Use of Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR) in Preservation of Fruit Juices

This study shows the bactericidal effect of Electromagnetic Field on fruit juice microbes. Short shelf-life period of fruit juice caused by spoilage organisms has limiting factor for its economy value. The Eighteen microorganisms isolated from both fresh and spoilt fruit samples (Pineapple and Apple), and identified during the study include, twelve (12) bacteria and Six (6) fungi, out of which only the bacterial isolates were exposed to electromagnetic field of 0mG, 500mG, and 5000mG for thirty minutes. The bacteria species were Leuconostoc mesentroides, Bacillus species, Lactobacillus brevis, Microbacterium species, Clostridium species, Bacillus cereus, Acetobacter aceti, and Staphylococcus aureus. The Gram negative bacteria isolates were Erwinia carotovora, Erwinia ananas, and Proteus species. Exposure of the isolates to an electromagnetic field of 0mG, 500mG and 5000mG showed a decrease in some electromagnetic field magnitude. This study shows reduction in growth range among most bacterial species tested at 500mG electromagnetic radiation exposure, but the growth of many of these bacterial species were triggered at 5000mG electromagnetic radiation exposure. This may mean an initiation of: adaptation mechanism, growth mechanism in some microorganism, and sugar content of the fruit juice from which they are being isolated. The exposure of the bacteria to electromagnetic field elicited detectable responses therefore depends on the adaptation mechanism of each bacteria and sugar content of the fruit from which it is being isolated from. Thus, future research can be done to optimize the limits specified for target microbes that are strength and frequency of this EMF in diseases control.

Thermo-resistant enzyme-producing microorganisms isolated from composting

Organo-mineral fertilizers supplemented with biological additives are an alternative to chemical fertilizers. In this study, thermoresistant microorganisms from composting mass were isolated by two-step procedures. First, samples taken at different time points and temperatures (33 days at 52 ºC, 60 days at 63 ºC, and over 365 days at 26 ºC) were pre-incubated at 80 oC for 30 minutes. Second, the microbial selection by in vitro culture-based methods and heat shock at 60 oC and 100 oC for 2h and 4h. Forty-one isolates were able to grow at 60 °C for 4h; twenty-seven at 100 °C for 2h, and two at 100 °C for 4h. The molecular identification by partial sequencing of the 16S ribosomal gene using universal primers revealed that thirty-five isolates were from eight Bacillus species, one Brevibacillus borstelensis, three Streptomyces thermogriseus, and two fungi (Thermomyces lanuginosus and T. dupontii). Data from amylase, phytase, and cellulase activity assays and the enzymatic index (EI) showed that 38 of 41 thermo-resistant isolates produce at least one enzyme. For amylase activity, the highest EI value was observed in Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 21C2, EI= 4.11), followed by Brevibacillus borstelensis (isolate 6C2, EI= 3.66), Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 3.52), and Bacillus paralicheniformis (isolate 20C2, EI= 3.34). For phytase, the highest EI values were observed for Bacillus cereus (isolate 18C2, EI= 2.30) and Bacillus licheniformis (isolate 3C1, EI= 2.15). Concerning cellulose production, B. altitudinis (isolate 6C1) was the most efficient (EI= 6.40), followed by three Bacillus subtilis (isolates 9C1, 16C2, and 19C2) with EI values of 5.66, 5.84, and 5.88, respectively, and one B. pumilus (isolate 27C2, EI= 5.78). The selected microorganisms are potentially useful as a biological additive in organo-mineral fertilizers and other biotechnological processes.

Detection of Enterotoxin Genes in Bacillus species Isolated from Cassava Processing Environment in Nigeria.

Introduction: The health challenges associated with cassava products as a common staple food for approximately 70% of Africans and part of Asia pose a looming danger due to Bacillus enterotoxins’ presence in the processing environment. Objective: This study investigated the presence of enterotoxigenic genes namely, Bacillus cereus enterotoxin T (bceT), hemolysin bl (hblC, hblD) and non-haemolytic enterotoxin (nheA, nheB and nheC) from Bacillus species isolated from soil of cassava processing environment. Methods: Soil samples from 20 cassava processing sites in Ile-Ife and Modakeke, Nigeria were collected and cultured on Nutrient agar at 37 ºC for 24 hours. Colonies phenotypically identified as Bacillus were identified using Bacillus-specific 16S rRNA-targeted PCR technique. Screened Bacillus spp were assessed for the presence of enterotoxigenic genes using PCR with previously reported primers. Results: A total of 100 Bacillus isolates were selected from this study with Bacillus macerans (33 %) showing the highest frequency of occurrence among the identified species, however, 74 isolates were molecularly confirmed as Bacillus. Amongst the 74 molecularly confirmed Bacillus isolates, 28 (37.84%), 35 (47.30 %) and 37 (50 %) has nhe, hbl and bceT genes respectively. Investigation showed that 42 (56.76 %) of the Bacillus species encoded at least one of the screened enterotoxin genes. Conclusion: The presence of these 3 sets of enterotoxin genes in Bacillus isolated from cassava processing sites calls for immediate attention as they could be pivotal in the release of toxins in cassava products, cause lethal effects via consumption. This study demonstrates the possibility of foodborne disease outbreaks in Bacillus toxin-laden cassava products processed under unhygienic conditions.

Modulation in Plant Growth and Drought Tolerance of Wheat Crop upon Inoculation of Drought-tolerant-Bacillus Species Isolated from Hot Arid Soil of India

Drought is one of the most detrimental environmental stressors to plants with the potential to decrease crop yields and affect agricultural sustainability. Native bacteria with beneficial traits enhance plant growth and help avoid and reverse the effects of drought in plants to a greater extent. In the present study, we aimed to ( i ) isolate drought-tolerant Bacillus isolates from the rhizosphere soil of wheat crop grown at different locations in Jaisalmer district, Rajasthan state and (ii) further evaluate their ability to enhance plant growth and induce drought tolerance in wheat ( Var. HD-2967) grown under drought stress conditions. Of more than 100 isolates, two putative Bacillus isolates capable of tolerating 30 % polyethylene glycol-6000 (PEG-6000) [equivalent to -9.80 MPa (Megapascal)] were identified as Bacillus altitudinis DT-89 and Bacillus paramycoides DT-113. These isolates exhibited different plant growth promoting (PGP) attributes such as phosphate solubilization, and production of siderophore, exopolysaccharide, ammonia, indole acetic acid and cytokinin at low osmotic stress of 10% PEG-6000 but shown variable response at higher osmotic stress particularly at 30% PEG-6000. However, they did not show any antifungal activity and one isolate was negative for phosphate solubilization. Of two strains, B. altitudinis DT-89 function more prominently with respect to plant growth promotion and drought tolerance to plant in the early stage but protective traits of B. paramycoides DT-113 was more prominent after 75 days as evident by increased EPS (164%), root dry weight (144.44%), chlorophyll content (90.26%), SOD (389%) and proline (99.3%). The results support both the strains as a potential candidate to alleviate drought stress and enhance plant growth in the drought regions.

A Review on the Resistance and Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Different Microbial Strains

Heavy metals accumulated the earth crust and causes extreme pollution. Accumulation of rich concentrations of heavy metals in environments can cause various human diseases which risks health and high ecological issues. Mercury, arsenic, lead, silver, cadmium, chromium, etc. are some heavy metals harmful to organisms at even very low concentration. Heavy metal pollution is increasing day by day due to industrialization, urbanization, mining, volcanic eruptions, weathering of rocks, etc. Different microbial strains have developed very efficient and unique mechanisms for tolerating heavy metals in polluted sites with eco-friendly techniques. Heavy metals are group of metals with density more than 5 g/cm3. Microorganisms are generally present in contaminated sites of heavy metals and they develop new strategies which are metabolism dependent or independent to tackle with the adverse effects of heavy metals. Bacteria, Algae, Fungi, Cyanobacteria uses in bioremediation technique and acts a biosorbent. Removal of heavy metal from contaminated sites using microbial strains is cheaper alternative. Mostly species involved in bioremediation include Enterobacter and Pseudomonas species and some of bacillus species too in bacteria. Aspergillus and Penicillin species used in heavy metal resistance in fungi. Various species of the brown algae and Cyanobacteria shows resistance in algae.

Elucidation of the biosynthetic pathway of B-group vitamins via genome mining of food-derived \(\textit{Bacillus velezensis}\) VTX20

B-vitamins are micronutrients that play an important role in various cellular processes of organisms, which are only synthesized by plants, yeasts, and bacteria. Since animals and humans lack the ability to synthesize B-vitamins, supplements of vitamins from dietary and the B-vitamin producing bacteria are required. In this study, we, for the first time, shed some light on biosynthetic pathways involved in folate (vitamin B9), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and biotin (vitamin B7) production in Bacillus velezensis VTX20. The genome-wide comparison revealed that B. velezensis VTX20 shared high similarities with B. tequilensis KCTC 13622, B. subtilis 168, B. amyloliquefaciens DSM 7. Genomic analysis revealed the presence of a complete folate biosynthesis pathway in which some core components were not found in most Bacillus species. Moreover, strain VTX20 also had the metabolic pathways for riboflavin and biotin that are important probiotic traits. These results highlighted that B. velezensis VTX20 is a producer of B-vitamins, which can be applied further in the agricultural biotechnology industry.

Bioremediation of artificially crude oil polluted soil of veritas University Abuja using poultry manure

The removal of hydrocarbon compounds from the environment has always been a difficult undertaking for people all over the world. As a result, remedial efforts are required to safeguard the environment as well as to restore agriculture. This study looked at how poultry manure (dung) could help in the bioremediation of Veritas University's intentionally crude oil polluted soil. The physical properties of the soil and total petroleum hydrocarbon content of the crude oil polluted soil were determined, followed by the isolation and identification of microorganisms present in the soil and poultry manure before and after pollution with crude oil. These analyses were done according to standard operating procedures. Within a six-month timeframe, the natural attenuation and poultry manure amendment option for remediating the crude oil-polluted soil were monitored and the residual hydrocarbon content of the polluted soil after remediation evaluated. There was an overall decrease in pH level during the experimental units containing 4 g amendment, 2 g amendment and the untreated polluted soil in the order 8.4 to 7.1, 8.4 to 7.2 and 8.1 to 6.7, respectively. Temperature was within 27oC and 31oC, the treated soil that contained 4 g dung had an initial moisture content of 58%, and 35% after remediation. The hydrocarbon utilizing bacteria isolated were Pseudomonas species, Staphylococcus species, and Bacillus species, while the hydrocarbon utilizing fungi isolated were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium solani and Candida albicans. There was more significant microbial increase in the sample containing 4 g poultry manure treatment than 2 g poultry manure treatment and natural attenuation. Total hydrocarbon quantity significantly decreased after six months with the complete removal of C4, C7, C19 and C37 from the treated sample containing 4 g poultry manure. This indicated that the negative effects of crude oil on the environment can be mitigated by adding poultry manure.

New Insights into Molecular Basis Identification of Three Novel Strains of the Bacillus Subtilis Group Produce Cry Proteins Isolated from Soil Samples in Adana, Turkey

Aims: This study aimed to analyze the evolutionary relationship between Bacillus species isolated from agricultural soil using in-silico tools. Methods and Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Adana province, in Turkey. A total of 120 Bacillus species were isolated from 80 soil samples. However, the phylogenetic tree diverged into two lineages; one belongs to B. subtilis group while the other belongs to B. cereus group. Interestingly, three native strains (SY27.1A, SY35.3A, and SY58.5A), which produce Cry proteins, shared high similarity with B. subtilis group (over 99%) and less than 95% similarity with known B. thuringiensis and other species of B. cereus group. Furthermore, 11 canonical SNPs (canSNPs) were identified in strains that belong to B. pumilus group when compared with B. subtilis reference sequences. Conclusions: Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA sequences was found valuable for differentiation between Bacillus species isolated from soil samples. In addition, SNPs analysis provided more intra-specific information in the cases of B. subtilis group. Significance and Impact of Study: A detailed analysis was provided for the SNPs present in a conserved region of 16S rRNA gene of Bacillus species. Also, we proposed three novel Bacillus strains that produce Cry proteins and belong to B. subtilis group.