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 105 CFU ml-1, and the total number of bacteria was 107 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.</jats:p

The role of open-air inhalatoria in the air quality improvement in spa towns

Objectives: The present study was aimed at evaluating microbiological contamination of air in Ciechocinek and Ino­wro­cław – Polish lowland spa towns. Additionally, the impact of open-air inhalatoria on the quality of air was evaluated. Material and Methods: Air samples were collected seasonally in the urban areas, in the recreation areas and in the vicinity of inhalatoria in both towns using impaction. The numbers of mesophilic bacteria, staphylococci, hemolytic bacteria and actinomycetes were determined on media according to the Polish Standard PN-86/Z-04111/02. The number of moulds was determined on media according to the Polish Standard PN-86/Z-04111/03. Results: While the highest numbers of microorganisms were noted at the sites located in the urban areas, the lowest numbers were noted in the vicinity of the open-air inhalatoria. In all the investigated air samples the values of bioaerosol concentrations were below the recommended TLVs (≤ 5000 CFU×m–3 for both bacteria and fungi in outdoor environments). Location of the sampling site was invariably a decisive factor in determining the number of microorganisms in the air. Conclusions: The aerosol which is formed in the open-air inhalatoria has a positive influence on microbiological air quality. Owing to a unique microclimate and low air contamination, Ciechocinek and Inowrocław comply with all necessary requirements set for health resorts specializing in treating upper respiratory tract infections

Distribution of bacteria in the mineral waters of the Polish Lowlands

The paper presents the results of research into the distribution of microorganisms in brines with the total dissolved solids of 40–80 g/dm3, found in the Paleozoic platform of the Polish Lowlands. Water samples were collected from boreholes extracting water from the Jurassic and Triassic aquifers. The total number of microorganisms in the examined water samples ranged from 10 to 30 x 103 cells per 1 cm3, while their viability ranged from 14 to 58%. The samples contained heterotrophic, chemoautotrophic, aerobic and anaerobic bacteria as well as bacteria participating in the transformation of iron and sulphur compounds. Molecular identification of culturable bacteria isolated from water samples revealed that they belong to six genera: Bacillus and Staphylococcus within phylum Firmicutes, Micrococcus and Kocuria within phylum Actinobacteria, and Marinobacter and Pseudoalteromonas within phylum Proteobacteria (class Gammaproteobacteria). The most abundant were Bacillus and Micrococcus isolates related to six different species: B. amyloliquefaciens, B. pumilus, B. methylotrophicus, B. licheniformis, M. luteus and M. yunnanensis

The effect of titanium dioxide addition on physical and biological properties of Na2O-B2O3-P2O5 and CaO-Na2O-P2O5 glasses

Two types of phosphate glasses 50Na2O-20B2O3-30P2O5 (NBP) and 30CaO-20Na2O-50P2O5 (CNP) with different content of TiO2 (0, 3 and 5 mol%) have been prepared by melt-quenching process. TiO2 was added to increase glass network stability. Physical properties of glasses were investigated by density measurements, differential scanning calorimetry and degradation in phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Biological performance of glasses in a direct contact with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells was analysed with the use of resazurin test and live-dead staining. The results show that TiO2 addition increased density, glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting temperature (Tm) of both types of glasses. In the case of NBP glasses presence of TiO2 resulted in their fast degradation in PBS and acidification of cell culture medium. As a consequence such glasses did not support cell adhesion and growth, but they can be considered for e.g. drug delivery systems. On the other hand addition of TiO2 to CNP glasses resulted in enhanced cell adhesion and viability. Particularly positive results were found for CNP glass containing 5% TiO2, so it can be a good candidate as a scaffold material for bone tissue engineering