathogenic bacteria in vitro. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12876. [PMID: 34145331 PMCID: PMC8213709 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92171-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial metal reducers were isolated from water samples collected from harsh condition locations in Egypt. Four selected isolates were identified as Enterococcus thailandicus, Pseudomonas putida, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus, and P. geniculata for Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Cobalt (Co) and Zinc (Zn) Nanoparticles (NPs) production sequentially. Nitrate reductase enzyme was assayed for bacterial isolates which demonstrated that P. putida, and M. hydrocarbonoclasticus have the maximum enzyme production. The produced NPs were characterized by using XRD, TEM, UV-VIS spectroscopy. Magnetic properties for all selected metals NPs were measured using Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) and demonstrated that FeNPs recorded the highest magnetization value. The antibacterial activity of selected metals NPs was tested against some phytopathogenic bacteria causing the following diseases: soft rot (Pectobacterium carotovorum, Enterobacter cloacae), blackleg (Pectobacterium atrosepticum and Dickeya solani), brown rot (Ralstonia solanacearum), fire blight (Erwinia amylovora) and crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens). All metals NPs showed an antagonistic effect against the tested isolates, particularly, FeNPs showed the highest antibacterial activity followed by CuNPs, and ZnNPs. Due to the small size, high reactivity, and large surface area of biologically synthesized NPs, they are used as a good disinfector, and can be considered as a new and alternative approach to traditional disease management methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Abd El-Fatah Zaki
- grid.420020.40000 0004 0483 2576Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ayman Kamal
- grid.420020.40000 0004 0483 2576Environmental Biotechnology Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Nader A. Ashmawy
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Alia A. Shoeib
- grid.7155.60000 0001 2260 6941Plant Pathology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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8
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Uqab B, Nazir R, Ahmad Ganai B, Rahi P, Rehman S, Farooq S, Dar R, Parray JA, Fahad Al-Arjani Al-Arjani AB, Tabassum B, Fathi Abd Allah E. MALDI-TOF-MS and 16S rRNA characterization of lead tolerant metallophile bacteria isolated from saffron soils of Kashmir for their sequestration potential. Saudi J Biol Sci 2020; 27:2047-2053. [PMID: 32714029 PMCID: PMC7376117 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2020.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxic metal contamination in soils due industrialization is nowadays a concern to the scientists worldwide. The current study deals with the evaluation of response and tolerance by isolated metallophilic bacteria in different lead concentrations (100 ppm to 1000 ppm). By taking optical densities of the isolates, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Pb2+ were determined.16S rRNA and MALDI-TOF MS were used for the identification of the bacteria. Total of 37 isolates were observed, among them 04 (Staphylococcus equorum, Staphylococcus warneri, Bacillus safensis and Bacillus thuringiensis), isolated were detected having efficacy of Pb2+tolerance and sequestration at varying MIC. Furthermore, B. thuringiensis was observed to have highest (900 ppm) tolerance for lead and lowest (500 ppm) for Staphylococcus warneri. Moreover, the highest (65.3%) sequestration potential has been observed for B. thuringiensis and least (52.8%) for S. warneri. The tolerance and sequestration potential properties of these isolated species can be utilised to exterminate heavy metals and reduce their toxicity from the contaminated environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baba Uqab
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Ruqeya Nazir
- Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Bashir Ahmad Ganai
- Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Praveen Rahi
- National Centre For Microbial Research (NCMR), Pune, India
| | - Sabeehah Rehman
- Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Saleem Farooq
- Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Rubiya Dar
- Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India
| | - Javid A Parray
- Centre of Research for Development (CORD), University of Kashmir, 190006 Jammu & Kashmir, India.,Govt SAM Degree College Budgam, JK 191111, India
| | | | - Baby Tabassum
- Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Govt. Raza P.G. College Rampur, 244901 U.P., India
| | - Elsayed Fathi Abd Allah
- Plant Production Department, College of Food and Agricultural Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box. 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
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9
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Alves Ferreira D, Martins LMDRS, Fernandes AR, Martins M. A Tale of Two Ends: Repurposing Metallic Compounds from Anti-Tumour Agents to Effective Antibacterial Activity. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9060321. [PMID: 32545357 PMCID: PMC7344542 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9060321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The rise in antibiotic resistance coupled with the gap in the discovery of active molecules has driven the need for more effective antimicrobials while focusing the attention into the repurpose of already existing drugs. Here, we evaluated the potential antibacterial activity of one cobalt and two zinc metallic compounds previously reported as having anticancer properties. Compounds were tested against a range of Gram-positive and -negative bacteria. The determination of the minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentrations (MIC/MBC) of the drugs were used to assess their potential antibacterial activity and their effect on bacterial growth. Motility assays were conducted by exposing the bacteria to sub-MIC of each of the compounds. The effect of sub-MIC of the compounds on the membrane permeability was measured by ethidium bromide (EtBr) accumulation assay. Cell viability assays were performed in human cells. Compound TS262 was the most active against the range of bacteria tested. No effect was observed on the motility or accumulation of EtBr for any of the bacteria tested. Cell viability assays demonstrated that the compounds showed a decrease in cell viability at the MIC. These results are promising, and further studies on these compounds can lead to the development of new effective antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Alves Ferreira
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02PN40, Ireland;
| | - Luísa M. D. R. S. Martins
- Centro de Química Estrutural and Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Alexandra R. Fernandes
- UCIBIO, Departamento Ciências da Vida, Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia, Campus de Caparica, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence: (A.R.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +351-212948530 (ext. 11107) (A.R.F.); +353-1-896-1194 (M.M.)
| | - Marta Martins
- Department of Microbiology, Moyne Institute of Preventive Medicine, School of Genetics and Microbiology, Trinity College Dublin, the University of Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2, D02PN40, Ireland;
- Correspondence: (A.R.F.); (M.M.); Tel.: +351-212948530 (ext. 11107) (A.R.F.); +353-1-896-1194 (M.M.)
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10
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A Rapid and High Throughput MIC Determination Method to Screen Uranium Resistant Microorganisms. Methods Protoc 2020; 3:mps3010021. [PMID: 32138252 PMCID: PMC7189662 DOI: 10.3390/mps3010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The assessment of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is a conventional technique used for the screening of microbial resistance against antibiotics, biocides, and contaminants such as heavy metals. However, as part of our ongoing work, we have observed biases associated with using traditional liquid MIC method to screen microbial heavy metal resistance, including both bacterial and fungal strains. Specifically, the addition of uranium into synthetic media causes immediate precipitation prior to the initiation of microbial growth, thus hampering the optical density measurements, and the obtained MIC values are thus flawed and inaccurate. To address this discrepancy, we report the optimization and development of a serial-dilution-based MIC method conducted on solid growth media supplemented with uranium, which is more accurate, relative to the testing of MICs performed in liquid cultures. Notably, we report on the efficacy of this method to screen not only bacteria that are resistant to uranium but also demonstrate the successful application to yeast and fungal isolates, for their ability to resist uranium, is more accurate and sensitive relative to the liquid method. We believe that this newly developed method to screen heavy metal resistance, such as uranium, is far superior to the existing liquid MIC method and propose replacing the liquid assay with the solid plate MIC reported herein.
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11
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Bazzi W, Abou Fayad AG, Nasser A, Haraoui LP, Dewachi O, Abou-Sitta G, Nguyen VK, Abara A, Karah N, Landecker H, Knapp C, McEvoy MM, Zaman MH, Higgins PG, Matar GM. Heavy Metal Toxicity in Armed Conflicts Potentiates AMR in A. baumannii by Selecting for Antibiotic and Heavy Metal Co-resistance Mechanisms. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:68. [PMID: 32117111 PMCID: PMC7008767 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii has become increasingly resistant to leading antimicrobial agents since the 1970s. Increased resistance appears linked to armed conflicts, notably since widespread media stories amplified clinical reports in the wake of the American invasion of Iraq in 2003. Antimicrobial resistance is usually assumed to arise through selection pressure exerted by antimicrobial treatment, particularly where treatment is inadequate, as in the case of low dosing, substandard antimicrobial agents, or shortened treatment course. Recently attention has focused on an emerging pathogen, multi-drug resistant A. baumannii (MDRAb). MDRAb gained media attention after being identified in American soldiers returning from Iraq and treated in US military facilities, where it was termed "Iraqibacter." However, MDRAb is strongly associated in the literature with war injuries that are heavily contaminated by both environmental debris and shrapnel from weapons. Both may harbor substantial amounts of toxic heavy metals. Interestingly, heavy metals are known to also select for antimicrobial resistance. In this review we highlight the potential causes of antimicrobial resistance by heavy metals, with a focus on its emergence in A. baumanni in war zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Bazzi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Antoine G. Abou Fayad
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aya Nasser
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Louis-Patrick Haraoui
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Omar Dewachi
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, United States
| | | | - Vinh-Kim Nguyen
- The Graduate Institute of International and Developmental Studies, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aula Abara
- Department of Infection, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nabil Karah
- Department of Molecular Biology, Umea University, Umea, Sweden
| | - Hannah Landecker
- Department of Sociology and Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Charles Knapp
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Megan M. McEvoy
- Institute for Society and Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Muhammad H. Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Paul G. Higgins
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ghassan M. Matar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center for Infectious Diseases Research, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
- World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Center for Reference and Research on Bacterial Pathogens, Beirut, Lebanon
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12
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Azad SA, Farjana M, Mazumder B, Abdullah-Al-Mamun M, Haque ABMI. Molecular identification of a Bacillus cereus strain from Murrah buffalo milk showed in vitro bioremediation properties on selective heavy metals. J Adv Vet Anim Res 2019; 7:62-68. [PMID: 32219111 PMCID: PMC7096113 DOI: 10.5455/javar.2020.g394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aims for molecular identification of naturally growing Bacillus cereus strain from a unique source, able to survive, and alleviate heavy metals from the nature. Materials and Methods: Pure isolate from Murrah buffalo milk was prepared in B. cereus selective Polymyxin pyruvate egg-yolk mannitol–bromothymol blue agar (PEMBA) medium through a cascade of contamination free subcultures. The morphological and biochemical tests were done prior to 16S rRNA gene sequencing for strain identification and further physiological tests. The test strain was inoculated in both solid and suspension culture medium supplemented individually with Cd, Cu, Ag, and Zn to reveal the qualitative and quantitative heavy metal tolerance properties, respectively. Finally, the data collected from the in vitro assessment was statistically analyzed Results: Molecular analysis revealed that the test strain was B. cereus BF2, which was motile, catalase positive and Gram positive rod. B. cereus BF2 was found significant at 0.3% bile salt tolerance [two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA)—p value is < 0.0001] where, t-test p value is < 0.0002 between Control Group (CG) and TGR-1; p < 0.037 between TGR-1 and 2; p < 0.0014 between CG and TGR-2. Similarly, B. cereus BF2 was significant in pH tolerant up to 8.0 with p < 0.0115 (in scale p < 0.05). The heavy metal tolerance test revealed that the test metals could not stop the growth of B. cereus BF2 even after 24 h of incubation but partially suppressed the growth kinetics for letting into stationary phase. Among the four heavy metals, Cd and Zn showed partial antagonism to the growth of B. cereus BF2. The survivability was highly significant in the medium supplemented with Zn (p < 0.0001) and Ag (p < 0.018). Conclusion: Bacillus cereus BF2 can survive in selective heavy metals with metal resistance and biodegradation capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salauddin Al Azad
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Mithila Farjana
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Bipasha Mazumder
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdullah-Al-Mamun
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
| | - A B M Inamul Haque
- Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering Discipline, Life Science School, Khulna University, Khulna 9208, Bangladesh
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Mansi A, Boccuni F, Iavicoli S. Nanomaterials as a new opportunity for protecting workers from biological risk. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2019; 57:668-675. [PMID: 30814393 PMCID: PMC6885598 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2018-0197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) represent a frequent complication for hospitalized patients and more rarely for workers. In recent years, substantial scientific evidence has been reached regarding the role played by the inanimate surfaces, especially those touched in patient-care areas, in the transmission of nosocomial pathogens. Therefore, it is essential to find new collective protective measures to minimize microbial contamination in healthcare facilities, thereby preventing the spread of multi-drug resistant bacteria. We present an overview of the major nano-enabled AntiMicrobial Coatings (AMCs) which may be used as collective protective measures in healthcare setting, discussing also some aspects related to their effectiveness and safety. AMCs may be classified within three groups on base of their mechanism of action: surfaces releasing active compound, contact-killing surfaces and anti-adhesive surfaces. To date, little information is available on the effectiveness of AMCs to reduce the risk of HAIs since the most of studies do not reach conclusive results on their beneficial effects. Moreover, the lack of standard protocols for assessing antimicrobial efficacy and poor data about the interaction between AMCs and disinfectants prevent their placing on the market. Further studies are needed for assessing risks and benefits of AMCs as collective protective measures in healthcare setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Mansi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Italy
| | - Fabio Boccuni
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Italy
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Italy
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Khan I, Aftab M, Shakir S, Ali M, Qayyum S, Rehman MU, Haleem KS, Touseef I. Mycoremediation of heavy metal (Cd and Cr)-polluted soil through indigenous metallotolerant fungal isolates. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:585. [PMID: 31440913 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7769-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Remediation of heavy metals, other than microbial bioleaching method, is expensive and unsuitable for large contaminated areas. The current study was aimed to isolate, identify, and test the potential of indigenous fungal strains for heavy metal removal from contaminated soil. A total of three metallotolerant fungal strains, i.e., Aspergillus niger (M1DGR), Aspergillus fumigatus (M3Ai), and Penicillium rubens (M2Aii), were isolated and identified by phenotyping and genotyping from heavy metal-contaminated soil of Hattar Industrial Estate, Pakistan. A. niger was found to be the most successful strain for the removal of heavy metals from the contaminated soil with maximum bioaccumulation efficiency of 98% (Cd) and 43% (Cr). In contrast, A. fumigatus showed comparatively low but still considerable bioleaching potential, i.e., 79% and 69% for Cd and Cr removal, respectively. Maximum metal uptake efficiency, i.e., 0.580 mg g-1 and 0.152 mg g-1 by A. niger strain was noticed for Cd and Cr with Czapek yeast extract (CYE) and Sabouraud dextrose broth (SDB) media, respectively. A. fumigatus (M3Ai) exhibited the maximum bioleaching capacity (0.40 mg g-1) for Cr with CYE medium. The results reveal that A. niger M1DGR and A. fumigatus M3Ai could be used to develop new strategies to remediate soil contaminated with heavy metals (Cd and Cr) through either in situ or ex situ mycoremediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrar Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Abbottabad University of Science & Technology, Abbottabad, 22010, Pakistan.
| | - Maryam Aftab
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - SajidUllah Shakir
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Madiha Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Sadia Qayyum
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Mujadda Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Abbottabad University of Science & Technology, Abbottabad, 22010, Pakistan
| | - Kashif Syed Haleem
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan
| | - Isfahan Touseef
- Department of Microbiology, Hazara University, Mansehra, 21300, Pakistan.
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Yusuf I, Ahmad SA, Phang LY, Yasid NA, Shukor MY. Effective production of keratinase by gellan gum-immobilised Alcaligenes sp. AQ05-001 using heavy metal-free and polluted feather wastes as substrates. 3 Biotech 2019; 9:32. [PMID: 30622870 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-018-1555-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability of gellan gum-immobilised cells of the heavy metal-tolerant bacterium Alcaligenes sp. AQ05-001 to utilise both heavy metal-free and heavy metal-polluted feathers (HMPFs) as substrates to produce keratinase enzyme was studied. Optimisation of the media pH, incubation temperature and immobilisation parameters (bead size, bead number, gellan gum concentration) was determined for the best possible production of keratinase using the one-factor-at-a-time technique. The results showed that the immobilised cells could tolerate a broader range of heavy metal concentrations and produced higher keratinase activity at a gellan gum concentration of 0.8% (w/v), a bead size of 3 mm, bead number of 250, pH of 8 and temperature of 30 °C. The entrapped bacterium was used repeatedly for ten cycles to produce keratinase using feathers polluted with 25 ppm of Co, Cu and Ag as substrates without the need for desorption. However, its inability to tolerate/utilise feathers polluted with Hg, Pb, and Zn above 5 ppm, and Ag and Cd above 10 ppm resulted in a considerable decrease in keratinase production. Furthermore, the immobilised cells could retain approximately 95% of their keratinase production capacity when 5 ppm of Co, Cu, and Ag, and 10 ppm of As and Cd were used to pollute feathers. When the feathers containing a mixture of Ag, Co, and Cu at 25 ppm each and Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn at 5 ppm each were used as substrates, the immobilised cells maintained their operational stability and biological activity (keratinase production) at the end of 3rd and 4th cycles, respectively. The study indicates that HMPF can be effectively utilised as a substrate by the immobilised-cell system of Alcaligenes sp. AQ05-001 for the semi-continuous production of keratinase enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Yusuf
- 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
- 2Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Bayero University Kano, P.M.B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria
| | - Siti Aqlima Ahmad
- 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Lai Yee Phang
- 3Department of Bioprocess, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Nur Adeela Yasid
- 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
| | - Mohd Yunus Shukor
- 1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia-UPM, 43400 Serdang, Selangor Malaysia
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Bhardwaj R, Gupta A, Garg JK. Impact of heavy metals on inhibitory concentration of Escherichia coli-a case study of river Yamuna system, Delhi, India. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2018; 190:674. [PMID: 30361786 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-018-7061-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of resistant bacteria to specific heavy metals can be associated with increasing load of the metals in the environment. River Yamuna is polluted by various toxic heavy metals discharged by several industrial and agricultural sources. Therefore, the use of heavy metal-resistant bacteria as an indicator of metal pollution was tested in the present study. For the purpose of the study, the heavy metal resistance status of 42 Escherichia coli strains isolated from River Yamuna water from 7 sampling sites within a span of 2 years was determined using growth curves and plate dilution method in terms of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values by comparing with MIC value of control strain. Seasonally, the lowest mean MIC value was observed for bacterial strains isolated in post-monsoon (December) 2013 and highest mean MIC value was observed for bacterial strains isolated in monsoon (August) 2015. Site-wise analysis of the maximum mean MIC values for all the isolated strains showed the highest mean Ni MIC value for the bacterial strains isolated from site S4 (ITO), highest mean Cu MIC, Cr MIC, and Fe MIC values for the bacterial strains isolated from site S2 (Najafgarh drain intermixing zone) and highest mean Cd MIC, Pb MIC, and Zn MIC values for the bacterial strains isolated from site S7 (Shahdara drain intermixing zone). Correlation analysis between mean MIC site-wise results with mean heavy metal site-wise concentrations showed significant positive correlation indicating that the higher the mean concentration of a given heavy metal at a given site, the higher the mean MIC value for the strains isolated from the same site indicating higher level of resistance. Overall, the present study has shown that the presence of heavy metals in River Yamuna caused due to indiscriminate discharge of various effluents from different kind of sources as well as due to insufficient treatment capacity of sewage treatment plants as well as common effluent treatment plants, has serious impacts on its bacterial microflora as it leads to the development of resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Bhardwaj
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprsatha University, Sector 16-C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - Anshu Gupta
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprsatha University, Sector 16-C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India
| | - J K Garg
- University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprsatha University, Sector 16-C, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078, India.
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Kisková J, Stramová Z, Javorský P, Sedláková-Kaduková J, Pristaš P. Analysis of the bacterial community from high alkaline (pH > 13) drainage water at a brown mud disposal site near Žiar nad Hronom (Banská Bystrica region, Slovakia) using 454 pyrosequencing. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2018; 64:83-90. [PMID: 30084086 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-018-0634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brown mud, as a waste product of the industrial process of aluminum production, represents a great environmental burden due to its toxicity to living organisms. However, some microorganisms are able to survive in this habitat, and they can be used in bioremediation processes. Traditional cultivation methods have a limited capacity to characterize bacterial composition in environmental samples. Recently, next-generation sequencing methods have provided new perspectives on microbial community studies. The aim of this study was to analyze the bacterial community in the drainage water of brown mud disposal site near Žiar nad Hronom (Banská Bystrica region, Slovakia) using 454 pyrosequencing. We obtained 9964 sequences assigned to 163 operational taxonomic units belonging to 10 bacterial phyla. The phylum Proteobacteria showed the highest abundance (80.39%) within the bacterial community, followed by Firmicutes (13.05%) and Bacteroidetes (5.64%). Other bacterial phyla showed an abundance lower than 1%. The classification yielded 85 genera. Sulfurospirillum spp. (45.19%) dominated the bacterial population, followed by Pseudomonas spp. (13.76%) and Exiguobacterium spp. (13.02%). These results indicate that high heavy metals content, high pH, and lack of essential nutrients are the drivers of a dramatic reduction of diversity in the bacterial population in this environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Kisková
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Šrobarova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Zuzana Stramová
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 04001, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Javorský
- Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 04001, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Jana Sedláková-Kaduková
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Šrobarova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia
| | - Peter Pristaš
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Šafárik University, Šrobarova 2, 04154, Košice, Slovakia.,Institute of Animal Physiology, Centre of Biosciences of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Šoltésovej 4-6, 04001, Košice, Slovakia
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18
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Koklic T, Urbančič I, Zdovc I, Golob M, Umek P, Arsov Z, Dražić G, Pintarič Š, Dobeic M, Štrancar J. Surface deposited one-dimensional copper-doped TiO2 nanomaterials for prevention of health care acquired infections. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0201490. [PMID: 30048536 PMCID: PMC6062141 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial infections acquired in healthcare facilities including hospitals, the so called healthcare acquired or nosocomial infections, are still of great concern worldwide and represent a significant economical burden. One of the major causes of morbidity is infection with Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which has been reported to survive on surfaces for several months. Bactericidal activity of copper-TiO2 thin films, which release copper ions and are deposited on glass surfaces and heated to high temperatures, is well known even when illuminated with very weak UVA light of about 10 μW/cm2. Lately, there is an increased intrerest for one-dimensional TiO2 nanomaterials, due to their unique properties, low cost, and high thermal and photochemical stability. Here we show that copper doped TiO2 nanotubes produce about five times more ·OH radicals as compared to undoped TiO2 nanotubes and that effective surface disinfection, determined by a modified ISO 22196:2011 test, can be achieved even at low intensity UVA light of 30 μW/cm2. The nanotubes can be deposited on a preformed surface at room temperature, resulting in a stable deposition resistant to multiple washings. Up to 103 microorganisms per cm2 can be inactivated in 24 hours, including resistant strains such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase Escherichia coli (E. coli ESBL). This disinfection method could provide a valuable alternative to the current surface disinfection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Koklic
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- NAMASTE Center of Excellence, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Iztok Urbančič
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, The Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, Human Immunology Unit, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Irena Zdovc
- NAMASTE Center of Excellence, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Majda Golob
- Institute of Microbiology and Parasitology, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Polona Umek
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- NAMASTE Center of Excellence, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Zoran Arsov
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- NAMASTE Center of Excellence, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Goran Dražić
- Department of Materials Chemistry, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Štefan Pintarič
- Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene with Animal Behaviour, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Martin Dobeic
- Institute of Environmental and Animal Hygiene with Animal Behaviour, Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Janez Štrancar
- Department of Condensed Matter Physics, Jožef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- NAMASTE Center of Excellence, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Dunne CP, Keinänen-Toivola MM, Kahru A, Teunissen B, Olmez H, Gouveia I, Melo L, Murzyn K, Modic M, Ahonen M, Askew P, Papadopoulos T, Adlhart C, Crijns FRL. Anti-microbial coating innovations to prevent infectious diseases (AMiCI): Cost action ca15114. Bioengineered 2017; 8:679-685. [PMID: 28453429 PMCID: PMC5736330 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2017.1323593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, millions of patients are affected annually by healthcare-associated infection (HCAI), impacting up to 80,000 patients in European Hospitals on any given day. This represents not only public health risk, but also an economic burden. Complementing routine hand hygiene practices, cleaning and disinfection, antimicrobial coatings hold promise based, in essence, on the application of materials and chemicals with persistent bactericidal or -static properties onto surfaces or in textiles used in healthcare environments. The focus of considerable commercial investment and academic research energies, such antimicrobial coating-based approaches are widely believed to have potential in reduction of microbial numbers on surfaces in clinical settings. This belief exists despite definitive evidence as to their efficacy and is based somewhat on positive studies involving, for example, copper, silver or gold ions, titanium or organosilane, albeit under laboratory conditions. The literature describes successful delay and/or prevention of recontamination following conventional cleaning and disinfection by problematic microbes such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE), among others. However, there is a scarcity of studies assessing antimicrobial surfaces other than copper in the clinical environment, and a complete lack of published data regarding the successful implementation of these materials on clinically significant outcomes (including HCAI). Through its Cooperation in Science and Technology program (COST), the European Commission has funded a 4-year initiative to establish a network of stakeholders involved in development, regulation and use of novel anti-microbial coatings for prevention of HCAI. The network (AMiCI) comprises participants of more than 60 universities, research institutes and companies across 29 European countries and, to-date, represents the most comprehensive consortium targeting use of these emergent technologies in healthcare settings. More specifically, the network will prioritise coordinated research on the effects (both positive and negative) of antimicrobial coatings in healthcare sectors; know-how regarding availability and mechanisms of action of (nano)-coatings; possible adverse effects of such materials (e.g., potential emergence of microbial resistance or emission of toxic agents into the environment); standardised performance assessments for antimicrobial coatings; identification and dissemination of best practices by hospitals, other clinical facilities, regulators and manufacturers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colum P. Dunne
- Centre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i) and Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | | | - Anne Kahru
- Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, National Institute of Chemical Physics and Biophysics, Tallinn, Estonia
- Academy of Sciences, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Hulya Olmez
- TÜBİTAK MAM Material Institute, Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Isabel Gouveia
- FibEntech - Fiber Materials and Environmental Technologies Research Unit, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Luis Melo
- Faculty of Engineering, University of Beira Interior, Covilhã, Portugal
| | | | - Martina Modic
- Department of Surface Engineering and Electronics, Jozef Stefan Institute, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Merja Ahonen
- Satakunta University of Applied Sciences, Rauma, Finland
| | - Pete Askew
- Industrial Microbiological Services Ltd (IMSL), Hants, United Kingdom
| | - Theofilos Papadopoulos
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University, Auth Campus, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Lee SW, Wendy W. Antibiotic and heavy metal resistance of Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda isolated from red hybrid tilapia ( Oreochromis spp.) coinfected with motile aeromonas septicemia and edwardsiellosis. Vet World 2017; 10:803-807. [PMID: 28831226 PMCID: PMC5553151 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2017.803-807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study is to identify antibiogram and heavy metal resistance pattern of Aeromonas hydrophila and Edwardsiella tarda isolated from red hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) coinfected with motile aeromonas septicemia and edwardsiellosis in four commercial fish farms. MATERIALS AND METHODS A. hydrophila and E. tarda were isolated using glutamate starch phenol red and xylose lysine deoxycholate (Merck, Germany) as a selective medium, respectively. All the suspected bacterial colonies were identified using conventional biochemical tests and commercial identification kit (BBL Crystal, USA). Susceptibility testing of present bacterial isolates to 16 types of antibiotics (nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid, compound sulfonamides, doxycycline, tetracycline, novobiocin, chloramphenicol, kanamycin, sulfamethoxazole, flumequine, erythromycin, ampicillin, spiramycin, oxytetracycline, amoxicillin, and fosfomycin) and four types of heavy metals (mercury, chromium, copper, and zinc) were carried out using disk diffusion and two-fold agar dilution method, respectively. RESULTS Three hundred isolates of A. hydrophila and E. tarda were successfully identified by biochemical tests. Antibiotic susceptibility testing results showed that 42.2% of the bacterial isolates were sensitive to compound sulfonamides, sulfamethoxazole, flumequine, oxytetracycline, doxycycline, and oxolinic acid. On the other hand, 41.6% of these isolates were resistant to novobiocin, ampicillin, spiramycin, and chloramphenicol, which resulted for multiple antibiotic resistance index values 0.416. Among tested heavy metals, bacterial isolates exhibited resistant pattern of Zn2+ > Cr6+ > Cu2+ > Hg2+. CONCLUSION Results from this study indicated that A. hydrophila and E. tarda isolated from coinfected farmed red hybrid tilapia were multi-resistant to antibiotics and heavy metals. These resistant profiles could be useful information to fish farmers to avoid unnecessary use of antimicrobial products in the health management of farmed red hybrid tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. W. Lee
- Faculty of Agro Based Industry, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Jeli Campus, 17600, Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - W. Wendy
- Center for Fundamental and Liberal Education, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia
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Proactive Approach for Safe Use of Antimicrobial Coatings in Healthcare Settings: Opinion of the COST Action Network AMiCI. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2017; 14:ijerph14040366. [PMID: 28362344 PMCID: PMC5409567 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14040366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infections and infectious diseases are considered a major challenge to human health in healthcare units worldwide. This opinion paper was initiated by EU COST Action network AMiCI (AntiMicrobial Coating Innovations) and focuses on scientific information essential for weighing the risks and benefits of antimicrobial surfaces in healthcare settings. Particular attention is drawn on nanomaterial-based antimicrobial surfaces in frequently-touched areas in healthcare settings and the potential of these nano-enabled coatings to induce (eco)toxicological hazard and antimicrobial resistance. Possibilities to minimize those risks e.g., at the level of safe-by-design are demonstrated.
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Suriya J, Chandra Shekar M, Nathani NM, Suganya T, Bharathiraja S, Krishnan M. Assessment of bacterial community composition in response to uranium levels in sediment samples of sacred Cauvery River. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2016; 101:831-841. [PMID: 27812801 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-016-7945-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 10/09/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Global industrialization is a major cause of effluent discharge from industries up to alarming concentrations. Especially, uranium concentrations in water bodies are of great concern, as its radioactivity significantly affects the persistent diversity of microbiota. Recently, continuous application of pesticides in the agricultural lands and accumulation of quartz that enter the Cauvery River has significantly increased the concentration of uranium (U) and other heavy metals. To perceive the impact of uranium on bacterial diversity in Cauvery River, sediment samples collected from polluted (UP) site with 32.4 Bq/K of U concentration and control (UNP) site were scrutinized for bacterial diversity through metagenomic analysis of the V3 region of 16S rDNA by Illumina sequencing. Taxonomic assignment revealed that the unpolluted sample was dominated by Bacteroidetes (27.7 %), and Firmicutes (25.9 %), while sediment sample from the highly polluted site revealed abundance of Proteobacteria (47.5 %) followed by Bacteroidetes (22.4 %) and Firmicutes (14.6 %). Among Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria was the most prevalent group followed by alpha, delta, epsilon, and beta in the uranium-polluted sample. Rare and abundant species analysis revealed that species like Idiomarina loihiensis was abundant in the pollutant sample; however, it was rare (<0.1 %) in the sample from pristine environment. Similarly, the species distribution in both the samples varied, with the bacteria potentially active in redox activity and biosorption potential dominating in the polluted sample. Outcomes of the present study demonstrated the impact of uranium and metal accumulation on the bacterial communities and further confirmed the promising candidature of specific bacterial species as bioindicators of contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayaraman Suriya
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620024, India.
| | - Mootapally Chandra Shekar
- CAS in Marine Biology, Annamalai University, Porto Novo, Tamil Nadu, 608502, India.,Department of Marine Science, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
| | - Neelam Mustakali Nathani
- Department of Biosciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, 360005, India.,Department of Life Sciences, Maharaja Krishnakumarsinhji Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, 364002, India
| | - Thangaiyan Suganya
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620024, India
| | | | - Muthukalingan Krishnan
- Department of Environmental Biotechnology, School of Environmental Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620024, India.
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23
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Benidire L, Pereira SIA, Castro PML, Boularbah A. Assessment of plant growth promoting bacterial populations in the rhizosphere of metallophytes from the Kettara mine, Marrakech. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2016; 23:21751-21765. [PMID: 27522210 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7378-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Soil heavy metal contamination resulting from mining activities constitutes a major environmental problem worldwide. The spread of heavy metals is often facilitated by scarce vegetation cover, so there is an urgent need to improve plant survival and establishment in these metalliferous areas. This study is aimed at the isolation and analysis of the phylogenetic relationship of culturable bacteria from the rhizosphere of metallophyte plants growing in the Kettara mine, in Marrakech, in order to select plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), which could be used in assisted-phytoremediation. Bacterial isolates were grouped by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis and identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Strains were further characterized for the production of plant growth-promoting (PGP) substances, such as NH3, siderophores, indol-3-acetic acid (IAA), hydrogen cyanide, and extracellular enzymes, for ACC-deaminase activity, their capacity to solubilize phosphate, and for their tolerance to heavy metals and acidic pH. Rhizosphere soils were highly contaminated with Cu and Zn and presented low fertility. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the rhizobacteria were affiliated to three major groups: γ-Proteobacteria (48 %), β-Proteobacteria (17 %), and Bacilli (17 %). The most represented genera were Pseudomonas (38 %), Bacillus (10 %), Streptomyces (10 %), and Tetrathiobacter (10 %). Overall, rhizobacterial strains showed an ability to produce multiple, important PGP traits, which may be helpful when applied as plant growth promoter agents in contaminated soils. PGPR were also able to withstand high levels of metals (up to 2615.2 mg Zn l-1, 953.29 mg Cu l-1, and 1124.6 mg Cd l-1) and the order of metal toxicity was Cd > Cu > Zn. The rhizobacterial strains isolated in the present study have the potential to be used as efficient bioinoculants in phytoremediation strategies for the recovery of Kettara mine soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Benidire
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Laboratoire Aliments, Environnement et Santé, Université Cadi Ayyad, Boulevard Abdelkrim Khattabi, BP 549, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco
| | - S I A Pereira
- CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina-Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Arquiteto Lobão Vital, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Apartado 2511, 4202-401, Porto, Portugal
| | - P M L Castro
- CBQF-Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina-Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Arquiteto Lobão Vital, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Apartado 2511, 4202-401, Porto, Portugal
| | - A Boularbah
- Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Laboratoire Aliments, Environnement et Santé, Université Cadi Ayyad, Boulevard Abdelkrim Khattabi, BP 549, 40000, Marrakech, Morocco.
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24
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Genome Sequence of Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae MB373, an Effective Bioremediator. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2016; 4:4/5/e01068-16. [PMID: 27688323 PMCID: PMC5043571 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01068-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae MB373 was isolated from effluent of the Hattar Industrial Estate, Haripur, Pakistan. K. quasipneumoniae subsp. similipneumoniae has few cultivated/characterized members so far. Whole-genome sequencing revealed its potential for metal and toxin resistance, which further elucidated various enzymatic processes for the degradation of xenobiotics, illuminating its bioremediation applications.
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25
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Manasi, Rajesh N, Rajesh V. Evaluation of the genetic basis of heavy metal resistance in an isolate from electronic industry effluent. J Genet Eng Biotechnol 2016; 14:177-180. [PMID: 30647612 PMCID: PMC6299857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgeb.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2015] [Revised: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Halomonas BVR 1 isolated from an electronic industry effluent had high level of resistance to heavy metals like cadmium, lead, zinc and to various antibiotics. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of the strain toward cadmium and lead was found to be 200 mg L-1 and 400 mg L-1 respectively, while it could tolerate zinc up to 250 mg L-1 and chromium up to 150 mg L-1. The present study proved the genetic contribution of heavy metal resistance in this strain to be plasmid mediated. Isolation of the plasmid from Halomonas BVR 1 and its subsequent linearization with Bam H1 confirmed the presence of a plasmid of size >10 kb. Plasmid curing experiments affirmed plasmid mediated heavy metal resistance. Additionally, genetic transformation of a non metal resistant lab strain Escherichia coli and the cured strain of Halomonas BVR 1 with the isolated plasmid increased their metal tolerance level by 50% confirming the genetic determinant to be present in the plasmid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manasi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet Mandal, R.R. Dist, Telangana 500 078, India
| | - N. Rajesh
- Department of Chemistry, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet Mandal, R.R. Dist, Telangana 500 078, India
| | - Vidya Rajesh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Shameerpet Mandal, R.R. Dist, Telangana 500 078, India
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26
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Molling JW, Seezink JW, Teunissen BE, Muijrers-Chen I, Borm PJ. Comparative performance of a panel of commercially available antimicrobial nanocoatings in Europe. Nanotechnol Sci Appl 2014; 7:97-104. [PMID: 25404853 PMCID: PMC4230231 DOI: 10.2147/nsa.s70782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Bacterial resistance against the classic antibiotics is posing an increasing challenge for the prevention and treatment of infections in health care environments. The introduction of antimicrobial nanocoatings with active ingredients provides alternative measures for active killing of microorganisms, through a preventive hygiene approach. Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of a panel of antimicrobial coatings available on the European market. Methods A comparative, biased selection of commercially available antimicrobial coatings was tested for antimicrobial efficiency. Suppliers were contacted to deliver their coatings on glass and/or stainless steel substrates. In total, 23 coatings from eleven suppliers were received, which were investigated for their effect on the growth of Escherichia coli, using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22196 protocol. Results The majority of nanomaterial-containing coatings (n=13) contained nanosilver (n=12), while only one had photocatalytic TiO2 as the active particle. The differences in antimicrobial activity among all of the coatings, expressed as log reduction values, varied between 1.3 and 6.6, while the variation within the nanomaterial-based group was between 2.0 and 6.2. Although nanosilver coatings were on average very effective in reducing the number of viable bacteria after challenge, the strongest log reduction (6.6) was seen with a coating that has immobilized, covalently bound quaternary ammonium salt in its matrix. Besides these two compounds, coatings containing TiO2, poly(dimethylsiloxane), triclosan, or zinc pyrithione evoked 100% killing of E. coli. Conclusion Our findings indicate that nanosilver dominates the nanoparticle-based coatings and performs adequately. However, considering the unknowns in relation to ecotoxicological emission and effects, it needs further consideration before widespread application into different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan W Molling
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Paul Ja Borm
- Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, Heerlen, the Netherlands
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27
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da Fonseca E, Neto JB, McAlister J, Smith B, Crapez M. Bioavailability of pollutants in bacterial communities of Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Braz J Microbiol 2014; 45:953-62. [PMID: 25477931 PMCID: PMC4204982 DOI: 10.1590/s1517-83822014000300027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Processes involving heavy metals and other contaminants continue to present unsolved environmental questions. To advance the understanding of geochemical processes that involve the bioavailability of contaminants, cores where collected in the Rodrigo de Freitas lagoon, and analyzed for bacterial activity and metal concentrations. Results would suggest an extremely reducing environment where organic substances seem to be the predominant agents responsible for this geochemical process. Analytical data showed sulphate reduction to be the main agent driving this process, since this kind of bacteria was found to be active in all of the samples analyzed. Esterase enzyme production did not signal the influence of heavy metals and hydrocarbon concentrations and heavy metals were found to be unavailable for biota. However, correlation between results for bacterial biomass and the potentially mobile percentage of the total Ni concentrations would suggest a negative impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- E.M. da Fonseca
- Departamento de GeologiaUniversidade Federal FluminenseNiteróiRJBrazilDepartamento de Geologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - J.A. Baptista Neto
- Departamento de GeologiaUniversidade Federal FluminenseNiteróiRJBrazilDepartamento de Geologia, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
| | - J.J. McAlister
- School of GeographyQueen’s UniversityBelfastNorthern IrelandUnited KingdomSchool of Geography, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - B.J. Smith
- School of GeographyQueen’s UniversityBelfastNorthern IrelandUnited KingdomSchool of Geography, Queen’s University, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - M.A.C. Crapez
- Laboratório de Microbiologia MarinhaDepartamento de Biologia MarinhaUniversidade Federal FluminenseNiteróiRJBrazilLaboratório de Microbiologia Marinha, Departamento de Biologia Marinha, Universidade Federal Fluminense, Niterói, RJ, Brazil.
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