The large-scale application of microbial bioprocesses is limited by bioconversion efficiency and downstream costs. Low-intensity Ultrasound (US) has attracted growing interest as a sustainable tool to enhance bioprocesses. Reported biological effects include increased membrane permeability, altered enzymatic activity and shifts in metabolic pathways. However, existing studies rely on adapted platforms delivering uncontrolled, poorly characterised US, limiting mechanistic interpretation. To address this, a novel Sono-(Photo)BioReactor (S-PBR) delivering standardised US pulses has been developed. US, characterized by hydrophone measurements and COMSOL simulation, are being tested on an evolutionarily diverse panel: Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Chlorella vulgaris. To investigate this panel and gain mechanistic insight into US effects, we are implementing a step-by-step analytical process: fluorescence-based permeability assays to screen conditions, followed by ATR- FTIR, AFM and expression analysis. Preliminary ATR-FTIR analysis of S. cerevisiae revealed directional cell wall polysaccharide remodelling, consistent with a permeability- mediated mechanobiological response.
Cardinale, S., Ortenzi, F., Agniel, R., Appolloni, D., Pacello, F., Secli, V., et al. (2026). Investigating the mechanobiological impact of low-power ultrasounds on bioprocess performance in evolutionarily distant microorganisms. ??????? it.cilea.surplus.oa.citation.tipologie.CitationProceedings.prensentedAt ??????? Mechanobiology across the tree of life, heidelberg, DE.
Investigating the mechanobiological impact of low-power ultrasounds on bioprocess performance in evolutionarily distant microorganisms
Cardinale Simone;Ortenzi Federico;Appolloni Davide;Pacello Francesca;Secli Valerio;Battistoni Andrea;Congestri Roberta;Morozzo Della Rocca Blasco
2026-06-10
Abstract
The large-scale application of microbial bioprocesses is limited by bioconversion efficiency and downstream costs. Low-intensity Ultrasound (US) has attracted growing interest as a sustainable tool to enhance bioprocesses. Reported biological effects include increased membrane permeability, altered enzymatic activity and shifts in metabolic pathways. However, existing studies rely on adapted platforms delivering uncontrolled, poorly characterised US, limiting mechanistic interpretation. To address this, a novel Sono-(Photo)BioReactor (S-PBR) delivering standardised US pulses has been developed. US, characterized by hydrophone measurements and COMSOL simulation, are being tested on an evolutionarily diverse panel: Escherichia coli, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Chlorella vulgaris. To investigate this panel and gain mechanistic insight into US effects, we are implementing a step-by-step analytical process: fluorescence-based permeability assays to screen conditions, followed by ATR- FTIR, AFM and expression analysis. Preliminary ATR-FTIR analysis of S. cerevisiae revealed directional cell wall polysaccharide remodelling, consistent with a permeability- mediated mechanobiological response.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
