[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Wellcome Open Research • 2026

We present a genome assembly from an individual Halichondria panicea (bread-crumb sponge; Porifera; Demospongiae; Suberitida; Halichondriidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 131.46 megabases. Most of the assembly (99.62%) is scaffolded into 17 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 19.57 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly by Ensembl identified 26 096 protein-coding genes. Five medium-quality bacterial bins were also recovered, of which three belonged to the main Amylibacter -related symbiont, termed Halichondribacter symbioticus .

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Translational Animal Science • 2026

Lay Summary Essential oils have been explored in livestock production as a natural antimicrobial to improve overall animal health and performance. This study investigated the effects of supplementing Agolin® Pig, a combination of micro-encapsulated essential oils, in late gestation and lactating sow diets on various aspects of sow and piglet performance during lactation, as well as the sow fecal microbiota. Twenty-five sows were blocked by parity and allotted into one of two treatment groups: 1) Agolin® Pig supplementation (AGO) at 200 ppm for two weeks before farrowing, during farrowing, and throughout lactation, or 2) no supplementation as a control (CON). All diets met standard nutritional requirements. The parameters measured were sow feed intake, body condition, milk composition, piglet growth performance, and sow fecal microbiota. Results indicated that AGO did not significantly affect sow feed intake, piglet growth, or colostrum and milk composition throughout lactation. However, sows fed AGO during lactation maintained body condition as measured by the Knauer Caliper, an objective tool to standardize sow body condition. There were slight changes in sow fecal microbiota diversity between the groups post-farrowing. This study suggests that Agolin® Pig may help maintain sow body condition during lactation and influence sow fecal microbiota.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Research Square • 2026

Abstract Background: The human oral cavity harbours a diverse microbial community that influences both oral and systemic health. Disruption of this microbial balance can result in dental conditions such as tooth decay. University students are particularly at risk due to poor dietary habits and inconsistent oral hygiene. This study investigated the distribution of oral microbial flora and their association with tooth decay among students of a private tertiary institution in Nigeria. Methods: Oral swab samples were collected and cultured using standard microbiological techniques, including growth on chocolate, blood, and MacConkey agars for bacterial isolation, and Sabouraud agar for fungal isolation, and biochemical tests were performed for identification. A structured questionnaire assessed oral hygiene practices, sweet consumption, and oral health status. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression to identify variables. Results: The predominant microbial isolates were Streptococcus mutans (25%), Staphylococcus aureus (17%), Streptococcus sanguinis (12%), and Candida albicans (10%). Tooth decay was reported by 52% of participants and was significantly associated with S. mutans (p   0.001), S. aureus (p = 0.006), C. albicans (p = 0.001), and S. sanguinis (p = 0.031). These microorganisms also increased the odds of tooth decay, with odds ratios (OR) of 3.27(95% CI = 1.77–6.05), 2.08(95% CI = 1.23–3.52), 1.95(95% CI = 1.06–3.58), and 2.51(95% CI = 1.40–4.50) respectively (p   0.05). Furthermore, sweet consumption showed a significant positive correlation with tooth decay (p   0.001). Conclusion: Streptococcus mutans , S. aureus, S. sanguinis , and Candida albicans were strongly associated with tooth decay and high sugar intake was a key risk factor.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

PeerJ • 2026

Fermented shrimp paste (Kapi) is a culturally significant condiment valued for its flavor and nutritional value. However, inconsistent production practices may lead to microbial contamination and histamine accumulation, posing health risks. Understanding microbial diversity, salt-tolerant pathogens, and the effectiveness of hygienic controls is essential for improving product safety and quality consistency. This study assessed the microbial and physicochemical characteristics of seven Kapi produced under varying hygienic conditions: a certified commercial export product (M1), a traditionally fermented product using 25% (w/w) salt (M2), wet-market bulk products (M3, M4), and sealed community-enterprise products (M5, M6, M7). Microbiological hazards were characterized using Oxford Nanopore sequencing, and physicochemical analyses, including histamine content, were conducted. M1 exhibited the highest safety and quality, with no detected pathogens. In contrast, M3 and M5 contained high microbial loads, including Staphylococcus aureus , Bacillus cereus , Clostridium perfringens , and fungi. Bacterial diversity varied significantly across samples, with M3 and M4 showing the greatest richness, whereas M6 had the lowest. Dominant species identified were Lentibacillus salinarum , Lentibacillus amyloliquefaciens , and Lentibacillus kimchi in M1, M3, and M4, and Staphylococcus sciuri in M2, M5, and M6, all of which possessed histamine-degrading potential. Alkalibacterium kapii dominated M7, while histamine-producing Jeotgalicoccus halotolerans was found in M5–M7. Physicochemical variations corresponded with production practices. M6 showed the highest histamine level (39.4 mg/kg), while M1 and M4 had the lowest (12.7 and 9.5 mg/kg, respectively), indicating differences in hygiene and salt management. Overall, microbial and physicochemical hazard levels were closely associated with production environments. To enhance the safety and consistency of Kapi, we propose a risk-based framework that includes standardizing salt concentration (25% w/w) to control microbial dynamics and histamine formation, strengthening hygienic practices from Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) compliance to ensure adequate safety control, and applying defined starter cultures to stabilize fermentation and reduce variability. These strategies collectively address how hygiene, salt concentration, and environmental control influence microbial and physicochemical hazards in traditional fermented shrimp paste.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Research Square • 2026

Abstract Aims Extracellular enzyme stoichiometry is a key indicator for assessing resource limitations faced by soil microorganisms. Yet the characteristics of microbial resource limitation in rhizosphere soil under the combined agricultural practices of intercropping and straw retention remain unclear. Methods Here, we conducted a field experiment in the black soil region of Northeast China, to quantify the effects of intercropping and straw retention on soil nutrients, microbial biomass, extracellular enzyme activities, and their C:N:P stoichiometry in the rhizosphere of maize and peanut crops. Results Our results revealed an average vector length (VL) of 1.68 and 1.57 for extracellular enzymes in the rhizosphere soil of maize and peanut, with a vector angle (VA) of 37.80° and 34.67°, respectively. This indicated that soil microorganisms in the rhizosphere of both crops were co-limited by C and N, and the N limitation was more significant in the peanut rhizosphere. Notably, the combined treatment of intercropping and full straw retention increased the VA by 5°, effectively alleviating N limitation in the rhizosphere soil. The extracellular enzyme C:N:P stoichiometry in the rhizosphere soil of maize and peanut was 1.33:1.29:1.00 and 0.89:1.29:1.00, respectively. Microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) was the primary factor affecting microbial nutrient limitation. Conclusions The extracellular enzyme stoichiometric characteristics of rhizosphere soil differed significantly between the two crops. Intercropping had a stronger impact on rhizosphere microbial nutrient limitation than straw retention, and their synergistic effect could significantly alleviate rhizosphere microbial N limitation by enhancing extracellular enzyme activity.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Microbial Genomics • 2026

Klebsiella aerogenes is an opportunistic pathogen and a growing cause of healthcare-associated infections, characterized by multidrug resistance and the emergence of global high-risk clones. However, regional genomic surveillance data remain limited. Here, we sought to characterize the population structure, transmission dynamics and resistance mechanisms of clinical K. aerogenes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. We sequenced 177 clinical isolates collected between 2021 and 2023. We also developed a novel, species-specific PopPUNK database to facilitate rapid, high-resolution typing. The New Mexico K. aerogenes population was diverse but dominated by two global pandemic lineages, ST93 (47.5%) and ST4 (7.9%), which were significantly enriched for the virulence factors yersiniabactin and colibactin. Genomic evidence for recent local transmission was rare, with only four putative transmission pairs identified. The resistome was characterized by intrinsic and adaptive mutations. Nearly all isolates possessed gyrA mutations associated with decreased fluoroquinolone susceptibility. Mutations in the AmpC regulator AmpD and the outer membrane porin Omp36 were common, particularly within the dominant ST93 lineage. These mutations have been associated with increased AmpC-mediated carbapenem resistance. Our findings underscore the critical importance of genomic surveillance to monitor the transmission and evolution of adaptive resistance.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Frontiers in Plant Science • 2026

Saline-alkali soils are widespread in ecologically fragile regions and are characterized by high salinity and alkalinity, leading to soil degradation and reduced productivity. To evaluate the potential of Arundo donax cv. Lvzhou No.1 for improving coastal saline-alkali soils, this study was conducted on Pingtan Island, Fujian Province, China. Three treatments were established: a blank control (CK), rhizosphere soils from one-year cultivation (R1), and five-year cultivation (R5). Soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure were assessed using soil chemical analyses and high-throughput sequencing. Cultivation of A. donax cv. Lvzhou No.1 alleviated saline-alkali stress by reducing soil pH and salinity, with stronger effects under long-term cultivation. Soil fertility increased markedly, with organic matter (OM) and total nitrogen (TN) rising by 91.00% and 70.00%, respectively. Microbial diversity also increased, with fungal communities dominated by Ascomycota and bacterial communities by Proteobacteria. Functional predictions showed higher abundances of saprophytic genera ( Acremonium, Fusarium ) and enhanced bacterial metabolic pathways, including fatty acid synthesis and the tricarboxylic acid cycle, indicating increased microbial metabolic activity. These changes promoted organic matter turnover and nutrient release. Canonical correspondence analysis identified OM, TN, available nitrogen (AN), and available phosphorus (AP) as the primary drivers shaping microbial community structure. Overall, long-term cultivation of A. donax cv. Lvzhou No.1 improves coastal saline-alkali soils by enhancing physicochemical properties and optimizing microbial community composition. These findings provide a scientific basis for ecological restoration and sustainable utilization of coastal saline-alkali lands.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2026

Introduction Euphorbia jolkinii Boiss. is a native invasive weed. Its invasion altered microbial composition, total nitrogen (TN) and available nitrogen (AN). However, the mechanisms influencing N transformation remain unclear. Particularly, the roles of the microbiome and genes in mediating N transformations to facilitate E. jolkinii invasion remain poorly understood. Therefore, the primary objectives of this study were to evaluate how E. jolkinii invasion affects N transformation, microbial interactions, and key genes associated with AN accumulation. Methods We compared three patches (non-invaded, lightly, and heavily invaded patches of E. jolkinii ) by analyzing rhizosphere soils of E. jolkinii and Poa crymophila Keng. Integrating soil physicochemical indices with metagenomic sequencing, we investigated the relationships among microbial communities, gene abundance, and N transformation. Results With E. jolkinii increasing invasion intensity, N accumulation and transformation rates were significantly reduced in the rhizosphere of P. crymophila but enhanced in that of E. jolkinii , particularly for AN. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the invasion and expansion of E. jolkinii promoted functional adaptation of the microbial community, particularly by enriching the N cycling-related genes and increasing their relative abundance in the rhizosphere soil of E. jolkinii . Moreover, it inhibited the accumulation of N transformation functional genes in the rhizosphere soil of the companion plant, P. crymophila . Structural equation modeling identified Nitrospirota, Edaphobacter , Anaeromyxobacter , and soil N transformation rates as key drivers of AN accumulation. Discussion E. jolkinii facilitated N accumulation in its rhizosphere by modulating N-transforming microbes and key functional genes, underscoring one of its invasive advantages.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Microbiology Spectrum • 2026

ABSTRACT Methane (CH 4 ) emissions from flooded paddy fields, exacerbated by excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer application, trigger serious climate challenges. The impact of reducing N fertilization rate combined with iron (Fe) amendment on CH 4 emissions remains unclear. This 4-year field study (2020–2023) investigated the effects of 100%, 80%, 60%, and 0% of the conventional N (urea and commercial organic manure) fertilization rate (100%N, 80%N, 60%N, and 0%N) as well as 80%, 60%, and 0% of the conventional N with the Fe powder (≥99% purity) amendment (80%N + Fe, 60%N + Fe, and 0%N + Fe) on CH 4 emissions from subtropical rice paddies. The results revealed that 60%N + Fe treatments decreased cumulative CH 4 emissions by 43.79% compared to the non-amended treatment, and by 57.33% in relative to the 100%N treatment in the 2023 rice season ( P 0.05). Meanwhile, Fe amendment significantly lowered the mcrA / pmoA ratio, which facilitated the decrease in CH 4 emissions. Community assembly analysis showed that Fe amendment enhanced stochastic processes in methanogens at 60% of conventional N but reduced dispersal at 80% of conventional N, with opposite trends for methanotrophs. Co-occurrence networks demonstrated increased connectivity and reduced modularity under Fe amendment. Moreover, soil Fe 2+ content and methanogen community structure, as critical drivers, were negatively correlated with CH 4 flux and cumulative emissions ( P 0.05). Taken together, Fe amendment is a potent strategy to mitigate CH 4 emissions under reduced N fertilization, offering a green production solution for global paddy systems. IMPORTANCE This study clarified the effects of Fe amendment on CH 4 emissions from subtropical paddy fields under various N fertilization rates through a 4-year in situ field experiment. We found that the Fe amendment combined with reduced N fertilization rates decreased CH 4 emissions, in particular under the 60% of conventional N fertilization rate. Furthermore, the Fe amendment lowered the mcrA / pmoA ratio. Moreover, the Fe amendment increased connectivity while reducing modularity in co-occurrence networks of methanogen communities. Soil Fe 2+ content and methanogen community structure were key drivers of CH 4 emissions. The findings provide an insight into the microbial mechanisms of mitigating CH 4 emission from flooded paddy soils through the Fe amendment.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

mSphere • 2026

ABSTRACT The diversity in foraging behavior observed among species is indicative of their ability to adapt to specific environmental conditions, with dietary differences playing a crucial role in shaping the composition of gut microbiota. However, there are limited reports on the dietary habits and gut microbiota of François' langur ( Trachypithecus francoisi ) across different wild geographical populations. To address this, our study employed DNA metabarcoding and 16S rRNA sequencing to investigate variations in dietary composition and their influence on gut microbiota among distinct wild populations of François' langur, as well as among different groups within the same region. The dietary analysis revealed a broad diet, identifying 134 families and 336 genera of plants. The habitat quadrat survey results indicate significant differences in the habitats of François' langurs across different geographic populations. However, the dietary composition analysis reveals that while the food composition of different groups within the same region is relatively similar, there are notable differences across geographically distinct regions. The microbial community analysis demonstrated distinct compositional and structural divergence in gut microbiota between these populations, whereas no significant microbial differences were detected among groups within the same region. Further correlation analysis between diet and microbiota indicated that dominant plant taxa in the diet exhibited significant associations with Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and other microbial phyla, displaying varying degrees of positive or negative correlations. This study elucidates how dietary variations among geographically distinct populations of François' langur drive changes in gut microbiota, reflecting their adaptive responses to local habitats. These findings provide valuable insights for the conservation management of François' langur populations and potential applications in health status monitoring. IMPORTANCE Understanding the mechanisms by which animals adapt to their environment is essential for effective conservation efforts. This study examines the endangered François' langur, focusing on the largely unexplored relationship between its dietary habits and gut microbiota across various wild populations. Our research indicates that although habitat vegetation varies significantly even among groups within the same region, their diets remain similar. Conversely, langur populations from distinct geographic areas exhibit notable dietary differences. These dietary variations, in turn, lead to distinct compositional differences in their gut bacterial communities. This diet-microbiome interaction serves as a crucial physiological indicator of how these primates adapt to their local forest environments. By illustrating that gut microbiota composition reflects an animal’s ecological response to its environment, this study offers a powerful and non-invasive tool for conservation. These findings are critical for developing targeted strategies, such as habitat restoration, and for monitoring the health of these rare primates through gut microbiome analysis.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

• 2026

This protocol covers sample collection and analysis of microbial composition from lake water.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Agronomy • 2026

Sustainable care of urban lawns requires methods that maintain high turf quality while reducing the use of chemical fertilizers. The objective of this three-year field study was to evaluate whether microbial inoculants can complement or partially substitute conventional fertilization (65–190 kg N·ha−1, 33–35.2 kg P·ha−1, and 124.5 kg K·ha−1) required to maintain high turf quality in an intensively managed lawn system. The experiment was conducted in Poland on a degraded chernozem, classified as Haplic Phaeozem. A standard mixture of perennial ryegrass and fescue was evaluated under four treatments: (1) untreated control; three commercial microbial formulations: (2) StymGrass P+K, containing nutrient-solubilizing Bacillus spp.; (3) BioVitaGrass, combining Bacillus spp. with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF); and (4) NitroGrass, containing nitrogen-fixing Azotobacter spp. with Bacillus spp. All microbial treatments improved lawn quality compared with the untreated control. Lawns receiving BioVitaGrass or NitroGrass showed the strongest responses, including denser plant cover, greener and finer leaves, reduced disease symptoms, and increased concentrations of nutrients in the plant tissue. StymGrass P+K produced smaller but still positive effects. Measurements of plant conditions, such as leaf greenness and canopy development, also indicated improved photosynthetic activity in inoculated plots. These results support the role of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in nutrient mobilization, root stimulation, and stress resilience. Although most evidence comes from crops, this study provides novel field-based confirmation of multi-functional microbial inoculant efficacy in turfgrass under this study’s conditions.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

Research Square • 2026

Abstract Background: Coastal salt marshes of the northeastern United States have experienced major compositional shifts due to invasive species. While previous research has shown that these invasions impact microbial composition and nutrient dynamics, a significant knowledge gap remains regarding taxonomic and biochemical changes. This study investigated the effects of invasive Phragmites australis on soil chemistry and microbial community structure in the Quinnipiac River salt marsh in southern Connecticut, comparing invaded zones to areas dominated by the native foundation species, Sporobolus alterniflorus (formerly Spartina alterniflora ). We employed 16S rRNA sequencing to characterize microbial taxa and measured soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio, as well as environmental variables. Results: Our findings reveal that although mean TN and SOC stocks did not differ significantly between native and non-native dominated areas, there were spatial and temporal distinctions in soil chemistry and microbial assemblages. Sporobolus soils had a significantly greater C:N ratio, which may favor slower organic matter decomposition leading to greater capacity for carbon sequestration. In contrast, Phragmites soils, with higher pH and bulk density, could support more copiotrophic microbial taxa. Microbial community structure showed a significant separation between the two vegetation types at all taxonomic levels, with plant type explaining between 9.1 and 13.5% of the community variation. While Sporobolus soils had greater diversity at broader taxonomic levels, Phragmites soils supported more diversity from Family to Genus levels. Conclusions: These results underscore the role of vegetation in shaping microbial ecology and soil function, providing crucial insights for the management and restoration of salt marsh ecosystems.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Wellcome Open Research • 2026

We present a genome assembly from an individual Osedax fenrisi (bone-eating worm; Annelida; Polychaeta; Sabellida; Siboglinidae). The genome sequence has a total length of 699.06 megabases. Most of the assembly (96.07%) is scaffolded into 8 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled, with a length of 20.29 kilobases. Gene annotation of this assembly by Ensembl identified 12 909 protein-coding genes. From the metagenome data, we recovered 11 bins, of which four were high-quality MAGs. The genomic data will provide a foundation for studying symbiotic nutrient acquisition, bone-degradation mechanisms, and the ecological roles of bone-eating worms in deep-sea carbon and nitrogen cycling.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2026

This study compares how system design and experimental conditions shape bacterial communities across distinct habitats in a coupled seawater aquaponic system and a marine RAS, and explores their functional implications for system efficiency and productivity. Bacterial communities from fish guts, biofilters, biofilms and water were characterized after 4 months of rearing flathead grey mullet ( Mugil cephalus ) and glasswort ( Salicornia patula ) using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In the RAS, bacterial richness (Chao1 and ACE) and diversity (Shannon and Simpson) progressively increased across compartments, while they remained stable in the aquaponic system, likely due to the differences in system design such as UV filtration in the RAS. Significant differences in bacterial community structure (weighted UniFrac) and composition were found in the four habitat types compared between systems, reflecting the different design and functionality of each system. In particular, fish gut bacteria were typical teleost commensals associated with positive gut health and disease resistance, dominated by the phylum Pseudomonadota and the genus Pseudomonas but showing differences in lower abundant taxa between systems. The biofilm and water of the aquaponic system showed genera with plant growth-promoting, disease-resistance and nutrient-cycling properties, at higher abundances than in the RAS ( Mycobacterium, Sulfitobacter, Marivita, Fuerstiella, Blastopirellula, Hoeflea ). Furthermore, the balance of nitrifying ( i.e., Nitrosomonas ) and denitrifying bacteria ( Pseudomonas, Blastopirellula ) in the biofilters of both systems supported efficient nitrogen cycling and water quality maintenance. Collectively, these results demonstrate that microbial assembly in aquaculture systems is governed by system design and habitat type, with potential functional consequences for fish gut health, plant growth, and overall system efficiency, highlighting the promise of integrated marine systems as sustainable food production strategies.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

Environments • 2026

This study explores the physicochemical properties and microbiological community structure of oil-contaminated soils from Midrand and Roodepoort, South Africa. Due to sample pooling, the analysis provides a composite profile for investigating site-specific microbial adaptations rather than replicated ecological inference. The soils of Midrand exhibited acidity (pH around 5.5–5.9), elevated levels of heavy metals (e.g., Zn exceeding 1000 mg/kg), and the presence of 5–6 ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The soils in Roodepoort exhibited a near-neutral pH (about 6.2–7.2), characterized by specific metal concentrations (e.g., Cr exceeding 150 mg/kg) and an elevated presence of four-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Metagenomic analysis indicated distinct microbial communities: Pseudomonas spp. were prevalent in Midrand, while Bacillus spp. were dominant in Roodepoort. Correlation analysis suggested connections between pollutants and microbial taxa; however, these findings are tentative. Recovered metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) indicated genetic potential for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) degradation in Midrand and for metal resistance in Roodepoort. The findings suggest that localised pollution profiles are associated with unique microbial community structures and genetic potentials, providing a genomic basis for proposing site-specific bioremediation strategies. The research underscores the necessity for measures that take into account pollutant composition, soil pH, and microbial adaptation.

[object Object]

Discoveries in Agriculture and Food Sciences • 2026

This paper discusses possible factors limiting microbial cell protein (MCP) synthesis in rumen microbial cells including their nutrient transport system, their proteasomal concentration for peptide feed-forward activation (FFA) and the energy supply from ATP/NADPH for proteomic cell functions. There is an oscillating pattern with diurnal feeding like a wave function in microbial numbers and their activities in producing end products from energy fermentation. This paper then discusses whether the peptide are at optimum concentrations with the feeding pattern. It mentions possible factors that impact peptide concentration on protein synthesis. These are the proteases in and from the feed material and microbially, the limits by transport systems into the cell’s milieu and the limits for dietary preformed amino acids (PFAA) that are reached for rumen microbial cells. Rates of microbial cell protein (MCP) synthesis are limited by the half-life of mRNA transcripts, their functional attachment to their ribosomal units, the half-life depending on the transcriptional levels, rates of RNA exohydrolases and proteasomal concentrations and their rate of peptide generation acting via FFA as stipulated by the Protein Energy Theory for MCP synthesis. Manipulation of transcription factors (TF) is proposed here for proteasomal concentrations in the cell using earlier developed technology referred to as peptide nucleic acid (PNA) Vit B12-carriered biologics intracellularly. There is initial evidence showing that when an endoglucanase alone is genetically manipulated in a non-continuous culture system that with fermentation more ATP is produced with lactic acid end product. As proposed, it still has to be ascertained whether the manipulated ATP supply for energy would suffice to maintain cellular growth with the cellulases involved and whether the resulting proteasomal concentrations with their ‘catalytic’ peptides from proteins (damaged or in excess) in the cell would suffice to cause an effect on rumen MCP synthesis.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

ISME Communications • 2026

Abstract Soil phosphorus (P) is a limiting factor for vegetation growth in the Amazon rainforest, where plants depend on microorganisms for organic matter cycling and nutrient uptake. While forest-to-agriculture conversion fundamentally reshapes plant-microbe-soil interactions and P cycling, these dynamics are further modulated by the intensity of land management. This study examined the 30-year effects of converting a primary forest into two contrasting systems: a low-intensity agroforest and a high-intensity citrus monoculture. We investigated how microbial and low molecular weight organic compounds (LMWC) composition interacted with soil physicochemical attributes, acid phosphatase activity, and P fractions (labile, moderately labile, non-labile, and residual). Agroforest soils retained physicochemical and enzymatic attributes similar to the primary forest, while soils of the citrus plantation showed increased P in all fractions due to mineral fertilization and reduced soil organic matter content, mainly in deeper layers. Microbial and LMWC composition patterns reflected land-use, with agroforest representing an intermediate state between primary forest and citrus monoculture. Pseudomonadota and nutrient-rich LMWC were more abundant in the agroforest, whereas Ascomycota and nutrient-poor LMWC predominated the citrus plantation. Genes related to “P acquisition” were more abundant in forest and agroforest soils, while genes related to “P-compound synthesis” were more abundant in the citrus plantation. Labile P was negatively correlated with genes related to microbial metabolism, suggesting that reduced P availability may induce a boost in microbial activity for internal P-cycling. These findings demonstrate that forest-to-agriculture conversion strongly affects microbial functions, with responses aligning with land-use intensity and LMWC resource availability. Nonetheless, microbes adapt by shifting strategies: prioritizing mineralization and solubilization or favoring biosynthesis depending on P availability.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Frontiers in Microbiology • 2026

Antibiotics remain central to modern poultry production, but their long-term and sometimes poorly managed use has markedly altered gut microbial ecology, effectively transforming the intestine into a substantial reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). In poultry, the composition of ARGs reflects not only resistant bacterial taxa but also the activity of mobile genetic elements, shifts in gut metabolic conditions, and features of the surrounding production system. This review synthesizes current understanding of both the structural and functional features of the poultry resistome, with particular attention to key bacterial hosts and the mobile genetic elements they carry. We further evaluate how different antibiotic-use patterns and additional co-selective pressures alter microbial communities and contribute to the persistence of ARGs. We also delineate the major transmission pathways that link breeder flocks, hatcheries, production facilities, and manure management, and interpret these connections within a One Health perspective. Particular emphasis is placed on microbial and nutritional interventions that influence gut microbial interactions, epithelial barrier integrity, and metabolic signaling. Drawing on these findings, we propose a resistome–microbiome–metabolome axis that links microbial taxa, resistance elements, and key metabolic signals, offering a conceptual framework for developing more targeted antimicrobial resistance mitigation strategies in poultry systems.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object] et al.

Microorganisms • 2026

Background/Aim: Fermented soybean-based products are known to influence gut microbial composition; however, the long-term effects of multicomponent soybean fermented preparations on gut microbiota and colonic mucosal features remain insufficiently characterized. This study examined the effects of a commercially available soybean fermented preparation (SFP), containing additional fermented plant and marine derived components, on gut microbial community structure and colonic histological features in BALB/c mice. Methods: BALB/c mice received oral SFP (1000 mg/kg) for 30 and 60 days. Gut microbial communities were analyzed using full-length rRNA operon sequencing. Colonic mucosal architecture and goblet cell density were evaluated via histological analysis (H E). Results: SFP supplementation induced significant β-diversity separation at both 30 and 60 days (p 0.05), indicating consistent restructuring of the gut microbial community. While alpha diversity (Observed OTUs) remained stable at 30 days, Shannon and Simpson indices were significantly reduced at 60 days (p = 0.001), indicating reduced community evenness driven by increased dominance of specific taxa, including Duncaniella. At the genus level, SFP administration was associated with increased relative abundances of Akkermansia, Lactobacillus, and Duncaniella, accompanied by reductions in several genera previously linked to dysbiosis. Histological analysis demonstrated a significant increase in goblet cell density (p 0.01) in SFP-treated mice. Conclusions: Long-term SFP supplementation was associated with sustained alterations in gut microbial composition and measurable histological changes in the colonic mucosa. While these findings indicate that SFP intake influences microbial structure and goblet cell abundance, further studies are required to determine the functional and physiological implications of these changes, particularly in relation to epithelial barrier function and host health.

[object Object], [object Object], [object Object]

bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) • 2026

Microbial ecological dynamics in temporally varying environments are often mediated by the physiological responses of community members. Linking physiological responses to ecological dynamics remains challenging and ultimately limits our ability to understand the response of microbial communities to environmental change. Here, we evaluated the physiological response of microorganisms to changing conditions by applying a macroecological approach to a multi-year timeseries of paired ribosomal RNA and DNA measurements from a freshwater microbial community. We found that the dynamics of both microbial RNA and DNA displayed strong seasonal oscillations, with phylogenetically distant species oscillating on similar timescales with varying amplitudes. Despite this variation, several fundamental macroecological patterns displayed the same regularities observed in other biomes, while others clearly deviated due to the sustained oscillations. These deviations motivated the development of a minimal ecological model that accounts for oscillations, with seasonal dynamics captured by a time-dependent carrying capacity. Based on previous studies, we interpreted the ratio of RNA and DNA (RNA:DNA) as a proxy of ribosome concentration and evaluated two physiological hypotheses. First, we tested whether RNA:DNA explained changes in DNA over time within a given community member, finding that the commonly-used ratio had a limited predictive capacity. However, RNA:DNA across community members was predictive of proxies of growth, a result consistent with the interpretation that RNA:DNA reflects growth. By examining environmental variables with similar seasonality, we found that temperature provided a reasonable explanation for dynamics of both RNA and DNA, though not RNA:DNA. The results of this work provide a macroecological understanding of ribosomal RNA barcoding and identify the limitations of RNA:DNA as a measure of microbial physiology.

Environmental research • 2025

Green electrosynthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) is a research hotspot in environmental chemistry, particularly for wastewater and sanitation applications, with microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offering a self-sustaining route for in situ production. This investigation showcases the application of chemically activated bagasse biochar (AcBC), a graphene-like carbon material, as a cathode catalyst in a ceramic membrane-fitted MFC for H 2 O 2 generation and bisphenol A (BPA) degradation. The AcBC had an exceptionally high specific surface area of 1604 m 2 /g and mimicked the physicochemical characteristic of graphene. The MFC having the AcBC-catalysed cathode attained a maximum H 2 O 2 yield of 248. 9 ± 12.5 mg/L (retention time of 12 h) and peak power density of 125.62 ± 5.62 mW/m 2 . Moreover, this system was tailored into a bioelectro-Fenton system by doping Zn-Fe over AcBC (Zn-Fe/AcBC) that instigated hydroxyl radical formation, thus responsible for removing 95.46 ± 3.50 % of Bisphenol A (BPA, initial concentration = 10 mg/L) in 300 min. Total organic carbon (initial concentration = 47.1 ± 2.3 mg/L) of BPA-containing real wastewater was reduced by 51.4 ± 3.6 % in 300 min while consistently achieving >90 % removal of BPA over eight continuous cycles. Thus, this research demonstrates the potential of biomass-derived graphene-like carbon in catalyzing green H 2 O 2 synthesis for removal of biorefractory organics while achieving sustainable wastewater treatment.

Bioresource technology • 2025

Microbial electrochemical systems have emerged as promising platforms for chemical production and bioelectricity generation by utilizing cost-effective substrates. However, their performance is limited by the efficiency of both intracellular and extracellular electron transfer. This review systematically summarizes strategies to enhance electron transfer from a microbial perspective, including improvements in extracellular electron transfer, intracellular electron regeneration, and the establishment of electroactive microbial consortia. In addition, the working mechanisms and limitations of these strategies are analyzed. Furthermore, the potential applications of microbial electrochemical systems in bioelectricity production, chemical synthesis, and industrial-scale applications are explored. Finally, the current challenges of microbial electrochemical systems are discussed, and potential solutions are proposed to advance their practical applications.

Bioresource technology • 2025

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) utilizes electrical current to convert CO 2 into various products via electroactive microbial activity at the cathode. Methane production in MES relies on methanogens within the cathode biofilm and is influenced by various factors including the type of ion exchange membrane, which plays a critical role but remains underexplored, particularly regarding ion transport mechanisms. This study examined methane production in MES reactors equipped with cation exchange membranes (CEM-MES) and anion exchange membranes (AEM-MES) at cathodic potentials of -1.0 to -1.2 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). AEM-MES produced 10.1 times more methane than CEM-MES. Despite elevated catholyte pH and greater pH imbalances in AEM-MES, methane production was primarily governed by H 2 production rate rather than pH imbalance. The microbial community of cathode biofilm was significantly influenced by membrane type, with Methanobacterium prevailing in AEM-MES, correlating with reactor performance. AEM-MES demonstrated enhanced methane production, particularly at cathodic potentials that minimized hydrogen evolution.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2025

Due to its metabolic versatility, mixed communities of purple phototrophic bacteria could be exploited for production of added value products using an electrode as electron donor. Indeed, microbial electrosynthesis has already been proved as a suitable strategy for polyhydroxybutyrate production under photoautotrophic conditions. In contrast with classical biofilm-based electromicrobiology studies, fluid-like electrodes can tune planktonic microbial metabolism to enhance biodegradation rates in brewery wastewater. In this work we have explored polyhydroxybutyrate production in a mixed community enriched from brewery wastewater using a photo-microbial electrochemical moving bed reactor (photoME-MBR). The bioelectrochemical reactor was operated under cathodic conditions (-0.8 V vs Ag/AgCl) with acetate as carbon source as a mean to evaluate i) PHB production and ii) bioelectrochemical performance. We observed how a cathodic polarization of the moving electrode played a key role on PHB production stimulating both direct microbial electron uptake from the conductive bed and electrochemically produced hydrogen in the vicinity of the current collector. Overall, the polarized reactor outperformed the non-polarized reactor by four-fold regarding PHB production rate. In addition, microbial communities analysis revealed Rhodopseudomonas sp. and Bradyrhizobium sp. as main genera in combination with other electroactive genera like Geosporobacter sp. This work revealed that cathodic moving beds could present a feasible platform for biorefineries and added value products production.

Biotechnology notes (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2025

Integrating electrochemistry and biology, microbial electrosynthesis (MES) enhances feedstock-to-product conversion by utilizing electroactive microorganisms to harness electrical energy for driving metabolic pathways. Advances in synthetic biology have improved microbial extracellular electron transfer and increased metabolic pathway efficiency, enabling optimized redox balance, expanded substrate versatility and enhanced bioproduction. Given the growing interest in sustainable chemical production and decarbonization, this mini-review highlights recent progress in MES enabled by synthetic biology, with a focus on engineering efficient microbial cell factories for electricity-mediated bioproduction through waste-derived feedstock utilization and carbon capture. We also highlight key challenges limiting MES scalability and propose future directions to enable industrial-scale deployment, unlocking its potential for sustainable, carbon-neutral production and driving transformative advances in biotechnology.

Bioresource technology • 2025

Electro-fermentation assisted chain elongation (EF_CE) effectively converts organic waste into medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs), yet the regulatory mechanisms involving multiple electron donors (EDs) require elucidation. This study systematically explored the synergistic effects of ethanol and lactate as EDs on MCFA biosynthesis in EF_CE systems. The cross-niche microbial associations shaped by multiple EDs coupled with inoculation with caproate-synthesizing bacteria led to a 2.9-3.9-fold increase in caproate synthesis. Metagenomic analysis revealed that multiple EDs decreased the relative abundances of genes encoding Mut in the acrylate pathway, while increasing the relative abundances of genes encoding ascB in the Wood-Ljungdahl pathway, and ADH, kor and cdhA in ethanol and lactate oxidation pathways. These findings highlight the dual role of EDs synergy in directing MCFAs production and reshaping microbial networks, offering insights for improving organic waste/wastewater recycling.

Frontiers in bioengineering and biotechnology • 2025

The persistence of fossil fuel-based plastics poses significant environmental challenges, prompting increased research into biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers derived from cost-effective and sustainable resources. Different microorganisms can produce PHA amongst carbon dioxide (CO 2 )-assimilating autotrophic organisms, particularly noteworthy in carbon capture and utilization (CCU). Autotrophic bacteria have evolved to utilize either light (photoautotrophy) or inorganic chemicals (chemolithoautotrophy) to capture CO 2 , which powers their primary and secondary metabolic activities. This review explores the diversity of PHA-producing autotrophs, the metabolic pathways implicated in autotrophic PHA accumulation, and recent progress in photoautotrophs and chemolithoautotrophs regarding PHA synthesis using CO 2 . Additionally, microbial electrosynthesis for converting CO 2 to PHA is also discussed. Genetic engineering strategies are also emphasized for the autotrophic synthesis of PHA. This review also addresses the challenges and prospects for sustainable PHA production using CO 2 .

Environmental science & technology • 2025

Efficient hydrogen utilization by microorganisms is crucial for improving the energy-to-chemical efficiency in microbial electrosynthesis (MES). We therefore developed a new rectangular zero-gap cell design featuring an extended flow path to improve hydrogen retention and conversion to biomethane. Multiphase flow modeling within porous carbon felt cathodes revealed the new configuration with a trapezoidal inlet substantially reduced flow dead zones and tripled hydrogen retention time versus circular cells. At -1 V vs Ag/AgCl, increasing catholyte flow rate from 0.8 to 2.5 mL/min raised current densities from 19 to 24 A/m 2 (30 °C), reaching a peak Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 82% for methane production (7.0 L/L-d). Further increasing the flow rate to 7.5 mL/min or temperature to 37 °C slightly improved methane production (7.2-7.7 L/L-d) but reduced hydrogen retention in cells based on modeling results, lowering CEs and energy efficiencies due to unreacted hydrogen. Matching cathode potential to flow rates and temperatures could balance H 2 production and retention, significantly improving CE to 96% toward 7.5 L/L-d methane production with a high energy efficiency of 36% (-0.95 V vs Ag/AgCl, 37 °C). These findings underscore the importance of improving flow distribution and hydrogen retention within zero-gap MES cells to enhance energy and Coulombic efficiencies.

Bioresource technology • 2025

Balancing the surface area of electrodes to reactor volume (SA/V) ratio in microbial electrosynthesis (MES) systems is crucial for enhancing electron transfer, biofilm development, and product yield. Batch MES experiments were conducted using cathodes with SA/V ratios of 40 cm 2  L -1 (MES-1), 150 cm 2  L -1 (MES-2), 260 cm 2  L -1 (MES-3) and 333 cm 2  L -1 (MES-4), selected based on statistical analysis of previous studies. Among these, MES-3 (260 cm 2  L -1 ) demonstrated the highest caproic acid production of 1.5 ± 0.2 g L -1 and selectivity 67 %, outperforming MES-1, MES-2, and MES-4 by 2.1, 1.4, and 4.4 times, respectively. MES-3 had improved mass and electron transfer while maintaining effective microbe-electrode interactions. Additionally, MES-3 showed the lowest energy consumption (6.5 ± 2.3 kWh mol -1 VFAs) and a higher electron recovery efficiency (55.8 ± 18.3 % at 2.5 V). These results demonstrate that balancing SA/V ratio is key to enhancing MES performance and sustainable MCFA production.

Journal of hazardous materials • 2025

The electroreduction of nitrate to ammonia is considered an environmentally friendly and practically promising approach that can serve as an alternative to microbial nitrification and denitrification, offering a potential solution to nitrate pollution in water bodies while simultaneously producing a vital basic chemical, ammonia (NH 3 ). Low NH 3 yield and selectivity remain major challenges for this reaction, making the development of efficient catalysts crucial. Experimental findings indicate that the construction of Cu x Co y O 4 @TiO 2 /TM markedly boosts the catalytic efficiency TiO 2 , especially by tuning the Cu/Co ratio to optimize catalytic activity, with the best catalytic performance observed at a Cu/Co ratio of 1:1. Furthermore, catalysts with different Cu/Co ratios exhibited consistent changes in morphology and catalytic performance, confirming the role of Cu/Co ratio in regulating catalyst morphology and catalytic activity. Theoretical calculations indicate that Cu and Co bimetallic active sites play a crucial role in charge transfer and structural reconfiguration. The introduction of Cu x Co y O 4 enhances the conductivity of TiO 2 , improves charge transfer efficiency, and the optimization of the Cu/Co ratio significantly improves the overall performance of the nitrate reduction reaction. With the excellent catalytic performance and wide application prospects in wastewater treatment, this catalyst is expected to be a research hotspot in the fields of scientific research and engineering, contributing to future environmental protection and sustainable development.

Biotechnology for biofuels and bioproducts • 2025

Our results suggest that Q-pool-dependent EEU is both IMF-dependent and is IMF-limited in a proof-of-concept system. Because microbes that rely on Q-pool-dependent EEU are among the most genetically tractable and metabolically flexible options for MES systems, it is important that we account for this thermodynamic bottleneck in future MES platform designs.

Journal of environmental management • 2025

Microbial electrotrophs are key players in biogeochemical cycles, but the impact of electrotrophic communities on the diverse chemical composition and properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) molecules in paddy soils has not been comprehensively explored. Herein, we investigated the response of DOM molecules in paddy soil-based microcosms to electrotrophic communities using microbial electrosynthesis systems (MESs), high-resolution mass spectrometry, and genome-centric metagenomics techniques. Compared to the open-circuit control, the closed-circuit system exhibited a 2.6-fold increase in dissolved organic carbon concentration after 120 days of incubation in the MESs, with aromatic and tannin molecular abundances rising by 3.5-fold and 4.4-fold, respectively. These results indicate that electrotrophic activity enhances both the structural complexity and aromatization (humification degree) of soil DOM. Functional annotation revealed significant enrichment of the reductive tricarboxylic acid (rTCA) cycle and Calvin-Benson-Bassham (CBB) cycle, demonstrating active CO 2 assimilation by electrotrophs into complex organic compounds. Electrotrophic genera such as Pseudomonas, Hyphomicrobium, Phenylobacterium, Achromobacter, Geobacter, Anaeromyxobacter, and Magnetospirillum were substantially enriched under the closed-circuit conditions, with relative abundances increasing from 0.02-0.72 % to 1.65-13.68 %. These microbes likely facilitated DOM stabilization by coupling extracellular electron uptake with CO 2 fixation, thereby transforming labile organic carbon into more stable molecular structures. These findings elucidate the impact of electrotrophic bacteria in regulating the DOM transformation, providing a deeper understanding of the transformation mechanisms of DOM in paddy soils.

Trends in biotechnology • 2025

Electrosynthesis is an emerging research direction for greener and more efficient chemical synthesis. Although heterogeneous catalysis efficiency can be improved by tuning electrode surface properties, electrocatalysts frequently fall short of producing chiral molecules with high purity and minimized side reactions. Enzymes are superior catalysts with lower activation barriers. These catalysts, developed through evolution, enable high selectivity and specificity, which are essential for many industrial and pharmaceutical processes. Thus, electronically coupling enzymes or bacteria with electrodes can drive efficient chemical synthesis while ensuring the required selectivity. Here, we used an enzymatic cascade or engineered bacteria for the conversion of 2-methylpyrroline to (R)-2-methylpyrrolidine by isolating or overexpressing imine reductase (IRED), respectively. We further show that coupling the bioelectrocatalytic process with a CdS/NiO-based photoanode enables light-driven, bias-free photo(bio)electrochemical cell activation. The developed platform is versatile and adaptable for any process requiring NADPH-dependent enzymes, in vivo or in vitro.

iScience • 2025

Improving microbial electrosynthesis could be one solution for transitioning toward sustainable chemical production, offering a pathway to convert CO 2 into valuable commodities from renewable energy sources. Therefore, we further developed liquid- and vapor-fed anode zero-gap bioelectrochemical cells for electromethanogenesis, utilizing a membrane electrode assembly to enhance mass and ohmic transport. Focusing on CH 4 and H 2 production, we tested two ion-exchange membranes with the liquid-fed anode system and selected the best-performing ion-exchange membrane for the vapor-fed anode system. The liquid-fed anode system did not show considerable differences in volumetric CH 4 production rates compared to vapor-fed anode systems. However, the latter demonstrated advantages in reducing electrocatalyst degradation and maintaining stable cell voltages, resulting in the highest reported maximum CH 4 production efficiency of 48.7 L kWh -1 , thus far. The research underscores the need for further optimization to address performance losses and suggests potential for industrial applications of microbial electrosynthesis, highlighting the importance of catalyst protection.

Journal of environmental management • 2025

Food waste (FW) is a critical global issue, exacerbating environmental degradation and resource scarcity. Traditional FW management methods are often inefficient and unsustainable. This review highlights advances in microbial community engineering for FW valorization, focusing on synthetic biology, metagenomics, metabolic engineering, and electro-fermentation. Engineered microbial consortia enhance the breakdown of complex organics while producing bioenergy, bioplastics, and organic acids. Metagenomics enables precise metabolic optimizations, and electro-fermentation improves bioconversion yields. These systems outperform conventional methods in reducing greenhouse gases, recovering nutrients, and promoting a circular bioeconomy. Challenges persist, including microbial stability, scalability, and incomplete knowledge of interspecies interactions. Future research should integrate AI and machine learning to design robust synthetic consortia and optimize metabolic pathways. Scaling electrochemical technologies (e.g., microbial electrosynthesis) requires further validation. Standardized biosafety protocols, techno-economic analyses, and supportive policies are essential for industrial adoption. Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial to address these gaps. In conclusion, microbial engineering offers a sustainable FW management solution, improving biodegradation efficiency and resource recovery. Future efforts must prioritize scalable, stable systems with real-time monitoring and ecological safety. Overcoming these challenges will enable engineered microbes to mitigate environmental impacts, generate renewable energy, and advance a resource-efficient future.

ChemSusChem • 2025

Microbial electrosynthesis (MES) holds great promise for converting carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) into building blocks of the (bio)chemical industry. Its advancement is hindered by limited process control and an incomplete understanding of the oxygen (O 2 ) stress response of biocatalysts or key engineering parameters like the availability of hydrogen (H 2 ). With Clostridium ljungdahlii as a model acetogen for strict anaerobic MES from CO 2 , the effect of O 2 stress and H 2 availability using 1-L electrobioreactors is showcased, providing high process control and relevance for follow-up engineering and scaling. Using a combinatorial approach of two cathode materials, three anode types, and various current regimes ranging from -5 to -80 mA, MES performance is boosted by overcoming O 2 stress and insufficient H 2 distribution at high current. It is demonstrated that a large-surface-area carbon fiber fabric cathode combined with O 2 evolution anodes flushed with nitrogen (N 2 ) allows the highest reproducible acetate concentration of 12.44 ± 1.56 g L -1 and maximum acetate production rate of 0.6 ± 0.1 g L -1  d -1 reported for MES from CO 2 using a pure culture. There is certainly room for improved process control at this and even larger scales, showing that the ceiling of strict anaerobic MES is far from being reached.

Discover nano • 2025

The increasing prevalence of emerging contaminants in wastewater, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and heavy metals, poses significant environmental and health challenges. This study investigates sustainable nanoparticle-based solutions for EC removal, with particular focus on biogenic synthesis methods and their practical implementation. We systematically evaluate the efficacy of biologically synthesized nanoparticles (e.g., plant-derived silver and titanium dioxide nanoparticles) for targeted pollutant degradation, while critically assessing their scalability and economic feasibility for industrial wastewater treatment. Our approach combines a comprehensive review of green synthesis methodologies with experimental validation of nanoparticle performance in EC removal. The findings indicate that biogenic nanoparticles, such as silver nanoparticles synthesized from Ficus carica leaf extract, demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, while titanium dioxide nanoparticles from Annona muricata L. extract showed promising photocatalytic efficiency for degrading organic pollutants. However, challenges such as low product yield in microbial electrosynthesis were identified, highlighting the need for optimization in production processes. The study provides essential insights for transitioning these methods from experimental systems to practical applications, offering a framework for more sustainable wastewater treatment.

Journal of environmental sciences (China) • 2025

As the core of cathode materials, sensitive metals play important roles in the optimization of acetate production from carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) in microbial electrochemical system (MES). In this work, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and nickel (Ni) as sensitive metal cathode materials were evaluated for CO 2 conversion in MES. The MES with Fe-electrode as a promising electrode material demonstrated a superior CO 2 reduction performance with a maximum acetate accumulation of 417.9 ± 39.2 mg/L, which was 1.5 and 1.7 folds higher than that in the Ni-electrode and Cu-electrode groups, respectively. Furthermore, an outstanding electron recovery efficiency of 67.7 % was shown in the Fe-electrode group. The electron transfer between electrode-suspended sludge was systematically cross-evaluated by the electrochemical behavior and extracellular polymeric substances. The Fe-electrode group had the highest electron transfer rate with 0.194 s -1 (k app ), which was 17.6 and 21.5 times higher than that of the Cu- and Ni-electrode groups, respectively. Fe-electrode was beneficial for reducing electrochemical impedance between the electrode and suspended sludge. Additionally, redox substances in extracellular polymeric substances of the Fe-electrode group were increased, implying more favorable electron transport dynamics. Simultaneously, enrichments of functional bacteria Acetoanerobium and increased key enzymes involved in the carbonyl pathway of the Fe-electrode group were observed, which also promoted CO 2 conversion in MES. This study provides a perspective on evaluating the promising sensitive metal electrode material for the process of CO 2 valorization in MES and offers a reference for the subsequent electrode modification.

Bioelectrochemistry (Amsterdam, Netherlands) • 2025

Development of highly stable, conductive, biocompatible and cost-effective cathode is crucial for scaling up microbial electrosynthesis (MES). Bimetallic cathodes have gain importance in recent times due wide application. Current study utilized a bimetallic (nickel and iron) impregnated granular activated carbon (Ni-Fe-GAC) cathode in microbial electrosynthesis. Ni-Fe-GAC cathode was prepared via treating GACs in a mixed solution of nickel chloride and iron sulphate. Deposition of metals on GAC facilitates the improved electron transfer and biofilm formation on the GAC surface, giving 1.4 times higher acetate production than plain GAC (control). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed the well adaptation of anaerobic microbes on the surface of Ni-Fe-GAC cathode. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) confirmed the better electrochemical performance of Ni-Fe-GAC cathode. A regeneration test was also conducted via acid washing to remove metals from Ni-Fe-GAC followed by reloading. Regeneration successfully restored cathode performance, making Ni-Fe-GAC suitable for long-term application.