Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology2980-88559120260701Impact of Arthrospira platensis Morphology on Growth Performance and Zinc Bioaccumulation17161810.22104/mmb.2025.7797.1180ENAvishaSamimiazadDepartment of Food Science and Technology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran0009-0006-5674-4545SaeedMirdamadiDepartment of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8356-771XAbbasAkhavan SepahiDepartment of Microbiology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, North Tehran Branch, Tehran, IranMarjanehSedaghatiDepartment of Food Science and Technology, NT.C., Islamic Azad University, Tehran, IranMalihehSafaviDepartment of Biotechnology, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology, Tehran, IranJournal Article20250804The cyanobacterium Arthrospira platensis has garnered significant attention for its biotechnological applications; however, morphological and physiological variations among different species can considerably influence their industrial viability. This research provides a detailed comparative analysis of two variants of A. platensis (designated as L and S), which exhibit differing trichome morphologies—linear and spiral, respectively. The study investigates their molecular identity, growth characteristics, and resilience to zinc-induced stress. Notably, strain S, characterized by spiral trichomes, exhibited enhanced biomass production (OD590 = 2.6 ± 0.04). In contrast, strain L, with linear trichomes, demonstrated reduced growth (OD590 = 1.8 ± 0.03) and impaired metabolic efficiency at high zinc concentrations, suggesting reduced stress adaptability (p < 0.05). Molecular identification through 16S rRNA sequencing confirmed both strains as A. platensis, showing 99% similarity to type strains in the NCBI database. Both morphologies exhibited concentration-dependent zinc enrichment, with enrichment factor (EF) values reaching 17.03 for strain S and 16.73 for strain L at a zinc concentration of 11 mg L⁻¹. The superior zinc accumulation capacity of the spiral morphotype is likely attributable to a combination of structural and physiological factors. These results underscore the significant influence of trichome morphology on stress tolerance, positioning morphology S as a promising candidate for bioaccumulation and large-scale cultivation. This study offers valuable insights into strain selection for industrial applications.https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1618_f60bb6bb4c96d4df93c51bd69dcc15a0.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology2980-88559120260701Quercetin Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Sertoli Cells812169510.22104/mmb.2026.8048.1192ENMarziehZeinvand LorestaniDepartment of Chemical Technologies, Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST), Tehran, Iran0000-0002-6515-4372HamedZeinvand LorestaniDepartment of Toxicology, faculty of Pharmacy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IranNooshinAsadmasjediDepartment of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Dezful University of Medical Sciences, Dezful, IranJournal Article20251210Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive drug that can impair spermatogenesis and lead to male infertility. This study examined the effects of different MTX concentrations on TM4 Sertoli cells and evaluated the protective role of quercetin (QT), a natural antioxidant, against MTX-induced oxidative stress.TM4 cells were treated with MTX at the following concentrations: 1 µg/mL /mL, 5 µg/mL /mL, and 10 µg/mL /mL for 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours. Our results show that an IC₅₀ value of MTX in these cells was 7 µg/mL. Quercetin was then applied by itself to the cultures at the following concentrations: 10 µg/mL /mL, 25 µg/mL /mL, and 50 µg/mL /mL, and in combination with MTX at its IC₅₀ concentration, for 24 hours. MTX significantly reduced TM4 cell viability, whereas quercetin treatment markedly alleviated this cytotoxic effect. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly higher in MTX-treated cells compared with controls (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). In contrast, MDA and ROS levels were significantly decreased in quercetin-treated cells (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01), further supporting its antioxidant activity. In addition, cotreatment with quercetin significantly restored the total antioxidant capacity suppressed by MTX (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that quercetin effectively protects TM4 Sertoli cells against MTX-induced oxidative damage.https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1695_e721a54a8cf18c8543d44782d9ef681f.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology2980-88559120260701In silico study of the possible role of Acinetobacter baumannii infection in triggering autoimmune diseases1324170710.22104/mmb.2026.8124.1197ENElahehZadeh HosseingholiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran0000-0001-7751-725XRezvanehEsmaeelzadeh JorkouyehDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, IranGhaderMolaviEmam Hossein Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Hashtrood, IranMohammad SadraMohammadiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, IranJournal Article20260124Almost all autoimmune diseases (AD) have been associated with at least one infection. Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is classified by the WHO and CDC as a critical-priority pathogen. In this study, the proteome of A. baumannii ATCC1906 was investigated regarding the potential to cause AD. First, the protein sequences of A. baumannii were subjected to NCBI BLASTp with an E-value threshold of ≤ 1×10⁻⁶ against the Homo sapiens proteome to find sequences with ≥9 amino acid similarities. Then, the association of human proteins, which possessed similar bacterial peptides, in the development of ADs was evaluated by the Autoimmune Disease Association Database (GAAD). Next, peptides of AD-associated proteins were checked for their ability to bind to MHCI and MHCII molecules, and the population coverage of alleles binding to potent peptides was extracted. The results indicated that ninety-four proteins from this bacterium had identical peptide sequences with 957 human AD-related proteins. Among 213 peptides, 12 peptide sequences have the possibility of strong binding with MHCI (%Rank < 0.5), and 13 peptide sequences have the possibility of strong binding with MHCII (%Rank < 2). CEAHLGHVF and QIQGFFDIPVDN established the strongest connections with MHCI and MHCII. YVGAGTVEF peptide could also bind to both MHC classes. Regarding the peptides binding the alleles with the highest population coverages, GAEPLFFLDY (world coverage of 17.34%) and LPGAGGTQRL (world coverage of 12.78%) were the top MHCI and MHCII binding peptides. These findings suggest candidate peptides that meet the first checkpoint of molecular mimicry, warranting experimental evaluation for potential links to immune-mediated and autoimmune conditions, including Parkinson's disease, Vitiligo, Inflammatory bowel disease, Systemic lupus erythematosus, Rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple sclerosis, Antiphospholipid syndrome, and IgA nephropathy.https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1707_02f039058bd48307e6f653a2005c9dd2.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology2980-885591202607016-Amino-4H-pyran derivatives as potential anti-microbial and amyloid aggregation inhibitory agents2533170810.22104/mmb.2026.8200.1202ENSaraNasiriDepartment of Biology, Ra. C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, IranAmirArastehDepartment of Biology, Ra. C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, Iran0000-0003-0434-5500MasoudMokhtaryDepartment of Chemistry, Ra. C., Islamic Azad University, Rasht, IranJournal Article20260419Pyran and its derivatives are an important group of heterocyclic compounds. These compounds are used in chemistry and pharmacy. This study investigates the anti-microbial and anti-Alzheimer's effects of 6-amino-4H-pyran derivatives. 6-amino-4H-pyran derivatives were produced from ethyl acetoacetate, with benzaldehydes and malononitrile in the presence of nano–MgO in water at 80 ºC by remarkable efficiency. MIC, MBC, and disc diffusion methods were performed to evaluate the antibacterial effects of five 6-amino-4H-pyran derivatives. The Congo red uptake method was used to determine the degree of inhibition of amyloid fibril production from Bovine serum albumin. For all five 6-amino-4H-pyran derivatives, the minimum inhibitory concentration for both Escherichia coli (PTCC 13301) and Staphylococcus aureus (PTCC 1112) was observed in a 1:8 (v/v) dilution rate (125 μg/ml), and the minimum bactericidal concentration in gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria was in a 1:4 (v/v) dilution rate (250 μg/ml). Also, the best inhibitory properties for amyloid fibrils were seen at 12%, 4%, 8%, 16%, and 12% (w/v) solutions for 4a–4e compounds, respectively. The most significant reduction in the production of amyloid fibrils was observed for benzyl 6-amino-4-(3-chlorophenyl)-5-cyano-2-methyl-4H-pyran- 3-carboxylate (4d). The identified antimicrobial activity and inhibition of amyloid fibril production by 6-amino-4H-pyran derivatives indicate a potential area for future therapeutic development. However, comprehensive studies are needed to establish their efficacy in addressing complications of infectious diseases and Alzheimer’s.https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1708_c59b469d724f7919b7d35514184fdc0f.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology2980-88559120260701Media Optimization for Penicillin Production in Penicillium chrysogenum PTCC5031 via Flux Balance Analysis3441171210.22104/mmb.2026.8032.1191ENMasoumehMansoubi HosseiniDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5361-9726Fakhri SadatHosseiniDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-8368-1133FatemehTakfallahDepartment of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran0009-0008-7905-8809Journal Article20251202Penicillium chrysogenum is the principal microorganism used for the industrial production of penicillin. The widespread use of this fungus has led to certain challenges regarding antibiotic production. As the global demand for antibiotics continues to increase, the importance of nutritionally balanced and cost-effective culture media becomes increasingly evident. Traditionally, different optimization methods have been used for culture media, many of which have been useful and improved our current knowledge of the matter. These methods have mostly been based on experimentation and refinement. However, large-scale manufacturing requires higher efficiency in terms of time and resources, as well as higher precision. In recent years, the emergence of modern computational tools such as genome-scale metabolic models (GSMMs) has greatly improved our ability to understand and predict fungal and microbial metabolic behavior, which in turn has led to improvements in the optimization of manufacturing processes. In this study, a GSMM of P. chrysogenum PTCC5031 was used to identify optimal nutrient settings that theoretically enhance penicillin production under defined uptake constraints. The model combined metabolic pathway analysis with flux balance analysis to evaluate different culture conditions. Among the tested conditions, maltotriose and urea were identified as the most effective carbon and nitrogen sources and showed better cellular growth kinetics and higher antibiotic production rates. Further laboratory-scale validation confirmed the predicted qualitative trends, with penicillin titers increasing by up to 11% under optimized sucrose–urea conditions compared to the baseline medium. The findings highlight the utility of GSMM-driven approaches for medium design and optimization. This predictive framework can help reduce costs and accelerate the development process in biomanufacturing and biotechnology.https://mmb.irost.ir/article_1712_a51c896c9cb81ecb5a199d51ac9fc3c5.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST)Microbiology, Metabolites and Biotechnology2980-88559120260701Simulation of Sustainable Amino Acid Recycling by Using a Cooperative Microbial Biosynthesis Pathway4247174610.22104/mmb.2026.8244.1204ENSalmanKamaliDivision of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Research Center for Biosciences and Biotechnology (RCBB), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.AshrafGholizadehDivision of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Research Center for Biosciences and Biotechnology (RCBB), University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.0000-0002-8730-6170Journal Article20260512The global protein dearth represents a major nutritional challenge, with profound consequences for physical health and neurodevelopment. Current protein supplements are costly and expensive, energy-intensive, and inaccessible to the populations most in need. In the present work, we propose a synthetic microbial consortium designed to recycle amino acids from cheap and abundant waste resources, including urea and plant-derived lipids. Our system integrates the photosynthetic algae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, each genetically engineered for complementary metabolic functions. Using COBRApy and MICOM simulations, we modelled amino acid biosynthesis, nitrogen fluxes, and growth stability within the consortium. The obtained data indicate that (i) N. crassa can efficiently convert excess urea into nitrate for transfer to algal cells, (ii) lipid-derived acetate serves as a robust carbon backbone for C. reinhardtii, and (iii) pathway engineering enables overproduction and secretion of the nine essential amino acids. Additionally, the incorporation of the red fluorescent protein Katushka in one algal strain allows optical monitoring of consortium balance and provides a regulatory mechanism via light modulation. We hope that a co-culture of C. reinhardtii and N. crassa can be engineered into a system for amino acid biosynthesis. This engineered metabolic cooperation can achieve stable flux partitioning while maintaining overall productivityhttps://mmb.irost.ir/article_1746_442cde81694ca09a626eeddefd1b74ca.pdf