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Abstract Background The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Enterobacter sp. and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and copper stress (Cu+ 2)-reducing capabilities in Vicia faba (L.) plants. The green-synthesized ZnO NPs were validated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD); Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. ZnO NPs could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications. as well as these nanoparticles used in alleviating the hazardous effects of copper stress on the morphological and physiological traits of 21-day-old Vicia faba (L.) plants. Results The results revealed that different concentrations of ZnO NPs (250, 500, or 1000 mg L-1) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of copper stress (100 mM CuSO4) and increased the growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and pigments (Chlorophyll a and b) contents in Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Furthermore, applying high concentration of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) was the best dose in maintaining the levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and POX), total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins, phenolic and flavonoid in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Additionally, contents of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly suppressed in response to high concentrations of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Also, it demonstrates strong antibacterial action (0.9 mg/ml) against various pathogenic microorganisms. Conclusions The ZnO NPs produced in this study demonstrated the potential to enhance plant detoxification and tolerance mechanisms, enabling plants to better cope with environmental stress. Furthermore, these nanoparticles could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications.

AbstractThis study focused on the biodegradation of acetonitrile (ACN) and subsequent nitrification using a mesophilic microbial consortium isolated from Phragmites australis and Zantedeschia aethiopica plants which were in a nitrile-contaminated habitat. The organisms were identified using 16S rDNA sequencing and were determined to be Bacillus sp., Pseudomonas sp., and Enterobacter sp. organisms. These organisms were used as a consortium in the biodegradation of ACN. The physicochemical conditions including temperature, pH, and ACN concentration were optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). Based on this method, an optimal biodegradation efficiency of 99% was achieved at an optimized temperature of 34.99 °C, pH of 7:03, and an ACN concentration of up to 127.23 mg/L. These optimized parameters were used in the continuous operation over a period of 122 days with increased ACN concentrations of 150–500 mg/L where the biodegradation efficiency exceeded 99% which were accompanied by the production of acetic acid, acetamide, and nitrogenous compounds. Acetic acid and acetamide were completely utilized while total nitrogen (TN) was 1.2 mg/L on the last day of the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Enterobacter sp. and the evaluation of their antimicrobial and copper stress (Cu+ 2)-reducing capabilities in Vicia faba (L.) plants. The green-synthesized ZnO NPs were validated using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD); Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), Transmission electron microscope (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. ZnO NPs could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications. as well as these nanoparticles used in alleviating the hazardous effects of copper stress on the morphological and physiological traits of 21-day-old Vicia faba (L.) plants. Results: The results revealed that different concentrations of ZnO NPs (250, 500, or 1000 mg L-1) significantly alleviated the toxic effects of copper stress (100 mM CuSO4) and increased the growth parameters, photosynthetic efficiency (Fv/Fm), and pigments (Chlorophyll a and b) contents in Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Furthermore, applying high concentration of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) was the best dose in maintaining the levels of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, and POX), total soluble carbohydrates, total soluble proteins, phenolic and flavonoid in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Additionally, contents of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were significantly suppressed in response to high concentrations of ZnO NPs (1000 mg L-1) in all Cu-stressed Vicia faba (L.) seedlings. Also, it demonstrates strong antibacterial action (0.9 mg/ml) against various pathogenic microorganisms. Conclusions: The ZnO NPs produced in this study demonstrated the potential to enhance plant detoxification and tolerance mechanisms, enabling plants to better cope with environmental stress. Furthermore, these nanoparticles could serve as an improved bactericidal agent for various biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 338 microorganisms, comprising 271 bacteria and 67 fungi, were isolated from sediment samples collected from underexplored Pacific and Caribbean regions of Colombia. Screening trials were conducted on selected strains (n = 276) to assess their tolerance to cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), and zinc (Zn2+), leading to the identification of six bacteria capable of withstanding 750 mg·L−1 of each heavy metal ion. Three promising microorganisms, identified as Enterobacter sp. INV PRT213, Pseudomonas sp. INV PRT215, and Stenotrophomonas sp. INV PRT216 were selected for lead removal experiments using LB broth medium supplemented with 400 mg·L−1 Pb2+. Among these, Pseudomonas sp. INV PRT215 exhibited significant potential, removing 49% of initial Pb2+ after 240 min of exposure (16.7 g wet biomass·L−1, pH 5, 30 °C). Infrared spectra of Pb-exposed biomass showed changes in functional groups, including carbonyl groups of amides, carboxylate, phosphate, hydroxyl, and amine groups, compared to the not-exposed control. These changes suggested interactions between the metal and functional groups in the biomass. The findings of this study highlight the potential of microorganisms derived from coastal marine environments as promising candidates for future applications in bioremediation of polluted environments contaminated with heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L.) are used as a good source of proteins and energy in the diets of various organisms including humans and animals. Chickpea straws can serve as an alternative option for forage for different ruminants. This research mainly focussed on screening the effects of adding beneficial chickpea seed endophytes on increasing the nutritional properties of the different edible parts of chickpea plants. Two efficient chickpea seed endophytes (Enterobacter sp. strain BHUJPCS-2 and BHUJPCS-8) were selected and applied to the chickpea seeds before sowing in the experiment conducted on clay pots. Chickpea seeds treated with both endophytes showed improved plant growth and biomass accumulation. Notably, improvements in the uptake of mineral nutrients were found in the foliage, pericarp, and seed of the chickpea plants. Additionally, nutritional properties such as total phenolics (0.47, 0.25, and 0.55 folds), total protein (0.04, 0.21, and 0.18 folds), carbohydrate content (0.31, 0.32, and 0.31 folds), and total flavonoid content (0.45, 027, and 0.8 folds) were increased in different parts (foliage, pericarp, and seed) of the chickpea plants compared to the control plants. The seed endophyte-treated plants showed a significant increase in mineral accumulation and improvement in nutrition in the different edible parts of chickpea plants. The results showed that the seed endophyte-mediated increase in dietary and nutrient value of the different parts (pericarp, foliage, and seeds) of chickpea are consumed by humans, whereas the other parts (pericarp and foliage) are used as alternative options for forage and chaff in livestock diets and may have direct effects on their nutritional conditions.

As bactérias solubilizadoras de fosfato (BSF) possuem capacidade para liberar o fósforo (P) que está adsorvido no solo, convertendo fosfato insolúvel em formas solúveis, tornando-o disponível para a absorção pelas plantas. Estas bactérias podem ser encontradas naturalmente no ambiente, tendo o solo como maior reservatório. Além de serem consideradas benéficas e seguras, as BSF representam uma alternativa viável para uso agrícola, pois podem ser multiplicadas e devolvidas à rizosfera (inoculantes, bioestimulantes, biofertilizantes, biopesticidas) para estimular o crescimento das plantas por meio de mecanismos diretos e/ou indiretos. No entanto, encontrar isolados eficientes e adaptados às diversas culturas e sistemas de cultivo permanece um grande desafio. Esta pesquisa teve por objetivo prospectar BSF a partir do solo de diferentes áreas e selecionar, por meio de ensaios in vitro, cepas eficientes e com maior potencial para uso agrícola, bem como, avaliar os efeitos da inoculação em sementes de arroz de terras altas. A partir de amostras de solo coletadas em área conservada do bioma Amazônia, área agrícola produtiva do bioma Cerrado e área degradada com subsolo exposto do bioma Cerrado, foram obtidos 32 isolados solubilizadores. Destes, três foram selecionados pela capacidade de solubilização in vitro para fosfato de cálcio e/ou fosfato de ferro, e com início de solubilização precoce. Identificados como Pantoea sp., Enterobacter sp. e Klebsiella sp., os mesmos não apresentaram danos à sanidade das sementes de arroz, ou à germinação e emergência das plântulas, além de promoverem aumento do comprimento das raízes.

Abstract Background The release of organic acids (OAs) is considered the main mechanism used by phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to dissolve inorganic phosphate in soil. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of individual OAs produced by a particular PSB in a soil–plant system. For these reasons, the present work aimed at investigating the effect of Enterobacter sp. strain 15S and the exogenous application of its OAs on (i) the solubilization of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), (ii) plant growth and (iii) P nutrition of cucumber. To this purpose two independent experiments have been performed. Results In the first experiment, carried out in vitro, the phosphate solubilizing activity of Enterobacter 15S was associated with the release of citric, fumaric, ketoglutaric, malic, and oxalic acids. In the second experiment, cucumber plants were grown in a Leonard jar system consisting of a nutrient solution supplemented with the OAs previously identified in Enterobacter 15S (jar’s base) and a substrate supplemented with the insoluble TCP where cucumber plants were grown (jar’s top). The use of Enterobacter 15S and its secreted OAs proved to be efficient in the in situ TCP solubilization. In particular, the enhancement of the morpho-physiological traits of P-starved cucumber plants was evident when treated with Enterobacter 15S, oxalate, or citrate. The highest accumulation of P in roots and shoots induced by such treatments further corroborated this hypothesis. Conclusion In our study, the results presented suggest that organic acids released by Enterobacter 15S as well as the bacterium itself can enhance the P-acquisition by cucumber plants.

The ESKAPE pathogens, including bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species, pose a global health threat due to their ability to resist antimicrobial drugs and evade the immune system. These pathogens are responsible for hospital-acquired infections, especially in intensive care units, and contribute to the growing problem of multi-drug resistance. In this study, researchers focused on exploring the potential of Antarctic marine bacteria as a source of anti-biofilm molecules to combat ESKAPE pathogens. Four Antarctic bacterial strains were selected, and their cell-free supernatants were tested against 60 clinical ESKAPE isolates. The results showed that the supernatants did not exhibit antimicrobial activity but effectively prevented biofilm formation and dispersed mature biofilms. This research highlights the promising potential of Antarctic bacteria in producing compounds that can counteract biofilms formed by clinically significant bacterial species. These findings contribute to the development of new strategies for preventing and controlling infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to test the ability of some plant growth-promoting bacteria to adverse the effects of salinity on soybean growth. The effect of Bacillus MAP3 and Enterobacter Delta PSK, along with Bradyrhizobium japonicum was studied on soybean at two levels of NaCl salinization (50 and 100 mM). The physical growth parameters of bacterized soybean (21 days old), particularly plants co-inoculated with Bradyrhizobium japonicum + Enterobacter Delta PSK, were significantly enhanced compared to control plants. The shoot length, leaf area, root length, and chlorophyll a content increased by 49.58%, 78.58%, 20.19%, and 57.35%, respectively, indicating the promoting activity of this bacterial combination. After 19 days following the onset of salinity stress, the retarded growth parameters in controls improved significantly due to bacterial treatments, especially by Bradyrhizobium japonicum + Enterobacter DeltaPSK, which increased the values of all growth parameters significantly regardless of the salinity level. Additionally, electrolyte leakage, the amounts of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide decreased considerably due to this combined bacterial treatment. Overall, the combination treatment of Enterobacter Delta PSK and the original symbiont B. japonicum enhanced soybean growth under salt stress, indicating the ability of Enterobacter Delta PSK to mitigate osmotic stress. The effect of this strain on soybean yield should be further evaluated to pave the way for its use as a biofertilizer along with B. japonicum, especially under salt stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the increased population and their overuse, estrogens are being detected in the environment at alarming levels. They act as endocrine disrupting compounds (EDC's) posing adverse effects on animals and humans. In this study, a strain belonging to Enterobacter sp. strain BHUBP7 was recovered from a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) situated in Varanasi city, U.P., India, and was capable of metabolizing both 17 α-Ethynylestradiol (EE2) and 17 β-Estradiol (E2) separately as a sole carbon source. The strain BHUBP7 exhibited high rates of E2 degradation as compared to EE2 degradation. The degradation of E2 (10 mg/L) was 94.3% after four days of incubation, whereas the degradation of EE2 (10 mg/L) under similar conditions was 98% after seven days of incubation. The kinetics of EE2 and E2 degradation fitted well with the first-order reaction rate. FTIR analysis revealed the involvement of functional groups like C = O, C–C, C–OH during the degradation process. The metabolites generated during degradation of EE2 and E2 were identified using HRAMS and a plausible pathway was elucidated. It was observed that metabolism of both E2 and EE2 proceeded with the formation of estrone, which was then hydroxylated to 4-hydroxy estrone, followed by ring opening at the C4–C5 position, and was further metabolized by the 4,5 seco pathway leading to the formation of 3-(7a-methyl-1,5-dioxooctahydro-1H-inden-4-yl) propanoic acid (HIP). It is the first report on the complete pathway of EE2 and E2 degradation in Enterobacter sp. strain BHUBP7. Moreover, the formation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) during the degradation of EE2 and E2 was observed. It was concluded that both hormones elicited the generation of oxidative stress in the bacterium during the degradation process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The release of organic acids (OAs) is considered the main mechanism used by phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to dissolve inorganic phosphate in soil. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of individual OAs produced by a particular PSB in a soil–plant system. For these reasons, the present work aimed at investigating the effect of Enterobacter sp. strain 15S and the exogenous application of its OAs on (i) the solubilization of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), (ii) plant growth and (iii) P nutrition of cucumber. To this purpose two independent experiments have been performed. Results: In the first experiment, carried out in vitro, the phosphate solubilizing activity of Enterobacter 15S was associated with the release of citric, fumaric, ketoglutaric, malic, and oxalic acids. In the second experiment, cucumber plants were grown in a Leonard jar system consisting of a nutrient solution supplemented with the OAs previously identified in Enterobacter 15S (jar's base) and a substrate supplemented with the insoluble TCP where cucumber plants were grown (jar's top). The use of Enterobacter 15S and its secreted OAs proved to be efficient in the in situ TCP solubilization. In particular, the enhancement of the morpho-physiological traits of P-starved cucumber plants was evident when treated with Enterobacter 15S, oxalate, or citrate. The highest accumulation of P in roots and shoots induced by such treatments further corroborated this hypothesis. Conclusion: In our study, the results presented suggest that organic acids released by Enterobacter 15S as well as the bacterium itself can enhance the P-acquisition by cucumber plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is a binding target of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) spike protein. An ACE2-like enzyme, such as bacterial M32-carboxypeptidase (M32-CAP), is assumed to be a potential therapeutic candidate for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, we screened bacteria with an ACE2-like enzyme activity from Japanese fermented food and dietary products using the fluorogenic substrate for rapid screening. The strain showing the highest activity, Enterobacter sp. 200527-13, produced an enzyme with the same hydrolytic activity as ACE2 on Angiotensin II (Ang II). The enzymatic analysis using the heterologously-expressed enzyme in Escherichia coli revealed that the enzyme catalyzes the same reaction with that of ACE2, Ang II hydrolysis to Ang 1-7, and phenylalanine. The gene sequence information showed that the enzyme belongs to the M32-CAP family. These results suggested that the selected enzyme, M32-CAP (EntCP), from Enterobacter sp. 200527-13 was identified as an ACE2-like enzyme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, 338 microorganisms, comprising 271 bacteria and 67 fungi, were isolated from sediment samples collected from underexplored Pacific and Caribbean regions of Colombia. Screening trials were conducted on selected strains (n = 276) to assess their tolerance to cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), and zinc (Zn2+), leading to the identification of six bacteria capable of withstanding 750 mg·L−1 of each heavy metal ion. Three promising microorganisms, identified as Enterobacter sp. INV PRT213, Pseudomonas sp. INV PRT215, and Stenotrophomonas sp. INV PRT216 were selected for lead removal experiments using LB broth medium supplemented with 400 mg·L−1 Pb2+. Among these, Pseudomonas sp. INV PRT215 exhibited significant potential, removing 49% of initial Pb2+ after 240 min of exposure (16.7 g wet biomass·L−1, pH 5, 30 °C). Infrared spectra of Pb-exposed biomass showed changes in functional groups, including carbonyl groups of amides, carboxylate, phosphate, hydroxyl, and amine groups, compared to the not-exposed control. These changes suggested interactions between the metal and functional groups in the biomass. The findings of this study highlight the potential of microorganisms derived from coastal marine environments as promising candidates for future applications in bioremediation of polluted environments contaminated with heavy metals.

The ESKAPE pathogens, including bacteria such as Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species, pose a global health threat due to their ability to resist antimicrobial drugs and evade the immune system. These pathogens are responsible for hospital-acquired infections, especially in intensive care units, and contribute to the growing problem of multi-drug resistance. In this study, researchers focused on exploring the potential of Antarctic marine bacteria as a source of anti-biofilm molecules to combat ESKAPE pathogens. Four Antarctic bacterial strains were selected, and their cell-free supernatants were tested against 60 clinical ESKAPE isolates. The results showed that the supernatants did not exhibit antimicrobial activity but effectively prevented biofilm formation and dispersed mature biofilms. This research highlights the promising potential of Antarctic bacteria in producing compounds that can counteract biofilms formed by clinically significant bacterial species. These findings contribute to the development of new strategies for preventing and controlling infections caused by ESKAPE pathogens.

The chlorpyrifos-mineralizing rice root endophyte Enterobacter sp. HSTU-ASh6 strain was identified, which enormously enhanced the growth of tomato plant under epiphytic conditions. The strain solubilizes phosphate and grew in nitrogen-free Jensen’s medium. It secreted indole acetic acid (IAA; 4.8 mg/mL) and ACC deaminase (0.0076 μg/mL/h) and hydrolyzed chlorpyrifos phosphodiester bonds into 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol and diethyl methyl-monophosphate, which was confirmed by Gas Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) analysis. In vitro and in silico (ANI, DDH, housekeeping genes and whole genome phylogenetic tree, and genome comparison) analyses confirmed that the strain belonged to a new species of Enterobacter. The annotated genome of strain HSTU-ASh6 revealed a sets of nitrogen-fixing, siderophore, acdS, and IAA producing, stress tolerance, phosphate metabolizing, and pesticide-degrading genes. The 3D structure of 28 potential model proteins that can degrade pesticides was validated, and virtual screening using 105 different pesticides revealed that the proteins exhibit strong catalytic interaction with organophosphorus pesticides. Selected docked complexes such as α/β hydrolase–crotoxyphos, carboxylesterase–coumaphos, α/β hydrolase–cypermethrin, α/β hydrolase–diazinon, and amidohydrolase–chlorpyrifos meet their catalytic triads in visualization, which showed stability in molecular dynamics simulation up to 100 ns. The foliar application of Enterobacter sp. strain HSTU-ASh6 on tomato plants significantly improved their growth and development at vegetative and reproductive stages in fields, resulting in fresh weight and dry weight was 1.8–2.0-fold and 1.3–1.6-fold higher in where urea application was cut by 70%, respectively. Therefore, the newly discovered chlorpyrifos-degrading species Enterobacter sp. HSTU-ASh6 could be used as a smart biofertilizer component for sustainable tomato cultivation.

A microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an electricity-generating device utilising electrochemically active microorganisms as biocatalysts. Using MFC as a biosensor to monitor hydrogen fermentation in Enterobacter sp. is possible because the device depends on microbial activity for electricity output. This study aimed to prove the concept that voltage signal generated by Enterobacter sp. via an MFC can be used in the fast detection and monitoring of microbial health in terms of hydrogen production and microbial growth. The anodic chamber of a two-chamber MFC was used for cultivating culture and hydrogen production. An anode inside the chamber was used as a sensor terminal to monitor fermentative batch operation within 24 h. The open-circuit voltage (OCV) signal was proportional to the dried weight biomass and accumulated biogas volume (sigmoid curve) between the lag and early stationary phases. However, the OCV value started to decrease dramatically when the pH was significantly dropped during the stationary phase until the end of the experiments. The observation indicated that the pH had a great effect not only on biomass growth and biogas production but also on the OCV output. The results showed that the MFC-based health sensor is applicable, can be the cost-effective and facilitates the monitoring of the hydrogen fermentative process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pb(II)-resistant bacterium was isolated from heavy metal-contained soils and used as a biosorbentto remove Pb(II). The strain was identified as Enterobacter sp. based on the 16S rRNA sequence analysis. Theeffect of biosorption properties (pH value, Pb(II) concentration, bacterial concentration and temperature) onPb(II) was investigated by batch experiments. Results of FTIR and XPS showed that the biosorption process mainly involved some oxygen-containing groups (-OH and -COOH groups). The experimental results and equilibrium data were fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, respectively. The experimental biosorption isotherms fitted the Langmuir model, and the maximum biosorption capacity was 40.75 mg/g at 298 K. The calculated ΔGо and ΔHо were –4.06 and 14.91(kJ/mol), respectively, which indicated that biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Results show that Enterobacter sp. will be an efficient biosorbent for Pb(II) removal.

Mixed Enterobacter sp. Z1 and Klebsiella sp. Z2 displayed an outstanding ammonia removal capacity than using a single strain. Metabolomics, proteomics, and RNA interference analysis demonstrated that the HNAD process was closely related to indole-acetic acid (IAA). Under the cocultured conditions, the excess IAA produced by Z2 could be absorbed by Z1 to compensate for the deficiency of IAA in the cells. IAA directly induced the expression of denitrifying enzymes and further activated the IAA metabolism level, thus greatly improving the nitrogen removal ability of Z1. In turn, nitrate and nitrite induced the expression of key enzymes in the IAA pathways. Moreover, Z1 and Z2 enhanced two IAA metabolic pathways in the process of mixed removal process. The activated hydrolysis-redox pathway in Z1 reduced the oxidative stress level, and the activated decarboxylation pathway in Z2 promoted intracellular energy metabolism, which indirectly promoted the process of HNAD in the system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we characterized the plant growth-promoting traits of Enterobacter sp. FM-1 (FM-1) and investigated its ability to promote growth and increase IAA, P, and Fe concentrations as well as Cd and Pb accumulation in Centella asiatica L. (C. asiatica L.) in upstream area (UA) soil and downstream area (DA) soil that we collected from Siding mine. The results demonstrated that FM-1 secreted IAA, produced siderophores, and had P-solubilization ability even under Cd exposure. IAA secretion reached a maximum of 108.3 ± 1.3 mg L−1 under Cd exposure at 25 mg L−1. Siderophore production reached a maximum of 0.94 ± 0.01 under Cd exposure at 50 mg L−1. Pot experiments indicated that FM-1 successfully colonized the roots of C. asiatica L. In both soils, inoculation with FM-1 decreased the pH in rhizosphere soil and increased the bioavailability of both Cd and Pb. In addition, inoculation with FM-1 increased the IAA, P, and Fe concentrations and simultaneously promoted both Cd and Pb accumulation in C. asiatica L. The Cd and Pb concentrations in leaves increased 1.73- and 1.07-fold in the UA soil and 1.25- and 1.11-fold in the DA soil, respectively. Thus, the Cd-resistant strain FM-1 presented excellent PGP traits and could facilitate Cd and Pb phytoremediation by C. asiatica L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental context: Dissimilatory iron reduction and Carex -produced dissolved organic matter (DOM) have an important influence on Cr(VI) reduction by the Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Enterobacter. The role of Carex DOM and ferrihydrite in the biotransformation of Cr(VI) by the bacterial isolate was investigated. The findings should help underpin the remediation and detoxification of chromium in anaerobic environments, and provide promising insights into the quaternary system of bacterium/Fe(III)/Cr(VI)/DOM. Rationale: FeIII oxides and organic matter are important factors influencing CrVI degradation in wetland soils. However, it remains unclear how they interact in anaerobic systems. Methodology: In this study, a strain of iron-reducing bacterium was isolated from Poyang Lake Wetland and identified as Enterobacter sp. PY16 (PY16) by PCR- 16S -rDNA sequence analysis. Moreover, microbial reduction of FeIII/CrVI by PY16 and their mutual transformation in the quaternionic system of PY16/ferrihydrite/CrVI/dissolved organic matter (DOM, extracted from Carex cinerascens) were investigated. Results: The results showed that PY16 could directly participate in the reduction of ferrihydrite and CrVI. The rate of CrVI reduction decreased with the increase of initial CrVI concentration, while it was enhanced by 2.78–42.99% in the presence of ferrihydrite. Moreover, 15 mg L−1 CrVI was almost eliminated after 72 h and the content of FeII increased by 78.21 mg L−1 in the presence of DOM. Discussion: The fastest CrVI reduction rate occurred when ferrihydrite and DOM coexisted in the system, mainly because the promoting effect of DOM on ferrihydrite synergistically promoted CrVI reduction. DOM and FeII produced during the ferrihydrite reduction process served as electron shuttles that promoted CrVI reduction by a biochemical redox pathway. However, the electron transfer and donation capacity of DOMox/DOMred and FeIII/FeII in the reaction process still need to be further studied. Implications for future research: The results underscored the importance of FeIII oxides and DOM on microbial CrVI reduction, thus providing a valuable technique to remove and detoxify chromium in wetland soils. Environmental context. Dissimilatory iron reduction and Carex -produced dissolved organic matter (DOM) have an important influence on Cr(VI) reduction by the Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Enterobacter. The role of Carex DOM and ferrihydrite in the biotransformation of Cr(VI) by the bacterial isolate was investigated. The findings should help underpin the remediation and detoxification of chromium in anaerobic environments, and provide promising insights into the quaternary system of bacterium/Fe(III)/Cr(VI)/DOM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Globally, water pollution from the textile industries is an alarming issue. Malachite Green dye of the triphenylmethane group is an extensively used dye in the fabric industries that is emitted through textile wastewater. This study aimed to isolate and characterize potential Malachite Green (MG) dye degrading bacteria from textile effluents. Different growth and culture parameters such as temperature, pH and dye concentration were optimized to perform the dye-degradation assay using different concentrations of MG dye in the mineral salt medium. A photo-electric-colorimeter was used to measure the decolorizing activity of bacteria at different time intervals after aerobic incubation. Two potential bacterial strains of Enterobacter spp. CV-S1 (accession no: MH450229) and Enterobacter spp. CM-S1 (accession no: MH447289) were isolated from textile effluents exhibiting potential MG dye decoloring efficiency. Further, the RAPD analysis and 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed the genetic differences of the isolated strains. Enterobacter sp CV-S1 and Enterobacter sp CM-S1 can completely decolor MG dye up to 15 mg/L under shaking condition without any requirement of sole carbon source. Thus, these two bacteria have the potency to be utilized in the textile wastewater treatment plant.

Many soils including urban soils have high legacy soil phosphorus (P) due to repeated applications of P fertilizers, but a large portion legacy soil P is fixed by calcium in the calcareous soils. Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) have the ability to transfer fixed (non-labile) soil P into bioavailable P. The aim of this study was to isolate P solubilizing bacteria from the rhizospheres of four local native plants [broomsedge bluestem (Andropogon virginicus), giant sword ferns (Nephrolepis biserrata), sawgrass (Cladium jamaicense), and sea ox-eye daisy (Borrichia frutescens)] grown in low bioavailable P calcareous soils and to determine their ability to solubilize P. A total of 44 strains of PSB were isolated with 15 of them being identified by sequencing the 16S rRNA genes as Bacillus flexus, Beijerinckia fluminensis, Enterobacter ludwigii, Enterobacter sp., and Pantoea cypripedii. After a 7-day incubation, these strains reduced pH to

Eucalyptus is the main species for the forestry industry in Brazil. Biotechnology and, more recently, gene editing offer significant opportunities for rapid improvements in Eucalyptus breeding programs. However, the recalcitrance of Eucalyptus species to in vitro culture is also a major limitation for commercial deployment of biotechnology techniques in Eucalyptus improvement. We evaluated various clones of Eucalyptus urophylla for their in vitro regeneration potential identified a clone, BRS07-01, with considerably higher regeneration rate (85%) in organogenesis, and significantly higher than most works described in literature. Endophytic bacteria are widely reported to improve in vitro plant growth and development. Hence, we believe that inclusion of endophytic plant growth promoting bacteria enhanced was responsible for the improved plantlets growth and development of this clone under in vitro culture. Metagenomic analysis was performed to isolate and characterize the prominent endophytic bacteria on BRS07-01 leaf tissue in vitro micro-cultures, and evaluate their impact on plant growth promotion. The analysis revealed the presence of the phyla Firmicutes (35%), Proteobacteria (30%) and much smaller quantities of Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Crenarchaeota, Euryarchaeota and Acidobacteria. Of the thirty endophytic bacterial strains isolated, eleven produced indole-3-acetic acid. Two of the isolates were identified as Enterobacter sp. and Paenibacillus polymyxa, which are nitrogen-fixing and capable of phosphate and produce ammonium. These isolates also showed similar positive effects on the germination of common beans (Phaseolus spp.). The isolates will now be tested as a growth promoter in Eucalyptus in vitro cultures. Graphical abstract for the methodology using cultivation independent and dependent methodologies to investigate the endophytic bacteria community from in vitro Eucalyptus urophylla BRS07-01. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) that produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase are capable of reducing limits to plant growth due to water-deficient conditions. Here, seven PGPR strains that can produce ACC deaminase were successfully obtained from the rhizosphere soil of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in arid regions of China. The strains belonged to three different genera: Pseudomonas , Enterobacter , and Achromobacter , according to their 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. A drought tolerance experiment revealed two PGPR strains (DR3 and DR6) with exceptionally high phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indoleacetic acid (IAA), and exopolysaccharides secretion potential. Both strains were selected for use in a pot experiment to evaluate their growth-promoting effects on grapevines under drought conditions. Each of these two PGPRs and their mixed inoculation into grapevines were expected to alleviate the comprehensive growth inhibition of grapevines caused by drought stress. The mixed inoculation was hypothesized to elicit the best growth-promoting effects. Inoculation with the PGPRs not only enhanced the root-adhering soil/root tissue ratios and soil aggregate stability, but it also increased the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the soil and plant leaves. Further, inoculation with PGPRs significantly altered the plant height, biomass of shoot and root organs, relative water contents, and net photosynthetic rate of leaves, enabling grapevines to better cope with drought. Moreover, the contents of IAA, abscisic acid, and malondialdehyde in these grapevines under drought stress were significantly changed by PGPRs. They indirectly affected biochemical and physiological properties of grapevines to alleviate their drought stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the DR3 and DR6 PGPRs might be useful for effectively weakening the growth inhibition caused by drought in grapevines. The strains might also be applied as effective bioinoculants to maintain the quality of wine grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pb(II)-resistant bacterium was isolated from heavy metal-contained soils and used as a biosorbent to remove Pb(II). The strain was identified as Enterobacter sp. based on the 16S rRNA sequence analysis. The effect of biosorption properties (pH value, Pb(II) concentration, bacterial concentration and temperature) on Pb(II) was investigated by batch experiments. Results of FTIR and XPS showed that the biosorption process mainly involved some oxygen-containing groups (-OH and -COOH groups). The experimental results and equilibrium data were fitted by pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, respectively. The experimental biosorption isotherms fitted the Langmuir model, and the maximum biosorption capacity was 40.75 mg/g at 298 K. The calculated ΔGо and ΔHо were –4.06 and 14.91(kJ/mol), respectively, which indicated that biosorption process was spontaneous and endothermic. Results show that Enterobacter sp. will be an efficient biosorbent for Pb(II) removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPRs) that produce 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) deaminase are capable of reducing limits to plant growth due to water-deficient conditions. Here, seven PGPR strains that can produce ACC deaminase were successfully obtained from the rhizosphere soil of grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) in arid regions of China. The strains belonged to three different genera: Pseudomonas, Enterobacter, and Achromobacter, according to their 16S rDNA sequencing analysis. A drought tolerance experiment revealed two PGPR strains (DR3 and DR6) with exceptionally high phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation, indoleacetic acid (IAA), and exopolysaccharides secretion potential. Both strains were selected for use in a pot experiment to evaluate their growth-promoting effects on grapevines under drought conditions. Each of these two PGPRs and their mixed inoculation into grapevines were expected to alleviate the comprehensive growth inhibition of grapevines caused by drought stress. The mixed inoculation was hypothesized to elicit the best growth-promoting effects. Inoculation with the PGPRs not only enhanced the root-adhering soil/root tissue ratios and soil aggregate stability, but it also increased the nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the soil and plant leaves. Further, inoculation with PGPRs significantly altered the plant height, biomass of shoot and root organs, relative water contents, and net photosynthetic rate of leaves, enabling grapevines to better cope with drought. Moreover, the contents of IAA, abscisic acid, and malondialdehyde in these grapevines under drought stress were significantly changed by PGPRs. They indirectly affected biochemical and physiological properties of grapevines to alleviate their drought stress. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the DR3 and DR6 PGPRs might be useful for effectively weakening the growth inhibition caused by drought in grapevines. The strains might also be applied as effective bioinoculants to maintain the quality of wine grapes.

Several forms of bacterial exopolysaccharides (EPSs) have been reported as having industrial and medical benefits. Previously, our group had achieved a high yield of EPS production (8.6 gm/L) from Enterobacter sp. isolated from the marine environment of Haqel Beach, in the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia, by optimizing its culture conditions. Then, the strain selected was identified using conventional methods and confirmed by molecular characterization that used 16S Ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. In the present study, we determined the composition of this EPS and evaluated its anticoagulation, fibrinolytic, antimicrobial, and prebiotic activities. We determined the monosaccharide moieties of this EPS using acid hydrolysis by qualitative and quantitative paper chromatography (PC). The monosaccharide composition of this EPS was almost 25% glucose, 25% galactose, 40% fucose, in addition to 10% uronic acid, with traces of fructose. Sulfation modification was applied to the EPS produced. The biological and microbiological (anticoagulation, fibrinolytic, antimicrobial, and prebiotic) activities of both the native and sulfated EPS were investigated and both exhibited higher antibacterial activity against Staphyllococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, although neither form displayed antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the native and sulfated EPS that sustained the highest bacterial inhibition zone was 15 mg/dl. No prebiotic activities were recorded for either EPS. In conclusion, the biopolymer produced has significant biological activities that require further adaptation for practical and industrial applications.

Microbial polymeric flocculants are used as eco-friendly biosorbent materials in industrial dye removal. This study attempts to evaluate the dye adsorption efficiency of a bioflocculant extracted from a soil bacterium, Enterobacter sp. The chemical composition of the bioflocculant is 88% carbohydrate and 11% protein. The flocculation efficiency of the extracted compound against kaolin was found to be 86.2%. Batch adsorption, kinetic, and isotherm studies were performed with the bioflocculant (biosorbent) in the removal of the cationic dye, malachite green. The adsorption efficiency of the bioflocculant was confirmed by SEM/EDX and FTIR studies. From the morphological images, it was inferred that the bioflocculant has a rough surface that is suitable for dye adsorption. The efficiency of adsorption of the dye was evaluated by various isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, and Temkin) and the adsorption found to follow the Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.96). The adsorption was evaluated using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order (R2 = 0.99) kinetics and the Weber–Morris model. The rate of reaction in terms of maximum adsorption capacity was found to be 384.6 mg g−1. Experimental results confirmed the suitability of the bacterial-secreted bioflocculant for industrial dye removal applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chickpeas ( Cicer arietinum L.) are used as a good source of proteins and energy in the diets of various organisms including humans and animals. Chickpea straws can serve as an alternative option for forage for different ruminants. This research mainly focussed on screening the effects of adding beneficial chickpea seed endophytes on increasing the nutritional properties of the different edible parts of chickpea plants. Two efficient chickpea seed endophytes ( Enterobacter sp. strain BHUJPCS-2 and BHUJPCS-8) were selected and applied to the chickpea seeds before sowing in the experiment conducted on clay pots. Chickpea seeds treated with both endophytes showed improved plant growth and biomass accumulation. Notably, improvements in the uptake of mineral nutrients were found in the foliage, pericarp, and seed of the chickpea plants. Additionally, nutritional properties such as total phenolics (0.47, 0.25, and 0.55 folds), total protein (0.04, 0.21, and 0.18 folds), carbohydrate content (0.31, 0.32, and 0.31 folds), and total flavonoid content (0.45, 027, and 0.8 folds) were increased in different parts (foliage, pericarp, and seed) of the chickpea plants compared to the control plants. The seed endophyte-treated plants showed a significant increase in mineral accumulation and improvement in nutrition in the different edible parts of chickpea plants. The results showed that the seed endophyte-mediated increase in dietary and nutrient value of the different parts (pericarp, foliage, and seeds) of chickpea are consumed by humans, whereas the other parts (pericarp and foliage) are used as alternative options for forage and chaff in livestock diets and may have direct effects on their nutritional conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Mukherjee, Gaurav, Chouhan, Singh, Sarkar, Abeysinghe and Verma.)

Rhizobacteria are known to ameliorate salinity stress through a wide variety of mechanisms including the production of aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase (ACCD). Application of ACCD positive halophilic rhizobacteria ameliorate soil salinity along with its plant growth promotion activity. An effect of the inoculation of ACCD and antioxidant positive and halophilic Enterobacter sp. PR14 was reported on the seed germination and growth of rice and millet seedlings grown in saline and alkaline soil was evaluated. The rhizobacterial strain grew well over a high level of NaCl (15–90 M); at a wide range of pH (5–9); and produced a wide variety of plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits viz. indole-acetic acid (13 µg mL−1), ACCD (5.20 M mg−1 h−1), phosphate solubilization (0.99 g mL−1) and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (5.143 IU mg−1 protein), catalase (0.43 IU mg−1 protein) and glutathione (19.077 µg mg−1 protein) during log phase (30 h) of its growth. The stress with alkaline pH (9) and high salinity (90 M) caused a further increase in the synthesis of PGP traits, ACCD, and antioxidant enzymes. The combined application of Enterobacter sp. PR14, ammonium sulfate (as a substitute of ACC), and NaCl (30 M) resulted in a further increase in the seed germination and vigor in rice and millets vis-à-vis control and other treatments. After 15 days of growth, 61.72% more seed germination in rice and millet and 63.15% increase in sorghum was recorded over the control, and after 30 days of growth, 99.67%, 30%, and 54%, root length 50%, 30% and 54% shoot length in rice, sorghum and millet were observed respectively. A significant increase of 38.13%, 30.75%, and 16.36% in dry weight of rice, sorghum, and millet shoots was recorded respectively. Enterobacter sp PR 14, showing multiple plant growth-promoting traits has a great potential to be used as an efficient bioinoculant for growth promotion of rice and millets under alkaline and saline conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new sprout decay and seedling stunting disease of unknown aetiology in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) affecting nearly 5%–10% of young seedlings was noticed in vertisols of central Vidarbha (Maharashtra state, India) in July of 2017. The bacterium was consistently isolated from diseased seedlings and identified with a polyphasic method of characterization, including morphological, physiological, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The bacterium strain CICR‐MGMG1 was isolated from diseased plants identified as Enterobacter sp. Inoculation of healthy cotton seed with an axenic culture of strain CICR‐MGMG1 isolated from diseased young seedling reproduced disease symptoms of yellowing, stunting and deformed growth similar to the symptoms reported from infected field condition. The strain CICR‐MGMG1 was consistently isolated from both diseased seedlings and stunted plants. Thus, the pathogenicity test of Koch's postulates was confirmed with the bacterium Enterobacter sp. strain CICR‐MGMG1 as the causal organism of sprout decay and seedling stunting. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first record of Enterobacter sp. causing sprouts decay and seedling stunting of cotton. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) is an important compound produced from poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) cleavage. It was selected as the representative substance for the study of PET degradation. A bacterial strain HY1 that could degrade BHET was isolated and identified as Enterobacter sp. The optimal temperature and pH for BHET biodegradation were determined to be 30°C and 8.0, respectively. The half‐life of degradation was 70.20 h at an initial BHET concentration of 1,000 mg/L. The results of metabolites' analysis by liquid chromatograph–mass spectrometer revealed that BHET was first converted to mono‐(2‐hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (MHET) and then to terephthalic acid. Furthermore, an esterase‐encoding gene, estB, was cloned from strain HY1, and the expressed enzyme EstB was characterized. The esterase has a molecular mass of approximately 25.13 kDa, with an isoelectric point of 4.68. Its optimal pH and temperature were pH 8.0 and 40°C, respectively. The analysis of the enzymatic products showed that EstB could hydrolyze one ester bond of BHET to MHET. To the best of authors' knowledge, this is the first report on the biodegradation characteristics of BHET by a member of the Enterobacter genus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fermented fishery food products have been generally sold in the local market, Thailand. These products were frequently contaminated with various microorganisms due to raw material and unhygienic production process. Determination of microbial contamination of fermented food products helps to assure safety for consumers. Therefore, the aims of the study were to determine total bacteria, total coliform, Escherichia coli and histamine producing bacteria from fermented fishery food products commercially distributed in several regions of Chumphon and Surat Thani provinces. Twenty-two samples of fermented fishery food products were randomly collected for bacterial contamination assay. All samples revealed the levels of pH and salt content in the range of 3.67-7.46 and 8.46%-29.69%, respectively. The bacterial contamination of the samples was tested by total plate count method. Determination of coliform bacteria and E. coli was examined by multiple-tube fermentation technique. Total bacteria, total coliform and E. coli of all samples were in the range of 2.15-7.54 log CFU/g, < 3-460 MPN/g and < 3-93 MPN/g, respectively. In addition, thirteen histamine-forming bacteria were found on histamine-forming bacteria isolation agar after incubation at 37°C for 4 days. Five isolates of histamine-forming bacteria named M1, M3, M9, M11, and M13 were selected to identify by molecular techniques. M1 and M3 were obtained from shrimp paste (Kapi) and M11 was obtained from fermented fish (Pla Pang Dang). They were identified as Enterobacter sp. M9 and M13 isolated from fermented fish (Pla Som and Pla Ra) were identified as Citrobacter farmeri and Staphylococcus kloosii, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel oil (DO) as a mixture of alkanes and aromatic compounds causes damage to the ecosystem in terrestrial and aquatic habitats. One of the best methods of treating contaminated areas is to use microorganisms in a bioremediation method that can degrade pollutants. The aim of this study was to isolate indigenous bacteria with high biodegradation potential of DO from oil-contaminated wastewater. Bacterial isolation was performed using a mineral medium containing contain 1% DO as the sole source of carbon and energy. The isolates were identified using differential biochemical tests and 16S rDNA gene analysis. The effects of 2, 3, 4 and 5% concentrations of DO on isolate growth were evaluated. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the quantity of degraded DO. Enterobacter sp. CASPIAN1394 (EC strain) could degrade 99.44% of 1% DO over two weeks as the studied bacterium. Alkanes C11, C12, C16-C18 and C29-C32 had been completely degraded. The amount of total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) at 2, 3, 4 and 5% DO concentrations were 93.25%, 86%, 95.7% and 86.49%, respectively. Increasing DO concentration had no toxic effect and did not reduced bacterial growth, even to some extent increased its growth. With regard to the rate of degradation of different DO concentrations by EC strain and the good potential of this strain for the degradation of different DO hydrocarbons, EC strain may be a candidate for bioremediation in DO-contaminated wastewater. However, the environmental variables need to be studied affect the degradation of DO by this strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exponential increase in anthropogenic activities has led to the accumulation of xenobiotics into the environment, synthetic dyes being one of the culprits. Noteworthy is the fact that the textile industry utilizes enormous volumes of water for dyeing and printing unit operations thereby generating wastewater proportionately. Taking into consideration, implications of toxic textile effluents, a pilot study was planned to screen for naturally attenuated bacterial isolates capable of degrading textile effluents. Requisite effluent samples were collected from Kelki Printers Co-operative Society Limited, Sanganer, Jaipur and bacterial screening was carried out by bioaccumulation of Remazol Brilliant Blue R (RBRR) (formation of halo around colonies). Of the 19 bacterial isolates obtained, the most promiscuous isolate was biochemically characterized as Enterobacter sp. For biodegradative investigations, it was inoculated in sterilized textile effluent and incubated at 37°C for 7 days under agitating conditions. Pre and post bacterial inoculation (1% v/v), Physico-chemical parameters were analysed following standard procedures. A significant (p<0.05) lowering of pollution indicators was monitored when contrasted with abiotic control. The present study was aimed to explore the role of naturally attenuated and effluent adapted Enterobacter sp. screened from untreated textile effluent based on its colour (RBRR) removal efficacy under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, it was also explored for its biodegradative properties to minimize the level of potential pollution indicators through the microcosm approach. This pilot study based on a three-tier approach encompassing bioprospecting, bio enrichment and bioaugmentation plausibly provided insights for enhanced degradation of real dye wastewaters by unlocking the biochemical pathways of adapted microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel bioflocculant (BW-P3) was produced by a strain of Enterobacter sp. P3 using brewery wastewater as substrate and was further applied to remove the colored substance of fracturing flowback water. The optimum conditions for bioflocculant production were specified by the response surface methodology as COD of brewery wastewater 1487.77 mg/L, glucose 8.94 g/L and initial pH 7.09, under which a bioflocculant yield of 1.274 g/L could be reached. The BW-P3 consists of 79.12% polysaccharides and 15.63% protein. Results show that BW-P3 has a high molecular weight (921 kDa) and contains functional groups (hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, and acylamino) that likely contribute to flocculation. When using the BW-P3 to flocculate fracturing flowback water, the optimal dosage was 1 g/L BW-P3 with addition of 100 mg/L polymeric aluminum chloride as coagulant aid, and treated under 50 °C at pH 7. Under the optimal condition, the removal rates of chroma and suspended solids (SS) of the fracturing flowback water could reach 85% and 52%, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The present investigation was aimed at isolating and identifying bacterial strains from cured vanilla beans. Additionally, the study focused on evaluating bacterial processes pertaining to the aromatic compounds production (ACP). Methods and Results: Three bacteria were isolated from Vanilla planifolia beans, previously subjected to the curing process. According to morphological, biochemical and 16S rRNA analysis, the strains were identified as Citrobacter sp., Enterobacter sp. and Pseudomonas sp. The polygalacturonase activity (PGA) was determined using the drop, cup‐plate and DNS methods. Aromatic compounds production was analysed by cup‐plate method using FA as substrate and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (ppm), the functional groups of vanillic acid (VA) were identified by FT‐IR and the aromatic compounds (AC) resistance was determined and reported as minimum inhibitory concentration. Citrobacter sp., Enterobacter sp. and Pseudomonas showed PGA (70·31 ± 364, 76·07 ± 12·47 and 51 ± 10·92 U ml−1 respectively), were producers of VA (3·23 ± 0·49, 324 ± 41 and 265·99 ± 11·61 ppm respectively) and were resistant to AC. Conclusions: The Gram‐negative bacteria isolated from V. planifolia beans were responsible for ACP. Significance and Impact of the Study: This is the first evidence for the role of Gram‐negative bacterial isolates from cured Mexican V. planifolia beans in the process related to ACP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Response surface methodology and Plackett-Burman experiments were applied to optimize the biodegradation of carbofuran by using Enterobacter sp. stain BRC05 isolated from selected agricultural areas in peninsular Malaysia. The significant factors influencing the degradation of carbofuran were assessed using two-level Plackett–Burman Design (PBD) with five variables. Plakett Burman experiment showed that the following four variables were significant for carbofuran degradation including, carbofuran concentration, temperature, pH and nitrogen sources. Significant variables obtained in Plackett-Burman Design were further optimize using Central Composite Design (CCD). The outcome of the design for carbofuran degradation for each runs of the PBD experiment base on the design matrix, showed that the minimum and the maximum carbofuran degradation percentage were found to be 6.7% and 79.77% as presented in runs 4 and 1, respectively. Results obtained using Central Composite Design showed that the relations between the factors affect carbofuran degradation with significant response. The predicted results in CCD indicated that highest carbofuran degradation of 95.40% could be realized with carbofuran concentration of 92.50 mg/L, pH of 6.0, temperature 27.50 °C, nitrogen sources of 0.45 g/L and reaction period of 6 days. The predicted values were in agreement with the actual values with coefficient of determination with R2 0.9719. Partial 16S rRNA sequence analysis showed that the carbofuran degrading isolate was closely related to members of the genera Enterobacter sp. The morphological and biochemical characteristics of the isolate also confirmed the phylogenetic signature. This study would provide an effective approach that could be beneficial for the bioremediation of carbofuran insecticide in polluted environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. To provide information about the subgingival microbiota around single tooth implants.2. To assess the subgingival microbial flora around the teeth adjacent to single tooth implants.3. To clinically evaluate the gingival health surrounding the single-tooth implants. Patients undergoing the single-tooth implant replacements, were selected as subjects for the study. The natural teeth adjacent to implant sites were taken as control sites. Clinically each peri-implant gingival tissue health was evaluated. Subgingival plaque samples were removed with sterile curette and evaluated for microbial flora, by microscopic examinations. Bacterial cultures of samples studied. The similar procedure was followed for the control sites also. Finally the data collected were statistically analyzed and interpreted. The subgingival microbiota around single tooth implants was cultured and studied. Enterobacter species, Klebsiella pneumonia , Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus species were predominantly found. Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were found more frequently around implant sites than control sites. Anaerobic Bacteroides species were found in only one case around the implant site. Prevention and control of bacterial infection in the peri-implant region are among the key factors in determining the long term success or failure of dental implant therapy. The thorough knowledge about the subgingival microbiota around the healthy and diseased peri-implant mucosa is needed to determine the overall outcome of implant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The organoarsenical feed additive 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzenearsonic acid (roxarsone [ROX]) is widely used and released into the environment. We previously showed a two-step pathway of ROX transformation by Enterobacter sp. strain CZ-1 involving the reduction of ROX to 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (3-AHPAA) and the acetylation of 3-AHPAA to N-acetyl-4-hydroxy-m-arsanilic acid (N-AHPAA) (K. Huang, H. Peng, F. Gao, Q. Liu, et al., Environ Pollut 247:482- 487, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2019.01.076). In this study, we identified two nhoA genes (nhoA1 and nhoA2), encoding N-hydroxyarylamine O-acetyltransferases, as responsible for 3-AHPAA acetylation in Enterobacter sp. strain CZ-1. The results of genetic disruption and complementation showed that both nhoA genes are involved in ROX biotransformation and that nhoA1 is the major 3-AHPAA acetyltransferase gene. Quantitative reverse transcription-PCR analysis showed that the relative expression level of nhoA1 was 3-fold higher than that of nhoA2. Each of the recombinant NhoAs was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and homogenously purified as a dimer by affinity chromatography. Both purified NhoAs catalyzed acetyl coenzyme A-dependent 3-AHPAA acetylation. The Km values of 3-AHPAA for NhoA1 and NhoA2 were 151.5 and 428.3 μM, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments indicated that two conserved arginine and cysteine residues of each NhoA were necessary for their enzyme activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Proteus mirabilis is a frequent cause of catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Several virulence factors contribute to its pathogenesis, but swarming motility, biofilm formation, and urease activity are considered the hallmarks. The increased prevalence in antibiotic resistance among uropathogens is alarming and requires searching for new treatment alternatives. With this in mind, our study aims to investigate antivirulence activity of indole derivatives against multidrug resistant P. mirabilis isolates. Ethyl acetate (EtOAc) extracts from Enterobacter sp. (rhizobacterium), isolated from Egyptian soil samples were tested for their ability to antagonize the virulence capacity and biofilm activity of P. mirabilis uropathogens. Extracts of two Enterobacter sp. isolates (coded Zch127 and Cbg70) showed the highest antivirulence activities against P. mirabilis. The two promising rhizobacteria Zch127 and Cbg70 were isolated from soil surrounding: Cucurbita pepo (Zucchini) and Brassica oleracea var. capitata L. (Cabbage), respectively. Sub-minimum inhibitory concentrations (Sub-MICs) of the two extracts showed potent antibiofilm activity with significant biofilm reduction of ten P. mirabilis clinical isolates (p-value < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Interestingly, the Zch127 extract showed anti-urease, anti-swarming and anti-swimming activity against the tested strains. Indole derivatives identified represented key components of indole pyruvate, indole acetamide pathways; involved in the synthesis of indole acetic acid. Additional compounds for indole acetonitrile pathway were detected in the Zch127 extract which showed higher antivirulence activity. Accordingly, the findings of the current study model the feasibility of using these extracts as promising antivirulence agent against the P. mirabilis uropathogens and as potential therapy for treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs).

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• The bacterial strains Klebsiella sp. strain CPSB4 and Enterobacter sp. strain CPSB49 showed plant growth promoting ability. • The isolates enhanced the nutrient uptake and growth of the test plants in pot scale studies. • They enhanced the chromium uptake in roots and shoots of Helianthus annuus (L.). Prevalence of metal pollutants exerts negative effects on human health and environment, thus propounding an urgent need for a safer substitute. This study was conducted to compare the chromium bioremediation and plant growth promotion ability of two bacterial strains, Klebsiella sp. strain CPSB4 (MH266218) and Enterobacter sp. strain CPSB49 (MH532567), isolated from the rhizospheric soils. A pot scale experiment was setup with Helianthus annuus (L.) as a test plant to compare the efficiency of both isolates in enhancement of plant growth, nutrients uptake, anti-oxidative enzymes production, lipid peroxidation, and chromium bioremediation. Inoculation of strains, CPSB4 and CPSB49 enhanced plant biomass, plant growth, nutrient uptake, anti-oxidative enzymes, and chromium bioremediation, while reduction in lipid peroxidation was observed compared to uninoculated control under chromium stress. The maximum increase in plant growth and nutrient uptake was found in treatments inoculated with CPSB49, while maximum chromium uptake by sunflower was observed in treatments inoculated with CPSB4. Moreover, an increase in anti-oxidative enzyme production and decrease in lipid peroxidation was observed on inoculation of the selected strains. Thus, the strains Klebsiella sp. and Enterobacter sp. can be effectively used in chromium bioremediation and plant growth promotion under chromium stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enterobacter sp. J49 is a plant growth promoting endophytic strain that promotes the growth of peanut and maize crops. This strain promotes plant growth by different mechanisms with the supply of soluble phosphorus being one of the most important. Enterobacter sp. J49 not only increases the phosphorus content in the plant but also in the soil favoring the nutrition of other plants usually used in rotation with these crops. The aims of this study were to analyze the genome sequence of Enterobacter sp. J49 in order to deepen our knowledge regarding its plant growth promoting traits and to establish its phylogenetic relationship with other species of Enterobacter genus. Genome sequence of Enterobacter sp. J49 is a valuable source of information to continuing the research of its potential industrial production as a biofertilizer of peanut, maize and other economically important crops. • Enterobacter sp. J49 is an endophytic plant growth promoting bacteria. • Genome sequence of J49 strain harbours numerous genes related to its PGP traits. • Enterobacter sp. J49 clustered together with E. cloacae species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the response surface method designed by Box-Behnken was used to study the effect of temperature, pH value and TPH concentration on the biodegradation of Enterobacter sp. S-1contaminated soil. The value of determination coefficient (R2=0.9565) by analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated a satisfactory agreement between the quadratic model and the experimental data. It was found that TPH degradation rate was more significantly affected (P < 0.0006) by temperature compared with other two parameters. In the temperature of 30 °C, pH value of 7.14 and TPH concentration was 4.83 g/L, the best degradation rate was 81.63%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Roxarsone (3-nitro-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid, ROX) is an arsenic-containing compound widely used as a feed additive in poultry industries. ROX excreted in chicken manure can be transformed by microbes to different arsenic species in the environment. To date, most of the studies on microbial transformation of ROX have focused on anaerobic microorganisms. Here, we isolated a pure cultured aerobic ROX-transforming bacterial strain, CZ-1, from an arsenic-contaminated paddy soil. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain CZ-1 was classified as a member of the genus Enterobacter. During ROX biotransformation by strain CZ-1, five metabolites including arsenate (As[V]), arsenite (As[III]), N-acetyl-4-hydroxy-m-arsanilic acid (N-AHPAA), 3-amino-4-hydroxyphenylarsonic acid (3-AHPAA) and a novel sulfur-containing arsenic species (AsC 9 H 13 N 2 O 6 S) were detected and identified based on high-performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS), HPLC-ICP-MS/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and HPLC-electrospray ionization hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ESI-qTOF-MS) analyses. N-AHPAA and 3-AHPAA were the main products, and 3-AHPAA could also be transformed to N-AHPAA. Based on the results, we propose a novel ROX biotransformation pathway by Enterobacter. sp CZ-1, in which the nitro group of ROX is first reduced to amino group (3-AHPAA) and then acetylated to N-AHPAA. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • A roxarsone-transforming aerobic bacterium was isolated from a paddy soil. • Five As-containing metabolites were identified during roxarsone transformation. • N-acetyl-4-hydroxy-m-arsanilic acid was the main product of roxarsone transformation. • A novel biotransformation pathway of roxarsone is proposed. A new biotransformation pathway of Roxarsone, an arsenic-containing feed additive, is identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This study compared the biohydrogen generation by sub-tropical mixed and pure cultures from the crude glycerol from the biodiesel production using waste cooking oils (WCO). The crude glycerol was pretreated by pH adjustment. The mixed culture was obtained from a subtropical granular sludge of the UASB (Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket) reactor used in the treatment of vinasse from sugarcane of ethanol and sugar industry. It was heat treated in order to inactivate hydrogen-consuming bacteria, which was identified by Illumina MiSeq Sequencing with a relative abundance of 97.96% Firmicutes Philum, 91.81% Clostridia Class and 91.81% Clostridiales Order. The pure culture was isolated from a sub-tropical granular sludge from UASB reactor of treating brewery wastewater and identified as Enterobacter sp. (KP893397). Two assays were carried in anaerobic batch reactors in order to verify the hydrogen production from crude glycerol bioconversion with: (I) mixed culture and (II) pure culture. The experiments were conducted at 37 °C, initial pH of 5.5 for assay I and 7.0 for assay II, with 20 g COD L−1 of crude glycerol. The crude glycerol consumption was 56.2% and 88.0% for the assay I and II, respectively. The hydrogen yields were 0.80 moL H 2 mol−1 glycerol for the assay I and 0.13 moL H 2 mol−1 glycerol for the assay II. Enterobacter sp. preferred the reductive metabolic route, generating 1460.0 mg L−1 of 1,3-propanediol, and it showed to be more sensitive in the presence of methanol from crude glycerol than mixed culture that preferred the oxidative metabolic route with biohydrogen generation. The mixed culture was more able to generate H 2 than pure culture from the crude glycerol coming from the biodiesel production using WCO. Highlights • Crude Glycerol (CG) from biodiesel generation from waste cooking oils. • Identification of Clostridium sp. in mixed culture by Illumina MiSeq Sequencing. • Clostridium sp. degrades crude glycerol via oxidative pathway. • Enterobacter sp. degrades crude glycerol to 1,3-PD via reductive pathway. • Higher H2 yield during CG consumption with Clostridium sp. than Enterobacter sp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]