TY - CONF A1 - Zubia Aranburu, Judith A1 - Cappella, Brunero A1 - Zabala Eguren, A. A1 - Buruaga Lamarain, L. A1 - Aginagalde Lopez, A. A1 - Bonse, Jörn A1 - Schwibbert, Karin T1 - Quantification of the adhesion force of E. coli on Ti via single-cell force spectroscopy T2 - Libro de Actas del XL Congreso Anual de la Sociedad Española de Ingeniería Biomédica N2 - Antibiotic resistance is a growing global problem which poses a massive threat to human health. Although human activity contributes to the acceleration of the process, bacteria have a self-driven stabilisation mechanism to protect themselves from such and other external threats: biofilm formation. Nonetheless, it is the adhesion of a single bacterial cell to a surface that triggers the formation of such network of biomolecules and microorganisms, as well as its hazardous consequences. The main objective of this work was to quantify the adhesion force of a single E. coli cell on a Ti substrate via the AFM-related single-cell force spectroscopy, with both the cell and the substrate material being of high clinical relevance. A set of 25 x 25 force displacement curves was acquired with a maximum force of 3.2 nN without dwell time, yielding a topography map and an adhesion force map that showed to be correlated. A mean adhesion force of 0.85 ± 0.175 nN was measured and the presence of cell appendages on the bacterial cell wall was verified through individual force-displacement curves. Bacterial viability was assessed after the measurements via live/dead staining. T2 - XL Congreso Anual de la Sociedad Española de Ingeniería Biomédica CASEIB 2022 CY - Valladolid, Spain DA - 23.11.2022 KW - Bacteria KW - Atomic force microscopy KW - Force distance curve PY - 2022 SN - 978-84-09-45972-8 SP - 217 EP - 220 AN - OPUS4-57039 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zhang, Q. A1 - Zheng, M. A1 - Huang, Y. A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg A1 - Wang, X. A1 - Liu, Y. A1 - Zheng, C. T1 - Long term corrosion estimation of carbon steel, titanium and its alloy in backfill material of compacted bentonite for nuclear waste repository JF - Scientific reports N2 - The container of high-level radioactive waste (HLRW) being in deep geological disposal, the backfill material is needed to serve as the second defense for HLRW and the highly compacted bentonite is generally selected. As the time goes, the underground water will infiltrate the backfill, causing the corrosion of materials for the building of containers in the formed electrolyte. Carbon steel, titanium and its alloy are the potential candidate materials for the fabrication of HLRW containers. The current investigation aims at assessing the safety of HLRW container in deep geological disposal for hundreds of thousands of years and facilitating the material selection for future Container fabrication by estimating their corrosion behavior in compacted bentonite with a series of moisture content at different temperatures through electrochemical methods including open circuit potential (OCP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization curve (PC) measurements. The corrosion rates were estimated for a carbon steel, a pure titanium and a titanium alloy in compacted Gaomiaozi Bentonite infiltrated with simulated underground water in Beishan area of China over an expected disposal period up to 106 years respectively, showing that titanium and its alloy are more reliable materials for building HLRW containers than carbon steel. KW - Issues KW - Disposal KW - Performance KW - Moisture KW - Lifetime KW - Water KW - Model PY - 2019 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-492413 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39751-9 SN - 2045-2322 VL - 9 SP - 3195 PB - Nature Publishing Group AN - OPUS4-49241 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yao, J. A1 - Jiang, T. A1 - Ji, Y. A1 - An-Stepec, Biwen Annie A1 - Koerdt, Andrea A1 - Cai, Z. A1 - Dong, C. A1 - Ge, Y. A1 - Qi, Z. T1 - Water-Fueled Autocatalytic Bactericidal Pathway based on e-Fenton-Like Reactions Triggered by Galvanic Corrosion and Extracellular Electron Transfer JF - Journal of Hazardous Materials N2 - Water is generally considered to be an undesirable substance in fuel system, which may lead to microbial contamination. The antibacterial strategies that can turn water into things of value with high disinfection efficacy have been urgently needed for fuel system. Here, we reveal a water-fueled autocatalytic bactericidal pathway comprised by bi-metal micro-electrode system, which can spontaneously produce reactive oxygen species (mainly H2O2 and O2•–) by the electron Fenton-like reaction in water medium without external energy., The respiratory chain component of bacteria and the galvanic corrosion on the coated metals were two electron sources in the system. The specific model of Ag-Ru water-fueled autocatalytic (WFA) microelectrode particles presents extremely high disinfection efficiency (>99.9999%) in less than one hour for three aerobic bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis) in LB media and high disinfection efficiency for the anaerobic bacteria (Desulfovibrio alaskensis) in Postgate E media without natural light irradiation. Overall, the novel WFA Ag-Ru antibacterial material explored in this study has a high potential for sterilizing applications in fuel system and this work provides the potential for the development of non-chemical and water-based antibacterial materials, such as WFA Ag-Ru antibacterial coating on stainless steel. KW - Fenton-like reaction KW - Reactive oxygen species KW - Disinfection Fuel KW - Silver KW - Ruthenium KW - MIC PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-555186 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129730 SN - 0304-3894 VL - 440 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - Elsevier CY - Amsterdam AN - OPUS4-55518 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Yalçin, M. A1 - Taşçioğlu, C. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Akçay, Ç. A1 - Busweiler, Sabine T1 - Investigation of natural durability of some native and exotic wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus (Cerambycidae) and Anobium punctatum (Anobiidae) JF - Journal of Forestry Faculty of Kastamonu University N2 - Aim of study: In this study, natural durability of some domestic and foreign wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus and Anobium punctatum larvae were tested on laboratory scale Area of study: This study was conducted at Department of Forest Products Engineering in Duzce University, Turkey and Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), Germany. Material and Methods: Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), fir (Abies nordmanniana), spruce (Picea orientalis), cedar (Cedrus libani), poplar (Populus tremula) and beech (Fagus orientalis) woods were used to test H. bajulus larvae (EN 46-1). Alder (Alnus glutinosa), oak (Quercus cerris), poplar (Populus tremula), beech (Fagus orientalis), maple (Acer carpinifolium), ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon), movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus), dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), bubinga (Guibourtia tessmannii) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindiricum) woods were used for A. punctatum larvae (EN 49-1). At the end of the experiment, the mortality rates of the larvae were determined and the size and weights of the surviving larvae were measured. Main results: F. orientalis and C. libani were found to be the most resistant wood species against H. bajulus larvae while A. nordmanniana was the least resistant. All tropical wood species and oak and maple from domestic wood species showed 100% mortality rate therefore found to be the most resistant against A. punctatum larvae. The most vulnerable wood species was found to be alder with a 35% mortality. Research highlights: while F. orientalis, C. libani, and P. tremula were found the most resistance wood species against H. bajulus, P. sylvestris and A. nordmanniana were determined as most vulnerable. All tropical wood species and two domestic species (Q. cerris and A. carpinifolium) showed the highest mortality rate as 100%. The least durable domestic wood was determined as alder. KW - Hylotrupes bajulus, Anobium punctatum, natural durability, tropical wood, native wood. PY - 2018 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-446572 DO - https://doi.org/10.17475/kastorman.311971 SN - 1303-2399 SN - 1309-4181 VL - 18 IS - 1 SP - 83 EP - 91 PB - Kastamonu University CY - Kastamonu AN - OPUS4-44657 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Xu, Yong A1 - Huang, Yanliang A1 - Yang, D. A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg A1 - De Marco, R. A1 - Wang, X. T1 - Investigation of the calcareous deposits formation controlled by interfacial pH and its effect on the hydrogen entry into AISI 4135 steel in seawater JF - International Journal of Hydrogen Energy N2 - The influence of interfacial pH between AISI 4135 steel and seawater under different polarization potentials on the formation of calcareous deposits has been studied. An interfacial pH of 9.61 at −0.9 V vs. SCE using state of the art iridium oxide microelectrode was found to be the critical pH for the precipitation of magnesium hydroxide. Calcareous deposits with a double-layer structure comprising an inner-brucite layer and an outer-aragonite layer were found to form at potentials between −1.0 V and −1.2 V vs. SCE. Furthermore, the facilitation of hydrogen permeation into steel induced by the formation of calcareous deposits was verified using the Devanathan-Stachurski electrochemical test. The mechanism of calcareous deposits facilitates hydrogen permeation into steel is related to its inhibition on hydrogen recombination and escape processes. KW - Low alloy steel KW - Cathodic protection KW - Calcareous deposits KW - Hydrogen permeation PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.11.040 SN - 0360-3199 SP - 1 EP - 18 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-51730 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wurzler, Nina A1 - Wagner, Ralph A1 - Schutter, Jan David A1 - Das, Chayanika A1 - Dimper, Matthias A1 - An, Biwen A1 - Koerdt, Andrea A1 - Lützenkirchen-Hecht, Dirk A1 - Özcan Sandikcioglu, Özlem T1 - Effect of cultivation conditions on the electrochemical activity of metal reducing bacteria (mrb) on stainless steel surfaces N2 - Investigation of the electrochemical activity of two cultures grown with and without abundance of Fe(III) and their different ability to reduce and therefore dissolve iron oxides in steel and model iron thin films. T2 - Eurocorr2019 CY - Sevilla, Spain DA - 09.09.2019 KW - X-ray spectroscopic techniques KW - Microbiologically influenced corrosion KW - MIC KW - XANES KW - Metal reducing bacteria KW - In situ PY - 2019 AN - OPUS4-49692 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wurzler, Nina A1 - Kleinbub, Sherin A1 - Koerdt, Andrea A1 - Özcan Sandikcioglu, Özlem T1 - Effect of conditioning layers on the attachment and biofilm formation of electroactive bacteria on stainless steel N2 - The characteristics of different molecules chosen as representatives for specific functionalities in conditioning layers play an important role on attachment behavior and later biofilm formation of bacteria. The chemical composition is a major component influencing the attachment but there is a conglomerate of influences. T2 - Eurocorr2018 CY - Krakow, Poland DA - 09.09.2018 KW - Conditioning layer KW - Stainless steel KW - Bacterial attachment PY - 2018 AN - OPUS4-46487 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Wittmar, J. A1 - Ohle, Corina A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg A1 - Brand, I. T1 - Effect of Ectoine on the Conformation and Hybridization of dsDNA in Monolayer Films: A Spectroelectrochemical Study JF - ChemElectroChem N2 - Lack of long-time stability of dsDNA-based supramolecular assemblies is an important issue that hinders their applications. In this work, 20 base pairs long dsDNA fragments [(dCdG)20 65%] composed of 65% dCdG and 35% dAdT nucleotides were tethered via a thiol to the surface of a gold electrode. The selfassembled (dCdG)20 -65% monolayer was immersed in solutions containing ectoine, a compatible solute. Electrochemical results showed that these monolayers were stable for one month. In situ IR spectroscopy indicated that ectoine interacts weakly with the phosphate-ribose backbone, dehydrating the phosphate groups and stabilizing the A-DNA conformation. This structural reorganization led to a reorientation of nucleic acid base pairs and a local disruption of the double-helix structure. However, the conformation and orientation of the dsDNA fragment was stable in the KW - Ectoine KW - dsDAN monolayer KW - A-DNA conformation PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-533346 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/celc.202100816 SN - 2196-0216 VL - 8 IS - 20 SP - 3844 EP - 3854 PB - Wiley-VCH GmbH AN - OPUS4-53334 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Wittmar, J. A1 - Meyer, Susann A1 - Sieling, T. A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg A1 - Smiatek, Jens A1 - Brand, Izabella T1 - What Does Ectoine Do to DNA? A Molecular-Scale Picture of Compatible Solute−Biopolymer Interactions JF - The Journal of Physical Chemistry N2 - Compatible solutes are accumulated in the cytoplasm of halophilic microorganisms. These molecules enable their survival in a high salinity environment. Ectoine is such a compatible solute. It is a zwitterionic molecule which strongly interacts with surrounding water molecules and changes the dynamics of the local hydration shell. Ectoine interacts with biomolecules such as lipids, proteins and DNA. The molecular interaction between ectoine and biomolecules in particular the interaction between ectoine and DNA is far from being understood. In this paper we describe molecular aspects of the interaction between ectoine and double stranded DNA(dsDNA). Two 20 base pairs long dsDNA fragments were immobilized on a Gold surface via a thiol-tether. The interaction between the dsDNA monolayers with diluted and concentrated ectoine solutions was examined by means of X-ray photoelectron and polarization modulation infrared reflection absorption spectroscopies (PM IRRAS). Experimental results indicate that the ability of ectoine to bind water reduces the strength of hydrogen bonds formed to the ribose-phosphate backbone in the dsDNA. In diluted (0.1 M) ectoine solution, DNA interacts predominantly with water molecules. The sugar-phosphate backbone is involved in the formation of strong hydrogen bonds to water, which with elapsing time leads to a reorientation of the planes of nucleic acid bases. This reorientation destabilizes the hydrogen bonds strength between the bases and leads to a partial dehybridizaiton of the dsDNA. In concentrated ectoine solution (2.5 M), almost all water molecules interact with ectoine. Under this condition ectoine is able to interact directly with DNA. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations demonstrate that the direct interaction involves the nitrogen atoms in ectoine and phosphate groups in the DNA molecule. The results of the quantum chemical calculations Show that rearrangements in the ribose-phosphate backbone, caused by a direct interaction with ectoine, facilitates contacts between O atom in the phosphate group and H atoms in a nucleic acid base. In the PM IRRA spectra, an increase in the number of the IR absorption modes in the base pair frequency region proves that the hydrogen bonds between bases become weaker. Thus, a sequence of reorientations caused by interaction with ectoine leads to a breakdown of hydrogen bonds between bases in the double helix. KW - Compatible solute KW - Ectoine KW - DNA KW - Self-assembled monolayer KW - IR spectroscopy KW - XPS PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c05273 VL - 124 IS - 37 SP - 7999 EP - 8011 PB - ACS Publicatios AN - OPUS4-51182 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Wen, Keqing A1 - Gorbushina, Anna A. A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Bell, Jérémy T1 - A microfluidic platform for monitoring biofilm formation in flow under defined hydrodynamic conditions N2 - Bacterial adhesion on surfaces of medical, water and food applications may lead to infections, water or food spoilage and human illness. In comparison to traditional static and macro flow chamber assays for biofilm formation studies, microfluidic chips allow in situ monitoring of biofilm formation under various flow regimes, have better environment control and smaller sample requirements. In this work, a novel microfluidic platform is developed to investigate biofilm adhesion under precisely controlled bacteria concentration, temperature, and flow conditions. This platform central unit is a single-inlet microfluidic flow cell with a 5 mm wide chamber designed and tested to achieve ultra-homogenous flow in the central area of chamber. Within this area, defined microstructures are integrated that will disturb the homogeneity of the flow, thus changing bacterial adhesion pattern. Here we present the monitoring of bacterial biofilm formation in a microfluidic chip equipped with a microstructure known as micro-trap. This feature is based on a 3D bacteria trap designed by Di Giacomo et al. and successfully used to sequester motile bacteria. At first, fluorescent particles similar in size to Escherichia coli (E. coli) are used to simulate bacteria flow inside the flow cell and at the micro-trap. The turbulences induced by the trap are analyzed by imaging and particle tracking velocimetry (PTV). Secondly, the model strain E. coli TG1, ideal and well described for biofilm studies, is used to analyze biofilm formation in the micro-trap. Therefore, a stable fluorescent strain E. coli TG1-MRE-Tn7-141 is constructed by using Tn7 transposon mutagenesis according to the method described by Schlechter et al. Sequestering of E. coli cells within the micro-trap was followed using epifluorescence microscopy. The novel microfluidic platform shows great potential for assessment of bacterial adhesion under various flow regimes. The performance of structural feature with respect to the generation of turbulences that promote or reduce bacterial adhesion can be systematically examined. The combination of flow analysis and fluorescent strain injection into the microfluidic chip shows that the micro-trap is useful for capturing bacteria at defined positions and to study how flow conditions, especially micro-turbulences, can affect biofilm formation. It represents a powerful and versatile tool for studying the relation between topography and bacteria adhesion. T2 - International Conference on Miniaturized Systems for Chemistry and Life Sciences CY - Katowice, Poland DA - 15.10.2023 KW - Biofilm KW - E. coli KW - Microfluidics KW - Velocimetry KW - Fluorescence PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-59593 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - von Laar, C. A1 - Baar, C. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - McMahon, Dino Peter T1 - Genetic relationships of local infestations by Anobium punctatum, Xestobium rufovillosum and their associated predator Korynetes caeruleus from buildings in North-Eastern Germany T2 - Proceedings IRG Annual Meeting 2021 N2 - Wood-destroying pests such as Anobium punctatum and Xestobium rufovillosum cause damage to art and cultural objects as well as to buildings. Monitoring population dynamics of pest species as well as of their naturally occurring counterparts are an essential part in the development of biological control measures as alternatives to conventional wood protection. Therefore, both the dispersal and homogeneity of pest and beneficial insect populations across multiple sites and buildings were investigated in the present study using DNA barcoding. Specifically, beetles of Anobium punctatum (de Geer 1774) (Coleoptera, Ptinidae), Xestobium rufovillosum (de Geer, 1974) (Coloeptera, Ptinidae), and Korynetes caeruleus (de Geer 1775) (Coleoptera, Cleridae) were collected from buildings at four different sites in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, North-Eastern Germany. DNA analysis was performed using mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI). For A. punctatum, low base pair variability was found in the gene segment studied (4-5 SNPs) within one building (Greven) and between four spatially separated sites. Conversely, in X. rufovillosum, the sequences from two sites studied were homogeneous within a site but differed between locations by nine base pair positions (SNPs). The main result of this study is that the pests A. punctatum and X. rufovillosum showed a higher variability in the investigated gene segment than the natural counterpart K. caeruleus. T2 - IRG52 Webinar on Wood Protection CY - Online meeting DA - 01.11.21 KW - Anobium punctatum KW - Xestobium rufovillosum KW - Korynetes caeruleus KW - DNA barcode PY - 2021 SN - 2000-8953 VL - 21 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - The International Research Group on Wood Protection CY - Stockholm, Sweden AN - OPUS4-54197 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Vilcinskas, A. A1 - Schwabe, M. A1 - Brinkrolf, K. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Wielsch, N. A1 - Vogel, H. T1 - Larvae of the clothing moth Tineola bisselliella maintain gut bacteria that secrete enzyme cocktails to facilitate the digestion of keratin JF - Microorganisms N2 - The evolutionary success of insects is promoted by their association with beneficial microbes that enable the utilization of unusual diets. The synanthropic clothing moth Tineola bisselliella provides an intriguing example of this phenomenon. The caterpillars of this species have adapted to feed on keratin-rich diets such as feathers and wool, which cannot be digested by most other animals and are resistant to common digestive enzymes. Inspired by the hypothesis that this ability may be conferred by symbiotic microbes, we utilized a simple assay to detect keratinase activity and a method to screen gut bacteria for candidate enzymes, which were isolated from feather-fed larvae. The isolation of DNA from keratin-degrading bacterial strains followed by de novo genome sequencing resulted in the identification of a novel bacterial strain related to Bacillus sp. FDAARGOS_235. Genome Annotation identified 20 genes with keratinase domains. Proteomic analysis of the culture supernatant from this gut bacterium grown in non-nutrient buffer supplemented with feathers revealed several candidate enzymes potentially responsible for keratin degradation, including a thiol-disulfide oxidoreductase and multiple proteases. Our results suggest that the unusual diet of T. bisselliella larvae promotes their association with keratinolytic microorganisms and that the ability of larvae to feed on keratin can at least partially be attributed to bacteria that produce a cocktail of keratin-degrading enzymes. KW - Keratin KW - Insect biotechnology KW - Beneficial microbes KW - Symbiosis KW - Dietary adaptation KW - Tineola bisselliella PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-512309 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8091415 VL - 8 IS - 9 SP - 1415 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-51230 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Varadarajan, A. A1 - Allan, R. A1 - Valentin, J. A1 - Castañeda Ocampo, O. A1 - Somerville, V. A1 - Buhmann, M. A1 - West, J. A1 - Skipp, Paul A1 - van der Mei, H. A1 - Ren, Q. A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Webb, J. A1 - Pietsch, Franziska A1 - Ahrens, C. T1 - An integrated model system to gain mechanistic insights into biofilm-associated antimicrobial resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa MPAO1 JF - npj Biofilms and Microbiomes N2 - Pseudomonas aeruginosa MPAO1 is the parental strain of the widely utilized transposon mutant collection for this important clinical pathogen. Here, we validate a model system to identify genes involved in biofilm growth and biofilm-associated antibiotic resistance. Our model employs a genomics-driven workflow to assemble the complete MPAO1 genome, identify unique and conserved genes by comparative genomics with the PAO1 reference strain and genes missed within existing assemblies by proteogenomics. Among over 200 unique MPAO1 genes, we identified six general essential genes that were overlooked when mapping public Tn-seq data sets against PAO1, including an antitoxin. Genomic data were integrated with phenotypic data from an experimental workflow using a user-friendly, soft lithography-based microfluidic flow chamber for biofilm growth and a screen with the Tn-mutant library in microtiter plates. The screen identified hitherto unknown genes involved in biofilm growth and antibiotic resistance. Experiments conducted with the flow chamber across three laboratories delivered reproducible data on P. aeruginosa biofilms and validated the function of both known genes and genes identified in the Tn-mutant screens. Differential Protein abundance data from planktonic cells versus biofilm confirmed the upregulation of candidates known to affect biofilm formation, of structural and secreted proteins of type VI secretion systems, and provided proteogenomic evidence for some missed MPAO1 genes. This integrated, broadly applicable model promises to improve the mechanistic understanding of biofilm formation, antimicrobial tolerance, and resistance evolution in biofilms. KW - Biofilms PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-515108 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41522-020-00154-8 VL - 6 IS - 1 SP - Article number: 46 PB - Springer Nature CY - Singapore AN - OPUS4-51510 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Vandrich, Jasmina A1 - Pfeiffer, F. A1 - Alfaro Espinoza, Gabriela A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg T1 - Contribution of mechanosensitive channels to osmoadaptation and ectoine excretion in Halomonas elongata JF - Extremophiles N2 - For osmoadaptation the halophilic bacterium Halomonas elongata synthesizes as its main compatible solute the aspartate derivative ectoine. H. elongata does not rely entirely on synthesis but can accumulate ectoine by uptake from the surrounding environment with the help of the osmoregulated transporter TeaABC. Disruption of the TeaABC-mediated ectoine uptake creates a strain that is constantly losing ectoine to the medium. However, the efflux mechanism of ectoine in H. elongata is not yet understood. H. elongata possesses four genes encoding mechanosensitive channels all of which belong to the small conductance type (MscS). Analysis by qRT-PCR revealed a reduction in transcription of the mscS genes with increasing salinity. The response of H. elongata to hypo- and hyperosmotic shock never resulted in up-regulation but rather in downregulation of mscS transcription. Deletion of all four mscS genes created a mutant that was unable to cope with hypoosmotic shock. However, the knockout mutant grew significantly faster than the wildtype at high salinity of 2 M NaCl, and most importantly, still exported 80% of the ectoine compared to the wildtype. We thus conclude that a yet unknown system, which is independent of mechanosensitive channels, is the major export route for ectoine in H. elongata. KW - Halomonas elongata KW - Ectoine KW - Osmotic shock KW - Solute excretion KW - Osmoadaptation KW - Mechanosensitive channel KW - MscS PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-507229 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00792-020-01168-y VL - 24 SP - 421 EP - 432 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-50722 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - THES A1 - Vandrich, Jasmina T1 - Metabolic engineering in Halomonas elongata N2 - Halomonas elongata is a halophilic γ-proteobacterium that synthesizes and accumulates the compatible solute ectoine to cope with osmotic stress in saline environments. Ectoine possesses protecting properties and stabilizes proteins as well as whole cells against stresses like ionizing radiation and cytotoxins. These properties make ectoine a highly demanded ingredient in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. To date H. elongata is the industrial Producer strain of ectoine, but several metabolic factors for optimum ectoine production remain to be explored. In this work, we used up to date Metabolic engineering approaches following the ‘Push, Pull, Block – strategy’ to examine targets that contribute to ectoine synthesis. Firstly, the basics of glucose catabolism were inspected to PUSH and enhance carbon flow towards ectoine synthesis. Secondly, lysine biosynthesis was targeted to BLOCK a pathway that is competing for precursors with ectoine synthesis. Thirdly, the mechanosensitive (MS) channels of H. elongata have been examined as possible excretion routes for ectoine. An overexpression of the ectoine excretion channels potentially could PULL out product at the end of ectoine synthesis and increase overall ectoine flux. For the interrogation of central metabolic pathways, we established the new molecular tool CRISPR-mediated interference (CRISPRi) for targeted modulation of gene expression. PUSH Glucose catabolism through the Entner-Doudoroff (ED) and Emden-Meyerhof-Parnas (EMP) pathway was targeted with CRISPRi and examined on gene expression level for ist response to changing salinity and different carbon sources. Changing salinity did not influence gene expression levels of glucose catabolism but the carbon source glucose triggered glycolysis through the (ED) pathway. When gene expression of the ED pathway was downregulated with CRISPRi, the growth rates remained constant. The observations indicate a metabolic overflow mechanism for glycolysis, in which fluxes are constantly high - even at lower salinity when no resources are demanded for ectoine synthesis. The further analysis of glucose to product conversion rates will advise optimum conditions for future industrial cultivation processes. BLOCK Lysine biosynthesis was downregulated with CRISPRi, which led to a significant increase in ectoine production. Hence, the blockage of lysine biosynthesis would be a valuable strategy for the optimization of the industrial producer strain in future studies. PULL MS channels and ectoine regulation are inevitably connected in osmoadaptation. Therefore, ectoine excretion, growth performance and gene expression levels of the MS channels were monitored in steady state conditions and in response to osmotic shock in the wildtype strain and in a MS channel deletion mutant. We observed that the MS channels were essential for the survival of osmotic shock but surprisingly their presence reduced cell growth under high salinity. The MS channels were only partially responsible for ectoine excretion. Thus, alternative ectoine excretion channels must exist and remain to be explored. KW - Halomonas elongata KW - Ectoine KW - CRISPR dCas9 PY - 2019 SP - 1 EP - 94 CY - Potsdam AN - OPUS4-51094 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Vandrich, Jasmina A1 - Alfaro Espinoza, Gabriela A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg T1 - Tampering with ectoine production and excretion in Halomonas elongata using CRISPRi and gene knock-outs N2 - The halophilic bacterium Halomonas elongata can tolerate salt concentrations above 10% NaCl and uses the accumulation of the compatible solute ectoine as a major osmoregulatory mechanism. Ectoine can be accumalted inside the cell through import from the medium or de novo synthesis and establishes an osmotic equilibrium with the surrounding1. Ectoine also protects proteins from the effects of freezing, drying and high temperatures4 and DNA from ionizing radiation2. These features make ectoine a valuable compound for cosmetics and medical devices. H. elongata was originally isolated from a solar salt facility, where it thrives under high salt concentrations. It was found that marine prokaryotes, which are exposed to high oxidative stress in their environment, vary glycolytic strategies5. A variation in the use of the glucose metabolic pathways is also assumed for H. elongata. T2 - International Society for Microbial Ecology CY - Leipzig, Germany DA - 12.08.2018 KW - Halomonas CRISPR Ectoine PY - 2018 AN - OPUS4-46080 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Vandrich, Jasmina A1 - Alfaro Espinoza, Gabriela A1 - Kunte, Hans-Jörg T1 - Establishing CRISPRi in Halomonas elongata to uncover metabolic pathways N2 - The halophilic bacterium Halomonas elongata can tolerate salt concentrations above 10% NaCl and uses the accumulation of the compatible solute ectoine as a major osmoregulatory mechanism. Ectoine can be accumalted inside the cell through import from the medium or de novo synthesis and establishes an osmotic equilibrium with the surrounding1. Ectoine also protects proteins from the effects of freezing, drying and high temperatures4 and DNA from ionizing radiation2. These features make ectoine a valuable compound for cosmetics and medical devices. H. elongata was originally isolated from a solar salt facility, where it thrives under high salt concentrations. It was found that marine prokaryotes, which are exposed to high oxidative stress in their environment, vary glycolytic strategies5. A variation in the use of the glucose metabolic pathways is also assumed for H. elongata. T2 - Association for General and Applied Microbiology CY - Wolfsburg, Germany DA - 15.04.2018 KW - Halomonas CRISPR Ectoine PY - 2018 AN - OPUS4-46081 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Valentin, Jules D. P. A1 - Altenried, Stefanie A1 - Varadarajan, Adithi R. A1 - Ahrens, Christian H. A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Webb, Jeremy S. A1 - van der Mei, Henny C. A1 - Ren, Qun T1 - Identification of Potential Antimicrobial Targets of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms through a Novel Screening Approach JF - Microbiology Spectrum N2 - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen of considerable medical importance, owing to its pronounced antibiotic tolerance and association with cystic fibrosis and other life-threatening diseases. The aim of this study was to highlight the genes responsible for P. aeruginosa biofilm tolerance to antibiotics and thereby identify potential new targets for the development of drugs against biofilm-related infections. By developing a novel screening approach and utilizing a public P. aeruginosa transposon insertion library, several biofilm-relevant genes were identified. The Pf phage gene (PA0720) and flagellin gene (fliC) conferred biofilm-specific tolerance to gentamicin. Compared with the reference biofilms, the biofilms formed by PA0720 and fliC mutants were completely eliminated with a 4-fold-lower gentamicin concentration. Furthermore, the mreC, pprB, coxC, and PA3785 genes were demonstrated to play major roles in enhancing biofilm tolerance to gentamicin. The analysis of biofilm-relevant genes performed in this study provides important novel insights into the understanding of P. aeruginosa antibiotic tolerance, which will facilitate the detection of antibiotic resistance and the development of antibiofilm strategies against P. aeruginosa. KW - Antimicrobial resistance KW - Bacteria KW - Biofilms KW - Pseudomonas aeruginosa PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-570205 DO - https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03099-22 SP - 1 EP - 5 PB - ASM Journals AN - OPUS4-57020 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Valentin, J. A1 - Straub, H. A1 - Pietsch, Franziska A1 - Lemare, M. A1 - Ahrens, C. A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Webb, J. A1 - van der Mei, H. A1 - Ren, Q. T1 - Role of the flagellar hook in the structural development and antibiotic tolerance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms JF - ISME Journal N2 - Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms exhibit an intrinsic resistance to antibiotics and constitute a considerable clinical threat. In cystic fibrosis, a common feature of biofilms formed by P. aeruginosa in the airway is the occurrence of mutants deficient in flagellar motility. This study investigates the impact of flagellum deletion on the structure and antibiotic tolerance of P. aeruginosa biofilms, and highlights a role for the flagellum in adaptation and cell survival during biofilm development. Mutations in the flagellar hook protein FlgE influence greatly P. aeruginosa biofilm structuring and antibiotic tolerance. Phenotypic analysis of the flgE knockout mutant compared to the wild type (WT) reveal increased fitness under planktonic conditions, reduced initial adhesion but enhanced formation of microcolony aggregates in a microfluidic environment, and decreased expression of genes involved in exopolysaccharide formation. Biofilm cells of the flgE knock-out mutant display enhanced tolerance towards multiple antibiotics, whereas its planktonic cells show similar resistance to the WT. Confocal microscopy of biofilms demonstrates that gentamicin does not affect the viability of cells located in the inner part of the flgE knock-out mutant biofilms due to reduced penetration. These findings suggest that deficiency in flagellar proteins like FlgE in biofilms and in cystic fibrosis infections represent phenotypic and evolutionary adaptations that alter the structure of P. aeruginosa biofilms conferring increased antibiotic tolerance. KW - Antimicrobial resistance KW - Bacteria KW - Biofilms KW - Biocides PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-541113 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-021-01157-9 SN - 1751-7370 VL - 16 IS - 4 SP - 1176 EP - 1186 PB - Springer Nature AN - OPUS4-54111 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Usmani, Shirin A1 - Stephan, Ina A1 - Huebert, Thomas A1 - Kemnitz, E. T1 - Nano metal fluorides for wood protection against fungi JF - ACS Applied Nano Materials N2 - Wood treated with nano metal fluorides is found to resist fungal decay. Sol−gel synthesis was used to synthesize MgF2 and CaF2 nanoparticles. Electron microscopy images confirmed the localization of MgF2 and CaF2 nanoparticles in wood. Efficacy of nano metal fluoride-treated wood was tested against brown-rot fungi Coniophora puteana and Rhodonia placenta. Untreated wood specimens had higher mass losses (∼30%) compared to treated specimens, which had average mass loss of 2% against C. puteana and 14% against R. placenta, respectively. Nano metal fluorides provide a viable alternative to current wood preservatives. KW - Brown-rot fungi KW - Coniophora puteana KW - Fluoride nanoparticles KW - Fluorolytic sol−gel KW - Rhodonia placenta KW - SEM wood characterization KW - Wood protection PY - 2018 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acsanm.8b00144 SN - 2574-0970 VL - 2018 SP - 1 EP - 6 PB - American Chemical Society (ACS) CY - Washington DC, US AN - OPUS4-44730 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Usmani, Shirin M. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Hübert, Thomas A1 - Kemnitz, E. T1 - Termite resistance of pine wood treated with nano metal fluorides JF - European Journal of Wood and Wood Products N2 - Fluorides are well-known as wood preservatives. One of the limitations of fluoride-based wood preservatives is their high leachability. Alternative to current fluoride salts such as NaF used in wood protection are low water-soluble fluorides. However, impregnation of low water-soluble fluorides into wood poses a challenge. To address this challenge, low water-soluble fluorides like calcium fluoride (CaF2) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) were synthesized as nanoparticles via the fluorolytic sol−gel synthesis and then impregnated into wood specimens. In this study, the toxicity of nano metal fluorides was assessed by termite mortality, mass loss and visual analysis of treated specimens after eight weeks of exposure to termites, Coptotermes formosanus. Nano metal fluorides with sol concentrations of 0.5 M and higher were found to be effective against termites resulting in 100% termite mortality and significantly inhibited termite feeding. Among the formulations tested, the least damage was found for specimens treated with combinations of CaF2 and MgF2 with an average mass loss less than 1% and visual rating of “1”. These results demonstrate the efficacy of low water-soluble nano metal fluorides to protect Wood from termite attack. KW - Wood Protection KW - Nano Particles KW - Termites PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-508377 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-020-01522-z VL - 78 SP - 493 EP - 499 PB - Springer AN - OPUS4-50837 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Usmani, Shirin M. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Hübert, Thomas A1 - Kemnitz, E. ED - Richter, K. ED - Van de Kulien, J.-W. T1 - Termite resistance of pine wood treated with nano metal fluorides JF - European Journal of Wood and Wood Products N2 - Fluorides are well-known as wood preservatives. One of the limitations of fluoride-based wood preservatives is their high leachability. Alternative to current fluoride salts such as NaF used in wood protection are low water-soluble fluorides. However, impregnation of low water-soluble fluorides into wood poses a challenge. To address this challenge, low water-soluble fluorides like calcium fluoride (CaF2) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) were synthesized as nanoparticles via the fluorolytic sol−gel synthesis and then impregnated into wood specimens. In this study, the toxicity of nano metal fluorides was assessed by termite mortality, mass loss and visual analysis of treated specimens after eight weeks of exposure to termites, Coptotermes formosanus. Nano metal fluorides with sol concentrations of 0.5 M and higher were found to be effective against termites resulting in 100% termite mortality and significantly inhibited termite feeding. Among the formulations tested, the least damage was found for specimens treated with combinations of CaF2 and MgF2 with an average mass loss less than 1% and visual rating of “1”. These results demonstrate the efficacy of low water-soluble nano metal fluorides to protect wood from termite attack. KW - Holzschutzmittel KW - Nanoparticles KW - Fluorides KW - Termites PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-514325 DO - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00107-020-01522-z VL - 78 SP - 493 EP - 499 PB - Springer CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-51432 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - THES A1 - Usmani, Shirin T1 - Wood treated with nano metal fluorides - relations between composition, size, and durability T2 - Wood Treated with Nano Metal Fluorides – Relations between Composition, Size, and Durability N2 - In this study, nanoscopic particles of magnesium Fluoride (MgF2) and calcium fluoride (CaF2) also known as nano metal fluorides (NMFs), were evaluated for their potential to improve wood durability. Even though these fluorides are sparingly soluble, their synthesis in the form of nano-sized particles turns them into promising candidates for wood preservation. Their distinct property of low-water solubility is proposed to maintain long-lasting protection of treated wood by reducing the leaching of fluoride. Analytical methods were used to characterize the synthesized NMFs and their distribution in treated wood specimens. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that these fluoride particles are smaller than 10 nm. In nano metal fluoride (NMF) treated specimens, aggregates of these particles are uniformly distributed in the wood matrix as confirmed with scanning electron microscopy images and their corresponding energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy maps. The fluoride aggregates form a protective layer around the tracheid walls and block the bordered pits, thus reducing the possible flow path for water absorption into wood. This is reflected in the reduced swelling and increased hydrophobicity of wood treated with NMFs. The biocidal efficacy of NMFs was tested against brown-rot fungi (Coniophora puteanaand Rhodonia placenta), white-rot fungus (Trametes versicolor), and termites (Coptotermes formosanus). The fungal and termite tests were performed in accordance with the EN 113 (1996) and EN 117 (2012) standards, respectively. Prior to fungal tests, the NMF treated wood specimens were leached according to the EN 84 (1997)standard. Compared to untreated specimens, the NMF treated wood specimens have a higher resistance to decay caused by brown-rot fungi, white-rot fungus, and termites. Although all NMF treatments in wood reduce the mass loss caused by fungal decay, only the combined treatment of MgF2 and CaF2 has efficacy against both brown-rot fungi and white-rot fungus. Similarly, wood treated with the combined NMF formulation is the least susceptible to attack by C. formosanus.It is proposed that combining MgF2 and CaF2changes their overall solubility to promote the release of fluoride ions at the optimal concentration needed for biocidal efficacy against fungi and termites. In this thesis, it was proven that even after leaching, sufficient fluoride was present to protect NMF treated wood from fungal decay. This shows that NMFs are robust enough for above ground contact outdoor applications of wood, where permanent wetness cannot be avoided according to Use Class 3.2, as per the EN 335 (2013) standard. Also, they pose a low risk to human health and the environment because they are sparingly soluble. Since NMFs significantly reduce the decay of wood, the CO2 fixed in it will be retained for longer than in unpreserved wood. Overall, the novel results of this study show the potential of NMFs to increase the service life of building materials made from non-durable wood. KW - Termites KW - Nano metal fluorides KW - Solubility KW - Wood protection KW - Fungi PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-525108 DO - https://doi.org/10.18452/22553 SP - i EP - 118 PB - Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-52510 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Usmani, S. A1 - Voss, L. A1 - Stephan, Ina A1 - Hübert, Thomas A1 - Kemnitz, E. T1 - Improved Durability of Wood Treated with Nano Metal Fluorides against Brown-Rot and White-Rot Fungi JF - Applied Sciences N2 - Low-water soluble metal fluorides such as magnesium fluoride (MgF2) and calcium Fluoride (CaF2) were evaluated for decay protection of wood. Initially, the biocidal efficacy of nano metal fluorides (NMFs) against wood destroying fungi was assessed with an in-vitro agar test. The results from the test showed that agar medium containing MgF2 and CaF2 was more efficient in preventing fungal decay than stand-alone MgF2 or CaF2. These metal fluorides, in their nanoscopic form synthesized using fluorolytic sol-gel synthesis, were introduced into the sapwood of Scots pine and beech wood and then subjected to accelerated ageing by leaching (EN 84). MAS 19F NMR and X-ray micro CT images showed that metal fluorides were present in treated wood, unleached and leached. Decay resistance of Scots pine and beech wood treated with NMFs was tested against Wood destroying fungi Rhodonia placenta and Trametes versicolor in accordance with EN 113. Results revealed that mass losses were reduced to below 3% in wood treated with the combination of MgF2 and CaF2. It is concluded that NMFs provide full protection to wood even after it has been leached and can be used as wood preservatives in outdoor environments. KW - Nanoparticles KW - Fluoride KW - Wood protection KW - Fluorolytic sol-gel synthesis KW - Brown-rot fungi KW - White-rot fungi KW - Basidiomycetes PY - 2022 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-543877 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031727 VL - 12 IS - 3 SP - 1 EP - 11 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-54387 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Trimpert, J. A1 - Groenke, N. A1 - Kunec, D. A1 - Eschke, K. A1 - He, Shulin A1 - McMahon, Dino Peter A1 - Osterrieder, N. T1 - A proofreading-impaired herpesvirus generates populations with quasispecies-like structure JF - Nature Microbiology N2 - RNA virus populations are composed of highly diverse individuals that form a cloud of related sequences commonly referred to as a ‘quasispecies’1–3. This diversity arises as a consequence of low-fidelity genome replication4,5. By contrast, DNA Virus populations contain more uniform individuals with similar fitness6. Genome diversity is often correlated with increased Fitness in RNA viruses, while DNA viruses are thought to require more faithful genome replication. During DNA replication, erroneously incorporated bases are removed by a 3′-5′ exonuclease, a highly conserved enzymatic function of replicative DNA but not RNA polymerases. This proofreading process enhances replication fidelity and ensures the genome integrity of DNA organisms, including large DNA viruses7. Here, we show that a herpesvirus can tolerate impaired exonucleolytic proofreading, resulting in DNA virus populations, which, as in RNA viruses8, are composed of highly diverse genotypes of variable individual fitness. This indicates that herpesvirus mutant diversity may compensate for individual Fitness loss. Notably, in vivo infection with diverse virus populations results in a marked increase in virulence compared to genetically homogenous parental virus. While we cannot exclude that the increase in virulence is caused by selection of and/or interactions between individual genotypes, our findings are consistent with quasispecies dynamics. Our results contrast with traditional views of DNA virus replication and evolution, and indicate that a substantial increase in population diversity can lead to higher virulence. KW - Marek's virus KW - Virulence KW - Quasispecies KW - Evolution PY - 2019 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-019-0547-x SN - 2058-5276 N1 - Corrigendum: Nature Microbiology 4 (2019) 2025 VL - 4 SP - 2175 EP - 2183 PB - Nature Publishing Group CY - London AN - OPUS4-48896 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Tavasolyzadeh, Zeynab A1 - Tang, Peng A1 - Hahn, Marc Benjamin A1 - Hweidi, Gada A1 - Nordholt, Niclas A1 - Haag, Rainer A1 - Sturm, Heinz A1 - Topolniak, Ievgeniia T1 - 2D and 3D Micropatterning of Mussel‐Inspired Functional Materials by Direct Laser Writing JF - Small : nano micro N2 - AbstractThis work addresses the critical need for multifunctional materials and substrate‐independent high‐precision surface modification techniques that are essential for advancing microdevices and sensing elements. To overcome existing limitations, the versatility of mussel‐inspired materials (MIMs) is combined with state‐of‐the‐art multiphoton direct laser writing (DLW) microfabrication. In this way, 2D and 3D MIM microstructures of complex designs are demonstrated with sub‐micron to micron resolution and extensive post‐functionalization capabilities. This study includes polydopamine (PDA), mussel‐inspired linear, and dendritic polyglycerols (MI‐lPG and MI‐dPG), allowing their direct microstructure on the substrate of choice with the option to tailor the patterned topography and morphology in a controllable manner. The functionality potential of MIMs is demonstrated by successfully immobilizing and detecting single‐stranded DNA on MIM micropattern and nanoarray surfaces. In addition, easy modification of MIM microstructure with silver nanoparticles without the need of any reducing agent is shown. The methodology developed here enables the integration of MIMs in advanced applications where precise surface functionalization is essential. KW - Direct laser writing KW - Mussel-inspired materials KW - Polyglycerol KW - Polydopamine KW - Micropatterning PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-588778 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202309394 SN - 1613-6829 SP - 1 EP - 12 PB - Wiley-VCH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-58877 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Tan, K. H. A1 - Sattari, S. A1 - Donskyi, Ievgen A1 - Cuellar-Camacho, J. L. A1 - Cheng, C. A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Lippitz, Andreas A1 - Unger, Wolfgang A1 - Gorbushina, Anna A1 - Adeli, M. A1 - Haag, R. T1 - Functionalized 2D nanomaterials with switchable binding to investigate graphene–bacteria interactions JF - Nanoscale N2 - Graphene and its derivatives have recently attracted much attention for sensing and deactivating pathogens. However, the mechanism of multivalent interactions at the graphene–pathogen interface is not fully understood. Since different physicochemical parameters of graphene play a role at this interface, control over graphene’s structure is necessary to study the mechanism of these interactions. In this work, different graphene derivatives and also zwitterionic graphene nanomaterials (ZGNMs) were synthesized with defined exposure, in terms of polymer coverage and functionality, and isoelectric points. Then, the switchable interactions of these nanomaterials with E. coli and Bacillus cereus were investigated to study the validity of the generally proposed “trapping” and “nano-knives” mechanisms for inactivating bacteria by graphene derivatives. It was found that the antibacterial activity of graphene derivatives strongly depends on the accessible area, i.e. edges and basal plane of sheets and tightness of their agglomerations. Our data clearly confirm the authenticity of “trapping” and “nano-knives” mechanisms for the antibacterial activity of graphene sheets. KW - XPS KW - Graphene KW - Graphene–bacteria interaction PY - 2018 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/c8nr01347k SN - 2040-3364 SN - 2040-3372 VL - 10 IS - 20 SP - 9525 EP - 9537 PB - RSC CY - London AN - OPUS4-45084 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Tan, K. H. A1 - Sattari, S. A1 - Beyranvand, S. A1 - Faghani, A. A1 - Ludwig, K. A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Böttcher, C. A1 - Haag, R. A1 - Adeli, M. T1 - Thermoresponsive Amphiphilic Functionalization of Thermally Reduced Graphene Oxide to Study Graphene/Bacteria Hydrophobic Interactions JF - Langmuir N2 - An understanding of the interactions of 2D nanomaterials with pathogens is of vital importance to developing and controlling their antimicrobial properties. In this work, the interaction of functionalized graphene with tunable hydrophobicity and bacteria is investigated. Poly-(ethylene glycol)-block-(poly-N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymer (PEG-b-PNIPAM) with the triazine joint point was attached to the graphene Surface by a nitrene [2 + 1] cycloaddition reaction. By thermally switching between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states, functionalized graphene sheets were able to bind to bacteria. Bacteria were eventually disrupted when the functionality was switched to the hydrophobic state. On the basis of measuring the different microscopy methods and a live/dead viability assay, it was found that Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are more susceptible to hydrophobic interactions than B. cereus bacteria, under the same conditions. Our investigations confirm that hydrophobic interaction is one of the main driving forces at the presented graphene/bacteria interfaces and promotes the antibacterial activity of graphene derivatives significantly. KW - 2D nanomaterials KW - Functionalized graphene KW - Antimicrobial KW - Hydrophobic interaction PY - 2019 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.langmuir.8b03660 VL - 35 IS - 13 SP - 4736 EP - 4746 PB - ACS Publications AN - OPUS4-49235 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - RPRT A1 - Taghavi Kalajahi, Sara A1 - Misra, Archismita A1 - Koerdt, Andrea T1 - Nanotechnology to mitigate microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) N2 - Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is a crucial issue for industry and infrastructure. Biofilms are known to form on different kinds of surfaces such as metal, concrete, and medical equipment. However, in some cases the effect of microorganisms on the material can be negative for the consistency and integrity of the material. Thus, to overcome the issues raised by MIC on a system, different physical, chemical, and biological strategies have been considered; all having their own advantages, limitations, and sometimes even unwanted disadvantages. Among all the methods, biocide treatments and antifouling coatings are more common for controlling MIC, though they face some challenges. They lack specificity for MIC microorganisms, leading to cross-resistance and requiring higher concentrations. Moreover, they pose environmental risks and harm non-target organisms. Hence, the demand for eco-friendly, long-term solutions is increasing as regulations tighten. Recently, attentions have been directed to the application of nanomaterials to mitigate or control MIC due to their significant antimicrobial efficiency and their potential for lower environmental risk compared to the conventional biocides or coatings. Use of nanomaterials to inhibit MIC is very new and there is a lack of literature review on this topic. To address this issue, we present a review of the nanomaterials examined as a biocide or in a form of a coating on a surface to mitigate MIC. This review will help consolidate the existing knowledge and research on the use of nanomaterials for MIC mitigation. It will further contribute to a better understanding of the potential applications and challenges associated with using nanomaterials for MIC prevention and control. KW - Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) KW - Biofilm KW - Biofouling KW - Nanobiocide KW - Nanocoating PY - 2024 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-599335 DO - https://doi.org/10.3389/fnano.2024.1340352 VL - 6 SP - 1 EP - 25 AN - OPUS4-59933 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Söftje, M. A1 - Weingartz, T. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Gjikaj, M. A1 - Namysko, J. C. A1 - Kaufmann, D. E. T1 - Surface Tuning of Wood via Covalent Modification of Its Lignocellulosic Biopolymers with Substituted BenzoatesA Study on Reactivity, Efficiency, and Durability JF - ACS Omega N2 - Chemical modification of wood applying benzotriazolyl-activated carboxylic acids has proven to be a versatile method for the durable functionalization of its lignocellulosic biopolymers. Through this process, the material properties of Wood can be influenced and specifically optimized. To check the scope and limitations of this modification method, various benzamide derivatives with electron-withdrawing (EWG) or electron-donating (EDG) functional groups in different positions of the aromatic ring were synthesized and applied for covalent modification of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) sapwood in this study. The bonded amounts of substances (up to 2.20 mmol) were compared with the reactivity constants of the Hammett equation, revealing a significant correlation between the modification efficiency and the theoretical reactivity constants of the corresponding aromatic substitution pattern. The successful covalent attachment of the respective substituted benzamides was proven by attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy, while the stability of the newly formed ester bond was proven in a standardized leaching test. KW - Leaching KW - Wood Protection KW - Wood Modification PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-538932 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c04353 VL - 6 IS - 49 SP - 33542 EP - 33553 AN - OPUS4-53893 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Söftje, M. A1 - Acker, S. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Namyslo, J. C. A1 - Kaufmann, D. E. T1 - Novel nicotinoid structures for covalent modification of wood: an environmentally friendly way for its protection against insects JF - Royal Society Chemistry Advances N2 - Timber is constantly exposed to environmental influences under outdoor conditions which limits its Lifetime and usability. In order to counteract the damaging processes caused by insects, we have developed a novel and more environmentally friendly method to protect wood materials via covalent modification by organic insecticides. Starting with an important class of synthetic insecticides which are derived from the natural insecticide nicotine, various new carboxylic acid derivatives of imidacloprid were made accessible. These activated neonicotinoids were utilized for the chemical modification of wood hydroxy groups. In contrast to conventional wood preservation methods in which biocides are only physically bound to the surface for a limited time, the covalent fixation of the preservative guarantees a permanent effect against wood pests, demonstrated in standardized biological tests. Additionally, the environmental interaction caused by non-bound neonicotinoids is significantly reduced, since both, a smaller application rate is required and leaching of the active ingredient is prevented. By minimizing the pest infestation, the lifetime of the material increases while preserving the natural appearance of the material. KW - Environment KW - Wood Protection KW - Efficacy KW - Insecticide PY - 2020 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-506856 DO - https://doi.org/10.1039/d0ra02071k VL - 10 SP - 15726 EP - 15733 AN - OPUS4-50685 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Stroj, S. A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Kasemann, S. A1 - Domke, M. T1 - Laser-generated high wetting contrast surfaces for microbiological applications N2 - We demonstrate a 2D platform based on high contrast wetting patterns suitable for miniaturized microbiological assays. In principal, superhydrophilic spots are surrounded by a superhydrophobic surface area. The special structure of the superhydrophilic functional surface ensures that liquids, e.g. bacterial suspensions or biocide solutions, spread immediately and evenly on this surface without passing the wetting boundary. This feature allows a homogenous distribution of bacteria or chemical substances on well defined lateral dimensions. The superhydrophilic spots may also serve as substrate for bacterial biofilms. Due to the high wetting contrast and the fabrication process, it is possible to minimize the test areas as well as their distance to each other. We demonstrate the fabrication process of the high wetting contrast platform and also present a microbiological assay as an application example. Advantages of this platform are the use of low volumes and its potential of automated analysis. T2 - Biointerfaces International Conference CY - Zürich, Austria DA - 14.08.2018 KW - Biofilm KW - Bacterial growth KW - Laser structuring KW - Superhydrophobic surface KW - Superhydrophilic surface PY - 2018 AN - OPUS4-45863 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Stephan, Ina A1 - Dimke, Thomas A1 - Guterman, R. A1 - Smith, C. A. A1 - Cataldo, V. A. T1 - Antibacterial and degradable thioimidazolium poly(ionic liquid) JF - ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering N2 - New antibacterial agents are urgently required to fight the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We recently synthesized the first thioimidazolium ionene, which has antibacterial properties and can degrade in various media. This dual functionality is crucial in order to limit the environmental impact of these biocides. We have found that our polymer is stronger than benzalkonium chloride (BAC) against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and also readily degrades in the presence of base, while remaining stable in acidic environments. These results highlight a new emerging class of antibacterial degradable polymers. KW - Ionic liquid KW - Antibacterial polymer KW - Amphiphilic polymer KW - Thioimidazolium KW - Degradable polymer KW - Polyioinic liquid PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.0c02666 VL - 8 IS - 22 SP - 8419 EP - 8424 PB - ACS Publications AN - OPUS4-50982 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Srivastava, Priyanka A1 - Tavernaro, Isabella A1 - Scholtz, Lena A1 - Genger, C. A1 - Welker, P. A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Meyer, Klas A1 - Resch-Genger, Ute T1 - Dual color pH probes made from silica and polystyrene nanoparticles and their performance in cell studies JF - Scientific Reports N2 - Ratiometric green–red fluorescent nanosensors for fluorometrically monitoring pH in the acidic range were designed from 80 nm-sized polystyrene (PS) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles (NPs), red emissive reference dyes, and a green emissive naphthalimide pH probe, analytically and spectroscopically characterized, and compared regarding their sensing performance in aqueous dispersion and in cellular uptake studies. Preparation of these optical probes, which are excitable by 405 nm laser or LED light sources, involved the encapsulation of the pH-inert red-fuorescent dye Nile Red (NR) in the core of self-made carboxylated PSNPs by a simple swelling procedure and the fabrication of rhodamine B (RhB)-stained SiO2-NPs from a silane derivative of pH-insensitive RhB. Subsequently, the custom-made naphthalimide pH probe, that utilizes a protonation-controlled photoinduced electron transfer process, was covalently attached to the carboxylic acid groups at the surface of both types of NPs. Fluorescence microscopy studies with the molecular and nanoscale optical probes and A549 lung cancer cells confirmed the cellular uptake of all probes and their penetration into acidic cell compartments, i.e., the lysosomes, indicated by the switching ON of the green naphthalimide fluorescence. This underlines their suitability for intracellular pH sensing, with the SiO2-based nanosensor revealing the best performance regarding uptake speed and stability. KW - Sensors KW - Silica and polystyrene nanoparticles KW - pH probe KW - Fluorescence spectroscopy KW - Cell studies KW - Dye KW - Particle synthesis PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-569198 DO - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-28203-0 SN - 2045-2322 VL - 13 IS - 1 SP - 1321 EP - 1336 PB - Nature CY - London AN - OPUS4-56919 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Sobisch, Lydia-Yasmin A1 - Schreiber, Frank T1 - Biocide resistance evolution of corrosion causing sulfate reducing bacteria N2 - SRB are environmentally and industrially important microorganisms. The disadvantage of their metabolic activity (e.g. sulfate reduction) results in the formation of toxic sulfide that leads to microbial influenced corrosion. SRB have been responsible for biocorrosion of ferrous metal. One of mitigation strategy is the use of biocides. However, it has been shown that various bacteria develop antimicrobial resistance due to excessive use of biocides. Thus, a deeper understanding of the evolution of biocide resistance of SRB is necessary. Three commonly used biocides, THPS, BAC, and GLUT were applied to investigate the susceptibility of Desulfovibrio alaskensis G20.The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration and the killing kinetics of the three biocides was determined. These results will be used to conduct evolution experiments to determine the evolution of resistance towards biocides of SRBs. The outcome of this work can be helpful to improve the management of MIC treatments. T2 - Panel, Pitch & Popcorn by EUROMIC CY - Online meeting DA - 21.06.2021 KW - Biocide KW - Evolution KW - Mircobially influcenced corrosion KW - Sulfate reducing bacteria PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-56940 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Sobisch, Lydia-Yasmin A1 - Nordholt, Niclas A1 - Lewerenz, Dominique A1 - Schreiber, Frank T1 - Time-kill kinetics reveal heterogeneous tolerance to disinfectants N2 - Background. Disinfection is an important mitigation strategy to control and prevent the spread of infections. Incomplete or incorrect usage of disinfection may promote evolution of resistance against disinfectants and antibiotics. Ideally, disinfection reduces the number of surviving bacteria and the chance for resistance evolution. Resistance describes the ability to grow in previously inhibitory concentrations of an antimicrobial, whereas tolerance is associated with enhanced survival of lethal doses. Individual bacteria from the same population can display considerable heterogeneity in their ability to survive treatment (i.e. tolerance) with antimicrobials, which can result in unexpected treatment failure. Objective. In this study, we investigated six active substances of disinfectants, preservatives, and antiseptics against a population of E. coli to identify the presence of a tolerant subpopulation. Methods. We performed time-kill experiments and analyzed the data with a mathematical model to statistically infer whether the data is best explained by the presence of a tolerant subpopulation. Results. The analysis identified bimodal kill kinetics for benzalkonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and isopropanol. In contrast, kill kinetics by chlorhexidine, glutaraldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were best explained by unimodal kill kinetics. These findings have implications for the risk of disinfection failure. In addition, we are currently performing adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments with the different disinfectants to investigate the potential consequences of tolerant sub-populations for the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and tolerance. T2 - Vereinigung Allgemeiner und Angewandter Mikrobiobiologie Jahreskongress 2023 CY - Göttingen, Germany DA - 10.09.2023 KW - Biocide KW - Desinfectant KW - E.coli PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58470 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Sobisch, Lydia-Yasmin A1 - Nordholt, Niclas A1 - Lewerenz, Dominique A1 - Schreiber, Frank T1 - Time-kill kinetics reveal heterogeneous tolerance to disinfectants N2 - Background. Disinfection is an important mitigation strategy to control and prevent the spread of infections. Incomplete or incorrect usage of disinfection may promote evolution of resistance against disinfectants and antibiotics. Ideally, disinfection reduces the number of surviving bacteria and the chance for resistance evolution. Resistance describes the ability to grow in previously inhibitory concentrations of an antimicrobial, whereas tolerance is associated with enhanced survival of lethal doses. Individual bacteria from the same population can display considerable heterogeneity in their ability to survive treatment (i.e. tolerance) with antimicrobials, which can result in unexpected treatment failure. Objective. In this study, we investigated six active substances of disinfectants, preservatives, and antiseptics against a population of E. coli to identify the presence of a tolerant subpopulation. Methods. We performed time-kill experiments and analyzed the data with a mathematical model to statistically infer whether the data is best explained by the presence of a tolerant subpopulation. Results. The analysis identified bimodal kill kinetics for benzalkonium chloride, didecyldimethylammonium chloride, and isopropanol. In contrast, kill kinetics by chlorhexidine, glutaraldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide were best explained by unimodal kill kinetics. These findings have implications for the risk of disinfection failure. In addition, we are currently performing adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) experiments with the different disinfectants to investigate the potential consequences of tolerant sub-populations for the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and tolerance. T2 - FEMS Conference CY - Hamburg, Germany DA - 10.07.2023 KW - Biocide KW - Desinfectant KW - E.coli PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58471 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schütter, Jan A1 - Pietsch, Franziska A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Koerdt, Andrea A1 - Özcan Sandikcioglu, Özlem T1 - Effect of surface topography and chemistry on the attachment of bacteria on solid surfaces N2 - Microbiologically induced corrosion due to bacterial biofilms causes several problems in industrial systems, technical applications and in medicine. Prior to the formation of a biofilm on a substrate, planktonic cells attach on the surface. Hence, the properties of the surface play a key role in biofilm formation and are of great importance for the development of strategies to prevent bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. This project aims at clarifying to which extent surface micro-/nanostructuring and chemical functionalization affects bacterial attachment and whether a synergistic combination of the two can be used to control bacterial adhesion. To answer these questions, model surfaces with regular patterns of 5-10 micrometers in size have been prepared, which provide distinct zones differing in terms of their chemistry or nano-roughness. This was achieved by micro contact printing of self-assembled monolayers with different functional groups and deposition of patterned ZnO nanorod arrays for studying the effect of surface chemistry and morphology, respectively. Typical contrasts studied were combinations of positively/negatively charged, hydrophobic/hydrophilic or flat/rough. The attachment behavior of bacteria on tailored surfaces were studied in a flow chamber as a function of time. The strain Pseudomonas fluorescens SBW25 was chosen as a model organism. DNA-intercalating dyes such as Syto9 have a high affinity to adsorb on ZnO nanorods. To overcome this limitation a genetic modification was performed by introducing a gene which expresses a green fluorescent protein in P. fluorescens SBW25 enabling the quantitative evaluation of the flow chamber studies by means of fluorescence microscopy. Further analysis of the attachment behavior was performed by means of scanning electron microscopy. The presentation will summarize the results of our systematic study on the role of individual parameters on bacterial attachment and highlight synergistic combinations, showing an inhibition or enhancing effect. As the investigations with model substrates enable a precise control of the surface parameters, this approach can be applied to different microorganisms and material systems to achieve a correlative description of bacterial adhesion on solid surfaces. T2 - Eurocorr2019 CY - Sevilla, Spain DA - 09.09.2019 KW - Microbial KW - Corrosion KW - MIC KW - Nanorods PY - 2019 AN - OPUS4-49730 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Richter, Anja M. A1 - Krüger, Jörg A1 - Bonse, Jörn T1 - Laser-Textured Surfaces: A Way to Control Biofilm Formation? JF - Laser & Photonics Reviews N2 - Bacterial biofilms pose serious problems in medical and industrial settings. One of the major societal challenges lies in the increasing resistance of bacteria against biocides used in antimicrobial treatments, e.g., via overabundant use in medicine, industry, and agriculture or cleaning and disinfection in private households. Hence, new efficient bacteria-repellent strategies avoiding the use of biocides are strongly desired. One promising route to achieve bacteria-repellent surfaces lies in the contactless and aseptic large-area laser-processing of technical surfaces. Tailored surface textures, enabled by different laser-processing strategies that result in topographic scales ranging from nanometers to micrometers may provide a solution to this challenge. This article presents a current state-of-the-art review of laser-surface subtractive texturing approaches for controlling the biofilm formation for different bacterial strains and in different environments. Based on specific properties of bacteria and laser-processed surfaces, the challenges of anti-microbial surface designs are discussed, and future directions will be outlined. KW - Antibacterial surfaces KW - Biofilms KW - Laser processing KW - Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) KW - Microbial adhesions PY - 2023 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-588260 DO - https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202300753 SN - 1863-8899 SP - 1 EP - 41 PB - Wiley-VCH GmbH CY - Weinheim AN - OPUS4-58826 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - VIDEO A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Richter, Anja A1 - Bonse, Jörn T1 - BioCombs4Nanofibers: From nanofibers over spiders to bacteria N2 - This 6 minute long MP4-video presents some key results of the European research project "BioCombs4Nanofibers" to the broader public. Inspired by nature, some concepts of certain types of spiders are transferred to technology in order to develop bacteria-repellent surfaces through laser surface nanostructuring. Funding notice: This study was funded by the European Union's research and innovation program under the FET Open grant agreement No. 862016 (BioCombs4Nanofibers, http://biocombs4nanofibers.eu). KW - Antiadhesive surfaces KW - Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) KW - Cribellate spiders KW - Bacterial adhesion tests KW - Bacteria-repellent surfaces PY - 2022 UR - https://download.jku.at/org/7kM/xyU/BioCombs4Nanofibers/D5.6_video%20for%20the%20broader%20public_23.03.2022.mp4 UR - https://www.jku.at/en/biocombs4nanofibers/dissemination/ DO - https://doi.org/10.26272/opus4-54939 PB - Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM) CY - Berlin AN - OPUS4-54939 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Menzel, Friederike T1 - Bacterial Adhesion on Different Materials N2 - Biofilm formation on materials leads to high costs in industrial processes, as well as in medical applications. This fact has stimulated interest in the development of new materials with improved surfaces to reduce bacterial adhesion. We present a flow chamber system to test and quantify bacterial adhesion on materials that are part of antifouling concepts. The adhesion process is standardized and can be adapted to different bacteria in subaquatic of subaerial environments. It is combined with a standardized evaluation procedure based on statistical evidence. T2 - AMiCI Workshop Berlin CY - BAM Berlin, Germany DA - 07.06.2018 KW - Bacterial adhesion KW - Flow chamber system KW - Biofilm formation KW - Standardized test and quantification procedure PY - 2018 AN - OPUS4-46374 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schwibbert, Karin A1 - Menzel, F. A1 - Epperlein, N. A1 - Bonse, Jörn A1 - Krüger, Jörg T1 - Bacterial adhesion on femtosecond laser-modified polyethylene JF - Materials N2 - In this study, femtosecond laser-induced sub-micrometer structures are generated to modify polyethylene (PE) surface topographies. These surfaces were subjected to bacterial colonization studies with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as test strains. The results reveal that the nanostructures do not influence S. aureus coverage, while the adhesion of E. coli is reduced. KW - Bacterial adhesion KW - Laser-modified surface KW - Polyethylene KW - Laser-induced nanostructures KW - Biofilm PY - 2019 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-492280 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12193107 VL - 12 IS - 19 SP - 3107 PB - MDPI CY - Basel, Schweiz AN - OPUS4-49228 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schwabe, M. A1 - Griep, S. A1 - Schmidtberg, H. A1 - Plarre, Rüdiger A1 - Goesmann, A. A1 - Vilcinskas, A. A1 - Vogel, H. A1 - Brinkrolf, K. T1 - Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of the Tineola bisselliella Larval Gut Transcriptome Reveals Candidate Enzymes for Keratin Digestion JF - Genes N2 - The clothes moth Tineola bisselliella is one of a few insects that can digest keratin, leading to the destruction of clothing, textiles and artwork. The mechanism of keratin digestion is not yet fully understood, partly reflecting the lack of publicly available genomic and transcriptomic data. Here we present a high-quality gut transcriptome of T. bisselliella generated from larvae reared on keratin-rich and keratin-free diets. The overall transcriptome consists of 428,221 contigs that were functionally annotated and screened for candidate enzymes involved in keratin utilization. As a mechanism for keratin digestion, we identified cysteine synthases, cystathionine β-synthases and cystathionine γ-lyases. These enzymes release hydrogen sulfite, which may reduce the disulfide bonds in keratin. The dataset also included 27 differentially expressed contigs with trypsin domains, among which 20 were associated with keratin feeding. Finally, we identified seven collagenases that were upregulated on the keratin-rich diet. In addition to this enzymatic repertoire potentially involved in breaking down keratin, our analysis of poly(A)-enriched and poly(A)-depleted transcripts suggested that T. bisselliella larvae possess an unstable intestinal microbiome that may nevertheless contribute to keratin digestion KW - Insect biotechnology KW - Gene expression KW - RNA-Sequencing KW - Transcriptomics KW - Tineola bisselliella KW - Keratin PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-529902 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/genes12081113 VL - 12 IS - 8 SP - 1113 PB - MDPI AN - OPUS4-52990 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schulze-Makuch, D. A1 - Lipus, D. A1 - Arens, F. L. A1 - Baque, M. A1 - Bornemann, T. L. V. A1 - de Vera, J. P. A1 - Flury, M. A1 - Froesler, J. A1 - Heinz, J. A1 - Hwang, Y. A1 - Kounaves, S. P. A1 - Mangelsdorf, K. A1 - Meckenstock, R. U. A1 - Pannekens, M. A1 - Probst, A. J. A1 - Saenz, J. S. A1 - Schirmack, J. A1 - Schloter, M. A1 - Schmitt-Kopplin, P. A1 - Schneider, Beate A1 - Uhl, J. A1 - Vestergaard, G. A1 - Valenzuela, B. A1 - Zamorano, P. A1 - Wagner, D. T1 - Microbial hotspots in lithic microhabitats inferred from DNA fractionation and metagenomics in the Atacama Desert JF - Microorganisms N2 - The existence of microbial activity hotspots in temperate regions of Earth is driven by soil heterogeneities, especially the temporal and spatial availability of nutrients. Here we investigate whether microbial activity hotspots also exist in lithic microhabitats in one of the most arid regions of the world, the Atacama Desert in Chile. While previous studies evaluated the total DNA fraction to elucidate the microbial communities, we here for the first time use a DNA separation approach on lithic microhabitats, together with metagenomics and other analysis methods (i.e., ATP, PLFA, and metabolite analysis) to specifically gain insights on the living and potentially active microbial community. Our results show that hypolith colonized rocks are microbial hotspots in the desert environment. In contrast, our data do not support such a conclusion for gypsum crust and salt rock environments, because only limited microbial activity could be observed. The hypolith community is dominated by phototrophs, mostly Cyanobacteria and Chloroflexi, at both study sites. The gypsum crusts are dominated by methylotrophs and heterotrophic phototrophs, mostly Chloroflexi, and the salt rocks (halite nodules) by phototrophic and halotolerant endoliths, mostly Cyanobacteria and Archaea. The major environmental constraints in the organic-poor arid and hyperarid Atacama Desert are water availability and UV irradiation, allowing phototrophs and other extremophiles to play a key role in desert ecology. KW - Desert ecology KW - Extremophile KW - Hyperarid PY - 2021 UR - https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:kobv:b43-527959 DO - https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9051038 SN - 2076-2607 VL - 9 IS - 5 SP - 1038 PB - MDPI CY - Basel AN - OPUS4-52795 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schulze-Makuch, D. A1 - Haque, S. A1 - Beckles, D. A1 - Schmitt-Kopplin, P. A1 - Harir, M. A1 - Schneider, Beate A1 - Stumpp, C. A1 - Wagner, D. T1 - A chemical and microbial characterization of selected mud volcanoes in Trinidad reveals pathogens introduced by surface water and rain water JF - Science of The Total Environment N2 - Terrestrial mud volcanoes are unique structures driven by tectonic pressure and fluids from the deep subsurface. These structures are mainly found in active tectonic zones, such as the area near the Los Bajos Fault in Trinidad. Here we report a chemical and microbiological characterization of three mud volcanoes, which included analyses of multiple liquid and solid samples from the mud volcanoes. Our study confirms previous suggestions that at least some of the mud volcano fluids are a mixture of deeper salt-rich water and surficial/precipitation water. No apparent water quality differences were found between sampling sites north and south of a major geological fault line. Microbiological analyses revealed diverse communities, both aerobic and anaerobic, including sulfate reducers, methanogens, carbon dioxide fixing and denitrifying bacteria. Several identified species were halophilic and likely derived from the deeper salt-rich subsurface water, while we also cultivated pathogenic species from the Vibrionaceae, Enterobacteriaceae, Shewanellaceae, and Clostridiaceae. These microorganisms were likely introduced into the mud volcano fluids both from surface water or shallow ground-water, and perhaps to a more minor degree by rain water. The identified pathogens are a major health concern that needs to be addressed. KW - Water stable isotope analysis KW - Mud volcanoe fluids KW - Metabolomics PY - 2020 DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.136087 VL - 707 SP - 136087 PB - Elsevier B.V. AN - OPUS4-50499 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schulz, Anne-Christine A1 - Schreiber, Frank T1 - Assessing co-selection of biocide and antibiotic resistance in wastewater microbial communities N2 - Biocides are used for a wide range of purposes, including disinfectants or preservatives. Biocides play a major role in the prevention of microbial infections in healthcare and animal husbandry. The use of biocides often leads to the discharge of active biocidal substances into wastewater streams, causing the exposure of wastewater microbial communities to subinhibitory concentrations. In turn, it is known that wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are hotspots for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Since similar mechanisms confer resistance to biocides and antibiotics, exposure to biocides can result in co-selection of antibiotic resistant bacteria in WWTP due to biocides. Here, we investigate the magnitude and the drivers of co-selection of antibiotic resistance in natural wastewater microbial communities upon biocide exposure. Microbial communities will be sampled at the WWTP Ruhleben in Berlin and characterized regarding their biocide and antibiotic resistance. Changes in the resistance level after exposure to different biocides will be determined by enumerating resistant and non-resistant E. coli and heterotrophic bacteria on selective plates with and without several biocides and antibiotics. Moreover, we are establishing a synthetic community comprising about 100 environmental E. coli isolates each with different antimicrobial resistance traits. Each isolate will be tagged with a unique DNA-barcode. All isolates will be pooled and exposed to different biocides at various concentrations. The barcode labeling enables us to determine the abundance of each isolate at the beginning and end of the experiment by transposon-tag sequencing. The project results will inform risk assessment of the effects of biocidal residues on antimicrobial resistance selection in WWTP. The project is part of the BIOCIDE consortium funded within the call on Aquatic pollutants by JPI-AMR, JPI-OCEANS and JPI-WATER. T2 - 6th International Symposium onn the Environmental Dimension of Antibiotic Resistance - EDAR 6 CY - Gothenburg, Sweden DA - 22.09.2022 KW - Antibiotic resisitance KW - Biocide KW - Wastewater KW - Risk assesment PY - 2022 AN - OPUS4-56796 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schulz, Anne-Christine A1 - Schreiber, Frank T1 - Co-selection for biocide and antibiotic resistance in microbial wastewater communities N2 - Biocides are used for a wide range of purposes, including disinfectants or preservatives. They play a major role in the prevention of microbial infections in healthcare and animal husbandry. The use of biocides often leads to the discharge of active biocidal substances into wastewater streams, causing the exposure of wastewater microbial communities to subinhibitory concentrations. In turn, it is known that wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) are hotspots for antibiotic resistant bacteria. Since similar mechanisms confer resistance to biocides and antibiotics, exposure to biocides can result in co-selection of antibiotic resistant bacteria in WWTP Here, we want to investigate co-selection processes of antibiotic resistance in natural WWTP microbial communities upon biocide exposure. Microbial communities were sampled at the WWTP Ruhleben in Berlin and characterized regarding their susceptibility against different clinically relevant antibiotics. To investigate the link between biocide exposure and antibiotic resistance, changes in the susceptibility level after exposure to environmentally relevant concentrations of the commonly used biocide didecyldimethylammonium chloride (DDAC) will be determined by enumerating resistant and non-resistant E. coli on selective plates with and without antibiotics and DDAC. In case of antibiotics, clinical breakpoint concentrations according to EUCAST will be used to discriminate between susceptible and resistant strains. In case of DDAC (and biocides in general), clinical breakpoints do not exist. Therefore, we determined a cut-off concentration at which the majority of naturally-occurring E. coli strains cannot grow anymore based on (I) the MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) distribution, and (II) by plating wastewater communities onto selective indicator agar plates loaded with increasing DDAC concentration. Additionally, antibiotic cross-resistance will be determined by spotting single colonies, isolated from DDAC-selective plates onto antibiotic plates. The results of our experiments will help to determine selective concentrations and to estimate the risk of antibiotic co-selection and cross-resistance in microbial WWTP communities upon biocide exposure. T2 - Annual Conference 2023 of the Association for General and Applied Microbiology CY - Göttingen, Germany DA - 10.09.2023 KW - Antibiotic resisitance KW - Biocide KW - Wastewater KW - Risk assesment PY - 2023 AN - OPUS4-58510 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Zimmermann, M. A1 - Escrig, S. A1 - Lavik, G. A1 - Kuypers, M.M.M. A1 - Meibom, A. A1 - Ackermann, M. T1 - Substrate and electron donor limitation induce phenotypic heterogeneity in different metabolic activities in a green sulphur bacterium JF - Environmental Microbiology Reports N2 - Populations of genetically identical cells can display marked variation in phenotypic traits; such variation is termed phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, we investigate the effect of substrate and electron donor limitation on phenotypic heterogeneity in N2 and CO2 fixation in the green sulphur bacterium Chlorobium phaeobacteroides. We grew populations in chemostats and batch cultures and used stable isotope labelling combined with nanometer‐scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) to quantify phenotypic heterogeneity. Experiments in H2S (i.e. electron donor) limited chemostats show that varying levels of NH4+ limitation induce heterogeneity in N2 fixation. Comparison of phenotypic heterogeneity between chemostats and batch (unlimited for H2S) populations indicates that electron donor limitation drives heterogeneity in N2 and CO2 fixation. Our results demonstrate that phenotypic heterogeneity in a certain metabolic activity can be driven by different modes of limitation and that heterogeneity can emerge in different metabolic processes upon the same mode of limitation. In conclusion, our data suggest that limitation is a general driver of phenotypic heterogeneity in microbial populations. KW - NanoSIMS KW - Phenotypic heterogeneity PY - 2018 UR - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1758-2229.12616 DO - https://doi.org/10.1111/1758-2229.12616 SN - 1758-2229 VL - 10 IS - 2 SP - 179 EP - 183 PB - John Wiley & Sons Ltd AN - OPUS4-44596 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - CONF A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Nordholt, Niclas A1 - Kanaris, Orestis A1 - Schmidt, Selina T1 - Persistence against benzalkonium chloride promotes rapid evolution of tolerance under periodic disinfection N2 - Biocides used as disinfectants are important to prevent the transmission of pathogens, especially during the current antibiotic resistance crisis. This crisis is exacerbated by phenotypically tolerant persister subpopulations which can survive transient antibiotic treatment and facilitate resistance evolution. Despite the transient nature of disinfection, knowledge concerning persistence to disinfectants and its link to resistance evolution is currently lacking. Here, we show that E. coli displays persistence against a widely used disinfectant benzalkonium chloride (BAC). Periodic, persister-mediated failure of disinfection rapidly selects for BAC tolerance. BAC tolerance is associated with reduced cell surface charge and mutations in the novel tolerance locus lpxM. Moreover, the fitness cost incurred by BAC tolerance turned into a fitness benefit in the presence of antibiotics, suggesting a selective advantage of BAC-tolerant mutants in antibiotic environments. Our findings provide a mechanistic underpinning for the faithful application of disinfectants to prevent multi-drug-resistance evolution and to steward the efficacy of biocides and antibiotics. T2 - New Approaches and Concepts in Microbiology CY - Online meeting DA - 07.07.2021 KW - Persistence KW - Biocides KW - Evolution KW - Cross-resistance KW - Biocide tolerance PY - 2021 AN - OPUS4-53168 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Schreiber, Frank A1 - Ackermann, M. T1 - Environmental drivers of metabolic heterogeneity in clonal microbial populations JF - Current Opinion in Biotechnology N2 - Microorganisms perform multiple metabolic functions that shape the global cycling of elements, health and disease of their host organisms, and biotechnological processes. The rates, at which different metabolic activities are performed by individual cells, can vary between genetically identical cells within clonal populations. While the molecular mechanisms that result in such metabolic heterogeneity have attracted considerable interest, the environmental conditions that shape heterogeneity and its consequences have received attention only in recent years. Here, we review the environmental drivers that lead to metabolic heterogeneity with a focus on nutrient limitation, temporal fluctuations and spatial structure, and the functional consequences of such heterogeneity. We highlight studies using single-cell methods that allow direct investigation of metabolic heterogeneity and discuss the relevance of metabolic heterogeneity in complex microbial communities. KW - Phenotypic variation KW - NanoSIMS KW - Diversity KW - Metabolism PY - 2019 UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095816691930134X?via%3Dihub DO - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2019.11.018 VL - 62 SP - 202 EP - 211 PB - Elsevier Ltd. AN - OPUS4-50194 LA - eng AD - Bundesanstalt fuer Materialforschung und -pruefung (BAM), Berlin, Germany ER -