Valorisation of olive oil by-products into pectic- and glucuronoxylo-oligosaccharides via one-step fermentation.

Olive pomace (OLP) and stones (OLS) are key by-products of olive oil production, rich in lignocellulose and pectin, making them viable substrates for prebiotic oligosaccharide (OS) production. This study evaluated the chemical composition of OLP and OLS powders (OLPp and OLSp) and their potential for OS production through one-step fermentation using recombinant Bacillus subtilis 3610. Both substrates had comparable xylan and pectin levels, but OLSp showed greater potential, achieving a maximum total sugar yield of 60 ± 3 mg.

Improved Pseudomonas aeruginosa detection through the development of an engineered reporter bacteriophage.

Currently, there is a critical need for the rapid and accurate detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a major pathogen responsible for nosocomial infections and high mortality rates due to its antibiotic resistance and virulence. To address this challenge, a new method is here described based on the development of a genetically engineered reporter bacteriophage that expresses the NLuc luciferase upon bacterial infection. The NLuc luciferase gene was inserted in the previously characterized vB_PaeP_PE3 P.

Challenging the conductive paradigm: The unexpected role of sand in anaerobic digestion.

The application of conductive materials (CM) has emerged as a strategy to enhance methane production (MP) in anaerobic digestion (AD) systems. This study highlights the potential of sand as an alternative to CM for biomethane production during AD, utilizing complex microbial communities and pure cultures of methanogens. Sand (non-CM) was compared with activated carbon (AC) and nano-zero valent iron (nZVI), both CM, regarding MP kinetic parameters, including lag phase duration, methane production rate (MPR), and maximum MP.

Development of Flower Extracts with Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties for Nutraceutical and Food Uses.

Plant flowers are recognized as a rich source of bioactive phenolic compounds. In this study, for the first time, the recovery of antioxidant phenolic compounds from flowers (CF) was optimized using microwave-assisted extraction (MAE). The variables (% of ethanol, temperature, and time) were studied using a response surface methodology (RSM).

Microbial production of single cell oil from biowaste-derived volatile fatty acids using a newly identified oleaginous Cyberlindnera jadinii.

Efforts to achieve a circular economy emphasize waste minimization while maximizing its value through recycling and reuse. Volatile Fatty Acids (VFAs), derived from organic waste streams, hold biotechnological potential as raw materials for producing value-added compounds offering sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based approaches. The phenotypic and genomic plasticity of non-Saccharomyces yeasts positions them as ideal candidates for VFAs metabolization.

Genetic engineering of Saccharomyces boulardii: Tools, strategies and advances for enhanced probiotic and therapeutic applications.

Saccharomyces boulardii is a probiotic yeast that has been extensively studied in clinical trials, and it is used to treat several gut disorders. Its high survivability and the ability of secreting recombinant proteins, make S. boulardii an attractive delivery vessel for molecules of interest in the gut.

Stable and Functional Cosmetic Creams Enriched with Grape Stem Extract: A Sustainable Skincare Strategy.

The growing demand for sustainable and effective cosmetic ingredients has prompted renewed interest in winemaking by-products. Among these, grape stem (GS) extract remains relatively underexplored despite its rich content of phenolic compounds distinct from those found in more commonly studied grape seeds or skins. This study validates the potential of GS extract as a novel bioactive component in cosmetic cream formulations.

Thermodynamic modelling of pharmaceutical sorption in soil systems: A comparative study of batch and fixed-bed approaches.

In agricultural areas, daily and seasonal temperature fluctuations can swiftly alter the mobility of pharmaceuticals in the topsoils. Therefore, developing a method that can accurately estimate the fate and transport of terrestrial contaminants like organic micropollutants is crucial. Fixed-bed systems provide a non-traditional understanding of thermodynamic calculations and better reflect the natural conditions of the soil environment than the batch method hitherto used.

sp. nov., a moderately halophilic and alkaliphilic bacterium isolated from an inland saltern in central Portugal and reclassification of as sp. nov.

A novel moderately halophilic and alkaliphilic Gram-stain-negative, strictly aerobic, bacterial strain (N2) was isolated from an inland saltern in central Portugal. The taxonomic position of this isolate was determined based on polyphasic taxonomic and phylogenomic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that isolate N2 belongs to the genus , showing the highest similarity to 2W32 (98.

Combination of phages and antibiotics with enhanced killing efficacy against dual-species bacterial communities in a three-dimensional lung epithelial model.

and are opportunistic pathogens commonly found in biofilm-associated polymicrobial respiratory infections that are challenging to control. Studies performed in laboratory standard conditions suggest that bacterio(phages) and antibiotic combinations are more active against bacterial communities and biofilms than each agent alone. The purpose of this work was to study the antibacterial efficacy of phage-antibiotic combinations using an -like three-dimensional lung epithelial model that mimics aspects of the parental tissue, colonized by a mixed bacterial community of and .

Unveiling new features of the human pathogen through the reconstruction and exploitation of a dedicated genome-scale metabolic model.

is notorious for causing severe pulmonary and central nervous system infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients. High mortality rates, associated with its tropism and adaptation to the brain microenvironment and its drug resistance profile, make this pathogen a public health threat and a World Health Organization (WHO) priority. This study presents the first reconstructed genome-scale metabolic model (GSMM), iRV890, for , which comprises 890 genes, 2598 reactions, and 2047 metabolites across four compartments.

De novo production of prenylnaringenin compounds by a metabolically engineered Escherichia coli.

Prenylnaringenin (PN) compounds, namely 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), 3'-prenylnaringenin (3'-PN), and 6-prenylnaringenin (6-PN), are reported to have several interesting bioactivities. This study aimed to validate a biosynthetic pathway for de novo production of PN in Escherichia coli. A previously optimized E.

Micro-aeration for improving anaerobic treatment and biogas production from organic pollutants.

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a well-established method for waste/wastewater treatment and biogas production, but challenges remain in improving its performance, particularly for toxic/inhibitory organic compounds such as lipids, hydrocarbons, polyphenols, pharmaceuticals, and other pollutants. Micro-aeration, which involves the controlled introduction of small amounts of oxygen, has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance microbial activity, stimulate the degradation of challenging compounds, and improve methane yields. This review addresses the different strategies used for effective oxygen dosing, measurement, and control, while also delving into the bioenergetics of the coexisting anaerobic and micro-aerobic pathways.

Unveiling the spectrum of xylooligosaccharides from lignocellulosic biomasses: Production, functional properties, food applications, and market insights.

Lignocellulosic agro-industrial residues are a valuable source for oligosaccharide production, supporting the biorefinery concept and advancing innovative production strategies. This review focuses on xylooligosaccharides (XOS) production from various lignocellulosic residues, focusing on xylan as a primary feedstock. It discusses conventional methods (acid hydrolysis, autohydrolysis, enzymatic hydrolysis) and novel approaches (submerged fermentation, solid-state fermentation, deep eutectic solvents), evaluating their benefits, challenges, and optimization potential.

Amphiphilic dendrimer-assisted delivery of antisense nucleic acid mimics against E. coli.

The rise in antimicrobial resistance and the consequent ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics emphasise the need for novel therapeutic strategies. Antisense nucleic acid mimics (NAMs) are emerging as promising precision therapeutic agents, inhibiting specific genes through hybridisation with selected nucleic acid targets. However, delivering NAMs into bacteria remains a significant challenge.

Advances in whole genome sequencing for foodborne pathogens: implications for clinical infectious disease surveillance and public health.

Foodborne outbreaks affecting millions of people worldwide are a significant and growing global health threat, exacerbated by the emergence of new and increasingly virulent foodborne pathogens. Traditional methods of detecting these outbreaks, including culture-based techniques, serotyping and molecular methods such as real-time PCR, are still widely used. However, these approaches often lack the precision and resolution required to definitively trace the source of an outbreak and distinguish between closely related strains of pathogens.

Insights on microalgae-based technologies with potential impact on global methane budget - Perspectives for industrial applications.

The European Union's Methane Action Plan outlined policies and targets supporting the Global Methane Pledge to cut CH emissions by 30% by 2030, yet urgent implementation is needed to treat medium and diluted CH streams. Microalgae-based technologies offer a groundbreaking solution, merging CH mitigation with biomass valorization to drive sustainable industrial practices. This review examines three key applications: photosynthetic biogas upgrading, a viable alternative to physical/chemical methods, producing biomethane and valuable algal biomass; microalgae-methanotroph co-cultivation, a promising but underdeveloped method for diluted CH streams; and CH-producing microalgae, unveiling a novel route for biomethane production.

A first-in-class inhibitor of homologous recombination DNA repair counteracts tumour growth, metastasis and therapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer.

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is among the cancer types with poorest prognosis and survival rates primarily due to resistance to standard-of-care therapies, including gemcitabine (GEM) and olaparib. Particularly, wild-type (wt)BRCA tumours, the most prevalent in PDAC, are more resistant to DNA-targeting agents like olaparib, restraining their clinical application. Recently, we disclosed a monoterpene indole alkaloid derivative (BBIT20) as a new inhibitor of homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair with anticancer activity in breast and ovarian cancer.

Whole yeast cell synthesis of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural-derivatives from apple waste processed by green technologies.

The transition to renewable resources and bioprocesses is essential to address climate change and meet energy demands. Biorefineries offer a sustainable solution by valorising agro-industrial wastes, such as apple pomace, a by-product of the juice and cider industries. This study presents an efficient process to produce 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) derivatives using deep eutectic solvent (DES) and microwave-assisted heating.

Lipid Nanoparticles: Formulation, Production Methods and Characterization Protocols.

Lipid nanoparticles (LNs) have emerged as advanced lipid-based delivery systems, offering an effective approach for encapsulating and protecting lipid-soluble bioactive compounds, increasing their bioavailability. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) are particularly promising for bioactive compound entrapment. However, to fully exploit their potential, it is crucial to carefully select the appropriate lipid matrices and emulsifiers.

Biocides as drivers of antibiotic resistance: A critical review of environmental implications and public health risks.

The widespread and indiscriminate use of biocides poses significant threats to global health, socioeconomic development, and environmental sustainability by accelerating antibiotic resistance. Bacterial resistance development is highly complex and influenced significantly by environmental factors. Increased biocide usage in households, agriculture, livestock farming, industrial settings, and hospitals produces persistent chemical residues that pollute soil and aquatic environments.

Bioactive Potential of a Grape Stem Blend: A Sustainable Approach to Skin Regeneration.

The European wine industry is embracing sustainability through circular economy principles, particularly by valorizing by-products, such as grape stems. Grape stems are rich in phenolic compounds with recognized health benefits. This study investigates the bioactive potential of molecules extracted from a blend of grape stems (GS blend extract).

CRISPR-Cas9 engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae for endolysin delivery to combat Listeria monocytogenes.

Listeriosis is an infection caused by the consumption of food contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. It leads to febrile gastroenteritis, central nervous system infections, and even death in risk populations. Bacteriophage endolysins selectively kill bacteria hydrolyzing their cell walls and have emerged as a potential tool for listeriosis control.

Sustainable development of a carob-based food with antioxidant and prebiotic functionality via in situ enzymatic and microbial fructo-oligosaccharide production.

Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) are well-established prebiotics, while polyphenols have recently demonstrated their potential as prebiotics. Carob pulp, with its high intrinsic sucrose content and high levels of polyphenols, shows great potential to be transformed into a prebiotic food. In this study, we investigated the development of a functional food product based on carob pulp, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Microwave-assisted extraction of raspberry pomace phenolic compounds, and their bioaccessibility and bioactivity.

Raspberry pomace (RBP) is rich in phenolic compounds. This study aims to optimize the extraction of phenolics from RBP and assess their bioaccessibility and bioactivity. The extraction process revealed that ethanol 50 % was the most effective solvent.