Anaerobic digestion (AD) of biomass waste combined with waste activated sludge (WAS),which is characterized by great stability,low energy consumption,and biogas production,can effectively reduce the volume and improve the dehydration of WAS and thus has been widely applied in methane production.However,the AD process is susceptible to external factors such as microplastics (MPs) or nanoplastics (NPs),which can lead to reduced efficiency or even collapse of AD.The AD system needs the interdependence and interaction of the microbial community to keep stable operation in a dynamic equilibrium state,in which phages play a key role.Phages can not only regulate the structure of the microbial community in the sludge and direct the energy flow but also attach to MPs and NPs with bacteria and archaea for transmission.Nevertheless,the effects of MPs and NPs on such a process were underestimated in previous studies.In this paper,we summarize the research progress in the effects of different types and sizes of MPs and NPs on AD systems,with focus on the ecological connections among microbial communities,especially bacteria,archaea,and phages,in anaerobic systems.Furthermore,we put forward novel viewpoints about the effects of MPs and NPs on microbial communities and make an outlook on the future research directions in this field.
Citation
LI Hao, LIN Renzhang, KONG Xiangyu, REN Hao, LU Zhenmei. Research progress in the effects of micro (nano) plastics on anaerobic digestion system. [J]. Acta Microbiologica Sinica, 2024, 64(10): 3571-3590 Export BibTexEndNote
Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is a member of the genus Varicellovirus in the Herpesviridae family.It primarily causes pseudorabies characterized by reproductive failure in sows,and neurological and respiratory symptoms in piglets,posing a significant threat to pig production.Vaccination is the most important measure to prevent PRV in pigs.However,due to variations of the virus and its latent infection characteristics,the effectiveness of traditional vaccines is compromised.Consequently,there is an urgent need for new drug preparations to assist vaccine immunization.It has been found that natural plant polysaccharides and small molecules such as flavonoids,phenols,and acids can inhibit PRV infection either by directly blocking the viral infection process or by regulating the immune response.In addition,host antiviral protein type I interferon and its downstream interferon-stimulated genes have significant inhibitory effects on PRV infection.Host defense peptides,including antimicrobial peptides and defensins,also show good inhibitory effects on PRV infection.Interestingly,researchers have recently found that extracts and metabolites from bacteria and fungi also exhibit anti-PRV effects,and it is expected that these bacteria and fungi and their products could be applied for the prevention and treatment of viral diseases in the future.This study focused on the recent research progress of natural bioactive molecules against PRV infection,aiming to provide important references for the research and development of anti-PRV infection drugs.
Citation
DAI Yu, LIU Yiyu, YE Chao. Research progress on natural bioactive molecules against pseudorabies virus infection. [J]. Acta Microbiologica Sinica, 2024, 64(10): 3591-3609 Export BibTexEndNote
Parkinson's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder that seriously threatens the health of middle-aged and elderly individuals.However,the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease is not fully understood.Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease.Gut microbiota and its metabolites influence the intestinal mucosal barrier,neuroinflammation,endocrine system,and other aspects through the microbiota-gut-brain axis,thereby participating in the occurrence and development of Parkinson's disease.Gut microbiota can be regulated by various methods such as probiotic supplementation,fecal microbiota transplantation,dietary adjustments,and traditional Chinese medicine interventions,being an important target for the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease.This article reviews the possible mechanisms of gut microbiota being involved in the occurrence of Parkinson's disease and further discusses the current status of prevention and treatment of gut microbiota dysbiosis.
Citation
WANG Yujing, XIE Ruining, JIA Shuangshuang, LI Yaqing, QIAO Yi. Research progress in the relationship between gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease. [J]. Acta Microbiologica Sinica, 2024, 64(10): 3610-3619 Export BibTexEndNote
In recent years,antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered alternatives to antibiotics and have received increasing attention.AMPs have a broad antibacterial spectrum and extensive sources and are not prone to drug resistance.At present,AMPs are mainly produced with three methods:extraction from natural sources,chemical synthesis,and microbial expression via genetic engineering.The application of the former two methods is limited due to their complicated processes,high costs,and low yields.Microbial expression via genetic engineering is more economical,scientific,and effective than the above two methods.This article introduces and compares the various expression systems and summarizes the strategies for increasing the heterologous expression levels,with a view to providing theoretical support for large-scale production of AMPs with low costs.
Citation
SHAO Changxuan, FU Yanxue, FANG Yuxin, DONG Na, SHAN Anshan. Research progress in the expression of antimicrobial peptides in microbial systems by genetic engineering. [J]. Acta Microbiologica Sinica, 2024, 64(10): 3620-3632 Export BibTexEndNote