METACHERCHANT - Word Related Documents




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907800.8854MetaCherchant: analyzing genomic context of antibiotic resistance genes in gut microbiota. MOTIVATION: Antibiotic resistance is an important global public health problem. Human gut microbiota is an accumulator of resistance genes potentially providing them to pathogens. It is important to develop tools for identifying the mechanisms of how resistance is transmitted between gut microbial species and pathogens. RESULTS: We developed MetaCherchant-an algorithm for extracting the genomic environment of antibiotic resistance genes from metagenomic data in the form of a graph. The algorithm was validated on a number of simulated and published datasets, as well as applied to new 'shotgun' metagenomes of gut microbiota from patients with Helicobacter pylori who underwent antibiotic therapy. Genomic context was reconstructed for several major resistance genes. Taxonomic annotation of the context suggests that within a single metagenome, the resistance genes can be contained in genomes of multiple species. MetaCherchant allows reconstruction of mobile elements with resistance genes within the genomes of bacteria using metagenomic data. Application of MetaCherchant in differential mode produced specific graph structures suggesting the evidence of possible resistance gene transmission within a mobile element that occurred as a result of the antibiotic therapy. MetaCherchant is a promising tool giving researchers an opportunity to get an insight into dynamics of resistance transmission in vivo basing on metagenomic data. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Source code and binaries are freely available for download at https://github.com/ctlab/metacherchant. The code is written in Java and is platform-independent. COTANCT: ulyantsev@rain.ifmo.ru. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.201829092015
60510.8811Conservation and diversity of the IrrE/DdrO-controlled radiation response in radiation-resistant Deinococcus bacteria. The extreme radiation resistance of Deinococcus bacteria requires the radiation-stimulated cleavage of protein DdrO by a specific metalloprotease called IrrE. DdrO is the repressor of a predicted radiation/desiccation response (RDR) regulon, composed of radiation-induced genes having a conserved DNA motif (RDRM) in their promoter regions. Here, we showed that addition of zinc ions to purified apo-IrrE, and short exposure of Deinococcus cells to zinc ions, resulted in cleavage of DdrO in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Binding of IrrE to RDRM-containing DNA or interaction of IrrE with DNA-bound DdrO was not observed. The data are in line with IrrE being a zinc peptidase, and indicate that increased zinc availability, caused by oxidative stress, triggers the in vivo cleavage of DdrO unbound to DNA. Transcriptomics and proteomics of Deinococcus deserti confirmed the IrrE-dependent regulation of predicted RDR regulon genes and also revealed additional members of this regulon. Comparative analysis showed that the RDR regulon is largely well conserved in Deinococcus species, but also showed diversity in the regulon composition. Notably, several RDR genes with an important role in radiation resistance in Deinococcus radiodurans, for example pprA, are not conserved in some other radiation-resistant Deinococcus species.201728397370
825920.8809Secondary Metabolite Transcriptomic Pipeline (SeMa-Trap), an expression-based exploration tool for increased secondary metabolite production in bacteria. For decades, natural products have been used as a primary resource in drug discovery pipelines to find new antibiotics, which are mainly produced as secondary metabolites by bacteria. The biosynthesis of these compounds is encoded in co-localized genes termed biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs). However, BGCs are often not expressed under laboratory conditions. Several genetic manipulation strategies have been developed in order to activate or overexpress silent BGCs. Significant increases in production levels of secondary metabolites were indeed achieved by modifying the expression of genes encoding regulators and transporters, as well as genes involved in resistance or precursor biosynthesis. However, the abundance of genes encoding such functions within bacterial genomes requires prioritization of the most promising ones for genetic manipulation strategies. Here, we introduce the 'Secondary Metabolite Transcriptomic Pipeline' (SeMa-Trap), a user-friendly web-server, available at https://sema-trap.ziemertlab.com. SeMa-Trap facilitates RNA-Seq based transcriptome analyses, finds co-expression patterns between certain genes and BGCs of interest, and helps optimize the design of comparative transcriptomic analyses. Finally, SeMa-Trap provides interactive result pages for each BGC, allowing the easy exploration and comparison of expression patterns. In summary, SeMa-Trap allows a straightforward prioritization of genes that could be targeted via genetic engineering approaches to (over)express BGCs of interest.202235580059
55230.8805Aurantimycin resistance genes contribute to survival of Listeria monocytogenes during life in the environment. Bacteria can cope with toxic compounds such as antibiotics by inducing genes for their detoxification. A common detoxification strategy is compound excretion by ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, which are synthesized upon compound contact. We previously identified the multidrug resistance ABC transporter LieAB in Listeria monocytogenes, a Gram-positive bacterium that occurs ubiquitously in the environment, but also causes severe infections in humans upon ingestion. Expression of the lieAB genes is strongly induced in cells lacking the PadR-type transcriptional repressor LftR, but compounds leading to relief of this repression in wild-type cells were not known. Using RNA-Seq and promoter-lacZ fusions, we demonstrate highly specific repression of the lieAB and lftRS promoters through LftR. Screening of a natural compound library yielded the depsipeptide aurantimycin A - synthesized by the soil-dwelling Streptomyces aurantiacus - as the first known naturally occurring inducer of lieAB expression. Genetic and phenotypic experiments concordantly show that aurantimycin A is a substrate of the LieAB transporter and thus, lftRS and lieAB represent the first known genetic module conferring and regulating aurantimycin A resistance. Collectively, these genes may support the survival of L. monocytogenes when it comes into contact with antibiotic-producing bacteria in the soil.201930648305
842540.8801Carotenoid biosynthesis in extremophilic Deinococcus-Thermus bacteria. Bacteria from the phylum Deinococcus-Thermus are known for their resistance to extreme stresses including radiation, oxidation, desiccation and high temperature. Cultured Deinococcus-Thermus bacteria are usually red or yellow pigmented because of their ability to synthesize carotenoids. Unique carotenoids found in these bacteria include deinoxanthin from Deinococcus radiodurans and thermozeaxanthins from Thermus thermophilus. Investigations of carotenogenesis will help to understand cellular stress resistance of Deinococcus-Thermus bacteria. Here, we discuss the recent progress toward identifying carotenoids, carotenoid biosynthetic enzymes and pathways in some species of Deinococcus-Thermus extremophiles. In addition, we also discuss the roles of carotenoids in these extreme bacteria.201020832321
907650.8799ResiDB: An automated database manager for sequence data. The amount of publicly available DNA sequence data is drastically increasing, making it a tedious task to create sequence databases necessary for the design of diagnostic assays. The selection of appropriate sequences is especially challenging in genes affected by frequent point mutations such as antibiotic resistance genes. To overcome this issue, we have designed the webtool resiDB, a rapid and user-friendly sequence database manager for bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa, invertebrates, plants, archaea, environmental and whole genome shotgun sequence data. It automatically identifies and curates sequence clusters to create custom sequence databases based on user-defined input sequences. A collection of helpful visualization tools gives the user the opportunity to easily access, evaluate, edit, and download the newly created database. Consequently, researchers do no longer have to manually manage sequence data retrieval, deal with hardware limitations, and run multiple independent software tools, each having its own requirements, input and output formats. Our tool was developed within the H2020 project FAPIC aiming to develop a single diagnostic assay targeting all sepsis-relevant pathogens and antibiotic resistance mechanisms. ResiDB is freely accessible to all users through https://residb.ait.ac.at/.202133495705
842460.8797Postseptational chromosome partitioning in bacteria. Mutations in the spoIIIE gene prevent proper partitioning of one chromosome into the developing prespore during sporulation but have no overt effect on partitioning in vegetatively dividing cells. However, the expression of spoIIIE in vegetative cells and the occurrence of genes closely related to spoIIIE in a range of nonsporulating eubacteria suggested a more general function for the protein. Here we show that SpoIIIE protein is needed for optimal chromosome partitioning in vegetative cells of Bacillus subtilis when the normal tight coordination between septation and nucleoid partitioning is perturbed or when septum positioning is altered. A functional SpoIIIE protein allows cells to recover from a state in which their chromosome has been trapped by a closing septum. By analogy to its function during sporulation, we suggest that SpoIIIE facilitates partitioning by actively translocating the chromosome out of the septum. In addition to enhancing the fidelity of nucleoid partitioning, SpoIIIE also seems to be required for maximal resistance to antibiotics that interfere with DNA metabolism. The results have important implications for our understanding of the functions of genes involved in the primary partitioning machinery in bacteria and of how septum placement is controlled.19957567988
813770.8793Modulation of Bacterial Fitness and Virulence Through Antisense RNAs. Regulatory RNAs contribute to gene expression control in bacteria. Antisense RNAs (asRNA) are a class of regulatory RNAs that are transcribed from opposite strands of their target genes. Typically, these untranslated transcripts bind to cognate mRNAs and rapidly regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. In this article, we review asRNAs that modulate bacterial fitness and increase virulence. We chose examples that underscore the variety observed in nature including, plasmid- and chromosome-encoded asRNAs, a riboswitch-regulated asRNA, and asRNAs that require other RNAs or RNA-binding proteins for stability and activity. We explore how asRNAs improve bacterial fitness and virulence by modulating plasmid acquisition and maintenance, regulating transposon mobility, increasing resistance against bacteriophages, controlling flagellar production, and regulating nutrient acquisition. We conclude with a brief discussion on how this knowledge is helping to inform current efforts to develop new therapeutics.202033747974
813380.8793Symbiotic bacteria confer insecticide resistance by metabolizing buprofezin in the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål). Buprofezin, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, is widely used to control several economically important insect crop pests. However, the overuse of buprofezin has led to the evolution of resistance and exposed off-target organisms present in agri-environments to this compound. As many as six different strains of bacteria isolated from these environments have been shown to degrade buprofezin. However, whether insects can acquire these buprofezin-degrading bacteria from soil and enhance their own resistance to buprofezin remains unknown. Here we show that field strains of the brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens, have acquired a symbiotic bacteria, occurring naturally in soil and water, that provides them with resistance to buprofezin. We isolated a symbiotic bacterium, Serratia marcescens (Bup_Serratia), from buprofezin-resistant N. lugens and showed it has the capacity to degrade buprofezin. Buprofezin-susceptible N. lugens inoculated with Bup_Serratia became resistant to buprofezin, while antibiotic-treated N. lugens became susceptible to this insecticide, confirming the important role of Bup_Serratia in resistance. Sequencing of the Bup_Serratia genome identified a suite of candidate genes involved in the degradation of buprofezin, that were upregulated upon exposure to buprofezin. Our findings demonstrate that S. marcescens, an opportunistic pathogen of humans, can metabolize the insecticide buprofezin and form a mutualistic relationship with N. lugens to enhance host resistance to buprofezin. These results provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying insecticide resistance and the interactions between bacteria, insects and insecticides in the environment. From an applied perspective they also have implications for the control of highly damaging crop pests.202338091367
813990.8789TAL effectors: highly adaptable phytobacterial virulence factors and readily engineered DNA-targeting proteins. Transcription activator-like (TAL) effectors are transcription factors injected into plant cells by pathogenic bacteria of the genus Xanthomonas. They function as virulence factors by activating host genes important for disease, or as avirulence factors by turning on genes that provide resistance. DNA-binding specificity is encoded by polymorphic repeats in each protein that correspond one-to-one with different nucleotides. This code has facilitated target identification and opened new avenues for engineering disease resistance. It has also enabled TAL effector customization for targeted gene control, genome editing, and other applications. This article reviews the structural basis for TAL effector-DNA specificity, the impact of the TAL effector-DNA code on plant pathology and engineered resistance, and recent accomplishments and future challenges in TAL effector-based DNA targeting.201323707478
8426100.8787Ionizing radiation responses appear incidental to desiccation responses in the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga. BACKGROUND: The remarkable resistance to ionizing radiation found in anhydrobiotic organisms, such as some bacteria, tardigrades, and bdelloid rotifers has been hypothesized to be incidental to their desiccation resistance. Both stresses produce reactive oxygen species and cause damage to DNA and other macromolecules. However, this hypothesis has only been investigated in a few species. RESULTS: In this study, we analyzed the transcriptomic response of the bdelloid rotifer Adineta vaga to desiccation and to low- (X-rays) and high- (Fe) LET radiation to highlight the molecular and genetic mechanisms triggered by both stresses. We identified numerous genes encoding antioxidants, but also chaperones, that are constitutively highly expressed, which may contribute to the protection of proteins against oxidative stress during desiccation and ionizing radiation. We also detected a transcriptomic response common to desiccation and ionizing radiation with the over-expression of genes mainly involved in DNA repair and protein modifications but also genes with unknown functions that were bdelloid-specific. A distinct transcriptomic response specific to rehydration was also found, with the over-expression of genes mainly encoding Late Embryogenesis Abundant proteins, specific heat shock proteins, and glucose repressive proteins. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the extreme resistance of bdelloid rotifers to radiation might indeed be a consequence of their capacity to resist complete desiccation. This study paves the way to functional genetic experiments on A. vaga targeting promising candidate proteins playing central roles in radiation and desiccation resistance.202438273318
606110.8787Coexistence of SOS-Dependent and SOS-Independent Regulation of DNA Repair Genes in Radiation-Resistant Deinococcus Bacteria. Deinococcus bacteria are extremely resistant to radiation and able to repair a shattered genome in an essentially error-free manner after exposure to high doses of radiation or prolonged desiccation. An efficient, SOS-independent response mechanism to induce various DNA repair genes such as recA is essential for radiation resistance. This pathway, called radiation/desiccation response, is controlled by metallopeptidase IrrE and repressor DdrO that are highly conserved in Deinococcus. Among various Deinococcus species, Deinococcus radiodurans has been studied most extensively. Its genome encodes classical DNA repair proteins for error-free repair but no error-prone translesion DNA polymerases, which may suggest that absence of mutagenic lesion bypass is crucial for error-free repair of massive DNA damage. However, many other radiation-resistant Deinococcus species do possess translesion polymerases, and radiation-induced mutagenesis has been demonstrated. At least dozens of Deinococcus species contain a mutagenesis cassette, and some even two cassettes, encoding error-prone translesion polymerase DnaE2 and two other proteins, ImuY and ImuB-C, that are probable accessory factors required for DnaE2 activity. Expression of this mutagenesis cassette is under control of the SOS regulators RecA and LexA. In this paper, we review both the RecA/LexA-controlled mutagenesis and the IrrE/DdrO-controlled radiation/desiccation response in Deinococcus.202133923690
578120.8785Characterization of radiation-resistance mechanism in Spirosoma montaniterrae DY10(T) in terms of transcriptional regulatory system. To respond to the external environmental changes for survival, bacteria regulates expression of a number of genes including transcription factors (TFs). To characterize complex biological phenomena, a biological system-level approach is necessary. Here we utilized six computational biology methods to infer regulatory network and to characterize underlying biologically mechanisms relevant to radiation-resistance. In particular, we inferred gene regulatory network (GRN) and operons of radiation-resistance bacterium Spirosoma montaniterrae DY10[Formula: see text] and identified the major regulators for radiation-resistance. Our results showed that DNA repair and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging mechanisms are key processes and Crp/Fnr family transcriptional regulator works as a master regulatory TF in early response to radiation.202336959250
748130.8785Contact-dependent growth inhibition toxins exploit multiple independent cell-entry pathways. Contact-dependent growth inhibition (CDI) systems function to deliver toxins into neighboring bacterial cells. CDI+ bacteria export filamentous CdiA effector proteins, which extend from the inhibitor-cell surface to interact with receptors on neighboring target bacteria. Upon binding its receptor, CdiA delivers a toxin derived from its C-terminal region. CdiA C-terminal (CdiA-CT) sequences are highly variable between bacteria, reflecting the multitude of CDI toxin activities. Here, we show that several CdiA-CT regions are composed of two domains, each with a distinct function during CDI. The C-terminal domain typically possesses toxic nuclease activity, whereas the N-terminal domain appears to control toxin transport into target bacteria. Using genetic approaches, we identified ptsG, metI, rbsC, gltK/gltJ, yciB, and ftsH mutations that confer resistance to specific CdiA-CTs. The resistance mutations all disrupt expression of inner-membrane proteins, suggesting that these proteins are exploited for toxin entry into target cells. Moreover, each mutation only protects against inhibition by a subset of CdiA-CTs that share similar N-terminal domains. We propose that, following delivery of CdiA-CTs into the periplasm, the N-terminal domains bind specific inner-membrane receptors for subsequent translocation into the cytoplasm. In accord with this model, we find that CDI nuclease domains are modular payloads that can be redirected through different import pathways when fused to heterologous N-terminal "translocation domains." These results highlight the plasticity of CDI toxin delivery and suggest that the underlying translocation mechanisms could be harnessed to deliver other antimicrobial agents into Gram-negative bacteria.201526305955
733140.8785Transcription Factor PecS Mediates Agrobacterium fabrum Fitness and Survival. The transcriptional regulator PecS is encoded by select bacterial pathogens. For instance, in the plant pathogen Dickeya dadantii, PecS controls a range of virulence genes, including pectinase genes and the divergently oriented gene pecM, which encodes an efflux pump through which the antioxidant indigoidine is exported. In the plant pathogen Agrobacterium fabrum (formerly named Agrobacterium tumefaciens), the pecS-pecM locus is conserved. Using a strain of A. fabrum in which pecS has been disrupted, we show here that PecS controls a range of phenotypes that are associated with bacterial fitness. PecS represses flagellar motility and chemotaxis, which are processes that are important for A. fabrum to reach plant wound sites. Biofilm formation and microaerobic survival are reduced in the pecS disruption strain, whereas the production of acyl homoserine lactone (AHL) and resistance to reactive oxygen species (ROS) are increased when pecS is disrupted. AHL production and resistance to ROS are expected to be particularly relevant in the host environment. We also show that PecS does not participate in the induction of vir genes. The inducing ligands for PecS, urate, and xanthine, may be found in the rhizosphere, and they accumulate within the plant host upon infection. Therefore, our data suggest that PecS mediates A. fabrum fitness during its transition from the rhizosphere to the host plant. IMPORTANCE PecS is a transcription factor that is conserved in several pathogenic bacteria, where it regulates virulence genes. The plant pathogen Agrobacterium fabrum is important not only for its induction of crown galls in susceptible plants but also for its role as a tool in the genetic manipulation of host plants. We show here that A. fabrum PecS controls a range of phenotypes, which would confer the bacteria an advantage while transitioning from the rhizosphere to the host plant. This includes the production of signaling molecules, which are critical for the propagation of the tumor-inducing plasmid. A more complete understanding of the infection process may inform approaches by which to treat infections as well as to facilitate the transformation of recalcitrant plant species.202337314346
664150.8785Ferric Uptake Regulator Provides a New Strategy for Acidophile Adaptation to Acidic Ecosystems. Acidophiles play a dominant role in driving elemental cycling in natural acid mine drainage (AMD) habitats and exhibit important application value in bioleaching and bioremediation. Acidity is an inevitable environmental stress and a key factor that affects the survival of acidophiles in their acidified natural habitats; however, the regulatory strategies applied by acidophilic bacteria to withstand low pH are unclear. We identified the significance of the ferric uptake regulator (Fur) in acidophiles adapting to acidic environments and discovered that Fur is ubiquitous as well as highly conserved in acidophilic bacteria. Mutagenesis of the fur gene of Acidithiobacillus caldus, a prototypical acidophilic sulfur-oxidizing bacterium found in AMD, revealed that Fur is required for the acid resistance of this acidophilic bacterium. Phenotypic characterization, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq), mutagenesis, and biochemical assays indicated that the Acidithiobacillus caldus ferric uptake regulator (AcFur) is involved in extreme acid resistance by regulating the expression of several key genes of certain cellular activities, such as iron transport, biofilm formation, sulfur metabolism, chemotaxis, and flagellar biosynthesis. Finally, a Fur-dependent acid resistance regulatory strategy in A. caldus was proposed to illustrate the ecological behavior of acidophilic bacteria under low pH. This study provides new insights into the adaptation strategies of acidophiles to AMD ecosystems and will promote the design and development of engineered biological systems for the environmental adaptation of acidophiles.IMPORTANCE This study advances our understanding of the acid tolerance mechanism of A. caldus, identifies the key fur gene responsible for acid resistance, and elucidates the correlation between fur and acid resistance, thus contributing to an understanding of the ecological behavior of acidophilic bacteria. These findings provide new insights into the acid resistance process in Acidithiobacillus species, thereby promoting the study of the environmental adaptation of acidophilic bacteria and the design of engineered biological systems.202032245756
8752160.8782Haemophilus influenzae responds to glucocorticoids used in asthma therapy by modulation of biofilm formation and antibiotic resistance. Glucocorticosteroids are used as a main treatment to reduce airway inflammation in people with asthma who suffer from neutrophilic airway inflammation, a condition frequently associated with Haemophilus influenzae colonization. Here we show that glucocorticosteroids have a direct influence on the behavior of H. influenzae that may account for associated difficulties with therapy. Using a mouse model of infection, we show that corticosteroid treatment promotes H. influenzae persistence. Transcriptomic analysis of bacteria either isolated from infected mouse airway or grown in laboratory medium identified a number of genes encoding regulatory factors whose expression responded to the presence of glucocorticosteroids. Importantly, a number of these corticosteroid-responsive genes also showed elevated expression in H. influenzae within sputum from asthma patients undergoing steroid treatment. Addition of corticosteroid to H. influenzae led to alteration in biofilm formation and enhanced resistance to azithromycin, and promoted azithromycin resistance in an animal model of respiratory infection. Taken together, these data strongly suggest that H. influenzae can respond directly to corticosteroid treatment in the airway potentially influencing biofilm formation, persistence and the efficacy of antibiotic treatment.201525995336
547170.8779Dual role of OhrR as a repressor and an activator in response to organic hydroperoxides in Streptomyces coelicolor. Organic hydroperoxide resistance in bacteria is achieved primarily through reducing oxidized membrane lipids. The soil-inhabiting aerobic bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor contains three paralogous genes for organic hydroperoxide resistance: ohrA, ohrB, and ohrC. The ohrA gene is transcribed divergently from ohrR, which encodes a putative regulator of MarR family. Both the ohrA and ohrR genes were induced highly by various organic hydroperoxides. The ohrA gene was induced through removal of repression by OhrR, whereas the ohrR gene was induced through activation by OhrR. Reduced OhrR bound to the ohrA-ohrR intergenic region, which contains a central (primary) and two adjacent (secondary) inverted-repeat motifs that overlap with promoter elements. Organic peroxide decreased the binding affinity of OhrR for the primary site, with a concomitant decrease in cooperative binding to the adjacent secondary sites. The single cysteine C28 in OhrR was involved in sensing oxidants, as determined by substitution mutagenesis. The C28S mutant of OhrR bound to the intergenic region without any change in binding affinity in response to organic peroxides. These results lead us to propose a model for the dual action of OhrR as a repressor and an activator in S. coelicolor. Under reduced conditions, OhrR binds cooperatively to the intergenic region, repressing transcription from both genes. Upon oxidation, the binding affinity of OhrR decreases, with a concomitant loss of cooperative binding, which allows RNA polymerase to bind to both the ohrA and ohrR promoters. The loosely bound oxidized OhrR can further activate transcription from the ohrR promoter.200717586628
574180.8778Pyrroloquinoline quinone and a quinoprotein kinase support γ-radiation resistance in Deinococcus radiodurans and regulate gene expression. Deinococcus radiodurans is known for its extraordinary resistance to various DNA damaging agents including γ-radiation and desiccation. The pqqE:cat and Δdr2518 mutants making these cells devoid of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) and a PQQ inducible Ser/Thr protein kinase, respectively, became sensitive to γ-radiation. Transcriptome analysis of these mutants showed differential expression of the genes including those play roles in oxidative stress tolerance and (DSB) repair in D. radiodurans and in genome maintenance and stress response in other bacteria. Escherichia coli cells expressing DR2518 and PQQ showed improved resistance to γ-radiation, which increased further when both DR2518 and PQQ were present together. Although, profiles of genes getting affected in these mutants were different, there were still a few common genes showing similar expression trends in both the mutants and some others as reported earlier in oxyR and pprI mutant of this bacterium. These results suggested that PQQ and DR2518 have independent roles in γ-radiation resistance of D. radiodurans but their co-existence improves radioresistance further, possibly by regulating differential expression of the genes important for bacterial response to oxidative stress and DNA damage.201322961447
8163190.8778Green materials science and engineering reduces biofouling: approaches for medical and membrane-based technologies. Numerous engineered and natural environments suffer deleterious effects from biofouling and/or biofilm formation. For instance, bacterial contamination on biomedical devices pose serious health concerns. In membrane-based technologies, such as desalination and wastewater reuse, biofouling decreases membrane lifetime, and increases the energy required to produce clean water. Traditionally, approaches have combatted bacteria using bactericidal agents. However, due to globalization, a decline in antibiotic discovery, and the widespread resistance of microbes to many commercial antibiotics and metallic nanoparticles, new materials, and approaches to reduce biofilm formation are needed. In this mini-review, we cover the recent strategies that have been explored to combat microbial contamination without exerting evolutionary pressure on microorganisms. Renewable feedstocks, relying on structure-property relationships, bioinspired/nature-derived compounds, and green processing methods are discussed. Greener strategies that mitigate biofouling hold great potential to positively impact human health and safety.201525852659