Multi-walled carbon nanotubes as reusable boosters of pyocyanin production for anticancer research.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) emerged as nanomaterials with a wide variety of applications, e.g., as boosters of bioprocesses efficiency.

Effects of sequential administration of phage cocktail, ciprofloxacin, and caspofungin on Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans dual-species biofilms.

Polymicrobial biofilms, including inter-kingdom ones, represent another threat in the post-antibiotic era. Therefore, many alternative solutions are being investigated, including phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS), which may be more effective due to the differing mechanisms of action of drugs and phages. In this study, we evaluated how different sequences of administering a bacteriophage cocktail, ciprofloxacin, and caspofungin affect the eradication of S.

UV-C and Nanomaterial-Based Approaches for Sulfite-Free Wine Preservation: Effects on Polyphenol Profile and Microbiological Quality.

Controlling the microorganisms employed in vinification is a critical factor for successful wine production. Novel methods aimed at lowering sulfites used for wine stabilization are sought. UV-C irradiation has been proposed as an alternative for reducing the viable cell count of microorganisms in wine and grape juice.

Triggering antibacterial activity of a common plant by biosorption of selected heavy metals.

The presented study proposes an efficient utilization of a common Thymus serpyllum L. (wild thyme) plant as a highly potent biosorbent of Cu(II) and Pb(II) ions and the efficient interaction of the copper-laden plant with two opportunistic bacteria. Apart from biochars that are commonly used for adsorption, here we report the direct use of native plant, which is potentially interesting also for soil remediation.

Bacteriophage-based approach for treatment of urinary tract infections: a quick outlook.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections affecting millions worldwide. The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a serious concern in managing UTIs. Therefore, there is a growing interest in using bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunct therapy for UTIs.

The two faces of pyocyanin - why and how to steer its production?

The ambiguous nature of pyocyanin was noted quite early after its discovery. This substance is a recognized Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence factor that causes problems in cystic fibrosis, wound healing, and microbiologically induced corrosion. However, it can also be a potent chemical with potential use in a wide variety of technologies and applications, e.

The Influence of Hydrodynamic Conditions in a Laboratory-Scale Bioreactor on Metabolite Production.

Hydrodynamic conditions are critical in bioprocessing because they influence oxygen availability for cultured cells. Processes in typical laboratory bioreactors need optimization of these conditions using mixing and aeration control to obtain high production of the desired bioproduct. It could be done by experiments supported by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling.

The use of the electromagnetic field in microbial process bioengineering.

An electromagnetic field (EMF) has been shown to have various stimulatory or inhibitory effects on microorganisms. Over the years, growing interest in this topic led to numerous discoveries suggesting the potential applicability of EMF in biotechnological processes. Among these observations are stimulative effects of this physical influence resulting in intensified biomass production, modification of metabolic activity, or pigments secretion.

Mechanochemical synthesis of non-stoichiometric copper sulfide CuS applicable as a photocatalyst and antibacterial agent and synthesis scalability verification.

An effort to prepare different non-stoichiometric CuS compounds starting from elemental precursors using mechanochemistry was made in this study. However, out of the 7 stoichiometries tested, it was only possible to obtain three phases: covellite CuS, chalcocite CuS and digenite CuS and their mixtures. To obtain the digenite phase with the highest purity, the Cu : S stoichiometric ratio needed to be fixed at 1.

PhageScore-based analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii infecting phages antibiotic interaction in liquid medium.

The growing interest in bacteriophages and antibiotics' combined use poses new challenges regarding this phenomenon's accurate description. This study aimed to apply the PhageScore methodology to assess the phage-antibiotic combination activity in liquid bacterial culture. For this purpose, previously described Acinetobacter infecting phages vB_AbaP_AGC01, Aba-1, and Aba-4 and antibiotics (gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, meropenem, norfloxacin, and fosfomycin) were used to obtain a lysis curve of bacteriophages under antibiotic pressure.

Sustainable Synthesis of Cadmium Sulfide, with Applicability in Photocatalysis, Hydrogen Production, and as an Antibacterial Agent, Using Two Mechanochemical Protocols.

CdS nanoparticles were successfully synthesized using cadmium acetate and sodium sulfide as Cd and S precursors, respectively. The effect of using sodium thiosulfate as an additional sulfur precursor was also investigated (combined milling). The samples were characterized by XRD, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, UV-Vis spectroscopy, PL spectroscopy, DLS, and TEM.

Application of Magnetically Assisted Reactors for Modulation of Growth and Pyocyanin Production by .

is a producer of desired secondary metabolites, including pyocyanin. Potential uses of this pigment urge a search for improved production methods. Recent trends in bioprocessing show the potential of the use of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) to influence the growth of microorganisms and even modulate the concentration of bioproducts.

Development of an Autochthonous Microbial Consortium for Enhanced Bioremediation of PAH-Contaminated Soil.

The main objectives of this study were to isolate bacteria from soil chronically contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), develop an autochthonous microbial consortium, and evaluate its ability to degrade PAHs in their native contaminated soil. Strains with the best bioremediation potential were selected during the multi-stage isolation process. Moreover, to choose bacteria with the highest bioremediation potential, the presence of PAH-degrading genes (E) was confirmed and the following tests were performed: tolerance to heavy metals, antagonistic behavior, phytotoxicity, and antimicrobial susceptibility.

Fabrication of Paper Sheets Coatings Based on Chitosan/Bacterial Nanocellulose/ZnO with Enhanced Antibacterial and Mechanical Properties.

Here, we designed paper sheets coated with chitosan, bacterial cellulose (nanofibers), and ZnO with boosted antibacterial and mechanical activity. We investigated the compositions, with ZnO exhibiting two different sizes/shapes: (1) rods and (2) irregular sphere-like particles. The proposed processing of bacterial cellulose resulted in the formation of nanofibers.

The impact of environmental water on the potential application of core-shell titania-silica nanospheres as photocatalysts.

In this study, the core-shell silica nanospheres modified with titanium dioxide were tested in the photocatalytic decomposition of dyes. The presented data underlines the advantages and shortcomings in the potential application of silica-based catalysts to neutralize organic pollutants. During the photocatalytic reaction in distilled water, catalysts showed decreased efficiency due to a carbon layer deposited on its surface.

Single Mathematical Parameter for Evaluation of the Microorganisms' Growth as the Objective Function in the Optimization by the DOE Techniques.

The cultivation of bacteria sets a ground for studying biological processes in many scientific disciplines. The development of the bacterial population is commonly described with three factors that can be used to evaluate culture conditions. However, selecting only one of them for the optimization protocol is rather problematic and may lead to unintended errors.

The Response of PAO1 to UV-activated Titanium Dioxide/Silica Nanotubes.

is a bacterium of high clinical and biotechnological importance thanks to its high adaptability to environmental conditions. The increasing incidence of antibiotic-resistant strains has created a need for alternative methods to increase the chance of recovery in infected patients. Various nanomaterials have the potential to be used for this purpose.

Potential Use of Silica Nanoparticles for the Microbial Stabilisation of Wine: An In Vitro Study Using as a Model.

The emerging trend towards the reduction of SO in winemaking has created a need to look for alternative methods to ensure the protection of wine against the growth of undesired species of microorganisms and to safely remove wine microorganisms. This study describes the possible application of silica nanospheres as a wine stabilisation agent, with (DSM7008) as a model strain. The experiment was conducted firstly on model solutions of phosphate-buffered saline and 1% glucose.

Antimicrobial Activity of Al₂O₃, CuO, Fe₃O₄, and ZnO Nanoparticles in Scope of Their Further Application in Cement-Based Building Materials.

Nanoparticles were proposed as antibacterial cement admixtures for the production of cement-based composites. Nevertheless, the standards for evaluation of such admixtures still do not indicate which model organisms to use, particularly in regard to the further application of material. Apart from the known toxicity of nanomaterials, in the case of cement-based composites there are limitations associated with the mixing and dispersion of nanomaterials.

Characterization of Mechanical and Bactericidal Properties of Cement Mortars Containing Waste Glass Aggregate and Nanomaterials.

The recycling of waste glass is a major problem for municipalities worldwide. The problem concerns especially colored waste glass which, due to its low recycling rate as result of high level of impurity, has mostly been dumped into landfills. In recent years, a new use was found for it: instead of creating waste, it can be recycled as an additive in building materials.