Australian journal of biotechnology最新文献

Cnidarians are generally considered to be the most primitive group of eumetazoans. They are therefore of considerable interest for comparative studies of metazoan development and evolution. The application of molecular techniques to cnidarians can provide important insights into developmental processes and phylogenetic relationships both within the phylum Cnidaria and among the eumetazoa. This paper reviews current knowledge of molecular and developmental biology of cinidarians with particular emphasis on tropical scleractinian corals and soft corals from the Great Barrier Reef region. Nucleotide sequencing of the histone gene cluster has unequivocally established that cnidarians are typical eumetazoans. Repeated sequence analysis has been applied to the staghorn corals, and implies a major divergence within this group, which corresponds with differences in sperm ultrastructure. Recent developmental studies of corals have indicated that some species have an unusual method of germ layer formation. Molecular events associated with this process, and with other important developmental stages, are currently under investigation. Other areas of current research interest, including targets for PCR-based investigations into cnidarian phylogeny, are highlighted.

Micro-organisms can potentially supplement or replace the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in many agricultural cropping systems. Their increased use may reduce the need for nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers, particularly in legume and cereal crops, and provide a more ecologically sound method of controlling pests and phytopathogens. Recombinant DNA technology offers the potential to extend and improve these applications. However, genetically modified micro-organisms may occasionally themselves pose environmental risks. Model ecosystems such as intact soil-core microcosms may be useful for both testing efficacy and evaluating environmental risk prior to proceeding with field trials.

Fungi are organisms of enormous industrial importance, and are used for the production of compounds such as antibiotics, organic acids and immunosuppressants. Many studies have suggested that their industrial value may in some cases be increased by exploitation of technologies involving fungal protoplasts, where the cell wall has been removed, usually enzymically. This article critically examines what the advantages of using protoplasts are, the current methodology for the preparation, and how they behave subsequently.

This paper describes the development of a vaccine for the prevention of pregnancy in female cattle. The vaccine is based on the established principle that antibodies to the hypothalamic releasing hormone, gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) block the action of GnRH on pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone, leading to gonadal atrophy in mammals. The vaccine comprises an immunogenic GnRH:ovalbumin conjugate formulated in a novel double adjuvant system and is administered in a two-dose treatment regimen. Field trials have confirmed efficacy and the product, Vaxstrate, has now been registered and commercialized.

Genesearch is a 10 year old research and development company of Australian scientists, specializing in microbiology and genetics. This research expertise has formed the basis of a number of microbial processes for waste treatment. In addition, a novel type of high yield fermenter for aerobic bacteria allows the economical production of high-potency bacterial preparations for waste treatment processes. A novel approach to the rapid biodegradation of polychlorinated biphenyls has been developed. Photochemical pretreatment partially dechlorinates the molecules, rendering them susceptible to complete and rapid digestion by wild-type soil bacteria. In the area of non-toxic waste, Genesearch has developed products for on-site treatment of, for example, grease-trap wastes and waste oil in ship bilges; and a large scale process for conversion of municipal grease wastes into protein-rich biomass. The prospects for novel biological waste treatment are improving, as public pressure grows, and as increasing government monitoring and penalties make inadequate waste disposal uneconomic.