Research Keyword: biofilm formation

Harnessing and Degradation Mechanism of Persistent Polyethylene Waste by Newly Isolated Bacteria from Waxworm and Termite Gut Symbionts

Researchers discovered that bacteria living in the guts of waxworms and termites can effectively break down plastic waste, particularly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) commonly found in plastic bags and packaging. Two bacterial strains—Bacillus cereus from waxworms and Pseudomonas aeruginosa from termites—were tested for their ability to degrade LDPE. The Bacillus cereus strain proved more effective, breaking down nearly 20% of the plastic over 45 days by forming biofilms and using enzyme-producing capabilities. These findings suggest a promising biological approach to managing plastic pollution that could complement traditional recycling methods.

Read More »

Microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes as rising threats: Their interaction represents an urgent environmental concern

Tiny plastic particles called microplastics are spreading through our environment and creating a dangerous partnership with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When these plastics accumulate in soil, water, and even food, they carry bacteria with genes that resist antibiotics, making infections harder to treat. This combined threat to human health can spread through wind, water, and the food chain, requiring urgent action to reduce plastic pollution and antibiotic overuse.

Read More »

Fusarium spp. in Metalworking Fluid Systems: Companions Forever

Researchers analyzed over 48,000 metalworking fluid samples from machines worldwide over 10 years and found that fungal contamination is very common, especially on machine surfaces. While companies add chemicals called fungicides to prevent fungal growth, these chemicals have limited effectiveness and fungi often survive or adapt to them. As regulations increasingly restrict these fungicides, the manufacturing industry will need to find new ways to prevent fungal contamination by changing the chemical composition of metalworking fluids themselves.

Read More »

Electrospinning Enables Opportunity for Green and Effective Antibacterial Coatings of Medical Devices

Scientists have developed a greener way to coat medical devices like wound dressings and catheters with antibacterial materials using electrospun fibers. These tiny fibers are made from natural, renewable materials and release antimicrobial agents slowly and effectively to prevent infections. Unlike traditional antibiotics that can create resistance, these coatings use multiple attack methods against bacteria, making them harder for microbes to develop resistance against.

Read More »

Chromium-Tanned Leather and Microbial Consortia: Identification of Taxa With Biodegradation Potential and Chromium Tolerance

Leather waste from the tanning industry is difficult to break down and often ends up in landfills or incinerators. Scientists discovered that natural communities of bacteria found on decomposing leather can help break down chromium-tanned leather under simple nutrient conditions. These bacteria form protective biofilms and produce enzymes that gradually degrade the collagen in leather, offering a promising sustainable solution for managing leather waste.

Read More »

Fungal Metabolomics: A Comprehensive Approach to Understanding Pathogenesis in Humans and Identifying Potential Therapeutics

This review explains how scientists use metabolomics—a technique that identifies all chemical compounds in organisms—to understand how fungi cause disease and resist medicines. Fungi produce many different chemicals that help them attack our bodies and survive treatments, but these same chemicals could also be used to create new medicines. By studying these fungal chemicals, researchers can develop better antifungal drugs and understand how fungi manage to evade our immune system.

Read More »

Microbial Degradation of Chromium-Tanned Leather During Thermophilic Composting: A Multi-Scale Analysis of Microbial Communities and Structural Disruption

This study investigated how naturally occurring microorganisms can break down chromium-tanned leather waste through controlled composting at high temperatures. Researchers found that thermophilic composting successfully fragmented leather and selected specialized bacteria and fungi capable of surviving in chromium-rich environments. These microorganisms formed protective biofilms on leather surfaces, suggesting potential strategies for safer disposal of leather waste from the footwear and tannery industries.

Read More »

Functional and genomic characterization of polyethylene degrading yeast Meyerozyma carpophila M6.0.2 isolated from marine plastic debris in East Java Indonesia

Researchers discovered a marine yeast called Meyerozyma carpophila that can break down polyethylene plastic. They found this yeast in plastic waste collected from Indonesian waters and tested its ability to degrade plastic in laboratory conditions. Using advanced genetic analysis, they identified specific enzymes and genes the yeast uses to break down plastic, making it a promising candidate for cleaning up ocean plastic pollution.

Read More »

Prebiotic property of tamarind seed kernel on Bifidobacterium animalis growth and biofilm formation

This study shows that tamarind seed kernel powder acts as a prebiotic, which are foods that feed beneficial bacteria in your gut. The research found that this powder promotes the growth of Bifidobacterium animalis, a helpful probiotic bacteria, and helps it form protective biofilms that adhere to intestinal walls. The tamarind seed powder actually worked better than inulin, a commonly used prebiotic, particularly at higher concentrations.

Read More »

Echoes of 1816: microbial footprints in heritage artifacts from Argentina’s museum of independence

Scientists studied bacteria living on historic artifacts at Argentina’s Independence Museum to understand how microbes damage precious heritage items. They found 49 different bacterial species on artifacts like 200-year-old photographs, wooden furniture, and textiles, discovering that each artifact hosts a unique microbial community. The study shows that understanding these bacteria is crucial for preserving cultural treasures and protecting museum workers from potential health risks caused by microbial exposure during artifact handling and conservation.

Read More »
Scroll to Top