Characteristics of low-temperature plasma for activation of plastic-degrading microorganisms.

Plastic pollution is a problem that threatens the future of humanity, and various methods are being researched to solve it. Plastic biodegradation using microorganisms is one of these methods, and a recent study reported that plastic-degrading microorganisms activated by plasma increase the plastic decomposition rate. In contrast to microbial sterilization using low-temperature plasma, microbial activation requires a stable plasma discharge with a low electrode temperature suitable for biological samples and precise control over a narrow operating range.

Biodegradation of low-density polyethylene by plasma-activated Bacillus strain.

Plastic biodegradation by microorganisms is an eco-friendly and sustainable method without any ramifications. Herein, we used a cultivation method and 16S rRNA sequencing to screen bacteria that can efficiently colonize and degrade low-density polyethylene (LDPE) from various plastic wastes. We identified Bacillus safensis BS-10L through whole-genome sequencing analysis and verified its LDPE-degradation ability.

Enhancement of vitality and activity of a plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) by atmospheric pressure non-thermal plasma.

The inconsistent vitality and efficiency of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are technical limitations in the application of PGPB as biofertilizer. To improve these disadvantages, we examined the potential of micro Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma to enhance the vitality and functional activity of a PGPB, Bacillus subtilis CB-R05. Bacterial multiplication and motility were increased after plasma treatment, and the level of a protein involved in cell division was elevated in plasma treated bacteria.

Dynamics of nitric oxide level in liquids treated with microwave plasma-generated gas and their effects on spinach development.

In this study, we generated water and phosphate buffer treated with microwave plasma-generated gas in which the major component was nitric oxide (PGNO), and investigated the efficiency of the treated water and buffer in fertilization and sanitation. Real time NO level monitored by an electrode sensor was linearly increased over PGNO injection time, and removal of O from liquid before PGNO injection accelerated NO assimilation into liquids. Residual NO was still present 16 h after PGNO injection was stopped.

The Major Postharvest Disease of Onion and Its Control with Thymol Fumigation During Low-Temperature Storage.

Onion ( L.) is one of the major vegetable crops in Korea that are damaged and lost by pathogenic fungal infection during storage due to a lack of proper storage conditions. The aim of this study was to determine an appropriate control measure using thymol to increase the shelf life of onions.

Inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus on contaminated perilla leaves by Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma treatment.

This study focused on sterilization methods for the reduction of microorganisms on perilla leaves by cylinder type Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) plasma with underwater bubbler treatment. S. aureus and E.

Effects of high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma and micro DBD plasma on seed germination, growth development and physiological activities in spinach.

In this study, we analyzed seed germination, seedling growth, and physiological aspects after treatment with high voltage nanosecond pulsed plasma and micro DBD plasma in spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.), a green leafy vegetable known to have low germination rate. Both germination and dry weight of seedlings increased after high voltage pulse shots were applied to spinach seeds.

Expression analysis of rice pathogenesis-related proteins involved in stress response and endophytic colonization properties of gfp-tagged Bacillus subtilis CB-R05.

Bacillus subtilis CB-R05, possessing antagonistic effects against several fungal pathogens, is a diazotrophic plant growth-promoting bacteria marked with the green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene. To confirm the expression level of the pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins in rice inoculated with CB-R05, the expressions of four pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins (PR2, PR6, PR15, and PR16) were examined in the rice leaves treated with wounding stress over a time period. The PR proteins were generally more strongly expressed in the rice leaves inoculated with CB-R05 compared with the untreated control.

Isolation and characterization of plant growth promoting endophytic diazotrophic bacteria from Korean rice cultivars.

We have isolated 576 endophytic bacteria from the leaves, stems, and roots of 10 rice cultivars and identified 12 of them as diazotrophic bacteria using a specific primer set of nif gene. Through 16S rDNA sequence analysis, nifH genes were confirmed in the two species of Penibacillus, three species of Microbacterium, three Bacillus species, and four species of Klebsiella. Rice seeds treated with these plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) showed improved plant growth, increased height and dry weight and antagonistic effects against fungal pathogens.