Maciej Walczak

Chitinolytic Microorganisms and Their Possible Application in Environmental Protection

This paper provides a review of the latest research findings on the applications of microbial chitinases to biological control. Microorganisms producing these enzymes can inhibit the growth of many fungal diseases that pose a serious threat to global crop production. Currently, efforts are being made to discover producers of chitinolytic enzymes. The potential exists that natural biofungicides will replace chemical fungicides or will be used to supplement currently used fungicides, which would reduce the negative impact of chemicals on the environment and support the sustainable development of agriculture and forestry.

Influence of stabilizers on the antimicrobial properties of silver nanoparticles introduced into natural water.

Physical, chemical and biochemical properties of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) depend to a great extent on their size, shape, size distribution, and stabilizers located on their surface. This study focused on two typical stabilizers, namely citrates (cit), low molecular ions protecting nanoparticles by electrostatic repulsion, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a hydrophilic, neutral, high molecular polymer protecting nanoparticles by steric stabilization. Natural bacterioplankton was collected from a eutrophic, downtown lake and exposed to five concentrations (0.1-5 mg/L) of AgNPs-PVP and AgNPs-cit. Responses were monitored after 1, 3, 5 and 7 days of exposure, by evaluating the survival rate of bacteria, their respiratory activity, and the general activity of extracellular esterases. A significantly better (greater) survival rate of bacterioplankton was observed in water with an addition of AgNPs-cit. The inhibition of extracellular esterases was observed only in samples containing AgNPs-PVP. The inhibitory effect increased proportionally to the concentration of AgNPs-PVP applied. Within the studied concentration range, there was no statistically significant inhibition of bacterioplankton respiratory activity by AgNPs-PVP and AgNPs-cit.

Biofilm formation on the surface of polylactide during its biodegradation in different environments

The research was aimed at determining the abundance and viability of biofilm formed on the surface of polylactide (PLA) during its biodegradation in different environments. It was also aimed at isolating biofilm forming bacteria, determining their hydrolytic activity and taxonomic status. The first step was to evaluate PLA biodegradability in lake water, compost and soil, using OxiTop Control. The next step was to assess the ability of isolated bacteria to form biofilm in the investigated environments and to evaluate the biofilm structure. The results indicate that PLA is sensitive to biodegradation in any environment, particularly in compost. During this process biofilm of high viability was observed on the surface of PLA. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, the biofilm-forming bacteria were classified as the following species: Acidovorax sp. LW9, Chryseobacterium sp. LW2, Aeromonas veronii LW8, Arthrobacter aurescens LG2, Arthrobacter sp. LG12, A. aurescens LG9, Elizabethkingia meningoseptica LK3, A. aurescens LK9, A. aurescens and LK7. The results show that different bacterial species formed biofilm of different abundance and hydrolytic activitiy levels.

Coexistence of Legionella pneumophila Bacteria and Free-Living Amoebae in Lakes Serving as a Cooling System of a Power Plant.

The study was aimed at determining whether potentially pathogenic free-living amoebae (FLA) and Legionella pneumophila can be found in lakes serving as a natural cooling system of a power plant. Water samples were collected from five lakes forming the cooling system of the power plants Pątnów and Konin (Poland). The numbers of investigated organisms were determined with the use of a very sensitive molecular method—fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The result of the present study shows that thermally altered aquatic environments provide perfect conditions for the growth of L. pneumophila and amoebae. The bacteria were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period and in the subsurface water layer in July and August. Hartmanella sp. and/or Naegleria fowleri were identified in the biofilm throughout the entire research period.

Chemical composition, antimicromicrobial activity and insecticidal activity against the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) and Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oils

BACKGROUND Essential oils (EOs) from Artemisia dracunculus L. and Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum were obtained and the qualitative and quantitative chemical composition of the extracts was investigated. The insecticidal activity of EOs against the larval stages of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) was studied. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of these oils against pathogens transmitted by this pest was also investigated. RESULTS The obtained results indicate the possibility of using Greek oregano EO with a high content of carvacrol as a feed additive in poultry nutrition. The use of the Greek oregano oil at 1% (w/w) dose showed stronger reduction of body weight gain of stage IV larvae. Their body mass was only 10.92% of the control. Moreover, EOs from O. vulgare strongly inhibited the growth of tested bacterial strains as well as Candida albicans. CONCLUSION Greek oregano EO may be a good alternative to antibiotic growth promoters and coccidiostats whose use in feeding farm animals has been prohibited since January 2006 under European Union directives. The introduction of O. vulgare L. ssp. hirtum EO into the premises of farm and poultry houses may help to improve sanitary conditions and control of the lesser mealworm inhabiting these buildings.

Antimicrobial activity of new materials based on the blends of collagen/chitosan/hyaluronic acid with gentamicin sulfate addition

In this study polymeric blends based on collagen, chitosan and hyaluronic acid in the form of thin films with the addition of gentamicin sulfate were obtained. Surface morphology of films was evaluated based on atomic force microscopy images. Surface free energy was measured and its polar and dispersive components were calculated. Moreover, oxygen and water vapor permeability through the material were measured as well as the water content in materials was studied. Thermal stability was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Microbiological tests were performed to evaluate the diffusion of the drug from matrixes. The results showed that thin films based on collagen, chitosan and hyaluronic acid enriched in gentamicin sulfate inhibit the growth of both, Gram negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and Gram positive ones (S. aureus).

Preparation and characterization of silk fibroin/collagen sponge modified by chemical cross-linking

ABSTRACT 3D scaffolds made of blend of silk fibroin and collagen were obtained by lyophilisation process and cross-linking with EDC/NHS. The structure of the scaffolds was studied by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Morphological properties were analyzed by SEM. Porosity for cross-linked samples were measured. The mechanical properties of samples were tested in dry and wet conditions and compared with non-modified samples. The results showed that the blend of silk fibroin and collagen after cross-linking with EDC/NHS and lyophilisation has porous structure. Mechanical properties were improved by cross-linking with EDC/NHS. Moreover, the cross-linked scaffolds have got better stability in water than non cross-linked ones.

Physiology and Molecular Phylogeny of Bacteria Isolated from Alkaline Distillery Lime

This paper presents the results of the research on the number, taxonomic composition, and biochemical properties of bacterial strains isolated from the alkaline Solvay distillery lime, deposited at the repository in Janikowo (central Poland). Fifteen strains out of 17 were facultative alkaliphiles and moderate halophiles, and two were alkalitolerants and moderate halophiles. The number of aerobic bacteria cultured in alkaline lime was approximately 10(5) CFU ml(-1), and the total number of bacteria was 10(7) cells g(-1). According to 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, nine strains belonged to the genus Bacillus, six to the genus Halomonas, one to the genus Planococcus, and one to the genus Microcella. Strains that hydrolyse starch and protein were the most numerous. Esterase (C4) and esterase lipase (C8) were detected in the majority of bacterial strains. Twelve strains exhibited α-glucosidase activity and nine, naphtol-AS-BI-phosphohydrolase activity. The present study proves that alkaliphilic bacteria of this type may constitute a source of potentially useful extremozymes.

Synthesis and biocidal activity of novel N-halamine hydantoin-containing polystyrenes

Abstract Three homopolymers containing hydantoin substituents were obtained by chemical modification of reactive p-chloromethylated polystyrene. The prepared polymers were chlorinated to yield N-halamine materials with biocidal properties. The chemical structure of polymers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. All of the hydantoin polymers are insoluble in water and common organic solvents. Microbiological investigations prove the high biocidal activity of the obtained chlorinated polystyrene derivatives containing spirohydantoin moieties. The obtained polymers will be useful in designing and constructing medical and pharmaceutical equipment. The ability to crosslink allows to expect easy grafting of these biocidal macrochains, for example, on textiles.

Preparation and characterization of silk fibroin/collagen sponge with nanohydroxyapatite

ABSTRACT A freeze drying technique was used to form a porous three-dimensional silk fibroin/collagen/hydroxyapatite sponge. Structure of sponge was analyzed using IR spectroscopy. Mechanical properties of sponge were tested and compared with composites containing different ratios of components in samples. Microstructure of porous 3D scaffolds was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscope. Results showed that scaffolds made of blend of silk fibroin and collagen with inorganic particles of nanohydroxyapatite were less flexible and more stiff than biopolymeric sponge without inorganic part. Moreover, microstructure of those samples was less regular and the size of pores was bigger.