Biocatalysis and agricultural biotechnology最新文献

Using Pennisetum purpureum for phytoremediation is a promising technology for vigorous along with deep root systems and producing large amounts of biomass while remediating contaminated soil. The objective of the current investigation was to assess the highest level of As(V) that the plants can tolerate, to identify the toxicity symptom of As(V) on plants, and how much amount of As(V) that plants can uptake during the phytoremediation operation. In this investigation, phytotoxicity and phytoremediation by P. purpureum were evaluated at 0, 5, 20, 40, 60, and 80 mg As(V) kg⁻¹ sand for 28 days. The total extractable and bioavailable As(V) were analyzed utilizing the wet digestion and Na₂-EDTA method respectively and both the As(V) were determined by ICP-OES. P. purpureum can tolerate up to 40 mg As(V) kg⁻¹ sand however the plant wilted and dried at 60 and 80 mg As(V) kg⁻¹ sand. As(V)-induced phytotoxicity signs increased with rising As(V) levels in the treated sand and days of treatment. In the case of 60 and 80 mg As(V) kg⁻¹ sand, P. purpureum withering started from the 3rd and 2nd day of transplanting in As(V) contaminated sand and on the 7th and 5th day the plants were completely withered respectively. P. purpureum plants could uptake the highest As(V) of 1549.26 ± 41.83 mg kg⁻¹ DW for 40 mg As(V) kg⁻¹ sand on 28 days trial. These results suggest that P. purpureum can be used for As phytoremediation in agriculturally and anthropogenically polluted environments due to its high uptake and bioaccumulate of As(V).

This study focuses on the biological effects of size-tunable nanogel based on the natural polymer named lignin. The flexibility of the nanogel to act under variable conditions makes it a promising smart carrier in nanomedicine. Through the “grafting from” approach, it was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method, loaded with curcumin (an anticancer herbal compound) and has been applied to treat two cell lines (A549 and U87MG). Treatment of cells with free curcumin and curcumin-loaded nanogel demonstrated significant differences in IC50 values. The values of free curcumin were 48.23 μM for A549 cells and 36.54 μM for U87MG cells, while the values of curcumin-loaded nanogel were 25.95 μM for A549 cells and 25.65 μM for U87MG cells, respectively. This indicates that the nanogels enhanced the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on both cancerous cell lines.

Furthermore, the expression of apoptosis associated genes was evaluated. Under the effects of curcumin-loaded nanogel, the expression of caspase 3 and caspase 9 genes in the A549 cell line increased by 2.3-fold and 1.41-fold, respectively. Additionally, the expression of the pro-apoptotic gene Bax increased by 1.29-fold, while the anti-apoptotic gene Bcl2 decreased by 0.315-fold. Similarly, in U87MG cells, the expression of caspase 3 and caspase 9 genes increased by 6.49-fold and 2.08-fold, respectively, while Bcl2 decreased by 0.023-fold. The changes in gene expression patterns indicate the induction of apoptosis in both cell lines when exposed to curcumin-loaded nanogels. The results of flow cytometry confirmed an increase in apoptosis in the presence of curcumin-loaded nanogels.

Triticum spp. is grown widely all over the world, and numerous fungal diseases have a significant impact on the crop yield. Fusarium graminearum and Bipolaris sorokiniana are the most prevalent pathogens affecting wheat. In this study, the growth-stimulating bacteria in wheat are identified and their efficacy is examined in stimulating the growth of wheat seedlings under phytopathogenic conditions. In the course of the present investigation, four microorganisms that are resistant to the metabolites Fusarium graminearum and Bipolaris sorokiniana were isolated from wheat seeds. These strains were evaluated based on plant growth stimulation indicators, including the production of indole-3-acetic acid (0.4–3.3 mg × mL⁻¹), gibberellic acid (116.9–431.5 μg × mL⁻¹), siderophores (10.2–31.5%), phosphate solubilization (1.7–3.5), zinc solubilization (1.8–3.7), potassium solubilization (1.3–3.0) nitrogen fixation (250.0–840.0 μg × mL⁻¹). In a laboratory experiment, two promising growth-stimulating bacteria that enhance the germination and development of wheat seeds under conditions of phytopathogenic stress were identified. When treated with the microorganisms, wheat seeds show a higher rate of germination, and a significant increase in root length was observed in the seedlings. A field test indicated that the presence of strains of Pantoea ananatis and Bacillus subtilis exerts a favorable effect on the wheat yield.

As a top global player in the aquaculture industry, Malaysia has the potential to commercially produce Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) to fulfil global aquafeed demands. Considering a large amount of fish byproducts produced from the head, guts, viscera, the bones, fins, scales and skin, this byproducts can be turned into valuable resources. This review aims to critically analyze the source of a FPH in terms of the production process, factors affecting the quality of fish hydrolysate and the benefit to aquaculture. Both fish and fish byproducts can be used as a source for the manufacturing of FPH. The production of FPH consists of three major stages; Pre-treatment, Hydrolysis, and Recovery. Protein hydrolysis can be accomplished via biological or chemical techniques. Enzymatic hydrolysis was preferable to produce FPH in high value-added products. The recovery step mainly involves separation, concentration, and drying process. There are two ways to make FPH: liquid and dry. Dried FPH is preferred since it has a longer shelf life and is simpler to store and transport. The (had a significant impact on the FPH's solubility, emulsifying capabilities, foaming ability, fat absorption capacity, and bitterness. Moreover, FPH possessed anti-oxidative, anti-hypertensive, antibacterial, immunomodulatory, growth-like hormone and anti-stress peptides. The number of goblet cells and the size of the villi served as excellent measures of the health and condition of the fish intestinal mucosa. These results support the notion that dietary hydrolysate supplementation improves intestinal health and condition and has positive effects on the intestinal mucosa.

Competence of microalgae consortia-1 (Chlorococcum humicola and Tetradesmus sp.) and consortia-2 (Chlorococcum humicola, Scenedesmus vacuolatus and Tetradesmus sp.) was analyzed by examining their adaptability potential in wastewater under different light intensities (20 W/m² and 40 W/m²). The results depicted highest decline in nutrients and metal concentration (40–90%) at light intensity of 40 W/m² by consortia-1 and consortia-2 treated with wastewater (50%, 100%). The result of metal remediation was further confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) which reflected occurrence of different functional groups in selected consortia. Moreover, light intensity of 40 W/m² induced neutral-lipid accumulation (1750 cm⁻¹) in consortia-1 as depicted in FTIR spectra. The maximum active photosystem-II reaction center (79.75%), quantum yield (26.17%) and performance index (195.8%) revealed that light intensity (40 W/m²) and wastewater augmented functioning of photosystem-II in consortia-1 than consortia-2. Further, consortia-2 appeared more sensitive to oxidative stress as the concentration of oxidative stress markers (5.73–6.39 folds) was amplified after treatment with wastewater at light intensity of 40 W/m². The prodigious tolerance potential towards different light intensities and wastewater concentration of consortia-1 may be attributed to increased activity of ascorbic acid (1.16 folds), proline (1.32 folds), cysteine (2.80 folds), superoxide dismutase (3.44 folds), catalase (2.52 folds) and glutathione reductase (1.90 folds). However, abundance of saturated fatty acid (41.34%) together with high cetane number (59.07) indicated that consortia 2 can produce excellent quality biofuel at 20 W/m² while consortia-2 at 40 W/m². Overall, consortia 1 appeared competent in terms of photosynthetic performance, remediation efficiency and antioxidant defense mechanism under 20 W/m² and 40 W/m² while consortia-2 showed quality biodiesel production at 20 W/m². Thus, algal consortia based on photosynthetic performance and defense responses along with excellent biodiesel quality under different light intensity and wastewater concentration can serve as the promising biosystem for biomass and bioenergy production.

Bacopa monnieri and Bacopa floribunda are extensively utilized in various Ayurvedic remedies because of their cognitive-enhancing properties. Phytochemicals, antioxidants, anti-diabetic, anti-acetylcholine esterase activities, and the detection of bioactive substances (triterpenoid saponins and stigmasterol) were examined using HPLC and HR-LC-MS. The results showed that the aqueous extract of B. floribunda had the highest TPC (60.44 ± 5.24 mg TAE/g extract), while the acetonitrile extract had the lowest content (9.35 ± 0.64 mg TAE/g extract). The highest TFC was found in the acetone extracts of B. monnieri and B. floribunda (63.69 ± 13.48 and 61.44 ± 2.94 mg CE/g extract, respectively). Additionally, the acetone extracts of B. floribunda and B. monnieri revealed the greatest TTC (256.8 ± 7.73 mg CE/g extract) and TSC (363.5 ± 10.6 mg DE/g extract), respectively. In antioxidant studies, the acetone and methanol extracts of B. monnieri showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging, FRAP, and MC activities (68.24 ± 1.31 mg AAE/g extract, 160.43 ± 4.34 mg Fe(II)/g extract, and 283.13 ± 1.46 mg EDTA/g extract, respectively). The acetone extract of B. floribunda had better ABTS radical scavenging and PMA (13.29 ± 0.53 mg TE/g extract and 127.7 ± 0.51 mg AAE/g extract, respectively). The acetonitrile extract of B. floribunda showed considerable inhibitory effects against α-amylase (71.89 ± 10.1%), α-glucosidase (93.89 ± 0.19%), and acetylcholine esterase (80.92 ± 0.6%) enzymes. The presence of stigmasterol and four triterpenoid saponins were also confirmed by HPLC. The total amount of triterpenoid saponins was found higher in B. floribunda (4.97 ± 0.012 mg/g DW) than B. monnieri (3.96 ± 0.012 mg/g DW). In contrast, B. monnieri (5.13 ± 0.12 mg/g DW) exhibited the highest stigmasterol content as compared to B. floribunda (3.97 ± 0.35 mg/g DW). For the first time, we report B. floribunda as a potent source of triterpenoid saponins and could be a substitute for B. monnieri.

In recent years, lack of resources has become an increasingly acute problem hindering human development, and the concept of sustainable development has become increasingly popular. As a result, valorization of agricultural residues for high-value added medicine, food and feed additive industry has attracted attention due to its interesting technology strategy for the sustainable production of compounds utilizing the benefits of the biomass production industry. Xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS) is one of these compounds, recognized for its excellent prebiotic effects and nursing effects on the digestive system. Its use in leading products in the food, cosmetics, materials, and biological energy fields has application prospects without becoming mainstream products due to the various causes and obstacles. Here we review the developments in XOS production from biomass and provides a comprehensive evaluation and prospect of XOS production from technical and economic aspects. The major points are the following: 1) Advances in research on the efficacy and biological function of XOS; 2) Methods of producing and qualifying highly pure XOS from primary non-food biomass; 3) Comprehensive evaluation and prospect of the bottleneck and development expectation of XOS industry.

Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) is a significant natural source of astaxanthin, garnering interest in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. However, astaxanthin production from H. pluvialis is constrained by factors such as a lengthy cultivation period and thick cell walls. Recent research has explored different strategies, such as optimising cultivation conditions, to enhance astaxanthin biosynthesis. This review paper aims to summarise the recent advancement of metabolic and genetic engineering in astaxanthin biosynthesis from H. pluvialis. The review would provide a comprehensive analysis of the molecular components and mechanism involved in the biosynthesis pathway of astaxanthin in H. pluvialis, revealing the specific genes responsible for governing its biosynthesis. Numerous metabolic methodologies are investigated, including manipulating light intensity, salinity, nutrient deficiency, and temperature to enhance microalgae biomass and astaxanthin accumulation. Genetic engineering strategies have recently been studied to manipulate specific genes (e.g. bkt, CrtR-b, pds) to increase astaxanthin production. However, the limitation of genetic engineering is still unclear due to its mechanism of astaxanthin esterification and the transport of secondary β-carotenoids from the chloroplast to the cytosol. This lack of understanding has posed a challenge to maximise astaxanthin production through genetic engineering. This review also provides recent insights and future research directions for genetic engineering by providing a holistic approach to the complex interplay of genetics, metabolism, and biotechnological strategies to maximise astaxanthin production.

In this study, the pH shift method was used to extract the mustard meal protein, followed by microwave and ultrasound treatments to modify their functional properties. The yield of protein was influenced by pH, with the highest yield obtained (19.51%) at pH combination 12–4 and the lowest at 10–3 (3.08%). Both microwave and ultrasound treatments reduced the viscosities of the proteins from 1.97 cp (control) to 0.69 cp in ultrasound and 0.70 cp in microwave. The maximum viscosity was observed at pH combination 12–3 (1.29 cp) and the minimum at 9–3 (0.69 cp). Microwave treatment negatively affected the foaming capacity of the protein, while ultrasound treatment enhanced it, especially at pH combination 12–5. Oil holding capacity remained unchanged with microwave treatment, but ultrasound treatment increased it by exposing hydrophobic regions. Overall, this study highlights the potential of microwave and ultrasound treatments in modifying the functional properties of mustard meal protein.

Amphiphilic block copolymers with polyethylene glycol (PEG) segments self-assemble into nanoscale micelles, captivating researchers with their diverse therapeutic potential. These versatile carriers encapsulate a wide range of cargoes, from hydrophobic drugs and fragile proteins to delicate nucleic acids, surpassing the limitations of conventional delivery systems.

Beyond mere cargo capacity, PEGylated micelles offer controlled and targeted release. Precisely designed, they navigate the biological terrain cloaked by PEG, evading immune recognition and delivering payloads directly to target sites. This translates to enhanced efficacy, reduced side effects, and potentially lower therapeutic doses.

However, optimizing micelle design for stability and targeted release remains a challenge. Scaling up production and overcoming potential immunogenicity hurdles further complicate the path to clinical translation.

Despite these challenges, collaborative efforts between scientists, engineers, and clinicians hold immense promise. By fine-tuning micelle design, improving stability, and ensuring a seamless transition to the clinic, we can unlock the transformative potential of these nanocarriers.

Self-assembled PEGylated micelles stand at the forefront of this revolution, whispering the promise of personalized, targeted therapies. With continued research and expert guidance, these versatile nanocarriers hold the key to a new era in healthcare, where precision medicine becomes a reality and patients experience the true meaning of individualized treatment.