ORCID Profile
0000-0002-4881-7234
Current Organisation
Edith Cowan University
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Research Topics
In Research Link Australia (RLA), "Research Topics" refer to ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes. These topics are either sourced from ANZSRC FOR and SEO codes listed in researchers' related grants or generated by a large language model (LLM) based on their publications.
Top 5 Research Topics
ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)
Microbial Ecology | Biodiscovery | Environmental Biotechnology | Hydrometallurgy |
ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)
Mining and Extraction of Titanium Minerals, Zircon, and Rare Earth Metal Ores (e.g. Monazite) | Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences | Soils not elsewhere classified
Related Links
Publications
Quantitative proteomics using SWATH-MS identifies mechanisms of chloride tolerance in the halophilic acidophile Acidihalobacter prosperus DSM 14174
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESMIC.2018.07.002
Abstract: In this study, the differential protein expression of the acidophilic halophile, Acidihalobacter prosperus DSM 14174 (strain V6) was studied with the aim of understanding its mechanisms of tolerance to high chloride ion stress in the presence of low pH, using Sequential Window Acquisition of all Theoretical Mass Spectra (SWATH-MS). In acidophiles, chloride stress results in both osmotic stress as well as acidification of the cytoplasm due to the ability of chloride to permeate the cell membrane and disrupt the reversed transmembrane potential which normally extrudes protons. The proteomic response of A. prosperus DSM 14174 to elevated chloride concentrations included the production of osmotic stress regulators that potentially induced the production of compatibles solutes, of which the most significant increase was in the synthesis of ectoine. Other responses directly related to the increased chloride and acid stress, included the increased synthesis of glutathione, changes in carbon flux, the increased production of amino acids, the decreased production of ribosomal proteins, the efflux of metals and protons, and the increase in proteins involved in DNA repair and membrane biosynthesis. Energy generation through iron oxidation and sulphur oxidation were decreased, and energy was probably obtained from the metabolism of glycogen stores. Overall, these studies have helped to create a model of tolerance to elevated chloride under acidic conditions by A. prosperus DSM 14174 that differs from the previous model developed for the type strain, A. prosperus DSM 5130
Unlocking Survival Mechanisms for Metal and Oxidative Stress in the Extremely Acidophilic, Halotolerant Acidihalobacter Genus
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-11-2020
Abstract: Microorganisms used for the biohydrometallurgical extraction of metals from minerals must be able to survive high levels of metal and oxidative stress found in bioleaching environments. The Acidihalobacter genus consists of four species of halotolerant, iron–sulfur-oxidizing acidophiles that are unique in their ability to tolerate chloride and acid stress while simultaneously bioleaching minerals. This paper uses bioinformatic tools to predict the genes and mechanisms used by Acidihalobacter members in their defense against a wide range of metals and oxidative stress. Analysis revealed the presence of multiple conserved mechanisms of metal tolerance. Ac. yilgarnensis F5T, the only member of this genus that oxidizes the mineral chalcopyrite, contained a 39.9 Kb gene cluster consisting of 40 genes encoding mobile elements and an array of proteins with direct functions in copper resistance. The analysis also revealed multiple strategies that the Acidihalobacter members can use to tolerate high levels of oxidative stress. Three of the Acidihalobacter genomes were found to contain genes encoding catalases, which are not common to acidophilic microorganisms. Of particular interest was a rubrerythrin genomic cluster containing genes that have a polyphyletic origin of stress-related functions.
The recovery of nucleic acid from biomining and acid mine drainage microorganisms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2011
Metals tolerance in moderately thermophilic isolates from a spent copper sulfide heap, closely related to Acidithiobacillus caldus, Acidimicrobium ferrooxidans and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 23-12-2009
Root development and aerenchyma formation in two wheat cultivars and one triticale cultivar grown in stagnant agar and aerated nutrient solution
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 02-1998
Interactions of phosphate solubilising microorganisms with natural rare-earth phosphate minerals: a study utilizing Western Australian monazite
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-03-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S00449-017-1757-3
Abstract: Many microbial species are capable of solubilising insoluble forms of phosphate and are used in agriculture to improve plant growth. In this study, we apply the use of known phosphate solubilising microbes (PSM) to the release of rare-earth elements (REE) from the rare-earth phosphate mineral, monazite. Two sources of monazite were used, a weathered monazite and mineral sand monazite, both from Western Australia. When incubated with PSM, the REE were preferentially released into the leachate. Penicillum sp. released a total concentration of 12.32 mg L
Evaluation of quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for enumeration of biomining microorganisms in culture
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2008
Nucleic acid extraction from biomining microorganisms
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.71-73.159
Abstract: Various methods of nucleic acid (NA) extraction were investigated with the aim of developing a quantitative method of NA extraction from five representative strains of biomining microorganisms. The process of removing cells from mineral surfaces, lysing microorganisms, precipitating NA and purifying RNA were analysed. The success of each method was examined spectrophotometrically, by agarose gel electrophoresis and PCR or quantitative real time PCR (qPCR). The most important step was shown to be cellular lysis, which principally impacted on the quantity of NA extracted from each strain. The quantity and quality of extracted NA was highly dependent on the method of NA precipitation. This study resulted in the development of a NA extraction method that reliably and reproducibly extracted NA from five strains of biomining microorganisms.
Reclassification of ‘Thiobacillus prosperus’ Huber and Stetter 1989 as Acidihalobacter prosperus gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the fa
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 10-2015
Abstract: Analysis of phylogenomic metrics of a recently released draft genome sequence of the halotolerant, acidophile ‘ Thiobacillus prosperus ’ DSM 5130 indicates that it is not a member of the genus Thiobacillus within the class Betaproteobacteria as originally proposed. Based on data from 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, and analyses of multiprotein phylogeny and average nucleotide identity (ANI), we show that it belongs to a new genus within the family Ectothiorhodospiraceae , for which we propose the name Acidihalobacter gen. nov. In accordance, it is proposed that ‘ Thiobacillus prosperus ’ DSM 5130 be named Acidihalobacter prosperus gen. nov., sp. nov. DSM 5130 T ( = JCM 30709 T ) and that it becomes the type strain of the type species of this genus.
Complementary Approaches to Imaging Subcellular Lipid Architectures in Live Bacteria Using Phosphorescent Iridium Complexes and Raman Spectroscopy
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-07-2019
Abstract: A family of three neutral iridium(III) tetrazolato complexes are investigated as bacterial imaging agents. The complexes offer a facile tuning of the emission colour from green (520 nm) to red (600 nm) in aqueous media, while keeping the excitation wavelength unchanged. The three complexes do not inhibit the bacterial growth of Bacillus Cereus, used as a model in this study, and exhibit extremely fast cellular uptake. After a minute incubation time, the nontoxic complexes show subcellular localisation in spherical structures identified as lipid vacuoles. Confocal Raman imaging has been exploited for the first time on live bacteria, to provide direct and label-free mapping of the lipid-enriched organelles within B. cereus, complementing the use of luminescent probes. Examination of the Raman spectra not only confirmed the presence of lipophilic inclusions in B. cereus but offered additional information about their chemical composition, suggesting that the lipid vacuoles may contain polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB).
Analysis of element yield, bacterial community structure and the impact of carbon sources for bioleaching rare earth elements from high grade monazite
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2023
Identification of tolerance to soil acidity in inoculant strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2000
Physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of citral and quercetin incorporated kafirin-based bioactive films
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
DOI: 10.1016/J.FOODCHEM.2014.07.077
Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of kafirin-based bioactive films incorporating the plant essential oil citral and the polyphenol quercetin. The addition of quercetin and citral both imparted a yellowish colour to the films. The tensile strength of films significantly decreased and elongation at break increased when citral was incorporated, whereas addition of quercetin did not alter these two film parameters. The rate of water vapour transmission of the films decreased with citral incorporation but the water vapour permeability was not affected by either citral or quercetin incorporation. Furthermore, incorporation of citral and quercetin significantly lowered the oxygen permeability of the films. Film made of kafirin alone had antimicrobial activity against Listeria monocytogenes, however, films incorporating citral exhibited the highest antimicrobial activity against C ylobacter jejuni, L. monocytogenes, and Pseudomonas fluorescens. These results suggest that kafirin-based films incorporating citral and quercetin have potential as bioactive packaging to improve food safety and quality.
Bioleaching in brackish waters-effect of chloride ions on the acidophile population and proteomes of model species
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 30-11-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00253-011-3731-3
Abstract: High concentrations of chloride ions inhibit the growth of acidophilic microorganisms used in biomining, a problem particularly relevant to Western Australian and Chilean biomining operations. Despite this, little is known about the mechanisms acidophiles adopt in order to tolerate high chloride ion concentrations. This study aimed to investigate the impact of increasing concentrations of chloride ions on the population dynamics of a mixed culture during pyrite bioleaching and apply proteomics to elucidate how two species from this mixed culture alter their proteomes under chloride stress. A mixture consisting of well-known biomining microorganisms and an enrichment culture obtained from an acidic saline drain were tested for their ability to bioleach pyrite in the presence of 0, 3.5, 7, and 20 g L(-1) NaCl. Microorganisms from the enrichment culture were found to out-compete the known biomining microorganisms, independent of the chloride ion concentration. The proteomes of the Gram-positive acidophile Acidimicrobium ferrooxidans and the Gram-negative acidophile Acidithiobacillus caldus grown in the presence or absence of chloride ions were investigated. Analysis of differential expression showed that acidophilic microorganisms adopted several changes in their proteomes in the presence of chloride ions, suggesting the following strategies to combat the NaCl stress: adaptation of the cell membrane, the accumulation of amino acids possibly as a form of osmoprotectant, and the expression of a YceI family protein involved in acid and osmotic-related stress.
Saline-water bioleaching of chalcopyrite with thermophilic, iron(II)- and sulfur-oxidising microorganisms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2016
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESMIC.2016.05.003
Abstract: The application of thermoacidophiles for chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) bioleaching in hot, acidic, saline solution was investigated as a possible process route for rapid Cu extraction. The study comprised a discussion of protective mechanisms employed for the survival and/or adaptation of thermoacidophiles to osmotic stress, a compilation of chloride tolerances for three genera of thermoacidophiles applied in bioleaching and an experimental study of the activities of three species in a saline bioleaching system. The data showed that the oxidation rates of iron(II) and reduced inorganic sulfur compounds (tetrathionate) were reduced in the presence of chloride levels well below chloride concentrations in seawater, limiting the applicability of these microorganisms in the bioleaching of CuFeS2 in saline water.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Iron-Oxidizing, Acidophilic, and Halotolerant “Thiobacillus prosperus” Type Strain DSM 5130
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 30-10-2014
Abstract: “ Thiobacillus prosperus ” is a halotolerant mesophilic acidophile that gains energy through iron and sulfur oxidation. Its physiology is poorly understood. Here, we describe the principal genomic features of the type strain of T. prosperus , DSM 5130. This is the first public genome sequence of an acidophilic halotolerant bacterium.
RNA transcript sequencing reveals inorganic sulfur compound oxidation pathways in the acidophile Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 07-03-2016
Abstract: Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans is an acidophile implicated in low-temperature biomining for the recovery of metals from sulfide minerals. Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans obtains its energy from the oxidation of inorganic sulfur compounds, and genes encoding several alternative pathways have been identified. Next-generation sequencing of At. ferrivorans RNA transcripts identified the genes coding for metabolic and electron transport proteins for energy conservation from tetrathionate as electron donor. RNA transcripts suggested that tetrathionate was hydrolyzed by the tetH1 gene product to form thiosulfate, elemental sulfur and sulfate. Despite two of the genes being truncated, RNA transcripts for the SoxXYZAB complex had higher levels than for thiosulfate quinone oxidoreductase (doxDAgenes). However, a lack of heme-binding sites in soxX suggested that DoxDA was responsible for thiosulfate metabolism. Higher RNA transcript counts also suggested that elemental sulfur was metabolized by heterodisulfide reductase (hdrgenes) rather than sulfur oxygenase reductase (sor). The sulfite produced as a product of heterodisulfide reductase was suggested to be oxidized by a pathway involving the sat gene product or abiotically react with elemental sulfur to form thiosulfate. Finally, several electron transport complexes were involved in energy conservation. This study has elucidated the previously unknown At. ferrivorans tetrathionate metabolic pathway that is important in biomining.
Adaptation to Extreme Acidity and Osmotic Stress
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Date: 2016
Utilisation of native microbes from a spent chalcocite test heap
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2006
A Platinum(II) Based Correlative Probe for Bacteria
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 20-06-2019
DOI: 10.26434/CHEMRXIV.8299274.V1
Abstract: There is a lack of molecular probes for imaging bacteria, in comparison to the array of such tools available for the imaging of mammalian cells. This is especially so for correlative probes, which are proving to be powerful tools for enhancing the imaging of live cells. In this work a platinum(II)-naphthalimide molecule has been developed to extend small molecule correlative probes to bacterial imaging. The probe was designed to exploit the naphthalimide moiety as a luminescent probe for super-resolution microscopy, with the platinum(II) centre enabling visualisation of the complex with ion nanoscopy. Photophysical characterisation and theoretical studies confirmed that the emission properties of the naphthalimide are not altered by the platinum(II) centre. Structured illumination microscopy (SIM) imaging on live Bacillus cereus revealed that the platinum(II) centre does not change the sub-cellular localisation of the naphthalimide, and confirmed the suitability of the probe for super-resolution microscopy. NanoSIMS analysis of the s le was used to monitor the uptake of the platinum(II) complex within the bacteria and proved the correlative action of the probe. The successful combination of these two probe moieties with no perturbation of their in idual detection introduces a platform for a versatile range of new correlative probes for bacteria.
Saline water bioleaching with thermophilic Fe(II) oxidising microorganisms
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 11-2015
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.1130.205
Abstract: The chloride tolerance of three Fe (II)- and sulfur-oxidising thermophiles and the effect of chloride on metals extraction from mineral sulfides were studied. Initially, 10-day bioleaching tests (60 °C) were conducted using pyrite (FeS 2 ), chalcopyrite (CuFeS 2 ) or pentlandite ((Ni,Fe) 9 S 8 ) concentrates as substrate in basal salts medium (BSM), and the activities of Sulfolobus (S.) metallicus , Acidianus (A.) brierleyi and Metallosphaera (M.) hakonensis were compared. Fe (II) oxidation, as indicated by an increase in oxidation reduction potential (ORP), was observed in all combinations except A. brierleyi growing on chalcopyrite. The presence of added NaCl resulted in lower ORP after 10 days of bioleaching in all cases. In ancillary tests using BSM-Fe (II) growth medium with added NaCl it was found that cell counts at the end of Fe (II) biooxidation provided the most reliable estimate of tolerance to NaCl. On this basis, the rank order of salt tolerance is S. metallicus A. brierleyi M. hakonensis .
Physiological responses to acid stress of an acid-soil tolerant and an acid-soil sensitive strain of Rhizobium leguminosarum biovar trifolii
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2003
Distinct Bradyrhizbium communities nodulate legumes native to temperate and tropical monsoon Australia
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.YMPEV.2011.12.020
Abstract: Geographic isolation and growing climate aridity played major roles in the evolution of Australian legumes. It is likely that these two factors also impacted on the evolution of their root-nodule bacteria. To investigate this issue, we applied a multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) approach to examine Bradyrhizobium isolates originating from temperate areas of Western Australia (WA) and the tropical-monsoon area of the Northern Territory (NT). The isolates were mostly collected from the nodules of legumes belonging to tribes, genera and species endemic or native to Australia. Phylogenetic analyses of sequences for the housekeeping atpD, dnaK, glnII, gyrB, recA and 16S rRNA genes and nodulation nodA gene revealed that most isolates belonged to groups that are distinct from non-Australian Bradyrhizobium isolates, which is in line with earlier studies based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of the nodA data allowed identification of five major Clades among the WA and NT isolates. All WA isolates grouped in a subgroup I.1 of Clade I with strains originating from temperate eastern Australia. In contrast, the NT isolates formed part of Clades I (subgroup I.2), III (subgroup III.3), IV, V and X. Of these nodA clades, Clade I, Clade IV, Clade X presumably have an Australian origin. Overall, these data demonstrate that the impact of geographic isolation of the Australian landmass is manifested by the presence of numerous unique clusters in housekeeping and nodulation gene trees. In addition, the intrinsic climate characteristics of temperate WA and tropical-monsoon NT were responsible for the formation of distinct legume communities selecting for unrelated Bradyrhizobium groups.
The use of pyrite as a source of lixiviant in the bioleaching of electronic waste
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2015
Better together: Potential of co-culture microorganisms to enhance bioleaching of rare earth elements from monazite
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2018
Survival of antibiotic resistant bacteria following artificial solar radiation of secondary wastewater effluent
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 06-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2018.01.101
Abstract: Urban wastewater treatment plant effluents represent one of the major emission sources of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) in natural aquatic environments. In this study, the effect of artificial solar radiation on total culturable heterotrophic bacteria and ARB (including amoxicillin-resistant, ciprofloxacin-resistant, rif icin-resistant, sulfamethoxazole-resistant, and tetracycline-resistant bacteria) present in secondary effluent was investigated. Artificial solar radiation was effective in inactivating the majority of environmental bacteria, however, the proportion of strains with ciprofloxacin-resistance and rif icin-resistance increased in the surviving populations. Isolates of Pseudomonas putida, Serratia marcescens, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia nosocomial pathogens were identified as resistant to solar radiation and to at least three antibiotics. Draft genome sequencing and typing revealed isolates carrying multiple resistance genes where S. maltophilia (resistant to all studied antibiotics) sequence type was similar to strains isolated in blood infections. Results from this study confirm that solar radiation reduces total bacterial load in secondary effluent, but may indirectly increase the relative abundance of ARB.
Microbial contact enhances bioleaching of rare earth elements
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2018
Acidithiobacillus ferrivorans SS3 presents little RNA transcript response related to cold stress during growth at 8 °C suggesting it is a eurypsychrophile
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-10-2016
Incorporation of indigenous microorganisms increases leaching rates of rare earth elements from western australian monazite
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/SSP.262.294
Abstract: A large number of microbial species commonly called phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) are efficient at converting insoluble phosphate to soluble forms to prevent phosphorus limitation. This study examined the impact that PSMs had on a sterile and non-sterile monazite source and determined that they could be applied for bioleaching purposes to recover rare earth elements (REEs). On sterile monazite, Penicillum sp. released a total REE concentration of 12.32 mg L -1 after incubation for 8 days, however, this doubled when inoculated on to non-sterile ore (23.7 mg L -1 ). Similar results were recorded with E nterobacter aerogenes, P antoea agglomerans and Pseudomonas putida . Abiotic controls leached a total REE level of 0.65 mg L -1 . Examination of the leachate by HPLC identified several low molecular weight organic acids that corresponded with decreases in the media pH. The presence of a native consortia from the monazite ore combined with a known PSMs was more effective at leaching REEs from the monazite matrix than a single isolates or by the native population alone.
Extracellular DNA: A Critical Aspect of Marine Biofilms
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-06-2022
DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS10071285
Abstract: Multispecies biofilms represent a pervasive threat to marine-based industry, resulting in USD billions in annual losses through biofouling and microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Biocides, the primary line of defence against marine biofilms, now face efficacy and toxicity challenges as chemical tolerance by microorganisms increases. A lack of fundamental understanding of species and EPS composition in marine biofilms remains a bottleneck for the development of effective, target-specific biocides with lower environmental impact. In the present study, marine biofilms are developed on steel with three bacterial isolates to evaluate the composition of the EPSs (extracellular polymeric substances) and population dynamics. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and fluorimetry revealed that extracellular DNA (eDNA) was a critical structural component of the biofilms. Parallel population analysis indicated that all three strains were active members of the biofilm community. However, eDNA composition did not correlate with strain abundance or activity. The results of the EPS composition analysis and population analysis reveal that biofilms in marine conditions can be stable, well-defined communities, with enabling populations that shape the EPSs. Under marine conditions, eDNA is a critical EPS component of the biofilm and represents a promising target for the enhancement of biocide specificity against these populations.
Tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivum cvs Gamenya and Kite) and triticale (Triticosecale cv. Muir) to waterlogging
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-1992
Effects of external NaCI on the growth of Atriplex amnicola and the ion relations and carbohydrate status of the leaves.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 09-1986
The resilience and versatility of acidophiles that contribute to the bio-assisted extraction of metals from mineral sulphides
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 07-2010
DOI: 10.1080/09593331003646646
Abstract: In this paper, a brief outline is presented on acidic ferric ion oxidation of mineral sulphides for the extraction of metals in both stirred tank reactors for mineral concentrates and heaps for low-grade ores. The identities and capabilities of the relatively few acidophiles that assist the oxidative processes are summarized and their responses to selected extremes in their growth environments described. In idually, the organisms adapt to the presence of high concentrations of heavy metals and other elements in the bioleaching environment, tolerate a wide range of acidities and can recover from prolonged exposure to temperatures significantly above their preferred temperatures for growth. However, the presence of chloride in their acidic environment presents a significant physiological challenge. Species that exhibit a chemotactic response and attachment to sulphide surfaces, where they can create their own micro-environments, would be favoured in both heap bioreactors with low availability of energy substrates and physically aggressive, agitated continuous stirred-tank reactor environments treating concentrates.
Syntrophic effect of indigenous and inoculated microorganisms in the leaching of rare earth elements from Western Australian monazite
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.RESMIC.2018.05.007
Abstract: The unique physiochemical properties exhibited by rare earth elements (REEs) and their increasing application in high-tech industries has created a demand for secure supply lines with established recovery procedures that create minimal environmental damage. Bioleaching experiments conducted on a non-sterile monazite concentrate with a known phosphate solubilising microorganism (PSM) resulted in greater mobilisation of REEs into solution in comparison to experiments conducted on sterile monazite. By combining the native consortia with an introduced PSM, a syntrophic effect between the populations effectively leached a greater amount of REEs than either a single PSM or the indigenous population alone. With sterile monazite, Penicillium sp.CF1 inoculated experiments released a total REE concentration of 12.32 mg L
Draft Genome Sequence of the Acidophilic, Halotolerant, and Iron/Sulfur-Oxidizing Acidihalobacter prosperus DSM 14174 (Strain V6)
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 19-01-2017
Abstract: The principal genomic features of Acidihalobacter prosperus DSM 14174 (strain V6) are presented here. This is a mesophilic, halotolerant, and iron/sulfur-oxidizing acidophile that was isolated from seawater at Vulcano, Italy. It has potential for use in biomining applications in regions where high salinity exists in the source water and ores.
Mapping sub-cellular protein aggregates and lipid inclusions using synchrotron ATR-FTIR microspectroscopy
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1AN00136A
Abstract: SR-ATR-FTIR has been used to improve the diffraction limited spatial resolution of infrared micro-spectroscopy, enabling this study to reveal the sub-cellular location of protein aggregates and lipophilic inclusions in brain cells, and bacteria.
Symbiotic Nitrogen Fixation in Legumes: Perspectives on the Diversity and Evolution of Nodulation by Rhizobium and Burkholderia Species
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 14-07-2015
Proton release by roots of Medicago murex and Medicago sativa growing in acidic conditions, and implications for rhizosphere pH changes and nodulation at low pH
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2004
A critical review of marine biofilms on metallic materials
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 24-03-2022
DOI: 10.1038/S41529-022-00234-4
Abstract: The formation of multi-species biofilms on marine infrastructure costs the global economy US $ billions annually, resulting in biofouling and microbiologically influenced corrosion. It is well documented that complex biofilms form on almost any submerged surface, yet there are still no truly effective and environmentally friendly treatment or prevention options available. An incomplete fundamental understanding of natural biofilm development remains a key limitation for biofilm control measures. The purpose of this review is to compile the current literature and knowledge gaps surrounding the development of multi-species biofilms in marine conditions on metals.
Multiple Osmotic Stress Responses in Acidihalobacter prosperus Result in Tolerance to Chloride Ions
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 05-01-2017
Examining the Osmotic Response of Acidihalobacter aeolianus after Exposure to Salt Stress
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-12-2021
DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS10010022
Abstract: Acidihalobacter aeolianus is an acidophilic, halo-tolerant organism isolated from a marine environment near a hydrothermal vent, an ecosystem whereby levels of salinity and total dissolved salts are constantly fluctuating creating ongoing cellular stresses. In order to survive these continuing changes, the synthesis of compatible solutes—also known as organic osmolytes—is suspected to occur, aiding in minimising the overall impact of environmental instability. Previous studies on A. aeolianus identified genes necessary for the accumulation of proline, betaine and ectoine, which are known to act as compatible solutes in other halophilic species. In this study, the impact of increasing the osmotic stress as well as the toxic ion effect was investigated by subjecting A. aeolianus to concentrations of NaCl and MgSO4 up to 1.27 M. Exposure to high concentrations of Cl− resulted in the increase of ectC expression in log-phase cells with a corresponding accumulation of ectoine at stationary phase. Osmotic stress via MgSO4 exposure did not trigger the same up-regulation of ectC or accumulation of ectoine, indicating the transcriptionally regulated response against osmotic stress was induced by chloride toxicity. These findings have highlighted how the adaptive properties of halo-tolerant organisms in acidic environments are likely to differ and are dependent on the initial stressor.
Effect of oxygen and biofilms on crevice corrosion of UNS S31803 and UNS N08825 in natural seawater
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2013
Effect of glycine on bioleaching of rare earth elements from Western Australian monazite by heterotrophic and autotrophic microorganisms
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Medicago sativa and Medicago murex differ in the nodulation response to soil acidity
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 2002
Short term corrosion monitoring of carbon steel by bio-competitive exclusion of thermophilic sulphate reducing bacteria and nitrate reducing bacteria
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Chloride ion tolerance and pyrite bioleaching capabilities of pure and mixed halotolerant, acidophilic iron- and sulfur-oxidizing cultures
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 05-2018
Filtration–UV irradiation as an option for mitigating the risk of microbiologically influenced corrosion of subsea construction alloys in seawater
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
The effect of acidity on the production of signal molecules by Medicago roots and their recognition by Sinorhizobium
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2009
Genome-based classification of two halotolerant extreme acidophiles, Acidihalobacter prosperus V6 (=DSM 14174 =JCM 32253) and 'Acidihalobacter ferrooxidans' V8 (=DSM 14175 =JCM 32254) as two new speci
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 06-2019
Abstract: Phylogenomic analysis of recently released high-quality draft genome sequences of the halotolerant acidophiles, Acidihalobacter prosperus V6 (=DSM 14174=JCM 32253) and 'Acidihalobacter ferrooxidans' V8 (=DSM 14175=JCM 32254), was undertaken in order to clarify their taxonomic relationship. Sequence based phylogenomic approaches included 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, multi-gene phylogeny from the concatenated alignment of nine selected housekeeping genes and multiprotein phylogeny using clusters of orthologous groups of proteins from ribosomal protein families as well as those from complete sets of markers based on concatenated alignments of universal protein families. Non-sequence based approaches for species circumscription were based on analyses of average nucleotide identity, which was further reinforced by the correlation indices of tetra-nucleotide signatures as well as genome-to-genome distance (digital DNA-DNA hybridization) calculations. The different approaches undertaken in this study for species tree reconstruction resulted in a tree that was phylogenetically congruent, revealing that both micro-organisms are members of separate species of the genus Acidihalobacter. In accordance, it is proposed that A. prosperus V6
Microbial population dynamics of inoculated low-grade chalcopyrite bioleaching columns
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2010
Bioleaching of a low-grade copper ore, linking leach chemistry and microbiology
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2014
Effects of external NaCI, and of changes in turgor pressure and volume, on K+ concentrations in Chlorella emersonii
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-1983
Coevolution: plant-Microorganism
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-04-2001
Effects of pH, temperature and solids loading on microbial community structure during batch culture on a polymetallic ore
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2013
Microbial cooperation improves bioleaching recovery rates
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1071/MA18013
Abstract: Whilst bioleaching is primarily used to recover minerals from low-grade ores, the increasing demand for Rare Earth elements combined with supply chain concerns is opening up new avenues of extraction from mine tailings, waste products and recyclable materials. Exploration of new, novel and economically viable techniques are required to manage the coming shortage and volatility of global markets with more environmentally sound alternatives to traditional mining operations holding the key.
Deep‐sea corrosion rusticles from iron‐hulled shipwrecks
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 10-10-0003
Abstract: Vertical tube‐shaped iron‐oxide accumulations, named rusticles, obtained from the wrecks of the HMAS Sydney II and the HSK Kormoran at 2480 m ocean depth were chemically analysed along with surrounding seawater. Rusticles consisted of a porous aggregation of iron oxides and high levels of toxic metals and metalloids. Their growth rate is approximately 1 cm per year, predominantly over the areas of the hulls that remained underwater during their service years. A connection between the quality of antifouling paints and rusticle growth and composition was found. A mechanism explaining the formation of rusticles is proposed based on corrosion of carbon steel in deep‐seawater, water chemistry, surface complexation of iron oxides and chemical garden formation mechanisms. This study provides a complete rationalisation of the process of rusticle formation and deep‐water corrosion that is applicable to the long‐term integrity of offshore infrastructure.
Calcium and acid stress interact to affect the growth of Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. trifolii
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-1997
Klebsiella aerogenes Adhesion Behaviour during Biofilm Formation on Monazite
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 18-05-2023
DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS11051331
Abstract: The adsorption behaviour of micro-organisms during the initial attachment stage of biofilm formation affects subsequent stages. The available area for attachment and the chemophysical properties of a surface affect microbial attachment performance. This study focused on the initial attachment behaviour of Klebsiella aerogenes on monazite by measuring the ratio of planktonic against sessile subpopulations (P:S ratio), and the potential role of extracellular DNA (eDNA). eDNA production, effects of physicochemical properties of the surface, particle size, total available area for attachment, and the initial inoculation size on the attachment behaviour were tested. K. aerogenes attached to monazite immediately after exposure to the ore however, the P:S ratio significantly (p = 0.05) changed in response to the particle size, available area, and inoculation size. Attachment occurred preferentially on larger-sized (~50 µm) particles, and either decreasing the inoculation size or increasing the available area further promoted attachment. Nevertheless, a portion of the inoculated cells always remained in a planktonic state. K. aerogenes produced lower eDNA in response to the changed surface chemical properties when monazite was replaced by xenotime. Using pure eDNA to cover the monazite surface significantly (p ≤ 0.05) hindered bacterial attachment due to the repulsive interaction between the eDNA layer and bacteria.
Biofilm formation on the surface of monazite and xenotime during bioleaching
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-06-2023
Abstract: Microbial attachment and biofilm formation is a ubiquitous behaviour of microorganisms and is the most crucial prerequisite of contact bioleaching. Monazite and xenotime are two commercially exploitable minerals containing rare earth elements (REEs). Bioleaching using phosphate solubilizing microorganisms is a green biotechnological approach for the extraction of REEs. In this study, microbial attachment and biofilm formation of Klebsiella aerogenes ATCC 13048 on the surface of these minerals were investigated using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In a batch culture system, K. aerogenes was able to attach and form biofilms on the surface of three phosphate minerals. The microscopy records showed three distinctive stages of biofilm development for K. aerogenes commencing with initial attachment to the surface occurring in the first minutes of microbial inoculation. This was followed by colonization of the surface and formation of a mature biofilm as the second distinguishable stage, with progression to dispersion as the final stage. The biofilm had a thin‐layer structure. The colonization and biofilm formation were localized toward physical surface imperfections such as cracks, pits, grooves and dents. In comparison to monazite and xenotime crystals, a higher proportion of the surface of the high‐grade monazite ore was covered by biofilm which could be due to its higher surface roughness. No selective attachment or colonization toward specific mineralogy or chemical composition of the minerals was detected. Finally, in contrast to abiotic leaching of control s les, microbial activity resulted in extensive microbial erosion on the high‐grade monazite ore.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Iron-Oxidizing Acidophile Leptospirillum ferriphilum Type Strain DSM 14647
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 24-12-2014
Abstract: The genomic features of the Leptospirillum ferriphilum type strain DSM 14647 are described here. An analysis of the predicted genes enriches our knowledge of the molecular basis of iron oxidation, improves our understanding of its role in industrial bioleaching, and suggests how it is adapted to live at extremely low pH.
Population dynamics of a low-grade chalcopyrite bioleaching column
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.71-73.71
Abstract: Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) was used to determine the ersity of the bacterial and archaeal populations in a bioleaching column charged with a low-grade chalcopyrite ore and operated at 50 oC. Differing populations were identified in the leachate and the column solids but there was not discernible effect in respect of location in the column.
Structure illumination microscopy imaging of lipid vesicles in live bacteria with naphthalimide-appended organometallic complexes
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC)
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1039/D1AN00363A
Abstract: Staining bacteria is made more informative with a probe that enables imaging using super-resolution microscopy, and ion nanoscopy.
Complete genome sequence of Acidihalobacter prosperus strain F5, an extremely acidophilic, iron- and sulfur-oxidizing halophile with potential industrial applicability in saline water bioleaching of chalcopyrite
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JBIOTEC.2017.10.001
Abstract: Successful process development for the bioleaching of mineral ores, particularly the refractory copper sulfide ore chalcopyrite, remains a challenge in regions where freshwater is scarce and source water contains high concentrations of chloride ion. In this study, a pure isolate of Acidihalobacter prosperus strain F5 was characterized for its ability to leach base metals from sulfide ores (pyrite, chalcopyrite and pentlandite) at increasing chloride ion concentrations. F5 successfully released base metals from ores including pyrite and pentlandite at up to 30gL
Uncovering the Mechanisms of Halotolerance in the Extremely Acidophilic Members of the Acidihalobacter Genus Through Comparative Genome Analysis
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 08-02-2019
Draft Genome Sequence of Acidihalobacter ferrooxidans DSM 14175 (Strain V8), a New Iron- and Sulfur-Oxidizing, Halotolerant, Acidophilic Species
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 25-05-2017
Abstract: The use of halotolerant acidophiles for bioleaching provides a biotechnical approach for the extraction of metals from regions where high salinity exists in the ores and source water. Here, we describe the first draft genome of a new species of a halotolerant and iron- and sulfur-oxidizing acidophile, Acidihalobacter ferrooxidans DSM-14175 (strain V8).
Effects of anoxia on wheat seedlings: I. Interaction between anoxia and other environmental factors
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 1991
Enhancing Biocide Efficacy: Targeting Extracellular DNA for Marine Biofilm Disruption
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-06-2022
DOI: 10.3390/MICROORGANISMS10061227
Abstract: Biofilm formation is a global health, safety and economic concern. The extracellular composition of deleterious multispecies biofilms remains uncanvassed, leading to an absence of targeted biofilm mitigation strategies. Besides economic incentives, drive also exists from industry and research to develop and apply environmentally sustainable chemical treatments (biocides) especially in engineered systems associated with the marine environment. Recently, extracellular DNA (eDNA) was implicated as a critical structural polymer in marine biofilms. Additionally, an environmentally sustainable, multi-functional biocide was also introduced to manage corrosion and biofilm formation. To anticipate biofilm tolerance acquisition to chemical treatments and reduce biocide application quantities, the present research investigated eDNA as a target for biofilm dispersal and potential enhancement of biocide function. Results indicate that mature biofilm viability can be reduced by two-fold using reduced concentrations of the biocide alone (1 mM instead of the recommended 10 mM). Importantly, through the incorporation of an eDNA degradation stage, biocide function could be enhanced by a further ~90% (one further log reduction in viability). Biofilm architecture analysis post-treatment revealed that endonuclease targeting of the matrix allowed greater biocide penetration, leading to the observed viability reduction. Biofilm matrix eDNA is a promising target for biofilm dispersal and antimicrobial enhancement in clinical and engineered systems.
Complete Genome Sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia AB550, an Environmental Solar Radiation- and Multidrug-Resistant Strain Isolated in Western Australia
Publisher: American Society for Microbiology
Date: 09-08-2018
DOI: 10.1128/MRA.00914-18
Abstract: We report here the complete genome sequence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia AB550, a multidrug- and solar radiation-resistant strain isolated from the effluents of an urban wastewater treatment plant in Western Australia. The genome consists of a single 4.9-Mb chromosome.
Role of microorganisms in bioleaching of rare earth elements from primary and secondary resources
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-11-2018
DOI: 10.1007/S00253-018-9526-Z
Abstract: In an era of environmental degradation, and water, and mineral scarcity, enhancing microbial function in sustainable mining has become a prerequisite for the future of the green economy. In recent years, the extensive use of rare earth elements (REEs) in green and smart technologies has led to an increase in the focus on recovery and separation of REEs from ore matrices. However, the recovery of REEs using traditional methods is complex and energy intensive, leading to the requirement to develop processes which are more economically feasible and environmentally friendly. The use of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms for bioleaching of REEs provides a biotechnical approach for the recovery of REEs from primary and secondary sources. However, managing and understanding the microbial-mineral interactions in order to develop a successful method for bioleaching of REEs still remains a major challenge. This review focuses on the use of microbes for the bioleaching of REEs and highlights the importance of genomic studies in order to narrow down potential microorganisms for the optimal extraction of REEs.
Bacterial Community Dynamics and Biocement Formation during Stimulation and Augmentation: Implications for Soil Consolidation
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 11-07-2017
Microbial Diversity and Mineralogical-Mechanical Properties of Calcitic Cave Speleothems in Natural and in Vitro Biomineralization Conditions
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 02-02-2018
Corrigendum to: Distinct Bradyrhizobium communities nodulate legumes native to temperate and tropical monsoon Australia [Mol. Phylogenet. Evol. 63 (2012) 265–277]
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2012
Genome-based classification of Acidihalobacter prosperus F5 (=DSM 105917=JCM 32255) as Acidihalobacter yilgarnensis sp. nov.
Publisher: Microbiology Society
Date: 12-2020
Abstract: The genus Acidihalobacter has three validated species, Acidihalobacter ferrooxydans , Acidihalobacter prosperus and Acidihalobacter aeolinanus , all of which were isolated from Vulcano island, Italy. They are obligately chemolithotrophic, aerobic, acidophilic and halophilic in nature and use either ferrous iron or reduced sulphur as electron donors. Recently, a novel strain was isolated from an acidic, saline drain in the Yilgarn region of Western Australia. Strain F5 T has an absolute requirement for sodium chloride ( mM) and is osmophilic, growing in elevated concentrations ( M) of magnesium sulphate. A defining feature of its physiology is its ability to catalyse the oxidative dissolution of the most abundant copper mineral, chalcopyrite, suggesting a potential role in biomining. Originally categorized as a strain of A. prosperus , 16S rRNA gene phylogeny and multiprotein phylogenies derived from clusters of orthologous proteins (COGS) of ribosomal protein families and universal protein families unambiguously demonstrate that strain F5 T forms a well-supported separate branch as a sister clade to A. prosperus and is clearly distinguishable from A. ferrooxydans DSM 14175 T and A. aeolinanus DSM14174 T . Results of comparisons between strain F5 T and the other Acidihalobacter species, using genome-based average nucleotide identity, average amino acid identity, correlation indices of tetra-nucleotide signatures (Tetra) and genome-to-genome distance (digital DNA–DNA hybridization), support the contention that strain F5 T represents a novel species of the genus Acidihalobacter . It is proposed that strain F5 T should be formally reclassified as Acidihalobacter yilgarnenesis F5 T (=DSM 105917 T =JCM 32255 T ).
The characterization of salt tolerance in biomining microorganisms and the search for novel salt tolerant strains
Publisher: Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
Date: 05-2009
DOI: 10.4028/WWW.SCIENTIFIC.NET/AMR.71-73.283
Abstract: In this study an acidic saline drain in the Western Australian wheat belt was s led and enriched for salt tolerant chemolithotrophic microorganisms in acidic media containing up to 100 gL-1 NaCl. A mixed consortium was obtained which grows at pH 1.8 and oxidises iron (II) in the presence of up to 30 gL-1 NaCl. In comparative tests (growth rates and iron (II) oxidation rates) it was found that NaCl concentrations .5 gL-1 generally cause reduced growth and iron (II) oxidation rates in known biomining organisms. The results help to set a benchmark for NaCl tolerance in known biomining microorganisms and will lead to the generation of a consortium of microorganisms that can oxidise iron (II) effectively in saline process water.
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Discovery Projects - Grant ID: DP200103243
Start Date: 06-2020
End Date: 12-2024
Amount: $611,493.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
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