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Pan X, Yue Z, She Z, He X, Wang S, Chuai X, Wang J. Eukaryotic Community Structure and Interspecific Interactions in a Stratified Acidic Pit Lake Water in Anhui Province. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040979. [PMID: 37110402 PMCID: PMC10142529 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The stratified acidic pit lake formed by the confluence of acid mine drainage has a unique ecological niche and is a model system for extreme microbial studies. Eukaryotes are a component of the AMD community, with the main members including microalgae, fungi, and a small number of protozoa. In this study, we analyzed the structural traits and interactions of eukaryotes (primarily fungi and microalgae) in acidic pit lakes subjected to environmental gradients. Based on the findings, microalgae and fungi were found to dominate different water layers. Specifically, Chlorophyta showed dominance in the well-lit aerobic surface layer, whereas Basidiomycota was more abundant in the dark anoxic lower layer. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that reciprocal relationships between fungi and microalgae were prevalent in extremely acidic environments. Highly connected taxa within this network were Chlamydomonadaceae, Sporidiobolaceae, Filobasidiaceae, and unclassified Eukaryotes. Redundancy analysis (RDA) and random forest models revealed that Chlorophyta and Basidiomycota responded strongly to environmental gradients. Further analysis indicated that eukaryotic community structure was mainly determined by nutrient and metal concentrations. This study investigates the potential symbiosis between fungi and microalgae in the acidic pit lake, providing valuable insights for future eukaryotic biodiversity studies on AMD remediation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Pan
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
- Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Zhengbo Yue
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
- Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Zhixiang She
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
- Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei 230009, China
| | - Xiao He
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
- Nanshan Mining Company Ltd., Anhui Maanshan Iron and Steel Mining Resources Group, Maanshan 243000, China
| | - Shaoping Wang
- Nanshan Mining Company Ltd., Anhui Maanshan Iron and Steel Mining Resources Group, Maanshan 243000, China
| | - Xin Chuai
- Nanshan Mining Company Ltd., Anhui Maanshan Iron and Steel Mining Resources Group, Maanshan 243000, China
| | - Jin Wang
- School of Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei 230009, China
- Anhui Engineering Research Center of Industrial Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery, Hefei 230009, China
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2
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Manchon C, Muniesa-Merino F, Llorente M, Esteve-Núñez A. Microbial photoelectrosynthesis: Feeding purple phototrophic bacteria electricity to produce bacterial biomass. Microb Biotechnol 2023; 16:569-578. [PMID: 36537073 PMCID: PMC9948228 DOI: 10.1111/1751-7915.14190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Purple phototrophic bacteria are one of the main actors in chemolithotrophic carbon fixation and, therefore, fundamental in the biogeochemical cycle. These microbes are capable of using insoluble electron donors such as ferrous minerals or even carbon-based electrodes. Carbon fixation through extracellular electron uptake places purple phototrophic bacteria in the field of microbial electrosynthesis as key carbon capturing microorganisms. In this work we demonstrate biomass production dominated by purple phototrophic bacteria with a cathode (-0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl) as electron donor. In addition, we compared the growth and microbial population structure with ferrous iron as the electron donor. We detect interaction between the cathode and the consortium showing a midpoint potential of 0.05 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Microbial community analyses revealed different microbial communities depending on the electron donor, indicating different metabolic interactions. Electrochemical measurements together with population analyses point to Rhodopseudomonas genus as the key genus in the extracellular electron uptake. Furthermore, the genera Azospira and Azospirillum could play a role in the photoelectrotrophic consortium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Manchon
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.,Nanoelectra, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Abraham Esteve-Núñez
- Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain.,Nanoelectra, Madrid, Spain.,IMDEA Water, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
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3
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Botha NL, Cloete KJ, Welegergs GG, Akbari M, Morad R, Kotsedi L, Matinise N, Bucher R, Azizi S, Maaza M. Physical properties of computationally informed phyto-engineered 2-D nanoscaled hydronium jarosite. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2442. [PMID: 36765188 PMCID: PMC9918463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study describes a molecular dynamics computational modelling informed bioengineering of nano-scaled 2-D hydronium jarosite. More specifically, a phyto-engineering approach using green nano-chemistry and agro-waste in the form of avocado seed natural extract was utilized as a green, economic, and eco-friendly approach to synthesize this unique mineral at the nanoscale via the reduction of iron (II) sulphate heptahydrate. The nanoproduct which was found to exhibit a quasi-2D structure was characterized using a multi-technique approach to describe its morphological, optical, electrochemical, and magnetic properties. Radial distribution function and electrostatic potential maps revealed that flavone, a phenolic compound within the avocado seed natural extract, has a higher affinity of interaction with the nanoparticle's surface, whilst vanillic acid has a higher wetting tendency and thus a lower affinity for interacting with the hydronium jarosite nanoparticle surface compared to other phytoactive compounds. XRD and HRTEM results indicated that the nanoscale product was representative of crystalline rhombohedral hydronium jarosite in the form of quasi-triangular nanosheets decorated on the edges with nanoparticles of approximately 5.4 nm diameter that exhibited significant electrochemical and electroconductive behaviours. Magnetic studies further showed a diamagnetic behaviour based on the relationship of the inverse susceptibility of the nanomaterial with temperature sweep.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. L. Botha
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - K. J. Cloete
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - G. G. Welegergs
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa ,grid.464565.00000 0004 0455 7818Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Science, Debre Berhan University, P. O. Box 445, Debre Birhan, Ethiopia
| | - M. Akbari
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - R. Morad
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - L. Kotsedi
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - N. Matinise
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - R. Bucher
- grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - S. Azizi
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
| | - M. Maaza
- grid.412801.e0000 0004 0610 3238UNESCO-UNISA Africa Chair in Nanosciences and Nanotechnology Laboratories, College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Ridge, P. O. Box 392, Pretoria, 0003 South Africa ,grid.462638.d0000 0001 0696 719XNanosciences African Network (NANOAFNET), iThemba LABS-National Research Foundation, P. O. Box 722, Somerset West, 7129 Western Cape South Africa
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Extremely Acidic Eukaryotic (Micro) Organisms: Life in Acid Mine Drainage Polluted Environments-Mini-Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 19:ijerph19010376. [PMID: 35010636 PMCID: PMC8751164 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19010376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) results from sulfide oxidation, which incorporates hydrogen ions, sulfate, and metals/metalloids into the aquatic environment, allowing fixation, bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pollutants in the aquatic food chain. Acidic leachates from waste rock dams from pyritic and (to a lesser extent) coal mining are the main foci of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) production. When AMD is incorporated into rivers, notable changes in water hydro-geochemistry and biota are observed. There is a high interest in the biodiversity of this type of extreme environments for several reasons. Studies indicate that extreme acid environments may reflect early Earth conditions, and are thus, suitable for astrobiological experiments as acidophilic microorganisms survive on the sulfates and iron oxides in AMD-contaminated waters/sediments, an analogous environment to Mars; other reasons are related to the biotechnological potential of extremophiles. In addition, AMD is responsible for decreasing the diversity and abundance of different taxa, as well as for selecting the most well-adapted species to these toxic conditions. Acidophilic and acidotolerant eukaryotic microorganisms are mostly composed by algae (diatoms and unicellular and filamentous algae), protozoa, fungi and fungi-like protists, and unsegmented pseudocoelomata animals such as Rotifera and micro-macroinvertebrates. In this work, a literature review summarizing the most recent studies on eukaryotic organisms and micro-organisms in Acid Mine Drainage-affected environments is elaborated.
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5
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Abstract
Fungi are key organisms of the biosphere with major roles in organic-matter decomposition, element cycling, plant pathogenicity, and symbioses in aquatic and terrestrial habitats. The vast majority exhibit a filamentous, branching growth form and are aerobic chemoorganotrophs that derive carbon and energy from organic substances, and are particularly associated with soil, the plant-root zone, and rock surfaces. It is now known that some fungi are lithotrophs, deriving energy from the oxidation of inorganic materials, whereas others are photoheterotrophs, deriving additional energy from light for organic matter utilization when oxygen is limited. This means that fungi are of much wider environmental significance than previously thought and explains their ubiquity in locations previously thought to be inimical to fungal existence, such as the deep subsurface and other anaerobic locations. In addition to such free-living species, fungi associated with photosynthetic partners are also of profound biosphere importance. For example, lichens, which are composed of a symbiotic association between a fungus and a phototrophic alga and/or cyanobacterium, are pioneer colonizers and bioweathering agents of rocks and minerals. Mycorrhizas are symbiotic, plant-root-associated fungi found to colonize the majority of plant genera, where they improve plant nutrition through solubilization of essential metals and phosphate from soil minerals. Biomineralization in the soil can also immobilize toxic metals in the vicinity of plant roots, thereby benefiting plant colonization and facilitating revegetation of contaminated habitats. Wherever fungi are found, transformation of metals and minerals is a key aspect of their activity, with biomineralization an important feature. Fungal biomineralization is an important facet of geomycology - namely the roles of fungi in geochemical and geophysical processes. This article seeks to highlight the concept of biomineralization as applied to fungi, the occurrence and significance of important fungal biominerals in natural and synthetic environments, and the applied potential of fungal biomineralization in nanobiotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Michael Gadd
- Geomicrobiology Group, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, Scotland, UK; State Key Laboratory of Heavy Oil Processing, Beijing Key Laboratory of Oil and Gas Pollution Control, College of Chemical Engineering and Environment, China University of Petroleum, Changping District, Beijing 102249, China.
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6
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Fernández-Remolar DC, Carrizo D, Harir M, Huang T, Amils R, Schmitt-Kopplin P, Sánchez-García L, Gomez-Ortiz D, Malmberg P. Unveiling microbial preservation under hyperacidic and oxidizing conditions in the Oligocene Rio Tinto deposit. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21543. [PMID: 34728655 PMCID: PMC8563943 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-00730-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The preservation of biosignatures on Mars is largely associated with extensive deposits of clays formed under mild early Noachian conditions (> 3.9 Ga). They were followed by widespread precipitation of acidic sulfates considered adverse for biomolecule preservation. In this paper, an exhaustive mass spectrometry investigation of ferric subsurface materials in the Rio Tinto gossan deposit (~ 25 Ma) provides evidence of well-preserved molecular biosignatures under oxidative and acidic conditions. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF–SIMS) analysis shows a direct association between physical-templating biological structures and molecular biosignatures. This relation implies that the quality of molecular preservation is exceptional and provides information on microbial life formerly operating in the shallow regions of the Rio Tinto subsurface. Consequently, low-pH oxidative environments on Mars could also record molecular information about ancient life in the same way as the Noachian clay-rich deposits.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Fernández-Remolar
- CEA, CNRS, IBS, Metalloproteins Unit, Université Grenoble Alpes, 38000, Grenoble, France. .,State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, 999078, PR China. .,CNSA Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, 999078, PR China.
| | | | - Mourad Harir
- Research Unit Analytical Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Ting Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, China
| | - Ricardo Amils
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin
- Research Unit Analytical Biogeochemistry, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Chair of Analytical Food Chemistry, Technical University Munich, 85354, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | | | - David Gomez-Ortiz
- ESCET-Área de Geología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28933, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Per Malmberg
- Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Kemivägen 10, 412 96, Gothenburg, Sweden
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7
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Fernández-Remolar DC, Gomez-Ortiz D, Huang T, Anglés A, Shen Y, Hu Q, Amils R, Rodríguez N, Escudero C, Banerjee NR. The Molecular Record of Metabolic Activity in the Subsurface of the Río Tinto Mars Analog. ASTROBIOLOGY 2021; 21:1387-1405. [PMID: 34449260 DOI: 10.1089/ast.2020.2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In the subsurface, the interplay between microbial communities and the surrounding mineral substrate, potentially used as an energy source, results in different mineralized structures. The molecular composition of such structures can record and preserve information about the metabolic pathways that have produced them. To characterize the molecular composition of the subsurface biosphere, we have analyzed some core samples by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) that were collected in the borehole BH8 during the operations of the Mars Analog and Technology Experiment (MARTE) project. The molecular analysis at a micron-scale mapped the occurrence of several inorganic complexes bearing PO3-, SOx(2 to 4)-, NOx(2,3)-, FeOx(1,2)-, SiO2-, and Cl-. Their distribution correlates with organic molecules that were tentatively assigned to saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, polyunsaturated fatty acids, saccharides, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and potential peptide fragments. SOx- appear to be mineralizing some microstructures larger than 25 microns, which have branched morphologies, and that source SO3-bearing adducts. PO3-rich compounds occur in two different groups of microstructures which size, morphology, and composition are different. While a group of >40-micron sized circular micronodules lacks organic compounds, an ovoidal microstructure is associated with m/z of other lipids. The NO2-/NO3- and Cl- ions occur as small microstructure clusters (<20 microns), but their distribution is dissimilar to the mineralized microstructures bearing PO3-, and SO3-. However, they have a higher density in areas with more significant enrichment in iron oxides that are traced by different Fe-bearing anions like FeO2-. The distribution of the organic and inorganic negative ions, which we suggest, resulted from the preservation of at least three microbial consortia (PO4--, and NO2--/NO3--mineralizers PO4-lipid bearing microstructures), would have resulted from different metabolic and preservation pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C Fernández-Remolar
- SKL Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, SAR China
- CNSA Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, PR China
| | - David Gomez-Ortiz
- ESCET-Área de Geología, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Móstoles, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ting Huang
- SKL Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, SAR China
- CNSA Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, PR China
| | - Angélica Anglés
- SKL Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, SAR China
- CNSA Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, PR China
| | - Yan Shen
- SKL Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, SAR China
- CNSA Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, PR China
| | - Qitao Hu
- SKL Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, SAR China
- CNSA Macau Center for Space Exploration and Science, Macau, PR China
| | - Ricardo Amils
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CSIC-UAM), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nuria Rodríguez
- Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC), Torrejón de Ardoz, Spain
| | | | - Neil R Banerjee
- Department of Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Institute for Earth and Space Exploration, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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9
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Ehrlich H, Bailey E, Wysokowski M, Jesionowski T. Forced Biomineralization: A Review. Biomimetics (Basel) 2021; 6:46. [PMID: 34287234 PMCID: PMC8293141 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics6030046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Biologically induced and controlled mineralization of metals promotes the development of protective structures to shield cells from thermal, chemical, and ultraviolet stresses. Metal biomineralization is widely considered to have been relevant for the survival of life in the environmental conditions of ancient terrestrial oceans. Similar behavior is seen among extremophilic biomineralizers today, which have evolved to inhabit a variety of industrial aqueous environments with elevated metal concentrations. As an example of extreme biomineralization, we introduce the category of "forced biomineralization", which we use to refer to the biologically mediated sequestration of dissolved metals and metalloids into minerals. We discuss forced mineralization as it is known to be carried out by a variety of organisms, including polyextremophiles in a range of psychrophilic, thermophilic, anaerobic, alkaliphilic, acidophilic, and halophilic conditions, as well as in environments with very high or toxic metal ion concentrations. While much additional work lies ahead to characterize the various pathways by which these biominerals form, forced biomineralization has been shown to provide insights for the progression of extreme biomimetics, allowing for promising new forays into creating the next generation of composites using organic-templating approaches under biologically extreme laboratory conditions relevant to a wide range of industrial conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Ehrlich
- Institute of Electronic and Sensor Materials, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, 09599 Freiberg, Germany
- Center for Advanced Technology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61614 Poznan, Poland
- Centre for Climate Change Research, Toronto, ON M4P 1J4, Canada
- ICUBE-University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Bailey
- Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA 95064, USA;
| | - Marcin Wysokowski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
| | - Teofil Jesionowski
- Faculty of Chemical Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology and Engineering, Poznan University of Technology, 60-965 Poznan, Poland
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10
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Ou SN, Liang JL, Jiang XM, Liao B, Jia P, Shu WS, Li JT. Physiological, Genomic and Transcriptomic Analyses Reveal the Adaptation Mechanisms of Acidiella bohemica to Extreme Acid Mine Drainage Environments. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:705839. [PMID: 34305876 PMCID: PMC8298002 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.705839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi in acid mine drainage (AMD) environments are of great concern due to their potentials of decomposing organic carbon, absorbing heavy metals and reducing AMD acidity. Based on morphological analysis and ITS/18S high-throughput sequencing technology, previous studies have provided deep insights into the diversity and community composition of fungi in AMD environments. However, knowledge about physiology, metabolic potential and transcriptome profiles of fungi inhabiting AMD environments is still scarce. Here, we reported the physiological, genomic, and transcriptomic characterization of Acidiella bohemica SYSU C17045 to improve our understanding of the physiological, genomic, and transcriptomic mechanisms underlying fungal adaptation to AMD environments. A. bohemica was isolated from an AMD environment, which has been proved to be an acidophilic fungus in this study. The surface of A. bohemica cultured in AMD solutions was covered with a large number of minerals such as jarosite. We thus inferred that the A. bohemica might have the potential of biologically induced mineralization. Taking advantage of PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing, we obtained the high-quality genome sequences of A. bohemica (50 Mbp). To our knowledge, this was the first attempt to employ a third-generation sequencing technology to explore the genomic traits of fungi isolated from AMD environments. Moreover, our transcriptomic analysis revealed that a series of genes in the A. bohemica genome were related to its metabolic pathways of C, N, S, and Fe as well as its adaptation mechanisms, including the response to acid stress and the resistance to heavy metals. Overall, our physiological, genomic, and transcriptomic data provide a foundation for understanding the metabolic potential and adaptation mechanisms of fungi in AMD environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Ning Ou
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jie-Liang Liang
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Min Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Liao
- School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pu Jia
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Sheng Shu
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin-Tian Li
- Institute of Ecological Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Subtropical Biodiversity and Biomonitoring, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biotechnology for Plant Development, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
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11
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Bernardelli CE, Maza SN, Lecomte KL, Collo G, Astini RA, Donati ER. Acidophilic microorganisms enhancing geochemical dynamics in an acidic drainage system, Amarillo river in La Rioja, Argentina. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128098. [PMID: 33297094 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Amarillo River in La Rioja, Argentina, is a natural acidic environment that is influenced by an abandoned mine. The river is characterized by extremely low pH and high concentrations of metals and metalloids. Fe(III)-bearing neoformed precipitated minerals are widespread along the hydrological basin. This work reports the presence of different species of iron-oxidizing bacteria and demonstrates that their action has a significant role in geochemical processes of the Amarillo River, mainly by catalyzing Fe2+ oxidation and intensifying the Fe(III)-bearing mineral precipitation. Various iron oxidizers (i.e. Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans, Ferrimicrobium acidophilum, Alicyclobacillus cycloheptanicus) were detected in enrichment cultures at different temperatures. Moreover, this is the first report confirming that Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans is able to grow at 4 °C. Other acidophilic bacteria (i.e., Acidiphilium iwatensii) and fungi (e.g., Fodinomyces uranophilus, Coniochaeta fodinicola, Acidea extrema, Penicillium sp. and Cladosporium pseudocladosporioides) were also detected. In vitro laboratory studies recreating natural Fe(III)-bearing mineral formation showed that mineral precipitation rate was higher than 350 mg L-1 day-1 in the presence of microorganisms whereas it was about 15 mg L-1 day-1 under abiotic conditions. Jarosite was the only mineral detected in the precipitates generated by microbial action and it was also identified in the Amarillo River bed sediments. Biological Fe2+ oxidation rates depend on temperature which range from 8 to 32 mM day-1 at 4 and 30 °C, respectively. Finally, a conceptual model recognizing the significant microbial role is proposed to gain a better understanding of the biogeochemistry dynamics of the Amarillo River.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia E Bernardelli
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Calle 50 288, La Plata, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Calle 47 y 115, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Santiago N Maza
- Department of Geology and Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence (CEGA), Facultad de Ciencias Físicas y Matemáticas, Universidad de Chile, Plaza Ercilla 803, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Karina L Lecomte
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de La Tierra (CICTERRA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016CGA, Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Avenida Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016CGA, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Gilda Collo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de La Tierra (CICTERRA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016CGA, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Ricardo A Astini
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias de La Tierra (CICTERRA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016CGA, Córdoba, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de Córdoba (UNC), Avenida Vélez Sarsfield 1611, X5016CGA, Córdoba, Argentina.
| | - Edgardo R Donati
- Centro de Investigación y Desarrollo en Fermentaciones Industriales (CINDEFI), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Calle 50 288, La Plata, Argentina; Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP), Calle 47 y 115, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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12
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Farkas B, Kolenčík M, Hain M, Dobročka E, Kratošová G, Bujdoš M, Feng H, Deng Y, Yu Q, Illa R, Sunil BR, Kim H, Matúš P, Urík M. Aspergillus niger Decreases Bioavailability of Arsenic(V) via Biotransformation of Manganese Oxide into Biogenic Oxalate Minerals. J Fungi (Basel) 2020; 6:jof6040270. [PMID: 33182297 PMCID: PMC7711977 DOI: 10.3390/jof6040270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this work was to evaluate the transformation of manganese oxide (hausmannite) by microscopic filamentous fungus Aspergillus niger and the effects of the transformation on mobility and bioavailability of arsenic. Our results showed that the A. niger strain CBS 140837 greatly affected the stability of hausmannite and induced its transformation into biogenic crystals of manganese oxalates—falottaite and lindbergite. The transformation was enabled by fungal acidolysis of hausmannite and subsequent release of manganese ions into the culture medium. While almost 45% of manganese was bioextracted, the arsenic content in manganese precipitates increased throughout the 25-day static cultivation of fungus. This significantly decreased the bioavailability of arsenic for the fungus. These results highlight the unique A. niger strain’s ability to act as an active geochemical factor via its ability to acidify its environment and to induce formation of biogenic minerals. This affects not only the manganese speciation, but also bioaccumulation of potentially toxic metals and metalloids associated with manganese oxides, including arsenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Farkas
- Institute of Laboratory Research on Geomaterials, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.F.); (M.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Marek Kolenčík
- Department of Soil Science and Geology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia;
- Nanotechnology Centre, VŠB—Technical University of Ostrava, 70833 Ostrava, Czech Republic;
| | - Miroslav Hain
- Institute of Measurement Science, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Edmund Dobročka
- Institute of Electrical Engineering, Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Gabriela Kratošová
- Nanotechnology Centre, VŠB—Technical University of Ostrava, 70833 Ostrava, Czech Republic;
| | - Marek Bujdoš
- Institute of Laboratory Research on Geomaterials, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.F.); (M.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Huan Feng
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA; (H.F.); (Y.D.)
| | - Yang Deng
- Department of Earth and Environmental Studies, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ 07043, USA; (H.F.); (Y.D.)
| | - Qian Yu
- School of Ecology and Environmental Science, Yunnan University, Kunming 650091, China;
| | - Ramakanth Illa
- Department of Chemistry, Rajiv Gandhi University of Knowledge Technologies, AP IIIT, Nuzvid 521202, India;
| | - B. Ratna Sunil
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Bapatla Engineering College, Bapatla 522101, India;
| | - Hyunjung Kim
- Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Engineering, Jeonbuk National University, 567, Baekje-daero, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, Jeonbuk 54896, Korea;
| | - Peter Matúš
- Institute of Laboratory Research on Geomaterials, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.F.); (M.B.); (P.M.)
| | - Martin Urík
- Institute of Laboratory Research on Geomaterials, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia; (B.F.); (M.B.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-290-149-392
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13
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Livne A, Mijowska SC, Polishchuk I, Mashikoane W, Katsman A, Pokroy B. A fungal mycelium templates the growth of aragonite needles. J Mater Chem B 2020; 7:5725-5731. [PMID: 31482938 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb01169b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Fungi live within diverse environments and survive well under extreme conditions that are usually beyond the tolerance of most other organisms. In different environments fungi are known to induce precipitation of a wide range of minerals. Various species of fungi have been shown to facilitate calcium carbonate mineralization. Here, inspired by examples of needle-fiber calcite formed via fungus-induced biomineralization typically observed in soils and sediments, we utilized inactivated fungus to synthetically induce precipitation of CaCO3 needles. To our knowledge, the feasibility of growing aragonitic needles within fungal mycelium in vitro has not been previously demonstrated. The needles we obtained were curved, displayed hexagonal facets, and demonstrated high-aspect ratios close to 60. The size and shape of these synthetic needles matched those of the mycelium of the natural fungus. Utilizing high-resolution characterization techniques, we studied the morphology and the micro- and nanostructures of the aragonitic needles. Our findings showed that even inactivated fungal mycelium, if present in the crystallization environment, can serve as a template for the formation of high-aspect ratio fibers and can stabilize metastable polymorphs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Achiya Livne
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Technion City, 3200003 Haifa, Israel.
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14
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Exploring the microbial biotransformation of extraterrestrial material on nanometer scale. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18028. [PMID: 31792265 PMCID: PMC6889503 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54482-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Exploration of microbial-meteorite redox interactions highlights the possibility of bioprocessing of extraterrestrial metal resources and reveals specific microbial fingerprints left on extraterrestrial material. In the present study, we provide our observations on a microbial-meteorite nanoscale interface of the metal respiring thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula. M. sedula colonizes the stony meteorite Northwest Africa 1172 (NWA 1172; an H5 ordinary chondrite) and releases free soluble metals, with Ni ions as the most solubilized. We show the redox route of Ni ions, originating from the metallic Ni° of the meteorite grains and leading to released soluble Ni2+. Nanoscale resolution ultrastructural studies of meteorite grown M. sedula coupled to electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) points to the redox processing of Fe-bearing meteorite material. Our investigations validate the ability of M. sedula to perform the biotransformation of meteorite minerals, unravel microbial fingerprints left on meteorite material, and provide the next step towards an understanding of meteorite biogeochemistry. Our findings will serve in defining mineralogical and morphological criteria for the identification of metal-containing microfossils.
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15
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Blazevic A, Albu M, Mitsche S, Rittmann SKMR, Habler G, Milojevic T. Biotransformation of Scheelite CaWO 4 by the Extreme Thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula: Tungsten-Microbial Interface. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1492. [PMID: 31312192 PMCID: PMC6614383 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The tungsten-microbial interactions and microbial bioprocessing of tungsten ores, which are still underexplored, are the focus of the current study. Here we show that the biotransformation of tungsten mineral scheelite performed by the extreme thermoacidophile Metallosphaera sedula leads to the breakage of scheelite structure and subsequent tungsten solubilization. Total soluble tungsten is significantly higher in cultures containing M. sedula grown on scheelite than the abiotic control, indicating active bioleaching. Advanced analytical electron microscopy was used in order to achieve nanoscale resolution ultrastructural studies of M. sedula grown on tungsten bearing scheelite. In particular, we describe that M. sedula mediated the biotransformation of scheelite, which was accompanied by the release of tungsten into solution and tungsten biomineralization of the cell surface. Furthermore, we observed intracellular incorporation of redox heterogenous Mn- and Fe-containing nano-clusters. Our results highlight unique metallophilic life in hostile environments extending the knowledge of tungsten biogeochemistry. Based on these findings biohydrometallurgical processing of tungsten ores can be further explored. Importantly, biogenic tungsten carbide-like nanolayers described herein are potential targets for developing nanomaterial biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Blazevic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mihaela Albu
- Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Simon K-M R Rittmann
- Archaea Physiology and Biotechnology Group, Archaea Biology and Ecogenomics Division, Department of Ecogenomics and Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerlinde Habler
- Department of Lithospheric Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tetyana Milojevic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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16
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Milojevic T, Albu M, Blazevic A, Gumerova N, Konrad L, Cyran N. Nanoscale Tungsten-Microbial Interface of the Metal Immobilizing Thermoacidophilic Archaeon Metallosphaera sedula Cultivated With Tungsten Polyoxometalate. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:1267. [PMID: 31275255 PMCID: PMC6593293 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.01267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Inorganic systems based upon polyoxometalate (POM) clusters provide an experimental approach to develop artificial life. These artificial symmetric anionic macromolecules with oxidometalate polyhedra as building blocks were shown to be well suited as inorganic frameworks for complex self-assembling and organizing systems with emergent properties. Analogously to mineral cells based on iron sulfides, POMs are considered as inorganic cells in facilitating prelife chemical processes and displaying “life-like” characteristics. However, the relevance of POMs to life-sustaining processes (e.g., microbial respiration) has not yet been addressed, while iron sulfides are very well known as ubiquitous mineral precursors and energy sources for chemolithotrophic metabolism. Metallosphaera sedula is an extreme metallophilic and thermoacidophilic archaeon, which flourishes in hot acid and respires by metal oxidation. In the present study we provide our observations on M. sedula cultivated on tungsten polyoxometalate (W-POM). The decomposition of W-POM macromolecular clusters and the appearance of low molecular weight W species (e.g., WO) in the presence of M. sedula have been detected by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) analysis. Here, we document the presence of metalloorganic assemblages at the interface between M. sedula and W-POM resolved down to the nanometer scale using scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) coupled to electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). High-resolution TEM (HR-TEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns indicated the deposition of redox heterogeneous tungsten species on the S-layer of M. sedula along with the accumulation of intracellular tungsten-bearing nanoparticles, i.e., clusters of tungsten atoms. These results reveal the effectiveness of the analytical spectroscopy coupled to the wet chemistry approach as a tool in the analysis of metal–microbial interactions and microbial cultivation on supramolecular self-assemblages based on inorganic metal clusters. We discuss the possible mechanism of W-POM decomposition by M. sedula in light of unique electrochemical properties of POMs. The findings presented herein highlight unique metallophilicity in hostile environments, extending our knowledge of the relevance of POMs to life-sustaining processes, understanding of the transition of POMs as inorganic prebiotic model to life-sustainable material precursors and revealing biogenic signatures obtained after the decomposition of an artificial inorganic compound, which previously was not associated with any living matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetyana Milojevic
- Extremophiles/Space Biochemistry Group, Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mihaela Albu
- Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, Graz, Austria
| | - Amir Blazevic
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nadiia Gumerova
- Department of Biophysical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Konrad
- Graz Centre for Electron Microscopy, Graz, Austria
| | - Norbert Cyran
- Core Facility Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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17
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Application of the kinetic and isotherm models for better understanding of the mechanism of biomineralization process induced by Purpureocillium lilacinum Y3. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2019; 181:207-214. [PMID: 31146244 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2019.05.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpureocillium lilacinum can promote the biomineralization of jarosite by secreting extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), but the detailed mechanism is not clear. In this study, the biosynthesis process of jarosite induced by P. lilacinum Y3 and hypha cell surface characterization were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that P. lilacinum Y3 could induce the formation of jarosite crystal and enhance mineralization kinetics. The kinetic and isotherm models confirmed that the metal ions transferring from the solution to the mycelium surface was controlled by diffusion process and the active interfacial sites on hypha cell surface played a pivotal role in the biomineralization process. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) pictures illustrated that the P. lilacinum Y3 mainly induced the generation of mineral precipitate extracellularly, but not intracellularly. Three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (3D-EEM) fluorescence spectrum results further revealed the extracellular compounds such as fulvic-acid-like and protein-like substances participated in the mineralization process.
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18
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Glukhova LB, Frank YA, Danilova EV, Avakyan MR, Banks D, Tuovinen OH, Karnachuk OV. Isolation, Characterization, and Metal Response of Novel, Acid-Tolerant Penicillium spp. from Extremely Metal-Rich Waters at a Mining Site in Transbaikal (Siberia, Russia). MICROBIAL ECOLOGY 2018; 76:911-924. [PMID: 29663040 DOI: 10.1007/s00248-018-1186-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of fungi in metal cycling in acidic environments has been little explored to date. In this study, two acid-tolerant and metal-resistant Penicillium isolates, strains ShG4B and ShG4C, were isolated from a mine site in the Transbaikal area of Siberia (Russia). Waters at the mine site were characterized by extremely high metal concentrations: up to 18 g l-1 Fe and > 2 g l-1 each of Cu, Zn, Al, and As. Both isolates were identified as Penicillium spp. by phylogenetic analyses and they grew well in Czapek medium acidified to pH 2.5. Resistance to Cu, Cd, Ni, Co, and arsenate was in the range of 1-10 g l-1. Further experiments with Penicillium strain ShG4C demonstrated that growth in Cu-containing media was accompanied by the precipitation of Cu-oxalate (moolooite) and the formation of extracellular vesicles enriched in Cu on the mycelia. Vesicles were greatly reduced in size in Cd-containing media and were not formed in the presence of Ni or Co. Cd-oxalate was detected as a crystalline solid phase in Cd-exposed mycelia. Hydrated Ni-sulfate (retgersite) and Co-sulfate (bieberite) were detected in mycelia grown in the presence of Ni and Co, respectively. The results demonstrated that acid-tolerant and metal-resistant Penicillium constitute a component in extremophilic microbiomes, contributing to organic matter breakdown and formation of secondary solid phases at pH ranges found in acid rock drainage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubov B Glukhova
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tomsk State University, Lenin Ave. 36, Tomsk, Russia, 634050
| | - Yulia A Frank
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tomsk State University, Lenin Ave. 36, Tomsk, Russia, 634050
| | - Ehrzena V Danilova
- Institute of General and Experimental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Sakhyanovoy St. 6, Ulan-Ude, Russia, 670047
| | - Marat R Avakyan
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tomsk State University, Lenin Ave. 36, Tomsk, Russia, 634050
| | - David Banks
- School of Engineering, Systems Power & Energy, University of Glasgow, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
- Holymoor Consultancy Ltd., 360 Ashgate Road, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S40 4BW, UK
| | - Olli H Tuovinen
- Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Olga V Karnachuk
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tomsk State University, Lenin Ave. 36, Tomsk, Russia, 634050.
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Farias CP, Carvalho RCDE, Resende FML, Azevedo LCB. Consortium of five fungal isolates conditioning root growth and arbuscular mycorrhiza in soybean, corn, and sugarcane. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2018; 90:3649-3660. [PMID: 30517219 DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201820180161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Plant growth and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization were studied in sugarcane, corn and soybean by applying five plant growth promoting fungi: Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Pochonia chlamydosporia, Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Trichoderma asperella. Sugarcane, corn and soybean were grown in pots under two treatments: (1) inoculation with the fungal consortium and (2) control without inoculation. In the inoculated treatment, fungal spore suspension were applied to the seeds and shoots were sprayed every 28 days. Means were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability level. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design, with six replications. Fungi consortium mediate root growth in soybean and corn, and arbuscular mycorrhizal colonization in soybean and sugarcane. These findings are probably caused by the fungi producing phytohormones and inducing the plants to synthesize phytohormones: auxins for root growth; and jasmonic, abscisic, and salicylic acids with a role in the regulation of mycorrhizal colonization. These effects are important when seeking conservation strategies in agriculture and livestock production, since Fungi consortium can better mediate soil resource acquisition, promoting greater absorption of nutrients and water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christyan P Farias
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Amazonas, s/n, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Rafael C DE Carvalho
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Amazonas, s/n, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Felipe M L Resende
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Amazonas, s/n, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas C B Azevedo
- Instituto de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Avenida Amazonas, s/n, Campus Umuarama, 38400-902 Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
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Kraková L, Šoltys K, Puškárová A, Bučková M, Jeszeová L, Kucharík M, Budiš J, Orovčík LU, Szemes T, Pangallo D. The microbiomes of a XVIII century mummy from the castle of Krásna Hôrka (Slovakia) and its surrounding environment. Environ Microbiol 2018; 20:3294-3308. [PMID: 30051567 DOI: 10.1111/1462-2920.14312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
This microbiological survey was performed to determine the conservation state of a mummy in the Slovak castle of Krásna Hôrka and its surrounding environment. Culture-dependent identification was coupled with biodegradation assays on keratin, gelatin and cellulose. Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) using Illumina platform was used for a deeper microbial investigation. Three environmental samples were collected: from the glass of the sarcophagus, from the air inside it, and from the air of the chapel where the mummy is located. Seven different samples were taken from mummy's surface: from the left ear, left-hand palm, left-hand nail, left instep, right hand, abdomen and mineral crystals embedded within the skin. Three internal organ samples, from the lung, pleura and stomach, were also included in this study. Together, the culture-dependent and culture-independent analyses revealed that the bacterial communities present had fewer taxa than the fungal ones. The mycobiome showed the largest variability and included Epicoccum nigrum, Penicillium spp., Alternaria spp., Aspergillus spp., Cladosporium spp. and Aureobasidium pullulans; many other Ascomycota and Basidiomycota genera were detected by NGS. The most interesting results came from the skin mineral crystals and the internal organs. The hydrolytic assays revealed those microorganisms which might be considered dangerous 'mummy pathogens'. © 2018 Society for Applied Microbiology and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Kraková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Science, Dúbravská cesta 21, Bratislava, 84551, Slovakia
| | - Katarína Šoltys
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovicova 8, Bratislava, 84104, Slovakia
| | - Andrea Puškárová
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Science, Dúbravská cesta 21, Bratislava, 84551, Slovakia
| | - Mária Bučková
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Science, Dúbravská cesta 21, Bratislava, 84551, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Jeszeová
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Science, Dúbravská cesta 21, Bratislava, 84551, Slovakia
| | | | - Jaroslav Budiš
- Geneton s.r.o, Galvaniho 7, Bratislava, 82104, Slovakia.,Faculty of Mathematics, Physics and Informatics, Department of Computer Science, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynska dolina, Bratislava, 84248, Slovakia
| | - L Ubomír Orovčík
- Institute of Materials and Machine Mechanics, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, Bratislava, 84513, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Szemes
- Comenius University in Bratislava, Comenius University Science Park, Ilkovicova 8, Bratislava, 84104, Slovakia.,Geneton s.r.o, Galvaniho 7, Bratislava, 82104, Slovakia.,Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Molecular Biology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina Ilkovičova 6, Bratislava, 84215, Slovakia
| | - Domenico Pangallo
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Slovak Academy of Science, Dúbravská cesta 21, Bratislava, 84551, Slovakia.,Caravella s.r.o., Tupolevova 2, Bratislava, 85101, Slovakia
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Bao P, Xia M, Liu A, Wang M, Shen L, Yu R, Liu Y, Li J, Wu X, Fang C, Chen M, Qiu G, Zeng W. Extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) secreted byPurpureocillium lilacinumstrain Y3 promote biosynthesis of jarosite. RSC Adv 2018; 8:22635-22642. [PMID: 35539736 PMCID: PMC9081351 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra03060j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We proved fungal extracellular polymeric substances promoted biomineralization and the formation of P–O–Fe played a key role in this process.
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22
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Modulation of calcium carbonate precipitation by exopolysaccharide in Bacillus sp. JH7. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s00253-017-8372-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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23
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Eberhard W, Pacheco-Esquivel J, Carrasco-Rueda F, Christopher Y, Gonzalez C, Ramos D, Urbina H, Blackwell M. Zombie bugs? The fungus Purpureocillium cf. lilacinum may manipulate the behavior of its host bug Edessa rufomarginata. Mycologia 2017; 106:1065-72. [DOI: 10.3852/13-264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- William Eberhard
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, Escuela de Biología, Universidad de Costa Rica, Ciudad Universitaria, Costa Rica, and Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
| | - Jessica Pacheco-Esquivel
- Laboratorio de Ecología de Plantas, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontifica Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Apartado 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Farah Carrasco-Rueda
- Center for Conservation Education and Sustainability, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, National Zoological Park, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 705, Washington, DC 20013-7012
| | | | - Cely Gonzalez
- Center for Biodiversity and Drug Discovery, Institute for Scientific Research and High Technology Science, City of Knowledge, P.O. Box 0843-01103, Panama
| | - Daniel Ramos
- Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí-Manta, Ecuador Calle 12, Vía San Mateo, Manta, Ecuador
| | | | - Meredith Blackwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
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Comensoli L, Bindschedler S, Junier P, Joseph E. Iron and Fungal Physiology: A Review of Biotechnological Opportunities. ADVANCES IN APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY 2017; 98:31-60. [PMID: 28189154 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aambs.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Iron is an essential inorganic micronutrient. Because of its low toxicity only a few studies have dealt with the importance of iron in fungal physiology. Most of the studies published so far focus on iron sequestration by animal fungal pathogens, iron uptake by mycorrhizal fungi, or iron redox activities by fungal wood degraders. However, a general overview on the relationship between fungal physiology and iron is still lacking. In this review we present a summary of the types of physiological activities that participate in iron homeostasis in fungi and how these activities can be used for the development of original biotechnological applications in relationship to iron-containing matrices. Concrete examples of biotechnological applications involving iron and fungi are also discussed. In the last part, a specific research project in biotechnology focusing on the use of fungi for the conservation of archaeological objects in iron is described in detail. This project aims at developing a new conservation-restoration method to preserve archaeological iron artifacts exploiting the ability of fungi to transform and uptake iron. Preliminary results obtained in this project regarding iron-reduction, iron uptake, and biogenic formation of iron minerals are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Comensoli
- University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | | | - P Junier
- University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
| | - E Joseph
- University of Neuchâtel, Neuchâtel, Switzerland; Haute Ecole Arc Conservation-Restauration, Neuchâtel, Switzerland
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25
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Lessons learned from thirty years of geomicrobiological studies of Río Tinto. Res Microbiol 2016; 167:539-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2016.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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27
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Sánchez-Román M, Puente-Sánchez F, Parro V, Amils R. Nucleation of Fe-rich phosphates and carbonates on microbial cells and exopolymeric substances. Front Microbiol 2015; 6:1024. [PMID: 26441946 PMCID: PMC4585095 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2015.01024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Although phosphate and carbonate are important constituents in ancient and modern environments, it is not yet clear their biogeochemical relationships and their mechanisms of formation. Microbially mediated carbonate formation has been widely studied whereas little is known about the formation of phosphate minerals. Here we report that a new bacterial strain, Tessarococcus lapidicaptus, isolated from the subsurface of Rio Tinto basin (Huelva, SW Spain), is capable of precipitating Fe-rich phosphate and carbonate minerals. We observed morphological differences between phosphate and carbonate, which may help us to recognize these minerals in terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments. Finally, considering the scarcity and the unequal distribution and preservation patterns of phosphate and carbonates, respectively, in the geological record and the biomineralization process that produces those minerals, we propose a hypothesis for the lack of Fe-phosphates in natural environments and ancient rocks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Sánchez-Román
- Department of Planetology and Habitability, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC) Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Víctor Parro
- Department of Molecular Evolution, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC) Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Amils
- Department of Planetology and Habitability, Centro de Astrobiología (INTA-CSIC) Madrid, Spain ; Department of Virology and Microbiology, Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa Madrid, Spain
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28
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Fungal jarosite biomineralization in Río Tinto. Res Microbiol 2015; 165:719-25. [PMID: 25445568 DOI: 10.1016/j.resmic.2014.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Río Tinto is an extreme environment located at the core of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). It is an unusual ecosystem due to its size, constant acidic pH, high concentration of heavy metals and a high level of microbial diversity, mainly eukaryotic. Recently it was described the biomineralization of jarosite by Purpureocillium lilacinum, an acidic filamentous fungi isolated from the banks of the Tinto basin. In this study we further investigate the specificity of jarosite biomineralization by this fungi and its importance in the generation of jarosite in the Río Tinto basin. Our results clearly show that the ratio of the redox pairs and the Fe(3+) concentration is important to achieve a specific biomineralization of jarosite. The amount of nucleation sites also seems to be critical, although the presence of nucleation sites by itself is not sufficient to precipitate jarosite. There is a good correlation between the sampling sites along the river in which hydronium-jarosite has been identified and the presence of P. lilacinum.
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29
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Guerriero G, Hausman JF, Strauss J, Ertan H, Siddiqui KS. Destructuring plant biomass: focus on fungal and extremophilic cell wall hydrolases. PLANT SCIENCE : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL PLANT BIOLOGY 2015; 234:180-93. [PMID: 25804821 PMCID: PMC4937988 DOI: 10.1016/j.plantsci.2015.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 02/17/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The use of plant biomass as feedstock for biomaterial and biofuel production is relevant in the current bio-based economy scenario of valorizing renewable resources. Fungi, which degrade complex and recalcitrant plant polymers, secrete different enzymes that hydrolyze plant cell wall polysaccharides. The present review discusses the current research trends on fungal, as well as extremophilic cell wall hydrolases that can withstand extreme physico-chemical conditions required in efficient industrial processes. Secretomes of fungi from the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Zygomycota and Neocallimastigomycota are presented along with metabolic cues (nutrient sensing, coordination of carbon and nitrogen metabolism) affecting their composition. We conclude the review by suggesting further research avenues focused on the one hand on a comprehensive analysis of the physiology and epigenetics underlying cell wall degrading enzyme production in fungi and on the other hand on the analysis of proteins with unknown function and metagenomics of extremophilic consortia. The current advances in consolidated bioprocessing, altered secretory pathways and creation of designer plants are also examined. Furthermore, recent developments in enhancing the activity, stability and reusability of enzymes based on synergistic, proximity and entropic effects, fusion enzymes, structure-guided recombination between homologous enzymes and magnetic enzymes are considered with a view to improving saccharification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gea Guerriero
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Jean-Francois Hausman
- Environmental Research and Innovation (ERIN), Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST), Esch/Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Joseph Strauss
- Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology, Fungal Genetics and Genomics Unit, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (BOKU), University and Research Center Campus Tulln-Technopol, Tulln/Donau, Austria; Health and Environment Department, Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH - AIT, University and Research Center Campus Tulln-Technopol, Tulln/Donau, Austria
| | - Haluk Ertan
- School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia; Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Istanbul University, Turkey
| | - Khawar Sohail Siddiqui
- Biology Department, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Dhahran, Saudi Arabia.
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Río tinto: a geochemical and mineralogical terrestrial analogue of Mars. Life (Basel) 2014; 4:511-34. [PMID: 25370383 PMCID: PMC4206857 DOI: 10.3390/life4030511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The geomicrobiological characterization of the water column and sediments of Río Tinto (Huelva, Southwestern Spain) have proven the importance of the iron and the sulfur cycles, not only in generating the extreme conditions of the habitat (low pH, high concentration of toxic heavy metals), but also in maintaining the high level of microbial diversity detected in the basin. It has been proven that the extreme acidic conditions of Río Tinto basin are not the product of 5000 years of mining activity in the area, but the consequence of an active underground bioreactor that obtains its energy from the massive sulfidic minerals existing in the Iberian Pyrite Belt. Two drilling projects, MARTE (Mars Astrobiology Research and Technology Experiment) (2003–2006) and IPBSL (Iberian Pyrite Belt Subsurface Life Detection) (2011–2015), were developed and carried out to provide evidence of subsurface microbial activity and the potential resources that support these activities. The reduced substrates and the oxidants that drive the system appear to come from the rock matrix. These resources need only groundwater to launch diverse microbial metabolisms. The similarities between the vast sulfate and iron oxide deposits on Mars and the main sulfide bioleaching products found in the Tinto basin have given Río Tinto the status of a geochemical and mineralogical Mars terrestrial analogue.
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Aguilera A. Eukaryotic organisms in extreme acidic environments, the río tinto case. Life (Basel) 2013; 3:363-74. [PMID: 25369810 PMCID: PMC4187173 DOI: 10.3390/life3030363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A major issue in microbial ecology is to identify the limits of life for growth and survival, and to understand the molecular mechanisms that define these limits. Thus, interest in the biodiversity and ecology of extreme environments has grown in recent years for several reasons. Some are basic and revolve around the idea that extreme environments are believed to reflect early Earth conditions. Others are related to the biotechnological potential of extremophiles. In this regard, the study of extremely acidic environments has become increasingly important since environmental acidity is often caused by microbial activity. Highly acidic environments are relatively scarce worldwide and are generally associated with volcanic activity or mining operations. For most acidic environments, low pH facilitates metal solubility, and therefore acidic waters tend to have high concentrations of heavy metals. However, highly acidic environments are usually inhabited by acidophilic and acidotolerant eukaryotic microorganisms such as algae, amoebas, ciliates, heliozoan and rotifers, not to mention filamentous fungi and yeasts. Here, we review the general trends concerning the diversity and ecophysiology of eukaryotic acidophilic microorganims, as well as summarize our latest results on this topic in one of the largest extreme acidic rivers, Río Tinto (SW, Spain).
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeles Aguilera
- Astrobiology Center, Spanish Institute for Aerospace Technologies, Carretera de Ajalvir Km 4, Torrejón de Ardoz, 28850 Madrid, Spain.
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