Short-chain fatty acids production by Bifidobacterium species in the presence of salep

BackgroundSalep is obtained by grinding dried orchid tubers and used as a valuable ingredient in the food industry. Because of the glucomannan content of salep, it is thought to have prebiotic potential. However, there is little information in studies concerning the fermentation characteristics and potential prebiotic properties of salep. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of salep on bifidobacterial growth by measuring the highest optical density (OD), calculating the specific growth rates, and determining the production of lactic acid and short-chain fatty acids (acetic, propionic, and butyric acid) as a result of bacterial fermentation.ResultThe OD and pH values obtained in this study showed that salep was utilized as a source of assimilable carbon and energy by the Bifidobacterium species (BS). All Bifidobacterium strains produced lactic, acetic, propionic, and butyric acid, indicating that salep is readily fermented by these bacteria. Salep at 1% (w/v) showed a similar effect on bifidobacterial growth as that promoted by 1% (w/v) glucose used as a traditional carbon source.ConclusionsBifidobacterium species can develop in media containing salep as well as in glucose and exhibit the potential to be used as new sources of prebiotics.How to cite: Usta-Gorgun B, Yilmaz-Ersan L. Short-chain fatty acid production by the Bifidobacterium species in the presence of salep. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.06.004.     

Using PacBio sequencing to investigate the effects of treatment with lactic acid bacteria or antibiotics on cow endometritis

BackgroundEndometritis is the most common disease of dairy cows and traditionally treated with antibiotics. Lactic acid bacteria can inhibit the growth of pathogens and also have potential for treatment of endometritis. Using PacBio single-molecule real-time sequencing technology, we sequenced the full-length l6S rRNA of the microbiota in uterine mucus samples from 31 cows with endometritis, treated with lactic acid bacteria (experimental [E] group) and antibiotics (control [C] group) separately. Microbiota profiles taken before and after treatment were compared.ResultsAfter both treatments, bacterial species richness was significantly higher than before, but there was no significant difference in bacterial diversity. Abundance of some bacteria increased after both lactic acid bacteria and antibiotic treatment: Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactococcus lactis, Lactococcus raffinolactis, Pseudomonas alcaligenes and Pseudomonas veronii. The bacterial species that significantly decreased in abundance varied depending on whether the cows had been treated with lactic acid bacteria or antibiotics. Abundance of Staphylococcus equorum and Treponema brennaborense increased after lactic acid bacteria treatment but decreased after antibiotic treatment. According to COG-based functional metagenomic predictions, 384 functional proteins were significantly differently expressed after treatment. E and C group protein expression pathways were significantly higher than before treatment (p < 0.05).ConclusionsIn this study, we found that lactic acid bacteria could cure endometritis and restore a normal physiological state, while avoiding the disadvantages of antibiotic treatment, such as the reductions in abundance of beneficial microbiota. This suggests that lactic acid bacteria treatment has potential as an alternative to antibiotics in the treatment of endometritis in cattle.How to cite: Yang L, Huang W, Yang C, et al. Using PacBio sequencing to investigate the effects of treatment with lactic acid bacteria or antibiotics on cow endometritis. Electron J Biotechnol 2021:51. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.02.004     

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.     

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     

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.     

Biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis UFPEDA1009 with potential application in cookie formulation

BackgroundBiosurfactants are biomolecules that have the potential to be applied in food formulations due to their low toxicity and ability to improve sensory parameters. Considering the ability of yeasts to produce biosurfactants with food-friendly properties, the aim of the present study was to apply a biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis in the formulation of cookies.ResultsThe biosurfactant was obtained with a yield of 24.22 ± 0.23 g/L. The characterization analysis revealed that the structure of a metabolized fatty acid with high oleic acid content (68.63 ± 0.61%), and the thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated good stability at temperatures lower than 200°C, potential for food applications. The biosurfactant also exhibited satisfactory antioxidant activity at concentrations evaluated, without cytotoxic potential for cell strains, L929 and RAW 264.7, according to the (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The incorporation of the surfactant into the dough of a standard cookie formulation to replace animal fat was carried out, achieving a softer, spongier product without significantly altering the physical and physicochemical properties or energy value.ConclusionThe thermal stability and antioxidant activity of the biosurfactant produced by C. utilis were verified, besides the positive contribution in the texture analysis of the cookies. Therefore, this biomolecule presents itself as a potential ingredient in flour-based sweet food formulations. How to cite: Ribeiro BG, de Veras BO, Aguiar JS, et al. Biosurfactant produced by Candida utilis UFPEDA1009 with potential application in cookie formulation. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.05.001.     

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.     

Poly(dl-lactide)-degrading enzyme production by immobilized Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1 in a 5-L fermenter under various fermentation processes

BackgroundPoly(dl-lactic acid), or PDLLA, is a biodegradable polymer that can be hydrolyzed by various types of enzymes. The protease produced by Actinomadura keratinilytica strain T16-1 was previously reported to have PDLLA depolymerase activity. However, few studies have reported on PDLLA-degrading enzyme production by bacteria. Therefore, the aims of this study were to determine a suitable immobilization material for PDLLA-degrading enzyme production and optimize PDLLA-degrading enzyme production by using immobilized A. keratinilytica strain T16-1 under various fermentation process conditions in a stirrer fermenter.ResultsAmong the tested immobilization materials, a scrub pad was the best immobilizer, giving an enzyme activity of 30.03 U/mL in a shake-flask scale. The maximum enzyme activity was obtained at aeration 0.25 vvm, agitation 170 rpm, 45°C, and 48 h of cultivation time. Under these conditions, a PDLLA-degrading enzyme production of 766.33 U/mL with 15.97 U/mL·h productivity was observed using batch fermentation in a 5-L stirrer fermenter. Increased enzyme activity and productivity were observed in repeated-batch (942.67 U/mL and 19.64 U/mL·h) and continuous fermentation (796.43 U/mL and 16.58 U/mL·h) at a dilution rate of 0.013/h. Scaled-up production of the enzyme in a 10-L stirrer bioreactor using the optimized conditions showed a maximum enzyme activity of 578.67 U/mL and a productivity of 12.06 U/mL·h.ConclusionsThis research successfully scaled-up the enzyme production to 5 and 10 L in a stirrer fermenter and is helpful for many applications of poly(lactic acid).     

Enhanced production of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens FZSF02 in the form of pigment pellets

BackgroundProdigiosin has been demonstrated to be an important candidate in investigating anticancer drugs and in many other applications in recent years. However, industrial production of prodigiosin has not been achieved. In this study, we found a prodigiosin-producing strain, Serratia marcescens FZSF02, and its fermentation strategies were studied to achieve the maximum yield of prodigiosin.ResultsWhen the culture medium consisted of 16.97 g/L of peanut powder, 16.02 g/L of beef extract, and 11.29 mL/L of olive oil, prodigiosin reached a yield of 13.622 ± 236 mg/L after culturing at 26 °C for 72 h. Furthermore, when 10 mL/L olive oil was added to the fermentation broth at the 24th hour of fermentation, the maximum prodigiosin production of 15,420.9 mg/L was obtained, which was 9.3-fold higher than the initial level before medium optimization. More than 60% of the prodigiosin produced with this optimized fermentation strategy was in the form of pigment pellets. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on this phenomenon of pigment pellet formation, which made it much easier to extract prodigiosin at low cost. Prodigiosin was then purified and identified by absorption spectroscopy, HPLC, and LCMS. Purified prodigiosin obtained in this study showed anticancer activity in separate experiments on several human cell cultures: A549, K562, HL60, HepG2, and HCT116.ConclusionsThis is a promising strain for producing prodigiosin. The prodigiosin has potential in anticancer medicine studies.How to cite: Lin C, Jia X, Fang Y, et al. Enhanced production of prodigiosin by Serratia marcescens FZSF02 in the form of pigment pellets. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;40. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.04.007     

Ellagic acid production using polyphenols from orange peel waste by submerged fermentation

BackgroundBiotechnological processes are part of modern industry as well as stricter environmental requirements. The need to reduce production costs and pollution demands for alternatives that involve the integral use of agro-industrial waste to produce bioactive compounds. The citrus industry generates large amounts of wastes due to the destruction of the fruits by microorganisms and insects together with the large amounts of orange waste generated during the production of juice and for sale fresh. The aim of this study was used orange wastes rich in polyphenolic compounds can be used as source carbon of Aspergillus fumigatus MUM 1603 to generate high added value compounds, for example, ellagic acid and other molecules of polyphenolic origin through submerged fermentation system.ResultsThe orange peel waste had a high concentration of polyphenols, 28% being condensed, 27% ellagitannins, 25% flavonoids and 20% gallotannins. The major polyphenolic compounds were catechin, EA and quercetin. The conditions, using an experimental design of central compounds, that allow the production of the maximum concentration of EA (18.68 mg/g) were found to be: temperature 30°C, inoculum 2 × 10⁷ (spores/g) and orange peel polyphenols 6.2 (g/L).ConclusionThe submerged fermentation process is an effective methodology for the biotransformation of molecules present in orange waste to obtain high value-added as ellagic acid that can be used as powerful antioxidants, antibacterial and other applications.How to cite: Sepúlveda L, Laredo-Alcalá E, Buenrostro-Figueroa JJ, et al. Ellagic acid production using polyphenols from orange peel waste by submerged fermentation. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.11.002.     

Optimisation of biodegradation conditions for waste canola oil by cold-adapted Rhodococcus sp. AQ5-07 from Antarctica

BackgroundThe potential waste canola oil-degrading ability of the cold-adapted Antarctic bacterial strain Rhodococcus sp. AQ5-07 was evaluated. Globally, increasing waste from food industries generates serious anthropogenic environmental risks that can threaten terrestrial and aquatic organisms and communities. The removal of oils such as canola oil from the environment and wastewater using biological approaches is desirable as the thermal process of oil degradation is expensive and ineffective.ResultsRhodococcus sp. AQ5-07 was found to have high canola oil-degrading ability. Physico-cultural conditions influencing its activity were studied using one-factor-at-a-time (OFAT) and statistical optimisation approaches. Considerable degradation (78.60%) of 3% oil was achieved by this bacterium when incubated with 1.0 g/L ammonium sulphate, 0.3 g/L yeast extract, pH 7.5 and 10% inoculum at 10°C over a 72-h incubation period. Optimisation of the medium conditions using response surface methodology (RSM) resulted in a 9.01% increase in oil degradation (87.61%) when supplemented with 3.5% canola oil, 1.05 g/L ammonium sulphate, 0.28g/L yeast extract, pH 7.5 and 10% inoculum at 12.5°C over the same incubation period. The bacterium was able to tolerate an oil concentration of up to 4.0%, after which decreased bacterial growth and oil degradation were observed.ConclusionsThese features make this strain worthy of examination for practical bioremediation of lipid-rich contaminated sites. This is the first report of any waste catering oil degradation by bacteria originating from Antarctica.How to cite: Ibrahim S, Zahri KNM, Convey P, et al. Optimisation of biodegradation conditions for waste canola oil by cold-adapted Rhodococcus sp. AQ5-07 from Antarctica. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.07.005     

Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide treatment in 3T3-L1 cultures

BackgroundLycium barbarum (also called wolfberry), a famous Chinese traditional medicine and food ingredient, is well recognized for its significant role in preventing obesity; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its preventive effects on fat accumulation are not well understood yet. The aim of this study was to determine the effects and mechanism of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. MTT was used to detect the proliferation of 3T3-Ll preadipocytes. Oil red O staining and colorimetric analysis were used to detect cytosolic lipid accumulation during 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology was used to detect peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα), adipocyte fatty-acid-binding protein (aP2), fatty acid synthase (FAS), and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expression.ResultsThe concentration of LBP from 25 to 200 μg/mL showed a tendency to inhibit the growth of preadipocytes at 24 h, and it inhibited the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. In the preadipocytes treated with 200 μg/mL LBP, there were reduced lipid droplets in the cytoplasm, and its effect was opposite to that of rosiglitazone (ROS), which significantly reduced the PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2, FAS, and LPL mRNA expression of adipocytes.ConclusionsLBP exerts inhibitive effects on the proliferation and differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and decreases the cytoplasm accumulation of lipid droplets during induced differentiation of preadipocytes toward mature cells. Above phenomenon might link to lowered expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, aP2, FAS, and LPL after LBP treatment. Thus, LBP could serve as a potential plant extract to treat human obesity or improve farm animal carcass quality via adjusting lipid metabolism.How to cite: Xu X, Chen W, Yu S, et al. Inhibition of preadipocyte differentiation by Lycium barbarum polysaccharide treatment in 3T3-L1 cultures. Electron J Biotechnol 2021;50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.01.003     

Conversion of renewable substrates for biosurfactant production by Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607 and enhancing the removal of diesel oil from marine soil

BackgroundThe use of agro-industrial wastes to produce high value-added biomolecules such as biosurfactants is a promising approach for lowering the total costs of production. This study aimed to produce biosurfactants using Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607, with crude glycerol (CG) and corn steep liquor (CSL) as substrates. In addition, the biomolecule was characterized, and its efficiency in removing petroderivatives from marine soil was investigated.ResultsA 2² factorial design was applied, and the best condition for producing the biosurfactant was determined in assay 4 (3% CG and 5% CSL). The biosurfactant reduced the surface tension of water from 72 to 28.8 mN/m and produced a yield of 1.74 g/L. The preliminary biochemical characterization showed that the biosurfactant consisted of proteins (38.0%), carbohydrates (35.4%), and lipids (5.5%). The compounds presented an anionic character, nontoxicity, and great stability for all conditions tested. The biomolecule displayed great ability in dispersing hydrophobic substrates in water, thereby resulting in 53.4 cm² ODA. The best efficiency of the biosurfactant in removing the pollutant diesel oil from marine soil was 79.4%.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the ability of R. arrhizus UCP1607 to produce a low-cost biosurfactant characterized as a glycoprotein and its potential use in the bioremediation of the hydrophobic diesel oil pollutant in marine soil.How to cite: Pele MA, Ribeaux DR, Vieira ER, et al. Conversion of renewable substrates for biosurfactant production by Rhizopus arrhizus UCP 1607 and enhancing the removal of diesel oil from marine soil. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2018.12.003.     

Insights into the microbial community structure of anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste landfill leachate for methane production by adaptive thermophilic granular sludge

BackgroundThe amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) gradually increased along with the rapid development of modern cities. A large amount of landfill leachate are generated with excessive chemical oxygen demand (COD), which create a great deal of pressure on the environment-friendly treatment process. Anaerobic digestion is an ideal technique to solve the above problem.ResultsA thermophilic granular sludge was successfully adapted for anaerobic digestion of MSW leachate (from an aging large-scale landfill) for methane production. The COD degradation efficiency improved by 81.8%, while the methane production rate reached 117.3 mL CH₄/(g VS d), which was 2.34-fold more than the control condition. The bacterial and archaeal communities involved in the process were revealed by 16S rRNA gene high-throughput pyrosequencing. The richness of the bacterial community decreased in the process of thermophilic granular sludge, while the archaeal community structure presented a reverse phenomenon. The bacterial genus, Methanosaeta was the most abundant during the mesophilic process, while Methanobacterium, Methanoculleus, Methanosaeta and Methanosarcina were more evenly distributed. The more balanced community distribution between hydrogenotrophic and acetotrophic methanogens implied a closer interaction between the microbes, which further contributed to higher methane productivity. The detailed relationship between the key functional communities and anaerobic digestion performances were demonstrated via the multivariate canonical correspondence analysis.ConclusionsWith the assistance of adaptive thermophilic granular sludge, microbial community structure was more evenly distributed, while both of COD degradation rate and methane production was improved during anaerobic digestion of MSW landfill leachate.How to cite: Feng S, Hou S, Huang X, et al. Insights into the microbial community structure of anaerobic digestion of municipal solid waste landfill leachate for methane production by adaptive thermophilic granular sludge. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.04.001.     

Cometabolic biodegradation of quizalofop-p-ethyl by Methylobacterium populi YC-XJ1 and identification of QPEH1 esterase

BackgroundQuizalofop-p-ethyl (QPE), a unitary R configuration aromatic oxyphenoxypropionic acid ester (AOPP) herbicide, was widely used and had led to detrimental environmental effects. For finding the QPE-degrading bacteria and promoting the biodegradation of QPE, a series of studies were carried out.ResultsA QPE-degrading bacterial strain YC-XJ1 was isolated from desert soil and identified as Methylobacterium populi, which could degrade QPE with methanol by cometabolism. Ninety-seven percent of QPE (50 mg/L) could be degraded within 72 h under optimum biodegradation condition of 35°C and pH 8.0. The maximum degradation rate of QPE was 1.4 mg/L/h, and the strain YC-XJ1 exhibited some certain salinity tolerance. Two novel metabolites, 2-hydroxy-6-chloroquinoxaline and quinoxaline, were found by high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy analysis. The metabolic pathway of QPE was predicted. The catalytic efficiency of strain YC-XJ1 toward different AOPPs herbicides in descending order was as follows: haloxyfop-p-methyl ≈ diclofop-methyl ≈ fluazifop-p-butyl > clodinafop-propargyl > cyhalofop-butyl > quizalofop-p-ethyl > fenoxaprop-p-ethyl > propaquizafop > quizalofop-p-tefuryl. The genome of strain YC-XJ1 was sequenced using a combination of PacBio RS II and Illumina platforms. According to the annotation result, one α/β hydrolase gene was selected and named qpeh1, for which QPE-degrading function has obtained validation. Based on the phylogenetic analysis and multiple sequence alignment with other QPE-degrading esterases reported previously, the QPEH1 was clustered with esterase family V.ConclusionM. populi YC-XJ1 could degrade QPE with a novel pathway, and the qpeh1 gene was identified as one of QPE-degrading esterase gene.How to cite: Li X, Wang J, Wu W, et al. Co-metabolic biodegradation of quizalofop-p-ethyl by Methylobacterium populi YC-XJ1 and identification of QPEH1 esterase. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.05.003.     

Survival of microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei (prepared by vibration technology) in fruit juice during cold storage

BackgroundFoods including probiotics are considered “functional foods.” As an alternative to dairy products, we investigated the behavior of Lactobacillus casei when exposed to low-pH fruit juice. Juices of fruits such as pineapple, raspberry, and orange were assessed. Free and microencapsulated forms of L. casei were compared, and the viability of the probiotic was evaluated under storage at 4°C for 28 d. Microbiological analyses were carried out to ensure a safe and healthy product for consumers who look for foods with probiotics from sources other than dairy.ResultsLow pH affected L. casei survival during storage depending on the type of fruit juice. In the case of pineapple juice, some microcapsules were broken, but microcapsules recovered at the end of the storage period had 100% viability (2.3 × 10⁷ CFU/g spheres). In the case of orange juice, more than 91% viability (5.5 × 10⁶ CFU/g spheres) was found. In raspberry juice, viability decreased rapidly, disappearing at the end of the storage period, which was caused by the absorption of high concentrations of anthocyanin inside microcapsules more than low pH.ConclusionLow pH affected the survival of L. casei under refrigeration; even when they were microencapsulated, acidic conditions impacted their viability. Although pH affects viability, its value is very sensitive and will depend on the type of fruit juice and its composition. Some fruit juices contain compounds used as substrates for Lactobacillus and other compounds with antimicrobial effects.How to cite: Olivares A, Soto C, Caballero E, et al. Survival of microencapsulated Lactobacillus casei (prepared by vibration technology) in fruit juice during cold storage. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.10.002.     

Establishment of a production process for a novel vaccine candidate against Lawsonia intracellularis

BackgroundLawsonia intracellularis remains a problem for the swine industry worldwide. Previously, we designed and obtained a vaccine candidate against this pathogen based on the chimeric proteins: OMP1c, OMP2c, and INVASc. These proteins formed inclusion bodies when expressed in E. coli, which induced humoral and cellular immune responses in vaccinated pigs. Also, protection was demonstrated after the challenge. In this study, we established a production process to increase the yields of the three antigens as a vaccine candidate.ResultsBatch and fed-batch fermentations were evaluated in different culture conditions using a 2 L bioreactor. A fed-batch culture with a modified Terrific broth medium containing glucose instead of glycerol, and induced with 0.75 mM IPTG at 8 h of culture (11 g/L of biomass) raised the volumetric yield to 627.1 mg/L. Under these culture conditions, plasmid-bearing cells increased by 10% at the induction time. High efficiency in cell disruption was obtained at passage six using a high-pressure homogenizer and a bead mill. The total antigen recovery was 64% (400 mg/L), with a purity degree of 70%. The antigens retained their immunogenicity in pigs, inducing high antibody titers.ConclusionsConsidering that the antigen production process allowed an increment of more than 70-fold, this methodology constitutes a crucial step in the production of this vaccine candidate against L. intracellularis.How to cite: Salazar S, Gutiérrez N, Sánchez O, et al. Establishment of a production process for a novel vaccine candidate against Lawsonia intracellularis. Electron J Biotechnol 2021.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2021.01.002     

Acetone–butanol–ethanol fermentation from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates: Utilization of C5 and C6 sugars

BackgroundFuels and chemicals from renewable feedstocks have a growing demand, and acetone, butanol and ethanol (ABE) are some relevant examples. These molecules can be produced by the bacterial fermentation process using hydrolysates generated from lignocellulosic biomass as sugarcane bagasse, one of the most abundant sources of lignocellulosic biomass in Brazil. It originates as a residue in mills and distilleries in the production of sugar and ethanol.ResultsIn the present work, two strategies to generate hydrolysates of sugarcane bagasse were adopted. The fermentation of the first hydrolysate by Clostridium acetobutylicum DSM 6228 resulted in final concentrations of butanol, acetone and ethanol of 6.4, 4.5 and 0.6 g/L, respectively. On the other hand, the second hydrolysate presented better results (averages of 9.1, 5.5 and 0.8 g/L, respectively), even without the need for nutrient supplementation, since key elements were already present in the medium. The productivity (Q_P) and yield (Y_P/S) of the solvents with second hydrolysate were 0.5 g/L·h^-1 and 0.4 g/g, respectively.ConclusionsThe results described herein open new perspectives for the production of important molecules from residual lignocellulosic biomass for the fuel and chemical industries within the context of second-generation biorefinery.How to cite: Gomes AC, Rodrigues MI, Passos DF, et al. Acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysates: utilization of C5 and C6 sugars. Electron J Biotechnol 2019;42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2019.10.004.     

Effects of exogenous γ-Aminobutyric acid on the regulation of respiration and protein expression in germinating seeds of mungbean (Vigna radiata) under salt conditions

Backgroundγ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) bypasses the TCA cycle via GABA shunt, suggesting a relationship with respiration. However, little is known about its role in seed germination under salt conditions.ResultsIn this study, exogenous GABA was shown to have almost no influence on mungbean seed germination, except 0.1 mM at 10 h, while it completely alleviated the inhibition of germination by salt treatment. Seed respiration was significantly inhibited by 0.1 and 0.5 mM GABA, but was evidently enhanced under salt treatment, whereas both were promoted by 1 mM GABA alone or with salt treatment. Mitochondrial respiration also showed a similar trend at 0.1 mM GABA. Moreover, proteomic analysis further showed that 43 annotated proteins were affected by exogenous GABA, even 0.1 mM under salt treatment, including complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain.ConclusionsOur study provides new evidence that GABA may act as a signal molecule in regulating respiration of mungbean seed germination in response to salt stress.How to citeJi J, Shi S, Chen W, et al. Effects of exogenous γ-Aminobutyric acid on the regulation of respiration and protein expression in germinating seeds of mungbean (Vigna radiata) under salt conditions. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.05.005     

Oxidative foliar photo-necrosis produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas cedrina

BackgroundAlthough bioactive metabolites capable of causing oxidative photo-necrosis in plant tissues have been identified in fungi, little is known about this type of mechanism in bacteria. These metabolites act as photosensitizers that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) capable of causing damage to cells. In addition, these metabolites can pass into an energetically excited state when they receive some luminous stimulus, a condition in which they interact with other molecules present in the environment, such as molecular oxygen (O₂), also known as triplet oxygen (³O₂), generating ROS.ResultsThe suspension of the bacterial culture of Pseudomonas cedrina was shown to produce foliar necrosis in papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) only in the presence of sunlight, which is evidence of photosensitizing mechanisms that generate singlet oxygen (¹O₂). From the chemical study of extracts obtained from this bacteria, 3-(4-(2-carboxipropyl) phenyl) but-2-enoic acid (1) was isolated. This compound, in the presence of light and triplet oxygen (³O₂), was able to oxidize ergosterol to its peroxide, since it acted as a photosensitizer producing ¹O₂, with which it was corroborated that a photosensitization reaction occurs, mechanism by which this bacterium could prove to cause oxidative foliar photo-necrosis.ConclusionsP. cedrina was able to induce oxidative foliar photo-necrosis because of its potential ability to produce photosensitizing metabolites that generate singlet oxygen in the plants it colonizes. Based on the above, it can be proposed that some bacteria can cause oxidative foliar photo-necrosis as an important mechanism in the pathogenesis of host species.How to cite: Mendoza G, Sánchez-Tafolla L, Trigos A. Oxidative foliar photo-necrosis produced by the bacteria Pseudomonas cedrina. Electron J Biotechnol 2020;44. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbt.2020.01.007