Comparative analysis of multi-criteria models for decision-making in the process of building adaptation.

Since adaptations are an increasingly common type of activity architectural practice, and buildings out-of-use are a problem faced by a growing number of cities, the paper discusses the structure and segments of multi-criteria models created in different contexts, which are developed to contribute to better decision-making in the process of adaptation, to achieve maximum economic, environmental and social sustainability. The choice of the appropriate architectural and structural intervention is influenced by several criteria, among which, mostly, the decisive ones are those related to the economic viability of the entire adaptation process. The paper presents a comparative analysis of criteria, applied valorization, and applications of five multi-criteria models. The criteria considered within all types of adaptations have been determined, and those that are specific to a certain type of intervention or context have been pointed out. Regarding applied valorization systems, the advantages and disadvantages of MCDA methods used to develop the analyzed tools, quantitative and qualitative scales of evaluation of criteria and indicators are recognized, as well as the possibility of changing their weighting factor. Since the models are intended for non-professional users, the simplicity of the application was considered. Although the focus of research is on the adaptation of office buildings by adaptive reuse, models that include other types of adaptations are also analyzed, because certain segments of these models may be important for creating new models with a greater degree of personalization, which application may extend the period of the useful life of adapted buildings.

Endorhizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes: a valuable resource of plant growth promoting bacteria.

The adaptability of halophytes to increased soil salinity is related to complex rhizosphere interactions. In this study, an integrative approach, combining culture-independent and culture-dependent techniques was used to analyze the bacterial communities in the endorizosphere of indigenous succulent halophytes Salicornia europaea, Suaeda maritima, and Camphorosma annua from the natural salt marshes of Slano Kopovo (Serbia). The 16 S rDNA analyses gave, for the first time, an insight into the composition of the endophytic bacterial communities of S. maritima and C. annua. We have found that the composition of endophyte microbiomes in the same habitat is to some extent influenced by plant species. A cultivable portion of the halophyte microbiota was tested at different NaCl concentrations for the set of plant growth promoting (PGP) traits. Through the mining of indigenous halotolerant endophytes, we obtained a collection representing a core endophyte microbiome conferring desirable PGP traits. The majority (65%) of the selected strains belonged to the common halotolerant/halophilic genera Halomonas, Kushneria, and Halobacillus, with representatives exhibiting multiple PGP traits, and retaining beneficial traits in conditions of the increased salinity. The results suggest that the root endosphere of halophytes is a valuable source of PGP bacteria supporting plant growth and fitness in salt-affected soils.

Novel Quorum Quenching YtnP Lactonase From Bacillus paralicheniformis Reduces Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence and Increases Antibiotic Efficacy in vivo.

Bacterial infections have become increasingly difficult to treat due to the occurrence of antibiotic-resistant strains. A promising strategy to increase the efficacy of therapy is to combine antibacterials with agents that decrease pathogen virulence via the modulation of the quorum sensing (QS). Lactonases inhibit acylated homoserine lactone (AHL)-mediated QS in Gram-negative bacteria, including the leading nosocomial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we describe the characteristics of heterologously expressed YtnP lactonase from Bacillus paralicheniformis ZP1 (YtnP-ZP1) isolated from agricultural soil using the culture enrichment method. Purified YtnP-ZP1 hydrolyzed different AHLs with preference to substrates with long acyl residues as evaluated in assays with biosensors and HPLC. The enzyme showed good thermostability and activity in a wide temperature range. YtnP-ZP1 in 50 µg mL-1 concentration reduced the amount of P. aeruginosa-produced long-chain AHLs by 85%, while it hydrolyzed 50% of short-chain AHLs. Incubation of P. aeruginosa PAO1 with YtnP-ZP1 reduced its swarming motility and elastolytic activity without bactericidal effect. YtnP-ZP1 caused the inhibition of biofilm formation and disintegration of mature biofilms in P. aeruginosa PAO1 and multiresistant clinical strain BR5H that was visualized by crystal violet staining. The treatment with YtnP-ZP1 in concentrations higher than 25 µg mL-1 improved the survival of P. aeruginosa PAO1-infected zebrafish (Danio rerio), rescuing 80% of embryos, while in combination with tobramycin or gentamicin survival rate increased to 100%. The treatment of P. aeruginosa PAO1 biofilms on infected zebrafish tail wounds with 50 µg mL-1 YtnP-ZP1 and 2 × MIC tobramycin led to infection clearing in 2 days. The extensive toxicity studies proved YtnP-ZP1 was non-toxic to human cells and zebrafish. In conclusion, novel YtnP-ZP1 lactonase with its effective anti-virulence activity could be used to increase the efficacy of clinically approved antibiotics in clearing both systemic and biofilm-associated P. aeruginosa infections.

Development of an efficient biocatalytic system based on bacterial laccase for the oxidation of selected 1,4-dihydropyridines.

Biocatalytic oxidations mediated by laccases are gaining importance due to their versatility and beneficial environmental effects. In this study, the oxidation of 1,4-dihydropyridines has been performed using three different types of bacterial laccase-based catalysts: purified laccase from Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 9945a (BliLacc), Escherichia coli whole cells expressing this laccase, and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) supported BliLacc catalysts. The catalysts based on bacterial laccase were compared to the commercially available Trametes versicolor laccase (TvLacc). The oxidation product of 2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate was obtained within 7-24 h with good yields (70-99%) with all three biocatalysts. The substrate scope was examined with five additional 1,4-dihydropyridines, one of which was oxidized in high yield. Whole-cell biocatalyst was stable when stored for up to 1-month at 4 °C. In addition, evidence has been provided that multicopper oxidase CueO from the E. coli expression host contributed to the oxidation efficiency of the whole-cell biocatalyst. The immobilized whole-cell biocatalyst showed satisfactory activity and retained 37% of its original activity after three biotransformation cycles.

Production of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) and its application as a solid support in transition metal catalysed cross-coupling reactions.

Bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) emerged as an attractive advanced biomaterial that provides desirable properties such as high strength, lightweight, tailorable surface chemistry, hydrophilicity, and biodegradability. BNC was successfully obtained from a wide range of carbon sources including sugars derived from grass biomass using Komagataeibacter medellinensis ID13488 strain with yields up to 6 g L-1 in static fermentation. Produced BNC was utilized in straightforward catalyst preparation as a solid support for two different transition metals, palladium and copper with metal loading of 20 and 3 wt%, respectively. Sustainable catalysts were applied in the synthesis of valuable fine chemicals, such as biphenyl-4-amine and 4'-fluorobiphenyl-4-amine, used in drug discovery, perfumes and dye industries with excellent product yields of up to 99%. Pd/BNC catalyst was reused 4 times and applied in two consecutive reactions, Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction followed by hydrogenation of nitro to amino group while Cu/BNC catalyst was examined in Chan-Lam coupling reaction. Overall, the environmentally benign process of obtaining nanocellulose from biomass, followed by its utilisation as a solid support in metal-catalysed reactions and its recovery has been described. These findings reveal that BNC is a good support material, and it can be used as a support for different catalytic systems.

Biocatalytic potential of Streptomyces spp. isolates from rhizosphere of plants and mycorrhizosphere of fungi.

Biocatalytic potential of Streptomyces strains isolated from the rhizosphere of plants and from mycorrhizosphere of fungi has been investigated. A total of 118 Streptomyces isolates were selected and functionally screened for 10 different biotechnologically important enzymatic activities: hydrolase (cellulase, cutinase, gelatinase, lipase, protease, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) depolymerase), phenol oxidase and peroxidase (laccase, tyrosinase, and lignin peroxidase), and aminotransferase. Out of 118 tested Streptomyces spp., 90% showed at least one enzymatic activity. The most abundant were enzymes involved in the biomass degradation, as the production of cutinase, cellulase, and lignin peroxidase were detected in 31%, 40%, and 48% of the isolates, respectively. The improved specific activities of lipase (isolates BV315 and BV100) and tyrosinase (isolates BV87 and BV88) were shown in comparison with the industrially relevant activities of Pseudomonas strains. Plant rhizosphere soils were more prolific source of Streptomyces strains with biocatalytic potential in comparison with mycorrhizosphere soils. Overall, 284 enzyme activities among 118 Streptomyces isolates have been detected. This is the first comprehensive screening of Streptomyces isolates from rhizosphere and mycorrhizosphere soils for novel biocatalysts, showing that specific environmental habitats, such as rhizosphere soils, are "treasure troves" of Streptomyces with biocatalytic potential.

Streptomyces spp. in the biocatalysis toolbox.

About 20,100 research publications dated 2000-2017 were recovered searching the PubMed and Web of Science databases for Streptomyces, which are the richest known source of bioactive molecules. However, these bacteria with versatile metabolism are powerful suppliers of biocatalytic tools (enzymes) for advanced biotechnological applications such as green chemical transformations and biopharmaceutical and biofuel production. The recent technological advances, especially in DNA sequencing coupled with computational tools for protein functional and structural prediction, and the improved access to microbial diversity enabled the easier access to enzymes and the ability to engineer them to suit a wider range of biotechnological processes. The major driver behind a dramatic increase in the utilization of biocatalysis is sustainable development and the shift toward bioeconomy that will, in accordance to the UN policy agenda "Bioeconomy to 2030," become a global effort in the near future. Streptomyces spp. already play a significant role among industrial microorganisms. The intention of this minireview is to highlight the presence of Streptomyces in the toolbox of biocatalysis and to give an overview of the most important advances in novel biocatalyst discovery and applications. Judging by the steady increase in a number of recent references (228 for the 2000-2017 period), it is clear that biocatalysts from Streptomyces spp. hold promises in terms of valuable properties and applicative industrial potential.

Interactions of the metal tolerant heterotrophic microorganisms and iron oxidizing autotrophic bacteria from sulphidic mine environment during bioleaching experiments.

Iron and sulfur oxidizing chemolithoautotrophic acidophilic bacteria, such as Acidithiobacillus species, hold the dominant role in mine environments characterized by low pH values and high concentrations of reduced sulfur and iron compounds, such as ores, rocks and acid drainage waters from mines. On the other hand, heterotrophic microorganisms, especially their biofilms, from these specific niches are receiving increased attention, but their potential eco-physiological roles have not been fully understood. Biofilms are considered a threat to human health, but biofilms also have beneficial properties as they are deployed in waste recycling and bioremediation systems. We have analyzed interactions of the metal tolerant heterotrophic microorganisms in biofilms with iron oxidizing autotrophic bacteria both from the sulphidic mine environment (copper mine Bor, Serbia). High tolerance to Cu(2+), Cd(2+) and Cr(6+) and the presence of genetic determinants for the respective metal tolerance and biofilm-forming ability was shown for indigenous heterotrophic bacteria that included strains of Staphylococcus and Rhodococcus. Two well characterized bacteria- Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (known biofilm former) and Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 (known metal resistant representative) were also included in the study. The interaction and survivability of autotrophic iron oxidizing Acidithiobacillus bacteria and biofilms of heterotrophic bacteria during co-cultivation was revealed. Finally, the effect of heterotrophic biofilms on bioleaching process with indigenous iron oxidizing Acidithiobacillus species was shown not to be inhibitory under in vitro conditions.

Immobilization of Escherichia coli cells expressing 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase for improved biotransformation of ß-nitrostyrene.

The enzyme 4-oxalocrotonate tautomerase (4-OT) encoded by the xylH gene is a part of the degradation pathway of aromatic compounds in Pseudomonas putida mt-2. 4-OT was described to catalyze Michael-type addition of acetaldehyde to ß-nitrostyrene, and the whole cell system based on recombinantly expressed 4-OT has been developed previously. In this study biocatalytic process based on Escherichia coli whole cells expressing 4-OT was significantly improved using immobilization and ex situ product recovery strategies. Whole cell immobilization in alginate beads was applied in biocatalytic production of 4-nitro-3-phenyl-butanal from ß-nitrostyrene and acetaldehyde. Immobilized biocatalyst showed wider pH activity range and could tolerate twofold higher initial concentrations of substrate in comparison to the free whole cell biocatalyst. Beads retained their initial activity over 10 consecutive biotransformations of the model reaction and remained suitable for the repetitive use with 85% of the initial activity after two months of storage. Bioprocess was further improved by utilizing Amberlite XAD-2 hydrophobic resin for the product recovery. With this modification, the amount of organic solvent was reduced 40-fold in comparison to previously reported method making this biocatalytic process greener.

Structural diversity and possible functional roles of free fatty acids of the novel soil isolate Streptomyces sp. NP10.

Herein, a novel soil bacterium Streptomyces sp. NP10 able to grow outside usual streptomycetes optimum conditions (e.g., at 4 °C, pH 9 and high NaCl concentration), exhibiting atypical hemolytic, DNAse, and cellulolytic activities, is described. This strain produces and excretes into the growth medium large amounts of free long-chain fatty acids (FAs). A concurrent lipidomics study revealed a large structural diversity of FAs with over 50 different n- and branched-chain, (un)saturated, and cyclopropane FAs (C7-C30) produced by this strain. Two of these, i-17:0cy9-10 and a-18:0cy9-10, represent new natural products and the first ever identified branched cyclopropane FAs. Both free and bound lipid profiles of Streptomyces sp. NP10 were dominated by saturated branched chain FAs (i-14:0, a-15:0, and i-16:0). Although these free FAs showed only a moderate antimicrobial activity, our results suggest that they could have an ecophysiological role in interspecies signaling with another soil microorganism Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This work represents the first comprehensive report on the structural diversity and complexity of the free FA pool in Streptomyces. A naturally occurring streptomycete, such as Streptomyces sp. NP10, which secretes significant amounts of free long-chain FAs (non-cytotoxic) into the medium, could be useful in microbial biodiesel production.

Chemoselective biocatalytic reduction of conjugated nitroalkenes: new application for an Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) expression strain.

Chemoselective reduction of activated carbon-carbon double bond in conjugated nitroalkenes was achieved using Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) whole cells. Nine different substrates have been used furnishing the reduced products in moderate to good yields. 1-Nitro-4-phenyl-1,3-butadiene and (2-nitro-1-propenyl)benzene were successfully biotransformed with corresponding product yields of 54% and 45% respectively. Using this simple and environmentally friendly system 2-(2-nitropropyl)pyridine and 2-(2-nitropropyl)naphthalene were synthesized and characterized for the first time. High substrate conversion efficiency was coupled with low enantioselectivity, however 29% enantiomeric excess was detected in the case of 2-(2-nitropropyl)pyridine. It was shown that electronic properties of the aromatic ring, which affected polarity of the double bond, were not highly influential factors in the reduction process, but the presence of the nitro functionality was essential for the reaction to proceed. 1-Phenyl-4-nitro-1,3-butadiene could not be biotransformed by whole cells of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 or Bacillus subtilis 168 while it was successfully reduced by E. coli DH5α but with lower efficiency in comparison to E. coli BL21(DE3). Knockout mutant affected in nemA gene coding for N-ethylmaleimide reductase (BL21ΔnemA) could still catalyze bioreductions suggesting multiple active reductases within E. coli BL21(DE3) biocatalyst. The described biocatalytic reduction of substituted nitroalkenes provides an efficient route for the preparation of the corresponding nitroalkanes and introduces the new application of the strain traditionally utilized for recombinant protein expression.

Metabolic versatility of Gram-positive microbial isolates from contaminated river sediments.

Gram-positive bacteria from river sediments affected by the proximity of a petrochemical industrial site were isolated and characterized with respect to their ability to degrade a wide range of aromatic compounds. In this study we identified metabolically diverse Gram-positive bacteria capable of growth on wide range aromatic compounds in the presence of heavy metals and with the ability to accumulate biopolymers. Thirty-four isolates that were able to use 9 or more common aromatic pollutants, such as benzene, biphenyl, naphthalene etc. as a sole source of carbon and energy included members of Bacillus, Arthrobacter, Rhodococcus, Gordonia, Streptomyces, and Staphylococcus genus. Rhodococcus sp. TN105, Gordonia sp. TN103 and Arthrobacter sp. TN221 were identified as novel strains. Nine isolates were able to grow in the presence of one or more metals (mercury, cadmium, nickel) at high concentration (100mM). Seven isolates could degrade 15 different aromatic compounds and could grow in the presence of one or more heavy metals. Two of these isolates were resistant to multiple antibiotics including erythromycin and nalidixic acid. One third of isolates could accumulate at least one biopolymer. Twelve isolates (mainly Bacillus sp. and Arthrobacter sp.) accumulated polyphosphate, 3 Bacillus sp. accumulated polyhydroxybutyrate, while 4 isolates could accumulate exopolysaccharides.

New polyene macrolide family produced by submerged culture of Streptomyces durmitorensis.

A new polyene macrolide family, closely related to the pentaene macrolide antibiotic roflamycoin, was isolated from the both fermentation broth and biomass of Streptomyces durmitorensis wild-type strain MS405. The main compound was identified by NMR and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry as 32,33-didehydroroflamycoin (1; DDHR). Additional four structurally related compounds were determined solely by MS analysis. DDHR induces cell death by apoptosis in various cancer cell lines as demonstrated by DNA fragmentation. Striking feature of DDHR is its internal fluorescence allowing visualization of labeled plasma membranes and internal membrane structures.

Isolation and characterization of four novel Gram-positive bacteria associated with the rhizosphere of two endemorelict plants capable of degrading a broad range of aromatic substrates.

Four new Gram-positive, phenol-degrading strains were isolated from the rhizospheres of endemorelict plants Ramonda serbica and Ramonda nathaliae known to exude high amounts of phenolics in the soil. Isolates were designated Bacillus sp. PS1, Bacillus sp. PS11, Streptomyces sp. PS12, and Streptomyces sp. PN1 based on 16S rDNA sequence and biochemical analysis. In addition to their ability to tolerate and utilize high amounts of phenol of either up to 800 or up to 1,400 mg l(-1) without apparent inhibition in growth, all four strains were also able to degrade a broad range of aromatic substrates including benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes, styrene, halogenated benzenes, and naphthalene. Isolates were able to grow in pure culture and in defined mixed culture on phenol and on the mixture of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) compounds as a sole source of carbon and energy. Pure culture of Bacillus sp. PS11 yielded 1.5-fold higher biomass amounts in comparison to mixed culture, under all conditions. Strains successfully degraded phenol in the soil model system (2 g kg(-1)) within 6 days. Activities of phenol hydroxylase, catechol 1,2-dioxygenase, and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase were detected and analyzed from the crude cell extract of the isolates. While all four strains use ortho degradation pathway, enzyme indicative of meta degradation pathway (catechol 2,3-dioxygenase) was also detected in Bacillus sp. PS11 and Streptomyces sp. PN1. Phenol degradation activities were induced 2 h after supplementation by phenol, but not by catechol. Catechol slightly inhibited activity of catechol 2,3-dioxygenase in strains PS11 and PN1.