BioTechnologia最新文献

As the global human population continues to grow, the demand for food rises accordingly. Unfortunately, anthropogenic activities, climate change, and the release of gases from the utilization of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are causing detrimental effects on sustainable food production and agroecosystems. Despite these challenges, there remain underutilized opportunities for sustainable food production. This review discusses the advantages and benefits of utilizing microbes in food production. Microbes can be used as alternative food sources to directly supply nutrients for both humans and livestock. Additionally, microbes offer higher flexibility and diversity in facilitating crop productivity and agri-food production. Microbes function as natural nitrogen fixators, mineral solubilizers, nano-mineral synthesizers, and plant growth regulator inducers, all of which promote plant growth. They are also active organisms in degrading organic materials and remediating heavy metals and pollution in soils, as well as soil-water binders. In addition, microbes that occupy the plant rhizosphere release biochemicals that have nontoxic effects on the host and the environment. These biochemicals could act as biocides in controlling agricultural pests, pathogens, and diseases. Therefore, it is important to consider the use of microbes for sustainable food production.

This study presents the possible consequences of maintaining the current regulatory regime of the experimental release of genetically modified higher plants in the EU for the products of new genomic techniques (NGTs). Currently, the experimental release is a crucial stage before the authorization of a product for the market. By analyzing the data on the performance of field trials in the EU (numbers, sizes, dominating countries) and comparing the present regulatory provisions with those of selected third countries (including new provisions adopted in the UK), this study shows that the current framework of GMO (genetically modified organisms) field trials is ill-fitted for breeding activities. Due to strict limitations placed on the operator of a field trial in the EU, easing the regulatory burdens on the authorization of certain NGT products for the market may not provide researchers (especially, plant breeders) the competitive position they need if the present legal conditions for carrying out GMO field trials with certain NGT products (especially, those that are considered GMOs covered by the EU GMO legislation) are not going to change as well.

Using paw edema acute inflammatory model induced by carrageenan (1%) in Wistar rats, the immunoregulatory action of Lactobacillus sp., isolated from two locally fermented food products in Nigeria: Nunu (a yogurt-like milk product) and Ogi (guinea corn slurry), was investigated. The rats were distributed into seven groups (A-G). Rats in group A did not receive any therapy or carrageenan inflammation, whereas those in group B received a carrageenan injection only. Groups C-F were orally administered with lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains (5 × 10⁷ CFU/ml), whereas group G received diclofenac sodium (150 mg/kg body weight) following the administration of carrageenan. At regular intervals, paw thickness (mm) was measured. Microscopy was used to count the number of leukocytes; myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was used to measure the neutrophil accumulation in the paw tissue; and rat serum samples were subjected to ELISA to identify cytokine assays for C-reactive protein (CR-P), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). All of the LAB-treated groups showed a statistically significant decrease in paw thickness, and their neutrophil and monocyte infiltration was significantly affected. Compared with the control groups, oral administration with LAB significantly suppressed the MPO activity. Lactobacillus fermentum NBRC showed the most significant upregulation of serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β though serum levels of CR-P were downregulated. Lactobacillus pentosus increased the production of TGF-β, with no significant effect on the production of IL-10. This study presents the role of Lactobacillus sp. in regulating inflammation by modifying the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-β.

This work aimed to determine the influence of the inoculation of autochthonous cellulolytic bacteria on the composting process without any modifications of physical or chemical parameters. Bacteria with cellulolytic abilities were isolated from composted material containing food and plant leftovers and identified as Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus altitudinis, and Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus. The experimental composter containing garden and household wastes was inoculated with bio-vaccine prepared as a mixture of isolated cellulolytic bacterial strains and composted for the next 96 days parallelly to the control composter without the inoculation. During the experiment, changes in temperature, humidity, the content of the humic acids (HAs), organic carbon, nitrogen, and C : N ratio were determined. As the particular microbial groups play a key role in the composting process, the biodiversity of the microorganisms present in the composter as well as the number of psychrophilic, mesophilic, and sporeforming microorganisms, Actinomycetes, and fungi were analyzed. The changes in the abundance of particular bacterial groups were convergent with temperature changes in the temperature of composting material. The composting material inoculated with autochthonous microorganisms was characterized by higher HA content and lower biodiversity. The inoculation with autochthonous microorganisms positively influenced the composting material in the corners for the entire process and in the middle of the container for 61 days. Thus, the effect of inoculation depended on the localization of the process inside the container subjected to biopreparation.

The structural inconsistencies in commercial algal alginates have limited their reliability and quality for various applications. Therefore, the biosynthesis of structurally consistent alginates is crucial to replace the algal alginates. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the structural and alginate's structural and functional properties of Pseudomonas aeruginosa CMG1418 as a substitute. To achieve this, the CMG1418 alginates were physiochemically characterized using various techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, and gel permeation chromatography. The synthesized CMG1418 alginate was then subjected to standard tests to evaluate its biocompatibility, emulsification, hydrophilic, flocculation, gelling, and rheological properties. The analytical studies revealed that CMG1418 alginate is an extracellular and polydisperse polymer with a molecular weight range of 20 000-250 000 Da. It comprises 76% poly-(1-4)-β-D-mannuronic acid (M-blocks), no poly-α-L-guluronate (G-blocks), 12% alternating sequences of β-D-mannuronic acid and α-L-guluronic acid (poly-MG/GM-blocks), 12% MGM-blocks, 172 degrees of polymerization, and di-O-acetylation of M-residues. Interestingly, CMG1418 alginate did not show any cytotoxic or antimetabolic activity. Moreover, compared to algal alginates, CMG1418 alginate exhibited higher and more stable flocculation efficiencies (70-90%) and viscosities (4500-4760 cP) over a wide range of pH and temperatures. Additionally, it displayed soft to flexible gelling abilities and higher water-holding capacities (375%). It also showed thermodynamically more stable emulsifying activities (99-100%) that surpassed the algal alginates and commercial emulsifying agents. However, only divalent and multivalent cations could slightly increase viscosity, gelling, and flocculation. In conclusion, this study explored a structurally di-O-acetylated and poly-G-blocks-deficient, biocompatible alginate, and its pH and thermostable functional properties. This research suggests that CMG1418 alginate is a superior and more reliable substitute for algal alginates in various applications, such as viscosifying, soft gelling, flocculating, emulsifying, and water-holding.

The discharge of wastewater from textile industries into aquatic bodies has severe health and environmental impacts. Textile industries generate huge amounts of effluents containing hazardous toxic dyes. Anthraquinone (AQ) dyes containing AQ chromophore groups are the second most important class of nondegradable textile dyes, preceded by azo dyes. Despite their prevalence, biodegradation of AQ dyes has not yet been completely understood because of their complex and stable structures. Currently, microbiological approaches to treating dyeing wastewater are considered economical and feasible, and reports regarding fungal degradation of AQ dyes are increasing. Structures and classification of AQ dyes were summarized in this study along with degradative fungi, and their enzyme systems with influencing factors and possible mechanisms of AQ mycoremediation were explored. Furthermore, the existing problems and present research progress were discussed. Finally, the key points with future research directions were presented.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with a high risk of complications and mortality. Novel T2DM therapeutic interventions are needed to combat this disease. This study aimed to identify pathways involved in T2DM and investigate sesquiterpenoid compounds from Curcuma zanthorrhiza that could act as SIRT1 activators and NFκB inhibitors. Protein-protein interaction and bioactive compound analysis were conducted using the STRING and STITCH databases, respectively. Molecular docking was used to determine the compounds' interactions with SIRT1 and NFκB, while toxicity prediction was performed using Protox II. The results showed that curcumin could act as a SIRT1 activator (4I5I, 4ZZJ, and 5BTR) and NFκB inhibitor on the p52 relB complex and p50-p65 heterodimer, while xanthorrhizol could function as an IκK inhibitor. The toxicity prediction indicated that the active compounds of C. zanthorrhiza were relatively nontoxic because beta-curcumene, curcumin, and xanthorrizol belong to toxicity classes 4 or 5. These findings suggest that the bioactive compounds of C. zanthorrhiza could be promising candidates for developing SIRT1 activators and NFκB inhibitors to combat T2DM.

Collagen is the body's most abundant protein and is primarily found in the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments of animals and fish. As the interest in collagen supplementation grows, new sources of this protein are continually being introduced. We have confirmed that red deer antlers are a source of type I collagen. We investigated the effects of chemical treatment, temperature, and time on the extractability of collagen from red deer antlers. The optimal conditions for obtaining the highest collagen yield were determined to be: 1) removing noncollagenous proteins at 25°C for 12 h in an alkaline solution, 2) defatting at 25°C using a 1:10 grounded antler:butyl alcohol ratio, and 3) acidic extraction lasting 36 h using a 1:10 antler:acetic acid ratio. Under these conditions, we obtained a collagen yield of 22.04%. The molecular characterization of red deer antler collagen revealed typical features of type I collagens, including the presence of three α-chains, high glycine content, and high levels of proline and hydroxyproline, as well as helical arrangements. This report suggests that red deer antlers have significant potential as a source of collagen supplements.

Candida auris is a major public health concern due to its high transmission and mortality rates, as well as the emergence of pan-resistant strains. This study aimed to identify an antifungal compound from Sarcochlamys pulcherrima , an ethnomedicinal plant, that can inhibit the growth of C. auris. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of the plant were obtained, and high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) analysis was conducted to identify the major compounds in the extracts. The major compound detected by HPTLC was subjected to in vitro antifungal activity testing, and its antifungal mechanism was determined. The plant extracts inhibited the growth of both C. auris and Candida albicans. HPTLC analysis revealed the presence of gallic acid in the leaf extract. Furthermore, the in vitro antifungal assay showed that gallic acid inhibited the growth of different C. auris strains. In silico studies indicated that gallic acid can bind to the active sites of carbonic anhydrase (CA) proteins in both C. auris and C. albicans, affecting their catalytic activities. Compounds that target virulent proteins such as CA can aid in the reduction of drug-resistant fungi and the development of novel antifungal compounds with unique modes of action. However, additional in vivo and clinical studies are required to conclusively determine gallic acid's antifungal properties. Gallic acid derivatives may be developed in the future to possess more potent antifungal properties and target various pathogenic fungi.

Zinc is a vital micronutrient for all life forms, and Zn-solubilizing bacteria (ZSB) present in the soil convert inorganic zinc into forms available for plants. This study assessed ZSB isolated from cow dung for their plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics and potential to enhance tomato plant growth. The experiment assayed a total of 30 bacteria from cow dung for Zn-solubilization using insoluble ZnO and ZnCO₃. Atomic absorption spectroscopy quantitatively evaluated Zn-solubilization, and the isolates were further studied for Zn-solubilization and plant growth in Solanum lycopersicum. The CDS7 and CDS27 isolates were the most significant Zn-solubilizing strains. CDS7 exhibited increased ZnO solubility (32.1 mg/l) compared to CDS21 (23.7 mg/l). PGP trait quantitative results revealed that the CDS7 and CDS21 bacterial strains solubilized insoluble phosphate (287.2 and 217.7 μg/ml, respectively) and produced indole acetic acid (22.1 and 14.8 μg/ml, respectively). Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, CDS7 and CDS21 were identified as Pseudomonas kilonensis and Pseudomonas chlororaphis, and 16S rDNA sequences were submitted to the GenBank database. Furthermore, ZSB strains were administered to tomato seeds under a pot study. The treatments with CDS7 inoculant and a consortium of both isolates were reported with maximum plant development (stem length 63.16 and 59.89 cm, respectively) and zinc content (3.13 and 2.36 mg/100 g, respectively) in tomato fruit compared to the control. In conclusion, microorganisms isolated from cow dung with PGP activity can improve Zn bioavailability and plant growth sustainably. They can be used as biofertilizers in agricultural fields to improve plant growth and production.