Harnessing the Topography of 3D Spongy-Like Electrospun Bundled Fibrous Scaffold via a Sharply Inclined Array Collector.

To date, many researchers have studied a considerable number of three-dimensional (3D) cotton-like electrospun scaffolds for tissue engineering, including the generation of bone, cartilage, and skin tissue. Although numerous 3D electrospun fibrous matrixes have been successfully developed, additional research is needed to produce 3D patterned and sophisticated structures. The development of 3D fibrous matrixes with patterned and sophisticated structures (FM-PSS) capable of mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM) is important for advancing tissue engineering. Because modulating nano to microscale features of the 3D fibrous scaffold to control the ambient microenvironment of target tissue cells can play a pivotal role in inducing tissue morphogenesis after transplantation in a living system. To achieve this objective, the 3D FM-PSSs were successfully generated by the electrospinning using a directional change of the sharply inclined array collector. The 3D FM-PSSs overcome the current limitations of conventional electrospun cotton-type 3D matrixes of random fibers.

QCN-Based Analysis for Predicting the Quality of Resulting Electrospun Nanofiber: Effect of Real-Time Transient Rheological Properties of Precursor Solution on Electrospinning.

There is a large margin between the mechanical properties and morphology of electrospun fibers required in each area. The produced fibers show a large difference depending on the external environment such as temperature, humidity, and season even in optimum concentration and same electrospinning set-up. The properties of polymer solution among the parameters are the largest determinant of the mechanical strength and diameter of electrospun fibers. Herein, the accurate predicting system in advance to electrospinning is required. In this study, we conduct a comparative study on the viscosity (measured by Brookfield rheometer) and the transient mass change and evaporation speed by our lab-made QCN in order to establish a predicting system for the quality of fiber. It was possible to measure the change of mass of the polymer solution in real-time using the lab-made QCN as well as calculating the volatility, the evaporation time of the polymer solution. The volatility of the polymer solution has a significant impact on the quality of the electrospun fiber including the diameter, uniformity, and surface topography. We compare the mass changes, viscosimetric viscosities, and the quality of corresponding fiber, and reveal the potential of QCN as a tool predicting pre-electrospinning fibers.

Preliminary Study for Measurement of Shear Stress and Hemocompatibility Using Commercialized Lab on a Chip.

We have investigated the effect of flow rate on shear stress and in turn thrombus formation on a lab-on-a-chip with a microchannel that is suitable for cell culture and growth. Using a combination of Arduino UNO, Arduino Motor Shield, and a SERVO stepper motor, we created a pump system that closely mimics the in vivo conditions of the human body. With this system, we achieved continuous flow of blood and observed attached platelets at the bottom of the collagen coated microslide, confirming that with shear stress, thrombus formation increases.

High-performance glucose biosensor based on chitosan-glucose oxidase immobilized polypyrrole/Nafion/functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes bio-nanohybrid film.

A highly electroactive bio-nanohybrid film of polypyrrole (PPy)-Nafion (Nf)-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (fMWCNTs) nanocomposite was prepared on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) by a facile one-step electrochemical polymerization technique followed by chitosan-glucose oxidase (CH-GOx) immobilization on its surface to achieve a high-performance glucose biosensor. The as-fabricated nanohybrid composite provides high surface area for GOx immobilization and thus enhances the enzyme-loading efficiency. The structural characterization revealed that the PPy-Nf-fMWCNTs nanocomposite films were uniformly formed on GCE and after GOx immobilization, the surface porosities of the film were decreased due to enzyme encapsulation inside the bio-nanohybrid composite materials. The electrochemical behavior of the fabricated biosensor was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and amperometry measurements. The results indicated an excellent catalytic property of bio-nanohybrid film for glucose detection with improved sensitivity of 2860.3µAmM(-1)cm(-2), the linear range up to 4.7mM (R(2)=0.9992), and a low detection limit of 5µM under a signal/noise (S/N) ratio of 3. Furthermore, the resulting biosensor presented reliable selectivity, better long-term stability, good repeatability, reproducibility, and acceptable measurement of glucose concentration in real serum samples. Thus, this fabricated biosensor provides an efficient and highly sensitive platform for glucose sensing and can open up new avenues for clinical applications.

Acinetobacter marinus sp. nov. and Acinetobacter seohaensis sp. nov., isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Two Gram-negative, nonmotile, coccobacilli, SW-3T and SW-100T, were isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea. Strains SW-3T and SW-100T contained ubiquinone-9 (Q-9) as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C18:1 omega9c and C16:0 as the major fatty acids. The DNA G+C contents of strains SW-3T and SW-100T were 44.1 mol% and 41.9 mol%, respectively. A neighbor-joining tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the two isolates fell within the evolutionary radiation enclosed by the genus Acinetobacter. Strains SW-3T and SW-100T exhibited a 16S rRNA gene similarity value of 95.7% and a mean DNA-DNA relatedness level of 9.2%. Strain SW-3T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 93.5-96.9% to the validly described Acinetobacter species and fifteen Acinetobacter genomic species. Strain SW-100T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of less than 97.0% to the other Acinetobacter species except Acinetobacter towneri DSM 14962T (98.0% similarity). Strains SW-3T and SW-100T exhibited mean levels of DNA-DNA relatedness of 7.3-16.7% to the type strains of some phylogenetically related Acinetobacter species. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic, and genetic data, strains SW-3T and SW-100T were classified in the genus Acinetobacter as two distinct novel species, for which the names Acinetobacter marinus sp. nov. (type strain SW-3T=KCTC 12259T=DSM 16312T) and Acinetobacter seohaensis sp. nov. (type strain SW-100T=KCTC 12260T=DSM 16313T) are proposed, respectively.

Nocardioides kribbensis sp. nov., isolated from an alkaline soil.

Three Gram-positive, rod- or coccoid-shaped bacterial strains, KSL-2(T), KSL-5 and KSL-6, were isolated from an alkaline soil in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomical analysis. These isolates grew optimally at pH 9.0 and 30 degrees C. They were characterized chemotaxonomically as having cell wall peptidoglycan based on ll-2,6-diaminopimelic acid, MK-8(H(4)) as the predominant menaquinone and iso-C(16:0) as the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content of the isolates was 73-74 mol%. Strains KSL-2(T), KSL-5 and KSL-6 were identical in their 16S rRNA gene sequences and exhibited DNA-DNA relatedness values of 88-93%. Phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the three isolates fell within the evolutionary radiation encompassed by the genus Nocardioides. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between the three strains and the type strains of Nocardioides species ranged from 93.6% (with Nocardioides albus) to 97.2% (with Nocardioides aquiterrae). DNA-DNA relatedness levels between the three isolates and N. aquiterrae CJ-14(T) were 8-15%. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strains KSL-2(T), KSL-5 and KSL-6 were classified in the genus Nocardioides as members of a novel species for which the name Nocardioides kribbensis sp. nov. is proposed, with KSL-2(T) (=KCTC 19038(T)=DSM 16314(T)) as the type strain.

Nocardioides alkalitolerans sp. nov., isolated from an alkaline serpentinite soil in Korea.

Four Gram-positive, rod- or coccus-shaped bacterial strains, KSL-1(T), KSL-9, KSL-10 and KSL-12, were isolated from an alkaline serpentinite soil in Korea, and their taxonomic positions were investigated in a polyphasic study. The four strains exhibited no difference in their 16S rRNA gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the four strains were phylogenetically affiliated to the genus Nocardioides. The four strains had cell-wall peptidoglycan based on ll-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid, indicating wall chemotype I. The predominant menaquinone detected in the four strains was MK-8(H(4)). The major fatty acid components were iso-C(16 : 0), 10-methyl-C(18 : 0), C(18 : 1)omega9c and C(17 : 1)omega6c. The DNA G+C contents were 72.4-73.6 mol%. The four strains exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 94.0-96.3 % to the type strains of Nocardioides species with validly published names. DNA-DNA relatedness levels between the four strains were 85-91 %. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogenetic distinctiveness and genotypic relatedness, strains KSL-1(T), KSL-9, KSL-10 and KSL-12 were classified in the genus Nocardioides as members of a novel species, Nocardioides alkalitolerans sp. nov. The type strain is strain KSL-1(T) (=KCTC 19037(T)=DSM 16699(T)).

Exiguobacterium aestuarii sp. nov. and Exiguobacterium marinum sp. nov., isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Three Gram-variable, rod-shaped bacterial strains, TF-16(T), TF-19 and TF-80(T), were isolated from a tidal flat of Daepo Beach (Yellow Sea) near Mokpo City, Korea, and their taxonomic positions were investigated by a polyphasic approach. These isolates grew optimally in the presence of 2 % NaCl and at 30 degrees C. Their peptidoglycan types were based on l-Lys-Gly. The predominant menaquinone detected in the three strains was MK-7. The three strains contained large amounts of the branched fatty acids iso-C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(13 : 0), iso-C(13 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C contents of strains TF-16(T), TF-19 and TF-80(T) were 48.6, 48.4 and 48.0 mol%, respectively. The three strains formed a coherent cluster with Exiguobacterium species in a phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. They showed closest phylogenetic affiliation to Exiguobacterium aurantiacum, with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 98.1-98.3 %. The three strains exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 94.0-94.6 % to the type strains of other Exiguobacterium species. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness indicated that strains TF-16(T) and TF-19 and strain TF-80(T) are members of two species that are separate from E. aurantiacum. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strains TF-16(T) and TF-19 and strain TF-80(T) represent two novel species in the genus Exiguobacterium; the names Exiguobacterium aestuarii sp. nov. (type strain TF-16(T)=KCTC 19035(T)=DSM 16306(T); reference strain TF-19) and Exiguobacterium marinum sp. nov. (type strain TF-80(T)=KCTC 19036(T)=DSM 16307(T)) are proposed.

Proposal of the genus Thermoactinomyces sensu stricto and three new genera, Laceyella, Thermoflavimicrobium and Seinonella, on the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and chemotaxonomic analyses.

Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that Thermoactinomyces species with validly published names can be assigned to four clusters or lineages. The type strains of Thermoactinomyces sacchari and Thermoactinomyces putidus were differentiated from the type strains of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Thermoactinomyces intermedius by the predominant menaquinone and fatty acid profiles. The type strains of Thermoactinomyces dichotomicus and Thermoactinomyces peptonophilus formed lines of descent distinct from other Thermoactinomyces species. Thermoactinomyces dichotomicus KCTC 3667T was distinguishable from the type strains of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris and Thermoactinomyces intermedius by the contents of two fatty acids, iso-C(16 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0). Thermoactinomyces dichotomicus could be distinguished from other Thermoactinomyces species by DNA G+C content and some phenotypic properties, particularly its property of forming a yellow colour. The type strain of Thermoactinomyces peptonophilus was distinguishable from other Thermoactinomyces species by differences in menaquinone profile, major fatty acids, DNA G+C content and some physiological properties including optimal growth temperature. On the basis of these data, the creation of three new genera, Laceyella, Thermoflavimicrobium and Seinonella, is proposed in addition to the genus Thermoactinomyces sensu stricto. The genus Laceyella gen. nov. is proposed to accommodate Thermoactinomyces sacchari and Thermoactinomyces putidus as Laceyella sacchari comb. nov. and Laceyella putida comb. nov., the genus Thermoflavimicrobium gen. nov. is proposed for Thermoactinomyces dichotomicus as Thermoflavimicrobium dichotomicum comb. nov. and the genus Seinonella gen. nov. is proposed for Thermoactinomyces peptonophilus as Seinonella peptonophila comb. nov.

Shewanella marisflavi sp. nov. and Shewanella aquimarina sp. nov., slightly halophilic organisms isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Two Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped organisms, strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T), were isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T) simultaneously contained both menaquinones (MK) and ubiquinones (Q) as isoprenoid quinones; the predominant menaquinone was MK-7 and the predominant ubiquinones were Q-7 and Q-8. The major fatty acid detected in the two strains was iso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C content of strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T) was 51 and 54 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T) fall within the radiation of the cluster comprising Shewanella species. Strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T) showed a 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity of 97.4 % and a DNA-DNA relatedness level of 10.1 %. Strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T) exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 93.8-98.5 % and 92.4-97.0 %, respectively, to Shewanella species. Strain SW-117(T) exhibited DNA-DNA relatedness levels of 8.3-20.3 % to the type strains of six phylogenetically related Shewanella species. On the basis of phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic data, strains SW-117(T) and SW-120(T) were classified in the genus Shewanella as two distinct novel species, for which the names Shewanella marisflavi sp. nov. (type strain, SW-117(T)=KCCM 41822(T)=JCM 12192(T)) and Shewanella aquimarina sp. nov. (type strain, SW-120(T)=KCCM 41821(T)=JCM 12193(T)) are proposed, respectively.

Marinobacter flavimaris sp. nov. and Marinobacter daepoensis sp. nov., slightly halophilic organisms isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Two Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming and slightly halophilic rods (strains SW-145T and SW-156T) were isolated from sea water of the Yellow Sea in Korea. Strains SW-145T and SW-156T grew optimally at 37 and 30-37 degrees C, respectively, and in the presence of 2-6 % (w/v) NaCl. Strains SW-145T and SW-156T were chemotaxonomically characterized as having ubiquinone-9 as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C(16 : 0), C(18 : 1)omega9c, C(16 : 1)omega9c and C(12 : 0) 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The DNA G + C contents of strains SW-145T and SW-156T were 58 and 57 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strains SW-145T and SW-156T fell within the evolutionary radiation enclosed by the genus Marinobacter. The 16S rRNA gene sequences of strains SW-145T and SW-156T were 94.8 % similar. Strains SW-145T and SW-156T exhibited 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity levels of 94.3-98.1 and 95.4-97.7 %, respectively, with respect to the type strains of all Marinobacter species. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness, together with 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values, indicated that strains SW-145T and SW-156T are members of two species that are distinct from seven Marinobacter species with validly published names. On the basis of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic and genotypic distinctiveness, strains SW-145T (= KCTC 12185T = DSM 16070T) and SW-156T (= KCTC 12184T = DSM 16072T) should be placed in the genus Marinobacter as the type strains of two distinct novel species, for which the names Marinobacter flavimaris sp. nov. and Marinobacter daepoensis sp. nov. are proposed.

Microbulbifer maritimus sp. nov., isolated from an intertidal sediment from the Yellow Sea, Korea.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, slightly halophilic bacterium (strain TF-17T) was isolated from an intertidal sediment from the Yellow Sea, Korea. Pigment of strain TF-17T was similar to that of Microbulbifer elongatus, but different from those of Microbulbifer hydrolyticus and Microbulbifer salipaludis. Strain TF-17T was distinguishable from M. elongatus by some phenotypic properties, including motility, optimal growth temperature and others. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain TF-17TT clustered with the type strains of the three Microbulbifer species with validly published names. Strain TF-17T exhibited 16S rDNA sequence similarity levels of 95.1-95.7% to the type strains of the three Microbulbifer species. The predominant respiratory lipoquinone found in strain TF-17T was ubiquinone-8. The major fatty acid was iso-C(15 : 0) and significant amounts of iso-C(11 : 0) 3-OH and iso-C(17 : 1)omega9c were also present. The DNA G+C content of strain TF-17T was 59.9 mol%. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain TF-17T and the type strains of the three Microbulbifer species were in the range 10.0-13.0%. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data and genotypic distinctiveness, strain TF-17T (=KCCM 41774T=JCM 12187T) is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus Microbulbifer, Microbulbifer maritimus sp. nov.

Marinibacillus campisalis sp. nov., a moderate halophile isolated from a marine solar saltern in Korea, with emended description of the genus Marinibacillus.

A Gram-positive, motile, round to ellipsoidal, endospore-forming, rod-shaped bacterial strain, SF-57T, was isolated from a marine solar saltern in Korea. This organism grew between 4 and 39 degrees C, with optimum growth at 30 degrees C. Strain SF-57T grew in the presence of 0.5-15.0% NaCl, with optimum growth at 2-3% NaCl. The peptidoglycan type of strain SF-57T was A1alpha linked directly through l-Lys. In strain SF-57TT, menaquinone-7 (MK-7) was the predominant isoprenoid quinone and anteiso-C(15 : 0) was the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C content was 41.8 mol%. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain SF-57T formed a coherent cluster with Marinibacillus marinus, with a bootstrap resampling value of 100%. The level of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain SF-57T and M. marinus DSM 1297T was 98.9%. The mean DNA-DNA relatedness level between strain SF-57T and the type strain of M. marinus was 20.6%. Based on phenotypic properties, phylogenetic analyses and genomic data, strain SF-57T merits placement in the genus Marinibacillus as a representative of a novel species, for which the name Marinibacillus campisalis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SF-57T (=KCCM 41644T=JCM 11810T).

Bacillus hwajinpoensis sp. nov. and an unnamed Bacillus genomospecies, novel members of Bacillus rRNA group 6 isolated from sea water of the East Sea and the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Two Gram-positive or -variable, endospore-forming, slightly halophilic strains (SW-72(T) and SW-93) were isolated from sea water of the East Sea and the Yellow Sea in Korea, respectively, and subjected to polyphasic taxonomic study. Both strains had cell-wall peptidoglycan that was based on meso-diaminopimelic acid and MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The two strains contained large amounts of saturated and branched fatty acids, with anteiso-C(15 : 0) as the major fatty acid. The DNA G+C contents of strains SW-72(T) and SW-93 were 40.9 and 41.0 mol%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strains SW-72(T) and SW-93 fall within the radiation of the cluster that comprises members of the genus Bacillus, particularly Bacillus rRNA group 6. There were five nucleotide differences between the 16S rDNA sequences of strains SW-72(T) and SW-93. The mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains SW-72(T) and SW-93 was 21.5 %. Strains SW-72(T) and SW-93 showed 93.1-95.2 % 16S rDNA sequence similarity to the type strains of Bacillus species that are assigned to rRNA group 6. Strains SW-72(T) and SW-93 could not be differentiated clearly by using their phenotypic properties. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, it is proposed that strain SW-72(T) (=KCCM 41641(T)=JCM 11807(T)) should be placed in the genus Bacillus as the type strain of a novel species, Bacillus hwajinpoensis sp. nov., and that strain SW-93 (=KCCM 41640=JCM 11806) should be placed in the genus Bacillus as an unnamed Bacillus genomospecies.

Nocardioides aquiterrae sp. nov., isolated from groundwater in Korea.

A bacterial strain, GW-9T, which was isolated from groundwater in Korea, was subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study using phenotypic characterization and phylogenetic and genetic methods. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain GW-9T forms an evolutionary lineage within the radiation enclosing Nocardioides species and, in particular, a coherent cluster with Nocardioides pyridinolyticus. The cell-wall peptidoglycan type of strain GW-9T was based on LL-diaminopimelic acid as the diamino acid, indicating wall chemotype I. The predominant menaquinone was MK-8(H4). Strain GW-9T had a cellular fatty acid profile containing straight-chain, branched, unsaturated and 10-methyl fatty acids. The major fatty acid was iso-C(16:0). The DNA G+C content of strain GW-9T was 73 mol%. The 16S rDNA of strain GW-9T was 99.2% similar to that of the type strain of Nocardioides pyridinolyticus and 94.9-96.0% similar to sequences of the type strains of other Nocardioides species. Differences in phenotypic characteristics and genetic distinctiveness indicate that strain GW-9T is separate from previously described Nocardioides species. Therefore, on the basis of the data presented, a novel species of the genus Nocardioides, Nocardioides aquiterrae sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is strain GW-9T (=KCCM 41647T=JCM 11813T).

Bacillus marisflavi sp. nov. and Bacillus aquimaris sp. nov., isolated from sea water of a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea in Korea.

Two Gram-positive or Gram-variable, endospore-forming, moderately halophilic rods (strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T)) were isolated from a tidal flat of the Yellow Sea in Korea and were subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T) had cell-wall peptidoglycan based on meso-diaminopimelic acid. The predominant menaquinone found in the two strains was MK-7. The cellular fatty acid profiles of both strains contained large amounts of branched and saturated fatty acids. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). The DNA G+C contents of strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T) were respectively 49 and 38 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T) fell within the radiation of the cluster comprising Bacillus species. The level of 16S rDNA sequence similarity between strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T) was 98.3 %. Strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T) exhibited levels of 16S rDNA sequence similarity of less than 96.0 and 96.3 %, respectively, to Bacillus species. The mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness between the two strains was approximately 7 %. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic data and genomic distinctiveness, strains TF-11(T) and TF-12(T) should be placed in the genus Bacillus as two distinct novel species, for which the names Bacillus marisflavi sp. nov. (type strain TF-11(T)=KCCM 41588(T)=JCM 11544(T)) and Bacillus aquimaris sp. nov. (type strain TF-12(T)=KCCM 41589(T)=JCM 11545(T)) are proposed.

Alteromonas marina sp. nov., isolated from sea water of the East Sea in Korea.

Two Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming and moderately halophilic rods (strains SW-47(T) and SW-49) were isolated from sea water of the East Sea in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. The two strains grew optimally between 30 and 37 degrees C, and grew at 4 and 44 degrees C but not at temperatures above 45 degrees C. They grew optimally in the presence of 2-5 % (w/v) NaCl, but did not grow in the absence of NaCl. Strains SW-47(T) and SW-49 had ubiquinone-8 (Q-8) as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C(16 : 1) omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2OH, C(16 : 0) and C(18 : 1) omega7c as the major fatty acids, which are consistent with the corresponding data for Alteromonas macleodii. The DNA G+C contents of strains SW-47(T) and SW-49 were 45 and 44 mol%, respectively. Strains SW-47(T) and SW-49 showed a high level of 16S rDNA sequence similarity (99.9 %) and a mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness of 96.5 %. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that the two strains form a coherent cluster with A. macleodii. Strains SW-47(T) and SW-49 exhibited levels of 16S rDNA sequence similarity of 99.3 and 99.1 %, respectively, with A. macleodii DSM 6062(T) and of less than 89.4 % with other species used in the phylogenetic analyses. Alteromonas fuliginea CIP 105339(T) was found to be more closely related to the genus Pseudoalteromonas than to the genus ALTEROMONAS: On the basis of phenotypic properties and phylogenetic and genomic data, strains SW-47(T) and SW-49 represent a new species of the genus Alteromonas, for which the name Alteromonas marina (type strain SW-47(T)=KCCM 41638(T)=JCM 11804(T)) is proposed.

Erythrobacter flavus sp. nov., a slight halophile from the East Sea in Korea.

Two gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming, yellow-pigmented and slightly halophilic strains (SW-46T and SW-52) were isolated from sea water of the East Sea, Korea, and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. Strains SW-46T and SW-52 were characterized chemotaxonomically by having ubiquinone-10 (Q-10) as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone and C18:1 omega7c as the major fatty acid. Their DNA G + C content was 64.0-64.1 mol%. Strains SW-46T and SW-52 showed 1 bp difference in their 16S rDNA sequences and a mean DNA-DNA relatedness level of 94.4%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strains SW-46T and SW-52 fall within the alpha-subclass of the Proteobacteria and form a coherent cluster with Erythrobacter longus, Erythrobacter litoralis and Erythrobacter citreus. Levels of 16S rDNA similarity between strains SW-46T and SW-52 and the type strains of these three Erythrobacter species were 96.5-97.9%. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strains SW-46T and SW-52 and the type strains of E. longus, E. litoralis and E. citreus were 3.6-14.7%. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, strains SW-46T and SW-52 should be placed in the genus Erythrobacter as a novel species, for which the name Erythrobacter flavus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SW-46T (= KCCM 41642T = JCM 11808T).

Marinobacter litoralis sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from sea water from the East Sea in Korea.

A Gram-negative, motile, non-spore-forming and moderately halophilic rod-shaped strain, SW-45T, was isolated from sea water of the East Sea in Korea. The organism grew optimally at 30-37 degrees C and grew at 4 and 46 degrees C. It grew in the presence of 0.5-18% (v/w) NaCl, with an optimum of 2-7% NaCl. Strain SW-45T was chemotaxonomically characterized by having ubiquinone-9 (Q-9) as the major respiratory lipoquinone and C16 : 0, C18 : 1omega9c and C16 : 1omega9c as the predominant fatty acids. The DNA G + C content was found to be 55 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain SW-45T forms a coherent cluster with the clade comprising the two Marinobacter species. 16S rDNA sequence similarities between strain SW-45T and the Marinobacter species was 94.9% to Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus DSM 8798T and 95.3% to Marinobacter aquaeolei DSM 11845T. Levels of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SW-45T and the type strains of M. hydrocarbonoclasticus and M. aquaeolei were respectively 4.3 and 5.5%. On the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, strain SW-45T (=KCCM 41591T =JCM 11547T) should be placed in the genus Marinobacter as a member of a novel species, for which the name Marinobacter litoralis sp. nov. is proposed. As part of this study, the major respiratory lipoquinone of M. hydrocarbonoclasticus and M. aquaeolei was also found to be Q-9.

Microbulbifer salipaludis sp. nov., a moderate halophile isolated from a Korean salt marsh.

A Gram-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, moderately halophilic rod (strain SM-1T) was isolated from salt marsh around the junction of the Youngsan River and the Yellow Sea in Korea and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic study. This organism grew optimally at 37 degrees C and was able to grow at 10 and 45 degrees C. It grew optimally in the presence of 2-3% (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids in strain SM-1T were iso-C15:0 and C16:0. Strain SM-1T and Microbulbifer hydrolyticus DSM 11525T were characterized by having ubiquinone-8 as the predominant respiratory lipoquinone. The DNA G+C content of strain SM-1T was 59 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rDNA sequences showed that strain SM-1T formed a coherent cluster with M. hydrolyticus; this relationship was supported by a bootstrap resampling value of 100%. The level of 16S rDNA identity between strain SM-1T and the type strain of M. hydrolyticus was 98.6%. The mean level of DNA-DNA relatedness between strain SM-1T and the type strain of M. hydrolyticus was 20.6%. Therefore, on the basis of phenotypic properties, phylogeny and genomic data, strain SM-1T should be placed in the genus Microbulbifer as a member of a novel species, for which the name Microbulbifer salipaludis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of the novel species is strain SM-1T (=KCCM 41586T =JCM 11542T).