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Biogas production from waste materials has emerged as a promising avenue for sustainable energy generation, offering a dual benefit of waste management and renewable energy production. The selection and preparation of waste feedstocks, including agricultural residues, food waste, animal manure, and municipal solid wastes, are important for this process, while the microbial communities are majorly responsible for bioconversions. This review explores the role of complex microbial communities and their functions responsible for the anaerobic digestion of wastes. It covers the crucial physiological processes including hydrolysis, acidogenesis, acetogenesis, and methanogenesis, elucidating the microbial activities and metabolic pathways involved in the prospects of improving the efficiency of biogas production. This article further discusses the influence of recent progress in molecular techniques, including genomics, metagenomics, meta-transcriptomics, and stable isotope probing. These advancements have greatly improved our understanding of microbial communities and their capabilities of biogas production from waste materials. The integration of these techniques with process monitoring and control strategies has been elaborated to offer possibilities for optimizing biogas production and ensuring process stability. Microbial additives, co-digestion of diverse feedstocks, and process optimization through microbial community engineering have been discussed as effective approaches to enhance the efficiency of biogas production. This review also outlines the emerging trends and future prospects in microbial-based biogas production, including the utilization of synthetic biology tools for engineering novel microbial strains and consortia, harnessing microbiomes from extreme environments, and integrating biogas production with other biotechnological processes. While there are several reviews regarding the technical aspects of biogas production, this article stands out by offering up-to-date insights and recommendations for leveraging the potential of microbial communities, and their physiological roles for efficient biogas production. These insights emphasize the pivotal role of microbes in enhancing biogas production, ultimately contributing to the advancement of a sustainable and carbon-neutral future.

Unsafe water sources contaminated with fecal bacteria and antibiotic-resistant pathogens represent a critical public health challenge in rapidly urbanizing regions. This study investigates the occurrence, distribution, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns of Escherichia coli across interconnected water sources in Guwahati, India, including river water, wells, municipal supply, and groundwater. A total of 87 samples were analyzed using membrane filtration, biochemical identification, and automated confirmation, followed by antibiotic susceptibility testing and phenotypic detection of β-lactamase production. Total coliforms were detected in 64.4% of samples, while E. coli was confirmed in 51.7%. According to World Health Organization risk thresholds, 93.3% of river water samples and 50% of groundwater samples fell within the very-high-risk category (>1000 CFU/100 mL), indicating widespread fecal contamination in sources used for domestic purposes. Antibiotic-resistant E. coli was identified across all water types, with 14.1% of isolates exhibiting multidrug resistance (MAR index > 0.2). Notably, 20.6% of isolates produced β-lactamases, including one extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producer, while no carbapenemase-producing strains were detected. The co-occurrence of multidrug-resistant E. coli across surface and groundwater systems is consistent with the interconnected nature of urban water contamination and suggests the potential for widespread exposure through drinking water pathways, though direct transfer between water systems was not experimentally confirmed in this study. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved wastewater management, protection of groundwater resources, and strengthened antibiotic stewardship within a One Health framework to mitigate the environmental dissemination of AMR.

Background β-lactam antibiotics are the greatest pharmaceutical development in modern medicine and are employed to treat numerous bacterial infections. Nonetheless, an alarming increase in antimicrobial resistance to β-lactam antibiotics has emerged primarily as a result of the extensive spread of β-lactamase enzymes such as extended-spectrum β-lactamases and carbapenemases, undermining the efficacy of available therapy, creating a global health problem through the rise in morbidity, mortality, and healthcare expenditure. Despite the development of β-lactamase inhibitors, the emergence of resistant β-lactamases necessitates the rapid discovery of new inhibitors or potentiators of existing antibiotics. Therefore, finding novel inhibitory compounds or a potentiator from alternative natural sources, such as medicinal plants, is imperative. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the potentiating effect of the crude extract of Melastoma malabathricum and other medicinal plants in combination with β-lactam antibiotics against resistant bacterial strains using in vitro as well as in silico study. Results The crude extract of Melastoma malabathricum was found to exhibit synergism against a CTX-M-producing E. coli when combined with cefotaxime, whose association of synergy with β-lactamase inhibition was confirmed using micro-iodometric assay and agar-based diffusion bioassay. It was further validated by molecular docking of the phytocompounds from the GC–MS study, in which 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid/NSC5348 exhibited the best binding energy with potential interactions with the active amino acid sites of the CTX-M. Thus, this compound was further chosen for a molecular dynamics simulation study with CTX-M-14, in which the complex was found to have good stability with consistent conformation throughout the simulation. Moreover, NSC5348 cleared drug-likeness filters. Conclusion This finding highlights the β-lactamase inhibitory potential of Melastoma malabathricum , which may also act as a potentiator of β-lactams against the CTX-M producers. Thus, Melastoma malabathricum shows promise for use in combination therapy to combat drug resistance.

Nanotechnology is revolutionising agriculture by enhancing crop productivity, nutrient efficiency, and pest management while promoting sustainability. Nano-fertilisers minimise nutrient loss, nano-pesticides precisely target pests, and nanosensors improve precision farming by detecting contaminants. These advancements contribute to higher yields, resource conservation, and food security. Nonetheless, the impact of nanotechnology on soil microbial communities remains a critical concern. Soil microbes, including bacteria and fungi, play essential roles in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant health. Sustainable farming relies on maintaining microbial diversity, which supports nutrient uptake, disease suppression, and symbiotic plant interactions. The introduction of nanoparticles into agricultural soils alters soil structure, chemistry, and biological processes. Metal-based nanoparticles can disrupt nutrient cycles, microbial activity, and even induce genetic mutations affecting plant growth. Nanoparticles generate reactive oxygen species, leading to oxidative stress in soil organisms, which can alter microbial physiology and ecosystem balance. The toxicity of nanoparticles varies based on their chemical composition, solubility, and surface properties. Nanoparticles enter microbial cells through passive diffusion, endocytosis, or membrane disruption, potentially causing cytotoxicity and immune responses. Microbes counteract nanotoxicity through antioxidant production, membrane modifications, efflux pumps, and genetic adaptations such as horizontal gene transfer and biofilm formation. Understanding microbial responses to nanotoxicity is essential for developing sustainable agricultural strategies. Regulating nanoparticle use, optimising nanoparticle design, and implementing soil management practices will be crucial for mitigating risks while leveraging nanotechnology’s benefits. By analysing these interactions, the review seeks to provide insights into the sustainable application of nanotechnology in agriculture while mitigating potential risks to soil health and ecosystem balance.

Soil microorganisms play a significant role in mitigating hydric and edaphic stress, contributing significantly to sustainable agriculture. Hydric stress, caused by inadequate water availability, and edaphic stress, stemming from adverse soil conditions, both severely impact crop productivity. Soil microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea, enhance plant resilience by improving soil structure, nutrient availability, and water retention. Microbial activities lead to the formation of soil aggregates, which enhance soil porosity and water infiltration, thus reducing hydric stress. Furthermore, these microorganisms facilitate the decomposition of organic matter, releasing essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in bioavailable forms, thereby alleviating edaphic stress. Symbiotic relationships, such as mycorrhizal associations, extend the root surface area, enhancing water and nutrient uptake. Rhizobacteria directly contribute to soil fertility through processes like nitrogen fixation and phosphate solubilization. Certain soil microorganisms produce extracellular polysaccharides and other biofilms that help retain water and protect against soil erosion. These microbial exudates improve soil moisture content, buffering plants against drought conditions. Microbial inoculants, or biofertilizers, are increasingly used to harness these benefits, promoting sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the dependence on chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Understanding and leveraging the complex interactions between soil microorganisms and plants is crucial to developing resilient agricultural systems. Enhancing microbial diversity and activity through sustainable land management practices can lead to improved soil health, higher crop yields, and reduced environmental impact, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future.

The current study reports dissemination of highly stable bla family of beta lactamases among diverse group of nosocomial isolates of Gram-negative bacilli within a tertiary referral hospital of the northern part of India. In the current study, a total number of 590 Gram negative isolates were selected for a period of 1 year (i.e. 1st November 2011-31st October 2012). Members of Enterobacteriaceae and non fermenting Gram negative rods were obtained from Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Silchar, India. Screening and molecular characterization of β-lactamase genes was done. Integrase gene PCR was performed for detection and characterization of integrons and cassette PCR was performed for study of the variable regions of integron gene cassettes carrying bla . Gene transferability, stability and replicon typing was also carried out. Isolates were typed by ERIC as well as REP PCR. Twenty-four isolates of Gram-negative bacilli that were harboring bla family (OXA-14, and OXA16) with fact that resistance was to the extended cephalosporins. The resistance determinant was located within class I integron in five diverse genetic contexts and horizontally transferable in Enterobacteriaceae, was carried through IncY type plasmid. MIC values were above break point for all the tested cephalosporins. Furthermore, co-carriage of bla was also observed. Multiple genetic environment of bla in this geographical region must be investigated to prevent dissemination of these gene cassettes within bacterial population within hospital settings.

Background Treatment alternatives for DHA-1 harboring strains are challenging as it confers resistance to broad spectrum cephalosporins and may further limit treatment option when expressed at higher levels. Therefore, this study was designed to know the prevalence of DHA genes and analyse the transcription level of DHA-1 against different β-lactam stress. Methods Screening of AmpC β-lactamase phenotypically by modified three dimensional extract method followed by Antimicrobial Susceptibility and MIC determination. Genotyping screening of β-lactamase genes was performed by PCR assay followed by their sequencing. The bla DHA-1 transcriptional response was evaluated under different cephalosporin stress by RT PCR. Transferability of bla DHA gene was performed by transformation and conjugation and plasmid incompatibility typing, DNA fingerprinting by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences PCR. Results 16 DHA-1 genes were screened positive from 176 Escherichia coli isolates and primer extension analysis showed a significant increase in DHA-1 mRNA transcription in response to cefotaxime at 8 µg/ml (6.99 × 10 2 fold), ceftriaxone at 2 µg/ml (2.63 × 10 3 fold), ceftazidime at 8 µg/ml (7.06 × 10 3 fold) and cefoxitin at 4 µg/ml (3.60 × 10 4 fold) when compared with untreated strain. These transcription data were found significant when analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA. Four different ESBL genes were detected in 10 isolates which include CTX-M (n = 6), SHV (n = 4), TEM (n = 3) and OXA-10 (n = 1), whereas, carbapenemase gene (NDM) was detected only in one isolate. Other plasmid mediated AmpC β-lactamases CIT (n = 9), EBC (n = 2) were detected in nine isolates. All DHA-1 genes detected were encoded in plasmid and incompatibility typing from the transformants indicated that the plasmid encoding bla DHA-1 was carried mostly by the FIA and L/M Inc group. Conclusion This study demonstrates the prevalence of DHA-1 gene in this region and highlights high transcription of DHA-1 when induced with different β-lactam antibiotics. Therefore, cephalosporin treatment must be restricted for the patients infected with pathogen expressing this resistance determinant.

Treatment alternatives for DHA-1 harboring strains are challenging as it confers resistance to broad spectrum cephalosporins and may further limit treatment option when expressed at higher levels. Therefore, this study was designed to know the prevalence of DHA genes and analyse the transcription level of DHA-1 against different β-lactam stress. Screening of AmpC β-lactamase phenotypically by modified three dimensional extract method followed by Antimicrobial Susceptibility and MIC determination. Genotyping screening of β-lactamase genes was performed by PCR assay followed by their sequencing. The bla transcriptional response was evaluated under different cephalosporin stress by RT PCR. Transferability of bla gene was performed by transformation and conjugation and plasmid incompatibility typing, DNA fingerprinting by enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus sequences PCR. 16 DHA-1 genes were screened positive from 176 Escherichia coli isolates and primer extension analysis showed a significant increase in DHA-1 mRNA transcription in response to cefotaxime at 8 µg/ml (6.99 × 10 fold), ceftriaxone at 2 µg/ml (2.63 × 10 fold), ceftazidime at 8 µg/ml (7.06 × 10 fold) and cefoxitin at 4 µg/ml (3.60 × 10 fold) when compared with untreated strain. These transcription data were found significant when analyzed statistically using one way ANOVA. Four different ESBL genes were detected in 10 isolates which include CTX-M (n = 6), SHV (n = 4), TEM (n = 3) and OXA-10 (n = 1), whereas, carbapenemase gene (NDM) was detected only in one isolate. Other plasmid mediated AmpC β-lactamases CIT (n = 9), EBC (n = 2) were detected in nine isolates. All DHA-1 genes detected were encoded in plasmid and incompatibility typing from the transformants indicated that the plasmid encoding bla was carried mostly by the FIA and L/M Inc group. This study demonstrates the prevalence of DHA-1 gene in this region and highlights high transcription of DHA-1 when induced with different β-lactam antibiotics. Therefore, cephalosporin treatment must be restricted for the patients infected with pathogen expressing this resistance determinant.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa possessing chromosomally inducible blaPDCalong with other intrinsic mechanism causes infection with high mortality rate. It is difficult to detect inducible AmpC enzymes in this organism and is usually overlooked by routine testing that may lead to therapeutic failure. Therefore, three different inducers were evaluated in the present study to assess their ability of induction of blaPDCin P. aeruginosa.BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVESPseudomonas aeruginosa possessing chromosomally inducible blaPDCalong with other intrinsic mechanism causes infection with high mortality rate. It is difficult to detect inducible AmpC enzymes in this organism and is usually overlooked by routine testing that may lead to therapeutic failure. Therefore, three different inducers were evaluated in the present study to assess their ability of induction of blaPDCin P. aeruginosa.A total of 189 consecutive Pseudomonas isolates recovered from different clinical specimens (November 2011-April 2013) were selected for the study. Isolates were screened with cefoxitin for AmpC β-lactamases and confirmed by modified three-dimensional extract test (M3DET). Inductions were checked using three inducers, namely, clavulanic acid, cefoxitin and imipenem along with ceftazidime. Molecular screening of AmpC β-lactamase genes was performed by PCR assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined, and repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR of all blaPDCharbouring isolates was performed.METHODSA total of 189 consecutive Pseudomonas isolates recovered from different clinical specimens (November 2011-April 2013) were selected for the study. Isolates were screened with cefoxitin for AmpC β-lactamases and confirmed by modified three-dimensional extract test (M3DET). Inductions were checked using three inducers, namely, clavulanic acid, cefoxitin and imipenem along with ceftazidime. Molecular screening of AmpC β-lactamase genes was performed by PCR assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined, and repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR of all blaPDCharbouring isolates was performed.Inducible phenotype was observed in 42 (24.3%) of 97 (56%) isolates confirmed by M3DET. Among these, 22 isolates harboured chromosomal blaPDCgene, and cocarriage of both chromosomal and plasmid-mediated blaAmpC genes was observed in seven isolates. Cefoxitin-ceftazidime-based test gave good sensitivity and specificity for detecting inducible AmpC enzymes. Isolates harbouring blaPDCshowed high MIC against all tested cephalosporins and monobactam. DNA fingerprinting of these isolates showed 22 different clones of P. aeruginosa.RESULTSInducible phenotype was observed in 42 (24.3%) of 97 (56%) isolates confirmed by M3DET. Among these, 22 isolates harboured chromosomal blaPDCgene, and cocarriage of both chromosomal and plasmid-mediated blaAmpC genes was observed in seven isolates. Cefoxitin-ceftazidime-based test gave good sensitivity and specificity for detecting inducible AmpC enzymes. Isolates harbouring blaPDCshowed high MIC against all tested cephalosporins and monobactam. DNA fingerprinting of these isolates showed 22 different clones of P. aeruginosa.P. aeruginosa harbouring inducible (chromosomal) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase is a matter of concern as it may limit therapeutic option. Using cefoxitin-ceftazidime-based test is simple and may be used for detecting inducible AmpC β-lactamase amongst P. aeruginosa.INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONSP. aeruginosa harbouring inducible (chromosomal) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase is a matter of concern as it may limit therapeutic option. Using cefoxitin-ceftazidime-based test is simple and may be used for detecting inducible AmpC β-lactamase amongst P. aeruginosa.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa possessing chromosomally inducible blaPDCalong with other intrinsic mechanism causes infection with high mortality rate. It is difficult to detect inducible AmpC enzymes in this organism and is usually overlooked by routine testing that may lead to therapeutic failure. Therefore, three different inducers were evaluated in the present study to assess their ability of induction of blaPDCin P. aeruginosa. A total of 189 consecutive Pseudomonas isolates recovered from different clinical specimens (November 2011-April 2013) were selected for the study. Isolates were screened with cefoxitin for AmpC β-lactamases and confirmed by modified three-dimensional extract test (M3DET). Inductions were checked using three inducers, namely, clavulanic acid, cefoxitin and imipenem along with ceftazidime. Molecular screening of AmpC β-lactamase genes was performed by PCR assay. Antimicrobial susceptibility and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined, and repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR of all blaPDCharbouring isolates was performed. Inducible phenotype was observed in 42 (24.3%) of 97 (56%) isolates confirmed by M3DET. Among these, 22 isolates harboured chromosomal blaPDCgene, and cocarriage of both chromosomal and plasmid-mediated blaAmpC genes was observed in seven isolates. Cefoxitin-ceftazidime-based test gave good sensitivity and specificity for detecting inducible AmpC enzymes. Isolates harbouring blaPDCshowed high MIC against all tested cephalosporins and monobactam. DNA fingerprinting of these isolates showed 22 different clones of P. aeruginosa. P. aeruginosa harbouring inducible (chromosomal) and plasmid-mediated AmpC β-lactamase is a matter of concern as it may limit therapeutic option. Using cefoxitin-ceftazidime-based test is simple and may be used for detecting inducible AmpC β-lactamase amongst P. aeruginosa.