PHB production by Bacillus megaterium strain MNSH1-9K-1 using low-cost media.

Plastics are widely used for diverse applications due to their versatility. However, their negative impact on ecosystems is undeniable due to their long-term degradation. Thus, there is a rising need for developing eco-friendlier alternatives to substitute fossil-based plastics, like biopolymers.

Ciliated Peritrichous Protozoa in a Tezontle-Packed Sequencing Batch Reactor as Potential Indicators of Water Quality.

The presence of colonial and solitary ciliated peritrichous protozoa was determined in a Sequencing Batch Reactor system filled with tezontle, a volcanic rock, economic, and abundant material that can be found in some parts of the world, like Mexico. The presence of these protozoa was related to the removal efficiencies of organic matter. Also, two novel staining techniques are proposed for staining both colonial and solitary peritrichous protozoa.

Microalgae, a current option for the bioremediation of pharmaceuticals: a review.

In this review, research on the use of microalgae as an option for bioremediation purposes of pharmaceutical compounds is reported and discussed thoroughly. Pharmaceuticals have been detected in water bodies around the world, attracting attention towards the increasing potential risks to humans and aquatic biota. Unfortunately, pharmaceuticals have no regulatory standards for safe disposal in many countries.

A new technique to evaluate Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans growth during a bioleaching process based on DNA quantification.

The potential of Acidithiobacillus (Thiobacillus) genus members, namely Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans, for bioleaching purposes is known. Specifically, previous studies have shown the potential of A. thiooxidans strain DSM 26636 used in bioleaching processes to remove metals in high-metal-content matrices.

Microalgae as biostimulants: a new approach in agriculture.

This review aims to elucidate the state of the art of microalgae-based biostimulants as a tool in agriculture by summarizing the biologically active compounds factors that influence the use of microalgae biostimulants and their application methods in the field. Additionally, we examined the factors that support the use of microalgal biostimulants to face abiotic and biotic stress in crop plants. The use of microalgae in crop production and the benefits of seed preparation, foliar application, soil drenching, and hydroponic treatments were discussed.

Metal removal and morphological changes of B. megaterium in the presence of a spent catalyst.

Spent catalysts represent an environmental concern, mainly due to their elevated metal content. Although conventional treatment methods for spent catalysts are available, they generate large volumes of potentially harmful wastes and gaseous emissions. To overcome the environmental impact, biotechnological approaches are currently being explored and developed.

Expression Analysis of Ni- and V-Associated Resistance Genes in a Bacillus megaterium Strain Isolated from a Mining Site.

Bacillus megaterium strain MNSH1-9K-1 was isolated from a mining site in Guanajuato, Mexico. This B. megaterium strain presented the ability to remove Ni and V from a spent catalyst.

Exploring the low-pressure growth limit: evolution of Bacillus subtilis in the laboratory to enhanced growth at 5 kilopascals.

Growth of Bacillus subtilis cells, normally adapted at Earth-normal atmospheric pressure (∼101.3 kPa), was progressively inhibited by lowering of pressure in liquid LB medium until growth essentially ceased at 2.5 kPa.

Role of the Y-family DNA polymerases YqjH and YqjW in protecting sporulating Bacillus subtilis cells from DNA damage.

The role played by the Y-family DNA polymerases YqjH and YqjW in protecting sporulating cells of Bacillus subtilis from DNA damage was determined. The absence of either yqjH and/or yqjW not only reduced sporulation efficiency but also sensitized the sporulating cells to hydrogen peroxide, tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP), mitomycin-C (M-C), and UV-C radiation. Moreover, these DNA-damaging agents increased the mutation frequency of wild-type sporulating cells to 4-azaleucine, but the production of mutants was YqjH- and YqjW-dependent.