Bioleaching of realgar nanoparticles using the extremophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans DLC-5

BackgroundThis paper presents micro- and nano-fabrication techniques for leachable realgar using the extremophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (A. ferrooxidans) DLC-5.ResultsRealgar nanoparticles of size ranging from 120 nm to 200 nm were successfully prepared using the high-energy ball mill instrument. A. ferrooxidans DLC-5 was then used to bioleach the particles. The arsenic concentration in the bioleaching system was found to be increased significantly when compared with that in the sterile control. Furthermore, in the comparison with the bioleaching of raw realgar, nanoparticles could achieve the same effect with only one fifth of the consumption.ConclusionEmphasis was placed on improving the dissolvability of arsenic because of the great potential of leachable realgar drug delivery in both laboratory and industrial settings.How to cite: Xu R, Song P, Wang J, et al. Bioleaching of realgar nanoparticles using the extremophilic bacterium Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans DLC. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.01.001.     

Next generation sequencing and microbiome's taxonomical characterization of frozen soil of north western Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir,India

BackgroundTraditionally, microbial genome sequencing has been restrained to the species grown in pure culture. The development of culture-independent techniques over the last decade allows scientists to sequence microbial communities directly from environmental samples. Metagenomics is the study of complex genome by the isolation of DNA of the whole community. Next generation sequencing (NGS) of metagenomic DNA gives information about the microbial and taxonomical characterization of a particular niche. The objective of the present research is to study the microbial and taxonomical characterization of the metagenomic DNA, isolated from the frozen soil sample of a glacier in the north western Himalayas through NGS.ResultsThe glacier community comprised of 16 phyla with the representation of members belonging to Proteobacteria and Acidobacteria. The number of genes annotated through the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), GO, Pfam, Clusters of Orthologous Groups of proteins (COGs), and FIG databases were generated by COGNIZER. The annotation of genes assigned in each group from the metagenomics data through COG database and the number of genes annotated in different pathways through KEGG database were reported.ConclusionResults indicate that the glacier soil taken in the present study, harbors taxonomically and metabolically diverse communities. The major bacterial group present in the niche is Proteobacteria followed by Acidobacteria, and Actinobacteria, etc. Different genes were annotated through COG and KEGG databases that integrate genomic, chemical, and systemic functional information.How to cite: Gupta V, Singh I, Rasool S, et al. Next Generation sequencing and microbiome’s taxonomical characterization of frozen soil of North Western Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, India. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.03.003.     

Study of capability of nanostructured zero-valent iron and graphene oxide for bioremoval of trinitrophenol from wastewater in a bubble column bioreactor

BackgroundBioremoval of phenolic compounds using fungi and bacteria has been studied extensively; nevertheless, trinitrophenol bioremediation using modified Oscillatoria cyanobacteria has been barely studied in the literature.ResultsAmong the effective parameters of bioremediation, algal concentration (3.18 g·L⁻¹), trinitrophenol concentration (1301 mg·L⁻¹), and reaction time (3.75 d) were screened by statistical analysis. Oscillatoria cyanobacteria were modified by starch/nZVI and starch/graphene oxide in a bubble column bioreactor, and their bioremoval efficiency was investigated. Modifiers, namely, starch/zero-valent iron and starch/GO, increased trinitrophenol bioremoval efficiency by more than 10% and 12%, respectively, as compared to the use of Oscillatoria cyanobacteria alone.ConclusionsIt was found that starch/nano zero-valent iron and starch/GO could be applied to improve the removal rate of phenolic compounds from the aqueous solution.How to cite: Bavandi R, Emtyazjoo M, Saravi HN, et al. Study of nano-structure zero-valent iron and graphene-oxid capability onbioremoval of trinitrophenol from wastewater in a bubble column bioreactor. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.02.003.     

Arsenic tolerance and bioleaching from realgar based on response surface methodology by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans isolated from Wudalianchi volcanic lake,northeast China

BackgroundTraditional methods of obtaining arsenic have disadvantages such as high cost and high energy consumption. Realgar is one of the most abundant arsenic sulphide minerals and usually treated as waste in industry. The aim of the present study was to screen an arsenic tolerant bacterium used for bioleaching arsenic from realgar.ResultsAn acidophilic iron-oxidizing bacterium BYQ-12 was isolated from Wudalianchi volcanic lake in northeast China. BYQ-12 was a motile, rod-shaped gram-negative bacterium with an optimum growth at 30°C and pH 2.5. 16S rDNA phylogeny showed that BYQ-12 was a new strain of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. The inhibitory concentrations (ICs) of arsenite and arsenate were 32 and 64 mM, respectively. A significant second-order model was established using a Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) and it estimated that a maximum arsenic bioleaching rate (73.97%) could be obtained when the pulp concentration, pH and initial ferrous ion concentration were set at optimized values of 0.95% w/v, 1.74 and 3.68 g/L, respectively. SEM, EDS and XRD analyses also revealed that there was direct bioleaching besides indirect electrochemical leaching in the arsenic bioleaching system.ConclusionFrom this work we were successful in isolating an acidophilic, arsenic tolerant ferrous iron-oxidizing bacterium. The BBD-RSM analysis showed that maximum arsenic bioleaching rate obtained under optimum conditions, and the most effective factor for arsenic leaching was initial ferrous ion concentration. These revealed that BYQ-12 could be used for bioleaching of arsenic from arsenical minerals.     

Enhanced pyruvic acid yield in an osmotic stress-resistant mutant of Yarrowia lipolytica

BackgroundPyruvic acid (PA), a vital α-oxocarboxylic acid, plays an important role in energy and carbon metabolism. The oleaginous yeast Yarrowia lipolytica (Y. lipolytica) has considerable potential for the production of PA. An increased NaCl concentration reportedly increases the biomass and PA yield of Y. lipolytica.ResultsTo increase the yield of PA, the NaCl-tolerant Y. lipolytica A4 mutant was produced using the atmospheric and room temperature plasma method of mutation. The A4 mutant showed growth on medium containing 160 g/L NaCl. The PA yield of the A4 mutant reached 97.2 g/L at 120 h (0.795 g/g glycerol) in a 20-L fermenter with glycerol as the sole carbon source, which was 28.9% higher than that of the parental strain.ConclusionThe PA yield from Y. lipolytica can be improved by increasing its NaCl tolerance.How to cite: Yuan W, Lin X, Zhong S, et al. Enhanced pyruvic acid yield in an osmotic stress-resistant mutant of Yarrowia lipolytica. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.01.002.     

Effective diffusion coefficients and bioconversion rates of inhibitory compounds in flocs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

BackgroundFermentation strategies for bioethanol production that use flocculating Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast need to account for the mechanism by which inhibitory compounds, generated in the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials, are tolerated and detoxified by a yeast floc.ResultsDiffusion coefficients and first-order kinetic bioconversion rate coefficients were measured for three fermentation inhibitory compounds (furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural, and vanillin) in self-aggregated flocs of S. cerevisiae NRRL Y-265. Thièle-type moduli and internal effectiveness factors were obtained by simulating a simple steady-state spherical floc model.ConclusionsThe obtained values for the Thiéle moduli and internal effectiveness factors showed that the bioconversion rate of the inhibitory compounds is the dominant phenomenon over mass transfer inside the flocs.How to cite: Landaeta R, Acevedo F, Aroca G. Effective diffusion coefficients and bioconversion rates of inhibitory compounds in flocs of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rjbt.2019.08.001     

In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibition and antimicrobial activity of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica)

BackgroundChia seeds are gaining increasing interest among food producers and consumers because of their prohealth properties.ResultsThe aim of this work was to evaluate the potential of chia seeds to act as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) inhibitors. The highest inhibitory activity against AChE and BChE was observed for colored seed ethanol extracts. A positive correlation was found between the presence of quercetin and isoquercetin as well as protocatechuic, hydroxybenzoic, and coumaric acids and the activity of extracts as AChE and BChE inhibitors. It has also been shown that grain fragmentation affects the increase in the activity of seeds against cholinesterases (ChE). Furthermore, seeds have been shown to be a source of substances that inhibit microbial growth.ConclusionsIt was found that the chia seed extracts are rich in polyphenols and inhibit the activity of ChEs; therefore, their use can be considered in further research in the field of treatment and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.How to cite: Kobus-Cisowska J, Szymanowska D, Maciejewska P, et al. In vitro screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinoesterase inhibition and antimicrobial activity of chia seeds (Salvia hispanica). Electron J Biotechnol 2019;37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.10.002     

The effect of introduction of chicken manure on the biodiversity and performance of an anaerobic digester

BackgroundAmmonium stress is a prime limiting phenomenon that occurs during methane formation from poultry manure. It is caused by elevated ammonium nitrogen concentrations that result from substrate decomposition. The amounts of methane formed depend on the activity of methanogenic microbes.ResultsDuring the research reported in this paper, the response of a mesophilic consortium inhabiting a biogas reactor to rising load of poultry manure was investigated. The taxonomic composition of bacterial population was mostly typical, however syntrophic bacteria were not detected. This absence resulted in limitation of succession of some methanogenic microorganisms, especially obligate hydrogenotrophs. The methanogenic activity of the consortium was totally dependent on the activity of Methanosaeta. Inhibition of methanoganesis was noticed at ammonium nitrogen concentration of 3.68 g/L, total cessation occurred at 5.45 g/L. Significant amounts of acetic acid in the fermentation pulp accompanied the inhibition.ConclusionsThe effectiveness of the consortium was totally dependent on the metabolic activity of the acetoclastic Methanoseata genus and lack of SAOB did not allow hydrogenotrophic methanogens to propagate and lead to cessation of biogas production at an elevated ammonium concentration at which acetoclastic methanogens were inhibited.How to cite: Świątek M, Lewicki A, Szymanowska D, et al. The effect of introduction of chicken manure on the biodiversity and performance of an anaerobic digester. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.11.002.     

Genetic diversity and differentiation of nine populations of the hard clam (Meretrix petechialis) assessed by EST-derived microsatellites

BackgroundMeretrix petechialis is one of the commercially important marine bivalves. In this study, we selected six highly polymorphic EST-derived microsatellite markers to assess the genetic diversity and population differentiation on nine wild populations of Meretrix petechialis.ResultsThe number of alleles detected per locus ranged from 4 to 30 (mean N_A = 27.5) with a total of 165 alleles. The mean value of observed and expected heterozygosities varied from 0.717 to 0.861 and from 0.797 to 0.856, respectively. Meanwhile, the result of Neighbor-joining and overall F_ST = 0.214 (P < 0.01) reveled that M. petechialis populations from GX are the farthest populations, a certain degree of genetic variation among individuals in each population and the genetic differentiation is significant.ConclusionsGX population has high genetic diversity among individual, and there are certain differences in genetic characteristics among different populations. This study will provide a basis for the domestication and cultivation of genetic diversity of M. petechialis population and the protection of clam germplasm resources.How to citeXu Q, Zheng J, Yan X, et al. Genetic diversity and differentiation of nine populations of the hard clam (Meretrix petechialis) assessed by EST-derived microsatellites. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.09.003     

Twin-arginine signal peptide of Bacillus licheniformis GlmU efficiently mediated secretory expression of protein glutaminase

BackgroundProtein glutaminase specifically deamidates glutamine residue in protein and therefore significantly improves protein solubility and colloidal stability of protein solution. In order to improve its preparation efficiency, we exploited the possibility for its secretory expression mediated by twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway in Bacillus licheniformis.ResultsThe B. licheniformis genome-wide twin-arginine signal peptides were analyzed. Of which, eleven candidates were cloned for construction of expression vectors to mediate the expression of Chryseobacterium proteolyticum protein glutaminase (PGA). The signal peptide of GlmU was confirmed that it significantly mediated PGA secretion into media with the maximum activity of 0.16 U/ml in Bacillus subtilis WB600. A mutant GlmU-R, being replaced the third residue aspartic acid of GlmU twin-arginine signal peptide with arginine by site-directed mutagenesis, mediated the improved secretion of PGA with about 40% increased (0.23 U/ml). In B. licheniformis CBBD302, GlmU-R mediated PGA expression in active form with the maximum yield of 6.8 U/ml in a 25-l bioreactor.ConclusionsPGA can be produced and secreted efficiently in active form via Tat pathway of B. licheniformis, an alternative expression system for the industrial-scale production of PGA.How to cite: Niu D, Li C, Wang P, et al. Twin-arginine signal peptide of Bacillus licheniformis GlmU efficiently mediated secretory expression of protein glutaminase. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.10.006     

Cholinesterase inhibitory activity,antioxidative potential and microbial stability of innovative liver pâté fortified with rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis)

BackgroundRosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) contains active substances that have desirable properties for industrial and herbal medicine applications, e.g., essential oils (1.5–2.5%), tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, saponins, resins, phytosterols, rosmarinic acid and many others. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of rosemary extract and 20% rapeseed oil substitution for animal fat on storage changes and inhibition of cholinesterases in liver pâté.ResultsPreliminary research showed that rosemary extract exhibited antioxidative activity in the system of accelerated Rancimat and Oxidograph tests. Then, rosemary extract was used as an ingredient in liver pâté. During the experiment, meat samples were refrigerated and tested on days 1, 5, 8, 12 and 15 after production. The study proved that the substitution of 20% of animal fat with rapeseed oil decreased the content of saturated acids and increased the content of monoenic fatty acids by approximately 5% and polyene fatty acids by 40%.ConclusionsIn addition to antioxidative activity, the rosemary extract affected the health-promoting value of the samples, which inhibited cholinesterase activity during the entire storage period. The extract inhibited AChE more than BChE.How to cite: Bilska A, Kobus-Cisowska J, Kmiecik D, et al. Cholinesterase inhibitory activity, antioxidative potential and microbial stability of innovative liver pâté fortified with rosemary extract (Rosmarinus officinalis). Electron J Biotechnol 2019;40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.03.007     

Ectopic expression of Chrysanthemum CDM19 in Arabidopsis reveals a novel function in carpel development

BackgroundAPETALA3 (AP3) has significant roles in petal and stamen development in accordance with the classical ABC model.ResultsThe AP3 homolog, CDM19, from Chrysanthemum morifolium cv. Jinba was cloned and sequenced. Sequence and phylogenetic analyses revealed that CDM19 is of DEF/AP3 lineage possessing the characteristic MIKC-type II structure. Expression analysis showed that CDM19 was transcribed in petals and stamens of ray and disc florets with weak expression in the carpels. Ectopic expression of CDM19 in Arabidopsis wild-type background altered carpel development resulting in multi-carpel siliques. CDM19 could only partially rescue the Arabidopsis ap3‐–3 mutant.ConclusionsOur results suggest that CDM19 may partially be involved in petal and stamen development in addition to having novel function in carpel development.How to cite: Githeng’u SK, Ding L, Zhao K, et al. Ectopic expression of Chrysanthemum CDM19 in Arabidopsis reveals a novel function in carpel development. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;45. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.03.001.     

Genome-wide development of polymorphic microsatellite markers and their application in peanut breeding program

BackgroundCultivated peanut (Arachis hypogaea. L) represents one of the most important oil crops in the world. Although much effort has been expended to characterize microsatellites or Simple Sequence Repeats (SSRs) in peanut, the quantity and quality of the markers in breeding applications remain limited. Here, genome-wide SSR characterization and marker development were performed using the recently assembled genome of the cultivar Tifrunner.ResultsIn total, 512,900 microsatellites were identified from 2556.9-Mb genomic sequences. Based on the flanking sequences of the identified microsatellites, 7757 primer pairs (markers) were designed, and further evaluated in the assembled genomic sequences of the tetraploid Arachis cultivars, Tifrunner and Shitouqi, and the diploid ancestral species, A. duranensis and A. ipaensis. In silico PCR analysis showed that the SSR markers had high amplification efficiency and polymorphism in four Arachis genotypes. Notably, nearly 60% of these markers were single-locus SSRs in tetraploid Arachis species, indicating they are more specific in distinguishing the alleles of the A and B sub-genomes of peanut. In addition, two markers closely related with purple testa color and 27 markers near to FAD2 genes were identified, which could be used for breeding varieties with purple testa and high-oleic acid content, respectively. Moreover, the potential application of these SSR markers in tracking introgressions from Arachis wild relatives was discussed.ConclusionsThis study reported the development of genomic SSRs from assembled genomic sequences of the tetraploid Arachis Tifrunner, which will be useful for diversity analysis, genetic mapping and functional genomics studies in peanut.How to cite: Ma J, Zhao Y, Chen H, et al. Genome-wide development of polymorphic microsatellite markers and their application in peanut breeding program. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.01.004.     

Improvement of polyhydroxybutyrate production by deletion of csrA in Escherichia coli

BackgroundPoly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) can be efficiently produced in recombinant Escherichia coli by the overexpression of an operon (NphaCAB) encoding PHB synthetase. Strain improvement is considered to be one of critical factors to lower the production cost of PHB in recombinant system. In this study, one of key regulators that affect the cell growth and PHB content was confirmed and analyzed.ResultS17-3, a mutant E. coli strain derived from S17-1, was found to be able to achieve high cell density when expressing NphaCAB with the plasmid pBhya-CAB. Whole genome sequencing of S17-3 revealed genetic alternations on the upstream regions of csrA, encoding a global regulator cross-talking between stress response, catabolite repression and other metabolic activities. Deletion of csrA or expression of mutant csrA resulted in improved cell density and PHB content.ConclusionThe impact of gene deletion of csrA was determined, dysfunction of the regulators improved the cell density of recombinant E. coli and PHB production, however, the detail mechanism needs to be further clarified.How to cite: Wu H, Li S, Ji M, et al. Improvement of polyhydroxybutyrate production by deletion of csrA in Escherichia coli. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.04.005.     

Diversity and antimicrobial activity of culturable fungi associated with sea anemone Anthopleura xanthogrammica

BackgroundThe main objective of this study was to isolate fungi associated with Anthopleura xanthogrammica and measure their antimicrobial and enzymatic activities. A total of 93 fungal strains associated with A. xanthogrammica were isolated in this study, of which 32 isolates were identified using both morphological characteristics and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis. The antibacterial activities of 32 fungal isolates were tested against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Edwardsiella tarda, Vibrio harveyi, Fusarium oxysporum, and Pyricularia oryzae by agar diffusion assay. Extracellular hydrolytic enzyme activities of the fungal isolates were determined by agar diffusion assays. Enzyme activities were detected from clear halo size.ResultsThe isolated fungi belonged to 18 genera within 7 taxonomic orders of 1 phylum. The genera Aspergillaceae were the most diverse and common. The antimicrobial activities of 32 isolates were evaluated, and 19 (59.4%) of fungi isolate displayed unique antimicrobial activities. All fungal strains displayed at least one enzyme activity. The most common enzyme activities in the fungi isolates were amylase and protease, while the least common were pectinase and xylanase.ConclusionsThis is first report on the sea anemone-derived fungi with antimicrobial and enzyme activities. Results indicated that sea anemone is a hot spot of fungal diversity and a rich resource of bioactive natural products.How to cite: Liu S, Ahmed S, Zhang C, et al. Diversity and antimicrobial activity of culturable fungi associated with sea anemone Anthopleura xanthogrammica. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.01.003     

Antidiabetic effect of Momordica charantia saponins in rats induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ

BackgroundThe harmful effects of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications have become a major global public health problem. In this study, the effects of Momordica charantia saponins (MCS) on lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and insulin signaling pathway in type 2 diabetic rats were investigated.ResultsMCS could attenuate the tendency of weight loss of the model rats. It could also improve glucose tolerance; reduce fasting blood glucose, nonesterified fatty acid, triglyceride, and total cholesterol; and increase the insulin content and insulin sensitivity index of the rats. The activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase increased, and the content of malondialdehyde decreased in the liver and pancreas tissues of rats in MCS-treated groups significantly. In addition, the expression of p-IRS-1 (Y612) and p-Akt (S473) increased, and the expression of p-IRS-1 (S307) decreased in the liver tissues and pancreas tissues of rats in MCS-treated groups significantly.ConclusionMCS has an antidiabetic effect, which may be related to its improving the lipid metabolism disorder, reducing oxidative stress level, and regulating the insulin signaling pathway.How to cite: Jiang S, Xu L, Xu X, et al. Anti-diabetic effect of Momordica charantia saponins in rats induced by high-fat diet combined with STZ. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.12.001.