Lin Liu, Seokheun Choi

SLAS Technology • 2019

A merged system incorporating paperfluidics and papertronics has recently emerged as a simple, single-use, low-cost paradigm for disposable point-of-care (POC) diagnostic applications. Stand-alone and self-sustained paper-based systems are essential to providing effective and lifesaving treatments in resource-constrained environments. Therefore, a realistic and accessible power source is required for actual paper-based POC systems as their diagnostic performance and portability rely significantly on power availability. Among many paper-based batteries and energy storage devices, paper-based microbial fuel cells have attracted much attention because bacteria can harvest electricity from any type of organic matter that is readily available in those challenging regions. However, the promise of this technology has not been translated into practical power applications because of its short power duration, which is not enough to fully operate those systems for a relatively long period. In this work, we for the first time demonstrate a simple and long-lasting paper-based biological solar cell that uses photosynthetic bacteria as biocatalysts. The bacterial photosynthesis and respiration continuously and self-sustainably generate power by converting light energy into electricity. With a highly porous and conductive anode and an innovative solid-state cathode, the biological solar cell built upon the paper substrates generated the maximum current and power density of 65 µA/cm2 and 10.7 µW/cm2, respectively, which are considerably greater than those of conventional micro-sized biological solar cells. Furthermore, photosynthetic bacteria in a 3-D volumetric chamber made of a stack of papers provided stable and long-lasting electricity for more than 5 h, while electrical current from the heterotrophic culture on 2-D paper dramatically decreased within several minutes.

Anwar Elhadad, Yang Gao, Seokheun Choi

Advanced Materials Technologies • 2023

Single‐use electrical systems represent the future of multiple fields such as diagnostic medical technologies, environmental studies, and biofuel manufacturing with significant advantages over conventional unrecyclable bulky systems that are partly disposable at best. Single‐use systems require miniaturized bio‐friendly energy sources that meet the recyclability or reusability requirement of the application without creating toxic waste. Herein, a storable, scalable, and single‐use electronics‐compatible bio‐battery that is designed and fabricated using completely reusable and recyclable components is developed. The battery is a dual‐in‐line package microbial fuel cell (DIP‐MFC) that can be activated on demand via the introduction of moisture through the anodic fluid chamber. The battery incorporates dormant bacteria cells on an abiotic stainless steel mesh that serves as the anode that attracts electrons being transferred from the biocatalyst. The DIP‐MFC uses the infestation of bacterial biofilm on a conductive anode to harness electrons and deliver electricity to selected circuit pins. A single DIP‐MFC continuously operates for 140 min with a maximum open circuit voltage of 0.55 V, which can be stacked and connected to match the power requirements of targeted electronics. The DIP nature of the proposed bio‐battery allows for simple integration of the MFC on conventional electronics boards through conductive pins.

Chloé Grazon, R. Baer, Uroš Kuzmanović et al.

Nature Communications • 2020

Bacteria are an enormous and largely untapped reservoir of biosensing proteins. We describe an approach to identify and isolate bacterial allosteric transcription factors (aTFs) that recognize a target analyte and to develop these TFs into biosensor devices. Our approach utilizes a combination of genomic screens and functional assays to identify and isolate biosensing TFs, and a quantum-dot Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) strategy for transducing analyte recognition into real-time quantitative measurements. We use this approach to identify a progesterone-sensing bacterial aTF and to develop this TF into an optical sensor for progesterone. The sensor detects progesterone in artificial urine with sufficient sensitivity and specificity for clinical use, while being compatible with an inexpensive and portable electronic reader for point-of-care applications. Our results provide proof-of-concept for a paradigm of microbially-derived biosensors adaptable to inexpensive, real-time sensor devices. Bacteria represent an unexploited reservoir of biosensing proteins. Here the authors use genomic screens and functional assays to isolate a progesterone sensing allosteric transcription factor and use a FRET-based method to develop an optical progesterone sensor.

A. Kharkova, V. A. Arlyapov, Anastasia Medvedeva et al.

Sensors • 2022

Microbial mediator biosensors for surface water toxicity determination make it possible to carry out an early assessment of the environmental object’s quality without time-consuming standard procedures based on standard test-organisms, and provide broad opportunities for receptor element modifying depending on the required operational parameters analyzer. Four microorganisms with broad substrate specificity and nine electron acceptors were used to form a receptor system for toxicity assessment. Ferrocene was the most effective mediator according to its high rate constant of interaction with the microorganisms (0.33 ± 0.01 dm3/(g × s) for yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae). Biosensors were tested on samples containing four heavy metal ions (Cu2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, Cd2+), two phenols (phenol and p-nitrophenol), and three natural water samples. The «ferrocene- Escherichia coli» and «ferrocene-Paracoccus yeei, E. coli association» systems showed good operational stability with a relative standard deviation of 6.9 and 7.3% (14 measurements) and a reproducibility of 7 and 5.2% using copper (II) ions as a reference toxicant. Biosensor analysis with these systems was shown to highly correlate with the results of the standard method using Chlorella algae as a test object. Developed biosensors allow for a valuation of the polluted natural water’s impact on the ecosystem via an assessment of the influence on bacteria and yeast in the receptor system. The systems could be used in toxicological monitoring of natural waters.

Caitlin Crews-Stowe, Elizabeth Lambert, Lori Berthelot et al.

Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology • 2023

Background: Healthcare floors are a vehicle and/or source for potential pathogens that cause healthcare associated infections, and hospital floors are often heavily contaminated with pathogens such as Clostridioides difficile and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. However, definitive research linking reductions in floor burden to reductions in HAIs has not yet been established. We sought to evaluate emerging technology for continuous disinfection and its potential impact on HAIs. This study was designed to explore the potential relationship between the reduction of microbial burden of floors and healthcare associated infections. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in a 22-bed medical-surgical intensive care unit in a 180-bed suburban hospital near New Orleans, Louisiana, from November 2021 to June 2022. Using sterile, premoistened sponges, samples were collected from the floors of 10 areas throughout the unit including 2 nurses’ stations, the physician charting area, and 7 patient rooms. The advanced photocatalytic oxidation (aPCO) equipment was then installed in the HVAC ductwork throughout the ICU and activated. Environmental surface sampling of the same floor surfaces was then repeated every 4 weeks for the first 5 months of the study. HAIs were also tracked throughout the entire study period. The facility’s normal cleaning floor protocols using a neutralizing floor cleaner were unchanged and followed during the study. Changes in surface burden were calculated using a repeated-methods ANOVA with post hoc analyses as appropriate. Rates of healthcare associated infections were compared using χ2 analyses. Results: Overall, there was a 99.6% statistically significant decrease in floor environmental surface burden from the baseline to the final postactivation test (Fig. 1). The average colony forming unit count (CFU) decreased from 318,850 CFU per 100 cm2 to just 2,988 CFU per 100 cm2. The unit also saw a statistically significant decrease in publicly reported healthcare associated infections (HO-MRSA, CLABSI, HO-CDI) during the study period compared to the same period a year prior and in the 6 months immediately prior to the beginning of the study (Fig. 2). Conclusions: Advanced photocatalytic oxidation technology resulted in a reduction of microbial burden on the floors of a high-traffic intensive care unit. Statistically significant decreases in healthcare-associated infections was also seen. This study highlights a novel aPCO technology and its efficacy at reducing microbial burden and healthcare-associated infections despite no change in practice. Disclosures: None

A. Costello, J. Parker, M. Clynes et al.

Metallomics • 2020

The modern world has seen exposure of bacterial communities to toxic metals at selective levels. This manifests itself both intentionally, through medicines and un-intentionally through waste streams. There is growing concern that selective exposure to metals may be linked to microbial resistance to antibiotics. For a microbe to become resistant to a specific metal it must first come in contact with it. The transition metal copper has the ability to enter bacterial cells without need for a copper specific uptake mechanism. Copper is commonly used as an antimicrobial in the healthcare industry, consumer products and as a growth promoter of livestock in the agricultural sector. Here we report a study into the uptake of different organic and inorganic sources of copper. A whole-cell bacterial biosensor was developed to quantify the specific uptake of copper from various sources. Furthermore, a cell-free sensor was utilized to investigate the response to copper sources when uptake is eliminated as a factor. The data within suggest inorganic copper to have greatly reduced uptake compared to organic sources and that there is significant difference between copper oxides, Cu2O and CuO.

R. Funari, A. Shen

ACS Sensors • 2022

Microbial biofilms have caused serious concerns in healthcare, medical, and food industries because of their intrinsic resistance against conventional antibiotics and cleaning procedures and their capability to firmly adhere on surfaces for persistent contamination. These global issues strongly motivate researchers to develop novel methodologies to investigate the kinetics underlying biofilm formation, to understand the response of the biofilm with different chemical and physical treatments, and to identify biofilm-specific drugs with high-throughput screenings. Meanwhile microbial biofilms can also be utilized positively as sensing elements in cell-based sensors due to their strong adhesion on surfaces. In this perspective, we provide an overview on the connections between sensing and microbial biofilms, focusing on tools used to investigate biofilm properties, kinetics, and their response to chemicals or physical agents, and biofilm-based sensors, a type of biosensor using the bacterial biofilm as a biorecognition element to capture the presence of the target of interest by measuring the metabolic activity of the immobilized microbial cells. Finally we discuss possible new research directions for the development of robust and rapid biofilm related sensors with high temporal and spatial resolutions, pertinent to a wide range of applications.

S. Bobade, D. Kalorey, S. Warke

Bioscience Biotechnology Research Communications • 2016

The natural biosensors are chemical sense organs specially designed on the basis of smell and taste likewise. Biosensor is a device that detects, transmits and records information regarding physiological or biochemical changes. Basically it is the probe that integrates a biological component with an electronic transducer thereby converting biochemical signals into electrochemical, optical, acoustic and electronic ones. The function of a biosensor depends on specifi city of biological active material and the analyte to be detected such as chemical compound, antigen, microbes, hormones, nucleic acid or any subjective parameter like smell and taste. The biological sensing elements have been used as enzyme, antibody, DNA ,receptor ,organelles and micro-organism as well as animal and plant tissues. Types of biosensor includes immunosensors, microbial biosensors, whole cell based, electrochemical, optical and acoustic biosensors, which have vast applications in biomedical research, healthcare, pharmaceutical, environmental monitoring, homemade security and battlefi elds. In this review a summary of relevant aspects concerning biosensor integration in effi cient analytical setups and the latest applications of biosensors in diagnostic applications focusing on detection of molecular biomarkers in real samples is included. An overview of the current state and future trends of biosensors in this fi eld is given.

Taeho Yu, Minjee Chae, Ziling Wang et al.

Microbial Biotechnology • 2025

ABSTRACT The combination of artificial intelligence (AI) with microbial technology marks the start of a major transformation, improving applications throughout biotechnology, especially in healthcare. With the capability of AI to process vast amounts of biological big data, advanced microbial technology allows for a comprehensive understanding of complex biological systems, advancing disease diagnosis, treatment and the development of microbial therapeutics. This mini review explores the impact of AI‐integrated microbial technologies in healthcare, highlighting advancements in microbial biomarker‐based diagnosis, the development of microbial therapeutics and the microbial production of therapeutic compounds. This exploration promises significant improvements in the design and implementation of health‐related solutions, steering a new era in biotechnological applications.

Tuoyu Zhou, Huawen Han, Pu Liu et al.

Sensors • 2017

With the unprecedented deterioration of environmental quality, rapid recognition of toxic compounds is paramount for performing in situ real-time monitoring. Although several analytical techniques based on electrochemistry or biosensors have been developed for the detection of toxic compounds, most of them are time-consuming, inaccurate, or cumbersome for practical applications. More recently, microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensors have drawn increasing interest due to their sustainability and cost-effectiveness, with applications ranging from the monitoring of anaerobic digestion process parameters (VFA) to water quality detection (e.g., COD, BOD). When a MFC runs under correct conditions, the voltage generated is correlated with the amount of a given substrate. Based on this linear relationship, several studies have demonstrated that MFC-based biosensors could detect heavy metals such as copper, chromium, or zinc, as well as organic compounds, including p-nitrophenol (PNP), formaldehyde and levofloxacin. Both bacterial consortia and single strains can be used to develop MFC-based biosensors. Biosensors with single strains show several advantages over systems integrating bacterial consortia, such as selectivity and stability. One of the limitations of such sensors is that the detection range usually exceeds the actual pollution level. Therefore, improving their sensitivity is the most important for widespread application. Nonetheless, MFC-based biosensors represent a promising approach towards single pollutant detection.

Z. N. Temirzhanova

Bulletin of Shakarim University. Technical Sciences • 2023

In this review, we discussed the design and manufacture of point-of-care test (POST) devices for the detection of microbial pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Electrochemical methods and current advances in the field were highlighted in terms of integrated electrochemical platforms, which include mainly microfluidic based approaches and integrated smartphone and Internet of things (IoM) and internet of medical things (IoMT) systems. In addition, the availability of commercial biosensors for the detection of microbial pathogens will be reported. At the end, challenges in point-of-care (POC) biosensor fabrication and expected future advances in biosensor technology were discussed. Integrated biosensor-based platforms with IoM/IoMT typically collect data to track the spread of infectious diseases in the community, which would be useful in terms of better preparedness for current and future pandemics and is expected to prevent social and economic losses. In the last decade, the science of biosensors has made tremendous progress in diagnosing diseases. Drug-resistant bacteria are outperforming drug discovery efforts, jeopardizing modern antibiotics and threatening many inevitable medical procedures that are taken for granted. Combating this worldwide threat will require the invention and application of ever-wider diagnostics of infectious diseases.

E. D. Di Domenico, A. Oliva, M. Guembe

Microorganisms • 2022

Biofilm is the trigger for the majority of infections caused by the ability of microorganisms to adhere to tissues and medical devices. Microbial cells embedded in the biofilm matrix are highly tolerant to antimicrobials and escape the host immune system. Thus, the refractory nature of biofilm-related infections (BRIs) still represents a great challenge for physicians and is a serious health threat worldwide. Despite its importance, the microbiological diagnosis of a BRI is still difficult and not routinely assessed in clinical microbiology. Moreover, biofilm bacteria are up to 100–1000 times less susceptible to antibiotics than their planktonic counterpart. Consequently, conventional antibiograms might not be representative of the bacterial drug susceptibility in vivo. The timely recognition of a BRI is a crucial step to directing the most appropriate biofilm-targeted antimicrobial strategy.

M. Mihai, A. Holban, C. Giurcaneanu et al.

Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry • 2015

The majority of chronic infections are associated with mono- or polymicrobial biofilms, having a significant impact on the patients' quality of life and survival rates. Although the use of medical devices revolutionized health care services and significantly improved patient outcomes, it also led to complications associated with biofilms and to the emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria. Immunocompromised patients, institutionalized or hospitalized individuals, elderly people are at greater risk due to life-threatening septic complications, but immunocompetent individuals with predisposing genetic or acquired diseases can also be affected, almost any body part being able to shelter persistent biofilms. Moreover, chronic biofilm-related infections can lead to the occurrence of systemic diseases, as in the case of chronic periodontitis, linked to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. The more researchers discover, new unknown issues add up to the complexity of biofilm infections, in which microbial species establish relationships of cooperation and competition, and elaborate phenotypic differentiation into functional, adapted communities. Their interaction with the host's immune system or with therapeutic agents contributes to the complex puzzle that still misses a lot of pieces. In this comprehensive review we aimed to highlight the microbial composition, developmental stages, architecture and properties of medical biofilms, as well as the diagnostic tools used in the management of biofilm related infections. Also, we present recently acquired knowledge on the etiopathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of four chronic diseases associated with biofilm development in tissues (chronic periodontitis, chronic lung infection in cystic fibrosis, chronic wounds) and artificial substrata (medical devices-related infections).

R. Žalnėravičius, A. Paškevičius, U. Samukaite-Bubniene et al.

Biosensors • 2022

In this study, the nitrogen-fixing, Gram-negative soil bacteria Rhizobium anhuiense was successfully utilized as the main biocatalyst in a bacteria-based microbial fuel cell (MFC) device. This research investigates the double-chambered, H-type R. anhuiense-based MFC that was operated in modified Norris medium (pH = 7) under ambient conditions using potassium ferricyanide as an electron acceptor in the cathodic compartment. The designed MFC exhibited an open-circuit voltage (OCV) of 635 mV and a power output of 1.07 mW m−2 with its maximum power registered at 245 mV. These values were further enhanced by re-feeding the anode bath with 25 mM glucose, which has been utilized herein as the main carbon source. This substrate addition led to better performance of the constructed MFC with a power output of 2.59 mW m−2 estimated at an operating voltage of 281 mV. The R. anhuiense-based MFC was further developed by improving the charge transfer through the bacterial cell membrane by applying 2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone (menadione, MD) as a soluble redox mediator. The MD-mediated MFC device showed better performance, resulting in a slightly higher OCV value of 683 mV and an almost five-fold increase in power density to 4.93 mW cm−2. The influence of different concentrations of MD on the viability of R. anhuiense bacteria was investigated by estimating the optical density at 600 nm (OD600) and comparing the obtained results with the control aliquot. The results show that lower concentrations of MD, ranging from 1 to 10 μM, can be successfully used in an anode compartment in which R. anhuiense bacteria cells remain viable and act as a main biocatalyst for MFC applications.

T. Kremer, Jeff Felgar, Neil Rowen et al.

Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology • 2023

The identification of worst-case device (or device set) features has been a well-established validation approach in many areas (e.g., terminal sterilization) for determining process effectiveness and requirements, including for reusable medical devices. A device feature approach for cleaning validations has many advantages, representing a more conservative approach compared with the alternative compendial method of testing the entirety of the device. By focusing on the device feature(s), the most challenging validation variables can be isolated to and studied at the most difficult-to-clean feature(s). The device feature approach can be used to develop a design feature database that can be used to design and validate device cleanliness. It can also be used to commensurately develop a quantitative cleaning classification system that will augment and innovate the effectiveness of the Spaulding classification for microbial risk reduction. The current study investigated this validation approach to verify the efficacy of device cleaning procedures and mitigate patient risk. This feature categorization approach will help to close the existing patient safety gap at the important interface between device manufacturers and healthcare facilities for the effective and reliable processing of reusable medical devices. A total of 56,000 flushes of the device features were conducted, highlighting the rigor associated with the validation. Generating information from design features as a critical control point for cleaning and microbiological quality will inform future digital transformation of the medical device industry and healthcare delivery, including automation.

P. L. Chong, Joon Huang Chuah, C. Chow et al.

International Journal of Green Energy • 2024

ABSTRACT This review delves into the multifaceted landscape of plant microbial fuel cells (PMFCs), investigating the affecting factors, configurations, applications, challenges, and prospects that shape their design. A thorough exploration of the affecting factors covering natural factors such as type of living plants, type of microbes and environmental factors as well as man-made factors such as electrode material and design, addition of additives and the diverse array of PMFC configurations are investigated here. The configurations cover the tubular design, flat plate design, sediment type, green rooftop design, constructed wetland and bryophyte PMFC are analyzed for performance comparison, offering insights for researchers. Applications of PMFC for powering ultra-low power remote devices and sensors, biosensing purposes, wastewater treatment, to bioremediation of polluted sites, are showcased to show the versatility of PMFCs. Despite their promise, challenges such as low power output, plant selection and growth, control over microbial species, diversity and electron transfer mechanisms, the long-term stability and durability of PMFC as well as scalability and cost for wide implementation of PMFC, are conversed here as it necessitates innovative solutions. In addition, this paper also provides recommendation of prospects to be considered by future researchers to enhance the development of PMFC.

Yuvraj Maphrio Mao, Aarya Garg, Khairunnisa Amreen et al.

2023 16th International Conference on Sensing Technology (ICST) • 2023

Fiber-based Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs) are emerging as promising technology in the field of fuel cells. Due, to the features like its inexpensive nature, naivety in fabrication, and its abundance of availability they manifest an upper edge over the other fluidic-based MFCs. Fiber-based MFCs are the epitome of an electrochemical system that uses bacteria for power generation and wastewater treatment in the paper substrate. Fiber-based miniaturized devices have gained significant attention over the last few years due to their flexible application in medical science, biosensors, etc. This work fabricated paper-based miniaturized MFCs using a 3D printer. Carbon Cloth was used as the working electrode and Pseudomonas Aeruginosa (Pseudomonas A) as the fuel to generate power. A comparative study showed that the fiber treated in oxygen plasma showed an optimized power output of around 345.40 µW/cm2 and a current output of 20.95 µA/cm2.

A. Mohamed, T. Ewing, S. Lindemann et al.

Journal of The Electrochemical Society • 2017

The performance of sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) in the field must be evaluated prior to their being relied on as a power source for sensor networks. Currently, the ability to perform such evaluation is limited. The goal of this work was to develop an autonomous, battery-powered, low-cost device (a remote sediment microbial fuel cell tester, or RSMFCT) that can evaluate the field performance of SMFCs charging capacitors in remote areas. The developed RSMFCT allows an SMFC to charge a capacitor between preset charge and discharge potentials and monitors anode and cathode potentials, capacitor potential, and temperature. The RSMFCT was tested at a remote location in the Hot Lake Research Natural Area, near Oroville,WA, USA and used to evaluate the optimum conditions for operating an SMFC. Using the recorded data, the average power and frequency of cycle were determined. We found that SMFCs deployed in Hot Lake operated optimally when charging a 5-F capacitor from 300 mV to 400 mV. Under these conditions, the SMFCs produced an average daily power of 10.28 μW and required an average capacitor charging time of 3.08 hours. We conclude that the RSMFCT is practical for: 1) determining the optimum operation parameters, those that maximize the power output of SMFCs in field operation, and 2) reliably incorporating individual SMFCs as power sources for remote sensor networks by allowing the prediction of their power output and frequency of charge cycles. © The Author(s) 2016. Published by ECS. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License (CC BY, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted reuse of the work in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. [DOI: 10.1149/2.0041703jes] All rights reserved.

I. Sulaiman, P. Banerjee, Ying-hsin Hsieh et al.

Journal of AOAC INTERNATIONAL • 2018

Staphylococcus spp. is considered as one of the most common human-pathogenic bacteria, causing illnesses ranging from nonthreatening skin infections to lethal diseases, including sepsis, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and food poisoning. The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains has increased morbidity and mortality and resulted in a major healthcare burden worldwide. Single and multilocus sequence typing have been extensively used in the identification of Staphylococcus species. Nevertheless, these assays are relatively time-consuming and require high-quality DNA. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight has been used recently for the rapid identification of several bacterial species. In this study, we have examined 47 Staphylococcus isolates recovered from food, environment, clinical samples, cosmetic products, and a medical device and 3 American Type Culture Collection Staphylococcus reference isolates using bioMérieux VITEK MS and VITEK 2 systems to determine isolate identity. Sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was performed to confirm and compare the species identification data generated by VITEK 2 and VITEK MS systems. Although the VITEK 2 system could not identify one of the isolates, VITEK MS identified all 50 Staphylococcus spp. isolates tested. Results of this study clearly suggest that VITEK MS can be used in the rapid identification of Staphylococcus isolates of public health importance.

Shi-Hang Wang, Jian-Wei Wang, Li-ting Zhao et al.

Biosensors • 2023

Soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) are an innovative device for soil-powered biosensors. However, the traditional SMFC sensors relied on anodic biosensing which might be unstable for long-term and continuous monitoring of toxic pollutants. Here, a carbon-felt-based cathodic SMFC biosensor was developed and applied for soil-powered long-term sensing of heavy metal ions. The SMFC-based biosensor generated output voltage about 400 mV with the external load of 1000 Ω. Upon the injection of metal ions, the voltage of the SMFC was increased sharply and quickly reached a stable output within 2~5 min. The metal ions of Cd2+, Zn2+, Pb2+, or Hg2+ ranging from 0.5 to 30 mg/L could be quantified by using this SMFC biosensor. As the anode was immersed in the deep soil, this SMFC-based biosensor was able to monitor efficiently for four months under repeated metal ions detection without significant decrease on the output voltage. This finding demonstrated the clear potential of the cathodic SMFC biosensor, which can be further implemented as a low-cost self-powered biosensor.

Roszita Ibrahim, N. Shaari, Azana Hafizah Mohd Aman

International Journal of Energy Research • 2021

Fuel cells efficiently turn chemicals in fuel into electricity by chemical reaction and have been described as among the most recent advances in the upcoming cleaner energy sector. In recent times, fuel cells are being used in medicine, including experimental studies and current and potential goods, having numerous benefits over previous batteries, such as the convenience of recharging, eco‐sustainable character, and high safety. This article highlights the up‐to‐date development of this energy system focusing on biofuel cells in implantable medical devices (IMDs) that use microbes, enzymes, and noble metals as catalysts. Furthermore, a diversity of fuel cell applications on the vitro medical kit (including alcohol tester, wound treatment instrument, blood glucose meter) was also described. The integration of fuel cells into implementable medical devices is at an initial phase of research, but this technology's possibility and potency is a reward. Obviously, after successfully integrating fuel cells into the patient's psyche, civilization will move throughout an innovative diagnostic transition.

Mummaka Harshavardhan, Prashant Sakhavalkar, Attarde Viren Bhaskar

International Journal of Medical and Biomedical Studies • 2024

Background: Medical device-associated infections (MDAIs) are a major healthcare concern due to their high morbidity, mortality, and rising prevalence of MDR and XDR bacteria. This study examined the microbiological composition, antimicrobial susceptibility, and prevalence of MDR/XDR infections in MDAI patients at Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Pune. Methods: One-year retrospective research included 100 MDAI patients. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done on microbial isolates from blood, urine, and wound swabs according to CLSI standards. The prevalence of MDR and XDR pathogens was determined. Results: Escherichia coli (30%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (20%) caused most infections, while Staphylococcus aureus (25%) was the most common Gram-positive bacteria. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing showed that 40% of the isolates were MDR and 15% were XDR. Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest resistance rate (70%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Conclusion: The study shows that MDAIs are dominated by MDR and XDR infections, mainly Gram-negative bacteria, making therapy difficult. These findings highlight the critical need for improved infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and regular surveillance to address medical device-associated resistance infections. Keywords: Medical device infections, multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant organisms, antimicrobial susceptibility, microbiological profile, healthcare-associated infections.

Akanksha Mishra, Ashish Aggarwal, Fazlurrahman Khan

Antibiotics • 2024

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, include bloodstream infections, surgical site infections, skin and soft tissue infections, respiratory tract infections, and urinary tract infections. According to reports, Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria account for up to 70% of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Biofilm production is a main virulence mechanism and a distinguishing feature of bacterial pathogens. Most bacterial pathogens develop biofilms at the solid-liquid and air-liquid interfaces. An essential requirement for biofilm production is the presence of a conditioning film. A conditioning film provides the first surface on which bacteria can adhere and fosters the growth of biofilms by creating a favorable environment. The conditioning film improves microbial adherence by delivering chemical signals or generating microenvironments. Microorganisms use this coating as a nutrient source. The film gathers both inorganic and organic substances from its surroundings, or these substances are generated by microbes in the film. These nutrients boost the initial growth of the adhering bacteria and facilitate biofilm formation by acting as a food source. Coatings with combined antibacterial efficacy and antifouling properties provide further benefits by preventing dead cells and debris from adhering to the surfaces. In the present review, we address numerous pathogenic microbes that form biofilms on the surfaces of biomedical devices. In addition, we explore several efficient smart antiadhesive coatings on the surfaces of biomedical device-relevant materials that manage nosocomial infections caused by biofilm-forming microbial pathogens.

D. Roxby, Nham Tran, Pak-Lam Yu et al.

2016 38th Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society (EMBC) • 2016

Implanted biomedical devices typically last a number of years before their batteries are depleted and a surgery is required to replace them. A Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC) is a device which by using bacteria, directly breaks down sugars to generate electricity. Conceptually there is potential to continually power implanted medical devices for the lifetime of a patient. To investigate the practical potential of this technology, H-Cell Dual Chamber MFCs were evaluated with two different growth solutions and measurements recorded for maximum power output both of individual MFCs and connected MFCs. Using Luria-Bertani media and connecting MFCs in a hybrid series and parallel arrangement with larger membrane sizes showed the highest power output and the greatest potential for replacing implanted batteries.

Guey-Horng Wang, Chiu-Yu Cheng, Man-Hai Liu et al.

Sensors • 2016

Fast hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) determination is important for environmental risk and health-related considerations. We used a microbial fuel cell-based biosensor inoculated with a facultatively anaerobic, Cr(VI)-reducing, and exoelectrogenic Ochrobactrum anthropi YC152 to determine the Cr(VI) concentration in water. The results indicated that O. anthropi YC152 exhibited high adaptability to pH, temperature, salinity, and water quality under anaerobic conditions. The stable performance of the microbial fuel cell (MFC)-based biosensor indicated its potential as a reliable biosensor system. The MFC voltage decreased as the Cr(VI) concentration in the MFC increased. Two satisfactory linear relationships were observed between the Cr(VI) concentration and voltage output for various Cr(VI) concentration ranges (0.0125–0.3 mg/L and 0.3–5 mg/L). The MFC biosensor is a simple device that can accurately measure Cr(VI) concentrations in drinking water, groundwater, and electroplating wastewater in 45 min with low deviations (<10%). The use of the biosensor can help in preventing the violation of effluent regulations and the maximum allowable concentration of Cr(VI) in water. Thus, the developed MFC biosensor has potential as an early warning detection device for Cr(VI) determination even if O. anthropi YC152 is a possible opportunistic pathogen.

Siyang Shen, Yen‐Han Lin, Chenguang Liu

The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering • 2024

Abstract In this work, we demonstrate a novel design that integrates a modified Nernst equation and readings from a microbial fuel cell (MFC)‐based device, facilitating real‐time monitoring of microbial growth. The MFC‐based device is comprised of an H‐shaped double‐chamber MFC, specifically designed to incorporate an oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) sensor, allowing for simultaneous measurements of both parameters. The Nernst equation was adjusted to assimilate readings from both the ORP sensor and the MFC device, ultimately deriving a unitless curve that represents the online dynamics of microbial growth. This curve exhibits two distinct peaks: the first peak indicates the initiation of the exponential phase, while the second peak signals its termination. The proposed design can be seamlessly integrated into fermentation processes to continually monitor progress, boost productivity, develop tailored control strategies that meet specific objectives, and so on.

Dawid Zawadzki, Paulina Pędziwiatr, Karina Michalska

Acta Innovations • 2018

Research about exploitation the potential of waste and sludge increased drastically in the recent years. One of the most promising alternative methods of waste management is Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC), which generate clean bio-electricity using microorganisms. Organic compounds, sewage, municipal solid waste could be used as a source for microbial nutrition. The construction of MFC is one of the most important parameter in laboratory studies and during scale-up. The efficiency of MFC depends on many factors including type of membrane. To obtain optimization in terms of various operating conditions, a prototype of Microbial Fuel Cell with exchangeable membrane was projected and fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM) technology. This novel device allows to research effects of different types of separator membranes. Preliminary research showed possibility to produce 3D printed MFC systems.

S. Abou Fayssal, Z. El Sebaaly, Y. Sassine

Foods • 2023

The short shelf-life of mushrooms, due to water loss and microbial spoilage, is the main constraint for commercialization and consumption. The effect of substrate type combined with different temperatures and packaging conditions on the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus is scantily researched. The current study investigated the shelf-life of fresh oyster mushrooms grown on low (0.3, 0.3, 0.17) and high (0.7, 0.7, 0.33) rates of olive pruning residues (OLPR), spent coffee grounds (SCG), and both combined residues (OLPR/SCG) with wheat straw (WS), respectively, at ambient (20 °C) and 4 °C temperatures under no packaging, polyethylene plastic bag packaging (PBP), and polypropylene vacuum bag packaging (VBP). Results showed that at ambient temperature OLPR/SCG mushrooms PBP-bagged had an increased shelf-life by 0.5–1.2 days in comparison with WS ones. The predictive models adopted to optimize mushroom shelf-life at ambient temperature set rates of 0.289 and 0.303 of OLPR and OLPR/SCG, respectively, and PBP as the most suitable conditions (9.18 and 9.14 days, respectively). At 4 °C, OLPR/SCG mushrooms VBP-bagged had a longer shelf-life of 2.6–4.4 days compared to WS ones. Predictive models noted a maximized shelf-life of VBP-bagged mushrooms (26.26 days) when a rate of 0.22 OLPR/SCG is incorporated into the initial substrate. The combination of OLPR and SCG increased the shelf-life of fresh Pleurotus ostreatus by decreasing the total microbial count (TMC) while delaying weight loss and veil opening, and maintaining carbohydrate content, good firmness, and considerable protein, in comparison with WS regardless the storage temperature and packaging type.

M. S. Santos, M. Nogueira, M. Hungria

AMB Express • 2019

More than one hundred years have passed since the development of the first microbial inoculant for plants. Nowadays, the use of microbial inoculants in agriculture is spread worldwide for different crops and carrying different microorganisms. In the last decades, impressive progress has been achieved in the production, commercialization and use of inoculants. Nowadays, farmers are more receptive to the use of inoculants mainly because high-quality products and multi-purpose elite strains are available at the market, improving yields at low cost in comparison to chemical fertilizers. In the context of a more sustainable agriculture, microbial inoculants also help to mitigate environmental impacts caused by agrochemicals. Challenges rely on the production of microbial inoculants for a broader range of crops, and the expansion of the inoculated area worldwide, in addition to the search for innovative microbial solutions in areas subjected to increasing episodes of environmental stresses. In this review, we explore the world market for inoculants, showing which bacteria are prominent as inoculants in different countries, and we discuss the main research strategies that might contribute to improve the use of microbial inoculants in agriculture.

Kevin Tian Xiang Tong, I. Tan, H. Foo et al.

Bioengineered • 2023

ABSTRACT The imminent need for transition to a circular biorefinery using microbial fuel cells (MFC), based on the valorization of renewable resources, will ameliorate the carbon footprint induced by industrialization. MFC catalyzed by bioelectrochemical process drew significant attention initially for its exceptional potential for integrated production of biochemicals and bioenergy. Nonetheless, the associated costly bioproduct production and slow microbial kinetics have constrained its commercialization. This review encompasses the potential and development of macroalgal biomass as a substrate in the MFC system for L-lactic acid (L-LA) and bioelectricity generation. Besides, an insight into the state-of-the-art technological advancement in the MFC system is also deliberated in detail. Investigations in recent years have shown that MFC developed with different anolyte enhances power density from several µW/m2 up to 8160 mW/m2. Further, this review provides a plausible picture of macroalgal-based L-LA and bioelectricity circular biorefinery in the MFC system for future research directions. Graphical Abstract

Dileep Sai Kumar Palur, Shannon R Pressley, S. Atsumi

Molecules • 2023

Human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are complex nonnutritive sugars present in human milk. These sugars possess prebiotic, immunomodulatory, and antagonistic properties towards pathogens and therefore are important for the health and well-being of newborn babies. Lower prevalence of breastfeeding around the globe, rising popularity of nutraceuticals, and low availability of HMOs have inspired efforts to develop economically feasible and efficient industrial-scale production platforms for HMOs. Recent progress in synthetic biology and metabolic engineering tools has enabled microbial systems to be a production system of HMOs. In this regard, the model organism Escherichia coli has emerged as the preferred production platform. Herein, we summarize the remarkable progress in the microbial production of HMOs and discuss the challenges and future opportunities in unraveling the scope of production of complex HMOs. We focus on the microbial production of five HMOs that have been approved for their commercialization.

Claire S. Baker, David C. Sands, H. Nzioki

Pest Management Science • 2023

The high-level view of global food systems identifies three all-encompassing barriers to the adoption of food systems solutions: knowledge, policy, and finance. These barriers, and the siloed characteristics of each of these, have hindered the development and adoption of microbial herbicides. How knowledge, policy, and finance are related to the Toothpick Project's path of commercializing a new bioherbicide, early in the scope of the industry, is discussed here. The Toothpick Project's innovation, developed over four decades and commercialized in 2021, uses strains of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. strigae selected for overproduction and excretion of specific amino acids, killing the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica (Striga or witchweed), Africa's worst pest threat to food security. Historically, bioherbicides have not been a sufficient alternative to the dominant use of synthetic chemical herbicides. To be used safely as bioherbicides, plant pathogens need to be host specific, non-toxic, and yet sufficiently virulent to control a specific weed. For commercialization, bioherbicides must be affordable and require a sufficient shelf life for distribution. Given the current triple storm encountered by the chemical herbicide industry (herbicide-resistant weeds, lawsuits, and consumer pushback), there exists an opportunity to use certain plant pathogens as bioherbicides by enhancing their virulence. By discussing barriers in the scope of knowledge, policy, and finance in the development of the Toothpick Project's new microbial bioherbicide, we hope to help others to anticipate the challenges and provide change-leaders, particularly in policy and finance, a ground level perspective of bioherbicide development. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sebastian J. Ross, Gareth R Owen, James Hough et al.

Biotechnology and Bioengineering • 2024

Crop pests and pathogens annually cause over $220 billion in global crop damage, with insects consuming 5%–20% of major grain crops. Current crop pest and disease control strategies rely on insecticidal and fungicidal sprays, plant genetic resistance, transgenes, and agricultural practices. Double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) is emerging as a novel sustainable method of plant protection as an alternative to traditional chemical pesticides. Successful commercialization of dsRNA‐based biocontrols requires the economical production of large quantities of dsRNA combined with suitable delivery methods to ensure RNAi efficacy against the target pest. In this study, we have optimized the design of plasmid DNA constructs to produce dsRNA biocontrols in Escherichia coli, by employing a wide range of alternative synthetic transcriptional terminators before measurement of dsRNA yield. We demonstrate that a 7.8‐fold increase of dsRNA was achieved using triple synthetic transcriptional terminators within a dual T7 dsRNA production system compared to the absence of transcriptional terminators. Moreover, our data demonstrate that batch fermentation production dsRNA using multiple transcriptional terminators is scalable and generates significantly higher yields of dsRNA generated in the absence of transcriptional terminators at both small‐scale batch culture and large‐scale fermentation. In addition, we show that application of these dsRNA biocontrols expressed in E. coli cells results in increased insect mortality. Finally, novel mass spectrometry analysis was performed to determine the precise sites of transcriptional termination at the different transcriptional terminators providing important further mechanistic insight.

A.K. Singh, Agendra Gangwar, Sanjay Kumar

Biofuels • 2024

Abstract Biofuels, including bioethanol, biogas, biohydrogen, and biodiesel, as well as microbial fuel cells, are extensively recognized as sustainable energy alternatives to fossil fuels. Nonetheless, their commercialization is constrained by various limitations, including economic and technological challenges. The integration of nanoparticles into biofuel production and microbial fuel cell fabrication has demonstrated significant benefits over time due to their nanoscale dimensions and distinctive structural properties. Their use enhances operational efficiency, increases yield, and accelerates the conversion of biomass into biofuels. This review presents a comprehensive global analysis of biofuels and includes a bibliometric analysis of research related to biofuels incorporating nanoparticles. It details the current production methods for various types of biofuels, their specific characteristics, production statistics, and existing gaps in their commercialization. This is followed by an in-depth examination of the role of nanotechnology in biofuel production and microbial fuel cell fabrication, supported by recent studies. The review thoroughly addresses the impact of nanotechnology from multiple perspectives, including environmental and human health considerations, scalability, effects on microbial communities, economic feasibility, and regulatory and ethical challenges. Mitigation strategies for these challenges are also discussed. Additionally, biofuels enhanced with nanoparticles are compared with other advanced technologies currently available. . .

João Vitor de Oliveira Barreto, L. Casanova, Athayde Neves Junior et al.

Microorganisms • 2023

Microbial pigments have many structures and functions with excellent characteristics, such as being biodegradable, non-toxic, and ecologically friendly, constituting an important source of pigments. Industrial production presents a bottleneck in production cost that restricts large-scale commercialization. However, microbial pigments are progressively gaining popularity because of their health advantages. The development of metabolic engineering and cost reduction of the bioprocess using industry by-products opened possibilities for cost and quality improvements in all production phases. We are thus addressing several points related to microbial pigments, including the major classes and structures found, the advantages of use, the biotechnological applications in different industrial sectors, their characteristics, and their impacts on the environment and society.

Ana Paula, Honrado Pinto, Jorge M. S. Faria et al.

Journal of Xenobiotics • 2023

Microbes hold immense potential, based on the fact that they are widely acknowledged for their role in mitigating the detrimental impacts of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, which were extensively employed during the Green Revolution era. The consequence of this extensive use has been the degradation of agricultural land, soil health and fertility deterioration, and a decline in crop quality. Despite the existence of environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives, microbial bioinoculants encounter numerous challenges in real-world agricultural settings. These challenges include harsh environmental conditions like unfavorable soil pH, temperature extremes, and nutrient imbalances, as well as stiff competition with native microbial species and host plant specificity. Moreover, obstacles spanning from large-scale production to commercialization persist. Therefore, substantial efforts are underway to identify superior solutions that can foster a sustainable and eco-conscious agricultural system. In this context, attention has shifted towards the utilization of cell-free microbial exudates as opposed to traditional microbial inoculants. Microbial exudates refer to the diverse array of cellular metabolites secreted by microbial cells. These metabolites enclose a wide range of chemical compounds, including sugars, organic acids, amino acids, peptides, siderophores, volatiles, and more. The composition and function of these compounds in exudates can vary considerably, depending on the specific microbial strains and prevailing environmental conditions. Remarkably, they possess the capability to modulate and influence various plant physiological processes, thereby inducing tolerance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. Furthermore, these exudates facilitate plant growth and aid in the remediation of environmental pollutants such as chemicals and heavy metals in agroecosystems. Much like live microbes, when applied, these exudates actively participate in the phyllosphere and rhizosphere, engaging in continuous interactions with plants and plant-associated microbes. Consequently, they play a pivotal role in reshaping the microbiome. The biostimulant properties exhibited by these exudates position them as promising biological components for fostering cleaner and more sustainable agricultural systems.

Ashti Hosseini, Mahmoud Koushesh Saba, C. Watkins

Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition • 2023

Abstract Postharvest waste due to decay of fruits and vegetables negatively affects food security, while at the same time control of decay and therefore waste can be limited because of consumer concerns about use of synthetic chemicals. Use of antagonistic microorganisms is an eco-friendly technique that represents a promising alternative approach to the use of chemical methods. Understanding the interactions between antagonists and the fruit microbiome will enable the discovery of new methods to reduce postharvest waste. This article reviews different microbial agents, fungi, bacteria and yeasts that could control decay. Recent developments in the use of microorganisms for preserving postharvest fruit quality, formulation of effective antagonists, and the commercialization steps are also discussed. Antagonists control decay through either direct or indirect mechanisms while preserving the appearance, flavor, texture and nutritional value of horticultural products. Microorganisms do not fully control pathogens, and therefore they are usually used with other treatments or have their biocontrol ability modified through genetic manipulations. Despite of these limitations, commercialization of biocontrol products based on antagonists with required stability and biocontrol potential is occurring. Biocontrol of postharvest decay and waste agent is promising technology for fruit and vegetable industries. Further study is necessary to better understand mechanisms and increasing efficiency of this method.

Shengtong Wan, Xin Liu, W. Sun et al.

Bioresources and Bioprocessing • 2023

Currently, microbial manufacturing is widely used in various fields, such as food, medicine and energy, for its advantages of greenness and sustainable development. Process optimization is the committed step enabling the commercialization of microbial manufacturing products. However, the present optimization processes mainly rely on experience or trial-and-error method ignoring the intrinsic connection between cellular physiological requirement and production performance, so in many cases the productivity of microbial manufacturing could not been fully exploited at economically feasible cost. Recently, the rapid development of omics technologies facilitates the comprehensive analysis of microbial metabolism and fermentation performance from multi-levels of molecules, cells and microenvironment. The use of omics technologies makes the process optimization more explicit, boosting microbial manufacturing performance and bringing significant economic benefits and social value. In this paper, the traditional and omics technologies-guided process optimization of microbial manufacturing are systematically reviewed, and the future trend of process optimization is prospected.

Rachel Backer, J. Rokem, Gayathri Ilangumaran et al.

Frontiers in Plant Science • 2018

Microbes of the phytomicrobiome are associated with every plant tissue and, in combination with the plant form the holobiont. Plants regulate the composition and activity of their associated bacterial community carefully. These microbes provide a wide range of services and benefits to the plant; in return, the plant provides the microbial community with reduced carbon and other metabolites. Soils are generally a moist environment, rich in reduced carbon which supports extensive soil microbial communities. The rhizomicrobiome is of great importance to agriculture owing to the rich diversity of root exudates and plant cell debris that attract diverse and unique patterns of microbial colonization. Microbes of the rhizomicrobiome play key roles in nutrient acquisition and assimilation, improved soil texture, secreting, and modulating extracellular molecules such as hormones, secondary metabolites, antibiotics, and various signal compounds, all leading to enhancement of plant growth. The microbes and compounds they secrete constitute valuable biostimulants and play pivotal roles in modulating plant stress responses. Research has demonstrated that inoculating plants with plant-growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) or treating plants with microbe-to-plant signal compounds can be an effective strategy to stimulate crop growth. Furthermore, these strategies can improve crop tolerance for the abiotic stresses (e.g., drought, heat, and salinity) likely to become more frequent as climate change conditions continue to develop. This discovery has resulted in multifunctional PGPR-based formulations for commercial agriculture, to minimize the use of synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals. This review is an update about the role of PGPR in agriculture, from their collection to commercialization as low-cost commercial agricultural inputs. First, we introduce the concept and role of the phytomicrobiome and the agricultural context underlying food security in the 21st century. Next, mechanisms of plant growth promotion by PGPR are discussed, including signal exchange between plant roots and PGPR and how these relationships modulate plant abiotic stress responses via induced systemic resistance. On the application side, strategies are discussed to improve rhizosphere colonization by PGPR inoculants. The final sections of the paper describe the applications of PGPR in 21st century agriculture and the roadmap to commercialization of a PGPR-based technology.

A. Fadiji, Chao Xiong, Eleonora Egidi et al.

Journal of Sustainable Agriculture and Environment • 2024

Sustainable increase in agriculture productivity is confronted by over‐reliance and over‐use of synthetic chemical fertilizers. With a market projection of $5.02 billion by 2030, biofertilizers are gaining momentum as a supplement and, in some cases, as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. Biofertilizers can improve the nutritional supply to the plant and simultaneously can improve soil health, reduce greenhouse emissions, and hence directly contribute towards environmental sustainability. Plant growth‐promoting microbes (PGPMs) are particularly receiving significant attention as biofertilizers. They are widely known for their ability to improve plant growth via increasing nutrient availability and use efficiency. However, except for a few successful cases, the commercialization of PGPM‐based inoculants is still limited, mainly due to lack of field efficacy and consistency. Lack of effective formulation technologies that keep microbial inoculants viable during storage, transport and field application is considered one of the key factors that drive inconsistent efficacy of microbial biofertilizers. In this review, we identify current challenges associated with the application and formulation of microbial inoculants. We propose future paths, including advancement in formulation technologies that are potentially efficient, eco‐friendly and cost‐effective. We argue that to enhance the global adoption of biofertilizers, new innovations based on transdisciplinary approaches are indispensable. The emerging framework should encompass a robust quality control system at all stages. Additionally, the active partnership between the academic and industry stakeholders will pave the way for enhanced global adoption of microbial fertilizers.