Scholarly Work - Center for Biofilm Engineering
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://scholarworks.montana.edu/handle/1/9335
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Item Pathways of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene transformation by aerobic yeasts(2013-08) Ziganshin, Ayrat M.; Gerlach, RobinThe production and use of various highly persistent synthetic compounds lead to environmental pollution. Among such compounds, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) is the one which is commonly used as an explosive. Synthesis and wide use of TNT in ammunition have resulted in the contamination of soil, air, surface water, and groundwater. TNT and its nitro group reduction products are highly toxic, potentially mutagenic and persistent contaminants which can persist in the environment for a long time (Spain et al. 2000; Stenuit et al. 2005; Smets et al. 2007; Singh et al. 2012). The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has classified TNT as one of the most dangerous pollutants in the biosphere. Hence, remediation of TNT-contaminated sites is urgently warranted at places of its production and use (Keith and Telliard 1979; Fiorella and Spain 1997).Human exposure to TNT or its nitro group reduction metabolites can lead to the development of diseases, such as aplastic anemia, cataracts, impaired liver function and the formation of tumors in the urinary tract (Hathaway 1985; Yinon 1990; Leung et al. 1995). Hence, it is inevitable to work out strategies targeting the degradation of TNT.Decontamination of sites contaminated with explosives, especially with TNT, is possible with application of various physical, chemical, and biological methods. The main advantages of bioremediation are environmental friendliness and involvement of low cost (Rodgers and Bunce 2001).Item Antimicrobial Tolerance in Biofilms(2015-06) Stewart, Philip S.Tolerance to antimicrobial agents is a common feature of microbial biofilm formation ( 1 – 7 ). Table 1 presents a few examples of biofilm tolerance to biocides and antiseptics, and Table 2 summarizes some examples of antibiotic tolerance in biofilms. Neither of these listings is comprehensive, but these two data sets can be analyzed to gain insight into the factors that influence biofilm tolerance. The examples have been selected to illustrate the wide variety of microbial species, growth environments, and antimicrobial chemistries for which biofilm reduced susceptibility has been reported. The short list in Table 1 encompasses studies designed to mimic biofilms in dental plaque, hot tubs, paper mills, drinking water, household drains, urinary catheters, food processing plants, cooling water systems, and hospitals. These examples employ a range of individual and mixed species biofilms and diverse biocidal chemistries including halogens, phenolics, quaternary ammonium compounds, aldehydes, a plant essential oil, and peroxides. The studies captured in Table 2 cover 19 antibiotics and 9 organisms that include aerobic bacteria, strict anaerobes, and a fungus.