Plant growth-promoting rhizospheric bacteria (PGPR) are well known for their significant roles in agriculture and the environment. In our previous study, 23 chalky soil bacterial isolates were obtained from the rhizosphere of Chamaecytisus ruthenicus. Seven out of them were generally reported for their potential to promote plant growth. However, the identification and further characterization of those chalky soil bacteria were not done yet. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to identify and characterize chalky soil rhizospheric bacteria (seven previously investigated and one additional bacteria). A total of eight bacterial isolates were cultured in LB and other growth media to investigate their morphological behavior, antibitoic sensitivity or resistance status, and their effect on plant growth. Moreover, 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to identify such potential bacterial isolates. The results of the present study demonstrated that three bacterial isolates showed morphological variability at various compositions of LB and other growth media. The antibiotic test result also revealed that all the tested bacterial isolates except Z11, Z24, and Z44 were resistant to both ampicillin (10 μg) and oxacillin (1 μg). where as all bacterial isolates were sensitive to polymyxin (300 units), amoxicillin (20 μg), vancomycin (30 μg), ceftazidime (30 μg), erythromycin (15 μg), ciprofloxacin (5 μg), bacitracin (10 units), and streptomycin (30 μg). The result of seed germination showed that bacterial strains Z11, Z12, and Z15 suppressed the root growth of wheat, oats, and lentils. while, Z26 significantly increases the root length of wheat. Furthermore, the 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis result revealed that the bacterial isolates belonged to the Protobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes. As a conclusion, such potential chalky soil rhizospheric bacteria would have a substantial impact on agriculture and the environment.

To control the growth bacteria and viruses in medical environments and everyday life on surfaces, suitable disinfection methods are required. The visible radiation in the violet or blue spectral range is known to have a disinfecting effect on microorganisms; however, so far most published studies were performed in liquids. In contrast, the sensitivity of microorganisms to visible radiation on surfaces were only investigated in a few studies.
In order to transfer possible conclusions from irradiation in media to irradiation on surfaces and to apply irradiation in the visible spectral range as a possible valid alternative for common disinfection methods, the log reduction for surfaces and liquids were compared in this study. The non-pathogenic Staphylococcus carnosus was selected as surrogate for the ESKAPE pathogen Staphylococcus aureus, as the experiments were performed in a S1 laboratory. The irradiations were performed with wavelengths of 403 nm (violet) and 453 nm (blue).
The observed log reduction doses in liquids and surfaces were 96.2 J/cm² and 15.8 J/cm² at 403 nm and 175.4 J/cm² and 112.4 J/cm² at 453 nm, respectively. The results suggest that the photosensitivity of S. carnosus on surfaces is much higher than in liquid with a ratio of 6.1 (violet) and 1.6 (blue).
On the one hand, this demonstrates that irradiation on surfaces is more efficient than in liquids, especially in the violet spectral range. On the other hand, depending on the strength of the irradiation source, disinfection with visible irradiation is a useful alternative to conventional disinfection methods.

(Background) Cold atmospheric plasma is attracting more and more attention due to its gentle antimicrobial properties, which might enable many future medical and food applications. However, some microorganisms and application scenarios have not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of plasma on contaminated liquid films and dried surfaces.

(Methods) The experiments were performed with the nearfield module of a Piezobrush 3 plasma pen on the bacteria Staphylococcus carnosus, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Streptococcus vestibularis, as well as the yeast Candida auris. Additionally, the plasma emissions were measured with a spectrometer.

(Results) It was observed that in the liquid films the examined gram-positive bacterial strain was more sensitive to the plasma than the gram-negative bacteria and all bacteria were more sensitive than the yeast. In contrast to this, there was no significant difference between C. auris and S. carnosus on dried surfaces. The plasma exhibited strong UVA and UVB emissions and only weak emissions in the UVC range. However, a careful analysis revealed that the antimicrobial impact of the UVC should be about one order of magnitude above the UVA and UVB emissions.

(Conclusion) Further investigations are necessary to understand the differences and similarities between the impact of plasma on bacteria and yeast as well as the total contribution of the UV radiation to the antimicrobial impact of plasma.

Marine bacteria are a significant source of bioactive compounds for various biotechnological applications. Among these, actinomycetes have been found to produce a wide range of secondary metabolites of interest. Saccharopolyspora is one of the genera of actinomycetes that has been recognized as a potential source of these compounds. This study reports the characterization and genomic analysis of Saccharopolyspora sp. NFXS83, a marine bacterium isolated from seawater from the Sado estuary in Portugal. The NFXS83 strain produced multiple functional and stable extracellular enzymes under high-salt conditions, showed the ability to synthesize auxins such as indole-3-acetic acid, and produced diffusible secondary metabolites capable of inhibiting the growth of Staphylococcus aureus. Furthermore, when Phaeodactylum tricornutum was co-cultivated with strain NFXS83 a significant increase in microalgae cell count, cell size, auto-fluorescence, and fucoxanthin content was observed. Detailed analysis revealed the presence of clusters involved in the production of various secondary metabolites, including extracellular enzymes, antimicrobial compounds, terpenes, and carotenoids in the genome of strain NFXS83. Ultimately, these findings indicate that Saccharopolyspora sp. NFXS83 has a significant potential for a wide range of marine biotechnological applications.

Since the end of 2019, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread globally, affecting people worldwide. Patients with severe COVID-19 require intensive care unit (ICU) admission for acute respiratory failure; over 10% need noninvasive and invasive mechanical ventilation. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) severity and ventilation management determine a negative outcome and a 90-day mortality of 31%. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of superinfections in ICUs has progressively increased, especially carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Infections caused by A. baumannii represent a significant concern for COVID-19 patients. The data about superinfections complicating COVID-19 are scant. A significant proportion of these patients are treated with empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, which increases the risk of developing infections caused by CRAB. Finally, drugs targeting cytokines, such as IL-1 and IL-6, might also increase the risk of superinfections in patients with COVID-19. Appropriate prescription and optimized use of antimicrobials according to the principles of antimicrobial stewardship, quality diagnosis, and aggressive infection control measures may help prevent CRAB infections during this pandemic. Recommended guidelines for antimicrobial stewardship in COVID-19 patient treatment are discussed regarding the minimization of empiric broad-spectrum antibiotic use. In this mini-review, we will present the impact of CRAB infections on the outcome of patients with COVID-19 requiring ICU admission.

This study presents a comprehensive characterization of phycoerythrin (PE), the predominant phycobiliprotein derived from Porphyridium purpureum, a unicellular red microalga. The research explores the potential applications of PE, which exhibits a wide range of beneficial properties. Despite its recognized potential, a detailed understanding of PE's characteristics is still lacking. To bridge this knowledge gap, P. Purpureum was grown and phycoerythrin was extracted and concentrated to 0.3 mg/mL. Subsequently, PE was evaluated for its antiproliferative activity against the HEPG2 cell line, a representative model for hepatic cancer. In addition to characterization, the study introduced a novel technique called electrospray for encapsulating the pigment. The encapsulation process was optimized, and the efficiency and stability of the capsules were assessed. The results revealed that the pigment exhibited remarkable antiproliferative activity, and an encapsulation efficiency of 99% was achieved. The encapsulation process significantly improved the stability of phycoerythrin, making it suitable for incorporation into food products. This opens new opportunities to leverage its bioactivity for enhancing human and animal health. The findings highlight the therapeutic and functional properties of P. purpureum-derived phycoerythrin, and its incorporation into food and cosmetic products holds promise for promoting health and well-being. The study serves as a foundation for further exploration and development of P. purpureum-derived phycoerythrin as a versatile and valuable bioactive compound.

The sit-and-wait hypothesis predicts that bacterial durability in the external environment is positively correlated with the evolution of bacterial virulence. Many bacterial pathogens have been recognized as potential sit-and-wait pathogens due to their long-term environmental survival (high durability) and high host mortality (high virulence) such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Burkholderia pseudomallei, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, etc. Shigella flexneri is a leading etiologic agent of diarrhea with high infection rates, severe consequences, and long-term environmental survival, which has multiple transmission routes like contaminated food (food-borne route), insanitary water (water-borne route) and direct person-to-person contacts, etc. These features make Shigella flexneri an ideal candidate of sit-and-wait bacterial pathogens. However, there is currently a lack of evidence to support the claim. In this study, we examine the potential of S. flexneri as a sit-and-wait pathogen via comparative genomic analysis, which reveals the unique features of Shigella flexneri in abiotic stress resistance, energy metabolism, and virulence factors, and confirms that S. flexneri is a highly potential sit-and-wait bacterial pathogen.

The transition towards a circular bioeconomy represents a paradigm shift in sustainable resource management, aiming to synergize biological processes, waste valorization, and renewable product synthesis. A key contender in this transformative landscape is the versatile anaerobic bacterium Clostridium pasteurianum. With its unique metabolic capabilities, C. pasteurianum holds substantial promise as a cornerstone of bioprocessing strategies within the circular bioeconomy framework. This comprehensive review underscores the multifaceted potential of C. pasteurianum, elucidating its pivotal role in achieving waste minimization, carbon recycling, and the diversification of bioproduct portfolios.

C. pasteurianum exhibits an extraordinary ability to ferment an extensive range of feedstocks, encompassing lignocellulosic biomass, agricultural residues, and organic waste materials. This exceptional metabolic versatility positions the bacterium as an ideal candidate for converting otherwise underutilized resources into high-value biofuels and bio-based chemicals. Notably, C. pasteurianum excels in acetone-butanol-ethanol (ABE) fermentation, yielding butanol, a biofuel that offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil-based transportation fuels. The inherent compatibility of C. pasteurianum's metabolic pathways with biorefinery strategies presents a profound opportunity for generating cascading systems of resource utilization. Beyond biofuels, the bacterium produces acetone and ethanol, valuable precursors for industrial chemicals, solvents, and plastics.

Central to the circular bioeconomy philosophy is the concept of waste valorization, and here C. pasteurianum emerges as a key enabler. The residual biomass resulting from its fermentation processes can be repurposed as nutrient-rich animal feed, organic fertilizers, or even harnessed for energy generation through anaerobic digestion. This integrated approach aligns with the overarching goal of minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency, thereby reducing the environmental footprint of industrial processes.

Crucially, C. pasteurianum's products are inherently biodegradable, aligning well with circular economy principles that prioritize the reduction of environmental impact. By replacing fossil-derived products with biobased counterparts, the bacterium plays a pivotal role in lowering greenhouse gas emissions and conserving finite resources. However, several challenges lie ahead in fully capitalizing on C. pasteurianum's potential within the circular bioeconomy. These challenges include optimizing fermentation conditions to enhance product yields, scaling up processes to industrial levels, and navigating the regulatory landscape to ensure compliance and safety.

In conclusion, this synthesis underscores the transformative impact of Clostridium pasteurianum in advancing circular bioeconomy goals. By integrating its metabolic prowess with waste valorization, resource efficiency, and renewable product generation, C. pasteurianum exemplifies the intersection of microbial bioprocessing and circular economy principles. As we navigate the path toward a sustainable and regenerative future, continued research and innovation are imperative to unlock the full potential of C. pasteurianum as a cornerstone of circular bioeconomy strategies.

Acknowledgments: PN23150401 – The cascade valorisation of agro-industrial waste of plant biomass type in bioproducts with added value in the circular bioeconomy system.

Antibiotics are drugs used to inhibit the growth and activity of bacteria and other microorganisms. These drugs are the products of the metabolism of other microorganisms. In the past, they used antibiotics as growth factors in feed and on live stocks to enhance growth and protect the animals from diseases. These excessive uses allowed the bacteria to gain and develop a defeat response against these antibiotics, leading to untreatable microbes. Consuming food from an animal source fed or treated with growth stimulants to induce health and improve production displays a similar structure to antibiotics used by veterinarians as a medical treatment that targets bacteria and fungi and raises the importance of the cause that led to antimicrobial resistance and its dramatic increase around the world. Data retrieved by multiple electronic databases: Saudi Health Ministry, Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Saudi Food and Drug Authority, PubMed, and Web PD Science for research articles Scopus for research articles published between 2013 and 2023 globally Many government agencies supervise the production of meat in Saudi Arabia through different stages in the food chain. In the past five years, animal food consumption has increased in Saudi Arabia according to the increase in local production of red meat in 2021 AD, from 178,000 tons to 265,000 tons in 2022 AD, as the livestock slaughtered during the year 2022, including goats, sheep, cows, and camels, reached 8,787,576. A previous study also showed that an individual in Saudi Arabia consumes 73.26 grams of red meat per day. The studies showed the prevalence of E. coli strains in Saudi Arabia and their ability to resist a large spectrum of antibiotic groups such as β-lactams, cephalosporins, macrolides, chloramphenicol, quinolones, and tetracycline. In conclusion, treatment for E. coli infections will be highly difficult with frequently used antibiotics, as growth factors or therapy have led to a rise in the resistance pattern of bacteria in meat products and their ability to be transmitted to humans. We recommend incorporating monitoring and management of the antibiotics to help reduce the health risks associated with antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains.

Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia jolkinii are two plants belonging to the Euphorbiaceae family. Euphorbia hirta has been traditionally used in the folk medicine of different cultures, awakening the interest of the scientific community because of the link of its bioactivities to the compounds present in this species. Studies regarding Euphorbia jolkinii are scarce, although the phenolic profile of this plant is also attractive. Considering the need of society to find new antibacterial extracts and the potential use of these plants for this goal, the antibacterial activity of ethanol extracts (10 mg/mL) against eight food and nine clinical bacteria have been characterized. By a colorimetric assay, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined, being streptomycin (1 mg/mL), ampicillin (10 mg/mL), and methicillin (1 mg/mL), the antibiotics used as controls. The results showed an antibacterial activity comparable to or superior to ampicillin when extracts were tested against three clinical bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Morganella morganii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae). Thus, the MIC values obtained when E. hirta extract was used were: 5, 1.25, and <10 mg/mL for K. pneumoniae, M. morganii, and P. aeruginosa, respectively. For the E. jolkinii extract, MIC values were 1.25 for the three bacteria, while MIC values for ampicillin were 10, <10, and <10 mg/mL for K. pneumoniae, M. morganii, and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Considering the data provided, both extracts could be alternatives since they showed high antibacterial activity against three clinical bacteria, with E. jolkinii having the best results.