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The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, poses a significant threat to date palms globally, heavily relying on symbiotic microbes for various physiological and behavioral functions. This comprehensive study delves into the intricate dynamics of RPW gut microbiota, revealing a diverse microbial community consisting of seven genera and eight species from Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria. The stability of gut bacteria across different life stages was observed, with notable impacts on larval metabolism attributed to shifts in bacterial composition. Bacillus subtilis emerged as a key player, producing a spectrum of metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, the gut bacteria exhibited remarkable pesticide degradation capabilities, suggesting a potential role in the host’s resistance to pesticides. The Arthrobacter sp. was identified as a promising candidate for eco-friendly pest biocontrol and biodegradation strategies. Investigating the influence of thermal stress on two groups of RPW larvae (conventional-fed and antibiotic-fed) at varying temperatures (15, 27, and 35 °C) unveiled potential survival implications. This study highlights the pivotal role of bacterial symbionts in enabling larvae adaptation and thermal stress tolerance. In essence, this research contributes crucial insights into the diversity and functions of RPW gut bacteria, emphasizing their prospective applications in pest control strategies.

The accumulation of xenobiotic compounds in different environments interrupts the natural ecosystem and induces high toxicity in non-target organisms. Diclofenac is one of the commonly used pharmaceutical drugs that persist in the environment due to its low natural degradation rate and high toxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to isolate potential diclofenac-degrading bacteria, detect the intermediate metabolites formed, and determine the enzyme involved in the degradation process. Four bacterial isolates were selected based on their ability to utilize a high concentration of diclofenac (40 mg/L) as the sole carbon source. The growth conditions for diclofenac degradation were optimized, and bacteria were identified as Pseudomonas aeruginosa (S1), Alcaligenes aquatilis (S2), Achromobacter spanius (S11), and Achromobacter piechaudii (S18). The highest percentage of degradation was recorded (97.79 ± 0.84) after six days of incubation for A. spanius S11, as analyzed by HPLC. To detect and identify biodegradation metabolites, the GC-MS technique was conducted for the most efficient bacterial strains. In all tested isolates, the initial hydroxylation of diclofenac was detected. The cleavage step of the NH bridge between the aromatic rings and the subsequent cleavage of the ring adjacent to or in between the two hydroxyl groups of polyhydroxylated derivatives might be a key step that enables the complete biodegradation of diclofenac by A. piechaudii S18, as well as P. aeruginosa S1. Additionally, the laccase, peroxidase, and dioxygenase enzyme activities of the two Achromobacter strains, as well as P. aeruginosa S1, were tested in the presence and absence of diclofenac. The obtained results from this work are expected to be a useful reference for the development of effective detoxification bioprocesses utilizing bacterial cells as biocatalysts. The complete removal of pharmaceuticals from polluted water will stimulate water reuse, meeting the growing worldwide demand for clean and safe freshwater.

Multidrug-resistant microorganisms have become a significant public health threat, and traditional antibiotics are becoming ineffective. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising alternative that utilizes photosensitizers and light to produce Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) that can kill microorganisms. Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) is a promising photosensitizer due to its strong affinity for encapsulation in nanoemulsions and its antimicrobial properties. In this study, nanoemulsion was prepared using Miglyol 812N, a surfactant, and distilled water to dissolve hydrophobic drugs such as ZnPc. The nanoemulsion was characterized by its particle size, polydispersity index, Transmission Electron Microscope and Zeta potential, and the results showed that it was an efficient nanocarrier system that facilitated the solubilization of hydrophobic drugs in water. The use of ZnPc encapsulated in the nanoemulsion produced through the spontaneous emulsification method resulted in a significant reduction in cell survival percentages of gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and gram-negative Escherichia coli by 85% and 75%, respectively. This may be attributed to the more complex cell membrane structure of E. coli compared to S. aureus. This demonstrates the potential of nanoemulsion-based PDT as an effective alternative to traditional antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant microorganisms.

The peach fruit fly, Bactrocera zonata (Tephritidae), is economically relevant as a highly polyphagous pest infesting over 50 host plants including commercial fruit and horticultural crops. As an invasive species, B. zonata was firmly established in Egypt and holds potential to spread further across the Mediterranean basin. The present study demonstrated that the peach fruit fly was found multiplying in olive orchards at two distant locations in Egypt. This is the first report of B. zonata developing in olives. COI barcoding has revealed evidence for high diversity across these peach fruit fly populations. These data are consistent with multiple rather than a single event leading to both peach fruit fly invasion to Egypt and its adaptation to olive. Comparative microbiomics data for B. zonata developing on different host plants were indicative for microbiome dynamics being involved in the adaptation to olive as a new niche with a potential adaptive role for Erwinia or Providencia bacteria. The possibility of symbiont transfer from the olive fruit fly to the peach fruit fly is discussed. Potentially host switch relevant bacterial symbionts might be preferred targets of symbiosis disruption strategies for integrated pest management or biological control of B. zonata.