Mechanism of bacteriophage-induced vaterite formation.

This study shows how bacterial viruses (bacteriophages, phages) interact with calcium carbonate during precipitation from aqueous solution. Using electron microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and image analysis, we demonstrate that bacteriophages can strongly influence the formation of the vaterite phase. Importantly, bacteriophages may selectively bind both amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and vaterite, and indirectly affect the formation of structural defects in calcite crystallites.

Surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles by bacteriophages and ionic liquids precursors.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have recently been a point of interest for many researchers due to their properties. However, the studies on the influence of bacteriophages on the synthesis of MNPs seem to be lacking. Furthermore, bacteriophage-modified MNPs have not been combined with -alkyl quaternary ammonium ionic liquid precursors (QAS).

Connectivity of Edaphic and Endolithic Microbial Niches in Cold Mountain Desert of Eastern Pamir (Tajikistan).

Microbial communities found in arid environments are commonly represented by biological soil crusts (BSCs) and endolithic assemblages. There is still limited knowledge concerning endoliths and BSCs occurring in the cold mountain desert of Pamir. The aim of the study was to investigate the composition and structure of endolithic bacterial communities in comparison to surrounding BSCs in three subregions of the Eastern Pamir (Tajikistan).

Microplastic pollution in surface water and sediments in the urban section of the Vistula River (Poland).

The main hypothesis of this study was that the microplastic (MP) concentration would be higher in the city centre. The MP (<5 mm) abundance and distribution in the urbanized section of the Vistula River were examined. Samples were collected from three different sites: 1) the less urbanized part of the city, 2) the area close to the tributary outlet and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), and 3) the city centre.

Interactions of Fe-N-S Co-Doped Porous Carbons with Bacteria: Sorption Effect and Enzyme-Like Properties.

Carbon-based (nano)materials doped with transition metals, nitrogen and other heteroatoms are considered active heterogeneous catalysts in a wide range of chemical processes. Recently they have been scrutinized as artificial enzymes since they can catalyze proton-coupled electron transfer reactions vital for living organisms. Herein, interactions between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and either metal-free N and/or S doped or metal containing Fe-N-S co-doped porous carbons are studied.