Increased Expression of Bacterial Cellulose Synthase Genes in Komagataeibacter Xylinus Exposed to a Rotating Magnetic Field

TL;DR

Exposing Komagataeibacter xylinus to a rotating magnetic field increases bacterial cellulose production and gene activity.

Contribution

This study shows that rotating magnetic fields can enhance bacterial cellulose synthase gene expression and production.

Findings

RMF exposure increased wet and dry bacterial cellulose yields by 28% and 18%, respectively.

bcs gene expression was significantly upregulated at both 5 Hz and 50 Hz frequencies.

The strongest effects on gene expression and production were observed at 5 Hz.

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the alterations
in the expression of bacterial cellulose synthase (bcs) genes inKomagataeibacter xylinus, dependent on the exposure duration and specific parameters of a
rotating magnetic field (RMF).K. xylinus cells were subjected to an RMF at frequencies of 5 and 50 Hz for
durations ranging from 12 to 72 h. Gene expression was assessed using
quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The findings demonstrated
that RMF exposure significantly enhanced BC production efficiency.
Specifically, the average yields of wet and dry BC following RMF treatment
increased by 28% and 18%, respectively, compared to the control. These
improvements correlated with upregulated bcs gene
expression, which showed statistically significant changes at both
frequencies and all time points. The strongest effects occurred at
5 Hz. In conclusion, RMFs represent a promising approach to modulate
gene expression in bacteria, offering substantial biotechnological
potential, particularly for enhancing BC production.

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